July 25: Robeisy Ramirez to Defend WBO Featherweight Crown against Satoshi Shimizu in Co-Feature to Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue Junior Featherweight Title Showdown LIVE Exclusively on ESPN+

TOKYO (April 26, 2023) – Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to make the inaugural defense of his WBO featherweight world title against a fellow two-time Olympian. 

Ramirez will take on Japanese contender Satoshi “Diamond Left” Shimizu Tuesday, July 25, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Ramirez-Shimizu will serve as the co-feature to the world title showdown between Philadelphia’s WBC/WBO junior featherweight champion Stephen Fulton and Japan’s pound-for-pound king Naoya “Monster” Inoue.

Fulton-Inoue, Ramirez-Shimizu and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Ramirez said, “Next stop, Japan! I am happy to announce my quick return to the ring in what will be the first defense of my WBO world championship. Fighting is what I do best, titles are meant to be defended, and there’s no stopping ‘El Tren!'”

Ramirez (12-1, 7 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, experienced a rocky start to his pro career following a split decision loss to Adan Gonzales in August 2019. However, after joining forces with Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, the 29-year-old has developed a more pro-friendly stye. He has remained undefeated since and avenged his loss to Gonzales in a 2020 rematch inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In 2022, Ramirez stopped Irish veteran Eric Donovan in February, starched then-unbeaten contender Abraham Nova in June, and defeated Jose Matias Romero via ninth-round TKO in October. In his last fight, the fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, soundly defeated former junior featherweight world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight crown.

Shimizu (11-1, 10 KOs) is a 37-year-old southpaw making his first attempt at a world title. Before turning pro, he represented Japan at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. In his first Olympiad, Shizmu was eliminated in his opening bout. Four years later, he moved down to bantamweight and earned a bronze medal, defeating Dogboe but losing to eventual gold medalist Luke Campbell. Shimizu has only tasted defeat once as a pro, a sixth-round TKO loss to Joe Noynay in 2019. His pro career is otherwise unblemished, having knocked out 10 of 11 opponents across an almost seven-year span. 

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About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 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). 




GOLDEN BOY SIGNS MUST-WATCH MIDDLEWEIGHT PROSPECT ERIC PRIEST

LOS ANGELES (April 26, 2023) Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of 24-year-old middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs).

“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to begin fighting under the Golden Boy banner. I’m ready to make noise in the middleweight division and believe Golden Boy is the right promotion to stand beside me on my way to the top. I believe I was born for this.”

“Eric Priest was the most sought out prospect middleweight. With massive, crossover star potential and the boxing talent to match, everyone was hungry to sign him and I am incredibly humbled that he chose Golden Boy,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Priest has the bravado and the hunger to be a noisemaker in the division and is a potential world champion in the making. We are excited to have him join Golden Boy.”

Priest joins the promotional company with an impressive toolkit and massive crossover star potential. He turned pro in 2020 with 60+ fights in his amateur career and the accolades to match; including winning first place in the 2017 Kansas Golden Gloves tournament and becoming a two-time Ringside World Championships finalist. A boxer-puncher with explosive, fast hands, he has trained with the likes of Gabriel Rosado, Israil Madrimov, Janibek Alimkhanuly, Tim Tzyu, and Raul Curiel – to name a few.

Priest began boxing at 10-years-old when he found himself in a number of street fights as a young child with his brother. His father, who was in the military, taught him how to throw a punch and was the first person to bring him to a boxing gym. Today, he is trained by Pedro Neme, Jr. and Eddie Autry at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica.

An official adidas-sponsored athlete and former part-time model signed to the Wilhelmina agency, he hopes to make noise in the middleweight division and mark his own path in the sport.




Weights from Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth, TX (April 26, 2023) –Weights for King’s Promotions show at The El Corral West Nightclub (4824 South Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76115 in Fort Worth, Texas)

Kenneth Taylor 133.4 – Dan Abrams 134.4

Brittnay Sims 118.1 – Alexis Mones 117.3

Jacob Reynolds 155.4 – Willie Bender 164

Emanuel Tennison 146.4 – Devon Jones 145.6

Jesus Guzman Jr 111.5 – Miguel Angel Perez 110.8

Kailia Attry 136.7 – Karen Dulin 132.5

Sammy Lee Brown 166.3 -Jose Gomez 165.9

Trrrion Claybon 141.1 – Xzavier Jackson 141

Promoter: King’s Promotions

Venue: El Corral Nightckub

1st Bell: 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT

Stream: BXNGTV.com (Marc Abrams and Mikenna Tanlsey on the call)

Tickets Start at $25 as well as $40, $80, $100 and $200 and can be Purchased at The Following Link:

CLICK TO BUY TICKETS




Weights for Thursday’s NYC Broadway Boxing on DAZN

BRIAN CEBALLO____________________LUIS ALBERTO VERON

New York, NY ________________________Buenos Aires, Argentina

13-1, 7 KO’s__________________________________20-6-2, 9 KOs

152.4 lbs._______________________________________153.4 lbs. 

8 Rounds – Vacant – Vacant NABF Jr. Super Featherweight TIte.

TSENDBAATAR ERDENEBAT_______EDY VALENCIA MERCADO

Tsetserleg,Mongolia___________________Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico

5-0, 3 KOs___________________________________20-9-6, 7 KOs

 136 lbs.__________________________________________136 lbs.

8 Rounds – Super Fytweights

MIYO YOSHIDA_____________________________INDEYA SMITH

Kagoshima, Japan_______________________________Dallas, TX

 15-3__________________________________________6-6-2, 1 KO

111.8 lbs.________________________________________114.2 lbs 

6 Rounds – Lightweights

SYDNEY MACCOW______________________CHRISTIAN OTERO

Brooklyn, NY_______________________________________NY, NY

8-8, 3 KOs______________________________________4-3, 2 KOs

134.2 lbs._______________________________________134.2 lbs.

6 Rounds – Junior Welterweights

JOSHUA DAVID RIVERA_____________________LARRY FRYERS

La Mesa, CA___________________________________Yonkers, NY

8-2, 3 KOs____________________________________11-6-1, 4 KOs

142.8 lbs._______________________________________143.4 lbs.

4 Rounds – Junior Welterweights (142lbs)

DAVID LOPEZ__________________________NELSON MORALES

Las Vegas, NV_________________________________Scranton, PA

2-0,2 KOs_____________________________________________3-5

148.6 lbs._______________________________________148.4 lbs. 

New York, NY, April 12, 2023 – – BoxingInsider returns for its fourth promotion in six months with Broadway Boxing, a card full of local and international talent to be streamed globally on DAZN.

The April 27 event is promoted by BoxingInsider Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, Boxing Insider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  This will be Boxing Insider’s fourth professional boxing promotion.  It has promoted one amateur boxing event and three professional events, on October 13, December 21, and February 22, all at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT

In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermaine Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

About DAZN Group: 

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

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

DAZN is re-imagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, 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 catalogue 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. 




BOXER CAMACHO, JR. LAUNCHES MACHO CUP IN SPANISH HARLEM

April 26, 2023, Brooklyn, NY – Boxing champion Hector Camacho Jr. will host a special press conference announcing the launch of the Macho Cup Amateur Boxing Event. Named in honor of his slain father, Hector “Macho” Camacho, the legendary Puerto Rican world champion boxer and entertainer who lost his life in senseless drive-by shooting. The free event will feature a series of amateur boxing matches sanctioned by USA Boxing Metro, presented by Gym X Boxing Gym, EntroBox, American Dream Presents, and Hector Camacho Jr.

The press conference will take place at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 27th, at the East Harlem neighborhood where Macho Camacho grew up, at the James Weldon Johnson Community Center, located at 1833 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY.

The historic event is part of Camacho Jr’s Gloves Up Guns Down, a national social justice initiative that promotes boxing as a positive, healthy alternative to senseless gun violence. “Having lost my dad to a bullet, I’m committed to continue to raise awareness, provide hope while making a difference in our communities,” said Camacho Jr.

Hector “Macho” Camacho, East Harlem legend, won three New York State Golden Gloves tournaments before becoming a world champion boxer in three weight classes, WBC Super Featherweight, WBC Lightweight, and WBO Junior Welterweight. Hector “Macho” Camacho was the prized fighter that sent Sugar Ray Leonard into permanent retirement in 1997. On November 20, 2012, world champion boxer, who fought his way out of the rough streets of Spanish Harlem’s, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Puerto Rico.

The inaugural Macho Cup will take place May 18th, kicking off a festive week of celebration honoring the fighting pride of Spanish Harlem. It will include renaming 115th Street and Lexington Avenue, Macho Camacho Way, to be held on May 20th. In addition to the historic renaming of the street, Bally’s Sports will air a special 60-minute documentary – “Macho Camacho Way” – chronicling the events leading up to the renaming and the festive celebration that will follow. Produced by Ron Johnson and Hector Camacho Jr., the film will premiere in June of 2023 on Bally’s linear and digital channels.

EntroBox is an entertainment and sports industry company that unleashes the value of entertainers and amateur/pro athletes. EntroBox’s unique approach and professional status in the sporting industry allows them to execute across a diverse landscape. EntroBox is launching the next evolution in boxing’s DNA, while providing a pathway for other sports to connect and monetize to the ever-changing digital world. EtroBox is bridging viewership from network TV to the metaverse.

INTERVIEW & PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE!

PRESS CONTACT:   KEITH L. FOREST @ (917) 714-8998




DURING CANELO – RYDER FIGHT WEEK IN GUADALAJARA Canelo Alvarez Promotions, Clase Y Talento Boxeo & No Boxing No Life Presents “WEDNESDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” WEDNESDAY, MAY 3 LIVE ON PROBOX TV

APRIL 26, 2023, PALNT CITY, FL – Every Canelo fight is an event and the entire boxing universe is focused on “Canelo Fight Week.” Next week, during fight week, Close Y Talento Boxeo, No Boxing, No Life, & Canelo Alvarez Promotions will promote a boxing event on Wednesday, May 3. The event will produced and streamed live, world-wide, on ProBox TV, beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

In the main event, hometown boxer Fernando “Ferros” Molina (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Guadalajara, México will battle Kevin Piedrahita (6-1, 6 KOs) from Celaya, Guanajuato, México, in a ten-round lightweight bout. In the co-featured bout, Lazaro Lorenzana (10-8, 8 KOs) from San Diego, CA and Alexis Rios (4-2-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, México will face off in a six-round super welterweight bout.

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.”

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

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 3 – Guadalajara, México;  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




EDWARDS MEETS CAMPOS IN WORLD TITLE TRIPLE-HEADER IN LONDON

Sunny Edwards will defend his IBF World Flyweight title against Andres Campos at the OVO Arena Wembley, London on Saturday June 10 live worldwide on DAZN – and topping a blockbuster triple-header of World title action with Nina Hughes defending her WBA Bantamweight crown against Shannon Courtenay and Cherneka Johnson defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight strap against Ellie Scotney.
 
Edwards (19-0 4 KOs) makes his Matchroom debut in the capital having penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March, and the unbeaten Sheffield-based slickster makes his fourth defence of the IBF strap he landed in April 2021 against Moruti Mthalane in London.
 
‘Showtime’ is gunning for unification clashes in the second half of the year and having seen off challenges from Felix Alvarado, Muhammad Waseem and Jayson Mama, he welcomes unbeaten Chilean Campos to his homeland. Campos (15-0 4 KOs), ranked at seven in the IBF rankings, has held the WBO Latino Flyweight strap since March 2020 and the 26 year old, who has called Edwards out before, landed the 15th win of his career in January and fourth inside the distance – and now lands the World title shot he’s been craving.
 
“Campos has been calling for a fight with me for a couple years now since I’ve been champion which is strange to me,” said Edwards. “So, now I’m gonna cook him like sweet chilli and send him back packing with his tail between his legs, the little muppet!”
 
An all-British World title clash sees WBA Bantamweight ruler Hughes (5-0 2 KOs) makes the first defence of her title against former title holder Courtenay (8-2 3 KOs). Hughes landed the title in Dubai in November against Jamie Mitchell, and the late-bloomer from Essex will face a hungry Courtenay in London as the Watford star aims to regain the title she lost on the scales before dropping a majority decision to Mitchell in Liverpool in October 2021 having beaten Ebanie Bridges to win the belt in London six months earlier.
 
The third World title bout on the bill pits Australian IBF Super-Bantamweight champion Johnson against unbeaten Briton Scotney. Johnson (15-1 6 KOs) got her hands on the vacant title on her home patch in Melbourne 12 months ago against Melissa Esquivel and then bravely coped with a brutal cut in the second round of her first defence against fellow Aussie Susie Ramadan as they served up a classic at the Rod Laver Arena in October. Scotney (6-0) lands her first World title shot against Johnson, and the Catford star, will fight at the Wembley venue for the third time in her burgeoning career after landing the European title in her last outing in October.
 
There’s an action-packed undercard supporting the three World title bouts, with some of Matchroom’s brightest talents in crunch clashes.
 
Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke looks to close in on a British title tilt as he faces David Jamieson in a final eliminator for the British title. Clarke (5-0 4 KOs) got vital rounds under his belt in February in Nottingham in his first ten rounder when Israel Duffus became the first fighter to take him to the final bell, and now the 32 year old meets Jamieson (10-2 7 KOs) to get into pole position for the British strap, and it would lead to a second crack at the title for Jamieson, who met current champion Mikael Lawal for the belt in November.
 
Youssef Khoumari and Reece Bellotti will meet in an eliminator for British Super-Featherweight title. Khoumari (15-1-1 6 KOs) performs on his doorstep in a key battle for the 26 year old to get into range for the Lord Lonsdale belt, and the Wembley talent has bagged a pair of wins since being edged out by Jorge Castaneda in October 2021.
 
Watford’s Bellotti got himself back into winning ways after picking up the Southern Area title last April by stopping Dean Dodge at York Hall having dropped losses to World rated Raymond Ford and Jordan Gill on Matchroom bills previously.
 
The ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (8-0 7 KOs) will bring his Bull Army to Wembley for the third time as the 24 year old Heavyweight fights for the ninth time in the pros, Anthony Joshua-managed Shannon Ryan (4-0) returns to the venue of her March 2022 debut to continue her pro journey, and rising starlets George Liddard(2-0 2 KOs) and Muhammad Ali (1-0) feature on Before the Bell. 
 
“What a night we have in store on June 10 in London,” said Hearn. “Sunny headlines in his first fight with us and with those massive unification fights on the horizon, he’ll be looking to shine against Andres, who can upset the odds in his first World title fight.
 
“All-British World title fights always have that extra bit of spice, and I expect Nina and Shannon to deliver fireworks, and the same applies to the battle between Cherneka and Ellie, a fight that will be high in drama and skill.
 
“Chev and Youssef will have their title credentials tested in important battles with David and Reece, Johnny’s incredible support will be out in force again and it’s a great platform for Shannon, George and Muhammad to strut their stuff – June 10 is another night of must-see action live on DAZN.”

Ticket details will be released soon.




GERVONTA DAVIS’ IMPRESSIVE SEVENTH-ROUND KO OF RYAN GARCIA TO AIR ON SHOWTIME THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 29 AT 9 PM ET/PT

NEW YORK – April 25, 2023 – Gervonta Davis’s thrilling seventh-round knockout of Ryan Garcia on Saturday night on SHOWTIME PPV®, in which Davis took out Garcia with a devastating body shot, will premiere on SHOWTIME this Saturday, April 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, giving fans another chance to take in Davis’s picture-perfect, two-knockdown performance against the previously undefeated Garcia.

In addition, ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. GARCIA EPILOGUE will premiere immediately following the delayed telecast, capping a memorable buildup chronicled by the Emmy® Award-winning series, which was recently nominated for two more Sports EMMY Awards. ALL ACCESS: Davis vs. Romero Epilogue was nominated for Outstanding Edited Event Coverage, while ALL ACCESS: Spence vs. Ugas was nominated for Outstanding Writing – Long Form. ALL ACCESS has now been nominated for 13 Sports EMMY Awards since it premiered in 2012, winning five times. This year’s Sports EMMY Award winners will be revealed at a ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall on May 22.

As an indication of the popularity of Saturday’s event, Episode One of ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. GARCIA has garnered 3.7 million views, while Episode Two has 2.6 million views on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel alone.

Below are some notable headlines that came out of Saturday’s event:

High-Profile Headlines

“Davis has staked a strong claim to be the face of American boxing.”

“Davis put himself in position to succeed Canelo Alvarez as the face of the sport.”

“With that single left hand, Davis cemented himself as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighters.”

“The knockout burnished Davis’s reputation as an accurate, efficient, destructive puncher.”

“The three-division world champion further cemented his status as the world’s most dazzling boxer in front of a sold-out crowd at T-Mobile Arena.”

“It wasn’t power that led Davis to this victory. It was his boxing skill, his ring IQ and his ability to capitalize on Garcia’s mistakes.”

“He is no longer just one of boxing’s biggest draws – his knockout of Ryan Garcia proved he’s one of the best fighters in the world.”

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Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.




SUMMER SHOWDOWN: RIVALS SMITH AND EUBANK COLLIDE AGAIN AS MARSHALL CHALLENGES CREWS-DEZURN FOR UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLES IN MANCHESTER ON JUNE 17

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (April 25, 2023) -– Repeat or revenge? All or nothing? A blockbuster night of box office boxing is locked in at AO Arena Manchester on Saturday, June 17 as Liam Smith faces Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Undisputed Super-Middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn puts all her gold on the line against Savannah Marshall. 

Months of build-up and high tensions in fight week set the stage for a classic encounter in January between Smith and Eubank, with the 20,000 fans inside the sold-out Manchester Arena joined by a huge television audience which set a new domestic pay-per-view record for the weight class.

And another sell-out is expected in June with fans able to register for tickets today ahead of Friday’s general sale. 

With both fighters eager for a definitive finish, there was little in the way of a feeling-out process. Heavy leather was traded from the opening bell – and it was all over twelve minutes later, the referee stepping in to wave the fight off after Smith emphatically put Eubank Jr down twice in the first minute of the fourth round.

The result did little to settle tensions between the two men and they rose still further when Eubank’s team claimed one of the knockdowns had been the result of an illegal elbow strike. This incensed Smith, who saw it as a display of bad sportsmanship and Eubank refusing to admit Smith had been the better man on the night.

In summer those tensions will soar to new heights as both men return to Manchester Arena in June for a clash which will irrevocably change the course of their careers.

For former WBO world light-middleweight champion Smith (33-3-1, 20 KO’s), a second win will stamp his authority on the domestic division and set the stage for huge future world title opportunities as he continues his career renaissance under the BOXXER banner.

Liam Smith said: “I know he tried his best to go a different route but the fight is on now and I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say for himself in the build up. Let’s see what angle he comes with this time. 

“He can’t come with angles about how he’s never been hurt, he’s never been dropped, he’s never been stopped, because he just had all three of those things happen to him in one night and it was me who did it to him. So I’m interested to see what he comes with this time and I’m also interested to see where he goes after I beat him again on June 17.

For Eubank (32-3, 23 KO’s), victory means redemption and revitalises the prospect of encounters with elite names on the world stage. 

Chris Eubank Jr said, “Liam had the night of his life against me in January, the stars aligned for him in Manchester, and he went away with a big win. But lightning doesn’t strike twice. If he even has the slightest thought that he can beat me again, then great, because it will be his undoing.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER Founder and CEO, said, “Liam Smith will be looking for a repeat as Chris Eubank Jr goes in search of revenge in an absolute must-win, at the scene of their first fight in a rivalry that has gripped that nation.

“And Savannah Marshall will have restitution in mind when she takes on the queen of the super middleweight division Franchón Crews-Dezurn in an all or nothing collision for 168lbs glory where Savannah could create history by becoming a two-weight world champion.

“This is a huge box office night – and I cannot wait.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “Hell hath no fury like a Eubank scorned and there was no chance Chris was going to let this one lie. He’s a wounded animal and this makes him extremely dangerous. No sooner had the fight finished, then Chris made it clear that he wanted to trigger the rematch clause and on June 17, he gets his shot at revenge. Smith, you have been warned. Beast mode is on!”

Meanwhile, Savannah ‘The Silent Assassin’ Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) will challenge undisputed world super-middleweight champion Franchón ‘FCD’ Crews-Dezurn in the co-headline bout.

Having headlined a record-setting event at London’s O2 Arena in an October challenge against Claressa ‘GWOAT’ Shields, Marshall’s return to the ring places her immediately in another high-stakes encounter against an undisputed world champion with the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF world super-middleweight championships on the line.

Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) began her second stint as WBO world super-middleweight champion in March 2020, captured the WBC title for a second time in June 2020 and then added the WBA and IBF belts in April 2022 to become undisputed world champion of the weight class. 

For former world middleweight champion Marshall, the bout is a return to her roots: she commenced her professional career at super-middleweight, her first professional bout taking place on the undercard of the blockbuster Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Conor McGregor superfight which took place in August 2017. 

Having once held the WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Championship before moving up to middleweight and commencing her successful middleweight run, Marshall is going all-in on her return to the division and is aiming for immediate undisputed world champion status.

Franchón Crews-Dezurn said: “I’m so excited that my team and BOXXER were finally able to get this fight done. I’m looking forward to fighting in Manchester, England, especially against a competitor like Savannah Marshall, who has represented the UK for many years just as I have represented the United States for many years, including as amateurs. 

“This fight has been over 10 years in the making and it’s going to be one for the history books. I love to elevate women’s boxing and put on a great display for the people here in the UK. The fans have embraced women’s boxing so much here and I’m coming for the win, regardless of being in Savannah’s backyard or any other adversity stacked against me. I’m full confident in myself and my team and I look forward to putting on a great show for the people.”

Savannah Marshall said: “I’m grateful to BOXXER and Hennessy Sports for getting this fight over the line. This is a big fight for me and a chance to become a two-weight world champion.”

Peter Kahn, Franchón Crews-Dezurn’s manager, said: “This is exactly what boxing needs. The best fighting the best. Champions fighting champions, deserving of a shot at undisputed. I have no doubt that Franchón and Savannah are going to entertain the fans in Manchester and around the world on June 17.”

Sky Sports Box Office will exclusively screen the bout in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Pricing details, as set by Sky, will be released in due course along with further announcements on the full, exciting undercard.




WILLIAM ZEPEDA VS. JAIME ARBOLEDA FINALIZED CARD

ARLINGTON, TX (April 25, 2023): The countdown continues towards the title showdown between undefeated knockout artist William “El Camarón” Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo, Mexico who will defend his WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title against former world champion challenger of Curundu, Panama Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (19-2, 14 KOs). The 12-round main event is presented in association with Sampson Boxing, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN from College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus. Doors to College Park Center open at 5:00 p.m. CT, the opening bout begins at 5:05 p.m. CT, and the DAZN broadcast will begin at 7:00 p.m. CT/ 8:00 p.m. ET. 

In the co-main event, Diego De La Hoya (24-1, 11 KOs) will participate in a 10-round featherweight fight against stablemate Victor Morales, Jr.  (17-0-1, 8 KOs). The two will now be fighting for the WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title. 

Chicago’s Frederick “General Okunka” Lawson (29-3, 22 KOs) will fight Estevan “Manos De Oro” Villalobos (16-1-1, 12 KOs) of Mount Vernon, Washington in a 10-round super welterweight bout. Opening up the DAZN broadcast with eight-rounds of super middleweight action, Reading, Pennsylvania’s David “Dynamite” Stevens (12-0, 9 KOs) will face off against Marco Periban (26-6-1, 17 KOs) of Mexico City. 

Also on the card, Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (9-1, 7 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas is scheduled for a six-round heavyweight fight against Jonathon “The Reaper” Rice (2-2, 2 KOs) of Cleburne, Texas. Caleb Suniga (1-0) of Austin, Texas will participate in a four-round super featherweight fight against Chichigalpa, Nicaragua’s Carlos Arroyo (5-22-1, 4 KOs). 

Darius “DFG” Fulghum (3-0, 3 KOs) of Houston will face Julio Bendana (6-6, 3 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a six-round light heavyweight bout. Opening the fight night, Robert “El Terror de Cayey” Cruz (8-0, 4 KOs) of Killeen, Texas is scheduled for a six-round super middleweight fight against Houston’s Tyrone “Solja Black” Selders (9-15-2, 6 KOs).

###

Zepeda vs. Arboleda is a 12-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets are on-sale and are priced at $150, $90, $60, $45 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at UTATickets.com, AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 




Granite Chin Promotions Returns June 10th with “Fight Night at the Vets Club”

QUINCY, Mass. (April 24, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) returns to the Bridgewater Veterans Club on Saturday night, June 10th, with “”Fight Night at the Vets Club” in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

The six-round main event pits former Massachusetts Middleweight title challenger Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-3, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), against Ryan Thomas Clark (2-3, 1 KO), of Barrington (NH), in an old-fashioned New England rivalry match.

Baptiste and Clark split a pair of amateur matches: “Black Dragon” won a split decision in 2016, lost a unanimous decision in 2015.

In his most recent pro fight, Baptiste lost a six-round majority decision, also contested at the Vets Club, to Tony Andreozzi for the state title. Clark’s most notable pro victory was a six-round unanimous decision over Kris Jacobs.

“We are excited to be returning to the Bridgewater Vets Club,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “It is a great venue to host local boxing and this card will be highly competitive from top to bottom. Julien and Ryan have taken on all comers in New England and this fight has all the makings of getting the crowd on its feet. In his last fight, Julien and Tony (Andreozzi) put on one of the best local slugfests of 2022 and June 10th won’t be any different.”

Also slated to fight on the “Fight Night at the Vets Club” are former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (17-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), 2020 USA Boxing Elite National Champion Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Roxbury (MA), unbeaten Lynn (MA).super middleweight James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs), and Scituate (MA) heavyweight Kevin Nagle (1-0,1 KO).  Their opponents will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

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

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




May 20: Emiliano Fernando Vargas and Abdullah Mason Headline Haney-Loma ESPN+ Undercard at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2023) – A pair of 19-year-old lightweight prodigies are set to return in separate bouts as part of the ESPN+-streamed undercard to the PPV main event headlined by the undisputed lightweight championship battle between Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Undefeated Las Vegas native Emiliano Fernando Vargas will take on an opponent to be named in a four-round bout, and Cleveland-born southpaw AbdullahMason will face Desmond Lyons in a six-rounder.

Vargas’ return, Mason-Lyons and additional undercard fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. 

The stream will precede a two-fight ESPN telecast featuring the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title showdown between Australia’s former world champion Andrew Moloney and Japan’s undefeated former WBO flyweight titlist Junto Nakatani. Moloney-Nakatani and the return of middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The Haney vs. Lomachenko main card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Priced at $59.99 across all distributors, it also will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers.

The PPV undercard features a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature between two-division world champion Oscar Valdez and Adam “BluNose” Lopez in a rematch of their 2019 battle.

In the PPV opener, rising lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla will take on big-punching Namibian contender Jeremia Nakathila in a 10-round clash. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets are on sale now at axs.com.

Vargas (4-0, 3 KOs) was a seven-time national amateur champion before debuting in the pro ranks in May 2022 with a first-round knockout of Mark Salgado. In October, “El General” signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and debuted with a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Martinez. Under the guidance of his father and trainer, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, the young lightweight has already scored two victories this year, a four-round decision win over Francisco Duque in February and a second-round knockout over Edgar Uvalle in April.

Mason (7-0, 6 KOs) was considered one of the brightest talents in U.S. amateur boxing before signing with Top Rank in October 2021. Mason made his pro debut in November 2021 with a second-round TKO win over Jaylan Phillips. In 2022, Mason went 5-0 with four knockouts. The southpaw phenom is coming off a first-round stoppage over Erick Garcia Benitez in April. Lyons (8-2, 2 KOs) is a 24-year-old South Carolina native who defeated Aaron Jamel Hollis via a six-round decision last May. 

In other undercard action streaming on ESPN+:

  • Junior featherweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (8-0, 3 KOs) looks to shine in front of a hometown crowd in an eight-round bout against a to-be-determined foe. Diaz is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Edgar Joe Cortes last November.
     
  • Middleweight slugger Amari Jones (8-0, 7 KOs) will make his 2023 debut in a six-round clash. In 2022, Jones traveled to Melbourne, Australia, and fought on the undercard of both Haney-George Kambosos Jr. fights.



HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS: CALLUM WALSH VS. CARSON JONES HEADLINES, FRIDAY, JUNE 9 AT COMMERCE CASINO AND UFC FIGHT PASS

Los Angeles, CA (April 24, 2023) The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (6-0, 5 KOs), of Cork, Ireland faces perennial contender Carson Jones, (43-15-3, 31 KOs), of Oklahoma City, OK on the next edition of the acclaimed ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ series, ‘The Most Entertaining Boxing Show in the United States,’ set for Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, CA and broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Walsh vs. Jones, the ten-round super welterweight main event is presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions. Tickets priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60, Will Go On-Sale This Week 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.

Said Tom Loeffler, “Callum continues to show in each fight that he has both the capability of becoming not only a world champion but also one of the biggest stars in the sport. Carson Jones is a very tough test for Callum and we look forward to a tremendous main event along with a sensational undercard which we will be announcing shortly.”

“Our first event at the Commerce Casino sold-out and I strongly encourage fans to purchase their tickets early for this outstanding event on the Los Angeles sports calendar.”

“Boston was a tremendous experience but now it’s time to prepare for another great performance in my second home, Los Angeles, California,” stated Callum Walsh. “I know how tough of a fighter Carson Jones is and Freddie and I have already started our preparations at Wild Card.”

“I feel really good about this fight and I’m definitely coming for the upset,” exclaimed Carson Jones. “I believe my experience will be the deciding factor. I need to make it a rough and tough dog fight and then I’ll be too much for him. Fans can absolutely expect to see an exciting fight on June 9.”

The main event celebrates the triumphant return of Walsh, 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 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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Pierce upsets Williams, Booker silences Aduku
as both capture vacant WBC championships Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena

Uncasville, CT – Elijah Pierce established himself as a legitimate contender in the super bantamweight division Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in what was undoubtedly the biggest win of his career.

Headlining CES Boxing’s Championship Jackpot card on Spectation Sports, Pierce struck gold with a unanimous decision win over former world-title contender Tramaine Williams in the 10-round main event to capture the vacant WBC Silver Super Bantamweight Championship – a title Pierce held last October until he was stripped by the WBC for failing to defend the crown.

This time, Pierce (17-2) figures to be more active as he attempts to parlay last night’s win into a major opportunity in the 122-pound weight class. Williams (20-2), the 30-year-old New Haven, CT, native and hometown hero in last night’s main event, heads back to the drawing board after what turned out to be a nightmarish weekend in and out the find; Williams missed weight on Friday and was subsequently denied the opportunity for the belt, then got overwhelmed in the middle rounds Saturday, leading to just the second loss of his pro career.

Pierce, the Oklahoma City native who’s promoted by ex-fighter Tony Jeter, fell behind early on the scorecards as Williams used his speed and aggressiveness to swipe the first three rounds. Then Pierce’s size and strength took over. At 5-foot-8, Pierce is a much bigger super bantamweight than most of his peers. Williams, by comparison, is only 5-4, and that difference in height made the difference in the middle rounds once Pierce developed his rhythm. The taller, stronger Pierce – he entered the fight with 14 knockout wins in 18 pro bouts – simply walked down Williams rounds 4, 5, 6, and 7, backing Williams against the ropes and unloading with effective two- and three-punch combinations.

Williams rebounded nicely toward the end of round 8, but couldn’t build on the momentum over the final two rounds. Pierce was simply too strong and too dominant down the stretch.

In the co-main event, Stamford, CT, super welterweight Chordale Booker (19-1, 8 KOs) brought home the vacant WBC USNBC title with a fourth-round knockout win over Ghana native Daniel Aduku (15-3-1), knocking Aduku face-first through the ropes with a stiff left hand that prompted referee Johnny Callas to stop the bout. After suffering his first career loss in April of 2022, Booker has now won back-to-back fights and earned his first title in last night’s co-feature

Also at Championship Jackpot, Springfield, MA, super welter Anthony Velazquez (12-0-1) fought to a majority draw with Rashid Stevens (6-1-2) of Gardena, CA, and Texan Dominique Griffin (5-3-2) scored a unanimous decision upset win over previously-unbeaten super bantamweight Carlos Venagas Nunez (6-1) of Port Chester, NY, who was making his CES debut.

Fast-rising super lightweight prospect Mike Kimbel (2-0, 2 KOs) of Waterbury, CT, continued to tear through the region, knocking out Pawtucket, RI, native Dahvon Shelton (1-2) with a hard overhand right in the first round of their scheduled four-round bout. Kimbel is now 3-0 in 2023, including a win in mixed martial arts at CES 72 in March.

Welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (5-1, 2 KOs) of Columbia, CT, won her fifth consecutive fight via first-round knockout when Sarah Click (1-4-1) of Bourne, MA, was unable to continue due to a leg injury and Poland’s Slawomir Bohdziewicz (1-0, 1 KO), who now lives and trains in Stamford, won his pro debut with a second-round knockout win over debut Max Weslei Da Silva (0-1).

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

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call th




Split-T Management Fighters Willito Ortiz and Yan Santana in Action TONIGHT in Puerto Rico

NEW YORK (April 22, 2023)–Two of the Split-T Management’s undefeated fighters will be in action TONIGHT in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Welterweight Willito Ortiz takes on Marc Misiura, while super featherweight Yan Santana battles fellow undefeated knockout artist Javier Ailla.

Ortiz of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico is 2-0 with two knockouts and will be making his first start of 2022 and is coming off an impressive stoppage of veteran Daulis Prescott on December 9, 2022 with a second round stoppage.

?Ortiz, 19-years old of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, has already built a major name for himself across the island despite only picking up the sport five years ago. A rangy southpaw with ferocious power, Ortiz has dominated the opposition since stepping onto the amateur circuit – compiling a total record of 48-4 and winning four National Championships in a row (2019-2022). As a member of Team Puerto Rico, Ortiz amassed multiple international accolades including a Gold Medal at the 2019 Cinturon de Oro Tournament in Ecuador, a Bronze Medal at the 2021 Pan-Am Games in Colombia, and a Silver Medal at the 2022 Copa Independencia Tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Misiura of Scranton, Pennsylvania is 3-3-1 with one knockout, is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Younes El Majdoub on January 21, in San Diego.

Ortiz and Misura both weighed 142 lbs.

Santana of Lo Romana Dominican Republic is 6-0 with six knockouts.

At 23 years-old, Santana has been impressive by stopping three of his six foes in the opening frame. His latest victory was a second round stoppage over Jorge Luis Torres on November 11, 2022 in The Dominican Republic.

Ailla of Quito, Ecuador is also perfect at 3-0 with two knockouts.

Ailla is coming off a second round stoppage over Jay Idrogo on February, 24, 2018 in Quito, Ecuador

Santana and AIlla both checked in at 135 lbs.

Santana is promoted by Cotto Promotions.

The Fights will be streamed Live on Cotto Promotions Facebook Page.




“I WANT WILDER, WHYTE OR DUBOIS!”  BAKOLE CALLS FOR BIG NAME BATTLES AFTER HAMMERING HULK IN POLAND

RZESZOW, POLAND – (Saturday, April 22) – After hammering ‘The Hulk’ in less than two rounds and handing the previously-undefeated Ukrainian heavyweight his first stoppage loss, Martin Bakole (19-1, 14 KO’s)  called out some of the division’s biggest names to face him in the ring next.

Making his official BOXXER debut, Bakole stopped the previously undefeated ‘Ukrainian Hulk’ Ihor Shevadzutsky (10-1, 8 KO’s) at 0:45 of the second round, demonstrating exactly why he is the most avoided heavyweight on the planet.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bakole is a son of the hereditary ruler of the Kananga province and brother of former WBC world cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu, who is next in line for throne. 

For the last four years he has been based in Ayrshire, where he trains under the stewardship of Billy Nelson, hence his nickname ‘The Next King of Scotland’. In keeping with his royal heritage, Bakole has his eyes on the heavyweight crown and wants a huge heavyweight showdown to be his next step towards that. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bakole said: “I want Dillian Whyte, Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk. Why not? I call people out because I know I can stop them! I made a big statement tonight. I was the first guy to stop [Hulk]. This guy has never been stopped before, I was the first to stop him.” 

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom added: “Everyone in boxing knows how good this guy is and now we need to make sure he gets to mandatory so that people can’t keep avoiding him. He’s ready for the big fights and for me Deontay Wilder is the fight he should be getting next. 

“If Usyk is facing Dubois next then the thing that makes sense according to the WBA rankings I think would be Bakole against Deontay Wilder. and we’re also interested in Dillian Whyte or Daniel Dubois.”

There was another impressive heavyweight performance in the shape of rising star Jeamie TKV (5-0, 3 KO’s).

Making light work of Polish native Michal Boloz (now 5-5, 2 KO’s), the London fighter scored the third knockout win of his young professional career to take his record to five wins from five fights, with three of those wins by knockout. 

Body shots were the key to victory, a rare sight in the professional heavyweight ranks, with TKV digging for gold repeatedly in Boloz’s midriff before finally folding him in half and sending him through the ring ropes during the fight-ending sequence.

“I started a bit slow, he had weight behind his punches so I needed to be smart. I knew if I caught him in the body nicely, he was going to go,” TKV told Sky Sports reporter Andy Scott at ringside post-fight.

“I’ve got more to show, more to come. I want more fights, more experience. I hope the guys at home enjoyed that knockout.”

In the main event, presented in association with Knockout Promotions, hometown hero Lukasz Rozanski (15-0, 14 KO’s) made short work of Croatian wildman Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-1, 10 KO’s) to claim the inaugural WBC World Bridgerweight Championship in front of a partisan crowd in the sold-out G2A Arena.

This was never going to go the distance – both fighters are gunslingers who favour all-out aggression and eschew defence – but the first-round finish was still surprising in its ferocity. 

Rozanski found his mark first and Babic never fully recovered, being put on the back foot almost instantly and suffering a storm of heavy leather which did not relent until the referee waved the fight off at 2.10 of the second round.

Earlier in the evening, Birmingham’s Steed Woodall (18-1-1-, 11 KO’s) survived a brief wobble late in the fight to take a unanimous decision over Boris Crighton (11-3, 7 KO’s) in a bout which was closely fought for all of its eight rounds. 

This event was presented in association with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

For more reaction and for all the latest news and updates, go to BOXXER.com and follow @BOXXER on social media.




Gervonta Davis Stops Ryan Garcia in 7

Gervonta Davis stopped Ryan Garcia in round seven of their 12-round catchweight bout before a capacity crowd of 20, 842 fans at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Garcia hurt Davis with an overhand right. Garcia continued touching Davis until a perfect counter left from Davis landed squarly on the jaw of Garcia that sent him to the deck.

In round seven, Davis landed a left hand to the ribs which made Garcia take two steps back and sink to a knee for the 10-count at 1:34.

Davis, 135.3 lbs of Baltimore is 29-0 with 27 knockouts, Garcia, 135.5 lbs of Los Angeles is 23-1.

Gervonta Davis

“Everything about this was exciting. I was excited to be a part of this event. I remember coming up in the Golden Gloves and seeing Floyd fight at the MGM. It was crazy. I actually just saw Rihanna perform at the Super Bowl, and I thought that’s going to be me one day. And we’re here.

“The reality definitely matches the dream. But the job is never done until I retire so I’m going to keep my head down, stay humble and continue to work.

“Me predicting the 7th round KO was me just trying to get in his head. I really don’t know until I actually get in there with my opponent, but once I got in there with him I felt like skill-wise, it all matched.

“The first knockdown was just him not knowing his placement and I knew that I was the smaller guy, and my coach was telling me in camp that he’s going to come up with his head up, so just shoot over the top.

“I didn’t think that body shot would end it, but I saw his facial expression and that’s what made me take it to him. It was a good shot, for sure. I thought he was going to get up but I like to play mind games, so when he was looking at me, I was looking at him trying to tell him, ‘Get up!’. And he just shook his head, no.

“I’m definitely the face of boxing. Absolutely!”

Ryan Garcia

“I’m good. ‘Tank’ is a great fighter. I take my hat off to him. I know we talked a lot of trash leading into the fight, but he knows what it is. It’s all love at the end of the day. I was honored to be in the ring with a great fighter and I respect him a lot. You know how the business goes. But I want to say to Tank, you’re a good man.

“He just caught me with a good shot. I don’t want to make any excuses in here. He caught me with a good shot and I just couldn’t recover and that’s it. He caught me with a good body shot, snuck under me and caught me good.

“I couldn’t breathe. I was going to get back up, but I just couldn’t get up.

“I think I should have pressured him a little harder near the ropes. I was giving him a little bit too much respect and I think that was my downfall. I think I gave him a little too much respect in the ring.”

Morrell Destroys Falcao in 1; Retains WBA Super Middleweight Title

David Morrell Jr. retained the WBA Super Middleweight title with a first round destruction of Yamaguchi Falcao.

Morrell came out blistering as he could not miss with his right hooks and uppercuts. Morrell sent Falcao down with a hard uppercut. Morrell finished off Falcao with a devastating right hook that plummeted him face-first and he was out for several minutes before he could get to his feet. The time was 2:22.

Morrell, 167.8 lbs of Santa Clara, Cuba is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Falcao, 166.4 lbs of Espirito Santo, BRA is 24-2-1.

David Morrell, Jr.

“I’m so excited. This was a big moment and a big night for me, so a knockout in the first round is incredible. But this is boxing. First round, second round, I’m not worried when the knockout comes but I got it in the first round.

“I think this is the best moment of my career tonight. It was a big event and a big name. I want to fight the best in the division.

“Much respect to Yamaguchi. I’m glad he’s okay. He’s a good guy and a good boxer.

“David Benavidez is next. Where is he? I want to fight Benavidez, man. He’s next, 100 percent. I don’t want any other guys at 168 pounds. Just Benavidez. I respect Benavidez and his team, but inside the ring, I don’t respect nothing.”

Melikuziev Gets Even With Rosado; Wins Unanimous Decision

Bektemir Melikuziev evened the score with Gabriel Rosado and took a 10-round unanimous decision in a super middleweight contest.

Melikuziev laded 153 of 354 punches. Rosado was just 55 of 332.

Melikuziev, 167.3 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is 12-1. Rosado, 167.3 lbs of Los Angeles via Philadelphia is 26-17-1

Bektemir Melikuziev

“This was the fight that I wanted. This is the fight that I felt like I made a mistake in the first one, and I had this opportunity for revenge on such a big card. It’s a pleasure for me.

“In the first fight against Rosado, I underestimated my opponent. This time, we put the work in during camp. We went through everything. This time, the goal was to showcase my skills, box and punish him as much as possible too.”

Gabriel Rosado

“I tried, but I was a step behind. Father Time, eighteen years as a pro, but I was game. I walked to him, I boxed him, I tried everything but I was a step too slow.

“I was a split-second behind. He’s fresh, he’s young and I’m happy for him. I knocked him out bad in the first fight and he made adjustments.

“I don’t make any excuses. I was ready. Now it’s time to wrap it up and give my knowledge to younger fighters with management and training. I want to share my experience with them, and maybe do some more commentating.”

”

Elijah Garcia Decisions Kevin Salgado

19 year-old Elijah Garcia remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Kevin Salgado in a welterweight bout.

In round seven, Salgado was deducted a point for a low blow.

Garcia landed 194 of 621 punches. Salgado was 178 of 551.

Garcia, 159.2 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 97-92 twice and 95-94 and is now 15-0. Salgado, 159.2 lbs of Mexico City is 15-2-1.

Elijah Garcia

“I was standing a little too still trying to fight on the inside. Salgado is a tough opponent. He was real tough, real strong and I just had to move and box a little bit. Other than that, it was a good, hard 10 rounds. I give my opponent 100 percent props.

“I stayed in shape one hundred percent after my last fight. Back-to-back camps, and not only that, but I made boxing a lifestyle. I’m always in the gym, eating good and doing the best I can to stay healthy.

“I just have to continue getting better in the gym every single day. That’s what it’s about. I learned a lot today. It was my first time going past six rounds and I got the full 10. The fights like this will get me closer to a world title.

“It feels great to get this win on a big stage. I feel like I’m getting better with each fight. I know I have a long way to go, but I like where I’m at. I’m hoping to get right back in the ring soon.”

Kevin Salgado

“I felt like I won. By a small margin, but I should have won.

“I feel really sad because I felt like this was a really good fight. The referee kept getting in my way. I got a point deducted from me but he didn’t say anything when Garcia hit me in the back of the head. It’s all just very sad.

“It felt like swimming against the current. Mexicans always come to fight against everyone and everything: The judges, the opponent, the refs, the home fans. None of that got in my way to keep moving toward.

“I wish I had had more time to prepare. The three weeks’ notice I got didn’t allow me to be as sharp as I wanted or needed to be.

“I’m still here and I will be a world champion someday. I can promise you that.”

Czerkaszyn Stops Espadas in 9

Fiodor Czerkaszyan stopped Elias Espadas in round nine of a 10-round middleweight bout.

Czerkasyn beat up Esoadas throughout and even turned it up in rounds eight and nine, and the bout was stopped at 2:07.

Czerkasyn, 159.1 lbs of Warsaw, POL is 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Espadas, 158.9 lbs of Merida, MEX is 22-6.

Mielnicki Jr. Destroys Charles in 4

Vito Mielnicki Jr. took out Jose Sanchez Charles in round four of their 10-round super welterweight bout.

At the end of round three, Mielnicki dropped Charles with a long right to the head. Seconds later, it was a short, quick right that put Charles down for a second time. In round three, Mielnicki cracked Charles with a counter right to the jaw that sent him sprawlimg down to the canvas and the bout was stopped at 33 seconds.

Mielnicki, 153.1 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 15-1 with 10 knockouts. Charles, 153.6 lbs of Reynosa, MEX is 20-4-1.

Lorenzo Simpson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Pachino Hill in a middleweight bout.

In round six, Hill began to bleed from the nose.

Simpson, 161.6 lbs of Baltimore won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is 13-0. Hill, 163.3 lbs of Davenport, IA is 8-2-1.

Good looking Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a second round destruction of Valentin Leon Jr. in a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Schofield put Leon on the canvas with a straight left. In round two, Schofield dropped Leon face-first wit a perfect left at 1:51.

Schofield. 134.7 lbs of Austin, TX is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Leon, 134 lbs of Culican, MEX is 23-2-2.

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated with a third round stoppage over Jason Phillips in a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout.

In round three, Hackett dropped Phillips with a perfect left hook to the body. Seconds later, it was another left hook that ended Phillips afternoon at 2:20.

Hackett, 153.9 lbs of Washington, DC is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Phillips, 153.5 lbs of Davenport, IA is 3-4-2.

Cuttino Oliver stopped Roberto Cantu Pena in round two of a scheduled four-round bantamweight fight.

In round one, Oliver dropped Pena Twice and the fight was stopped 1:07 into round two.

Oliver, 115.6 lbs of Baltimore is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Pena of Mexico is 3-3.




RAKHIMOV VS. CORDINA WEIGHTS, IMAGES AND RUNNING ORDER

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
MILES GORDAN-DARBY 240.2 lbs v PHIL WILLIAMS 262 lbs
(Kingston, England)                           (Swindon, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
SAMMY LEE 193 lbsv JURIS ZUNDOVSKIS 179.5 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)         (Liepaja, Latvia)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
NATHAN HOWELLS 132 lbs v JAHFIEUS FAURE 130 lbs
(Newport, Wales)                       (Oldbury, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight
BRANDON SCOTT 129 lbs v REYNALDO CAJINA 133.11 lbs
(Swansea, Wales)                   (Managua, Nicragua)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Featherweight
SKYE NICOLSON 127.15 lbs v LINDA LAURA LECCA 125.3 lbs
(Queensland, Australia)            (Lima, Peru)

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF European Cruiserweight Title 
JORDAN THOMPSON 199 lbs v LUKE WATKINS 198 lbs
(Manchester, England)                 (Swindon, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title
ZELFA BARRETT 129.1 lbs v JASON SANCHEZ 128.10 lbs
(Manchester, England)            (Albuquerque, USA)  

followed by

12 x 3 mins British Lightweight Title
GAVIN GWYNNE 134.2 lbs v CRAIG WOODRUFF 133.15 lbs
(Treharris, Wales)                   (Newport, Wales)  

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant WBO Welterweight World Title
SANDY RYAN 146.6 lbs v MARIE PIER HOULE 145.9 lbs
(Derby, England)              (Terrebonne, Canada)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Super-Featherweight World Title
SHAVKATZDHON RAKHIMOV 129.7 lbs v JOE CORDINA 129.12 lbs
(Bokhtar, Tajikistan)                                      (Cardiff, Wales)




Joe Cordina Decisions Rakhimov To Win IBF Super Featherweight Title

Joe Cordina re-claimed the IBF Super Featherweight Title with a 12-round split decision over Shavkatzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff, Wales.

In round two, Cordina dropped Rakhimov with a left hook In round six, Rakhimov began to bleed from around his left eye.

Cordina, 129.12 lbs of Cardiff, WAL won by scores of 115-112 and 114-113, while a third card had Rakhimov ahead by a 116-111 tally.

Cordina is 16-0. Rakhimov, 129.7 lbs of Bokhtar, TAJ is 17-1-1.

Sandy Ryan won the vacant WBO Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Marie Pier Houle

Ryan, 146.6 lbs of Darby, ENG won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-1. Houle, 145.9 lbs of Terrabonne, CAN is 8-1-1.

Gavin Gwynne stopped Craig Woodruff in round five of their 12-round lightweight bout.

In round, Gwynne landed head and body shots that backed Woodruff on the ropes until the fight was stopped at 2:02.

Gwynne, 134.2 lbs of Treharris, WAL is 16-2-1 with for knockouts. Woodruff, 133.15 lbs of Newport, WAL is 12-7-1.

Zelfa Barrett won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a super featherweight bout.

In round five, Barrett landed a hard right that put Sanchez on the canvas.

Barrett, 129.1 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by scores 119-108, 118-110 and 116-111 and is now 29-2. Sanchez, 128.10 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-4.

Jordan Thompson stopped Luke Watkins in round six of their 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Thompson dropped Watkins twice in round six.

Thompson, 199 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 15-0 with 12 knockouts. Watkins, 198 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 16-3,

Sammy Lee stopped Juris Zundovskis after the opening round of their six-round light heavyweight bout.

Lee, 193 lbs of Swansea, WAL is 2-0 with one stoppage. Zundovskis, 179.5 lbs of Latvia is 6-6.

Miles Gordan-Darby won a four-round decision over Phil Williams in a heavyweight fight.

Fordan-Darby, 240.2 lbs of Kingston, ENG won by a 39-37 score and is 4-0.




DAVIS VS. GARCIA OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS

Lightweight Bout (136-Pounds) – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 135.1 lbs.

Ryan Garcia – 135.5 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Dave Moretti (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

WBA Super Middleweight Title – 12 Rounds

David Morrell Jr. – 167.8 lbs.

Yamaguchi Falcao – 166.4 lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Max DeLuca (N.Y.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Super Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gabriel Rosado – 167.3 lbs.

Bektemir Melikuziev – 167.3 lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Elijah Garcia – 159.2 lbs.

Kevin Salgado – 159.3 lbs.

Referee: Robert Hoyle; Judges: Max DeLuca (N.Y.), Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Fiodor Czerkaszyn – 159.1 lbs.

Elías Espadas – 158.9 lbs.

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Vito Mielnicki Jr. – 153.1 lbs.

José Charles – 153.6 lbs.

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

The SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show co-host Brian Campbell, who also serves as an analyst alongside Marquez on SHOBOX, renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani and accomplished sports broadcaster Kate Abdo.

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a long-awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Olympic Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

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




Weights From Ontario, CA ACOSTA vs. VILLARRAGA

George Acosta 129.6 vs Cesar Villarraga 129.9

Rigoberto Hermosillo 127.8 vs Ezequiel Caro 127

Anthony Chavez 134.6 vs Dihul Olguin 130.4

Arnulfo Cazares 245.9 vs Bryan Hall 242.1

Kevin Sagado 141.9 vs Steven Walker 140.2

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, April 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:45 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple 

?and Google.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Rich Marotta.

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

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

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

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

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




SHOWTIME® SPORTS DOCUMENTARY FILM S.O.G.: THE BOOK OF WARD, PRODUCED BY UNINTERRUPTED,TO PREMIERE FRIDAY, JUNE 2 ON SHOWTIME

NEW YORK – April 21, 2023 – SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films, in association with UNINTERRUPTED, announced today that S.O.G.: The Book of Ward, an intimate portrayal of the improbable rise of boxing great Andre Ward will premiere Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME streaming and on demand platforms that same day. The official trailer for S.O.G.: The Book of Ward has also been released on the eve of the blockbuster telecast headlined by Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia Saturday, April 22 in a SHOWTIME PPV Production (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

To watch and share the official trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/cYLYDouXxso

In the film, produced by the athlete empowerment brand UNINTERRUPTED founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, the undefeated, five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist reveals in personal terms his journey from a turbulent childhood in Oakland, Calif., through the pressures of world championship expectations and ultimately to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. 

“I always knew that one day I would tell my story in my own words. I’ve been waiting for the right moment and platform to do it, and the time is now,” said Ward. “I’m excited to be partnering with SHOWTIME and UNINTERRUPTED to bring this to life. Many people know what I accomplished, but they don’t know what I overcame to get to this point. I pull back the curtain on my parents’ struggles with addiction, the lure of the street life following my father’s death, and my battles with the sport of boxing itself. This film will detail how I rose above it all through my faith, determination and desire to leave my own unique legacy no matter the cost.”  

In September 2017 at the age of 33, with his status as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport secured, the undefeated Ward shocked the sporting world when he announced his retirement from boxing. Now 39 and a father of five, Ward reflects on his life with newfound clarity and appreciation for his unconventional rise to greatness. Featuring interviews with longtime trainer and godfather Virgil Hunter, Andre’s wife Tiffiney Ward, as well as key figures from the sports and entertainment world, S.O.G.: The Book of Ward will examine a side of Ward few have ever seen.

S.O.G.: The Book of Ward was directed and executive produced by Rachel Neubeck and co-director, Diaunte Thompson. For UNINTERRUPTED, James, Carter, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron served as executive producers, alongside Co-Executive Producer Matt Rissmiller.  

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.




FULLY LOADED: HEAVY HITTERS BAKOLE AND BABIC ON WEIGHT FOR SATURDAY SHOWDOWNS IN POLAND, LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

RZESZÓW, POLAND – (April 21, 2023) – A procession of power-punchers hit the scales in Poland today to officially make weight for tomorrow night’s bouts on the BOXXER Fight Night event taking place in at the G2A Arena in the historic city of Rzeszów, live on Sky Sports and presented in association with local partners Knockout Promotions.

In the main event, crowd-pleasing Croatian Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) competes for the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight Championship against hometown hero ?ukasz Roza?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s).

The chief support slot sees heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s) make his BOXXER debut. He faces Ukrainian standout Igor ‘Hulk’ Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s) and will be going in search of his opponent’s countryman Oleksandr Usyk if victorious tomorrow night.

Also on the card from the BOXXER heavyweight stable is Jeamie TKV (4-0 2 KO’s), who faces Poland’s Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s), joined by light-heavyweights Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) vs Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s). 

Today’s official weigh-in results are below. Watch live this Saturday night on Sky Sports.

WBC Bridgerweight World Title Fight 

?ukasz Roza?ski (100.8kg // 15st 12 lbs 3oz) vs Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (95.6kg // 5st 13oz) 

Heavyweight Bout (10 Rounds)

Martin Bakole (127.3kg // 20st 10oz)  vs Igor Hulk Shevadzutskiy (125.6kg-19st 10 lbs 14 oz) 

Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Jeamie TKV (117.7kg // 18st 7lbs 8oz) vs Micha? Bo?oz (101.2kg // 15st 13lbs 2oz) 

Light-Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Steed Woodall (78.4kg // 12st 4lbs 13oz) vs Boris Crighton (77.3kg // 12st 2lbs 6oz) 




LONDON CALLING: AZIM HEADLINES AT ICONIC YORK HALL IN WBA CONTINENTAL TITLE FIGHT AS RISING SUPERSTAR SIMPSON IS ADDED TO JUNE 10 EVENT

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 21, 2023) – Rising star Callum Simpson will take a step to greatness when he returns to the ring on June 10 at London’s iconic York Hall – as Adam Azim headlines in a WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Championship bout with Aram Fanyan.

Barnsley super-middleweight Simpson (11-0, 9 KOs) sensationally ripped up his reputation as the ‘best kept secret in British boxing’ when he emphatically stopped Celso Neves last month in Manchester on his BOXXER debut.

And the prodigal 26-year-old will be intent on creating more headlines when he ventures to the capital for the first time in his career this summer – live, in the UK & Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports.

Unbeaten prospects Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (16-0, 8 KOs) and Shakiel ‘Dr Steel’ Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs) meet in a mouth-watering middleweight contest for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Championship.

The road to title contention also leads Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) to York Hall for what will also be his first appearance at the fabled British boxing venue. 

Having last week received news that he will be the next mandatory challenger for British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, the 2020 Olympic medallist will sharpen his tools in the ring on June 10th ahead of his summer title showdown.

Cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and his antagonist Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) have some unfinished business to attend to following their February war ending unsatisfactorily in a fourth-round doctor’s stoppage due to a cut above Taj’s eyebrow.

Elsewhere on the card, brother of headliner Adam, welterweight Hassan Azim (6-0, 3 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten start to life as a professional.

English champion Sam Gilley (15-1, 7 KOs) will be out to light up his native East End after impressing last time out at Ally Pally last November.

The ‘Magic Man’ dropped Sean Robinson in the sixth en route to a unanimous points victory to successfully defend his title

Rhys Edwards (14-0, 4 KOs) produced a breathtaking performance in his win over Brian Phillips in Manchester last month – and the undefeated Welsh super-bantamweight will be back in action on June 10. As will Iranian featherweight Razor Ali (7-0, 1 KO), who wowed at Wembley back in February with his third round stoppage of Hector Avila Lozano.

And the series 8 winner of popular TV series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Joshua Gustave will be on display too. The Ilford middleweight is 4-0 as a professional with all four victories coming from fights at York Hall. 

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

Tickets are now on sale at BOXXER.com and are expected to sell out fast.




WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TRILOGY BOUT HEADLINES UFC® RETURN TO CANADA

Vancouver – UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, confirmed today its return to Canada for the first time in almost four years when it hosts UFC® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on Saturday, June 10.

The event will be headlined by a highly anticipated rubber match that will see women’s featherweight and bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes defend her 135-pound belt against former titleholder and No. 1 contender Julianna Peña. Stay tuned for future bout announcements soon.

“I’m so pumped to return to Canada,” UFC President Dana White said. “Some of the greatest events in my life were up in Canada. The fans are awesome and I love every city up in Canada. I can’t wait to deliver an awesome Pay-Per-View in Vancouver. We’re back!”

UFC® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 tickets will go on sale Friday, April 21 at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 20 starting at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 main card will air live on Pay-Per-View starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Televised prelims will broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on TSN and RDS channels, with the night’s early prelims kicking off exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

The greatest female fighter of all time, Nunes (22-5, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) looks to set a new record for combined UFC women’s title defenses. A future UFC Hall of Fame inductee, she holds legendary KO wins over former champions Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg. Nunes now aims to get the last laugh by stopping Pena in emphatic fashion.

Peña (12-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) intends to once again stun the MMA world by finishing Nunes. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 18, she has also earned impressive victories against Sara McMann, Cat Zingano and Jessica Eye. Peña now has her sights set on reclaiming her spot atop the bantamweight division with a show-stealing performance.

Announced bouts on the card include:

  • Ranked middleweight contenders collide when No. 12 Nassourdine Imavov (12-4, fighting out of Paris, France) meets No. 15 Chris Curtis (30-10, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)
  • No. 13 ranked featherweight contender Dan Ige (16-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii) looks to halt the momentum of rising Nate Landwehr (17-4, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.)
  • No. 13 ranked light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. (12-5 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., USA) aims to spoil the 205-pound debut of No. 13 heavyweight Chris Daukaus (12-6, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn., USA)
  • Kyle Nelson (13-5-1, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ont.) battles unbeaten Blake Bilder (8-0-1, fighting out of Costa Mesa, Calif., USA) in a featherweight tilt
  • Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6 1NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla., USA by way of Gatineau, Que.) locks horns with Eryk Anders (15-7 1NC, fighting out of Scottsdale, Ariz., USA by way of Birmingham, Ala., USA) in a hard-hitting middleweight bout
  • No. 8 ranked flyweight contender Matt Schnell (16-7, fighting out of Shreveport, La., USA) takes on No. 10 David Dvorak (20-5, fighting out of Horice, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic)
  • Hakeem Dawodu (13-3-1, fighting out of Calgary, Alta.) returns to action against Lucas Almeida (14-1, fighting out of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) in an entertaining featherweight bout
  • Miranda Maverick (13-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo., USA by way of Buffalo, Mo., USA) faces Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2, fighting out of Niagara, Ont.) at flyweight
  • Aiemann Zahabi (9-2, fighting out of Montreal, Que.) goes for his third consecutive win when he meets Aoriqileng (24-9, fighting out of Shanghai, China) in a bantamweight matchup
  • Diana Belbita (14-7, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ont.) meets Maria Oliveira (13-6, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at strawweight

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

###

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.

Canucks Sports & Entertainment

Canucks Sports & Entertainment is Western Canada’s sports & entertainment leader providing world class entertainment in multiple venues in British Columbia. CSE owns and operates the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League, the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League, the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League, the Vancouver Titans of the Overwatch League, the Seattle Surge of the Call of Duty League and Rogers Arena. From watching one’s first NHL game to singing along with a favourite artist, Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create unforgettable moments that inspire, excite and unite us all.  Regardless of the score, the event or the night, our goal is to provide a world class experience for you and your guests from the moment you arrive, to the end of the event.




Split-T Management Signs Undefeated Joshafat Ortiz

NEW YORK (April 20, 2023)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of undefeated fighter Joshafat Ortiz.

Ortiz of Reading, Pennsylvania is 11-0 with five knockouts.

The 27 year-old Ortiz is looking forward to signing with the top management company in the sport.

“I am excited for this chapter. This is the perfect time in my career to sign with Split-T. I see all the success they have had and have all of the best fighters in the world. It shows what they think of me. I am moving down to featherweight.  This is the perfect team to guide me through the rankings,” said Ortiz

“I feel like that I am the best kept secret and with this team, I will be able to showcase my skills.”

Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the US at age four with his mother and was raised in Reading, PA. Ortiz began boxing at the age of 14, which spawned an amateur career that saw him go 42-7, Ortiz became a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. Ortiz made his pro debut in May 20, 2017 with a first round stoppage over Daron Hester in Raleigh, North Carolina

Ortiz has quality wins over Joshua Orta (6-0), Erickson Vargas Rudecindo (4-1) and is coming off a unanimous decision over Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano on September 16, 2022.

Ortiz, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, will be back in action on April 29th in Philadelphia.

He is trained by Rashiem Jefferson out of Philadelphia and signed with Split-T Management under Brian Cohen.




BIG HITTERS IN SEARCH OF BIG OPPORTUNITIES AT BOXXER POLAND THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

RZESZÓW, POLAND – (April 20, 2023) – Some of the biggest hitters in the BOXXER stable were on deck in Poland today for open workouts ahead of this Saturday night’s event at the G2A Arena in the historic city of Rzeszów, live on Sky Sports.

Big opportunities await the winners, with Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois on the radar for Bakole and Richard Riakporhe on the radar for Babic.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PHOTOS>Credit to Boxxer / Lawrence Lustig

With a history of strategic importance stretching back to the mediaeval era and beyond, Rzeszów has witnessed many a major battle during its long history and at the weekend will witness several more as BOXXER makes its first visit to Poland in association with regional partners Knockout Promotions.

The WBC World Bridgerweight Championship is on the line in the main event when Croatian wildman Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) steps up to face Polish counterpart ?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) in what is sure to be an incredible firefight – for as long as it lasts.

With a combined record of 23 knockouts from 25 wins, both fighters have a deserved reputation for finishing fights early and throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of a crowd-pleasing conclusion.

The winner will become the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight Champion and reign over a newly-created division named in honour of American schoolboy Bridger Walker, who survived severe damage while protecting his 4-year-old sister from a wild dog attack.

Created by the WBC to “bridge” the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight, the holder of the division’s championship will open himself up to opportunities in both of those weight classes. 

BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom sees potential opportunities for Babic against the likes of Richard Riakporhe, Frazer Clarke and even Lawrence Okolie – if he wins on Saturday night.

“It’s a tough fight for Babic against a home fighter but he’s a huge fan favourite that brings numbers, so if he can win this belt then that’s going to open up big opportunities for him. Holding a WBC belt opens doors for you and I think he’ll have cruiserweights and heavyweights looking for him,” he says.

“Richard Riakporhe is interested in him. Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley and even Lawrence Okolie could all be possible. So let’s see what happens Saturday. Whichever way it goes, it’s going to be a war and someone is getting knocked out without a doubt. I expect it to be crazy.”

Saturday night also marks the BOXXER debut of newly-signed heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s), who has been in the headlines recently after being linked with potential marquee showdowns against Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. 

First though he must face Ukrainian slugger Igor ‘Hulk’ Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s), who is fighting just a few miles from the Ukrainian border and looking to take out a big name and open up opportunities of his own.

“If [Dubois’] fight against Usyk is not happening, after Saturday’s fight the only person I will call out is Daniel Dubois because he’s got the belt. I want to be No 1 for Usyk or anybody,” says Bakole.

“He’s No 1 regular in the WBA and I’m No 2 ranking so that is an easy fight to make so we don’t need to talk too much.

“People are avoiding me now, I have been calling them out, mentioning everybody and nobody has mentioned me or responded. I’ll work hard to be No 1 challenger, so no more avoiding.”

Shalom said, “He’s got to make a statement Saturday night, put him away in six rounds or less then look to see what happens with Usyk, Dubois, Joyce or Zhang. He also wants the Dillian Whyte fight, he wants the Anthony Joshua fight… he’s ready to go!”

Also competing from the BOXXER stable on Saturday night are rising heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV (4-0, 2 KO’s), who faces Poland’s Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s), and an all-British showdown between Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) and Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s). 

Watch live on Sky Sports this Saturday, April 22nd:

WBC Bridgerweight World Title Fight 

?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) vs Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (10 Rounds)

Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s)  vs Igor Hulk Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Jeamie TKV (4-0 2 KO’s) vs Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s) Polska 

Light-Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) vs Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s) 




Wall-to-wall boxing invades Mohegan Sun this weekend highlighted by CES Boxing’s Championship Jackpot event featuring two highly-anticipated WBC title bouts

Uncasville, CT – Fight fans are in for a royal treat this weekend with wall-to-boxing courtesy of the region’s hottest promotion.

CES Boxing makes its long-awaited return to Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, April 22 with Championship Jackpot featuring two title bouts for the vacant WBC Silver bantamweight and super bantamweight championships. Fans who stick around after the final bell can also watch Saturday’s pay-per-view lightweight showdown between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia live from Las Vegas at various casino locations, including the Bow & Arrow Sports Bar, MJ23 Sports Bar and Grill, Tom’s Watch Bar, and others.

The fun begins tomorrow at 1 pm with the official Championship Jackpot final weigh-in and press conference from the Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook. This event is open to the public.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN AND PRESS CONFERENCE*
Friday, April 21, 1 pm
Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook
1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Montville, CT 06382
*Open to the public

First bell is Saturday at 6 pm for Championship Jackpot, which features three preliminary bouts and seven bouts streaming live on Spectation Sports beginning at 7 play-by-play from Michael Parente alongside color commentator and New England boxing icon “Sucra” Ray Oliveira.

Super bantamweight Tramaine Williams of New Haven, CT, faces Oklahoma City’s Elijah Pierce in the 10-round main event of Championship Jackpot for the vacant 122-pound strap while Stamford, CT, super welterweight Chordale Booker battles Daniel Aduku of Accra, Ghana, in the eight-round co-main event for the vacant 154-pound title.

Tickets are available online at CESFights.com or MoheganSun.com or at the Mohegan Sun box office. First bell is 6 pm ET.

The event also features the highly-anticipated return of several Connecticut standouts, including female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman of Columbia, featherweight Nathan Martinez of New Britain, electrifying super lightweight Mike Kimbel of Waterbury, East Hartford welterweight Jeff Gonzalez, and pro debut cruiserweight Slawomir Bohdziewicz, a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

On the Championship Jackpot main card, unbeaten super welterweight Anthony Velazquez (12-0, 11 KOs) of Springfield, MA, battles California’s Rashid Stevens (6-1-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout and Port Chester, NY, super bantamweight Carlos Vanegas Nunez – one of the newest members of the CES stable – makes his promotional debut in a six-round bout against Irving, TX, native Dominique Griffin (4-3-2, 2 KOs).

With both a professional boxing and a professional mixed martial arts bout under his belt in 2023, the fast-rising Kimbel (1-0, 1 KO) returns to the squared circle April 22 in a four-round bout against Pawtucket, RI, super lightweight Dahvon Shelton (1-1), who steps back into the ring for the first time since 2018. Coleman (4-1, 1 KO) puts her four-fight win streak on the line in a six-round bout against Orlando’s Josefina Vega (1-3-1), also a regional MMA standout and sturdy veteran who has competed for CES MMA, Bellator, and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. A Western New England Golden Gloves and New England Golden Gloves champion in 2022, Bohdziewicz opens the live stream in a four-round bout against Max Weslei Da Silva of Woburn, MA.

On the preliminary card, Gonzalez (2-0) returns to his home state to battle Providence’s Yeison Berdugo, an experienced Muay Thai fighter for Lion Fight Promotions who is now making his professional boxing debut. Martinez (7-2, 2 KOs), a dynamic featherweight prospect, returns for the first time since November of 2021 in a six-round bout against Argentinian and 35-fight veteran Daniel Alberto Coronel. Waltham, MA, heavyweight Harold Roy makes his debut in a four-round bout against Gabriel Aguilar Costa (1-4).

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

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Speci




DALTON SMITH AND SAM MAXWELL CLASH FOR BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH
SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT TITLES ON JULY 1

Dalton Smith and Sam Maxwell will clash for the British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Titles at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday July 1, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Sheffield’s Smith (14-0, 10 KOs), who will be headlining his second fight night in his home city, is aiming to win the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge belt outright after claiming the vacant title by stopping local rival Sam O’Maison last August and then making successful defences against Kaisee Benjamin in November and Billy Allington in February. 

One of the hottest properties in world boxing, ‘Thunder’ will be aiming to add Maxwell’s Commonwealth Title to his growing collection that boasts the WBA Intercontinental Title, WBC International Silver Title and British Title, as he continues to work towards a dream World Title shot at Hillsborough, home to his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, in summer 2024.

Liverpool’s Maxwell (17-1, 11 KOs), a former WBO European and British Champion at 140lbs, will be looking to reclaim the British Title after outpointing Akeem Ennis-Brown to win the famous old belt, along with the Commonwealth crown, in Birmingham back in August 2021. The former Team GB standout bounced back from his stoppage loss to Alejandro Meneses with a comfortable decision over Shaun Cooper in February. 

“It will be an honour to win the Lonsdale belt outright on July 1 in my home city and write my name into the history books, as well as picking up the Commonwealth Title,” said Smith. “Every British fighter dreams of winning the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt when they start out, so to win it for keeps will be a massive box ticked for me as I then kick on. Sam is a great fighter who can really punch. He will be giving it his all to get the British Title back and keep his Commonwealth Title, but I’m very confident I will have too much for him on the night and it will be another special atmosphere in the arena in front of my home support.”

“It is every boxer’s dream to headline a massive show, so to get the opportunity to do so on a Matchroom Boxing card shown live around the world on DAZN is amazing,” said Maxwell. “My Commonwealth belt is on the line but I’m looking forward to hearing, ‘AND THE NEW’ when I regain the British Title. I believe no one in the world can beat me when I am at my best. I can’t wait for fight night. The atmosphere is going to be unreal and my fans will definitely be heard.”

“I can’t wait to see Sheffield’s very own Dalton Smith back at the Utilita Arena on Saturday July 1 as he looks to create more history by winning the British Title outright against Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell in front of an electric crowd,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The arena was bouncing last summer when he claimed the vacant belt against local rival Sam O’Maison and I’m anticipating it to be even louder in there as ‘Thunder’ looks to pick up the Commonwealth Title in front of his growing support. He faces his toughest test to date in the shape of former British Champion Maxwell, who will be looking to claim the scalp of one of the brightest talents in world boxing and put his name firmly back in the mix at 140lbs. We’ve got another stacked card in store for fight fans that we will be announcing soon. Catch it all live around the world exclusively on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Maxwell are priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Monday April 24. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 
 
General Sale tickets can be purchase via Stage Front and utilitaarenasheffield.co.uk from midday on Tuesday April 25.




Macho Camacho Way To Air This June on Bally Sports

LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2023)–This June, a “Macho Camacho Way”, a 60-minute documentary chronicling the naming of a street in honor of former world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Hector “Macho” Camacho in Camacho’s hometown in Spanish Harlem, New York City.

The documentary will air on Bally Sports.

The film is Executive Produced by Entrobox CEO Ronald Johnson, Hector Camacho Jr, Antonio Ward , Arthur Bonner , Hiru Corporation and The Ground Up LLC and James Wilent

Producers on the project are Manuel Hernandez, Jeremy Woodruff.George Harrell of Harrell Media Inc, and Terry Artis Jr .

It will focus on the days leading up to, the street naming ceremony and the celebration that took place after that celebrated the life of the charismatic Camacho. There will be exclusive interviews with those who were closest to the former world champion.

“Fighters are Born Everyday. Special Fighters like Hector “Macho” Camacho aren’t born everyday. Macho Camacho is once in a lifetime … it’s Still Machotime!,” said Hector Camacho Jr. “This is the true meaning of the American Dream. Saw my father come from nothing to visiting the White House to meet President Reagan. From the Bottom to the Top”! I appreciate Ron Johnson putting this together with me.”

“It’s an honor and pleasure to be able to partner up with Hector Camacho Jr and create this special on his late father who was an inspiration to so many! There’s only one macho man and it will forever be Macho Time!,” said co-Executive Producer, Ron Johnson