Miami, FL (January 10, 2023) Peter Kahn’s Fight Game Advisors has signed 2021 Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel ‘El Doctorito’ Rivera, (2-0, 2 KOs), to an exclusive, long-term managerial contract. The native of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico has quickly impressed in the professional ranks winning his first two bouts in the flyweight division.

Said the excited Rivera upon the signing with the highly regarded Kahn, “When I was a little kid, I embarked on a beautiful journey. That journey took me all the way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. After the Olympics, I started on my next journey. Only this time, I want my journey to take me to a World Championship. After meeting Peter Kahn, I knew he was the right person to take me to the elite level. I have received several offers from good, well intended entities. But I am convinced he is the manager I need to get where I want to get. I look forward to working closely with him and performing to the best of my capabilities along with fighting for my family and Puerto Rico”.  

Rivera compiled an amateur record of 133-14 with 38 knockouts prior to turning professional. In addition to participating at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics he also competed at the World Amateur Championships in Belgrade (2021) and Hamburg (2017) and is a seven-time Puerto Rican National Champion. Both his professional fights have ended in knockouts, most recently a third-round stoppage of Ramon Velasquez on November 19, 2022 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Stated Kahn, “It’s an honor to be representing Yankiel. He had a fantastic amateur career culminating in representing Puerto Rico at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He’s in a very exciting division as a professional and has all of the tools necessary to become a world champion and a dominant force in his weight class. He has a great team behind him and I am looking forward to being a part of his journey.”

Rivera is also advised by Miguel Ortega, “For more than 25 years, Peter Kahn has been working successfully in different aspects of boxing. Peter knows this game in and out, and we are very happy to be working with him. As Yankiel’s legal advisor, I cannot think of a better manager to take him to where we all want him to be; at the top of his division. We cannot be happier with this signing, and we look forward to working with Peter every step of the way towards Yankiel becoming a world champion.”

For more information on Fight Game Advisors, please visit their website.

DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 ‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday.”

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

Los Angeles (January 9, 2023) Fast-rising super flyweight star and local fan favorite Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera, (1-0-1, 1 KOs), of Riverside, CA will return to action on Friday, January 27 in a scheduled four-rounder against debuting Victor Edward Hernandez Martin of Laguna Beach, CA on the next 360 Promotions / Hollywood Fight Nights event at the Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club and live on UFC Fight Pass (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

The 21-year-old Barrera, a sparring partner of boxing legend Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, hits the ring following a hotly contested four-round majority draw against Isaac Anguiano on November 3, 2022.

“I wasn’t happy with my last performance, I have superior boxing skills but got caught up in a toe-to-toe war which while it was very crowd pleasing did not work completely to my advantage,” said Barrera. “I’ve worked diligently in the gym the last two months and won’t be making the same mistake.”

Barrera is managed by Ray Chaparro who has guided former world champion Andrew Cancio  in addition to former contender Daniel Franco. Prior to turning professional last year, Barrera compiled a sensational record of 64-5 as an amateur.

“Chucky is a world class talent who unfortunately got taken out of his game plan in his last fight,” said Chaparro. “The judges were clearly scoring for the aggression from the opponent although we didn’t believe it was effective. We strongly believe Chucky is a future world champion and look forward to him putting on a great show for his huge fan base on January 27.”

The January 27 event is headlined by a scheduled ten-round Super Welterweight clash between defending WBC Continental Americas Champion Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (21-1, 21 KOs) of Vinitza, Ukraine and Top-Rated Challenger Nathaniel ‘Nate the Great’ Gallimore, (22-6-1, 17 KO), of Chicago, IL.

Limited number of remaining tickets priced at $200 (First Row), $150 (Second Row),  $100 (Premium Reserved Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating) can be purchased online at 360Promotions.us. The Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m.

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Matchroom Boxing’s 2023 schedule in the UK is set to begin with a bang at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday February 18 as hometown hero Leigh Wood puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

‘Leigh-thal’ (26-2 KOs) memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12^th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner.

The Forest-mad Featherweight was heavily dropped in the opening round and looked to be heading towards his third loss in the pros before brilliantly fighting back to earn a brilliant win that will be talked about for many years to come.

Wood is now recognised as the World Boxing Associations only Champion at Featherweight after former ‘Super Champion’ Leo Santa Cruz relinquished his title on Monday December 12, and the 34-year-old wants to waste no time in adding more World Titles to his collection in 2023.

‘Bronco’ (25-2-1, 18 KOs) has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity next month. 

Lara is well-known on UK shores after he floored and ruthlessly finished Josh Warrington in a sensational upset behind closed doors at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, ending the IBF Featherweight World Champion’s unbeaten record.

He rematched Warrington in front of a sold-out Headingley Stadium in Leeds seven months later, but a nasty cut over the left eye of the Mexican in round two caused by an accidental clash of heads resulted in the contest ending in a technical draw.

The power-punching 24-year-old blitzed Emilio Sanchez in three rounds in March 2022 on the undercard of Roman Gonzalez vs. Julio Cesar Martinez before stopping Jose Sanmartin in three in another destructive show of brute force to put the 126lbs division on notice.

“Mauricio Lara has made things personal between us with the disrespect he showed me regarding my injury and my country,” said Wood. “I’m going to show him what I’m all about. See you on February 18 Nottingham – And Still!”

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for 2 years and I am not going to waste it,” said Lara. “In February 2021 I beat Warrington in England, now in 2023 I will do the same with Wood. The WBA 126lbs World Title goes to Mexico, that I promised to my daughter, my family, my team and to my whole country. Your time has come Leigh Wood, no “injury” can save you now from this.”

“Quite simply this is a fight that you have to watch through your fingers,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “After the drama of the Conlan fight last March, Leigh Wood is about to bring another night of drama to the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham against the brutal, fearless and much avoided Mauricio Lara. This fight leads Leigh to the City Ground in the summer but first get ready for an epic main event and all action card as we gear up for another FOTY contender in Nottingham on February 18.”

“What a fight this is to kick off the Matchroom UK schedule in 2023,” said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “Both Wood and Lara are incapable of being involved in anything other than brutal, toe to toe, edge of your seat fights and I for one cannot wait for February 18. Watch this barnstormer live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Tickets for Wood vs. Lara are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP)

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday January 11. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from midday on Thursday January 12.

In a fight that started slow, Gervonta Davis needed just a a few seconds in round eight to land two hard shots to the jaw of Hector Luis Garcia and get a stoppage win after Garcia could not come out for round nine in front of a sold out crowd of 19, 731 Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

When the fight got going, Garcia fought well by mixing in body shots to offset Davis trying to land power shots from the outside. The fight was on even terms as it headed into the eighth round. Even in round eight, Garcia began the stanza well by working the body. Late in the round, Davis landed two flush lefts that hurt Garcia. When Garcia got to the corner, he did not come out for round nine and the fight was officially stopped at 13 seconds.

Davis, 134 lbs of Baltimore will now take on Ryan Garcia, presumably on April 15th with a record of 28-0 with 26 knockouts. Garcia, 134 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 16-1.

Gervonta Davis

“A little surprised (he didn’t come out). But I knew he was hurt bad but he’s a fighter and he didn’t want to show it. I knew he was hurt though.

“I feel as though – I have stuff to work on. Everything. I’m a fighter and I’m not retired so I’m always willing to learn.

“I wasn’t throwing a lot of shots (in the beginning) because I was trying to beat him mentally. I was trying to trick him with my hands and my eyes and things like that because he’s a tough fighter. I had to bait him.

“His southpaw style bothered me a little bit because I don’t fight a lot of southpaws but it’s okay; it’s a part of the game.

“God willing I’m ready for the fight (with Ryan Garcia). It’s scheduled for April. I’m here. He’s been training. He’s been talking. And let’s see who’s really about that.

“On my end I’m ready. I’ll be in the gym Monday. Well, not Monday. I’ll probably take a week off but I’ll be back for sure soon.

“I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to Al Haymon and just stay focused. There’s a lot of bumps in the road but if we stay focused together – that’s how I’ll (maintain) longevity in the sport.”

Hector Luis Garcia

“When I got the shot to my head in the final round, that’s when I couldn’t see from my eye. I didn’t know where I was when he hit me with that shot. My vision is back but my head still hurts. I couldn’t see from my right eye. It was going well up until that point. I was picking my shots.”

Ennis Decisions Chukhadzhian to Win IBF Interim Welterweight Title

Jaron Ennis went the distance for the first time in 20 fights, but won the IBF Interim Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over slippery Karen Chukhadzhian.

Ennis pressed the action while Chukhadzhian danced around the outside, and only coming in sporadically. Ennis landed the majority of punches and won by scores of 120-108 on all cards. Ennis landed 203 of 592 punches; Chukhadzhian was 97 of 573

Ennis, 145.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 30-0. Chukhadhian, 146.25 lbs of Kiev, UKR is 21-2.

Jaron Ennis

“We come here to dominate. I feel like I could have thrown more punches. I should stop that guy and that’s on me. I wanted him to engage but we did what we could. 

“I learned to just take my time and to not rush anything. I’m glad I went 12 rounds. It felt great. I felt I was in the best shape. I just needed to throw a little more punches. I should have got him out of there.

“He ran a lot. Hats off to him since a lot of guys didn’t want to fight me. So shout out to him for coming here and taking this fight.

“Everyone knows that I want Errol Spence and the winner of Virgil Ortiz and (Eimantas) Stanionis. You know – all the top guys. Let’s get it, you know?

“I’ll wait until the time is right and (Spence) is ready.”

Roiman Villa Scores Two Late Knockdowns to win Majority Decision over Rashidi Ellis

Roiman Villa needed all 36 minutes to score a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Rashidi Ellis in an IBF Welterweight Elimination bout

It was a fight that Ellis controlled early with his jab. Villa was applying pressure. Villa was slowing gaining momentum in the fight when in round 12, Villa decked Ellis with a vicious left hook to the jaw. Villa continued landing hard shots to Ellis, who at this point was backtracking and trying to land shots while going backwards. In the final seconds, Villa dropped Ellis again with a hard right hand.

Ellis landed 268 of 604 punches. The knockdowns were the difference as Villa was just 114 of 631.

Villa, 146.75 of Venezuela won by scores of 114-112 twice and 113-113 to raise his mark to 26-1. Ellis, 146.25 of Lynn, MA is 24-1.

Roiman Villa

“First of all, thank God for this victory. Second of all, he was a tough fighter. He moved a lot. He does hit hard. The first couple rounds I was a little tight but then I got loose.

“I was on top of him from the first round. I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired and that’s what I took advantage of.

“My corner told me to knock him down (in the 12^th round). I couldn’t do it on the first try but I kept going.

“I thought he just fell on the last knockdown so I wasn’t sure (if it was a knockdown) . But if they want the rematch we’ll give them the rematch.

“I like the Mexican fighters with balls and I like the way he fights so I would definitely give him the rematch.

“I told him after the fight to smile and he had nothing to say.

“I didn’t really feel like I needed the knockout in that last round, I just wanted to dominate.

“Ellis is a good fighter, but this was mostly about what I was able to do. All credit to God for allowing me to come out with my arm raised up high.

“I’m not thinking about the future right now, just soaking in the moment.”

Rashidi Ellis

“I want the rematch right away. I’m fine (physically).

“I thought I was dictating the fight. I don’t know. I don’t know what happened.

“I totally disagree with the decision. I was winning most of the rounds. Yeah, he had the knockdown but other than that I was winning most of the rounds.”

Andrade Decisions Nicholson in Super Middleweight Debut

Demetrius Andrade made his super middleweight debut and the former two-division was successful as he pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson

In round two, Andrade landed a straight left that was followed by a right hook that sent Nicholson on his rear end. Each seemingly scored knockdowns that referee Malik Waleed missed.

In round 10, Andrade landed right hook to the head that made Nicholson’s glove touch the canvas that was ruled a knockdown.

Andrade landed 145 of 325 punches. Nicholson was just 28 of 231.

Andrade, 167 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 32-0. Nicholson, 167.25 lbs of Laurel, MD is 26-5-1.

Demetrius Andrade

“I felt good, I can definitely tell the weight difference but the speed and combinations and the IQ was the plan today and that’s what we did. The weight (was different).”

Charlos, Benavidez vs. Plant winner?

“The only way I can say I’m the best is by fighting the best. Everyone knows that Demond Nicholson is a dog. That’s why we took this fight. He took this fight because he knew I was coming up and he definitely has the animal in him. He showed it today and we’re just boxing – IQ.”

On the 10^th round knockdown:

“That was definitely clean. Nice left. Definitely a knockdown. That left hand. Boom. It was great to be here. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity and PBC and everyone that came out today. It’s me again baby!

“I thought I would be able to get him out of there in the deep waters, but he’s a tough guy. I think we both cut each other early in the fight, but at the end of the day we do what we have to do. 

“I threw some nice combinations and some nice hard shots, but he came in shape. People get up to fight me. 

“We’re going to look to see who’s available at 168 pounds. I’m just going to get stronger, sharper and faster too.”

Vito Mielnicki stopped Omar Rosales in round four of their eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Mielnicki landed power punches throughout the contest and then unloaded on Rosales on round four and the bout was stopped at 26 seconds.

Mielnicki, 153.2 lbs of Roseland, NJ is now 14-1 with nine knockouts. Rosales, 152.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 9-2-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated by stopping Diego Luque in round four of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Lee dominated the action and then landed a bevvy of hard punches that forced the corner of Luque to throw in the towel at

Lee, 141.4 lbs of a Quinta, CA is 27-0 with 23 knockouts. Luque, 141.2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 21-11-2.

Travon Marshall needed just 48 seconds to obliterate Shawn West in a six-round welterweight bout.

Marshall landed flush and hard power shots from the opening bell until fight was stopped at 48 seconds.

Marshall, 149.8 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 7-0 with six knockouts. West, 151.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 7-3-1.

Keeshawn Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Gustavo David Vittori in a welterweight bout.

Williams, 146,2 lbs of Lanham, MD won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1-1. Vittori, 145.6 lbs of Argentina is 26-12-1.

Former world champion Lamont Peterson tried to come back after a four-year retirement only to be stopped in round four of a six-round super lightweight bout to unheralded Michael Ogundo.

In round four, Peterson was dropped hard with a right hand. He was in serious trouble when Ogundo followed with a hard flurry that forced Peterson’s corner to wave the towel at 2:05.

Ogund0, 140.2 lbs of Quincy, MA is 17-16 with 14 knockouts. Peterson, 141.6 lbs of Washington, DC is 35-6-1,

Kyrone Davis took an eight-round unanimous decision over Cristian Fabian Rios in a super middleweight contest.

Davis, 163.8 lbs of Wilmington, DE won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 17-3-1. Rios, 164.4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 23-16-3.

Jalil Hackett made quick work of Joel Guevara by scoring an opening round of their four-round super welterweight bout,

Hackett dropped Guevara in the opening round with a hard right hand. Hackett was all over Guevara and sent him to the canvas a with a left hook and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Hackett, 156.2 lbs of Washington, DC is 5-0 with four knockouts. Guevara, 155.8 lbs of Charlston, WV is 4-9-1.

Mia Ellis stopped Karen Dulin in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

Ellis scored two knockdowns and the fight was called after the second knockdown at 1:53.

Ellis, 128.2 lbs of Baltimore is 6-1 with five knockouts. Dulin, 129.8 lbs of Portsmouth, NH is 5-26-1.

Miami, FL (January 7, 2023) Peter Kahn, President of Fight Game Advisors, has been announced for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. The Induction Weekend will take place the weekend of June 30 to July 2 emanating from the St. Petersburg Hilton in St. Petersburg, Florida. More information can be found at Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

“This is a tremendous honor for me and I’m truly humbled to be named for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Kahn. “I have been very fortunate to have worked closely with many legends in boxing over the last thirty years and owe them a wealth of gratitude for my success. The induction ceremony will be a great day for my family and I.”

A South Floridian since 1992, Kahn has been working in professional boxing for thirty years. Learning from the ground up, Kahn began as an amateur boxer in South Florida. His operational work with boxing icon Don King started in May of 1995 rising to Vice President of Boxing Operations for the then biggest promotional company in the world. During this time, Kahn worked intimately on many memorable promotions featuring boxing superstars Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Terry Norris, and Ricardo Lopez.

In 2003, Kahn joined startup boxing promotional company Warriors Boxing Promotions as Director of Boxing Operations. His work there included the signing of numerous world champions and producing countless world championship fights including memorable battles for Hector Camacho and Michael Moorer. His success also included working with three-time, two-division world champion Randall Bailey, who Kahn went on to manage. 

As an acclaimed boxing manager, one of Kahn’s earliest clients was former IBF super featherweight world champion and now a renowned trainer of champions, Robert Garcia. Kahn has gone on to manage many world champions and top prospects over the last fifteen years. In 2021 and 2022, Kahn was the only manager in the history of boxing to guide undisputed male and female fighters simultaneously; lightweight George Kambosos Jr. and super middleweight Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Kahn is currently the manager of fast rising star, junior middleweight Xander Zayas and many other world ranked contenders and highly regarded prospects through his company Fight Game Advisors. 

Kahn is a four-time nominee for Manager of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and was named Manager of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by SiriusXM.  Since 2017, Kahn has been a boxing contributor to Forbes and CBS Sportsline. Kahn is also the Associate Producer of Netflix Original Series Fightworld. 

WBA Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 134 lbs.

Héctor Luis Garcia – 134 lbs.

Referee: Albert Earl Brown; Judges: Dave Moretti (Nev.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

IBF Interim Welterweight Championship – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 145 ½ lbs.

Karen Chukhadzhian – 146 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

IBF Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Rashidi Ellis – 146 ¼ lbs.

Roiman Villa – 145 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Middleweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Demetrius Andrade – 167 lbs.

Demond Nicholson – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight/10 Rounds

Vito Mielnicki, Jr. – 153 ¼ lbs.

Omar Rosales – 152 ¾ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Lightweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Brandun Lee – 141 ½ lbs.

Diego Luque – 141 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Note: Contracted weight 143 pounds.

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Travon Marshall – 149 ¾ lbs.

Shawn West – 151 ¼ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C) Manuel Vincens (Wash. D.C.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

Note: Contracted weight 152 pounds.

Veteran sportscaster and “The Last Stand” podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will once again handle the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three more Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing – ringside reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. will executive-produce the broadcast with Bob Dunphy, son of the storied boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of the award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk show will host the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN streaming card before the pay-per-view.

#          #          #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, areon sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

MONTRÉAL (January 6, 2022) — Late last night, Jean Pascal informed Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. His symptoms are too severe for him to continue training for his IBF Light Heavyweight title elimination fight against German Michael Eifert, “No Limit”, scheduled for Place Bell in Laval on February 9th.

Co-promoter of the event, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) President Lou DiBella, contacted Eifert’s promoter, Benedikt Poelchau, President of Blanko Sports, and also informed the IBF of the situation. It was agreed that the fight and the entire event would be postponed to a later date to be determined in March.

More details will be communicated soon.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2023): Golden Boy will kickstart 2023 with dynamite, as Santa Ana’s very own ace Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) is scheduled to defend his NABO Welterweight Title and level up against Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round main event presented in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The welterweights will go head-to-head on Saturday, January 28 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, and the event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST. 

“January 28th marks my first fight of 2023 and a fight that will set the stage for my best year yet. I have patiently worked to reach the point of being the main event on a major card and now I’m here,” said Alexis Rocha. “2022 provided its challenges, as I had to overcome a hand injury, but it made me stronger. I can’t wait to start the year with a knockout victory and as always, I’m thankful to Golden Boy, Robert Diaz, Abraham Perez and SOA Boxing, DAZN, my coach Hector and my entire team for the opportunity and support. Now it’s time to put on a show.”

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to perform on this platform,” said Anthony Young. “With the beliefs and strength of Allah we are going to shock the world twice.” 

“We are excited to welcome Alexis ‘Lex’ Rocha to defend his title against Anthony Young for the first boxing event at YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park on January 28,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “YouTube Theater’s intimate setting will create a great atmosphere for the fans, and we look forward to hosting more boxing events across Hollywood Park in the future.”

Tickets for Rocha vs. Young will go on-sale Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. PST at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and https://www.goldenboypromotions.com/. For more information, visit YouTubeTheater.com. YouTube Theater is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment destination that is home to SoFi Stadium and being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. 

The co-main event for the night will feature a special, blue-chip prospect inching his way up into world contender status – Austin, Texas’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (12-0, 10 KOs) – who will participate in a 10-round match against Humacao, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado (16-1-1, 3 KOs) which is presented in association with Davies Entertainment. Schofield and Mercado will battle it out for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title. 

Also on the DAZN broadcast is a 12-round WBO Minimumweight World Title Eliminator fight presented in association with Cotto Promotions, which will be a clash of Puerto Ricans as Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (5-0, 3 KOs) of Villalba faces Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez (18-2, 6 KOs) of Caguas. Having only turned professional in February 2020, if Collazo secures the victory he will be on the doorstep of a world title opportunity and with the potential to make history as one of the fastest to become a world champion in his division.

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Indio’s Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (10-1, 8 KOs) will return in full force after an impressive technical knockout win on August 6, 2022 on the undercard of the Ortiz vs. McKinson. His opponent for the scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight will be announced soon. 

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://bit.ly/RochavsYoungCredentials. Media applications are due EOD January 20, 2023. Credential decisions will be sent by EOD January 23, 2023.

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a fighting family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at 14-years-old in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made an electrifying professional debut in March 2016, knocking out Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. His only career blemish is a unanimous decision loss in October 2021 against Rashidi Ellis, in which he confidently came back with five consecutive wins. Rocha locked in the NABO Welterweight title in a unanimous decision victory against Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron in July 2022 on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, which he successfully defended against Jesus “Ricky” Perez in October 2022. 

Anthony “Juice” Young represents Atlantic City, New Jersey. He made his professional debut at 23-years-old on October 28, 2011 against Kywayne Hill, winning by unanimous decision. With only two blemishes on his early career resume, he has had a string of wins, including a stunning upset of former WBO junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali via third-round knockout on the May 2019 Alvarez vs. Jacobs undercard in Las Vegas. Since then, he has fought victoriously three times, the last being a unanimous decision win over Jose Zaragoza in October 2022. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

About YouTube Theater

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.

Melrose, MA (January 6, 2023) – Reyes Boxing Promotions kicks off their 2023 schedule with “Down and Dirty 5,” Saturday, January 28 at Lowell Auditorium in Lowell, MA.
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Reyes Boxing Promotions hosted 3 action-packed cards in 2022 featuring exciting matchups between local New England area fighters. In 2023, Reyes Boxing Promotions’ goal is to continue putting on entertaining cards while providing fighters the opportunity to remain active.
Promoted in association with Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, tickets for “Down and Dirty 5” are on sale at shorturl.at/bikx1. Those unable to make it to the Lowell Auditorium can watch on Reyesboxingtv.com.

Doors open at 4 pm and the opening bell is scheduled for 5.

Headlining is the highly-anticipated heavyweight matchup between Donnie Palmer of Dorchester, MA and Quincy, MA’s Steve Vukosa. Palmer and Vukosa are a combined 25-3-2 with 15 knockouts. The 6’10 Palmer and 6’5 Vukosa have been on a collision course for many years.

In a six round junior welterweight contest, Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti faces Brandon Sandoval for the ABF 140 pound title.

?Fighting out of Haverhill, MA, Gigliotti is 8-4 with 3 knockouts. The 27-year-old’s been in tough, facing Brandon Higgins (7-1), Antonio Williams (14-0-1) and Delante Johnson (4-0) his last three bouts. Gigliotti defeated Higgins, dropped a razor-thin split decision vs Williams and went five rounds against 2020 US Olympian Johnson.

A winner in his last two bouts, the Salem, MA based Sandoval is coming off a decision victory over Justin Morales in what was one of Reyes Boxing’s most exciting fights in 2022.

Fans will enjoy more than 10 undercard fights including the pro debut of multi-time New England Golden Gloves champion Jaydell Pazmino, Devon Williams, Alicia Pike, Tahmir Smalls, Justin Morales, Luke Iannuccilli, Gabriel Morales, and Ricky De Los Santos.

Lightweight contender Willian “Babyface” Silva, world title challenger Steve Geffrard and undefeated featherweight knockout artist Hegley “El Torpedo” Mosqueda will all appear in special attraction bouts.

“This is going to be a really fun card to kick off the new year and I’d like to thank Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions for helping put this together,” said Michael Reyes of Reyes Boxing Promotions. “Palmer-Vukosa has significant local interest as does Gigliotti-Sandoval. There’s also a good bit of buzz surrounding the debut of Jaydell Pazmino. We’ve got a deep card with local favorites and three bouts featuring world class talent. I look forward to seeing everybody on January 28.”

For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com.

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks the year off with a thrilling middleweight contenders’ clash that will see No. 12 ranked Nassourdine Imavov battle No. 13 Kelvin Gastelum. Also, No. 13 ranked featherweight contender Dan Ige squares off with streaking Damon Jackson.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: IMAVOV vs. GASTELUM will take place Saturday, January 14 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Rising star Imavov (12-3, fighting out of Paris, France) hopes to make the most of his first UFC main event opportunity. A well-rounded competitor who is currently riding a three-fight win streak, he holds notable victories over Joaquin Buckley, Edmen Shahbazyan and Ian Heinisch. Imavov now goes for the biggest win of his career to prove he is a threat in the middleweight title picture.

Former interim middleweight title challenger Gastelum (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz.) looks to start his 2023 campaign on the right track. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 17, he has delivered spectacular finishes over Michael Bisping, Tim Kennedy and Jake Ellenberger. Gastelum now intends to halt Imavov’s momentum with another vintage win.

Ige (15-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii) aims to begin the year with a vintage performance. A gritty and well-rounded competitor, he has secured impressive wins against Gavin Tucker, Edson Barboza and Danny Henry. Ige now plans to defend his spot in the rankings by turning back another budding contender.

Jackson (22-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) looks to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity. An exciting submissions specialist, he has earned memorable victories over Pat Sabatini, Charles Rosa and Mirsad Bektic. Jackson now has his sights set on stopping Ige to enter the UFC featherweight Top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Exciting middleweights collide when Punahele Soriano (9-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Oahu, Hawaii) takes on Roman Kopylov (9-2, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia)
• No. 2 ranked bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira (13-2, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) looks to stake her claim for a title shot when she takes on former title challenger and current No. 5 Raquel Pennington (14-9, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.)
• No. 11 ranked bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov (15-0, fighting out of Kizilyurt, Russia) battles Raoni Barcelos (17-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Seriescontract winner Claudio Ribeiro (10-2, fighting out of Jundiai, São Paulo, Brazil) faces Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-5, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Accra, Ghana) in an intriguing middleweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Mateusz Rebecki (16-1, fighting out of Szczecin, Poland) locks horns with short-notice replacement Nick Fiore (6-0, fighting out of Windham, N.H.) in a clash of debuting lightweights
• Javid Basharat (13-0, fighting out of London, England by way of Paktia, Afghanistan) takes on Mateus Mendonca (10-0, fighting out of Pindare Mirim, Maranhao, Brazil) in a battle of unbeaten bantamweights
• Allan Nascimento (19-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) meets Carlos Hernandez (8-1, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) at flyweight
• Undefeated newcomer Isaac Dulgarian (5-0, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) squares off with Daniel Argueta (8-1, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M. by way of Orland Park, Ill.) at featherweight
• Charles Johnson (12-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) takes on returning Jimmy Flick (16-5, fighting out of Tulsa, Okla.) at flyweight
• Priscila Cachoeira (12-4, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Sijara Eubanks (8-7, fighting out of Brick, N.J. by way of Springfield, Mass.) in a hard-hitting flyweight matchup

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 207 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About 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 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

MIAMI, FL (January 5, 2023)—The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, is returning to Casino Miami Jai Alai with another sensational championship card, “The Clash of the Champions!  Let Freedom Ring!”, on Saturday, January 21.

The card will be highlighted by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as NABA Gold Heavyweight Champion Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA will be risking his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV via Canada.

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented steaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott.  Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.

Guidry had started the year suffering his first loss after 17 straight victories as a professional, losing a split decision and the WBA Championship to Trevor Bryan in Warren, Ohio on Jan. 29.

Stiverne, like Guidry, lost his last fight to Trevor Bryan for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on Jan. 29, 2021 at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.   Bryan floored Stiverne twice, the last coming with 1:27 of the 11^th round when referee Frank Gentile called a halt to the proceedings.

Seven other undercard bouts will be announced soon.

QUINCY, Mass. (January 5, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced it will present its first boxing event in Melrose, “Turf War 4” Pro-Am card, February 18^th at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

“Turf War 4”, which will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com, will mark Granite Chin’s first promotion in Melrose, which is located in Greater Boston.

“I am excited to be running for the first time at the Melrose Memorial Hall,” Granite Chin President Chris Traietti said. “Over the last few years there have been some exciting local shows there and it will be nice to have Granite Chin be a part of the boxing legacy of Melrose Memorial Hall.” 

Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO) will make his first title defense in the 6-round main event versus challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA). In his last fight this past November, Andreozzi captured the vacant title with a 6-round majority decision in Bridgewater (MA) versus Julien Baptiste.

The 6-round co-featured event pits former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Fairfield, ME, against Jonathan Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs), of Fall River, MA., for the vacant USBF title. Rolfe will return to the ring for the first time in 10 months.

Former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs) will bounce back from his last fight in December against undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs), in which the popular Holbrook fighter gained respect at a national level for his tough performance, albeit in a loss by way of a 5^th round stoppage. The fight was at famed Madison Square Garden and streamed live on ESPN+. Ohan will face Puerto Rican junior welterweight Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-22-1, 5 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout.

The opening fight on the pro card matches New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, and veteran Indianapolis fighter DeWayne Wisdom (8-61-3, 4 KOs) in a 4-rounder.

“This is going to be an action-packed card from top to bottom,” Traietti added. “Putting on the amateurs is always a nice way to get a look at the future of boxing in the area. I have no doubt that both the amateurs and the pros will come to fight and put on a show for the fans in attendance and those buying the live stream at BXNGTV.COM.”

Several USA Boxing-sanctioned bouts featuring local amateurs will be in action prior to the first pro  fight..

Tickets are on sale and priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

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

INFORMATION:  

www,granite-chin-promotions.com

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

NEW YORK (January 5, 2023) – Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a historic two-part exclusive partnership with Jake Paul which will accelerate PFL’s mission to innovate and grow the global sport of MMA.

First, Jake Paul begins his MMA journey with PFL by signing as the first fighter in the new Pay-Per-View division he co-created with PFL called “PFL PPV Super Fights.”  Second, Jake Paul, along with his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, will utilize their expertise and platforms to help recruit, market, and promote the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division for the benefit of all top fighters. 

The new PFL PPV Super Fight Division is open for business effective immediately. The league is in the process of signing top PPV fighters, who want to become true economic partners. Fighters in the PFL PPV Super Fight Division will earn 50% of the revenue from PPV events, which is groundbreaking pay in MMA.  

As the first fighter under contract for PFL PPV Super Fights, Paul is partnering with PFL due to its “fighter-first” culture to co-create this new 50-50 revenue partnership model for all PPV fights.  As a long-time advocate for fighter-pay, Paul has also been appointed Head of Fighter Advocacy and will continue to work towards a business model that benefits all top fighters. 

PFL PPV Super Fights are stand-alone events separate from the PFL League Season.  PFL will stage two PPV Super Fights starting in 2023, scaling to more PPV events in following years. 

PFL is entering its next phase of expansion by launching the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and is welcoming Paul and Bidarian as minority equity owners in its parent company.  Paul and Bidarian will deploy their expertise, creativity, network, and platform to help promote fights, produce content, and recruit talent to help build PFL and the grow the awareness of its great fighters.  

“I’ve proven myself in and out of the boxing ring and now I am going to do the same in MMA, and there is no limit to the positive impact I can make on the sport,” said Jake Paul. “I plan to enter the PFL SmartCage and once again show the world that that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Outside of the cage, equal fighter-pay and advocating for female fighters has been my passion, and I am aligned with PFL to evolve the sport.  I believe in PFL, their mission, and what they have accomplished in a very short period of time. That is why I chose to partner with PFL exclusively, both as a fighter and a businessperson. As Head of Fighter Advocacy, I will consistently promote PFL fighters and I invite all top MMA fighters, both men and women, to join the PFL and get a payday like they’ve never had before.”

“I founded PFL to innovate, professionalize, and grow MMA, and we have done that with our disruptive sport-season format which put “fighters-first” as they control their own destiny,” said PFL Chairman and Founder Donn Davis. “Today, we begin our next phase of growth by disrupting the MMA pay-per-view market, with an unprecedented new model where fighters will be true 50-50 economic partners in PPV revenues.   I’m gratified that Jake and Nakisa chose to join PFL, and I can’t wait to see what Jake does as a fighter, creator, and promoter in MMA with PFL.” 

 “Jake and I have proven our ability to successfully promote and stage major international PPV events.  We look forward to having a similar result with PFL within the sport of MMA.” said Nakisa Bidarian. “Our creativity and expertise, paired with PFL’s great reputation and strong position, will push MMA into a new phase of growth and one with more freedom and economic opportunity for fighters. Through our years of experience, we have developed a unique network of people and a novel approach to promotion and content, which we plan to bring to PFL with full force.” 

“Jake Paul begins his journey to fight in MMA today by signing exclusively with the PFL for our global capabilities, innovative platform, and fighters-first culture,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray. “PFL built a great roster of world-ranked fighters for our PFL League, and PFL is now open for business to partner with the best MMA PPV fighters on the planet to be part of our new PFL PPV Super Fight Division.”

Further information regarding the PFL PPV Super Fight Division and this historic exclusive partnership will be announced in the coming months. 

PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on worldwide basis.  PFL is the only in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports.  The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25.   PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience.   PFL airs live primetime in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and via 25 distribution partners is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries worldwide.
 

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE 

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.  

The Company has four global live fight franchises:  PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe.  PFL airs primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 international leading media partners, including DAZN, DirectTV, Viaplay, Sky Sports, and MBC.  PFL has dozens of major brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, GEICO, Bose, US Marine Corps, and Celsius Energy Drink.  

PFL is backed by blue-chip investors including Ares, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with over 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (January 4, 2023) – Fresh off his motivational speaking engagements in his community, lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (13-1, 9 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, will face Donald “Bulldog” Ward (18-11-1, 8 KOs), of Memphis, TN. The bout scheduled eight-rounds will take place at The Bruce Convention Center, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on Saturday, January 14, 2022. The event is presented by One One Six Productions, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

“I am ready to get my 2023 started off right in the right direction,” said Ty Tomlin, who at 23 years old, is ten years younger than his opponent. “I had a hard fight last time, but I am not dwelling on the past, I am looking toward the future. I have been out of the ring for six months and can’t wait to be back. I have a strong team, who hasn’t lost faith in me as a fighter, and this will be another major milestone in my career. As always, I’ll be gunning for a knockout.”

Tomlin is looking to rebound after a controversial stoppage last year but says that the past is the past.

“Look I could say a bunch of things about my last fight, but I’d rather get in the ring, and be a man of action,” said Tomlin. “I didn’t love the result, but everyone always says too much in boxing. Everyone says they got robbed, they were treated wrong – what I am going to do is constantly improve. I put all my frustrations into this camp so the fans can see the best version possible of Ty Tomlin. I am starting my new year off right with a fight, and I plan on being as active as I can possibly be.”

Tomlin promises an explosive night for those who are coming out to Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

“I know Cheatham County is a fight town, and I will see a lot of familiar faces on fight night, so I am going to do my part to entertain and make it worth their time to come out and see the show,” concluded Tomlin. “The love and support I get motivates me to be able to show the world where I’m from. My opponent, Donald Ward is a tough veteran, who has faced some top fighters. This is the type of fight I need right now in my career to show the world how serious I am about boxing at this point in my life.”

LAS VEGAS (January 4, 2023) – 25-year-old professional boxer, Darren “The Gift” Cunningham (16-2, 8 KOs), is now ranked #15 in the WBO super bantamweight ratings and is excited about his future in boxing.

“They are seeing the grind and the hard work I have put in, and now it is time to execute,” said Cunningham, who trains in Las Vegas by way of St. Louis. “I want to fight for a title in 2023 or at the least by 2024. This now puts me in a position to get those types of opportunities. These are the moments I have positioned myself for all my life.”

Cunningham has had his ups and downs during his career but vows to make the most of the opportunity that he’s earned with the WBO. He’s on a mission to fight all the top contenders at super bantamweight.

“I’ve learned a lot in my losses as a professional and I know what needs to be done moving forward,” continued Cunningham. “2023 will be a fresh new start for me and I’m willing to fight anyone ranked higher than me to march up the rankings. I want to fight the best.”

“This is what we have been waiting for,” said David Belcher, Cunningham’s manager. “Darren has devoted his whole life to boxing, and now the WBO is saluting Darren and all the time he has put into the sport. This is a big moment for us, and we want to thank the WBO for honoring us with this ranking. This is the first step towards a major fight.”

QUINCY, Mass. (January 4, 2023) – Strengthening its objective to make Western Mass. its power base, Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced the signing of a pair of promising prospects from Springfield, super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO).

Granite Chin’s stable already includes several Western Mass. boxers including Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs), of Holyoke; Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Sumpter (7-0, 6 KOs), of Pittsfield, and his brother, heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (5-1, 4 KOs); and undefeated junior middleweight prospect Carlos Castillo (6-0. 4 KOs).

“I’m thrilled to be part of Isaiah’s and Ian’s career,” GCP President Chris Traietti said. “Both guys have a ton of talent and are genuinely good guys. It is always humbling when young fighters trust you to help guide their careers. I take that responsibility seriously and won’t let them down, or any of my fighters for that matter down. There are a ton of quality fighters out in Springfield, but nobody has taken the time to try to build a home for boxing there. I intend to change that. I mean it, sincerely, within 2 years Springfield is going to be the spot for the best shows in New England and Granite Chin will be the one running them.”

Cruz, 20, had 90 amateur bouts and competed in numerous national tournaments. He was rated as high as No. 6 in the country. He is friends with Castillo and also knows Whitley and the Sumpter brothers.

(L-R) — Isaiah Cruz, promoter Chris Traietti & Isaiah’s father, Cesar Cruz

“We’ve always had talent here,” Cruz noted, “but we didn’t have the connections – promoters and managers – to get noticed and fight our way out of here. This is a great opportunity for me (to sign with (GCP). I had a few opportunities, but this was the best. I signed with Granite Chin because Chris (Traietti) is not going to rush my career. We’re going to take it step-by-step. I’ll also get a belt in my second year and I’m going to be fighting at home.

“I can’t wait to fight again in Springfield on March 11th (at MassMutual in Springfield). There’s a lot of talent on this show and our fans will be hyped up. Granite Chin will succeed in promoting shows in Springfield. We all have a lot of fans here.”

The 24-year-old Garcia is a native of Puerto Rico, who moved to Springfield in 2000. During the pandemic, Garcia traveled to Tijuana to make his pro debut, which resulted in a 4-round majority draw on the road against a local opponent.

(L-R) – Promoter Chris Traietti & Ian Garcia

“I agree that there is a lot of talent in Western Mass.,” Garcia noted, “but we had no outlet to show our skills. And there are a lot of young kids coming up, too, who will be able to get to the next level of boxing. They will get better because of shows held in Springfield. There are a lot of hungry kids here, especially me.

“I signed with Granite Chin because Chris is going to be a great help for me. My fans want to see me fight, and now they can because Granite Chin is promoting shows here.”

Cruz and Garcia were both winners on Granite Show’s inaugural show in Springfield this past November 19th at MassMutual.

The upbeat continues as Granite Chin Promotions clearly invests in Western Mass.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Hialeah, FL / January 4, 2023 – Former two-time world boxing champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, with a professional record of 20-3-1 (13 KOs), will return to the ring for the first time in almost one year when he headlines the fight card at Hialeah Park on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Rigondeaux, whose last bout was a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Vincent Astrolabio on February 26, 2022 in Dubai, has been sidelined since suffering severe facial burns and eye injuries in a freak kitchen accident at his home in Miami nine months ago.

Now 42 years of age, the former WBO/WBA Super Bantamweight and WBA Bantamweight world champion will attempt to tap the fountain of youth in his 25^th professional fight as he looks to win for the first time since defeating Liborio Solis in February of 2020.

Tickets for what promises to be an action-packed card at Hialeah Park on Friday, February 24, 2023 are on sale now at https://hialeahparkcasino.com

Hialeah Park Casino, with entrances at 100 East 32^nd Street and 2200 East 4^th Avenue, is easily accessible from all major Miami highways and conveniently located just minutes by car from Miami International Airport, South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, and Doral.

Uncasville, CT – One of combat sports’ fastest-rising stars continues his transition from the cage to the squared circle Saturday, January 21 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Mixed martial arts standout John Gotti III of Oyster Bay, NY, returns for his second professional boxing match at Winter Brawl, promoted by CES Boxing, the parent company of CES MMA, which promoted all six of Gotti’s MMA bouts.

Gotti, who is 1-0 as a pro in boxing, faces Alex Citrowske (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Saint Cloud, MN, in a four-round cruiserweight bout. Tickets for Winter Brawl are available online at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or at the Mohegan Sun Arena box office.

Gotti is no stranger to the limelight; the highly-touted MMA welterweight prospect made is professional debut in the cage at CES 46 in Rhode Island in October of 2017 and went on to win his first four bouts by first-round knockout. Inactive for two years due to the pandemic, Gotti made his pro boxing debut in October, beating Albert Tulley by unanimous decision at The Paramount in Huntington, NY.

January 21 marks Gotti’s long-awaited return to CES; he last fought for the promotion in October of 2020.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John Gotti III to the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena and allow him to further showcase his talents inside the boxing ring,” said CES president Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “John is a tremendous athlete and a skilled, instinctive fighter. He’s risen to the occasion each time he’s been tested, whether it’s MMA or boxing. This is not an easy transition for any fighter to make, but I have no doubt John will be as successful in the ring as he’s been in the cage and he will soon be on everyone’s radar in the boxing community.

Winter Brawl is headlined by heavyweight “The Sicilian Nightmare” Juiseppe Cusumano (21-4, 19 KOs) facing “The Hungarian Hammer” Istvan Bernath (10-1, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event and the long-awaited return of Stamford, CT, light middleweight Chordale Booker (17-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round showcase against 37-fight veteran Angel Hernandez (17-17-3, 11 KOs).

The event also features the highly-anticipated six-round interstate battle between Michael Valentin (7-1-1, 1 KO) of Providence, RI and the undefeated Kevin Walsh (6-0, 4 KOs) of Brockton, MA; Worcester, MA, featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (15-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-round bout against the dangerous Headley Scott (18-1, 12 KOs) of Jonesboro, GA; and super featherweight Alejandro Paulino (11-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-round bout against Ryizeemmion Ford (8-3, 6 KOs).

In another potential showstopper, undefeated welterweight Josniel Castro (9-0, 7 KOs), a Boca Raton, FL, native who’s fought his entire pro career in New England from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, faces one of his toughest tests to date in a six-round showdown against Quebec native and Boston resident Mitch Louis Charles (6-3-2, 3 KOs). Winter Brawl also marks the return of female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (3-1, 1 KO), who faces New Jersey’s Michaele Nogue (2-2) in a four-round bout, and Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball Jr. (19-1-2, 12 KOs) in a six-round bout against Argentinian and 22-fight vet Victor Hugo Exner.

In preliminary action, Brockton heavyweight Chad Leoncello (1-0-1, 1 KO), fresh off his first career victory in November, faces Boston’s Wallace Nass Silva (0-4) in a four-round bout and MMA standout Mike Kimbel of Watertown, CT, makes his professional boxing debut against Robert Banks (0-1) of Monroeville, NY, also 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.

(Jan. 4, 2023) — Undefeated heavyweight prospect Damian “Polish Hussar” Knyba, a 6-foot-7 behemoth with an 86-inch reach, has inked a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 26-year-old Knyba, who was born in Bydgoszcz, Poland, is scheduled to return in April on a to-be-determined card.

“Damian Knyba is a supremely talented heavyweight, and he is already a fan favorite among the passionate and knowledgeable Polish fans. I expect Damian to take a big leap forward in 2023,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

“I’m looking to follow in the footsteps of Andrew Golota, Tomasz Adamek, and Adam Kownacki. With all due respect to those who paved the way, my dream is to surpass them and become the first Polish heavyweight world champion,” Knyba said. “I know there is a long road ahead of me, and I am ready for this journey. This is another milestone I’ve hit with my team, including my manager Lukasz Kownacki. With Top Rank behind me, the sky’s the limit.”

Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in June 2021 and went 4-0 with two knockouts before the calendar hit 2022. He made his United States debut in May 2022 with a six-round decision over Terrell Jamal Woods and followed that up with a first-round stoppage over Santander Silgado in Ranson, West Virginia. After a homecoming victory in Poland in October, Knyba received the call to fight on Top Rank’s Teofimo Lopez-Sandor Martin bill at Madison Square Garden in December. The Polish flags were out in full force as Knyba battered Puerto Rican veteran Emilio Salas en route to a second-round TKO. The Salas demolition earned Knyba a promotional contract and the distinction of becoming the first Polish heavyweight to be signed by Top Rank.

Miami, FL (January 4, 2023) Peter Kahn and Fight Game Advisors have announced the signing of undefeated and world ranked junior lightweight Henry ‘Moncho’ LeBron. The 25-year-old native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, currently ranked #7 by the World Boxing Organization, has compiled a stellar professional record of 17-0 with 10 knockouts.

Promoted by Top Rank, LeBron was excited to start working with the very highly respected Kahn, “I am very happy to start working with Peter Kahn. He has always provided extraordinary guidance and management for his fighter’s careers. I am very close to a world title fight and I can’t think of anyone better to manage me. This year will be very important to my career.”

“It’s an honor to be working with another great fighter from Puerto Rico,” said Kahn. “Henry is already an undefeated top 10 world title contender and I am grateful he’s entrusted me to help navigate his path to a world title. He has a great work ethic, high boxing IQ and is going to have a big 2023.”

Known for his exciting style and excellent counter punching, LeBron continued his impressive run of victories on September 23, 2022 with a dominant unanimous decision over fellow contender Andy Vences. The fight took place in front of thousands of Puerto Rican boxing fans at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and live on ESPN. His 2022 campaign also included explosive victories over Luis Lebron (no relation) on June 11, 2022 and Josec Ruiz on March 19, 2022; both fights emanating from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Prior to turning professional six years ago, LeBron was an acclaimed amateur winning the Puerto Rican National Championships four times in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Highlights included amateur victories over fellow highly regarded prospects Elvis Rodriguez and Karlos Balderas. His amateur career culminated in an outstanding record of 153-7.

Details of LeBron’s next fight will be announced shortly. For more information on Fight Game Advisors, visit their website www.FightGameAdvisors.com.

Social Media / Henry LeBron

Instagram / @MonchoLeBron

Twitter / @MonchoLeBron

Wichita Falls, Texas – Imperial Boxing has signed Wichita Falls native, featherweight Emanuel “El Trompo” Moreno to a multi year managerial deal. 

The 18-year-old Emanuel Moreno is a six-ttime National Champion, with an amateur record of 141 wins and only 15 losses. 

Moreno started boxing at age six with Coach Mike Zapata. The duo won multiple national titles before Moreno made the jump to the paid ranks in November. In his professional debut, Moreno won a unanimous decision against tough veteran Christian Alejandro Silva in Oklahoma City. 

Trifon Petrov of Imperial Boxing is very happy to be able to add Emanuel Moreno to his team.

“Manny is a special talent. He is the full package, from amateur pedigree, to charisma, to fighting style. When Manny Moreno steps in the ring, he keeps you captivated. He has all the tools to become not just a world champion, but one of the best fighters in his generation,” said Petrov.

Moreno was a very sought after fighter, but ultimately he chose to sign with Petrov. 

“I had a lot of interest from a lot of other managers, but ultimately Trifon Petrov made a lot of sense for me. The work he’s done with his other fighters speaks enough. I’m very grateful for his belief in me, and with his guidance I am sure that I will reach my dreams in this sport. Being a professional is an exciting challenge for me. I have been perfecting my craft since I was six years old, and it’s time to show the world what I can do. We’ve put in countless hours in the gym, and on the road fighting and being ranked among the top amateur’s in the country. I am now looking forward to the future, competing on the professional level and working my way up to the top of this sport. I have ambitious dreams, and I feel I can achieve them all with Gods favor and in Gods Time. I’m very thankful for my family. My team. My friends and fans who have supported me on this journey. This is only the beginning,” said Moreno.

Emanuel Moreno is expected to be back in action in February. 

Irish Lightweight star Gary Cully has signed a multi-fight extension with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing as he continues to work towards a World Title opportunity in the 135lbs division. 

The 26-year-old from Naas kicked off a memorable 2022 by earning an impressive fifth-round stoppage win over Mexico’s former IBF Lightweight World Champion Miguel Vazquez on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s brilliant World Title win over Mick Conlan at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham in March.

‘The Diva’, who fights out of the Colosseum Gym and Unit 3 Fitness under the guidance of trainers Pete Taylor and Niall Barrett, then put pen to paper on a promotional deal with Matchroom in August before claiming a stunning first-round knockout win over Jaouad Belmehdi at Wembley’s OVO Arena in October.

“I’m delighted to sign a new deal and pledge my long-term future with Matchroom,” said Cully. “I’m only one fight into my first deal so for Matchroom to come to me so soon after initially signing with them and offer me a new deal shows the belief that they have in me. I’ve always believed that Matchroom are the best promotional company in boxing, and I’ve always seen myself and my career being aligned with Matchroom. To get this deal across the line is massive for me. As soon as we sat down and talked about the plans for the future it was a no brainer for me.

“2022 was massive for me, the biggest year of my career so far. To get the opportunity to fight Miguel Vazquez on the big Wood vs. Conlan card back in March and to beat him in the fashion that I did was a massive statement. I kicked on from there and signed with Matchroom at the start of August which was a massive step forward in my career. It was a huge step for me and something that I’d been working towards for a long time. To get my official Matchroom debut against Jaouad Belmehdi on a big Katie Taylor undercard and to get a first round knockout in 35 seconds was great statement. Two big wins and two big knockouts set me up perfectly for a massive 2023.

“2023 I believe is the year where I really become a star and become a name in world boxing. I want to fight early in the year and get some ring time and get active. A big aim of mine this year is to fight at Croke Park back in my home on the undercard of the big Katie Taylor rematch with Amanda Serrano. Hopefully all going well that gets over the line and I’ll be in a position for a big fight on that card. I hope to be co-headlining on Katie’s show in a big fight against a Jorge Linares or another big name in the division. Moving on later into the year I’d like to return to Dublin and headline my own show. I want to become a force and a name back in my home at the 3Arena. Lots of big plans in 2023, lots of exciting times ahead and lots of big nights.”

“Gary Cully enjoyed a Matchroom debut to remember and certainly caught the attention of the Lightweight division with an explosive first round knockout back in October,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I was so impressed with that performance that I wanted to extend this deal further so we can get some solid plans in place to see Gary become a World Champion at 135lbs. He talks the talk and can clearly walk the walk and I believe that ‘The Diva’ is going to have an even bigger 2023. I have full belief that if Gary fulfils his potential he can become the next star of Irish Boxing.”

You can follow Cully’s journey on Instagram: garycully and Twitter: @BoxerCully

The British & Commonwealth, IBF European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles will be on the lines as Ekow Essuman and Chris Kongo go head-to-head in a scintillating addition to the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith on Saturday, January 21 at Manchester’s AO Arena.

‘The Engine’ produced a comprehensive, unanimous points victory over BOXXER’s Samuel Antwi at the same venue last September to retain his British & Commonwealth titles and protect his flawless record (18-0, 7 KOs).

But Essuman will undoubtedly face a tough test in the form of ‘2 Slick’ Kongo in what promises to be a barnstorming title clash.

Kongo captured the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight crown when he defeated Sebastian Formella last June in London. And he’ll be hungry to start the new year in style by putting the first dent on Essuman’s burgeoning CV and claiming two prestigious titles.

Rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke is another sterling addition to the event which is broadcast live, in the UK and Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero is eager to ascend up the heavyweight rankings this year and will return to the scene of his last victory.

An opponent will be named in due course but Clarke (4-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to remind the division of his incredible power as he did last November when he outclassed Kamil Sokowlski over six rounds.

Another explosive heavyweight prospect is confirmed for January 21 too in Matty Harris.

The hard-hitting Coventry fighter (3-0, 2 KOs) burst on the scene in 2021 and last year added two impressive stoppages to his résumé, defeating Mait Metsis and Pawel Strykowski. An opponent for Harris will be named soon.

And unbeaten Scottish cruiserweight starlet Scott Forrest (3-0, 3 KOs) will be keen to showcase his talent on the night when he collides with Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta (7-5-0).

BOXXER Founder and CEO, Ben Shalom said: “These are four terrific additions to what is already a blockbuster card. Tickets are selling out fast with a bumper crowd all set for an incredible night of boxing in Manchester.”

The main event – in association with Wasserman Boxing – sees bitter middleweight enemies Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith face-off in what promises to be an epic domestic clash for the ages as both rivals bid to take a giant leap towards their desired world title pursuits. 

Elsewhere on the stacked pay-per-view card, Richard Riakporhe battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki, as local lad Jack Massey steps up to the heavyweight division to fight former world champion Joseph Parker. 

Final remaining tickets are on sale now at Boxxer.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 3, 2023 – A glittery lineup of rising young stars will highlight a three-bout streaming presentation on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page taking place this Saturday, January 7 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show, hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell, starts at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and is topped by sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. battling Houston’s Omar Rosales in an 8/10-round super welterweight showdown.

The action will also see rising undefeated super lightweight knockout artist Brandun Lee in an eight-round attraction taking on Argentina’s Diego Luque, while unbeaten blue-chip prospect Travon Marshall duels San Antonio’s Shawn West in a six-round super welterweight matchup.

The live streaming fights will precede a SHOWTIME PPV telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by boxing superstar and five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight Title against unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.

The non-televised undercard will be highlighted by Washington D.C. fan-favorites and top talent from the DMV-area and its surrounding sections, including the return of the Peterson brothers. Former two-division champion Lamont Peterson takes on Michael Ogundo in a six-round super lightweight fight, while his brother and once-beaten contender Anthony Peterson steps in to face Raul Chirino in a six-round super lightweight tilt.

Rounding out the card is Lanham, Maryland’s Keeshawn Williams (10-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout against Argentina’s Gustavo David Vittori (26-11-1, 12 KOs), rising prospect and Washington, D.C.-native Jalil Hackett (4-0, 3 KOs) dueling Joel Guevara (4-8-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round super welterweight fight and super middleweight Kyrone Davis (16-3-1, 6 KOs) facing Argentina’s Cristian Fabian Rios (23-15-3, 7 KOs) in an eight-round matchup.

Plus, Gervonta Davis-stablemate and once-beaten lightweight prospect Mia Ellis will step into the ring against New Hampshire’s Karen Dulin in a four-round attraction.

Representing Roseland, N.J., Mielnicki (13-1, 8 KOs) returns to the ring after completing 10 rounds for the first time in his career when he defeated Limberth Ponce via unanimous decision in October. The victory gave the 20-year-old his third triumph of 2022, after a unanimous decision over Dan Karpency in April and a stoppage of Jimmy Williams in July. Mielnicki first turned heads during his exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro. He takes on the 32-year-old Rosales (9-1-1, 5 KOs), who turned pro in August 2020, winning his first nine fights. A native of Mexico, he now fights out of Houston, Texas.

La Quinta, California’s Lee (26-0, 22 KOs) has stopped 15 of his last 17 opponents and is one of the sport’s most fearsome punchers. The 23-year-old has shown his boxing acumen in winning a pair of 10-round decisions in his last two fights, besting Zachary Ochoa in April and Will Madera in August. Trained by his father Bobby, Lee was also an accomplished amateur, going an estimated 195 amateur fights with only five losses and capturing gold at the prestigious 2015 U.S. Junior National Championships at 145 pounds. He will be opposed by the Cordoba, Argentina native Luque (21-10-2, 10 KOs), who took 140-pound contender Jack Catterall the distance in a 2016 bout.

At just 22-years-old, Marshall (5-0, 4 KOs) has quickly shown the skill, power and poise to become a highly regarded prospect in just six fights. Born in Landover, Md., and now fighting out of Capitol Heights, Md., Marshall will fight near his hometown for the first time as a pro on January 7. He added two knockout wins in 2022, stopping Timothy Parks in March before blasting out Marcus Washington in June. He will face West (7-2-1, 4 KOs), who fights for the first time since scoring two victories in 2021. West brings experience fighting on bigger events, as he lost to Kenny Robles on a Davis undercard in 2019 and dropped a televised bout against Joey Spencer in August 2020.

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

VERONA, N.Y. (Jan. 3, 2023) — Rising featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the latest fistic prodigy from Brownsville, Brooklyn, hopes to open his 2023 campaign with a flourish.
 
Carrington will fight Juan Antonio Lopez in a six-round showdown Saturday, Jan. 14, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Carrington-Lopez and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. The ESPN-televised heavyweight doubleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) is headlined by a crossroads battle between Efe “The Silent Roller” Ajagba and Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw, and 2016 Italian Olympian Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello stepping up against Jonnie Rice in the co-feature.

Carrington (5-0, 3 KOs), the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion, flourished in his first full year as a pro. He went 4-0 with a pair of knockouts, including highlight-reel finishes over Steven Brown and Yeuri Andujar. Carrington was scheduled to fight December 10 at Madison Square Garden, but his opponent had a medical issue that scrapped the bout. He makes his 2023 debut against Lopez (17-12-1, 7 KOs), an 11-year pro from Dallas, Texas, who has tested many of the sport’s top featherweight and junior lightweight prospects.
 
Carrington said, “I had an exciting 2022, but it’s time to step on the gas even more in 2023 and take over the featherweight division. I can’t wait to put my hands on somebody because I couldn’t fight on December 10. This is going to be a huge year, and it starts on January 14.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets priced from $49 to $89 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

# # #

 
About Turning Stone Resort Casino
Host of the January 14th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier destination for major boxing events that are broadcast around the world. Boxing legends including Oscar De Lay Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and many others, have all taken part in boxing events at Turning Stone over the years.
 
Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, an international event celebrating boxing legends and current superstars in the sport. Throughout the year, Turning Stone and the Boxing Hall of Fame attract thousands of boxing fans, Hall of Famers and sports media to the region for a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate with the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, annually the biggest and most star-studded weekend in all of boxing. This year’s International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will take place from June 8 – 11.
 
Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.

Amanda Serrano will face Erika Cruz in a Puerto Rico vs. Mexican battle for the Undisputed World Featherweight championship and Alycia Baumgardner takes on Elhem Mekhaled for the Undisputed World Super-Featherweight championship at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday February 4, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS START AT $30 (PLUS FEES) AND GO ON PRESALE TOMORROW (JAN 4) AT 12NOON ET AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 12NOON ET ON THURSDAY (JAN 5) AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Seven-weight World champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (43-2-1 30 KOs) looks to become the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed, as she finally gets the opportunity at Featherweight where she has ruled since 2019, after her history-making Lightweight clash with Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden last April. Serrano faces off against Cruz in her hometown of New York City after a convincing win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England to add the Dane’s IBF title to her WBO and WBC belts at 126lbs.

The missing piece of the jigsaw is the WBA crown that belongs to Cruz (15-1 3 KOs). The Mexican became WBA champion in April 2021, ending the long reign of Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich in West Point, New York. Cruz defended the title in Mexico in November 2021 and then met Mrdjenovich in a rematch in September in Mexico and won via shutout on points. The 32 year old, nicknamed ‘Dinamita’ will pose a big threat to Serrano’s hopes of becoming undisputed and put a spanner in the works of the Taylor rematch.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for me and my own career but for my home island of Puerto Rico,” said Serrano. Earning the opportunity to be an undisputed lineal champion is something most fighters only dream about but becoming the first boxer from Puerto Rico to be an undisputed champion would make it even more special. I look forward to entering the ring on Saturday, February 4th in my hometown of NYC back at Madison Square Garden, taking on a Mexican champion in Erika Cruz and making Puerto Rican history. I encourage all my fans to turn up and tune in!”

“We’ve come to realize nothing is unachievable for Amanda and she is truly setting the tone for a historic 2023 as she goes head-to-head with Mexico’s Erica Cruz in her fight first of the year,” said MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. “Being the first Puerto Rican born fighter to take home the title of undisputed lineal champion is a goal we have discussed since she joined MVP fifteen months ago.” With an unwavering commitment to boxing, Amanda’s focus has always been to be one of the best to ever step into the ring. The fact that the Puerto Rican greats, like Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz and Miguel Cotto never achieved undisputed status but that Amanda Serrano will with a win, is a testament to her and her team’s greatness.”

“I am grateful that this opportunity was finally given to me after many years of work,” said Cruz. “I have always gone against everything, but God is on my side, and he has given me the strength to achieve my goals. It’s time to make history and give Mexico its first unified champion at 126 pounds.”

Baumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) had a brilliant 2022, capped by her victorious trip to London where she unified the 130lbs division against bitter American rival and IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine champion Mikaela Mayer in October via split decision. Baumgardner made it three wins on the bounce in the UK having ripped the WBC and IBO World titles from Terri Harper in Sheffield in November 2021 with a stunning KO and defending the belt for the first time in April in Manchester, shutting out Edith Matthysse over ten rounds.

Like Serrano, the Detroit star just needs the WBA belt to complete the full set, and that belt is vacant with #3 ranked Mekhaled (15-1 3 KOs), and the French former interim WBC champion comes into the bout on the back of a slender reversal in a bruising encounter with Belgium’s former World ruler Delfine Persoon in May in Abu Dhabi.

“Naturally, I’m VERY excited to finally be fighting for undisputed to make it official what I’ve known all along – I’m the world’s best fighter in this division!” said Baumgardner.

“To finally return home and debut in MY country as a World champion is something I’ve been so looking forward to and to have all of this come together as a co-main at the legendary Madison Square Garden in NYC is so incredible!

“NYC is an awesome representation of our country’s diversity, the diversity that’s so near and dear to my heritage… so for me, it’s definitely a fitting venue.

“I get to be an ambassador for women’s boxing in America on one of the largest stages for boxing in the world! I plan to use my talent as an athlete to show Americans and the world a level of women’s boxing that many have never seen before.

“Mekhaled is a great fighter. She’s quick, smart, very skilled, and experienced. Her record and her last fight, where she really outboxed Persoon shows that, but neither she nor anyone else in this division are on my level. So, I plan to end this one quick and make an example out of her.

“She’s standing in between me and God’s plan, so I’m going to have to walk straight through her. This won’t be a fight ANYONE can call close. She had a better chance of ending the fight on her feet if she took the offer back in April when it was first offered to her, but now, I feel motivated to silence any remaining doubters and put everyone from 130 to 140 on notice – I’m coming!”

“Since my WBC interim 2019 title, I’ve been waiting for this moment,” said Mekhaled. “Maybe fate has played well: instead of one belt, there are all on the line! 

“I am super excited to fight on February 4 at the legendary MSG in New York. God knows how determined I am! It’s my time to shine. Thank you to my advisor Sarah Fina. #ANDTHENEW #UNDISPUTED.”

There’s a stacked card in support of the Undisputed double-header, and it’s led by Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins taking on New Jersey’s John Bauza for the IBF North American and USWBC 140lb titles.

It’s a second fight under the Matchroom banner for Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) and the unbeaten 25 year old will defend the IBF belt he won on his first fight with Eddie Hearn in Cleveland in November, his first title fight in the paid ranks and look to add a second strap in the process. 

Hitchins fights in New York for the first time since March 2019, and fellow unbeaten man Bauza (17-0 7 KOs) will want to spoil his return to action in the Big Apple. The Puerto Rican from NJ faces both his first title bout and first battle over ten rounds in the paid ranks on the night. Bauza was a national champion the same year that Hitchins represented Haiti in the 2016 Olympics and the pair are familiar with each other having sparred in the past.

“I’m excited to come back home and showcase my talent in front of my city and my #1 fans,” said Hitchins. “When I signed with Eddie, he promised he was going to turn me into a star and having the opportunity to come back so quickly after my last fight, and do it at home, man I’m just so grateful for this. 

“Bauza is no joke, we know each other, but these are the type of fights I want. I’m fighting a young, hungry, undefeated prospect like myself, but I truly believe I’m the best 140 pounder in the world and come fight night I’m going to show him I am on a whole other level. February 4th is going to be a very special night for me, and I just can’t wait to be back in front of my hometown fans and show the world that I am a problem at 140 lbs.”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while now and finally it’s here,” said Bauza. “On February 4, I graduate from prospect to legitimate world contender. This is a huge opportunity for me to showcase myself and I plan on putting on a spectacular performance.

“I know Richardson well, we’ve sparred before. I respect him as a fighter but he’s simply not on my level and at MSG, he’s going to realize that awfully quick.”

Staten Island talent Reshat Mati lands a big step up in his second title fight as he challenges on fellow New Yorker Cletus Seldin for his WBA NABA Super-Lightweight title. Mati (13-0 7 KOs) picked up the WBC Youth title at 140lbs in Mexico City in October in a tough tussle with Eduardo Rodriguez, outpointing the Mexican in his first ten round action.

Experienced banger Seldin (26-1 22 KOs) will provide an even tougher test in Mati’s second bout with a belt on the line, with ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ will want to extend his five fight KO winning streak as he returns to the ring for the first time since October 2021 when he knocked out William Silva in his Brooklyn backyard.

There are two more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap. 

Nicolson (5-0) will look to bag belt number two just one month shy of a full year in the paid ranks having bagged the Commonwealth title on home turf in Queensland in October, completing a unique double having won Commonwealth gold for her country in the same state in 2018. It will be a night of firsts for Spaniard Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) as ‘La Violenca’ fights outside of Spain for the first time and in her first ten round bout for a belt.

Ali (7-0 2 KOs) and Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) also fight for their first title in the paid ranks, with Somali Olympian Ali heading into the contest after recording her second KO win and second in the first session of a fight in Saudi Arabia, the first female fight held in the country, while Florida based Aussie Mathie kept her unbeaten record intact with victory in her only fight of 2022 in June in Atlanta.

Two more undefeated fighters taste action on the card as Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) following his entertaining split draw on the Canelo-GGG card in Las Vegas in September, and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) fights in New York for the first time against Mexico’s Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs).

“What a start to 2023 we have in store in New York,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The women continue to lead the way in undisputed fights, and we have two of the very best in action on February 4. 

“Puerto Rico vs. Mexico fights always deliver fireworks, and we can expect nothing less when Amanda and Erika meet. Their clash of styles will make for a brilliant spectacle as Amanda and her army of fans returns to the scene of her history-making fight of the year with Katie, and we can expect a similar atmosphere to one of the greatest nights the sport has ever seen.

“Alycia was one of the standout fighters in 2022 and she has the undisputed battle she wanted the moment she ripped the titles from Terri in the UK – but what a golden opportunity for Ehlem to upset the odds. 

“Reshat is in deep with the big hitting ‘Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin and Skye and Ramla both have big title fights that could be crucial on their paths to World title action.

“I cannot wait for February 4, it’s a stacked card from top to bottom and a great way for us to kick off a huge year for Matchroom on DAZN.”

“What a way to kick off our US boxing schedule with two blockbuster undisputed fights at the Garden! We are incredibly excited to be working with Amanda, Jake, Nakisa and the MVP team once again, and to have one of the best around, Alycia Baumgardner, back on DAZN. Both are truly exceptional fighters. Watch this brilliant fight night, live worldwide on DAZN”, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America.

PPV.COM will be offering Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia this Saturday, Jan. 7 in the U.S. & Canada for $74.99.

Davis defends the WBA Lightweight title. Also on the card will be the IBF Interim Welterweight tile bout between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Karen Chukhadzhian. Plus Rashidi Ellis vs Roiman Villa as well as Demtrius Andrade against Demond Nicholson

The fights begin at 9 PM ET and can be purchased at:

https://www.ppv.com/events/davis-vs-garcia

FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry are delighted to announce the signing of World Youth and European Heavyweight champion Moses Itauma to a long-term promotional agreement.

The highly rated Chatham-based heavy turned 18 on Thursday and joins his older brother, Olympic Youth champion Karol, in the Queensberry ranks and fighting on BT Sport.

Itauma won gold at the Schools, Juniors and Youth Europeans and his World gold came recently in November over in Spain. He is a two-time National champion, a Multi-Nation BoxCup winner and unbeaten in 24 fights as an amateur, with only one of them being a split-decision verdict at the age of 11.

Represented by CSM, the management group recently founded by Francis Warren, he now joins fellow heavyweights Tyson Fury, Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, David Adeleye and Boma Brown in sporting Queensberry colours.

“It is exciting for me because Frank Warren has been on the circuit for many years and is the man for the job,” said Itauma on teaming up with a Hall of Fame promoter. “It is going to be good and it is exciting times.

“For me now it is about stepping up quickly, really. I never really took up boxing to win world titles, I literally just kept going to the gym because we were like a little family at St Mary’s ABC. It was just good fun and then I started winning National titles.

“About two years ago I felt the amateur game wasn’t really for me and I started to grow out of it. I don’t think I’m special but I realised I was good at boxing probably when I started sparring Lawrence Okolie when I was 14-15 years old and was holding my own.

“I was then sparring Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua and was still holding my own, if not getting the better of it. When I was sparring Joyce and Okolie I was coming in wearing my school uniform having come straight from school and was yawning.”

Frank Warren, meanwhile, believes he is about to unleash a major force on the heavyweight scene.

“The booming British heavyweight division has now got a new player and this one is going right to the very top,” said the promoter. “For very obvious reasons, Moses was a young man in demand and I am thrilled that he has chosen Queensberry to guide and promote his career.

“We are the ones with a proven track record of taking young fighters to major title success and Moses is going to be in good company with our other elite prospects already taking steps forward in the professional ranks.

“Moses is an exceptional talent who is going to further light up the heavyweight scene in this country and globally.

“Moses possesses the ability to be a heavyweight great and I am sure the nation will get behind him and support his crusade to become a record-breaking world champion.”

Francis Warren of Champion Sports Management, added: “The future of heavyweight boxing is in safe hands with Moses, who is destined to become a world champion and dominate the scene for many years to come. That is the bold plan he himself has set out and it is up to us to deliver on it outside of the ring.

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome Moses to the management company I have formed to take care of the interests of the growing band of young and hugely talented fighters I am privileged to represent.”

Moses Itauma’s professional debut will be announced at a press conference on Thursday 5^th January.

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.