Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to the APEX with a pivotal clash in the heavyweight division that will see No. 3 ranked Sergei Pavlovich take on No. 4 Curtis Blaydes. The co-main event will see bantamweight contenders No. 8 Song Yadong and No. 10 Ricky Simon square off.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: PAVLOVICH vs. BLAYDES will take place Saturday, April 22 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

The hard-hitting Pavlovich (17-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) sets out to deliver a sixth consecutive first-round knockout in his first UFC main event. The Russian-born striker has delivered devastating finishes against formidable foes Tai Tuivasa, Derrick Lewis, and Shamil Abdurakhimov, and now has his sights set on putting away Blaydes and becoming a viable title contender.

Heavyweight veteran Blaydes (17-3 1NC, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) aims to showcase another dominant performance. Throughout his UFC run, Blaydes has scored numerous memorable victories, including wins over Tom Aspinall, Chris Daukaus, and former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos. Blaydes now intends on extinguishing Pavlovich’s win streak and proving that he deserves a shot at the heavyweight throne.

China’s Song (19-7-1 1NC, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China) looks to regain momentum with a decisive win over a surging contender. An unrelenting force in the bantamweight division, he holds wins over Marlon Moraes, Marlon Vera, and Casey Kenney. Song now plans to defeat another ranked contender in Simon.

Simon (20-3, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) looks to start 2023 with a bang by handing out a show-stealing win. A versatile finisher, he has delivered impressive wins over elite competition such as Merab Dvalishvili, Raphael Assunção, and Jack Shore. Simon is now gunning to deliver a highlight-reel performance against Song to inch his way closer to the Top 5 rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• UFC veteranBrad Tavares (19-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) looks to deliver a stellar showing against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Bruno Silva (13-5-2, fighting out of Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil) at middleweight
• An electrifying welterweight bout sees Jeremiah Wells (11-2, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) lock horns with the always entertaining Matthew Semeslberger (11-4, fighting out of Frederick, Md.)
• Exciting lightweights Bobby Green (29-14-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) and Jared Gordon (19-6, fighting out of Astoria, N.Y.) look to steal the show
• Iasmin Lucindo (13-5, fighting out Fortaleza, Brazil) meets The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Brogan Walker (8-3, fighting out of Hagåtña, Guam) at flyweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Caio Borralho (13-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) goes toe-to-toe with Michal Oleksiejczuk (18-5, fighting out of Barki, Poland) in an exciting middleweight matchup
• Rick Glenn (22-6-2, fighting out of Des Moines, Iowa) battles Christos Giagos (19-10, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at lightweight
• At bantamweight, Rani Yahya (28-10-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) looks to break the three-fight win streak of Montel Jackson (13-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
• A stylistic thriller pits No. 9 ranked bantamweight Karol Rosa (16-4, fighting out of Niteroi, Brazil) against Sanda black belt Norma Dumont (8-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) at featherweight
• A fiery flyweight contest sees undefeated Rafael Estevam (11-0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) make his UFC debut against fellow Dana White’s Contender Series signee Carlos Candelario (8-3, fighting out of Springfield, Wash.)
• Guaranteed fireworks are set for the heavyweight division as The Ultimate Fighter season 30winner Mohammed Usman (9-2, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) takes onundefeated UFC newcomer Junior Tafa (4-0, fighting out of Queensland, Australia)
• An exciting featherweight tilt will see Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Francis Marshall (7-0, fighting out of N.J.) put his perfect record on the line against William Gomis (11-2, fighting out of Paris, France)
• Heavy-handed striker Priscila Cachoeira (12-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Karine Silva (15-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) square off at flyweight
• Bantamweights start the night’s action as The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Brady Hiestand (7-2, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.)meets Batgerel Danaa (12-4, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

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

About ESPN

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

Boxing is heading into Beast Mode. 

English football’s biggest cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa is the new voice of boxing, live on Channel 5, after signing up with Wasserman Boxing, to become the MC for tonight’s huge show in Bolton. 

Akinfewa, known to football fans around the world as ‘The Beast’, will kick-off his ring announcing journey as Lyndon Arthur faces the dangerous late replacement Boris Crighton live in front of a huge audience on free-to-air TV, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

The larger-than-life former striker played almost 800 times, and scored over 200 goals, in a career that saw him become one of the game’s most colourful and recognised characters. 

Described by Pep Guardiola as a “legend of English football”, the iconic Akinfenwa will now bring his booming voice and heavyweight personality to the boxing ring. 

“Boxing better get ready for some Beast Mode energy” roared Akinfenwa  

“When I retired from football last year, I made it clear that I wanted to try my hand at a lot of different things, and being a big-time boxing MC was top of that list. 

“Everyone knows I’m a huge boxing fan and I cannot wait to bring my Beast energy to Bolton on Friday night, on a huge night for Lyndon Arthur, live on Channel 5, with Wasserman Boxing. 

“The atmosphere on Friday night is going to be electric and I cannot wait to announce the fighters to the ring.” 

Akinfenwa, known as the strongest striker in the world during his playing days, amassed a huge army of followers because of his footballing exploits but hopes to win new fans by stepping through the ropes, and picking up the mic. 

“Big time boxing on Channel 5 just got a whole lot bigger!” buzzed Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. 

“We are thrilled to have Adebayo announcing the fighters to ring, live on Channel 5, on Friday night and the Beast Mode energy he is going to bring will crank up the excitement levels for Lyndon Arthur’s dangerous fight against Crighton. 

“Adebayo became a huge fan favourite in football and we know the boxing fans are going to love him!” 

Lyndon Arthur vs Boris Crighton is live and free-to-air on Channel 5 at 10pm.

Tickets are available from Wassermanboxing.com   

Manchester, England – Lawrence Okolie‘s world championship title defence tomorrow night is now official, following both fighters making weight at today’s pre-fight weigh-ins in Manchester, England.

The defending WBO world cruiserweight champion faces undefeated New Zealand-based challenger David ‘The Great White’ Light, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist who has fought his way to mandatory challenger status in the WBO rankings.

Light (20-0, 12 KO’s)  has promised the upset while Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) is confident he can end the fight early and retain his title with a highlight-reel finish.

The event airs live and exclusively this Saturday night in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

Also on the scales today were English Super-Featherweight Championship contenders Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s)  – son of Manchester boxing legend Michael Gomez – and Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s), who face off for the vacant belt tomorrow night. 

Gomez made sparks fly when the two faced off after weighing in, shoving Giles over and prompting security to intervene and separate the pair, setting the stage for a fiery showdown tomorrow night.

2020 Olympic medallists Karriss Artingstall (2-0) and Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) made their fights official when they stepped on the scales, Clarke getting to see his opponent for the first time as Romanian heavyweight Bogdan Dinu (20-4, 16 KO’s) arrived as late replacement for American veteran Rydell Booker, who was taken ill at the start of the week.

BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has lauded the main event as “a serious fight, a proper world-title fight” which will test Okolie, who trains with Tyson Fury’s coach Sugar Hill Steward.

“[Light] is someone who has earned his position, not someone we have chosen and not necessarily someone we would choose for [Okolie’s] first fight after a year out, with a new trainer on a new platform,” said Shalom at yesterday’s press conference.

“We know David Light is tough, durable and can punch. We know he’s always fighting on the front foot and he’s going to stick it on Lawrence on Saturday night. There’s a lot of pressure on Lawrence to prove to everyone who he is, why we believe he’s the best cruiserweight in the world.

Today’s weigh-in results in full:

Lawrence Okolie (14st 4lbs) vs. David Light (14st 2lbs 5oz)

WBO World Cruiserweight Title (12×3)

Frazer Clarke (19st 5lbs) vs. Bogdan Dinu (17st 10lbs)

Heavyweight (8×3)

Michael Gomez Jnr (9st 4lbs) vs. Levi Giles (9st 2lbs 5oz)

Vacant English Super-Featherweight Title (10×3)

Karriss Artingstall (9st) vs. Linzi Kuczy?ski (9st 2lbs)

Featherweight (6×2)

Callum Simpson (11st 4lbs 3oz) vs. Celso Neves (12st 0lbs 5oz)

Super-Middleweight (8×3)

Rhys Edwards (9st 2lbs 5oz) vs. Brian Phillips (9st 3lbs 5oz) 

Featherweight (8/6×3)

Shakiel Thompson (11st 12lbs 5oz) vs.Robert Talarek (11st 11lbs) 

Middleweight (6×3)

Samiel Antwi (10st 13lbs) vs. Omar Rodriguez (10st 13lbs)

6×3 Welterweight

Frankie Stringer (9st 12lbs) vs. Jacob Laskowski (9st 11lbs)

6×3 Lightweight

Harvey Lambert (10st 13lbs) vs.  Casey Brown (11st 5lbs 2oz)

Super-Welterweight (4×3)

Lyndon Arthur faces a last-minute change of opponent in Bolton after Braian Suarez failed a pre-fight medical. 

And late replacement, Boris Crighton has warned ‘King’ Arthur to expect an easy night at his peril, as the former sparring partners become rivals for real. 

Arthur was ready to lock horns with KO artist Suarez for the vacant IBO light heavyweight title at the University of Bolton Stadium, but medical issues meant the Argentinean was forced out and the supremely confident Crighton was drafted in. 

Crighton, nicknamed ‘Blade’, travelled from Glasgow on Thursday and was brimming with confidence ahead of his big chance on the Wasserman Boxing show, live on Channel 5, from 10pm, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment. 

Arthur knew victory over Suarez, and winning the IBO title, would put him in pole position to land huge fights with any number of the world’s leading light heavyweight fighters. 

But to keep those dreams alive, the Manchester hero must deal with Crighton, a two-time Great Britain Amateur Championships winner and fighter determined to seize his golden chance. 

“This is a win-win for me, I’m in with a guy who fights at a weight that I don’t normally fight at, and someone who has had a full camp to prepare for a world title, so this is no small feat I am looking at,” Crighton said. 

“He is much bigger than me, but as the lighter man I will be faster, sharper and I have got that power regardless of whether I am at super middle or light heavy. 

“In those 10oz gloves, from super middleweight to light heavyweight, everybody has the power to put you down. Lyndon is not oblivious to that, and neither am I. The first few rounds will be like a chess match, but the middle rounds are where we are going to find out. The fifth, sixth and seventh will be where it gets exciting and where it will be make or break.” 

Crighton, who was preparing for a fight next month, received the phone call as he stepped out of a yoga class and instantly knew he had nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by accepting the offer. 

An upset win over Arthur would be “unimaginable” for his career and the 29-year-old, a double Scottish amateur champion, has promised his rival that he will bring the heat tonight. 

“I have sparred Lyndon before, it was good sparring and when you spar a high-level fighter like Lyndon, then the spars are like world championship fights – and that is how tonight is going to be.  I sparred Lyndon for the bout before he fought the rematch with Anthony Yarde and before the first fight with Yarde. 

“Lyndon won the Yarde fight with his jab; it is his prime weapon and if you allow him to get into a rhythm with his jab then he will control the fight.” 

Wasserman Boxing return for their opening event of the year and delivers an action-packed undercard featuring 50-50 fights, a title eliminator and a host of national and international stars.  

Formidable flyweight Chloe Watson is one to watch and she aims to continue her march to the top of the sport, with a six-round showdown in Bolton.  

Kane Gardner and Conah Walker engage in a fiery looking super lightweight tussle with James Moorcroft facing Nathan Bennett in an English title eliminator which is being tipped to steal the show.  

The first bell is at 17:45. 

Full weigh-in results and tonight’s running order can be found at www.WassermanBoxing.com  

Ahead of the April 1 featherweight title match at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Tulsa, OK, ESPN will air the original program, Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboe.

Fans will be treated to a 30-minute all-access preview that will feature both training camps ahead of the battle for the vacant WBO featherweight world championship between 29-year-old Cuban sensation Robeisy “El Tren” Ramírez (11-1, 7 KOs) and the 28-year-old Ghanaian former world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (24-2, 16 KOs).

Ramírez enters the title bout having won 11 straight, including a successful return victory over Adán Gonzáles who stunned Ramírez via split decision in his pro debut. Now the highly decorated amateur prodigy and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist steps up to the plate in his first-ever world title opportunity.

The fighting pride of Africa, Dogboe was born in Ghana and now resides in London, England as he looks to become a two-division world champion. Dogboe previously held the WBO junior featherweight world title, including one successful title defense before going nearly 24-straight rounds in back-to-back wars against Emanuel Navarrete, the three-division kingpin. Since then, “Royal Storm” has bounced back with four-straight victories to setup his next world title opportunity.

In addition to the air times below, Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboewill also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Blood, Sweat & Tears: Ramírez vs. Dogboe

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real Time Go all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
• Boxing
• Top Rank
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• Max on Boxing Max Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4? Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

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About ESPN 

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

About ESPN+

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

PARAMUS, NEW JERSEY — March 23, 2023 — It is with our deep regret to inform you of the devastating, and tragic passing of Ernest Hall, who was 32, and a father of three. 

Statement from Scott Abella

Abella Boxing Promotions extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Ernest Hall, who met a tragic and untimely death Wednesday evening in his native city of Baltimore, Maryland. 

Ernest was a young and thriving fighter looking for an opportunity to have a debut fight with Abella Boxing Promotions and had the mutual respect from all of us in the promotion and with his opponent John Leonardo.

The sport of boxing and the gym provides an outlet for youngsters and those like Ernest as an alternative to the continued violence that continues to plague our society and Ernest had that positive outlet that was provided. A moment of silence for Ernest will be observed at our scheduled show Bergen County Fight Night 3, next Saturday at The Terrace at Biagio’s in Paramus, New Jersey.

Again our deep condolences to his family and friends.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Due to the unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances, John Leonardo will no longer be fighting on Saturday April 1 in Bergen County Fight Night 3. The remaining fight card remains as previously noted. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

For any further questions, or concerns, please contact us, Robert Rizzo and/or Rich Mancuso with the contact information provided below. 

PLEASE NOTE OF THIS REVISION FROM THE PREVIOUS PRESS RELEASE OF JOHN LEONARDO DISTRIBUTED FROM EARLIER TODAY THURSDAY MARCH 23, 2023. 

Six-Round Bouts

Nicky “The Bull” Vitone (9-1-1, 63.6 KO%) of Pine Brook, New Jersey, fights Jordan Rosario (4-10-0) in a super-lightweight bout. 

Raymond “The Scientist” Cuadrado, (5-0-0, 20 KO%), of Ridgewood, Queens, NY, will put his undefeated record up on the line against Usiel Hernandez (2-1-0) in a junior lightweight bout. 

Mike “The Champ” Lee (9-2-0, 63.6 KO%) of Jersey City, New Jersey, takes on Antonio Sanchez (7-16-3) in a super welterweight bout. 

Four-Round Bouts

Christian “Veneno” Otero (4-3-0, 28.5 KO%) of Harlem, NY will go toe-to-toe with southpaw Vinnie Denierio (3-7-0) in a lightweight bout. 

Dane Guerrero, of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, is set to make his pro-debut against Andre Hinmon (0-2-0) in a super middleweight bout. 

Kevin Hernandez (0-0-1), of Bergenfield, New Jersey will go up against George Gethers (0-3-0) in a welterweight bout. 

FRESNO, Calif. (March 23, 2023) – Top Rank on ESPN will deliver another action-packed tripleheader this Saturday at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. 

In the main event, former unified world champion Jose Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs) takes on former lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey (30-4-1, 27 KOs) in a 12-round junior welterweight showdown. 
 
In the co-feature, WBA minimumweight world champion Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) will face WBC champion Tina Rupprecht (12-0-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round unification fight that will also crown a Ring Magazine queen. In the six-round heavyweight ESPN-televised opener, Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (6-0, 6 KOs) battles Patrick Mailata (6-1, 3 KOs).
 
Ramirez-Commey, Estrada-Rupprecht and Mireles-Mailata will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.
 
At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Ramirez 
 
“It’s always an honor for me to fight here in Fresno in front of the people who saw me grow up as a fighter. I hope to go out there on Saturday to showcase my talent in front of the people who love me the most.”
 
“I’ve experienced being at the top with people praising me and me being ranked at No. 1. Then, I became unified world champion when I beat Maurice Hooker. Then, all of a sudden after one loss, people started to walk away from that. But I’m just blessed that I have a beautiful family, a beautiful team, and a wonderful promotional company. That’s all I need. So, I found myself, and I realized who I am. I feel like I’m ready to show that lion that we all saw before I started getting distracted with some of the stuff that comes with being at the top. Now it’s time for me to work.”
 
“We’re focused on Richard Commey. This is a fight that is going to deliver a lot of excitement on Saturday.”
 
Richard Commey
 
“I’m always excited to get back in the ring. This is what I do. It’s going to be an interesting fight on Saturday. I really want to become a two-time world champion, so I’m coming strong this Saturday.”
 
“Like Ramirez said, he’s got the ‘fire’ back in him. So, I think he really wants to get back to the top. Just like me.”
 
“It’s always good to represent people, especially when those people don’t have a lot of eyes on them. So, to be the focal point and represent them is an amazing feeling.”
 
Seniesa Estrada 
 
“I’m so excited. This is the moment that I’ve dreamed of since I was seven years old. It’s crazy to think about how far I’ve come in this sport and how far this sport has come for women. Who would have thought that a little girl from East L.A. would be unifying titles on ESPN? It’s insane to think about how far I’ve come, and I’m just happy to represent all women in sport on Saturday night.”
 
“I expect Rupprecht to come in there at 100%. I expect her to go in there to win. She’s coming to win. She’s a good fighter. She’s a tough fighter. But I know that I’m different. I’m special, and I’m going to show that on Saturday.”
 
“I’ve been wanting to make the fight against Yokasta Valle. But this is the first step in making that fight happen. I have to beat Tina to fight Valle for the undisputed championship.”
 
Tina Rupprecht
 
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m happy to have my first fight in the U.S. I’m excited, and I’m ready to fight. It’s a big honor to fight for both titles. This is always what I wanted. And on Saturday you will see the best version of Tina.”
 
“Of course, I have watched her fight. But I’m not the kind of fighter who only focuses only on the opponent’s style. I also focus on myself. You will see on Saturday.”
 
Antonio Mireles
 
“I’m very excited. I knew this would happen. I just didn’t know it would happen now. It’s going to be nice to finally fight in front of a packed crowd on ESPN. It’s crazy that it’s been over a year since I turned pro. It shows how fast time goes by. But compared to where I was last year, I just feel like a completely different fighter. I’ve improved so much. But, I’m also more confident in my abilities.”

Raymond Muratalla
 
“I’m excited to be here. It’s my first time fighting in Fresno. I’m excited to be on the undercard of Jose Ramirez. I can’t wait. Each fight, I’m getting better and better. You’re going to see me go crazy. I’m just so ambitious. I’m just working hard. And I’m just really trying to stop these opponents.”
 

Saturday, March 25

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

Jose Ramirez vs. Richard Commey, 12 rounds, WBC Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator

Antonio Mireles vs. Patrick Mailata, 6 rounds, Heavyweight
 

ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

Raymond Muratalla vs. Humberto Galindo, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Angel Rebollar, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Jessie James Guerrero vs. Eduardo Alvarez, 4 rounds, Light Flyweight
 
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Marco Cardenas, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight
 
Subaru Murata vs. Jose Negrete, 4 rounds, Junior Featherweight

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 23, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, DJ “The War Machine” Zamora (10-0, 8 KOs), is excited to be returning to the ring as prepares to take on his toughest test when he battles Jesus Abel Ibarra (15-0, 7 KOs), in what is sure to be an epic clash of unbeaten fighters. The 8-round bout will take place this Saturday March 25, 2023, on the highly anticipated Benavidez vs. Plant card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“I am very excited to share the ring with another undefeated fighter and this is by far the biggest opportunity of my career,” stated Zamora, who will be fighting in his hometown Las Vegas. “I know exactly what is on the line and what I must do. I hope to give the fans a great show and send a message to the super-featherweight division. I know Ibarra, like me, is a tough fighter with a lot of heart, so we both will be leaving everything in the ring. Fans can expect to see an explosive fight.”

Zamora, who is only 19 years old, has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the Las Vegas boxing scene. He’s already shown that he has the power and skill to be a force in the ring. But his impressive record is not the only thing that sets him apart. Zamora has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing. These experiences have given him valuable insights into the sport and have helped him to hone his skills even further.

“I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and experience having sparred guys like Devin Haney and Shukur Stevenson, as well as my others out here in Las Vegas,” continued Zamora. “Ryan Garcia invited me to one of his training camps a few years back, and that work was incredible. I know what I’m capable of and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be fighting under the bright lights. I want to thank my team for making this possible. My confidence is at an all-time high and all the hard work will be on display this Saturday.”

The excitement surrounding this fight is palpable, with fans and experts alike eagerly anticipating the clash between these two unbeaten fighters. It’s sure to be a thrilling battle. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most exciting young fighters in boxing take on his toughest challenge yet.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (March 23, 2023) – World cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie came face to face with David Light in Manchester today at the pre-fight press conference ahead of this Saturday’s clash at the AO Arena Manchester, which will air live on Sky Sports.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PHOTOS>Credit to BOXXER / Lawrence Lustig

Light has battled his way to the mandatory challenger position for this shot at Okolie’s WBO title. Both fighters are undefeated, which means one of them will lose his ‘0’ this weekend.

Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) says the loser of the bout will become “irrelevant” and confidently expects that to be New Zealand man Light, while Light (20-0, 12 KO’s) is revelling in his underdog status and promising the upset.

Olympic standouts Karriss Artingstall (2-0) and Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) – both of whom won bronze medals at the 2020 Olympics – also compete this weekend in the next bouts of their nascent professional careers.

Clarke had been due to face American veteran Rydell Booker but now has a late change of opponent due to Booker falling ill. 

The slot has gone to towering Romanian special forces soldier Bogdan Dinu (20-4, 16 KO’s), who challenged for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title last year and has also faced former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev in 2019.

Also facing off at today’s press conference were local favourite Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s) son of Manchester boxing legend Michael Gomez, and his undefeated rival Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s). The two are competing for the vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.

Here’s what today’s press conference participants had to say:

LAWRENCE OKOLIE

“He’s coming to win, [which] sets you up for a lot of openings. But you don’t get to this position by overlooking people, ever.

“It’s a nice safe place to hide behind being the underdog. When I see him I know what he really is. I’m prepared for what he may bring and will do what I need to do.

“I am going to be matching him and overmatching him for pressure and power from round one.

“Saturday’s going to come. One of us is going to win and the other one’s going to become irrelevant. So I’m looking forward to it.”

DAVID LIGHT

“I’m not here on somebody’s else’s terms… I’ve earned the shot. I’m coming to win. I know he’s a proud man and he’s going to defend with everything he’s got.

“I could have taken this fight a few years ago, for the money, but I am not here for the money – I’m here for the title.”

BEN SHALOM, BOXXER PROMOTER + CEO

“This is a serious fight, a proper world-title fight. It’s someone who has earned his position, not someone we have chosen and not necessarily someone we would choose for [Okolie’s] first fight after a year out, with a new trainer on a new platform. 

“We know David Light is tough, durable and can punch. We know he’s always fighting on the front foot and he’s going to stick it on Lawrence on Saturday night. There’s a lot of pressure on Lawrence to prove to everyone who he is, why we believe he’s the best cruiserweight in the world.

“He’s got to be able to deal with David Light. I’m very excited for it, I think we’re in for an absolute treat and we’re certainly not overlooking David Light.” 

MATT ROSE, DAVID LIGHT’S PROMOTER 

“He knows how to go into people’s backyards and win, that’s one thing he’s really good at. He’s based in New Zealand, he comes to Australia and wins, he goes to the US and wins. I know his trainer Isaac Peach has put a great game-plan together and I’ve told Ben Shalom we’re here to spoil the party.”

MICHAEL GOMEZ JR 

“I’ll punch you up now,” Gomez told Giles directly.

“I don’t know anything about him. Saturday night we’ll find out who he is. 

“I’m just going to punch his face in. I’m just going to go in there, stick it on him and see how good he is.

LEVI GILES

“I do my talking in the ring. It’s a good test for me, see where I’m at.

“We know what he brings. Forward, one dimensional. We know what he’s going to bring and we know how to deal with it.”

KARRISS ARTINGSTALL

“Her throwing her shots is going to leave more openings for me so I’m going to find my shots as well.”

“I am a level above [her] – two levels, if anything! – and I’ll show that on Saturday.”

LINZI BUCZYNSKYJ

“I just wanted the opportunity to show everyone on a big stage what I can actually do. I’m not scared to take any fight. I’ll fight anyone at any time on any stage.

“I have got the experience. She’s the one that’s got everything to prove.”

FRAZER CLARKE

“Unfortunately, Rydell Booker had to pull out of the fight. He had a medical problem and best wishes to him, we hope he gets better soon. But we’ve got a new opponent, Bogdan Dinu, he’s a credible opponent, who’s boxed some great names. It’s a good fight for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

“This is heavyweight boxing. It’s dangerous. Especially this guy at short notice. It’s up to me to be professional, which I am, go in there and do my job. I’m looking forward to it.

“It doesn’t matter who’s getting in with me at the weekend. I feel confident, I’m fit and strong. I’m ready to do a job.”