Los Angeles, CA (May 4, 2023) Light Heavyweight powerhouse Umar Dzambekov, (4-0, 3 KOs), returns to battle against hard-hitting Ghanaian Dodzi Kemeh, (25-2, 23 KOs), in the eight-round co-feature on the next acclaimed ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ event set for Friday, June 9 at the Commerce Casino and broadcast live internationally by UFC FIGHT PASS.

Tickets for the stellar card of professional boxing, presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60 and can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.US. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. For more information and directions visit their website.

Following an outstanding amateur career in his native Austria where he was a nine-time champion, the 25-year-old southpaw Dzambekov has quickly impressed the Southern California boxing fans with devastating knockouts in his last two fights. On January 27, 2023, Dzambekov knocked out previously undefeated Anthony Fleming in the fourth round. He followed that up with a third-round stoppage of Nathan Davis Sharp on April 14, 2023.

“I’m excited to be featured on UFC Fight Pass again,” said Umar Dzambekov. “Now I’m in my first eight round fight against a solid opponent with a good record like Dodzi Kemeh. Training at Wild Card with Marvin Somodio and being on UFC Fight Pass where my fans in Austria can watch is like a dream come true.”

Said Tom Loeffler, “Umar is one of the most talented young fighters I’ve seen and is on the fast track as we continue to feature him on UFC FIGHT PASS.”

Fighting in the boxing rich country of Ghana, the 31-year-old Kemeh has won his last six fights all by stoppage. On March 18, 2023, he stopped Felix Mankatah in the fourth round in Accra, Ghana. In his most recent fight in the United States, Kemeh lost a hotly contested battle to undefeated Giovani Santilian on November 17, 2017.

The June 9 event is headlined by a ten-round super welterweight clash between The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (6-0, 5 KO’s), of Cork, Ireland and Perennial Contender Carson Jones, (43-15-3, 31 KOs).  

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

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

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NEW YORK, NY – May 4, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Real Fight Inc. (Real Fight) announced the rematch between seven-weight boxing world champion and undisputed featherweight world champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (44-2-1) and former WBO featherweight title holder Heather “The Heat” Hardy (24-2, 4 KOs). After earning the WBO featherweight from Hardy nearly four years ago, Serrano will put all her belts on the line and defend her undisputed title for the first time vs. Hardy in a co-main event alongside Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on August 5^th. The event will be distributed globally on pay-per-view by DAZN, in addition to all major cable, satellite and local PPV providers. Pre-sale tickets for those that have signed up for early access will be available on May 9, while general on sale will begin on May 11. All tickets can be purchased on https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/events/detail/paul-v-diaz. 

Serrano, the first Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, started her current title reign at featherweight by defeating Heather Hardy in a brutal 10-round fight in 2019 to win the WBO belt. On August 5th, Hardy, also a Brooklyn native, will attempt to avenge her loss and take all of Serrano’s belts in a 10-round bout contested at 126 lbs. Serrano steps back into the ring after winning a blood-soaked war against WBA featherweight champion Erika Cruz in February, making her the undisputed featherweight champion but also left her with a hand injury that resulted in canceling her much anticipated rematch with Katie Taylor. Serrano’s decisive win against Cruz followed her previous win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England that added the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO, WBC, and IBO featherweight belts. Her resounding clash against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in 2022 earned recognition as Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year and was further nominated for Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal. 

“I am the undisputed featherweight champion today because Heather Hardy agreed to fight me in 2019 for her WBO title,” said Serrano. “That was the first step in my current run at featherweight. It’s only right that I give her the opportunity to earn it back. I’m excited to once again share the card with Jake and put on an exciting war. This will be the first time I get to fight in Texas, and I promise the fans that they will not be disappointed.”

Hardy, the Brooklyn-born former World Boxing Organization featherweight champion who is promoted by Hall-of-Fame promoter Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment, will bring “The Heat” once again as she seeks to etch her name in boxing history and become the undisputed featherweight world champion. Following her professional debut in 2012, she claimed the vacant WBC international super bantamweight title in 2014, and in 2016 won the WBC international featherweight title and became one of the biggest draws in boxing. In 2018, Heather became world champion, winning the WBO featherweight title with a unanimous decision win over Shelly Vincent at Madison Square Garden. Heather put her title on the line in 2019 and lost in a unified title fight to WBC world champion Amanda Serrano in the first clash of the two boxing stars. Since then, she has battled back towards the top, recently defeating Brazil’s Taynna Cardoso in her last fight in February. 

“I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said Hardy. “In 2021, I came back to boxing with a renewed passion for the sport. My late trainer told me, the day before he died, that 2023 would be my year. Now, I have the opportunity to prove him right and become an undisputed champion. Thank you to Amanda and team for keeping their word on giving me the rematch, but come fight night, I only have winning on my mind and stealing the show from Jake Paul and Nate Diaz.”

Most Valuable Promotions, founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, and Real Fight, Inc., founded by Nate Diaz, are partnering to bring this event to global audiences as Paul and Diaz battle it out as the other co-main event at the American Airlines Center. The event will be distributed and co-produced globally by DAZN PPV and made available on all devices, platforms, cable, and satellite PPV providers around the world.

“Amanda is one of the most decorated and elite athletes ever and is on path to become the winningest female boxer of all time,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “After some much needed recovery time, Amanda is excited to return to the ring and remind fans why she is the most devasting puncher in women’s boxing. If Amanda prevails in the fight, the plan is to immediately pursue the rematch with Katie Taylor in Ireland. In front of her will be one of the most revered female boxers of the last twenty years in Heather Hardy, who has only improved from the fighter she was when she faced Amanda last. Heather is very much planning on walking away as the new undisputed featherweight champion. Paul-Diaz-Serrano-Hardy… what a night!”

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

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last four global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Fury match, which surpassed 800,000 Pay-per-view buys worldwide. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN:

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

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

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

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

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

About American Airlines Center: 

Designed by architectural wizard David M. Schwarz and Dallas based HKS, Inc., American Airlines Center is considered one of the nation’s top arenas. Since opening its doors in 2001, the Center has been setting the precedent for sporting and live entertainment events. Bringing in a wide variety of big name shows as well as being home of both the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, American Airlines Center consistently displays its unique versatility. Billboard Magazine named American Airlines Center the 6th busiest arena in the world in 2022.

THE QUEENSBERRY TRIO of Anthony Cacace, Nick Ball and Pierce O’Leary are all in title action on Saturday May 27 at the SSE Arena in Belfast, live on BT Sport.

Promoted by Conlan Boxing, in association with Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions, the event will see Belfast boy Michael Conlan challenge for the IBF world featherweight championship against the title holder Luis Alberto Lopez, who last fought on British soil when he defeated former champion Josh Warrington in Leeds last year.

The IBO world featherweight champion Cacace, also hailing from Belfast, makes a first defence of the title he won by overcoming Michael Magnesi at the Manchester Arena last September. The 20-1 (7 KOs) man known as the Apache takes on the Pole, IBO International champion Damian Wrzesinski, who holds a record of 26-2-2 (7 KOs).

Wrzesinski, 35, a multi-time national title holder, won his IBO championship with a win over Artjoms Ramlavs in October 2022.

Liverpool favourite Ball, 17-0 (10 KOs) takes on an unbeaten challenger for his WBC Silver featherweight title in the South African Ludumo Lamati, 21-0-1 (11 KOs).

Ball, 26, enjoyed a highly productive 2022 that encompassed a win-treble of victories over Isaac Lowe, Nathanael Kakololo and Jesus Ramirez Rubio. All three were stopped by the hugely popular ‘Wrecking’ Ball, who is increasingly becoming a must-see attraction on Queensberry shows.

Lamati, 30, became IBO world super bantamweight champion in June 2021 with victory over Jose Martin Estrada Garcia, having won the IBF Intercontinental title in July 2019.

The WBC International super lightweight champion O’Leary, 11-0 (6 KOs), defends his belt against the Romanian Alin Florin Ciorceri, 17-3 (7 KOs). The Dubliner, 23, won the title with a convincing points win over Emmanuel Mungandjela at The O2 in November of last year.

Also featuring on the card is top Queensberry prospects Willo Hayden (5-0, 1 KO), the Dublin lightweight, along with Liverpool super lightweight Callum Thompson (6-0, 1 KO). Hayden will fight over six rounds and Thompson over four.

“We took this opportunity through our friends and colleagues at Top Rank to secure a top quality world title fight for BT Sport viewers involving local hero Michael Conlan,” said Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

“The added incentive was getting five BT Sport favourites from the Queensberry ranks onto the card and three of them being Irish fighters in Anto Cacace, Pierce O’Leary and Willo Hayden, who will all relish the occasion of performing in front of a packed house in Belfast.

“Then there is our demolition man, Nick Ball, who wants to impress and throw down the gauntlet to the winner out of Conlan and Lopez. The Liverpool contingent is doubled by our hugely promising super lightweight Callum Thompson, who I am also looking forward to seeing back in action.”

Belfast’s unbeaten super middleweight star Pody McCrory (16-0, 9 KOs) features in 10-round action, alongside top prospects from the city in super flyweight Conor Quinn (5-0-1, 4 KOs) and featherweight Kurt Walker (5-0, 1 KO), both fighting over eight rounds.

Lightweight Feargus Quinn (5-0, 2 KOs) from Belleek and welterweight Kieran Molloy (5-0, 1 KO) from Galway will fight over six rounds, with welterweight James Freeman from Armagh making his professional debut over four rounds.

Tickets are available now via www.Ticketmaster.ie.

ONTARIO, CA (May 3, 2023): In his biggest test in the ring yet, Mexican superstar Jaime Munguia (41-0, 32 KOs) will make a highly anticipated return against the dangerous, Ukrainian world champion contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (14-4, 10 KOs) in a 12-round middleweight fight on Saturday, June 10. The 12-round main event is scheduled to take place at Toyota Arena and is presented in association with Zanfer Boxing. The middleweight clash will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET. 

“I am very excited to return to the ring and even more excited to face a fighter like Derevyanchenko,” said Jaime Munguia. “I think it will be a very intense fight from start to finish, but like always we are training very hard and are very ready to give the fans a very exciting fight. We will see you this June 10 in Southern California!”

“I’ve been in some of the biggest middleweight title fights over the last few years and as my fans know I always come to fight,” said Sergiy Derevyanchenko. “I feel like the GGG fight a few years ago was a fight that should have gone my way, so getting back to a title fight and becoming a world champion is my main goal. Mungia is a great fighter and a win over him gets me back on track to winning a world title. June 10 will be a war, a bloodbath, and I’m willing to give it everything I’ve got to come away victorious. I will be looking to get this win for myself but also for my country, Ukraine.”

“Munguia has always wanted the toughest fights — and this is going to be one of them,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “For years, Derevyanchenko has gone life and death with the division’s top middleweights and has always reached the final bell. Should Jaime get past him — and I believe he will — he is immediately in position for a world title shot.” 

“We are very excited to face a great rival like Sergiy Derevyanchenko,” said Zanfer Boxing President Fernando Beltran. “Jaime is a fighter that never stops training who is looking to be the best – this fight is no exception. We will see the fans this June 10 for a great night of boxing where we are confident that we will leave the ring with our arms high in the air.” 

Munguia was last seen in November 2022 easily cruising to a third round knockout victory against Gonzalo Coria in front of a hometown crowd in Guadalajara, Mexico. Last July 2022, Derevyanchenko secured a unanimous decision victory against Joshua Conley. Derevyanchenko has faced the likes of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, Jermall Charlo, and other top names of the sport – giving fighters trouble and fans a spectacle. 

More information on event tickets and undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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Munguia vs. Derevyanchenko is a 12-round fight that is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and AutoZone, “Get in the zone, Autozone.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

(May 3, 2023) – Undefeated Italian southpaw Mauro Forte will look to avenge his draw against Francesco Grandelli in a 12-round rematch for the vacant European featherweight title this Friday, May 5 at the PalaSport Tivoli in Tivoli, Italy.

Forte–Grandelli II and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Forte (17-0-2, 7 KOs) is a 24-year-old contender who made his pro debut in April 2016 with a decision victory over Jacopo Lusci. In his second fight, just three months later, he fought to a split draw against Vincent Eroe. Forte then embarked on a 15-fight win streak before meeting Grandelli for the first time in November 2021. Grandelli (16-1-2, 3 KOs) is a 28-year-old who got his start in the paid ranks with a decision win over Marco Iuculano in May 2015. He experienced an early draw in his fourth fight and suffered his first loss in his sixth fight before scoring 11 straight wins ahead of his first battle with Forte. Their initial encounter ended in a split draw after 12 closely contested rounds, and the two are ready to settle unfinished business. 

In other streaming action from Tivoli, Italy: 

• Undefeated junior bantamweight Stephanie Silva (7-0) makes her 2023 debut in a scheduled 10-round clash against France’s Mailys Gangloff (8-3, 2 KOs). Silva is a 27-year-old Italian contender who is coming off a 10-round decision win over Ewelina Pekalska last October. 
   
• In a battle of undefeated bantamweights, Italy’s Simona Salvatori (8-0, 2 KOs) and France’s Johanna Wonyou (8-0, 2 KOs) will collide in a 10-round battle. Salvatori is coming off a unanimous decision win against Bethy Franco last October, and Wonyou is coming off a fourth-round TKO victory over Egine Kayange in March.
   
• Armando Casamonica (9-0, 1 KO) will put his undefeated record on the line in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Francesco Acatullo (13-11-3, 1 KO).

# # #
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 24.9 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). 

LOS ANGELES (May 3, 2023) – Eight months out of the ring didn’t leave Houston’s undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (4-0, 4 KOs) rusty last Saturday night as he made a strong statement against Jay Williams (4-10) at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

The 26-year-old Fulghum, who is a promotional free agent, fought on the William Zepeda-headlined card streamed live on DAZN.

Fulghum hadn’t fought since last August 10, when he knocked out David Murray (10-3-1) in the second round in Detroit, and he didn’t know who his opponent was until late last week.

“No rust at all,” Fulghum reported. “I felt fluid in the ring, extremely free.”

Fulghum dropped Williams once in the opening round and again in the second, throwing a flurry of punches at his overmatched opponent. The end came at the 0:58 mark of round four, when Fulghum finished off Williams with a picture-perfect left hook, right hand combination.

“It felt amazing,” Fulghum said. “I saw all my supporters there during my walk out and it brought life in me. That was a great feeling. I felt alive again!

“I only gave myself a B grade because I really should have gotten him out in the first round. I loaded up on my shots to get a clear knockout. But I listened to my corner to let my hands go and the knockout will come. It was a good learning experience.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro, capturing top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college.

Fulgham is tentatively slated to be back in action June 3^rd against an opponent to be determined in Galveston, Texas.

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Florida with another action-packed card at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, headlined by a thrilling featherweight contenders’ bout between No. 5 ranked Josh Emmett and surging No. 9 Ilia Topuria.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: EMMETT vs. TOPURIA takes place Saturday, June 24 in Jacksonville, with the entire card available on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. The main card will also air on ABC and the Prelims on ESPN.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: EMMETT vs. TOPURIA tickets will go on sale Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, May 3 at 10 a.m. ET via www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 4 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: EMMETT vs. TOPURIA fight week credentials may sign up here.

“We are excited to welcome Dana White and UFC back to Jacksonville. This is always a major event for our city,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.  

“Jacksonville was proud to host the first major indoor sporting event during the coronavirus pandemic. We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our downtown and demonstrating that we are a premier destination for live sports and entertainment.”

During the pandemic, Jacksonville hosted three consecutive empty venue shows at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. UFC returned in 2021 and 2022 for sold out fights. In 2021, UFC 261 earned an arena-record $3.3 million in ticket revenue and generated $17.6 million in economic impact for the area. 

Top ranked contender Emmett (18-3, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) embarks on his journey back to title contention. The California-based Octagon veteran has secured impressive wins against Calvin Kattar, Dan Ige, and Shane Burgos. Emmett now looks to add a rising contender in Topuria to his resume with a statement performance.

Topuria (13-0, fighting out of Alicante, Spain) intends to make the most of his first UFC main event by defeating a former title challenger in Emmett. A versatile finisher and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Topuria has claimed victories over Bryce Mitchell, Jai Herbert, and Ryan Hall. The Georgian-Spanish fighter sets out to keep his perfect record intact and find his way into the Top 5.

Current official bouts on the card include:

• Undefeated prospect Tatsuro Taira (13-0, fighting out of Okinawa, Japan) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus Kleidison Rodrigues (8-2, fighting out of Laranjal do Jari, Brazil) in a stylistic thriller at flyweight
• Exciting middleweights Gregory Rodrigues (13-5, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Denis Tiuliulin (11-7, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) clash
• Dana White’s Contender Series signees Punahele Soriano (9-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Sedriques Dumas (7-1, fighting out of Pensacola, Fla.) lock horns in an intriguing middleweight tilt
• Dana White’s Contender Series alumni Mateusz Rebecki (17-1, fighting out of Szczecin, Poland) goes toe-to-toe with Loik Radzhabov (17-4-1, fighting out of Dushanbe, Tajikistan) at lightweight
• Strawweights aim to steal the show as Tabatha Ricci (8-1, fighting out of Birigui, Sao Paulo, Brazil) takes on Gillian Robertson (12-7, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada)
• Fireworks are set for the heavyweight division as Dana White’s Contender Series signee Austen Lane (12-3, fighting out of Jacksonville, Fla.) makes his Octagon debut against knockout artist Justin Tafa (6-3, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia)
• Amanda Ribas (12-3, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil) takes on Maycee Barber (12-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) at flyweight

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 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is North Florida’s premier showplace of such entertainment greats as Celine Dion, Jimmy Buffett, Luke Bryan, Elton John and is home to the Jacksonville Icemen and the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

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 24.9 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.

?May 2, 2023, Guadalajara, MX – As the boxing world descends upon Guadalajara, México for Canelo-Ryder fight week, Canelo Alvarez Promotions will show off three of their young undefeated boxers, in the boxing ring, on Wednesday, May 3.

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The fight card, promoted by Canelo Alvarez Promotions, Close Y Talento Boxeo and No Boxing No Life, will be streamed live world-wide on ProBox TV beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. Here is the card and weights:

10 Rounds Lightweights (135) TV# 4

Jonathan Lopez_______________________vs_________________________Osvaldo Nuñez

Orlando, Florida________________________________________________Morelia, Michoacan

10-0, 7 KOs_________________________________________________________________5-4

131¼ lbs._____________________________________________________________131¼ lbs.

8 Rounds Middleweights (160) TV#3

Lazaro Lorenzana___________________ _vs____________________________Alexis Rios

San Diego, California______________________________________________Zapopan, Jalisco

10-0, 8 KOs__________________________________________________________4-2-1, 1 KO

158½ lbs._____________________________________________________________158½ lbs.

6 Rounds Super Bantamweights  (122) TV# 2

Oscar Hernandez_______________________vs________________________Joseph Morales

Guadalajara, Mexico____________________________________________Mexico City, Mexico

4-1, 2 KOs___________________________________________________________2-1-1, 1 KO

122 lbs.__________________________________________________________________121½

6 Rounds Lightweights (135) TV #1 (9:00 PM) 

Cesar Ortiz____________________________vs______________________Antonio Gonzalez

Guadalajara, Mexico____________________________________________Mexico City, Mexico

5-0, 5 KOs____________________________________________________________3-5, 1 KO

135 lbs.________________________________________________________________135 lbs.

How to Watch Wednesday’s Show:

1. ProBoxTV.com

2. The ProBoxTV app available on all app stores

3. Available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV

Calling the fights on the ProBox TV produced event, on the English side, will be blow-by-blow commentator Mike “Goldy” Goldberg with the expert duo of former world champions Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Chris “The Fighting Collegian” Algieri as color commentators. On the Spanish side will be Ricardo Celis calling blow-by-blow and Eight-Time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez adding his expertise.

About ProBoxTV: ProBox TV is a digital subscription service which gives fans exclusive access to ProBox TV Content including live streaming of fights and on-demand videos. You can also watch daily talk shows with Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and our host Claudia Trejos. ProBox TV can be accessed using your favorite streaming devices, including mobile devices, or any personal computer. ProBox TV is a global product and available in all countries.

Upcoming WEDNESDAY Live Boxing on ProBox TV:

May 17 – Plant City, FL;_______May 31 – México City

June 14 – Plant City, FL;______June 28 – México

July 12 – Plant City, FL:_______July 26 – México City, MX

August 9 – Plant City, FL;______August 23 – México

September 6 – Plant City, FL;___September 20 – México City, MX

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en

Matchroom and DAZN are delighted to announce a three-year extension to their broadcast deals in the USA and Mexico – a deal further cements Matchroom as a true global leader in boxing while also confirming DAZN as THE home of global combat sports with the platform available in over 200 territories. 
 
Matchroom held their first event live on DAZN in October 2018 when Jessie Vargas took on Thomas Dulorme in Chicago, and since that night in the Windy City, President Eddie Hearn has teamed up with the global streaming giants to put on over 50 events in America and Mexico.
 
The first Mexico night took place in February 2019 when Humberto Soto defeated Brandon Rios in Tijuana, and Hearn has hosted seven more thrilling nights in the country and Matchroom’s latest event saw World-rated Lightweight Angel Fierro stop Eduardo Estela in Culiacan to move closer to World title action. Matchroom are in a strong position in Mexico after Mauricio Lara joined Juan Francisco Estrada and Julio Cesar Martinez as World champions from the boxing hotbed with his stunning KO win over Leigh Wood in Nottingham, England to become WBA Featherweight ruler, as they meet in a rematch in Manchester, England in May.
 
Matchroom kicked off 2023 in America in style with a double-header of Undisputed World title action in New York that saw Amanda Serrano and Alycia Baumgardner crowned the undisputed rulers at Featherweight and Super-Featherweight respectively and San Antonio had it’s first two-weight World champion in April, as future pound-for-pound star Jesse Rodriguez bravely boxed on with a broken jaw to add the WBO Flyweight crown to the Super-Flyweight strap he won and defended in style in 2022.
 
The blockbuster action continues in May as Canelo Alvarez defends his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown against and John Ryder in what promises to be a spectacular homecoming for the Mexican hero in Guadalajara on Cinco de Mayo weekend. The next action in America sees Hearn’s newest signing in action as Super-Middleweight star Edgar Berlanga faces Jason Quigley in New York in June, with the Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican KO artist the latest addition to a stacked Stateside stable along with young talents Criztec Bazaldua and Yankiel Rivera, with promoter Eddie Hearn ready to add more great nights and fighters to the already stacked schedule with this announcement.
 
“I am delighted to announce this extension to our deal with DAZN in the US and Mexico,” said Hearn. “DAZN’s schedule is without doubt the best in the sport, and our big nights in the States and all-action cards in Mexico are a massive part of that.
 
“This new deal means more Undisputed, Unified and World title blockbusters, more 50-50 wars with the top contenders and more showcasing the best rising talent in the region – and we’re ready to provide further thrilling action and value for the DAZN subscribers.”
  
“We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Matchroom Boxing in the US,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Since we entered the market five years ago, we have made significant strides to become the global home of boxing, consistently delivering the best schedule in market. 2023 will be no different, with the biggest names fighting on the biggest stages in the coming months. With our best-in-class broadcast, matched with Matchroom’s best-in-class promotion, we are incredibly excited about expanding our partnership in the years to come.”

UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell is out of his UFC 288 fight against Movsar Evloev this Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey.

The injury is undisclosed at this time.

Long Island, New York (May 2, 2023) – Undefeated Long Island fan favorite, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (12-0 4KO’s) returns to the ring with no easy task, scheduled to fight forty-six fight veteran and former multi-time Argentine Boxing Federation Champion, MAURO “EL RAYO” GODOY (37-8-1 18KO’s) over 8 rounds in the welterweight division. Vargas’ return marks the end of his 18-month layoff as he took time away from the ring to complete Suffolk County Police academy training and was later sworn in as a Suffolk County Police Officer.

Vargas made his professional debut at The Paramount in 2018 and has since fought at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” a total of eight times, with “Rockin’ Fights” 44 marking Vargas’ ninth bout at the Pollstar #1 world rated venue in Huntington, Long Island. A skilled boxer, and former New York State Golden Gloves Champion, newly admitted ‘Officer Vargas’ brings the action and excitement to his fights and will look to pick up right where he left off in November of 2021, this time against the tough veteran Godoy.

Godoy will pose a threat to Vargas’ pristine record. He is a former Argentinian amateur standout, and a multi-time Argentine Boxing Federation Champion. Godoy has both the experience and skill necessary to topple Vargas’ homecoming. Godoy is 5-2 in his last seven bouts including a knockout victory, one of his 18, which is more than the total number of professional fights in Vargas’ career.

Vargas had this to say about his return, “I’m excited to be back after a long 18 months off. Training has been going great and I can’t wait for May 13th to represent the SCPD [Suffolk County Police Department] and put on a show for all of my supporters and all of the people in attendance at The Paramount!”

“All of us at Star Boxing are proud of Alex for his accomplishment of becoming a Suffolk County Police Officer,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “We are excited to have Alex return to boxing in a big way on May 13 against a tough test in Mauro Godoy. We are looking forward to another sold out “Rockin’ Fights!”

TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Early fireworks await this Fourth of July weekend as Toledo’s knockout king heads home to headline an action-packed heavyweight doubleheader featuring a quartet of the division’s hardest-hitting punchers.

Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will collide against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center. Anderson will fight for the first time as a pro in his hometown, just a few days shy of the 104th anniversary of Jack Dempsey’s historic win over Jess Willard on July 4, 1919, at Toledo’s Bay View Park. Dempsey’s triumph heralded a new era in his illustrious career, and Anderson expects to do the same in his first headlining attraction.

In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori. The Makhmudov-Akpejiori showdown rounds out a doubleheader featuring four undefeated knockout artists with a combined record of 64 wins and 61 stoppages. Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Makhmudov-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 go on sale TODAY, May 2, at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Jared Anderson is a proud son of Toledo, and we are thrilled to bring Top Rank and ESPN to the ‘Glass City’,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ever since Jared turned pro, we have set our sights on Toledo as a fight destination. He is now the best young heavyweight in the world, and the time was right to bring ‘The Real Big Baby’ home. Zhan Kossobutskiy is a ferocious puncher in his own right, and I expect an action-packed fight in front of a raucous, sold-out Huntington Center crowd.”

Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) debuted in the paid ranks in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He has never gone beyond the sixth round, as he has stopped five of his opponents in the first round and another five in the second round. In 2020, he garnered global attention as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner, but he is now carving his own path. In his last fight, he knocked out then-undefeated George Arias in the third round, the second unbeaten fighter to have fallen victim to Anderson’s punching power. Ranked at No. 7 by the WBO and No. 11 by both the WBC and WBA, the 23-year-old now turns his attention to the division’s top dogs.

Anderson said, “To my family, friends, and fans in Toledo, I cannot wait to come home. This is a dream come true. Trust me, I am going to put on a show for you all. The support of my city has pushed me my entire career, and I know everyone will be in my corner on July 1.”

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 10-round unanimous decision win over Kamil Sokolowski in August 2020. He has not gone passed the sixth round since. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts, stopping once-beaten Nigerian Onorede Ehwareme, iron-chinned Philadelphian Joey Dawejko, and then-undefeated Dominican Alexis Garcia. 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 in November.

Kossobutskiy said, “The fact that this fight will take place in the United States, in my opponent’s hometown, will make this fight interesting. I like to box strong opponents. Such fights are needed in the heavyweight division. I haven’t watched his fights. They say that he is good, but we will analyze him in the process of my fight preparation.”

Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) made his professional debut in December 2017 by knocking out Jaime Barajas in the first round. He secured five additional first-round stoppages in his first seven fights, and in 2019, he became the first fighter to knock out tough-as-nails veteran Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he knocked out former world champion Samuel Peter in the first round, starting a series of four consecutive first-round knockouts. In September 2022, Makhmudov went the distance for the first time against former world title challenger Carlos Takam. In his most recent bout, he stopped Michael Wallisch in only one round in December. The 6’5, 265-pound powerhouse is set to face the tallest opponent of his career.

Makhmudov said, “Fighting for the first time in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, represents a major opportunity for me, not only because it will give me a chance to showcase my talent on the world stage, but also because it brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I’ve been dedicating my life to boxing, putting all the hard work and sacrifices for this moment. I’m ready. I want to fight the best, and I’m ready to give a great show to the boxing fans all over the world.” 

At 6’8′ and 260 pounds, Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs) casts an intimidating presence. A former collegiate basketball and football player for the University of Miami, he is a fistic natural, having stopped ten of his opponents in the first round and another four in the second round. In June 2022, the 32-year-old went the eight-round distance for the first time in his career against veteran Terrell Jamal Woods. In his most recent fight, Akpejiori scored a first-round knockout against Dell Long in January. Akpejiori will have a nearly three-inch height advantage over his opponent.

Akpejiori said, “I do not expect this to be an easy fight, but I have prepared for this moment for a long time. I’m used to the hard work. I’m used to the adversity, the obstacles, and the pain. This is just another chapter, and I am more than ready for it. This is an opportunity to represent the African continent on a global scale, and I do not intend to disappoint.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware and a pair of Cleveland’s sterling undefeated talents: Tiger Johnson and Dante Benjamin Jr.

Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight. He is a local firefighter who saved the life of Top Rank coordinator Pete Susens after performing CPR before a weigh-in inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble in 2020. Nearly three years later, Ware returns on a Top Rank show seeking to rebound from a defeat to unbeaten contender Christian Mbilli last September.

Rising U.S. Olympian Johnson (8-0, 5 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. Following a 2022 in which he went 5-0 with three knockouts, Johnson kicked off 2023 with an eight-round unanimous decision win in April over Alfonso Olvera

Light heavyweight prospect Benjamin (6-0, 4 KOs) will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round bout. Benjamin began the year with a first-round knockout over then-unbeaten prospect Emmanueal Austin in January and is coming off a second-round destruction of Jasper McCargo in April.

Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, will participate in a six-round junior middleweight fight. The explosive southpaw prospect, who has packed venues in his hometown, is coming off a six-round decision over Gabriel Smith in March.

Junior middleweight standout Jahi Tucker (10-0, 5 KOs) hopes to follow-up April’s action-packed decision victory over Nikoloz Sekhniashvili in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.

LONDON, ENGLAND – May 2, 2023 – Richard Riakporhe has signed a new contract extension with BOXXER and Sky Sports – and has now set his sights on becoming a world champion.

Ranked No.2 by the WBO and IBF, whilst rated at No.4 by the WBC, London fighter Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) is on the cusp of greatness with huge fights on the horizon.

‘The Midnight Train’ will have a close eye on the upcoming Bank Holiday boxing bonanza in Bournemouth when his arch-rival Lawrence Okolie defends the WBO title against hometown hero Chris Billam-Smith in front of a sold-out Vitality Stadium – in BOXXER’s first-ever UK stadium show on May 27.

But the 33-year-old harbours high hopes and ambitions of having his own hand raised in victory and his shoulders draped in championship gold before the year is over after committing his future to Ben Shalom’s BOXXER.

Speaking exclusively to BOXXER.com before officially putting pen to paper on his new deal live on Sky Sports News today, Riakporhe said: “I was the first to sign with BOXXER after they signed their deal with Sky Sports and my journey so far has been excellent. 

“I’m really looking forward to continuing my journey at BOXXER and capturing world honours in the very near future. So keep your eyes on the one and only ‘Midnight Train’”.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said he was ‘thrilled’ to cement the immediate future of one the brand’s leading fighters – and is determined to ensure Riakporhe realises his world title dreams under his leadership.

Shalom said: “‘Richard Riakporhe was one of our first signings at BOXXER, so we’re delighted to announce an extension with him for the business end of his career. 

“The cruiserweight division in British boxing and around the world is flying and Richard is in the thick of it all. His progression over the past 18 months has been frightening and he is ready to win a world title.”

Standing at a menacing 6ft 5in, Riakporhe looked sensational in January when he destroyed former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki inside four devastating rounds.

Riakporhe started late in boxing when he discovered the sport at 19-years-old – just four years after he survived a terrible incident when he was cruelly stabbed in the chest outside a house party at 15, requiring emergency surgery to drain his lungs of blood.

Remarkably Riakporhe recovered and has never looked back since in a magnificent career both inside and outside of the ring.

Having accomplished a degree in marketing communications and advertising in 2015 from Kingston University, Riakporhe is also now a brand ambassador for global fashion leaders Burberry alongside sports giants adidas.

Since turning pro in 2016, Riakporhe has never lost in his professional career with victories over the likes of Chris Billam-Smith, Tommy McCarthy and Jack Massey proudly on his impressive resume.

Now the quest continues for an elusive world title – with big fight news expected for Riakporhe in due course.

For all the latest news, updates and exclusive content, follow @boxxer and head to BOXXER.com.

PHILADELPHIA (May 1, 2023) — Weights for Tuesday night’s King’s Promotions Card at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

Joey Dawejko 262.1 – Colby Madison 252.4

Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4 – Roudly Lolo 154.3

Tyler Zwicarowsi 156.3 – Vincent Floyd 162.1

Christopher Burgos 140.8 – Tyree Arnold 143

Darin Holiday 123.1 – Emanuel Moreno 118.8

Promoter: King’s Promotions

Venue: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

1st Bell: 7:00 PM

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Tickets are $75 and $125 and can be purchased online now at AXS.com 

St. Petersburg, FL (May 1, 2023) – Connor “The Kid” Coyle retained his NABA middleweight championship following a ten round beatdown of Argentina’s Christian Fabian Rios Saturday, April 29 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg, FL.

Headlining Reyes Fire Fist Boxing’s “Fire on the Bay,” Coyle had a strong opening round, landing hard jabs and thudding body shots. Supported by a loud cheering section, the Derry, Northern Ireland native delivered round after round, peppering Rios with clean punches. Rios was hurt on a few occasions but displayed a tremendous chin and finished the fight on his feet.

Scores were 100-90 on all three scorecards.

With the victory, Coyle improves to 19-0 with 8 knockouts. Rios, who has only been stopped once, slips to 23-18-3 with 7 wins by KO.

“We knew he was a tough guy – he took David Lemieux and Esquiva Falcao the distance,” said Coyle. “I paced myself and landed well-placed punches. That was our gameplan coming into this fight. I did hit him with a lot of solid shots, so I’ve got to give Rios credit for how game he was.”

Coyle, the WBA’s #4 ranked middleweight, believes a showdown with #3 rated Austin “Ammo” Williams is on the horizon.

“We’re the most active middleweights in the rankings. There’s been talk of us fighting but nothing came to fruition so far. I believe he’s fighting again in June so if he handles business, we could hopefully fight in an eliminator or for a world title later this year.”

Coyle’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, was pleased as well and also envisions a fight with Williams in the near future.

“Connor did a great job tonight – he battered Rios and won all ten rounds. Rios has been in with a ton of world class fighters and always goes the distance so kudos to him for his toughness. I anticipate Connor moving up in the WBA rankings and I know Williams is also ranked highly so we’re ready to make it happen for the number 1 contender spot or a vacant title if Erislandy Lara vacates.”

Fernandez with his team after winning the NABA title

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Reyes Fire Fist Boxing

St. Petersburg’s Joseph Fernandez became the NABA junior welterweight champion with an emphatic fourth round stoppage of Marqus Bates. Bates got off to a solid start, but Fernandez rocked the Taunton, MA native with a head shot in round three.

In the fourth, Fernandez scored a hard knockdown via a picturesque left hook. Bates was game and made it back to his feet but was clearly shaken up. Fernandez closed the show moments later by rocking Bates, who was out on his feet when the fight was stopped at 1:41.

?Fernandez’ professional ledger improves to 16-5-3 with 6 KO’s. Bates is 11-6 (8 KO’s).

Silva wasted little time against Luque

PHOTO CREDIT: Damon Gonzalez – Reyes Fire Fist Boxing

Lightweight contender Willian “Babyface” Silva of Brazil demolished Diego Gonzalo Luque in the opening round. Silva connected with hard shots shortly after the opening bell and rocked Luque with an uppercut. Luque retreated to the ropes and Silva teed off until the bout was stopped at 2:21.

?Silva, who trains in Florida, is 30-4 with 18 KO’s. Luque, a native of Argentina, falls to 21-12-2 (10 KO’s).

“Silva’s a different fighter since returning to the lightweight division (trainer) Jim McLaughlin’s done a great job refining Willian’s style,” said Caliguire. “Luque went 4 rounds with Brandun Lee earlier this year, he’d gone the distance with Jack Catterall and Mikael Zewski among others. I believe a big fight for Silva will come in the near future.”

Light heavyweight Imran Haddabah won the NBA Americas title via first round knockout of Scott Lampert. The heavy-handed Haddabah, a crowd favorite in the Tampa Bay region, scored two knockdowns, ending Lampert’s night after a wicked right hand at 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

?Haddabah of St. Petersburg improved to 9-0 (7 KO’s) while Lampert of Dover Plains, NY falls to 5-8 (4 KO’s).

“This was a very successful card,” said Mike Reyes of Reyes Fire Fist Boxing. “We’d like to thank all the fans that came out on fight night, including many that traveled all the way from the Boston area. Connor, Willian, and Joseph all had big victories. We’ve got three more cards scheduled before the end of the year and look forward to seeing everybody during our fight nights.”

Reyes Fire Fist Boxing’s next card takes place June 24 at the Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, MA. A full replay of “Fire on the Bay” is available on Reyesboxingtv.com.

Additional undercard results

Junior middleweights: Luke Iannuccili (6-0 – 3 KO’s – Methuen, MA) KO2 (2:13) Christopher Wright (0-2 – Tifton, GA)

Junior welterweights: Gabriel Morales (7-0 – 4 KO’s – Lowell, MA) KO1 (:49) Nathan Harp Jr (0-2 – Kalamazoo, MI)

Light heavyweights: Mike Misa (4-0, 3 KO’s – Clearwater, FL) TKO2 (2:21) Russ Kimber (1-1 – Peabody, MA)

Junior middleweights: Rodrigo Coria (11-5, 2 KO’s – Cordoba, Argentina) UD6 (60-54 3x) Marcelo Fabian Bzowski (11-21-3 – Buenos Aires, Argentina)

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2023) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Amado Fernando Vargas is set to return in a four-rounder on the May 13 undercard of the world championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazakh phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.

In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.

Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Vargas’ bout will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect who made his pro debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout against Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. In 2022, he made his U.S. debut by defeating Anel Mudo via four-round unanimous decision in May and ended the year with a points victory against Osmar Olmos Hernandez in November. In his last fight, Vargas decisioned Printice Canada over four rounds in April. Trained by his father, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, he is one of three boxing brothers, along with older sibling Fernando Jr. and younger brother and Top Rank-signed lightweight Emiliano.

May 1, 2023, Guadalajara, MX – As the boxing world descends upon Guadalajara, México for Canelo-Ryder fight week, Canelo Alvarez Promotions will show off three of their young undefeated boxers, in the boxing ring, on Wednesday, May 3.

The three Canelo fighters on the stream will be Fernando “Ferros” Molina (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Guadalajara, México, Lazaro Lorenzana (10-0, 8 KOs) from San Diego, CA, and Jonathan Lopez (10-0, 7 KOs) from Orlando, Florida.

?

The fight card, promoted by Canelo Alvarez Promotions, Close Y Talento Boxeo and No Boxing No Life, will be streamed live world-wide on ProBox TV beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT.

In the main event, Molina will battle Kevin Piedrahita (6-1, 6 KOs) from Celaya, Guanajuato, México, in a ten-round lightweight bout. In the co-featured bout, Lorenzana and Alexis Rios (4-2-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, México will face off in a six-round super welterweight bout. Opening the stream will be Lopez in a ten-round super featherweight bout.

How to Watch Wednesday’s Show:

1. ProBoxTV.com

2. The ProBoxTV app available on all app stores

3. Available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV

Calling the fights on the ProBox TV produced event, on the English side, will be blow-by-blow commentator Mike “Goldy” Goldberg with the expert duo of former world champions Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Chris “The Fighting Collegian” Algieri as color commentators. On the Spanish side will be Ricardo Celis calling blow-by-blow and Eight-Time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez adding his expertise.

Chris Algieri notes: “Of course the eyes of the boxing world are all going to be on Canelo in his return to Guadalajara against John Ryder. This a massive event and deserves the attention it is getting. That being said, it doesn’t mean the boxing world stops.  ProBox will have its regularly scheduled Wednesday night fight series right in the middle of Canelo-Ryder fight week. ProBox isn’t here to compete with Canelo Alvarez, it’s here to find the next Canelo Alvarez.  Young fighters shouldn’t have to put their careers on hold because of a big fight. In fact, it’s a great opportunity for the champions of the future to soak up some of that superstar buzz that surrounds a big fight week.”

Paulie Malignaggie adds: Canelo is always front and center and is the name that resonates most with todays fight fans out of all the fighters of this generation. He is always the one under the most powerful microscope because literally everything about him can be and is discussed on his fight weeks. And ProBox is grateful to be part of the discussion.”

About ProBoxTV: ProBox TV is a digital subscription service which gives fans exclusive access to ProBox TV Content including live streaming of fights and on-demand videos. You can also watch daily talk shows with Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and our host Claudia Trejos. ProBox TV can be accessed using your favorite streaming devices, including mobile devices, or any personal computer. ProBox TV is a global product and available in all countries.

Upcoming WEDNESDAY Live Boxing on ProBox TV:

May 17 – Plant City, FL;_______May 31 – México City

June 14 – Plant City, FL;______June 28 – México

July 12 – Plant City, FL:_______July 26 – México City, MX

August 9 – Plant City, FL;______August 23 – México

September 6 – Plant City, FL;___September 20 – México City, MX

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en

Los Angeles, CA (May 1, 2023) Tickets are Now On-Sale for the next highly anticipated ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ event on Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles.

Headlined by The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh vs. Perennial Contender Carson Jones, tickets priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60 can be purchased online at www.360 Promotions.US. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. For more information and directions visit their website. The event will also be broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

The 10-round super welterweight main event celebrates the triumphant Los Angeles return of Walsh, (6-0, 5 KOs), of Cork, Ireland, trained by Hall of Boxer Freddie Roach. Fighting in front of a huge, loud and passionate Boston Irish boxing crowd on the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day, the 22-year-old southpaw knocked out Wesley Tucker in the second round at the Agganis Arena. A staple of UFC FIGHT PASS which broadcasts his fights internationally, Walsh has become a can’t miss attraction for combat sports fans since turning professional in December 2021.

Riding a three-fight winning streak, the upset minded Jones, (43-15-3, 31 KOs), of Oklahoma City, OK hits the ring against Walsh following a dominant victory over Dedrick Bell on March 18, 2023. Among the world champions and top contenders the heavy-handed Oklahoma native has faced include Kell Brook (twice), Antonio Margarito, Steven Butler, Jesus Soto Karass and Ricardo Williams Jr.

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

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

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Los Angeles – April 28, 2023–Undefeated super welterweight prospect Fernando “ElFeroz” Vargas Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to continue to make his mark on the division and keep his unblemished record alive as he headlines the MARVNATION card in association with Ringside Ticket Inc, on Friday June 2, 2023 live from the Pechanga Resort and Casino. The heavy-handed 26 year-old southpaw Vargas Jr. has quickly risen through the ranks, impressing boxing fans since turning professional two years ago, scoring knockout victories in each of his eight professional bouts, all of which have come in the first three rounds. In his last bout Vargas Jr. made quick work of Geronimo Sacco dropping him twice en route to a second-round knockout victory this past February at the Derby Room in Pomona.

In the Co-Main Event of the evening the WBC Interim WorldSuper Flyweight Champion, Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will also be back in action defending her title for the second time since capturing it last September with her victory over Sonia Osorio in Costa Rica. This past March, Ruiz came away with a quick first round knockout of Maria Diaz and will now have the opportunity not only to defend her title in Southern California but to get one step closer to becoming the full WBC Champion.

Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity the to enjoy an evening of fights with two “Living Legends” as the first ever five division world champion and two time Ring Magazine “Fighter of the Year” Tommy “The Hitman” Hearn along with the three division Lineal and five division world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard will be in attendance to meet the fans.

Doors for the event open at 5:00PM with the first fight starting at 6:00PM. The Pechanga Resort and Casino is Located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula California, 92592

Ticket prices start at $29 and can be purchased at www.marvnation.com or at www.pechanga.com 

NEW YORK (May 1, 2023)-LeAnna Cruz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision victory over former five-time world title challenger Simone Da Silva in a bantamweight contest which was the main event at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Cruz was very aggressive from the outset and dropped Da Silva in the opening round with a body shot.

Cruz did not take her foot off the gas pedal and continued to pressure Da Silva in domination fashion. Cruz showed crisp combination punching and had Da Silva in trouble several more times.

Cruz of Allentown, PA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 5-0. Da Silva of Brazil is 17-24.

Cruz is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen, and promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

DETROIT – May 1, 2023 – Four of Michigan’s top prospects will highlight undercard action as big-time boxing returns to Detroit on Saturday, June 3 headlined by the rematch between Undisputed Middleweight World Champion and Michigan’s own Claressa Shields and four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels live from Little Caesars Arena and streamed on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

The lineup will see Dearborn’s Da’Velle Smith take on fellow unbeaten Kahydlian Woods in a six-round middleweight showdown, Grand Rapids’ Joshua Pagan battling the undefeated Ronnell Burnett in a six-round super lightweight attraction, Grand Rapids’ Joseph Hicks Jr. in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Dearborn’s Gheith Karim in a cross-town matchup against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington scheduled for eight rounds in the super welterweight division.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents.

“Saturday, June 3 will be a night to remember from the opening bell, all the way until the world championship main event,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “The card will feature local talent with world class potential fighting in their most significant fights live on DAZN from Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. Detroit legends like Tommy Hearns and Hilmer Kenty will be looking on at ringside as these contenders will be fighting their most challenging opponents and hoping to prove that they are next in line to continue the elite pedigree of this legendary boxing city.”

The 22-year-old Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) made his pro debut in September 2021, winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round. Smith would follow that triumph with a pair of knockouts in November 2021 and May 2022, before winning a unanimous decision over Devontae McDonald last August. The Kronk Gym-trained prospect most recently stopped Gyorgy Mizsei in February. He will be opposed by the 27-year-old Woods (4-0, 3 KOs). Originally from California and now fighting out of Indianapolis, Woods turned pro last year and scored three-straight knockouts before a split-decision triumph over then unbeaten Ezekiel Scruggs in February.

Pagan (5-0, 2 KOs) won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis, completing a big step on his boxing journey that began as a teenager with his father and trainer Tony. The 23-year-old followed that up by turning pro in January 2022 and earning four victories that year. Most recently, Pagan won back-to-back decisions in Detroit to kick off 2023 as he bested Istvan Bela Orban in February and Wesley Rivers in April. He faces Kansas City, Missouri’s Burnett (9-0, 5 KOs), a 32-year-old who has fought professionally since 2017. Burnett earned three wins in 2022, including knockouts of Lantz Nave and dan Abram.

The 29-year-old Hicks (6-0, 5 KOs) started boxing at 19 and became a standout amateur before entering the pro rank. He 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, including already scoring two wins this year with triumphs over Bilal Quintyne in February and Noah Kidd in April.

Originally from Iraq and now residing in Dearborn, Michigan, Karim (9-0, 3 KOs) is trained by Jonathan Banks out of the world-renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit. The 25-year-old returned from a nearly three-year layoff last June and has won three-straight fights since then, most recently besting Ramses Agaton in March. He takes on Detroit’s own Harrington (8-1, 7 KOs), who trains in the same city as Karim, at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym. Harrington will be returning to the ring following his first career defeat, which came via decision against Marquis Taylor last October.

NEW YORK (April 29, 2023)–Split-T Management undefeated fighters, LeAnna Cruz and Joshafat Ortiz will be in action TONIGHT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Cruz will take on former five-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in a eight-round bantamweight fight, while Ortiz will take on Carlos Rosario in a six-round super featherweight contest.

Cruz of Bethlehem, PA is 4-0. The 25 year-old is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Deavany Cuevas Torres on March 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Cruz is under the guidance of Brian Cohen.

Da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-23 with six knockouts.

The 18 year capable veteran has wins over Paola Herrera (13-1-2), Paulina Cardona (9-2-3), Ikram Kerwat (9-1).

Ortiz of Reading, PA is a recent signee to Split-T Management is 11-0 with five knockouts has wins over Javier Oquendo (3-0), Eickson Rudecinfo (4-1), and is coming off a win six-round unanimous decision Mario Ezequiel Sayal Loza on September 16, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Rosario of Winter Haven, Florida is 5-1 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old Rosario is coming off his first defeat when he dropped a decision to undefeated Ezequiel Bprrero on November 4, 2022 in Plant City, Florida.

Ortiz is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

NEW YORK – April 28, 2023 – 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 main event as SHOBOX: The New Generation returns to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., during Hall of Fame Weekend on Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. This marks the second straight year SHOBOX^® will be a part of the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities. 

The exciting tripleheader features two undefeated matchups and includes fighters with a combined record of 99-2-2 and 56 knockouts. In the co-feature, college graduate Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., takes on fellow unbeaten and hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight matchup. In the telecast opener, former SHOBOX main-event winner and rising super lightweight prospect Mykquan Williams (19-0-1, 8 KOs) will face battletested Ryan Martin (25-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

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.

“It’s great to be back at Turning Stone Resort Casino for Hall of Fame Weekend,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Our three fight card features 50-50 matchups with the winner of the main event clearly establishing themselves as a top contender in the light heavyweight division. Each of these fighters aspires to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day, much as former SHOBOX fighters and Class of 2023 Hall of Famers Tim Bradley and Carl Froch once did. On behalf of all of us at SHOWTIME, congratulations to all the inductees!”

Added Salita, “Six fighters, five undefeated, will put it all on the line in by far the most significant fights of their careers. There is no better proving ground than SHOBOX and no better celebration of boxing than Hall of Fame Weekend. The boxing world will be watching. I’m honored to promote such an event.”   

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Izmailov vs. Foster – 10-Round Light Heavyweight Main Event

Ranked No. 7 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBO after just 10 fights, the John David Jackson-trained Izmailov is a fast-rising force in the light heavyweight division. A former amateur standout having won multiple elite international tournaments, Izmailov, economical and efficient in the ring, has been matched tough throughout his professional career. In his second fight, he cruised to a six-round unanimous decision over 30-fight veteran Dmitry Sukhotskiy and followed that with a dominant performance against once-beaten Sergei Ekimov. Since making his U.S. debut in October 2021, Izmailov is 5-0 with four KOs. Before his first-round knockout over Marcelo Ruben Molina in his last bout in March, Izmailov had back-to-back wins over undefeated opponents, including a unanimous decision over Eric Murguia in August. Originally from Malgobek, Russia, the 30-year-old Izmailov currently resides in Detroit when he’s not training in Florida with top trainer Jackson.

“I want to fight the very best to show the boxing world who I am,” Izmailov said. “I look forward to a great training camp with my trainer John David Jackson in Florida and a statement-making performance on June 9.”

Fighting out of New Haven, Conn., the southpaw SHOBOX alum Foster is coming off three straight knockouts, including his last in December against Rafael Fernandez Sosa in the Dominican Republic via a sixth-round stoppage. Prior to that, Foster was part of Hall of Fame Weekend last year as he took out Bo Gibbs, Jr., in Verona with a fourth-round TKO. In May of 2018 on SHOBOX at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Foster outworked then-undefeated Alvin Varmall to win a unanimous decision. He is a former four-time Connecticut Golden Glove winner and National PAL silver medalist. Foster, known for his heavy hands and slick movement, is promoted by Lou DiBella and Murphys Boxing, the promotional company founded by Ken Casey of the popular rock band Dropkick Murphys.

“Thanks to SHOBOX for bringing me back after five long years,” Foster said. “I have been here before. I’ve fought an undefeated fighter already on SHOBOX. I know what it takes. Last time, I won in good fashion. I know Ali is a good fighter. He’s a tough competitor with a good corner in John David Jackson. I have been with my team since I was 14 years old. This fight will put me right back where I was before the pandemic.”

Vansiclen vs. Carrillo – 10-Round Light Heavyweight Bout

Sporting a 45-5 amateur record, the 2015 University of Washington graduate was the National Collegiate Boxing Association 174-pound Champion in 2015, the same year he competed at the Olympic Trials. Known as a thinker and strategist in the ring, Vansiclen, a high school football standout, also possesses an exciting, come-forward style and likes to mix it up. He will be taking on his third undefeated opponent on June 9 after he most recently decisioned 13-0 Hakim Lopez in September 2022.

“This is a great opportunity to display my talent to the boxing world,” said Vansiclen, who goes by the nickname “Good Vibes.” “My previous bouts have prepared me for this fight, as we have faced some tough competition. This fight is in line with that. My keys to victory will be to fight hard and smart and let the vibes come out.”

Colombian Olympian Carrillo of Barranquilla, Colombia, is a slick boxer with heavy hands. His last six wins have been by knockout. He is coming off a fourth-round stoppage win against Robert Burwell last February. In 2021, Carrillo captured the WBA Fedecentro light heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Reinaldo Gonzalez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Accumulating a record of 388-23, he was among Colombia’s most decorated amateurs. He advanced to the second round at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. He also won gold medals at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. Carrillo comes from a boxing family and, at age nine, followed his father and older brother into the sport.

“This is my chance to prove to everyone watching, as well as my promoter DiBella Entertainment and my management team, Felipe Gomez and Juan Gonzalez, that I am ready to take my career to the next level and beyond,” Carrillo said. “I have been working hard to go all the way to the top. A win against Richard Vansiclen legitimizes my skills as a serious prospect. I want to climb up in the rankings and fight tougher opponents to earn a shot at a title.”

Williams vs. Martin – 10-Round Super Lightweight Bout

The rising undefeated super lightweight prospect Williams, 25, earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Yeis Solano in the main event on SHOBOX in January of 2021. In 2019, Williams was featured in Ring Magazine’s “New Faces” column, which highlights the sport’s rising prospects. The former amateur standout earned three Ringside Championships and a Silver Gloves Championship in his home state of Connecticut.

“I am excited to be back fighting on SHOBOX,” Williams said. “I think this is a very good fight for me. It’s definitely a step-up in competition. Ryan Martin has fought tough opposition, so I know he has experience. I want to thank DiBella Entertainment and Salita Promotions for the opportunity. Everything is running smooth in training camp, and I am looking forward to putting on a great performance.”

Martin was 22-0 with 12 knockouts before he lost his first fight in 2018 to former undisputed 140-pound king Josh Taylor in the World Boxing Super Series’ 140-pound tournament. Martin won his next two bouts before bowing to Robert Easter, Jr., a former titleholder, by unanimous decision in February of 2021. A former amateur standout with over 200 fights, the Tennessee, Chattanooga native won the U.S. Under 19 National Championships at 132 pounds in 2010 and the U.S. Junior National Championships in 2009 at 132 and is a 12-time Tennessee State champion.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to update the boxing world on who I am,” Martin said. “This is do-or-die, and I’ve faced death in the eye already and that isn’t for me. The Blue-Chip Express is on a mission to the top, and we haven’t seen our best yet. There is no such thing as tough, or tougher. It’s just who wants it more.”

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 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 88 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. 

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Friday, April 28 – The biggest boxing event of the summer is now even bigger with 2022 British Fighter of the Year, Natasha Jonas joining a blockbuster card on Saturday, June 17 – live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up by eager fans in the pre-sale window before today’s general sale release with a bumper, 18,000 capacity crowd expected to fill a sold-out AO Arena Manchester.

In the main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, Liam Smith faces bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Savannah Marshall challenges ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight Championship in the co-headline bout.

Now BOXXER can confirm that ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) will be defending her WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Welterweight titles too.

The Merseyside favourite captured the gold with three memorable wins last year – two of those in Manchester – when she defeated Chris Namus, Patricia Berghult and Marie Eve Dicaire. 

Her incredible hat-trick of feats saw her named the first-ever woman to claim the coveted British Boxing Board of Control Fighter of the Year award. An opponent will be named in due course for Jonas.

And in a huge domestic battle, British Super-Middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs).

Chelli delivered a stunning, career-best performance to defeat American prodigy Anthony Sims Jr back in February. And having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron – who is a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.

A bumper night of elite championship boxing awaits with a host of huge fights still to be added.

Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast.

Head to BOXXER.com to purchase yours today and for all the latest news ahead of what promises to be a historic evening on Saturday, June 17 at AO Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

This event is presented in partnership with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

SUNRISE, FL. – April 27, 2023 – Undefeated boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather will step into the ring on Sunday, June 11 for his latest exhibition showdown, as part of a star-studded night featuring musical performances and more.

Mayweather will take on professional fighter John Gotti III, the grandson of famous gangster John Gotti, headlining a Zeus Network Pay-Per-View on Sunday, June 11 from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida in an event dedicated to the loving memory of Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico, Mayweather’s longtime assistant who passed away suddenly in April.

For the event, Mayweather will partner with renowned director and producer Deon Taylor, CEO of Hidden Empire Film Group, to proudly present “LAST NAMES MATTER”, a unique crossover extravaganza.

In addition to Mayweather’s exhibition, the event will feature performances from superstar recording artist Ozuna and more. Ozuna has won multiple Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards, in addition to his 2018 collaboration with DJ Snake, Cardi B and Selena Gomez on “Taki Taki” that went quadruple platinum.

Tickets for the live event will go on sale Friday, May 5, with more information to follow.

After a legendary career that saw him compile a perfect 50-0 record while winning 12 world titles across five weight classes, Mayweather has gone around the world fighting in exhibitions and spreading the positive messages gleaned from the sport. Mayweather’s exhibition tour has seen him compete in electrifying contests in Dubai, Japan, and the U.K., with him now returning to South Florida after previously squaring off against social media superstar Logan Paul in 2021 in Miami, as he continues delivering memorable action in his signature “Money” Mayweather style.

“I’m all about bringing the biggest and best events to the people, and Sunday, June 11 is going to be like nothing else you’ve seen in the sports and entertainment world,” said Mayweather. “This is all about combining the entertainment of top-flight musical performances with top-flight skills in the ring. I love the fans in South Florida and I know they’re going to appreciate this premier event we’re going to bring to them.”

Gotti III has moved beyond the shadow of his famous last name to put together an impressive resume as both a professional mixed martial artist and a professional boxer. Fighting out of Oyster Bay, New York, Gotti III began his pro MMA career in 2017, racking up a 5-1 record competing on CES MMA shows. He officially made his transition into pro boxing in October 2022, winning a unanimous decision over Albert Tulley. He followed that up with a first round KO over Alex Citrowske in his last fight this January. Now he will look to show off his skills on the biggest stage of his career so far, against the all-time great Mayweather.

“I grew up idolizing Floyd and I’m honored to have this chance to step into the ring against him,” said Gotti. “He’s one of the greatest boxers of all time and he’s the reason I got into the fight game. But on June 11, I’m gonna punish him.”

The Founding CEO of Hidden Empire Film Group, Chicago native Deon Taylor is a world-renowned film director, producer and screenwriter responsible for such works as Dead Tone, The Hustle, Nite Tales, Chain Letter, Supremacy and Meet the Blacks

Known for his creative genius, Taylor has worked with several of Hollywood’s biggest names and most respected production companies to write, produce or direct many well-known works in black popular culture. He is also the visionary behind Mayweather’s “The GOAT” docuseries.

“Floyd has simply become the definition of iconic,” said Taylor. “His passion and genius in the ring and outside of the ring is beyond measure. I am personally blessed and honored to stand with him and tell his amazing story to the world. We cannot wait to see him in the ring again in Miami and understanding that some of the proceeds will be given to at risk youth just furthers Floyd’s brilliance and heart.”

“It’s great to be bringing another huge night to the fans in Florida,” said James McNair, CEO of High Rollers, producers of the event. “We’re excited to be back and working with the Gotti family this time for this exciting fight. It’s also our second time around with the Zeus Network and we’re thrilled to have them be a part of this event.”

“The Zeus Network is a trailblazing leader in streaming media, and we are excited to partner with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Floyd Mayweather, on his next exhibition fight,” said Lemuel Plummer, CEO of Zeus Network. We are honored to share his craft with the world exclusively via our platform.”

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ABOUT ZEUS NETWORK

Founded by Lemuel Plummer (also serves as CEO), The Zeus Network, is the first subscription-on-demand streaming service created by millennials for millennials. Launched in July 2018, the network features exclusive, original scripted, unscripted comedy and drama series and other premium content. Zeus is available to subscribers for $5.99 monthly on mobile phones and desktop computers at The Zeus Network.com. The Zeus mobile and connected TV apps are available on the Apple App store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, Roku and more providing access to anywhere, anytime, any device. Follow Zeus on Instagram and Facebook under @TheZeusNetwork.

New York, NY (April 27, 2023) – Touted Mongolian knockout artist Tsendbaatar “Chinggis Khaan” Erdenebat (5-0, 3 KOs), signed to DiBella Entertainment earlier this year, will make his Broadway Boxing debut tonight, live streamed globally on DAZN. The event begins at 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT.

Erdenebat grew up on the countryside steppes of the Mongolian grassland, living a nomadic lifestyle with his family, herding horses and livestock, which helped him to develop his lauded strength. His admiration for boxing began by watching Mike Tyson fights as a child and he had his first amateur bout at age 10.

As an amateur, Erdenebat was a two-time Olympian, competing in the 2016 Rio Games and 2020 Tokyo Games. Accumulating an impressive 147-41 record, Erdenebat won 11 Mongolian National titles, as well as gold medals at the AIBA Asian Championships twice, the 2018 Asian Games, and a bronze medal at the 2019 AIBA World Championships. He turned pro in September 2018 in China and made his US debut earlier this year in his first fight under the DiBella Entertainment banner. On February 23, Erdenebat earned a thrilling third-round stoppage victory against Giovanni Gutierrez, at Sony Hall, in Times Square, New York City. He is now trained by Manny Robles out of Legends Boxing Academy in Los Angeles, CA.

Erdenebat returns to Sony Hall tonight to take on fellow southpaw Edy Valencia Mercado (20-9-6, 7 KOs), of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, in an eight-round bout. The vacant NABF Junior super featherweight title will be on the line. Mercado, a Mexican featherweight titlist, went the distance with former world champion Jessie Magdaleno last May and has never been knocked out. Both fighters weighed in at 130 pounds. In preparation for this fight, Tsendbaatar spent part of his training camp working as a sparring partner for Ryan Garcia ahead of the Gervonta Davis fight.

“Tsendbaatar is a beast. He’s a fearless fighter with real knockout power and swagger. He has the potential to become a world champion. Together with his managers, Max Alperovich and Bulgantamir Enkh-erdene, we will provide him with the right opportunities to get there,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I’m thrilled that his Broadway Boxing debut will be seen by a worldwide audience on DAZN.”

“I am so happy to be in this position right now. Working with a world-renowned promoter like DiBella Entertainment is a dream come true,” said Erdenebat. “I have been building toward this dream ever since I was a kid. It has been two months since I arrived and started training in the US and now I am about to fight for the second straight time in New York City. I can’t wait to put on another explosive performance for everyone at Sony Hall and those watching on DAZN. Watch me become the first to knock my opponent out and in devastating fashion.”

“Tsendbaatar is an all-action fighter,” said co-manager Max Alperovich. “He is like a mix between Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao. I am happy to be working again with Lou DiBella. I know that he will bring Tsendbaatar along the right way. Tsendbaatar is always well prepared and ready for any level opponent. The featherweight and super featherweight divisions should be put on notice. We are coming for the title belts.”

“I first met Tsendbaatar in the Mongolian nationals. I was fighting as a heavyweight at the time. When I moved to the US in 2019, I knew that I could be the one to help Tsendbaatar realize his gift and become the champion I know he’s capable of becoming. After reuniting with him, I worked to make the right connections and bring him to the US,” said co-manager Bulgantamir Enkh-erdene. “I’m thrilled to be working with DiBella Entertainment and can’t wait to see what the future brings. Tonight is his introduction to Broadway Boxing. Those sparring sessions he had with Ryan Garcia were high level and intense. I am excited to see what will happen this evening against an experienced opponent.”

LOS ANGELES (April 27, 2023) – Houston’s undefeated light heavyweight prospect Darius “DFG” Fulghum (3-0, 3 KOs) enters the ring this Saturday evening for the first time since last August against Jay Williams in a four-round bout streaming live on DAZN from College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.

The 26-year-old Fulghum hasn’t fought since last August 10, when he knocked out David Murray (10-3-1) in the second round in Detroit.

“I can’t put into words how excited I am to be back in the ring,” Fulghum said. “It’s been a long time coming. A lot of waiting. Even though I haven’t fought since August, I have been putting in the work and I’m excited to display my skills on the 29^th.

“Nobody has seen anything yet. I’m just starting to showcase myself. Fans are going to see a super jab, range control, and a high IQ. Hey, I have a nursing degree, so I have to be smart (laughing). Everything I do is calculated. Ideally, I’d like to fight five more times this year at the least.”  

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a light heavyweight/super middleweight as a pro, capturing top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, all accomplished as he attended college. Because of the long delay due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Darius passed on the opportunity to compete in the Olympics, turning pro and signing a promotional contract with Probellum. Fulghum fought three times as a professional before parting ways with Probellum earlier this year, and he is now a promotional free agent.

Fulghum, though, doesn’t feel any added pressure fighting as a promotional free agent and being scouted by potential handlers.

“There’s no pressure on me regardless of my promotional situation,” Darius concluded. “My whole objective when I fight is to perform at my best. My ambition is to become one of the greatest.”

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), NABA super flyweight champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Instagram/Twitter/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum

NEW YORK, NY – April 27, 2023– Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced Most Valuable Prospects – a new boxing series created to highlight the next generation of the sport’s best male and female athletes, who all have world title aspirations.  Promoted by MVP and BoxLab Promotions and distributed by DAZN, Most Valuable Prospects will hold four Friday night events in 2023, offering fans an array of exciting fights with some of the hottest prospects in boxing. The first event will take place on Friday, May 26 live from the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The Caribe Royale Resort will be the series’ official title sponsor and host for each event, while DAZN has signed on as the series’ official distribution partner, airing Most Valuable Prospects across its platforms as a part of its subscription package. MVP’s co-founder Jake Paul and world renowned undisputed featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano will be in attendance for the inaugural event.

Tickets are now on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005E9AD958CFC5

With a record of 8-0 (8 KO’s), Sylve will headline the first Most Valuable Prospects event and has already impressed fans by knocking out every opponent he has faced, while also being named a 2022 ESPN Ringside Prospect of the Year. In his last bout as the co-main event of Paul vs Silva, Ashton knocked out his opponent in 61 seconds. Sylve embodies the type of young athlete MVP is looking to highlight during the Most Valuable Prospects series.

Sylve will go head to head with 19 year old Angel Rebollar on May 26 in an 8 round Lightweight (135) bout. Rebollar started boxing at the age of seven and is a former US national amateur champion. As a talented young fighter with a current record of 6-2 (3 KO’s), Rebollar is already battle-tested and is set to take on his seventh consecutive undefeated opponent. He trains under his longtime head trainer, Francisco Sandoval and boxes out of Knockouts Boxing Gym in South Gate, CA. 

“Having joined the boxing community in my twenties, I came to realize most professional athletes start training in the ring from the time they can walk,” said Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “It’s incredibly important to me and my team that we offer a platform and the tools necessary to help these young boxers achieve the success they’ve been working towards since they were kids. I was lucky enough to have a solid foundation when I entered boxing because of the people supporting me and our goal with Most Valuable Prospects is to give others the same chance, on a global stage. Amanda and I can’t wait to be ringside on May 26 to cheer on Ashton and the rest of the Most Valuable Prospects.” 

“We have a wide array of athletes within the MVP family and our unique ability to market and promote them as individuals proves how different our company truly is,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “We have the ability to nurture boxing careers no matter what stage they are in and our goal with this series is to identify and elevate the next generation of boxing icons. We want to help build the future of the sport and believe there is immeasurable potential out there. We are thrilled to partner with Boxlab, Caribe Royale Resort, and DAZN on this new series. We look forward to showcasing hot new prospects in boxing in 2023 and beyond..”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be kicking off the Most Valuable Prospects series on DAZN as the headline main event on May 26th in Orlando. I’ve been training hard and I’m looking forward to putting on an entertaining performance for all my fans,” said Ashton Sylve. 

“DAZN is looking forward to furthering our relationship with MVP and Jake Paul by providing a platform for more young talents to showcase their boxing skills,” said Joe Markowski, CEO of DAZN North America. “The event on May 26th is going to be the first of a series focused on growing the next generation of boxers live on DAZN.”

“On behalf of the Caribe Royale Resort and Boxlab Promotions we’re excited to be a part of this new series on DAZN,” said Amaury Piedra, Managing Director of Caribe Royale Resort and President of Boxlab Promotions. “Since the moment we started discussing the Most Valuable Prospect Series it became apparent that Nakisa, Jake, myself, and our mutual teams were aligned on a vision and had good chemistry. We’re looking forward to featuring the best young boxers in the world in this series in competitive matches to get them the exposure they deserve at this stage of their careers. This is also part of Caribe Royale’s plan to continue to bring world class entertainment to the guests of our resort and Orlando locals as well so it’s a great fit for everyone. We can’t wait for May 26^th!”

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

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last four global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Fury match, which surpassed 800,000 Pay-per-view buys worldwide. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

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

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

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

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

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

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

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

Lee Baxter Promotions is proud to announce our next show, taking place at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre on May 21. Joining forces with Phil Lo Greco, Baxter looks to take the iconic Niagara Falls boxing series to the next level. Rising lightweight star, Lucas ‘The Prince’ Bahdi will be headlining the event in his hometown against Jesus Amparan for the IBF North American Lightweight Title.

Lucas Bahdi (13-0 11KOs) has made a name for himself in Canada with his ferocious knockout power, stopping 11 of his 13 opponents within the distance. This will be the undefeated contenders first fight since signing with Lee Baxter Promotions, he’s hoping to make an impact on the lightweight division worldwide and has his eyes set on the top 135-pounders in the division. As an amateur, Bahdi picked up 3 national titles. He now looks to add to his collection by winning the IBF North American Title, but Jesus Amparan stands in his way.

In the other corner to Bahdi is Jesus Amparan (20-3-0 16KOs). Hailing out of boxing hotbed Sonora in Mexico, the younger Amparan is unbeaten in his last 4 contests. Amparan plans to bring the fight to Bahdi and ultimately head back to Mexico with the belt and his win streak still intact.

All-action junior welterweight prospect, Joshuah Lupia (10-0 8KOs), returns to fight in his hometown for the first time since 2019. Lupia always shows up ready for war with his loyal fanbase right behind him. The two-time amateur national champion won a comfortable point decision in December against Lanardo Tyner, who has shared the ring with the likes of Lamont Peterson, Jessie Vargas and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. A great learning curve for Lupia as he climbs up the ranks after his astonishing return to the ring.

‘The Queen of Niagara Falls’ Mikiah Kreps (5-0 2KOs) will be crossing over the USA-Canada border for her Canadian debut. Last time out, Kreps won an 8-round unanimous decision against Indeya Smith in New York, USA.

The 2019 AIBA Worlds Bronze medallist said after her last fight that she wants to keep active in 2023, her opponent will be announced shortly.

‘Razor’ Ross Mylet (8-1-1 1KO) has his sights set on the heights of the bantamweight division. The Canadian Champion is coming off a dominant fourth-round stoppage performance against Eduardo Cruz Munoz, he looks to make another statement on May 21. Before turning solely to boxing, Mylet was a world class kickboxer representing Team Canada worldwide. Mylet will be going head-to-head with Jose Lopez (5-1 1KO) of Fortin de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico. Lopez looks to get back to winning ways after picking up his first defeat as a professional against the undefeated Javier Arriola.

Additional undercard bouts to be announced shortly.

Tickets to go on sale next week on tickets.com For VIP Booths and tables please email sales@leebaxterpromotions.com. The Niagara Falls convention centre is located at 6815 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada L2G 3Y9.

You can also stream this broadcast on DAZN. Stream starts at 6pm EST

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