TOURNAMENT LINE-UP CONFIRMED FOR BOXXER SERIES: COVENTRY

Coventry, England – (March 3, 2022) – BOXXER, the next-generation boxing promotion, today announced the names of the eight British lightweights who will enter the BOXXER Series: Coventry at Coventry SkyDome on Saturday, April 16. 

Airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports, the one-night, eight-man tournament is one of the toughest tests in professional boxing and, alongside significant prize money, opens up major new career opportunities for successful participants.

BOXXER Series tournaments utilize the short-form boxing format (3 x 3-minute rounds), creating fast-paced, explosive contests as boxers seek to score definitive wins and guarantee their passage to the next stage of the tournament.

Events are planned for every major city in the UK as part of BOXXER’s commitment to grassroots boxing in Britain, with BOXXER Series events offering boxers across the country a chance to showcase their skills on the sport’s biggest platform.

Tickets for BOXXER Series: Coventry are on sale now via Boxxer.com and Ticketmaster

BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament

Dylan Cheema (2-0)

Coventry

Tion Gibbs (7-0)

Birmingham

Joe Underwood Hughes (7-0)

Beeston

Scott Melvin (4-0)

Chelmsley Wood

Otis Lookham (1-0)

Nottingham

Brooklyn Tilley (2-0)

Rainham

Rylan Charlton (6-2-1)

Norwich

Shaun Cooper (12-3)

Willenhall

The BOXXER Series launched in November with an event in Liverpool. Tournament winner Cori Gibbs emerged with his undefeated record intact, his largest-ever professional purse and a long-term promotional agreement with BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing. 

The event was also successful in producing notable follow-on opportunities for several other tournament participants, underlining the benefit BOXXER Series tournaments and the Sky Sports platform bring to British grassroots boxing.

BOXXER Series: Coventry is presented in association with our partners bet365, Everlast, Wow Hydrate and Village Hotels.




ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 RESULTS: SOLD OUT PARAMOUNT THRILLS

Long Island, New York (March 20, 2022) — A sold out Paramount was draped in Ukrainian flags from the rafters to ringside as a prideful OLEH “UKRAINE PITBULL” DOVHUN (now 14-0 5KO’s) made his first defense of his NABA Super Bantamweight title against gritty Belgium bruiser GERAM ELOYAN in an absolutely grueling 10 round main event.

Dovhun garnered the energy of his throngs of Ukraine supporters, starting fast and strong dictating the action. His impressive work rate continued through the first three rounds when a clash of heads caused a cut over his left brow. The fourth round saw the fight turn into a grueling bloody battle of wills. Dovhun’s work rate continued to impress but Eloyan was finding a home for his left hook. In the 6th round, Eloyan buzzed Dovhun with a hard left, but Dovhun returned fire with an eight punch combination. Eloyan (now 7-3 6 KO’s) came on strong in the back half of the battle but it would prove to be too little too late as Dovhun, maintaining an extraordinary work-rate, defended his title and took home a split decision by scores of 96-94 (Dovhun), 97-93 (Eloyan), 97-93 (Dovhun).

In the 8 round co feature, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (now 12-0 9KO’s) returned to the Paramount after nearly 3 years out of the ring caused by the COIVD-19 hiatus and Tommy John surgery on his elbow due to a torn UCL. James opposed New Haven’ veteran JIMMY “QUIET STORM” WILLIAMS (now 18-7-2 6KO’s) for the vacant ABO North American Super Welterweight Title.

Williams, fresh off his upset over former world champ Yuri Foreman, controlled the pace early forcing James to fight off his back foot. In the second round, a James counter right impressed the crowd even though Williams continued to press the action. James appeared to be shaking off the ring rust while working off the back foot and began to find his timing. Midway through the fourth round James landed a picture perfect counter right over a lingering jab of Williams, blasting Williams into the ropes. Williams was hurt, and James unleashed in the corner, throwing power punches with blazing speed and accuracy in an impressive onslaught. The barrage of punches forced the referee to stop the fight as a wobbling Williams tried to stay upright on very shaky legs. With the TKO victory James was crowned the new ABO North American Champion.

WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (now 13-1 6KO’s) wasted no time getting back to his winning ways, eating up TRAVIS GAMBARDELLA (now 7-2-2 3KO’s). Toussaint landed a hard right midway through the first round, and then unleashed a vicious seven punch combination while tracking Gambardella into the ropes before landing the final blow causing the referee to step in and stop the action.

Brooklyn’s KAMRON HUMPHREY (now 3-0 2KO’s) bested Bronx native LOUIS MAIETTA (now 1-1-1) via a 2nd round TKO in the scheduled 4 round bout.

ISAAH FLAHERTY (now 3-0 2KO’s) and ANGELO THOMPSON (now 0-1) went to battle over their 4 round super welterweight contest with Flaherty coming out on top by unanimous decision in a fan friendly, entertaining scrap.

“The fans came early and stayed late for another exciting “Rockin’ Fights” at the Paramount” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “I was humbled and impressed with all the Ukrainian flags and fans. Their unity in traveling to support Oleh Dovhun in his grueling and gutsy title fight defense was truly inspiring. It was also nice to see Tyrone James shine after his surgery with an explosive stoppage in a true step up fight. Thank you to ALL the fighters, their teams, my staff, the Paramount and the fans who continue to impress me every show. Looking forward to be back in June at the Paramount for “Rockin’ Fights” 42!”

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 27-3 21KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PAST RELEASES:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 18
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED: DOVHUN vs SILVA
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 TYRONE JAMES vs JIMMY WILLIAMS ANNOUNCED
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: THE JAMES FAMILY ROOTS
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: ROCKIN’ FIGHTS IS READY TO RUMBLE
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: WEIGH IN RESULTS
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN returned to the Paramount at “Rockin Fights” 38 to face off with late replacement LUIS FLORES in a WAR for the NABA Super Lightweight Title
Rockin’ Fights 35: Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James vs Ray Oliveira Jr.
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!




Undefeated Lowell lightweight prospect “Saint” Nick Molina improves to 8-0

DERRY, NH (March 20, 2022) — Headlining for only the second time in his young professional boxing career, undefeated lightweight prospect “Saint” Nick Molina took full advantage of his opportunity to fight on top of last night’s “Slugfest” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The 22-year-old Molina (8-0, 2 KOs) fighting out of the same hometown of Lowell (MA) immortalized by “Irish” Micky Ward, patiently out-boxed “The Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-11) on his way to a 6-round split decision (58-55, 57-56, 56-57).

The game Venable, who was penalized one point for using his shoulder in the opening round, used roughhouse tactics throughout. He started showboating in the final round, trash-talking and throwing exaggerated punches from strange angles, but Molina kept his composure to earn his eighth victory without a loss. The one-point deduction was critical because, if not for the point deduction, the fight would have ended in a draw.

In the co-featured event, Bay State fighters Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), and Whitman (MA) middleweight Brian Urday (2-1, 0 KOs) stole the show. They buzzed each other in back-to-back second-round engagements, Baptiste blasted Urday with a powerful right in the third, but the resilient Urday bounced right back with his own attack.

Urday picked up the pace in the fourth, effectively picking his spots, but Baptiste responded in the fifth, snapping Urday’s head back twice in an action-packed round. The two fighters went toe-to-toe in the sixth and final round of the unofficial Fight of the Night. After the lone fight that went the distance, Urday emerged as the 6-round split decision winner in a fight that was as competitive as the judges’ scorecards indicated.

CF.jpg
Brian Urday (L) upset Julien Baptiste

“We had an action-packed, seven-fight card tonight,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said.

Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-3-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, overpowered his Mexican opponent Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (3-7 (0 KOs) for a second-round win by TKO. Rolfe patiently cut-off the ring and caught Valdez with a few body shots that slowed down his opponent. Rolfe decked Valdez twice in round two and the fight was halted by the referee.

Boston heavyweight Viktor “The Siberian Express” Lobov (1-0, 1 KO) was too big and strong for Andrew Nolan (0-4), flooring his opponent three times en route to a first-round technical knockout victory in his pro memorable debut. Lobov put Nolan down with a stiff right-left combo, then a right cross, and finally a straight right.

New Bedford (MA) light heavyweight Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (6-0, 4 KOs) returned to the ring for the first time in 16 months against pro-debuting Igor Pessoa. Mkpanam worked off the dust rather quickly, after a feeling-out round one, clubbing the awkward fighting Pessoa with an overhand right in the second that decked his foe. The end came in the third when Mkpanam dropped Pessoa again and the fight was stopped by the referee.

In his impressive pro debut, Providence welterweight Michael Vongsavath, Jr. came out firing stiff combinations versus his Rhode Island rival from Tiverton, John Ferrera (0-3), who went down on the canvas from a left hook in round one. A right uppercut dropped Ferrera early in the second round, visibly hurt and unable to beat the count.

Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight prospect Steve Sumpter opened the show with a second-round stoppage of Kynndale Prather (3-12, 1 KO) in a battle of dueling southpaws. Sumpter kept his perfect pro record intact, improving to 5-0 with his fifth knockout in as many fights as a professional, and he closed the show in style with a single shot to his opponent’s head.

“We introduced Viktor Lobov to local fans,” Traietti added. “He has a lot of potential and a great fanbase. Steve Sumpter looked good again and he’ll be stepping up in terms of an opponent in his next fight. The co-feature was an exciting fight. Unfortunately, Julien Baptiste came out on the short end of the decision. And I will soon be announcing a big fight coming up for Justin Rolfe.”

Complete results below:


OFFICIAL RESULTS

                                             MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS

Nick Molina (8-0, 2 KOs), Lowell, MA

WDEC6 (58-55, 57-56, 56-57)

Ryan Venable (2-11, 0 KOs), Roanoke, VA

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Brian Urday (2-1, 0 KOs), Whitman, MA

WDEC6 (59-55, 59-55, 56-58)

Julien Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)

Justin Rolfe (7-3-1, 4 KOs), Fairfield, ME

WTKO2 (1:45)

Fabian Valdez (3-7, 0 KOs), Cananea, Sonora, Mexico

Viktor Lobov (1-0, 1 KO), Boston, MA

WTKO1 (1:37)

Andrew Nolan (0-4), Franklin, NY

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Edet Mkpanam (6-0, 5 KOs), New Bedford, MA

WTKO3 (1:14)

Igor Pessoa (0-1), Somerville, MA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

WKO2 (0:41)

Kynndale Prather (3-12, 1 KO), Kansas City, KS

WELTERWEIGHTS

Michael Vongsavath, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), Providence, RI

WKO2 (0:59)

John Ferrara (0-3), Tiverton, RI


Granite Chin Promotions, in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions, returns May 7th with “Hometown Royalty” at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.). Mike Ohan, Ryan Kielczweski, Mkanam, Dave Ribeiro and Damon Towns are all scheduled to be in action




WEMBLEY ROUND-UP AS AVANESYAN AND SHEERAZ TRIUMPH

European welterweight champion David Avanesyan made an emphatic statement in a stunning fifth defence of his EBU belt at the OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

His previously unbeaten opponent Oskari Metz had no answers once Avanesyan got to work and the Finn never recovered from a brutal knockdown and was finally saved from himself by the referee with just two minutes on the clock.

The champion, 24-4-1, will now await a ruling from the WBC – where he is ranked No.2 – over his passage to a shot at the champion Errol Spence jr.

In the co-main event, Hamzah Sheeraz was also making statements and putting down a marker in a new division as he secured the WBC International Silver title with a second round knockout of Jez Smith.

Smith promised to bring the heat but was brutally picked off by the unbeaten Sheeraz, now 15-0 (11 KOs).

A sweet left hook planted Smith on the canvas in round one as Sheeraz asserted authority in his first fight at middleweight. He was down again at the beginning of the second and failed to beat the count just as his trainer Josh Burnham rightly threw in the towel.

Royston Barney-Smith delivered a sparkling performance on debut against Adan Martinez, who was rocked on a number occasions across the first two rounds by the accuracy of Barney-Smith’s punches.

The 18-year-old former two-time European champion as an amateur showed more than enough to suggest he will be one to watch as he progresses through the ranks. He punches clean and hard, doesn’t waste shots and employs plenty of variety in his work.

Martinez was a stubborn and ideal opponent who seemed to view getting through the four rounds as a personal triumph. Referee Lee Every scored the fight 40-36 and Royston Barney-Smith is up and running.

Sam Noakes defended his WBC International Silver lightweight title with a ninth straight stoppage to edge closer to his goal of a perfect 10.

After three one-sided rounds the Italian Vincenzo Finiello was plonked to the canvas in the fourth by a peach of an uppercut that Finiello failed to recover from. Mark Lyson waved it off after 1min 54secs of the round.

Dennis McCann collected the first belt of his professional career by winning the WBO World Youth bantamweight title after defeating Charles Tondo over eight tough rounds.

The iBox Gym trained youngster started on fire with all his usual spite and swagger and looked like he could be in for an early night, but Tondo responded and started to match fire with fire.

Tondo came back into it across rounds four and five, tagging McCann several times and punishing any indecision on the part of the 21-year-old. The Tanzanian was growing in confidence after weathering the early storm and the pair engaged in a fiery shootout at the end of the sixth when McCann attempted to regain the momentum.

McCann re-established some sort of control in the seventh as Tondo was put under a huge assault and looked, for the first time like he could be on the brink and showing signs of distress.

The Maidstone Menace started to enjoy himself in the final round and was duly declared the victor by a 79-73 scoreline on all three cards.

Mark Chamberlain notched up the biggest win of his career to reach 10-0, forcing the retirement in the corner of Jeff Ofori after five rounds largely dominated by the Waterlooville lightweight.

Chamberlain made all the running and forced Ofori onto the back foot, whether he wanted to be or not. The 23-year-old is now firmly in the picture for significant title action and a win such as this suggests he is the real deal and one to watch at the weight.

Masood Abdulah continued his short reign of terror at super featherweight. His six rounder against
Sandeep Singh Bhatti followed a pattern of the Islington man using the Indian’s face for target practice, but the hardy Bhatti was game as they come and was dangerous with lunging counters.

Abdulah made it four stoppages out of four when referee Mark Lyson had seen Bhatti take more than enough and waved it off after 1min 20sec of the final round.

Henry Turner, the super stylish super lightweight, scored his first stoppage victory to take himself to 7-0, putting Ivan Njesac down in the third before referee Lee Every stepped in to end proceedings after 2 mins 18 secs of the round.

In the opening bouts of the evening, welterweight Khalid Ali made it to 2-0 with a 40-36 points victory over Josue Bendana, with super lightweight hope Sonny Liston Ali clocking up a third win in the professional ranks via a 60-52 margin. His opponent Lee Glover was floored in the first and final round.




Berlanga Decisions Rolls

NEW YORK–Edgar Berlanga won a 10-round unanimous decision over Steve Rolls in what was a lackluster fight in front of a sold out crowd at The Hulu Theater inside of Madison Square Garden of 5,158.

Rolls came out moving and noy wanting to get into harms way of any big shots. In round four, Berlanga was cut over his left eye from what could have been an accidental headbutt. Berlanga came forward the whole night and landed the harder shots. Rolls was able to get in some counters. The packed crowd was in anticipation of a explosive performance form Berlanga, who was headlining for the first time. The crowd size bodes well for Berlanga as he looks to be a big attraction, especially in the New York region.

Berlanga landed 120 of 314 punches; Rolls was 123 of 447.

Berlanga, 167.4 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 19-0. Rolls, 167.8 lbs of Toronto, ONT, CAN is 21-2.

Edgar Berlanga

You could tell that he was fighting scared. Every time I reach in or throw something, he’d pull back and was running the whole fight.”

“I was looking for the big shot. My corner was telling me to use the jab. I’m just happy we got the victory and I’m moving forward.”

“He was a scared fighter. It’s tough to land your shots when he’s scared, especially moving back. When he fought GGG, he brought it to GGG. With me, he tried to use that running tactic.”

Bob Arum (Top Rank Chairman)

“Edgar Berlanga fought a tough, defensive fighter, and he got some valuable rounds in tonight. As you saw from the sold-out crowd, the kid is a star. There are many more big nights to come.”

Zayas Decisions Lavallais

Good looking 19 year-old Xander Zayas literally pounded out a eight-round unanimous decision over iron-chinned Quincy Lavallais in a junior middleweight bout,

In round two, Bauza kept Lavallais on the ropes for much of the round and landed barrages of punches. Zayas continued to beat up Lavallais with thudding body punches that were followed by flush shots on his head. Lavallais showed a tremendous chin.

Before round seven, the ringside doctor took a look at Lavallais. Lavalais was bale to make it to the final bell, but the young Puerto Rican Phenom won by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice.

Zayas landed 252 of 573 punches; Lavallais was 66 of 398.

Zayas, 152.6 lbs of San Juan, PR is 13-0. Lavallais, 152.6 lbs of Kenner, LA is 12-3-1.

“I need this type of experience. Eight rounds against a tough opponent will only help me as I move forward in my career.”

“I want to dedicate this fight to my trainer, Javiel Centeno. He showed his love and commitment after what he went through yesterday.”

  • Centeno has sciatica and had to go to the hospital Friday evening.

Bauza Decisions Luis

John Bauza remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis in a junior welterweight bout.

Bauza landed 109 of 329 punches; Luis was 90 of 449.

Bauza, 140.2 lbs of Coamo, PR won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 17-0. Luis, 140.8 lbs of Cornwall, ONT, CAN is now 29-5.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Tracey McGruder in a welterweight fight.

Tucker landed 131 of 462 punches; McGruder was 118 of 409.

Tucker, 147.8 lbs of Deer Park, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-0. McGruder, 147.8 lbs of Rochester, NY is 6-2.

Henry Lebron stopped Josec Ruiz in round seven of a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

In round seven, Lebron wobbled Ruiz into the corner from combination and the fight was stopped at 2:23.

Lebron, 130.6 lbs of Puerto Rico is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Ruiz, 130.4 lbs of Limon, HON is 23-6-3.

Bruce Carrington scored an explosive fifth round stoppage over Yueuri Andujar in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight bout.

In round three, Andujar was cut above the right eye. Both guys landed some hard combinations with Carrington getting the better of the action. In round five, Andujar came out guns-a-blazing, but he ate a vicious right-left combination that put Andujar flat on his back for several minutes and the fight was stopped at 51 seconds.

Carrington, 129.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 3-0 with two knockouts. Andujar, 129.6 lbs of San Cristobal, DR is 5-5-1.

Carrington said, “I want to thank Brownsville and all of Brooklyn for coming out to support me. Fighting as a pro at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true. This is only the beginning.”

Armani Almestica stopped Luis Valentin Portalatin in round three of their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

Almestica battered Partaltin until the bout was stopped at 1:57.

Almestica, 139.2 lbs of Orlando, FLA is 5-0 with five knockouts. Portalatin, 140.2 lbs of Toa Alta, PR is 3-4.

Kelvin Davis stopped Phillip Carmouche in the opening round of their four-round junior welterweight bout.

Davis dropped Carmouche with a straight left. Davis finished things off with a hard left that drove Carmouche to the ropes and the fight was stopped as he fell again at 1:17

Davis, 143.6 lbs of Norfolk, VA is 4-0 with three knockouts. Carmouche, 144.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 2-3.




Rocha stops Cobbs in 9

Alexis Rocha stopped Blair Cobbs in a welterweight battle at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.

In round eight, Rocha dropped Cobbs with a hard right to the bottom the chin. In round nine, Rocha had Cobbs in trouble with body shots and then he landed some chopping lefts. A big uppercut drove Cobbs to the ropes. Rocha was relentless until the bout was stopped at 44 seconds.

Rocha – Cobbs was bumped up to the main event after Vergil Ortiz fell ill for his bout with Michael McKinson.

Rocha, 146.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 19-1 with 13 knockouts. Cobbs, 145.6 lbs of Hollywood, CA is 15-1-1.

McKinson Decisions Martin

Michael McKinson won a 10-round unanimous decision over late-replacement Alex Martin in a welterweight fight.

McKinson, 146 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 22-0. Martin, 147 lbs ofChicago, IL is 17-4.

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped David Zegarra in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Melikuziev landed a perfect left to the body that sent Zegarra in pain to a knee and he did not beat the 10-count at 30 seconds.

Melikuziev, 171.6 lbs of Uzbekistan is now 9-1 with seven knockouts. Zegarra, 172 lbs of Lima, PER is 34-8.

Sanchez Decisions Munera

Evan Sanchez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Munera in a middleweight fight.

In round four, Sanchez dropped Munera with a right hook.

Sanchez, 149.8 lbs of Parlier, CA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 11-0. Munera, 147.6 lbs of Munera, COL is 6-5-4.

Alex Rincon stopped Luis Sanchez in round two of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Rincon dropped Sanchez with a right. Sanchez wobbled to his feet, but was able to continue…for a few seconds, as Rincon landed another big right that sent Sanchez down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:44

Rincon, 154.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Sanchez, 155 lbs of San Juan, PR is 9-3.

John Ramirez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a bantamweight fight.

In round two, Pucheta had to bleed from the nose.

Ramirez, 117.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of and is now 9-0. Pucheta, 117 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-21-3.

Alejandro Reyes won a six-round unanimous decision over Daniel Evangelista Jr. in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Evangelista was deducted a point for hitting behind the head. In round three, Reyes dropped Evangelista with two right hands to the head.

Reyes, 139.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 60-51 on all cards and is now 7-0. Evangelista, 139.6 lbs of Mexico City is 20-13-2.

Miguel Gaona made extremely quick work over Gilberto Aguilar in a rematch in a scheduled four-roun junior welterweight clash.

Gaona dropped Aguilar with a body shot in the opening seconds, and Aguilar did not get up and the fight was over at 30 seconds.

Gaona, 139.6 lbs of El Sereno, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Aguilar, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 0-5.

Dalis Kaleiopu stopped Manuel Lara in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round one, Kaleiopu dropped Lara with a right to the head. Later in the round, Lara went down from a body shot.

In round four, it was a three-punch combination to the head that dropped Lara to his knees and the bout was stopped at 2:15.

Kaleiopu, 132.4 lbs of Waianae, HA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Lara, 134.2 lbs of Celaya, MEX is 2-8.

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with 2nd round stoppage over Shelly Barnett in a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight fight.

In round one, Ali landed a hard right to the face that sent Barnett to the canvas. A moment later, another right put Barnett down again. In round two, Ali landed a big combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:23.

Ali, 122.8 lbs of London, ENG is 5-0 with one knockout. Barnett, 122.8 lbs of Toronto, CAN is 5-7-2.




Split-T Management’s Dalis Kaleiopu in Action Tonight in Los Angeles

New York, NY (March 19, 2022)-Tonight, Split-T Management lightweight prospect Dalis Kaleiopu will look to stay undefeated when he takes on Manuel Lara in a four-round bout at The Galen Center in Los Angeles.

Kaleiopu, 23 years-old of Waianae, Hawaii is 1-0 with one knockout as he looks to build upon his pro debut when he took out Eduardo Sanchez in three rounds on February 13, 2021 in Indio, California.

Lara of Ciudad, Mexico is 2-7 and will be facing his fifth undefeated opponent.

Kaleiopu, 21 years-old won the Western Elite championships in 2018, and in the same year, Kaleiopu was a National Championship runner-up.

Kaleiopu was 132.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in, while Lara was 134.2

Kaleiopu is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.




Weigh-In Results: Edgar Berlanga vs. Steve Rolls

 •  Edgar Berlanga 167.4 vs. Steve Rolls 167.8
(Berlanga’s NABO Super Middleweight Title— 10 Rounds)

•   Xander Zayas 152.6 lbs vs. Quincy LaVallais 152.6 lbs 
(Junior Middleweight— 8 Rounds)

   •    John Bauza 140.2 lbs vs. Tony Luis 140.8 lbs
 
(Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT)

   •    Jahi Tucker 147.8 lbs vs. Tracey McGruder 147.8 lbs
 
(Welterweight— 6 Rounds)

   •     Henry Lebron 130.6 lbs vs. Josec Ruiz 130.4 lbs
 
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •       Bruce Carrington 129.8 lbs vs. Yeuri Andujar 129.6 lbs
 
(Junior Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

   •      Armani Almestica 139.2 lbs vs. Luis Valentin Portalatin 140.2 lbs
 
(Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

   •      Kelvin Davis 143.6 lbs vs. Phillip Carmouche 144.8 lbs
 
(Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)




 JACK CATTERALL JOINS PROBELLUM

GLASGOW,
DUBAI, MARCH 18 – Probellum is today delighted to announce the landmark promotional signing of super-lightweight superstar Jack Catterall – the signature that everyone in boxing wanted.

Catterall is currently ranked number one in the world by ESPN after controversially being denied the chance of taking undisputed champion Josh Taylor’s crown last month in Glasgow after two of the ringside judges inexplicably ruled against him in a decision that shocked the boxing world.

The sport was united in its outrage against the major injustice but Catterall’s masterclass performance did not go unnoticed and British boxing authorities were quick to urge the world sanctioning bodies to install the 28-year-old as mandatory challenger for each of their titles.

To build on that endorsement, he was flown to Dubai to announce his new promotional deal with
Probellum, the global boxing promotion and fastest-growing brand in the sport, ringside as French Olympic gold medallist Estelle Mossley made history in becoming the first female to headline a boxing event in the Middle East at Probellum Evolution on March 18.

Catterall will also have his eyes firmly focused on tomorrow’s WBC final eliminator between Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna, and believes that joining Probellum will play a key role in getting him a well-deserved second shot at world glory.

Everyone in boxing knows that I won the fight with Taylor and that I should be standing here with all four of the super-lightweight belts as the undisputed champion of the world,” said Jack Catterall, nicknamed ‘El Gato’.

“I showed the world that at I am the best man in the 140lbs division and signing with Probellum will provide me with the opportunities to claim the belts that are rightfully mine.

“I will be ringside again on Saturday night here in Dubai, to watch Prograis against McKenna very closely and I really fancy a fight with the winner. I just can’t wait to get back in the ring and fighting again.”

“This is another huge moment for the Probellum business. Jack is the hottest signature in boxing right now and everyone was making moves to sign him,” commented Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“He decided to join us because he buys into the Probellum mission to change boxing and knows we are the right promoter to fulfil his clear ambition to become the undisputed world champion.

“I was absolutely stunned about what happened in Glasgow and there is no doubt in my mind that Jack should be walking around as the undisputed super-lightweight champion of the world right now.

“We feel his pain and Probellum will leave no stone unturned to make sure Jack quickly gets the chance to fight for the world titles that should already be his.”

Catterall becomes the latest big name to join Probellum alongside Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.  

The company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter and Joe McGrail, Mark Dickinson, Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.??? 

To keep updated on Catterall’s next fight and to follow every step of his world title journey, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.  
 

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?




AVANESYAN VS METZ WEIGH-IN RESULTS 

David Avanesyan – 146lb 8oz
Oskari Metz – 146lb 6oz

Hamzah Sheeraz – 159lb 3oz
Jez Smith – 159lb 9oz

Mark Chamberlain – 136lb 7oz
Jeff Ofori – 138lb 3oz

Sam Noakes – 134.4lb 
Vicenzo Finiello – 134lb 2oz

Dennis McCann – 121lb 4oz
Charles Tondo – 118lb 2oz

Masood Abdulah – 124lb 8oz
Sandeep Singh Bhatti – 126lb 4oz

Henry Turner – 141lb 8oz
Ivan Njegac – 146lb 5oz

Sonny Ali – 141lb 5oz
Lee Glover – 142lb
 
Khalid Ali – 150lb 4oz
Josue Bendana 145lb

Royston Barney Smith 133lb
Adan Martinez to weigh-in tomorrow.




TOP SUPER WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDERS ERICKSON LUBIN AND SEBASTIAN FUNDORA SET TO MEET FOR WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE SATURDAY, APRIL 9 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – March 18, 2022 – Top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will square off for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features former super welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison taking on highly regarded contender Sergio Garcia in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super welterweight Kevin Salgado battling Bryant Perrella in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

The stacked tripleheader of 154-pound showdowns is topped by two of the division’s hottest young stars, as the streaking Lubin looks to stamp his ticket to a second world title opportunity while the fast-rising Fundora brings his signature all-action style into the toughest contest of his career to date. The victor will be in position to potentially face the winner of the undisputed 154-pound championship rematch between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño, which takes place Saturday, May 14 on SHOWTIME.

“There are few matchups more tantalizing in the loaded super welterweight division than Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Lubin has shown significant improvement since his first world title fight and can add another impressive win to his resume on April 9. The towering Fundora has also made a major mark on the division in his young career, capturing the imagination of fans with his impressive stature and aggressive style. With two other 154-pound showdowns on the card, fans can expect the drama and excitement that this weight class has delivered again and again over recent years to continue live on SHOWTIME from Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.”

The 26-year-old Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. In his most recent outing, he knocked out former unified champion Jeison Rosario in June 2021. Prior to the Rosario fight, Lubin’s run included becoming the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith and unanimous decision victories over Terrell Gausha and Nathaniel Gallimore. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest toward another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013. He captured the attention of the boxing community at 19 when he became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation and soon after was named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“This is my chance to show the world that I’m the best fighter in the division,” said Lubin. “This will separate me from all of the contenders I’ve been beating. I’ve been doing the champion’s job taking out all the contenders, so there’s no doubt in my mind that I will be running the division really soon. I have a really tall fighter in front of me in Sebastian Fundora, but I know how to make adjustments. We’ve brought in the right sparring and have prepared exactly how we’re supposed to. Everyone should definitely tune in, because it’s ‘Hammer Time’ on SHOWTIME once again.”

Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) continues to rise up the super welterweight ranks and added his two most impressive wins to date in 2021. Fundora kicked off the year in May by stopping the rugged veteran Jorge Cota in four rounds, before defeating then unbeaten Sergio Garcia by unanimous decision in December. The six-foot-six brawler has reached this point by showing off the skills of a rugged boxer who is more comfortable fighting on the inside than most. Born in West Palm Beach, Fla. to his Mexican mother and Cuban father and trainer, Freddy – both boxers – the 24-year-old now lives and trains in Coachella, Calif.

“We’ve been working extremely hard during this camp to be 100% coming into battle,” said Fundora, whose all-action style has been compared to former world champion Antonio Margarito. “We’re prepared for any circumstances that should arise and we’re expecting a very professional and well prepared Lubin on April 9, nothing less. Our hard work and laser focus will lead us to victory in this fight. This is my chance to show everyone the first steps of what it means to be a champion.”

The pride of Detroit, Mich., Harrison (28-3-1, 21 KOs) spent his early boxing career under the tutelage of the late Emanuel Steward in the legendary Kronk Gym. As a professional, the 31-year-old is still considered one of the most skilled fighters in the sport despite coming up short in his first two attempts at a world title. The third time was the charm for Harrison, who shocked the boxing world in December 2018 by outpointing long-time world champion Jermell Charlo to earn the WBC title. Their rematch one year later ranks among the best fights of 2019. Harrison and Charlo fought on even terms until Charlo stopped him in the eleventh round to regain the belt. Harrison returned to the ring for the first time since that fight in April 2021, fighting Bryant Perrella to a draw.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and display my skills for the fans once again,” said Harrison. “Garcia knows everything about me, but I only know a little bit about him. So he has the advantage, but that’s just how I like it. Don’t miss this fight on April 9!”

The 29-year-old Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) made his U.S. debut in December 2021, dropping a competitive decision against top contender Sebastian Fundora. Fighting out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by traveling to the U.K. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his home soil in 2019 and followed that up with a triumph over veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko. Garcia has added three victories since then, including 2020 wins over Pablo Mendoza and Gregory Trenel.

“I am very grateful to my team for this great opportunity to fight in Las Vegas against a former world champion,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to stepping into the ring. Harrison is a great champion and one of the best fighters in the division. But the future of my family is on the line in this fight and I want to win by knockout. My hope is that Sebastian Fundora wins his fight and then we can meet again for a rematch.”

A native of Mexico City, Salgado (14-0, 9 KOs) is the younger brother of former super featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado and now fights out of San Antonio, Texas as he nears his U.S. debut on April 9. The 24-year-old turned pro in late 2016 and delivered knockouts in six of his first nine outings. After scoring three-straight knockouts between September 2019 and February 2021, Salgado returned to the ring in October to defeat Ricardo Banuelos Cernas by unanimous decision. The triumph marked Salgado’s first 10-round fight, as he was able to sweep the cards according to all three judges.

“I’m facing a good opponent and I expect us to give the fans a great fight,” said Salgado. “I am in excellent condition and focused on my job in the ring on April 9. This is my opportunity to open the eyes of everyone in the division and show that there’s a new contender ready to come for the top spot. Just like my brother, I will become a world champion.”

The 32-year-old Perrella (17-3-1, 14 KOs) began boxing at age 15, amassing an impressive 70-9 amateur record before turning pro in 2012. Fighting out of Fort Myers, Fla, Perrella rose quickly through the pro ranks, stopping 13 of his first 14 opponents, including a second-round TKO over previously unbeaten David Grayton in June 2016. Three months later, he suffered his first pro defeat against current welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas. Perella bounced back with victories over Breidis Prescott and Domonique Dolton before debuting at 154 pounds in April 2021. He challenged former champion Tony Harrison in his first super welterweight fight and earned a split-draw in their 12-round contest.

“I know that I’m facing a young fighter coming for his American dream on April 9,” said Perrella. “He’s hungry, undefeated and he doesn’t believe that he can be beat. But he’s never been in the ring with someone like me before. Not in sparring, not in a real fight. I’m going to show him the difference between us when that bell rings.”

#

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




FLETCHER TEAMS UP WITH QUEENSBERRY

THE 6ft 7″ CRUISERWEIGHT prospect Tommy Fletcher is joining the professional ranks and has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The big-punching 20-year-old, who calls himself the ‘Norfolk Nightmare’, now trains with Mark Tibbs in Rainham, Essex having bludgeoned his way through his amateur experiences.

He views Queensberry as the only place to be for top young prospects to progress in the sport.

“I think Frank is the best in the business for young fighters. He is definitely great at bringing young prospects along and you can see what he’s done with Dennis (McCann), David Adeleye and people like that, for instance, where they have gone pro from scratch with Frank and now look at them.

“They are becoming big names in the sport and if Frank can do that for them, why can’t he do it for me? He can definitely do it for me.

“I need to get my debut done and get a bit of ring rust off as I haven’t boxed for two years now. Then I will be rolling and ready to get on a few good shows.

“Queensberry, not just Frank, but everyone who is working around him are a close knit team and I believe they can get fighters to where they want to get to.

“Of course I had offers from other promoters but I sat down with my team and family and weighed up the pros and cons. Frank was very interested in me and from what he said it was a no-brainer to go with him.”

Fletcher revealed that his boxing journey began with a bang when he hit the age of 15.

“I went to the boxing gym when I was 14 and had my first fight on my 15th birthday. I stopped my opponent in the first or second round and it was on a big amateur show at Colchester United’s football ground.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, then I walked out there and it was like a professional boxing show, to be honest. I annihilated him and when I was walking back I thought ‘this is a bit of me’.

“So I just carried on training, had a few more fights and then went into the Development Championships and I walked through them, even though I boxed credible opponents. I stopped every boy then went into the Junior ABAs and won that. I went to the European championships and didn’t medal after losing to a good Russian who had a lot of experience on me.

“I did well as an amateur for how many fights I had. I only had 21 fights, but they were of a good quality and I’ve boxed European gold medallists. So I have definitely mixed it with the best.

“I have been sparring with grown men from the age of 15 and when you are putting them to sleep, it says something.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren said of his new recruit: “Tommy is a young fighter with enormous potential and I am thrilled to bring him on board with us here at Queensberry.

“Taking young prospects from day one to the top is what we specialise in and I believe Tommy has all the ingredients to make a big impression in the sport.

“It is only early days, but the reports on the progress he is making in the gym are hugely encouraging and I feel certain that his journey will be an exciting one.

“Given the size and dimensions of the lad at just 20 – coupled with his obvious punching power – I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up having another heavyweight force on our hands in a few years time.”




Sunny Edwards vs Muhammad Waseem weigh-in results and running order

DUBAI, MARCH 18 – Sunny Edwards and Muhammad Waseem shared an intense face-off ahead of their IBF world flyweight title fight tomorrow night.

Both fighters came inside the 8st limit when they tipped the scales on the stage at the Irish Village in Dubai.

Edwards and Waseem’s hotly anticipated clash headlines the second night of Probellum Evolution, with the WBC super-lightweight title final eliminator between Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna acting as the co-main event.

Liverpool’s Peter McGrail, a supremely gifted amateur who is unbeaten as a professional, also fights on the impressive card, which includes TJ Doheny, Hovhannes Bachkov and many others.

Boxing starts at 5:35pm local time with the action from a major night of boxing being broadcast by Eurosport’s linear channels discovery+ and Eurosport App, to 62 million homes across Europe and the Indian sub-continent.?

fuboTV will stream both Probellum Evolution shows to its audience in North America, with ESPN KO showing the cards in South America, after a deal was announced last week.

This is how you watch the action from Dubai.

MAIN EVENT?

?2320? (local time)

IBF WORLD FLYWEIGHT TITLE?– 12 Rounds

Sunny Edwards (17-0) 7st 13lbs 5oz

Muhammad Waseem (12-1) 7st 13lbs 12oz

?2220?

WBC SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE ELIMINATOR?- 12 Rounds

Regis Prograis (26-1) 9st 12lbs 14oz

Tyrone McKenna (22-2-1) 9st 13lbs 8oz

?2150?

6 Rounds Super-bantamweight contest

Peter McGrail (2-0) 8st 13lbs

Alexandru Ionita (13-17-1) 8st 11lbs

?2100?

10 Rounds Featherweight contest

TJ Doheny (22-3) 9st 1oz

Cesar Juarez (27-10) 8st 13lbs 14oz

?1955?

10 Rounds Super-lightweight contest

Hovhannes Bachkov (2-0) 10st 2lbs 6oz

Cristian Coria (29-9-2)? 10st 2lbs 6oz

?1935?

4 Rounds Cruiserweight contest

Jamie King (2-0) 14st 6lbs 13oz

Naveen Verma (4-1) 14st 2lbs 6oz

?1905?

6 Rounds Lightweight contest

Bander Samreen (4-0) 9st 9lbs 13oz

Denis Bartos (6-2) ?9st 8lbs 14oz

?1845?

4 Rounds Light-heavyweight contest

Khalid Ayub (2-0) 12st 8lbs 6oz

Annem Sivareddy (1-2) 12st 8lbs 6oz

?1805?

8 Rounds Lightweight contest

Faizan Anwar (10-4)

Khojiakbov Qodirokhunov (4-0-1)

?1735?

6 Rounds Super-featherweight contest

Fahad Al Boushi (7-1) 9st 5lbs 13oz

Mohamed Kashinde (11-8-7) 9st 6lbs 1oz

For ticket news, live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?




AZEEZ OUT FOR REVENGE AGAINST TINKER AT WEMBLEY ARENA

London, England –  18 March 2022 – Dan Azeez will get his chance for revenge against  rival Matthew Tinker who handed him a ‘pasting’ in the amateurs when they meet again  in the pro ranks on Saturday 26th March at the OVO Arena Wembley, live on Sky Sports.

Azeez and Tinker face off in a clash of the undefeated big-hitters in their 10-Round International Light-Heavyweight showdown that features as chief support to the big London cruiserweight derby between Richard Riakporhe and Deion Jumah.

In his own words, Azeez admits he was well beaten by Tinker in their three-round fight in November 2014 for the Lord Mayor BoxCup, but now over six years on he believes it will be a completely different fight in the pros when they once again trade leather with both unbeaten records on the line.

Lewisham’s undefeated Azeez has looked sensational on his rise to a perfect 15-fight and 10 KO record and has won the Southern Area, English and British titles through the traditional route.

He made a massive statement in his last fight when he challenged for the Lonsdale belt against the former British Champion Hosea Burton last November with a punch perfect performance to halt the tough Carrington man in the seventh round.

From Scarborough, Tinker has built his unbeaten eight-fight record exclusively in the US since turning professional in November 2019.  A highly regarded amateur who won the 2014 Haringey Gold Elite, hard southpaw Tinker has proved his power Stateside with six of his eight wins coming by stoppage and six of those inside two rounds.

Azeez is relishing the rematch and promises a more defining outcome.  He said, “Tinker is my old amateur rival and he beat me so it would be great to get one back over him in the professional ranks.  He’s a good fighter with a great amateur pedigree and I believe our styles will make for a great fight.  We’re now meeting in the pros and it will be a totally different ending.”

The action packed show at the OVO Arena Wembley is headlined with the big London cruiserweight collision between Richard Riakporhe and Deion Jumah; light-heavyweight star Dan Azeez faces former amatuer rival Matthew Tinker; Olympian talent Caroline Dubois; unbeaten lightweight hot shot Adam Azim faces Conor Marsden; his undefeated brother Hassan is in welterweight action; Chris Kongo is back chasing World title contention; the pro-debut of London heavyweight star Jeamie TKV; Southampton puncher Joe Pigford; the pro-debut of Team England amateur star Jimmy LeeLouis Greene and Harry Scarff square off for the Vacant English Welterweight title and super-flyweight prospect Shannon Ryan makes her pro-debut.




Carroll stops Aryee in Four

Former world title challenger Jono Carroll stopped Patrick Ayi Aryee in round four of a scheduled 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round four, Carroll trapped Aryee in the corner and unloaded about 35 unanswered blows that forced a (late) referee stoppage at 2:07.

Carroll, 131.4 of Ireland is 22-7 with seven knockouts. Aryee, 131.4 lbs of Accra, GHA is 21-1-1.

Foster Decisions Yaqubov

O’Shaquie Foster won a 12-round unanimous decision over Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov in a super featherweight contest.

Foster, 129.8 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 118-109 and 117-110 twice and is now 19-2. Yaqubov, 129.6 lbs is 18-1.

Masoud stops Boyeux after 2

Shabaz Masoud stopped Yoann Boyeux after round two of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight bout.

Masoud hurt Boyeux several times in the six-minutes of action and the fight was stopped after the 2nd frame.

Masoud, 121.7 lbs of England is 10-0 with three knockouts. Boyeux, 121.7 of France is 43-7.




OFFICIAL “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41?WEIGH IN RESULTS

Long Island, New York (March 17, 2022) – All ten fighters lacing up the gloves in tomorrow nights “Rockin’ Fights” 41 weighed in today at the Huntington Hilton in Melville, New York.

WHO:
10-Round NABA Super Bantamweight Main Event
OLEH “UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN 121.2 lbs
(13-0 5KO’s | Pittsburgh, PA)
GERAM ELOYAN 120.8 lbs
(7-2 6KO’s | Brussels, Belgium)

8-Round ABO North American Super Welterweight Bout
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES 153.4 lbs
(11-0 8KO’s | Elmont, NY)
JIMMY “QUIET STORM” WILLIAMS 154 lbs.
(18-6-2 6KO’s | New Haven, CT)

6-Round Super Welterweight Bout
?WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT 155 lbs.
(12-1 5KO’s | Huntington, NY)
TRAVIS GAMBARDELLA 160.8 lbs
(7-1-2 3KO’S | Revere, MA)

4-Round Light Heavyweight Bout
LOUIS “IL MARTELLO” MAIETTA 175.4 lbs
(1-0-1 | Bronx, NY)
KAMRON HUMPHREY 175.4 lbs
(2-0 1KO | Brooklyn, NY)

4-Round Super Welterweight Bout
ISAAH FLAHERTY 159.4 lbs
(2-0 1KO | Elmont, NY)
ANGELO THOMPSON 154.2 lbs
(0-1 | Newark, NJ)

If you cannot make it to the Paramount tomorrow night, Star Boxing has you covered! Pre-order the entire “Rockin’ Fights” 41 card via FITE.TV by clicking HERE. Doors to The Paramount will open at 7 PM ET and fists will finally fly at 7:30 PM ET.

WATCH LIVE ON FITE.TV:
FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all “Rockin’ Fights” 41 bouts and be available for just $19.99 or by subscribing to FITE+. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.

“Rockin’ Fights” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing

PHOTO CREDIT: STAR BOXING/NICK SIDERIS

TICKETS:
Tickets to #RockinFights at The Paramount are now available at ticketmaster.com or by visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets start at $50. Purchase your tickets, HERE.

“Rockin’ Fights” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on March 18, 2022 at the Paramount in Long Island, NY.
Bouts subject to change
“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY, MARCH 18 AT THE PARAMOUNT
ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 27-3 21KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
?
For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PAST RELEASES:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 18
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED: DOVHUN vs SILVA
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 TYRONE JAMES vs JIMMY WILLIAMS ANNOUNCED
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: THE JAMES FAMILY ROOTS
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41: ROCKIN’ FIGHTS IS READY TO RUMBLE
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN returned to the Paramount at “Rockin Fights” 38 to face off with late replacement LUIS FLORES in a WAR for the NABA Super Lightweight Title
Rockin’ Fights 35: Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James vs Ray Oliveira Jr.
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!




IRISH GREAT JOE WARD JOINS PROBELLUM AHEAD OF ‘CRUCIAL’ YEAR 

DUBAI, MARCH 17 – Joe Ward has been told the next 12 months are “crucial” after he signed a co-promotional deal with Probellum and DiBella Entertainment.

The 28-year-old is ready to give his professional career a major shot in the arm having fought just seven times since 2019, mainly due to a “devastating” knee injury suffered on his professional debut. Ward is one of the most decorated amateurs in Irish history, winning three gold medals at European Amateur Championships, as well as two silvers and a bronze at World Amateur Championships. The light-heavyweight also boxed for his country at the 2016 Rio Olympics but Ward is determined to make up for lost time and transfer his incredible international amateur pedigree to the pro ranks. “I’m excited to be working with Probellum, I think with their global reach they are a great addition to my team,” said ‘Mighty’ Joe Ward (6-1).

“Lou DiBella has done a great job building my career in the US but I believe that Probellum will really help to build my name internationally. I’m looking forward to a bright future, with a strong team behind me.”

“As former Irish Olympians go, Joe Ward is one of the best and undoubtedly one of the must-watch prospects in the light-heavyweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Since the devastating injury on his pro debut, Joe’s comeback has been extraordinary and he’s at full strength.

“2022 will be a year of growth where he can establish his credentials as a championship contender and with Probellum’s help, I expect Joe to fight more often on the world stage.”

“Teaming up with Probellum is going to greatly increase Joe’s notoriety around the world,”?said Adam Glenn, Ward’s manager.

“He has achieved so much internationally at the Olympics and medalled at the World and European Championships – we believe he has everything you need to be an international star.

“We want to build him around his core fan base in Ireland and the UK, but also in the US, and especially in the north east of the country.? With his athleticism, ring IQ and charisma, Joe has everything you need?to break through.

“The next 12 months are crucial for Joe.? He lost a lot of time through injury and then Covid, but he is building some momentum now and fights in his first eight rounder on March 25, in Montreal.

“By the end of the year he will be doing 10 rounders, moving up the rankings and fighting high level contenders.” 

Ward joins Probellum ahead of back-to-back shows in Dubai this week, which feature Irish fight favourites Jono Carroll, Tyrone McKenna, TJ Doheny and Rohan Date. Fans in Ireland can watch the world championship cards on Friday and Saturday on Eurosport TV’s liner channels discovery+ and Eurosport App.

Viewers in North America can watch the shows on fuboTV while ESPN KO will broadcast the fights for their South American audience.

To keep up-to-date on all of Joe Ward’s fights, as well as Probellum ticket news and information, be sure to follow us on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.? 

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?




CANELO VS. BIVOL TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

Tickets for Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 7, live on DAZN, excluding Latin America and Mexico, will go on sale onWednesday, March 23 at 10 a.m. PT. In the U.S. & Canada, the event will be offered exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per View (PPV).
TICKETS FOR MAY 7 GO ON SALE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 – CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS
 Canelo (57-1-2, 39 KOs) returns to Las Vegas for his first Cinco De Mayo fight since 2019 where he defeated Daniel Jacobs at T-Mobile Arena in a Middleweight unification clash. The Mexican superstar has embarked on a sensational run of fights since that night, moving to Light Heavyweight to win a World title at a fourth weight against Sergey Kovalev before returning to Super Middleweight to beat Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant and becoming the first undisputed champion at 168lbs.

Canelo has chosen the toughest of paths once again for his next challenge as he attempts to become a two-time champion at 175lbs by meeting long-reigning WBA belt-holder Bivol. The 31-year-old (19-0, 11 KOs) has been untouchable as a pro in 19 outings in the paid ranks and Canelo will be his 10th defense of his crown. Bivol has seen off the likes of Joe Smith Jr., Jean Pascal, Sullivan Barrera and Isaac Chilemba on his path to meeting Canelo.

Tickets will go on sale starting at $105 (plus fees) on the following dates and times (all times PT) at AXS.com.

  • AXS, Fighter, DAZN and Matchroom (codes) Pre-Sales:  Tuesday, March 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Public On-Sale:  Wednesday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.



Probellum Evolution weigh-in results from Dubai as Estelle Mossely prepares for history

DUBAI, MARCH 17 – World champion Estelle Mossely and her challenger Yanina del Carmen Lescano both made weight ahead of tomorrow night’s historic lightweight title showdown in Dubai.

The opening night of Probellum Evolution takes place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on Friday with the packed card also featuring a WBC super-featherweight title eliminator, a fast-rising British prospect, and a fearsome heavyweight puncher.

French star and Olympic gold medallist Mossely tops the packed card against her dangerous Argentinian rival, in the first ever female world title fight to headline a show in the Middle East, with Ireland’s Jono Carroll acting as chief support in a 10 rounder with Ghana’s Patrick Ayi Aryree.

Boxing starts at 5:20pm local time with the action from a major night of boxing being broadcast by Eurosport’s linear channels, discovery+ and Eurosport App, to 62 million homes across Europe and the Indian sub-continent.

fuboTV will stream both Probellum Evolution shows to its audience in North America, with ESPN KO showing the cards in South America, after a deal was announced last week.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS FROM THE IRISH VILLAGE

Main Event

2250

IBO lightweight world title – 10 rounds

Estelle Mossely (9-0) 9st 8lbs 8oz

Yanina del Carmen Lescano (10-1) 9st 8lbs 8oz

2200

10 rounds Super-featherweight contest

Jono Carroll (21-2) 9st 5lbs 6oz

Patrick Ayi Aryee (21-0-1) 9st 6lbs

2100

WBC super-featherweight title eliminator – 12 rounds

O’Shaquie Foster (18-2) 9st 3lbs 13oz

Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov (18-0) 9st 3lbs 10oz

2010

10 Rounds Super-bantamweight contest

Shabaz Masoud (9-0) 8st 9lbs 11oz

Yoann Boyeux (43-6) 8st 9lbs 11oz

1920

8 Rounds Heavyweight contest

Bakhodir Jalolov (9-0) 18st 3lbs

Kamil Sokolowski (11-24-2) 17st 2lbs

1840

8 Rounds Welterweight contest

Rohan Date (13-0-1) 10st 9lbs 14oz

Tom Hill (9-2) 10st 9lbs 10oz

1820

4 Rounds Super-featherweight contest

Joshua Ridgewell (1-0) 9st 5lbs 3oz

Suraj Ram (3-3) 9st 3lbs 3oz

1750

6 Rounds Super-flyweight contest

Sultan Al Nuaimi (6-0) 8st 1lbs 12oz

Hamza Mchanjo (17-14-3) 8st 4lbs 6oz

1720

6 Rounds Super-welterweight contest

Eyrk Apresyan (8-1) 10st 9lbs 4oz

Burak Akkus (5-2) 10st 9lbs 4oz

Arena float

4 Rounds Light-heavyweight contest

Zlad Wael Hamza (1-0) 12st 9lbs 6oz

Karanjeet Singh (0-2) 12st 0lbs 4oz

For ticket news, live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Facebook and Twitter, Instagram

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?




TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY FOR ERICKSON LUBIN VS. SEBASTIAN FUNDORA WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 9 FROM VIRGIN HOTELS LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS (March 17, 2022) – Tickets go on sale today for the super welterweight showdown between top contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking place Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale today, Thursday, March 17 at 12 p.m. PT, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Lubin and Fundora will meet for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title in the main event of a telecast that begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Former world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison will take on Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in the co-main event, while unbeaten Kevin Salgado faces Bryant Perrella in the super welterweight telecast opener.

#

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

About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of Curio Collection by Hilton and has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award in its first year of operation. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including Élia Beach Club and a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity operated by AEG Presents; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael Morton and David Morton’s ONE Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company TAO Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.

About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service and a personalized hotel experience inspired by the innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for over 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music, design, and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. The current portfolio includes five hotels—Virgin Hotels Chicago, Virgin Hotels Dallas, and Virgin Hotels Nashville, all voted in the top ten Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021, and newly opened Virgin Hotels New Orleans and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and New York City are scheduled to debut in 2022, followed by Miami in 2025. In addition, Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel, conversions, and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Philadelphia, Seattle, London, and more.

About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of more than 115 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts in nearly 30 countries and territories. Curio Collection properties offer guests authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Experience a positive stay at Curio Collection by Hilton by booking at curiocollection.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Curio Collection by Hilton at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.




Los Angeles Inner-City Legend Undefeated bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez Fighting at home for first time this Saturday

LOS ANGELES (March 17, 2022) – Undefeated Los Angeles bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs) returns to the ring this Saturday (Mar. 19) to take on Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (10-20-3, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in a 6-round bout on the Blair Cobbs-Alexis Rocha card (replacing Vergil Ortiz, Jr.-Michael McKinson), presented by Golden Boy Promotions.

The main card will be streamed live on DAZN from USC Galen Center in Los Angeles; go to Golden Boy’s YouTube page to watch the Ramirez vs. Pucheta live stream.

Ramirez is an LA inner-city sports legend. His journey started on the gridiron, not in a ring, when he was a key member of the Lincoln High football team, profiled in a 2015 documentary, “ESPN 60: Letterman.” The players were from a crime-ridden section of Hollywood riddled with drugs and guns. Ramirez was a 5’ 4”, 160-pound running back on a team that, starting in Pop Warner competition, and advanced to Lincoln High, which hadn’t experienced success in football. Lincoln High went on to become a 3-time league champion, highlighted by its semifinal playoff appearance in his senior year, which eventually led “Scrappy” to a roster spot on the Los Angeles Valley College’s football team.

“The venue is only a five-minute drive from my home,” an excited Ramirez said. “I literally drive by it every day. I grew up around USC and played football there. Now, I’m fighting in the inner-city where I grew up. That’s pretty dope! My dream is to fight at Staples Center, which is only a three-minute drive for me. I’m getting closer.

“Things like this don’t happen by accident. On March 18th, I’ll showcase my skills in front of my people. LA is the City of Champions, but we haven’t had a world boxing champion since Oscar de la Hoya, who grew up in East LA. My goal is to be the next LA champ.”

“Scrappy,” who was one of the most active fighters in 2021 with seven bouts, successfully transitioned from football to boxing, albeit a relatively short amateur boxing career with only 25 amateur matches. He did garner top honors in the Sugar Bert National Championships, as well as in the regional Golden Gloves and SoCal tournaments.

“I last fought on December 18th, took a week off, and went right back to training camp at Brickhouse Boxing Club (N. Hollywood),” the 26-year-old Ramirez added. “I’m getting better and that’s super exciting for me. I’ve been with my strength-and-conditioning coach, running, and working on my boxing skills. My training hasn’t stopped, it’s going full force.”

Pucheta has been stopped only once in 33 pro fights, back in 2016 by Emanuel Navarrete, the current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Bantamweight Champion, who sports a 35-1 (29 KOs) pro record.

“He’s a tough, durable opponent,” Ramirez noted, “who has been in the ring with a lot of good prospects. This is a great opportunity for me to make a statement by becoming only the second to knock him out.”

Ramirez’ accelerated pace and development continues this Saturday, when it’ll be “Scrappy Time” once again, only this time at home.

“I want to be at the top and will,” he concluded. “Every fight elevates me. My goal is to be No. 1 in my weight class, and I’ll get there because of my hard work and dedication.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @Scrappyboxing

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez




THREE SENSATIONAL UNDERCARD MATCHUPS HIGHLIGHT ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. YORDENIS UGAS SHOWTIME PPV® ON SATURDAY, APRIL 16

ARLINGTON, T.X. – March 17, 2022 – Three sensational matchups have been added to the SHOWTIME PPV lineup headlined by WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash on Saturday, April 16 live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

“One of the year’s biggest events will feature a deserving pay-per-view undercard lineup loaded with consequential matchups that are primed to deliver drama and action,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Isaac Cruz showed against Gervonta Davis that he is a star in the making, and he’ll be looking to display those talents once again against an accomplished opponent in Yuriorkis Gamboa. Plus, another rising star in Jose Valenzuela will step up in competition against former champion Francisco Vargas, while Cody Crowley and Josesito Lopez will both bring their high-octane styles into the ring in what shapes up to be a ‘can’t-miss’ showdown to open the loaded SHOWTIME PPV.”

The 23-year-old Cruz (22-2-1, 15 KOs) will return to the ring after dropping a competitive decision against three-division champion Gervonta Davis on SHOWTIME PPV in December. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October. Cruz followed that up in 2021 by winning a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Matías Romero in March and by defeating former champion Francisco Vargas by decision in June. After making his U.S. debut in December 2019, Cruz went unbeaten in his next four bouts, appearing on SHOWTIME® three times in addition to beating Magdaleno on the Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV undercard.

“I can’t wait to be back in the ring and to fight at AT&T Stadium,” said Cruz. “I love the fans in Texas, they always give me tremendous support. My promoter, Manny Pacquiao, has fought at AT&T Stadium before and won both times. I’m excited to follow in his footsteps against a very accomplished former champion in Gamboa. I’m coming to show the fans why I’m one of the best lightweights in the world and to drive Gamboa into retirement on April 16.”

Gamboa (30-4, 18 KOs) is a former unified featherweight champion, holding the IBF and WBA 126-pound titles between 2009 and 2011. A native of Guantanamo, Cuba, he now lives and trains in Miami, Fla. He dropped a showdown against Terence Crawford in a 2014 Fight of the Year, before rebounding to win seven of eight fights. That run included victories over former world champions Jason Sosa and Roman Martinez, putting Gamboa back into world title contention. In his last two fights, Gamboa has dropped contests against current lightweight world champions, losing via 12th-round TKO to Gervonta Davis in 2019 and by decision against Devin Haney in November 2020.

“I always come to the ring to display my talents and April 16 will be no different,” said Gamboa. “It’s very motivating to be facing a young, strong opponent like Isaac Cruz. I’m going to test him and see if he can stand up to my power. I’m coming to win and make a big statement that I still have what it takes to become champion again.”

The 22-year-old Valenzuela (11-0, 7 KOs) now trains as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez as he seeks to move from prospect to contender in 2022. Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela turned pro in 2018 and rode a five-bout knockout streak before earning his first 10-round decision in a victory over Deiner Berrio in September 2021. Valenzuela capped off his breakout 2021 in December, dominating Austin Dulay on his way to a TKO in round four.

“It’s a dream come true to be on a high-stakes, stacked card like this,” said Valenzuela. “I’ve admired and studied Spence for a long time, especially because we’re both lefties. I can’t wait to get in the ring. I’m not overlooking or underestimating Francisco Vargas in any way. I’m expecting fireworks. You always get a big fight when two Mexican warriors go head-to-head, so I know the fans are going to be delighted with what they see on April 16.”

Fighting out of Mexico City, Vargas (27-3-2, 19 KOs) won a 130-pound title in 2015 by defeating Takashi Miura in one of the year’s best fights. The 37-year-old would go on to fight Orlando Salido to an action-packed draw before losing his title to Miguel Berchelt in another memorable affair. Vargas later defeated Stephen Smith and Rod Salka before losing in his rematch with Berchelt in 2019. Most recently, Vargas began campaigning at lightweight, scoring back-to-back victories over Ezequiel Aviles in 2019 and Otto Gamez in 2020, prior to dropping a decision against Isaac Cruz in his last fight in June 2021.

“It is an honor to be on such a big card with so many great fighters,” said Vargas. “I’m going to come prepared for this fight and ready to leave the ring with a victory. I know Valenzuela will be trying to make a statement, but I’m coming to do the same. As always, the fans can expect a tremendous fight from start to finish.”

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (20-0, 9 KOs) returns to the ring after a sensational SHOWTIME debut in December 2021 that saw him beat the previously unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov by unanimous decision. Crowley had previously defeated Josh Torres in September 2020 following a 2019 run that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 28-year-old returned to fight in the U.S. for his last two fights after seven of his first eight pro fights took place in the U.S.

“After my win in December on SHOWTIME, I’m ready to accept the next challenge on my journey to becoming welterweight champion of the world,” said Crowley. “Josesito Lopez is always tough and he brings an exciting style to the table. Unfortunately for him, he will discover what 20 fighters before him have learned, which is that I will not be stopped from achieving my destiny. I want to thank my team for this opportunity to display my skills, heart and relentlessness on this great card at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.”

Lopez (38-8, 21 KOs) earned the nickname “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his go-for-broke style in the ring. He has stepped in across from some of the top boxers in the sport, including champions Canelo Alvarez, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz. The 37-year-old from Riverside, California is always a tough out in the ring as noted by his narrow majority decision loss to then-champion Keith Thurman in 2019. Since that loss, Lopez has put together back-to-back victories, defeating John Molina, Jr. and Francisco Santana.

“I’m eager and very motivated to step back in the ring and prove myself as one of the best fighters in the world,” said Lopez. “I expect a stiff challenge from Crowley and the fans can expect to see me at my very best. I’m in great shape and ready to put everything on the line. You will definitely want to make sure you don’t miss my fight on April 16.”

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

About AT&T Stadium:

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world.  Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.  Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round.  The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue.  In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events.  For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.




ALEXIS ROCHA VS. BLAIR COBBS SET AS NEW MAIN EVENT ON MARCH 19

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 16, 2022) – The event on March 19, will continue at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center now headlined by Orange County’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (18-1, 12 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA against Philadelphia’s Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight fight streaming live, worldwide on DAZN. In the new co-main event of the night Michael “The Problem” McKinson (21-0, 2 KOs) of Portsmouth, GBR will now face Jesus Antonio Perez (24-3, 18 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight. Also part of the DAZN live stream, Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (8-1, 6 KOs) of Indio, CA will face seasoned veteran David “La Pantera” Zegarra (34-7, 21 KOs) of Lima, Peru in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight fight. Opening up the stream, Evan Sanchez (9-0, 6 KOs) from Parlier, CA is set for a 6-round welterweight fight against Alejandro Munera (6-6-4, 5 KOs) from Medellin, Colombia.

Also on the card, but featured as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night live stream on YouTube, Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (20-3, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA makes his grand return to the sport for the first time in 2022 by fighting Victor Ruiz (29-12, 16 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a 8-round Super Bantamweight fight. Fan favorite, Alex Rincon (9-0, 6 KOs) of Dallas, Texas, will make his will take on Puerto Rico’s Luis Sanchez (9-2, 6 KOs) in an 8-round super welterweight fight. Los Angeles’ undefeated fighter John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0,7 KOs) will fight Roberto “Escorpion” Pucheta (10-20-3, 6 KOa) of Jalisco, Mexico, in a scheduled 6-round bantamweight bout. Other fights featured as part of the live stream include two 4-round fights featuring prospects Miguel Gaona (1-0) of Los Angeles, CA, in a lightweight fight against Mexico City’s Gilberto Aguilar (0-4); and Delis Kaleiopu (1-0, 1 KOs) of Walanae, HI in a lightweight bout against Tamaulipas, Mexico’s Manuel Lara (2-7). Local fan favorite, Alejandro Reyes (6-0, 4KOs), will take on Daniel Evangelista Jr. (20-12-2, 16 KOs) of Mexico City in a 6-round super lightweight fight. Finally, opening up fight night, London’s Ramla Ali (4-0) will face Toronto’s Shelly Barnett (5-6-2) in an 8-round super bantamweight event.

Fans with tickets to Ortiz vs. McKinson do not need to take action to attend Rocha vs. Cobbs, as their tickets and seating locations are still valid.

If a fan purchased tickets directly through the Galen Center, on-line or in-person, for Ortiz Jr vs. McKinson, and do not wish to attend Rocha vs. Cobbs refund requests made by Saturday, March 19th at 3pm PST will be honored, in full by emailing USCTO@USC.EDU. Ticket holders seeking refunds for online purchases via secondary market sites must contact those vendors directly.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.galencenter.org or www.goldenboypromotions.com. Please note that LADPH guidelines and other protocols relating to admission requirements will be in place for this event, which include that all guests age 2 and older will have to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours for an antigen test or 48 hours for a PCR test.

Rocha vs. Cobbs is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 19 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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




Rising prospects Delossantos, Mascarenhas headline Rhode Wars 2 at Crowne Plaza Hotel

Warwick, RI (March 16) – After successfully launching its new 2022 fight series in February, CES Boxing returns to the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Saturday, March 26 with Rhode Wars 2, featuring New England’s best and brightest up-and-comers.

Headlining Rhode Wars 2 is unbeaten featherweight Ricky Delossantos (10-0, 2 KOs) of Pawtucket, RI, in a six-round bout against power-punching Columbian veteran Yeison Vargas (18-9, 13 KOs) while super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (5-1, 2 KOs) stars in the co-main event in a six-round bout against undefeated Mexican challenger Abraham Perez (3-0, 2 KOs).

March 26 also features the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational VI, an all-ages, separate-admission amateur boxing event beginning at 2 pm. Rhode Wars 2 follows immediately at 7 pm. Tickets for both events are available online at CESFights.com.

Delossantos’ return ends an eight-month layoff and is his first fight in his home state since August of 2019 when he defeated Yeuri Andujar at Ballys Twin River Lincoln. Vargas, the challenger, has scored knockouts in each of his last three wins, including a second-round knockout win over Jose Palacio on March 5 in Santa Marta, Columbia. Mascarenhas makes his second appearance of the year at the Crowne Plaza just five weeks after a sensational knockout win over southpaw Akeem Jackson at Rhode Wars in February.

Making his Rhode Island debut, lightweight Alejandro Paulino (8-0, 8 KOs) – a national amateur standout – of New London, CT, faces his toughest test to date in a six-round bout against 17-fight veteran Andrew Rodgers (6-9-2, 2 KOs) of Elkhart, IN. Within nine months of making his professional debut, Paulino has accumulated eight wins, all by knockout, and has yet to be pushed past the third round. The 29-year-old Rodgers is a worthy adversary, boasting back-to-back victories against previously-unbeaten Philadelphia lightweight Greg Outlaw and 10-1-1 Thomas Velasquez in Atlantic City.

Also fighting March 26, Providence, RI, heavyweight Tim Hatfield (3-0, 3 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line against fellow undefeated heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsfield, MA, and super featherweight Michael Valentin (6-1-1, 1 KO) of Providence makes his long-awaited return in an interstate showdown against Justin Morales (1-1) of New Bedford, MA, both in four-round bouts.

Italian junior middleweight Nicola Quarneti (5-2-1), whose United States was cut short in February due to an accidental headbutt, returns to the ring to face Rhode Island’s Keenan Raymond (1-1) in a four-round bout. Brockton, MA, super lightweight Kevin Walsh (5-0, 3 KOs) also makes his Rhode Island debut in a four-round bout.

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence-Warwick is the first choice of those seeking the best in accommodations, convenience, service and sophistication in Rhode Island. A nine-time winner of the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Torchbearer Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the hotel industry, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has 266 guestrooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Whether you’re a business traveler seeking respite from a long flight, a family on vacation visiting nearby Newport, a trade association holding its annual convention, or a young couple planning a wedding, the Crowne Plaza is ready to satisfy your every need. Located 10 minutes from downtown Providence and two miles from T.F. Green Airport on a spacious landscaped 17-acre site featuring abundant, free parking, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is prepared to treat you like royalty.




UNDEFEATED HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT BRANDON MOORE ADDED TO SALITA PROMOTIONS’ DETROIT BRAWL EVENT ON APRIL 2 IN DEARBORN, MI

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Brandon Moore has been added to the bout lineup of Salita Promotions’ next Detroit Brawl event on Saturday April 2, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI.

The current WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Champion as a professional, and a former USA national champion as an amateur with several victories over other current professional prospects including unbeaten Dacarree Scott, the 6’ 6” southpaw Moore (11-0, 7 KOs) will appear in an eight-round showdown against divisional gatekeeper Curtis Harper (13-7, 9 KOs).

The two heavyweights will meet in support of the night’s eight-round main event featuring the return of one of Detroit’s own, as undefeated power-punching lightweight contender Erick De Leon (19-0-1, 11 KOs) will return after nearly three years’ absence from the sport due to injuries to face hard-nosed Mexico City veteran Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (28-11, 20 KOs).

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 Lina (313.529.7604).

Guided by rising promotional entity Probellum and co-managed by Keith Connolly and Ryan Rickey, Lakeland, Florida’s Moore won his WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight Championship with a fourth-round knockout over Mexico’s Elvis Garcia in August 2021 and successfully defended it in October of that year with a first-round KO over Mexico’s Jesus Angel Nerio. Moore was last seen in December making quick work of Mexico’s Abraham Pascual via KO 1 in Canadian boxing hotbed Montreal.

28-year-old Moore has also sparred with several of the world’s top heavyweights, including superstar former champion Deontay Wilder.

“I’m excited to fight in Detroit,” said a happy Moore. “Dmitry Salita is a great promoter and he always has first-class events. Fighting here is like the resurrection of Joe Louis in his adopted hometown. Get ready for a show! I’m the most exciting and energetic heavyweight in the world. April 2, everyone gets to see!”

“Brandon Moore is an exciting new force in boxing’s most glamorous division and the fans are in for a treat,” added Dmitriy Salita. “He’s up against a tough and unpredictable opponent in Harper, who has pulled off a few surprises. I’m happy to be joining forces with Brandon and his team to present another young and powerful force in heavyweight boxing to the great fans in Detroit.”

In the main supporting bouts will be a pair of world-class contenders, as undefeated former amateur star and professional middleweight Timur Kerefov (12-0, 6 KOs) and WBC #9, IBF #15, WBO #14 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (7-0, 5 KOs) will both make appearances, 8 and 10 rounds respectively, against separate opponents, while undefeated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur lightweight star Joshua “Double J” Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) will appear in a four-round special attraction.

Kerefov will take on well-respected trialhorse Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-9-2, 9 KOs) in an eight-round showdown. The murderous-punching Izmailov’s, as well as Pagan’s opponents are yet to be announced.

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 7:00 pm and the action starts at 8:00 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.




Unbeaten Junior Lightweight Contender Andres Cortes Signs Long-Term Deal with Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (March 16, 2022) — Andres “Savage” Cortes, the Las Vegas-born junior lightweight contender who has authored a string of highlight-reel knockouts, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank.

The 24-year-old Cortes (16-0, 9 KOs) will return this spring on an upcoming Top Rank on ESPN card.

“Andres Cortes is a tremendous action fighter and fits right in with all of the contenders at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s earned a promotional contract and the right to fight on major cards. I truly believe he can be the next homegrown world champion from Las Vegas.”

Cortes said, “This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m thankful to Bob Arum and everyone at Top Rank. Every time I fight, it’s the ‘Savage Show.’ I strive to entertain the fans and give them action-packed fights. With this contract, the sky’s the limit. My goal is to fight in main events and eventually bring a world title home to Las Vegas.”

Cortes, who has a pair of amateur victories over former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, emerged as a junior lightweight to watch in July 2020 with his off-the-deck decision victory over Alejandro Salinas. Last August, he broke through with a first-round stoppage over Genesis Servania. It was a short, brutal battle in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Cortes leveled Servania with a left hook as the round ended. Servania, a former world title challenger, had never been knocked out in 12 years as a pro. Cortes followed up the Servania demolition with last November’s third-round stoppage over Filipino veteran Mark Bernaldez.




Granite Chin Promotions announces “Hometown Royalty” May 7th in Bridgewater, MA

QUINCY, Mass. (March 16, 2022) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced its third promotional event of 2022, “Hometown Royalty,” scheduled on Saturday night, May 7th, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.).

“Hometown Royalty,” is presented by Granite Chin in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions.

Professional boxers from the South Shore of the Bay State will be featured including reigning New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Ban Man” Ohan (14-1, 8 KOs), of Holbrook, Quincy lightweight Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), New Bedford light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), and Brockton’s pro-debut of 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, welterweight David Ribeiro.

Providence (RI) welterweight Damon Towns (4-0, 3 KOs) is also slated to be in action.

“This is the kind of show the South Shore has been waiting for since everything got shut down,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “It really is an event that everyone – fighters and promoters – are coming together to make something special. Rich Cappiello and Chuck Shearns have been easy to work with and eager to get to work. Over the coming days, we will be announcing fights and getting tickets out to the public. We have no doubt this is going to be a packed house with an electric atmosphere with amateurs fighting during the day and our star-studded pro show in the evening.”

Bouts will be announced soon. Card subject to change.

Tickets will go on sale next week and be available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).




NEW START, NEW DEAL FOR MIDDLEWEIGHT HAMZAH

HAMZAH SHEERAZ HAS marked the week of his Middleweight baptism by signing a new three-year promotional contract with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

The strapping 6ft 4″ Sheeraz, still only 22, has reached 14-0 (10 KOs) in the professional ranks since making his debut at the Copper Box Arena in September 2017.

On Saturday he will battle Jez Smith for the WBC International Silver middleweight title at the OVO Arena, Wembley, having departed the Super-Welterweight scene as WBO European champion, a title he defended on four occasions.

“I am very, very grateful,” said the Ilford man on signing his new deal. “I am grateful for the opportunity and I will always remember that Frank and my manager Andy Ayling gave me a chance when nobody else did.

“I say it all the time and I won’t ever forget that. I wasn’t a big, standout amateur but they gave me a chance, so it is only right to renew and carry on until we get to the top and win world titles, God willing.

“Frank has got behind me and I have been proving him right with every fight. I haven’t lost yet and I am doing everything that is asked of me and that little bit more, so all I have got to do is keep winning and keep shining.

“My career has been handled perfectly so far and that is down to your promoter, your manager and the matchmaker. Obviously I am now moving up to middleweight and I have to keep winning and keep following what they say.

“Before this contract is up I want to be fighting for world titles. By then my apprenticeship and all the learning will all be done. Hopefully I can win this WBC belt and soon be up there with all the big names.”

Frank Warren added: “Hamzah is undoubtedly a future star of the sport and I was quickly able to identify that and his potential very early on in his professional journey. He gives his all to boxing and willingly makes the sacrifice of taking himself over to the States, away from his family, to experience better sparring and world class preparation.

“He couldn’t really be more likable and is such a personable young man who has attracted a massive following already and sponsors and his fans cannot get enough of him.

“I am thrilled he has signed a new contract with Queensberry and I am looking forward to seeing him make a big impact in the middleweight division, which I believe he is perfectly suited to and where he can reach the very top.”

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are available at AXS.com

European welterweight champ David Avanesyan tops the night of multiple championship clashes on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley against the unbeaten Oskari Metz, 15-0, in what will be a fifth defence of his EBU belt.

Thrilling bantamweight star Dennis McCann is entering into title business for the first time. ‘The Menace’ (11-0, 6 KOs) will fight for the WBO Youth world title over eight rounds against Charles Tondo (12-4-2, 5 KOs), a southpaw from Tanzania.

The two leading young lightweights in Britain are also in action at Wembley, with Sam Noakes (8-0, 8 KOs) making a first defence of his WBC International Silver title against the Italian Vincenzo Finiello (15-4-2, 1 KO). While Mark Chamberlain (9-0, 6 KOs) takes on a 10-rounder for the first time.

Completing the card, gifted super lightweight prospect Henry Turner (6-0) will have a fourth six-rounder, explosive super feather Masood Abdullah (3-0, 3 KOs) goes in with Engel Gomez (8-4, 4 KOs) over six rounds and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (2-0) fights Birmingham’s Sean Davis (14-18), also in a six-rounder.

In four-round action, Khalid Ali (1-0, 1 KO) will look to double his win tally against Kris Pilkington (2-10-1).

Finally, Frank Warren gets to unleash his latest young star onto the professional ranks, with two-time European championship gold medallist Royston Barney-Smith, who turned 18 in January, making his pro debut at super-featherweight against Adan Martinez (0-2).

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are available at AXS.com

Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry Promotions




VERGIL ORTIZ, JR. PULLS OUT OF FIGHT AGAINST MICHAEL MCKINSON

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 15, 2022) – Unfortunately, Vergil Ortiz Jr. has had to pull out of this Saturday’s main event vs. Michael Mckinson after being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. Vergil is recovering well in hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

“We wish Vergil a very quick and speedy recovery,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “As fighters, our first instinct is to fight whatever we have and tough it out. It takes a lot of courage to admit that something is wrong and get the care that you need. We are confident that we will be seeing Vergil in the ring again very soon.”

More information on the March 19 event will be announced shortly.




Saturday: Rising Stars Bruce Carrington, Kelvin Davis and Henry Lebron Set to Shine on Edgar Berlanga-Steve Rolls Undercard at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden  

NEW YORK (March 15, 2022) — Featherweight prodigy Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest standout boxer to come from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, makes his New York City debut this Saturday, March 19 in a six-rounder against Yeuri Andujar at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Carrington-Andujar, which will be contested at junior lightweight, highlights undercard action before the 10-round super middleweight main event featuring Brooklyn’s Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga against Steve Rolls.

Berlanga-Rolls, an eight-round junior middleweight bout between Xander Zayas and Quincy LaVallais, and unbeaten junior welterweight John Bauza in an eight-rounder versus Tony Luis will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Carrington-Andujar and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT.

Carrington (2-0, 1 KO) had a nearly decade-long run as one of Team USA’s star amateurs, including a victory in the 125-pound division of the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. He turned pro last October on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III undercard and made his Top Rank debut in January with a stunning second-round stoppage over Steven Brown. Andujar (5-4-1, 3 KOs), from San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, is coming off a six-round draw last December against Pablo Cruz (22-4 at the time).

In other undercard action streaming on ESPN+:

  • Long Island-born welterweight sensation Jahi Tucker (6-0, 4 KOs), a 19-year-old power puncher, hopes to increase his knockout streak to three when he battles Tracey McGruder (6-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. The explosive Tucker opened eyes in January with his second-round blitzing of the normally durable Akeem Black.
     
  • Rising Puerto Rican junior lightweight Henry “Moncho” Lebron (14-0, 9 KOs) steps up in class against Honduran veteran Josec Ruiz (23-5-3, 16 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Ruiz, a 10-year pro, has never been knocked out.
     
  • Kelvin Davis (3-0, 2 KOs), the eldest of the fighting Davis Brothers from Norfolk, Virginia, will face Phillip Carmouche (2-2) in a four-round junior welterweight bout. Davis made his Top Rank debut last December at Madison Square Garden and notched a second-round stoppage.
     
  • Lightweight prospect Armani Almestica (4-0, 4 KOs), a 20-year-old from Orlando, Florida, returns in a six-round lightweight battle against Eliseo Villalobos (2-2, 1 KO). As an amateur, Almestica was a force, winning gold at the 2017 USA Junior Olympics and 2018 USA Youth National Championships.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets starting at $51 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com.

About ESPN+ 
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 21.3 million subscribers. 
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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.comESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).