New York, NY (April 14, 2023) – Newly crowned WBC Silver Champion, MICHAEL “LONE WOLF” MAGNESI (now, 22-1 13KO’s), has achieved another major milestone in his career as a result of his victory over previously undefeated AYRTON GIMENEZ (now, 17-1 9KO’s) in Rome. The dominant win immediately earned Magnesi the WBC #9 world rating in the super featherweight division.

Magnesi’s win against Gimenez was an impressive display of pressure and endurance. Despite Gimenez’s unblemished record, Magnesi showed dominance from the opening bell, using superior footwork, effective aggressiveness and ring generalship to control the pace of the fight. Magnesi landed precise combinations throughout the bout, keeping Gimenez on the defense and unable to mount a significant offense.

With the victory, the Star Boxing and DiBella Entertainment co-promoted super featherweight’s record improved to an impressive 22-1-0 (13 KOs). Magnesi is poised to take on some of the best fighters in the super featherweight division. Along with his new world rating, the former IBO World Champion added the WBC Silver Championship to his mantle – yet another significant accomplishment for “The Lone Wolf.”

“We are extremely proud of Michael and his team for their dedication and hard work,” said JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO of Star Boxing. “This victory solidifies his position as a top contender in the super featherweight division, and we look forward to what the future holds for Michael.”

Magnesi’s victory over Gimenez was a statement win, and his WBC rating positions him as a potential challenger for the WBC Super Featherweight Championship of the World.   In light of Magnesi’s pleasing offensive style, the good looking and exciting Italian contender should get some big opportunities in the near future. Magnesi’s victory over Gimenez is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the super featherweight division. Star Boxing, DiBella Entertainment and Magnesi are excited about the future and look forward to challenges that lie ahead.

LAS VEGAS – April 14, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. will now face Olympic Bronze Medalist and slick-boxing Yamaguchi “The Problem” Falcao in the co-main event of the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia SHOWTIME PPV production taking place Saturday, April 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Falcao, the most accomplished fighter that Morrell has faced, replaces Ghanaian power-puncher Sena Agbeko, who was originally scheduled to face Morrell but was forced to withdraw after not being licensed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated rivals Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia in a 12-round showdown. The pay-per-view will also see Morrell Jr. vs. Falcao in the co-main event over 12 rounds, a rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev, and hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing Mexico’s Kevin Salgado in the pay-per-view opener.

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

A Cuban-native who came to Minneapolis to begin his pro career in 2019, Morrell (8-0, 7 KOs) has quickly shown off the talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s storied amateur scene. The 25-year-old captured an interim title by dominating then-unbeaten Lennox Allen in August 2020 in just his third pro fight. Morell, who trains in Texas with renowned coach Ronnie Shields, added two dominant knockout victories in 2022 as he stopped Kalvin Henderson in June before a 12th-round TKO of the previously unbeaten Aidos Yerbossynuly in November. 

“Although I have a new opponent, the mission is still the same: seek and destroy,” said Morrell Jr. “I’ve been fighting my whole life. I’ve seen every style and I’m prepared to face anyone that’s in front of me. It’s go time as usual. Don’t miss this fight!”

A 2012 Olympian, Falcao (24-1-1) represents his native Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo, Brazil. The 35-year-old has won eight-straight bouts heading into April 22, including a busy 2022 campaign that saw him earn five victories, including most recently knocking out Ernest Amuzu in December. Falcao’s only loss came via a close decision against Christopher Pearson in May 2019, which immediately preceded a December 2019 draw against super middleweight contender D’Mitrius Ballard.

“They call me ‘The Problem’ and I am coming to show the world that I have the talent and determination to become the WBA Super Middleweight Champion,” said Falcao. “I promise that everyone tuning in will be extremely happy with the show that we put on. I’m coming to win on April 22.”

#         #         #

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/.

Philadelphia (April 14, 2023)–- Weights for Tonight’s R and B Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

Feargal McCrory 135 – Eduard Dos Reis 136.6

Gian Garrido 161.8 – Pablos Rojas 161.2

Juan Davila 136.4 – Tony Johnson 134.8

Alan Otto 158 – Jamar Leach 162

Daniel Bean 246.6 – Mike Cooke 213.2

Leonidas Soprandis 145.7 – Ryan Schwartzberg 146.2

Promoter: R and B Promotions

Venue: 2300 Arena

1st Bell: 7:30 PM ET

STREAM: BXNGTV.COM

Tickets are $60, $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by clicking the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=448

Orlando, FL (April 14, 2023) — WBA Continental Americas bantamweight champion Antonio Vargas will headline “Night of Champions III” Friday, May 12 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

A 2016 US Olympian, Vargas scored an impressive sixth round stoppage of contender Michell Banquez February 25 at the Caribe Royale. Fighting out of Kissimmee, FL, the popular Vargas is 16-1 with 9 wins by knockout and he’s ranked #7 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Vargas will defend his title in the ten round main event against Francisco Pedroza Portillo of Tijuana, Mexico. On August 20, 2022, Portillo scored a shocking unanimous decision over former world champion and three time US Olympian Rau’shee Warren. Portillo, 18-11-2 (10 KO’s), looks to derail Vargas’ momentum and score his second straight upset.

“Night of Champions III” is promoted by Boxlab Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, GH3 Promotions and Orlando Boxing Promotions. It will air via tape delay on CBS Sports Network Saturday, May 13 from 7-9 pm eastern.

In the televised co-feature, Brooklyn, NY’s Junior “The Young God” Younan, 17-0 (11 KO’s), meets Alan Campa in an eight round super middleweight contest. In his most recent bout, the 27-year-old Younan destroyed Dauren Yeleussinov (10-1-1) in less than a round. Campa hailing from Sonora, Mexico, is 18-7 with 12 of those wins by knockout.

Cuban welterweight phenom Damian Lescaille will open the telecast in an eight rounder. Lescaille, who now calls Miami, FL his home, is 3-0 with 2 KO’s. He’ll face an opponent to be announced.

“Caribe Royale is excited to bring its Championship Boxing Series back for Night of Champions III,” said Amaury Piedra of Boxlab Promotions. “We have a great night of boxing set up for the Orlando public and our hotel guests as well. As always, we will have a championship bout on the card with fast rising and number 7 ranked Antonio Vargas defending his WBA Continental Americas Title. He always brings out his avid fans which creates a great atmosphere in the venue. Junior Younan and Damian Lescaille are also ready to put on a show for the fans as well as many local favorites. Caribe Royale continues on its mission to be the best 4 diamond Resort in Orlando offering its guests a wide variety of memorable experiences like this one.”

Heavyweight Henrich Ruiz, junior welterweight Tayre Jones, lightweight Otha Jones III, junior welterweight Julio Rosa, light heavyweight Daine Smile, junior welterweight Jonathan Cortes, bantamweight Kevin Nunez and women’s junior welterweight Shamara Woods will all face opponents to be announced in separate undercard bouts.

Doors open at 6 pm and the first fight begins at 7.

Tickets from $40 are on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005E8AB699BB31 and discounted rooms at the Caribe Royale are available by clicking on this link https://book.passkey.com/go/NOCIII.

 •  Joe Joyce 256 lbs. vs. Zhilei Zhang 278 lbs
(Joyce’s WBO Interim Heavyweight Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Mikaela Mayer 134.5 lbs vs. Lucy WIldheart 134.4 lbs
(Vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)

* Wildheart stepped in after Mayer’s original opponent, Christina Linardatou, was forced to withdraw after not meeting British Boxing Board of Control requirements

•  Moses Itauma 247 lbs vs. Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko241 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Sam Noakes 134.5 lbs vs. Karthik Sathish Kumar 134 lbs
 (Lightweight— 12 Rounds)

# # #

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NEW YORK (April 14, 2023)-Tonight at the Motor City Casino in Detroit, undefeated super middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. will be in action as he takes on Noah Kidd in a six-round bout.

Hicks of Grand Rapids, Michigan is managed by Split-T Management, has a record of 5-0 with four knockouts.

The 29 year-old Hicks is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Quintyne on February 25th at The Motor City Casino.

Kidd of Jefferson City, Missouri is 6-7-2 with five knockouts. The 27 year-old Kidd has a win over Garrett Muller (1-0-1) and is coming off a defeat to former middleweight champion Sergio Martinez on December 11, 2022 in Orlando, Florida.

Hicks, who is promoted by Salita Promotions, weighed 161 lbs. Kidd weighed 163 lbs.

Essington, PA (April 13, 2023)–Weights for Friday night’s RDR Promotions card at The Clarion Hotel

Photo by Marc Abrams / RDR Promotions

Junior Wright 222.3 – Brian Howard 223

Mark Dawson 147.5 – Javier Mayoral 147.3

Rasheen Brown 125.2 – Eric Manriquez 129.6

Nimal Farmer 149.9 – Antonio Allen 147.4

Promoter: RDR Promotions

Venue: The Clarion Hotel

1st Bell: 7:30 PM

STREAM: BXNGTV.COM

The Clarion Hotel is located at 76 Industrial Highway in Essington, PA

Tickets are $100, $75 and $55 and can be purchased at the Following Link

CLICK FOR TICKETS

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2023) — On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, King’s Promotions will make its debut at the Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia with an outstanding night of boxing featuring popular heavyweight Joey Dawejko taking on Colby Madison in a bout scheduled for eight rounds. The first bell is at 7 PM ET.

“I am looking forward to May 2nd and putting on a great show at Live! Casino,” said Marshall Kauffman, CEO of King’s Promotions.

Dawejko of Philadelphia has a record of 23-10-4 with 13 knockouts. The 32-year-old is a 14-year professional. The former Youth Amateur World Champion, has wins over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossy (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Unohette (9-2), Natu Visinia (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1), Kevin Nunez (15-0) and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision over 90-fight veteran Terrell Woods on October 7, 2022, in Bensalem, PA.

“I am looking forward to seeing Joey get one last shot at getting in the heavyweight rankings. This is another step along the way,” said Russell Peltz, Hall of Fame Promoter, and current manager of Joey Dawejko.

Madison of Owings Mills, Maryland is 11-4-2 with seven knockouts. The 39-year-old is a seven-year veteran and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Darryl Clark on February 18th in Hanover, Maryland.

In a six-round co-feature, Najeem Johns (3-0, 3 KOs) of Darby, PA an opponent to be named in a super lightweight contest.

In Four-round bouts:

Brendan O’Callaghan (5-1-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight clash.

Tyler Zwicharowski (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia boxes William Briscoe (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a middleweight battle.

Tyree Arnold (1-5) of Philadelphia battles Christopher Burgos (3-6-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super lightweight fight.

Hakim Smith (1-4-1) of Philadelphia takes on Francisco Rodriguez (1-0) in a junior welterweight clash.

Rahiem McEachin makes his pro debut in a super welterweight contest.

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

Friday, April 14, 2023

360 Promotions / Hollywood Fight Nights

The Commerce Casino

‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’

6131 Telegraph Rd.

Commerce, CA 90040

Doors: 6:00 p.m.

Streaming LIVE on UFC Fight Pass (11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT)

UFC Fight Pass Subscription sign-up >>https://bit.ly/3uJOnTE

Weigh-In Results

Omar Trinidad, 125.4lb. vs Adan Ochoa, 125.4 – Eight Rounds

Gabriel Silva, 161. vs. Angelo Thompson, 159.4 – Four Rounds

Cain Sandoval, 141 vs. Jose Angulo, 140.8 – Eight Rounds

Umar Dzambekov, 175 vs. Nathan Davis Sharp, 175 – Six Rounds

Osvaldo Lopez, 146.4 vs. Jose Manuel Gomez, 146.4 – Six Rounds

Gloria Munguilla, 111.8 vs. Nikkia Williams, 111.4 – Four Rounds

Steven von Euw, 153.8 vs. Monray Marable, 153.8 – Four Rounds

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

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April 13, 2023, Panama City, Panama – – Luis Rodriguez, a perfect 11 wins in 11 fights with 11 stoppages, makes his first defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Americas Super Middleweight title against Ecuadoran Roger Guerrero on Friday, April 14 at Coliseo do Combates, Panama City, Panama and streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 8 pm.

Rodriguez (11-0, 11 KOs) from Toa Alto, Puerto Rico, made his pro debut on June 11, 2021. His knockouts have come in rounds 2, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 4, 3, 2 and 2 and looks to keep not only his undefeated record intact but his knockout streak also.

Rodriguez won the title on January 28 in a scheduled ten round bout. He knocked Encarnacion Diaz down in round two with a left hook, then delivered a flurry of punches that dropped him a second time.  Diaz could not recover while referee Guillermo Perez Pineda counted to ten and the fight was called at 3:00 of round two and a new champion was crowned.

Friday’s challenger, Roger Guerrero (17-3-1, 10 KOs) from El Coca, Ecuador, recently challenged for the WBA Fedalatin super middleweight title.

“I had a wonderful opportunity to fight for and win the title in only my eleventh fight and I am here to stay,” said Rodriguez. “It’s time for young blood to carry this division and I am looking to fight the best and become the super middleweight so Puerto Rico can celebrate a new world champion.”

Rodriguez’s advisor, Attorney Tony Gonzalez stated “This kid Rodriguez can box, slug and end the fight with one punch with either hand. He’s the full package and it’s full steam ahead.”

Also featured on the card will be undefeated super middleweight and 4-time Venezuela National Champion Giodanny Jimenez (11-0, 10 KOs). Jimenez will battle Ecuadoran Antonio Ocles (12-11-2, 3 KOs) for the WBA Latino title. Ocles is coming off 2 straight wins while Jimenez has won by TKO in his last two fights.

The event is being promoted by Master Promotions and All Star Boxing.

Top Rank presented by AutoZone: Joyce vs. Zhang and Mayer vs. Linardatou will be live this Saturday, April 15 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 noon PT exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at Copper Box Arena, London, U.K.

The main event features a WBO interim heavyweight title clash between knockout artist Joe Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) and Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs).

British-born Joyce, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist, is unbeaten and has held various titles at the regional level. In his last fight, he captured the interim WBO title with an 11^th-round knockout over former title challenger Joseph Parker.

Zhang, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, turned pro in 2014 and knocked out Curtis Tate in the first 17 seconds of round one. He maintained a winning streak until a draw in 2021 against Jerry Forrest. He went on to win two more fights before his first and only defeat in 2022 against undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovi?.

In the highly anticipated co-feature, Mikaela Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs) makes her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight champion Christina Linardatou in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim lightweight championship.

Mayer, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed fight against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. 

Linardatou began her pro career with a first-round technical knockout over Claribel Ferreras. She remained undefeated until unsuccessfully challenging Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title in 2016. She bounced back with four more wins and captured the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship before losing her 140-pound belt to Katie Taylor in 2019. In 2020, Linardatou regained that title with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot. Last July after a 29-month layoff, she returned to boxing with a six-round decision over Aleksandra Vujovic.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr with Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna as reporters.

ESPN.com

How Mikaela Mayer is rebuilding her career by taking bigger challenges

Ahead of Mikaela Mayer’s return, Michael Rothstein talks to the former champion about what happened after her loss to Alycia Baumgardner and how she plans to get back to the top.

Out Thursday:

Meet Christina Linardatou ahead of her fight against Mikaela Mayer

Michael Rothstein talks with Christina Linardatou about her pregnancy, her return, and he also speaks to the WBO to find why she was stripped of her title.

Out Friday:

Meet Joe Joyce, the heavyweight interim champ that could be in line for a title shot if he wins on Saturday

Joe Joyce is on the brink of landing a world heavyweight title shot and his story is one you will hear more about over the next two years.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 13, 2023) – A new queen will be crowned as an astonishing 114-year wait finally comes to an end on Saturday, May 6th when Lauren Price MBE and Kirstie Bavington become the first female professional boxers in history to compete for the inaugural British Women’s Championship and a coveted Lonsdale Belt.

Introduced in 1909 and named in honour of Lord Lonsdale, the great patron of British boxing, the British championship belt was created as a prize to be awarded to the domestic champions across the various weight classes. 

When the British Board of Boxing Control was formed in 1929 it took over governance of the British championship and Lonsdale belt, which remained available only to male boxers – until now.

Equality for women’s sport will rightfully shine through in what is a huge, landmark moment in just three weeks time when Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE (3-0, 1 KO) meets former EBU European Welterweight champion Kirstie Bavington (7-3-2, 2 KOs), live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK & Republic of Ireland.

The newest addition to the Lonsdale Belt pantheon will keep the same traditional format – including the iconic portrait of Lord Lonsdale – but will have a different ribbon colour. 

Price will be keen to get her hands on it first. The Welsh wonder was the first sportswoman to receive her MBE honour from King Charles III following his accession to the throne last November and she is arguably the most decorated amateur to hail from these shores. 

Since turning professional in 2022, the former Wales international footballer has been victorious in three contests, including February’s impressive victory in Paris, France, over Naomi Mannes – who Bavington defeated for the European title in November 2022.

Price made history last October too at the momentous all-female BOXXER card in London when she stopped Timea Belik in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,000 fans at The O2 and a live television audience of over two million viewers – a record audience for a live women’s sporting event on Sky Sports. 

Fittingly, her historic bout with Bavington will take place in Birmingham, England on the day King Charles III is officially crowned – the first British championship belts were made in the Birmingham workshops of 250-year-old jeweller Mapin & Webb, which is also responsible for the Crown Jewels that will be used in King Charles III’s coronation ceremony.

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom, said: “We are incredibly proud to be history makers once again for women’s boxing with Lauren Price fighting for the first-ever British women’s title against Kirstie Bavington. We are hugely grateful to the British Boxing Board of Control for their phenomenal support and help in the progression for women’s boxing.”

Lauren Price MBE said: “It’s a complete honour. It’s another thing to add to my list to go and make history. I can’t believe it really. It’s a very proud moment for me. I was looking forward to boxing on May 6 anyway. But this is the icing on the cake. To fight in my fourth professional fight for such a prestigious title is the direction I want to go in. It’s absolute honour.”

Robert Smith, General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control said: “We are very pleased to approve the first female British Championship, contested by two very good challengers, an Olympic Gold medalist and a former European champion. Women’s boxing has come on tremendously and now we have a British Championship. The winner will indeed be a worthy champion of this historic bout.”

Helen Falkus, Director of Multi Sports at Sky Sports, added: “We’re proud that we are able to say that we will be part of history being made on this momentous night of boxing. The fact that a women’s title fight has been sanctioned for the first time shows the immense growth that women’s boxing is continuing to experience. After historic nights like Shields v Marshall, we look forward to showcasing more of the best fighters in the world.”

BOXXER: Birmingham at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham is headlined by the newly-signed Joshua Buatsi, himself a former British champion, who kicks off his world title campaign in a clash with undefeated Polish powerhouse Pawel Stepien.

Team GB hero and light-heavyweight sensation Ben Whittaker returns to action on home soil in his beloved Midlands for his third professional bout when he takes on Jordan Grant. Plus, English middleweight champion Tyler Denny faces Manchester’s Macaulay McGowan and Kaisee Benjamin collides with Sean McComb.

To see the full card for May 6 and for the latest ticket news, head to BOXXER.com

This event will be presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) 7th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend to be held Friday September 29^th, Saturday September 30^th, and Sunday October 1^st, 2023 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. 

The ACBHOF induction weekend commences at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on Friday September 29^th with the “Opening Bell” VIP Cocktail Reception 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, $50.00 admission fee online and at the door, and Saturday September 30^th, Fight Fan Experience & Boxing Exhibits 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, free admission

The Highlight of the weekend is Saturday September 30^th, red-carpet formal Induction Ceremony which takes place in an award show atmosphere. Join us as we honor all who helped make Atlantic City a worldwide boxing Mecca.  Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with boxing royalty and special VIP guests.  

Tickets for Awards & Induction Ceremony can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster | ticket prices are: $125.00 & $60.00

Please visit our website for all: event tickets, room reservations, itinerary and scheduled events, by visiting us at: www.acbhof.com  

“We are excited to host the 7th annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Awards and Induction Weekend,” said Mike Woodside, Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing Services at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “This impressive group of inductees has strong ties to Atlantic City, including George Foreman who fought his last professional fight here at Etess Arena against fellow inductee Shannon Briggs.”

“So many historic fights were in Atlantic City. I’m very proud to be inducted into the A. C. Boxing Hall of Fame.” – George Foreman

“Atlantic City is where I started my humble boxing career. Atlantic City showed me love and will always have a place in my heart. I’m honored to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 2023 Class.” – David Tua

“I’m really excited about being inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. It shows dreams really do come true. ‘Let’s Go Champ” – Shannon Briggs

The 2023 class members include: 

George Foreman, David Tua, Shannon Briggs, Pinklon Thomas, Tracy Harris Patterson, Doug Dewitt, Darroll Wilson, Shamone Alvarez, Jamillia Lawrence, Joe Hand Sr., Matt Howard, Rudy Battle, Benjy Esteves Jr., Arnold Robbins, Joseph Santoliquito, Lee Samuels and posthumously & pioneers: Buster Drayton, Marty Feldman, Rocky Castellani, Frankie Polo, Joe Miller, Horace M. Leeds, “KO” Becky O’Neill and Willie O’Neill  

“The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame family is super excited to celebrate the newest members of the Hall of Fame. We can’t wait to have boxing enthusiasts both far and near relieve some of their greatest memories of Atlantic City’s legendary fights and fighters. And there’s no better place to celebrate this year’s class than right here at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, a global entertainment brand.” – Ray McCline, ACBHOF President

For more information, visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at: www.acbhof.com 

A special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Boardwalk Resorts – Flagship Hotel, Mayor Marty Small Sr., City of Atlantic City, SparBar LTD, Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, Expressions Graphic Designs, Patrick Killian Arts, Guzman Gloves, Adams Boxing, WBC, IBF, and Fight Night Apparel

Tickets for Mauricio Lara’s WBA Featherweight World Title rematch with Leigh Wood at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday May 27, shown live worldwide on DAZN, will go on sale this week.

Mexico’s Lara (26-2-1, 19 KOs) captured the WBA World Title by knocking Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) down in the seventh round with a stunning left hook at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. The former champion rose to his feet but Ben Davison threw in the towel to save his fighter from further damage. 

‘Leigh-thal’, who was ahead on all three judges scorecards at the time of the stoppage, gets an immediate shot at redemption against ‘Bronco’ – one of the most feared punchers in world boxing – at the top of a stacked card that features former World Title challenger Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs) making his Matchroom debut against Darragh Foley (22-4-1, 10 KOs) and Danny Ball (12-1-1, 5 KOs) taking on Anthony Tomlinson (15-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English Welterweight Title, with more fights to be announced soon. 

Tickets for Lara vs. Wood 2 are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £350 (VIP).

Tickets are available via the AO Arena venue presale from midday on Wednesday April 12.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Thursday April 13. 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 ao-arena.com from midday on Friday April 14.

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. 

BoxingInsider is thrilled to once again work with Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment to promote the latest installment of Broadway Boxing. Brooklyn’s Brian Ceballo (13-1, 7 KOs), a five-time New York Golden Gloves champion, will headline against Dominican Edward Ulloa Diaz in an eight-round super welterweight contest. In December 2020, Ceballo captured the WBO Inter-Continental welterweight belt. Ceballo will be looking to rebound from his lone defeat in his last fight on October 26, 2022.

The stacked undercard will feature Mongolian Olympian Tsendbaatar “Chinggis Khaan” Erdenebat, former women’s world champion Miyo Yoshida facing Indeya Smith, local boxers Sydney Maccow, Christian Otero, Ireland’s Larry Fryers, and David Lopez. They will all lace ‘em up on Thursday, April 27, at Sony Hall, in the heart of Times Square, Manhattan.

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

“In the fall, we will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the famed Broadway Boxing brand in New York City,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I’m thrilled that the April 27 Broadway Boxing event will stream live on DAZN, a subscription service that has proven its international commitment to the sport of boxing. I’m happy to be co-promoting again with BoxingInsider; Larry Goldberg shares a commitment to grassroots boxing that is worthy of Broadway Boxing.”

“It’s crazy to think that this is our fourth show since October 2022 in Manhattan,” said BoxingInsider’s Larry Goldberg. “My goal from day one has been simple – to put on the best fights with local and international talent and to expose those to the largest possible audience; I’m thrilled that the DAZN subscribers will get to watch this terrific show.”

Two-time Mongolian Olympian and 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Tsendbaatar “Chinggis Khaan” Erdenebat (5-0, 3 KOs) will compete in an eight-round super featherweight bout against Edy Valencia Mercado (20-9-6, 7 KOs). Tsendbaatar returns to Sony Hall following a third-round TKO win at the venue on February 23.

Former WBO Super Flyweight World Champion Miyo “Miyo Musashi” Yoshida (15-3) was born in Kagoshima, Japan, and now resides in New York, NY. Prior to becoming world champion in 2019, Miyo won the Japan Boxing Commission and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation bantamweight titles. As world champion, Miyo made one successful defense, then lost the title by technical decision (stoppage due to gash over eye). She regained the belt in a rematch six months later. In her last fight, she lost the WBO title via split decision. 

Indeya Smith (6-6, 1 KO), from Dallas, TX, via New Orleans, LA, made her BoxingInsider Promotions debut on December 21, 2022, with an upset win versus Sulem Urbina, dominating the bout from the opening bell.

Sydney “The Jackal” Maccow (8-8, 3 KOs), born in Sint Maarten, Netherlands, now residing in Brooklyn, NY, is coming off of a five-fight streak of four wins sandwiched around a no contest. 

Christian “Veneno” Otero (4-3, 2 KOs), from New York, NY, made his pro debut on October 31, 2020, and his career began with four straight victories.

In one of the most exciting matches a club show could make, this bout features a real-life New York City grudge match between Church St. Boxing Gym trainer and boxer Maccow and fellow New Yorker Otero. The dislike here is real and born in the gym, as these two went to war in sparring. Edited footage showing a Maccow beatdown soon hit social media, which started a dispute that must be resolved in the professional prize ring.

Joshua David “Pretty Boy” Rivera (8-2, 3 KOs), from La Mesa, CA, made his pro debut in 2018 and his first nine fights took place in Tijuana. His last bout, at Madison Square Garden on the Amanda Serrano-Erika Cruz undercard on February 4, was a unanimous decision loss against an undefeated Aaron Aponte.

Larry “Lethal” Fryers (11-6, 4 KOs) was born in Clones, Ireland, and now resides in Yonkers, NY. Fryers won 11 of his first 12 fights after making his pro debut in 2016. As an amateur, he was an Ireland Nationals U21 finalist and a U23 semi-finalist. “Lethal” has a large Irish following and is eyeing another chance at glory.

“Dynamite” David Lopez (2-0, 2 KOs), the 19-year-old super lightweight phenom from Las Vegas, NV, will compete in a four-rounder. In his last fight, Lopez needed just 87 seconds to stop Paul Walters Jr. on February 17 in Topeka, KS. Coming from a family of fighters, Lopez, who is of Black and Filipino heritage, is trained by his father and former boxer Kris Lopez.

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. 

Philadelphia (April 12, 2023)–- THIS Friday night, April 14th, R and B Promotions will make it’s Philadelphia debut when they present an 11-bout card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Taking part in the six-round main event will be undefeated Feargal McCrory taking on Eduardo Pereira Dos Reis in a lightweight fight.

McCrory of Coalisland, Northern Ireland is 13-0 with six knockouts. The 30 year-old is a eight-year professional who has wins over Jay Carmey (5-1-2)Callum Busutil (2-0) and Brayan Mairena (10-2-1). McCrory stopped Aelio Mesquita in one-round on February 11th in Atlantic City.

Dos Reis of Brazil is 24-11 with 19 knockouts. The 33 year-old is a 15 year-pro with wins over Thiago Cristino Bento (1-0), Daniel Lima Santos (4-1).

In four-round bouts:

Gian Garrido (9-0, 7 KOs) of Flushing, New York takes on Pablo Jesus Rojas (4-5) of Buenos Aires, Argentina

James White (1-0, 1 KO) of Warwick, PA fights debuting Wilfiried Aby of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight bout.

Juan Davila (2-0, 1 KO) of Franklin, New Jersey fights Tony Johnson (0-1) of Tucson, Arizona in a lightweight clash.

In a battle of pro debuting junior middleweights, Jamar Lynch of Philadelphia faces Allen Otto of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Daniel Bean of Old Bridge, New Jersey makes his pro debut against Donald Hoskins II (0-0-1) of Kalamazoo, Michigan in a heavyweight bout.

Leonidas Soprandis (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Greece takes on Nathan Harp (0-1) of Kalamazoo, Michigan in a junior welterweight contest.

Tickets are $60, $75, $100 and $175 and can be purchased by clicking the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=448

LONDON (April 12, 2023) – Top Rank on ESPN+ returns to London this Saturday with an action-packed doubleheader at the Copper Box Arena.

In the main event, undefeated British knockout artist Joe Joyce defends his WBO interim heavyweight title against Chinese contender Zhilei Zhang.

The co-feature will see former unified junior lightweight champion Mikaela Mayer making her lightweight debut against former two-time junior welterweight world champion Christina “Medusa” Linardatou in a 10-rounder for the WBC interim lightweight championship.

Promoted by Queensberry Promotions, Joyce-Zhang, Mayer-Linardatou and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Queensberry Promotions hosted a media workout TODAY in London. CLICK HERE for courtesy photos.

Joyce (15-0, 14 KOs) captured a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and debuted as a pro following year. The 37-year-old has notched wins over former world champs Bermane Stiverne and Joseph Parker and against title challengers Carlos Takam and Bryant Jennings. In his last fight, Joyce stopped Parker in the 11^th round to capture the interim WBO title. The undefeated knockout artist is on the path towards a potential showdown with heavyweight king Tyson Fury, but he’ll need to defend his strap against a fellow silver medalist.

Zhang (24-1-1, 19 KOs), a 2008 Chinese Olympian, started his career in the paid ranks in 2014. He went 22-0 and captured various regional titles before fighting to a draw against Jerry Forrest in 2021. The 39-year-old then scored stoppage wins over Craig Lewis and Scott Alexander before suffering his first pro loss against undefeated Olympic bronze medalist Filip Hrgovic. In terms of height and reach, Zhang and Joyce are identical as both are 6’6” tall with 80-inch reaches.

Mayer (17-1, 5 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian, signed with Top Rank in 2017 and captured the WBO junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory against Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020. The following year, the Los Angeles native unified the WBO and IBF titles against Maiva Hamadouche. In her last fight, Mayer suffered the first defeat of her career, a razor-thin split decision setback to Alycia Baumgardner at London’s O2 Arena. Mayer wants to reverse her lone defeat, but she’ll first step up to lightweight to face Linardatou, the only woman to defeat Baumgardner in the paid ranks.

In 2016, Linardatou (14-2, 6 KOs) unsuccessfully challenged Delfine Persoon for the WBC lightweight world title. She then bounced back with four straight wins, including a victory over Baumgardner and a win against Kandi Wyatt to capture the vacant WBO junior welterweight championship. Linardatou lost the belt to Katie Taylor in 2019 but regained it with a unanimous decision over Prisca Vicot in February 2020. Linardatou returned from a 29-month layoff last July with a six-round points victory against Aleksandra Vujovic.

In other ESPN+ streaming action from London: 

• Undefeated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma (2-0, 2 KOs) makes his third 2023 appearance in a scheduled six-rounder against Ukraine’s Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko (9-12-1, 6 KOs). Itauma made his professional debut in January with a scintillating first-round knockout against Marcel Bode, a performance he replicated against Ramon Ibarra in March.
   
• In a battle of undefeated lightweights, England’s Sam Noakes (10-0, 10 KOs) will put his regional titles on the line in a 12-round fight against Indian standout Karthik Sathish Kumar (10-0, 4 KOs). Noakes is coming off a fourth-round TKO over then-unbeaten Calvin McCord last November, while Kumar notched a second-round TKO win over Meechaiya Kaiwiset in March. 

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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).

LAS VEGAS – April 12, 2023 – Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Alberto “La Avispa” Puello will make the first defense of his world title when he takes on hard-hitting contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero on Saturday, May 13 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features two additional super lightweight bouts with former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy dueling the all-action Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez in the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, plus top super lightweight contenders Batyr Akhmedov and SHOBOX^® alum Kenneth Sims, Jr., meet in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight World Title Eliminator opening up the telecast.  

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, May 13 in Las Vegas lines up to be a fantastic three-fight card with intriguing matchups in the stacked super lightweight division, topped by WBA 140-pound world champion Alberto Puello defending his belt against the always-exciting ‘Rolly’ Romero,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The former two-division champ Rances Barthelemy and young action fighter Omar Juarez will meet in an intriguing crossroads co-main event clash, while two of the 140-pound division’s toughest contenders, Batyr Akhmedov and Kenneth Sims, Jr., look to put themselves in position to fight for a world title opening the telecast.”

“This is a big opportunity for ‘Rolly’ and there’s no doubt that he’s going to make the most of it,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He’s focused on preparing to get back in the ring and I know that he’s looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans on May 13.”

A native of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the tutelage of renowned trainer Bob Santos, who also trains Puello’s childhood friend, former WBA 130-Pound World Champion Hector Luis Garcia. The 28-year-old captured his world championship in his most recent fight, earning a hard-fought decision victory over Akhmedov last August on SHOWTIME. Puello leapt up the rankings in July 2019, handing Jonathan Alonso his first career defeat with a unanimous decision victory that earned him an interim title. He was also successful in his U.S. debut in December 2021, as he scored a unanimous decision victory over Veshawn Owens in Owens’ hometown.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have to defend my world title on SHOWTIME,” said Puello. “’Rolly’ has fought at the elite level, so I’m looking forward to testing myself and showing why I am the champion. I’m confident in my skills and I’m coming with everything I’ve got. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year, so make sure you tune in.”

Part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) is known for his brash talk that he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. Romero returns to the ring for the first time since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, Romero won an interim title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 27-year-old followed that victory up with a pair of impressive knockout triumphs, dominating slick contender Avery Sparrow with a seventh-round stoppage in January 2021 before dropping former title challenger Anthony Yigit three times on his way to another seventh-round stoppage in July 2021.

“I’m excited to become a world champion on May 13,” said Romero. “Everyone knows what I bring to the ring. It’s gonna be an entertaining show. I hope Puello comes in 100%, because I ready to show that I’m an elite fighter in this division.”

A native of Havana, Cuba now fighting out of Las Vegas, Barthelemy (29-2-1, 15 KOs) returns after a defeat to Gary Antuanne Russell last July in which many believed the referee waived off the fight prematurely. A world champion at 130 and 135 pounds, Barthelemy owns notable victories over Argenis Mendez, Antonio DeMarco, Mickey Bey and Denis Shafikov. His only other professional loss came in a 2018 140-pound championship rematch against Kiryl Relikh. Barthelemy comes from a fighting family, as he is the middle brother between the younger Leduan and the older Yan, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show against a young, hungry fighter like Omar Juarez,” said Barthelemy. “I want to thank everyone who put me in this position and made this fight happen. At this stage in my career, it’s about building my legacy, and that means getting a knockout on May 13. My hands will be flying when that bell rings.”

The 23-year-old Juarez (14-1, 5 KOs) enters the ring propelled by momentum gained from his efforts inside and outside the ring. He enters the fight on a three-bout winning streak following a June 2021 defeat to All Rivera, including 2022 victories over Ryan Karl in February and Austin Dulay in December. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez has achieved recognition in his community by uplifting the state’s youth through motivational speaking, receiving commendations from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his altruism.

“This is the biggest fight of my life and I’m grateful to my team for making it happen,” said Juarez. “Rances brings a tremendous amount of experience to the ring, so I know that I have to make the proper adjustments as this fight goes on. I know if I win this fight, big doors will continue to open for me. So believe me when I say that I’m coming to win and win impressively.”

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif., Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 32-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. Most recently, Akhmedov lost a narrow split-decision to Puello in a vacant 140-pound title fight last August on SHOWTIME, with his only other blemish coming in a 2019 action-fight against Mario Barrios.

“I’m looking forward to my return to the ring this May,” said Akhmedov. “My goal has always been to win a world championship and I have faith in myself. The fans know that I’m always in exciting fights, and this matchup is going to be more of the same.”

The 29-year-old Sims (19-2-1, 7 KOs) is one of the hottest fighters in the 140-pound division and can move one step closer to a world title with a victory on May 13. Representing his native Chicago, Ill., Sims has won six-straight outings dating back to May 2018 including triumphs over then-unbeaten fighters Elvis Rodriguez and Keeshawn Williams in 2021. Most recently, Sims dispatched Rock Myrthil in the fifth-round of their December 2022 showdown.

“I’m really excited about this fight,” said Sims. “This is what I’ve been asking for and will bring the best out in me. I believe that Akhmedov won his last fight and should be champion right now. This is not gonna be an easy task, but I will prove that I belong with the big names in the 140-pound division.”

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

NEW YORK.- April 12, 2023 – Super lightweight Joshua Pagan, a rising prospect who fights out of the Salita Promotions stable, will enter the ring this Friday, April 14 in a four-round matchup against fellow unbeaten prospect Wesley Rivers from the Motor City Casino in Detroit.

“Training has been going great heading into this Friday,” said Pagan. “I’m working on correcting mistakes from my last fight and putting things together for this upcoming fight. I’m going to show everyone my improvement and prove my dedication to this sport. I’m going to keep getting better and better and create big opportunities for my future with Salita Promotions.”

Pagan (5-0, 2 KOs) won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis. The 23-year-old followed that up by turning pro in January 2022 and earning four victories that year. Most recently, Pagan won a dominant unanimous decision over Istvan Bela Orban in February, also at the Motor City Casino. He takes on Detroit’s Rivers (1-0), who made a successful pro debut last October with a decision triumph against Samuel Browning.

“Joshua is another hot prospect from the talent rich state of Michigan,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He is a future standout that through his in ring performances will bring championship fights to the city of Detroit. He is getting better with each fight and it’s just a matter of time before he splashes on to the world boxing scene with significant fights and notable performances.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

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

NEW YORK – April 12, 2023 – Unbeaten rising middleweight Joseph Hicks Jr. will look to score his second victory of 2023 when he returns to the ring to face Noah Kidd in a six-round showdown this Friday, April 14 from the Motor City Casino in Detroit.

The 29-year-old Hicks (5-0, 4 KOs) competes out of the Salita Promotions stable and can continue to establish himself as a contender to keep an eye on as he looks to build off of his last performance, a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Bilal Quintyne in February. This will be the second consecutive outing at the Motor City Casino for Hicks, who only turned pro in 2022.

He will be opposed by Kansas City, Missouri’s Kidd (6-7-2, 5 KOs), a 27-year-old who most recently dropped a December bout against former world champion Sergio Martinez. Kidd has also faced top prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. and contender Daniyar Yeleussinov in a career that dates back to 2016.

“In my last fight I showed that I’m a dog and that I can box my way to a decision,” said Hicks. “In this fight I’ve trained really hard to put on a performance that shows that I’m on a different level.”

“Joseph has the experience as an elite amateur to quickly climb up the pro ranks,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Staying busy is one of the important factors in him getting his championship opportunity. He is ready willing and able to challenge all comers as we saw in his last performance. We’re really looking forward to his progress and a big 2023”

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

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

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

NEW YORK, NY – April 12, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Real Fight Inc. (Real Fight), announced that they are partnering to create the most highly anticipated boxing match of the year. On August 5^th , 2023, international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and combat sports icon Nate Diaz will finally settle their growing feud over eight rounds at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Paul v. Diaz will be contested at 185 lbs. with 10-ounce gloves, and will be distributed and co-produced globally by DAZN PPV and made available on all devices, platforms, cable, and satellite PPV providers around the world.

Fans can sign up for early access to tickets at: https://www.americanairlinescenter.com/events/paul-v-diaz/

Over the last 18 months, Paul and Diaz have traded scathing public jabs about a potential fight, and now the world will finally see the duo go head-to-head to settle the score. Paul (6-1, 4KO’s) will be out for revenge as he prepares for his first fight since his split-decision defeat against Tommy Fury. Hungrier than ever to show the world his boxing prowess, the Cleveland native is pulling out all the stops to prepare for his fight against Diaz and is promising to silence the critics with a spectacular KO against the combat sport icon.

Paul’s attempt at redemption will come at a steep price as he takes on the world-renowned MMA superstar and heart of the 209, Nate Diaz, who makes his highly anticipated boxing debut after being the most sought after free agent in combat sports history. Boxing has been a staple throughout his 17-years as a professional, which has included being a regular training and sparring partner of undefeated boxing legend, Andre Ward. A proven fighter willing to take on the biggest name in his sport, Diaz headlined his last show for the UFC and capped it off by being the first person to ever submit Tony Ferguson. He has won 22-fights as a pro, including devastating Conor McGregor with a 1-2 that lead to the Irishman’s first loss in the UFC.

“My last fight didn’t end the way I wanted, but the result was the best thing that could have happened to my professional boxing aspirations. Now, the world thinks I am vulnerable, when all I am is more focused than ever. My team wanted me to take an easy fight like KSI next, but that’s not how I am built. Nate Diaz is considered one of the most bad-ass fighters of all time, but he and his team have been running their mouths for too long,” said Paul. “People tell me Nate has been training with Andre Ward for years. That he has insane stamina. That he refuses to back down. Good for fucking Nate. I haven’t

forgotten about the slap backstage in Arizona, and on August 5^th, a Problem Child is going to piece up and knock out the Stockton G.”

“Besides Canelo he’s the biggest thang in boxing. I’m here to conquer that. I’m the King of combat sports and then I’m headed back to get my UFC belts,” said Diaz. “I fucked up Conor for acting out and now here I am again, like a Super Hero of the Real Fight game, the King of the Real Fight game.”

Most Valuable Promotions, founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, and Real Fight, Inc., founded by Diaz, are partnering to bring Paul v. Diaz to global audiences. The strategic partnership will combine the star power and international reach of both fighters to promote the year’s biggest fight.

“Jake’s star power and popularity continue to command massive audiences worldwide. His most recent bout, Paul vs. Fury, surpassed more than 800,000 pay-per-view purchases and was a commercial success for all our partners. Jake remains one of the most avidly followed fighters in the sport and all eyes are on him, wondering what’s next,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. “Well, what’s next is one of the most vicious men ever in the cage. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this fight to fruition with two of the most polarizing figures in the game, who have both shown the heart to fight through adversity. We are incredibly proud to work with Nate Diaz, Real Fight, DAZN, and American Airlines Center to showcase this thrilling matchup and have no doubt that Paul vs Diaz will be the hottest ticket in Dallas this summer.”

“Nate’s departure from the UFC made him the most sought-after free agent in combat sports history with all eyes looking to see what his next move would be,” said Real Fight Inc. President, Zach Rosenfield. “In choosing to make his boxing debut against Jake Paul, Nate found an opponent wherethere is an organic, non-scripted backstory that motivates him and will clearly capture the excitement of audiences throughout the world. Together with MVP, we look forward to producing an event worthy of the names of the marquee.”

“We are incredibly excited to have this mega fight on DAZN around the world,” said Joe Markowski, CEO of DAZN North America. “One of the biggest names in boxing meeting one of the biggest names inMMA makes for a truly unique matchup on a global scale. Watch it live globally on DAZN PPV.”

“We are thrilled to host the highly anticipated Paul vs. Diaz fight at American Airlines Center on August 5th” says Dave Brown, Chief Operating Officer & General Manager of American Airlines Center. “Dallas provides the perfect location to reach a massive audience and showcase the most exciting boxing match scheduled for this summer.”

For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @NateDiaz209, @MostVPromotions, @RealFightINC and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @JakePaul, @NateDiaz209, @MostValuablePromotions, @realfightinc and @DAZNBoxing.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last four global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Fury match, which surpassed 800,000 Pay-per-view buys worldwide. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic

athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About Real Fight, Inc.

Founded by mixed martial arts legend Nate Diaz, in 2022, Real Fight Inc. promotes exactly what the name suggests — the fights people want to see, featuring the realest fighters from all over the world. Since his departure from the UFC, Diaz is extending his business empire with a true all-around combat experience that will focus on boxing, MMA, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The inaugural event under the Real Fight, Inc. banner is set to take place on August 5, 2023, when Diaz makes his long-awaited professional boxing debut against Jake Paul at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

About Jake Paul

Paul (6-1, 4KO’s) will enter Paul v. Diaz having already collected an impressive amount of wins, including defeating one of the greatest combat sports athletes of all time in Anderson Silva, where Paul won ESPNRingside’s 2022 Viral Moment of the Year by dropping Silva in the 8th round. Paul began his pro career in January 2020 with a TKO win against British YouTube star AnEsonGib and followed it up with a stunning knockout of former NBA star Nate Robinson in November 2020. “The Problem Child” then shocked the industry with a first-round KO of former MMA champion and Freddie Roach-trained Ben Askren in April 2021, followed by two wins over MMA legend Tyron Woodley, including a vicious sixth-round knockout which won him ESPNRingside’s 2021 Knockout of The Year. After a split-decision defeat against Fury, Paul is eager to get back in the ring and come out victorious with a seventh professional win against Diaz.

About Nate Diaz:

Throughout a career that spanned 16 years, no single fighter has captured the imagination of combat sports quite like Stockton, California’s finest Nate Diaz, nor has anybody embodied the spirit of what it means to be a fighter in the broader world. Diaz defines a generation with a raw blend of attitude, perseverance, conviction, and pure skill. His rivalry with Conor McGregor remains the biggest in MMA history, shattering box office and pay-per-view records across the board, while his fights with Anthony Pettis, Leon Edwards, and Jorge Masvidal transcended the cage. Nate scored 16 victories over the course of his career in the UFC, ending with a poetic finish of Tony Ferguson in his final fight in the promotion.

About DAZN:

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

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

?

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

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to ground-breaking rights 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.??

About American Airlines Center:

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

Essington, PA (April 14, 2023)–RDR Promotions returns to the Clarion Hotel in Essington, PA THIS Friday, April 14th as heavyweights Junior Wright and Brian Howard will slug it out in the six-round main event.

Fresh off an explosive knockout of Colby Madison, Wright of Delaware County is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. The 36 year-old Wright has victories over Nick Reader (3-0-1), Nick Kisner (12-0-1). On May 21, 2016, Wright challenged Beibut Shumenov for the WBA Cruiserweight title. Wright was stopped in 10 -rounds in a fight that took place in Las Vegas. Wright is coming off that vicious third-round stoppage over Colby Madison on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Howard of Loganville, Georgia has a record of 15-5 with 12 knockouts. The 42 year-old Howard has wins over Yuwshua Zadok (1-0), Chris Stallworth (9-2), Alex Guerrero (12-0-1), Shawndell Winters (8-0), Carlos Negron (20-2). Howard is coming off la oss to Efe Ajagba on April 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In an six–round co-feature, welterweight Mark Dawson Jr. will be in action against Jose Mayoral

Dawson of Philadelphia, promoted by RDR Promotions is 10-1-1 with four knockouts. The 25 year-old Dawson has been a pro for seven years, and has a win over previously undefeated Ivan Pandzic (13-0-1). Dawson is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Vincent Floyd on September 23, 2022 in Essington, PA

Mayoral of New Orleans, Louisiana is 5-2-1 with one knockout. Mayoral has wins over Jose Belloso and the touted Boubacar Sylla (12-0). Mayoral is coming off a draw with Ibrahim Robinson (4-0) on January 21 in Tampa, Florida.

In six-round bouts:

Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Eric Manriquez (7-15-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a featherweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Seeing action against opponents to be named will be RDR Promotions fighter: junior welterweight Marvelous Corbin (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Ryan Picou (3-15-1) of Las Vegas

Bantamweight Edwin Cortes (3-0 of Millville, NJ and welterweight Nimal Farmer (3-0, 3 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ will take on opponents to be announced.

The Clarion Hotel is located at 76 Industrial Highway in Essington, PA

Tickets are $100, $75 and $55 and can be purchased at the Following Link

CLICK FOR TICKETS

NEW YORK (April 12, 2023) —Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas is set to shine on the eve of Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.

Zayas will return in a 10-round re-scheduled battle against Ronald “Diablo” Cruz Saturday, June 10 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zayas-Cruz will serve as the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine champion Josh Taylor and former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez.

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs), from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is on the fast track to super stardom. He signed with Top Rank at 16 and has maintained an unblemished record. He is coming off an impressive 2022 that included eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. The 20-year-old was originally scheduled to face Cruz in the April 1 co-feature to the Robeisy Ramirez-Isaac Dogboe main event, but a training injury forced him to withdraw. Zayas is ready to settle unfinished business on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade atop an undercard that will feature several of his countrymen.

“I cannot wait to fight at Madison Square Garden in front of my people on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade. This is a dream come true,” Zayas said. “Ronald Cruz is a tough, durable fighter, and I expect the best version of him on June 10.”

Cruz (18-2-1, 12, KOs) is a Los Angeles native who has never been stopped as a pro. After suffering his first loss in 2015, he went 16-0 before drawing against Kevin Ottley in 2021. In his last fight, the eight-year pro went 10 competitive rounds in a unanimous decision loss to Damian Sosa.

“I’m beyond excited to be fighting Xander Zayas,” Cruz said. “My whole life I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to test myself against top opposition on the biggest of stages. I look forward to starting a new rivalry, El Salvador against Puerto Rico. June 10, you will have two hungry lions battling it out. I can’t wait.”

The undercard, streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+, features two all-Puerto Rico battles.

Henry “Moncho” Lebron (17-0, 10 KOs) takes on Christian Tapia (15-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight tilt. Lebron is coming off wide decision wins over Andy Vences and Luis Lebron, while Tapia looks to rebound from a competitive decision defeat to Cleveland standout Thomas Mattice.

Promising prospect Omar Rosario (10-0, 3 KOs) squares off against Jan Carlos Rivera (8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight bout. Rivera has won four straight fights since a decision loss inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

The loaded undercard action also features pair of rising stars in eight-rounders, both of whom fought on the Shakur Stevenson-Shuichiro Yoshino bill in Newark, New Jersey. Brooklyn featherweight prodigy Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (7-0, 4 KOs), who knocked out Brandon Chambers in the second round, makes his third appearance at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Polish heavyweight dynamo Damian Knyba (11-0, 7 KOs), who stopped Curtis Harper in the eighth round, will fight an opponent to be named.

(April 11, 2023) —Puerto Rican junior flyweight Rene “Chulo” Santiago will defend his WBO Latino title in a 10-round main event this Friday, April 14 against hometown hero Carlos “Arañita” Ortega at Coliseo de Combates in Panama City, Panama.
 
Santiago-Ortega and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Santiago (10-3, 7 KOs) is a 31-year-old contender who debuted as a pro in 2014. He captured his first regional title in January 2020 with a decision win over countryman Israel Vazquez. Following a near two-year layoff, he defeated Jose Calderon via second-round TKO and suffered his third pro loss via unanimous decision against Yudel Reyes in April 2022. Santiago is coming off a controversial DQ win over undefeated contender Gerardo Zapata last December. Ortega (15-6-3, 6 KOs), whose nickname means “Little Spider,” is a 14-year pro. He stopped Victor Berrio in the second-round of their May 2022 matchup. 
 

In other streaming action from Panama City:

• Derrieck Cuevas (24-1-1, 16 KOs), the fighting pride of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, will defend his WBA Fedecentro junior middleweight title in a 10-round battle against Cuba’s Damian Rodriguez (13-1, 7 KOs). The 28-year-old Cuevas is coming off a second-round TKO against Esneiker Correa last December, while Rodriguez returns from a three-plus-year layoff.
   
• In a battle of Central American light heavyweights, Panama’s Yunior “Bronco Man” Menendez (6-0, 5 KOs) and Costa Rica’s Juan Carlos Chavarria (6-1, 6 KOs) collide in an eight-rounder for the vacant WBC Fecarbox title.
   
• Puerto Rican super middleweight knockout artist Luis J Rodriguez Fernandez (11-0, 11 KOs) looks to make hit 12 for 12 versus Ecuador’s Roger Guerrero (17-3-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

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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). 
 

Uncasville, CT – The stakes have never been higher as two of boxing’s brightest stars go for gold at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Championship Jackpot, presented by CES Boxing, features two prestigious title bouts as both the WBC Silver bantamweight and super welterweight belts are up for grabs Saturday, April 22, 2023.

Super bantamweight Tramaine Williams of New Haven, CT, faces Oklahoma City’s Elijah Pierce in the 10-round main event 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 for Championship Jackpot 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.

Nicknamed “The Mighty Midget,” the 5-foot-4 southpaw Williams (20-1, 6 KOs) steps back into the ring for the first time since August with the opportunity to add another title to his trophy case. In 2019, he captured the USBA and NABO super bantamweight titles in a win over Yenifel Vicente, which led to a 2020 world championship showdown against undefeated Angelo Leo, also at Mohegan Sun.

Williams last appeared for CES in June of 2019, defeated Neil John Tabanao by unanimous decision, and faces a tall order April 22 against the dangerous Pierce (16-2, 14 KOs), a hard-hitting 5-foot-8 southpaw best known for wins over unbeaten prospects Irvin Gonzalez and Jesse Garcia. Pierce last fought in November in his hometown of Oklahoma City and stopped Juan Carlos Pena in the second round of a scheduled six-round bout, capping a wildly-successful in which he won all five of his bouts to extend his win streak to seven in a row.

Booker steps back into the ring April 22 hoping to collect his first piece of championship hardware – the same belt once held by pound-for-pound great Canelo Alvarez in 2020 – following a win over tough veteran Angel Hernandez at CES’ Winter Brawl event at Mohegan on January 21. Having successfully rebounded from his first career loss in April of 2022, Booker faces the 33-year-old hard-hitting Aduku (15-2-1, 11 KOs), who will make his United States debut less than a month after his most recent win in his home city of Accra.

Managed by Paul Guarino of PG Sports, the 31-year-old Booker is confident he’s entering his prime years despite getting a late start on his professional career; he started boxing at the age of 19 and turned pro five years later at 24. The unwavering support of his fans has been a major source of motivation. Booker fought in his home state of Connecticut for the first time in 2021 and has since been a fixture under CES with April 22 marking his third appearance with the promotion in his last four fights.

On the Championship Jackpot undercard, 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 14-fight veteran Josefina Vega (9-5, 4 KOs) of Ecuador.

Fresh off a win on March 25, 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 when he faced Puerto Rico’s Jayron Santiago Lopez, while Ofacio Falcon (9-0, 6 KOs), an undefeated super featherweight from the Bronx, makes his promotional debut April 22.

A Western New England Golden Gloves and New England Golden Gloves champion in 2022, Bohdziewicz faces Max Weslei Da Silva of Woburn, MA, in a four-round bout.

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 Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.

DETROIT – April 11, 2023 – Undisputed Middleweight World Champion and Michigan’s own Claressa “GWOAT” Shields will make a homecoming return as she headlines the first boxing event in the history of Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, June 3 taking on four-division champion Hanna Gabriels in a rematch that will stream live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

Shields and Gabriels will go face-to-face to preview the exciting event at a press conference being planned for Tuesday, April 18 in Detroit. Additional press conference details will be announced.

Tickets for the live event go on sale Tuesday, April 18 and can be purchased through 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents.

The only two-division undisputed champion in boxing history, Shields will continue to make history as she brings big-time boxing to the home of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings. The Flint, Michigan-native first faced Gabriels in Shields’ sixth pro fight back in 2018, with Gabriels putting Shields on the canvas in round one with a vicious right uppercut-left hook combination. It remains the only time Shields has ever been knocked down as a professional or amateur and although she recovered to win an exciting unanimous decision, she will look for an emphatic ending to their rivalry on June 3.

“The ‘GWOAT’ is bringing championship boxing back to Detroit!” said Shields. “After my historic victory over Savannah Marshall in the U.K., I wanted a true homecoming fight in the U.S. I’m really excited to headline the first fight ever at Little Caesars Arena. Hanna Gabriels knocked me down in round one in our first fight and I’ve wanted the rematch ever since to settle that score. She’s a four-time world champ but she’s fighting the GWOAT, who’s a thirteen-time world champion and three-time undisputed champion. This is a big, important fight for me and will be another great fight for women’s boxing. I’m ready to defend my titles and win in dramatic fashion in Detroit!” 

“I know that Claressa is looking for the right adversary to put on a Fight of the Year-type fight that Taylor vs. Serrano was, so I’ve done my homework since our last encounter five years ago and I’m a much more improved and dangerous fighter now,” said Gabriels. “Claressa and boxing fans can expect to see the best version of Hanna Gabriels come fight night. I knocked Claressa down in our first fight and I intend to do the same in our rematch. Only this time, she’ll stay down.”

“Claressa Shields is making history again by opening up professional boxing at the brand new world class Little Caesars Arena in the heart of Detroit,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “This is going to be a ‘HERstoric’ event in resurrecting the tradition of big-time championship events in Detroit, in an electric rematch against current light heavyweight and heavyweight world champion Hanna Gabriels. Tommy Hearns won his first world title at Joe Louis Arena in 1980 and now in 2023 Claressa will electrify fans watching the fight at the arena and live on DAZN in USA and Canada.”

“As Detroit’s premier live entertainment company, 313 Presents is excited to bring boxing to Little Caesars Arena in partnership with Salita Promotions,” said Howard Handler, President of 313 Presents. “Detroit’s boxing scene has a rich history that has produced and embraced numerous champions, from Joe Louis to Sugar Ray Robinson to Tommy Hearns to Hilmer Kenty and now Claressa Shields. June 3 will be a historic night for us and we’re thrilled to provide an action-packed night of boxing back in Detroit.”

“We are thrilled to have Claressa back on DAZN,” said Joe Markowski, CEO North America DAZN. “This homecoming fight for Claressa is highly anticipated by DAZN subscribers in the US and Canada. We can’t wait to have another massive women’s fight on the platform after making history with Taylor vs. Serrano last year. Tune in live to DAZN June 3rd for this very special event.”

A two-time Olympic gold medalist throughout her storied amateur career, the 28-year-old Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) avenged her only amateur defeat last October when she traveled to the U.K. to win the WBO Middleweight Title from Savannah Marshall via unanimous decision. Shields’ last fight in her home state of Michigan came in March 2021 as she bested Marie Eve Dicaire to become undisputed super welterweight world champion, her second undisputed distinction after originally unifying all the middleweight titles with a 2019 victory over then unbeaten Christina Hammer.

Representing her native Alajuela, Costa Rica, and promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Gabriels (21-2-1, 12 KOs) first became a world champion at welterweight in 2009, before capturing the super welterweight championship in 2010. She would go on to unify  154-pound titles with a TKO over Katia Alvarino in 2016 and followed up her 2018 loss to Shields with two successful 154-pound title defenses in 2019. Most recently, Gabriels captured both the WBA Light Heavyweight and WBC Heavyweight world championships with a second-round stoppage of Martha Lara Gaytan in April 2021.

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About Salita Promotions

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

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

About 313 Presents

313 Presents is Detroit’s premier live entertainment company. Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents promotes and produces concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows at six world-class venues across southeast Michigan including Little Caesars Arena, the historic Fox Theatre featuring Proud Partner Comerica Bank, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre Presented by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. Headquartered in The District Detroit, 313 Presents is a joint venture between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment. For additional information, visit 313Presents.com.

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 reimagining 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. 

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – (April 11, 2023) – A European championship clash, a revenge rematch and the return to the ring of one of British boxing’s all-time hottest talents were among the bouts confirmed today for the BOXXER: BIRMINGHAM undercard taking place at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham on Saturday, May 6th and airing live on Sky Sports. 

BOXXER also revealed today that a major landmark match will be announced for the card later this week, ensuring the event’s immediate prominent placement in the boxing history books on the same day King Charles III is crowned.

Generational prodigy Ben Whittaker (2-0, 1 KO’s) returns to the ring following an enforced injury layoff which has seen him sidelined since August last year. 

The brilliant 2020 Olympics silver medallist has already captured fans’ hearts and imaginations with his stunning skills, entertaining showboating style and inhuman reflexes – now the Midlands man is aiming to return to the ring with a bang in Birmingham.

For his third outing as a professional light-heavyweight, he faces Jordan ‘The Game’ Grant (6-3, 1 KO) who brings triple Whittaker’s professional experience to the ring and has a well-deserved reputation for unbelievable toughness thanks to such feats as going the distance and winning a unanimous decision despite breaking his right hand in the first minute of a fight. 

“I’m back in the ring. My camp is going the way it should and I’m ticking all the boxes. Now it’s time to get some momentum going and that starts on May 6 against Jordan Grant in my home city of Birmingham,” said Whittaker.

European gold is on the line for Birmingham’s own Kaisee Benjamin (16-2-1, 6 KO’s) as he heads a veritable battalion of Birmingham’s top boxing talent confirmed for the May 6th card. 

Having won fans across the country in his thrilling November super-lightweight title tilt against Dalton Smith, Benjamin will take a crack at the WBO European super-lightweight championship held by Ireland’s Sean McComb (15-1, 5 KO’s) in what will undoubtedly be an all-action encounter from bell to bell.

And Birmingham’s Cori Gibbs (17-1, 3 KO’s) is out for revenge when he faces Jimmy First in an immediate rematch of their December encounter. 

That fight ended with the previously-undefeated lightweight Gibbs losing a decision due to having three points deducted across the course of the bout as a faulty new gumshield kept falling from his mouth.

On home soil – and with a properly-fitted mouthguard clamped firmly between his teeth – Gibbs is out to set the record straight in show-stopping style and put the freak technical loss behind him as he continues his climb up the rankings.

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said, “This will be BOXXER’s first event in Birmingham and we wanted to stack the card for our first visit to Britain’s second city, so we’re delighted with this line-up. 

“Ben Whittaker has been tipped for greatness by every boxing insider I’ve spoken to and we’re delighted to see him return to action and start rebuilding the momentum last year’s injury cost him. 

“Kaisee Benjamin is taking a big step up in his crack at the European title and you can only imagine how heated Cori Gibbs will be as he heads into the ring to avenge that freak loss he suffered in December.

“On top of that we’ve got Joshua Buatsi making his BOXXER debut as he kicks off his world title campaign and we’ve got something extra special to announce later this week which I’m very proud for BOXXER to be part of and which will literally change the sport in this country.”

Former British light-heavyweight champion Shakan Pitters (17-2, 6 KO’s) faces former English champion Joel McIntyre (20-6, 5 KO’s), with both fighters looking for a win to return themselves to the contender conversation. 

And current British middleweight champion Tyler Denny (16-2-3), competing in his native Birmingham for the first time since 2019 in a non-title match against Natasha Jonas stablemate Macauley McGowan (17-3-2, 3 KO’s), who came away with a controversial draw decision in Paris last month after seemingly clearly bested the home fighter over eight rounds. 

BOXXER’s blockbuster Birmingham card is headlined by recent signing Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KO’s) making his eagerly-anticipated BOXXER debut. 

Ranked #1 in the WBA contender rankings, Buatsi is preparing to go on a world title run in 2023. He faces Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KO’s) in the headline bout and looks to end his Polish rival’s undefeated record in emphatic fashion as he kicks off his conquest for a world title.

For further details on tickets and event news, head to BOXXER.com

This event will be presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Lester Martinez remained undefeated by stopping Isaiah Steen in round eight of their 10-round super middleweight bout at The Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas.

In round three, Martinez dropped Steen with a left hook.

Martinez continued to dominate the action, and in round eight, Martinez landed some hard right hands on the ropes that forced a referee stoppage at 1:15.

Martinez of Guatemala City, Guatemala is 15-0 with 13 knockouts. Steen of Toledo, Ohio is 16-2.

Britton Norwood stopped Nicolas Masseroni in the opening round of their eight-round cruiserweight bout.

Norwood dropped Masseroni hard on his back with a straight left and the fight was over at 1:20.

Norwood of Las Vegas is 13-4-1 with 10 knockouts. Mssseroni of Buenos Aries, ARG is 20-2.

David Alaverdian won a six-round majority decision over Ernesto Irias in a super flyweight bout.

Alaverdian of Las Vegas via Israel won by scores of 59-55 twice and 57-57 is now 8-0-1. Irias of Baton Rouge, LA is 15-7-1.

Henry Rivera stopped Tyre Rivera in round three of their four-round junior middleweight bout.

The bout was stopped at 1:29 of round three for Henry Rivera of Las Vegas who is now 2-0 with one knockout. Tyre Rivera is 0-2.