The biggest boxing crowd Wembley Stadium Connected by EE has ever seen – a record 90,000 capacity – will watch the heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua MBE and Wladimir Klitschko live on Sky Sports Box Office, the Mayor of London announced today.

Sadiq Khan stepped in to ensure the fight for Joshua’s IBF title and the vacant WBA Super and IBO Heavyweight crowns on April 29 will be seen by a post-war record crowd of 90,000.

Reaffirming his commitment to stage the biggest sporting events in the capital, Sadiq answered the call of boxing fans by boosting capacity for the fight by 10,000, after boxing promoter Eddie Hearn secured permission for 80,000.

The new batch of tickets will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday February 1 from www.stubhub.co.uk priced at £40 upper tier and £60 and £80 in the lower tier. Limited coach packages also remain on sale via See Tickets at http://www.seetickets.com/event/joshua-v-klitschko-ticket-and-coach-package/wembley-stadium/1057044/?src=Seesocial

The London showdown, which will be broadcast around the world, will break the post-war British record for attendance at a boxing match for the rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley in 2014. It equals the British record of 90,000 when Len Harvey fought Jock McAvoy at White City in London in 1939.

The Mayor brought together officials from Network Rail, Transport for London and Wembley Stadium to explore ways to increase capacity for the fight by committing more overground trains and London Underground services to get fans safely to and from the venue.

Network Rail agreed to temporarily postpone planned engineering works on the day, while the Mayor instructed TfL to increase capacity on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines to help transport boxing fans home from Wembley. Chiltern Railways has also prepared an enhanced and later train service to help with egress.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I can’t wait to see the fight of the year here in London and it’s fantastic that a post-war record crowd will get to watch it at a world-class venue like Wembley.

“I’m delighted Transport for London and Network Rail have pulled out all the stops to make this happen so we can move 90,000 people around the capital quickly and safely. Like me, they have recognised the importance to the capital of staging this epic showdown of the best two fighters in the heavyweight division and I look forward to our great city staging more great fights in the future.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, said: “I’m delighted that the capacity for Joshua vs Klitschko has been increased to 90,000 making it the biggest live gate of all time at the new Wembley stadium. I want to thank Wembley, TfL and Brent Council and particularly the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has fought our corner to ensure a capacity crowd will get the opportunity to watch this event live in the capital.

“At the boxing writers’ dinner last year, Sadiq urged me to bring the biggest fights possible to the city and I’m delighted to have the biggest fight in British boxing history at Wembley Stadium on April 29.”

Bernd Boente, Managing Director of Klitschko Management Group said: “This world championship at the sold out Wembley stadium will be one of the biggest event worldwide this year.” I

Mark Wild, Managing Director for London Underground, said: “Helping people travel around London safely so that they can see the best of what the capital has to offer is one of our top priorities. By working closely with Wembley Stadium and Network Rail we’ll now be able to run more Tube and Overground services to make sure that those going to the boxing will be able to get home safely and more easily.”

Martin Frobisher, manager director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, said: “Our primary focus is helping train customers travel where they want when they want with the greatest of ease.

“That’s why shifting our railway upgrade at North Wembley from April to August was the obvious move.

“We hope fight fans have a great night on Saturday 29 April, including smooth journeys to and from Wembley Stadium.”

Julie Harrington, FA Group Operations Director, said: “Wembley Stadium is a world-class venue and we are delighted to stage this highly anticipated heavyweight world title fight. We look forward to utilising the stadium’s full capacity and welcoming 90,000 people to watch one of the sporting events of the year.”

Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “Wembley is a world class venue that has hosted many historic sporting and entertainment events over the years and this record attendance for a boxing match will be yet another chapter in its long and glorious history.

“It just goes to show that when it comes to competing with other stadiums in cities around the world to stage the biggest bouts, Wembley Stadium in Brent can deliver the knock-out blow to its rivals, helping to ensure that London remains the number one choice for event organisers and fans alike.

“We have been home to the national stadium for nearly a century and this record-breaking boxing match builds on our international reputation for hosting such cultural and sporting events.”

Atlantic City, NJ (January 26, 2017) -Local favorites Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio and Gabriel Pham will see action in separate bouts that will highlight an outstanding undercard this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The card, which is promoted by Rising Promotions will feature,Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna taking on Eduardo Flores un a junior middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, NJ takes on Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ in a light heavyweight bout, while Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ battles Jose Valderrama (5-17, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in a super middleweight bout.

Mussachio, who won a unanimous decision over Willis Lockett last May 27th. That nout was his first bout after a three-plus year off.

“I tried to get away from boxing, but something brought me back,” said Mussachio. “I am happy to be on a card back in Atlantic City.”

This will be Mussachio’s 17th fight in Atlantic City.

Pham is on the rebound following his loss to Christopher Brooker on Last July 9th in Trenton, New Jersey.

Like most fighters, Pham chalked up the loss to Brooker as a learning experience.

“I have been training real hard. What I learned in the Brooker fight is that I always need to be in shape. The skills don’t leave you, but I need to stay in shape. I am just 27, so I need to take a nice slow progress. It is always nice to fight home. I don;t know much about Valderrama other then he is a journeyman and he won’t give up.”

In 4-round bouts:

Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ will square off with Nahir Albright (0-1) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of New York takes on pro debuting Jose Jimenez of Ocala, FL in a welterweight tussle.

Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City will fight Weusi Johnson (1-2) of Wilmington, DE in a bantamweight card.

Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Thomas Roman of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight affair.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com

Wilmington, DE (January 26, 2017)–World ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam will battle tough Brazilian Robson Assis in the scheduled 10-round co-feature bout on Friday night, February 17th at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.

The bout will support the previously announced 12-round WBF Cruiserweight title bout featuring legendary Roy Jones Jr. battling Bobby Gunn.

The show will be show live on Pay-Per-View.

Islam of Kazakhstan, who now calls Pahokee, Florida home has a record of 22-0 with 18 knockouts and is currently ranked number-4 by the WBA, number-5 by the WBO and number-15 by the IBF.

The 32 year-old Islam is a 5 year-professional who holds victories over Humberto Toledo (41-8-2), former world title challenger Francisco Cordero (29-2), Juan De Angel (18-3-1) and his last bout when he went home to Kazakhstan and pounded out a 12 round unanimous decision over Patrick Allottey (34-2) on October 29th.

Islam is a former WBA Fedecaribe and current WBA Fedelatin and WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight champion.

Assis of Sao Paulo, Brazil has a record of 16-3 with 9 knockouts. Assis is a former Brazilian Welterweight champion and former interim WBO Latino champion.

He won the Interim WBO Latino title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Christian Romero (13-3) and retained with a 12-round unanimous decision over Hector Santana (21-4).

Assis’ only 3 losses have come to world class fighters Jeff Horn (8-0-1), Samuel Vargas (22-2-1), and his last bout when he was stopped by Steven Butler (16-0-1) on July 7th in Montreal.

In a 10-round battle for the WBF Junior Lightweight International championship, Frank De Alba will take on Ivan Najera.

DeAlba, 29 years-old of Reading, PA has a record of 20-2-2 with 9 knockouts.

The 6-year pro has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Benjamin Burgos (1-0), Benjamin Gomez Uribe (16-3), and is last bout when he stopped Kiun Evans (12-2-1) in 2 rounds on September 9th in Reading, PA.

De Alba is also a former UBF All-Americas Super Featherweight champion.

Najera, 24 years-old of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 16-3 with 8 knockouts.

Najera is a 6-year professional, and has quality victories over Pedro Martinez (2-0), Jerry Fuentes(2-0), Angel Hernandez (8-1) & Stan Martyniouk (13-1). Najera has stepped up the competition but has fallen short to Felix Verdejo (17-0), Saul Rodriguez (18-0-1) and his last bout when he was stopped in 2 rounds by former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran on May 21st in Laredo, Texas.

WBC Asian Council Welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) of Chandigarh, India will make his American debut against an opponent to be named in bout scheduled for 8-rounds

Also seeing action will be local favorite Joey Tiberi, Jr. (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware takes on Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) lightweight bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Jesus Lule (9-20-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, Florida in a 6-round super lightweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Henry Stewart (2-0, 1 KO) of Orillia Ontario, Canada will take on an opponent to be named.

In a Cruiserweight battle for Delaware bragging rights, Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington will take on Lamont Singletary (7-4, 4 KO’s) of Dover.

Undefeated middleweight Eddie Ortiz (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will take on an opponent to be named.

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.

HOUSTON (January 26, 2017) – Undefeated rising prospect Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KOs) headlines in his hometown as he battles Dat Nguyen (19-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round super featherweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (10-0, 7 KOs) in a six-round attraction and undefeated Darwin Price (11-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight matchup.

“I’m very thrilled to be headlining another show on FS1 and FOX Deportes, especially in my home state of Texas,” said Flores. “Dat Nguyen is a very talented fighter who’s been in the ring with some good opponents. His only losses were against fighters who were undefeated at the time. I’m expecting a rough fight, which should make for good television. Everyone should tune in because this is going to be a great fight with a lot of action.”

“I’m excited to be back in the main event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Nguyen. “I know my career has had its ups and downs, but a win over Flores would bring me back to the top. Flores is young, hungry and undefeated. I once had that fear of losing, so I know what it will take to beat him. I would like to thank all of my fans and countrymen for their support and I will make them proud.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 24-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones at The Dancehall in January before dominating Ruben Tamayo over 10 rounds in May and most recently scoring a decision over previously once-beaten Ryan Kielczweski in August.

Born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam as the son of a Vietnamese POW, Nguyen and his family moved to the United States when he was eight-years-old. Nguyen earned a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University as part of their Olympic boxing program and would go on to win a silver medal at the National Golden Gloves and a bronze medal at the U.S. World Championships. Fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida, Nguyen’s losses have all come from undefeated opponents and he enters this fight having won back-to-back contests.

The brother of former world champion Omar, the 20-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of 2015 by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016, picking up six victories, including five by way of stoppage.

Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with noted coach Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories before 2016 saw him earn impressive victories over previously unbeaten Semajay Thomas and once-beaten Javontae Starks.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com

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

Undefeated light heavyweight MIKE LEE, (18-0, 10 KO’s), faces JUSTIN THOMAS, (18-1, 7 KO’s) on Thursday, February 16 in the eight round featured fight at FIGHT CLUB OC In The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

Lee is currently world ranked #12 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and #13 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Most recently Lee, a graduate of the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame where he was a member of the Fighting Irish Football Team, won a dominant 10-round unanimous decision over Boston’s Chris Traietti on September 30, 2016 on the CBS Sports Network. With the victory Lee earned the IBF-USBA Light Heavyweight Title.

Riding a six bout winning streak, Thomas will be making the first start of his 2017 campaign. Fighting four times in 2016, in his last start Thomas won an eight round decision over Austin Marcum on September 16, 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“With almost identical records and 17 knockouts between them, we’ll see action from the opening bell in one of the best featured bouts we’ve had in our illustrious and long running FIGHT CLUB OC series”, said promoter ROY ENGLEBRECHT.

As if this bout wasn’t enough, the February 16th show from top to bottom might be the strongest show in years!!!

How about 8-0 Carlos Licona vs 3-3 Cesar Sustaita for the GBU Flyweight Championship Belt.

How about heavyweights Adam Stewart 2-0 vs 2-1 Cashton Young in a good four round bout.

How about our first FEMALE MMA bout in years with Paola Ramirez facing Christina Marks in what could be a war!

How about Lakewood’s 2-1 Matt Martinez vs LA’s Craig Plaskett in our second MMA bout.

And in our opening bout of the night it will be LA’s Lawrence King vs Hawthorne’s Brian True.

Tickets for the February 16th Opening Night of of FIGHT CLUB OC may be purchased by visiting www.fightcluboc.com.

The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Roy Englebrecht Promotions Joins with Marconi Foundation For Kids as the promoter for Fight Night 19. See Great fights and help a Great charity!

BAY AREA, CA (January 26, 2017) – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-, 16 KOs), has entered the world of Pilates as he plans to take his career to new heights. Born in Poland and training in Bay Area, CA, with coach Virgil Hunter, Fonfara believes his Pilates regimen will improve his boxing career on many different levels.

“I just started doing Pilates as part of my workout routine.” said former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara. “I felt I needed to do something different in my boxing training and Pilates fit right in. The workouts are very challenging. My stamina and balance feels better. Overall I feel like a new fighter. I know I have what it takes to get back on top. My goal is to get back in the win column and continue my march toward a world championship.”

Right now, negotiations are being discussed for his next fight. Look for Fonfara to return to the ring in March, most likely against a top contender. Right now Fonfara is currently ranked WBC #8.

2014 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Sam Maxwell has signed a long-term promotional deal with Hall of Famer Frank Warren.

A member of the illustrious GB squad for five years, Maxwell boasts an impressive amateur pedigree. As well as capturing Bronze in the Light-Welterweight division at Glasgow 2014, Maxwells’ extensive lists of accolades also includes two ABAE Elite Championship wins in 2011 and 2014.

Maxwell, trained by the legendary George Vaughan at Derry Mathews’ gym in Liverpool, had the opportunity to share the ring with two-weight World Champion and pound-for-pound superstar Vasyl Lomachenko on two occasions.

“I boxed Lomachenko twice in two weeks, once in Kiev and once in London, the second time I really held my own, it was a really good fight,” said Maxwell. “I’ve had ten rounds with him in total and it was a great experience. He’s the best fighter in the World and it’s given me a lot of confidence moving forward.

“I competed at an elite level in the amateurs against some of the very best boxers in the World. I took a lot from fighting in the World Series Boxing and proved I belong at the top. I’m looking to use all of that experience to help me progress quickly in the pro game.”

The 28-year-old made a winning start to his professional career last October, outpointing the experienced journeyman Ibrar Riyaz in his home city. Now he is looking to take his career onto the next level under the guidance of Warren.

“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Frank and I can’t wait to get started. The future is looking very bright and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills to a huge audience. I have a great team behind me and now it’s all down to me to deliver the goods.

“Within the next couple of years, if everything is going well and progressing nicely, I’m aiming to be challenging for British titles. After that I want to be challenging at World level and I’m more than confident in my abilities.”

You can follow Sam’s journey on Twitter: @SamMaxwell88 and Instagram: sammax88

Great Britain amateur standout Sunny Edwards is delighted to have signed a long-term promotional deal with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. The brash and flash Steel City Gym fighter believes he’ll be able to show his true ability in the paid code and is dreaming of World honours.

Younger brother of Flyweight World title challenger Charlie Edwards, Sunny, originally from Croydon, is trained by Grant Smith and managed by MTK. He made his pro debut last September and has raced to three wins, all dominating points decisions.

Sunny was an amateur Champion, winning the England Boxing Elite championships at 49kgs in 2015, beating 2016 Olympian Galal Yafai along the way. During an accomplished amateur career, he proved himself against World level opponents and wants to do the same as a professional.

“I came through the whole system,” said Edwards. “I entered it when I was 12 and worked my way through the ranks, eventually turning professional when I was 21. In my first couple of years I was always getting to the National Finals and falling short.

“After a short layoff I came back and went on to win six National titles in a row. I was winning everything I entered, starting off with the Juniors and ending with a Senior ABA Etitle. I enjoyed my time in the GB setup but it felt right turning pro when I did. I put all of my energy into boxing and I know I’ll make a success of this.”

A slick, mobile counter-puncher, Sunny believes his fluid brand of boxing will suit the pro ranks better.

“I’m all about quick movements and making my opponent miss! I always think about my defence before my attack. I’m light on my feet and I’ve been told many times that my footwork is my best attribute. I’m hands down and I’m flashy!”

Despite fighting at Bantamweight and Super-Flyweight in his first three professional fights, Edwards is determined to make a name for himself in the Flyweight division and is already planning an assault on the domestic scene.

“The plan was to get my name out there on the small hall shows and learn my craft. That way I could build into it more and stay nice and active. My management team are planning on upping my rounds as I progress, hopefully my next couple of fights will be six rounders and then I’ll move onto the eight rounders.

“The Southern Arena and English titles are in my sights for now and then possibly the British title after a year or so. Ultimately, the plan is to win a World title, I want to be the best. I won’t shy away from any title fights; I’m in this game to win belts!”

You can follow Sunny’s journey on Twitter: @SunnyEdwards and Instagram: sunnyedwards

LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2017) – WBC Super Featherweight Champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (23-0-2, 17 KOs) and Mexican brawler and WBO Interim Super Featherweight champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt (30-1, 27 KOs) today hosted the final press conference ahead of their 12-round sure-fire all-action fight set for Saturday, January 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California and televised live on the season premiere of HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

They were joined by Vargas’ 2015 Fight of the Year opponent and former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion Takashi Miura (30-3-2, 23 KOs) of Akita, Japan, who will go head-to-head with former featherweight and lightweight contender Miguel “Mickey” Roman (56-11, 43 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in the evening’s co-feature on January 28.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s press conference:

FRANCISCO “EL BANDIDO” VARGAS, WBC Super Featherweight Champion:

“I am thankful for all the support Golden Boy Promotions, HBO and my team have given me. I’m very excited to get back into the ring after a long break after my last two fights – two fights that were really hard.

“After a much needed rest, I’m ready to give the fans what they want to see. Berchelt knows that this is his opportunity to get my title, and he will be hungry inside the ring and will wage war. This title cost me a lot to win, and I am not going to let it go easily. I’m taking my belt back with me.”

MIGUEL BERCHELT, WBO Interim Super Featherweight Champion:

“I want to thank ‘El Bandido’ for offering me this fight. I know going in that it’s going to be a tough fight, and we are confident in our training and mindset going into this fight. This is a huge opportunity for me and my career.”

GUILLERMO BECERRIL, Trainer to Francisco Vargas:

“Thank you to HBO and Golden Boy Promotions. Miguel is a very good fighter. He has a lot of knockouts, and I know he is coming to win, but it’s going to be very difficult to win because we are ready. We feel that Francisco Vargas is going to win this fight on Saturday.”

RAFAEL GUZMAN, Trainer to Miguel “Mickey” Roman:

“It’s going to be a very tough fight this Saturday but nothing is impossible. We know our opponent trained but we trained very hard and Mickey is going to be 100 percent on Saturday.”

MARIO ABRAHAM, Zanfer Promotions:

“When we were approached by Golden Boy on this fight, we accepted without hesitation. Berchelt is a great champion, is hungry, and has been training under the eye of Alfredo Caballero for the past two years. This is our night, and we are prepared to give the boxing world a surprise.”

TAKASHI MIURA, Former WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I’d like to thank HBO, Teiken Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. I know that Mickey Roman is a very tough and powerful fighter. I hope to beat him, and I look forward to being victorious on Saturday.”

MIGUEL “MICKEY” ROMAN, Former Featherweight and Lightweight Contender:

“Thank you all for being here. Thank you to HBO, Golden Boy Promotions and my promoter. This is going to be a very tough fight. I think it’s going to be a knockout type of fight. I’m going to go for the knockout from the opening bell. I know that’s the style Miura has as well but I’m going to get to him first.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Vargas is coming off a majority draw with Orlando ‘Siri’ Salido in a 2016 non-stop action fight that was named Fight of the Year by many and cemented Vargas’ reputation as one of the toughest boxers in the sport. He now faces a tough challenge with Miguel.

“I was worried. I didn’t want to make this fight because Berchelt is very tough. But I know that these are the type of fights that we want and need. The fights that are 50-50, where anyone can win. This is going to be a great fight. I’m still a little worried though.

“We know that the fans love knockouts, and these four guys have 110 KOs among them all. I think that speaks for itself and gives you a good idea of what Saturday night is going to be like.

“Francisco always takes on the tough fighters. He could have taken on an easier fighter after taking on Miura and Salido in his most recent fights. He has the style and heart of a champion and that’s what we love about him.

“What a great way to premiere HBO Boxing After Dark in 2017 with these two fights for Vargas vs. Berchelt and Miura vs. Roman that are guaranteed to be all-action slugfests.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President for HBO Sports:

“On behalf of Peter Nelson, I want to congratulate Golden Boy Promotions, and everyone who had a hand in making this fight. This kicks off our HBO Boxing After Dark 2017 season with a big time fight.

“Vargas has made his name known, and he is taking on an opponent who is a serious threat. It’s a terrific undercard, too. Big fights like this are always possible when you have partners like Golden Boy Promotions and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. It’s going to be a great night.”

CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager for Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:

“We are very proud to partner with Golden Boy Promotions on this fight. It’s a partnership that we have a cultivated, and we are thrilled to present this exciting fight. Tickets are still available so get them while you still can. We are looking forward to a great night.”

Vargas vs. Berchelt, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Miura vs. Roman is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Promociones del Pueblo The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 3:00 p.m. PT. The RingTV live stream begins at 3:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets are on sale and priced at $35, $45, $55, $75 and $105. They are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOboxing, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and follow the conversation using #VargasBerchelt.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. A potential fight between WBO Heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and Hughie Fury will head to purse bid.

The minimum bid is $1 million. Parker co-promoters Duco Events and Top Rank and Fury promoter Frank Warren could still make a deal before the purse bid takes place but if the bid goes through the promoter with the highest offer will gain promotional control of the fight and be able to pick the date and location as well as control the other logistics of the event.

Parker will be entitled to 60 percent of the winning bid, and Fury would receive the remaining 40 percent, per the WBO’s ruling at its 2016 convention.

LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2017) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday with fighter grand arrivals and media workouts before the Premier Boxing Champions event this Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME.

Headlining the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card and Wednesday’s workout were featherweight world champion Carl Frampton and former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who meet in a rematch of their July Fight of the Year candidate. Televised action begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.

Also participating in the workout were a pair of fighters who will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby defends his title against former champion Jonathan Victor Barros while undefeated rising star David Benavidez takes on once-beaten Sherali Mamadjanov.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

CARL FRAMPTON

“I think I’m going to get another win. I feel like I’ve been improving during training and I feel like I’m getting stronger and punching harder. If I have to go into the trenches again, I’m prepared to do that.

“This is my second fight at featherweight, so I think I’m getting more used to the weight. I feel more comfortable overall this time. Going into this fight, I have the psychological edge. I’m relaxed, excited and happy about boxing again.

“Me and Leo are both very motivated. I want to prove that the first fight wasn’t a fluke and that I’m a better fighter. I’m going to show that the awards I picked up last year are justified.

“I think if you look at Leo’s style, it’s exciting and it’s made him a three-weight world champion. The whole way through his career he’s fought with aggression. He has a high work-rate and he tries to bully opponents. I don’t think he’s going to do a lot different this time.

“If I can get a lead on the scorecards and make him desperate, that’s where I’m really going to capitalize.

“I believe that if I hit anyone in these weight divisions clean on the chin, they can go down and out.

“I believe that I’m going to face a very tough Leo Santa Cruz, as always. This is going to be another difficult fight, but if I make the adjustments I’ve had to in the gym, I’ll win the fight more convincingly.

“It’s great to see people already out here supporting me, but there are more coming. Most people arrive tonight or tomorrow. This is just a fraction and it’s going to be really exciting on fight night.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I’m very excited and happy to be here. I know that this is going to be another tough fight. This is what we want. We want to give the fans great fights and I think this is going to be another war. I’m looking to go in there and get my belt back.

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting back at MGM Grand. I’ve wanted to fight here since I was a kid. I never thought it would come true, but now that it is, I’m honored and excited to be fighting in the main event.

“It was very hard to lose for the first time. I was disappointed in myself and I knew I had let my fans down. I got a lot of great support thought and I felt a lot better. It motivated me to get to this fight.

“I have to be smarter in this fight. I need to be more patient. Frampton is a great counter-puncher so I think I need to counter the counter puncher. I’ll use my reach and do a little bit of everything to get the win.

“I think this will be even better than the first one. I’m more determined and hungrier this time and I think Carl Frampton is too. We’re going to come with everything we’ve got.

“I look at Carl Frampton and I see myself because I know that he is doing this for his family. This is what we do. Once we get in that ring, it’s all business. We respect each other outside of the ring.

“I can feel that it’s going to be a great atmosphere. This is where we want to be and these are the kinds of fights we want to be in.

“I know a lot of Irish people will be out to support Carl Frampton and I know the Mexican fans will be here to support me. That’s what I want. We both deserve support because we’re going to give a great fight for the fans.

“We want a trilogy. If I get the win, I will happily give him a third fight and make this a great rivalry that goes back-and-forth.

“Since I started boxing, I’ve been throwing a lot of punches. The kids couldn’t take my pressure and they said I destroy them like an ‘earthquake.’ That’s where ‘Terremoto’ comes from.”

DEJAN ZLATICANIN

“I’m very happy to be here for this huge event at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I’m very grateful to my team for making this fight possible. We’re striving to be the best. I’m a world champion and I’m going to leave the ring a champion. Mikey can try and take away my belt, but he’s not going to be able to do.

“I’m going for a knockout. I’m the kind of fighter who is going to be aggressive. I always want to impress the fans and give them excitement.

“If Mikey stands in the pocket with me, it will be a short night. If he wants to box, it will take a little longer. But My goal is still to knock him out.

“It’s going to be hard in Las Vegas to get a decision against a Mexican icon like Mikey Garcia and this is why I’m trying to make it exciting and bring the fight to him.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“I love to jab and use it to set up other big punches. It’s a foundation for everything, even defense. A lot of fighters don’t use it, but I could use it for an entire fight. All of those big punches can change a fight, but the jab sets everything up.

“This fight is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. This is a new division for me and I believe I’m facing the toughest guy in the division. This is going to be a great division for me. I feel fast and strong and really believe you will see the best Mikey Garcia at lightweight.

“Had I been fighting during my layoff; I would probably be close to retiring by now. The time allowed me to go enjoy life and my family and come back to the sport with a new mindset and ready to work.

“There are still a lot of things that I want to accomplish in this sport. This would be my third division with a world title. I would obviously want to unify titles or go after title at 140-pounds. I’m going to do whatever it takes to elevate myself in this sport.

“This is a great fight. Dejan is going to come to win. I’m coming to take his title. It’s going to be a great show but I feel that I’m going to win a world title in my third-division.

“If I could get the winner of the Jorge Linares-Anthony Crolla rematch, and claim supremacy in the division, that would be great. I’ll go anywhere in the world to do it and I definitely want these challenges.

“I think this is going to be a great fight but I do believe that I’m going to become the new world champion on Saturday night.”

LEE SELBY

“This is massive for where I came from. To build myself up to this moment is amazing and I’m excited to be here.

“I think every boxer dreams of fighting in Las Vegas, especially in the U.K. We’ve watched Floyd Mayweather fight here for years and we want to emulate that. It’s not an unrealistic dream now.

“My opponent is a big physical guy with a lot of experience. He can definitely punch and he’s going to try throw shots from an unorthodox position. Hopefully my angles will help me be successful.

“I think people have been overlooking my fight. It’s going to be a very tough battle. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight, but if I can come through okay it would be a massive fight against Carl Frampton next. I think it would be one of the biggest in the U.K.

“Having already fought in the U.S. is valuable because it helps me know what to expect. But fighting in Las Vegas will be different. Carl Frampton has brought a lot of fans over and we’ll see whether they cheer or boo me. Either way it’ll be a good atmosphere.

“It was hard to pick a winner between Frampton and Santa Cruz in the first fight and I was sitting ringside. I’m rooting for Carl Frampton this time so we can make that huge unification fight.

“This is a great opportunity for fans to see two international stars like Carl and myself in-person and we’ll certainly put on a great show.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I trained really hard for this fight. I have a strong, tough opponent but I’m going to go in there and prove to everybody that I can be the best.

“I’ve always wanted to prove to my older brother (unbeaten welterweight Jose) that I could do this just like him and make a name for myself in the sport. I’m looking to be part of a new generation of fighters.

“This is a good fight for me on my way to a world title shot. I’m just working hard to get better every day so that I can earn my spot in the ring with the top guys.

“I think my time is coming. If I can keep performing and taking advantage of these opportunities, my goals are in reach.

“I think I’m going to be at 168-pounds for a while. I make the weight comfortably. I’m hoping to get a world title opportunity in that weight class first.

“I just want to be an exciting fighter. I want to be a fighter that everyone gathers around the television to watch. I always want to give the fans a great fight. I think I can do that while becoming one of the best fighters in boxing.”

ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Atlantic City, NJ (January 25, 2017) – This Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on battle tested Eduardo Flores in a junior middleweight bout that will headline an eight-bout card.

The card is promoted by Rising Promotions

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 21-2 with 9 knockouts, and wants to avenge his September 15th defeat to Dusty Hernandez Harrison. But first he must get past the 52 fight veteran Flores.

“Flores has been in with numerous world champions,” said LaManna of Flores, who has competed with the likes of Kermit Cintron Carlos Baldomir and Diego Chaves. “He is a rugged veteran, and has only been stopped a handful of times, and the last time that happened, he was fighting a middleweight. He will come to fight. I am looking to one-up all the champions that he has fought.”

To do that, LaManna is looking to take a relaxed approach, and he is not going into the fight looking for a knockout.

“I believe in my boxing skills, ring generalship and I will get the job done. I plan a smart 8 rounds of boxing. It will be exciting because it will be packed inside The Claridge. I am looking to get this win and get back to a rematch with Dusty. Even though this fight is at junior middleweight, I am a welterweight, and I want that rematch.”

“I had an amazing training camp. The loss to Harrison made me hungrier, and that has motivated me even more than before.”

This will be LaManna’s fourth appearance at the Claridge. This will be ths 6th sold-out show and LaManna’s relationship with the hotel is helping a rebirth of boxing in Atlantic City.

“I have a great team behind me. The Claridge has been great to work with and we are planning four more big shows here this year.”

In the 6-round co-feature, Chuck Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, NJ takes on Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ in a light heavyweight bout.

Also in 6-round fight, Gabriel Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ battles Jose Valderrama (5-17, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in a super middleweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Quian Davis (4-0-2, 2 KO’s) of Mays Landing, NJ fights Demonte Cherry (1-2, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a heavyweight bout.

Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ will square off with Nahir Albright (0-1) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of New York takes on pro debuting Jose Jimenez of Ocala, FL in a welterweight tussle.

Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City will fight Weusi Johnson (1-2) of Wilmington, DE in a bantamweight card.

Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Thomas Roman of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight affair.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com

NEW YORK, NY – (January 25, 2017) – Two action-packed fights featuring world champions, emerging stars and fierce rivalries have been added to the televised pay-per-view undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland “The Return” on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. The event, sponsored by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The co-feature bout will spotlight reigning WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs) in a mandatory 12-round WBA title defense against WBA interim titleholder Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs). Both fighters are eager to contend for the top super bantamweight status and upset the other’s perfect record.

“I would like to start by thanking HBO, Roc Nation Sports and Caribe Promotions for making this fight happen. I’m very excited, it’s my first fight back in the states in over a year. I want to show the world and my loyal fans that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world,” said Rigondeaux. “I will be defending my title on February 25. I’d like to thank Moises Flores for having the courage to face me in the ring. He is a tough fighter and will have all his fans in Texas cheering for him. It’s going to be a battle so fans, get ready to see me in action.”

“I’m very excited to be facing Guillermo Rigondeaux on Saturday, February 25 on HBO Pay-Per-View,” said Flores. “I’d like to thank my team at Probox Management along with HBO for providing this opportunity. I’m training hard and look forward to making the Mexican fans proud when I defeat the great Rigondeaux.”

“Just when we thought the Cotto-Kirkland event could not get any more exciting for sports fans – Roc Nation Sports is thrilled to announce Guillermo Rigondeaux’s championship defense against Moises Flores on the televised undercard,” said Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael R. Yormark. “One of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighters, Rigondeaux is coming off his most impressive performance to date, shattering James Dickens’s jaw in Wales last June. The bout with Flores is set to be even more exciting as Ford Center at The Star looks to open its professional boxing account with a fight card for the ages.”
“TGB Promotions is proud of this world title opportunity for Moises ‘Chucky’ Flores as he takes on one of the premier fighters in the sport, Guillermo Rigondeaux,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. ‘’Chucky is well prepared and looking forward to making the Mexican fans proud of their new world champion.”

The televised undercard will also include WBC Youth World Super Bantamweight Champion and Golden Boy Promotions top-flight prospect Diego De La Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) against Cuban pugilist Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas (21-2-2, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight contest. De La Hoya, already a Dallas-area fan favorite, drew a unanimous decision against veteran fighter Orlando Del Valle at AT&T Stadium on the undercard of September’s Canelo-Smith showdown. Salinas seeks a big return to the ring following 18 months away from boxing because of a hand injury.

“I want to be at the top, and leave a legacy behind that makes people look at me as one of the greats – and that comes with accepting tougher fights like this one,” said De La Hoya. “Salinas has fought a number of great fighters, but with my discipline and hunger to become the best I can be, I will put it all on the line to come out victorious! I want to thank everyone at Golden Boy Promotions, Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity, and my manager Joel De La Hoya for giving me the chance to put on a great show for the amazing fans in Texas.”

“Diego may be undefeated but I’m here to show the world that I’m back and still a contender” said Salinas. “Everything is bigger in Texas and the Texas fans can expect a big show on February 25 when we go toe-to-toe. This fight is about pride and a victory on the undercard of Cotto-Kirkland puts me one step closer to my goal of winning a world title.”

Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs), was one of the most celebrated amateur boxers in Cuba before defecting and making his professional debut on May 22, 2009 in Miami, Florida. High expectations had no ill effect on Rigondeaux as he tore through his next five opponents. On Nov. 13, 2010, in just his seventh pro fight, Rigondeaux faced Ricardo Cordoba for the vacant WBA World interim super bantamweight title and left the ring with the belt after scoring a split decision victory. Rigondeaux turned his attention to supremacy in the 122-pound division and accomplished what many considered the unthinkable by knocking out WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Rico Ramos on January 20, 2012, becoming a world champion in fewer than 10 professional bouts. On April 13, 2013 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Rigondeaux scored his biggest victory to date by defeating WBO and Ring Magazine World Champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year Nonito Donaire. Rigondeaux came away with the victory by unanimous decision after out landing and out punching Donaire throughout the fight to unify titles. In November of 2015, Roc Nation Sports announced that it had signed Rigondeaux to an exclusive promotional agreement and featured him on the HBO Pay-Per-View undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez mega-fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, where he defeated veteran Drian Francisco via a 10-round unanimous decision. Prior to beating Francisco, Rigondeaux was stripped of his title belts due to inactivity, but remained the WBA champion in recess. In May of 2016, Roc Nation Sports announced that Rigondeaux was reinstated of his WBA belt ahead of a 12-round WBA World super bantamweight championship showdown against number 13 rated WBA super bantamweight contender Jazza Dickens on July 16 at the Cardiff Ice Arena in Wales. In his first ever appearance in the United Kingdom, Rigondeaux gave fans a thrilling knockout against Dickens. The southpaw landed a big left hook, shattering Dickens’s jaw, halting the fight in the second round with a referee’s decision. Rigondeaux will be raring to go on Feb. 25 in his title defense against interim champion Moises Flores.

Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) learned the fight game growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and spent the early years of his professional career building up his résumé in his home country. Now established as a title contender at 122 pounds, Flores looks to climb to the top of the division with his considerable talent. Flores is exceptionally tall for his weight class, measuring in at a rangy 5 feet 9 inches. As such, he tends to have a reach advantage over most of his opponents although, Flores isn’t one to merely fire punches from a distance and box from the outside. He likes to mix it up, and his record reflects that, with most of his opponents going down by knockout. Flores made his pro debut in August 2008 with a second-round knockout of Oswaldo Salgado in Guadalajara, Mexico. He fought exclusively in Mexico over the first six years of his career and made quick work of most of his opponents. Flores made his U.S. debut in September 2014, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Pablo Batres in Mesquite, Texas. He then gained a seventh round technical knockout of Mexican veteran Mario Macias in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in November 2014. That victory set up a 122-pound title shot against interim WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion Oscar Escandon in Carson, California, in April 2015. In an electrifying, all-action brawl, Flores earned a split decision to win the title. In his last two fights, Flores was able to defend the interim WBA World super bantamweight title against Luis Emanuel Cusolito, while also adding the IBO World super bantamweight title against Paulus Ambunda. Flores looks forward to claiming the full rights to the WBA World super bantamweight title on Feb. 25 when he faces current champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in a 12-round championship showdown.

On September 12, 2013, 19-year-old Diego De La Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) made his professional boxing debut, stopping Luis Cosme in three rounds to introduce the next generation of De La Hoya boxing, a family best known for the body of work turned in by Diego’s cousin, Oscar de la Hoya. A former member of the Mexican National Team with over 250 amateur bouts to his name, De La Hoya also won a silver medal in the Mexican Olympic Nationals. While expected to make a run at the 2016 Olympics, the talented prospect instead decided to turn professional, leading to a flurry of anticipation amongst fight fans and the boxing media. Currently training with Joel Diaz in Indio, California, De La Hoya followed up his win over Cosme with 10 more victories through the midway point of 2015. De La Hoya’s string of victories earned him a 10-round championship bout against Jesus Ruiz at September 2015’s LA FIGHT CLUB, where he defeated Ruiz via unanimous decision for the vacant WBC Youth World super bantamweight title. The Mexicali native kept rolling, and in his last fight of 2015 at the Hard Rock Casino and Resort in November, De La Hoya topped Giovanni Delgado via unanimous decision. De La Hoya then picked up where he left off, opening his 2016 campaign in the main event of LA FIGHT CLUB on February 19 with a fourth round knockout of Arturo Badillo. Part of the freeview of Canelo vs. Khan on May 7, 2016, De La Hoya displayed his power against Rocco Santomauro. Both fighters entered the ring with high energy and intensity, yearning to maintain their undefeated status. By the second round, De La Hoya sent him to the mat with a massive body punch – after Santomauro got back up, he was met with a series of combination punches from De La Hoya, trying to finish Santomauro off, though eventually cut off by the bell. The fight turned into an all-out brawl, as both hungry fighters entered into heated exchanges of punches throughout the bout. De La Hoya was able to get Rocco various times in the head, wounding Santomauro with a cut over his eye by the end of the sixth round, and was on the offensive with consecutive blows to the head. Santomuaro’s corner decided to call the fight in the seventh round at 1:59, landing De La Hoya a very impressive technical knockout victory, pleasing the crowd with the show. In his last outing, De La Hoya made his pay-per-view debut against Orlando Del Valle on the undercard of the Canelo vs. Smith fight that drew more than 51,000 to Cowboy Stadium outside Dallas, Texas. De La Hoya defended his WBC Youth World super bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory.

Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas (21-2-2, 14 KOs) is a Cuban boxer fighting out of Miami, Florida. Salinas made his professional debut on Dec. 4, 2009 against Felix Flores at La Covacha in his adopted city of Miami. Amassing an undefeated record in his first 21 fights, Salinas was given the opportunity for a shot at a world title on November 5, 2013 against Scott Quigg at the O2 Arena in London, England. Contending for the WBA World super bantamweight title, the fighters went the distance for a draw. In his most recent fight on Aug. 8, 2015 vs. Manuel Avila, Salinas retired in the sixth round due to a hand injury.

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

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.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

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ABOUT ROC NATION SPORTS
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports led to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, supporting athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been working alongside and advocating for artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto and Two-Time World Champion Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Justise Winslow, Willie Cauley-Stein, Jerome Boateng, Miguel Sano, CJ Prosise, Ronnie Stanley, Henry Ellenson, Caris LeVert, Mike Gbinije, Melvin Ingram, Rudy Gay, Ty Lawson, Leonard Fournette, Juju Smith-Schuster and Isaac Rochell.

ABOUT THE STAR
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL. Throughout 2017, The Star will welcome The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com/.

Gifted Nottingham Welterweight Ekow Essuman is hoping to make a name for himself in professional boxing after signing a long-term promotional deal with top promoter Frank Warren. The former Great Britain Podium Squad boxer enjoyed a glittering amateur career but believes he’ll be able to showcase his true talent now he has made the transition into the paid ranks.

27-year-old Essuman picked up notable wins against current British Middleweight Champion Tommy Langford and 2013 World Championship Gold Medallist Anthony Fowler during an accomplished amateur career and believes he’ll have no problem mixing it with the best in the paid code.

“My amateur career started quite late at the age of 17 and I had to make up for lost time quickly. After a while I was beating highly-rated fighters who were representing England. After a few months on trial on the GB Team I was progressed onto the Podium Potential Team before ultimately progressing onto the Podium Team where I fought some of the best fighters in the World.

“It was a great experience for me but now that I’m pro I’ll be able to showcase what I wasn’t able to showcase before. I’m more in control of where I need to develop as a pro and I’m really looking forward to doing that and letting me fists do the talking in the ring.”

Essuman, trained by former Lightweight Barrington Brown and managed by Jimmy Gill, made his professional bow in December, outpointing journeyman Andrej Cepur in Birmingham. He will fight for the second time as a pro on February 4th in Nottingham and is keen to display his talents to as many people as possible in the coming months.

“Whilst I was with Team GB they nicknamed me ‘The Engine’ because I had a good boxing engine and was relentless with my combos and pressure. Now I’m more of a technical fighter and that’s something that I’m looking forward to showcasing.”

“Signing with Frank is brilliant for me, he has a well-deserved reputation for developing boxers in the right way and I’m confident he’ll do the same with me. The future is looking bright and I can’t wait to get started.”

Manager Jimmy Gill added: “Ekow will definitely go places, he’s ambitious and wants to do things the right way. He listens, asks questions and he learns, when you’ve got somebody like that you know you’re half way there.”

You can follow Ekow on Twitter: ee_engine and Instagram: ee_engine

LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2017) – Another top amateur standout has joined forces with Ringstar Sports to launch his pro career as 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado has signed with the Los Angeles-based promotional company.

“I’m very proud to welcome a young man with the talent and heart of Lindolfo Delgado to our roster at Ringstar,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “We’re excited to add a second Mexican Olympian and fifth 2016 Olympian to the Ringstar family. I know that Lindolfo will bring the heart of a Mexican warrior every time he enters the ring and I expect him to be a fan favorite in the U.S and Mexico. I can’t wait to get started on helping him achieve his dreams and make him a star in this sport.”

“By signing with Ringstar I will be given the best opportunities to become a world champion and have the career I envision,” said Delgado. “I really feel that this is the best promotion company for me. I believe Ringstar can help me reach great heights in the sport and beyond.”

Born in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the 22-year-old began his boxing career in 2004 at the age of 10. He worked his way up the amateur circuit in Mexico before breaking through by winning a silver medal at the 2010 Junior Mexican National Olympiad. He followed that up with a bronze at the 2011 Youth Mexican National Olympiad and with a championship winning-performance at the 2012 Mexican National Olympiad.

He continued to impress by picking up a gold medal at the 2014 Pan-American Sports Festival and silver medals at the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games and the 2015 Pan-American Games. He would go on to capture gold at the 2016 American Olympic Qualification event and stamp his ticket to the Rio 2016 games to represent Mexico.

“The Olympics were a beautiful experience for me,” said Delgado. “I learned that you can’t hold anything back. Every time that I compete, I know that I have to leave it all in the ring. I’m going to do everything I can to take advantage of every opportunity I get.”

The lightweight compiled a 139-15 amateur record that included victories over former world champion Amnat Ruenroeng and 2016 U.S. Olympian and fellow Ringstar stablemate Carlos Balderas. Delgado currently trains in Tijuana under Pedro Moran.

“I’m going to work hard to reach my full potential as a fighter,” said Delgado. “I have an elegant style that is full of passion. Mexican legends are popular because they are warriors. I am going to model my style after them and use it to conquer the sport.”

Lindolfo Delgado is the latest addition to the growing stable of Ringstar fighters that already includes: 2016 U.S. Olympian Carlos Balderas and his brother, National Golden Gloves champion Jose Balderas, 2016 Super Heavyweight Gold Medalist Tony Yoka, 2016 Bronze Medalist Misael Rodriguez, 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis and top-ranked amateur Money Powell IV.

HBO kicks off 2017 with an action-packed doubleheader when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: FRANCISCO VARGAS VS. MIGUEL BERCHELT AND TAKASHI MIURA VS. MIGUEL ROMAN is seen SATURDAY, JAN. 28 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Palm Springs Resort Casino in Palm Springs, Cal. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 29 (10:00 a.m.) and 31 (11:40 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 29 (2:45 p.m.) and 30 (12:00 a.m.)

The fight will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals.

Undefeated super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas (23-0-2, 17 KOs) makes his 2017 debut against challenger Miguel Berchelt (30-1, 27 KOs) in a much-anticipated 12-round title showdown. Following his victory over Takashi Miura in the BWAA’s “2015 Fight of the Year,” Vargas, 31, turned in another crowd-pleasing performance in his June 2016 fight against Orlando Salido, which ended in a majority draw and was the consensus “Fight of the Year” selection. The Mexico City native has quickly become a must-see attraction due to his relentless, come-forward fighting style, which he will need to get past his younger opponent.

Berchelt, 25, of Merida, Mexico, holds an impressive 16-fight knockout streak entering this title bout, which marks his first appearance on HBO and second outside Mexico.

In the co-main event of the evening, Takashi Miura (30-3-2, 23 KOs), Vargas’ opponent in the 2015 Fight of the Year, faces battle-tested vet Miguel Roman (56-11, 43 KOs) in a super featherweight 12-round slugfest. Tokyo’s Miura, 32, aims to use his aggressive southpaw style to beat Roman and earn another shot at the title he lost to Vargas. Roman, 31, of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, enters the fight having notched six impressive knockout victories in 2015 and 2016.

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The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

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NEW YORK – January 25, 2017 – Combate Americas today announced the main event – a women’s atomweight (105 pounds) showdown between Kyra “Mogwai” Batara (5-4) and eight-time Spanish national Judo champion Vanesa Rico Fernandez (2-2) – as well as three additional bouts for the league’s 11th live Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, which takes place at Burbank Events Center in Burbank, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 16, and airs live on Azteca America (10 p.m. ET/PT) and UFC FIGHT PASS® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

The event will also air via tape delay in Mexico the following night, Friday, Jan. 20 at 11 p.m. CT., on TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: AZTECA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world.

Priced from $45, tickets for the event – “Combate11” – can be purchased online at ItsMySeat.com.

In the featherweight (145 pounds) co-main event between two of the sport’s fastest rising stars, Urijah Faber-protégé Erick Sanchez (7-2) will collide with Combate Americas newcomer Andres “The Bullet” Quintana (9-2).

Elsewhere on the live telecast, fellow knockout artists Erick “The Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez (5-1) and Danny “The Realist” Ramirez (5-2) will face off in a lightweight (155 pounds) attraction, while unbeaten, heavy-handed Jose “Froggy” Estrada (2-0) will take on submission artist George “Furious” Hernandez (4-3), also at lightweight.

Additional bouts for “Combate11”, including a flyweight (125 pounds) matchup featuring Heinrich “Ricky Scraps” Wassmer (4-1) of Los Angeles, Calif., will be announced soon.

Kyra Batara vs. Vanesa Rico Fernandez

The 4-foot-11, 22-year-old Batara of Las Vegas, Nev. has been unstoppable in La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage, winning all three of her matchups, including a second round (4:13) TKO of Jenny “The Phoenix” Silverio that Batara produced in an unprecedented manner – a ground and pound assault with Silverio locked in a “twister,” the patented submission move created by Batara’s famed mentor, Eddie Bravo.

Making her U.S. debut, Rico Fernandez (2-2) of Alicante, Spain holds a second-degree black belt in Judo and is a 13-year member of the Spanish national Judo team and former national freestyle wrestling champion. Her two professional MMA career victories to date both came by way of submission.

Erick Sanchez vs. Andres Quintana

The 5-foot-10, 26-year-old Sanchez of Sacramento, Calif. is an explosive finisher who will enter La Jaula for the third time in his career, on a three-fight winning streak.

The Team Alpha Male member has put away all three of his last opponents by way of (T)KO or submission, including his last adversary – Mike Segura – whom Sanchez forced to tap out from a rear-naked choke just 50 seconds into their meeting at Combate Americas last April 18.

Fighting out of Roswell, N.M., the 6-foot-, 25-year-old Quintana is another devastating force who has earned all but one of his nine professional career wins by way of (T)KO.

Quintana will attempt to bounce back from his only loss in nearly five years – a first round (2:10) TKO (body kick and punches) at the hands of Adrian Diaz, on May 19.

Erick Gonzalez vs. Danny Ramirez

The 5-foot-10, 25-year-old Gonzalez of Torrance, Calif. will risk a three-fight win streak, including two consecutive victories under the promotion of Combate Americas.

Gonzalez has notched four of his five professional wins to date via (T)KO. In his last start, he handed Cuban upstart Yoandy Carrillo his first career defeat by way of TKO (punches) in the second round (3:13) of battle.

A native of Los Angeles and former U.S. Marine, the 5-foot-9, 27-year-old Ramirez fights out of Sacramento and, like his opponent, has claimed victory in all but one of his five conquests, via (T)KO.

The hard-hitting Ramirez scored a third round (1:02) TKO (punches) on Chuck Seang in his last appearance on August 27.

Jose Estrada vs. George Hernandez

In less than one year as a professional, the 5-foot-6, 26-year-old Estrada, known best to his fans as “Froggy,” has already earned the reputation of a brutal puncher, scoring first-round knockout wins in each of his two starts, both of which took place in La Jaula.

The Fillmore, Calif. resident made a mark in his professional debut, putting Jonathan Quiroz flat on his back with a single punch in just under two minutes.

The 5-foot-10, 35-year-old Hernandez of Santa Rosa, Calif. will seek his first win under the Combate Americas banner, and attempt to stop a three-fight skid.

After turning professional just two years ago at age 33, Hernandez cruised to victory in his first four bouts, defeating three of his opponents by way of submission and the fourth by way of TKO.

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

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

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA’S NETWORK

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

Sam Eggington will defend his WBC International Welterweight title against Paulie Malignaggi at The O2 in London on Saturday March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Eggington landed the title in a fight of the year contender with local rival Frankie Gavin in October with an eighth round stoppage in Birmingham and the 23 year old is thrilled to be facing the former two-weight world king on a huge card in the capital.

“This is the big name and big card that I’ve wanted for some time,” said Eggington. “I’ve asked for these sorts of fights for a while, I got Frankie and now I’ve got Paulie. He’s going to be the biggest name on my record, you just have to look at what he’s won and who he has boxed to see that, but I have asked to fight him for a while now and I am confident that I can beat him, and beating him is a big scalp on my record and it puts me in that World bracket which is where i want to be.

“He’s good at what he does, he is a bit like Frankie really and fighting him has put me in good stead for this one, he’s not the biggest puncher and he’s smaller than Frankie, but he’s won World titles and been in with everyone.

“Paulie’s been at World-level for so long that he’s got all the tricks and probably got more to pull out on the night, so I know it’s going to be a big test and it’s one that I’m going to rise to. This could have been a fight without a title, Paulie is the man I want to beat – that name on the record will make people stand up and take notice and will make a splash in the US too. It’s a fantastic box office bill and I’ve never been on a bill of this scale so it’s really exciting for me.”

Malignaggi held World straps at Super-Lightweight and Welterweight and brings both a CV packed with the biggest names in the sport and ambitions to return to World title level.

“I am excited as ever to once again return to the UK and fight in front of the most passionate fans in the world,” said Malignaggi. “I know Eggington is young and hungry but my experience and craftiness will be too much for him to overcome.”

“What a fight this is and what an opportunity for Sam Eggington,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Paulie Malignaggi is one of the biggest names and personalities in the sport and still remains full of skill, heart and desire.

“Sam has consistently provided fight fans with entertainment and after his fight of the year contender with Frankie Gavin, this is an incredible opportunity to announce himself on the world stage. March 4 is going to be an incredible night at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.”

Eggington’s clash with Malignaggi is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich as bitter foes David Haye and Tony Bellew meet in a Heavyweight grudge match and Ohara Davies and Derry Mathews settle their social media feud with Davies’ WBC Silver Lightweight title on the line.

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

Kal Yafai will make the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday May 13, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai became Birmingham’s first World champion with a dominant performance over Luis Concepcion in Manchester in December to claim the vacant strap, and the unbeaten 27 year old cannot wait to headline his homecoming show.

“It’s a dream come true to be topping the bill in Birmingham as a World champion,” said Yafai. “Winning the title in Manchester was amazing, but Birmingham is the place I want to fight and to turn the Barclaycard Arena into my hometown fortress.”

Yafai’s opponent will be named soon and the champion is looking to make a big statement in his first defence before looking to huge unification bouts later in the year in the star-studded 115lbs division.

“The World champions at Super-Flyweight are all top, top fighters,” said Yafai. “Roman Gonzalez is considered to be one of the pound-for-pound best and Naoya Inoue is a huge name in Japan and looks very impressive, so it’s an exciting division to be in.

“I want to prove that I can mix it with those guys and I need to kick my reign off in style on May 13 to do that.”

“December 10 was a great night for British boxing and a night a new star was born in Kal Yafai,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “He took a two-weight World champion to school and made history as the first World champion from Birmingham.

“After some successful show in Birmingham we can finally return to the city with a fully-fledged World champion, we have some outstanding fighters from the Midland and fight fans must save the date in the diary for our biggest fight night yet in the Second City.”

Announcement’s on Yafai’s opponent, the undercard and ticket details will be made soon.

Former WBO Super-Welterweight boss Liam Smith has blamed long-term rival Liam Williams for costing him the chance of winning the prestigious Lord Lonsdale belt outright and has vowed to settle the score when they clash at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Smith and Williams collide in what promises to be the best domestic dust up of the year, with fight fans across the country labelling it as a true 50/50 contest. However, warrior Smith has questioned if the Boxing Writers’ Best Young Boxer of the Year is ready to step up to World level.

“He was my mandatory challenger for over twelve months and he wouldn’t take the fight,” said Smith. “Fair play to his team, they openly said that he wasn’t ready to face me but it’s Liam Williams’ fault I haven’t got a British title outright. I’ll settle that score when I beat him in April.

“This is a fight that I’m massively confident of winning and it’s one that I’ll happily win and put to bed. I’m a bit curious as to why people are made up for this fight now and why they weren’t at the time I was British Champion but I’m happy to take it and settle the score.”

Watch Liam Smith’s exclusive interview with BoxNation

Smith vs. Williams features on the undercard of Terry Flanagan’s fifth WBO World Lightweight title defence against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov, also on the card double Olympic Gold Medallist Nicola Adams OBE and amateur Heavyweight starlet Daniel Dubois make their highly-anticipated debuts.

Tickets for April 8 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

25 January 2017 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its renewal of partnership with the largest mobile prepaid service provider in Malaysia, Tune Talk. Both companies have been closely working together since 2012, bringing Asian mixed martial arts to greater heights.

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with Tune Talk and the Air Asia family as our extended partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of mixed martial arts and ONE Championship. As a lead up to the biggest mixed martial arts event in Malaysian history on 10 February, ONE Championship and Tune Talk will roll out a massive campaign across all media platforms throughout the country.”

In today’s age of digital content, Tune Talk has consistently led the industry with cutting edge technology and fresh marketing initiatives, with this new endeavour being a giant leap in the right direction.

Officially launched in August 2009, Tune Talk provides super low calling rates and exciting incentives to the underserved segment of the Malaysian market. The company has quickly risen to success based on their philosophy of dedication and hard work.

Tune Talk has played a pivotal role in ONE Championship’s rise to prominence in Malaysia and other parts of Asia, using its innovative content that brought world-class mixed martial arts action to loyal fans.

In partnership with Tune Talk, ONE Championship returns to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 10 February to hold ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS at the 12,000-capacity Stadium Negara. The blockbuster event will feature the absolute best in local and international mixed martial arts talent, accentuating a tremendous headlining bout between hometown hero Ev “E.T.” Ting and lightweight veteran Kamal Shalorus.

Furthermore, ONE Championship and Tune Talk will be launching a 24-episode original web series, featuring Jason Lo himself and the ONE Ring Girls. Jason Lo and company will be touring around the iconic capital of Kuala Lumpur to explore the city’s interesting and unique sites as well as sampling Malaysia’s world-class cuisine.

Jason Lo, CEO of Tune Talk, stated: “The relationship established between Tune Talk and ONE Championship five years ago was the catalyst that changed the whole mixed martial arts ecosystem in the region. Numerous historical achievements have been attained as a result of this synergistic bond. Tune Talk is proud to once again extend this partnership which will greatly bring unparalleled growth to the sport as well as for both brands.”

He added: “Through the Malaysian Invasion Mixed Martial Arts (MIMMA), Tune Talk will work closely with ONE Championship to discover more world-class mixed martial arts athletes, to add to the already impressive line-up of MIMMA Champions fighting for Asia’s premier MMA organization, such as Keanu Subba, Mohd Aiman and Agilan Thani.”

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

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

About Tune Talk
Tune Talk is the largest mobile prepaid MVNO service provider in Malaysia. Officially launched on 19 August 2009, the company aims to offer low, flat-calling rates and incentives to under-served segment of the market, providing easy accessibility and a wide distribution reach for its products. Tune Talk is the result and culmination of years of dedication and hard work. With more than 1.5 million active subscribers currently enjoying the company’s services, it is our aspiration to grow to an unprecedented level and one day becoming the ASEAN MVNO.

Heavyweight Andrzej Wawrzyk tested positive for a banned substance and he is now out of his February 25th bout with Deontay Wilder, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Wawrzyk, who was due to challenge Deontay Wilder for his world title on Feb. 25 in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card on Fox in prime time, has tested positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol.

Wawrzyk and Wilder were being randomly tested — blood and urine — under the rules of the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, which is overseen by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association.

According to the letter sent by VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman notifying those involved of the positive test and obtained by ESPN, Wawrzyk was given urine tests in Warsaw, Poland, where he lives, on Jan. 15 and 16. The results of both tests, which were returned Tuesday night, were positive, and the parties were notified.

According to the VADA letter, Wawrzyk’s samples were “analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse. The results of the analysis for each specimen is as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains stanozolol metabolites.”

“I just found out about the positive test [Tuesday night] and already every promoter with a heavyweight who can breathe is texting me or calling me trying to get the fight,” Wilder promoter Lou DiBella said. “I’m sitting here with my trusty iPad, and I am going to look at YouTube videos and rankings, and we’re just going to work. We’ll get a new opponent for Deontay. Feb 25 is going to go ahead as planned.

“But I’m just shaking my head. Deontay is just shaking his head. But we have a month before the fight, so we have time to get another opponent. The show will go on. I’m not happy about this, but I am much happier to find out now instead of finding out a few days before the fight.”

“They’re going to prevent an injury or a real problem,” DiBella said. “People have been blowing tests left and right in the program. My point of view is that there is a need for the Clean Boxing Program and VADA. And it’s working, because people are being caught.

“We have a clean champion named Deontay Wilder who has nothing to hide, and we’ll make sure when he gets in the ring, he gets in the ring with another guy who is also clean. Steroids and any kind of PED are not safe for the people taking them and not safe for the guy he is going to fight. Obviously, there is a problem, but the WBC and VADA are doing their part to help clean it up.”

BIRMINGHAM, AL (January 24, 2017) – A pair of exciting matchups come to primetime network television on Saturday, February 25 as rising super welterweight contenders Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) meet in a 12-round world title eliminator and Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs) takes on undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight showdown as part of an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama and is headlined by undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces once-beaten challenger Andrzej Wawrzyk.

“This is the guaranteed fight of the night on February 25,” said Harrison. “This fight is do or die for me and I’m going to remind everyone how gifted I am. Fighting on a network like FOX and FOX Deportes is a blessing. I have deep roots in the south and I’m looking forward to fighting on a card with the big champ Deontay Wilder. Hurd is my toughest opponent to date and the winner of this will catapult themselves to the top of the division. You don’t want to miss this fight.”

“This is a big fight for me to get in the number one position for a world title,” said Hurd. “This lines up a world title shot for me and I’m not going to take it for granted. The time has come for me to step up and overcome this obstacle. Tony is a tall guy who likes to move around and he has some nice power. He’s a good fighter and I’m expecting a tough fight. This is a great position to be in and I’m going to work hard to take advantage of it.”

“I’m very excited to return to battle once again in Birmingham, Alabama and on FOX and FOX Deportes,” said Breazeale. “It’s a new year for me and I have great expectation for 2017. It all starts with a victory on February 25. I know my opponent is going to come prepared to protect his perfect record, but I’m going to be ready to do anything to get the victory.”

“I’m really looking forward to my first fight in the United States,” said Ugonoh. “I’m expecting a tough fight from Dominic Breazeale. He always comes to fight and I know I have to be ready for anything that he can bring to the ring. It’s really an honor to fight on the same card as the heavyweight world champion, Deontay Wilder. It’s exciting to be fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes in primetime on U.S. television and I’m going to make the most of it.”

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

“As a promoter and as a fan, I can’t wait for the Harrison-Hurd title elimination fight,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Tony Harrison and Jarrett Hurd are two of the hardest hitting, most exciting young contenders in the super welterweight division. Fans can expect fireworks when they clash in Birmingham. The heavyweight fight between Breazeale and undefeated Izuagbe Ugonoh is also a battle of punchers and is a significant matchup in an increasingly competitive heavyweight division. Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes will have great supporting bouts for Deontay Wilder and the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.”

“These two co-featured bouts perfectly compliment the heavyweight world title fight in the main event,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “All four top contenders are in position for much bigger fights with a victory, making this a true must-see event.”

The 26-year-old Harrison comes into this fight after scoring an explosive ninth-round stoppage of Sergey Rabchenko in July that put him in line for the world title currently held by Jermall Charlo. The winner of his last three fights, Harrison faces a tough challenge in the undefeated Hurd after he took down Cecil McCalla, Fernando Guerrero and Rabchenko in his last three contests. The Detroit-native was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights and recorded 10-straight knockouts between 2013 and 2015.

Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old defeated three straight unbeaten fighters including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June 2016. Most recently, Hurd stopped former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in the sixth-round of their fight in November of last year and he will now look to solidify his spot at the top of the 154-pound rankings on February 25.

After representing the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, Breazeale steadily improved and moved up the rankings before an unsuccessful challenge to Anthony Joshua for his heavyweight title in June. Prior to that, the Glendale, California-native picked up victories over veteran competition in Yasmany Consuegra, Fred Kassi and a stoppage of Amir Mansour on FOX in January of last year. Before switching to boxing, Breazeale was a quarterback at the University of Northern Colorado.

Born in Szczecin, Poland to Nigerian parents, Ugonoh is a former Polish kickboxing champion who took up boxing in 2010. Ugonoh is trained by Kevin Barry, the trainer for current heavyweight titleholder Joseph Parker, who Ugonoh trained and sparred with on his way to the world title. The 30-year-old will be making his U.S. debut after scoring knockout victories over Ricardo Ramirez and Gregory Tony in 2016 while fighting out of New Zealand.

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.comwww.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports and www.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Nutley, NJ (January 24, 2017) – Despite the disappointing loss by Adam Lopez in the main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation card at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, GH3 Promotions still had a prosperous evening as the company registered six big victories on the show.

Televised winners included Ronald Ellis and Kenenth Sims, Jr. while Stephon Young, LeRoy Davila, Keenan Smith and Malik Jackson were all very impressive on the undercard.

Ellis won a 8-round unanimous decision over Christopher Brooker to raise his record to 14-0-1 in a super middleweight bout.

Junior Welterweight, Sims was making his national television debut, and did so in style as he remained perfect by winning a 8-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Robles to go to 11-0.

Young of St. Louis fought a crowd pleasing fight, and took home a unanimous decision over Olimjon Nazarov and the number-4 ranked bantamweight contender is now 16-0-3.

Davila, a 2016 United Stated Olympic alternate, dominated and ultimately stopped fellow undefeated bantamweight Anthony Taylor in round three of their four round bout. Davila, a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey is now 5-0 with 3 knockouts.

Smith of Philadelphia was impressive in stopping Marquis Hawthorne after round five of their scheduled six round welterweight bout. Smith was dominant from the opening bell, and Hawthorne had taken enough punishment to pack it in after round five. Smith is now 10-0 with 4 knockouts.

Jackson of Washington, D.C. was making his first start under the GH3 promotional banner and took out an overmatched Christian Foster in the 1st round. The super bantamweight remained perfect at 2-0 with both wins coming early.

“Some of our younger guys really showed that they are legit prospects,” said Vito Mielnicki, CEO of GH3 Promotions.

“Adam Lopez in defeat showed a lot of heart and he will be back. He has showed that he can beat a lot of good fighters and his loss is just a minor setback. With that being said, Ronald Ellis and Kenneth Sims were in exciting fights and came through on ShoBox. Ellis is at the point now where he should start getting rated by the sanctioning bodies, and start competing for regional titles in the super middleweight division. We were very impressed by Davila, Young, Jackson, and Smith. Our next order of business is to get Stephon a big fight very soon.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 24th, 2017) — One week from Saturday, Anthony Marsella Jr. takes the next step in his highly-publicized fight career, a step many before him have taken in order to climb to the top of their respective weight class.

Coming off back-to-back first-round knockouts in 2016, the Providence, R.I., junior welterweight returns to Twin River Casino on Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2017 to face 16-fight veteran Francisco Medel in just his fourth fight as a professional.

The four-round bout between Medel and Marsella Jr. is one of 10 scheduled for next weekend’s CES Boxing 2017 season opener and will be fought at a catch weight of 138 pounds. The 28-year-old Medel, a native of Uruapan, the second largest city in the Mexican state of Michoacán, boasts a 10-6 record with six knockouts, at one point in his career winning nine consecutive fights between 2007 and 2013.

“He may have more fights than me,” Marsella Jr. said, “but I have more fight in me. February 4th, I’m going to do what I do best.”

Next Saturday is Marsella Jr.’s third fight since October and third in his home state. The first two ended quickly; a 45-second knockout against Bardraiel Smith in October, followed by a knockout at the final bell of the opening round against Virginia’s Devante Seay in December.

Now he tests his mettle against the experienced Medel, who has faced opponents with a combined record of 100-30 in his last seven fights, including a nationally-televised showdown on Fox Sports 1 against unbeaten prospect Emmanuel Medina in September and a bout against Massachusetts fan-favorite Ryan Kielczewski in December.

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

Reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Northeast and International Junior Middleweight Champion Khiary Gray (14-1, 11 KOs) of Worcester, Mass., defends both titles against Brooklyn’s Courtney Pennington (9-4-1, 5 KOs) in the eight-round headliner.

The Feb. 4th card features an additional title bout as New Haven, Conn., vet Josh Crespo (7-4-3, 3 KOs) faces unbeaten Timmy Ramos (4-0-1, 4 KOs) of Framingham, Mass., in a six-round bout for the vacant New England Super Featherweight Championship.

In a battle of unbeatens, Hartford, Conn., prospect Jose Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) faces his toughest test to date in a six-round junior middleweight showdown against New Bedford, Mass., vet Ray Oliveira Jr. (6-0, 1 KO) and fellow undefeated prospects and decorated amateurs Jamaine Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) of Worcester, Mass., and Canton Miller (2-0, 1 KO) of Saint Louis, Mo., square off in a four-round lightweight battle.

Framingham’s Julio Perez (4-1) ends his nine-month layoff in a four-round intrastate showdown against Salem vet Matt Doherty (5-3-1, 3 KOs), who returns to Twin River for the first time since July of 2015. Following a busy 2016 in which he fought six times in seven months, Worcester’s Kendrick Ball Jr. (4-0-2, 3 KOs) faces Minneapolis’ Kenneth Glenn (3-2, 1 KO) in a four-round middleweight bout, and Framingham middleweight Christopher Davis-Fogg (2-0, 1 KO) makes his Twin River debut in a four-round bout against Anthony Everett (1-4) of Lawrence, Mass.

Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (0-1) aims to bounce back from a loss in his professional debut in a four-round battle against Providence, R.I., native Aaron Muniz, who makes his debut. Junior welterweight Khiry Todd (1-0, 1 KO) of Lynn, Mass., battles Woburn, Mass., native Bruno Dias (0-2) in a four-round bout.

The Feb. 4th card will also feature two special CES Ring of Honor ceremonies inducting famed boxing trainer Kevin Rooney, who worked with world champions Mike Tyson and Vinny Paz in his storied career, and the late Manny Lopes of Marshfield, Mass., a former light heavyweight prospect who fought his entire career with CES Boxing until retiring undefeated in 2010.

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

Mexico’s Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez is promising fireworks in his upcoming world title challenge.

On Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Studio City Casino in Macao, China, Rodriguez (32-4, 19 KOs), of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, will attempt to win his second world championship by challenging Cavite City, Philippines’ IBF World Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 KOs) over 12 rounds.

The former interim WBA Light Flyweight Champion Rodriguez says he’s determined to get back where he belongs in boxing.

“I took two years off of boxing and missed being a champion. I came back last year on a mission to win another title and that’s what I’m going to do,” said Rodriguez. “Nothing can stop me. When I am given the proper time to prepare, I am one of the world’s best. That is what I will show against Ancajas.”

The southpaw Ancajas won his title in September of last year with a unanimous decision over McJoe Arroyo. The fight against Rodriguez will be his first defense.

Rodriguez’s manager José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management, says his fighter is getting top-level training for this showdown.

“Torito is working with his great trainer, Gil Gastelum, at Big Time Boxing in Port St. Lucie, Florida and Caicedo Sport Training Center in Miami,” said Acevedo. “And more importantly, he is sparring with some excellent fighters to get ready, including former world champ Juan Carlos Payano, WBA-NABA Bantamweight Champ Stephon Young and upcoming featherweight title challenger Claudio Marrero amongst others. This is the best I’ve ever seen him look. He is very determined to win this championship. Thanks to Manny Pacquiao and Sean Gibbons for this terrific opportunity.”

“Ancajas is a good fighter and I respect him, but there is nothing that can save his title from me,” continued Rodriguez. I thank him for this opportunity, it’s a dream come true, but he’s going home an ex-champ. I am going to be an unbeatable force that night.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions wishes to thank all the participants, sponsors and especially the fans who helped make his latest “Detroit Brawl” such a tremendous success.

Held this past Sunday, January 22, at the Masonic Temple Downtown, the Detroit Brawl attracted a near sell-out crowd, who took in an exciting night of no less than 10 fights. In the night’s welterweight main event, Detroit’s Lanardo Tyner (31-10-2, 20 KOs) proved he still has plenty left in the tank as he made a meal out of Hungary’s Istvan Dernanecz (10-5, 7 KOs).

Tyner, one of the city’s most beloved fighters, scored an impressive TKO in the first round (1:58).

And in the co-main event, Detroit bantamweight James Gordon Smith (12-0, 7 KOs) had an usually easy night, as he took out Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai (10-4-1, 5 KOs) at the 1:00 mark of round two. Having had several slugfests in a row, Smith used his considerable talent to take out his Hungarian foe with a flurry of hard punches along the ropes.

“Boxing’s big comeback continues,” said a happy Salita, post-fight. “The goal of this series was to showcase the best young prospects in the city in competitive match-ups and we’ve done it and the fans have responded very well. The crowd today was very large and loud and came out in force to support their local fighters. It was a great event and thank you to everyone, especially Greektown Casino for their continued support.”

Other Results:

Detroits Ja’Rico O’Quinn scored a third-round TKO (2:34) over Chicago’s Angel Carvajal.

In the fight of the night, super middleweights Deandre Ware of Toledo and Juan Rojas-Sanchez of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, fought to an exciting six-round split draw. Scores were 56-58, 58-56 and 57-57.

Heavyweight Junior Wright of Evanston, Illinois, knocked out Detroit’s Damon McCreary at 2:04 of round two.

In another heavyweight match-up, Detroit’s Marcus Carter scored a TKO 2 (1:23) over Manitowoc, Wisconsin’s Timothy Dunn.

Super featherweight Dwayne Zeigler of Montgomery, Alabama won a four-round unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36 and 39-37) of Charles Clark of Dallas, Texas.

Detroit super lightweight Larry Ventus Jr. knocked out Fort Myers, Florida’s Jesus Lule with a single left hook. The knockout came at 2:26 of round two.

Super welterweight Ardreal Holmes of Flint knocked out Georgia’s Bryan Goldsby at 2:59 of round two.

Cruiserweight Alexey Zubov of Detroit via Magnitogorsk, Russia, stopped Budapest, Hungary’s Andras Csomor at 1:05 of round three.

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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

About Greektown Casino Hotel
Your downtown playground, Greektown Casino Hotel is consistently voted Detroit’s Best Casino. Located right in the hub of the historic Greektown district it’s impossible to be any closer to the action. No matter what you want to play, Greektown Casino Hotel has your non-stop gaming action. From the newest slots and table games to live poker, Greektown Casino Hotel has 100,000 square feet of exciting, action-packed choices and so many thrilling ways to win!

Greektown Casino Hotel features a 30-story hotel with 400 stunning guestrooms and suites devoted to your comfort. And for your culinary needs, you can savor eclectic cuisine at one of their outstanding restaurants: Prism, Bistro 555 and The Market District.

For your special event or corporate gathering, Greektown Casino Hotel offers impeccable service in addition to a variety of exceptional spaces to help make your event an unforgettable experience.

For more information, visit them online at greektowncasino.com. Twitter:
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Linares (41-3, 27 KOs) narrowly outpointed defending champion Crolla (31-5-3, 13 KOs) last September in a thrilling battle in Crolla’s hometown of Manchester.

The WBC has mandated that the winner of Linares-Crolla II must face the winner of this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING matchup between WBC Lightweight World Champion Dejan Zlaticanin and undefeated two-division titlist Mikey Garcia.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday:

JORGE LINARES:
“I wasn’t supposed to win the first fight, but I’m glad I did so I can come back and do it again.

“The belts mean so much to me and my country, and I am going to work very hard to make sure that I take them home again.

“It’s a new year and a new day. Anthony is going to be better and hungrier, and that means I will work harder, come with more skill and an even better game plan to win.

“I hope to see another huge crowd in Manchester and we’re going to provide the fans with another beautiful fight.”

ANTHONY CROLLA:
“I want the belt back, simple. Fighting for these prizes in front of us is huge. I’m so lucky to have a second chance and it’s one I have to take.

“It was a special night last time, great crowd and it’ll be even bigger this time. The setting was perfect but I lost my belt. I lost to a great fighter but I don’t celebrate losing, I don’t want to feel it again and I want to go down in history by beating a great fighter.

“I am better in rematches and I’m locking myself away to work harder and smarter to make sure these belts stay here.

“Jorge is the best and I want to be the best – beating him stakes my claim. I didn’t win the first one but I had success and I can work on that.

“We’ve both got great teams behind us, and I believe if I make the right changes for the fight I will take the titles.”

EDDIE HEARN:
“The first fight was a hell of a fight. Anthony was the favorite and now Jorge is the favorite.

“Anthony is the challenger in this rematch. He’s had success in rematches before – he did it against Darleys Perez and he came back better. He needs to do that again against Jorge, No. 1 in the division.

“It gives me huge pleasure to announce that the fight will be on SHOWTIME in the U.S. and I want to thank Stephen Espinosa and his team for making this happen.”

JOE GALLAGHER:
“I need a nasty Anthony Crolla for this fight. Jorge is the best in the world so I need to keep him locked away and getting nasty – he won’t be doing any fan signings or selling tickets. If you like Anthony and care about him, leave him alone, let him work, and come and watch him win on the night.”

ROBERT DIAZ:
“I didn’t know how Jorge was going to react to the fans as I know that Anthony has great fans. I think that Jorge won a lot of fans that night and he’ll have his share in the rematch.

“Anthony didn’t have to take the fight, he could’ve gone elsewhere and got some wins, but that shows what a man this guy is. He wants the belts and we expect a better Anthony. I said you would see the best Jorge ever and you did – he’s going to be even better this time.”