LOS ANGELES (Sept. 7, 2016) – “I’m sad to hear of the passing today of legendary boxer Bobby ‘Schoolboy’ Chacon. Bobby was one of the best fighters to emerge on the scene in boxing the 1970s. Hailing from Southern California, Bobby was someone I looked up to as a young fighter growing up in East Los Angeles. Bobby had the natural talent, good looks, personality and power to be a memorable fighter in the ring that attracted crowds.

“Bobby fought during the glory days of boxing at the Olympic Auditorium, LA Sports Arena, and The Forum in Los Angeles. This was the Golden Era of boxing on the West Coast, and those were times I remember well, having gone with my father to watch fights at these venues just a short distance from our family home.

“Bobby fought the best of the best in those days, including Ruben ‘El Púas’ Olivares, Rafael ‘Bazooka’ Limon and more. I always admired him for this a professional fighter myself. Legendary West Coast boxing promoter Don Chargin helped develop Bobby into a world champion fighter though it was Bobby’s will to win, courage and big heart that brought him the victory in difficult battles.

“After a long and storied career, Bobby was rightfully inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005. I’m pleased to share that honor as a fellow Hall of Famer alongside him.

“Bobby’s life was not one without struggle and tragedy, but I pray he has now found peace in eternal rest. He accomplished much for the sport of boxing and will be dearly missed.”

MONTRÉAL (September 7, 2016) – A press conference was held Tuesday at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal to unveil the 2016-2017 season of Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM). Here is an outline of what was mentioned at the press conference.

“It is with pride that GYM begins its 13th year of operation. Since our beginning in 2004, we’ve organized 128 events, which is more than any other organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. During this period, 13 of our boxers competed in 36 world championship fights. Three of them – Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal and Adonis Stevenson – became world champions”
-Yvon Michel, president of GYM

“The mission of GYM is to bring the resources, expertise, contacts and create partnerships for scouting, the signings and coaching talent to literally give Quebec a franchise in world boxing league, be competitive and allow fans of Quebec to attend the evolution of the best boxers from home or those who have made Quebec their adopted land up until the highest peaks their division.”
-Yvon Michel, president of GYM

“At every Olympic cycle, we are active in recruitment. Moreover, 9 boxers put under contract with GYM had represented their country at the Olympic Games. There are currently four GYM active fighters who competed at the Olympic Games with Artur Beterbiev (Beijing 2008 and London 2012), Eleider Alvarez (Beijing 2002), Oscar Rivas (Beijing 2008) and Custio Clayton (London 2012). We always renewed, it is our strength. We are also in an evaluation period with a world-class athlete and a second high-level pugilist will arrive in early October.”
-Yvon Michel, president of GYM

“I’m so happy to be here to announce a partnership with GYM. This is a three-year agreement for a total of 18 events, 6 galas each year, 2 at the Montreal Casino and 2 at the Lac Leamy Casino. The first will take place on October 20 at the Montreal Casino. For those who lived it, a boxing event at Casino is quite an experience. This is an intimate ambiance, where you are really close to the action!”
-Kevin Taylor, president and chief operator of Société des Casinos du Québec

“Quebecor is involved in boxing since 2004. We remember the Saturday afternoon when TVA had galas, between 2004 and 2007. There were 1.2 million people watching the world championship bout between Lucian Bute and Alejandro Berrio, a Saturday night in 2007. Currently, we are involved with GYM on 5 levels: with Videotron, Canal Indigo, TVA Sports, Videotron Centre and the Journal de Montréal and the Journal de Québec. We are here in great numbers and we are very proud to be associated with Yvon Michel and GYM. It’s amazing what you do for boxing!”
-Pierre Dion, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebecor

“It is important to emphasize that the GYM is first a trio, Yvon, and Alexandra Bernard, who has built a prestigious brand that created three world champions. We are also proud to announce a two-year deal with GYM. All fights will be broadcast, either in Montreal, Quebec or Gatineau. We have existed for 51 weeks and we are pleased to be a partner of GYM since the beginning … and a leading partner!”
-Mario Cecchini, Chief Executive Officer of RNC Media

“This season, we will present from 10 to 12 galas in Quebec and some of our boxers are also likely to be in action outside the country on Premier Boxing Champions events. We talk about 5 shows at the Montréal Casino, 2 at the Casino du Lac Leamy, 3 to 4 galas with Gestev at the Videotron Centre of Quebec City and the probability to make others events in Montreal, at venues such as the Bell Centre. By 2019, we will produce 18 events in Casinos (Montreal and Lac Leamy).”
-Yvon Michel, president of GYM
ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM):

Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) was founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel and his associates. The organization’s mission is the development of high-level boxers through coaching support and especially by competitive management. To achieve its objectives, GYM actively recruits talent and organizes events and it is associated with the popular series, “Premier Boxing Champions (PBC),” and has developed major Videotron partnerships with Loto Quebec, TVA Sports, Centre Videotron, Casino de Montreal and Lac Leamy, Tonik GroupImage and Lapointe Dental Centre, in addition to collaborating closely with Rixa.

What does Liam Smith provide in term of helping Canelo to get ready for a potential fight with GGG? As a promoter, what do you tell boxing fans that wanted to see Canelo-GGG instead of Canelo-Smith?

“Well, first of all, Canelo takes every fight seriously and never looks past anyone. Liam Smith is an undefeated fighter, the WBO Junior Middleweight Champion of the world, has knocked out his last eight opponents and comes from an outstanding boxing family.

“As of today, Canelo is a 154-lb fighter. He only fought for a Middleweight championship because fans wanted a fight with Miguel Cotto, and Canelo delivered by winning that fight convincingly.

“I have been clear that Canelo will fight Golovkin at 160 pounds and we have a verbal agreement to do it in the fall of 2017. But in the meantime, Canelo is going to build up to being a true middleweight.

“The plan is to face Smith – a big, bruising 154-pounder – in September, and if Canelo emerges victorious, to start making his way up to 160 pounds and fight Golovkin on equal turf (in terms of weight).

“We envision Canelo doing a third fight in 2016 either at or close to the middleweight limit and then a fight on Cinco De Mayo at 160 before facing Golovkin in the fall.

“I know Canelo/Golovkin is the biggest fight to make; the fighters know it’s the biggest fight to make; and the fans know it’s the biggest fight to make. Everyone agreed that a fight for the middleweight championship should take place at the middleweight limit and once Canelo builds up to that weight, the fight will be on.

“In the meantime, we are hopeful and confident that Canelo will continue to perform at a level that has led to back-to-back knockouts of the year over James Kirkland and Amir Khan and when his body is ready, GGG should look out.”

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts Saturday, September 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

Alvarez challenges Britain’s Liam Smith for his junior middleweight crown when Canelo vs. Smith takes place Saturday, September 17 from AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Sept. 7th, 2016) — Reveling in the success of the U.S. Boxing Team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, CES Boxing returns to Twin River Casino next Friday to continue the victory party and showcase its own young talent.

“The Future Is Now,” scheduled for Friday, Sept. 16th, 2016, features six undefeated fighters, including one who competed in the Olympic Trials in Nevada in 2015, and the professional debuts of two promising up-and-comers who will square off against one another in a four-round welterweight showdown, their first time on the CES stage.

Tickets for “The Future Is Now” are priced at $42.00, $76.00 and $126.00 (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 aforementioned six unbeaten fighters have combined for 11 wins, all by knockout, a unique collection of talent reminiscent of the early to mid-2000s when CES built its foundation behind the strength of then unknown rising stars Peter Manfredo Jr., Chad Dawson, Joey Spina, Matt Godfrey and former Olympian Jason Estrada, all of whom competed together under headliners such as Gary Balletto and Scott Pemberton.

Today, it’s Jamaine Ortiz (2-0, 2 KOs), the decorated junior welterweight from Worcester, Mass., who competed at the Olympic Trials in December; fellow Worcester natives Kendrick Ball Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) and Irvin Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs); junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (1-0, 1 KO) from Lawrence, Mass.; and New London, Conn., welterweight Cristobal Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) showcasing their talent under the same banner Sept. 16th.

“The names and faces you see on the 16th will be household names before you know it,” CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said. “Years from now, when Ortiz, Ball Jr., Marrero and others are headlining major events in fight capitals across the world, we’ll remember these nights when they all starred on the same fight card, all working their way to the top of their respective weight divisions.

“When I see a card like this, I can’t help but to think back 10, 15 years when we promoted events at the Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston, R.I., featuring some of our region’s greatest champions long before they developed into household names of their own.

“In those days, it wasn’t uncommon to see Joey Spina, Peter Manfredo Jr., Chad Dawson, Jason Pires and Jamie Clampitt on the same undercard, showcased underneath headliners such as Gary Balletto and Scott Pemberton. Fast forward to the mid 2000s and reminisce about those nights when up-and-comers Matt Godfrey, Josh Beeman and a young Olympian named Jason Estrada flashed their talents on the same stage.”

As an added bonus, the Sept. 16th card also features the return of Albanian middleweight Fatlum Zhuta (3-0-1, 3 KOs) of Anchorage, Ak., who headlines in his first career six-round bout against the dangerous Ray Burroughs (2-1, 2 KOs) of Houston, Tex.; plus the debuts of welterweights Marqus Bates of Taunton, Mass., and Miguel Ortiz of nearby Springfield, who face each other in a four-round bout.

Zhuta returns to for the first time since February when he stopped Greg McCoy in the third round of a scheduled four-round fight. The 22-year-old Burroughs fights next Friday for the fourth time in less than six months since making his debut in March.

Zhuta is one of nine fighters on the card under the age of 30; Marrero, Sosa, Gonzalez and Jamaine Ortiz are all 21 or younger, truly among the elite, young fighters in the northeast. Marrero will face Woburn, Mass., vet Bruno Dias (0-1) while Sosa battles Lamont White (0-3) of Washington, D.C. Gonzalez, Ball Jr. and Jamaine Ortiz will be featured in separate four-round bouts.

Ortiz is fresh off wins in May and July, the latter against Canadian Kimmy St-Pierre, who battled for three hard rounds, but did not answer the bell for the fourth, Ortiz’s second knockout in as many fights. Marrero debuted that same night, stopping Pennsylvania’s Roosevelt Archie with a body shot 65 seconds into the opening round.

Ball Jr. returns for the first time since July 22nd, when he fought to a majority draw against unbeaten Connecticut rival David Wilson on just one week’s notice following his July 15th knockout win over Dias at Twin River. Gonzalez, meanwhile, returns next Friday just 15 days after stopping Juan Muniz in the opening round of their scheduled four-round bout. Sosa is also coming off a first-round knockout on July 30th against Shavonte Dixon in the debut for both fighters.

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 #TheFutureIsNow to join the conversation.

— CES —

Red-hot Super-Flyweight ace Jamie Conlan will headline a mouth-watering night of boxing at Belfast’s Titanic Exhibition Centre on Saturday 5th November. The unbeaten thrillmeister makes the first defence of his Commonwealth strap against an opponent to be confirmed on an unmissable evening of boxing, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Known as ‘The Mexican’ for his thrilling, all-action, style, Conlan has established himself as a massive fan favourite and brings guaranteed excitement every time he fights. Back in April all-action Conlan beat South Sheild’s Anthony Nelson to claim the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight crown in an early fight of the year contender. Braveheart Conlan looked in trouble in round seven but survived to land the decisive blow in heroic fashion.

Conlan (17-0 – 11 KOs) has a well-deserved reputation as a rising star in the Super-Flyweight division, due to his undefeated record and strong KO ratio. The 29 year-old former WBO European Champion is delighted to be fighting back in his hometown after dispatching Czech Republic’s Patrik Bartos last time out at the Wales Ice Arena.

“The Commonwealth belt seems to propel fighters onto bigger things as we’ve seen with Billy Joe Saunders” said Conlan. “It’s a prestigious belt and another step on the road towards a world title. Everything is moving steadily in the right direction. Each fight is another step up the ladder and a box ticked on my journey towards a world title.

“I’m thrilled to be boxing back in Belfast. I grew up watching a local guy from my area called Eamonn Magee become Commonwealth Champion and it’s always been a title that has stood out for me. To be defending the Commonwealth title front of my home crowd will be a great experience and I know I’ll have big numbers there watching me successfully defend it.”

Details of a talent-stacked undercard will be announced shortly along with ticket information.

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!

Lee Haskins has told Stuart Hall that he’ll KO him in six rounds when they clash for his IBF World Bantamweight title at The O2 in London on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Haskins and Hall clashed at a fiery press conference in London today, having already locked horns at Sky Sports’ studios last week.

Hall believes Haskins is not a true champion after he was elevated from interim to full IBF ruler when Randy Caballero failed to make the weight for their proposed clash in Las Vegas in November.

Haskins defended the belt for the first time in May with a wide points win over Ivan Morals in Cardiff, setting up a rematch with Hall who defeated Rodrigo Guerrero a month earlier in a final eliminator in Leeds.

Haskins holds a win over Hall back in July 2012 when they met for the European title and their bitter rivalry was born. Haskins has laughed off Hall’s attempts to rile him by saying he was gifted the strap he defends – and Haskins told Hall in no uncertain terms that he would stop him before the halfway point.

“Stuey had a dig about me being ‘given’ the World title,” said Haskins. “He made out that I was too scared to fight Caballero which is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever heard. If I didn’t fancy it, I would have pulled out of negotiations let alone travel to Las Vegas after a gruelling training camp.

“I was the one that made weight. I trained hard, gave everything in that camp and I earned my spot. Yes, it was given to me, but what am I supposed to do? Stuey would have done exactly the same and he knows it. Anyone would. It wasn’t the nicest way to win a World title, but I deserve it for what I’ve won in the game – no-one can begrudge me that.

“Caballero was 5.5lbs heavier on the scales. He could have easily been a stone heavier than me on the night – it gets very dangerous then. There was no way the fight could take place, you can’t put a figure on that. If I wanted to fight guys a stone heavier, I would move up a few weight divisions.

“I meant what I said at the head-to-head with Stuey, he is getting stopped in six rounds. Yes, I’m expecting a tough fight as he is a tough man and we have both improved since our last fight, but I will have far too much for him. He has my undivided attention for this fight, I’m relaxed because I’m confident I have too much in every department for him to handle.

“I’m taking him seriously and put all the effort in to this camp – I will reap the rewards after. I may have been ‘given’ a World title in his words but there is no way I’m giving it up without a fight. It’s mine and I’ve earned it.”

Haskins’ clash with Hall is part of a blockbuster night of World title action in London topped by the mammoth WBC, IBF and IBO World Middleweight battle between Gennady Golovkin and Kell Brook.

Charlie Edwards challenges John Riel Casimero for the IBF World Flyweight title, Martin J. Ward and Andy Townend meet for the vacant British Super-Featherweight title, Callum Smith defends his WBC Silver title against tough Hungarian Norbert Nemesapati while his older brother Paul continues his hunt for a third World title shot, WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight champion McDonnell is tracking down a World title shot of his own Sheffield Super-Bantamweight and Brook’s Ingle Gym mate Galahad continues his comeback, Conor Benn boxes for the fourth time in the paid ranks and unbeaten Middleweight Craig Richards tastes his fifth action in the pros.
[ENDS]

LOS ANGELES (September 7, 2016): Eric Gomez, longtime executive at leading boxing promotional company Golden Boy Promotions, has been promoted to President of the organization, Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO, Oscar De La Hoya announced today.

Gomez has spent his entire professional career in boxing, first working with De La Hoya as a fighter before going on to become a renowned matchmaker at Golden Boy Promotions and later Senior Vice President overseeing all elements of the company.

“Eric has been a trusted adviser, confidante and friend throughout my career both as a fighter and a promoter,” De La Hoya said. “From close relationships with our fighters, to sharp insight into the business of the sport, to an ability to manage a growing team of professionals, there is no one in the sport who has a better or broader view of boxing.”

Effective immediately, Gomez will begin overseeing day-to-day functions of all boxing-related aspects of Golden Boy Promotions, working with a stable of dozens of superstar fighters including the sport’s biggest headliner, Canelo Alvarez.

De La Hoya’s role will not change, as he will remain CEO and Chairman of the global Golden Boy company, and continue running all Golden Boy entities including Golden Boy Media and Entertainment; Golden Boy Productions; the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation; Golden Boy’s interest in the Houston Dynamo; and all other real estate and business interests.

“I have spent my entire life around boxing — to have the opportunity to become president of the world’s greatest promotional company is truly an honor,” Gomez said. “From our super-talented fighters to our incredible staff, Golden Boy has always felt like a family, and I look forward to working with this amazing team for years to come.”

###

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

HBO Boxing presents day-night action from two continents, highlighted by a pair world championship fights featuring two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound performers, when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: GENNADY GOLOVKIN VS. KELL BROOK AND ROMAN “CHOCOLATITO” GONZALEZ VS. CARLOS CUADRAS AND YOSHIHIRO KAMEGAI VS. JESUS SOTO KARASS 2 is seen SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, first at 5:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from London and then at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Inglewood, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Sept. 11 (9:15 a.m.) and 12 (11:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Sept. 11 (4:15 p.m.) and 13 (midnight)

The tripleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.

At 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT), from The O2 in London, powerhouse Gennady Golovkin (35-0, 32 KOs), originally from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and now training at Big Bear, Cal., defends his middleweight crown against Kell Brook (36-0, 25 KOs), from Sheffield, England, in a scheduled 12-round contest.

Seeking his 17th consecutive successful 160-pound title defense, Golovkin is drawing closer to Bernard Hopkins’ record of 20 successful middleweight title defenses. On a 22-bout knockout streak, Golovkin has compiled an extraordinary knockout-to-win ratio of 91%, and no opponent has gone the distance with him since June 2008. Trained by the highly regarded Abel Sanchez, he will be making his 11th appearance on HBO since his auspicious Sept. 2012 debut on the network.

With a 69% knockout-to-victory ratio, Brook became the British welterweight champion in 2008 and is a current world welterweight champion. Having defended his title successfully three times, he is moving up two weight classes to take on the formidable Golovkin.

At 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT), from The Forum in Inglewood, Cal., the primetime bouts kick off with Yoshihiro Kamegai (26-3-2, 23 KOs), from Tokyo, Japan, taking on Jesus Soto Karass (28-10-4, 18 KOs) of Los Moches, Mexico, who now lives in North Hollywood, Cal., in a scheduled ten-round super welterweight fight. These ring warriors fought to a split-decision draw in April and now look to settle the score in their heated rivalry.

Then, undefeated fighters Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (45-0, 38 KOs), from Managua, Nicaragua, and Carlos Cuadras (35-0-1, 27 KOs), from Mexico City, Mexico, meet in a scheduled 12-round super flyweight title fight. Gonzalez has brought worldwide attention to the lower weight divisions with his speed and power, boasting an 84% knockout-to-win ratio. Cuadras, with a 75% knockout-to-win ratio, is a super flyweight champion and looks to halt Gonzalez’s quest for a world title in a fourth weight class.

The primetime presentation will also feature a replay of the Golovkin-Brook bout from earlier in the day. Immediately following all the boxing action, HBO Sports will premiere at approximately 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH, a special chronicling the path to the Sept. 17 junior middleweight pay-per-view title fight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. between Canelo Alvarez and Liam Smith.

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

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

The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producers, Dave Harmon, Jon Crystal, Thomas Odelfelt; director, Johnathan Evans.

Stuart Hall has vowed to gain the sweetest revenge on Lee Haskins when the pair clash for Haskins’ IBF World Bantamweight title at The O2 in London on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Hall is gunning to regain the title he won in 2013 and says that this shot represents his last chance to top the world.

Hall and Haskins met back in 2012 for the European title, with the Bristolian edging the fight on points, and he defends the IBF belt for the second time having been elevated for full champion when Randy Caballero failed to make the weight.

The pair clashed in their head-to-head at today’s press conference and the Darlington star says Haskins doesn’t deserve to be World champion and he’ll end his reign in London.

“This is it for me,” said Hall. “Haskins thinks I’m over the hill and some old man but I can’t wait to prove him wrong. This fight means absolutely everything to me and no way am I letting that ‘Playboy’ get in the way of my dreams.

“Haskins is a frail little girl. He’s not going to put a dent in me. I’m going to steam through him and quick. I can’t wait to see his face when he’s on the floor.

“He was giving it the big one saying he is going to knock me out in six rounds, is he having a laugh? All Lee will do is run and be on the back foot, but I’ll go hunting for him and I will knock him clean out.

“Haskins isn’t World-level and I’ll prove it. He’s got lucky throughout his career, he is British level at best. Lee was handed that World title. Yes, he trained, yes, he made weight but that wouldn’t sit right with me – I would want to have earned it.

“He was parading it round like he’s gone out there and dethroned the champion but he didn’t and he would have got spanked by Caballero if the fight took place.”

Hall’s clash with Haskins is part of a blockbuster night of World title action in London topped by the mammoth WBC, IBF and IBO World Middleweight battle between Gennady Golovkin and Kell Brook.

Charlie Edwards challenges John Riel Casimero for the IBF World Flyweight title, Martin J. Ward and Andy Townend meet for the vacant British Super-Featherweight title, Callum Smith defends his WBC Silver title against tough Hungarian Norbert Nemesapati while his older brother Paul continues his hunt for a third World title shot, WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight champion McDonnell is tracking down a World title shot of his own Sheffield Super-Bantamweight and Brook’s Ingle Gym mate Galahad continues his comeback, Conor Benn boxes for the fourth time in the paid ranks and unbeaten Middleweight Craig Richards tastes his fifth action in the pros.

Undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury will make the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental Championship against Mexico’s Andy Ruiz Jr on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s eagerly-anticipated rematch with Wladimir Klitschko at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 29th October, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Fury, 20-0 10 KO’s, has ripped through the heavyweight division, claiming his first professional title in the WBO Intercontinental against Fred Kassi at London’s Copper Box Arena back in April. Should he defeat the unbeaten Ruiz Jr, Fury will move into the number one mandatory position for the WBO World Heavyweight title – held by his cousin Tyson.

California resident Ruiz Jr holds an explosive record of 28 wins from 28 fights, with 19 coming via devastating knockout. The former WBO Intercontinental belt holder enjoys a No.3 ranking with the WBO and is sure to provide Fury with his toughest test to date.

“I am happy to be in such a big fight against a top heavyweight,” said Fury. “I will be giving my all to retain my WBO Intercontinental belt and I hope it is a fight that the fans enjoy. Out of all of the top up-and-coming heavyweights I believe I have fought the better men in my career so far. Being tested against tougher opponents will help me in this fight.”

Peter Fury, father and trainer of Hughie, said: “Hughie is a true fighting man who loves his sport. He trains hard & will need to be as prepared as possible as Ruiz Jr is easily one of the best heavyweights in the world right now.

“Hughie is ready to take this challenge and this once again proves we only want the best fights for him. He wants to earn his position, he doesn’t want to fight cherry-picked opposition like other heavyweights.

“I know Hughie can become a great fighter. To do that he must do what other heavyweights won’t; fight top drawer opponents.”

With the heavyweight division in a new era after the Klitschko brother’s long dominance, Fury is in a perfect position to capitalise. Promoter Frank Warren is confident his heavyweight prodigy has what it takes to make it to the very top of the division.

“Hughie is a fighting man; he’s done things the hard way. 20 fights in three years is a phenomenal record for a heavyweight fighter. We know he’s got gas and he’s been tested against some awkward opponents. The division is certainly opening up and I can see Hughie being a dominant figure for years to come.

“He has won all 20 of his professional fights with a debilitating skin condition so how good is he going to be now he is fully fit?”

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!

Fitness leader Reebok today announced a new partnership with one of the most exciting young fighters in British boxing, 19-year-old Conor Benn. The super lightweight boxer will team up with Reebok to represent the brand in the ring and front their training and combat campaigns throughout 2017.

Benn has had a very impressive year, winning all three of his first professional fights. The son of legendary two-weight World Champion Nigel Benn, he will fight twice in the next month on the 10th and 24th September, his first bouts as a Reebok ambassador.

The partnership will see Benn exclusively wearing Reebok in all training and competition, with his signing demonstrating Reebok’s commitment to fitness and supporting young talent as he builds his career.

Conor Benn said: “My preparation in and out of the ring is hugely important to me and I’m delighted to find a partner in Reebok who take fitness as seriously as I do. Reebok’s commitment to providing training and fitness gear of the highest quality makes me hugely excited for this partnership, and it was crucial for me and my team to find a brand who share my aspirations as a boxer. I know I have the talent and dedication to make it to world champion one day, and I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with Reebok.”

Jonny Kidd Brand Director at Reebok said: “Conor is a supremely talented fighter with a huge future ahead of him. His commitment to training and constant need to improve himself, as well as his all-action style in the ring, is exactly aligned with the ethos we embody at Reebok and our mantra to “Be More Human”. We look forward to supporting and working with him as he continues his rise through the boxing ranks.”

Conor Benn will make his debut in Reebok kit when he next fights on Saturday 10th September, against Silvije Kebet at The O2. His campaign will be released in January 2017.

END
For more information, visit @ReebokUK or contact ReebokUK@mcsaatchi.com

About Reebok

Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA, USA, is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of fitness and lifestyle footwear, apparel and equipment. An American-inspired global brand, Reebok is a pioneer in the sporting goods industry with a rich and storied fitness heritage. Reebok develops products, technologies and programming which enable movement and is committed to accompanying people on their journey to fulfil their potential. Reebok connects with the fitness consumer wherever they are and however they choose to stay fit – whether it’s training, running, walking, dance, yoga or aerobics. Reebok Classics leverages the brand’s fitness heritage and represents the roots of the brand in the sports lifestyle market. A subsidiary of the adidas Group, Reebok operates under the multiple divisions of the Reebok brand, Reebok-CCM Hockey and the Sports Licensed Division. Reebok is the exclusive outfitter of CrossFit and the Reebok CrossFit Games, the official title sponsor of the Reebok Spartan Race and exclusive apparel provider for Les Mills.

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Hennessy Sports, K2 Promotions, Team Fury, Klitschko Management Group (KMG) and Frank Warren on behalf of BoxNation are delighted to announce Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury’s long-awaited rematch with Ukrainian boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko will take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 29th October, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The giants of boxing collide again in the biggest and fiercest heavyweight rematch in recent memory. A bitter grudge match sees Fury, the linear, WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine World Heavyweight Champion make the first defence of the titles against the man he took them from in an explosive blockbuster showdown.

Undefeated Fury (25-0 18KOs) shocked the sporting world last November when he sensationally dethroned long-reigning heavyweight icon Klitschko in one of boxing’s biggest ever upsets in recent years at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Klitschko is gunning for revenge after suffering his first defeat in over 11 years at the hands of the Mancunian. ‘Dr Steelhammer’ (64-4 54 KOs) is determined to recapture his belts from Fury and take his place back at the top of the world heavyweight scene.

Peter Fury, uncle and trainer of Tyson Fury, said: “I’m delighted that we can finally get the fight back on and in Manchester on October 29th. After hard discussions we can now focus on giving the fans what they deserve; another barnburner of a fight. Team Fury will ensure Tyson is in the shape of his life to successfully retain his World Titles.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy, CEO of Hennessy Sports, said: “Everyone involved has worked tirelessly to get the world heavyweight title rematch between Tyson and Wladimir back-on and I’m thrilled that it’s now officially confirmed. This is the rematch that the boxing world has been waiting to see and the anticipation is now at boiling point so expect a highly charged and explosive fight when the best two heavyweights in the world collide. As Tyson’s promoter I have 100 percent confidence that he will retain his titles in front of his fans and make it another memorable night for British boxing to remember.”

Bernd Bonte of KMG said: “Team Klitschko is very happy, that after Fury`s postponements, we finally have a new date. It is great that our event can stay in the Manchester Arena. This is one of the best venues world-wide and has already seen many great fights. We know that Wladimir will be in the best shape on October 29th and we are very confident that he will regain the Heavyweight Championships.”

Frank Warren, Chairman of BoxNation, said: “I’m delighted that we can finally announce the rescheduled date for the REAL Heavyweight Championship of the World. Fury vs. Klitschko II is by far the biggest fight in Europe so far this year. The addition of the fight to the channel is another fantastic acquisition following on from the recent capture of the blockbuster showdowns between Khan vs. Canelo and Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz. This yet again shows our commitment to bringing the biggest and best fights to our BoxNation customers. The night promises to be one of the biggest events in the UK for years and I’m thrilled our channel will be there as Fury looks to cement his place as king of the heavyweight division.”

A press conference formally announcing the new fight date, involving Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko, will take place on Monday 12th September in London – venue and time to be confirmed.

*Tickets purchased for the original Saturday 9th July event will be valid for entry at the Manchester Arena for the new date of Saturday 29th October. Remaining tickets will be available at www.eventim.co.uk. A further announcement regarding ticket sales will follow shortly*

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, is the UK’s first and only dedicated boxing channel. From just £12* a month with no minimum term, customers can enjoy the best live and exclusive fights from the UK and around the World.

Previous highlights have included David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora, Canelo Alvarez vs. Amir Khan and Billy Joe Saunders vs. Chris Eubank Jr.

The channel is available 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).

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

BoxNation is proud to be sponsored by Rainham Steel.

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

NEW YORK, NY (September 6, 2016) – On Tuesday, September 6, No. 2 Pound-for-Pound and WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-0-1, 26 KOs) and No. 4 Pound-for-Pound and Two-Time World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (30-0, 15 KOs) participated in an official press conference at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, in advance of their November 19 “Pound for Pound” showdown at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Kovalev vs. Ward “Pound for Pound” will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets start at $55 and are available on axs.com and the T-Mobile Arena box office.

Below is what the fighters, promoters and other dais guests had to say at the press conference:

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion

“It’s a big moment in my career. I want to thank all of the people who are involved with this fight, my promoter Kathy Duva, Roc Nation and HBO Pay-Per-View. Thank you to all of my fans. It will be a fight to remember; one for the history books. I just want to give the fans a really great fight in Vegas and on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Krusher Kovalev
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – two-time super middleweight world champion

“I’m grateful to be here today. I want to thank everyone who is associated with this event-the good, the bad, the press, all of it. Obviously HBO, Peter Nelson, Roc Nation, Main Events, everyone who’s associated with it. It’s hard to thank everybody. It’s a lot of people that you guys know of that worked on this fight to get it done. There’s a lot of different nuances that go into getting a fight like this done, but it’s done. That’s what we should all focus on.”

“I thank God for this opportunity. I thank God for my career and being able to compete at a high level through the peaks and valleys. Sometimes that gets overlooked, a veteran in the game. I’ve paid my dues and I continue to pay my dues. This is just another opportunity. I’ve been in this position before and so has my opponent. It doesn’t matter what the other side says, how they feel, what they say. He’s got to get it done and I’ve got to get it done. When those bright lights come on who it’s all about who executes and who gets it done. I don’t have to throw chairs. I don’t have to cuss. I don’t have to act crazy. I said let’s fight, lets fight. You’re selling yourself. I know that what I possess and what I have is in me, and not on me.”

Andre “SOG” Ward
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

Kathy Duva – CEO, Main Events

“Finally. There was a time when fighters didn’t consider preserving their undefeated records to be paramount to engaging in actual competition. There was a time when undefeated fighters who were heading to the Hall of Fame actually sought out greater and greater challenges as their careers progressed. There was a time when fighters were courageous athletes and not simply cynical businessmen.

The two men who are here with us today-both in their athletic primes, both unbeaten, and, in my opinion, both heading to the Hall of Fame someday-chose to put their 0’s on the line and face each other to find out just which one of them is the very best. That is why they deserve to earn your pay-per-view dollars, this is what pay per view is supposed to be. That is why we should move heaven and earth in order to come to the beautiful T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas where this fight will take place. That is why the winner will earn the title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the ring.

Since Ring Magazine began to keep records of the pound-for-pound fighters there have only been two occasions when two unbeaten top five fighters have competed in the ring for pound-for-pound supremacy. The first was Meldrick Taylor vs. Julio Caesar Chavez Sr. in 1994, the second time was Oscar De La Hoya vs Felix Trinidad in 1999. That means that on November 19th, this will be the very first time in the 21st century that such an event will occur in our sport. Let’s hope this is the start of something new, a throwback to the way boxing used to be when it was at its best. Let’s hope it doesn’t take another 17 years before this happens again. Let’s hope all the up and coming young sweet scientists learn and follow the example of these young great athletes who sit here today.

So as I said, finally, I’m quite pleased to officially announce “Pound for Pound” and that on Saturday, November 19th, two of the five best fighters in the whole world will fight each other. WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, who is 30-0, will risk all three of his world titles against two-time world middleweight champion Andre “SOG” Ward, who is also 30-0. The fight will take place in Las Vegas, sponsored by our friends at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, at the beautiful new T-Mobile Arena. Tickets are available now, they’re starting at $155 right now because the box office has already sold out all of the $55 tickets we put on sale. You can only get these tickets at the T-Mobile box office and online through AXS.com. I’m happy to report that tickets at other prices are moving much faster than expected and currently there are very few left at the $755 price point and the $155 price point.

This will be live on HBO Pay-Per-View. The suggested retail price is going to be $54.95. It will be presented by Main Events, Roc Nation Sports, Krusher Promotions and Andre Ward Promotions. In addition to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, the fight sponsors will be Rosneft and Corona.”

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

“Let’s make something absolutely clear – on Nov. 19, the stakes could not be higher. In a few minutes, you’ll hear from Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev, the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. They will be calm, they will be professional, they will be respectful, but make no mistake about it, in 10 weeks’ time they will be fighting for something they have spent their entire life pursuing – the title of world’s best boxer. For a true competitor like Andre Ward, there could not be a loftier goal. To walk in to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the undisputed fight of the year, in front of a capacity crowd and millions watching live on HBO Pay Per View, and to know that Andre has the chance to walk out of that ring as the undisputed face of boxing for the better part of the next decade.”

“The Cold War may long be over, but the USA vs. Russia rivalry has never been stronger. It is a battle of world super powers, a matchup of styles as well as beliefs, a collision of two fighters, two cultures, two fan bases. Just like old times, it’s the Americans and the Russians once again. But this is not the space race or Rocky Balboa vs. Ivan Drago. This is for real, and Andre Ward is no underdog. Andre has been training and preparing his whole life for a moment like this – facing an elite opponent on a global stage to find out who the best is. On Nov. 19, I have no doubt that Andre will pick up right where the 100-plus medal-winning American Summer Olympic team left off, with a decisive victory over a worthy challenger in Kovalev, and the title of pound-for-pound king.”

Egis Klimas – Manager, Sergey Kovalev

“I am very proud to represent one of the best fighters in the world, Sergey Kovalev. It’s been a very long road since 2009 when he came here to the United States. He never was pushed by any media, he never was mismatched, he never was protected like many fighters are nowadays. Many don’t know how we used to sit in the van and go from the East coast, town to town, just to get a fight. He never asked me in his career who his opponent is. He just asked when he was fighting and what weight he should be. Again, I’m very proud to represent Sergey Kovalev and I want to thank Andre Ward’s team at Roc Nation for taking this opportunity and putting on the best fight of the year. There has been talk earlier that this is going to be fifty-fifty chance. People also mentioned that they don’t know how it is going to turn out. But, I want to thank a powerful woman, Kathy Duva. She has done a very good job throughout Sergey’s career. I want to thank HBO, T-Mobile Arena, MGM, everybody who was involved in making this fight happen. I’m a little nervous, a little excited, but I am looking forward to whatever it is and can’t wait to see you guys in Vegas on November 19. Thank you.”

James Prince – Manager, Andre Ward

“I’d like to thank God for this opportunity, HBO, Main Events, Roc Nation. I’m really grateful for everyone working so hard to make this fight happen. I witnessed the work and the sacrifice that was made on every side. This fight is kind of simple to me…David versus Goliath. Sergey is Goliath, Andre is David. Once again, I’m really thankful for this opportunity. Andre’s been on this journey for all his life preparing for this moment. So it’s here, the 19th of November.”

John David Jackson – Trainer, Sergey Kovalev

“This fight is one the fans deserve to see. Andre Ward is a very good fighter, undefeated as an amateur. To be undefeated as an amateur is one thing that comes from training. That always speaks volumes for him. On the other side of this we’ve got Kovalev. He’s the Krusher, he seeks and destroys. So come November 19, I expect a great fight between two great fighters. The winner deserves to be pound-for-pound the best boxer in the world. Watch it on Pay Per View, watch this fight. All the talk, all that’s done, now it’s time for preparation and to go to war. And that’s what we’re here for, to go to war. Come November 19th, we’ll see two great fighters trying to be the best pound-for-pound in the world. We’ll see what happens, expect one great fight between two great fighters.”

Virgil Hunter – Trainer, Andre Ward

“I just want to thank you all for showing up and turning out and supporting this great event. A fight of this magnitude is deserving of the fans and Pay-Per-View that are supporting the fight. Obviously, it’s a great fight between two champions and I’m glad to be part of it. See everybody in Vegas.”

Peter Nelson – Executive Vice President, HBO Sports

“I want to thank all the media for being here. It’s all of you that write consistently about the desire to see this sport flourish, have the best fight the best, that causes fights like this to materialize. I want to thank Kathy Duva of Main Events, I want to thank Michael Yormark with Roc Nation, Egis Klimas, James Prince, Josh Dubin for all the work that they’ve done behind the scenes in putting the fight together. There’s been plenty of times where the politics of the business of boxing have superseded fan’s interest over the actual fights themselves.

“I’m happy to report that this fight has consistently captivated everyone’s imagination. Anyone who says today that they know what is going to happen on November 19 is the definition of a liar. We know that there is no telling what can happen. But that, to Kathy’s point, is what defines great fights. It’s about fighters like Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev who have decided to be in the business of putting unified titles on the line and of putting pound-for-pound records on the line, about putting undefeated status on the line, about putting money, status, power on the line, about putting daring to be great on the line, about putting legacy on the line, and the rest of the business end takes care of itself. That’s what great fighters do. That’s why we are all so proud to be part of this event. That’s why there are all these people on the stage that we are all so proud that we are associated with an event where two great fighters will come together for this on HBO Pay-Per-View.

“I want to thank the T-Mobile, it’s a great arena and we are excited to be back there. It looks to be a great undercard that is going to formulate on the show as well. We are excited to see it all come together and look forward to seeing you all on November 19. Thank you.”

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LOS ANGELES (September 6, 2016) – Albuquerque’s boxing star, Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado, Jr. (22-3-1, 19 KOs) will make his LA FIGHT CLUB debut on October 7 against the exciting and former world title challenger, Diego “Mr. Superb” Magdaleno (28-2, 12 KOs) of Las Vegas. The 10-round lightweight event will serve as the main event on the Estrella TV, Boxeo Estelar broadcast which will also feature Philadelphia’s Damon “No Smilin” Allen (10-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight co-main event and Maricela Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles participating in a six-round super middleweight televised opener.

Featured on the non-televised broadcast streaming on RingTVLive.com, Cancun, QuintaRoo, 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 while Santa Monica’s David Mijares (3-0, 2 KOs) will fight in a four-round super lightweight event. Opening up the night Marvin Cabrera of Mexico City, Mexico will make his pro debut in a four-round middleweight bout.

“The fans will not go home disappointed with this edition of LA FIGHT CLUB, as we see top prospects in the sport continue to make a name for themselves at the Belasco and beyond,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “At Golden Boy Promotions, we are dedicated to giving the fans what they want, and our continuous record of sold out LA FIGHT CLUB shows demonstratethe fans are hungry for more fights.”

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB 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 October 7, November 4 and December 2.

Albuquerque, N.M. southpaw standout Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. is one of Golden Boy Promotion’s most aggressive fighters on the roster. At the height of Maldonado’s amateur career, “The Atrisco Kid” was ranked number two in the U.S. with an eye-catching record of 118-12. After going professional in 2009, Maldonado snatched up the WBC Youth Silver lightweight title from Eric Cruz in 2011 adding to his impressive boxing resume which also includes a fight for the WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight Title. Maldonado has stayed active in 2016, defeating the experienced Michael Clark via first-round technical knockout in January, taking a draw against Art Hovhannisyan on May 20 and most recently obtained a technical knockout victory against Gerardo Cuevas on July 9. Now, Maldonado is ready to create a new chapter as he faces the equally exciting Diego Magdaleno on October 7.

Former world title challenger, Diego “Mr.Superb” Magdaleno is known for his exciting boxing style. A professional fighters 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 champion 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 Fidel Maldonado Jr.

A professional since 2013, undefeated lightweight Damon “No Smilin” Allen, has had victories over tough opposition 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.

29 year old professional boxer, actress and model, Maricela Cornejo hails from Grandview, Washington 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 mainted busy and was most recently seen in the ring against Latashia Burton in August 2015 and Kali Reis in April 2016.

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.

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 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.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Maldonado, Jr. 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.

Media interested in attending the October 7 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due September 30, 2016 at 5 p.m., and can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fanon 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.

READING, PA (September 6, 2016)–Lightweight Kent Cruz and middleweight Junior Castillo each scored impressive victories this past Saturday night on the televised portion of a Premier Boxing Champions card on NBC Sports Network at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio.

Cruz went to 11-0 with a eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Rickey Edwards, while Castillo got back in the win column with a six round unanimous decision over Josue Ovando.

Cruz was very impressive as he showed an all-around performance by mixing up good boxing skills and power to take Edwards “0” in the battle of undefeated fighters.

Cruz scored a knockdown in round two and hurt Edwards several more times as he featured a solid overhand right to win by scores of 77-74 & 77-73 twice.

The 23 year-old native of St. Louis improved his mark to 11-0 with six knockouts.

Castillo of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic rebounded nicely from his first professional defeat to put in six solid rounds of work in against the 26 fight veteran.

Castillo improved his record to 11-1 with nine knockouts with victory, which came via scores of 60-54 and 58-56.

“It was a good night for our two prospects,” said King’s Promotions CEO Marshall Kauffman.

“Kent was very impressive as he showed a lot of ability against another undefeated fighter. He is a very young fighter at just 23 years-old and we feel that he has a chance to be a championship level fighter in time. Junior showed that he could bounce back off of his loss. He fought a guy who has taken world class and title challengers the distance. Junior did as well if not better than those guys did and this was just his 12th fight. We will get him back in a meaningful fight very shortly.”

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 6, 2016) – Brooklyn-born contender Frank “Notorious” Galarza has been the embodiment of a redemption story his whole life and he will look to keep that theme going when he returns from his first pro loss to take on former world champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV Friday, Sept. 16 from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins on Bounce TV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a super welterweight showdown between Domonique Dolton (17-0-1, 9 KOs)and Justin DeLoach (15-1, 8 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $29 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

After being defeated by unbeaten Jarret Hurd in November 2015, Galarza is determined to reclaim his spot as a contender in the 154-pound division. Training out of the Flatbush Cops and Kids Boxing Gym in Brooklyn with longtime trainer Nirmal Lorick, Galarza has his sights set on the top of the super welterweight division.

Here is what Galarza had to say about training camp, his main event showdown, the 154-pound division and more:

What kind of problems does Ishe Smith propose and what does a victory over him do for you?

FG: “I don’t anticipate having any problems with Ishe. I spar the best guys in the world and with guys who have a lot more experience than I do. I’m going to go in, do my job and make adjustments as needed.

“Beating Ishe puts me exactly where I need to be. I took my first loss in Las Vegas and I wasn’t on my A-game. Fighting Ishe puts me right back after the loss. I constantly put myself to the test with top guys. Ishe is someone in my path who at this point, is in my way.”

What’s your mentality following the loss in your last fight?

FG: “I have lost so much in my life, so I see this loss as just a number. Boxing has everyone fooled that we need to be undefeated to be a top contender or to be great. Some of the greatest fighters have suffered losses. I am looking to be legendary and continue to fight great guys. I’m going to put my record on the line and challenge myself.

“I don’t have a deep boxing background, so I’m learning on the job. I am able to overcome every obstacle. This fight isn’t about the money, this fight and my career is for me. I want to challenge myself.”

Who do you see as the top fighters in the 154-pound division?

FG: “The Charlo Brothers, Demetrius Andrade, Julian Williams and Erislandy Lara are the top of the division in my mind. There are a lot of good fighters in this division. At this point now, the other guys need to go, and that’s where I come into play. Someone like Ishe is an older guy and he needs to give it up and get out of the way for hungry guys like me and the rest of us. People want to see guys like us.”

Who would you like to matchup with, if you can defeat Ishe Smith?

FG: “I’ll face anybody. I’m not trying to fluff my record. I come off a tough loss and I’m looking to beat a former world champion. Give me the best fight and the top guys. Give me one of the Charlo brothers and I’ll fight for one of their titles. Put me in with any of these guys and I will put them to the test, if not beat them.

“It’s a drive I have in me, especially lately, where I feel like I’ve been overlooked. It upsets me to be underestimated. I never turn down a fight. I have to be fearless in order to make it where I need to go. I am not a mediocre fighter. There’s a reason they call me the ‘Brooklyn Rocky.’ I’ve been through adversity and Ishe is in for a rude awakening. The boxing industry has me completely underestimated and at the end of the day, may the best man win.”

Talk about your work outside of the ring and how you strive to inspire kids who grew up in similar situations to yourself:

FG: “I have a non-profit called Youth Fighting Forward. I teach them that no matter what you go through, you can be whoever you want to be I came from nothing and I lost my parents at a young age. I don’t use that as an excuse. I refuse to be a statistic. I want to give the kids back that inspiration.

“Whatever it is you love to do; you are more than capable of doing it. It is in your hands to be a success story. You are not where you came from. We have the ability to change lives. My focus is to help kids growing up who are surrounded by negativity to see a positive. I put my body to the limits and when I don’t want to work out, I push through that. I want to show the kids that they have to have discipline to get through it and one day, I will be a world champion.”

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For more information visit: www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mayweatherpromotions.com. For tickets, visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BounceTV, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm , become a fan on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. Follow the conversation using #PBConBounce. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 6, 2016) – Top Rank®, and Univision Deportes (UDN), the multimedia sports division of Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) that includes UDN, the No. 1 Spanish-language cable sports network, announce the highly awaited series premiere of “Solo Boxeo” in its new time slot, on Friday, September 16th at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT with a simulcast on UDN and UniMás Network. The series opener will include classic matches from the Top Rank Vault featuring beloved Mexican fighters in honor of Mexico’s Independence Day.

Boxing fans can continue to expect even more of the exciting action-packed fights they have been enjoying since the series’ inception in 2000. World-rated contenders and outstanding prospects will continue to be featured in outstanding matchups.

“Our programming is always evolving and starting on September 16, we will continue with that tradition,” said Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank. “With the move of “Solo Boxeo” to a new day of the week on UniMás, we will expand the reach and visibility of our content. We will reach an even broader audience and “Solo Boxeo” will be primed to continue its historic run as the top Spanish language boxing series.”

“We are pleased to bring our audience this new series of ‘Solo Boxeo’ with even more of the fights they love,” said Juan Carlos Rodriguez, President of Univision Deportes. “Univision Deportes will transform Friday nights on UniMás into the go-to blockbuster night for boxing fanaticos.”

“Solo Boxeo” will make its series premiere with a special Mexican Independence Day program featuring two classic world championship fights from the Top Rank vaults, starring four legendary Mexican champions — the rematch between Oscar De La Hoya and Julio Cesar Chavez and the battle between future Hall of Famers Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

Live boxing will return to “Solo Boxeo” on Friday, September 23. The live simulcast, from Kissimmee, Fla., will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (13-0, 10 KOs) of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, against Brazilian buzz saw Claudionel Lacerda (17-15-1, 12 KOs) and undefeated featherweight contender Christopher ‘Pitufo’ Diaz (17-0, 11 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico against Raul Hirales (22-5-1, 11 KOs) of La Paz, Mexico.

Top Rank’s “Solo Boxeo” series has been a staple for Hispanic boxing fans for 16 years, televising 800 events and over 1,600 fights in cities throughout North America. “Solo Boxeo” has featured fights from the biggest names of the past, including Julio César Chávez Sr., Juan Manuel Márquez and Miguel Cotto, as well as future superstars, including Óscar Valdez, Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Félix ‘El Diamante’ Verdejo, Christopher ‘Pitufo’ Diaz, José Carlos Ramirez, Jessie Magdaleno and Andy Ruiz.

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a leading content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the leading networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country available in approximately 93% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network available in approximately 87% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language entertainment cable network, as well as UDN (Univision Deportes Network), the most-watched U.S. Spanish-language sports cable network, Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to telenovelas, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to international news and an additional suite of cable offerings – De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson and Telehit; Univision Television Group, which owns 59 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; digital properties consisting of online and mobile websites and apps, including Univision.com, the most visited Spanish-language website among U.S. Hispanics, Univision Now, a direct to consumer video service, Uforia, a music application featuring multimedia music content, The Root, the leading online news, opinion and culture destination for African-Americans and a stake in The Onion, the nation’s leading comedy and news satire brand; and Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group in the U.S. which owns and operates 67 radio stations including stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico. UCI’s assets also include a minority stake in El Rey Network, a 24-hour English-language general entertainment cable network and a joint venture with Disney/ABC Television Network for Fusion, a 24-hour English-language news and lifestyle TV and digital network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit corporate.univision.com.

LAS VEGAS (September 6, 2016) – The fourth edition of “Battle Born Boxing” returns this Thursday night (June 9), starting at 7 p.m. PT, at the outdoor Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

“Battle Born Boxing” is an amateur boxing series created by Neon Star Media on behalf of its client, the D Las Vegas, to support amateur boxing in Nevada, as well as provide a platform for amateur boxers from other states to compete against local clubs and boxers.

Las Vegas-based boxing clubs represented at “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising IV” includes Barry’s Boxing, Richard Steel Boxing Club and Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Boxing.

“Battle Born Boxing” was successfully launched April 15 and the amateur boxing series will continue the night before each of the “Knockout Night at the D” series professional boxing events, airing throughout 2016 on CBS Sports Network, live from the DLVEC.

“Battle Born Boxing: Uprising IV” tickets, priced at $15.00 for ringside (rows 1 and 2) and $10.00 for general admission, are on sale at www.DLVEC.com. Alltickets purchased for “Battle Born Boxing: Uprising” will entitle ticketholders to receive $10.00 off any tickets purchased for the following evening’s (Sept. 9) “Knockout Night at the D” pro event. Those tickets, priced at $99.99 VIP ringside, $49.99 ringside, $24.99 and $14.99 general admission, are on sale at www.Ticketmaster.com or www.DLVEC.com. Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.dlvec.com, www.thed.com, www.royjonesjrboxing.com, www.knockoutnightboxing.com

Twitter: @thedlasvegas, @dlvEventsCenter, @DerekJStevens, @BoxingatheDLV, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

Instagram: @dlvec, @thedlasvegas, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

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

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

About Neon Star Media LLC: Neon Star Media is a marketing and content company that creates highly effective brand-integration experiences for our clients, executed through a unique “story-telling” approach that empowers client’s product messaging to soar while delivering results. At Neon Star Media, we maximize client media spends by leveraging our relationships with various sporting events, cable channels, digital platforms and other social media outlets. We work with our clients to engage, endorse and advance their message with audiences on all platforms 24/7. Visit us on Twitter @Neonstarmedia or Facebook www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

International Championship Boxing League (ICBL) Founder and CEO, Jack Perone Fulton, wishes to thank all involved with making the inaugural Azteca Open event a tremendous success.

Held this past Saturday, September 3, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in association with promoter Bernie Valenzula of BBB Promotions, the ICBL Azteca Open featured 21 bouts with a considerable number of these fighters looking to earn a spot in the ICBL 2017 inaugural season.

In the night’s main event, a WBC Latino Silver Title eliminator, Ontario, California’s John “Bang Bang” Delperdang scored an eight-round majority decision over hometown favorite Oscar “Totti” Mejia.

Behind after the first three rounds, Delperdang (8-1, 7 KOs) eventually wore down Mejia (8-1-1, 3 KOs) with punishing blows to the body and head, leading to a cut above Mejia’s right eye. With the victory, Delperdang now holds the right to challenge the UK’s Lewis Ritson for his WBC Latino Silver Title.

In other ICBL-significant action, 10-time world champion kickboxer turned professional boxer Tyrone “King of the Ring” Spong of Miami, Florida, (via Paramaribo, Suriname), scored his sixth straight stoppage victory (6-0, 6 KOs) with a one-punch third-round destruction of formerly undefeated Mexican heavyweight Hugo Leon (3-1, 3 KOs).

Watch a video of the impressive KO HERE.

Earlier in the night, super lightweight Ricardo (Riki) Lara (11-2, 7 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico, demonstrated superior boxing skills while scoring a unanimous six-round decision over Nuevo León, Mexico’s Angel Rivera (10-8-1, 7 KOs).

In yet another intriguing matchup, undefeated super featherweight Isaac “Canelito” Avelar delighted his hometown fans and took the undefeated “0” of Phoenix, Arizona’s Juan Jose Rodriguez (6-1, 4 KOs) via third-round TKO.

“All in all it was a great night of fights,” said Jack Fulton. “The ‘play it safe until you get a title’ mentality doesn’t exist in the ICBL and I commend all of tonight’s fighters for embodying that philosophy. I wish to thank the WBC for their participation tonight and to my partner in the event, Bernie Valenzuela and his team from BBB Promotions for doing such a great job. The ICBL will be announcing more exciting events in the very near future.”

About the International Championship Boxing League

The ICBL is the brainchild of Veteran Promoter Jack Fulton who developed the innovative “multi-weight-class parallel fan judging league platform.” The ICBL team includes former President of the MVPGROUP Del Wilber and former Martin Agency Executive Director Bruce Kelly. The ICBL is a privately held company.

For more information, please contact: Keith Henery, Media Relations and Social Media keithhenery@icbleague.com.

LOS ANGELES (September 6, 2016) – On Mexican Independence Weekend, Golden Boy Promotions will offer the world championship battle between heavy punchers, former two-division world champion Canelo Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) and WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion, Liam “Beffy” Smith (23-0-1, 13 KOs), on online pay-per-view via new site, www.goldenboyppv.com. Live from the home of the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, www.goldenboyppv.com will allow fans the opportunity to watch this mega-fight on the device of their choice on September 17. This online offering is designed to reach those consumers who don’t have access to the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast that’s available through cable TV, satellite and telco pay-per-view providers.

“Our premium platform is designed with the boxing fan in mind and will provide fans a deep immersive pre-fight video experience featuring exclusive behind the scenes programming from training camp throughout fight week,” said Oscar De La Hoya Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Our goal is to give fans access beyond the ring in a way that enriches their on-line viewing experience throughout fight night. ” Goldenboyppv.com is one of many new platforms Golden Boy Promotions has launched over the past 12 months.

The pay-per-view live stream event on www.goldenboyppv.com, can be pre-ordered and will be available for all U.S.-based users for $64.99 and will feature a legendary broadcast team with the “Colonel,” Bob Sheridan calling the bow-by-blow and Larry Merchant delivering the color. This one-two punch combination takes the broadcast to new heights and provides fans with spectacular insights throughout fight night.

The pay-per-view live stream will include the 10-round co-main event between “King” Gabriel Rosado (23-9, 13 Kos, 1 NC) and Willie Monroe Jr. (20-1, 6 KOs) fighting for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title; the 10-round NABF Featherweight Title between Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (21-0, 12 KOs) and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (17-3-2, 13 KOs); and the 10-round event featuring Diego De La Hoya (15-0, 9 KOs) defending his WBC Youth Super Bantamweight Title against the experienced Luis Orlando Del Valle (22-2, 16 KOs).

“Golden Boy’s Media and Entertainment division is laser focused on delivering world-class digital programming experiences for fans around the world – our global distribution capabilities drive exclusive content across a vast landscape of digital and social platforms entertaining a boxing world on the go.” Said David Tetreault, EVP, Media and Entertainment, 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 are also 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).

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, Hennessey, Adriana’s Insurance, AT&T, 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 four fight pay-per-view card produced and distributed live to cable TV, satellite and telco pay-per-view providers by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.frankwarren.com, www.attstadium.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @WillieMonroeJr, @JosephDiazJr, @AndrewCancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya, @OscarDeLaHoya, @FrankWarren_tv, @ATTStadium and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.Facebook.com/frankwarrenpromotions, www.Facebook.com/ATTStadium or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @LiamBeefySmith, @KingGabRosado, @Willie_elmongoose_monroejr, @JosephDiazJr, @Aa_Cancio, @DiegoDeLaHoya94 @ATTStadium, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloSmith.

The HBO Sports special ROAD TO CANELO/SMITH debuts SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 at 12:45 a.m. (ET/PT) immediately following HBO World Championship Boxing.

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.

NEW YORK (Sept. 6, 2016) – Light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic will face unbeaten southpaw Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin in the 10-round main event of a stacked ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Sept. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.

Kalajdzic, 25, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Peterkin, 26, of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be making their ShoBox debuts and initial 10-round starts.

This is Kalajdzic’s first fight since losing a highly controversial and questionable eight-round split decision to unbeaten 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne last April 16 in Brooklyn. Kalajdzic is clamoring for a rematch with the world-ranked Browne, but he can’t overlook the strong, athletic Peterkin, who is coming off a shutout decision over Larry Pryor last March 30 and is looking for a breakout performance.

In the ShoBox co-feature, super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces Roc Nation prospect’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBA 140-pound title. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, takes on James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.

Local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs) makes his highly anticipated television debut against fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the six-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. (The $35 tickets are sold out).

Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), a 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, turned pro in June 2011. He won his first 21 fights before losing to Browne in a bout in which many felt he won easily. Browne (18-0) landed an occasional hard shot, but Kalajdzic seemed to control the fight with his power and awkward style. Both boxers hit the deck, Kalajdzic (from what appeared to be a slip) in the first, Browne (clearly) in the sixth from a right hand to the head. Receiving credit for a knockdown in which no punch appeared to connect was the difference, and the fans booed when the scores of 76-75, 76-74 and 74-76 were announced.

“I am really excited about this fight and that I am on television again fighting another undefeated southpaw,” said Kalajdzic. “I am continuing where I left off with training camp from my previous fight since it’s another southpaw, so I will be more than prepared. Hopefully, Peterkin comes to fight and not hug like my last opponent did so we can give the fans a good fight.”

Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs) would still have an unblemished record if not for losing two points in an eight-round majority draw with 2008 Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0) on Aug. 1, 2015 at Barclays Center. Peterkin had a point deducted in the fourth for hitting after the break and in the fifth for a low blow. The scores were 76-74 and 75-75 twice.

Despite the draw in his outing before last, Peterkin considered this the most gratifying moment of his life. From 2012-14, he stocked and served food in the suites at Barclays. In his most recent effort, Peterkin easily outpointed Pryor by the scores of 80-72 three times in New York. This will be Peterkin’s first fight outside of his home state.

A good boxer with excellent technique, Peterkin was introduced to boxing by his father, Bernard, a 1987 heavyweight Golden Gloves semifinalist, in 2001. He went 95-7 in the amateurs; after winning the 2010 New York Golden Gloves, he went pro in January 2011.

“I was ringside at Hot Rod’s last fight. I respect him, but I saw what his flaws are and will exploit them,” said Peterkin. “I am anticipating a war. Brooklyn is coming to Oklahoma and I will not disappoint. On Sept. 23, greatness beckons.”

Baranchyk, an offensive-minded fighting machine, packs outstanding power in both hands. He’s making his third appearance on ShoBox and third in a row at Buffalo Run. His other ShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated opponents, totaled a combined 2:49.

The highly regarded, all-action Baranchyk registered a brutal, two-punch, 21-second stoppage over Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) last March 25 on ShoBox at Buffalo Run. He scored a 2:28, first-round knockout over Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2) in his ShoBox debut last Dec. 11 in Houston, Texas.

Baranchyk was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn. He’s won eight straight by knockout, including a third-round TKO over previously undefeated Joaquim “Eliseo” Cruz (9-0-1) last June 25 at Buffalo Run. Dominant with his speed and power from the outset, Baranchyk dropped Cruz in the second. Cruz’s corner threw in the towel at 1:07 of the third.

All 10 of the 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. He’s fought 22 rounds in an 11-fight career. The only time he went the distance was in his third fight, a four-rounder in December 2014. Baranchyk, a former European amateur standout, turned pro in June ‘14 and relocated to the United States a few months later.

“I couldn’t be more excited about returning to ShoBox,” said Baranchyk. “Zhimin is a very skilled fighter and he will be my toughest opponent yet. However, I intend on ending this bout in devastating fashion. I guarantee you will see Zhimin on his back when the fight is over. I am looking to send a message to the rest of the junior welterweight division that I am someone to be feared.”

Zhimin, 30, turned pro in November 2010 and fought eight times in the WSB through 2011. After a three-year layoff, he relocated to the U.S. and has gone 7-0. He’s coming off an eight-round decision over Matthew Doherty last June 11. Zhimin had great success in the WSB, winning the gold in 2011 in his native China, defeating Yerzhan Mussafirov of Kazakhstan in the tightly contested lightweight final. Before that, he reached the final in the Chinese National Boxing Championship in 2010, where he received a silver medal. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition.

“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this great event,” said Zhimin. “I want to thank the promoters, my team and everyone who gave me this opportunity. My goal is to get that belt. I know it’s a process full of challenges, but I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I know that I will make it. I have faith in myself. I will do whatever I can to prepare myself for this title showdown and give the fans my best performance and bring home the belt.”

Golub, a 27-year-old who, at 6-feet, is tall for a welterweight, turned pro as a middleweight in November 2012. At the outset of his career, he went 5-0 in the WSB. He’s gone 12-0 since, winning 10 by knockout, including his last six in a row, the last three as a welterweight.

In his ShoBox debut, he touched the canvas for the first time in his career, but bounced back to blast out Marlon Aguas with a series of combinations in the closing seconds of the sixth. He won by TKO.

Golub, a southpaw who’s coming off a second-round TKO over Ernesto Ortiz last July 21, was an outstanding amateur. He went 270-32 as an amateur, was a five-time national champion in Ukraine and won bronze at the 2009 World Amateur Championships.

“Stevenson has a lot of experience and I am preparing for a very tough fight,” said Golub. “He is a guy that likes to sit on his punches and trade, which is exactly what I want. Once he feels my power, he is going to be in trouble. This will be an exciting fight for as long as it lasts.”

Stevenson is making his ShoBox debut. A pro since 2008, he won his first 21 scraps until losing by ninth-round TKO to then-undefeated Sammy Vasquez on Aug. 8, 2014. The fight was competitive for five rounds before Vasquez took over. Stevenson went down in the ninth.

The 5-foot-11, 33-year-old Stevenson has won two-of-three since, including a fifth-round TKO over Kevin Womack last May 14 in his first fight in 13 months. A hard-hitting boxer-puncher, Stevenson has feasted on modest opposition and is still seeking a signature victory.

Stevenson has produced a respectable record in spite of his career getting sidetracked by a series of setbacks and tragedies. In 2011, during a routine jog, a dog viciously attacked him, requiring Stevenson to get more than 20 stitches. Shortly thereafter, his father James Stevenson Sr. passed away, as did his mother-in-law.

“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Stevenson. “But they made a big mistake giving me the time to get ready for this fight. I’m training real hard and I’m coming to make a statement. I’m not scared of Golub and I promise it won’t go the distance. I’m putting him to sleep.”

Morrison has registered eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, turns 27 on Sept. 27. He’s fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.

A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.

“I have worked so hard to get to this point and now this is my chance to show the world who I am. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity,” said Morrison. “Latimore is a huge step up in class for me, but I am ready for it. Once I hear those Oklahoma fans and feel the energy inside the arena, I flip a switch and it’s go-time. This is going to be my coming-out party.”

Latimore, who majored in physics in college, is a boxer-puncher expected to give Morrison his toughest test. Latimore is making his ShoBox debut and fourth start this year. He’s coming off an eight-round split decision over Juan Goode last July 15.

The 6-foot-1, 31-year-old Latimore turned pro in January 2013. As an amateur, he won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Championships, and was victorious over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin.

“Morrison will be a real test for me,” said Latimore. “It’s never easy to fight someone in their backyard. I just fought in my hometown of Pittsburgh so I know the feeling coming into it and the momentum on fight night. I am looking forward to putting on a good show for all the fans in Oklahoma and those watching on ShoBox.”

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

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

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.- September 6, 2016 – One of the most anticipated bouts in boxing will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 24th as Anthony Crolla and Jorge Linares will square off for the WBA/WBC Diamond/Ring Magazine Lightweight championship that will be televised LIVE on AWE-A WEALTH OF ENTERTAINMENT.

For boxing fans who don’t have AWE, you are in luck because the fight will be streamed live on www.klowdtv.com

“We are thrilled to be able to show this major bout. This is for the lightweight championship of the world and we have two great champions willing to put it on the line. This fight is for supremacy and the fans will see a great fight on September 24,”said AWE President, Charles Herring.

“If your cable system doesn’t carry AWE, we’re offering the fight to everyone in the United States via www.Klowdtv.com. KlowdTV is a new 24/7 streaming service that offers AWE and this upcoming unification world title fight, plus several other great channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports, and other exciting sports programming. We’re ecstatic to be able to service all boxing fans across the country via KlowdTV as we continue to showcase the best fights from all over the world.”

The monthly cost of www.klowdtv.com is just $7.99 and with that, fans can enjoy a total of fourteen channels currently with more slated to join the lineup this month. KlowdTV is offering a free viewing during the entire month of September.

Crolla of Manchester, England has a record of 31-4-3 with 13 knockouts.

He turned professional on October 14, 2006 with a win over Abdul Rashid (1-0).

The 29 year-old has amassed wins over 4-time world title challenger Michael Brodie (36-3-1), Andy Morris (19-3), John Watson (13-1), Willie Limond (34-3), Syephen Jennings (5-1-1), Kieran Farrell (14-0), former Junior Welterweight world champion Gavis Rees (37-2-1), Stephen Foster (31-4-1) & Former world title challenger John Murray (33-2).

On November 21, 2015 he won the WBA Lightweight title with a one-punch body shot knockout over reigning champion Darleys Perez (32-1-1).which thrilled his hometown fans at the Manchester Arena.

On May 7th, Crolla scored an exciting 7th round stoppage over Ismael Barroso, when he landed yet another body shot to make his first title defense.

“Sometimes I pinch myself to see myself how I’ve got here,” Said Crolla “Everyone in the gym are fans of Jorge Linares and I think he’s a great fighter, but on the night that respect goes out the window and we’re fighting for one of the great prizes in the sport. The Arena is going to be rocking and that’s my house, and I want to keep those three belts in Manchester.

This is a legacy fight for me, every young kid wants to become a World Champion and I’ve done that now. I don’t want people to think I’ve settled with that, I’m hungrier than ever and I like the huge nights way too much to let it go now – I’m happy to win the belts and go to Vegas for the rematch though!

We’re working so, so hard in the gym because Jorge Linares is a phenomenal fighter, and I’m honoured to be fighting him in my house.

I’ve done that ring walk so many times in front of a huge crowd and you can’t beat that feeling, the energy the crowd will give me is going to help me produce the career-best performance I will need to beat Jorge Linares”

Linares of Tokyo, Japan via Barinas, Venezuela has been dubbed one of the most fluid fighters to watch. From the outset of his career, he was destined to be a world champion.

The 30 year-old Linares won his first 27 bouts which included capturing the WBA Featherweight title with a 10th round stoppage over classy defending champion Oscar Larios. Larios defended the belt twice with stoppages over future world champion Gamilel Diaz and Whyber Garcia.

Linares was stunningly stopped in one round by Juan Carlos Selgado. That loss prompted Linares to move up in weight and score wins over former world champions Francisco Lorenzo and Jesus Chavez as well as as multiple time world title challenger Rocky Juarez.

Linares then challenged for the WBC Lightweight title against Antonio DeMarco.

That bout, which took place on October 15, 2011 on the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson Pay-Per-View undercard in Los Angeles, saw Linares dominate Demarco for ten rounds. Linares had an insurmountable lead until getting caught and stopped in round 11.

In his next bout, Linares was stopped by Sergio Thompson.

Linares is currently riding a 9-fight winning streak, which saw him win the WBC Lightweight championship with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Prieto. Linares has defended the belt twice with a 10th round stoppage over Kevin Mitchell in Mitchell’s home country of England.

In his last bout, Linares, stopped in 4 rounds on October 10, 2015 in Venezuela.

Said Linares, ” It’s another big fight and big event that I’m grateful to God to be a part of. It’s me second time in the UK, we have similar styles, there’s lots of respect between us and we’re working very hard because I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I want to win those belts.”

About AWE LIVE BOXING

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, and has featured over 50 world class title fight. AWE has earned multiple Boxing Writers Association of America nominations for “Fight of the Year” and has featured over thirty world class boxing events. In 2013, AWE showcased all live bouts featuring heavyweight David Price. AWE aired live the stunning upsets of Tony Thompson over David Price, along with Adonis Stevenson and Tony Bellew cards, who fought each other for the light Heavyweight championship; 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winner James DeGale. AWE brought boxing fans two of the most controversial bouts which saw Ricky Burns keep his Lightweight title against Ray Beltran. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson. In 2014, AWE televised the crowning of lightweight champion Terence Crawford with his win over Burns as well as the exciting rematches between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez along with Tony Bellew defeating Nathan Cleverly. In 2015, AWE brought boxing fans on of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Darleys Perez v. Anthony Crolla II for the WBA Lightweight World Title.

In 2016, AWE was the exclusive American boradcaster of Lucas Browne’s stunning knockout over Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Heavyweight title.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment
A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is featured on over a hundred cable providers, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD and Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. For more information, please visit www.awetv.com.

06 September 2016 – Yangon, Myanmar: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returns to Myanmar for another exciting evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS is set for Friday, 7 October at the state-of-the-art Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon. Headlining the event will be “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang as he takes on top Polish middleweight Michal Pasternak. In the global main event, ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan will defend his title against Joshua Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines.

Tickets for ONE: STATE OF WARRIORS are available at http://mm.myasiaticket.com/sport/sport-detail.php?sid=136&la=en&la=en.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated: “The way Aung La N Sang can carry a crowd is unparalleled. The fans effortlessly move to the beat of his drum and it’s an atmosphere ONE Championship just can’t get enough of. Aung La N Sang is ready to take on the biggest challengers the promotion has to offer, and he’ll get to work this October starting with Michal Pasternak.”

Managing Director of AGD, Htoo Htet Tay Za stated: “To be a part of ONE Championship and Aung La N Sang’s triumphant return to Myanmar was an immensely proud moment for us at AGD Bank, and we want to keep that momentum going. We cannot wait to see the Myanmar people come together once again to cheer for our heroes in the cage as they compete for national pride on the largest stage in Asian MMA.”

Deputy Managing Director of the First National Insurance (FNI), Mr. Aung Ko Ko Tin Win stated: “We are excited to be joining AGD Bank as a co-presenting partner for this pinnacle event in Myanmar. ONE Championship’s live events bring a unique atmosphere to the city and it’s something we are proud to help deliver to the fans.”

31-year old middleweight standout Aung La N Sang is arguably one of the world’s most renowned Burmese fighters whose constricting style of fighting has earned him the moniker of the “The Burmese Python”. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, Aung belonged to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. A veteran of 27 professional bouts with a record of 18-9-0, 1NC, Aung is on a three-fight win streak in ONE Championship, with all three victories coming by highlight-reel finish. He fights Michal Pasternak in front of his hometown crowd next.

Aung La N Sang stated: “The people of Myanmar are awesome MMA fans. Although MMA is a fairly new sport in Myanmar, it brings me fulfillment to see fans enjoy the sport back home. I am truly honored to represent the nation and I will do my best to beat my opponent Michal Pasternak and make my people proud.”

Middleweight contender Michal Pasternak of Pinczow, Poland is a tall, lanky fighter with a 11-1 professional mixed martial arts record. A well-rounded mixed martial artist, more than half of Pasternak’s victories have come either by knockout or by submission. In his last bout, Pasternak competed for the inaugural ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship across the cage from Brazilian jiu jitsu legend Roger Gracie. Now he takes on Myanmar’s favorite son, Aung La N Sang.

Michal Pasternak stated: “My last bout taught me a lot. I am young and talented, and I will show the world why I deserve to be called one of the top middleweight contenders in ONE Championship. I know Aung is the hometown hero, but I’m not here to stand in awe of others. I’m here to spoil the party and take over the division.”

Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Chiba, Japan is an unbeaten mixed martial artist with a perfect 11-0 record. He owns five victories by submission and one by knockout. The 32-year old, who made a name for himself at Japan’s world famous Korakuen Hall competing for Shooto, captured the ONE Strawweight World Championship in his last bout, submitting former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. Naito makes the first defense of his strawweight belt against Joshua Pacio.

Unbeaten strawweight Joshua Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines owns a stellar 8-0 professional mixed martial arts record and is one of the country’s most highly-regarded mixed martial arts prospects. A member of the famed Team Lakay MMA gym, Pacio is a wushu specialist with a solid grappling skill set. All eight of his victories have come by finish, including three wins by knockout and five wins by impressive submission. Pacio takes on the toughest test of his young career next against the champion, Yoshitaka Naito.

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.

About AGD Bank
AGD Bank aims to build the future for a progressive Myanmar. Myanmar is embarking on several decades of fundamental change. The future will look very different, and it will be full of opportunities that will touch every aspect of the lives of the people of Myanmar. At AGD Bank, our vision is to provide the vitally important banking infrastructure that will make a lasting and sustainable impact on this future, building the economic foundations for a progressive Myanmar. In order to achieve our vision, we will deliver banking excellence through inspired and outstanding customer service. We will strive in everything we do to set our own unique, industry-leading, standard for banking excellence. We will accomplish this by always focusing on future opportunities and translating these into a commitment to outstanding levels of service, delivered day after day to each and every customer, helping them fulfil their needs and achieve their aspirations.

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 5, 2016) Consensus #1 Pound-For-Pound Fighters in the World, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, (45-0, 38 KO’S) and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Carlos “El Principe” Cuadras, (35-0-1, 27 KO’s) continued their busy media schedule on Monday just five days prior to their highly anticipated battle on Saturday, September 10 at The Fabulous Forum and telecast live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

In a very jovial mood, Gonzalez and his team including his trainer Arnulfo Obando and manager Carlos Blandon, met with a large contingent of media who have flown in from Nicaragua in advance of the country’s most popular athlete’s quest for a fourth divisional world title. The fight will be telecast LIVE in Nicaragua on Channel 4 for it’s population of over 6,000,000 to watch.

Cuadras visited the ESPN Los Angeles studios for the A Los Golpes TV show taping where he was given lessons for beating Gonzalez by Boxing Legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez
“I loved training in Big Bear for this fight. Coach Abel and “GGG” were very welcoming, it was very calm there and we were able to work very well in peace.”

“With my training in Big Bear for the first time, I feel that I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been. I want to continue training there in the future.”

“I know Carlos says a lot about my nickname but on Saturday night he will feel the fists of Chocolate.”

“I never think about losing, the only way I can lose is if somebody truly beats me, I won’t beat myself and I won’t overlook anyone.”

“I need to throw combinations and keep him off-guard to win the fight.”

“This fight is for all my people in Nicaragua and especially dedicated to my mentor, the great Alexis Arguello.”

“I don’t think about other fights or how high I can move up. I just focus on Saturday night against Cuadras.”

Carlos “El Principe” Blandon
“I’m very excited to be fighting at The Fabulous Forum, it has such a long history of great fights and champions battling there, especially in the lower weight classes.”

“I feel a great deal of pride in defending my belt for the Mexican people. I’m sure there will be a lot of Mexican boxing fans for me as well as a great deal of Nicaraguan fans for Roman.”

“This was my first time meeting Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., right away he wanted to give me pointers for Saturday night.”

“He throws multiple combinations but I’m too big and strong for him.”

“I like being a world champion and I plan on staying that way on Saturday night.”

“Doesn’t matter to me, knockout or decision, I will win.”

Photos/Courtesy K2 Promotions

This week both fighters have busy media schedules with numerous appearances in addition to their final press conference on Tuesday and media workouts on Wednesday.

This Friday, both fighters will hit the scales at the Official Public Weigh-In, outdoors at 12:00 p.m. at The Fabulous Forum. Admission and parking (enter through Prairie Avenue entrance) is FREE to the public, the weigh-in will take place in the Northwest Parking area.

On Saturday afternoon, boxing fans are encouraged to arrive at The Fabulous Forum early as the LIVE HBO World Championship Boxing telecast of the World Middleweight Championship between Boxing Superstar and Undefeated, Unified Middleweight Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, (35-0, 32 KO’s) and Undefeated Welterweight World Champion “The Special One” Kell Brook, (36-0, 25 KO’s) will be screened on the venue’s large Terrace LED screens from London starting at 2:30 p.m. PT. Parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. PT on the day of the event. Doors will open to the World Championship Boxing event at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Co-featured on September 10 and also telecast live on HBO World Championship Boxing along with Chocolatito vs. Cuadras is a 10-round junior middleweight rematch of the epic 2016 “Fight of the Year” candidate between Yoshihiro Kamegai, (26-3-2, (23KO’s), and Jesus “Renuente” Soto-Karass, (28-10-4, 18KO’s). The first bout scored a draw, took place on April 15 in Downtown Los Angeles.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of professional boxing priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25 are now on sale through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

Chocolatito vs. Cuadras is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. Kamegai vs. Soto-Karass 2 is presented by K2 Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions.

SOCIAL MEDIA: For more information, visit www.K2Promos.com, www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com www.FabulousForum.com and www.HBO.com/boxing.

Follow on Twitter for Roman Gonzalez @ChocolatitoBox, Carlos Cuadras @CuadrasOficial,
@ Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, Golden Boy Promotions @GoldenBoyBoxing, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChocolatitoOfficial, www.facebook/CarlosCuadras,
www. facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Use the hashtags #GonzalezCuadras and #KamegaiSotoKarass, #KSK2 to join the conversation on social media.

READING, PA (September 5, 2016)–Travis Kauffman believes he is very close to realizing his goal to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world.

In order for that to be realized, he must not stumble this Friday night when he takes on Josh Gormley as part of the undercard of a championship doubleheader at the Santander Arena in Kaufman’s hometown of Reading, Penn.

The card, which has been dubbed the biggest fight card in Reading, will be televised live on Spike TV, will be headlined by Daniel Jacobs defending the WBA Middleweight championship in a rematch against former junior middleweight titlist Sergio Mora. In the televised co-feature, undefeated lightweights Robert Easter Jr. and Richard Commey vie for the vacant IBF Lightweight title.

Kauffman (30-1, 22 KO’s), who has been training in Reading for this fight. knows he can’t slip up against the hard punching Gormley.

“Training has been good and we have been working hard,” said Kauffman.

“Despite what people may think, there is no added pressure fighting at home. It is just another day at the office. When I am in the ring, I just block the crowd out and I am just trying to look good.”

In Gormley, he taking on an opponent has a record of 22-5 with 21 knockouts and Kauffman is not taken him lightly.

“Gormley is a big guy and a big puncher. Any guy who is over 200 pounds, you have to take seriously and I do not underestimate anybody.”

Kauffman feels that a good performance should put him on the short-list for a world title shot in the next year.

“We are hoping in the beginning of 2017 that we can get a title shot. The ultimate goal is to be champion of the world. I know a lot of fighters think its about the money, but in order to make that money, you have to be champion.”

Kauffman may have already received that coveted title shot had he been awarded the decision in his December 12, 2015 bout with Chris Arreola.

In that bout, Kauffman dropped Arreola and most people who watched the fight ringside and on television believed Kauffman should have been given the decision. But Arreola got the majority nod, but later tested positive in a post fight drug test and the bout was ruled a no-contest. Arreola subsequently got a July 16th title shot, but was stopped by WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

“I can’t dwell on that fight. It is behind me. Chris is a friend, but he didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. That was yesterday and I am only looking forward to my future.”

The selection Gormley has it’s purpose as he stands 6’5″ and Kauffman sees this as a rehearsal for bigger fights down the line.

“This is a stay busy fight, but he is dangerous. He is a tall guy and when you look at all the champions, Wilder, Joshua, Fury, they are all very tall men. If I can’t get one of them next, I want someone in the top-ten. I want to fight the best. Everyone is avoiding Luis Ortiz, I would love to fight him. Anthony Joshua, Artur Szpilka. I need fights like that because it will prove to everyone that I belong at the top of the division,but first things first. I have to be cautious of Gormley’s power.”

Kauffman, who has very good boxing skills, has a different mindset for his future fights.

“I learned in that fight, that I can’t leave anything to the judges. The way my trainer Naazim Richardson trains his fighters, they really make them believe in themselves. Friday night, I am not looking past Gormley, I am looking through him, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, start at $20 and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Charlie Edwards insists he is ready to land the IBF World Flyweight title in just his ninth pro fight when he challenges champion John Riel Casimero at The O2 in London on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Edwards moved to 8-0 in July with a points win in Germany and this World title tilt is his first 12 round action.

The former Team GB star turned pro just 18 months ago but after landing the English title with a consummate performance against Louis Norman in his fifth fight in this arena this time last year, defending it with a sixth round stoppage two months later in Manchester against Phil Smith and then adding the WBC International title with a shutout win over Luke Wilton.

Former Light-Flyweight champion Casimero overturned a June 2015 title loss to Amnat Ruenroeng to KO the Thai man in the fourth round of their rematch in May. The 26 year old Filipino first boxed for the title back in March 2011 and Saturday night is his 11th World title bout – but Edwards says that he’s more than ready for his chance to be on top of the world.

While Edwards’ pro career may still be blossoming, he carries outstanding amateur pedigree into the bout. The 23 year old landed the European Schoolboys title nine years ago and mixed in elite-class amateur competition until he turned over in January 2015.

Edwards says that schooling has set him up for professional success and that his grounding in the amateurs is crucial in the lighter weights where you can move up the rankings rapidly.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it’s come sooner than I expected, but I am going to grab this opportunity with both hands,” said Edwards.

“People underestimate my engine because I look young. The way I box, the way I move, I’ll be shocked if he can keep up with my movement. So when he’s behind at halfway and he’s trying to push on and my levels are going through the gears, he’s going to be in a bad place and that title is coming home with me.

“I’m a classy boxer and I like to show my moves and look good, I think that I will win it over the distance but I know that people might doubt me but they will be shocked when they hear ‘and the new’ and it’s not going to be a close decision, it’ll be a wide-win.”

“I won the European Schoolboys when I was 14 and my career just went mad from there,” said Edwards. “I signed with GB when I was 15, one of the youngest they’ve had. I’ve been all over the world boxing in different countries and all sorts of styles and won of national championships at schoolboy, junior and senior level and I won lots of GB medals.
“I’ve done my apprenticeship and that’s why i am confident here, this isn’t too soon for me because of my amateur pedigree.

“When I turned pro I said that I didn’t want to waste time fighting journeymen, I wanted to push on early. I’m not going to be a Flyweight for a long time, I’m big for the weight which you see when I step in the ring and stand with my opponents.

“I wanted to get into title early and even when the English came along in my fifth fight, Eddie though it might be a really tricky fight but I won every round and I made him look silly.”

Edwards’ clash with Casimero is part of a blockbuster night of World title action in London topped by the mammoth WBC, IBF and IBO World Middleweight battle between Gennady Golovkin and Kell Brook.

Lee Haskins defends his IBF World Bantamweight title in a rematch with bitter rival Stuart Hall, Martin J. Ward and Andy Townend meet for the vacant British Super-Featherweight title, Callum Smith defends his WBC Silver title against tough Hungarian Norbert Nemesapati while his older brother Paul continues his hunt for a third World title shot, WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight champion McDonnell is tracking down a World title shot of his own Sheffield Super-Bantamweight and Brook’s Ingle Gym mate Galahad continues his comeback, Conor Benn boxes for the fourth time in the paid ranks and unbeaten Middleweight Craig Richards tastes his fifth action in the pros.

Darwin Price remained undefeated by stopping Javontae Starks in round seven of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas.

In round three, Price landed a hard right hand that sent Starks to the canvas.

In round seven, Price rocked Starks with a hard right hand that sent Starks to the ropes. Starks took a barrage of punches on the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:52.

Price, 141 lbs of Houston, TC is now 11-0 with six knockouts. Starks, 141.6 lbs of Winter Haven, FL is 13-2.

Kent Cruz won a eight round unanimous decision over Rickey Edwards in a battle of undefeated super lightweights.

In round two, Cruz landed a hard right that sent Edwards to the canvas.

Cruz, 137.5 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 77-73 twice and 77-74 and is now is 11-0. Edwards, 139 lbs of Paterson, NJ is 11-1.

David Perez knocked out Gustavo Molina in the sixth round, which was the final scheduled round of their super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Perez dropped Molina with a body shot.

In round six, Perez landed a perfect right to the jaw that knocked Molina out cold and the fight was stopped at 2:35.

Perez, 120 lbs of Houston, TX is 8-0 with four knockouts. Molina, 121.5 lbs of Mexico is 12-13.

Justin Pauldo won a six-round unanimous decision over Eric Anton in a lightweight bout.

Paudo, 134 lbs of Orlando, FL won by scores of 59-55 on all cards and is now 8-1. Anton, 129.8 lbs of Dallas, TX is 4-4.

Pauldo landed 104 of 359 punches. Anton was 76-329.

Junior Castillo won a six-round unanimous decision over Josue Obando in a middleweight bout.

Castillo, 162.5 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-1. Obando, 161.5 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 12-11-1.