NEW YORK–Teofimo Lopez became a two-division world champion with an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Josh Taylor to win the WBO Junior Welterweight title before a Madison Square Garden record crowd of 5,151.

The fight began with a fast pace with Taylor working the body. Lopez was able to land some “show me” right hands. Lopez started to foreshadow of things to come by landing quick and pinpoint right hands that was able to stop Taylor in his tracks. That assault came in rounds three through five, with round four being a big frame for “The Takeover” as he rocked Taylor. The two fighters took turns over the next four-rounds.

Lopez was terrific over the next three rounds as he dominant as hand speed proved to be too much. His right hand continuously found a home on the face of Taylor. In round 12, Lopez sealed the deal by hurting Taylor twice, with the latter being from a perfect right to the body that hurt Taylor.

Lopez, who was the undisputed lightweight champion, becomes a two-weight division champ by scores of 117-111 and 115-113 and is now 19-1. Taylor of Scotland is 19-1.

Xander Zayas remained undefeated by stopping Ronald Cruz in a eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Zayas dropped Cruz in the opening seconds with a powerful right hand. Zayas dominated the action and landed several hard flurry that had Cruz reeling on the ropes.

Zayas, 152.8 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 80-71 on all cards and is now 16-0. Cruz, 152.4 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 18-3-1.

Said Zayas, “Thank you to all my Puerto Rican fans and to everyone that came out. This is a dream come true. I’m very happy to have fought during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. He was a tough guy. I was hitting him with everything. He didn’t want to go down. He was here to fight. He was motivated. He was tough. But we passed with flying colors. Unanimous decision. And we made the adjustments we needed to do.”

“He brought out the dog in me. I had to dig deep. I had to stay focused. I had to listen to my corner. And most importantly I had to have fun, which was the most important part. I had the crowd here cheering for me, so I was trying to stay as focused as possible.”

Robson Conceicao and Nicolas Polanco fought to a no-decision as a headbutt in round two deemed Polanco unable to continue.

Omar Rosario remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera in a junior welterweight bout.

Rosario, 139.2 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 77-75 and is now 11-0. Rivera, 138.4 lbs of Vieques, PR is 8-2.

Damian Knyba won an eight-round unanimous decision over Hiamann Olguin in a heavyweight fight.

Knyba, 261.4 lbs of Wodzyn, POL won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 12-0, Olguin, 256.8 lbs of El Dorado, MEX is 9-6-1.

Bruce Carrington battered Luis Porozo and stopped him in round eight of their eight-round featherweight bout.

Carrington hurt Porozo in round eight and the fight was stopped at 2:17.

Carrington, 126.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 7-0 with five knockouts. Porozo. 126.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-7.

Henry Lebron remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlos Rosario in a junior lightweight bout.

In round 10, Lebron dropped Ramos with a left hook.

LeBron, 129.2 lbs of Aguadilla, PR won by scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91 and is now 18-0. Rosario, 129.6 lbs Madrid, SPA is now 17-3.

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (June 9, 2023) – The official weigh in for tomorrow night’s “Fight Night at the Vets Club,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), was held today at the same venue — Bridgewater Veterans Club — in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Fighters’ weights below:

_____________________________________________________________________

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT USBF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Julien Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA 158.8 lbs.

Ryan Clark (2-3, 1KO), Berwick, NH 158.8 lbs.

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (6)

Sara “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL 132.8 lbs.

Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), Roxbury, MA 134.4 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (172, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA 141.4 lbs.

William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK 139.2 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-53-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX 163.8 lbs.

James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lynn, MA 167.2 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO), Scituate, MA 272 lbs.

Reinaldo Da Costa Souza (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil 226 lbs.

(card subject to change)

_____________________________________________________________________

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

•  Josh Taylor 139.8 lbs. vs. Teofimo Lopez 140 lbs
(Taylor’s WBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Steve Gray, Joe Pasquale and Benoit Roussel 
Referee: Michael Griffin

   •   Xander Zayas 152.8 lbs vs. Ronald Cruz 152.4 lbs
(Zayas’ NABO & NABF Junior Middleweight Titles — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

•    Robson Conçeicão130.6 lbs  vs. Nicolas Polanco 130 lbs 
 (Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Omar Rosario 139.2 lbs  vs. Jan Carlos Rivera 138.4 lbs 
 (Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

•  Damian Knyba 261.4 lbs vs. Helaman Olguin 256.8 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Bruce Carrington 126.8 lbs  vs. Luis Porozo 126.4 lbs
 (Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Henry Lebron 129.2 lbs  vs. Carlos Ramos 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

* The Jamaine Ortiz-Humberto Galindo fight was canceled as Ortiz was unable to make the weight.

Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) was looking to put the lightweight division on notice tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden’s Theater on the undercard of the highly anticipated bout between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez.

Unfortunately for fight fans, “The Technician” was forced to withdraw from his lightweight bout against Humberto Galindo due to an injury suffered during training camp that impacted his ability to make weight.

“I injured my back a few weeks ago and it interrupted my training,” explained the disappointed Worcester native. “For 3 weeks, I had severe back spasms and couldn’t train properly. I tried to push my body to the limit as soon as I felt better, but I hit a wall and the last few pounds just wouldn’t come off. I work with a dietician and follow a strict systematic plan to make weight, but I couldn’t follow it properly this time because of the amount of weight I had to lose after the injury.”

The 27-year-old hopes to return to the ring as soon as possible and has a message for the fans who traveled to New York to see him perform on Saturday.

“My team is working on a date in August,” stated Ortiz, who is co-promoted by CES Boxing and Top Rank. “My sincerest apologies to my opponent, my promoters CES and Top Rank, Jimmy Burchfield and everyone who made their way to New York City to see me fight. I tried my best to make weight despite the interruption, but I couldn’t make it safely.”

Ortiz emphasized that he will remain at lightweight as he is confident that he can make the limit given a normal training camp. Stay tuned for a new date over the next few weeks.

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, and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Newcastle Lightweight amateur standout Cameron Vuong has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his anticipated professional debut later this year. 

Part of the thriving Birtley Boxing Club in the North East of England, 20-year-old Cameron trains under the watchful eye of head trainer Graeme Rutherford alongside the likes of Cyrus Pattinson, Mark Dickinson and Calum French. 

Cameron won the Senior Elite ABA Title at Lightweight in April and then the Tri-Nation Title the following month before teaming up with Sam Jones earlier this month, who will guide his career alongside Matchroom. 

“It was a boyhood dream of mine to sign with the world’s biggest and most active boxing promoter Eddie Hearn,” said Vuong. “With the colossal Matchroom Boxing and DAZN platform backing me I believe I can reach the very top of this sport. I know I can become World Champion and I don’t want to hang about either. There are lots of young World Champions around at the moment and I truly believe that I will be joining them as a World Champion very soon. This is going to be a very special journey and I can’t wait to make my professional debut and get things underway. Thanks to my manager Sam Jones for getting me this opportunity and thank you to Eddie and the team and Matchroom for believing in me.”

“I’m incredibly excited about the signing of Cameron Vuong,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman. “There has been a lot of noise coming from the North East about just how good this young man can be and now he will have the platform and backing to grow into a star of North East boxing. The famous Birtley Boxing Club has produced so many gems and Cameron looks set to be the next one as we look to return to Newcastle for regular shows.”

“I genuinely believe we are looking at the next superstar of boxing,” said Sam Jones. “If built correctly this kid is going to be a household name in years to come. He is the full package and fight fans across the UK and beyond are going to love watching him. He’s part of the thriving Birtley Boxing Club training alongside the likes of Cyrus Pattinson, Mark Dickinson and Calum French, and I expect him to be headlining his own shows in the North East and all over the country down the line.”

You can follow Cameron’s journey on Instagram: _cameronvuong

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
MUHAMMAD ALI 123.8 lbs v BRYAN CASTRO 123.3 lbs
(Leicester, England)               (Managua, Nicaragua)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Super-Flyweight contest
SHANNON RYAN 115 lbs v MARTINA BERNILE 114.4 lbs
(Watford, England)              (Milan, Italy)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162 lbsv NIKOLAS DZURNAK 160.5 lbs
(Billericay, England)                (Vyskov, Czech Republic)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Super-Featherweight Title Eliminator
YOUSSEF KHOUMARI 129.8 lbsv REECE BELLOTTI 129.4 lbs
(Wembley, England)                         (Watford, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 2 mins WBA Bantamweight World Title
NINA HUGHES 117.3 lbs v KATIE HEALY 117.5 lbs
(Billericay, England)           (Wolverhampton, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Cruiserweight Title Eliminator
CHEAVON CLARKE 199.2 lbsv DAVID JAMIESON 199.1 lbs
(Gravesend, England)                (East Kilbride, Scotland)

followed by

10 x 2 mins IBF Super-Bantamweight World Title
CHERNEKA JOHNSON 120.8 lbs v ELLIE SCOTNEY 121.4 lbs
(Melbourne, Australia)                     (Catford, England)     

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 238.4 lbsv EMILIO SALAS 229.9 lbs
(Romford, England)                (San Sebastian, Puerto Rico)  

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Flyweight World Title
SUNNY EDWARDS 111.1 lbs v ANDRES CAMPOS 111.6 lbs
(Croydon, England)                  (Santiago, Chile)  

June 8, 2023 – Undefeated light heavyweight prospects Ali Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and SHOBOX^® alum Charles Foster (22-0, 12 KOs) of New Haven, Conn., both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event showdown on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

This marks the second straight year SHOBOX will be a part of the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities with the tripleheader featuring six light heavyweights who have never tasted defeat. In the co-feature, college graduate Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., returns to SHOBOX to take on fellow unbeaten and hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs). In the telecast opener, Australian native Clay Waterman (10-0, 8 KOs) makes his U.S. debut against Florida’s Kenmon Evans (10-0-1, 3 KOs).

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. They will be accompanied by Hall of Famer and SHOWTIME Boxing^® analyst Al Bernstein, as well as by Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. handling ring announcing duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The night of fights is promoted by Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions.

FINAL WEIGHTS:

Light Heavywieght 10-Round Bout

Ali Izmailov – 174 pounds

Charles Foster – 172 ¼ pounds

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Tom Schreck (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Don Ackerman (N.Y.)

Light Heavyweight 10-Round Bout

Richard Vansiclen – 172 ½ pounds

Juan Carrillo – 174 pounds

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Eric Marlinski (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Light Heavyweight Eight-Round Bout

Clay Waterman – 173 ½ pounds

Kenmon Evans – 173 ½ pounds

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Tom Schreck (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Don Ackerman (N.Y.)

FINAL QUOTES:

ALI IZMAILOV

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m very focused. I’m here to do my job and I will take care of business tomorrow night. He is a little taller than me, but I don’t think that’ll be an issue for me.

“I fought a lefty in my last fight [Marcelo Ruben Molina]. I did a lot of sparring with Juan Carrillo, who’s on this card.

“The better the opposition, the better I showcase my skills. I think I’m ready to take big steps and progress with my career. I’d like to get a title shot. I’d love to fight Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol or Canelo at some point in the near future.

“I was born for this. Since I was a little kid, I’ve been training to be a boxer. My after-school activities involved boxing and combat sports. Growing up I looked up to Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson and as I grew older I also started admiring Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.

“I take every fight seriously, but especially this one because of the Hall of Fame Weekend and I know there will be a lot of eyes on these fights.

“My goal is to show high-level boxing and people will make a decision and form their opinions on me based on my skills.”

CHARLES FOSTER

“I’m excited to go out there and showcase my skills and talent. It’s been a while since I was last on SHOBOX [2018], but I’m sure people will remember my win. I do remember thinking, ‘This is national TV’ and I wanted to play it safe and not take any risks. I still got the job done. So for sure I’m going to be a little more aggressive this time out.

“I know my opponent is tough, but tomorrow night we’ll see just how tough he is.

“I think I have advantage over my opponent in all aspects of the fight game – mentally, conditioning, skills. Everything. I have improved and have been working extremely hard for this night. I can’t wait. 

“I work full-time as a mechanical insulator, just like my dad. It’s tough to balance a job and training camp, but the guys back in the day used to do it, so I have no problem with it. I am able to take a little time off and get ready during fight week.

“My little brother [William Foster III] has also won on SHOBOX so we’re in pretty good company. Brothers winning on SHOBOX – just like the Charlos did.”

RICHARD VANSICLEN

“I’m from Seattle, but living in San Diego now, which has been better for my training than being in Seattle. I’ve been in there with David Benavidez, and he’s actually helped boxing in that area with his gym.

“My conditioning is the biggest thing I’ve been working on. I’m faster and I’m stronger now and you will definitely see that in this fight.

“I knew who Roy Jones was but I didn’t know that much about pro boxing when I was first introduced to it at age 19 and in college.

“I had a tough upbringing and I never knew my father. We were in and out of homeless shelters and I owe it all to my mom Mary for getting me to where I am today. Someday when I’m all done and they are doing my 30 for 30 it will all go back to mom. After all the stuff she went through.

“I’ve chosen boxing as what I want to do, and I love it. I’ve been fighting my entire life.

“We’ve seen Juan Carrillo. He has some skills and there are a lot of things we can do to exploit what he does, especially in our movement and our athleticism. We are ready for anything he throws at us.

“I’m coming to steal the show, I’m coming to win. I’m coming for it all. I’m just so excited to be here and have a good time.”

JUAN CARRILLO

“I’ve been waiting my entire life for this. I’m very, very confident with my preparation and my conditioning. To go 10 rounds is not going to be a problem for me.

“This is the most difficult fight in my career, for sure. I’m a very hungry fighter and I’m confident at the end of the night it will be my hand that is raised in victory.

“My opponent is a talented fighter. I know he can fight, and I know he’s coming in hungry. But the person who’s going to be victorious is the one who is hungrier, and that’s me. You’re going to be impressed when I knock this kid out.

“I was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, but since my last fight in February I’ve been training in Miami with Chino Perez at the 5^th Street Gym. Everyone knows it as the Muhammad Ali gym. It’s pretty cool. You see the pictures hanging on the wall and it’s hard not to just feel like a champion.”

CLAY WATERMAN

“It’s amazing that our fight got elevated to the SHOBOX portion of the night and is a huge opportunity for me and my team coming all the way from Australia.

“It’s been a dream of mine for years to finally get this chance.

“I train in my backyard shed at my home. I’ve had about four different coaches over the years, and the last five or six years my father has been coaching me. We’ve had a small gym set up for the last seven years, but the last year, we’ve had a proper set up with a ring.

“I was in camp as a sparring partner with Artur Beterbiev before his last fight. It made me very hungry for what I really want. I was in Montréal for three weeks. I did a lot of rounds with him, a lot of very good rounds – maybe 40, or something like that. I loved it! I loved working with him and his team. I was very grateful to get that opportunity.

“I feel like I’m an all-rounder. I can mix it up and adapt and change when I need to change. If things aren’t going well in the ring, I can get back to the corner and we’ll change it up a little bit and do what I need to do to win.

“I am making my U.S. debut in this fight, and on Hall of Fame Weekend. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”

KENMON EVANS

“I’ve always been the tallest fighter, and I plan to use my range. I’m a smart fighter and can adapt to anything thrown at me.

“I’ll use the length to my advantage. It’s always been that way so this fight will be no different.

I’m good at using my length and my jab.

“As soon as I met [Hall of Famer] Christy Martin it was like, ‘Wow!’ What a big motivation to have her in my corner because I want to follow that path and that legacy.

“She got her start on SHOWTIME, and now it’s my turn.

“I thought about quitting the sport, but then I got an opportunity with Bare Knuckles. I had to wait and be patient and now my dream is becoming a reality.

“Boxing was just another way out to put me in a better position, because I got in trouble by being in the streets and everything. But I messed around and killed my dreams and boxing was my only way out.”

# # #

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 89 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. 

The WBO European Heavyweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
David Adeleye 235lbs
Emir Ahmatovic 254lbs

The IBF European Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Mark Chamberlain 134lbs 2oz
Marvin Demollari 134lbs 9oz

The WBC International Silver Super-Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Henry Turner 139.8lbs
Tom Farrell 140lbs

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Ezra Taylor 176lbs 3oz
Khalid Graidia 176lbs

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Carl Fail 157lbs 3oz
Frank Masden 155lbs 3oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest
Royston Barney-Smith 133lbs 7oz
Christian Lopez Flores 133lbs 6oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest
Tommy Fletcher 200lbs
Pawel Strykowski 202lbs 2oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Ben Fail 157lbs 3oz
Bartosz Glowacki 154lbs 4oz

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Joshua Frankham – To weigh in Tomorrow
Eligio Palacios – To weigh in Tomorrow

Josh Kelly’s high-stakes clash with the unbeaten Gabriel Corzo has been pushed back to Saturday, July 15. 

Kelly, the No2 ranked super welterweight in the world, suffered an injury in training this week, and so the Wasserman Boxing event in Newcastle will take place three weeks later. 

All tickets bought for the original date remain valid for the new date of July 15, with Kelly vs Corzo still being staged at the Vertu Motors Arena, in Newcastle as planned. 

The 29-year-old’s meeting with the unbeaten Argentinian will be shown live and exclusive around the world on DAZN..

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Josh has been firing on all cylinders in the gym of late, and was itching to get back in the ring in front of his brilliant fans.  

“However, he suffered an injury in training which means we have to push his return back three weeks.  

“But Josh will be ready for July 15, where he will deliver a statement performance to the rest of the division, live on DAZN.”

For any ticket holder unable to make the new date of July 15, and who requires a full refund, please get in touch with your point of contact within the next seven days. 

MONTREAL (June 7, 2023) — At today’s press conference in Montreal, Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) confirmed it has signed ONE Championship kickboxing champion Jonathan Giovanni Di Bella (2-0, 1 KO), of Montreal, to a long-term promotional contract.

GYM President Yvon Michel, is extremely proud of this new acquisition, saying: “We have wanted this association for a very long time. Jonathan Giovanni Di Bella is Canada’s best kept secret in professional sports. His arrival in the organization will be a perfect complement to our main star, Kim Clavel, and will allow all Team GYM boxers to shine even more. This is the beginning of a new era for GYM and for the entire boxing industry in Quebec. We have unlimited confidence in the talent of this young champion. His personality, his charisma, his entourage, and his influence on the Quebec community will soon make him very popular while his skills in the ring will quickly propel him to the top of his division. We would like to thank Jonathan’s parents, Annie and Angelo, for their trust.”

Di Bella will evolve into a bantamweight (118 pounds), which is a very popular division on the international scene, which was dominated by the great Japanese boxer, Naoya “Monster” Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs), the 2022 unified world champion who will fight as a super bantamweight in his next fight. Current bantamweight stars include legendary Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire (42-7, 28 KOs), Australia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Jason Maloney (26-2, 19 KOs) and World Boxing Association (WBA) title-holder Takuma Inoue (18-1, 4 KOs), the brother of Naoya.

Tremendous fighters is what makes the bantamweight division a very popular, talent-laden division where Di Bella’s name will be grafted there very soon.

The kickboxing world champion is not lacking in ambition: “I have always had the goal of becoming a kickboxing and professional boxing world champion,” Di Bella commented. “I did the first one and now I’m tackling the second one.”

Di Bella, 26, has had a flawless career in combat sports, whether in amateur boxing (6-0), professional kickboxing (11-0) or professional boxing. His coronation and the conquest of his kickboxing world championship of the ONE Championship series that took place this past October 22nd in Kalua Lumpur, Malaysia. Largely neglected, the Quebecer defeated the one billed as the Chinese prodigy, also undefeated “Fighting Rooster” Zhang Peimian, to everyone’s surprise in the Axiata Arena.

Jonathan began training very early at the age of two under the guidance of his father, two-time world kickboxing champion Angelo Di Bella, in the family gym he founded. He fought his first kickboxing fight at age 10, first professional fight the following year. He fought all over North America including in the iconic Madison Square Garden. Everyone knows Di Bella in Quebec gyms as well as in the United States, where he served as a training partner for many boxers including several world champions. He received many offers from professional boxing promoters, but it was GYM that he chose.

“During my kickboxing career,” Angelo Di Bella remarked, “I had an opportunity to sign a boxing contract with Yvon Michel, but I didn’t. I am very happy that 31 years later my son does not miss his chance.”

During his professional career, Jonathan’s father Angelo will act as his main trainer. He will also be assisted by the renowned Howard Grant and former WBO middleweight world champion, Otis Grant.

According to coach Grant, Di Bella has everything to succeed: “Jonathan Di Bella has been the best hope and the most talented fighter in Quebec for a very long time,” Grant noted. “I’ve wanted to see him in a boxing ring for a long time and I’ve been talking about it with Yvon Michel. I’m happy and excited about this new venture and he couldn’t find a better promotion organization to lead his career.”

Di Bella has already fought two professional boxing fights at GYM events, both during the summer of 2022, in which the objective was to keep active while waiting for his kickboxing world championship fight. His next fight, his first under this new agreement, will take place on July 27 at Montreal Casino. He is already the headliner in the main event on the six-fight card. The co-feature will involve Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2 KOs), ranked No. 2 in the WBO, who will fight her first fight since her superb performance for the world title fight against Sandy Ryan last April in Wales. The talented Caroline Veyre (4-0) will participate in her fifth fight in less than a year. She was very impressive in her last two outings against Anaelle Angerville (5-2-1),  and Emma Gongora (6-3). She has earned the No. 5 position in the featherweight division. The top featherweight contender is Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs). ‘

Also scheduled to fight on the July 27^th card are middleweight Derek Pomerleau (5-0, 3 KOs) and light heavyweight Mohamed Zawadi (6-1, 5 KOs), a protege of Lee Baxter.

Tickets for the July 27th event go on sale tomorrow (June 8) starting at 10 a.m. ET online on  ticketmaster.ca or directly from GYM at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

-30-

ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):  

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 166 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.

Marblehead, MA (June 8, 2023) – Heavyweight contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter makes his highly anticipated return to the ring when he faces local favorite Donnie Palmer in the ten round main event of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing’s “Down and Dirty 6” June 24 at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, Hunter’s outstanding professional record is 20-1-2 with 14 wins by knockout. The 34-year-old holds impressive victories over Jerry Forrest, Isiah Thomas, Iago Kiladze, Martin Bakole, Aleksandr Ustinov, Sergey Kuzmin and Mike Wilson. He also battled former world champion Alexander Povetkin to a draw in one of the most entertaining heavyweight fights in recent memory. His lone setback came in a world title fight against pound for pound great Oleksander Usyk.

Representing Dorchester, MA, Palmer’s 12-3-1 with 10 KO’s. The 6’10” Palmer’s fought most of his career in the New England region and most recently dropped a unanimous decision against Steve Vukosa in January. A victory against Hunter would immediately earn Palmer a spot among the current heavyweight contenders.

Tickets are on sale at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2167644/down-dirty-boxing-6-lowell-lowell-memorial-auditorium.

In the ten round co-feature, Brazilian lightweight standout Willian “Babyface” Silva challenges veteran Raul Chirino of Miami, FL. On April 29, Silva, 30-4 (18 KO’s), destroyed Diego Gonzalo Luque in less than a round and has been fighting with a serious mean streak since returning to the 135-pound division. Chirino, 22-16 (13 KO’s), faced a number of top fighters and is current riding a three-fight win streak.

2016 Kenyan Olympian Rayton “Boom Boom” Okwiri challenges undefeated Erick Kedar Gianous in an intriguing eight round middleweight bout. Okwiri, who was also a standout in the World Series of Boxing, is 8-1-1 with 6 KO’s as a professional. Okwiri is coming off a victory against previously unbeaten Shabani Ally Ndaro (5-0) in January. Fighting out of Denver, CO, Gianous is a perfect 6-0 with 4 KO’s. The 23-year-old Gianous impressed thus far but is taking a significant step up in competition against Okwiri.

Lightweight prospect Gabriel Morales of Lowell, MA puts his 7-0 record on the line when he faces unbeaten Mexican Alfredo Jimenez Espino (5-0-1) in a six rounder. Both fighters are coming off knockout victories and are confident they’ll remain unbeaten on June 24.

Popular junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli challenges Moises Rivera in a six-round contest. Iannuccilli, 6-0 (3 KO’s), is fresh off a second-round knockout in April and the Methuen, MA native is seeking his third win this year.

“This is a huge event for us and the fans are in for a great event,” said Michael Reyes of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing. “Michael Hunter is a top-tier heavyweight, we’ve got a battle of the unbeatens between Gabriel Morales and Alfredo Jimenez Espino plus a really interesting fight with Eric Kedar Gianous risking his undefeated record and taking a really tough fight against an Oympian in Rayton Okwiri. I look forward to seeing everybody on June 24 and make sure to get your tickets early because we’re expecting a big turnout.”

The undercard will feature top talents such as Tahmir Smalls, Chris Thompson, Raheem Davis, Richard Reyes Diaz, and Tracey Johnson in separate bouts.

For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (June 7, 2023) – The showdown of the summer heads to the desert in a battle that has all the makings of an instant action classic.
 
Three-division world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez in an all-Mexican duel Saturday, August 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Navarrete and Valdez seek to etch their names among the celebrated catalog of Mexican rivalries that includes Marco Antonio Barrera-Erik Morales, Ruben Olivares-Chucho Castillo and Rafael Marquez-Israel Vazquez.
 
Navarrete-Valdez will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.
 
“Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez are proud warriors, and this is a fight that is destined to go down as a classic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The fight fans at Desert Diamond Arena and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. The winner of this fight etches his name among the great Mexican fighters. I can’t wait.”
  
Navarrete (37-1, 31 KOs), the fighting pride of San Juan Zitlaltepec, captured his first world title by defeating Isaac Dogboe for the WBO junior featherweight crown in December 2018. He made five defenses before moving up to featherweight, where he beat Ruben Villa for the vacant WBO title in October 2020. The 28-year-old defended his belt with victories over Christopher Diaz, Joet Gonzalez and Eduardo Baez before moving up to 130 pounds. In February, Navarrete joined an elite list of Mexican three-division champions — including Morales, Barrera and Julio Cesar Chavez — by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round TKO for the WBO junior lightweight world title. 
 
Navarrete said, “After so much time, this fight will finally take place. Obviously, I am 100 percent motivated because Valdez is still a big threat, and a fight against him could possibly be the start of a new Mexico vs. Mexico rivalry like the one between Barrera and Morales.”
 
Valdez (31-1, 23 KOs), from Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he captured the WBO featherweight world title against Matias Rueda in 2016 and made six successful defenses. He moved up to junior lightweight and defeated Adam Lopez in 2019 and Jayson Velez in 2020 before taking on his toughest challenge, a WBC title tilt against Miguel Berchelt in February 2021. Despite disadvantages in height, reach and power, Valdez counterpunched his way to three crushing knockdowns, the last of which earned him a 10^th-round KO. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição later that year, Valdez suffered his first defeat in a title unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. He bounced back by defeating Lopez in a rematch in the co-feature to the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko super fight last month, and he now hopes to equal Navarrete as a three-time world champion.
 
Valdez said, “I’m excited to return to the ring, especially because it’s for a world title against ‘Vaquero’ Navarrete. Being a world champion is something that I always dreamed of. I already did it two times, and this is yet another opportunity. So, I’m excited and prepared both mentally and physically for this new opportunity. And I like that it’s between two Mexicans because it’s a win-win for Mexico. It’s a guaranteed war when there are two Mexicans in the ring.”

WHAT: “Fight Night at the Vets Club” Professional Boxing

WHO:  The Lineup                                              

MAIN EVENT – VACANT USBF MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)

Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

vs.

Ryan Clark (2-3, 1KO), Berwick, NH

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (6)

Sara “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1, 0 KOs), Orlando, FL

vs.

Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), Roxbury, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (172, 9 KOs), Holbrook, MA

vs.

William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs), Anchorage, AK

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-53-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX

vs.

James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), Lynn, MA

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO), Scituate, MA

vs.

Reinaldo Sa Costa Souza (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil

(card subject to change)

_____________________________________________________________________

WHERE:        Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, MA

WHEN:         Saturday, June 10, 2023

PROMOTER: Granite Chin Promotions

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

WEIGH IN: Friday, June 9 starting at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Bridgewater Vets Club in Bridgewater, MA

OTHER: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:00 p.m. ET

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Top Rank on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Taylor vs. Lopez will be live this Saturday, June 10 at 10 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY.

In one of the most heated title fights of the year, undefeated junior welterweight king Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine world titles against former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs).  

It’s “The Tartan Tornado” vs. “The Takeover.”  Taylor, the first British fighter to become undisputed champion in the four-belt era, proudly represents his native Scotland and is on the shortlist of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. Lopez, a native son of Brooklyn, New York, headlines for his third time at “The Mecca of Boxing,” where he seeks to become a two-division world champion and regain his place among the pound-for-pound elite.  

Prior to the fight on June 10, ESPN will air Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez, a 30-minute all-access preview into the fight camps of both Taylor and Lopez. In addition to the air times below, the program will also be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com and ESPN+.

Trash Talk: Taylor vs. Lopez

In the eight-round co-feature, Puerto Rico’s junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will have an extra source of motivation for his upcoming fight. The 20-year-old standout will fight Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs) for the second annual Miguel Cotto Award, which is presented by Top Rank and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The Miguel Cotto Award celebrates the remarkable career of the legendary four-division world champion and upholds the tradition of hosting a major fight card during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend.

The undercard will stream exclusively on ESPN+.

Joe Tessitore will call the action with analyst Andre Ward, a Hall of Famer and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist.? Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters. Timothy Bradley, Jr. will be offsite being inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Class of 2023.

ESPN.com

Timothy Bradley Jr: A letter to my younger self

Wednesday: Josh Taylor hoping to finally get his moment against Teofimo Lopez, by Mike Coppinger

Thursday: Bradley’s Breakdown: Will Teofimo Lopez be able to solve Josh Taylor?  by Timothy Bradley

Friday: At only 25, why this is a must-win fight for the career of Teofimo Lopez, by Mark Kriegel

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

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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).   

?NEW YORK (June 7, 2023)-Split-T Management fighters Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with victories on Saturday night at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

Holmes is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

Hicks is promoted by Salita Promotions.

Both fights were streamed Live on DAZN.

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to announce the signing of the world class Lee McGregor to a long-term promotional contract. 

And the global promoter can reveal the unbeaten ‘Lightning’ will headline a major show in his hometown of Edinburgh on Friday, July 21, live-and-free-to-air on Channel 5. 

Delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, McGregor will box in front of his fans for the first time in five years, with his triumphant return set to be met with a frenzied atmosphere at the Meadowbank Sports Centre. 

The 26-year-old raced to British, Commonwealth and European bantamweight glory in only 10 fights but now has his sights set on conquering the super bantamweight division with the backing of Wasserman Boxing. 

“Listen, it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be unbelievable on July 21,” buzzed McGregor. 

“I’ve been waiting so long for this.  I have had so many big nights in Scotland, the most memorable being the British and Commonwealth unification fight with Kash Farooq, but that was in Glasgow, not in my hometown. 

“I’ve not fought in Edinburgh since my professional debut in 2017.  But in July, people will see how big a fan base I have.  It’s going to be loud and it’s going to be rowdy.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Everyone at Wasserman Boxing is over the moon to add Lee to our brilliant stable of fighters. 

“He is, without any shadow of a doubt, a world class operator who showed, in his first 10 fights, just how special he is. But the best is yet to come from Lee. 

“He is destined to be a world champion and we start out on that road on July 21 in Edinburgh, his hometown, where we are braced for an atmosphere we have not experienced in a long time.  Lee promises us the place is going to be bouncing and we cannot wait!” 

McGregor added: “I have lots of things to look forward to and this is a new chapter for my career. 

“The goals are set; the plans are in place and I’m going to take over.  I am back to where I belong, in big fights on big nights. 

“I really like what Wasserman are doing with their fighters and it feels like they are going to give me what I deserve. 

“The plan is to come back and build me in Scotland and in my hometown.  

“I made my professional debut on Channel 5 and so it is a great platform to be back on. 

“Wasserman know what they are doing and the plans they have in place for me, I am more than happy about.  The future is bright.” 

FUTURE HEAVYWEIGHT SUPERSTAR Moses Itauma will have his fourth professional fight at the Telford International Centre on July 29, having been added to the card headlined by the four-title collision between Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham, live on BT Sport.

Itauma, just 18, who holds the lofty ambition of becoming the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, took part in his first six-rounder in mid-April, hearing the final bell for the first time at the conclusion of his comprehensive decision victory over the robust Ukrainian Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko, who maintained the distinction of never having been stopped.

Previously, the world and European champion as an amateur, marked his entry to the professional ranks with two first round stoppages over Marcel Bode and Ramon Ibarra respectively, that lasted less than a minute combined.

Itauma, who will be making a second trip to Telford, will be fighting over a six-round distance on the night.

FOUR MAJOR TITLES will be on the line when Liam Davies and Jason Cunningham collide at the Telford International Centre on Saturday 29th July, live on TNT Sports, the new name for BT Sport from 18th July.

The undefeated British, WBC International and European champion Davies (13-0, 5 KOs) takes on former Euro-king and now WBO International champion Cunningham (32-7, 7) in an all-British blockbuster in the atmospheric cauldron in the hometown of three-belt holder.

In supporting action is Northampton’s Eithan James (10-0), who will fight for his first pro title. While leading cruiserweight prospect Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will also be in action, with the 23-year-old featuring for a first time on a UK platform.

Worcester’s undefeated Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper (8-0, 2) will be in eight round action, along with Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen (5-0,1) fighting over six, with Batley super lightweight Amaar Akbar (3-0) entering into his first six-rounder. Fighting over four rounds will be London heavyweight Boma Brown (1-0).

Tickets for the Telford blockbuster headlined by Liam Davies vs Jason Cunningham on Saturday, 29^th July at the Telford International Centre are on sale now from ticketmaster.co.uk.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee approved on Monday, June 5, 2023, that Marlon Tapales, WBA super bantamweight champion, will unify his belt against the winner of Naoya Inoue and Stephen Fulton. Meanwhile, Murodjon Akhmadaliev and Tomoki Kameda must meet in a final eliminator to determine the division’s mandatory challenger.

NEW YORK, NY (June 5, 2023) – DiBella Entertainment has inked a promotional agreement with rising featherweight contender Edward “Kid” Vazquez (14-1, 3 KOs), from Fort Worth, TX.

Vazquez hails from a fighting family. His grandfather and uncle were both fighters, along with several cousins. On his seventh birthday, Vazquez asked his father to take him to the local boxing gym in Fort Worth; a birthday present that would change the trajectory of his life. 

This trip to the gym would lead to an impressive amateur record of 82-8, including eight Fort Worth Golden Gloves gold medals, a Texas Golden Gloves gold medal, a win at the Ringside World Championships and a runner-up spot in the 2012 Junior Olympics in Mobile, AL. 

At 18, and fresh out of high school, Vazquez was transitioning to turn professional and traveled up the coast of California looking for sparring and inspiration. He found both, spending time training and sparring with Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, among others. Vazquez made his professional debut in 2016, winning a unanimous decision versus Willie Miller. 

He has been with his current trainer, Ray Barrera, out of FHG Boxing Gym, in Fort Worth, ever since his third pro fight. Vazquez would go on to win 11 bouts before suffering his lone defeat at the hands of Raymond Ford in February 2022. It was a fight that would result in a highly controversial win for Ford, who is now rated in the top 10 by three of the major sanctioning bodies.

Vazquez rebounded from that split decision loss with two wins to close out the year.

In March 2020, Vazquez’s life would change dramatically with the birth of his daughter, Saylor. The pandemic was just getting underway, and becoming a father was both exhilarating and scary for the young fighter. 

“It forced me to level up,” Vazquez said. “I always knew I would make it happen with boxing, but now I have to because I have my daughter.”  

In December 2022, Vazquez would get the call to fight DiBella prospect Misael Lopez on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series. 

“I was hesitant to take the fight because I knew I would be coming in as the ‘B-side,’” said Vazquez. “I was robbed in my fight versus Raymond Ford, and didn’t want that to happen again, but I ultimately accepted the fight.

“It was a good, action-packed fight,” Vazquez continued. “He definitely tested my IQ. He was game, and wasn’t going to back down. He was coming to beat me and was 100% confident he was going to do so. I spoiled the plan.” 

Vazquez would earn a split decision win against Lopez after 10 rounds of action, on February 17, 2023, at the Stormont Vail Event Center, in Topeka, KS.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Edward Vazquez,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s one of the best featherweights in the world and he proved that when he beat Raymond Ford, no matter what the scorecards read. Ford’s now #2 in the world and despite the zero on his record, Edward Vazquez beat him on international television. An interesting and well-spoken kid, Edward has the potential to be a world champion. He should be undefeated and highly world ranked right now. This was a no-brainer signing for DiBella Entertainment.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of DiBella Entertainment,” said Vazquez of the signing. “We’ve worked our entire lives to land a deal with someone as prominent as Lou DiBella. I’ve been fighting for almost 21 years. It’s been a grind. You’re not really sure if it’s going to pay off and it finally seems like it’s going to pay off. 

“Now, we finally have the platform to go after the top 10 featherweights, the top 20 guys,” Vazquez continued. “Lou is finally the guy that can get me in the door. I’m coming for them.” 

“We knew we had something special going into the fight with Lopez,” said DKO Boxing’s Dave Dubinsky, who manages Vazquez along with Jim Kurtz. “We’re thrilled that Lou sees what we do in Vazquez, and we’re looking forward to working with DiBella Entertainment to take Edward to the next level.” 

Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing, proudly announces the signing of undefeated Mexican American welterweight prospect Freudis Rojas Jr. (10-0, 10 KOs) to an exclusive promotional contract.

The 24-year-old Rojas, also known as Freddy to his friends, was an accomplished amateur boxer for the United States on the international stage, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships, as well as serving as a 2020 Olympic Alternate.

Standing 6? 2?, the powerful Vegas-based southpaw turned professional in January 2021 and hasn’t had to go more than four rounds while amassing his perfect record.

In his most recent outing, he knocked out durable veteran Gilbert Venegas in less than a round in February of this year. Despite having faced a long list of undefeated prospects and contenders, Venegas hadn’t been stopped in six years previous to facing the hammers in Rojas Jr.’s fists.

“I feel blessed for the opportunity and deal with Sampson Boxing,” said Rojas. “Me and my manager Marlon Johnson felt strongly that Sampson was the right fit to take my career to the next level. I will be the next superstar of boxing and a world champion. I want to fight the best and put on spectacular fights for the fans. I thank God for blessing my career.”

“Freddy is blessed with a very knowledgeable and strong team of Freudis Rojas Sr., Kay Karoma, Evins Tobler, and Kevin Smalls, and we all feel that signing with Sampson is a very strong career move,” added manager Johnson. “With Sampson, the sky is the limit. He is a great promoter with years of experience and boxing knowledge, and he has an innate ability for spotting and developing boxing talent. With Freddy’s hard work, dedication, faith in God and Sampson’s guidance. He will become the next star in boxing.”

Lewkowicz says signing Rojas Jr. will almost certainly add to the long list of world champions in his promotional stable.

“Freudis Rojas will be a future star in the welterweight division and more,” said a happy Lewkowicz. “This young Mexican American has the team and the experience, power and skills to move quickly up the ladder to a world championship, and I am proud to be able to help him get there. Welcome to the Sampson family.”

Rojas’ first ring appearance under the Sampson Boxing banner will be in July.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

QUINCY, Mass. (June 5, 2023) – Old-time boxing returns this Saturday night as Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) presents “Fight Night at the Vets Club” at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Headlining the event is a six-round main event between New England rivals, Woburn’s (MA) Julien “Black Dragon” (4-3, 2 KOs) and Ryan Clark (2-3, 1 KO), of Berwick (NH), for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Middleweight Championship.

A celebrated amateur boxer who was a 2020 USA Boxing Olympic Boxing Team alternate, as well as a 2020 USA Boxing Elite National and multiple New England Golden Gloves champion, Boston lightweight Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), faces Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1), of Orlando (FL), in a six-round bout,

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (17-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), is in a stay-busy fight against Alaskan William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round match.

Unbeaten Lynn super middleweight James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), a gravedigger from Lynn (MA), tangles with Texas veteran Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-52-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round.

Popular Scituate heavyweight Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO) throws-down with  Reinaldo Souza (0-1) in a four-round match in the opener.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 and available for purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

NEW YORK (June 3, 2023)-Tonight at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, two undefeated fighters and Michigan natives will be in action on a DAZN streamed card (9 PM ET).

In the co-feature bout, Ardreal Holmes will be featured against Wendy Toussaint in a 10-round USBA Super Welterweight championship fight.

Holmes of Flint is 13-0 with five knockouts. The 28 year-old Holmes is establishing himself in the 154-pound division with wins over Bryan Goldsby (4-1), Vernon Brown (13-1-1) and his last outing when Holmes defeated Ismael Villareal (12-0) on February 17th in Topeka, Kansas.

Toussaint of Huntington, New York, has an impressive mark of 14-1 with six knockouts. The 31 year-old Toussaint has wins over Anthony Gangemi (4-1), Courtmey Pennington (7-0-1), Sadiq Muhammad (4-1), Isiah Jones (9-2), Travis Gambardella (7-1-2) and his last bout when Toussaint won an eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield on June 18, 2022 in New York City.

Holmes, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions, weighed 153.4 lbs. Toussaint was 149.8 lbs.

?In the DAZN opener, Joseph Hicks Jr. takes on Antonio Todd in an eight-round bout for the WBC Americas Silver Middleweight title.

Hicks of Grand Rapids is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 29 year-old Hicks has a big win over Bilal Quintyne (4-0). In his last bout, Hicks scored a second round stoppage over Noah Kidd on April 14th in Detroit.

Todd of Atlanta is 14-7 with eight knockouts. The 28 year-old Todd has a win over former world title challenger Hugo Centeno (28-3-1).

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 159.4 lbs. Todd weighed 158.2 lbs.

Claressa Shields won a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo to retain the Undisputed Middleweight Title at The Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Shields dominated the fight and was very aggressive throughout the bout and landed several hard rights that stopped Cornejo in her tracks. Cornejo was not very aggressive and took a lot of shots in her defensive posture.

Shields landed 124 of 485 punches. Cornejo was 32 of 307.

Shields, 159.6 lbs of Flint, MI won by scores of 100-89 and 100-90 twice and is now 14-0. Cornejo, 155 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-5.

“I feel great,” said Shields post-victory. “I was landing my shots. I won every round like I knew I could. I went for the knockout how many times this fight? Maricela is tough. She did a great job. Height doesn’t matter and power doesn’t matter either. It’s all about the skills and will and heart, and I always have more than the other girls.”

“Stay smart and not get hit with her big right hand,” she said of her strategy. “Hit bigger to the body and check her to the head. I knew I could win. Straight right for the money. When I would hit her harder, she would take off. I led off with the right too many times, so I will work on that when we get back to the gym. Maricela is super tough. She was in shape and able to take the shots and able to get away from them. It was a great fight. I can’t wait to go home and watch it and see what I can work on.”

“I’m good. I felt fine,” Cornejo said. “Obviously there is so much more I could work on. I want to see the fight again and see the mistakes that I’ve done just to improve on. I think I held my ground and I know I caught her with some good shots and I just need to work on much more to be able to continue those rights I know I landed on her.

“I’m not happy with the loss, I’m just disappointed,” she continued. “I need to just watch it. It’s intense the way she comes forward. I would have done better being more assertive going forward and not going straight back. That’s something I’ve worked on a lot.”

Ardreal Holmes Wins Technical Split Decision over Toussaint

Ardreal Holmes won a technical split decision over Wendy Toussaint in a bout that was stopped in round eight of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round four, Toussaint was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

Holmes boxed well by using his height, while Toussaint was coming on late by pressuring the taller Holmes.

In round eight, the two clashed heads and the forehead of Toussaint immediately began to gush blood. The fight was allowed to continue, but only briefly as the blood continued to shoot out of the forehead and the fight went to the scorecards at 1:54.

Holmes, 153.4 lbs if Flint, MI won by scores o 77-74 and 76-75 while a third card went to Toussaint by a 77-74 tally.

Holmes is now 14-0. Toussaint, 149.8 lbs of Huntington, NY is 14-2.

“I was expecting a tough fight. Just wasn’t in the shape we wanted to be in, but no excuses. I got the job done,” said Holmes post-fight. “I felt like I didn’t catch my second wind until the seventh or eighth round. That’s when I felt like the fight was really changing. I felt like I took the earlier rounds and he started coming on late.”

Holmes said the fast pace Toussaint kept throughout the fight was unexpected. “He actually surprised me,” admitted Holmes. “Watching film, he usually slows in the fourth or fifth round. That’s what I thought he was going to do, but he shocked me. My plan was to come on halfway through the fight and I thought I was going to close it out at the end. I thought the decision was fair. It was four-four (in rounds), but the point (deduction) did it. He was out of gas the last quarter of the fight.”

“I didn’t lose that fight,” said a disappointed Toussaint. “It was my plan to come out fast and outwork him and it worked. I had him hurt. I don’t agree with the point deduction, and the judges got it wrong.”

Hicks Decisions Todd

Joseph Hicks Jr. remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Antonio Todd in a middleweight bout.

Hicks had Todd in trouble several times during the fight, and although he could not get the stoppage, he was dominant in winning the decision.

Hicks, 159.4 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Todd, 158.2 lbs of Atlanta is 14-8.

“I didn’t expect Todd to be that awkward,” said Hicks afterwards. “I knew he was tough, but he was awkward. He did a lot of unorthodox things. He dropped his head after he jabbed. He switched back after his jab, and he got the counterpunch. I was trying to time him, but he was flinching back.”

“It means everything to be a part of this fight card and this event,” Hicks continued. “I’m very grateful to Claressa and Salita Promotions. The GWOAT, Claressa, she’s going to win tonight. I’m very grateful to her, because without her, this opportunity is not here for me. I’m ready for whoever they give me next. I’m going back to the drawing board. We’re going to fix a lot of things, get sharper and be better in my next fight.”

“He was the better man tonight. Hicks is a good fighter. We knew that coming in. We knew he was a good fighter; captain of the USA Boxing Team. We knew he was a good fighter the whole time. Sometimes you come up short. I wasn’t hurt like I was about to go down, but he hit me in the back of the head a couple of times, headbutted a couple times, but nothing major. I’m okay.”

RIYADH, JUNE 3, 2023 – Current Unified WBA, IBF, WBO Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) has signed a multiflight deal with Saudi Arabian based promotional company, Skill Challenge Promotions (SCP) established by His Highness Prince Khaled bin AbdulAziz in 2023 after the astounding success of hosting some of biggest boxing events in The Kingdom.

Usyk recently fought in The Kingdom in August 2022 defeating Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision to retain his belts in their highly anticipated rematch labelled ‘Rage on the Red’ Sea hosted by Skill Challenge Entertainment and The Ministry of Sport.

“Skill Challenge Promotions takes pride in working with an elite champion such as Oleksandr Usyk who not only possesses technical greatness in the ring but greatness outside it as well as an ambassador for the sport” stated SCP Chairman Prince Khaled. “Our aim is to work with multi-dimensional champions who possess the mutual core values Oleksandr does as we appreciate those above everything else.”

The signing of Usyk to The Kingdom’s Skill Challenge Promotion’s draws significant parallels with Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing with the Saudi Football League demonstrating the influence and momentum the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is gathering in the sporting world aligned with Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s national reform programme, Vision 2030.

Director of Boxing Operations for the Promotion, Amer Abdallah stated, “Prince Khaled’s “mission” is to put on the best fights for the fighters and for the fans working in collaboration with all global promoters, management and networks collectively.”

There has been much talk around the anticipated December showdown with WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury for a unification bout to declare an Undisputed Heavyweight Champion after numerous failed attempts to make the fight happen.

“It is obviously the fight most boxing fans want to see and in time we hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the direction we’ll take with the unification bout” Abdallah continued. “But the first order of business is his defence against Daniel Dubois in August 2023.”

“It is great honour and joy for me to return to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Oleksandr Usyk stated during the press announcement in Riyadh. “It’s an excellent opportunity to work with His Highness Prince Khaled and to reach our team’s goal to claim the WBC Heavyweight Champion title to become The Undisputed Champion. I haven’t got any big plans, like a samurai I have the way… the way I walk.”

“This is a chapter in the lifetime of Oleksandr and history in the making” Alex Krassyuk, Usyk’s Promoter and K2 founder stated.

“We want to thank Prince Khaled and the boxing world really needs a promotion like Skill Challenge Promotions and people like Prince Khaled who is so loved in the sport. It is an honour for me to bring one of my best fighters in Oleksandr Usyk to Skill Challenge Promotions.” stated long time Manager, Egis Klimas.

Skill Challenge Entertainment was founded by His Highness Prince Khaled bin AbdulAziz of Saudi Arabia, launching their inaugural event in 2019 featuring the rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz dubbed “Clash on the Dunes”. After the global pandemic, Skill Challenge Entertainment hosted the rematch of Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua branded “Rage on the Red Sea” in August of 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company’s most recent global event, “The Truth” featured global stars Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury and Badou Jack vs Illunga Makabu for the WBC Cruiserweight Title which took place in February 2023 and became the largest hybrid boxing event to ever take place.

Allentown, PA (June 2 2023)–Weights for Jeter Promotions card at The Parkview Inn in Allentown, PA

Jonathan Rodriquez 118 – Brian Cannady 118

WBC US silver Bantamweight title

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Francis Oran 212 – Raphael Carolina 212

Joel Flores 133 -Hakim Smith 134

Thanjhae Teasley 147 vs Benjamin Lamptey 146

MINNEAPOLIS – June 2, 2023 – Hard-hitting Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames will battle former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams in the 12-round main event of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 24 from The Armory in Minneapolis in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Luis “Cuba” Arias squaring off in the 10-round co-main event. Super flyweight world champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez will put his IBF title on the line against unbeaten Filipino contender Jade Bornea in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster. Lubin vs. Arias is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

“Saturday, June 24 will see three high-stakes matchups play out in the ring, topped by rising middleweight star Carlos Adames looking to take out  hungry former champion Julian Williams, who has his eyes set on championship gold in a second division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With Erickson Lubin and Luis Arias squaring off, the winner will be in prime position for a 154-pound title shot, while Fernando Martinez can send a message to the rest of the super flyweight division with a decisive victory against the undefeated Jade Bornea. This lineup shapes up to deliver another electric night at The Armory in Minneapolis.”

Adames (22-1, 17 KOs) has become a force in the middleweight division as he nears a chance to earn a world title opportunity at 160 pounds. Adames scored a career-best victory by overcoming top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko in December 2021 and followed that up by knocking out Juan Macias Montiel in the third round to capture his interim belt last October. The 29-year-old Adames was born in Comendador, Dominican Republic and now lives in Washington Heights, New York. He established himself as a contender with a slew of victories over the likes of former champion Carlos Molina, Frank Galarza, Joshua Conley and Alejandro Barrera, with his only defeat coming by narrow decision in a 2019 154-pound title fight against Patrick Teixeira.

“I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m ready to defend my interim WBC middleweight title against Julian Williams, who we all know is a very tough fighter,” said Adames. “I’ve worked tirelessly to earn my way in the sport and I’m ready to prove I belong at the top of the middleweight division. I’m grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills on SHOWTIME, and I’m determined to put on a great performance for the fans. On June 24 The Armory in Minneapolis will be electrifying. I’m coming to win.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (29-3-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 33-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020, before coming up on the short end of a narrow decision to Vladimir Hernandez in October 2021. He most recently returned to his winning ways last November, dominating Rolando Mansilla at The Armory  on his way to a unanimous decision.

“Training has been going great and I’m extremely well-prepared for this fight,” said Williams. “I’ve just been grinding and making the best of everything that I have. I haven’t seen that much of him, so I’m preparing for anything Adames can bring. A win on June 24 would mean everything. This is what I strive for. It’s been a little choppy, but I’m just looking forward to a tough fight in Minneapolis.”

The 27-year-old Lubin (24-2, 17 KOs) will return to the ring after going toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, which saw him trade knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith.  A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation and soon after was named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m looking forward to making my return on SHOWTIME,” said Lubin. “Every fight is important and I treat them all the same. This one is no different because I’m coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m planning to dominate Luis Arias so I can get my rematches with Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora. I want to avenge my defeats and that starts with a big performance on June 24. It’s ‘Hammer’ time on SHOWTIME.”

A native of Milwaukee who now trains out of Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions’ Arias (20-3-1, 9 KOs) most recently dominated Jimmy Williams in May 2022 on his way to a unanimous decision. Arias had scored a career-best victory in June 2021, as he earned a decision over former unified champion Jarrett Hurd on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard. Arias has also battled former champion Daniel Jacobs and owns a draw against veteran contender Gabriel Rosado.

“I’m back on the big stage and this time I’m staying here for the long haul,” said Arias. “I’m planning on bringing an all-out war as soon as the bell rings. June 24 has a great lineup, but this fight will definitely steal the show. I want to thank Floyd Mayweather and the Mayweather Promotions team for getting me this opportunity. I’m coming to make the most of it. War is coming!”

The unbeaten Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) became the first world champion promoted by his countryman, former two-division world champion Marcos Maidana, with a scintillating victory over Ancajas on SHOWTIME in February 2022. The 31-year-old from Avellaneda, Argentina made the most of the opportunity, landing a division record 421 power shots of the 427 total punches landed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Ancajas. They rematched in October 2022, with Martinez putting on an even more convincing performance to retain his title via unanimous decision.

“This is going to be my first time fighting in Minneapolis and I hope the fans know that I’m coming to put on a show for them,” said Martinez. “My goal isn’t just to win, it’s to show that I’m getting better and that I’m on my way to my goal of unifying the titles.”

Fighting out of General Santos City in the Philippines, Bornea (18-0, 12 KOs) will fight in the U.S. for the second time on June 24 after earning a decision over Ernesto Delgadillo in their January 2020 clash. Since then the 27-year-old has added three victories, including a pair of 2022 triumphs that saw him best Mohammed Obbadi in January and Ivan Meneses in August. A pro since October 2014, Bornea is part of a boxing family as his twin brother Jake also fights professionally.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity ever since I turned pro,” said Bornea. “I have watched Martinez twice fight against my friend and countryman Jerwin Ancajas, so I know his style well. On June 24, I am going to win that title and bring it back to the Philippines where it belongs. I’m thankful to my whole team for this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.”

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

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – June 2, 2023 – Undefeated Australian superstar Tim Tszyu will return to the ring and defend his Interim WBO 154-pound title against Mexican contender Carlos Ocampo headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 17 (Sunday, June 18 in Australia) from the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on undefeated Australian Sam Goodman in an IBF 122-pound title eliminator in the co-main event.

Tszyu will make the first defense of his interim belt after capturing it in March on SHOWTIME with a career-best showing in stopping former champion Tony Harrison. He had originally been scheduled to face Undisputed Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo in Las Vegas in January, before Charlo was forced to withdraw due to injury. With a victory on June 17 in his home country, Tszyu can lock in a date with Charlo later this year.

The event is promoted by No Limit Boxing and The Rose Brothers, in association with TGB Promotions.

“Tim Tszyu has solidified his place near the top of the super welterweight division and will once again bring his fan-friendly style to the ring for fans in the U.S. watching on SHOWTIME,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “An experienced and hungry Carlos Ocampo will be coming to Australia to upset Tszyu’s plans and disrupt his path toward a long-awaited showdown with the 154-pound division’s undisputed champion Jermell Charlo. Adding in top contender Ra’eese Aleem taking on the rising Australian Sam Goodman, and this shapes up to be a great doubleheader of action fights on Saturday, June 17.”

The 28-year-old Tszyu (22-0, 16 KOs) has quickly climbed the rankings in the 154-pound division with an all-action, aggressive style. The notable names on his resume include former welterweight champion Jeff Horn, whom Tszyu stopped in round eight, and Terrell Gausha, a top contender and member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S. and SHOWTIME debut against Gausha and showed his poise and toughness by rallying back from a first-round knockdown to win the fight via unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion and who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

“I was full training on Monday after the thing happened on Saturday,” said Tszyu to Australian press in reference to a dog bite on his right arm. “I’m not going to be limited at all…There’s a dog in me right now that’s about to come out.

“I’m a fighter. My job is to fight. I won’t sit on the couch and wait for [Jermell] Charlo’s hand to get better. I want to fight in the meantime,” added Tim Tszyu previously to the Australian media about his announcement for his title defense against Ocampo. “The fans deserve the fights…The Charlo fight is in the making, but I’m not underestimating Ocampo. I’ve got a hard task ahead of me.

“Technically, this fight is going to be much harder than my previous fights. The Mexican style will require something new in me and I expect it to be tough. Despite being Australian and on the other side of the globe, I’m headlining a fight on SHOWTIME for the third time. Is anyone else doing that? Everyone knows I’m coming to take over.”

The 27-year-old Ocampo (34-2, 22 KOs) rode a 12-fight winning streak into his last matchup, which saw him drop a decision to 154-pound contender Sebastian Fundora last October in a SHOWTIME main event. The 12 consecutive triumphs dated back to the only other loss of his career, which came to current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence, Jr. in a 2016 knockout defeat. During the 12-fight stretch, the Ensenda, Baja California, Mexico native scored nine of those victories by stoppage, including traveling to Mikael Zewski’s home country of Canada to stop the fan-favorite by ninth-round TKO.

“I’m looking forward to my fight against Tim Tszyu,” said Ocampo. “We are both warriors who go forward without fear. The fans will be the true winners that night, because I’m going after that title at all. Costs and it’s coming back to Mexico with me. He won’t want to hand it over to me, so I’ll just have to take it from him.”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January 2021, dominating in a battle of unbeatens by dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, the 32-year-old Aleem stopped seven-straight opponents before most recently earning decisions over Eduardo Baez in November 2021 and Mike Plania in September 2022. Aleem made his SHOWTIME debut in February of 2020 with a fourth-round stoppage of Adam Lopez on SHOBOX: The New Generation.

The 24-year-old Goodman (14-0, 7 KOs) scored a career-best victory in his last outing, announcing himself as a 122-pound contender with a dominant unanimous decision victory over former world champion T.J. Doheny in March. After an impressive amateur career that included four national championships and an appearance in the 2017 World Amateur Championships, the Australian from Albion Park, New South Wales turned pro in April 2018 and began compiling his unbeaten record.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is executive produced by four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr., with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuOcampo, 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 – June 1, 2023 – Unbeaten light heavyweights Clay Waterman and Kenmon Evans will square off in a new SHOBOX: The New Generation eight-round telecast opener as the popular prospect series returns to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., during International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend on Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.  

Waterman (10-0, 8 KOs) had a solid amateur career with a record of 140-20. A 2011 junior world champion, the Queensland, Australia native was a 2018 Commonwealth Games medalist and 2019 Asian Grand Slam champion. He is an eight-time Golden Gloves champion and 13-time state champion. Waterman is managed by Brendan Bourke.

Evans (10-0-1, 3 KOs) of Port Orange, Fla., is promoted by International Boxing Hall of Famer and former world champion Christy Martin and trained by Pete White. As an amateur, Evans suffered just one loss with 29 victories. He won the Florida Golden Gloves in 2013 and the Florida PAL tournament in 2012. One of 16 children, Evans served eight months in jail in 2014 on a charge that was eventually dropped. After his release, he decided to turn pro. He also teaches youth boxing classes at Pete White’s gym.

“Evans is a real success story,” said Martin. “He got out [of jail] and he’s going to stay out.”

Blue-chip prospect and top-10 ranked light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs) faces his toughest test to date when he takes on fellow unbeaten and highly decorated amateur Charles Foster (22-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round SHOBOX^® main event. In the co-feature, highly regarded prospect Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., faces fellow unbeaten hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup.

Ryan Martin (25-2, 15 KOs) was originally slated to take on former SHOBOX main-event winner and rising super lightweight prospect Mykquan Williams (19-0-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout before Martin pulled out due to personal reasons.

This marks the fourth time since 2013 that a SHOBOX card has taken place in conjunction with Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, which will occur June 8-11. SHOBOX has visited Turning Stone Resort Casino a total of seven times previously during its 21-year history. The three-fight telecast on June 9 is promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.

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. They will be accompanied by Hall of Famer and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® analyst Al Bernstein, as well as by Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., handling ring announcing duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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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 89 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. 

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 1, 2023) — Two Ohio-born talents have joined the pre-Independence Day celebration as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the heavyweight doubleheader featuring Toledo’s  Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event on Saturday, July 1 at Toledo’s Huntington Center. 
 
Cleveland native Abdullah Mason will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round lightweight fight against Tobias Green, while Toledo-born junior lightweight Tyler McCreary will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Arslanbek Makhmudov-Raphael Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Mason (8-0, 7 KOs) is a 19-year-old prodigy who was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason debuted as a pro the following month with a second-round TKO over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom plans to be just as dominant this year after a first-round knockout over Erick Garcia Benitez in April and a sixth-round TKO win over Desmond Lyons last month on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard. Green (10-3, 3 KOs) is a 27-year-old Floridian who returns after an eight-round decision win against Ryan Schwartzberg last October. 
 
McCreary (17-2-1, 8 KOs) is an almost nine-year pro who is on the comeback trail. Following his 2019 showdown against former two-division world champion Carl Frampton, the 30-year-old experienced a near-two-year layoff before losing to Manuel Rey Rojas in 2021. Last month, however, he overcame another layoff to score a first-round knockout against Jake Bornea in Toledo.