August 18, 2023 – Undefeated Panamanian prospect Rafael Pedroza will clash with San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas in the 10-round super bantamweight main event of a SHOBOX: The New Generation telecast on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Boeing Center at Tech Point in San Antonio, Texas. The exciting tripleheader includes fighters with a combined record of 88-2-2 and 54 knockouts all stepping up in competition as they enter the national spotlight.

Just over a month after Alexandro Santiago became the 90^th SHOBOX^® alum to win a world title, SHOBOX will travel to the city of San Antonio for only the second time in its 22-year history for a card promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz’s Sampson Boxing featuring six hungry prospects who will duke it out in quintessential SHOBOX matchups that pit talented prospects looking to become serious contenders. The co-main event will feature hard-hitting undefeated Argentine Mirco Cuello (12-0, 11 KOs) who returns to the U.S. for the first time since 2020 to battle undefeated Los Angeles native Rudy Garcia (13-0-1, 2 KOs). Rounding out the card, undefeated KO artist Freudis Rojas (11-0, 11 KOs), who made his SHOWTIME debut in July, meets once-beaten Californian Saul Bustos (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight bout to open the telecast. The card is co-promoted by Paco Presents Boxing.

“All three of these matchups promise to be action-packed and epitomize the core mission of the SHOBOX series which is to showcase talented prospects in 50-50 matchups and give them a chance to show what they’ve got on a bigger stage,” said the executive producer of the series, Gordon Hall. “The main event is particularly interesting because the winner of that fight could soon move to contender status in the 122-pound division. It’s going to be a great night.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Pedroza vs. Cardenas – 10-Round Super Bantamweight Main Event

Pedroza, (15-0, 11 KOS), already ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 122 pounds, will fight outside of his native Panama for the first time on September 15. The 26-year-old began his professional career in 2017 following a notable amateur run in which he amassed a 92-14 record, won the silver medal at the 2015 National Pan-American tournament and made it to the finals of the 2016 Olympic qualifiers, losing to current WBO Featherweight Champion Robeisy Ramirez. He kicked off his pro career by stopping seven straight opponents, including three inside the first two rounds. His last three victories have all come by way of unanimous decision, including ten-round victories over previously undefeated Hector Andres Sosa and once-beaten Yerny Betancourt.

“Thank you to SHOBOX for giving me the chance to finally step into the spotlight and take my talent from the shadows to worldwide fame,” said Pedroza. “With every punch, I’ll grab the opportunity and make my mark on U.S. television. Much respect for Ramon Cardenas, a great warrior, no doubt, but once that bell rings, it’s me steering the ship. I’m claiming that victory.”

Cardenas, (22-1, 11 KOs), 27, will benefit from a hometown crowd on September 15. Born and raised in San Antonio, he has won his last 10 bouts dating back to 2017. Cardenas earned a career-best victory at The Alamodome in July 2022, defeating Michel Banquez via unanimous decision in SHOWTIME BOXING^® COUNTDOWN streaming action preceding Mark Magsayo vs. Rey Vargas. Previously ranked as high as No. 5 by the WBA, Cardenas is inching closer to a world title shot. 

“I’ve been watching SHOBOX since I was a kid and to be fighting on it as the main event is a dream come true,” said Cardenas. “I’m going to take full advantage of this golden opportunity.”

Cuello vs. Garcia – 10-Round Featherweight Bout

A 2020 Argentine Olympian, Cuello is one of the most decorated Argentinian amateurs of this generation. He won numerous international elite championships during his 105-fight career in the unpaid ranks before turning pro shortly after the Tokyo Olympic Games. As a professional, Cuello has quickly established himself as a power-punching prospect, knocking out all but one of his 12 opponents. He scored back-to-back first-round KOs over previously undefeated opponents in September 2022 and January 2023, and is coming off of another first-round KO over Antonio Guzman in July. Cuello, currently ranked No. 4 by the WBA, will return to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2020, when he started his pro career by scoring first-round knockouts in his first two fights.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the U.S. to fight for the first time in three years,” said Cuello. “This is an opportunity to let the world know who I am and what I can do. I intend to make the most of it. I will be looking for an impressive knockout but will take the victory any way it comes.”

Garcia, born and raised in South-Central Los Angeles, Calif., will face the second undefeated fighter of his career in Cuello on September 15. He fought fellow undefeated prospect Victor Morales to a draw at AT&T Center in San Antonio in December 2021. An accomplished amateur, Garcia faced two-division world champion Shakur Stevenson in the Junior Olympics and was a member of the Mexican national team. A two-time national champion, he finished his amateur career with 156 fights and just 20 losses.

“I am very blessed to be in this position,” said Garcia. “I am fighting for the WBA International title, and I thank God for allowing this opportunity to be in my path. My team and I have been working very hard for this. We intend to take advantage of this moment. This is the next step I need in my career to bring me closer to the world title. I dedicate this fight to the community of South-Central Los Angeles. Let’s do it!”

Rojas vs. Bustos – Eight-Round Welterweight Bout

The 24-year-old Rojas is a top prospect who has already appeared on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^®, previously scoring a seventh-round TKO over Diego Sanchez in the telecast opener on July 15. A six-foot-two southpaw, Rojas has shown incredible power since turning pro in 2021. He has yet to let an opponent see the final bell and prior to his last appearance, he had never gone past four rounds. A Las Vegas native, Rojas, started boxing at the age of 10 under the tutelage of his father, Freudis Rojas-Londres, a former pro from Cuba. He’s won numerous national and international tournaments in the unpaid ranks including a bronze medal at the 2017 World Amateur Championships. During his tenure on USA Boxing’s national team, he defeated highly regarded contender Frank Martin in the 2016 U.S. National tournament finals. He was also the Olympic alternate in 2020. His younger brother Emmanuel Rojas is a pro super lightweight, currently 4-0 with three knockouts.

“I am thrilled and beyond blessed to be given the opportunity to fight on SHOBOX,” said Rojas. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Thanks to God I now have the chance to showcase my skills as a fighter and as a person to the world.”

Bustos, also from Los Angeles, will look to bounce back from his first professional loss in his last outing in October 2022 where he dropped a majority decision to tough veteran Alan Sanchez. Prior to that, Bustos had won 12 straight fights, including a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Luis Lopez. The 29-year-old trains out of Wild Card Boxing under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Freddie Roach.

“Displaying my skills on a platform like SHOWTIME has been a dream of mine and I know what I’m capable of,” said Bustos. “It’s time to show the boxing world who Saul Bustos is.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 90 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest 
MUHAMMAD ALI 123.5 lbs v FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ 122.7 lbs
(Leicestershire, England)      (Alfacar, Spain)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
SAHIL KHAN 122.2 lbs v SEAN JACKSON 120.9 lbs
(Birmingham, England)   (Manchester, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
AARON BOWEN 162.9 lbs v WILMER BARON 165.3 lbs
(Coventry, England)               (Arboletes, Colombia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
IBRAHEEM SULAIMAN 136.4 lbs v MICHEL GONXHE 136.5 lbs
(Birmingham, England)                    (Karlsruhe, Germany)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 3 mins English Super-Featherweight Title Eliminator
JORDAN FLYNN 129.6 lbs v KANE BAKER 129.8 lbs
(Oxford, England)                 (Birmingham, England)

followed by

8 x 3 mins international Super-Lightweight contest
KHALEEL MAJID 142.6 lbs v ALESSANDRO FERSULA 141.2 lbs
(Bolton, England)                   (Rome, Italy)  

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
SOLOMON DACRES 239.7 lbs v CHRIS THOMPSON 238.1 lbs
(Birmingham, England)                 (Gauteng, South Africa)  

followed by 

10 x 3 mins WBA International Welterweight Title 
CYRUS PATTINSON 146.5 lbs v CONAH WALKER 146.9 lbs
(Alnwick, England)                     (Wolverhampton, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC International Flyweight Title
GALAL YAFAI 111.8 lbs v TOMMY FRANK 111.5 lbs
(Birmingham, England)    (Sheffield, England)

VERO BEACH, FL (August 18, 2023) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect Ziyad “Zizo” Almaayouf (3-0, 1 KO) is excited to step back into the ring as he awaits his upcoming bout against Janos Penzes (2-4, 1 KO) of Budapest, Hungary. The 6-round bout is scheduled to take place on August 26, 2023, as part of the undercard for the much-anticipated clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, taking place at the Tarczy?ski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland.

Training out of Vero Beach, Florida, Almaayouf has been honing his skills under the watchful eye of renowned coach Buddy McGirt. His journey to date boasts an unblemished record. Making him a rising star to watch in the super lightweight division. Promoted by Skill Challenge Promotions, Zizo is ready to perform on the international stage.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment to step back into the ring. Make more history for Saudi Arabia and continue my journey in the world of professional boxing,” Zizo stated. “I’ve been training harder than ever with Buddy McGirt. We have a great gameplan in place and I’m in tip top shape. The opportunity to be part of the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois card is an honor and I’m ready to give fans a stellar performance as always!”

Amer Abdallah, Director of Boxing Operations at Skill Challenge Promotions expressed his confidence in Ziyad’s abilities. “Ziyad is coming into this fight with a lot of confidence. I know he’s been dedicated to his training program and I’m happy with his progress. All the sparring and training with Buddy and his stable of fighters has made Zizo a better fighter. Fighting on this card will give him great exposure and we are excited about his future.”

The upcoming fight presents a chance for Zizo to make a statement as he continues his ascent in the boxing world. Fans can expect to see the best version of Ziyad when he steps into the ring on August 26 in Wroc?aw, Poland.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (AUGUST 17, 2023)–Jeter Promotions is proud to announce the signing of former top-five rated middleweight Immanuwel Aleem to an exclusive promotional Contract.

Aleem, 29 years-old of Richmond, Virginia has a record of 18-3-2 with 11 knockouts.

“I am excited to sign with Jeter Promotions. I have been in the gym with Tony Jeter for the last decade. He has always been great and very hospitable. I see him doing his own shows and he wanted to promote me early on. But now is the right time for that to happen,” said Aleem.

“I am just going to follow suit. This is the first time I have had a promoter. I made it to the top-five without a promoter. Now being with Tony, who is a former fighter, he had big fights, and he knows what it takes to get to the top. He is building an excellent stable of fighters with Elijah Pierce who is a top-10 fighter, and I know he can do the same with me and lead me toward a world title opportunity.”

“I feel that in the last three fights that I needed someone in my corner, and I believe Jeter Promotions will help me in that regard.”

“Not that long ago, Immanuwel was ranked number-five in the world by the WBC at middleweight. I think he has the ability to contend for a world title. Jeter Promotions is happy to sign another world class fighter fighter,” said Tony Jeter of Jeter Promotions.

Aleem began boxing at the age of 12 after his brother wanted to try something new and they were fighting in school, that spawned an amateur career that saw Aleem go 69-17 and become top-three in the nation as a junior.

Aleem turned professional on June 23, 2012 with a first round stoppage over Jess Noriega in Arlington, Virginia. Aleem won his first 16 bouts that were featured by wins over Oscar Riojas (12-2) and Jonathan Cepeda.

On January 14, 2017, Aleem scored a sixth round stoppage over highly regarded undefeated Ievgen Khtrov to win the WBC Silver Title. Aleem is coming off a majority decision defeat to Amilcar Vidal on January 17, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.

Aleem has one child

He has been in the camps of Errol Spence Jr, and Jermall Charlo.

Aleem trained by his father Omar Aleem.

Los Angeles, CA (August 18, 2023) UFC has released ‘Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight – Boston’ featuring The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh.

The thirty-minute episode features entertaining behind the scenes footage of Callum’s fight week in Boston this past March alongside White in addition to Callum’s promoter Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions and Callum’s Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach. Joining White throughout the episode are co-hosts Matt Serra and Din Thomas.

One of the compelling scenes was filmed at Peter Welch’s Boxing Gym in South Boston with Callum winning the Punch Bag Game Competition and the $5,000 cash prize from White.

Extensive footage from Callum’s second round knockout victory over Wesley Tucker on the Eve of St. Patrick Day at the Agganis Arena are also included. Among the celebrities sitting ringside were New England Boxing Legend Micky Ward, UFC Legend George St. Pierre, Heavyweight Boxing Legend Gerry Cooney and Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Defensive Lineman Maxx Crosby.

Said Tom Loeffler, “Callum’s only had seven professional fights but the attention he’s received and the support from Dana and the UFC has been unprecedented. They are absolutely the best partners we could have to work with on Callum’s career. His fights broadcast internationally on UFC FIGHT PASS have carried the platform’s highest historical ratings for boxing.”

Walsh returns to Boston this Saturday with promoter Tom Loeffler to sit cageside at UFC 292 at the TD Garden Center.

Headlining Hollywood Fight Nights on Saturday, August 26,Walsh, (7-0, 6 KOs), will make the first defense of his WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title against battle-tested veteran ‘El Pitbull’ Juan Jose Velasco, (24-4, 15 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a scheduled ten rounder at The Commerce Casino and broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Remaining tickets for the August 26 event, priced at$200, $150, $100, $80 and $60  can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us.The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. For more information and directions visit their website.

More information on this sensational night of professional boxing will be announced shortly.

                                                ————————————————–

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NEW YORK (August 18, 2023) – Split-T Management fighters will once again be featured prominently on the OTX boxing series TONIGHT in Atlanta.

The fights will be streamed live on DAZN at 8 PM ET.

In an eight-round super middleweight bout, Money Powell IV will take on Shawn McCalman.

Powell of Fort Mitchell, Alabama is 13-1 with eight knockouts. The 25 year-old Powell is a six-year veteran who is coming off a second round stoppage over Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on February 26, 2022 in Atlanta.

McCalman of Aurora, Colorado is 13-0 with seven knockouts. The 29 year-old is a five year-professional defeated Marquis Moore (10-0) and in his last bout, McCalman stopped Bo Gibbs (23-3) on June 24th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In a six-round flyweight bout, undefeated LeAnna Cruz battles Maryguenn Vellinga.

Cruz of Allentown, PA is 5-0. The 25 year-old, who is managed Brian Cohen and promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions, is coming off a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Simone Da Silva on April 29th in Philadelphia.

Vellinga of Park City, Utah is 4-3-2 with two knockouts. The 41 year-old is a three-year professional and has a win over Indeya Smith. In her last outing, Vellimga won a four-round unanimous decision over Marlen Avila on May 5th in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Undefeated super bantamweight Asa Stevens will take on D’Angelo Hopgood in a four-round bout.

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii is 4-0 with two knockouts. The 22 year-old is coming off a second round stoppage of 26 fight veteran Jenn Gonzalez on February 18th in Pomona, California.

Hopgood of Milwaukee is 2-1 with two knockouts. The 24 year-old is looking to get back in the win column after losing a decision to Victor Pelayo on January 28th in San Bernadino, California.

Undefeated featherweight Javier Zamarron will take on Sebastian Santiago-Fernadez in a four-round bout.

Zamarron of Sheboygan, Wisconsin is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 22 year-old stopped Prentice Canada on June 24th in Milwaukee.

Santiago-Fernandez of Cidra, Puerto Rico is 0-1.

At The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Will Madera will take on Nestor Bravo in the main event of a card that will also be streamed by DAZN at 7 PM ET.

Madera of Albany, New York is 17-2-3 with 10 knockouts. The 32 year-old Madera has proven to take on and defeat all comers. Madera has wins over Victor Vazquez (1-0), Norbert Quick (6-0), Gabriel Duluc (11-2), Thomas Mattice (13-0-1) and Jamshidbek Najmitdonov (20-1). In Madera’s most recent outing, he dropped undefeated prospect Brandun Lee, but lost a decision on August 20, 2022 in Hollywood, Florida.

Bravo of Arecibo, Puerto Rico is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. The 29 year-old has quality wins over Emiliano Martin Garcia (16-3), Cristian Ruben (19-3-2), Roldolfo Fuentes (18-3-2) and Adrian Yung (28-7-3). In Bravo’s latest contest, Bravo and Jair Valtierra fought to a no-contest on February 25th in Orlando.

Both fighters weighed 140 lbs.

Long Island, NY (August 17, 2023) — Star Boxing proudly presents an electrifying main event featuring Long Island’s undefeated super lightweight sensation, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (13-0 5KO’s, Bellport, NY), who will square off against fierce challenger, MATT “SWEET CHILD” CONWAY (23-3 9KO’s), hailing from Pittsburgh, PA. Mark your calendars for October 28, as The Paramount in Huntington will transform into a battleground for what is slated to be a captivating main event and a night of boxing that will shake the foundations of The Paramount!.  

Vargas is a hometown hero and newly admitted Suffolk County Police Officer with fast hands and stellar footwork. Star Boxing has been molding Vargas into its next huge draw from the Paramount, like its prior success with Chris Algieri and Joe Smith, Jr, both of whom went from Paramount regulars to world champions.  Vargas now steps into his first 10 round fight, as a result of his previous 13 victories, where he has showcased a poised and calculated yet explosive style that has made him a true fan favorite.  

“I am really excited for my first ten-rounder in another step-up fight,” said Vargas. “I can’t wait to get back to work and go 14-0 in front of another sold out crowd at The Paramount on October 28!” 

Opposite Vargas stands the difficult task in veteran Matt Conway, a product of Pittsburgh’s gritty streets. Conway has made a name for himself in the Pittsburgh area, and across the USA, including under the bright lights of Las Vegas, against then undefeated Gabriel Flores. This will be Conway’s first fight in New York. As a twenty-six-fight veteran with an impressive record, Conway will be the toughest test and by far the most experienced fighter Vargas has ever faced.  

“I’m feeling great, and I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Conway. “I’ve been training hard, and I know my opponent is training hard as well. I am looking forward to putting on an exciting show for the fans!” 

The stage is set at The Paramount, the #1 Pollstar club venue in the world, that has witnessed some truly unforgettable “Rockin’ Fights” bouts. On October 28, in a ten-round battle of two men determined to rise the ranks to world-wide recognition, Vargas and Conway will lock horns in a fight that promises to leave spectators on the edge of their seats. 

Star Boxing CEO and Hall of Fame Promoter JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the highly anticipated main event, “This is the kind of main event that makes the Rockin’ Fights series so special. Vargas has been developing here at the Paramount since his pro debut in 2018, and now he is on the precipice of becoming a real player at the top level of the sport. Standing in his way is a ‘steel curtain’ as the Pittsburgh veteran has his sights on victory as well.  Vargas and Conway have the heart, the skill, and the fire to deliver a fight that fans will remember, and I am looking forward to it.”  

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

LONG BEACH, CA (August 17, 2023) – Camponovo Sports is proud to announce a newly established alliance in the world of sports entertainment with the launch of an electrifying new boxing series titled “New Blood.“ This groundbreaking series is set to debut with its first event on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the prestigious Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, California, formerly known as Thunder Studios.

The inaugural event, showcasing a plethora of rising talent looking to become the next super star in boxing, will be broadcast live on FOX Deportes, captivating audiences with an unforgettable night of intense action. In addition, the series will air tape delayed on Estrella TV and beIN SPORTS, reaching a combined total of 98-million homes in the United States.

The 8-round main event will feature featherweight Rigoberto Hermosillo (13-4-1, 9 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. Alexis De Luna (10-1, 5 KOs) from Bakersfield, CA. Undefeated super lightweight and Long Beach’s own Emiliano Moreno (6-0, 4 KOs), will square off against Levy Garcia Benitez (3-0-1, 2 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico in the 8-round co-main event.

Doors open at 4:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm PT. Televised fights start at 7:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $60 – $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase by calling 800-283-8699 or online at www.cbnpromotions.com.

“We are excited to unveil the restart of ‘New Blood,’ a series that for over two decades aligned perfectly with our commitment to promoting and nurturing emerging talents in the boxing world,” said Alex Camponovo, Founder and CEO of Camponovo Sports. “We built something special during our time with Thompson Boxing that was equally beneficial for both boxers and fans. Using that tremendous track record and thanks to our new partnership with Infinite Reality Studios, we will be able to create a dynamic atmosphere that will resonate with everyone involved. Thanks to our success in the past, we now look into the future by creating a media distribution strategy that will give our fighters tremendous exposure.”

“Words can’t describe how thrilled we are to be hosting the ‘New Blood’ series at our studios,” said Rolando Nichols, President of Infinite Reality Studios. “The combination of our state-of-the-art production facilities and the energy of live boxing will create an unforgettable experience for both the fighters and the fans.”

“We’re delighted to collaborate with respected partners like FOX Deportes, Estrella TV, and beIN SPORTS to bring the ‘New Blood’ Boxing Series to a diverse and passionate audience,” added Andrew Bocanegra, CEO of Cali Sports. “Together, we’re elevating the sport and giving these emerging athletes a stage to shine.”

“This series is set to be an incredible display of skill, determination, and passion, providing a platform for these rising stars to showcase their abilities on a grand stage.” concluded Jessie Sanchez of Cali Sports.

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Middleweight Nelson Oliva (8-0, 7 KOs), from Los Angeles, Calif., will face an Selim Martinez 6-6, 2 KOs, from Matamoros, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Welterweight Kevin Salgado (3-1, 1 KO) from Murrieta, CA, will battle Roberto Patron (2-0, 1 KO) from Turlock, CA. (4-rounds)

Welterweight Juan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) from Buena Park, CA, will square off Osvaldo Negrete (6-5-1, 1 KO) from Matamoros, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Opening the card will be lightweight Tayden Beltran (6-0-1, 4 KOs) from Huntington Beach, CA, facing an Francisco Duque (2-2, 1 KO) from Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)

This event is sponsored by, Bud Light, HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury Casino and Shoe Palace.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a high stakes lightweight matchup as No. 6 ranked contender Rafael Fiziev takes on No. 7 Mateusz Gamrot. Also on the card, No. 12 ranked UFC featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell steps back into the Octagon against No. 13 Dan Ige. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: FIZIEV vs. GAMROT will take place Saturday, September 23 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire event will stream on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will begin at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Elite striker Fiziev (12-2, Baku, Azerbaijan by way of Phuket, Thailand) looks to deliver another highlight reel performance in his second UFC main event. Among the most exciting fighters on the roster, Fiziev has collected a post-fight bonus in his last six bouts, including stoppage victories over Rafael Dos Anjos, Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano. He now plans to break into the Top 5 by becoming the first man to stop Gamrot. 

Gamrot (22-2, fighting out of Poznan, Poland) intends to prove that he is ready for title contention with a dominant showing against Fiziev. A multiple-time grappling champion, he has used his ground skills to secure impressive wins over Jeremy Stephens, Arman Tsarukyan and Diego Ferreira. Gamrot now plans to make a statement and catapult himself to the top of the stacked lightweight division.

Fan favorite Mitchell (15-2, fighting out of Searcy, Ark.) returns to action for the first time in 2023 seeking another signature submission. The owner of one of two ‘twister’ submissions in UFC history, Mitchell further proved his grappling prowess in victories over Edson Barboza, Charles Rosa and Bobby Moffett. He now has his sights set on beginning another run towards the featherweight Top 10 with a win over Ige.

Ige (17-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) aims to stay undefeated in 2023 as he heads into his third bout of the year. A well-rounded competitor, he holds notable victories over Damon Jackson, Gavin Tucker and Edson Barboza. Ige now looks to keep his momentum going by adding a win over Mitchell to his resume.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 8 ranked strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez (16-3-2, fighting out of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) takes on No. 13 Michelle Waterson-Gomez (18-11, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
• Flyweight action sees Bruno Silva (13-5-1 1NC, fighting out of Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) battle Cody Durden (15-4-1, fighting out of Loganville, Ga.)
• UFC veteran Tim Means (32-15-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Andre Fialho (16-7 1NC, fighting out of Cascais, Portugal) collide in a striker’s delight at welterweight
• Mizuki  (14-6, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Fukuoka, Japan) and Hannah Goldy (6-3, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) clash in a strawweight showdown
• The Ultimate Fighterseason 30 heavyweight winner Mohammed Usman (10-2, fighting out of Auchi, Nigeria by way of Denver, Co.) faces Jake Collier (13-9, fighting out of Cuba, Mo.)
• The Ultimate Fighter season 29 middleweight winner Bryan Battle (10-2, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) seeks to land another highlight reel KO when he takes on AJ Fletcher (10-2, fighting out of Lafayette, La.)
• Aliaskhab Khizriev (14-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) looks to maintain his undefeated record against Jacob Malkoun (7-2, fighting out of Sydney, Australia)
• Dan Argueta (9-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, NM by way of Orland Park, Ill.) and Miles Johns (13-2, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) lock horns in an all-action bout at bantamweight
• An exciting featherweight bout sees Ricardo Ramos (16-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) match up with Charles Jourdain (14-6-1, fighting out of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada)
• Montserrat Rendon (5-0, fighting out of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico) aims to impress in her UFC debut against Tamires Vidal (7-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a bantamweight bout

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for media credentials to the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports, and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

FOUR MAJOR TITLE fights headline the card at York Hall on Friday when Queensberry return to the historic Bethnal Green venue with a show topped by the super bantamweight collision between Dennis McCann and Ionut Baluta for the WBO Intercontinental title belt.

The other title fights are the British and Commonwealth featherweight championship clash between the champion Nathaniel Collins – making his Queensberry debut – and his challenger Raza Hamza.

Ryan Garner fights for a first professional title against Juan Jesus Antunez for the WBC International super featherweight title and Raven Chapman makes a second defence of the WBC International featherweight title against the undefeated Lila Furtado.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
The vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Dennis McCann 121Ibs 7oz
Ionut Baluta 121Ibs 6oz

The British and Commonwealth Featherweight Championships 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Nathaniel Collins 125lbs 7oz
Raza Hamza 126lbs

The vacant WBC International Super-Featherweight Championships 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Ryan Garner 128lbs 3oz
Juan Jesus Antunez 129lbs 3oz

The WBC International Featherweight Championships 10 x 2 Minute Rounds
Raven Chapman 125lbs 7oz
Lila Furtado 123lbs 6oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest
Umar Khan 128lbs 8oz
Kevin Trana 127lbs 5oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Khalid Ali 155lbs 7oz 
Nikola Stoyanov 153lbs 5oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest 
Joel Kodua 151lbs 9oz
Eligio Palacios 156lbs 6oz 

CES Boxing is proud to announce the signing of one of boxing’s hottest prospects, Alejandro “El Abusador” Paulino, to a multi-year promotional agreement.

“This is our biggest signing since Jamaine Ortiz,” said CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “Paulino is one of the best young prospects in boxing. You never have to worry about him being in shape. He’s always in the gym and he wants to be a world champion. These are the types of fighters we want to sign.”

New London’s Paulino is a perfect 15-0 with 13 knockouts, his latest win a one round blowout last Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

“I feel like it was time to sign with a promoter because after 15 fights, it’s becoming harder to get quality opposition,” said an excited Paulino. “We went over a few offers, and Jimmy was the best option. CES puts on a lot of big shows in Connecticut and I’m from Connecticut, so it was a perfect match.”

The 24-year-old Dominican native, who has worked with CES Boxing since his 9th pro bout, was one of the most sought out prospects in boxing.

“We’re honored that Alejandro and his team chose to be with CES on a long-term basis,” said Burchfield, Sr. “We know that there were many promoters who wanted to sign him. He’s an exciting fighter who can box, punch, and adjust to any situation. That’s what TV wants – exciting fighters, and I’m going to use the 35 years of experience I’ve acquired in this business to help him become a world champion.”

Alejandro’s manager and trainer, Dr. Roland Estrada, is confident that CES will provide the talented Paulino with the right level of opposition to prepare him for a world title within the next few years.

“Jimmy and I have worked together for 20 years now,” explained Dr. Estrada, who guided his son Jason’s career to several amateur titles, the 2004 Olympics, and a 20-6 professional record. “No promoter in New England is doing what Jimmy is doing. His work speaks for itself. We were independent for a while, but when you want to get to the next level, you want to sign with a promoter who can take your fighter from prospect to contender and eventually to world champion.”

Estrada has been working with Paulino since the 24-year-old walked into his ‘Big 6 Boxing Academy’ in Providence, Rhode Island as an amateur. The pair have worked together ever since, with the fighter making the hour plus drive from New London, Connecticut to train in Providence, Rhode Island several times a week.

“Alejandro is not only an exceptional talent, but he’s extremely dedicated,” said Dr. Estrada, who is a practicing optometrist by day. “He’s 15-0 now. Within a year, I expect him to be fighting for a US title, and by 2025 he should be challenging for a world title.”

A three-year pro, Paulino is a perfect 4-0 with 4 KOs in 2023. With this promotional agreement in place, his team expects to step up the power puncher’s level of opposition and fight at least one more time before the year is out.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Tampa, FL (August 17, 2023) – NABA middleweight champion Connor “The Kid” Coyle looks for his 20th win in as many fights when he battles 17-1 Joey Bryant of Memphis, TN Saturday evening at The Blind Tiger in Biloxi, MS.

Training out of Pinellas Park, FL under Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Jim McLaughlin and residing in Derry, Northern Ireland, Saturday’s showdown with Bryant will be Coyle’s third title defense. The 33-year-old Coyle is 19-0 with 8 knockouts and ranked #6 by the WBA.
If all goes according to plan versus Bryant, Coyle’s sights are set on fighting one of the champions or top contenders at 160 pounds.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring Saturday evening,” said Coyle. “I appreciate (promoter) Jody Caliguire and my team for putting this fight together. We’re expecting to be 20-0 after Saturday night and announce a fight with a top middleweight in the very near future.”

Coyle-Bryant is the main event of “Biloxi Beach Brawl,” promoted by Rite Hook Promotions, T&K Boxing Promotions and Tri-Star Boxing Promotions.

Coyle is promoted by Fire Fist Boxing Promotions.

Tickets for “Biloxi Beach Brawl” are on sale at Eventbrite.com. The card will also stream live and more information on the webcast is available at Facebook.com/ritehookpromotions.

Repton Boxing Club amateur standout Giorgio Visioli has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and expects to make his professional debut in October.

The 20-year-old from Aldershot will begin his professional journey campaigning at Lightweight after calling time on a glittering stint in the amateurs that saw him win two Senior ABA Championships at 60kg and 63.5kg.

 “It’s a dream come true to sign with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Visioli. “I’ve waited a long time for this, trained hard and a taken all of my chances.

“Matchroom is the best promotional company in the world and I can’t wait to showcase my skills on the biggest platform live worldwide on DAZN.

“I boxed for Repton alongside Maieyrose Courtney. I had 45 fights and won 41 of those, becoming a two-time Senior ABA Champion at two different weights – 60kg and 63.5kg

“I also won a GB Tri-Nations gold medal, I got offered a GB spot but I didn’t take it because they’d taken my weight out of the Olympics. I think now is the best time to turn pro.

“I can’t wait to start my professional journey. We’re hoping to get my pro debut scheduled in for October – it’s not far away now. I’m looking forward to showing everyone what I’m about.

“Eddie and Frank has been in the sport for a long time and to have them backing me and guiding my career is huge and I’ll repay their faith in me. Let’s get this journey underway.”

“I’m delighted to welcome amateur star Giorgio Visioli to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “IBF Flyweight king Sunny Edwards hasn’t stopped raving about Giorgio to me and it appears we have another future World Champion on our hands. 

“Giorgio joins us from the famous Repton Boxing Club where he made a name for him in the amateur scene, winning multiple titles and impressing up and down the country and around the world. Keep an eye out for news on his professional debut dropping soon.”

You can follow Visioli’s journey on Instagram: giorgiovisioli

SYRACUSE, NY (August 16, 2023) — Rising super lightweight prospect Bryce Mills (12-1, 4 KOs) is set to return to the ring when he faces off against Damian Tymosz (7-2-1, 4 KOs) of Lublin, Poland. The 6-round bout is scheduled to take place at the Tarczy?ski Arena in Wroclaw on August 26, 2023. The fight will serve as a thrilling undercard attraction to the main event featuring Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois.

Hailing from Syracuse New York, Mills, a popular figure in his community, is ready to showcase his skills on the international stage. He’s determined to travel overseas to secure a monumental victory against a fighter in his native land.

“I’ve been training vigorously for this opportunity, and I’m ready to showcase my abilities on the international stage,” Mills stated. “Tymosz is a strong opponent, he’s fighting at home, but I’m here to prove that I belong among the best in the world. I’m grateful to my team at Home Team Management for their continued support, and I’m excited to put on a show for the fans. I’m determined to bring home a victory to my fans in Syracuse.”

Amer Abdallah, Mills’ advisor, shared the excitement surrounding this pivotal moment in Mills’ career. “Bryce Mills is one of the most exciting up-and-coming superstars who has the potential of being one of the hottest prospects in Boxing. I’m thrilled to have him on this tremendous stage and massive global event for him to showcase his skills to the world”

NEW YORK (August 15, 2023) – Split-T Management has signed undefeated junior lightweight Shamara Woods.

“I am very excited to be working with Shamara Woods. She has a great story being that she is a single mother. She had an extensive amateur career and will make a huge impact when she is seen by a bigger platform. Thanks to ProBox and Chris Glover, Shamara will get that opportunity. I believe that Shamara has the capability to become a world champion and be a very marketable fighter inside and outside of the ring,” said Brian Cohen of Split-T Management.”

Said Woods, “I am super excited to sign with Brian and Split-T Management. I have seen him sign great fighters since 2018, I see that he has brought so many fighters to world titles, and it is great to sign with him. I am expecting to obtain a world title. My goal is to win world titles 130, 135 and 140 lbs.”

Woods, who is 2-0 is 27 years-old of Allentown, PA, and began boxing at the age of 14. She embarked on an amateur career that saw her compete in 37 fights and won the WBA International Amateur Title and three Undisputed Promotions Titles.

Dubbed ‘Pure Pefection”, Shamara also has a background in Muay Thai and Kickboxing.

Woods, who is a single mother of a seven year-old boy, turned professional on April 1st with a unanimous decision over Sarah Click in Orlando, Florida. Woods followed that up with a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Samone Da Silva on May 12th in Orlando.

Boxing runs in the family as her father was an amateur boxer.

Woods is trained by Fernando Arroyo and Rashad Mays.

Woods will be in action this Saturday against 31 fight veteran Rocio De Leon Query in the Dominican Republic.

Woods will come right back in action as she will fight on Probox TV on September 20th in Plant City, Florida.

NEW YORK, NY – August 16, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that Krystal Rosado will be going face to face with Tarrethia Dixon (1-0, 1 KO) in a 4-round bout at 115 Ibs on Friday, August 18 in Orlando, Florida during its second installment of Most Valuable Prospects. Rosado, a Carolina, Puerto Rican native, is newly managed by MVP’s own undisputed featherweight world champion, Amanda Serrano. As Serrano’s first signed athlete, Rosado will be under the guidance of one of boxing’s and Puerto Rico’s most decorated athletes. Serrano will be in Rosado’s corner as she makes her professional boxing debut. 

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and promoted by MVP, with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed by DAZN. CELSIUS Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, has also recently signed on to be the exclusive energy drink sponsor of the Most Valuable Prospects series. The second event in the series continues 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 2023 and will be hosted by the series’ official title sponsor, Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. DAZN will air the series across its platforms as a part of its subscription package which will include the entire main card lineup and prelims. Tickets are now on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005EEADB50BF76

Ahead of her debut, Rosado represented Puerto Rico in the 2023 IBA Women’s World Championships and won in an impressive feat against Petrae Mezei. The 20-year-old also took home a Bronze medal at this year’s Central American and Caribbean Games. 

Rosado’s competitor will be Tarrethia Dixon who holds the record of 1-0 with 1 KO. The 27-year-old Kalamazoo, Michigan native is coming off her first victory, which ended in a first round KO against the former amateur standout Natalie Gray. 

“I met Krystal years ago in Puerto Rico when she was 15 years old. Krystal and her mother used to attend each of my boxing matches and over time, we became incredibly close. She has an immeasurable amount of untapped potential and her growth as an athlete is already remarkable. We’ve spared a few times over the years and now at the age of 20, she has the skills necessary to make it in this business. Even Nakisa and Jake were very impressed by her tenacity and determination in the ring,” said Amanda Serrano. “It’s an honor to help her as she embarks on this next part of her career and I look forward to being there Friday night as she makes her debut. I promise it will be a battle you won’t want to miss.” 

“This is the first female fight we’ve had in our Most Valuable Prospects series, and it couldn’t be more of a full circle moment because Amanda is managing one of the boxers,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “MVP started this series to promote and provide a stage for the most promising, young talent out there, no matter what gender. Amanda has been the biggest supporter of female athletes and it’s a privilege to watch her offer her advice and expertise to Krystal. August 18^th will be a big night with a lot of surprises coming out of the ring.”

“It’s great for all the fans in Orlando to have Amanda Serrano back in town at Caribe Royale. The local Puerto Rican community gets a chance to see a new and rising prospect lead by one of the Greatest of all time! We’re proud this show is at Caribe Royale and the Central Florida area as we continue to bring new and exciting events to the area,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director of Caribe Royale Resort and President of Boxlab Promotions.

Most Valuable Prospects II will also feature bouts between Nestor “El Mas Bravo” Bravo and Will “III Will” Madera, welterweights Damian Lescaille (4-0, 3 KOs) and Hugo Noriega (8-0, 5 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas Title, Elijah Fores (5-0, 2 KOs) and Elijah Williams (6-0, 2KOs), Lorenzo Medina (7-0, 6 KOs) and Antonio Torres (4-0, 4 KOs), and lastly, Antraveous Ingram (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Orlenis Licea (0-0-1), who made his debut on Most Valuable Prospects I. 

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

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, MVPworks 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 has produced Jake Paul’s last four global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Fury match, which surpassed 800,000 Pay-per-view buys worldwide. 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.? 

? 

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 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.?? 

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on Facebook, Instagram,Twitter(@cariberoyale), LinkedIn and Pinterest. #cariberoyaleorlando

About CELSIUS Holdings, Inc.

CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CELH), is a global consumer packaged goods company with a proprietary, clinically proven formula. A lifestyle energy drink born in fitness and a pioneer in the rapidly growing energy category. CELSIUS energy drinks offer proprietary, functional, essential energy formulas clinically-proven to offer significant health benefits to its users. CELSIUS energy drinks are backed by six university studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals validating the unique benefits provided by them. For more information, please visit: https://www.celsius.com.

OTX – Overtime’s boxing platform – is back in action with a slate of matches featuring some of the most promising next generation fighters, Friday, August 11th at OTE Arena in Atlanta and live on DAZN around the world.

The main event sees undefeated Kurt Scoby (12-0-0) out of Duarte, California facing off against Narciso Carmona (10-0-1) out of Sevilla, Spain in a Super Lightweight fight. Scoby looks to continue his march towards contention, with Carmona looking for the upset at OTE Arena.

In the co-main event, Money Powell (13-1-0) from Hanau, Hessen, Germany will fight Shawn McCalman (13-0-0) out of Aurora, CO. McCalman looks to stay undefeated against the talented Powell in the Super Middleweight division.

Javon Woodard (12-1) out of Raleigh, NC will face the 44-year-old Lorenzo Parra (22-1-0) who has been out of the fight game for decades in the Super Bantamweight bout.

In the Super Flyweight division, Leanna “Bumblebee” Cruz (5-0-0) from Allentown, PA will fight to keep her undefeated record against Maryguenn Vellinga (4-3-2) out of Santaquin, Utah.

Asa Stevens (4-0-0) out of Wainae, Hawaii will fight D’Angelo Hopgood (2-1-0) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the Bantamweight division.

“El Guerito” Javier Zamarron (4-0-0) and Sebastian “The Viper” Santiago (0-1-0) out of Cidra, Puetro Rico will square off in a Super Featherweight duel.

OTX is implementing an Overtime Round. If there is a draw on the judges’ scorecards after the regularly scheduled rounds, there will be an additional “winner takes all” round. This allows the fighter to take their fate into their own hands and for the victory.

To incentivize the fighters, OTX is also offering a unique KO Bonus for every fight on the card. A KO in any round is rewarded, but there is a multiplier effect if the KO is in the first or last round to create a more compelling fight for fans from start to finish. On top of the KO bonuses OTX is opting for an 18×18 ft ring versus the standard 20-22 square foot sizes which means extra action.

All the fights will air exclusively on DAZN. For more information, visit https://otboxing.com/

Fight Week Schedule

Friday, August 18th

7:30 pm                     Doors Open

Javier Zamarron vs. Sebastian Santiago

Weight – 125 lbs / 4 Rounds / 2 min each

Asa Stevens vs. D’Angelo Hopgood

Weight – 115 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Leanna Cruz vs. MaryGuenn Vellinga

Weight – 115 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Javon Woodard Jr. vs. Lorenzo Parra

Weight – 125 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Money Powell vs. Shawn Mccalman

Weight – 170 lbs / 8 Rounds / 3 min each

Kurt Scoby vs. Narciso Carmona

Weight – 140 lbs / 8 Rounds / 3 min each

Sheffield, England – 16 August 2023 – Promoter Izzy Asif of GBM Sports invites all media to attend a special lunch this Saturday (19 August) to officially announce the all-British clash for the WBA Continental Lightweight Championship between the title holder Reece Mould and challenger Martin McDonagh.

Mould v McDonagh will headline a stacked 12-fight card in the sixth Championship Boxing event presented by GBM Sports – the UK’s fastest growing boxing promotions company – and it’s set to be the biggest and best card yet to take place on Friday 6th October in Sheffield (venue to be announced).

Joining Reece and Mould at the media event will be the Chief-Support on the show between the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Champion Emma Dolan and her challenger Nicola Hopewell who come face-to-face to discuss their big East Midlands derby clash.

Plus two of the prospects from the GBM Sports stable: unbeaten super-bantamweight and NHS Cardiac Intensive Care Practitioner Nohmaan Hussain, and former Sheffield Sharks star basketball player Naphtali Nembhard transitions to boxing to make his pro-debut in the middleweight division.

Also attending the Media Lunch will be Former WBO World Cruiserweight Champion and TV boxing presenter Johnny Nelson and Reigning IBF World Bantamweight Champion Ebanie Bridges.

Interview and photos opportunities will be available with all the talent in attendance.

NEW YORK (August 15, 2023) – Four Split-T Management fighters posted big wins over the weekend in Atlanta and Glendale, Arizona.

in Atlanta, Tyler Howard won an eight-round majority decision over Raul Solomon in a middleweight bout.

In round one, Howard dropped Solomon with a left hook to the jaw.

?That was the difference in the fight as Howard, 160 lbs of Crosville, Tennessee won by scores of 78-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 19-1. Solomon, 160 1/4 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 12-2.

David Navarro won a six-round unanimous decision over D’Angelo Fuentes in a featherweight bout.

Navarro, 127 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 6-1. Fuentes, 126.6 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 8-2.

Giovanni Marquez was impressive in stopping Nicky Vitone in round two of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

At the end of round one, Marquez landed a blistering combination that was punctuated by a perfect left hook to the head that sent Vitone to the canvas. In round two, Marquez hurt Vitone with a hard right and uppercut that set off a flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 59 seconds.

Marquez, 141.2 lbs of Houston is 6-0 with four knockouts. Vitone, 140.6 lbs of Pine Brook, NJ is 9-3-1.

Howard, Marquez and Navarro’s fights were part of the second edition of OTX Boxing on DAZN.

In Glendale, Arizona, 6’9″ heavyweight Antonio Mireles stopped DaJuan Calloway in the sixth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Mireles was vicious in the final round as he landed a bevy of hard punches that snapped the head back of the nearly 400 lb. Calloway, and the fight was stopped at 1:48.

The 270 lb. Mireles of Des Moines, Iowa is now 8-0-1 with seven knockouts. Calloway, who tipped in at 391 lbs, is now 7-3.

Mireles is promoted by Top Rank, and the fight was seen live on ESPN+.

Los Angeles, CA (August 14, 2023) Boxing’s Top International Prospect, Tito Mercado, (11-0, 10 KOs), of Pomona, CA faces battle tested veteran Carlos Manuel Portillo,

(23-4, 17 KOs), of Asuncion, Paraguay, on Saturday, August 26 at the Lumcolor ‘Phoenix Center’  in Ontario, CA.

Promoted by Fight City Promotions and broadcast live on their YouTube channel, the scheduled ten-round main event will be fought in the junior welterweight division. The Lumcolor ‘Phoenix Center’ is located 11255 Central Ave., Building 2, Ontario, CA 91762.

The 21-year-old Mercado, fighting out of Pomona, CA, returns home following a dominant ten-round decision victory over perennial contender Xolisani Ndongeni on July 8, 2023 in Managua, Nicaragua. Prior to the win over Ndongeni, the promotional free agent had knocked out all ten of his opponents since turning professional in July 2021.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in Ontario for the fourth time, the local support I’ve received at my fights has been overwhelming,” said the lauded Mercado. “As I’ve proved and will continue to do so, I’m ready for any top name, contender or world champion in the junior welterweight division.”

Portillo is facing off against Mercado following an eight-round decision victory over Juan Marcos Rodriguez Urtiz on November 25, 2022 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Social Media

Instagram: @realtitomercado

Facebook: @tito.mercado

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 14, 2023) – Like father, like son.
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas will make his ESPN-televised debut on Friday, Sept. 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, more than 18 years after his father headlined at the venue.
 
Vargas, who scored a second-round stoppage victory against Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado last Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-round clash against an opponent to be named. Vargas’ return will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.
 
Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela and Vargas’ return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) turned pro last May and has tallied five victories since signing with Top Rank later that year. Before the Alvarado knockout, “El General” shined on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko bill in his Las Vegas hometown, stopping Rafael Jasso in two rounds. All five of his stoppage victories have come in either the first or second round, and now Vargas, who recently turned 19, will step up to the six-round distance for the first time. His father, Fernando Vargas, defeated Raymond Joval by unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at American Bank Center in 2005.
 
“I’d like to thank Top Rank and my team for the opportunity to make my ESPN-televised debut on a great card in Corpus Christi,” Vargas said. “I am proud to be a Vargas, and I look forward to following in the footsteps of my father, who was victorious at the American Bank Center nearly 20 years ago.”

PHILADELPHIA (AUGUST 14, 2023)–In a rematch of one of the more entertaining fights of the year, heavyweights Joey Dawejko and Colby Madison will once again do battle on Friday night, September 15th at The Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

The first crowd pleasing bout took place on May 2nd and saw Dawejko pound out a six-round unanimous decision at the same venue. This time the fight will be scheduled for eight-rounds.

Dawejko of Philadelphia has a record of 25-10-4 with 14 knockouts. The 33 year-old former World Junior Amateur champion has been a professional for 14 years and has had thrilling victories over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossy (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umohette (9-2), Natu Visinia (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1) and Kelvin Nunez (15-0). Dawejko is riding a four-fight winning streak, with his last win coming on June 17th as he starched Dennis Vance in the opening round in Atlantic City.

Madison of Baltimore is 11-5-2 with seven knockouts. The 40 year-old is looking to get even with Dawejko as that was his last ring appearance.

In six-round Bouts:

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Muhammad Robinson (6-0, 2 KOs) of Baltimore fights Najeem Johns (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia.

Quadir Albright (8-1, 8 KOs) of Chester, PA fights DeMarcus Layton (9-5-1, 6 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight bout.

Brendan O’Callaghan (5-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on DeWayne Williams (3-7-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Ibrahim Robinson (5-0-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Tyler Zwicharowski (1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights debuting Tevin Watson in a super welterweight contest.

Canar Marrison (4-1, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights Vincent Floyd (5-15-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight rematch of a fight that saw Morrison score a fourth round stoppage in March

Jaclyne Mctamney of Southampton, PA will make her pro debut against an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

TICKETS ARE $50, $75 and $125 and can be purchased at the Following link

CLICK FOR TICKETS

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (August 14, 2023) – Rising Stars Arabia (RSA), the first fighting series of its kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is set to host a milestone event on September 9th at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena, promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and sponsored by the Department of Culture and Tourism,  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The new series will be a game-changer in the Arab boxing world, providing a platform to showcase the best of Arab boxing talent to international and regional audiences.

“Seddiqi Sports has pioneered the sport in the region, and we recently celebrated our 10-year anniversary of opening Round 10 boxing club in the UAE,” AAM Seddiqi Sports Founder Ahmed A. Seddiqi said. “It’s time to show the world that in addition to hosting major events in the region, we also have homegrown talents that can perform at the highest level of boxing and become superstars of the sport. We are proud to host this monumental boxing event  in Abu Dhabi and would like to thank DCT Abu Dhabi for believing in us and putting its trust in the RSA platform.”

Sanctioned by the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission, the RSA event will be broadcasted live on regional and international platforms such as Abu Dhabi Sports TV and ESPN Knockout, further bolstering Abu Dhabi’s reputation as the combat sports capital of the Arabian Peninsula.

“The arrival of Rising Stars Arabia in the emirate further cements Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional hub for combat sports and other major athletic events and franchises,” commented HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. We remain committed to enabling the development of homegrown talent and are proud to support this impressive line-up of Emirati and Arab fighters who are helping to promote and elevate the sport in the UAE and wider regions. With this ground-breaking fight series, not only are we nurturing a sport, but we are also proving once again that Abu Dhabi is a premier tourism destination offering diverse and exciting entertainment experiences to our residents and visitors from around the world.”

Go here to view the promo video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cvw0ofUOsuh/?igshid=NjIwNzIyMDk2Mg==

Headlining the inaugural event is the fight between Moroccan super featherweight Moussa Gholam (20-1-0, 12KOs), currently rated 14th by the World Boxing Council (WBC), against former world title challenger Matias Carlos “La Cobrita” Adrian Rueda (37-2-0, 32KOs), of Argentina, in a 10-round match. This fight marks Gholam’s debut in the Middle East; the winner will position himself as a legitimate world title contender. Gholam, who is a former WBC Youth Silver and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Inter-Continental champion, is eager to establish his hold as the future of Arab boxing. Rueda is a past WBO World featherweight title challenger, as well as a former WBO Latino super featherweight and featherweight titleholder, and South American Featherweight Champion.

The 10-round co-main event will pit undefeated UAE super flyweight prospect Sultan Al Nuaimi (9-0-0, 6KOs) against Jemsi Kibazange (18-6-3, 5KOs), of Tanzania. Al Nuami, known for his speed and agility, made waves with his most impressive career performance at the last event promoted by Matchroom Boxing in Abu Dhabi. He is one of only a few professional boxers in the UAE, where he was an amateur champion, and he is expected to put on a thrilling show for his home crowd.

Bader Samreen (8-0-0, 7KOs) is a titan from Jordan’s professional boxing scene and a bronze medalist as an amateur at the World Championships. Seven of his eight victories to date as a professional have been by way of jaw-dropping knockouts, each more electrifying than the last. Samreen will be stepping into the ring against a tough, experienced Mexican fighter, lightweight Jose “Cuate” Gonzales (16-2-2, 12KOs), who’s vast skills ensure a memorable fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is another Jordanian boxer, Bishara Sabbar (6-0-0, 4KOs), who takes on India’s Mohd Azahar (8-5-1, 7KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBC Youth World super featherweight title.

Other fighters participating in this special event include a pair of Egyptian Olympians, cruiserweight Youssef Karrar (1-0-0, 0KO) and welterweight Marwan Mohamad Madboly (2-0-0, 1KO). Additional  bouts will include fighters from Iran, Bahrain,  and Morocco.

AAM Seddiqi Sports has been promoting and managing fighters in the region for 10 years and it has a growing stable of more than 30 gifted regional and global talents. Its events include five world title shows that have been broadcasted globally on ESPN, Sky Sports, and other major networks.

DCT Abu Dhabi is responsible for promoting, protecting, and progressing the emirate by driving the strategic and sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors. As part of its mandate, the department is responsible for promoting regional and global sporting events in the emirate.

Tickets to Rising Stars Arabia are on sale now at abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net. Leading up to the event, fans can find updates on the AAM Seddiqi Sports Instagram channel @seddiqiboxing and on seddiqiboxing.com.

-END-

About Rising Stars Arabia

Presenting Rising Stars Arabia (RSA) – a fighting series promoted by AAM Seddiqi Sports and powered by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This marks a notable debut within the UAE and the wider MENA region. This platform, humble in its intentions yet ambitious in its scope, provides aspiring Arab athletes with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents before regional and international audiences.

This significant initiative, grounded in the values of nurturing homegrown and regional talent, represents an important leap towards evolving professional boxing within the region. By doing so, it empowers an emerging generation of athletes with genuine opportunities right at their doorstep – eliminating the need to seek participation abroad.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.

UNCASVILLE, CT – Chordale “The Gift” Booker (20-1, 9 KOs) turned in a masterful performance on Saturday night, dropping Nicolas Hernandez (27-7-3, 12 KOs) twice in round 7 for an explosive knockout at 2:41 of the round.  The fight capped an 8-bout CES Boxing card that took place in front of a capacity crowd of 4,235 who showed up to Mohegan Sun Arena early to see the “Jimmy Burchfield Invitational,” a 10-bout amateur showcase that took place before the pro card.  

With the win, Booker retained the WBC US Super Welterweight title that he won at the same venue in April of this year.  It was the third fight of 2023 for ‘The Gift,’ who was sharp from the opening bell.

“This was very satisfying for me,” said Booker moments after the battle of southpaws.  “I had some things I wanted to work on, and I had a tough guy in front of me who didn’t fall from the first shot.  He was coming to win, and that’s what I wanted.”   

Booker took control of the fight in the opening round with sharp right jabs to Hernandez’s head and body.  His game plan was to capitalize off the mistakes of his 39-year-old opponent with stinging counter shots.

“He was reaching with his shots from the beginning, so I wanted to take advantage of that” explained Booker, who threw short, compact counter lefts hands and a sneaky right uppercut in round 2.  “When he would throw his left hand, I would roll and come back with my left hand.”  

The 32-year-old Booker kept Hernandez guessing in round 3, varying his punches and speed.  His Puerto Rican opponent out of Reading, PA seemed lost, getting countered every time he mounted an attack.  

“I was changing up my shots,” explains Booker.  “He was ok standing really close to me, so I started putting my punches together, changing the pace of the shots and occasionally sitting down on my punches.  That’s what got him: I would hit him with a number of punches, then a hard one, then a number of punches again.  He never knew which one would be hard, so it disoriented him.”

‘The Gift’ began delivering a one-sided beating in round 4, stunning Hernandez with a right hook.  The patient and composed Booker couldn’t miss with his counter punches, and it looked like the end was near.       

The ringside doctor checked on Hernandez in between rounds, and this seemed to give the Puerto Rican a sense of urgency.  Hernandez came out swinging in round 5, finally landing a few punches of note, including a solid left to the body that momentarily forced Booker to back up and regroup.  

“I got a little too comfortable in front of him,” admitted Booker.  “He caught me with a good left hand that knocked me off balance.  It was cool though because I heard the crowd get loud.  It created some drama.  I liked that he came to fight because it lit a fire under me.  He started yelling ‘come on!’ and I thought ‘wow, this dude really believes he can win this’”.

The crowd included former world champions Tony Harrison, Vinny Paz, and ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson, as well as current undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia Baumgardner, an amateur teammate of Booker’s who was invited into the ring just before the bout began.

After a contested round 6, Booker stunned Hernandez at the end of a combination in round 7.  Hernandez fought back valiantly, but Chordale began landing at will.  Just when it seemed like Hernandez could absorb Booker’s power, the Stamford native finally dropped Hernandez with a furious combination punctuated by a left hand.

“The first knockdown was an accumulation of punches,” described Booker.  “Instead of going for a hard shot, I was touching him everywhere he went.  He had nowhere to feel like he was safe.  He kept running into the next shot, and his hands started to come down.  I knew he would get back up once he hit the canvas because it wasn’t a hard shot that got him down, it was an accumulation.”  

The game Hernandez beat the count, but Booker followed up with a leaping right hook that dropped the Puerto Rican in a heap, causing referee Johnny Callas to immediately halt the bout.  The ending was reminiscent of the left hook that ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosely launched to end his bout against Ricardo Mayorga in 2015.  It would’ve made Roy Jones Jr. proud.  

“That’s a shot I work on with my coaches,” explained Booker.  “I try to work on shots that are going to surprise guys.  I threw a lot of straight shots tonight, so I didn’t think he would be prepared for that, and he fell right into it.”

With his 20th win in the bag, Booker would like to remain active and focus on a world title shot in 2024.  

“I want to stay active; it keeps me sharp,” said an elated Booker of his immediate goals. “I love Mohegan – the fans here are so supportive.  Having Tony Harrison and Alycia Baumgardner in attendance meant a lot to me.  I’m knocking on everybody’s door.  I would love to bring a title or a big fight here.  We can do Tim Tszyu, James Metcalf, Brian Mendoza, or even someone who recently lost to those guys.  Whatever I can do to get myself to the next level.”

Hall of famer Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt wins battle of attrition

In the co-feature, Jaime Clampitt continued her successful comeback, nearly shutting out tough Ecuadorian Josefina Vega (9-6, 4 KOs) for a unanimous 8 round decision in a Super Lightweight contest.  Scores were 80-72 (2x) and 78-74 for the 4-time champion.

As promised at the final press conference, the women came to fight, with the shorter Vega looking to flurry while the stronger Clampitt countered with sharp overhand rights.  

“I felt good, really focused,” said Clampitt of her performance.  “We didn’t know what to expect with her because it was really hard to get any film on her, so I didn’t know what I was going to get.  She definitely was in shape.  She came to fight.”

What the Warwick, RI resident got was an all-out brawl in round 3, with the former champion getting the best of the exchanges and Vega beginning to breath heavily in between exchanges.  An emboldened Clampitt began to press the action in round 4, sitting on her right hands and forcing the Quito native to retreat.        

“Early on I landed some flush right hands and I think it set her back a bit,” said Clampitt.  “I was trying to go for the knockout, but she was there to win.  She’s very tough.”

Clampitt began walking Vega down in round 6 behind a steady jab and heavy right hands.  The 39-year-old Vega was game, but it was evident in round 7 that she couldn’t hurt Clampitt.

“I didn’t feel any power, and because of that I should’ve taken a few more chances,” admitted Clampitt.  “I was trying to be safe and work behind my jab and set up body shots.  It was a little difficult because she was shorter than me, but I felt like my right hand was landing really well.”  

Despite being outgunned, Vega engaged Clampitt in another non-stop exchange throughout the 8th and final round.  While the Ecuadorian didn’t have enough firepower to hurt Clampitt, she gave a good accounting of herself, providing the 47-year-old with an opportunity to display her skillset and the tremendous shape she was in.  

“It was a good fight for me to showcase what I was working on,” explained Clampitt.  “Next time I just need to follow through a little bit more and throw more combinations to get the knockout.”

With another win in a hall-of-fame career, the former two division champion improved to 25-6-2 (7) as she closes in on another title shot.       

“I want to keep going,” said Clampitt.  “I’m 47, but I don’t feel like I’m 47.  I feel healthy and strong, and I have the passion for it.  I have the right people behind me, so I want to see where I can take it.”  

Other Action

Undefeated Super Featherweight Alejandro Paulino blitzed his Argentine opponent Julian Aristule in one round.  CES Boxing’s newest signing showed why he was one of the most sought-after prospects in New England, dropping Aristule with a left hook moments into the bout.  The 53-fight veteran beat the count but was greeted by an all-out assault punctuated by a big concussive right hand that dropped him for the count at 1:54 of the round.  New London’s Paulino improved to 15-0 (13) with the win, while Aristule dropped to 35-18-1 (18).

New Bedford, MA’s Wilson Mascarenhas (8-1, 3 KOs) continued his assault on the jr. welterweight division, impressively breaking down and stopping Anthony Mora (2-1, 1 KO) in round 3 of a scheduled 6 round bout.  After a feel-out first round, Wilson landed a short hook, right hand combination in round 2 and began to tee off on a hurt Mora, who was covering up and looking to survive the storm.  There was a long break in between rounds as the ringside physician checked out Mora, but ‘Ill Will’ went for the kill as soon as the action resumed.  New Britain’s Mora seemed to be fighting off instinct but was outgunned and taking a lot of punishment as the round came to an end.  The ringside physician had seen enough in between rounds, advising referee Johnny Callas to stop the bout.  Wilson is now 2-0 since returning from a horrific stabbing he suffered in March 2022.  

Anthony “ATV” Velasquez (13-0-1, 12 KOs) made quick work of Argentina’s Mario Bustos (7-10, 3 KOs), launching a hellacious body attack punctuated by left hooks that dropped Bustos twice for a knockout at 1:48 of the very first stanza.  With the win, the junior middleweight out of Springfield, MA bounced back from a disappointing draw in his April bout at Mohegan Sun Arena.   

Mike “The Savage” Kimbel improved to 3-0 (2), winning a shutout unanimous decision over Brockton, MA’s Stephen Davis (1-1, 1 KO) in a 4 round super lightweight bout.  Kimbel, who is trained by former light heavyweight champion ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson, was too strong for the game Davis.  The Waterbury, CT native won the first two rounds with sharper punches.  Davis countered effectively in round 3, but the stalking Kimbel staggered him near the end of the round with a heavy left hook, right hand combination.  Davis stuck to his jab in round 4, but ‘The Savage’ stunned him with a left hook that caused Davis to retreat with Kimbel in hot pursuit as the bout came to an end.  Scores were 40-36 (3x).   

In a welterweight bout, Jeffrey Gonzalez (4-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Hartford native Joe Wilson Jr. (3-6) at 1:54 of round 3.  Gonzalez dropped Wilson twice in round 1 with crushing right hands.  “Jabbing Joe” survived the assault, but it was evident that Gonzalez was hurting Wilson with every clean shot that he landed.  The East Haven native caught Wilson with a sneaky right uppercut in round 2 that dropped Wilson for a third time. Despite being completely outgunned, Wilson fought back valiantly in round 3, but Gonzalez landed a counter right hand near the end of the round that caused Joe’s glove to touch the canvas.  Rather than allowing Wilson to take anymore punishment, Referee Harvey Dock wisely stopped the bout.  

In the opening pro bout of the evening, Slawomir Bohdziewicz improved to 2-0 (2) with an impressive knockout of Gabriel Costa (2-5).  The Polish prospect continuously caught the Woburn, MA resident in round 1, first with left hooks and later with right hands as Costa moved straight back.  Costa pressured the Stamford resident in round 2, looking to disrupt Bohdziewicz by switching from orthodox to southpaw and even spinning after missing a punch.  The Polish prospect was unnerved, however, going to the body before launching a series of stinging uppercuts that dropped Costa hard.  Referee Harvey Dock reached a count of 10 with Costa on his knees at 2:40 of round 2.  
Follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.”  For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.

Filip Hrgovic plans to be at ringside in Poland to watch Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois fight for the world title after cementing his position as the mandatory challenger for the IBF belt.

El Animal stopped Demsey McKean in the 12th round on Saturday night, at the 02 Arena in London to confirm that he will be next in line for a shot at the winner of Usyk and Dubois.

Croatian hero Hrgovic moved to 16-0 with his thudding TKO of the brave McKean and instantly turned his attention to his shot at the IBF world title.

The 31-year-old says he will attend Usyk vs Dubois on August 26 and hopes the winner “follows the rules” and fights him next.

Hrgovic said: “I hope it happens, I should fight Usyk next, I deserve that.

“I will go there to watch that fight from ringside. I see Usyk as the big favourite to win that fight because he is quicker and he is a really good fighter, but Dubois is a good puncher, a big guy with a straight right hand, so you never know.

“My message is: follow the rules and the winner should fight me next.”

Hrgovic had to bide his time against a tough McKean but after landing a heavy right hook in the final round, the referee stepped in at 1:01 to call the contest off.

Hrgovic added: “I am satisfied and the fact that he held a lot, that made the fight a little bit ugly. The referee should have given him at least one point deduction. He was holding too much, but he’s a good fighter, brave and was really well prepared. But I was controlling the fight and was winning most of the rounds.

“I thought I was going to knock him out in the first six rounds but he did very well. He’s a decent fighter. I was surprised that he took some good shots and kept coming and throwing punches.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. – It was promoted as if it was the beginning of a rivalry. There was talk of history.

Emanuel Navarrete-versus-Oscar Valdez Jr., looked as if it could be the next Erik Morales-Marco Antonio Barrera.

It wasn’t.

It was all Navarrete, who retained his junior-lightweight title Saturday night with a unanimous decision over Valdez in an ESPN-televised bout Saturday night before a roaring crowd of 10,246 at Desert Diamond Arena.

Navarrete scored early and scored often to rule the cards – 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109.

Valdez battled back, time and again, but his evident aggression didn’t do much to impress the judges.

In part, that was because Valdez never had enough power to really hurt Navarrete. (38-1, 31 KOs). The first sign of that was there in the closing seconds of the second round. Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) delivered a left hand.

The blow landed and echoed throughout the arena. But Navarrete reacted with what almost looked like a sly smile. It said: You can’t hurt me.

In the end, Valdez couldn’t. In the end, that’s why Navarrete walked away, still the World Boxing Organization’s 130-pound champion.

“I feel happy to have been part of this card and in this next great chapter of Mexican boxing history,’’ said Navarrete, who retained a title he won in a controversial stoppage of Australian Liam Wilson in February, also at Desert Diamond. “I am happy and appreciate Oscar for the great fight that we delivered.”

It was a great fight, closer perhaps than the scorecards indicated. Even some history might have played out in a ferocious 10^th, a round as good as any in 2023. Navarrete and Valdez went back and forth. The crowd went wild. For three minutes, It was as if the fans were witnessing a remake of the first Barrera-Morales fight.

But Navarrete’s long looping punches, superior reach and busy work rate were always there, always the prevailing factor. Valdez simply couldn’t get to him, especially with his signature punch, a counter left.

Meanwhile, Valdez paid with a nasty injury. Late In the fifth round, a dark mark appeared beneath his right eye. It was big enough to be a target. And that’s what it was for Navarrete, who for the next seven rounds turned the eye into a grotesque mess. By the 12^th, Valdez was virtually a one-eyed man. It was serious enough perhaps for the ringside doctor or the referee to end it after about the eighth or ninth.

But nothing – not Valdez’ closing eye or Navarrete’s predatory precision – would interrupt the bout’s momentum. Valdez and Navarrete promised blood, guts and guile. They delivered, especially over the last three rounds.

From 10^th to 12^th, the fight was a mix of desperate and dramatic. Valdez was hurt. But he had been hurt before. He’s known in part for a night in March 2018 when he sustained a fractured jaw midway through a featherweight fight. For six, maybe seven rounds, he spit up blood onto rain-swept canvas in Carson, Calif.

Then, he was strapped to a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance. He was beaten up, but he was the winner by unanimous decision.

The blood from his eye Saturday night was a sign that he might repeat that epic. But he didn’t. Five years and lots of bruising fights later, Valdez, now 32, could not overcome the injury or the 28-year-old Navarrete.

After it was all over, the wounded Valdez left the ring and hugged a friend as if he was in tears. He had said before the fight that victory over Navarrete meant the world to him. His world collapsed Saturday night.

“I’m sorry I disappointed everyone,’’ said Valdez, who heard chants of “Oscar “Oscar” from fans who made the trip up to Glendale from his Mexican hometown of Nogales, just south of Tucson. “I feel terrible. I wanted to give you all a great fight. I hope you enjoyed the fight. I hope to return strong.”

After he entered his dressing room, a broken Valdez collapsed onto a stool. Video shows him hugging his dad, Oscar Valdez Sr. and all-time Mexican great Julio Cesar Chavez. They tried to console him. But there was little consolation. The defeat hurt Valdez more than the battered eye. Tears mixed with the blood.

It’ll take a while for Valdez to regain his strength and confidence. It’s not clear how long it’ll take for the eye to heal. Then, he’d probably have to fight a tune-up, test the eye and himself – before there could be any reasonable talk of a rematch.

By then, Navarrete might have moved on to title unification bouts against the other junior-lightweight belt holders. Late Saturday, Navarrete was even asked about still another jump in class to lightweight against emerging pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.

For both Valdez and Navarrete, there were questions after the bloody battle. For Navarrete, there were options, possibilities.

For Valdez, there was only defeat

Delgado wins easy, but hears only boos

Lindofo Delgado remained unbeaten. Remained unliked, too

Delgado (18-0, 13 KOs), a slickly-skilled junior-welterweight from Mexico, scored most of the points and got all of the boos after winning a dull unanimous decision over fellow Mexican Jair Valtierra (16-3, 8 KOs) in the final bout before Valdez-Navarrete.

The restless crowd was anxious for the kind of fireworks it expected in Valdez-Navarrete. But there was none from Delgado, who was content to play it safe in an otherwise dominant scorecard victory.

Richard Torrez scores first-round stoppage

Richard Torrez has been learning some new footwork in the dance studio lately.

He danced all over Willie Jake Jr.

Torrez (6-0, 6 KOs). a heavyweight from central California and an Olympic silver medalist, needed very little time to do a number on his latest dance partner, finishing Jake within 90 seconds of the opening bell.

Torrez landed a beautifully-delivered right hand as he stepped back. It landed and Jake (11-4-2, 3 KOs) fell forward. Seconds later at 1:22 of the first, he was finished, a loser by TKO.

 “It’s great to be back in the ring after so much time off,” Torrez said. “There are still things we need to work on, and I know that. We’re going back to the gym tomorrow. It’s up to my team to decide when my next fight is. They tell me to jump, and I say, ‘How high?’ 

“I’m just excited to follow the process.”

Emiliano Vargas flashes star power, wins second-round stoppage

Emiliano Vargas was born with a well-known name. Add some charisma and punching power to the name, and he possesses all of the elements for stardom

Stardom began to look imminent Saturday.

A huge crowd had already arrived, filling the lower bowl of the Arena when Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) entered the ring. Then, it roared when it witnessed what he did. Vargas, the youngest son of retired great Fernando Vargas, blew out Jorge Luis Alvarado (3-6-1, 2 KOs)

With a sudden burst of power, Vargas put Alvarado in a place he’d never been: On

the canvas. Then, Vargas went southpaw and delivered successive shot, finishing him for TKO win at 2:17 of the second,  

Rest of the Navarrete-Valdez Undercard 

The undercard’s crosstown rivalry belonged to Sergio Rodriguez (8-0-1, 7 KOs), who left little doubt about who’s the best middleweight in Phoenix. In the second round, Rodriguez dropped Ayala (9-4-1, 3 KOs), also of Phoenix, with a powerful right that sent him crashing down. The back of his head bounced off the canvas. Still, Ayala got up. He was hurt. A few seconds later, he was finished. He went down again, forcing the referee to end at 1:02 of the round.

It wasn’t exactly a clash of titans, but Antonio Mireles (8-0, 7 KOs), a heavyweight from Des Moines, finished it with authority.  He pinned Dajuan Calloway’s Butterbean-like upper body up against the ropes. Already weary, the 391-pound Calloway (7-3, 7 KOs) , of Cleveland, looked defenseless. The ref ended it at 1:48 of the sixth round.

First Bell: Welterweight Ruvalcaba opens show with second-round TKO 

 It was the opener. It didn’t last long.

Four minutes and 11 seconds after first bell, the first fight on the ESPN card featuring Navarrete-Valdez was over.

Riccardo Ruvalcaba (9-0-1, 8 KOs) , a welterweight from Ventura CA. scored three knockdowns, flooring Adrian Orban (6-4, 4 KOs) , of Hungary, with a liver shot in the opening round. 

Orban was on the canvas two more times in the second, prompting the referee to end it just as a crowd of fans entered the air-conditioned arena after a long wait in 112-degree temperatures on the hot sidewalks surrounding the building.

Emmanuel Rodriguez recaptured the IBF Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Melvin Lopez at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Rodriguez dropped Lopez in round 12, Rodriguez dropped Lopez with a left hook. Seconds later a four punch flurry put Lopez on the canvas. With just 12 seconds left, Rodriguez scored a third knockdown when he landed another hard flurry to the head.

Rodriguez landed 173 of 389 punches. Lopez 108 of 375.

Rodriguez, 118 lbs of Vaja Baja, PR won by scores of 120-105 on all cards, and is now 22-2. Lopez, 117 lbs of Miami via Nicaragua is 29-2.

Russell Stops Cruz in 1st

Gary Antuanne Russell remained perfect with a first-round stoppage over Kent Cruz in their 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round one, Russell landed a left uppercut on the inside that drove him back and down to the canvas. Russell then landed a left to the body that put Cruz down for referee Bill Clancy’s 10-count at 2:39

Russell, 138.4 lbs of Capitol Heights, Maryland id 17-0 with 17 knockouts. Cruz, 142 lbs of Saint Louis is 16-1-3.

Maestre Shocks Marshall in 2

In what should be termed as an upset, Gabriel Maestre stopped Travon Marshall in round two of their 10-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Maestre dropped Marshall with a right hand that made Marshall fall on the bottom rope. Maestra then landed a massive furry of punches that hurt Marshall again, and after some shots to the head, Marshall fell again and the fight was stopped by referee Sharon Sands at 2:06.

Maetre, 146.6 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 6-0-1 with five knockouts. Marshall, 146.3 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 8-1.

Michael Angeletti won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Lopez in a bantamweight bout.

Angeletti, 117.8 lns of Spring, TX won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 9-0. Lopez, 118 lbs of Humacai, PR is 8-1-2.

Former world title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr. stopped Shadan Janjanin after round five of their 10-round middleweight bout,

Benavidez dropped Janjanin in round three. He scored another knockdown in round four with a body shot. The fight was stopped after round five,

Benavidez, 158.6 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 28-2-1 with 19 knockouts. Janjanin, 160.6 lbs of Prijidor, BIH is 36-16.

Former world title challenger Damien Vazquez stopped Jeromil Borres in round six of their eight-round bantamweight fight.

Vazquez dropped Borres three in round six with the final blow being a chopping right hand and the fight was stopped at 2:57.

Vazquez, 120 lbs of Vazquez is 17-3-1 with 10 knockouts. Borres, 121.6 lbs of Cagayan, PHL is 12-9-2.

Matchroom tonight announce four events in the USA and Mexico as part of a stacked second half of 2023 live worldwide on DAZN.

Headline amongst those is the confirmation of the date and venue for the hotly-anticipated Flyweight unification clash between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, which lands at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16.

The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 

Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) will return to the state that he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on hometurf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez, and the 23 year old is excited to be meeting Edwards in the winter.

“I want to thank Matchroom, Teiken and my whole team for making this fight happen,” said Rodriguez. “This fight will allow me to showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I am not only the best Flyweight in the world but one of the best fighters in the world period. 

“I am excited to be back in Arizona where I first became a World champion, and I will be 100 per cent ready to put on a show on December 16 and become unified World champion.”

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adaopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado. 

The 27 year old had a successful debut under the Matchroom banner in June when he saw off spirited Chilean challenger Andres Campos in London, and Edwards is looking forward to proving he is the best in the division on his first fight in America.

“I’m looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest Flyweight World title fights in boxing history,” said Edwards. “It’s the real #1 versus the real #2. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing and my team for getting me in this position, and I’d also like to thank Bam and his team for accepting the fight, and I am really looking forward to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world on December 16 in Arizona.”

One month before that, one of the hottest young fighters in the sport will headline at home for the first time in his blossoming career as Diego Pacheco takes on Marcelo Coceres for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on November 18.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark bodyshot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

That was a second headline turn for the rangy South LA man having previously pummeled Jack Cullen into submission again in four rounds in Liverpool, England in April, and now the 23 year old earns a shorter trip to top the bill, doing so in the shadow of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where he grew up.

“I cannot wait to be headlining at home November 18 at the YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “I am looking forward to making a statement and delivering another great performance for all my hometown fans.”

Standing in Pacheco’s way of another impressive showing at Super-Middleweight is former World title challenger Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs). The Argentine returns to the city of his biggest night, where he met WBO ruler Billy Joe Saunders for the World title in November 2019, and the 32 year old is set to provide Pacheco with the biggest test of his career to date.

“November 18, in his backyard, this is what warriors do,” said Coceres. “I have a lot of respect for Pacheco, he’s a good fighter, but he’s still young and he has time. This is my time now.
I’ve been here before. I’ve been to war. Let’s see how the young boy does when his back is against the wall. 

“I’m bringing everything into this fight. I can’t afford another loss at this point in my career. This is make or break and I’m leaving everything I have in the ring come November 18.”

Back-to-back weekends in September provide plenty of excitement in Tijuana and Orlando.

Angel Fierro continues to hammer on the door for a World title shot, and he’ll look to add more weight to those claims when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zammaripa on Friday September 15 at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico. 

Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.

‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.

“I am very happy to return to my home Tijuana,” said Fierro. “But I am even more excited because I am very close to a World Title fight. I’m very focused on giving a great show to my people.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, for a long time,” said Zammaripa. “I respect Tashiro, but this is my moment. I’m coming to his neighborhood, but this is my territory. Civil War is coming September 15 and I’m leaving with Tashiro’s belt. Viva Mexico.

Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) will return to action on the card following her thrilling battle with Amanda Serrano for the undisputed Featherweight crown in New York in February, and ‘Dinamita’ will look to get back on the path to regaining her World champion status over ten rounds against Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs)

“I am 100 per cent prepared,” said Cruz. “That night the national guard and I will be celebrating our Independence Day with one more victory for the Dinamita!”

The following weekend, a stacked bill takes Matchroom back to Florida and sees World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins takes on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday September 23.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.

“I’m excited to finally be back in action and prove I’m the top dog of the 140lb division,” said Hitchins. “I promise to put on a master class performance on Zepada. This was the guy they were calling one of the top guys in the division, so after this performance this will show I’m ready for anyone.

“We tried waiting for Montana Love, but he found his way out of the fight like I expected his bitch ass would, so it’s on to bigger and better!”

“This is it for me, my last opportunity and a big one,” said Zepeda. “I need to win to stay on track and soon fight for another World title, it’s now or never. I want to thank Matchroom very much for this opportunity, my brother Renee and my manager Rick Mirigian for getting this multi-fight deal worked out. I’ll be ready come fight night.”

The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts. 

WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.

WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.

“Glad to finally get back in the ring, it’s been too long,” said McCaskill. “I’m not going to lie it’s been a bit frustrating but now we are finally here. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for. See you soon Sandy.”

“This fight is everything to me the level of it the best vs. the best in the Welterweight division,” said Ryan. “I respect Jessica massively as a fighter and what she has done in the sport but it’s definitely time for a new era and I believe I am that. 

“It’s my biggest fight and it’s going to be in America, a place I’ve wanted to fight in since I turned pro. It’s been a dream of mine so I can’t wait to make my America debut and fight Jessica. AND THE NEW!”

A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.

Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.

Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line. 

“I’ve learned the significance of rest and patience since my April victory,” said Williams. “This period of down time has allowed my mind and body the proper space to process all of the many lessons I’ve received in my previous 6 bouts. Tremendous advancement has occurred in all areas of my life. September 23 will be a display of brilliance, dedication, and laser focus. Don’t miss it!

“I’m looking forward to fighting on September 23,” said Rolls. “I know that Ammo is coming to fight, but I’m going to do whatever is necessary to get my hand raised at the end of the night. He has never fought anyone as a pro with my experience, and I think that experience will play a big role in me winning this fight.”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and further undercard news for these events will be released soon.

These events are added to a stacked offering from Matchroom on DAZN, with more to come including:

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, Saturday October 7, Sheffield

Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, Saturday October 21, Manchester

Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II, Saturday November 25, Dublin

QUINCY, Mass. (August 12, 2023) – Last night’s main event was truly the Fight of the Night on the entertaining “Veterans Stadium Showcase” Pro-Am card as Holbrook (MA) junior welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (19-2, 9 KOs) had his best performance ever against Harry “The Hit Man” Gigliotti (9-5, 3 KOs), fighting out of Haverhill (MA), in an old-fashioned throw-down.

“Veterans Stadium Showcase,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), was streamed live from Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts. Part of the proceeds went to Operation Homefront.

“As special as this night was for me, it meant even more to the fighters,” GCP President Chris Traietti commented. “I couldn’t be prouder of all the fighters or more appreciative of the fans for their enthusiasm all night. I want to give my sincere thanks to all the city leaders and local businesses that supported this event for allowing a Quincy business to do something special in the greatest city on earth.”

Ohan, Jr., the former New England Welterweight Champion, showed poise and patience as he adjusted and eventually broke-down the always tough Gigliotti on his way to a convincing eight-round unanimous decision.

Gigliotti came out firing clean, explosive shots in the first round, taking the fight right to Ohan, Jr., the former New England Welterweight Champion. Ohan. Jr. started beating Gigliotti to the punch in the second. The third was even and Ohan, Jr. established control in the second half of the fourth round, putting together his punches, which slowed down Gigliotti. As both fighters landed punch after punch in the fifth, Ohan, Jr. suddenly floored Gigliotti with a left to the body at the end of the round. Ohan, Jr. patiently and methodically took total control as Gigliotti rode his bike in the sixth, moving much more away rather than to Ohan, Jr,, who hurt Gigliotti with more body punches as the bell rang.

With Ohan, Jr. now controlling the action and pace, he owned the seventh and it appeared Gigliotti knew he needed a knockout to win. He didn’t at the KO but never stopped trying and Ohan, Jr. finished in style, landing a series of shots right to the end.

“Everything leading up to this fight made me better for this fight and my future,” Ohan, Jr. said after the fight. “I hit him with a picture-perfect body shot, but he’s a really tough kid. The first two rounds were for adjustments. He felt my power punches and that body shot was the beginning of the end for him. I had to adjust to beat him on the inside and that’s how I broke him down. I wish I got the stoppage, but I had a great performance. There’s always work to do, though, to get to the top.”

The co-featured event was a middleweight unification bout between USBF champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste, of Woburn (MA), and Massachusetts titlist Jamer Jones, of Pittsfield (MA), in a great fight, one that would have been the Fight of the Night on most shows.

Julien Baptiste took care of business

Jones sent Baptiste to the mat with a big right at the end of the opening round. Baptiste let his hands go in the second round, however, and he buzzed the 6’ 3” Jones right before the bell signaling the end of the round. In a back-and-forth fight, Jones counter-punched well in the third, while Baptiste managed to get inside of Jones’ long reach. The two fighters exchanged solid punches in the fourth, popping each other with great regularity, but the torrid pace slowed slightly in the fifth, only to pick back up in round six. Suddenly, Baptiste connected with an overhand right, practically knocking out Jones on his feet. Jones somehow got to his feet, but the referee wisely stopped the fight.

Frank Hogan registered his 14th KO

It was Tank Time once again. Undefeated middleweight Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (15-0, 14 KOs), the gifted southpaw from nearby Weymouth (MA), bullied his Argentinian opponent, Miguel “El Pirado” Angel Suarez (15-13, 9 KOs) in an impressive display. Hogan, a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Team Alternate, floored Suarez in the opening round with a left hook to the body, right to the head. In the second round, he dropped Suarez twice, after which the referee waved off the fight. Hogan has now stopped 14 of his 15 opponents without suffering a loss.

Thomas O’Toole (R) improves each fight

Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole (8-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Galway, Ireland, didn’t need more than a single round to capture the vacant USBF Cruiserweight title, The Irish lefty started the fight with a blistering attack of Scott “Bombs” Lampert (5-9, 4 KOs), who was unable to answer the bell after one round, in which, Lampert was decked twice. O’Toole, a 2019 Irish National Champion, used crisp combinations to overpower the gutsy Lampert.

Tommy Hyde (R) passed test

Irish super middleweight prospect Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (6-0, 4 KOs) passed the toughest test of his young pro career, effectively using his amateur pedigree against Polish veteran Robert Talerek (27-21-3, 18 KOs) en route to a dominant six-round unanimous decision victory. A three- time Irish National Champion from Cork, Hyde looked sharp, consistently blasting away Talerek’s body up and down, dropping the Pole with a perfectly placed hook in the fifth round. Talarek is a former IBF European and IBO Inter-Continental Middleweight Champion.

Lowell (MA) lightweight Gabriel “The Menace” Morales (8-0, 4 KOs) remained undefeated, taking a four-round majority decision from Nathan Benichou (2-17-1, 2 KOs).

Rhode Island journeyman Alfred Raymond (1-6-1) nearly upset unbeaten Salem (MA) junior middleweight Kenny “Lionheart” Lawson (7-0-1, 5 KOs), which ended in a hard-fought six-round majority draw.

Scituate (MA) heavyweight Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (3-0, 3 KOs) used his nearly 100-pound advantage, pounding his pro-debuting opponent, Bruno Saravia (0-1), closing the show in round two with a lethal right hook to the body that sent Saravia to the canvas for a TKO win.

Methuen (MA) middleweight Luke “The Quiet Storm” Iannuccilli (7-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, pitching a six-round shutout against always tough Ryan Thomas Clark (2-5, 1 KO) in the evening’s opening bout.

Three USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur matches preceded the pro card.

Complete results below:

PRO RESULTS

MAIN EVENT — JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Mike Ohan, Jr. (19-2, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

WDEC8 (79-72, 78-73, 76-75)

Harry Gigliotti (9-5, 3 KOs), Haverhill, MA

CO-FEATURE – USBF & MASSACHUSETTS MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Julien Baptiste (6-3, 3 KOs), Woburn, MA

.WTKO6 (2 :55)e

Jamer Jones (3-2, 3 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

(Baptiste won the Mass. middleweight title and retained the USBF title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (3-0, 3 KOs), Scituate, MA

WTKO2 (2:10)

Bruno Saravia (0-1), Boston, MA

VACANT USBF CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Thomas O’Toole (8-0, 6 KOs), Galway, Ireland

WTKO1 (3:00)

Scott Lampert (5-9, 4 KOs), Dover, NY

(O’Toole won USBF cruiserweight title)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Tommy Hyde (6-0, 4 KOs), Cork, Ireland

WDEC6 (60-53, 60-53, 59-54)

Robert Talarek (27-21-3, 18 KOs), Ruda Slaska, Poland

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Francis Hogan (15-0, 15 KOs), Weymouth, MA

WTKO2 (2:08)

Miguel Angel Suarez (15-13, 9 KOs), Beccar, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Luke Iannuccilli (7-0, 3 KOs), Methuen, MA

WDEC6

Ryan Thomas Clark (2-5, 1 KO), Berwick, NH

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Kenny Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs), Salem, MA

WD6 (57-57, 57-57, 56-58)

Alfred Raymond (1-6-2, 0 KOs), Warwick, RI

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Gabriel Morales (8-0, 4 KOs), Lowell, MA

WDEC4 (40-36, 39-37, 38-38)

Nathan Benichou (2-17-1, 2 KOs), Puebla, Puebla, México.

AMATEUR RESULTS

147 lbs. – Shaquille Mair (Everybody Fights)

WMDEC3

Desmond Le (Dialed In Method)

119 lbs.-– Jennifer Perella (unattached)

WUDEC3

Danielle Millian (STC Boxing)

156 lbs. — Dylan Connors (Quincy BoxFit)

WRSC2 (0:44)

Ronilson De Castro (unattached)