“Knockout Night at the D”
Friday, May 22, 2015
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, the D Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada

CBS Sports Network, Same-Day Tape Delay
Doors 6:30pm, First Bell 7:30pm
Championship Title Boxing/Square Ring Boxing

Richard Commey, 135 vs. Bahodir Mamadjonov, 134.4
vacant IBF Inter-Continental Lightweight Title

Arif Magomedov, 161 vs. Darnell Boone, 157
Jesus Gutierrez, 138 vs. Angel Hernandez, 133.4
Kimdo Boykin, 225 vs. Keith Barr, 215.4
Michael Gaxiola, 126.8 vs. Salvador Lopez, 126

Photos by Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

TORONTO | NEW YORK (May 21, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, continues its loaded week of live fights this weekend, building off the momentum of live telecasts of ONE Championship: Warrior’s Quest and Hard Knocks Fighting 43 on Friday, May 21.

Poland-based MMA powerhouse KSW returns on Saturday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET, as KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal emanates from Gdansk’s Ergo Arena, headlined by a clash for the KSW middleweight title, as Polish compatriots Michal Materla (21-4) and Tomasz Drwal (21-4-1) vie for 185-pound supremacy.

Fight Network’s live broadcast of KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The KSW light heavyweight title is also on the line as Slovakian former Bellator kingpin Attila Vegh (29-5-2) battles Croatian former UFC contender Goran Reljic (14-4)

In another blockbuster pairing, Polish strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski (8-3) faces one of his toughest career tests against submission ace Rolles Gracie (8-3).

In other featured bouts, Polish heavyweight Karol Bedorf (11-2) meets seasoned Australian striker Peter Graham (10-8), Brazilian UFC veteran Jay Silva (9-9-1) throws down with Germany’s Aziz Karaoglu (7-6) in middleweight action, Polish light heavyweights Tomasz Narkun (9-2) and Karol Celinski (12-5-1) are on a collision course, plus Kamil Szymuszowski (12-4) and Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2) meet in a clash of top Polish welterweights.

Following KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal, the attention shifts to the sport’s biggest stage, as UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier airs live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

But first, Fight Network presents the UFC 187 Weigh-ins Live on Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m. ET, as middleweight champion Chris Weidman and challenger Vitor Belfort tip the scales in Las Vegas, plus Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Daniel Cormier go toe-to-toe ahead of their vacant light heavyweight title showdown.

On Saturday, May 22, Fight Network has all the pre-fight coverage leading into the highly anticipated event with the UFC 187 Pre-Show Live at 7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis.

Post-fight coverage, highlights, reactions and the live press conference will air immediately following the event on Fight Network’s UFC 187 Post-Show Live.

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the Canadian destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

On Sunday, May 23, live kickboxing will take over the airwaves at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28 emanates from Amsterdam, Holland.

The event will feature a one-night, single-elimination -70 kg tournament. In opening round bouts, Turkey’s Tayfun Ozcan and Fatih Ozkan battle Morocco’s Redouan Larkoubi and Aziz Kallah, respectively.

Additionally, Dutch female stars Rachel Adamus and Sheena Widdershoven will vie for the Enfusion -67 kg world championship.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, two world title bouts plus former world champion Nonito Donaire will be part of a big card set for the Venetian Macau on July 18.

IK Yang of China will fight Cesar Rene Cuenca for the Vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight crown. Mickey Bey will defend the IBF Lightweight title against Denis Shafikov plus Nonito Donaire will return against most likely Anthony Settoul.

“Ik Yang’s fight will be the main event. Why? Because he’s Chinese and beloved by the president of China,” said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said of Yang, who will be fighting for the fifth time at the Cotai Arena. “There is no (Chinese star) Zou Shiming or Manny Pacquiao on this card. Ik Yang is the attraction.”

“Donaire is taking things seriously now I think and hopefully he makes a recovery from the knockout at the hands of Nicholas Walters, who was too big for him,” Arum said. “We think he can win another title.”

SALINAS, CALIF. (May 21) – Shining a light on homegrown talent, Golden Boy Live! on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes will bring a thrilling night of boxing featuring top local prospects set to hit the Salinas Storm House on June 26. In the main event, Fairfield standout Alan Sanchez (15-3-1, 8 KOs) will battle Canadian welterweight titlist Steve Claggett (21-3-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBA Americas Welterweight title in a 10-round bout.

In the co-main event, Salinas-native Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez (18-2, 9 KOs) will take on David “The Destroyer” Lopez (41-15-1, 25 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico in a 10-round super middleweight bout. In a televised six-round lightweight bout, Andy “The Shark” Vences (11-0, 7 KOs) of San Jose, Calif. will face Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara (8-1, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. Fighting for airtime, Oscar “El Tigre” Godoy (13-4, 6 KOs) of Watsonville, Calif. will fight in a six-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

Featured in non-televised match-ups, Oscar Rojas (0-2) of Salinas, Calif. will take on a soon-to-be-announced opponent in a four-round lightweight bout, and Salinas-native Josue Lugo will make his professional debut against Andrew Tinae (0-3) of San Ardo, CA in a four-round heavyweight bout.

Also on the non-televised undercard two sets of brothers and Salinas-natives will fight in special amateur bouts. First Pete Tavarez (55-5) will take on Alda Alfaro (15-2) in a super flyweight bout and Andy Tavarez (40-10) will face Angel Alfaro (30-10) in a strawweight fight.

Tickets for the event go on sale today and are priced at $40, $50, $65 and $125 for VIP and are available online at www.pacopresentsboxing.com or by calling (831) 261-3214.

“This fight will allow the winner to take their career to the next step.” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Claggett, is coming off of a tough win in Calgary, and Sanchez is determined to get back in the ring and prove himself as a top contender. This fight will be an edge-of-your-seat, can’t miss fight in Salinas.”

“After a successful, undefeated year in 2014, I am ready to continue my current winning streak and start this year off strong,” said Alan Sanchez. “Claggett will be a tough opponent. He is a smart and experienced fighter, but I have faced seasoned fighters before and will be ready for him. Having my fans in from Fairfield will give me the extra motivation I need to secure victory against Claggett and show the world that I have what it takes to become a champion.”

“Sanchez has proven himself in the ring and will be a tough opponent,” said Steve Claggett. “I have had two good fights this year and have what it takes to defeat Sanchez. This fight will be a good one but ultimately will show my fans why I am the reigning Canadian title holder and will be the next American title holder.”

Hailing from Fairfield, Calif., Alan Sanchez is a Mexican-American professional boxer, who has come a long way in just 19 fights, defeating the likes of top-level foes like Ed Paredes, Jose Luis Ramirez Jr., Jorge Silva, Miguel Angel Munguia, Manuel Leyva and Artemio Reyes. Making his professional debut in June of 2009, Sanchez has quickly garnered attention for himself as a fast-rising boxing prospect. He will now contend for his first title against Steve Claggett on June 26.

Current Canadian welterweight champion Steve Claggett made his professional debut in September 2008 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He quickly rose through the ranks amassing an impressive number of wins throughout his career, culminating with the Canada welterweight title victory over Tebor Brosch at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Claggett will now look to add the American IBA welterweight title to his list of achievements as he hopes to overcome Alan Sanchez at the Salinas Storm House next month.

Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez is a 26-year old fighter from Delano, Calif., is the current IBA middleweight titleholder, defeating Ernesto Berrospe at the Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, Calif. in January 2015 and successfully defended his title against Berrospe again in April. Mendez will look to continue his current four-win streak as he goes up against Alonso Lopez in Salinas.

Hailing from Nogales, Mexico, Alonso “The Destroyer” Lopez, is an experienced fighter with over 50 fights under his belt. Starting his professional career in 1995, the 37-year-old fighter is no afraid of a challenge and has recently faced Don George, Jose Uzcategui and Marcos Reyes. Now the Nogales native is looking to add another win to his record when he faces Mendez on June 26.

Undefeated since his professional debut in 2012, Andy “The Shark” Vences is looking to continue his winning streak when he faces Santiago Guevara on June 26. A native of San Jose, Calif., the relative new comer has already taken out seasoned fighters Adolfo Landeros and has won his two last fights via knockout against Sergio Najera and Cesar Valenzuela.

Santiago “El Lobito” Guevara is a rising undefeated lightweight prospect that has been moving up the boxing ranks since his professional debut in 2011 and has consistently stayed busy, most recently defeating Erick Aguirre and Rocco Espinoza in 2014 and fought Carlos Morales this past March in a close six-round battle. Now, Guevara is looking to get back on the winning streak in his second fight of the year when he faces Vences on June 26.

Sanchez vs. Claggett is a 10-round bout for the vacant IBA Americas Welterweight Title. It is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Don Chargin Productions, Paco Presents Boxing and Jorge Marron Productions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.pacopresentsboxing.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @PacoPresentsBox, @FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/PacoPresentsBoxing, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, and @PacoPresentsBox.

ESPN2, ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes will present exclusive coverage in the U.S. of the 12-round WBC World Heavyweight title eliminator between contenders Alexander Povetkin (28-1-1, 20 KOs) and Mike Pérez (21-1-0, 13 KOs) on Friday, May 22. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight belt. The card, from Moscow is presented by K2 Promotions.

ESPN3 will carry the fight live and will also include additional live undercard bouts beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into the Boxcino 2015 finals on the series finale of ESPN Friday Night Fights. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight on tape-delay at 9 p.m. leading into its Noche de Combates telecast.

ESPN2 and ESPN3’s presentation will utilize the English-language world feed. Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights for ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo González and Claudia Trejos will co-anchor the studio.

ESPN3’s live presentation will also include:

· The 12-round WBC World Cruiserweight title fight between titleholder Grigory Drozd (39-1, 27 KOs) and Lukasz Janik;

· A cruiserweight bout between 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev (22-1, 17 KOs) and undefeated Junior Wright (13-0-1, 11 KOs);

· A cruiserweight matchup between undefeated Dmitry Kudryashov (17-0, 17 KOs) and Vikapita Meroro (28-4, 14 KOs).

HIDALGO, TX (May 21, 2015) — Undefeated Mexican knockout artist GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ, the No. 2 world-rated super middleweight contender with the matinee idol looks, will headline an all-action card on Friday, June 26, at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, TX. Ramirez will be taking on DERECK “The Black Lion” EDWARDS in a 10- round super middleweight bout which will be televised live on The MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV® at 10:00 p.m. ET. The live boxing series is presented by truTV and Top Rank®, and produced in association with HBO Sports®. Find truTV on YOUR TV: http://trutvishere.com/

Promoted by Top Rank and Zapari Boxing Promotions, in association with Nord Boxing Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Edwards boxing event go on sale Tomorrow! Friday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. CT. Priced at $35, $25, $15, plus VIP tables of ten (10) at $800, $650 and $550, tickets can be purchased at the State Farm Arena box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (956) 843-6688.

“My opponent Derek Edwards is a dangerous fighter with good skills and lot of experience,” said Ramirez. “I will be ready for the best of him. I expect a war. We have been having a great training camp and I will give the fans the fight they want to see. I’m really motivated to be in the ring in June 26. I’m very happy for this opportunity that Top Rank is giving me, to appear on its new truTv boxing series. This is the third time that I am fighting in Texas. It feels like home to me because the fans always treat me very well. I really like the people from Texas because there are big boxing fans.”

“Gilberto Ramirez is one of the top 168-pounders in the world, but June 26 he’ll have to prove it,” said Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank. “Derek Edwards with his KO win over current world champion Badou Jack is the test that Gilberto needs to pass in order to gain his world title opportunity. Not an easy task”

Ramirez (31-0, 24 KOs), a two-fisted super middleweight wrecking machine who hails from Mazatlan, Mexico, is world-rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and No. 3 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Association (WBA). A sensational young contender, Ramirez, 23, has won four of his last five bouts by knockout. Last year featured career-best performances which included an NABF-NABO title victory over Giovanni Lorenzo via fifth-round stoppage, a WBO International title knockout victory over Junior Talipeau and a successful defense of his NABF and WBO International titles, stopping Fulgencio Zuniga in the eighth round. He returns to the ring fresh from a 10-round unanimous decision victory over once-beaten Maxim Vlasov on January 24. Ramirez will once again be putting his titles on the line, this time against division gatekeeper Edwards (27-4-1, 14 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV. Last year Edwards scored a first-round knockout of previously undefeated Badou Jack, who recently won the WBC super middleweight world title. He finished the year losing a 12-round decision to once-beaten one-time world title challenger Andre Dirrell.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or www.twitter.com/truTV. Use the Hashtags #truTVBoxing and RamirezEdwards to join the conversation on Twitter.

The first live Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) telecast will feature a star-studded 12-round welterweight matchup between undefeated Keith “One Time” Thurman (25-0, 21 KOs) and Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KOs) when the series debuts on ESPN on Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET. The opening fight will showcase a 10-round junior middleweight matchup between undefeated Tony Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) and Willie Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs). ESPN3 will also carry live the preliminary bouts at a time to be determined. The card will be held in Tampa, Fla., at a site to be named.

In March, ESPN announced a multi-year agreement, to televise Premier Boxing Champions, a series created for television by Haymon Boxing, featuring top-level fights between many of boxing’s biggest names. PBC on ESPN will air 12, two-hour live shows annually on ESPN and ABC. ESPN Deportes, ESPN’s Spanish-language network, will also televise all PBC on ESPN fights as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider.

Blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore and analyst Teddy Atlas, both recipients of the prestigious Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism presented by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), will call the fights ringside on ESPN and ABC. Additional on-air commentators will be announced at a later date.

Florida’s Thurman—who is widely regarded to be the heir apparent in the division when Floyd Mayweather retires—is coming off a unanimous decision win against welterweight contender Robert Guerrero, while New York’s Collazo is looking to score another victory following a second-round TKO win over Christopher Degollado. Harrison, fighting out of Detroit, scored a third-round TKO win over Pablo Munguia in his last fight, while Cleveland’s Nelson is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Vanes Martirosyan.

Boxing on ESPN
Boxing has been a staple of ESPN’s programming for 35 years. ESPN began televising boxing on April 10, 1980 – the network’s first year on the air – when weekly boxing returned to television for the first time since 1964. For the past 17 years, ESPN Friday Night Fights has showcased some of the best bouts in the boxing industry and introduced fans to future stars and champions. Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN will take fights to a level never seen before on the network.
About Haymon Boxing Management
Haymon Boxing Management is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and manages and advises more than 200 professional fighters.

For more information on Premier Boxing Champions, visit:

premierboxingchampions.com, facebook.com/premierboxingchampions, or https://twitter.com/premierboxing

INDIO, CALIF. (May 21) – Golden Boy Promotions fighters Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter (20-3, 10 KOs), Abraham “Chamaco” Lopez (17-0-1, 12 KOs) and Joet Gonzalez (10-0, 4 KOs), who are preparing to battle in the ring this Friday, May 22 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., found time to reflect on what Memorial Day means to them and give thanks to the brave veterans and active-duty servicemen and women in the four U.S. military branches.

Eric Hunter will take on seasoned contender Antonio Escalante (29-7, 20 KOs) of El Paso, Texas in a 10-round super welterweight bout as the main event for Golden Boy Live! on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Also Abraham Lopez will fight in a 10-round featherweight co-main televised event against Alfred Tetteh (19-3-1, 15 KOs) of Washington, D.C., and Joet Gonzalez will face seasoned fighter Jose A. Berranza (36-32-2, 28 KOs)of Mexico in an eight-round featherweight bout.

Here is what they had to say:

ERIC HUNTER, Featherweight Contender:

What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Memorial Day is a special day to remember and appreciate the men and women who protect our country.

Did you or any one important to you serve in the military, past or present? If so, who?
A: My father served for five years and my uncle, from my father side, served for 11 years, both were in the Army.

Marines, Army, Navy or Air Force?
I would join the Marines.

Do you have a message for veterans or other military service men and women for Memorial Day this year?
Thank you for your service. I dedicate this fight on May 22 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino to all the service men and women. Without them, we wouldn’t be here today.

ABRAHAM LOPEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

What does Memorial Day mean to you?
To me, Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who are in and have served in the U.S military. It’s a time to reflect and appreciate those who sacrificed and gave their lives to defend our great country.

Did you or any one important to you serve in the military, past or present?
My uncle Carlos Aldana served in the U.S military. He is a Vietnam veteran. My good friend Robert Villalobos served in the Marines and did two tours in Fallujah, Iraq. My uncle Hector Capristo served in the Army. I have more friends that served and are currently serving in the military. You guys know who you are, that went to La Puente High School.

Do you have a military hero? If so, who is it and why are they a hero to you?
I don’t have a specific military hero, I have military heroes. The people who served and are currently serving in the military are my heroes. To put their lives on the line for us to continue to do what we do is courageous and honorable. That’s why everyone in the military are my heroes.

Marines, Army, Navy or Air Force? Why?
Marines, Army, Navy or Air Force…Wow tough question. I pick all of them because they’re all amazing people. But the Marine’s devil dog mascot looks cool.

Do you have a message for veterans or other military service men and women for Memorial Day this year?
To all of those that have served in the military I would like to applaud you and say thank you for your services and sacrifices that you have done for me, my family and the country. I am forever grateful. To those who are currently serving, I say thank you, be careful and get back home safe.

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Prospect:

What does Memorial Day mean to you?
Memorial Day to me means remembering all those that have passed away serving our country.

Marines, Army, Navy or Air Force? Why?
I like them all, they all play a different role in protecting our country. But if I had to pick I would go with the Marines because I have friends that have served, and that are in the service right now.

Do you have a message for veterans or other military service men and women for Memorial Day this year?
To all the veterans and military service men and women, thank you all for the sacrifices you guys make and for keeping our beautiful country safe.

Hunter vs. Escalante is a 10-round featherweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, priced at $25, $35, and $45, are on sale now and available for purchase from the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.FOXSports.com/FOXSports1, www.FOXDeportes.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXSports1, @FOXDeportes and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Corona, CA (May 21, 2015)–Tomorrow night in Corona, California, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez returns to the ring for the third time in three months when he battles Miguel Tamayo in bout scheduled for six rounds at the Omega Products Outdoor Arena.

The bout will be on the undercard of the Boxcino finals where Lopez GH3 Promotions stablemate John Thompson takes on Brandon Adams in Jr. Middleweight championship bout.

“Training went really well. I did a lot of sparring to get ready for Tamayo who is a southpaw,” said Lopez.

Lopez, who has a record of 11-0 with six knockouts will be fighting for the third time since March 13, is coming off of two consecutive 2nd round knockouts with the first being over undefeated Pablo Cruz that was nationally televised by ShoBox.

“I feel good about keeping active and having fights to keep me busy. It is a good confidence boost to keep me active.”

In Tamayo, he is fighting a guy that has 30 fights under his belts (16-12-2, 14 KO’s) and has been in the ring with former world title challenger Cesar Seda, current world champion Gary Russell Jr and prospects Diego De La Hoya &McWilliams Arroyo.

“He is a veteran journeyman. He fought guys like Russell and De La Hoya so it is a measuring stick and it will put me in a category that I should start getting more notice. I don’t care what the others did with him. I am just going out to do my thing and win the fight.”

Even though the 24 year-old Lopez is from San Antonio, Texas, he has California roots and did not grow up far from Corona.

“I am from California and not too far from Corona. I fought here as an amateur and am excited to fight here as a professional.”

“I am excited GH3 is keeping me active and have been fighting every month. This is exactly what I need to do. I am going to go out there and do my thing. I am excited and honored to be fighting on the Boxcino finals show and on the last ESPN Friday Night Fights card,”finished Lopez.

Said Lopez promoter Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions, “We are happy to have Adam fight on this card. With John fighting in Boxcino, it gives Adam a chance to fight close to where he grew up and get him exposure on the West coast.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Hyannis, Massachusetts [May 21, 2015] – Hyannis native Jesse Barboza (9-1-1, 5 KO’s) is coming home to headline a pro boxing event August 8th at the Hyannis Youth & Community Center (HYCC) as he takes on Pennsylvania’s Jesse Oltmanns (10-5, 7 KO’s) in an 8 round fight for the vacant Northeast Heavyweight Championship.

Barboza, a 2004 graduate of Barnstable High School where he excelled on the football field as a Fullback and Linebacker for the Red Raiders, will be fighting for the first time as a professional in front of his hometown crowd. It will also be his first main event and first pro fight for a title of any kind.

“I am extremely excited to fight in Hyannis,” said Barboza of his homecoming fight. “I think every fighter when they start fighting wants to comeback and fight in their hometown. I’ve gotten so used to fighting two hours away from home that I can’t wait to fight with my home crowd behind me.”

Standing across the ring from him when the bell rings will be Bartonsville, PA native Jesse Oltmanns. Oltmanns represents Barboza’s most stern test as a pro fighter thus far. He has previously fought current WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32 KO’s) and former cruiserweight world title challenger Matt Godfrey (21-3, 11 KO’s).

“I’m looking forward to fighting in beautiful Cape Cod in the heart of summer,” said Oltmanns. “I don’t think Jesse Barboza is going to show me anything I haven’t seen before, but I can show him some things he’s never seen before. I just want to make sure that belt is adjustable to large because I’ll be coming home with the title.”

“Jesse Oltmanns is a tough guy,” admitted Barboza of his opponent. “The only time I’ve seen him lose is against some of the best fighters in this profession. I’m looking forward to this challenge, and I don’t expect it to be easy, but I want to see where I’m at as a pro fighter against a respected veteran who’s fought some of the best.”

The event will be presented by Boston Boxing Promotions. It will be the first professional boxing event held in Hyannis since 2006. General admission tickets are $40 and are on sale now at www.CapeCodBoxing.com. Fans are urged to purchase tickets early due to limited availability. Additional bouts to be announced in the weeks to come.

Boston Boxing Promotions is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. To learn more about the promotion, you can follow them on Twitter @BostonProBoxing, join the promotion’s official Facebook page “Fight For Boston,” and visit the promotion’s website www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com.

New York, May 21— To quote a Yogi Berra-ism ? , Bronx-based promoter Joe DeGuardia says it will be “deja vu all over again” when Star Boxing’s, Chris Algieri, squares off against Amir Kahn at the Barclays Center on Friday night, May 29. In other words, the underdog Algieri will pull off the upset just as he did against Ruslan Provodnikov last year at the same Brooklyn venue.

“I’m thrilled to be back at the Barclays Center with Chris Algieri, which is the same arena where he shocked the world winning the World Championship with his upset over Ruslan Provodnikov,” said DeGuardia. “Now, we are here again, in the same underdog position, against Amir Kahn. Once again I fully expect Chris to walk out of the Barclays Center ring with his hand raised in victory.”

The Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs) vs. Kahn (30-3, 19 KOs) 12-round welterweight affair will headline the Premier Boxing Champions series card from Barclays on Spike TV, air time is at 9:00 PM.

21 May 2015 – Singapore: Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization with a 90% market share, ONE Championship™ (ONE) announced today that the mixed martial artists competing at ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST have made weight and are ready for all the action which takes place tomorrow evening at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore. Reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki weighed-in at 70.1kg while the challenger, Koji Ando stepped onto the scales at 70.2kg ahead of their main event showdown. The featherweight bout between Robert Lisita and Timofey Nastyukhin has been cancelled due to failed medical clearance by Lisita.

Visit the official ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST weigh-in photo gallery by clicking:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7pof14b9qwz30a2/SFZmzHv8q8.

ONE Lightweight World Champion, Shinya Aoki, stated, “I have respect for Koji Ando, especially since he is my fellow countryman. He has a good ground game and he strikes pretty decently as well. However, I have been training really hard on all areas of my game. I’m ready for Ando come fight night.”

The challenger, Koji Ando, stated, “I’ve worked too hard for too long for this opportunity, and I can assure all the fans that when I step inside that cage, I’ll be ready to give the performance of a lifetime. Whatever the outcome of the fight, one thing is certain, Shinya will know he was in a real battle.”

Tickets for ONE: WARRIOR’S QUEST are still on sale at http://www.sportshub.com.sg/. Ticket categories begin with the full cageside experience at S$1,488. Tickets priced at $158, $58 and $38 are also available. Prices include ticketing fee.

MAIN EVENT
ONE Lightweight World Championship bout: Shinya Aoki (70.1kg/154lbs) VS Koji Ando (70.2kg/154.5lbs)

MAIN CARD
ONE Strawweight World Championship bout: Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichok (51.8kg / 114lbs) VS Roy Doliguez (51.6 kg / 113.5lbs)
Featherweight bout: Ev Ting (65.8kg / 145lbs) VS Marat Gafurov (65.8kg / 145lbs)
Lightweight bout: Lowen Tynanes (69.7kg / 153lbs) VS Kuat Khamitov (70.3kg / 154.5lbs)
Lightweight bout: Eddie Ng (70.3kg / 154.5lbs) VS Ariel Sexton (70.2kg / 154.5lbs)
Bantamweight bout: Stephen Langdown (61.2kg / 134.5lbs) VS A La Teng Hei Li (61.2kg / 134.5lbs)

UNDERCARD
Featherweight bout: Amir Khan (65.5kg / 144lbs) VS Shannon Wiratchai (65.8kg / 145lbs)
Featherweight bout: Benedict Ang (65.3kg / 143.5lbs) VS Waqar Umar (65.6kg / 144lbs)
Women’s Strawweight bout: Angela Lee (51.8 kg / 114lbs) VS Aya Saeid Saber ( 51.7kg / 114 lbs)
Flyweight bout: Ali Yaakub (55.3 kg/ 121.5lbs) VS Jianbing Yang (56.7 kg/ 125lbs)

Fans from around the world can witness the action online via live streaming at http://www.onefc.com/livestream. The event will be available for purchase at just US$9.99.

For more updates on ONE Championship™, please visit www.onefc.com and follow Twitter and Instagram @ONEFCMMA and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ONEFCMMA

About ONE Championship™
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Championship™ is Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

Arthur Abraham (42-4, 28 KOs) has vowed to bring an end to his feud with domestic rival Robert Stieglitz (47-4-1, 27 KOs) when the German super middleweights contest the WBO World title for a fourth time on July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle.

The fighters began their now familiar pre-fight routine with a kick-off press conference today, in which the reigning champion promised to provide a conclusive finish to their long-standing rivalry. ‘’Four fights with Robert is enough for me,’’ declared Abraham. ‘’Of course, victory is always the most important thing, but on July 18, I don’t just want to win, I want to win decisively and prove once and for all that I am the better man!’’

Abraham holds the advantage, having triumphed in two of their three previous encounters, but while ‘King Arthur’ eyes a conclusive third victory, Stieglitz aims to settle the score with a second win over the Berlin-based boxer. ‘’I have analysed all three of our fights in detail,’’ reveals Stieglitz. ‘’With the right tactical adjustments, I have no doubt that this time I will be victorious!’’

Ahead of their anticipated fourth encounter, Abraham’s coach Ulli Wegner has compared July 18’s battle with Germany’s most heated soccer rivalry. ‘’This is ‘Der Klassiker’,’’ declared the 73 year-old. ‘’The Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund of German boxing! Just like Munich vs. Dortmund, this great rivalry always promises excitement! Arthur must enter the ring in top condition or risk losing his position at the top of the super middleweight division.’’

Stieglitz’s coach Dirk Dzemski shares Wegner’s excitement, predicting a ‘’spectacular fight’’ at the Gerry Weber Stadium. ‘’This fight will be on a knife’s edge,’’ said Dzemski. ‘’Both boxers know how hard it will be to beat the other and fans can look forward to a spectacular fight. Arthur had better be well prepared because we’re ready for it!’’

Tickets for the ‘Final Showdown’ Abraham vs. Stieglitz IV are available by calling the Gerry Weber Ticket Centre on (+49) 5201 81 80 or online via www.gerryweber-world.de and www.tickethall.de. All the action will be shown live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.

Terry Flanagen will battle Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBO Lightweight title on July 11 in Manchester, England according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’ve delivered Terry his world title shot on home soil,” Warren said. “He’s now got all the home advantages, and he has to translate that in the ring and beat Zepeda, who will certainly give Terry plenty to think about with that huge knockout punch he carries.”

“It’s a dream to fight for the world title on my own doorstep and it will be an electric atmosphere on the night at the Velodrome,” Flanagan said. “I’d have fought Zepeda anywhere because to get a world title fight has been my dream since first putting on the gloves, but my promoter, Frank Warren, has really pulled out all the stops to get me my chance in my backyard as he believes in me and I’ll repay that faith by becoming world champion.”

“Zepeda can certainly punch,” Flanagan said. “He’s stopped nearly all of his opponents, with the majority coming inside three rounds. It’s not just about being able to punch at this level though. What happens when I start dragging him into the later rounds, and he’s going into uncharted territory? Can he cope with the pace I’m going to set?

“These are all questions he’s going to be asked of him and, remember, I can bang as well. I’m not saying it’s going to be an easy fight. It’s the biggest and hardest night of my life and I’m going to train and prepare for this like never before and do everything I can to win that belt.”

Toronto | New York – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 43 this Friday, May 22 at 11 p.m. ET from Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Fight Network’s broadcast will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In the main event, Calgary-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai black belt Nick Ring (13-3) makes his first post-UFC appearance against MFC and King of the Cage veteran Jason Zentgraf (8-2).

Hard Knocks light heavyweight champion Misha Cirkunov (8-2) makes his first defense of the championship in his co-main event clash with Shaun Asher (10-1-1), who makes his promotional debut riding a five-fight winning streak.

The Hard Knocks welterweight championship is also on the line as titlist Sergej Jusekic (14-7-2) looks for his fourth straight win opposite Grudge Training Center product LT Nelson (6-2).

In other pro matchups, Joel Powell (8-5) battles Jordan McKay (7-2) in the welterweight division, lightweights Aaron Gallant (6-6) and Mike O’Neill (4-4) will square off, Owen Carr (5-3-1) takes on Ryan Connor (5-2) in a bantamweight bout, light heavyweights Devon Smith (1-1) and Trent Rowell (2-3) throw down, plus flyweight Keegan Oliver (2-3) meets the debuting Derek Folk (0-0).

Fight Network’s live broadcast airs following IMPACT Wrestling from 9 to 11 p.m. ET in Canada, and live globally at 11 p.m. ET.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

ORANGE, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.

The 10-round junior middleweight final showcases Boxcino tournament veteran Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles against the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey. The finalists will compete for the Boxcino crown on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Also on the line – the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title, and the WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight belt.

Tickets for the Boxcino Finals are priced at $50, $70, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

The double main event features heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia in a 10-round fight to determine the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight Champion. Dennis-Fedosov will also fight for the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

Brandon Adams– 17-1, 12 KO’s John Thompson– 16-1, 5 KO’s
Los Angeles, CA Newark, NJ
Nickname–“The Cannon” “Apollo Kidd”
Age: 25 Age: 26
Has won 3 straight bouts (all by stoppage) Has won two straight bouts
66.7 KO % 29.4 KO%
Has fought 74 rounds (4.1 Rounds/Bout) Has fought 78 rounds (4.59 Round/Bout)
5’9″ 6’1″
70″ Reach NA
Opp Rec: 157-99-16 100-45-9

The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT. and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com & ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2015) –World championship Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) promotion World Series of Fighting (WSOF.com) has signed three new devastating forces, two of whom have yet to be beaten, to its fast-growing roster of world-class talent.

Undefeated Vagab Vagabov (15-0) of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia; unbeaten Magomed “Gladiator” Bibulatov (9-0) of Grozny, Chechnya, Russia; and Magomed “Tiger” Magomedov (10-1) of Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Russia have each signed an exclusive, multi-fight, multi-year agreement to compete under the WSOF banner.

Each fighter’s WSOF debut, which will be announced soon, will also represent his first start in the U.S.

“We are excited to welcome these three fast-climbing, young stars to the WSOF roster and expect them to shake things up in the world of MMA,” said WSOF President, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer Ray Sefo.

“Over the last couple of years,” continued Sefo, “we have seen a tremendous amount of high-caliber talent being unearthed from Russia, and I am proud to say that WSOF has been pro-active and played a significant part in these discoveries, and will continue to search and sign the most promising talent from this part of the world as well as elsewhere around the globe.”

Vagabov, a 29-year-old middleweight (185 pounds), boasts an incredible 74 percent finish rate over the course of his 15 professional fights, with 7 of his wins having come by way of (T)KO and 4 of his victories via submission. He is coming off a second round (2:43) TKO (punches) of Chris Katanga in Moscow, Russia on April 18.

A 26-year-old flyweight (125 pounds), Bibulatov notched his 9th career win on March 14, scoring a first round (1:30) KO on Eduardo Felipe in Grozny. Bibulatov’s best accolade to date is perhaps his victory of a one-night, eight-man tournament in Lamego, Portugal on Aug. 24, 2013, when he defeated three consecutive opponents, including two by way of first round submission, to emerge the winner of the single-elimination affair.

Magomedov is a surging bantamweight (135 pounds) who will put a nine-fight win streak and an outstanding finish rate of 70 percent when he makes his WSOF debut. In his last start, Magomedov earned a unanimous decision over Paata Robakidze in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 24, 2014.

WSOF action returns to NBCSN live on Friday, June 5 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In the main event of a world championship doubleheader, reigning WSOF world featherweight (145 pounds) champion Lance Palmer (9-1) of Sacramento, Calif. will put his title on the line for the first time when he collides with Chris Horodecki (21-5-1) of London, Ontario, Canada.

In the world heavyweight championship co-main event, Smealinho “The Prince” Rama (9-1) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada will risk his title for the first time against Blagoi Ivanov (11-1) of Sofia, Bulgaria.

About “World Series of Fighting” (WSOF)
“World Series of Fighting” (WSOF) is a world wide premier professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promotion dedicated to delivering the best action-packed fights for fight fans by producing the best possible match-ups between elite fighters from around the world. For more information please visit WSOF.com. Follow “World Series of Fighting” on Twitter @MMAWorldSeries and “World Series of Fighting” President Ray Sefo @SugarRaySefo.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of ONE Championship: Warrior’s Quest this Friday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m. ET, emanating from Kallang, Singapore’s Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Fight Network’s live broadcast will air exclusively in Canada and Turkey.

In the main event, ONE lightweight champion Shinya Aoki puts his title on the line against No. 1 contender Koji Ando.

In another historic championship clash, Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke faces Rey Doliguez for the right to be crowned the inaugural ONE strawweight (115) champion.

The stacked card also features a lightweight bout between Kuat Khamitov and Lowen Tynanes, a battle between flyweights Stephen Langdown and A La Ten Hei Li, Russia’s Timofey Nastyukhin will drop down to featherweight to take on top contender Rob Lisita, streaking featherweights Ev Ting and Marat Gafurov are set to clash in a showdown of top contenders, lightweight Eddie Ng will return to action to take on Ariel Sexton, Amir Khan and Shannon Wiratchai will push theough with their much awaited matchup, Singapore’s Benedict Ang will make his debut against Pakistan’s Waqar Umar, while Angela Lee faces Aya Saber in a women’s strawwright bout.

Shinya Aoki is the ONE lightweight champion and one of the best grapplers in mixed martial arts. Aoki has one of the most diverse grappling arsenals in the sport, and has finished 25 of his 37 victories via submissions. Aoki won the ONE lightweight title by submitting Kotetsu Boku, and continued his reign by forcing Kamal Shalorus to tap out. He now faces one of his toughest tests to date as he takes on Koji Ando.

Koji Ando is a Japanese Judo practitioner currently riding a five-fight winning streak. Ando became the number one contender by finishing both Rafael Nunes and Zorobabel in impressive fashion. With an array of diverse striking skills coupled with solid submission grappling credentials, Ando poses the toughest test to Aoki’s ONE lightweight championship reign.

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is a Muay Thai world champion who is currently undefeated in mixed martial arts. Amnuaysirichoke has received the highest accolades in Muay Thai, being a 3x Lumpinee champion, Thailand’s National Champion and the Omnoi Stadium Champion and holds an overall Muay Thai record of 282-65. Muay Thai, an ancient form of martial art originating from Thailand is coincidentally one of the most effective methods of hand-to-hand combat. The discipline is also one of the most widely used skill bases in modern mixed martial arts.

Known as a technical fighter with quick hands and lightning quick feet, Amnuaysirichoke has some of the most unique and creative striking combinations in the sport of Muay Thai. His transition to ONE Championship gave him an opportunity to potentially achieve as much success in mixed martial arts. He burst onto the scene last year and finished all four of his opponents convincingly. Amnuaysirichoke now drops a division to strawweight with the opportunity to be crowned the champion in the division.

Roy Doliguez is a Filipino mixed martial artist currently riding a 6-1 record. Considered one of the best strawweights in Asia, Doliguez solidified that standing by avenging the only loss of his career. Doliguez is also a professional boxer with more than 40 professional boxing bouts. This bout will feature two contrasting striking styles and it will be interesting to see who triumphs and walks away with the ONE Strawweight championship.

Kuat Khamitov is a Kazakhstani lightweight who has won his last six bouts. He is one of the most experienced mixed martial artists to emerge from Central Asia and has won 18 of 21 bouts. Khamitov will look to emulate the success of countryman Igor Svirid, who is the reigning ONE middleweight champion.

Lowen Tynanes is an undefeated mixed martial artist hailing from Hawaii. Just 24 years of age, Tynanes has impressed in his victories over Vuyisile Colossa and Felipe Enomoto. Tynanes comes from a fighting family, and has even once competed on the same night as his father Miles. Tynanes is a ferocious competitor who is always willing to engage in back-and-forth brawls with an opponent in pursuit of the finish.

Stephen Langdown is a professional mixed martial artist from Singapore. One of the brightest prospects in the country, Langdown has proven his success inside the ONE Championship cage. On 22 May, he gets to showcase his skills once again in front of 12,000 fans in his hometown.

A La Teng Hei Li is a Chinese mixed martial artist. He hails from inner Mongolia and grew up wrestling. A veteran of the mixed martial arts scene in China, Hei Li now gets the opportunity to pit his skills against some of the best in the world in ONE Championship.

Rob Lisita is an Australian mixed martial artist and one of the top strikers in the ONE Championship featherweight division. Lisita has built up a solid fan following thanks to the impressive striking displays throughout his career, including knockout wins over Yusuke Kawanago and Rodolfo Marques. Lisita has faced the best of the best in his class, and will now welcome Nastyukhin into the ultra-talented featherweight division.

Timofey Nastyukhin announced his arrival on the global stage with a devastating knockout of Eduard Folayang last December. After a series of ferocious striking exchanges, Nastyukhin landed a perfectly timed flying knee on Folayang, effectively ending the bout in just one round. The knockout is considered by most as one of the best knockouts of 2014. He now returns to action against a fellow striker. Nastyukhin will move down to his preferred featherweight division to take on Australian knockout artist Rob Lisita.

Ev Ting is a featherweight of Malaysian descent currently based in New Zealand. Ting has won all three of his bouts since making his ONE Championship debut. He has demonstrated his striking and grappling prowess, finishing Yohan Mulia Legowo, Edward Kelly and Cary Bullos all in impressive fashion. Ting is set to make his case for the ONE Featherweight World Championship belt currently held by Jadambaa Narantungalag, but he would first need to overcome Marat Gafurov.

Marat Gafurov hails from Novokuznetsk in Russia. He is currently undefeated in ten professional mixed martial arts bouts. He made a statement in his ONE Championship debut, convincingly defeating perennial contender Rob Lisita with a kick and rear-naked choke sequence. The victory propelled Gafurov to the top of the list of contenders, and he now has an opportunity to solidify his status by adding another victory to his win column.

Eddie Ng is a Hong Kong lightweight who has dazzled in his multiple appearances in the ONE Championship cage. Ng has won four of his five bouts in ONE and returns to action after a one-year layoff determined to continue his ascent. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, Ng has never gone to a decision in his professional mixed martial arts career thanks to his exciting style.

Ariel ‘Tarzan’ Sexton is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt with an impressive record of eight wins and three losses. He was born in Canada but now lives in Costa Rica. After discovering Jiu-Jitsu in 2001, he quit his day job and dedicated his life to mastering the art, before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His grappling acumen was on full display in his victories which he finished with a variety of submission moves.

Amir Khan is a Singaporean mixed martial artist with an undefeated amateur record who has competed in the U.S. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt under Relson Gracie, and also has competitive wrestling and Muay Thai experience. With more than seven years of combat sports experience under his belt, Khan now takes on Shannon Wiratchai after being victorious all of his ONE Championship bouts so far.

Shannon Wiratchai is the top featherweight to emerge from Thailand. He has showcased an aggressive, brawling style every time he steps into the ONE Championship cage, making him a favourite among fans. Wiratchai is a practitioner of the Chinese martial art Baguazhang, and will once again look to exhibit the martial art in mixed martial arts action.

Benedict Ang is one of the top prospects to emerge from Singapore. Ang is undefeated in amateur mixed martial arts competition. At just 19 years old, Ang will become one of the youngest mixed martial artists to step into the ONE Championship cage. Ang trains at Evolve MMA alongside top stars such as ONE welterweight champion Ben Askren and ONE lightweight champion Shinya Aoki. Possessing dynamic striking skills and solid grappling, he will get the opportunity to test himself against the best in the world as he makes his promotional debut.

Waqar Umar is a Pakistani mixed martial arts standout. Umar impressed in local competition and has received the opportunity to compete at Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization. A student of Pakistani MMA pioneer Bashir Ahmad, Umar is an aggressive brawler and also combines his striking skills with diverse submission skills. He will be looking to notch his first win inside the ONE cage when he locks horns with Singapore’s Benedict Ang.

Angela Lee is currently living in Hawaii and is of Singapore and Korean descent. The eldest child of two Taekwondo instructor parents, Angela grew up practicing various forms of martial arts, and quickly built an impressive resume. Her list of accolades includes being state wrestling champion and World Athlima Pangration Federation champion. She is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, and an amateur strawweight champion in mixed martial arts. Lee now makes her much-awaited professional debut as she takes Aya Saber.

Aya Saber is an Egyptian kickboxing champion who has transitioned into mixed martial arts. After falling short in her last first two ONE Championship bouts, Saber will look for a victory against one of the most promising young prospects in Angela Lee. A distinguished striker, Saber now gets a shot at redemption as she makes her return to the ONE cage.

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

Atlantic City, NJ (May 20,2015)–This Friday night,May 22, boxing returns to the Claridge in Atlantic City with a full 9-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DeeLee Promotions.

Welterweight Bryant Perella will take part in his first eight-round bout when he takes on tough German Perez.

In the main event, undefeated super bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez will take on Mario Antonio Macias in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

Perella, 26 years-old of Lehigh Acres, Florida has a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts and has stopped five straight.

He already has quality victories over Benito Tovar (3-0-1), which was a first-round stoppage and his last bout when he stopped Justin Johnson in four rounds on February 20.

“Everything is good. I am going to make weight and take care of business,”said Perella when contacted on Tuesday.

“I know Perez is tough. He is 11-1 and from Mexico. I have not seen video on him but I am preparing for a rough fight. I know a lot of guys Tijuana come forward and are aggressive.”

Perella came from a quality amateur career where he went 70-9 and placed in quite a few national tournaments.

“I consider myself a smart boxer with speed and explosive power.”

Perella, who has already scored a stoppage win in Las Vegas, is excited to see action in the traditional east coast hotbed of boxing in Atlantic City.

“My first fight in Atlantic City is a dream come true. Next to Las Vegas it is the best place to fight and it motivated me throughout camp.”

In Perez, the fight is a step up as the Tijuana native is unbeaten in his last seven bouts and is already competed in an eight-round bout.

“For me to have my first eight round fight is a step up. This step up will really help me. I am going to relax and box then I will be able to break him down and get him out of there.”

Perella is dedicating the fight to 18-year old Devin Raynaer who recently passed away in a car accident.

“He was a friend of mine and I am dedicating this bout to him. I just want to thank my fans for supporting me and I am ready for an exciting fight.”

In 8 round bouts:

John Magda (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will fight Miguel Angel Manguia (31-32-1, 25 KO’s) in a Super Middleweight bout.

Gervonta Davis (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take on Alberta Mora (5-3, 1 KO) of Mexico City in Featherweight bout.

In 6-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Antuwyan Aikens (9-0, 1 KO) of Atlantic City will fight Edgar Perez (6-13, 3 KO’s) of Chicago, IOL

Jamontay Clark (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will battle Jonathan Garcia (4-13, 1 KO) of Aguada, PR in a Welterweight bout.

Jr. Welterweight Keenan Smith (6-0, 2 KO’s of Philadelphia) will take Luis Rodriguez (3-3, 2 KO’s) of Carolina, PR.

In 4-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (4-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Donald Sanchez (2-1, 1 KO) of Albuquerque, NM. in a Welterweight bout.

Pro debuting Light Heavyweight Carlos Gongora of Brooklyn, NY will battle Efigenio Perez (0-4) of Puerto Rico.

Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by clicking www.claridge.eventbrite.com or by calling call 610 587 5950 or 609 868 4243

PHOENIX – May 19, 2015 – Iron Boy Promotions continues to expand its stable of stand-out prospects with the signing of Tucson-based junior welterweight Alfonso Olvera. Olvera, who fought for Iron Boy Promotions in El Paso last October, joins the up and coming promotional company with a professional record of 3-1, 1KO. ‘

Olvera, who by most standards, began his boxing career late at the age of 20, won the state and regional Golden Gloves tournament in his weight division three times, finishing his amateur career with a record of 51-4. Olvera made his professional debut at Iron Boy 16 at the company’s first show in El Paso, Texas. He faced El Paso’s Francis Beniquez, who was also making his pro debut. It was an action-packed bout that saw Olvera win by technical knockout in the third round.

Olvera faced his first loss when he traveled to New York City in his second bout to face Ivan Baranchyk (6-0, 5KO). “I made a decision after this fight,” said Olvera. “I wasn’t ready going into this fight. I hadn’t trained right, and to be honest, this loss was the low point of my career and life. I promised myself I’d never not be ready again. There will never be a next time like this. From here on out, I will work harder, stay focused and stay ready.”

Olvera rebounded from the loss with a wide unanimous decision win over Josue Garcia (3-3, 2KO), again in his opponent’s hometown of El Paso. He then received the call to face Abraham Lopez on the undercard of Beltran-Ao on May 1st, the day before “the fight of the century,” Mayweather-Pacquiao. Walking away with a majority decision win, Olvera relished the opportunity to fight during such a momentous weekend. “I don’t have words to describe it,” said Olvera. “It was so exciting to fight during such a big weekend. I felt so many emotions during and after the fight.”

For their part, Iron Boy Promotions’ leadership is excited to add Olvera to its growing stable of fighters. “Olvera is a great fighter, and a great person,” said Roberto Vargas, Iron Boy Promoter. “He really impressed me with his professionalism and fan friendly, all action fighting style.” Mike Sanchez, the promotional company’s matchmaker, is impressed with Olvera’s fundamentals. “He started late, so he’s already grown into the fighter he’s going to be, size wise. He’s already a man. He’s got good fundamentals, he’s mature, and has already competed against the best in the country.”

“I give all the honor and glory to God,” said Olvera of the signing. “All the victories are his. He’s letting me borrow them. This is such a wonderful opportunity, such a blessing, to sign with Iron Boy Promotions. I’ve been going to their shows, and always hoped to have the opportunity to be part of the Iron Boy team.”

Olvera lives in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife Ashley, his son Jacob, and his daughters, Giselle and Priscilla. He credits them for his motivation to get to the gym every day. “I want to give my family, my wife, my kids, my parents, the very best. I’m doing this for them. It’s hard work, and a lot of sacrifice, and I’m working really hard for my family.”’

Olvera fights this Saturday, May 23rd at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. Doors are at 4pm, and first bell is at 5pm. The event streams live and free beginning at 8PST at www.ironboyboxing.com. Tickets are priced $30, 50 and 65, and are available at www.ironboyboxing.com or at the Celebrity Theatre Box Office.

Las Vegas – The first inductees for the new look UFC Hall of Fame have been announced. Jeff Blatnick – a key personality during the UFC’s formative years – and the April 2005 rematch between Matt Hughes and Frank Trigg will be inducted as in this year’s Contributor and Fight categories, respectively.

The announcements were made moments ago on UFC Tonight, the UFC’s official magazine show on FOX Sports 1. The formal induction will take place at a gala event on Saturday, July 11 at the UFC Fan Expo, during the UFC’s annual International Fight Week.

Jeff Blatnick will be posthumously inducted as a UFC Hall of Fame Contributor, in recognition for his historically significant services to the UFC and the sport of mixed martial arts.

UFC President Dana White said: “Jeff Blatnick is a name that newer fans may not be familiar with, but this guy was a huge part on the UFC’s development in the 1990s. He pushed for greater regulation, unified rules and – because he was an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling – he had credibility with everyone in the sport. It is our honor to recognize his huge contributions to the UFC by inducting him into the UFC Hall of Fame.”

Blatnick’s story is an incredible one. In 1982 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a form of cancer – and had to undergo life-saving surgery and chemotherapy. Astonishingly, he won the super-heavyweight Greco-Roman wrestling gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in Los Angeles less than two years later. He became a national hero and inspiration for cancer patients worldwide.

A decade later, Blatnick caught an early UFC event. He immediately recognized the sport behind the spectacle and joined the organization as lead color commentator from UFC 4 (December 1994) through to UFC 34 (November 2001). In those seven years at Octagonside, Blatnick educated a generation of fight fans on the finer points of grappling and sportsmanship. But, perhaps more importantly, as the Commissioner of the UFC (1998 to 2001) Blatnick is widely credited with coining the term “mixed martial arts” and championing its use to describe the emerging sport.

As Commissioner, Blatnick served as a key member of the group who drew up what would become the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts – the framework for all regulated MMA around the world to this day. In his later years, the New York born Blatnick served as an MMA judge for many different state commissions; in fact Blatnick’s final contribution to the UFC came as a ringside judge at the UFC 152 event, just weeks before he passed away in October 2012.

Lori Blatnick, Jeff’s widow, will accept her late husband’s UFC Hall of Fame induction on his behalf.

She said: “Jeff would have been so honored to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. It’s awesome, and it is right that he is recognized. He worked so hard to improve the sport and keep it alive in the 1990s. People in the industry, or have been around the UFC for years, they know what Jeff did behind the scenes but the viewers who watch the fights today probably haven’t heard of him. That’s probably because of Jeff’s character, he was very humble and didn’t like to talk about himself. But it is great he will now be recognized in such a huge way.”

Joining Blatnick in the class of 2015 will be Matt Hughes and Frank Trigg, who will be inducted together for their April 2005 rematch in the newly-minted Fight wing of the UFC Hall of Fame.

Hughes vs Trigg II took place on April 16, 2005, at UFC 52 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It was a rematch from 2003, where UFC welterweight champion Hughes defeated reigning WFA champion Trigg inside four minutes.

Trigg won two bouts to earn a chance to avenge his loss to Hughes, and the build-up to the rematch saw Trigg goad the champion with a relentless campaign of insults.

UFC President Dana White said: “I’ve said it a million times over the last 10 years, Hughes vs Trigg II is one of my favorite fights ever. In four minutes five seconds, it showed everything that is great about the UFC.”

The full fight can be watched on UFC FIGHT PASS here: http://www.ufc.tv/video/matt-hughes-vs-frank-trigg-ufc-52

Hughes now becomes a two-time UFC Hall of Famer, having already been recognized by the Hall in 2010 for a legendary career which included two reigns as UFC welterweight champion.

Hughes said: “When I got my hand raised, I thought I’d just come through a tough fight. It was only afterwards, when my team were congratulating me on this great win, that I started to realize this wasn’t just another fight. Then Dana called me a few days later telling me it was the best fight he’d ever seen and, in the years since, I get asked about that one rematch with Trigg about as much as I do any big fight I’ve ever been in.”

Hughes added: “I occasionally get invited to speak to servicemen, and I try and speak to them about never giving up when they are in bad situations. The fight I use as an example is the second Trigg fight; I was in a very bad situation, I’d been hit low, I was hurt, rocked, Trigg had my back and he had me in a choke. But I didn’t panic and as long as you don’t panic, you don’t quit on yourself and you have a little time, you can get out of even the worst of situations.”

Trigg said: “This is a great honor. Every great fight has a winner and a loser, but I am very proud that, 10 years on, people still ask me about this fight. I may not have won the UFC title that night, but this goes some way to make up for that.”

The inductees in the Modern Era and Pioneer Era categories will be announced this weekend as part of scheduled UFC 187 programming.

The UFC Hall of Fame 2015 induction ceremony will take place on July 11 as part of the UFC Fan Expo in Las Vegas. Fans with tickets to the UFC Fan Expo will be able to attend the UFC Hall of Fame 2015 event for no additional cost. Tickets to the UFC Fan Expo are available at www.ufcfanexpo.com with two-day passes beginning at $60 online and $65 onsite. One-day passes begin at $35 online and $45 onsite.

To visit the UFC Hall of Fame fight library – which includes the induction speeches for the first 12 UFC Hall of Famers – go to www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-hall-of-fame-library.

For additional information please visit UFC.com, and follow UFC on Twitter @ufc.

ORANGE, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – Rising junior welterweight prospect Giovani Santillan (16-0, 9 KOs) suffered an injury during training camp, and consequently will not be featured in Thompson Boxing Promotions main event, next Friday, May 29. Santillan was scheduled to face the talented Kendal Mena (20-1, 11 KOs).

Thompson Boxing’s 15th Year Anniversary show, titled “Path to Glory,” will continue with a triple-header featuring the free-swinging super bantamweight Danny Roman (14-2-1, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles facing Chris Martin (28-5-3, 9 KOs), a savvy boxer-puncher from San Diego (8-rounds).

Also on the card, featherweights Efrain Esquivias (17-3-1, 10 KOs) of Carson, Calif. and Jose Haro (8-1-1, 6 KOs) of Salt Lake City (8-rounds). Esquivias, who not long ago was in an IBF title eliminator with future world champion Jhonatan Romero, is trying to climb back to elite level status.

In the other marquee match up, super bantamweight Juan Reyes (12-1-3, 2 KOs) of Riverside, Calif. brings his exciting brand of boxing to the more experienced Robert Castaneda (21-9-1, 15 KOs) of Mexico in an 8-round scrap.

“Since all three fights are worthy of main event status, we will be doing something a little different in determining the show order,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “Next Thursday, during the weigh in, we will draw numbers as to which one of these fights are the main event, co-feature, and special attraction.”

“Determining the order of fights through a chance system speaks to the strength of the card,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “It is a fantastic way for us to celebrate fifteen years in the boxing business.”

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or calling 714-935-0900. The event takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

There is intrigue and drama for each of the fights featured in the triple-header. Roman is riding a six fight winning streak, while the veteran Martin is trying to get his career back on track after dropping two straight.

“Roman is a classic, in your face type of fighter that pressures you relentlessly,” Thompson said. “Martin likes to counter-punch, so this fight will have plenty of fireworks.”

Esquivias, who was a top contender at 122 pounds, has moved up to featherweight in hopes of shaking up that division. He faces a young charge in Haro that packs power and is searching for a signature win.

Reyes, who is never in a dull fight, will have his hands full with the experienced and heavy handed Castaneda.

In other action, undefeated lightweight prospect Cesar Villarraga (6-0, 4 KOs), a former Colombian Olympian, meets an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Opening the “Path to Glory” event is junior welterweight Rigoberto Flores (6-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles. An opponent will be announced at a later date (4-rounds).

Ken Thompson launched Thompson Boxing Promotions in May 2000, and since then, the company has enjoyed tremendous success. The fifteen-year-old promotional company boasts a diverse list of former and current world champions that are currently, or at one point, promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. The list includes: Yohnny Perez, Timothy Bradley, Jhonatan Romero, and Darleys Perez (interim).

The company continues to grow and nurture the future stars of the sport by carefully mapping the careers of young and talented prospects, such as: Josesito Lopez, Juan Carlos Burgos, Artemio Reyes, Efrain Esquivias, Giovani Santillan, Jose Roman, Cesar Villarraga, Carlos Carlson, LaRon Mitchell, among others.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m, and the first bell rings at 7:30 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.

For additional information please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ThompsonBoxing. To follow the conversation on social media, please use hash tags #ThompsonBoxing & #PathtoGlory.

Philadelphia, PA (May 20 2015)– Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated and world ranked Jr. Welterweight contender Mauro Maximiliano Godoy to an exclusive promotional contract.

Godoy, 25 years old of Centenario, Argentina, has a record of 19-0 with 8 knockouts and is the current Argentina Super Lightweight champion and the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight title. He is currently ranked number-9 by the WBO.

“We are happy to get this young contender in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President Arthur Pelullo.

“He comes on great recommendation from Daniel Castro who has been working with him. We have seen some footage, and we feel Mauro has the potential to be a star here in the United States and throughout the world. He has many options, as the 140 pound division is loaded with quality talent, and we expect to get him a major fight sooner rather than later.”

Said Daniel Castro, representative for Godoy, “Mauro is very happy
to sign with Banner Promotions, which is one of the major promoters in the world. He is looking to have good opportunities to become a world champion in the future. He is a hard working fighter who is always in the gym and ready to fight. We saw what Banner has done with Ruslan Provodnikov, and Mauro wants good fights and maybe an opportunity to fight Provodnikov.”

Godoy has fought his entire career in Argentina, and he won the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight crown with a 5th round stoppage over Federico Malespina on May 9, 2014. He won the vacant Argentina Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cesar Inalef (18-3-1) on September 19, 2014. Godoy made his only defense in his last bout when he stopped Jorge Fredes in 6 rounds on November 21, 2014.

New York (May 19, 2015) – Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s), the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes will defend his titles against former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3, 16 KO’s) of Australia on June 6, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a 12-round fight that will be televised live on HBO. Geale hosted a New York City media workout this afternoon at Mendez Boxing Gym in preparation for his title challenge against Cotto. Here’s what Geale, and his American promoter Gary Shaw, had to say:

Daniel Geale – Former Two-Time World Champion

“Cotto has trouble in stages against guys that move and use their reach. He knows that’s what I’m going to be doing and he’s going to be trying to counter that with aggression and coming forward. I’m going to use my abilities and not get caught up in his game plan.”

“The game plan is to go in and fight my fight. It’s not to get sucked in. It’s not to get caught up in what he [Cotto] is doing. It’s to do what I do best.”

“This is going to be a huge fight for me. Fighting a guy like Miguel who’s fought some of the greatest fighters is going to be a great test. We’re going in very confident.”

“I want this one badly. It’s something that we have wanted for a while and I’m extremely excited. I’ve got guys like Gary Shaw and my team at the Grange from Australia and they are working very hard behind the scenes. I’m just going to worry about my job and they do their job greatly. I just worry about getting myself in perfect condition.”

Gary Shaw – President of Gary Shaw Productions

“If Daniel wins, Cotto has a rematch clause, so if Cotto wants the immediate rematch then that’s what he gets. If not, according to WBC, it would be GGG again, but it doesn’t make a difference. Daniel will fight anybody, anywhere. We went to Germany and fought Strum on his territory. He’s coming to New York which is Cotto’s town. It just doesn’t make a difference when you have a great fighter.”

“It’s going to be a great show and the fans are going to get what they want. Tune in for a great fight on June 6. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z79x0xvv00sz9ry/AABaWoy8ok7_iOGswn3K0t85a?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Ed Mulholland/Roc Nation Sports www.edmulholland.photoshelter.com

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Venue Kings. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $350, $250, $200, $150, $120, $100, $80, $50 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available for purchase at www.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2015) – After getting Manny Pacquiao ready for his mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather, Gary Shaw Productions’ and Antonio Leonard Promotions’ undefeated super-lightweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (6-0, KOs), is now preparing WBC Lightweight champion Jorge Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) for his upcoming title defense against Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs).

Kenneth Sims Jr. has been sparring with Linares, giving him great work, while learning from the best fighters in the world. The experience has been instrumental in the development of Sims Jr., who resides in Chicago, Illinois.

“Training with Linares and Pacquiao has been a great learning process for me and my dad who’s my trainer,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I want to thank Gary Shaw for setting up these sparring opportunities. I’ve preformed really well and my confidence is at an all-time high. After sparring with these great champions, I know I have the skills to become something special in this sport and I’m going to take it one fight at a time. Gary and Antonio Leonard are working on my next fight and I should be returning to the ring shortly.”

“Kenneth Sims Jr. is a special talent with an amateur pedigree to take his professional career to championship level,” Gary Shaw said. “Antonio and I are going to continue to bring him up the right way, give him tough fights, so he can be prepared for the big fights that lie ahead. Everything I’m hearing from these training camps and the sparring sessions Sims Jr. is having is positive. Kenneth is only going to get better and that makes me very happy.”

Lou DiBella
Thanks, everybody for joining us for Premier Boxing Champions on NBC press call. The card is Saturday, May 23rd. That’s the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend at Boston’s Agganis Arena. The start time on NBC is 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is being promoted in associated with Murphys Boxing are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, and they’re available at ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Again, the NBC broadcast goes on at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

We’re going to start the call by talking to our co-main event fighters, the guys are going to open the telecast. That’s light-heavyweight contender Edwin Rodriguez taking on undefeated light-heavyweight contender Craig Baker. Craig is 10-0 with 12 KO. He’s coming off a KO of highly regarded Umberto Savigne in his last fight and he’s looking to upset the apple cart and derail the career of Edwin Rodriguez who’s looking for another shot at a world title; this time at 175 pounds.

Craig is promoted by Sampson Boxing. Craig, if you’d like to say a few words.

CraigBaker
Well, I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to fight on such a grand field again. It clearly is what I dream about. It’s one of those things I’ve always looked forward to since I was little bity kid.

L. DiBella
Thank you. Edwin Rodriguez, the pride of Worchester, Massachusetts and is fighting in his home state. This is his second fight at light heavyweight. His only loss is to Andre Ward, one of the pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Edwin believes at light heavyweight he’s stronger, better and that he can win the title. So, Edwin, would you like to say a few words?

Edwin Rodriguez
Yes. First of all, I’d like to thank you, Lou, for bringing me back on NBC and giving me such a great opportunity and also to Al Haymon and the NBC crew. I’m ready to show the world that I’m one of the best or the best 175 pound fighter in the world. I just got to prove it and this is one of the steps to do it, fighting an undefeated fighter, Craig Baker, who’s hungry and I’m excited because I know that he’s hungry; I’m hungry to get at that elite level. It’s going to be a great fight for the fans.

Q
Yes, I have a question for each of you if you don’t mind. Craig, how do you feel about fighting Edwin so close to his hometown?

C. Baker
At the end of the day that doesn’t really matter to me because everyone is out to pretty much beat the crap out of you. So, it doesn’t matter where you fight. It’s the competition, and that’s how I take it.

Q
Edwin, what will it mean to you to fight so close to Worcester?

E. Rodriguez
It means a lot because I haven’t fought at home for about four years now. So, I’m excited to come back and fight close to home with family and friends supporting me. It’s something that helps me and pushes me to take it to the next level.

Q
Edwin, first question; how do you feel at light-heavyweight? Are you more comfortable now than you were at super middleweight? Do you feel stronger, and is your stamina a little better?

E. Rodriguez
I feel great now. I feel like 175 is the weight that I belong at. I feel like I’m strong and I’m fast and I feel like I’m the best light heavyweight. I just need the opportunity to prove it, and this is one of them and I’m excited.

Q
You’re with Al Haymon. Adonis Stevenson is with Al Haymon. Is that what boxing and fans can assume, that this is all building towards a fight with Adonis Stevenson for the title?

E. Rodriguez
Right now, I’m focused on Baker. He’s an undefeated hungry fighter, but that’s the goal. I want to fight the best guy so I can prove that I’m the best. Adonis Stevenson is a good fighter. He has proved he’s the world champion and that’s who I want in the future. So, I’m just setting myself up and I’m working hard to look impressive against Baker and to get my opportunity to show the world that I’m on the best.

Q
Craig, just what is it about Edwin that impresses you and what will you have to do to beat him?

C. Baker
Well, I’m really impressed with the improvements that he’s made. I see him pushing forward, pushing issues and always in your face. That’s good. I like that. At the end of the day, I just have to show up and fight. That’s the way I take the game. I have to bring my A game at all times and that’s what I do.

Q
I was looking at the records of a lot of your opponents. You fought a lot of guys with pretty poor records. Why is that and why did you make the step up a couple of fights ago?

C. Baker
I just felt like it was time, man.

Q
Edwin, what impresses you about Craig Baker?

E. Rodriguez
He’s a hungry fighter and it doesn’t matter who he’s fought. He’s undefeated and you can’t take an undefeated fighter lightly, especially one that defeated a guy that had over 400 amateur fights and was a big prospect in the pros, like Savigne. You can’t take a guy like Craig Baker lightly.

Q
You’ve defeated undefeated fighters in the past. So, how is your confidence level going in when you fight somebody who hasn’t lost?

E. Rodriguez
I believe a lot of my skills and I’m very confident, but I’m not stupid. I know that a fighter who’s undefeated comes in with a very strong mentality and I’m ready. I’ve been working hard for this fight knowing that this guy is undefeated and I have to take that away from him. But at the same time, we’ve got to respect everyone because we’re all competitors and it’s all about looking good and winning and he’s just in my way right now.

L. DiBella
Thank you. The main event of the evening is a super middleweight world title fight and it features two guys that have been engrained into boxing since they were amateurs. James DeGale is an Olympic gold medalist. He’ll be facing Andre Dirrell. James is from England; Andre from the US. Andre was a bronze medalist in the Olympics. This is a match of two of the very best super middleweights in the world and figures to be a terrific fight.

James is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn is on the call. When you go to Q&A, if anyone has a question for Eddie, Eddie is available. We’re going to start with James DeGale. James, would you like to say a few words? James is 21-1, with 14 KOs.

James DeGale
Yeah, my time is here. My time is here, next Saturday. I’ve trained extremely hard and you’re in for a treat because you’re going to watch two very talented hungry fighters next Saturday fight it out for a world title. I honestly think it’s going to be a hell of a fight, one I’m confident of winning. So, fasten your seatbelts, man. It should be good.

L. DiBella
Thank you, James. Andre Dirrell, please say a few words.

Andre Dirrell
I agree with James. This is going to be a very good fight. I’ve trained my butt off as well. Everything went very smoothly this camp. He’s a hungry fighter. I’m a hungry fighter. We are both in desperate need or desperate want of a world title and I myself feel very confident and I’m excited about this match, man. He feels like he’s an undefeated fighter. I feel like I’m an undefeated fighter, but we both have a lot to prove, man. So, we’re going to come to the full effect and I believe it’s going to be a great show.

L. DiBella
Thank you, Andre. We’re going to open it up to questions now. One more time, it’s PBC on NBC broadcast. It will be on May 23rd, Saturday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend, 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, 1-800-745-3000 and we’re going to open it up for questions now.

Q
This is for James. This is your first fight in the United States and also, this is the first time a lot of people are going to get to see you because you’re going to be on national television. What are you expecting in terms of the energy and what it’s going to be like performing in a completely new audience?

J. DeGale
Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. I’m used to it as well because obviously back in England I’m promoted by Matchroom, a well-known commercial company. So, I box on big shows in front of 10,000-20,000 people. It should be good. They have a lot of Irish and English over there. So, I should have some good support and I’m looking forward to it.

Q
Let me follow-up with another question. There was a time that you considered retiring from the sport and becoming a personal trainer. Can you talk about that a little bit and looking back, are you glad you made the right decision to continue to do boxing?

J. DeGale
Yeah. It’s pretty simple. I was going through a hard time with my promoter at the time and I was a bit depressed because I wasn’t getting my chances and I wasn’t getting the right fights and I boxed on small shows. I basically was a bit depressed and I couldn’t motivate myself properly. So, yeah, that was the way it was and then I made the change to Matchroom and things have just gone from pretty bad to really great.

Obviously, my last two performances speak for themself. I boxed Brandon Gonzales, an undefeated American, a confident American. He come over to America and I boxed him front of 80,000 people and knocked him out in four rounds.

Then four months later, I boxed Periban. If you don’t know Marco Antonio Periban, he boxed Sakio Bika for the world title and lost on a split decision and I knocked him out in three rounds. So, I’m confident. I’m feeling good, and I’m motivated very well at the minute.

Q
Andre, when you brother lost, he lost a close decision .What was your conversation with Anthony like because you lost a close fight you thought you’d won. So, how have you been able to converse with him about getting through that loss?

A. Dirrell
Well, I didn’t have to say much because he was confident after the fight, but I pretty much had him realize that you’ve had a bad night after he had a terrific camp, but I believe that’s where he left it. He left it in that. When it came to fight time, he had a few setbacks leading up to the fight and unfortunately, he lost, but we saw a lot of things that he needs to correct. I told him to watch the fight over and over again because that’s what I used to do in my fight, any fight that I feel bad about. So, I just told him keep his confidence up, man and stay on that run, man. Don’t lay off at all. That’s all we can do, man. I’ve learned a lot from past experience and one thing’s for certain; you can’t take anything from the past and bring it to the future. Only confidence.

So, I’m feeling good, man. He’s excited for me and I’m going to keep that name alive and keep the Dirrell name going.

Q
Everybody talks about the super middleweights, they talk about Andre Ward. But it seems like some people forget how good of a boxer that you are because you had to take this time off. With this being on NBC and getting in front of a large audience, are you looking at this as an opportunity to put your name back in that conversation for people who may have forgotten how good Andre Dirrell is?

A. Dirrell
People know and in the end, it’s my job to keep my name lean. I haven’t had the opportunity to do that as well. I had a major setback as well, but with that I stayed in the game, stayed sharp. I was sharp in my last couple of performances. I’m looking forward to the future and this is the breakout fight like I said. James is one hell of a fighter. He has a lot of heart, a lot of spunk, a lot of energy, man, and he wants to win.

If you want to put me in front of a fighter for a world championship fight, then James DeGale is bar none one of the best to do it in front of. So, I’m excited about this fight. I think this is probably one of the biggest fights from Premier Boxing Champion that they’ve had and I’m excited to be on that big stage. So, I want a breakout performance and I did everything in camp to make sure I can do so.

Q
How does it feel to be the first Brit on the verge of making some boxing history?

J. DeGale
It feels great, but I need to stay focused and keep my eye out on the prize. That’s what I have to do. But, you know what? A lot of people say I’m obsessed about making history, about becoming the first Olympic gold medalist from Great Britain to win a genuine world title. But you know what? I am. I am because that’s what drives me and that’s what makes me train hard every day. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to it.

Q
Okay, and you touched on a little bit there. I mean not so long ago you were boxing in front of a couple of hundred people at the shopping center in Blue Water and now you’re making noise on TV in America. How does that feel, the difference?

J. DeGale
Well, it’s fantastic. Sure a lot of credit has to go to Eddie Hearn. I’m a buzz fire. I like the big audience. I like the big lights. I’m just feeling real relaxed, chilled and ready to perform next Saturday. I’m buzzing. I really can’t wait; just being in America and knowing that I’m going to make my debut next Saturday in front of millions of Americans and back in the UK as well. It’s going to be fantastic.

Q
Andre, this fight seems to be your highest profile fight since five years ago when you had the Abraham fight, when he got DQ’ed. You were leading at that time. Can you tell us at this point, where are you physically and mentally compared to where you were when you were obviously at the top of the division five years ago?

A. Dirrell
Well, I look at it all from a mental aspect. As of now, man, I’m grown tremendously in my mind. I’ve realized how important boxing is to me and what it takes to become world champion, the work you have to put in and I just follow those guidelines every day. I’m a very motivated fighter, very self-motivated. A lot of fighters run with music, have to listen to music.

If I can hear my punches while I’m hitting the bag, I’m motivated. So, nothing motivates me more than hard work and that’s all I look for. The fight is won in the gym, not on fight night. It’s what you do in the gym, not how hard you put up a fight.

I’ve done all of that and more. I feel very relaxed. I’m very energetic and I’m feeling the vibe already and I really can’t wait to make Saturday myself. I feel I have a lot to prove and I have a different Andre Dirrell to show, one that’s just as sharp, just as fast, just as brave, but just has a bigger mental capacity. I’m excited about next week.

Q
What do you think your advantages are over James DeGale in this fight?

A. Dirrell
We’re pretty much evenly matched and I actually like that scenario because I know I’m faster. I know I’m smarter and I know I’m a better boxer. It’s just as simple as that. But, none of that can come into play without hard work, and I know he’s worked his ass off, man. He has to come over to America just like I went over there to England to try to fight for a world championship.

I know what kind of guy I’m going to face come the 23rd. I’ve worked my butt off like I said, , and with those advantages, I’ve put the hard work in so I can display that. I just feel like I’ll be the better man that night.

Q
James, tell us why you think you’re confident that you’re going to be able to win this fight?

J. DeGale
Momentum is a big thing. Look at my last two performances against good, quality opponents and look his last three. Listen, I come from good pedigree and so does Andre. We’re good, quality, young fighters. But I just think overall, I’m better. I think he struggles. He doesn’t like it when it gets hard in there. He’s a competent fighter, but he likes it when he’s dictating the pace and he’s on the front foot.

Well listen, I’m not going to let him rest. He thinks this is going to be a boxing match. Well, this ain’t. I’m telling him now. This ain’t going to be a boxing match. I’m going in there and I’m taking the title. I’m taking it. I’m ripping it away from him.

Q
Do you think you’re a really improved fighter? I know that the loss that you had to Groves was very controversial, but how much do you think you’ve improved since that fight with Groves?

J. DeGale
It’s like night and day. Listen, and another thing, I was in this for two years as well. I had two operations on my groin. So, I couldn’t throw my shots with any power. I couldn’t run the ring properly. Even in the fight at Wembley in front of 80,000 I wasn’t 100% right. Even against Periban I wasn’t 100% right. Now I’m 100% right, fully healthy, fully focused and mentally right. So, you’re going to see me step up again next Saturday.

Q
James, you mentioned about being a buzz fighter and this is the biggest stage, the biggest pressure you’ve ever been under. So, does this mean we’re going to see your best ever performance?

J. DeGale
I honestly do. The way I’ve been in the gym training, sparring, running, I honestly think you’re going to see the performance of my career so far. My last couple of fights after my injuries have been sorted and I just got better and better and I think this one is going to top it and winning my world title as well and making history.

Q
But, do you deal with the pressure and does that inspire you more?
JamesI thrive on it. You know me. I thrive in it. I’m just looking forward to it. As I say, it’s my debut as a professional in America. So, I’m buzzing right now. You don’t understand. I’m just really looking forward to it.

Q
Andre. You’ve obviously fought Carl Froch and you’ve watched video of James I imagine. How do they compare as fighters and who do you rate as a better fighter?

A. Dirrell
As far as skill, I can give it to James DeGale, but as far as toughness, mental toughness, physical toughness, that’s Carl Froch. We all know how mentally strong he is. So, I have to give the edge to Carl Froch in that aspect, but as I said before, I know DeGale is coming to fight and no one gets in that ring and fights me as they want to fight. You know what I’m saying? Just like he thinks it’s going to be an easy fight. I feel like I have a lot more to prove as well.

So, I’m looking to bring the fight as well and I’m working hard in the gym. I made it tough on myself. The more pressure you actually put on me, the more dangerous I become.

I’m really excited as well, man. I have a lot to prove. He has a lot to prove. This is going to be the best fight yet on Premier Boxing Champions.

Q
Basically for Andre, there was a chance obviously this fight could end up going to Britain. You’ve been to Britain before and you were very unlucky against Carl Froch. Was that something you were against, to face another title fight in Britain?

A. Dirrell
I’m not going to say that because I enjoyed my time over there. I believe I won the fight like I said and it just didn’t go my way unfortunately. I don’t like to judge my future fights based on past. I look forward to fighting in Britain again, in England again, the UK again whenever that day may come. I had a lot of fans over there; I have a lot of fans over there and I enjoy my time over there. I’ve been going over there since the amateurs. I enjoy it very much and I’m a world-class fighter. So, I want to be displayed on a world-class level.

I’m definitely looking forward to it. If it was over there, if it had to be over there, so be it. I would have came over there to fight James. We are world competitors, world-class. We fight for world titles. Why should it be in America all the time? This is a world-class sport and we should treat it like one.

Q
Arthur Abraham kind of robbed you of your great win when he hit you on the floor. That was looking like such a great performance that night. In the sort of layup after that, how close did you come to actually having to retire? Was there ever a time you thought you might not box again?

A. Dirrell
I was going through some stuff with my family. I actually wanted to. I knew in my heart that I’d get my time again. I knew my time would come. I knew I had a chance of getting out of my contract. So, I kept training. Of course, there were times that I would hit slumps and feel like I’m doing it for nothing, but it was quite a stressful time for me. I think I always knew that I would be able to get back in that ring. So, I stayed busy and it didn’t really totally veer me away from the sport, but I do know the feeling.

I did feel like any moment could come up to where that it could be over just like that and I had to deal with it and I could easily retire. If it happened again, I just might. I knew that my time was coming again. There’s always hope there. I just kept pushing forward and here I am now.

Q
One for you, James, quickly. You’re in Florida now. Can you tell us where you are and how’s it going?

J. DeGale
Yeah, no, I’m in Miami. I’ve been training here for the past week. So, we climatized and we adjusted and we’re ready to go.

L. DiBella
Just a couple of final words. Thank you, Edwin, Craig, Andre and James. This is a great undercard that features a lot of New England talent and I want to acknowledge Murphys Boxing, our friend Ken Casey who’s with the legendary Irish band, the Dropkick Murphys, and is helping us with local promotion. We’re going to have a lot of announcements coming about some great fight week activities.

Premier Boxing Champions on NBC, PBC on NBC Saturday, May 23rd at Boston’s Agganis Area, 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT for the beginning of the broadcast. Tickets for the live event are available at Ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. Tune into NBC on Saturday, May 23rd, but if you can be with us in Boston, join us at the Agganis Arena. Thank you, everybody, for joining us.

* * *

Tickets for the return of big-time boxing to Boston, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com www.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com and www.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC

LOS ANGELES (May 19) – Back on top of the boxing world after winning his third division world championship last December, Venezuela’s Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares will travel to London, England to defend his WBC Lightweight title for the first time against top British contender “Mighty” Kevin Mitchell at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday, May 30. The WBC Lightweight World Championship is presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym and will be featured on the televised undercard of Kell Brook vs. Frankie Gavin.

“I am excited and honored to be defending my third world championship title in London,” said Jorge Linares. “This third title is something I have worked very hard for and I would like to thank my team, my family, Golden Boy Promotions and Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym for all their support throughout my journey. I have had a great training camp focusing on the skills that I need to defeat an opponent like Kevin Mitchell. I know he is a strong and aggressive fighter and I feel his style of fighting will suit me. This will not be an easy fight.”

“This is the making of my career,” said Kevin Mitchell. “I will win this fight and create a legacy as an unbeaten world champion. I know Jorge Linares is a three-weight world champion and a classy fighter – if you allow him to do what he wants to do, but I believe I will shut him down. I’ve matured, I feel secure with the team around me and I have left that party boy behind, I am enjoying it again. There’s excitement in me, Tony Sims is getting the best out of me as a result; it’s a good feeling. I know I am going to win this fight.”

“Jorge Linares is a world champion fighter and is determined to give Kevin Mitchell a difficult time in the ring as he looks to defend his title on May 30,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Mitchell may have hometown advantage but Linares’ speed and skill will give Mitchell a considerable challenge in the ring. Make no mistake though: this will be a difficult fight for both Linares and Mitchell and one that is sure to excite.”

Tickets are available now with limited numbers priced at £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 that can be purchased at www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202. The £400 VIP packages are exclusively available through www.matchroomboxing.com.

A former world champion at the featherweight and super featherweight divisions, Barinas, Venezuela native Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares (38-3, 25 KOs) made it a trio of titles on December 30, 2014 when he knocked out Javier Prieto in four rounds in his adopted hometown of Tokyo, Japan to take the vacant WBC Lightweight Championship. It was another milestone in the 13-year career of the 29-year-old Linares, who has been one of boxing’s best of this era. Winner of bouts over Oscar Larios, Rocky Juarez, Jesus Chavez and Nihito Arakawa, Linares puts his seven-fight winning streak on the line against Mitchell.

A decorated amateur and professional boxer who has long been considered an elite European lightweight, “Mighty” Kevin Mitchell (39-2, 29 KOs) may have come up short in previous title fights against Michael Katsidis and Ricky Burns, but with six consecutive wins, five by knockout, under his belt, the 30-year-old from Dagenham is showing top form as he heads into the biggest fight of his career. Currently the WBC Silver Lightweight Champion, a title he won by stopping Daniel Estrada in eight rounds in January, Mitchell will have all of England behind him when he faces off against Linares on May 30.

Jorge Linares vs. Kevin Mitchell is a 12-round fight for the WBC Lightweight World Championship presented by Matchroom Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Boxing Gym. The Sky Sports Box Office broadcast airs live at 5:00 p.m. GMT.

Atlantic City, NJ (May 19,2015)–This Friday night,May 22, boxing returns to the Claridge in Atlantic City with a full 10-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions in association with DeeLee Promotions.

In one of the featured undercard bouts, undefeated super middleweight, Antuwyan Aikens makes his return after a 13-month layoff when he takes on tough Edgar Perez in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

In the main event, undefeated super bantamweight Juan “Baby Tito” Dominguez will take on Mario Antonio Macias in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

Aikens (9-0, 1 KO) of Atlantic City will be making his 7th appearance in his hometown and is ready to get his career on track after going through “The Business Side of Boxing.”

“I had a good camp. We weren’t getting the right deals so we took the time off. We re-evaluated our career and wanted to see what direction we wanted to go in. We hope that this fight with King’s Promotions will bring us better fights, “said the 26 year-old Aikens.

In Perez, he is fighting a guy who not only has been with top competition as he has fought 10 undefeated fighters but also holds a win over previously undefeated Atlantic City based Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell.

“I know that Perez is a brawler. I know he beat Harvell. So for that I know it is a challenge and I look forward to that but I plan on giving him a boxing lesson.”

Harvell, has been busy working at the Tri-Care Medical transport Company but knows that he needs to look good in front of his hometown fans.

“It means a lot to mean to fight here at home. I am glad to be back and make the most of it. I am looking forward to a good fight and please the fans.”

8 round bouts:

Bryant Perella (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Lehigh Acres, FL will battle German Perez (11-1-3, 3 KO’s) of Tijuana, MX in a Welterweight bout.

John Magda (9-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will fight Miguel Angel Manguia (31-32-1, 25 KO’s) in a Super Middleweight bout.

Gervonta Davis (10-0, 9 KO’s) of Baltimore, MD will take on Alberta Mora (5-3, 1 KO) of Mexico City in Featherweight bout.

In 6-round bouts:

Middleweight Caleb Hunter Plant (6-0, 5 KO’s) of Ashland City, TN will fight an opponent to be named.

Jamontay Clark (5-0, 3 KO’s) of Cincinnati, OH will battle Jonathan Garcia (4-13, 1 KO) of Aguada, PR in a Welterweight bout.

Jr. Welterweight Keenan Smith (6-0, 2 KO’s of Philadelphia) will take Luis Rodriguez (3-3, 2 KO’s) of Carolina, PR.

In 4-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (4-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, D.C. will fight Marques Jackson (3-15, 2 KO’s) of Atlanta, GA in a Welterweight bout.

Pro debuting Light Heavyweight Carlos Gongora of Brooklyn, NY will battle Efigenio Perez (0-4) of Puerto Rico.

Tickets can be purchased for $100, $75 and $50 by clicking www.claridge.eventbrite.com or by calling call 610 587 5950 or 609 868 4243

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 18, 2015) – With an incredible four-fight Spike-broadcast main card already locked up for next month’s “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” event, Bellator MMA officials are now turning their attention to the evening’s Spike.com-streamed preliminary lineup.

The first preliminary contest booked features featherweight standout Bubba “The Highlight Kid” Jenkins (8-2), as he looks to build his way back to a title shot against 28-fight veteran Joe “The Nose” Wilk (18-10).

Featuring a heavyweight contest between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5), “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

Additional announced matchups include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs. John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT.

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov,” which start at just $17 and include cageside seats for just $97, are currently available at Ticketmaster.com.

Jenkins, a former NCAA Division I wrestling champion at Arizona State University, also earned All-American honors during a separate stint at Penn State University. Just 27 years of age, Jenkins has already fought seven times under the Bellator MMA banner and is considered one of the top up-and-coming fighters in the 145-pound division. “The Highlight Kid” was one step away from a shot at the Bellator MMA Featherweight World Title before coming up short against Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 132 in January. The Corona, Calif. resident now looks to get back on the winning track at Bellator 139.

Wilk is a 33-year-old Kansas native who already boasts 28 professional contests to his name and made his Bellator MMA debut this past October, where he suffered a TKO loss to fellow Sunflower State veteran Ricky Musgrave. Wilk has been a staple on the Midwestern scene since 2007 and has incredibly fought to a judges’ decision only once in his 28 appearances. He’s at his most dangerous on the mat, where he’s earned a remarkable 15 of his 18 career victories by way of submission.

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” – Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)
Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)
Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)
Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

Preliminary Card

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wilk (18-10)

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 400 million homes worldwide in over 120 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:
Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

About Kansas Star Arena
The Kansas Star Arena, a Boyd Gaming facility, is located just off Exit 33 on the Kansas Turnpike and is adjacent to the Kansas Star Casino. The 42,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Kansas Star Arena is south-central Kansas’ home for big-name national acts such as Journey, Pat Benatar, Championship Rodeo, mixed martial arts events and more. The Arena accommodates up to 6,500 guests for headliner events. In 2014, Midwest Gaming and Travel awarded the Kansas Star more than 25 honors in its annual Reader’s Choice Awards, including “Best Concert Venue” in the state of Kansas. For more information, visit kansasstarcasino.com. Connect with Kansas Star Arena at facebook.com/kansasstararena and www.kansasstarcasino.com/entertain/arena. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 22 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Jersey. Boyd Gaming and Kansas Star Casino press releases are available at boydgaming.mediaroom.com.