LAS VEGAS – July 21, 2023 – A stacked lineup of unbeaten prospects will enter the ring for the non-televised undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford event on Saturday, July 29 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The card will see lightweights Jabín Chollet and Michael Portales duel in a six-round bout, unbeaten prospects Justin Viloria and Pedro Borgaro battling in a six-round super featherweight fight, lightweight prospect Demler Zamora in an eight-round showdown against Nikolai Buzolin and welterweight power-puncher Kevin Ventura facing DeShawn Prather in a six-round attraction.

The event is topped by a four-fight SHOWTIME PPV lineup featuring WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBO Welterweight World Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford meeting to crown the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Mexican fan-favorite Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire takes on Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC Bantamweight Title. The pay-per-view opens up with top prospect Yoenis Téllez dueling Spanish contender Sergio García in a 10-round super welterweight attraction.

Prior to the pay-per-view, live streaming action will begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing^® Facebook page and see undefeated 168-pound contender Steven Nelson take on Rowdy Legend Montgomery in a 10-round showdown, plus Mexican super bantamweight prospect José Salas Reyes faces former world title challenger Aston Palicte in a 10-round bout.

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

Fighting out of his native San Diego, Chollet (7-0, 6 KOs) went the distance for the first time as a pro the last time he entered the ring, scoring a shutout of Daniel Perales in May. The 21-year-old has already fought three times in 2023 and will step up in competition when he faces Hayward, California’s Portales (3-1-1, 1 KO). The 26-year-old Portales bounced back from his first career defeat, which took place in February, to earn a unanimous decision over Margarito Hernandez in April.

The 18-year-old Viloria (2-0, 2 KOs) turned pro in April and has delivered a pair of stoppages in each of his first two matchups. The Whittier, California-native most recently stopped Pedro Pinillo in four rounds in May. He’ll step in against the 18-year-old Borgaro (4-0, 2 KOs), who represents Sonora, Mexico and made a successful U.S. debut in July by stopping Martin Cardona in two rounds.

The 20-year-old Zamora (11-0, 9 KOs) turned pro in 2019 as a teenager and delivered knockouts in eight of his first nine matchups. The Las Vegas-native has fought in his hometown twice previously as a pro, including his most recent outing that saw him KO Jesus Ibarra in March. He will be opposed by the Brooklyn-based Buzolin (9-4-1, 5 KOs), who’s only defeats have come against previously unbeaten fighters. In his last fight, Buzolin knocked out Gonzalo Carlos Dallera in three rounds in July 2022.

A training partner of Terence Crawford, Ventura (11-0, 8 KOs) fights out of Omaha, Nebraska and will compete in Las Vegas for the first time as a pro on July 29. The 26-year-old returned to the ring off of a four-year layoff in September 2022, emerging victorious via unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas. He will face the 25-year-old Prather (15-1, 2 KOs), who made a successful 2023 debut by earning a decision over Brandon Clark in February. The Kansas City, Missouri-native turned pro in May 2018 and is unbeaten since a one-point decision loss in his second pro fight.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Spence vs. Crawford will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire battles Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC Bantamweight Title. Kicking off the telecast is top prospect Yoenis Tellez dueling Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 10-round super welterweight attraction.

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

As a current Gold Subscriber, be sure to tune in Saturday, July 22 at 7PM ET as the entire ‘Summer Slugfest’ fight card presented by Integrity Fighter Management and Star Boxing will air live and direct on StarBoxing.TV!

Star Boxing’s Ukrainian born cruiserweight Lyubomyr “Demolition Man” Pinchuk makes his return to the ring in his adoptive home of Pennsylvania against Anthony Holloway of Illinois. If you miss the live fight card, within 24 hours of the show, you will be able to rewind the action via your Gold Subscription video on demand feature!

Louie Lopez 149.2 vs Benjamin Lamptey 152.7

George Acosta 130.5 vs Edy Valencia Mercado 130.8

Nelson Oliva 166.2 vs Jeremaine Whittington 165.3

Kevin Salgado 144 vs Izaiah Vargas 146.8

Esteban Muñoz 142.4 vs Nelson Morales 144.4

“One Last Time” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, July 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:45 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. 

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Rich Marotta. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; 

Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson

Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – July 20, 2023 — Groupe Yvon Michel in collaboration with O.R.  Promotions are pleased to confirm that Montreal’s Kim Clavel (17-1-0, 3 KOs) is finally back in the World Championship! The current WBC International and WBO International champion will try to dethrone the IBF and WBO light flyweight champion Argentina Evelin “La Princesita” Nazarena Bermudez (18-1-1, 6 KOs) on Saturday, October 7 at Place Bell in Laval. Clavel, 32, will fight his 3rd world championship fight, (1-1) and for Bermudez, 26, the 10th (7-1-1).

This will be Clavel’s 3rd fight in 2023, she returned to victory on May 12 against Naomi Arellano Reyes (9-3, 5 KOs) in another breathtaking performance. We remember the incredible clash on January 13 against WBA champion Yesica Nery Plata (29-2-0, 3 KOs) when the Quebecer had to lose by decision of the judges and give up her title of WBC world champion.

On October 7, it is the real RECONQUEST for Clavel who gets a 2nd chance to be crowned with two major titles, she is ranked number 1 contender in both the WBO and the IBF.

Aspiring Clavel and champion Bermudez met with the media in a virtual conference this morning:

“I saw how hungry Bermudez was, with the knife between her teeth, when she faced the undefeated Tania Enriquez (20-1, 9KO) to regain her titles after her loss to Valle 4 months earlier,” said former WBC champion Clavel. It is with exactly this state of mind that I approach this fight with Bermudez, with fire in my eyes. I know that Evelin is a great champion and that our fight has all the ingredients to be the fight of the year, but it is me who will come out victorious.”

Bermudez replied: “While I agree with Kim on my attitude against Enriquez and the big world championship fight, we’re about to fight, I differ on the result. Unlike Kim I have already succeeded in my reconquest and I am even more equipped, more seasoned than ever and there is no question of taking away these titles so important in my life and my career. I will come back home to Argentina with my 2 belts I assure you.”

Evelin Bermudez, originally from Santa Fe, Argentina, began his career in 2016 at the age of 19. Thus, she won her first world championship fight in 2018 at just 21 years old by dethroning Mexico’s Maria Guadalupe Bautista (21-11-2, 4 KOs) at home in Argentina for the IBF light flyweight title. In 2022, she added the WBO title with a brutal knockout over Debora  Rengifo  (19- 11-1, 11 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela. After seven successive IBF defenses and a WBO, she lost by majority decision to Costa Rican Yokasta Valle (28-2, 9 KOs), who is also IBF and WBO champion in the minimum division (105 pounds), in Carson, California. The latter immediately gave up her two new light flyweight titles (108 pounds) which allowed Bermudez to regain them, in Buenos Aires against the undefeated Mexican Tania Enriquez (20-0, 9 KOs), last March.

Tickets will be on sale and available starting this Friday, July 21 at noon on www.ticketmaster.ca and  directly at GYM in info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

LA RECONQUEST is a presentation of Mise-O-Jeu in collaboration with Bell Media.

Clavel won her WBC crown on July 29, 2022, in Montreal, defeating defending champion Yesenia Gomez (19-5-3) by unanimous decision in 10 rounds at the Casino de Montréal, in a dazzling performance that unanimously delighted the people of Quebec.

We remember that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Clavel returned to nursing to help seniors in Montreal. On the international stage, his courage and generosity have been recognized. She received the prestigious 2020 Pat Tillman Award at that year‘s ESPY ceremony on ESPN, Time Magazine recognized her as the “Next Generation Leader,” and the WBC presented her with the “Humanitarian Award.”

Sébastien Bouchard, Marie-Pier Houle, Caroline Veyre, Derek Pomerleau will also be featured, and 2 other fights will also be added:

Quebec’s Sébastien Bouchard (20-2-1, 9KO) will be back in the ring after his inspiring and dazzling performance on May 12 at Place Bell when he knocked out Fernando Marquez (11-2, 9KO) in the 6th round. Bouchard had to adjust to a lively and incisive Marquez early in the fight. This is a 2nd fight in less than 4 months for the friendly welterweight. A victory in this 10-round clash could open the doors to a return to Quebec City in late 2023 or early 2024.

The sparkling Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2KO)  of Terrebonne may have lost by decision in the WBO welterweight world championship in Cardiff last April against the excellent Sandy Ryan (6-1, 2KO) but the experience acquired and the new international influence that earned her solid performance will be important assets she who decided to attack of the super lightweight division. Houle is now recognized as a legitimate global aspirant according to the 4 major associations; #3 WBO, #6 IBF, #6 WBA and #11 WBC. On October 7, it will be his debut in his new division in a fight of 10 assaults.

The talented Caroline Veyre (4-0, 0KO) does not want to waste her time and she accumulates significant victories since the beginning of her career. This is why the independent Boxrec ranking already ranks it 5th among the best feathers in the world. Veyre will be in the ring at the Casino de Montréal on September 7 against Karina Chavez (5-1, 0KO) and if all goes well 4 weeks later she will be in action at Place Bell. This Olympian has her destiny all mapped out; she will be world champion!

Young middleweight Derek Pomerleau (5-0, 3KO) of Châteauguay will also be in action in a 6-round fight.

There will also be 2 other fights that will be added to the program. Participants will be chosen based on their performance on September 7 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. During this gala the prodigy and world kickboxing champion Jonathan Di Bella (2-0, 1KO) faces the tough Mexican Lamberto Macias (16-8-1, 12KO) in an 8-round bantamweight while the charismatic Terry Osias (12-0, 6KO) of Longueuil will meet Abraham Mejia (9-5-2, 4KO) of Monterrey.

Provincial Tour:

As announced a few weeks ago, Groupe Yvon Michel in collaboration with Les Cages Brasseries sportives, Radio Énergie and RDS Kim Clavel’s team with the president of GYM and other boxers to be confirmed in a few days, will go on a one-week provincial tour from August 8 to 12,

The formula is a 5 à 7 where the team will meet the many fans of Quebec in La Cage – Brasserie sportive, where there will be speeches by Kim and participants recounting their journeys and experiences then photo sessions and autographs.

Here are the dates and locations:

·       Monday, August 7: La Cage Quebec City Lebourgneuf

·       Tuesday, August 8: La Cage de Rimouski.

·       Wednesday, August 9: La Cage de Saguenay

·       Thursday, August 10: La Cage de Trois-Rivières.

·       Friday, August 11: La Cage Bell Center in Montreal.

The last tour of this kind was carried out by Lucian Bute’s team in 2011 and was a resounding success. We suggest that all those interested contact La Cage – Brasserie sportive in your area and reserve your seats.

#GroupeYM #LARECONQUÊTE #ClavelBermudez

About Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in  Canada. Since its founding, GYM has organized 167 galas in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, and participated in 37 international galas outside Quebec. Eight boxers have become world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (2 times), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have fought 56 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 24 losses and two draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever coming to Quebec to broadcast the organization’s most important events.

Las Vegas – UFC^® brings an action-packed card to T-Mobile Arena to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a thrilling flyweight championship rematch between champion Alexa Grasso and No. 1 contender Valentina Shevchenko. The co-main event will see No. 6 ranked welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov take on Kelvin Gastelum.

A great tradition in combat sports is to hold big fights on September 16th, and this year UFC is honoring its fans and fighters from Mexican communities with an inaugural Noche UFC event. In addition to the incredible fights, the fight week celebration will include a UFC Fan Experience, special appearances, community activities, commemorative merchandise, and much more.

“Mexican fans are some of the biggest and most passionate fans in all of combat sports,” said UFC President Dana White. “For years, I’ve wanted to truly honor their love for the athletes and the sport by bringing an incredible UFC event with Mexican athletes. It’s happening this year and we are bringing a MASSIVE Mexican card to Las Vegas on Mexican Independence Day. This card will be headlined by our Mexican champion in an insane rematch and it will be stacked from top to bottom with the best Mexican athletes in the world. Let me tell you something – I cannot wait for this event!”

NOCHE UFC: GRASSO vs. SHEVCHENKO 2 takes place Saturday, September 16 in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will start at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

NOCHE UFC: GRASSO vs. SHEVCHENKO 2 tickets go on sale Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, July 19 at 10 a.m. PT via www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, July 20 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for NOCHE UFC: GRASSO vs. SHEVCHENKO 2 fight week credentials may sign up here.

Mexico’s own Grasso (16-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) sets out for her first title defense against the woman she took the belt from in March. The elite flyweight has secured notable wins against Maycee Barber, Viviane Araújo, and Joanne Wood and now intends to defeat former champion Shevchenko for a second time to cement her place as the best flyweight in the world.

Longtime resident of Peru, Shevchenko (23-4, fighting out of Bishkek, Chuy Province, Kyrgzstan) aims to recapture the flyweight title and become a two-time champion at 125 pounds. A Master of Sport in taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Shevchenko has claimed highlight-reel victories over Lauren Murphy, Jéssica Andrade, and Katlyn Chookagian. The Kyrgyzstan fighter steps back inside the Octagon more motivated than ever as she looks for redemption against Grasso.

Undefeated welterweight Rakhmonov (17-0, fighting out of Kokshetau, Kazakhstan) looks to further his climb up the rankings by delivering another impressive performance. A Master of Sport in Combat Sambo and MMA, he has delivered memorable wins against Geoff Neal, Neil Magny, and Carlston Harris. Rakhmonov aims on keeping his 100% finish rate intact as he squares off with former middleweight title challenger Gastelum.

Mexican-American Gastelum (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz.) is determined to secure back-to-back wins as he takes on a rising contender. A decade-long Octagon veteran, Gastelum has defeated Chris Curtis, Ronaldo Souza, and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping. The Arizona-native is determined to break Rakhmonov’s perfect record and insert his name in the title picture at 170 pounds.

Athletes of Mexican descent on the card include the following:

• Anthony Hernandez (11-2, 1 NC, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif.) collides with Chris Curtis (30-10, 1 NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio) in a high-stakes bout set for the middleweight division
• Loopy Godinez (10-3, fighting out of Langley, B.C., Canada by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico)battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) at strawweight
• Edgar Chairez (10-5, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico)squares off with Daniel Lacerda (11-5, fighting out of Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at flyweight
• Cynthia Calvillo (9-6-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) returns to the Octagon and faces Elise Reed (7-3, fighting out of Princeton, N.J.) at 115 pounds
• Tracy Cortez (10-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) faces Jasmine Jasudavicius (9-2, fighting out of Niagara, Ontario, Canada)in an exciting flyweight matchup

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 233 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 active fighter 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 sports and entertainment 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 T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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.

TULSA, OK (July 20, 2023) — Heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy in the 10-round co-feature on Saturday, August 26 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be the co-feature to the heavyweight showdown between Toledo-born phenom Jared Anderson and Andriy Rudenko.

Uzbek Olympic gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov will make his Top Rank debut in the eight-round televised opener against Nigeria’s Onoriode Ehwarieme.

Anderson-Rudenko, Ajagba-Kossobutskiy & Jalolov-Ehwarieme will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound slugger debuted as a pro in July 2017 and secured six first-round knockouts in his first eight bouts. He suffered his first defeat in October 2021 against Frank Sanchez. Following the loss, Ajagba had surgery on both his elbows, returning in August 2022 to stop Hungarian veteran Jozsef Darmos in the second round. The 29-year-old is coming off a 10-round decision win against previously unbeaten contender Stephan Shaw in January.

“This is a great test for me as I continue my quest to become Nigeria’s next heavyweight champion,” Ajagba said. “I am coming to Tulsa to score a devastating knockout and remind everyone what I’m capable of doing inside the ring.”

Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed last November.

Kossobutskiy said, “I’m ready to make my debut in the United States against a very strong opponent. I want to show that I can beat the best in the heavyweight division, and to do that, you must overcome very tough challenges. I look forward to showing the world my abilities on August 26.”

Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) represented Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in May 2018 with a third-round TKO over Hugo Trujillo. He built an 8-0 record before returning to the amateur ranks in the summer of 2021 to capture an Olympic gold medal. Jalolov then tallied four knockout wins in the paid ranks before continuing his remarkable amateur run in May with a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old wrecking ball returns to the pro ranks following his fourth-round TKO over Curtis Harper last November.

Ehwarieme (20-2, 19 KOs) debuted as a professional with a decision win over Junior Maletino Iakopo in December 2010. He defeated his next 16 opponents by knockout, all within five rounds. He suffered his first loss against Rodney Hernandez in June 2019, but returned in December to stop Ariel Esteban Bracamonte via first-round knockout. Ehwarieme suffered a fourth-round stoppage loss against Kossobutskiy in February 2021, and he is 2-0 with two knockouts since. The 35-year-old, who represented Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics, blasted out Jeff Holcomb in only one round in February 2022.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes some of the sports brightest up-and-coming talents.

Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs), the latest fistic talent to come from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder. Carrington will make his fourth 2023 appearance following an eighth-round TKO win over Luis Porozo in June.

Undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, will face Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder. Ali Walsh will fight in Tulsa for the third time as a pro following an eight-round draw against Danny Rosenberger on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard.

19-year-old lightweight prodigy Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his fourth appearance of 2023 in a six-round duel. Mason was considered one of the brightest U.S. amateur talents before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. The southpaw returns after a second-round TKO win over Alex de Oliveira on July 1.

In a 10-round junior lightweight tilt, Filipino Olympian Charly Suarez (15-0, 9 KOs) will put his unbeaten record on the line against hard-hitting Dominican Yohan Vasquez (25-3, 20 KOs). Suarez heads to Tulsa following a 12^th-round TKO win against then-unbeaten Australian Paul Fleming on enemy turf.

Kazakh Olympian Ablaikhan Zhussupov (3-0, 2 KOs) returns in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with an electrifying welterweight showdown as No. 10 ranked contender Vicente Luque takes on former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos. Also on the card, fan favorite Cub Swanson looks to deliver another exciting performance against Hakeem Dawodu.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: LUQUE vs. DOS ANJOS will take place Saturday, August 12 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire event will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & 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.

The always exciting Luque (21-9-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) looks to secure the biggest win of his career with a signature performance. A well-rounded competitor who has finished 19 of his 21 victories, he has delighted fans with wins over Michael Chiesa, Tyron Woodley and Mike Perry. Luque now intends to defend his spot in the rankings by stopping Dos Anjos in emphatic fashion.

Former UFC lightweight champion Dos Anjos (32-14, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) plans to secure another memorable win in the 170-pound division. The record holder for the most fight time in UFC history with over eight hours spent in the Octagon, Dos Anjos has defeated some of the best to ever compete in MMA, including former UFC champions Robbie Lawler, Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson. He now seeks to make another run up the welterweight ranks by taking out Luque.

A member of the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing for his epic battle with Dooho Choi, Swanson (28-13, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) returns to action aiming to secure a record-breaking 10^th post-fight bonus at featherweight. A staple of the 145-pound division since 2011, he holds thrilling victories over Daniel Pineda, Darren Elkins and Kron Gracie. Swanson now seeks to start his 2023 campaign by becoming the first man to KO Dawodu.

Dawodu (13-3-1, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) looks to steal the show and announce himself as the next contender to watch in the stacked featherweight division. A former Muay Thai champion, Dawodu has shown off his skills in victories over Michael Trizano, Zubaira Tukhugov and Yoshinori Horie. He now hopes to break into the Top 15 ranks and begin his run towards a title shot.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 13 ranked light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. (12-5 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) aims for another signature KO against former heavyweight standout Chris Daukaus (12-6, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
• Lando Vannata (12-7-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) battles Mike Breeden (10-5, fighting out of Blue Springs, Mo.) in an exciting lightweight matchup
• Thrilling strawweights meet as Polyana Viana (13-5, fighting out of State of Para, Brazil) faces Iasmin Lucindo (14-5, fighting out of State of Bahia, Brazil)
• Heavyweights collide as Josh Parisian (15-6, fighting out of Howell, Mich.) returns against Martin Buday (12-1, fighting out of Nitra, Slovakia)
• Josh Fremd (10-4, fighting out of Westminster, Colo.) takes on Jamie Pickett (13-9, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) in a middleweight matchup
• The Ultimate Fighter season 30 flyweight winner Juliana Miller (4-2, fighting out of Lakeside, Calif.) seeks to spoil the UFC debut of Luana Santos (5-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• AJ Dobson (6-2 1NC, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) and Tafon Nchukwi (6-3, fighting out of Temple Hills, Md.) clash in a middleweight contest
• JP Buys (9-5, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) returns to bantamweight to face Marcus McGhee (7-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.)
• Featherweights Francis Marshall (7-1, fighting out of Freehold Township, N.J.) and Isaac Dulgarian (5-0, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) lock horns
• Jaqueline Amorim (6-1, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) intends to impress against Montserrat Conejo (10-2, fighting out of El Paso, Texas) at strawweight
• A gritty bantamweight matchup sees Da’Mon Blackshear (13-5-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) face off with Brady Hiestand (8-2, Spokane, Wash.)

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

Lee McGregor is 24 hours away from a potentially “life changing” moment when he fights for the vacant IBO world super bantamweight world title.

‘Lightning’ faces the big-punching Mexican Erik Robles at the Meadowbank Sports Centre tomorrow evening, on a packed night of action at the Wasserman Boxing event, which is delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch McGregor from 10pm, live and free-to-air on Channel 5, with the undercard being shown on the Wasserman Boxing YouTube channel.

Viewers in the rest of the world, can enjoy a huge Edinburgh fight night, live on DAZN from 7pm local time.

First bout 6pm local time

Weigh-In Results

4×3 Super welterweight contest 

Ryan Clark – weighs in tomorrow 

Dale Arrowsmith – tomorrow 

4×3 Middleweight contest 

Aston Brown 161.9lbs 

Vasif Mamedov 167.3lbs 

4×3 Super lightweight  

Jesse Brandon 147lbs 

Liam Fox – tomorrow  

8×3 Featherweight contest 

Isaac Lowe 127.2lbs 

Jonathan Santana 127.6lbs 

4×3 Light heavyweight contest 

Ben Andrews – tomorrow 

Darryl Sharp – tomorrow  

6×3 Heavyweight contest  

Kash Ali 253lbs 

Bohdan Myronets 216.5lbs 

10×3 Super featherweight contest 

Sultan Zaurbek 132lbs 

John Carter 134lbs 

6×3 Heavyweight contest  

Matty Harris 259lbs 

Kostyantin Dovbyshchenko 243lbs 

8×3 Super lightweight contest 

Harlem Eubank 142lbs 

Ishmael Ellis 139.8lbs 

Vacant IBO world super bantamweight title 

Lee McGregor 122lbs 

Erik Robles 121lbs 

STAMFORD, CT – In front of a jam-packed crowd consisting of fans, family and media at Bobby V’s in Stamford on Tuesday night, Jimmy Burchfield Sr. unveiled the details of “Summer Heat 2023,” an absolutely stacked boxing card taking place on August 12th at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

Featured at the podium were Stamford pro boxers Chordale ‘The Gift’ Booker and Slawomir Bodhziewicz, as well as a pair of amateur fighters from New Haven, Chad Dawson Jr. and Troyveon Allen.  

“August 12 is going to be special, because not only will fans be treated to a great night of professional boxing, but they’ll get a 2-for-1,” stated CES Founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr.  “Their ticket will also allow them to attend the ‘Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational,’ a USA Boxing sanctioned Amateur showcase that will take place before the pro card on August 12th.”

The pro boxing card will be headlined by newly minted WBC US Super Welterweight champion Booker (19-1, 8 KOs), who won the title at Mohegan Sun Arena in April with a spectacular 4th round knockout.  

Booker will be one step closer to a title shot with an impressive victory over Puerto Rico’s Nicolas Hernandez (27-6-3, 12 KOs), especially if undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo vacates his belts after moving up two divisions to challenge undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on September 30th in Las Vegas.   

“This is going to be one of my best performances,” exclaimed Booker.  “I haven’t been this locked in since 2018.  However long it goes, it’s gonna be bad for Nicolas Hernandez.  You’re going to see a great performance and a great show.  This fight is not going 10.”      

The pro card will also feature Hall-of-Famer and former two division champion Jaime ‘The Hurricane’ Clampitt (24-6-2, 7 KOs) and many of the best prospects that New England has to offer, including Anthony ‘ATV’ Velasquez (12-0-1, 11 KOs), Alejandro Paulino (14-0, 12 KOs), Angel Gonzalez (12-0, 7 KOs) and Wilson Mascarenhas (7-1, 2 KOs) in separate bouts.  

“All of New England will be represented on the card in competitive match-ups,” said Burchfield Sr.  “From top to bottom, this will be one of the best shows of the year.”  

Another fighter CES boxing is excited to showcase is Polish prospect Slawomir Bohdziewicz (1-0, 1 KO), who scored a tremendous 3rd round knockout in his debut at Mohegan Sun Arena in April.

“I’m very thankful to Jimmy Burchfield for putting on this event,” said Bohdziewicz.  “I know my Polish fans will come out to support me and I will not let them down.”

The event kicks off with “Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Invitational” amateur showcase beginning at 4:30pm.  Topping that card will be Ali Feliz, the #1 ranked Heavyweight in the United States.  Feliz is from a fighting family: his father, Fernely Feliz, was a heavyweight puncher who retired with a record of 23-9 with 16 KOs and fought the likes of former heavyweight champions Oleg Maskaev and ‘The Quiet Man’ John Ruiz.  Ali’s brother, Fernely Feliz Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs) is a power punching heavyweight who will also see action on the undercard of the pro show.

The Invitational will also feature Chad Dawson Jr., son of former 2-time light heavyweight champion ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson, and Troyveon Allen, a 22-year-old who won the Western New England Golden Gloves at 132lbs this February.   

“My Dad stepped down, so now I’m here to take his place and have fun,” joked Dawson Jr. to the delight of the crowd. “Fun destruction!”.  

Join us at Mohegan Sun Arena for a fantastic night of boxing.  Tickets for this event are priced at $46, $66, $140 and $165.  Tickets are quickly selling out, so fans are encouraged to buy them at CESfights.com, Ticketmaster or at the Mohegan Sun box office.  Doors open at 4pm, with the first amateur bout starting at 4:30pm and the pro card beginning at 6:30pm.

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”.

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.

Reading, PA (July 20, 2023)–Reading, Pennsylvania; The WBA Fedelatin champion Lisandro “El Gato” Barazarte (10-0 7KOs) has inked multi-year promotional agreement with Kings Promotions. The WBA number 15 rated featherweight is slated to appear this fall in the United States, marking his first fight under the promotional banner. 

“This is the right move for Lisandro at this point of his career. He is a world class talent and at the age of 25 he is ready to make the jump to the United States and chase a world title.” said Trifon Petrov who manages Lisandro Barazarte. 

On July 1st of 2022 in his hometown of Maracay, Lisandro Barazarte scored his most impressive win to date as he captured the WBA Fedelatin title with a 10 round unanimous decision win over undefeated Colombian knockout artist Kevin Piedrahita. Barazarte last fought in February of 2023 in Caracas, where he defended the WBA Fedelatin title with a first round knockout win over Marlembron Acuna. El Gato as he is known in his native Venezuela holds wins over previously unbeaten Kevin Piedrahita, hard hitting Yoni Blanco (14-2) and Otto Gamez (19-6). 

“When my manager Trifon Petrov presented me with the opportunity to sign with Kings Promotions, it was a no brainer. Marshall Kauffman works closely with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Showtime, so I know I will be getting my well deserved TV time and big opportunities in the next year. I am excited to show the American audience that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.” said Lisandro Barazarte. 

“This is another excellent signing for Kings Promotions. Lisandro has all the tools to be the next world champion coming from the country of Venezuela. We are excited to have him as part of the Kings Promotion family” stated Marshall Kauffman. 

Once Lisandro Barazarte makes the move to the United States later this summer, he will be training alongside the hottest prospect in boxing Euri Cedeño in Kings Gym under the guidance of world renowned trainer Sensei Rivera in Reading, Pennsylvania. 

LAS VEGAS – July 19, 2023 – A pair of showdowns featuring an unbeaten super middleweight contender and a rising super bantamweight prospect will enter the ring on the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN SHOW on Saturday, July 29 leading up to the much-anticipated Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford SHOWTIME PPV taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Undefeated 168-pound contender Steven Nelson will top the lineup as he takes on Rowdy Montgomery in a 10-round showdown, plus Mexican super bantamweight prospect Jose Salas Reyes competes in a 10-round attraction against former world title challenger Aston Palicte opening up the live stream at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing^® Facebook page.

The show will be hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show co-host Luke Thomas, who will be accompanied by a pair of special guests. Sports broadcaster Kate Abdo, who covers UEFA Champions League for CBS Sports and is a former PBC studio host, and Ariel Helwani, renowned combat sports journalist and SHOWTIME Basketball podcast host, will both join Thomas in what should be a memorable night of streaming.  

These fights lead into a four-fight pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT headlined by WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBO Welterweight World Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford meeting to crown the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era.

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

Nelson (18-0, 15 KOs) is an Omaha, Nebraska native and longtime training partner of Terence Crawford who will look to keep his unblemished pro record intact on July 29. The 35-year-old turned pro in 2016 after an accomplished amateur career and most recently fought on Crawford’s undercard in December 2022. That outing saw Nelson shake off the rust from a nearly two-year layoff to KO James Ballard in round one. He will be opposed by the Victorville, California-native Montgomery (10-4-1, 7 KOs), who enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak. Montgomery’s last defeat came via decision against rising middleweight sensation Elijah Garcia in May 2022.

A 21-year-old who turned pro in November 2020, Reyes (12-0, 9 KOs) carried an eight-fight KO streak into his U.S. debut this April. That outing saw the Tijuana, Mexico-native earn a shutout 10-round unanimous decision victory over the previously unbeaten Prince Dzanie. He will face the Bago City, Philippines born Alicte (28-5-1, 23 KOs), who has twice vied for the super flyweight world championship, including a split-draw for the vacant belt in a 2018 matchup against Donnie Nietes. Alicte would later drop a 2019 title fight against Kazuto Ioka and most recently had a three-bout winning streak snapped when he lost to current bantamweight world champion Jason Moloney in June 2022.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. CRAWFORD

Spence vs. Crawford will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth’’ Spence Jr. take on WBO 147-pound world champion Terence “Bud’’ Crawford for the Undisputed Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, July 29 in a highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV clash from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz facing unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera in a 12-round WBC and WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire battles Mexican contender Alexandro Santiago for the vacant WBC Bantamweight Title. Kicking off the telecast is top prospect Yoenis Tellez dueling Spanish contender Sergio Garcia in a 10-round super welterweight attraction.

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

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (July 19, 2023) – The highly-anticipated rematch between bitter middleweight rivals Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has a new date, with the two now set to collide in at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday, September 2nd.

Airing live and exclusively on Sky Sports Box Office, the SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? pay-per-view blockbuster event will bring the heated rivalry to a fiery conclusion, nine months after their first electrifying encounter.

Smith and Eubank Jr first fought in January, meeting in the middle of the ring for a frenetic firefight which lasted just one minute into the fourth round before Smith secured victory with a stunning pair of knockdowns. 

Upset at the referee’s intervention and determined to avenge the defeat, Eubank Jr immediately activated the contracted rematch clause and went into a protracted training camp focused on handing a loss to Liverpool man Smith.

With a prior date having been postponed due to Smith suffering a minor injury in training camp, the simmering rivalry has reached new heights with each passing month and is set to reach boiling point on September 2nd.

“I’m glad that the date is set now and we can look forward to getting rid of this itch that needs scratching. I’m fully healed up now, injury-free, and I’m looking forward to finishing Chris Eubank Jr’s career on September 2nd,” said Smith.

“No more excuses, no more postponements. Smith can’t run forever. September 2 is the day of my revenge,” said Eubank Jr.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s promoter and CEO, said, “The rivalry between Liam Smith and Chris Eubank Jr has quickly become one of the most heated in British boxing. Their January fight was one of the most exciting encounters in BOXXER history. We’re expecting tickets to fly out for September 2nd at the AO Arena as fans rush to be ringside for what is guaranteed to be another unbelievable firefight.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Good things come to those who wait, and so the postponements will only make victory that bit sweeter for Chris, when he finally meets Liam Smith on September 2. Chris has had to remain patient and disciplined but what has been clear, in our conversations over the last few weeks and months, is that he is laser-focused on setting the record straight. Chris is going to deliver an electric performance.”

SMITH vs EUBANK II: REPEAT OR REVENGE? is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE, Everlast and Village Hotels. 

Tickets for the blockbuster clash at the AO Arena in Manchester will go on sale on Tuesday July 25th. 

Fans can sign up at Boxxer.com for exclusive access to presale tickets before general sale.

Former unified and lineal lightweight world champion George Kambosos Jr. (20-2, 10 KOs) makes his Top Rank debut in a 12-round IBF world title eliminator against English southpaw Maxi Hughes (26-5-2, 5 KOs).

Kambosos is a 10-year pro who has traveled the globe in his efforts to conquer the lightweight division. In a triumph that was named ESPN’s 2021 Upset of the Year, Kambosos toppled Teofimo Lopez via split decision and captured three lightweight world titles. Following his first career setbacks in 2022, Kambosos has ambitions of reclaiming his throne, but he’ll first need to get past Hughes.

Hughes, a 33-year-old veteran hailing from the United Kingdom, debuted in the paid ranks in 2010. He lost a November 2019 showdown for the WBO European title against Liam Walsh, but rebounded impressively, winning all seven of his subsequent fights, including a 10-round decision win against then-unbeaten Kazakh standout Viktor Kotochigov in 2020. Hughes is coming off a 12-round majority decision win against former world champion Kid Galahad last September.

In the 10-round co-feature, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (8-0, 6 KOs) takes a seismic step up in class against Belgian contender and former European champion Francesco Patera (28-3, 10 KOs).

Davis, from Norfolk, Virginia, went 3-0 in the pro ranks before capturing a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In his most recent outing, the 24-year-old outclassed Anthony Yigit en route to a ninth-round TKO. Davis looks to continue his rapid lightweight ascent against his stiffest test to date.

Patera is an eight-year pro from Belgium. Since 2017, the 30-year-old has won 10 straight fights and is coming off a first-round knockout against Irakli Shariashvili in April.

The undercard streams exclusively on ESPN+.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters.

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
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• Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Kambosos, Jr. vs. Hughes (all times ET)

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. 

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).   

(July 18, 2023) – Ukraine’s unified WBA/WBO/IBF heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk will defend his titles against WBA mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois on Saturday, August 26 at Tarczy?ski Arena Wroc?aw in Wroclaw, Poland.
 
Usyk, a 36-year-old southpaw who hopes to become the undisputed king in a second weight class, will spend Ukrainian Independence Day weekend putting his belts on the line against London’s hard-hitting Dubois.
 
Promoted by K2 Promotions, in association with Queensberry, Usyk-Dubois and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.  
 
Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), a two-time Olympian and 2012 gold medalist, ended his amateur career with a record of 335-15. He turned pro in 2013 and secured the WBO cruiserweight world title in September 2016 by defeating Krzysztof Glowacki. In 2018, he became the undisputed cruiserweight champion in the World Boxing Super Series, claiming the WBC title against Mairis Breidis in January and the WBA and IBF belts from Murat Gassiev in July. He defended his crown with an eighth-round TKO against Tony Bellew in November before moving up to heavyweight with a seventh-round stoppage victory against Chazz Witherspoon in October 2019. After a decision win over Derek Chisora in October 2020, Usyk defeated unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to become unified champion the following September. Usyk returns after defeating Joshua in their August 2022 rematch. 
 
Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) started his career in the paid ranks in April 2017 with a first-round TKO against Marcus Kelly. He went 15-0 with 14 knockouts in his first three years as a pro before suffering his first setback, a 10^th-round stoppage loss to Joe Joyce in November 2020. Since then, he’s won four straight, including a fourth-round knockout against unbeaten American contender Trevor Bryan. The 25-year-old slugger is coming off a third-round TKO win against Kevin Lerena last December. 
 

# # #

 
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).  

DETROIT – July 18, 2023 – Salita Promotions promoted fighters Joseph Hicks, Joshua Pagan and Jermaine Franklin, made it a successful hat-trick this past Saturday as all three were victorious in their respective showdowns that took place at Masonic Temple in Detroit.

Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Hicks (8-0, 5 KOs) continued to show the elite boxing skill that once had him set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings, in dispatching veteran Ramses Agaton via a six-round unanimous decision (60-54 three times). The 29-year-old owns four victories in 2023 and hopes to continue his uptick in competition.

“I love that I’m staying busy,” said Hicks. “These are the kind of fights that help me grow and develop into a world champion. I felt really comfortable in the ring and was able to take my work from the gym and implement it into the fight. I’m coming to make big noise in the middleweight division.”

Also picking up his fourth victory of 2023 was Pagan (8-0, 4 KOs), who made quick work of Gabriel Smith, stopping him in round one. The 23-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan has now delivered back-to-back knockouts after his last outing saw him earn a career-best victory via a third-round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Ronnell Burnett.

“It felt great being back in the ring, especially after being a part of Jake Paul’s camp and learning so much,” said Pagan. “I wish I had more rounds to show more, but it was a great experience nonetheless. I’m very excited to bring my experience and what I learned to the ring into my next fight.”

The 29-year-old heavyweight Franklin (22-2, 14 KOs) got back into the win column with a dominant unanimous decision (100-90 twice, 99-91) over the previously unbeaten Isaac Munoz Gutierrez after 10 rounds of action. A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Franklin had come off of close decision losses to former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and top contender Dillian Whyte in his last two outings, and will now look to catapult right back into challenge the heavyweight cream of the crop.

Expect to see these Michigan-based fighters continue their upward trajectories in the near future as Salita Promotions stays on its course to help the state’s best talents reach the highest levels of the sport.

“Three of the best American prospects and contenders had an impressive showing and showed why they all have world title aspirations,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Big time boxing is back in Detroit and it’s a matter of time before boxing fans in the U.S. and around the world see Pagan, Hicks and once again, top American heavyweight Jermaine Franklin, in significant fights.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

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

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. – July 17, 2023 – Former world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez will take on streaking contender Melvin Lopez for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 12 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.  

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated rising star and Capitol Heights, Maryland-native Gary Antuanne Russell taking on fellow unbeaten Kent Cruz in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus sensational top prospect and Landover, Maryland-native Travon Marshall duels unbeaten two-time Olympian Gabriel Maestre in the 10-round welterweight telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

“This show on August 12 is jam-packed with action for boxing fans as they will get an exciting world title clash in addition to some of the area’s top rising talent in tough contests live on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Emmanuel Rodriguez is hungry to make a second run as world champion at bantamweight and will be given all he can handle by the red-hot Melvin Lopez. With two of Maryland’s top rising stars in Gary Antuanne Russell and Travon Marshall stepping in for separate bouts before that showdown, this lines up to be a can’t-miss card at MGM National Harbor.”

Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez (21-2, 13 KOs) defeated the previously unbeaten Gary Antonio Russell last October by technical decision to put himself back into position to fight for the world title. The 30-year-old originally won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against the then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez went on to lose the title to former undisputed champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“I’m happy to have this chance to become a world champion again,” said Rodriguez. “We’re gonna go out there to win in spectacular fashion and my goal is to show that I’m the best fighter in the world at 118-pounds. My goal is to become undisputed at bantamweight, however I’m not overlooking Melvin Lopez, because he’s a good fighter and will come to give it his all on August 12.”

The 25-year-old Lopez (29-1, 19 KOs) has won eight-straight fights since suffering his only career loss in October 2019. Originally from Nicaragua and now fighting out of Miami, Lopez has fought professionally since 2015 and began competing stateside in 2018. Lopez scored three victories in 2022, starting the year with knockouts of Juan Gabriel Medina and Victor Ruiz, before most recently defeating Jobert Alvarez last December. Out of his last 10 victories, Lopez has ended nine of those inside of the distance.

“I’m very excited that the time is almost here to fight for a world title,” said Lopez. “We’ve had a great training camp and everyone has sacrificed and worked hard so that we’re at our best on August 12. I’m going to show everyone why I earned this opportunity and repay my team for all of their efforts. I have a lot of respect for Emmanuel, but the best man will have his hand raised when we share the ring.”

Fighting out of his native Capitol Heights, Md., Russell (16-0, 16 KOs) will carry on the legacy left by his late father Gary Sr. A member of one of the sport’s preeminent fighting families, Russell trains alongside his older brothers, former WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and bantamweight contender Gary Antonio. The 26-year-old has yet to allow an opponent to make it to the final bell since turning pro in 2017 following his run representing the U.S. at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. Russell defeated his most accomplished foes to date in 2022, stopping former champion Viktor Postol in February before a TKO win against former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in July.

“When you’re a student of the game like me, you have to consider that each step we take is about more than self-gratification. We’re doing this for keeps,” said Russell. “Kent Cruz has to catch up to me, but there’s no need for me to look back. The only direction I’m going is forward and that means putting on a spectacular performance on August 12, and proving I’m the next world champion in this division.”

The 30-year-old Cruz (16-0-3, 10 KOs) steps back into the ring after a pair of draws against fellow unbeaten Enriko Gogokhia in February and then November 2022. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Cruz defeated veterans Erik Humberto Castillo and Travis Hartman following a draw against Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez in April 2018. Cruz will pick up his past ring history with the Russell family on August 12, looking to avenge an amateur loss to Gary Allan Russell, Gary Antuanne’s older brother.

“I’m very excited for this fight on August 12,” said Cruz. “I’ve been waiting for a fight like this my whole career, so we didn’t hesitate when offered this one. I’m coming in as the underdog and that’s what’s fueling me. I’ve been an underdog my whole life and on August 12 I’m gonna shock the world. When I win this fight, I’ll be in contention to fight for a world title and have my chance to achieve my childhood dream.”

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (8-0, 7 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just eight fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall is trained by former contender Andrew Council and has already scored two stoppages in 2023. Most recently he dominated veteran contender Justin DeLoach via third-round knockout in March, his most impressive victory to date.

“I’m really excited to be fighting at home in front of my family, friends and fans on August 12,” said Marshall. “I’m working hard every day in the gym so that when fight night comes I’m 100% and ready to put on a great performance for everyone watching. My goal is to show everyone that I belong on the big stage, and that starts with a victory over Gabriel Maestre.”

A two-time Olympian for his home country of Venezuela, Maestre (5-0-1, 4 KOs) had an extensive amateur run that included victories over Brian Castano, Carlos Adames, Alexander Besputin, Oscar Molina and Brian Ceballo. The 36-year-old made his U.S. debut with a controversial decision victory over Mykal Fox in August 2021 before fighting fellow unbeaten Taras Shelestyuk to a draw last March. Most recently, Maestre defeated former two-division champion Devon Alexander after three rounds in April.

“I’m very ready for this fight against Travon Marshall,” said Maestre. “We are focused on the work that we need to put in so that we are victorious on August 12. I’m focused on having my hand raised and putting on a good show. We want to leave a good impression with the fans and move on to fight the big names in the welterweight division.”

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

Samuel Antwi and Mason Cartwright collide in a mouth-watering battle for the vacant British super welterweight title on September 1, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. 

The pair meet at the University of Bolton Stadium, on the undercard of Lyndon Arthur’s IBO world light heavyweight title showdown with the big-punching Braian Suarez. 

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, return with another hard-hitting show in Bolton, following the success of its event there in March. 

Antwi, who has signed a promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing, is a former British welterweight title challenger and warmed up for this latest title shot by halting Ruben Angulo in less than three rounds, in Newcastle on Saturday night. 

Cartwright challenged then-champion Troy Williamson for the Lonsdale Belt last year, and despite flooring the title holder in a thriller, he was on the wrong end of a highly controversial points decision. 

Josh Kelly, who ripped the title from Williamson with a masterclass performance before Christmas, confirmed his decision to relinquish the title last week, which has opened the door for Antwi and Cartwright to scrap it out for the vacant belt.

Samuel Antwi said: “This is the third of the domestic trio for me.  I’ve been the Southern Area champion and the English champion, and now it’s time to add the British to the collection. 

“I have been given a great opportunity and though it’s above the weight I have been fighting at, I jumped at the chance.  I know I can handle myself as a super welterweight and I plan on making a statement on September 1.” 

Mason Cartwright said: “I believe I did enough to win the British super welterweight title last year, and so did a lot of the people who watched on the night.  For some reason, the ringside judges thought otherwise, but on September 1 I will deliver a performance that removes any doubt. 

“This time, I’m not returning to Ellesmere Port without the Lonsdale Belt in my possession.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “British title fights always deliver, and Antwi against Cartwright has excitement plastered all over it. 

“We saw at the Wasserman Boxing show at the weekend, just what battling out for the Lonsdale Belt means to fighters.

“And so the fans in Bolton, or those watching live and free-to-air on Channel 5, are in for a real treat.  This is a brilliant addition to our world title card on September 1.” 

In a battle of undefeated lightweights. Frank Martin needed a late rally and 12th round knockdown to eek 12-round unanimous decision over Artem Harutyunyan at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

It was a close fight early with Harutyunyan landing some sneaky combinations. It took Martin a few rounds to get going.

In round six, Martin picked up the pace and landed a barrage of punches that opened up a cut on the forehead of Harutyunyan.

In round 12, Martin was applying serious pressure and Harutyunyan had to take a knee. It turns out that Martin won the last four rounds on the judges cards and won by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113.

Martin landed 167 of 539 punches. Harutyunyan was 117 of 442.

Martin, 135 lbs of Indianapolis is now 18-0. Harutyunyan, 134.6 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 12-1.

“I just knew I wasn’t active enough as I normally am,” said Martin, who won his second fight at The Chelsea in eight months. “I just think my reaction time just wasn’t on point tonight. He definitely was a tough opponent. I wouldn’t say that it was too difficult, it was just my reaction time wasn’t working like it normally does for me. I couldn’t tell you know, just my timing seemed a little off tonight. He was definitely tough. I hit him with some big shots. He stood up, he bounced around in the ring like a ping pong, but he stood tall. I take my hat off to him because he took some big shots.

“I don’t agree,” Harutyunyan said of the decision. “If it’s possible I will fight him again, but if it’s not, not a problem. He’s just a fighter. He’s not Errol Spence. I’m a big fan of Errol Spence. My plan is to be become a world champion, or at least fight for the world title, maybe against Devin Haney or Gervonta Davis. I can go up one weight class, it’s not a problem for me. But I’m so happy to be here and I want to come back.”

On Harutyunyan taking the knee, Martin said, “No, I wasn’t surprised. You know after a while, after I’ve landed so many body shots, I can get to wearing guys down. I didn’t land as many body shots as I normally do, so, you know, he stood in there.”

“He’s a good fighter. But I saw every punch on him,” Harutyunyan said. “The last one my eye got hurt very bad, so that was the point where I had to take a few seconds to recover [on the knockdown]. I think this round was the only round that decided it and gave it to him.”

Elvis Rordiguez Stops Victor Postal in 7

Elvis Rodriguez stopped former world champion Viktor Postal in round seven of their 10-round super lightweight fight.

In round six, Postal began to bleed from his nose. Late in the round, Rodriguez landed a vicious right hook to the head that sent Postal to a knee. Postal was hurt to begin round seven, and Rodriguez sensed it and landed another right hook that sent Postal wobbling to the ropes and the fight was waved off by Celestino Ruiz at 23 seconds.

Rodriguez, 141.8 lbs of Las Angeles is 15-1-1 with 13 knockouts. Postal, 141.6 lbs of Marina del Rey, CA is 31-5.

“For every fight we always have a plan,” Rodriguez said. “Today, maybe it helped a little bit that Freddie trained Postol, but it’s always a plan for a different fighter. This all started in the fifth round. When I hit him, I thought I fractured his nose, then I gave him a nice look in the fifth. So, in the sixth I was going for the kill. I felt I had him from the beginning in the seventh round. I gave him a hook and I saw that he was in trouble. And then the referee stopped the fight. So we knew we had won. I’m ready. I’m ready for a world title. I’ve worked too hard so far. Thank you.”

Freudis Rojas Jr. Stops Diego Sanchez in 7

Freudis Rojas Jr. remained undefeated by stopping Diego Sanchez in round seven of their 10-round welterweight bout.

Rojas dominated the fight and the corner of Sanchez ended the fight at 58 seconds of round seven.

Rojas, 146 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-0 with 11 knockouts. Sanchez, 146.6 lbs of San Diego is 19-3.

“You know this guy was a tough guy. We knew that he was gonna keep putting pressure on,” said Rojas, who was extended past the fourth round for the first time. “I’m glad I got the rounds in because that’s what we need in the pros. The more rounds the better, and I know the fans like that. This was the biggest blessing. Like I said at the press conference, when I found that the news [I would fight on the telecast] I was jumping around like a little girl like with some pom poms, man ‘cause it’s such a blessing. I think this is gonna open a lot more doors for me.”

Alycia Baumgardner avenged her only professional blemish and retained the Undisputed Super Featherweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Linardatou at The Masonic Temple in Detroit.

It was a fight that had solid action as Baumgardner landed some hard shots. Linardatou tried to punch with Baumgardner, but the reigning champion was faster and landed the more impactful blows.

Baumgardner, 129.4 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 15-1. Linardatou, 129.8 lbs of Athens, GRE is 14-3.

Andy Cruz Decisions Former World Title Challenger Burgos in Pro Debut

Andy Cruz made a successful pro debut with a 10-rond unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Cruz, 134.6 lbs of Matanzas, CUB won by scores of 100-90 twice and 98-92 and is 1-0. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 35-8-3,

Jermaine Franklin Decisions Isaac Munoz

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Isaac Munoz in a heavyweight bout.

Franklin, 241.2 lbs of Saginaw, MI won by scores of 100-90 twice and is 99-91 and is now 22-2. Munoz, 257.4 lbs of Mexico City is 17-1-1.

Jar’Rico O’Quinn Decisions Carlos Mujica

Ja’Rico O’Quinn won a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Mujica in a super-bantamweight contest.

In round five, Mujica was cut around his left eye.

It was a close fight yet a judge did not think so by giving O’Quinn a 100-90 victory. Two other judges saw the fight 97-93 and 96-94.

O’Quinn of Detroit is 16-1-1. Mujica, 122.6 lbs of Caracas, VEN is 8-3.

NEW YORK (July 15, 2023) – TONIGHT at the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Christina Linardatou will attempt to become undisputed junior lightweight champion when she tries to defeat reigning champion Alycia Baumgardner for a second time.

Linardatou, who is managed by Brian Cohen, handed Baumgardner her only loss when they squared off on July 28, 2018.

Linardatou of Athens, Greece is 14-2 with six knockouts. The 35 year-old is a former two-time super lightweight world champion who won the title on March 24, 2019 with a sixth round stoppage over Kandi Wyatt in Athens. She made one defense over undefeated Deanha Hobbs (8-0). Linardatou won the WBO title for a second time with a 10-round unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot on February 8, 2020 in Gary, Indiana. Linardatou also has wins over Sam Smith (5-0) and Lela Terashvili (5-0-1).

Baumgardner of Detroit is 14-1 with seven knockouts. Baumgardner won the WBC title with a fourth round stoppage over Terry Harper on November 13, 2021 in Sheffield, England. The 29 year-old added the WBO and IBF titles on October 15, 2022 with a 10-round split decision over Mikaela Mayer in London. Baumgardner became undisputed with a 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled on February 4th in New York.

Linardatou, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, weighed 129.8 lbs. Baumgardner was 129.4 lbs.

The bout will be streamed Live on DAZN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Earlier on the card, Split-T Management fighter Joseph Hicks Jr. will take on Ramses Agaton in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is 7-0 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old has a win over undefeated Bilal Quintyne (4-0) and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd on June 3rd in Detroit.

Agaton of Mexico is 22-14-3 with 12 knockouts. The 33 year-old is a 13 year professional. Agaton has wins over Hector Mercado (1-0), Oscar leonard Ventura (4-0-1), Alvaro Roble (17-2), Alejandro Barrera (23-1) and Ronald Montes (16-0).

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 167.4 lbs. Agaton was 169.8.

Photos By Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing.

Lightweight WBC Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Frank Martin – 135 lbs.

Artem Harutyunyan – 134.6 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Max de Luca (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Elvis Rodriguez – 141.8 lbs.

Viktor Postol – 141.6 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight is 142

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Eric Cheek (Nev.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Freudis Rojas – 146 lbs.

Diego Sanchez – 146.6 lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Dave Morretti (Nev.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – Emmy^®-winning reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood, who will serve as unofficial scorer. The executive producer is four-time Emmy Award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving alongside him as the expert analyst. 

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

NEW YORK – July 14, 2023 – Unbeaten rising middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. will return to the ring in a six-round showdown against Ramses Agaton this Saturday, July 15 from the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

The 29-year-old Hicks (4-0, 4 KOs) fights out of the growing Salita Promotions stable and step in for his fourth fight of the year, having most recently won an eight-round decision over Antonio todd in June. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, he’ll meet the 33-year-old Agaton (22-14-3, 12 KOs), who has faced numerous top contenders throughout his career.

It feels good to be fighting again and displaying my skills for boxing fans,” said Hicks. “I want to stay busy and continue to learn and grow as a fighter. I’m on my route to being a world champion and that means treating every fight like the most important of my career.

A standout amateur before entering the pro ranks, Hicks was set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings. By the time the games were back on, the IOC’s formula for picking fighters in his weight class left him on the outside looking in. Undeterred, Hicks has shined as a pro thus far and will look to cement his contender status with a big year ahead.

“Hicks had a stellar amateur career and has all the tools to quickly develop into a contender and champion,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “ In his last fight he had an impressive step up against the very experienced and skilled Antonio Todd. He is an American-born, Michigan-made middleweight who will be one of the key fighters in rejuvenating boxing in Detroit.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

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

First bell at 5.30pm ET
 
6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
Joshua James Pagan (146.2lbs) vs.    Gabriel Smith (147.4lbs)
Grand Rapids, Michigan                       Houston, Texas
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
Joseph Hicks (167.6lbs) vs.         Ramses Agaton (169.8lbs)
Grand Rapids, Michigan              Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
Cameron Pankey (123.6lbs)       vs.    Misael Reyes (123.6lbs)
Pontiac, Michigan                                  Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Jemarco Holloway (141.8lbs)    vs.    Angelo Snow (143.6lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                                   Toledo, Ohio
 
Live on DAZN from 8pm ET
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
Ja’Rico O’Quinn (121.2lbs)         vs.    Carlos Mujica (122.6lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                         Caracas, Venezuela
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
Jermaine Franklin (241.2lbs)     vs.    Issac Munoz (257.4lbs)
Saginaw, Michigan                                 Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins IBF International Lightweight title
Andy Cruz (134.6lbs) vs.    Juan Carlos Burgos (134.2lbs)
Matanzas, Cuba                            Tijuana, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins Undisputed Super-Featherweight title
Alycia Baumgardner (129.4lbs) vs. Christina Linardatou (129.8lbs)
Detroit, Michigan                         Athens, Greece

Philadelphia (July 14, 2023)–- On Saturday night, July 13th R and B Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a big night of boxing.

In a six-round bout, Daiyann Butt (14-2, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Michael Crain (5-6-2, 1 KO) in a junior welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts, Tahmir Smalls (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Andres Viera (11-5, 8 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay in a welterweight clash.

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (12-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles takes on former world title challenger Javier Maciel (34-20, 23 KOs) of Buenos Aries, Argentina in a junior middleweight fight.

Ezri Turner of Wilmington, DE will make his pro debut against Milton Volter (0-1) of Bronx, NY in a super middleweight fight.

Allen Otto (1-0, 1 KO) of Pennsauken, NJ fights Timothy Tyler (1-3, 1 KO) Camden, NJ in a junior middleweight bout.

Joshua Jones (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Carlos Rocha (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a lightweight fight.

Anthony Dill (2-1, 2 KOs) of North Philadelphia fights debuting Ghandi Roman of Union City, New Jersey in a welterweight contest.

Juan Marrero (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Jose Luis Fracica Baron (0-4) of El Vigla, Venezuela in a lightweight fight.

Daniel Bean (2-0, 2 KOs) of Old Bridge, NJ fights Rob Perez of Worcester, MA in a heavyweight bout.

In a bout of undefeated welterweights, Deyshawn Williams (3-0, 2 KOs) of Queens, NY fights Felix Manzueta (3-0, 2 KOs) of Dover, DE.

Devin Gantt (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ fights debuting Jahron Williams of Bronx, NY in a featherweight fight.

Tickets are $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

Josh Kelly told Gabriel Corzo that he will stop him inside two rounds, when the rivals clashed at a heated weigh-in today. 

The super welterweight enemies meet in a high-stakes contest at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle tomorrow night, live on DAZN. 

Kelly, the world No2, defends his WBO International title against the unbeaten and confident Argentinian and knows victory will open the door to blockbuster fights. 

But the Sunderland AFC fan must deal with Corzo first and they had to be pulled apart at a tense weigh-in, where Kelly told his opponent – and his fans – that tomorrow night’s headlining fight will only last two rounds. 

Weigh-In Results and Running Order

Doors 16:30.  First Bout 16:45

4×3 Super Middleweight Contest 

Oliver Zaren 168lbs 

Jay Byrne 168.10lbs 

4×3 Super Lightweight Contest 

Owen Rees 142.1lbs 

Marius Istrate 139.5lbs 

4×3 Super Featherweight Contest 

Kai Richmond 134lbs 

Karl Sampson 133.14lbs 

4×3 Super Welterweight Contest 

Tom Summerbell (weighing in tomorrow) 

Dimitri Protkanus (weighing in tomorrow) 

6×3 Super Welterweight Contest 

Samuel Antwi 153.4lbs 

Ruben Angulo 155.3lbs 

6×3 Super Welterweight Contest 

Troy Williamson 160.3lbs 

Ramiro Blanco 161.13lbs 

8×2 Flyweight Contest 

Chloe Watson 113.9lbs 

Belen Valdebenito 113.14lbs 

6×3 Super Lightweight  

Ben Marksby 143.8lbs 

Ricardo Fernandez 140.4lbs 

Vacant British Super Featherweight title contest 

Qais Ashfaq 129.12lbs 

Liam Dillon 129.6lbs 

4×3 Featherweight Contest  

Codie Smith 126.6lbs 

Francisco Rodriguez 125lbs 

8×3 Heavyweight Contest 

Steven Robinson 244.2lbs 

Franklin Ignatius 241lbs 

WBO International Super Welterweight title 

Josh Kelly 154lbs 

Gabriel Corzo 152.12lbs 

Boston, MA (July 14, 2023) Boston Boxing Promotions presents the 2nd annual Great American Boxing Bash tonight at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Headlining what’s become New England’s must see boxing event of the summer will be a high stakes welterweight showdown between the massively popular, Brandon Higgins (10-3, 5 KOs) and undefeated power puncher, Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs).

Higgins who hails from near by Chelmsford, Massachusetts is coming off the biggest win of his career this past April when he dominated 30 fight veteran Brandon Berry in a 10 round fight scoring a shutout victory on all three cards.

Meanwhile Larson, who fights out of Salem, Massachusetts has created a buzz on the regional scene with 5 out of his first 6 fights coming by way of devastating knockout.

It’s a classic Boston Boxing Promotions main event with two streaking local prospects going toe to toe with the winner in line for an opportunity on the national stage.

The night will also feature a who’s who of undefeated and popular prospects from the area including Nick Molina, Hegley Mosquedo, Michael Bulger and women’s bantamweight prospect, Leesh Pike.

Handling the night’s PPV commentating duties will be the voice of Boston Boxing, BoxRec’s Grey Johnson and musician/fighter, Chris Jay as well as two of New England’s most popular trainers Sean Farley and Aaron Bernardo.

Full Line Up

Brandon Higgins vs. Kenny Larson

(Chelmsford, MA) (Salem, MA)

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Hegly Mosqueda vs. Ernesto Guerrero

(Londonderry, NH) (Sonora, Mexico)

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Andrii Novytskyi vs. Mariano Jose Riva

(Los Angeles/Ukraine) (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

6 Rounds – Heavyweights

Nick Molina vs. Aldimar Silva

(Lowell, MA) (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

6 Rounds – Lightweights

Dennis Ventura vs. Jon Gruber

(Lynn, MA) (Fall River, MA)

4 Rounds – Heavyweights

Steven Dunn vs. Aquila Prote

(Hollywood, CA) (Boston, MA)

4 Rounds – Heavyweights

Leesh Pike vs. Shawna Ornsby

(Salisbury Beach, MA) (Orlando, FL)

4 Rounds – Bantamweights

Michael Bulger vs. Johnny Kim

(Medford, MA) (Johnston, RI)

4 Rounds – Middleweights

Mario Ramirez vs. Igor Pessoa

(Simi Valley, CA ) (Boston, MA)

4 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Higgins vs. Larson takes place tonight Friday, July 14 at The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets will be available at the door and fans can watch at www.CombatSportsNow.com

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. In 2020, Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by tens of thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxing Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash in the summer of 2021 which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton

?in Windham, New Hampshire. Their annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular has become a tradition for hardcore boxing fans with 5 consecutive sellouts including the 2022 edition which received extensive news coverage on television and in print. 2023 marks Boston Boxing Promotions’ 10th Anniversary and the company, run by Peter Czymbor and Nick DiSalvo has become one of the most popular and well respected club boxing promoters in the country.

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Plant City, FL (July 13, 2023) – Guatemalan super middleweight LESTER MARTINEZ (now 16-0 14KO’s) proved to be too powerful for the always game LUCAS DE ABREU MARTINS (now 14-4 11KO’s) in their scheduled ten round super middleweight bout last night at the ProBox Event Center in Plant City, FL.

Martinez successfully utilized a stalking aggression against De Abreu, who, while finding range with this jab and combos at a distance, didn’t have the pop to keep Martinez off of him. Martinez began to tag De Abreu in the second with solid combinations.

In the third round, a right cross clipped De Abreu in the temple, sending him to a delayed knee. De Abreu got up and tried to stay in the pocket, attempting to trade with Martinez, but Martinez’ punches were more effective. An uppercut had De Abreu down again in the third round, but the durable De Abreu rose again, ready to continue.

De Abreu made it into the fourth round, but another barrage of combinations capped by a stiff left hook sent De Abreu down once more, as referee Emil Lombardi stepped in to stop to the fight 33 seconds into the 4th round.

De Abreu had this to say about the fight, “We’re fine. In boxing it’s like that sometimes. You fall and you just have to stand back up. I congratulate my opponent; he was the stronger man tonight.”

Los Angeles, CA (July 13, 2023) The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (7-0, 6 KOs), of Cork, Ireland will make the first defense of his WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title against Livan ‘Machine Gun Kid’ Navarro, (13-1, 7 KOs), of Miami, FL in the scheduled ten-round main event on Saturday, August 26 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, CA and broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions as part of their acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights events, tickets priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60 are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online through the 360 Promotions website. 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. For more information and directions visit their website.

“Callum continues to be one of the most talked about fighters in international boxing,” said Tom Loeffler. “His fights garner the highest historical ratings for boxing on UFC Fight Pass with his exciting victories being broadcast all over the world. Dana White and his Team at UFC are the perfect partners for the escalation of Callum’s career.”

“Livan Navarro has everything to gain against Callum and presents another tough challenge that he faces early in his career.”

Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, CA, the 22-year-old southpaw, a native of Cork, Ireland, Walsh earned the WBC US Silver Super Welterweight Title with a dominant performance and fourth round stoppage of world title challenger Carson Jones in front of a sold-out Commerce Casino crowd on June 9, 2023.

The Cuban born Navarro hits the ring against Walsh following a unanimous decision over Antonio Sanchez on October 21, 2022. He also holds victories over top contenders Breidis Prescott, Silverio Oritz, Armando Alvarez and Julio Cesar Reynoso.

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