NEW YORK (April 8, 2023)-Undefeated light heavyweight Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe will be back in action when he takes on James Quiter in a six-round bout at The Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas.

Coe of Flemington, New Jersey, has a record of 4-0-1 with two knockouts. The 26 year-old Coe, continues to take on solid opposition as he already has wins over Dylan O’Sullivan (1-0) and his last fight when Coe took a six-round unanimous decision over Bradley Olmeda (5-0) on November 12, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Quiter of Oak Park, Illinois is 6-1-1 with six knockouts. On June 18, 2022, Quiter won the Illinois State Super Middleweight title with a first round stoppage over Simon Buettner (8-1). He knocked out Buettner again in the opening round of their rematch on October 15, 2022 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Coe, who is co-managed by Keith Connolly and promoted by Matchroom Boxing, weighed 175.8 lbs. Quiter was 174.8 lbs.

The fight can be seen live on The Matchroom Boxing Youtube channel at 5:15 ET.

Photo Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom.

Vancouver – UFC^®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, confirmed today its return to Canada for the first time in almost four years when it hosts UFC^® 289 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on Saturday, June 10. Stay tuned for fight announcements.

UFC^® 289 tickets will go on sale Friday, April 21 at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, April 19 at 12 p.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 20 starting at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Fight fans wanting to keep up to date with all further bout and ticketing information for UFC^® 289 can register their interest at http://www.ufc.com/vancouver.

UFC^® 289 main card will air live on Pay-Per-View starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Televised prelims will broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on TSN and RDS channels, with the night’s early prelims kicking off exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

UFC^® 289 marks the first UFC event in Canada since UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: COWBOY vs. GAETHJE in Vancouver in September 2019. Since debuting with UFC^® 83: SERRA vs. ST-PIERRE 2 in 2008, UFC has held a total of 31 premiere sporting events in Canada, across 11 cities and which featured 19 world championship bouts.

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
 
Jesus Martinez (119.4lbs)  vs.     Jose Lopez (118.4lbs)
DelRio, Texas                                  Ridgewood, New York
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
 
Khalil Coe (175.8lbs) vs.     James Quiter (174.8lbs)
Jersey City, New Jersey               Oak Park, Illinois
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Marc Castro (133lbs) vs.     Ricardo Lopez (133.6lbs)
Fresno, California                         Tijuana, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Israil Madrimov (158.8lbs) vs.     Raphael Igbokwe (160lbs)
Chiva, Uzbekistan                         Houston, Texas
 
Live on DAZN from 7pm CST
 
10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title
 
Thomas Mattice (129lbs)   vs.     Ramiro Cesena (130lbs)
Cleveland, Ohio                   Baja California, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Americas Featherweight title
 
Raymond Ford (126lbs)      vs.     Jessie Magdaleno (126lbs)
Camden, New Jersey          Las Vegas, Nevada
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles
 
Murodjon Akhmadaliev (121.6lbs)     vs.     Marlon Tapales (121.8lbs)
Chust, Uzbekistan                                           Lanao del Norte, Philippines
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins Vacant WBO World Flyweight title
 
Jesse Rodriguez (111.4lbs) vs.     Cristian Gonzalez (112lbs)
San Antonio, Texas                      Tultitlan, Mexico

Sebastian Fundora – 153.3 lbs.

Brian Mendoza – 153.5 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Nathan Palmer (Ind.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 141.3 lbs.

Pedro Campa – 141.2 lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

Note: Contracted weight 142

Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Luis Núñez – 125.9 lbs.

Christian Olivo – 125.4 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), George Cruz (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gabriel Maestre – 150.1 lbs.

Devon Alexander – 152.5 lbs.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: David Soliven (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.). 

Super Featherweights – 8 Rounds

Adrian Corona – 134.3 lbs.

Jerry Perez – 134.9 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Nathan Palmer (Ind.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Heavyweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Frank Sanchez – 247.4 lbs.

Daniel Martz – 275 lbs.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Rudy Barragan (Calif.), Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Tiffany Clinton (Calif).

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two more Hall of Famers are included on the telecast team – Emmy^® award winning reporter Jim Gray, and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. Michael C. Williams is the ring announcer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. with Ray Smaltz III producing and Bob Dunphy, son of Hall of Fame boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as the expert analyst. The SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show host Luke Thomas.

#          #          #

ABOUT FUNDORA VS. MENDOZA

Fundora vs. Mendoza will see undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraMendoza,  follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

    •  Shakur Stevenson 134.4 lbs. vs. Shuichiro Yoshino 135 lbs
(WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Lynne Carter, John Signorile and Robin Taylor
Referee: Allen Huggins

   •   Jared Anderson 247.4 lbs vs. George Arias 236.6 lbs
(WBO International & US WBC Heavyweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

•  Keyshawn Davis 134.2 lbs vs. Anthony Yigit 134.8 lbs
 (WBO Intercontinental & US WBC Lightweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

•    Damian Knyba 258.2 lbs vs. Curtis Harper 267.6 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Troy Isley 159.2 lbs vs. Roy Barringer 157.8 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Bruce Carrington 126.4 lbs vs. Brando Chambers 125.6 lbs
 (Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•  Kelvin Davis 142.2 lbs vs. Nelson Morales 142.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Antoine Cobb 143.8 lbs vs. Jaylan Phillips 142.2 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS – April 7, 2023 – Undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a media workout in Las Vegas Thursday ahead of his long awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Davis vs. Garcia is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and the telecast is produced by SHOWTIME PPV.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and are available through www.axs.com. 

Davis will headline a pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT as he faces Garcia in a rare matchup of unbeaten superstars in the primes of their careers. Davis has established himself as one of boxing’s hottest, must-see attractions, selling out arenas in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and most recently, Washington D.C., and with a victory on April 22, can solidify himself as the future face of boxing.

Here is what Davis and his longtime trainer Calvin Ford had to say Thursday from Barry’s Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“Make sure you come early and get your popcorn or whatever you want to get, because this is gonna be an early night for sure.

“I’m feeling great. Everything is about staying completely focused on the task, because I know I have a challenge in front of me on April 22.

“Me and coach Calvin have been doing this for so long, he’s a major key to my success over the years. I’d be nowhere without him, so I always keep him close to me.

“Ryan is gonna have to show me that he has more than just a left hook. I’m gonna be on point that night because I’m getting ready for the best Ryan Garcia. I just don’t feel that he’s a complete fighter and come April 22 I’m gonna show him.

“This win would mean a lot. Beating someone young, explosive and in their prime says a lot. I feel like this fight is big for the sport. We’re drawing in a lot of people and a win on that night is really like winning a world title again.

“This is gonna be spectacular. It’s gonna be two young guys who are hungry. You gotta tune in or be here in Las Vegas.

“I think he’s trying to hype himself to get into the fight when he talks about knocking me out in two rounds. I don’t think he really believes that.

“Representing Baltimore means a lot to me. I’m doing it for the people who are just like me. I’m trying to give them hope. No matter what you’ve been going through, the future is bright.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“’Tank’ just needs to listen and do what he’s been doing all along. I’ve seen the journey to here a long time ago. That night is his night. We’ll walk through that fire or that desert or whatever we have to walk through.

“I’m still looking for that fighter to bring the best out of ‘Tank’. No one has seen the best out of him yet. Coaches that have been around us for years know that people haven’t seen all that he can do.

“I don’t train ‘Tank’ for knockouts, I train him for punishment. Hector Luis Garcia got a glimpse of it in the last fight. I want him to punish Ryan.

“I wouldn’t say the Mario Barrios fight is the example of how ‘Tank’ fights a taller fighter like Ryan Garcia, because each fighter fights differently. He was able to handle what Barrios wanted to do, but we’ll see if that’s how Ryan wants to fight. Whatever you want to bring, you better come bring it.

“He’s taking pages out from some of the greatest in the sport. We’ve got a lot of different people coaching different parts of his game and everyone is doing their part.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a long awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Ghana’s Sena Agbeko in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com and goldenboypromotions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions and @GoldenBoyBoxing, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotionss and @GoldenBoy or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing, www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/ and www.Facebook.com/goldenboy/

ARLINGTON, TX (April 7, 2023): Knockout artist and undefeated pugilist William “El Camarón” Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo, Mexico will return to the ring after pulling an upset against Joseph Diaz, Jr. last October 2022 and is now scheduled to defend his WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title against former world champion challenger of Curundu, Panama Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (19-2, 14 KOs). The two fighters will participate in a 12-round lightweight fight that is presented in association with Sampson Boxing. The event, originally announced as Eimantas Stanionis versus Vergil Ortiz, Jr., will still take place at College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. 

“I am very excited for the opportunity to showcase my talents to all my Texas fans,” said William Zepeda. “You don’t want to miss April 29th, get ready to see who ‘El Camarón’ is live!”

“I can’t predict the outcome of a fight, but one thing’s for sure: I’m stepping into that ring with everything I’ve got,” said Jaime Arboleda. “I am ready to give it my all and leave it all in the ring. Bring it on.” 

“In an absolutely stacked lightweight division, I don’t think there is anyone I would favor over Zepeda,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “But other fighters have been favored over Arboleda before and ended up tasting defeat. To get to the next level, Zepeda must continue to use the volume of punches and relentlessness that have made him a force to be reckoned with.” 

In the co-main event, Diego De La Hoya (24-1, 11 KOs) will participate in a 10-round featherweight fight against stablemate Victor Morales (17-0-1, 8 KOs). De La Hoya was last seen December 2022 with a victory against Jose Santos Gonzalez. Morales is coming off of a win against Diuhl Olguin last November 2022. 

Guadalajara’s Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (12-0, 10 KOs) will participate in a 10-round welterweight bout against Chicago’s Frederick Lawson (29-3, 22 KOs). Curiel is coming in hot after an explosive, second-round victory against Brad Solomon last December 2022. 

In the night’s special female championship presentation, the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine Flyweight World Champion of Houston, Texas, Marlen Esparza (13-1, 1 KOs) will defend her titles against Merlo, Argentina’s Gabriela Alaniz (14-0, 6 KOs). The fight is scheduled for 10-rounds. 

Opening up the DAZN broadcast with eight-rounds of super middleweight action, Reading Pennsylvania’s David Stevens (12-0, 9 KOs) will face off against Marco Periban (26-6-1, 17 KOs) of Mexico City. Opening up fight night, Caleb Zuniga (1-0) of Austin, Texas will participate in a four-round super featherweight fight against a soon to be announced opponent. 

Tickets are on-sale and are priced at $150, $90, $60, $45 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at UTATickets.com, AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Fans who previously purchased Stanionis vs. Ortiz, Jr. tickets have two options: (1) Keep purchased tickets and receive a partial refund of the difference with the new price or (2) a full refund of tickets purchased. Ticket holders are highly encouraged to fill out their preference at THIS link. If an option is not chosen, tickets will remain the same at the original price point. 

Media interested in applying for a credential can apply HERE. Media credential applications are due by EOD April 17. 

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Zepeda vs. Arboleda is a 12-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, AutoZone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 29  at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZepedaArboleda

Bryan Flores was knocked down in the opening round, but came back to win a 10-round split decision over Shinard Bunch in a junior welterweight at The Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, Californina.

At the end of round one, Bunch landed a combination out of the corner that put Flores on his back. Flores worked himself back in the fight and won by scores of 96-93 for Bunch and 97-92, 95-94 for Flores.

Bunch landed 104 of 411 punches. Flores was 103 of 398.

Flores, 139 1/2 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 24-0-1. Bunch, 139 1/2 lbs of Trenton, NJ is 20-2-1-1.

Schramm wins Majority Decision over Brown

Guido Schramm won a 10-round majority decision over Jahyae Brown in a super welterweight fight.

Schramm landed 210 of 805 punches. Brown was 180 of 570.

Scgramm, 153 3/4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95 and is now 16-1-1. Brown, 153 3/4 lbs of Schenectady, NY is 13-1.

Garcia and Terry Battle to Draw

Raul Garcia and Robert Terry battled to a eight-round draw in a super welterweight bout.

Garcia landed 92 of 455 punches. Terry was 91 of 309.

Each fighter won a scorecard by a 77-75 total, and a third card was even at 76-76.

Garcia is 12-0-1. Terry is 9-0-1.

PHILADELPHIA (April 7, 2023)—Handsome, brash, and flashy, the lightweight southpaw Tyrone Everett was one of the hottest names to emerge during the fervent Philadelphia boxing scene of the 1970s. But his seemingly unstoppable ascent to superstardom came to an abrupt and gruesome halt on the morning of May 26, 1977, on the second floor bedroom of a row home on Federal Street in South Philadelphia. Only twenty-four years old, Everett was discovered dead with a bullet in his head delivered by his girlfriend, Carolyn McKendrick. On the kitchen table were thirty-nine sealed bags of heroin, primed for distribution. The lone witness to the shooting was a gay, cross-dressing drug dealer who, depending on the source, may have been caught in bed with Everett. McKendrick, who claimed she had been repeatedly abused by Everett, would end up serving a prison sentence, but for years the scuttlebutt on the streets of South Philadelphia suggested there were reasons to doubt the official story.

Even for a sport as fundamentally wedded to the sad and sordid as boxing, the untimely death of Tyrone Everett stands out for its head-scratching irresolution and sorrow. In Murder on Federal Street, journalist and debut author Sean Nam sheds light on Everett’s grim last days, clearing up long-held misconceptions, raising new questions, and, along the way, offering revelatory information, including Everett’s entanglement with the Black Mafia, the harrowing criminal consortium that controlled the dope trade in South Philadelphia during the ’70s.

Nam also parses one of the most infamous miscarriages inside the ring, one that continues to trigger heated debates among hard-core fans: the 1976 lightweight title fight at the Spectrum in Philadelphia between Everett and Alfredo Escalara that took place just six months before Everett’s death. Everett, to the eternal confoundment of the hometown crowd, lost by split decision. Nam shows how the shoddy proceedings of that night were almost certainly the result of a carefully deliberated frame-up. Indeed, whatever walk of life he was on, Everett was seemingly star-crossed at every turn. As award-winning writer Carlos Acevedo (Sporting Blood, The Duke) notes in an astute foreword to the book, Everett suffered from the “crooked overlap” between corruption in the streets and in boxing.

Deeply researched and vividly reported, Murder on Federal Street weaves together racial politics, urban history, and sociology to situate Everett in the wider context of a tumultuous era, one marked by civil rights strife and economic depression. The book also takes pains to show how Everett measured up to his Philadelphian colleagues (Bennie Briscoe, Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Bobby “Boogaloo” Watts, Eugene “Cyclone”, et al.) in a bustling boxing culture now regarded as one the last great regional renaissances in American prizefighting. Interviews conducted with key figures—from Everett’s younger brother to his promoter, J Russell Peltz—help flesh out the life of a memorable fighter whose name has been obscured—and distorted—by time.

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Murder on Federal Street is a stirring, true-crime account of a modern-day Icarus, whose ambition led him toward a path of distinction but also ultimately his downfall.

Sean Nam is available for interviews.

Advance reader copies available upon request. Please contact Rushcuttersbaybooks@gmail.com

Advance Praise for Murder on Federal Street:

“Until now, only hard-core boxing fans were aware of Everett’s story—minus perspective and large chunks of critical and significant facts. Now, thanks to Nam, the picture has gone from cloudy to clear and complete.”

—Steve Farhood, boxing analyst for Showtime, 2017 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and former editor of The Ring magazine

“[Murder on Federal Street is] investigative reporting and storytelling at its finest with a touch of Goodfellas meets Raging Bull.”

—Harvey Araton, New York Times best-selling author

“If there’s a hero [in Murder on Federal Street], it’s Sean Nam, whose obsessional reporting and evocative style turn a true story into a noir worthy of a Gamble and Huff soundtrack. …[Murder on Federal Street is] a wonderfully nasty business. And for the same unfortunate reasons you might be drawn to boxing, you’ll love it.

—Mark Kriegel, ESPN analyst and New York Times bestselling author of The Good Son: The Life of Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini

“Sean Nam has written a compelling, page-turning history of Tyrone Everett which will appeal to boxing and true crime fans alike. His comprehensive research is mind-boggling, covers everything from urban and racial politics to the boxing scene to the underworld, and his writing is top notch.

—Sean Patrick Griffin, Professor of Criminal Justice at The Citadel and author of Black Brothers, Inc.: The Violent Rise and Fall of Philadelphia’s Black Mafia 

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“In death, as in life, Philadelphia lightweight Tyrone Everett remains a colorful, controversial character whose story deserves the kind of in-depth examination as is so ably provided by author Sean Nam.

—Bernard Fernandez, 2020 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and author of the Championship Rounds boxing anthology series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sean Nam is a contributor to BoxingScene.com and the British weekly boxing magazine Boxing News. A former boxing writer for USA Today, he is a full member and co-vice president of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He is also a member of the International Boxing Research Organization. Murder on Federal Street is his first book. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

ABOUT THE FOREWORD WRITER:

Carlos Acevedo is the author of The Duke: The Life and Lies of Tommy Morrison and Sporting Blood: Tales from the Dark Side of Boxing. He is the editor of Hannibal Boxing and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. From 2009 to 2016, he was the editor of The Cruelest Sport. His work has appeared in The Ring, Boxing News, HBO Boxing, Undisputed Champion Network, Remezcla, and Boxing Digest. His stories “A Darkness Made to Order,” “A Ghost Orbiting Forever,” and “The Duke of the West Side” all won first place awards from the BWAA. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Book Details:

Imprint: Rushcutters Bay Books

Paperback

Trim: 5.5 in x 8.5 in

On sale: May 23, 2023

Price: $22.99

Pages: 332

ISBN: 9798218137298

(Kindle eBook also available on Amazon.com)

•  Kenshiro Teraji 107.1 lbs vs. Anthony Olascuaga 106.9 lbs

(Teraji’s WBC & WBA Light Flyweight Titles— 12 Rounds)

•  Tenshin Nasukawa 122 lbs vs. Yuki Yonaha 121 3/4 lbs 
(Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Takuma Inoue 118 lbs vs. Liborio Solis 117 1/4 lbs
 (Vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Jin Sasaki 146.5 lbs vs. Keita Obara 146 3/4 lbs
 (Sasaki’s WBO Asia Pacific Welterweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•    Kiko Martinez 125 1/4 lbs vs. Reiya Abe 125 3/4 lbs 
(IBF Featherweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

###

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

Jorge Chavez stopped Alberto Nieves in round five of their scheduled six-round featherweight contest.

In round five, Chavez dropped Nieves with a hard right to the body. Chavez went right back to the same area that put Nieves down again and the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Chavez, 125.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 6-0 with five knockouts. Nieves, 125.2 lbs of Aguadilla, PR is 4-3-1.

Grant Flores needed just 51 seconds to take out Terrance Jarmon in their scheduled four-round super welterweight fight.

In round one, Flores put Jarmon down with a hard flurry and he did not get up at the count of 10.

Flores, 150.8 lbs of Coachella, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Jarmon, 152.9 lbs of Atlanta, GA is 3-4.

Daniel Garcia remained undefeated by stopping Aldimar Silva in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Silva with a left hook to the body and the fight was waved off at 2:14.

Garcia, 130.6 lbs of Westminster, CA is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Silva, 129.4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 22-23.

Leonardo Sanchez remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Mychaquell Shields in a four-round super featherweight bout.

In round one, Sanchez was bleeding from his nose. In round two, Shields was deducted a point for holding. Later in the round, Sanchez dumped Shields on the canvas with a left hook and the bout was stopped at 2:33.

Sanchez, 129.6 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Shields, 130 lbs of San Diego, CA is 0-2.

PHILADELPHIA (April 6, 2023)–Weights for Friday night’s King’s Promotions card at the 2300 Arena

Photo by Marc Abrams / King’s Promotions

James Martin 153.3 – Roudly Lolo 152.1

Kamil Bednarek 166.2 – Gonzalo Andreasen 162.5

Quaidir Albright 146.6 – David Thomas 145.7

Ibrahim Robinson 145.6 – Jahqwon Humbert 145

Ali Ellis 217 – Khalid Betha 207.4

Promoter: King’s Promotions

Venue: 2300 Arena

1st Bell: 7:15 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets are $150, $100 and $75 and can be Purchased at The Following Link:

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=447

Jesse Rodriguez: I’m happy to be back in the ring and do what I love to do. I have the opportunity on Saturday night to become San Antonio’s first two-weight World champion and that would make the night just that little more special.
 
I would have been ready to fight at 115lbs as I entered camp on weight, I just came into camp more disciplined and a little more in shape coming into camp; I’ve had a ten-week camp away from my family, so I’ve sacrificed a lot and come Saturday night it’s going to show.  
 
I want to go out and show everyone I’m still ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. After my last performance, people wrote me off, so I am ready to do what I do and I’m a different person in that ring. 
 
All the belts, all the champions at 112lbs – that’s what I want. Let’s make these fights, give the fans what they want, so step up to the plate and make it happen. 
 
Cristian Gonzalez (fights Jesse Rodriguez): I’ve earned this opportunity and I am ready to give everything in the ring to gain this crown on Saturday night.
 
We’ve studied him, we understand his qualities, we’ve worked hard in camp and as a Mexican I must give everything to try to become World champion on Saturday night.
 
Murodjon Akhmadaliev: I’m so happy to be in Texas again, I’m ready to showcase myself and show my skills in a great fight. 
 
Undisputed is a dream of mine that has always been there, but right now, I’m fully concentrated on this fight. I want to show a great fight with a great opponent.
 
Marlon Tapales (fights Murodjon Akhmadaliev): We’ve worked so hard for this fight and we’re ready. He’s a good boxer, he’s very talented but we’ve prepared well for it with good sparring. 
 
This is so big for me and my career. I know it’s the biggest chance and my career. 
 
Raymond Ford: I’m always ready, this is nothing new. It’s just another fight and he’s another fighter. He’s got experience, but so did my last opponent. 
 
People act like I am not supposed to want the big fights. I’m meant to stay at this level for my whole career. All the greats go through this, fighting someone like Jessie, a former World champion, before they go to a World title, and now this is my turn for that.
 
I rarely take a step back now, I’m getting more comfortable in the pocket, I am not worried about getting hit. We’ve been working on a lot in camp, and I’m sparring top notch fighters, so I know I am ready for this, and these are the types of fights, we wouldn’t have taken it if not. I’ve been calling for these types of fights and these are the fights that are going to make me get up and get active.
 
We’re back in San Antonio, I feel like I’m the Fresh Prince of San Antonio, I love coming here and they might boo me before, but they will get to like me. I’ve come here to dominate, and that’s what I am going to do. 
 
Me, Shakur, Keyshawn, Khalil, we’re the future of the sport, this was a great camp in Vegas and all in all, it’s going to be a good fight and I’m ready.
 
Jessie Magdaleno (fights Raymond Ford): This is must win, most definitely. We both said yes to this fight and we’re going to put on a great show, we might even steal the show.
 
It’s everything; the experience, the dog in me, the hunger I have. I’ve been through some bad times, but I am ready to let the world know who I am, and I want to show that I’m ready to be back at the top, I want nothing less than that. 
 
Fighting for a World title is all that is in my head. Nothing less, my hand will be raised. 
 
Thomas Mattice: I’m hungry too. I am a war, so I am ready for all of that. I’m the ‘0’ collector.
 
I’ve been in his shoes before, so I know that he’s coming to fight, I’ve had that spot multiple times. So, I am sure he’s trained well and is fully prepared, but I know that I have. I don’t want the judges involved on Saturday night, so you know what I am coming to do.
 
Ramiro Cesena (fights Thomas Mattice): like any Mexican fighter, I come ready for a war, so I hope he is, because that’s what I am bringing on Saturday night. 
 
We always need the opportunity to show that we have the desire and hunger to become known. As a good Mexican, I feel that this is my stage to move up the levels and show what I can do.
 
Israil Madrimov: I’m ready, I’ve stayed in the gym for a long time to get a fight and I’m happy to be in Texas, I had a great fight here last time. I fight for my fans, my country and my family. 
 
I asked for a World title fight for my pro debut, so I have been ready for the very biggest fights for a long time, but my only focus is Saturday’s fight.
 
Raphael Igbokwe (fights Israil Madrimov): I’m excited. I didn’t come here to lose, I’m very confident. I spar World champions daily like Regis Prograis, O’Shaquie Foster, Austin Trout, and taking nothing from him, I know he’s not better than those guys. 
 
The plan is to fight for a World title. I’m not here to make up the numbers, I can feel that chance being close. 
 
Marc Castro: I’ve got a tough opponent in front of me, he’s ready and he’s had a proper camp – and that’s what I want, a real hard fight.
 
The fights are won in the gym, I’ve been preparing well, and you’ll see that on Saturday night. I know that I have a great fanbase in Fresno, they back me and I’d love to bring a show to my hometown as a headliner.
 
Ricardo Lopez (fights Marc Castro): I’ve come here from Tijuana and I am living out my dream right now. On Saturday, I will come known throughout the world and I won’t let anyone take my food off the table – I’ll achieve my dream on Saturday. 
 
Khalil Coe: He’s bringing a lot of power and it’s a step up and challenge for me. I had to take a step back and evaluate my situation, my team. I made some changes for the better, and you can see that I’ve been on the up.
 
Jesus Martinez: this camp has gone to the next level, and I believe you are going to see that on Saturday night. 
 
I’m maturing and really looking forward to putting on a great show. I can’t wait, I’ve got a tough opponent who is coming in off a couple of wins, but that’s just going to bring the best out of me.

CARSON, CALIF – April 6, 2023 – Undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and rising contender Brian Mendoza squared off Thursday during the final press conference and promised explosive action when they meet for Fundora’s Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title this Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.  headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Also going face-to-face Thursday were undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee and Mexico’s Pedro Campa, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis Núñez and Christian Olivo, who duel in the 10-round telecast opener. It’s the second of back-to-back nights of boxing on SHOWTIME as SHOBOX: The New Generation^® kicks off on Friday, April 7 live at 10 p.m. ET/PT in Brooks, Calif.

Tickets for Saturday’s event headlined by Fundora vs. Mendoza and promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

Fundora has established himself as one of the  154-pound division’s most dangerous and exciting fighters, reinforcing his status by stopping Erickson Lubin last Aprill in one of 2022’s best fights. He returns to fight at Dignity Health Sports Park for his second-straight bout after dominating Carlos Ocampo at the venue last October and faces the fast-rising Mendoza, who scored a career-best win his last time out by knocking out the former unified champion Jeison Rosario in November.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Westin LAX:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“We’re just ready to put on a good show. It feels great to be fighting tough guys like Mendoza and that’s what I want to do again and again. I love fighting in front of these fans in Southern California.

“I think this is a great fight for these fans. The fans here are very demanding and a fight like this will give them their money’s worth.

“I’m becoming more comfortable in this role as a headliner. It’s given me a good kind of overwhelming feeling for some past fights, but I’ve been very relaxed this whole camp and I’m just ready to go.

“We’re just here to work. We’ve been working hard and we’re ready for another great performance on SHOWTIME and in Carson.

“[Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion] Jermell Charlo of course is the guy we want. Whoever falls in line though, we’ll take who we can get. The job is to beat the guy in front of you.

“My father Freddy is a mentor and leader for me and my sister Gabriela. We’re going to follow his lead and that’s what you need in this sport. It’s not only inside the ring, but because he’s our father, it’s outside the ring as well.

“This is all because of hard work and it’s all paying off. I see that the fans respect the way I fight and it just makes me want to fight harder.

“We’ve been in this position before. We’re here to win and we worked hard. We’re here to keep moving forward.

“Me and my dad have been watching fights from a couple years ago when I was a bit more aggressive and was taking guys out. Last time we went the distance and wanted to show more boxing, but this time we’re gonna show that new work.

“I’m getting older and I’m getting stronger. The punches are coming in nicely and I’m excited to showcase it on Saturday. I’m smarter and I know how to place my punches a lot better now.”

BRIAN MENDOZA

“I’m just super excited. In my last performance I was a big underdog and everyone saw the result. You can expect the same type of performance and result on Saturday night.

“This Saturday is everything. The win is everything. I’ve dedicated it all to this. I’ve had setbacks, but I’m proof that you just have to work hard. Now I’m in the main event and I’m looking to keep the journey going. This isn’t the end of the story.

“We moved out of New Mexico to Las Vegas to work with [trainer] Ismael Salas. I felt like there was another level I needed to hit. The chemistry I have with Salas has brought that out of me. Everything is finally lining up together beautifully.

“If he wants to fight inside and bang or use his distance, I’m ready. We trained for everything. We left no stone unturned. We’re ready to make the adjustments needed so we can get the job done.

“This is gonna be another explosive upset. I put everything into this camp. I sacrificed day in and day out. No matter how it comes, it’s gonna be explosive.

“I’ve seen all of Fundora’s fights and I’ve always had something in the back of my head that told me I was going to fight him. I was always ready and as soon as they called for this fight, there was no hesitation from me.

“My whole life has prepared me to face a fighter who’s unique physically like Fundora. Even when I was an amateur I used to help a tall UFC fighter Tim Means prepare for his fights and in this camp we brought in Mykal Fox who’s another tall and lanky guy. Everything has led up to this moment and I’m ready to take full advantage.

“When I moved to Las Vegas we basically broke everything down in my boxing game and started over from scratch. We perfected all the little things, fixed my bad habits and improved on some stuff I did well. I’m around legends, world champions, contenders and prospects constantly, so there’s too much knowledge not to soak it up out there.”

BRANDUN LEE

“I’m feeling great. I had an excellent training camp and I’m healthy. I can’t really ask for anything more heading into this fight.

“Styles make fights, so I’m not going to look at what Teofimo Lopez did against Campa. I’m bringing my own style and Campa is going to see something that he hasn’t seen before. I’m only focused on getting the win.

“I’ve been boxing since I was a young kid. Every time I step into the ring, it’s just another day in the office. Doesn’t matter if it’s King Kong or Godzilla in there.

“I can’t knock everybody out, but if it comes it comes. I’ve shown that I can go the distance, but if the opportunity is there, I’m going to end the night early.

“My father [Bobby Lee] and I have a great relationship because we have a lot of respect. When we’re in the gym, we’re student and teacher.

“Anybody can get it. I’m ready for the best fighters at 140 pounds. I’m in this sport to become a world champion. When the moment comes, I’ll go after that world title.

“In a perfect world I’m gonna win and leave it all in the ring. That’s the only thing on my mind.”

PEDRO CAMPA

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I know that I have to win this fight for greater things to come. If I want the best fights, I have to try my best to win this fight. I’ve prepared well and I’m coming to win.

“Fighting Teofimo Lopez was an invaluable experience. I showed what I’m worth and what I can do inside of the ring. On Saturday night, I come to win. Nothing else.

“Brandun is a good fighter, but it’s my job to go out there and give everything I’ve got in order to win. Nothing else matters right now.

“I came here to win. I’m ready to go all 10 rounds, but if the knockout comes, I’m ready. But all that matters is getting my hand raised.

“This is a difficult fight against an undefeated opponent, but I want the Mexican people to know that I’m going to win and we’re going to celebrate in Sonora when I come back.

“Brandun has fast hands and I really have to watch out for his straight right hand. If I can get Brandun to fight the way I want him to fight, I know I can knock him out.”

LUIS NUNEZ

“I feel both mentally and physically ready. I feel great. It’s gonna be a battle, but I’m ready for everything. This was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up, so I’m going to do my best to give everyone a great show when I get into the ring.

“Christian is a fighter who presents a variety of challenges, but I have no problem fighting at any range or in any way. I trained hard and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to come out with the victory.

“On Saturday people are going to see what I’m all about. I know that I have to really stand out to impress people and get to the big fights that I want. It’s up to me to show the fans what I’m truly about.

“The last time I had a Mexican fighter saying that he’s from a storied Mexican boxing background, I made him eat his words. I have a feeling the same thing is happening this time around, or it might be even worse for him. You’ll have to tune in and see.”

CHRISTIAN OLIVO

“I’m really happy and excited to be on this stage with all of these quality fighters that are gonna give it their all. I’m ready and motivated to put on a great show Saturday night.

“This is nothing new to me, it’s a very important fight that’s a steppingstone. If I do what I want to do, I’ll be able to fight against the elite fighters in the featherweight division.

“I’m very motivated to be fighting at a venue where so many other Latin American and Mexican fighters have put on memorable fights. I want to put on a show for all the fans.

“I’m coming here for a knockout. That’s the goal and we’re going to take advantage if the opportunity comes.”

#         #         #

ABOUT FUNDORA VS. MENDOZA

Fundora vs. Mendoza will see undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraMendoza, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

BROOKS, Calif. – April 6, 2023 – Super lightweight prospect Shinard Bunch (20-1-1, 16 KOs), from Queens, N.Y., and undefeated Mexican prospect Bryan Flores (23-0-1, 13 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Cache Creek Casino in Brooks, Calif. in the first of back-to-back nights of live boxing on the network.

The co-feature pits undefeated New York super welterweight Jahyae Brown (13-0, 9 KOs) and intriguing Argentine prospect Guido Schramm in a 10-round contest. Plus, Raul Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs) of the Dominican Republic faces Robert Terry (9-0, 3 KOs) of Jersey City, N.J., with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super welterweight bout that opens the telecast.

In night two of the live boxing doubleheader that features both the stars of today and the future champions of tomorrow, undefeated super welterweight sensation and SHOBOX^® alum Sebastian Fundora defends his title against rising contender Brian Mendoza in the main eventlive on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® Saturday night at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. Plus, episode two of the Emmy^®-winning series ALL ACCESS previewing the battle between undefeated three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and unbeaten boxing sensation “King” Ryan Garcia premieres tomorrow night at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT immediately preceding SHOBOX.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call Friday night’s blow-by-blow action alongside former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez with another Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining remotely as the unofficial scorer. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Chuck McKean directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Shinard Bunch – 140 pounds

Bryan Flores – 139.6 pounds

Referee: David Hartman; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Jahyae Brown – 153.2 pounds

Guido Schramm – 153.7 pounds

Referee: Michael Margado; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Super Welterweight Eight-Round Bout

Raul Garcia – 155.8 pounds

Robert Terry – 155.5 pounds

Referee: Edward Collantes; Judges: Kermit Bayless (Calif.), Rey Danseco (Calif.), Marshall Walker (Calif.)

Note: Contracted weight is 156 pounds.

FINAL QUOTES:

SHINARD BUNCH

“Everything happens for a reason. A couple of years ago, I didn’t get the decision against Janelson Bocachica, although I felt I deserved it. Now I’m here.

“I’ve fought at 147 and 140. When I was at welterweight, I didn’t think I could be a 140-pounder, but Chino [Raul Rivas] pushed me and we made it happen. I felt good. I felt things were easier at this weight and that’s why we are fighting at 140 now.

“I don’t watch a lot of film because I don’t want to overthink. I let my trainer watch tape and come up with a gameplan for me.

“I felt that at the beginning of my career I could have trained better. As I’m growing as a boxer, my training has grown as well. I’ve been with Chino about three years now and we are taking everything very seriously. After this fight, I’d like to be in the top 10 of the division.

“This is the next step of my career. I think I may be three or four fights away from a title shot if I do things right.

“I’m going in there to box all ten rounds, but my opponent’s been down a few times. So don’t be surprised if the fight ends early.

“And yes, my middle name is actually Showtime. My mom said she knew I was going to be a star one day and she needed to name me appropriately.

“I’m in a very hot division. There’s a lot of talent at 140. I’m willing to fight anybody. I want to keep on learning. Keep on growing. I’d like to fight fighters with different styles. I can always learn something new and excel. I’d like to fight the best, whoever is at the top. I definitely see myself growing into the best boxer I can be.”

BRYAN FLORES

“Three fights ago, I had a tough test against Nestor Maidana. I was knocked down three times, but I ended up winning with a KO. In that fight I learned a lot. I realized that I made mistakes in my preparation. It was really hard to make 135 pounds so that’s why I’m moving up.

“I’ve been training with Ismael Salas for over a year. I’m in Las Vegas during training camp and come back home to Mexico when I’m not fighting.

“I’m an aggressive-minded fighter. I have a Mexican style. With my trainer, Salas, I’ve learned to control the distance and fight smarter. But when I get hit, I get all fired up. I get mad and that fuels me.

“My opponent is a strong guy. We have similar records. He hasn’t faced a guy like me, and I haven’t faced a guy like him before. It’ll be a really good fight. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m not about to let it go by.

“The amateur system helped me a lot. I’ve been traveling since I was 14. I was in the Mexican national team. All this experience really helped me as a pro.”

JAHYAE BROWN

“I’m from upstate New York but I train under Dwight Yarde in Las Vegas. He’s helped me to get to a different level. I’m a good student and I’m ready to step up to the challenge. I have the edge. I’m taller, I have a longer reach. I’m going to take control of the fight and stop him in the later rounds.

“I’ve been preparing with Shinard Bunch and Vito Mielnicki, Jr., in Las Vegas. I also sparred with Jallil Hackett, who’s a 175-pounder. I did well.  I’m ready for whatever my opponent brings to the table. I know that he moves a lot and he can be tricky at times.

“I come from a different background. I played football. I grew up in a tough part of town. I would fight with my cousins, my siblings. We went to a boxing gym and I just fell in love with it.

“I push myself. I trained very hard and follow my coach’s advice. I do as I’m told. He knows what he’s doing. He’s trained Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis. I’m glad he is in my corner.”

GUIDO SCHRAMM

“We found out a week ago that we’d be fighting on SHOBOX on April 7. We had actually been training for a different fight on the 8^th until this opportunity came along. Fortunately, we were able to work it out and make it happen. Things can change day to day in boxing and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on TV in the United States and showcase my skills.

“When it’s time to box, I’ll box. When it’s time to brawl, I’ll brawl. Whatever it takes when I’m in the ring. I’ll adjust to whatever is coming and I’ll take it from there.

“I have the experience edge, and I’ve been sparring with a lot of elite fighters. So I feel prepared and hope everything goes my way this weekend.”

RAUL GARCIA

“The Dominican Republic is producing a lot of champs and I’d like to add my name to that list one day. Seeing Alberto Puello, Carlos Adames, Hector Luis Garcia succeed in their boxing careers truly inspires me to work hard and change my life.

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. I listen to the instructions of my corner, and just get things done. They call me ‘el domador’ [the lion tamer]. I’m not afraid of anything. My opponent, whose nickname is ‘Tiger,’ should watch out. I’ve tamed all sorts of cats.

“This is my first fight with Bob Santos. We’ve worked on my ring IQ, technique and boxing strategy.”

ROBERT TERRY

“I’m still shocked. It’s a huge deal for me to fight on SHOBOX and I’m excited. It came suddenly and when we got the call, I was super excited. This is what we’ve been working for and we want to show everybody what we’re capable of. I needed a chance, and this is it.

“I expect my opponent to come with his A-game and fully prepared. He has a lot of knockouts and I expect him to come strong and ready, but this is what we’ve worked and prepared for.

“I’ve always pictured, in my mind, performing on a big stage like this. So during my three-year layoff, I never doubted that I’d fight again.

“I’m going to feed off the lights and the cameras and all the energy that this type of fight is going to bring. I know that everyone is going to be tuned in. I’ve got a lot of people watching and I’m going to feed off of their support.

“I started getting knockouts as my opponents got better. The better my opponents have been, the more I’ve progressed. Them being better has made me have to be better.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #SHOBOX, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME Boxing^® series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX^® philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 88 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., La, ont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

INDIO, CA (April 6, 2023) – Returning to the fight stage as a headliner for the second time of 2023, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (22-1, 14 KOs) will defend his NABO Welterweight title for the third time against Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs). The 12-round welterweight fight, which was originally scheduled for last January, will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Tickets for Rocha versus Young are on-sale now and are priced at $95, $75, $55, $45 and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

“I’m back in the ring on May 27 and I’m looking forward to staying busy,” said Alexis Rocha. “I can’t wait to put on another great performance for all those in Southern California who make the trip to Fantasy Springs, but also for all of my fans who tune in on DAZN. Anthony Young is familiar to me because I was preparing to face him in my last fight before he was injured.  I’ll be ready for this fight and my focus is to end this early with another big knockout for my fans.” 

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to perform on this platform,” said Anthony Young. “With the strength of Allah we are going to shock the world twice!”

“As he showed last time out, Rocha is an absolute beast who is more than deserving of a title shot in the welterweight division,’ said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya. “But Anthony Young is the real deal who has knocked off a Golden Boy fighter in the past. Rocha needs to use his power to get rid of Young early and move on to the next step of his career.”

Media interested in applying for a media credential can visit https://bit.ly/5_27RochaYoung. Credential applications are due EOD May 22. 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a respected fight family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at 14-years-old in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made an electrifying professional debut in March 2016, knocking out Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. His only career blemish is an unanimous decision loss in October 2021 against Rashidi Ellis, in which he confidently came back with six consecutive wins. Rocha locked in the NABO Welterweight title in an unanimous decision victory against Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron in July 2022 on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, which he has successfully defended against Jesus “Ricky” Perez in October 2022 and George Ashie in January 2023. 

Anthony “Juice” Young represents Atlantic City, New Jersey. He made his professional debut at 23-years-old on October 28, 2011 against Kywayne Hill, winning by unanimous decision. With only two blemishes on his early career resume, he has had a string of wins, including a stunning upset of former WBO junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali via third-round knockout on the May 2019 Alvarez vs. Jacobs undercard in Las Vegas. Since then, he has fought victoriously three times, the last being a unanimous decision win over Jose Zaragoza in October 2022. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round NABO Welterweight Fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The fight is sponsored by Betonline, “BetOnline, Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and Autozone, “Get in the Zone, AutoZone.” The fight night will take place on Saturday, May 27, live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #RochaYoung

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Charlotte, North Carolina for the first time since 2018 with an all-action main event between heavyweight finishers as No. 9 ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik aims to land another signature KO when he takes on surging No. 12 contender Jailton Almeida. Also on the card, No. 5 ranked light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith faces No. 7 Johnny Walker in a bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA will take place Saturday, May 13 at Spectrum Center. The main card will air on ABC and ESPN Deportes kicking off at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, with the prelims airing on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT. The entire card will be simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+. The same ESPN+ English audio call will also be available on SiriusXM Fight Nation (Channel 156).

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA tickets will go on sale Friday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 6 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. ALMEIDA fight week credentials may sign up here.

Heavyweight knockout artist Rozenstruik (13-4, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) intends on making his first bout of 2023 a memorable one. A former professional kickboxer with 12 of his 13 MMA wins coming via KO, he holds emphatic victories over former UFC heavyweight champions Junior Dos Santos and Andrei Arlovski, as well as Alistair Overeem. Rozenstruik now seeks to halt Almeida’s climb up the rankings and make a run towards the title.

Almeida (18-2, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) is considered by many to be among the top prospects in the UFC today. A freak athlete who has never had a victory go to the judges, Almeida burst onto the scene with decisive wins over Danilo Marques, Parker Porter and Shamil Abdurakhimov. He now looks to maintain his undefeated UFC record in the most important bout of his MMA career.

Fan favorite Smith (36-17, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) returns to the Octagon looking to secure another highlight reel finish. The owner of an impressive 94 percent finishing rate, Smith has cemented himself as one of the most entertaining athletes on the UFC roster with stoppages of Rashad Evans, Mauricio Rua and Alexander Gustafsson. He now aims to add to his notable resume by taking out Walker.

Walker (20-7, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) plans to continue his momentum with another explosive performance. With 16 KOs and three submissions to his name, Walker holds his own extraordinary finishing rate of 95 percent, which includes a remarkable 17 first-round finishes. He now has his sights set on making it another quick night in the Octagon and ascend past Smith in the rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• An intriguing welterweight matchup sees Ian Machado Garry (11-0, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) take on his toughest test yet in Daniel Rodriguez (17-3, fighting out of San Gabriel, Calif.)
• No. 7 ranked women’s strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern (12-3, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) tests her submission skills against No. 13 Angela Hill (15-12, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• Carlos Ulberg (8-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) and Ihor Potieria (20-3, fighting out of Kiev, Ukraine) clash in a light heavyweight bout
• Veterans Tim Means (32-14-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Alex Morono (22-8 1NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) aim to put on a show at welterweight
• The Ultimate Fighter Season 29 winner Bryan Battle (9-2, fighting out of Matthews, N.C.) returns to action against Gabe Green (11-4, fighting out of Downey, Calif.) at welterweight
• Another welterweight battle sees Matt Brown (25-19, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) lock horns with Court McGee (22-11, fighting out of Orem, Utah)
• Cody Stamann (21-5-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) and Douglas Silva De Andrade (28-5 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil) face off in a bantamweight tilt
• Jessica-Rose Clark (11-8 1NC, fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) plans to spoil the UFC debut of Tainara Lisboa (5-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Flyweights Ji Yeon Kim (9-6-2, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) and Mandy Bohm (7-2 1 NC, fighting out of Gelsenkirchen, Germany) look to make a statement

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About Hornets Sports & Entertainment

Hornets Sports & Entertainment owns the Charlotte Hornets, Greensboro Swarm and Hornets Venom GT, and operates Charlotte’s Spectrum Center.  The Charlotte Hornets are a member of the NBA’s Southeast Division.  Owned by NBA Legend Michael Jordan, the Hornets organization strives to deliver a relentless attack on the court, an unmatched experience in the stands and a positive impact throughout the community.  The name of the city’s original NBA team from 1988-2002, the Hornets moniker returned to Charlotte in May 2014, uniting the rich history of NBA basketball in the Carolinas.  The Greensboro Swarm are the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets and play at the Novant Health Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.  Hornets Venom GT is the organization’s esports team affiliate that joined the NBA 2K League in 2020.  Spectrum Center is the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, hosting over 150 sporting events, concerts and family shows annually.  For more information, please visit hornets.com, gsoswarm.com, HornetsVenomGT.com or spectrumcentercharlotte.com.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.9 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

NEWARK, N.J. (April 6, 2023) – The King of Brick City is ready to shine again in front of a packed hometown crowd.

Undefeated former two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs) will take on Japanese puncher Shuichiro Yoshino (16-0, 12 KOs)in a 12-round WBC lightweight title eliminator this Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 
 
In the co-feature, heavyweight destroyer Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (13-0, 13 KOs) facesfellow unbeaten George Arias (18-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder. U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (7-0, 5 KOs) meets his stiffest challenge yet in the 10-round lightweight televised opener against former title challenger Anthony Yigit (26-2-1, 10 KOs).

Stevenson-Yoshino, Anderson-Arias & Davis-Yigit will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (7 p.m ET/4 p.m. PT) includes Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) and Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (6-0, 3 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Shakur Stevenson 
 
“It feels great to be back home. It feels great to be back in front of my fans and family. I’m enjoying myself, and I just can’t wait for Saturday. I’m really excited for Saturday. But is he ready for Saturday? That’s the real question. He walks around here with a smile, and I can’t wait to wipe that smile off his face.”
 
“This dude been running around here saying that I don’t have any power. He’s been saying that he’s going to push me mentally. Let’s see if he’s ready to go to deep waters with me. I’m going to drown him.”
 
“You’re going to see everything in the arsenal. I’m going to go out there and box him. I’m going to beat him up. He’s going to leave that ring knowing that I’m the best fighter he’s ever been in the ring with.”

Shuichiro Yoshino
 
“I’m really pumped up for the fight. I’m really excited.”
 
“I’m excited to fight for the WBC title. This opportunity is really going to change my place in boxing.”

“My trainer and I have been studying Shakur. We have a game plan to implement on Saturday.”

Jared Anderson
 
“I’m beyond focused. I’m more than ready for this fight. I’m ready to handle business and come out impressively. It’s a fight against an undefeated fighter. And we’re looking forward to being impressive.”
 
“I let things play out in the ring. Jerry Forrest kind of picked the ending to our last fight. I came in, and I felt too relaxed. That’s how he landed those two big shots. So, he decided the fate of that fight. Hopefully, Arias decides to let us get a couple of rounds in.”
 
George Arias

“On paper, he is the toughest fighter I’ve faced because it seems like he’s the new face of the heavyweight division. As for me, I see it as a sport. I got to do what I can to win. It’s boxing. You do what you have to do to win. It’s just another fight to me.”

“I’ve come back from a layoff before. I did the best I could to be ready. I have no excuses. I trained to the best of my ability. I sparred with great fighters. I did everything I could. For me, it’s like if I fought a few months ago.”

Keyshawn Davis
 
“I know Yigit is definitely coming to fight. He is an experienced fighter. I really think he’s going to test me in ways that nobody has tested me before. He’s a southpaw. And he’s a fighter. He likes to fight. And I love that. I like to fight, too. This Saturday is going to be action-packed. The tougher man is going to win.”

Anthony Yigit

“I’m very happy to be here. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’m happy to be able to showcase my skills. I’ve been training my whole life. I had some bumps along the road. But, hey, who said following your dreams is easy? But we’re still doing it. And I’m here. This is my time.”

Damian Knyba

“It’s an honor for me. It’s a huge step forward. The beginning was tough. I never had guaranteed fights. We had to scramble to get fights and experience. But I’m here now. I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m excited to see the huge leaps forward that my career will take.”

Bruce Carrington

“Every single time I fight, I try to display art. It’s not just about knockouts. I want people to see that everything is strictly business. I’m Picasso in the ring. The ring is my canvas, and I’m painting the canvas. I just want everybody to learn and be more educated every single time I fight.”

Saturday, April 8
 
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

Shakur Stevenson vs. Shuichiro Yoshino, 12 rounds, WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator

Jared Anderson vs. George Arias, 10 rounds, Heavyweight

Keyshawn Davis vs. Anthony Yigit, 10 rounds, Lightweight

 
ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Damian Knyba vs. Curtis Harper, 8 rounds, Heavyweight

Troy Isley vs. Roy Barringer, 8 rounds, Middleweight
 
Bruce Carrington vs. Brandon Chambers, 8 rounds, Featherweight
 
Kelvin Davis vs. Nelson Morales, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Antoine Cobb vs. Jaylan Phillips, 4 rounds, Welterweight

CARSON, CALIF – April 6, 2023 – Three showdowns featuring a former two-division world champion, a two-time Olympian, an unbeaten heavyweight contender and more will highlight the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN live streaming presentation  this Saturday, April 8 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Undefeated welterweight Gabriel Maestre will meet former welterweight and super lightweight champion Devon Alexander “The Great” in a 10-round matchup that tops action live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The lineup kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT and is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

Also featured on the live stream will be super featherweights Adrian Corona and Jerry Perez in an eight-round super featherweight duel and the return of unbeaten heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez in an eight-round bout against Daniel Martz.

The live stream will precede a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader topped by undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora battling rugged contender Brian Mendoza in defense of Fundora’s Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing are on sale now and can be purchased at axs.com.

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (4-0-1, 3 KOs) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 36-year-old made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before most recently fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw last March. He takes on St. Louis, Missouri’s Alexander (27-7-1, 14 KOs), who returns to the ring for the first time since dropping an August 2021 clash to Luke Santamaria that saw Alexander fight through an early bicep injury to go the distance. A former two-division champion, Alexander owns impressive victories over Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Randall Bailey, among others.

Fighting out of Rialto, California, Corona (9-1-1, 2 KOs) will look to bounce back after suffering his first career pro defeat to the unbeaten Pedro Valencia last August. The 23-year-old had been unbeaten across his first 10  fights after turning pro in 2018. He will face the 30-year-old Perez (14-2, 11 KOs), who trains alongside four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and his family. A native of Harbor City, California, Perez’s only two pro blemishes have come against top lightweight contenders Frank Martin and Michel Rivera.

An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (21-0, 14 KOs) now trains in California with renowned trainer Joe Goossen. The 30-year-old caught the heavyweight division’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Sanchez’s 2022 saw him earn a unanimous decision over Christian Hammer and a TKO of Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron. He will be opposed by Clarksburg, West Virginia’s Martz (20-10-1, 17 KOs), who most recently lost to unbeaten Fabio Wardley in February 2022 and who has challenged former champions Charles Martin and Joseph Parker in a career that dates back to 2012.

The non-televised undercard will be highlighted by flyweight prospect Gabriela Fundora (10-0, 4 KOs), the younger sister of headliner Sebastian, in an eight-round showdown taking on Maria Santizo (11-2, 6 KOs), the return of heavyweight fan-favorite Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (38-7-1, 33 KOs) in an eight-round bout against Matthew McKinney (13-6-3, 9 KOs), lightweight Viktor Slavinskyi (13-2-1, 6 KOs) taking on Dallas’ Juan Lopez (17-13-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round fight and unbeaten super featherweight Gabriel Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) battling Florida’s Marco Diaz (6-1, 5 KOs) in a six-round attraction.

Rounding out the lineup is heavyweight prospect Federico Pacheco Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) matching up against Los Angeles’ Felipe Torres (0-1) in a four-round duel, super featherweight prospect Dorian Khan Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round tussle against California’s Ezra Rabin (1-1, 1 KO) and the pro debut of super featherweight Justin Villoria in a four-round bout with Arkansas’ Sirdarious Smith (0-1). 

#         #         #

ABOUT FUNDORA VS. MENDOZA

Fundora vs. Mendoza will see undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defend his Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title against rising contender Brian Mendoza on Saturday, April 8 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated super lightweight contender Brandun Lee taking on Mexico’s Pedro Campa in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated featherweights Luis  Núñez and Christian Olivo square off in the 10-round telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #FundoraMendoza, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

STOCKTON, Calif. (April 5, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the May 13 championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazak phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
 
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
  
Alimkhanuly-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature the return of “Stockton’s King,” Gabriel Flores Jr., in an eight-round lightweight battle.
 

Brazilian Olympic Gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao joins the undercard action in a 10-round junior lightweight bout. Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action for the first time since dropping a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson last September. His only other loss came against former two-division champion Oscar Valdez.