HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN IN MONTREAL: CARLOS TAKAM TO CHALLENGE UNDEFEATED NABF CHAMPION ARSLANBEK MAKHMUDOV FOR NABF AND VACANT NABA TITLES FRIDAY (9/16) AT MONTREAL CASINO

Montreal, Canada (September 12, 2022) – Heavyweight boxing takes center stage in Montreal, Canada on Friday, September 16, when CARLOS TAKAM (Henderson, NV, 39-6-1 28KO’s) challenges six-time defending NABF Heavyweight Champion, undefeated ARSLANBEK “LION” MAKHMUDOV (Montreal, Canada by way of Russia, 14-0 14KO’s) at the Montreal Casino (Casino de Montréal) for the NABF and vacant NABA Heavyweight Titles.

Takam enters the 10-round main event seeking his 40th career victory as he returns to Montreal for the second time in his career. In 2014, Takam fought undefeated WBC Silver Heavyweight Champion, Mike Perez (then 20-0 12KO’s) to a controversial majority draw, with one judge giving Takam the fight.  Takam’s resume speaks for itself, and includes former unified heavyweight World Champion, Anthony Joshua, current #15 world rated (WBC) Dereck Chisora, current #2 (WBO), #3 (WBC), #6 (IBF) and #11 (WBA) world rated Joseph Parker, former world champion Alexander Povetkin and former world title challengers, Tony ThompsonMichael Grant and Frans Botha. Most recently in July of 2021, Takam traveled to the UK to face hometown favorite,, former Olympian, and current #1 (WBO), #2 (WBC), #5 (IBF), #8 (The Ring) world rated, Joe Joyce (12-0 12KO’s).  Takam gave Joyce all he could handle before an extremely controversial 6th round stoppage. At the time of the stoppage Takam was winning on all three judges’ scorecards. Takam is a former world title contender, IBF Inter-Continental, WBC Silver and WBF World Champion, who is set to take on the heavy-handed Makhmudov, hoping to prove he has enough left in the tank to position himself for one more heavyweight world championship challenge. 

Takam had this to say about the fight: “I’m excited about the opportunity to fight in Montreal once again.  Canada is great to visit, and the fans know their boxing. I’m healthy, in shape and ready to give my fans around the world what they have been asking for.  It’s time to get back in action and achieve my goals.”

Makhmudov stands at a staggering 6’5”, typically weighing in north of 260 lbs., has never gone beyond the 7th round of a fight, knocking out all of those that have attempted to challenge him. Makhmudov looks to defend his NABF title for the seventh straight time. Makhmudov who’s most recent victory was over Mariusz Wach by 6th round KO, endeavors to level up once again by adding a name with the merit and experience of Carlos Takam to his resume. 

“Carlos is a true veteran and is always willing to push himself to fight the best,” said Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA. “Whether its world champions like Anthony Joshua on eight days’ notice, top contenders like Joe Joyce in Joyce’s backyard in the UK, or now, a powerful rising prospect in Makhmudov, Takam always seeks the biggest fights and puts on entertaining performances for the fans. We expect the same thing come September 16.”

Makhmudov-Takam is promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.




RODRIGUEZ: I WAS BORN FOR THE BIG STAGE

Jesse Rodriguez is relishing his role as the co-main attraction to the trilogy blockbuster between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night, as he makes his second defense of his WBC World Super-Flyweight title against Israel Gonzalez.
 
The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan). 

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Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar first half of the year, starting by becoming the youngest active World champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defense, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.

Those performances saw the San Antonio talent named as ESPN’s Fighter of the Year in their midyear boxing awards, and while ‘Bam’ spoke of his pride at the honor, he’s determined to show that there is much more to come in his calendar.

The 22 year old has lofty ambitions to unify divisions and win crowns at multiple weights, and says that meeting Gonzalez (28-4-1 11 KOs) on the biggest stage he’s performed on to date will only shine a bigger light on his limitless potential.

“I don’t feel pressure because I feel I was born for this,” said Rodriguez. “I belong on these big stages, it’s where I feel comfortable. Headlining in San Antonio, co-main to Canelo-GGG III, this is where I want to be, it’s been part of the plan and it’s great to see it play out. There’s expectation on me, all eyes are on me, I know that I need to perform at my best but that excites me. 

“Canelo is the face of boxing so to be the curtain raiser for that fight is amazing, so many fans are going to be able to see what I can do. I’m only 22 so to be doing the things that I am doing, beating Carlos and Rungvisai, two of the four kings at Super-Fly, I never look back and feel I need to appreciate what I do, but I do downplay what I do because I’m a humble guy.

“I’m right where I need to be, it’s just the beginning and the sky is the limit for me. I can’t tell you how far I can go because I don’t know how to stop. I want to be one of those fighters that 20 years from now, people say; ‘remember Bam Rodriguez, he was a bad dude’. One of those legends.

“I feel like I’m getting the recognition that I deserve, and Saturday is the perfect platform to show everybody that I am the real deal.”

Rodriguez’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a huge night of action in Vegas, topped by the epic trilogy battle between Canelo and Golovkin.

Fireworks are promised as Ali Akhmedov and Gabriel Rosado will clash for the IBF North American Super-Middleweight title, Diego Pacheco fights for his first belt as he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fights for his second pro title as he takes on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title.

Three more young talents complete the stacked card, as Marc Castro appears on his fifth Canelo undercard against Kevin Montiel MendozaAaron Aponte mixes it up against Canelo Promotions’ unbeaten prospect Fernando Molina also over eight and Anthony Herrera gets the chance to bounce back to winning ways on the biggest stage as he takes on Delvin McKinley.

All that action leads into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.




JAKE PAUL AND ANDERSON SILVA TRADE COMPLIMENTS, PHOTOS AND RESPECT AT KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE THEY CLASH ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 ON SHOWTIME PPV®

Los Angeles – September 12, 2022 – In a press conference that broke new ground for the amount of respect and appreciation on display, Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Anderson “The Spider” Silva showed that fighters don’t have to exchange insults to spread the word on a matchup that promises to deliver fireworks. The two sat for Monday’s kickoff press conference to hype their mega fight on Saturday, October 29 at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. live on SHOWTIME PPV contracted for eight rounds at a catchweight of 187 pounds. Paul and Silva even posed for photos together with Paul’s brother Logan to recreate a snapshot the trio took 13 years ago.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 14 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, The press conference was hosted by former BELLATOR MMA and UFC world title contender and Silva rival Chael Sonnen and streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube event page HERE and on Paul’s YouTube event page HERE.

A press tour that started Monday in Los Angeles at the NeueHouse Hollywood will continue Tuesday at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz., with both Paul and Silva taking center stage once again.

Paul has made no secret of his admiration for Silva, an MMA legend who holds the UFC record for the longest title reign in the organization’s history (nearly seven years) and the most consecutive UFC victories (16) and has now successfully transitioned to boxing. Silva announced his return as a world-class boxer in June 2021 when he soundly defeated former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., via split decision that wasn’t as close as the scores indicated. 

Silva has also voiced his appreciation for Paul and what he’s been able to accomplish in boxing in such a short time. The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul last fought December 2021 when he recorded one of the year’s most spectacular knockouts – a one -punch KO of former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd on SHOWTIME PPV. 

Despite the mutual admiration, Paul predicted the bout won’t go past five rounds and pledged to get a spider tattoo if Silva wins on October 29.

Here’s a sampling of what the participants had to say at Monday’s press conference:

JAKE PAUL

“I signed up for the hardest sport in the world and I love it. That’s what I’m built for, and I love a challenge. I grew up idolizing (Silva). For me this is even surreal that I’m even sitting here, I need to take a moment to be like, ‘Is this real with all the cameras?’ I was sitting on a couch watching this guy as a kid and here we are.

“Anderson Silva is the nicest person, and we love him. If my opponent is a di**head, I’m going to treat him like a di**head and beat his ass. But I respect this man, I’m still going to knock him out, but respectfully knock him out.

“I’m built for this, sparring world champions in the gym getting ready for Anderson. Obviously he’s a southpaw, my first time going up against a southpaw. But I love this, man. I truly feel I was put on earth and destined to box, and this will be my biggest stage yet and biggest test yet. But I’m a young man and I’m excited to get this experience under my belt because the fights are just going to keep on getting bigger. This is just the start.

“Only been preparing as a pro really for three years, I made my pro debut less than three years ago. But time management is crucial. We have the best coaches, the best nutrition, and we just work hard man, that’s been the key to my success and the key to my brother’s success is just nonstop work every single day, showing up and being present you know? And to be honest man I’m addicted to this, so no matter how hard I have to work (I do it).

“This is it. This is a make-or-break moment. I know I have someone who just beat a world champion of boxing right in front of me.

“Played them like a fiddle (the MMA community). Got them watching. In my pocket.

“If you beat me, I’ll get a spider tattoo.

“I have an opponent who is a real professional who will make weight and I won’t have to worry about doing a whole training camp.

“On the inside he gets a little shifty. We have sparring partners who will imitate him. He is the first southpaw I’m facing.”

“It won’t go more than five.”

ANDERSON SILVA

“First of all, guys, everyone needs to respect this guy. Why? Because it opens the door for everyone to think about something new and I’m so excited and so happy to be here. How many years ago did you come to take a picture with your brother? I fought a lot in my entire life and I’m here again with the new generation. That’s the proof that everyone can do anything in their life if you believe in yourself and you have the passion and love.

“The energy involved in this fight is so amazing. A lot of people think about, ‘Anderson you’re crazy, why do you do that?’ You know what, that’s a good challenge for me because Gabriel and Elias and my son Kalyl beat me every day in the boxing training and I say, ‘I can do that, I think I can do that you know?’

“Boxing in my life is very special because I grew up watching a lot of boxing and training with Brazilian coaches. I come to this sport to show my respect to the sport and the professional fighters. I’m happy to be here to continue my job at 47.

“First of all, my motivation is that I love it. I love combat sports. Second of all, I have five kids. I love challenges my entire life. Every single time people ask me why I do this, I say I’m doing something I love.

“I train every day. I won’t stop training. I keep working because that’s my life. I will pass this to the new generation, do your best.

“You don’t need to get a spider tattoo. I know you’re my fan. I’m your fan too. Big fan. I hate tattoos bro. I don’t have tattoos.

“It’s the same energy, a fight is a fight. I’m training and doing my best.”

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The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

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

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




October 29: Vasiliy Lomachenko to Face Jamaine Ortiz in Lightweight Main Event at Hulu Theater at MSG LIVE on ESPN+

NEW YORK (Sept. 12, 2022) — Ukraine’s former pound-for-pound king, the man known as “Loma,” is back.
 
Vasiliy Lomachenko, a three-weight world champion, will make his triumphant New York City return in the 12-round main event Saturday, October 29 against undefeated contender Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
The 10-round featherweight co-feature sees two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez attempt to author a career-best win against former world champion Jessie Magdaleno.
 
U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs), who is coming off a 44-second knockout over Marco Antonio Canedo in August, looks to make it 4-0 in a six-round heavyweight special feature.
 
Lomachenko-Ortiz, Ramirez-Magdaleno, and Torrez Jr. headline a card that will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $56 go on sale Thursday, September 15 at 12 p.m. ET and will be available to purchase at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Lomachenko was set to fight then-unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. earlier this year, but when Russia invaded Ukraine, he put his boxing career on hold to join a territorial defense battalion in his homeland.
 
“Vasiliy Lomachenko is a credit to his country and the sport of boxing,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “When his country needed him, Vasiliy did not hesitate. We are thrilled that he is safe and fighting once again at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, his home away from home. Jamaine Ortiz is a young, hungry, undefeated fighter who understands that a victory over a living legend like Loma would be life-changing.”
 
Lomachenko (16-2, 11 KOs) has a résumé that is unmatched in modern boxing. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for Ukraine, he had a 396-1 amateur record, won a world title in his third pro fight, and became a three-weight world champion in his 12th bout. Lomachenko unified three of the four lightweight titles before a loss to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020 derailed his quest for undisputed supremacy. Last year, he came back with one-sided victories over Masayoshi Nakatani and Richard Commey. Lomachenko is 5-0 at Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s venues, including the win over Commey and his one-sided drubbing over fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux. He arrived in Southern California last month to resume his career and work towards his goal of capturing the undisputed lightweight title, which is currently held by Devin “The Dream” Haney.
 
Lomachenko said, “I love my sport, and I am so glad to be back. My goal is to win the undisputed lightweight title, but I will not take Jamaine Ortiz lightly. Madison Square Garden and Hulu Theater at MSG have been special places in my career, and I look forward to making more great memories on October 29. I want to dedicate this fight to all my Ukrainian people. I wear the flag proudly every time I step in the ring.”
 
Ortiz (16-0-1, 8 KOs), from Worcester, Massachusetts, enters this bout hoping to stun another former world champion on the comeback trail. He last fought May 21 in Las Vegas, wearing down Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring down the stretch to earn a 10-round unanimous decision. Ortiz is a six-year pro who plied his trade on the New England club scene. Three months before the Herring triumph, Ortiz won the NABF lightweight strap with a clear decision win over Nahir Albright. Ortiz made his Top Rank on ESPN debut in April 2021 with an eight-draw against Joseph Adorno, surviving a pair of knockdowns in one of the year’s best action battles.
 
Ortiz said, “I’m excited about this fight. Vasiliy Lomachenko is a great fighter, but I’m here to win. Once I win this fight, I’m targeting a world title opportunity. This is a dream come true.”
 
Ramirez (10-1, 6 KOs), from Cienfuegos, Cuba, starred at the 2012 London Olympics alongside Lomachenko. He won the first of his gold medals, while Lomachenko dominantly captured gold medal number two. Ramirez ruled the amateur ranks for another six years before defecting from Cuba. After a stunning loss in his 2019 professional debut against Adan Gonzales, Ramirez has been flawless during a 10-fight winning streak that has seen him avenge the Gonzales loss and crack the top 15 of all four major sanctioning organizations. He authored his most notable victory to date in June at Hulu Theater at MSG, knocking out the previously undefeated Abraham Nova with a left hand in the fifth round. That one-shot knockout propelled Ramirez into the title conversation, and he hopes to get that shot before long. But, first, a former world champion stands in his way.
 
Ramirez said, “It is great to be back at the iconic Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. I am particularly excited to do so as co-main event of the evening that marks the return of the great Vasiliy Lomachenko, whom I admire and consider one of the greatest talents of all time. It’s rare to have two two-time Olympic gold medalists on the same card, and it is an honor for me. As far as Magdaleno is concerned, he represents an important challenge as he is an excellent boxer, a southpaw, and a former world champion.”
 
Magdaleno (29-1, 18 KOs) ascended to the top of the junior featherweight division in November 2016 with his decision victory over Nonito Donaire. His title reign ended at the hands of Isaac Dogboe in April 2018, but he is 4-0 since losing to Dogboe and subsequently moving up to featherweight. He shook off an extended layoff in May to shut out Edy Valencia over eight rounds. A native of Las Vegas who has showcased his talents at many of the city’s most storied venues, Magdaleno will be making his New York City debut against a recently unstoppable train.
 
Magdaleno said, “I am coming to shock the boxing world. I know what a victory would mean for my career. My goal is to become a two-time world champion, and Robeisy Ramirez is in my way. Just know that I am ready.”
 
In addition to Torrez, three of his Olympic teammates from Tokyo will see action under the lights. Tiger Johnson (5-0, 4 KOs) makes his New York City debut in a six-round junior welterweight bout, featherweight silver medalist Duke Ragan (7-0, 1 KO) steps up in his first scheduled eight-rounder, and Troy Isley (7-0, 4 KOs) tests the junior middleweight waters in an eight-rounder.
 
Cleveland-born lightweight sensation Abdullah Mason (4-0, 3 KOs) will fight in his first six-rounder, while junior lightweight Haven Brady Jr. (7-0, 4 KOs) makes his division debut in an eight-rounder.




PACHECO: CANELO-GGG III IS SPECIAL TO ME

Diego Pacheco is ready to deliver on the big stage again – and does so on the undercard of a he goes for his first title against Enrique Collazo on the undercard of the trilogy clash between Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (September 17).
 
The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan). 
 

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Pacheco (15-0 12 KOs) has been imperious in the paid ranks and after winning his first ten round contest by forcing Raul Ortega to retire after four rounds in Guadalajara in June, and now meets Collazo for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver strap in his first bout with a belt on the line.

Canelo is the king of the Super-Middleweight division, and this is the second time that Pacheco has fought on the undercard of the Mexican superstar in February 2021 in Miami. Alvarez employed Pacheco for sparring ahead of his clash with Briton Callum Smith in December 2020 due to their similar size, and Pacheco impressed the champion, who’s trilogy clash with fierce foe Golovkin has special significance for Pacheco.

“On the date of Canelo-GGG II, that’s the day that I signed my contract with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Pacheco. “This has brought back so many memories and I’m honored to be on the card. I’m so grateful for where I am, and I just want to make the most of these opportunities. 

“I was part of Canelo’s camp for the Callum Smith fight in San Antonio, and I was meant to be on the undercard too, but I got sick in the build-up. I got in trouble too because I didn’t want to tell anyone at first that I was sick because I really wanted to fight on the card, but I could have got Canelo sick and COVID was around then so I had to stop training and I couldn’t fight. So, it’s great to be here now.

“Canelo is so strong. Even blocking or parrying his jabs, you can feel the power, his hands are like rocks. I was told I was only going to spar three rounds with Canelo, but then after three I was looking good, and I was moving well, and it was good for him, so it was ‘let’s do one more’ and ‘let’s do one more’. 

“We did six rounds and then I went back in again, so that made me feel good and working with David Benavidez is great for me, I’m doing lots of rounds with him and it’s all boosting my confidence. I’m a big GGG fan but I think that Canelo takes the third one.”

Pacheco’s clash with Collazo is part of a huge night of action in Vegas, topped by the epic trilogy battle between Canelo and Golovkin.

The co-main fight stars Super-Flyweight sensation Jesse Rodriguez defending his WBC World title against Israel Gonzalez, there’s fireworks promised as Ali Akhmedov and Gabriel Rosado will clash for the IBF North American Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fights for his second pro title as he takes on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title.

Three more young talents complete the stacked card, as Marc Castro appears on his fifth Canelo undercard against Kevin Montiel MendozaAaron Aponte mixes it up against Canelo Promotions’ unbeaten prospect Fernando Molina also over eight and Anthony Herrera gets the chance to bounce back to winning ways on the biggest stage as he takes on Delvin McKinley.

All that action leads into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.




GENNADIY “GGG” GOLOVKIN BRINGS THE BIG DRAMA SHOW BACK TO LAS VEGAS

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (Sept. 12, 2022) — The super middleweight edition of Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin’s Big Drama Show debuts Saturday evening, live on DAZN PPV (https://www.dazn.com/en-US/welcome) from T-Mobile Arena, against the undisputed World Super Middleweight Champion and arch rival  Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, in the long-awaited third fight of their triloGGGy.  It’s the type of challenge Golovkin has always relished and pursued, champion vs. champion.  Now, in this third fight with Canelo, he has one-stop shopping to finally become an undisputed champion, which would be a historic highlight in a career made up of historic highlights.

            “This fight is important for the sport.  It rewards fans and creates new fans.  It is the biggest fight in boxing and certainly the biggest fight of our trilogy.” said Golovkin.  “This is the type of fight that makes boxing grow.  Trilogies are historic and I am excited to be part of one.  It is amazing.  It means that the first two fights were so good that we were in demand and the fans wanted to see us fight each other again.  I made a lot of concessions to Canelo to keep this fight intact because I have always wanted this third fight.  I would never give up a championship belt or move to a different weight class to avoid an opponent.  And while four years is too long between the last fight and this one, I am relieved Canelo did not wait until I was 50 to agree to a third fight because, for awhile, it seemed that was a strong possibility.”          

            History is nothing new to middleweight legend Golovkin.  One of the marquee fighters of his era, he has been rewriting the storied division’s record book throughout his career.  He holds the division record for total title defenses and consecutive title defenses.  Golovkin’s Big Drama Show is built on a base of crushing power, continuous pressure, and masterful offense.  The Guinness Book of Records certified his knockout percentage as the highest for any middleweight, which also explains why he has been one of the most avoided fighters of his era.  Since 2010, there hasn’t been a year when he wasn’t wearing a middleweight world championship belt.  Golovkin (42-1-1, 37 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, is a model of consistency, discipline, hard work, and excellence.  In short, he’s a winner.                

            A restless fighter constantly in search of new worlds to conquer and new fans to fight in front of, Golovkin has never allowed himself to be confined by geography or the business of boxing.  Rather, he has been defined by his willingness to take on the biggest challenges available anywhere in the world.  While most champions look for the friendly confines of a hometown or home country venue or a city where they enjoy “most favored nation status,” Golovkin, who hasn’t fought in his native Kazakhstan in 12 years, has fought in eight different countries since winning his first world title in 2010.  Golovkin’s Big Drama Show has packed iconic arenas around the world, selling out Madison Square Garden, The O2 in London, the Fabulous Forum and StubHub Center in the Los Angeles area, and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  True to form, his most recent fight was in Japan on April 4, one day after celebrating his 40th birthday, where Golovkin once again became the unified middleweight champion by knocking out  Japan’s national hero and WBA Super World Middleweight Champion Ry?ta Murata in the ninth-round.  The fans in the sold-out Saitama Super Arena, located near Tokyo, gave Golovkin a standing ovation when the referee raised his hand in victory.  It is one of the many reasons for his global popularity and proof that the appeal of the Big Drama Show has no boundaries and plays in any language.

            Which brings us to Saturday’s epic fight between world champions.  Their two previous fights were all-action high octane middleweight championship battles, both going the 12-round distance, with the vast majority of ringside observers and fans agreeing that Golovkin should still be undefeated.  Four years in the making, despite both fights earning live gates in excess of $27 and $23 million, respectively, placing them No. 3 and No. 4 on Nevada’s all-time list, and each one attracting over one million pay-per-view buys in the U.S. alone, the third fight of their trilogy is finally upon us.  And while the fight is again at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, that is one of the few constants of this trilogy.  For the first time in his professional career, Golovkin will be in a world title fight outside his familiar home in the middleweight division.  The other new facet will be a different trainer from the first two Canelo fights — Johnathon Banks, a Kronk Gym alumnus and a protégé of the legendary trainer Emanuel Steward.  This will be the fifth, and certainly most important fight for the GGG-Banks tandem.  

            “Johnathon has added the traditions of the Kronk Gym to my training.  He has opened a different world to me,” said Golovkin.  “Johnathon has not changed my style of fighting but has added weapons to my arsenal.  I had the honor of knowing Emanuel Steward.  Johnathon brought his memorable experience of Kronk to me.  It has been my privilege for Johnathon to share that with me.  With Johnathon behind me, it does not matter who is in front of me.  I trust him completely.”   .

            “This is our fifth fight together.  We have been building on what Gennadiy has learned while incorporating what made him so special as an amateur, working on the basics — timing, rhythm, and speed,” said Banks.  “In boxing, to remain at the elite level, you either evolve or die.  He’s not depending solely on power punching.  I still remember sitting with Emanuel Steward at amateur tournaments and both of us marveling at Gennadiy’s all-round abilities inside the ring.  He was an extraordinary power-punching boxer.  He could do anything he wanted.  Even at 40, he still approaches training like he’s a young and hungry top-rated contender.  He is all smiles and always the first one in the gym.  He really enjoys training and it shows in his work ethic and the results.  He is a fast study and an eager student.  He has an incredible thirst to learn new things.  Gennadiy is an athlete’s athlete.  And while 40 may be the new 30, thanks to the science of nutrition and strength and conditioning, come Saturday night, 40 may also be the new World Super Middleweight Champion.”   

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GGG MEDIA CENTRAL – FIGHT WEEK MONDAY EDITION




Dee Lee Promotions, LLC in association with Family Legacy Finest Presents  INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING

Wilmington, DE- Dee Lee Promotions, LLC in association with Family Legacy Finest and Matchmaker, Nick Tiberi, return to the Delaware boxing scene with an International Boxing card on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at The Chase Fieldhouse, 401 Garasches Lane, Wilmington, DE 19801.  This exciting fight night is highlighted by TWO American Boxing Federation Title fights and TWO female bouts that could easily have been world title bouts!  This exciting 11 bout professional boxing card will be held in the memory of Mike “Mighty Mike” Tiberi, a fine man and former Delaware professional boxer who will long be fondly remembered and missed by family, friends and fans throughout Delaware and the entire tri-state area.

Dante “The Red Cornet” Cox, of Wiesbaden, Germany by way of Glen Burnie, MD and his opponent Raekwon Butler of Brooklyn, NY will face off for the ABF Lightweight Title in this duel Main event! Though Cox is the more experienced of the two, Butler intends to give as well as he takes in what should be a battle of grit and wills beginning to end. Sharing the top billing on this dynamic fight card are two middleweights, Eslih Owusu from Ghana by way of Worcester, MA and his opponent DeWayne Williams of Philadelphia.  Owusu does have the advantage of facing international competition, but he’s facing a Philly fighter in what amounts to Williams’ backyard, so all bets are off.  Four, yes that’s four fighters chasing two titles would seem to add up to a thrilling night of professional boxing and Delaware fight fans are in for a treat!

Two different high quality female bouts highlight this 9-bout undercard and each of the two were seriously considered for titles fights! Jessica “Cobra” Camara of Montreal, Canada and Maria Vega of Quito, Equador, a pair of top talents in the women’s lightweight division each have plenty to win or lose in this bout.  Camara is a top ten-ranked fighter and a convincing victory against the highly regarded Vega could place her directly in line for a title shot.  Vega knows she’s only a win or two away from a top 10 ranking herself and the money and respect that goes with it.  The always crowd pleasing Olivia ‘The Predator’ Gerula takes on an extremely tough young talent Logan Holler of Columbia, SC in another 6 round battle. Gerula has fought on 4 continents, held 3 different titles and fought many of women’s boxing top talents including Kathy Collins, Mia St John and Amanda Serrano. Holler may lack Gerula’s experience, but she possesses lightning speed and strong punching power. It’s one of those classic wily veterans vs. young raw hungry talent match ups that so often brings a crowd to it’s feet and could prove to steal the show!

The remainder of the undercard include young talented lightweight Jalique Holden of Wilmington, DE stepping up to fight Charlie Clark of Dallas, TX, Iman Lee of Yonkers vs TBA and Michael Crain of Wilmington, DE are all slated to glove up. The card also features Jamar Leach vs Andre Davis, Ghandi Romain from Port-au-Prince, Haiti and young highly touted Adonis Wilkins of Philadelphia, Pa are all scheduled for their Pro Debuts.  TICKET INFO: $30.00 GA can be purchased online via Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/357010486977 or purchased at the door fight night. Sponsorships/ VIP and Golden Ringside/ Table sales can be purchased by contacting Joe Richmond 302.509.5059.  For more info contact: Promoter Diane Fischer 609.868.4243 or 856.692.1206 and Matchmaker Nick Tiberi 302.540.7203. 




Still Talking: This time, Fury is trying to talk his way into a Joshua fight

By Norm Frauenheim-

It’s hard to believe anything Tyson Fury says these days. He’s the master of the rhetorical feint, an entertaining way of serving up distractions and misinformation. In Fury’s dangerous hands, it’s an art form.  

One minute he’s retired. The next, he’s not. One minute, he’s fighting Derek Chisora. The next, he’s not. It’s all nonsense, of course, from a heavyweight champion who either has too much time on his hands or just needs the attention. Whatever the reason, few are better at turning the ring into a personal stage.

Laugh at the punch lines. Suspend the believability.

The latest chapter in Fury’s ongoing routine involves Anthony Joshua. Fury has let everyone know that he wants to fight him, wants to fight him as soon as possible.

Of course, he does.

Joshua appears to be as vulnerable as ever in the wake of his second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk, who won a split decision in a competitive rematch on August 20.

Other than the usual bruises, Joshua emerged from the loss in Saudi Arabia without any reported injuries.

But the absence of blood doesn’t mean there wasn’t damage to his confidence. Fury saw what everybody else did. He watched Joshua’s emotional meltdown in a bizarre exhibition immediately after the decision was announced.

He threw two of Usyk’s belts out of the ring. He grabbed the microphone and delivered a desperate plea, seemingly asking the crowd and television audience to believe in him. Joshua emerged from the loss unhurt. But it sounded as if his confidence was fractured.

Fury heard it. He also saw a fighter, still big and powerful, who had improved, perhaps because of new trainer Robert Garcia’s guidance. Joshua had Usyk in trouble throughout a dramatic ninth round.

In the wake of Usyk’s decision to not fight until early next year, Fury immediately turned to Joshua. Fury’s predatory instincts had to tell him the time was now. Fight him, finish him, before he has even more time to improve.

A result, perhaps, was sudden news that Joshua had agreed to a purse split for a fight projected for December 17. Forty percent for Joshua, 60 percent for Fury.

But Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum isn’t buying.

“I really don’t think Joshua’s people are anxious to make the fight now,” Arum said to Sky Sports while in London for a Claressa Shields-Savannah Marshall/Mikaela Mayer-Alycia Baumgardner card postponed Thursday because of Queen Elizabeth’s death. “He’s come through a devastating loss and I think, conventionally, Joshua is going to want a couple of soft touches to get back in the swing of things.’’

It’s not exactly clear what — who – qualifies as a soft touch. Deontay Wilder is set to make his comeback from a devastating stoppage loss a year ago to Fury against Robert Helenius on October 15 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Wilder faces some of the same questions that Joshua does when step back through the ropes. Still, his singular power is there, hardly a soft touch. A young heavyweight, unknown and inexperienced, might pose the least risk for Joshua’s re-entry.

Whoever it is, Arum is betting it won’t be Fury. He dismisses talk from Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn that an agreement on the purse split is in place.

“Eddie Hearn is just talking.,’’ Arum said. “Eddie Hearn, if he wanted to make the fight, he knows me well enough and knows I’m over here.

“…We haven’t really heard from Eddie Hearn. He’s really good at making statements to the press and television. But he’s not – I don’t think – anxious to make this fight.

“I’ve been in boxing a long time and the fact that Eddie and Joshua would want this fight is, to me, incomprehensible. It makes no sense. If I’m wrong and they decide they want it, they know where to find us and call. Stop talking to the press and talk to us and see if we can put it together.”

Hearn, a longtime Arum rival, had his own take.

“I’m not quite sure what Bob Arum has spoken about,’’ said Hearn, who said he has had multiple phone calls and exchanged several e-mails with Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, Fury’s UK promoter. ‘’AJ has just finished his fight with Usyk. He has a couple of bumps and bruises, nothing major.

“Queensberry have the date held of December 17, and that is our preferred date to make the fight. We’re in continued discussions.’’

With Fury in the mix, the only sure bet is that discussion will continue, ad nauseam.




BOXXER: LEGACY – Shields And Marshall Postponed

London, England – 9th September 2022 – As a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the British Boxing Board of Control has made the decision to postpone Saturday’s event, BOXXER: Legacy – Shields vs Marshall.

Our sincere thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family during this profoundly sombre time.

We are working with all parties to provisionally reschedule for Saturday, 15th October, at The O2 in London.

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said: “This is an unprecedented moment in our history and our sincere thoughts are primarily with the Royal Family and the nation at this time. Out of respect, the British Boxing Board of Control has decided to postpone Saturday’s show.

“A provisional date for Saturday, 15th October at The O2 is being worked on by all parties to stage this unique and iconic night of celebration for women’s sport at a more appropriate time.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said: “All of our thoughts at Sky Sports Boxing are with the Royal Family at this time.

“As much as we were all looking forward to witnessing this historical sporting spectacle this weekend, it is absolutely right to respectfully reschedule the show for October 15th.”

Further updates on the new date will be made at the earliest opportunity via Boxxer.com and on BOXXER social channels. 




Split-T Management’s Joseph Adorno, DeAndre Ware and Marques Valle in Action Throughout North America

NEW YORK (September 9, 2022)–TONIGHT, Three Split-T Management fighters will see action in anticipated bouts throughout North America.

At Ballys Atlantic City, junior welterweight Joseph Adorno takes on Hugo Albertp Roldan in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation card LIVE on SHOWTIME® (9 PM ETPT)

The bout will be contested for the IBF Latino Junior Middleweight Title.

Adorno of Bethlehem, PA is 16-1-2 with 14 knockouts. The 23 year-old Adorno has wins over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kevin Cruz (8-0) and Daniel Alejandro Sosa (9-2). Adorno has won two straight, with the latest being a second round stoppage over Roberto Monreal on July 23rd in Orlando, Florida.

Roldan of Argentina is 21-0-1 with seven knockouts. The 29 year-old Roldan has wins over Gustavo Fabian Calderon (2-0), Eduardo Martin Casal (2-0), Roberto Pablo Monzon (4-1), Lucas Andres Dadono (2-0-2), Lucas Brian Ariel Bastida (3-0), Gutavo David Vattori (22-4-1), Pablo Cesar Caldino (9-2). In his last bout, Roldan won 1 10-round decision over German del Castillo (10-1-2) on January 22nd in Panama City.

Adorno,, who is promoted by GH3 Promotions weighed in at 139.5 lbs. Roldan was 140 lbs.

In Montreal, Canada, super middleweight DeAndre Ware continues to take on top competition when he takes on undefeated Christian Mbilli.

Ware, 34 is 15-3-2 with nine knockouts. The Toledo, Ohio native has defeated the likes of Derrick Adkins (5-1-1), Enrique Collazo (11-0-1) and Ronald Ellis (16-0-2). In his last bout, Ware won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christopher Brooker on June 4th in Toledo

Mbilli of France is 21-0 with 19 knockouts. The 27 year-old has defeated Dergio De Leon (7-1), Cesar Lopez Ugarte (4-1), Marcos Jesus Cornejo (19-2), Ramon Aguinaga (13-0), Jesus Pina Najera (21-1), Ilya Kharlamu (8-2), Humberto Gutierrez (33-7-2), Abraham Juarez Ramirez (15-3), Jesus Antonio Gutierrez Velazquez (27-4-2), Ronny Landaeta (18-3) Ronald Ellis (18-2-2) and his last bout when he stopped former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi (44-8) on March 26th in Montreal.

In Plant City, Florida, junior middleweight Marques Valle will look to stay undefeated when he takes on veteran Benjamin Whittaker.

Valle of Wesley Chapel. Florida is 5-0 with five knockouts. The 23 year-old stopped previously undefeated Leonidas Fowlkes (2-0). In his last outing, Valle stopped Jorge Rodrigo Sosa in two rounds in Plant City, Florida.

Whittaker of San Antonio, Texas is 15-9 with three knockouts. Whittaker has defeated undefeated Felipe Reyes (5-0), Rodolfo Gomez Jr. (10-2-1), Skender Halili (8-0), Tre’sean Wiggins (7-1), D’Andre Smith (8-0) and Zsolt Darayni (15-0). On August 4th, Whittaker lost to Callum Walsh in Montebello, California.

Valle, who is promoted by Pro Box Promotions, weighed 152.4 lbs; Whittaker was 151.4.

The fight can be seen on Pro Box TV at 9 PM ET

Valle Photo / Courtesy ProBox TV




All tickets valid for rescheduled BOXXER: LEGACY date

Today the British Board of Boxing Control informed BOXXER that tomorrow’s scheduled BOXXER: LEGACY – Shields vs Marshall event must be postponed out of respect for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday.

This event will now provisionally take place on Saturday 15 October, and further details will be confirmed as soon as possible.

All tickets purchased for tomorrow’s Saturday 10 September event will remain valid for the rescheduled date. 

All existing ticket holders will be able to attend the newly-rescheduled event with their existing tickets.

The O2 including Up at The O2, Icon Outlet and the Entertainment District, remains open.

Further updates on the new date will be made at the earliest opportunity.

BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is an unprecedented moment in our lifetimes and our sincere thoughts are primarily with the Royal Family and the nation at this time. Out of respect, the British Boxing Board of Control has decided to postpone Saturday’s show.

“A provisional date for Saturday, 15th October at The O2 is being worked on by all parties to stage this unique and iconic night of celebration for women’s sport at a more appropriate time.”




Ra’eese Aleem States Facts On Why He Deserves a World Title Shot Against Stephen Fulton?

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 7, 2022) – After an impressive performance this past Sunday, Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (20-0, 12 KOs), lived up to his moniker as he clearly defeated “Magic” Mike Plania (26-2, 13 KOs), via a ten-round dominate unanimous decision, in a manner unlike any fighter had prior. Aleem ended Plania’s 11-fight winning streak on the undercard of Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Luis Ortiz, a PBC on FS1 event.

It is clear Aleem wants unified super bantamweight champion, Stephen Fulton (21-0, 8 KOs), as he stated this after the fight. Aleem has earned the right to fight Fulton, and a shot at a world title, and here is why.

World Rankings

Aleem is currently ranked #4 in the world according to BoxRec.com, and #2 in the United States behind Fulton by that same rating metric. Aleem also won a bout that made him WBO NABO champion, improving his ranking in the WBO 122 lbs. division, a division in which Fulton is the champion. Aleem previously was the #1 contender in the WBA world rankings as well.

An Easy Fight to Make 

Furthermore, Aleem is undefeated in twenty professional fights with twelve wins by way of knockout, having fought several times on Showtime, the same network that Fulton won his world title on. In addition, the fight is very easy to make since all the parties involved have all fought under the PBC banner.

“I wish the politics of boxing didn’t play such a big role in the sport, but it does and Murodjon Akhmadaliev, the other unified champion in the division, is on the other side of the fence with another network,” said Aleem. “I fight on Showtime and have fought on this network several times, including on the same fight cards as Stephen Fulton. I have served as a co-main event to his headlining bouts on two different occasions. I know fight fans really want to see this fight, especially after my last performance on Sunday. Now I just need the media to demand it.”

No Other Fighter Makes Sense for Fulton Right Now

No other fighter is available as Luis Nery, the #1 contender to face Fulton, is scheduled for a fight soon, and Akhmadaliev is looking to make a world title defense, along with network politics getting in the way of that fight.

In terms of a fight in the United States, no other fight for Fulton offers the anticipation as Ra’eese Aleem. Aleem is getting fans, and even veteran broadcasters like Al Bernstein, wondering what would happen if the two were to fight.

“We both fight on PBC, either he vacates, or he fights me, it is really simple,” said Aleem with frustration. “I think it’s funny he’s using that language, sounds like he’s deflecting, maybe he is scared to fight, in response to veteran broadcaster Al Bernstein’s tweet. I have never been one to trash-talk anyone, but it appears Fulton has a lot of nervous energy around this fight, and is lashing out at people who are excited by this potential match-up. People consider him the best fighter in the super bantamweight division, which is why I want to fight, because I believe I can beat him. This is a big money fight for both of us, and he should embrace it, instead he’s being spineless with his responses.”

Earned His Way Here

Aleem has waited for years for a title shot as he battled his way up from the club circuit, onto television, to get his chance to face the best. Aleem is a former WBA #1 contender who has faced faced five consecutive tough opponents. 

Those opponents include:

  • Mike Plania, who was coming in on an eleven-fight winning streak.
  • Eduardo Baez, who would face Emanuel Navarrete in his next fight, and give him a hard fight as well.
  • Vic Pasillas, who was undefeated at the time, and being touted by veteran broadcasters as a future world champion. 
  • Marcus Bates, a fighter who Aleem defeated to take his undefeated record, who he faced in a televised rematch, and was victorious a second time.
  • Adam Lopez was a tough contender who never fought again after being stopped by Aleem.

Aleem earned his position in the sport by fighting the toughest opponents he could face without backing down from a challenge. Aleem never turned down and opponent and dominated fights against elite competition on numerous occasions, including his last performance on Sunday. Each of Aleem’s televised fights has seen him improve into the world title challenger that he rightfully is today.

“I am motivated by the fans, broadcasters, and media members who are demanding to see this fight,” concluded Aleem. “Hearing the public say it, and the way he is behaving makes it clear, I am Stephen Fulton’s biggest threat in the division. In today’s world, we need the greatest fighters to chase glory, and see who is truly the best. I am tired of boxing being a second-tier sport that is ignored because we neglect the fans from getting the fights they want to see. I want to make the best fights possible but Fulton is running scared. Let’s be honest, it makes no sense for either of us to fight anyone else at this point. I rise to the occasion every time I step in the ring, and this will be no different. If given the chance I will be the man to beat Stephen Fulton.”




STATEMENT: BOXXER – LEGACY: SHIELDS VS MARSHALL WEIGH-INS

London, England – 8th September 2022 – News of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was received with great sadness by the athletes and staff of BOXXER today.

Out of the deepest respect, Friday’s scheduled official weigh-ins for BOXXER – LEGACY: Shields vs Marshall, will now take place behind closed doors and will not be open to the media or to members of the public.

An announcement regarding the status of Saturday’s event, at The O2 in London, will be made following consultation with relevant government and sports sector bodies and will be made at the earliest possible opportunity.

This announcement will be made via Boxxer.com and the official BOXXER social media channels.

The deepest sympathies of every BOXXER athlete and staff member are with the Royal Family and everyone affected by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder, reflected on today’s news: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family and the nation at this incredibly sad time.

“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was an iconic and unrivalled leader for our nation and an inspiration for women all over the world. 

“Her leadership and her strength of character showed that there were no limits to what women can accomplish. Her passion for the equestrian sports was unrivalled and her presence at so many key sporting events underlined the importance she placed on the role of sport in society.

“On behalf of everyone at BOXXER and all our fighters, we express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks for everything Her Majesty has done to pave the way for women and inspire the next generation.”

An inspiration to millions of people in the United Kingdom and around the world, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She set an example of duty and dedication which will echo through the ages. 

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was a keen equestrian with a passion for horse-riding sports of all varieties.

And throughout her momentous 70 years of service, she played a central role in major events across the entire sports pantheon – particularly for women in sport, where she celebrated and inspired generations of grassroots and elite female athletes across the globe.




Photos, Quotes: Shields And Marshall Exchange Fiery Final Words at Fight-Week Press Conference

London, England – 8th September 2022 – There were numerous heated verbal exchanges between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields at today’s official pre-fight press conference in London as the two faced a room packed with media ahead of this weekend’s long-awaited Undisputed World Middleweight Championship contest.

Co-headline fighters Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner struck a surprisingly respectful tone, contrasting the insults they’ve been swapping on social media, and in person, throughout the build-up to their contest on Saturday. However, the pair couldn’t resist exchanging heatedly during their face-off.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO & Founder: “It’s been 10 years for both these athletes. We worked hard to make this fight because we believed it was something really special. These two are not only fulfilling their own dreams on Saturday night, they’re fulfilling the dreams of women’s boxing.

To have women’s boxing alone selling out the O2 on Saturday night is a phenomenal achievement. Women’s boxing wasn’t like this when these two turned professional, you wouldn’t have been able to have an event like this.”

On Mayer vs Baumgardner: “Alycia clearly believes this is her moment, Mikaela believes it will be hers. That makes this an absolutely phenomenal fight with phenomenal talent, and a phenomenal rivalry. This could have headlined any event and I’m delighted it’s happening in the O2 on Saturday night.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development: “This is a fantastic night, not just for women’s boxing, but for the sport as a whole. Two supremely talented, undefeated world Champions in Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall going head to head for the undisputed championship. This fight, this rivalry will go down in history, no matter the result on Saturday night.

“Women’s boxing has come so far in recent years, and there’s so much talent in the UK right now, and in the USA also. There’s the scope to have so many huge nights of boxing like this one from now on.

Bob Arum, Hall of Fame Promoter: “People years from now will be talking about this event in the history of boxing. Two huge multi-world title fights and hugely talented women down the whole card. This event will go down in boxing history.”

WBC, IBF & WBA Middleweight Champion, Claressa Shields: “When I win on Saturday night, it will be a great victory. This isn’t my first time in a fight for the undisputed championship, this isn’t my first time having a hard training camp, and it isn’t my first time being the underdog. I can’t wait to have the opportunity to silence the doubters about Savannah’s alleged knockout power.

“I’ve never seen someone live off an amateur win for 10 years of their career. I’ve dominated this sport for 10 years. I won the Olympics, then I won it again. Then I turned professional and won world titles from my 4th fight.

“Champions are not made, they’re born. And I was born to do this.”

WBO Middleweight Champion, Savannah Marshall: “I’ve always respected Claressa, but she doesn’t like that I have an opinion. I saw her box and I thought it was a diabolical performance. She ran down people’s throats that she was going to get a spectacular knockout, and I watched it for 10 rounds, drifted off, and told her how I felt.

“I’ve never said I’m going to knock her out, I’ve said I’m going to hurt her. She’s a bully and she’s going to wake up on the canvas. I can’t wait to take all those belts off her and become the Undisputed Middleweight Champion.”

WBO & IBF Super Featherweight Champion, Mikaela Mayer: “I’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point in my career, so there’s no way I’m stopping now. It’s going to be just as hard to stay in the position I’m in as it was to get here. I’ve gone back and forth with Alycia in the past but I respect her enough to know she’s going to push me hard on Saturday night.

“At this stage of my career I can fight in many ways. If this has to be a dog fight, I’ll win a dog fight. If it has to be a boxing match, I’ll win a boxing match. I can beat her any way the fight goes. I’m going to take her into deep waters, I’m going to take her to places she’s never been before.”

WBC Super Featherweight Champion, Alycia Baumgardner: “This will be a historic night on September 10th and I can’t wait to be part of it.

“I’m ready to go for Saturday and have been preparing for this moment for a very long time. I’m at the top of my game and I’ve been boxing for 20 years for this fight. This Saturday is really going to mark my spot in this sport, who I am as an athlete. I was born for this, made for this, and this is my moment.”

Olympic Gold Medalist, Lauren Price: “I feel proud and privileged to be on this phenomenal card. I’m planning on taking my time in the professional ranks, after all my amateur success. I just want to look classy in every performance and take step ups every time.”

Caroline Dubois: “Having been to the O2 this week, and seeing the atmosphere as fight week has built, it’s showing me the size of this occasion. Now I can’t wait to get in the ring in a venue bigger than I’ve ever fought in and deliver a great performance.

“Women’s boxing moves so fast, before you know it in your career you’re fighting former world champions, and world title challengers, but I’m ready to deliver on Saturday night.”

Olympic Bronze Medalist, Karriss Artingstall: “I’m hoping to show the things I’ve been working on in camp on Saturday night. I need to start my knockout reel pretty soon so hopefully I can start it off and get the stoppage in this fight.

“I want to move as fast as my performances allow me, if I’m winning in style, then I’ll keep making big steps in every fight. The talent across the whole card is absolutely incredible, the main event and the co-main could headline any card going, and I feel so blessed to be part of it.”

Georgia O’Connor: “This is a great event for our sport and I can’t believe I get to be part of it, but I have to focus on my own fight and getting the victory to progress for my career.”

Ebonie Jones: “I’m feeling better than I ever have before and I’m looking forward to taking another step in my career on Saturday night at such a great event. But for me it’s all about getting another victory.”

April Hunter: “I’m proud to be representing the North-east at this event, just like Savannah is. I’ve had a set-back already in my career, and that’s just motivating to give everything I have in all my fights, including on Saturday night.”

Shannon Ryan: “I can’t wait for Saturday night. To be performing on this stage so early in my professional career is amazing, but I’m looking to make a statement. My style is suited to the professional game much more than it ever was for the amateurs, so I’m ready to kick on.”




CROSSROADS LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT BETWEEN JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, JR. AND WILLIAM “CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA MOVED TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29

SAN DIEGO, CA (September 8, 2022) – The crossroads, 12-round lightweight main event fight featuring Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1) and Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 29. Fight fans will now be able to enjoy the make-or-break fight a week earlier, as the event was previously announced for Saturday, Nov. 5.

A fight for their careers, the dangerous combat is set to take place at the Pechanga Arena San Diego and will be broadcast live worldwide exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda go on sale Friday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $125, $80, $60, $40 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at AXS.com, PechangaArenaSD.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.
“I’m ready to put on a great performance for my comeback fight in front of everyone that will be attending in San Diego and who will be tuned in live on DAZN,” said JoJo Diaz.

“Now that my fight is formally announced to be in San Diego, I am looking forward to battling JoJo Diaz in front of all the fans in that great city,” said William Zepeda. “I have seen the crowds there, and they’re loud so I expect nothing less on October 29.”

With over 125 live entertainment events annually, Pechanga Arena is San Diego’s leading destination for sporting events, family shows, and concerts.

“Pechanga Arena is the historic home to some of boxing’s most storied fights,” said General Manager Steve Tadlock. “We look forward to building on this legacy, and partnering with Golden Boy Promotions on the Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda fight to create and deliver a winning guest experience.”

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

Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, October 29 and will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN worldwide. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.

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




JOSEPH ADORNO VS. HUGO ALBERTO ROLDAN OFFICIAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® TOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – September 8, 2022 – Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (16-1-2, 14 KOs), a former amateur standout with one-punch knockout power, and undefeated Argentine prospect Hugo Alberto Roldan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) both made weight at Thursday’s official weigh-in a day ahead of their 10-round super lightweight main event on SHOBOX: The New Generation tomorrow night, Friday, September 9 live on SHOWTIME as the prospect developmental series returns to Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino, the site of the first SHOBOX® on July 21, 2001.

The co-feature matches undefeated Filipino prospect Bernard Angelo Torres (16-0, 7 KOs) against Dominican Frency Fortunato (13-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction. The telecast opens with SHOBOX returnee Janelson Bocachica (17-0-1, 11 KOs) taking on knockout artist Roiman Villa (24-1, 24 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle.

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT host Brian Campbell and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts with Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Joseph Adorno – 139 ½ lbs.

Hugo Alberto Roldan – 140 lbs.

Referee: Benjy Esteves Jr. (New York); John McKaie (New York), Joseph Pasquale (New Jersey), Robin Taylor (New York).

Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Bernard Angelo Torres – 125 ½ lbs.  

Frency Fortunato – 126 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mary Glover (New Jersey); Judges: Jacklyn Atkins (New Jersey), Mark Consentino (New Jersey), Paul Wallace (Maryland).

Welterweight Eight-Round Bout

Janelson Bocachica – 147 lbs.

Roiman Villa – 146 lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock (New Jersey); Judges: Jacklyn Atkins (New Jersey), Mark Consentino (New Jersey), Paul Wallace (Maryland).

FINAL QUOTES:

Joseph Adorno

“I was at home laying down just chilling with my kids when I got a call from my trainer ‘Chino’ [Raul Rivas] asking me if I would take this fight. You know me, I’ll take any fight. Whatever ‘Chino’ said, I’ll go with him. Ever since he came into my life, I let him guide me. He said we’re going to beat this guy, and that’s all it took. I got up, went for a jog and the next day I was training.

“I’ve only seen a few seconds of Roldan. I don’t like watching too much tape of my opponents because the way they fought in that fight doesn’t mean they’re going to fight the same way with me. I don’t want to put something in my mind that may not happen. ‘Chino’ works on the game plan and we’re just hoping for a good fight.

“This fight is definitely an opportunity to reset my career a bit. After the loss, I look at this as my get-back. I’m determined to make up for what happened on that night. I’m extremely happy that I got the call and I can’t wait for the bell to ring. I’m so excited for this fight I don’t even know how to explain it.

“I learned a lot in that fight against [Michel] Rivera. I learned that I need to be a little bit more active. I learned that the undefeated record isn’t everything. Everybody wants to protect it, so you want to fight to protect that ‘0’. But I think I needed that loss.

“I needed that loss to focus more and learn that you’re not going to be perfect at all times so you have to keep working hard. The harder you work, the better you get. Before that loss, I thought I was unbeatable. It helped me. It opened up my eyes a lot. I’m thankful for that loss. It woke me up and is the reason I’m working the way I am now.”

Hugo Alberto Roldan

“I do think Adorno is a tougher fighter than the first opponent I was supposed to face [Shinard Bunch]. But it’s also a good opportunity to show everyone what I can do against a fighter of this caliber.

“I have come so far in my career that I’m so happy for this opportunity and I really appreciate the chance to show what I can do. I haven’t thought about the future and what’s next, but I want to keep moving forward and keep advancing.

“In terms of coming to the sport late, I’m a very confident person. I’m a hard worker and I have confidence in my abilities. I really see that as an advantage. Being from where I’m from, Sergio Martinez is certainly an inspiration when I was coming up, since he also took up boxing late and has been able to accomplish so much so he’s definitely an inspiration to me.

“When I fight, I’m always looking for the knockout. I train for the knockout so that’s what I try to make happen.

“My last fight I had to get up twice off the canvas, but it was a learning experience and it helped me to see things that I can do better for future fights, that I can change. I went back to Argentina, and I trained to improve myself, the things I did wrong or could have done better, technical things.

“I know my opponent is a good puncher, but I also love to fight, and I will follow my strategy and adapt to what the fighter in front of me is doing. I will work around whatever becomes available in the course of the fight.

“Being in camp with the Fundoras has been a great experience and taught me a lot and helped me grow as a fighter and improve.

“It means a lot for me to be debuting in the United States. I’ve worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to be here. I’ve come a long way and I want to continue having more of these big fights in the U.S., against fighters who are established to make myself better as a fighter.”

Bernard Angelo Torres

“This fight means a lot for me and my career. It’s a really big opportunity for me to show my power and what I’m capable of on a big stage.

“I am a Norwegian citizen. We ended up in Norway after my father died when I was 10 years old and my mother had to work abroad in there. There were six of us kids, so she had to work outside the country to earn money. After three or four years, she got us and brought us over. I know my father would be very proud of me and what I’m doing in my career.

“I started boxing in the Philippines because my father was very interested in boxing. We dreamed together of one day becoming a champion. Of course, I was inspired by Manny Pacquiao who was a big inspiration to my career, but I never met him. I hope to one day meet him.

“My opponent is a good boxer. I think he’s going to use his reach. In terms of my strategy and how I’m going to fight him and if I’m going to try and get on the inside, I don’t know. We’ll see what he brings in the early rounds but we have a good game plan to box smart.

“I’ve never fought anyone as tall as my opponent in the pros, but I faced tall fighters in the amateurs, and we had good sparring in camp with plenty of tall fighters.

“We started camp in Norway and then finished in Spain and I got to spar with Michael Conlan and Harlem Eubank. It was a very good experience. I also got to spar with Conlan last year when he was getting ready for a fight. I’m always learning from these experiences.”

Frency Fortunato

“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to showcase my skills on national television for a long time. Whatever Torres brings, I’ll be ready. I think I have the tools to counter whatever he brings.

“I was knocked down in my loss, I just learned from it and got better. I didn’t dwell on it. I’ve become a better fighter and learned so much. I learned about my conditioning and to not punch myself out. I didn’t manage the rounds well. I know my conditioning is better now and I can go the rounds.

“In the ring, my focus is to box, but I see myself as a boxer and a puncher. I don’t go in there to look for the knockouts but if I hurt the guy, I will go for the KO. I’m usually looking to box but if I hit my opponent cleanly, he’s going to go down.

“We have worked and prepared to make sure we’re ready for whatever our opponent brings. I think I’m more of a complete fighter than my opponent and I’m going to use my boxing skills and range. I feel I’m the bigger puncher.

“I’m fighting on SHOBOX for the opportunity and for the chance to showcase my talent on national TV. I hope for a huge showing on Friday and then move on to bigger and better fights. I’m coming to win and while I’m not looking for the knockout, I do feel like I can stop him on Friday night.”

Janelson Bocachica

“I’m feeling better than I ever have. I expect for a fight to break out and I expect for him to get angry and try to look for a knockout. But with my skills, it’s going to be tough for him to touch me. I think it’s going to be a really, really bad night for Roiman Villa. And a great night for me.

“I want everyone to know that Janelson is not just a puncher, that he can box. I’ve been training with sparring partners that are bigger than me – my sparring partners are always bigger in weight. I’m used to getting punched hard.

“For this training camp we actually had Danny Garcia. Danny’s a puncher. We have the punching power, but this fight I want to show so much more. I want to showcase skills.

“Boxing is not about who is stronger or who can take the biggest punch, it’s about winning and skills. There’s a science to boxing and it’s not about who’s tougher or the most macho.

“I learned from the Shinard Bunch fight that I gotta use that jab. I’ve got to leave all the haymakers behind. In the third round I was like, ‘This guy is still standing?’ And I came back to my corner and telling my dad this is the last round. I’ve got to stop thinking like that. You can’t knock everyone out.

“My last three guys I’ve fought were against Chino’s [Roiman Villa’s trainer Raul Rivas] guys. I don’t know what he has going against me. I’m ready to close his gym down like I told him last time. He can bring anyone he wants. We’re not worried about nothing. He’s an aggressive fighter who likes to brawl, and he gets mad very easy. I think it’s going to be a quicker night than he’s expecting.”

Roiman Villa

“We’ve been working a lot for my U.S. debut. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity because I know what being in the U.S. means for a fighter. This is really the beginning of my career, even though I have 24 KOs. I know that this is the moment when everything really starts to count for me.

“For us, it’s very important to go for the knockout because we don’t like to leave it in the judges’ hands. I prepare for the fight to win by knockout. That’s the way I prefer to fight and that’s why I end up with the same result every time.

“I’m prepared to go the rounds as well if I need to. We trained in high altitude. I know how to maintain my power throughout all the rounds and I can go the full distance and win a decision as well.

“I don’t like watching tape on my opponent too much. I rely on my team and my trainer, ‘Chino.’ He knows how to put the strategy together and I will follow his instructions. I think my pressure is going to bring him down.

“I come from a family of 10 boys and they’re all boxers. I’m the only one who turned professional but we all fought in the amateurs. And I’m one of the youngest brothers. I had to fight the biggest ones to survive. That’s what made me what I am today. You had to fight your way out.

“Even though everyone can have their opinion about what happened in the fight I lost, I know that during those 12 rounds, I beat him up. Behind the scenes, we know what happened and why they didn’t want to give us the decision.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 




Unbeaten Cuban heavyweight contender Lenier Pero to now train under Bob Santos in Las Vegas

Unbeaten heavyweight contender Lenier Pero will now be training in Las Vegas under the guidance of red hot trainer Bob Santos. 

The fast rising Cuban southpaw will also be retaining the services of legendary Cuban coach Pedro Roque. 

“I am very excited to be coming to the boxing capital of the world to train with Bob Santos. He’s a great trainer and has picked up some very important victories.  I believe with my amateur experience, what I have learned from Mr. Roque and what Santos adds to my repertoire, it won’t be long before I am heavyweight champion of the world,” said Pero. 

Santos recently guided Alberto Puello and Hector Luis Garcia to world titles on the same night and is looking forward to working with Pero who also fought that night on the undercard. 

“It is a trainer’s dream to work with a hard hitting southpaw heavyweight with the amateur pedigree of Pero. The sky is the limit for how far he can go in the sport,” Santos stated. “I am also excited that Roque will remain with the team.”

Roque is a legend in the sport, having guided the Cuban national team to multiple Olympic medals. He also more recently headed the U.S. national team. 

Pero is 3-0 in 2022 with all three wins coming by knockout. He will be returning to the ring in the Fall. 

Santos stable of fighters also includes the likes of Carlos Adames, Erick Rosa, Victor Santillan, Kevin Brown and several other top contenders and rising prospects. 




BRANDON GLANTON BATTLES MARIO AGUILAR FOR WBO GLOBAL CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE IN SEPTEMBER 9 MAIN EVENT IN PLANT CITY, FLORIDA  STREAMED LIVE ON PROBOX TV

PLANT CITY, Florida (August 29, 2022):  Undefeated Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton will battle Mario “El Ruso” Aguilar in the ProBox TV main event on Friday, September 9, for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global Cruiserweight Title. The two heavy-handed bangers will fight in a schedule ten-round bout at the ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida and the card will be streamed live worldwide, beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT at PROBOXTV.com and the ProBox TV app.   

Fights & Weights . . .

10 Rounds WBO Global Cruiserweight Championship

Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton, 199.6 lbs., Atlanta, GA, 16-0 13 KO’s      vs.

Mario”El Ruso” Aguilar, 199.8 lbs., Sinaloa, Mexico, 22-7 18 KO’s

8 Rounds Super Middleweights

Hakim Lopez, 171.6 lbs., Atlanta, GA, 13-0 8 KO’s      vs.

Richard Vansiclen, 171 lbs., Seattle, Washington, 12-0 6 KO’s

8 Rounds Super Featherweights

Otar Eranosyan, 131.4 lbs., Akhalkalaki, Georgia, 11-0 6 KO’s        vs.

Cesar “Corazon” Juarez, 131.6 lbs., Mexico City, Mexico, 27-11 20 KO’s

6 Rounds Welterweights

Marques Valle, 152.4 lbs., Lutz, FL, 5-0 5 KO’s            vs.

Benjamin Whittaker, 151.4 lbs., San Antonio, Texas, 15-9 3 KO’s

“I feel like I’m supposed to be here, it’s my first step towards justifying my legacy and becoming world champion,” said Brandon Glanton. “My opponent’s in for a long night. He’s coming to fight because it’s a big opportunity for him and good fighters do better with better fighters. But it’s my job to show people that he’s a steppingstone. I am going to be explosive and he should expect a high volume of punches. I’m going to pressure this kid. I see a knockout coming under 5. It could be the body or it could be the head, but you’ve got to go to ProBox TV to find out and don’t blink because you might miss it.”

“ProBox TV has provided me with an opportunity to be active, and an active Glanton is a great Glanton.”

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it,” said Aguilar. “I don’t know much about Glanton.  I haven’t seen him fight.  There is nothing on the internet.  My plan is to come in and fight . . . Mexican Style.

A ProBox TV monthly subscription is $1.99.

Tickets, starting at $50, are available for purchase at EventBrite.com click here

Brandon “Bulletproof” Glanton (16-0, 13 KOs) from Riverside, California via Atlanta, GA is ranked No. 15 by the World Boxing Organization. The thirty-year-old Glanton is coming off a fifth-round TKO win on July 9, a fight that can be seen on-demand at ProBox TV.  Glanton made his professional debut on May 6, 2017, at heavyweight and won by first-round stoppage. After hovering right at 200-pounds or above for his first six fights, “Bulletproof” dropped below that threshold to fight at cruiserweight and found much success.  

Mario “El Ruso” Aguilar (22-7, 18 KOs) from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, México, is coming off a two-fight win streak, by a third-round TKO and a sixth-round DQ. The 31-year-old Aguilar made his pro debut in 2014 and his fights have ranged from the light heavyweight division to the heavyweight division and weights as low as 159 lbs. to as high as 233 lbs. – with successes at all levels.

The 2022 remaining live boxing on ProBox TV:  September 9 (Tampa, FL), September 23 (Cancun), October 7 (Tampa), October 26 (San Juan, PR), November 4 (Tampa), November 18 (Cancun), December 2 (Tampa), December 9 (San Juan), December 16 (Philippines). There is also weekly original content produced by the founders including, podcasts, talk shows and in the gym content, plus monthly documentaries and behind the scenes content.

In 2023 there will be one live boxing event per month from USA, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Follow ProBox TV at

https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

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

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Boxing Legend and Hall of Famer Roberto Duran Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 17, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (September 8, 2022) – Boxing Legend and Hall of Famer Roberto Duran has confirmed that he will appear alongside the “WBA” at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Duran will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the “WBA” World Boxing Association booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite -https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

Duran will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Manos De Piedra” (“Hands of Stone”) and also purchase Merchandise from the WBA booth.

Duran joins the WBA, Seniesa Estrada, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramírez, David Benavidez, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Roberto Duran

Roberto Duran, a true legend of the sport is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on June 10th, 2007. A versatile brawler in the ring, he was nicknamed “Manos de Piedra” (“Hands of Stone“) during his career. In 2002, he was chosen by The Ring to be the fifth greatest fighter of the last 80 years. The Associated Press voted Duran as the #1 lightweight of the 20th century. Many even consider him the greatest lightweight of all time. He held world titles at four different weights – lightweight (1972–79), welterweight (1980), light middleweight (1983–84) and middleweight (1989). He was the second boxer to have fought a span of five decades, the first being Jack Johnson.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

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More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

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NONTSHINGA SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

Sivenathi Nontshinga has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
 
Nontshinga (11-0 9 KOs) landed the IBF Light-Flyweight title in an epic fight of the year contender clash with Hector Flores in Hermosillo, Mexico on Saturday night, edging out the Mexican in a rollercoaster battle fought at a relentless pace.
 
The South African floored Flores in the second round with a right hand, but the Mexican poured forward in response and a brilliant body attack in the fourth round 
 
A head clash in the fifth round caused a cut in the middle of Flores’ head but did nothing to stop the ferocious pace set by the Mexican and answered by the ‘Special One’ in a relentless first half of the fight.
 
The pace didn’t dim in the second half and a standing ovation for a sensational fight followed the final bell – and it was the Nontshinga who had the belt placed around his waist via split decision, 116-111, 112-115, 114-113.
 
The 23 year old put pen to paper with Hearn and now turns his attention to a bright future with the landscape from Light-Flyweight to Super-Flyweight as exciting as ever.
 
“I’m very happy to sign with the number one Promoter in the world,” said Nontshinga.
 
“I’m enjoying this moment of victory not only for myself but for my country as I am the only legitimate World Champion. I would love to defend my World title in South Africa as a homecoming.”
 
Nontshinga’s victory was in no small part due to the effort he put into the championship rounds, and followed inspirational pep talks from trainer and manager Colin Nathan, who told his charge to ‘change his life’ and grab the title with both hands.
 
“I’m over the moon,” said Nathan. “Seven years ago, Sive reached out to me as a 15 year old Amateur wanting to join me.
 
“I’ve been involved in Sive’s career for the last four years in the guidance and management. I started training him in January this year after his father, who was training him, asked me to take over his career completely.
 
“My ‘speech’ after the 9th round has gone viral around the world – ‘We’re behind, you’ve got nine minutes to turn to your Life around’ – I meant it.
 
“Those nine minutes changed the trajectory of his life and history was made for South African boxing.”
 
“I am delighted to welcome Nontshinga to the team,” said Hearn. “His performance on Saturday night in hostile territory was outstanding, and there is so much more to come from this talented young man. 
 
“He’s got a great coach and manager in Colin backing him all the way, and with a big piece of the pie at Light-Fly, there’s some huge fights that can be made at 108lbs and beyond.”



Shields and Marshall Staredown On BOXXER Battleship

London, England – 7th September 2022 – A special fight deserves a special build-up, so BOXXER chartered a vessel to take bitter rivals Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields – plus a host of British media – down the Thames river for open workouts and staredowns in the shadow of the iconic London Tower Bridge.

Joining the crew on the ‘BOXXER Battleship’ were co-main event fighters Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner and some of the standout British fighters from the landmark arll-female card, including Lauren Price, Karriss Artingstall, Carlone Dubois, April Hunter, Georgia O’Connor, and Ebonie Jones.

As the city’s greatest landmarks rolled by, the array of stars took to the ring to work out ahead of competition on Saturday in front of the assembled media and a platoon of stars from the world of women’s spot, including Fara Williams, England’s most capped football player, and Olympic 400m Gold Medalist Christine Ohuruogo.

Super Featherweight Champions Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner also faced off before their clash on Saturday night, with the pair trading barbs on social media for months on end, all coming to an explosive conclusion this weekend at the O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports.

Savannah Marshall said, “She’s had a lot to say about me but it doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t get under my skin. I don’t care what she thinks about anything – she’s not one of my friends or family so her opinion doesn’t mean anything at all to me. We will do our talking in the ring on Saturday night – I’m going to take her into deep water and drown her in the Thames,” 

Claressa Shields said, “I’ve always said that women’s boxing can sell and that I was the one. It’s nearly sold out, there will be nearly 20,000 fans in the O2 Arena and I’ve been training my butt off. I want all the smoke and when I leave the ring on Saturday night, Savannah Marshall will be silenced and I will be the undisputed middleweight champion of the world,” 

Fara Williams, England’s most capped footballer: “This event is amazing, and it shows how far women’s sport has come from a few years ago. BOXXER have taken a huge risk here and it’s a  good thing that it’s been done. It’s going to be a history-making event in front of 20,000 people, and there will be an undisputed Middleweight Champion. And hopefully an English one too.”

Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic 400m Gold Medalist: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity in boxing. An all women’s card, never happened before. Hopefully events like this in boxing will happen again. This follows on from the amazing women’s football in the summer. I’m so happy to see women’s sport with such positive momentum.”

Tickets for the event are almost sold out, with a small batch remaining in the £25 category. A full house is expected in London 02 Arena on Saturday night for this landmark moment in women’s sport.

LONDON (Sept. 7, 2022) — The bad blood hit the seas Wednesday afternoon.

The open workout for Saturday’s all-female card at London’s O2 Arena (ESPN+, 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT) was conducted on a boat that was sailing along The River Thames. The top of the bill sees middleweight champions and one-time amateur adversaries Savannah Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) and Claressa Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) battle for the undisputed title.

In the co-feature, American stars Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) and Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) will tangle for the WBC/WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight titles.

The combatants faced off in the ring on the top floor of the boat, the partly cloudy London skies providing a suitable backdrop for the occasion. CLICK HERE for Media Workout Photos. Please credit Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images.

Before this historic doubleheader, fight week events will stream live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter and Facebook pages.

Thursday, September 8: Press Conference
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter & Facebook pages
 
Friday, September 9: Weigh-In
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter & Facebook pages

Saturday, September 10: FIGHT DAY
2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
Streaming LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY in the U.S. on ESPN+

The ESPN+ fight night stream is scheduled to include the following fights:

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall, 10 rounds, Undisputed Middleweight World Title

Mikaela Mayer vs. Alycia Baumgardner, 10 rounds, WBC/WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine Junior Lightweight World Titles

Lauren Price vs. Timea Belik, 6 rounds, welterweight

Caroline Dubois vs. Milena Koleva, 6 rounds, lightweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Marina Sakharov, 6 rounds, featherweight

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




Team USA roster set for next week’s USA Boxing International Invitational

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada (September 2, 2022) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) has announced IRRESISTIBLE II as undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Kim Clavel (16-0, 3 KOs) and World Boxing Association (WBA) title-holder Jessica Nery Plata (28-2, 3 KOs) will square-off on December 1st in a World Light Flyweight Unification showdown at Place Bell Laval in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

IRRESISTIBLE II is a Mise-O-Jeu presentation in collaboration with Bell Media.

Clavel, 31, won her WBC crown on July 29 in Montreal, defeating defending champion Yesenia Gomez (19-5-3) by 10-round unanimous decision at the Casino de Montreal in a dazzling performance that unanimously delighted the people of Quebec. The native of Joliette became the 2nd woman and the eighth GYM world champion. She became the 4th active champion in Montreal by joining champions Marie-Eve Dicaire (IBF), Oscar Rivas (WBC) and Artur Beterbiev (WBC/WBA/IBF).

For Kim Clavel, it is a challenge worthy of her ambitions: “Since my conquest of the WBC world title, I have received thousands of extraordinary testimonies that touch me enormously. On December 1, I want to thank all my supporters for their support by launching me into this unique challenge to become unified champion. I promise not to disappoint you!”

Yesica Nery Plata is equally excited about the opportunity: “I won my WBA title by dethroning champion Yesica Bobb in Panama so I’m not afraid to go to Canada for this major fight in my career,” said the Mexican. “This unification is what I have been longing for a long time and it comes at the right time when I am at the peak of my career. My goal has always been to face the best, Kim Clavel is part of this category, and I am grateful to her for having accepted this duel.”

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a local pugilist arouse so many passions,” said GYM president Yvon Michel. “It was without hesitation that we took the gamble of reserving Place Bell for this first unification world championship in the history of boxing in Quebec, by a boxer from our region. We will be able to welcome the many fans of our new champion and allow them to attend this historic event IRRESISTIBLE II.”

During the height of the COVID19 pandemic, Clavel returned to nursing to help elderly in Montreal, for which she was awarded the prestigious 2020 Pat Tillman Award for Service at that year’s ESPYs ceremony on ESPN.

Plata, 28, from Mexico City, won her WBA belt in her last outing on March 11 in Panama in a 10-round decision victory over the great champion and former amateur star Yesica Bopp (37- 2, 17KO) from Argentina.

Plata will ride a 7-fight win streak into Laval, winning 13 of her last 14 fights, dating back to 2016. A former WBC Youth light flyweight champion, Plata won the WBA Interim Light Flyweight Championship in 2018, taking a 10-round split decision from Silvia Torres (18-0-1). She successfully retained the WBA Interim title once with a 10-round unanimous decision versus Alondra Garcia (20-3-1) the following year.

Plata is currently ranked at the top of the light flyweight division by independent organization Boxrec.com as well as No. 6 in the world pound-for-pound. Clavel is ranked No. 3 at 108 pounds and No. 21 in all divisions.

This will be the second time that Kim Clavel will be in the main event in an event presented in a major Quebec amphitheater. The first time was against Maria Vargas at Stade IGA in August 2021.

Tickets will be on sale starting Friday, September 23 on Ticketmaster.ca, at the counters at Place Bell or for tables or groups, contact GYM at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca. More details on this will be communicated in the coming days.

#GroupeYM #IRRESISTIBLEII #ClavelPlata

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

About Yvon Michel Group (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific organization in Canadian professional boxing. Since its foundation, GYM promoted 162 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada; and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Eight boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Eighteen GYM boxers have fought in 53 world championship fights. compiling a solid 29-22-2 record. Major American television networks were more active than ever during this period in terms of coming to Quebec to broadcast the GYM’s most important events.




Richard Brewart Jr. vs. Joeshon James Headlines Thompson Card September 23rd in Ontario, CA

ONTARIO, CA (September 7, 2022) – Undefeated middleweights Richard Brewart Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) and Joeshon James (6-0, 3 KOs) will clash in an 8-round main event on Thompson Boxing’s “Locked ’N Loaded” card. In the 8-round co-main event, Roberto Meza Jr. (15-2-1, 8 KOs) takes on Isaac Avelar (16-5, 10 KOs) in a featherweight showdown.

“Locked ‘N Loaded” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, September 23, 2022. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced $50$75, and $100, are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

“This will be another step toward my goal of becoming one of the top middleweights in the division,” Brewart Jr. stated. “This will be my fourth undefeated fighter that I’ll be facing in my career, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. These are the type of fights I need to win to get me ranked. I’m expecting a tough fight with Joeshon James, and the fans will be witnessing a great performance by me. My goal is to break him down and take him out in the later rounds.”

“Brewart Jr. is a good fighter, but he’s not on my level,” said Joeshon James. “I know he’ll be fighting in front of his hometown fans, but that has only motivated me to train harder, as I know I’ll be going to battle in hostile territory. No disrespect, but I’m going to win this fight and give Brewart Jr. his first loss.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Lightweight Ruben Islas (6-0, 5 KOs), of Rialto, Calif., will face an opponent TBA (6-rounds)

Opening the card will be featherweight David Salinas (2-0-1,1 KO) of Rialto, Calif., facing Alexis Salido (2-3, 1 KO), of Phoenix, Arizona. (4-rounds)

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

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

“Locked ‘N Loaded” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages.

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




MARQUEZ PROMOTIONS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CANCUN BOXING ANNOUNCE SEPTEMBER 23 EVENT IN CANCUN AND TOGETHER WILL PROMOTE MONTHLY SHOWS THROUGHOUT 2023 ALL STREAMED LIVE ON PROBOX TV

CANCUN, September 7, 2022  —  ProBox TV, Marquez Promotions and Pepe Gomez’ Cancun Boxing announced today a series of boxing events in Mexico, the first being Friday, September 23 at Oasis Resort in Cancun.  Their second event will take place November 18 also at Oasis Resort, and in 2023 there will be monthly events throughout Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey, Culiacan, Acapulco, Guadalajara) all streamed live on ProBox TV.

ProBox TV Founders Juan Manuel Marquez, Roy Jones, Jr. and new partner Miguel Cotto were on hand today with ProBox TV, Cancun Boxing and the World Boxing Council’s Mauricio Sulaiman..

ProBox TV is about (1) putting contenders in the ring against good fighters to make great fights, (2) following the journey of top amateurs and (3) the “Last Chance Tournament,” an opportunity to rise once again for those who had success as amateurs and not so much as pros. Like Miguel Cotto is giving new opportunities to boxers in Puerto Rico, Juan Manuel Marquez will be doing the same in Mexico. 

“I would like to thank everyone for coming today. We are a team from many countries like Miguel Cotto from Puerto Rico, Juan Manuel Márquez from Mexico and yours truly from the United States,” said Roy Jones Jr. “We were all successful in the ring as fighters and we are sure that we are going to be successful doing this.”

“We are doing this to give the fighters more opportunities,” Miguel Cotto added. “We want them to become somebody in the world of boxing.”

Juan Manuel Márquez, today’s host, pointed out, “What we want is to offer new opportunities to the fighters. This is for those who are looking to do something in boxing. The difference is that the company and the partners are people who have been in the ring. We know what it takes to win a fight and we want to think that soon we can have the opportunity to crown a world champion. We will be doing events in various places, and we are looking for talent.”

“Today is a very special day,” said Mauricio Sulaiman.  “What a great day to have PROBOX TV here today and may it have many successes and the World Boxing Council will be supporting all its activity.”

*            *            *

The 2022 remaining live boxing on ProBox TV:  September 9 (Tampa, FL), September 23 (Cancun), October 7 (Tampa), October 26 (San Juan, PR), November 4 (Tampa), November 18 (Cancun), December 2 (Tampa), December 9 (San Juan), December 16 (Philippines). There is also weekly original content produced by the founders including, podcasts, talk shows and in the gym content, plus monthly documentaries and behind the scenes content.

In 2023 there will be one live boxing event per month from USA, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Nine-Time World Champion 4 weight divisions, Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) is from Mexico City, Mexico.  Marquez may be best known for his four epic battles

against Manny Pacquiao and his KO of Juan Diaz to win the WBA, WBO and IBO lightweight world word titles.

Former Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion, former Super Middleweight World Champion, and former Middleweight World Champion Roy Jones Jr (66-9, 47 KOs) was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida.  In 2003 Jones Jr became the first former Middleweight World Champion to become Heavyweight World Champion in over 100 years. In the ring, Jones possessed a rare combination of mesmerizing speed and devastating power.

Nine-Time World Champion in two weight divisions Antonio Tarver (31-6-1, 22 KOs), was born in Orlando and now resides in Tamp, Florida. Tarver is most known for his trilogy with ProBox TV partner Roy Jones Jr. The first Jones fight followed Tarver’s first world title fight, and win, in an impressive shutout (120-106 three times) over WBC and IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Montell Griffin.  After beating Griffin and readying for Jones, Tarver announced to the world “there is going to be a new face in boxing,” and he was right.

Two-time World Champion Paulie Malignaggi (36-8, 7 KOs) was born and raised and now resides in Brooklyn, NY.  Malignaggi fought in ten world title fights, talking many of them into existence. Paulie was never at a loss for words and has become an expert boxing analyst in broadcast television.

Seven-Time World Champion in four weight divisions is Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs), who became a huge fan favorite, selling out venues while fighting annually on Puerto Rican weekend – 7 times between 2005 and 2015 – in New York.  The Pride of Puerto Rico spent his entire career seeking fights against the best, and never ceased to deliver in the ring.

Get the App HERE

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

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




FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MARLEN ESPARZA RE-SIGNS MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH GOLDEN BOY

LOS ANGELES, CA (Sept. 7, 2022) – Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (13-1, 1 KO), a Texas-born former Olympian, has re-signed a multi-year, multi-fight promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Esparza was Golden Boy’s first ever female boxer signed to the company in 2016, and she launched her professional career under its banner in 2017 to ultimately become the WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine Female Flyweight World Champion. Esparza sits at the top of the flyweight rankings and will be looking to break into other weight divisions.

“In the cutthroat business of boxing, ‘loyalty’ has proven itself to be rewarding. I am super excited with my newly structured deal,” said Marlen Esparza. “I’m with Golden Boy – who has been my day one – I’m doing what I love with great compensation and have opportunities to become undisputed as a flyweight and unify in other weight divisions. Thank you, Golden Boy!”

“Marlen Esparza has been a vanguard for female boxers and will continue to punch through glass ceilings as a woman in sports,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “We are extremely proud of how she has developed as a fighter. She has the work ethic, the vision and the hunger to become a unified world champion and crush other weight classes. Golden Boy is excited to have her and be a supportive partner as she continues her ambitious plans in boxing.”

The new contract deal reflects Golden Boy’s continued investment in elevating female boxing. Since Esparza, the trailblazing company has signed several female fighters to its roster including World Champion Yokasta Valle, Arely Muciño, and Anabel Ortiz.

A 33-year-old Houston, Texas native, Esparza is a decorated amateur who qualified to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London where she became the first American woman to qualify for the Olympics in the first year that women’s boxing debuted as an Olympic event. Esparza went on to win the bronze medal in the women’s flyweight division. Since turning pro in 2017, Esparza had a clean resume until she suffered her first and only loss in 2019 against Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada for the vacant Interim WBA Flyweight Title on the Canelo vs. Kovalev undercard. However, that didn’t stop Esparza’s momentum as she came back stronger with back-to-back victories over former world title challenger Sulem Urbina and Shelly Barnett.

In 2021, Esparza had a successful year, with a unanimous decision victory against Ibeth Zamora Silva for the WBC Flyweight World Championship and successfully defended her new world championship title against former world champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz. On April 9, as part of the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe, Esparza faced her toughest challenge to date, taking on five-division world champion Naoko Fujioka. The fight pitted the #1 vs. #2 in the female flyweight division, granting them the honor of fighting for the first-ever, Ring Magazine Female Flyweight World Championship. After 10-rounds of nonstop action from two of the mightiest female fighters in the flyweight division, the judges ruled in favor of Esparza via unanimous decision, crowning her the new WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Champion. Esparza was last seen successfully defending her three world titles against tough opponent Eva Guzman (19-2-1, 11 KOs) as the co-main event for Ortiz, Jr. vs. McKinson on Aug. 6.

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For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.




WOODRUFF: “HIS WORK RATE IS NO CONCERN WHEN IT’S BACKED UP BY SLAPPING AND POWDER PUFF SHOTS”

An all-Welsh affair heats up as fighting talk is exchanged ahead of the British Lightweight Title fight at The University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.

The anticipation for fight night continues to build for Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs) as the stakes continue to be raised. Initially, the British Lightweight title was the incentive on offer for the 30-year-old, but now the verbal exchanges have signalled a real battle brewing between the two Welshmen.

The current British Lightweight champion, Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs), has discussed the strengths of his own arsenal and how these skills will see him past the test of the challenger. Woodruff sees this an opportune moment to claim the scalp of Gwynne, getting both the British belt as well as verifying his claim as one of the best in the country, live on Channel 5.
 
“He clearly has no respect for me,” said Woodruff. “Every interview he’s talking about this defence like I’m not good enough to cause him any problems. I’m the current Celtic champion and the former undefeated Welsh champion so if he wants to overlook me then he’s in for a shock and a very tough night.”

The Newport fighter is in full acknowledgement of Gwynne as a genuine British champion. The respect for what he has achieved is well-documented, but the unearthing of comments made by the champion has now added not only extra spice to this encounter, but extra irons within the fire of the current Celtic king.

“I don’t think Gavin understands that I was out of the ring for four years and I still came back to go from being ranked 86th to being ranked top 10 in Britain,” said Woodruff. “I’ve got respect for what Gavin has achieved. He’s the champion and he deserves to hold those belts, but it’s obvious he’s looking past me and I’m going to show I’m a force to be reckoned with.”

He is certainly excited to display his skills on his continued renaissance as he makes up for lost time after an altercation at a football match left him unable to box. As is the case with most natural fighters, the past builds character but the future is the defining moment, and Woodruff now has the right team around him to make the future a bright one.  

“I’ve got the right people next to me now. A dedicated training team with Luke Pearce, Johan Berendjy and Richie Garner who takes up the role as my manager too,” said Woodruff. “I’ve had two losses with them, one to Kieran Gething which was disputed and a close one to Gary Cully who I nearly stopped.”

Gwynne, otherwise known as ‘The Merthyr Mexican’, outlined the competitors he has come up against when detailing that Woodruff has not competed at a similar level. In this back and forth war of attrition, the Newport challenger is more than comfortable with his record and the names of opposition that sit within it.
 
“My record is littered with great names – Martin Ward, Luke Campbell, Carl Johansen, Mitch Buckland. With the exception of his Gwynne’s last four fights, total up his opponent’s records and you’ll find more losses there than wins. Mine is the opposite.”

“I’ve had to put up with hearing him talk about me being a back-foot fighter, running from him,” continued Woodruff. “His work rate is no concern when it’s backed up by slapping and powder puff shots.”

With a potential British title classic brewing for the live and free-to-air Channel 5 show, this has all the magic to conjure a new name amongst the division. It has been many decades since Newport has been able to boast a British title holder and, whilst being a new name at lightweight is exceptional, it is taking the belt back to his home that drives Woodruff on.
 
“It has been 40 years since the last man from Newport, David Pearce, won the Lonsdale belt. I’m going to follow in his footsteps and bring that British title back to the city with me,” said Woodruff.
 
“The moment the board sanctioned me as the mandatory to fight him, I don’t think he realises Robert Smith might as well have told him to hand those belts over there and then. Myself and my team have sacrificed too much for me to walk away without them, wait and see.”

‘King’ Lydon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) is planning on an explosive return to the ring as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) in his pursuit of the Light Heavyweight throne. The current IBF International Heavyweight Champion, Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs), will also look to bring another powerful heavyweight performance alongside an all-Welsh affair to see who will leave with the British Lightweight belt between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs). Conah “The Wolf” Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) facing off against Kane Gardner (14-2, 7 KOs) is just one of many domestic bouts that will look to steal all the headlines as Wasserman Boxing hosts a massive night of free-to-air boxing live on Channel 5, in association with William HillNuman and Infinitum Entertainment.

Limited Tickets for Wasserman Boxing’s Fight Night Bolton are available HERE




2 Division World Champion Seniesa Estrada Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, DuringMexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 17, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (September 6, 2022) – 2-Division world champion Seniesa Estrada has confirmed that she will appear at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Seniesa will hold a Meet & Greet with her fans at the Fierce Reflex booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

Seniesa will make her first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as the “Super Bad”.

Seniesa joins Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, WBA, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramírez, David Benavidez, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Seniesa Estrada

Seniesa Estrada is an American professional boxer of Mexican descent with an impressive record of 22 wins and No losses. She was born and raised in East Los Angeles and started boxing at the age of eight. Seniesa is the current WBA strawweight and WBO light flyweight champion. She previously held the WBC Silver light flyweight title from 2018 until 2021 and the WBA interim flyweight title from 2019 to 2020. Seniesa has recently signed a multiyear deal with Top Rank, and is looking forward to her Top Rank ESPN TV debut.

About Fierce Reflex

Fierce Reflex is the ultimate reflex training tool for combat sport athletes, from beginners to professional to champions. Professional boxers, UFC fighters, USA Boxing amateurs and all other combat sports use the Fierce Reflex bag to improve their reflex, speed, and defense. Every boxing gym needs one. The Fierce Reflex bag is great for all ages. For more info go to @fiercereflex

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




 VALLE VS. NGUYEN PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (Sept. 6, 2022) – The main and co-main event fighters for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen hosted a press conference today at Mall Oxígeno in San Jose, Costa Rica. The historic night for Costa Rican boxing will take place at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica. The broadcast will air live on DAZN, the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page, and the MarvNation Youtube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

YOKASTA “YOKA” VALLE, IBF MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“My house is to be respected, and I want the two belts for Costa Rica. This has been my dream, it is one more step. I have worked like never before and I want it to be seen in the ring.”

THI THU NHI NGUYEN, WBO MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I traveled more than 30 hours because I want to have these two titles. I know that Yokasta is the local one but in the ring it will be seen who is the best.”

SONIA OSORIO, WBC INTERIM SUPERFLY WORLD CHAMPION:

“I am excited to be here, very happy to go up against Adelaida Ruiz in the rematch, as the first time around it was stopped early due to an accidental head butt. This time the both of us are coming in very prepared and may the best one win.”

ADELAIDA RUIZ, SUPERFLY FEMALE CONTENDER:

“I am very happy to be here, and to be facing the world champion again. Thank you for the opportunity, Sonia, and for taking the rematch. I also want to thank DAZN, Golden Boy and MarvNation for the opportunity to be fighting here in Costa Rica.”

ROBERTO DIAZ, VP OF MATCHMAKING OF GOLDEN BOY:

“History in Costa Rica! This Thursday, there will be history being made in the sport. Irregardless of male or female boxing – unification in Costa Rica.

“Two world championship fights in both the main and co-main fights. This is a very important start for Costa Rica because from here, doors open for other boxers and for the future. Yokasta is leading a great example, and we are thankful to all our partners that helped make this happen. This is just the beginning.”

MARIO VEGA, PRESIDENT OF 3MG BOXING AND MANAGER OF YOKASTA VALLE:

“I would like to thank Mall Oxígeno for giving us the space for this event. I want to thank Roberto from Golden Boy for the opportunity and Marvin from MarvNation. Without you, all of this wouldn’t be possible. Nguyen, I would like to thank you also – I know it was a long flight, but it’s going to be a great fight. Thank you to Mr. Sang Bum Kim of VSP Promotions. It’s very hard to get a world title, and it says a lot about them that they are willing to come all the way here to Costa Rica to defend it.”

MARVIN RODRIGUEZ, CEO OF MARVNATION:

“We’re very excited for this fight night with Valle, Nguyen, Ruiz, and Osorio. It’s an amazing card. From the unification of titles in our main event and a highly anticipated rematch for our co-main event, it’s an exciting card and I can’t wait for you all to watch.”
Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN can be purchased on Passline by visiting https://www.passline.com/eventos-plano/historia.

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen is presented by Golden Boy in association with Marvnation. The 10-round minimumweight event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, September 8 at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica, 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




Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall/Mikaela Mayer vs. Alycia Baumgardner Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Pages & ESPN+

LONDON (Sept. 6, 2022) — Fight week is here, and on Saturday, London’s O2 Arena will be the site of a can’t-miss all-female bill featuring four of the sport’s premier fighters.

In the main event, WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion Claressa Shields (12-0, 2 KOs) battles WBO queen Savannah Marshall (12-0, 10 KOs) for the undisputed title. Sky Sports produced a special episode of “The Gloves Are Off” with host Johnny Nelson. CLICK HERE to see what the middleweight stars had to say when face to face with one another.

The co-feature will see Top Rank-promoted WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) attempt to unify titles against bitter rival and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs). Mayer and Baumgardner’s war of words took shape on social media over the past several months, and the two recently lobbed verbal haymakers. ESPN’s Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley co-hosted  “Trash Talk: Mayer vs. Baumgardner,”  which is now streaming on Top Rank’s YouTube page.
 
Before this historic doubleheader, fight week events will stream live on ESPN+ and Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter and Facebook pages.

Thursday, September 8: Press Conference
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter & Facebook pages
 
Friday, September 9: Weigh-In
8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT
Streaming live on ESPN+ & Top Rank’s YouTubeTwitter & Facebook pages

Saturday, September 10: FIGHT DAY
2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT
Streaming LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY in the U.S. on ESPN+

The ESPN+ fight night stream is scheduled to include the following fights:

Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall, 10 rounds, Undisputed Middleweight World Title

Mikaela Mayer vs. Alycia Baumgardner, 10 rounds, WBC/WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine Junior Lightweight World Titles

Lauren Price vs. Timea Belik, 6 rounds, welterweight

Caroline Dubois vs. Milena Koleva, 6 rounds, lightweight

Karriss Artingstall vs. Marina Sakharov, 6 rounds, featherweight

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




JAKE PAUL TO FACE UFC GREAT AND PROFESSIONAL BOXER ANDERSON SILVA IN GLOBAL MATCHUP LIVE ON SHOWTIME PPV®

NEW YORK – September 6, 2022 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and SHOWTIME SPORTS® today announced that international superstar and serial risk-taker Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will face the biggest challenge of his career when he takes on UFC legend and professional boxer Anderson “The Spider” Silva at Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Ariz., on Saturday, October 29 live on SHOWTIME PPV. The bout will be contested over eight rounds at a catchweight of 187 pounds. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 14 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Often compared to the Muhammad Ali and Pelé of mixed martial arts, Silva authored one of the strongest resumes of any MMA fighter before returning to pro boxing in 2021. Silva holds the UFC record for the longest title reign in the organization’s history: 2,457 days; the most consecutive UFC victories: 16 and the most finishes in UFC title fights: nine. Known for his superb striking ability in the cage, Silva (34-11, 1 NC in mixed martial arts) has found success as he’s transitioned to boxing in a remarkable second act of his career. The Brazilian announced his return as a world-class boxer in June 2021 when he soundly defeated former middleweight boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., via split decision that wasn’t as close as the scores indicated. 

After scheduled bouts with pro boxers Tommy Fury and Hasim Rahman Jr. were scuttled, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) will square off against arguably a far tougher opponent. With deft footwork and an educated jab, Silva showed against Chavez that he is near the peak of his striking powers in what shapes up to be one of the most intriguing bouts of 2022.

“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” said Paul. “Just a year ago he outclassed boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and showed the world why he is often referred to as the greatest fighter of all time. Every expert, from MMA to boxing, has said Jake Paul won’t fight Anderson Silva. They said Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva, and Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Well, to all the non-believers – Jake Paul is fighting Anderson Silva. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the greatest UFC striker of all time. On Saturday, October 29, I will walk humbly into the ring, touch gloves with a living legend and do my best to exterminate ‘The Spider.’”

“I know that in life everything has its purpose,” Silva said. “Nothing comes just by chance. So, I thank God for my health, my family and my team for providing me with this opportunity to continue doing the thing that I love the most. I believe this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever. See you on October 29.”

“Jake Paul continues to take on challenges that other professional fighters at his experience level and popularity never have,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder MVP. “Jake appreciates the platform that he has and always aims to provide fans with a compelling product that drives engagement. Anderson Silva is unequivocally the most exciting striker in UFC history. Those abilities have translated into his professional boxing career, and he most certainly has the ability to end Jake’s unbeaten streak. It’s an honor for Most Valuable Promotions to have one of the GOATs of combat sports headline our event. He is already a Hall of Famer in our books.”

The two fighters will go face-to-face for the first time during back-to-back press events on Monday, September 12 in Los Angeles and on Tuesday, September 13 in Phoenix. Paul, who has done inspiring charity work with his Boxing Bullies foundation, is looking forward to supporting boys and girls in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. “I am excited to bring this massive event to Phoenix and give back to the local community through my Boxing Bullies foundation,” said Paul.

After establishing himself as an all-time great in MMA from 1997 to 2020, Silva has continued to impress with his latest boxing run. He most recently knocked out fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz in 81 seconds in September 2021 with a huge counter-right hand followed by a left to move his boxing record to three wins, one loss, with two wins by knockout. That followed his dazzling effort against Chavez, who entered their matchup with 58 fights and 34 knockouts and had gone toe-to-toe with some of boxing’s best – champions like Canelo Alvarez, Sergio Martinez and Danny Jacobs. It mattered little as Silva repeatedly let his hands go in combinations, displaying a fluency in the boxing ring that seemed to confound Chavez and doesn’t bode well for Paul. Silva’s only loss in boxing came in 1998 in his boxing debut.

The Sports Illustrated 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, Paul last fought December 2021 when he recorded one of the year’s most spectacular knockouts – a one -punch KO of former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in front of a sold-out crowd on SHOWTIME PPV. Paul next booked a fight with undefeated cruiserweight Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight titleholder Tyson Fury, on August 6. However, Fury withdrew for the second time in eight months when he was denied entry into the United States.

Paul next secured a fight with Rahman Jr., a 12-1 heavyweight who is the son of former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. But the event was canceled when Rahman and his team indicated a week before the bout that they were unable to make the weight limit. In the weeks that followed, Paul and Most Valuable Promotions rescheduled three of the bouts from that event and agreed to pay the other undercard fighters 50 percent of their purse amounts.

The Paul vs. Silva event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter of the event, and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

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

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.