LAS VEGAS (June 15, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) announced today that Thiago Meller has withdrawn from his scheduled welterweight (170 pounds) contest against John “Doomsday” Howard (23-12), who will now face “Mad” Mike Arrant (15-10) in a middleweight (185 pounds) bout at the much-anticipated WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland world championship doubleheader Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, live on NBCSN (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. on Friday, June 17.

In addition, undefeated Marcus Surin (3-0) of Stamford, Conn. has been tabbed to step in for Sam Watford in the scheduled lightweight (155 pounds) preliminary card contest against Christian “The Terminator” Torres (0-0) of Endicott, N.Y.

Originally hailing from Orlando, Fla., the 5-foot-9, 28-year-old Arrant, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, resides in Las Vegas, where he is a member of legendary champion Randy “The Natural” Couture’s Xtreme Couture fight squad.

Arrant is looking to return to the win column following a unanimous decision defeat in his last start on August 7, 2015, at the hands of two-time UFC veteran Brock Jardine.

Prior to the loss, Arrant had reeled off six consecutive victories, five of which he produced in the first round, by way of (T)KO or submission. To date, 12 of his 15 professional wins have been finishes.

During the six-fight win streak, Arrant seized his first championship – regional promotion SteelFist Fight Night’s welterweight title – with a first round (5:00) TKO (retirement) of Carl Dieckmann on July 12, 2013.

Like Arrant, the 5-foot-7, 33-year-old Howard boasts a phenomenal finish rate with 15 of his 23 professional victories having come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Howard will make his promotional debut with World Series of Fighting following a second stint with the UFC that spanned seven fights and included wins over Uriah Hall, Siyar Bahadurzada and Cathal Pendred.

Priced from $39.99, tickets for WSOF31: Ivanov vs. Copeland are on sale at WSOF.com and Foxwoods.com.

Doors at The Grand Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino will open at 5 p.m. ET, and the first of seven preliminary card bouts will begin at 5:45 p.m.

The entire preliminary fight card will stream live on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com.

In the main event of the five-bout, live NBCSN telecast, reigning World Series of Fighting heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov (13-1) will put his title on the line against Josh “Cuddly Bear” Copeland (12-3).

In the lightweight co-main event, superstars Jason “The Kansas City Bandit” High (19-5) and Mike “The Martian” Ricci (11-4) will square off with their division’s number one contender ranking at stake.

WSOF31: IVANOV VS. COPELAND

MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Heavyweight Championship Main Event:
Blagoy Ivanov (Champion) vs. Josh Copeland (Challenger)

Lightweight Co-Main Event:
Jason High vs. Mike Ricci

Middleweight: John Howard vs. Mike Arrant
Featherweight: Luis Palomino vs. Sheymon Moraes
Middleweight: Phil Hawes vs. Josh Key

PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)

Lightweight: Tom Marcellino vs. Devin Powell
Heavyweight: Juliano Coutinho vs. Justin Willis
Heavyweight: Tyler King vs. Lorenzo Hood
Welterweight: Robert Fonseca vs. Sean Lally
Lightweight: Bruce Boyington vs. Saul Almeida
Bantamweight: Rodrigo Almeida vs. Ben Pierre-Saint
Lightweight: Marcus Surin vs. Christian Torres

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion partnered with NBC, NBCSN and international media distribution giant, IMG. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Las Vegas with satellite offices in New York City and Boston, the company is dedicated to delivering an incredible experience for sports fans by producing action-packed, live fights between elite athletes from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

ABOUT NBCSN
NBCSN, part of the NBC Sports Group, is dedicated to serving passionate sports fans. Now in more than 85 million homes, the Emmy Award-winning network is the cable television home of the Summer and Winter Olympics, National Hockey League (NHL) – including two games of the Stanley Cup Final — Premier League, Formula One, IndyCar, Tour de France, the 34th America’s Cup, and beginning in 2015, NASCAR. In addition, NBCSN features college football, college basketball, college hockey, cycling, outdoor programming, horse racing surrounding the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, Fight Night boxing, Ironman, the Dew Tour and USA Sevens Rugby. The network is also home to original programs such as Costas Tonight, NFL Turning Point, Pro Football Talk, The Dan Patrick Show, and NASCAR America. NBCSN is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

About Foxwoods® Resort Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino is the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in six casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, and exclusive retailers. Perfect for both recreation and business, Foxwoods provides modern and versatile convention and meeting space to infuse new life into any meeting or event. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For a comprehensive look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.

CHICAGO (June 15, 2016) – Fight week kicked-off in Chicago on Wednesday for Premier Boxing Champions on NBC taking place this Saturday, June 18 at the UIC Pavilion headlined by light heavyweight bruiser Andrzej Fonfara battling hard-hitting New Yorker Joe Smith Jr.

Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features a bantamweight world championship rematch between Juan Carlos Payano and Rau’shee Warren plus rising star Erickson Lubin battling Mexico’s Daniel Sandoval. At 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT, PBC coverage switches to NBCSN and will feature a battle of unbeaten middleweights as Hugo Centeno Jr. takes on Poland’s Maciej Sulecki.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Wednesday’s media workout took place at Oakley Fight Club in Chicago as the fighters showed off their skills for the media heading into fight night.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

ANDRZEJ FONFARA

“I’m in great shape right now. Camp went very well. We had great sparring and conditioning. I’m definitely ready to fight.

“We’ve seen a couple of his fights. He’s a young, tough guy. I know that I must win the fight. I’m prepared and I will be victorious.

“I expect this fight to be a real battle. I’m not going to stop throwing punches. I will control the ring and find my spots. I definitely want to give my fans the knockout.

“Fighting in Chicago is a great motivation for me because I have such outstanding support here. I always want to entertain my fans so they keep coming back to watch me perform.

“I was the underdog my whole career. Now in this position, it’s even better. I’m motivated by being in this position. I know my opponent feels overlooked and that will add to his motivation, but I’m ready.”

JOE SMITH JR.

“We’ve done some traveling in camp to get excellent sparring and overall it’s just been a great camp. I’m excited to be here and ready to get in the ring. I’m happy to have this opportunity because I worked so hard for it. I’m looking to put on a show.

“This is a big chance and if I win I can open up a lot of doors. I just need to do what I do best and hopefully I’ll be in a world title fight next.

“I love representing Long Island and New York. I want to bring a title back home.

“I’m going to give it my all and at the end of the night I should come out on top.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“People can expect a great fight with the same result as the first matchup. I will come out the victor.

“As far as any controversy from the first fight, it was a close fight. I could have made it easier but nevertheless it was what it was.

“At the end of the day, I am the world champion and I took the fight to the challenger. That alone warrants a win. Warren connected at a high percentage but mostly with small body shots that didn’t affect me.

“Warren is the second best fighter in the division and I have no bad feelings towards him. I respect him as an accomplished amateur, but this is not the amateurs. This is a 12-round battle and the same result will come on Saturday night.

“I’ve prepared in the same fashion that I always do. I train all out and I give it my all in the ring.

“I understand my mistakes from the first fight and I know they’re corrected coming in. I’m sure Rau’shee has made his own adjustments. No matter how many times we fight, it will be this same kind of exciting battle.

“I’m going to prevail as the world champion that I am. I will show that there really was no controversy. I’m going to be decisive and make sure that the judges will have no option but to give me each round.

“I’ve been on the big stage before so there is no extra pressure on me. I believe I’m the underdog in this fight but with a win I can show how great I really am.”

RAU’SHEE WARREN

“This camp I’ve been sparring with a lot of bigger guys and guys with similar styles to Payano. This camp overall has been great. There’s been a lot of energy in.

“I’ve been getting ready for this since the first fight. That’s going to be the biggest difference from the last fight.

“I’m expecting Payano to try to prove himself. He’s going to bring his all and put it all on the line, just like I will.

“It’s been such an unbelievable camp working in D.C. with Lamont Peterson and his coach, Barry Hunter, along with my coach, Mike Stafford.

“This fight is going to be different. I know it. I’m coming in there to fight. He might think he has the blueprint, but it’s a different story every time. I don’t know if this fight is going 12.

“This is going to take my name up to another level. The world can see me fight. People are ready for the rematch and they’re excited to see what we bring to the table.

“I’m going to do what I do. I’ll feel him out, then take control. It’s important to stick to my plan. I’m not thinking about anything else but me and Payano.

“I’m ready to bring something different. If he misses, I’m going to make him pay. He brought the dog out of me last fight and it will be out again. I have a lot to bring to the table.”

ERICKSON LUBIN

“Training camp was great. I had a lot of time to improve my game and I feel like this Saturday I will be more than prepared. I’m planning on putting on a show.

“I always want to be in tough matchups. It’s been tougher every time and I’ve still come out victorious. That won’t change on Saturday. I’m moving up the ladder and I’m ready.

“I’ve always known I would get here because I believe in myself and my team believes in me. I’m chasing that world title.

“I picture myself breaking my opponent down. If he makes a mistake I’ll knock him out early. No matter what, I’m going to dominate the fight and come out victorious.”

DANIEL SANDOVAL

“I’m very happy with training. It’s been a great camp and now I’m just getting ready to weigh-in and get in the ring.

“The kid is a good fighter. He’s young and skilled but I know that I am going to get this victory.

“I’m a Mexican. Mexicans are hungry and we want to win. I have better technique and I’ve done my studying. I’m going to come forward and win the fight.”

HUGO CENTENO JR.

“I’m really excited. I feel strong and ready for fight night. Fortunately, I was able to have a nice long training camp with Eric Brown.

“There’s been a long layoff but now we’re here and ready to keep it going. I’m a gym rat. So I’ve been in the gym for six months. The layoff won’t hurt me, I just love to get in the ring.

“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.

“I’m an aggressive boxer, but if I have to mix it up on the inside I will happily do it. I like to fight smart, I’m a lanky fighter and I can fight right handed or southpaw.”

“My opponent is about my size and it should be a really good matchup. We’re both undefeated which should make it fun. Honestly, I don’t think he’s fought someone at my caliber yet, but we’ll see on Saturday.”

MACIEJ SULECKI

“We’re going to find out how hard this fight is when I get in the ring. Only then can we see what my opponent really can do.

“No matter what, there can only be one winner and it will be me. I will win decisively.

“I’ve only seen one of his fights. He has a come-forward style and he’s tall. It won’t be about him though. It’s going to be about what I can do in there.

“I’m not a guy who thinks about how each round will go. But I have a general idea of what I want to do and how I want to get the victory.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, wwwFacebook.com/StarBoxing and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Brooklyn, NY (June 15, 2016)– Russian Vladimir Tikhonov, a super bantamweight contender, is the latest signee to the Dmitriy Salita promotional slate. And it looks like the timing is right for the Brooklyner Salita, with word out that this Russian hitter is making his way up the ratings ladder.

Tikhonov (14-0 with 8 KOs) has entered the WBA world rankings at No. 13.

He turned pro in 2008, has fought once outside Russia, and Salita is looking to get him some more passport stamps.

A left-hander, Tikhonov is methodical and busy. He is active with his feet and can sting with both hands. Opponents need to be wary of him slipping punches in from underneath. He is ultra calm in the ring, gets in, gets off and gets out.

“Vladimir is a talented boxer who has lots of experience and potential to compete with the best in the world,” said the Brooklyn based promoter, who is putting together an Aug. 19 show in Rochester, NY to be headlined by Jarrell Miller. “Tikhonov is world ranked now and I will be looking to land a significant fight for him in the near future. He wants the toughest tests, like Guillermo Rigondeaux (the WBA super bantam champion; Moises Flores holds their interim title), Scott Quigg and Nonito Donaire. He is yet another Russian warrior, with fighting in his blood!”

Promoter Salita has climbed the mountain himself as a fighter, amassing a 35-2-1 mark as a professional within the welterweight class. He has kicked off successful fight series in NYC, and now Detroit, and word is spreading that his efforts as an effective promoter are informed by his having experienced what it’s like to campaign in the ring. Salita is planning the aforementioned NY show, as well as a return to Detroit, for the third “Detroit Brawl.”

“Salita Promotions is poised to have a very strong second half of 2016, and our athletes such as Tikhonov will keep on being featured on premium broadcast channels,” Salita said. “Our stable is strong, and growing all the time!”

LONDON (15 JUNE) WBO world lightweight champion Terry ‘Turbo’ Flanagan defends his belt against South African Mzonke Fana on July 9 at the Manchester Arena, but is aware that bragging rights in his hometown are still well and truly up for grabs.

Flanagan and WBA lightweight titleholder Anthony ‘Million Dolla’ Crolla share ownership of a weight-class and a city but have yet to meet in the ring, much to Flanagan’s frustration.

“They don’t want the fight,” he says. “It’s as simple as that. It’s an easy fight to make. Frank (Warren, promoter) isn’t making it hard for them. He’s not being difficult. If anything, he’s bending over backwards to make it happen. He’s giving into their demands. He has put the ball in their court and said they can have it on Sky Sports. But still they don’t want it.

“I’ve just got to concentrate on my own boxing, keep winning and hopefully people will continue talking about the fight and the Crolla team will do the right thing. If we both keep winning, it might happen down the line, but I’m not confident it will.”

Although he suspects exterior forces are stopping the fight from happening, the WBO champion is urging Crolla to speak up.

“It’s probably the people around him who are worried about the fight, but it’s still Crolla’s decision at the end of the day,” says Terry. “He’s the fighter. If he wants the fight, he should go to his coach or his promoter and say he wants the fight. They can’t argue with him. All he has got to do is say, ‘Make the fight happen.’ But he doesn’t seem to be doing that.

“I think he knows my style will give him problems and I don’t think his team believe he can beat me. It’s a shame because Anthony’s a great fighter and he has looked really good in his last three fights. He has looked big, strong and fit and has boxed well. A fight between us would go down on paper as a 50/50 fight. I just think my better boxing ability would mean I outbox him.”

Flanagan, 30-0 (12 KOs), won’t rely on the Crolla fight. He can’t afford to. Instead, he’s concentrating all his energy on July 9 and Mzonke Fana and, beyond that, eyeing up alternative super-fights for later in the year.

“Crolla in Manchester is obviously the fight I want, because it makes the most sense, but there are some other great fights out there for me,” he says. “I’d love the fight with (Vasyl) Lomachenko if he steps up in weight and goes for a world title in a third weight-class. I wouldn’t be scared. He looks class, a real good fighter, but I want to fight the very best in the world. And, if anybody can beat him, I think it will be me. We’ve both got a similar style and we’d have a good fight, I’m sure.

“I just want big names and unification fights. People say, ‘Why are you fighting this old man (Fana)?’ What they don’t realise is we offered Crolla the fight and they didn’t want it. We want the big fights that the fans want to see. All we can do is keep pushing for them and hopefully one of them will come off.”

Flanagan, 27, continues: “There’s no shame in losing a fight. You can still go on to have a great career. I just don’t like people conning the public and making out that their opponent is some big-punching dangerman and number one in the division when they’re not. It’s bullshit. Let’s just make proper fights and have the best fight the best. Don’t be scared to lose.”

The highly-anticipated world heavyweight title rematch between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko headlines an action-packed card with Manchester star Terry Flanagan defending his WBO world lightweight title against South African Mzonke Fana in the chief-support. A top quality undercard features Hennessy Sports’ top talents, including Sheffield super-bantamweight hotshot Kid Galahad, fast-rising Manchester heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury, undefeated Bexleyheath super-featherweight talent Yusuf Safa plus Bermondsey’s welterweight warrior Peter McDonagh. Featherweight prospect Issac Lowe from Morecambe and heavyweight Nathan Gorman from Nantwich complete the card.

*** For tickets to REPEAT OR REVENGE: Fury vs. Klitschko 2, please visit eventim.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000 ***

*** The Channel of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, Freeview 255 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
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TRENTON, NJ (June 14, 2016) – Undefeated rising super featherweight contender Mario Barrios (15-0, 8 KOs) will take on former title challenger Devis Boschiero (39-4-1, 21 KOs) in the 12-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 9 from Sun National Bank Center in Trenton, New Jersey.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an exciting battle of undefeated super lightweight prospects as Los Angeles-native Kevin Watts (11-0, 4 KOs) takes on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

“This will be a great opportunity to showcase my talent to the world on ESPN,” said Barrios. “The time is now to take the super featherweight division by storm. A victory will put me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of becoming a world champion. I will not be denied.”

“I look forward to making my American debut on July 9 in New Jersey,” said Boschiero. “I know a win over Barrios will take me towards a world title shot. I plan on coming to America and putting on a great performance and bringing a great victory back to Italy.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $75, $55, $39 and $24, not including applicable fees, and are on sale tomorrow, June 15 at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased HERE, at the Sun National Bank Center box office or by calling 609-656-3234

“This will be another exciting night in Trenton,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Barrios is one of the best prospects around and it will be interesting to see how he deals with a veteran like Boschiero. The co-feature will pit two undefeated fighters in Watts and Ramirez against each other and the winner will be looked upon as a serious contender.”

A tall super featherweight at more than six feet, the 21-year-old Barrios picked up seven victories in a jam-packed 2015 in which he stopped five opponents inside the distance, including an uppercut left hook combo that ended the night for Manuel Vides in December. The San Antonio-native turned pro in 2013 and is on the fast track towards a world title shot as he made his 2016 debut with a dominant victory over Edgar Gabejean.

An experienced fighter out of Veneto, Italy, Boschiero challenged for a world title in 2011 and won his last two fights by knockout heading into this July 9 clash. He was unbeaten in his first 34 pro fights before challenging Takahiro Ao for the 130-pound world title in a bout that he dropped via split decision. Previously he had won an Italian title with a knockout of Ivan Fiorletta and a European title by defeating Jesus Garcia Escalona. His main event showdown on July 9 will be his first pro bout in the U.S.

Born in Lancaster, California but fighting out of Los Angeles, Watts turned pro in 2013 and has been unblemished since. The 24-year-old defeated previously unbeaten Maximilliano Becerra in April 2015 and in his last two outings he took down once-beaten fighters Michal Chudecki and Manuel Damairias Lopez. He makes his first start outside the state of California on July 9.

A Chicago Golden Gloves champion, Ramirez knocked out seven of his first nine professional opponents and picked up five victories in 2015 including a decision over former world champion Cristobal Cruz. The 23-year-old debuted in 2016 with a second round stoppage of Osumanu Akaba in April.

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.sunnationalbankcenter.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Boxer_Barrios, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

George Foreman on how his relationship with Ali evolved:

“It was the last of the ’70’s, I believe 1978, Muhammad Ali, I do not know how he got my number because he avoided me, he didn’t want to give me a title rematch. He called and complimented me for about 20 minutes then he said ‘George, would you do me a favor’, he knew I liked him, I said, ‘certainly.’ He said, ‘Please come back and beat Ken Norton and fight him for me. They are going to strip me of my title and I can’t beat him George you can. He’s afraid of you. I’ll let you use my training camp and everything but please come back and beat him for me.’

“That day forward we became the best of friends and we starting talking on the telephone. He’d call me, I would try to run him down wherever he be. We had these religious conversations. His children became good friends with my children. That is where the love affair began –right there at the end of the ’70’s.”

On losing to Muhammad Ali in 1974 – “The Rumble in the Jungle” and did Foreman beat the count?:

“The count was short. My trainer told me to get up. When I got up the fight was over. I thought I beaten the count myself but everybody jumped into the ring I said, ‘It must be over’ and I had no questions about that. And you know for good reasons I am glad I didn’t beat the count because he surely would have put it on me then.”

MONTREAL, Canada (June 14, 2016) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev are proud to officially announce, “SHOOTOUT”, the next fight for power-punching Adonis “Superman” Stevenson, July 29 at Centre Videotron, a presentation of Videotron in association with Mise-O-Jeu. This event is presented as part of the prestigious “Premier Boxing Champions” (PBC) series, to be broadcast live in the United States, and on Canal Indigo in Canada.

Stevenson (27-1, 22 KOs), who established himself as one of the most powerful pound-for-pound fighters in the world, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) and lineal light heavyweight (175 pound division) title for the seventh time, against the dangerous, WBC No. 9 rated Thomas “Top Dog” Williams (20-1, 14 KOs).

“I am very happy to get back in the ring for my next fight, which will be held July 29 in the superb Centre Videotron of Quebec, against Thomas Williams Jr.,” Stevenson said. I will demonstrate that, like fine wine, I am even better with age. Even though I haven’t boxed for 10 months, I’ve never left the gym and I’m willing to defend my crown.”

Williams, of Fort Washington, Maryland, at 28, is 10 years younger than Stevenson and also left-handed. He had a successful amateur career and is reputed to be a major danger in the ring as evidenced by his 10 victories won by knockout in less than two rounds, including his last two outings against renowned Edwin Rodriguez (28-1, 19 KOs) and Umberto Savigne (12-2, 9 KOs).

In both of those two fights, Williams was an underdog, but his determination and lethal punch made the difference. “There were many who had lost trust in me two years ago after my loss to Gabriel Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs),” Williams explained. “I don’t make excuses but there were circumstances that led to this result. I’m coming off the best performance of my career and I’m ready to make a change July 29 in terms of the holding title belt. Stevenson has never faced a puncher like me in the past.”

“We are proud to start our association with Gestev and Centre Videotron with this gala event,” GYM president Yvon Michel added. “Adonis Stevenson became the WBC light heavyweight champion in June 2012 and since then 15 of 16 other WBC titles have changed hands. Only Shinsuke Yamanaka, of Japan, is still champion. Other fights on the July 29th card will include a group of ambitious, talented boxers, promising a show with intense fighters making statements.”

In the co-feature, current WBC Silver light heavyweight champion and WBC No. 1 contender, Eleider Alvarez (19-0, 10 KOs), will attempt to maintain his position as the WBC mandatory challenger against Maximiliano Gomez (22-5, 9 KOs), of Argentine.

Also scheduled to be in action are Nova Scotia native and adopted Montreal fighter Custio Clayton (8-0, 7 KOs), who will attempt to continue his rise in the welterweight division, Quebec heavyweight Eric Martel Bahoeli (11-6, 7 KOs) will realize his dream to fight in Videotron Centre, charismatic Montreal welterweight Junior Ulysse (10-0, 7 KOs) and welterweight Marie Eve Dicaire (4-0) are also slated to be in action. Other fights and fighters will soon be announced for the July 29th card.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

“SHOOTOUT” tickets, starting at $50.00, will go on sale Saturday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET at Videotron Centre, GYM (514) 383-0666, or at Champion Boxing Club (514) 376-0980. A pre-sale will be available June 16-17 for subscribers to the Videotron Centre newsletter as well as Quebec Remparts season ticket holders.

INFORMATION:
www.groupeyvonmichel.ca/
www.Facebook.com/GroupeYvonMichel
Twitter: @YvonMichelGYM, @AdonisSuperman, @TopDoggJr, @StormAlvarez, @Maziitoo, @CustioClayton
Instagram: @YvonMichelGYM, @AdonisSuperman, @ThomasWilliamsJr23, @StormAlvarez

READING, PA. (June 14, 2016) – Unbeaten lightweight contender and 2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (15-0, 8 KOs) will take on former title challenger Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN & ESPN Deportes Saturday, July 2 from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

The Fourth of July weekend action begins at 9 p.m. ET with undefeated Polish prospect Patryk Syzmanski (15-0, 9 KOs) taking on former title challenger “Silky” Wilky Campfort (21-2, 12 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

“I am just excited about the fight. I have been looking for a big step up to get me in title contention,” said Herring. “I started training before I got the call before the fight. I have been training in D.C. with Mike Stafford, Barry Hunter, Patrice Harris and Levi Smith and I feel after this fight, it will get me up to a championship fight. He is a tough guy. If you train hard and stay ready, you can make the fight a lot easier on yourself.”

“I am looking forward to facing Jamel Herring,” said Shafikov. “He is undefeated and a former Olympian. I have the experience of fighting for a title and I know with a win, it will get me another opportunity.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $20, $35, $55 and $75, and are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

“This should be an outstanding and intriguing bout,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “It’s a real test for Herring as Shafikov is a former world title challenger and Herring is looking to get there. We look forward to putting on a great show on ESPN.”

The 30-year-old Herring represented the United States at the 2012 Olympic games after winning the U.S. National Amateur title the same year. Fighting out of Cincinnati but originally from Coram, New York, Herring picked up four victories in 2015 including a dominant triumph over Yakubu Amidu in October. A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Herring started 2016 with a dominant victory over Luis Eduardo Flores in February.

Having fought in eight countries throughout his pro career, the 31-year-old Shafikov brings a full career of experiences with him into this matchup on July 2. Born in Miass, Russia, he won three fights in a row over Rustam Nugaev, Miguel Mendoza and Roy Mukhlis before dropping a world title fight against Rances Barthelemy.

Undefeated at just 23-years-old, Szymanski will look to build on his perfect resume on July 2. The Konin, Poland-born fighter picked up three victories in 2015 with a second round TKO over Yoryi Estrella, a first-round stoppage over Maurice Louishomme and a decision victory over Richard Gutierrez.

Born in Haiti but fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Campfort has only lost once since his second pro fight in 2009 when he was defeated by Jermall Charlo in November 2015. The 31-year-old has fought professionally in the U.S., Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic and his native Haiti. He’s won six fights since the beginning of 2014 including stoppages of Milton Nunez, Devon Moncrieffe and Ronald Montes.

For information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JamelHerring, @KingsBoxing, @ESPNBoxing and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/premierboxingchampions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on ESPN is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Nutley, NJ (June 14, 2016) – A group of the best young boxers in the United States will head to Puerto Rico on Thursday to compete with some of the best amateur’s in the world.

The competition will take place on June 17th and 18th.

13 year-old
Jalil Hackett (108 lbs-Silver Gloves & Jr. Olympic National Champ)

14 year-old’s
Vito Mielnicki (101 lbs-4-time Jr. Golden Glove & Silver National Champion)

Gabriel Gerena (125 lbs–Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion)

16 year-old’s
Luis Morales (114 lbs–Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion)

Rajon Chance (119 lbs–Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion)

Oscar Lopez (125 lbs),

Otha Jones III (132 lbs–4-time Jr. Golden Gloves champion, Jr. Olympic National Champion & 2 time Silver Gloves national Champion)

Gabriel Flores (138 lbs–3-time Jr. Golden Gloves National champion, 3-time Silver Gloves National Champion & Jr. Olympic National Champion),

Harley Mederos (132 lbs–3-time Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion, 4-time Silver Gloves National Champion & Jr. Olympic National Champion),

Kahshad Elliot (154 lbs–2-time Jr. Golden Gloves National Champion, Silver Gloves National Champion, 2-time Jr. Olympic National champion)

Dagoberto Medros will head down to Puerto Rico and train and stay at the Puerto Rican Olympic training Center.

The team will be joined by coaches Willie Moses, Robinson Velez, Gabriel Flores, Edgar Gerena, Bernard Hackett Jr. & Dagaberto Mederos.

After competing and training in Puerto Rico, the team will head to Dallas, Texas for the United States Junior Olympics

Marc Abrams at 856 287 7611 or phillyboxing@gmail.com

CHICAGO (June 14, 2016) – Undefeated rising star Erickson “Hammer” Lubin is set for his primetime debut on Premier Boxing Champions on NBC Saturday, June 18 as he faces Mexico’s Daniel Sandoval at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

PBC on NBC is headlined by Polish star Andrzej Fonfara against hard-hitting New Yorker Joe Smith Jr. Televised coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and features the bantamweight world title rematch between Juan Carlos Payano and Rau’Shee Warren.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

The 20-year-old from Orlando picked up five victories in 2015 and kicked off 2016 with his first headlining appearance as he dominated Jose De Jesus Macias on Bounce TV in January. Outside of the ring, the heavy-handed fighter listens to Drake, watches Scarface and idolizes Muhammad Ali.

Here are some more facts and quotes from the undefeated fighter:

On his family’s involvement in his career:

“My family didn’t really want me boxing at a young age. They wanted me to be into other sports. But I loved it so eventually they had no choice. They’re very supportive now and my dad tries to make it to every fight.

“My family is filled with athletes. I have four sisters and two brothers. One of my sisters is a professional dancer and my older brother played football at a high level. Another older brother boxed and got me into the sport when I was about six.”

On his interests outside of the ring:

“I think I would have kept pursuing my basketball career if I hadn’t gotten into boxing. I played small forward in high school. My game was kind of like James Harden. I liked to score and I was tough to stop.

“I’ve always been really into music. My brother is a music producer so sometimes I’ll get on the mic and spit something. It’s just for fun but I like doing it.”

What motivates you and what kind of mentality do you have in the ring?

“I usually don’t get too motivated by specific opponents. I just want to take them out. On fight night, I’m going to be there ready to go.

“I try to emulate the mentality of Kobe Bryant. He’s a killer. He has the strongest mentality in sports. I just want to take my opponent out.

“Other fighters definitely motivate me. I idolized Muhammad Ali and he’s always meant a lot to me. I looked up to fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson and Meldrick Taylor. There are a lot of guys out there now motivating me. Daniel Jacobs is a fighter that I look up to and Errol Spence is a guy that can really fight. Seeing guys perform on a high level makes me want to get to that level as well.”

Quick Facts

Favorite Music: “Rap and Hip-hop. I listen to a lot of Drake.”

Favorite Movie: “Scarface.”

Favorite Television Show: “PBC, because it’s on all the networks.”

Favorite Healthy Food: “Grilled Chicken and fish. I love tilapia. I go to Whole Foods during camp to maintain my diet.”

Favorite Junk Food: “I like every kind of seafood. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, oysters and clams, I love it all. It’s nice to live in Florida.”

Celebrity Crush: “Angelina Jolie. She’s beautiful and a great character. I loved the Tomb Raider movies.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Andrzej_Fonfara, @JC_Payano, @RausheeWarren, @EricksonHammerL, @WarriorsBoxProm, @StarBoxing and @NBCSports and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo, wwwFacebook.com/StarBoxing and www.Facebook.com/NBCSports. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

ANTHONY UPTON has been handed a second opportunity to win the English super-lightweight title.

The 24-year-old stylist will square off with Walsall’s Luke Paddock on Hatton Promotions’ and Black Country Boxing’s ‘Danger Zone’ event at The Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock on July 24.

It’s an opportunity that comes just seven months after Upton gallantly contested the same crown against Joe Hughes.

Things did not go his way that evening, but promoter and trainer Ricky Hatton believes the experience stood him in good stead for another tilt.

“Anto proved to everyone that he’s a fighter who belongs in championship class and I believe he’ll grab that title with both hands this time around,” The Hitman said.

“Some fighters let their head drop after their first loss. Anto didn’t. He begged me to get him another opportunity and I’m very proud of the work that my team has put in to make it happen for him.

“Paddock’s obviously no push over and has experience in title fights himself so I know we have to get Anto firing on all cylinders in training. Believe me, there’ll be more stone left unturned in getting him ready for this chance.”

If victorious next month, Upton will be required to meet the aforementioned Hughes in rematch of their December encounter. Hughes has been given the mandatory position for the crown due to him being forced to relinquish in the aftermath of his WBO Intercontinental title defeat to Jack Catterall.

There’s a double celebration in the Upton household this week after it was announced that Anthony’s older brother, Sonny, will face Chadwell Heath’s Ben Hall for the vacant English title at super-welterweight on a Frank Warren promotion in September.

BROOKLYN (June 14, 2016) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Irish star Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) will meet with a world title and two perfect records at stake on Saturday, July 30 in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions event from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins live on SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions, start at $38 and go on sale tomorrow, June 15 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Santa Cruz and Frampton collide in a battle of world champions who mix dizzying speed with incredible output that produces exciting fight after exciting fight. This fight will be the fifth featherweight world title fight presented by SHOWTIME in 2016. Frampton, a unified world champion at 122 pounds, a weight class Santa Cruz previously held a title at, will move up a notch in weight and challenge at 126 pounds.

“I’ve never been to New York before and I’m looking forward to this big opportunity to put on a show for new fans in a new city,” said Santa Cruz. “I always fight for the fans and I’m excited to be able to do that somewhere I haven’t been before. Frampton is a good fighter. He has power and skills and he moves when he has to, but he has a weak chin. When he gets caught with a good punch, he goes down. He doesn’t like pressure and I have that. I’m looking forward to putting on an exciting show at Barclays Center and I hope I leave with lots of new fans.”

“I am in terrific shape, I feel fantastic in the gym and I am ready for the biggest fight of my career,” said Frampton. “On July 30 I will become a two weight world champion. I respect Leo Santa Cruz, he is a great fighter and person, but I am preparing meticulously to overcome any challenge he brings on July 30. I cannot wait to hear the crowd at Barclays Center. It is my first time boxing in New York, where some of the greatest fights have taken place. I know there will be a large number of fans traveling from the UK and Ireland but there is also a huge Irish-American audience and I am eager to show them all what I can do. Get your tickets now, it’s going to be a great fight!”

“Santa Cruz vs. Frampton is not only the best fight that can be made in the featherweight division, it truly is one of the most anticipated fights in all of boxing,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Boxing fans can expect nonstop action in this can’t-miss matchup of aggressive styles. There’s no better way for Santa Cruz and Frampton to make their New York debuts than at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, against each other.”

“The competitive matchup of Santa Cruz vs. Frampton shines an international spotlight on BROOKLYN BOXING at Barclays Center,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “We’re especially excited to host two of the best featherweight boxers in the sport today as they fight in New York for the first time.”

The popular Mexican-American Santa Cruz fights out of Los Angeles and won the 126-pound title in a “Fight of the Year” candidate against former three-division champ Abner Mares last August at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It was just the third fight in the featherweight division for Santa Cruz, who has won belts at 118 and 122 pounds while earning a reputation as one of boxing’s most active and exciting fighters. The 27-year-old also holds victories over Cristian Mijares and Eric Morel. He has competed in world title bouts in 11 of his last 13 fights since 2012. After stopping former world champion Kiko Martinez in the fifth round last Feb. 27, Santa Cruz makes his second world title defense in his East Coast debut.

After defeating rival Scott Quigg in their 122-pound unification bout last Feb. 27, Frampton will attempt to capture a world title in a second weight class. Fighting out of Belfast, Northern Ireland, the Irish national amateur champion in 2005 and 2009 expects to bring some of his rabid fans stateside come July 30. The 29-year-old became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Kiko Martinez to earn a super bantamweight title. He made his U.S. debut in July 2015 when he defeated Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. in Texas before unifying the title against Quigg.

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NATHAN GORMAN will have to conquer a giant when he appears on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s eagerly anticipated rematch with Wladimir Klitshchko in Manchester next month.

The Ricky Hatton-trained teenager will square off with Sheffield’s 6ft 8in tall Dave Howe and he knows he has a huge task on his hands.

As well as towering over Gorman, Howe also has the greater experience in the ring, having scored 11 professional victories against just two defeats.

But Gorman is relishing the challenge and feels he has the tools to impress once more in front of what will be a huge crowd.

“This is a big step up for me but it’s something I’m more than ready for. I know I’ve only had four pro fights, but I’ve won them pretty comfortably so it’s time for a bigger test,” Gorman, 19, said.

“I can’t say I’ve seen Dave Howe box. What I do know is he’s very tall at 6ft 8ins and has decent power. His record suggests he’s a good fighter so I know I have to be ready for everything he throws at me.

“It looks like he might not have the strongest whiskers, though, as both his defeats have come by knockout, but I can’t read too much into that. I have to prepare for the best opponent possible.

“Of course, I would love to knock him out and I believe I have the power to do it. I believe I can knock out any heavyweight if I land cleanly and that’s what I’ll be looking to do against Howe.”

With the exception of his recent outing at the Copper Box Arena, Gorman’s pro journey so far has largely taken place at smaller venues in the Midlands so it would be natural for him to feel some trepidation ahead of such a high profile card. However, he says he’ll be in the zone once the bell rings.

“Boxing at the Manchester Arena is a dream come true, especially when the main event is for the world heavyweight title,” he said.

“There’s going to be a huge crowd and it’s a chance for me to make a real statement. I’ll be excited walking to the ring but I can’t be overawed, I have to blank the crowd out and just do the job Ricky has prepared me for.”

Unbeaten Londoners Ohara Davies and Craig Richards will box at York Hall in Bethnal Green on Tuesday June 21 as part of the free-entry public work-out ahead of Anthony Joshua’s IBF World Heavyweight title defence against Dominic Breazeale at The O2 on Saturday June 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Davies landed the English Lightweight title in Greenwich in April when he stopped Andy Keates in four rounds on the undercard of Joshua’s World title win over Charles Martin at The O2.

Davies will be looking to move into double figures for stoppage wins in his 12th pro outing, with the Hackney man already on a run of five stoppage wins as the 24 year old continues to cause waves in the 135lbs division.

Richards boxes for the fourth time in the paid ranks and the Crystal Palace Middleweight has impressed in his first year in the pros and fights at the famous east London venue for the third time.

Davies and Richards’ fights are added to an action-packed night at York Hall where Joshua and Breazeale perform public workouts alongside stars on the undercard including George Groves, Chris Eubank Jr, Dillian Whyte, Anthony Ogogo and Conor Benn.

Doors will open at 4.30pm with the action getting underway at 5pm – entry is free and first-come, first-served.

Anthony Crolla will face Jorge Linares in a huge unification blockbuster for the WBA and WBC Diamond World and Ring Magazine Lightweight Championships at the Manchester Arena on September 24, 2016, live on Sky Sports.

Crolla will make the second defence of his WBA crown in his hometown fortress following his brilliant knockout victory over Venezuelan danger man Ismael Barroso in May, having ripped the title from Darleys Perez with another body shot knockout in November.

The Manchester hero faces another huge test as he aims to unify the division, with Venezuelan Linares putting the WBC Diamond belt on the line for the third time. Linares became a three-division world champion when he won the title back in December 2014 with a fourth round knockout of Javier “El Implacable” Prieto and travelled to London in his first defence against Kevin “Mighty” Mitchell last May, climbing off the canvas to stop Mitchell in the tenth round of an epic contest that received acclaim as a 2015 Fight of the Year candidate. The 30-year-old made it three wins inside the distance in a row in October when he knocked out Ivan “Macanon” Cano in four rounds in Caracas, Venezuela.

“Million Dollar” Crolla can become the first Englishman to win the Ring Magazine Lightweight title and is relishing the task against another elite level opponent, and the 29 year old expects his fans to turn up the heat on the classy WBC king.

“I’m so excited to have the chance to unify the Lightweight division,” said Crolla. “Jorge is a fantastic fighter and it’s another mountain to climb, but these are the tests that I thrive on and I’ve beaten two great fighters in Perez and Barroso and I’m confident that I can beat Jorge too.

“I’m having to pinch myself after everything that’s happened. I’m fighting the number one fighter in the division for the WBC, WBA and Ring titles; it doesn’t get any better than this. I’m very proud and privileged to be able to bring this fight to Manchester.

“I’ve been a fan of Jorge Linares for years now and he’s technically brilliant at times but like any other fighter, he has vulnerabilities. It’s up to me to expose those vulnerabilities and I truly believe that I can and I will. Linares is a great champion but these are the fights you want to be in boxing for.

“He looked well against (Ivan) Cano last time out but he hasn’t been very active, whereas I’m coming off a career-best performance over (Ismael) Barroso. I really believe I’m coming into this fight in the form of my career and as I’ve shown in the fights against (Darleys) Perez and Barroso, I’m capable of improving my game when I have to.

“The last two nights in the Arena have been unbelievable and I think that we’ll take it to another level against Jorge. He’s boxed all over the world and taken on some of the best – but fighting me in front of a packed Manchester crowd is not something you can prepare for.”

“This is my first unification fight and a great personal challenge for me and my career,” said Linares. “Last year was an unbelievable year; I had the opportunity to fight in England against Kevin Mitchell in front of a crowd of passionate fight fans in one of the greatest fights of my career. This unification fight for the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships is another personal accomplishment for me and a great opportunity for me to fight in England once more, to be in front of a strong fight fan base.

“Crolla is a very strong contender and I know with both our passions for the sport will deliver an exciting fight for all the fans in Manchester. I know that Crolla is coming off a victory against my fellow Venezuelan countryman, so I am coming in with a lot of determination, pride and hunger for a victory.

“This unification fight is a great event in my career and I want to thank my promoters Golden Boy Promotions and Teiken Promotions for putting this fight together. I am ready for this fight and have begun training in Las Vegas and heading back to Japan to complete my training camp. I am ready to prove I am the best in the lightweight division.”

“I think boxing has a huge amount to do with momentum and while Linares is clearly established as the number one Lightweight in the world, I think this is the time to beat him,” said Crolla’s promoter Eddie Hearn.

“When you look at the performances that Crolla has given in Manchester, I would have him as favourite to beat Linares. We had plenty of options but with the run Anthony is on, the only thing on his mind is to be the number one in the division and the linear champion.”

“The Ring belt is so highly regarded within the trade and when there was a possibility of the belt being up for grabs, I can’t tell you how excited Anthony Crolla and (trainer) Joe Gallagher were, it was the icing on the cake”

“Jorge Linares is a fighter with tremendous talent, who desires greatness and will pursue that by fighting the best in the division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Linares gave us a Fight of the Year candidate against Kevin Mitchell last year, once again demonstrating his skill and heart in the ring. I know he will showcase this again in September and give us an exciting fight against Anthony Crolla.”

“Linares was placed as champion in recess by the WBC due to a broken hand which prevented him from making his mandatory defence,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. “The WBC has granted Linares to return to the ring to fight this blockbuster unification for the prestigious Diamond belt and the winner is committed to fight Dejan Zlaticanin. I am personally proud of this fight as it continues with our goal to facilitate the best matches to take place all over the world.”

Tickets will go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at midday on Monday June 27 and on general sale at midday on Tuesday June 28

Josh Warrington will defend his WBC International Featherweight title against Patrick Hyland at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on July 30, live on Sky Sports.

Warrington makes the third defence of the strap he won in April 2015 and Hyland follows Joel Brunker and Hisashi Amagasa into the unbeaten Leeds man’s hometown fortress as the 25 year old looks to cement his place on the world scene before landing a world title shot.

Hyland has already tasted action at the elite level as he enters the clash in Yorkshire on the back of his April challenge against WBC champion Gary Russell Jr in Connecticut. ‘The Punisher’ will be desperate to prove he’s ready to take on the best once again and the 32 year old will bring an army of fans to Leeds as he looks to hand a first defeat to Warrington.

“Warrington vs Hyland is a fight that we’ve looked to make in the past and it’s a real crossroads clash,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Patrick has only had two defeats both in World title challenges, while Josh is set for his first shot at a World crown later this year – victory for both men on July 30 is vital.

“Their battle tops a great bill with Huddersfield’s Tyrone Nurse and Hull’s Tommy Coyle meeting in a mouth-watering Yorkshire classic for Tyrone’s British Super-Lightweight title, Tommy’s local rival Luke Campbell MBE is back in title action, Gamal Yafai defends his Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight strap against Yorkshireman Josh Wale, and there’s a host of classy fighters in action including one of the world’s top prospects in Ryan Burnett and hard-hitting Brixton Heavyweight Dillian Whyte.”

Tickets go on general at midday today (June 14) with tickets priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 available from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for July 30 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

“We are extremely pleased that not only did the jury find that no contract ever existed between Canelo and All-Star Boxing, but issued a judgment against All-Star boxing and ordered them to pay Golden Boy’s substantial legal fees.
Over the last five-plus years, many questioned why we wouldn’t just settle the case before trial. The answer is simple: We would not be extorted. It was clear from the beginning that neither Canelo nor Golden Boy Promotions had acted inappropriately in any way. We are grateful that the jury was able to see that.
However, it is absurd to think that All-Star Boxing provided anywhere near that amount of value that the jury awarded under a separate claim. We will appeal this part of the decision, and are confident we will win, just as we did on the contract dispute.”
Outside of appealing the financial damages, we now look forward to putting this episode behind us and working with Canelo to continue his meteoric rise though the boxing ranks.”

ORANGE, Calif. (June 13, 2016) – LaRon Mitchell (12-0, 12 KOs), one of the heavyweight division’s rising talents, defends his unbeaten mark against on opponent to be named later on Friday, June 24, in Thompson Boxing Promotions “Locked n’ Loaded” 8-round main event.

The six-bout card originates from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The San Francisco-based Mitchell recorded back-to-back knockout victories in February and March. A self-described gym rat, Mitchell has been in the gym focusing on his main event showdown since early April.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Mitchell, who trains in San Francisco with lead trainer Jimmy Ford. “I know the last time I fought was in March, but it feels a lot longer. I don’t like going extended periods without a fight.”

Mitchell, who works full-time as a physical education teacher at a Bay Area elementary school, is fully prepared to continue his red hot knockout winning streak.

“We’re training hard like always,” said the 36-year-old Mitchell. “We’ve been focusing on power and speed and just staying true to our routine.”

“Over the last few years, LaRon has grown in every aspect of the game,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He understands he has more to learn. He has a menacing style that’s only getting better with time.”

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

In the 8-round co-feature, a pair of featherweights in Erick Ituarte (13-1-1, 2 KOs) and Daniel Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs) will vie for Southern California bragging rights (8-rounds).

Ituarte, who is from the Orange County city of Santa Ana, puts his six-fight winning streak to the test against the Los Angeles-based Ramirez. While both boxers possess similar records, it is Ramirez that comes in with the stronger resume. He holds losses against two former world title challengers, Jayson Velez and Eric Hunter.

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old Ituarte has looked extremely impressive in his last six wins. He is adept at cutting off the ring, while working his way into power combinations.

“Ramirez is a very capable fighter with solid skills,” Ituarte said. “We have to avoid certain situations, but overall we’re confident in our game plan.”

In other action, lightweight Jose Roman (22-1-1, 15 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. looks to extend a winning streak that has swelled to eight. His opponent, Bernardo Gomez (13-6, 9 KOs) of Mexico, has the punching power to give Roman fits. Roman, however, doesn’t see an upset happening in the 8-round fight.

“I’ve seen a lot of styles in my career so I’ll be ready for whatever Gomez brings,” Roman said. “I’ll take the first few rounds to figure him out. After that, I can be more aggressive in what I do.”

Lightweight Manuel Mendez (11-1-1, 7 KOs) of Indio, Calif. meets Ricardo Maldonado (6-5) of Seattle in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds. Mendez has come into his own as of late – producing his seven knockout wins in his last 8 starts. Mendez is trained by the well-respected Joel Diaz.

Additionally on the card, welterweight prospect Eridanni Leon (2-2) of Los Angeles will fight an opponent to be named later in a bout scheduled for 4-rounds.

Opening the “Locked n’ Loaded” show are bantamweights Rudy Garcia (1-0) of Los Angeles and Damon Simon (0-3-1) of Houston (4-rounds).

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. in Ontario, Calif. and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

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“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (June 13, 2016) – Undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) will defend his title in his home state when he battles two-time world title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (36-4-1, 31 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 16 from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama with televised coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at only $20 and go on sale tomorrow. For tickets please visit www.alabamatitlefight.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Wilder returns to the ring after he was set to travel to Russia and defend his title against Alexander Povetkin on May 21 before the challenger failed a drug test that caused a cancellation of the fight. Now, Wilder will showcase his exceptional skills in primetime on network television as he takes on Arreola. It will be Wilder’s fourth defense and third in his home state of Alabama.

“I’m always excited about coming home and being in front of my people where I’m the most comfortable,” said Wilder. “I’ve been traveling a lot, going over to Sheffield, England to train before I was supposed to fight Alexander Povetkin in Moscow. But because of his decision to use a banned substance, the fight didn’t happen. I’m disappointed about that, but it’s not going to stop me from being an active heavyweight world champion. It has also given me the opportunity to again defend my title before my hometown fans. It’s always good to come home.

“This is the longest stretch that I’ve been out of the ring and I’m anxious to get back in and continue my quest to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,” continued Wilder. “This is another fight in that process. I respect Chris Arreola for getting into the ring with me, but we all know who the real champion is and I’m going to prove it. I’ve been training long and hard for a fight and now I’m going to take it out on Arreola on July 16.”

“I’m thankful to Deontay for this opportunity, he has proven a great deal by winning the heavyweight title and by defending it three times,” said Arreola. “I’m very excited to step into the ring with him, put on a great show, be victorious and make history by becoming the first Mexican heavyweight world champion.”

“We are thrilled that Deontay will be back in the ring quickly, in primetime on FOX, and at home in Alabama. Chris Arreola knows that this is his last opportunity for heavyweight glory and will likely come out throwing bombs from the opening bell. I expect an explosive, fan friendly fight for as long as it lasts,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “In the wake of Povetkin’s positive PED test and the cancellation of that fight, we are happy that Deontay’s next heavyweight title defense will be contested on July 16th and on such a great platform.”

“Chris knows what this fight means, and having been in the position to be the first Mexican heavyweight world champion before, he’s not going to let that chance slip by him again, ” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions.

“We are excited to work with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions to bring the third heavyweight boxing championship in a little over a year to the state of Alabama,” said Gene Hallman, president and CEO of Bruno Event Team. “We expect tickets for this fight to sell quickly and we encourage Alabama boxing fans to show their support for Deontay.”

“FOX and FOX Deportes are thrilled to be broadcasting the much anticipated heavyweight championship of the world between Deontay Wilder vs. Chris Arreola as part of our partnership with Premier Boxing Champions,” said David Nathanson, FOX Sports Head of Business Operations. “It’s been just over 20 years since FOX presented its last heavyweight headliner, Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis. We’re sure this title fight will deliver another amazing PBC show on our networks.”

The heavyweight champion from Tuscaloosa is itching to get back in the ring after defending his title with stoppages of Eric Molina, Johann Duhaupas and most recently a one-punch knockout of Artur Szpilka in January. Before turning pro in November 2008, Wilder won the bronze medal at heavyweight for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games. He is the last American male boxer to medal in the Olympics. The 30-year-old won the belt with a dominant decision over Bermane Stiverne in January 2015. The six-month layoff will be the longest of Wilder’s career. This fight will mark the eighth time Wilder fights in his home state of Alabama as a professional.

Always in exciting fights, the Los Angeles-born Arreola will look to entertain the primetime audience as he takes his third crack at a heavyweight world championship. With victories over Eric Molina, Seth Mitchell, Joey Abell and Jameel McCline plus championship losses to Vitali Klitschko and Bermane Stiverne, he will be one of the most battle-tested opponents of Wilder’s career.

There will be two more hours of boxing on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, immediately following the Wilder vs. Arreola fight on FOX. Further details will be announced shortly.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,
www.alabamatitlefight.com,
www.dbe1.com, www.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com
follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @NightmareBoxing @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and
become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.
Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

THE FIGHT GAME WITH JIM LAMPLEY: A TRIBUTE TO MUHAMMAD ALI, an HBO Sports presentation exploring his impact on sports, culture and politics, debuts TUESDAY, JUNE 14 (11:00-11:50 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. The special will be hosted by the four-time Sports Emmy® winner, who has hosted HBO Boxing since joining the network in 1988.

Other HBO playdates: June 16 (4:15 p.m., 1:45 a.m.), 18 (5:15 a.m.), 19 (12:15 p.m.), 21 (11:30 a.m., 11:00 p.m.), 23 (12:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.) and 27 (5:15 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: June 15 (11:45 a.m., 8:00 p.m.), 18 (11:00 a.m.) and 22 (3:30 p.m.)

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

The guest list for the special includes Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson, Muhammad Ali’s longtime friend; former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who fought Ali in 1974; and rapper/ film star LL Cool J. Also participating in multiple discussion panels will be social activist Harry Edwards; 1968 Olympic medalist Tommie Smith, who was stripped by the IOC for taking a stand at the medal ceremony; New Yorker journalist Kelefa Sanneh; boxer and HBO commentator Roy Jones Jr; HBO broadcaster Max Kellerman; and former HBO Sports commentator Larry Merchant, who covered Ali through his entire professional career.

Longmont, CO, (June 13, 2016) World Class Professional Boxing will make its highly anticipated return to the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 2 headlined by the local debut of Cuban Amateur Sensation Inocente “El Lucero Spirituano” Fiz.

Advance tickets for the action packed card, presented by MGM Promotions in association with Ghost Town Promos and the Denver Boxing Academy, starting at $25 can be purchased by calling (720) 296-6176. Doors will open on the night of the event at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m.

Sporting an undefeated record of 19-0 with 13 KO’s, Fiz will face off against battle tested veteran Arturo “El Toro” Crispin, 13-6-1 (4KO’s) of Las Vegas, NV in the eight round junior middleweight main event.

An outstanding amateur with a record of 381-17 as a member of the legendary Cuban National Team, Fiz won numerous Gold Medals in international competition from 2001 to 2007.

Following three knockout performances in 2015, Fiz will be making the first start of his 2016 campaign on July 2.

The 26-year-old Crespin makes a quick return to action following an eight round decision over Renan Ruiz on May 19 in Rochester, New York.

Two outstanding local prospects who will also see action on the undercard are fast-rising, super bantamweight Freddy Marquez, 1-0, known for his all-action, crowd pleasing, explosive style and featherweight Misael Lopez, 1-0 both of whom will look to continue their winning ways.

Boulder County Brawl is also sponsored by Las Palmeras Mexican Restaurant and Denver Chiropractic, LLC.

CHICAGO — June 13, 2016 — Hitz Boxing returns to Elk Grove on June 17th, where Tommy Zbikowski resumed his professional boxing career in April after five long years out of the squared circle. The former Notre Dame football legend shook off the ring rust with a four-round unanimous decision over Keith Jackson, before returning to the ring just three weeks later in Hammond, Indiana. His sensational first round knockout performance at the Horseshoe Casino on May 14th erased any doubt that he’d found his new calling as a professional prize fighter. The Chicago firefighter returns June 17th at Hitz Boxing’s Fight Night at the Belvedere in a four-round cruiserweight bout.

Bobby Hitz, founder and promoter of Hitz Boxing, Chicagoland’s longest-running promotion, is himself a former boxer and football player, and was inducted into the American Football Hall of Fame in 2015. “Tommy is a great guy to work with, and the fans love him,” said Hitz of the one-time Baltimore Raven. “He’s not just a flash in the pan. He won the Chicago Golden Gloves, which is no small feat. He can fight, he’s got a good team behind him, and we’re happy to be part of his return to boxing.”

Heavyweight Nick Mazurek (5-0, 5KO), who also made quick work of his opponent at the Horseshoe Casino May 14th, will return in a four round bout. The young fighter is turning heads with his quick hands and powerful punches. He’s joined on the card by fellow Chicagoan David “Diesel” Latoria (10-0, 5KO), in a separate heavyweight contest, who will step into the ring for the first time since defeating Edward Gutierrez in 2012.

Rounding out the card, Jaime Herrera (13-3-1, 7KO) will make his first appearance in 2016 in a six-round bout at welterweight. Flyweight Javier Rivera (2-0, 0KO) stays busy at flyweight, and light heavyweight amateur sensation Martez McGregor will make his debut in front of his hometown crowd.

Doors to The Belvedere Elk Grove open at 6:00 on June 17th, and first bell is at 7:00. Tickets are priced $110 and $40, and are available at HitzBoxing.com.

Tom Doran believes he will be the first man to test Chris Eubank Jr’s chin when he challenges Eubank for the British Middleweight title at The O2 in London on June 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Doran’s power was on display in his last outing in April when the unbeaten Welshman climbed off the canvas in the opening round to floor Irishman Luke Keeler before the end of the first and flatten him in the second.

That explosive win over the talented Dubliner made it four KO wins on the trot for the 28 year old, and Doran says he has the power to cause Eubank Jr real problems as he defends the Lord Lonsdale belt for the first time.

“I don’t think that Eubank Jr’s punch resistance has been tested yet,” said Doran. “I know that I have the power to hurt him in the fight and I’m going to lay it all on the line. Fighting for the British title is what I dreamed of doing when I turned pro and I intend to take it with both hands.

“It’s a huge chance for me and I can’t wait, to be on the same show as the biggest draw in British boxing right now in Anthony Joshua is just phenomenal, and I can’t thank Eddie Hearn and Dave Coldwell enough for making it happen.

“Eubank Jr. is a great fighter, you can’t take that away from him, but I’ll be working to a game plan and I am confident I can rip the title from him. He’s number three in the world, that speaks for itself, but taking that scalp and getting into the world rankings myself is just another incentive in this fight, it’s a great springboard

“He’s got chinks in his armour and I plan to make the most of them. I’m not going to broadcast them, but he’s a man with two hands like me and I intend to show the best of me. I’m fighting unbeaten fighters all the time and beating them and there’s not many people at Middleweight that are doing that.”

Doran and Eubank Jr clash on a huge night in Greenwich as Anthony Joshua MBE makes the first defence of his IBF World Heavyweight title against unbeaten American Dominic Breazeale.

George Groves and Martin Murray meet in an eliminator for the WBA World Super-Middleweight title, John Wayne Hibbert clashes with Andrea Scarpa for the vacant WBC Silver Super-Lightweight title, Brixton Heavyweight Dillian Whyte returns to the fray, unbeaten Super-Flyweight star Kal Yafai is in action, Olympic bronze medallist Anthony Ogogo continues his comeback from injury, Conor Benn fights for the third time in the paid ranks and there’s a debut for Team GB star Felix Cash.

VERONA, N.Y. (June 11, 2016) – John Molina outpunched Ruslan Provodnikov in an all-action fight by revealing a new weapon in his arsenal, a sharp and steady jab. Molina captured a surprising unanimous decision in a 12-round junior welterweight bout that featured fierce exchanges throughout Saturday on SHOWTIME from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

In the co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Demetrius Andrade delivered a statement, knockout victory over Willie Nelson, staking his claim as one of the world’s best in the stacked 154-pound division. In the opening bout, Dejan Zlaticanin knocked out Franklin Mamani to earn the vacant 135-pound world title and make history as the first native of Montenegro to win a world championship.

Molina and Provodnikov promised a war, and they delivered. But what surprised many was the volume of punches and effective jabbing from Molina (29-6, 23 KOs), a veteran more known for engaging in brawls than his boxing prowess. Molina threw nearly 1,110 total punches, including 643 jabs compared to just 265 for Provodnikov, who failed to close the range on his naturally bigger opponent.

“We knew we had to outwork Provodnikov,” said the 33-year-old Covina, Calif., native. “It was a fight that we needed. Ruslan Provodnikov is a very notable name. He’s a tough, tough guy. He kept moving forward.

“People don’t realize I had my amateur career in the pros, and now it’s my time to step out and shine. I have a new trainer. Shadeed (Suluki) showed me how to throw punches and use my power.”

Molina vs. Provodnikov was scored 116-112, 117-111, 115-113.

“I think it (the scorecard) was self-explanatory. A fighter knows when they won a fight. I won that fight and it was going to be hard to take it away from me.”

The judges agreed on nine of the 12 rounds, a relatively high percentage according to SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood.

“Today the decision was the right one,” Provnikov said. “Molina won the fight – he was better tonight. Everything was scored the way it should have been.

“We expected that he was going to box, he was going to move. We expected him to do that. It wasn’t my night. Maybe I don’t have the same hungriness as before. I’m not going to make excuses, but it was hard for me to find my groove tonight.

“I don’t think it’s that (the layoff). There are no excuses. I lost the fight tonight. I couldn’t find the hungriness. I have to sit down and think of why that happened.

“I’m sorry if I disappointed.”

Undefeated former world champion Demetrius Andrade put on a masterful performance against top-10 ranked Willie Nelson, flooring the former world title challenger four times including once in the opening round and emphatically in the final round to close the show (TKO 12, 1:38).

With the win, Nelson, who landed a staggering 57 percent of his power punches in just his second fight in two years, moved one step closer to earning another shot at a title fight. Andrade, who never lost his belt in the ring, is now the second mandatory challenger for the WBC Super Welterweight World Title, currently held by Jermell Charlo.

“I’m coming to get those belts,” said the 28-year-old Andrade. “People can’t run no more. The best have to fight the best. I’m coming for them.

“I came back, I’m stronger. Me and my team worked hard. We figured out what we need to do to take it to the next level. I’m ready for the Charlo brothers. I want them.”

Andrade was on his way to pitching a shutout, delivering a statement performance after months of frustration from “boxing politics.” The former WBO 154-pound champion targeted the head and the body of Nelson, relying on a steady diet of combos to floor the 6-foot-3 Nelson in the first, 11th and twice in the 12th.

“I’m young enough and my reaction time is still going,” Andrade said. “Willie Nelson is a true champion. He pushed me to the limit where I had to figure out what punches to throw. But I put the pieces of the puzzle together and got the knockout, baby.

Nelson, of Cleveland, dropped to 25-3-1 with 15 KOs.

“He was tough,” Nelson said. “I was forcing my shots too much. I felt like I was getting back into the fight, but he was crafty and mobile.

“I am ready for whatever is next and, despite what happened tonight, I am here to stay. My career won’t end like this.”

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME telecast, Zlaticanin blasted late-replacement Mamani with a third round TKO (:54) to win the vacant WBC Lightweight World Championship.

The 32-year-old Zlaticanin (18-0, 10 KOs) became the first native of the Southeastern European country of Montenegro to capture a world championship.

“I’m very proud. I made Montenegro proud,” Zlaticanin said. “I want to thank my fans that came to support me. I think I made my country proud. I think they will be delighted. I don’t think they know what this means, but in a few days they will know.”

The southpaw Zlaticanin pounced with a powerful straight left that had Mamani in trouble just seconds into the fight. The Bolivian, who was also aiming to become the first native of his homeland to win a title, survived the round but he was in trouble again in the third. Zlaticanin staggered with an overhand left and followed with a series of unanswered blows that forced referee Charlie Fitch to halt the contest with Mamani (21-3-1, 12 KOs) defenseless against the ropes.

“I knew that I would knock him out. He stood too close to me.

After the fight, Zlaticanin called out Jorge Linares, the WBC Lightweight “Champion in Recess”, who pulled out of a tentatively scheduled match with Zlaticanin due to an injury.

“I want Linares next. He can’t run from me anymore.

In undercard action on SHO EXTREME, Willie Monroe Jr. (20-2, 6 KOs) won a unanimous decision (96-92, 95-93, 99-89) over John Thompson (17-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup of former world title challengers. Monroe scored two knockdowns, one in the second and another with a straight right jab in the fifth.

In the opening bout on SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME, Russian heavyweight Andrey Fedosov (29-3, 24 KOs) scored four knockdowns en route to a sixth round TKO (1:33) of Mario Heredia (11-2, 9 KOs, 1-2 in WSB).

Saturday’s event from Turning Stone Resort Casino was promoted by Banner Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader replays Monday, June 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME. The SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast replays Tuesday, June 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME.

Brian Custer hosted the SHOWTIME telecast, with Mauro Ranallo calling the action, Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-time world champion Paulie Malignaggi commentating and Jim Gray reporting. Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood called. the SHOWTIME EXTREME action. In the Spanish simulcast, Alejandro Luna called the blow-by-blow and former world champion Raul Marquez served as color commentator. The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING was David Dinkins Jr. with Bob Dunphy directing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

Visit Banner Promotions at www.banner-promotions.com, follow on Twitter at @BannerBoxing, follow on Instagram at @BannerBoxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions, follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym, and watch on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo.

For Turning Stone Resort Casino: www.turningstone.com ; Twitter: @turningstone ; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort/

New York, June 13- The “Long Island Winding Road” to success continues for two Star Boxing fighters this week. The pair of proud pugilists and products of The Paramount – Cletus Seldin and Joe Smith, Jr. -hope to continue their climb to the top of the heap for promoter Joe DeGuardia.

On Friday night (June 17), the undefeated, WBC Silver International Champion and WBC World #6-ranked Junior Welterweight contender Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (18-0, 15 KO’s Long Island, NY), squares off against Mexican brawler Jesus Selig (19-3-1, 12 KO’s Douglas, Arizona) at The Paramount in Huntington, New York in the 10-round Junior Welterweight affair. The main event headlines the 24th edition DeGuardia’s popular “Rockin Fights” series.
Just one night later on Saturday (June 18), the Long Island knockout artist Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs) makes his national television debut against another battle-tested power-puncher, Andrzej Fonfara (28-3, 16 KOs), when they collide in a 10-round main event on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Seldin, the Patchogue product fighting out of Shirley, Long Island, has been superb in compiling an unblemished 18-0 mark, with 15 of his triumphs coming via highlight reel knockout . Smith Jr., who grew up in Shirley, and now fights out of Mastic, has registered 17 of 21 career wins by way of KO. Both knockout artists are on similar paths to that of another Star Boxing-promoted fighter, Chris Algieri, who used The Paramount as a springboard to a world championship. Fighting predominantly in the Metropolitan area, four of Smith, Jr.’s last five fights were at The Paramount, while Seldin has won 10 straight and 15 out of 16 at the popular Long Island venue.

More on Smith, Jr. vs. Fonfara: The broadcast begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT and will feature a bantamweight world title rematch between current champion Juan Carlos Payano (17-0, 8 KOs) take on three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee “Nuke” Warren (13-1, 4 KOs) as they continue their unfinished business that began in August 2015 when Payano won a narrow split-decision to retain his title. Also featured on the telecast is rising star Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (14-0, 10 KOs) who faces powerful Mexican Daniel Sandoval (37-3, 34 KOs) in a super welterweight contest.

“I’ve been working very hard and for many years towards an opportunity like this,” said Smith Jr. “I am grateful to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for helping to get me here. This fight is going to change my life and no one is going to keep me from winning.”

“I think that Smith is a great challenge for me and I do not underestimate him,” said Fonfara. “He is young and hungry and he wants to use this fight and my name to show the world his skills. He’s coming to Chicago for victory and glory. I have to show him that I am stronger, more experienced and most importantly, a smarter fighter. I have to win this fight because it will open the door for me to rematch Adonis Stevenson.”

“I am truly looking forward to this main event,” said DeGuardia. “Smith and Fonfara are both very exciting fighters and I expect a thrilling war. Their styles will have Chicago rocking with enthusiastic Irish fans for Smith and Polish fans for Fonfara. The electric atmosphere will be a treat to everyone watching on NBC and I expect big things from Joe Smith Jr.”

“Warriors Boxing is excited to bring PBC on NBC to the Windy City,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Chicago’s favorite son, Andrzej Fonfara, always thrills fans with his non-stop fighting style. Joe Smith Jr. has been destroying his competition in New York and also brings a fan friendly ‘seek-and-destroy’ style to the fight. The main event should be explosive.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, are priced at $201, $101, $61 and $41, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

Fonfara returns to the ring after defeating Nathan Cleverly in October at UIC Pavilion in a fight that garnered Fight of the Year consideration and saw a record number of punches landed (936) and thrown (2524) for a light heavyweight fight in CompuBox history. Prior to that, the 28-year-old became the first person to stop Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and lost a decision to world champion Adonis Stevenson in a fight that saw both men hit the canvas. From Warsaw, Poland but training out of Chicago, Fonfara will fight in the Windy City for the 20th time when he enters the ring in primetime on June 18.

Representing Long Island, New York, Smith Jr. will bring his heavy hands to primetime as he looks for his 16th straight victory on June 18. The 26-year-old was a highly decorated amateur who won the 2008 New York Golden Gloves with a victory over Seanie Monaghan. A member of the Local 66 Laborers Union between fights and the oldest of eight siblings, Smith Jr. picked up his most impressive victory of his career so far when he defeated veteran Will Rosinsky in a hotly contested battle in Brooklyn. He followed it up with a second round stoppage of Fabiano Pena in April and is set for his toughest challenge in June.

More on Seldin vs. Selig: Seldin, who has continually climbed the ranks of the Junior Welterweight division, will be appearing for the 15th time at the Paramount. Seldin has become a must-see attraction for his all action fights and tremendous punching power. The Hebrew Hammer captured the WBC title on December 20, 2014, stopping the very tough Bayan Jargal in nine rounds, and has successfully defended the championship three times. In his last outing at The Paramount on March 5, Seldin returned from shoulder surgery and picked right up where he left off by destroying Orlando Vasquez in the opening round.
Selig is coming off two straight knockout wins and has crossed gloves with world rated fighters Sadam Ali and John Jackson as well as top prospect Jose Ramirez.
Says DeGuardia: “Cletus Seldin is becoming a major force in the already loaded Junior Welterweight division. His ferocious style has attracted droves of fans and on June 17th we expect the same as he faces a tough task when he battles Jesus Selig, who hopes to upset the applecart. I expect another exciting night of fights at The Paramount, as has become the tradition with the Rockin Fights series”.
The undercard features a bevy of top local prospects. In another junior welterweight clash, Woodhaven’s undefeated Danny Gonzalez (11-0-1, 5 KO’s) squares off against Curtis Morton (4-5-4) of Myrtle Beach in an eight-rounder. Sweden’s Naim Terbunja (7-1) takes on Lanny Dardar (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Louisiana in a six round contest. Two Elmont, Long Island will fighters showcase their talents on the home turf in four-round bouts. Terell Bostic (1-0, 1 KO) comes off an outstanding first round KO debut to face Miguel Gloria (1-2) of Albuquerque; and unbeaten Tyrone James (2-0, 1 KO) battles New York City’s Kasif Muhammad (0-2). Brooklyn’s Laurend Stewart (2-0, 1 KO) takes on another Albuquerque import in Daniel Flores (0-2).

Tickets are on sale now by calling Star Boxing (718 823-2000) or visiting www.starboxing.com, The Paramount Box Office (631 673-7300), or Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com (1 800 745-3000).

Experts comment on The Paramount
“Joe has a magical formula at The Paramount,” says former heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney. “As a former boxer, I believe that really helps him. He understands the fighters, and watches out for them. He makes these guys fight durable guys. He and matchmaker Ron Katz are a great combination. They put them in tough fights. The Paramount is sold out every time at the Paramount, so the fighters have also been able to build the fan base.”
Former NYSAC Randy Gordon, now a boxing commentator and radio host, echoes Cooney’s sentiment. “As a former boxer himself on a high level, Joe understands the boxer’s mentality. Building a fighter’s career is not about one fight, it’s a process.”

ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT: Opened September 30, 2011 this 1,555-capacity live entertainment venue, located in downtown Huntington, Long Island, New York, features; concerts, comedy, boxing, community and other special events in a club/theater setting. With over 30,000 Facebook fans, The Paramount was recently ranked by Pollstar Magazine as the #24 highest attended club-venue worldwide (January-June 2013). A Ticketmaster venue, booked by Live Nation, The Paramount hosts nearly 200 events per year and in less than two years since its inception, has quickly established itself as the premier music venue on Long Island, NY. Some artists who have recently taken the Paramount stage include; Billy Joel, Pitbull, Don Henley, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, ZZ Top, Counting Crows, Primus, Matchbox 20, The Blues Brothers, Limp Bizkit, & many, many, more.

www.StarBoxing.com
follow on Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing and Facebook.com/StarBoxing,

ABOUT MODELL’S SPORTING GOODS
Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition towww.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.

ABOUT THE FOX HOLLOW:
Nestled upon 8 private acres of Long Island’s north shore is the Fox Hollow, which features a state of the art event venue, fine dining restaurant and an all-suite luxury boutique hotel. Owned & operated by the Scotto Brothers, their Above & Beyond philosophy in providing each & every guest with superior services and amenities is paramount. Visit the Fox Hollow online atwww.TheFoxHollow.com & www.TheInnAtFoxHollow.com

ABOUT CAMELOT LIMOUSINE:
“Official Sponsor of the Paramount Boxing Series, Camelot Specialty Limos is a Family Owned and Operated Business located in Central Long Island. At Camelot, Quality and Personalized Customer Service Truly Matters! Visit Camelot Limos online at, www.CamelotLimo.com, to learn more about us. At Camelot Limos, Your Chariot Awaits!”

ABOUT WBAB 102.3:
WBAB 102.3 is the home of Long Island’s Classic Rock anchored by their Long Island Rock ‘N’ Roll Morning Show with Roger and JP. For more information or to listen online, visit their website at
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LAKELAND, FL. (June 13, 2016) – Exciting super welterweight Joseph Elegele (16-2 11 KOs) showed his strength and power Sunday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV as he went toe-to-toe with Phil Lo Greco (27-3, 15 KOs) for 10 hard-fought rounds from The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL. Both combatants left it all in the ring, exchanging punches throughout the bout with close rounds that left the audience wanting more.

Elegele of nearby Winter Haven, FL started the bout coming forward, slightly stunning Toronto’s Lo Greco with several flurries of punches that set the tone for a hard fought back and forth battle. The action picked up in round two as Lo Greco came in on the attack early in the round, pinning Elegele against the ropes and continuing to pepper him with punches to the body and the head.

Despite being taken aback by the attack, Elegele came roaring back in the final seconds of round two and out of the corner to kick off round three. Lo Greco remained in the pocket, not afraid to continue to throw wide left hooks as the fighters traded punches back and forth.

As the fight continued, Lo Greco backed Elegele up against the ropes, smothering him with punches despite Elegele’s four-inch height advantage. But round six was completely controlled by Elegele as he threw a combination of bruising punches that very well could have sent Lo Greco to the canvas. However Lo Greco remained in the pocket. In the 10th and final round, Lo Greco came out strong, outworking Elegele, but with less than 20 seconds to go in the bout, Elegele stunned Lo Greco with a barrage of punches up against the ropes. Judges scored the bout 97-95 and 96-94 twice, all for Elegele, the winner by unanimous decision.

The second televised bout saw two former amateur standouts Dauren Yeleussinov (5-0-1, 4 KOs) of Kazakhstan, who now fights out of Brooklyn, and Devaun Lee (7-2-1, 3 KOs) of Queens, NY in an eight-round middleweight bout that ended in a split draw. Yeleussinov wasted no time in the first round as he kicked off the fight by throwing multiple left hands, one to the body and two to the head of Lee.

Lee escaped the round unscathed and despite spending the majority of the second round against the ropes, he was able to let his hands go and catch Yeleussinov with multiple shots. The 30-year-old Yeleussinov went on the attack in the sixth round, pinning Lee against the ropes, once again with a barrage of punches. Judges scored the bout at 79-73 for Yeleussinov, 78-74 for Lee and 76-76, ending the bout in a split draw.

In the opening televised bout, Australian prospect Steve Lovett (15-1, 12 KOs) battled Craig Baker (17-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight showdown that ended with an explosive knockout. Baker of Baytown, TX was sent to the canvas in round four following a big left hook thrown by Lovett, but Baker was the more active fighter throughout the fight as he was up on all three of the judge’s scorecards going into the eighth and final round. With only three seconds to go in the bout, Baker sent Lovett to the canvas with a hard right hand that ended the bout.

Here is what the participants had to say about their respective performances Sunday night:

JOSEPH ELEGELE
“I wasn’t surprised because he’s a tough fighter, he’s a Canadian and Canadian fighters are tough. He came to fight. It was a good fight.

“It’s hard for anyone to find an answer for a straight left, but I was surprised he kept walking through it.

“I hope this win puts me on the next level. I’m ready for the top fighters. I know there are some things I can work on, but I am ready for the top fighters.

“I’m not sure what’s up with my left hand. It hurt me when I was throwing it, but I’m a warrior. I’ve been through too much in life to let a little left hand hurt me. It could be falling off and I’m still going to throw it.”

PHIL LO GRECO
“It was his hometown. The score could have gone either way. I hurt him in the second round. He was out and the ref could have stopped the fight. That is no excuse. I will fight anyone, anywhere.

“I felt I was pushing the fight. I am disappointed in the decision.

“It’s up to the fans if they want to see me again. People see that I will fight anywhere and anyplace. I enjoyed tonight.”

DEVAUN LEE
“I don’t agree with the draw, I think I won the fight. I would have been comfortable with a split decision. He worked, but I landed clean shots and I landed heavier punches. I feel like I won the fight. He has power, but he wasn’t powerful enough to stop me.

“Next, I’m ready for whatever they put in front of me. I would do it again.”

CRAIG BAKER
“Lovett is a strong guy and he’s a hell of a competitor. He came to work and he tested me, so it is what it is, man.

“This is awesome, man. This is what I sweat and kill myself in the gym for. This win means the world to me.

“He never hurt me tonight. We stayed patient I do what we do. This is the biggest win of my career, but I won’t rest until I get a title.

“I’ll fight whoever next. I’ll be back in the gym soon and getting ready for whoever the put in front of me next.

“Fighting on a Premier Boxing Champions card is amazing. I’m grateful to get the opportunity and I hope to be back on PBC fighting again.”

The fight card was promoted by King’s Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

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

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For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA (June 12, 2016) – Last night at the Ramatex Factory in Windhoek, Namibia, Mexico’s super-bantamweight standout, Moises “Chucky” Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over hometown hero, Paulus Ambunda (24-2, 10 KOs). With the victory Flores captured the IBO championship and retained his WBA interim title.

Flores, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, controlled the action from the opening round. Flores scored three knockdowns throughout the fight using superior boxing skills while applying pressure to keep Ambunda off balance. As Flores mounted a substantial lead he never looked back. Scorecards read 115-110, 115-111 and 114-111, all in favor for Flores.

“It’s never an easy task going into someone’s hometown and getting the victory,” said Moises “Chucky” Flores. “I had complete faith in myself, as did my team, fighting Ambunda in his hometown. We knew we had to dominate the fight to win on the judges’ scorecards. He’s a durable fighter with a lot of heart but I was not going to be denied tonight. I want to be recognized as the next great fighter from Mexico. I want Guillermo Rigondeaux next.”

Guided by Pro Box Management’s Gary Jonas and Henry Rivalta, a fight with Rigondeaux is on the horizon. Currently, Flores is the mandatory challenger to fight Rigondeaux, who is the current WBA Super Champion at super-bantamweight.

“Flores once again proved he’s an elite fighter winning in Ambunda’s backyard.” said Gary Jonas. “Now we are focused on getting in the ring with Rigondeaux. Flores is the WBA interim champion and he’s hungry to become the super champion. Right now we are in talks with team Rigondeaux to get this fight made. Chucky is ready to take over the 122-pound division.”