MONTREAL (November 26, 2016) – A settlement has been reached between Lucian Bute and the District of Columbia Athletic Commission, several months after an initial anti-doping test result was announcement regarding traces of Ostarin found in Bute’s urine samples this past May.

Following the World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight world title bout between defending champion Badou Jack and challenger Bute, which ended in a draw, a positive test result was announced to the general surprise of Bute.

Since then, however, in-depth analyses has demonstrated beyond all doubt that this result was due to contamination of nutritional supplements, prescribed by Bute’s conditioning trainer and created by a laboratory in California.

All this information has been favorably received by the authorities of the Athletic Commission of the District of Columbia.

As a result of communications between the parties involved, an agreement was reached:

Lucian Bute voluntarily agrees to contribute $50,000 (USD), within a period not exceeding 90 days, to the WBC Clean Boxing Program (CBP).

Lucian Bute also agrees that his boxer license from the Athletic Commission of the District of Columbia be suspended for a period of six months, dating back to May 6, 2016.

The athletic commission therefore agrees to reject the disputed case immediately with the compromise reached between the parties and does not in any way consider that this compromise constitutes an admission on the part of Lucian Bute of the alleged facts or circumstances.

Lucian Bute intends to pay his voluntary contribution to the WBC CBP without delay and as the six-month suspension period of his boxing license from the District of Columbia ended November 6, he may now box at the place and time of his choice right now. The case is now permanently closed.

“I am extremely happy that everything is now over,” former IBF world champion Bute said. “I would like to thank my family and my spouse, Helena, all members of my team, Christian Ganescu, the Grant brothers, Groupe Yvon Michel, my manager, Al Haymon, my lawyer, Howard Jacob, and my friends, fans and supporters who were many to support me and to encourage and trust me during these dark and painful hours of my life. I would also like to thank the members of the Athletic Committee of the District of Columbia and its Chairman, Mr. Adam Weers, for listening and understanding, as well as WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for giving me the benefit of the doubt and keeping me in the rankings of the best super middleweight challengers,”

In spite of this difficult period, Bute has continued training and he is more determined than ever to take the road back to regaining his world title. Bute is ready to face anyone who will stand between him and his goals.

“I am surrounded by the best team to guide me, ” Bute concluded. “I have, more than ever, the enthusiasm and will to fight. I have a lot of years ahead of me and I cannot wait to get back into the ring in early 2017.”

26-year-old Toronto-native Kareem Hackett returns to the ring with plenty to prove.

Years of mismanagement has offset continuous progress on the part of one of the Ontario province’s most promising boxing talents. Hackett made his ring debut in Detroit on October 17, 2013 against a man sixteen years his elder in Charles Fisher. As anticipated by those around him, Hackett broke down an ultimately inferior opponent and stopped him in the second round.

He was supposed to move on in search of greater opposition and higher accomplishments. But a lack of proper guidance kept him from getting the developmental fights he needed to move forward.

In fact, Hackett has not competed since then. That hasn’t stopped him from lacing up the gloves, though. He received invaluable experience sparring at the Wild Card Boxing Club, where he garnered the recognition of Freddie Roach and Eric Brown as an intriguing fighter. He traded blows with world class middleweights: Peter Quillin, Sergio Mora, and Matthew Macklin, as well as bright prospects from higher weight classes like Dmitry Bivol, Egor Mekhontsev, and Shane Mosley Jr.

Hackett intends to scale the light heavyweight limit of 175-lbs. However, getting comfortable with making that weight will take a little while, with the focus being on getting acclimated to the pro circuit for the first bout or two following his return. The well-schooled southpaw will return at a catchweight of 190-lbs against Jorge Perez tomorrow in Tijuana, Mexico. He will box twice more before the end of January if all goes as planned.

Hackett currently trains under the guidance of former IBF & WBO Heavyweight champion Chris Byrd. Famous for his own tear through the heavyweight ranks in the late 1990s and his title win over Vitali Klitschko in 2000, Byrd sees similarities between himself and Hackett and feels he can polish his skills as he swings back through the ropes. With just forty-five amateur fights, but a respectable 40-5 ledger at that, Hackett showed plenty of potential as a teenager even if he will be learning on the job as far as professional prizefighting goes.

In his return, Hackett is hoping to showcase his improved defensive skills, which has recently earned him comparisons to another slick southpaw in two-division champion Pernell Whittaker.

If he can touch on emulating “Sweet Pea” in the ring, it will be a sweet comeback for Hackett. He wants to show all of his supporters he hasn’t skipped a beat, and move just a little closer to putting his name alongside the greats of Canadian boxing. With a successful 2017, there is no doubt that Kareem Hackett will get fast-tracked to a title shot on account of his age, pedigree, and of course his dedication.

Americans can expect to hear this man’s name more in the very near future.

Katie Taylor says she feels in the best shape of her life as begins her professional boxing career tomorrow night against Karina Kopinska at The SSE Arena, Wembley, live on Sky Sports.

Kopinska, the 27 year old Pole entering her 25th pro bout, promising to provide an early examination of Taylor having taken the WBC Super-Featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom the distance and will be boxing for the second time in London.

While Taylor is fully focused on the job in hand, it’s impossible not to look at the future of Irish boxing with huge optimism. Taylor’s Olympic teammates Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes turned over recently, and there’s excitement brewing over the possibility of some huge Irish fight nights – providing Kopinska is dealt with first.

“Karina is an experienced pro and has been in with the best of them, some really top contenders, so it’s a good challenge for me and I feel better than ever,” said Taylor.

“There’s a few rivalries out there already. I beat Sofya Ochigava at London 2012, she has turned pro and she’s an excellent fighter. We always got on but obviously when the rivalry starts you naturally keep your distance a bit, but she’s a great girl and a fantastic boxer, and if we did fight again down the line it would be a huge event for women’s boxing.

“It’s big names turning over with huge profiles already and I think that all the guys can become World champions too, Michael and Paddy have great chances to reach the top so it’s an exciting time for all of us – I’d love for us to fight on each other’s bills down the line, we could have some really huge fights in Ireland.

“I’ll box anyone anywhere in the world, it doesn’t bother me. I would love to fight in Las Vegas, New York, and at The O2 in Dublin and Croke Park, who knows? It’s all about building for the future, and there’s no future without winning tomorrow and getting the ball rolling.”

Taylor’s clash with Kopinska is part of a huge night of action in London as John Wayne Hibbert and Martin Gethin clash in a must-win Super-Lightweight fight.

Ohara Davies faces a huge step-up as he challenges WBC Silver Super-Lightweight champion Andrea Scarpa, Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Ronnie Clark, Ben Hall faces American danger man Carson Jones, Reece Bellotti meets Ian Bailey for the vacant English Featherweight crown, and unbeaten youngsters Jake Ball, Craig Richards and Ted Cheeseman look to end 2016 with a bang. Conor Benn has been forced off the bill with shingles.

Tickets for November 26 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 available from www.ssearena.co.uk or by calling 0844 815 0815. £150 VIP tickets are available exclusively via www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for November 26 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

[ENDS]

RUNNING ORDER – WEMBLEY – 26 NOVEMBER 2016

4.30pm 6 x 3 mins Flyweight Contest
CHARLIE EDWARDS (8st 6lbs 2oz) v GEORGI GEORGIEV (8st 2lbs)
(Epsom) (Bulgaria)

4.50pm 6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
CRAIG RICHARDS (11st 13lbs 1oz) v BRONISLAV KUBIN (12st 4lbs 1oz)
(Crystal Palace) (Czech Republic)

5.10pm 6 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest
FELIX CASH (11st 8ls 7oz) v SAM WALL (11st 7lbs 3oz)
(Wokingham) (Maidenhead)

5.30pm 10 x 3 mins Eliminator for English Super-Welterweight Championship
TED CHEESEMAN (10st 13lbs 5oz) v LLOYD ELLETT (10st 13lbs 7oz)
(Bermondsey) (Brighton)

6.20pm 10 x 3 mins Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Contest
JAKE BALL (12st 5lbs 1oz) v JJ MCDONAGH (12st 5lbs)
(Guildford) (Mullingar)

7.10pm 10 x 3 mins Eliminator for English Featherweight Championship @ 9st
REECE BELLOTTI (9st)* v IAN BAILEY (8st 13lbs 4oz)
(Watford) (Slough)
*Bellotti made the weight at the second attempt, weighed ½ pound heavy first time
FLOAT 4 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest
DANNY DIGNUM (12st 3lbs 4oz) v JIMMY WHITE (12st 5lbs 7oz)
(Brentwood) (Cardiff)

LIVE FLOAT 4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight Contest
JACK HEALY (10st 6st 7oz) v CHRIS ADAWAY (10st 2st 9oz)
(Grays) (Plymouth)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 2 FROM 8PM
10 x 3 mins Vacant WBC International Silver Super-Welterweight Contest
BEN HALL (11st) v CARSON JONES (10st 12lbs 2oz)
(Chadwell Heath) (USA)
Followed by:
12 x 3 mins British Super-Featherweight Championship
MARTIN J WARD (9st 3lbs 7oz) v RONNIE CLARKE (9st 3lbs 3oz)
(Brentwood) (Dundee)
Followed by:
6 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight Contest
KATIE TAYLOR (9st 6lbs 7oz) v KARINA KOPINSKA (9st 5lbs 8oz)
(Dublin) (Poland)
Followed by:
12 x 3 mins WBC Silver Super-Lightweight Championship
ANDREA SCARPA (9st 13lbs 3oz) v OHARA DAVIES (9st 13lbs 6oz)
(Italy) (Hackney)
Followed by:
12 x 3 mins TBC Super-Lightweight Championship
JOHN WAYNE HIBBERT (9st 13lbs 5oz) v MARTIN GETHIN (9st 13lbs 2oz)
(Horndon-on-the Hill) (Walsall)

David Haye and Tony Bellew will clash in a Heavyweight blockbuster at The O2 in London on March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The big-hitting pair will finally settle their differences in the ring having clashed explosively on Sky Sports in Liverpool in October when Bellew defended his WBC World Cruiserweight title against BJ Flores, with the Liverpool star calling Haye out after knocking Flores out. Haye and Bellew exchanged angry words and had to be separated by security – but on March 4 there will be no parting them.
Former two-weight World champion Haye returned from a three and a half year absence from the ring in January at The O2 with a first round KO win over Mark De Mori, following that in the same setting four months later with a second round KO win over Arnold Gjergjaj. The ‘Hayemaker’ has dominated the ring for over a decade, crowned the Cruiserweight King, unifying the division in March 2008 with a fine win over Enzo Maccarinelli again at The O2. Then added The WBA World Heavyweight Championship to his impressive CV 18 months later against Nikolai Valuev – becoming the second boxer in history to win World Titles at both weight divisions.
“The public demand for me to violently knockout Tony ‘The Bell-End’ Bellew was simply too strong,” said Haye. “The country is fed up of his constant yapping. Even in his home town of Liverpool, I would be stopped in the street by people begging me to spectacularly send him into retirement.

“Bellew is completely delusional if he thinks he can beat me. He still thinks he’s on the set of Creed and there will be some kind of Rocky style happy ending. But come March 4th at The 02 in London I will bring reality crashing down on him.

“I’ve earned my credentials the hard way inside the ring, not on film sets. There will be no second takes, no stunt men taking the blows and no flashing lights on the red carpet, the only lights Bellew will see are those of the spot lights shining down on him when he wakes up from his nap on the canvas.”

Bellew became a World champion in stunning fashion in the summer when he climbed off the canvas in the first round against hard-hitting Ilunga Makabu to win the WBC Cruiserweight title with a devastating third round KO at Goodison Park in May – the home of his beloved Everton FC. ‘The Bomber’s’ success came at the third attempt having twice boxed for World titles at Light-Heavyweight before moving to Cruiserweight where he exacted revenge for one of his World title reverses against old rival Nathan Cleverly then landing the European crown against Mateusz Masternak before becoming World champion.

“I’ve backed him into a corner, left him nowhere to go, and now I have what I want,” said Bellew. “I’m not under any illusions, I know exactly what I am going up against, it’s big risk, big reward.

“I cop him with my best punch, he’s going to sleep. He cops me with his best punch, more than likely I am going to sleep too. I know what I am up against but the big factor for me is, I’m a very active fighter, I’ve had no breaks and I’ve got very little wear and tear on me. If it comes down to a question of heart and determination I win hands down. If it comes down to one punch, it’s a 50-50.

“He hasn’t been in a hard fight for over five years. The last time he had a gut check, he failed it. Going into this fight I 100 per cent know that he does not want it as much as me and he is not going to be as brave as me.

“Everyone knows I get off the floor and I fight until the finish. I know the minute it gets tough for David Haye, he’s going to spew it. He thinks he can beat me up in one round with one hand. He’s in for a rude awakening, because if this fight gets hard, and I expect it to be the hardest night of my life, this clown expects a walk in the park and he’s in for a bad night.”

“This is just a huge, huge fight,” said Eddie Hearn. “One of the best Heavyweights in the world against the best Cruiserweight in the world. An explosion of concussive punchers riddled with bad blood and desperate to score a knockout victory. The build-up will be electric as will fight night, I like millions of fight fans around the world cannot wait!”

“This is quite simply a must-see fight,” said Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Two of the biggest personalities and punchers in world boxing will collide in a cracking confrontation which has everything. Both men have been fantastic pundits for us in 2016 and it’s fitting that we’ll show their heavyweight bout exclusively live in what should be a rocking O2 Arena.”

Tickets go on sale on Monday November 28 at 10am to O2 Priority members at www.theO2.co.uk.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday November 29 at 10am to Matchroom Fight Pass via LINK: and the venue and AXS pre-sale before tickets go on general sale at www.theO2.co.uk.

Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday November 30 at 10am from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Tickets are priced £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £500. Inner Ringside VIP tickets are priced £1000, £2000 (second row) and £2500 (front row)

LONDON (25 November) – Pound-for-pound star Vasyl Lomachenko expects a very difficult night’s work when he steps in against the formidable Nicholas Walters.

The pair clash this Saturday, in what is one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated bouts, leading a stunning triple-header on BoxNation which also sees Terry Flanagan defend his WBO lightweight world title against Orlando Cruz earlier in the day, with Bradley Skeete and John Thain doing battle for the British welterweight title exclusively live tonight.

Super-featherweight world champion Lomachenko has constantly looked to test himself against the very best since turning professional in 2013 and against the undefeated Walters he is expecting to see out an early blitz before stopping the former WBA Super champion.

“I think it is going to be very, very hard for me in the first four rounds, then after that I will be trying to terminate the bout,” said Lomachenko.

“This is a very important bout for me because many boxing experts and many people in boxing rank Walters as the highest-rated fighter in our division.

“He is a very hard puncher and a very good boxer and for me it’s a very important thing to fight the best and it’s very important for me because everyone says he is a very good fighter,” he said.

‘Axe Man’ Walters is among the hard-hitters around, with 21 knockouts in his 26 wins, including impressive stoppages over Nonito Donaire and Vic Darchinyan.

The 30-year-old Jamaican, who has not fought in nearly a year, is undaunted at going in against Lomachenko, a two-weight world champion after just seven bouts, the second of which was a split decision loss to Orlando Salido, something Walters wants to exploit.

“As a fighter I have always been in the gym working out so the layoff wouldn’t even bother me and I wouldn’t take the fight if I thought I wasn’t going to be ready,“ said Walters.

“I don’t think this is a different Lomachenko from the guy that lost to Salido – he is the same Lomachenko. They say a leopard cannot change his spots right?

“Since he did lose to Salido, he can be as technical as he wants, but I am in the hurt business – this is a gladiator sport and I fight all of my fights like that, I fight like a gladiator.

“He can come in with his technical fight on Saturday and I am going to be up for it and put on a helluva show on Saturday night,” Walters said.

BoxNation is crammed with live fight action starting tonight when 29-year-old Skeete looks to advance his claim as one of Britain’s best 147-pounders when he faces Edinburgh fighter Thain for the British title at The Brentwood Centre in Essex.

Middleweight Lee Markham takes on Andrew Robinson for the English title on the card, with exciting youngster Boy Jones Junior facing Martin Hillman.

Saturday night will see the return of lightweight world champion ‘Turbo’ Flanagan as he defends his title against Puerto Rican hotshot Cruz, with the Manchester boxer hoping to put on a show at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

Unbeaten Liam Williams will be up against Hungarian Gabor Gorbics for the vacant WBO European super-welterweight title, with the skilled and undefeated Tommy Langford sharing the ring with Sam Sheedy for the British middleweight title.

Using the code ‘BlackFriday’ new BoxNation subscribers on the Sky platform will be able to join the channel with no registration fee up until midnight on Saturday 26th November.

‘The Channel of Champions’ has an incredible lineup of live fights coming up including lightweight superstar Terrence Crawford v John Molina and the final fight of the legendary Bernard Hopkins who challenges Joe Smith Jr next month.

BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/Online & App) is available 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.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

BRENTWOOD RUNNING ORDER
(APPROXIMATE TIMES ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Fight # 1 – 18:15 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
NATHANAEL WILSON V JOSH THORN

Fight # 2 – 18:45 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
CHARLIE DRISCOLL V DAN CARR

Fight # 3 – 19:10 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
BILLY LONG V DEAN GILLEN

Fight # 4 – 19:40 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
JOHNNY COYLE 10st 6lbs V NELSON ALTAMIRANO

Fight # 5 – 20:10 hrs
THE VACANT SOUTHERN AREA SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
BOY JONES JNR 9st 2lbs V MARTIN HILLMAN 9st 1lbs

Fight # 6 – 21:00 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
ANTHONY YARDE 12st 10lbs V FERENC ALBERT 12st 7lbs

Fight # 7 – 21:30 hrs
THE ENGLISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 160 lbs
LEE MARKHAM 11st 5lbs V ANDREW ROBINSON 11st 3lbs

Fight # 8 – 22:20 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest
SANJEEV SAHOTA 9st 10lbs V GYULA TALLOSI 9st 11lbs

Fight # 9 – 22:45 hrs
THE BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
BRADLEY SKEETE 10st 6lbs V JOHN THAIN 10st 5lbs

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

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

Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz is determined to make history by becoming boxing’s first openly gay World Champion. Cruz challenges WBO World Lightweight king Terry Flanagan this Saturday at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 5ft 4in southpaw became the first openly gay active boxer when he came out three years and says he is ready for another shot at making history after losing to Orlando Salido in a clash for the Vacant WBO World Featherweight Championship back in 2013.

“Terry Flanagan is a true World Champion and will defend his title with everything he has,” said Cruz. “However, I am prepared and ready for victory and to be crowned the new World Champion. I want to inspire the gay community by becoming a World Champion on Saturday.

“Terry is a great Champion and a real people’s person. More importantly, he respects my life and my choices. He sees the man boxing him and that is it. Everyone has been very supportive since I came out three years ago. I have the support of my family, friends and fans.

“When I look at my story, it makes me hopeful that more people will be inspired to come out. Right now my focus is fully on the big fight on Saturday and winning the WBO Lightweight belt.

“I’ve been feeling the love from the British people since I arrived here on Monday. Everyone has been very welcoming to me and I have nothing but respect for them. I am very happy to be here in Cardiff and fighting for another World title.”

Cruz and Flanagan top a huge night of action at the Motorpoint Arena; local hero Liam Williams takes on Gabor Gorbics for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight title; Liverpool’s Tom Stalker makes the first defence of his European Lightweight strap against long-term rival Craig Evans; Birmingham’s Tommy Langford faces-off with Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight title and undefeated Super-Bantamweight ace Kid Galahad continues his comeback with an eight rounder.

Wales is well represented on a stacked undercard; Gary Lockett-trained Middleweight Alex Hughes looks to go 9-0, Super-Flyweight Jay Harris looks to build on his explosive KO win at the Cardiff Ice Arena last time out and 5-0 Barry Lightweight Jason Sillett looks to impress on home soil. Ricky Hatton Heavyweight prodigy Nathan Gorman aims for another explosive KO and Market Harborough Super-Welterweight Rueben Arrowsmith looks to rack-up another win.

Remaining tickets for Saturday priced £40, £70, £100, £150 and £200 are available from www.motorpointarena.com (029 2022 4488), www.eventim.com (0844 249 1000) and www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 8440 444).

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

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

Fast-moving street and sportswear retailer Footasylum have signed an exclusive sponsorship deal with Frank Warren and BoxNation for this weekend’s two Championship boxing events on BoxNation.

The agreement will see Footasylum take centre stage as title sponsor on two important nights for British boxing. First up on 25th November at the Brentwood Centre in Essex, British Welterweight Champion Bradley Skeete makes the first defence of his title against John Thain and on the 26th November at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, the much anticipated WBO World Lightweight Championship clash between Manchester’s Terry Flanagan and Orlando Cruz.

Commenting on the new partnership Footasylum’s Tom Makin said:

” The association with both Frank Warren and BoxNation will put Footasylum in front of our core customers for the first time via 2 live title fights. Our brand and product positioning fits perfectly with the vision and sporting values of Frank Warren. This is very much the start of a very exciting relationship.”

Footasylum is one of the UK’s fastest growing street and sportswear retailers with 56 stores across the country. At the heart of Footasylum’s retail story are leading brands such as Kings Will Dream, Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Nicce and Converse.

Frank Warren, Chairman of BoxNation, said:

” I am delighted to welcome Footasylum as one of our valued sponsors, their brand is an excellent one and we are delighted to have them on board as title sponsors for this weekend’s two excellent events from Brentwood and Cardiff. Flanagan v Cruz and Skeete v Thain are two great events for them to get started on for their entry into boxing with us and we look forward to working together on many more events after that.

” With the recent announcement of our deal which will see us bring 20 events to BT Sport next year, as well as BoxNation included in BT Sport’s channel pack, we are excited to be further strengthening our offering to event sponsors in 2017.”

Further media enquiries:

Footasylum – Chris Bird, cb@birdconsultancy.co.uk, 07790 227770

Frank Warren – Dan Barnard, danielbarnard@frankwarren.com 01992 505 550

Editors notes ;

Footasylum was established in 2005 and now trades from over 56 high street stores across the UK. Footasylum has made a name for itself as one of the leading retailers of fashion street wear and sportswear. At Footasylum we have our finger on the pulse of the street and sports fashion scene and are always on the lookout for new and up and coming brands. If there is something worth talking about in the sports and street wear scene, we will be the first to shout about it.

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

Tickets for both events are available via www.frankwarren.com

Or to watch them on TV go to www.boxnation.com

Undefeated Super-Bantamweight ace Kid Galahad has been added to Frank Warren’s huge Motorpoint Arena Cardiff bill this Saturday. Galahad continues his comeback in an eight round International contest against Barcelona’s Reynaldo Mora, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 26-year-old, a former British, Commonwealth, European, WBC International and IBF Youth Champion has racked up two wins this year and featured last at the 02 Arena when he blasted out Emiliano Salvini in four round.

Now the Sheffield hot-shot is itching to get back in the ring and put on a show for the Welsh public. A mouth-watering match-up with Cuban pound-for-pound star Guillermo Rigondeaux has been touted for next year but Galahad remains fully focused on his task at hand.

“I’m delighted to be joining such a big show,” said Galahad. “I’m itching to get back in the ring and do what I do best. This will be my first time boxing in Wales as a pro and I’m determined to put in a top performance and win over some new fans.

“There’s some big fights for me in 2017 but first I need to overcome Reynaldo on Saturday. I want to end 2016 on a high and look forward to a busy 2017.”

Galahad joins a huge night of boxing at the Motorpoint Arena. Manchester’s WBO Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan defends his World title for the fourth time against Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz; local hero Liam Williams takes on Gabor Gorbics for the WBO European Super-Welterweight title; Liverpool’s Tom Stalker makes the first defence of his European Lightweight strap against long-term rival Craig Evans and Birmingham’s Tommy Langford faces-off with Sheffield’s Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight title.

Wales is well represented on a stacked undercard; Gary Lockett-trained Middleweight Alex Hughes looks to go 9-0, Super-Flyweight Jay Harris looks to build on his explosive KO win at the Cardiff Ice Arena last time out and 5-0 Barry Lightweight Jason Sillett looks to impress on home soil. Ricky Hatton Heavyweight prodigy Nathan Gorman aims for another explosive KO and Market Harborough Super-Welterweight Rueben Arrowsmith looks to rack-up another win.

Remaining tickets for November 26 priced £40, £70, £100, £150 and £200 are available from www.motorpointarena.com (029 2022 4488), www.eventim.com (0844 249 1000) and www.ticketmaster.co.uk (0844 8440 444).

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

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

Katie Taylor says she’s determined to turn her amateur success into World title glory as she sets off on her professional journey with a debut against Karina Kopinska at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Taylor’s focus is now on World domination, and that spells trouble for her future rivals. A huge star in her homeland, promoter Eddie Hearn and TV partner Sky Sports are plotting for the long-term, taking Taylor to Manchester next month and then looking to fight in Europe and America in the first quarter of 2017.

Taylor was a pioneer for the women’s amateur game and with her brilliance in the ring coupled with her huge popularity, the 30 year old is determined to breathe life into the women’s pro game in Ireland and the UK, whilst adding belts to an already over-flowing mantelpiece of honours.

“I would love to do for pro boxing what I did for the amateurs,” said Taylor. “I think we need a few of the big names to turn over, like Claressa Shields did at the weekend in America. This is the platform that women’s boxing needs.

“It’s important to be financially secure when I am finished fighting as it’s a short career, but I am not motivated by money. I made a good loving in the amateurs and now it’s a new challenge and new goals and that’s what is exciting for me. I am going to where I am most passionate about my future and that’s in the pros.

“I never felt like walking away, I knew that there’s still so much more greatness ahead of me. I performed badly at the Olympics but I knew that the best was yet to come. I am a fresh 30 year old and I feel I have many, many years left in me, so it was a matter of getting past the disappointment and refocusing on the future.

“I’d love to win a World title, unify the belts and try to go up the weights and try to win belts at higher weights too. I’d like to do what the likes of Ronda Rousey has done in the UFC and become a big name in professional boxing and raise the profile of the sport. UFC take their female fighters very seriously and they claim equal billing to the men on the shows, that’s huge, and that’s why a lot of boxers are turning to UFC.

“I didn’t used to have a great deal of interest in who was doing what in the pros but now that I have turned over I am obviously looking at the names out there, those that I am chasing. It’s big in the States, Germany, Scandinavia, there’s a lot of interest in the sport in these countries and we have to emulate that in Ireland and the UK.

“It’s great to have the quick turnover and box again in a couple of weeks and then hopefully a few fights early in 2017. There’s pressure to put on a good show in the early fights but I’ve always had that pressure to perform in the amateur days so that’s not going to change.”

Taylor’s clash with Kopinska is part of a huge night of action in London as John Wayne Hibbert and Martin Gethin clash in a must-win Super-Lightweight fight.

Ohara Davies faces a huge step-up as he challenges WBC Silver Super-Lightweight champion Andrea Scarpa, Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Ronnie Clark, Ben Hall faces American danger man Carson Jones, Reece Bellotti meets Ian Bailey for the vacant English Featherweight crown, and unbeaten youngsters Jake Ball, Craig Richards and Ted Cheeseman look to end 2016 with a bang. Conor Benn has been forced off the bill with shingles.

Tickets for November 26 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 available from www.ssearena.co.uk or by calling 0844 815 0815. £150 VIP tickets are available exclusively via www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for November 26 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Scott Quigg will meet Jose Cayetano for the WBA International Featherweight title at the Manchester Arena on Saturday December 10, live on Sky Sports.

Quigg returns to action after recovering from a broken jaw in his keenly fought World Super-Bantamweight unification battle with Carl Frampton in the same arena in February.

The Bury star is looking to get back into the World title frame and will be keen to make a big impact up at Featherweight as he tracks down a rematch with Frampton and hunts another potential domestic World championship rival in Welsh IBF king Lee Selby.

Cayetano will be out to spoil Quigg’s return and hand back to back defeats to the hometown favourite. The Mexican has mixed in top company having taken Leo Santa Cruz the distance on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao blockbuster and enters the bout full of confidence having beaten Alexis Santiago in Las Vegas in September.

“It’s great to be back,” said Quigg. “It’s been a long road. The biggest fight of my career didn’t go my way in February and I’ve had a broken jaw that’s kept me out of the gym for a long time. Everyone knows that I love to be in the gym, working and learning, so it’s been really tough. I’m back to living the life I love and I can’t wait to be back in the ring where I belong.

“The four pounds is a lot to play with when you are big for the weight. I was still making Super-Bantamweight and making it safely because of how I live my life, but it was getting harder. Sometimes I was training in the gym and I was miserable, I wasn’t eating as much and I was snappy.

“With the extra four pounds I’ve been able to let my body mature instead of holding it back and I am happier in the gym, laughing and joking but still putting in the hard work. I always say a happy fighter is a dangerous fighter, I feel I am going from strength to strength as I’m in the gym with a smile on my face.

“Jose has mixed in good company, taken Santa Cruz the distance and he’s coming off a good win against Santiago. This is a very good fight coming back from a broken jaw. I am not taking this lightly at all, I’ve watched him a lot, he knows what he’s doing, he’s cute, and it’s a fight that I have to put in a top performance in and that’s what I am aiming to do.

“I feel like I’m ready to be let off the leash now, it’s been so long out and I have to thank Anthony Joshua and Eddie for giving me the chance to come back on such a big show, it’s the perfect platform for me, straight back in front of a packed arena and worldwide media so I can show them what I am about.

“The Manchester Arena is my home. I’ve had some great nights there and there are more to come. It doesn’t faze me that it’s where I fell short on the biggest night of my career, I want to go back and kick-off those good memories again and start the ball rolling at Featherweight.

“I want to be linked with Carl Frampton and Lee Selby because if I am not linked with them, I’m doing something wrong. It’s no secret that I want a rematch with Carl and I would love to fight Lee too.

“I want to avenge the loss against Carl, which I believe I can do, and I want to become a two-weight World champion and that means fighting title holders like Lee. I’ve got to go out there and get back to winning ways first though, and then those fights will happen. It’s down to me to go out there and prove I’m going to land those fights and beat those guys. I believe I am the best, I had a night last time bit if I keep winning, those big World title fights will come back once again and the results will go my way.”

Quigg’s return against Cayetano is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina.

Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC Heavyweight title and fellow Heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Dave Allen also clash.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Callum Smith defends his British Super-Middleweight title against Luke Blackledge and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Limited tickets remain on from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

BROOKLYN (November 23, 2016) – As a special Thanksgiving gift to boxing fans, there will be a HUGE Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale on tickets to the January 14 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY, featuring the WBC/IBF Super Middleweight Unification between Badou Jack and James DeGale, as well as IBF Junior Lightweight Champion Jose Pedraza defending his world title against Gervonta Davis.

Click on this link for the sale. Use the Offer Code: JAB

WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack (20-1-2, 12 KOs) and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale (23-1, 14 KOs) will look to stake their claim as the best 168-pound fighter in the world when they meet in a title unification clash on Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME as boxing returns to New York for the first time in five months.

The telecast will also feature undefeated junior lightweight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (22-0, 12 KOs) defending his title against up-and-coming Mayweather Promotions’ undefeated contender Gervonta “The One” Davis (16-0, 15 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @SHOSports, @SHOWTIMEBOXING @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Luis Ortiz will face Dave Allen at the Manchester Arena on Saturday December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Heavyweight danger man Ortiz made his European debut in Monte-Carlo on November 12 with a landslide points win over Malik Scott extending his unbeaten record to 26-0. ‘King Kong’ was frustrated by Scott’s negative approach, but the Cuban KO artist is confident that he prove he’s the next ruler of the division on December 10.

“I’m so excited to be boxing in the UK and it’s great to be keeping busy,” said Ortiz. “Monaco was a great experience for me and although the fight didn’t play out like I hoped I felt I learnt a lot.

“We looked at opponents for December 10 and we wanted someone who will come to fight for the fans. Dave Allen called the fight on and he’s got his wish. It’s great to be taking on a Brit in his backyard and I’m confident you will see the real Luis Ortiz in Manchester.”

Doncaster man Allen has other ideas though and for the 24 year old it’s a huge chance for him to claim a major scalp and put his name in the mix for more major battles in 2017.

“The day Eddie Hearn signed Luis Ortiz, I messaged him and said “I will fight him, stick me in with him!” said Allen. “I didn’t hold any fear of fighting him even before the Malik Scott fight. But that fight showed that the hype isn’t real. Ortiz isn’t Superman – I think he’s on the slide even though he’s undefeated.

“I showed I have a good defence against Dillian Whyte, so I will be prepared for anything. I said to myself I would only fight the end of the year if it was against David Price, but this fight is even bigger so I couldn’t say no. I’m going to put it all on the line against him. I’m stick it on him early, smack him bang on the chin and see how it goes.

“I’m going to make Ortiz look like an old man in there. When he hits me, I’m going to stand there and smile at him. This is the fight that will catapult my career on the world scene. My sparring tells me that I have the ability to become world class, now this my time to go out there and show the world what I can do.”

Ortiz’s clash with Allen is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Joshua MBE defends his IBF World Heavyweight title against Eric Molina.

Dillian Whyte faces bitter London rival Dereck Chisora in an official eliminator for the WBC Heavyweight title, Scott Quigg returns to action after treatment on his broken jaw following his unification blockbuster with Carl Frampton, and the Bury star moves up to Featherweight as he looks to regain his status as a World champion.

Kal Yafai can become Birmingham’s first World champion but the unbeaten 27 year old faces a tough task to rip the WBA Super-Flyweight title against Luis Concepcion, the two-weight World champion that will enter the ring in his 11th World title outing.

Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor boxes for the second time in the paid ranks after making her pro debut at The SSE Arena, Wembley on November 26, Callum Smith defends his British Super-Middleweight title against Luke Blackledge and Hosea Burton will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni.

Limited tickets remain on from http://www.manchester-arena.com/ and on 0844 847 8000 VIP tickets are £800 and available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing www.matchroomboxing.com.

Face value tickets for December 10 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

LAS VEGAS (November 23, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (23-0, 14 KOs) and former three-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18 KOs) will meet again in a world title rematch that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, Jan. 28 live on SHOWTIME from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGâ doubleheader will also feature lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin (22-0, 15 KOs) making his first title defense against fan favorite and former two-division titlist Mikey Garcia (35-0, 29 KOs).

Frampton and Santa Cruz are set to clash in a rematch of their July “Fight of the Year” candidate that saw tremendous back-and-forth action throughout the 12-round fight that ended in a majority decision for the Irish fighter. Frampton drew significant Irish support in Brooklyn and will now bring his legion of fans to Las Vegas for the first time in an arena where Santa Cruz has fought six times. Just a few hours from Santa Cruz’s home of Los Angeles, the electric atmosphere is sure to be buoyed by two men who combined to land 402 power shots out of the 497 punches landed in their first fight.

To kick off the promotion, Frampton and Santa Cruz will be holding open-to-the-public press conferences in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Tuesday, Nov. 29 and in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 1 with more details to be announced shortly.

“The rematch is the fight we wanted,” said Frampton. “I enjoyed our first fight in New York. The atmosphere was fantastic and the fight lived up to the hype. On January 28th I will be better and I will win more convincingly. I know the way Leo fights, he throws a lot of punches and he is brave, but his style suits me. It has always been a dream of mine to headline in Las Vegas and I cannot wait to get out there and put on a great performance for the American boxing fans and the travelling support from Ireland and the UK.”

“From the moment our last fight ended, when the decision came and I lost the fight, I knew my only goal was to get my belt back,” said Santa Cruz. “When I sat in the locker room afterward, I felt more motivated than ever to get back in the gym. All I’ve thought about since the fight was this rematch. There won’t be any distractions in this camp. I’ll be heading into the fight with a better game plan. I’m putting in 100 percent in training and I’m excited to get in the ring on January 28 to get my belt back.”

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Zlaticanin. “I expect a tough and ruthless fight. I know how good Mikey Garcia is, but I also know how good I am. The fight is not going to reach the final bell; one of us will be knocked out, and I believe it will be Mikey. Garcia has never fought a good and strong fighter like me before. He will feel my power on January 28.”

“I’m very happy and excited for my upcoming fight,” said Garcia. “This is a chance to claim a third world title in my third division. Zlaticanin is tough, strong and dangerous but I feel confident in my abilities. I’m planning on giving the fans in Las Vegas a great show. 2017 will be a great year for me and it all starts January 28!”

“Frampton-Santa Cruz II is truly the best that boxing has to offer, an immediate rematch of a leading Fight of the Year candidate between the two top-rated fighters in the division,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “And Zlaticanin vs. Garcia is a ‘50/50’ fight between two undefeated champions and a main event in its own right. The Jan. 28 telecast is the cornerstone of four upcoming SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presentations that feature the best matchups in boxing’s deepest divisions. Events like this one are proof that SHOWTIME delivers the strongest boxing line up of any network in the sport today.”

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 go on sale Tuesday, November 29 at 9 a.m. PT. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

“I am looking forward to a terrific event in Las Vegas,” said Barry McGuigan of Cyclone Promotions, a former world champion and Hall of Famer. “The first fight between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz was sensational and I truly believe that the rematch will be even better. I’m convinced that Carl will win the rematch more convincingly and beating someone like Leo Santa Cruz a second time will define Carl as true great of Irish boxing. I know everyone at Cyclone Promotions is proud to deliver a great night of boxing at MGM Grand where there will be a full action packed card of championship fights.”

“It’s a thrill to promote another fantastic night of boxing featuring two evenly matched world championship showdowns,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “These are the kinds of cards that Ringstar is all about. Frampton and Santa Cruz put on a memorable performance in July and battled from the opening bell. It was Frampton who took home the belt last time, but I expect that Leo will train to be 100 percent and do everything in his power to get his title back. I believe this could be an even better fight than the first one. We also have Mikey Garcia, who shook off the ring rust in July and will challenge the most dangerous lightweight champion in the world, Dejan Zlaticanin, in the co-main event. This is a fight that looks destined to end by knockout. The perfect stage for this great night of action is the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and I anticipate a huge crowd on hand to support these outstanding fighters.”

“The first fight between Frampton and Santa Cruz was action packed from start to finish and I guarantee the rematch will be the same,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Along with the Zlaticanin-Garcia bout, as they battle for a world title, you have another can’t miss night of boxing from MGM Grand live on SHOWTIME.”

Frampton’s all-action style has made him a firm favorite with boxing fans all around the world. The record breaking Northern Irishman is currently one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet and on January 28 will, for the first time, take his legion of fans to the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas. The 29-year-old defeated Santa Cruz after conquering rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout in February. Fighting out of Belfast, the Irish national amateur champion (in 2005 and 2009) became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Kiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. He made his U.S. debut in July 2015 when he defeated Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. in Texas before unifying the title against Quigg.

The popular Mexican-American Santa Cruz fights out of Los Angeles and won a 126-pound title in a “Fight of the Year” grudge match against former three-division champ Abner Mares in August 2015 at STAPLES Center. He followed that up by stopping former world champion Kiko Martinez before taking the Frampton challenge. Prior to that, Santa Cruz won belts at 118 and 122 pounds while earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most active and exciting fighters. The 28-year-old also holds victories over Cristian Mijares and Eric Morel and has competed in world title bouts in 12 of his last 14 fights since 2012.

The first world champion ever from Montenegro, Zlaticanin will be putting his belt on the line for the first time since earning a third-round stoppage of Franklin Mamani in June to pick up the vacant title. The 32-year-old put himself in position to fight for the title in his U.S. debut by dominating then unbeaten Ivan Redkach on his way to a third-round TKO. A hard-hitting southpaw, Zlaticanin also has victories over Ricky Burns and Petr Petrov.

A popular fighter on both coasts, Oxnard, California’s Garcia returned from a two and half year layoff in July to dominate former champion Elio Rojas on his way to a fifth-round stoppage in Brooklyn as the co-main event of the first Santa Cruz vs. Frampton fight. The 28-year-old is ready to resume his promising career that already saw him pick up world titles at 126 and 130 pounds. Trained by his brother Robert, he owns impressive victories over Roman Martinez, Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez and Bernabe Concepcion.

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.

PHILADELPHIA – November 23, 2016 – After two sensational performances, both resulting in stoppage wins at Victory Boxing Promotions’ inaugural Philadelphia event earlier this month, standout prospects Jaron “Boots” Ennis (7-0, 6KO) and Manny Folly (8-0, 6KO) return Friday, December 16th at Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia.

Ennis wowed fans at 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, looking sharp in his victory over fellow welterweight Chris Alexander (4-3, 3KO), who opted not to come out of his corner for the fifth round. A powerful knock-down in the fourth round set the stage for Alexander’s early retirement from the bout. A four-time National Champion, Ennis has drawn praise from media and boxing fans for his poise and accuracy in the ring.

The Ennis family is a staple of the Philadelphia boxing scene. Jaron, who is trained by his father, former professional boxer Derrick “Bozy” Ennis, is the youngest of three Ennis brothers who embarked on professional boxing careers. His brothers, Derek “Pooh” Ennis and Farah Ennis, amassed a combined record of 46-7-1, and set the bar high for younger brother Boots, providing Philly boxing fans with memorable fight-of-the-year action during their years in the ring.

Ennis faces crafty Louisiana fighter Marcus Beckford (3-3-3, 1KO) on December 16th. Southpaw Beckford has proven a difficult foe, and, most notably, has wins over previously undefeated fighters Josh Joseph and Edward Williams.

Folly, who faced experienced Hungarian fighter Tibor Nadori (9-7-1, 4KO), made quick work of his opponent, knocking him down twice en route to a first round stoppage. The super bantamweight talent splits his time between being a professional fighter, and being one of “Philadelphia’s Finest,” a community-minded Police Officer, who works to build bridges between the force and the people of Philadelphia. Folly will face an as yet-to-be-determined opponent.

The two busy Victory Boxing prospects round out a card headlined by Luis Lebron (6-0-1, 3KO) versus Raul Lopez (10-2-1, 5KO), and promoted by Hard Hitting Boxing Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, 70 and 45, and can be purchased by visiting www.victoryboxingpromotions.com. Doors to the Event Center at Sugarhouse Casino open at 6:00 p.m. on fight night, and first bell is at 7:00.

Uncasville, Connecticut: This Saturday, November 26, Mohegan Sun and Main Events will premiere the pilot event of Mohegan Sun’s Rising Stars boxing series. Before fans in attendance at the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun enjoy what should be an action-packed main event between Virgilijus “The Terminator” Stapulionis (18-3-1, 13 KOs) and Patrick Day (12-2-1, 6 KOs) they will be treated to a diverse mix of local prospects and international talent during the undercard bouts.

New Haven’s own Cassius Chaney (7-0, 4 KOs) made headlines as a University of New Haven basketball star but now is making waves in boxing’s heavyweight division with his exciting style and overwhelming presence. Chaney will take on Carlos Sandoval (10-10-1, 7 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Mexico in a four-round match-up.

Madiyar Ashkeyev (6-0, 3 KOs) of Merki, Kazakhstan will make his east coast debut in a six-round junior middleweight battle against southpaw Marcus Beckford (3-3-3, 1 KO) of East Meadow, New York. Ashkeyev is a ferocious competitor in the ring who tends to show no mercy so look for this one to be exciting.

Making his Main Events’ debut against Antonio Fernandes (7-28-3, 2 KOs) of Brockton, Massachusettes is Vaughn Alexander (6-0, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri and older brother of welterweight contender Devon Alexander. Alexander was a hot young prospect in 2004 until he was arrested and served nearly 12 years in prison. He was released earlier this year and is now looking for redemption in the hot middleweight division.

Former kickboxer Georgian Enriko Gogokhia (2-0, 1 KO) will make also make his east coast debut in a six-round junior middleweight bout against Roberto Yong (5-10-2, 4 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona. As a kickboxer Gogokhia was a Muay Thai-style fighter. His professional career record as was 42-7, 21 KOs so look for him to end the fight early.

Another New Haven resident, super bantamweight Josh Crespo (6-4-3, 2 KOs), will face Jesus Gonzalez (4-12, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in a six-round match-up. Featherweights Ernesto Ornelas (1-0, 1 KO) of Portland, Maine and Kevin Asmat (0-1) of Union City, New Jersey are scheduled for four rounds of action. Cruiserweight Tracey Johnson (4-4-4) of Boston, Massachusetts will face Kennedy Katende of Uganda who is making his professional debut. Finally, Reinaldo Graceski (3-0, 1 KO) of Springfield, Massachusetts is scheduled for a four-round light heavyweight bout but his opponent is still to be determined.

Main Events’ CEO Kathy Duva said, “We have a great lineup for a local show on Saturday night. Anyone who attends will get more than their money’s worth for this one!”

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A medical delay over Russian challenger Artur Akavov has resulted in his WBO World Middleweight title fight with Billy Joe Saunders being postponed by seven days to December 3.

The pair were due to meet at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff this Saturday but problems with the translation of paperwork supplied by the Russian’s team have forced an unavoidable delay.

“It’s extremely frustrating for all parties and especially Billy who has been itching to get back into the ring following a frustrating 2016,” said Frank Warren. “The medicals were sent late and mostly in Russian and once translated it then became apparent they were not complete.

“Ultimately, it would be too late to find a suitable replacement so postponing it was our only option.

“I feel for Billy Joe as he was ready to make the first defence of his World title and for all of the fans who wanted to watch him.”

Alex Vaysfeld, from Akavov’s team, who recently came to the UK with Andrey Klimov, said: “This is no more than a translation problem and will be easily rectified upon Akavov’s arrival in the UK and I’m glad Frank was able to postpone for just a week.”.

A frustrated Saunders said: “I was ready to put on a big performance and defend my title in style in Cardiff but unfortunately this latest issue was totally out of our control.

“The fight is still on, that’s the main thing and I’ll be fully prepared to defend my title in Scotland next week before moving on to a blockbuster fight in 2017.”

The Cardiff event is still set to feature four big title fights. Terry Flanagan defends his WBO World Lightweight Championship against Puerto Rico’s Orlando Cruz, whilst Liam Williams challenges Gabor Gorbics for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight title, Tommy Langford faces Sam Sheedy for the Vacant British Middleweight Championship and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans do battle for the third time for the WBO European Lightweight Championship after two hard fought draws.

December 3’s Paisley Lagoon Centre show, broadcast live and exclusive on BoxNation, will now be topped by Saunders’ World title defence against Akavov with rising Chorley star Jack Catterall defending his WBO Inter-Continental Super-Lightweight title and former IBF World Bantamweight Champion Paul Butler also back in action.

Tickets for December 3’s show can be purchased from: http://m.ticketmaster.co.uk/sam-kynochs-mgm-scotland-presents-lights-paisley-03-12-2016/event/35005135A53F7D5F?artistid=2269285&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=33

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Katie Taylor says she’s back in love with boing and ready to begin a new chapter in her stunning career as she makes her professional debut against Karina Kopinska at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Taylor is widely regarded as the outstanding Irish athlete of her generation with stunning success in her 15 year career in the vest and headguard.

After such a glittering period of time spent representing her country with aplomb, Taylor made the decision to turn over after the Rio Olympics this summer, and now wants to translate her glut of medals in the amateurs into World title belts in the pros.

“I was always going to turn pro, it was just a case of doing it at the right time,” said Taylor. “I’ve been in the amateur game for so long and in the last year or so things have changed and I felt that this was the right time to do it, so I’ve reassessed my goals, I want to become a professional World champion and I’m excited about starting that quest.

“I needed a change and it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve actually really enjoyed my training. It’s brought the spark back to me. I think I fell out of love with the sport over the last year, I’d been in the amateurs for so long and I needed to focus on new goals and go on a new journey.

“Amateur boxing has been so good to me over the years and representing Ireland in the Olympics has been the biggest honour of my life so it’s not a decision I took lightly. I definitely did think about it and pray about it and I know that this is the right decision for me.

“Over the last couple of months training with Ross, I feel like he’s getting the best out of me and it’s great when you are seeing the results for yourself and feel like you are getting stronger and fitter – there’s nothing better as an athlete.

“The more time I spent training with Ross, the more of an appetite I got for the pro game. I had such a passion for it. It excited me more than the amateur game. I feel in great shape and boxing well in the gym, I think I’ve got stronger and I’ve got a lot of energy and I’m really refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Taylor’s clash with Kopinska is part of a huge night of action in London as John Wayne Hibbert and Martin Gethin clash in a must-win Super-Lightweight fight.

Ohara Davies faces a huge step-up as he challenges WBC Silver Super-Lightweight champion Andrea Scarpa, Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Ronnie Clark, Ben Hall faces American danger man Carson Jones, Reece Bellotti meets Ian Bailey for the vacant English Featherweight crown, and unbeaten youngsters Jake Ball, Craig Richards and Ted Cheeseman look to end 2016 with a bang. Conor Benn has been forced off the bill with shingles.

Tickets for November 26 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 available from www.ssearena.co.uk or by calling 0844 815 0815. £150 VIP tickets are available exclusively via www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for November 26 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

[ENDS]

HBO Boxing serves up a thrilling night of boxing action on Thanksgiving weekend when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: VASYL LOMACHENKO vs. NICHOLAS WALTERS is seen SATURDAY, NOV. 26 at 10:35 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, exclusively on HBO. 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: Nov. 27 (8:45 a.m.) and 28 (12:50 a.m.)

HBO2 playdate: Nov. 29 (1:00 a.m.)

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

In a highly anticipated junior lightweight title showdown, reigning champ Vasyl Lomachenko (6-1, 4 KOs), originally from Odessa and now training in Oxnard, Cal., faces off against undefeated knockout artist Nicholas Walters (26-0-1, 21 KOs) of Montego Bay, Jamaica in a scheduled 12-round contest.

Amassing impressive records as a brilliant amateur boxer and two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 & 2012), Lomachenko turned pro in 2013 and has already captured titles in the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions after just seven career fights, dethroning Gary Russell and Rocky Martinez. His willingness to meet any challenge has made him one of the sport’s most intriguing rising stars.

A formidable challenger with a sterling 78% knockout-to-win ratio, Walters’ only career blemish is a Dec. 2015 majority draw against Jason Sosa, which many observers considered a questionable outcome. His matchup with Lomachenko at 130 pounds has the boxing world buzzing with anticipation.

Prior to the live fight, HBO Sports will replay the hotly debated light heavyweight championship fight between Sergey Kovalev and Andre Ward that took place on Nov. 19 in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena. The 12-round pay-per-view battle ended with all three judges agreeing that the challenger had won by the narrowest of margins.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jon Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Atlantic City, NJ (November 22, 2016) – Calling all boxing fans! The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will host their first inaugural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Memorial Day Weekend 2017 at The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel located at Park Place & Boardwalk Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401.

The Claridge Hotel serves as the primary Corporate Sponsor for this knockout weekend which takes place May 26, 27 & 28, 2017 and will provide an exciting itinerary for participating guests. This historical weekend will include: On Friday May 26th An Exclusive Rooftop Cocktail Reception with the 2017 Honorees, Saturday May 27th, By Day, The ACBHOF Ultimate Fight Fan Experience! A winning combination of a highly interactive boxing & entertainment experience, engaging exhibits, collectors merchandise and memorabilia for purchase from some of the top industry fighters and brands in boxing, as well as picture and autograph sessions. By Evening,The Inaugural Red Carpet Meet & Greet, and an incredible event party with delectable food, live music, art & entertainment: At this Induction kickoff event, participating guests will witness The Historical Procession of Honorees. Sunday May 28th, The Official Induction Ceremony of The Atlantic Boxing Hall of Fame 2017 Honorees in Brighton Park, overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean for a spectacular finish. A true boxing fans dream come true!

Atlantic City is known as one of the original boxing meccas, so it’s only fitting that some of boxing’s most iconic fighters and colorful personalities be honored and recognized for all they have done to help Atlantic City be known as a boxing destination. A lineup of former and current boxing greats as well as celebrities from music and sports are anticipated.

“The Claridge is proud to be in partnership with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and to continue to promote professional boxing’s exceptional history in Atlantic City,” says Cem Erenler, vice president of Operations and Business Development for TMJ Properties, the owner and developer of The Claridge. The iconic hotel, which is now part of the global Radisson brand. first opened in 1930. “Hosting this signature event is in the best traditions of The Claridge, which for more than 80 years has been Atlantic City’s center for exciting events in sports and entertainment,” Mr. Erenler said.

“There have been great fighters and other iconic figures such as “Iron” Mike Tyson, Atlantic City’s own Leavander Johnson, as well as Arturo “Thunder” Gatti and Don King who have participated in some of boxing most memorable boxing events right here in Atlantic City” stated Ray McCline President/Founder of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. “My core team of Roy Foreman, Rodrick Green and the esteem ACBHOF Nomination Committee will be announcing all future inductees on Monday November 28, 2016 via an official press release to the general public”

Over the next several months leading up to the ACBHOF “2017” Induction weekend, updates on room packages, schedule of events and celebrity appearances will be posted on the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame and the Claridge Hotel websites.

All interested sponsors, business, organizations, exhibitors, and vendors looking be involved the induction weekend or to reserve a booth at it are encouraged to contact the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) at:

Tele: 1+ (609) 318 -3188 (USA)
P.O. Box #7221 Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
Email: info@acbhof.com or acbhof@gmail.com
Website: www.acbhof.com
Follow us: @ACBHOF on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

A Very special thank you to our early sponsors

Richard Schaefer
Thank you very much, and thank you to all the media for being on today’s call. It was an interesting weekend, but boxing goes on and boxing goes on in a big way here on Saturday, December 10 as a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader with two toe-to-toe fights that will electrify the sport, and I’m really excited to be able to host and promote this card here from Galen Center in Los Angeles.

The fight we are discussing today is for sure going to be one of those potential Fight of the Year candidates, and I know these days those words are being used quite a bit, but I really feel these fighters are right for each other. This is a fight in one of the most stacked divisions in boxing. Before I introduce the two fighters, just some other things, the card will take place from the Galen Center at the USC Campus in Los Angeles.

The Galen Center is a first-class arena. It’s actually the newest indoor arena in and around Los Angeles. Televised coverage will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for those people who can’t make it to the Galen Center. The co-main event is really a main event in its own. It’s one of the most anticipated and asked for fights in another great weight class, the junior middleweight division where you have arguably two of the best, if not the two best fighters in that division against each other: Jermall Charlo defending his title against top-rated challenger Julian Williams.

This is a fight Julian Williams has been waiting for, for a long time, and it’s a battle of unbeaten up and coming stars in their prime. There’s going to be a terrific, non-televised card as part of this event, as well. So, those people that are going to be able to make it out to the Galen Center, they’re going to really be in for a treat. I’m going to tell you about some of those fights, which my co-promotor, Tom Brown from TGB Promotions, has put together and I want to thank Tom for a job very well done. These are greatly matched fights, and I’m excited and looking forward to seeing them.

Included on the undercard is junior welterweight title eliminator featuring unbeaten Sergey Lipinets, with a record of 10-0, with 8 KOs, taking on Australia’s Lenny Zappavigna with a record of 35-2 with 25 KOs. Great match ups. They will also see a pair of undefeated prospects who are looking to cement their status as championship contenders. In the super welterweight division Erickson Lubin, who is 16-0, with 11 KOs of Orlando, Fla., and junior lightweight Mario Barrios, with a record of 16-0, with 8 KOs out of San Antonio.

The card will also include an array of local talent from Los Angeles or the greater Los Angeles area, including Oxnard’s Hugo Centeno, Jr. with a record of 24-1 with 12 KOs, former title challenger Josesito Lopez with a 33-7 record, with 19 KOs and personally one of my favorites. He’s always there to give a fight, just an amazing warrior and I’m happy to see Josesito Lopez on this card. Then we also are going to see Abner Mares’ younger brother, Adan Mares, who has a record of 14-3. I’m looking forward to having him there as well. It really is a can’t-miss night, and for those people here in Southern California, please come and see this card. It’s going to be great fighters, great matchups.

The doors are open at 3:30 pm, and the fights begins shortly thereafter. Tickets for the live event are on sale now, and they start at $35, yeah 35, what a steal. Students get a special $10 off. There’s a $25 student ticket available as well, and they’re available at www.galentix.com.

Now, the man who made is all happen and is not only a very close friend of mine but really a man with a passion for the sport of boxing, the Executive VP and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
This fight is one of the fights I’ve been most excited about on this year’s schedule. As many of you remember, this was a fight that was originally set for June and had to be rescheduled. It was such a strong fight that we didn’t want to lose that, and I know that required some sacrifice from both fighters, and we’re deeply appreciative for that. That they’re willing to wait shows what kind of guys both these guys are, as they’re looking for a challenge and neither one wanted to walk away from what, as Richard mentioned, could be one of the best fights of the year.

This is the fifth featherweight fight that SHOWTIME will be televising this year. It is one of the most talent, deep divisions, and we’re thrilled to have such a wealth of talent and thrilled to be focusing on it this year. It is a 50-50 fight between two fighters that are, in the consensus top six of the division supported by an incredibly strong undercard, and we are very happy and very proud to be ending the year on such a strong note. We look forward to December 10, and I’ll turn it over back to Richard.

R. Schaefer
Right, thank you very much Stephen. Now, it is a privilege for me to introduce to you Abner Mares. Abner Mares, as you all know is certainly one of the greatest fighters at this time to come out of Mexico. He was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was a 2004 Mexican Olympian and that is how long I’ve known him and how long I’ve been involved with his fights. He lives now and fights out of Downey, California and trains with one of the best trainers in his corner, Robert Garcia. If you look at his resume, it is as impressive as it comes. He is a former world champion at 118, 122 and 126 pounds, has really fought everybody and from Ponce de Leon, from Oquendo, from Moreno, from Darchinyan and the list goes on and on.

He will be fighting in California for the 10th time in his career, including his last bout which was a terrific Fight of the Year candidate against Leo Santa Cruz. Abner Mares is the kind of fighter, who in all the fights, has never been in a boring fight because he knows how to entertain. He wants to give it his best, and he has the will to win. Here he goes, at this point in his career, for yet another world title and it is a pleasure now to turn it over to Abner who can talk a little bit about training camp, what this fight means to him and maybe give us some Thanksgiving thoughts as well. Abner.

Abner Mares
Definitely, Richard. How you doing? I want to start out by thanking God. All you guys for making this possible, Richard, Stephen Espinoza and obviously, the great boxing fans out there who are always supporting and even the ones who are not there to support, they just give you a bad time, but you know at the end of the day, they support the sport in a way.

So, I’m really honored and privileged to be fighting December 10 in my hometown in LA. It’s going to be a great fight against a great fighter, Jesus Cuellar, a puncher, a guy who has a lot of strength, a guy that has lots to prove. Like Richard has mentioned, I’m just really looking forward to this fight. As you guys know, I’ve never been in a boring fight. I always entertain. I find a way to give you guys explosive fights and this will be just that. It will be an exciting fight, like Richard mentioned, this is perfect for an entertaining fight and I’m going to give you just that.

An early Christmas present to everyone, hopefully a late birthday present for me, since it’s going to be a week after my birthday. It’s going to be great. You can’t miss it, like Richard mentioned; in this stage of my career, I think this is my second wind. I’m looking forward to showing you guys a different Abner and what you guys don’t know already. This is going to be a year since I started training with well-known coach Robert Garcia, a whole year we had to train and get to know each other, so you will see the difference. So with that said, I think this is a fight you can’t miss on SHOWTIME. You can’t miss live at the USC Galen Center.

This is a Fight of the Year to close the end of the year and I’m looking forward to that — not so much looking forward to Thanksgiving like Richard said because we will still be on a diet, we won’t be able to eat as much, but obviously spending time with the family being thankful for everything that God has given us. It’s been a blessing. Thank you all for tuning in and thank you all again. I can’t wait for December 10th to make history once again and become a four-time world champion.

Q
Abner, you mentioned the year with Robert Garcia. How has it transformed you? How has it changed you from who you were?

A. Mares
I know once you get a new coach they tend to get a fight right away, and they tend to fight the next six to eight weeks, and you don’t see much of a difference. Why? Because you only have that small period of time to train and get to know each other, and I just mentioned a whole year with Robert and not only a whole year with Robert, a whole year of getting ready for this fight against a southpaw and you guys know what type of coach Robert is. Not only does he bring education to your boxing skills but also that motivation, it’s always good to have that motivation knowing that you have one of the best in your corner. So, you will see a different Abner and I think the best way to answer your question is you will just see a more mature fighter in me.

Q
A lot of people who are looking at this fight are saying that dealing with Cuellar’s strength and power is going to be the most difficult thing for you. How do you get through that and what are your own thoughts?

A. Mares
Once you get hit hard or anything that you can’t think of happens in the ring, I don’t think it’s based on your experiences, it’s more based on your willingness, your heart and the desire to continue. I think that comes from deep inside, and I think I have that. I think I’ve showed it in many fights. I’ve had difficult times in different fights, so I think it just comes from inside. You can’t teach that, but again, yes, experience has helped a lot to get you out of certain things but, again, I think this is going to be one of the smartest fights we’re going to be able to fight.

Q
How disappointed were you and how surprised were you that you would were not allowed to fight that particular bout in Brooklyn because of the location of the match?

A. Mares
Well, it was difficult. It’s not the first time something like this has happened to me — not in the sense of me being injured or anything but a fight being cancelled. I’ve had fights being cancelled or postponed, years back so it’s nothing different. But I am a human being, I have feelings, obviously, and I just felt sad at the moment because I love to fight.

Yes, I was disappointed, not so much in myself, just the situation, but, again, I have to take people back. I’ve got them pretty much fighting this whole year. I was supposed to fight in March, that got postponed because of an injury and then it got postponed for June and then that June fight got postponed so here we are December 10th, and again it’s just a way of seeing that mental strength and that circle you have around you. You know my family kept me strong and those long talks with my advisor kept me going and again here we are and still healthy and we will continue to give you guys good fights.

Q
Abner, could you at all just explain the situation with the eye. For whatever reason, they have different rules in New York, but can you explain what that situation is with that eye and which eye is it?

A. Mares
It’s like you said, different rules for different states. We know they’re stricter on that side. I think that tells you they’re stricter and then, obviously, the issues they’re having at the moment and it’s nothing bad. It’s something that happened in 2008. I have been fighting since. I’ve been cleared in every state I’ve fought in, other than New York. I fight in California, I fight in Texas, I fight in Vegas. I fight in Philly, too. I think there was a red flag for them because, obviously, I had surgery done again in 2008 and they just didn’t want to take the risk, but again I think, like Richard, myself and my doctor said, we’re good to go. We have been. I have the same risk. I don’t have it higher or less than any fighter out there. My surgery is done. I’m good and like any other fighter I have the same risk of getting one open in the ring, so there’s no risk higher of me getting one.

Q
Abner, which eye was it you had the surgery on back in ’08?

A. Mares
It was in my left eye.

Q
Abner, do you have any concern whatsoever about rust?

A. Mares
Not at all, you have to see it and look at it on the positive side. Obviously, I haven’t been in the spotlight, no cameras around me, no lights, but I’ve been active. Since March, I’ve been getting ready for the fight. Every single fight has been postponed the week of the fight, so I’ve practically done training camps for two fights. So, that does not worry me, but if it happens you will feel it in the ring, and it’s just a matter of adjusting to it. It wears off within one or two rounds and just getting the rhythm of the fight going. I think we’re safe and we’ll be good.

Q
Richard, when you started to go and work on this fight did you have any issues with Abner’s medical situation or were you were sort of like surprised it was postponed and then, when he went through the testing you were very satisfied that everything was okay? What was your take on the postponement because of New York?

R. Schaefer
I think, first of all, New York has other issues related to boxing to well. With the insurance requirement they had a very difficult year, New York, as it situates to what happened with all the ins and outs of the commission and I think anybody in boxing or anybody would agree it’s a bit of a mess out there. Then you look at California. I think California is one of the best run if, frankly, not the best-run commissions and so of course when the fight was postponed or cancelled or whatever in New York, I not only talked to Abner and his wife. They were both in my office and I talked to them, but I asked Abner for permission to actually talk directly with his attorney and with his doctor, who is one of the most recognized surgeons and specialists as it relates to eyes and eye injuries in the world.

When I talked to the doctor I asked him straight out, is Abner okay? He said yes. I asked him is Abner at a higher risk than any fighter who enters the ring and he said absolutely not and that gave me the confidence to go forward and promote this fight. I had the same conversations with the California Commission and their medical board was satisfied with their requirements to make sure Abner was okay because of course if it’s the commission or anyone involved in this fight, first and foremost is fighter safety and Al Haymon, Abner’s advisor, asked me numerous times, I mean numerous times, and he said look if we’re going to do this fight, make sure Abner is okay and make sure he is absolutely okay, and I feel confident that I did that and so we’re ready to go.

R. Schaefer
Okay, great. We’re going to have Jesus make some comment and then opening up for both fighters to answer any questions.

It’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you the current WBA Featherweight World Champion with a record of 28-1 with 21 knockouts. He’s one of those other tough, hard hitting, fighters coming out of Argentina, in this case Buenos Aries and he’s in his first fight under legendary coach Freddie Roach, so you’re going to have an interesting matchup there also with Robert Garcia’s trained fighter, Abner Mares, against a Freddie Roach trained fighter Jesus Cuellar and you know those two guys, Roach and Garcia are very competitive, and so I think that adds some extra spice to the matchup. Cuellar won his world title in 2013 and has gone to defend it five times since then, including victories over Rico Ramos, Vic Darchinyan and Juan Manuel Lopez. It is a pleasure now to introduce Jesus Cuellar.

Jesus Cuellar
I feel very good. We’ve had a great training camp with Freddie and my entire team. I have been concentrating on this matchup and looking forward to the fight with Abner.

R. Schaefer
Okay, very good so let’s open it back up to questions now from the media. Any more questions for Abner or Jesus Cuellar please.

Q
What did that fight against Santa Cruz tell you about what you have left to offer in boxing?

A. Mares
I think that part itself tells you what I have left. I gave it my all. I think it was a close fight and it lets you know I have a lot left. I gave a hell of a fight and it’s just different styles. It didn’t really tell me anything other than that I’m ready for anything. It was a great fight against a great fighter and that’s it.

Q
Abner, without giving away any strategy or anything, what do think are some of the biggest improvements you’ve made working with Robert Garcia?

A. Mares
Wow. So, many but I think that number one is definitely on my basic punches, the one, two, hook, three-punch combination. I think we perfected those plus sitting down more, turning more on my punches. It’s crazy how you might think you’re throwing your punches good, and you’re not this whole time. So, I think I’ve learned how to turn more on my punches, how to sit better on my punches and I think my power is coming out really good. My sparring partner has helped me and I think you will see improvement in my power and my defense.

Q
I know he probably doesn’t speak to you about this much, but can you tell me what it would mean for you, because as Richard mentioned before, there’s an obvious rivalry between Robert and Freddie. What would it mean for you to win one for him?

A. Mares
Yes, like you said we don’t talk about that. It has nothing to do with Freddie Roach. I think it’s a fight between a fighter and myself and just winning the fight for us as a team will mean the world to us. We have no desire on throwing this in anyone’s face. It’s just a win, and there’s no rivalry.

Q
Abner, when you think back about your journey and the opportunities you’ve had in boxing, what are you most grateful for? What are some of the things you’re most grateful for this month, in advance of Thanksgiving?

A. Mares
First, all of the great people I have around me. My circle, my friends, the opportunities I’ve had, and just the opportunity to be fighting for another world title before the end of the year is something I’m really grateful and then I thank, obviously, the great team, SHOWTIME, my advisor and then everyone for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to making myself and my family proud for everything overall. Like you said, I came from nothing to something and there is something I’m trying to do in this sport and that’s to just try and be an example for my kids and for the young kids growing up that anything is possible.

Q
Jesus, how long have you been with Freddie Roach so far in camp and how has that made a difference in your style and your confidence going into this fight?

J. Cuellar
I’ve definitely learned a lot. I feel extremely improved. We have a lot of confidence heading into this fight. I want to thank God for the all the blessings I’ve had. It’s been nice to go back to Argentina, but this was a great opportunity to come up with Freddie and get ready for December 10th.

Q
Do you think that your power and your size advantage make you different from southpaws Abner has faced in any way? What do feel separates you from those southpaws and or anyone else that Abner has faced?

J. Cuellar
I know that I have the size advantage and I’m the bigger fighter but I certainly cannot rely on that. I realize this is going to be a difficult matchup, and I have to bring my best because Abner is a heck of a talent.

Q
What are you thankful for in advance of Thanksgiving?

J. Cuellar
I’m relaxed, I’m calm and I’m thankful that I’m going to spend the time with my family and friends.

Q
This past Saturday we saw a very controversial decision with Ward and Kovalev. Abner, I’ll begin with you, when you see a very controversial decision like that, as a boxer, does it bother you the fact that we’re still seeing controversy when it comes to the judges and does that motivate you at all to try to go for the knockout, not to leave it in the judges hands?

A. Mares
I’m sorry, I’m not going to lie. I did not watch the fight. I wasn’t able to see the fight, because I had a turkey drive the following day on Sunday, so I was getting ready for that, but obviously I saw the tweets, I saw everything. I heard about it, and I heard it was a really controversial decision, but I think there’s no judges like the people. I think those are the ones that you have to prove something to, not so much the actual judges in the ring.

Though, I think it’s divided. I think 50 percent think Kovalec won and another 50 percent think Ward won. Coming from the ground and getting back up and just winning the fight speaks a lot for him. So, again I did not watch the fight. I can’t go into detail, and for myself you just take that and put it on my fight. I don’t have to do anything to impress the judges. I think just my boxing itself. I think we have professionals up there, and they’re going to do their jobs, so I don’t even have to think about that or put that in my head that I have to do something different just to impress the judges. No, I’m going to go in there and just do my job.

Q
You mentioned before, after your last fight was cancelled, that you spoke with Al Haymon and he gave you some advice and counsel to lift your spirits. What advice did he give you after your last fight was cancelled?

A. Mares
Just having him as a friend, as an advisor, just being positive, him saying Abner ‘we’re in this together.’ Just hearing those words, ‘we’re in this together, we’re going to get through it, we’re going to get you a fight soon. Do not worry.’ That did it all. I was, obviously, I was still worried but it calmed me down. It calmed me down and like I said here we are a couple of weeks away and, again, I’m really thankful for my team.

Q
Jesus, everyone who saw you at the news conference was talking about how big you were. Is weight going to be a problem for this fight and traditionally have you ever had any weight difficulties?

J. Cuellar
No, I’ve never had any issues when it comes to weight and I’m very thankful again for the training camp we’ve had and continue to have and I’m ready for the fight.

Q
How much do you weigh right now?

J. Cuellar
130.

Q
Jesus, why did you want to fight Abner specifically?

J. Cuellar
Well, Abner is a fantastic fighter and you have to beat the best in the world to be the best. Now we just have to get ready for December 10th in Los Angeles.

R. Schaefer
Okay, great. I want to thank all of the media members again. I know that many of you from the East Coast are planning on being here for this fight. I just want to say, I know you guys are going to be treated to a very special night. I am going to host a spectacular media dinner on Friday night as well. This is my first fight back, and I really couldn’t have asked for a better doubleheader with Cuellar and Abner Mares and Charlo and Williams and all the other fights I mentioned before. So, I’m really excited about the fights, but I’m really excited to see you guys from the East Coast as well and appreciate the relationship that we have and look forward to working with you. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks and Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and all of your families. Thank you very much.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing, @JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions 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.

Las Vegas, Nevada: In the wake of the controversial unanimous decision victory for Andre Ward over former WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev on Saturday night which most writers, commentators, and media scored a decisive Kovalev victory, Compubox released the breakdown of their punch stats for the November 19 megafight.

Factoring in the second round knockdown, Kovalev would have taken the fight based on total punches landed, total punches thrown, power punches landed, power punches thrown, accuracy of power punches or jabs thrown. Scoring based on jabs landed would have resulted in a draw. The only metric that could have handed Ward the victory was accuracy, but he was only more accurate in throwing jabs on a round-by-round basis.

Particularly glaring is the tenth round, which all three judges scored for Ward, though it looked like a clear Kovalev round according to the Compubox stats. In the tenth round, Kovalev significantly out-landed and out-threw Ward in total punches, jabs and power punches. Had all three judges scored the tenth round for Sergey, Kovalev would have won the fight 114-113.

Main Events CEO Kathy Duva said, “I thought Sergey won the fight sitting ringside and it looks like the Compubox stats bear that out. The judges gave every close round to the challenger instead of the champion, plus the tenth round which wasn’t even close. Sergey has asked for an immediate rematch. As far as we are concerned, he won the first fight and he will win the second fight too.”

Programming Note: HBO will replay the fight this Saturday, November 26 at 10:35 pm ET/PT.

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2016) – Rounding out a stacked card featuring boxing legend Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, undefeated featherweight contender Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. and WBO Cruiserweight World Champion Oleksander Usyk, several red-hot prospects in the Golden Boy Promotions stable will look to move to the next level on December 17 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California.

Tickets for these action-packed fights are already on sale and available at Ticketmaster and the Forum Box Office.

“There is no promotional company with a deeper stable of prospects than Golden Boy Promotions, and fans are going to see a slew of them on the December 17 card,” said company CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya. “I am confident that multiple future world champions are on this card; fans should come to the Fabulous Forum to see these rising stars as they continue to climb the ladder of our sport.”

Following back-to-back knockouts that earned him the WBC Latino Middleweight Title, undefeated southpaw Yamaguchi Falcao (11-0, 4 KOs)will return to the states for the first time since April, 2015 to put his title on the line against German “Zurdo” Perez (10-2-3, 3 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa in a 10-round match-up.

Staying in the middleweight division, Donegal, Ireland’s own Jason “El Animal” Quigley (11-0, 9 KOs) will continue his record of taking on tough challenges and step into the ring against the knockout artist Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-7-1, 26 KOs) from Manati, Puerto Rico in a 10-round bout.

18-year-old lightweight Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) will make his highly anticipated Golden Boy Promotions debut on the card against Durango, Mexico’s Antonio “Chore” Martinez (6-7, 5 KOs). In a professional career that just launched in June, the 15-time national champion has already won six fights, including five by way of knockout.
With the NABA Super Featherweight Title up for grabs, newly crowned champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales (14-1-3, 6 KOs) will look to make it 15 wins in a row after starting his career winless in four fights when he faces challenger Charles Huerta (18-4, 10 KOs) of Paramount, CA in a 10-round affair for Morales’ belt and LA bragging rights.

Back in the lightweight division, undefeated LA Fight Club favorite Ivan “Striker” Delgado (10-0-1, 3 KOs), will head southwest across the city from his adopted home at the Belasco Theater to take on Tijuana, Mexico’s Roberto Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs) in a six or eight round bout.

Staying with the lightweights, fan favorite and hard-hitting Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (15-0, 13 KOs) from Buena Park, California puts his perfect record on the line against a soon to be announced opponent.

Opening up the evening, undefeated Featherweight Joet Gonzalez (14-0, 6 KOs) from Glendora, California continues to take on rugged competition, as he squares off against Torreon, Mexico’s Jairo Hernandez (15-10, 8 KOs) in a six or eight round battle.

Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. Diaz vs. Garcia is a 10-round NABF featherweight title match up presented by Golden Boy Promotions. Usyk vs. Mchunuis a 12-round WBO Cruiserweight World Title battle presented by K2 Promotions in association with Main Events. The event is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on Saturday December 17, 2016 from Inglewood, California’s “Fabulous” Forum on HBO’s flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Hopkins vs. Smith are now on sale and are priced at $25, $50, $75, $105 and $205, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00am PST to 7:00pm PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.starboxing.com, www.k2promos.com, www.mainevents.com,
www.hbo.com/boxing and www,fabaulousforum.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @starboxing, @HBOBoxing, @therealbhop, @beastsmithjr, @JosephDiazJr, @TomLoeffler1, @OleksandrUsyk, @Main_Events, @ThabisoMchunu and @TheForum; become a fan on Facebook at www,facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www,facebook,com/StarBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/TheForum; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #HopkinsSmith

Dulwhich Super-Welterweight Ahmet Patterson has been forced to withdraw from his British title showdown with Welshman Liam Williams after being attacked whilst out running late on Thursday night.

Patterson, 29, suffered injuries to his head and right eye after being struck by a brick whilst running past a group of three men in London. The undefeated Peacock Gym fighter was struck on the head as he ran past the three men who attempted to block his path.

“I was doing my road work when I noticed a group of men gathering on the pavement around 50 yards in front of me,” said Patterson. “I tried to run around them but they moved in front of me and blocked my path.

“As I ran around them one of the men struck me in the face with a brick and we got in a scuffle. Once I started defending myself they ran off.”

The injuries suffered left Patterson with no choice but to withdraw from his challenge for the Lonsdale Belt this Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff.

“It’s incredibly frustrating as I’ve been preparing for this fight for the past two months. I was in the best shape of my life and ready to win the British title. I’m absolutely gutted that I’m going to have to pass on this fantastic opportunity.

“Once my injuries have healed hopefully I’ll get another crack at the Lonsdale Belt. This is a gutting setback but I’ll be back stronger than ever and ready to take my place at the top of the domestic Super-Welterweight scene.

“I feel for the fans who were looking forward to my fight with Liam but some things in life are out of your control.”

Clydach Vale star Williams will now face Hungary’s Gabor Gorbics for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight title. Gorbics, 29, holds a top record of 22 wins, 13 coming via knockout, and 4 losses after turning professional at the back end of 2012.

Gorbics lost on a points decision to former Russian amateur machine Radzhab Butaev earlier this month when he fought him for the Vacant NABF Super-Welterweight title in Connecticut, USA. The Budapest fighter has held the Hungary Super-Lightweight, Slovakian Welterweight and interim Hungary Welterweight titles.

“Obviously I’m disappointed as I was expecting a tough fight against Ahmet and it would have been exciting for the fans while it lasted,” said Williams. “Unfortunately things like this happen in boxing and we have to just get on with it.

“I’m fully focused on securing the WBO European title. It’s another belt to add to my collection and I’m going to put on a show for everyone who is coming out to support me. Ending 2016 on a high is important but it won’t be easy against a strong fighter in Gorbics.

“They’ve done well to bring in a decent opponent at such short notice and I’m expecting a tricky fight. He recently went the distance with rising Russian talent Radzhab Butaev but I’m confident of getting the win.”

LAS VEGAS (November 22, 2016) – The “Round 7, Operation Knockout” amateur mixed-martial-arts and grappling card, presented by Tuff-N-Uff in association with Neon Star Media, will air Sunday, November 27 (11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT) on CBS Sports Network.

The seventh annual “Operation Knockout,” held this past Nov. 19th at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, was created to help Randy Couture’s G.I. Foundation raise funds and awareness for wounded soldiers and their families.

This exciting, unique charity event featured a night of amazing fights and a fabulous silent auction that featured gloves signed by Randy Couture, Luke Rockhold, Miesha Tate and Gray Maynard, tickets to Criss Angel, Rock of Ages and Legends in Concert, and many more items. There was something for everyone with nine amateur MMA fights, four of which were for title belts, and six super-fight grappling bouts featuring Bellator’s Ryan Couture, ex-UFC fighter Ulysses Gomez and current UFC fighter Anthony Birchak, former Bellator fighter and active military, Michael Parker, former Lion Fight fighter Fanny Tommasino, and current Combate Americas fighter and former Tuff-N-Uff fighter, Kyra Batara.

Veteran MMA announcers Sean Wheelock, Joey Varner and living legend Couture called all the action live from ringside.

“Tuff-N-Uff is honored to have a hand in helping to raise funds for and bring awareness to our brave service members who have sacrificed so much for our great country,” Tuff-N-Uff CEO Jeff Meyer said. “Any little bit helps and the least we could do was put together a fight card with the Future Stars of MMA, as well as some big names in MMA who participated. We can’t thank everyone enough for helping put this amazing event together for a good cause.”

Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation provides necessary support and services for wounded soldiers and their families, many of whom return with traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries. One-hundred percent of the proceeds are given as Operation Knockout continues to build on its efforts to raise more money and help more wounded soldiers and their families. With help of its generous sponsors and donations, “Operation Knock” had raised more than $170,000 going into this year’s event.

“I can’t tell you how thankful I am for the support from Tuff-N-Uf, Downtown Las Vegas Events Center and the D Las Vegas of ‘Round 7, Operation Knockout’ and wounded veterans through xcgif.org,” Couture commented. “We at XCGIF appreciate your help and support of this cause.

“We train our warriors to suppress strong emotional reactions in the face of adversity, to tolerate physical and emotional pain, and overcome the fear of injury and death. The military can’t decrease the intensity of that conditioning without negatively affecting the fighting capability of our military. It is a Catch-22. A chilling truth is service members are, simply put, more capable of killing themselves by sheer consequence of their professional training and we are losing 22 a day. This must change. We need to retrain our warriors on what defines success for them.”

“It’s going to be a great night of fighting and grappling. Thank you all for your contributions.”

CBS Sports Network is available across the United States through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com

INFORMATION:

Website: www.tuffnuff.com, www.xcgif.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TuffNuff/, www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/
Twitter: @tuffnuff, @Neonstarmedia, @randy_Couture
About Tuff-N- Uff: A 22-year old combat sports organization, the Las Vegas-based TUFF-N- UFF presents the best amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) action in the nation. It has given rise to some of the biggest stars in the sport today, including former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, as well UFC and Strikeforce veteran Ryan Couture and UFC welterweight Alan Jouban. TUFF-N-UFF has helped grow the careers of many other MMA athletes including Jessamyn Duke, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Tonya Evinger, Jon Fitch, Jesse Forbes, Chris Holdsworth, Brad Imes, Jimmy Jones and Jesse Taylor. In 2013, TUFF-N- UFF became the first combat sports organization to be included on the UFC International Fight Week schedule of events. In 2014,

TUFF-N- UFF presented a second event Thursday, July 3 live from Texas Station, earning status as the first event promotion to be listed on the UFC International Fight Week schedule two years in a row. TUFF-N- UFF celebrated its historic 20th anniversary Saturday, June 7, 2014, with over 15,000 fans, in a sold-out live event inside the Thomas and Mack Center. In 2014, TUFF-N- UFF partnered with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) to present, as part of UFC International Fight Week 2014, the first-ever amateur MMA World Championships. Jeff Meyer is the CEO of TUFF-N- UFF and runs the organization in dedication to his late brother, Barry Meyer, who founded TUFF-N- UFF in 1994. TUFF-N- UFF is committed to growing the sport of MMA and building the “Future Stars of MMA”.

About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results. At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7.

About the D Las Vegas: the D Las Vegas delivers the fresh, energetic attitude and fun atmosphere synonymous with downtown Las Vegas. The new casino hotel boasts 629 remodeled rooms and suites and a unique two-level casino featuring modern and vintage floors. Cocktails, beer and frozen beverages abound inside the casino at LONGBAR and on the Fremont Street Experience at D Bar. the D offers contemporary American fare at D Grill, Detroit’s legendary Coney Dogs at American Coney Island and premium steaks and authentic Italian dishes at Joe Vicari’s Andiamo Italian Steakhouse. The Showroom at the D Las Vegas features outstanding entertainment ranging from award-winning dinner theater and Broadway productions to music, comedy and more. Follow the D on Facebook and Twitter.

About Downtown Las Vegas Events Center: Located at the corner of Third St. and Carson Ave. across from the D Las Vegas, the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center can accommodate up to 11,000 guests and features state-of-the-art stage, sound and lighting. The open-air design is inviting to both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for concerts, conventions and other large-scale events. Embracing the uninhibited spirit of Downtown Las Vegas, the new venue plays host to a line-up of curated events including premier concerts, food festivals and more. The venue is also the first entertainment arena in Las Vegas to accept Bitcoin as currency. For more information, visit www.dlvec.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @dlveventscenter.

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (November 22, 2016)- The best amateur mixed-martial-arts fighters in the world will compete Nov. 26-27 at the World MMA Championships in Studio City, Macau, China.

Close to 100 fighters have registered to compete. The 2016 European (Russia) and Asian (Kazakhstan) team champions head a list that includes Spain, Australia, Belgian, China, Colombia, France, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Tajikistan, Germany, Hungary, Macao, Nepal, India, South Korea, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Taiwan and Uzbekistan.

We’re looking forward to the World MMA Championship in Macau on November 26-27,” WMMAA president Vadim Finkelchtein said. “We expect spectacular, competitive fights.”

The WMMAA Congress will also be held to discuss MMA issues relative to children and women, as well as countries being decided to host the 2017 European, Asian and World MMA Championships. A judicial committee will also be created and seminars held for coaches, judges and medical specialists in each country.”

INFORMATION:

www.WMMAA.org
www.facebook.com/WMMAA-665064310170463/
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA
Twitter: @theWMMAA
Instagram: @worldmmaa
ABOUT WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

Martin Gethin will face John Wayne Hibbert at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night (November 26) live on Sky Sports.

The Walsall man replaces Tommy Coyle in the bout, and the 33 year old will look to having the Hull man is desperate trouble when they met in Coyle’s backyard last March, when he floored Coyle in the second round and looked to be en-route to stopping ‘Boom Boom’ before being forced to retire with a damaged eardrum.

Gethin, who boxed on Saturday over four rounds at Walsall Town Hall, will be looking to land a crucial win to have one last crack at winning titles in 2017, and he’ll be as desperate as to win as the Essex man.

Hibbert is hunting a big performance to move back into the title mix in the talent-stacked 140lbs division, eyeing British champion Tyrone Nurse and the winner of the December 17 clash between Lenny Daws and Anthony Yigit for the vacant European strap.

Gethin’s clash with Hibbert is part of a huge night of action in London as Irish amateur sensation Katie Taylor face Karina Kopinska on her pro debut.

Ohara Davies faces a huge step-up as he challenges WBC Silver Super-Lightweight champion Andrea Scarpa, Martin J. Ward defends his British Super-Featherweight title against Ronnie Clark, Ben Hall faces American danger man Carson Jones, Reece Bellotti meets Ian Bailey in an eliminator for the English Featherweight crown, and unbeaten youngsters Jake Ball, Craig Richards and Ted Cheeseman look to end 2016 with a bang. Conor Benn has been forced off the bill with shingles.

Tickets for November 26 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 available from www.ssearena.co.uk or by calling 0844 815 0815. £150 VIP tickets are available exclusively via www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for November 26 are also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.