NEW YORK (Feb. 25th, 2016) — The playful ribbing between Hank Lundy and Terence Crawford that began in mid-January continued at Thursday’s final press conference when Crawford’s trainer, Brian McIntyre — a former fighter himself — walked to the podium at Chase Square with a T-shirt that read, “I went to the Madison Square Garden and all I got was knocked out by Terrence Crawford,” an obvious jab at Lundy.

“These will be available for Hank and his team following the fight,” McIntyre deadpanned.

Team Lundy, led by CES Boxing president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., Lundy’s promoter, enjoyed a quick laugh at its own expense, with Burchfield taking the shirt, folding it carefully and placing it on his lap while McIntyre continued his monologue, merely an extension of the month-long social media war between the two sides.

Though the verbal back-and-forth has helped turned Saturday’s event into a near sellout — Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti reported only 23 tickets remain at the box office — Lundy (26-5-1, 13 KOs) is leaning on a more powerful source of motivation heading into the biggest fight of his life Saturday night in New York City.

“My babies are going to be right there,” Lundy said, referencing his daughters, Amiriah, 7; Adriana, 8; Amari, 10 and Aniyah, 12.

“This is the first time I’m going to battle in front of my four little queens and God knows the electricity, every punch I hit you with, you’re going to feel Philadelphia, you’re going to feel my pain, my struggle. You’re going to feel ‘Hammerin” Hank and you can guarantee come the 27th of February I’m going to be the new champion of the world.

Saturday’s 12-round showdown against the unbeaten Crawford (27-0, 19 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Organization [WBO] Junior Welterweight Champion, is the main event of HBO’s World Championship Boxing doubleheader, promoted by Top Rank and CES Boxing.

Written off by the press as the third or fourth choice for this fight by Crawford’s camp, Lundy’s quick wit and boastful pride have turned many fans onto what Burchfield says could be the “fight of the year” against the heavily-favored Omaha, Neb., native, who’s defended his world title four times since winning it in 2014.

“This is a great event,” Burchfield said. “You’re going to see a great fight Saturday night. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Lundy has taken fights on short notice in the past with mixed results, but he’s had two and a half months to prepare for Saturday’s world title bout and was ready the moment he got the call — “I was already on weight,” he said — a rare luxury for a fighter who’s climbed the ladder in two separate weight classes as a self-proclaimed “B-sider.”

“What’s the difference with this fight and the previous fights Hank has had? The difference is he’s had since December to train and get ready for this battle,” Burchfield said. “He’s had one of the best camps he’s ever had, so I think — I know — you’re going to see a great fight and you’re going to see the real Hank Lundy because he’s had time to get ready.

“Hank has never turned away from a fight. Never,” Burchfield continued. “When he signs a contract, he’s going to show up and he’s going to give it everything he’s got. He’s taken some fights on very short notice. His last 17 fights, he’s been in 13 different states and two different countries, but that hasn’t stopped him at all.”

Unlike most interviews or press gatherings, where Lundy tends to steal the spotlight, the Philadelphia native was unusually subdued Thursday, simply referencing his family and hard work leading up to this fight while eschewing the desire to “go on and on” or “talk your head off.” Lundy even refrained from barking back at McIntyre, whom he already went to war with several weeks ago via social media when he publically drudged up McIntyre’s less-than-stellar 7-14 record as a pro.

McIntyre, meanwhile, continued to pile on; five weeks after declaring he’d bet $10,000 on his own fighter during Top Rank’s introductory press conference in January, Crawford’s head trainer draped the anti-Lundy shirt over the front of the podium Thursday, suggesting, “I just want to give everyone a chance to read the gift we got for Team Lundy.

“I was going to take the low road and come to talk smack about Hank about how he wants to blast me on Facebook with him and his people,” McIntyre continued, “but I’m going to take the high road and seize this opportunity to say that I’m so excited to where I’m in tears for Terence, his sisters, his mom, his grandma. I’m also excited for the city [of Omaha] because they’re about to experience the good whooping Hank’s about to take.”

The typically reserved Crawford offered another backhanded compliment for Lundy, applauding him Thursday for giving “the best speech you gave the whole time you’ve opened your mouth.

“I respect that,” Crawford said, “because deep down in his heart he knows what he’s up against. I just take that as a sign of respect. If he doesn’t respect me now, he’ll respect me Saturday.

“It’s been a great camp. I feel good. I’m excited. The whole camp, I kept saying, ‘I can’t wait for this fight!’ It’s like a countdown. This dude doesn’t’ know what he’s gotten himself into. Everyone says, ‘I’m going to do this,’ or, ‘I’m going to do that to him,’ or, ‘I see a flaw in him,’ but when you get in front of me you see a different thing. Come Saturday, don’t blink, because it might be a quick one.”

Both sides have had ample opportunities to speak their piece and take shots at one another through the press and on social media. The real fight begins in 48 hours and Lundy is prepared to bring the world title back to Philadelphia, a fitting tribute to a consummate road warrior who’s paid his dues and taken the long road to the top.

“This fight is going to be electrifying,” Lundy said. “I just can’t wait until Saturday night. This is what I’ve been fighting for, to make my family, my kids, take them and give them a different lifestyle. It’s going to be war. I’m coming to win this world title.”

The Feb. 27th HBO doubleheader, which begins 10 p.m. ET, also features a 10-round WBO Latino lightweight title bout between reigning champion Felix Verdejo (19-0, 14 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and unbeaten challenger William Silva (23-0, 14 KOs) of San Paolo, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.cesboxing.com or www.toprank.com, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.twitter.com/trboxing using the hashtag #CrawfordLundy to join the conversation. Updates are also available on www.facebook.com/cesboxing, www.facebook.com/trboxing or www.facebook.com/trboxeo.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 25, 2016) – In a brawl that only LA FIGHT CLUB could bring its devoted and knowledgeable boxing fans, former NABF Super Bantamweight ChampionManuel “Tino” Avila (19-0, 8 KOs) is ready for a showdown to defend his undefeated record as he moves up to featherweight to face off against Nicaraguan warrior and former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (23-6, 16 KOs) in a 10-round main event on April 1 at The Belasco Theater and live on Boxeo Estelar on Estrella TV.

In the televised co-main event, Mexican warrior Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (25-3, 21 KOs) of Mexico City will return to make his second showing at LA FIGHT CLUB to compete in an eight-round super lightweight bout against an opponent to be named soon.

“Manuel Avila is one of Golden Boy’s top fighters and rising stars to watch so his move up to featherweight on April 1will be an exciting event to see,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

On the non-televised undercard and streaming live on Ring TV, Columbian transplant Oscar Torres (8-0, 4 KOs), who is now fighting out of Los Angeles, and former martial arts WLF Champion Melsik Baghdasaryan (3-0, 1 KO) of Glendale, Calif. will put their undefeated records on the line in an exciting six-round welterweight bout. Opening up the night and Ring Tv live stream, Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava, of Los Angeles, the latest prospect to emerge from the venerable Westside Boxing team, will make his professional debut in a four-round super featherweight event. Opponents will be announced shortly.

Once ranked among the top three amateurs boxers in the world, Manuel “Tino” Avila is looking to solidify his professional boxing career by seeking a world title shot this 2016. The Fairfield native concluded 2015 with three solid victories in a row and earned the interim NABF super bantamweight title where he finished off his opponent former world title challenger Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas via technical knockout victory in the sixth round. “Tino” is ready to deliver this in 2016, beginning as he moves up for the first time to featherweight in a main event brawl against Alvarado in another career defining test, as he is prepared to bring on the fire to prove to his fans that he means business.

Managua, Nicaragua’s Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado comes into the ring with much experience under his belt, owning several titles over the course of nearly eight years. “Gemelo” has earned the respect from his peers and boxing fans all over the world for his hard-nosed style and willingness to fight all. The 27 year old’s biggest win was the complete stoppage at the ninth-round of current top featherweight contender Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in 2014 which earned him the WBC Silver Featherweight Championship. If Alvarado can defeat Avila, he places himself neatly in line for a highly-anticipated re-match and remains in the running for a featherweight world title shot.

Hailing from Mexico City, Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez has made a steady climb and has proven to be one of Mexico’s top talents to watch out for. Making his way through the super lightweight division since turning professional in 2005, and having impressive wins over 15-0 Puerto Rico’s Jeffrey Fontanez and David “Nene” Rangel, “El Flaco” has been turning heads and grabbing the attention outside the local boxing scene in Mexico. The former Youth WBC Youth World Lightweight Champion made his debut in the United States, knocking out Hevinson Herrera in the third round. He is ready for his audience to sit up straight as he makes moves this April 1 in his return to The Belasco Theater.

Hot welterweight prospect Oscar Torres brings his native Colombian fire as he makes Los Angeles his new home. Making his LA FIGHT CLUB debut, he brings with him four notable wins from Mexico and California most recently defeating Evincii “Prize Fighter” Dixon via unanimous decision in December 2015. The 26-year-old has created a buzz around him, guaranteeing that the boxing fans will be in for a treat as he takes on fellow unbeaten fighter Melsik Baghdasaryan at The Belasco Theater.

Armenian-born Melsik Baghdasaryan is an exciting up-and-coming fighter who competes out of the Glendale Fighting Club along side MMA star “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey. Having fought previously as a mixed martial arts professional, he has turned all his focus onto boxing. Winning all three of his pro fights, two of them at The Belasco Theater, Melsik has garnered the attention of fans as one to watch. Fresh from a decision win over Diego Padilla last October, Baghdasaryan is looking forward to his showdown with Torres this April 1 at LA FIGHT CLUB.

Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava of Los Angeles began boxing at the age of 17 when he looking for a new outlet and a way to get back in shape after years of inactivity led him to reach 190 pounds. Nava, whose mother and father are from Sinaloa, Mexico and Durango, Mexico respectively, developed an ever-increasing thirst for knowledge of the sport and under the guidance of the Saucedo Brothers, from the esteemed Westside Boxing Club, grew a reputation for being one of the most dedicated and disciplined fighters of their amateur stable and became the personal sparring partner for Los Angeles’ Nick Arce and Rafael Gramajo. Nava turned his lifestyle around, lost sixty pounds, and began competing in the lightweight division of 132 pounds and acquired about 40 amateur fights and participated in several tournaments, including the Golden Gloves and the Adidas National Tournament after six years in the sport. His dedication, discipline and willingness to learn proved to everyone around him that he was ready to take the next step in his boxing career and become a professional boxer and on April 1, he will show the world he has what it takes to succeed in the sport.

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

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

Media interested in attending the April 1 installment of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are available here. The deadline to submit a credential application is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

One of the world’s greatest fighter’s, Andre Ward, returns to BoxNation exclusively live on Saturday 26th March when he faces undefeated challenger Sullivan Barrera.

BoxNation secures its position as The Channel of Champions with four of the current top ten best pound-for-pound fighters in the world showcasing their skills on BoxNation this year with Sergey Kovalev last month, Terence Crawford this Saturday night and Guillermo Rigondeaux next month.

Undefeated Ward, a former WBA and WBC World Super-Middleweight Champion, and top ranked contender Barrera, clash in an exciting 12-round light-heavyweight contest at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, with the winner targeting a prize showdown against Unified World Champion and Russian terror Kovalev.

Oakland native Ward, 32, known as S.O.G (Son Of God), heads into the fight against Barrera with a perfect record of 28 wins with 15 knockouts and is renown for his immense talent, great in-fighting and magnificent defensive skills.

He returns to action at his home arena where he destroyed Paul Smith last June with a brutal and scintillating display, after a year-and-a-half lay off, to cut down the Liverpool fighter in nine rounds, leaving his face a mess with a suspected broken nose.

All-action Ward, the last American boxer to win a gold medal at an Olympics, cleaned up at 168 pounds by winning Showtime’s Super-Six tournament in 2011 with impressive victories over Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham and then Carl Froch in the final. He then smashed Chad Dawson in ten rounds followed by soundly out-pointing Edwin Rodriguez before meeting Smith at a catchweight contest.

On his quest to become a three-time and two-weight world champion and recognition as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Ward said, “I don’t really have much to say other this: On March 26 it will be very simple. I’ll be in a new weight class against a tough opponent but I’m coming with the same approach. I’ll be in great shape and ready for a battle. Sullivan Barrera has had a lot to say lately and I love it. He’s going to have an opportunity to back up every word that he has spoken. These are the type of challenges I like and on March 26, it’s go time.”

Miami based Cuban Barrera won gold in the middleweight division of the World Junior Amateur Championships in 2000 and in the pros has racked up an unblemished record of 17 wins with 10 coming by knockout.

The 34-year-old has previously won the Interim WBO Latino and WBA Fedelatin titles and has notable victories over Former IBF World Super-Middleweight Champion Jeff Lacy and IBF World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Karo Murat last time out.

Barrera is currently ranked number one by the IBF and would have got a mandatory shot against Kovalev following his knockout victory over Murat, but opted instead to go for Ward with a fight against Kovalev unlikely to happen until the summer.

He’ll be looking to scupper Ward’s plans of meeting Kovalev and instead secure a showdown with his promotional stablemate and is confident of pulling off an upset with top trainer Abel Sanchez, the 2015 Boxing Writers Association Trainer of the Year, in his corner.

“We as a team had a tough choice to make – crash the party by taking out Ward first or wait for the mandatory and take out (Sergey) Kovalev,” said Barrera. “We decided that the time is now. Ward will fall first, and then we will go after the belts.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said, “I’m delighted that Ward v Barrera has been added to a packed March schedule for our subscribers. BoxNation continues to broadcast the best fights and the best fighters in the world and we’re two months into the year and by the end of March we’ll have shown four of the top ten best pound-for-pound fighters in Kovalev and Crawford, Rigondeaux and Ward.”

– Ends –

About BoxNation

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

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

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

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Undefeated Heavyweight Oscar Rivas failed an eye exam that will force that cancellation of his Saturday bout with fellow undefeated Heavyweight Gerald Washington that was to be televised on Showtime, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Tom Brown, whose TGB Promotions is promoting the card, told ESPN.com that Rivas had two eye tests on Wednesday, including one by a specialist, but his right eye had issues and the commission made the decision not to license him after seeing the results on Thursday.

“I love the heavyweights. This was going to be a good fight and good test for both of these guys,” Brown said. “I feel sorry for Gerald Washington. You train so hard, you accept a fight like this and this happens. That’s who I feel for. He was willing to take on an undefeated Olympian.”

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a blockbuster megafight this Saturday, Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. ET, as the UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping main card emanates from the 02 Arena in London, England.

Fight Network will air the live UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping main card exclusively in Canada at 4 p.m. ET, preceded by a live pre-show at 3 p.m. ET.

In the main event, the most celebrated fighter in mixed martial arts history makes his long awaited Octagon return as former middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva (34-6) looks to reestablish his foothold in the middleweight division when he enters enemy territory for a clash with popular British veteran Michael Bisping (28-7). In the co-feature attraction, top 10 contenders collide when former Strikeforce champion Gegard Mousasi (37-6-2) tangles with Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Thales Leites (25-5) in a middleweight duel. Rounding out the star-studded broadcast, undefeated Englishman Tom Breese (9-0) takes on Japanese standout Keita Nakamura (31-6-2) in a welterweight pairing, while London’s own Brad “One Punch” Pickett (24-11) faces Californian Francisco Rivera (11-5) in a bantamweight bout.

Fight Network’s original one-hour UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping Pre-Show has been airing all week leading up to the event. Check listings for airings. A bonus live UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping Pre-Show will air at 3 p.m. ET leading into Saturday’s main card.

Before they enter the Octagon, Fight Network is your destination for the official live UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping weigh-ins on Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. ET, as headliners Anderson Silva and Michael Bisping tip the scales ahead of their salivating main event showdown.

Immediately following Saturday’s main card, Fight Network will broadcast a live UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping Post-Show, including reactions, highlights, analysis and the live post-fight press conference from London.

In addition to all the live events, Fight Network is the destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including The Ultimate Fighter, UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events.

This Sunday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. ET, Fight Network presents the Episode 3 premiere of the 10th season of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights, featuring Roy Nelson, Kimbo Slice, Brendan Schaub, Matt Mitrione and many more. The episode will lead into a full encore presentation of UFC 182: Jones vs. Cormier from Jan. 3, 2015 in Las Vegas, which featured a light heavyweight championship superfight between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, plus perennial contender Donald Cerrone looks to spoil Myles Jury’s perfect professional run.

The full card for UFC Fight Night™: Silva vs. Bisping includes:

Main Card (Live on Fight Network, 4 p.m. ET):
-Anderson Silva (34-6) vs. Michael Bisping (28-7)
-Gegard Mousasi (37-6-2) vs. Thales Leites (25-5)
-Tom Breese (9-0) vs. Keita Nakamura (31-6-2, 1NC)
-Francisco Rivera (11-5, 1NC) vs. Brad Pickett (25-11)

Preliminary Card (Live on UFC Fight Pass, 12:45 p.m. ET):
-Mike Wilkinson (9-1) vs. Makwan Amirkhani (12-2)
-Davey Grant (9-2) vs. Marlon Vera (7-2-1)
-Scott Askham (13-2) vs. Chris Dempsey (11-3)
-Arnold Allen (10-1) vs. Yaotzin Meza (21-10, 1NC)
-Bradley Scott (10-3) vs. Krzysztof Jotko (16-1)
-Norman Parke (22-4-1) vs. Rustam Khabilov (17-3)
-Daniel Omielanczuk (17-5-1, 1NC) vs. Jarjis Danho (6-0)
-Teemu Packalen (7-1) vs. Thibault Gouti (11-0)

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit www.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Scott Quigg has told Carl Frampton MBE that his dedication to boxing will lead to a KO win in their World Super-Bantamweight title unification clash at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Tempers flared at today’s press conference for the fight as the World champions addressed the throngs of media in attendance, with verbal barbs from the teams – focussing on a row over dressings rooms – were followed by an intense face-off.

The crossed words and argy-bargy underlined the high stakes in the clash, with both IBF king Frampton and WBA ruler Quigg saying that defeat was unimaginable.

Pundits and fans are calling the clash a true 50-50 battle but both teams are confident of success, and for Quigg, it’s his total commitment to his craft that he believes gives him the edge.

“Nobody does what I do in terms of dedication to the sport,” said Quigg. “I’ll win because of boxing brain and ability.

“It’ll mean everything to me. Since the age of 15 all I have done is eat sleep and train. My family lived around me. They make it easier. Saturday is my m moment of destiny and, believe me, I will win this fight. I’ve put in too much for anyone to stop me.

“The one thing about me is I cannot act, I’m just me and I speak the truth. I’m not the best talker but I just tell it how it is. I’m never going to be on Mastermind or anything like that, academically I’m not the brightest, but I don’t get where he is coming from with the lack of intelligence.

“I’m streetwise, I know what I am doing. Maybe it’s the way I speak, that I stutter a bit sometimes, but that will be his downfall because he genuinely believes that I have no intelligence and can only fight one way, and that will be his downfall.

“My fights have finished early because stuck to what I’ve gone out to do. I’m going to pick the right shots at the right time. If the knockout comes early, it comes early. If I’ve got to box for six or seven rounds to get it, then fine. I’ll box smart and then the shots will connect to take him out. That’s what will happen.

“People are saying now that because I’ve been knocking guys out quite early that I’ve been going out for the stoppages, but that’s not the case. I’ve been going out and I’ve been boxing. If you go looking for the knockout it doesn’t come. You go out, stick to your boxing and you set the shots up. If I land clean on any Super-Bantamweight or Featherweight in the world, I will knock them out. So, it’s about just making sure I pick the right time and I open the gaps. And when the gaps are there then I’ll take them.”

Quigg and Frampton clash on a huge night of action in Manchester, with Gavin McDonnell facing Jorge Sanchez for the WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight title and an official eliminator for the WBC World title.

Manchester’s Hosea Burton faces Miles Shinkwin for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title and Belfast’s Ryan Burnett takes on Frenchman Anthony Settoul for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight title.

Belfast’s Marco McCullough faces Morecambe’s Isaac Lowe for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight title, unbeaten Flyweight Charlie Edwards takes on Luke Wilton, while there’s action for Commonwealth gold medallists Josh Taylor and Scott Fitzgerald, Conrad Cummings and Marcus Morrison.

Another sold out/standing-room-only show is taking shape as San Fernando Valley’s only live Professional MMA show returns to the legendary Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, California on Friday, March 4, 2016. And this time, the boys at Lights Out Promotions and Bash Entertainment are dusting off the California Xtreme Fighting (CXF) banner to fly over the warriors in the cage of the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

Many of Southern California’s top fighters have cut their teeth under the CXF Banner including Joe Schilling, Jared Hamman, Tony Ferguson, Joe Condon, Jared Papazian, Francisco Rivera, Aaron Miller, and others. Since CXF’s last event many promoters have tried to fill the void, but none have been able to. “The Return” of CXF has one purpose: to bring together some of Southern California’s top mixed martial arts talent under the same roof for one explosive show.

Here is the stacked card planned for “CXF: The Return” on March 4th at Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City:

Pablo Sabori vs Karen Darabedyan – 155 lbs
Shohei Yamamoto vs Erick Gonzalez – 170 lbs
Izic Fernandez vs Marcos Bonilla – 145 lbs
Mosses Murrieta vs John Gendron – 185 lbs
Matthew Spencer vs Idris Wasi – 185 lbs
Bobby Sanchez vs Derrion Chapman – 145 lbs
Taylor Alfaro vs Kyler Phillips – 145 lbs
Chase Gibson vs A.J. Bryant – 145 lbs
Brad Robinson vs Andryii Vasylenko – 220lbs
Keith Cutrone vs Edgar Khachatryan – 185 lbs
Tigran Grigoryan vs Joshua Jones – 170 lbs

“CXF: The Return” presented by In Sync Productions, Lights Out Promotions, and Bash Entertainment, takes place on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center located at 4234 Coldwater Canyon Ave. (cross street Ventura Blvd.) in Studio City, California.

Tickets can be purchased online at
www.valleyfightnight.com or
by calling (626) 388-8888.

Tickets start at $50 for General Admission.

A limited number of VIP bottle service tables are also available.

Doors Open at 6:30pm; First Bout at 7:00pm. All bouts are subject to change.

Washington, D.C.. (February, 25, 2016) – This Saturday night, February 27th,King’s Promotions returns to our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C with a big night of boxing at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

In the main event, Ty Barnett take on former world title challenger Daniel Attah in a Super Lightweight battle scheduled for 8-rounds.

Barnett of Washington, D.C. has a record of 22-4-1 with 14 knockouts.

Attah of Washington, D.C via Nigeria has a record of 28-21-1 with 11 knockouts.

Barnett is excited and honored to be headlining in front of his hometown fans against a former world title challenger.

“Everything is going great in training. Attah is a cagey veteran, who is a southpaw that fights everyone. He has gone the distance with a lot of good fighters such as “Chop Chop” Corley. He was an Olympian in 1996, but he is no threat to me,” said Barnett.

“It means a lot to me to headline at home here in Washington. I can fight in front a lot of my family and friends.”

Barnett knows that with a couple wins, a big opportunity can arise in the 140-pound division.

“This is just a steppingstone fight for me. I am not a guy who picks and chooses opponents. I want to fight anybody. It does not matter.”

“Come February 27, I will be back in action and all my fans and people in boxing will know that I am back and big things are ahead of me.

A terrific nine bout card is now set that will feature many up and coming stars in the Beltway region.

In the 8-round co-feature, Jordan Shimmell will battle the upset-minded Willis Lockett in a Cruiserweight bout.

In a 6-round Middleweight bout, knockout artist, Demond Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO’s) of Laurel, Maryland will take on Jose Valderrama (4-12, 3 KO’s ) of Miami, FL.

King’s Promotions promoted Super Lightweight, Mykal Fox (8-0, 2 KO’s) of
Forestville, MD will fight Claudinei Lacerda (17-13-1, 12 KO’s) of Sombrio, Brazil in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

In a 4-round Cruiserweight affair, Sam Crossed (1-0, 1 KO) of Greenbelt, MD. will battle Martez Williamson (1-9) of Akron, OH.

In a 6-round Super Lightweight contest, Patrick Harris (7-0, 4 KO’s) fights Christopher Russell (3-15-1, 2 KO’s ) of Shattuck, OK.

Antonio Magruder (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Terrell James (1-2-1) of Philadelphia in a 4-round Super Lightweight bout.

Luther Smith (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Bowie, MD. will look to keep his perfect knockout record intact when he squares off with Charlemagne Jones (2-4-1, 2 KO’s) in a 4-round battle of Beltway based Heavyweights

Wesley Triplett (2-0, 1 KO) of Youngstown, OH. will fight Alando Pugh (1-6-1, 1 KO ) of Washington, D.C. in a 4-round Heavyweight bout.

Tickets are on sale now for $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.beltwayboxing.com

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Undefeated 122-pound world champions Carl Frampton (IBF) and Scott Quigg (WBA) had to be separated at their final press conference on Thursday in Manchester, England, as they faced-off for the long-awaited super bantamweight unification showdown this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Manchester Arena.

The unification between Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs), of Belfast, Ireland, and Quigg (32-0-2, 23 KOs), of Lancashire, United Kingdom will be televised live on SHO EXTREME at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT.

After jarring over who deserves the home dressing room at the sold-out, 21,000 seat Manchester Arena, the 122-pound rivals had to be separated by Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan and promoter Eddie Hearn.

“It’s going to be a great fight, one for the ages,” said Frampton, the IBF champion. “I’ll win. It doesn’t matter how, KO or clear points decision.”

“I’m going to prove I’m the best super bantamweight,” said Quigg, the WBA titlist. “I’m going to win by knockout.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® offering of the Sky Sports telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME Sports® host Barry Tompkins, analyst Steve Farhood and special guest and WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHOWTIME® immediately following Saturday’s live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast headlined by three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and former titlist Kiko Martinez. The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Here’s what Frampton, Quigg and their trainers and promoters had to say in Manchester on Thursday:

CARL FRAMPTON:
“I’m better in every department, plain and simple.

“Because of the magnitude of this fight, everything had to be perfect. I’ve done everything right this time,”

“This means so much; there is a lot at stake. It’s more than titles – it’s pride and bragging rights. It’s proving who is the best. Reputation is a big deal, so there is so much on the line.

“I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to win. I’ve punching power to KO him in any round and I’ve the boxing brain to win on points.

“I’ve spent 17 weeks in camp, the longest ever. I missed my son’s first steps and both my kids’ birthdays. I did that because this could be my toughest fight. I’m not going to let Scott Quigg make all that be for nothing.”

“It’s going to be a great fight, one for the ages. I’ll win. It doesn’t matter how, KO or clear points decision.

On the home-team dressing room:
“I’m contractually the A-side. It’s a question of principle.”

SCOTT QUIGG:
“Nobody does what I do in terms of dedication to the sport. I’ll win because of boxing brain and ability.

“It’ll mean everything to win. Since the age of 15, all I have done is eat, sleep and train.

“Saturday is my moment of destiny and, believe me, I will win this fight. I’ve put in too much for anyone to stop me.”

“Tune in for a great fight. I’m going to prove I’m the best super bantamweight. I’m going to win by knockout.

On the home-team dressing room:
“It’s my arena, I’m the home fighter. I want the home dressing room.”

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer:
“They are two legitimate, world class fighters and there is maybe only 2 percent difference at the top level – Carl has that extra percent.

“As a trainer you are only as good as your fighters and I’m lucky to have Carl.”

JOE GALLAGHER, Quigg’s Trainer
“He (Shane McGuigan) was a nutritionist a few years ago who asked to help Gerry Storey. He’s only famous because of his dad.

“They are underestimating Scott’s boxing brain and being disrespectful throughout the build-up.”

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Promoter
“There has never been a bigger super bantamweight fight of this magnitude in Europe. It’s got a Barrera-Morales feel to hit and is going to be a magnificent occasion.

“I think Carl will have too much for him, but it has the potential to be a great fight.”

EDDIE HEARN, Quigg’s Promoter
“It’s bigger than Froch vs. Groves, because it is a global event.

“I’m proud to have made the fight happen. This can ignite the sport and keep it alive.

“The atmosphere and passion will eclipse all that has gone before. It just doesn’t get any bigger than this.

“I can’t see anything other than a great fight. With two fighters this talented, so much on the line and so much passion from teams and fans, you’re going to get something very special.”

Hard-hitting Light Heavyweight talent Anthony Yarde wants to fast-track towards the British title.

The Ilford puncher already has a fearsome reputation as one of the division’s most powerful punchers and will be gunning for another knockout performance when he takes on Slovakia’s unbeaten Robert Kertesz at York Hall on Friday 25th March, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The Tunde Ajayi-trained demolition man was forced to join the professional code simply to secure competition after eleven big knockouts from twelve amateur fights left rivals running scared. However, the 23-year-old says there’s much more to his game than explosive power and will looking to showcase his varied skill set to the BoxNation viewers on his return to York Hall.

He said: “I’m known as a big puncher because I’ve knocked out so many of my opponents but I think my accuracy is just as lethal. I hit people clean and when you’re boxing at this weight you’re usually going to knock them out or drop them if you catch them well. I make sure I take my time when I’m finishing off my opponents,”

“I’ve got quick hands and sharp reactions. I don’t really go in to fights focusing on hitting people hard, I just try and stay relaxed and throw accurate punches and so far it’s paid off.”

Chief-support of the night’s main event sees Chingford’s Tom Baker takes on Margate’s Jack Morris for the Vacant English Light-Heavyweight title and the confident Yarde is already planning his route to the very top of the domestic light-heavy scene.

“This is boxing and it’s a competitive sport at the end of the day. Like most boxers my main aspiration is to become the world champion so if you’re in my weight class then eventually I’m going to beat you to get to where I want to be. To get there I’m going to have to go through the domestic scene so the British belt could be one of my first titles in England,” said Yarde.

He added: “To be honest I don’t really look at any other boxers. I try and focus on myself because I believe the only person that can defeat me right now is myself. I train hard and I have the skills and ability so the only person that can let me down is myself. All I’m focused on doing is improving every day.”

Naturally perhaps, comparisons between Yarde and Ilford’s former world champion Nigel ‘Dark Destroyer’ Benn have been made and while the Peacock Gym man is flattered, his sole focus for now is racking up the wins and ring experience.

He said: “My ambition for the year is to keep on winning my fights in a good fashion. I’ve won three of my first four fights by knockout with two of them coming in the first round; I’m looking to keep that kind of ratio going. I’m not going in to fights looking for knockouts but I think it looks good and shows you’re leagues above your opponent so I just want to keep on fighting like that moving forward.”

Main event on the card see Gary Corcoran and Danny Butler collide for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight Championship and chief-support features Tom Baker and Jack Morris clash for the Vacant English Light-Heavyweight Championship. On the undercard, some of the best young prospects continue in their careers: unbeaten light-welterweight ace Romeo Romaeo takes on Prague’s Michal Dufek over eight rounds; Chingford super-featherweight Boy Jones Jnr and Dagenham lightweight Ediz Hussein, both in separate six rounders; West Ham super-welterweight Sammy McNess, Ilford light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde; Welling lightweight Archie Sharp; Chelmsford super-middleweight Billy Long and Sidcup super-featherweight D.P Carr, all compete over four rounds.

Tickets priced at £40 (Unreserved) and £60 (Reserved) are available from Eventim at www.eventim.co.uk or 0844 249 1000 and Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 844 0444

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.

MONTE CARLO, Monaco (February 25, 2016)- World MMA Association (WMMAA) vice president Tomas Yu, of Albuquerque (NM), who is also president of the WMMAA Pan-American division, took time from his busy schedule to address questions about his MMA background and experience, the sport of MMA and WWMMA in particular.

Can you tell us about you and your experience in Martial Arts?
TY: “I’m from the generation that grew up watching 3 Ninjas, Ninja Turtles… I wanted to be a Ninja! I grew up practicing Tae Kwon Do in Mexico, all the way to my black belt. At age 18, I ventured to practice Aikido and Judo in El Paso, Texas. I loved learning and I always wanted to be a rounded student, which is why I always looked for different arts to offset the weaknesses of the other.”

How did you first enter the world of MMA?
TY: “I was really looking for a place I could introduce my daughter to Martial Arts. I was looking for a more rounded self-defense Martial Art but not a fight club. I was introduced to the sport of MMA by a good friend and pioneer of the sport, Chris Luttrell. I was immediately bonded to the sport, since that is what at one point all Martial Artists are looking for.”

When did you first hear of MMA and what was your first impression? Did
you expect this sport to grow as much as it is now?
TY: “I have been privileged to see the evolution of MMA since 1993 as a teenager, all the way to now, becoming the first Pan-American Division President in the most important Regulation Organization for MMA in the world.”

What is your function and main activities within WMMAA?
TY “My biggest function is to introduce simple business principles to the sport of MMA and keeping Martial Art in MMA. What I mean by that is, the common denominator for every individual Marital Art are (Respect, Loyalty, Honor) and the mixture of martial arts should not represent what people perceive MMA is today. It should be a mixture of Respect, Loyalty and Honor. It should be a much more admired sport.”

How would you assess WMMAA’s progress during its three year existence?
TY: “Well, as an entrepreneur, I’m never satisfied, I always see ways to do things better but the reality is that, in the 25+ years MMA has been evolving and becoming not just a mixture of Martial Arts but also a true blue sport. Many people have tried to add value to the sport with no real success until this past two years with the WMMAA.”

What are the main goals of WMMAA and what are the main obstacles for the association?
TY: “This question has a long and complicated answer! The number one obstacle is pride, pride to admit that past performance or formulas to add value didn’t and won’t work. Pride to admit that working together will pave a new path. The number two obstacle, is UNDERSTANDING, understanding the big picture, like Micro and Macro economics really being two different worlds.

“The sport or art of MMA is much more than what we see on television. There is a much deeper impact to society than pay per view.”

How do you assess the third World Championship that took place in
Prague?
TY: “Moments like these are the ones that 3 years ago we would dream about. Well, last year that dream came true… over 40 countries participated in the beautiful city of Prague. I can’t explain the clash of emotions when you see and hear country after country being announced as they walk into the arena with their head held high as they carry their national flag.

We as an organization created Continental Presidents to be able to perform better follow through and also be more sensitive negotiating in different cultural environments. Our Europe and Czech Organizing Committee did a wonderful job.

Were there any countries that stood out or surprised you?
TY: “The fact they were there, that’s what really stands out! Some countries were participating for the first time. The level of mental competition for some countries was amazing. I can’t wait for the 2016 World Championships.”

What are the2016 mid-term goals for WMMAA PanAm?
TY: “The number one focus for PANAM is the roll-out of our new initiative on ‘Global MMA Officials and Licensing’ to standardize the sport worldwide, but also standardize the officials looking out for the sport.”

Can you describe what 2015 was like for WMMAA?
TY: “2015 was a year of foundations, recruiting, and preparing for the volumes of growth coming our way this year.”

What words of wisdom would you like to share with the members of WMMAA family?
TY: “I have always said that in every sport there is a business behind it, believing: ‘Till this far, MMA is like Capital… it goes where it is welcomed and it stays where it’s treated well'”

WMMAA keeps expanding. However there are still multiple countries that
are not yet WMMAA members. Why should any local Federation apply
for WMMAA membership?
TY: “We are the only organization of its kind. They would be able to get courses, national and international licenses but, most importantly, they can be part of history by allowing athletes in their respective countries to participate in our version of the Olympics of MMA.”

What would you tell them?
TY: “You are not alone. Here is where being part of a team with qualified individuals opening door. Power really does come in numbers.”

People keep asking: why should we use SportID and SportData. Can you
repeat why it is so essential?
TY: “I’ll keep it short. The number one reason – reason enough – is to avoid private owned companies from having biased control on who and how they upload information.”

Information

www.WMMAA.org
www.facebook.com/World.MMA.Association
www.youtube.com/user/TheWMMAA

CONTACT: Bob Trieger, Full Court PRESS, 1.978.590.0470, bobtfcp@hotmail.com @FightPublicist

ABOUT WMMAA: The goal of the World MMA Association is to provide unbiased structure and guardrail the growth of MMA as the official world governing body for Mixed Martial Arts. A non-profit organization founded in 2012, WMMAA is on a mission to develop a standardized and regulated organization, including competition, training, officiating, testing and growth when necessary. More than 50 countries have been granted WMMAA membership.

New York, NY (February 25, 2016)–Boxing manager’s Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of world ranked welterweight contender Ray Robinson to a managerial contract.

Robinson of Philadelphia, PA. has a record of 20-2 with nine knockouts and is currently ranked number-seven by the WBC.

Robinson, who turned professional in 2006 is on a seven fight winning streak that is over a 5 and a half year period.

The 30 year-old Robinson has wins over previously undefeated Roberto Acevedo, Darnell Jiles Jr & Aslanbek Kozaev.

Robinson has collected the Pennsylvania Welterweight title with an explosive 2nd round stoppage over former U.S. Olympian Terrence Cauthen (36-7). He won the vacant WBA-NABA interim title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Morales (11-1). Robinson captured USBA title with a 7th round stoppage over Ray Narh (26-2). He won the the WBO NABO title with the win over Kozaev.

In his most recent bout, Robinson retained the WBO NABO title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Sherzodbek Alimjanov (22-2) on April 17.

“I felt David McWater can help me get to my dream and become world champion.
I feel like it’s a matter of time before I get my shot to show everyone I am the top welterweight in the world. I fought some tough guys in my career and show I can compete and beat them,” said Robinson.

Said Split-T management CEO David McWater, “I think Ray is the most underrated fighter in America let alone in the welterweight division and can beat any welterweight on any given day. I’m unbelievably proud to be associated with such a class individual. Ray gives back to the community selflessly.”

Along with McWater, Robinson will be co-managed with Philly fixture Tom Moran who formerly represented Tim Witherspoon and Kassim Ouma and currently represents 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist John Joe Nevin.

“I feel Ray has matured so much as a fighter over the years and feel confident he can beat any welterweight when given the chance. He has always been a class act in and out of the ring and we feel great that he is a part of our team. It’s just a matter of time when the world will see he is the best in the welterweight division,”Joe Quiambao, Director of Boxing for Split-T Management.

Robinson, who is entered as a wild card entry in the WBC Welterweight tournament is a promotional free agent.

Split-T Management growing roster includes Undefeated Bantamweight Antonio Nieves; Undefeated Light Heavyweights Joseph Williams and Mighty Joe Jones; Undefeated Welterweights Wesley Tucker; Boubacar Sylla; Undefeated Super Middleweight Deandre Ware, Undefeated Heavyweights: Darlington Agha and Trent Rawlins and Adonis Stevenson conqueror, Super Middleweight Darnell Boone.

Matty Askin will now face unbeaten challenger Simon ‘Sparkly’ Barclay for the English Cruiserweight Championship at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday 12th March, exclusively live on BoxNation.

The action-packed night is topped by Manchester’s Terry Flanagan defending his WBO World Lightweight title against Liverpool’s Derry Mathews in a bitter North West showdown. Pound-for-pound megastar Guillermo Rigondeaux makes his first appearance on English soil when he takes on Merseyside hero Jazza Dickens in a true ‘Rocky’ story and South African super-puncher Zolani Tete makes his eagerly anticipated return to Liverpool to take on gutsy Mexican Jose Santos Gonzales for the Vacant IBF International Bantamweight title.

Barclay replaces Lawrence Bennet who was forced to withdraw from his rematch against Askin. The 26-year-old has won all eight of his fights and will be gunning for his first professional title. The two-time and two-weight English ABA king from the Northamptonshire steel town of Corby jumped at the chance to take on Askin at only two weeks’ notice.

“I’m feeling really confident. I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I wasn’t fit and in shape and I fully believe I have what it takes to get the win. It’s a big step up but facing tougher opponents will bring out the best in me,” said Barclay.

As well as being a double ABA champion, Barclay has Three Nations honours and has captained England. The mechanical engineer has a steely determination to make a name for himself in the professional ranks.

He added: “It’s a huge show and it’s a real privilege to be part of it. There’s some serious talent on the card with the likes of Flanagan, Rigondeaux and Tete and I’m looking forward to showing people what I’m capable of. It’s the first title I’ll be going for and it’s a big one so I’ll be giving it my all to get my hands on it.”

Askin, who is sparring with unbeaten Denmark Cruiserweight Micki Neilsen in Copenhagen, says he is unfazed by the change of opponent and fully expects to win.

He said: “I think he’s a better opponent. He has a decent winning record and he’s unbeaten so it should make for a more entertaining fight. Saying that, his style won’t trouble me. He’s a stand up boxer which is a good thing for me and I think our styles will gel on the night,”

“I’ve watched him box before and I can see myself winning by a stoppage. I punch too hard and I apply too much pressure which he won’t be able to handle. I don’t think he has anything to keep me off him and I think he knows that himself.”

Terry Flanagan v Derry Mathews for the WBO World Lightweight Championship headlines the show that also features one of the worlds greatest boxers, Guillermo Rigondeaux, taking on Merseyside hero Jazza Dickens; 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 challenge for a championship belt; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Swindon’s Lawrence Bennett. The undercard features some of the best talent in Merseyside: undefeated leading world title contender Kevin Satchell; red-hot prospect Steven Lewis; European Champion Ryan Farrag; Indian superstar Vijender Singh plus Manchester prospects Macaulay McGowan and Zelfa Barrett and Leicester ace Lyon Woodstock complete the card.

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.

Indian superstar Vijender Singh is moving fast towards his first professional title shot this summer and must next dispose of dangerous Hungarian Alexander Horvath at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday 12th March to stay on track.

The red-hot middleweight ace, who won Bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games, is undefeated in three fights with three knockouts in only six rounds of action since his pro debut last October and aims to take out Horvath in quick time.

Singh will have no time to rest as he has another big fight lined up just three weeks’ later at the Harrow Sports Centre, London, as he builds towards his ground-breaking title opportunity in India.

The 30-year-old, from Bhiwani, is an icon in his homeland and his summer hero’s return will be a national homecoming event and he says there is no way that rival Horvath will upset that from happening.

“It’s my absolute dream to fight back home in India in front of my countrymen and women so I won’t let Horvath get in my way of that at all,” Stated Singh.

“I need to continue my unbeaten record and it’s important that I put on a commanding performance against Horvath and then next at Harrow to keep on course for my title shot and my homecoming,”

“Hovath is a good solid opponent for, maybe he will give me a few new tests, he has done more rounds than me and has a bit more experience, but will that compete with the power that I have and when I start landing my shots I don’t believe that he’ll be standing around for too long.”

“I’m really excited as this is my first fight of the year and there are big plans ahead so I aim to make a very big statement of intent in Liverpool against Horvath that will show that I’m ready to fight for a title later this year.”

Horvath, from Törökszentmiklós, comes into the fight against Singh with a record of five wins from seven fights. The 20-year-old has the edge in experience over Singh with 31 rounds under his belt and has no fear fighting abroad taking bouts in Slovakia and France.

He says he has seen plenty of weaknesses in Singh and he can be the first man to exploit them and inflict the first defeat to shatter his homecoming title dreams.

“Three before me have tried and failed to beat Singh so now I will finally end this pretender’s hope of winning a title,” Stormed Horvath.

“Everyone who has gone into the ring with him seem like they are a rabbit in headlights. I have seen nothing from Singh that worries me or causes any sleepless nights so I’m fully confident going into the fight and ready to knock him out,”

“I hope that his chin is ready for the punches that I will be landing on them because for once he will be put under a real test by me.”

Singh features on an action packed card headlined by Terry Flanagan v Derry Mathews for the WBO World Lightweight Championship that also features one of the worlds greatest boxers, Guillermo Rigondeaux, taking on Merseyside hero Jazza Dickens; 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 challenge for a championship belt; Blackpool’s Matty Askin defends his English Cruiserweight title against Swindon’s Lawrence Bennett. The undercard features some of the best talent in Merseyside: undefeated leading world title contender Kevin Satchell; red-hot prospect Steven Lewis; European Champion Ryan Farrag; Manchester prospects Macaulay McGowan and Zelfa Barrett and Leicester ace Lyon Woodstock complete the card.

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.

25 February 2016 – Manila, Philippines: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), announces its return to the vibrant city of Manila in the heart of the Philippines. ONE Championship will again rock the Mall of Asia Arena on 15 April at ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS. In the main event, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren of the United States makes his much awaited return to the ONE Cage to face Russia’s Nikolay Aleksakhin.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated, “We’re always excited for Manila because Filipino fans are so passionate about mixed martial arts that everything just comes naturally! The atmosphere and the excitement in Manila on fight night is truly unparalleled and we anticipate the same when we arrive in April. We have an excellent matchup prepared for fight fans as Ben Askren meets Nikolay Aleksakhin, and we expect nothing less than the absolute best in world-class mixed martial arts action.”

Tickets for ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS are available www.smtickets.com.

Former NCAA Division I All-American, Ben Askren is a collegiate wrestling legend and one of the finest mixed martial artists in the world today. In just a few fights in ONE, Askren was able to seize the ONE Welterweight World Championship with a resounding technical knockout victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki. The highly-skilled Askren is widely considered to be the absolute best in his division and one of the best fighters in the world pound for pound. His next challenge is a tough one, as he goes head-to-head with Russia’s Nikolay Aleksakhin.

Veteran welterweight from Russia, Nikolay Aleksakhin will make his highly-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage in Manila this April. Aleksakhin was impressive in his debut for the promotion when he submitted Burenzorig Batmunkh with a rear naked choke within three rounds. Now, Aleksakhin gets the call to face ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren and will look to surprise the crowd with intense action.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 24, 2016) – Former world champion Kiko “Sensacion” Martinez (35-6-0, 26 KOs) participated in a media workout Wednesday at the City of Angels Boxing Club in Los Angeles as he prepares to face undefeated WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 27 live on SHOWTIME® (7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

In the co-feature Mexican warrior Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) meets Hugo Ruiz 35-3, 31 KOs) in a long-awaited Super Bantamweight World Title rematch and undefeated heavyweight Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) will face unbeaten Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs). Both Ceja and Washington joined Martinez to give the media a preview of what’s to come on Saturday.

Martinez spoke about the adjustments he’s made as his trainer Gabriel Sarmiento was unable to obtain a Visa in time to travel to the United States and will not be able to serve in his corner come Saturday. Martinez is confident that renowned Southern California trainer Robert García will be able to lead him to a world title on Saturday night.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB promotions, are priced at $27, $54, $104 and $199 and are on sale now via ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster retail locations, by calling 800-745-3000 of by stopping by the Honda Center Box Office.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

KIKO MARTINEZ
“I’m very happy to have Robert Garcia in my corner. He has led so many fighters to world titles. I’m excited and I’m anxious to get things going. I’m ready to collaborate and I think we’ll do great things Saturday.

“The people who doubt that I will take this title only make me stronger and more dangerous.

“Training camp has been extremely tough with lots of demands due to facing a champion like Leo Santa Cruz because he’s an excellent boxer who I admire. I have completely devoted myself to training for this fight.

“On Saturday everyone will get to see the best Kiko Martinez. I am going to be bringing the pressure and giving you all a great fight with power punches to disarm Santa Cruz and take the title.

“I hope that fans will change their mindset of seeing me as the underdog and support me because I am here to show something else.

“I am very happy to be here and have the opportunity to fight in the United States again.

“I love this California weather, it reminds me of the weather of El Canario where I was training and I am feeling great.

“I am ready. Now all there is left is to wait. We’ve got the weigh-in ahead of us and I’ve already made weight. I will be working up a sweat just to remain active and distracted because I am ready to jump in the ring and start the best fight of my life.

“I have won a world title in the United States and became a world champ here and I am expecting to become the world champ here once again. That fight was how I became known here, now this fight will be the biggest fight of my career.

“I’ve been studying [Santa Cruz] for quite some time now, since I’ve been waiting to fight him previously, now it has come to this point in this time of my life. I have grown and learned so much since then that I truly feel that I have learned from my mistakes and grown to the best of my life yet.”

“Luckily [trainer Gabriel Sarmiento] has been training me up until this point. We’re on the same team and we have each other’s backs and he is still fully supportive. I have him in my heart and I know that he will be supporting me all the way.

“I am not worried about what anyone is saying. All I want is to get in the ring come Saturday and demonstrate that Leo and I will put on a huge fight and the audience will not be bored for a single minute.”

JULIO CEJA
“We have had a long and very intense camp. We are prepared and know what is on the line here because we know that Hugo comes at it with everything he’s got. This is a prestigious opportunity that I have been presented with and we can forecast that it will be an all-or-nothing fight.

“This will be a toe-to-toe fight because we both know each other’s strengths and having fought before we know this rematch will be explosive.

“From the second we knew there would be a rematch, we immediately started training. We knew going in to this again that it will be a tough fight and this one will be better than the first. It will be more dangerous and more of a fight than the last because of what the rematch represents.

“I have trained very hard because I know what is on the line and I am not going to allow Ruiz to take that title from be so easily. It is going to be an all-out battle.

“Hugo has reach and height on me but all I know is that once I hear that bell, none of that matters. There’s a reason why they call me the champ and I am confident in my skill to show that.

“I am looking to show up and give the fans an entertaining show. I will be looking for a fight all throughout and keep it exciting for the fans who are coming out to see a good fight.

“I devoted my life to becoming the champion and my life dream was always to be a champ, so this is something that I will fight to the end for.

“I became a champ here in the United States and now that I am blessed with the opportunity to get a rematch here. I’m ready to take full advantage of this chance to give it 100 percent.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“I grew up boxing and boxing was always my passion as a kid. I used to go to the local Boys & Girls Club as a kid and I’ve been in love with it since. It’s always been a part of me and I’m glad I can do it again and take over this division.

“There are lot’s similarities in football and boxing. You watch film, break your opponent down. We take everything from sparring and practice and take them out to the game.

“This is going to be a great fight. It’s always a good battle when you have two undefeated fighters. It’s going to be a night full of action. I look forward to the action. I love stepping up and facing top-flight competition.

“Rivas has an extensive amateur background. He’s a big, strong guy who likes the knockout. He’s going to go for it. I’m prepared for a fight like that. I know the pressure is coming. We’ve worked hard since my last fight.

“The jab is the key for everything. It opens up all the other shots and keeps the opponent off balance. I’m going to hammer him with it. It’s a major tool.

“It’s a great honor to be fighting here in Los Angeles. My whole life has taken place in this state and everyone who has supported me is coming together on Saturday to see it all in action.

“Heavyweight boxing is always exciting. We’re the hardest hitters in the game. I can’t wait to show everyone the hard work I’ve put in and give a great performance.

“I’m going to be smart and disciplined in the ring. But you also have to have a strong will and have the determination to keep moving forward. You have to step to the guy and apply the pressure.

“My height and reach is always to my advantage but it’s not that. It’s the legs, the mind, the combinations. It’s everything.

“You will see a smart and aggressive style from me on Saturday and I’m going to take that into the next level of my career.”

# # #

Santa Cruz vs. Martinez, a 12-round bout for Santa Cruz’s WBA Featherweight Title taking place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing Promotions. In the co-feature, Julio Ceja and Hugo Ruiz will meet in super bantamweight world title rematch for the WBC belt and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Gerald Washington will face Oscar Rivas in a 10-round heavyweight bout. The tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) and will be available in Spanish via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

NEW YORK (Feb. 24, 2016)—After extensive discussions between DiBella Entertainment, Showtime Networks and Mohegan Sun, the March 12 boxing event has been canceled.

Following the injury to Keith Thurman and the postponement of the Thurman vs. Porter bout, we evaluated several options for salvaging the card, but various factors, including scheduling and programming issues, prevented the parties involved from doing so.

The featherweight bout between fellow three-division world champions Abner Mares and Fernando Montiel will remain paired with the Thurman vs. Porter welterweight world championship event, which is being rescheduled for a later date on CBS. The other bouts on the card will be rescheduled on a date or dates to be announced.

“Every effort was made to move forward with the remainder of this excellent card, despite the tight time frame,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “However, scheduling conflicts and other factors forced us to make the unfortunate decision to cancel the entire event. There are a number of attractive fights on the table and we look forward to presenting all of them to the fans as soon as possible.”

Tickets purchased for the March 12 event will be refunded at the point of purchase.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 24, 2016) – The boxing world was shocked when Golden Boy Promotions announced on Feb. 2 that WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32 KOs) would make his first title defense of 2016 against former two-time world champion and resurgent contender Amir “King” Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) on Cinco de Mayo weekend, Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Canelo and Khan will kick-off a three city, international press tour in London on Feb. 29 that will travel to New York on March 1 and end in Los Angeles on March 2.

**PLEASE NOTE: Individual media alerts with more details for each city are forthcoming.

Monday, February 29 – London, United Kingdom
Location: The Park Plaza Riverbank London – Ballroom
18 Albert Embarkment
SE1 7TJ London, UK
Press Arrival Time: 10:00 a.m. GMT
Fan Arrival Time: 11:00 a.m. GMT
Press Conference Begins: 12:00 p.m. GMT

Tuesday, March 1 – New York, New York
Location: Hard Rock Café New York – Live Venue
1501 Broadway New York, NY 10036 (Corner of Broadway and 43rd St.)
Press & Fan Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Press Conference Begins: 1:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, March 2 – Los Angeles, California
Location: Universal CityWalk – Five Towers Stage
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (Adjacent to AMC Theaters)
Press & Fan Arrival Time: 3:00 p.m. PT
Press Conference Begins: 6:00 p.m. PT

Canelo vs. Khan, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Casa Mexico Tequila. The mega-event will take place on Saturday, May 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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

Las Vegas – Legends of mixed martial arts, as well as some of the sport’s brightest young stars will enter the Octagon® when UFC® returns to Tampa for the first time since 2009. With a potential shot at the world title on the line, top contenders Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson collide in the ultra-competitive 155-pound division live on FOX in the five-round main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: NURMAGOMEDOV vs. FERGUSON on Saturday, April 16 at Amalie Arena.

A world-class wrestler, No.2 Nurmagomedov (22-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) poses a serious threat for anyone in the division and boasts an undefeated record that includes a victory over current lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Looking to derail the Russian’s hype train is No. 4 Ferguson (21-3, fighting out of Ventura, Calif.), who has reeled off seven straight wins. With a resume that includes victories over Edson Barboza and Abel Trujillo, The Ultimate Fighter® season 13 winner hopes to take one step closer to joining Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Matt Serra and Carla Esparza as the only fighters to win The Ultimate Fighter as well as a UFC world title.

In the co-main event, No. 7 Rashad Evans (24-4-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) looks to climb back up the 205-pound ladder against No. 8 Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (23-10, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil). A former standout wrestler at Michigan State, “Suga” will have to utilize his wrestling pedigree to handle the strength and precision of one of the most aggressive Muay Thai practitioners in Shogun. The ultimate chess match will play out between two former light heavyweight champions finally go toe-to-toe.

Plus, dynamic striker and fourth-ranked Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (22-7, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) meets heavy-handed No.14 Dan “Hendo” Henderson (31-14, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) in a rematch of a 2013 showdown won by the Brazilian. Machida’s striking and creative angles have landed him the second most knockdowns in UFC history with 13 (A. Silva 17). Henderson has one of the most feared right hands in the sport which has led to knockouts of elite level fighters such as Shogun, Fedor Emilianenko, Michael Bisping and Wanderlei Silva.

Additional bouts:
· Two of the top strawweights in the world clash as No. 3 Rose Namajunas (5-2, fighting Denver, Colo.) meets No. 4 Tecia Torres (7-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) in a rematch that has both hoping for a shot at the world title with a win.
· Rising prospect and No. 8 Beneil Dariush (12-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.) returns to the Octagon to face the crafty No. 13 Michael “Maverick” Chiesa (12-2, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.), in a lightweight bout.
· No. 8 women’s bantamweight Bethe Correia (9-1, fighting out of Campina Grande, Paraiba Brazil) returns to the Octagon for the first time since her bout with Ronda Rousey to face No. 13 Raquel Pennington (6-6, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.).
· Knockout artist No. 6 Cub Swanson (21-7, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) clashes with jiu jitsu ace No. 10 Hacran Dias (23-3-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a featherweight bout.
· Brazilian jiu jitsu specialists Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira (9-5, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil) and Caio Magalhaes (9-2, fighting out of Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil) meet in a welterweight showdown.
· Well-rounded wrestler Court McGee (17-4, fighting out of Orem, Utah) meets jiu jitsu ace Santiago Ponzinibbio (22-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) in a welterweight clash.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: NURMAGOMEDOV vs. FERGUSON go on sale Friday, February 26 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $225, $175, $125, $90, $75, $50 and $40 (prices do not include applicable service charges and handling fees). Tickets are available at the McDonald’s Ticket Office at Amalie Arena, online at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone at (800) 745-3000. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, February 24 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, February 25 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: NURMAGOMEDOV vs. FERGUSON will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 16, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FOX at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

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

AMALIE Arena/Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, LLC:
Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, LLC is an entity established by Jeff Vinik in March, 2010 to manage the National Hockey’s League’s Tampa Bay Lightning, the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm and the leasehold rights to AMALIE Arena, the 19,092-seat downtown Tampa home in which the teams play their games. The venue opened in 1996 and was named the Ice Palace at the time, but it became AMALIE Arena in September, 2014 when the family-owned, Tampa Bay-based AMALIE Oil Company elected to partner with Vinik and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment. Since Vinik’s purchase in 2010, he has led a complete brand and business transformation of the Lightning, the Storm and the arena which was anchored by a mostly private $85+ million dollar renovation of the publicly owned facility. In 2014-15, the Lightning won the NHL’s Eastern Conference Championship, later appearing in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.

Undefeated 122-pound world champions Carl Frampton (IBF) and Scott Quigg (WBA) held media workouts on Tuesday in Manchester, England, as they finalize preparation for their long-awaited super bantamweight unification showdown this Saturday, Feb. 27 at Manchester Arena.

The massive unification between Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs), of Belfast, Ireland, and Quigg (32-0-2, 23 KOs), of Lancashire, United Kingdom will be televised live on SHO EXTREME at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® offering of the Sky Sports telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME Sports® analysts Barry Tompkins, Steve Farhood and guest analyst and WBA Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs.

An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHOWTIME® immediately following Saturday’s live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast headlined by three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz and former titlist Kiko Martinez.

Here’s what Frampton and Quigg had to say as they approach Saturday’s fight:

CARL FRAMPTON:
“I have wanted this fight for a long, long time. I thrive on the big occasions and there are not many bigger than a domestic super fight.

“I won my world title on a massive stage, Scott Quigg was handed his title after a draw. He has fought on big cards but not as a bill-topper and I genuinely don’t know if he will be able to handle this level of pressure. I’m going to use all of my experience to outbox, outfight and outgun Scott Quigg.

“We’ve been chasing these boys for years. They didn’t want it, end of story. Then all it took was one below par performance from me to convince his team that they should finally take the fight. If that first round in my last fight is what they’re basing their hopes of victory on then Scott is in for a big, big shock.

“I’ve had the best training camp of my career, I’m in the shape of my life and I’m going to become the unified Super Bantamweight World Champion.

“First and foremost I’m doing this for my family. I have two beautiful kids and both Christine (Frampton) and I want the best for them, that’s what drives me and makes me so focused on being the best in the world.

“I am 100 percent dedicated to the sport of boxing, I spend twelve-weeks in training camp in London away from home, only getting to go home a handful of times and I do this so I can be the best I possibly can.

“People have said Quigg trains like a machine. I can tell you I train every bit as hard if not harder, but I’m no machine. I don’t need to be programmed in order to perform.

“Shane (McGuigan) is a brilliant coach, I’ve been saying it all along. But now people are sitting up and taking notice. Shane and I work hard on tactics and techniques when we approach every fight, but we both know that if tactics need tweaking mid fight I can think my way through a contest. Scott Quigg can’t.”

SCOTT QUIGG:
“This is the perfect time now for this fight. We’re both world champions, we’re both undefeated, and I believe this is the perfect time for me to go out there and do a job on him.

“It’s a fight I’ve wanted for a long time. It’s a fight that’s been brewing for a long time. Seeing Carl sign on the dotted line meant that I was one step closer to achieving everything I’ve worked towards; becoming the best.

“I’ve always wanted the chance to prove I’m the best. Now the fight’s been made, I’m one million per cent confident that I’m going win in spectacular fashion. I can win on points, but I will knock out Carl Frampton.

“No-one expected me to get Kiko out of there early. If I’d have stopped him late or won on points, then Carl had already done that, so the only way I could get credit or show people what I am capable of was KO him early.

“With Carl and his performance in the States, they handpicked (Alejandro) Gonzalez from a list of opponents because they thought that he would be the easiest one. They wanted to go over there and look good in his U.S. debut so the Americans would rave about him – and he nearly came unstuck.

“We respect each other as fighters. You don’t become a world champion by chance, there’s a lot of hard work and a lot of talent involved. But they are in for a shock because they think I can only fight one way. They don’t think I can’t adapt and I’ll just come steaming forward. Maybe I will do that, but if I do come steaming forward, it’s because I am going to KO him.

“People are saying now that because I’ve been knocking guys out quite early that I’ve been going out for the stoppages, but that’s not the case. I’ve been going out and I’ve been boxing.

“If I land clean on any super bantamweight or featherweight in the world, I will knock them out. So, it’s about just making sure I pick the right time and I open the gaps. And when the gaps are there then I’ll take them.

“I don’t take any notice of whether I’ve got the crowd behind me or whether it is behind my opponent, but I know for a fact that he takes comfort from having a lot of support. When he’s taken away from that, he shows his vulnerabilities. I think that will affect him.

“The Irish are very passionate about the sport and they know their boxing inside-out. They get behind their man and they will create a great atmosphere. The atmosphere is going to go off even more because we’re both at the top of our game and there’s a lot riding on this. There’s a lot of pride at stake – it’s going to be electric.”

“I got into boxing to become world champion. I’ve done that and now I’ve set new goals to reach greater heights because I want to challenge myself every day.

“Ricky Hatton became a crossover star and was a hit in the US. He took 40,000 Brits to Las Vegas and became a global star. That’s the next goal that I’ve set for myself and I can make it if I keep working hard, maintain my dedication and focus.

“Getting this fight now on SHOWTIME in the U.S. is the first step. I’ll go out and do a job on Carl, win in a spectacular fashion and that’s going to give me a boost for my profile in the U.S.

“I am not going to give the WBA belt up. I want to fight the best. Guillermo Rigondeaux is next because that’s what the WBA have ordered.

“My focus is on beating Carl. We’ll look at fighting the best out there after that. I’ve always said, ‘I’m out to fight the best and beat the best.’ So, I’m obviously going to fight Rigondeaux. I’m not scared of fighting him. I’m not shying away from the challenge. I thrive on that sort of task and fighting Rigondeaux – who’s rightly so ranked No. 1 in the division because of what he’s achieved – would be a huge challenge. I honestly believe that if the time comes and we fight, I can beat him.”

SHANE MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Trainer:
“There is a lot of debate about who hits harder between Frampton and Quigg. I know Carl Frampton is the hardest punching Super Bantamweight in the world.

“One thing you can’t argue about is who has the better pedigree and who has the better boxing brain. Carl wins hands down in both departments and he is going to show this in brutal and clinical fashion.

“Carl can box off the back foot, he can fight on the front foot and he has devastating one-punch power.”

BARRY MCGUIGAN, Frampton’s Promoter:
“Carl is always so cool when the heat is on him, he steps up to the plate and delivers.

“Even in his last fight when he didn’t get off to a great start, Carl still managed to pull himself together and do what was needed to get the win.

“He’s a natural born winner. I had to work very hard just to be able to compete at world level. I think the same can be said of Scott Quigg, but for Carl it comes more naturally. Couple this with his incredible work ethic and that is why Carl Frampton is the best in the world.”

Ray Flores
Ladies and gentlemen, we are very excited to have on the phone today, Leo Santa Cruz and Kiko Martinez, before fight week in Anaheim kicks off.

This Saturday we have the undefeated Featherweight World Champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz putting his undefeated record on the line as he defends his world title against the former World Champion Kiko “La Sensacion” Martinez, who is a veteran of 41 bouts with a record of 35-6 coming to you this Saturday, live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

You can watch it live SHOWTIME, 10 p.m. ET/7 PT. It is being promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing Promotions. Tickets, what a deal we have. They start at $27, still available. You can get them on ticketmaster.com or the Honda Center Box Office.

It now gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sports and Event Programming at SHOWTIME. A man who loves boxing and who’s about putting on quality fights, Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
As has become common for SHOWTIME, this telecast of course will be a tripleheader. It’s part of a Saturday of boxing programs that’s going to include three world title fights being telecast from two separate continents. And I think with that introduction right now, they’re right on the head.

We’ve got, in the SHOWTIME telecast, three all-action and fan-friendly competitive matchups, opening the night with a matchup of two young, undefeated heavyweights. We all know how much interest there has been in the heavyweight division lately. We go to co-feature with the rematch of Ceja- Ruiz. It was a fight that, until Leo [Santa Cruz] and Abner [Mares] stepped up in the main event, it was a flight that, on the undercard, really threatened to steal the show.

When you’ve got two guys who between them have 58 KOs, you know it is going to be exciting. The main event is a matchup of a three-division world champion and a former champion. Two very active, aggressive fighters. And, you throw in the Frampton-Quigg fight, which will be broadcast on SHOWTIME EXTREME early that evening and re-broadcast after the SHOWTIME live event.

In the evening, you’ve got essentially four fan-friendly, all action fights. Really, an entire day of great action. Looking forward to it very much. Thank you all.

Brittany Goossen-Brown
Hello. On behalf of TGB Promotions, we are honored to be working once again with one of the biggest stars in boxing, Leo Santa Cruz. It has been nothing short of exciting watching his rise to the top, especially after that epic win over Abner Mares in a sold out STAPLES Center this past August.

We know that Leo’s fight this Saturday against Kiko Martinez will bring the action that Southern California boxing fans have come to expect and enjoy. We look forward to seeing all of the Southern California boxing fans Saturday night in Anaheim.

R. Flores
The fans in Southern California really come out for quality fights. We all believe that this Saturday is no exception, as Leo Santa Cruz and Kiko Martinez enter the ring..

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz.

Leo Santa Cruz
Hello everyone and good afternoon.

I’m just very happy and excited to go back in the ring. I’ve trained very hard for this fight. I know that it’s going to be a hard fight because Kiko is a fighter that comes to fight. He always comes ready. This could be a great opportunity because I know he has everything to win, everything to lose. So I know he’s going to come with everything. But I’m here ready for him. I’m just ready to give the fans a great show.

R. Flores
We will go ahead now and we want to bring in the adversary for Leo Santa Cruz. We are going to go ahead and bring up a man who has been a former world champion with 35 wins, 6 defeats and 27 victories coming by way of knock-outs. Boy, he can hit hard.

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing Kiko “La Sensacion” Martinez.

Kiko Martinez
I come in with one of the best trainers. I train very hard for this fight. I’m doing it for my family, for myself, for my daughter. I definitely come for a great victory. I will go back with a victory on the 27th. I am very motivated for this particular fight.

Sampson Lewkowicz
I really know and I like Leo Santa Cruz and all his family. We worked together in the past. I promise that I will give him the rematch. We’re coming to win.

Ray Flores
At this time, we’d like to have the operator open it up for questions.

Q
Do you think it’s important for you to not only to defeat Kiko, but do it in a kind of style that will make people say, “Wow, you know, he got him better even then Carl Frampton or Scott Quigg did?”

L. Santa Cruz
Yes, I told you very it’s important to look spectacular against Kiko Martinez and try to beat him better than Scott Quigg and Frampton did. So I could show that I’m at their level or even better.

I’m going to be smart. I’m just going to out there and as the fight goes, just do what I have to do. But if not, I’m going to be smart to try to make the fight one-sided and get the victory. People can compare our fights and compare who we’ve beaten. I hope to go out there and just make a great fight.

Q
Are you going to pay attention to the Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg fight? If you’re successful on Saturday, are you interested in the winner?

L. Santa Cruz
Yes I would be interested in the fight. I’m going to work at this. I would I love to fight any of the winner of that fight. Hopefully I get the win that night. I would definitely like to fight the winner of Frampton and Quigg.

Q
Kiko how much do you feel that you’re being overlooked in this fight against Leo, now that he is fighting another top name. In addition to that what are your thoughts on fighting in the heavier weight division?

K. Martinez
I know a lot of people are doubting me. I have put in the time and training. I’ve worked very hard preparing for this matchup. I’m going to change the opinion of the public.

I know Leo Santa Cruz is a terrific fighter but when I get the victory over him, it will take me to the world title. It will continue to allow me to provide a good life for my family and everybody around me. My performance on Saturday is going to change the opinion of the public.

Q
Why are you taking the fight where you have everything to lose and nothing to gain as you mentioned?

L. Santa Cruz
When we get inside the ring, we’re the same. So I’m not looking at him in any way, shape, or form. He’s an opponent. I have to go out there and have to perform. At the end of the day, this is a great opportunity for Kiko Martinez. I know he’s going to come prepared.

But I myself have spent the time in the gym bracing for this matchup. We’re going to step inside the ring, we’re going to collide, and we’re going put on an exciting show for the fans. When fans come to watch this fight and tune in on SHOWTIME, I want them to leave satisfied.

I’m going to go out there and get the victory and really put in the time in and put on a fantastic show for all the fans. Because I know Kiko Martinez is a very formidable opponent.

Q
Leo Santa Cruz hasn’t lost in 10 years. Why does Kiko Martinez believe he’s going to be able to change that on Saturday.

K. Martinez
I know that Leo Santa Cruz is a fantastic fighter. But at the end of the day, when guys have come in to fight him, they’ve already been defeated before they stepped inside the ring with Leo Santa Cruz. I don’t think anyone he’s fought is as strong as me or has the kind of desire that I have.

I’m coming here to the United States to get the victory. I’m very hungry. I’ve spent two months in training camp. I think that my power is going to be the difference. Here on Saturday night against Santa Cruz, I have the opportunity of my life. I’ve spent time away from my family and I’m coming here to get the victory. It’s going to be an exciting fight. I respect Leo Santa Cruz, but I’m doing to get the win on Saturday.

How are you going to be able to handle turmoil like Kiko Martinez who is extremely hungry and has a desire to get the victoru?

L. Santa Cruz
I know I train the same way against Kiko Martinez, working for Martinez, as I did against Abner Mares and all my other adversaries and my opponents. I know he’s coming to try to get the win over me and better the life of his family.

But I myself have that same mindset. I understand Kiko Martinez is a very strong fighter. He has a powerful punch. We are going to use our intelligence. We are going to put on a show for all the fans on Saturday. I myself go and any time I step inside it the ring, I fight for my family.

This is a huge opportunity for him. But I put in the time in the gym to be victorious. I look forward to putting on a fantastic event on Saturday.

Q
I want to ask him does he feel that he’s in the same situation that he was in a few years ago back in 2013 in Atlantic City, when he first came to the United States versus Jonathan Romero, where he was the heavy underdog. But he was able to pull the upset, basically being the bully. Is that the game plan for this fight?

K. Martinez
I’m going to surprise a lot of people as I did I did against Romero. I’m coming into this fight with the same hunger that I did against Romero.

But I’m a lot smarter. My training habits are better. I have put in and learned so much since that fight on August in 2013. But I think that Santa Cruz is a stronger fighter than Romero. But I’m, at the end of the day, I’m going to surprise people just as I did against Jonathan Romero and I will win on Saturday.

Q
How do you deal with that pressure to out-do the Frampton and Quigg performances or to just get the win, which is most important?

L. Santa Cruz
There is a little bit of pressure. Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton, they knocked him out. I want the same. I wanted to get in there in the program.

I’m going to be smart. I’m going to patient. My main goal is to go out there and win the fight. I want to go out there and get the victory because that’s more important. I’m going to be relaxed, stay focused and I’m going to be calm. I’m going to be calm and go out there and get the win.

So if I get the win that night, I want to face the winner of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton then. I’m going to out there and I know I can beat anybody.

R. Flores
Now it’s opened up for closing comments.

First of all, we’ll let Leo go ahead and end the call with closing comments. Then we’ll move over to also Kiko and then Sampson.

Leo, go ahead.

L. Santa Cruz
I just want to say I want to invite all the fans to come February 27 to the Honda Center and they’re not going to want to miss this fight. I always come to fight, I always come to give the fans a great show. This night is not going to be an exception. I come really 100 percent prepared and I’m going to go out there and do everything in the ring.

They’re going to know I’m fighting for my family, I’m fighting for our fans. All I want to do give a great show for the fans. So you guys don’t want to miss this fight. Go out there and support us. And I’m 100 percent sure you guys are not going to be disappointed.

So thank you very much and have a great day.

K. Martinez
I want to thank my entire team. I’m excited about this fight with Leo Santa Cruz. I think I’m going to come on Saturday, this upcoming Saturday, February 27th, at the Honda Center in Anaheim and I will be triumphant and win the title. We’re going to put on a great show for the fans. I’m going to change the opinion of the public that at the end of the day, it’s going to be an exciting fight.

S. Lewkowicz
I want to say thank you to Stephen Espinoza and SHOWTIME. Because it really, it’s a great, great night of fights, three fights, starting with the heavyweights and then with my other fighter, Hugo Ruiz, that is fighting in the rematch. This is an exceptional night of fights.

R. Flores
That concludes the call. We appreciate the media for partaking in this. Tickets start at $27. You can get them now at ticketmaster.com or the Honda Center Box Office.

It’s a can’t miss event this Saturday, February 27th, at the Honda Center in Anaheim. We will see you in Anaheim for a fight we cannot wait to get to the West Coast for a big weekend in boxing only on SHOWTIME.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @LeoSantaCruz2, @MartinezKiko, @TGBPromotions, @HondaCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2016) – Four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (31-2, 23 KOs) defends his 140-pound world title against Ashley “The Treasure” Theophane (39-6-1, 11 KOs) Friday, April 1 on Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike from the DC Armory in Washington, D.C. with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

At 26-years-old, Broner is one of the most accomplished, and outspoken, young stars in the sport today. After picking up world titles at 130, 135 and 147-pounds, Broner earned a belt in a fourth weight division last October when he defeated tough Russian Khabib Allakhverdiev via a stoppage in the 12th and final round. Broner has spent portions of his training camp in Washington, D.C. for several years and now he will be fighting for the first time in the nation’s capital.

“Ashley Theophane is a world class fighter and this is going to be a tough fight for me,” said Broner. “I’m very excited to fight in Washington, D.C. My following is huge in D.C., it’s my second home, and I think we’re going to give the fans what they’re looking for. I want to fight the best in the 140-pound weight division and Ashley Theophane is one of the best.”

London’s Theophane enters this fight on a six-bout winning streak and has had a long road towards his first world title opportunity. A former British world champion at 140-pounds, Theophane signed with Mayweather Promotions in 2013 and has enjoyed success stateside training out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

“I’m excited to face Adrien Broner for a super lightweight world championship,” said Theophane. “It’s been a long, hard road to get here. Thanks to Floyd Mayweather and everyone at Mayweather Promotions for their support over the last two and a half years. I get to have my career defining fight against a four-division world champion. It gets no bigger than that. I will be leaving the ring on April 1 as the new world champion.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with HeadBangers Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, and are on sale Friday, February 26 at 9 a.m. ET. To purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster locations or call (800) 745-3000.

“After an incredible 2015, Spike is thrilled to welcome the PBC back with a bout headlined by Adrien Broner – one of boxing’s biggest personalities out of the ring and one of the best fighters in the ring,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports & Specials, Spike TV.

“The DC Armory is synonymous with championship boxing in Washington, DC” stated Erik A. Moses, Events DC senior vice president and managing director for sports and entertainment. “Events DC is proud to work with HeadBangers Promotions, About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions to showcase PBC in the nation’s capitol.”

Broner boasts a 9-1 record in world title fights on his way to picking up belts in four weight divisions. The Cincinnati-native owns victories over Paulie Malignaggi, Daniel Ponce De Leon, John Molina Jr., Antonio DeMarco and Gavis Rees. Broner compiled a 300-19 amateur record under the guidance of his trainer Mike Stafford, who continues to train him throughout his pro success.

Theophane has been in the ring with many 140 and 147-pound contenders including Danny Garcia and Pablo Cesar Cano, losing by narrow split-decision to both. He started his 2015 campaign with a victory over Mahonri Montes in April and followed it up with an easy decision over Steve Upsher in September. He won his British title with a win over Lenny Daws and would go on to successfully defend against Jason Cook and Ben Murphy.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @AshleyTheophane, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports, @MayweatherPromo, and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and
www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. Highlights available to embed at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Nutley, NJ (February 24, 2016) – This past Friday night at Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City four members of the GH3 Promotional banner, put on great performances and three of those were televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation that was seen on SHOWTIME®.

In the main event, Super Bantamweight, Adam Lopez (15-0) remained undefeated as he scored an emphatic unanimous decision Mario Munoz to retain the WBA Fedlatin title.

Jerry Odom (13-2-1) continued to establish himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the super middleweight division with a 8-round draw with previously unblemished Ronald Ellis.

Lightweight O’Shaquie Foster (10-1, 7 KO’s) scored a beatdown over previously undefeated Lavisas Williams by scoring a 7th round stoppage in an scheduled 8-round bout.

In a non-televised bout, welterweight Hector Frometa (2-0) went to 2-0 with a 4-round unanimous decision over Jordan Rosario.

“We are very proud of our fighters that fought on Friday night,” said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

“Adam put on a very solid performance against a tough fighter from Mexico. He is a couple fights away from fighting for a world title. We feel when that time comes, he will not only be competitive but he has the talent to win a title and be a player for many years to come.”

“As for Jerry Odom, he fought a great fight and it was very close. Once again his fight was filled with action and he earned another opportunity to compete against anybody at 168 pounds. He shows the heart of a fighter and doesn’t turn down anybody. He will be back in another good fight in the next couple months.”

“O’Shaquie showed everyone that his fight in November was just a bad night. He has a ton of ability and he put on a great performance. He is back on track and we still envision huge things for him.”

“Frometa is a prospect that has great natural ability and he will be stepping up the opposition with each fight. He comes from the Cuban amateur system, and he fits into what GH3 Promotions is about and that is developing fighters and have them prepared to fight big fights when the are ready.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Hector Frometa, Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

World champions Anthony Crolla and Jamie McDonnell will be joined by Liverpool’s Smith brothers in meeting the fans at the Manchester Arena from midday ahead of the weigh in for Saturday night’s blockbuster clash at the venue, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Manchester favourite Crolla won the WBA World Lightweight crown in the Manchester Arena on a magical night in November, stopping Darleys Perez in the fifth round of their rematch to complete his fairy tale year.

WBA Bantamweight king McDonnell is in town to support his twin brother Gavin as he faces Jorge Sanchez for the WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight crown and World title eliminator as the chief support bout on Saturday. Jamie was one of Britain’s stand-out performers in 2015, twice travelling to Texas to defeat Japanese star Tomoki Kameda in World title clashes.

The Smith brothers – Callum, Stephen and Paul – are set for stellar years with Callum first up in a World title eliminator in April, Stephen preparing for his World title clash with Jose Pedraza while two-time World title challenger Paul is ready to get back into the exciting Super-Middleweight mix.

Carl Frampton MBE and Scott Quigg’s Super-Bantamweight showdown tops a massive night of action at the sold-out Manchester Arena, as Gavin McDonnell faces Jorge Sanchez for the WBC Silver Super-Bantamweight title and an official eliminator for the WBC World title, Marco McCullough faces Isaac Lowe for the vacant Featherweight title and Belfast’s Ryan Burnett takes on Frenchman Anthony Settoul for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight title.

Unbeaten Light-Heavyweights Hosea Burton and Miles Shinkwin clash for the vacant British title, unbeaten Flyweight talent Charlie Edwards meets Belfast’s Luke Wilton, while there’s action for Commonwealth gold medallists Josh Taylor and Scott Fitzgerald, Conrad Cummings and Marcus Morrison.

Frampton v Quigg is live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday 27 February. Buy now at skysports.com/framptonquigg