New York, NY (9/19/16) – DiBella Entertainment’s (DBE) undefeated former Olympians Lenin Castillo and Jonathan Alonso picked up impressive victories over the weekend in the Dominican Republic. The light heavyweight Castillo (15-0-1, 10KO’s) scored a second-round KO over Colombian Jose Miguel Torres (31-9, 27KO’s) while the super lightweight Alonso (11-0, 4KO’s) pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Venezuelan Jherson Perez (5-3, 3KO’s).

For the Spaniard Alonso, who was born and raised in the Dominican Republic but represented Spain in the 2012 Olympic Games, it was a triumphant homecoming, having only fought in Spain and the US since turning pro in 2014. Alonso, who now lives and trains full-time in Brooklyn, has shown steady improvement throughout his first two years as a pro, and will be looking to keep a busy pace as he continues to move up the ranks of the talented 140lb. division. He is expected to return stateside for his next bout before the end of the year.

A 2008 Dominican Olympian, Castillo turned pro in 2010 and quickly moved to a perfect 11-0 by 2013, before his career was sidelined due to promotional issues. Castillo, who splits his time living and training between the Dominican Republic and Brooklyn, signed with DBE in 2015 and his career is now back on track. The lone blemish on his record came against fellow undefeated prospect Travis Peterkin (16-0-1) at Barclays Center in August of last year. Since the bout against Peterkin, Castillo has scored back-to-back-to-back stoppage victories and will be looking to secure a lucrative bout in the loaded light heavyweight division in early 2017.

After taking x-rays and conducting a CT scan, the doctor found an avulsion fracture of the right thumb. Canelo does not need surgery and the prognosis is excellent.

Canelo’s hand will be immobilized for the next six weeks, and he will be unable to fight again in 2016.

This does nothing to Canelo’s plans to move up and take on the best in the middleweight division next year.

For more information visit us at www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow us on Twitter: @GoldenBoyBoxing, follow the conversation on Facebook www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, and visit us via Instagram on @GoldenBoyBoxing.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Roy Jones Jr. may or may not fight again following his torn bicep injury.

“If I stop now, I’m good with that because I got a win in front of my fans in that last fight,” Jones said Friday.

“My biceps, it just popped in the fifth round,” Jones said. “My right hand was dead after that even though I threw it a few times. But it’s already feeling a lot better. I’m not sure if this is the end or not. I may fight again if I feel like it, but I don’t know if I will feel like it.”

“But if I stop now I’m good with it,” Jones said. “I still might go on, but if I just stop, I’m good with it.

“It ain’t about the money. I want to fight because I love to fight. I like testing myself, but I’m not trying to fool myself. I’m not 32 anymore. I’m 47 and know I can’t fight forever, but I’m not trying to prove nothing to anyone. But if I have fought for the last time, I can live with that. It was big for me to go home to Pensacola and get a win in front of all those fans who have supported me for so many years.”

Las Vegas, NV (September 17, 2016) – Oleksandr Usyk won the WBO Cruiserweight title with a convincing unanimous decision over previously undefeated Krzysztof Glowacki in a bout from Gdsansk, Poland.

The bout was streamed all over the United States on www.klowdtv.com

Usyk, a 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner controlled the action of the entertaining affair.

The native of Ukraine won by scores of 119-109 and 117-111 twice to raise his perfect mark to 10-0.

Glowacki, who was trying to make his 2nd defense is now 26-1.

The fight drew a massive audience online on www.klowdtv.com in what will be was the first of many world title bouts on www.klowdtv.com

“Unexpected high demand challenged our streaming infrastructure, crashing the live stream multiple times. We apologize to KlowdTV boxing fans for the issues. We’ve arranged for AWE to show an encore presentation of this spectacular world title fight on Wednesday at 9 pm Eastern,” said Chris Schickedanz, Directing manager of www.klowdtv.com

AWE is available nationally on Verizon FiOS TV, channel 169 and 669, AT&T U-verse TV channel 147 and 1147, along with numerous cable providers across the U.S.

Michael Johnson took out Dustin Poirier in the 1st round of their lightweight bout in Hidalgo, Texas.

Johnson landed a booming right hook-left hand combo that sent Poirier to the canvas and then landed four hard shots on the ground and the fight was over at 1:35.

Johnson, 154.5 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 18-10. Poirier, 156 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 20-5.

Derek Brunson stopped Uriah Hall in the first round of their middleweight bout.

Brunson dropped Hall with a a left hand, and then jumped n Hall and landed 5 shots while on the ground and referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 1:41.

Brunson, 186 lbs of Wilmington, NC is 16-3. Hall, 185.5 lbs of Queens, NY is 13-7.

Evan Dunham won a unanimous decision over Rick Glenn in a lightweight bout.

Dunham, 156 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 18-6. Glenn, 154.5 lbs of Milwaukee is 18-4-1.

Roan Carneiro win a split decision over Kenny Robertson in a welterweight bout

Carneiro, 171 lbs of Atlanta, GA won cards by 30-27 and 29-28 scores while Robertson took a card 29-28.

Carneiro is 21-10. Ribertson, 170.5 lbs of Washington, IL is 15-5.

Islan Makhachev won a 3-round unanimous decision over Chris Wade in a lightweight bout.

Makhachev, 155.5 lbs of Russia won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 13-1. Wade, 156 lbs of Islip, NY is 11-3.

Chas Skelly submitted Maximo Blanco inside of a minute of their featherweight bout.

Skelly ran out of his corner and landed a vicious kick to the body. Shortly thereafter, Skelly got Blanco in a choke and the fight was stopped at 19 seconds.

Skelly, 146 lbs of Arlington, TX is 16-2. Blanco, 145.5 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 12-8-1-1.

Frank Warren is extremely disappointed to hear of today’s statement published by Chris Eubank Jr.

Due to the fact we are hours away from one of our fighters appearing in a major international event at one of America’s biggest football stadiums, further developments will have to wait until Monday when we will be speaking to the BBBC.

Thereafter we will make a formal statement regarding the situation and subsequently regarding the event.

Although we are disappointed by the Eubank statement, we are not surprised, as the public know full well for themselves, they make a habit of talking up fights but not following through.

They are are also incredibly unpredictable, unprofessional and very difficult to work with.

We are extremely disappointed for the fans who have booked tickets, coaches and hotels. Actions such as this are totally disrespectful to the sport and the fans.

We feel most for Tommy, who has been waiting patiently for his shot at the Lonsdale belt.

The event will be still take place on 22nd October in Cardiff and the changes that will have to be made because of this will be disclosed when we are able to do so.

Follow all the action as Liam Smith defends the WBA Jr. Middleweight title against Canelo Alvarez.  The action from AT&T Stadium kicks off at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a 3 fight undercard that will start with super bantamweight’s Diego De La Hoya battling Luis Orlandito Del Valle; Joseph Diaz takes on Andrew Cancio in a featherweight bout and in the co-feature, Willie Monroe, Jr. battles Gabriel Rosado in a middleweight clash.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED…THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Hard right from Alvarez..Jab..Double jab..body shot..jab..

Round 2 Good right from Smith..2 jabs and hook from Alvarez..Hard right to body..Alvarez bleeding over his left eye..Left from Smith..

Round 3 Alvarez lands a body shot..Hard right..right to head..body shot..left right to body.Good left fro, Smith..right..Uppercut by Alvarez..Good uppercut from Smith..

Round 4 Smith cut above his left eye..Body shots from Alvarez..

Round 5 Smith lands a body punch…jab..double uppercut and body from Alvarez..good right from Smith..Hard right

Round 6  Good right from Smith..2 hard uppercuts from Alvarez..Body shot..Great right to the body

Round 7 RIGHT TO HEAD AND DOWN GOES SMITH..Big left hook from Alvarez..Smith lands a right..

Round 8 Counter right from Alvarez..Good left from Smith..HARD BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES SMITH..

Round 9 Body shot from Alvarez..another good body shot..HUGE LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES SMITH…HE IS HURT AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Right hook from Monroe..2 jabs…

116-112, 118-110, 117-111 WILLIE MONROE JR

Round 1: Diaz lands a left..Left at end of round

Round 2  Cancio lands a left hook…Right from Diaz..Good body shot..Solid left..

Round 3 Cancio bleeding from the nose..Trading uppercuts…1-2 from Cancio

Round 4 2 straight lefts from Diaz..

Round 5 Diaz lands a combination..Jab/straight left…Good right from Cancio..Straight left from Diaz..And another 1

Round 6 Good body shot from Diaz..Good left

Round 7 8 Punch combination from Diaz

Round 8 2 rights from Cancio..Combination..Combination from Diaz,,Good left hook from Cancio..Good left from Diaz..

Round 9 REF STOPS FIGHT…TKO WIN FOR JOSEPH DIAZ JR.

Round 1 De La Hoya lands a right..

Round 2  Del Valle lands a left and right to chin..Jab from De La Hoya..Jab ..Straight right from Del Valle..Good right..Let to body from De La Hoya..

Round 3 Good exchange..Right from Del Valle..Solid right from De La Hoya…Good body shot from Del Valle..

Round 4 Del Valle lands a right..De La Hoya lands a right ..Good body shot…Good exchange

Round 5 Exchange of rights’..Hard right from De La Hoya

Round 6 Left hook to body from De La Hoya..Good left hook to body…Good right..

Round 7 Del Valle has a mouse under his right eye

Round 8 De La Hoya lands a nice right

Round 9

Round 10 Nice jab from De La Hoya..

100-90, 99-91 twice for DIEGO DE LA HOYA

Canelo Alvarez won the WBO Junior Middleweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated Liam Smith in front of 51, 240 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Alvarez came out with a fast and vicious assault for which Smith was able to withstand.  Smith got in an occasional right and uppercut.  In round four, Smith was cut over his right eye.

In round seven, Alvarez landed a hard right to the head that sent Smith to the canvas for the first time in his career.  Smith went down again in the next round from a perfectly placed left to the body.  Alvarez finished things with another left to the body that not only dropped Smith, but curled his legs in the air undoubtedly due to a quick sharp pain from the show at the fight was stopped at 2:28.

Alvarez of Guadalajara, Mexico is 48-1-1 with 34 knockouts.  Smith of Liverpool, England is now 23-1-1.

Willie Monroe, Jr. won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado in a middleweight bout.

Monroe won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 21-2.  Rosado is 23-10.

Joseph Diaz Jr. remained undefeated as he bloodied and battered Andrew Cancio for almost nine rounds en route to a technical knockout victory.

In round three, Cancio began to bleed from his nose after eating an uppercut.  From there it was all downhill for Cancio as he ate combination after combination and the blood streamed down his nose and all over the trunks of both fighters until the fight was stopped at 2:27  of round nine.

Diaz, 125 1/2 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 22-0 with 13 knockouts.  Cancio, 126 lbs of Blyth, CA is 17-4-2.

“This is a great victory, it will open up so many doors for me moving forward,” said Joseph Diaz, Jr. “I felt very comfortable today, I was the better puncher, I was faster and was able to cut the ring more efficiently.  I knew that Cancio was going to be a strong guy, I knew he was going to be tough and try to push me around, so I had to be the better fighter tonight. I was able to display my defense and my power.”

Diego De La Hoya remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Del Valle in super bantamweight bout.

De La Hoya, 121 3/4 lbs of Mexicali, MX won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice  and is now 16-0.  Del Valle, 121 3/4 lbs of Bayamon PR is 22-3-0-1.

Former world title challenger Sadam Ali won a ten round unanimous decision over Saul Corral in a welterweight bout.

In round four, Ali dropped Corral with a right to the head.

Ali of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 99-91 and 99-90 twice and is now 23-1. Corral is now 22-8.

“The plan was to get the knock out, but that didn’t happen with this victory,” said Sadam Ali. “My opponent definitely had a Mexican style to him, and I was not expecting the reach he had with his arms. I knew I hurt him in the exchange of blows in the fourth round, and other times throughout the fight. This is still the win I needed and worked hard for, and I know the next fight I am in will demonstrate my will power.”

Vergil Ortiz scored a first round stoppage over Ernesto Hernandez in a scheduled four-round super lightweight bout.

Ortiz is now 2-0. Hernandez is 1-4.

“I feel motivated with this win. Never in my dreams did I expect to be on such a stage so early in my career,” said Ortiz. “In the ring, I knew my opponent was hungry for redemption early because he kept trying to throw some overhand punches. But I kept tight and when I landed my double jab and straight right punch combination, I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to get back up. I am glad I have such a solid start to my career, and I’m looking forward to more massive fights.”

Hector Tanajara Jr won a four-round unanimous decision over Roy Garcia in a lightweight bout.

Scores were 40-36 on all cards for Garcia, 132 1/2 lbs of San Antonio, TX and is now 7-0. Garcia, 133 1/2 lbs of Alice, TX is 3-20-1.

“It’s an amazing feeling being able to fight in my home state – I could hear my family members cheering from the stands, and it’s a blessing that they were able to come out to my first Texas performance,” said Hector Tanajara, Jr. “I honestly thought I was going to be able to get the knock out, but my opponent wanted to brawl and he had a resistance in the ring that I didn’t expect. In the end, I got my victory, and back to the gym we go to begin training for the next one.”

Zachary Ochoa remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Daniel Montoya in a junior welterweight bout.

Ochoa is now 16-0. Montoya is 11-5.

“It felt good to go all eight-rounds.” said Zachary Ochoa. “It’s a good experience for me, to make sure that all my training is working.  He was a tough guy, resilient, but I was in control the whole time. I knew my body shots were hurting him and I continued doing that to break him down. I knew going in it was going to be a tough fight, but we trained exactly for this, and we are ready to take on the next talented fighter.”

Alexis Salazar won a four round unanimous decision over Larry Smith in a super welterweight bout. The scores read 60-54 twice and 58-56 for Salazar who is now 8-3. Smith is 10-29-1.

“I felt good throughout the fight. I feel it was my technique that won this fight for me,” Alexis Salazar said. “My opponent was a tricky guy to fight and I thought it would be an easier night for me because of his loss streak on his record, but he made me work and I think it was a good experience.”

Anthony Yarde (8-0, 7KOs) scored a first round stoppage over Rayford Johnson in a scheduled four round light heavyweight bout.

Yarde of Great Britan is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Johnson is 11-21.

Former world champion, Ishe Smith won a 10-round majority decision over Frank Galarza in a junior middleweight bout at the Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round two, Smith sent Galarza to the canvas with a hard right hand.  The two exchanged some good flurries with Galarza pushing the action down the stretch, but Smith got the decision by scores of 96-93 & 95-94 while a 3rd card read even at 95-95.

Smith, 157.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-8.  Galarza, 154 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 17-2-2.

Justin DeLoach won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Dominique Dolton in a junior middleweight bout.

In round five, Dolton was cut on the bridge of the nose.

DeLoach of Augusta, GA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94 and is now 16-1. Dolton of Detroit is 17-1-1.

Jose Cayetano won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alexis Santiago in a super bantamweight bout.

In round five, Santiago was cut around his right eye. he wwas rocked several times and almost went down from a left hand. Cayetano finished the fight strong as he landed several hard blows down the stretch that had Santiago hurt along the ropes.

Cayetano, 120.2 lbs of Tijuana, MX won by scores of 96-94 twice and 97-93 and is now 20-4. Santiago, 120.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 21-3.

Arlington, Texas (September 16 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. weighed in at a ready 158.75 lbs this afternoon at AT&T Stadium, while his opponent Gabriel Rosado tipped the scales at 159.25 for Saturday night’s WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title bout. The fight will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

After a tense stare-down, Rosado shoved Monroe, to which Monroe simply smiled at the Philadelphia native.

Below are quotes from the two fighters:

Willie Monroe, Jr.
(On the shove) “Let him do what he does. We have twelve rounds or less to see what he can do. We are going to see what happens.”

“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. I do this for the fans. I am part Cubano, so I have that Latino blood.”

Gabriel Rosado
He was talking some smack, so I will just take care of it. Like a true Latino fighter, I am coming to fight. He is running. He don’t want a war, but that’s what it is going to be on Saturday.”

(On the impact of his trainer, Fernando Vargas) “Me and Fernando Vargas are cut from the same cloth. We come to bring it. We come to bring the pain. That’s what it’s going to be on Saturday.”

New York, NY (9/15/16) – Since turning pro in July 2014, former Ukrainian amateur standout Sergiy Derevyanchenko (9-0, 7KO’s) (32-1 including the World Series of Boxing) has let his fists do the talking for him in the ring, as he has climbed the rankings of the middleweight division at a blistering pace. Already rated #2 in the IBF world ratings, Derevyanchenko has looked absolutely sensational with each passing performance and is honing in on the opportunity to fight for his first world title. Upon hearing recent reports that the winner of the Gabriel Rosado-Willie Monroe Jr. bout this Saturday on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s world title match against Liam Smith, the usually quiet and well-mannered Derevyanchenko couldn’t help but voice his disgust with Canelo.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous. There is no other way to describe it,” said Derevyanchenko. “If you count the loss against J’Leon Love, Rosado is 2-5 in his last seven fights and has been stopped twice in that time. He has nine losses on his record in total. Monroe was absolutely dismantled by Golovkin and has a loss to Darnell Boone. With all due respect to Rosado and Monroe, I would beat them both on the same night. They could have a tag team match against me alternating rounds and it wouldn’t matter. If these are the fighters that you want to face, you should be ashamed to call yourself middleweight champion!”

Derevyanchenko had an astounding amateur career, which saw him compile a 390-20 record, as well as represent his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics and win a bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships. Derevyanchenko also competed in the World Series of Boxing, where he posted a 23-1 overall record and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. Derevyanchenko earned the number two ranking in the IBF in his last bout, when he obliterated former middleweight champion Sam Soliman, dropping him once in the first and twice more in the second before the referee mercifully called a halt to the contest. No other fighter had ever dominated Soliman in his career in such easy fashion, and it was only the second time he had ever been stopped.

Canelo’s next bout is tentatively scheduled for December 10, and Golden Boy Promotions, Canelo’s promoter, has said that they would like the fight to take place in New York. Derevyanchenko, who lives and trains in Brooklyn, would love the opportunity to take on the Mexican superstar in his adopted home of New York City.

“I would love to welcome Canelo here in New York, in his NYC debut. This is my adopted home and with his fan base and mine, it would make for a tremendous atmosphere,” stated Derevyanchenko.

Of course, the one fight that the boxing world wants to see is Canelo against GGG. Canelo has made it clear that that fight is not happening next. To this point, Canelo, like so many other middleweights, has done everything to avoid the fight with GGG, frustrating boxing insiders and fans alike. Derevyanchenko, though, is one fighter who is looking forward to and anticipating fighting the middleweight kingpin in the future.

“I would love the fight against GGG in the future. I have known GGG since his amateur days. He is a tremendous fighter and a world champion. Right now, he is the best that there is in the middleweight division, and that’s the crown I am aiming for. To be the best in this division, you have to beat him. I am number two in the IBF right now and GGG has that belt. I anticipate that I will be challenging for that belt in the not-so-distant future, and it would be an honor to share the ring with such a terrific fighter. Beating GGG makes me a superstar, and that’s what I am striving for.”

Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison are both predicting big KO wins when they clash for the vacant British Heavyweight title at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Friday October 7, live on Sky Sports.

The Brixton bangers take their rivalry north of the border with the Lord Lonsdale belt on the line along with bragging rights in south London.

Whyte fights for the belt for the second line having tackled Anthony Joshua MBE for the strap in December while it’s Lewison’s first crack at the coveted crown.

Both men enter the contest on the back of morale boosting action, with Whyte returning from shoulder surgery with wins over Ivica Bacurin and Dave Allen, while Lewison picked up the biggest win of his career in China, landing the WBO Asia Pacific crown with a second round KO win over previously unbeaten home favourite Zhi Yu Wu.

With the two men sharing 22 KOs from their 30 wins, there won’t be a backwards step taken on the night as the winner looks to bag the belt, bragging rights and take pole position for bumper fights in the talent-stacked domestic Heavyweight scene.

“I’m going to KO him,” said Whyte. “He’s dangerous for a couple of rounds, but I’ll show him that I’m the best out of south London. I’m the best. Ian will get banged out, he is going to try and swing because he’s got no other choice.

“There’s no friends in this game, boxing is a business and he talks a lot like he’s a hardman but he’s just a little tramp. He’s been around for years and finally got himself a win in China and a top 15 ranking in the WBO, so I want to beat him and take that ranking.”

“Dillian needs to prepare himself to be 100 per cent because I am and I’ll be knocking him out,” said Lewison. “Dillian did what he had to do against Allen, but he said before the fight that Dave didn’t deserve to be in the ring with him and that he was head and shoulders above Dave.

“I expected him to put it on him and show he was a league above him and take him out. He just sat back and boxed in cruise control for ten rounds though – he won’t be able to do that against me.”

Whyte and Lewison clash on a huge night of action in Glasgow as three-weight World king Ricky Burns defends his WBA World Super-Lightweight title against unbeaten mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh.

Scotty Cardle defending his British Lightweight title against Kevin Hooper, Commonwealth Games gold medal favourite Charlie Flynn tackling Manchester’s Kofi Yates, plus more.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Friday September 2, 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

Liam Smith 154- Canelo Alvarez 154
(WBO Jr. Middleweight Title)
Willie Monroe Jr. 158.75 – Gabriel Rosado 159.25
Joel Diaz Jr. 125.5 – Andrew Cancio 126
Diego De La Hoya 121.75 – Luis Orlando Del Valle 121.75
Sadam Ali 146.5 – Saul Corral 147.5
Vergil Ortiz 139.25 – Ernesto Hernandez 139.5
Hector Tanajara Jr. 132.5 – Roy Garcia 133.5

LONDON (16 September) – World champion Liam Smith believes he is being overlooked in his superfight with Canelo Alvarez and has vowed to cause a huge upset.

The Merseyside light-middleweight puts his WBO title on the line this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation, as he battles the Mexican superstar at the 80,000 seater AT&T Stadium in Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The undefeated Smith, however, feels that he is being unfairly written off and has promised to cause a major surprise by beating the heavy favourite Canelo and is even preparing to rematch him as a result.

“I’m coming to fight Canelo, and you’re going to be in for a massive shock. This fight is me making a name for myself the world over and establishing myself to the world of boxing and not just for British fight fans,” said Smith.

“My mind is just set on Canelo. And when I beat Canelo, my next fight will be Canelo again, because I know they will throw everything back. They overlooked me, and I know after September 17, the excuses are going to come.

“I know they’re going to do what they can to get the rematch again. So my mind will be focused on Canelo, and it will be on Canelo again because I can see what’s going to happen,” he said.

28-year-old Smith will be fighting Stateside for the first time and is going in against fan-favourite Canelo, who has lost just once, that being against pound-for-pound legend Floyd Mayweather in 2013.

The British fighter knows he will enter the ring with the odds stacked against him but has asked for a fair shake should the fight go to the scorecards.

“I know on paper I’m the B-side of this fight. Canelo’s the big name. It’s always Canelo, and it’s Mexican Independence Day, so I know that. But I’m the champion, and just looking back on that, that is one reason why I hope they’ll respect that I’m champion and be fair,” Smith said.

“If I win the fight, then make sure I get the decision. Give me the respect I deserve. I am the champion, even though I am the B-side in the fight.

“I’m not in a situation where I have nothing to lose in this fight. I’ve got a title to lose. So I’ve taken this fight because it’s an opportunity to make a name for myself and establish myself as one of the best fighters pound-for-pound in the world,” he stated.

Both fighters have an attractive style that is set to make for an explosive affair, with Smith believing that Canelo’s way of fighting is perfect for his approach in the ring.

“This is the fight that if I could pick a style of a fighter, it would be similar to Canelo’s style. I always wanted a Canelo fight, a Cotto fight. A style like that is what I prefer to fight. This fight can only be a great fight. There’s no way the styles will make a bad fight,” he said.

“They gel well, and this is a fight, again, you’re going to see me smile in. Because I smile even when it’s not going my way. I’m not going to not smile because I’m not winning. I’ll smile because I enjoy every minute of this fight.

“Canelo and this fight is right up my street stylewise,” Smith said.

Tonight’s weigh-in ahead of the fight this weekend will be live free-to-air on Sky Channel 437 from 8pm.

Canelo v Smith is exclusively live on BoxNation (Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/Online & App) this Saturday night. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –
About BoxNation

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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). 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.

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Callum Johnson faces Willbeforce Shihepo for the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title – and wants to win his first pro title for his Dad at the Manchester Arena on September 24, live on Sky Sports.

Johnson is looking to add the Commonwealth title to his 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medal as he looks to convert his 15-fight unbeaten record into hardware, starting with his clash with the experienced Namibian, who took Arthur Abraham the distance in Germany, and with 17 KOs from 23 wins, provides a dangerous examination of Johnson’s title credentials.

Johnson’s desire to land his first pro crown and begin his quest for World title honours is further fuelled by his late father Paul, who passed away earlier in the year.

“He remains my biggest inspiration,” said Johnson. “We started this journey together when I was 12 years old and I am determined to finish it for him. His memory is only going to motivate me even more.

“Since I won gold at Delhi we always talked about what it would be like to win Commonwealth gold and a Commonwealth title. To complete the set, it sounded good. If Dad is looking down on me then this is my chance to show him we did it.

“Shihepo is the exact type of opponent I need to be facing right now, I need a stern test and he is that man. He has boxed former World champion Arthur Abraham and he done well against him – Abraham was a long standing world champion and very tough, so he’s mixed with the very best.

“I feel very confident ahead of this fight. I’m excited for this test and it’s one I’ll come through with flying colours.

“I thought this opportunity would come a bit a sooner than it has, after my amateur background I did expect to be challenging for domestic titles a bit sooner. But it’s come at a strange time for me personally, with everything I’ve had going on with my dad passing away. It will be nice to have the Commonwealth double of Gold medal and belt after fight night.”

Johnson’s clash with Shihepo is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Crolla meets Jorge Linares in a blockbuster unification battle for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Lightweight titles.

John Ryder defends his WBA International Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield, Isaac Lowe defends his Commonwealth Featherweight title against Tshifhiwa Munyai, unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Hosea Burton will be in title action Conor Benn tastes his fifth night of action in the paid ranks with an appearance first at The O2 in London on September 10.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 and available from the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs tickets are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £250.

Face value tickets for September 24 will 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.

Arlington, Texas (September 15, 2016)–Below are quotes from middleweight contender, Willie Monroe, Jr. from Thursday’s press conference in advance of his bout with Gabriel Rosado.

Monroe will face Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental title, which will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout on September 17th from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Former World Title Challenger:

“I come from nothing, and I want to thank my team and my brother for everything.

“We worked hard for these opportunities; we have gone from fighting out of the garage and living off of food stamps,and now we are on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stage’s, and I want to thank you all for your support today.”

“KING” GABE ROSADO, Former World Title Challenger:

“I want to thank god for this opportunity, without him nothing would be possible, and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I wasn’t spoon fed coming up, but this is a new and approved Gabriel Rosado.

“Vargas and I work well together. He lit up the fighter in me. I know this is a fight, but this is also entertainment. I’m going to bring a knock out on the 17th.”

Photos by Tom Hogan Photos / Golden Boy Promotions

Former NFL Defensive End Ray Edwards remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Dan Pasciolla in a heavyweight bout.

Edwards, 256 lbs of Cincinnati, OH won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 12-0-1. Pasciolla, 245 lbs of Brick, NJ is 8-2-1.

Said Edwards, “It was my first time under the big lights. He was an awkward southpaw, so at first it was hard to find my range and distance. I had no amateur fights, so I am still a work in progress. I have to be more active in the ring and I will be back as soon as my promoters get me back in there.”

Kenneth Sims Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Gilbert Venegas in a welterweight bout.

Sims, 144.6 lbs of Chicago won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 8-0. Venegas, 144.5 lbs of East Moline, IL is now 14-25-5.

“I made it harder then it had to be. I had some ring rust I had only fought once in seven months and twice in a year and a half. I can do a lot better. I did learn that I need to stay on top of my opponent after I hurt him. I was waiting on one shot too much.

17 year-old Devin Haney remained perfect with a fifth round beatdown of Mike Fowler in a scheduled six round lightweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 1:19 of round five for Haney, 135 lbs of Las Vegas and is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Fowler, 132 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 5-3.

Said Haney, “The team told me to break him down in five rounds and I did just what they asked. I am going to talk to my team and see what is next, but I will be back in the gym on Monday.

Jaron Ennis won a four round unanimous decision over Eddie Diaz in a welterweight bout.

Ennis, 143.3 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 6-0. Diaz, 144.1 lbs of Compton, CA is 2-5-2.

LeRoy Davila scored a 2nd round stoppage in his rematch with Edgar Cortes in a scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

Davila dropped Cortes with a hard left hand in round one. Seconds later, It was a perfect counter left that put Cortes om the deck. In round two, Davila dumped Cortes hard and the dight was stopped at 2:02.

Anthony Young scored a stoppage after round five of his scheduled six-round with Malik Jackson.

Young dropped Jackson in the first minute with a right hand.

In round five, Young sent Jackson down with a body shot. The fight was sopped after the round.

Young, 148.8 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 14-2 with six knockouts. Jackson, 147.2 lbs of Newark, NJ is 3-10-4.

Darryl Gause stopped Darryl Bunting in round two of a scheduled four-round super middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:14 for Gause, 162.5 lbs of Vineland, NJ is 2-0 with one knockouts. Bunting, 165.2 lbs of Asbury Park, NJ is now 2-1-2.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of live combat sports action, including the live prelims for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. ET, a live broadcast of LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 59 on Friday, Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. ET, plus live coverage ahead of Saturday’s showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith.

Fight Network will air the live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON prelims across Canada. In featured bouts from Hidalgo, Texas, Mexico’s Gabriel Benitez (18-6) battles American power puncher Sam Sicilia (15-6) at 145 pounds, Mexico’s Augusto Montano (15-2) meets Chicago’s Belal Muhammad (9-1) in a welterweight contest, Brazilian middleweight compatriots will clash when Antonio Carlos Junior (6-2, 1NC) faces Leonardo Augusto Leleco (11-2, 1NC), and Mexican bantamweight Jose Quinonez (5-2) throws down with the “KO King” Joey Gomez (6-1).

Friday’s presentation of LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 59 will air live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the middleweight main event, Trevin Giles (7-0) puts his perfect record on the line against Ike Villanueva (11-7). Meanwhile, Ray Blodgett (10-3) takes on undefeated Jason Langellier (4-0) in a lightweight bout, featherweight Alex Black (10-4) welcomes Japan’s Takayuki Ijima (6-6) to American soil, once-beaten bantamweight Domingo Pilarte (5-1) collides with Cody Williams (10-6), plus heavyweight sluggers Orlando Coulter (6-1) and Jeremy Hardy (4-2) will cross paths. A pair of bantamweight bouts round out the card as Colin Wright (5-2) meets Adrian Yanez (4-1), while Randy McCullough (3-0) looks to extend his perfect mark against Mike Trinh (4-3).

Ahead of Saturday’s live UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: POIRIER vs. JOHNSON prelims, Fight Network presents the live weigh-ins on Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. ET, preceded by the live weigh-ins for Canelo Alvarez vs. Liam Smith at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fight News Now will also feature exclusive one-on-one interviews ahead of Saturday’s HBO pay-per-view event.

ARLINGTON, TX (Sept. 15, 2016) – Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and Liam “Beefy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs) held their final press conference, today at the great AT&T Stadium, ahead of their highly anticipated showdown that will be aired live on Saturday, September 17, presented by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. The fighting stars were joined by Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner, Bernard Hopkins, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, Director of HBO Sports Tony Walker, and the full pay-per-view undercard.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“This Saturday night-over Mexican Independence weekend-former two-division world champion, Canelo Alvarez will look to reclaim the holiday for all Hispanics fight fans. Many boxing legends such as Julio Cesar Chavez himself have fought over Mexican Independence weekend, which has been a time for all boxing fans to gather with their friends and family and enjoy a great night.

“We are overjoyed to be bringing this fight to all of Canelo’s many fans here in Texas to one of the biggest and most iconic sporting stadiums in the nation-AT&T Stadium, home to America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. They say everything is bigger in Texas, and this certainly couldn’t be truer with this venue for Canelo vs. Smith.
“For this particular fight, the stakes are high and everything is on the line for both Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith, as these fighters seek to establish themselves as the true WBO Junior Middleweight Champion of the world.

“Tickets are still available for purchase and sales have been through the roof, we are already close to 40,000 have been outpacing Manny Pacquaio’s last two fights held at AT&T Stadium, but luckily there are still some available for the Saturday night showdown. So get them while you can by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office.”

JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager:

“I dreamed I was going to spend my days around men and women that could or would be world champions. Men and women who were willing to lay on it all on the line, athletically. I wanted to rub elbows with the top. Oscar the fact that I get to stand with you, have your fighters stand in this stadium chief combatants: Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith, has been a fulfillment on that dream.

“We had Oscar talk to the Dallas Cowboys, and he mentioned that ‘There’s a champion in each of you. You’ll find out when you get ready.’ When I think about the legacy and how you’re moving, you really encourage a whole team; that is not only because of this particular fight, but you really are a leader in this.

“The biggest source of pride for me and one of the our largest dependencies are on the Latino fans. The Cowboys depend on them, and they love boxing, so the cowboys love boxing. Saturday night, will be one of the best-selling boxing events for this stadium and we are all looking forward to an exciting night.”

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former Two-Division World Champion:

“Thank everyone for coming and supporting this great event.

“We know how dangerous and difficult Liam Smith will be. We have not taken him lightly and we know he will come to fight on Saturday.

“But that will make a great night of boxing for Mexicans and boxing fans all over. Hopefully by the end of it, I will have my hand in the air screaming Viva Mexico!”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“Thank you to all of you who are involved in this great event. There is nothing left to say, we’ve had a great camp, and thanks again for all the help and support.”

JOSE “CHEPO” REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“Thank everyone for coming and attending this great show. We are coming off a tremendous 10 week training camp.

“We have great goals and one is to break the attendance record in a boxing match here at this great stadium.

“This is another opportunity to become a world champion, another opportunity to continue to make history.

“We can’t wait to hear all the people yell at the end of this fight Viva Mexico and Viva Canelo Alvarez!”

LIAM “BEEFY” SMITH, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“Thank everyone, team Canelo and my team for this opportunity. We are very calm about entering this fight.

“Canelo is an elite fighter and this is my chance to go up in the ladder.

“I look forward to Saturday and the show we are going to put on for all the fans.”

FRANK WARREN, President of Box Nation and Promoter of Liam Smith:

“Thank Oscar, Eric, and Robert. Thank you Jerry Jones for the stadium and to the

“Liam is a great fighter, a come forward fighter, he has the style of Mexican brawlers something we call in Liverpool a Scousce fighter. This is a great battle, potentially ‘Fight of the Year.’

“You guys are going to be great fans of him. He is coming in as a lion, an undefeated fighter on an eight-fight knock out streak.”

JOE GALLAGHER, 2015 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year and trainer of Liam Smith:

“This is going to be a great fight, he’s a superstar.

“We know that Saul wants to be a world champion, but Liam is ready to stay that way.”

“KING” GABE ROSADO, Former World Title Challenger:

“I want to thank god for this opportunity, without him noting would be possible and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I wasn’t spoon fed coming up, but this is a new and approved Gabriel Rosado.

“Vargas and I work well together, he lit up the fighter in me. I know this is a fight, but this is also entertainment. I’m going to bring a knock out on the 17th.”

WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Former World Title Challenger:

“I come from nothing and I want to thank my team and my brother for everything.

“We worked hard for these opportunities, we gave gone from fighting out of the garage and living off of food stamps and now we are on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stage and I want to thank you all for your support today.”

JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ JR, NABF Featherweight Champion:

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, Jerry Jones, HBO, Adriana’s Insurance and my team for this great opportunity.

“This is the biggest stage in my career, thus far, and I promise all my fans to expect the best from me. I will put on a great fight and show all the fans who Jose Diaz, Jr. is! See you all in two days.”

ANDREW “EL CHANGO” CANCIO, Featherweight Contender:

“Stylistically, it’s a great match up. I am well prepared and I’m thankful for this fight. I am excited to brawl and to showcase myself in front of all the fans at this great stadium.”

DIEGO DE LA HOYA, WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I am very excited for this opportunity and I am very thankful to Golden Boy Promotions.

“This fight is going to open many doors for me and I can’t wait to give everyone a good show.”

ORLANDO ‘ORLANDITO’ DEL VALLE, Super Welterweight Contender:

“I guarantee you fireworks on Saturday, September 17. I want to thank all my sponsors and my team for this great opportunity.

“The Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, rivalry always grantees action, and Fireworks on fight night.

“I know the odds are crazy against me, but encourage you all to bet on me, because I am going to win on Saturday night.”

ARTHUR R. PELULO, President of Banner Promotions:

“Most great fighters enter the ring knowing they’re going to be great fighters and that is who Willie Monroe, Jr. is. He is a very entertaining fighter, a young man who I know as family.

“I know he will be giving all boxing fans a great show this Saturday.

“Eight months ago I was in Manchester, my guy was fighting Liam Smith, challenging him for the vacant title. I figured I was going to win, I was told we are going to win, but my guy was knocked out in the fifth round. And let me tell you, Liam is the real deal. I have been promoting for 30 years, and I have no skin in this, but Liam Smith just keeps coming, he is the real deal. I am not promoting the fight, Oscar is, but Liam Smith took the victory that night and I know he is an intense fighter. Fans will be in for a great fight.”

FERNANDO VARGAS, Former World Champion and Trainer to Gabriel Rosado

“We are excited, ready, Gabriel is a great listener. Starting at 18 and being where he is and his boxuing IQ has improved.

“We’ve worked hard and are ready.”

TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:

“On behalf of Peter Nelson and the staff at HBO, it’s an honor to be a part of so many premiere organizations and to be able to open up this grand palace.

“Thank you Liam and Canelo for taking this challenge and reach in to fans on this great weekend of boxing.”

GREG ALVAREZ, Combative Sports Manager of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

“There’s a lot of work that goes into these fights, to make them all happen. Watch these guys back here, they are great fighters and this is going to be a great event. Let’s buy more tickets and create bigger and better fights.”

Canelo vs. Smith, a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren and Canelo Promotions. Gabriel Rosado vs. Willie Monroe, Jr. is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and Diego De La Hoya vs. Luis Orlando Del Valle is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports. The event is sponsored by “Tecate, BORN BOLD,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, “Hennessy. Never Stop. Never Settle,” “Adriana’s Insurance, El seguro que necesitas Al precio que quieres pagar,” “AT&T, mobilizing your world,” and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, September 17 at AT&T Stadium. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. CT, first fight and the RingTvLive.com live stream begins at 3:20 p.m. ET/2:20 p.m. CT/12:20 p.m. PT; the preliminary live stream begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. PT; with the main show produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

B-roll and images of the fighters are available for use and download HERE or by copying and pasting: bit.ly/CaneloSmith. Video and photo credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, $85, $50 and $40, not including applicable service charges with a total ticket limit of 8 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Additionally, walk up purchases are available at the AT&T Stadium Box Office (Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. CT to 5:00 p.m. CT).

WBO World Junior Middleweight Champion Liam Smith came face-to-face with challenger Canelo Alvarez at today’s final head-to-head press conference at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Undefeated Smith (23-0-1 13 KO’s) defends his World Title against Mexican pound-for-pound star Canelo (47-1-1 33 KO’s) this Saturday (17th) live on BoxNation.

Merseyside hero Smith looked calm and relaxed as he vowed to prove his doubters wrong and carve his name in to the history books.

“All I can say is wait and see what happens on Saturday,” said Smith. “Make sure you admit you were wrong and wrote me off without properly judging me or watching my fights. When I turn up on Saturday and put the performance in that I know I have in me then you will realise that Liam Smith is a very very good fighter.

“When you strip him down and forget he is one of the biggest names in boxing, he is a very good fighter but he isn’t out of this world. He’s not the best defensive fighter in the world, he’s vulnerable when he opens up. It will take a good fighter to exploit any weaknesses he has but I am confident I am that fighter.

Mexican superstar Canelo admitted that he was in for one of the hardest fights of his life but promised his fans that they would celebrate together after he took Smith’s belt from him.

“I’ve prepared for a very tough fight against a tough opponent,” said Canelo. “Some people in the U.S. might not know who Smith is yet but I definitely do. He’s a world champion for a reason and the important thing is that I know what he has and what he brings. That is what I have prepared for and that is what I have worked really hard for.

“I love his aggressive come-forward style, I think our styles will gel and we will provide fight fans around the world with an exciting contest. We have had an amazing camp and come Saturday night we can all celebrate together; we are taking home the title!”

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

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