NEW YORK (April 10, 2023)-Light Heavyweight prospect Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe was impressive in taking out James Quiter in round three of their six-round bout at The Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas.

Coe was dominant early as he put Quiter down with a left hook in the opening frame. Coe showed the skills that propelled him to become a National Golden Gloves Champion and finally closed the show in style as he put Quiter down for a second time, and the bout was stopped at 1:31 of third stanza.

With the win, Coe of Flemington, New Jersey raises his mark to 5-0-1. Quiter of Chicago is 6-2-1.

Coe is managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Las Vegas ­– UFC^® today announced that the classic 2015 fight between welterweights Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Fight Wing’ as a part of the class of 2023. The 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place on Thursday, July 6, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be streamed live an exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“The fight between Robbie Lawler and Rory McDonald at UFC 189 was one of the most exciting fights in UFC history,” UFC President Dana White said. “This was an absolute war and a complete display of heart, grit, determination, and the will to win from both athletes. This five-round classic will always be remembered as one of the best and I can’t wait to induct this fight into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

As the co-main event of UFC^® 189: MENDES vs. McGREGOR, which took place on July 11, 2015, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, both Lawler and MacDonald entered the event on three-fight winning streaks.

Lawler entered the Octagon as UFC welterweight champion with a 25-10 (1 NC) record that included wins over UFC Hall of Famer Frank Trigg, former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, former WEC lightweight champion Scott Smith, and a previous victory over MacDonald in 2013.

Rory came into his rematch against Robbie as the top ranked welterweight contender with an 18-2 record and previous wins over UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn, former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, former Strikeforce welterweight champion Tarec Saffiedine, former WEC and Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz and Demian Maia.

Both athletes quickly advanced to the center of the Octagon at the opening bell to establish their positions, with MacDonald striking first with a barrage of jabs. Lawler, normally a fast starter, patiently measured Rory during the first round, cautiously matching leg kicks and responding to MacDonald’s jabs and straight right punches. Rory attempted one takedown during the first, with Robbie defending his attempt and countering with a right knee. The first round ended with both fighters exchanging punches.

Lawler took control of the pace early in round two, striking first and checking MacDonald’s leg kicks as the pair circled the center of the Octagon. Rory, connecting on more significant strikes, used his arm reach and leg kicks to stay on the outside of Robbie’s range. Both fighters began to open with multiple combinations midway through the round, opening and pushing forward with each exchange. With one minute left in the round, an exchange from Lawler broke MacDonald’s nose, causing a noticeable flow of blood over his chest. The round ended with one final combination from Robbie, evening the match with one round for each fighter.

Lawler, uncharacteristically patient to this point of the match, continued his strategic approach against Rory in the third, throwing measured strikes, blocking MacDonald’s counters, and throwing periodic leg kicks. Robbie defended Rory’s second takedown attempt in the third, answering with a three-punch combination that opened two additional cuts on MacDonald’s face to accompany his broken nose. With 35 seconds left in the round, MacDonald connected on a right head kick, stunning Lawler, and driving him back to the fence. Rory would take advantage by administering a series of punches, head kicks and a flying knee in his attempt to finish the fight with less than 10 seconds left, but Robbie would survive the round, although the momentum had clearly swung in MacDonald’s favor as he won the frame.

Rory opened the fourth in control as Lawler was not fully recovered from the end of the third. MacDonald connected on another right head kick and straight left punch combination 15 seconds into the round, forcing Robbie to backpedal to the fence as Rory unleashed several punches and two flying knees as Lawler raised his guard to minimize the damage. Robbie repeatedly assured referee John McCarthy that he was fine as MacDonald pushed forward with his attack of punches, head kicks and standing elbows. Lawler, still dazed and not fully recovered, would continue to counter Rory’s advances, with neither fighter, although both heavily bloodied willing to back down as they continue to exchange combinations through the end of a round that was punctuated by a stare down in the middle the of the Octagon. 

As both athletes stood for the fifth and final round, the sold-out crowd gave them a standing ovation. Lawler took control of the pace from the bell, connecting with a left hook and right jab to MacDonald’s nose 56 seconds into the round, which sent Rory to the canvas. Robbie would take advantage of the opening and connect with two more punches before McCarthy stopped the fight one minute into the fifth.

The slugfest would leave both athletes bloodied, with Lawler’s lip visibly split in two pieces and MacDonald’s face battered, as well. The fight won the Fight of the Night performance award and would be acknowledged by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards, Sherdog.com, MMA Fighting, Bleacher Report and Wrestling Observer as the “2015 Fight of the Year.”

Lawler won two of his next three fights following this event. Although he lost his title to Woodley in the main event of UFC 201 in July of 2016, he has continued to fight top contenders in the welterweight and middleweight divisions, earning a victory over Nick Diaz at UFC 266 in 2021. MacDonald would lose his next fight to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in June 2016 before leaving UFC shortly afterwards. He would continue to compete in Bellator and PFL before retiring in 2022.

To view the fight on UFC FIGHT PASS for free, please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/video/39984

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Jesse Rodriguez became a two-division world champion with a 12-round unanimous decision over Cristian Gonzalez to capture WBO Flyweight title in San Antonio, Texas.

Rodriguez, 111.4 lbs of San Antonio, Texas won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 and is now 18-0. Gonzalez, 112 lbs of Tultitlan, MEX is 15-2.

Marlon Tapales wrestled the IBF/WBA Super Bantamweight titles with a 12-round split decision over now-dethroned champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev,

Tapales, 121.8 lbs of Lanao del Norte, PHL won two cards 115-113 and Akhmadaliev took a card by a too-wide 118-110.

Tapales is 37-3. Akhmadaliev, 121.6 lbs of Chust, UZB is 11-1.

Raymond Ford scored a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Jessie Magdaleno in a featherweight bout.

In round four, Ford dropped Magdaleno with a hook behind the head.

In round 11, Ford dropped Magdaleno with a right hook to the body that was followed up by a straight left to the head.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 14-0-1. Magdaleno, 126 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-2.

Thomas Mattice scored a come from behind 10th round stoppage over Ramiro Cesena in the final round of their super featherweight bout.

In round eight, Mattice was deducted a point after his mouthpiece came out.

Mattice landed a right that drove Cesena back. Mattice landed a hard flurry for which most of the punches seemed to hit the gloves of Cesena and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Mattice, 129 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 21-3-1 with 16 knockouts. Cesena, 130 lbs of Baja California, MEX is 16-1-1.

Israil Madrimov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Raphael Igbokwe in a super welterweight contest.

Madrimov, 158.8 lbs of Chiva, UZB won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 9-0-1. Igbokwe, 160 lbs of Houston, TX is 16-4.

Marc Castro remained undefeated by stopping Ricardo Lopez in a eight-round lightweight fight.

In round seven, Castro hurt Lopez with a hard right that drove Lopez to the ropes that started big flurry, and the fight was stopped at

Castro, 133 lbs of Fresno, CA is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Lopez, 133.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 16-7-3.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over James Quiter in scheduled six-round light heavyweight fight.

In round one, Coe dropped Quiter with a hard left hand. In round three, Coe dropped Quiter with a right hand. Seconds later, Coe finished the fight by landing a bug right uppercut that put Quiter down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Coe, 175.8 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 5-0-1 with three knockouts. Quiter, 174.8 lbs of Oak Park, IL is 6-2-1.

Jesus Martinez and Jose Lopez battled to a four-round draw in a bantamweight contest.

Each fighter won a scorecard 39-37 and a third card was 38-38.

Martinez, 119.4 lbs of DelRio, TX is 3-0-1. Lopez, 118.4 lbs of Rodgewood, NY 4-2-2.

TACOMA, Wash. (April 8, 2023) – Colombian Brandon Valdes captured the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedebol featherweight title and fan favorite super welterweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias had a masterful win in his comeback fight last night  at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Toro Promotions Inc., in association with Whitfield Haydon, promoted its first event at Emerald Queen Casino’s state-of-the-art EQC Event Center.

Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs) defeated his Mexican opponent, Angel Antonio “Cochorro” Contreras (15-6-2, 7 KOs), in the main event by way of 10-round unanimous decision that was much more competitive than the final scoring (99-94, 98-92, 98-92) may indicate.

Valdes vs. Contreras was a spirited, back-and-forth match in which Valdes connected on more effective punches, although both fighters enjoyed moments of dominance. Valdes took early control, but Contreras picked up the pace and had Valdes on his bike in the third and fourth rounds. Valdes regained control in the fifth, surviving Contreras’ onslaughts to earn his WBA Fedebol title belt.

Macias (18-2, 11 KOs), fighting out Tehachapi, California, owned the co-featured event and showed no rust after his four-year retirement from the ring versus dangerous Ramon “Nino de Oro” Ayala (25-8-1, 13 KOs).

Rooster” was crowing early because of his patented non-stop action, slamming an overmatched Ayala, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth super lightweight champion, from pillar to post. Like the “Energizer Bunny,” Macias threw nearly 150 punches per round, and Ayala was unable to answer the bell for the sixth round.

A new and improved Macias was on full display again, only the wear and tear his body had suffered in the past due to his aggressive attack mode was absent this fight. Four-years off has revitalized “Rooster,” who simply broke down his Mexican opponent to the point that he could no longer continue fighting after five rounds against the energized Macias.

Washington’s sharp-shooting super welterweight Jon Bryant (7-0, 2 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact with a near shutout of a game Timothy Parks (5-4-1, 4 KOs), taking a one-sided, six-round unanimous decision in convincing style. Bryant landed so many more crisp, counter punches from a wide variety of angles than Parks, who did have his moments during the entertaining bout.

Arizona heavyweight Dante Stone (12-1, 9 KOs) pitched a six-round shutout, winning every round on each of the three judges’ scorecards against previously undefeated Detrailous Webster (5-1, 2 KOs). Stone closed the show strong with a flurry of punches in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Webster.

California super lightweight Josue Cadena had an auspicious professional debut, physically punished Jayden Salway (0-2-1) early and often. Cadena dropped Salway twice in the second round and when a vicious body shot sent Salway to the canvas, referee Louis Jackvony halted the fight at the 30-second mark of the third round.

In an all-out war, Michael Portales (3-1-1, 1 KO) withstood a furious  late rally for a hard earned four-round unanimous decision victory over Magarito Hernandez (3-6-1).

Mexican super middleweight Dario Guerrero-Meneses (2-5-1) won a four-round unanimous decisión over Alejandro Avalos (0-2).

Complete results below:

____________________________________________________

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBA FEDEBOL FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Brandon Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs), Barranquilla, Colombia

WDEC10 (99-91, 98-92, 98-92)

Angel Antonio Contreras (15-6-2, 7 KOs), Monterrey Nueva León, México

(Valdes won WBA Fedebol featherweight title)

CO-FEATURE — SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Neeco Macias (18-2, 11 KOs), Tehachapi, CA

WTKO4 (3:00)

Ramon Ayala (25-8-1, 13 KOs), San Francisco, Actualita, México

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Dante Stone (12-1, 9 KOs), Chandler, AZ

WDEC4 (40-46, 40-36, 40-36)

Detrailous Webster (5-1, 2 KOs), Courtland, MS

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Dario Guerrero-Meneses (2-5-1, 0 KOs), Long Beach, CA by way of Mexico

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Alejandro Avalos (0-2), San Antonio, TX

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Jon Bryant (7-0, 2 KOs), Bremerton, WA

WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 59-55)

Timothy Parks (5-4-1, 4 KOs), Loganville, GA

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Josue Cadena (1-0, 1 KO), Auburn, CA

WTKO3 (0:30)

Jayden Salway (0-2-1), Browning, MT

Michael Portales (3-1-1, 1 KO), Haywood, CA

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-25)

Magarito Hernandez (3-6-1, 0 KOs), Wapato, WA

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.

###

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. 

###

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.

?

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 

?

“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.”

# # #

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. 

?

###

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