LAS VEGAS, NV (April 4, 2016) – Fight Week is here!

Boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, and five-time world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY return to Las Vegas. Before they collide in their 12-round high-stakes welterweight showdown of pound for pound titans, they will make their Grand Arrivals, Tomorrow! Tuesday, April 5, in the front lobby of the MGM Grand. Bradley will arrive at 12:30 p.m. PT followed by Pacquiao at 1:00 p.m. PT. Fans are invited to give these two gladiators a championship welcome.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley will take place Saturday, April 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. This will also mark the first time former Trainers of the Year Freddie Roach and Teddy Atlas have faced each other from opposite corners. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the Pacquiao vs. Bradley championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

The NoTrump pay-per-view undercard will feature World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight world champion “King” ARTHUR ABRAHAM defending his title against undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, undefeated No. 1 WBO featherweight contender and two-time Mexican Olympian ÓSCAR VALDEZ defending his NABO featherweight title against former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight world champion EVGENY GRADOVICH and 2012 U.S. Olympian JOSE RAMÍREZ defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super lightweight title against MANNY PEREZ. The Abraham vs. Ramirez world championship fight is co-promoted by Sauerland Event and Zapari Boxing Promotions

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Remaining Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,204, $804, $604, $404, $254 and $154, not including applicable service fees. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at mgmgrand.com or ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing or www.mgmgrand.com on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 4, 2016) – WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack and former world champion Lucian Bute hosted a media roundtable on Friday night to discuss their championship showdown taking place Saturday, April 30 from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. and live on SHOWTIME.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with IBF Super Middleweight World Champion James DeGale defending his title against top contender and Mexican brawler Rogelio Medina.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Interbox in association with Matchroom Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations, or call (800) 745-3000.

The fighters were joined by Mayweather Promotions’ Floyd Mayweather and Leonard Ellerbe, Interbox’s Pierre Duc and SHOWTIME’s Stephen Espinoza as they spoke to the media about the exciting doubleheader taking place in the nation’s capital.

Here is what the participants had to say Friday:

BADOU JACK

“I’ll be ready for this fight. Bute is a very tough opponent. I have to bring my ‘A’ game to win. Much respect to him, but he’s not leaving with my belt. Absolutely not. You can expect a very tough fight.

“Bute is a much, much tougher opponent that Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., but I’m ready for him.

“Bute’s fight against DeGale was one of the best fights last year. That’s the only reason he got this shot. He lost, but he looked good. It was a great fight. April 30 will be another great fight. And another loss for Bute.”

LUCIAN BUTE

“This is a great opportunity for me to fight again for a title. I feel good, I started camp six weeks ago. Most importantly, I’m very healthy. Psychologically, I’m looking forward to becoming a world champion on April 30.

“I respect Badou Jack. He is a great champion, a great fighter, but on April 30, I will become a world champion again. I’m looking forward to it.

“I will be the new champion. I am very confident. I expect it to be a very tough fight, but I am coming here to win.

“I have a new team. They are changing some things in my work. My confidence is 100 percent. I’m working every day very tough and I am confident that everything will be great for April 30.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“This fight is about the best facing the best. I’ve seen Bute fight numerous times and he’s a very exciting and explosive fighter. Every time he goes out there and performs he gives 100 percent.

“Mayweather Promotions is about giving people the best and most exciting fights.

“I commend Badou Jack for the way that he carries himself. He is a true gentlemen and that is what this sport is all about. He’s going to continue to make a name for himself in this sport.”

PIERRE DUC, VP of Interbox

“We’re very thrilled about this fight. For those of you who have not been exposed to Lucian Bute before, he’s a great fighter. He’s been working extremely hard over the course of the last 6-12 months getting ready for a moment like this.

“Bute has a very long history of fighting great fights and championship wars. Lucian will be ready for this.

“Training camp is going astonishingly well. Lucian is usually more of a gentleman, so he will say he wants to do the best that he can, but I’m telling you that Lucian is going to be walking away with this belt. It’s going to be a fantastic and very exciting evening. Lucian will pull the upset on April 30.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“The one comment I will make about this event, other than to point out it features four of the best fighters in the division, is that it was quite possibly the easiest event to make out of all the events we made this spring and summer. That’s a credit to the promoters and especially a credit to all four fighters.

“We didn’t just make two fights here. We’ve got the winners of these fights fighting later in the year in a unification match. To be able to make two fights very quickly and to get everyone on board with fighting the winners in a unification match with no mess, no politics, no arguments and no hesitation is an accomplishment.

“These are four real fighters here and they were not afraid of a challenge, they didn’t hesitate at all. This is what the sport of boxing is all about. I personally can’t wait for April 30th and for a unification later in the year.”

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For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.SHO.com/Sports and follow on Twitter at: @BadouJack, @ButeLucian, @JamesDeGale1, @PorkyMedina @MayweatherPromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

TOKYO – April 4, 2016– RIZIN FF, the combat sports promotion led by former PRIDE FC head Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced today that legendary Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) pioneer and former professional wrestling standout Kiyoshi Tamura (32-13-3), will join forces with fellow decorated icon Wanderlei Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) in the special grappling tag team matchup that will headline the highly-anticipated, star-studded extravaganza in Nagoya Japan, on Sunday, April 17.

Tamura and Silva will tussle with another all-time great Kazushi Sakuraba, (26-17-1, 2 NC) and Hideo Tokoro (33-28-2) in the unique, one-of-a-kind bout.

The affair marks the first time since December 31, 2008 that the 5-foot-11, 46-year-old Tamura, recognized for his elite level catch wrestling skills and quick, fluid movements, will see action in combat.

In his last start under MMA rules on the K-1 – Dynamite!! New Year’s Eve mega-card in Saitama, Japan, Tamura earned his third consecutive win, a unanimous decision over Sakuraba.

While competing for the likes of PRIDE, K-1, Rings, DREAM and UWF International, Tamura compiled an extensive resume of conquests, including those over eventual UFC champions Pat Miletich, Maurice Smith and Dave Menne, as well as superstars Renzo Gracie and Jeremy Horn.

Tamura was groomed by famed pro wrestling trainers Billy Robinson, Nobuhiko Takada and Akira Maeda, to eventually become a force in the sport’s middleweight division. In his final bout before retirement, Tamura notched a victory over fellow hybrid MMA star and professional wrestler Josh Barnett, on November 23, 2005.

Priced from 100,000 yen, tickets for “Top Presents RIZIN Fighting Federation I” are on sale and can be purchased online at Ticketbis.com.

In other action on the star-studded fight card, 13-fight UFC veteran and action fighter Daron Cruickshank (16-8, 1 NC) will collide with submission expert Shinji “Torao Supernova” Sasaki (16-8-3) in a lightweight (155 pounds) matchup.

In a women’s open weight bout, decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and women’s MMA heavyweight prospect Gabi Garcia (1-0) will collide with two-time Pankration champion Anna Malyukova (1-0).

Hard-hitting knockout artists Chris “Huggy Bear” Barnett (14-2) and Kirill Sidelnikov (8-4) will go to war in a heavyweight battle.

Recent RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament semifinalist Teodoras Aukstuolis (8-3) will square off with former K-1 champion Jaideep “Heart” Singh (2-1 MMA; 40-10, 13 KO’s kickboxing) in a 216- pound catchweight fight.

Sambo world champion Vadim Nemkov (5-1) will take on undefeated, aggressive-minded striker and top Nordic prospect “King” Karl Albrektsson (4-0) in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) tilt.

In a 180-pound MMA rules catchweight contest, devastating power puncher Hisaki Kato (5-2) will take on fellow finisher Yuta “Andre” Watanabe (19-6-4).

Returning to action for the first time in five years, beloved heavyweight Kazuyuki “Ol’ Ironhead” Fujita (15-10), will face recent RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament runner-up and dangerous knockout artist Jiri “Denisa” Prochazka (16-3-1).

In flyweight (125 pounds) action, submission ace Allan “Puro Osso” Nascimento (14-3) will lock horns with red-hot champion Yuki Motoya (15-4, 1 NC).

Women’s amateur wrestling champion Kanako Murata (0-0) will make her highly-anticipated, professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut against rising star Natalya Denisova (2-1) in a 116-pound catchweight affair.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (April 4, 2016) – Always tough Patrick “Punisher” Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs) will be fighting for Irish boxing history Saturday, April 16 as he challenges WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event, airing live on SHOWTIME from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast kicks off at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT with undefeated IBF Super Lightweight World Champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs), of Cidra, Puerto Rico, defending against mandatory challenger Stephen “Swifty” Smith (23-1, 13 KOs), fighting out of the United Kingdom.

Hyland is on the verge of joining a pair of exclusive Irish boxing clubs. The 32-year-old from Dublin is attempting to become the first Irishman to be world featherweight champion in 30 years, since Hall-of-Famer Barry “The Clones Cyclone” McGuigan, in addition to being only the second Irishman – Wayne “The Pocket Rocket” McCullough stands alone right now– to ever wear the coveted green WBC world title belt.

McGuigan (32-3, 28 KOs), fighting out of Clones, captured the WBA Featherweight Title in 1985, taking a 12-round decision from Eusebio Pedroza, and he successfully defended his crown twice against Bernard Taylor and Danilio Cabrera before losing by decision to Steve Cruz in 1986.

The only other Ireland-born world featherweight titlist was Dave Sullivan (27-12-7, 18 KOs), who was born in Knocknanaff, County Cork, Ireland, but fought professionally out of Boston, Mass. In 1898, Sullivan stopped Solly Smith in the fifth round to become world featherweight champion.

Belfast, Northern Ireland-product McCullough (27-7, 18 KOs), who was the WBC Bantamweight Champion in 1995-97, is the lone Irishman to ever be WBC World Champion in any weight class.

“Just to be fighting for this title is an honor for me and to challenge a great champion in Gary Russell, Jr. is also an honor,” Hyland said from his training camp at Celtic Warrior Gym in Dublin. “To join great Irish boxing names is a dream come true for me. It will also mean the world to me to win this belt for my and family and, most importantly, for my (late) dad, for all the hard work he put into me and my two brothers since I was eight years old. To look up and say, ‘Dad, we did it,’ will be the best feeling in the world.”

Hyland has fought 10 times in the United States, including a 12-round loss to interim WBA featherweight champion Javier Fortuna in 2012. Hyland lived in Marlboro, New York for a few years when he was promoted by a company headed by thenreality television star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi.

“I love fighting in the United States,” Hyland added. “There’s always a great atmosphere at fights there and the US is the real home of boxing. Snooki Boxing didn’t work out as planned, but they did a great job getting me the WBA title shot which was a great achievement in their first year in boxing. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out after that fight, but I do have great respect for them. I met friends for life from Marlboro who I consider family and they’ll be at my fight as always.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $150, $90 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.foxwoods.com or by visiting the Foxwoods’ Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. The Pedraza vs. Smith bout is promoted in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Matchroom Boxing.

For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @MrGaryRussellJr, @PajPunisher, @Sniper_Pedraza, @SwiftySmith, @LouDiBella, @FoxwoodsCT and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

Former four-division champion, Adrien Broner surrendered to Cincinnati Police following his arrest warrant for alleged assault in January, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

According to Hamilton County online records, Broner was taken into custody at 9:32 a.m. ET Monday.

Earlier Monday, Broner posted a message on his Instagram and Twitter accounts about turning himself in. About 2½ hours later, he had been freed on $100,000 bail and tweeted, “They let me out y’all.”

Broner is scheduled for his arraignment on Tuesday morning at the Hamilton County Justice Center in Cincinnati, where he will be asked to enter a plea, Julie Wilson, chief assistant prosecutor and public information officer for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, told ESPN.com.

On Friday night, the 26-year-old Broner knocked out England’s Ashley Theophane in the ninth round in a dominant performance in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions card at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., which Broner considers a second home.

LONDON (4 APRIL) On Saturday, April 2, 2016, Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell woke from an induced coma. Twenty-four hours later, on Sunday, he was talking to family and close friends at his bedside (see picture below).

Nick had been placed in an induced coma following a British middleweight title contest at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday, March 26. Contrary to early reports, though, his bleed was outside the brain – on the skull, in fact – and was minor enough for there to be no need to operate.

He was in an induced coma for almost seven days, given the very best possible treatment by the incredible team at St. Mary’s Hospital, and the sedatives used were gradually reduced over this period of time.

Finally, at the weekend, Nick woke from this induced coma, acknowledged the voices of loved ones and, by Sunday, was starting to talk. It was the outcome everyone had been hoping and praying for; Nick had won his toughest fight yet.

On behalf of Nick, his family, and very close friends, we’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and well-wishes. It has been overwhelming at times and has certainly not gone unnoticed.

Nick Blackwell won the hearts of over three million (television) viewers on March 26 with an astonishing display of all-action bravery and determination. In the past week, however, he has humbled millions more. He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. He’s a true champion and gentleman.

*** If you could continue to respect the Blackwell family’s desire for privacy at this time, it would be greatly appreciated ***

David Brophy says he will punish George Groves if he looks past their fight at The O2 on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The unbeaten Scotsman lands a golden chance to gatecrash the lucrative and talent-stacked Super-Middleweight scene with a meeting with the Londoner for the vacant WBA International title.

Groves is plotting an assault on a fourth World title shot having been edged out by WBC king Badou Jack in Las Vegas in September, but the unbeaten Caldercruix man believes he has the tools to capitalise on his shot if ‘Saint’ George is looking past him.

“I love being the underdog,” said Brophy. “George is a good fighter and I know that, but I am more than prepared for this step up and I will give it everything I have got. I feel really confident and I would have taken the fight if I wasn’t. I’m not here to make up numbers and that’s the first mistake that anybody will make. I’m coming to London to do a land a big win.

“I expect George to be fast and to try and do a job on me. I feel as if he is going to have a big fight in the summer, and whatever that is I think they will be treating me as a stepping stone and that is even better for me because I don’t mind going into somebody’s back garden either.

“I will give him more than he expects, I know that. Because I haven’t been in the limelight, and haven’t looked for it – I haven’t talked myself into big fights – he hasn’t heard of me, and he will have a shook tonight. He will expect me to be a walkover but I won’t be that.

“My preparations couldn’t have been better; I have been sparring with Callum Smith before his fight on Saturday and had been before the call for this came. It is the best preparation I could have got; Callum is a special, special fighter so to be sparring with him has been perfect for me.”

Brophy clash with Groves is part of a huge night of action in London topped by Joshua’s first World title fight, as Lee Selby defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Eric Hunter and Jamie McDonnell defends his WBA Bantamweight strap against Fernando Vargas.

There’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, Ohara Davies faces Andy Keates for the vacant English Lightweight title and Nigel Benn’s son Conor makes his professional debut.

Fernando Vargas has replaced Juan Alberto Rosas as the opponent for WBA Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell at The O2 on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Vargas lands a golden opportunity on the bill following a huge win for the 27 year old Mexican over former World champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr in Brooklyn in June, and provides the Doncaster man’s first action in the UK since his two brilliant wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas last year.

McDonnell turned 30 last week and believes a great performance against Vargas can see him land a unification bout in the summer, as he looks to dominate at 118lbs before a potential move to Super-Bantamweight.

“It’s a massive chance for Vargas,” said McDonnell. “It means everything to him and he’s going to bring the fight to me, but I am focused, feeling sharp and looking to make a statement.

“I’ve been training for lots of styles so it doesn’t bother me. I’m just buzzing to be back in the UK and ready to put on a show.

“I was looking to move up after the first Kameda fight but I am making Bantamweight well so if the big fights keep coming at Bantamweight I will stay there, it just depends on what options there are out there for me.”

McDonnell’s clash with Rosas is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich, topped by Joshua’s World title clash with Martin. Lee Selby defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Eric Hunter, while there’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, three-time World Super-Middleweight title challenger George Groves meets unbeaten Scotsman David Brophy, Ohara Davies faces Andy Keates for the vacant English Lightweight title and Nigel Benn’s son Conor makes his professional debut.

BOB ARUM: This is a very interesting promotion as far as I’m concerned. A lot of people are concentrating on the new and improved Tim Bradley. Manny Pacquiao with his right arm now totally repaired – he has had that torn rotator cuff since before the De La Hoya fight. A lot of athletes are able to perform well with a torn rotator cuff – a lot of pitchers in the major leagues are able to perform well with it. Obviously now that it’s repaired, it is at full strength. Freddie will tell you that Manny is hitting harder with the right hand – even harder than with the left hand, so he is now going to be a real two-handed fighter which is very interesting. I think Tim Bradley’s big advantage is that he is going in with a game plan. I don’t think he had much of a game plan in the first two fights but certainly Teddy has given him one. I am very excited for my “NoTrump Undercard” with the young Hispanics contenders and I think it is resonating tremendously, particularly with the Hispanic community. I’ve done dozens of radio interviews and television programs with the Hispanic media and there is a lot of excitement.

How are tickets selling?

BOB ARUM: The Ticket situation is good. It is about what it was last time that Manny fought Bradley. There are approximately 2,00 tickets left and a lot of those will go in the last week. They are selling at a very good clip so if we don’t sell out we will have at least 14,000 people in the arena on April 9. I am still optimistic that they will all be gone by fight night.

What is your aiming point for the pay-per-view?

BOB ARUM: I really think that we have a shot to go over 700,000. I really think that Manny and Bradley will do most of the numbers, but let me tell you that my Hispanic army is marching out there and we are going to do a tremendous number from people, aside from the Pacquiao-Bradley numbers, that want to see these Hispanic stars in very, very important fights. I am pretty confident that we will do over 700,000 with a little break here and there. Maybe if Trump opens his mouth a little bit more we can go over 800,000.

Do you think Bradley will be different for this fight? What has Freddie been telling you and what do you think it will it be?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Bradley has a new trainer for this fight and a new game plan and I am very excited for that because we will see more action in the ring in this fight.

In the first two fights he was avoiding your left hook. Will you use it more this fight or less?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Right now I have been working on my right hand and my right hook which is very good. My left hand is still good, but my right shoulder is healed and that is good, because I can use it with real power.

Freddie said it took you longer to get in shape for this fight. Is that because of the layoff or the shoulder?

MANNY PACQUIAO: We had a lot of time to exercise for this fight. We had a lot of time to train and all I can say is training camp was great and I am ready for the fight and everything is great.

Do you feel like the layoff has helped you?

MANNY PACQUIAO: That is one thing, it is good to have a long layoff in boxing – I feel fresh and new and I feel good now when I train every day. I really enjoyed this training camp.

You haven’t had a KO since 2009. Is that something that weighs on your mind or frustrates you? Or do you even think about it?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Yes, I am thinking about that. I have thinking about the last knockout that I had was in the Cotto fight and I believe the Margarito fight should have been stopped. It was a long time ago. I am thinking about it (the knockout) and that’s why I work hard. Right now it is a good thing that I had a layoff – I feel excited and fresh in my body and I will try hard for it in this fight.

Bob mentioned you’ve had a torn rotator cuff since the De La Hoya fight. Had you ever given consideration to having the surgery before since it has lingered for so long?

MANNY PACQUIAO: That fight was in 2008, so it was long ago. I still felt good and every time I rested the pain was gone.

Was it the worst in the Mayweather fight and psot-Mayweather?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Yes, in the fourth round. In the fourth round when I was throwing a lot of combinations. I hurt it coming off of one of the combinations.

It seems like you have been going back and forth regarding retirement. We know you have said you want to pursue your political career full time to assist your countrymen. Where do you stand on that right now?

MANNY PACQUIAO: After this fight I have already said that my mind is to focus on my job. If I win a Senate seat I have a big responsibility and I need to focus on that. I cannot say right now that I am going to retire. I don’t want to say that because I don’t know what the feeling is when you leave boxing. I will give it great thought when I return home.

So, you are going to have this fight, go back home and do your work and see what happens – and leave the door open?

MANNY PACQUIAO: My mind right now says to retire, but we don’t know.

Bob, have you spoken about this with Manny? What is your position?

BOB ARUM: Manny told me that he was going to retire after this fight, but I have been around this business for 50 years and a lot of fighters can’t walk away, so I am not advertising that this is going to be Manny’s last fight. It could be but then it may not be. He said he’s going back to run for Senate and if he becomes a Senator, he’ll have to decide whether to devote full time to the senate or he can work in a continuous boxing career. But again, that is going to have to be something that’s he’s going to have to decide. But one thing, for everyone on this line, I am not selling this fight as Manny’s last fight, so if he does come back after this fight – don’t say I deceived anyone.

Freddie, have you spoken about retirement with Manny following this fight? What is your position?

FREDDIE ROACH: We have talked about it a little bit. He told me he’s going to retire and I told him I think he still has some more fights left in him if he wants and he did ask me about training if he goes into the Olympics, if they let the pros in the Olympics and I said of course I will. That’s as far as we got. We didn’t talk about any fights after this. We are just concentrating on this fight right now.

Freddie, have you given any thought about not having Manny around any longer as a fighter?

FREDDIE ROACH: Of course, I will miss him. We have been together for a long time and I will go to all of his birthday parties in the Philippines and we will be friends for life.

Bob?

BOB ARUM: Well, I look back on it, working with Manny, but I have been at this for a long time. Fighters retire, but the life of boxing continues. If Manny does retire, I’ll concentrate on Terence Crawford, Jessie Vargas and Gilberto Ramirez and Oscar Valdez and Jose Ramirez, Jesse Hart and a whole host of other guys, and Nonito Donaire. So again, I will look back at it like when I promoted Muhammad Ali and George Foreman – that it has been a tremendous experience and I’m grateful for it but life goes on. One thing is for sure – I ain’t retiring. You are going to have me around for another 50 years.

Manny, do you think if you had the surgery earlier you would still be in the middle of this non-KO string?

MANNY PACQUIAO: I am not sure.

Freddie?

FREDDIE ROACH: I am not sure. He was young enough to get through the injury. We didn’t know it was a severe injury and we worked through it. The thing is when he moved to 147 and fighting against guys that when they went into the ring weighed 160, the thing is, it’s tougher against the bigger guys. He had a lot more knockouts at 140 and 135 of course but those guys were much smaller. I think that had more of an effect than the injury.

Do you expect Bradley to bang the shoulder early to see how healthy it really is?

FREDDIE ROACH: No because I think he would be wasting his time. He doesn’t have the injury right now. We were working on it and it has been 100% great for this training camp. The surgery went well and the rehab went well and Manny is 100% at this point.

Manny, you are in the political business, what do you think about the “NoTrump Undercard?”

MANNY PACQUIAO: All I know is that we have a good undercard.

Bob, have you heard from anyone in the Trump organization regarding the undercard?

BOB ARUM: I don’t take their calls.

Manny, in the two fights against Tim, which did you think you did better? The one you lost or the one you won?

MANNY PACQUIAO: I think the same. I believe the same, because I won both.

Which one were you happier with?

MANNY PACQUIAO: The one that I won.

Why that that one different or better?

MANNY PACQUIAO: The difference was throwing a lot more punches. To make sure I won every round to win the fight.

Do you believe it is important for you to win this fight to carry momentum into your election back home?

MANNY PACQUIAO: It is very important to get the win for my country and the people in the Philippines, but the most important thing is a win for my country and a win for my legacy in boxing.

Do you think a win will help you in the election?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Yes.

What do you think about professionals fighting in the Olympics?

BOB ARUM: The idea that you will allow professional boxers into the Olympics, at this short notice, is absolutely insane. The idea that Manny Pacquiao would face off with some 17 or 18 year old kid, who has no professional experience, is not only stupid, it’s dangerous. These people ought to have their heads examined. People say that professionals play basketball. That’s true, but in basketball you can dunk over somebody, but it’s not a hurt game. In boxing, if you put experienced pros in with rank amateurs there will be serious health consequences. I don’t understand why they are now raising this issue. It makes no sense to me.

On this short notice it seems extremely unlikely it will happen…

BOB ARUM: Absolutely – extremely unlikely. Andre Ward says he wants to go to the Olympics. Many Pacquiao says he wants to got to he Olympics. Are they going to fight 17 year old kids?

Manny, if this happens, would you consider fighting in the Olympics?

MANNY PACQUIAO: Yes, after this fight I am going back to the Philippines to do my job and if they allow me to fight in the Olympics – I am not going to say that I am going to fight or saying that I am not. I am not closing the door and I am not committing to it – I am thinking about it.

With the long layoff, did it make you realize that you don’t need boxing anymore in your life?

MANNY PACQUIAO: With the long layoff in boxing – I feel better right now – I feel fresh. A long layoff is a good thing because I was able to spend more time with my family and concentrate on helping the Philippine people.

Freddie, Teddy Atlas trains fighters to be more aggressive, how does that play to you?

FREDDIE ROACH: Well, if he will be more aggressive I will be happy for that. If his fighter fights a little harder we will fight back. Manny is ready for whatever he brings to the table. We see the adjustments he is trying to make but once Manny hits him, he will revert back to what he does best. I am not worried about Teddy Atlas, believe me.

In Closing…

MANNY PACQUIAO: Thank you everyone and all of the media and make sure you watch on April 9. There is going to be a lot of action in the ring and I am excited for that. Thanks you and God bless all.

BOB ARUM: I would like to make some observations. I really believe that this third fight between Manny and Timothy will be by far the best of the three fights. It will be very exciting and I believe that one way or another it is going to end in a knockout.

Also pay attention to the Arthur Abraham – Ramirez super middleweight world title fight. If Ramirez wins that fight, he will be the first Mexican to win a world title in a weight class as heavy as super middleweight and he will be one of the future stars not only in Mexico, but all over the world in boxing. Keep your eye on this kid, he’s 24, handsome, well spoken and fights well. If he wins this fight and becomes a champion, he will be a big star.

As will Oscar Valdez if he can get by Gradovich. Gradovich is a non-stop fighter and Valdez is a two-time Mexican Olympian and a real up and coming fighter.

Then there is my favorite, the farm worker. His parents came to this country to work in the fields. Jose Ramirez as a kid picked peppers in the fields at thirteen or fourteen years of age – he put himself through college, was a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team – he fights his first ten round fight against Manny Perez, a very tough fighter from Denver. Jose is a kid to really focus on. He is a social activist. He is a spokesperson for the Latino Water Coalition, for immigration rights – he is a kid that’s going to make a difference.

I am very excited about this entire card on April 9. People are going to be tremendously entertained. I am really putting myself out on the line to say that it will be a complete night of boxing of the best that boxing has to offer.

*************************************

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the Manny Pacquiao – Tim Bradley high-stakes welterweight championship event will take place on Saturday, April 9, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. The NoTrump pay-per-view undercard will feature World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight world champion “King” ARTHUR ABRAHAM defending his title against undefeated No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, undefeated No. 1 WBO featherweight contender and two-time Mexican Olympian ÓSCAR VALDEZ defending his NABO featherweight title against former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight world champion EVGENY GRADOVICH and 2012 U.S. Olympian JOSE RAMÍREZ defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas super lightweight title against MANNY PEREZ. The Abraham vs. Ramirez world championship fight is co-promoted by Sauerland Event and Zapari Boxing Promotions.

Remaining Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley are priced at $1,204, $804, $604, $404, $254 and $154, not including applicable service fees. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at mgmgrand.com or ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing or www.mgmgrand.com on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

Callum Smith destroyed Hadillah Mohoumadi inside a round to land a shot at the WBC World Super-Middleweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Callum became the first of the Smith brothers to win a European title and the unbeaten star, and it’s the third belt that Smith has won in the first round, with Patrick Mendy (English) and Rocky Fielding (British) succumbing in the opening session to the brutal power and smart shot selection of the 25 year old.

Mohoumadi began brightly as he went on the attach from the off, but having cornered Smith the Frenchman felt the force of a left-hand counter that was a sign of the punishment to come. Again, the defending champion attacked the hometown star but when Smith unleashed a trademark stinging bodyshot, Mohoumadi retreated to the ropes and his hands drop, leading to a barrage of unanswered shots that saw the contest waved off after 101 seconds.

Post-fight on Sky Sports, fellow Merseyside man Tony Bellew said of the World champions at 168lbs, only IBF king James DeGale MBE would pose problems to the precocious Smith, who is now mandatory for the WBC belt held by Badou Jack.

“I feel I am getting better and better, hitting harder and getting bigger,” said Smith. “I prepared for a tough night, he’d never been stopped before and he’s European champion, but Joe Gallagher said he would try to come on early so I was ready for that and I hurt him with every counter. I do believe when I put those little gloves on I can hurt anyone.

“I’d like to fight for the World title in September, but if I have to wait then so be it. I’m only 25 and I am improving all the time. Every time I step up I win so why not keep going.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said that Smith would be ringside in Washington when Jack defends his title against Lucian Bute and DeGale meets his mandatory Rogelio Medina on April 30, live on Sky Sports.

“Callum is the real deal,” said Hearn. “He’ll dominate the Super-Middleweight division for years to come. He’s going to fight for the World title and he’s going to win it. He’s only going to get better and better. Badou Jack won’t want to fight Callum; he just demolished Mohoumadi – Jack won’t stand up to that force. He’s got freakish power and he’s a scary, scary man. He makes the weight easy so let him dominate this division now.”

Smith’s devastating win came on a dramatic night on Sky Sports that began with a thrilling two-round shoot-out between Tom Doran and Luke Keeler. The pair met in a rematch of their Prizefighter semi-final last February and Keeler looked to be set to gain revenge for his loss that night when he put Doran down heavily in the first round with a massive right hand.

The Welshman somehow got to his feet and weathered an Irish onslaught, and then fired home left hooks that sent Keeler crashing to the canvas. Keeler managed to survive the incredible opening round and came out on the attack in the second, but another vicious left from Doran just before the halfway stage put Keeler down and took everything out of the Dublin man, and although gamely got to his feet, Doran didn’t let him off the hook and unleashed a barrage of punches that forced the referee intervene after one minute and 37 seconds of the second round, Doran becoming the WBC International champion in thrilling fashion.

That fight was followed by another rematch as Scotty Cardle put his British Lightweight title on the line for the second time against Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd, and once again, the challenger came within a whisker of landing the belt after the fight ended in a majority draw.

The pair served up an edgy affair heading into the championship rounds, but Joe Gallagher in Cardle’s corner was concerned enough after ten sessions to tell Cardle he needed to win the final two rounds to keep his title. Dodd was the man celebrating at the end of the fight, but his joy was short lived as two judges failed to split the pair and one gave the fight to Cardle 116-114.

Rocky Fielding returned to action following his loss to Smith in November, and the popular Liverpool man showed huge heart to edge past Frenchman Christopher Rebrasse via split decision.

Fielding didn’t show any demons from his first round loss to Smith with a good opening session, but Rebrasse soon brought the memories of the three knockdowns he suffered against ‘Mundo’ back in the second round as the Frenchman landed a trio of right hands that sent Fielding down. Thankfully for the hometown man, there was little time left in the round and he was able to use the minute between rounds to regroup, and although Rebrasse continued to catch Fielding throughout, the host was rewarded for his combinations and constant attacks with two judges scoring the fight 114-113 in his favour, with one leaning to Rebrasse by 115-113.

“That’s the most important win of my career,” said Fielding, who picked up the WBC International strap. “I had to dig so deep. He’s very tough – I got up, I shook it off and dug deep to come back. I’ve been working so hard in the gym and having tough spars with Martin Murray, and I used that grit and determination to get through that one.”

Francisco Santana won a 10-rouund unanimous decision over Ed Paredes in a Super Welterweight bout at the Oceanview Pavillion in Port Hueneme, California.

Santana, 147 1/2 lbs won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 24-4-1. Paredes, 148 lbs is 36-6-1.

Xavier Martinez remained undefeated by stopping Gabriel Gutierrez in round four of their scheduled 6-round super lightweight bout.

Martinez dropped Gutierrez in round’s three and four and the bout was stopped at 2:00 of round 4.

Martinez, 130 3/4 lbs is now 6-0 with three knockouts. Gutierrez, 132 lbs is 3-2.

Johann Duhaupas stopped previously undefeated and highly touted Robert Helenius in round six of their scheduled 12-round Heavyweight bout at the Hartwell Arena in Helsinki, Finland.

In round four, Duhaupas landed a right to the side of the head that buckled and then dropped Helenius. In round six, Helenius was bleeding from his nose. Later in the round, Duhaupas landed a perfect right that dropped Helenius again. Helenius barely beat the count, but stumbled across the ring into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Duhaupas of France is 34-3 with 21 knockouts. Helenius of Finland is 22-1.

LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2016) – LA FIGHT CLUB on April 1 continues to bring the best boxing to Los Angeles as Fairfield, Calif.’s Manuel “Tino” Avila (20-0, 8 KOs)took on Nicaraguan warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (23-7, 16 KOs) in an exciting 10-round featherweight bout from the Downtown Belasco Theater broadcast live on Boxeo Estellar on Estrella TV. The nearly sold out event saw the likes of an exciting group of special guests including NBA superstar and Los Angeles Laker’s player Metta World Peace and Golden Boy stable mates Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Chirstian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass, Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas, Nick Arce, Rafael Gramajo, Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete and Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro.

Avila was put to the test in facing the seasoned Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado in the featherweight division for the first time in his career. Avila initiated the action in the first few rounds as he aggressively came at Alvarado delivering quick combinations. However, by the fifth round, Avila changed tactics and began to box Alvarado, was able to keep his distance and land effective counter-punching. The active bout went all 10-rounds with scores of 97-93, 100-90 and 97-93 to give Avila the victory via unanimous decision.

“I felt that the fight went in different stages in which he would win or I would win,” said Manuel Avila of his victory. “I know I needed to work on my inside game and stick to the game plan. I’m excited to get back in the gym and hopefully 2016 will bring more action inside the ring for me.”

“I felt that this decision was fair,” said Rene Alvarado. “We are obviously in his house, but I felt that throughout the fight it was a very close match. I’m excited to go back to Nicaragua, and work on my technique. Hopefully, if given the opportunity I will come back and fight in Los Angeles.”

Mexican warrior Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (25-3, 21 KOs) of Mexico City returned to make his second showing at LA FIGHT CLUB in an eight-round super lightweight bout against Luis “El Vampiro” Arceo (28-14-4, 19 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico. The televised co-main event to Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado, was a complete bloodbath as both fighters fought with tenacity and tenor, making it the fight of the night as the crowds cheered on their favorite fighters. However that lasted until the fifth round in which Gonzalez began to break down Arceo with his impactful punches. By the sixth round, “El Flaco” landed subsequent body bunches, sending Arceo to the mat, and handing him a sixth round Technical Knock-Out.

“I knew I was of him the entire fight, however there were moments in which I felt like he had me,” said ahead Gilberto Gonzalez. “It’s my first fight of the year and I feel some ring rust, so my timing off at times. Fortunately, I was able to break free in those moments and was able to land the punches that gave me the victory. I am looking forward to this year and hopefully a world title will be in my midst soon.”

Opening the televised broadcast on Estrella TV, Columbian transplant Oscar Torres (8-1, 4 KOs), who is now fighting out of Los Angeles, faced on Marquis “Marvelous” Taylor (4-1) of Houston in a six-round welterweight fight. The even match-up proved to push each fighter to their limit, as they each exchanged powerful blows throughout the six rounds. Taylor performed for the crowd with his fancy footwork and landing punches while Torres fought back with unwavering power. After six-rounds of intense action, the judges scored the fight 58-56, 59-55, and 59-55 in favor of Marquis Taylor awarding him a victory by split decision.

“Honestly, this is one of my biggest wins. I am so thankful, and only God could have made this happen. After my loss in Vegas, I was willing to take any fight offered to me, knowing that even meant going into enemy territory. Torres was a tough fighter, and we fought to the nail. I hope that with this win, I will have more opportunities to come to LA and show the West Coast what I have to offer, and give them a performance to remember, even my little dances in the ring.”

Fighting on the non-televised undercard but streaming live on Ring TV, newly signed Golden Boy Promotions fighter, Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (6-0, 4 KOs) of South Central Los Angeles made an impression with a first-round knockout victory over Javier Rodriguez (3-2, 2 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico.

“I am glad I was able to get in the ring and do what I came here to do, secure another victory,” said Edgar Valerio. “I am a hungry fighter who has high energy that translates well into the ring. My goal is to become a world champion and I am on my way.”

Also part of the live stream, Whittier, Calif. prospect Pablo “The Shark” Rubio Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs), who is represented by Los Angeles Laker’s player, Meta World Peace, took on Juan Carlos Benavides (5-8-1, 2 KOs) of Ciudad Obregon, Mexico in a scheduled four-round super bantamweight match-up. The match proved to be a bloody one, as the exciting brawl had both fighters launch their series of combinations neither relenting to the other. By the last round, both fighters were looking to finish each other off; however, “The Shark” was at an advantage as his body punches began to physically hurt Benavides. Judges scored the fight 39-37, 39-37 and 40-36 awarding Rubio a victory via split decision.

“Benavides was a tough guy, but I always train harder for these kinds of fights,” said Pablo Rubio. “I need to step in and make sure to use my distance and be braver to land them. I am excited to be partners with Meta World Peace and we are looking forward to growing together in the business of boxing.”

The second bout of the night featured Joshua “The Professor” Franco (5-0, 3 KOs) of San Antonio colliding with Riverside, Calif. native Jorge Perez (2-2, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-round bantamweight fight. Franco sent Perez to the mat early in the first round and continued to apply pressure as he secured a knockout victory in the second round via right hand uppercut.

“I think I’ve been able to retain my undefeated status because I’ve been sparring with amazing world champions,” said Joshua Franco. “I feel that the opportunity to receive a lot of their attention and skill has allowed me up to be an even better fighter and I’m looking forward to be built up even more.”

Opening up the night and Ring TV live stream, Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava (1-0) of Los Angeles, the latest prospect to emerge from the venerable Westside Boxing Club team, made his professional debut in a four-round super featherweight event against Antonio Martinez (3-7, 3 KOs) of Durango, Mexico. Pleasing a rowdy crowd Nava applied pressure early on to Martinez, but Martinez fought back and quickly the fight fans were treated to a class brawl between two Mexica fighters that lasted all four rounds. The judges scored the fight, 40-36, 40-36, and 39-37 to give Nava his first professional victory via unanimous decision.

“I am so glad I started my professional debut with a victory by unanimous decision,” said Tenochtitlan Nava. “I know that being surrounded by great sparing partners like Nick Arce and Rafael Gramajo have helped me get stronger and prepare for this debut. I am ready for my future career in boxing and to the next fight this year.”

LA FIGHT CLUB: Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvaradowas presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors opened at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout began at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will aired live on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will streamed live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will began at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

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

Adrien Broner stopped Ashely Theophane in round nine of their scheduled 12-round Super Lightweight bout at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

Broner was in control of the bout as he landed some hard shots and had Theophane in trouble several times. Each time Theophane was able to dodge serious damage until round nine, Broner landed a body shot (replays showed the punch was low) that sent Theophane across the ring. Brone stalked and landed two more power punches and then referee stopped the bout at 1:10 of round two.

Broner, 140.4 lbs of Cincinnati, OH lost his title on the scales at Thursday’s weigh in. Broner was wanted on charges back home in Cincinnati for an alleged assault that took place in January. Broner is now 32-2 with 24 knockouts. Theophane, 140 lbs of London, England is now 39-7-1.

After the bout, Broner called out Floyd Mayweather for a potential fight.

“When people fight me, they come with their ‘A’ game, and he came with his ‘A’ game. But even his ‘A’ game wasn’t enough tonight.

“As you know, I’ve been going through a lot and for me to come in here and bottle everything up and do what I did, I want to give myself a pat on the back.”

Theophane was disappointed and didn’t agree with the stoppage.

“I thought the stoppage was premature because I thought I was in the fight. Me and Broner were going at it. It looked like he was starting to get tired because he started to move around and wasn’t able to stay there with me as much.

“I thought the fight was back and forth and I think the next four rounds would have been the same. No way should the fight have gotten stopped. It’s a shame the referee did that. I was telling the referee, ‘I’m okay, I’m okay.’ Then he waived it off. I don’t know what he was thinking.”

Broner and Mayweather, who promotes Theophane, have been engaged in a war of words throughout the promotion. Broner challenged the 11-time world champion immediately following his victory.

“I’m a man, but at the end of the day, somebody that I look up to, someone that I admire took the chance to do an interview and talk bad about me. I’m a man – Floyd has got to see me.

“I come from nothing. I’m talking about water and Cornflakes. And I would never let a man disrespect me like that. So you gotta see me. I don’t care if we’re sparring or if we’re fighting, let’s get it on.

Mayweather did not address the comments.

Robert Easter remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former world champion Algenis Mendez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight fight.

In round five, Easter landed a booming right that sent Mendez to the canvas. Mendez got up but was wobbling and his eyes were glazed and the bout was stopped at 2:43.

Easter, 133 lbs of Toledo, OH is 17-0 with 14 knockouts. Mendez, 134.2 lbs of San Juan, DR is 23-4-1.

“My performance was okay. I could have done better, but I’m happy. I got touched more than I expected. Once I settled down, I knew I was going to catch him. I had to stay patient.

“Two boxers makes for a boring fight. I wanted to go in there and brawl, but be smart. I knew when I stepped on the gas I would put him to bed and that’s what I did. He was definitely the toughest opponent I have faced in a shorter fight. He is a former champ and he came in ready.

“This was a huge opportunity for me and I’m just happy I got the knockout. For what it’s worth, I feel good…at least physically I do. I’m pretty disappointed because of the way things turned out, but boxing is a difficult sport.

“I don’t have any excuses. I’m glad that I feel fine physically, that’s the most important thing right now. Robert Easter is a good fighter, he did really well and I wish him the best in his career.”

Gervonta Davis remained perfect by stopping Guillermo Avila in round six of their scheduled of their ten round Super Featherweight bout.

In round three, Davis landed a blistering right hook that opened up a big cut under the left eye of Avila. At the end of round five, Davis dropped Avila with a right hook.

In round six, Davis opened up with heavy power shots that were highlighted by flush uppercuts that rocked Avila to the ropes and referee Michelle Myers stopped the bout at 29 seconds.

Davis, 131.2 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 15-0 with 14 knockouts. Avila, 130.6 lbs of Jamay, MEX is 15-6.

“I knew he was a strong opponent. He kept bouncing back and I actually thought he was going to get up at the end too. He is very experienced and I thank him for taking the fight. He brought out the best in me.

“There is always room to get better and better, but this is another step toward my dream. I’m happy with my performance and it is even more special to have done it where I made my pro debut, so close to home.

“I’m happy I could get this victory for my team, Floyd Mayweather and everyone that supports me.”

“We prepared really well and think we did well,” said Avila “The cut came from a head-butt which complicated the situation for me as it didn’t let me see properly from that point forward. But it is what it is -he won. He’s good, and he hits hard.

“I appreciate everyone who was supporting me and my team. This is not the end of my career. I’m young and this is the type of sport where you just have to bounce back. We’re going to move on with our head up. There’s no other choice.”

New York, April 1-Promoter Joe DeGuardia is no April fool; quite the opposite. The month will be a buzz saw for the president and founder of Star Boxing, beginning with his induction into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday, April 3.

The special honor will be followed by what has become protocol for the Bronx-born promoter, when a trio of his top boxers – Chris Algieri, Joe Smith, Jr., and Zac Dunn – all will showcase their considerable skills in April main events. The headliners will take place on three consecutive Saturday nights.

On Saturday night, April 16, the former champion and Pride of Huntington Chris Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) returns to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, squaring off against the undefeated Olympian Errol Spence, Jr., (19-0, 16 KOs) in the Premier Boxing Champions headliner. Algieri, the former WBO World super lightweight titlist, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Erik Bone on December 5 at Barclays.

The following Saturday night, April 23, the 23rd rendition of DeGuardia’s extremely popular Rockin’ Fights series is back at The Paramount in Huntington with the “Irish Bomber” Joe Smith, Jr. (20-1, 16 KOs) in the main event. Like Algieri, Smith was a big winner at Barclays on December 5, notching a 10-round unanimous decision over Will Rosinsky in a light heavyweight tilt.

Undefeated Australian sensation Zac Dunn (20-0, 16 KOs) puts his unblemished record and WBC International Silver Super Middleweight title on the line on his home turf at The Melbourne Pavilion against Aliaksandr Sushchyts (20-3-1, 16 KOs) on April 30.

And back to this Sunday, when the Bronx-born former Golden Gloves champion will be among the 18-member “Class of 2016” enshrined in the NYSBHOF sponsored by Ring 8 at the Fifth Annual induction dinner at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach, New York, joining the likes of Aaron “Superman” Davis, Charles “The Natural” Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, and posthumous inductees Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, and Howard Cosell.

DeGuardia’s Star Boxing stable, along with the aforementioned threesome, also includes: former champion Demetrius Andrade, and ring standouts Cletus Seldin, Joshua Clottey, and Yuniesky Gonzalez.

Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), and include a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the evening. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Visit www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

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

Philadelphia, PA (April 1, 2016)–On Friday night, May 6th, a terrific night of boxing returns the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia as King’s Promotions presents a nine-bout card.

In the main event, rising super middleweight Christopher Brooker takes on Antowyan Aikens in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

Brooker of Philadelphia has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts.

The 23 year-old Brooker has turned a lot of heads in the boxing industry after winning two consecutive high-profile, nationally televised bouts against previously undefeated prospects.

On December 29, 2015, Brooker won over Leo Hall (8-0) on FS1 and followed that up with a eight-round majority decision over John Magda (11-0) on ShoBox on February 19th in Atlantic City.

Aikens of Atlantic City has a record of 10-1-1 with one knockout.

The 26 year-old won his first ten bouts which included a win over previously undefeated Sherman Artis.

Aikens will be looking to get back in the win column after being stopped by Lanell Bellows on February 16th in Las Vegas.

In an eight-round co-feature, former world welterweight champion Kermit Cintron returns against Eduardo Flores in a junior middleweight bout.

Cintron of Reading, PA has a record of 35-5-2 with 28 knockouts.

Cintron won his first twenty-four bout and established himself as one of the most feared welterweight’s in the world.

Of those twenty-four wins were stoppages over Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackilop (14-1), Elio Ortiz (25-6) and Teddy Reid (22-5-1).

After coming up short against WBO world champion Antonio Margarito, Cintron stopped David Estrada (18-2), which set up a title opportunity against Mark Suarez.

On October 28, 2006, Cintron stopped Suarez in five founds ton win the title in Palm Beach, Florida.

Cintron made two defenses of his crown with stoppages over Walter Matthysse (26-1) and Jesse Feliciano, before losing to Margarito for a second time.

Since then, Cintron has posted many quality wins over the likes of Lovemore N’dou (46-10-1), Juliano Ramos (15-2), Antwone Smith (20-2-1), Jonathan Batista (14-1) and his last bout, which took place on March 15, 2014,when won a ten round unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz (20-2).

Flores of Quito, Ecaudor has a record of 23-20-3 with 15 knockouts.

The 29 year-old Flores is a ten year professional who has fought for regional titles on five occasions.

He has shared the ring with Diego Chaves, Wale Omotoso, Brad Solomon, Alex Saucdo, Junior Castillo and his last bout when he dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to Khiary Gray Pitts on February 19th.

In eight-round super lightweight bout, undefeated David Gonzales (7-0-2, 2 KO’s) takes on Sammy Quinones (9-4, 4 KO’s)

In a six-round super welterweight bout, Erik Spring (6-1,1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Justin Johnson (6-11-4) of Pittsburgh, PA.

In four-round bouts:

Scott Kelleher (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Robert Ramos (1-4, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a super lightweight fight.

Tyrone Crawley Jr. (4-0) of Philadelphia will square off with Korey Sloane (2-8-2) of Philadelphia in lightweight bout.

Amir Shabazz (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Tahlik Taylor (1-3) of Freeport, NY in a light heavyweight affair.

Tyrell Colston (0-1) of Philadelphia battles Derek Ntifo (0-2) of Atlanta, GA in a light heavyweight bout.

Aaron Brooks of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Ryan Bivins (0-1-1) of Philadelphia in super middleweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $100 for Ringside, $75 for Premium, $50 for Reserved and $35 for Standing room and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE

Callum Smith says he is prepared to dig deep and guts out a win if he needs to when he meets European champion Hadillah Mohoumadi in a final eliminator for the WBC World Super-Middleweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on tomorrow night (April 2), live on Sky Sports.

Smith has raced to being one-step away from a World title shot at just 25 years of age, with 13 of his 18 wins coming inside the distance, and the unbeaten Liverpool star dominated the 12-round fights with Christopher Rebrasse and Nikola Sjekloca.

‘Mundo’ says that his ability has stopped him from having to dig deep to get his victories so far, but he’s more than happy to bite down on his gumshield if it means he lands a World title shot.

“Looking at his style I think he will try to put it on me and it is my job to stop him from doing that,” said Smith, who came in heavier than the Frenchman, 11st 13lbs 8oz for Smith to Mohoumadi’s 11st 10lbs 7oz. “If he does do that I’m always confident I can deal with it and fight on the inside and dig in when I have to.

“I haven’t really had to show that yet which I think is credit to myself, but if it is a tough night then I think I can stand and tough it out and I will win whatever way possible. But hopefully it will be a lot easier than people are expecting.

“Joe Gallagher has watched a lot more of him then I have. I have watch bits of his fights of him and I have seen his fights against James DeGale and Nikola Sjekloca. I think he is improved a lot over recent years since those fights; he has changed trainer, changed promoter and is on a good run of form.

“I have to expect the best possible version of him and I think even though he lost to DeGale he gave James a tough night and he made him work for three minutes of every round. He looks heavy handed so I can’t afford to underestimate him and I will expect a tough night and I have trained that way.”

Smith’s clash with Mohoumadi is part of a huge night of action as Rocky Fielding aims to bounce back from his loss to Smith with a tough fight against Rebrasse.

There’s a pair of tasty rematches on the bill as Scotty Cardle and Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd clash again for Cardle’s British Lightweight title, while Luke Keeler looks for revenge against Tom Doran with the WBC International Middleweight title up for grabs.

Two-time World Super-Middleweight title challenger Paul Smith begins his hunt for a third title tilt, there’s action for unbeaten quartet Tom Farrell, Reece Bellotti, Ryan Mulcahy and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Scott Fitzgerald while Gerard Carroll makes his professional debut.

Tickets go on sale now for April 2 from the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0844 8000 400 – with priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100. VIP tickets priced at £200 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com and on 01277 359900.

Tickets for April 2 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

BoxNation have secured the exclusive UK live TV rights for the biggest fight of the year between boxing superstars Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan on Saturday 7th May at the new state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In a stunning acquisition, The Channel of Champions will screen the sensational showdown that pits Canelo Alvarez, the WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, against British superstar and former two-time world champion Amir Khan in an explosive blockbuster battle.

BoxNation, who in the first four months of this year will have shown five of the ten best pound-for-pound fighters in the world in Sergey Kovalev, Andre Ward, Terence Crawford and Gennady Golovkin exclusively live, delivers to its subscribers and British fight fans the mega-fight of the year.

The scene is set for the fistic extravaganza at the brand new, state-of-the-art, 20,000 seat arena on the famous Cinco De Mayo, Mexican holiday, weekend with thousands of fans descending into the big fight city.

Mexican great Canelo, the former unified WBC and WBA World Super-Welterweight Champion, has captivated fans around the world with his all-action brand of fighting and desire to face the toughest challenges.

With an outstanding record of 46 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw and 32 KO’s, his sole loss came against then pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather Jr. on points, but has since gone on to lay claim to be boxing’s biggest draw and one of the best and most recognized fighters in the sport.

Canelo makes the first defense of his WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championship crown – that he won against Puerto Rican rival Miguel Cotto last November – at the catchweight of 155lbs, but now must match his power and ferocious combination punching against Khan’s lightning fast and power-packed fists.

For British ace Khan, 31 wins, 3 losses and 19 KO’s, he faces the biggest challenge of his life when he steps up in weight to take on Canelo in a truly career defining fight.

The Bolton fighter has faced insurmountable odds in the past when as a 17-year-old at the 2004 Athens Olympics he mesmerised the nation as he battled his way to a silver medal.

As a professional he’s marked himself out as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport with his electrifying performances. Khan’s won his last five fights in a row following a loss to unified super lightweight world champion Danny Garcia, including exciting wins over former world champion Luis Collazo, former three-time world champion Devon Alexander and heads into the May 7 mega-fight with a victory over former world champion Chris Algieri last time out in May 2015.

“I’m delighted and proud that the biggest fight of the year between Khan and Canelo will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on BoxNation,” said Frank Warren, Chairman of BoxNation. “We’ve had a tremendous year so far with five out of the top ten world’s best fighters all showcasing their talents on the Channel Of Champions and now the fantastic addition of Canelo vs. Khan. The fight has caught the imagination of the public because Khan is taking a huge risk by moving up a couple of weight divisions to face one of the most fearsome fighters in the world in Canelo. It’s a fascinating clash that has got the public, trade and media all split. Can Amir overcome the odds and use his fast feet and hands to overcome the raw aggression and power of Canelo? UK fight fans will be able to find out only on BoxNation.”

“BoxNation is a great broadcast partner to carry the Canelo-Khan mega fight in the UK,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Canelo-Khan is an international fight, with Mexico’s biggest star fighter facing Britain’s biggest star fighter, so I am pleased British audiences will have the opportunity to catch the action on BoxNation.”

“Amir Khan and I are two warriors and I am very pleased that such an important network like BOX Nation will be broadcasting our fight in the UK,” said Canelo Alvarez. “This demonstrates the tremendous interest that exists in this mega-fight on May 7, and will remind everyone that the fans are the ones who will be victorious because we will deliver an exciting fight.”

“The fight against Canelo is the biggest challenge of my career and having the support of my fans back home, watching live on BoxNation, is going to help inspire me to victory,” said Amir Khan. “This fight is going to have it all – speed, power, skill – and I’m going to give everything to make sure that it’s my hand that is raised come the end of the night. It’s not going to be easy but I’m going to do British boxing proud.”

– Ends –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.

About Canelo vs. Khan

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold,” O’Reilly Auto Parts, Casa Mexico Tequila and DOOM® — Fight Like Hell on May 13. David Lemieux vs. Glen Tapia is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Eye of the Tiger Management and Patrick Teixeira vs. Curtis Stevens is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Main Events. The mega-event will take place Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed in the U.S. live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets priced at $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600, $400, $250 and $150, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person (a limit of 10 per person at the $1,500, $1,000, $800, $600 and $400 price levels and a limit of two [2] per person at the $250 and $150 price level) are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing, join us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @canelo, @amirkingkhan, @OscarDeLaHoya and @HBOboxing, and follow the conversation using #CaneloKhan.

KRAKOW, POLAND (April 1, 2016) – The official weigh in for tomorrow’s “The Final Call” pay-per-view event was held today and all of the fighters made weight (see below).

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the card in North America for live viewing on cable, satellite and Internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH Network, and Vubiquity in the United States, as well as Rogers TV, Bell TV, Shaw PPV and SaskTel in Canada, for a suggested retail price of only $29.95. Please contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. In addition, the fight is available in North America for purchase on-line at www.GFL.tv and www.Eversport.TV (Polish commentary only), and via the FITE.TV app (or go to http://www.fite.tv/v/adamekvsmolina for more information) for both Android and iOS.

Four bouts are scheduled to air tomorrow, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT, live from Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland. Two other fights may be shown, time permitting.

“The Final Call” is promoted in Poland by Polsat, as part of the Polsat Boxing Night series, in addition to Main Events and Don King Productions.

Main Event — Vacant IBF Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship (12)
TOMASZ ADAMEK (50-4, 30 KOs), Jersey City, New Jersey, USA 223.5 lbs.
vs.
ERIC MOLINA (24-3, 18 KOs), Raymondville, Texas, USA 231.7 lbs.

Co-Feature — Cruiserweights (10)
MICHAL CIESLAK (11-0, 7 KOs), Radom, Poland 199.5 lbs.
vs.
FRANCISCO PALACIOS (23-3, 14 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico 198.4 lbs.

Heavyweights (10)
ANDRZEJ WAWRZYK (31-1, 17 KOs), Krakow, Poland 236.7 lbs.
vs.
MARCIN REKOWSKI (17-2, 14 KOs), Kaliska Koscierskie, Poland 227.7 lbs.

Cruiserweights (10)
MATEUSZ MASTERNAK (36-4, 26 KOs), Wroclaw, Poland 199 lbs.
vs.
ERIC FIELDS (24-3, 16 KOs), Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA 198.4 lbs.

Welterweights (10)
RAFAEL JACKIEWICZ (48-14-2, 22 KOs), Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland 146.8 lbs.
vs.
MICHAL SYROWATKA (13-1, 4 KOs), Elk, Poland 146.6 lbs.

Female European Boxing Union Lightweight Championship (8)
EWA BRODNICKA (10-0. 2 KOs), Champion, Warsaw, Poland 134.7 lbs.
vs.
ANITA TORTI (9-5, 3 KOs), Challenger, Milan, Italy 134 lbs.

New Delhi, 1 April 2016: India’s boxing sensation Vijender Singh and Neerav Tomar, MD IOS Boxing Promotions today met Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Arvind Kejriwal at Delhi Secretariat. During this meeting Vijender invited Mr. Kejriwal for his title fight scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 11th June 2016.

After meeting Vijender Singh said “It was an honour for me to meet Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and I personally invited him to my title fight scheduled to be held in the capital on 11th June. We discussed the scope of professional boxing in India and he assured me of his help and support for which I am very grateful. I look forward for Mr. Kejriwal to come and watch me live in the Capital on 11 June. I am happy to know that Mr. Kejriwal is following my professional fights”.

Vijender’s next fight is scheduled for Copper Box Arena in London on 30th April 2016 and the boxer will leave for Manchester to resume his further training early next week. Vijender, who took his record to 4-0 in Liverpool last month will now fight in an eight-round contest against an opponent to be announced next week.

WBA World Bantamweight king Jamie McDonnell will face ‘The Monster’ Juan Alberto Rosas at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

McDonnell boxes back in Britain for the first time since his pair of brilliant wins over Tomoki Kameda in Texas in 2015, and his first action in the UK since tackling Javier Chacon in Liverpool back in November 2014.

Rosas will present a tough examination for the Doncaster man though, with the Mexican former IBF Super-Flyweight champion holding wins over Zolani Tete and Alejandro Gonzalez.

McDonnell first met Kameda in May in Hidalgo, climbing off the canvas in the third round to defeat the former IBF champion and then repeated the dose in Corpus Christi four months later, this time flooring the Japanese star in the final round to put an exclamation point on the rematch.

McDonnell, who turned 30 on Wednesday, says he cannot wait to be back in action on UK soil following his US adventure but knows that Rosas can derail his plans to land a unification bout later in the year.

“I cannot tell you how good it feels to be back fighting in the UK,” said McDonnell. “It has been a long-time coming. Training has been perfect, I am feeling a million dollars and I am looking forward to putting on a great performance and showing everyone what I am about.

“I have had a full-camp, I have been in the gym for 20 weeks and I have known for the last eight weeks that I would be on this show, so we have been training towards April 9 for a while.

“Rosas has won World titles before, he beat Tete in a World title eliminator who is a top fighter and Gonzalez, who gave Carl Frampton a great World title fight, so he has mixed it with the best and is very experienced.

“He will bring a lot to the table. He is only 31 so he will still be hungry and he will want it. I hope we can put on a great fight and I am 100 per cent confident that I can beat him.

“I am really looking forward to it. I watched Froch vs. Kessler at The O2 and I cannot wait to box there myself. It’s a huge night and I am ready to show everyone what I am about and I cannot wait for it.

“If I win next Saturday there have been talks of the Juan Carlos Payano fight for the Super title, there is also the Lee Haskins fight out there, I wouldn’t mind fighting Shinsuke Yamanaka as it is me or him who is the best in the division and that would be for the green belt, so there are some big fights there at Bantamweight, but I have to get next Saturday out of the way fights. I don’t like to jinx myself and all I am thinking about is April 9.”

McDonnell’s clash with Rosas is part of a huge night of action in Greenwich, topped by Joshua’s World title clash with Martin. Lee Selby defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Eric Hunter, while there’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, three-time World Super-Middleweight title challenger George Groves meets unbeaten Scotsman David Brophy, Ohara Davies faces Andy Keates for the vacant English Lightweight title and Nigel Benn’s son Conor makes his professional debut.

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2016) – Following last week’s historic passage of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) legislation by the New York State Assembly, World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) today re-enforced its commitment to bringing its prestigious brand of league competition to the Empire State with an announcement that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the New York City-based MMA World Expo, and that, pending New York State Athletic Commission approval, it plans to stage a series of bouts at the seventh annual affair at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center in December.

“This is a very exciting and momentous time for our great sport, so we could not be more thrilled to take significant steps towards becoming owners of the MMA World Expo, which has been consistently delivering an incredible fan experience for the last six years and which will make for a great home for live World Series of Fighting action at a landmark location in Manhattan,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva.

The announcement comes three months after World Series of Fighting opened the doors to a satellite office in midtown Manhattan.

Two weeks ago, the company announced the appointment of Michael Mersch to the dual role of Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel. While serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Mersch was one of the key figures involved in the effort to legalize MMA in New York State.

Since launching in 2009, The MMA World Expo has hosted dozens of MMA celebrity guests, including Randy “The Natural” Couture, Anderson Silva, Matt Hughes, Fabricio Werdum and Matt Serra.

The annual convention is also the site of an array of martial arts seminars instructed by legendary trainers, as well as competitions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and catch wrestling, and brings together industry pioneers, vendors, athletes, trainers and fans.

World Series of Fighting will announce additional details about its MMA World Expo acquisition plans, including its intent to promote live bouts at the event this year.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN on Saturday, April 2 at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT with WSOF30: Branch vs. Starks that will be headlined by a middleweight (185 pounds) championship showdown between defending kingpin David Branch (17-3) and top contender Clifford Starks (13-2).

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters 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.