Cromer British Super-Featherweight Champion Liam Walsh has called out the winner of tonight’s massive all-British world title showdown between Manchester’s Terry Flanagan and Liverpool’s Derry Mathews, shown exclusively live on BoxNation.

Undefeated Walsh has been involved in nine championship contests in his 19 professional fights with his first coming in his 10th bout with just three weeks’ notice. The Rochdale-born puncher can cut it with the best at both Super-Featherweight and Lightweight, having won British, Commonwealth and International Super-Featherweight titles and the WBO European Lightweight title.

The slick southpaw is determined to get a shot at the winner of tonight’s North West blockbuster and says he has what it takes to become a WBO World Lightweight champion. Walsh was forced to reluctantly pull out of his world title clash with Ricky Burns back in December 2012 after suffering significant injuries in a car accident during the build-up to the fight. Four years down the line the determined Walsh is now licking his lips at the prospect of another all-British blockbuster fight.

“This is 100% the fight that I’m after. When I fought as chief support in Manchester for Terry’s fight against Jose Zepeda I was under the impression that as long as we both won it was a given that we’d get it on. He was then forced to fight Diego Magdaleno as a mandatory and a fight between us wasn’t possible. I understand the politics of the sport but it was disappointing,” said Walsh.

He added: “For me Flanagan is one of the best, if not the, best Lightweights in the world. It’s an exciting fight and I’d get good props for taking him on. People would class me as an underdog in the fight which I’ve never been and I’d like to be.”

The history-making twin has always wanted to compete as a massive underdog in a hype-fuelled dust-up for world honours. Hot-shot Walsh, 29, is backing Flanagan to successfully defend his title in tonight’s barn burner and says he’d have no problems taking ‘Turbo’ on in his hometown of Manchester.

He said: “It would probably be an away test up in Manchester which I’m happy with. I’m from Rochdale myself and it wouldn’t feel too far away from home. No doubt I’d have tonnes come from Rochdale to support me and I’d obviously have the Farmy Army turn out in their hundreds like they always do so it wouldn’t really feel like an away test,”

“It’s a fight I want because Flanagan is one of the best and I want to fight the best. It doesn’t look like there’s much floating around in the Super-Featherweight division at the moment. The opportunities look limited at the minute and I can hold my own at Super-Featherweight or Lightweight so it’s a fight that makes sense.”

Mancunian Lightweight king Flanagan marches into the lion’s den tonight to defend his world title for the second time against Merseyside hero Mathews, who will be looking to make history in his 50th professional fight. Whilst Walsh holds both men in high regard, he is confident that he would come out on top should he face the winner.

He said: “I know can beat the two men who are fighting tonight but I’ve got to show respect to them. I hope they have a really good fight, it’s a massive British world title fight and I wish them both the best. Personally I think Terry will win and probably look good doing it. Hopefully I get the opportunity to fight the winner. I’ve got ultimate respect for both fighters and I’d love to fight the winner. Just let me know as soon as possible and it’s on!”

Boxing superstar Gennady Golovkin returns exclusively live to BoxNation on Saturday 23rd April when he defends his unified world titles against top undefeated contender Dominic Wade at the Fabulous Forum, Los Angeles.

The pound-for-pound great is back on the The Channel of Champions, headlining an awesome April of fistic entertainment that features Golovkin’s big rival Billy Joe Saunders – with both heading towards a seismic collision this year – defending his WBO World Middleweight title against “Mad” Max Burbank on Saturday 30th April, live from the Copper Box Arena, London.

More big live fight action in April sees the thunderous, punching, all-action, British star Liam Williams defending his British and Commonwealth Super-Welterweight titles against Nav Mansouri on Saturday 2nd April from Harrow, England.

Undefeated Golovkin has destroyed 31 out of 34 opponents – an incredible 91% KO ratio – and the fearsome Kazakh puts his WBA Super, Interim WBC and IBF World Middleweight titles on the line for the 16th time – the second highest in the 160lb division’s history – against Wade and will aim to remain on course for a showdown with Saunders this year to unify all four belts.

Wade, from Largo, Maryland, is the mandatory challenger for GGG’s IBF World title and is undefeated in 18 fights with 12 knockouts. In his last fight he defeated from IBF World Champion Sam Soliman and goes into the showdown against Golovkin looking to cause a tremendous upset.

BoxNation viewers have been treated this year to the world’s best fighters all featuring on the channel with Sergey Kovalev, Terrence Crawford, Andre Ward on March 26th against Sulivan Barrera and now Golovkin.

But on the same card as Golovkin, arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world Roman Gonzalez, the WBC World Flyweight Champion, will defend his title against McWilliams Arroyo.

The Nicaraguan hot-shot has an incredible unbeaten record of 44 wins with 38 KO’s and has left a trail of destruction in the last two and half years with ten-fight KO run.

BoxNation’s Managing Director Jim McMunn is thrilled to have the top three pound-for-pound best: Gonzalez, Golovkin and Kovalev plus the 6th and 9th placed Ward and Crawford all on BoxNation in the first four months of this year.

He said, “That will be some feat to have five of the ten best fighters in the world by April all live on BoxNation and really cements our position as THE channel to watch boxing’s biggest names. Having Golovkin on BoxNation is fantastic, but with Gonzalez also on the card, the number one and two on the planet, it is fantastic for our subscribers to get to see these greats in action, live.”

– Ends –

About BoxNation

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

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‘Baby faced Assassin’ Paul Butler stopped Mexico’s Sebastian Sanchez inside nine rounds to claim the vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight Championship. A crunching left hook to the body of Sanchez was enough to earn Butler the 21st win of his career.

The Ellesmere Port ace used his lightening quick speed to take control of the bout early on. Butler put on an impressive performance in front of his home crowd, which included rival super-flyweight Jamie Conlan.

27 year-old Butler dominated the bout throughout, landing a series of punishing hooks and jabs on the nippy Mexican. Sanchez proved his toughness by taking everything Butler threw at him despite being caught with some powerful left-hand jabs.

The impressive Butler sent out a powerful message to the watching Conlan by systematically dismantling the gutsy Mexican with a near punch perfect performance in front of the rowdy Echo Arena crowd.

LANGFORD CLAIMS COMMONWEALTH CROWN IN LIVERPOOL

Birmingham middleweight star Tommy Langford overcame a tough challenge Dronfield’s determined Lewis Taylor to defend his WBO Intercontinental title and also claim the Vacant Middleweight Championship at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

It was a gallant effort from both fighters who put on a real barn burner of a domestic scrap. All-action Langford came away with a unanimous decision in what was his 16th professional career win.

Both fighters defences looked questionable in an even and lively opener. Langford slightly edged the first round by using his left jab well and making the middle of the ring his own.

26 year-old Langford stepped up the pace in the third round and began to find his way past Taylor’s defence. The ‘Baggies’ mad bruiser began to show his class by landing some powerful shots on the gutsy challenger.

Taylor refused to take a step back despite taking several big shots to the body. The Birmingham man sensed a stoppage in the ninth round and went after Taylor with a series of punishing combinations. By now, the contest had developed into a real scrap with both men landing shots at will.

Taylor made an impressive reply by steaming into Langford at the beginning of round 11 but Langford took his shots well and came back with some lethal hooks of his own. Devon-born Langford retained his Intercontinental title and took home the Commonwealth belt with a well-earned unanimous decision from the judges.

BRILLIANT TETE CAPTURES IBF INTERNATIONAL TITLE WITH SEVENTH ROUND STOPPAGE OF GONZALEZ

South African super-puncher Zolani Tete made an explosive return to the Liverpool Echo Arena by claiming a seventh round stoppage against Mexico’s Jose Santos Gonzalez.

‘Last Born’ looked eager to impress the Scouse crowd, dictating the pace of the fight from the first round. The polite and softly spoken bantamweight looked a completely different person in the ring, toying with the Mexican at will.

The former IBF World Super-Flyweight Champion looked in spiteful form as he landed several big hooks on his opponent. Tete, from Mdanste in the Easter Cape, lived up to his explosive reputation by dropping Sanchez in the second round. Gonzales looked hurt but was able to beat the referees count and return to the action.

Touted as one of the best boxers to come out of Africa in recent years, Tete justified the hype by delivering a near punch perfect performance for his Liverpool fans. The clinical southpaw landed several precise shots on Gonzalez, who struggled to deal with the African’s speed and movement. The fight was finally won in the seventh after Gonzales was dropped for a second time. The tough Mexcican beat the referees count but was caught by another big shot which ultimately ended the bout. Gutsy Mexican Gonzalez was in no state to continue and the referee ended the contest.

Results from Liverpool:

Fight # 1
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
ZELFA BARRETT WPTS6 (60-54) DAMIAN LAWNICZAK

Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
VIJENDER SINGH WKO3 (1:02) ALEXANDER HORVATH

Fight # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
LYON WOODSTOCK WPTS4 (40-36) IBRAR RIYA

Fight # 4
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Bantamweight Contest
RYAN FARRAG WKO2 (2:12) STEFAN SLAVCHEV

HOT SHOT SINGH REMAINS UNDEFEATED IN LIVERPOOL

Indian boxing sensation Vijinder Singh blew away Hungary’s Alexander Horvath at the Liverpool Echo Arena to claim his fourth successive professional victory. Singh continued his red-hot winning streak by stopping Horvath in the third round with a big body shot.

Undefeated Singh, delivered an explosive performance for the BoxNation viewers. The man from Kaluwas was well on top from the very first bell, landing some big right hand shots on the retreating Horvath. The Indian puncher started the second round with a flurry of big hooks that connected well on Horvath who struggled to handle Singh’s power and movement.

The contest was won in the third round with a powerful body shot that connected on Horvath’s shoulder. The Bulgarian went down and failed to beat the referee’s count. It looks to be a massive year knockout merchant Singh who was delighted to get yet another stoppage win.

“I’m thrilled to get my fourth professional victory and excited for what the future holds for me. I’m happy to get another knockout win and really want to push on from here with some big performances is 2016,” said Singh.

He added: “The support I have received from everyone here in Liverpool and back home in India has been absolutely phenomenal. My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with messages of support from all around the world and I’m so grateful to all of my new fans. You can expect some big performances from me this year as I look to move up the ranks.”

Earlier results from Liverpool

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
Zelfa Barrett WPTS4 (60-54) Damian Lawniczak

MONTREAL (March 11) – Fighters David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) and James de la Rosa (23-3, 13 KOs) weighed in at 165.6 pounds and 162 pounds respectively today at their official weigh-in from the Casino de Montreal. Lemieux, who came in 2.6 pounds overweight from the contracted weight of 163 pounds, had Canadian co-promoter and manager, Camille Estephan, negotiate with De La Rosa’s camp to try to reach an agreement.

“Despite offering De La Rosa an increase on his purse, De La Rosa has refused to fight due to the weight issue,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “He really did not feel comfortable fighting at weight higher than originally agreed. We did make an offer to local undefeated fighter as an alternative opponent however; the fight was not approved by the commission.”

The middleweight event would have marked David Lemieux’s return to the ring after a sell-out event at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, in New York, on October 17, 2015, when he faced unified middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.
The rest of the card will continue as scheduled with Steven “Bang Bang” Butler (14-0-1, 11 KOs) taking on Sladjan “The Tiger” Janjanin (13-0, 11 KOs) in a 10-round now main event for the vacant IBF Youth Super Welterweight Title and Schiller “Batman” Hyppolite (19-1, 13 KOs) facing Darnell “Deezol” Boon (23-22, 12 KOs) to broadcast live in the U.S. by FOX Deportes and will be available in English via live stream by Ring TV, both starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT.
The March 12 event featuring Steven Butler vs. Sladjan Jananin is presented by Eye of the Tiger Management in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. E.T. and the first fight begins at 7:00 p.m. E.T. The event will be broadcast in HD for $59.99 and $54.99 in SD on Indigo and all pay-per-view channels across Canada starting at 9:00 p.m. E.T. and the undercard will be televised by TVA Sports starting at 7:00 p.m. E.T. The U.S. broadcast is presented by FOX Deportes and via live stream by Ring TV starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Carlos Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joel Montes De Oca in a Jr. Lightweight bout in Mexico City.

Diaz registered a knockdown in round six and won by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90.

Diaz, 130 lbs is 15-2. De Oca, 129 lbs is 18-6.

Hugo Guanaros won a 8-round majority decision over Juan Hernandez in a Flyweight bout.

Scores were 77-76, 76-75 and 76-76 for Guanaros, 111 lbs and is now 9-1-1. Hernandez, 114 lbs is 1-1.

Nutley, NJ (March 11, 2016) – GH3 Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of Bantamweight prospect LeRoy Davila to an exclusive promotional contract.

Davila, 27 years-old of New Brunswick, New Jersey is the latest prospect o sign with Vito Mielnicki’s growing promotional stable.

“I fought at 108 pounds as an amateur but I will turn pro 118. I had 60 amateur fights,” said Davila.

“I feel I fit in with GH3 Promotions. I know a couple of their fighters personally and they are cool guys. Hopefully I will turn pro in June. I am here to make a statement. I am a counter puncher but I can fight any style.”

Said GH3 Promotions Vito Mielnicki, “I am very happy to have signed Leroy. He is a very talented fighter who I have watched very closely over the past couple of years. Being that he is from New Jersey, I have watched him grow as a fighter and I believe that he will be a contender in the Bantamweight division.”

Davila is managed by Pete Festa (AR3 Management)

New York, NY (3/11/16) – The last two years have been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for Avtandil Khurtsidze. A native of Kutaisi, Georgia, Khurtsidze moved to Brooklyn at the beginning of 2014 to resume his promising boxing career that had been put on hold for two and a half years following his December 2011 win over Ossie Duran for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight championship. Khurtsidze signed with DiBella Entertainment and got his career back on track in July of that year. Over the next 13 months, Khurtsidze scored four consecutive knockout victories, as he awaited a shot against one of the top names in the 160lb. division.

Finally, it looked as though Khurtsidze would get his long awaited opportunity, having received an offer to face Hassan N’Dam in a rematch to take place in France last November for the #2 spot in the IBF rankings. N’Dam was the last fighter to defeat Khurtsidze when the Frenchman won a highly disputed majority decision over him for the interim WBA middleweight championship in October of 2010. However, the day that Khurtsidze was scheduled to fly to France was the same day that the tragic terrorist attacks occurred in Paris, and the bout was subsequently cancelled.

Frustrated, but not deterred, Khurtsidze stayed in the gym, preparing and waiting for his next opportunity. That opportunity came last Friday, when Khurtsidze, on just over two weeks notice, took a bout against highly regarded and undefeated prospect Antoine Douglas, as part of a special edition of the ShoBox series on SHOWTIME. The bout was supposed to be a showcase for Douglas, who was rated as high as #3 in the WBO as well as #6 in the WBA and #11 in the IBF, and who many boxing insiders felt was a fight or two away from challenging for a piece of the middleweight crown.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

The moment that the bell sounded, Khurtsidze, who emulates Mike Tyson in style, stormed out of his corner and charged right at the young up-and-coming star. It was apparent from the opening round that Douglas was going to have his hands full. What ensued over the next nine-plus rounds was a brutal beating handed out by Khurtsidze, who dropped Douglas twice, once in the third and again in the seventh, on his way to scoring a 10th-round stoppage. Khurtsidze, now 32-2-2 (21 KOs), looked like a man possessed, throwing over 800 power punches, an absolutely astonishing number, according to CompuBox.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

So what is next for Khurtsidze?

“I would like another fight with one of the top guys in the division, and then I believe I deserve a world title shot,” said Khurtsidze, who is ranked #9 in the WBC, #12 in the IBF and will jump into the WBO ratings now that he has the WBO International title.

“Khurtsidze’s performance against Douglas was remarkable,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Against the odds and in the face of his doubters, Khurtsidze mauled Douglas each round, stalking and pressuring him throughout like his idol Mike Tyson used to do. I am so proud of him and thrilled that he is now receiving the recognition that I’ve known he’s deserved. I will do all I can to bring him the best opportunities to face the elite fighters in the middleweight division as well as to once again challenge for a world title.”

Lou DiBella certainly has had success promoting fighters in the middleweight division. He promoted former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor from the beginning of his career and was the man who took a seemingly old and unknown Argentinian Sergio Martinez and transformed him into one of the most memorable 160lb. champions in decades.

DiBella is heavily invested in the middleweight division and his loaded stable of fighters features some of the biggest names and most promising young talent in all of boxing.

Middleweights promoted by DiBella Entertainment include former world champion Andy Lee, recent world title challenger Sergio Mora, former three-time middleweight world title challenger Matthew Macklin, WBO #6 contender Artur Akavov, Ukrainian amateur standouts and now red-hot prospects Sergey Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov as well as undefeated up-and-comers Steve Rolls and Alantez Fox.

“Lou believed in me when my career was in doubt,” said Khurtsidze. “I knew that he was the guy who could and would resurrect my career. Lou is the best, and I know that he will get me the opportunity to win a world title.”

Philadelphia, Pa. (March 11, 2016) – Former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion Ruslan Provodnikov “The Siberian Rocky,” returns to the ring on Saturday, June 11 to headline on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING as he takes on former world title challenger John Molina Jr. in a 12-round super lightweight from bout from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The clash will be televised live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and it will be available in Spanish via secondary audio programming.

The fight is promoted by Banner Promotions and tickets for the event will go on sale at a later date.

Dubbed the “Siberian Rocky” for his aggressive attack and unyielding will to win, Beryozovo, Russia’s native Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) has earned himself a loyal fan base around the globe for his humble nature outside the ring and ferocious intensity inside the ropes.

A nine-year pro, Provodnikov followed up a stellar amateur career with an even more impressive campaign in the professional game. He has had notable wins over several top foes, including a 2015 ‘Fight of the Year’ nominee with Lucas Matthysse, a 2013 Fight of the Year with Timothy Bradley and a 2013 10th- round stoppage over Mike Alvarado that yielded him the WBO Super Lightweight World title.

Covina, California’s John Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) is also highly regarded among boxing fans for his exciting fights. Since turning pro in 2006, the aggressive-minded Molina has delivered action-packed fights such as his 2014 BWAA ‘Fight of the Year’ against Argentine slugger Matthysse and a surprising upset knockout against previously unbeaten Mickey Bey, Jr. in July 2013.

“I have been waiting for a long time to get back in the ring and to give my fans another fight. The opportunity has finally come and I appreciate that SHOWTIME is looking at me as a future star on their network, and I will not let them down,” said Provodnikov.

“I’m very thankful to SHOWTIME and TGB Promotions for this opportunity and promise the fans a great fight. I’m very familiar with Ruslan and have long believed that our styles would make for an outstanding war on June 11,” Molina said. “Fighting on the Hall of Fame weekend means a great deal to me having been a long-time fan of Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, who is being inducted this year. It would be an honor to fight in front of him and the rest of the inductees.”

“We are very excited to have Ruslan making his SHOWTIME debut on June 11 at Turning Stone Resort Casino during the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend. This will be another great event, as Ruslan is always in fan-friendly and TV-friendly fights,” said Banner Promotions President Arthur Pelullo.

“Ruslan participated in the Fight of the Year in 2013, Molina was part of the 2014 Fight of the Year, and Provodnikov-Matthysse was a 2015 Fight of the Year nominee. Put all that together, and we expect another Fight of the Year candidate on June 11. As the viewership numbers show across the board, Ruslan is one of the top stars in boxing. He doesn’t know how to make a bad fight.

“On behalf of everybody, I especially want to thank Stephen Espinoza of SHOWTIME for all of his help and work to bring Ruslan to SHOWTIME. This has been a work in progress, and his tireless efforts and patience in getting this deal done have been greatly appreciated. He has shown a real commitment to Ruslan and Banner Promotions, and this is just the beginning of our relationship in making the best and biggest fights possible for Ruslan.”

“We’re very excited for the SHOWTIME debut of Provodnikov on Boxing Hall of Fame weekend. It’s a crossroads fight. Expect fireworks,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports.

Vadim Kornilov, Provodnikov’s manager, said “This is a great opportunity for us. Ruslan is always in Fight of the Year candidates. I think that with all the fans that have been long waiting to see Ruslan return to the ring in the U.S., SHOWTIME has made a great business decision to give Ruslan an opportunity to come back and his fans an opportunity to see him in more of those brawls that they don’t get to see very often!”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports. Follow Banner Promotions on social media at :
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BannerBoxing ; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions ; Instagram: www.instagram.com/bannerboxing ; LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/banner-promotions-inc-?trk=biz-companies-cym ; Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/bannervideo ; Website: www.banner-promotions.com

LOS ANGELES (March 11, 2016) — Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO and his Hall of Fame Trainer World-Famous FREDDIE ROACH will soon break camp in General Santos City in the Philippines and head to the U.S. On Monday, at Roach’s Hollywood-based Wild Card Boxing Club, they will begin phase two of training for their sole mission — demolishing two-division world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY JR. Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) and Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs) are 29 days away from their date with destiny — their 12-round welterweight battle for pound for pound supremacy.

Team Pacquiao is scheduled to land at Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal Tomorrow! Saturday, March 12, at 5:40 p.m. PT via Philippine Airlines Flight 102. This link will give you updated arrival information. http://www.philippineairlines.com/ (click Flight Status – the blue bar located on the right)

“We had a strong camp in the Philippines and Manny, as usual, is way ahead of schedule in his conditioning, and very motivated,” said Roach. “The real business begins for us on Monday at Wild Card. We have great sparring waiting for Manny. I know that ESPN announcer [Teddy Atlas] who is coaching Bradley is a good story teller and likes acting. Let’s see how well they do when we go off script and hit them with a dose of reality TV. Playing ‘fireman’ isn’t going to protect them from the nuclear assault Manny will be launching.”

This fight will also mark the first time Roach and Atlas have ever faced each other from opposite corners — an amazing fact considering they have a combined 70 years of training experience between them and scores of world champions to their credit. Think their isn’t a little competition between them? Take a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un4lLzHnLUE&feature=youtu.be

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with MP Promotions, the Manny Pacquiao – Tim Bradley 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 will also be available for purchase at mgmgrand.com or ticketmaster.com.

For fight updates go to toprank.com, hbo.com/boxing or 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 Hashtags #PacBradley to join the conversation on Twitter.

WBO World Lightweight champion Terry Flanagan and challenger Derry Mathews both hit the weight at today’s weigh-in for their eagerly-anticipated showdown tomorrow night at the Liverpool Echo Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Undefeated Flanagan, making the second defence of his title, looked in sensational shape weighing in spot on the 9st 9lbs limit. The Mancunian lightweight king will be looking to show the Echo Arena crowd why he is rated as one of the very best boxers in the world.

“All the talking is over and now it’s time to get in the ring and get it on. I’ve put everything into my training and I’m ready to show everyone that I’m the best lightweight in the world. I’m expecting a tough fight from Derry, we’re both in the best shape of our lives but I’ll have too much for him to handle,” said Flanagan.

Merseyside hero Mathews came in at 9st 8lbs and looked in tremendous condition ahead of the biggest night of his career. All-action ‘Dirty’ Derry is gearing up to make history in his 50th professional fight in front of his home crowd.

“I’m feeling great, everything has gone perfectly so far. I’m ready for everything that Terry is going to bring. I’m bringing my A game and I hope that he brings his. I hope that the crowd get their money’s worth in an exciting fight and fingers crossed it will be a great night for Liverpool,” said Mathews.

He added: “I’m excited and getting nervous which is only human but I’m loving every minute of it. I can’t wait to get in there now.”

NEW YORK (March 11, 2016)—SHOWTIME Sports on Friday announced seven live boxing telecasts over a 12-week span, a stacked lineup featuring nine world championship fights and 14 overall matches in boxing’s deepest and most exciting divisions.

The full slate of programming is free to SHOWTIME subscribers, and the presentation on CBS is the first Prime Time boxing event on CBS television network in decades.

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports, also announced a summer blockbuster in the making.

“This is an incredibly exciting time in boxing, a time for emerging stars to make their mark, and for established champions to break through to the next level,” Espinoza said.

“This schedule features high level matchups with champions taking on the highest-rated contenders available, and top-ranked challengers facing one another. We are thrilled and grateful to the promoters and the fighters themselves who have worked with us these last few weeks to put together such an impressive lineup for SHOWTIME Boxing. It has to be one of the best we’ve ever assembled.

“We have seven live telecasts over a 12-week span that runs the gamut of our SHOWTIME boxing series. It includes nine world title fights, and that doesn’t count a great fight that’s just coming together today, as both Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton have now agreed to a championship matchup to be scheduled for late summer.

“All of these events are free to SHOWTIME subscribers, and the June 25 event is the first Prime Time boxing presentation on CBS television network in decades.

“Again, thanks to the fighters and promoters for not only making these great matches a reality, but for their cooperation in today’s major announcement.”

See below for details on the events that Espinoza, and the principals involved, are in the process of finalizing. Additional details on each individual event will be announced in the coming days.

Saturday, April 9 – SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL
Main Event: Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) vs. Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) – IBF Heavyweight World Title Championship
Co-feature: Lee Selby (22-1, 8 KOs) vs. Eric Hunter (21-3, 11 KOs) – IBF Featherweight Championship
Start Time: TBD
Venue: The O2 – London
Promoter: Warriors Boxing & Matchroom Sport

Friday, April 15 – ShoBox: The New Generation
Main Event: Nikolay Potapov (14-0, 6 KOs) vs. Stephon Young (14-0-2, 6 KOs) – 10-Rd Bantamweight Bout
Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/PT
Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY
Promoter: Salita Promotions
Four-fight telecast featuring at least six undefeated fighters.
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Saturday, April 16 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main Event: Gary Russell Jr. (26-1, 15 KOs) vs. Patrick Hyland (31-1, 15 KOs) – WBC Featherweight World Championship
Co-Feature: Jose Pedraza (21-0, 12 KOs) vs. Stephen Smith (23-1, 13 KOs) – IBF Super Featherweight World Championship
Start Time: 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT
Venue: Fox Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
Featherweight world title fights in consecutive weeks.
Gary Russell Jr. returns to make his first title defense
Crucial Super Featherweight bout between defending champ Jose Pedraza and No. 1 challenger Stephen Smith.

Saturday, April 30 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main Event: Badou Jack (20-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) – WBC Super Middleweight Championship
Co-Feature: James DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) vs. Rogelio Medina (35-6, 29 KOs) – IBF Super Middleweight World Championship
Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Venue: TBD
Promoter: Mayweather Promotions
Former champ Bute, fresh off a great fight against DeGale, steps in to replace the injured Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Medina is the IBF’s mandated challenger for DeGale.
The winners will meet in an immediate unification.

Targeting May 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – PENDING CONFIRMATION
Main Event: Deontay Wilder (36-0, 35 KOs) vs. Alexander Povetkin (30-1, 22 KOs) – WBC Heavyweight World Championship
Start Time: TBD
Venue: TBD

Saturday, June 11 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main Event: Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) vs. John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs) – 12-Rd Super Lightweight Bout
Start Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Venue: Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY
Promoter: Banner Promotions
Induction Weekend for International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Main event features two fighters involved in Fights of Year

Saturday, June 25 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS Presented by PBC
Main Event: Keith Thurman (26-0, 1 ND, 22 KOs) vs. Shawn Porter (26-1-1, 16 KOs) – WBA Welterweight World Championship
Co-Feature: Jesus Cuellar (28-1, 21 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) – WBA (reg.) Featherweight World Championship
Start Time: TBD
Venue: TBD
Promoter: DiBella Entertainment
Thurman cleared to resume training after minor injury
Three-division world champ Mares to now face Jesus Cuellar for featherweight title

Late-Summer 2016 – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
Main Event: Leo Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs) vs. Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) – WBA (super) Featherweight World Championship
Frampton the unified 122-pound titlist, will move up to face Santa Cruz for the WBA (super) Featherweight World Championship

FRANK WARREN
Sponsored by Coral, Rainham Steel and 5Dimes
Presents
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING
ECHO ARENA. LIVERPOOL
SATURDAY 12TH MARCH 2015

THE WBO WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TERRY FLANAGAN (9st 9lbs) vs. DERRY MATHEWS (9st 8lbs 6oz)

THE VACANT WBO INTERNATIONAL SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
PAUL BUTLER (8st 4lbs 2oz) vs. SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ (8st 2lbs 5oz)

THE VACANT IBF INTERNATIONAL BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
ZOLANI TETE (8st 4lbs 9oz) vs. JOSE SANTOS GONZALEZ (8st 6lbs 4ox)

THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL AND VACANT COMMONWEALTH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TOMMY LANGFORD (11st 5lbs 6oz) vs. LEWIS TAYLOR (11st 5lbs 1oz)

THE ENGLISH CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
MATTY ASKIN (14st 3lbs 3oz) vs. SIMON BARCLAY (14st 4lbs)

RUNNING ORDER

Doors Open: 17:00 hrs

Fight # 1 – 17:30 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
ZELFA BARRETT vs. DAMIAN LAWNICZAK

Fight # 2 – 18:00 hrs
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest=
VIJENDER SINGH vs. ALEXANDER HORVATH

Fight # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
LYON WOODSTOCK vs. TBA

Fight # 4
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Bantamweight Contest
RYAN FARRAG vs. STEFAN SLAVCHEV

Fight # 5
THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL AND VACANT COMMONWEALTH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TOMMY LANGFORD vs. LEWIS TAYLOR

Fight # 6
THE VACANT IBF INTERNATIONAL BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
ZOLANI TETE vs. JOSE SANTOS GONZALEZ

Fight # 7
THE VACANT IBF INTERNATIONAL SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
PAUL BUTLER vs. SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ

Fight # 8
THE WBO WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TERRY FLANAGAN vs. DERRY MATHEWS

Fight # 9
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Bantamweight Contest
JAZZA DICKENS

Fight # 10
THE ENGLISH CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
MATTY ASKIN vs. SIMON BARCLAY

Fight # 11
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Flyweight Contest
KEVIN SATCHELL vs. ADRIAN GARZON

LONDON (11 MARCH) Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell is two weeks away from defending his British middleweight title against Chris Eubank Jr. at The SSE Arena, Wembley and claims the hotly-anticipated grudge match is “better than a world title fight”.

Blackwell and Eubank Jr. lock horns on March 26, following months of heated back-and-forth, and promoter Mick Hennessy’s long-held view that the fight features two world-class middleweights is one shared by Blackwell.

“We can both definitely mix it at the top level,” said Blackwell. “We’ve shown that in the past and the winner on March 26 will no doubt show it again in the future.

“I love calling myself British champion. It’s a real honour. But I’m not content with just winning the belt. I want to win it outright – which I’ll do when I beat Eubank Jr. – and then I want to win titles at European and world level. That has been my aim since day one.

“I know world titles are a real possibility for me once I silence Eubank Jr. and get that British belt outright.”

Blackwell’s hopes of a world title opportunity increased this week when learning former foe Max Bursak, a man Blackwell pushed to the wire only to be robbed on the scorecards, had landed a shot at Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO world middleweight title in April.

“That was a real eye-opener for me,” said the 25-year-old. “I dropped Bursak and beat him up for most of the rounds we shared, but it was in Ukraine and he got the benefit of the doubt. Since then he has lost three fights and I know for a fact I would stop him inside the distance if we were to box again.

“So, to see him get an opportunity like this – a world title shot – gives hope to us all. I’m on better form than he is at the moment, I’ve beaten better opponents and I’m far more deserving of a world title shot.

“If anything, Bursak and Saunders boxing for a world title just goes to show how good this fight with Eubank Jr. really is.

“If you were to ask any boxing fan which fight they’d rather watch I’d imagine the majority of them would say my fight with Eubank Jr. on March 26. In this case, then, a British title fight is far better than a world title fight.”

*** 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 ***

FOLLOW US ON ON TWITTER @HENNESSYSPORTS
For more information on Channel 5, MaxiNutrition and Hennessy Sports:

www.channel5.com
www.maxinutrition.com
www.hennessysports.com

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS VISIT WWW.HENNESSYSPORTS.COM

Anthony Crolla will defend his WBA World Lightweight title against Ismael Barroso at the Manchester Arena on May 7.

Crolla won the belt in stunning style at the vaunted Manchester venue in November, folding Darleys Perez in the fifth round of their rematch for the Colombian’s title, capping a fairy tale comeback from the life-threatening injuries he suffered in December 2014 when confronting burglars at his neighbours home and then his first fight with Perez ending in a controversial draw in July.

Crolla was present at The O2 when Barroso knocked out Kevin Mitchell in December, effectively ending the career of the popular Londoner in their clash for the interim title, an 18th win inside the distance from 19 victories for the unbeaten 33 year old that poses a serious early threat to Crolla’s reign – but ‘Million Dollar’ says there was no way he was going to avoid a clash with the dangerous mandatory challenger.

“I am under no illusion that this is a tough task but there was no way I was not going to take the fight,” said Crolla.

“I enjoyed a break since winning the title, but I have been in the gym for a while already and I am in a good place.

“People said I was going to duck him – if I don’t fight him I lose my belt, simple. Of course I am going to fight him, I’ve worked too hard to become World champion to give it away.

“I knew that it wasn’t the best of Kevin Mitchell in there when they boxed at The O2. He didn’t look himself at the weigh-in and I was worried he was going to struggle. That said, Barroso was still impressive and we know he’s a big puncher, so it’s a really tough examination but one that I am really up for.”

“Anthony Crolla is jumping straight in with a cracking first defence against Barroso,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Barroso is one of the dangerous fighters in the business but Anthony’s continues to improve and right now I believe he is the man at 135lbs – and he’ll prove it on May 7. He has become one of the biggest stars in British boxing and the following he receives in Manchester is very special. This could be a Fight of the Year contender and will be another huge night for British boxing.”

Announcements on the undercard will be made at a press conference in Manchester on Tuesday.

Tickets go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass members at midday on Saturday March 12 priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100 and VIPs at £200 from the Fight Pass area at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Tuesday March 15 with tickets in the £40 to £100 bracket available from www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIPs are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £200.

Tickets for May 7 are also 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.

WBO lightweight boss Terry Flanagan insists he’s suitably refreshed, relaxed and ready to rumble as the hours countdown to the second defence of his crown this weekend.

Having captured and retained the title in his home city of Manchester, the 26 year old takes his ‘Turbo’ engine across the M62 to Liverpool’s Echo Arena to dual home hero Derry Mathews in a showdown that has got the fight trade salivating. The reception is unlikely to be hospitable!

‘I’m not riled about going to Liverpool. I’ve savoured a top atmosphere at the MEN (Manchester Arena), now I get to enter the lion’s den; another experience,’ says the habitually laid-back and unruffled champ, who has triumphed in all 29 paid fights thus far.

‘Besides, I’ve travelled all over Britain and Europe with Man City and away days are always best. It’s a great trip for all the lads. I’ve personally sold nearly 500 tickets already. But home or away, you just blank the crowd out. Whenever I’m in the ring, I’m in the zone. Nothing fazes me.

‘Anyway, I can go back to Manchester for unification against (WBA boss Anthony) Crolla or (WBC king Jorge) Linares. They’re the fights I want. And I’d jump at a chance to defend abroad. There’s also (Puerto Rico’s touted WBO number three) Felix Verdejo, a top talent; perfect for my US debut!

Despite his habitually humble and introverted exterior, the former scaffolder will be bristling with inner belief after his sensational three knockdown, second round slaughter of feted Yank challenger Diego Magdaleno in his maiden defence at Manchester Arena last October.

‘The Magdaleno win brought me big props both in Britain and America but I refuse to get content,’ says Flanagan.

‘I have to keep on proving myself and Mathews is a huge domestic fight. A lot more Brits know Derry than knew Diego. It’s crucial that I shine on Saturday and keep the ball rolling.

Having nailed the vacant belt against feared and previously undefeated California bomber Jose Zepeda in July – albeit on an inconclusive injury retirement – and then rubbed out mandatory contender Magdaleno, the mighty Manc could have been excused if he’d opted to bolster his bank account against one of the tamer threats in the WBO’s listings.

However, his decision to twist against the concussive fists and notoriously wayward head of ‘Dirty Derry’ – and in the Scouser’s own yard – cements Flanagan as a worthy world champion.

He says: ‘I’ve never chosen an opponent or turned one down. I leave that all to the two Steves (trainer Maylett and manager Wood) plus Frank Warren. Because Derry’s with Frank, this makes sense. I need big names that interest the fans, to put myself out there. Though it’s a voluntary, it’s a high profile fight but we obviously fancied our chances.’

While challenger Mathews has the luxury of home court, the Liverpudlian is well into his 33rd year and has already been bettered nine times – seven before the judges were required – in a 13 year, 49 fight innings.

But while Flanagan has already mounted the Mersey man’s scalp after a three round Prizefighter tussle in 2012, and claims the upside of several spars that the pair shared during Flanagan’s apprenticeship, ‘Turbo Terry’ is aware that complacency could prove as big a problem as the Scouser’s feted scuds.

‘I’ve never taken any opponent likely. I’m always 100% switched on, fit and sharp. That’s why I’m still unbeaten,’ insists Flanagan.

’Derry’s got a load of Twitter followers and he’s trying to sell the fight. I’ll stand my corner but there’s no hatred. I like him, find him funny.

‘Sometimes my fans get riled but I never get mad about opponents comments before a fight. They really mean nothing. Derry claims I pulled out in February because I had weight problems but I’ve never made lightweight more comfy. I’ve never struggled in the past, never spoken about moving up.

‘Size doesn’t mean owt. It’s about skill levels and mine are way above his. But lightweight is my division and I’m very fit and strong there. People say I’ve only stopped 12 but, since Prizefighter, nine of 11 have failed to last the distance, including the last six.

‘It’s not just about banging ‘em out – though I showed against Magdaleno I can turn a fight with one shot – it’s about physical maturity. Earlier in my career I relied on speed but now I’ve far more variety to my game. At 26, I’m a proper man. If Derry’s daft and charges on to me, he’ll get stopped.’

Despite venturing out of the away corner, the bookmakers have installed Flanagan as a 5-1 on fancy to retain his belt. Nevertheless, this consummate professional anticipates an almighty argument before his arm is lifted.

‘After the Frampton-Crolla let down, expect Fight of the Year. Everyone’s talking about the fantastic shape that Derry is in. I’m expecting a great fight and I’ve prepared for 12 very hard rounds,’ says the champ who is yet to venture beyond round ten.

‘I told Derry I’d stop him at the press conference but that was only to get him riled. We’re fully aware that he’s always dangerous – especially when his back’s against the wall – so you can never switch off.

‘He never hurt me once in sparring or Prizefighter and he’s no more dangerous than Jose Zepeda who’d stopped 20 of 23. But I know this is a different game with small gloves and no head guards. He’s definitely got a punchers chance. At this level, it’s definitely about not getting hit.

‘I just need to stay switched on. Ninety-nine times out of 100, the better boxer wins the fight and I’m a level above Derry in every department.’

TACOMA, Wash. – Knockout specialist Dionisio Miranda will square off against Andrew Hernandez in the main event of Battle at the Boat 105 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash. on Saturday, March 26.

Presented by Brian Halquist Productions, Battle at the Boat 105 will have six bouts with Miranda and Hernandez headlining the card in a 10-round super middleweight matchup.

Tickets are available through the EQC box office and all Ticket Master Outlets. Preliminary bouts start at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Miranda, a former NABA and WBC Continental Americas middleweight title holder, is 22-14-2 with 19 KOs and holds a victory over Lajuan Simon, who once challenged Arthur Abraham for the IBF World middleweight title.

Simon lost to Abraham, the world’s current top-ranked super middleweight, in 2009 by unanimous decision. Miranda defeated Simon for the WBC Continental Americas middleweight title in 2010.

Hernandez (10-4-1, 2 KOs) has built a strong reputation as a fighter who is willing to step in between the ropes against anyone, as evidenced by his last four opponents who had a combined record of 51-3-1 (93% winning record) at the time of their bouts.

Hernandez’s most impressive victory came on Nov. 7, 2015 when he knocked out Jeff Page, Jr. to capture the Universal Boxing Federation Intercontinental super middleweight title. Page entered the title fight with a record of 17-1-0 with his only prior defeat coming against top-10 ranked Artur Beterbiev in a contest for the WBA-NABA, NABO and IBF North American light heavyweight championship.

“Miranda and Hernandez are fighters in every sense of the word. They will battle with anyone and if you look through their resumes they have been in the ring with several world-class boxers,” promoter Brian Halquist said. “It’s going to be a thrilling main event between two guys who don’t back down.”

Highlighting the undercard will be a semi-main event between undefeated Isaac Tadeo and Chad McKinney at 155 pounds. Tadeo brings a perfect 6-0-0 record into the bout.

Battle at the Boat 105 is brought to you by Brian Halquist Productions. For more information, please visit www.halquistproductions.com and the Battle at the Boat Facebook page.

Battle at the Boat 105 Card
168-pounds (10 rounds)
Andrew Hernandez (10-4-1) vs. DionisioMiranda (22-14-2)
155-pounds (5 rounds)
Isaac Tadeo (6-0-0) vs. Chad McKinney (1-5-0)
148-pounds (5 rounds)
Zach Cooper (3-1-2) vs. Andres Reyes (3-1-0)
4 Round Undercard Bouts
Andre Keys (1-0-0) vs. Guillermo Maldonado (1-0-0)
Sean Gee (2-3-0) vs. Will Fernandez (0-4-0)
Dave Purnell (debut) vs. Taki Uluilakepa (0-1-0)

###

ABOUT BRIAN HALQUIST
Brian Halquist Productions is the Northwest premiere fight promotion company creator of the famed “Battle at the Boat” boxing series promoting more than 19 years and over 100 fights at the Emerald Queen Casino. BHP has also built the largest professional MMA series on the USA’s west coast with “CageSport MMA” nearing more than 50 fights. Brian Halquist Productions has promoted events for ESPN, ShowTime and HBO and featured on Showtime’s historic boxing event in St Lucia, West Indies. Brian Halquist Productions has been promoting fights and concerts for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 10, 2016) – Undefeated super-featherweight Mario Barrios, 20, is hard at work getting ready for his first fight of the year. He’s scheduled to fight Erick Daniel Martinez (11-4-1, 2 KOs) on March 15, at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino in Nice, CA. Premier Boxing Champions Toe-to-Toe Tuesdays PBC on FS1 will air the fight live starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT Pacific Time.

Tickets priced $20 (back), $30 (mid), $50 (ringside) can be purchased at the Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino box office or by calling 1-800-809-3636. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First fight starts at 5:15 PM.

MMA warriors John “Johnny Merc” Mecurio out of Huntington Beach and a good win away from a possible promotion to Bellator or the UFC will be in tough when he faces veteran fighter in Matt “Berserk” Lagler from San Diego. All this fight offers to fans are two warriors, Mecurio at 7-7 with four of those wins by knockout, and Lagler with 11 wins with four by knockout and five by submission. This fight will be what MMA action is all about.

Not to be overshadowed how about an undefeated amateur MMA star turning pro. It will also happen on April 7th as Gabriel “Vicious Lish” Green, fighting out of Tracy Hess’s Subfighter MMA gym looks to continue his success as a pro. Green was 5-0 as a CAMO amateur with three knockouts and was the #4 ranked welterweight in California. What is amazing is that Green had no previous combat training and won his first bout after only three months of training.

7-0 (7KO’s) Malcolm McAllister pictured above
With Fight Club OC shows always hybrid shows, boxing will also be highlighted with one of the top super middleweight prospects Malcolm McAllister returning to The Hangar. McAllister is an impressive 7-0 with all wins by knockout and has won five of his fights at the OC show venue.

The big boys will be in action as former college football star Adam Stewart turns pro and meets 1-1 Matt McKinney in heavyweight action. Steward played football at Pittsburg State in Kansas and now lives and trains in Huntington Beach. McKinney, out of Oceanside is a former college water polo player and brings a 1-1-1 record to the four rounder.

Santa Ana native and undefeated jr. middleweight Bryan Flores makes his local boxing debut. Flores a graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Business Administration will look to extend his 3-0 record.

Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout at 7pm. All tickets priced at $60 are available at www.fightcluboc.com

For Future 2016 Fight Club OC dates and other information go to www.fightcluboc.com.

CBS Sports Network presents KNOCKOUT NIGHT AT THE D on Saturday, March 12 (11:00 PM, ET), headlined by five-time World Champion Zab Judah, who squares off against Josh Torres in the 10-round main event.

SHOWTIME Sports’ Al Bernstein is joined by Jim “JR” Ross to call the action, as well as Kevin Kelley, who will handle post-fight interviews.

In addition to Saturday, CBS Sports Network will air seven other KNOCKOUT NIGHT AT THE D events in 2016, including Saturday, April 16, Friday, May 13 and Friday, June 10. CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 221 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, including a full programming schedule and how to get CBS Sports Network, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

MONTREAL (March 10, 2016) – Former IBF Middleweight World Champion David Lemieux (34-3, 31 KOs) and his opponent San Benito, Texas’ “King” James De La Rosa (23-3, 13 KOs) hosted a final press conference, yesterday, ahead of their 10-round middleweight showdown on March 12 at Montreal’s Olympia Theatre.

The exciting middleweight battle is set to broadcast live in the U.S. by FOX Deportes and will be available in English via live stream by Ring TV, both starting at 7:00 p.m. PT/ 10:00 p.m. ET. Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bout:

DAVID LEMIEUX, Former IBF Middleweight World Champion:
“I’m just coming back from a big fight, but I’ve moved on. I am ready to step into the ring to win.

“I’m glad to be back home with all the fans who have supported me throughout my career. People who see this fight will get their money’s worth, it’s going to be an exciting fight.”

JAMES DE LA ROSA, Middleweight Contender:

“I am here to fight. I had a great training camp and feel confident that on fight night I will be the best.”

CAMILLE ESTEPHAN, President of Eye of the Tiger Management:

“We have done our work in and out of the ring and we are happy to announce that everything is set in motion for a wonderful gala this Saturday at the Olympia.

“We also look forward to watch our young and fierce future champions on the undercard take on some serious opponents and of course happy to have David with his home fans.”

Tickets for the event are on sale now starting at $59 CAN and $349 CAN for ringside and available at www.admission.com. For further information, visit www.eottm.com and www.goldenboypromotions.com or follow on Twitter @Lemieuxboxing, @KingJamesDLR, @EOTMVD and @GoldenBoyBoxing.

David Lemieux vs. James de la Rosa is a 10-round fight presented by Eye of the Tiger Management in association with Golden Boy Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. E.T. and the first fight begins at 7:00 p.m. E.T. The event will be broadcast in HD for $59.99 and $54.99 in SD on Indigo and all pay-per-view channels across Canada starting at 9:00 p.m. E.T. and the undercard will be televised by TVA Sports starting at 7:00 p.m. E.T. The U.S. broadcast is presented by FOX Deportes and via live stream by Ring TV starting at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles, CA (March 10, 2016) Boxing Superstar, Unified Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Consensus #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter and WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez are once again proving to be the hottest ticket in boxing as over 10,000 tickets have already been purchased for UNDEFEATED, set for Saturday, April 23 at The Fabulous Forum.

“Tickets have been selling fast since we put them on sale less than a month ago and we are on pace to have another complete sell out,” said Tom Loeffler. “Coming off a sold-out Madison Square Garden on October 17 with over 20,000 boxing fans, Gennady is demonstrating once again his ability to headline a sold out event.”

“All of the ticket prices are selling fast with our $30 seats already sold out and we strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets quickly.”

This is Golovkin’s second fight at The Fabulous Forum and tickets are selling at a much faster pace for this promotion than they did for his debut at the iconic venue on May 16, 2015 when 12,732 were in attendance.

Remaining tickets for the April 23rd event can be purchased through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000) and the Forum Box Office.

_____________________________

Boxing Superstar and Undefeated, Unified World Middleweight Champion Golovkin, 34-0 (31KO’s) will defend his titles against Undefeated Mandatory Challenger Dominic Wade, 18-0 (12KO’s) in the main event at UNDEFEATED.

Co-featured will be Consensus #1 Pound-For-Pound Fighter and WBC Flyweight World Champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, 44-0 (38KO’s) battling World Ranked Contender McWilliams Arroyo, 16-2 (14KO’s) of Puerto Rico.

Both bouts will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Golovkin vs. Wade is promoted by K2 Promotions, GGG Promotions and in association with TGB Promotions. Gonzalez vs. McWilliams is presented by K2 Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and PR Best Boxing Promotions.

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

Follow on Twitter at Gennady Golovkin @GGGBoxing, Dominic Wade @_DomoWade,
Roman Gonzalez @chocolatitobox, Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions @TomLoeffler1, TGB Promotions @TGBpromotions, the Forum @theForum and HBO Boxing @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/GGGBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheForum and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

Use the hashtags #GolovkinWade and #GonzalezArroyo to join the conversations on social media.

WBO World Lightweight champion Terry Flanagan and challenger Derry Mathews went head to head one last time at today’s press conference before their massive world title showdown at the Liverpool Echo Arena this Saturday, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Merseyside hero Mathews is looking to land a full world title in his 50th professional fight in front of his home crowd. All-action ‘Dirty’ Derry is one of the toughest fighters to come out of Liverpool and is planning on winning by any means necessary. Mathews, 38-9-2, 20 KOs, has previously won interim World, British and Commonwealth titles but now wants to be recognised as the best lightweight in the world.

“I’m in this game to fight the best and Terry Flanagan is the best; he’s the world champion. On Saturday I want people to say I’m the best when I beat him to become the world champion,” said Mathews.

He added: “I think mine and Terry’s styles gel well so it’s going to be an exciting fight. We’re both putting it all on the line and neither of us are going to run away from each other. We both like to have a bit of a fight,”

“I don’t care how I win as long as I win. If it goes early it goes early, if it goes to points it goes to points. As long as I have a new belt around my waist and my arms raised that’s all I care about. I’m here to fight and if I stick to my game plan I win the fight.”

Flanagan holds a win over Mathews from when the North West rivals fought it out in a Prize Fighter contest back in 2013 but is expecting a tougher fight this time round. The Mancunian lightweight star is undefeated in all 29 of his professional fights and is planning on showing the Liverpool crowd why he’s rated as the world’s best.

“I think we’re both different fighters now. The Prize Fighter fight was a few years back now and we’ve both improved since then. Whatever is going to happen will happen on the night. We’ve both trained hard for this, we’re both in the best shape of our lives and the best man will win; I believe that’s me,” said Flanagan.

He said: “It’s going to be a good night in Liverpool. I think it’s going to be a bit hostile for me coming from Manchester so it should be a good atmosphere. The hostility doesn’t bother me; not where I’m from! The atmosphere isn’t going to bother me. I’m sure there’s plenty of Scousers out there who want Derry to get beat and loads of Mancs who want to see me lose,”

He added: “I think I’m the best lightweight in the world but it’s for you to judge. Obviously I can’t look past Derry but when I come through Saturday they’re the kind of fights I want to prove that I’m the best.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren expressed his excitement over the eagerly-anticipated all-British blockbuster and predicted a gripping contest between two determined men who will stop at nothing to get their win.

“The main event is a cracking fight. I think it has all the ingredients of being fight of the year. The build up to the Carl Frampton versus Scott Quigg fight was quite intense but the fight turned out to be a damp squib. They were arguing about dressing rooms but Terry and Derry would get changed in the car park for this fight. All they care about is getting the fight on and getting in the ring and one of them coming out with the prize,” said Warren.

He added: “Steve Maylett and Danny Vaughan have got their guys in fantastic condition. There’s going to be no excuses after; they’re 100% ready. The winner will win on merit and that’s how it’s going to be.”

Manchester’s WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla has been earmarked as a potential opponent for the winner of Saturday’s showdown. Crolla lost to Liverpool’s Mathews earlier in his career by a sixth round stoppage and would be keen for revenge. The old foes fought out an absorbing draw when they met in a rematch back in 2013, with many describing it as the fight of the year. ‘Turbo’ would be keen to take on his schoolmate to find out who the real Macunian lightweight king is. Warren believes it is a contest that would make sense for all parties.

He said: “We’ve offered Anthony £500,000 to fight the winner and that offer still stands. It’s a real hotbed up here at the moment in this division so let’s find out who the best fighter is in the North West is. That fight makes a lot of sense, I know he’s not making that kind of money to fight Barroso so there it’s a no brainer. It’s a big pay day for the Anthony and the winner of this fight so let’s get it on.”

Terry Flanagan v Derry Mathews for the WBO World Lightweight Championship headlines the show that features world boxing star and dynamite punching South African Zolani Tete challenging for the Vacant IBF International Bantamweight Championship against Jose Santos Gonzalez; Birmingham ace Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title against Lewis Taylor; hard-hitting Ellesmere Port’s star Paul Butler will challenge for the Vacant WBO International Super-Flyweight title; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Corby’s Simon Barclay. The undercard features some of the best talent in Merseyside: undefeated leading world title contender Kevin Satchell; European Champion Ryan Farrag; Indian superstar Vijender Singh plus Manchester prospects Macaulay McGowan and Zelfa Barrett and Leicester ace Lyon Woodstock complete the card.

Doors will open at 5pm with the first fight starting at 5.30pm.

Ticket for ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’ are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150* and are available from:

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Liverpool Echo Arena
0844 8000 400
www.echoarena.com

Ticketmaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

A special V.I.P ticket priced at £250* that includes an inner ringside V.I.P seat, lanyard, complimentary beer, wine and soft drink (between a certain time period) and canapés are available to purchase through the Frank Warren Box Office office only on 01992 505 550.

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.

LOS ANGELES (March 10, 2016) – The StubHub Center in Carson, California has been home to some of the most epic fights of this era and on Saturday, June 4 another chapter will be added to its action-packed history. Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (23-0-1, 17 KOs), fresh from his Fight of the Year victory over Takashi Miura, will defend his WBC Super Featherweight World Title for the first time against fellow Mexican warrior and former three-time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (43-13-3, 30 KOs, 1 NC) in a 12-round Fight of the Year candidate televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®.

Tickets for the epic showdown between two of Mexico’s most notable warriors will go on sale tomorrow, Friday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are reasonably priced starting at $25. Fans will get to enjoy a great night of exciting fights where every seat is a great seat at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

“I want to fight the best fighters and Orlando Salido is one of the top fighters in the sport,” said Francisco Vargas. “I intend to retain my title and will be prepared to the best of my ability to dominate in the ring and give the fans a fight they will remember. I know it will be a tough fight, Salido brings a lot of experience, but I promise not to disappoint. In the end the fans will win on June 4, they will witness a battle between two Mexican warriors who will give it their all in the ring, it’s a can’t miss event.”

“I was 12-years-old when I saw my first fight on television,” said Orlando Salido. “It was the great Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and I watched him knockout his opponent and earn the prestigious green and gold belt. It was then that I knew then that’s what I wanted to do, become a world champion boxer just like my idol Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. So here I am, 23 years later looking to win the WBC belt and fulfill my lifelong dream of putting it around my waist. I want to give special thanks to the WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, son of the great Don Jose Sulaiman, HBO, Zanfer Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Francisco Vargas for giving me the chance to fight for the WBC Championship on June 4. I look forward to giving the fans an epic fight that will be remembered for years to come.”

“Francisco Vargas will make his much anticipated return to the ring on June 4 following his magnificent victory over Takashi Miura on the Cotto vs. Canelo undercard and let me say this: the fans will not be disappointed,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Francisco engaged in a bloodbath with Miura to claim the WBC Super Featherweight title, and he will not give that over easily to any opponent including Orlando Salido.”

“Hispanic fighters have played a very important role in boxing in the past 20 years,” said Fernando Beltran, President of Zanfer Promotions. “I have been blessed to promote some greatest Hispanic fighters including Julio Cesar ‘J.C.’ Chavez Sr., Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales, Juan Manuel ‘Dinamita’ Marquez, Jose Luis ‘El Temible’ Castillo, Marco Antonio ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ Barrera. Now with the help of HBO and Golden Boy Promotions, we are able to carry on this great tradition of giving the fans what they want to see. Orlando ‘Siri’ Salido and Francisco ‘El Bandido’ Vargas are two of the best warriors that we have from Mexico and come June 4 the real winners of this fight will be fans that will witness this epic match-up at the Stub Hub Center, live on HBO.”

“On June 4 boxing fans are in for a real treat when Francisco Vargas meets Orlando Salido in a showdown that has all corners of the boxing community energized with anticipation,” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “It’s a can’t miss battle that will have an electric atmosphere outdoors on fight night at the StubHub Center.”

“This is truly a fan friendly event,” said Ralph Heredia, Manager of Francisco Vargas. “All fans will witness an action-packed fight with two of Mexico’ most notable warriors. Francisco is known for his exciting style and is a fighter that gives every fight 110%. I know he will be ready to defend his title against Orlando Salido. He will be ready to prove he is the best in the division.”

“First I would like to thank HBO for having the vision to bring this fight to HBO Boxing After Dark,” said Sean Gibbons, Manager of Orlando Salido. “There are fights that need no hype and Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido is one them. These are two real Mexican warriors who will give it their all inside the ring and I believe that we have here is a can’t miss Fight of The Year on June 4.”

“StubHub Center is the top outdoor boxing venue in the country and has hosted some of the best fights during our history,” said General Manager of StubHub Center Katie Pandolfo. “We are excited to showcase another world-class boxing event in what will be an electric atmosphere at our facility.”

“We are excited to host another world-class event at the premier outdoor boxing venue in the United States,” said Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of StubHub Center. “StubHub Center has been the site of a number of great fights and we look forward to an electric atmosphere for the June 4th event.”

Tickets for Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges will go on sale on tomorrow, Friday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas has continued to represent his country well as a professional, striking gold in 2015 by winning the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship on the undercard of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez on Nov., 21. A former NABF and WBO International Super Featherweight Champion, the 31-year-old, Mexico City native soared to the top of the 130-pound weight class with wins over Brandon “Untouchable” Bennett, Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes, Abner “Pin” Cotto, Juan “Juanma” Manuel Lopez and “Wild” Will Tomlinson. But the biggest win was yet to come, as Vargas rose from the canvas to drop and stop Japan’s Takashi Miura in a classic championship bout on Nov. 21 that was named ESPN.com, Sports Illustrated, The Ring Magazine and The BWAA 2015 Fight of the Year.

No stranger to thrilling wars in the ring, 35-year-old Orlando “Siri” Salido is a three-time former world featherweight champion who has had one of the most impressive resumes in the sport today. A professional since 1996, Ciudad Obregon’s Salido, has traded punches with the best of this era, including Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa, Mikey Garcia and Vasyl “Hi-Tech” Lomachenko. Best known for his memorable two-fight series with Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez and Roman “Rocky” Martinez, Salido is looking forward to celebrating his 20th year in the sport by winning another world championship.

Vargas vs. Salido is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Featherweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

ABOUT STUBHUB CENTER
StubHub Center is southern California’s home of world-class competition and training facilities for amateur, Olympic, collegiate and professional athletes. Managed by AEG Facilities, the $150 million, privately financed facility was developed by AEG on a 125-acre site on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. StubHub Center features an 8,000-seat tennis stadium, a 27,167-seat stadium for soccer, football and other athletic competitions and outdoor concerts; a 2,000-seat facility for track & field and a 2,450-seat indoor Velodrome – the VELO Sports Center – for track cycling. StubHub Center is home to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, the five-time MLS Cup Champions. StubHub Center is also home of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) High Performance Training Center, the national team training headquarters for the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) and EXOS, an international training center for elite and professional athletes. For additional information, please visit www.stubhubcenter.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.zanfer.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.stubhubcenter.com; follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @ZanferBox, @HBOBoxing, @StubHubCenter, @ElBandido130, and @siri_salido; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/zanferpromotions, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/StubHubCenter; and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing. Follow the conversation using #VargasSalido

Lee Selby will defend his IBF World Featherweight title against mandatory challenger Eric Hunter at The O2 in London on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Welsh ace returns to the venue where he won the title against Evgeny Gradovich in May and it’s his first defence on British soil following after he made his maiden defence against Fernando Montiel in Arizona in October, defeating the three-weight World champion on points.

Selby now faces his first mandatory defence in the shape of Hunter, the Philadelphia man known as ‘The Outlaw’ who takes his first shot at a World title in his first fight outside America.

The 29 year old champion has vowed to hold onto his title in style and is excited by the prospect of fighting at The O2 for the third time in his career.

“I can’t wait,” said Selby. “I’ve always wanted to box on April 9 and I’ve been working towards that and my head’s been on it, so now it’s confirmed its great news.

“Hunter looks decent and it will be a good fight, but I am more than ready for this one. It’s always nice to fight in front of your home fans so it will be great to have my second defence in front of my own people.

“Last time I went away to America, so it was hard for them to watch. It was on in the early hours of the morning but this time they will get to see me and that is important. I will be at my best.

“I will show why I am the IBF world champion and show people what I can do.”

“This is a great fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “I think the toughest of Lee’s career and I’m delighted to add it to this huge night of boxing. Lee has boxed at The O2 on a number of occasions and who can forget his defining moment against Gradovich to win the title there just under a year ago. I think the atmosphere and occasion will see him shine on this bumper night for British boxing.”

Selby’s clash with Hunter is part of a bumper night at the sold-out London venue as Anthony Joshua MBE challenges Charles Martin for the American’s IBF World Heavyweight title, while there’s a key Middleweight battle between former World title challengers Matthew Macklin and Brian Rose, plus more fights to be confirmed soon.

Things are heating up ahead of Saturday night’s WBA World Light Heavyweight title fight between Juergen Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) and Eduard Gutknecht (29-3-1, 12 KOs) at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

The domestic rivals do battle for a second time following a closely contested European title fight in February 2013, which saw Braehmer take the belt from Gutknecht with a closely contested points decision.

With the rematch approaching, the fighters wasted no time trading verbal jabs at the final pre-fight press conference, where there was one notable absentee, the coveted WBA title, which had mysteriously disappeared.

Gutknecht, who is aiming to get his hands on the missing belt, hit back at claims from Braehmer’s camp that he is a ‘dirty fighter’, and said his ‘hunger’ will prove the difference in their World Championship bout.

‘’I don’t know how Juergen and his team can label me a dirty fighter,’’ said the 33 year-old from Gifhorn. ‘’I’m not a dirty fighter, but I promise one thing: I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. I respect Braehmer’s achievements, but I’m the younger, hungrier fighter, and on Saturday night, it’s my time to shine!’’

Braehmer, having grown tired of his opponent’s predictions, responded: ‘’Eduard talks too much. He reminds me of my wife. Everything he says goes in one ear and out the other.’’ And instead chose to focus on the importance of the bout, which will be a milestone fiftieth fight for the two-time World Champion. ‘’This fight is very special for me,’’ said Braehmer. ‘’Not only will I shut Gutknecht up once and for all, I will also celebrate my fiftieth fight by defending my title in front of thousands of fans at the Jahnsportforum.’’

Promoter Kalle Sauerland is expecting an electric atmosphere at the sold out arena in Neubrandenburg. ‘’This fight has all the makings of a classic,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’A rematch between two domestic rivals with a World title on the line. If I wasn’t the promoter, I would be buying a ticket for this one!’’

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former Jr. Welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse is still feeling the effects of his fight with Viktor Postal and will not be able to participate in a proposed bout with Mauricio Herrera on May 7.

He was training and getting ready for the fight, but he felt some discomfort in his eye and he wants more rest,” Said Golden Boy Promotions Vice President Eric Gomez said of the longtime junior welterweight contender and one of the best pure punchers in boxing.

“He’s not going to fight on May 7. He is going to rest more but he is not retiring,” Gomez said. “Mario talked to him about it. What Lucas is going to do is rest, take some more time for his eye to heal and see how it is. In a few months we’ll see how he’s doing and go from there.”

NEW YORK (March 9. 2016) – Undefeated rising star Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and former world champion Chris Algieri went face-to-face for the first time Wednesday at a press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan as they discussed their Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC showdown taking place Saturday, April 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Also in attendance Wednesday was former world champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham, who takes on cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof Glowacki, and undefeated 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne, who faces undefeated Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Star Boxing, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“A lot of people have been asking me when I was going to fight top competition. When you look good in the ring, nobody wants to fight you. Established guys don’t want to fight you, so I want to thank Chris Algieri for taking this fight.

“It would be a major statement if I could stop Chris Algieri. He’s been in there with hard-punchers so I’m looking to make a statement about my power. Especially for me being a young contender, it would just show everything I have in my arsenal and where I’m going in my career.

“I’ve never envisioned it this way, but my team always told me to be patient and everything will come on time. Now I’m here in the NBC main event.

“This is a very important fight. Chris Algieri is a tough fighter. All of his fights have been exciting and we’re looking to make it exciting and one-sided. I’m looking to dominate the whole fight.

“From watching Algieri, I know he has good footwork and likes to box. Recently it seems like he’s become more aggressive and standing his ground a bit more. I’m ready for either style.

“I don’t really care if I get tested. I want to perform and show my skill set. I’m going to answers a lot of questions people have in the ring.

“I know I’ll be the next big star in boxing. I just have to stay grounded, do what I’ve been doing and listen to my team. The sky is the limit.

“I want a world title this year. I want the winner of the Kell Brook vs. Kevin Bizier fight. I would definitely go to the UK. I’d fight any of the champions, but I can’t look past Chris Algieri. I’m 100 percent focused on him.

“My career is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight. For me, fighting on this platform and getting my story out is a good start. It’s about what I do in the ring, I have to look spectacular and get the knockouts.

“Everybody should tune-in or get your tickets. This is going to be a fight for the history books.”

CHRIS ALGIERI

“It’s exciting to be back in the main event on the world stage. I take every fight very seriously and I prepare my best each time. It’s just another day at the office.

“I’m looking forward to working extremely hard and being as prepared as possible. I’ve never picked who I step in the ring with. My job is to prepare, fight and win. On April 16 that is exactly what I’m going to do.

“I’m honored to be on a card of this magnitude. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody come out for a great night of fights.

“Every fight going forward is about winning and moving towards a welterweight title. Every fight is one step closer to getting my opportunity. This win over Errol Spence Jr. will propel me into fights with the biggest names.

“I have to beat everybody who is in front of me. That’s what this fight is. Spence is just another guy in the welterweight division. I’ve always said I’m willing to fight the top guys in my weight class and whether he’s the top guy now or will be one day, it doesn’t matter.

“I’m looked at as the veteran here, but I’m a young veteran. I have a ton of experience and I think that will propel me for the rest of my career.

“Spence hasn’t fought anyone. I don’t think he’s fought a guy who’s tried to win. To label me as a gatekeeper against someone who hasn’t made real fights isn’t really a fair distinction.

“He’s done all his work against guys who were tailor made for him to beat up. He hasn’t fought a guy with footwork or a guy who can box. He hasn’t fought many guys who were in there to win. It will be a really eye-opening experience for him and a lot of people on April 16.

“I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and it’s an honor to be back. I feel that arena brings the best out of me.”

STEVE CUNNINGHAM

“I won both of my world titles overseas. Guys like Glowacki grew up watching me fight in their home countries. He’s frothing at the mouth to get at me. Sometimes the meal that you want isn’t a good one for you. I’m going to upset his stomach really good.

“It’s going to be a good fight. I come intelligent and I come to fight. I’m going to make other 40-year-olds jealous when everyone sees the work that I do. I’m going to be prepared mentally, spiritually and physically.

“I’m prepared to fight in any environment. My first title defense was in Marco Huck’s hometown. I went into the lion’s den. It’s all experience. I have a great range of experience and knowledge that helps me in the ring.

“It’s great to be on a card with guys like Errol Spence Jr. and Chris Algieri. I’ve seen these guys grind. I watched Errol in the Olympics and I’ve fought on the same undercards as Algieri. It’s awesome to be a part of this.

“A fight is a fight. Age doesn’t matter to me. Only thing that really means something is the opponent. When you get in there with your plan, the opponent matters less as you break him down.

“When I first started, my motivation was to make money for my family. My motivation is always changing though. I believe I was born to do this. I love working out and pushing my mind and body to the brink. Most of all, I just love challenges.

“I’m is a cruiserweight. My camps are always like seven or eight weeks, but I’m always in the gym. My team is great at making sure I’m ready and peaking at fight week.

“I’m training in Philadelphia and living in Pittsburgh. There’s great work in Philadelphia and that’s why we’re staying there this time. It’s the perfect place to train for this fight.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“There’s never been a champion from Staten Island and that is the goal. I want to become the first from Staten Island.

“I’m always happy to be back at Barclays Center. I’m on a great card and I’m ready to breakout and move beyond the prospect label. I’m ready to display my talents against an undefeated guy.

“Come April 16 I’m going to do what I do best. I really want my hands to do the talking on fight night.

“I’m motivated because I came from nothing. I’m hungry to be a world champion, but not just a world champion. I want to be a legend.

“We’re mostly training in Staten Island but we’ll go to California to train at The Rock Gym in Carson, California. We’re going to get some really good work out there.

“It’s very important to look good, but I’m not putting any extra pressure on myself. We will look good on April 16 though.

“This is boxing. This is what it takes. You have to beat guys like this to get to the next level. This has been a long time coming.

“I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in. I haven’t made it yet and I won’t tell myself that I did. I can’t let myself get comfortable.

“I’m not worried about what my opponent is bringing. I’m just worried about what I bring into the ring.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“This is a great show and I’m really proud to be promoting it. These are three real fights with their own terrific storylines.

“Rising super star Errol Spence Jr. is as talented of a kid as I’ve seen come on the scene in 10 years or so. That’s how much talent I believe he has. That being said, he hasn’t faced a guy like Chris Algieri. Who is a guy who can do anything in the ring and is a former world champion.

“The fact that Errol is stepping up and that Chris is willing to face Errol says a lot about both guys. These are two confident champions. The winner of this fight will make big money very quickly.

“Glowacki is coming off a Fight of the Year candidate bout and now he’s going to have to face a man who was a cruiserweight champion himself, in Steve Cunningham.

“Marcus Browne, an undefeated Olympian at light heavyweight, will face a strong undefeated fighter in ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic. Marcus is confident in his road to superstardom and hot rod will try to derail that train.

“These are three good competitive fights for the fans.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“On the heels of a spectacular night in January, we return for another great night at Barclays Center. This will make our 17th boxing show. We are the home of professional boxing now.

“It’s our second PBC on NBC event and I’m thrilled to have Errol and Chris in our ring. We expect a lot of Long Islanders to take the LIRR to Barclays Center.

“Marcus Browne has the most fights at Barclays Center. Even though he’s from Staten Island, we consider him an honorary Brooklynite.”

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @ChrisAlgieri, @USSCunningham, @Marcus_Browne, @LouDiBella, @StarBoxing, @NBCSports, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment and www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on NBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Following various and conflicting reports as to the situation regarding Guillermo Rigondeaux, Queensberry Promotions (“QP”) would like to state the facts as to why, Rigondeaux will not be arriving in the UK to take part in his contracted fight against British Champion, Jazza Dickens at the Echo Arena, Liverpool as chief support to the WBO World title fight between Terry Flanagan and Derry Mathews this Saturday (12th March).

QP have been working closely throughout with Dino Duva and his team at Roc Nation Sports (“RNS”) who are all experienced boxing people and who promote Rigondeaux alongside Caribe Promotions. RNS were made aware very early in the negotiation process that Rigondeaux, being a Cuban national, would need an entry Visa in order to travel to the UK, but would not need a work permit, due to his international sporting status and this being a singular international event. Accordingly, QP issued the necessary supporting documentation for his application and accordingly, the Visa was correctly applied for by Team Rigondeaux.

QP was informed on 29th February that Rigondeaux had travelled to Russia to set up a training camp alongside his trainer Pedro Diaz, who was there preparing Ruslan Chagaev for his WBA World Heavyweight title fight against Lucas Browne last weekend. Therefore, his Visa was applied for at the UK Visa Application Centre in Moscow and following the application, his appointment took place on the 29th February, after which we were advised that “all papers were filed and being processed.”

We were told that it could take five clear working days for the Visa to be issued so Rigondeaux could travel, but the problem was, or so we were told, that due to a public holiday in Russia on the 8th March, the Application Centre would be closed and he may not be able to collect his Visa until Wednesday (9th March).

Throughout this process, QP and RNS continuously contacted the Application Centre and also our own contacts in Russia in an attempt to expedite this process and were informed that if the visa was not issued sooner, then it would be issued at the latest on Wednesday and Rigondeaux would then arrive in the UK shortly thereafter.

Yesterday (Tuesday) and for some unexplained reason, unbeknown to both QP and RNS, Rigondeaux boarded a flight to Miami and arrived in the USA on Tuesday afternoon. We have yet to establish how and why he flew to the USA and further, how he managed to fly anywhere when the normal practice is, when applying for a Visa, that you hand your passport in and get it back when the Visa is issued.

Strangely, Rigondeaux left Moscow at a time when both the Application Centre and Consulate were still closed. He has yet to explain to RNS, who are as much in the dark as QP, as to how and why he has arrived in the USA and why he was in possession of his passport which should, as is standard protocol, have been presented to the Visa Application Centre.

We are all extremely disappointed by the whole situation as Rigondeaux will not appear this Saturday and Dickens will not get the chance, that he has trained so hard for, to fight the world’s best Super-Bantamweight in front of his own fans.

We sympathise with the fans that were looking forward to watching the live in Liverpool and those tuning into BoxNation.

To clarify, QP has done everything in its capacity, at great expense, to deliver this fight on Saturday, and it is unbeknown to us as to why Rigondeaux’s visa process has been so problematic. Rigondeaux’s representatives were provided with the standard invitation letter and relevant documents to process their application by QP.

Terry Flanagan’s WBO World Lightweight title defence against Derry Mathews will still headline what is a fantastic fight card another star of world boxing, dynamite punching South African Zolani Tete challenges for the Vacant IBF International Bantamweight Championship against Jose Santos Gonzalez; Birmingham ace Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title against Lewis Taylor; hard-hitting Ellesmere Port’s star Paul Butler will challenges for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Flyweight title agains Sebastian Sanchez; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Corby’s Simon Barclay, plus an action-packed undercard card.