MINNEAPOLIS – March 9, 2022 – Top super welterweight contender and rising star Tim Tszyu will make his long-awaited U.S. debut when he takes on U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, March 26 from The Armory in Minneapolis in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature rising undefeated lightweight contender Michel Rivera dueling fellow unbeaten Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno in the 10-round co-main event, plus hard-hitting super lightweight contender Elvis Rodríguez faces Juan José Velasco in the 10-round telecast opener.

“Tim Tszyu has risen up the rankings and established himself as a serious contender at the top of the loaded 154-pound division, and he’ll look to make a splash stateside when he faces the highly-skilled and experienced Terrell Gausha,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The action will be coming throughout this lineup, as lightweight phenom Michel Rivera takes on the undefeated Joseph Adorno, while Elvis Rodríguez looks to continue his ascent in the super lightweight division against the always tough Juan José Velasco.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, No Limit Boxing and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

The son of former unified champion Kostya, Tim Tszyu (20-0, 15 KOs) has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising contenders at 154-pounds. Tszyu headlines on SHOWTIME following in his father’s footsteps after Kostya competed 10 times on the network, including memorable knockouts of Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Zab Judah. Fighting out of his native Sydney, Australia, Tszyu will make his U.S. debut on March 26 after earning his first 20 pro wins in his home country. The 27-year-old went the 12-round distance for the first time in his last fight, dominating Takeshi Inoue on his way to a unanimous decision in November 2021. The decision victory came after Tszyu had put together stoppage wins in eight of his previous ten outings.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in the U.S., especially on SHOWTIME, where my dad was featured for most of his career,” said Tszyu. “I’m proud and excited to continue on the Tszyu name with SHOWTIME. Once I take care of Gausha, I will be coming for the title.”

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (22-2-1, 11 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif., where he is trained by Manny Robles and Prenice Brewer. The 34-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara and top contender Erickson Lubin. Gausha showed improved power in his most recent bout, stopping rising contender Jamontay Clark in two rounds in March 2021.

“I’ve been ready for this fight for a long time,” said Gausha. “I came into this game to be a world champion and fight the best. I expect Tim to come in great shape and I’ll also come in my best shape to put on a great fight for the fans. My coaches are getting me prepared perfectly for the kind of fight I need to put on so that I can leave the ring victorious.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (22-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron on SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera carried his dominance into 2021 with three more victories, including a stoppage of Anthony Mercado in February before delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME. He most recently scored a shutout unanimous decision over Matias Romero in October.

“This is a great opportunity for me to display my talents once again against a high-quality opponent in Joseph Adorno,” said Rivera. “I’m ready to take on anyone willing to challenge me until my time comes to fight for the world title. My goal is to be victorious on March 26 and then face Gervonta Davis for his title. With each fight I’m getting closer to reaching that goal. I can’t wait to show off all the hard work that I’ve put into this camp on fight night.”

Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs) has fought to a draw in each of his last two fights, dropping fellow unbeaten Jamaine Ortiz twice in April 2021 after dueling Héctor “Guadaña” García in January 2020. The 22-year-old was born in Union City, New Jersey and now resides in Allentown, Pa., having fought in nearby Philadelphia five times throughout his career. Adorno turned pro in 2016 at the age of 17 after a standout amateur career where he amassed a 178-22 record and beat Shakur Stevenson’s twice. He has scored knockout victories in nine of his first 10 pro fights.

“This fight is a chance for me to show my true talents,” said Adorno. “Not taking anything away from Rivera, but I know I’m going to be the better fighter on March 26. I’m working with a new trainer, Raúl ‘Chino’ Rivas, who has trained many talented fighters, and I’m ready to showcase myself at my very best. I’m more focused than ever and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by. Everybody better be ready for a show on March 26.”

Rodríguez (12-1-1, 11 KOs) bounced back from his first career defeat, a majority decision loss to Kenneth Sims Jr., to knockout the previously unbeaten Juan Pablo Romero on the Canelo vs. Plant SHOWTIME PPV® undercard in November. The 26-year-old burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights and put together an impressive five wins in 2020. Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez now lives in Los Angeles

“March 26 is another step toward my world championship goal,” said Rodríguez. “I am fighting a tough veteran fighter who has faced top-level competition. I’ve stayed in camp through Christmas so that I can be 100% ready for this fight. Winning on March 26 means a lot for my career and I hope that a win will put me in contention for a title shot this year. I want to show the world that I’m ready for the big names in the division.”

The 34-year-old Velasco (23-2, 14 KOs) enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, having most recently earned a split decision victory over Zachary Ochoa in February 2021. A native of Jujuy, Argentina, Velasco has tangled with some of the toughest fighters in the 140-pound division, including former champions Mario Barrios and Regis Prograis. Velasco will fight in the U.S. for the fifth time on March 26.

“I’m very honored to be on a great card like this,” said Velasco. “This is actually the second time that I’ve been preparing to face Rodríguez, so I know what I’m up against. He’s going to come into the right at 100%, just like I will. May the best man win on March 26.”

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

CHESHIRE, CT — Imagine a destination where Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and the best up and comer boxers of this generation share a stage. Look no further with this week’s launch of Boxing TV, the place where boxing fans both young and old can get their fill of “The Sweet Science” 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

With a vast library of 1200 events from the most memorable bouts of all time, Boxing TV melds the past’s greats with today’s most promising stars. Remember when Lewis knocked out Tyson in 2002? How about when Foreman captured the heavyweight title after flooring Michael Moorer? Boxing TV has all of the best fights and will feature at least one live event each week featuring “Tomorrow’s Stars Today.”

A partnership among Triple-B Media, Main Events and Payne Boxing, Boxing TV’s goal is to become the free, go-to destination for everything boxing, including classic bouts, live events and news and information programming. At launch, Boxing TV will be available on Local Now, Distro TV, SPORTS.TV, SelectTV and on Triple-B’s Streamstak platform at www.watchboxing.tv.

“With the launch of Boxing TV, our hope is to feature the magic and amazing storylines of boxing, its athletes and amazing fans,” said Anthony Bailey, Managing Director for Triple-B Media. “Boxing has been a proven dedicated sport on television for decades and now we’re happy to provide it to fans on a free, ad supported basis.”

“I have known for years that the extensive archive of great fights that has been carefully built over the four decades that Main Events has been in boxing deserved an easily accessible home where old and new fans could view and appreciate its stunning depth and breadth without having to pay a fee,” said Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events. “Being a boxing fan already costs too much money. I am happy to announce today that I have finally found that home. In addition, as Boxing TV grows in the years ahead, Main Events looks forward to working with Triple-B and Gardner to create many more memorable events as we build another generation of promising young stars on the Boxing TV platform.”

“We are very excited to partner with Triple-B Media and Main Events to bring around the clock boxing to sports fans all over the world,” said Gardner Payne, President of Payne Boxing. “Fans will now be able to watch some of the greatest boxers and boxing matches of all time as well as see live fights showcasing the next generation of superstars in our sport.”

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About Payne Boxing
Payne Boxing (www.payneboxing.com) is a holistic boxing management firm located in Charlotte, NC with its training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida under the watchful eye of lead trainer and boxing coach, Luis “Chiro” Perez. Payne Boxing manages some of the top boxers in the world including Argentina Olympian and WBA #11 ranked Welterweight, Alberto Palmetta, WBA #12 ranked Super Flyweight, Michell Banquez, and WBC Latin Feather Title Holder, Frency Fortunato. South American based television network, TyC Sports, showcased Payne Boxing and its fighters in the Payne Boxing Series over the last two years.

About Main Events Boxing
Internationally recognized as one of the top boxing promotional firms in the world, Main Events has promoted the careers of boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker and many more. Founded in 1978 by Hall-of-Fame promoter Dan Duva, who passed away in 1996, Main Events is now helmed by his widow, Kathy Duva, who is scheduled to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this coming June.

About Triple-B Media
Triple-B Media is a full service television and digital media company, specializing in the operation of free, ad supported television networks. To date, Triple-B Media owns or operates seven television networks including For The Fans (FTF), Lacrosse Sports Network, Fido TV, ACL Cornhole TV, MotoAmerica TV, Billiard TV and Boxing TV. The Company also operates its own streaming platform called Streamstak at www.streamstak.com.

Los Angeles, CA (March 9, 2022) UFC FIGHT PASS and Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions have partnered for the exclusive broadcast of the Thursday, March 17 Hollywood Fight Nights event from the Quiet Cannon in the Montebello Country Club featuring former amateur Irish Standout Callum Walsh of Cork, Ireland. The UFC FIGHT PASS has a 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT start time and may be accessed here >> https://www.ufcfightpass.com/signup

Walsh, (1-0, 1 KO), of Cork, Ireland faces Gael Ibarra, (5-6, 4 KOs), of Sonora, Mexico in a scheduled six-round, junior middleweight clash. Signed to 360 Promotions, Walsh is trained by Freddie Roach at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym.

Advance Tickets for March 17, starting at $150 (VIP Ringside), $100 (Preferred Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating), online at Hollywood Fight Nights / Seating. The Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. PT. For more information on the venue please visit www.QuietCannon.com.

About 360 Promotions:

During 2017, Tom Loeffler founded 360 Promotions to provide rising boxers additional opportunities to develop their talents. In 2018, 360 Promotions launched the Hollywood Fight Nights series at the Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood, CA. Hollywood Fight Nights is billed as the VIP boxing experience which provides a platform for rising boxers to develop their talents as future champions.

Loeffler holds the record for having promoted the most heavyweight world title fights this century while promoting all the championship fights of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko for K2 Promotions, a company he founded with the brothers. Tom also brought the Spotlight to the Flyweight division launching the Superfly Series on HBO that highlighted stars including Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Kazuto Ioka, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras. Tom is best known for his work with Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin building him into an international superstar as the reigning middleweight world champion for the last 10 years. He strategically secured global sponsorship deals with Jordan Brand, Hublot, Tecate, Chivas, and Bijan. Tom has also worked with Hall of Fame fighters Shane Mosley, James Toney and Kevin Kelley as well as hosting the US debut of Naoya Inoue. 

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Conor Benn will defend his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against South Africa’s Chris Van Heerden at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday April 16, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

‘The Destroyer’ (20-0, 13 KOs) secured a stunning knockout win over former World Champion Chris Algieri last time out in December, taking out the American with a brutal right hand in the fourth round of their top of the bill clash at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

The 25-year-old contender from Essex holds top ten rankings with the WBA, WBO and IBF after notching three wins during a breakout 2021 – and the British star believes that 2022 will be an even bigger year for him as he works towards a World Title shot.

‘The Heat’ (28-2-1, 12 KOs), born in Johannesburg, South Africa, previously held the IBO Welterweight World Title from 2011 until 2013, beating Kaizer Mabuza, Sebastian Andres Lujan and Matthew Hatton during his Title reign.

Now residing in Santa Monica, California, USA the 34-year-old southpaw is eager to test himself against one of the fastest rising Welterweights in world boxing and should provide valuable rounds having only been stopped once by Errol Spence in 32 fights.

A huge undercard sees Bournemouth’s European Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith (14-1, 10 KOs) rematch Belfast’s former champion Tommy McCarthy (18-3, 9 KOs) following their epic back and forth battle at the Matchroom HQ last summer.

‘The Gentleman’ withstood a late fightback from McCarthy as he edged out a narrow split points decision to add the British and European Cruiserweight Titles to his Commonwealth Title, before defending his EBU crown with a points win over Dylan Bregeon in Sheffield.

Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (27-1, 16 KOs) looks to build on his impressive IBF World Title Eliminator win over Australia’s Bruno Tarimo on the Parker vs. Chisora 2 undercard when he challenges European Champion Faroukh Kourbanov (19-3, 3 KOs) – a former opponent of Joe Cordina.

Hard hitting Cruiserweight talent Jordan Thompson (12-0, 10 KOs) has scored two big first round knockouts since putting pen to paper on a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last June, and the 28-year-old from Manchester will be out to impress his home fans again as he works towards his first Title shot in 2022.

Hyde Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (6-0, 2 KOs) quickly returns to action after earning the best win of his career over Joe Ducker last month, Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (20-3-1, 9 KOs) aims to bounce back from his stoppage loss to Kevin Lele Sadjo in December and Alnwick Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (3-0, 1 KO) hopes to make it two wins from two fights in 2022.

“I’m excited to step into the ring with Chris Van Heerden,” said Benn. “Van Heerden is a tough operator and a southpaw who will be in there giving it his all in every round. For me and my team it’s now about fighting every style that we can face as we continue to head towards World Championship status and Van Heerden brings something different to the table than I’ve not faced before.

“With that being said this is another stepping stone for me on my journey to the top, I haven’t seen anything in Van Heerden’s previous fights that I can’t deal with, and I expect another explosive victory on April 16. If he comes to fight or he wants to box, I can deliver that smoke either way! The AO Arena has to be one of the most exciting venues to fight in. I love Manchester. I get shown a lot of love and support up in Manchester – it’s a fighting city. I bring the entertainment every time I fight and I can’t wait for April 16.”

“Sometimes it takes 10 years for that one year to come around that completely changes your life,” said Van Heerden. “This is my year. I want to thank Conor Benn for taking the fight, knowing that I’m coming to beat him in his backyard. I also want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for taking this risk and my manager Peter Kahn for getting this fight done. I am looking forward to putting on a show in Manchester on DAZN.”

“Conor Benn is fast becoming one of the biggest stars in British Boxing and he faces by far the toughest test of his career to date when he takes on Chris Van Heerden in Manchester on April 16,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Van Heerden has mixed at the very highest level and faced fearsome Welterweight ‘Boots’ Ennis last time out before the fight was ruled a no contest due to a clash of heads – he always comes to fight, and I expect a gruelling battle for Conor. We are building an action-packed card and already announce the rematch of one of the Fight of the Year contender between Chris Billam-Smith and Tommy McCarthy and local star Zelfa Barrett challenges for the European Title. I expect another blistering statement from Conor Benn live worldwide on DAZN.”

“We are excited to welcome back one of the brightest prospects in boxing, Conor Benn, to the platform when he takes on former IBO Welterweight Champion Chris Van Heerden on April 16,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “This is another huge test for Conor as he continues his quest to capture a World Title in 2022. We pride ourselves in having the best schedule in boxing, and with the announce of this matchup in April and early May you will see Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, GGG, Taylor vs. Serrano and Conor all fighting live on DAZN.”

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

FightPass tickets will be available to purchase for Matchroom Boxing FightPass members from midday on Thursday March 10 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

General Sale tickets will be available to purchase from midday on Friday March 11 via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and the AO Arena (www.ao-arena.com).

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has announced its return to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Arena will play home to an extremely stacked duo of events on back-to-back nights Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23.

Friday night’s BELLATOR 278 will be a special event free for current military, veterans, and first responders. Matchups and additional details for the event will be announced shortly.

Saturday night’s BELLATOR 279 will feature the launch of the highly anticipated one-million-dollar BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix. The headliner will see current bantamweight world champion Sergio Pettis (22-5) take on No. 3-ranked Raufeon Stots (17-1), while the co-main event features a rematch between the greatest female mixed martial artist of all time, Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC) and Australia’s No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (15-8), who will look to claim gold in her third attempt at a world title.

Saturday’s BELLATOR 279: Pettis vs. Stots / Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2 will air live on SHOWTIME at 4:30 p.m. HST local time, 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. The preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 2 p.m. HST local time, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Saturday night’s BELLATOR 279: Pettis vs. Stots / Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2 go on sale this Friday, March 11 and can be purchased through Bellator.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com or the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena Box Office. A special presale will take place on Thursday, March 10.

Also scheduled for a return to action, Honolulu’s own former Women’s Flyweight World Champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1) will return home to compete against Justine Kish (7-5) as the No. 1 ranked women’s flyweight looks to start her journey back to a world title in the same arena two of the most memorable BELLATOR main events in recent memory took place. Opening the four-fight main card is another BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal matchup between No. 2-ranked bantamweight Patchy Mix (15-1) and former BELLATOR and Rizin Bantamweight World Champion Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4).

Current BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio “The Phenom” Pettis sits at No. 7 on the promotion’s pound-for-pound list. He successfully defended his belt for the first time against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder Kyoji Horiguchi with a “knockout of the year” style finish at BELLATOR 272 in December. The hard-hitting Midwesterner out of Milwaukee originally captured the crown by outpointing former champion Juan Archuleta. The younger brother of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will be in for one of the toughest fights of his career when he takes on Raufeon Stots. Stots, who used to train alongside Pettis for several years, has been flawless since making his promotion debut in December 2019. He most recently scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over Magomed Magomedov at BELLATOR 264.

Featherweight world champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris “Cyborg” has made three straight title defenses including a second-round submission of Arlene Blencowe in 2020, which surprisingly is the lone submission victory of her storied career. The Brazilian native who currently fights out of Las Vegas, Nev. is a “Grand Slam Champion” having won belts in four different organizations. She sports 20 wins by finish with victories over elite competition including Holly Holm, Leslie Smith (twice), Gina Carano and aims to further her legacy as the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time in the rematch versus Blencowe. Australia’s Blencowe is BELLATOR’s No. 6 pound-for-pound female fighter and the No. 1 ranked featherweight. She has won five of her last six fights and earned her shot at the world title rematch with a unanimous decision over Pam Sorenson at BELLATOR 271 in November.

Currently BELLATOR’s No. 2 ranked bantamweight, Patchy Mix recently defeated James Gallagher via submission in his last outing at BELLATOR 270 in Dublin. Mix has made a name for himself in the BELLATOR cage by displaying impressive submissions and his lone professional loss came to former champion Juan Archuleta. He now faces Horiguchi, another former world champion who hails from Takasaki, Japan. The American Top Team prodigy Horiguchi became a simultaneous, two-promotion champion in 2019 after he upset then-BELLATOR champion Darrion Caldwell while also holding the RIZIN Championship. After he was forced to relinquish his BELLATOR title due to an injury, Horiguchi nearly got his hands back on BELLATOR’s title but was stopped by current champion Sergio Pettis in December. The No. 5 ranked bantamweight now aims to get back in the winning column and recapture his belt, along with the million-dollar prize that awaits the winner of the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Grand Prix.           

BELLATOR MMA 279: Pettis vs. Stots / Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2 Main Card:

Saturday, April 23 – live on SHOWTIME

10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. HST (local)

Bantamweight?World Title Bout: C-Sergio Pettis?(22-5) vs. #3-Raufeon Stots (17-1)

Featherweight?World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg”?(25-2, 1 NC) vs. #1-Arlene Blencowe (15-8)

Flyweight Bout: #1-Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-5)

Bantamweight?World Grand Prix Bout: #2-Patchy Mix (15-1) vs. #5-Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

Fri. April 22 // BELLATOR MMA 278 // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu

Sat. April 23 // BELLATOR MMA 279: Pettis vs. Stots / Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2 // Neal S. Blaisdell Arena // Honolulu

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR MMA 280: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR MMA 281: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant Paramount, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

Rolling on the exciting momentum of two sold-out events there in the past two months, Salita Promotions will return to the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI, on Saturday April 2, 2022, for another fantastic Detroit Brawl event.

In the main event this time will be 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).

In the main supporting bouts will be a pair of world-class contenders, as undefeated former amateur star 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 against separate opponents, while undefeated Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur star Joshua “Double J” Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) will appear in four-round special attraction.

Kerefov will take on divisional gatekeeper 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.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $40 and can be purchased by clicking HERE or by calling or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn on the day of the event. 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).

Born in Mexico and raised in Detroit, DeLeon began boxing in the famed Kronk Gym where he developed a strong bond with the late Emanuel Steward. As an amateur, DeLeon (19-0-1, 11 KO) was a three-time national Golden Gloves champion in three different weight classes and a leading contender to make the 2012 USA Olympic Team before a shoulder injury derailed his dream. He elected to turn professional instead in 2012.

Over his past six fights, DeLeon has gone 5-0-1 against opponents with a combined 130-30 record. He followed up his 2018 draw with then 20-0 Andy Vences with two strong performances: a 10-round UD victory over Adrian Yung (25-4-2) and a seventh-round KO over Jose Luis Gallegos (16-5).

Out of action since 2019 because of a series of injuries before the pandemic brought a halt to the sport overall, De Leon says he’s excited to be back in business.

“It feels great being the main event, knowing all my fans will be there cheering me on. I’m excited to showcase my skills, that I’ve worked so hard since a young boy!” said a happy De Leon. “I’m very excited to be coming back, the time off will not stop me from getting a world title for the city of Detroit. I will win, because if my hunger and I want to dedicate this fight to my beautiful cousin Evelyn Garza, who just passed away 2 days ago!

Blessed with excellent hand and foot speed and the fast-twitch reflexes that only come from a lifetime in the sport, Kerefov was a highly decorated amateur boxer, winning several important tournaments and 298 of his 310 unpaid fights. Designated a Master of Sports, he fought at the elite level internationally for nearly a decade.

“I have been training in Florida and learning under the tutelage of Sugarhill Steward,” said Kerefov during a break in training. “I look forward to showcasing my skills and coming one step closer to a world title shot.”

Now working with highly regarded trainer and former champion John David Jackson, Ali Izmailov is a true blue-chip light heavyweight prospect. In his two-year pro boxing career, Izmailov is already world rated and has held the WBO Global Championship. The 28-year-old Izmailov is a former amateur standout, having competed in multiple elite international tournaments. Widely regarded as one of the hardest punchers in the division, Izmailov stands 5? 11½? with a muscular frame, strong punching power, deceptive quickness and a very sturdy defense, Izmailov is a punishing counter puncher with anvil fists who brutalizes opponents into submission.

“I love my activity, staying busy in the ring and learning with trainer John David Jackson,” said an energized Izmailov. “This will be my third fight in seven months. What I learn in the gym, I put to work in the ring. I made my USA debut in Detroit and look forward to backing it up with another impressive performance.”

A smooth boxer with a mean streak, 21-year-old Grand Rapids, Michigan-based 2021 USA National Amateur Welterweight Champion Pagan started boxing at age 13, had approximately 90 fights as an amateur, culminating in winning three State Golden Gloves Championships and the USA national Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“Training is going good,” explained Pagan. “We are currently in Fort Lauderdale about to start a mini camp. We’re hoping to get some great sparring in preparation for our next bout, and we are prepared for the challenge, hard work and dedication it takes.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita, who’s never made a secret of his mission to revive the sport in The Motor City, says he’s happy to be bringing another world-class show to Detroit for the fans who have gotten behind the series.

“I look forward to another exciting Detroit Brawl event that will feature local, national and international world class talent,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Detroit is America’s Greatest comeback City, and, in due time, I have confidence that this series will produce elite world champions from home and abroad. This will be an exciting show from bell to bell.”

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.

London, England – (March 9, 2022) – A key clash for the British cruiserweight division will headline the BOXXER Fight Night taking place Saturday, March 26 at OVO Wembley Arena as Richard ‘The Midnight Train’ Riakporhe (13-0, 9 KO’s) faces rising threat Deion Jumah (14-0, 7 KO’s).

Previously scheduled to face different opponents on the March 26 card, the London cruiserweight rivals are now on collision course following the withdrawal of Fabio Turchi and Mikael Lawal due to injuries sustained in training.

Two undefeated records are on the line in this huge clash of cruiserweights in the capital city. More importantly, Riakporhe is on track for world title contention in 2022 – a win here would be a career breakout for Jumah and open the door to big opportunities. 

“The Midnight Train is on a roll and I’m not letting anything stop me in my tracks. I’m pulling into Wembley Arena once again on March 26 and I’m coming with all the smoke. This one is going to be a treat for the fans,” said Riakporhe.

“I’d actually been watching Riakporhe online a couple of weeks ago. We have all the tools needed to pick Richard apart and stop him – and this is what’s happening on the 26th. I’ve seen loads of weaknesses in him and loads of flaws,” said Jumah.

“Fans will see why I’ve been the most avoided fighter on these shores for so long. They will see that some fighters just need their opportunity. They’ll see why I’ve been saying I’m the best cruiserweight in the country for so many years. This is my time now!”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said, “Richard Riakporhe has shown great progress from fight to fight and he’s on track to secure a world title shot this year. With Turchi pulling out I think it says a lot about his character that he’s willing to take on an unbeaten domestic test like Deion Jumah. It’s a great fight for the fans and it’s a challenge Riakporhe must overcome to achieve his dreams and fulfil his potential.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said “Richard Riakporhe is really gathering momentum as he climbs the cruiserweight ladder and now his brilliant story takes a twist. With Fabio Turchi out, in steps the undefeated and dangerous British southpaw Deion Jumah for a really intriguing fight night live on Sky Sports on March 26th.” 

Also announced for the March 26 card today is British Light-Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KO’s), who will make his first defence of the belt he won by stopping former champion Hosea Burton in November.

Prior to the headline and chief support bouts, Olympic medallist and Team GB captain Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) takes the next step of his professional journey and looks to pick up his second win when he faces Spanish power-puncher Gabriel Enguema (10-12, 6 KO’s).

Clarke’s fellow Olympian Caroline Dubois (1-0) will join him at Wembley for her second professional contest, having successfully entered the pro ranks with an emphatic win in Cardiff last month.  Younger sister of Daniel Dubois, Caroline won numerous plaudits as a 37-3 amateur and has the potential to become one of the faces of the women’s sport worldwide.

Lightning-fast lightweight Adam Azim (3-0, 2 KO’s) – one of the top prospects in British boxing today – faces Conor Marsden, while his brother Hassan Azim (2-0, 1 KO) – equally highly regarded – has a four-round contest in the welterweight division. 

Former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Chris ‘2 Slick’ Kongo (12-1, 7 KO’s) aims to get back into world title contention this year and signed a multi-fight promotional deal with BOXXER earlier this year in pursuit of that aim.

Trained by renowned coach Ben Davison, who counts Undisputed World Super-Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor among his stable, Kongo will be kicking off his world title campaign on this card. 

Ben Davison will also be in the corner of London heavyweight Jeamie TKV as he makes his professional debut against Luke Batstone. TKV’s highly-decorated amateur career included tenure as the Southern Area Heavyweight Champion and English Heavyweight Champion plus a silver medal at the 2019 African Games.

Southampton’s Joe Pigford (18-0, 17 KO’s) – owner of some of the heaviest hands in British boxing – seeks to add yet another stoppage win to his unbelievable record when he faces Argentina’s Guido Pitto (27-9, 8 KO’s). Pigford presently has 94% of his victories by way of KO or TKO. 

The 18-year-old Team England amateur standout Jimmy Lee – winner of eight national titles and a European gold medal – makes his professional debut in a lightweight contest against Luke Merrifield after ending his amateur career with a 94% win ratio (47-3).

A key clash in the English welterweight division sees Louis Greene (13-2, 7 KO’s) face off with Harry Scarff (10-2, 3 KO’s).

Opening the card will be Anthony Joshua’s female prospect Shannon Ryan. Joshua signed the super-flyweight to his 258 MGMT agency recently and intends to guide her to world champion status in the coming years.

Tickets for this event are on sale now at BOXXER.com

London, England – (March 9, 2021) British Light-Heavyweight Champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez (15-0, 10 KO’s) has signed an exclusive long-term promotional deal with BOXXER and will defend his title at OVO Wembley Arena on Saturday, March 26, live on Sky Sports.

The undefeated London man will be making his first defence of the belt he won in November with a career-best performance which resulted in a seventh-round stoppage of former champion Hosea Burton.

Having won the Southern Area title and English title in 2019, November’s win entered Azeez into the record books in November as the first British boxer in the light-heavyweight division to have won the trio of domestic titles.

Azeez boxed for Essex University while studying a Finance & Accounting degree and turned professional in 2017 after an exemplary amateur career in which he captured the Haringey Box Cup, Odivelas Box Cup and reached the National Finals of the South of England ABAs.

With 10 of his 15 wins by way of knockout, he has a growing reputation as a boxer who marries a cerebral boxing game with raw power and aggression, capable of boxing tactically or engaging in close-range firefights as required. 

“I’m delighted to be signing with BOXXER and fighting on Sky Sports. I believe I’ve earned my place to showcase my skills on this great platform. I’m looking forward to defending my British title on March 26 as I continue my journey to reach the pinnacle of the sport and become a world champion,” said Azeez.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said “Dan Azeez has fought the hard way to the top of the pyramid through Southern Area, English and British titles. He is an inspiring personality with a great boxing style. We are delighted to secure his signing after his last outing against Hosea Burton, where he became one of the most talked about light heavyweights in the country.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said, “We are delighted that Dan Azeez has signed for our flourishing promotional partners at Boxxer and will be joining the March 26 card at Wembley. Dan has a fabulous story and we are really excited about his ascent in the light-heavyweight division!”

BOXXER Fight Night takes place Saturday, March 26 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London and airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports. 

Tickets are on sale now via Boxxer.com

Philadelphia (March 8, 2022)–A full eight-bout lineup is set for a big night of action that will take place This Saturday night as Hard Hitting Promotions presents a night of championship boxing at Live! Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

In the mouth watering main event, undefeated Christian Tapia (13-0, 12 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico takes on Luis Lebron (18-2-1, 11 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a 10-round showdown for the WBC Super Featherweight Title.

Tapia of Coamo, Puerto Rico, has an impressive record of 13-0 with 12 knockouts. The 27 year-old is a five year veteran who has stopped his last eight adversaries. On July 31, 2021, Tapia won the NABA Super Featherweight title with a 2nd round demolition over former world-ranked contender Mason Menard (36-5). In his last bout, Tapia took out previously undefeated and highly regarded Iron Alvarez (14-0) in the 10th and final round on December 4, 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In that fight, Tapia dominated the previously undefeated Alvarez, as he was up on all cards with Alvarez barely winning a round, before Tapia ended the fight in the 10th.

Lebron of San Juan, Puerto Rico is 18-2-1 with 11 knockouts. The 28 year-old Lebron is a nine-year veteran has wins over Glenford Nickey (2-0-1), Pedro Marquez Medina (1-0), Joshua Santos (2-0-1), Manuel Botis (23-0-1), Alan Guzman (19-3), Luis Ruiz (9-1) and his last bout when he stopped Frank Diaz (9-0) in the 7th round to win the WBA Fedecento Super Featherweight title on November 20, 2021 in Miami, Florida.

In the eight-round welterweight co-feature, Brandon Pizarro of Philadelphia takes on Vitor Jones Freitas.

Still just 22 years-old, Pizarro has a record of 16-1-1 with nine knockouts. Pizarro turned pro at age 17 and won his first eight-bouts and is unbeaten in his last nine and is coming off a first-round stoppage over DeWayne Wisdom on February 12, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.

Freitas of Salvador, Brazil, has a record 16-6 with 10 knockouts. The 28 year-old Freitas is a 10 year-professional, is the nephew of former two-division and four-time world champion, Acelino “Popo” Freitas. Vitor won his first 13 bout, and is coming off a loss to undefeated Nestor Bravo on December 4th in Atlantic City.

In six-round bouts:

Dezmond Lucas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Bronx, NY takes on Ryan Pino (10-7-2, 5 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico in a welterweight fight.

Jan Carlos Rivera (4-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Michael Ogundo (16-13, 13 KOs) of Quincy, Massachusetts in a super lightweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Jeffrey Villanueva of Allentown, PA makes his pro debut against Juan Gutierrez of Emallie, Nicaragua in a super flyweight bout.

Brandon O’Callaghan (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squabbles with pro debuting Derrick Vann of Philadelphia in a middleweight fight.

Anthony Ramirez (0-1) of Philadelphia takes on Cesar Espinel Maldonado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico in a welterweight bout.

Demek Edmonds (4-0, 3 KOs) of Quincy, Massachusetts tangles with Rafael de Souza (0-1) of Salvador, Brazil in a cruiserweight battle.

Tickets are on sale for $150, $100, $75 and $60 and can be purchased at
https://www.axs.com/events/426183/hard-hitting-boxing-tickets?fbclid=IwAR1nYuwIbH0v0Wi4e_WUelHqjbRmK1FZ-nDJdcbRWCQNqji4_jp2F68FD6c&q=Boxing

The show will be streamed on Facebook Pay-Per-View on the Hard Hitting Promotions Page

PLANT CITY, Florida (March 8, 2022): Following a stacked event in front of a sold-out crowd in February, ProBox Promotions looks to continue its momentum as Mohamed “The Problem” Mimoune (22-4, 3 KOs) battles super lightweight Cesar “Rainman” Francis (9-0, 6 KOs) in a ten-round headline attraction on Friday, March 25.

The card unfolds at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Some of the best ascending talent in the game today will be in the spotlight. Details on which ProBox prospects are gloving up that night, as well as streaming information, will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Mimoune vs. Francis are on sale now, priced at $75, $100, $125, $150, $200 and $250, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at TicketLeap.com or by clicking here.

Mimoune is a crafty southpaw who fights under the Roy Jones Jr. Promotions banner. His last time out, in February 2020, Mimoune fought for the WBC International super lightweight crown, one of various regional titles the Frenchman fought for since starting his pro career in 2010. The 34-year-old understands he needs to shine in order to get a world title opportunity before time runs out.

“I am in a super-good mindset currently,” said Mimoune. “I’m focused on the fight and determined. I’m looking forward to being in the ring. The only information that I have on my foe is the fact that he’s undefeated so far. If you haven’t seen me, I’m a fighter who gives everything in the ring.”

“I’m looking for a great fight from Mimoune and Francis,” said Jones Jr. “Mohamed has been there for a minute. I’m happy to see him get another opportunity because he’s been robbed a few times. The opponent is a very good opponent. It’s a great fight between two guys. To me, it’s fifty-fifty!”

Francis, a Brooklyn resident from Panama, had a career-best win his last time out. In October 2021, “The Rainman” defeated unbeaten Jose Roman at Barclays Center. The 31-year-old Francis has remained undefeated since turning pro in 2017 and plans to remain so following this step-up faceoff.

“I was gratefully humbled by the opportunity to be in the main event,” said Francis. “You can place me in any slot on any show, and everyone will remember and enjoy my performance. I need challenges. Mimoune is a man with two hands that’s coming to fight, and that’s all I need to know.”

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Mimoune vs. Francis is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by ProBox Promotions. The event takes place Friday, March 25 at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. Streaming information will be announced shortly.

About ProBox Promotions
ProBox Promotions is a Florida-based company founded by entrepreneur Garry Jonas out of a desire to combine his love of boxing with business marketing to develop a revolutionary way to promote the sport. The company boasts an impressive stable of fighters that includes Erickson Lubin, Najee Lopez, Casey Dixon, Julio Solis, the Valle Brothers Marques and Dominic, and more.

Tampa, FL (March 8, 2022) – Yamaguchi Falcao will meet heavy-handed Argentine Damian Bonelli for the vacant WBA NABA Gold super middleweight championship Saturday, March 26 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

The ten round Falcao-Bonelli bout airs live on the Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV.

The card is promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions and tickets are on sale now at cariberoyale.com/boxing.

Representing his native Brazil and currently residing in Florida, Falcao’s an outstanding 20-1-1 with 9 of his wins coming by knockout. On February 19, the skilled southpaw destroyed once-beaten Fernando Farias in less than two rounds. A 2012 Olympic bronze medalist, Falcao has his sights set on facing the world’s best 168 pound fighters if all goes as planned against Bonelli.

Known as “El Pollero,” 20 of Bonelli’s 24 victories are via knockout. The Buenos Aires native faced a number of contenders including Maciej Sulecki, Steve Rolls, Magomed Kurbanov, Carlos Gongora, Derrieck Cuevas and Fiodor Czerkaszyn, who were a combined 112-0-1 at the time. On December 4 2020, Bonelli defeated the aforementioned Cuevas (23-0) and is confident he’ll emerge victorious against Falcao.

“This is a great platform for Yama to showcase his skills to fans watching around the world,” said Falcao’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Yama looked great his last fight and is fighting more aggressively but Bonelli’s a tough fighter that’s been in with outstanding opposition. This is the type of fight we need to win in impressive fashion.”

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

London, England – 8 March 2022 – Top prospect Shannon Ryan will make her professional debut on Saturday 26th March on the BOXXER Fight Night at the OVO Arena Wembley, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

Managed by former World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua under his banner 258 Management, the Watford hot shot is well versed in combat sports with an extensive career starting in kickboxing when she was five years old, winning multiple international tournaments and culminating in two WAKO titles and recognised as the World’s best at her weight.  Ryan was then given a place on the Team GB Taekwondo squad.

Searching for a new challenge, Ryan then channelled her focus towards using her fists and found boxing where as an amateur she excelled in winning the 2019 Women’s Winter Box Cup and 2018 Alliance Boxing Champion while winning silver at the 2020 London Championships.

Now Ryan is set for professional ranks and the dream of becoming a World Champion.  She will be trained by Gevon Archilbald and will compete in the super-flyweight division.

Ryan said “I am excited to be working with a supportive team (258MGT) that will help me establish myself within the boxing industry, the goal is to inspire and motivate the next generation.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, said, “I’m looking forward to seeing Shannon’s pro debut on March 26 and she is another great female talent to watch out for.”

Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director at 258 MGT, said, “Shannon has been working really hard in the background and we are pleased to be able to get her this opportunity on Sky and we are confident she will grab it with both hands.”

PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 7, 2022) – Rising prospect, welterweight VeShawn Champion (2-0, 1 KO), who is advised by the legendary Freeway Rick Ross, will make his 2022 debut against DeAngelo Cunningham (1-2), on March 25, 2022, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The scheduled four-round bout is being promoted by Rodney Rice of RDR Promotions.

“It is exciting to be back in action especially under the Team Freeway Boxing banner,” stated VeShawn Champion, who hails from Dayton, Ohio. “I’m excited to be fighting in Philly as I’ve been training here with Jaron “Boots” Ennis for the last couple of weeks. His father and trainer, Bozy Ennis, is also my head coach. Together we’ve been giving each other great sparring and I’m getting better each day. Training with the Ennis family, who are elite, has elevated my game. I’m ready to put forth a great performance and show everyone what I’m about.”

Champion turned heads in his last bout as he stopped undefeated prospect Rashad Killpatrick by way of a third-round technical knockout. The bout was a massive upset by many people’s standards and laid the groundwork for Champion to get strong backing in the sport.

“My last fight showed my heart, and it showed I have what it takes to be what my last name says, a world champion,” continued VeShawn. “Many joke with me that my nickname is ‘world’ champion, and I plan on doing just that, becoming a world champion.”

“We have big plans for VeShawn, and I know he’s in great shape going into this fight,” said Freeway Rick Ross, who advises Champion. “All the great work he’s been getting with “Boots” and his father Bozy has him fully prepared for war. Bozy is an excellent trainer and he’s got VeShawn looking like a monster. Together we are going to bring a lot of attention to this event. We have many fans that will be there to support him.”

ORANGE, CA (March 7, 2022) – Thompson Boxing’s unbeaten lightweight contender, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (27-0, 25 KOs), who is known for his explosive power and exciting fights, now has the chance of a lifetime as he faces former world champion Jezzrel Corrales (25-4, 10 KOs), in WBA lightweight title eliminator. The 12-round bout will take place at the Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City, Panama on March 12, 2022, on a “KO to Drugs” event hosted by the WBA.

The 23-year-old Madueño is looking to change his life forever as a win would put him in line to be a mandatory challenger for the WBA lightweight world champion, which is currently held by George Kambosos Jr. (20-0, 10 KOs), one of the biggest names in the sport.

“I want to thank my promoter Thompson Boxing for guiding my career in such a great way,” said Madueño, who is currently riding a 13-fight knockout streak. “They provided a way to get in me in a position to display my skills to the world. This is my moment, and I will raise to the occasion as I want to be Thompson Boxing’s next great world champion.”

“We have always believed in Miguel since we signed him, and this is what we love doing, putting fighters in the best position possible,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing. “Miguel is a true force in the lightweight division, and we are excited about getting him to a point in which the world can watch all of his fights against the top stars of the sport!”

“This is a great opportunity for Madueño, but we can’t overlook the opponent as he is a former world champion and the toughest fighter Miguel has ever faced,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager. “Madueño’s future could be bright but he has a tough test on the 12th that he must pass and we have all the confidence he is ready for the task.”

Philadelphia (March 7, 2022)–Hard Hitting Promotions has announced the signing of featherweight Avery Sparrow.

Sparrow of Philadelphia, has a record of 11-3 with four knockouts. The 28 year-old Sparrow has been a professional for eight-years and is known for his ability to rise to occasion against top competition.

“We are excited to add Avery to our roster. He is a very talented fighter, and can beat anyone in the 126 and 130 pound divisions. He has shown he is willing to fight anyone, and now with Hard Hitting Promotions behind him, Avery will get put in position to get important and meaningful fights on his way for him to fight for a world title. He is just 28 years-old and despite having just 14 fights, he has a ton of experience and success against high quality opponents,” said Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions.

“It’s a wonderful experience to sign with Hard Hitting Promotions. They are doing a lot of shows. With me on his roster, and the things that I am trying to accomplish, It is a good fit for the both of us and we can help catapult each other to do major things in the sport. I am looking to get back in the ring sometime in April,” said Sparrow.

Sparrow turned professional on July 29, 2014 with a four-round decision over Antoine knight. Sparrow has gained wins over Anthony Burgin (10-2), Isaelin Florian Henriquez (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1) and former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1). In his last bout, Sparrow stopped Matt Conway (20-2) in 10-rounds to win IBA World and Pennsylvania Super Featherweight titles on January 15th in Conway’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

Sparrow’s next fight will be announced shortly.

Another sold-out crowd of raucous Motown boxing fans showed up for Salita Promotions’ latest Detroit Brawl event last Saturday night (March 5, 2022) and despite a controversial ending to the heavyweight main event, the successful card saw several exciting matchups go down in the Motor City.

Fighting in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, MI, heavyweights Robert Simms (11-3-1, 3 KOs) and undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) saw their main event end with controversy, as an accidental foul forced an abrupt end to the bout.

After fighting evenly for the first two rounds, Simms turned his head during the action, just in time to catch two heavy shots from Johnson in the back of the head, unintentionally. After receiving the dangerous foul, Saginaw’s Simms fell to the mat for an extended period and was eventually ruled unable to continue.

Referee Gerard White and the Michigan Commission correctly ruled that because three rounds had not been completed, state rules mandate the fight be ruled a technical draw at 31 seconds of round three.

In the night’s co-main event, super middleweight Winfred “Hot Boy” Harris Jr. (22-1-1, 10 KOs) managed to get by a determined effort and the veteran tricks of proven spoiler Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson (22-24-3, 7 KOs) and win their fight by unanimous eight-round decision (scores: 79-73, 78-74 and 79-73).

Detroit’s Harris and Riverside, California’s Johnson waged an entertaining battle with Harris getting the better, but Johnson’s toughness and 50 fights worth of guile keeping things interesting throughout.

Both men had their moments in this “closer than the scorecards” affair, with Harris doing the slightly better work.

WBC #10- and IBF #9-ranked super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin put on an impressive performance in his battle against Ecuadorian trialhorse Jeyson “Verdugo” Minda, dropping Minda thrice and eventually notching a TKO victory at the 1:38 mark of the sixth round of a bout scheduled for eight.

With Tyson Fury trainer SugarHill Steward guiding him in the corner, Shishkin looked surprisingly sharp in his return from nearly a year of pandemic-induced inactivity.

Controlling the ring center with authority, Shishkin (13-0, 8 KOs) dropped Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) in the fourth with a right, again with a left in the fifth and finally released the finishing barrage that forced him to the floor for the third time and provoked referee Frank Garza to wave off the action.

Heading for bigger things in the near future, Shishkin suffered a minor cut to his right eye, that ruled to have been from an accidental head butt.

Intimidating Super Welterweight crusher Marlon “The Savage” Harrington (7-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit stayed unbeaten by stopping Uruguayan opponent Andres Viera (11-5, 8 KOs) at the 44 second mark of the second round.

With his characteristic savagery, Harrington tore into the outgunned South American and finally dropped him early in the second round. Upon rising, Viera indicated he’d had enough of the stone fists of Harrington, who looks to be headed for better things.

Fan from Dearborn got to enjoy one of their own in action, and super welterweight Husam Al Mashhadi (3-0, 3 KOs) gave them what they came for by stopping opponent, Devin Garrett (0-1) with an extended barrage of unanswered punches that culminated in a stoppage victory for Al Mashhadi at the 53-second mark of the opening round.

In other action, heavyweight Vernon Webber (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro debut by 36-second knockout over a hapless Luke Sills (0-1). Despite the fight’s short duration, Webber scored two knockdowns over Sills before ending the one-sided pummeling.

In the opening bout of the night, unbeaten Detroit middleweight Gordie Russ II (4-0, 4 KOs) easily took out opponent Jarrell Murray (0-4) of Iowa in 58 seconds of the first round.

Promoter Salita, who was hosting his 17th show in the area, says he’s very pleased with the overall event and says he’ll be back again next month for another rocking Detroit Brawl.

“I am grateful we had an exciting night of boxing with an enthusiastic crowd,” said Salita. “As we enter the post COVID era and fans once again can enjoy live boxing, we plan to use the momentum to keep growing world-class professional boxing with the help of the talented boxers, trainers, Detroit gyms and most importantly the fans.”

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.

NEW YORK (March 7, 2022) – Split-T Management fighters were impressive with four big victories over the weekend.

On Friday night, junior welterweight Rolando Vargas scored an explosive stoppage over Jerrell Hodge in Columbus, Ohio.

Vargas buckled Hodge with a big left hook. Vargas followed up with a booming right that put Hodge down and out and the fight was stopped.

With the win, Vargas, a Milwaukee native improves to 7-1 with seven knockouts.

WATCH VARGAS KNOCKOUT
Rolando Vargas 1st round stoppage over Jerrell Hodge

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right. But that was the only blemish for the 26 year-old Martinez as he used his superior boxing skills to repeatedly land solid punches throughout the contest.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Martinez is a former United States National Ama

6’9? Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1
Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the class of 2022. The 2022 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place during the 10^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^Ô this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Khabib is one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in professional sports,” UFC President Dana White said. “No one dominated their opponents that way Khabib did, and to retire undefeated, as lightweight champion and the #1 pound-for-pound athlete in the world is an incredible accomplishment. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Nurmagomedov will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019) and Georges St-Pierre (2020) in this distinguished category. The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35 or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 29 fights during his 12-year career, Nurmagomedov compiled a perfect record of 29-0 (13-0, UFC), securing notable victories over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut at UFC^® on FX: GUILLARD vs. MILLER on January 20, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee, submitting Kamal Shalorus via rear-naked choke. Khabib would defeat his next eight opponents, winning all 24 rounds in his first nine bouts before earning his shot at the vacant UFC lightweight title against Al Iaquinta at UFC 223.

UFC^® 223: KHABIB vs. IAQUINTA took place on April 7, 2018, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to face former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson, but Ferguson was pulled due to a knee injury on April 1. Ferguson was replaced by former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, but Holloway was pulled on April 6 due to medical reasons. Iaquinta was installed as Holloway’s replacement less than 24 hours from the event, with Khabib winning all five rounds to become UFC lightweight champion.

Khabib would return to the Octagon^® five months later to face former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC^® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR. A sellout crowd of 20,034 watched Nurmagomedov defeat McGregor via fourth round submission. The highly anticipated matchup between Khabib and Conor would set the Nevada state records highest attendance and live gate ($17.2 million) of an MMA event in history.

After a year off following UFC 229, Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon on September 7, 2019, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the main event unification bout of UFC^® 242: KHABIB vs. POIRIER. Taking place at The Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this event marked UFC’s third trip to Abu Dhabi and first since 2014. Khabib would secure his second successful title defense by defeating Poirier via third round submission.

Nurmagomedov would return to Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2020, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in the main event unification fight of UFC^® 254: KHABIB vs. GAETHJE. This event would mark Khabib’s first training camp since the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, earlier that year. He would control the first round and defeat Justin via submission in the second round, re-unifying the lightweight title. He retired inside the Octagon during his post-fight interview.

During his Hall of Fame career, Khabib split his training between his home gym in Dagestan and the Javier Mendez-led American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Calif. He is one of several former UFC champions to train at AKA under Mendez.

Nurmagomedov enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

• 4 title fight wins – Tied for most in UFC lightweight division history

• 12 lightweight division wins – Tied for longest winning streak in UFC lightweight division history

• 13 consecutive wins – Tied for 3^rd longest winning streak in UFC history (2012-20)

• 21 takedowns – Most takedowns in a single UFC bout (vs. Abel Trujillo – UFC 160)

• 59 takedowns – Second-most in UFC lightweight division history

• 54.6% – Third highest control time percentage in lightweight UFC history

• 1:29:08 – Third-most control time in lightweight UFC history

• 1:04:28 – Third-most top position time in lightweight UFC history

• 88 significant ground strikes – Fourth-most landed in a single UFC bout (vs. Michael Johnson – UFC 205)

Outside the Octagon, Khabib was honored with numerous awards during his career, such as being acknowledged by ESPN with the ESPY Award for Best MMA Fighter (2021), UFC Honors Submission of the Year (2020), BBC Sports World Sport Star of the Year (2020), and World MMA Awards International Fighter of the Year (2016). He was also named Best Sportsman in Russia by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center in 2020.

In 2019, he and father, Abdulmanap, were recognized with the “For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan”. Presented by Vladimir Vasilyev, then-Head of the Republic of Dagestan, this award serves as the highest meritorious order awarded by the Dagestani government for exemplary service and significant contributions to sports in Dagestan.

In 2019, Nurmagomedov added author to his list of accomplishments when his autobiography entitled, “KhabibTime” was published LitRes. Written with Zaur Kurbanov, “KhabibTime” documents Khabib’s childhood in Dagestan and his rise to become a UFC champion.

Since retiring from MMA competition, Khabib has served as a coach for several UFC athletes, including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov. Nurmagomedov has also become an MMA promoter since retiring, serving as owner of Eagle Fighting Championship.

A native of Sildi, Dagestan, Russia, Nurmagomedov began wrestling as a child under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap. Khabib trained in wrestling, judo and sambo, becoming a two-time (2009-10) Combat Sambo World Champion and European Pankration Champion before competing in mixed martial arts.

To view Khabib’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/9609.

Additional inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
 
Anthony Herrera 118.6lbs    vs.     Jose Toribio 118.2lbs
(Los Angeles)                                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
6 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Skye Nicholson 129lbs vs.     Jessica Juarez 129lbs
(Queensland, Australia)                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super Middleweight contest
 
Diego Pacheco 170lbs           vs.     Genc Pllana 171lbs
(Los Angeles)                                   (Hagertown, Maryland)
 
Live on DAZN from 5.30pm PT
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title
 
Souleymane Cissokho 153.8lbs     vs.     Roberto Valenzuela Jr. 154lbs
(Saint-Denis, France)                                (Sonora, Mexico)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Lightweight contest
 
Angel Fierro 134.6lbs  vs.     Juan Carlos Burgos 134.2lbs
(Tijuana, Mexico)                   (Tijuana, Mexico)                  
 
Followed by
 
Mauricio Lara 126lbs   vs.     Emilio Sanchez 126lbs
(Mexico City, Mexico)           (Pacoima, California)
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC Diamond Super-Flyweight championship
 
Roman Gonzalez 114.8lbs    vs.     Julio Cesar Martinez 116.4lbs*
(Managua, Nicaragua)                    (Mexico City, Mexico)
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super Lightweight contest
 
Fernando Angel Molina 139.6lbs  vs.     Angel Aispuro 139.8lbs
(Guadalajara, Mexico)                              (Sinaloa, Mexico)
 
*Martinez failed to make the championship limit at the second attempt, title only on the line for Gonzalez.

In a battle of former world champions, Jesus Ramirez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight with Ramirez looking to push forward, while Pedraza was getting in good work while working off the back foot and countering. In round, nine, the right eye of Pedraza began to swell.

Ramirez landed 133 of 554 punches; Pedraza was 110 of 586.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Avenal, CA won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 27-1. Pedraza140 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-4.

Ramirez said, “Jose Pedraza is a smart, experienced fighter. He was going to find a way to survive and put up a fight. He was there boxing towards the end of the fight.  My hat’s off to him and his team. He was well-prepared. It was a great fight. I got to see where I am right now.

“I’m going to go back, work and stay focused and stay active. That’s one thing that’s affected me these last couple of years. I’ve trained so many times for a little bit of fights. My inactivity, my discouragement throughout training camps, it really took a big toll on me. I’m ready to stay active and stay motivated. There’s a lot of really great fighters coming up to 140. There’s a lot of really good fighters at 140 right now.”

Torrez Jr. stops Melson in 2

2021 U.S. Olympic Silver Medal winner, Richard Torrez Jr. made a successful pro debut as he stopped Allen Melson in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout

In round one, Torrez dropped Melson in the corner with a little combination. Melson’s nose began to bleed. Torrez began to bleed badly over his left eye from a clash of heads. In round two, Torrez dropped Melson with a straight left. the fight ended when Torrez dropped Melson with a left after a furious exchange, and the fight was stopped at 1:23.

Torrez, 228.2 lbs of Tulure, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Melson, 201.8 lbs of Alabama is 6-4.

Torrez said, “After the cut, I knew I had to get back to basics, and that’s what I did. I made sure to avoid additional head clashes, and I got the job done in the second.
 
“Sure, the cut is frustrating, but I’m not going to let it ruin the celebration. What a night. It was everything I’d hoped it would be.
 
“I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to make a good first impression, especially in front of my home fans. They brought the energy, and I fed off the energy they gave me. The Central Valley is home, and I am proud to represent my people.”

Gonzalez stops Santisima in 9

Joet Gonzalez stopped Jeo Santisima in round nine of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout of former world title challengers.

In round eight, Samtisima started to swell under his right eye. In round nine, Gonzalez landed a couple of right hands and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Gonzalez, 125.8 lbs of Glendora, CA is now 25-2 with 15 knockouts. Santisima, 125.2 lbs of the Philippines is 21-4.

Gabriel Flores Jr. gutted out a 10-round majority decision over Abraham Montoya in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores looked good early, but seemed to tire in the middle rounds and started eating flush punches. Flores was better in the final frame.

Flores landed 177 of 503 punches; Montoya was 174 of 597.

Flores, 131.6 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 21-1. Montoya, 131.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 20-3-1.

Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras fought to an eight-round split draw in a lightweight bout.

Tanajara won a card 78-84, Contreras took a card 77-75 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Tanajara, 135 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 19-1-1. Contreras, 134.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 11-1-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Aelio Medquita in round two of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Seconds into the bout, Balderas landed a big right hand that sent Mesquita down for a knockdown. Towards the end of the round, it was another right that sent Mesquita to the deck for a 2nd time. In round two, Balderas landed another right sent Mesquita down and the fight was over at 38 seconds.

Balderas, 134.2 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 12-1 with 11 knockouts. Mesquita, 131.2 lbs of Guajua, BRA is 20-7-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over previously undefeated Johnny Bernal in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bernal with a hard right and followed up with another hard right that sent Bernal into the ropes for a knockdown. Sheehy hurt Bernal again with a left hook. Sheehy then landed a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Bernal, 135 lbs of Denver, CO is 2-1.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1

Moses Johnson 259 lbs. VS. Robert Simms 260 lbs.
Winfred Harris Jr. 166.6 lbs. VS. Dashon Johnson 167.6 lbs.
Husam Al Mashhadi 156.4 lbs. vs. Devin Garrett 156.6 lbs.
Vladimir Shishkin 171 lbs. vs. Jeyson Minda 172 lbs.
Marlon Harrington 153 lbs. vs. Andres Viera 150.6 lbs.
Vernon Webber 220.2 lbs. vs. Luke Sills 213.4 lbs.
Gordie Russ II 169 lbs. vs. Jarrell Murray 170.4 lbs.

Promoter: Salita Promotions
Venue: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, MI

Tickets: Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 and can be purchased by clicking HERE or by calling or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. 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).

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

ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

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

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

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 4, 2022) – Prince Ranch Boxings’ undefeated featherweight prospect, Ricky “El Castigo” Medina (12-0, 6 KOs), will make his 2022 debut on March 12, 2022, against his toughest challenge to date, Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), as the two will do battle in San Antonio, Texas at The Scottish Rite Theatre. Medina vs. Frausto, a scheduled 8-round main event bout, is promoted by TMB Promotions.

“I am excited to be in an eight-round main event bout against such a quality opponent,” said Medina. “The goal is to face world class fighters, and this is a Texas feud that I am sure the fans will be excited about. We’re more than ready to take on the best, and this is a step in that direction against a great opponent.”

“Medina packs the house and we’re excited to see him take the nest step toward the world title contender picture” said Medina’s manager Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His promoter Rick Morones has brought Medina along nicely, and now we’re looking at this as a great test for him. If he gets by Fausto, then we’re ready for any-and-all competition. The goal is to get a regional title by the end of the year.”

“Medina has built himself up as a huge Texas draw, and now we’re seeing it pay off,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “We’re expecting a packed house with fans who have been on this journey with him from the very beginning. Fans can expect something special as Medina has endeared himself to the local crowd and market. He has a true fan base here. Everyone is San Antonio should come out and enjoy a great night of boxing.”

Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $70 (Lower Level), and $100 (Ringside) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio TX 78205. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight starts at 7:30 P.M.

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022) – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).

Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title-holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.

“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated super welterweight.

“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.

Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.

Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.

Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo

“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.

GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 160 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 50 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 25 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).