LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2015) – The youngest of the famed Morales brothers of the “Zona Norte,” Ivan “Niño Maravilla” Morales (28-1, 16 KOs) returns to the region today to face Manuel “Meeny” Jimenez (13-7-1, 7 KOs) of Mexicali, in an eight-round super bantamweight fight at Club Escape in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico at 9:00 p.m. PT.

Brother of International Boxing Hall of Famer and seven-time world champion in four weight classes Erik “El Terrible” Morales, Ivan Morales has boxing in his blood. Already an outstanding prospect and former owner of the WBC International Silver Super Flyweight title, the 24-year-old has defeated titlist Cesar Canchila and world title challenger Luis “Titi” Maldonado. The undefeated fighter last fought and defeated Timur “Here Comes Trouble” Shailezov via unanimous decision in December. Morales was last seen in the ring against Danny Flores and Edgar Jimenez. Morales will be looking to impress all the fans and add another victory to his record in his last fight of 2015.

For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing.

LINCOLN, R.I. (Dec. 17th, 2015) – Listed below are weights for all the participants in Friday’s “Holiday Bash” card at Twin River Casino, presented by CES Boxing.

KHIARY GRAY
Worcester, Mass.
10-0, 8 KOs
154

ROBERTO VALENZUELA
Tuscon, Ariz. (Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico)
69-70-2, 56 KOs
154

JIMMY WILLIAMS
New Haven, Conn.
9-0-1, 5 KOs
148

CHRIS GRAY
Vero Beach, Fla.
13-21-1, 1 KO
150

JOEY MCCREEDY
Lowell, Mass.
15-8-2, 6 KOs
162

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ
Laredo, Tex.
6-4, 1 KO
163

FATLUM ZHUTA
Anchorage, Alaska
1-0-1
158

DEIVISON RIBEIRO
Boston, Mass. (Igarape-Acu, Para, Brazil)
0-1
160 ½

FREDDY SANCHEZ
Worcester, Mass.
6-0, 5 KOs
140 ½

SIDNEY MACCOW
New York, N.Y.
4-3, 3 KOs
139 ½

JULIO PEREZ
Framingham, Mass.
2-0
139

JOSH BOURQUE
Salem, N.H.
Pro debut
137

CIDO HOFF
Providence, R.I.
Pro debut
129

TIMMY RAMOS
Framingham, Mass.
2-0, 2 KOs
131

RAY OLIVEIRA JR.
New Bedford, Mass.
3-0, 1 KO
153

ANTONIO FERNANDES
Brockton, Mass.
7-23-3, 2 KOs
153

PHIL DUDLEY
Providence, R.I.
Pro debut
131

JACOB SOLIS
Lawrence, Mass.
1-1
129

VERONA, NEW YORK (Dec. 17) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows shared their final thoughts ahead of Saturdays fights at the final press conference today at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “By – By” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia was joined at the final press conference by his opponent Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs), who will clash in the main event on the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast on Saturday for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title.

Jennings and Ortiz were joined by co-main event fighters former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion Nicholas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs and Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) who will battle Saturday in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Also at today’s press conference were HBO Latino Boxing main event fighters Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) and Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) who will fight a 10-round light heavyweight bout; HBO Latino Boxing co-main event fighters “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) and former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs) who will battle in a 10-round middleweight bout; and former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) and opponent Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) who will open up the HBO Latino Boxing broadcast in a 10-round lightweight bout.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference at Turning Stone Resort Casino:

BRYANT “BY-BY” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Contender:

“Thank everyone for this fight and making this event happen. Preparation went as planned. I moved to Florida and had a great camp; it was a great environment. There will be no surprises on Saturday.”

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” Ortiz, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“I have worked very hard to be here, and I will not waste this opportunity. We will see on Saturday who is the best.

“I am a man of few words and will let my hands to the talking.”

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President at Golden Boy Promotions:

“To make the best fights you need to have great partners getting together that will make fair deals.

“These fighters are hungry and ready to brawl on Saturday. Bryant Jennings had a great performance at Madison Square Garden recently. Luis Ortiz is just as hungry. I want to thank Gary Shaw, HBO, Mario Serrano and everyone that has been part of this promotion. It has truly been a pleasure.”

BERNARD HOPKINS, Business Partner at Golden Boy Promotions and Future Hall of Famer:

“2015 is the best year I will remember as a promoter. We’ve had excellent fights, competitive match ups this year. This is what boxing needs at this moment, and Golden Boy Promotions has been instrumental in helping deliver these entertaining fights to the fans. Jennings vs. Ortiz will be yet another one of those entertaining, high-action fights the fans want to see.”

MARIO SERRANO, Public Relations Director for Gary Shaw Productions:

“I want to thank HBO, Gary Shaw Productions, Golden Boy Promotions and the WBA. With the WBA Interim title on the line, we at GSP believe Bryant Jennings will be victorious. He has a new coach in John David Jackson and they are working harmoniously together.”

JOHN DAVID JACKSON, Trainer for Bryant Jennings:

“Thank you to Turning Stone Resort casino for hosting this event and to Gary Shaw Productions for making this event happen.

“Thank you to team Jennings, and to Bryant for being part of this team. Saturday, you’ll see. We will prove that we are the best.

“Bryant has worked hard this is what he wants and what he desires. He will be the heavyweight world champion of the world.

HERMAN CAICEDO, Trainer for Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz:

“Camp has been going well. We have been in camp for than more than a year. Luis lives in the gym – he doesn’t take a day off.

“We have prepared well for this fight, and he has been doing his due diligence. I will not be surprised when he wins.

“Luis has a lot of reasons to win and persevere. Saturday night, we will have the victory; it’s coming.”

LEE SAMUELS, Director of Public Relations at Top Rank:

“Thank you to HBO for all that they do for boxing. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions— everyone there is a great person and we have a wonderful relationship.

“This is a big year for Top Rank. Bob Aram is celebrating his 50th year in boxing– Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Herns, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, George Forman, and now here we are at Turning Stone Resort Casino for this very meaningful fight for us with Walters vs. Sosa.

“It will be a tough battle with two tough stars and big stakes for the winner.

“Nicholas is very powerful and had a great amateur career. This is his first time at 130 pounds, so we are not sure what we will see on Saturday night with him.”

NICHOLAS “AXEMAN” WALTERS, Undefeated Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Featherweight World Champion:

“As they say, 130 lbs. is his territory. I am willing to fight at whatever weight. I had an excellent training camp in Panama.

“We are going to be OK. I hope he is ready because we are going to put on a good fight. Thanks to HBO and all the promoters. I want to make a big statement for 2016—we are ready.”

JASON “EL CANITO” SOSA, Junior Lightweight Contender:

“Thank you to God; thanks to HBO for believing in me; thanks to Top Rank, Russell Peltz, and Golden Boy Promotions. Training camp has been great, and my game plan is excellent. I’m ready to give the fans what they want.

“Walters is coming in to my territory at 130 lbs. There is a big difference in this weight division compared to what he is used to. He will find out really quick what I am really all about.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing:

“It is great to be here at Turning Stone Resort Casino and is a pleasure to work with Golden Boy Promotions, looking to go great things together. Thank you to HBO as well. This will be a spectacular show.

“Yuniesky Gonzalez came up from Cuba, Mexico, and Florida to try and find a manager. He is an accomplished fighter, and I have tremendous high hopes for him. This will be a big fight between two warriors, and he is not going to disappoint.”

YUNIESKY GONZALEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you to God for giving me this moment. Thank you to my promoters, Star Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions and HBO for everything.

“I feel good. I have the reality of Shabranskyy, but I feel very good. He is a good fighter, but I have come a long way and I am going to make a statement.”

VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, Undefeated Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Thank you. I am ready and it will be a great fight. I am ready to go.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“Thanks to HBO for everything they have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career without them. I am ready for this opportunity.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight champion:

“Thank you to God and thanks to HBO for trusting me. That is what I am here for, to give an exciting night. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me here and to continue my promotional deals.

“Thanks to HBO for the opportunity, and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

HYLON “KID COSMO” WILLIAMS JR., Lightweight Contender:

“This going to be a great show on Saturday. I am glad to be here. I’ve come to do what I’ve come to do. Thanks to SMS Promotions for having me and for supporting me.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.
Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).
Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.

Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/, www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa.

Glendale, California: With his fifth round knockout of Karo Murat (27-3-1, 17 KOs) last Saturday night, Sullivan Barrera (17-0, 12 KOs) not only secured his #1 ranking in the light heavyweight division for the IBF but he also gained the attention of the rest of the division. For those who missed this spectacular performance, HBO Latino will play an encore of the fight tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Murat Knockdown
Photo Credits: Craig Bennett/Main Events

The 33-year old from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba had been quietly making his way up the ranks of the light heavyweight division since his defection and pro debut back in 2009. However, with his stellar performance on Saturday night at the Glendale Civic Auditorium and live on HBO Latino, Barrera has announced to the division that he will not sit quiet anymore. He also became the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt held by Unified Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

After the fight Barrera said, “I feel I can still improve; every fight that goes by I’m adjusting more and more with my coach, Abel Sanchez. There is room for improvement and I will only continue to get better. Looking forward to my next fight; thank you to my team.”

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credits: Craig Bennett/Main Events

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events and promoter of both Kovalev and Barrera said, “I was very impressed with Sullivan’s performance against Karo Murat. He demonstrated to everyone that he belongs among the best light heavyweights in the world. And, I didn’t know this until after the fight, he had the flu! He still has so much more to show and I can’t wait to see it.”

The HBO Latino Boxing replay will also include the knockout victory of undefeated middleweight prospect Arif “The Predator” Magomedov over Jonatan “Oso” Tavira and Pedro Campa’s unanimous decision win over Aaron Herrera.

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Al Haymon has settled a lawsuit with promoters, Bad Dawg productions over the contract of Rances Barthelemy, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“The lawsuit filed in Miami by Bad Dog Productions against Warriors Boxing and Promotions, et al., has reached an amicable settlement through which Bad Dog assigned all of its promotional rights concerning Rances Barthelemy to Warriors in exchange for a payment by Warriors. The terms of the settlement are confidential,” Fors said.

NEW YORK (Dec. 17, 2015) – Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs will join the SHOWTIME® announce team as an in-studio guest this Saturday for the Andy Lee-Billy Joe Saunders WBO middleweight world title showdown that airs live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT), from Manchester, England.

Jacobs will be in New York to share his thoughts, insight and perspective with boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the UK-based BoxNation coverage of the championship fight.

Jacobs, of course, has more than a passing interest in the outcome of the 50-50 matchup. The WBA Middleweight World Champion who defeated previously unbeaten and former world champion Peter Quillin in one round earlier this month on SHOWTIME, Jacobs could be looking at a unification fight against the winner.

Earlier this week, Jacobs gave his thoughts on the Lee-Saunders matchup:

“I’m excited for the winner of Lee vs. Saunders,” Jacobs said. “I’m rooting for Andy Lee because I think that’s a bigger fight for me. Doing something in the U.S. between the two of us would make a lot of sense. He has a huge following here in New York, just like me obviously. It would be a classic showdown that Brooklyn would appreciate.

“May the best man win between the two of them, but if Andy wins I think it would be very interesting for both of us.”

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL Lee vs. Saunders fight will re-air on SHOWTIME EXTREME on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Detroit (December 17, 2015)–Get your engines revving, fight fans, for a new professional boxing series which will be kicking off in fine-form shortly.

“I am starting a new series, called “Detroit Brawl,” promoter Dmitriy Salita proudly announces. “Detroit Brawl” will be a series of electrifying Detroit based boxing events showcasing the talents and skills of fighters from throughout the city, across the country and around the world!”

Detroit is “America’s Greatest Comeback City,” and that is a theme close to the heart of boxers and boxing fans. Who doesn’t appreciate a pugilist, or a storied city with a rich and vibrant history, clambering back into the spotlight? Most fight fans know of the fabled history of tremendous fighters from Detroit and the region, including Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns. Area gyms are once again filling up with accomplished pros and the “Detroit Brawl” series will provide a platform for these talented boxers.

The first show will take place February 6th at an iconic Detroit venue, the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit, and Salita will be providing an electric atmosphere, and offering patrons superior bang for the buck. Each show in the series will feature a performance by a local musician, tag-teaming with fast and furious boxing action.

Up and coming Detroit-area hitters will be placed prominently on the card, and as with every Salita show, you can expect talent from all over the world, showcasing their skills.

A resurgent auto sector, a more diversified state economy, an uptick in technology jobs, along with a spruced up downtown area means Detroit is showing a fighting spirit, and piling up the Ws after a downturn. The “Detroit Brawl” will be yet another credit to the scrappy city. “First Brooklyn Brawl, now a version of the same in Detroit,” said Salita. “Two heavyweight cities, home to maybe the best local, grassroots boxing series in the nation. I am committed to supporting the rebirth of Detroit and will focus attention on encouraging young people to succeed in life, by supporting local programs. That includes local gyms, youth boxing programs and activities for young people which will help strengthen the core of the city! I am beyond excited to kick this off in what promises to be a stellar year in boxing, 2016!”

The series will run on local and national television, with details to be announced soon.

To snap up tickets go to ticketmaster.com, call 800-745-3000, or by visiting the Masonic box office

The tickets are priced at $28, $38, $48, $63, $93, and $123.
For event information visit themasonic.com and SalitaPromotions.com for more info

The Nordic Fight Night returns on February 6 with Danish talents Micki Nielsen (20-0, 14 KOs) and Dennis Ceylan (17-0-1, 8 KOs) topping the bill at a blockbuster show at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus, Denmark.

Micki Nielsen, the 22 year-old cruiserweight from Albertslund, will be defending his WBC International title. ‘’I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and defending my belt,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’Title fights are what you live for as a boxer.’’

The power-punching southpaw claimed the WBC strap in February with a unanimous points victory over Brazilian Julio Cesar dos Santos. Last year, he was named Boxer of the Year by the Danish Professional Boxing Federation (DPBF) and has since claimed two points victories and two knockouts.

‘’I’ve had a perfect 2015,’’ said Nielsen. ‘’I was matched hard in every fight, but now it’s time to build on this. I’m ready for bigger and better fights. I’m improving all the time. I will always be hard-hitting, but technically I’m also developing. There is much more to me than what people have already seen, and I will prove this in Aarhus.’’

Local fighter Dennis Ceylan, a former Olympian and unbeaten professional, will appear in a co-featured main event, and the Aarhus-boxer is looking forward to fighting in front of his home crowd.

“It’s been over two and a half years since I last boxed in Aarhus, so it will be great to fight in front of my own fans as one of the headliners,” said the 26-year-old featherweight.

“I promise the fans that, as usual, I will entertain with good technical boxing. But more importantly, it’s time for me to take a step up and show that I’m ready to challenge the best in my division. I know a title fight is near, and I believe it’s time for me to be involved in big fights.’’

‘’We’re excited to be bringing the Nordic Fight Night back to Aarhus,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’With Micki and Dennis we have two of the country’s most exciting talents, and they’ll be in going head-to-head with tough international opposition. 2016 is going to be a big year for Danish boxing, and we look forward to starting the new year with a bang with another explosive show on February 6.’’

Tickets for the Team Sauerland show at the Ceres Arena in Aarhus go on sale Tuesday, December 22 at 9.00am and are available online via online via www.billetlugen.dk or by calling (+45) 75 263 267. Opponents for Nielsen and Ceylan will be announced shortly along with further undercard fights.

BROOKLYN (December 16, 2015) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and bruising Polish challenger Artur Szpilka took time out of their intense training schedules to exchange some words on a media conference call Wednesday before they meet in the ring on Saturday, January 16 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Wilder and Szpilka will meet in the first heavyweight title matchup in Brooklyn in 115 years as the American heavyweight champ looks to defend his belt for the third time.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Warriors Boxing and Sferis Knockout Promotions, start at $25, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.comor by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Purchase before January 1 and receive a 10% discount. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m always in shape. I’m always in the ring because I’m in love with this sport.

“There’s so much rich history in Brooklyn. Barclays Center still needs a face. Why not me? I have friends and family in New York. That’s the mission that I’m on.

“Don’t get too overwhelmed by the opportunity, Szpilka. You still have to do something with it.

“Once I knock Szpilka out, I want all the Polish fans to come on the “Bronze Bomber” train as I bring the heavyweight division back to the top.

“I’m the guy who has everything it takes to be heavyweight champion of the world. It’s not just about being great inside the ring, it’s about being able to do great things outside of the ring. Not everyone has that. I love to be out there with the people.

“I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter who is in the ring with me. I love a fighter who’s not scared because it gives me the motive to knock him out. I don’t play around because I mean business.

“I’m looking for a grand show. It’s going to be a great performance to kick off 2016. This is going to be a huge year for me. I’m knocking Szpilka out and I’m sending a message to everyone who stands in my way.”

ARTUR SZPILKA

“I hope that you hear loud and clear, I can win this fight. My mind is ready, my body is ready. You’re done January 16.

“I have everything that a good boxer needs. I’m very confident and I know that this is my time. I have respect for him, but he’s never fought somebody like me. Everybody he fought but Bermane Stiverne was a bum.

“Only three people have actually tried to fight him. Everybody else had already lost before they got into the ring.

“I wanted this fight. This is my time. The heavyweight titles are wide open. There’s new blood for boxing.

“There is a big difference between me now and two years ago. I trust in my corner. You will all see a new Artur Szpilka on January 16.”

# # #

Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP. For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @BronzeBomber, @Szpilka_Artur, @BarclaysCenter, @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter

CHELYABINSK, Russia (December 16, 2015) — Fresh off of their winning performances at last month’s 2015 World MMA Championships in Prague, a trio of individual winners from championship Team Russia also captured top honors at the recent 2015 Russian Super Cup, sanctioned by the World Mix Martial Arts Association (WMMAA), in Chelyabinsk, Russia

Bantamweight Bakhachali Bakhachaliev, middleweight Gamzat Khiramagomedov and light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev were the three World champions who were also victorious at the 2015 Russian MMA Super Cup.

Internationally renowned “Big” John McCarthy served as referee.

Below find a breakdown of official results from each weight class with video links to corresponding matches:

2015 Russian MMA Super Cup

Bantamweights Championship (-61.2 kg, 135 lbs.)
Bakhachali Bakhachaliev WDEC3 Armen Gulyan

Featherweight Championship (-65.8 kg, 145 lbs.)
Nabi Ashurlaev WDEC3 Mansur Vitaev

Lightweight Championship (-70.3 kg, 154 lbs.)
Artur Zainukov WDEC3 Kamil Magomedov

Welterweight Championship (-77.1 kg, 170 lbs.)
Alibeg Rasulov WDEC3 Ramazan Kuramagomedov

Middleweight Championship (-84 kg, 185 lbs.)
Gamzat Khiramagomedov WDEC3 Ramazan Gamzatov

Light Heavyweight Championship (-93 kg, 205 lbs.)
Magomed Ankalaev WTKO1 Nadyr Bulkadarov

Heavyweight Championship (+205 lbs.)
Amirkhan Isagadzhiev WTKO1 Georgy Sakaev

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: Its goal is to be 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.

HBO Boxing wraps up an exhilarating year with a twin bill of action when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: BRYANT JENNINGS VS. LUIS ORTIZ AND NICHOLAS WALTERS VS. JASON SOSA is seen SATURDAY, DEC. 19 at 10:15 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY, exclusively on HBO. The HBO Sports team will be ringside for the event, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Other HBO playdates: Dec. 20 (9:30 a.m.) and 21 (12:10 a.m.)

HBO2 playdate: Dec. 22 (11:15 p.m.)

In the main event, Philadelphia’s Bryant Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) takes on Luis Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs), originally from Camaguey, Cuba, and now living in Miami, Fla., in a scheduled 12-round heavyweight fight.

Known for his power, athleticism and agility, Jennings suffered his only defeat at the hands of then-heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last April. Ortiz will rely on his extensive Cuban and international amateur background as he looks to remain undefeated.

Kicking off the night, the co-main event features Nicholas Walters (26-0, 21 KOs) and Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round junior lightweight bout.

Rising star Walters, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, is also undefeated, while Sosa, of Camden, NJ, has won 14 straight fights. With a combined record of 44-1-3 and 35 KOs, the two fighters have a winning percentage of 92%, with knockout ratio of 80% in those victories.

Later that evening, HBO Latino presents an exclusive tripleheader of same-day action, slated to begin at 12:15 a.m. (ET/PT) or immediately following live boxing on HBO. Yunieski Gonzalez meets Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in a light heavyweight fight; Gabriel Rosado battles Joshua Clottey in the middleweight co-main event; and Cuban Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former unified featherweight titleholder, goes up against Hylon Williams Jr. in a lightweight bout.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is Rick Bernstein; producer, Jonathan Crystal; director, Johnathan Evans.

Erik Skoglund (23-0, 11 KOs) and Derek Edwards (27-5-1, 14 KOs) came face-to-face today at the final pre-fight press conference ahead of their light heavyweight contest on Saturday night at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping, Sweden.

Edwards has come to Sweden full of confidence as he looks to claim his second his second Swedish scalp following a first-round knockout victory over the current WBC World Champion Badou Jack in February 2014.

‘’It’s great to be here in Sweden and I’m looking forward to delivering the fans an exciting fight on Saturday night,’’ says the boxer from Phoenix. ‘’Erik is an accomplished boxer, he’s tall and he likes to use the ring, but I’ve not seen anything overly impressive and I’ve seen some weaknesses I plan to exploit.

‘’Whether it’s early or late, I think I’m going to get the stoppage, but if I have to go the distance I’m prepared for that too. I want to close out the year with a good win here in Sweden before moving on to even bigger things in 2016.’’

Skoglund is also aiming to end the year on a high as he eyes a World title challenge in 2016, and while the home fighter is aware of the tough task he faces, the 24 year-old believes he has the skills to keep his unbeaten record intact.

‘’Derek is a good fighter,’’ says Skoglund. ‘’He is not just a puncher as many of the Swedish fans might think based on his performance against Jack, he can also box. He has been in there with some world-class fighters and he’s always dangerous.

‘’My training has gone really well. I feel relaxed and confortable. In my last fight I was coming back from injury but this time, I know I can trust my body and I’ve been able to concentrate on Derek from the beginning.

‘’I know I have the skills to beat him and I look forward to adding another big name to my record and claiming another win in front of my home fans in Nyköping.’’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says Skoglund can prove he is ready for the big time by beating Edwards on Saturday night.

‘’This is a tough fight for Erik. Derek is a dangerous opponent, but by beating him, Erik can establish himself as a serious World title contender,’’ said Sauerland.

‘’It won’t be easy. We all saw how Derek handled Badou Jack, who is now a World Champion and one of the best fighters in the 168lbs division. Erik will need to bring his A-game to get the win and keep his World title dreams alive.’’

Also present at today’s press conference was Swedish fan favorite Anthony Yigit (15-0-1, 6 KOs) whose light welterweight battle with former WBO World Champion DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley (42-25-1, 25 KOs) provides chief support at the Rosvalla Arena.

In his illustrious career, Corley has fought a who’s who of modern boxing greats including the recently retired pound-for-pound great Floyd Maywether Jr, and the American fighter believes his experience will prove the decisive factor on Saturday night.

‘’I’m happy to be here in Sweden. I’ve been all over the world and this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,’’ says ‘Chop Chop’. ‘’Anthony is a young, undefeated fighter but his record doesn’t bother me. When you start out like him, your records protected so that doesn’t always tell the full story.

‘’I’m expecting him to be fast and try to start strong, so I‘ll need to make some adjustments for that, but as the fight goes on, I’ll use my experience, pick my shots and break him down.’’

Yigit was full of respect for the former World Champion. ‘’Once a Champion always a Champion,’’ declared the Stockholm fighter, who is eager to prove himself against the American veteran.

‘’I have a lot of respect for DeMarcus and everything he has achieved. He has fought against some of the best fighters of his generation and done really well against them.

‘’I believe this is going to be a really difficult fight for me, but I’m prepared. I’ve had the longest and best camp of my career, and I’m ready for Saturday night!

‘’I know it is going to be a tough fight, but that’s the only way to move forward. I need to test myself against better and better opponents, and this is another step in the right direction for me.’’

Tickets for the Nordic Fight Night show on Saturday, December 19 at the Rosvalla Arena in Nyköping are available via www.biljettforum.se or by calling (+46) 0771-130 150. All the action will be shown live on TV10 in Sweden.

CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 16, 2015 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the newest class of inductees to enter the Hall. Inductees include Puerto Rico’s multi-division champion Hector “Macho” Camacho (posthumous), Mexico’s two-division champion Lupe Pintor and Panama’s two-division champion Hilario Zapata in the Modern category; judge Harold Lederman, commissioner Marc Ratner, journalist Jerry Izenberg and broadcaster Col. Bob Sheridan.

“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2016 and are very much looking forward to paying tribute to the new inductees in Canastota next June,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2016 Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 9-12th in Canastota, NY. Over 10 events, including a golf tournament, banquet, parade and autograph card show, are planned. An impressive celebrity lineup of boxing greats of yesterday and today will attend this year’s Induction Weekend. The highlight of the weekend will be the Official Enshrinement Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds in Canastota, New York on Sunday, June 12th to welcome the newest members.

The Hall of Fame also released names of posthumous honorees: Petey Sarron in the Old-Timer Category; and trainer Whitey Esneault in the Non Participant Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2016 can be found on www.ibhof.com

For more information on the events planned for the 2016 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

###

COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“Thank you very much. This is great news for me. I have been waiting for this news and I am very happy it happened while I am alive. I am very emotional and very thankful for this distinction.”
– Lupe Pintor

“Thank you. I want to scream I’m so happy about being elected. I look forward to getting the Hall of Fame ring and seeing the fans and sharing this honor with them in Canastota. I’m especially honored to be in the Hall of Fame with Roberto Duran. I have a close relationship with him. He was an inspiration to my career. ”

– Hilario Zapata

“I’m so excited. It’s one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I’m so proud. It’s mind boggling. It’s so important to be elected into the Hall of Fame. I think this is wonderful. I’m so happy. It’s amazing.”

– Harold Lederman

“I’m not only humbled, I’m stunned. I’m thrilled and couldn’t be more excited and happy. With all these famous boxers in the Hall, it’s very exciting for me.”

– Marc Ratner

“I can’t believe it. I really appreciate it and I’m just so moved by this honor. I’m absolutely flabbergasted because I really feel so many of the inductees I personally knew. Some of them were my heroes and some of them my compatriots. The fact is I’m just so grateful.”

– Jerry Izenberg

“It’s the culmination of a career that’s almost 50 years long. This is the most prestigious award that I could possibly ever receive and to be elected by my peers and be with such an unbelievable group of guys, all of whom are my friends that are in the Hall of Fame, it’s just a thrill beyond thrills.”

– Col. Bob Sheridan

Las Vegas – With title implications on the line, much is at stake when top light heavyweights Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Ryan Bader collide in the five-round main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT® on Saturday, Jan. 30 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This event, which marks UFC’s seventh trip to “Gateway City”, will broadcast live on FOX.

With a potent mix of speed and power, (No.2) Rumble (20-5, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) poses a serious threat for anyone in the 205-pound division. Boasting a record with 14 knockouts and victories over top contenders in Jimi Manuwa, Alexander Gustafsson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Phil Davis, the former title contender is looking for another chance to challenge for championship gold.

Standing in his way, is fourth-ranked Bader (21-4, fighting out of Tempe, Ariz.), who is out to prove he is deserving of a title shot after reeling off five straight wins. With a resume that includes victories over former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, Davis, Ovince Saint Preux, Rampage Jackson and Nogueira, the 2x Division I All-American wrestler is just one win away from contending for the UFC light heavyweight strap.

Plus, former UFC heavyweight champion and sixth-ranked Josh Barnett (34-7, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) goes head-to-head with the always-formidable (No.8) Ben Rothwell (35-9, fighting out of Kenosha, Wisc.) in the co-main event. With 37 knockout and 23 submission victories shared, this bout is unlikely to go the distance.

Additional bouts:
· Former STRIKEFORCE welterweight champion and 10th-ranked Tarec Saffiedine (15-4, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) returns to the Octagon to face veteran Jake Ellenberger (30-10, fighting out of Lake Forest, Calif.), a staple in the 170-pound division.
· New Jersey’s own George Sullivan (17-4, 1NC, fighting out of Belmar, N.J.) and Alexander Yakovlev (22-6-1, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J.) battle it out in a welterweight bout.
· In an exciting bantamweight matchup, Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres (10-8, 1NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) takes on The Ultimate Fighter Latin America Season 1 prospect Masio Fullen (10-5, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.).
· Looking for his fourth straight UFC win, lightweight Olivier Aubin-Mercier (8-1, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) meets The Ultimate Fighter Brazil Season 4 standout Joaquim Silva (8-1, fighting out of Goiania, Goias, Brazil).

· Submission specialist Tony Martin (9-3, fighting out of Minneapolis, Minn.) faces UFC newcomer Felipe Olivieri (14-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro) in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: JOHNSON vs. BADER go on sale Friday, December 18 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $185, $125, $90, $75, $50 and $40 (prices do not include applicable service charges and handling fees). Tickets are available for purchase 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, December 16 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, December 17 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: JOHNSON vs. BADER will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, January 30, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

About the Ultimate Fighting Championship®

UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, 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 129 countries and territories to nearly 800 million TV households worldwide in 28 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FS1 and FS2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

British super middleweight ‘Saint’ George Groves (21-3, 16 KOs) has officially announced Shane McGuigan as his new trainer.

Groves, who narrowly lost a split decision against Badou Jack in Las Vegas for the WBC world championship belt in September, has made the announcement ahead of his return to the ring on January 30th when he will take on Italian Andrea Di Luisa (18-3, 14 KOS) at the Copper Box in London’s Olympic Park; live on Sky Sports.

McGuigan, 27, has fast developed a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in the country; and Groves now joins his stable of boxers that already includes the likes of Carl Frampton and David Haye.

On making the announcement, Groves said, “I am happy and excited to be back and to be joining a new, exciting and dynamic team of young hungry fighters with a fantastic trainer.

”I’ve found the past few weeks working with Shane rejuvenating. I’m back punching hard, enjoying my boxing and am now eager to get back to winning ways.

”The loss earlier this year to Badou Jack was a close and frustrating one and I hope to avenge that defeat as soon as possible; starting on January 30th with a KO win.

”It’s a pleasure to be back headlining on Sky Sports and with the help of both my promoters Team Sauerland, as well as with Matchroom Sport, I am excited about our plans for 2016.

”I’m confident that now with the right coach I will reach the very top of the sport”.

Shane McGuigan said, “I am very pleased to be working with George; starting with his fight on January 30th at the Copper Box in London. George not only has the skill but more importantly the work ethic and dedication needed to become a World Champion; which is our ultimate goal. I am excited for the future working together”.

Groves’ promoter Kalle Sauerland added, “Shane has proven that he can not only form a World Champion but more importantly keep him there. This will be a ‘dream team’.”

Groves and McGuigan will both be attending a press conference at 12.00pm tomorrow (Thursday, December 17) at Trinity House in Tower Hill to discuss their new partnership and upcoming fight with Di Luisa on January 30 at the Copper Box.

San Antonio, Texas (December 16, 2015) – This past Saturday night in his hometown of San Antonio, undefeated Super Bantamweight contender Adam Lopez (14-0, 7 KO’s) scored a 2nd round stoppage over former world champion Erik Aiken in a bout that took place at the AT & T Center.

Lopez is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Lopez dominated the action as he took the fight to the former champion, finally stopping Aiken at 2:09 of round two.

“I was very excited and we executed the game-plan,”said Lopez, who celebrated his 25th birthday on fight night.

“I am happy to have that win in San Antonio. It’s my hometown and it’s a great place to be. I wish I was on later in the card, but I am happy to get the stoppage win.”

Aiken, who was a Featherweight world champ is the biggest name on the Lopez’ resume to date.

“He is a former world champion and even though he hasn’t fought at the world championship level in a while, a win is a win.”

Lopez will kick off what he believes will be a huge 2016 with a nationally televised bout in February.

“I am headlining ShoBox on February 12th. It will be my first headliner. After that, I hope that I could be in a line for a world title opportunity. I am ranked number-seven by the WBA but if that isn’t next after the ShoBox fight, we will wait for our opportunity.”

When asked if he indulged in any birthday / knockout win celebrations, Lopez was busy with his family and fans.

“I really didn’t even eat. let alone eat any cake. I was busy thanking my family and fans. I got the best present anyway and that is to be able to do what I love to do on my birthday and that is fight and win!”

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.

LONDON (16 DECEMBER) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce they have won the right to stage the British middleweight title fight between champion Nick Blackwell and number one challenger Chris Eubank Jr. in 2016.

Promoter Mick Hennessy submitted the highest purse bid this afternoon – amid fierce competition from Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn – and will now look to secure a date and venue for the Blackwell vs. Eubank Jr. fight in the coming weeks.

An elated Blackwell said, “Earlier this year I boxed on Eubank Jr.’s promoter’s show and knocked out John Ryder, his promotional stable-mate, to win the British middleweight title. I was more than prepared to do the same again if his promoter won the purse bid for my British title fight with Chris Eubank Jr. But he didn’t.

“So, Chris, are you going to be man enough to come and fight me on a Hennessy Sports show next year? Your answer to that question will tell me a lot about your own self-belief and also the faith your team have in you.

“The last time we shared a ring – in sparring – you were supposed to do six rounds with me but couldn’t handle the pace and pulled out after five. My worry is that you have a habit of pulling out when the going gets tough and when you can’t have it your own way.

“I know I’m your worst nightmare. You know it, too. Just make sure you don’t pull out of our fight next year. It’s time to step away from your dad’s shadow and make your own decisions in life.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy added: “Chris Eubank Jr. might be hoping to fight for a world title, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon. If it was imminent, or even a possibility, why would his promoter submit such a large bid for a British title fight?

“I know Chris Eubank Jr. has wanted to win the British title for a long time, so it came as no surprise to me when I heard his promoter had submitted a large bid. I’m just delighted we were able to better that offer; we now look forward to promoting a British title blockbuster between two world-class fighters next year.”

END

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LONDON (16 DECEMBER) British middleweight champion Nick ‘Bang Bang’ Blackwell is back in training and back trying to convince himself Chris Eubank Jr., his mandatory challenger, won’t pull out of a fight with him when their scheduled title contest goes to purse bids this afternoon (December 16).

Twenty-five-year-old Blackwell has been ordered to fight Eubank Jr. twice before by the British Boxing Board of Control, but both times Eubank Jr. has looked the other way and pursued other opportunities. Blackwell, therefore, sadly expects more of the same this week.

“I’m telling myself the fight will happen and that he won’t pull out again, but he’s withdrawn from an eliminator and a final eliminator in the past and has also turned down a good private offer to fight me,” said Blackwell. “I don’t know why he would suddenly get brave now when he can just continue ducking me and cherry-pick a world title fight next year.

“You never know, he might man-up and do the right thing, but I think he’ll be hoping for a Billy Joe Saunders rematch. He’ll want Billy Joe to beat Andy Lee this Saturday night and then fight him for the WBO title. He’ll think Billy Joe is an easier opponent than me and won’t want to get beaten up by me in a British title fight.”

Blackwell watched Eubank Jr.’s seventh round stoppage of Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan last Saturday night, aware that he could fight him next, and saw a lot of the same old flaws he’s spotted in the past.

“It went the way I thought it would go, not the way I wanted it to go,” said Blackwell. “I wanted Spike to win, but didn’t think he would.

“Eubank Jr. didn’t box very well to begin with. He got dragged into a fight, he got caught and wobbled, but after that he settled down, improved and ending up looking quite good.

“Spike realised he wasn’t going to win the fight after round two and I think his corner made the right decision to pull him out when they did. It would have only got worse for him.

“I just want to get in there and beat Eubank Jr. up. He thinks he’s invincible at the minute and it’s quite amusing to me, having been in the ring with him before (in sparring). I know he’s not invincible. So does Billy Joe Saunders. I just want the chance to prove it and shock a few people.

“In my mind, Eubank Jr. hasn’t really fought anyone. He fought Billy Joe, but Billy Joe didn’t train well for the fight; he always believed Eubank Jr. was going to pull out. Billy Joe still boxed him from range and made him look silly. Other than that, though, who else is there? Spike didn’t really turn up.”

Rather than idle boasts, Blackwell speaks from experience. He has sparred Eubank Jr. on more than one occasion and has seen a side to the Brighton man that fills him with confidence ahead of a potential showdown.

“The last time I sparred him (in 2014) it was the first spar of my training camp and I beat him up,” he said. “I smashed him around the body and he didn’t like it. We were supposed to do six rounds and he got out after five.

“He can say it was a bad day but even his trainer, Ronnie Davies, said to me, ‘He needed that. He needed a good beating today.’ Ronnie then said, ‘Listen, you two will never, ever fight unless there’s a lot of money and a big title on the line.’

“Eubank Jr.’s obviously got better since then, but so have I. If he thinks I was strong then – and, believe me, he did – imagine what he’d think if we sparred or fought now. He was asking me for strength tips the last time we sparred because he was so overwhelmed by me in the ring. Well, I’m 25 now. I’ve matured physically and am enjoying the benefit of full training camps. He wouldn’t be able to live with me.

“He likes to fight at his own pace and he hates being put on the back foot. I can put him on the back foot and keep him there for every minute of every round. I wouldn’t go at his pace, I’d go at my pace, and he knows that my pace is way too much for him. He couldn’t handle it the last time we shared a ring and he won’t handle it next time, either.”

Ultimately, whether Eubank Jr. goes through with the fight or, as Blackwell suspects, darts the other way, the reigning British middleweight champion is just proud to be on the verge of claiming the belt outright.

“It doesn’t really matter who I fight,” he said. “Yeah, it would be good to beat Eubank Jr., and he’s my ideal next opponent, but I just want to win that Lonsdale belt outright. Not many people can say they’ve done that. And, when you take into account the fact I’ve come from an unlicensed background, with not one amateur fight to my name, it’s quite an achievement. I’d be delighted to be able to have that British title for keeps.”

END

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LAS VEGAS (Dec. 15, 2015) – World Series of Fighting announced today the addition of a lightweight (155 pounds) bout between rising stars Johnny Nunez and David “K.O.” Jordan to the “WSOF26: Palmer vs. Almeida” world championship event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 18, live on NBCSN, at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Additionally, Andreas “Sweet Swede” Spang, who was slated to face Shamil Gamzatov in a light heavyweight (205 pounds) WSOF26 preliminary card matchup, has withdrawn from the commitment after contracting a case of pneumonia, forcing World Series of Fighting to scrap the bout.

The 30-year-old Nunez (5-1) of Las Vegas is looking to rebound from a third round submission (guillotine choke) defeat at the hands of Joe Condon at WSOF17 on January 17. The loss snapped the Xtreme Couture product’s perfect record.

Jordan (3-3), meanwhile, is looking to notch his third consecutive win after earning unanimous decisions over Brian Thomas and Jordan Chandler on August 16, 2014 and August 7, 2015, respectively. The 25-year-old Jordan is a protégé of retired, former MMA star Marvin “The Beastman” Eastman.

Priced from $29.99, tickets for WSOF26 are available for purchase at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com, www.WSOF.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

In the world championship featherweight (145 pounds) main event, reigning kingpin Lance Palmer (10-1) will put his title on the line against submission expert Alexandre Almeida (17-5).

In the co-main event, hard-hitting, rising star Ozzy Dugulubgov (7-2) will meet streaking submission ace Nic Herron-Webb (18-6) in a lightweight scrap.

KO artist Robbie “Problems” Peralta (18-6) will make his World Series of Fighting debut against hard-hitting Muay Thai stylist Sheymon Moraes (7-1) in a featherweight affair.

Former World Series of Fighting championship challenger Josh “Gentleman” Hill (12-1) will collide with undefeated sensation Bekbulat Magomedov (16-0) at bantamweight (135 pounds).

Leading off the live NBCSN telecast, will be a light heavyweight tilt between Jake “The Honey Bear” Heun (8-4) and Clinton Williams (7-2).

Doors at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will open for WSOF26 at 3:30 p.m. PT. The first preliminary card bout will begin at 4 p.m.

The four-fight preliminary card will stream live, in its entirety on an embeddable video player on WSOF.com.

MAIN CARD (Live on NBCSN)

World Series of Fighting Featherweight Championship Main Event:
Lance Palmer (Champion) vs. Alexandre Almeida (Challenger)

Lightweight: Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Nic Herron-Webb
Featherweight: Robbie Peralta vs. Sheymon Moraes
Bantamweight: Josh Hill vs. Bekbulat Magomedov
Light Heavyweight: Jake Heun vs. Clinton Williams

PRELIMINARY CARD (Live on WSOF.com)

Welterweight: Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Danny Davis, Jr.
Lightweight: Johnny Nunez vs. David Jordan
Featherweight: Hakeem Dawodu vs. Marat Magomedov
Lightweight: Gil Guardado vs. Giga Chikadze

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

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a luxury resort offering a decidedly different perspective. Located at the heart of The Strip, the resort’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The new 3,005-room resort features oversized residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces. The Cosmopolitan’s luxurious resort amenities include a 100,000 square foot casino; Sahra Spa & Hammam and Violet Hour Hair Nails Beauty; three unique pool experiences; Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub, a multi-level integrated indoor/outdoor nightclub; 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art convention and meeting space; 40,000-square foot performance and event space The Chelsea; and modern supper club Rose. Rabbit. Lie. An eclectic line-up of new-to-market retailers include: AllSaints Spitalfields, CRSVR Sneaker Boutique, DNA2050, Jason of Beverly Hills, Kidrobot, Molly Brown’s Swimwear, Rent the Runway, Retrospecs & Co, Skins 62 Cosmetics, Stitched and U*tique Shop. Signature restaurants include: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Estiatorio Milos, by international restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Holsteins from Block 16 Hospitality; Jaleo and China Poblano restaurants by acclaimed Chef José Andrés; Scarpetta and D.O.C.G. by award-winning Chef Scott Conant; and popular steakhouse STK from The ONE Group; bustling culinary food hall The Wicked Spoon; and The Henry, an all-day dining concept.

For more information visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
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WBO World Middleweight title challenger Billy Joe Saunders has fired back at champion Andy Lee who slammed the Hatfield star in an interview today.

With the fight closing in fast this Saturday night at the Manchester Arena, the tension is cranking up between both camps who come face-to-face tomorrow for the final press conference.

In an interview in today’s Independent, some of the quotes Lee said about his rival were:

“I don’t think it is going to be my hardest fight.”

“He’s an Olympian but I don’t think he did what I did in the amateurs and he hasn’t fought anybody of real note yet. I have fought in the States, across Europe, have more experience,”

“He has never lost, not even lost many rounds, so I have to let him know from the start, let him taste the punches, taste the jab, nullify the things he wants to do. A bit of doubt will creep in and then he will get desperate.”

“I know what’s coming. He doesn’t. For the first time in his life he is going to find out that attitude alone won’t be enough.”

Unbeaten Saunders, who’s heading into his first world title fight, said, “He’s been in big fights in America, yes, but he’s also lost some big fights there as well, Julio Cesar Chavez and Brian Vera. I’ve not lost yet and I don’t intend on losing,”

“He was getting beat by Matt Korobov until his punch power got him out of trouble and he drew with Peter Quillin which I would have been disgusted with, I go in to win, not draw.

“Saturday night is Lee’s chance to prove if he is a world champion. I’m the undefeated challenger, if he beats me then I’ll be the first to shake his hand, but as I see it right now there’s only winner, me,”

“There are no doubts in my head at all and he knows that I’m mentally strong and that he can’t get into my head,”

“I’ve was an Olympian at 18 and beaten everyone put in front of me to come through. I’ve beaten everyone in Britain and now I just need Andy Lee who’s just another scalp on my record.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 15, 2015) – WBO Middleweight World Champion Andy Lee and undefeated challenger Billy Joe Saunders held separate media workouts in Manchester, England, as they conclude preparations for their eagerly awaited showdown this Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester Arena.

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) will make the first defense of his 160-pound title against England’s Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the BoxNation telecast will feature analysis from SHOWTIME boxing experts Brian Custer, Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi before and after the world championship showdown. An encore presentation of the bout will air on SHO EXTREME later that evening at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s what Lee and Saunders had to say at their media workouts on Tuesday and Monday, respectively:

ANDY LEE:
“I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out, in any given second.

“I won’t rely on the punch. I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure.

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment.

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage. He’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by (Frank) Warren.

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points. If I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round.

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS:
“I’m ready to go for Saturday night. This is the best camp that I’ve ever had. I’m prepared for the toughest test of my career, but I know that I’m in excellent shape to win this fight and become world champion.

“Andy Lee is a tough fighter – he’s proved that by becoming world champion and having the type of career he has had. But I’m undefeated and hungry and know that I’m on the brink of fulfilling a childhood dream. I’m not going to leave that ring without the title.

“Training in Spain allows me to lock myself away from all distractions and focus solely on the fight. It’s hard being away from home, but it’s all part of boxing. It’s been a long camp, a tough camp, but after that I know that I’m ready to go through hell to make sure that I’m successful come fight night.

“The middleweight division is one of the hottest around and I’m prepared to fight any of the other champions in there once I win the title.

“Danny Jacobs had a great win against Peter Quillin, and then there is Canelo (Alvarez) and (Gennady) Golovkin. I know the importance of this fight for the division and I want my name to be among the very best. I’m taking it one step at a time, but I’m open to fight anyone.

“There has been no trash talk with Andy because we know what each person is about. We share a similar background and neither of us is going to take a back step.

“This is going to be a very exciting all-action fight because we’re going to leave it all in the ring. I know I have the skills to beat him and I intend to show the world why I’m among the best around.”

Saunders on fellow Brit Chris Eubank Jr.:

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr. does not belong at the world level – he’s a phony. It’s as simple as that. I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan, who I’ve already beat. He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that, but he can’t.

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world, but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me: he was badly exposed. The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him? I think it’s a delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is. You can keep talking, but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top-level fighters. He’s won his last fight and now he’s back talking (expletive) again like he’s the best fighter in history.

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating, this time in even more convincing fashion.”

LOS ANGELES (December 15) – Fighters featured on the December 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino shows at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York share their final thoughts on training camp as fight week kicks off. In the main event of the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast, former heavyweight world title contender Bryant “Bye – Bye” Jennings (19-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia, will face the heavy-handed Cuban heavyweight Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (23-0, 20 KOs) in a 12-round matchup for the WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title. The co-main event of the night features former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion from Montego Bay, Jamaica’s Nicolas “Axe Man” Walters (26-0, 21 KOs) taking on Jason Sosa (18-1-3, 14 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey in a 10-round super featherweight fight. The HBO Boxing After Dark telecast will begin at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

In the HBO Latino Boxing (12:15 a.m. ET/PT; tape delayed) main event Yuneski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) of Del Rio, Cuba will face Los Angeles’ undefeated Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonsky” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 10-rounds. The co-main event will feature an exciting 10-round middleweight slugfest as “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) will fight the dangerous former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs). Opening the HBO Latino telecast will be former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (24-1, 17 KOs) squaring off against Hylon Williams Jr. (16-1-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a 10-round lightweight bout.

Off camera, rising light heavyweight prospect, D’Mitrius Ballard (10-0, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will take on Brazilian seasoned fighter Fabiano “Pit Bull” Pena (11-3-1, 8 KOs) in a six to eight-round light heavyweight fight and opening the night Manati, Puerto Rico’s Jorge “Destroyer” Melendez (28-5-1, 26 KOs) and Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico will clash in a 10-round middleweight fight.

Below is what the fighters had to say about as their training camp comes to a close this week.

BRYANT “BYE BYE” JENNINGS, Former Heavyweight World Title Challenger:

“The weather is warm out here in Florida, and John David Jackson is doing a great job as my new trainer. He’s a man that knows the fight game being that he was a fighter himself, a former world champion to be exact. The little things he’s showing me are making a big difference. I was happy that my promoter Gary Shaw came out to visit and see the progress I have made. We’re out here doing it. I believe I’ve become a better fighter, and it will show come fight night.

“This is a big fight for the heavyweight division. The interim WBA World heavyweight title is on the line. The winner will move on to bigger and better things. Everyone says he has a lot of power but his opposition is suspect. He’s a big slugger and I’m a boxer that gives a lot of movement. I believe I’m the one with the better skills and better pro experience. I’m winning this fight.

“I think it’s great. The sport needs to keep its integrity. Ortiz is a good fighter but he’s already shown that he has some insecurities. When a fighter gets caught cheating while using steroids to get an edge says a lot about that person. He paid his dues and now it’s time to fight. With VADA testing installed for this fight, everyone will be on an even playing field.

“With Klitschko losing to Fury, the heavyweight division is wide open. There are a lot of hungry fighters out there ready to take charge and I’m one of them. I know I got what it takes to become a world champion. The heavyweight division is mine to be conquered.”

LUIS “THE REAL KING KONG” ORTIZ, WBA Interim Heavyweight World Champion:

“I am ready physically and mentally for this fight, and I am going to come out to destroy my opponent. I have not been able to show off my condition and preparation in my last few fights, and this is my opportunity to show the world that I am the best. I have been ready for a world championship fight for three years and am ready for to go 15 rounds if needed.

“This is the new era of the heavyweight division, and I am in the running to become the best in the world. I feel like I have the conditions to become a world champion; I have the power, speed and intelligence in the ring.

“Jennings will be a difficult fighter, but I am also a difficult fighter. I have been physically prepared for this fight for three years.”

NICHOLAS “AXE MAN” WALTERS, former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight World Champion:

“My focus is to be the smarter fighter in the ring, to focus, to fire off more combinations, to take control of the fight. We know that Sosa is a hard puncher and he comes to fight.

“This is an important fight for me because it is at 130 pounds, which is a step up for me.”
“Training the right way is the proper way to prepare for such an important fight like this. I know the difference in this fight is will be my speed in the ring.”

JASON SOSA, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I have been working extremely hard on speed and angles because we know that Walters is flat footed and I want to make sure I have an advantage with movement on fight night.

“We know that Walters is a tough fighter with an impressive record. He has beat Donair and Darchinyan which are both strong opponents. But we also believe that we are the bigger fighter being that this is his first fight at 130. He has never felt power like mine and I believe that will be my biggest advantage on Dec. 19.

“Winning this fight would mean everything that we have been working on for the past five years is starting to pay off and will put me in a good position for a World Title next year.”

YUNIESKI GONZALEZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“Every aspect of my training has been elevated to be able to make a great impression. Shabranskyy applies basic combinations and I am a fighter that is more complex and will bring that advantage with me on fight night.

“A victory on Dec. 19 will keep me on the right track as I climb to the top of the mountain and establish myself as an elite fighter in the light heavyweight division.

“I have focused on turning my punches over to maximize my power. I’m not going to give up too much information, but the world will see on Dec. 19.”

VYACHESLAV “LION HEART – CHINGONSKY” SHABRANSKYY, Light Heavyweight Contender:

“The primary focus of this training camp has been to make sure my power and conditioning are the best they can become Dec. 19. I will finish camp knowing that I’m in the best shape ever.

“Gonzales is an aggressive come forward fighter. He’s not the typical Cuban boxer, he is more of a ‘banger’ come forward fighter which isn’t typical of Cuban fighters and I have made sure to prepare for that.

“This fight, without question is the biggest fight of my career so far and is step closer to getting a shot at a world title. I’m a smarter fighter now. My team and I have a game plan in place, if I stick to that I believe the fight will be in my favor.

“With every camp there is growth. Everyday I come into the gym the goal is to get better, in every single aspect- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When there is a well-rounded growth it becomes easier to focus and devote myself to training, to be more willing to learn and to be taught.”

“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, Former Middleweight World Title Contender:

“My primary focus is to do everything Fernando tells me to do. I believe in his information and I’m confident that it will make me a better fighter.

“This fight means a new beginning; it’s the second chapter of my career, and I believe it’s truly my time to shine. I know that Clottey is a defensive-minded fighter and will be looking to counter. But, I believe that I have the advantage. I’m younger, faster, stronger, and I believe my ring IQ is better.

“I’ve learned not to rush things, timing is everything. The focus and discipline has to be 100 percent. I believe that will show Dec. 19.”

JOSHUA “GRAND MASTER” CLOTTEY, Former IBF Welterweight World Champion:

“This is another that and I approach it like all my other fights: I train hard, eat correctly, get my rest properly and win.

“I know Gabe is very tough and always comes to fight so I expect a hard fight from him. I just will need to stay focused and I do what I need to in order to win.

“I want to be a world champion again, and I believe my experience will help me be one again and know I can do that by winning this fight.”

D’MITRUS BALLARD, Light Heavyweight Prospect:

“My primary focus going into this fight has been to become a better fighter, a more complete boxer. I want to make sure that I show all of my talents, experience and growth in the ring. The focus, the intensity of my training has been stepped up, my entire camp has stepped it up and we are ready.

“Winning this fight and advancing my record to 11-0 just means I’m one step closer to the goal a World Championships and putting people on notice that I am a threat in the light heavyweight division.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA, Former WBA and IBF Featherweight World Champion:

“My primary focus for every fight is to get in the ring, get the job done in a way that I perform my best as a fighter, and the people paying for tickets go home happy with what they went to see. However for this fight I added another layer to that. I focus on proving to everyone that I still have what it takes to make it to the top.

“Winning means a lot. But the real pudding in the cake is winning this fight the way I know I can win it. Putting up a show for the people and getting the ‘W’ would mean the world to me. I am at a stage in my career that I need to fight as often as I can. I have to win but I also have to put on a good show to bring more and more people in to watch me fight.

“I think my experiences as a fighter are the only advantage I bring to this fight. Other than that, we are two hungry men with two arms waiting for this opportunity to shine.

“I learned that boxing is a lot tougher outside of the ring than inside. I learned that we are not meant to be boxing forever and have to take advantage of every opportunity in front of us as if it were the last one. I am about to put that to use.”

HYLON “KID COSMO” WILLIAMS, Lightweight Contender:

“This training camp my main focus was to put myself in a great state of mind and grind hard as I could stress free. I know my opponents a veteran fighter that’s had a decorated career and he’s been on my boxing radar since 2008 when I became a professional fighter.

“Winning this would be the door opener to the title shot I’ve always dreamed about and of course it’ll not only put a sock in people’s mouth but it’ll open the eyes to all my critics and have them see me in a new light.

“My youth and knowledge of the fight game will carry me through this fight. Having the heart to take on a former world champion shows I have the heart of a lion to protect my record and not duck anyone.”

Tickets for the Dec. 19 HBO Boxing After Dark and HBO Latino Boxing event start at $25, $35 and $60 for ringside seats plus applicable fees and are available at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Jennings vs. Ortiz is a 12-round heavyweight bout fight for the WBA Interim Heavyweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Corona, Mexico – Live It to Belive It! and Carmelita Chorizo. Walters vs. Sosa is a 10-round junior lightweight bout presented by Top Rank in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Warriors Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET and first fight begins at 6:05 p.m. ET, and the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast begins live at 10:15 p.m. ET/PT.

Gonzalez vs. Shabranskyy, is a 10-round light heavyweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay).

Host of the event, the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for blockbuster boxing matches. The December 19 fight will mark Turning Stone Resort Casino’s 16th nationally-televised boxing event in three years, cementing the resort as a mecca for knockout televised fights. Located in Upstate New York, the destination resort offers world-class entertainment and gaming, award-winning accommodations, a diverse mix of restaurants, two luxury spas and several nightlife options.
Professional media requesting credentials for the December 19 fight must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at (315) 366.9291 or kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.grayshawproductions.com, www.toprank.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, www.starboxing.com and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @GaryShawBoxing, @TRboxing, @StarBoxing, @HBOBoxing, @TurningStone and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/Gary-Shaw-Productions-134758615997/, www.facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing or www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing, @TurningStone. Follow the conversation by using #JenningsOrtiz and #WaltersSosa.

BETHLEHEM, PA. (December 15, 2015) – Undefeated super featherweight contender
Omar “Super O” Douglas (15-0, 11 KOs) faces his toughest test when he battles
Frank De Alba (17-1-2, 6 KOs) in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Tuesday, December 29 from Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“I’ve been working really hard and getting great work in camp,” said Douglas. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to take advantage of it. I know how to beat this guy and I know I am in great shape. I expect an early night, but if it goes 10 rounds, so be it.”

“I am really grateful for this opportunity,” said De Alba. “I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices to get to this stage. Now that we’re here, I’m going to take advantage. I know he is a strong fighter but we will be 100 percent come fight night. This will be an entertaining fight and I will give the fans what they pay for.”

This will be the ninth installment of the TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES series since it premiered on FS1 and FOX Deportes on September 8 at the Hollywood Palladium. The series has brought numerous exciting matchups and thrilling moments in 2015 and will continue to bring sensational fights to sports fans in 2016.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

An undefeated fighter out of Wilmington, Delaware, Douglas impressed in his TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS debut in September when he showed power and skill in defeating Braulio Santos in his first ten-round outing. The 24-year-old had already beaten Daniel Attah in 2015 and previously took down veterans Anthony Napunyi, Jean Javier Sotelo and Osnel Charles.

The 28-year-old De Alba is undefeated since dropping his pro debut back in 2011 and has picked up victories of Jesus Lule, Bernardo Uribe and Jose Bustos in 2015. Born in Puerto Rico but fighting out of Reading, Pennsylvania, De Alba previously fought at Sands Bethlehem in January 2014 when he took down Chazz McDowell.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.sandseventcenter.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @SuperO130KP, @FOXSports1, @TheSBEC, @foxdeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.faceboox.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/the SBEC. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (December 15, 2015) – M-1 Global has announced its signing of Russian heavyweight sensation Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-6-0, M-1: 8-3-0) to an exclusive promotional contract.

Volkov will battle Denis Smoldarev (11-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0) February 19 for the vacant M-1 Challenge heavyweight championship at M-1 Challenge 64 in Moscow, Russia.

The 27-year-old puncher from Moscow returns to the organization in which he made his professional mixed-martial-arts debut April 19, 2009, needing only 80-seconds to stop Nikolay Pleshokov in the second stage of the M-1 Challenge 2009. Volkov went on to capture top honors in the finals of the M-1 Challenge 2009, defeating Ibragim Magomedov for the Russian Team Championships.

The 6′ 7″, 235-pound Volkov fought under the M-1 Global banner for the next two years, highlighted November 20, 2011 by his opening round punch-out of Arsen Abdulkerimov in front of 20,000 fans at M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Monson.

At that point, Volkov had won 14 of 17 pro MMA fights and the popular Russian fighter opened 2012 with an impressive decision win over former UFC heavyweight champion Ricco Rodriguez.

Volkov had another victory before heading to the United States in order to test himself in Bellator competition. He won his inaugural Bellator fight against powerful Brett Rogers, by decision at Bellator 75, in the Bellator Season Seven Heavyweight Tournament.

Two Bellator fights later, Volkov had extended his win streak to 10 in a row, improving overall to 19-3-0 via five-round decision over Richard Hale to capture the vacant Bellator Heavyweight Championship, as well as finish first in the Bellator Season Seven Heavyweight Tournament in Hammond, Indiana, USA.

In his first fight of 2013, Volkov lost his Bellator heavyweight title in his first defense, as fellow countryman Vitaly Minakov recorded a first-round knockout in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.

However, Volkov rebounded with three straight wins in the Bellator Season 10 Heavyweight Tournament, defeating Bulgarian great Blaygoy Ivanov in the final by way of a second-round rear-naked choke hold. Ivanov is best known, perhaps, for defeating living legend Fedor Emelianenko in the semifinals on his way to winning the 2008 World Sambo Championships.

Feared as one of the most prolific strikers in MMA today, 17 of Volkov’s 24 overall victims to date were knocked out.

Volkov (pictured above to left) makes his M-1 Global return against Smoldarev, of Estonia, whose only loss as a professional was to Marcin Tybura (13-1-0, M-1: 7-1-0), who abdicated his M-1 Challenge heavyweight title to reportedly continue his career in the UFC. Tybura made his first successful M-1 Challenge heavyweight title defense November 24, 2014, defeating Smoldarev by third-round submission (choke), at M-1 Challenge 54 in Beijing, China.

The 25-year-old Smoldarev (shown above in the black trunks) has impressive victories against Ante Delia, Maro Perak, Ahmed Sultanov and Shaban Ka. Smoldarev is also a physical specimen, standing 6′ 5″ and weighing close to 270 pounds.

M-1 Challenge 64 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

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ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 has been another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee has told challenger Billy Joe Saunders he has the punch to end his dreams.

Lee defends his title against Saunders this Saturday night (19th December) at the Manchester Arena, exclusively live on BoxNation, in the mouthwatering showdown that has got divided the fight trade.

The Limerick southpaw went through an open training session this morning in Manchester and showed the media a sample of his one-punch power.

With 24 KO’s in 34 wins, Lee is looking to inflict the first loss to Saunders’ unbeaten record and says that the Hatfield star is not good enough to beat him.

Lee stated, “I have a punch that can end a fight, lights out in any given second,”

“I won’t rely on the punch, I will look to dominate from the start with educated pressure,”

“I’m feeling very dangerous at the moment,”

“Saunders’ unbeaten record is a disadvantage, he’s always been in fights he’s expected to win and has been well managed by Warren,”

“I’ve never lost a fight on points and I never will on points, if I’m down on the cards I will go out swinging in the last round,”

“Saunders being a fellow traveler does add another layer, but at the end the day it’s about how good you are and he’s not good enough to beat me.”

Tickets for Lee v Saunders and Smith v Kelly priced from £40 are available from frankwarren.com, ticketmaster.co.uk, eventim.co.uk and manchester-arena.co.uk or watch exclusively live on BoxNation. Go to boxnaion.com to subscribe.

World title challenger Billy Joe Saunders has blasted arch nemesis Chris Eubank Jr saying he is a “phony” who is not at world level.

The 26-year-old from Hatfield, who takes on WBO champion Andy Lee this Saturday night, exclusively live on BoxNation from the Manchester Arena, has said he was left unimpressed with Eubank Jr’s win and that he will fall short if he takes on the best around.

The middleweight rivals have previously locked horns with Saunders coming out on top winning a split points decision late last year and he is adamant that the Brighton boxer will flop once again if he shares the ring with another top 160-pounder.

“The truth of the matter is that Eubank Jr does not belong at world level – he’s a phony, it’s as simple as that. I wasn’t impressed with his win over Gary O’Sullivan who I’ve already beat. He thinks he can fool the public with a win like that but he can’t,” said Saunders.

“His aim now is to move up and fight the best guys in the world but we saw what happened the last time he stepped up a notch and faced me, he was badly exposed. The same thing will happen with him if he fights someone like Danny Jacobs for the WBA title.

“You’re not the best middleweight in your own country and you want to fight a world champion and say you’re going to beat him? I think it’s delusion and he thinks he’s greater than he actually is.

“Sooner rather than later he’s going to get exposed again as the fraud that he is. You can keep talking but eventually you have to back it up in the ring against top level fighters. He’s won his last fight now he’s back talking shit again like he’s the best fighter in history.

“If he has the balls to fight again, which I doubt, I would happily hand him another beating but this time in even more convincing fashion,” Saunders said.

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The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

On Saturday week at the Manchester Arena, well regarded local fight face Ensley Bingham hopes to finally get his hands on the WBO Super-Welter title that eluded him as a fighter 19 years ago.

In November 1996 when the venue was known as The NYNEX, lethal left hooker ‘Bingo’ was led a wild goose chase over 12 rounds by potential Hall of Famer Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright and conceded a wide unanimous decision.

And today he tutors Jimmy ‘Kilrain’ Kelly who challenges Liverpool’s Liam Smith for the elusive belt in the same ring next weekend.

‘There were two other world title fights that night, Naz (Hamed) against Argentina’s Remigio Molina and the rematch between Steve Collins and Nigel Benn so the Nynex was packed and the atmosphere was incredible. As the curtains opened, the place erupted with shouts of ‘Bingo, Bingo’ and I thought ‘My place!’ recalls the bespectacled former British light-middle king.

‘It was ‘Winky’s’ first defence and he showed why he would become such a fantastic champion. He was a slick southpaw with a fabulous defence and the ability to adapt. But he was also tough as nails. He gave me a real boxing lesson and I often use him as a blue print for the kids that I coach today.

‘Everybody knew I was a huge left hooker and, had ‘Winky’ planted his feet and had a fight with me, I know I could’ve done a lot of damage but the Birmingham brothers (coaches Dan and Mike) had done their homework. ‘Winky’s’ continual movement kept me off balance and I couldn’t get ‘set’ to land a big one.

‘I actually landed the hook clean once, towards the end of the fifth, but then the bell sounded. I kept hope right through to the last minute of the last round because I knew one clean shot could change the fight my way. I gave everything but, to be fair, ‘Winky’ did a job on me. Great fighter.’

Now 54, ‘Bingo’ is optimistic that he will experience redemption of sorts when the ward he has known since the age of four locks horns with Scouser Smith next week.

‘My first memories of Jimmy were at the Champs Camp gym when I was British champion. He told me then he wanted a Lonsdale Belt like mine,’ recalls Ensley who scored 16 knockout wins during a decorated 20-8 career between 1986-99.

‘Later, though I didn’t coach Jimmy at the time, I gave him advice to withdraw from the ABAs because he had a compound fracture to his hand. Thankfully, he listened – albeit reluctantly – and I helped get the hand back up to strength. I started to get involved more actively when he turned pro, shortly after.

‘He’s always been a trainer’s dream. He’s a very sensible young man who knows how to conduct himself correctly and doesn’t waste breathe rubbishing opponents. He lives a good, clean life; early to bed, early to rise and he eats healthily. He learns very quickly because he always listens.’

Since debuting together in March 2012, Bingham has navigated Kelly to 16 straight wins (seven early) plus the WBC Youth and WBO Inter-Continental titles and strongly refutes the notion that his man isn’t yet ready to perform at the highest stage.

He says: ‘Last fight, against an exceptionally tough Argie (Martin Fidel Rios)who’s won since up at super-middle , Jimmy was due on at 8.30 but the fight got shifted to after the main events when the arena was empty.

‘In the changing room, we had to constantly bring Jimmy’s adrenalin up, then wind him back down. But he did a fantastic job to maintain focus and concentration and he won by a landslide.’

Despite home court, the bookies enlist Kelly as a 9-2 outsider and champion Smith – defending just 70 days after collecting the belt with a chilling seventh round count out over New Jersey’s John Thompson – has dismissed the Manc as his ‘Christmas Wages.’ Music to ‘Bingo’s’ ears!

‘Look, Liam Smith’s a great champion with a sharp right hand, good body shots and he’s excellent at cutting the ring down. We’re under no illusions,’ says Bingham who will be assisted in the corner by Maurice ‘Hard’ Core, the former British light-heavyweight champion.

‘But I worked (Smith’s coach) Joe Gallagher’s corner for many of his amateur fights so understand how his mind operates. And while we’ve been able to study tapes of all of Liam’s fights, there’s very little footage available of Jimmy. That’s hugely to our advantage. Trust me, he’s just as capable. It’s just no one’s seen it yet. Tune in next weekend. A Jimmy Kelly victory would be an upset in most eyes…not mine!

‘He’s got the better skills; his balance, movement, angles and punch picking are exceptional. He also brings unbelievable core strength from all the wrestling he’s done. He’s deceptively tough and durable for a tall lad and if the Smith camp think Jimmy doesn’t hit hard that’ll play massively to our advantage. Jimmy’s very dangerous with either hand, and to head or body.

‘Obviously we’re keeping our tactics close to our chest. Boxing match or brawl, we’re fully prepared for whatever.

‘I expect a very, very good fight that will go all the way but we’re extremely confident. We don’t talk losing.’

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship against Noe Nunez Rodriguez, and Tom Stalker and Craig Evans clash again for the Vacant WBO European Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Joe Selkirk in a six-round contest, Indian superstar Vijender Singh, Anthony Yarde and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne, plus Razza Hamza.

DOORS WILL OPEN FOR THE MANCHESTER ARENA SHOW AT 4PM WITH THE FIRST FIGHT TO START AT 4.15PM. THE FULL RUNNING ORDER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON FRANWARREN.COM

Remaining tickets are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk
Manchester Arena
0161 950 5000
0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk
*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise Daniel Jacobs v Peter Quillin live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com Or watch online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.