NEW YORK – May 3, 2022 – For the first time in its storied 21-year history, a heavyweight Olympic Gold Medalist will step into the ring and headline SHOBOX: The New Generation as the prospect series features up-and-coming heavyweights in its return to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., on Friday, June 10. The action begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME and helps kick off the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in nearby Canastota, N.Y., where another Olympic Gold Medalist and SHOBOX alum, Andre Ward, will be inducted during the three-year, three-class ceremony.

The main event will see two-time Olympian and 2020 Gold Medalist from Uzbekistan, Bakhodir “Big Uzbek” Jalolov (10-0, 10 KOs), face rising prospect “Big” Jack Mulowayi (11-2-1, 7 KOs) from Belgium in an eight-round heavyweight bout, marking the first time an Olympic heavyweight Gold Medalist has appeared on SHOBOX. Andre Ward, a former U.S. Olympic light heavyweight Gold Medalist who went 5-0 on SHOBOX, is one of the inductees of the 2021 Hall of Fame class.

The co-feature matches former four-time Oregon Golden Gloves champion and Joel Diaz-trained Elvis Garcia (12-0, 9 KOs) against fellow undefeated and four-time Cleveland Golden Gloves champion Alante “Bam Bam” Green (10-0-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round heavyweight fight while former Ukrainan national champion Iegor Plevako (7-0, 4 KOs) takes on SugarHill Steward-trained Kolbeinn Kristinsson (12-0, 6 KOs), also an eight-round heavyweight matchup. Kristinsson is one of the few pro fighters from Iceland, where pro boxing is banned. Steward also trains WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

In the telecast opener, six-time Tennessee Golden Gloves champion Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (13-0, 9 KOs) squares off against Chann Thonson (10-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. The telecast is brimming with international flavor, as seven countries are represented among the eight fighters in action. The four-fight telecast is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, whose owner, Lou DiBella, is a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee and being formally inducted along with the classes of 2021 and 2022.

The night of fights marks the seventh time SHOBOX will take place at Turning Stone and the third time the series will be a part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend in Canastota, N.Y. SHOBOX bouts also took place during Hall of Fame festivities in June of 2013, the year SHOWTIME Ring Announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and in 2017, the same year longtime SHOBOX analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood and SHOBOX play-by-play announcer and renowned sportscaster Barry Tompkins were inducted.

The SHOBOX alum Ward captured Olympic gold in 2004 as a light heavyweight and went on to collect two super middleweight titles during his triumphant run through the SHOWTIME Super Six World Boxing Classic tournament before moving to light heavyweight and winning three more world titles.

The late SHOWTIME executive Jay Larkin, who helped launch SHOWTIME boxing in 1986 and televised fights involving Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Julio Cesar Chavez during his 22-year tenure with the network, was voted in as part of the Class of 2021.

“It’s always an honor to bring a SHOWTIME event to Turning Stone during Hall of Fame Weekend. This is the third time in the past 10 years that we’ve had the privilege to do a SHOBOX on this weekend,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Every fighter on this SHOBOX card aspires to be a contender, a world champion, and yes, even to someday be in the Hall of Fame. We have eight fighters, seven undefeated, who on June 10 look to take that next step to accomplishing those goals. Congratulations to all the inductees! We have so many fighters who fought on SHOWTIME being inducted and so many friends, most importantly Jay Larkin, who oversaw the launch of SHOWTIME boxing and the SHOBOX series.”

Here is a closer look at the matchups:

Jalolov vs. Mulowayi – 8-Round Heavyweight Main-Event Bout

The 6-foot-7 southpaw Jalolov has knocked out all 10 of the fighters he’s faced as a professional, employing smooth footwork and a jackhammer left hand. A highly decorated amateur, he beat Richard Torrez, Jr., of the U.S. in the gold medal match of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the Summer Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where he was his country’s flagbearer at the opening ceremonies, Jalolov lost to Joe Joyce, who went on to win the silver medal and is currently undefeated and a top contender at heavyweight. Jalolov also claimed gold at the 2019 AIBA World Championships and at the 2018 and 2021 Governor’s Cup and is a four-time national champion as part of his 247-17 amateur record. Among his other achievements, he has 1.2 million Instagram followers and a master’s degree in Sports Science.

“I have been very anxious to return to the USA and fight there as a professional,” Jalolov said. “This is a great opportunity for me to perform at my best and show everybody what’s coming in the future of the heavyweight division.”

Born in Kinshasa, Congo, where Muhammad Ali beat George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle,” the 6-foot-5 Mulowayi is a stablemate of WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu. Mulowayi went the distance with unbeaten 20-0 SHOBOX alum and highly regarded heavyweight prospect Frank Sanchez. He has come back from that unanimous decision loss to win four consecutive fights, including the biggest win of his young career by registering a TKO stoppage over-then 20-0-1 Apti Davtaev in Russia last April.

“I am very happy and appreciative to have another chance to come back to America,” said Mulowayi. “This is a bout of vindication for me and my career. When I boxed Frank Sanchez in 2019, I froze and was not mentally or emotionally ready to fight in the U.S. Now I am, and I’ve won four straight bouts since my last defeat. I am not intimidated by the reputation of my opponent. My style, now, is to go for the knockout no matter who I fight, and my defense is my offense. I plan to give an explosive performance and prove that I am a world championship level contender.”

Garcia vs. Green – Eight-Round Heavyweight Bout

Garcia was born in Mexico and moved to Umatilla, Ore., when he was four. A four-time Oregon Golden Gloves champion, he was also a star Greco-Roman wrestler in high school and has dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three MMA bouts by submission. He brought that multifaceted background with him to training camp and sparring sessions with former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua before he beat Andy Ruiz in their rematch in December 2019.Garcia’s commitment to boxing was evident at an early age when he endured eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to the closest boxing gym 260 miles away in Tacoma, Wash. He later competed in Mexico, winning national and Golden Gloves titles. During that time, he lived out of his car, sending earnings he made from doing odd jobs back home to support his family. His hard work and sacrifice resulted in an 85-10 amateur record with 42 knockouts and a No. 3 ranking at super heavyweight with USA Boxing. He now works with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, Calif.

“After my last fight, I took some time off to be with my wife as we welcomed our first child, Elena,” Garcia said. “But now I am back and more focused than ever on my boxing career. My training camp in Indio, California, has been going according to plan. My coach, Joel Diaz, and I both know we have a tough fight against Green and we will be ready. I would like to thank Lou DiBella for the opportunity to be part of the Hall of Fame weekend festivities. I also want to thank my wife and daughter, who are my motivation to get up every day and work so hard.”

A pro since 2016, Cleveland’s Green is also undefeated and is coming off a sixth-round stoppage win over Samuel Clarkson in March in Columbus, Ohio. Green was a two-sport athlete in high school before he discovered boxing. Green boasted a 54-9 amateur record and placed third in an Olympic trial qualifier in Spokane, Wash., in 2015. He has campaigned as a cruiserweight at times in his career, most recently knocking out previously undefeated Taylor Duerr in two rounds in November 2021

“I would like to thank my team, promoter, manager and DiBella Entertainment for this great opportunity,” Green said. “I plan on introducing myself to the boxing world on June 10 and seeing to it that Elvis Garcia leaves the ring with his first loss.”

Plevako vs. Kristinsson – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout

A native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, Plevako is a former Ukrainian national champion and member of the famed Ukrainian National Boxing Team who captured the New York Golden Gloves twice after moving to Brooklyn. He is managed by David McWater of Split-T Management and trained by Bashir Abdullah.

“I am very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME because this is a big step for my career,” Plevako said. “You will see Iegor Plevako at his best.”

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Kristinsson is a former Iceland national champion who has trained with Steward at Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym since 2017. Kristinsson cut his teeth sparring with highly ranked Robert Helenius, as well as with undefeated contenders Filip Hrgovic and Jared Anderson, and title challenger Kubrat Pulev.

“As the only heavyweight pro boxer in Iceland, I’ve been training for two years during Covid travel restrictions awaiting my opportunity,” Kristinsson said. “I can’t wait to unleash my power and give the fans a thrill June 10th on SHOWTIME. Iegor Plevako is a decent fighter, but he won’t survive more than two rounds with me.”

Tomlin vs. Thonson – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

Just 22 years old, Tomlin is from the same hometown as former super middleweight world champion Caleb Plant and has cultivated a passionate fanbase in Ashland City, Tenn. Tomlin started boxing at age nine and was a highly decorated amateur, finishing 65-15 and winning bronze at the 2015 Junior Olympics before turning pro. He is trained by his father, Darryl Tomlin, at the Team Tomlin Gym, which was built five years ago on the family’s home estate. Tomlin fought four times in 2021 and five times in 2020, including a super lightweight bout against Jose Zaragoza on the undercard of the Plant vs. Vincent Feigenbutz card at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville where he won a unanimous decision.

“This is my biggest fight to date, and I thrive in situations like this,” Tomlin said. “When the lights are brightest, I am at my best. I intend to put on a dominant performance and introduce the world to ‘Short Fuse’ in a big way.”

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada to immigrant parents from Jamaica, Thonson is the No. 3-ranked lightweight from Canada. He has a twin brother, Trevor, who is older than him by seven minutes and is also a prizefighter. The two shared the same card in January 2022 when they both recorded second-round stoppages. They are both trained by Chris Johnson, who won Olympic bronze for Canada in 1992 at middleweight and finished 26-3-1 as a pro, losing his final fight to Antonio Tarver in 2001.

“I’m anxiously awaiting my bout against Tyler Tomlin,” said Thonson. “I know that he is a formidable opponent, but I am coming to win. This is a major opportunity and I appreciate DiBella Entertainment and SHOWTIME providing the platform. I’m very confident and am training hard.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and serving as expert analysts, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.

The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Tickets for the June 10 heavyweight fight at Turning Stone are on sale now starting at $39. To request media credentials for the June 10th fight at Turning Stone, email Kelly Abdo, Director of Public Relations for Turning Stone at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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About SHOBOX: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

A 10-round heavyweight main event has been added to Salita Promotions’ special Memorial Day weekend-kickoff Detroit Brawl event, as WBC #11-rated heavyweight Otto Wallin (23-1, 14 KOs) of Sweden will face Detroit’s own Rydell Booker (26-5-1, 13 KOs) on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling 313.529.7604.

An athletic southpaw heavyweight who does everything well, Wallin hails from Sundsvall, Sweden. The 31-year-old Wallin made the world stage and captured headlines in 2019 when he waged a thrilling war with linear world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and came extremely close to scoring a monumental stoppage upset. Then unknown and a 10-1 underdog, Wallin took the fight to Fury early and cut the superstar Englishman for 47 stitches with a surprise left in the third round. What followed was a nail-biting back-and-forth war of attrition that Fury eventually pulled out via close, controversial unanimous decision.

Wallin now lives and trains in New York under the tutelage of popular former two-division champion Joey Gamache at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan. He captured the EBU European Union Heavyweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Adrian Granat in April 2018, and has also held the WBA Continental Heavyweight Championship. Wallin was last seen in February of this year, scoring a unanimous decision over Polish veteran Kamil Sokolowski

“Training is going really well,” said Wallin during a break in preparations. “I’ve been getting a lot of work in over the last few months. I saw Booker when he fought Franklin and I know that he’s an experienced and skilled boxer. He’s not someone I will underestimate, but this is a fight I need to win. I appreciate my promoter, Salita Promotions, keeping me active. This is the first time I fight twice in a year since 2019. I’m looking to put on a good performance.”

Inactive for over a decade, in 2018, Rydell Booker won three comeback bouts before losing a televised close 10-round decision to undefeated heavyweight Jermaine Franklin. As an amateur, Booker was the former number one ranked heavyweight in the United States and won the Michigan State and Regional championships every year from 1992 through 2000 and his first national title in 1999.

A capable boxer with excellent counterpunching skills, Booker fought all-time-great James Toney for the IBA World and WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championships and lost a 12-round decision in 2004.

All of the Detroit slugger’s losses have come to former champions or undefeated top contenders. An upset victory by the still capable Booker over Wallin would reignite the Detroiter’s once promising career.

“He’s a southpaw that boxes well,” said Booker of Wallin. “Everybody thinks they know how to fight a southpaw, but I fight them totally differently. I’ve been fighting them for years. I’m sparring with lefties every day and training is going well. It would mean a lot to beat Wallin. He’s rated in the world and it would let everybody know Rydell Booker is still here.”

Booker also says his trainer, former female fighter Kara Ro, is making sure he shows up in great shape for the battle. “Kara is getting on my nerves,” he admitted jokingly. “Not in a bad way. She’s a workhorse and it’s good because she’s always pushing.”

“I’m excited to add a heavyweight matchup featuring one of the best heavyweight fighters in the world, Otto Wallin, against battle-tested Detroiter Rydell Booker,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “This fight card is packed with world-class talent and I’m honored for it to take place in Detroit, the city of boxing legends.”

Rising super welterweight powerhouse Marlon Harrington (7-0, 6 KOs) will be appearing in the night’s eight-round co-main event.

Fast-tracking former national amateur champion and undefeated professional middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, will continue his rapid climb up the 160-lb ranks in a six-round bout.

Fighting in supporting bouts will be a trio of undefeated Michigan prospects, including super welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) of Dearborn, as well as super lightweight Ferris Dixon Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) and also undefeated super welterweight Da’Velle Smith (2-0, 2 KOs), both of Detroit.

All opponents will be announced shortly and all bouts are subject to change. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm.
ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

London, England – (May 3, 2022) – Full steam ahead for ‘The Midnight Train’ Richard Riakporhe as he returns to action at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday, June 11, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, to take on Italy’s Fabio Turchi in an eliminator battle which will see the winner move up the cruiserweight rankings and in prime position to challenge reigning champion Maris Breidis later this year.

With Riakporhe (14-0, 10 KO’s) coming off a stunning knockout victory over Deion Jumah in March and former IBF International Cruiserweight champion Turchi (20-1, 14 KO’s) having a 66% stoppage rate in his victories, this fight matches two proven finishers and promises action from the very start as both men look to score the knockout which will move them on to world championship opportunity.

Bermondsey’s former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris Kongo (13-1-0, 7 KO’s) has a route back into world title contention if he defeats the tough German contender Sebastaian Formella (23-2-0, 11 KO’s) in their International showdown.  

Kongo is raring to get back into pole position after winning his comeback fight against Kelvin Dotel in March following his close points loss to Michael McKinson last year. While Formella is looking for his own shot at the World title and his only two losses have been against Former World Champion Shawn Porter and Connor Benn, pushing both big hitters the distance.

Two of the very best young fighters in the UK, English Super-Middleweight Champion Germaine Brown (12-0, 3 KO’s) defends his title against challenger Zak Chelli (11-1-1, 6 KO’s) in an exciting trade fight.

The two Londoners will both be going into this fight totally confident of victory and certain to put on an eye-catching performance in a 50-50 fight which will delight the nation’s boxing fans and looks set to steal the show.

Also on the card, the long-awaited professional debut of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE.

One of the most highly-touted amateurs in women’s boxing, Price earned the amateur sport’s supreme honour when she won gold last summer. She was subsequently awarded an MBE in recognition of this stunning success. 

She now looks destined to reach the very highest level of the professional sport in the exciting and fast-moving world of women’s boxing, with the first step towards that greatness coming on June 11.

Cruiserweight star Viddal Riley (5-0-0, 2 KO’s) fights in his home city for the first time in his pro career. The Hackney sensation made his pro-debut in November 2018 with a first round KO of Julio Manuel Gonzalez in Mexico and has since fought in Las Vegas (twice) and Dubai. 

Last time out he was on the huge Amir Khan-Kell Brook undercard in Manchester in February registering a six-round points win over Willbeforce Shihepo via a first round knockdown and aims to showcase his power and skill in front of the London fans.

“I’m ready to continue my assault on the cruiserweight division. The Midnight Train is on an unstoppable roll and Turchi is the next man tied to the tracks in front of me. He’s a good boxer and I’m expecting a tough fight but nothing I can’t handle. I’m coming out of this one with the win and stepping up into world title contention,” said Riakporhe.

“I am very happy to have this opportunity. Since I was a kid I always dreamed of fighting at the international level and in an important venue like this. I’m dedicating my body and soul to get into the best shape and have a great match against Riakporhe who I think is an excellent boxer,” said Turchi.

“Richard Riakporhe has been on an unstoppable rise to world title contention and now he’s potentially within touching distance of getting his shot at gold. Turchi is the former IBF International Champion and brings heavy firepower to the ring. This is Riakporhe’s toughest career challenge to date and a win here will make a strong statement about his potential to be world champion,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO.

“The English Super-Middleweight Title showdown between Zak Chelli and Germaine Brown is a fight which every boxing fan in the country will be glued to. It’s impressive that they are willing to fight each other at this stage and lay it all on the line. Don’t be surprised if this is a Fight Of The Year contender.

“Finally, the professional debut of Lauren Price. Olympic gold medalist, MBE – there aren’t many athletes in any sport who have those kind of credentials and we’re proud to be sharing her professional journey and being part of her rise to the top.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “This is shaping up to be a fantastic card. I’m looking forward to seeing ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe roll back into Wembley after that excellent win over Jumah. Another big test awaits as he faces the tough and classy Turchi. 

“The fight between Chelli and Brown is a really good match. We’ve seen some absolutely cracking fights in the English title matches, those fights just seem to deliver incredible action, and this is a 50-50 pick ’em. 

“I’m also really excited to see Lauren Price begin her professional journey. She was a standout amateur and achieved so much for the sport, everyone at Sky Sports is very proud to have her with us and we can’t wait to see her achieve equally huge things in the pro ranks.”

Tickets are on sale from 12pm midday tomorrow, Wednesday May 4 via BOXXER.com priced at £250, £150, £100, £75, £60 and £40. 

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.

PITTSBURGH (May 2, 2022) – Professional boxing returns this Saturday night (May 7) to the Pittsburgh market as Gionta Management presents, “Murrysville Madness II,” at the Murrysville SportZone in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

Undefeated Pittsburgh super middleweight prospect Eric Lomax (4-0, 3 KOs) is matched in the 4-round main event against unbeaten Joseph Aguilar (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Portland, Oregon.

The 31-year-old Lomax is a throwback fighter who entertains fans and pressures his opponent with power in both hands, while Aguilar represents a step up in terms of a quality opponent for Lomax. Aguilar is coming off a 4-round draw this past February against an undefeated opponent, 5-0 Edel Gomez.

The 6-round co-feature has all the makings of a real barnburner. Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (8-9, 2 KOs), fighting out of Youngstown, Ohio, will take on Maryland middleweight Jonathan Ryan Burrs (4-4, 1 KO). Both bring the heat and rarely take a step backwards.

Pittsburgh super middleweight Mary Casamassa, the 2018 PA Golden Glove champ, makes her long anticipated pro debut in a 4-round match versus super middleweight Jozette Cotton (0-1-1), of Omaha, Nebraska.

“We’re happy to be returning to Murrysville SportZone for our second show there,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “They are great to work with. Lomax is always in exciting fights and Aguilar will be Eric’s toughest test to date. Burrs vs Rosenberger is going to be a really good fight, too. I’m excited for Mary Casamassa’s pro debut on our show. I’ve known her since her amateur days. I did some matchmaking for her over the years for Golden Glove events and other shows. We recently signed a deal with her and look forward to the future”

Other fights scheduled on the undercard begin with Illinois cruiserweight Anthony Hollaway (4-2-2, 3 KOs) vs. New York’s Eric “Cautious” Abraham (7-13, 3 KOs) in a 6-rounder, and Pittsburgh lightweight “Maverick” Mike Conway (4-2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Brazil’s Marcello Williams (2-12) in a 6-round match.

Card is subject to change.

Available tickets are priced at $50.00 (floor seating), $40.00 (stadium seating), $125 (first row gold ringside), $100.00 (second row silver ringside), $75.00 (third row bronze ringside), plus a table of 8 ($800), are available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

LAS VEGAS — Shakur Stevenson wondered how good he was.

He can quit wondering.

He’s good, pound-for-pound good. Pay-per-view good is still a question. But the answers he wants, the stardom he’s seeking, are a lot closer today than they were a week ago.

A one-sided victory over Oscar Valdez Jr. Saturday night for two pieces of the junior-lightweight title at the MGM Grand was another convincing piece of more evidence that there are no limits to Stevenson’s unfolding career.

Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs) did what he had to – and often whatever he wanted to — in scoring a lopsided decision over Valdez (30-1, 23 KOs), who had only his trademark resilience and none of Stevenson’s speed or precision.

“I told ya’ll what I was going to do.,’’ Stevenson said. I said I’m gonna beat Valdez, (stablemate) Canelo (Alvarez) and (trainer) Eddy Reynoso.

“That was my game plan — beat the whole team. I feel good about it. Much respect to them, but that was my game plan.”

The judges’ cards added up to a rout. It was 118-109, 117-110 and 118-109, all for Stevenson. The oddsmakers were right. Stevenson was an 8-to-1 favorite the night before opening bell. He could have been an 80-to-1 favorite, for all that it mattered. Valdez simply didn’t have much of a chance.

That was never more evident than in the sixth round. Stevenson, often careful early. caught Valdez with a looping right hand.

It turned Valdez and sent him crashing into the ropes. Quickly, Stevenson landed another right that put Valdez onto the canvas. It was a decisive moment. It was clear then that Stevenson’s victory was just a matter of time.

“He has great boxing skills,’’ Valdez said. “He was just the better fighter this night. He did what he had to do to win the fight.

“His speed is there. Power is there. He was just he better fighter tonight. Overall, a great fighter.”

There was a theory that Valdez might be able to test Stevenson. Valdez had shown power in earlier fights. The idea was that he would take Stevenson to a place he’s never been.

But Valdez was never able to deliver that adversity. He tried early. He was the aggressor. He pursued. But his shots mostly missed. All the while, his energy drained away like water through a colander.

Not even a friendly crowd could sustain Valdez. The order to the ring walks was determined by a coin flip. Stevenson won that one too, meaning he was second to parade down the aisle, up the steps and through the ropes. Valdez was first.

Valdez was greeted by a pro-Mexican crowd that serenaded him, a Son of Sonora, as he walked into the arena. Echoes from the roaring crowd could be heard out on the Strip and maybe all the way down to Nogales, his hometown south of Tucson. The odds didn’t favor Valdez. But the crowd did. It booed Stevenson.

Stevenson let his skillset answer, again and again, with speed and precision. From round to round, Stevenson landed shots that slowly yet surely left Valdez tired and with a dwindling work rate.

It was over not long after it started, leaving the 31-year old Valdez with only questions and the 24-year Stevenson with only possibilities.

Keyshawn Davis wins sixth-round TKO

He calls himself The Businessman.

Keyshawn Davis lived up to the nickname, working his way through a few business-like rounds and then applying a finish that suggests the lightweight prospect is well on his way to doing a lot more business Saturday night on the Stevenson-Valdez card at the MGM Grand.

In only his fifth fight since winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Davis (5-0, 4 KOs) was careful early and punishing in the end, scoring a sixth-round TKO of Mexican Esteban Sanchez (19-2, 8 KOs).

Nico Ali Walsh scores first-round KO

It was a knockout that must have made a grandfather proud

Nico Ali Walsh (5-0, 4 KOS) , grandson of legendary heavyweight Muhmmad Ali, struck swiftly. Struck definitively. 

One-two, a Walsh jab and crushing right hand landed, flooring Alejandro Ibarra (7-2, 2 KOs), who looked to be unconscious before he hit the canvas 2:50 intO the first round of a middleweight fight. Ibarra had to be helped to his feet after concussive end to the first bout t on the ESPN-televised card featuring Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez Jr. in a junior-lightweight title fight at the MGM Grand Saturday.

LAS VEGAS–In the last appetizer before the main card headlined by the super featherweight unification bout between Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Raymond Muratalla (14-0, 12 KOs) of Fontana, California scored an impressive third-round stoppage of Jeremy Hill (16-3, 11 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana to claim the minor WBC USNBC silver lightweight title.

After controlling the first minute of the bout, Muratalla, 134.8, landed a clean right that appeared to drop Hill, 134, two-thirds of the way through round one. Despite motioning as such, referee Tony Weeks apparently informed the official scorers that Hill was not knocked down, as he somehow managed to keep his gloves just off the canvas. Muratalla continued his relentless onslaught throughout the second round, punishing Hill along the ropes and landing clean with his right hand.

In the third, lefts to the body softened Hill up for more punishment upstairs as Muratalla forced him to drop his hands to protect against the attack. Muratalla would land another left to the body that opened Hill up for a two-punch combination that dropped his game, but overmatched adversary hard to the mat. Weeks only got his count up to about five before deciding to call for the stoppage at 2:27 of the third round.

Rising super featherweight prospect Andres Cortes (17-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas scored an exciting and impressive sixth-round stoppage of a game Alexis del Bosque (18-6-1, 9 KOs) of Dallas, Texas.

After a feeling-out first round between Cortes, 131.8, and del Bosque, 131.6, the action heated up in the second round and did not let up through the rest of the bout. Cortes opened up over the left eye of del Bosque in the fourth and had the Dallas resident in some serious trouble soon thereafter. Cortes would land a well placed body shot that dropped del Bosque midway through the fourth. Del Bosque continued to fight back off the ropes and weathered the storm for the rest of the round.

In the fifth, del Bosque sprang back to some life and found spots when Cortes would let off the gas pedal. Still, the overall momentum of the bout was Cortes’ as eventually del Bosque could not keep up with the pressure. In the sixth, Cortes landed a beautiful straight right, left, right combination directly down the middle on a weary del Bosque. Somehow, del Bosque managed to get back up on his shaky legs, but referee Celestino Ruiz mercifully called a halt to the bout 43 seconds of round six.

Cortes, who signed a promotional pact with Top Rank earlier this year, appears primed for a bout with a world ranked contender in the near future.

Former national amateur champion Troy Isley (5-0, 3 KOs) of Alexandria, Virginia dominated Anthony Hannah (3-3, 2 KOs) of Augusta, Georgia with speed and aggression en route to a second-round stoppage.

Hannah, 156.8, was in constant retreat as the classy Isley, 157.4, forced him to the edges of the ring throughout.

Isley landed a hard jab to the body to down Hannah midway through the second. Another jab to the body, followed by a glancing right, scored a second knockdown, prompting the corner to throw in the towel as referee Robert Hoyle began counting to ten. Time of the stoppage was 2:33 of the second.

18-year-old former youth national amateur champion Abdullah Mason (2-0, 2 KO) of Cleveland, Ohio punished normally tough Luciano Ramos (1-3) of Stockton, California by way of Buenos Aires, Argentina en route to a first-round stoppage victory.

Mason, 136.4, was simply too fast and too strong for Ramos, 137.8, to weather. Mason quickly forced Ramos to the ropes, landing in combination. A stiff body shot that left Ramos reeling, led to a Mason flurry along the ropes that prompted referee Tony Weeks to call a halt to the bout at 2:32 of round two.

Antoine Cobb (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Chicago, Illinois was lucky to leave Las Vegas with his “O” in tact as Jaylan Phillips (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Ebro, Florida clearly won three of the four rounds in the opening bout of the evening, but failed to convince two of the official scorers. 

Phillips, 142.4, troubled Cobb, 143.6, fighting out of the southpaw stance and applying constant pressure. Cobb woke up the sparse opening doors crowd with two solid rights to close the second round, but it would be his lone shinning moment. Phillips was again the aggressor in the third, forcing Cobb to the corners and landing clean. Phillips dominated the action in the fourth, landing flurries on a retreating Cobb for much of the round. In the end, Phillips took the dissenting card 39-37 in the majority draw. The other two judges scored the bout even, 38-38. 

In a fight that exceeded huge expectations Katie Taylor won a 10-round split decision in front of a raucous and sold-out 19, 187 at Madison Square Garden.

The bout was billed as the best female fight of all-time, it delivered and then some. The two came out on even terms, with Taylor boxing just a hair better to take a slight early lead.

Serrano hurt Taylor badly in both rounds five and six with hard combinations. Taylor wanted to stand toe-to-toe with Serrano and paid dearly for it. Taylor seemed wobbly and unsettled as she stood in her corner between rounds five and six. Taylor was able stem the tide and start scoring from distance with quick combinations. Several times down the stretch, the two best female fighters on the world electrified The Garden Crowd by exchanging in the midst of furious flurries. The two did that until the very bell in this sure-fire Fight of the Year contender.

Taylor landed 147 of 575 punches; Serrano was 175 of 624.

Taylor of Bray, IRE took two cards by scores of 97-93 and 96-93. Serrano of Brooklyn, NY won a card by 96-94.

Taylor is now 21-0. Serrano is 42-2-1.

“What a fighter Amanda Serrano is – I think we are both great fighters,” said Taylor. “Look what we have just done, selling out Madison Square Garden, the biggest venue in boxing history. 
 
“Both of us have broken so many barriers in her careers. It feels great to be in this position really! Amazing fight. What a night!
 
“I knew exactly how deep I had to dig in this fight. I knew going into it that I was going to be in the trenches at some stage. She’s a phenomenal fighter and a great, great person. 
 
“I was listening to my trainer and I’m so grateful for Ross. Thank you for everything. You’re such a humble guy but you’re the best in the world.”

Smith Batters, Stops Vargas in 10

In a battle of former world champions, Liam Smith stopped Jessie Vargas in round 10 of their 12-round junior middleweight clash.

The fight was close through four rounds, with several even exchanges occurring between the two fighters. The naturally bigger Smith began to take over and started beating up Vargas. With each successive round, Vargas looked more tired, which opened for more powerful shots to land by Smith. Finally in round 10, Smith landed a big left hook that set off an unanswered flurry that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 41 seconds.

Smith of Liverpool, UK is 31-3-1 with 18 knockouts. Vargas of Las Vegas falls to 29-4-2.

Crews-Dezurn Decisions Cederroos to win Undisputed Super Middleweight Crown

Franchon Crews-Dezurn won the Undisputed Super Middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elin Cederroos.

It was an action packed fight that saw Crews-Dezurn land a lot of overhand shots that forced the nose of Cederroos to bleed as early as round four.

Crews-Dezurn landed 171 of 439 punches; Cederroos was 108 of 511.

Crews-Dezurn of Baltimore, MD won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 and is now 8-1. Cederroos of Sweden is 8-1.

Yafai Stops Cartagena After 2

2021 Olympic Gold Medal winner, Galal Yafai stopped Miguel Cartagena after round two of their scheduled 10-round flyweight bout.

Yafai dominated Cartagena all over the ring for both rounds until the fight was stopped.

Yafai of Birmingham, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Cartagena of Philadelphia i 17-7-1.

NEW YORK–Austin Williams destroyed Chordale Booker in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight bout.

Williams hurt Booker and the pounded away on him with Booker sitting on the ropes for a scored knockdown. Booker was deemed unable to continue at 2:25.

Williams of Houston, TX is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Booker of Stamford, CT is 17-1.

Reshat Mati remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joe Eli Hernandez in a super lightweight bout.

Mati, 143.8 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Hernandez, Matarnoros, MEX is 12-2.

Australian Olympian Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Shanecqua Paisley Davis in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Nicolson capped off the victory by dropping Davis with a straight left.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Yatala, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 3-0. Davis, 125.2 lbs of Houston is 3-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over William Langston in a light heavyweight bout.

Coe, 174. lbs of Jersey City, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 3-0-1. Langston, 173 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 6-3.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The son of the late Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, Kenzie Morrison put his name on the map with a fifth-round stoppage over Hasim Rahman Jr. on Friday night at The Theater at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. 

Morrison (20-0-2, 18 KOs) of Shawnee, Kansas by way of Miami, Oklahoma started fast as he stated he would before the bout, landing a couple stiff combinations in the opening minutes. Rahman (12-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Baltimore, Maryland switched to southpaw and slowed Morrsion with a right. Before the end of the round, Morrison landed a hard right that stopped Rahman in his tracks. Rahman did well to box and move out of range in the third, but still it was Morrison that landed the few eye-catching punches in the round. Morrison chased and landed on Rahman for much of the fourth, as the Las Vegas resident seemed content to cover up and fire back with single punches. 

After sitting for the first time between rounds at the end of the fourth, Morrison, 224.4, bolted out of his corner to attack Rahman, 224, in the fifth. A series of punches accentuated by an overhand right dropped Rahman hard early in the round. Rahman gamely rose to his feet, before being pressured into the ropes where referee Robert Hoyle called a halt to the bout after an uppercut and a left hand at 1:37 of the fifth round. 

“I felt strong when I connected,” explained Morrision. “Right now, I have a long drive home, but then it will be back to the gym until I await what [my promoter] Joe [Kelly] has for me.” 

With the victory, Morrison claimed the vacant WBC USNBC heavyweight title and will likely land himself a spot in the top fifteen world rankings with that sanctioning body. 

In a thrilling contest, Keith Hunter (15-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas powered his way to a ten-round unanimous decision over Demarius Driver (12-1, 7 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia.

Driver, 140.8, proved to be an elusive target for much of the first, outside of a short counter right from Hunter that forced the Atlanta native to take a few off balance steps backward. Driver began to sit down on his punches more in the second, while Hunter, the son of the late Mike “The Bounty” Hunter, kept his right in his holster while waiting for the right opening to present itself. Driver slowed his pace a bit in the third, which allowed Hunter, 134, to trade on more even terms. As the round reached the final minute, Hunter found a home for some stiff rights that appeared to bother Driver. 

Driver brought his output level back up in the forth, but it was Hunter that landed the more telling blows, catching his shorter opponent reaching on occasion. Driver regained some footing in the bout in the fifth, boxing well, before Hunter rocked him in the closing seconds of the stanza. Driver appeared stunned by two overhand rights midway through the sixth, but soon after got back to utilizing his boxing skills to keep Hunter off balance. The turn of the tide was brief, as Hunter rocked Driver back into a corner with a clean body shot to close out a series of punches, ending the round. Hunter kept the pressure up in the following rounds, hurting Driver with stiff rights in the eighth. 

Driver proved his mettle in a heated ninth, as the two stood and traded for much of the round. The power edge went to Hunter, but Driver held tough and got in some power blows of his own. Hunter came out guns blazing in the tenth, winding up for huge power rights that landed to thuds for the first two minutes of the round. Again showing his toughness, Driver withstood the blows, regrouped and traded on even footing with a punched-out Hunter as the fight came to a close to a raucous ovation. Hunter claimed the victory by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 twice. 

“My biggest thing was staying relaxed, because I know I have the power to get him out of there,” explained Hunter, who called out Gervonta Davis after the bout. 

Arturo Moreno (6-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield, Missouri upset the son of the legendary Roberto Duran, Robert Duran Jr. (9-2, 7 KOs) of Plantation, Florida, scoring a one-sided six-round unanimous decision. 

After being lulled into a boxing match for two rounds, Moreno, 143.8, came out with renewed intensity in the third round. The Missouri native landed in combination for much of the round, while Duran, 147.4, covered up and threw back in short bursts. Moreno did well to box on the outside and hold at close quarters to prevent any Duran retort for much of a less-than-thrilling fourth round. Duran continued to struggle to cut off the ring or pin Moreno down in any meaningful way through the final two rounds. In the sixth, Moreno, who had previously resorted to holding on the inside, actually threw and controlled the action on the inside in the sixth en route to the decision by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. 

Another offspring of former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman, Sharif Rahman (6-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Baltimore turned back the challenge of a game Reyes Sanchez (7-2, 3 KOs) of Topeka, Kansas, earning a six-round unanimous decision. 

Through two rounds, Rahman, 156, controlled much of the action with his fast hands and combinations. In the third round, Sanchez, 153.6, managed to negate his opponent’s natural gifts by smothering Rahman against the ropes and landing where he could. Rahman more than likely could have turned and moved from the ropes, but instead elected to lean against the strands and exchange on the inside. 

Less than a minute into the forth, Sanchez missed with an errant right and clashed heads, opening a cut on Rahman. As the round came to a close, Rahman rocked Sanchez against the ropes with a combination. Sanchez did well to hold on, grappling Rahman as the bell sounded to end the round. The fifth featured some two-way action, but again Rahman came on late in the round, this time rocking Sanchez with a quick combination, fighting with his own back against the ropes. Rahman closed out the fight with more excellent combination punching, again knocking Sanchez off balance late in the round. One judge found a round for Sanchez, preventing the shutout with scores of 59-55 and 60-54 twice. 

The son of former super middleweight champion Gerald McClellan, Gerald McClellan Jr. boxed his way to a four-round unanimous decision over Demetrius Alexander (1-1, 1 KO) of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Through the first two rounds, McClellan (2-0, 1 KO) of Beloit, Wisconsin switched from southpaw to orthodox with regularity, but the tactic did not appear to do much to throw Alexander, 183.2, off of his gameplan. Fighting more out of the orthodox stance mostly in the third and fourth, McClellan, 178.2, jabbed and moved, but failed to land anything of great significance. In the end, the son of the former super middleweight champion had done enough to get the majority nod by scores of 38-38 and 39-37 twice. 

In the opening bout of the evening, Shady Gamour (13-0, 9 KOS) of Pensacola, Florida by way of Broby, Scania, Sweden boxed his way to an eight-round unanimous decision over Steven Pichardo (8-2-1, 2 KOs) of Compton, California. 

Gamour, 160.2, used his fast hands and ring generalship to control the majority of the bout, while the taller and rangier Pichardo, 159.8, failed to use his natural size to his advantage. A close first round was likely swayed in Gamour’s way with a stiff combination in the last few seconds. After a back-and-forth second round, Gamour began picking Pichardo apart as the taller California native attempted to be the aggressor in the third. Over the next two rounds, Gamour landed with more regularity, momentarily backing Pichardo into the ropes in the fifth. 

Into the sixth, Gamour’s speed and combinations continued to trouble the taller Pichardo, who failed to use his height advantage. Pichardo opened the eighth with new found aggression and landed to great effect in the opening minute. But after his initial onslaught, Pichardo appeared to have fired his final bullets and Gamour returned to controlling the action down the final stretch. In the end, Gamour claimed a unanimous decision by scores of 80-72 and 78-74 twice. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @MarioG280

By Norm Frauenheim –

LAS VEGAS – The odds aren’t with Oscar Valdez Jr. But the crowd might be.

Valdez, a 7-to-1 underdog Saturday night against Shakur Stevenson at the MGM Grand, was the fan favorite at the weigh-in Friday.

The noise was off the scale, all for Valdez, who was at 129.6 pounds. The boos were for the heavily-favored Stevenson, who was at 130, the junior-lightweight limit.

Most of the hostility directed at Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs) appeared to come from a few thousand fans who made the seven-and-a-half-hour trip to Las Vegas from Nogales, Valdez hometown on the Mexican side of the border south of Tucson.

Stevenson smiled at the crowd and then at Valdez, as if to say the cheers were in vain. Stevenson, of Newark, has long said that Valdez has no chance.

“I’m a dominant fighter,’’ Stevenson said a few days before the weigh-in. “I don’t know how much better I can get. But I’m going to find out.

“After this fight, I should be a big star.’’

First, however, he’ll have to get through Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs), who has fought through more adversity than many fighters ever see.

It’s Valdez’ proven resilience in the face of adversity that makes this fight (ESPN 10 pm/7 pm PT) for two pieces of the 130-pound title so intriguing.

Within the ropes, Stevenson has never encountered any of what Valdez has conquered. In part, that’s why Stevenson says he doesn’t know how much better he can be. The question and Stevenson’s projected stardom hinges on how he reacts to the adversity Valdez is expected to deliver.

On fight’s eve, at least, Stevenson appeared to be the more relaxed fighter. After they stepped off the scale, the fighters posed for the camera in the ritual stare down. Valdez didn’t blink. Didn’t smile either.

Stevenson returned the stare. He also smiled. But it wasn’t the child-like grin that was there for a couple of years after he won a silver medal at the 2016 Brazil Olympics. The innocence was gone, replaced by an edge that promised violence.

Valdez held the stare for a couple of long seconds. Then, he turned away, looked up at the crowd and gestured at his vocal fans with an upraised fist. Stevenson stepped forward and smiled some more, this time dismissively.

Valdez said nothing.

There was nothing else to say.

At least not until opening bell.

PHILADELPHIA–Once again Christian Carto thrilled a crowd at the 2300 Arena, as the popular bantamweight stopped Ernesto Sebstian Franzolini in front of a near-capacity crowd at the famed Philadelphia fight venue.

Carto dropped Franzolini with a hard body shot. He finished Franzolini off with a hard combination and the bout was stopped.

Carto of Philadelphia is now 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Franzolini of Buenos Aires, Argentina is 14-13-2.

Julian Gonzalez and Ivan Jimenez battled to a spirited six-round draw in a lightweight bout,

Jimenez took a card 58-56, while two cards were even at 57-57.

Gonzalez of Reading, PA is 6-0-1. Jimenez of Naples, Florida is 7-1-2.

Big heavyweight Kristian Prenga stopped Deshon Webster in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout.

Prenga sent Webster down with a right hand in round two. Prenga ended things with a vicious uppercut that sent Webster flat on his back at 1:09.

Prenga of Niagara Falls, Canada is 11-1 with 11 knockouts. Webster of Lenexa, KS is 12-5-3.

Thanjhae Teasley stopped Deaaron Alexander in round three of their four-round welterweight bout.

In round three, Teasley dropped Alexander with a right hand. Teasley ended the fight by dropping Alexander with a body shot.

Teasley of Bethlehem, PA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Alexander of Baltimore was making his pro debut.

Jeremy Adorno stopped Jason Vera in round three of their six-round featherweight bout.

Adorno dropped Vera twice in round three and the bout was stopped at the 33 second mark.

Adorno of Allentown, PA is now 7-0 with three knockouts. Vera of Miami is 5-9.

Quadir Albright remained perfect with a second round stoppage over Jorge Martin Garcia in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Albright scored a knockdown with a right hand. In round two, Albright sent Garcia down with a body shot and the fight was stopped at 58 seconds.

Albright of West Philadelphia is 6-0 with six knockouts. Garcia of Buenos Aires, ARG is 13-9-1.

Tonight, April 29, 2022, unbeaten WBC Super Bantamweight Silver Champion
Andrés Sosa of Argentina will defend his title for the first time against also undefeated Panamanian Rafael Pedroza in the 10-round main event of a night of world-class boxing, presented by Sampson Boxing in association with Best Box at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the Hotel El Panama in Panama City. The event will be televised live on TyC Sports and TyC Sports Play at 10 pm CST.

The WBA #9-ranked Pedroza (12-0, 11 KOs) now living in El Martillo, Panama, will be looking to annex the crown Sosa (13-0, 8 KOs) won with a unanimous decision over his Argentinean countryman Mauro Barrios last February.

Also appearing in televised matchups will be undefeated Panamanian Alexander Durán (20-0, 7 KOs) taking on Ecuadorian Edwin Bennett (15-2, 7 KOs), in a super lightweight eight-rounder; Panamanian local Ronal Batista (13-2, 8 KOs) will face undefeated Ramses Perez
(8-0, 2 KOs) of Mexico City in a super flyweight eight-rounder; Venezuelan super lightweight knockout artist Roiman Villa (22-1, 22 KOs) will face Peruvian veteran Jesús Bravo (19-5-1, 17 KOs) over eight rounds and in the bantamweight division, Panamanian Edgar Valencia (14-5-1, 3 KOs) will clash against Mexico’s Luis Robles Pacheco (14-1, 4 KOs) in the eight-round opening bout of the telecast.

On the untelevised undercard will be a duel of Panamanians in the super lightweight division, Juan Huertas (14-3-1, 10 KOs) will face Fernando De La Rosa (5-2-1, 3 KOs) over six and in a crossroads welterweight battle to open the night, Alcibíades Ballesteros (0-1-1) will take on Ricardo Rodríguez (1-6-1) over four rounds.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

  •  Oscar Valdez 129.6 vs. Shakur Stevenson 130
(WBO/WBC/Ring Magazine Junior Lightweight Titles — 12 Rounds)

•   Keyshawn Davis 136.2 lbs vs. Esteban Davis 136.6 lbs 
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Nico Ali Walsh 159.2 lbs vs. Alejandro Ibarra 160.4 lbs 
(Middleweight— 4 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •    Raymond Muratalla 134.8 lbs vs. Jeremy Hill 134 lbs
 (Vacant WBC USNBC Silver Lightweight Title— 8 Rounds)

   •    Andres Cortes 131.8 lbs vs. Alexis del Bosque 131.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight— 8 Rounds)

   •   Troy Isley 157.4 lbs vs. Anthony Hannah 156.8 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Abdullah Mason 136.4 lbs vs. Luciano Ramos 137.8 lbs
 (Lightweight— 4 Rounds)

   •   Antoine Cobb 143.6 lbs vs. Jaylan Phillips 142.4 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

Orlando, FL (April 29, 2022) – Featherweight contenders Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz and Miguel Beltran will square off in the ten round main event of a Bally Sports Presents: Entrobox Championship Boxing card Saturday, May 21 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, raised in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico and now residing in Orlando, Diaz is regarded as one of boxing’s most exciting fighters. At 26-4 with 16 KO’s, Diaz has impressive victories over Angel Luna, Ray Ximenez, Neftali Campos, Raul Hirales, Bryant Cruz and Braulio Rodriguez. His third round stoppage of Cruz in 2017 earned him the WBO NABO 130 pound title.

Following his win against Rodriguez, Diaz challenged for world titles at 126 and 130 pounds but came up short. All four of his setbacks came against current or former world champions in Masayuki Ito, Shakur Stevenson, Emmanuel Navarrete, and Isaac Dogboe.

Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Beltran’s 34-8 with 23 wins by
knockout. Beltran’s first title challenge ended in a no contest due accidental clash of heads against reigning IBF 130 pound champion Juan Salgado Zambrano. Less than a year later, Beltran dropped a disputed split decision to Roman Martinez for the vacant WBO super featherweight championship.

A 15-year pro, Beltran’s defeated the likes of Miguel Roman, Eduardo Lazcano, Eden Marquez and Fernando Garcia. He’s also challenged Yuriorkis Gamboa and Chris Colbert.

In the co-featured bout of the evening, unbeaten Nestor Bravo faces longtime contender Fernando David Saucedo in an eight round junior welterweight contest.

Hailing from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Bravo, 20-0 (14 KO’s), is currently based in Orlando. Prior to his pro career, Bravo defeated future Olympic Gold Medalist Robson Conceicao and was an alternate for the 2012 Puerto Rican Olympic Boxing Team. Bravo turned pro in 2015 and stopped his first six opponents. In his most recent bout, the 28-year-old knocked out Vitor Jones in three rounds.

Living and fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saucedo’s a longtime contender who owns an impressive 63-9-3 record with 10 KO’s. He’s a two-time world title challenger and shared the squared circle with Chris John, Sergio Manuel Medina, Rances Barthelemy, Christian Mijares, Emmanuel Tagoe and Subriel Matias.

Undefeated Irish sensation Connor Coyle meets his toughest opponent to date when he challenges Antonio Todd in a ten round tilt for the vacant NABA middleweight title.

Coyle, who splits time between his native Northern Ireland and Florida, is 15-0 with 7 wins by knockout. On February 19, Coyle dominated once-beaten Rodrigo Rodriguez en route to a fifth round stoppage. The 31-year-old Coyle is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.

Fighting out of Atlanta, GA, Todd’s 13-5 record includes 7 victories by KO. On January 22, Todd scored the biggest win of his career by defeating contender Hugo Centeno Jr.

The Diaz-Beltran, Bravo-Saucedo and Coyle-Todd bouts will air on the Bally Sports Network and Bally Sports app live at 9 PM ET.

The undercard will feature a plethora of young talented fighters including lightweights, Joseph Adorno, Sean Mason and Alexy De La Cruz, junior middleweight Derrick Jason, middleweights Wayna Reid and Jamar Pemberton, super bantamweight Elon de Jesus and junior welterweights Corey Marksman, Elijah Flores, and Darrius Jackson all in separate bouts.

“May 21 is going to be a great event for boxing fans,” said Ron Johnson, CEO of American Dream Presents “We’ve got three exciting fights that will air on Bally Sports plus a stacked undercard with blue chip prospects including a 2020 Olympian. I’m anticipating a great turnout to support two of Puerto Rico’s best boxers today in Diaz and Bravo. Sean Mason also brought out a big crowd to our last card ,so make sure to get your tickets before they sell out.”

The card is promoted by American Dream Presents, Boxlab Promotions and GH3 Promotions.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/bally-sportsentrobox-championship-boxing-orlando-florida-05-21-2022/event/22005C889425AF5F.
Doors open at 5 pm and the first fight is scheduled for 6.

A four diamond resort, the Caribe Royale is a 1,388 room resort that provides a luxurious and relaxing experience for guests of all ages. Amenities include a spa, five restaurants, kid’s splashpad and playground, a two-story fitness center and a large outdoor pool featuring a 75 foot waterside. Fully re-imagined and renovated with over $127m in improvements and expansion Caribe Royale is the premier all suite hotel in Orlando.

BROOKLYN – April 29, 2022 – The SHOWTIME PPV undercard for Gervonta Davis vs. Rolando Romero will feature three exciting, explosive matchups entering the ring in high-stakes action on Saturday, May 28 live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Two-division world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will defend his WBA Middleweight Title against hard-hitting, Irish crowd-pleaser Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan in an all-action co-main event of the telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Sensational young star Jesús “Mono” Ramos will put his unbeaten record on the line against rugged super welterweight battler Luke Santamaría in a 10-round showdown on the pay-per-view, while hard-hitting contender Eduardo Ramírez battles Puerto Rico’s Luis Meléndez in a 10-round super featherweight thriller that shapes up to deliver toe-to-toe action opening up the telecast.

“When you look at the matchups, this is an edge-of-your-seat pay-per-view undercard,’’ said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Erislandy Lara, a highly skilled champion who has engaged in numerous exciting action bouts, will have everything he can handle against Gary O’Sullivan, who has never backed up in a boxing ring. Fans will also get to see exciting young star Jesús Ramos bringing that heat-seeking knockout mentality to the ring against rugged brawler Luke Santamaría, and Eduardo Ramírez versus Luis Meléndez, as they look to add their duel as the latest chapter in the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry. Whether you’re watching at Barclays Center in Brooklyn or watching live on SHOWTIME PPV, you’re going to be entertained all night long.’’

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Lara (28-3-3, 16 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a title unification match in 2018 that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled current 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. Lara most recently moved up to middleweight, capturing his WBA title with a first round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021. Lara faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Alvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.

“I’m ready to get back in the ring and show the fans that I’m still a world class fighter,” said Lara. “Gary O’Sullivan has proven to be a tough opponent for everyone he’s faced, and his only losses are to champions. I’ve been in many great fights and it will be no different when I step into the ring at Barclays Center. Being on this stage always brings out the best in me and fans can expect to see my power in this fight.’’

A native of Cork, Ireland, O’Sullivan (31-4, 21 KOs) has won three of his last four fights leading into his title shot against Lara on May 28. O’Sullivan’s aggressive style has made him a fan-favorite each time he steps into the ring. He has faced a deep roster of top names, including David Lemieux, Jaime Munguia, Chris Eubank Jr., and Billy Joe Saunders. O’Sullivan scored a career-best victory in December 2017, as he stopped rising prospect Antoine Douglas during a five-fight knockout streak.

“From the very first time I watched boxing, I’ve always dreamed of being a world champion and from the first day I turned professional I’ve worked towards that goal,” said O’Sullivan. “I’ve had some setbacks, but I’ve gone back to the drawing board, regrouped, righted some wrongs and kept pushing forward. I’ve always known that one day the chips would fall in my favor. I’m coming to rip that belt back to Ireland and hear the words, ‘And the new!’”

A strong southpaw who at 21 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (18-0, 15 KOs) is the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, who was defeated in February by Santamaría via unanimous decision. Jesus knocked out tough contender Vladimir Hernandez in February on that same card. Prior to that impressive outing, Ramos had shown the ability to outpoint his opponents with back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza in September 2021 and Javier Molina in May 2021. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping six of his last eight opponents, showcasing a desire to end his fights early.

“Training out in Las Vegas has been going great so far,” said Ramos. “We’ve had some great sparring out here. We expect Santamaria to move around the entire fight, so we’re going to be ready to cut the ring off and land heavy shots. I’m going to win on May 28 because of the preparation I’ve been doing, but I’m not underestimating anyone and will prepare to the best of my ability.”

The 24-year-old Santamaría (13-2-1, 7 KOs) will look to continue his success against the Ramos family as he steps into the ring after back-to-back impressive victories, first defeating two-division champion Devon Alexander in August 2021 before defeating Abel Ramos in February on less than two weeks’ notice. Santamaría had previously dropped a decision to top prospect and SHOBOX: The New Generation® alum Paul Kroll in October 2020, following an August 2020 triumph over veteran contender Mykal Fox that saw him put Fox down in the first round. The Garden Grove, Calif. native also owns a decision over Willie Jones and a majority draw against SHOBOX® prospect Marquis Taylor in his 2019 contests.

“I’m daring to be great in this fight,” said Santamaría. “That’s the main reason I agreed to fight Ramos. I’ve shown that I’m willing to compete against anyone, because I believe in my training and my abilities. This is going to be a great fight for the fans and I can’t wait to step in there on May 28.”

Fighting out of Sinaloa, Mexico, Ramírez (26-2-3, 12 KOs) has risen up the rankings with four-straight victories, including most recently defeating Miguel Marriaga in December 2021. He previously had stopped then-unbeaten Leduan Barthelemy in November 2019 before blasting out Miguel Flores in December 2020. The 29-year-old is currently riding wins in six of his last seven fights since losing to then featherweight champion Lee Selby in 2017. He’s won 17 of his last 20 fights overall, including a March 2019 knockout victory at Barclays Center.

“I’m happy to be returning to Brooklyn for this fight,” said Ramírez. “I scored a big knockout last time I was there, even though I was the underdog going into the fight. My plan is to deliver a moment like that once again. I’m already in great shape and I will be prepared for a war on May 28.”

Originally from Puerto Rico and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Meléndez (17-1, 13 KOs) has moved into contender status with an undefeated streak after dropping his third pro fight back in 2018 via split decision. The 24-year-old was busy in 2021, winning eight times, including six victories by knockout. Most recently, Melendez scored a career-best victory over Thomas Mattice in November, winning a unanimous decision after eight rounds. Melendez’s clash with Ramírez shapes up to be a classic Puerto Rico-Mexico ring war.

“I’m very excited to be on a big card like this,” said Meléndez. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m coming to put my name on the map come May 28. The winner of this fight is going to be the fans. I’m going to make Puerto Rico proud once again and display my talents in the ring. I want to thank my team and say that I’m not going to disappoint, because this is just the beginning for me.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisRomero, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

(April 29, 2022) – While all eyes will be on legendary undefeated champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) when he returns to the ring to face unbeaten “Dangerous” Don Moore (18-0-1, 12 KOs) in the headlining matchup of “The Global Titans Fight Series,” on Saturday, May 14, the fight’s venue will deliver a unique luxury experience worthy of the event’s magnitude, as the two competitors square off outdoors “in the skies of Dubai” on the helipad above the 59th floor of Dubai’s opulent Burj Al Arab Hotel.

The pay-per-view event, which will be broadcast live by LIVENow, is available for purchase HERE at a special “early bird” price through Sunday, May 1.

A preview of the one-of-a-kind ring set up can be viewed HERE, which shows the ring seemingly floating above the local skyline, and includes a VIP seating area for the limited number of attendees who will enjoy a breathtaking view along with the pugilistic action.

Considered the UAE’s most iconic hotel and a global icon of Arabian luxury, the Burj Al Arab Hotel will make a perfect host for the fighter known as “TBE – The Best Ever,” as it also boasts a number of world-record-holding distinctions that sets it apart from the norm.

Completed in 1999 for a cost of USD $1 billion, the Burj Al Arab Hotel, at a height of 321 meters (1,053 feet) is one of the tallest hotels in the world, standing 14 meters (approx. 45 feet) taller than the Eiffel Tower and just 60 meters (197 feet) shorter than the Empire State building. Built to reflect the shape of a sail of a ship, the Burj Al Arab’s helipad stands at a height of 210 meters (689 feet) above ground, making this fight a contest that will be fought at one of the highest elevations in history.

Often labeled “the world’s only ‘seven-star’ hotel”, the Burj Al Arab stands on a man-made island that is 280 meters (920 feet) from world-famous Jumeirah Beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

Although 39% of its total height is made up of non-occupiable space, the Burj Al Arab is home to 28 double-story floors with 202 guest rooms, the smallest of which occupies an area of 169 square meters (1,820 square feet), while the largest covers 780 square meters (8,400 square feet). The most expensive room in the hotel, The Royal Suite, goes for USD $24,000 per night and is listed at number 12 on the world’s list of the 15 most expensive hotel suites.

Approximately 1,790 square meters (19,267 square feet) of 24-carat gold leaf was used to embellish the hotel’s opulent interiors, and the 10,000 square meter (107,693 square foot) luxury terrace, the first man-made luxury beach facility of its kind, features two pools adorned with 10 million gold and azure mosaic tiles, cabanas and a 1,120 square meter (12,056 square foot) beach area, for which 1,000 tons of white sand were imported.

Some of the Burj’s other incredible features are Al Mahara (“The Oyster”), a large seawater aquarium, holding roughly 990,000 L (260,000 US gal) of water that is accessed via a simulated submarine ride, the largest Swarovski crystal ceiling in the world in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, more than 24,000 square meters (258,334 square feet) of 30 different types of Statuario marble throughout, approximately 1,790 square meters (19,267 square feet) of 24-carat gold leaf in the hotel’s interiors, a shuttle service with Rolls-Royces and a helicopter, 18 separate elevators and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), which has treated and rescued over 1600 sick and injured sea turtles since it was launched in 2004.

The Burj Al Arab’s helipad where the fight will be held has already been home to several significant events, including:

2004: Tiger Woods teeing off.
2005: Andre Agassi and Roger Federer playing tennis.
2006: Ronan Keating shooting the Music Video for his single “Iris”
2007: The Today Show broadcast segment of Where in the World is Matt Lauer?
2011: Golfer Rory McIlroy performing a bunker shot.
2013: Heli-lift of the Aston Martin Vanquish.
2013: David Coulthard performing donuts in a Formula 1 racecar.
2017: Nick Jacobsen kiteboarding down to the sea.
2021: David Guetta playing a DJ set on livestream

Presented by co-owners FrontRowTMT and ROQU Media, in association with Mayweather Promotions, The Global Titans Fight Series will be broadcast live, worldwide, via premium digital-streaming service LIVENow, and will also showcase a fantastic undercard of world-famous combatants such as UFC legend Anderson Silva facing fellow Brazilian fighting star Bruno Machado in an exhibition bout, as well as a sanctioned bout between beloved former two-division world champion Badou Jack (25-3-3, 15 KOs) and Hany “Egyptian Hurricane” Atiyo (16-4, 12 KOs) from Dubai via Egypt.

Global Titans Fight Series is the first in a series of six special boxing and MMA events which will be staged at iconic locations across four continents. Each main event is broadcast globally, featuring champion fighters and NFT tickets. Fans can collect and trade their prestigious NFT from all future Global Titans Fight Series events. Tickets, NFTs and further Global Titans Event Series info can be found at www.Global-Titans.com. LIVENow, the premium destination for the best live sport, music and lifestyle content, is the official media partner and will livestream the event as well as partner with other broadcasters in selected countries.

In another history-making special feature of the event, all tickets for “The Global Titans Fight Series” will be sold as NFTs (platform to be announced). Those who secure an NFT ticket will be treated to unique and collectible features, including exclusive official fight videos, photography from the iconic event, a special 3D VIP ticket, plus lots more.

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About Mayweather Promotions:
Based in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions was established in 2007 by 15-time World Champion and undefeated boxing icon, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions seamlessly promotes all forms of live entertainment. We are the past, present & future of sports & entertainment.

About Frontrow:
The Frontrow Entertainment team has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Founder Keane Anis has been organizing all kinds of events, sporting events, concerts, beach parties and activations for celebrity tours, meet and greets and appearances with names such as Floyd Mayweather, N.E.R.D and Pharrell Williams, Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, Shaquille, TGT, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla Sign, Tyga, Redman and Method Man, Ja Rule and Ashanti and P Square are few celebrities that are past and present Frontrow clients. Frontrow is proud to be a presenting sponsor of The Global Titans Event Series.

About ROQU Media:
Global Titans is owned and produced by ROQU Media International. ROQU is a multi-award winning group, producing some of the world’s greatest live events. ROQU’s premium quality live shows are created specifically for global broadcast and feature incredible production elements. Each bespoke project is inspirational and exciting, delivering a positive impact to industry and community. ROQU creates some of the most memorable and meaningful event experiences on both sides of the stage.

About LIVENow:
LIVENow, founded by Leeds United Chairman and Founder of Aser Ventures, Andrea Radrizzani, is a premium destination for content seekers who crave the best in music, sports, and entertainment. LIVENow was recently awarded ‘Live Music Innovation of the Year (Platform)’ at the 2021 Music Week Awards. They were also shortlisted in ‘Best Event Platform’ category for the 2021 DigiDay Technology Awards and ‘Live Music Experiences’ category for MIDEMLAB 2021, for the landmark streams of Dua Lipa: Studio 2054, Ellie Goulding’s ‘Brightest Blue’ and Gorillaz’s ‘Song Machine: Live from Kong’.

Previous events on LIVENow include EURO 2020, Celeste: On with The Show, Live From London, theatre production Our Little Lives: Shakespeare and Me starring Russell Brand, and an all-new four-part series, Live From Another World, featuring cutting-edge breakthrough bands.

Other previous events include:

· Top European football

· Australia vs India Men’s International Test Cricket and Big Bash League RIZIN mixed martial arts

· US Open

· IHF Men’s Super-Globe

· Tyson Fury Vs. Deontay Wilder

· The Heineken Cup and Champions Cup

· Pete Tong’s “O Come All Ye Ravers”, Gorillaz’ “Song Machine Live from Kong” and American Express UNSTAGED with Maroon 5 and SZA One World: Together At Home concert in support of the World Health Organization’s Covid-19 relief efforts

Lee Baxter Promotions is bringing Canadian boxing to DAZN for the first time ever, in a multi-fight deal. On May 5th – Cinco De Mayo – at REBEL Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Lee Baxter Promotions will present the first boxing show in Canada to be shown on the sports streaming platform. In recent years, DAZN has broadcast some of the biggest fights across the globe, from the United States and United Kingdom, to Japan, Mexico, Italy and Spain. Finally, Canada will be added to the list.

The event will be headlined by Bryan ‘El Latino’ Acosta (16-0 5KO’s) who faces Benito Sanchez Garcia (15-5-2 3KO’s) for the WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title. Acosta made his Canadian debut back in March and is ready to give the fans another great performance to take home the belt. The 23-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects in Mexico and DAZN will give the fans a chance to see his eye-catching style. Backed by his trainer Jose Alfredo Caballero, and now DAZN, Acosta is looking to make a statement to the rest of the division on May 5th.

Cinco de Mayo is a part of Mexican culture and is celebrated in honour of the Mexican military conquering the French Empire, on May 5, 1862. Since the 2000s, the celebration has also become a popular date for boxing events with many classic fights happening during the celebration. Two days after the May 5th event, boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez will be continuing the Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 7th when he fights Dmitry Bivol, live on DAZN.

“With Acosta headlining the event we are ready to bring the Cinco De Mayo celebration to Canada,” said Baxter. “We’re proud to be the first ones to bring DAZN boxing to Canada, and honoured to be working with one of the premier broadcast outlets in all of sports. This is one of the best boxing markets in the world, and it’s always belonged on the biggest platform. With future stars like Bryan, we hope Cinco De Mayo can be a major fight week here in Canada for years to come.”

The co-main event on the night will be Lee ‘El Champo’ Reeves (8-1-0 6 KO’s) who boxes hard-hitting Mexican southpaw, Sebastian Diaz Maldonado (17-4-1 13 KO’s), for the NABF Junior Super Lightweight Title. Reeves made his professional debut in Toronto back in 2018 and now he’s back in Toronto hoping to win his first title as a professional. As an amateur, Reeves was two-time National Champion, seven-time Munster Champion and seven-time Limerick Champion. His highly decorated armature career led him to be tabbed by none other than Tyson Fury to be the next superstar of Irish boxing.

As well as a fantastic main event and co-main event, we also have a stacked undercard. Featuring on the undercard will be Ross Mylet (7-1-0), Nick Fantauzzi (11-0-0 5 KOs), Mohamed Zawadi (2-1-0 2KO’s) and Steven Wilcox (22-3-1 6KO’s).

Tickets start at $67 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. REBEL Entertainment Complex is located at 11 Polson Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 1A4. On the night of the event doors will open at 6:30 pm ET, with the first bell at 7:00 pm ET.

For those of you who can’t be in attendance, the DAZN Broadcast starts at 8:30pm ET.

Follow us on our social media accounts for updates on our fighters and events.

Instagram – @leebaxterpromotions
Facebook – @leebaxterpromotions
Twitter – @LBPromotions_

By Mario Ortega Jr.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – After taking two different paths, two sons of former world heavyweight champions find themselves at the same doorstep to much bigger things with only each other standing in their way, as Kenzie Morrison takes on Hasim Rahman Jr. tonight at The Theater of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas  

Morrison (19-0-2, 17 KOs) of Shawnee, Kansas by way of Miami, Oklahoma is the unmistakable son of the late Tommy “The Duke” Morrison. Unlike Rahman, Morrison did not come up through the amateur system, nor did he get the opportunity to take this career path with his famous dad by his side. 

“I’ve just felt in the last five or so years now, with my trainer Kevin Whiteburn, I’ve stumbled into being undefeated and to really now be in position to be in focus and push for this real last hard push to hopefully fight for a world title,” explains Morrison. “That is the goal and I feel like I can do it.” 

Rahman (12-0, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Baltimore, Maryland is a product in part of USA Boxing, having come up through the national amateur system. As a professional, it has been a slow burn for Rahman, a Las Vegas resident, now 30-years-old, just one-year younger than Morrison. 

“For me, this fight is everything,” says Rahman, the son of Hasim Rahman. “The reason I came to [live in] Las Vegas was because of boxing, so my father could better his career and I just so happened to take up what my father did, following in his footsteps.”

With their Fite-televised ten-round bout being contested for the vacant WBC USNBC heavyweight title, the winner figures to gain a top fifteen world ranking and be in line for a major opportunity. Morrison weighed-in at 224.4-pounds, while Rahman scaled 224 even.

The pay-per-view card, dubbed “Sons of Legends,” features several other fighting sons of former world champions and contenders. 

In the co-main event, Keith Hunter (14-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas takes on unbeaten Demarius Driver (12-0, 7 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia in a ten-round light welterweight bout. Hunter, the son of late former heavyweight contender Mike “The Bounty” Hunter, scaled 134-pounds Thursday.

Driver, coming off a first-round stoppage victory on February 26th, came in at 140.8-pounds on his first attempt and was given an hour to lose two pounds. 

Robert Duran Jr. (9-1, 7 KOs) of Plantation, Florida meets Arturo Moreno (5-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield, Missouri in a six-round welterweight contest.  Duran, the son of hall of famer Roberto Duran, scaled 147.4-pounds. Moreno, coming off of a four-round decision just last month, weighed-in at 143.8. 

Sharif Rahman (5-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Baltimore will take on Reyes Sanchez (7-1, 3 KOs) of Topeka, Kansas in a six-round light middleweight bout. Rahman, another of Hasim Rahman’s fighting sons, scaled 156-pounds, while Sanchez came in at 153.6. Sanchez, best known for earning an even scorecard in a majority decision loss to Nico Ali Walsh last December, marks a step-up in competition for Rahman. 

The son of former super middleweight champion Gerald McClellan, Gerald McClellan Jr., will meet Demetrius Alexander (1-0, 1 KO) of Lincoln, Nebraska in a four-round cruiserweight bout. McClellan (1-0, 1 KO) of Beloit, Wisconsin weighed-in at 178.2-pounds, while Alexander scaled 183.2.

On the non-famous fighting family portion of the card, Shady Gamour (12-0, 9 KOS) of Pensacola, Florida by way of Broby, Scania, Sweden will meet Steven Pichardo (8-1-1, 2 KOs) of Gardena, California in a six-round middleweight bout. Gamour, taking the place of Quatavious Cash, scaled 160.2-pounds. Pichardo, taking a step-up in competition, weighed 159.8-pounds.

The son of two-time former cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham, Steve Cunningham Jr., was scheduled to make his professional debut in a four-round middleweight bout. However, according to Team Cunningham, 20 potential opponents failed to pass approval from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Quick Weigh-in Results:

WBC USNBC Heavyweight Championship, 10 Rounds

Morrison 224.4

Rahman Jr. 224

Light welterweights, 10 Rounds

Hunter 134

Driver 140.8*

Middleweights, 6 Rounds

Gamour 160.2

Pichardo 159.8

Welterweights, 6 Rounds

Duran Jr. 147.4

Moreno 143.8

Light middleweights, 6 Rounds

Rahman 156

Sanchez 153.6

Cruiserweights, 4 Rounds

McClellan Jr. 178.2

Alexander 183.2

*attempting to lose 2 pounds

Tickets for the event, promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and Ares Entertainment, are available online at AXS.com.

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @MarioG280

Queens, New York (April 28, 2022) – On Saturday, May 7th at St John’s Carnesecca Arena in Queens, New York, Hilary Swank sparring partner and familiar Bronx born face will make her ring walk in the borough’s of New York for the first time in over a decade. Well known, former two-time World Champion, MAUREEN “THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SHEA (Bronx, New York, 29-2-1 13KO’s) returns to the ring against former world championship challenger, CALISTA “CALI” SILGADO (19-13-3 14KO’s).

Maureen was born in the Bronx in 1981 and raised by her Irish father, who was an NYPD Detective, and her Mexican mother, who was in the airline industry. Her ring moniker, “The Real Million Dollar Baby” originates from her work as the main sparring partner for Hilary Swank leading up to the 2004 release of the award-winning film, “Million Dollar Baby.”

Maureen found great success when she became a professional boxer. Over her career she secured the IFBA Jr. Featherweight World, World, NABF Featherweight, NABA Featherweight and Interim WBC Featherweight Champion. In 2009 Maureen also challenged for the WBA Super Featherweight world title against Kina Malpartida at Madison Square Garden, falling short in the 10 round bout. Over the last 12 years, Maureen Shea has not lost a bout. Shea-Silgado will be an 8-round super bantamweight fight.

“My boxing roots are in NYC,” said Shea. “It has always been a goal of mine to come back to New York and fight. I have been away for 12 years, sharpening, growing and learning as a boxer and a woman. I am excited to come back to my hometown and show where my sacrifices and hard work has gotten me!”

Facing Maureen Shea is Calista Silgado who is coming off two separate world title challenges which include a decision loss to South Korea’s undefeated Hyun Mi Choi for the WBA World Female Super Featherweight Title and a decision loss to undefeated Melissa Oddessa Parker for the IBF World Female Bantamweight Title. Over her 35-fight career, the 34-year-old Silgado has challenged for a world title 8 times. With 14 of her 19 victories coming by way of KO, Silgado poses a threat for Shea with every punch.

Tickets for “Borough Boxing” are on sale NOW and can be purchased by clicking HERE. The entire sensational fight card will be announced soon. Doors will open at 7:00 PM ET.

“Borough Boxing” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on May 7, 2022 at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.

Bouts subject to change

1080×1350 Shea vs Silgado copy.png

FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, MAY 7 AT CARNESECCA ARENA IN QUEENS, NY

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:

OLEH DOVHUN defended his NABA title for the first time against Belgium Bruiser GERAM ELOYAN in the main event at Rockin’ Fights 41!

TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!

INDIO, CA (April 28, 2022) – Newly unified WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine Flyweight World Champion, Marlen Esparza is set as the VIP guest at Fantasy Spring Resort Casino on Thursday, May 12. The Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN fight card is headlined by former world champion, Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta (22-3-1, 21 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico, facing fellow countryman, Janiel Rivera (18-8-3, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight fight. In the co-main event of the night, Victor Morales (15-0-1, 8 KOs) of Vancouver, Washington, will fight Alberto Torres (11-4-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, CA, in a 10-round featherweight fight. Los Angeles’ Rudy “El Tiburon” Garcia (12-0-1, 2 KOs) will take on the veteran Diul “Elegante” Olguin (15-22-5, 10 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in an 8-round super bantamweight fight. Also on the card, Hollywood, Florida’s Eric Tudor (2-0, 2 KOs) will face Martez Jackson (5-6-3, 2 KOs) in a 6-round welterweight fight. Victorville’s Daniel Luna will make his professional debut in a 4-round featherweight fight against Johnathan Berry (0-1) of Duncan, Oklahoma. Lastly, Jimmy “Lone Wolf” Brenes (1-0, 1 KO) of Hialeah, FL will fight in a scheduled 4-round welterweight event against an opponent to be determined. All bouts will stream live on DAZN and on the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page hosted by Beto Duran and Boxing Hall of Famer, Bernard Hopkins starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Marlen Esparza was born to make history in boxing. Born in Houston, Texas, Marlen Esparza began her boxing career at 12 years old after growing up in a household that loved the sport. In May 2012, Esparza became the first American woman to qualify to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London, the first year that women’s boxing made its debut as an Olympic event. She would win the bronze medal in the women’s flyweight division. In 2017, Esparza became the first female fighter signed by Golden Boy Promotions, and to kick off her professional debut, Esparza took on Rachel Sazoff in a two-round match at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. She stayed busy the upcoming years fighting on the undercards of major events and fighting a total of five times at Golden Boy’s Coachella Valley home, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. In 2019, Esparza had her first world title opportunity, the WBA Flyweight Interim World Championship; but unfortunately, the fight was stopped prematurely in the 9th round because Esparza was severely cut from an accidental headbutt, so the decision went to the scorecards. However, that first loss did not stop Esparza’s momentum as she came back stronger with back-to-back victories over former world title challenger Sulem Urbina and Shelly Barnett.

In 2021, Esparza had a successful year, with an unanimous decision victory against Ibeth Zamora Silva for the WBC Flyweight World Championship and successfully defended her new world championship title against former world champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz. On April 9, as part of the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe, Esparza faced her toughest challenge to date, taking on five-division world champion Naoko Fujioka. The fight pitted the #1 vs. #2 in the female flyweight division, granting them the honor of fighting for the first-ever Ring Magazine Female Flyweight World Championship. After 10-rounds of non-stop action from two of the mightiest female fighters in the flyweight division, the judges ruled in favor of Esparza unanimously, crowning her the new WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Champion.

As the VIP guest, Esparza will be in attendance for the fights and will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Special Events Center before the DAZN live stream begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Acosta vs Rivera are on sale now and are priced at $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Acosta vs. Rivera is a 10-round super flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, May 12 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and on the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube.

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

Philadelphia, PA (April 28, 2022)–Weights for Friday Night’s King’s Promotions Fight card at the 2300 Arena

Photo by Marc Abrams / King’s Promotions

Christian Carto 120.8 – Ernesto Sebastian Franzolini 119.4
Julian Gonzalez 131.8 – Ivan Jimenez 130.5
Jeremy Adorno 128.5 – Jason Vera 130.8
Quadir Albright 145 – Jorge Martin Garcia 144
Kristian Prenga 242 – Deshon Webster 205.5
Thanjhae Teasley 144.5 – DeAaron Alexander 147.5

*The Paul Kroll – Marklin Bailey fight is off as Kroll did not make weight

Promoter: King’s Promotions
1st Bell: 7:15 PM ET
Venue: 2300 Arena
Stream: FloCombat

Tickets for this terrific evening of boxing are $55, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased by Clicking:
https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=408

ATLANTA, GA (April 27, 2022)–Former world champion Alfredo “Perro” Angulo has been added and tabbed to an already loaded night of boxing on Saturday, June 11th at The Center Stage Theater in Atlanta.

The show is promoted by Prestige Boxing Advisory Group in association with BFC The Last Round Promotions.

Angulo of Coachella, California by way of Mexicali, Mexico is 26-8 with 21 knockouts. The 39 year-old Angulo is known as one of the most exciting fighters of the past 17 years, has wins over Tomas Padron (1-0-1), Jonathan Taylor (6-1), Emmanuel Gonzalez (9-0), Ricardo Cortes (22-1-1), Richard Gutierrez (24-1), Andrey Tsurkan (26-3), world title challenger Gabriel Rosado (12-3).

Angulo won the WBO Interim Junior Middleweight title with a third-round stoppage over Harry Joe Yorgey (22-0-1) on November 7, 2009. He defended the title with a 11th round stoppage over Joel Julio (35-3). Angulo also defeated former world champion Joachim Alcine (32-1), Joe Gomez (17-4-1), Raul Casarez (19-2), Jorge Silva (19-2-2) and former world champion Peter Qullin (34-1-1)

In a six-round bout, popular middleweight Casey” K Champ” Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Josh Franks (4-0, 3 KOs) of Waverly, Nebraska in a battle of undefeated super middleweights for the WBA Youth Title.

The six-round co-feature will pit Atlanta’s Quatavious Cash (14-3, 8 KOs) takes on Jayson Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) of Salem, Massachusetts.

In a four-round junior middleweight fight, internet sensation Supreme Patty will make his boxing debut. Patty has 5.2 million Instagram followers

Also in a special attraction, super bantamweight and world renowned model and undefeated Avril Mathie of Miami via Australia will risk her record that reads 7-0-1 with three knockouts in an eight-round bout.

Also seeing action in six-round bouts will be featherweight Jose Nieves (2-0, 1 KO) of Woodbridge, New Jersey; junior welterweight Patrick Harris (19-0, 9 KOs) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland;

June 11th will see the pro debut of highly regarded and two-time National Golden Gloves champion light heavyweight Abel Gonzalez.

In four-round bouts, heavyweight Dante Williams (1-0, 1 KO) of Hawkinsville, Georgia.

Tickets are $100, $250 and $500 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.com

The show will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com

MIAMI (April 27, 2022) – Veteran boxing trainer Orlando Cuellar has been selected by 2-time World champion Jean Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) as his new chief second for his May 20th 12-round main event fight against undefeated Chinese light heavyweight Meng Fanlong (17-0, 10 KOs), the International Boxing Federation’s No. 1 contender.

The event will be streamed live on ProBox TV from the company’s events center in Plant City, Florida.

The Miami-based Cuellar is best known for guiding the career of 2-time World Light Heavyweight Champion Glen Johnson. Other world-class fighters he has trained include Antonio Tarver, Juan Carlos Gomez, Odlanier Solis, Eromosele Albert, and Yunieski Gonzalez.

Last year, Cuellar was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

“Although we have not been training for long,” Cuellar commented, “Pascal and I both have a winning record and together we have chemistry, knowledge, and the experience necessary to know the hard work needed to get back on the mountain top. I have no doubt that we can not only get to the top of the mountain, but we can also take over the mountain top. Together we can do magic!”

Pascal and Cuellar are at training camp in Miami preparing for Fanlong vs. Pascal.

Matchroom and DAZN announce two new shows today as Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Esteban Bermudez at the Arena Coliseo in Mexico City, Mexico on Friday June 10, live worldwide on DAZN, in the latest installment of Matchroom and DAZN’s fight series in Mexico, in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase Y Talento and then Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez will defend his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on Saturday June 25 at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, live worldwide on DAZN (except Uzbekistan & Thailand) and leading a stacked quadruple header of World title action.
 
Kyoguchi (15-0 10 KOs) puts the titles he ripped from Heikie Buddler in December 2018 on the line for the fourth time and makes a welcome return to the ring after his entertaining battle with the pocket rocket Axel Aragon Vega in Dallas in March 2021 came to an end when the challenger was forced to quit the bout with a hand injury in the fifth round.
 
The Japanese, who previously defended the titles in successive points wins over Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2020 in his homeland, fights in Mexico for the first time in the paid ranks and does so against a hungry contender.
 
Bermudez (14-3-2 10 KOs) holds the WBA Regular title after handing a first career defeat to defending champion Carlos Canizales in stunning fashion – flooring the belt-holder towards the end of the sixth round before wiping him out with 23 seconds left in the session. The 26 year old will be fired up to elevate to Super champ and rip the coveted Ring Magazine strap from Kyoguchi, and the defending king knows he’s in for a big test on June 10 as he covets unification bouts down the line.
 
“It was always my dream to fight in Mexico because the Mexican style has influenced me a lot,” said Kyoguchi. “It is a great opportunity to show my boxing in that country against a rival like Esteban Bermudez. Regarding the unification fight, I think it is my mission as absolute champion.”
 
“He is a very good champion but kind of weak because too many injuries – I’ve been waiting a year for him to fight me!” said Bermudez. “I live from boxing, and I’ve needed this fight to happen for a long time. I’ve been at training camp for this fight, and he is coming to my home town, the title is going to still here.” 
 
Two weeks later, focus switches to a monster card in San Antonio, as Rodriguez (15-0 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt he won in stunning fashion in February, flooring former World ruler Carlos Cuadras en-route to becoming the youngest current World champion in just his 15^th pro-outing. ‘Bam’ will get a hero’s welcome on his home turf when he steps through the ropes in San Antonio for the first time as king of the world and only the third time in his career, boxing on his doorstep in his third and fifth fights in June 2017 and March 2018 respectively.
 
The 22 year old could hardly face a stiffer test when putting his belt on the line for the first time, coming up against former two-time Super-Fly kingpin Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs). The Thai star was set to face Cuadras in a long-awaited rematch for the title in San Diego, only for Rungvisai to fall ill and be replaced at late notice by the new young champion. The 35 year old has a chance to get his hands on the coveted green and gold strap for a third time, having first held the belt in 2013 and then reclaiming it against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez three years later.
 
“Fighting a guy like Rungvisai is going to bring me to a whole new level,” said Rodriguez. “He’s a great fighter but this is my time now. You have to take risks in this sport, that’s what special fighters do. They said it was a risk me challenging for a World title fight on short notice and now they say it’s a risk taking on a fighter like Rungvisai but this is what I want. These are the types of fights you need so you can be remembered by the fans long after your career is done.
 
“I’ve always said that me and my brother are going to bring the big fights back to San Antonio and this is just the start of it. We are so proud to be from this city and we get that love back from the people there so this will be a special night.”
 
“Jesse might be the youngest current World champion, but this is a fight where he can prove he already belongs with the very best in boxing,” said trainer Robert Garcia. “We have a lot of respect for Rungvisai, we know what he is capable of, and he is a great, great fighter but I also know what Jesse is capable. I have so much belief in him, and I know he is ready for this.”
 
“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for the WBC World title,” said Rungvisai. “I will be at my best to win the WBC World title and become the first three times WBC World champion in the history of Thailand. Thank you so much to Matchroom, DAZN, and the WBC for this opportunity.”
 
Rodriguez and Rungvisai lead a stellar night of action with three more World title fights on the bill, with Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo picking up where they left off from their curtailed firefight for Martinez’s WBC World Flyweight title, where both men hit the canvas in the opening round and Arroyo touched down again in the second, before the action in New Hampshire in November had to be halted after Arroyo suffered a nasty cut from an accidental headclash.
 
Arroyo (21-4 16 KOs) has been out of action since that night, while Martinez (18-2 14 KOs) bravely rolled the dice to take on modern great Chocolatito as the headline act on the night Rodriguez won his belt.
 
World title clash number three on the bumper card will see IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev defend his titles against Ronny Rios. The pair were set to meet in New Hampshire in November, but COVID ruled Rios out and he was replaced by game late challenger Jose Velasquez. Akhmadaliev (10-0 7 KOs) retained his belts with a near-shutout on the cards, going the distance for just the third time in his 10^th pro bout, and second as a World champion. Rios (33-3 16 KOs), the mandatory challenger for the WBA crown, goes for glory for the second time in his 36-fight career after challenging Rey Vargas for the WBC strap at 122lbs in August 2016.
 
The fourth bout on the card has the most belts on the line, as undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill makes the third defense of all her marbles at 147lbs. McCaskill (11-2 4 KOs) ripped the straps from long-standing ruler Cecilia Braekhus on the streets of Downtown Tulsa in August 2020 and saw off the Norwegian in a rematch for her first defense in March 2021. The Chicagoan recorded the fourth stoppage win of her career in the second defense of the belts in December, ending Kandi Wyatt’s challenge in the seventh, and will face an opponent to be named soon in San Antonio.  
 
Mexico’s undercard is shaping up nicely, supporting what promises to be an explosive main event is a cast of hot talents led by Jorge Casteneda meeting Mexico City’s Eduardo Hernandez for the WBC Silver International Super-Lightweight title. Texan Casteneda (15-1 11 KOs) has upset the apple cart in his last two bouts, first handing a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Otha Jones III in Florida in April 2021, and then travelling to London, England to take another ‘0’ by beating Youssef Khoumari in October, again via majority decision.
 
Supporting what promises to be an explosive main event will be a cast of hot talents led by Jorge Casteneda. Texan Casteneda (15-1 11 KOs) has upset the apple cart in his last two bouts, first handing a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Otha Jones III in Florida in April 2021, and then travelling to London, England to take another ‘0’ by beating Youssef Khoumari in October, again via majority decision, and his opponent will be announced soon.
 
Diego Pacheco (14-0 11 KOs) continues to be a must-watch talent and the 21 year old ticks off another major milestone as he stretches his legs over the ten round distance for the first time, against an opponent to be named.
 
“June is looking red hot with two fantastic shows,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kyoguchi- Bermudez is a great fight. Hiroto is hunting down unifications at 108lbs, but he is going to have his hands full with Esteban, who has proved that he has devastating power – it’s going to be a great night in Mexico City.
 
“As for June 25 in San Antonio – what can we say? It’s a quadruple header of World title action, with four bouts that could headline any card. I’m thrilled to see Jesse get the chance to headline at home as a World champion, and what a foe to face in the Thai legend Rungvisai.
 
“Martinez-Arroyo is a long-running saga that both men want to end in emphatic style, MJ is one of the very best World champions out there and is looking to produce that statement win to lure his fellow champions into unifications – and after an amazing run of fights for women’s boxing in recent months, which continues this weekend in New York with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, the undisputed Welterweight ruler will want to show that she’s one of the very best out there.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 26, 2022) – Fight Vibe Entertainment along with Reid Boxing are launching a new monthly boxing series “Thursday Night Fight Vibe” at the Sahara Event Center in Las Vegas. The first show on May 5, 2022, will live stream on Fite TV free of charge, and will feature demonstrations and exclusive clips from the new feature film “Power of Chi” narrated by Morgan Freeman, starring some of sports biggest stars from the UFC, NBA, NFL, as well as the four-time winner of the World’s Strongest Man.

“Thursday Night Fight Vibe” will include a nostalgic throwback to Las Vegas’ glory days of spectacular live performance entertainment to go along with the boxing main events,” said promoter Steven Reid. “Our goal is to provide exceptional entertainment for everyone attending and watching live on the internet, in addition to having an event to showcase our local talent here in Las Vegas, the mecca of boxing.”

The Sahara Event Center opened in 1969 and has a tremendous history of legendary performers who have played there including Led Zeppelin, Carlos Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Sabbath, Bob Marley, Grateful Dead and The Doors just to name a few.

“This venue is legendary, and we plan to do some amazing shows here,” said Ivaylo Gotzev, of Fight Vibe Entertainment. “The “Thursday night Fight Vibe” series will continue this legacy with a throwback to the dazzling days of Las Vegas’ golden era by showcasing some of the best music and entertainment performances Vegas has to offer, to go alongside the impressive line-up of fights planned. Come join the Vibe!”

The show will showcase Guatemala’s rising star Lester Martinez (11-0, 10 KOs) vs. Mexico’s undefeated Juan Abraham Villegas (17-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight main event. The Cinco de Mayo showdown will be the first of the “Fight Vibe” series that will go down on the first Thursday of every month at the historic venue.

Tickets priced $20 – $150 (VIP), are on sale now and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. The Sahara Event Center located on East Karen Avenue in Las Vegas, NV. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. PT, first fight starts at 7:15 p.m. PT.

BOGOTA, Colombia (April 26, 2022) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Probellum and Global Jabes 77 held a joint press conference today in Bogota, Colombia, to announce World Boxing Council Bridgerweight World Champion Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (28-1, 19 KOs) will make his first title defense August 13th at home against undefeated Polish challenger Luckaz Rozanski (14-0, 13 KOs), in the 12-round main event on the “Batalla en Cali” card in the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero stadium (40,000 capacity) in Cali, Colombia.

“Battle in Cali” will be distributed worldwide (details coming). There will be five to seven bouts, including one or possibly two other world title fights, which are expected to be announced within the week.

A native of Colombia and a 2008 Colombian Olympian, Rivas will be fighting at home for the first time as a professional boxer having settled in his adopted home of Montreal 13 years ago when he signed his initial promotional contract with GYM.

Rivas, who was born in Cali, captured the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight World (201-224 lbs.) Championship last October, taking a 12-round unanimous decision from Nova Scotia’s previously undefeated Ryan Rozicki (13-0).

“I have three dreams I want to realize before the end of my boxing career,” Rivas said. “I want to establish myself as the absolute best bridgerweight fighter, defend my title in Colombia, and become World Heavyweight Champion.”

Rozanski is the WBC International Bridgerweight champion, in addition to being a former Polish National Heavyweight Champion, who is the WBC No. 2 rated bridgerweight contender. In his most recent action (May 30, 2021), Rozanski registered his statement victory to date, upsetting fellow Pole Artur Szpilka (24-4), a former world heavyweight title challenger, by way of an explosive first-round knockout to capture the WBC Bridgerweight International crown.

“I’m highly motivated and in the best shape of my life,” Rozanski commented. “I have what it takes to win this fight.”

The fighters also announced where their training camps will be held: Rivas in Bogata, Rozanski in Chicago. Ronzanski will work there with his fellow countryman, former World Light Heavyweight Champion Andrzej Fonfara, who moved from Poland to Chicago, which has nearly 2-million Poles living there.

GroupeYM, Probellum

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

About Yvon Michel Group (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing. Since its foundation, GYM promoted 162 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada; and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Seven boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice) and Oscar Rivas. SeventeenGYM boxers have fought in 51 world championship fights. maintaining an excellent record of 27 -22-2. Major American television networks were more active than ever during this period in terms of coming to Quebec to broadcast the GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions, major American networks presented a GYM event, showcasing Quebec, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

On Thursday, May 26, 2022, to kickoff Memorial Day Weekend festivities, Salita Promotions returns for a very special weekday edition of their highly successful Detroit Brawl series of professional boxing events in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI.

Riding on the strength of three sold-out events there already in 2022, this fantastic Detroit Brawl will feature another night of the city’s top fighting talent in intriguing matchups, with rising super welterweight powerhouse Marlon Harrington (7-0, 6 KOs) appearing in the night’s eight-round main event.

Fast-tracking former national amateur champion and undefeated professional middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, will continue his rapid climb up the 160-lb ranks in a six-round bout.

Fighting in supporting bouts will be a trio of undefeated Michigan prospects, including super welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) of Dearborn, as well as super lightweight Ferris Dixon Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) and also undefeated super welterweight Da’Velle Smith (2-0, 2 KOs), both of Detroit.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling 313.529.7604.

Event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions says he’s excited for this special holiday weekend event and for his continued role in the resurrection of Detroit boxing.

“I’m excited about this upcoming Detroit Brawl event, which will showcase several Michigan-based prospects looking to take the next step in their careers,” said Salita. “Marlon Harrington is a Detroit-born, hard-punching super welterweight with the power to make noise on the world stage.”

All opponents will be announced shortly and all bouts are subject to change.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm.
ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

MONTREAL (April 25, 2022) — Undefeated super lightweight prospect Mazlum Akdeniz (16-0-0, 8KO) will have an opportunity June 2nd to cross an important stage of his career as he fights for his first career title – WBC Continental of the Americas –  at the Cabaret of Montreal Casino against powerful, experienced Juan Antonio Rodriguez (32-8-0, 28KO), from Puebla, Mexico. The 24-year-old Akdemiz will already be in his third fight since his signing with GYM last December. Rodriguez, who fought for a world title in 2015, claims most notably an impressive  9^th-round knockout victory over elite fighter Mercito Gesta (32-2-2, 17KO) in 2019.

Initially, the event was scheduled for May 5, but following the loss of the main event, involving former world champion Eleider Alvarez, Mazlum was upgraded to the main event position against a high quality southpaw, the popular Canadian requested greater preparation time as well as other considerations in Quebec, prompting GYM leaders to make this decision. All May 5th ticket holders can be refunded at the point of purchase, but they will all be honored for June 2nd.

This GYM/Probellum boxing event at the Cabaret of Mopntreal Casino is presented by Miso-O-Jeu.

Popular super lightweight Mathieu Germain of Mascouche (20-2-1, 9KO) will try to extend his win streak to three, which began with his brilliant performance against Steve Claggett (29-6 -2, 21KO) a year ago. His opponent in the 10-round co-featured event, Eduardo Leonel Rodriguez (9-2-1, 4KO), from Aquascalientes, Mexico, was an upset winner of Jonathan Medina (21-1-0, 16KO) by KO by way of a first-round stoppage in his last fight.

This event will also mark the return of one of Quebec’s brightest boxing hopefuls as two-time Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympian Wilfred “Freeboy” Seyi (9-0-0, 4KO) resumes his professional career. This spectacular 2019 WBC Junior champion has every intention of picking up where he left off versus Argentinian David Benavidez (8-5-0, 2KO), who has a good amateur background including his participation in the AIBA World Boxing Series.

Canadian prospect and former Canadian National Team member, promising Eric Basran (1-0), of Vancouver is scheduled to be in his second pro fight, versus Jorge Castro (3-5-2, 1KO), of Guadalajara. in a 4-round lightweight match.

Also in action in her professional debut will be bantamweight Sara Couillard against Flor Carrera (1-0-1), from Puebla, Mexico. Couillard is the spouse of the world title aspirant Patrice Volny (16-1, 10KO). More fights will be announced in the coming days.

TICKETS ON SALE

It’s an invitation to all! Tickets may be purchased for each event on ticketmaster.ca or by contacting GYM directly by email at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

About Yvon Michel Group (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing. Since its foundation, GYM promoted 162 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada; and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Seven boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice) and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen GYM boxers have fought in 51 world championship fights. maintaining an excellent record of 27 -22-2. Major American television networks were more active than ever during this period in terms of coming to Quebec to broadcast the GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions, major American networks presented a GYM event, showcasing Quebec, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

SAN ANTONIO, TX. – April 25, 2022 – Tickets will go on sale Wednesday for the championship showdown between WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo and unbeaten former world champion Rey Vargas which headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Wednesday, April 27 at 12 p.m. CT and are available through Ticketmaster.com.

Pre-sale tickets are available beginning TOMORROW at 10 a.m. CT through Ticketmaster.com with the code: PBCBOXING

The July 9 event is topped by the Filipino Magsayo making the first defense of his title against Mexico’s Vargas, in the latest chapter of the storied boxing rivalry between the two countries, adding to a legacy of fights that includes the series of battles fought between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.

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

HOUSTON – April 25, 2022 – Tickets will go on sale Wednesday to see undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo in a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown as he steps into the ring against former title challenger Maciej Sulecki on Saturday, June 18 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Wednesday, April 27 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com.

Pre-sale tickets are available beginning TOMORROW at 10 a.m. CT through toyotacenter.com by using the code: PBCBOXING

Charlo will seek his fourth 160-pound world title defense on June 18 after thrilling the fans at Toyota Center in June 2021 by winning an action-packed decision over Juan Montiel. In Sulecki, Charlo will be up against a veteran contender who’s never been stopped and who’s only career blemishes have come against champions Daniel Jacobs and Demetrius Andrade.

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

Queens, New York (April 25, 2022) – On Saturday May 7, Star Boxing proudly presents “Borough Boxing” – the first professional boxing card promoted at St. John’s University’s Carnesecca Arena in the venue’s famed history. The main event will feature DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Queens, NY, 20-3-1 7KO’s) as he begins his campaign at welterweight, against Brazilian PAULO GALDINO (11-5 8KO’s). Gonzalez is coming off a thrilling bloody battle in the co-featured bout this past October at Barclays Center.

Gonzalez has faced his life challenges head on and is truly an inspiring story. As a young and bullied teenager, the Woodhaven, Queens native was well over 200 pounds, sad, teased and depressed. “My whole family was overweight,” said Gonzalez. “My brother had diabetes and asthma. He was like 400 lbs. I was over 200 pounds, and I was starting to get sick, so my mom made a decision to put me in a boxing gym.”

It didn’t take long for Gonzalez to turn this hardship into an opportunity. “I lost like 100 pounds by the time I was 16 and started boxing competitively. I got my brother into boxing too. He lost like 300 pounds.” Not only did Gonzalez start fighting in the squared ring , but he soon realized he was pretty good at it too. He would go on to be a NY Golden Glove semi-finalist, Empire State Games finalist and take home the 152 lb. Metro Championship.

Turning pro Gonzalez continued his perseverance and success. “I can say I am almost psycho obsessed with boxing. I love training, It gave me self-esteem. It gave me purpose. It gave me passion,” said Gonzalez. In 2019, adversity would once again rear its head when Gonzalez took former world champion and Star Boxing stablemate Chris Algieri the full 10 rounds at the Hulu Theatre at MSG. Gonzalez would drop a razor thin decision, in which he vehemently believes the judges got wrong. Like he did at 15, Danny looked in the mirror and decided to fight back.

Ripping off three consecutive wins, Danny secured the WBC FECARBOX Championship along the way. Danny had worked himself back into the higher echelon 140 lbs when the phone rang to face off with Petros Ananyan (then 15-2-2 7KO’s) at the Barclays Center on Triller for the WBA Continental America’s Super Lightweight Title. Gonzalez and Ananyan fought a thrilling and crowd pleasing war that earned the respect of boxing fans worldwide for their performance. A deep gash over Danny’s eye made the fight a bloody mess for final 4 rounds and when the final bell sounded to end the barnburner battle,

Once again, Danny Gonzalez stands up against adversity and his march back begins May 7 at Carnesecca Arena against a tough challenger in Paulo Galdino, in the 8 round welterweight fight.

Gonzalez is ready for the opportunity, “I am excited and extremely grateful to return to the ring and get back on the winning track so I can continue to compete in big fights. I got a lot left in the tank. I feel very experienced and know there’s nothing I haven’t seen. St. John’s University is going to be an epic night with an amazing crowd where I can display my talent and tenacity with a dominate victory on May 7. Everyone make sure to come out and see a action packed fight card in my hometown of Queens!

Tickets for “Borough Boxing” are on sale NOW and can be purchased by clicking HERE. The entire sensational fight card will be announced soon. Doors will open at 7:00 PM ET.

“Borough Boxing” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on May 7, 2022 at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.

Bouts subject to change

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FIGHT NIGHT TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, MAY 7 AT CARNESECCA ARENA IN QUEENS, NY

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:

OLEH DOVHUN defended his NABA title for the first time against Belgium Bruiser GERAM ELOYAN in the main event at Rockin’ Fights 41!

TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeat