SERGEY RABCHENKO is hoping to dust off a few cobwebs in the West Midlands on Friday night (February 19) before making a name for himself Stateside.

The former European and WBC Silver super-welterweight champion returns to the ring against Barcelona-based South American Miguel Aguilar on Hatton Promotions’ and Black Country Boxing’s eight fight card at Walsall Town Hall.

And he wants to sign off his British adventure in style before heading over the pond to the bright lights of the US.

Rabchenko has inked a deal with powerful adviser Al Haymon and Leon Margules’s Warrior Boxing outfit and is likely to begin appearing on Premier Boxing Champions shows later in the year. Long-term mentor and boxing legend Ricky Hatton will continue to serve as his trainer.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring this Friday night,” Rabchenko said. “I haven’t boxed since last year, but I feel very good physically and I’m ready to break this guy (Aguilar) down.

“I have enjoyed my fights in the UK and will continue to train here with Ricky, but after this I want to box in New York and Las Vegas. That is my dream.

“When I’ve beaten the best Americans, I will come back to the UK and defend my belts.”

This Friday’s show is entitled ‘Undefeated’ and is headlined by Halesowen puncher Lennox Clarke’s eight round tussle with Harlow’s Richard Horton.

On the undercard, Rabchenko is joined by fellow Ricky Hatton-trained fighters Reuben Arrowsmith (3-0), Sam Evans (2-0) and Nathan Gorman (1-0).

Also appearing are West Bromwich heavyweight Matt Gordon (2-0), highly-rated Swadlincote prospect Zach Parker (3-0), Old Hill’s stylish Manny ‘Pac Man’ Zaber (3-0), Stoke’s Kieran McLaren (6-0) and Birmingham puncher Luke Heron (Walker) (2-0).

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (VIP Ringside), and can be purchased by calling 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.

Swindon’s red-hot super-middleweight star Jamie Cox is gunning for the winner of Fedor Chudinov vs. Felix Sturm. The supremely confident WBO European Champion will be keeping a close eye on Saturday’s world title showdown, exclusively live on BoxNation, and says he’d have no problems disposing of either of them.

Since making the step up to super-middleweight the Swindon smasher has blown away Alastair Warren, Blas Miguel Martinez and Ferenc Alberts with impressive first round knockouts and has promised to floor Chudinov should the pair meet.

“If they make the fight with Chudinov and it happens in the UK he won’t want to come back ever again. I’ll knock him clean out; I’m too explosive for him and he doesn’t know how to go backwards. I’d happily take on either of them; they’d both get knocked out,” said Cox, who’s rated number four in the world by the WBO.

The unbeaten 29 year-old southpaw stunner is one of the most avoided fighters at 168 pounds in the country and is spreading fear throughout his new division. A brutal body-puncher blessed with a recently re-constructed wrecking ball backhand, Cox says he has the rest of his division running scared.

He said: “Nobody wants to take a fight with me. I’ll fight anybody at any time. At the end of the day I don’t care who it is; put me in there with the best. I want to take on the very best; if anyone thinks I’m an easy world title defence then put me in there with them and see what happens,”

“I’ve been sparring with world champions in the past year and I know how I rated against them. I’m not one to talk about what I did to them but people were there and saw it with their own eyes. This year there’s going to be more knockouts and I’ll become a world champion.”

The former Commonwealth gold medallist has been marked as one of British boxing’s biggest talents and is enjoying life at his new weight.

He said: “I feel a lot healthier and more comfortable at this weight because I can eat what I want. I don’t have to worry about my diet as much so it gives me more time to concentrate on my boxing. I’ve more than proved I can hold my own at this weight but if I ever needed to I could easily make middleweight again.

Chudinov defeated Sturm on a split decision when the pair in May last year to claim the vacant WBA World Super-Middleweight title. Cox is expecting another gruelling fight and is predicting a similar outcome.

He said: “I can see it going the same way as their last fight. Chudinov can only get better with experience and I think Sturm is getting a little bit past his sell-by date so it’ll be a repeat of their last fight; Chudinov wins.”

Watch Chudinov v Sturm II exclusively live on BoxNation on Saturday night from 7pm. To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com or to watch online subscribe at watch.boxnation.com

New York, NY (February 18, 2015)–Upstart boxing manager’s Split-T Management was perfect this past weekend by going 6 for 6 in fights all over the country.

At The Mountaineer Casino in Chester, WV, Bantamweight Antonio “Carita” Nieves (15-0-1, 8 KO’s) registered a vicious 3rd round,one punch stoppage over Hungarian, Tibor Nadori (6-3) on a card promoted by Mademan Promotions.

A full-time banker, Nieves dissected the taller Nadori for the first two rounds. In the third round, he threw a double jab followed with a straight right hand that put Nadori down and out for the full 10 count. Nadori was knocked out cold for several minutes

Former amateur star from Senegal, Welterweight Boubacar Sylla, now residing in Cincinnati, OH made a successful pro debut with an explosive 2nd round knockout over Shannon Kelley of Columbus, OH. After working the body for the first round, the 6’1″ Sylla ended the fight with an one punch overhand right that dropped Kelley. The referee had to call a halt to the bout after Kelley attempted to get up.

A few hundred miles away, the other four Split-T managed boxers fought on a card in Royal Oak, MI, promoted Ahrens Promotions.

Leading the charge was 20 year old, “Mighty” Joe Jones of Jersey City, NJ. Making his return to the ring after a two-year layoff, Jones scored a devastating 2nd round stoppage over Michael Shipp, improving his record to 5-0, 4 KO’s. Jones wowed the crowd and had them oohing and ahhing after every punch he landed as he knocked Shipp down with powerful combinations to the head and body twice in the opening stanza. Jones started round two with a combination to the head that had Shipp slumped over on the ropes causing the referee to call the bout.

The card also featured three of Toledo, OH’s best up and coming fighters.
Among them was full-time Toledo Fireman and former Super Middleweight Amateur Star Deandre Ware, who improved to 3-0, 3 KO’s with a 1st round KO over debuting Brian Jackson of Port Huron, MI. After scoring a knockdown early in the fight, Ware connected with a right hand to the head that put Jackson down and out.

Junior Welterweight, Alden Wattley made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Christopher Johnson of South Bend, IN.. A right uppercut to the body put Johnson down for the full 10 count.

Completing the hat trick for Team Toledo, Former University of Toledo Linebacker, Cassius Anderson made a successful transition to boxing with a 4 round unanimous decision over tough Ryan Pokrfky of Detroit, MI. Pokrfky was game and hung in tough but the skills and conditioning of Anderson was the difference as all the judges gave the bout to Anderson.

All the Toledo boxers are trained by young upstart trainer, Lamar Wright. He also trains Split-T fighter, undefeated jr welterweight/welterweight Wesley Tucker 10-0, 7 KO’s.

“It was another great weekend for Split-T Management and for the Split-T Philosophy of keeping fighters as active as possible,”said Split-T management CEO David McWater.

These fighters are being guided by long time respected matchmaker and boxing mind, Joe Quiambao.

Quiambao’s philosophies on building fighter’s are really showing with the success of the Split-T stable.

“I’m working with a real good group of prospects and I see lot of promise. I expect to see big things from them as they only needed an opportunity from someone to show what they can do. These kids are very hungry because they want to prove themselves to us and to the rest of the boxing world. As you know I have been involved with quite a few champions and contenders early in their careers and I see a lot of similarities in the level of talents of the group here,” said Quiambao

Split-T Management growing roster includes Undefeated Bantamweight Antonio Nieves; Undefeated Light Heavyweights Joseph Williams and Joe Louis 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.

Stefan Haertel (8-0) faces Tobias Webb (16-4-1, 2 KOs) on the undercard of Juergen Braehmer’s WBA World Light Heavyweight title defence against Eduard Gutknecht on March 12 at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

The rising German star, who is undefeated in his eight professional contests, is preparing for his toughest challenge against the resilient Welshman Webb, the nephew of former World Champion Enzo Maccarinelli.

‘’On paper this is definitely the toughest fight of my career so far,’’ said the 28 year-old super middleweight. ‘’It is also my first fight over eight rounds, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to show the progress I have made since turning pro.’’

Webb lost a ten-round points decision David Brophy in his last outing, having taken the fight at short notice, while Haertel is coming off the back of a six-round unanimous decision win against Jozsef Racz.

Haertel’s coach Karsten Roewer believes a fully fit Webb could pose some problems for his fledgling fighter. ‘’Webb may have been under prepared for his last bout, but I expect him to show up in top shape for this fight, and a fully fit Tobias Webb will provide a serious test for Stefan.’’

To overcome this test, Haertel intends to draw on the invaluable experience he has gained from training alongside two-time World Champion Juergen Braehmer. ‘’I’ve learnt a lot from Juergen,’’ says the Berlin-boxer. ‘’When he talks, everyone listens, because to learn from him, is to learn to win!’’

Tickets for the Team Sauerland show on March 12 at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg featuring the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship contest between Juergen Braehmer and Eduard Gutknecht are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de.

Luke Campbell MBE and Gary Sykes will clash in an all-Yorkshire affair at the Sheffield Arena on March 26, live on Sky Sports.

Campbell is straight into a huge fight after tasting defeat for the first time in the paid ranks in December, and the Hull star will be looking to bounce back with a big win under new trainer Jorge Rubio.

Sykes will have other ideas though, and the Dewsbury man will be aiming to hand a second defeat to Campbell and move into title contention in the Lightweight division himself.

Campbell is in Miami training for the fight with Rubio and the 28 year old believes it’s vital to return to the fray in a big fight.

“I’ve made plenty of changes since the Mendy fight,” said Campbell. “I wanted to get straight back into action and I wasn’t interested in an eight or 10 round comeback fight, I wanted to get straight back into big fights and Gary is a fight I can really get my teeth into. Gary will have plenty of support and I’m expecting a tough fight and a great performance.”

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

Adam Etches is straight back into title action on the card, Sheffield Heavyweights Dave Allen and Richard Towers clash in a British title eliminator and Andy Townend meets Craig Poxton for the English Super-Featherweight title.

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

David Price has teamed up with new coach David Coldwell as the former British and Commonwealth Champion looks to get his promising career back on track.

A revitalised Price, who will be training with Coldwell at his Rotherham gym as he prepares for his ring return, believes he has found the right man to get him back to his devastating best.

‘’This is a really good move for me,’’ says Price. ‘’Dave has done everything there is to do in the sport, but I think his strongest asset is his training skills. I’ve been working with him for a couple of weeks now and I’m already starting to see the results in the gym

’’Every trainer out there has their own strengths and talents, but as a fighter, the most important thing is to find someone you gel with. I’ve worked with Dave before, so that relationship is already there.

‘’He’s someone who’s not got to try to bombard me or rush me to become something that I’m not use to being straight away. He’s happy to accept that it’s going to take some time to iron out the faults I have in my game, and that’s the key. When we start to see the results we’re looking for in the gym we can start transferring them over to the ring.

‘’For me, it’s about having a trainer who can bring the best out in you, and I think Dave is the man to do that. He’s got a winning formula going and a great stable of boxers with Tony Bellew and the McDonnell twins, who are doing great things at the moment.’’

With Coldwell in his corner, the 32 year-old heavyweight is optimistic about his future as he looks to re-establish himself on the World scene.

‘’This is a fresh start for me, and a start of a new chapter in my career,’’ said Price. ‘’There have been fighters in the past who have made moves like this and it’s reignited their careers, and hopefully it will be the same for me.

‘’It sounds like a cliché but I need to take each fight as it comes, and I know that if I do and I perform to my ability, there are plenty of big fights out there for me. It’s an exciting time to be a heavyweight and I need to do everything I can to get back in the mix, but first and foremost, I need to prove my worth again.

‘’In this sport, people judge you on your last fight, but I know I’m better than my last performance, I’m better than my best performance, I just need to bring that out. It won’t take me long, a couple of good wins and I’ll be back, but I need to look good doing it. I need to be explosive and I need to be knocking people out, and that’s my intention.’’

Coldwell has been impressed with what he has seen so far, as he begins the process of fine-tuning the former Olympic Bronze medalist. ‘’I’ve known Pricey for a long time, and on a personal level we’ve always got on, which is important when you’re training a fighter, but I wanted to make sure he was coming back for the right reasons,’’ said Coldwell. ‘’We spoke on the phone and then agreed to have a trial session, and it just clicked.

‘’Of course, there are some changes that need to be made and we need to bring the feel good factor back to his boxing, but if I look at his potential and the improvements he has already made, there is no doubt, that he can still make a big impact on the heavyweight division.

‘’One thing Pricey has got is 100% destructive heavyweight power. He can knock anyone out, and when you’ve got that sort of power, you can never say never. A lot people want to write him off, but when you can put people to sleep like that you are always going to be dangerous.’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is pleased with Coldwell’s appointment, and with a new man in his corner, believes Price can live up to his potential. ‘’I’ve been a long time admirer of Dave’s work, and I believe he is the right man to bring out the best in Pricey,’’ said Sauerland.

”Recently, he has been doing a great job with Bellew and the McDonnells, who are all competing at World-level, and I’m sure it is only a matter of time before Price joins them. The heavyweight scene is thriving at the moment, and we believe Pricey still has a big part to play in this.’’

GILROY, CA (February 17, 2016) – The “California Boxing Hall of Fame” is happy to announce that multiple division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, will be one of its 2016 inductees. The ceremony will take place at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center in Studio City, CA on October 22, 2016.

“The Ghost” who once fought at super-bantamweight (122 lbs) successfully moved up several weight classes to compete at welterweight, winning multiple world titles along the way, becoming one of boxing’s most notable warriors. Still active today, Guerrero has plenty of fight left in him and wants nothing more than to get the fans more great fights. He is thrilled to be part of the 2016 class of inductees.

“To be inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame is a great honor,” said Robert Guerrero. “I have to thank my family and team for getting me to where I’m at today. I couldn’t have done it without them. As fighters, we put our lives on the line every time we step into the ring, and we do it for the love of the sport. The fans are the ones who benefit from our sacrifices and that’s what it’s all about. I love boxing and I want to let the fans know that I’m always going to give it my all every time I fight. To be part of the 2016 inductees is unbelievable.”

WHAT: 2016 California Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies

WHEN: October 22, 2016
Starts at 11:00 am

WHERE: Sportsmen’s Lodge Event Center “Empire Room”
12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604
Phone: (818) 755-5000
Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel Phone: (818) 769-4700

Ticket Information
Luncheon Ticket – $75.00 (tax, tip incl.)
Send check payable to – California Boxing Hall of Fame
c/o Don Fraser
10516 Addison St, North Hollywood, CA 91601

For Advertising Information – Call (818) 761-4887 or Email: neicyrox@sbcglobal.net

LUCAS BROWNE has been smashing his sparring partners in preparation for his March 5 WBA heavyweight title challenge against Ruslan Chagaev.

The Aussie has shared the ring with a variety of boxers in order to be at his best and few have been able to mix it with him for too long.

Earlier this week, Browne took part in an opening sparring session in front of the media, and most scribes went away believing they had seen a man on fire.

“I’ve never sparred better than this,” Browne, 23-0 (20 KOs), said. “I’m so pumped for this fight that I’ve been able to blast my way through each session.

“Nothing will stop me from winning the WBA world title on March 6 (Australian time).

“I’m going to bring my own brand of violence into the ring vs Chagaev and won’t stop until he’s out. I’ve never liked going to the judges because when you knock someone out there can be no discussion as to who won the fight, it’s obvious.

“I think people are going to be surprised when I turn up in such tremendous shape and I’m going to do things in there that people haven’t really seen me do before.

“I don’t want to give too much away but all I can say is that all the hard work I’ve done with Rodney Williams is going to pay off.

“I’ve been getting some great advice from the likes of Larry Holmes, Joe Bugner, Riddick Bowe and Hasim Rahman. Having all their support really boosts me. I’m ready to be Australia’s first world heavyweight champion.”

Matt Clark, Browne’s long-time manager, has certainly been impressed by what he has seen from his charge in the gym.

He said: “In the past Lucas has had to go easy on sparring partners because it’s really hard to get decent sparring in Australia. This time specific sparring has been brought in and Lucas hasn’t had to hold back. At times, it’s been absolutely brutal.

“Lucas is at a career best weight, his preparation has been perfect, he’s focused on Chagaev and he’s being very destructive in the gym.

“We are delighted with how he’s travelling and all his hard work is going to pay off. This all spells great news for Browne in the biggest fight of his career.”

Chagaev v Browne is due to begin around 11.30pm (Moscow time) on March 5. For Aussie fight fans than means a start of around 7.30am on March 6 (Melbourne time). UK viewers should tune in before 8.30pm.

New York (February 17, 2016) – TONIGHT, DiBella Entertainment will present a great night of boxing that will culminate with the WBO Female Featherweight world title between the sensational Amanda Serrano taking on Olivia Gerula.

The bout will headline a card that can be seen LIVE on www.gfl.tv at 7 PM ET for just $14.99 by CLICKING HERE

Serrano of Brooklyn, New York has a record of 26-1-1 with 19 knockouts.

She is already a two-time world champion and will be gunning for her third title in as many weight classes.

The 27 year-old Serrano has already captured the IBF Super Featherweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Kimberly Connor. She later captured the WBO Lightweight title when she traveled to Argentina and stopped Maria Elena Maderna in six rounds.

The explosive punching Serrano has won 12 consecutive fights with 10 coming by knockout. She is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Djemilla Gontaruk on November 20, 2015 in Brooklyn.

Gerula of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has a record of 17-15 and is a former world champion in her own right.

The 36 year-old captured the WBC Super Featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jelena Mrdjenovich on April 9, 2009. She made two defenses of the crown as she traveled to France and won a 10-round majority decision over Myriam Chomaz (12-1) and a 10-round unanimous decision over Brooke Dierdorf. She dropped the title to Frida Wallberg in Sweden. She rematched Wallberg, but again came up on the wrong end of a unanimous decision.

Gerula is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision over Lucia Larcinese on January 21st.

An intriguing 10-round Middleweight bout will serve as the co-feature as former world title challengers Avtandil Khurtsidze will take on Giovanni Lorenzo.

Khurtsidze of The Georgia Republic but now is residing in Brooklyn, New York has a record of 31-2-2 with 20 knockouts.

The 14 year veteran has wins over Alberto Mamani (34-6-1), Atilla Kovacs (25-2-2), Kuvanych Toygonbayev (30-5) & Mihaly Kotai (36-3-1).

He then challenged Hassan N’Dam for the WBA Interim Middleweight title. Khurtsidze lost a disputed unanimous decision in the undefeated N’Dam’s hometown.

Since that disappointing decision, Khurtsidze has won 8 in a row, which includes his last outing when he stopped Melvin Betancourt in one round on August 7, 2015 in Atlantic City.

Lorenzo of New York has a record of 34-7 with 26 knockouts. He has challenged for a world championship on three occasions.

On September 19, 2009, he lost a debated split decision to Sebastian Sylvester in Sylvester’s home country of Germany. A year later, Lorenzo traveled back to Germany only to drop a 12-round unanimous decision to Felix Sturm. Lorenzo then took on N’dam and once again put up a good showing, only to be on the wrong end of the unanimous decision.

Lorenzo has big wins over then undefeated Dennis Sharpe (17-0-3), Achak TerMeliksetian (15-2), Dionisio Mirandsa (19-3-2), Darryl Salmon (16-3). Lorenzo is coming off a first round stoppage over Jose Antinio Rodriguez on October 22, 2015 in the Dominican Republic.

An exciting undercard that features 6 undefeated prospects.

In a 8-round Super Middleweight bout, Lennox Allen (20-0-1, 13 KO’s) of New York will take on Martin Verdin (21-19-2, 11 KO’s) of Duc, Louisiana.

In 6-round bouts:

Jonathan Alonso (7-0, 4 KO’s) of Spain battles Ricardo Maldonado (5-4) of Arlington, WA in a Super Lightweight bout.

Super Lightweight Shemuel Pegan (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Oscar Santana (4-3-1, 2 KO’s) of Pomona, CA.

Dauren Yeleussinov (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY takes on Bernard Thomas (5-2, 3 KO’s) of Kansas City, MO. in a Super Middleweight bout.

Noel Murphy (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Woodlawn, New York will fight Donald Sanchez (2-2, 1 KO) of Albuquerque, NM. in a Welterweight bout.

Pavlo Ishchenko (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will box Rafael Vazquez (2-3) of Bayamon, PR. in a Lightweight contest.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 17, 2016) – A member of the 2012 United States Olympic team and current NABF Featherweight Champion, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. (19-0, 11 KOs) has taken on anyone who has stepped up to the plate and on Saturday, March 26, he will make his HBO World Championship Boxing® debut when he faces rising Puerto Rican contender Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (23-1-1, 16 KOs) at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

The 10-round featherweight fight will open the HBO telecast, which is headlined by Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) taking on number one rated IBF light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) in a 12-round light heavyweight clash. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT

“I am excited and very grateful about making my debut on HBO” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “HBO is known for putting on the best fights and I feel honored to defend my title for the fight time on the network. Every fighter dreams to fight on a big stage like HBO and I am grateful to my team, Golden Boy Promotions, my manager Ralph Heredia and my father and trainer for helping me get to this point in my career. I know Jayson Velez is a very tough contender, but I promise not to let my team and my fans down.”

“I am ready and focused for this fight,” said Jayson Velez. “After my loss against Ronny Rios, I had to change a lot of things in my training including my corner. I understood that I had to work harder to prove that I still have what it takes to be on the top of the featherweight division. I am very excited to have that opportunity on HBO and against a fighter like Joseph Diaz Jr. I want to challenge myself and fight the best. I know that defeating Diaz Jr. will prove that I am back.”

“These are two exciting, up-and-coming fighters, with the winner likely soon looking at a world championship battle,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “With so much at stake, fans can bank on an action-packed fight with both guys going all out for the knockout.”

“Jayson has great power and experience and has been under those lights before,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “This is a great fight for Jayson to be back on HBO and it will be a tough test for Diaz Jr.”

Ward vs. Barrera, a 12-round fight which is presented by Roc Nation Sports in association with Main Events, takes place Saturday, March 26, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. Opening the HBO telecast will be Joseph Diaz Jr. vs. Jayson Velez in a 10-round fight for the NABF Featherweight title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Follow the conversation using #WardBarrera.

Tickets priced at $300, $150, $100, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

A 23-year-old southpaw, Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. has followed up his stellar amateur career with an equally impressive professional run thus far, with several notable wins showing him to be capable of doing it all in the ring. In 2015, Diaz had his biggest year yet, winning five bouts, including victories over former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado, Ruben “Canelito” Tamayo and Giovanni “Lloviznas” Delgado. In his most recent bout, the South El Monte native stopped Hugo “Olimpico” Partida in two rounds on December 18, 2015, winning the NABF featherweight title. Now he’s ready to kick off the biggest year of his career against Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez.

Hailing from Juncos, Puerto Rico, 27-year-old Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez has been a fine representative of the Caribbean’s fighting capital since turning professional in 2007, winning all but two of his 25 pro bouts. Owner of the WBC Interim Silver, WBC FECARBOX and USNBC titles over the years, Velez has made his mark with victories over the likes of Salvador “Sal II” Sanchez, Dat “Dat Be Dat” Nguyen and Daniel “Huracan” Ramirez, as well as a draw in an IBF title bout against Evgeny “El Russo Mexicano” Gradovich. On Nov. 21, 2015 Velez opened up the pay-per-view telecast of Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez against Ronny Rios and suffered his first professional defeat via decision. A victory over Joseph “Jojo” Diaz Jr. will get Velez back into the world title race.

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

Los Angeles, CA–Noted boxing manager Danny Zamora is proud to announce the signing of featherweight prospect Ruben Villa IV and undefeated Super Bantamweight Jhordy Ramirez to exclusive managerial contracts.

Villa of Salinas, California placed 2nd at the 2015 United States Olympic Trials which culminated an outstanding career which saw him accumulate a record of 165-17.

Villa also was the 2014 & 2015 National Golden Gloves champion as well as the 2012 & 2013 Olympic Junior National Champion.

“I just want to thank my family for always being there for me and allowing me to follow my dreams of becoming a professional boxer,” Said Villa. “I can’t wait to turn pro. I have a great team in Manager Danny Zamora, trainer Rudy Puga , cutman Mike Rodriguez, and my sponsors SNAC and WAR Tape.”

Jhordy Ramirez following a win

Ramirez of Santa Maria, California has a record of 2-0 with one knockout, also was a distinguished amateur as he went 71-16 and won Won Desert Show Tournament in 2008, Oxnard Pal Adidas Tournament in 2009, 2010 and 2011 as well as the BCR Belt at Fantasy Springs 2014 and 2015.

He turned professional on November 20, 2015 with a first round stoppage over Joel Cano. The 20 year-old Ramirez won a 4-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Diaz in February 12th in Ontario, California.

Along with Zamora, Ramirez is co-managed by Zenon and David Balderas. Ramirez trains alongside 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas.

Said Danny Zamora, ” Jhordy is a very good fighter and best of all he is a good young man. He trains and attends college at the same time. I truly believe that Jhordy and Ruben are two great acquisitions to my stable that also includes 2012 Olympian Lightweight Cesar Villarraga who is 8-1 4 KO’s , Super Middleweight Rudy Puga Jr. who is 7-0 6 KO’s & Petr Petrov who is 36-4-2 with 17 KO’s and is considered one of the top Lightweights in the world as he is ranked number-three by the WBA, number-five by the WBO and number-nine by the IBF.”

New York, NY (February 17, 2016) – MSG Networks (NYSE: MSGN) continues the special 20-part television event “The Garden’s Defining Moments” presented by SAP with “Marciano defeats Louis.” “The Garden’s Defining Moments: Marciano defeats Louis,” narrated by Ben Stiller, premieres Thursday, February 18 at 11:00 pm on MSG Network, following MSG’s telecast of Rangers \ Maple Leafs. Interview subjects include Mike Tyson, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., Ed O’Neil, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and more.

Marciano, a young undefeated fighter from Brockton, Massachusetts stepped into Madison Square Garden’s famed ring to take on the “Brown Bomber” for the heavyweight championship of the world in a fight that would go down as one of the most memorable moments in Garden history. Louis was a fading star, and Marciano represented the future of the heavyweight division. Marciano landed a left hook followed by an overhand right in the 8th round that sent Louis crumbling through the ropes and brought the fight to a dramatic end. Marciano wept in Louis’ dressing room after the fight; he had just knocked out his hero.

Quotes:

Mike Tyson on Joe Louis:
“Joe Louis took super stardom to another level. He was really the first super star fighter besides Jack Dempsey. He was one of the first African-American guys that could be marketed nationwide and everyone loved him.”

Mike Tyson on Madison Square Garden:
“You know when you had fought at Madison Square Garden you had made it. You had to be an exciting fighter, it was just like show business you wanted the people to say ‘when am I going to see that fighter again?’”

Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini on Joe Louis:
“A lot of guys didn’t want to fight him, they kept the title away from him as much as they could. Finally they couldn’t deny him and they had to give him a shot against James Braddock.”

Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini on Rocky Marciano after the fight:
“Many people have said that Rocky had cried after. He was crying in the ring and was crying in his dressing room and he cried that night. Because he knocked out his idol, Joe Louis, but again that is part of the boxing game.”

Sugar Ray Leonard on Madison Square Garden:
“When a fighter gets a chance, an opportunity, to fight at Madison Square Garden people know that you are on a journey. They know that you are the hot prospect, a contender, and maybe one day, a champ.”

George Foreman on Rocky Marciano:
“With Marciano, you’d get ready, the bell would ring and the punches would not stop until the bell would ring.”

Joe Louis Barrow Jr. (Son of Joe Louis) on Joe Louis:
“The fact that he defended his title some twenty-five times and held the title for twelve years was a mark of Joe Louis.”

Joe Louis Barrow Jr. on the fight:
“It was his final fight for sure, but it was the ending of a career in such a way that was sad.”

About MSG Networks Inc.
MSG Networks Inc. is an industry leader with two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network (MSG) and MSG+, as well as the live streaming and video on demand platform, MSG GO. The networks are home to nine professional sports teams, delivering live games of the New York Knicks; New York Rangers; New York Liberty; New York Islanders; New Jersey Devils; Buffalo Sabres; Major League Soccer’s Red Bulls and the Westchester Knicks, and exclusive non-game coverage of the New York Giants. Each year, the networks collectively telecast approximately 700 live sporting events – which also include college football and college basketball from top conferences – along with a full schedule of critically-acclaimed original programming. The gold standard for regional broadcasting, MSG Networks has won 129 New York Emmy Awards over the past eight years. More information is available at www.msgnetworks.com.

Josh Warrington says he’s bored of Welsh IBF champion Lee Selby and that he’ll prove he’s World class when he defends his WBC International Featherweight title against Hasashi Amagasa at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on April 16, live on Sky Sports.

Warrington takes on the dangerous Japanese man in the second defence of the title he landed in his hometown fortress in April against Dennis Tubeiron and defended with a fine performance against Joel Brunker in September.

The 25 year old has been linked with a summer blockbuster with the Welsh IBF king, but Warrington admits that talking about that fight has become a chore and that if Selby performs like he did against Fernando Montiel when he defends his title against mandatory challenger Eric Hunter, he could even lose the title.

“I really want the Selby fight but it’s boring me now,” said Warrington. “Before he went to America to fight Montiel he wanted to crack the States and wasn’t interested in me, but he boxed poorly against Montiel and now he is saying he will come to Leeds and chin me.

“It’s becoming boring now, he is talking a load of crap and looking too far ahead when he talks about fighting Leo Santa Cruz. Hunter is a dangerous fight and if he boxes like he did against Montiel he’ll lose his belt. So let’s keep winning, everyone wants the fight and it’d be a big occasion in Leeds, people on the streets ask me when I’m going to shut him up, so let’s keep doing the business and then get it on in the summer.”

Warrington was keen to stress that he too must keep his eyes on the immediate future, and that’s the KO merchant from Tokyo. Amagasa fights outside Japan for the first time in his career, but with 20 KOs from his 30 wins and a significant height advantage, Warrington says the pressure is on him to prove he can mix it at the top table.

“Amagaza has got power, he puts people away and he’s got heart,” said Warrington. “I don’t know how I keep him off with my ‘feather fists’. If I put him away I will silence those critics who say I can’t mix at the World level, and we’ll deal with Selby.

“It’s good to get a fight like this that has had a great response. I’ve been told since fighting Rendall Munroe that every fight is too soon or too much for me. Against Brunker I was told he’d stop me in the first half, and I pulled out a career-best performance and he barely won a minute of any round. I’ve never said I would be a World champion, I just take each fight as it comes, but the world title is the next step if I can beat Amagasa.”

Warrington and Amagasa top a huge night of action in Leeds as Stuart Hall lands an IBF World Bantamweight title final eliminator against Rodrigo Guerrero.

Martin J. Ward defends his WBC International Super-Featherweight title for the third time, there’s title action for unbeaten Light-Heavyweight Callum Johnson and Derby Super-Lightweight Dave Ryan returns to action against Renald Garrido.

Tickets are on general sale priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100 from the First Direct Arena at www.firstdirectarena.com and on 0844 248 1585. VIP tickets priced at £150 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com.

Tickets for April 16 are also available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ – StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing.

York, PA (February 17, 2016) – Jeter Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated Welterweight prospect Steve Weimer to an exclusive promotional contract.

Weimer of York, PA. has a record of 9-0 with two knockouts and is looking to get back in the ring following a four-year hiatus.

Weimer did not leave the ring because of the usual boxing stereotypes, but he took some time off to get his college degree. Weimer graduated from York College with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Weimer, now 26 years-old had an amateur record of 105-31 was a three-time Pennsylvania Junior Golden Gloves champion and and also won a Pennsylvania open class Golden Gloves title. He holds an amateur win over 140-pound contender Emanuel Taylor and held his own in a fight with future U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali.

He turned professional in 2008 with a third round stoppage over Spencer Harsley and signed with upstart promoter TKO Promotions. Weimer racked up those nine wins in a three and a half year run, before heading off to college.

“I know Jeter Promotions can get me to the top,”said Weimer. I saw what Jeter Promotions did for Tony Jeter for his career and I know what Jeter Promotions can do for mine. Combine all that with my ability and I know I will fight consistently. With Jeter Promotions, I know I can get to the top and be in big fights.

“Jeter Promotions is excited to add Steve to our roster. Jeter Promotions will do for him as It did for my career. Jeter Promotions will build him to get him rated and I can see him being in a lot of big fights in the future and eventually win a world title, ” Said Jeter.

Tony Jeter is a Middleweight contender who twice cracked the world rankings and fought Chris Eubank Jr. for the WBA Interim Middleweight title. Jeter formed his promotional company and promoted 20 events. Jeter is a licensed promoter in Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and is waiting to receive a promoters license in Pennsylvania.

Weimer is expected to make his debut under the Jeter Promotions banner on April 9 at the Springfield ABC in Springfield, Virginia.

LAS VEGAS (February 17, 2016) –World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) came out of the gates swinging to begin the new year and its fourth year of operation, generating impressive NBCSN television viewership figures for its first live event of 2016, as well as record levels of traffic and engagement on its web platform and a pair of new sponsor partners.

The live NBCSN telecast of WSOF27: Firmino vs. Fodor, which took place at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn. on Saturday, Jan. 23, generated an average viewership of 213,000, and peaked at 245,000, up 13% from NBCSN’s World Series of Fighting 2015 average. An immediate replay of the event that began at midnight, garnered another 111,000 viewers.

The number of unique visits to the league’s website skyrocketed by 515 percent between December and January, while World Series of Fighting secured two new sponsor partners in Talk2Legends and 1800 Tequila.

“It has been a tremendous start to a very promising year, and this is just the beginning,” said World Series of Fighting CEO Carlos Silva. “With a full schedule of world championship live events; a new, athlete-focused web TV series that we will be rolling out; and a host of other opportunities we are exploring with potential partners, it’s going to be an exciting year for World Series of Fighting and MMA fans.

“We are off to a great start, and we have a lot more in store for fans, with a new live event nearly every month this year,” said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. “We made some strong additions to our fighter roster last year, and fans can expect to see some more top level talent join our ranks in 2016.”

“We are looking forward to continued growth of the league and delivering our audience another year of exciting world championship MMA action,” said Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Group’s vice president of programming.

WSOF.com engagement soared by 400 percent between December and January, and the number of user sessions increased by 480 percent over the same time period. World Series of Fighting’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) all achieved their highest reach and levels of engagement since the

The partnerships with Talk2Legends and 1800 Tequila kicked off during WSOF27 last month. Utilizing the Talk2Legends video chat app, World Series of Fighting offered fans unprecedented, one-on-one access to both its athletic and NBCSN on-air talent, including Chael Sonnen, Bas Rutten, Jon Fitch and reigning, undefeated world lightweight (155 pounds) champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje.

Live World Series of Fighting action returns to NBCSN from Garden Grove, Calif. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with WSOF28: Moraes vs. Barajas. Headlining the four-bout telecast will be a world bantamweight (135 pounds) championship showdown between reigning kingpin Marlon Moraes (15-4-1), who will risk his title against fast-rising star, Joseph Barajas (12-1).

About World Series of Fighting (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a worldwide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com and follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries. WSOF and World Series of Fighting are registered trademarks of MMAWC, LLC.

Liverpool’s world title challenger Derry Mathews is backing fellow Scouser Anthony Fowler to bag himself a place at this summer’s Olympic Games.

Fowler, cousin of Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, will be making his first appearance of the season in the World Series of Boxing when he takes Rodriguez Olivas of the Mexico Guerreros tomorrow night at York Hall, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The unbeaten British Lionhearts’ will be looking to extend their lead at the top of Group B and ‘Dirty’ Derry says he has every confidence Fowler will secure himself a seat on the plane to Rio.

“It’s a massive opportunity for him. Winning a medal at the Rio Olympics would instantly turn him in to a household name. Going to an Olympic Games and winning a medal is your ultimate goal as an amateur; it doesn’t get bigger than that. So many non-boxing people watch the fights and it’s a massive event to be a part of. He’s a good fighting man and he trains his heart out; I’ve got my fingers crossed for him,” said Mathews.

He added: “His cousin Robbie Fowler has already achieved great things in football and now it’s on Andy to keep it in the family and go and do it in the boxing ring. We attended the same school and I know him well from the amateur circle so it’s fantastic seeing him progressing so well.”

Boxing is soaring in Liverpool and boast a rich batch of champions and contenders. Mathews is proud that Merseyside is flying the flag for British boxing and hopes it continues to do so for many years.

He said: “At the moment Liverpool is the hotbed of British boxing. It seems like there’s at least two boxers living in every street in the city and we’re lucky to have so many great champions and fighters. The boxing clubs are doing a great job with the kids and there’s some real talent coming through the amateur ranks; long may it continue.”

Mathews, who is gearing up for his massive world title showdown with Mancunian rival Terry Flanagan on Saturday 12th March at the Liverpool Echo Arena, believes Olympic hopeful Fowler possesses the right credentials to make a name for himself in the professional ranks.

He said: “I think he’ll make a tremendous pro if he chooses to go down that route. Not only does he have the right attitude and mental toughness; he’s also got the right physique and power to make a great career for himself. Anthony is always involved in exciting fights in the WSB and his style of fighting will put bums on seats. Professional boxing is all about being able to take big blows and still come back for more and Anthony is as tough as they come.”

Watch the British Lionhearts vs. Mexico Guerreros exclusively live on BoxNation (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

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is proud to announce the signing to a long-term exclusive promotional agreement of undefeated Venezuelan super lightweight Juan El Niño” Ruiz.

29-year-old Ruiz (16-0, 10 KOs) from Santa Teresa del Tui, has suffered long layoffs due to promotional and managerial problems in the past, but says his problems are now behind him with the addition of promoter Lewkowicz to the team.

A well-rounded boxer puncher who fights at distance and on the inside equally well, Ruiz had 220 amateur fights before turning professional in 2006. He held the WBC FECARBOX super lightweight title in 2011 and was once world rated by the WBA and WBC.

“I’m happy about this deal and really looking forward to showing the world what I can do,” said Ruiz. “I want to get in with top guys right away. I’m better than everybody out there, I just needed the opportunity to shine.”

Ruiz’s co-manager Ben Lieblein (along with Alfredo Rodriguez) says his fighter was always a future champion who needed the right team to get him there.

“Were excited and looking forward to getting him ranked and fighting for a world title, hopefully this year. All he needs is exposure. He’s a talented kid who had a lot of time wasted by bad manager and promoters. He will provide exciting fights first chance he gets.”

Ruiz is training in San Diego with Carlos Barragan, who also works with undefeated super welterweight Miguel Sanchez and undefeated welterweight Antonio Orozco, among others. He will compete in the super lightweight or welterweight divisions, depending on opportunities that arise.

“This is a very talented fighter who just needed a break,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “I will work hard to find him the right fights, so he can go to the top of the 140/147 divisions quickly. I am happy to be working with him and his team. This is going to be a big year for his boxing career. All he has to do is win.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Stylish super-lightweight prospect Sanjeev Singh Sahota hopes to follow in the footsteps of Hall of Fame legend Prince Naseem Hamed and two-time world champion Amir Khan as British boxing’s next big Asian star.

The 24 year-old from Emerson Park, Hornchurch, makes his highly-anticipated professional debut at the Harrow Leisure Centre on Saturday 2nd April, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

Hot-shot Sahota promises to wow crowds with his exciting brand of boxing and is thrilled to be teaming up with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren – the man who guided his childhood hero Ricky Hatton to global stardom. Hatton, a four-time and two-weight World Champion, was renowned for his ferocious all-action style of boxing and Sahota wants to emulate his hero’s style in the ring.

He said: “I want to be a Spartan in the ring. Every time I step in to the ring I’m going to leave absolutely everything in there. I’m a come-forward, aggressive, fighter like Miguel Cotto and Saul Alvarez, but Ricky Hatton is my all-time favourite. He was a true champion and a proper fighter. He never took a step back and never gave his opponents a moments rest. I’m truly blessed to have the support and guidance from everyone at Queensberry Promotions and I can’t wait to get started.”

There’s a strong emerging Asian force in British boxing led by Indian middleweight star and Olympic Bronze Medallist Vijender Singh, with the exciting Naz managed welterweight pro-debutant Tony Bange and flyweight showman Prince Patel, all showcasing their talents on the action-packed Harrow bill.

Amir Khan’s phenomenal success has inspired a generation of young Asian boxers, but Sahota believes that more can be done.

He said: “I’d class myself as a gentleman outside of the ring. One of my main ambitions is to raise the profile of boxing amongst the Asian community. Amir Khan has been flying the flag in recent years but I’d like to see more kids getting involved in the sport. I’d love to inspire a new generation of British Asian boxers.”

SSS features in a four round contest in his opening fight and has been training in Murcia, Spain, under the watchful eye of Dominic Negus who also trains close friend Boy Jones Jr.

“Everybody dreams of becoming a world champion but for now all I’m doing is focusing on my professional debut. I can’t wait to get in the ring and show people what I’m all about. I have a great team behind me and I’m doing everything I can to ensure I’m fully prepared for the fight,” said Sahota.

He added: “I’ve been putting in the hours down the gym and I’m constantly learning from my trainer Dominic. Spending time out in Spain has allowed me to remain fully focused on my training as there are no distractions out there.”

Welshman Liam Williams headlines the show when he defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Welterweight titles against Rotherham’s Nav Mansouri.

Chief support on the card sees Belvedere’s George Jupp, fresh from his massive upset of Mitchell Smith in December, make the first defence of his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title.

Asian boxers are the new powerhouse in the sport and a strong contingent led by Indian superstar and Olympic Bronze Medalist Vijender Singh, plus hot Acton flyweight prospect Prince Patel, the professional debuts of amateur stars Sanjeev Sahota from Romford, and the Prince Naseem Hamed prodigy from Staines-upon-Thames Tony Bange.

Big-punching Southampton super-welterweight Joe Pigford, exciting Harrow welterweight prospect Jez Smith, younger brother of Mitchell, and rising West Ham super-lightweight talent Ben Smith complete the card.

Tickets priced at £45 Unreserved and and £65 Ringside Reserved are available from www.eventim.co.uk or 0844 249 1000 and 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.

Alexis Santiago won a 10-round Bantamweight bout at Sams Town Casino in Las Vegas.

Santiago, 120 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 21-3-1. Ruiz, 119 1/2 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 15-5.

Paul Parker won an 8-round split decision over Lionell Thompson in a Light Heavyweight bout.

In round three, Parker landed a right that made Thompson’s glove hit the canvas for a knockdown. Thompson came back in the late rounds but it was not enough as Parker took cards 76-75 while Thompson won a card 76-75.

Parker, 178 1/2 lbs of Toledo, OH is 8-1. Thompson, 177 3/4 lbs of Buffalo, NY is 16-4.

Lanell Bellows scored a 5th round stoppage over Antowyan Aikens in round five of their scheduled 8-round Super Middleweight bout.

Bellows landed a right to the jaw that sent Aikens down and he stood on his knees until referee Tony Weeks reached the count of 10 at 2:08.

Bellows, 169 3/4 lbs of Los Angeles is 15-1 with 8 knockouts. Aikens, 168 lbs of Atlantic City is 10-1-1.

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – February 16, 2016 – This Saturday, World Fighting Championships returns to the Belle of Baton Rouge with WFC 47: live, professional boxing, featuring the same quality fights that have sold out every boxing event since the popular fight series’ inception.

In the main event, The Capital City’s Justin Thomas (14-1, 6KO) faces tough journeyman Jimmy Campbell (11-11, 8KO) in an 8-round bout at Super Middleweight. Thomas is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over California’s Billy Bailey at WFC 45 in December. The young fighter is a popular draw in his hometown of Baton Rouge, where the fighter lives with his family, after leaving home in the early days of his boxing career to train with Floyd Mayweather, Sr. The devoted fighter returned to his hometown in 2011 ahead of his professional debut to care for his mother after she was in an accident, and has since fought all of his professional bouts in Baton Rouge.

In the co-main event, popular local fighter Chris Singleton (16-3-1, 8KO) faces Puerto Rican puncher Alberto Candelaria (5-2-1, 4KO) in an 8 round contest at 135 lbs. Singleton has recently made headlines in Baton Rouge for devoting his evenings to feeding the homeless in the area of his boxing gym. “My goal was to do it three times per week,” said Singleton, who has served 40-50 meals twice per day, every day for the past six weeks, all while preparing for his fight. “St. Vincent’s serves breakfast and lunch, but after that, folks are on their own. I started doing this, and saw there was a need for someone to do it every day. Sometimes God just puts something in your heart.” The young fighter serves bag lunches, and some days even cooks for his charges. “Sometimes I make spaghetti, fried chicken. It isn’t just me. I have had donations come in to help cover the cost,” said Singleton, for whom boxing is a full-time occupation. “I serve a meal at 5 or so, then I go to the gym, and I’m back out there at 9:30 or 10 at night.”

“I think it’s really exceptional, what Chris is doing,” said WFC Owner/Promoter Matt McGovern. “We often see athletes taking time out of their training schedules to help others but Chris is going beyond that. He’s doing this every day, coming out of his own pocket to help his community. It really sets a great example for the other fighters in his community, young and old.”

Rounding out the action in Baton Rouge Saturday, Henry Allen faces Ronald Nowden, Manjaro Hills, Jr. faces Willie Williams, Brandon Ricketts makes his debut versus Shane Stephens, Cole Crumpler steps into the ring versus Jordan Simmons and Harris Tucker returns at heavyweight.

Saturday’s card kicks off an ambitious 2016 schedule for World Fighting Championships, the premier Boxing & MMA crossover promotional company in the United States. With over twenty events scheduled in Louisiana, Nevada and Pennsylvania, the growing promotional company has a busy year ahead. “We are very grateful for our relationship with the Belle,” said Matt McGovern. “We’ve built a solid platform there to grow our fighters in Baton Rouge, and we’re looking forward to duplicating that success in other markets. The community there has been beyond supportive of our events, and we’re just thrilled to be back in Baton Rouge for our first show this year.”

Tickets are priced at $60 for VIP, and $35 for general admission, and are available via the WFC website at www.worldfightingchampionships.com.

Doors to the Atrium at the Belle of Baton Rouge open at 7:00 p.m. on fight night. First bell is at 8:00 p.m.

Juergen Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) and Eduard Gutknecht (29-3-1, 12 KOs) came face-to-face at today’s kick-off press conference ahead of their WBA World Light Heavyweight title fight on March 12 at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.

They meet for a second time following a memorable European title fight in February 2013, which saw Braehmer take the title from Gutknecht with a closely contested points decision.

With the roles reversed and Gutknecht now challenging for Braehmer’s belt, it will be a case of repeat or revenge for the battling German fighters.

‘’When I returned to boxing at the end of 2012, the plan was to take it slow,’’ recalls Braemher. ‘’We had identified one or two building fights, but then the opportunity came to fight Gutknecht for the European title, and the rest is history!

‘’Now, I’m the Champion, and I’ve gone from the hunter to the hunted. Eddy deserves his shot, but he will not take my title. The fans in Neubrandenburg will see me claim a second victory over him on March 12.’’

Gutknecht believes he has the beating of his old adversary, and is eager to avenge his European title loss. ‘’I know I can hurt Juergen, and on March 12, I will fulfil my dream of becoming World Champion,’’ said the 33 year-old from Gifhorn.

‘‘I still believe I won our first fight, but that’s water under the bridge. It’s about the here and now, and I’m ready for revenge.’’

Promoter Kalle Sauerland expects the rematch to eclipse their first bout, having already captured the imagination of the German press and public.

‘’Their first fight was something special but this promises to be even better,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’It has all the ingredients of a great spectacle. The venue is almost sold out and it is already attracting a lot of media attention. On March 12, fans can look forward to an explosive encounter between two of Germany’s top boxers.’’

Tickets for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship contest between Juergen Braehmer and Eduard Gutknecht are available online via www.tickethall.de and www.eventim.de.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) – Spain’s Kiko “Sensación” Martinez is a soft-spoken, hard-hitting former IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion and a three-time European champion at 122 pounds. He’s a come-forward, comes-to-win, aggressive-minded slugger who makes for exciting fights and has been in with excellent opposition.

The ultimate road warrior, the 5-foot-5, 29-year-old Martinez has fought more than one-third of his fights outside his native Spain, where he has tussled 26 times. He’s also fought four times in Ireland, three times in England, three times in Northern Ireland and one time each in Japan, Argentina, France and South Africa.

So don’t expect Martinez (35-6, 26 KOs) to be in awe of the surroundings in his second start in the United States when he challenges unbeaten, defending featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday, Feb. 27, in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Martinez won his U.S. debut and the IBF 122-pound crown with a sixth-round TKO over Jhonatan Romero on Aug. 17, 2013. “That was a great night for me,’’ Martinez said. “I’m confident of another great performance on Feb. 27.’’

A winner of three in a row in his homeland, including a fourth-round TKO over Miguel Gonzalez last Dec. 12, Martinez aims to make amends after losing three high-profile fights in recent years to super bantamweight world champions – twice to Carl Frampton (IBF) and once to Scott Quigg (WBA).

Martinez gets an opportunity against Santa Cruz in a fight he never saw coming.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting Leo Santa Cruz, but getting this fight was a total surprise because I already had a fight scheduled,’’ said Martinez, who trains at his friend and manager, former world super middleweight champion Sergio Martinez’ gym in Spain. “I had been scheduled to fight for the European title. When this opportunity came up, I decided to give up the European title to come to America.

“I was very happy and very emotional when I heard about this fight. It was one of the best days of my life when I agreed to fight Santa Cruz. Now, more boxing fans will get to see me. I will not take one step back. I will come forward the whole fight.

“I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and I’m excited for the challenge. It’s a huge fight in the United States and a great opportunity. Some people don’t think I can fight because I lost to those guys [Frampton and Quigg], but they are wrong. I am as determined as ever. I’m going to fight a great fight and come out with a victory.’’

While respectful of the champion, Martinez is no stranger to fighting on foreign soil and is poised to pull off a stunner.

“I will surprise many people who don’t believe in me,’’ he said. “I’m working so hard for this fight. People doubting me has me even more motivated. They will see on Feb. 27 and everyone will change their minds.

“I love fighting in my opponent’s backyard. That is not a problem for me at all. People who know boxing know I will give everything to this sport. I want to give great shows and entertain people. I’m coming forward and throwing punches and I don’t give up.

“I’m going to give 100 percent and it’s going to be a tremendous fight. I have a ton of respect for Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a world champion and a great fighter who’s clearly one of the very best featherweights in the world and a Top 10 pound-for-pound fighter. I am very conscious of that point.

“Leo and I are true warriors so this will be a brutal war. But I have what it takes. I’ve been working very hard with my longtime trainer, Gaby Sarmiento, and I will be victorious.’’

A lifelong resident of Spain, Martinez was born in Granada, Spain, and resides in Alicante. He has two sisters and two brothers but is the only one in the family who boxes professionally. He turned to boxing as a young teenager.

“I started in boxing because when I was about 13 I was smaller and other kids bullied me all the time. So I began looking for a way to learn to defend myself,’’ he said. “Once I decided to start boxing and dedicated myself to it I fell in love with the sport.’’

As an amateur, Martinez went 47-2 and won a Spanish national amateur championship, but he had no international amateur experience. “I had a good amateur career but never thought about the Olympics,’’ he said. “My mind was always on being a pro fighter.’’

A dangerous puncher who’s at his best when he pressures his opponents and wears them down, Martinez turned pro in June 2004. He was victorious in his initial 17 fights, winning all but three by knockout.

Martinez met Sergio Martinez [no relation] about nine years ago. “I met Sergio in the gym in Spain that he used to train himself in and we became good friends. When I started boxing I looked up to Julio Cesar Chavez and I am now a big fan of Marcos Maidana. I like to fight like him.

“But I’ve always had a special relationship with Sergio, who inspired me because he came from poverty like me. He has taught me so much. It’s like looking into a mirror because he knows where I came from. He’s taught me so much inside and outside the ring. We were very poor growing up and my father worked very hard.’’

If triumphant, Kiko Martinez says “I would like to stay at this weight because I feel much stronger. But I would definitely love a rematch with Frampton or Quigg.’’

Regarding the Frampton-Quigg 122-pound world title unification that also takes place on Feb. 27 (in Manchester, England, live on SHOWTIME EXTREME®), Martinez didn’t hesitate when picking a winner.

“Frampton will win against Quigg,’’ Martinez said. “He’s the more complete boxer. He is stronger as well.”

In the Feb. 27 co-feature on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, hard-hitting Mexican warriors Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) will box in a rematch of an exciting, two-way slugfest for the WBC 122-pound world title that Ceja won from Ruiz on a fifth-round knockout last August

Rounding out the televised tripleheader is a 10-round fight between undefeated heavyweights Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KOs) of Vallejo, Calif., and Montreal-based Colombian Oscar Rivas (18-0, 13 KOs).

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 or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Honda Center Box Office.

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