On Thursday, June 23, at the Casino Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina, colorful and dangerous former top heavyweight contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will return to action for the first time in nearly four years to face Argentinean veteran Ariel Esteban “Chiquito” Bracamonte (11-7, 6 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

The fight, part of the WBA’s two-day KO Drugs Festival, will also be broadcast live to South America and parts of the United States on TyC Sports.

The undefeated Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) hasn’t been seen in the ring since his KO 4 over then fellow contender Bogdan Dinu to win the WBA-NABA interim and vacant WBO-NABO heavyweight championships, streamed internationally on DAZN. Laser focused on returning to his formerly high ranking in the big man’s division, the 6? 4? Brooklyn native Miller prepared for his return by sparring hundreds of rounds with fellow prominent heavyweights, including a beneficial stint as sparring partner for world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

While Miller is in heavy final training and not in a mood to comment, his co-promoters, Dmitriy Salita and Greg Cohen, both say that a more mature version of the outspoken and controversial “Big Baby” will be taking the ring walk this week.

“I’m very excited about Jarrell’s return to the ring,” said Salita. “He has matured and refocused to establish himself at the top of the heavyweight division with his special ‘Brooklyn spice.’ Jarrell is more than ready to answer all the questions, one fight at a time, inside the ring.”

“It’s been a very long time and I’m proud to say that Jarrell has made good use of it over the last two years,” added Greg Cohen. “He’s more focused and dedicated than ever and will undoubtedly re-inject some more excitement into the heavyweight division. It’s time to get to back to work!”
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

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

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to San Diego for the first time since 2015 with a pivotal battle between top bantamweight contenders that will see No. 5 ranked Marlon Vera takes on former champion and No. 8 ranked Dominick Cruz.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VERA vs. CRUZ will take place Saturday, August 13 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Calif. All bouts will air on ESPN and will be simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

UFC^® FIGHT NIGHT: VERA vs. CRUZ tickets will go on sale Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 23 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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

Rising star Vera (19-7-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) intends to deliver his best performance yet in his second consecutive UFC main event. A well-rounded martial artist, Vera owns the record for most finishes in UFC bantamweight history, including those earned in his victories over former champion Frankie Edgar, Sean O’Malley and Brad Pickett. He now plans to insert his name into the UFC title picture for the first time by taking out Cruz.

Former UFC and WEC bantamweight champion Cruz (24-3, San Diego, Calif.) aims to make a statement in front of his hometown crowd. Owner of one of the most unique fighting styles in MMA, Cruz has cemented himself among the best to ever compete at 135-pounds with wins over fellow champions TJ Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson. He now looks to put a halt to Vera’s momentum and break back into the Top 5.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top ranked UFC women’s strawweights face off as No. 5 Alexa Grasso (14-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) meets No. 7 Viviane Araujo (11-3, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
• A flyweight bout sees Malcolm Gordon (14-5, fighting out of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) take on Allan Nascimento (19-6, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• No. 7 ranked UFC women’s bantamweight contender Aspen Ladd (9-3, fighting out of El Dorado Hill, Calif.) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against No. 8 Sara McMann (13-6, fighting out of Gaffney, S.C.)
• Devin Clark (13-6, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.) plans to be the first to defeat Azamat Murzakanov (11-0, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J. by way of Nalchik, Russia) in a light heavyweight bout
• Bruno Silva (22-7, fighting out of Parana, Brazil) aims for another signature finish when he faces veteran Gerald Meerschaert (34-15, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a middleweight bout
• Heavyweight action sees Martin Buday (10-1, fighting out of Nitra, Slovakia) collide with Lukasz Brzeski (8-1-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Ma?opolskie, Poland)
• Yazmin Jauregui (8-0, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) intends to make a statement in her UFC debut against Istela Nunes (6-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 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 Pechanga Arena/ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.   asmglobal.com

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 22.3 million subscribers. 

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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 

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.

SAN ANTONIO, T.X. – June 21, 2022 – WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will take on former world champion Rey Vargas in a battle of unbeatens that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa taking on Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained, unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles Panama’s power-punching Ricardo Núñez in the 10-round telecast opener.

“Saturday, July 9 will be topped by a showdown between champions as the Philippines’ Mark Magsayo makes his first title defense against the unbeaten Mexican, Rey Vargas, who will be looking to become a two-division champion at Alamodome on July 9 in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This card will also see the return of one of the sport’s most exciting young stars, as all-action Brandon Figueroa steps back into the ring looking to make his mark in the featherweight division, beginning with a world title eliminator against the always tough Carlos Castro. Kicking off the action will be the highly-skilled rising lightweight contender, Frank Martin, in a tough test against the hard-hitting Ricardo Núñez.”

Additional coverage will include a pair of bouts streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel  beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The action will see unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis facing Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta in a 10-round duel, plus San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas battling Venezuela’s Michell Banquez in a 10-round bantamweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com. The Martin vs. Núñez bout is promoted in association with Man Down Promotions.

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (24-0, 16 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila by way of Los Angeles, Calif., and became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January when he outpointed longtime champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. The 26-year-old earned the opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10^th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“I am very thankful to my team for giving me the opportunity to defend my title in San Antonio,” said Magsayo. “I’m excited to be fighting in the same venue where my idol Manny Pacquiao fought Marco Antonio Barrera. That was the first fight I ever saw and the reason I started boxing. We are preparing for a strong Mexican fighter in Rey Vargas. Everyone knows what the Philippines vs. Mexico boxing rivalry brings to the ring and I’m excited to display my talents for the boxing fans in Texas and watching around the world.”

The former WBC 122-pound world champion, Vargas (35-0, 22 KOs), returned from a layoff due to injury to score a near shutout decision victory over Leonardo Baez in his featherweight debut in November 2021 on the undercard of Canelo vs. Plant. The 31-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. A native of Mexico City, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His fifth successful title defense came via unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.

“This fight on July 9 will be a great battle against the Filipino warrior Mark Magsayo,” said Vargas, who trains under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristáin. “This is going to be exciting combat from start to finish. We know that he has great power, but we’ll be ready to counter that, and anything else he brings to the ring. This is going to be a magnificent fight and I can’t wait to step in there and compete.”

The 25-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) will debut at 126 pounds after dropping a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Stephen Fulton Jr. in November on SHOWTIME, in which the two champions traded blows for 12 grueling rounds, eventually leading to what some observers thought was a controversial majority decision loss. Figueroa used his youth and relentless pressure to become the first person to defeat Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. A native of Weslaco, Texas, who has previously fought in San Antonio six times, Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa, who previously held the lightweight world championship.

“I’ve been waiting to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “Carlos Castro is a great fighter and we both have to prove why we belong at the top of the 126-pound division. I can’t wait to fight in San Antonio in front of my fans, it’s really one of my favorite places to compete and I’m planning on giving everyone who comes out a great show like always.”

Castro (27-1, 12 KOs) was born in Sonora, Mexico and came to the U.S. as a child. Now living in Phoenix, Ariz., Castro most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against two-division champion Luis Nery in February, with one point on the cards ultimately holding Castro back from keeping his unbeaten record intact. The 28-year-old made his name as a 122-pound contender, but has also competed at featherweight, including a 10^th round TKO victory over veteran contender Oscar Escandon in August 2021.

“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring,” said Castro. “I have some real business to handle against Figueroa on July 9. There’s no better fight for me to show that I’m back. I’m ready to show that I’m capable of being in the mix at the top of the division and to earn a shot at the title.”

The 27-year-old Martin (15-0, 11 KOs) rose up the lightweight rankings in 2021 with a pair of impressive victories before most recently delivering a New Year’s Day KO over Romero Duno. In 2021, Martin knocked out the previously unbeaten Jerry Perez in a dominating performance in April, before earning a unanimous decision over Ryan Kielczweski in August. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Martin now trains in the Dallas-area under the guidance of top trainer James alongside unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“I’ve been training hard in Dallas and I’m just excited and ready to go,” said Martin. “Núñez is a boxer-puncher, so I expect him to mix it up with some fast combinations and to try and throw my movement off, but I’ll be ready for all of that. Fight fans are going to enjoy an action fight with this one. We’ve got the speed, power and athleticism to put on an exciting show on July 9.”

Representing La Chorrera, Panama, Núñez (23-3, 21 KOs) enters this fight with knockout victories in his last two fights, including most recently stopping Richard Solano in the first round in October 2021. The 28-year-old moved back up to lightweight for those two victories after challenging three-division champion Gervonta Davis in July 2019 for a 130-pound title. Núñez has fought professionally since 2010 and has a brother also named Ricardo who is a veteran pro fighter in the featherweight division.

“I’m very happy to be back in a big fight on July 9,” said Núñez. “You’re going to see a whole new fighter against Martin. I’m coming to fight and impose my style on my opponent. Martin is a good boxer who’s made it to a high level, but he still has to show what he’s made of. I’m going to give one hundred percent to stop his rise and be the first person to beat him.”

The 29-year-old Ellis (23-0, 14 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since October 2020, having earned a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Alexis Rocha in his last outing. Originally from Lynn, Mass., Ellis also owns a pair of victories over veteran contender Eddie Gomez, including a first-round knockout over Gomez in December 2016, before winning by unanimous decision in their 2019 rematch. He takes on the Buenos Aires, Argentina native Palmetta (17-1, 12 KOs), who represented his home country at the 2016 Olympics before turning pro in November 2016. The 32-year-old has won his last 11 fights, with 10 coming by stoppage, including most recently defeating Yeis Solano in October 2021.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring on July 9,” said Ellis. “I want to thank my whole team, and I can’t wait to deliver fireworks for everyone watching this fight. I’m looking to steal the show and I’m training hard to make sure I do just that. You definitely want to tune in and see what I’m going to do in this one.”

“This fight is very special because it is the same day as Argentinian Independence Day,” said Palmetta. “Four years ago, I made the decision to leave my home and travel to the United States to further my boxing career. I want to face the biggest opponents, so I can earn the opportunity to become a world champion. This fight against Ellis is the big step I’ve been looking for. On July 9, get ready, because I’m coming with hunger, hard work, and determination. It hasn’t been easy for me; I have fought through the pain and struggle, and because of it, I remain humble and more motivated than ever.”

San Antonio’s Cardenas (20-1, 10 KOs) will look to run his current winning streak to nine when he competes in front of his hometown crowd on July 9. The 26-year-old added a pair of victories to his resume in 2021, having most recently stopped Marvin Solano in three rounds last August. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old Banquez (20-1, 14 KOs), who is originally from Venezuela and now fights out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. Banquez had a successful U.S. debut in January, as he stopped the previously unbeaten Joahnys Argilagos in six rounds, building off of a 12-round decision over the previously unbeaten Prince Patel in July 2019.

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

The official countdown to one of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in the history of the sport has started with Unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk facing off with Anthony Joshua in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Billed as ‘Rage on the Red Sea’, Usyk vs. Joshua 2 is set to take place in Jeddah on Saturday August 20 with Usyk’s IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts on the line in a career defining Heavyweight clash, and the hype for the much-anticipated rematch is already building. 

At the start of a two-city promotional tour across Jeddah and London the two colossals of the sport lined up toe to toe as the sun set above the stunning Red Sea after the duo remained respectful during the first official press conference. 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“It feels fantastic to be back. A welcome of course to everyone here, we want to thank Skill Challenge Entertainment as well for their hard work and everybody for their patience. It’s been a long time making this fight. When there’s a fight the size of this, coming and putting on a production like you guys want to put on, these things take time, so thank you to Egis and Alex, and Oleksandr Usyk as well. Of course, for our team, Anthony Joshua, 258 Management and Robert Garcia. This is all very nice, all very friendly, but we’re only here to win. Honesty, that’s all that matters. Last time in September was very painful, when the great Oleksandr Usyk dethroned Anthony Joshua. We’re here to be pleasant but we’re here to see this man regain those wonderful belts up there on August 20^th.

“Well thank you very much and thank you for all attending here today in Jeddah ahead of this huge event, ‘Rage on the Red Sea’, August 20^th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It has been a long time coming. Back in 2019 we saw Anthony Joshua rematch Andy Ruiz and regain his World Heavyweight Championships in Riyadh. It was a tremendous event. Of course, the boxing world and the sporting world slowed right down through the COVID pandemic. Now we’re back, long overdue, and we’re delighted to bring what is the biggest fight in the Heavyweight division, one of the biggest fights in world boxing to the Kingdom in August.

“We’re delighted to be joined by not just Team ‘AJ’, with Anthony Joshua, former two-time Heavyweight Champion and his great trainer Robert Garcia. The Champion Oleksandr Usyk, the unified Heavyweight Champion, the former Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion, his manager Egis Klimas and his promoter Alex Krassyuk.

“We’ve heard a lot about the growth of boxing here in Saudi Arabia, something that is very important to us as fans of the sport. It’s amazing to bring huge high-profile fights to The Kingdom, but even better to witness the growth of boxing here in The Kingdom, to see these great fighters inspire the next generation. We all know Oleksandr and Anthony are two great examples of what boxing can do for a young person, how it can change and how it can shape their lives. We really believe that boxing is a tremendous way to shape and mould the lives of individuals and to teach them all the things that are in important in life; discipline, respect, fitness, mental well-being, being part of a team and being part of a community. We feel very strongly that boxing can do that.”

Prince Fahad bin Abdulaziz, spokesperson of Skill Challenge Entertainment:

“We want to hold the biggest and best events in Saudi Arabia for our people and for the world to enjoy. We are living in unprecedented era for sporting growth in Saudi Arabia. We are inspiring a new generation and that’s what motivates us.”  

Oleksandr Usyk, Unified Heavyweight World Champion:

“I am very happy to be here in Saudi Arabia. It is very pleasant for me and my team. We are doing what we have to do to achieve our goals. I have never made any loud or bright speeches. To become World Champion all I did was work hard in my training camp and gym. That’s what I am going to do until the day of the fight and my boxing will make me happy.”  

Alexander Krassyuk, promoter of Oleksandr Usyk:

“Hello everyone. First of all, I want to thank The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the opportunity. It’s a big honour for us to be here. While thinking over the speech for this media event, I looked back at the press conference we had before the first fight, and the last words were, ‘let the best man win and we’ll see you again for the rematch’. Here we are seeing you again for the rematch.

:It’s an absolutely huge event, it’s a big honour to be a part of it. It took us a lot of efforts and will to make it happen. Probably in February and March, we had to face the challenge of war in our country. We were not sure that this fight would take place. But finally, we put ourselves together, we made the decision to get into the fight, and now we are here representing our country Ukraine with pride in our hearts. We are representing out country here in the new destination of sports in the world here in Saudi Arabia. Let the best man win. We’ll see you again for the Undisputed fight.”

Egis Klimas, manager of Oleksandr Usyk:

“First of all, thank you very much for having us. I want to thank Skill Challenge Entertainment, Prince Khalid, Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Boxing Federation for having us here. I’d like to congratulate Matchroom for putting this deal together with K2 Promotions. As far as the rematch is concerned, this bout is very important for both men. Anthony wants to get his belts back; he is with a new team and a new trainer. I know Robert Garcia personally, he trained a couple of my champions before, he is a great great trainer. Anthony did a good jo picking out this trainer. For Oleksandr it’s very important to keep those belts and to go further. It’s a very real possibility that the winner of this bout will go for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship which will be historic. It’s a very important bout. August 20^th is going to be another historic day in the sport of boxing.”

Anthony Joshua, former Unified Heavyweight World Champion:

“I just want to say god is good, all the time, even through tough times. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out today. Definitely the hunger is still there. As I always said from the get-go, stay hungry. Just keep the motivation high. Blips happen. Things happen in life but resilience, mental toughness and consistency will always prevail. We’re still on the road, we’re still on the road to Undisputed for sure. It’s just a little blip in the road but I’m focused on the target which is sitting over there (points to Usyk).

“I’m focused on the goal, god willing I’ll perform, and I’ll become three-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. With Andy Ruiz I think a lot of people can see before the fight things weren’t 100%. You’ve got to be strong, thick skinned; we take our loss like a man. When I win, I keep it moving and I thank everybody. When you lose, you have to stay humble as well in defeat. We kept it moving and I knew I could come back again and do what I have to do.

“The fight with Usyk, he bust my ass for some rounds. I have to take that defeat like a man as well. I hold myself accountable. I’m someone who can admit when I’m wrong and hold my head high when I’m right. The fight in September, he was right, and I was wrong. Simply, I have to reverse that role on August 20^th. I don’t like to overcomplicate the situation because there’s simplicity in genius. Sometimes if you keep things simple you can achieve great things, so I’m just going to keep things simple, move forward and the date will soon come.

“I wish Team Usyk a successful training camp and safe travels wherever they go in the world. Same to my team, Robert has been great in the camp, my staff at the back there as well that have been helping me in my training camp. I wish all of us well. I wish you guys a safe few weeks and I can’t wait to see you all again in the stadium for a great night of Heavyweight Championship boxing.” 

Robert Garcia, trainer of Anthony Joshua:

“First of all, thank you all for being here. Thanks for having us. I want to congratulate Usyk and his team for all of the success they had. They’re great people and a great team. I started coming to the UK in December, I’ve been coming back and forth to England to work with Anthony. I see a different Anthony now; the way he thinks and the way he talks. Everything he’s practising and everything he’s doing in the gym; I think he fought the wrong fight but that’s the past. That happened already. Usyk was the better man, congratulations to him, but come August 20 we’re going to do whatever it takes to win those titles back. I know he can do it.

“He’s the bigger man, he’s the stronger man, he’s got the reach advantage, so we’re going to take advantage of all that. Come that day, I think without a doubt we’re going to have a three-time Heavyweight Champion of the World. We’ve got to be prepared for everything. Usyk is a great fighter, he’s got skills, reflexes, accuracy – he’s got everything. I think Anthony has the tools to beat him. We just have to do the things in the gym.

“He wants to be champion again. Like I said before, I have no doubt that on August 20^th he will be champion again. With the dedication that he has and the hard work that he puts in in the gym, it motivates me also to put more into the training camp and to come out with the win because I know how much he wants it. I want my first Heavyweight Champion of the World. I’ve had 14 World Champions, he will be my 15^th, but he will be my first Heavyweight Champion of the World and that’s big for me too.”

Abdullah Eid, President of the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation:

“There is a massive focus on the youth of this country. We want our people to see the stars and get active in the sports they watch. We want our young people to participate. To lead healthy lives. From trainers, to coaches and referees, from gyms offering boxing for exercise, everything is focused on increasing participation.”   

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Usyk vs. Joshua 2 bulletins and ticket updates.

About Skill Challenge Entertainment
SCEE is The Kingdom’s first fully integrated sports and entertainment agency focussed on combat sports and boxing. We remain dedicated to providing marketing, events and media services to associated brands across the nation in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. For more information or press enquiries, please email Ravi Samani on Press@SkillChallengeEnt.com

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

OS ANGELES – June 21, 2022 – Tickets will go on sale Thursday for the explosive heavyweight showdown between former unified champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz taking place on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Thursday, June 23 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased online at AXS.com  

Pre-sale tickets are available TOMORROW beginning at 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com with the code: BOXING or CRYPTO

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

PHILADELPHIA PA (June 21, 2022)–This Friday night, one of the biggest fight cards in recent memory in Philadelphia will take place as RDR Promotions will give boxing fans a big bang for their buck by presenting a 14-fight event.

In six-round bouts:

Cameron Krael (18-22-3, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas takes on Vincent Floyd (4-12-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Edgar Joe Cortes (9-6-1, 1 KO) of Millville, NJ fights Gorwar Karyah (2-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia in a super bantamweight fight.

Jabril Noble (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Nasir Mickens (2-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a junior lightweight bout.

Tahmir Smalls (7-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roque Agustin Junco (10-11-1, 6 KOs) of Tucson, Arizona in a welterweight contest.

Isaiah Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ fights Rondale Hubbert (14-22-3, 8 KOs) of Duluth, Minnesota in a super lightweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Ofacio Falcon (6-0, 5 KOs) of Bronx, NY squabbles with Ken Porter (4-2, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis, Missouri in a junior lightweight fight.

Rashan Adams (2-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia scraps with Nathan Benichou (2-10-1, 2 KOs) of Puebla, Mexico in a junior lightweight bout.

Edwin Cortes (2-0, 1 KO) of Millville, New Jersey fights Juan Gutierrez (0-1) Esteil, Nicaragua in a super flyweight bout.

Larry Fryers (11-5, 4 KOs) of Yonkers, New York tangles with Michael Crain (4-5, 1 KO) of Smyrna, Delaware in a super lightweight fight,

Nimal Farmer (1-0, 1 KO) of Lindenwold, New Jersey fights Antonio Allen (1-13-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Orville Crooks (2-0, 1 KO) of Bronx, New York will take on Jerrell Nettles (1-2) of Denver, Colorado in a super middleweight fight.

Karl Wylie of Coatesville, PA will make his pro debut against Joshua Zimmerman (0-8) of Baltimore in a lightweight bout.

In a battle of pro debuting heavyweights, Romelle Terrell of Chapel Hill, NC will take on Jonathan Wiles of Philadelphia.

Anthony Young (0-4) of Philadelphia will fight Rahiem Cooke (0-2) of Philadelphia in a super lightweight fight.

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

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=422

INDIO, CA (June 21, 2022) – The Coachella Valley will turn up the heat this summer with another night of boxing when Golden Boy returns to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Thursday, July 28.  The event is headlined by fan-favorite and undefeated fighter, Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (12-0-1, 11 KOs) of Glendora, CA in a scheduled 8-round lightweight fight against Jose Angulo (14-2, 7 KOs) of Miami, FL.  The Coachella Valley’s undefeated rising star, Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores (12-0, 9 KOs) will be the co-main event of the night in a 8-round bantamweight bout against the experienced Daniel Moncada (15-6-2, 5 KOs) of Mexico City, MX.  The rest of the undercard will be announced shortly. The night of boxing will stream live on DAZN and on the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page hosted by Beto Duran and Boxing Hall of Famer, Bernard Hopkins starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.  

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Gonzalez vs. Angulo on July 28 are on sale Thursday, June 23 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. 

“I’m ready to get back in the ring and show everyone why I am ready for bigger fights,’ said Jousce Gonzalez. “I want the fast track to a world title!”

“I’m fighting for everyone coming out of the Coachella Valley,” said Manuel Flores. “Don’t ever let someone tell you that ‘can’t do it.’ You can do whatever it is you want to do as long as you believe in yourself. No matter where you come from, if you are going to be great no one is gonna stop that!”

Hailing from a proud boxing family, Jousce Gonzalez is an undefeated rising prospect in the lightweight division. A professional since 2016, the fearless Gonzalez has continuously faced tough opposition defeating experienced fighters like Jose Anotnio Martinez, Miguel Angle Mendoza and Gabriel Gutierrez to name a few. The 27-year-old was last seen in the ring on April 21st defeating the tough Jario Lopez via sixth round knock-out.

A native of the Coachella Valley, Manny Flores has only just fought once in his hometown after starting off his career in Mexicali, Mexico. Since then, the 23-year-old has steadily climbed the ranks of the division all while defeating veterans like Jonathan Rodriguez, Daniel Lozano and Leonardo Torres.. Flores was last seen at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on April 21st with a spectacular third round knockout of Victor Ruiz.  

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Gonzalez vs. Angulo on July 28th is presented by Golden Boy. The event was sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, July 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

NEW YORK (JUNE 21, 2022)-Split-T Management fighters shined in Houston by picking up three wins in as many fights on Friday night at the Bayou Event Center.

Melissa Odessa Parker remained undefeated and made the first defense of her IBO Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mikenna Tansley.

Parker of nearby Spring, Texas, won by scores 97-93 and 96-94 twice, is now 6-0. Tansley of Alberta, Canada is 5-1.

Giovanni Marquez went to 2-0 as he scored his first stoppage by taking out 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in round two of their four-round welterweight fight.

Marquez dropped Vazquez in round one, and finished him off at 2:52 of round two.

“That feels good,” Giovanni said to Jose De Jesus Ortiz of Our Esquina of the TKO. “There were already critics saying, ‘Does he have power?’ So I showed improvement from my first fight. Now I got my second fight, got the stoppage.

“I’m steadily improving. I’m a student of the game and I’m looking to get better and better each fight.”

Marquez, 21 years-old of Houston, Texas began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez.

Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.

Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight.

Andreas Katzourakis returned to the ring and remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Isiah Jones in a middleweight bout.

Katzourakis Los Angeles via Athens, Greece dominated Jones throughout the contest, and won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to raise his unblemished mark to 7-0. Jones of Detroit is 9-6.

NEW MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR Hamzah Sheeraz is set to record another career first on July 16 when he tops the bill for the first time at the Copper Box Arena, where he takes on Francisco Emanuel Torres, live on BT Sport.

Sheeraz, just 23, introduced himself to the middleweight division back in March with a resounding defeat of the usually highly competitive Jez Smith, who lasted just 38 seconds into the second round.

The Ilford man, who picked up the WBC International Silver title for his triumph, is being rewarded for his rapid progression with the headline spot at the Copper Box against an in-form Argentinean fighting for the vacant WBC Silver title.

“It is an amazing feeling, it almost feels like I am at that next step of my career, slightly finishing off being a prospect and starting to be somebody who gets recognised seriously in the 160lbs division throughout boxing,” considered Sheeraz, who prepares for fights in the sunshine of Los Angeles.

“Hopefully, with main eventing, I can make a statement and get my name out there.”

Torres, who is unbeaten in 10 dating back to early 2018, achieved a notable result last time out when he shared the spoils with the highly rated world title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr in Phoenix.

“Yeah, listen, he has a draw with Benavidez and has beaten some top fighters. I am looking forward to it and he is coming to win. His confidence is going to be through the roof with a draw with Benavidez and he will bring his A-game.

“I will be bringing mine and hopefully I will be too much for him on the night.”

Hamzah Sheeraz fights for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight title against Francisco Emanuel Torres on July 2 at London’s Copper Box Arena. The British, Commonwealth and IBF European super middleweight titles will be on the line when Lennox Clarke and Mark Heffron meet in what should be a blockbuster battle between two big punchers.

A recent star at Wembley Stadium, Nick Ball will make a defence of his WBC Silver featherweight title, while Dennis McCann fights for the vacant WBC International Silver featherweight title against James Beech jr.

New Frank Warren signing Pierce O’Leary will fight for the vacant WBC Youth super lightweight championship, with other fights on a bumper card featuring super featherweight Ryan Garner, light heavyweight Karol Itauma, super bantamweights Masood Abdulah and Umar Khan, welterweights Khalid Ali and Sean Noakes and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the show at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 16 July are on sale now priced from £55 and are availible from SeeTickets.com.

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

KISSIMMEE, Florida (June 21, 2022): Top talents from Puerto Rico will be featured on the Gonzalez-Barrigaundercard on Friday, June 24 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida and live on ProBox TV.

As previously announced, Jonathan “La Bomba” Gonzalez (25-3-1, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Light Flyweight Title against Mark Anthony “Baby Boy” Barriga (11-1, 2 KOs) in the 12-round main event.

In the co-main event, Axel “Mini” Vega (15-4-1, 8 KOs) of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico takes on Venezuelan puncher Angelino “Huracan” Cordova (16-0-1, 12 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO Latino Junior Flyweight Title. 

The following undercard bouts are scheduled to stream live on ProBox TV beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

·      Hakim Lopez (12-0, 8 KOs), a light heavyweight prospect from Ellenwood, Georgia with roots in Puerto Rico, will face Cruse Stewart (8-0, 6 KOs) of Rock Island, Illinois in an eight-round battle.

·      Najee Lopez (4-0, 4 KOs), the younger brother of Hakim, will face Colombian Olympian Jeysson Monroy (1-0, 1 KO) in a cruiserweight tilt scheduled for six rounds.

·      Jaycob Gomez (4-0, 4 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will return in a six-round super featherweight bout against Ramon Esperanza (22-20-1, 11 KOs) of Asuncion, Paraguay.

·      Jan Paul Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) of Ponce, Puerto Rico will put his undefeated record on the line against Cesar Martinez (4-6-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, Calif. in a four-rounder.

·      Jocksan Blanco (3-0, 1 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela will return in a four-round welterweight battle.

·      Trinidad Vargas of Carrollton Texas will make his professional debut against Josh Aarons (0-2) of Williamsport, Pennsylvania in a four-round super flyweight bout.

# # #

Gonzalez vs. Barriga is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Flyweight World Championship promoted by ProBox Promotions in association with Tuto Zabala Jr.’s All Star Boxing, Inc. The event takes place on Friday, June 24 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida and will be streamed live on ProBox TV beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Gonzalez vs. Barriga are on sale now and are priced at $50 and $100. Tickets are available for purchase at www.Ticketmaster.com or by clicking here.

Credentials: Media interested in attending the June 24 event must be pre-approved for media credentials.The credential application is available by clicking here. Media will not be credentialed on site, no exceptions. 

About ProBox TV

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to the sport of professional boxing. Founded by former CEO of Iron Mike Productions Garry Jonas in partnership with the legendary Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Tarver, and Paulie Malignaggi, ProBox TV’s mission is to deliver real boxing fans an improved experience when watching and following the sport—all for the nominal monthly price of $1.99. Download the ProBox TV app or visit www.ProBoxTV.com to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit. 

QUINCY, Mass. (June 20, 2022) – The Massachusetts welterweight title fight this Saturday night between Dracut’s Nathan Balakin (3-1, 1 KO) and Bryan Urday (2-1), of Attleboro, could steal the show on the “Road 2 Stardom” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

The first doubleheader in Massachusetts’ long professional boxing history, “Road 2 Stardom” will be available to watch day and night via live stream at BXNGTV.COM for only $24.99.

It’s fairly unusual for two fighters with a combined record of 5-2 (1 KO) for a title, but styles make fights, especially in club shows, and Balakin vs. Urday has legitimate potential to be Fight of the Night on the evening portion of the “Road 2 Stardom” doubleheader, for the vacant Massachusetts Welterweight Championship as the 6-round co-featured event.

“Both of these guys come to fight,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “Once the chance to make this fight was presented, I went with it right away. Despite only a few fights each, both had extensive amateur careers, and this is in my eyes a pick ‘em type of fight.”

The 28-year-old Balakin, a Lowell (MA) native fighting out of nearby Dracut, started boxing at the age of 20, turning pro last year. He was the 2017 Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up as an amateur.

“I always wanted and dreamed of turning pro,” Balakin explained. “I can hit but I took a step backwards when Covid shut things down. Carlos Molina, who is fighting Saturday, was the only boxer other than me training at the West End Gym. Manny Farley was training Carlos and being the only other fighter there, he asked me if I wanted to turn pro and he became my trainer.

“I wrestled in high school and also played football and lacrosse, so I had a knack for physical sports, and my grandfather and uncle boxed. My uncle sparred with Mickey Ward, and he introduced us.”

Balakin is coming off a disappointing loss this past January to Kevin Walsh by way of a unanimous 6-round unanimous decision in New Hampshire.

“Kevin Walsh is good but I’m better than I showed in our fight,” Balakin said. “I didn’t fight my fight. My first three opponents weren’t great, so my last fight was different, like jumping from amateurs to pros. I walked through my first three opponents. It was tough losing, but I learned a lot. I need to be smarter and more elusive. This fight is a huge opportunity for me. The Massachusetts welterweight title has been vacant for a long time.”

Urday, 30, is excited to be fighting for the Mass. title as well. He is a self-proclaimed gym rat who was born in Brockton and lives in nearby Attleboro. Urday graduated from Bridgewater State College, majoring in criminal justice, but he works as a sheet metal worker (Local Union 17 A).

“I want to win this belt and go as far as it’ll take me,” Urday commented. “This is a step up for me. I’m from Brockton and, of course, I know all about Marvin Hagler and Rocky Marciano. I have a good fan base from the Brockton area, and I moved to Attleboro three years ago.

“I work hard at the gym and do whatever it takes. I train at the same gym as Dave Ribeiro, who is fighting on the same card. Hats off to my opponent. I know he’s training hard, too.”

Undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (8-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), headlines for the first time in the 6-round main event on the evening card against Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-4, 1 KO).

Also fighting at night is undefeated Floridian welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs) against Bryan Goldsby (5-16) in a 6-round bout.

Warwick (RI) junior middleweight Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-2) and Woburn’s (MA) Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs) meet in a grudge rematch. Raymond won a 4-round split decision last November, but this fight will be contested over a slated 6-rounds.

Undefeated Lowell (MA) welterweight Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (9-0, 3 KOs) meets upset-minded Argentinian Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-10, 7 KOs) in another 6-rounder.

Brockton’s (MA)David Ribeiro, a 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, makes his pro debut versus Rakim Johnson (6-17-1, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

The evening card opens with a 4-round fight between Providence junior middleweight Rob “The Golden Child” Nolette (1-1, 1 KO) and DeWayne Wisdom (7-61, 3 KOs).

Pittsfield’s undefeated super middleweight Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs) puts his perfect pro record on the line in his first main event and scheduled 8-round bout versus veteran Florida fighter Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-6-1, 6 KOs) headlining the matinee card.

Hometown favorite, Framingham cruiserweight Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO) is in the 4-round co-feature against Brazilian cruiserweight Igor Pessoa (0-2).

Sumpter’s older brother, heavyweight Quintin (4-0, 3 KOs), will be fighting on the same card with his brother for the first time in the Bay State, Quintin is matched against ins first scheduled 6-round bout versus Tracey “The Titan” Johnson (4-10-6, 0 KOs), the brother of world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade.

Also fighting on the matinee undercard in 4-round matches is Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (2-2, 1 KO) vs. 62-fight veteran Rynell Griffin, New York cruiserweights Andrew “Hard Body” Nolan (2-5, 2 KOs) vs. Scott “Bombz” Lampert (0-4), Methuen (MA) junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Robert Bricks (0-10), and Florida light heavyweight Carlos Arredondo vs. Michael Medeiros (0-1).

Both cards are subject to change.

Separate admission tickets are available for purchase at tickerriver.com (Search: Road2Stardom): day – $45.00 (general admission), $60.00 (ringside) and $750.00 for a table of 10; night – $50.00 (general admission), $75.00 (ringside) and $1,000 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 1:00 pm ET and 7 p.m. ET, respectively, with first bouts at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

ONTARIO, CA (April 20, 2022) – This past Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA, Thompson Boxing Promotions saw the battle of future world title contenders as bantamweight, Eros Correa (12-1, 8 KOs), upset WBO #5 and WBA #8, Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (18-2, 11 KOs), winning by split decision. Sanchez vs. Correa, a scheduled 10-round main event, headlined Thompson’s “Path To Glory” event.

In a fight that boxing writers and fight fans raved about how competitive and close it was, we saw Correa control the second half of the fight with lateral movement, fast hands, as he dictated the terms of the fight with a good jab. Sanchez fought valiantly as nearly every round started with Sanchez putting pressure on Correa, but Sanchez couldn’t keep Correa on the ropes for long periods of time and struggled to cut off the ring. With the win, Correa now enters the world title picture in one of the most exciting divisions in the sport of boxing. Scorecards read 98-92, 97-93 for Correa and 94-96 for Sanchez.

“I fought the fight of my life,” said Correa, who rebounded from his first career loss in the later part of 2021. “I’ve been telling everyone that I’m at my best fighting at 118 pounds. I want to thank Sanchez for giving me a chance to face him, this was a great fight, and I’m happy that I got the victory. I have worked my whole life for this moment, and now I am one step closer to fighting for a regional title. I also want to thank my team for believing in me, and Thompson Boxing for giving me this opportunity.”

In the 6-round welterweight co-feature, Loui Lopez (11-1-1, 4 KOs), defeated previously unbeaten Jaleik Bogle (4-1-2, 2 KOs), by unanimous decision.
Lopez shined in front of his hometown crowd as Bogle lost a point in the fourth round after pulling down on Lopez’s neck. Although Bogle had what looked like to be better boxing ability, he couldn’t handle the relentlessness attack that Lopez was bringing. Scorecards read 59-54, 60-53, and 60-53, all for Lopez.

“I had to look good in front of my hometown crowd,” said Lopez with a smile. “I kept the pressure coming and he didn’t know how to adapt to my style. I had to make an adjustment after the first round. After that I was in full control. I’m ready to take on any of the top contenders in the division.”

In a four-round bout, super lightweight Pedro Valencia (10-0, 7 KOs) showed improvement from his last fight as he outlasted Mario Aguire (3-17-1, 2 KOs), winning a unanimous decision. The scorecards read 40-36 in favor of Valencia by all three judges.

“I am glad I could show different things that I have been working on in the gym,” said Valencia. “I am satisfied with my win, but I still know I need to get better. I was hoping to get the stoppage, but I fought a very tough veteran, who was not going to go away.”

In the second bout of the night, middleweight Nelson “Knuckles” Oliva (3-0, 2 KOs) stopped Antonio Duarte (2-4, 3 KOs) with a brutal body shot in the opening round of a scheduled six-round bout. The referee counted out Duarte at 0:55 mark of the first round.

“I keep getting better and better,” said Oliva, who recorded the fastest knockout of his career. “Duarte was regarded as a tough guy who would take me rounds, and I showed the world how hard I hit. I believe that no one is as strong as me in my division.”

In the second bout of the night, middleweight Nelson Oliva (2-0, 2 KOs) dropped Manuel Martinez (6-6-4, 3 KOs) twice in the opening round, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:42 mark. Oliva sent Martinez to the canvas both times with powerful left hooks.

“Getting another knockout to start my career felt incredible,” said Oliva, who fights out of the southpaw stance. “I knew it was a matter of time that I would get him out of there after the first knockdown. My confidence is right where I want it. I feel I can compete with anyone in the division.”

In the opening bout, welterweight prospect Anthony Saldivar Jr (1-0, 1 KO) had a successful pro debut stopping Genesis “G” Wynn (1-2) at the 2:08 mark of the first round of a scheduled four-round contest. A series of punches in quick succession saw Wynn hit the canvas and get counted out.

“It was as good of a pro debut as I could have hoped for,” said Saldivar Jr. “I stayed patient and waited for my shot, when my opponent was hurt, I jumped on him and got him out of there. I knew I had a chance to stop him, and I wanted to make a statement in my pro debut in front of all my friends.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® makes its highly anticipated return to Salt Lake City, Utah with a blockbuster welterweight championship bout that will see Kamaru Usman run it back with No. 2 ranked contender Leon Edwards.

UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 will take place Sat., August 20 at Vivint Arena with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be seen on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the night’s action starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with Early Prelims on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 tickets will go on sale Friday, June 24 at 10 a.m. MT and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com.Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 22 at 10 a.m. MT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 23 starting at 10 a.m. MT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 fight week credentials may sign up here.

No. 1 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Usman (20-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of Auchi, Nigeria) looks to continue his dominant run atop the welterweight division by netting his 20^th consecutive win. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 21, he holds spectacular victories over Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice) and Gilbert Burns. Usman now aims to secure his sixth straight title defense by stopping Edwards in emphatic fashion.

Edwards (19-3 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) has amassed an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak since his first encounter with Usman in late 2015. A well-rounded competitor with KO power, he has secured memorable victories against Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos and Vicente Luque to earn his first UFC title opportunity. Edwards now intends to shock the world by dethroning Usman to achieve his dream of capturing UFC gold.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former UFC featherweight champion and current No. 3 ranked bantamweight contender Jose Aldo (31-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) takes on surging No. 6 Merab Dvalishvili (14-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia)
• No. 4 ranked middleweight contender Paulo Costa (13-2, fighting out of Contagem, Minas Gerais, Brazil) aims to spoil the return of former champion Luke Rockhold (16-5, fighting out of Santa Cruz, Calif.)
• No. 13 ranked flyweight contender Amir Albazi (14-1, fighting out of London, England by way of Baghdad, Iraq) locks horns with Francisco Figueiredo (13-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Soure, Para, Brazil)
• No. 10 ranked heavyweight contender Marcin Tybura (22-7, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland) faces undefeated No. 13 Alexandr Romanov (18-0, fighting out of Comrat City, Republic of Moldova) in a pivotal matchup
• Leonardo Santos (18-6-1, fighting out of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) squares off with Jared Gordon (18-5, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) in an intriguing lightweight bout
• Wu Yanan (12-5, fighting out of Xi’an, China) meets Lucie Pudilova (13-7, fighting out of Pribram, Czech Republic) in a bantamweight contest
• Tyson Pedro (8-3, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) squares off with Harry Hunsucker (7-5, fighting out of Richmond, Ken.) at light heavyweight
• Daniel Lacerda (11-3, fighting out of Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Victor Altamirano (10-2, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas by way of Mexico City, Mexico) in a flyweight bout
• Aoriqileng (23-11, fighting out of Shanghai, China) takes on Jay Perrin (10-5, fighting out of Nashua, N.H.) at bantamweight
• AJ Fletcher (9-1, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) battles Ange Loosa (8-3, fighting out of La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland by way of Kinshasa, DR Congo) in a welterweight tilt
• Sean Woodson (9-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) meets Luis Saldana (16-7, fighting out of Scottsdale, Ariz.) in a clash of promising featherweight prospects

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

UFC^® 278: USMAN vs. EDWARDS 2 is the result of a partnership with Smith Entertainment Group (Vivint Arena) and Utah Sports Commission.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 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 Vivint Arena

Vivint Arena is the home of the NBA Utah Jazz with a basketball seating capacity of 18,306 and serves as the region’s premier sports and entertainment venue in downtown Salt Lake City. It welcomes more than 100 events annually with nearly two million guests as the community gathering place. Vivint Arena has hosted the 1993 NBA All-Star Game, 2002 Olympic Winter Games, NCAA men’s basketball tournament and two NBA Finals. The arena has featured some of the biggest names in the music world with Garth Brooks, U2, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones among the largest concert draws in the arena’s history. In 2017, the arena underwent a $125 million renovation on all six levels to upgrade amenities, including food offerings, rebooted technology, fully-cushioned seats in the lower and upper bowls, new entry plaza, and a 12,000-square-foot atrium at the main doors. More information at www.vivintarena.com.

About Utah Sports Commission

The Utah Sports Commission was created to be a catalyst for Utah in its Olympic legacy efforts and to help enhance Utah’s economy, image, and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, and development of national and international sports. Since the 2002 Olympics and Paralympics, the Utah Sports Commission has attracted nearly 900 major events to the state. The Sports Commission works closely with communities, sports entities, and organizations to provide event services ranging from the bid process, on-site logistics, volunteer coordination, sponsorships and promotional opportunities, and other related services. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 business league and Utah Sports Commission Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders. For more information, visit www.utahsportscommission.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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 22.3 million subscribers. 

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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 

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.

Unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk will put his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles on the line against Anthony Joshua in the coastal city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday August 20. 

One of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in the history of the sport, Usyk vs. Joshua 2, billed ‘Rage on the Red Sea’, will take place nearly three years on from the historic ‘Clash on the Dunes’ event at the Diriyah Arena that saw Joshua reclaim his Heavyweight crowns against Andy Ruiz Jr. 

Under the patronage of HRH Mohammad bin Salman and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia once more as ‘AJ’ aims to exact revenge over Usyk and take his place back at the top of the Heavyweight division. 

Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) was dethroned as Heavyweight King by Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Usyk in September 2021 in front of over 60,000 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on a memorable evening in boxing’s marquee division. 

Since the pair’s first meeting, former Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion Usyk (19-0, 13 KOs) has gained further global attention after putting the rematch on hold to support his home nation on the front line during their ongoing conflict. 

Usyk said: “I have a goal, with the help of the Lord I will complete my mission!”

“What a roller coaster journey, fighting for the Heavyweight Championship of the World for the 12^th consecutive time,” said Joshua. “I won the belt, unified the division won another belt, lost the belts, became two-time Unified Heavyweight Champion and now have my date with history set to become three-time Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World. What an opportunity 

“Fighting championship level back to back has had its pros and cons, but I decide every day to get stronger, to learn from my experiences and grow. A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and I am the happiest and most motivated I have been. 

“Thank you to the organisers, to 258MGT, Matchroom Boxing and to all the boxing fans across the world, with a special shout out to the Ukrainian fans who have been through a really tough time.”

Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of SCEE, said: “This is another proud moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bringing the biggest rematch in global boxing to our great country. Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua are both brilliant champions with different stories, skills and styles and the whole world will watch them go head-to-head in the ring on August 20 – we look forward to welcoming them.”

Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Boxing, said: “We are thrilled to get one of the biggest Heavyweight rematches in boxing history made and give Anthony Joshua the chance to reclaim what he lost in London last September. Everything is on the line for this Unified World Heavyweight Championship bout and it could not be a bigger contest. We know Oleksandr Usyk is a great fighter and we saw that last time out, but I know Anthony Joshua is more determined than ever. It was a huge success to host Anthony Joshua’s contest with Andy Ruiz Jr. in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019 and we are looking forward to working with the country again to stage this historic event. So, no doubt all eyes of the world will be on the ring come Saturday August 20^th. This is a story of redemption, and the countdown starts now.”

Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk’s Promoter, said: “The rematch is on the way. The fight will be much bigger and more spectacular than the first. It is new history in the making. Being a part of this event is a huge honour. Our country is now fighting for its heritage. Our mission is to expand its legacy. With the help of the Lord we will achieve this.”

Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director, 258MGT, said: “We are on the verge again of another huge moment in boxing history and the career of Anthony Joshua. Since turning professional Anthony has never shied away from anything, he has taken every challenge and actively looked for the biggest fights against the best in his division. This is his opportunity to become a Three Time Heavyweight Champion of the World and he will put everything into achieving this amazing feat. A big thank you to our team at 258 MGT, SCEE, Matchroom Boxing and everyone who has helped put this together.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Usyk vs. Joshua 2 bulletins and ticket updates.

About Skill Challenge Entertainment
SCEE is The Kingdom’s first fully integrated sports and entertainment agency focussed on combat sports and boxing. We remain dedicated to providing marketing, events and media services to associated brands across the nation in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. For more information or press enquiries, please email Ravi Samani on Press@SkillChallengeEnt.com

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

LEEDS, JUNE 18 – Jack Bateson hopes to gate-crash the world rankings after defeating Diego Alberto Ruiz in Leeds.

The new Probellum signing picked up the vacant WBA Super Bantamweight Intercontinental title with a unanimous points win after 10 rounds at Elland Road.

Bateson was awarded the victory – and potentially a spot in the WBA’s top 15 – with scores of 98-93, 98-92 and 97-93, in front of his home fans.

Ruiz came on strong in the final two rounds but Bateson, who had established a healthy lead on the scorecards, weathered the storm to secure the most important win of his career to date.

Bateson is part of an exciting super bantamweight division and fellow Probellum fighters, Lee McGregor, Shabaz Masoud and Carl Jammes Martin are all in the sanctioning body’s top 10.

Archie Sharp returned to the ring with a clear points victory over Alex Rat.

‘Sharpshooter’ had not fought since October but was a comfortable winner after 10 rounds, taking the contest with scores of 98-93, 99-91 and 98-92.

Sharp, now 22-0, is the WBO’s No1 contender in the super featherweight division and hopes to secure a shot at champion Shakur Stevenson.

Ohara Davies warmed up for a potential WBA world title eliminator by stopped Abdessamad Nechched in Leeds.

‘Two Tanks’ forced his opponent to the canvas in round seven and, again, in round eight and though Nechched beat the count after being floored for a second time, referee Howard Foster said he’d taken enough punishment.

Davies, who moves to 24-2 (17KOs), is now in line to fight Spain’s Sandor Martin, with the winner putting themselves in the frame to challenge for the WBA world super lightweight title.
 
To keep up to date with the latest news on Bateson, Davies and Sharp, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.??? 
 
You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.??

Artur Beterbiev scored an emphatic second round stoppage over Joe Smith Jr. to defend his IBF/WBC and add the WBO Light Heavyweight titles at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At the end of round one, Beterbiev landed a short right to the side of the head that sent Smith down to a knee. In round two, it was another right that put Smith down. Seconds later, Beterbiev landed a hard combination for a third knockdown. Beterbiev finished off the fight when he landed two uppercuts and a right that wobbled Smith to the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:19

Beterbiev of Montreal, CAN is 18-0 with 18 knockouts. Smith if Long Island, NY is 28-4.

Ramirez Knocks Out Nova in 5

Robeisy Ramirez stopped previously undefeated Abraham Nova in round five of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ramirez landed a big left hand that put Nova flat on his back and the fight was over at 2:20.

Ramirez of Ciemfugos, CUB is 10-1 with six knockouts. Nova of Albany, NY is 21-1.

Bruce Carrington stopped Adrian Leyva after round five of their six-round featherweight bout.

Leyva was cut over his left eye in round five, and the bout was just stopped just as the sixth round was about to commence.

Carrington of Brooklyn, NY is 4-0 with three knockouts. Leyva of Guantanamo, CUB is 3-3-1.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with fourth round stoppage over D’Andre Smith in a welterweight contest.

The time was 2:27 for Tucker of Deer Park, NY who is now8-0 with five knockouts. Smith of Atlanta, GA is 10-2.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Danil Plantonovschi in a junior featherweight bout.

Diaz of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 5-0. Plantonovschi of Brooklyn is 4-1.

Troy Isley stopped Donte Stubbs in the sixth and final round of their middleweight fight.

At the end of of round four, Isley dropped Stubbs with a perfect right to the jaw. In round six, Isley landed a perfect right that sent Stubbs to the canvas. Stubbs wobbled to his feet and the fight was stopped at

Isley of Alexandria, VA is 6-0 with four knockouts. Stubbs of Riverside, CA is 6-6.

Wendy Toussaint won a eight-round unanimous decision over Asinia Byfield in a junior middleweight fight.

Toussaint of Huntington, NY won by scores of 79-73 on all cards and is now 14-1. Byfield of Reading, ENG is 15-5-1.

Jahyae Brown won a six-round unanimous decision over Keane McMahon in a junior middleweight bout.

Brown of Schenectady, NY won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 11-0. McMahon of Dyblin, IRE is 7-3.

Weights for Saturday night’s fight card at Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Rosalindo Morales 129.2 – Ron Harrison 128

Johnny Spell 134.8 – Marceloo Williams 132.8

Jordan Zalcki 153.2 – Dean Goodlow 154.6

Joe Turk 212.4 – Dennis Vance 261

Kiante Irving 168.8 – Charron Spain 168.6

Promoter: Integrity Fighter Management

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Stream: BXNGTV.com

NEW YORK (JUNE 18, 2022)–Undefeated featherweight contender Abraham Nova is ready for the most important fight of his career when he battles two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden (ESPN 10 PM ET).

The bout will be contested for the USBA and WBO Global Featherweight titles.

Nova of Albany, New York knows that a win will most likely earn him a world title opportunity.

The 28 year-old, who is managed by Split-T Management has a record of 21-0 with 15 knockouts.

Nova has been a professional for six-years and has defeated Weusi Johnson (1-0), Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Bens Zepeda (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2), Sulimain Segawa (11-1), Brian Palaez (8-2), Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozaano (18-2-1), Luis Leal (20-3), Avery Sparrow (10-1) and his last bout when Nova stopped William Encarnacion (19-1) in eight-rounds on January 15th in Verona, New York.

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Ramirez of Cuba is 9-1 with five knockouts, The 28 year-old captured Olympic Gold by winning the 2012 and 2016 and in the latter contest defeated current world champions Shakur Stevenson Murodjon Akhmadaliev. In the 2012 Olympics, Ramirez defeated world title challengers Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Michael Conlan.

As a pro, has defeated Rafael Morales (3-0), Felix Caraballo (13-2-2), Brandon Valdes (13-1), Orlando Gonzalez (17-0) and his bout when Ramirez stopped Eric Donovan (14-1) on February 26th in Glasgow, Scotland.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Nova was 125.4 lbs. Ramirez was 125.8.

MONTREAL (June 18, 2022) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) has announced the signing of Caroline Veyre, a pillar of the Canadian National Boxing Team since 2013, to an exclusive promotional contract.

She was a gold medalist at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, as well as a member of Team Canada at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The 33-year-old Veyre, of Montreal, will make her professional debut on July 29th on the undercard of rising Canadian star Kim Clavel’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Flyweight World Championship fight against defending champion Yesenia Gomez at the Cabaret of the Montreal Casino. Veyre trains at the Montreal Boxing Club of the Complexe sportif Claude Robillard, under the supervision of Danielle Bouchard and Stéphane Larouche. She will compete in the female featherweight (126 lbs.) and super featherweight (130 lbs.) divisions.

“We followed Caroline throughout her impressive amateur career and when she showed interest in embarking on a professional career, we did not hesitate for a moment to sign her,” GYM President Yvon Michel said. “We are convinced that Caroline’s talent and skills are elite. Her discipline, determination and the quality of her coaching will bring her to the top.”

Veyre undertakes this new venture with passion and confidence: “After a great experience in amateur boxing,” she commented, “I am happy to start my professional career with a magnificent team. I feel confident alongside Danielle Bouchard, Stéphane Larouche, Yvon Michel and the entire GYM team, guiding me to have success on this new journey.”

Bouchard has nothing but praise for her new protégé, saying: “I am extremely enthusiastic and happy to welcome Caroline Veyre, an Olympian, to my team. Kim in the world championship and Caroline in her pro debut, what stimulating challenges, I see a memorable evening on July 29th.”

During her long career with Canada’s National Team, Caroline participated in numerous international tournaments and faced renowned opponents such as Katie Taylor, the current unified World Lightweight Champion, Olympic gold medalist, reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) World Champion Estelle Yoka Moseley, and in 2017 she defeated Mikaela Mayer, the present International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Featherweight World Champion, in Mayer’s last amateur fight before she turned pro.

(L-R) – Caroline Veyre and Danielle Bouchard

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active in the company, the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has organized 164 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Seven GYM boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (2 times) and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen boxers from the organization have delivered 51 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 27 wins, 22 setbacks and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever to come to Quebec to broadcast the most important GYM events. Major American networks presented 36 GYM events, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Chicago, IL (June 18, 2022)–Weights for TONIGHT’s Hitz Boxing card at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.

Angel Barrera 134 Lbs.  vs    Daniel Buenaventura 135 Lbs.

(Illinois State Lightweight Title)

Simon Buettner 166.4 Lbs. vs  James Quiter 168 Lbs.

(Illinois State Super Middleweight Title)

Jonathon Hampton 159 Lbs  vs Dawik Bosak 161 Lbs.

Kaltin Lavigne 160 Lbs vs Olivia Curry 159 lbs

Mirady Zola 176.5  vs Abimbola Osundairo 172 Lbs.

Ronny Hale 255 Lbs vs Deontae Pettigrew 293 Lbs. 

Promoter: Hitz Boxing

Venue Parkway Sports Bank Sports Complex

Stream: BXNGTV.com

Doors open 5:00PM  Party starts at 6:00 Central Time

Parkway Bank Sports Complex , Rosemont Illinois .

Tickets Begin at $50 and can be purchased at the following:

Nathan Gorman powered his way to the IBF International Heavyweight Championship as he twice downed his opponent in a punishing first-round stoppage of Tomas Salek at the M&S Bank Arena on Friday June 17, live on Channel 5. Stoppages were the theme of the main card as ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly reminded everyone of his class and technical ability in a fourth-round TKO victory over the Hungary’s Peter Kramer.

With his name upon the banners, Nathan Gorman did not disappoint the Channel 5 audience and all those in attendance at the M&S Bank Arena on a fantastic Wasserman Boxing fight night. Gorman had a job to do after 15 months out of the ring, but had clearly been working on all the physical and technical aspects of his game to overwhelm is Czech opponent.

The pressure on Gorman intensified as his cousin and WBC Heavyweight king, Tyson Fury, entered the arena in typically flamboyant style. ‘The Gypsy King’ would not be left disappointed, as all of the improvements made by Gorman left Tomas Salek stunned once the first heavy blow had been thrown.

After applying pressure from the first bell, Salek got caught with a heavy shot to meet the canvas a little earlier than planned. The referees count was reluctantly met by the Czech Heavyweight champion, only for Gorman to scythe him down once more with another brutal punch.

“It’s been a fantastic night,” said Gorman. “What a way to come back to the boxing ring.”

“Tomas Salek has only lost to good fighters, but I think I’m the only one to do it in that impressive style. I’m really happy and really pleased with it, live on Channel 5 as well so hopefully there were plenty of happy people watching.”

“It’s now about being active. I’m only 25-years-old, but I want to keep pushing on and hunting for them titles. There’s a hell of a long career ahead of me yet, and there’s big things to come.”

The wait was finally over as the Liverpool crowd stood to cheer Josh Kelly back to the squared circle for the first time in over a year. The fluid and natural boxing that Kelly has been renowned for showed no sign of rust as the Sunderland man looked even more focused and spiteful than he had previously.

His opponent, Peter Kramer, had shown up to become a banana skin and use his durability and experience to spoil the party. This was not the case, as Kelly wore the Hungarian down with a blend of speed, movement and some hard-hitting uppercuts that inevitably saw the referee wave off proceedings in the fourth round.

“Nothing ever replicates fight night – training for it, travelling away to arenas, preparing in the changing rooms. Nothing replicates it,” said Kelly.

“Round after round, I could feel myself getting sharper and I started reading him a lot better. I wanted to put a statement out there with my jab, and it worked well tonight to break him down to the point he started taking a few too many shots.”

“I was saying to Adam (Booth) that I’m going to land a right-uppercut on this guy. When they started landing and doing the job, I thought if he’s going to just sit there and take it then I’m just going to keep giving it to him.”

“He goes the distance with heavier guys normally, like Super-Middleweights. To hurt him, and make him physically shaken, shows what strength and power I carry at 154lbs.”

Chloe Watson avoided any slip-up in her homecoming fight, as the city of Liverpool cheered her on to victory. Watson’s opponent, El Bousairi, had been described as a very game opponent all week and someone to push the young fighter. It was an accomplished performance that saw Watson get over the line with a 59-56 points win.

Elsewhere on the card, it was a successful debut for Aaron Chalmers as he passed the test with a 39-37 points victory over Alexander Zeledon. There were plenty of signs to show the potential of Chalmers and his entry into the sport, with the former Geordie Shore star looking comfortable in heavier gloves having swapped the cage for ropes.

Undercard Results

Mason Cartwright def.  Angel Emilov via points, 80-72

Matty Harris def. Pawel Strykowski via first-round KO

Paddy Lacey def. Ryan Broten via first-round TKO

Tom Farrell def. Olaide Fijabi via points, 58-57

Tom Aitchison def. Ezequiel Gregores via fourth-round TKO

Gadatamen Taylor def. Marcos Molloy via points, 48-47

John Edwardson def. Stefan Nicolae via points, 42-36

NEW YORK (JUNE 18, 2022)–Three Split-T Management Fighters will be on display tonight in Houston

Undefeated IBO world Bantamweight champion bantamweight Melissa Odessa Parker defending against Mikenna Tansley at the Bayou Event Center.

Parker of Spring, Texas has a record of 5-0 with two knockouts. The 35 year-old southpaw is a two year-professional who has wins over two undefeated fighters. In her last outing, Parker won the IBO Bantamweight title with a unanimous decision over Calista Silgado on June 19, 2021 in Miami, Florida.

Tansley of Alberta, Canada is 5-0 with one knockouts and is coming off an eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Danielle Bennett on September 25th in Davenport, Iowa.

On the same card, Giovanni Marquez will look to make it 2-0, when the former National Golden Gloves champion when he makes his hometown debut when he takes on 53-fight veteran Ariel Vazquez in a four-round welterweight bout.

Marquez turned professional on March 11th with a four-round unanimous decision over undefeated Nelson Morales in a bout that was televised on ShoBox: The New Generation from Deadwood, South Dakota.

Marquez, 21 years-old of Houston, Texas began boxing at the age of 12 as he is the son of former U.S. Olympian, world junior middleweight world champion and current broadcaster Raul Marquez.

Marquez had an amateur record of 75-12, which culminated in winning the National Golden Glove tournament this past August in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was named the Most Outstanding boxer in the tournament.

Marquez, who won the 152-pound National Golden Gloves, will begin his pro career around 145-pounds, with the goal to campaign as a junior welterweight.

Vazquez of Managua, Nicaragua, has a win over Sergio Olivas (12-2) and has fought 17 undefeated opponents including former world champion Jamel Herring as well as former world champion Rene Alvarado.

Also on the card will be the return of undefeated middleweight Andreas Katzourakis. Katzourakis will take on Isiah Jones in a six-round bout.

Katzourakis of Greece is 6-0 with five knockouts. The 25 year-old has been off since December 12, 2020 when he took out Brandon Baue in the third round in Miami, Florida. Katzourakis also has a second round stoppage over Edward Brown (7-1).

Jones of Detroit is 9-5 with three knockouts. Jones won his first eight-bouts which was highlighted by a win over undefeated Antonio Wade. Jones also defeated undefeated Donte Stubbs (6-0). Jones has faced seven undefeated fighters and is coming off a defeat to undefeated to Eugene Hill on December 4th in Houston.

The bouts can be seen live on BXNGTV.com beginning at 7 PM ET / 6 PM PT

  •  Artur Beterbiev 175 vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.6
(WBC/IBF/WBO Light Heavyweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)

•   Robeisy Ramirez 125.8 lbs vs. Abraham Nova 125.4 lbs 
(Vacant USBA and WBO Global Featherweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

   •    Bruce Carrington 127.4 lbs vs. Adrian Leyva 127.4 lbs
 (Featherweight— 6 Rounds)

   •    Jahi Tucker 147.8 lbs vs. D’Andre Smith 147.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 121.6 lbs vs. Daniil Platonovschi 122 lbs
 (Junior Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Troy Isley 158.6 lbs vs. Donte Stubbs 161.6 lbs
 (Middleweight— 6 Rounds)

   •    Wendy Toussaint 152.2 lbs vs. Asinia Byfield 152.8 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Jahyae Brown 153.2 lbs vs.  Keane McMahon 152.6 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds) 

Saul Sanchez 118 vs. Eros Correa 118

Loui Lopez 148 vs Jaleik Bogle 147.7

Pedro Valencia 136.6 vs Mario Aguirre 137

Nelson Oliva 155.3 vs. Antonio Duarte 154.9

Anthony John Saldivar 149.9 vs. Genesis Wynn 148.4

“Path To Glory” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA on Friday June 17, 2022. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced at $50, $75, and $100, are only available at the door. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

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Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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

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

Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing, as well as our media partner Fightstars.TV.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a thrilling lightweight contenders’ bout featuring No. 11 ranked Arman Tsarukyan taking on No. 12 Mateusz Gamrot. The co-main event will see No. 10 ranked welterweight Neil Magny attempt to halt the momentum of undefeated No. 15 Shakvat Rakhmonov.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: TSARUKYAN vs. GAMROT will take place Saturday, June 25 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

One of the top lightweights in the sport today, Tsarukyan (18-2, fighting out of Krasnodar, Russia, by way of Yerevan, Armenia) looks to extend his five-fight win streak in his first UFC main event opportunity. During his last two trips to the Octagon, he secured impressive knockout wins against Joel Alvarez and Christos Giagos. Tsarukyan now aims to become the first person to finish Gamrot with a statement performance.

Thrilling grappler Gamrot (20-1, fighting out of Poznan, Poland) plans to continue his journey up the 155-pound rankings with a breakout performance. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has earned dominant wins over Scott Holtzman, Jeremy Stephens and Diego Ferreira. Gamrot now hopes to dispatch Tsarukyan and break into the Top 10 for the first time in his career.

Magny (26-9, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) returns to action seeking to take sole possession of the record for most UFC welterweight wins. A longtime fixture in the Top 10, he holds notable victories against fellow ranked opponents Geoff Neal and Li Jingliang. Magny now has his sights set on dispatching another rising welterweight contender.

Rakhmonov (15-0, fighting out of Kokshetau, Uzbekistan) hopes to bolster his undefeated résumé by taking out his first ranked opponent. In his first three UFC outings, the rising star has collected wins over Carlton Harris, Michel Prazeres and Alex Oliveira. Rakhmonov is now looking for another victory to maintain his 100 percent finishing rate and continue his meteoric ascent up the rankings.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• A heavyweight bout sees Josh Parisian (14-5, fighting out of Howell, Mich.) battle Alan Baudot (8-4, fighting out of Paris, France)
• Bantamweight prospects lock horns as Nate Maness (14-1, fighting out of Henderson, Kent.) seeks to hand Umar Nurmagomedov (14-0, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) his first loss
• Chris Curtis (28-8, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio) squares off with Rodolfo Vieira (8-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at middleweight
• Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (37-10, fighting out of Beijing, China) meets TJ Brown (16-8, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• Light heavyweight finishers collide as Carlos Ulberg (6-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) returns against Tafon Nchukwi (6-2, fighting out of Temple Hill, Md.)
• Dana White’s Contender Series Brazil signee Thiago Moises (15-6, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil) battles Christos Giagos (19-9, fighting out of Hawthorne, Calif.) at lightweight
• Raulian Paiva (21-4, fighting out of Amapa, Brazil) takes on Sergey Morozov (34-14, fighting out of Aktobe, Mangystau, Kazakhstan) in a bantamweight clash
• Bantamweights Brian Kelleher (24-13, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.) and Mario Bautista (9-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) aim to steal the show
• JP Buys (9-4, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Johannesburg, South Africa) and Cody Durden (12-4-1, fighting out of Loganville, Ga.) meet in a flyweight bout
• Vanessa Demopoulos (7-4, fighting out of Brook Park, Ohio) and Jinh Yu Frey (11-6, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) square off at strawweight

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LOS ANGELES, CA (June 16, 2022): Knockout sensation and the pride of Grand Prairie, Texas, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs), will make his grand return to the ring on Saturday, August 6, taking on top 10 ranked, undefeated welterweight contender Michael “The Problem” McKinson (22-0, 2 KOs) of Portsmouth, Great Britain. The 12-round welterweight fight will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, and will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN. 

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson go on sale Tuesday, June 21st at 8:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m CT / 11:00 a.m. ET and are priced at $275, $137.50, $82.50 and $44 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, DickiesArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

“I am very happy to be stepping back into the ring again,” said Vergil Ortiz, Jr. “I’m ready to show the world once again why I’m ready for a world title.” 

“I’m getting what I deserve,” said Michael McKinson. “I was prepared to fight Ortiz, Jr. before; now, I have been given the opportunity again to prove I am the best in this division.”

“Vergil Ortiz, Jr. is the most exciting welterweight in the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO. “We are happy that he is back, healthy, and feels 100%.  Fighting in his home state, I can’t think of a better way for him to make his comeback and put on another great performance for his fans.  He is one step away from challenging any world champion and he will prove it on August 6.”

“I am delighted that this fight has come back around for Mikey,” said Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing. “He suffered disappointment in March when Vergil was forced out of the fight, but thanks to a lot of hard work all round, he was able to fight in LA and gathered valuable experience by making his US debut and all that comes with it – so there will be no surprises for him in Fort Worth. Vergil is an exceptional fighter, one of the best rising stars in the sport, but we believe Mikey has the style to cause him a lot of problems, and this could be his break-out night.”

“First of all we are just happy that Virgil is fit, healthy and ready to get back in the ring,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “Virgil is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing and in Mckinson he will be fighting a serious contender in the division. Expect fireworks August 6th, live worldwide on DAZN.”

“Dickies Arena is thrilled to host the 12-round welterweight fight in what will be one of the most exciting and gripping fights between hometown sensation Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Great Britain’s undefeated Michael McKinson.  Fort Worth is in for an action-filled fight night and Dickies Arena is ready,“ said Matt Homan, President and General Manager of Dickies Arena.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. boasts a perfect knockout undefeated record and is considered one of the most exciting fighters in the welterweight division. Originally scheduled to return to the ring on March 19 in Los Angeles against Michael “The Problem” McKinson, Ortiz, Jr. suffered a medical emergency that forced him to pull out of that fight. Fortunately, the fighter is now 100% healthy to return and is looking to make an impressive comeback in front of his hometown when he faces McKinson at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Ortiz, Jr. was last seen in the ring in a fantastic TKO victory against world title contender Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas in August 2021. In addition, he has faced and won against some of the toughest fighters in the division, knocking out contenders like Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon, and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker. 

Ranked as one of the top 10 best welterweights in the world, Michael McKinson is an undefeated fighter ready to face any contender in the division. Hailing from Portsmouth, Great Britain, the 27-year-old made his US debut on March 19, defeating Alex “Chi-Town Heat” Martin after a last minute change due to the cancellation of Ortiz, Jr. vs. McKinson. Now a notable name in the boxing scene, McKinson has enjoyed an accomplished career capturing titles including the WBC International Silver Welter Title and the WBO European and Global Welter titles. Now, the UK fighter will be looking to show that he has what it takes to defeat Ortiz, Jr. in his home turf and prove he belongs among the division’s elite. 

Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson is a 12-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, August 6 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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