Luke Campbell MBE will defend his WBC International Lightweight title against French champion Yvan Mendy at The O2 in London on December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Campbell makes the first defence of the belt he landed in the all-Hull clash with Tommy Coyle at the KC Lightstream stadium in July, with the Olympic gold medal star making Coyle his tenth KO victim in his 12 wins as a pro.

The Hull favourite now looks to end a great year on a high against ‘Le Lion’, the 30 year old French title holder that has a wealth of experience behind him, with four successful defences of the national strap he won in June 2013 and going the distance with WBC Super-Lightweight champion Viktor Postol and taking Edis Tatli to a decision for the Finn’s European title.

“A big win at The O2 will be the perfect end to a great year for me,” said Campbell. “Beating Tommy in the huge show in Hull in the summer was great, but this fight with Mendy is massive for me before moving towards a World title fight in 2016.

“Yvan has bags of experience and has mixed at a high level and gave Postol and Tatli 12 hard rounds, so it’s going to be a real test for me and one that I need with an exciting year ahead of me in the brilliant Lightweight division.”

Campbell’s clash with Mendy is part of a huge night of action at The O2, topped by Campbell’s Olympic gold team mate Anthony Joshua MBE taking on bitter rival Dillian Whyte for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

Chris Eubank Jr and Spike O’Sullivan meet in a final eliminator for the WBA World Middleweight title, Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title with the winner facing newly crowned WBA supremo Anthony Crolla, Liverpool Cruiserweight favourite Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak and Josh Warrington defend his WBC International Featherweight title against Jorge Sanchez.

Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte is SOLD-OUT – visit http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ to get your hands on tickets.

StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

AMATEUR heavyweight sensation Nathan Gorman has signed a long-term professional contract with Hatton Promotions and will have his first outing in Walsall this Saturday (December 5).

The Nantwich teenager won the ABA Youth championships in 2014 and was on the Great Britain Podium Potential squad. He had hoped to push towards a future Olympic spot but the opportunity to be promoted and trained by Ricky Hatton was too good to turn down.

Gorman comes from respected fighting stock as he is a direct descendent of Bartley Gorman, the bareknuckle boxer who was ‘King of the Travellers’ for more than two decades and served as an inspiration to actor Tom Hardy when he was preparing to play the supervillain Bane in the Hollywood blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

“Boxing is a big part of my life,” Gorman said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I want to box and it’s a great honour to be given the chance to work with a legend like Ricky Hatton.

“Along with Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jnr, Ricky was my boxing idol and been given the opportunity to be trained by him is unreal.

“I did well in the amateurs so I could have tried to push on, but the chance to work with Ricky every day was too good to miss.

“I think the pros will suit me better anyway because I like to work on the inside and get my shots off and it’s hard to do that in the amateurs because referees get involved too much.

“I’m excited about making my debut. I’ll have a lot of people supporting me and I can’t wait to show people what I can do.”

The December 5 bill is a co-promotion between Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing entitled ‘Jingle Brawls’ and is topped by an English super-lightweight title and British elimination clash between Malmesbury’s Joe Hughes and unbeaten prospect Anthony Upton.

On the undercard, fellow Ricky Hatton-trained prospect Reuben Arrowsmith has his second professional fight. Also starring will be Birmingham middleweight Luke Heron, West Brom’s Tom Stokes, unbeaten Ludlow super-welterweight Craig Morris, featherweight prospect Jack Summers, Wolverhampton’s Des Bowater, and stylish Stoke super-lightweight Kieron McLaren.

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (ringside). They can be purchased from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.

ENDS

Picture: Gorman with Ricky Hatton and assistant trainer Mike Jackson.

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2015) — Two-division world champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY JR., in his second reign as World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight world champion, has been named the 2015 Ring 8 Fighter of the Year. Bradley will personally accept the award from his trainer, Teddy Atlas, at the 29th Annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards ceremony on Sunday, December 13, at Russo’s on the Bay (162-45 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach, NY 11414), from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. ET. Bradley will be flying in from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he will be the expert analyst on the broadcast team for the December 11 edition of MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV. The live truTV telecast will feature the boxing gem of Puerto Rico, undefeated Top-Five world-rated lightweight contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO, and former five-division world champion and 2012 Fighter of the Year NONITO “The Filipino Flash” DONAIRE, in separate title bouts.

“It is a great honor to have this opportunity to attend the Ring 8 holiday event and awards dinner. I am humbled and grateful to be presented with the Fighter of the Year award for their organization and will be proud to represent them,” said Bradley.

Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs), of Palm Springs, Calif., enjoyed a stellar year which saw him win a unanimous decision over undefeated world champion JESSIE VARGAS to regain the WBO welterweight world title in June followed by a successful defense of the title in November, stopping former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS in the ninth round. It was just the third loss for Rios and the first time he had ever been knocked out in his 11-year professional career. It also marked the first fight Bradley had legendary trainer Atlas in his corner.

Remaining tickets, priced at $125.00 per person, can be purchased by contacting Bob Duffy by phone (516.313.2304), email DepComish@aol.com, or mail checks (payable to Ring 8) to him (164 Lindbergh Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762). Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities.

Tickets include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible in order to secure favorable seating.

For more information on the event and on Ring 8, go to http://www.ring8ny.com/?p=14817

For Top Rank fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing or facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing or twitter.com/trboxeo.

10.15pm.

Joshua and Whyte meet for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles at The O2 in London on December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office – and the one-time amateur rivals lit the blue touch paper in the Sky Sports studios with Johnny Nelson ahead of their battle in Greenwich.

Whyte: My mind set, it’s always been my thing. I’ll fight anybody anywhere, I’m not scared of anybody. I’m not scared of a skinny body builder. I’ve been knocking guys like him out for a long time. You want me to tell you why he’s fake? When you’re with him and you’re not around cameras he acts a certain way, I’ve spent time with him’

Joshua: What’s fake about providing for your family, earning a straight living, trying to be a role model and bringing boxing back to where it should be? What’s fake about that?

Whyte: You’re just a big Audley Harrison mate, your heart will fail you. Trust me.

Joshua: Do you know what the main thing is for me? Regardless of what he blurts out and regardless of what I may blurt out. It will be a real pleasure if me and him go to war, and we do go 12 rounds and it’s a good fight. I was watching the Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti trilogy yesterday. I was thinking how brilliant it would be if we have a real dust up, and bring something exciting back to British Boxing.

Below is a link to a short video promo for tonight’s show:

http://www.skysports.com/joshua-vs-whyte/news/33578/10085823/joshua-vs-whyte-anthony-joshua-and-dillian-whyte-go-head-to-head-in-a-fractious-gloves-are-off

Joshua’s clash with Whyte is part of a huge night of action at The O2, with Chris Eubank Jr. and Spike O’Sullivan clashing in a final eliminator for the WBA World Middleweight title.

Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title with the winner facing newly crowned WBA supremo Anthony Crolla, Liverpool Cruiserweight favourite Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak for the vacant European Cruiserweight title, Josh Warrington defend his WBC International Featherweight title against Jorge Sanchez and Joshua’s fellow Olympic gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE is in action.

Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte is SOLD-OUT – visit http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ to get your hands on tickets.

StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

IBF number-one contender, Vyacheslav Glazkov and his team led by promoters Main Events have called for a purse for a mandatory title shot with new champion Tyson Fury, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

Fury was ordered by the IBF on Monday to next face Vyacheslav “Czar” Glazkov. The camps were given 30 days to make a deal, or a purse bid would be ordered. However, on Tuesday, Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, who represents Glazkov, informed the IBF they were unwilling to participate in negotiations with Fury promoter Mick Hennessy and requested an immediate purse bid, which is allowable under IBF rules, although the fight is unlikely to happen.

The IBF sent a letter to all its registered promoters announcing a purse bid to take place at noon ET Dec. 11 at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey. The promoter who puts forth the biggest bid will win promotional rights to the bout. The minimum bid is $200,000, but the bout would almost certainly go for millions more.

Duva said though she asked for an immediate purse bid on Fury-Glazkov, she and Hennessy are talking about the fight.

“We got on the phone [Tuesday], and we had a pleasant conversation, and we’ll have another one [Wednesday],” Duva told ESPN.com.

Duva asked for the purse bid immediately to secure her fighter’s position. Had she not, Fury could have asked the IBF for an exception to fight an optional defense before the mandatory bout.

“But once we asked for the immediate purse bid, it is no longer possible [under IBF rules] for the Fury people to ask for a special exception, so that was a tactical move,” Duva said. “I am protecting my fighter’s position.”

She said she is still negotiating the fight with Wilder. Whatever happens, Glazkov will get a shot, be it against the recognized champion Fury, titleholder Wilder or a vacant title bout against Martin.

“We’re still gathering information on everything, but we’ll come to a decision quickly on what we want to do,” Duva said. “I need to speak to my fighter and his manager [Egis Klimas] before anything is decided.”

NEW YORK – December 1, 2015 – Combate Americas, the first-ever U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise founded by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-creator Campbell McLaren, today announced that it will make its debut in Los Angeles, Calif. with a stellar, nine-bout fight card at Florentine Gardens, live on NBC UNIVERSO, the modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

“This event represents Combate Americas coming of age, and presenting a lineup that is second to none with a collection of the brightest up-and-coming Hispanic fighters in the U.S.,” said McLaren.

Priced from $40, tickets for “Premier Insurance Services and Aspira Mas Present Combate Americas: Road To The Championship Hollywood,” are on sale at www.HollywoodFightNight.com.

In the bantamweight (135 pounds) main event of the live, four-fight telecast on NBC Universo, John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda, fresh off his victory at the inaugural “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship” event in Las Vegas, Nev. on September 17, will square off with fellow striking sensation Federico “Kiko” Lopez.

The 23-year-old Castaneda (8-2), a seasoned striker who hails from Mankato, Minn., earned his third consecutive victory in the form of a unanimous decision over Justin Governale in the Combate Americas cage.

A 31-year-old member of Team Quest, Lopez (10-5) of Murrieta, Calif. is riding a five fight win streak, with four of those victories having come by way of either (T)KO or submission.

In the bantamweight co-main event, Combate Americas reality television series star and power puncher Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios will square off with dangerous scrapper Anthony Paredes of Murrieta.

Palacios (5-1), a 28-year-old resident of Mission, Texas who also boasts an unblemished professional boxing record of 2-0-1, scored a thunderous, first round (1:00) KO on Benji Gomez with a head kick at the “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship” event on September 17, while the 26-year-old Paredes, another member of Team Quest, is looking to return to the win column after suffering a loss in July that snapped a two-fight win streak.

In a featured women’s atomweight (105 pounds) attraction on the live telecast, Kyra “Mogwai” Batara will collide with “Lightning Liz McCarthy.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Batara (3-3) is a 21-year-old protégé of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guru Eddie Bravo. During the “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship” event in Las Vegas, Batara pulled off a stunning upset win via unanimous decision over Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc, a former world championship challenger with five times as many professional bouts as Batara.

The 29-year-old McCarthy (2-3), also fighting out of Las Vegas, is a four-time veteran of Invicta FC, the world’s premier all-women’s MMA league. Prior to her professional debut at Invicta FC 2 where she defeated Jessica Philippus by way of first round (5:00) TKO (doctor stoppage) on July 28, 2012, McCarthy amassed a perfect, 6-0 record as an amateur.

The live NBC UNIVERSO telecast will kick off with a featherweight (145 pounds) matchup between Urijah Faber protégé and prolific finisher Erick Sanchez (5-2) of Sacramento, Calif. and fellow rising star “Ruthless” Rudy Morales (3-3) of Las Vegas.

The complete, five-bout preliminary card for “Combate Americas: Road To The Championship Hollywood” will be announced soon.

Doors at Florentine Gardens open at 5 p.m. PT for the event, and the first preliminary bout will begin at 6 p.m.

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. (www.CombateAmericas.com) is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

About NBC UNIVERSO:
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern entertainment and sports cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, Liga MX, Premier League, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com). To find the NBC UNIVERSO channel number in your area, please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentralo.

Philadelphia , PA (December 1, 2015)–Undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Julian “J Rock” Williams has laid down the gauntlet to all boxers around the world as he wants to be the first professional boxer to be tested by BOTH USADA & VADA randomly throughout the year.

Williams (21-0-1, 13 KO’s), is currently ranked number-7 by the WBC, Number-10 by the WBA, & Number-6 by the IBF, wants to prove to the world that there would be no doubt left in anyone’s mind as he continues his quest to become world champion.

The 25 year-old native of Philadelphia has climbed up the latter and has become a fan favorite throughout the world for his fan-friendly style in which he possesses terrific skills which has earned him the moniker of “Mr Do it All”

Below, Williams outlines his vision of how and why random testing is needed at the championship level

VADA vs USADA View
“I want to be known as the 1st boxer to actively participate in 365/24/7 Olympic Style Testing with two different agencies. USADA and VADA. I don’t know if I will be the best boxer of this era, that remains to be seen. But what I will prove, is that accomplishments are 100% legit. I want to be the pioneer in this. I’m presently seeking sponsors to help me. I’m not a millionaire yet, so money is an issue but I am working to get to the point where I can test continuously no matter if I have a fight scheduled or not. This will be very easy for me because I am 100% clean all the time. Not some of the time. I don’t indulge in drinking or smoking either. I don’t think it’s realistic to test every single fighter in the world. But I do think once you get ranked and/or a champion then we should be in a random testing pool. If I am able to get this done I will welcome any future opponent to participate with me. If my opponent refuses then the fans and media can draw a fair reference and conclusion.”

Last Fight
“I actually had an injury my last fight that I don’t talk about. I’ve never pulled out of a fight because of an injury and I wasn’t going to blow my opportunity to headline PBC near my hometown. So I made my mind up that I was going to blow right through my opponent. People don’t realize I had 4 first round KO’s to start my career, so I can fight like that if I choose. My trainer told me that the other fights went the distance so my fight may not be shown in it’s entirety. I kept telling him I was going to get a 1st round stoppage. So that gave me extra incentive to come through in the clutch. Cuello was a solid fighter but I knew he was in trouble from the 1st few seconds. He didn’t have the reflexes or strength to deal with me.”

Future Opponents, Post Fight Interview
“I’m not as quiet as some people think. I’m not shy either. I just don’t over talk because I will lose my edge. Close to a fight I’m in a very bad mood and I can’t lose my edge. So I don’t talk much. But I was in the zone after my fight.I had just scored a big victory in front of my folks. I love Philadelphia, I was born and raised here. But I’m specifically from West Philly and we have never had a world champion. The best fighters in Philly are usually from North Philly or South Philly. Tyrell Biggs is a mentor of mine, he’s from West Philly but he didn’t win the title. Danny Garcia and Bernard Hopkins are from North Philly…When the ref stopped the fight I was in the zone and I saw a bunch of West Phily in he house…… But honestly I knew I was going to smoke him early. My trainer had been telling me I give guys breaks sometimes by picking them apart technically. So after the ref stopped the fight I let everyone know what was up.”

“Austin Trout a potential opponent of mine who was working as a broadcaster. So I walked over and let him know what was up. Then doing my interview I let everyone know that I would go to Houston to fight Jermall Charlo for his title. But honestly I did that because my trainer was asked would I take fights with either guy. I don’t get into who I fight because I don’t care. I let him handle that. But he told me he was asked, so I just became vocal about it. But I’m not speaking on that anymore. It’s getting old and I don’t care anymore if I fight either guy. I have learned that boxing is a business. I was a little frustrated that I didn’t get either fight but I’ve learned acceptance and I have moved on. I want to concentrate on who is willing to fight and my next date. I wish those guys the best of luck and continued success.”

Next Date
“I thought I would fight 4 times in 2015 but honestly it doesn’t look that way. I definitely wanted to get 4 in because it keeps you sharp. Each fight I had this year I was sharper and sharper. Plus fighting often keeps you close to weight which is important. I was just told that I would go in January. So I just finished a two week mini camp just to work on strength. I’m in the heat of camp now with a return date of January 16th or Jan 23rd. I will be fighting the #1 spot in the IBF to become the mandatory contender to fight for that title. At the end of the day I was never given anything in boxing. I can’t get a champion to voluntarily defend against me. So by becoming a mandatory, I’m forcing a title shot and I plan on taking full advantage of it.”

WESLACO, TX (December 1, 2015) – Undefeated boxer Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa (25-0-1, 16 KOs) is going to close out his year with a ring return that will send him into 2016 as both a star in the sport, but also a new threat in the 140-pound division.

Figueroa headlines Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on NBC in primetime on Saturday, December 12. PBC on NBC will air live at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT from San Antonio’s AT&T Center when Figueroa battles former world champion Antonio DeMarco (31-5-1, 23 KOs).

South Texas’s “El Panterita” (little Panther) had a strong super lightweight debut in May against former titlist Ricky Burns and after being delayed by injuries, he is back, healthy and firing on all cylinders.

“I’m ready,” said Figueroa. “Since I’ve moved up to 140 I’ve felt stronger than ever. This week in camp, after my sparring sessions, I’ve felt that I was connecting more and that my velocity and power has increased. My May fight was a good indication of what I can do and this fight against DeMarco will be another one. This weight division feels natural to me.”

Having moved up a weight class in 2015, this year also finds Figueroa back training with his father, Omar Sr., in his hometown of Weslaco, TX.

“Boxing is in my family’s blood,” he said. “My father, sister, brother and mother are all involved with either training or fighting. Being able to train at home, surrounded by my family is important to me. Everything I do is for my family and my community.”

Growing up in both the U.S. and Mexico, Figueroa fought in over 200 amateur fights in Mexico and 100 in the U.S. before turning pro. A proud Mexican-American and Texan, the 25-year-old Figueroa is diversifying training this camp including sparring with a number of fighters from Texas as well as surrounding states.

“I’m sticking to the plan of training and conditioning this camp – cardio, sparring – but the big difference for me is really strengthening and taking care of my body through different preventative therapies. I’m icing, stretching and utilizing the Theraband in workouts. I’m also working with more recovery exercises – warm up and cool down, stimulation, ultrasound, I can tell my body and camp performance that it’s changing my body.”

Not one to sit still, the natural-born athlete takes note of some of the training regimens from past coaches in an attempt to “train smarter” and avoid overtraining.

The December 12 PBC on NBC fight will also be a family affair with his younger brother Brandon appearing on the NBCSN broadcast.

“I’m really grateful for my whole team and promoters Jesse Leija and Mike Battah. They’re giving a lot of talented Texas fighters a shot on a strong national card. Boxing needs to support and bring up talent from across all divisions, and it’s great to see some of my team as well as other top prospects getting a shot on a bill like this one. It’s helping to grow boxing.”

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeijaBattahPR, , @OmarFigueroaJr, @NBCSports and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions is proud to announce the signing of San Francisco-based super lightweight contender Karim “Hard Hitta” Mayfield (19-2-1, 11 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

A local celebrity and boxing staple in the Bay Area, the charismatic Mayfield has already beaten former world champion Mauricio Herrera, as well as then-undefeated Raymond Serrano. He won the NABO Super Lightweight Championship in 2011 and defended it successfully twice.

The 24-year-old has also served as a sparring partner for world champions Manny Pacquiao, Antonio Margarito, and Sergio Mora. Mayfield came to boxing late, at age 20, but won 54 of his 58 amateur fights before going on a tear as a professional.

“I am excited to be signing with GCP and look forward to being back in action early in 2016,” said Mayfield. “This will give me the opportunity to fight some of the top fighters in the world. I am hard at work preparing, wearing my army fatigues, ready to go duck hunting next year.”

Greg Cohen, his new promoter, says Mayfield makes a very welcome addition to the GCP stable of fighters.

“Karim has amazing natural abilities and the personality to become a crossover star,” said Cohen. “I’m very happy he’s chosen us to help guide his career. We’re going to get him back in the ring often, let him sharpen up his amazing skills and then the sky is the limit for this young man.”

Cohen says he will announce Mayfield’s first appearance under the GCP banner very soon.
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Spike O’Sullivan says Chris Eubank Jr.’s father has abandoned him ahead of their WBA World Middleweight title eliminator at The O2 in London on December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Eubank Sr. – now known as English – missed the first press conference for the fight as he went to Australia to start filming ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’, and should the former two-weight World champion last in the jungle until the final show on Sunday December 6, the highly-rated Brighton talent has not had his father and mentor around for almost a month leading up to his crunch clash.

Irishman O’Sullivan believes that English has chosen the reality TV show over the biggest fight of his son’s career, and that will be a costly mistake when they meet next weekend.

“The fact is, his Dad chose to go the chance to go to the jungle and eat animal genitals over being here with his son,” said O’Sullivan. “I think it has been to Junior’s detriment that his father is not been here for the build-up. He’s not used to being without his old man – I think he’s a lost little child without him and when we get in the ring it will be something similar.

“He’s starting to sound like his old man. He’s becoming more eccentric day by day and 99 per cent of what comes out of Chris’ mouth is absolute rubbish, he’s deluded. His father has deserted him yet again, he doesn’t give a damn about him. He’s prepared to put him in the ring and doesn’t care what happens to him as long as he makes money. It’s sad to see.”

O’Sullivan’s clash with Eubank Jr. is part of a huge night of action at The O2, topped by Anthony Joshua MBE taking on bitter rival Dillian Whyte for the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles.

Kevin Mitchell meets Ismael Barroso for the WBA Interim Lightweight title with the winner facing newly crowned WBA supremo Anthony Crolla, Liverpool Cruiserweight favourite Tony Bellew faces Mateusz Masternak for the vacant European Cruiserweight title, Josh Warrington defend his WBC International Featherweight title against Jorge Sanchez and Joshua’s fellow Olympic gold medal hero Luke Campbell MBE is in action.

Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte is SOLD-OUT – visit http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ to get your hands on tickets.

StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua MBE.

NEW YORK (Dec. 1, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® will present the WBO Middleweight World Championship between defending titlist Andy Lee and unbeaten challenger Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday, Dec. 19, live on SHO EXTREME (5 p.m. ET/PT) from Manchester, England.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL offering of the Box Nation 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.

“We’re excited to deliver this important matchup of top middleweights to the U.S. audience,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports. “The 160-pound class is one of boxing’s hottest and deepest divisions right now, and the winner of this fight should position himself for a major showdown or unification in 2016.”

Ireland’s Lee (34-2-1, 24 KOs) won the vacant WBO title with a sixth-round TKO of then-undefeated Matt Korbov in December 2014. The 6-foot-2, 31-year old was on a six-fight win streak before boxing a split 12-round draw with undefeated former champion Peter Quillin on April 11, 2015, in Brooklyn. Both fighters went down in a highly competitive scrap that was scored 113-112 for Quillin, 113-112 for Lee and 113-113.

Before turning pro Lee was a top amateur and represented Ireland in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

“It’s great that my fans in the U.S. will get to see the fight between me and Saunders and I guarantee it’s going to be exciting,” Lee said.

Saunders (22-0, 12 KOs), of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, is the WBO’s No. 1 middleweight contender. The 26-year-old is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Yoannan Bloyer last July 24 in London.

Two starts ago, in the most note-worth victory of his career, the 5-foot-11, Saunders took a 12-round split decision over Chris Eubank Jr. on Nov. 29, 2014, in London. All but one of Saunders’ fights have taken place in England; the other was Northern Ireland.

Saunders was also an accomplished amateur; he represented England in the 2008 Olympic Games as a welterweight at the age of 18. Saunders is the great-grandson of one of Britain’s most famous gypsy bare-knuckle champions, Absolom Beeney.

“This is a massive night for me and I’m excited that it’s going out live to America,” Saunders said. “The U.S. viewers will get to see just what I can do when I face Lee and become world champion. It’s a big boost for me and takes the fight to another level when American TV comes on board and then you know it’s a big fight on the world stage. I hope that (Gennady) Golovkin and (Miguel) Cotto will be both watching because I’m fast approaching their level and they’ll get to see what I’m all about.”

Promoter Frank Warren said, “I’m delighted that SHOWTIME will now be televising Lee vs. Saunders live in the U.S. as it confirms the importance of this fight on the world scene. My relationship with the network goes back many years with fights like Joe Calzaghe vs. Jeff Lacy, Ricky Hatton vs. Kostya Tszyu, Frank Bruno vs. Oliver McCall, plus Naseem Hamed and Nigel Benn fights. I believe that Lee vs. Saunders will be another great fight to add to that list because of what’s at stake for both fighters. What lies ahead for the winner will make them fight to their very best.”

White hot Chorley super-lightweight Jack Catterall believes it’s merely a matter of time before he expands Britain’s impressive current haul of 11 world boxing champions.

The bull strong 22 year old southpaw is unbeaten in 13 and already rated seventh by the WBO after relieving several notables of their undefeated status.

‘Ideally, I’d love a chance to fight for a world title eliminator in 2016 before challenging for the Big One in 2017,’ says the reigning WBO Inter-Continental king who joined the pros under rising Stockport coach Lee Beard whilst still a teenager.

‘Ok, some fights wouldn’t make sense at the minute cos there’s still a few gaps I need to breach.

‘I rate (WBO champion) Terence Crawford especially highly and study his fights very closely. He’s very powerful and does everything well. (Ukraine’s unbeaten WBC king)Viktor Postol is also a great champion.

‘I’ve not seen a lot of (Argentina’s IBF boss )Cesar Cuenca if I’m honest but he’s certainly not a fight I’d shy from and I’d be particularly suited to (current WBA titlist) Adrien Broner. I rated him at 130 (lbs) but he’s not the biggest at 140. Even I’d have an inch or two on him and his style would suit me perfectly. I’ve sparred a lot with (ex IBF Super-Featherweight champ) Argenis Mendis who also has that shoulder roll.’

Plenty would feel it is premature for the humble and hardworking Catterall to be mentioning his name alongside a quadruple world champion at this stage, especially in light of his laboured 10 round shut out over Finland’s 12-0 Jarkko Putkonen, in his last fight in October.

‘I’m my biggest critic, never pleased, and I know my last performance wasn’t my best,’ concedes the compact 5ft 7in Catterall.

‘But I went 10 rounds for the first time against another unbeaten fighter and felt in total control throughout. It was all a bit too easy. I dropped down to his level and was a bit flat.

‘Putkonen arrived fit, strong and undefeated. Had he come to win, shown some ambition, I’d have been better able to showcase what I can do. It was the same with the two Argies (Cesar Inalef and Gabriel Calfin) I fought before him. Ideally, I’d love to fight a tough, big hearted Mexican who came for war.

‘To be honest, I expected a lot more from the Finn. I know I’d fight to the death to defend my unbeaten record.’

The Lancastrian’s volatile left cross and brutal body attack have left eight victims obliterated ahead of schedule – most notably world class amateurs Nathan Brough (rsc2) and Thomas Stalker (rsc8) – but Catterall claims to be a Jack of all trades once he steps between the ropes.

‘I’ve already shown my strength and power but my skills and defence are hugely undervalued,’ says the one-time CYP champion and England amateur rep who served a brutal apprenticeship as a spar hand in several major US fight gyms.

‘I’m not in boxing to take punches. My technical qualities will only really be savoured when I face an ambitious opponent who comes to win and throws plenty of shots at me. I know from sparring top, top guys like Floyd Mayweather and ‘Canelo’ Alvarez that I’ll always perform best against better opposition.’

Despite his lofty world ranking, thus far the man they call ‘El Gato (The Cat)’ has mysteriously been overlooked for domestic honours.

‘Right now, I believe I’m the number one in Britain and I’m very happy to prove it,’ he says.

‘I know the calls have been made to Tyrone Nurse (Huddesfield’s reigning British champ) and John Wayne Hibbert (recently crowned Commonwealth boss) but, so far, we’ve not been able to lock anything down. I’d have happily challenged either on the 19th.

‘Tyrone and me would be a brilliant Roses battle. I rate him. He’s got good skills but I’m confident I’d be too strong and would break him down. And I’m more than ready for Lenny Daws (the veteran ex British champion who challenges for the European title this weekend). Hopefully, I can force my way into the mandatory slots and force those fights.’

A serious contender for the 2015 Young Boxer of the Year award, joltin’ Jack intends to conclude what has been another hugely educational semester with a sizzling second defence of his Inter-Continental title against a challenger to be named on the salivating ‘X-Mas Cracker’ bill at Manchester Arena on Saturday 19th December.

‘Overall, 2015 has been a good year for me,’ he concludes.

‘My focus was on learning every day in the gym with Lee. Every opponent is different so every camp we focus on new techniques, fresh strategies. Only a very small percentage reach the top in boxing. I intend to be one of them.

‘I’ve also had good learning fights, beaten two southpaws, gone 10 rounds for the first time, taken another unbeaten record and emerged injury free. Hopefully, I can sign off with another win in impressive style.’

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, 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.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 1, 2015 – HBO today named Peter Nelson the head of the network’s award-winning sports department, promoting him to Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. The announcement was made by Michael Lombardo, President, HBO Programming, to whom Nelson will report. Nelson, who joined HBO Sports in 2011, has been Vice President, Programming, HBO Sports since 2013.

Nelson will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the HBO Sports department, including its boxing franchise and HBO Pay-Per-View®. In addition, the HBO Sports portfolio includes the Peabody- and Emmy Award®-winning journalism program “Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel”; the nine-time Peabody Award-winning documentary team; the boxing studio show “The Fight Game With Jim Lampley”; and the landmark reality series “Hard Knocks” and “24/7,” which have garnered 12 and 18 Sports Emmy® Awards, respectively.

“Peter Nelson is the ideal choice to spearhead our groundbreaking programming initiatives as well as our commitment to world class boxing, which have made HBO Sports an acclaimed franchise for the network,” said Lombardo. “He has a comprehensive understanding of boxing, a key programming staple for our subscribers for more than four decades. We enjoyed a terrific 2015 season and can’t wait to present the best collection of fighters in the world on our platforms in the new year.”

HBO has televised boxing for 43 consecutive years and enjoyed a banner year in 2015 sparked by a host of fighters that dominate the consensus top ten pound-for-pound compilations in the sport.

Says Nelson: “The quality of HBO Sports programming is mirrored in the profound talents creating it, both those who work with HBO and those who work within it, people for whom I have deep admiration and with whom I’m excited to collaborate.”

A native of Newton, MA, Nelson attended Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Ancient Greek. He has lived in Florence, Italy, Santa Monica, CA and New York City. Nelson will assume his new role effective immediately.

(Photo courtesy: HBO/Will Hart)

Atlantic City, NJ (December 1, 2015)–On Saturday night, December 5th, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna take on Ariel Vasquez in the main event of a card that will take place at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The card is promoted by Rising Boxing Promotions in association with Vincent M. Ponte’s Gulf Stream Promotions.

The fight card will also be in conjunction with Ray McCline of The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

LaManna (18-1, 7 KO’s) of nearby Millville, New Jersey & Vasquez (12-11-2, 8 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua will take part in a 8-round welterweight bout.

Vasquez is coming off a majority decision defeat to undefeated Thomas Mattice on November 25th in Erie, PA.

This will be the maiden voyage in the 147-pound division for the 6’2″ LaManna. He spent his career at Middleweight and Jr. Middleweight.

”
I don’t know much about Vasquez other than he’s a southpaw. I’m in great shape and will be ready for the task at hand,” said LaManna.

“I feel good at the weight. I haven’t had a problem maintaining a decent weight so It wasn’t as difficult to make it. The welterweight division is wide open and I see opportunities coming in the near future.”

“Rising Promotions and Vincent Ponte’s Gulf Stream Promotions is looking to have a huge breakout 2016 and bring boxing back to Atlantic City, but first we have to get past Ariel Vasquez.”

LaManna’s trainer, Raul “Chino” Rivas has had success moving fighter’s to their proper weight class and he feels LaManna will benefit greatly fighting at Welterweight.

“This will be his first fight at 147 pounds”, said Rivas. “Camp has been excellent and he is in great shape. I believe he has been fighting out of his weight class. He is not a 154 pounder, let alone a 160 pound fighter. He is a Welterweight and people will see his knockout ratio improve.”

“Thomas will be sharp for this fight. He is still a young fighter and by next year, you will see his strength mature into his Welterweight frame,” finished Rivas.

Said, Debbie LaManna of Rising Promotions, “This is our first show and we are excited to be doing this in Atlantic City, which has an incredible boxing history. I want to thank the Claridge as well as it has been a great pleasure to work with New Jersey Athletic Commission. Larry Hazzard and Rhonda Utley are great to work with.”

Said Vinny LaManna, Father/Manager of Thomas LaManna, “Between his last two fights, Thomas has looked remarkably better. This a great move for him to go to Welterweight and I feel he will come into his own.”

Said, Vincent M. Ponte of Gulfstream Promotions, “We are pleased with the development of Thomas and we look for big things out him in 2016.

LaManna will be taking part in his 3rd fight in 4 months.

“I also like to thank my sponsors MHP, RPM Auto Sales and HARD Beverages.”

Vasquez, 28 years old turned professional in 2005 and fought his first 11 fights in his native Nicaragua. He twice fought Juan Antonio Rodriguez for the WBC Youth Featherweight title and held undefeated Eliezer Landas (10-0) to a draw in a bout for the WBA Fedecentro Super Bantamweight title.

He has faced five undefeated fighters including his last three.

In the 6-round co-feature, Welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young (11-1, 5 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take on Cherry Hill’s Anthony Prescott (5-7-2, 2 KO’s) in a battle for New Jersey bragging rights.

The 27 year-old native of Atlantic City has a record of 11-1 with five knockouts, will be making his 5th appearance in his hometown. He is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia on August 15th in Atlantic City.

Prescott has wins over undefeated Anthony Miller (1-0) and Anthony Abbruzzese (3-0). He is coming off a 6-round unanimous decision defeat to Kareem Martin on August 28th in Washington, D.C.

In a 6-round bout

John Lennox (13-3, 5 KO’s) of Carteret, NJ will take on Willis Lockett of Takoma Park, MD.

In 4-round Bouts:

Alvin Vermall (6-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Lake Place, LA will fight Brian Donahue of Philadelphia in a Cruiserweight bout

Quian Davis (0-0-1) of Vineland, NJ will fight Santario Holdbrooks (0-2) of Kannapolis, NC in a Heavyweight bout.

Edgar Cortes (2-1) of Vineland, NJ will see action in a Bantamweight bout.

Luis Perozo of New York will make his pro debut against Darius Jackson (0-2) of Anderson, SC in a Lightweight bout.

Tickets are $50 GA, $75 Ringside, $75 Stage & $125 VIP (Booths of 5 available for $500) and are available at RisingBoxingPromotions.com

The Clardige Hotel is located at 123 S. Indiana Ave. Atlantic City NJ

Facebook.com/risingstarboxing
Instagram: @risingpromo

Billy Joe Saunders has been backed by the new world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury to become the next world champion from travelling stock and predicts a new era for the sport.

Undefeated ace Saunders, who lives on a travellers’ site in Hatfield, challenges the WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee for his crown on Saturday 19th December at the Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 26-year-old is deep in preparations at the MGM training facility in Marbella for his massive showdown against Lee, but made sure he watched Fury’s sensational upset of long-reigning heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko.

“Tyson did what he said he was going to do and shook the world,” Said Saunders.

“A lot of people said he couldn’t do it and it was an impossible job, but I backed him from day one to beat Klitschko,”

“He proved that he’s a real champion by going into the lion’s den and beating a true great in Klitschko in his own backyard,”

“No one has done that to Klitschko before and it shouldn’t be underplayed,”

“I couldn’t be happier for him and his achievement. We spoke the next day and he was over the moon about his win as he rightly should be, Britain has a new heavyweight champion of the world,”

“It fantastic that the world heavyweight champion is a travelling lad, the flagship division is now ruled by a traveller, now it’s my turn to bring another world title to our community and for Britain,”

“Tyson said he’s backing me to win the WBO World Middleweight title against Lee and then we’ll both rule.”

“I believe that this is the start of a new era in boxing for gypsy fighters, Tyson’s world champion, I’m going to beat Lee and become the next world champion, and there are plenty more travelling lads coming through who are all potential world champions.”

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, 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.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

With the recent vacancy of of the IBF Bantamweight title, the Bantamweight division could be wide open for a new star.  Enter 25 year-old Nikolay Potapov.

Potapov of Podolsk, Russia just recently made his American debut with a 10-round unanimous decision over Pedro Melo on October 29th in Brooklyn, recently signed with rising promoter Salita Promotions.

The win over Melo comes on the heels of an impressive 12-round unanimous decision over IBF number-nine ranked Jason Canoy of the Philippines.

Previous to that fight, Potapov won an impressive decision over tough Mexican Martin Casillas.  With those victories, Potapov is ranked number-eight at Bantamweight.

“Nikolay is a guy that people in the states will get to know quick,” said promoter Dmitry Salita.

“After Caballero missed the weight, the division opened up in the here in the United States.  Nikolay will have the platform here in America and in New York to raise his profile.  He has already shown that he can compete with the best in the world and now he just needs the opportunity and we would love a fight with Lee Haskins.  If we have to go to the United Kingdom, we are ready.”

 

 

 

 

TOKYO, JAPAN (Nov. 30, 2015) –A drawing to determine the tournament brackets and first stage matchups for the RIZIN FIGHTING GRAND-PRIX 2015 eight-man, heavyweight tournament that will take place over the course of two days – December 29 and December 31 – and will award its winner a grand prize of $300,000, was held today in Tokyo.

BAMMA Heavyweight Champion Mark Godbeer, who had been scheduled to compete in the tournament, was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury sustained in training. BAMMA will announce a replacement fighter for the tournament soon.

Prior to the drawing, Chairman Nobuyuki Sakakibara stated, “This tournament will be the highlight of RIZIN. Fighters from around the world who are proud to represent their promotion and country, and are eager to use this platform to boost their career to make a name for themselves have gathered in the tournament. The majority of the media who gathered today may not know much about these athletes, but when K-1 first kicked off in 1993, nobody knew about Branko Cikati? or Mike Bernardo. The fighters who open up the new doors are those who exceed their expectations.”

The seven contestants slated for tournament action appeared at the press conference. Each drew an envelope numbered one through seven, and those who drew numbers one through four received the opportunity to choose their respective places in the tournament draw.

The first stage tournament matchups will be as follows:

Bout # 1: Lawal vs BAMMA fighter
Bout # 2: Aukstuolis vs Cappelozza,
Bout # 3 Ishii vs Prochazka,
Bout # 4: Reljic vs Nemkov.

A tournament reserve bout between Valentine Moldovsky and Yuta Uchida was also announced during the press conference.

Fighter Quotes:

– 1st Pick = “King Mo” Lawal – selected Slot A

“I am honored to fight for RIZIN. I am excited to showcase my skills in front of the Japanese fans and get the job done. I’m happy to be able to pick number one. I’m always number one. I’m in a position where others will pick me, my job is to crush whoever stands next to me.”

““I currently don’t have an opponent, but I’m sure that BAMMA will send a good fighter for me. But unfortunately whoever comes will get smashed so he better be prepared. I think Ishii made a smart choice by avoiding me and my bracket. Good for him.”

“That’s a lot of money! I’d buy a bunch of ice cream, some nice clothes, and go to Disney World and see a bunch of movies. I’d go to Vegas and party, and buy tons of gold accessories.”

– 2nd Pick = Teodoras Aukstuolis (BUSHIDO Europe Champion) – selected Slot C

“I am grateful to be given such an opportunity. At this level of competition, you have to be ready to fight anybody so I don’t care who my opponent will be. I believe in myself and am ready to fight anybody.”

“For me, becoming the champion in more important than the money. Money will follow as a result of being a true champion. My mind is set to win the tournament.”

“The reason why I am here is because I believe in myself. I will fight to represent my small country. My opponent has wild striking but there is no reason why I would lose. I will put on a show and come out victorious.”

– 3rd Pick = Goran Reljic (Former KSW Light Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot G

“I don’t care who fights me. My dream since I was a kid was to fight in Japan, and I am living the dream right now, my goal is to show my best performance on New Years Eve.”

“I like the matchup. I’ve been training with Sambo world champion Blagoi Ivanov and am familiar with the Sambo fight style. I know he comes from a great team, but I will be ready to take anything he has to offer so it will be a good fight.”

“I am living a childhood dream. I am more focused on continuing my journey on my dream to become a champion in Japan. I will think of what to do with the money once I achieve my goal.”

– 4th Pick = Satoshi Ishii (Beijing Olympics Judo Gold medalist) – selected Slot E

“Preparation is good. I will not feel that a fight is a fight, the battle on NYE has just begun.”

“My plan is to invest half of the prize money in gambling and will donate the rest.”

“This was a good offer that I could not turn down. An MMA tournament, Good opponents, good prize money. I don’t want to focus too much on winning the tournament because that will affect my mental game, so I will focus on one fight at a time.”

– 5th Pick = Bruno Cappelozza (Jungle Fight 100kg Champion) – selected Slot D

“I really don’t know any of the fighters here today, so I will choose my opponent and hope I’m lucky.”

“That type of big money will change my life and my family’s life. And also becoming a champion. Those two aspects will be huge accomplishments for me.”

“It has been my dream to fight in Japan. I do not know too much about my opponent, but I’m sure we will both be prepared for an exciting fight. I think this will be an excellent fight.”

– 6th Pick = Vadim Nemkov (MMA Union Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot H

“I will be representing Sambo. I would like to show the beauty of Sambo and the art of Sambo.”

– 7th Pick = Jiri Prochazka (GCF Czech Light Heavyweight Champion) – selected Slot F
“I am very excited to be able to show my skills in a country where the Samurai was born. I will not disappoint you.”

“Everybody here is tough. Since I will be fighting the hometown favorite, my fight will be gathering attention. I would like to use this opportunity and this challenge to become the next big thing.”

“It is so much money I do not know where to start. I believe that the money will come later. So as of now, my focus is to give it all I have to make RIZIN proud that they chose me for a participant.”

General Manager Nobuhiko Takada took the microphone after the drawing, “I am feeling a familiar, comfortable yet tense atmosphere right now. I am just excited to witness the birth of future stars. I hope Ishii can perform in a way where he will make us Japanese fans proud. Ishii’s first accomplishment was winning the gold medal, but we have not seen any outstanding results from him in MMA. I really hope he can use this opportunity to achieve the biggest accomplishment of his career.”

v

MONTREAL, November 30, 2015 – Although the fight is still two months away, there was already tension between unified light heavyweight title holder Sergey Kovalev and former world champion Jean Pascal at Monday’s press conference held at Bell Centre’s La Cage – Brasserie Sportive. Main Events and InterBox formally announce the rematch for the Unified WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Championship set to take place on Saturday, January 30 at Bell Centre. The event will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

While Pascal (30-3-1, 17 K.-O.), the former WBC, IBO and The Ring light heavyweight world champion, vowed to surprise Kovalev (28-0-1, 25 K.-O.), who is the current WBO and IBF light heavyweight world title holder, as well as the WBA Super World light heavyweight champ, the Canadian boxer also said that he would “teach him respect, and to respect Canadian boxing fans”.

Earlier this year, on March 14 at Montreal’s Bell Centre, Kovalev beat Pascal by TKO in the 8th round. But Pascal’s side said the 35-year-old Quebec-based boxer would make amends this time around.

“Jean Pascal put Sergey Kovalev in trouble in several rounds in the first bout, and I’m convinced he will be even better this time around,” said InterBox President Jean Bédard. “We’re in for a great fight and that’s why it didn’t take much time for HBO to decide to broadcast this rematch.”

Jean Pascal stated, “I put him down in the 8th round in the first fight, but they called it a slip. But I promise you that Kovalev is going to have a full plate in the rematch. I’m going to have a full plate as well, but I have a new trainer (Freddie Roach), I’ve changed things, I’ve improved in ways that Kovalev cannot even imagine. I’m going to break up the party, I’m going to teach him respect, and to respect Canadian boxing fans.”

“I’m not a talker, I’m a fighter,” responded Kovalev. “I’m will make him close his mouth once and for all on January 30.”

“Not many boxers have agreed to step into the ring with Krusher a second time, so Pascal must be respected for showing the guts to do it,” said Egis Klimas, Kovalev’s manager. “So even though I don’t agree with much of what Pascal says, I respect the warrior that he is.”

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 2:00 p.m. ET. Visit www.evenko.ca.

Like the first fight, the rematch will take place on Pascal’s turf and is expect to attract a large crowd at Bell Centre.

“Krusher likes to fight in his opponent’s city because he loves to disappoint the opposing boxer’s fans,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, Kovalev’s promoter.

Since the first Kovalev-Pascal fight, Kovalev beat Nadjib Mohammedi (37-4-0, 23 KO) by knock-out in the third round on July 25 in Las Vegas, while Pascal beat Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1-0, 12 KO) by unanimous decision in 10 rounds while fighting on the same card.

Pascal said he will leave home for the next two months to prepare in the United States for the January 30 fight. He will spend part of his camp south of the border with Freddie Roach, his new trainer.

“It will be a sacrifice to spend Christmas and New Year’s Day away from my loved ones, but it will be worth it. I’ll be celebrating the New Year with style on February 1st!”

“This time around, preventing Kovalev from going ahead with combinations will be key. That will be part of my game plan,” said Pascal.

“I will give it my all, I will apply all the skills I have and put them into this fight,” said Kovalev.

About Main Events
Main Events was founded in 1978 by the late Dan Duva and is now run by his widow Kathy Duva. As one of the top promotional companies in the world, Main Events has promoted boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker and many more. Currently, Main Events promotes WBO, IBF and WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev. Main Events is committed to promoting quality fights that boxing fans want to see.

About InterBox
InterBox, founded in Québec in 1997, and acquired by Groupe Sportscene in 2004, is a boxing organization that is recognized and respected throughout the Quebec province and the world. Its goal is to promote professional boxing, locally and internationally, with talented boxers who are supervised by top-notch trainers and have access to a cutting-edge support staff. InterBox regularly promotes and presents first-rate events in cooperation with such major corporate sponsors as Vidéotron, La Cage – Brasserie sportive and Coors Light.

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LOS ANGELES (November 30) – Fidel “The Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. (20-3, 17 KOs) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, signed a multi-year multi-fight promotion contract with Golden Boy Promotions today. Fresh off a victory against Lowell Brownfield in September, Maldonado Jr. is ready to continue on his journey to championship glory.

“After much consideration and other offers, I have decided remain loyal and continue my relationship with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Fidel Maldonado Jr. “I have been with the company since 2010 and they have treated me like family and have always had my best interests in mind. I am excited to continue this exciting journey with Golden Boy Promotions and I am looking forward to the success we can create together.”

“Fidel is a talented fighter with a promising future and an aggressive style that fans love so I’m pleased he has decided to re-sign with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “He is committed to taking on the toughest challenges, willing to fight the best in the sport, which matches our mission at Golden Boy Promotions. Because of this, Fidel is the type of fighter we want to promote and we are pleased he has chosen to remain with us to further his career in this sport.”

Fidel Maldonado Jr. is a determined 24-year-old veteran at 135 pounds known for his aggressive style and feared punching power. In his most recent fight on Sept. 5, Maldonado won a first-round technical knockout over Lowell Brownfield in New Mexico. In previous fights, Maldonado Jr. has been in the ring against Amir “Grand Master” Imam, which received acclaimed as potential fight of the year nominee. Maldonado Jr. has also faced tough contenders like Nelson Lara, former U.S. Olympian Luis Ramos Jr., lightweight contender Michael “The Artist” Perez, and Fernando “El Guerrero Yaqui” Carcamo earning himself the WBC Youth Silver Lightweight Title along the way. The southpaw was a standout amateur fighter with 230 amateur fights, and only recorded 12 losses. He was a bronze medalist at the 2008 National Golden Gloves Championships and a silver medalist at the 2008 U.S. National Championships.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @atriscokid become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/Fidel-Atrisco-Kid-Maldonado-235500173173319/ or follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @atriscokid.

ort Washington, MD (November 30, 2015) – Undefeated Forestville, Maryland super lightweight Mykal “The Professor” Fox (7-0, two KOs) will face his toughest challenge to date when he faces Adam “Bad Boy” Maté (18-6, 11 KOs) of Sopron, Hungary on Friday December 4 at the historic Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland. The six-round bout will headline a stacked 8-fight lineup that will not have a single boxer with a losing record on the card.
The card is promoted by Kings Promotions and tickets are currently on sale ($40/$60/$75) at www.beltwayboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430. Tickets purchased at the box office on fight night are subject to a $5 surcharge.

Fox will be making his first appearance under the Kings promotional banner after inking a deal with them on October 8, 2015. The 19-year-old undefeated prospect turned pro in April of 2014 after participating in more than 100 amateur bouts. The 6’4″ Fox is the younger brother of undefeated junior middleweight Alantez, who is a DiBella Entertainment signee. The Fox Brothers are trained by their father, Troy, at the Lloyd Irvin Academy in Temple Hills, MD.

Maté, 24-years-old, is the former Hungarian Lightweight Champion and enters the bout with wins in 3 of his last 4 bouts. His only appearance fighting in the United States, earlier this year, Maté fought valiantly in a nationally televised bout against undefeated Top Rank prospect William Silva before being stopped in the fifth round by a body shot.

The card is promoted by Kings Promotions, the matchmaker is Ross Molovinsky. Tickets are currently on sale ($40/$60/$75) at www.beltwayboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430. Tickets purchased at the box office on fight night are subject to a $5 surcharge. This will be Kings Promotions first professional boxing event in the state of Maryland.

Scheduled to appear in 6-rounds bouts:

Featherweight Thomas Snow (17-2, 11 KO’s) of Capitol Heights, Maryland will see action against Tibor Nadori (6-2-1, 3 KO’s) of Nagykanizsa, Hungary.

Charles Natal (6-0-2, 2 KO’s) of Cleveland, Ohio will take on Grayson Blake (6-4, 2 KO’s) of State College, PA. in a Welterweight bout.

Junior Castillo (7-0, 7 KO’s) of Santo Domingo, DR will fight in a Jr. Middleweight bout against Roland Nagy (6-1, 4 KO’s) of Budapest, Hungary

In 4-round bouts:

Chris Warden (1-0, 1 KO) of Lusby, MD will fight in a Jr. Welterweight bout against Bernardo Rodriguez (Pro debut) of Miami, FL

Shynggyskhan Tazhibay (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Karaganda, KAZ will take James Robinson (3-3-2, 1 KO) of York, PA. in a Welterweight bout.

Sam Crossed of Greenbelt, MD of Greenbelt. MD will make his pro debut in a Cruiserweight bout against fellow pro debuter Hampton Miller of Norwalk, CT.

Santario Martin (1-1) of Gainesville, FL will take on Nicholas Hernandez (2-1) of Reading, PA in a Middleweight bout.

Tickets, priced at $40/$60/$75, tickets are onsale online at www.beltwayboxing.com or by phone at 301-899-243

RICKY HATTON believes he’s unearthed a couple of gems in teenage punchers Sam Evans and Reuben Arrowsmith.

The Midlands duo, both 19, began training with the Hitman at his gym in Hyde, Greater Manchester during the summer and Hatton says they have shown him all the attributes needed for a rise to the top.

Arrowsmith, from Market Harborough, and Wednesbury’s Evans impressed when they made their professional debuts in October.

And Hatton is expecting similar displays when they appear on the undercard of Anthony Upton’s English super-lightweight title dust up with Joe Hughes at Walsall Town Hall next Saturday (December 5).

“You couldn’t fail to be impressed with the way Reuben and Sam took to the pros,” Ricky said. “Both boxed exactly to instruction and did a number of on their opponents.

“They’ve got very contrasting styles, but both are exciting. Reuben is more of a stylist who likes to slip and counter, while Sam is more of a relentless pressure fighter who gets inside and works the body.

“Obviously it’s early days, but I’ve seen enough from them in the gym to know they’ve got huge potential.

“They haven’t had the fanfare that some kids turning over from the amateurs get, but believe you me, boxing fans should keep an eye out for these lads.

“To be honest, I think we’ve unearthed a couple of gems. They still need a bit of polishing, but they seem to get better and better each day and I can’t wait to see them put what we’ve working on into practice in Walsall next Saturday.”

The December 5 bill is a co-promotion between Hatton Promotions and Black Country Boxing entitled ‘Jingle Brawls’ and is topped by an English super-lightweight title and British elimination clash between Malmesbury’s Joe Hughes and unbeaten prospect Anthony Upton.

Also starring will be Birmingham middleweight Luke Heron, West Brom’s Tom Stokes, unbeaten Ludlow super-welterweight Craig Morris, featherweight prospect Jack Summers, Wolverhampton’s Des Bowater, and stylish Stoke super-lightweight Kieron McLaren.

Tickets are priced at £30 (general admission) and £60 (ringside). They can be purchased from Walsall Town Hall Box Office on 0845 111 2900 or directly from any boxer on the bill.

Undefeated Irish Australian, Dennis “Hurricane” Hogan (22-0-1, 7 KOs) says he’s ready to make the most of his opportunity against defending interim WBA World Light Middleweight Champion “Golden Jack” Culcay.

Hogan, of Queensland via Kildare, Ireland, will face Germany’s Culcay on Saturday, December 5, at Inselparkhalle, in Hamburg. Culcay will be making the first defense of his title he won in May of this year.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity, these don’t come along very often so I have to make sure and do the business,” said an enthusiastic Hogan.

Hogan will be looking to become Queensland’s third world champion, behind Robbie Peden and Michael Katsidis. In his four-year pro career, he has already held the WBA-NABA USA Super Welterweight, WBA Oceania Super Welterweight and Australian Middleweight Titles.

“My opponent is a very good boxer and will be a tough test no doubt,” said Hogan of champion Culcay, “but I feel I will have a different style to what he is used to and that will help me pull of a big upset on December 5.”

Hogan was born in Ireland, but has lived the past five years in Australia.

“Dennis is not only fighting to win his first world championship, but also to become a star in his homeland and in his adopted home of Australia,” said his co-promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions (along with Adam Wilcock of FightCard Promotions). “He is training harder than he ever has to make this dream come true.”
About Greg Cohen Promotions
One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

?New York, November 30—?December will be yet another busy month for Star Boxing president Joe ?DeGuardia as he closes out 2015 with a flourish. Highlighting the season-ending flurry will be a quartet of powerful pugilists – Chris Algieri, Yunieski Gonzalez, Joshua Clottey and Joe Smith, Jr. – returning to the ring, and Promoter of the Year accolades from Ring 8.??

Former world champion and Long Island-native Chris Algieri (20-2, 8 KOs) is back at Barclays Center in Brooklyn to take on Ecuador’s Erick Bone (16-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout on Saturday night, December 5.

??”I am very excited to return to Barclays Center, where I have had some of my best showings,” said Algieri. “?I am looking forward to having my best performance yet.”?

Star Boxing’s Joe Smith, Jr. (19-1, 16 KOs), like Algieri a long Island native, will square off against firefighter Will Rosinsky (19-2, 10 KOs) in a light heavyweight clash.

The Algieri vs. Bone fight is promoted will be part of a stacked undercard featuring top regional talent. The undercard supports the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event headlined by the all-Brooklyn battle between middleweight world champion Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs (30-1, 27 KOs) and former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (32-0-1, 23 KOs). In the co-feature, WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar (27-1, 21 KOs) will face exciting Puerto Rican contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (26-4, 16 KOs).?

Tickets for the live event start at $50, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com,www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

On December 19, Turning Stone Casino will be the site for an HBO Latino® Boxing event headlined by Star Boxing’s Cuban light heavyweight contender Yunieski Gonzalez (16-1, 12 KOs) fighting out of Miami, Florida taking on the undefeated power-puncher, Vyacheslav “Lion Heart – Chigonskyy” Shabranskyy (14-0, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round light heavyweight main event.

In the co-main event, former world title contender, “King” Gabriel Rosado (21-9, 13 KOs) of Philadelphia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring against Star Boxing’s former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (39-4, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana, in a 10-round junior middleweight contest.

The HBO Latino Boxing event will start at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT (tape delay) or immediately following the HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.

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).

On Sunday, December 13, Star Boxing president and founder Joe DeGuardia will be honored as “Promoter of the Year” at Ring 8’s Annual Holiday Awards at Russo’s on the Bay in Howard Beach (162-45 Cross Bay Blvd).

From New York Golden Gloves champion in the ring as an amateur to the rise of Star Boxing ignited by Antonio Tarver’s victory over Roy Jones, Jr. to guiding Chris Algieri to challenge world champion Manny Pacquiao for the Welterweight title, DeGuardia has done it all.

A product of the Bronx, DeGuardia attended Fordham Prep and earned his undergraduate degree from Fordham University. He then attended Hofstra Law School, where he graduated at the top of his class. DeGuardia now resides in Westchester County, New York.

He has popularized the Rockin’ Fights series at The Paramount in Huntington to sellout crowds on a regular basis, and is the promoter of such standouts as world champions Chris Algieri and Demetrius Andrade, as well as Zac Dunn, Cletus Seldin, Joshua Clottey,Yuniesky Gonzalez and Joe Smith, Jr.

Ring 8, the Veteran Boxers Association of New York, is the not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping former professional boxers in need of financial assistance. Its motto is “Boxers helping boxers.”

Tickets for this event are priced at $125 a person, and include brunch, cocktail hour, and open bar. Checks can be made payable to Ring 8 and sent to P.O. Box 724, Massapequa, NY 11762. For more information, please contact Bob Duffy at 516-313-2304 or at depcomish@aol.com. Tickets may also be purchased directly from Star Boxing by calling 718-823-2000 or visit www.StarBoxing.com and will receive a special momento with each ticket purchased.

LONDON (30 NOVEMBER) European super-lightweight title challenger Lenny Daws has warned Spain’s Ruben Nieto to expect a hostile reception from his Carshalton fans when the pair lock horns this Saturday night (December 5) at the Westcroft Leisure Centre, live on Channel 5.

Daws and Nieto meet for the European super-lightweight crown, a belt vacated by former champion Michele Piccirillo, and Daws feels home advantage could be key on the night, especially against a man who has only once boxed outside his native Spain.

“You’ve got to look at his record,” said Daws. “He’s had fifteen fights in Madrid. He’s never really come out of his hometown, he’s still unproven and there are lots of question marks over him. He’s yet to really step outside of his comfort zone and prove himself.

“He ain’t going to like Carshalton at all. He’s going to be well up against it. He won’t be used to the noise and the atmosphere. I wouldn’t want to be coming into an atmosphere like that as the away fighter.

“But I take my hat off to him for coming over. I don’t know how he’ll cope with my Carshalton fans, but he’ll have to figure something out.”

Thirty-six-year-old Daws, 30-3-2 (11 KOs), has become something of a road warrior in recent years, fighting in various pockets up and down Britain, but is now delighted to be boxing for the European title just a stone’s throw from his front door.

“The last time I boxed close to home was when I boxed at York Hall four or five years ago,” he said. “Since then I’ve been up and down the country and out to Italy. I haven’t had a home base behind me for a while now, but this is all I have ever wanted – boxing for the European title right next to my house.

“It’s about a mile from my house and half a mile from my mum’s house. It’s literally just up the road. I think a lot of my people will walk there on the night. I can’t see them bothering to drive. It’s too close for that.

“It makes the world of difference, too, not only to ticket sales, but also in the fight itself. It really helps you in the long, gruelling fights; when it starts to get tough and painful, you hear the noise and it drives you on. It helps a lot.

“We could have sold out the Westcroft many times over, based on how the tickets have just flown out the door. The atmosphere is going to be amazing. They’ll have to be careful the roof doesn’t come off.”

Daws continued: “When I was telling people about the fight, they couldn’t believe it was going to be there. They couldn’t believe it was going to be so close. They’d say, ‘You’re joking, aren’t you?’ I then showed them the tickets and they believed, but it was tough convincing them at first. This fight is basically taking place in my living room and, for a European title fight, that’s pretty much unheard of.”

*** A limited amount of tickets for Destiny: Daws vs. Nieto are priced at £100 and £40 and can be purchased from the Ticketline on 0844 888 4402 ***

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Tickets are on sale NOW for the massive all-British WBO World Lightweight title clash between Terry Flanagan and arch rival Derry Mathews on Saturday 13th February, 2016, at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

All-action Flanagan makes the second defence of the title against warrior Mathews in the potential thriller that pits the red-hot Manchester v Liverpool rivalry along with plenty of pride and honour at stake.

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

Liverpool Echo Arena
0844 8000 400
www.echoarena.com

Ticketmaster (on sale at 12.30pm on Tuesday 1st December)
0844 844 0444
www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

A top quality undercard will be announced shortly.

James DeGale MBE says he wants to take the WBC World Super-Middleweight title from Badou Jack after successfully defending his IBF crown against Lucian Bute in Quebec on Saturday night.

DeGale travelled to Bute’s backyard for the first defence of the title he won on the road against Andre Dirrell in Boston in May, with the Romanian-Canadian looking to regain the title he surrendered to Carl Froch in 2013 in his tenth defence.

The Brit raced out of the blocks with great intent and poured the pressure on the challenger from the start, but Bute provided stiff opposition as he was roared on by a partisan crowd. DeGale was troubled by a cut above his left eye from the fifth round – triggering a period of the fight in the middle rounds that the champion admitted to coasting in – but Bute was unable to penetrate the smart defence of DeGale who finished strongly down the stretch to take the fight 117-111, 117-111 and 116-112 on the cards.

“I am peaking now,” said DeGale. “I don’t want to waste any time, so in the next three and four years I want the big fights. I go to Jamaica on a family holiday on December 28, but when I get back, I am right back on it and I would like to be back out in April.

“I think I put on a good performance. I made it a competitive fight, a good exciting fight. It’s all down to me. I could have been boring and moved and boxed him, I am at my best when I am in the pocket, ducking and throwing shots through the middle. I didn’t take any risks, I was just flowing. I cruised through some of the middle rounds and I have to stop that, but it was a good fight to watch and I think people enjoyed it, that’s the main thing.

“I think the US networks like me and want me back in the US. I remember growing up and watching the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed go over to Madison Square Garden and Las Vegas, defending his belts, I looked at that and said one day I am going to do that, and that’s what is happening now.

“It’s a good 12 rounds against a top level opponent and I am only going to get better. I’ve beaten two elite fighters in my last two fights, and I’ve gone overseas to do it, and I want to do it all again by going to Las Vegas and unifying titles against Badou Jack.

“I never overlooked Lucian. I knew he was going to be good but I am just confident in my ability and I knew I was going to beat him. He’s brave, he showed heart and he dug in. He’s a great fighter, he had nine World title defences, you have to recognise that he’s an elite level guy, and you have to give me credit for dealing with him comfortably. He showed he still has it and can mix it at the top level, he still has big fights in him, he made it competitive and he sells over here.

“Jim McDonnell keeps telling me to stop taking my foot off the gas in the middle rounds and I have to stop doing that. It’s because I go into cruise control when it’s too comfortable, but I am going to work on that and next time, it won’t happen – I said that after Dirrell, but I really mean it this time.

I looked outside the ring when the final bell went and looked at Eddie Hearn and said: ‘I won that right?’ He said ‘yeah, definitely’. People were a bit worried because we’re in Canada and some of the punches he was throwing weren’t close to landing because my defence was really good, but because of the home crowd getting right behind him, some of the rounds looked closer than they were. The judges had it right, four or five rounds. The cut bothered me more than the Dirrell fight. The Vaseline was going into my eye and I couldn’t see properly.”

DeGale’s win crowned a great night for British boxing coming just a few hours after Tyson Fury stunned Wladimir Klitschko in Germany to land three of the World Heavyweight titles, becoming Britain’s 11th current World champion in the process.

“The Brits are flying right now,” said DeGale. “Tyson pulled off the upset in Germany, I watched it in the hotel, it really did inspire me to go out and keep hold of my title, it gave me that extra push. I boxed in the amateurs with him and been around squads with him, and he’s gone on to prove a lot of doubters wrong.”

Team Sauerland is delighted to announce the signing of British heavyweight Dereck Chisora (22-5, 14 KOs) on a multi-fight contract.

The 31 year-old former British, Commonwealth and European Champion will make his promotional debut on December 5 at the Inselparkhalle in Hamburg, Germany.

‘’I’m excited to be working with the Sauerlands,’’ said Chisora. ‘’This is a start of a new chapter for me. I’ve got a whole new team around me and I’m looking forward to getting back in the mix starting on December 5. I’m fit, I’m focused and ready to rock ‘n’ roll!’’

‘’We’re thrilled to welcome Dereck to the team,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’The heavyweight scene is thriving at the moment and I believe he still has a big part to play in this.

‘’I’ve been impressed with his attitude. The determination and desire is still there and I expect him to be back challenging for titles in the New Year.’’

An opponent for Chisora’s fight on December 5 will be announced shortly. The Finchley-man joins a heavyweight line up at Hamuburg’s Inselparkhalle including former World title challenger Kubrat Pulev and interim WBA World Light Middleweight Champion ‘Golden’ Jack Culcay.

Carlos Ocampo won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jorge Paez Jr. in a Welterweight bout at Arena Tequisquiapan in Tequisquiapan, Queretaro, Mexico.

Ocampo of Ensinada, MX won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 99-92 and is now 17-0. Paez of Mexicali, MX is 39-7-2.

Emanuel Navarette scored a 3rd round stoppage over Ramsas Agaton in a scheduled 10-round Bantamweight bout.

Navarette is now 12-1. Atagaon is 9-8-3.

Uriel Perez scored a 5th round stoppage over Miguel Angel Bautista in a scheduled 6-round Lightweight fight.

Perez dropped Bautista with a right to the head in round four. Perez finished the fight in the next round when he landed a perfect right that sent Bautista to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:32 of round five.

Perez of Quintana, MX is 7-1 with 6 knockouts. Bautista of Mexico City, MX is 5-3-2.

James DeGale defended his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship in a thriller over hometown favorite and former champion Lucian Bute on Saturday in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

It was the first title defense for DeGale, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist from Britain who went on the road to Boston to win the title earlier this year and chose to defend in hostile territory.

Bute, who was attempting to win back the IBF belt he defended nine times between 2007 and 2012, put on an inspired and gutsy performance in an electric atmosphere to open the new Videotron Centre in Quebec City.  But the unbelievable pace, as well as an arsenal of overhand rights, body shots and combos from the younger DeGale (22-1, 14 KOs) proved to be the difference as DeGale prevailed 116-112, 117-111 (twice).

“I’m young and I’m fresh. I’m peaking right now,” DeGale said.  “I’m ready for the best in the world. Credit to Bute – he’s a great champion and believe me, he will be back.”

“Like I’ve said in the past, he is a world-class fighter. I’ve still got things to work on in the next three or four years and I’m going to be my best.”

Bute (32-3, 25 KOs) didn’t look anything like the fighter that lost to Carl Froch in 2012.  But while the 35-year-old stalked the switch-hitting DeGale with a relentless attack, he couldn’t do enough to overpower the supremely active Brit, who threw 524 power punches compared to 278 for Bute.

“I think it was a great fight.  I did my best tonight,” Bute said.  “I think it was a close fight.  He’s an Olympic champion, he’s a world champion.  If the judges give him the decision I respect that. I’ll be back in the gym to work hard and continue to fight.  I think it was a very close fight.  I’m happy with my performance and I’ll be back in the gym to get back in the ring one more time.

“The last three years were difficult for me.  After I lost to Carl Froch that was a very difficult period for me.  I took a break, and now I’m back.  I feel great, I feel healthy and now I have one more chance to be back on the top.

“Maybe a few rounds I waited too much and didn’t put the punches together and I let James fight me.  When I pushed pressure and pushed back I won the round.”

Eleider Alvarez earned a title shot at Adonis Stevenson by winning a 12-round majority decision over Isaac Chilemba in a Light Heavyweight bout.

Alvarez of Montreal won by scores of 118-110, 115-113 and 114-14 and is now 19-0.  Chilemba is 24-3-2.

“I knew I had to finish the later rounds strong, but I believe I did enough to win the fight,” Alvarez said.  “I’m ready to accept the challenge and face Stevenson. To be the world champion, you have to beat the champion. So that’s what I aim to do.”

“I thought I did enough to win it,” Chilemba said.  “But it is what it is. I guess you can call it a hometown decision.”

After the fight, SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer sat down with Stevenson to get his thoughts on Alvarez-Chilemba and his future.

“It was a close physical fight,” Stevenson said.  “He (Alvarez) won this fight but it was very close.”

“We talk about Kovalev because the WBC still ranks him the No. 1 contender.  I want this fight to happen.  The fans want it to happen.  I said June is perfect for me.  He said ‘OK, June,’ Kathy Duva said ‘No problem, June.’  Then she said on HBO.  I said, ‘Forget about the TVs, let them talk.’  We want the fight to happen.  Let the TVs work together and make it happen.

“I want to fight Kovalev.  That’s the best opportunity for me because I want his titles.  For sure, this fight will happen in June.  I don’t have a problem; my team doesn’t have a problem.  I want this fight in June.

Kovalev is scared.  I talked to him, saw it in his eyes that he’s scared of me.  It will happen, but I know Kovalev is scared.  I want Kovalev.  I’m very hungry to get his titles.”

Adrian Granados foiled the title hopes of previously undefeated Amir Imam by shaking off a 1st round knockdown to come back to win an 8th rounds stoppage in a scheduled 10-round Super Lightweight bout.

Imam dropped Granados with a powerful left hook in round one.  Granados didn’t seemed to fazed after that as he started to land sharp hard combinations and started to push Imam back.  In round seven, Imam was bleeding from his nose and seemed to be wearing down.  That seemed to be true as in round eight, Granados landed a hard combination that rocked his head back and the fight was stopped at 2:34 of round eight.

Granados of Cicero, IL is now 17-4-1 with 12 knockouts.  Imam, who had a mandatory title shot with Viktor Postol is now 18-1.

“It feels great. Once I had him wobbled I was like, ‘you’ve got to get him now. This time you’re not taking it from me.’  It was a flash knockdown. He caught with the right hand, but I was alright. I just popped right up and I knew he was going to try and finish me. We got out of it and went right back to work.”

“I know people might say I shouldn’t have taken this fight, but I needed this fight in between as a tune-up for my next fight because I didn’t want to wait for the six to eight months for the world title shot.

“The key to the fight was my jab, I just didn’t use it enough,” Imam said.  “But that’s the way it goes and I’m going to definitely come back stronger. I wasn’t thinking anything after that first-round knockdown.  I’ve done that many times and didn’t think the fight was over.  I wasn’t surprised at all by the way he came out. I know how he fights. He’s a good fighter and that’s all there is to it.”

Former Colombian Olympian Oscar Rivas scored a 2nd round stoppage over Joey Abell in a 10-round Heavyweight bout.

In round two, Rivas landed a combination on the ropes that set up two flush lefts that slumped Abell on the ropes and a follow up right drilled a prone Abell at 46 seconds of round two.

Rivas of Montreal is 18-0 with 13 knockouts.  Abell of Coon Rapids, MN is 31-9.

 

Follow all the action from Quebec City, Canada when James DeGale defends the IBF Super Middleweight title against former world champion Lucian Bute.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT  that will feature a Light Heavyweight elimination bout between Isaac Chilemba and Eleider Alvarez-AUTOMATIC BROWSER REFRESH

Round 1 DeGale lands an over hand left

Round 2 Bute lands a body shot..body shot..DeGale counters..Good body shot..left..body shot..shot to head

Round 3 Nice jab from DeGale..Bute lands an uppercut…Good exchange in the middle of the ring

Round 4 Right from Bute..Counter left from DeGale..Cuffing left and uppercut..Left from Bute..left..

Round 5 DeGale cut around his right eye..Bute lands a right hook…Right uppercut from DeGale..

Round 6 Cut caused by accidental headbutt..Jab from Bute..left from DeGale..left uppercut..3 rights..right hook..

Round 7 Right uppercut from DeGale..hard right..right..Left to body from Bute..Jab from DeGale..Body work..jab..Bute lands a left..

Round 8 Trading jabs…Right hook from DeGale..Nice left-right..right…

Round 9 Bute trying to work the body..right to body from DeGale..short right..nice body work..body ..counter right from Bute..

Round 10 Degale lands a combination..Right uppercut…good body work..up-jab..Left From Bute..Good Counter from deGale

Round 11 Nice Jab from DeGale..Straight left from Bute..Left from DeGale..Left from Bute…

Round 12 Trading jabs..body work from DeGale..big over hand left from DeGale..right..

116-112, 117-111, 117-111 JAMES DEGALE

Round 1 Good right from Alvarez…2 nice jabs

Round 2 Alvarez lands a right..Jab from Chilemba..Trading right hands

Round 3

Round 4 Left from Alvarez..Left..Jab..Combination

Round 5 Alvarez working the body..Chilemba lands a counter left hook..Flurry from Alvarez

Round 6 Right from Alvarez..Jab..Right..Chilemba lands a jab…Combination to body

ROUND 7 Right from Chilemba..Counter right from Alvarez…Jab from Chilemba..Jab..left hook..Alvarez wokding the body..Exchnage jabs…Counter right from Chilemba

Round 8

118-110, 115-113 Alvarex…114-114

 

Round 1 Granados lands a left and left to body…Imam lands a left and a jab…HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES GRANADOS…Big right..Right to head..left to body..left and right…Granados in trouble..Counter right from Imam..Right from Granados

Round 2 Right from Granados…4 punch combination..4 jabs from Imam..Good right

Round 3 Uppercut from Imam..2 rights from Granados…Good body shot with the left from Imam..Sharp right..Chopping right

Round 4 Right and left from Granados. Combination from Imam…4 punch combination from Granados..3 punch combination..2 rights from Imam…

Round 5 4 Punch combination from Imam..2 punch combination..Granados working..Body from Imam..Head shot from Granados..right from Imam..Granados lands a right that backs Imam up..left from Granados..

Round 6 Combination from Granados..6 punch combination and a uppercut…Hard 1-2…Good left..Good counter right from Imam..combination…5 punch combination from Granados

Round 7 3 rights from Granados…Left to body from Imam..Left from Granados..Good combination..Blood on the face of Imam..Left from Granados..

Round 8 Granados lands a right…Imam looks tired….BIG COMBINATION ON THE ROPES…AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Abell lands a left to the head..Right to body from Rivas..Counter left from Abell

Round 2 Left and right from Rivas…Hard combination AND A RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ABELL AND THE FIGHT IS OVER