Puerto Rican legend Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) has long been one of boxing’s biggest and best names and he, like Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs), is coming off a loss to Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez, as both men seek redemption in a 12-round light-middleweight showdown.

Taking place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, this event will be the first of its kind to be held at the state-of-the-art, 510,000 square foot indoor athletic facility used by the Dallas Cowboys.

“I’m excited to return to the ring and put on a great show. I’m enjoying training camp and can’t wait for February 25th,” said ring legend Miguel Cotto. “Fighting inside the beautiful Ford Center, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboy’s newest creation, and headlining the first ever boxing event there pumps me with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

“I’m very excited to get back into the ring against a legend like Miguel Cotto. I’m going to train like never before so I can show the world that the old James Kirkland is back,” said James Kirkland. “You know the fight will be exciting while it lasts. February 25th can’t come soon enough.”

The bout promises to be an all-action affair on BoxNation as two of the most exciting fighters around do battle as they look to kick start their careers with hopes of securing a world title shot down the line.

That thrilling bill will be followed the month after by another mouth-watering clash when big-hitters Lemieux and Stevens meet at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York.

The 12-round middleweight bout for the NABO middleweight championship will see Montreal favourite Lemieux, with a record of 36-3, 32 KOs, look to regain his position amongst the elite at 160-pounds against the tough Stevens, who enters with a record of 29-5, 21 KOs.

“After all this talk, here we are. I’m so excited that this fight will finally be happening. We have big plans for 2017 and this will be the first step. I will make sure to take care of Stevens on March 11. Curtis Stevens came knocking on the wrong door,” said Lemieux. “I’m going to be victorious. I’m going to be vicious. It’s a fight that all the fans will want to see. We’ll see who is stronger, who takes the punches better. It’s going to be exciting.”

“It should be an excellent fight. He comes to fight. I come to fight. It should be a move to move battle. You are going to want to see this,” said Stevens.

Cotto v Kirkland and Lemieux v Stevens joins an already bulging 2017 BoxNation schedule which has a number of world class fights, including Keith Thurman taking on Danny Garcia in a welterweight unification clash, plus the return of Adrien Broner against Adrian Granados.

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to add two further sizzling showdowns to the BoxNation schedule in Miguel Cotto v James Kirkland and David Lemieux v Curtis Stevens. These are two high-quality matchups that are sure to have BoxNation subscribers on the edge of their seats. We look forward to continue adding the very best bouts on BoxNation in 2017.”

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

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

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For more information visit www.boxnation.com

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LAS VEGAS, NV (January 20, 2017) – Erislandy Lara, the WBA/IBO 154-pound champion, scored two knockouts in his match against Yuri Foreman in Miami on Premier Championship Boxing on Spike TV last Friday night. One in the ring to retain his world titles and another in the ratings. An average of 547,000 viewers, with a peak audience of 707,000, tuned in to watch Lara land a devastating uppercut that knocked out former world champion Foreman in the fourth round.

Spike TV’s viewership ratings for Lara vs. Foreman scored 11% higher than their last Friday night telecast, which showcased Danny Jacobs vs Sergio Mora. Look for Erislandy Lara to return to the ring sometime before summer.

“I want to thank Spike TV and everyone involved with the promotion for giving me the opportunity to fight in Miami, in front of all my fans.” said Erislandy Lara. “The last time I fought in Miami I got the knockout and that’s exactly what I wanted to do in this fight. I accomplished that goal and the fans got to see someone go down. Everyone loves the knockout. I’m happy to have delivered a positive rating for Spike TV. I can’t wait to return to the ring.”

The WBC is extremely concerned with the behavior and actions showcased by Mr. Angel Garcia, who is the trainer of WBC welterweight champion Danny Garcia, during the press conference for the highly anticipated fight between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman.

The WBC prides itself for its battle against apartheid, in which South Africa was banned from boxing for 19 years, and our constant rejection to any sort of discrimination and abuse of power.

The WBC condemns the foul language, the discriminatory threats, and the very dangerous actions which could have led to a riot and personal injuries during this presentation.

The WBC has no jurisdiction over licensing of trainers, which is a matter that corresponds to the local boxing authorities. However, the WBC Code of Ethics and Constitution, Rules and Regulations, emphatically reject these actions, which cannot be tolerated in our sport.

The WBC respects and has always enjoyed a very respectful relation with Mr. Angel Garcia in the past, and the WBC will hold a meeting in person or by teleconference next week through the WBC administrative process and protocol.

Boxing is a sport of contact, but it is a noble one and fighters are role models for the youth of the world with countless exemplary actions of fair play, respect, unity, humanity and brotherhood.

Garcia vs. Thurman is a very important fight between two undefeated champions, which brings the best of our sport, and the attention must be fully into this great event and the two fighters putting their future on the line.

Mauricio Sulaiman
WBC President

20th January, 2017 – London: David Haye’s Hayemaker Promotions has today announced a historic deal with boxing promoting giant, Richard Schaefer, to form Hayemaker Ringstar, a new promotions company set to change the landscape of boxing promotion

The deal brings together two world renowned boxing figures; former World Heavyweight Champion, David Haye, who has self promoted and navigated his way to multiple world title fights and Pay-Per-View mega showdowns, joins forces with former Golden Boy Promotions CEO, Schaefer, the brains behind many of the biggest-selling Pay-Per-View fights in history, and the founder of Ringstar Sports. The deal marks Schaefer’s first business foray into the UK market, and it also ensures that Haye will remain at the pinnacle of boxing long after he hangs up his gloves.

Hayemaker Ringstar will establish a stable of boxers, including current World Champions and the UK’s most exciting prospects. The company will be a unique promotions entity, one that puts boxers first, gives global exposure to the most talented fighters, bringing the sport to a new legion of fans. The company will sign an exclusive deal with a major UK broadcaster, and aims to be recognized as the home of World Champions and future World Champions.

As CEO of Golden Boy Promotions from 2002 to 2014, Schaefer brings unparalleled experience to the new joint-venture. At Golden Boy, he promoted what were at the time the two biggest selling PPV events in boxing history – Floyd Mayweather vs De La Hoya in 2007, and Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez in 2013 – while also bringing through the likes of Alvarez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia and Deontay Wilder from up-and-coming prospects to World Champions and Pay Per View main-eventers.

David Haye said: ‘The joint venture with Hayemaker & Ringstar will send shockwaves through British boxing. Together, we are creating a new kind of promotions entity. Throughout the history of boxing, the fighter has worked for the promoter, the core values of Hayemaker Ringstar will turn this on its head. We will work for the fighter. This shift will impact an incredible sport in a hugely positive way. Hayemaker Ringstar will be renown for discovering amazing young talent, nurturing, empowering, and helping them to become global stars.”

“The promoters who have dominated the British scene until now have done a good job. But with Richard’s unrivalled track record coupled with my first hand insight understanding the needs of a fighter through the evolution of their career Hayemaker Ringstar provides fighters with the perfect environment to maximise their potential, both in the ring and commercially. I have no doubt that Hayemaker Ringstar will become the UK’s leading promotional company.”

Richard Schaefer said: “I’m delighted to be partnering with David to form Hayemaker Ringstar. The UK is a great market for boxing, with exciting fighters and passionate fans, and we’re determined to work with the most talented boxers to give people the fights they want to see.

“I’ve wanted to set up in the UK for a long time, but it was important to partner with a team who knows the market. I couldn’t ask for a better partner than David – we’re both incredibly passionate about the sport, we both want to put fighters first, and we’re both committed to bringing boxing to the masses.”

The first fight to be promoted by Hayemaker Ringstar will be Haye’s heavyweight clash with Tony Bellew, a co-promotion with Matchroom Boxing, at London’s O2 Arena on March 4th. While the focus will be on UK-based fights, Hayemaker Ringstar will also work on promoting fights in the USA, capitalizing on Schaefer’s unrivalled contacts with broadcasters and venues.

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 20, 2017) – Boxing returned to Worcester last night (Thursday) for the first time in more than five years to the delight of a capacity crowd of 2,100 passionate fans at the Palladium.

The inaugural event of the “New England’s Future” series, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment, featured 10 action-packed fights, highlighted by rising Worcester featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs).

“The support we received from the sold out crowd was exciting for our first show,” said promoter Jose Antonio Rivera, the former 3-time, 2-division world champion. “We working on our second show in March, of course, right here in Worcester.”

The 20-year-old Gonzalez was absolutely relentless in the main event, fright rom the opening bell, throwing a barrage of unanswered punches from every conceivable angle, repeatedly hurting his Mexican foe, Israel “Tigre” Ramos (9-15, 3 KOs), including a late first-round knockdown. Gonzalez didn’t let up in the second, firing crisp punches, until Rojas hit the canvas early in the second frame and referee Steve Clark had seen enough, stopping the one-sided fight.

Gonzalez is continuing the rich Worcester boxing tradition. “I’m always relentless,” Gonzalez said with a smile. “It was great fighting in the main event at home. I heard the crowd and really appreciated their support. I hurt him early and I almost took him out in the first round with a body punch. I finished him off with a right in the second. None of my fights have gone the distance, but I prepared to go the full six tonight, if needed.”

Gonzalez takes off Sunday o report to undefeated Guillermo Rigondeaux’ training camp in Miami, where he’ll work with the reigning WBA super bantamweight world champion and 2-time Olympic gold medalist.

Undefeated Ray “Bazooka” Gracewski (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Springfield (MA), was on a search-and-destroy mission in the co-feature against Worcester super middleweight Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), who was dropped three times before referee Kevin Hope halted the fight.

Hartford’s pro-debuting Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera was good to the finish, albeit only two rounds, in a fight contested at a 185-pound catchweight against Philadelphian Davonte Hopkins (0-3). Rivera, who was a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament winner, punished Hopkins, finally dropping him in the second round, after which his corner threw in the towel.

In an evenly matched junior featherweight bout, hometown favorite Ranse Andino’s pro debut resulted in a hard earned victory, by way of a four-round unanimous decision, over Lowell’s (MA) previously unbeaten Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2 KOs)

Unbeaten Haitian heavyweight Jean Pierre “Kid Creole” Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) pounded game Mexican foe Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KOs) from the opening bell en route to a shutout six-round unanimous decision.

East Hartford prospect Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion, finished off winless welterweight Rafael Francis (0-9) with a debilitating body shot early in the second round.

In his pro debut, popular Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez, a local barber, spotted his opponent, 392-pound Bobby Favors (0-4), nearly 60 pounds but Favors was unable to continue after the first round.

Southbridge, MA Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan turned in a memorable pro debut, winning a four-round majority decision over Alexander Picot (1-2-1 (0 KOs), contested at a 145-pound catchweight.

The second-oldest pro fighter in Massachusetts history, 49-year-old “Irish” Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), of nearby Auburn, MA., ended his boxing career in style with an opening-round technical knockout victory over Philadelphia junior middleweight Shavonte Dixon (0-2).

Team Shearns celebrates after his retirement fight

U.S. Marine Brandon Montella, fighting out of Saugus, MA., improved his record to 6-0 (5 KOs), as his light heavyweight Mexican veteran Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs) suffered an injury early in the second round.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Main Event -Featherweights
Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA
WTKO2 (1:28)
Israel Rojas (9-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

Co-Feature – Super Middleweights
Ray Graceski (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (1:32)
Ralph Johnson (2-10, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jean Pierre Augstin (8-0-1, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Jose Humberto “Olympico” Corral (19-23, 12 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

Felix Martinez (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (3:00)
Bobby Favors (0-4), Cincinnati, OH

(185-pound) Catchweight
Richard Rivera (1-0, 1 KO), Hartford, CT
WTKO2 (2:48)
Davonte Hopkins (0-3), Philadelphia, PA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Brandon Montella (6-0, 5 KOs), Saugus, MA
WTKO2 (0:50)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-74-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Chuck Shearns (3-1, 2 KOs), Auburn, MA
WTKO1 (2:19)
Shavonte Dixon (0-2), Philadelphia, PA

(145-pound) CATCHWEIGHT
Wilfredo Pagan (1-0, 0 KOs), Southbridge, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
Alexander Picot (1-2-1, 0 KOs), Cidra, Puerto Rico

WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (2-0, 1 KO), East Hartford, CT
WKO2 (0:24)
Rafael Francis (0-9), Dorchester, MA

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ranse Andino 1-0, 0 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 39-37)
Jonathan Perez (2-1-1, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA

SPONSORS: Heavyweights – Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA Health Services; Lightweights – TKO Auto Repair, Atty. Stephen W. Debs.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, @KingRivera_
ABOUT RIVERA PROMOTIONS ENTERTAINMENT (RPE): Founded in 2016, Rivera Promotions Entertainment is owned and operated by one of Worcester’s all-time greatest boxers – 3-time, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera – along with his son, Anthonee “AJ” Rivera, whose collective goal is to bring boxing back to Worcester on a consistent basis, providing boxers a platform and fans a full entertainment experience.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Jan. 20th, 2017) — Four and a half years ago in Brooklyn, reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) champion Khiary Gray faced Courtney Pennington on enemy soil, not knowing they’d one day fight for a title in front of a sold-out crowd at one of the region’s premier destinations for professional boxing.

Though the details are still fuzzy on both sides — Pennington (9-4-1, 5 KOs) himself didn’t remember he had fought Gray (14-1, 11 KOs) until checking the name a second time — Gray is certain he won that night despite not getting the decision and is confident he’ll leave no doubt Saturday, Feb. 4th, 2017 when he defends his UBF International and Northeast Junior Middleweight Titles against Pennington at Twin River Casino.

“I won that fight in New York,” Gray said of his 2012 Long Island Amateur Boxing Championships match against Pennington.

“He couldn’t touch me. My defense was too much. I’m too slick. I have speed, power, and no one knows what type of fighter I am on fight day because I’m so multi-dimensional. I can box, or I can sit in the pocket and trade, but people are just going to have to see come fight day.”

The eight-round Gray-Pennington title bout headlines CES Boxing’s 2017 season opener, promoted in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, which promotes the Brooklyn-born Pennington.

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.

The fighter Pennington faces next month likely won’t resemble the raw, yet talented, amateur he fought four and a half years ago at the famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Gray has matured quickly both in and out of the ring since turning pro in 2014. The Worcester, Mass., native has fought 15 times in two and a half years, including three title bouts and his highly-touted network television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Through it all, the 24-year-old Gray learned more about himself in his Showtime loss to Ian Green, a devastating second-round knockout in a fight he dominated up until he got caught.

“That fight wasn’t me,” Gray admits. “I was rushing and just looking for a knockout. That loss made me realize what I really need to be doing.”

It also raised some doubts as to whether or not Gray wanted to continue pursuing a career in boxing. The aftermath of losing on national television was unlike anything he had anticipated. With Gray’s aura of invincibility shattered, some fans and friends turned their backs, but those who continued to support him through the ups and downs motivated him to stay the course and continue chasing his dream.

Gray jumped right back into the fire in October against the dangerous Chris Chatman, a popular ring villain in New England who had carved his niche as a spoiler against hometown fighters. Predicting he’d be “reborn” that night, Gray pushed his way through six hard rounds before knocking out Chatman in the seventh, a stunning finish to a career-defining 2016.

“That win put me right back where I’m supposed to be with the new up-and-coming fighters,” Gray said. “Winning by knockout makes me a fighter people need to watch.”

Gray is at the age where most contenders begin to make their anticipated climb to the top of their weight class. Three of the four major title-holders in the 154-pound division, twin brothers Jermell Charlo and Jermall Charlo and Canelo Alvarez, are 26. Rhode Island’s Demetrius Andrade, a world champion in 2013, is now 28 as he prepares for his next title shot against 31-year-old World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Jack Culcay in March.

The real push for Gray could begin this year, starting with his Feb. 4th bout against the gritty, battle-tested Pennington, who has built himself into a solid contender despite a limited amateur background. Gray has yet to back down from a challenge. He could’ve taken an easier fight after losing to Green, but instead faced Chatman, who pushed him to the limit before he landed the knockout blow in the seventh.

Pennington has a similar resume; he traveled to Jamaica in 2015 to face middleweight challenger Devon Moncrieffe on foreign soil and 10 months ago battled in-state rival Patrick Day at the famed Paramount Theater in New York. With losses in four of five bouts, Pennington challenged 15-1-1 Boyd Melson in November and righted the ship with a seventh-round knockout, a rebound eerily similar to Gray’s comeback win over Chatman.

“Nothing really stood out to me when fought Patrick Day,” Gray said, “but I like that he takes tough fights and by taking the fight with me, I respect him for that.”

The courtship ends there. On Feb. 4th, Gray steps back into his office between the ropes intent on continuing his climb to the top of the junior middleweight division. Nearly five years since his first fight against Pennington, Gray has earned the rematch on his terms and his turf with much higher stakes this time around.

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 and junior middleweight Anthony Marsella Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs) of Providence will be featured in separate 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.

New York, NY (1/20/17) – Dominican Felix Diaz (19-1, 9 KOs) ended a successful 2016 as a world ranked junior welterweight contender with another two impressive victories added to his ledger. He is determined to continue that momentum this year by facing the biggest challenges. The top name on his hit list remains WBC/WBO junior welterweight world champion Terence Crawford.

“I spent half of last year calling out Crawford. He went the easy route, facing John Molina, who entered their December title fight three pounds above the weight limit and was way overmatched. Now, it is time for Crawford to face a real challenge,” said Diaz.

“It doesn’t look like he’ll be fighting Pacquiao any time soon. I am highly ranked by the WBC and WBO, and I am willing to go to Omaha, if that’s what he wants. I respect Crawford as a champion and would love the opportunity to knock him out in his hometown. My promoter Lou DiBella is ready and willing to talk to Bob Arum to get a deal done. It would be a great fight for boxing fans. Let’s get it on.”

Diaz closed out last year fighting in his native Dominican Republic for the first time in three and a half years, breaking down his opponent en route to a TKO victory, on December 16, in Santo Domingo.

Prior to that, Diaz won a thrilling 10-round war against highly regarded, undefeated contender 21-0 Sammy Vasquez in Birmingham, AL. The bout was shown live on FOX, and served as the co-main event to Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense versus Chris Arreola.

The Vasquez fight came just nine months after Diaz lost a questionable majority decision to former IBF 140lb. champ Lamont Peterson in his adversary’s backyard. Wins over 15-1-1 Emmanuel Lartei, 13-2-2 Adrian Granados, and 23-1 Gabriel Bracero earned Diaz the shot against Peterson.

Following the win over Vasquez, Diaz, the only boxer to win an Olympic gold medal for the Dominican Republic, signed a long-term promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment. Ranked no. 5 by the WBC, no. 13 by the WBO and no. 15 by the IBF, Diaz is anxious to prove that he belongs among boxing’s elite.

“Arum and I have worked together for a long time,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Diaz facing Crawford is a very attractive fight, one that promises a lot of action, and I am confident that we can get it done. We’d be happy to fight on HBO and in Omaha, or anywhere else. While many fighters are avoiding Crawford, Diaz is ready for the challenge. The question is, does Crawford want it?”

“Terence Crawford is someone we’ve been going after for a while,” said Diaz’ manager Jose Nunez. “We would love the opportunity to fight for the world title. Diaz wants to face the best and the best at 140 pounds is Crawford. He continues to maintain his conditioning and will be ready when called, hopefully in April. It all depends on whether Crawford wants to step up to the challenge.”

ATLANTIC CITY (Jan.19, 2017) — Weights from Thursday’s weigh in at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino for Friday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation card that will be live on SHOWTIME® at 10 PM ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast)

Photos by Tom Casino / SHOWTIME

CLICK FOR FULL PHOTO GALLERY

Adam Lopez 121.6 – Danny Roman 122
(WBA Title Eliminator bout)

Ronald Ellis 167.4 – Christopher Brooker 167.4

Kenneth Sims, Jr. 139 – Emmanuel Robles 139.8

Leroy Davila 118.2 – Anthony Taylor 114.4
Keenan Smith 143 – Marquis Hawthorne 141.1
Anthony Young 150.2 – James Robinson 151.8
Stephon Young 120 – Olimjon Nazarov 119.6
Darmani Rock 250 – Solomon Maye 221
Malik Jackson 122.8 – Christian Foster 122.6

NOTE: Young was originally slated to open the ShoBox telecast in a matchup with Elton Dharry, who was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. Highlights of Young vs. Nazaroz will air in the ShoBox telecast.

Here is what the fighters had to say prior to the weigh-in:

Adam Lopez

“This fight it’s a title eliminator, but I learned my lesson. I had time to reflect on letting the IBF title chance slip away. Now I know what it is and what to do. My only focus is Danny Roman, once I get pass him, I’ll think of what’s next.

“This is my fifth time on the ShoBox series. In my last ShoBox appearance in July, I faced Roman Reynoso. It was a tough fight. We fought to a draw. I think I didn’t get the win because I was distracted. They told me the day of the fight, ‘if you win, you’ll get a shot to the IBF title.’ That made me a little nervous and I started thinking more about that, than about the guy in front of me.

“Reynoso had an awkward style. I caught him with a lot of good jabs, but I let myself open for his right hand. It was a hard fight. It was a good lesson and it was not a loss, but I didn’t get the chance to fight the IBF title. This time around, I’m better prepared, physically and mentally.

“I think speed is a big factor in this fight. I watched some tape on Roman. I’ve seen him in some fights. He looked great when he fought Erik Ruiz, but in his last fight in November, he looked good but he didn’t look phenomenal. When I watched that fight I saw that there are a lot of things I could pick apart.

“With Ronnie Shields, my trainer, we came up with a great strategy. We know Roman is a good body puncher, but we are ready for him.”

Danny Roman

“I think Adam Lopez is a good fighter. He can do a little bit of everything, but he’s not better than me. To be honest, I think he underestimates me. I don’t think he knows the type of fighter I am or the type of fighter I can be.

“I’m versatile. I’m here to win and I’ll do whatever it takes. If he tries to counterpunch me, I’ll counterpunch his counterpunch. If he stands up and boxes me, I’ll box him back. If he wants to brawl, I’ll brawl. It all depends on how he comes at me. Whatever he’s looking to do, I’m ready.

“This fight it’s very important to me. It’s on national television on SHOWTIME and it’s a title eliminator. There’s a lot at stake and I’m not taking that lightly.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I’ve trained for the best performance of my career and I’m not going to disappoint.”

Ronald Ellis

“I’m excited about this opportunity. Brooker’s style is perfect for me. You could say he’s tailor-made for me. I’ve been studying him and I know how to defeat him.

“I feel I can adjust well. I listen to my trainer and I execute. We have a good strategy and if we stick to our game plan, we’ll win on fight night.

“This fight is big for me. There are a lot of opportunities waiting for me if I defeat my opponent tomorrow. The 168 pounds division is hot. I was watching the Jack-DeGale fight on Saturday, and let me tell you. Those two have nothing on me. I could take them anytime.

“I’m not planning on giving up any rounds tomorrow. I don’t like to give up any rounds. I’m here to win. I trained for a 10-round fight — and we are fighting an eight-rounder. So you do the math. I’m ready. This is going to be a good fight.”

Christopher “Ice Cold” Brooker

“My last fight was a learning experience. I’m ready for my next chapter. I was looking for the knockout and when you look for the knockout like I did, you can get knocked out yourself. So that’s what happened. That forced me to go back to the drawing board and change my strategy. I learned from my mistakes.

“I don’t lose, I learn. That’s how I see my setbacks. Now Ellis is in front of me, and I’m ready. I’m very confident in my skills. I have good eyes. My punches always go where my opponent is. My peripherals are really good. I have what it takes to get the win.

“I’ve got some really good sparring partners, Jerry Odom among them. I also sparred with heavyweights.

“I know Ron Ellis is a good fighter, but I’m better. He’s an average fighter with average skills. I have very good eye-hand combination and I’m from Philly. I’m not scared to fight nobody.

“Getting a chance to fight on national television is a big deal for me. I’m not going to disappoint.”

Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr.

“This fight is the next step for me. I’m not taking my opponent lightly. I’ve been training hard. I’m ready for tomorrow.

“I know I’ve never been past the sixth round, but I always train for the distance. I’m ready to go 12. I’m in very good shape.

“I saw my opponent on TV. He’s a good fighter, but I can beat him. There’s nothing special about him. I’m more skilled.”

Emmanuel Robles

“I’m a San Diego guy. I’m tough. I feel my opponent is underrating me because I lost my last fight. But my credentials speak for themselves. I’ve been matched tough and I haven’t disappointed.

“I’m a boxer-puncher, and I know how to adjust. I know my opponent is fast and doesn’t like pressure. I’ve been studying him. I know what I’m up against and I’m ready for him. He’ll be surprised.

“I have a good game plan. I over-trained for my last fight. I was trying not to disappoint, but I learned my lesson.”

Promoters: GH3 Promotions, King’s Promotions, Thompson Boxing (Main event)
1st bell: 7:00 PM
Doors 6:30 PM
ShoBox: The New Generation Start time: 10 PM ET / PT

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Kings Promotions in association with Thompson Boxing (the main event) and Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel and Casino, are $125, $100 $75 & $50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 1-800-745-3000.

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

# # #

About ShoBox: The New Generation: Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

MONTREAL (Jan. 19, 2017) – Former IBF Middleweight Champion David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) will defend his NABO Middleweight title against Curtis ”The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens (29-5, 21 KOs) on Saturday, March 11 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The two athletes had their first face off during the Montreal press conference held earlier today.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup will go on sale January 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets for the March 11 HBO Boxing After Dark event are priced at $30, $45, $55 and $75 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster
(www.ticketmaster.com).

Here is what the participants had to say at today’s press conference:

DAVID LEMIEUX (36-3, 32 KOs), NABO Middleweight Champion:

“After all this talk, here we are. I’m so excited that this fight will finally be happening. We have big plans for 2017 and this will be the first step. I will make sure to take care of Stevens on March 11. Curtis Stevens came knocking on the wrong door.

“We didn’t refuse any fight. Nobody ducked you. We wanted the negotiations to be fair. So here we are. The fight is on. I am going to be ready. This fight is not going to go your way. It’s going to be a much harder fight than you are expecting. It’s not going to end well for you. This is a fight where I am going to be well prepared for. 2017 is going to be a big year for me and Steven is the first step. Then I will have much bigger steps to take care of. I’m going to be victorious. I’m going to be vicious. It’s a fight that all the fans will want to see. Stevens comes to fight. I come to fight. We’ll see who is stronger, who takes the punches better. It’s going to be exciting.”

CURTIS STEVENS (29-5, 21 KOs), WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Champion:

“It should be an excellent fight. He comes to fight. I come to fight. It should be a move to move battle. You are going to want to see this.”

MARC RAMSAY, Trainer of David Lemieux:

“This is a fight that boxing fans have been wanting to see for a long time. It didn’t pan out before now due to administrative reasons, because David was going after bigger fish. The timing is perfect. This is a fight which guarantees fireworks. What we have here are two good fighters and two great punchers.

“David resumed training in the gym almost immediately after his last fight because we knew a date would be announced soon. We didn’t waste any time and we are ahead of schedule in terms of our training program. We know Curtis quite well. He came over on numerous occasions for camps as a sparring partner. So we know what kind of challenge lies ahead and we expect David Lemieux to come up with a big win.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“This bout has been highly-awaited by boxing fans and we understand why. These are two athletes with explosive power, who have a high level of integrity towards their sport, and who are ready to face the best fighters. I can guarantee that there won’t be any dancing, running or ducking on March 11. Only two guys that are for real, that will go toe-to-toe. I will bet anything that this will be the fight or the knock out of the year.

“I am very excited about David fighting in the middleweight division which is THE top division in boxing today, with all these talented and explosive fighters. Major fights are coming and this is great news for boxing. It’s important that we offer quality fights to our fans and 2017 promises to be a spectacular year. We are proud to be part of such an event, on March 11.”

KATHY DUVA, Main Events CEO and promoter for Curtis Stevens:

“Main Events has always put together fights that boxing fans hope to see. That is what makes the sport so interesting. We are very happy that this bout between David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens will finally happen and we are very excited about it.”

ROBERT GASPARRI, Golden Boy Promotions Chief Operating Officer:

“The minute after David and Curtis fought on the Canelo vs Khan undercard, there was a buzz out there. These guys had to get into the ring. This fight had to happen. Everytime that these two heavy-handed fighters are on the ring, there are fireworks and it is always exciting. What a great main event it is going to be! David Lemieux vs Curtis Stevens has all the ingredients for a Fight of the Year candidate.”

Professional media requesting credentials for Lemieux vs. Stevens must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or
kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Lemieux vs. Stevens is a 12-round middleweight bout for the NABO Middleweight championship, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Main Events,and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/LemieuxVsStevens. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any video/image use.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.mainevents.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, and www.turningstone.com follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @main_events, @HBOboxing @TurningStone; and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/maineventsboxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort and visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @main_events and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #LemieuxStevens.

Rob Brant 158.2 lbs. vs. Alexis Hloros 160
WBA-NABA Middleweight Championship

Duarn Vue 128.6 lbs. vs. Lance Williams 130.8 lbs.
DeLorien Caraway 143.2 lbs. vs. Deonte Wilson 138.8 lbs.
Skender Halili 154 lbs. vs. Romon Barber 153.8 lbs.
Jose Homar Rios 133.8 lbs. vs. Matt Murphy 138.6 lbs.
Adrian Taylor 180.6 lbs. vs. Matt Chavez N/A

Venue: Grand Casino Hinckley, Hinckley, MN
Promoter: Greg Cohen Promotions

Tickets for “Grand Friday Night Fights” are priced at $800 Table, $100 Ringside, $50 Reserved and $35 General Admission and are available at grandcasinomn.com, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes Undefeated WBO NABO Heavyweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Jarrell Miller, Undefeated WBA NABA Middleweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Robert Brant, WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and top 5 world-rated contender Mason Menard, former WBA Interim World Lightweight Champion and top 10 world-rated contender Ismael Barroso, top 10 world-rated contender Rico Mueller, undefeated WBA International Bantamweight Champion and world-rated contender Mzuvukile Magwaca, WBO Oriental Super Welterweight Champion and world-rated contender Dennis Hogan, IBO World Featherweight Champion Lusanda Komanisi, former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion Kendall Holt, as well as current top 10 world-rated contenders cruiserweight Olanrewaju Durodola, Filipino Jr. Lightweight star Harmonito Dela Torre, Filipino Super Lightweight Czar Amonsot, and top 15 world-rated contenders featherweight world title challenger Eric Hunter and Guyanese bantamweight Elton Dharry.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Los Angeles – Jan. 19, 2017 – Here are the official weigh-in results for Legacy Fighting Alliance’s second event, which will be broadcast live tomorrow night on AXS TV FIGHTS at its new time slot, 9pE/6pP. Headlining the seven-fight televised main card is a bantamweight fight between Lazar Stojadinovic (11-5) and Mike Richman (18-6), who both made weight today.

In the co-main event, bantamweight Chico Camus (16-7) takes on Darrick Minner (17-5), whose stunning first-round submission at RFA 30 was featured in AXS TV’s “Fight of the Week:” http://bit.ly/FOTW_Minner

AXS TV FIGHTS commentators UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich and “The Voice” Michael Schiavello will call the action joined by cageside reporter Ron Kruck from the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Highlights from the night will be available on YouTube following the conclusion of the event.

The complete weigh-in results for AXS TV FIGHTS: LFA 2 are listed below, with each fighter’s record and official weight (in pounds) in parenthesis. Highlights from today’s weigh in are available to embed via YouTube here: http://bit.ly/LFA2_WeighIn

Televised Main Card:

Main Event – Featherweight Fight – Lazar Stojadinovic (11-5, 145.6) vs. Mike Richman (18-6, 145.2)

Co-Main Event – Bantamweight Fight – Darrick Minner (17-5, 136.2) vs. Chico Camus (16-7, 134.8)

Welterweight Fight – Damion Hill (12-5, 168.4) vs. Ben Neumann (11-4, 170.6)

Lightweight Fight – Matthew Marsh (4-1, 155.2) vs. Bobby Lee (5-0, 155.6)

Lightweight Fight – Billy Christianson (12-6, 158.2) vs. Brandon Jenkins (9-4, 155.8)

Bantamweight Fight – Lloyd McKinney (9-4, 135) vs. Mitch White (2-1, 135.8)

Strawweight Fight – Gabby Romero (0-1, 121.2) vs. Linsey Williams (0-0, 116)

Professional Undercard:

Lightweight Fight – Chris Mickle (33-21-2, 152.4) vs. Ben Locken (6-4, 155)

ABOUT AXS TV FIGHTS

AXS TV Fights presents more LIVE mixed martial arts and kickboxing events than any other television network with 45 scheduled LIVE world-class fight cards in 2017. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich call all the action and Ron Kruck reports from cageside as champions, challengers, and top prospects take center stage every Friday night at 10pE/7pP. AXS TV Fights can be found online, on Facebook and on Twitter. AXS TV is widely distributed in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Sling TV, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite, telco and streaming providers. The network is also carried in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

BROOKLYN (January 19, 2017) – This past Saturday, Jan. 14, Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, hosted the super middleweight unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale, who fought to a majority draw in front of a lively crowd of 10,128 fight fans.

It was a fitting launch to a new year of boxing as Barclays Center played host to some of the sport’s greatest moments in 2016. Nominations and awards, given by Premier Boxing Champions, ESPN.com, RING Magazine, and the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) feature Barclays Center boxing events in a variety of categories, including Fight of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Fighter of the Year, Comeback of the Year, and Round of the Year.

“After hosting four of 2016’s best fight cards, we are proud that many of Barclays Center’s major moments have been recognized by the boxing industry,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “2017 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for BROOKLYN BOXING.”

Barclays Center will continue its momentum with Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman in a welterweight unification matchup on March 4.

The list of the 2016 nominations and award wins are below:

Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka (January 16, 2016)
Knockout of the Year – PBC winner; ESPN.com and RING Magazine Nominee
Wilder knocked out Szpilka in round 9 and retained his WBC heavyweight title during Brooklyn’s first night of heavyweight championship boxing since 1900.

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter (June 25, 2016)
Fight of the Year – PBC Winner, ESPN.com Nominee, USA Today Boxing Junkie Honorable Mention, and Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
Round of the Year – RING Magazine Nominee (round 9)
Undefeated welterweight world champion Thurman edged former world champion Porter in a close but unanimous decision scored 115-113 by all three ringside judges. The showdown was the first CBS primetime boxing broadcast since Muhammad Ali vs. Leon Spinks I in 1978.

Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton (July 30, 2016)
Fight of the Year – Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
In a bout that became an instant classic, Frampton won a majority decision against Santa Cruz to take home the WBA Super World featherweight title on July 30, 2016 at Barclays Center.

Carl Frampton
Fighter of the Year – PBC, ESPN.com, and RING Magazine Winner; Boxing Writers Association of America Nominee
Frampton won two world titles in 2016 in two weight divisions against a pair of undefeated champions, including his defeat of Santa Cruz on July 30.

Mikey Garcia
Comeback of the Year – RING Magazine Nominee
Also fighting at Barclays Center on the Santa Cruz vs. Frampton card, Garcia scored a fifth-round TKO of Elio Rojas in his first bout in 2.5 years.

ABOUT BROOKLYN SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) develops and operates state-of-the-art venues and manages premier sports franchises, delivering dynamic content and experiences for audiences. BSE oversees programming, marketing, sales, and operations for Barclays Center and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum presented by New York Community Bank, and manages and controls the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and its Development League team, the Long Island Nets, as well as the business operations of the NHL’s New York Islanders.

Barclays Center, which opened on September 28, 2012, offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges, four clubs, and 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express.

The New Coliseum Presented by NYCB, scheduled to reopen April 5, 2017 after extensive renovation, will offer 13,000 seats for hockey, 13,500 for basketball, and 14,500 for standard concert configurations, with the ability to flex up. The bowl will have a theater seating option for 4,000 guests. With a focus on emerging businesses, BSE identifies and creates alliances, strategic partners and other business opportunities to ensure the success of its assets.

For additional information, please visit Brooklynse.com.

Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz sat down with SHOWTIME Sports® reporter Mark Kriegel as they prepare for their eagerly anticipated rematch next Saturday, Jan. 28, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The interviews are the latest in a reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel, featuring exclusive and in-depth interviews with boxing’s emerging stars.

Frampton, the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year who narrowly outpointed Santa Cruz to become a two-division titleholder last July on SHOWTIME, opens up about growing up during “The Troubles” in Belfast, his unique bond with Hall of Fame mentor Barry McGuigan, and how his legacy could forever be connected to Leo Santa Cruz.

A three-division world champion, Santa Cruz discusses the pain of his first defeat, the affect his father’s battle with cancer had on his training, his plans for the rematch and hope for a legendary rivalry.

Below are bites from the separate interviews:

KRIEGEL: “You make good on your father’s dream, and now you’re scared of him dying. The cancer – how did you train?”

SANTA CRUZ: “It was hard, it was hard to train, to concentrate. I still went to the gym and trained, (but) I didn’t train as hard. I didn’t train as the other fights because my dad wasn’t there. My dad was going to chemo, he was going to radiation…I thought to myself, maybe tomorrow he won’t wake up.”

KRIEGEL: “What did you tell your father after you lost?”

SANTA CRUZ: “I told my dad, sorry. I’m sorry we didn’t get the win and that I disappointed you. My dad told me, ‘that’s alright. You didn’t disappoint anybody. We’re going to get him in the rematch.’ ”

FRAMPTON INTERVIEW:
KRIEGEL: “Ali and Frazier had each other, Leonard and Duran had each other. In order to be recognized as a great fighter you need an epic antagonist. And for all the talk, you might actually have one in Leo.”

FRAMPTON: “I would like that – I would like a rivalry where in 20, 30 years from now people remember it. You always need a dance partner, and Leo Santa Cruz could be mine.”

KRIEGEL: Barry says you could end up as the greatest of all the Irish fighters. Aren’t you almost beyond that already? Aren’t the stakes already higher?

FRAMPTON: “No, potentially I could be. After Santa Cruz I want to continue to fight big names and be involved in big fights. There’s never been a Northern Irishman, apart from myself, to win a world title in two weight divisions. If I set my sights sometime in the future for the 130-pound division and become a three-weight world champion, I may feel comfortable calling myself the best Irish fighter of all time.”

KRIEGEL: “Barry represented a symbol of peace during one of the darkest times in Northern Ireland. What does Carl Frampton represent?”

FRAMPTON: “People want to look at me as a new figure for Northern Ireland. I’m a Protestant, married to a Catholic. This is a new age thing.”

# # #

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, Jan. 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.

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 now. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

ESPN and Golden Boy Promotions today announced a multi-year, international agreement for a series of fights to be televised live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The first fight, from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, is March 23. Fighters on the card will be announced soon.

“We are excited to announce this new agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, one of the world’s top promoters,” said Burke Magnus, executive vice president, programming and scheduling at ESPN. “ESPN and ESPN Deportes look forward to featuring a new series of exciting world-class matches, along with a deep and wide variety of studio and digital content, in this multi-year, exclusive live-fight package.

In the first year of the deal, ESPN will televise 18 fight cards throughout the U.S., in both English and Spanish, and on its wholly-owned and affiliated networks in Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, Australia and parts of Asia.

“ESPN is a flagship network with a history of showcasing and bringing audiences into the world of boxing, making this deal a natural fit for Golden Boy Promotions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Having worked with ESPN in the past, we know first-hand that its multiple TV and digital platforms represent a must-watch for casual and die-hard sports fans. I’m thrilled that Golden Boy’s talented stable of fighters will be showcased before a wide audience who will have the opportunity to watch and follow the sports’ current and future world champions.”

“From the moment Tecate partnered with Golden Boy in 2016, our mandate has been to bring fight fans closer to the action which has included interactive Fan Fests before major bouts and the immersive Bold Punch app,” said Gustavo Guerra, Tecate Brand Director. “Now we’re excited to play an integral role in giving fans more access to an incredible stable of boxing talent through Golden Boy Fight Night on ESPN.”

In addition to in-the-ring action, ESPN will also feature Golden Boy Media and Entertainment content on multiple platforms, including:

· Golden Boy’s Classic Fight Library
· In the Ring, half-hour interviews with a range of fighters
· Mano-A-Mano, an original half-hour series featuring fighter training
· The Ring TV Express, three-minute highlights of full fights
· Podcasts hosted by Oscar De La Hoya and other Golden Boy talent

“Boxing fans are always looking for new, dynamic content, and this alliance will give fans fresh and original programming across the most well-known platform in the sports world,” said David Tetreault, Executive Vice President of Media and Entertainment for Golden Boy Promotions.

GOLDEN BOY BOXING ON ESPN
Date
Network
3/23/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
4/1/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
4/20/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
5/5/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
5/18/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
6/17/2017
ESPN Deportes
6/30/2017
ESPN Deportes
7/7/2017
ESPN Deportes
7/15/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
8/4/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
8/18/2017
ESPN Deportes
9/15/2017
ESPN Deportes
9/30/2017
ESPN Deportes
10/19/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
11/2/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
11/16/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
11/30/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes
12/14/2017
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya.

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN Plaza includes 950,000 square feet in 16 buildings on 123 acres (116 contiguous), with additional office space (400,000 sq. ft.) rented nearby. The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. For more information, visit http://www.espn.com/boxing, @ESPNBoxing.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world. In its 15-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport.

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation’s leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of HEINEKEN International NV, the world’s most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken®, the world’s most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

ACCRA, GHANA, (January 19, 2017) In celebration of Ghana’s 60th Independent Anniversary, Streetwise Promotions in association with Errol Hawks Sports Management present an outstanding professional boxing event on Saturday, March 11 at the newly built Bukom Boxing Arena in the capital city of Ghana.

Featured on this extraordinary occasion in separate bouts will be Lightweight World Title Challenger, RICHARD COMMEY, (24-2-0, 22 KO’s), World Ranked Welterweight Contender, FREDRICK “GENERAL OKUNKA” LAWSON, (24-1-0, 20 KO’s), and Undefeated Bantamweight Prospect, DUKE MICAH, (19-0-0, 7 KO’s).

All three will be fighting for World Boxing Council (WBC) International Titles to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary on March 6.

This show will mark the beginning of a committed collaboration between the CEOs of Streetwise Promotions MICHAEL AMOO-BEDIAKO and Errol Hawk Sports Management JACOB ZWENNES to provide a global platform for young and talented Ghanaian boxers to showcase their skills on the world stage. AMOO-BEDIAKO noted the challenges Ghanaian boxers faced in recent years when they had to travel abroad to gain recognition.

Said AMOO-BEDIAKO “When I attended the recent WBC convention in Miami, I spoke to the WBC President MAURICIO SULAIMAN and Vice-Presidents MAURO BETTI and HOUCINE HOUICHI about Africa’s predicaments and they agreed with me and echoed my sentiments. They have agreed to support the idea of making Ghana an international destination for boxing and have been instrumental in providing their international titles to grace this show in March.”

Stated SULAIMAN, “The new era of boxing in Africa is here. The WBC stands tall and proud to support the efforts of Streetwise Promotions and Errol Hawk Management and celebrate this unbelievable boxing card in which three WBC International belts will be contested. Africa has always been a top priority to the WBC and my dear father JOSE SULAIMAN and Ghana has the inspiration of great heroes from the past like NANA KONADU, IKE QUARTEY and the greatest, The Professor, our hero AZUMAH NELSON.”

Richard Commey is very unlucky not to count himself a world champion after two controversial split decision verdicts against him in 2016. He will be fighting for the first time since being released by his former promoters Sauerland and looking to get back to fighting for a world title in the near future.

Frederick Lawson will also be on the comeback trail to claim his rightful position in the welterweight division after fully recovering from an injury sustained during his last fight in November 2015.

Lastly the infectious Duke “The Baby Faced Terminator” Micah, who is the current Commonwealth (British Empire) Bantamweight Champion is set to electrify the Bukom fight night and serve notice to the bantamweight division in 2017 that the kid dynamite has landed on the world stage.

More information on this outstanding event will be announced shortly.

Photo/Streetwise Management

SOCIAL MEDIA/Twitter
@RichardCommey
@Duke_Micha1
@WBCBoxing
@Mickey_Moo
@Streetwisemgt

Callum Smith says he is ready to fight any Super-Middleweight for the vacant WBC crown.

Smith is set to fight for the WBC strap next and travelled to New York to watch the unification battle between WBC champion Badou Jack and IBF king James DeGale MBE end in a thrilling draw.

In the ring after the fight, Jack and his promoter Floyd Mayweather declared that the Swede would move up to 175lbs and yesterday he vacated the title.

‘Mundo’ will now wait to see who he will meet for the crown, with former champion Anthony Dirrell number two in the rankings behind Smith and likely to want to regain the title he lost to Jack in April 2015 – and Smith is ready to take on anyone to get his hands on the belt.

“I said before the fight that I was in a good position and that’s still the case – my next fight is going to be for the World title, that hasn’t changed,” said Smith.

“A draw or a Jack win was always going to create an interesting scenario but the only thing I care about is fighting for the World title.

“A lot of people have backed me since day one to win a World title and it’s going to be great to get out next time and prove them right.

“It’s never been Badou Jack or James DeGale that I want to fight, it’s the World title that I want; it doesn’t matter to me who it is. Anthony Dirrell is the next in line and if it’s him then great, let’s do it.”

Smith landed the mandatory spot in April after destroying Hadillah Mohoumadi inside the opening round of their final eliminator in Liverpool. The 26 year old had hoped to get his hands on a World title fight straight away but with the proposed clash between Jack and DeGale taking longer to solve than anticipated, Smith has boxed three times since moving into the number one position.

The Merseyside talent believes those fights will prove to be important when he gets in the ring, as will the experience gained of being around his brothers Paul, Stephen and Liam when they have boxed for World titles.

“It’s taken me longer than I expected and I’ve had a few fights since getting the mandatory spot, but that’s boxing,” said Smith. “I’ve built up a bank of experience, I’ve had a few more camps, kept to the weight and now whomever it is, I’m ready for them.

“If I’d boxed for it straight after beating Mohoumadi people would have said I was perfectly prepared but just because I’ve had a few fights perhaps down a level that doesn’t mean I’ve not got even better. If I was to fight a so-called fringe level fighter I would get criticised for not fighting for the World title, so I am happy for the way that my career has gone and I believe I’m in a good place to win a belt.

“I’ve been in camp with my brothers fighting for world titles as well as Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg, and I’ve had worse nerves watching them than on any of my own fights. As stupid as it sounds, I feel like I’ve been there before as I’ve soaked it all up because I thought that I was going to fight for a world title when I turned pro so when it comes around it’s not going to be a big shock for me.”

Philadelphia, PA—It will be another old fashioned all-Philly rumble when lightweights Anthony Burgin and Avery Sparrow collide over eight rounds or less on Friday evening, March 10, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. First fight is 7.30 p.m.
“It may not be Bennie Briscoe vs. Cyclone Hart or Joey Giardello vs. George Benton, but it’s a start and Philly vs. Philly is what put our city on the boxing map years and years ago,” said promoter J Russell Peltz.
Burgin (left), 24, a pro for more than four years, is 10-2, 2 K0s, and comes into this fight after having beaten another Philadelphian, Gerald Smith, in his last fight Oct. 14 in the same ring. He also has beaten Philadelphians Frankie Trader, Ramon Ellis (twice) and Kenneth Brown.
In his only other fight in 2016, Burgin lost a four-round split decision to unbeaten DiVante Jones, of Augusta, GA, in a fight most of the crowd at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, thought he won clearly. Jones, now 9-0, has not boxed since.
“I am ecstatic to be headlining the fight card on March 10 and excited to be fighting Avery Sparrow,” Burgin said. “When two Philly guys face each other, a spectacular show is guaranteed and this fight will be no exception. I am going to make a statement.
“I’m only getting started and what you’re going to see from me in the future starts March 10. I haven’t been as active as I would like to be but I have fought great fights and tough opponents and it has only made me better. It’s only the beginning and 2017 is my year and nothing is going to stop me from grabbing what is already mine.”
Burgin is managed and trained by Raul “Chino” Rivas, whose excellent stable of fighters includes WBA junior lightweight champ Jason Sosa, junior lightweight contender Tevin Farmer, undefeated lightweight Stevie Ortiz and promising lightweight newcomer Victor Padilla.
Sparrow (right), 23, has had a rough career marked by long periods of inactivity. He will have been a pro for 32 months by fight time, but has only a 5-1 record (3 K0s) to show for it.
His only loss came late in 2015 in the same ring when he was disqualified after five rounds for low blows against lefty Jerome Rodriguez, of Allentown, PA. Sparrow was getting the better of it during the fight, but too many punches strayed low and referee Hurley McCall waved it off after numerous warnings and point deductions.
Sparrow has not boxed since March 26 when he knocked out hometowner Brandon Ruffin in one round in Charlotte, NC. Sparrow also has beaten Jesus Lule, a frequent rival of Philadelphia fighters.
“I’m down now, but after I win this fight, I should be on my way up,” Sparrow said. “I am grateful for this fight and a wonderful opportunity to showcase my talent. No one knows what this chance means to me. It’s much appreciated and it’s a blessing. This will help me get my career back on track. I want good fights to happen. It’s what Philly and boxing needs. I understand completely.”
Eight additional fights complete the card.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 19, 2017) – M-1 Global has announced that 2016 M-1 Grand Prix middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko will headline M-1 Challenge 75 in Moscow.

It has also been announced that American lightweight Keon “The Black Assassin” Caldwell will make his M-1 Global debut versus former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich.

M-1 Challenge 75 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Shlemenko (54-9-0. 1 NC, M-1: 4-0-0), a three-time Bellator champion, defeated former M-1 Challenge champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (see picture above with Shlemenko on right) last year in the M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship semifinals and championship final, respectively, by three-round majority decision and third-round submission (choke). Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky I & II were the M-1 Challenge 68 & 64 Fights of the Night.

In a much-anticipated All-Russian middleweight showdown, Shlemenko was supposed to fight reigning M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev, who was unfortunately injured during training camp, forcing him out of that match. Vasilevsky replaced Emeev against Shlemenko in the championship final.

In his last action, Shlemenko stopped Kendall Grove in the second round of their main event fight on Bellator 162 last October in Memphis, Tennessee.

“Alexander Shlemenko fighting in Russia is always a significant event,” M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein said, “as he is a true legend of Russian MMA. His fights always sellout arenas, no matter who his opponent. We all know that the story we started last year at M<-1 Grand Prix 2016 isn't over, yet. The whole country is waiting for the fight between Russia's two best middleweights - Alexander Shlemenko and Ramazan Emeev. "Ramazan was injured and Shlemenko had contractual obligations with Bellator. So, throughout the past month, we were waiting for Shlemenko to receive permission to fight in Russia. Now, we have arranged for him to fight on M-1 Challenge 75. We've done a great job to make this possible and now hope that, this time, we will be able to complete this exciting story." Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), of Russia, will defend his title against an opponent to be announced, due to originally announced Kazakh challenger, unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), withdrawing due to a knee injury. Russian welterweight prospect Sergey "Streetfighter" Romanov (10-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) faces Russian veteran Magomed "The White Wolf" Sultanakhmedov (18-5-0, M-1: 10-1-0) on the M-1 Challenge 75 card. Caldwell (11-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), fighting out of Georgia, is the US-based Island Fights champion. A powerful puncher who has nine knockouts in his 11 pro victories, Caldwell was supposed to compete in the 13th season of The Ultimate Fighter, but he withdrew due to personal reasons. He has had several fights in World Series of Fighting. A Ukrainian fighting out of Moscow, Divnich captured the vacant M-1 Challenge lightweight title in 2014 at M-1 Challenge 54, stopping Dzhambulat Kurbanov in the third round on punches in the Fight of the Night. In 2015, Divnich lost his first title defense by third-round knockout to Mansour Barnaoui at M-1 Challenge 57. In his last fight, Artiom Damkovsky knocked out Divnich with a kick in the second-round of their fight this past September at M-1 Challenge 70. INFORMATION: www.M1Global.tv www.mixfight.ru www.wmmaa.org Twitter & Instagram: @M1GlobalNews @VFinkelchtein @M1Global Facebook: www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR: M-1 Challenge 74 - Feb. 18, 2017 - St. Petersburg, Russia M-1 Challenge 75 - March 3, 2017 - Moscow, Russia ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world's next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport's top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport. ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

On Saturday, February 11, at Jalisco Guadalajara Arena in Guadalajara, Mexico, a trio of well-established promoters, Eddie Reynoso of Clase y Talento Boxeo, Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions and Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, will team up to present a night of world-class boxing featuring some of Latin America’s future champions.

The event will be presented in association with and broadcast by RingTV.com and TyC Sports of Argentina for the 25th anniversary of their popular Boxeo De Primera to most of North and South America.

In the explosive 10-round main event, Buenos Aires, Argentina’s undefeated Juan Jose “El Pitbull” Velasco (14-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBA Fedebol Welterweight Championship against once-beaten Fernando “El Cacho” Marin (13-1-3, 9 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

In the eight-round super featherweight co-main event, Córdoba, Argentina’s Jose Matias Romero (12-0, 5 KOs) will take on Guadalajara’s Bernardo “Benny” Gomez Uribe (18-6, 11 KOs).

On the exciting undercard will be a six-round lightweight scrap between Los Mochis, México’s Jairo “Jimmy” Llanes (9-1-1, 8 KOs) facing Emmanuel “El Guerrero” Valenzuela (4-5, 2 KOs) of Ciudad Obregón, México; and eight-round heavyweight battle featuring Guadalajara’s undefeated Filiberto “Chiquilín” Tovar (5-0, 2 KOs) taking on Lawrence Elizondo (8-1, 3 KOs) of Monterrey, México; an “all Guadalajara” six-round super featherweight bout between Heliodoro Napoles (2-2, 1 KOs) and Carlos Mauricio Rochas (1-2).

Five four-round bouts will open the show, featuring super featherweights Alexander Villa (3-0, 3 KOs) of Guadalajara and Zapopan, Mexico’s Hugo Barajas (0-2); featherweights Jair Campos (1-0, 1 KO) of Tepic, Nayarit and Guadalajara’s Leonardo Cervantes (1-8); as well as three more “All Guadalajara” match-ups, including junior middleweights Oscar Larios (Pro Debut) and Juan Carlos González (Pro Debut); welterweights Walter Loera (1-0, 1 KO) and Angel Fernando Lambarena (0-1); and lightweights Jose Manuel Garcia (1-0, 1 KOs) and Luis Guzman (0-1).

“I am very proud to be part of this event and to be working with my esteemed partners, Eddie Reynoso of Clase y Talento Boxeo and Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “It is our intention to make this into a series of shows that showcase the best of boxing’s new talent. Guadalajara is a beautiful place with so many knowledgeable boxing fans. I’m very much looking forward to a great night.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

Russian cruiserweight Alexey Zubov knows what’s at stake when he enters the ring this Sunday in Detroit.

With a second chance in a nationally televised fight possibly looming on the nearby horizon, Zubov (13-1, 8 KOs) from Magnitogorsk, Russia, will face Budapest, Hungary’s Andras Csomor (18-14-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Zubov vs. Csomor will be one of the main supporting bouts in promoter Dmitriy Salita’s special Sunday edition of his “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, at Masonic Temple. In the night’s eight-round main event, Detroit’s perennial welterweight gate keeper and fan favorite Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) will face Nagykanizsa, Hungary’s Istvan Dernanecz (10-4, 7 KOs). in the eight-round co-main event Detroit bantamweight James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will face Kiskunfelegyhaza, Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai (10-3-1, 5 KOs).

Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $80, $60, $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.

For this training camp, Zubov worked with his trainer, the late Emanuel Steward’s nephew Javan “Sugar” Hill, as he helped prepare former WBC super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell for his recent fight.

“Everything was perfect in my training this time,” said Zubov. “I love working with Javan, he has helped me grow so much as a fighter. And Anthony Dirrell taught me a great deal as well. I will be showing what I’ve learned this Sunday.”

Although he’s not taking him lightly, the formerly heavily decorated amateur Zubov says his studies of opponent Csomor haven’t revealed much he hasn’t seen before.

“I’ve watched a little bit of him on tape and he does nothing out of the ordinary. I’ve fought guys like him before who have the same style. And I always handle them very well.”

Zubov, looking to face the likes of WBO champ Oleksandr Usyk, countryman Denis Lebedev, or any of the division’s other big names, says his return to national television will be nothing like the first time. Zubov suffered his only career loss, a unanimous decision to Moldova’s Constantin Bejenaru, last April at the Turning Stone in Verona, New York and live on ShoBox.

“I was nervous. I never fought on a big show before that and I choked up,” explained Zubov of the loss. Next time will be totally different. I have been around big-time boxing on big shows enough times now. I will be ready.”

Also seeing action that night will be former cruiserweight world title challenger “Hurricane” Junior Wright (15-2-1, 12 KOs) from Evanston, Illinois, making his heavyweight debut against Detroit’s Damon McCreary (15-6, 11 KOs) in a six-rounder.

In a bantamweight six-rounder, undefeated bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Angel Carvajal (2-5).

In a super lightweight four, Detroit’s rejuvenated “Lightning” Larry Ventus (7-11-1, 3 KOs) will face Florida’s iron-jawed Jesus Lule (9-20-1, 1 KO).

Popular and undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes (4-0, 2 KOs) of Flint, Michigan, is scheduled to fight Macon, Georgia’s Bryan Goldsby (3-1).

Undefeated Alabama super featherweight Dwayne Zeigler (5-0-1, 5 KOs) will face Aaron Hollis (3-3, 2 KOs) of Cincinnati in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Kronk welterweight Jacob Bonas (2-0-1, 1 KO), Toledo super middleweight DeAndre Ware (8-0, 6 KOs) and undefeated Detroit heavyweight Marcus Carter (1-0, 1 KO) will face opponents that are yet to be announced.

On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit.

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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.

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MAIN EVENT

Featherweights (6)
Irvin Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA 128.2 lbs.
Israel “Tigre” Rojas (9-14, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 131 lbs.

CO-FEATURE

Super Middleweights (6)
Ray “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA 172.8 lbs.
Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO), Worcester, MA 170.6 lbs.

UNDERCARD (all 4)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA by way of Haiti 219.2 lbs.
Jose Humberto Corral (19-22, 12 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 214.8 lbs.

Felix Martinez (pro debut), Worcester, MA 223.6 lbs.
Bobby Favors (0-3), Cincinnati, OH 393.2 lbs.

(185-pound) Catchweight
Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (pro debut), Hartford, CT 182.4 lbs.
Davonte Hopkins (0-2), Philadelphia, PA 180.6 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs), Saugus, MA 174.4 lbs.
Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 174.2 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
“Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO), Auburn, MA 155.6 lbs.
Shavonte Dixon (0-1), Philadelphia, PA 149.4 lbs.

(145-pound) CATCHWEIGHT
Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (pro debut), Southbridge, MA 144.6 lbs.
Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs), Cidra, Puerto Rico 143.2 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (1-0, 0 KOs), East Hartford, CT 144 lbs.
Rafael Francis (0-8), Dorchester, MA 148 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Ranse Andino (pro debut), Worcester, MA 124.4 lbs.
Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA 123.4 lbs.

Luis “Pancho” Santiago (pro debut), Springfield, MA 126.4 lbs.
Jonathan Ramos (0-2), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 119.2 lbs.

WHAT: “New England’s Future” professional boxing event

WHEN: Thursday, January 19, 2017

WHERE: Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St., Worcester, MA

PROMOTER: Rivera Promotions Entertainment

DOORS OPEN: 6:30 P.M. ET

FIRST BOUT: 7:30 p.m. ET

TICKETS: $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (general admission), on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954) of AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269). A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

SPONSORS: Heavyweights – Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA Health Services; Lightweights – TKO Auto Repair, Atty. Stephen W. Debs.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp, @KingRivera