OPETAIA VS. THOMPSON WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

6 x 2 mins International Flyweight contest 
MAISEYROSE COURTNEY 114.2 lbs v MARTINA BERNILE 113.1 lbs
(Eltham, England)                                   (Milan, Italy)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Super-Flyweight contest
SHANNON RYAN 115.1 lbs v XEXIA JORNEAC 113.7 lbs
(Watford, England)                 (Hunedoara, Romania)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
IBRAHEEM SULAIMAAN 135.8 lbs v JOSHUA OCAMPO 133.6 lbs
(Birmingham, England)                       (Cucuta, Colombia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162.6 lbs v PETER KRAMER 160.5 lbs
(Billericay, England)                   (Budapest, Hungary)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 2 mins IBF Super-Bantamweight World Title
ELLIE SCOTNEY 121.6 lbs v LAURA SOLEDAD GRIFFA 120.5 lbs
(Catford, England)                  (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant EBU European Lightweight Title
RHIANNON DIXON 134.4 lbs v KATHARINA THANDERZ 134.2 lbs
(Warrington, England)               (Oslo, Norway)  

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
JIMMY SAINS 162.3 lbs v BARTLOMIEJ STRYCZECK 162 lbs
(Hornchurch, England)    (Bestwina, Poland)  

followed by 

10 x 3 mins vacant IBF International Cruiserweight Title
CHEAVON CLARKE 198.3 lbs v VASIL DUCAR 199.4 lbs
(Gravesend, England)                (Brno, Czech Republic)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles
JAI OPETAIA 198.6 lbs v JORDAN THOMPSON 198.9 lbs
(Sydney, Australia)          (Manchester, England)




Results: Weigh-In @ Boxxer Breakthrough

LONDON, ENGLAND – (September 29, 2023) – The IBO World Lightweight Championship bout between Caroline Dubois and Magali Rodriguez is official for tomorrow night as both fighters made weight effortlessly at today’s official weigh-ins in London’s historic York Hall, scene of tomorrow night’s battles which will air live on Sky Sports.

Also point-perfect in making weight today were English Cruiserweight Championship challengers Viddal Riley and Nathan Quarless, who will contest the vacant title in tomorrow night’s chief support bout.

In the main card’s third title fight, hot super-middleweight prospect Callum Simpson faces Mexican veteran Jose De Jesus Macias for the vacant WBA continental super middleweight strap.

BOXXER Breakthrough: Official Weigh-In Results

10 x 2 mins – vacant IBO lightweight title fight @ 9st 9lbs

Caroline Dubois (9st 8lbs) vs. Magali Rodriguez (9st 9lbs) 

10 x 3 mins – vacant English cruiserweight title @ 14st 4lbs

Viddal Riley (14st 3lbs) vs. Nathan Quarless (14st 3lbs) vs 

10 x 3 mins – vacant WBA continental super middleweight title @ 12st

Callum Simpson (11st 13lbs) vs. Jose De Jesus Macias (11st 13lbs)

8 x 3 mins – heavyweight fight

Jeamie TKV (18st 7lbs) vs. Igor Macedo (16st 9lbs)  

6 x 2 mins – bantamweight fight @ 8st 9 lbs

Francesca Hennessy (8st 9lbs) vs. Sonia Klas (8st 7lbs) 

8 x 3 mins – welterweight contest @ 10st 13.5 lbs

Stephen McKenna (11st) vs. Darren Tetley (10st 12lbs)




HARLEM EUBANK BRINGS BIG TIME BOXING BACK TO BRIGHTON, LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

Harlem Eubank will carry on his family’s famous fighting legacy in Brighton when he brings prime time boxing back to the city on November 10, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. 

The unbeaten super lightweight contender headlines in his hometown at The Brighton Centre against tough German Timo Schwarzkopf, on what promises to be an emotionally charged night in front of his own fans. 

Eubank was always destined to become a star attraction in Brighton and will be the first of his fighting family to box in the city since Chris Eubank Senior defended his world title in the iconic seaside resort in the early 1990s. 

Harlem is ready to build Brighton into a fortress as he begins an assault on international titles and knows hometown support is vital when he faces Schwarzkopf – a fighter who has never been stopped. 

A big-name undercard for the Wasserman Boxing event, delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, will be announced in due course. 

Harlem Eubank said: “The hairs on the back of my neck stand up whenever I think about November 10, and fighting in Brighton, in front of my hometown fans. 

“You could say that this has been my destiny, that it was meant to be and was written in the stars, but this isn’t going to be a one-off, I want to make this the first of many big nights of boxing in my city. 

“I know the great people of Brighton will come out in force to support me and the fight with Schwarzkopf, and the event, will be one to savour.”  

Timo Schwarzkopf said: “I fully understand how everyone expects this fight to go.  They will be buying tickets and watching the fight on television, expecting to see Harlem win in spectacular fashion. 

“But, sorry, that is not going to happen.  I am far too experienced, tough and skillful for Eubank and I will ruin his homecoming.” 

BIG FIGHT ODDS WITH LADBROKES
Eubank to win – 1/10
Schwarzkopf to win – 6/1

Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “November 10 promises to be a very special night as Harlem becomes the latest member of his famous fighting family to headline in Brighton. 

“Thirty years after Chris Eubank Senior defended his world title, the Eubank name headlines a major night of boxing in the city, once again. 

“It will be emotional; it will be thrilling, and it is sure to capture the imagination of everyone associated with Brighton.” 

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Boxing fans in Brighton will know the Eubank name all too well; this time it’s Harlem who takes centre stage though, and he’ll do so as the overwhelming favourite to get the better of a tough opponent in Timo Schwarzkopf, who is yet to be stopped in 27 professional bouts.”  

He added: “We’re excited to once again support Wasserman ahead of what’s sure to be another scintillating night in the ring.” 




Weights from Philadelphia

Philadelphia (September 28, 2023) –- Weights for Friday night’s R&B Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

Photo By Marc Abrams / R & B Promotions

Tevin Farmer 131.9 – Oscar Barajas 133.6

Oluwafemi Oyeleye 153.3 – Jimmy Williams 153.1

Carlos Rosario 131.9 – Diuhl Olguin 127.9

Joshua Jones 134.6 – Jonathan Perez 137.5

Allen Otto 157.4 – James Abraham 158.4

Daniel Bean 233.3 – Rob Perez 237.8

Ghandi Romain 145.9 – Jose Luis Fracica Baron 145.3

Promoter: R & B Promotions

Venue: 2300 Arena

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

The fight will be streamed at Combat Sports Now

CLICK FOR STREAM

Tickets are $80, $105 and $150 and can be purchased at

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




RIVAS AND CRUZ CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN LA 

Mayerlin Rivas will defend her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Erika Cruz at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday November 18, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM

Rivas (17-4-3 11 KOs) puts the title on the line for the third time in her second outing of 2023, with the first ending prematurely in a technical draw after her Argentine opponent Nazarena Romero suffered a cut from an accidental headclash in the fifth round of their fight in Buenos Aires in June. The Venezuelan champion became a two-weight champion when she won the vacant title in February 2020 in Panama City against Laura Ledezma and defended it for the first time in June 2022, forcing Karina Fernandez to quit on her stool after three rounds in Guadalajara, Mexico. The 35 year old become WBA Bantamweight champion in June 2015 and made three defenses, winning two and drawing one.

Cruz (16-2 3 KOs) is aiming to match Rivas and become a two-weight World ruler in her own right having previously reigned at Featherweight. The Mexican dropped down in weight following her epic Undisputed battle with Amanda Serrano in February in New York, widely outpointing Melissa Oddessa Parker in Tijuana in September. The 33 year old previously ended landed the WBA 126lbs belt against Jelena Mrdjenovich, ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds in April 2021. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, and then met Mrdjenovich again in Hermosillo in September 2022, winning once again to set up the clash with Serrano.

“First of all, I thank God for this opportunity to defend my world title again and debut in the United States with a world-class rival like Erika Cruz,” said Rivas. “I am preparing very well to put on a great show, I am very happy for this opportunity, I’m going for victory and then going for unification.”

“With the support of the National Guard, I’m stepping into the ring once more, and you can bet it’s going to be a war,” said Cruz. “I’ll proudly bring my second World title to Mexico, fueled by determination.”

Marc Castro will kick off the main card live on DAZN as he fights over ten rounds for the first time against Gonzalo Fuenzalida (12-2 3 KOs). Castro (10-0 7 KOs) moved into double figures in the pros in April, recording a seventh stoppage win in his third eight-round contest in San Antonio. The Fresno talent now meets the Las Vegas-based Chilean over ten as he takes the latest step in a pro journey that began in December 2020.

“November 18, we are back at it,” said Castro. “I’m grateful to be returning to the ring, especially in my home state. This is my first time fighting as a pro in LA and I’m expecting a ton of support and plan on putting on a sensational performance in my first scheduled 10 rounder. 

“I’m looking to close out my 2023 in spectacular fashion as we look to take it to the next level in 2024.

Criztec Bazaldua steps through the ropes for the third time in his career when he takes on Pedro Angel Cruz (3-3 2 KOs). Bazaldua (2-0) has been faultless in his first two four rounders so far, his debut in Culiacan, Mexico in March and his second bout in New Orleans in June, and it’s a first hometown showing in the pro ranks for his third fight, again over four rounds at Lightweight.

“I feel immensely privileged to be able to showcase my abilities in front of a home crowd so early on in my career,” said Bazaldua. “It is a testament to the opportunities I knew Matchroom could provide me with both domestically and in Latin America. To also be on the undercard of a big brother in Diego Pacheco, having grown up together in South Central, Los Angeles and enjoyed the same amateur tournaments and boxing circuit is a blessing. I can’t wait to see so many familiar faces in the crowd, the support for this show will be electric.

“It’s been a banner year for Women’s boxing, and this is another brilliant fight to add to the list of epic battles we’ve seen,” said Eddie Hearn. “Rivas and Cruz has got war written all over it, with Mayerlin defending her title and Erika aiming to become a two-weight champion – neither will take a backwards step so the fans are going to be the winners.

“Marc makes a big step in his education as he fights over ten rounds for the first time in the paid ranks, Criztec gets a hometown fight in just his third action in the pros and there’s more fights to be added as we close in on our return to LA.

“Of course, this is all on the undercard of one of the most exciting talents in the sport, with Diego Pacheco headlining for the third straight event of his blossoming career against Marcelo Coceres – a chance for Diego to show that he is the future of the Super-Middleweight division and a major star in the making for American boxing.”

###About YouTube Theater
YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.




WBA orders Akhmadaliev-Gonzalez purse bid 

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the purse bid for the super bantamweight world eliminator bout between Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Kevin Gonzalez, which will take place on October 9 in Houston, Texas. 

After the period of negotiations was completed without the parties reaching an agreement, the pioneer organization decided to call the bidding, which will be directed by the World Championships Committee vice chairman, Julio Thyme from Panama. 

The bidding will be conducted under WBA rules and the purse split will be 50% for each fighter, while the minimum amount to participate will be US$ 80,000.00.

Akhmadaliev is ranked No. 1 at 122 pounds and a former world champion, while Gonzalez is ranked No. 2. The two must fight to determine the next challenger for the title, which is currently held by Marlon Tapales.




NIGHT OF THE GIANTS JUST GOT BIGGER: All-Heavyweight Undercard to Support Fury-Ngannou Super Fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Sept. 28, 2023) — Unbeaten British heavyweight standouts Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye will meet in a high-stakes clash Saturday, Oct. 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 12-round battle of emerging stars will serve as the chief support contest to the historic showdown between WBC & lineal heavyweight boxing world champion Tyson Fury and lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou.
 
The premier combat sports event of the year, which marks the opening of Riyadh Season – the world’s biggest entertainment event – features a night of action delivered by boxing’s marquee division, the heavyweights.
 
Former WBO world champion Joseph Parker (32-3, 22 KOs), from Auckland, New Zealand, goes up against Canada’s Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), and bone-crunching puncher Arslanbek Makhmudov (17-0, 16 KOs), also residing in Canada, takes on Croatian veteran Agron Smakici (19-2, 17 KOs). Both fights are scheduled for 10 rounds.
 
And, in a special six-round special attraction, 18-year-old heavyweight phenomenon Moses Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs) will face an opponent to be named.
 
This unprecedented heavyweight spectacular is promoted by Queensberry, Top Rank and GIMIK Fight Promotions, along with Eye Of The Tiger, promoter of Kean and Makhmudov.
 
Fury-Ngannou and the heavyweight undercard will be available on pay-per-view in the United States.
  
Ipswich’s Wardley (16-0, 15 KOs) became English champion in 2021 with a first-round stoppage of Nick Webb before capturing British honors with a third-round TKO of Nathan Gorman last November. He is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Michael Coffie in April.
 
Adeleye (12-0, 11 KOs), from London, is the current WBO European champion, having won his maiden professional title by defeating the previously unbeaten Dmytro Bezus at York Hall in February and subsequently stopping Emir Ahmatovic in June.
 
The Adeleye-Wardley rivalry hit new heights at the Fury-Ngannou press conference in London earlier this month, as the fighters and their camps brawled on the red carpet. The melee left Wardley with cuts above his left eye and under his chin.
 
“I’ve got a clean bill of health,” Wardley said. “Nothing has changed. I am still feeling strong, moving hard, and hitting new numbers.
 
“I don’t know how to quantify how my desire to win by knockout has increased after what happened but, yes, substantially. Massively, because I am a professional person and I like to act like a professional, but if you want to go early, then that’s fine, and I am ready to go at any minute.
 
“When those situations occur, all it does is fuel the fire more. All you have done is made it worse for yourself. You’ve made me train harder, you’ve made me work for it more, you’ve made me want it more.”
 
Adeleye said, “I’m really looking forward to competing on the global stage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Everywhere I go, people are talking about this fight. I intend to put on a show and display why I’m the best young heavyweight out there.”
 
Parker captured the WBO crown in 2016 with a points triumph over future champion Andy Ruiz Jr. in Auckland. He made two title defenses before an unsuccessful unification fight against Anthony Joshua in 2018. He won the WBO Intercontinental championship in May 2021 with a decision victory over Derek Chisora, making a successful defense against the Chisora seven months later.  
 
Parker lost a bid for the WBO Interim world title against Joe Joyce last September, but he has enjoyed a successful 2023 with wins over Jack Massey and Faiga Opelu.  Kean won the WBC International Silver championship in 2019 with a defeat of former world champion Siarhei Liakhovich, making a successful defense against Daniel Martz the following year. He has won eight straight via the short route, most recently notching a seventh-round stoppage over Eric Molina in March.
 
Parker said, “I’m looking forward to being back in Saudi Arabia. It was great the last time I was there to support another fighter and boxing event. This time I’m going to take care of business in my own fight against a tough challenge in Simon Kean. It is fantastic to be on this card and to be part of this major event. My preparations are on point. There is not long to go now.”
 
Kean said, “This is the moment all fighters dream of their whole career. This is what I’ve been working for and asking for. It’s time to deliver.”
 
Makhmudov won the WBC Continental Americas strap in 2019, becoming the first man to stop Jonnie Rice. He went on to win the NABF and NABO belts with a slew of wins over notable opponents, including Pavel Sour, Erkan Teper and Mariusz Wach. Makhmudov had a triumphant United States debut in July, obliterating Raphael Akpejiori in two rounds. Smakici challenged for the vacant European title in his last fight, but he suffered a loss to the undefeated Agit Kabayel. The Croatian’s only other setback came against then-unbeaten Zhan Kossobutskiy in 2019.
 
Makhmudov said, “Saudi Arabia is a very special place for me. It’s always been my goal to fight there, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”




GAVIN GWYNNE SIGNS FOR QUEENSBERRY

BRITISH LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION and forthcoming European title challenger Gavin Gwynne has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The 33-year-old, who turned professional in 2016 and became Welsh champion just over a year later, became holder of the Lonsdale belt in April 2022 following victory over Luke Willis before twice defending against fellow Welshman Craig Woodruff, with the first meeting scored a draw.

A breakthrough for the Merthyr Tydfil-born star came when he upset the odds to defeat home fighter Sean McComb in February 2021, punching the Irishman into a seventh round retirement to win the Commonwealth title. This followed unsuccessful challenges for the British title against Joe Cordina and James Tennyson.

Gwynn is set to fight for the vacant EBU European lightweight title against Emiliano Marsili on a date to be announced.

“I am over the moon to sign with Queensbury in a long term promotional deal,” reacted Gwynn, who will join the Queensberry lightweight ranks alongside Mark Chamberlain and Sam Noakes.

“It’s what I’ve been needing my whole career to get where I need to be. I am looking forward to picking up that European title and moving on to bigger and better things.

“I would also like to have some big nights back in Wales.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to bring Gavin on board with us at Queensberry and he is one we can deliver championship fights for straight away.

“He has done fantastically well to become British champion and put himself in position to fight for the European title, which we will stage later this year.

“Should he be successful – as we are sure he will be – against the veteran Italian Emiliano Marsili, then there are many big fights out there for him, including a push towards world title contention.

“We also have a couple of young men already on our books at lightweight who will be watching his every move with interest.”




Canelo at the crossroads

By Norm Frauenheim –

LAS VEGAS – It’s a fight at the crossroads.

Canelo’s crossroads.

Where it’ll take him is just about anybody’s guess. There’s right. There’s left. And there’s nowhere, or at least no more. Canelo Alvarez has answered 63 opening bells over the last 18 years.

The 64th is significant, but not for the way it’ll sound. Canelo has been answering opening bells the way the rest of the world answers its morning alarm. They’ve been his lifestyle, his 9-to-5 routine. It’s hard to imagine what he’d do – who he’d be – without one.

But Jermell Charlo is there, promising to end the only thing Canelo has ever known Saturday night in a Showtime pay-per-view bout at T-Mobile Arena. Charlo looms as an unlikely threat to undo that Canelo identity.

Canelo, perhaps, will prove just how unlikely. All the documented data suggests that’s what will happen.

Charlo, an undisputed champion at junior-middleweight, is jumping up two weight classes in a bid to upset Canelo, undisputed at super-middle.

Charlo has been idle for more than a year. Above all, he’s never been subjected to the pressures that accompany the kind of stage occupied by Canelo for so long.

“He’s gonna feel it,’’ Canelo said at a news conference Wednesday in a crowded ball room at the MGM Grand. “It’s hard to explain it, but it’s just something different. He’s not used to being in there with a fighter like me.’’

That begs a question, one that served as something of a promotional theme ever since the fight was announced in the summer months.

After all of those opening bells and subsequent punishment, just who is Canelo? The same fighter he believes himself to be? Still the aggressive finisher who stopped a then-feared Sergey Kovalev in the 11th round in November 2019?

Or is he at the end? It’s too easy to suggest that Canelo’s career is at the precipice. Still, there are signs he’s preparing for life after he answers that last bell. He’s selling his own brand, VMC, of Tequila cocktails. In and around his hometown, Guadalajara, he has his own line of gas stations, Canelo Energy.

Energy, of course, is one of the factors in Canelo’s perceived decline. Over his last three fights, there’s just been none of it in the late rounds. By the seventh or eighth, Canelo is running on empty.

Maybe, it’s just been a question of conditioning or injuries, especially to his left hand.The hand, he said, is fine, back to what it was following surgery.

But if that energy crisis continues Saturday night, the career is problematic.

Potentially, it could put a fatigued Canelo in jeopardy against a fighter, Charlo, who is known for staging the late assault. Charlo, a lot like possible Canelo foe David Benavidez, gets on a roll over the final three to four rounds

Canelo promises he’ll have the right counter to whatever Charlo plans to deliver.

“I never overlook any fighter,’’ said Canelo, who switched up his usual routine with a training camp at altitude in the Nevada mountains near Reno. “I know what he brings and I’m ready.

“I’ve been in there with all types of fighters. He hasn’t experienced this kind of level of fight. You will see and you will learn.’’

Throughout Wednesday’s newer, there were moments when he sounded like the fighter known worldwide today as simply Canelo. He finds motivation. He uses it. He remembers Charlo for criticism of his skillset.

“He never believed in my skills.” he said. “…Now, I have the opportunity to show my skills.’’

Charlo, known for crazy trash talk earlier in his career, has said little to annoy Canelo. If anything, the Houston fighter has been cautiously complimentary. Wednesday’s news conference was notable for all the slurs that weren’t said and all the shoves that were deliver. By boxing standards, it was polite.

Only a lion might complain.

Charlo likes to think of himself in lion-like terms. They are lionized, stitched across the front of  his caps and shirts.

“I’m an effing lion,’’ he roared during the news conference.

Canelo smiled.

“I don’t know what animal I need to be,’’ he said.

Probably the animal he used to be.    




Off To The Races: Shakur Stevenson-Edwin De Los Santos & Emanuel Navarrete-Robson Conceição Top World Championship Doubleheader Thursday, November 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 27, 2023) — After being ghosted by multiple prospective opponents, boxing’s pound-for-pound prince finally found a willing foe.

Shakur Stevenson will attempt to become a three-weight world champion when he takes on Dominican puncher Edwin De Los Santos for the vacant WBC lightweight world title Thursday, Nov. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

In the world championship co-feature, Mexico’s Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete defends his WBO junior lightweight strap against Brazilian two-time world title challenger Robson Conceição.

This world title twofer — broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT — kicks off the highly anticipated race week in Las Vegas. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

“This is a huge week for Las Vegas and a tremendous platform for Shakur Stevenson to show, once again, why he is well on his way to reigning as the sport’s pound-for-pound king,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Many fighters turned down the opportunity, but Edwin De Los Santos eagerly accepted. Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceição fighting for supremacy at 130 pounds adds to a spectacular card that is loaded from top to bottom.”

Stevenson (20-0, 10 KOs), from Newark, New Jersey, won titles in two divisions in his first five years in the paid ranks. After earning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, he debuted as pro in 2017 and compiled a 12-0 record before toppling Joet Gonzalez to win the vacant WBO featherweight world championship in October 2019. Two years later, he captured the WBO junior lightweight title with a 10th-round TKO over Jamel Herring before adding the WBC strap to his collection with a 12-round decision over Oscar Valdez in April 2022. The 26-year-old southpaw defeated Conceição last September before moving up to lightweight and scoring a sixth-round stoppage win over Japanese contender Shuichiro Yoshino in April. 

Stevenson said, “Edwin De Los Santos is a good fighter and he’s going to come to fight. I give him credit for actually taking this fight when so many other so-called ‘fighters’ ran from it. I’m the biggest boogeyman in boxing, and on November 16, the world will see why when I put on another great performance for the fans. Come out to T-Mobile Arena or tune in to ESPN and watch me become a three-division world champion.”

De Los Santos (16-1, 14 KOs) is a hard-hitting southpaw from the Dominican Republic. He debuted in 2018 and notched his first 13 victories in his home country. In his U.S. debut, he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss to William Foster III. He hasn’t lost a fight since. In 2022, he took two unbeaten records, knocking out Luis Acosta with a left hand in the second round and dropping Jose Valenzuela twice before stopping him in round three. In his last fight, De Los Santos dominated Joseph Adorno over 10 rounds in July. This will be De Los Santos’ first shot at a world title.

De Los Santos said, “I want to thank Top Rank, the WBC, ESPN and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for this opportunity to put on a great fight and win my first world championship. I am a proud Dominican warrior who fights for my people! Shakira, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. He made five defenses before moving up to featherweight, where he beat Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his belt three times before moving up to 130 pounds. In February, Navarrete became a three-division champion by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. He solidified his dominance at 130 pounds with an emphatic 12-round decision win against Valdez in August. Navarrete looks to make the second defense of his strap as the possibility of a title opportunity in a fourth weight division emerges on the horizon.

Navarrete said, “I am very happy to be able to defend my title again in 2023. My motivation is to continue achieving great victories for Mexican boxing and to bring glory to this beautiful nation. Conceição is a complicated opponent, but I want to be the best 130-pounder in the world, and for that I must face the best. I have never shied away from any rival. Whoever they put in front of me, ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete will always be ready to battle.”

Conceição (17-2, 8 KOs) made history as Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medalist, turning pro under the Top Rank banner less than three months after the 2016 Rio Games. In September 2021, he earned his first shot at a world title against Valdez, who was then the unbeaten WBC champ at junior lightweight. Though losing a close points verdict, he proved himself as a worthy title contender. Less than five months later, he traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and upset the previously unbeaten Xavier Martinez over 10 rounds. Conceição then had his second opportunity at a world title, an unsuccessful but valiant effort against Stevenson last September. Conceição will now get a third opportunity to call himself a world champion in the pro ranks.

“This is great opportunity in front of a great champion. I needed three Olympics Games to finally capture gold and become Olympic champ, and it looks like history is repeating itself. On November 16, I will fight to the end, and I will not miss this opportunity to become a world champion and once again bring gold to Brazil.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will be highlighted by a battle between unbeaten welterweights as well as a host of emerging prospects. 

Undefeated standouts Brian Norman Jr. (24-0, 19 KOs) and Quinton Randall (13-0-1, 3 KOs) will collide in a 10-round welterweight battle. Norman has boxing in his blood. His father, Brian Norman Sr., was a light heavyweight contender in a career spanning 30 bouts. The younger Norman is on the path to contender status as well, having bested Rodrigo Coria in January and Jesus Campos in May. Randall tallied a sixth-round TKO victory against Terry Chatwood in June and an eight-round decision versus Willie Jones in July.

In an eight-round junior featherweight duel between two of Las Vegas’ top prospects, Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (9-0, 3 KOs) and Max Ornelas (15-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle for intra-city bragging rights. Diaz returns after beating Luis Fernando Saavedra on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard in May, while Ornelas is coming off a highly controversial split decision loss against Hector Valdez last October. 

U.S. Olympian Troy Isley (10-0, 4 KOs) steps up in class in an eight-round middleweight fight against Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez (14-5, 6 KOs). The 25-year-old had an impressive 2022 in which he scored five victories. He heads into the biggest fight of his career after one-sided wins over Roy Barringer in April and Antonio Todd in July. Hernandez holds wins over Mexican action star Alfredo Angulo and former unified world champion Julian Williams. In August, he handed touted prospect Lorenzo Simpson his first pro defeat.

19-year-old lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason (10-0, 8 KOs) will make his fifth appearance of 2023 in a six-round fight against Texas’ Jose Cardenas (7-1, 5 KOs). Mason, from Cleveland, Ohio, is 4-0 with three knockouts this year.

Junior lightweight contender and Las Vegas native Andres Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs) takes on Nicaragua’s Freddy Fonseca (30-6-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round tilt. Cortes was last seen notching his best victory to date, a seventh-round stoppage win over Xavier Martinez in July.

Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (4-0, 3 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds versus Mark Dawson (11-1-1, 4 KOs).




FORMER CHAMPION MIGUEL “EL ALACRÁN” BERCHELT TO HEADLINE GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN IN MATCH AGAINST ARGENTINA’S WORLD TITLE CONTENDER DIEGO “EL PROFETA” RUIZ

MÉRIDA, MÉXICO (September 27, 2023) – Former World Champion Miguel “El Alacrán” Berchelt (38-3, 34 KOs) of Yucatan will make a redemptive return to the ring as the main event of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Mexico Edition in a lightweight match against former world champion challenger of Tucuman, Argentina, Diego “El Profeta” Ruiz (24-7-1, 12 KOs). The 10-round lightweight fight is presented in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing on Saturday, October 14 at the Poliforum Zamna in Mérida, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

In the co-main event, Mexico City’s undefeated Angel Ayala (16-0, 7 KOs) will have his clean record tested by former world champion of Managua, Nicaragua, Felix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (39-3, 34 KOs) in an IBF Eliminator fight scheduled for 10-rounds.

Also making his grand return to the ring, Aaron Silva (13-0, 10 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super middleweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. Opening the DAZN broadcast and also from Monterrey, Irvin Turrubiartes (25-0-1, 15 KOs) is scheduled for a 10-round featherweight match against Oaxaca, Mexico’s Sergio Sanchez (20-1, 12 KOs). 

In the preliminary fights, Texcoco’s Juan Ayala (12-1, 7 KOs) will participate in a 10-round bantamweight fight. In an eight-round super featherweight fight, Guadalajara’s Bryan Anco (9-0, 8 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Zanfer Boxing. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

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 #GBFightNight




HANEY AND PROGRAIS MEET IN BLOCKBUSTER WORLD TITLE CLASH AT CHASE CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO ON DEC 9

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis will clash in a Super-Lightweight blockbuster at Chase Center in San Francisco, California on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide.

PRESALE TICKETS GO ON SALE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 AT NOON PT – FANS INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR PRESALE CAN DO SO HERE.

TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT NOON PT AT CHASECENTER.COM.

Haney (30-0 15 KOs) returns to his Bay Area roots in his quest to become a two-weight World champion, moving up from 135lbs having become undisputed after beating George Kambosos Jr in Australia in June 2022, and then successfully defended his crown twice, once in a rematch Down Under in October and then against modern-day legend Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas in May, and now the San Francisco-born 24 year old can make more history in his first fight on his home turf.

Prograis (29-1 24 KOs) puts his WBC title on the line for the second time after successfully seeing off the Danielito Zorrilla on his New Orleans home patch in his first defense in April. ‘Rougarou’ became a two-time holder of the green and gold belt in November when he knocked out Jose Zepeda in the 11th round in Carson, California – and the 34 year old returns to The Golden State to face the former undisputed Lightweight king.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Haney. “It’s been a dream of mine to fight in my hometown. I’m excited for the opportunity to become two-division World champion in The City [The Bay] where it all started. The energy in the building is going to be electric. I haven’t fought at home since I was an amateur, so I’m looking for my city to show up and show out. 

“As a kid, I always envisioned fighting at The Oracle in Oakland. Now with Chase Center, I have two dream locations with a bridge between them. So, my first order of business is to blow the roof off Chase Center on December 9 with an amazing event. I picked a focused and hungry champion to invite to my hometown. Regis is going to be trying to knock me out and that’s exactly what I need him to be TRYING to do. This is what you do when you are the youngest promoter in boxing. I’m the real face of boxing. December 9. Legacy and Money.

“On paper this is a tough fight because it’s my first fight at a heavier weight division. I’m comfortable with the plan have. God willing, I’m going to be stronger and faster than ever. I’m going to dominate him, and the Welterweight division will be put on notice.

“It’s never personal, this is a business at the end of the day. We’re two gentlemen at the end of the day, but when we get in the ring, we don’t have respect for each other. I’m going to go in in there and do my job.”

“Finally, we’re ready to go on Saturday, December 9 and I can’t wait to put on a show,” said Prograis. “I’ve already started training camp and I’ll be more than ready to do what I do best.
 
“Devin has done well at 135lbs but I’m the best in the world at 140lbs and I will prove that once again!
 
“Since my last fight they mentioned Devin’s name and that’s the only person I’ve had on my mind. I will not only beat him, but I will beat him up. I will hurt this kid. It’s nothing he can do that’s going to stop me from dominating. It’s going to be a massacre. Again, I will hurt him.”
 
“It’s been quite a journey from East Oakland,” said Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer. “Everything us represents “The Bay.” Strong and independent. It’s surreal to finally get a chance to go home where The Dream started.

“We’re taking this fight seriously. Regis is a tough guy from New Orleans. He’s a two-time champion with KO power, so he speaks with confidence. I’m anticipating a sharp strong Devin Haney at 140 lbs. This is why this is an exciting matchup. 

“This fight shows the level of competition Devin is going after, and there’s no built-in excuse for either fighter. They both need to fight each other to get where they’re going. It’s a winner-take-all.”

“Regis will show that he is the best 140lb boxer in the world,” said Bobby Benton, Regis’ trainer. “He will get to show all of his skills and also his IQ against Haney.”“I am thrilled that we can finally get our teeth into talking about one of the best fights of 2023,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The build-up to this one is going to be like the fight itself – intense, fiery, and explosive. There is no love lost between them and bragging rights alone are a huge prize on offer, but with Regis wanting to prove he’s the man to beat at 140lbs and Devin aiming to become a two-weight World champion as a homecoming hero, the stakes simply couldn’t be higher on what promises to be an electric night of action in San Francisco.” 

The mouth-watering clash is another huge addition to DAZN’s stunning schedule to close 2023. London is the scene for World title action this weekend as Australian Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defends his IBF and Ring Magazine titles against Jordan Thompson, and the following weekend (October 7) an all-British blockbuster sees Nottingham’s Leigh Wood defend his WBA World Featherweight title against Leeds’ Josh Warrington in Sheffield.

Leading Super-Lightweight star Jack Catterall has hometown advantage on October 21, but former World ruler Jorge Linares has fond memories of Manchester and will be looking to rekindle them in what promises to be a war. A week later, the action switches to Cancun in Mexico as O’Shaquie Foster defends his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against big punching Mexican Rocky Hernandez.

The Super-Featherweight division remains the focus when Matchroom return to Monte Carlo on November 4, where Joe Cordina will defend his IBF World title against Texan Edward Vazquez. The next American show on Hearn’s packed slate sees future Super-Middleweight ruler Diego Pacheco continues his rise in a hometown show in Los Angeles against Marcelo Coceres.

After an incredible night in Dublin in May, Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor meet again in the Irish capital for the Undisputed Super-Lightweight crown, and the week after Haney and Prograis clash, there’s another fight that has boxing fans purring, as Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards head to Glendale, Arizona in a Flyweight unification battle.

“What a great night of boxing this will be”, said Jared Kass, SVP North America, “A proper fighter’s fight, which will see two of the divisions finest facing off in December in San Francisco. Watch Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis live and exclusive on DAZN PPV on December 9.”

Haney vs. Prograis is the first boxing event to be held at the world-class Chase Center in San Francisco. Opening its doors in 2019, Chase Center is an award-winning 18,064-seat sports and entertainment arena in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood that is home to the seven-time NBA champion Golden State Warriors and San Francisco’s top events and performances.




ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME UNVEILS DISTINGUISHED GUEST LIST FOR 7th ANNUAL AWARDS & INDUCTION WEEKEND

Atlantic City, N.J. September 26, 2023 – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) proudly announces the roster of special guests attending the 7th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend, held from Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st, 2023, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The guest list features notable boxing figures such as: Roberto Duran, Michael Spinks, James Toney, Vinny Paz, Gerry Cooney, Ray Mercer, Tim Witherspoon, Kelly Pavlik, Lamon Brewster, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Junior Jones, Reggie Johnson, Mark Breland, Sharmba Mitchell, Eva Jones-Young, John Scully, Michael Olajide, Iran Barkley, Michael Nunn, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Jeff Chandler, Montell Griffin, Yaqui Lopez, Al Cole, Kali Reis, Hector Camacho Jr., Rodney Moore, Kendall Holt, Dave Tiberi, Nate Miller and William Joppy, to name a few.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 29th, with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, followed by the Friday Night Fight Presented by Hard Hitting Promotions at Bally’s Casino Atlantic City. On Saturday, September 30th, the Fight Fan Experience & Boxing Exhibits at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be open from 11:00am – 1:00pm

The highlight of the weekend is the Red-Carpet Formal Awards & Induction Ceremony, taking place on Saturday night inside the Sound Waves Theater. Attendees will enjoy a unique opportunity to mix and mingle with other boxing luminaries and special VIP guests, as well as honor all who helped put Atlantic City on the boxing map. The Pre-VIP Cocktail Reception will begin at 5:00pm, and it leads into the Official Awards & Induction Program from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. After the Awards Ceremony, guests with VIP tickets will have the chance to experience the Post-VIP Reception, which includes a bonus fight watch party for Canelo Alverez vs. Jermell Charlo

 

The 2023 class members of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame include:

 

George Foreman, Shannon Briggs, David Tua, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, Jamillia Lawrence, Joe Hand Sr., Matt Howard, Rudy Battle, Benjy Esteves Jr., Arnold Robbins, Joseph Santoliquito, Lee Samuels They will be inducted alongside Posthumously & Pioneers such as Buster Drayton, Marty Feldman, Rocky Castellani, Frankie Polo, Joe Miller, Horace M. Leeds, “KO” Becky O’Neill and Willie O’Neill

For more information on event tickets, room reservations, and weekend schedules, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at: www.acbhof.com

The ACBHOF gives a special thanks to their partners and sponsors: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, Bare Knuckle Fighting Champions, Hard Hitting Promotions, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, The Irish Pub-Atlantic City, Moustakas & Nelson Law, Quail Hill Realty, Gionta Management LLC, T&K Boxing Promotions, Sparbar Boxing LTD, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, Icons of Boxing Memorabilia, and Fight Night Apparel




TOP SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER VLADIMIR SHISHKIN RETURNS TO BATTLE RAMON AYALA THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

DETROIT, MI – September 26, 2023 – Top super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin will return to action this Friday, September 29 as he duels Mexico’s Ramon Ayala in an eight-round matchup from Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida.

The IBF’s No. 2 contender at 168-pounds, Shishkin has worked his way into position for a world title fight since turning pro in 2016. If he continues his winning ways, he’ll look to earn a world title fight against current undisputed IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO super middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez, who is slated to defend his titles this Saturday against undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo.

“I’m staying active and sharp and making sure that I’m getting better every day,” said Shishkin. “I’ll be watching the Canelo vs. Charlo fight closely, but I’m laser focused on being at my best this Friday night. To get that Canelo fight I know that I have to win impressively and earn my shot.”

Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin (14-0, 8 KOs) turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 32-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent six victories in stateside bouts. Most recently, Shishkin bested former world champion Jose Uzcategui via a unanimous decision in December in a bout that aired on SHOWTIME. He will duel the 34-year-old Ayala (25-8-1, 13 KOs), who has fought professionally since 2006. A native of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, Ayala has faced former champion Omar Figueroa Jr. in addition to a slew of contenders including Bryant Perrella, Chris van Heerden, Leonardo Zappavigna and Neeco Macias.

“Vladimir is one of the best super middleweight contenders in the world, if not the best,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “The champions will only fight him when they have to, and he’s in a position right now to make that happen. I believe in activity, so while Canelo’s fight takes place, Vladimir is going to stay prepared and ready for the day his number is called.”

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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. 




BOSTON’S MARK DELUCA SIGNS WITH DON KING PRODUCTIONS!

BOSTON, MA (September 26, 2023) Waymaker Management’s Middleweight Contender, Mark “The Bazooka” DeLuca (30-4, 18 KOs) has inked a promotional agreement with Don King Productions.

The fan favorite DeLuca has been boxing his whole life. After compiling six wins in his first year as a pro, DeLuca joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008, putting his boxing career on pause while he was serving his country and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

Returning in 2014, DeLuca picked up where he left off and became a local star fighting in front of sold out arenas throughout New England. DeLuca’s impressive resume includes wins over Brandon Brewer (23-0-1, 11 KOs), Jimmy Williams (16-1-1, 5 KOs), Walter Wright (17-4, 8 KOs), Travis Scott (19-2, 5 KOs), Matthew Strode (24-2, 9 KOs) and Gabor Gorbics (19-2, 12 KOs).

DeLuca has earned numerous regional titles including the WBA affiliated NABA Championship. Two of DeLuca’s most notable fights were in enemy territory when he came up short against former world champion, Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) in the United Kingdom and against world title challenger, Steven Butler (30-3-1, 24 KOs) in Canada.

Now the US Marine Veteran is ready for his next big opportunity, this time on American soil. DeLuca will challenge WBA #7 ranked Ian Green (17-2, 11 KOs) for the WBA Inter-Continental Middleweight Title. This fight will take place on Don King Productions’ “Only in America 92 Celebration” event on November 4th at Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami, FL.

Mark DeLuca, “I would like to thank my manager and Don King for putting this deal together. I’m excited to be fighting on this big event on November 4th in Miami.”

Waymaker Management’s Founder, Artie DePinho said, “Don King is a legendary promoter and we are fortunate to work with him and his team as we support Mark’s career. The Bazooka is ready to capitalize on this opportunity and blast into the world ratings.”

The stacked November 4th event is headlined by  former four-division World Champion Adrian “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) vs. Chris Howard (18-2-1, 8 KOs). Noel Mikaelian (26-2, 11 KOs) vs. Ilunga Junior Makabu (29-3, 25 KOs) will battle for the WBC Cruiserweight World Championship, and Trevor Bryan (22-1, 15 KOs) vs. Cassius Chaney (22-1, 15 KOs) will clash in a heavyweight showdown. Tickets are on sale now and the event will be broadcast on FITE TV.




Khalil Coe Remains Undefeated with Second Round Stoppage over Kenmon Evans in Orlando

NEW YORK (September 25, 2023) – Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

The bout took place at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21.

Coe, 179.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, 179.8 lbs of New Smyrna Beach, FL is 10-2-1.

Coe is is co-managed by Split-T Management Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.




Former World Champion Tevin Farmer Takes on Oscar Barajas This Friday Night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Philadelphia (September 25, 2023) –- This Friday night, former lightweight world champion, Tevin Farmer gets back into the ring for the second time in three months when he takes on Oscar Barajas in an eight-round lightweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The seven-bout card is promoted by R & B Promotions.

Farmer of Philadelphia is 31-5-1 with six knockouts. The 33-year-old Framer defeated Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-10), Emmanuel Gomez (14-0), Viktor Chermous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2), former world champion Gamailei Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1) and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

On August 3, 2018, Farmer traveled to New South Wales, Australia, and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF Junior League championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico has a record of 19-8-1. The 33-year-old Barajas has wins over Roxie Lam (7-1) as well as three big upset wins over Philly fighters Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1) as well as a decision win over Roberto Gomez (5-1) on March 4th in Newtown, PA.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (13-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on Jimmy Williams (18-12-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT in a junior middleweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (9-3, 4 KOs) of Somerdale, NJ fights Phillip Davis (3-6-2) of Worcester, MA in a lightweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Joshua Jones (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Jonathan Perez (41-37, 33 KOs) of Barranquilla, COL in a lightweight contest.

In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pennsauken, NJ fights James Abraham (2-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY

Daniel Bean (2-1, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ scraps with Rob Perez (1-0) of Worcester, MA in a a heavyweight tussle.

Gandi Romain (0-1) of Irvington, NJ takes on debuting Beni Beguy of New York in a welterweight contest.

The fight will be streamed at

CLICK FOR STREAM

Tickets are $80, $105 and $150 and can be purchased at

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




IRELAND’S ‘KING’ CALLUM WALSH MAKES HIS MADISON SQUARE GARDEN DEBUT IN TITLE DEFENSE VS. BRONX BEAST ISMAEL VILLARREAL ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9!

New York City, NY (September 25, 2023) The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh will make his New York debut on one of boxing’s biggest stages, The Theater at Madison Square Garden.  The ten-round main event on Thursday, November 9 will be broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS, which is also making its Garden debut for boxing.  Ranked No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the native of Cork, Ireland returns to battle following a fourth-round stoppage of veteran Juan Jose Velasco in Los Angeles, CA.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, the highly touted 22-year-old Walsh, (8-0, 7 KOs), will make the second defense of his WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title, against Ismael Villarreal (13-1, 9 KOs), from Bronx, NY.  On Sept. 20, Villarreal defeated John Martinez (19-3, 16 KOs), via a TKO 2, ending the Miami fighter’s four-year, eight-fight winning streak.  Villarreal scored three knockdowns in round two, forcing the referee to end the fight with two seconds remaining in the round. The combined record of Villarreal’s last six opponents when he fought them was 93-19 – a winning percentage of 83%.

Tickets to the Walsh-Villarreal super welterweight title event at The Garden are on sale now.  Tickets priced at $205, $155, $55, and $35, are available now and can be purchased online at ww.msg.com or at the Madison Square Garden box office and via Ticketmaster locations.  Accessible and companion seats are available via the Accessibility Department at 888.609.7599.

“Every fighter aspires to fight at Madison Square Garden,” said the Freddie Roach-trained southpaw.  “It’s a big combat sports week and a dream come true to fight at ‘The Mecca of Boxing’ in New York City ahead of UFC 295.  I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans and my Irish compatriots.” 

“For Callum to be making his Garden debut is a testament to his hard work and talent,” said Walsh’s Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. “But to be the headliner, in just his ninth pro fight, and during this special week, that is a ringing endorsement from The Garden executives.  Villarreal is another big test for Callum.  Callum wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“My dream is to be a world boxing champion and to achieve it I have to eliminate all the obstacles that come my way and Callum Walsh will be no exception,” said Villarreal.  “I will be happy to do it in New York in front of my fans, in the city where I was born and have lived all my life.  I know that this victory will open the doors for me to compete in a world championship no later than 2024. On November 9, the boxing world will know who Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal is.”

“I couldn’t be happier for Ismael Villarreal in getting this opportunity to headline at the Garden, it’s every fighter’s dream growing up in New York,” said Kathy Duva, Villarreal’s Hall of Fame promoter.  “He has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, accepted every fight that has been offered to him, and now has a chance to prove that he is a legitimate player at 154 lb. I want to thank 360 Promotions and UFC Fight Pass for this opportunity, and I have no doubt that this will be a very entertaining fight.”

Tom Loeffler has promoted numerous sold-out events at Madison Square Garden including memorable evenings headlined by middleweight icon Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin and heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko.

“Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a huge step for every future superstar in boxing,” said Tom Loeffler. “Callum draws sold-out, celebrity-filled crowds to his events in Los Angeles and we’re expecting another tremendous evening for his New York debut at The Garden.

“Dana White and his team at the UFC continue to be tremendous partners for the growth of Callum and we’re very excited to be part of their tremendous week at Madison Square Garden.”




Richardson Hitchins Decisions Jose Zepeda

Richardson Hitchins remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Zepeda in a junior welterweight bout at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Hitchins, 139.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 120-109 twice and 119-109 and is now 17-0. Zepeda, 140 lbs of La Puenta, CA is 37-4.

In round seven, Zepeda was cut on his forehead from a headbutt.

Conor Benn came back after an 17-month layoff to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Rodolfo Orozco in a junior middleweight bout.

Benn was suspended for failing an anti-doping test before his bout with Chris Eubank Jr. looked aggresiver throughout the contest.

In round two, Orozxo was bleeding under his right eye.

Benn, 153.6 lbs of Ilford, ENG won by scores of 99-91 twice and 96-94 and is now 22-0. Orozco, 154.4 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX is 32-4-3.

“We didn’t want a walk in the park,” said Benn. “I needed the rounds after 18 months out, he’s a true Mexican, my first Mexican I’ve fought, and we knew he was durable. Credit to him, he’s never been stopped before and he’s one tough man and I hope he progresses.
 
“They are stronger and take shots more, I don’t think there was ring rust, I was going through the gears after going through hell.
 
“Britain is my home and it’s only right I fight back there, sooner rather than later.”

WBA/WBC Welterweight champion Jessica McCaskill and WBO champion fought to a split draw in their unification bout.

Scores were 97-93 for McCaskill, 96-94 for Ryan and 95-95.

McCaskill, 136.4 bs of Chicago is 12-3-1. Ryan, 146.4 lbs of Darby, ENG is 6-1-1.

Austin Williams won a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Steve Rolls in a middleweight. bout.

Williams, 160 lbs Houston won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 15-0. Rolls, 159.2 lbs of Tornoto is 22-3.

Orestes Velazquez stopped Mohamed Soumaoro in round seven of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight fight.

In round eight, Velazquez landed a big and relentless flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:19.

Velazquez, 140 lbs of Miami, FL is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Soumaoro, 1396 lbs of Montreal is 13-2.

Khalil Coe remained undefeated as he stopped Kenmon Evans in round two of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

At the beginning of round two, Coe dropped Evans with a right hook. Coe ended things when he landed a right to the side of the head and the bout was stopped as he fell to the ground at 1:21.

Coe, 19.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 7-0-1 with five knockouts. Evans, 179.8 lbs of New Smyrna Beach, FL is 10-2-1.

Jeovanny Estela stopped Gerardo Carabello in the opening round of their eight-rround super welterweight clash.

Estela dropped Carabello with a vicious uppercut and the fight was stopped at 2:10,

Estela, 153.5 lbs of Orlando, FL is 13-0 with four knockouts. Carabello, 153,4 lbs of Trujillo Alto, PR is 6-2-1.

Jasmine Artiga remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Josefina Vega in a featherweight bout.

At the end of round three, Artiga dropped Vega with a long left.

Artiga, 116 lbs of Tampa, FL won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 11-0-1. Vega, 114 lbs of Quito, ECU is 9-7.




REPEAT!! Zhang Knocks Joyce in 3

Zhilei Zhang scored a third round stoppage over Joe Joyce to retain his interim WBO Heavyweight Title at Wembley Arena in London, England.

Zhang dominated the action and at the end of round three, landed a booming right hook on the jaw that put Joyce on the canvas face-first. Joyce got to his feet, but the fight was waved off at 3:07.

Zhang of China is now 26-1-1 with 21 knockouts. Joyce of London is 15-2.

The fight was a rematch of a Zhang stoppage from April.

Former two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde stopped very late replacement Jorge Silva in round two of their light heavyweight fight.

In round two, Yarde landed a right hand that dumped Silva in the corner and the fight was stopped at 2:07.

Yarde, 177.9 lbs of Essex, ENG is now 24-3 with 23 knockouts. Silva, 178 lbs of Portugal is 22-9.

Ezra Taylor scored a eighth and final round stoppage over Joel Mcintyre in a light heavyweight bout.

Taylor dominated the bout and then opened up a big flurry in the corner and got the last second stoppage at 2:59.

Taylor, 176 lbs of Nottingham, ENG is 7=0 with five knockouts. Mcintyre, 178 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 20-8.

Tommy Fletcher dropped Alberto Tapia five times en-route to a fourth-round stoppage in a scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Fletcher dropped Tapia with a hard straight left to the body. At the end of the round, Fletcher landed an uppercut that put Tapia on his knee. In round two, Fletcher landed a left on the inside that put Tapia down once again. Later in the round Fletcher scored a fourth knockdown with a left to the body. In round three, Fletcher dumped Tapia yet again with a left to the body.

In round four, Fletcher landed a flurry that included a hard right hook to the head and a straight left that forced the corner to throw in the towel at 1:28.

Fletcher, 198.2 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Tapia, 197.5 lbs of Spain is 3-5.

Sean Noakes remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Lukasz Barabasz in a junior middleweight bout.

Noakes won by a 59-55 score and is now 6-0. Barabasz is now 2-9.




Undefeated Light Heavyweight Khalil Coe in Action TONIGHT against Kenmon Evans

NEW YORK (September 23, 2023) – Undefeated light heavyweight Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe will take on Kenmon Evans tonight at The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Coe of Flemington, New Jersey is 6-0-1 with four knockouts. The 27-year-old will be making his third start of 2023. Coe has already racked up wins over Dylan O’Sullivan (1-0), Bradley Olemda (5-0), James Quiter (6-1-1) and his last outing where Coe was impressive in taking out previously undefeated Buneet Bisia (7-0) in seven rounds on June 24th in New York.

Evans of New Smyrna Beach, Florida is 10-1-1 with three knockouts. Evans has a win over previously undefeated Isaiah Thompon (5-0-1)..

Coe, who is co-managed by Keith Connolly and promoted by Matchroom Boxing, weighed 179.6 lbs. Evans was 179.8 lbs.

?Photos By Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing.




TOP HEAVYWEIGHT FRANK SANCHEZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK AND U.S. OLYMPIAN TERRELL GAUSHA HIGHLIGHT THREE-FIGHT CANELO VS. CHARLO SHOWTIME PPV® COUNTDOWN SHOW IN SEPARATE BOUTS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

LAS VEGAS – September 22, 2023 – Top heavyweight Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez will highlight the stacked three-fight SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show as he takes on Scott Alexander in a 10-round matchup on Saturday, September 30 leading up to the Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo SHOWTIME PPV event taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view.

The lineup will also see former light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk battle Brazil’s Isaac Rodrigues in an eight-round duel, while 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha faces KeAndrae Leatherwood in an eight-round middleweight bout. The live stream will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT and be available on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing® Facebook page.

The show will be hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell.

These fights lead into a four-fight pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and headlined by Undisputed Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez defending his titles against Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermell Charlo in a historic battle of reigning undisputed champions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com. 

An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (22-0, 15 KOs) now trains in California with renowned trainer of Canelo Álvarez, Eddy Reynoso. The 31-year-old caught the heavyweight division’s attention when he scored a career-best win in October 2021, dropping the previously unbeaten Efe Ajagba on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Most recently he blasted out Daniel Martz in one round in April. He will be opposed by the 34-year-old Alexander (17-5-2, 9 KOs), who most recently knocked out Jaime Solorio in August 2022. The Los Angeles-native has challenged many contenders throughout his career, including Zhilei Zhang, Carlos Negron and Travis Kauffman.

After earning a bronze medal representing his native Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics, Gvozdyk (19-1, 15 KOs) turned pro in 2014, eventually defeating a slew of contenders to earn a light heavyweight title shot. He went on to become WBC champion with an 11th-round knockout of Adonis Stevenson and defended the title in 2019 by stopping Doudou Ngumbu in round five. Since losing the belt in a unification match against Artur Beterbiev, Gvozdyk has picked up a pair of victories in 2023, besting Josue Obando in February and Ricards Bolotniks in May. He will take on Mocajuba, Para, Brazil’s Rodrigues (28-4, 22 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision to Richard Rivera in February. Rodrigues has also challenged contender Demond Nicholson in a career that dates back to 2005.

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (23-3-1, 12 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif. The 36-year-old has faced tough competition throughout his career, having fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against former champion Erislandy Lara, top contender Erickson Lubin and interim champion Tim Tszyu. Gausha has shown impressive power in recent years, blasting out Jamontay Clark in two rounds in 2021 and most recently stopping Brandyn Lynch in round nine in March. He faces Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s Leatherwood (23-8-1, 13 KOs), who has faced numerous former champions and contenders including Caleb Truax, Andy Lee, Hugo Centeno Jr., John Jackson, Steve Rolls and Christian Mbilli.

The non-televised undercard will see 140-pound contender Gabriel Valenzuela (27-3-1, 16 KOs) duel Yeis Gabriel Solano (15-2, 10 KOs) in an eight-round attraction, amateur sensation Curmel Moton in his pro debut taking on Ezequiel Flores (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight, and super featherweight prospect Justin Viloria (3-0, 3 KOs) stepping in for a six-round match against Chicago’s Angel Barrera (4-2).

Rounding out the lineup is a pair of unbeaten prospects from Kazakhstan as Bek Nurmaganbet (10-0, 8 KOs) squares off against Abimbola Osundairo (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super middleweight tilt, while middleweight Abilkhan Amankul (4-0, 4 KOs) faces Joeshon James (7-0-1, 4 KOs) for six rounds of action.

#         #         #

ABOUT CANELO VS. CHARLO

Canelo vs. Charlo will see pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez defend his undisputed super middleweight world titles in a blockbuster showdown against hard-hitting undisputed junior middleweight world champion Jermell Charlo headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on September 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view. 

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see undefeated sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr. take on hard-hitting top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin in the 12-round super welterweight co-main event. The pay-per-view also includes former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios going toe-to-toe for the Interim WBC Welterweight Title. Opening up the action are rising middleweights Elijah Garcia and Armando Reséndiz squaring off in a 10-round attraction.

For more information visit SHOWTIME.com/ppv and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloCharlo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.




STEVE ROLLS TAKES ON AUSTIN “AMMO” WILLIAMS FOR IBF NORTH AMERICAN MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, ON DAZN

ORLANDO, FLA. (September 22, 2023) — Steve Rolls steps back into the ring this Saturday, September 23, facing Austin “Ammo” Williams. This highly-anticipated clash promises 10 rounds of nonstop action, with the IBF North American middleweight championship up for grabs. Presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment, this contest will be broadcast live on DAZN at 8:00pm ET / 5:00pm PT, from the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

Steve Rolls (22-2, 12 KOs) has been part of the DiBella Entertainment stable since 2015. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Rolls boasts an impressive professional record and is determined to prove he is one of the division’s top fighters. In his last fight, Rolls fought at home in Toronto defeating Shady Gamhour via 10-round unanimous decision.

“I’ve been in the gym,” said Rolls. “You have your goals and you’re constantly training and sacrificing. I feel like I’ve had an eight-month training camp.

“I can’t even put into words how it feels to be getting back into the ring,” continued Rolls. “A lot of people in Toronto and around the world are going to tune into DAZN for the fight.”

Standing in Rolls’ way is the formidable “Ammo” Williams (14-0, 10 KOs), whose electrifying style has garnered him a reputation as a prospect to watch. Williams, with his unbeaten record and a knack for delivering thrilling knockouts, is a force to be reckoned with in his own right. This battle promises high stakes, intense exchanges, and the potential for fireworks inside the ring.

“Steve Rolls always gives his all whenever he fights. After his last bout, he went right back to the gym, staying in shape,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Ammo Williams is a very capable fighter with a promising future, but Steve has been in the ring against the very best at middleweight. I am confident that his experience will make for a competitive match with Rolls’ hand raised in victory. I look forward to an exciting fight tomorrow night.”

Tune in tomorrow night to witness the electrifying action unfold live on DAZN. Don’t miss the chance to see two warriors battle for the IBF North American middleweight championship.




WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR HITCHINS VS. ZEPEDA

8 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
 
Jasmine Artiga (116lbs) vs. Josefina Vega (114lbs)

Tampa, Florida             Quito, Ecuador
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Jeovanny Estela (153.5lbs) vs.        Gerardo Carabello (153.4lbs)

Orlando, Florida           Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
 
Khalil Coe (179.6lbs) vs. Kenmon Evans (179.8lbs)

Jersey City, New Jersey         New Smyrna Beach, Florida
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA International Super-Lightweight title 
 
Orestes Velazquez (140lbs)   vs.     Mohamed Soumaoro (139.6lbs)

Miami, Florida              Montreal, Quebec
 
Live on DAZN from 8pm
 
10 x 3 mins WBA International and IBF North American Middleweight titles
 
Austin Williams (160lbs)       vs. Steve Rolls (159.2lbs)

Houston, Texas            Toronto, Canada
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBA, WBC, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine titles
 
Jessica McCaskill (146.4lbs)  vs.     Sandy Ryan (146.4lbs)

Chicago, Illinois            Derby, England
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Conor Benn (153.6lbs) vs.     Rodolfo Orozco (154.4lbs)

Ilford, England              Sinaloa, Mexico
 
Followed by 
 
12 x 3 mins WBC Silver, WBO NABO and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles
 
Richardson Hitchins (139.8lbs) vs. Jose Zepeda (140lbs)

Brooklyn, New York               La Puenta, California
 




FORMER WORLD CHAMPION JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ TO FIGHT RICHARD “EL CASTIGO” MEDINA IN LIGHTWEIGHT CO-FEATURE ON ROCHA VS. SANTILLAN CARD

INGLEWOOD, CALIF. (September 22, 2023) – Former World Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (33-4-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte is scheduled to return in a 10-round fight against the up-and-coming pugilist Richard “El Castigo” Medina (15-1, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas. The lightweight match will be featured as the co-main event on the upcoming Rocha vs. Santillan card taking place at the Kia Forum on Saturday, October 21 and presented in association with Top Rank. The fight night will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT. 

In the night’s championship fight, IBF Flyweight Titleholder Arely ”Ametralladora” Muciño (32-3-2, 11 KOs) will defend her hard-won title against the Coachella Valley’s undefeated Gabriela Fundora (11-0, 4 KOs). This will be the four-time flyweight titlist’s first defense after a war with Leonela Yudica in October 2022 that saw her take the Argentinian’s belt. Fundora’s first attempt at a world championship belt, she was last seen in a victorious fight against Maria Santizo that went the distance.

Also on DAZN in a 10-round flyweight fight, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (22-2, 16 KOs) will return to the ring after a tough, toe-to-toe matchup against Rocco Santomauro. Opening the broadcast, David “Dynamite” Stevens (13-0, 9 KOs) will hope to maintain his clean record in an eight-round super middleweight match. Opponents for both will be announced soon. 

On the preliminary card, San Fernando’s Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco will make her anticipated professional debut with a four-round featherweight fight after a robust and decorated amateur career. Waianae, Hawaii’s Dalis Kaleiopu (4-0, 3 KOs) will participate in a six-round lightweight match. He was last seen going the distance last March against veteran boxer Jonathan “Popeye” Perez. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

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Rocha vs. Santillan is a 12-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Top Rank. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for Rocha vs. Santillan are priced at $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.

Media interested in covering the fight can apply for a credential at https://www.emccredentials.com/rocha_santillan. Applications are due EOD, October 13, 2023.

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 #RochaSantillan 

About the Kia Forum

The Kia Forum, located in Inglewood, California, is the only arena-sized venue in the country dedicated to music and entertainment, delivering a superior experience for artists and fans alike. The iconic venue attracts a wide variety of premier events including the biggest names in music and entertainment, award shows, combat sports and more. Fans at the Kia Forum enjoy approximately 8,000 square feet of event level hospitality offerings, including merchandise and food and beverage options. A tinted glass wall separates this concession area from the arena, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the show. A 40,000-square-foot outdoor terrace wraps around the perimeter of the building and offers comfortable furnishings and food and beverage options from some of SoCal’s most celebrated brands. Designed with entertainers and performers in mind, Kia Forum Backstage includes star-caliber dressing rooms that provide unparalleled comfort. The Kia Forum was honored at the 2022 Pollstar Awards as recipient of the Arena of the Decade award. For more information, please visit thekiaforum.com. Instagram | Facebook | Twitter




JOHNNY FISHER NAMED BEST YOUNG BOXER OF THE YEAR BY BOXING WRITERS’ CLUB

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher has been named the 2023 Best Young Boxer of the Year by the prestigious Boxing Writers’ Club.

The fast-rising star beat a talented shortlist of young British fighters, and joins a roll of honour stretching back to the first winner, Randolph Turpin, in 1951, which includes no fewer than 27 young boxers who went on to win World Titles.

This illustrious roll call of talent includes the likes of Terry Downes, Howard Winstone, Ken Buchanan, John H Stracey, John Conteh, Barry McGuigan, Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, Amir Khan and Kell Brook.

Big punching Fisher, 24, is quickly establishing himself as one of the best young talents coming through the domestic scene with an explosive unbeaten record of 10 fights and nine knockouts since making his professional debut against Matt Gordan back in February 2021. 

‘The Romford Bull’ claimed his first professional belt last time out on the Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius card at The O2 in London, taking out Harry Armstrong in seven rounds to win the vacant Southern Area Heavyweight Title. 

“It is an absolute honour to receive the award of Best Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writers’ Club,” said Fisher. “I think of the names that have come before me and it’s unbelievable; Frank Bruno being one of them that springs to mind immediately.

“To be among the names like Nigel Benn, Amir Khan, Frank Bruno and Barry McGuigan is just feels surreal and it’s an honour to be in the company of those sort of names. To be amongst those names is a privilege and I’ll remember this day for the rest of my life. I really appreciate it. 

“I’m excited for the future; I know I’ve got a long long way to go but we’ve shown in a short amount of time what we’re capable of. The support that I have is immense, and I’m getting better all the time. I know I can get even better and I’m excited to show everyone.”

“I’m thrilled that Johnny has been awarded the Boxing Writers’ Young Boxer of the Year of the award and he deserves it for all the hard work he has put in over the past twelve months,”said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “It has been a hell of a journey since Johnny turned over back in 2021 behind closed doors and things are only just getting started after he picked up his first title last month.

“He has a great team behind him in trainer Mark Tibbs, who continues to do a brilliant job, and S-JAM Boxing, not forgetting his devoted mum and dad. It won’t be long before Johnny starts headlining shows and filling arenas himself – he is one of the most popular young fighters in British boxing.”

Trainer Mark Tibbs added: “This is absolutely fantastic for Johnny and I’m over the moon for him. This is the beginning of big things to come for Johnny because I know his heart and work ethic is second to none.”

Fisher will be presented with his award at the 70th Anniversary Dinner, to be held at The Savoy in London on Monday October 9. 




ZHANG-JOYCEII WEIGH-IN RESULTS

The WBO interim Heavyweight World Championship 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Zhilei Zhang 287.2lbs
Joe Joyce 281.2lbs

The WBC International Super-Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Pierce O’Leary 139.3lbs
Kane Gardner 139.6lbs

10 x 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Anthony Yarde 177.9lbs
Jorge Silva 178lbs

10 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest
Zach Parker 170.9lbs
Khalid Graidia 168lbs

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest
Moses Itauma 237.9lbs
Amine Boucetta 296lbs

8 X 3 Minutes Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
Ezra Taylor 176lbs
Joel McIntrye 178.2lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
Royston Barney-Smith 131.6
Engel Gomez 132lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Aloys Jr 203.1lbs
Eric Nazarayan 203.7lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Tommy Fletcher 199.2lbs
Alberto Tapia 197.5lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
Sean Noakes 151.7lbs
Lukasz Barabasz 154lbs




UNDEFEATED TOP JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT TITO MERCADO FACES FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER JEREMIA NAKATHILA ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 IN ONTARIO, CA

Ontario, CA (September 21, 2023) Undefeated Top Junior Welterweight Prospect Tito Mercado, (12-0, 11 KOs), of Pomona, CA returns to battle on Saturday, November 11 against Former World Title Challenger Jeremia Nakathila, (23-3-0, 19 KOs) of Windhoek, Namibia in the ten-round main event at the Lumcolor – Phoenix Center in Ontario, CA.

Presented by Fight City Promotions, tickets starting at $75 can be purchased via email at Info@FightCityPromotions.com. The Lumcolor – Phoenix Center is located at 11255 Central Ave., Ontario, CA 91782. Doors will open on the night of the event at 4:00 p.m. PT with the first bell at 6:00 p.m. PT. The event will be broadcast on the Fight City Promotions’ YouTube Channel.

“These are the types of fights I want,” said the 21-year-old promotional free agent Mercado. “Nakathila has fought numerous world class fighters and is the perfect challenge for me.”

“Ontario has become my second home and I love the huge amount of support I get from the fans. I’ve already started training and can’t wait to show that I’m ready right now to face any top 140lb. fighter in the world.”

Mercado is coming off a show-stopping first round knockout of veteran Carlos Manuel Portillo on August 26, 2023. He also holds impressive stoppage victories over former world title challengers Hank Lundy and Jayson Velez.

Nakathila knocked out former world champion Miguel Berchelt in the sixth round on March 22, 2022. He also has engaged in hotly contested battles against current Pound-for-Pound fighter Shakur Stevenson, Zoltan Kovacs and Raymond Muratalla.

Social Media

Instagram: @realtitomercado

Facebook: @tito.mercado




Top Rank Presents WBO Interim Heavyweight World Championship:Zhilei Zhang vs. Joe Joyce

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Zhang vs. Joyce will be presented live this Saturday, September 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. from OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.

The main event features a heavyweight rematch between Chinese southpaw Zhilei “Big Bang” Zhang and British superstar Joe Joyce.

Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) captured an Olympic silver medal for his home country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He turned pro in 2014 and compiled a 24-0-1 record before losing a controversial decision to Filip Hrgovic last August. He meets Joyce again just five months after snatching his WBO interim world title. Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs) is a 2016 Olympic silver medalist who turned pro in October 2017 and won the Commonwealth title in his fourth outing. He hopes to exact revenge in his hometown this Saturday.

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

Digital, On Demand and Exclusive to ESPN+

ESPN.com 

  • Out Thursday: Joe Joyce’s Last Chance by Nick Parkinson

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

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Zhang vs Joyce (All Times ET)

Date Time Event Fights Title Platform
Sat., Sept.23 5:00 p.m. Main Zhilei Zhang (IC) vs. Joe Joyce (Interim) WBO Heavyweight   ESPN+
Co-Feature Anthony Yarde vs. Jorge Silva

About ESPN




SATURDAY: Zhilei Zhang-Joe Joyce Heavyweight Rematch Headlines London Fight Night at OVO Arena Wembley LIVE on ESPN+

LONDON (Sept. 21, 2023) –Top Rank on ESPN+ returns to London this Saturday with a special two-fight broadcast from OVO Arena Wembley.

In the main event, Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang defends his WBO interim heavyweight title in a highly anticipated rematch against British knockout artist Joe Joyce.

The co-feature will see former two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde taking on Portugal’s Jorge Silva in a 10-rounder.

Promoted by Queensberry, Zhang-Joyce II and Yarde-Silva  will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

Zhang (25-1-1, 20 KOs) captured an Olympic silver medal for his home country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before turning pro in 2014. He compiled a 24-0-1 record before losing a controversial decision to Filip Hrgovic last August. Less than eight months later, he faced Joyce for the first time, peppering the Brit with lefts until the ringside physician stopped the fight in round six due to the swelling engulfing Joyce’s right eye. Joyce (15-1, 14 KOs), a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, hopes to exact revenge in his hometown. Before the first Zhang fight, “The Juggernaut” stopped top contenders Carlos Takam, Daniel Dubois, and Joseph Parker during a five-fight knockout streak.

Yarde (23-3, 22 KOs) is a London native who debuted as a pro in May 2015. He went 18-0 before almost knocking out Sergey Kovalev for the WBO title in August 2019. He bounced back with two TKO wins before suffering a split decision defeat to Lyndon Arthur in December 2020. Yarde then notched three more wins, including a fourth-round knockout over Arthur in their December 2021 rematch. Yarde is coming off a valiant but unsuccessful effort against light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev in January. Silva (22-8, 12 KOs) is a 19-year pro coming off a decision win over Jack Jones in June.