TOKYO – March 24, 2016– RIZIN FF, the combat sports promotion led by former PRIDE FC head Nobuyuki Sakakibara, announced during a press conference today, that it has inked five new, star-studded Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bouts for its much-anticipated mega-event in Nagoya, Japan on Sunday, April 17, including a lightweight (155 pounds) contest between newly signed striking sensation Daron Cruickshank (16-8, 1 NC) and submission expert Shinji “Torao Supernova” Sasaki (16-8-3), as well as a heavyweight matchup between fellow knockout artists Chris “Huggy Bear” Barnett (14-2) and Kirill Sidelnikov (8-4)

In women’s open weight action, 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).

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.

Daron Cruickshank vs. Shinji Sasaki

Cruickshank of Wayne, Mich. will set foot in the RIZIN FF ring for the first time, following a 4-year, 13-fight stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) that included wins over rival stars Yves Edwards, Erik Koch and Anthony Njokuani.

A two-time NCAA Division III wrestling national qualifier for Olivet College and a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, the 5-foot-8, 30-year-old Cruickshank has gained admiration from fans worldwide with his set of explosive striking skills.

Sasaki of Hiroshima, Japan is a former Shooto Pacific Rim champion in the midst of a three-fight win streak. In his last start on March 12, the 5-foot-9, 35-year-old who has earned 10 of his 16 career wins by way of submission, scored a thunderous, 40-second TKO on Won Sik Park with a storm of punches.

(Above: Chris “Huggy Bear” Barnett, clad in his signature, full-body bear suit, stands behind MMA legends Fedor Emelianenko (left) and Wanderlei Silva (right) at a press conference in Japan before Barnett’s first round TKO victory over Shinichi Suzukawa on New Year’s Eve 2014)

Chris Barnett vs. Kirill Sidelnikov

With heavy hands, incredible agility for his massive physique and an eccentric personality that spawned his “Huggy Bear” moniker, Barnett of Tampa, Fla., has been making noise in the MMA world of late.

The 5-foot-9, 29-year-old who makes his ring entrances wearing a full-body bear suit and celebrates his victories by performing breakdance moves and cartwheels in the ring, has earned 12 of his 14 career wins to date by way of (T)KO. In his last start, he scored a first round TKO (punches) on Shinichi Suzukawa, in Tokyo on December 31

Sidelnikov of Stary Oskol, Russia is a 5-foot-11, 27-year-old former protégé of all-time MMA great Fedor Emelianenko. On December 29, he made his return to the ring after a five-year hiatus, scoring a devastating, first round (2:23) TKO (punches) on Carlos Toyota at the inaugural RIZIN FF event in Saitama, Japan.

Gabi Garcia vs. Anna Malyukova

A six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion and ninth degree black belt, the 6-foot-2, 30-year-old Garcia of Los Angeles, Calif. via Sao Paulo, Brazil will return to the RIZIN FF ring for the second time after scoring a first round (2:36) TKO (punches) on Lei’d Tapa on December 31.

Malyukova of Penza, Penza Oblast, Russia is a former collegiate basketball star turned Russian MMA Championship and World Cup of MMA winner. After amassing a near unblemished, amateur career record of 7-1, Malyukova made her professional debut on September 26, 2015, earning a unanimous decision over Tatiana Portova.

Teodoras Aukstuolis vs. Jaideep “Heart” Singh

The 6-foot, 24-year-old Aukstuolis of Ukmerge, Lithuania is a national Judo champion who has been dubbed the “Lithuanian Werewolf” by Japanese fans who witnessed the young fighter use his aggressive style to knock out (punch) Bruno Henrique Cappelozza in the first round (3:32) of the RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament’s quarterfinal stage of battle on December 29, 2015, before being ousted by eventual tournament champion “King Mo” Lawal in the semifinal round

All but one of Aukstuolis’ wins, thus far, have come by way of (T)KO or submission.

Singh of Punjab, India is a 6-foot-6, 28-year-old, former K-1 and RISE heavyweight kickboxing tournament champion who took his biggest risk to date when he stepped in the ring with Emelianenko in the main event of the RIZIN FF kick-off event on December 31, losing to the iconic Russian fighter by way of first round (3:02) TKO (punches).

Singh’s highest profile win to date came at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final event in Tokyo, Japan when he scored a first round (2:58) KO on Russian superstar Sergei Kharitonov with a right hook.

Vadim Nemkov vs. Karl “King” Albrektsson

Another protégé of Emelianenko and the younger brother of M-1 Global light heavyweight kingpin Viktor Nemkov, the 23-year-old Vadim of Stary Oskol is a three-time national and 2014 world combat Sambo champion.

Nemkov reached the semifinal stage of the RIZIN FF Grand Prix tournament on December 29, finishing Goran Reljic by way of first round (2:58) TKO (punches) before being ousted from the eight-man playoff by Jiri Prochazka.

The 6-foot-2, 22-year-old Abrektsson of Sweden will make his RIZIN FF promotional debut as one of the hottest emerging forces in Europe. With a fearless, straightforward style of offense, the Pancrase Gym team member has finished all four of his professional opponents inside of two rounds, via (T)KO or submission.

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

In the main event, former PRIDE FC middleweight champion and prolific superstar Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva (35-12-1, 1 NC) will team up with a fighter to be announced soon, in a special grappling “tag match,” and battle a duo consisting of fellow legend, Kazushi Sakuraba, (26-17-1, 2 NC) and Hideo Tokoro (33-28-2).

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).

Gary Sykes has warned Luke Campbell MBE that he’s not fighting to make up the numbers and will hand him a second pro defeat as they clash for the vacant Commonwealth Lightweight belt at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

The Dewsbury ace steps up to Lightweight having held the British and English titles at Super-Featherweight. A clash with Liam Walsh for his British belt and the vacant Commonwealth strap ended in defeat and showed Sykes that he needed to move up, and he wants to prove he can make an impact at 135lbs and he’s no stepping-stone for Campbell.

“I don’t like the gatekeeper tag,” said Sykes. “I don’t think it reflects me or reflects what I am. I have too much balls to be a gatekeeper. When I boxed Liam Walsh I was dead at the weight and in the first round he put me down and I went through 12 hard rounds after being put down in the first. I could have just stayed down but I put myself through hell.

“I am under no illusions that they see me as a gatekeeper, but that isn’t what they going to get out of me. I am not there to make the numbers up and they’ll get the best of me that is possible.

“I thrive of being the underdog though. There is no pressure on me but there is pressure on Luke because he lost his last fight and has been over in Miami. His legs might get a bit tired in that fight with all the pressure on his shoulders.

“I stayed down at Super-Featherweight for too long. Before I was British Super-Featherweight champion I had been in Prizefighter at Lightweight. I beat Tommy Coyle, I beat World champion Anthony Crolla, and I thought I was unlucky against World champion Terry Flanagan, and that was all when I was Super-Featherweight, and I was beating Lightweights. Now I’m going to be a fully-fledged Lightweight and I’m excited to see what it can bring.”

Sykes’ clash with Campbell is part of a huge night of action in the Steel City as Sheffield favourite Kell Brook defends his IBF World Welterweight title against Canada’s Kevin Bizier.

Sheffield Middleweight Adam Etches is back in action, Sheffield Heavyweight Dave Allen faces American Jason Gavern and Andy Townend meets Craig Poxton for the English Super-Featherweight title.

Tickets priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 are on sale now from the Sheffield Arena on 0114 2565656 and at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk. VIP tickets priced at £250 are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for March 26 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

LONDON (24 MARCH) British middleweight champion Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell has scoffed in the face of Chris Eubank Jr.’s claims he’s ‘bland’ and ‘boring’ and promised to take the fight to him when they meet on Saturday night (March 26) at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

Blackwell and Eubank Jr. have become entangled in a war of words since their highly-anticipated fight was announced and the champion from Trowbridge is keen to expose the challenger’s true colours this weekend.

“Boring? I think it’s boring watching Chris Eubank Jr. is beat up opponents who are basically punch bags time and time again,” says Blackwell. “You might as well go to your local boxing gym and watch someone hit the heavy bag for a few rounds.

“That’s all Eubank Jr. brought to the table until Billy Joe Saunders schooled him. How is that exciting? How can he claim to be entertaining? He’s only had one or two proper fights in his whole pro career. I’ve had more interesting spars than he’s had fights.

“I’ve no idea how he can say I’m boring. I might not be the most technical fighter in the world, but I turn up and fight. I stand toe-to-toe and give as good as I get. I don’t take a step back from anyone. He’ll be the one trying to escape and run away on Saturday night.”

Eubank Jr., of course, believes he will meet Blackwell punch for punch and that his power – and, specifically, his uppercut – will separate the champion from his title within the scheduled distance. It’s a forecast Blackwell is unable to take seriously.

“Let him think he’s the bigger puncher,” he says. “When he gets in there with me and is breathing out of his arse and getting hit flush by me, he’ll realise I hit a lot harder than my record might suggest. He won’t want to be taking it on the chin from me in ten-ounce gloves. No chance.

“I’ve been hit by some big punchers and I know I’m tough.

‘Spike’ O’Sullivan is a fairly big puncher but he doesn’t punch in combination very much and he’s not as fast as me. He still had Eubank Jr. going at one stage. He had him hurt. When Eubank Jr. takes some clean shots from me, we’ll see what happens.

“Look at who I have fought and look at who he has fought. I’ve fought proper fighters. He has fought people who were dragged off the streets and persuaded to put on a pair of gloves and fight him.

“Well, on Saturday night he’s facing a proper fighter again. The last time he did that he got his arse kicked by Billy Joe Saunders.”

*** Tickets for the British middleweight title blockbuster between Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell and Chris Eubank Jr. are priced at £35, £50, £75, £175, £200 and £250 for ringside and can be purchased online at ssearena.co.uk and axs.com or by phoning the SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office on 0844 815 0815 ***

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Victor Ortiz, Andre Berto, Jorge Lara & Fernando Montiel
Press Conference Quotes & Photos

PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 30
From StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Click HERE For Photos
Photo Credit: Arnold Turner/Premier Boxing Champions

LOS ANGELES (March XX, 2016) – Former welterweight world champions “Vicious” Victor Ortiz and Andre “The Beast” Berto,along with undefeated featherweight contender Jorge Lara and former world champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel, held a press conference in Los Angeles Wednesday to discuss their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on FOX & FOX Deportes showdowns taking place Saturday, April 30 from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

The tripleheader of primetime action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT also features an exciting light heavyweight showdown between Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Thomas “Top Dog” Williams Jr.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $209, $105, $53 and $27, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, and are on sale now and available for purchase online at AXS.com.

The fighters held court at the Conga Room at L.A. Live and spoke about their respective matchups. Ortiz and Berto will tangle in a highly anticipated rematch of their 2011 battle, won by Ortiz, while the rising Lara and former champion Montiel meet in a crossroads fight that could launch the winner into title contention in a stacked featherweight division.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

VICTOR ORTIZ

“This is definitely the next chapter of my boxing career and I want to take full advantage of it. I’m healthy and I’m young and I’m still able to pull the trigger.

“Everyone said I was a ‘tomato can’ who had no business being in the ring with Berto the first time. I had to go to Connecticut to get my belt and my respect.

“I’ve fought a lot of wars. I’ve been in battles. I broke my jaw and my wrist, that’s three years right there. But my will to fight led me back. The more boxing I watched, the more upset it made me. I don’t think the other welterweights are on my level.

“Berto blames me for his downward spiral. He thinks he has a chance this time. Always a good dream to have.

“I’m not going the distance this time. I’m going in 100 miles per hour, full throttle.

“2011 was one heck of a year. The repeat is coming on April 30 because I want another world championship. Berto is a tremendous warrior; I’ll give him that. I’ll be ready and I know he will be too.”

ANDRE BERTO

“I’m excited about this one. April 30 is going to be a tremendous night. I promise you that.

“The fight back in 2011, he got me. He did what he had to do to win. But this time I’m going in extremely focused and ready to take everything that I felt he took from me that night.

“I went to school. I failed the test and now I have the chance to ace it.

“He said it wouldn’t go the distance last time, but I still did and I wasn’t training to my full capabilities.

“My power and speed are still there. I’m glad this fight came about because it’s going to be a great night for the fans.

“I’m not about running my mouth and saying stuff just for the media. I’m going to back it up in the ring.

“I’ve got to show Victor some respect because he beat me the first time. I’m big on being respectful. I respect Victor and the history of Mexican fighters, they put their blood, sweat and tears in there.

“This is what he asked for. So I want to make sure he knows what he’s getting himself into. This isn’t the same situation as last time. So we’ll see it in the ring. Come out on April 30 and see me handle this business.”

JORGE LARA

“It’s an honor to be able to fight on a card like this. I’m really excited about entering the ring on April 30.

“I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight. Montiel is a very accomplished fighter and that’s why we’re preparing ourselves very diligently for this fight. We’re looking forward to the challenge that he presents.

“I have all the respect in the world for Fernando Montiel. He was a great world champion who is very established in his career. I must be at my best to get the victory.

“If I’m able to win the fight then I would like to fight the winner of Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares in that title fight. But first and foremost, I have to get this big victory.

“Don’t miss this fight. We’re going to give it our all and it’s going to be a tremendous matchup. I’m going to give it my all to be victorious.”

FERNANDO MONTIEL

“It’s an honor and pleasure to be a part of this amazing card. My fight with Lara is going to get the ring hot for the rest of the card.

“Lara is going to come prepared just like myself. He’s a great fighter. He’s undefeated and I know he’s going to bring his best.

“I know that Jorge Lara is a very good fighter, he’s aggressive. I know if I make a mistake it could be a long night for me.

“I know I have to rely on my experience to come out victorious. I expect both of us to battle. There could be some knockdowns. It’s going to be a fun fight for the fans.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and I hope everyone comes out because I’m planning on making this a terrific fight.”

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.TGBPromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ViciousOrtiz, @AndreBerto, @LaBombaBoxing, @TopDoggJr, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, 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.

READING, PA (March 23, 2016)–Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions is proud to announce the signing of junior middleweight Erik Spring to a promotional contract.

Spring of Reading, PA has a record of 6-1 with one knockout. The 31 year-old did not start boxing until the age of 30 after an amateur kickboxing career that saw him go 13-3-1.

“I feel this is a great opportunity,” said Spring. “This is a big step up for me as a I never had a promoter before. King’s Promotions is doing big things and this will keep me busy. I have not fought since September and I am eager to get back in the ring and get five fights in this year.”

Said King’s Promotions Marshall Kauffman, “I have seen Erik since he turned pro and I feel his best fighting is ahead of him. He has only been boxing for about a year and a half and he has natural fighting skills. We feel by keeping him active, he can turn into a real good fighter and that is our plan.”

Do you really think this is Pacquiao’s last fight? As a trainer, would you say Pacquiao has more quality fights in him? Is Pacquiao the best fighter you have ever trained? If not, who are the others?

“I personally don’t know if this will be Manny’s last fight but he is training like it’s going to be his last fight. Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and if this is going to be his swan song I know he wants to go out blazing with a spectacular performance. He’s pouring everything into this training. If the opportunity for a knockout presents itself during the fight, he’s going to go for it. He knows how to close the show and he wants this show closed with fireworks. He wants to finish the book on his boxing career with a spectacular ending.

“I do think Manny has more quality fights in him. His power, speed, work ethic are still superior to most others.

“Manny is the greatest fighter I have ever worked with. I have never seen another fighter accomplish so much. Forget the raw talent and drive to win, Manny was a great student who never rested on his laurels. He was a sponge who was always willing to learn new things. He challenged me to teach him new things. He made me a better trainer. For me, it’s been an experience unique to Manny. I wish I had a million fighters with as much drive and a willingness to learn new things.”

How much do you believe injuries suffered by Bradley in each of the first two fights against Pacquiao affected the result?

“To put it simply, Bradley’s injuries were a big factor in both fights because they were caused by Manny during each fight. Boxing is the hurt business and when you get hit by Manny the force of his punches produce more damage than just to the area where the punches land. They physically rip you from your core. Frankly, I’m not convinced Bradley has yet to fully recover from his fight with Ruslan Provdnikov. And that’s not a knock. That fight was pure hell. I give him a lot of credit for surviving that battle as I do for winning it and continuing on as he has. He’s a tremendous athlete and a gutsy fighter.”

How much of a concern is Pacquiao’s upcoming senate election in terms of being a distraction heading into this fight? How far can Pacquiao make it in politics in the Philippines?

“It has been no distraction at all. He is all business in the ring and the only thing we discuss is the fight with Bradley. If anything, he seems to be extra motivated to perform well in this fight. In boxing, Manny was an eight-division world champion. No one has ever done that. It’s like Joe DiMaggio’s record for hitting in 56 consecutive games. It will never be broken. In boxing, politics and life, Manny has shown us that anything is possible if you work hard and have faith. He has never been confined by limits.”

As a trainer, how important are the first two fights in terms of breaking down tape when Bradley now has a different trainer that is asking to do things differently, especially against Pacquiao?

“Breaking down tape from the previous two fights is very important because I don’t feel Bradley has changed that much. Sure, we will make some adjustments for the changes his new trainer implemented in the last fight, but as soon as Manny lands some meaningful punches, Bradley will revert back to his old style and that’s what we have to be prepared for. The log in the ocean is going to end up being a log in the buzz saw.”

HBO Sports presents LEGACY ON THE LINE: FROM BRADLEY TO PACQUIAO. Chronicling the lessons and controversies Bradley has endured in his high-profile rivalry with the boxing legend from the Philippines, the special debuts SATURDAY, MARCH 26 (midnight-12:30 a.m. ET/PT) and is narrated by Liev Schreiber.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley takes place Saturday, April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

Luke Campbell MBE says he will reap the rewards of his move to train in Miami as he bids to become Hull’s first ever Commonwealth champion when he meets Gary Sykes for the vacant Commonwealth Lightweight title at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Campbell teamed up with Cuban trainer Jorge Rubio following his loss to Yvan Mendy at The O2 in London in December, leaving his young family behind to train for months in the States as he looks to bounce back in style in the all-Yorkshire clash with Dewsbury’s Sykes.

The Olympic hero can become the first fighter from Hull to win a Commonwealth belt and the 28 year old says that his Miami move will help him make history.

“Jorge’s brought out a lot more skill, footwork and tactics – everything really,” said Campbell. “We get on well, he’s great with southpaws too.

“I’ve had a great camp and made a lot of changes. I’ve been coming out to Miami to see Jorge for the last year and a half but it has just been weeks here and there.

“This was the first real camp together and I’m really enjoying working with him and at that the same gym where my hero Muhammad Ali trained.

“It’s not like you are going to see a new me on Saturday, but you will see a lot more of what I’m capable of. I’m not even scratching the surface and I’ve got a lot more to come and Jorge is bringing it out of me

“You have to live the life and invest in yourself. Boxing is not a job, it’s a lifestyle, the way you prepare for each fight is vital. I don’t prepare for Joe Bloggs, I prepare like I am going to war.

“I’ve had my ups and downs over the last year but that’s life, you have to take everything that is thrown at you in your stride. There’s no-one more committed to boxing than me, I’m away from my family and sacrificing spending time with them to train in Miami for seven weeks in a new environment and with a new coach, I’m sparring different training partners.

“I’m a family man and I live a simple life. I train, fight and spend time with my kids and my wife, there’s nothing harder than being away from them.”

Campbell’s clash with Sykes is part of a huge night of action in the Steel City as Sheffield favourite Kell Brook defends his IBF World Welterweight title against Canada’s Kevin Bizier.

Sheffield Middleweight Adam Etches is back in action, Sheffield Heavyweight Dave Allen faces American Jason Gavern and Andy Townend meets Craig Poxton for the English Super-Featherweight title.

Tickets priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 are on sale now from the Sheffield Arena on 0114 2565656 and at www.sheffieldarena.co.uk. VIP tickets priced at £250 are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for March 26 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

KRAKOW, Poland (March 23, 2016) – A solid, entertaining undercard has been announced for “The Final Call,” featuring two-division world champion Tomasz “Goral” Adamek against former world title challenger Eric “Drummer Boy” Molina, airing live April 2 on pay-per-view in North America from Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland.

Adamek (50-4, 30 KOs), fighting out of Jersey City, NJ, and dangerous Texan foe Molina (24-3, 18 KOs) will battle in the 12-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental heavyweight title.

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the card in North America residents on pay-per-view for live viewing at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT 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 via the FITE.TV app for both Android and iOS. This event is presented in Poland by Polsat, as part of the Polsat Boxing Night series, as well as Main Events and Don King Productions.

“Not only will passionate Polish fight enthusiasts in North America have an opportunity to watch some of Poland’s top fighters, including arguably its all-time best in Adamek, but American and Canadian boxing fans, in general, will be able to watch a full card featuring competitive, highly entertaining fights,” Integrated Sports Media president Doug Jacobs said. “We’re excited to be able to bring this tremendous card to North America and believe viewers will enjoy an afternoon of memorable boxing action.”

The Apr. 2nd pay-per-view telecast will also include three 10-round bouts showcasing three other world title challengers. The co-feature event matches undefeated Polish cruiserweight prospect Michael Cieslak (11-0, 7 KOs) against two-time world title challenger Francisco “The Wizard” Palacios (23-3, 14 KOs). Palacios, who fights out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, went the complete distance twice in his pair of world title fights with WBC cruiserweight champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk.

A pair of Polish heavyweights square off in a scheduled 10-round match as Andrzej Wawrzyk (31-1, 17 KOs), whose lone loss as a professional was to world champion Alexander Povetkin in a 2013 world title fight, meets former Polish champion Marcin Rekowski (17-2, 14 KOs).

An additional world-class cruiserweight bout is on tap as former European titlist Mateusz “Master” Masternak (36-4, 26 KOs) takes on Oklahoma’s upset-minded Eric “Danger” Fields (24-3, 16 KOs). Masternak, another world contender from Poland, is ranked among the top 20 by all four major sanctioning bodies (WBA #10, IBF #14, WBO #15 and WBC #18). A former WBC Youth champion, Masternak captured the European cruiserweight title in 2012, and WBC International Silver championship a year later. In 2014, Masternak lost a 12-round split decision in an Interim WBA cruiserweight title fight, but last year he stopped Carlos Ailton Nascimento to capture the vacant WBA Inter-Continental crown.

Fields is a battle-tested veteran having defeated world champion Kelvin Davis and fought top contenders such as Ola Afolabi, Yunier Dorticos and Ilunga Makabu.

Two other fights may be shown, time permitting. Two-time European champion Rafal “Braveheart” Jackiewicz (48-14-2, 22 KOs) faces Polish welterweight Michal Syrowatka (13-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round rematch of their fight last December in which Jackiewicz, another Polish world title challenger, won by way of a fourth-round technical knockout. In a 10-round European female lightweight title fight, unbeaten defending champion Ewa Brodnicka (10-0, 2 KOs), of Poland, meets Italian champion Anota Torti (9-5, 3 KOs).

Ohara Davies will face Andy Keates for the vacant English Lightweight title at The O2 on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Davies boxes for a first title in the paid ranks, racing to 10-0 and adding an eighth stoppage win to his impressive resume in January at The Copper Box Arena in London.

‘Two Tanks’ will look to win the crown in style, aiming for a fifth straight win inside the distance on his fourth outing at the Greenwich venue, but Keates will be looking to land the belt in his second tilt at the title, having been edged out by Kevin Hooper in November.

“I’m delighted to finally get the chance to fight for a title as a pro,” said Davies. “It’s a big step for me from the six-rounders I’ve had so far – this is my first title fight and first fight over 10 rounds. I’ve had to tailor my training to be ensure I’m fit for the latter stages – if it lasts that long.

“Andy is a Southpaw so I’ve had to prepare for that. I’ve watched some of his fights on YouTube and his fight with Kevin Hooper was good – but I’m confident I can stop him in three rounds.

“My apprenticeship is over now and after this I’m ready to start challenging for British title and beyond.”

Davies’ clash with Keates is part of a huge night of boxing at The O2 as Anthony Joshua MBE challenges Charles Martin for the IBF World Heavyweight title.

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, plus more fights to be confirmed soon.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 23, 2016) – Lightweight contender Anthony Peterson (36-1, 24 KOs) looks to show off in his hometown when he battles Ghanaian Olympian Samuel Neequaye (22-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round bout on Friday, April 1 at the DC Armory in Washington, D.C.

The April 1 event features a Premier Boxing Champions on Spike tripleheaderwhich is headlined by four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner taking on British contender Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

Additional action inside the ring features 168-pound contender J’Leon Love (21-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout against Nigeria’s Michael Gbenga (17-24, 16 KOs).

Further undercard attractions will see a trio of D.C. natives enter the ring as 23-year-old middleweight prospect Demond Nicholson (16-1, 16 KOs) faces Ghana’s Joshua Okine (22-4, 15 KOs) in an eight-round bout, 20-year-old unbeaten welterweight Kareem Martin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout against Somner Martin (5-1, 3 KOs) and 21-year-old Patrick Harris (8-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round lightweight bout against Ghana’s Samuel Amoako (21-8, 15 KOs).

Rounding out the action is 24-year-old Shyngyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2 KOs) out of Kazakhstan but training out of Washington, D.C., who will face 23-year-old Georgia-native Riarus Dudley (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight showdown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, 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 brother of former world champion Lamont Peterson, the 31-year-old Peterson hopes to soon make a name for himself in a world title fight. Owner of wins over Daniel Attah, Dominic Salcido, Mike Oliver and Marcos Leonardo Jimenez, the Washington, D.C. product is looking to win his seventh consecutive fight when he enters the ring in his hometown. He takes on Neequaye out of Ghana who now trains in Maryland. He represented Ghana at the 2008 Olympics and most recently defeated Eugenio Lopez.

A once-beaten contender at 168-pounds, the 28-year-old Love bounced back from his lone defeat to dominate Scott Sigmon in March, Jason Escalera in June and Marcus Upshaw in September to get himself back in the world title mix. The Inkster, Michigan native owns wins over Marco Antonio Periban, Derrick Findley and Lajuan Simon on his way to contender status. He takes on the Nigerian-born Gbenga who defeated Marcus Vinicius de Oliveira in February.

# # #

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www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

OAKLAND, CA (March 23, 2015) – On Tuesday, March 22, Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) and number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) participated in a media workout at King’s Gym in Oakland, California in advance of their March 26 fight at Oracle Arena in Oakland. Ward and Barrera will meet in 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator bout televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. NABF Featherweight Champion Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) and top-rated featherweight contender Jayson “Star” Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs) were also in attendance during the workout ahead of their 10-round NABF Featherweight title fight which will open up the HBO telecast.

After shadowboxing in the ring and a few rounds on the punching bags, all four fighters participated in interviews with media members in attendance. Super Bowl Champion and Oakland native Marshawn Lynch, an avid Andre Ward supporter, made a special appearance during the workout in support of Ward.

Below is what the fighters had to say during the final media workout:

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

“I feel good and I am ready to go. I’m peaking at the right time. I’m just excited to get it on Saturday night.

“I used to drive by Oracle Arena on 880 as a kid on my way to King’s Gym and wonder if I could make it there one day and [trainer] Virgil [Hunter] used to say with confidence, ‘You’re going to headline there.’ As I got older, I used to go to some of the cards put on in the arena. I was still an amateur and I would just dream. Next thing you know, in 2009, I was in a sink or swim fight against Edison Miranda. If I won, there was probably a good chance that I would get a title shot and the rest is history. Here we are again, it’s my 7th time at Oracle and it’s still a blessing.

“It was the right time to move to light heavyweight. It was a combination of not having the right guys to fight or guys that didn’t want to fight me. I want to be great. These are the types of moves you have to make. I’m a student of the sport and when I study the sport, this is what greats have always done. They move up. The great ones find a way to get it done and I want to be in that conversation.

“Barrera is a big body. He’s confident. Seems to be a good puncher. We did not pick him because he’s a soft touch. We picked him because he was going to get me ready and show me what this weight class is all about. If you look at my career, there’s a place for tune-ups which I haven’t had a lot of. You want to fight the best and if you aren’t fighting the best, you want to fight the number one contender. That’s what we’re doing.

“I think I am evolving into an efficient fighter. I’m moving when I have to move. I think that’s the beauty of any athlete who doesn’t abuse his body and really takes his craft seriously. I’ve seen some articles claiming I missed my prime. It’s crazy to me. I feel that I am as good as I have ever been. I’ve been in a boxing gym without much of a break for the past 20 years. My brain thanked me for the last two years. My body thanked me. It might give me another two years in my career.

“I have to just be me. Who I am is enough. I don’t have to show up for Kovalev in the crowd on Saturday night. We just have to implement the game plan. I think that’s going to send the message it’s supposed to send and if it doesn’t, then he’ll [Kovalev] get the message when we fight.

“If I don’t win this fight, there’s nothing down the road. If I don’t win this fight, I don’t deserve to fight for the title. That’s the reality of my situation.

“Barrera has never fought a guy like me before, so they can talk a good game. They can dominate the headlines leading up to the fight. They can say all the slick stuff they want to say. We just want to dominate the headlines Sunday morning after the fight is over. That’s what I’m focused on.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender:

“I’m stronger than Ward. I have the Cuban background and I learned a lot of skills there. More than anything, the determination to overcome anything in front of me will help me defeat Ward on March 26.

“Once I am in the ring, it’s my house.

“Whatever Ward has, I will adjust to it and overcome it.

“I have two hands. He has two hands. I have a job to do on March 26.

“I know Ward and Kovalev are very highly respected and they create a lot of money and a lot of interest, but they don’t know what Sullivan Barrera is capable of doing. I will prove that on Saturday.

“I’m not really a guy that has to look for a knockout. My boxing skills speak for themselves. I am fighting Andre Ward and fighting here in Oakland, so I don’t think a decision will be rendered in my favor.

“To all the fans, especially the Cuban fans that have supported me please know that come Saturday, I am going to do everything I have to do to come out victorious.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR., NABF Featherweight Champion:

“I can’t expect what Jayson did to Ronny Rios during this fight. I’ve got to go in there, test him out and adjust when I am in the ring.

“If the opportunity presents itself where he’s hurt and I see that my punches are overwhelming him, then of course I’m going to get in there, be aggressive and make sure I take him out as early as possible.

“I know getting on the inside, cutting off the ring and taking it to the body right away will break him down. That’s going to make him not move as much and later on in rounds I can land vicious blows to the head. I’m going to take it to the body right away.

“Mentally I am 100% ready. This is a big stage in my career, so I’m mentally focused. I’m well prepared. I feel like this is the moment I have been waiting for my whole entire life. I feel like I’m ready for this and I can’t wait for March 26. I trained very hard for this fight and I’m well prepared for it.

“I really want to make a statement this fight. I want to show the world that Joseph Diaz could be the next big thing in boxing, so I trained very hard to put on a great fight for the fight fans, be very aggressive and make it a war in there. I hope that Jayson Velez is 110% ready because I want him to be at his best.

“If I win this fight and make a statement, I think I can move to contender status and hopefully get a world title shot by the end of this year. I want to fight tough opponents this year because I want to show the world who I am.

“I feel like a beast when I step into the ring and I can see it in sparring. Whenever I’m landing effective blows, I can tell that I am hurting my opponent.”

JAYSON VELEZ, Top-rated featherweight contender:

“At my level, every guy is a top contender. I have to train harder and improve my defense. I’ve been working on that.

“If you see my last three or four fights, you will see that I have been dominating in the first couple of rounds and then I run out of gas, I have been working on my stamina so that won’t happen on March 26.

“I have seen Diaz’s fights. We’ve sparred a couple of times. He’s got speed. He’s got a hunger. It’s his HBO debut, so he’s definitely motivated, but so am I. It’s going to be a great fight.

“I want to be champion of the word. I know he wants it too. On Saturday, we will know who wants it more. We both want to win and we are both training for a win. A fight between power and speed is a great match-up. Not to mention he’s Mexican and I’m Puerto Rican. You can expect a great fight and it’s not one you want to miss.”

Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round IBF number one position and mandatory position eliminator which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. The event is sponsored by Corona Extra, Ticketmaster, Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms), Glad, Lyft, Zappos, BodyArmor, SAN Nutrition, Shoe Palace, The Waterfront Hotel and Visit Oakland. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the HBO telecast will be Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jayson Velez in a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes are available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com (bit.ly/WardBarreraTix) and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Follow the conversation on Twitter by using #WardBarrera.

For more information, please visit www.rocnation.com, www.mainevents.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation, @main_events, @goldenboyboxing, @cottopromotions and @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Indian fight sensation Vijender Singh is back in his homeland and today met with the honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi at his office in South Block.

Undefeated Singh demolished Alexander Horvath earlier this month to take his record to 4-0 with 4 knockouts and has returned home from a brief visit ahead of a busy forthcoming fight schedule.

Red-hot Singh will feature next on the big Copper Box Arena card on Saturday 30th April on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO World Middleweight title defence against Max Bursak.

Then he’s next up on the undercard of his stablemate Jack Catterall’s WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title defence on Friday 13th May in Bolton.

Whilst meeting Mr. Modi, Singh discussed his big Indian ‘homecoming’ on Saturday 11th June in New Delhi and the present popularity of boxing in the country before presenting the premier with a pair of boxing gloves.

Singh said afterwards, “It was pleasure meeting the Prime Minister. I am happy that Modiji is following my pro bouts very closely and he discussed a lot with me about my previous bouts. I have invited him to my title bout scheduled in Delhi on 11 June and he assured me that he will attend it. He also discussed with me the present scenario of Indian boxing and asked me to send my inputs for the betterment of the sport in the country. He wished me goodluck for my next two bouts in the UK before coming back to India for title fight”.

HBO Boxing heads to the Bay Area for an action-packed doubleheader featuring a top pound-for-pound fighter and one of the sport’s most-heralded prospects when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: ANDRE WARD VS. SULLIVAN BARRERA AND JOSEPH DIAZ JR. VS. JAYSON VELEZ is seen SATURDAY, MARCH 26 at 9:45 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Cal., exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will call the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.
Other HBO playdates: March 27 (9:00 a.m.) and 29 (11:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 27 (3:00 p.m.) and 28 (12:15 a.m.)
The doubleheader will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO and HBO On Demand.
Making his 2016 debut before a hometown crowd, Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) moves up to 175 pounds to battle Cuban native Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) of Miami, Fla., in a light heavyweight bout scheduled for 12 rounds. Ward, 32, has succeeded at every level, compiling a nearly perfect record as an amateur, winning a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2008 Olympic Games in Athens and enjoying a seven-year reign as super middleweight champ. This will mark Ward’s sixth fight at Oracle Arena and fifth on HBO.
Barrera, 34, is also unbeaten and holds a three-fight knockout streak. Since his 2009 pro debut following a standout amateur career in Cuba, he has fought nearly all his bouts as a light heavyweight, which should give him an advantage over the shorter Ward. Barrera will be making his HBO debut, having previously appeared on HBO Latino.
In the evening’s co-feature, Joseph Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jayson Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs) in a featherweight contest scheduled for ten rounds. Rising prospect Diaz, 23, is coming off a busy 2015 in which he logged five impressive wins, and will be making his HBO debut. Velez, 27, looks to rebound from his first professional loss, to Ronny Rios in November. Appearing on HBO in 2014, Velez battled Evgeny Gradovich to a split draw in his first world title shot.
Immediately following the telecast, HBO will present the debut of the half-hour special “Legacy on the Line: From Bradley to Pacquiao,” previewing the April 9 pay-per-view event.
Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.
All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.
The executive producer of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.
® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

WBO Middleweight king Billy Joe Saunders will be appearing as a studio guest on Channel 5’s live coverage of Chris Eubank Jr’s showdown with British Champion Nick Blackwell this Saturday.

Saunders, 23-0-0 12 KO’s, holds wins other both men and will be providing expert analysis on the evening’s bout. The undefeated Hatfield star is hoping to witness Eubank Jr’s second career loss.

“I can’t say I’m too excited about seeing his ugly face. I’m going to be supporting Nick Blackwell and I hope he knocks Eubank out spark cold,” said Saunders.

“Nick is probably one of the nicest blokes I’ve met in boxing. I’ve shared the ring with him and he’s a tough fighter. He’s a very respectful kid and you don’t see him knocking out beginners in sparring,” Saunders added.

Eubank passed up a shot at WBA world champion Daniel Jacobs in order to take on Blackwell, 25. The Brighton middleweight has completely written off Blackwell’s chances and announced beating him would be for the good of British boxing; Saunders disagrees.

Saunders, who’s preparing for the first defence of his WBO World Middleweight title against Max Bursak on Saturday 30th April at the Copper Box Arena, said: “The best result is for Nick to do his talking in the ring. He’s got a very good chance of beating him. Eubank struggles at the weight and as we saw against Spike he was dying out and got hurt; he could be in trouble on Saturday,”

“If Blackwell can get himself in the fight for the first four or five rounds he’s in with a good chance of winning. He’s got a good work rate and I expect him to come on strong in the second half.”

British boxing great Carl Froch says WBO Middleweight King Billy Joe Saunders has the skills to take out Kazakh middleweight king Gennady Golovkin.

Froch, a four-time super-middleweight world champion, refuses to jump on the GGG bandwagon and has backed the undefeated Saunders to prove he is the world’s true middleweight champion.

Speaking to The Sun, the retired super-middleweight supremo said: “I’m not putting Golovkin on this pedestal that everyone has him on. Who has he beaten that Billy Joe couldn’t? His reputation is inflated. He’s obviously a very good fighter and can punch very hard but he’s a small middleweight,

“Beat somebody who is quality, beat him in style and I’ll start talking about you like you’re the next Sugar Ray Leonard or something.”

Froch added: “When I watch Golovkin, I see him getting hit with shots. He walks through them to land his but he’s wide open coming forward.”

The Jimmy Tibbs trained Hatfield star, 23-0-0 12 KO’s, makes the first defence of his world title against Golovkin’s compatriot ‘Mad’ Max Bursak; a man who boasts wins over British Champion Nick Blackwell and Brian Vera.

Saunders has previously expressed his desire to take on Golovkin in a massive summer showdown at the Emirates or Wembley and is now even more determined to nail down a lucrative world title unification fight.

He said: “Since I’ve won the world title I’ve grown in confidence. Having a man of Carl Froch’s experience backing me to win has given me even more of a boost. Carl Froch was one of the best fighters about so for him to say that is something. I already know in myself that I’ve got the beating of Golovkin with the right tactics.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Billy Joe Saunders makes the first defence of his title against “Mad” Max Bursak and headlines an action-packed card that also features: The Vacant European Cruiserweight title between Ovill McKenzie and Dmytro Kucher; Ryan Walsh defends his British Featherweight Championship against James Tennyson; Anthony Nelson defends his Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Jamie Conlon. On the undercard fast rising undefeated heavyweight sensation Hughie Fury, Erith super-bantamweight Lewis Pettitt; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Indian middleweight sensation Vijender Singh; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long, West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess; Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr; West Ham super-lightweight Ben Smith; Hornchurch super-lightweight Sanjeev Sahota; Nantwich heavyweight Nathan Gorman and Enfield super-middleweight Barney Joe Jones, all feature.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 are available from See Tickets 0871 230 7148 and www.seetickets.com, Eventim 0844 249 1000 and www.eventim.co.uk, Ticketmaster 0844 8440 444 and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 415 and Freeview 255. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at watch.boxnation.com and via iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices.

LONDON (23 MARCH) Former WBA interim world middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr. says the 16 knockouts on his career record suggest he’s a bigger puncher than British champion Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell and if there’s any doubt he’ll prove it when they collide this Saturday (March 26) at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

Last year Eubank Jr. stopped Dmitry Chudinov, Tony Jeter and Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan within the scheduled distance, while Blackwell, 19-3-1 (8 KOs), halted the highly-rated John Ryder in seven rounds and then scored one of the knockouts of the year in a sixth-round win over unbeaten southpaw Damon Jones.

“You’ve just got to look at the records to see who the bigger puncher is,” says Eubank Jr. “Look at how many knockouts we both have. It speaks for itself.

“He’s definitely not making it through twelve rounds. Whether he quits, gets stopped or gets knocked out, he’s not making it to the final bell. If he wants to go in there and be the big I am, Mr. Big Man, who’s not scared of Chris Eubank Jr., then he will get knocked out. He should have been working on his defence. If he thinks he’ll blow me out, he’s the one getting knocked out.”

Common belief is that Blackwell will use his work-rate, toughness and fitness to attempt to overwhelm the challenger on March 26, but Eubank Jr. says he’ll need a whole lot more if he’s to hold on to his British middleweight crown.

“It’s a fatal error if he has only got a Plan A,” says Eubank Jr. “It’s an extremely dangerous way of preparing for a fight.

“Until you get in the ring with a guy, you don’t know what he’s capable of. You shouldn’t be only training, practicing and sparring a certain way just because that’s what you’re good at. You’ve got to cover all areas. It’s like going into a casino and playing roulette and putting all your money on zero. It’s stupid.”

Whether he decides to box Blackwell or brawl with him, Eubank Jr. promises one thing – it will make for excitement.

“I think any fight that involves me is a potential ‘Fight of the Year’,” he says. “I’ve never had a boring fight. Never. Not many fighters can say that.

“Number one is win and number two is to look good while winning. Once I start winning, then we can throw some bits of sexiness into the performance to make it something that people will talk about afterwards.

“I don’t want to be one of those guys who is winning and just continues doing the same thing they’ve been doing the entire fight. I want to get people on the edge of their seats. I like to do things that make people go ‘wow’. Unfortunately for Nick Blackwell I’ve got some very nice tricks up my sleeve for March 26.”

*** Tickets for the British middleweight title blockbuster between Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell and Chris Eubank Jr. are priced at £35, £50, £75, £175, £200 and £250 for ringside and can be purchased online at ssearena.co.uk and axs.com or by phoning the SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office on 0844 815 0815 ***

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In September 1968, Jimmy Ellis retained the World Heavyweight title with a controversial fifteen-round decision over Floyd Patterson at the Råsunda Football Stadium in Stockholm. 48 years later, big-time boxing returns to the Swedish capital when the Nordic Fight Night hits the Hovet on April 23.

‘’This is going to be the biggest boxing event in Stockholm for almost fifty-years,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’The Hovet has a fantastic history of hosting World-class boxing, with legends such as Sonny Liston and Ingemar Johansson having fought there. Now, it’s time for the next generation of fighters to take their place among these boxing greats and welcome in a new era of Swedish boxing!’’

IBF Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Erik Skoglund (24-0, 11 KO) tops the bill with tough twelve-round test against the dangerous South African Ryno ‘The Lion’ Liebenberg (17-2, 12 KOs).

The 24 year-old from Nyköping brought professional boxing back to Sweden last September when defending his IBF title against Oleksandr Cherviak – the first fight over championship distance since the ban on professional boxing in 1969.

Three months later, the ‘Swedish Sensation’ returned with a one-sided points victory over the American knockout specialist Derek Edwards – the only man to have beaten current Swedish World Champion Badou Jack.

‘’Last year, we brought boxing back to Sweden,’’ said Skoglund. ‘’Now, we need big shows like this to build even more interest in the sport. It’s great to be a part of such a big event in the capital city. I look forward to fighting at the Hovet.

‘’It will be a tough fight against Liebenberg, but I’m confident I have what it takes to win, and I hope by beating him, I will prove I’m ready for a World title challenge.’’

Mikaela Lauren (26-3, 11 KOs) defends her WBC Female Super Welterweight World title against former IBF World Champion Ivana Habazin (15-2, 6 KOs).

Having recently signed a long-term promotional contract with Team Sauerland, the Stockholm fighter is looking forward to getting back in the ring to face the 26 year-old Croatian.

‘’This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long time,’’ said Lauren, who returns following a fifth-round TKO victory over Jennifer Retzke. ‘’I’m training harder than ever and I will be ready to defend my title on April 23.

‘’It’s a dream come true for me to fight at my hometown arena. The Hovet is only five minutes away from my house. This makes the fight extra special for me, and I promise to deliver the fans my best performance yet.’’

Lauren’s domestic rival Klara Svensson (15-1, 5 KOs) is also in action on April 23. ‘The Swedish Princess’ will step through the ropes for the first-time since her WBC World title challenge in a rematch with Lucia Morelli (19-5, 9 KOs).

‘’I’ve taken some time out of the ring, but now I’m back and stronger than ever,’’ said the Malmo-boxer, who meets Morelli in a repeat of their entertaining interim WBC Female World Light Welterweight title fight in November 2014.

‘’This is the first time I have faced the same opponent twice, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Lucia is a good boxer, and she will want revenge. I will be prepared for another tough fight.’’

Fan favourite Anthony ‘Can You Dig It?!’ Yigit (16-0-1, 7 KOs) takes his place on the undercard. The London 2012 Olympian faces Englishman Chris Goodwin (19-2-1).

‘’I’m excited to be fighting in my hometown for the first time as a professional,’’ said the 24 year-old Swede. ‘’Goodwin is a tough opponent. I think our styles will gel well and make for an entertaining fight.’’

The ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar Ahlin (13-1, 11 KOs), who is currently in Las Vegas sparring with Swedish World Champion Badou Jack, is also on the undercard, alongside Sundsvall heavyweight Otto Wallin (14-0, 10 KOs), who is in the UK sparring Anthony Joshua ahead of the Olympic Gold medallist’s IBF World title challenge.

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night on April 23 at the Hovet in Stockholm go on sale today at 10am and are available online via www.globearenas.se and www.AXS.com, by calling (+46) 0771-31 00 00 and from the Stockholm Globe Arenas Box Office.

WBA Heavyweight champion Lucas Browne has denied taking any banned substance following his March 5 title win over Ruslan Chagaev in Russia, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I would like to assure all my fans, the whole of the boxing world and all of Australia that I am not a drug user or a drug cheat,” Browne said in a statement. “The news of this positive test has shocked and devastated me, and I will be fighting for as long as it takes to clear my name.”

“Prior to (Tuesday) I had not heard of the drug Clenbuterol and had no idea what it was used for,” Browne said. “I am now aware that it is essentially a weight-stripping drug, and as a heavyweight boxer the idea of me using it is utterly ridiculous. I am a staunch long-time opponent of any drug use, performance-enhancing or otherwise.”

“My team and I were well aware of the many risks involved in going to a place like Chechnya to fight a reigning champion, and believed we had taken sufficient precautions,” Browne said. “In addition, it was at our insistence that VADA testing was implemented for the fight. I will be in a position to release more details and make further comment in coming days. Thank you.”

“Ricky Hatton and Hatton Promotions Ltd. were made aware late (Monday) night that Lucas Browne delivered a positive A sample drug test following his world title win over Ruslan Chagaev,” Hatton Promotions said. “We believe strongly that boxing should be free from performance-enhancing drugs. However, we believe Lucas Browne to be a clean athlete who arrived in Chechnya a clean athlete. We are therefore conducting our own further investigations and cannot comment further at this time.”

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 22, 2016) – Olympic Bronze Medalist Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KOs) takes on Australia’s Blake Caparello (22-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight attraction as Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to Spike on Friday, April 29 from Taj Mahal Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Also on the same card, Dirrell’s brother, former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will meet former world title challenger Caleb “Golden” Truax (26-2-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight affair as part of an exciting night of PBC on Spike action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

The former 168-pound titleholder Anthony and two-time title challenger Andre are both prime for another run at championship gold, but will have stiff competition from opponents who have recently had their own title opportunities.

“April 29 is going to be a fun night of boxing,” said Andre. “Caparello is hungry just like me and he’s fighting for his career so I know he’s a very dangerous man. Everything in camp has been perfect so far. I’m excited that both Anthony and I will get to showcase our skills and spread our family name even more on the same Spike show.”

“It’s an honor to be fighting on the same card as my brother,” said Anthony. “It’s going to be a great night of boxing. Truax is a good, rugged fighter who will bring out the best in me. I need someone to push me to the max. My prediction is always a knockout.”

Caparello scored a first round knockdown in his 2014 world title bout before losing to Sergey Kovalev, while Caleb Truax battled middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a PBC on Spike co-feature in 2015, failing to Jacobs in the final stanza.

“This is a huge opportunity for me to show the world that I am one of the best 168-pounders in all of boxing,” said Caparello. “This is the weight class where I belong. Dirrell is a former Olympian and, like myself, a world title challenger. I expect a very tough fight on October 17, but I know that I will be victorious.”

“This is a fight that I have to take advantage of and win,” said Truax. “It’s another great opportunity for me and I’m putting everything into training. Dirrell is a good, athletic fighter with skills. It’s a tough task but I’m up for it. I’m bringing my A-game so he better do the same.”

“April 29 will be an outstanding night,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “Having the Dirrell brothers on the same card will be a great and unique night of boxing. Both are exceptional talents and they are in with two guys who are looking for breakthrough wins in Blake Caparello and Caleb Truax.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and are on sale now.

An amateur standout that won two U.S. World Championships in addition to his Olympic Bronze medal, the 32-year-old Andre Dirrell is ready to return to the ring after an illness delayed his previously scheduled bout against Caparello. The fighter out of Flint, Michigan holds victories over Arthur Abraham and Curtis Stevens and only has two narrow losses on his resume.

A crafty fighter out of Victoria, Australia, Caparello won his first 20 professional fights primarily fighting out of his home country. He owns victories over Michael Bolling, Jorge Olivera, Allan Green and previously unbeaten Robert Berridge. The 29-year-old most recently scored a unanimous decision over Affif Belghecham in June and after his scheduled bout with Dirrell was delayed, he defeated Luke Sharp by decision.

Anthony Dirrell has seen more adversity than most throughout his career as his time in boxing has been seriously jeopardized twice, first in December 2006 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and was sidelined for 20 months and again in May 2012 when he broke his lower left leg and left wrist in a motorcycle accident. The Flint, Michigan-native never let that hold him down as he kept winning fights and working his way up the professional ranks. In 2014 he won his first championship when he defeated defending champion Sakio Bika. His road back to a 168-pound title began in September when he dominated the action against Marco Antonio Rubio on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

Born in Osseo, Minnesota, Truax is an experienced veteran who has fought professionally since 2007. Fighting mostly in his home state, the 31-year-old won his first 14 fights. He dropped a 2012 showdown to Jermain Taylor but went undefeated in his next eight fights to earn the fight against Jacobs. Most recently, Truax stopped veteran Melvin Betancourt in the fourth round in February.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @BlakeCaparello, @AnthonyDirrell, @GoldenCalebT, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @KingsBoxing_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 Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2016) – Undefeated contenders GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, ÓSCAR VALDEZ and JOSE RAMÍREZ, former world champion EVGENY GRADOVICH and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum hosted a Los Angeles Media Workout on Tuesday at Fortune Gym. The fighters worked out and discussed their upcoming championship fights on the Manny Pacquiao – Timothy Bradley NoTrump pay-per-view undercard (http://lat.ms/1o41mcT).

GILBERTO RAMIREZ
“This is my time. I have a lot of respect for Arthur Abraham. He’s a great champion. I know he’s working hard in training camp as am I. It’s going to be a great fight. I have to be smart in this fight. We are working on keeping the pressure on Abraham by throwing high volumes of punches and staying on top of him. I’m going to be a second skin on him. I feel a great sense of history fighting to become Mexico’s first super middleweight champion. It is a great honor representing my country in this fight. All I am thinking about is April 9. Looking past this fight is meaningless. The future is now.”

ÓSCAR VALDEZ
“My vast amateur background has prepared me to adapt to many different boxing styles. Gradovich is a breakthrough opportunity for me professionally. A victory over him is a big step that will lead me to a world title shot. I’m not feeling any pressure. I want this fight. I have trained my whole life for this fight. I stand up for The President but Donald Trump doesn’t deserve my respect.”

EVGENY GRADOVICH
“I have I lived and breathed this fight since training camp began. It’s all I have thought of. I’m an old school Mexican-style fighter. I love Julio César Chávez, Juan Manuel Márquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. I know everyone thinks Valdez is the future star of boxing but I love this sport too much to allow him to beat me and move me down. I’m going to start fast and keep my foot on the gas pedal.”

JOSE RAMÍREZ
“It’s a dream come true fighting on a card headlined by a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley. Millions of people around the world will be watching us fight. It’s what I have dreamed of since I first entered a gym as a boy. The fans from the Central Valley have been very loyal to me and I am very loyal to them. I am proud to represent our common causes that mean so much to the farmers, specifically water issues. I used to be a picker. I picked peppers. I want to help bring a tomorrow to the farmers and their families. Everyone counts. I am honored to be a voice for them. They are not alone. I am a first generation American. I was proud to represent the U.S. in the Olympics because of the ideals that are the foundation of this country. Donald Trump lacks the education to understand this and why those ideals make our country is so. I want to show and share the lesson that you can succeed.”

BOB ARUM
“All these fighters here today need to win and win impressively. They do that and the sky is the limit for them. Zurdo’s skill set and size give him an advantage over Abraham who is a strong, tough fighter. I am very proud of this NoTrump undercard and everything it symbolizes.”

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Gilberto Ramirez (33-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlan, Mexico, co-promoted by Zapari Boxing Promotions, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1 super middleweight contender and mandatory challenger, will get his first world title shot when he challenges WBO super middleweight champion ARTHUR ABRAHAM (44-4, 29 KOs), of Berlin Germany. Valdez (19-0, 16 KOs), of Nogales, Mexico, the WBO’s No. 1 featherweight contender, will defend his NABO featherweight title against former International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight champion Gradovich (21-1-1, 9 KOs), a Russian native who lives in Oxnard, Calif. Jose Ramírez (16-0, 12 KOs), of Avenal, Calif., and a 2012 U.S. Olympian, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental America super lightweight title against MANNY PEREZ (25-11-1, 6 KOs), of Denver, CO.

These six warriors boast a combined record of 158-16-2 (96 KOs) — a winning percentage of 90% — with a victory by knockout ratio of 61%.

HBO Sports presents LEGACY ON THE LINE: FROM BRADLEY TO PACQUIAO. Chronicling the lessons and controversies Bradley has endured in his high-profile rivalry with the boxing legend from the Philippines, the special debuts THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 26 (midnight-12:30 a.m. ET/PT) and is narrated by Liev Schreiber.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, the Pacquiao vs. Bradley world 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 Abraham vs. Ramirez world championship fight will be co-promoted by Sauerland Event and Zapari Boxing Promotions.

Remaining Tickets to Pacquiao vs. Bradley world championship event 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.

Former three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley is proud to announce that he is bringing International Boxing Hall of Fame member Roberto “Manos De Piedra” Duran on as his trainer for his upcoming world title fight.

Duran, who defeated several of the top names in sport and is regarded by many as the greatest Latino fighter of all time, is looking to make Mosley into an even greater force in boxing.

After ending a brief retirement, Mosley went 2-0 in 2015 and in the upcoming few days will announce his next fight which will be for a world title. Mosley has stated on numerous occasions that he came back to the sport to face the biggest possible names and believes that Duran will help him achieve his goals.

“I am very happy to have Duran on my team. This is the type of addition that will push me even farther,” said Mosley. “He is a fighter that I looked up to when I was coming up. How can you not learn from a legend like him?”

Follow Mosley on Twitter @ShaneMosley_ for details on his soon to be announced fight.

LOS ANGELES (March 22, 2016) – Undefeated top prospects featured on the undercards of Antonio Orozco vs. Miguel Acosta on March 25 and Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado on April 1, hosted Los Angeles media workout today ahead of their scheduled fights. Fighters, Jason “El Animal” Quigley (9-0, 8 KOs), Emilio Sanchez (11-0, 8 KOs), Oscar Torres (8-0, 4 KOs), Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (5-0, 3 KOs), Pablo “The Shark” Rubio Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) and newcomer Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava were all in attendance to show off some of their boxing skills in ring.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming fights:

Video of the workout is also available on Golden Boy Promotions’ YouTube page:

JASON “EL ANIMAL” QUIGLEY, Middleweight Prospect:

“It can be hard to be so far away from home, especially on this past St. Patrick’s Day holiday but I had a great day out celebrating with friends this year. My last fight was a learning experience, I know mistakes happen and I know not to lose control for next time.

“David Lemeuix is a great guy and boxer. We are both in this sport to be the best we can. To be honest, the Olympics first caught my attention but at the end of the day I’ve left that behind. I’m in professional boxing, and fighting as amateur is a completely different sport.”

EMILIO SANCHEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

“I’m really excited for my upcoming fight in Fantasy Springs this week. I’ve been training really hard in the gym and I’m hoping to move up to 10-rounders this year.

“I know this will be a good fight and if the knock out comes, I’ll be ready to take it.”

EDGAR “KID NEZA” VALERIO, Featherweight Prospect:

“From the looks of my opponent’s record, it seems like it will be a very good fight.

“I’ve been going in hard and keeping it consistent in the gym. I’m hoping after this fight to move on up to eight-rounders.”

TENOCHTITLAN “T-DOG” NAVA, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s a great honor to be among stalemates like Nick Arce and Rafael Gramajo at the Westside Boxing Club. I had a really great amateur career of about 35 fights and couldn’t be more excited for my LA Fight Club professional debut next Friday.”

PABLO “THE SHARK” RUBIO JR., Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“It feels great to be out there and have so many supporters and fans cheering me on with Team Shark. My goal is to put on a great fight. I always go into the ring the best I can be and I’m always on the lookout for a huge knockout.”

OSCAR TORRES, Welterweight Prospect:

“I haven’t seen any video of my opponent, but I’m ready to take him on.

“I feel very happy and prepared for LA Fight Club next week. My opponent was changed, so I’ve had to switch up my workout routine in the gym to get the big knock out on fight night.

“Ultimately, my goal is to sign with Golden Boy Promotions and become a World Champion.”

Antonio Orozco vs. Miguel Acosta, is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

LA FIGHT CLUB: Manuel Avila vs. Rene Alvarado is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, Born Bold” and Carmelita Chorizo. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:30 p.m. The Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT and will stream live simultaneously on estrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios: youtube.com/FenomenoStudios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $45, $35, $25 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are on sale starting at $20 with new Flex Passes, Group Tickets and Bold Experience upgrades are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, by calling 213-233-2957 or by emailing LAFightClub@goldenboypromotions.com.

Albany –UFC® Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta applauded the overwhelming, bipartisan New York State Assembly passage of legislation to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York. The passage of A.2604-C, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle and 72 other Assembly sponsors, means the bill has now passed both houses and will be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his approval.

Fertitta stated: “This has been a long time coming and on behalf of our New York UFC athletes and fans, I want to offer heartfelt thanks to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Morelle and all the Members of the Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – who voted for this bill.

“Joe Morelle has worked tirelessly to educate his colleagues and build support for legalizing professional MMA and regulating both professional and amateur MMA. He has worked closely with Senator Joe Griffo, who has shepherded this effort in the Senate, where the bill has passed with strong bipartisan support for the last seven years, and MMA fans owe both a huge debt of gratitude,” Fertitta said.

Fertitta noted all the support the bill has garnered over the last several years.

“New York’s amazing arenas – upstate and downstate – have worked with us to advocate passage of this bill. So, too, have restaurants, hotels, businesses and others who recognize the economic value professional MMA can bring to New York,” Fertitta said. “Our athletes have been extraordinary. More than 20 have been to Albany to help educate legislators about the fastest growing sport in the world. And our fans have been phenomenal. Through letters and phone calls, rallies and social media, New York’s MMA and UFC fans have lent their voices of support. It took a while, but their voices have been heard.”

UFC has committed to holding at least four events per year in New York for the first three years after professional MMA is legalized and regulated in New York. Fertitta renewed that commitment.

“While there are still additional steps that have to occur before professional MMA becomes a reality in New York, I want to assure our fans that if Governor Cuomo signs the bill into law and the State Athletic Commission puts in place the appropriate regulations, we look forward to hosting our first New York event in the world’s most famous arena – Madison Square Garden, home to so many epic sporting events throughout the decades,” Fertitta said. “We also look forward to scheduling events in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and Brooklyn. We are excited.”

# # #

About UFC®
UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Sao Paulo and Singapore, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in over 150 countries and territories to more than one billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2016) – New York State passed landmark legislation today permitting future Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions to take place there.

World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva made the following remarks:

“This is an exciting and historic day for our great sport. Those who have been lobbying for the legalization of MMA in NY State, including World Series of Fighting’s new COO Michael Mersch, should be commended for their persistence and commitment to seeing through the passage of legislation that will finally allow fans to watch live MMA in the Empire State, and fighters to compete there. We recently opened an office in Manhattan so, along with our television partner, NBC, we are looking forward to bringing our brand of professional MMA to New York very soon.”

ABOUT WORLD SERIES OF FIGHTING

“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.