Anthony Ogogo will fight for his first pro title when he clashes with Craig Cunningham for the vacant WBC International Middleweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on October 22, live on Sky Sports.

Ogogo’s first shot at professional hardware comes after returning to action with three successive wins following a difficult time with injuries that had previously stunted his promising career in the paid ranks.

The London 2012 Olympic bronze medal hero has blown away his three opponents inside three rounds since his return in May, and the 27 year old is preparing for an exciting clash with another man in great form.

Cunningham successfully defended his Midlands Area Middleweight title in a six round toe-to-toe war against Ryan Aston in May and then dropped down to add the Super-Welterweight strap by seeing off tough Jason Welborn over ten rounds.

Those wins extended the 28 year old’s streak to five since his sole loss to former WBC International champion Tom Doran, and the Oldbury man will be confident to crash the Lowestoft man’s party, but for Ogogo, he says it’s time for his hard work to pay off and land his first belt.

“I’m delighted that this fight has now been confirmed and am incredibly excited to be fighting for my first title on such a great card in Birmingham live on Sky Sports,” said Ogogo.

“I’m feeling fitter and stronger than I ever have done before and am looking forward to getting in the ring on fight night and doing the business.

“I am fiercely ambitious and determined to reach the very top of this sport but know that I can’t look beyond Cunningham. He is a good fighter with a good record but I am completely focused on what I need to do to win that belt.

“I would like to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Sport for having me on the show as well as my promoters Team Sauerland and Golden Boy Promotions for helping make this fight happen. I now can’t wait to get out there in front of what will be an amazing Birmingham crowd and show the world what I can do.”
“This is a great opportunity for Anthony to claim his first major title as a professional,” said Nisse Sauerland. “He has come back from injury, and with three great victories, has proven he is ready to compete at international level. I believe we are still yet to see the best of Anthony, and as the level of opposition improves, so too will his performances, and I’m confident this will be his first of many titles.”
“Anthony is so talented; after recovering from his injuries, it was only a matter of time before he got a title shot,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya. “We are fully confident that Anthony will bring home the WBC International Championship on October 22 and look forward to working with him as he continues his march up the Middleweight ladder.”

Ogogo and Cunningham’s clash is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham topped by a fierce local derby between Frankie Gavin and Sam Eggington for the vacant WBC International Welterweight title.

A host of Birmingham boxers are in title action as Gamal Yafai defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight title against Sean Davis, Marcus Ffrench and Robbie Barrett meet for the vacant English Super-Flyweight title, Don Broadhurst and Louis Norman fight for the vacant English Super-Flyweight title and the vacant Midlands Area Super-Lightweight crown is up for grabs between Jordan Cooke and Andy Keates.

Former World title challenger Brian Rose is in action alongside Cori Gibbs, Sam Bowen, Ryan Kelly, Joe Sherriff and Lennox Clarke.

Tickets are on general sale priced at £40, £60 and £100 and are available from http://www.barclaycardarena.co.uk/whats-on/matchroom-boxing. VIP tickets priced at £150 are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for October 22 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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 6th, 2016) — Undefeated Worcester, Mass., junior welterweight Jamaine Ortiz puts his perfect record on the line at Twin River Casino later this month in a four-round bout against Durham, N.C., vet Isaiah Robinson.

Fighting for the first time since mid-July, Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to face the sturdy Robinson (3-3, 2 KOs) in one of nine fights on CES Boxing’s Friday, Oct. 21st, 2016 showcase, headlined by the eight-round junior middleweight main event between fellow Worcester native Khiary Gray (13-1, 10 KOs) and Chicago’s Chris Chatman (14-5-1, 5 KOs).

Tickets for Oct. 21st are priced at $47.00, $67.00, $102.00 and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

A decorated amateur who competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in Reno, Nev., Ortiz last fought July 15th when he stopped Quebec’s Kimmy St-Pierre in the third round of their scheduled four-round bout.

The 20-year-old right-hander is one of five Worcester fighters on the Oct. 21st card, including Gray, who defends his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Northeast and International Titles just three months after suffering his first career loss in a nationally-televised bout against Ian Green.

Worcester middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (3-0-1, 3 KOs) aims for his fourth win in his fifth pro fight in a four-round bout against Oregon’s Rafael Valencia (3-4-1, 2 KOs) and Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) returns to face Providence, R.I., native Cido Hoff (1-0-1) in a four-round featherweight bout. Also from Worcester, super middleweight Ben Peak makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Jose Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn.

Unbeaten junior middleweights Ray Oliveira Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., and Gerald Schifone (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Brockton, Mass., tangle in the six-round co-feature and former amateur standout Anthony Marsella Jr. (1-0) of Providence makes his Rhode Island debut against Philadelphia’s Bardraiel Smith (0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

New London, Conn., junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Woburn, Mass., vet Bruno Dias (0-1) and junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., faces Florida’s Irvin Veloz, both in four-round bouts.

The entire nine-fight card will be announced tonight at 6 at the official Oct. 21st pep rally / press conference at Lock 50 Restaurant, located at 50 Water St., in downtown Worcester.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING and use the hashtag #ChatmanGray to join the conversation.

Unified Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury failed a 2nd cocaine test, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
VADA president Dr. Margaret Goodman sent Fury and others associated with the rematch a letter confirming the test results, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN.com.

“This letter is to advise you that the ‘A’ sample urine specimen number 4006217 collected from Tyson Fury on September 21, 2016, through his participation in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) program has been analyzed for anabolic agents, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, stimulants and drugs of abuse,” the letter said. “The results of the analyses are as follows: Adverse. Urine specimen contains benzoylecgonine.

“Please also note that — due to varying shipping times — laboratory results for earlier specimen collections may not be available until after the results of subsequent collections in some instances,” the letter said. “Mr. Fury has the right to promptly request analysis of the ‘B’ sample at his expense. Please be aware that VADA does not adjudicate results nor determine whether sanctions are appropriate. As with all results, adverse findings are reported to the relevant commission(s) who may make such determinations. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions regarding this matter.”

Former world title challenger George Groves will take on Eduard Gutknecht on November 18th in London, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m extremely happy to announce this fight and am excited to be headlining on Channel 5,” Groves said. “I have been fortunate in my boxing career so far to experience almost everything the sport has to offer but to be fighting live on terrestrial TV is something that has always been very high up on my bucket list.

“It goes without saying that I am now determined to challenge again, and this time succeed, in becoming a world champion. I feel that working alongside Cyclone Promotions for this fight, as well as with my promoters Team Sauerland, with the opportunity to be back headlining in front of a home crowd close to West London, is the perfect move for me — especially with the chance to showcase myself to a larger audience.”

Said Shane McGuigan, Groves’ trainer: “This is a must-win fight for George. We’ve worked extremely hard this year, and Nov. 18 is a chance for George to make another important step towards becoming a world champion. Eduard Gutknecht is a proven operator who we cannot afford to take lightly. Eddy has a high-punch output and is extremely durable, so we are preparing for 12 hard rounds.”

Gutknecht (30-4-1, 13 KOs), a 34-year-old Kazakhstan native living in Germany, lost a decision to Robert Stieglitz in a 2010 world title bout and another decision to Juergen Braehmer in a world title fight in March. He bounced back from that loss with a third-round knockout win against Artem Redko on June 18.

He said he will be fighting Groves in his hometown.

“I will come to London on Nov. 18 full of energy and conquer,” he said. “I only want to fight winners and make them lose. George Groves is a winner and a world-class fighter, but so am I. The fans in London are in for a hell of a fight.”

06 October 2016 – Singapore: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced three additional bouts at ONE: DEFENDING HONOR to complete the blockbuster fight card. The event is set to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 11 November. The main event features the return of ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki who goes up against top contender Eduard Folayang. In the co-main event, ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat Gafurov takes on former champion Narantungalag Jadambaa in a highly-anticipated rematch.

Tickets for ONE: DEFENDING HONOR are available at http://www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix/Pages/one-defending-honor.aspx

26-year-old Tiffany “Soul Crusher” Teo is a female mixed martial artist who is set to make her ONE Championship debut in the promotion’s flyweight division. She holds an unblemished professional record of three wins and no losses, knocking out two opponents and submitting one. Born in Brunei and raised in Singapore, Teo began training in Taekwondo at age 19 before moving on to compete in Muay Thai and eventually transitioning to MMA. Teo is set to make her first appearance inside the ONE Championship cage against Walaa Abbas.

“It is an honor for me to compete in ONE Championship. I am very blessed to be in the position that I am, ready to give it my all and take it one fight at a time. I’m also excited to perform in front of my friends and family in Singapore,” Teo stated.

Walaa “Katyusha” Abbas of Cairo, Egypt is a 32-year-old female fighter currently competing in ONE Championship’s flyweight division. She is a former Egyptian Boxing Champion who made the transition to mixed martial arts in 2012, joining ONE a few years later to take on top contenders Ana Julaton and Ann Osman. She now returns to the ONE Championship cage to go up against Singaporean female MMA prospect Tiffany Teo, who is making her promotional debut.

Unbeaten young Singaporean mixed martial arts prospect Benedict Ang owns a professional record of three wins and no losses. The 20-year-old hones his craft with world-class teammates as a member of the mighty Evolve Fight Team based in Singapore. At his best, Ang is a dynamic striker with a solid grappling skill set. In his last bout, Ang stopped Filipino Jimmy Yabo via third round technical knockout. He now takes on Ahmed Mujtaba in a featherweight contest.

Ahmed “The Wolverine” Mujtaba is a Pakistani mixed martial artist set to compete in ONE Championship’s stacked featherweight division. He owns a professional record of five wins and no losses, with all of his wins coming by spectacular finish. He is known for his tremendous grappling technique which has led to four submissions out of five total victories. Mujtaba is ready to make his ONE Championship promotional debut against local hero Benedict Ang.

Singaporean flyweight prospect Niko Soe is 23-year-old with a 2-1 professional mixed martial arts record. He possesses a well-rounded skill set complete with a great kickboxing base and a capable ground game. Making his first appearance inside the ONE Championship cage, Soe will look to impress his hometown crowd by claiming victory in spectacular fashion. Soe is set to do battle against Malaysia’s Muhamad Haidar.

22-year-old Muhamad “The Rising” Haidar of Selangor, Malaysia is a professional mixed martial artist competing in ONE Championship’s deep flyweight division. He is a Selangor State Boxer who has trained extensively in boxing, Muay Thai and wrestling. Haidar will make his return to the ONE Championship cage opposite local fighter, Singaporean Niko Soe in a three-round flyweight contest.

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

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

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a stacked day of live mixed martial arts coverage this Friday, Oct. 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET with ONE Championship: State of Warriors from Yangon, Myanmar. Shortly after the event concludes, Fight Network presents the live UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 weigh-ins at 1 p.m. ET from Manchester, England. To cap off the day, World Series of Fighting invades Kansas City for WSOF 33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov, which begins at 11 p.m. ET.

In the main event of ONE Championship: State of Warriors, the best male strawweight fighter on the planet will be determined when ONE 115-pound kingpin Yoshitaka Naito (11-0) defends his crown against undefeated Filipino challenger Joshua Pacio (12-0). In other featured bouts, “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang (18-9) faces once-beaten Poland Top Team product Michal Pasternak (11-1), Filipino bantamweight sensation Kevin Belingon (13-5) collides with Tajikistan native Muin Gafurov (10-1), plus Australian bantamweight prospect Jordan Lucas (8-1) looks to return to the win column when he battles hardened Russian veteran Yusup Saadulaev (15-4-1, 1NC).

Meanwhile, the official weigh-ins for UFC 204: Bisping vs. Henderson 2 will feature all of Saturday’s competitors tipping the scales at 1 p.m. ET, including UFC middleweight champion and hometown favorite Michael Bisping, challenger Dan Henderson, co-main event stars Vitor Belfort and Gegard Mousasi, plus Jimi Manuwa, Ovince Saint Preux, Stefan Struve and Daniel Omielanczuk. The weigh-ins will include live analysis from Fight Network’s Toronto studios and will replay on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET leading into the live prelims on TSN2.

Also on Saturday, Oct. 8, Fight Netwok presents a three-hour special entitled Michael Bisping: Road to Redemption at 12 p.m. ET, which profiles Bisping’s key fights that have led to his eventual rematch with Dan Henderson for the UFC middleweight championship. The special will be followed by UFC 199: Rockhold vs. Bisping 2 at 3 p.m. ET, which takes you back to Bisping’s thrilling championship upset.

The stacked, six-fight main card for the unprecedented three-hour broadcast of WSOF 33: Gaethje vs. Dugulubgov includes a lightweight championship main event between reigning, undefeated champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (16-0) and No. 1 contender Ozzy Dugulubgov (8-2), plus David Branch (16-3) defends his light heavyweight title against Vinny Magalhaes (15-7) in the co-main event. Other confirmed bouts include a lightweight tilt between WSOF 25 eight-man tournament winner Brian Foster (25-9) and Brazilian veteran Luiz “Buscape” Firmino (19-6), a featured lightweight contest pitting Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) against Joao “The Brazilian Samurai” Zeferino (20-8), a welterweight matchup between John “Doomsday” Howard (24-12) and Abubakar Nurmagomedov (12-1-1) and kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight showdown between two WSOF newcomers and knockout artists – Shawn “The Savage” Jordan (18-7) and Ashley “Gio” Gooch (10-4).

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV, WEC and PRIDE events.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Philadelphia, PA (October 5, 2016, 2016) – DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT, World ranked super bantamweight Adam Lopez will take on Carlos Valcarcel on Friday, November 11h at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The broadcast is slated to begin at 9:00 PM ET.

The scheduled eight-round bout will be the featured bout of the inaugural broadcast on
ONE World Sports.

The card is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Victory Boxing Promotions.

Lopez of San Antonio, Texas is ranked 4th by the WBA and has a record of 15-0-1 with seven knockouts.

The 25 year-old Lopez is a four year pro and has wins over Pablo Cruz (11-0), Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1), former world champion Erik Aiken & Mario Munoz (16-0-1).

In his last bout, Lopez fought to a ten-round split draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22nd in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Valcarcel has a record of 14-8-4 with five knockouts. The 34 year-old native of Miami, Florida has wins over Jovanny Soto (15-2-1), Rodolfo Garay (14-2-1) & Leivi Brea (16-4-3).
The 12 year veteran also has fought former world champion Eric Morel and future world title challenger Jessie Magdaleno.

Valcarcel is coming off a 6th round stoppage defeat to undefeated Erick DeLeon on June 25th in Dallas, Texas.

Seeing action in the eight round co-feature will be undefeated welterweight Ed Brown.

The 24 year-old native of Chicago has a record of 18-0 with 15 knockouts, and has established himself as one of the top welterweight prospects in boxing.

Brown is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas on July 30th in Hammond, Indiana.

In an eight-round super middleweight bout, hard-punching Jerry Odom will take on Taneal Goyco.

Odom of Washington, DC has a record of 14-2-1 with 13 knockouts, and is a four-year professional. The 23 year-old Odom won his first twelve bouts, which included a thrilling come from behind stoppage over previously undefeated Vilier Quinonez (9-0) on July 25, 2014 in a nationally televised bout on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Odom avenged a controversial disqualification defeat by destroying previously undefeated Andrew Hernandez (8-0) in one round. In his last bout, Odom stopped Julius Jackson (19-1)in three rounds.

Goyco of Philadelphia has a record of 8-9-1 with three knockouts.

Goyco has upset the apple-cart on several occasions. He has wins over undefeated Dennis Morris (1-0), Jeremy Trussell (8-0) & Devin Butcher (5-0) plus upset victories over Frankie Filippone (14-2-1) and Dennis Hasson (16-1). Goyco is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Tony Hirsch on June 11th in Oakland, California.

Opening up the ONE World Sports television broadcast will be talented prospect Jaron Ennis of Philadelphia.

Ennis, 19 years old has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts. In his last bout, he was taken the distance for the first time, but pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Eddie Diaz on September 15th.

In off-television action and appearing in six-rounds bouts will be super welterweight Arturo Trujillo (8-0, 5 KO’s) of Easton, PA, super lightweight Keenan Smith (9-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Steve Belmontes (2-1) of Corpus Chrsti, Texas; junior lightweight John Joe Nevin (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Mullinger, Ireland; Derrick Webster (20-1, 10 KO’s) of Willingboro, New Jersey will compete in a middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

junior featherweight Emmanuel Folly (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia; lightweight Joshua Jones (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia and bantamweight LeRoy Davila (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, NJ. will take on pro debuting Bennie Culpepper of St. Lois, Missouri.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $100, $75, $50 and $40 and can be purchased by calling 267-273-0945 and www.2300arena.com

ONE World Sports is available on some of the country’s biggest cable providers which include DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, Verizon Fios, Charter, among others.

About ONE World Sports
ONE World Sports is America’s Network for Global Sports, serving sports fans across all platforms with marquee, live and original, content from the U.S. and around the globe. With multi-platform capabilities and superior production quality, ONE World Sports is one of the fastest growing independent sports networks available throughout the United States. Available nationwide via broadband and to more than 43 million households on cable, telco and satellite, ONE World Sports delivers live and exclusive coverage of some of America’s most popular sports played both in and outside the USA including basketball, college football and ice hockey — plus sporting events with the largest global followings like soccer, rugby and cricket. ONE World Sports is distributed through DIRECTV, U-verse, Verizon Fios, Charter Communications, Sony PlayStation Vue, Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Frontier, CenturyLink, Mediacom Communications, Google Fiber, Suddenlink, RCN and a growing number of systems through the NCTC. In addition, the network’s mobile app, Watch ONE World Sports, features a live stream ofthe network for authenticated subscribers and on-demand content for all users. More information on ONE World Sports and its availability in particular markets can be found atwww.oneworldsports.com or consumers can call their television distributor. Watch ONE World Sports is available in the Apple and the Google Play stores.

GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards, Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2016) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) a non-profit charitable organization which donates to boxing-related causes, is happy to announce Michelle Corrales-Lewis as its new CEO/President. Respected boxing announcer, Rich Marotta, who founded the NVBHOF in 2012, steps down after devoting years of his life to get the organization off the ground.

With a number of boxing greats already inducted, which include world champion fighters, judges, coaches and promoters, the NVBHOF has rapidly established itself as prestigious group not only here in Las Vegas, but around the world. The NVBHOF has multiple fundraising events throughout the year, helping local boxing organizations fulfill their goals to keep boxing alive within the community.

“I took this organization as far as I could and I’m very comfortable where it is at today,” said Rich Marotta. “Michelle is on the scene in Las Vegas, has a myriad of contacts, both in business and with the boxing community, especially the fighters, and is more than ready to completely run the company. She is incredibly capable and has been an indefatigable agent for growth of the NVBHOF the past three years, taking on additional responsibilities each and every year. It brings me great pleasure to announce her as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”

After serving as the NVBHOF Chief Operating Officer for many years, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, is thrilled at her new position within the organization.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, widow of former multiple world champion and 2013 NVBHOF inductee, Diego Corrales. “Rich Marotta did a fantastic job building the organization from ground up. His immense work ethic is a great example of how I plan to continue the vision he set forth. My goal is to find a home for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, one where fans from all around the world can visit on regular basis. The boxing community is filled with wonderful people that we will honor as inductees each year. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me by my dear friend Rich Marotta

Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and Johnny Tapi lead this year’s 1st year-names on the Hall of Fame Ballot, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“I’m honored,” Holyfield said after being informed Tuesday night by ESPN.com that he was on the ballot. “What can you say when you’ve done what I’ve done? It do speak for itself. I had a good amateur career, became the first undisputed cruiserweight champ of the world and then undisputed heavyweight champ. I fought them all. I fought everyone who was the best at my time of boxing and did real well. If you’re the best, you’re going to be in the Hall of Fame.

“I fought everybody. I didn’t make up excuses on why I shouldn’t fight this guy or that guy. I fought everyone I was supposed to. I’m glad I played by the rules and became the champ. I fought and did my very best.”

“I became four-time heavyweight champ of the world,” said Holyfield, who was 18-9-2 with 10 knockouts against titleholders and Hall of Famers. “Would have been five if they gave me the decision I deserved against the Russian guy.”

The holdovers on the 30-man modern ballot are Yuri Arbachakov, Ayala, Nigel Benn, Sot Chitalada, Donald Curry, Chris Eubank, Leo Gamez, Genaro Hernandez, Julian Jackson, Santos Laciar, Rocky Lockridge, Miguel “Happy” Lora, James “Buddy” McGirt, Henry Maske, Darius Michalczewski, Sung-Kil Moon, Moorer, Orzubek “Gussie” Nazarov, Sven Ottke, Vinny Pazienza, Gilberto Roman, Gianfranco Rosi, Samuel Serrano, Meldrick Taylor, Fernando Vargas, Wilfredo Vazquez Sr. and Ratanapol Sor Vorapin.

Ricky Burns says he’ll handle the power of big-hitting mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh – but questioned whether Relikh has the temperament for the big stage as Burns defends his WBA Wold Super Lightweight title at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

Burns became Scotland’s first three-weight World champion in May when he stopped Michele Di Rocco in front of a fever-pitch crowd in the same arena.

Unbeaten Relikh boasts 19 KO’s from his 21 wins and Burns is ready to nullify that punching power, questioning whether the Belarussian will be able to handle the pressure of the biggest fight of his career in front of a passionate Glasgow crowd.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how he copes and adapts to the atmosphere,” said Burns. “I don’t know what sort of person he is. But obviously this is a big step up for him, first time he’s headlined an Arena show live on Sky Sports, and he’s walking into the lion’s den in Glasgow. Hopefully the fans will make it hostile for him and I don’t think it will sink in the level he’s at until there’s just me, him and the ref in the ring.

“Tony and I have watched a few rounds of Relikh as we knew he was a possibility. He’s got a lot of KOs on his record so he can obviously punch a bit, but it’s the level of opposition that he’s been knocking out. He can dig a bit but we’re not treating this any differently to any other fight I’ve had. I’ve had a good long camp for this one so there’s no fears for me.

“We’re expecting a tough fight. Conor Benn trained alongside him before and did a bit of sparring with him and he said that he can punch, but we’re confident of getting the job done.

“There were some big fights offered to me. They fell through for this one but now we’ve got the mandatory to get out of the way. That’s not to disrespect to Relikh – he’s got our full attention – but there’s some massive fights out there. I boxed Di Rocco for the vacant belt so I’ve had to do this mandatory straight away which is fair enough, he’s earnt his shot the right way, so we get this win and it leads to massive fights.

“You have to take notice of the record he brings. They might not be top names that he’s been facing, but he’s been knocking them out regardless. This is my 48th fight now and I’ve been in with big punchers before, I always wind Tony up and say that it’s a good job I don’t mind being hit in the face, but my chin has always coped OK.”

Burns’ clash with Relikh is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow with two mouth-watering British title clashes as Scotty Cardle defends his Lightweight belt against Kevin Hooper and Brixton rivals Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison battle for the vacant Heavyweight strap, and there’s action for Joe Ham, Lewis Paulin, Stewart Burt, Scott McCormack and Ross Murray.

Tickets are on general sale now with tickets in the £40-£100 bracket available from the SSE Hydro website http://www.thessehydro.com/ and on 0844 395 4000 and 0800 952 0110 (accessible). VIP tickets at £200 are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

The money from all tickets sold from midnight tonight (Wednesday October 5) to midnight on Thursday will go to the family of Mike Towell, who sadly lost his life boxing in Glasgow last week.

Face value tickets for Burns vs. Relikh 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.

Unified Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has admitted cocaine use, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“Listen, I’ve done a lot of things in my life. I’ve done lots of cocaine. Lots of it,” Fury said in the interview. “Why shouldn’t I take cocaine? It’s my life, isn’t it? I can do what I want. Yeah, I have done cocaine. Plenty of people have done cocaine as well. What the f— has that got to do with anything?

“That ain’t a performance-enhancing drug. Am I not allowed to have a life now as well? Do they want to take my personal life off me, too? I’ve not been in a gym for months. I’ve not been training. I’ve been going through depression. I just don’t want to live anymore, if you know what I’m saying. I’ve had total enough of it. They’ve forced me to the breaking edge. Never mind cocaine. I just didn’t care. I don’t want to live anymore. So cocaine is a little minor thing compared to not wanting to live anymore.”

Asked whether he scrapped the July date because of his problems, as opposed to an ankle injury, Fury said he had.

“To be honest, yes,” he said. “I’ve not been in the gym for months. I’ve been AWOL. I’ve been out drinking, anything to get me mind off what’s been going on to me.”

“I’m going through a lot of personal demons, trying to shake them off,” Fury told Rolling Stone. “This has got nothing to do with my fighting. What I’m going through right now is my personal life. … They say I’ve got a version of bipolar. I’m a manic depressive. I just hope someone kills me before I kill myself.”

Fury said he was training in Holland this past May but was overwhelmed by depression and stopped.

“From that day forward, I’ve never done any training,” Fury said. “I’ve been out drinking, Monday to Friday to Sunday, and taking cocaine. I can’t deal with it, and the only thing that helps me is when I get drunk out of me mind.”

When Fury attended the Deontay Wilder-Artur Szpilka heavyweight title bout in January at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, he was seen by many, including media members, at an after party in the arena. Fury was drinking heavily.

“I’m in a very bad place at the moment,” Fury said. “I don’t know whether I’m coming or going. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me. I don’t know if I’m going to see the year out to be honest. I am seeing help, but they can’t do nothing for me. What I’ve got is incurable. I don’t want to live. All the money in the world, fame and glory, means nothing if you’re not happy. And I ain’t happy. I’m very far from it.”

“Because of my background, because of who I am and what I do — there’s hatred for Travelers and gypsies around the world,” said Fury, an Irish Traveler, which is a group of about 40,000 nomadic, religious people who live throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom and fight among themselves for sport. They have been persecuted for centuries.
“They’ve tried to get me chucked out of boxing because they cannot tame me, they cannot hire me, I’m not for sale, no one can turn a key in my back, no one can do nothing to stop me,” Fury said. “So now they’re saying I took some cocaine and whatever. Listen, if I had some smack, I’d take it. If I had heroin, I’d take that, never mind cocaine, for what they’ve done to me. It’s a travesty what they’ve done.

“I want to expose them for what they are. The British Boxing Board of Controls is in on it too. They’re all in it together. The drug-testing companies are in on it as well.”

Philadelphia, PA (October 5, 2016)–After his emphatic unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Rosado on September, 17th, it was widely understood in the boxing industry that middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. would get an opportunity to face Canelo Alvarez in a bout this winter or next spring.

Now it seems, Canelo’s team, led by trainer Eddie Reynoso, have seemed to do a 180 degree turn, and they don’t want their prized fighter anywhere near the former world title challenger.

“I don’t think it’s Canelo himself, but it is his team. I know Canelo would fight me,” said Monroe. “I think it is trainers who fear that they can’t prepare Canelo for my style.”

Monroe points to pre-fight talk that came from Canelo’s side that the winner of the fight between Monroe & Rosado would be the front-runner to receive the fight with Alvarez.

“If he is a true man, they should stick to their word. The plan was for the winner of that fight to be able to fight Canelo. They thought Rosado would win, and he would just be a guy that would get pounded by Canelo.”

“If the shoe was on the other foot, and it was me who did not want to fight an aggressive fighter, I would look like a punk.”

“They keep putting me on the “B” side, and I just keep on winning. Remember Rosado was the guy who kept saying he was going to knock me out and talking a lot, calling me scared and a bum; I am not that type of guy. I don’t have nine gold chains around my neck or gold teeth in.”

Watch the fight with Rosado. I stood in the middle of the ring with my feet planted in. I was waiting for Rosado to come in, and after I hit him a few times, he looked scared and it was me pressing him.”

“All I want is the opportunity. Canelo got to where he is by fighting big names, so I feel I deserve this opportunity.”

Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd will defend his WBC International Lightweight title against Francesco Patera at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday October 15, live on Sky Sports.

Dodd landed the crown in May at Goodison Park with a points win over Pasquale Di Silvio and the popular Birkenhead man makes his first defence in Liverpool as he looks to cement his place in the WBC rankings and move up the ladder.

Patera will be aiming to rip the crown from ‘Masher’ though and the 23 year old from Genk has plenty of pedigree behind him at such a tender age. Patera landed the Belgian title in May 2015 in his 11th pro outing, and took Yvan Mendy – the Frenchman that floored and beat Luke Campbell for the International strap in London in December – the distance in May when they met for the EU title, the sole loss on his 17 fight record.

Dodd – who was set to face Gary Sykes before the Dewsbury man announced his retirement – is looking to impress in front of the Sky Sports cameras once again following his win at Everton FC and his toe-to-toe British title tussles with Scotty Cardle, and the 32 year old knows this is a great chance to put his name out there for more major titles.

“I’m really looking forward to defending my belt for the first time,” said Dodd. “Goodison Park was an epic night for boxing in Liverpool and it’s one that’s going to be talked about for years.

“That’s all in the past though and now it’s time for me to kick on and see how far I can keep this ride going. Francesco is a young kid with plenty of ambition and I’m expecting the toughest fight of my career, but I won’t be denied on my home patch.”

Dodd’s clash with Patera is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Tony Bellew defends his WBC World Cruiserweight title against brash American B.J Flores.

Olympic gold medal star Luke Campbell MBE will defend his WBC Silver Lightweight title against Derry Mathews, Belfast star Ryan Burnett defending his British Bantamweight title against Liverpool’s Ryan Farrag, and Liverpool favourites David Price and Rocky Fielding set for action.

Tickets are on sale now via www.echoarena.com or by calling 0844 8000 400 priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150. VIP tickets will be available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

LOS ANGELES (October 4, 2016) – Super lightweight contender and two-time world title challenger Art Hovhannisyan (17-2-3, 9 KOs) participating as the main event for this Friday’s LA FIGHT CLUB hosted a media work out today, along with Former WBC World female Middleweight Champion, Maricela Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) and super lightweight prospect, David Mijares (3-0, 2 KOs) ahead of the showdown at the Belasco on October 7th.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media work out:

ART HOVHANNISYAN, Super lightweight contender and two-time world title challenger:

“I’m very excited to get my name out in the Belasco on October 7th. As a local LA fighter, it feels great to be fighting at LA FIGHT CLUB for the first time. I started my boxing career when I was twelve, and was inspired by my favorite boxer, Mike Tyson. I’m the type of fighter that loves to put on a show in the ring.

“My last fight was at Fantasy Springs in May, and I learned a lot from that fight. My opponent’s name for my upcoming fight is Diego Magdaleno, and I have watched him fight a few times. I know what I have to do in the ring to earn the victory.”

MARICELA CORNEJO, Former WBC World female Middleweight Champion:

“As a female boxer, one of the challenges I face is that people don’t want to see a powerful woman. When I have the chance to spar with other women, it’s awesome because I can go all out and not be afraid.

“Over time, I have become a very aggressive fighter in the ring–my trainer says I hit harder than any of the other guys he has worked with.”

DAVID MIJARES, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“This is my second fight at the Belasco, and my training regimen has been great. Even though I do eat lots of different foods, I do lots of cardio–which is what has kept me in shape.

“My last fight was August 19th, and I never stop training, I’m always ready to get back in the gym. Before a big fight, there’s always a couple of things we try to work on. My goal is to keep doing better and better. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I do know he has speed, so I need to be careful. Right now, we are working on timing and how to outbox him.”

LA FIGHT CLUB: Hovhannisyan vs. Magdaleno, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, October 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining dates taking place November 4 and December 2.

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (October 3, 2016) – M-1 Global stars will be out Friday, October 21, for M-1 Challenge 71 as two new intriguing bouts have been added to an already loaded main card in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Russian welterweight Sergey Romanov will take on Brazilian fighter Carlos Alexandre “Indio” Pereira, former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan “T-800” Puetz, of Germany, faces Brazilian opponent Marcus Vinicius “Montanha” Lopes, and M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexander Butenko meets Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinkho” Pereira in a non-title bout..

The inaugural M-1 Challenge bantamweight championship match between Pavel Vitruk (13-2-0, M-1: 7-2-0) and Vitali Branchuk (21-5-0, M-1: 1-1-0), as well as a light heavyweight showdown featuring 2-time former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight Viktor Nemkov (23-6-0, M-1: 16-5-0) and Attila “Pumukli” Vegh (29-7-2, M-1: 0-1-0), were previously announced by M-1 Global.

M-1 Challenge 71 will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Romanov (8-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0) is riding a seven-fight win streak, including a pair of victories at M-1 Challenge 68 over Andreas Birgels by way of an opening-round knockout (punches), which was exactly the same way Romanov finished off Sergio de Fatima at M-1 Challenge 65.

Sergey Romanov has position vs. Sergio de Fatima

Pereira (37-11-1, M-1: 1-0-0) made an impressive M-1 debut a year ago at M-1 Challenge 61, defeating Ruslan Zhemukov in the first round with the Submission of the Night. The large majority of his fights have been held in Brazil against his fellow countrymen.

Carlos Alexandre Pereira forced Ruslan Zhemukov to submit

Puetz (14-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0) captured the covered M-1 Challenge light heavyweight title in 2014, when he defeated defending champion Nemkov by way of a five-round split decision. The gifted German successfully defended his title belt twice against Luis Fernando Miranda (SUB2 – choke) at M-1 Challenge 50 and Valery Myasnikov (KO/TKO2 – punches) at M-1 Challenge 54. Puetz followed up with a third-round stoppage of then-M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura in a non-title fight at M-1 Challenge 57.

Puetz lost his M-1 Challenge title belt to Nemkov by way of a five-round majority decision at M-1 Challenge 63 in the Fight of the Night. In his last action this past May at M-1 Challenge 66, Puetz won a hard fought three-round unanimous decision over Andrey Seledtsov in another Fight of the Night.

Stephan Puetz (R) and Viktor Nemkov have had two bloody wars

Lopes (10-4-0, M-1: 1-0-0) also had an impressive M-1 debut at M-1 Challenge 69 this past July, in which he took a three-round unanimous decision from Kurban Ibragimov. It marked Lopes’ only pro fight outside of his native Brazil.

Marcus Vinicius Lopes unleashed a devastating kick here

Butenko (41-22-1, M-1: 8-1-0), fighting out of Ukraine, captured his M-1 Challenge welterweight crown in his last fight, taking a five-round unanimous decision from Artiom Damkovsky for the vacant title this past June at M-1 Challenge 67.

Butenko’s (R) title will not be on the line at M-1 Challenge 71 vs. Pereira

Pereira (16-2-0, M-1: 0-0-0) will be making his M-1 debut. He is a champion in Brazil, holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and will be fighting professionally for the first time outside of his native Brazil.

INFORMATION:

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ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko , Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2016 has been another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 4, 2016) – Top undefeated prospect DANIEL “TWITCH” FRANCO, (14-0-3, 9 KO’s), of Rancho Cucamonga, California faces JOSE HARO, (13-1-1, 7 KO’s) of West Jordan, Utah for the vacant IBF-USBA featherweight title on Thursday, November 10 in Washington, D.C. in the 10-round main event of “FIGHT NIGHT” at the Washington Hilton.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity to fight in Washington, D.C. for the IBF-USBA featherweight title. Jose and I have been on a crash course for the last year and I’m glad we can finally settle this in the ring with a title and a world ranking at stake,” said the 24-year-old Franco. “My goal is to become a world champion and this opportunity for fight for a top-15 world ranking is the next crucial step.”

“We’re excited for Daniel and the team. Everyone’s worked very hard towards a common goal since Daniel turned professional almost six years ago,” said Ray Chaparro, manager of Franco who is promoted by Roc Nation Sports. “It’s a cross-country trip for Daniel but were here to become a world champion and this is the path we need to take.”

The hard-hitting Franco returns to the ring following a convincing fifth round knockout of Marcello Gallardo on August 6 in Oakland, California on the undercard of Andre Ward vs. Alexander Brand.

The knockout of Gallardo was the second in a row for the heavy handed Franco, who previously stopped German Meraz in the eighth round on March 26, also in Oakland.

The 29-year-old Haro is currently riding a five fight winning streak, most recently, knocking out Sergio Najera on July 16 in Layton, Utah. His only loss came to then undefeated top prospect Toka Khan Clary in a six-round unanimous decision on June 14, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Photo Credit/Team Franco

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 4th, 2016) — Three months after suffering his first career loss on national television, Worcester, Mass., junior middleweight Khiary Gray returns to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs hoping to add another memorable moment to the demo reel.

Gray (13-1, 10 KOs) defends his Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Northeast and International Titles Friday, Oct. 21st, 2016 at Twin River Casino against self-proclaimed “bad guy” Chris Chatman (14-5-1, 5 KOs), who makes his eighth Rhode Island appearance.

“I feel real good about my upcoming victory against Gray,” Chatman said matter-of-factly. “I’m not sleeping on his abilities as a fighter, but I’m real confident in my training.

“He looks good, but anyone can look good against the level of competition he’s opposing. I’m sure after he fights me, he’ll come out better and ready to win.”

“I know he said he’s bringing the pain. I respect him and what he does, but this is a fight I knew was coming and I’m ready to get back to doing what I do and get back into the winners’ circle,” Gray countered.

“I’m coming to redeem myself. The last fight was a fluke.”

The eight-round main event headlines a stacked nine-fight card that also features an all-New England six-round co-feature between unbeaten junior middleweights Ray Oliveira Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) of New Bedford, Mass., and Gerald Schifone (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Brockton, Mass., plus a four-round regional showdown between Providence featherweight Cido Hoff (1-0-1) and unbeaten Worcester slugger Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs).

Tickets for the Oct. 21st Chatman-Gray title bout are priced at $47.00, $67.00, $102.00 and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The Chatman-Gray showdown comes just three months after Gray suffered a second-round knockout loss to Ian Green in the opening bout of ShoBox: The New Generation’s 15th Anniversary telecast. That bout occurred just one week after Chatman notched what might’ve been his impressive win, defeating Rhode Island’s Thomas Falowo for the second time in three years at Twin River.

The 32-year-old Chatman, a Chicago native who spent the last three and a half years fighting out of New Jersey before moving back to the Windy City this summer, has carved a niche in Rhode Island as the spoiler often matched opposite the hometown favorite.

Chatman is 5-2 at Twin River, which includes two wins over Falowo, a 2014 victory against Grady Brewer, and a win last summer against Providence’s Vladine Biosse. His resume also includes bouts against former World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade, a Providence native and 2008 U.S. Olympian, and current World Boxing Council (WBC) 154-pound title-holder Jermell Charlo.

He’s also expertly cast himself as the villain; drawing both the ire and the undeniable respect of New England fans with his colorful quotes and all-action fight style. On Oct. 21st, he faces another tall task against the 23-year-old Gray, who won eight consecutive bouts by knockout — seven in the first round — during a torrid, 11-month stretch in 2015.

“I know the fans don’t like me much,” Chatman said, “but I appreciate their boos all the same as cheers. The ‘bad guy’ is a role I play. It’s what sells tickets. And the ‘bad guy,’ a.k.a ‘the monster under the bed,’ is coming to beat another New England fighter. This is Khiary’s last chapter as champ!”

Gray captured the first of his two UBF titles in September of 2015 when he dismantled Texas’ Kenton Sippio-Cook at the 2-minute, 2-second mark of the opening round of their scheduled six-round bout, and added the International Title to the trophy case with a grueling, 10-round unanimous decision win over Ecuador native Eduardo Flores three months later.

Gray’s quick rise to prominence — 13 bouts in less than two years, all victories — earned him a spot on ShoBox: The New Generation, the premier network destination for boxing’s top up-and-coming prospects. With no shortcuts on the road back to the top, Gray jumps right back into the fire Oct. 21st against the hard-hitting, durable Chatman, who’s only been stopped twice in 20 career bouts, once to Charlo, who is now 28-0, and again to Ukrainian star Ievgen Kyytrov, who’s stopped 12 of his 14 opponents.

The undercard also features the Rhode Island debut of amateur standout Anthony Marsella Jr. (1-0) of Providence, who faces Philadelphia’s Bardraiel Smith (0-1) in a four-round junior welterweight bout, plus the return of Worcester middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (3-0-1, 3 KOs), who steps back into the ring five weeks following his most win to face Medford, Ore., vet Rafael Valencia (3-4-1, 2 KOs), also a four-round fight.

New London, Conn., junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) takes on Woburn, Mass., vet Bruno Dias (0-1); Jonathan Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., faces Florida’s Irvin Veloz in a four-round junior welterweight bout and Hartford super middleweight Jose Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) also makes his Ocean State debut against Worcester’s Ben Peak. Worcester lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs) will be featured in a separate four-round bout.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING and use the hashtag #ChatmanGray to join the conversation.

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce that online gaming giants 32Red.com are backing the World title blockbusters for Ricky Burns and Tony Bellew in the next fortnight, both live on Sky Sports.

Burns and Bellew won the belts they defend this month in one glorious weekend in May, where Burns became a three-weight World champion by dominating Michele Di Rocco in his eighth round stoppage win for the vacant WBA Super-Lightweight crown at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday and then the following day at Goodison Park, Bellew climbed off the canvas in the first round to brutally KO Ilunga Makubu in the third to become WBC Cruiserweight king.

Scottish hero Burns puts his belt on the line this Friday against dangerous unbeaten mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh, the Ricky Hatton trained Belarussian who has 19 KOs from his 21 wins, and a pair of tasty British title fights as Lightweight king Scotty Cardle defends his belt against Kevin Hooper and Brixton rivals Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison battle for the vacant Heavyweight strap.

Merseyside main man Bellew puts his strap on the line on Saturday October 15 against brash American BJ Flores who is in his second World title fight. There’s a great card in support as Luke Campbell MBE defends his WBC Silver Lightweight title against local favourite Derry Mathews and Belfast star Ryan Burnett defending his British Bantamweight title against Liverpool’s Ryan Farrag.

“I am delighted that 32Red.com are on board for these two huge nights for British boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “That weekend in May will live long in the memory as two special nights as Ricky cemented his place in the record books as an all-time great and Tony achieved a fairy tale win at the home of his beloved Everton FC, and now they are looking to build on those wins with successful defences on two cards packed with great fights.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Matchroom Boxing and to be sponsoring the next two World Title fights in Glasgow featuring Ricky Burns and Liverpool featuring Tony Bellew,” said Matt Booth, Chief Commercial Officer at 32Red. “British boxing is at an all-time high and to associate the 32Red brand with these great nights is very exciting for us.”

Tickets for Burns vs. Relikh are on sale now with tickets in the £40-£100 bracket available from the SSE Hydro website http://www.thessehydro.com/ and on 0844 395 4000 and 0800 952 0110 (accessible). VIP tickets at £200 are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Tickets for Bellew vs. Flores are on sale via www.echoarena.com or by calling 0844 8000 400 priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150. VIP tickets will be available exclusively from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for both bills 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.

Representatives of former heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin and Bermane Stiverne will have a purse bid this Friday for a proposed WBC Interim title fight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to thank Don King and the honorable Mauricio Sulaiman of the WBC for giving me this opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title once again,” Stiverne said. “For the betterment of boxing in general, and the heavyweight division in particular, I plan to knock Povetkin out and bring this title to America. Then I will get my revenge against Wilder, when he is ready.”

“I have been taking calls, for weeks, from interested parties, and we will consider all options,” said King, who will control where the fight will take place if he wins the purse bid.

Professional boxing returns to the World Famous Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California on Friday, October 14, 2016.
Presented by Top Rank in association with Bash Boxing, the San Fernando Valley’s only pro boxing series Valley Fight Night 10 will be supplemented by blue chip prospects from the Top Rank stable including the main event between Jose Felix Jr. (34-1-1, 26KOs) and Alan Herrera (34-8, 22 KO’s). Felix Jr. will put his #3 WBO and #5 IBF World Rankings on the line against his fellow countryman in a 10 round Lightweight battle.

Exciting Mexican-American undefeated prospects from the California fight scene will put their untarnished records on the line, including Fresno’s Eric Altamirano (8-0, 6KOs), Coachella’s Alberto Fundora (8-0, 4KOs), and Victorville’s Ryan Garcia (5-0, 4KOs).

Also scheduled for Valley Fight Night 10 is the return of the man known simply as “The Mean Machine” – undefeated former two-time Olympian and fast rising Welterweight Egis Kavaliauskas (14-0, 12 KO’s). Rounding out the Eastern European portion of the card will be Russia’s Maxim Dadashev (3-0, 3 KO’s) and Ukraine’s Oleg Zubenko (2-0, 1KO).

Tickets starting at $50 can be purchased online at www.valleyfightnight.com or
by calling (626) 388-8888.

Doors Open at 6:00pm; First Bout at 6:15pm. All bouts are subject to change.

Oslo, Norway (October 3, 2016) Still basking in the glow of a tremendous performance on Saturday night fighting in her native country of Norway for the first time, #1 Pound-for-Pound Women’s Fighter, Cecilia Braekhus, (29-0, 8 KO’s) looked ahead to her future while celebrating the momentous occasion of her second round knockout of arch-rival Anne Sophie Mathis, (27-4-1, 23 KO’s). With the victory Braekhus retained her WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO and IBO Welterweight Titles.

Known as “The First Lady” of boxing, Breakhus worked diligently outside the ring with numerous Norwegian politicians over the last seven years to lift the ban on boxing the country had instituted in 1981.

“I’ve fought all over Europe but it was always my dream to fight in Norway, this is my home and it meant so much to me on Saturday to see the huge crowd and know how much it meant to so many people in this country, “said Braekhus. “The entire fight week truly exceeded my expectations, everywhere I went the response from fans and media was incredible.”

“I have to give a special thanks to the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, who has been so very supportive of my work and played a huge role towards lifting the ban in Norway that allowed me to fight here.”

While over 10,000 fans packed the Oslo Spektrum, over a fourth of the four million people residing in Norway tuned in on TV3, marking it as the second highest program in the stations’ history.

Said Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions, “I’ve been to many boxing events, but this one stood out with the emotion from the fans for their national hero, finally getting to see her fight at home. It was a spectacular night in the arena and a spectacular performance in the ring.”

Speaking about the second round knockout of Mathis who she decisioned four years ago, Breakhus stated, “I feel so much stronger training now with Johnathon Banks, after the first round he told me to go on the attack and my punches were too much for her.”

“This is my third fight with Johnathon and I feel like a new boxer, he’s really taken me to new levels.”

About her future plans, Braekhus said, “Two things I want to do next year, fight in the United States and fight (UFC fighter) Cris Cyborg. She’s been talking loudly about fighting me in a boxing match and I’m all for it. And the United States is a place I’ve wanted to fight for many years and want to make that happen in 2017 as well.”

Among those in attendance on Saturday night in Norway was former heavyweight champion of the world, Wladimir Klitschko, “He told me I hit like a heavyweight,” said Breakhus, “And I’m sure he would know.”

Millville NJ (October 3, 2016)–Rising Promotions is proud to announce the signings of super middleweight Isiah Seldon, super lightweight’s Marvin Johnson & Dan Murray, bantamweight Dallas Holden, cruiserweight David Sparks and featherweight Dion Sparks to exclusive promotional contracts.

They join undefeated heavyweight Quian Davis (3-0-2, 2 KO’s) as the first group of fighters to ink contracts under the Rising Promotions banner.

Davis is coming off a 28 second knockout this past Saturday night in Trenton, New Jersey over Jonathan Hafley

Seldon of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 9-1 with three knockouts.

The 28 year-old son of former WBA Heavyweight world champion, Bruce Seldon, turned professional in 2010 and won his first seven bouts. Following his lone blemish, Seldon has won two fights in 2016, which includes his latest outing when won a six-round unanimous decision over Eddie Edmond on May 27th in Atlantic City.

“I am happy and excited. I know they will keep me busy and they are bringing boxing back to Atlantic City. It’s a blessing,” said Seldon.

Johnson has a record of 1-0-1. The Bridgeton, New Jersey native is had a long amateur career of 211-31. He was a 2007 National PAL in 2007 and 6 time in Florida PAL champion. Johnson was a 3 time time Ringside World Championship Runner-Up; 3 time National PAL Runner-Up Johnson is

24 years-old and turned professional in 2014, and is is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Lamont White on July 22nd in Atlantic City.

“It’s a blessing and great opportunity in my career. It puts my family in a better position. It gives me a good opportunity to fight in front of my hometown fans. I want to thank Debbie LaManna, Thomas LaManna and Vinny LaManna. It has effected and changed my family lives. I was on the shelf for a year and now I get the opportunities to show my skills,” said Johnson.

Murray, 24 years-old of Barnegat, New Jersey was 26-7 as an amateur. He was a New Jersey Golden Gloves and New Jersey Diamond Gloves champion.

Murray trains at the Atlantic City PAL.

“I am very excited and ready to go out and show the world what I have to offer, I am glad to sign with Rising Promotions and I will show everyone what I am all about. I worked very hard and hard work pays off,” said Murray

Holden, 20 years-old of Atlantic City was a highly regarded amateur who amassed 50 fights. Holden fought in the Philadelphia Golden Gloves. He has a professional record of 1-0. Holden turned professional on July 22nd with a four-round unanimous decision over Kevin Asmat in Atlantic City.

“I have known Thomas for a long time and its going to be a good thing. It’s going to open a lot of doors. Because of my amateur career, people know me and now they want to see me fight as a professional,” said Holden.

David Sparks of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 2-0. The 31 year-old turned professional in 2014 and in his latest outing, he won a four-round unanimous decision over Marcellus Yates on March 28, 2015 in Queens, New York

Before turning pro, Sparks competed in 80 amateur fights and amassed 3 National championships, Golden Gloves and Ringside world championships

“Signing came at a great time. We needed a break in our career. We have been going through some difficult things. I expect to fight a lot . Hopefully every month or two. I am always in the gym. Hopefully eight to ten fights.

Dion Sparks, 19 years old, had 135 amateur fights. He won 3 national championships and 2 world championships, and at one point was ranked number-one in the United States.

“This is every exciting. I can do really great with Rising Promotions. I am young and talented. We been all over including at Mayweather Gym. I am always in shape and I am ready to fight. I have great expectations. I would like to fight 8 to 10 times and just stay active. I think within two or three years, we can get the right fights and fight for a championship. They set them up and we will knock them down, “said Dion Sparks. “we appreciate Rich Masini and all he has done for us.

“We are very excited to announce out first signings,”said Thomas LaManna of Rising Promotions. “When we started the promotion, one of our missions was to give local fighters opportunities to showcase their abilities. So to have signed five fighters from New Jersey and two from New York is a great start for us. I think because of the success of our series at The Claridge has and will continue to attract top talent from this area. We will continue to look for and sign the best fighters and continue to put on the top-notch shows that we have over the past year.”

ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2016) – Danny Roman (20-2-1, 7 KOs) continues to make news for all the right reasons. The super bantamweight from Los Angeles now occupies the No. 5 position in the WBA rankings. The move into the top five launches Roman into serious world championship consideration.

“The momentum has been building for a long time,” said the 26-year-old. “Now that I’m here, I’m ready to challenge anyone, anywhere.”

“Danny has put the boxing world on notice,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s ready for his world championship moment.”

“We expect Roman to fight sometime in November,” said Alex Camponovo, long time matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “The date and opponent will be announced at a later time.”

Roman, who currently holds the NABA Title, first appeared on the WBA list last August, and ever since then, has been inching closer to the top spot with every win.

During his twelve fight winning streak, Roman has produced impressive, one-sided wins against veteran opposition. The growing list includes: Enrique Quevedo, Chris Martin, Daniel Noriega, Giovanni Caro, and Erik Ruiz.

He won the vacant NABA Championship last July against Noriega and has made four successful title defenses. The most recent came against Quevedo in August.

“It was an incredible win,” Camponovo would say after the fight. “Roman made a very respectable boxer look average, at best.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

OAKLAND, CA (October 3, 2016) – Two-Time World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) officially kicks off training camp in Hayward, CA with trainer Virgil Hunter ahead of his November 19 showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs). Ward’s training camp, which will serve as a base for Ward over the next several weeks as he continues his quest to dominate the light heavyweight division, is sponsored by a resounding collection of American-based companies including Jordan Brand, Shoe Palace, JetLux, and ProSupps.

Below is what Team Ward had to say about the start of training camp:

ANDRE WARD, Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter:

“I’ve been in pre-camp mode for weeks now following my last fight, and have been mentally preparing for the work ahead of me. It’s an exciting feeling to be in full camp mode, where I can dedicate 100% of my mind, body and soul to the battle I am about to face. This is a fight that we have been working up to since last spring. The game plan hasn’t changed. I am here and I am ready.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Andre Ward’s Trainer:

“No one beats Andre Ward when it comes to training camp. We’re going into camp with the mentality of another day, another fight, another win. His strive for perfection, work ethic and consistency is what makes him a champion.”

JAMES PRINCE, Andre Ward’s Manager:

“With everything set for the biggest fight of the year on November 19, we are excited to open training camp. What is done here for the next few weeks will play a major part in the final outcome. We thank God for the opportunity and look forward to giving the boxing community and all of our fans, the fight that they have been anticipating.”

Tickets for the most anticipated fight of the year are on sale now and start at $55 on axs.com and at the T-Mobile Arena box office.

Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound For Pound”, a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA light heavyweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, is presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions and is sponsored by the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Rosneft and Corona Extra. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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LOS ANGELES (September XX, 2016) – With only three LA FIGHT CLUB editions left this 2016 at the Historic Belasco Theater, Golden Boy Promotions is turning up the heat in the ring as the temperatures begin to drop in Los Angeles. Always committed to bringing the best of the best fights, Golden Boy Promotions will be featuring Super lightweight contender Art Hovanissyan (17-2-3, 9 KOs) as the main event scheduled to take on former two time world title challenger Diego “Mr. Superb” Magdaleno (28-2-0, 12 KOs) in a bout that’ll leave LA boxing fans on the edge of their seats. The updated ten round super lightweight clash will be replacing the previously announced bout featuring Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado.

Also on the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast as the co-main event, Philadelphia’s Damon Allen (10-0, 4 KOs) will be facing a soon to be announced opponent in an eight round lightweight bout that will show off the young fighter’s growing talent in the ring, and continue to breed his LA fan base.

Kicking off the Estrella TV’s televised portion of the night, and the second female fight to ever take place at LA Fight Club, boxer Maricela Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) has been matched up against Eliza Olson (9-6-3, 2 KOs) in six rounds of super middleweight fury.

Additionally on the action-packed card, Quintana Roo, Mexico’s rising star Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre (14-0, 8 KOs) will fight in Los Angeles for the first time in a scheduled six-round lightweight fight against Roberto Carlos “Magnifico” Rivera (6-2, 5 KOs).

Local fan favorite representing Santa Monica, David Mijares (3-0, 2 KOs) will fight in a four-round super lightweight event against Jason Gavino (3-3, 2 KOs). Opening up the night, Olympic team contender Marvin Cabrera of Mexico City, Mexico will make his pro debut in a four-round middleweight bout against Jose Caro (0-3) of Tucson, Arizona.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages, Group Tickets and Knockout Experience upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com. Mark your calendars and purchase tickets in advance before they sell out for the remaining dates taking place November 4 and December 2.

Representing Gyumri, Armenia, Art Hovhannisyan was one of the top prospects in the super featherweight division, and was undefeated until his challenge for the WBO and NABO super featherweight title match against Alejandro Perez in February 2013. Since then, this fighter has been on the climb to get a title. His latest attempt was in a tough fight were he lost via split decision against Jonathon Maicelo for the WBC International Silver lightweight title. Since then, the fighter has fought against Fidel Maldonado, an all-out brawl resulting in a draw. He is no scheduled to face off against Diego Magdaleno in the upcoming October edition of LA FIGHT CLUB.

Former world title challenger, Diego “Mr.Superb” Magdaleno is known for his exciting boxing style. A professional fighter since 2007, Magdaleno is ready to restart his career after suffering his second career loss to WBO Lightweight World Champion Terry Flanagan this past October 2015. Previously, the 29 year old was the owner of the WBO International Lightweight Title, a belt he won in 2015 by defeating Jose A. Gonzalez via seventh round technical knockout. Now ready to step back in the limelight, Magdaleno will be looking for a stellar victory against the experienced Art Hovhannisyan.

A professional since 2013, undefeated lightweight Damon “No Smilin” Allen, has had victories over tough opponents in Hector Marengo, Tony “Sugar Boy” Walker and Travis “El Animal” Thompson. The 24-year-old Philadelphian stepped through the ropes twice in 2015, stopping Luis “Yeye” Rodriguez in three rounds at home in Philly before making his Los Angeles debut in November with a decision victory over Oscar Santana. Since then, Allen defeated Daniel Perales on March 3, 2016 via unanimous decision and was las seen in Hollywood, winning a technical knockout victory over Daniel Montoya in on May 25.

Twenty-nine year old professional boxer, actress and model, Maricela Cornejo hails from Grandview, Washington and began boxing at the famed Wild Card Gym in December 2010. Quickly falling in love with the sport, Cornejo vigorously trained for 11 months before participating in her first amateur fight in Las Vegas. In August 2012, Cornejo took the leap into the professional ranks by defeating Mia Henderson via majority decision. Since then, she has maintained busy and was most recently seen in the ring against Latashia Burton in August 2015 and Kali Reis in April 2016.

Eliza Jane Olson fights out of Gladiator’s Training Academy in Redwood City, California. Olson was born on February 8, 1976 into a family with a long background in boxing. Her grandfather was Carl “Bobo” Olson, middleweight world champion and boxing Hall-of-Famer who fought all the greats in his weight class and retired with an impressive record of 99-16-2 (49 KO). Her last title challenging fight was against Jessica Rakoczy for the International Boxing Association female lightweight title and WBC World female lightweight title, where she won via knock out. With Olson’s father, Carl Olson Jr., in her corner every time she fights, we are sure to hear him cheering her on in this match.

Joseph “Diamante” Aguirre of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, has defeated every opponent he has ever faced and hopes to add his upcoming opponent to his list of victories as he fights for the first time in Los Angeles. With a recent victories in 2016 against Oscar Arjona via first round knockout in March and a fifth round technical knockout victory against Rony Oscar Alvarado on May 20 in his U.S. debut, and a unanimous decision victory against Ricardo Urbina on July 23. Aguirre will be looking to impress in his Los Angeles debut, in a scheduled lightweight bout in the famed Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles.

Roberto Carlos “Magnifico” Rivera of Tijuana Mexico represents the number of fighters who hail from Mexico. The young fighter has taken on the rising talent off Baja California, and is looking expand his boxing portfolio. His first fight in the U.S. will be a career moment, as his debut on the Downtown Los Angeles stage against Joseph Aguirre will determine his trajectory in his professional boxing career.

Some fighters are made in the gym. The 20-year old David Mijares was seemingly born into the sport. As Mijares’ father worked with legendary musician Bob Dylan, his pregnant mother visited the boxing gym and her water broke. By the age of 12, he began competing, going on to compile a 57-12 record as an amateur. Among his accomplishments were three National PAL Championships, a 2015 Golden Gloves title, and a Bronze medal in the 2015 USA National Championships. Mijares made his professional debut with a spectacular win on the Canelo-Khan undercard on May 7 defeating Omar Reyes via unanimous decision. On June 11 he was seen defeating Cory Vom Baur with a technical knockout and was last seen on the August 19 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB, defeating Jorelle Sparenberg via second round knockout.

Jason Gavino hails from Tijuana, Baja California. From a young age, the fighter naturally drifted to boxing growing up in the streets of TJ. A brawler in the making, the Mexican fighter will be making his debut at the popular LA Fight club series this October as he faces David Mijares in the ring.

On the Mexican youth national team for two years and on the elite team for five years, Cabrera was a 16-time national champion who twice competed in the world championships. He also won a Bronze medal in the Central American Games, among several other accolades, on route to a 135-15 record. In 2012-13, Cabrera compiled a 12-5 record in the World Series of Boxing league, and while staying in the amateur ranks in order to earn a shot at an Olympic Gold medal was enticing, Cabrera decided that to best take care of himself and his family, becoming a professional was his best option. The member of a fighting family that includes his father and brother, both of whom fought professionally, and a sister, Mexico City’s Cabrera first put boxing gloves on at the age of 10, and later that year, he had his first fight. He was nervous, but he won, and from there, he was all in.

Jose Caro has not been deterred since having a shaky start to his professional career. The young fighter will be taking on Marvin Cabrera as his first fight in Los Angeles at the Historic Belasco Theater.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Hovanissyan vs. Magdaleno, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” Casa Mexico Tequila and Carmelita Coconut Water. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, October 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

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

Nutley, NJ (October 3, 2016)–This past Friday night, newly signed GH3 Promotions fighter Stephon Young turned in a terrific performance as he won the WBA NABA Bantamweight title with a ten-round majority decision over Tony Lopez Jr.

The bout, which was held at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, was televised live on CBS Sports Network.

Young controlled the final three-quarters of the bout as he used his speed and aggressiveness to win by scores 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

Young, 28 years old of St. Louis, raised his undefeated mark to 15-0-3 with six-knockouts.

“It was a great fight. I have to give credit to Tony Lopez . It was an exciting fight, but I think he must have thought something different of me as I don’t think that they knew what they were getting themselves into,” said Young.

“I was in tremendous shape. the fight was close in the first four rounds, and then I took over the bout.”

When asked what is next, Young knows that he will be ranked by the WBA and is looking for a world title opportunity.

“I am going to go back to the drawing board see what my manager (Henry Rivalta) and my promoter (GH3 Promotions), and keep busy. I am going to the top. This is only just the beginning, and it will get any better.”

“I am not going to say he is next, but I want to fight (WBA Bantamweight champion) Rau’she Warren. He beat me in the 2012 Olympic trials and we have some unfinished business.”

“Stephon boxed a beautiful fight on Friday,” said GH3 Promotions Vito Milenicki. “He was very impressive, and now he as the NABA title. Now between me and Henry Rivalta, we will move him the right way and get him the title shot he deserves.”

GH3 Promotions features Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Ronald Ellis, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Kenneth Sims Jr., Jerrell Harris, Arturo Trujillo & Keenan Smith, Heavyweight Ray Edwards, Lightweight’s O’Shaquie Foster & Logan Yoon, Jr. Lightweight Antonio Williams, Bantamweight’s Brent Venagas, LeRoy Davilla & Stephon Young to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Indio, CA (October 3, 2016) – Petr Petrov (38-4-2, 19 KO’s) earned a mandatory world title shot at the WBA Lightweight title with a stoppage after 6 rounds over Michael Perez in a scheduled 12 round bout at the Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, California.

In round 2, Perez was bloodied over his right eye, and Petrov was cut on his forehead. Later in the round, Petrov dropped Perez with a hard right to the head. Petrov continued the assault as he battered and hurt Perez with evenly dispersed punches to the head and body. As the blood continued over Perez’s right eye, Petrov never let up.

Finally, trainer Robert Garcia decided his fighter had enough and stopped the fight after the 6th round.

“I just want to thank everybody who made this win possible. My wife Carolina, My family back home in Spain and Russia. This victory is what I have been working for to be so close to a world title shot. This was one of the best training camps I have had, and I want to thank my trainer/ manager Danny Zamora and my strength and conditioning coach Jerry Arias,” said Petrov. “Mike Perez is a true warrior, and he came to fight, and it was great fight. All I want to do is go home to Spain get some rest and wait for the phone call from my promoter to let me know when I will be fighting for the world title.”

Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo stated, “Petr looked sensational, He has been getting better every fight, and this is the best he has looked. He has really earned his title opportunity. In his last 6 bouts the combined record of his opponents is 135-24-5. Now we will look to make the WBA world title bout as quickly as possible

Photos by Kyte Monroe

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY returns with a new edition WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5 (11:00-11:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988, the show is a provocative, engaging and informative experience that delves into intriguing storylines, newsmakers and issues that are top-of-mind in boxing.

Other HBO playdates: Oct. 8 (1:30 p.m.), 10 (4:45 p.m.), 12 (9:45 a.m., 4:35 a.m.), 13 (11:15 p.m.), 14 (1:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m.), 16 (9:35 a.m.) and 18 (9:30 a.m., 12:45 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Oct. 6 (6:00 p.m.), 9 (5:15 p.m.), 11 (11:00 p.m.), 17 (11:15 a.m.), 20 (2:10 p.m., 8:30 p.m.), 22 (11:15 a.m.), 26 (2:40 a.m.) and 29 (10:35 p.m.)

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

In this edition: THE FIGHT GAME looks at the recent returns of Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez; analyst Bernard Hopkins takes viewers into the gym to break down the performances of Canelo and Golovkin; correspondent Melissa Stark profiles manager Egis Klimas, a Lithuanian refugee, who against all odds has become one of the sport’s most influential players; and Max Kellerman joins Lampley for the latest news and headlines.

Immediately following the show’s Oct. 5 debut, fight fans can log on to hbo.com for an exclusive overtime segment hosted by Lampley.