NEW YORK, NY – January 23, 2024 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the full card and special broadcaster for Most Valuable Prospects V, the first prospects event of 2024, taking place on Friday, February 2 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL available globally on DAZN subscription. Most Valuable Prospects V, headlined by H20 Sylve (10-0, 9KOs) vs. Estivan Falcao (13-2, 7KOs) for the WBC Youth World Championship and presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, will feature super lightweights Orestes Velazquez (8-0, 7KOs) vs. Julian “The Quiet Storm” Smith (7-2, 5KOs) for the WBA International Title. Famed Filipino fighter Ninito Donaire will also join the event as an analyst and expert commentator, bringing his significant experience, success, and signature “flash” to the DAZN broadcast team. 

Tickets for Most Valuable Prospects V are available now via Ticketmaster. 

H2O Sylve and Estivan Falcao will headline Most Valuable Prospects V with a 10-round lightweight bout on Friday, February 2nd, for the WBC Youth World Championship. The 19-year-old phenom Sylve returns to the ring for his very first 10-round fight against Brazil’s Falcao. This fight marks a step up in class for Sylve, after his victory over Adam Kipenga, and his thrilling knockout of veteran William Silva on the Paul vs. Diaz card in August of 2023. With six years of professional fighting under his belt, Falcao will prove a challenge after back to back wins in 2023.

The highly anticipated WBA International Title super lightweight battle between Orestes Velazquez and Julian Smith will take place over ten rounds. Velazquez (8-0, 7KOs), from Cuba, triumphed over Mohamed Soumaoro in September of last year for the WBA International Super Lightweight title with a TKO in the eight round. The Las Vegas-based fighter gained this win six months after going the distance with Marcelino Lopez on the Benavidez-Caleb Plant undercard in Las Vegas, NV, in March of 2023. The inspirational Illinois native Smith (7-2, 5KOs), who is deaf, is a Chicago Golden Gloves champion and will be making his third appearance in the prospects series, where he most recently defeated Julio Rosa (8-3, 4KOs), by majority decision (59-55, 57-57, 60-54). Smith found out he won via sign language and celebrated his hard-fought victory with a heartfelt moment where his mom joined him in the ring.

Rounding out Most Valuable Prospects V will be lightweight undefeated Florida natives Benigno Aguilar (13-2-0, 7KOs) and Corey Marksman (8-0) as they battle over six rounds, and Maricela Cornejo (14-6, 5KOs) will take on Kandi Wyatt (10-4, 3KOs) in a welterweight bout across eight rounds. Cornejo fought Claressa Shields in June of 2023, with only two weeks’ notice before the bout. Despite the short notice, Cornejo took Shields the distance, ultimately losing via unanimous decision. Cornejo has decided to take a new path toward becoming a world champion, competing at welterweight, with Most Valuable Prospects marking only her second fight in this class. 

Providing commentary on these fights will be Nonito Donaire, the former boxing champion in four weight classes from flyweight to featherweight, and the oldest boxer in history to win a bantamweight world title – while being the first three-time champion in that weight class. Donaire also holds the distinction of gaining world championships in three consecutive decades, and is the sixth boxer to do so alongside legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Serving as analyst and expert commentator, Donaire will bring his incredible and unique POV to the DAZN broadcast team alongside Wade Plemons, Dan Canobbio and Sibley Scoles, and to fans around the world. The full card will be offered globally via DAZN subscription.

“In May of 2023, I headlined MVP’s very first Most Valuable Prospects event, and now I’m battling for the WBC Youth World Championship less than a year later. It’s an honor to come back to Orlando and represent the series for a second time,” said H20 Sylve. “Most Valuable Prospects has provided so many fighters – myself included – with a platform and opportunity in this sport and I’m looking forward to headlining for a second time. Thank you to MVP, Boxlab, Caribe, and DAZN for the opportunity and make sure to tune in on Friday, February 2nd to watch me give the WBC Youth World Championship belt a new home.”

“Most Valuable Prospects was introduced last year, and since that time we’ve provided up and coming fighters with a platform to display their skills and build their names. We couldn’t be more excited by this first installment of 2024, where we’ll see MVP phenom H20 Sylve battle Estivan Falcao for the WBC Youth World Championship in H20’s first 10-round bout, and Orestes Velazquez and Julian Smith fight for the WBA International Title,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “It’ll also be a big night and test for Maricela Cornejo, as she forges her path towards becoming world champion at welterweight against Kandi Wyatt, an important bout which continues Most Valuable Promotions’ support of women’s boxing. It’s truly a card created for the fans, and another great representation for Most Valuable Prospects. Thank you to DAZN, Boxlab, Caribe Royale Resort, and CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy for another year of partnership.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and promoted by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed globally by DAZN. The fifth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2024. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of Most Valuable Promotions and the Most Valuable Prospects series. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

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About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? 

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.?

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DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to a ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.   

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.??

An action-packed Spring schedule is in store for fight fans this year with Matchroom Boxing delighted to announce its upcoming events through to April, shown exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. 
 
Matchroom return to the Utilita Arena Sheffield for a huge night of boxing on Saturday March 23 as the Steel City’s fast-rising Super-Lightweight contender Dalton Smith (15-0, 11 KOs) steps up against the USA’s three-time World Title challenger Jose Zepeda ( 37-4, 28 KOs) and Derby’s WBO Welterweight World Champion Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs) puts her gold on the line against Denaby Main’s two-division World Champion Terri Harper (14-1-2, 6 KOs) in a huge domestic clash. 
 
‘Thunder’ reinforced his credentials as a future World Champion last time out by sensationally wiping out Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell with a vicious one-punch knockout in the seventh round of their meeting in Sheffield to add the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Title to his British Title that he has now won outright. 
 
California’s Zepeda has twice challenged for world honours at Super-Lightweight – falling short on points against Jose Carlos Ramirez for the WBC crown in 2019 before suffering an eleventh-round stoppage against Regis Prograis for the same title in November 2022. In his only previous visit to the UK Zepeda suffered a dislocated left shoulder during his challenge for the vacant WBO Lightweight World Title against Manchester’s Terry Flanagan. 
 
WBO 147lbs ruler Ryan will be looking to bounce back from a controversial split decision draw against WBC and WBA World Champion Jessica McCaskill in Orlando last September. Ryan was left bitterly disappointed following her World Title unification clash having felt she did enough to earn a career-best win. Harper was also left frustrated after her draw with Cecilia Braekhus last October but the 27-year-old now has the opportunity to claim a World Title in a third weight division following her success at Super-Featherweight and Super-Welterweight. Also on the card, Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (14-0, 5 KOs) goes for his first title when he meets Doncaster’s James Flint (13-1-2, 3 KOs) for the Central Area Super-Lightweight Title.
 
Two of the USA’s brightest emerging stars are out to impress at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Saturday April 6. New York Super-Lightweight ace Richardson Hitchins (17-0, 7 KOs) looks to build on his shutout points win over Jose Zepeda at the Caribe Royal Orlando last September when he takes on Argentina’s Gustavo Daniel Lemos (29-0, 19 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF World Title, and destructive Super-Middleweight powerhouse Diego Pacheco (20-0, 17 KOs) is aiming to extend his nine-fight knockout streak when he meets Colorado’s unbeaten Shawn McCalman (15-0, 7 KOs).
 
Manchester’s AO Arena plays host to an exciting domestic clash between Super-Featherweight rivals Jordan Gill (28-2-1, 9 KOs) and Zelfa Barrett (30-2, 16 KOs) on Saturday April 13, with World Title action on the undercard as Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (9-0, 1 KO) looks to win her first World Title when she takes on Argentina’s Karen Elizabeth Carabajal (21-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO 140lbs crown.
 
Chatteris’ Gill, a former European and Commonwealth Champion at Featherweight, stunned Irish hero Michael Conlan with a seventh-round stoppage win on away territory at the SSE Arena Belfast last month and immediately called for a World Title shot in his post-fight interview. Standing in ‘The Thrill’s’ way of a dream World Title shot is Manchester’s former World Title challenger Barrett, and the 30-year-old ‘Brown Flash’ has further World Title aspirations of his own having come up short against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the IBF title in Abu Dhabi. 
 
Liverpool Super-Bantamweight Peter McGrail (8-1, 5 KOs) gets an immediate shot at redemption when he rematches Detroit’s Ja’Rico O’Quinn (17-1-1, 9 KOs) at the top of a NXTGEN card on home soil at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Saturday April 27. The former amateur star was cruising to a wide points decision on the Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards card in Arizona, USA last month when O’Quinn finished his opponent with a brutal right hand in the fifth round.  
 
“The big fights keep coming and I’m delighted to confirm a bumper schedule across March and April,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Four big fight nights across the pond featuring huge domestic World Title clashes, some of the best emerging talent in boxing and make or break rematches – not forgetting ‘Knockout Chaos’ with AJ vs. Ngannou on March 8 in Riyadh. There’s still plenty more to come as we gear up for an exciting year. I can’t wait to get a huge 2024 underway this week in Belfast with Lewis Crocker vs. Jose Felix at Ulster Hall before we head out to Las Vegas for the return of Conor Benn. Watch all of the action live on DAZN.”
 
“There are some fantastic matchups in this run of shows,” said Alfie Sharman VP of DAZN. “Featuring World Champions, future stars and domestic dust ups, DAZN are excited to update our schedule through April – with more shows to be added. 2024 is a huge year for us and we look forward to bringing you all the action exclusively live on DAZN.”
 
Announcements on ticket details and further undercard additions will be made in the coming weeks.

By Mario Ortega –

Proud to carry on the boxing rich tradition of his hometown Salinas, California, promising bantamweight Andrew Rodriguez will make his stateside debut just an hour’s drive up the road at the Guildhouse in San Jose on Tuesday, January 30th. The four-round bout will be featured as part of the initial Tuesday Night Fights broadcast presented by streaming service BLK Prime. 

Having turned professional in Mexico, Rodriguez (2-0, 1 KO) will not only be introducing himself to a national audience when he takes on Gabriel Ponce (5-4-1, 3 KOs) at the end of this month, but for many of his family and friends, the four-round contest will be their first chance to see “Superfly” fight live and in-person. 

Despite having just the two pro bouts under his belt, Rodriguez is in many ways a veteran of the ring, having taken up the sport while still in elementary school. As a youngster years ago, Rodriguez was inspired by the fistic success of his godbrother, current featherweight contender Ruben Villa. After watching Villa, six years his senior, compete, Rodriguez knew he wanted to give the sport of boxing a try. 

“He’s one of the main reasons why I have gone into boxing,” Rodriguez says of Villa. “I have always been around boxing because of him. I remember telling my dad this is something I want to do, and he was like, ‘Are you sure?’ And I said, ‘yes.’ That next week, I believe, we went to the gym he was at at that time. I trained with him for that week and at the end my dad asked me if this is something that I still want to do. I had fallen in love with the sport right then. After that, I got into my first sparring session and then from there on it was just history.” 

Before long, Rodriguez was writing his own name down in the pages of Salinas boxing history. As a 12-year-old, Rodriguez was already making waves on the national level in 2016. At the Junior Olympic National Championships in Dallas, Texas, Rodriguez claimed the silver medal. “That was one of my first tournaments fighting consecutively, day-after-day,” recalls Rodriguez. “That was a great experience for me.” 

Shortly after the tournament in Dallas, Rodriguez would go on to win his division in one of the biggest youth boxing tournaments in the country, the National Junior Golden Gloves in Mesquite, Nevada. For many fighters that achieve that level of success, the goal would soon become to make the U.S. Olympic squad or to go on to claim another national title. Rodriguez would end up taking a different path. 

“I took a break and stopped, so I’ll never know how big I could have got in the amateurs,” explains Rodriguez. “Everything happens for a reason and I think it was just me being more social in my personal life. I was making the change from elementary to middle school and I feel that is the time that people test the waters with new crowds. At the time, I felt I was burnt out and it was time to take a step back. For a while I didn’t want anything to do with boxing and I had no intentions to come back to boxing. But I would see all these kids that I would beat or I would train with in a good position in their careers and I would think I could be right there right now. That threw a little fire in me. So I thought maybe I should give it a try again.”

Even though Rodriguez gained a great level of success early in his amateur career, the Salinas native always believed he would be better suited to fight as a professional. “My big plan was always making it to the pros,” says Rodriguez. “I was never really an amateur type of guy. I feel the style I have is more of a pro style, more so than an amateur style. I did fight a couple more times in the amateurs, but that was more just to get the ring rust off. My main goal was always to become a pro and hopefully get a world title sooner or later.” 

A driving force in Rodriguez’ career has been his father Andres, who has trained him from the very beginning. It would take more than one chapter of a boxing history book to outline the successful father-son duos the sport has produced. For every success story, there are, of course, several more tandems whose story did not end as well. However, everything appears to be on track for the Rodriguez family. 

“We have a great relationship,” explains Rodriguez. “When my dad and I are in sync, I feel that there is no one that can stop us. Obviously we are going to bump heads here and there, that is only natural. But regardless, I know he only wants what is best for me and I know that is all he wants for me.” 

Ruben Villa, the same fighter that inspired Rodriguez to first pick up a pair of boxing gloves those years back, continues to be one of the key figures in his fighting career in the present day. 

“He plays a major role in my career,” Rodriguez says of Villa. “He is still my mentor to this day. Anytime I have questions or anytime I feel I need to express myself about boxing, I go to him. He will always give me advice and he never shies away. Now that I am older, I am able to train with him. Even today we are going to spar and I will get some rounds in with him.”

Villa (21-1, 7 KOs) has made the fighting town of Salinas proud, with the only blemish on his resume coming in the form of a highly-competitive decision defeat in a world title bout against the fearsome puncher Emanuel Navarette. 

“Just from him being from the same town, and not just for me, but I feel for a lot of people, he has shown that hard work will go a long way and that you should follow your dreams,” explains Rodriguez. “He only has that one loss and he never let that get the best of him. He didn’t shy away from the sport after that. He just kept training hard and right now he has a deal with Top Rank, so that just goes to show that hard work will always eventually pay off.” 

Rodriguez hopes to join Villa as a role model of success for those that follow them from their hometown. “Salinas has a good history in boxing and I am trying to help keep that going,” explains Rodriguez. “I want to show that if I can do it, anybody else can do it. I’ve had ups and downs in my life already and there are more ups and downs to come, but if I can make it through them, anybody can. That is the thing I am trying to portray to my family, my cousin and all the kids that look up to me.”

Rodriguez had been lined up to make his United States debut on several occasions over the last year. After winning his pro debut in Rosarito, Mexico in February and scoring his first knockout in Tijuana in April, Rodriguez saw California fights fall apart in July, November, December and earlier this month. On January 30th in San Jose, Rodriguez is ready to put on a show for his local supporters. 

“I would like to thank everyone that is supporting me, because without them I would not be where I am,” says Rodriguez. “I appreciate all their love and support. I know that they have been waiting to see me fight and, God willing, I will put on a great performance like I want to. I just want to show them that all this hard work has been put to good use. For the last about three years I have been perfecting my craft and now I am ready to make a statement. I am not in a rush, but I am ready to show my skills and I have been ready for a while now.” 

Tickets for the event, promoted by BLK Prime Boxing, are available online at eventcreate.com/e/tnfblkprime

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

NEW YORK (January 22, 2024) – Newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, rising Irish star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs), returns to action this Saturday night (Jan. 27) at Ulster Hall in Belfast to make his first title defense against Williams Andres Herrera (15-2, 6 KOs) in a 10-round fight streaming live on DAZN.

Donovan, who celebrated his 25^th birthday this past January 10^th, has also cracked the world ratings at No. 13 in the WBA, the result of his sensational fourth-round stoppage of English welterweight champion Danny Ball (13-2-1, 6 KOs) last November 25^th in Dublin on a DAZN pay-per-view headlined by the Irish superstar Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron rematch.

?“I’m going into this fight with a new belt and ranked 13^th in the world,” fan favorite Donovan said. “I’m really hungry to just keep getting fights to keep shining on big stages. I love fighting, I love being the center of attention. I want to be world champion in the next 12 to 15 months. I’m building my resume under WBA sanctioning and Eimantas Stanionis (14-0, 9 KOs), from Lithuania, is the WBA Welterweight Champion. So, I’ve got my eye on him.”   

Fighting out of his native Argentina, Herrera is a 27-year-old former International Boxing Federation (IBF) Latino Super Welterweight Champion, whose 12-fight win streak was snapped in his last fight by way of a 10-round unanimous decision to Josh Wagner (16-0).

“Paddy has trained extremely hard for this fight and he’s really maturing into a world-class professional boxer,” Donovan’s head trainer Andy Lee added. “Watching his skills improve each day and also seeing how intelligent he is in the ring leads me to believe this will be another star performance from Paddy.”

Former world middleweight champion Lee also co-manages Donovan with New York City-based lawyer Keith Sullivan.

“We believe Paddy has the skill, talent and hunger to be a world champion,” Sullivan commented. “More importantly, he has the willingness to continue learning and developing under Andy’s meticulous training style.”

Donovan is using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland, Pieta House. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pieta Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide. “If I can get somebody to call that number and change their life,” Donovan believes, “I think my deed is done on this earth.” 

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

NEW YORK (January 22, 2024) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated bantamweight contender Johanna “Wonder” Wonyou.

Wonyou will be co-managed by boxing’s premier manager for female fighters Brian Cohen and Block One Sports.

“Johanna is a terrific young fighter who has a ton of talent and is a major player in the bantamweight division. In her last bout she dominated an undefeated fighter in her opponent’s hometown. She has been the most avoided fighter in the division, but we (along with Block One Sports) expect to have her in title contention very soon, and we expect her to be a terrific fighter for a long time.” said Cohen

Wonyou, 23 years-old of London, England via France, was a Youth Amateur Gold Medal Winner and three-time French Amatuer champion.

Wonyou has a record of 9-0 with two knockouts.

Wonyou is a four-year professional who already is a major player in the bantamweight division.

Wonyou already has two wins over Wendellin Cruz. Cruz was undefeated at 5-0-1 before the first fight.

On March 12.2023, Wonyou captured the Commonwealth Boxing Council Bantamweight Title with a fourth round stoppage over Egine Kayange in Kent, England. In her last outing, Wonyou captured the European Bantamweight title with a 10-round shutout over previously undefeated Simona Salvatori (8-0) on May 5, 2023 in Lazio, England.

(Jan. 22, 2024) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan, ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning organizations, returns in the 10-round main event this Thursday, Jan. 25 against Argentine veteran Billi Facundo Godoy at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada.

In the 10-round light heavyweight co-feature, unbeaten Venezuelan Alberto Ramirez takes on hard-hitting Ukrainian Artur Ziyatdinov.

Promoted by Eye of The Tiger, Bazinyan-Godoy, Ramirez-Ziyatdinov, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Bazinyan (31-0, 22 KOs) is a 10-year pro who has spent the majority of his pro career in Canada after moving from Armenia at 16. He made his U.S. debut with a decision win over Alan Campa in May 2019 and followed up with a third-round stoppage victory against Saul Roman that December. Last year, Bazinyan scored decision wins over Alantez Fox in February and Jose de Jesus Macias in June before defeating Ronald Ellis via sixth-round TKO in October. Godoy (41-7, 20 KOs), who has fought world title challenger John Ryder and eventual world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri, looks to extend his winning streak to four.

Ramirez (17-0, 15 KOs) notched a first-round TKO win against Jacob Dickson to capture the WBO Global cruiserweight title last January. He returned to light heavyweight with wins over Ricardo Adrian Luna in May and Gilbert Castillo Rivera in September. Ziyatdinov (15-1, 12 KOs) has only one blemish on his record, a decision loss to Gasan Gasanov in 2020. The Uzbekistan-born standout has since tallied three TKO wins.

In other streaming action from Montreal:

Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 KOs) vs. Marcos Barraza (23-3, 11 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Welterweights

Mary Spencer (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Sonya Dreiling (6-3, 2 KOs), 10 Rounds, Junior Middleweights 

Avery Martin Duval (10-0-1, 6 KOs) vs. Jesus Gomez Adorno (6-0, 2 KOs), 8 Rounds, Junior Lightweights

Jhon Orobio (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Juan Carlos Garcia (5-4, 3 KOs), 6 Rounds, Lightweights

Wilkens Mathieu (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Ivans Levickis (36-44, 22 KOs), 6 Rounds, Super Middleweights

Moreno Fendero (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Ricardo Lara (22-11-2, 10 KOs), 4 Rounds, Middleweights

Philadelphia, PA (January 22, 2024) — This Saturday Night, RDR Promotions opens up its new year with a massive 14-fight card at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

In the main event, undefeated welterweight Isaiah Johnson takes on Sebastian Gabriel Chaves in a six-round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 8-0 with six knockouts from Sicklerville, New Jersey is starting his third professional year and is coming off a third round stoppage over Marquis Hawthorne on May 27th in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

Chaves of Buenos Aires, Argentina has a record of 5-7 with two knockouts. The 29 year-old is a six-year professional. Chaves has a win over Dorian Maidana (5-0). Chaves is coming off a loss to Greg Outlaw on November 10, 2023 in Philadelphia.

In another co-feature bout, undefeated Devon Lee of Las Vegas will take on veteran Rondale Hubbert in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Lee, 29 years-old is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Now a eight-year veteran is coming off a five year ring hiatus as his previous ring appearance took place on September 7, 2019 with a first round stoppage over Abel Sepulveda in Tijuana, Mexico.

Hubbert of Duluth, Minnesota is 15-27-5 with nine knockouts. The 35 year-old Hubbert is a 12 year-pro with wins over Winston Anderson (4-0) and RJ Lasse (12-1). In his last outing, Hubbert lost a decision to Joseph Fernandez on November 18, 2023 in Tampa, Florida.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Erron Peterson (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Christopher Arguello (2-15-1, 2 KOs) of Colorado Springs in a middleweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Pryce Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn will take on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain (2-1, 2 KOs) of Union City, NJ fights Callan Harley (0-2) in a welterweight bout.

Eliezer Olmeda (4-4) of Gloucester, NJ takes on Donte Turner (3-2, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis in a welterweight fight.

Hakeem Harmon (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Jalique Holden (5-0, 4 KOs) of Wilmington, DE squares off with Jacob Ray (0-3) of Covington, Kentucky in a junior lightweight contest.

Keith Jackson Jr. of Gloucester, NJ will make his pro debut against Tyler Nystrom (0-1) of Superior, Wisconsin in a middleweight bout.

Dante Selby (3-4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA fights Dominique Mayfield (3-1) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight battle.

Devin Price (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ will fight Dieumerci Nzau (11-16, 8 KOs) of Silver Spring, MD in a junior welterweight bout.

Steve Cunningham Jr, (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsburgh, PA will fight an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight contest.

Josh Aarons (0-3) of Williamsport, PA boxes Edwin Cortes (4-0) of Millville, NJ in a bantamweight contest.

Tickets are $65, $75, $100 and $130 and can be purchased at rdrboxing@yahoo.com

By Mario Ortega Jr. (ringside)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Light heavyweight Tony Hernandez sent his local following home happy as he scored a workmanlike six-round unanimous decision over veteran Ramon Ayala to cap an eight-bout card at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Sacramento on Saturday night. 

Hernandez (6-3-1, 4 KOs) of Yuba City, California controlled the ring and outworked the more experienced Ayala (25-10-1, 13 KOs) of San Francisco Acuautla, Estado de Mexico, Mexico over the six rounds. 

The only real hiccup Hernandez, 172.3, encountered in the bout was when he was warned by referee Edward Collantes for a low blow early in the third. The stray punch sent Ayala, 172, down in pain and prompted a brief time-out. 

When action resumed, Hernandez continued to make the fight. Ayala, who turned professional nearly 18-years-ago, was more apt to showboat at times than to press the action in an attempt to win the rounds.

In the end, Hernandez claimed a shutout on the scorecards of ringside judges David Hartman and Mike Rinaldi, 60-54, while Michael Margado scored the bout 59-55. 

Former amateur star Steve Johnson Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of San Francisco, California was just too much of everything for Phillip Ramirez (0-3) of Sacramento, scoring a first-round knockout in his professional debut. 

The beginning of the end came when Johnson, 124.1, landed with a clean left uppercut that sent Ramirez, 125, backing away. Soon thereafter Johnson landed a two-punch combination that concluded with a crisp left hook that sent Ramirez to a knee. Referee David Hartman waved it off at 1:50 of round one. Johnson announced to the crowd that he will be back in the ring on April 26th. 

In a battle of attrition, Islam Abdusamadov (2-0, 1 KO) of Santa Clara, California by way of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia hung on to score a four-round unanimous decision over Juan Meza Moreno (4-5, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, California.

Abdusamadov, 154.5, was the puncher in the fight, but as can sometimes happen when the puncher goes for a knockout that does not come, he punched himself out late and opened the door for a possible upset. 

Abdusamadov landed the harder punches from the outset, eventually dropping Moreno, 154.5, to the seat of his pants with a sweeping right hand just after the ten second warning at the end of the second round.

Moreno, without the power of his opponent, relied on his boxing skills and started to come on midway through the third stanza. After going for the kayo early, Abdusamadov looked drained by end of the third round. Moreno boxed well again in the fourth, occasionally absorbing something stiff from Abdusamadov in return. 

In the end, the knockdown Abdusamadov scored in the second was the difference in the scoring. All three judges; Mike Rinaldi, David Hartman and Edward Collantes scored the bout 38-37 for Abdusamadov. 

Undefeated lightweight prospect Kevin Montano (5-0, 3 KOs) of Concord, California stopped short-notice opponent David Minter (3-3, 3 KOs) of Lincoln, California in the second round of a bout contested just under the welterweight limit. 

Montano, 146, came out aggressively to start the second round. Ultimately, a flurry along the ropes punctuated by a short right dropped Minter, 146, to a knee. As referee Edward Collantes began his count, Minter signaled that he had taken enough, prompting the stoppage at 1:06 of round two. 

Victor Guerrero (7-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Morgan Hill, California took a hard-fought four-round unanimous decision over Matthew Monroe (1-2) of Sacramento. 

Guerrero, 161, made his right hand the difference in the bout. Both fighters landed clean to close out the first round, but when Guerrero, 161, would land clean with his right, it just sounded different. Monroe, 158.1, had his moments in the fight, but never enough to sway the judges to tally one in his column. Guerrero swept the cards of Edward Collantes, David Hartman and Mike Rinaldi, 40-36. 

Julian Bridges (4-0, 2 KOs) of Antioch, California scored a four-round shutout decision over a game Miguel Soto-Garcia (0-2) of Fresno, California by way of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico.

Soto-Garcia, 147, proved to be a durable and willing foe, but Bridges, 147, carried the rounds with his higher output and effective aggression. All three judges; Michael Margado, David Hartman and Mike Rinaldi, scored all four acts for Bridges, 40-36. 

In the curtain raiser, David Reyes (2-1, 1 KO) of Fresno scored a third-round stoppage of Cmaje Ramseur (2-3-1, 1 KO) of Elk Grove, California.

Reyes, 134, outworked and outlanded Ramseur, 134.2, from the early stages of the bout. After banking the first two rounds on the cards, Reyes forced Ramseur to the ropes with a flurry early in the third. Ramseur’s corner did not like what they were seeing and threw in the towel. Referee David Hartman acquiesced and stopped the contest 58 seconds into the third.

In an amateur bout, Madeline Day of Roseville, California bested Shanne Ruelas of Fresno over three entertaining rounds en route to a three-round unanimous decision. 

Day, 154, was more technically sound and her conditioning held up better down the stretch. Ruelas, 154, was game and willing over the six minutes. All three judges Michael Margado, Edward Collantes and Mike Rinaldi scored the shutout for Day, 30-27. 

Upper Cut Promotions, promoter of Saturday’s event, will return to the Gold Country Casino Resort in Oroville, California on April 26th. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC lightweight champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2024. The 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Frankie Edgar is one of the greatest athletes in UFC history,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Frankie had an amazing career and consistently fought the best athletes in the world across multiple weight classes for more than 15 years. He is a legend, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of International Fight Week this summer.”

Edgar will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining others in this distinguished category, including Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019), Georges St-Pierre (2020), Khabib Nurmagomedov (2022), Daniel Cormier (2022), Jose Aldo (2023) and Donald Cerrone (2023). 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 35 fights during his 17-year professional MMA career, Edgar compiled a record of 23-11-1, securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers BJ Penn, Urijah Faber, and Cub Swanson (Fight Wing), as well as notching wins against former WEC^® lightweight champion Hermes Franca, and former UFC lightweight champions Sean Sherk, Charles Oliveira, and Yair Rodriguez (interim). 

Edgar made his professional MMA debut in 2005, winning his first six fights across four MMA promotions before joining UFC.

Edgar made his UFC debut on February 3, 2007, on the prelims of UFC^® 67: ALL OR NOTHING, which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Edgar defeated Tyson Griffin via unanimous decision and earned his first “Fight of the Night” bonus during his debut inside the Octagon^®.

Following the victory in his debut, Edgar would win five of his next six fights inside the Octagon, including impressive wins over former WEC lightweight champion Hermes Franca, and former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, en route to earning a title shot against former UFC welterweight champion and then-UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn at UFC^® 112: INVINCIBLE.

UFC^® 112: INVINCIBLE, took place on April 10, 2010, and served as the mixed martial arts organization’s first-ever event in the Middle East. Edgar entered the fight as a +620 underdog against Penn, who recently broke the record for the most consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses in his most recent bout as the main event of UFC 107.

The co-main event matchup would go the distance, with Edgar pulling off the upset by winning on each of the judge’s scorecards. At the time, the win served as the largest championship underdog victory in UFC history (ranks 3^rd today). His victory would also earn a nominee for “Best Upset of the Year” at the 2010 ESPY Awards.

Edgar and Penn would meet in an immediate rematch four months later at UFC^® 118: EDGAR vs. PENN 2 at TD Garden in Boston. This fight card made history as the first UFC event held in Massachusetts. Edgar would defeat Penn via unanimous decision to retain the UFC lightweight title.

His next title defense would come against a familiar opponent, Gray Maynard, at UFC^® 125: RESOLUTION. Maynard had defeated Edgar via unanimous decision in 2008, which served as his first loss as a professional.

UFC^® 125: RESOLUTION, took place on January 1, 2011, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Edgar and Maynard fought a close match for five rounds with the fight ending in a split draw. The fight marked only the second time in UFC history that a title fight ended in a draw and is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fights in history. The two would meet for a trilogy fight in the main event of UFC^® 136: EDGAR vs. MAYNARD 3, with Edgar defeating Gray via KO in the fourth round.

In 2012, Edgar fought former WEC^® and UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson in consecutive events (UFC 144 / UFC 150) with the title on the line, before moving to featherweight to face champion Jose Aldo for the title in the main event of UFC 156. Edgar would lose his bid for the featherweight title but remained a contender in the division.

Over the next nine years, Edgar would compete in 16 bouts across the bantamweight, lightweight, and featherweight divisions, fighting in a rematch with Jose Aldo for the interim featherweight title at UFC 200 and the featherweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 240, respectively. He retired in November 2022 after a loss to Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281.

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

UFC:

• Second in total Octagon fight time in UFC history – 7:57:10 (1^st at time of retirement)

• Tied for second-most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history – 8

• Third-most significant strikes landed in UFC history – 1,801 (2^nd at time of retirement)

• Sixth in takedowns landed in UFC history – 73 (4^th at time of retirement)

• Sixth in championship fight time in UFC history – 3:38:54

UFC lightweight division:

• Best significant strike defense in UFC lightweight history – 71.8%

Outside the Octagon, Frankie has been honored with several awards during his career, receiving Fight of the Year honors in 2011 by the Fighters Only World MMA Awards for his bout against Gray Maynard (UFC 125) and Fight of the Year honors in 2012 by ESPN for his championship match against Benson Henderson (UFC 144).

A native of Toms River, New Jersey, Edgar began wrestling at Toms River High School East. Following high school, he continued to wrestle at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, qualifying for the NCAA Division I Nationals each year. He resides in Toms River with his wife, Renee, and their three children.

To view Edgar’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/20312

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 UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

In a war, and early Fight of the Year candidate Natasha Jonas won a 10-round split-decision over former 130-lb champion Mikaela Mayer to defend the IBF welterweight title in 10 exhilarating rounds at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

The bout saw both fighters basically exchange power punches in the center of the ring. Mayer, who fighting in her fourth weight class in as many fights could not miss with a radar right hand. Jonas, who had swelling under her right eye landed hard straight lefts and solid right hooks.

The fight was a thrilling affair that either combatant deserved to win, saw Jonas take two cards 96-95 and 96-94, while Mayer won a card 97-93.

Jonas landed 126 of 312 punches. Mayer was 149 of 493.

Jonas, 146 lbs of Liverpool is 15-2-1. Mayer, 146.5 lbs of Las Vegas is now 19-2.

Jonas said, “I had a good start. I landed harder and cleaner shots. I think toward the end she outworked me a little. I’ll give her a couple of the middle rounds. But I came on strong at the end.

“I know she is going to be absolutely devastated with the result because I’ve been there. It feels like the world is over. She is on my top two people that I’ve fought. She is very skilled. Her time will come again. She beat a lot of the champions. Please use that as motivation to become a two-weight world champion.”

Mayer said, “I thought I did enough to win. I would have given her the first round or two. But after that, I feel like I outpunched her. I landed the cleaner shots. At the end of the day, I think that this fight is worth seeing again. Like she said, it was one of the toughest fights she’s had. I didn’t have a rematch clause on my side, but I’m hoping we can get this fight done again.

“It’s definitely disappointing. But what am I going to do? I just hope that Natasha will be the standup champ that she is and give me another shot at the belt. I feel like I deserve it. I think they want to see it. I only believe that rematches should happen if they’re warranted.”

Zak Chelli squeaked by Jack Cullen by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight bout,

In round three, Cullen was cut around his left eye.

Chelli landed 131 of 450 punches. Cullen was 66 of 371.

Chelli, 166.5 lbs of London won by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114 and is now 15-2-1. Cullen, 167.5 lbs of Little Leaver, ENG is 22-5-1.

Kariis Artingstall remained undefeated by winning an eight-round decision over Lila Dos Santos Furtatdo in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round one, Artingstall dropped Furtatdo with a straight left at the bell.

Artingstall, 124.5 lbs of Marklesfield, ENG won by a 77-75 tally and is now 6-0. Furtatdo, 124 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 9-2.

Stephen Clarke made a successful pro debut by stopping Vasif Mamedov in the third round of their four-round super middleweight fight.

Clarke was never challenged and in round three landed a series of punches that had Mamedov turning his back and referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 1:53.

Clarke, 160 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Mamedov, 166.5 lbs of Southhapmpton, ENG is 3-50-5.

Aaron McKenna remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over late-replacement Mickey Ellison in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight contest

Mckenna dominated te action and began to batter Ellison until referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout at 2:21

McKenna, 168 lbs of Los Angeles via Ireland is now 18-0 with nine knockouts. Ellison, 171 lbs of England is 15-7.

NEW YORK (January 20, 2024) – Undefeated middleweight prospect Andreas Katzourakis will be in action tonight when he takes on Corey Caad at The GSH Events Center in Houston.

Katzourakis, 26 years-old of Los Angeles via Athens, Greece is managed by Split-T Management and brings in a record of 11-0 with nine knockouts.

Katzourakis has been fighting quality competition on his way up and already has wins over Edward Brown (7-1), Rodrigo Octavio Gonzalez (5-1-2) and his last outing when he stopped Raphael Igbokwe (16-4) in eight-rounds on August 25th in Atlanta.

Caad of San Antonio is 5-5 with two knockouts.

By Mario Ortega Jr. –

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – Light heavyweight action fighter Tony Hernandez headlines a prospect-laden card as he takes on veteran Ramon Ayala in the main event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Sacramento on Saturday night. Fighters for the seven-bout card weighed-in early Friday afternoon at the host venue. 

Hernandez (5-3-1, 4 KOs) of Live Oak, California returns to the DoubleTree as he takes on an experienced gatekeeper Ayala (25-9-1, 13 KOs) of San Francisco Acuautla, Estado de Mexico, Mexico in a six-round light heavyweight clash. 

Hernandez, who weighed-in at 172.3-pounds on Friday, last fought in November in a majority draw against rugged Marco Delgado in Oroville, California. Ayala, who long ago was a super featherweight, scaled 172-pounds even. 

Undefeated prospect Kevin Montano (4-0, 2 KOs) of Concord, California will end a fifteen-month layoff when he meets local tough guy David Minter (3-2, 3 KOs) of Lincoln, California in a four-round welterweight bout. 

Montano may have been happier than most to see the calendar turn to 2024 as he saw his career stall last year due to fallouts and the cancellation of two entire events the week of his scheduled bouts. Montano, a Sacramento State graduate who now trains full-time out of the Capital City, had been slated to make his six-round debut before his original opponent was a late scratch. 

Minter is no stranger to the DoubleTree ring as he has fought his entire professional career at the hotel. The word “no” may not be in Minter’s vocabulary as he steps in on short notice to meet one of the top young fighters in the region for the second straight outing. Montano, who normally campaigns at lightweight, and Minter both scaled 146-pounds.

Victor Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada by way of Morgan Hill, California will take on Matthew Monroe (1-1) of Sacramento in a four-round middleweight bout. Guerrero, of the famed fighting family that put Gilroy, California on the boxing map, makes his United States debut on Saturday. Monroe, who scored his first professional victory with a hard-fought split decision over Marco Ortiz in November at light heavyweight, weighed-in at 158.1-pounds, while Guerrero came in at 161.

Islam Abdusamadov (1-0, 1 KO) of Santa Clara, California by way of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia will meet Juan Meza Moreno (4-4, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, California in a four-round light middleweight fight. Abdusamadov, a well-regarded amateur in his native Russia prior to turning pro, scaled 154.5-pounds. Moreno, who will be meeting his fifth consecutive opponent with no more than a single pro defeat, also weighed-in at at 154.5.

Julian Bridges (3-0, 2 KOs) of Antioch, California will take on Miguel Soto-Garcia (0-1) of Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico in a four-round welterweight bout. Bridges, returning to the DoubleTree ring where he scored his third pro victory, weighed-in at 147, as did Soto-Garcia. 

Former amateur standout Steve Johnson Jr. of San Francisco, California will make his highly anticipated professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout against Phillip Ramirez (0-2) of Sacramento. Johnson, who is now being trained by former world champion James Page, scaled 124.1-pounds. Ramirez, who has been matched tough his entire brief career, came in at 125.

Cmaje Ramseur (2-2-1, 1 KO) of Elk Grove, California will meet David Reyes (1-1) of Fresno, California in an evenly matched lightweight bout. Ramseur weighed-in at 134.2-pounds, while Reyes made 134 even.  

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Light heavyweights, 6 Rounds

Hernandez 172.3 

Ayala 172

Welterweights, 4 Rounds

Montano 146

Minter 146

Middleweights, 4 Rounds

Guerrero 161

Monroe 158.1

Light middleweights, 4 Rounds

Abdusamadov 154.5

Moreno 154.5

Welterweights, 4 Rounds

Bridges 147

Soto-Garcia 147

Featherweights, 4 Rounds

Johnson 124.1

Ramirez 125

Lightweights, 4 Rounds

Ramseur 134.2

Reyes 134

Tickets for the event, promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com or at the door. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

LIVERPOOL, UK (January 19, 2024) – Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer both made weight today ahead of their IBF World Welterweight Title showdown tomorrow night at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and ESPN+ in the USA.

Two-weight world champion Jonas makes the first defence of the IBF belt she captured last year, having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Welterweight Titles, while Mayer, the former IBF and WBO Unified World Super Featherweight Champion, looks to reclaim world honours as she moves up to challenge for Jonas’ welterweight crown.

Official weights from Liverpool:

10×2 mins – IBF World Welterweight Championship

Natasha Jonas – 10st 6lbs

Mikaela Mayer – 10st 6lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight Championship

Jack Cullen – 11st 13lbs 5oz

Zak Chelli – 11st 12lbs 5oz

8×2 mins – Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall – 8st 12lbs 5oz

Lila Dos Santos Furtado – 8st 12lbs

8×3 mins – Super Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna – 12st

Micky Ellison – 12st 3lbs

10×3 mins – English & Commonwealth Silver Super Middleweight Championship

Mark Jeffers – 11st 13lbs

Germaine Brown – 11st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

Jack Massey – 14st 8lbs

Steve Eloundou Ntere – 14st 5lbs

4×3 mins – Flyweight Contest

Mikie Tallon – 7st 13lbs

Adamu Yahaya – 8st 1lbs

4×3 mins Super Middleweight Contest

Ste Clarke – 11st 6lbs

Vasif Mamedov – 11st 12lbs 5oz

Watch Jonas vs Mayer live on Sky Sports Arena at 7pm and Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm with undercard fights available to watch live on Sky Sports Boxing’s YouTube channel from 5pm.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Integritas Property Group.

Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com

January 18, 2024 (Saudi Arabia): H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced an agreement has been reached between world renowned boxing promoters Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing which will see the promotional outfits face-off in an historic five-versus-five fight night.

H.E. Turki Alalshikh said: “This type of agreement is what boxing fans have been waiting for, as the best champions worldwide are going to be a part of the five-versus-five fight night. Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events.” And added: “These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the globe more unforgettable sports events”.

This unique collaboration will take place during Riyadh Calendar and promises a thrilling experience for boxing fans worldwide.

The date and fight card will be announced at a press conference during the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight week in March.

Frank Warren said: “We’ve always liked a challenge, and this is a mouthwatering one. I honestly think this is one of the most intriguing events you could think of in boxing. A proper event to find out whose stable is stronger. I’d like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who is really changing the game, like we said right at the start. He’s injected a new energy into the sport. This Queensberry vs Matchroom fight night encapsulates all of the elements you want in an event as a promoter: Rivalry, characters, history and competition. It’s time to settle the score, who’s getting the bragging rights?”

Eddie Hearn said: “For decades it has been the Hearns versus the Warrens. Matchroom versus Queensberry. It is without doubt the most storied rivalry in the Sport. Now, thanks to the unrivalled vision of His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, fight fans witnessed a handshake that broke the internet – and now they will see the world’s leading promoters going hammer and tong to settle a score for the ages. It’s the best against the best and this unprecedented night of boxing in Riyadh will live long in the memory.”

DETROIT – January 18, 2024 – Salita Promotions will launch the inaugural “Big Time Boxing USA” event streaming live on DAZN with an action-packed night of fights on Tuesday, February 20 headlined by a 10-round all-Michigan showdown as Flint’s Ardreal Holmes Jr. defends his USBA Super Welterweight Championship against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington topping a card from Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit.

February 20 will be the first “Big Time Boxing USA” event in a deal between Salita Promotions and DAZN to present a combination of talent development and championship cards. The live streaming action kicks off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten USBA Light Heavyweight Champion Ali Izmailov face Britton Norwood in a 10-round bout in the co-main event.

Action on DAZN will also feature a battle of unbeatens, as Grand Rapids-native and U.S. National Amateur Champion standout Joshua Pagan battles Detroit’s Dwane Taylor in an eight-round lightweight bout, plus undefeated Dearborn-native Da’Velle Smith competes in a six-round middleweight affair.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office. This will be the first boxing event at Wayne State Fieldhouse, the home to the Detroit Pistons’ G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, and comes after Salita Promotions delivered the first boxing event ever at Little Caesars Arena, the home of the Pistons, in June 2023.

“I’m very excited about the partnership with DAZN and the ability to promote our fighters to a worldwide audience,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “We are starting the “Big Time Boxing USA” series in one of boxing’s historic cities, which for decades was synonymous with the champions of Detroit, and at one of the city’s premier venues, the Wayne State Fieldhouse. I look forward to showcasing and developing boxing’s top talent in exciting matchups.”

“We are looking forward to working with Salita Promotions once again,” said Alfie Sharman, VP, DAZN. “With Dmitriy’s exciting stable, coupled with our best in class production and knowledge of the sport, we feel that together we can create something very special with these shows.”

Additional bouts on the undercard will see unbeaten Grand Rapids-native and USA Olympic Team Captain Joseph Hicks Jr. (9-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight contest, unbeaten WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Juan Carrillo (11-0, 8 KOs), coming off a win against fellow unbeaten Richard Vansiclen to face Florida’s Jose Cortes (10-4, 3 KOs) in an eight-round attraction and Mount Clemens’ Luis Quintero (7-0, 7 KOs) looking to stay unbeaten in a four-round super lightweight fight.

The 29-year-old Holmes Jr. (14-0, 5 KOs),  known in the ring as “Bossman,” is a 6’ 2” southpaw and 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate coming off a trio of impressive professional victories as his competition has increased. He earned 10-round unanimous decisions over Vernon Brown in 2022 and Ismael Villarreal in February 2023 before capturing his title in his most recent bout in June in Detroit. This outing saw Holmes emerge victorious via a technical decision over Wendy Toussaint, after a cut suffered by his opponent due to an accidental headbutt halted the fight in round eight.

“I’m thankful and very excited to be having my first title defense in my home state,” said Holmes. “The fans are going to be the winner on February 20, because this fight, and the whole card, are going to be action packed. I’m going to show all the fans in Detroit and watching on DAZN who the best guy at 154 pounds is. This performance is gonna put the whole division on notice.”

Trained in his hometown at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym, Harrington (10-1, 9 KOs) enters this fight off of back-to-back stoppage victories following a decision loss to Marquis Taylor in 2022. The 31-year-old dispatched of the previously unbeaten Gheith Karim in the first round in June, an impressive performance that he followed up by stopping veteran Ramses Agaton in round three in September.

“Training camp is in full swing and there’s no better way to start the year than to bring the title back home to Detroit,” said Harrington. “The fans can expect fireworks in this one. I’m coming to light up the ring for sure on February 20. Get your popcorn!”

Originally from Russia, residing in Detroit and trained in Miami with John David Jackson, Izmailov (11-0, 7 KOs) took another step toward contender status by picking up his belt with a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Charles Foster in June, establishing himself as a future force in the division. The 30-year-old owns two impressive victories in 2022, taking down previously unbeaten opponents Abraham Tebes and world rated Eric Murguia.

“My long-term goal is simple, to be the Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion,” said Izmailov. “I prepare seriously for every fight and I’m working hard with my trainer John David Jackson in Florida. I plan to showcase my skills and get one step closer to fighting the division’s best.”

Norwood (13-4-1, 10 KOs) will enter this matchup on a three-fight winning streak, including a first round knockout of the then once-beaten Nicolas Masseroni in April of last year. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Norwood has won seven of his last eight outings, including a decision over the previously unbeaten Andrei Odintsov in February 2020.

“I’m training with former world champion Joel Casamayor for this fight, and I believe that it’s going to be the difference on February 20,” said Norwood. “There’s only one reason I’m taking this fight, and that’s to step into the ring on fight night and take Izmailov’s head off and walk out of there with his belt.”

The 23-year-old Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) was prolific in 2023, earning five victories, including a third-round stoppage of previously unbeaten Ronnell Burnett in June. He began the move down to lightweight in his last bout as he shutout Braulio Rodriguez across six-rounds in October. Pagan won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis and followed that up by turning pro in January 2022.

Taylor (7-0, 7 KOs) has stopped every opponent he’s faced since turning pro in September 2021, and will step up in competition to challenge Pagan on February 20. All seven of Taylor’s wins have come in his hometown of Detroit, including his most recent triumph that saw him stop Carlo Nunez in two rounds last February.

Unbeaten since turning pro in 2021, Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) burst onto the scene by winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship with a first round knockout of Ricky Evans. The 23-year-old has continued his winning ways since then, picking up three triumphs in 2023. He stopped the previously unbeaten Kahydlian Woods and veterans Gyorgy Mizsei and Dedrick Bell last year as he hopes to launch himself into contender status in 2024.

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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. 

Montréal, Québec, Canada – 17 janvier 2024 — L’année 2024 marque la 20^e année de la fondation de Groupe Yvon Michel. Durant cette période GYM a organisé 171 événements, dont 72 au prestigieux et unique Cabaret du Casino de Montréal.  GYM a aussi présenté le nombre record de 57 combats de championnat du monde et a produit 8 champions du monde. Durant toute l’année 2024, GYM va célébrer !  À chaque événement, il y aura des cérémonies spéciales pour souligner ses accomplissements et ses anciens champions. Les détails seront publiés incessamment.

GYM a des projets pour présenter une année spectaculaire et fertile en émotions avec des boxeurs de chez nous. Déjà trois dates sont à l’affiche au Casino de Montréal; les 14 mars, 4 avril et 16 mai prochains.

Casino de Montréal, 14 mars, en vedette Mathieu Germain (23-2-1, 9 K.-O.)

C’est l’aspirant mondial et champion IBF Intercontinental des super-légers, Mathieu « G-Time » Germain qui sera la vedette principale du premier gala de GYM, le 14 mars au Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Germain qui détient le 9^e rang des aspirants à l’IBF a toujours l’ambition d’obtenir une opportunité de combattre en championnat du monde. Tant qu’il sera actif et victorieux, il sera en mesure d’améliorer sa position internationale et améliorer ses chances. Mathieu connaît une séquence de cinq gains consécutifs qui s’est amorcée avec une victoire sur Steve Claggett (37-7-2, 25 K.-O.), en mai 2021. Mathieu sera prêt pour les prochains défis : « C’est vraiment formidable de retourner au boulot et faire ce que je sais le mieux faire; boxer. Je cogne à la porte de gros combats, let’s go! »

Casino de Montréal, 4 avril, en vedette l’ex championne WBC Kim Clavel (17-2, 3 K.-O.)

Kim Clavel a été la pugiliste québécoise qui a connu les plus grandes émotions en 2023. Elle a livré trois combats de championnat du monde à ses quatre dernières présences sur le ring dont deux combats avec deux ceintures majeures à l’enjeu. Même si elle a échappé de justesse son dernier combat, elle demeure parmi les meilleures boxeuses au monde non seulement de sa division mais aussi de toutes catégories confondues. Le 4 avril, est un nouveau départ pour la native de Joliette qui renoue avec le Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, où elle a connu ses plus grands succès. Elle est actuellement, à Cuba, en camp d’entraînement, avec des entraîneurs de l’endroit et elle participe à des entraînements avec l’équipe nationale féminine de Cuba. « Le 4 avril, je serai de retour sur le ring » de dire la charismatique Kim. « Ma passion pour le sport y est toujours. Le chemin n’est pas toujours simple mais boxer c’est ce que j’aime, et boxer c’est ce que je vais faire. À bientôt, je retourne sous la chaleur de la Havane pour un autre entrainement. »  Son retour à Montréal est prévu pour le 12 février.

Casino de Montréal, 16 mai, en vedette Mazlum Akdeniz (19-0, 8 K.-O.)

Le champion de la WBC international des mi-moyens et invaincu en 19 combats professionnels. Mazlum Akdeniz, de Longueuil, veut poursuivre dans la même veine. Le gaucher de 26 ans vient de remporter un combat très émotif contre l’excellent Sébastien Bouchard de Québec, à son dernier combat. En 2024, il entend démontrer qu’il appartient à l’élite de la division. Mazlum qui est un protégé de Moe Latif du gymnase Ring 83 a également ouvert son propre gymnase de boxe à Longueuil. L’endroit est devenu populaire rapidement et les nouveaux adeptes de l’entraînement de boxe y sont nombreux. « J’ai vraiment hâte de remonter sur le ring du Casino le 16 mai prochain et je suis surtout heureux d’y faire la finale pour la troisième fois de ma carrière. Merci à Yvon et GYM de croire en moi et de me redonner cette opportunité. 2023 fut une belle année, 2024 sera encore meilleure. » de dire enthousiaste le longueuillois.

Marie-Pier Houle, Caroline Veyre, Derek Pomerleau, Abed El Safadi

Les adversaires des finalistes et les autres combats seront annoncés d’ici quelques jours, mais il est assuré que les aspirantes mondiales Marie-Pier Houle (9-1-1, 2 K.-O.), Caroline Veyre (6- 0,  0 K.-O.) le jeune espoir local, Derek Pomerleau (6-0, 4 K.-O.) et le populaire Abed El Safadi (6 – 0 , 2 K.-O.) feront partie de l’un ou plusieurs des ces programmes. D’autres boxeurs locaux y seront également ajoutés. Le matchmaker de GYM, l’excellent Vincent Morin est déjà au travail.

Billets en vente :

Les billets seront en vente et disponibles à compter du 26 mars prochain sur www.ticketmaster.ca et directement chez GYM à info@groupeyvonmichel.ca. Il sera possible d’acheter des forfaits pour 2 ou les 3 événements combinés.

Les galas de GYM sont une présentation de Mise-O-Jeu en collaboration avec Bell Média.

À propos de Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel est une organisation de promotion de boxe professionnelle, fondée en 2004 par Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft et Bernard Barré, toujours actifs au sein de la compagnie la plus prolifique de l’histoire de la boxe professionnelle au Canada. Depuis sa fondation, GYM a mis sur pied 171 galas au Québec, tous télédiffusés au Québec sur RDS, TVA Sports ou Radio-Canada, et participé à 37 galas internationaux à l’extérieur du Québec. Huit boxeurs sont devenus champions du monde, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (2 fois), Oscar Rivas et Kim Clavel. 19 boxeurs de l’organisation ont livré 57 combats de championnat du monde conservant une excellente fiche de 30 victoires, 25 revers et 2 nulles. Durant cette période, les grands réseaux de télévision américains ont été plus actifs que jamais à venir au Québec afin de télédiffuser les événements les plus importants de l’organisation.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA (January 17, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions has assembled a knockout undercard – including two, world championship defenses and scheduled performances of the next generation of top talent – for the main event clash between undefeated, former World Champion Jaime Munguía (42-0, 33 KOs) and former Interim World Champion John “The Gorilla” Ryder (32-6, 18 KOs) of the U.K. The 12-round super middleweight clash for the WBC Silver Title is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing and will take place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, January 27 and broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. MST/ 5:00 p.m. PST.

In the co-main event, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions, Villalba, Puerto Rico’s history-making Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (8-0, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Minimumweight World Championship title against Reyneris Gutierrez (10-1, 2 KOs) of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Scheduled for 12-rounds, Collazo is returning to the ring after a dazzling, knockout victory over Garen Diagan in front of his hometown crowd in Puerto Rico.

“With less than a week away for my second world title defense, I feel great and at my best moment,” said Oscar Collazo. “As always, we are very prepared and focused on what we are going to do on January 27 and leave the ring with our hand-raised. We have a good plan in place like all our previous fights, and we are ready to entertain in front of the people of Arizona, Puerto Rico, and on DAZN. Thank you, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for the opportunity to be on such a big card featuring a spectacular main event between Jaime Munguia and John Ryder.”

On the DAZN Broadcast, knockout superstar in-the-making Darius “DFG” Fulghum (9-0, 9 KOs) will be defending his WBA Continental USA Super Middleweight Title against the crafty Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-5-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round contest. Co-promoted with Sampson Boxing, IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs) of Coachella Valley, California will defend her newly minted hardware in a 10-round combat against Christina Cruz (6-0, 0 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Opening the DAZN broadcast, Mexico City’s David Picasso Romero (26-0-1, 15 KOs) will participate in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Erik Ruiz (17-9-1, 7 KOs) of Oxnard, California.

On the preliminary card, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will participate in a six-round lightweight match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Daniel Lugo (4-1, 1 KOs). Gregory Morales (15-1, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will challenge Ronal Ron (14-4, 11 KOs) of Chino Hills, California in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. In a four-round bantamweight, former Mexican Olympian Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (3-0, 2 KOs) will measure up against Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) of Peoria, Arizona . Opening the fight night festivities with a four-round bantamweight fight, Johnny “Sugarcane” Cañas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will face Oakland, California’s William Davis (2-1-1, 1 KO).

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Munguía vs. Ryder is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing and Matchroom Boxing. Collazo vs. Gutierrez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Minimumweight World Championship presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Fundora vs. Cruz is a 10-round fight for the IBF Female Flyweight World Championship and is presented in co-promotion with Sampson Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply at: https://www.emccredentials.com/munguia_ryder. Applications are due by Monday, January 22. No late applications will be accepted.
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Tickets for Munguía vs. Ryder are on sale and are priced at $200, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $30 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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

Jan 17, 2024

Top Rank Presents IBF World Welterweight Championship:

Natasha Jonas vs. Mikaela Mayer

Saturday, January 20, 2:00 p.m. ET/ 11:00 a.m. PT

Live and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

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ESPN+ Available on ESPN.com and ESPN App on Mobile and Connected TV Devices

To Subscribe Visit ESPNPlus.com/Top Rank

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Jonas vs. Mayer will be presented live on Saturday, January 20, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.

In the main event, two-weight world champion Natasha Jonas will defend her IBF welterweight world title against former unified world champion Mikaela Mayer.

Having previously unified the WBC, WBO and IBF junior middleweight world titles, Jonas (14-2-1, 9 KOs) will be making the first defense of her welterweight crown, which she claimed after scoring an emphatic stoppage win over Canadian Kandi Wyatt last year.

Mayer (19-1, 5 KOs), a fellow Olympian and former IBF, WBO, and Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion, moves up in weight once again as she attempts to become a two-division world champ.

In other streaming action on ESPN+, Jack Cullen (22-4-1, 10 KOs) returns to defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against former foe Zak Chelli (14-2-1, 7 KOs).

Calling the Action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Bernardo Osuna.

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

Top Rank: Real Time – All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night.
Who Do U Fight 4? – Learn what drives the next generation of Top Rank stars.
State of Boxing – Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+.
Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights.
Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok

Jonas vs. Mayer (All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Sat., Jan 20
2:00 p.m.
Main
Natasha Jonas (C) vs. Mikaela Mayer
IBF Welterweight

ESPN+

Co-Feature
Jack Cullen vs. Zak Chelli

Undercard
Karriss Artingstall vs. Lila Dos Santos Furtado
Undercard
Aaron McKenna vs. Linus Udofia
About ESPN

About ESPN+

(Jan. 17, 2024) — WBC No. 1 junior welterweight contender Sandor Martin has signed a multi-fight co-promotional pact with Top Rank. Martin’s longtime promoter, OPI Since 82, and Top Rank are joining forces to secure the Spaniard his first world title shot. 

Two-weight world champion and pound-for-pound force Devin “The Dream” Haney is the current WBC junior welterweight world champion.

“Devin Haney calls himself ‘The Dream,’ but I am his worst nightmare. I will be the next WBC junior welterweight world champion. Whether he wants to lose his title to me in the ring or run up the scales to welterweight, the choice is his,” Martin said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my career with OPI Since 82 and Top Rank in my corner.”

“We are glad to have the support of Top Rank for Sandor’s next fights. He already proved his worth with Mikey Garcia and Teofimo Lopez,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “Next step will be the green belt!”

“We’ve had a front-row seat to Sandor Martin’s immense talent, and Top Rank is thrilled to be partnering with OPI Since 82 to help Sandor receive his well-deserved world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.  

Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) is a former European junior welterweight champion and a 13-year pro whose only defeats have come via narrow points verdicts. After spending the first decade of his career fighting primarily in Spain, the slick-moving southpaw authored the 2021 Upset of the Year when he toppled former four-weight world champion Garcia by majority decision in Fresno, California. 

Following a 10-round split decision defeat to Lopez in December 2022, Martin notched a pair of knockout victories in 2023 to maintain his status as one of the world’s top 140-pound practitioners.  

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, delivered a series of sensational fight nights in 2023 that were watched by millions on free-to-air television. 

And today, it can be confirmed that Wasserman’s 2024 schedule launches with a contest that will stake an early claim for Fight of the Year, as Baraou faces ‘The Savage’ Eggington in Telford. 

Baraou is Germany’s world-ranked former amateur star with designs on global domination, while Eggington is a British boxing cult hero after a barnstorming career packed with memorable blood and guts fights and title wins. 

Twice a winner of the domestic Fight of the Year, Eggington is bidding to become a two-weight EBU European champion, but Baraou has outstanding pedigree and is ready to live up to his billing as one of the best fighters of his generation from Germany. 

This tantilising clash of styles is certain to produce yet another fight that fans will go crazy for, live and free on Channel 5.  

Abass Baraou said: “I am incredibly motivated after finally confirming my shot at the European title and I can promise you that I won’t let this chance slip through my fingers. 

“Winning the prestigious European title on March 1 will be a major step on my mission to becoming a world champion and I plan on putting on a performance that sends out a statement to rest of the division. 

“Everyone in boxing knows that Sam Eggington is a warrior and has been in some great fights in his career, and our clash of styles will make for another thriller but make no mistake, I will emerge victorious.” 

Sam Eggington said: “March 1 in Telford is the night I write the next chapter in my crazy boxing story.  My fans will pack out the arena and roar me on to become a two-weight European champion. 

“I always deliver must-see fights, I have done so all of my career, but this one against Baraou could be the best yet.  Whether you’re at ringside or watching live on Channel 5, you’re in for one hell of a fight. 

“Baraou may have international amateur medals, just like Frankie Gavin did when we fought, but he has never faced a fighter like me, over 12 gruelling rounds, where I don’t let him breathe for a second.” 

BIG FIGHT ODDS WITH LADBROKES 

Abass Baraou – 4/7 
Sam Eggington – 11/8 
Draw – 18/1 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “What a way to start our big fight schedule for 2024! 

“Baraou vs Eggington is an absolute banger of a fight and we’re staging it at a venue which always lends itself to creating a great atmosphere. 

“Abass is one of the best super welterweights in the world, and winning the European title will act as a launchpad to world honours. 

“But Eggington is a British boxing hero who shows incredible bravery, toughness and a granite chin, time after time after time. 

“Last year was a record-setting one for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with millions of people tuning in to watch our events, and so we are setting our stall out for 2024 with this humdinger on March 1 in Telford.”  

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Boxing fans the world over are being treated to a cracking night of action to kick off 2024, and Ladbrokes is once again extremely proud to play a part in things.  
“Abass Baraou has been tipped by many for great things – world titles, even – but it’s safe to say he’ll be up against it in Telford as Sam Eggington will head into the ring with the local backing, and then some.” 

He added: “Baraou got the job done early last time he fought on British soil, but it takes a lot to knock down The Savage… all signs point towards another exhilarating night of Channel 5 boxing in March.” 

LONG BEACH, CA (January 16, 2024) – CBN Promotions’ boxing series will kick off 2024 with “Super Brawl Saturday” this February 10th at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. In the 10-round super featherweight main event, Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, will square off against Jose Luis Rodriguez (25-15-1, 13 KOs), from Monterey, MX. The 8-round co-main event will showcase Tayden Beltran (7-0-1, 4 KOs), from Huntington Beach, CA, vs. an opponent to be announced, in a lightweight bout.

Doors open and the first bell for “Super Brawl Saturday” at 5:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810

“We want to start the year with a bang!” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “2024 should be a great year for us and the boxers featured on our show, we will expand our brand to give fans the best and most entertaining matches out there. For that reason, we are excited to announce that our events will also air live on FuboTV as we continue to reach more people in the U.S. and internationally.”

“Super Brawl Saturday” will mark the beginning of an exclusive television deal between CBN Sports and Entertainment and FuboTV, which will air all of CBN’s events live, in addition to their event’s library. “We are proud that FuboTV is now part of our television distribution plan that includes Fox Deportes, Estrella TV and FightStars Network, and we will not stop there. Our boxers and fans will benefit with the tremendous outreach and television platforms we are creating,” concluded Camponovo.

“Brace yourselves for an incredible journey as we elevate our boxing series production and reach larger audiences,” stated Rolando Nichols, President of Thunder Studios. “Our aim is to extend an invitation to the Long Beach community and neighboring cities for all our shows. This is a family-friendly atmosphere where everyone can enjoy an exceptional evening filled with thrilling boxing matches.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Super lightweight Leonardo Rubalcava (4-0, 1 KO) from Jurupa Valley, CA, will face an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Super flyweight Stephanie Chavez (3-0) from Orange, CA, will battle Hailey Pasion (2-4) of Waipahu, HI. (6-rounds).

Super bantamweight Hector Lopez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Compton, CA, will face Rod Sarguilla (2-4), from Midsayap, Philippines. (6-rounds).

Opening up the show will be Jose Bravo (2-0, 2 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, and Shoe Palace, Community comes first.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 16, 2024): Golden Boy Promotions announced today a co-promotional deal with Sampson Boxing for 21-year-old IBF Female Flyweight World Champion Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (12-0, 5 KOs). Fundora is scheduled to defend her IBF title against Christina Cruz on the DAZN broadcast for Jaime Munguia vs. John Ryder on Saturday, January 27.

“I am ready and prepared for my first title defense and I feel like nothing can stop me from winning,” said Gabriela Fundora. “Christina Cruz is a good fighter, but I am building my legacy as a champion and no one can stop me.”
“We were blown away by Gabriela’s performance in October, and are proud to have yet another world champion fighting under the Golden Boy banner,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “At just 21 years old, the sky’s the limit for her and I fully expect her to deliver a knockout performance in Phoenix on January 27.”

“Gabriela Fundora is an amazing talent who works non-stop in the gym to reach her dreams,” said co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “They say once you win a championship, confidence makes you an even better fighter, which is bad news for Christina Cruz. I’m looking forward to a sensational performance from boxing’s newest female star, “Sweet Poison,” Gabriela Fundora.”

A force to be reckoned with as one of the youngest of the current female world champions, at only 21-years-old Fundora has impressed fans and media alike. She was last seen in front of her native Southern California fans on October 21, 2023 at the Kia Forum, where she was able to stop and steal the IBF title from veteran champion Arely Muciño. Representing the Coachella Valley, Fundora comes from a highly respected boxing family. Having begun boxing at six-years old, she joined the professional ranks in 2021 with an unanimous decision victory over Jazmin Valverde. She went on to secure the WBC Latino Flyweight title on October 8, 2022 against Naomi Arellano Reyes and the WBC Youth World Fly Tania Garcia Hernandez on February 23, 2023.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

Las Vegas (January 16, 2024) –Tickets are now on sale for The Box Fan Expo for the Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo that will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend.

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you!: https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:

The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2022 was another huge success. Over 3500 enthusiastic boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Roberto Duran, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Fernando Vargas, David Benavidez, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Marcos Maidana, Shawn Porter, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramirez, Floyd Mayweather sr., Jorge Linares, Michael Spinks, Seniesa Estrada, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Badou Jack, Jessie Vargas, Mia St.John and many others …

Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing

The Box Fan Expo also played host to the third edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2022”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of thousands of boxing fans that attended the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event.

HELPING A GREAT CAUSE

The Box Fan Expo Invitational amateur show had an opportunity to collaborate and help Center Ring Boxing, a non-profit organization that was established in 1994 in the Las Vegas area. Their Mission is to facilitate programs for youth, ages 8 to 18 and their families. They promote and improve image of boxing as a sport and provide positive interactions that facilitate educational, physical, mentoring programs which is a great positive influence and mental growth for those young kids looking to improve their self-esteem and personal lives.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

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Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (15 January, 2024) – H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority, proudly announces ‘Knockout Chaos’ headlined by former unified World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua in a mouth watering match up against MMA superstar and now Heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou on Friday 8 March at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

The event is being delivered to fans across the world by The General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Goldstar Promotions and GIMIK Fight Promotions.

Previously the WBA, IBF and WBO World Champion, Joshua completed a busy and successful year on 23 December 2023 when he defeated Otto Wallin in five rounds in a headline attraction on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ in Riyadh, a fight which marked his return to the elite end of the Heavyweight rankings.

Former UFC Heavyweight champion Ngannou entered the world of boxing when he competed in the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ against WBC World Champion Tyson Fury, which opened Riyadh Season on 28 October 2023. The fight boomed into life towards the end of the third round when Ngannou landed a left hook to the temple of Fury’s head and the champion was put to the canvas.

Ngannou winning the respect and admiration of boxing fans across the globe with a remarkable performance. Now, in what will be his second professional fight, Ngannou takes on the other most popular heavyweight on the planet.

H.E. Alalshikh states that: “‘Knockout Chaos’ is one of the most important events to take place in Riyadh Season so far this year, an occasion which will bring together yet more international champions from one of the most popular sports in the world.”

“I will be ready to go once the first bell rings.” Insists the two-time former unified World Champion Joshua“ I will approach this mission with laser focus until the job is complete. I am looking forward to returning to Riyadh and I would like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passion they have shown to myself and the sport of boxing.”

Ngannou pledges to continue silencing the doubters when he takes to the ring for his second professional fight.

“People have always doubted me and I always proved them wrong,” said the Cameroon-born star. ‘It is clear I am a trouble for elite boxers and AJ should prepare himself for a battle because I am like nothing he has ever faced. It is going to be another spectacle for boxing fans in Riyadh, only this time I have no intention of leaving it in the hands of the judges.”

Hall of Fame Promoter and Founder of Queensberry Promotions Frank Warren, added: “Friday 8 March in Riyadh will be another monumental event for the sport of boxing made possible by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and his team, with who we have established a brilliantly productive working relationship. Riyadh Season has opened up new and thrilling frontiers for our great sport and, in Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, we have a further Heavyweight blockbuster that will surely capture the imagination of fans right across the world.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport and Joshua’s long time Promoter said: “This is undoubtedly one of the biggest fights in boxing and I am grateful His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh shares that view. We’re talking about two giants in Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, two men who look like they are carved out of stone, two devastating punchers. We are ready for another huge event in Saudi Arabia and a night full of drama. After AJ’s demolition of Otto Wallin he steps up against the former MMA Lineal champ. Francis has already proved his credentials in a thriller with Tyson Fury and comes into this clash full of confidence and fire. This is one of the biggest fights in the sport and one that can be over in the blink of an eye. When these two meet in Riyadh one thing is for sure… it will be Knockout Chaos!”

Manager of Ngannou, Marquel Martin of 3POINT0 Labs said: “Francis has proved he’s the baddest man on the planet against arguably the best boxer in the sport. Anthony Joshua has earned all the respect in the world for his accomplishments, but on March 8th he will realize he’s up against a man who has been through it all in life in Francis Ngannou. Thank you to His Excellency and the KSA for yet another epic Heavyweight showdown.”

To support one of the biggest fight in combat sports history, the event will also feature one of the most impressive undercards in boxing history.

The heavyweight division will take further shape when the Chinese giant Zhilei Zhang (26-1-1, 21 KOs) defends his WBO Interim world championship against former world champion Joseph Parker (34-3, 23 KOs) from New Zealand.

Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs), the WBC World Champion from Mexico will make a first defence of his belt when he takes on No.1 contender, the Liverpool featherweight firebrand Nick Ball (19-0, 11 KOs).

Featuring on the card is a Battle of Britain at Lightweight, where top young contender and IBF European Champion Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) from England will challenge for the European Champion, Welshman Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs).

Also performing in Riyadh will be Australian Heavyweight hopeful Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs), who will be looking to make his name in the flagship division (opponent details to be included ASAP) plus Cruiserweight prospect Roman Fury (3-0, 1 KO), British Super-Welterweight Jack McGann (9-0-1, 6 KOs) and local Saudi Arabian Super-Lightweight Ziyad Almaayouf (4-0, 1 KO).

About Riyadh Season

Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of unique entertainment events, concerts, exhibitions and dining experiences. Riyadh Season 2023 commenced on Saturday, 28 October with a spectacular opening ceremony and the historic boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou, followed up by the ‘Day of Reckoning’ on December 23 featuring Anthony Joshua vs Otto Wallin and Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker as the headline fights.

QUINCY, Mass. (January 16, 2024) – Two members of the growing Quincy, MA.-Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) stable of boxers, middleweights Antonio Todd (16-9, 9 KOs) and Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste, will make their Madison Square Garden debuts in separate bouts on the February 16th Top Rank card.

Todd, fighting out of Atlanta, faces 2020 Dominican Republic Olympian Euri Cedeno (7-0-1, 6 KOs), while Baptiste takes on hometown favorite Isaah Flaherty (6-0, 3 KOs). These two fights will be streamed on ESPN+ live from The Theater in New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.

“Fights like these and fighters like Antonio and Julien are what I am continuously trying to make Granite Chin all about,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “Fighters who will fight anyone, anywhere. It has been a pleasure working with these two and watching their careers develop. We have been together through highs and lows, but we stuck together and continue to achieve everything we can out of this rugged sport. Neither guy has ever shied away from a tough fight and now in February they are getting their just reward, fighting at the Mecca of Boxing. A lot of guys in boxing pretend to be ‘professional fighters’ but break out in hives when asked to step up. Not these two!”

Fighting at MSG – The Mecca of Boxing — for the first time has opposite meanings for the two GCP fighters; it’s just another fight for the battle-tested Todd, and a dream-come-true return home for Baptiste.

“I’ve fought in New York City before (Sony Hall), but this will be my first time fighting at Madison Square Garden,” Todd said. “It’s really no big deal for me, but it is for my coach. At this stage, nothing overwhelms me anymore. I do appreciate Chris getting me this opportunity.”

Antonio Todd

“It’s surreal for me to be fighting so quickly on a big stage like this,” Baptiste countered. “I remember speaking to Chris when my contract first started, and I said I wanted to fight at least once in New York City. In Madison Square Garden is above and beyond that and I’m so grateful to him for this opportunity.”

Julien Baptiste (R)

(picture by Emily Harney/Fightography)

Todd is a true throwback fighter who has fought all across the country, usually in his opponent’s backyard, and many feel that he’s a middleweight gatekeeper, which makes him feel that he’s disrespected in boxing.

“I do feel disrespected being called a gatekeeper,” Todd explained. “They (promoters/managers) want to see what their fighters have, and we’ll see that again in this fight. I’m the hitman at 160 (pounds). They keep sending them to me because I’m a tough test and I’m going to keep beating them. If they beat me, they suddenly go up in the ratings, but if I beat them I don’t get any respect.

“I just fight, I love it. Everybody wants to be king of the jungle, but nobody understands the hyena. I like riding the bull and being an underdog and that’s what drives me. I’m comfortable being uncomfortable. I can go anywhere to fight anybody, literally, and I’ll keep doing it until I get what I want….respect!

Todd, who will face Cedeno in an eight-round bout, has won his last two fights, including an impressive eight-round unanimous decision this past December, upsetting 15-1 Jaylon Pridgeon. Cedeno reached the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics, losing to the eventual silver medalist, and he’s coming off an eight-round unanimous decision last December over previously undefeated Yoanki Urrutia (13-0).

Baptiste is a native New Yorker who grew-up in the Huntington area but relocated several years ago to Woburn, Massachusetts. The reigning Mass. Middleweight Champion turned his career around two fights ago, when he worked hard to overcome performance anxiety in the ring.

“It’s very satisfying to go out there and do what I can do,” Baptiste spoke about his performance anxiety. “God gave me this talent and it’s that simple for me on the performance end.

“I started boxing when I lived in New York. I’ll have family and friends there and maybe some other fans who will be there watching (Mass-based Abraham) Nova fight (the ESPN headliner vs. O’Shaquie Foster for the WBA Junior Lightweight title).”

Baptiste captured the Mass. Middleweight title last August in his last fight, in which he knocked out defending champion Jamer Jones in round six. Baptiste’s opponent in a six-round match, Queens resident Flaherty, is 6-0 but he has never fought an opponent with a winning record until now.

“He’s very tough, strong, and he’s fought some good guys during his career,” Baptiste added, “but I am going to go out there and show the world what I’m made of. Training camp has been very, very tough for this fight, but it’s worth it because I am getting ready for him.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

LONDON, UK (January 16, 2024) – Future boxing superstar Ben Whittaker will look to steal the show as he returns to action on the undercard of the huge all-British showdown between unbeaten #1 and #2 world ranked light heavyweights Joshua Buatsi and Dan Azeez on Saturday, February 3rd at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Whittaker closed the year in style with a highlight reel knockout of Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj in Bournemouth. Now 5-0, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver medallist is aiming to kick-start the New Year with another spectacular performance when he takes on Swiss-based French fighter Khalid Graidia over eight-rounds.

Graidia returns to British shores having previously shared the ring with Whittaker’s domestic rivals Zach Parker, Ezra Taylor and Karol Itauma in London. Graidia also took British and Commonwealth Champion Dan Azeez the distance when they squared off in Milan in July 2023.

“The Surgeon is back and ready to start 2024 with another clinical performance. I’m putting the whole light heavyweight division on notice. Another big year is on the way so don’t miss the start of it on February 3rd,” said Whittaker.

“This is the start to a huge year for Ben Whittaker,” said BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom. “He will bring his star power to an already massive night for the light heavyweight division on February 3rd in London. Ben is a special talent and we expect to see him headlining shows and fighting for major titles this year.”

Having dethroned Franck Petitjean in front of a capacity crowd in Wolverhampton last year, Adam Azim makes the first defence of his EBU European Super Lightweight Title against undefeated former champion Enock Poulsen.

Rising featherweight star Francesca Hennessy and heavyweight hope Jeamie TKV are also confirmed for action in the capital. Hennessy, who has wowed fans with her explosive style since joining the paid ranks last year, goes in search of her third professional victory, while TKV looks to get back to winning ways having suffered his first career defeat to Igor Macedo in September 2023.

This event is presented in association with official partners Bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and IFX Payments.

Tickets starting from £30 are available via BOXXER.com

Artur Beterbiev retained the IBF/WBC?WBO Light heavyweight tiles with a decisive and destructive seventh round stoppage of former super middleweight champion Callum Smith at The Videotron Center in Quebec City, Canada.

Beterbiev came out with hard flurries, while Smith would occasionally jab and try to work the body. In round three, Smith began to bleed from the nose and swell around the right eye.

In round seven, Beterbiev landed a big right hand that rocked and hurt Smith. The champion followed up with a massive flurry of punches that wilted Smith to the canvas. Smith tried to fight back, but ate six flush shots on the ropes that put him down for a second time. Smith’s trainer Buddy McGirt climbed on the ring apron to signal that he had seen enough of his charge taking abuse and the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Beterbiev, 175 lbs of Montreal is 20-0 with 20 knockouts. Smith, 174.6 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 29-2.

Beterbiev said, “It’s because of luck. It’s my coach. My team works hard with me, too. Maybe that’s why, too. But I think it’s because of luck.

“We had a couple strategies. We always have more than one. We need to be prepared for several strategies. He gave me a good fight. He stayed strong. Thanks to him. Today, luck is on my side.

“Yes, of course {I want the Bivol fight}. I need another belt. It would mean a lot to me.”

Mbilli destroys Murdock in 6

Top-ranked super middleweight Christian Mbilli battered Rohan Murdock to a pulp as he scored a stoppage after six-rounds of their 10-round bout.

Mbilli landed vicious power punches throughout the fight. He was relentless, especially with the right hand and he landed several shots that were right on the sweet spot.

Mbilli had Murdock in serious trouble in just about every round, and the fight could have been stopped at anytime after the fourth round. Murdock’s corner let him eat huge shots for another six minutes before pulling the plug on the fight after round six.

Mbilli, 167.3 lbs of Montreal is 26-0 with 22 knockouts. Murdock, 167 lbs of Burleigh, AUS is 27-3.

Mbilli said, “Tonight I sent a message. I am the future of the division. That’s what the message was today.

“Canelo is the best. Everyone knows that. But now I want to show that I’m the best in the division. My goal is to fight him. I would do anything to fight him.

“Murdock is strong. He took all of my good punches. But for me, I thought I would finish him in one more round. But his team ended the fight. He’s a good fighter, but I’m the best today.”

Moloney Decisions Sanchez; Retains Bantamweight Title

Jason Moloney retained the WBO Bantamweight title with a 12-round majority decision over Saul Sanchez.

In round three, Moloney was cut around the right eye, which was ruled from a headbutt. The fight was fought a close quarters and fought on the inside. Sanchez was very effective with his work on the inside.

Sanchez took the middle rounds by being agressive. Moloney came on late in the final rounds to eek the fight out by scores of 116-112 twice and 114-114.

Moloney, 117.5 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is now 27-2.

Moloney said, “Saul Sanchez is a warrior. I am proud to be the WBO bantamweight champion, and I was going to do whatever it took to keep my title.
 
“The era of Mayhem is only beginning. And the fans here in Quebec City were incredible. I felt like I did enough in the later rounds to retain my title.
 
“I’d love to defend my world title ‘Down Under’ in front of my Australian fans.”

Imam Khataev remained perfect by stopping Michal Ludwiczak in round two in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight fight.

In round two, Khataev was battering Ludwiczak until a combination that finished up by a right put Ludwiczak. Khtaev continued to batter Ludwiczak until the bout was waved off at 2:17

Khataev, 174.6 lbs of Sydney, AUS is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Ludwiczak, 178.6 lbs of Leszeno, POL is 17-13-1.

In a rematch, Leila Beaudoin won an eight-round unanimous decision over Elizabeth Espinoza in a junior lightweight bout.

Beaudoin, 129.6 lbs of Temiscouata, CAN won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 11-1. Espinoza, 129.8lbs of Torreon, MEX is 4-6-3.

Wikens Mathieu remained undefeated and won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Arias Alvarez in a super middleweight fight/

Mathieu, 168.8 lb of Quebec City won by scores of 40-36 and 40-35 twice and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 167.7 lbs of Leon, MEX is 3-2.

Mehmet Unal stopped Dragan Lepei in just 57 seconds of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Unal dominated and hurt Lepei until the fight was stopped.

Unal, 177.8 lbs of Montreal is 8-0 with seven. Lepei, 177.7 lbs of Tuscany, ITA is 22-7-2.

Christopher Guerrero won an eight-round unanimous decision over Sergio Barrera in a welterweight bout.

Guerrero, 149 lbs of Montreal won by score of 79-73 twice and 78-4 and is now 10-0. Barrera, 149.6 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 7-4.

Moreno Fendero stopped Victor Hugo Flores in the opening round of their four-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Fendero dropped Flores with a left hand. Seconds later, Fendero landed a hard combination that put Flores down again. Fendero got to his feet, but then crouched down and the fight was stopped at 2:16.

Fendero, 162.8 lbs of Chartres, FRA is 3-0 with two knockouts. Flores, 162.3 lbs of Pachuca, MEX is 7-3.

NEW YORK (January 12, 2024) This Sunday at 9:00pm EST, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing Veterans Day event, dubbed “Heroes on the Hudson,” will premiere on SportsNet New York (SNY), New York City’s premier destination for sports and sporting news. The card, originally broadcast by DAZN, was part of a Veterans Day celebration, sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities, to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

The 120^th edition of the Broadway Boxing series is highlighted by the ring return of former WBO world champion and US Marine Jamel Herring against the undefeated Nick Molina.

Newly crowned IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida took on Shurretta Metcalf in a 10-round bantamweight contest on the undercard with the vacant IBF Inter-Continental belt at stake. Rising heavyweight Roney Hines put his undefeated record on the line versus Jonathan Gruber, and super bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps faced the experienced Isis Vargas Perez. 

A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York. 

“Our last Broadway Boxing event, held at Edison Ballroom in New York City, titled ‘Heroes on the Hudson’, not only celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the series, it more importantly helped to honor and support our military veterans. First broadcast on DAZN, I’m thrilled to now premiere this card to SNY’s audience,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion and US Marine Veteran, Jamel Herring, began his comeback, determined to get back into the world title picture. Miyo Yoshida, now a three-time world champion, battled Shurretta Metcalf for the IBF Inter-Continental bantamweight title on the undercard. Also that night, super bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps, co-managed by Herring, took on former world title challenger Isis Vargas Perez and heavyweight prospect Roney Hines rumbled with Jonathan Gruber.”

Since its inception in November 2003, Broadway Boxing has featured many boxing luminaries and world champions, including Vitali Klitschko, Gennadiy Golovkin, George Kambosos Jr., Jamel Herring, Jose Pedraza, Amanda Serrano, Andre Berto, Heather Hardy, Paulie Malignaggi, Peter Quillin, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Joshua Clottey, DeMarcus Corley and Randall Bailey, among others.

Boxing fans wishing to enjoy “Heroes on the Hudson” can do so by tuning in to SNY on Sunday at 9:00pm EST. SNY can be found on the following platforms (list not all-inclusive – see your local TV guide): DirecTV (639), Time Warner Cable (26), Verizon FiOS: (577, 77), Cablevision (718, 60), Comcast (843, 73). 

DiBella Entertainment

Instagram: @DiBellaEnt

Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt

Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA (January 12, 2024) – Fighting Irish Promotions, in collaboration with DMS Trade Shows, is set to deliver an electrifying fight card titled “The Homecoming” on February 2, 2024, at the Scotiabank Centre Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada. The 10-round main event will feature Custio Clayton (19-1-1, 12 KOs) as he steps into the ring against Courtney Pennington (17-7-3, 7 KOs) in a super welterweight attraction. Patrice Volny (17-1, 11 KOs) goes head-to-head against Deandre Ware (16-4-2, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super middleweight co-main event bout.

“We’re thrilled to bring this stellar fight card to the Scotiabank Centre Halifax in association with our partners at DMS Trade Shows,” said Sean Sullivan, CEO of Fighting Irish Promotions. “The fighters featured on our card are local fan favorites and we are expecting a sold-out show. Fighting Irish Promotions and DMS Trade Shows are dedicated to providing a family-friendly environment where fans can enjoy an unforgettable night of boxing. We are excited to bring boxing back to Nova Scotia, especially with local fighters.”

Hailing from North Preston, Canada, Custio Clayton has fought at the world class level, having challenged the likes of Sergey Lipinets and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. He captured the NABA and WBO International welterweight titles in 2019 when he defeated Johan Perez. He’s eager to get back in the ring after being out of boxing for over a year.

“I learned a lot about myself after suffering my first defeat against Boots Ennis,” said Clayton. “The time off helped me reflect on what’s important to me and I’m ready to start my journey back to the world title. Pennington is a fighter that I’ve been training hard for, and I can’t wait to fight him in front of my people in Canada.”

Patrice Volny, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, held the NABA and NABO middleweight titles in 2019, when he defeated Ryan Young and Uriel Gonzalez. His lone defeat came against Esquiva Falcao, in 2021. Since then, he seized a win against Abraham Juarez Ramirez in 2023. He’s looking forward to fighting back at home.

“I’m proud to be a Canadian and fighting at home brings me great joy,” stated Volny. “I’m in a tough fight against Deandre Ware, who has been in the ring with some good fighters, but I’m confident that I will come out victorious. I’m excited and I plan on putting on a great show for all my fans that will be in attendance.”

Doors open for “The Homecoming” at 6:30 pm ET with the first fight starting at 7:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $19.99 (kids under twelve are free with an adult), $59.99, Tables $800 (Back Row) $2500 (Front Row) are available for purchase this Saturday by calling the Scotiabank Centre Halifax box office at (902) 451-1221, by email at boxoffice@scotiabank-centre.com, or Ticket Master (800) 653-8000, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is sponsored by www.PURENES.ca.

Undercard Bouts:

Undefeated super welterweight Miguel Angel Hernandez (7-0, 6 KOs), of Dallas, TX, will be making his Canadian debut vs. an opponent TBA. (8-rounds).

Lightweight Spencer Wilcox (6-0, 3 KOs), from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, will look to keep his unbeaten record intact vs. an opponent TBA. (8-rounds).

Local fan favorite welterweight Kyle McNeil (13-5, 2 KOs), of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, will square off against Cody Kelly (4-7-3), from Collingwood, Ontario, Canada. (6-rounds).

Light heavyweight Daniel Beaupre (4-2, 2 KOs), from Halifax, Nova Scotia, will be fighting in front of his hometown fans against an opponent TBA. (6-rounds).

Opening up the show will be unbeaten heavyweight, Brandon Osborne (1-0), from Nova Scotia, Canada, facing an opponent TBA. (4-rounds).

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About Fighting Irish Promotions:

Fighting Irish Promotions is dedicated to promoting high-quality boxing events that showcase top-tier talent and thrilling matchups. With a commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment, Irish Boxing Promotions aims to bring the best of the sport to audiences worldwide.

About DMS Trade Shows:

DMS Trade Shows is a leading organizer of dynamic and engaging trade shows and events. Collaborating with various industries, DMS Trade Shows is committed to delivering exceptional experiences that bring together enthusiasts and businesses, fostering networking and growth opportunities.