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 YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages.

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

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 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 YouTube, Twitter and Facebook pages.

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




THE TASK OF ZORRO

ELLIS ZORRO VIEWS his forthcoming fight with Dec Spelman as the perfect measure of his cruiserweight credentials at a higher level.

Boxxer tournament winner Zorro makes his Queensberry debut against Spelman at York Hall on September 16.

Even though Spelman has recently come up from light heavyweight, the Scunthorpe man possesses a strong pedigree and his will be seeking to further his own career at cruiser on the night, rather than provide a stepping stone for a championship hopeful.

For his part, Zorro does believe Spelman is his next step and that the quality of opponent vindicates his move to team up with Frank Warren following his competition success in Manchester that took him to 14-0 as a professional.

“This is the direction I want to go in,” said the 29-year-old. “I was pleased that Martin (trainer and manager, Bowers) and Frank have decided to put me in with such an opponent, rather than kind of give me an easy welcoming fight.

“After this one I will look to push on to titles asap, that is where I am going.

“You could have a tough international opponent and not get any credit for winning, but with this one I will get the credit. We know who he has fought, we know what he has done, how he has conducted himself in those fights, so I think it will be a test for me and a good fight.”

Zorro is not reading too much into Spelman’s jump in weight class, particularly since he has not fought at 175lbs since his Commonwealth title encounter with Lyndon Arthur in July 2020. Spelman subsequently took on Anthony Yarde weighing 180lbs before two fights nudging 200lbs.

“I did see an interview with him after the Arthur fight where he said he was drained at the weight. He is not going to be drained now, but it is a big jump up, although I am not a massive cruiserweight. I don’t know how tall he is, maybe 5ft 10″, while I am 6ft 1”.

“This will be his second or third fight at the weight now, so we will see. Other than his style, being a pressure fighter coming forward, I am not going to take too much from his fights at light heavyweight.

“He has fought (Shakan) Pitters and had the thing with Yarde and Arthur. He is a good fighter and I think he will come and try and push me back, put pressure on me, but I am ready for it.

“I am looking forward to it and stylistically it will be a good fight. Dec will try and drag me into ‘deep waters’ and he will know he has not got much of a chance if he tries to stand on the outside and box with me.

“So I think he will push the pace, try and stay on my chest, so the fans will be in for a good fight – which is what I need, with being on TV and on a Frank Warren show. I need to be in an engaging fight.”

Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, 16 September are on sale now, available exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.




GWYNNE: “HE KNOWS HE CAN’T AFFORD TO STAND THERE AND TRADE BLOWS WITH ME”

Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) will be looking to show his ownership of titles is something that possesses longevity as he looks to get through the first defence of his British Lightweight title at The University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5.

April 2022 proved to be the year he would tick one of the boxes on his professional boxing bucket list when claiming gold at the historic York Hall, where Gwynne realised one of his dreams by adding the British Lightweight title to his Commonwealth title.  

The man looking to prize away Gwynne’s beloved titles is fellow-Welshman and familiar figure in Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs). Woodruff, someone who Gwynne has shared sparring sessions with before, has previously held both Welsh and Celtic Lightweight titles but is coming into this fight without any experience of battling for a British crown .

“It didn’t sink in for the first couple of days, but the more I received messages from people congratulating me and having people notice me, the more it sunk in,” said Gwynne. “It was one of my main goals when I first became a professional boxer, and I showed that by learning and developing you can achieve the dream.”

“When I won the title, what a night it was. It means more than you can imagine so someone will have to do something seriously spectacular to take it out of my hands.”

Experience is priceless especially in the ethos of current king Gwynne who, without taking losses against some of the best talent within the lightweight division, would not be where he is now. It is not just the champion’s personal progression that favours him, but also the fact Woodruff enters unchartered British Title waters that could find him unable to swim with Gwynne.

“I think the pace I’m going to set will cause Craig some problems, especially when you add into the mix that he has never been in a championship fight for a title like the British one,” said Gwynne. I’ve boxed at Commonwealth level and British level, and I just think it may be too unfamiliar for him. I know what he’s going to do, and not to discuss any sparring sessions, but he knows he can’t afford to stand there and trade blows with me.”

If notes taken in the gym prove to come to fruition then the champion could be moving on to pastures new with Woodruff left by the wayside, and Gwynne building his his own legacy. Alongside the obvious accolades that fighters pursue, the champion wants to be remembered as a professional who cut no corners in his schooling as a fighter.

“I’m a fighter; I’ve always had the attitude that I would fight anyone, anywhere. I think you become a better fighter lacing up your gloves against quality, not like some modern prospects who can go to 15-0 without boxing anyone of a certain level.”

“I’ve lost to two credible opponents,” continued Gwynne. “Joe Cordina who is now a world champion, and the other loss to James Tennyson who has fought for world honours too. Those losses are invaluable, and it gave me that fire in my belly to train harder and work on all aspects of my game.”

That fire represents a passionate aggression that burns brightly within him. Wanting to be remembered as an ‘old-school fighter’ is not only through his willingness to fight anybody, but in his physical approach when stamping his authority against anyone who wishes to come in and claim control of the ring.

It is setup to be a ‘Fight of the Night’ contender and the champion plans on carrying out the titles he walked in with as well as all the limelight from Bolton’s big event. Aggression, sacrifice, will; he is fully committed to a complete performance and getting a win however he needs to achieve it.

“You must go in there to do damage and, with that, you have to be the one to stamp your authority and take charge,” said Gwynne. “I’ve got a nickname of ‘The Merthyr Mexican’, and it’s just down to my ruthless and aggressive approach. If I have to take two shots to dish out two of my own then so be it, I’m just prepared to give my everything.”

“I’m really confident in getting the win and doing it in style. My hand being raised is the priority, my fists will do all the talking I need on fight night.”

‘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 Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.
 Tickets for Wasserman Boxing’s Fight Night Bolton are available HERE

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Joseph Price, +447983265287, joe.price@teamwass.com

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ROTHERHAM SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT JUNAID BOSTAN SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM

Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will have his third professional bout on the undercard of the huge WBA Featherweight World Title clash between Leigh Wood and Mauricio Lara at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday September 24. 

The 20-year-old southpaw who trains under the guidance of Grant Smith at the Steel City gym in Sheffield alongside newly crowned British Super-Lightweight Champion Dalton Smith and IBF Flyweight World Champion Sunny Edwards has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks, stopping Alexis Wernet in two rounds on his debut in March before taking out Jose Manuel Lopez Clavero in six last month.

Bostan is a double national champion and spent his earliest boxing years training under the late Brendan Ingle before teaming up with Grant Smith at the age of 12. In the amateurs he boxed for England since the age of 13 and has racked up some quality rounds of sparring with plenty of the leading names in British boxing. Managed by S-JAM Boxing and now promoted by Matchroom, Bostan believes he is in the perfect place to develop into a force at 154lbs and above. 

“I’m so excited to be signing with Eddie and Frank at Matchroom,” said Bostan. “I had several promoters interested in me but we were impressed by the vision that Matchroom had for my future. I don’t think I’ve shown my levels yet – all I want to do is work hard and reach my potential, which is becoming a World Champion and a massive star in the sport. For everything else, I’ll leave that to S-JAM and Matchroom.”

“I’m delighted to welcome fast-rising Super-Welterweight prospect Junaid Bostan to the Matchroom team,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Junaid is a brilliant young talent and really caught our eye with his knockout win on the Smith vs. O’maison undercard in Sheffield last month. He has all of the confidence and skills to carve out a top career for himself at 154lbs. He’s been a bit of a hidden gem so far but ourselves and DAZN will give him the platform to grow into one of Britain’s new young stars.”

“Junaid is a great talent and it was no surprise that he interested a lot of promoters,” said S-JAM Boxing CEO Adam Morallee. “We are always looking at continuous improvement for all of our athletes. He has a great team in terms of training with Grant and Pearce, fitness and nutrition; and the support of the lads in the Steel City gym. With Matchroom now promoting him he has an amazing platform to grow and reach his potential. I’m really excited for his journey,”

You can follow Bostan’s journey on Instagram: jdbostan




 Undefeated Mexican lightweights Luis Torres vs. Cesar Gutierrez to headline on Mexican Independence Day

LOS ANGELES (September 5, 2022) – Undefeated Mexican lightweight prospects Luis “Koreano” Torres (16-0, 10 KOs), rated No. 20 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), and Cesar “Torito” Gutierrez (14-0-2, 5 KOs) will throw-down September 16 in the 10-round main event on another installment of the popular “Canela Boxeo” series, presented by CANELA BOXEO, from Expo Palenque in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico.

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Co-promoted by World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), led by CEO Terry Hollan and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor, and De La O Promotions, “Canela Boxeo” is streamed live and for FREE on the third Friday night of every month, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from various venues in Mexico.

The 20-year-old Torres, fighting at home out of Ciudad Obregon, is a former WBC Youth Silver Champion and reigning WBC Latino lightweight champion. His fight versus Gutierrez is a non-title bout.

“It always feels good to fight at home,” Torres said. “I have so many supporters there and I can’t wait to perform in front of them on Mexican Independence Day. I know that my opponent is very aggressive, strong and that he loves to come forward. He will definitely test me. We are both undefeated and this is exactly what our people want to see.

“This will be a fight! It can only be a real fight when you have two proud Mexicans fighting each other on this special day. I predict an exciting fight, which will continue to make my people, team, and family proud of me.”

Torres understands the potential implications associated with this fight, especially as he moves from prospect to contender, also valuing the added exposure he’ll receive fighting on CANELA.TV..

“I’m already ranked at number 20 by the WBC,” Torres noted, “I feel that after my next few fights I’ll be ready for the top 15. I’m only 20 and in no rush. Fighting on CANELA TV is such a blessing. Not only will my fight be seen in my country, but all Latinos can watch it for free. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

Torres was the first boxer signed by first-year promoter WCBS and he couldn’t be happier by the way his career is being guided.

“Being with the World Cup Boxing Series is the best move we could have made,” Torres concluded. “Terry and Guy treat us like family not fighters. Every WCBS fighter tries to help each other. We are all very close”

Highly touted Mexican prospect Marco Cota (8-0, 6 KOs) and Kevin Piedrahita (5-1, 5 KOs), of Colombia, are matched in an 8-round Special Lightweight Attraction. Cota was a standout amateur who compiled a 146-4 record, while Piedrahita is dangerous having won all of his 5 pro fights by knockout.

Also fighting on the card is super lightweight Misael “Pichon” Urias (12-1, 9 KOs), 23, in an 8-rounder vs. TBA.

Additional fights will soon be announced.

“Canela Boxeo” on CANELA.TV – LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and FREE stream — Friday, September 16th from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, throughout the United States, Mexico, and Latin America.

Canela.TV is available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, as well as through linear channels on Samsung TV Plus, LG, Vizio, Plex, Distro TV and available through iTunes and Google Play. Users can find a wide variety of content, including soap operas, news, movies, television series, cooking shows, among others, through the Hispanic lens. For additional information on Canela.TV please visit: https://www.canela.tv/

“Canela Boxeo” was created by CANELA MEDIA, a leading, minority-owned technology driven company committed to redefining digital media experiences for the Hispanic Community, and World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), led by its creators CEO Terry Holland and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor.

ABOUT CANELA MEDIA: Canela Media is the leading, minority-owned technology driven company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences starting with its free streaming platform service, Canela.TV which enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos with free access to unique, culturally relevant content. In addition to TV content, Canela Music features a unique blend of Latin music programming, featuring various genres from Latin Pop, Regional Mexican, Classics, Romantic, and more.

Canela Media reaches more than 50 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream- U.S. and Latin America Hispanics.

Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the third largest Hispanic ad-focused company and the only female-and minority-owned certified digital company. For more information please visit: https://canelamedia.com/

ABOUT WORLD CUP BOXING SERIES (WCBS): World Cup Boxing Series is your passport to the best online fights you’ll ever see. WCBS is the only active tournament and team fight series in professional boxing. For years, its creator Guy Taylor has been tasked with creating tough, competitive matches for promoters eager to test their rising prospects and contenders. That same mindset has now been applied to his own latest creation, World Cup Boxing Series. For more information, please visit https://www.worldcupboxingseries.com/

INFORMATION:

Website: www.worldcupboxingseries.com, www.canela.tv

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

 




PARO VS. JARVIS LANDS AT THE SOUTH BANK PIAZZA IN BRISBANE AS MATCHROOM KICK OFF NEW ERA IN AUSTRALIA ON OCTOBER 15

Liam Paro and Brock Jarvis will clash for the WBO Global Super-Lightweight Title at the South Bank Piazza in Brisbane on Saturday October 15, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN, as Matchroom break new ground with their first show in Australia.

Paro (22-0 13 KOs) is ranked No.1 with the WBO at 140lbs and the Brisbane star will aim to kick-off Matchroom’s new era Down Under in style on his home turf. The 26-year-old inked a promotional pact with Hearn in December after seeing off the unbeaten Yomar Alamo in Tampa, Florida on his American debut.

Jarvis (20-0 18 KOs) also comes into the bout on the back of his first fight on US soil, where the New South Wales ace came out on top in a wild shoot out with Alejando Rodriguez with a fifth-round stoppage in Fresno, California. The 24-year-old recorded his 18th win inside the distance from 20 fights that night and has promised fans another all-action affair next month.
Queensland Featherweight sensation Skye Nicolson (4-0) lands her first title shot as she fights for the vacant Commonwealth strap against Tasmania’s Krystina Jacobs (6-3), undefeated Heavyweight Demsey McKean (21-0, 13 KOs) takes on Germany’s Patrick Korte (18-1-1, 15 KOs) for the vacant IBF Intercontinental crown and ‘El Tijuanero’ Cesar Mateo Tapia (14-0, 9 KOs)defends his WBA Oceania Super-Middleweight Title against Abdoulaye Mayweather (7-0, 5 KOs) , with more fights to be confirmed soon.
“My rankings speak for themselves; I’ve taken no short cuts to get here,” said Paro. “I ain’t losing to a guy who isn’t on my level. His team will quickly realise that they’ve made the wrong move chasing a fight with me. On fight night I’ll show you why I’m rated No.1.
“I’ve got a statement to make. I want to be a household name in Australia, and this is another guy in my way. This is my destiny so I’m not letting him come here a wreck it – no way. We didn’t have to take this fight. We could have sat pretty at No.1 until that title came but love to fight. This is what I do.”
“Matchroom boxing is the biggest promotional company in the world and it’s fantastic that they are coming to Australia,” said Jarvis. “I’m really proud and excited to be part of their first event here and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for everyone.

“I’m very grateful to get the opportunity. It almost seems unfair that I get a shot at world No.1 without even having competed in the 140lbs division but that’s just the way that it went and I’m very lucky to get the opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it.”

“I am so excited to kick-off this new era for Matchroom in Australia,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Australian fans are so passionate about sport and boxing is on the rise here, so I have no doubt that they will embrace the fight nights that we put on and join us in creating unforgettable nights that showcase this country as one of the key players for the sport globally.
 
“In order to put on great nights, you need to make exciting fights, and our first main event Down Under promises to be explosive stuff. Liam and Brock are only ever in thrilling bouts and the winner will be in prime position to hunt for a World title fight.”
“We are delighted to be broadcasting our first event in Australia’, said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “This card features some of the best up and coming talent Australia has to offer and we look forward to hosting more and more shows as the sport grows Down Under. Watch it live worldwide on DAZN.”
Ticket details will follow in due course.  




Smith Secures Strange Stoppage In Front Of Adoring Hometown Fan in Liverpool return

Liverpool, England – 3rd September 2022 – Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith got a 4th round knockout of Hassan Mwakinyou in his return to home city of Liverpool, but it was not the perfect homecoming with the fight ending in confusion and controversy.

Smith was up against the heavy-handed Mwakinyo who had come to the UK and caused upsets against the home fighter in the past. Mwakinyo piled on the pressure in the early rounds of the fight, using fast jabs and powerful right hands, but Smith was feeling out his opponent’s rhythm and finding the openings .

Mwakinyo complained of ankle problems after a slip in the 2nd round, which seemed to impair his movement for the rest of the fight, and lead to the relatively unprovoked first knockdown in the fourth round, and the eventual second knockdown and stoppage at 1:46 into that round.

The Liverpudlian legend is ranked in the top five across multiple sanctioning bodies, and now looks more determined than ever before to claim another world championship. It looks certain that more huge fights are to come in Liam Smith’s career.

Full Undercard Results:

Natasha Jonas def. Patricia Berghult – UD (99-91, 100-90, 100-90)

It was a successful unification of the WBO and WBC Super Welterweight World Championships by ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas in a 10 round barnstormer of a fight against an undefeated World Champion in Patricia Berghult. Patricia Berghult had genuine success boxing at long range in the first few rounds, but Jonas showed the heart of a champion to close the distance and land concussive shots for the rest of the fight.

Jonas turned the fight into a gritty brawl at close range, which she consistently dominated. Throughout the later rounds in the fight, Jonas made Berghult miss and landed brutal hooks to the head and the body. Jonas looked close to finding the stoppage throughout the closing rounds, but Berghult wouldn’t be put down, and kept scrapping until the final bell, meaning Miss GB had to take a wide decision on the judge’s scorecards.

Natasha Jonas was a proud representative of Liverpool in this fight, and the Liverpool crowd got behind their champion. Now she goes on to represent the sport in the biggest night in the history of women’s boxing next Saturday.

Frazer Clarke def. Pencho Tsvetkov – KO Rd 1/6 1:05

Olympic Bronze Medalist and fast-rising heavyweight sensation Frazer Clarke destroyed an opponent in Pencho Tsvetkov who had a single taste of Clarke’s power and instantly realised he didn’t want to be in the ring with him. 

Clarke blasted him out in under 70 seconds and swiftly moved his thoughts on to the 4th opponent of his career, who will hopefully provide more of a contest.

Adam Azim def. Michel Cabral – KO Rd 1 (1:54)

The most electrifying young talent in world boxing Adam Azim scored his third consecutive 1st round stoppage and the 5th victory of his career in just over two minutes. Azim charged out from the first bell and claimed the centre of the ring, firing off lightning fast jabs and right hands, scoring a knockdown with a crippling hook to the body and then ending the fight with a clutch of straight right hands to Michel Cabral’s head that knocked him off his feet and rendered him unable to respond to the referee’s count to 10.

Cabral had never been stopped before in his professional career, having competed 45 rounds and taken five victories up to this point in his career. The future superstar from Slough made a massive statement with another explosive victory, showing the world that he is deadly serious when he says he plans to become the youngest World Champion in history.

Dan Azeez def. Shakan Pitters – UD (117-111, 117-112, 115,113)

British Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Azeez took a monumental unanimous decision victory over one of the best 175lb fighters in the UK in Shakan Pitters. Azeez overcame the 8-inch height difference between the pair with slick forward movement and destructive shots in a 12 round war. The fight kept a strong pace with constant action from the first bell to the final bell

The first half of the fight was highly competitive, with Pitters boxing well at range and landing with the right uppercut, while Azeez put the pressure on and landed shots from close range, as well as a set of powerful overhand rights in the 2nd round that did serious damage to Pitters. Azeez was finding more success in these rounds however, using excellent head movement while coming forward to avoid Pitters’s output and starting to build damage on Pitters with clubbing shots. 

Pitters had periods of legitimate success in the later rounds, but Azeez continued to find ways to land shots and do damage. ‘Super’ Dan dictated the pace throughout the fight, putting the pressure on when he decided, and coaxing Pitters into a fight at longer range when he felt it necessary, showing outstanding ring generalship on his way to a career-defining victory.

Azeez now can rightfully claim to sit at the very top table of British Light Heavyweight boxing, and will now look towards even bigger and better things in his currently unblemished career.

Paddy Lacey def. Seamus Devlin – PTS 60-54

Former professional footballer and now 7-0 professional boxer Paddy Lacey took a comprehensive points victory over six rounds against a fiery opponent who had clashed with Lacey at the weigh-in. Lacey controlled distance well and made sure to come out better from every exchange, not leaving any question as to who won each round for the referee scoring the bout. 

Nathan Quarless def. Toni Visic – PTS 60-53

Nathan Quarless sent his opponent tumbling to the canvas on the way to a totally dominant points victory. Visic is a highly experienced ring-veteran with over 50 professional fights and 20 victories, but Quarless made it look easy. The skillful scouse Cruiserweight landed shots throughout the fight and came close to putting Visic out for good at multiple points throughout the fight, but Visic showed grit and determination to reach the final bell. The referee’s scorecard reflects how Quarless won every second of every round.

Frankie Stringer def. Karl Sampson PTS 40-36

The first Liverpool native on the card took a composed victory against a fast-moving, elusive southpaw in Karl Sampson to take the second victory of his professional career. Stringer consistently held the centre of the ring and walked Sampson down with cannon-like jabs, but Sampson remained notably hard to pin down. 

Stringer grew into the fight as it went on, finding more success in the 3rd and 4th round when Sampson started to slow, finishing strong and claiming victory in every single round on the referee’s scorecard.

Clark Smith def. Petar Aleksandrov – PTS 40-36

A measured, intelligent debut from the ‘Manchester Mexican’ Clark Smith against an experienced opponent in Aleksandrov, throwing neat, straight shots from the southpaw stance throughout the fight. Smith used long jabs and straight left hands throughout the fight in order to hit Aleksandrov without allowing the tough Bulgarian to land anything in return. 

Smith showed some impressive punch variety in the final two rounds, working uppercuts and combinations into his output to finish the fight in serious style. This debut has put boxing on notice as to how good Clark Smith has the potential to be.

Musa Moyo def. Diego Costa – PTS 58-56

Musa Moyo managed to overcome a seriously tough, undefeated opponent in Diego Costa in a brutal, back-and-forth 6 round fight. Both men consistently landed shots throughout the fight, with Muyo being the more evasive of the pair, while Diego Costa brought formidable punch-power. Both men had success in this even fight, being reflected in the referee’s close scorecard to decide the winner. Both men will have won a lot of fans with their performances tonight.

Scott Forrest def. Dmitrij Kalinovskij – TKO Rd 3/4 (1:34)

Scott Forrest scored another devastating knockout in the first bout of the night to move his record to three wins and no defeats, with all victories coming before the final bell. He was consistently landing fast punch combinations throughout the first two rounds of the fight, with one in the third finally sending Kalinovskij to the canvas. He rose back to his feet, but an inch-perfect left hook, right uppercut combination knocked him down again and forced the referee to stop the fight.




KIM CLAVEL VS. JESSICA NERY PLATA WORLD LIGHT FLYWEIGHT UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN

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.




BENTLEY RECALLS MORRISON SNUB

DENZEL BENTLEY HAS revealed that a fight with Marcus Morrison could have happened back in 2020 but he was told to ‘wait his turn’ by the now challenger for the British middleweight title.

Bentley makes a first defence of his Lonsdale belt against the Manchester man on September 16 at York Hall, having won back his prized possession with victory over LInus Udofia back in May.

When boxing emerged from lockdown just over two years ago, Bentley of Battersea was informed that Morrison was a potential opposition for his own return, which took place at the BT Sport studios.

Ultimately, a match with Morrison did not come to fruition and the experienced Mick Hall was drafted in to test drive Bentley.

Bentley then took to social media to enquire why Morrison didn’t materialise.

“I was told in the first fight back after lockdown that I was possibly facing Marcus Morrison and then a couple of weeks later it changed to Mick Hall,” recalled the 27-year-old.

“So I sent out a tweet saying ‘what happened to you, I thought we were meant to be fighting?’ and he came back with ‘wait your turn’. So I was like, okay, fair enough.

“Then by the end of that year I won the British and he tweeted me asking for a crack at that, so I told him to get to the back of the queue.

“So we had a bit of fun with each other online and stuff.”

Good things come to those who wait and these two will soon be on the bash in Bethnal Green in a fight fans are looking forward to witnessing.

“Yeah they are, he is someone who tries all the time and doesn’t really back down or go in his shell. He has stepped up to a good level and he can punch.

“I haven’t been in a boring fight yet, so I guess any fight I am in people will be excited to see, to be honest.”

Morrison hails from the prolific Gallagher’s Gym in Bolton where the resident fight guru Joe Gallagher is nurturing a next generation of champions. Just a few weeks ago, Mark Heffron became British, Commonwealth and IBF Intercontinental champion, while Natasha Jonas and Paul Butler are the proud owners of world title belts.

Bentley believes that mixing in a good company does have a positive impact on a fighter and partly for not wanting to be left out of conversations.

“One hundred per cent, if the gym is successful you want to be in the same bracket as these guys,” he added. “When someone is talking about your gym and the top fighters, you want to be mentioned in that light.

“You don’t want to be in the gym for years and years, then when they mention the top guys, people leave you out. You are part of that too and you are going to want to push on and start achieving things.”

Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, 16 September are on sale now, available exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.

BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION Denzel Bentley (16-1-1, 13 KOs) will defend his title against Marcus Morrison (24-5, 16 KOs) at York Hall on Friday September 16, live on BT Sport.

Also in action in Bethnal Green will be the ferocious Liverpool bantam Andrew Cain (10-0, 9 KOs) making a defence of his WBC International Silver title and Boxxer cruiserweight series winner Ellis Zorro (14-0, 6 KOs) will make his first appearance in Queensberry colours, taking on a tough operator in Dec Spelman (18-5, 9 KOs).

The supporting cast at York Hall includes teenage prodigy Royston Barney-Smith (2-0) taking on Birmingham’s Paul Holt (8-14, 2 KOs) over six rounds in his third professional fight at super featherweight. Willy Hutchinson (14-1, 10 KOs) will be looking to continue his revival at light heavyweight after making a successful comeback in June.

Hackney super featherweight Frank Arnold (9-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight over eight rounds, Buckhurst Hill super bantam Adan Mohamed (4-0, 1 KO) and welterweight Khalid Ali (3-0, 2 KOs) from Brick Lane in London will fight in six round contests, with Belvedere cruiserweight Arnold Obodai (1-0, 1 KO) and the debut-making middleweight Joel Kodua from Beckinham fighting in four-rounders.

Tickets for Bentley vs Morrison at York Hall on Friday, 16 September are on sale now, available exclusively from ticketmaster.co.uk.




PROBELLUM RETURNS WITH PETER MCGRAIL AND BAKHODIR JALOLOV IN LIVERPOOL

LONDON, SEPTEMBER 2 – Hometown hero Peter McGrail headlines his first major show in Liverpool next month alongside some of the city’s top boxing stars.

Probellum returns to the famous fighting city in October after the success of Probellum Liverpool in April when headliner Paul Butler set up his undisputed bantamweight blockbuster with Naoya Inoue, by winning the WBO title with a masterclass display against Jonas Sultan.

But it is world-champion-in-the-making McGrail who is the headline attraction this time and the local hero will be joined on the card by Uzbekistan’s Olympic gold medallist – and heir-in-waiting to the heavyweight throne – Bakhodir Jalolov, who carries with him a frightening 100% KO record.

Other Liverpool favourites set to enter the ring include world ranked featherweight Jazza Dickens, former world super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding and the unbeaten Joe McGrail (5-0, 2KOs) – Peter’s younger brother.

The older McGrail brother (4-0, 3KOs) dazzled at Probellum’s debut Liverpool show and will take centre stage in front of his growing legion of fans next month as his journey towards the top of the super bantamweight division moves up a gear.

Peter McGrail said: “It has been a long-held dream of mine to headline a show in Liverpool but to do so, with an undercard as strong as this one, makes this even more special.

“The level of talent on show at Probellum Liverpool is set to be scarily good and as the headline fighter, I am determined to showcase why I am a future world champion.

“The rest of the card is excellent; Jalolov will be heavyweight world champion one day, Jazza and Rocky are pushing to get world title shots again and my brother Joe is flying this year.”

Heavyweight destroyer Jalolov (11-0, 11KOs) continues his march towards the summit of boxing’s marquee division by fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional.

Jalolov, known as ‘The Big Uzbek’, brings devastating punch power to Liverpool and is ready to reinforce his reputation as the heir to the heavyweight throne.

The 6’7” puncher won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and there is a rapidly growing belief that Jalolov will take over the division in the coming years.

Probellum President, Richard Schaefer said: “I’m delighted that Probellum returns to Liverpool with such a brilliant fighter as Peter McGrail as our headliner.

“Peter is quickly becoming a hero in the city, and this is a landmark moment in his journey to the top of the super bantamweight division.

“Popular fighters like Peter, Rocky and Jazza would pack the arena out by themselves but being able to add the UK debut of Jalolov into the mix makes our return extra special. McGrail and Jalolov are both headed straight to the top of the world, so this is a card that you don’t want to miss.”

Fan favourite Dickens (31-4, 12KOs) is breathing down the necks of world champions Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington and has publicly called out both to put their belts on the line against him.

And while the two-time world title challenger waits for his next opportunity, he will aim to turn the heat up on his 126lbs rivals with a statement display, following April’s stunning stoppage of Andoni Gago.

Fielding (30-2, 18KOs) wants a chance to reclaim the world super middleweight title he won in 2018 and will use Probellum’s return to reinforce his credentials for another shot at the belt.

Ranked highly by the WBA, the 35-year-old is well-placed for a second tilt at world glory and knows an impressive win in his hometown will only aid his cause.

To keep up to date with the latest news on Probellum Liverpool sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.????

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promoter, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool last month where Paul Butler won the WBO bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantas Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack, Shabaz Masoud and Spencer Wilcox among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.




JOEY SPENCER VS. KEVIN SALGADO & RA’EESE ALEEM VS. MIKE PLANIA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES 

LOS ANGELES – September 2, 2022 – Fighters competing in action on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 4 previewed their respective matchups during a press conference Friday before they step into the ring in PBC action from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

FOX action will feature unbeaten rising super welterweight Joey Spencer taking on Mexico’s Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown on the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

On FS1, unbeaten super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem battles the Philippines’ Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

The FOX and FS1 bouts lead up to a stacked four-fight FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. taking on hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday from JW Marriott L.A. Live:

JOEY SPENCER

“My experience being on cards like this is very important. I have an opponent who’s going to bring the best out of me. We’re going to give it our all and I can’t wait.

“This is another natural step as I continue to move up the ladder. This win brings me bigger and better fights. That’s why I have to get this victory by any means necessary. The sky is the limit, but first I have to get past Salgado.

“Every fight presents new challenges, but by the time I get into the ring, I always feel relaxed. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. The ring is a very familiar place for me.

“It’s huge to have my brother fighting on the undercard. It makes me feel like we’re moving in the right direction. Kel Spencer is a special fighter and I can’t wait for people to see him. We fight differently, but we both fight well. I think the fans are going to enjoy the story, our similarities and our differences. I’m my brother’s biggest supporter.

“I don’t care about public perception. I only care about getting a win. I don’t care how I get it done. I’ve got too much going on to worry about what people are saying.

“I just want a big name next. Anybody in the top five. If I’m not able to get that, I’m down to fight Bryant Perrella, who fought Salgado to a draw. I’m coming into my own and I’m ready to go. I’m heavily underestimated, so all I can do is go in there and shock these dudes. I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m mature, I’m disciplined and I’m vicious. I’m a different guy than what people have seen in the past. I’ve got a family to feed, and I’m coming to win. He’s going to have to knock me unconscious in order to beat me.”

KEVIN SALGADO

“This is a huge card, so I owe it to everyone to give it my all and come out with a victory on Sunday night. I’m excited for the challenge. If he’s ready, then let’s go for the knockout.

“Joey is a very good fighter and I respect him a lot. Beating him will get me the big fights that I crave and closer to the world title that I want. I have to be successful Sunday to get where I want to go.

“It doesn’t get any better than sharing the spotlight with so many accomplished Mexican fighters. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be part of that club. That’s why it’s my duty to go out there and make Mexico proud.

“I just hope the world sees after I win that I’m another great Mexican fighter who’s ready for the big stage and the biggest fights.

“I’m knocking Spencer out. The fans have to know that I’m coming for it all. He wanted this fight and he’s going to get it.

“The Mexican support is going to be nuts. I’m anxious to see what the arena looks like on fight night. It’s the best of Mexico stepping into the ring all night long.

“I’m going to win by knockout. That’s what we’re looking for no matter what.”

RA’EESE ALEEM

“I’m extremely excited for this fight. I’m looking forward to a great matchup. It’s going to be a tough fight and I cannot wait.

“This is a testament to my hard work. Everything that goes into training has been worth it. I’ve earned this spot. I sacrificed to be here and I’m looking forward to earning some new fans.

“I believe that I have multiple paths to victory. Not only against Plania, but against most of the guys who I’ve fought. I’m capable of doing a lot in the ring and I just have to stick to the game plan and execute.

“When you fight on stages like this, you have to put on your best performance. That’s the goal every time I step into the ring. I want to show everyone exactly who I am.

“This is my chance to show everyone that I am the next contender to face Stephen Fulton Jr. for his world titles. I believe our paths will cross, but I have to get through an extremely tough opponent first.

“I’m putting on a spectacular performance Sunday. Everyone will be talking about how great the fight was and I’ll have my hand raised.”

MIKE PLANIA

“I’m very thankful to my team for this opportunity. I’m very excited for this fight and I’m feeling ready. I always do my best to give the fans a great show.

“This is a good fight between top five fighters in the division. It’s a really important fight for me and I would just say that the fans need to tune in early and make sure you don’t miss this fight.

“After this fight I’m definitely looking to fight for a world title. The key to my success has been the hard work and patience. I knew that if I stayed focused I would get here.

“This is going to be a great fight. I have a strong game plan and we’re going to use it to bring a victory home for the Philippines.

“This is a big fight for me to represent my country. I’ve had a great training camp in Miami with a lot of strong fighters who have prepared me for what Aleem is going to bring.

“My prediction is that I’m going to win this fight, no matter how it goes.”

#       #       #

ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

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

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

 




Integrated Sports to distribute Super RIZIN combat sports event on PPV Featuring Mayweather vs. Asakura Boxing Exhibition throughout North America

TENAFLY, NJ (September 1, 2022) – Integrated Sports will distribute the exhibition match between International Boxing Hall of Famer and former 5-division world champion Floyd Mayweather and Japanese 2-time mixed-martial-arts champion Mikuru Askakura on September 24th, starting at 11 p.m. ET, live on pay per view from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The Mayweather-Askakura boxing exhibition headlines Super RIZIN, presented by Japanese MMA company RIZIN Fighting Federation, which will also feature a kickboxing match between Yoshinari Nadaka and So Trakunbet Bandasak.

The event will be distributed by Integrated Sports across North America live on Cable and Satellite Pay Per View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH, Shaw PPV, Rogers, Bell TV, and SaskTel priced at $29.99. Additionally, it will be broadcast via Digital PPV on FITE (all FITE mobile, OTT Streaming and Smart TV apps) and PPV.com.

“We’re thrilled to distribute Mayweather-Askakura and Super RIZIN to combat sports fans throughout North America,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “People can’t get enough of Floyd and MMA fans around the world know RIZIN puts on great MMA shows.”

Mayweather- Askakura is scheduled for 3 rounds. The 45-year-old Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record, fights out of Las Vegas. This will mark the first boxing match for Asakur, 30, who has a 16-3-0 MMA record.

About Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed-Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, and Juan Manuel Lopez. In addition, Integrated Sports Media has distributed numerous international soccer matches showcasing the National Teams of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts events featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson.




ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – September 1, 2022 – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the ring this Sunday, September 4 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the stacked four-fight pay-per-view undercard beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event, top lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz battles Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator, plus former three-division world champion Abner Mares makes his ring return against Miguel Flores in a 10-round attraction, while unbeaten rising star Jose Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

Heading into their WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator, Ruiz, boxing’s first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, looks to move one step closer to a second title reign, while Ortiz hopes to put himself back in position to become Cuba’s first heavyweight world champion. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from JW Marriott L.A. Live:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I feel good and extremely motivated. The first time I saw Ortiz fight live, my dad told me I was going to fight him someday. Now we’re here.

“At the end of the day, we both have the same dream. He wants to make history, but I’m going to have my hand raised up high and I’ll be the one who comes out victorious.

“I’m trying to make a big statement. Not just for the fans, but for myself. Losing all those titles that I won broke my heart. This is another chance for me to become champion and I don’t want to lose it. I want to take full advantage of it and do my best.

“His plan is to try to knock me out but we’ve trained really hard. If it goes the distance, we trained hard. I’m ready for anything he brings to the ring. Everyone wants a knockout, but if you look for the knockout, you make mistakes and pay the price. That’s what we’ll be waiting for.

“This is the only thing we know how to do. I’ve boxed since I was six-years-old. I never had another job, so I had to work hard in boxing and follow my dreams.

“I focus more on boxing now, because in my last fight I was focused on how I looked. I want to be the part, not look the part. I trained so hard for this moment.

“Beating Luis Ortiz will help me become a world champion again. That’s the reason I’m still fighting. I want to become a two-time world champion.

“All the hard work and dedication, the blood sweat and tears, it’s time for it all to pay off. It’s time to get the victory.

LUIS ORTIZ

“My goal is to destroy my opponent and win this fight in a convincing fashion.

“Either he knocks me out or I knock him out. A knockout in boxing is the best thing in sports. This is going to be an exciting fight, one of us is going down, and I’m making sure it’s Andy. 

“The only thing I know how to do is box. Ever since I was a kid in Cuba and had to fight for my lunch money. I’m ready for this because this is all that I know.

“This is a fight everyone has wanted. It’s going to be two warriors in the ring and now it’s finally time to fight this Sunday.

“Every fight is important, but this is especially important because the winner will hopefully fight to become heavyweight champion of the world. It’s the most important fight for both of us right now.

“This is a very important fight for both of us. Whoever wins this fight is going to get a shot for a world title and right now, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. Boxing is such a great sport, because you come in with an idea of what you’re going to do, and it changes right away when you’re in the ring.

“I come from a school of boxing that’s about adapting to what my opponent does. I don’t take anything for granted in the ring. But no matter what he does, I’m going in there to look for the knockout, that’s the ultimate goal.

“I’m facing a popular Mexican fighter, but things can turn around in a second. I love the Mexican fans and I’m looking to get them on my side with a big victory.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“We came here to show that I’m a first-class fighter. We know it’s going to be a tough fight and a war for as long as it lasts.

“We’ve gained the respect and love of the fans and we’re going to keep going hard on this journey. We want to continue to gain more fans as we continue to perform.

“I’m coming into this fight very well prepared. It’s been a long camp that lasted almost four months. I’m extremely motivated and appreciative of all the support I’ve received so far.

“There’s been a world of difference between this training camp and the camps I had for my last two fights. The amount of time that we had to prepare made things much better and everyone is going to see the difference on Sunday night.

“I have not reached my ceiling as a fighter yet. My goal is to get better each and every fight and show that I can be one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.

“Valenzuela has to earn a fight with me, just like everyone has to earn their opportunities. He has to put in the work, and if he wants the opportunity, he just has to talk to my team.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m motivated and I trained very hard for this fight. This is going to be another Mexican warrior between two fighters who have trained hard and who are coming to give everything they have on Sunday.

“I’m more than ready to give the fans what they want this weekend. I’m coming to put on a show and I can confidently say that this night is going to be a blast for everyone watching.

“This means a lot to me because September is a big month for the Mexican people. It’s our duty to give the fans the kind of fight that they crave and that they deserve.

“A victory in this fight could truly be a springboard for my career. That’s the only goal that we have in mind. We know that we have to be cautious because of Cruz’s power, but we’re ready for everything he brings.”

ABNER MARES

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be back. It’s a dream come true. It’s amazing to be fighting on this amazing card and I’m just ready to do my thing. I can fight in my sleep, so I’m just going to enjoy the moment.

“I’m in a different position coming back after four years. I’ve had a lot of memorable nights here in Los Angeles. I’ve had great fights here. But come September 4 it’s a new time in my career. I have no pressure in my mind. I’m just enjoying it.

“I can sit here and say that I’ll be a smart fighter, but at the end of the day, I’m a warrior. I’ll probably end up slugging it out with this guy, because that’s what I do.

“I train hard for this and I know we’re both ready. There is never a boring Abner Mares fight and Sunday night is going to be no different.

“This is a different chapter in my life. To be back in front of my people for a comeback fight, I’m truly honored and blessed. I’m happy and grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity. Now it’s just time to get to work.

“Mentally I want to be the wise fighter who picks their punches inside of the ring. But sometimes the heart gets the best of you and you end up fighting like the warrior you are.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“This is a great opportunity to add a big name to my resume. I know Mares is confident, but I’m going to rely on my preparation to carry me through this fight.

“When you have two Mexicans, everyone knows it’s going to produce fireworks. Obviously you want to be smart and intelligent in the ring, but being honest, I’m going in there to give the fans a great show.

“I’m hoping to steal the show and do it in a smart fashion. The plan is to go in there and have an exciting, one-sided fight.

“A victory will definitely open a lot more doors and get me the big fights that I’m looking for. I do this for my family and that’s my motivation every time I get in there.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I just have to keep doing what I do. I’m going to stay relaxed, use my jab and take it round by round so I can get the victory.

“I want to thank him for stepping in and taking this fight. Edwin is a hell of a fighter with a lot of knockouts. I think he’s going to bring the best out of me and make sure we give the fans a great show.

“I know this guy is going to come to fight, because this is a great opportunity as well. He’s coming to put on a great show, just like I am. It’s a new opponent, but it’s going to be the same result.

“I’m starting to get in the flow of things and I believe that once I’m able to get by this opponent, I’ll be ready for Isaac Cruz, Gervonta Davis or whoever they have to put in front of me.

“Me and the Benavidez team are a big family. They took me in when nobody was there for me and basically adopted me. I’ll always be grateful to them for that.”

EDWIN DE LOS SANTOS

“I was ready for this. I was training for two months and was going to fight next week if it didn’t happen, but I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m more than ready for Valenzuela.

“The knockouts come by themselves. I hope he’s ready for what I bring. This isn’t going to be a sprint, it’s a marathon.

“This fight is 50-50. People know what I’m capable of. If you don’t know what I’m about, you’re going to see on Sunday night and in every fight going forward.

“This fight is going to come down to who’s smarter and craftier inside of the ring. I know that he knows what to do inside of the ring, so it’s my job to overcome that.

“Valenzuela has many weaknesses, not just one. You’re going to see what I’m talking about on Sunday night. This is just one more step on my way to the larger goal that I’m looking to accomplish.”

#       #       #

ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

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

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




HEANEY HOLDS OFF THE HONEYMOON

THE HONEYMOON IS on hold for newlywed Nathan Heaney due to a big night beckoning at the AO Arena, Manchester, where he takes on a domestic battle with Jack Flatley on September 24.

Heaney recently tied the knot with Louise, his sweetheart of 11 years, but he knew plans for a sunshine break to mark the occasion would have to be put to one side because a spot on the blockbuster Joyce-Parker card had been earmarked for him and his army of supporters.

Heaney, 33 and 15-0, comes into the Flatley fight off three impressive and hard-fought victories over international opposition, with two stoppages over Konstantin Aleksandrov and Sladan Janjanin before he recovered from a first round knockdown to comfortably outpoint Diego Ramirez.

Now he is set for a Stoke v Bolton collision against Flatley with his IBO International middleweight belt on the line.

He hopes skipping the post-wedding sunshine will be a sacrifice worth making.

“The only thing is having to hold off on the honeymoon because of fighting on the Joyce card, which is a bit of a nightmare, but, but, if everything goes well and I’m sure it will do, it will all be worth it.

“I need to keep the paypackets going now!”

Heaney missed out on a night’s pay when injury ruled him out of the July show at the SSE Arena, Wembley – a night also headlined by Joyce – and he was denied the opportunity of leading his troops into London.

“It was really disappointing, mostly for the fact I would have been fighting in the capital and a new place for my guys to go to. I went down to the show to support and watch it and I thought to myself that the place would have been full of Stokies.

“Over 650 bought tickets off me and, as we got closer, there would have been another 50 or so and it would have been really, really good just to show Frank and everyone where my guys will travel to.

“It obviously didn’t happen and it would have been very silly of me to fight with an injury,” added Heaney, who reports that all is now well on the fitness front.

“I basically sprained a ligament in the back of my shoulder and I had an MRI to check whether it was torn or not. If it was, it would have been really, really bad and I would have had to have surgery, but my injury was more a degeneration of the whole shoulder, which was why I was getting a lot of pain.

“Since I have had treatment it has been really good. I have been boxing for 23 years and it is essentially just wear and tear.”

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

As well as the huge Joyce vs Parker clash, ‘Nowhere To Run’ will see Amanda Serrano bidding to win four world title belts at featherweight when the Puerto Rican superstar makes her UK debut against the unbeaten Dane, Sarah Mahfoud.

Queensberry fighters Anthony Cacace, Ekow Essuman, Raven Chapman and Mark Heffron all feature in the supporting cast of the 24 September ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster at the AO Arena, Manchester, a fight night not-to-be-missed.

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.




DETROIT WELTERWEIGHT JANELSON BOCACHICA READY TO SHOW FULL COMPLEMENT OF SKILLS IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® OPENER AGAINST ROIMAN VILLA ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 & LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK – August 31, 2022 – Undefeated Detroit-based welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica (17-0-1, 11 KOs) is deep in preparation for his return to SHOBOX: The New Generation against knockout artist Roiman Villa (24-1, 24 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle on Friday, September 9, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the all-new Bally’s Casino Resort Atlantic City.

The exciting tripleheader, promoted by Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents, also features one-punch knockout artist Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (16-1-2, 14 KOs) taking on undefeated Argentinean Hugo Alberto Roldan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event for the IBF Latino Junior Welterweight Championship and undefeated Filipino prospect Bernard Angelo Torres (16-0, 7 KOs) against once-beaten Dominican Frency Fortunato (13-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction.

Preparing to make his third consecutive SHOBOX appearance, Bocachica is hard at work with trainer Nelson Figueroa at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. The 23-year-old says he’s looking to make a statement in this important battle.

“People say I’m just a puncher, so I want to show my skills in this fight,” said Bocachica. “This guy is a puncher himself. He wants to come forward and fight. That’s the type of fighter I want to face to show my skills. I finally have somebody to put it against. We’ve been waiting.”

Bocachica was last seen on Showtime in July 2021, his most recent ring appearance, where he fought fellow prospect Shinard Bunch to a 10-round split-draw in the co-main event. Prior to that in February 2021, he earned his best win to date, a majority decision win over previously unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr.

“I learned in that fight that it’s not about who is stronger,” he explained of the Bunch fight. “It’s about actually winning and boxing. I’ve got to use that jab, use a lot more footwork and come in on angles, sharpshooting. I need to come with more of a game plan, instead of thinking I can walk over somebody.”

Having started camp in July for this fight by helping two-division world champion Danny Garcia prepare for his recent impressive victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., Bocachica says working with a world champion like Garcia taught him a lot.

“He showed me a lot of footwork,” said Bocachica. “People don’t know he has great footwork and he passed that on to me. We became friends. He’s even coming to Detroit to train with me. He’s a super smart businessman and I look up to him.”

All of the hard work, says Bocachica, will help him present a more well-rounded style to the SHOWTIME audience in September. Bocachica will need to be cautious as all 24 of the Venezuelan sharpshooter Villa’s victories have come by way of stoppage.

“I’m not going in looking for just the knockout. I’m going to be boxing instead of being so aggressive,” he said. “I‘ll be setting a million traps and waiting for him to mess up. He wants to brawl, but we’re not going to be there to give him the fight he wants.”

“Janelson is one of the best welterweight prospects in the world from Detroit — the city of boxing champions — taking on another significant fight to cement himself as a force in the division,” said his co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

“I’m very excited for Janelson to have this opportunity,” said his other co-promoter, Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “He learned a lot from sparring with Danny Garcia and he’s looking forward to showing off all his skills against a good opponent who can punch.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action on September 9 from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT host Brian Campbell 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.

# # #

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.

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com. 




ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. LUIS ORTIZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – August 31, 2022 – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz kicked off fight week events Wednesday with an open to the public media workout at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles as they prepare to square off in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Sunday, September 4 from Crypto.com Arena.

The event also featured exciting top lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and fellow Mexican and veteran Eduardo Ramirez, who battle in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, three-division world champion Abner Mares and Miguel Flores, who duel in a 10-round attraction, and unbeaten rising star Jose Valenzuela, who will take on the Dominican Republic’s Edwin De Los Santos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Valenzuela was originally scheduled to face Jezreel Corrales, who was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, De Los Santos (14-1, 13 KOs) bounced back from his first pro defeat in January to knockout the previously unbeaten Luis Acosta in March. The 22-year-old power-puncher has ended all but one of his victories by knockout since turning pro in 2018. Each of De Los Santos’ last two fights took place stateside as he’ll look to vault himself into title contention at 135 pounds with a signature victory this Sunday night.

“I don’t consider myself a substitute because I’ve been training for this fight for two months,” said De Los Santos. “I knew there was a real possibility I was going to be in this fight. I’m the real challenge and I will knock Valenzuela out. I’m a different fighter. I learned from my loss and I’m going to make sure it never happens again.”

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday at the open to the public event:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I feel great. It means so much for me to be fighting in Los Angeles in front of all of my fans and supporters and I’m just ready to go. Everyone here today and everyone who supports me are my motivation to keep going.

“If this ends in a knockout it ends in a knockout. My only goal is to be victorious. I’m in shape to go 12 hard rounds. We’re going to go in there and leave it all in the ring.

“I’m proof that anything is possible if you work hard and stay disciplined. The main thing right now is just accomplishing our goal Sunday night and leave the ring with my hand raised.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“You’re going to see a war on Sunday night. This is a venue that lends itself to great fights and this matchup with Ruiz is going to be another one to add to the history.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this fight is not going the distance. I hope all the Cuban and Mexican fans who are coming out are ready for something special, because its coming Saturday night.

“Training camp has been perfect and we couldn’t be more ready for this clash. I know Andy is going to bring everything he has. That’s what I want. I want to beat the best version of Andy Ruiz Jr.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I really feel the love from my Mexican people here in Los Angeles. This is going to be a great clash of styles that the fans will love, but our only goal is to win.

“I’m very happy with everything we did in training camp. Ramirez is an experienced fighter who is always prepared. But we prepared for anything he’s going to bring.

“Everyone knows what to expect in a ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight. I’m just going to stick to the game plan and do what I always do. I feel sharp and ready to go.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“Don’t miss this fight because we’re going in there to entertain. I’m going to be smart and execute the game plan, but I’ll be ready to exchange when the time comes.

“I’m very motivated for this fight. I can’t lose focus, because my only goal is to win Sunday night and earn my shot at the world title. I’m looking for victory however I can achieve it.

“My people back home know that this is a tough fight, but they know what I’m capable of doing inside the ring. I’m going to go in there and give them what they’re looking for.”

ABNER MARES

“This is my house, this is my home. This is where my people are and they’re always supporting me. This is where everything started for myself. L.A. turn up on September 4, because Team Mares is back.

“As strange as it might sound, I felt right at home in the gym, even with the time away. I feel like I’m coming off of a fight just a couple months ago. I had no complications in camp. The hardest thing is getting your rhythm back, but that’s just part of it. It’s made me better.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to go out there and be spectacular. I’m going to show some abilities that older fighters have. I’m going to pick my punches and be smart about engaging in the fight. As you get older, you get wiser.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“I’m excited to be here, especially fighting in front of the Mexican fans in Los Angeles. I’m ready to get in there Sunday and put on a show.

“It’s a challenge fighting a three-division world champion but we’re ready. We both bring the fight every time we’re in there and I just have to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’m relaxed and enjoying the moment. I’m going to have someone coming at me for 10 hard rounds on Saturday so right now I’m just taking it moment by moment. We’re here to beat the old wolf.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I trained really hard for this fight and I’m confident heading into the ring. I had a great training camp and I’m feeling strong. I’m just ready to put on a show on Sunday.

“I feel like I have a different edge because I came up with David Benavidez and his team. I was always a step ahead of a lot of people because of the work I was able to do behind closed doors.

“I’m ready for anybody. I’m facing a guy with a good knockout rate and I know he’s dangerous. But we trained too hard and no matter who I’m facing, I’m ready to put on a great performance and you know I’m coming for a knockout.”

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ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels former world champion Jezreel Corrales in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

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

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




Weights from Bensalem, Pennsylvania

Bensalem, PA (August 31, 2022)–Weights for Thursday night’s Joe Hand Promotions card at Parx Casino

Photo by Darryl Cobb Jr.

Joey Dawejko 261.7 – Mike Marshall 251.7

Christopher Burgos 142 – Nelson Morales 140.8

Daiyaan Butt 141.5 – Tyrone Luckey 140.2

Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4 – Soslan Alborov 154.6

Carlos Marrero 142 – Bryce Mills 142

Andre Hinmon 166 – Tyler Zwicharowski 162.5

Devin Gantt 126.3 – Tajiro Arakawa 128.7

Everlon Still 169.5 – Derrick Vann 166.5

Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions

Venue: Parx Casino:

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Stream: Flo Combat

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CONTACT: Ike Richman // ike@richmancommunications.com

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/390007, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.




Boxing Star Ryan Garcia Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 17, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (August 31, 2022) – Boxing Star Ryan Garcia has confirmed that he 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 Gennadiy Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Ryan will meet with his fans at his 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

Ryan will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and fans will have an opportunity to take pictures at his booth where he will have merchandise on sale with his own line of clothing design apparel FIERCE KING.

Ryan joins 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 Ryan Garcia / Fierce King

Ryan Garcia is one of the most dynamic and exciting boxers fighting today. With a 23-0 record and 19 KO, the young Mexican American fighter has earned accolades include holding the WBC interim lightweight title, beating top contenders such as Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell. Garcia has now moved up to the junior welterweight division, winning his first fight at 140 via knockout against the formidable Javier Fortuna. At just 24 years old, he has already built one of the most impressive resumés of his generation.

In addition to his feats in the ring, Ryan runs his own fashion line, Fierce King, and serves as the face of the Fierce Reflex bag, the ultimate reflex training tool for combat athletes.

His passions for sport at the highest of levels, mental health advocacy, fashion, as well as his unrivaled social media presence with more than 15 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, have brought thousands upon thousands of new fans to boxing. 

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 several weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly 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




VIDEO: Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez Press Conference In Abu Dhabi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6VVIXX4dFU



BIVOL VS. RAMIREZ ‘CHAMPION SERIES’ LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to a historic press conference here in Abu Dhabi. November 5, our first even here in Abu Dhabi. The ‘Champion Series’ and an incredible main event, the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title between Dmitry Bivol and Zurdo Ramirez.

“A historic moment for Abu Dhabi, the DCT and for Matchroom Boxing as well as we build a long-term partnership here of global high-profile World Championship fights. November 5 is the start of such an exciting future in what has become a global sports hub here in Abu Dhabi.

“This is an iconic moment and we want to thank so many different people – the DCT, we want to thank Eleven as well, Frank Smith who’s done such a great job. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this process. We are about building long-term partnerships with outstanding partners, and great people to work with.

“You’ve seen across the NBA, you’ve seen across the UFC, Dana White and the team couldn’t speak more highly of everyone involved in their relationship with Abu Dhabi. For us as a business, this is just the start of a new world of boxing here in the Middle East and in Abu Dhabi. Earlier on today we announced that Joe Cordina will defend his IBF Super-Featherweight World Championship against the Mandatory Challenger Rakhimov and the undisputed women’s Light-Welterweight World Championship – Chantelle Cameron McCaskill. They’re the first three fights announced for November 5 in the stunning Etihad Arena.”

Dmitry Bivol:

“First of all, hello everyone and thank you for coming. Yes, maybe it’s one of the toughest fights in my career. I’m thinking like that every time before my fights. I want to say thank you to you Eddie and Matchroom, and everyone in Abu Dhabi. Everyone who wanted to make this fight.

“I’m glad to defend my title in Abu Dhabi. I heard this is the first time that someone has defended a World Title in Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be the first. I hope it’s not the last time in Abu Dhabi. Thank you to Ramirez for this fight. I know he wanted this fight a long time. Me too. Now it will happen. He is a good fighter and I like challenges. I like to fight against the guy who has won 44 fights and who is bigger than me and taller than me. This is a big challenge for me. I hope it will be a great fight on November 5.

“I have to be focused only on this fight. Every time when I have a fight I’m focused on that fight. Of course I have great plans in my head, I want to be the best fighter in the world. I want to get more belts, but now I have a big fight against a good fighter. I try to be focused only on November 5.”
 
Vadim Kornilov, manager of Dmitry Bivol:

“Thank you, Eddie. You’re definitely back on the team of course. You were never off the team because I think you believed in Dmirty the whole way from the beginning – just like the rest of us. It’s very exciting.

“After the Canelo fight obviously it’s a second level of motivation they have to find. Any fighter that goes to that level, they have to motivate themselves to go on. Having to fight a guy like Ramirez who is very well respected, who has never lost and who has fought some of the top-level guys, it’s something that you have to overcome and it’s something that we have to do.

“You have to find something inside you to get that victory again. I believe that Dmirty has that mentality and he is always very tough and confident. I think he will be able to do it and go on to get the other belts after this. That’s something that we look forward to as well.”

Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez:

“Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you for having us and for the hospitality. I’m glad to be here in Abu Dhabi. It’s my first time here and I feel like I’m at home because it’s the same weather as back home – hot and humid. It’s perfect for me.

“Thank you Matchroom and thank you to Golden Boy for making this possible. I’m looking forward to getting that title on November 5 to become a two-time World Champion. I think it will be a great night, an exciting fight for everyone. Even for me, I can’t wait for this fight. I’ve been waiting so long for this moment and I just want to say thank you to Dmitry Bivol for taking this fight.

“I think we’re going to put on a great show for all of the fans and for Abu Dhabi. It will be a great night. He is one of the greatest 175 pounders’ and he beat one of the greatest fighters in boxing too. Congratulations to him. I knew he would be a tough fight for Canelo. It was a great night for Bivol because he beat him by unanimous decision. It was great. What can I tell you? I’m 44 fights and 44 wins.”
 
Eric Gomez, Golden Boy Promotions:

“I just want to thank everybody for being here. The hospitality has been incredible. It’s an incredible city, a beautiful city – it’s my first time here. I want to thank DAZN and Joe Markowski – thank you for all you do. Eddie, you and your team, Frank Smith. It’s always a pleasure working with you guys. I want to thank the champion Dmity Bivol, his manager Vadim. This is a great fight. This is going to be an incredible fight. Both fighters are undefeated and it’s going to be a very exciting fight. I don’t normally like to give predictions, but I’m compelled to give a prediction for this fight. I feel strongly that the winner is going to be Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi and also the world of boxing. It’s rare that we put these fights together, it’s a special event, so thank you guys very much for having us and we look forward to November 5.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN Group:

“Thank you, Eddie, and thank you to everyone up on the top table here today. It’ great to be here with old friends and new. Thank you to our hosts here in Abu Dhabi and to the DCT. Dmitry, it wasn’t too long ago that we were toasting your success in Las Vegas, late at night in your hotel room after your last win. It’s great to be back working with you.

“It’s a fantastic schedule we’re building on DAZN as we head into Autumn. In a couple of weeks’ time we have Canelo and GGG in a fantastic trilogy fight. More to come from our X Series – a new venture with KSI in the world of crossover boxing. This fight in early November as well as Eubank-Benn – a fantastic PPV event in the UK.

“We’re about building a schedule of events globally that engages new and existing boxing fans. We’re doing that with increasing regularity. We’re doing that with our partners at Golden Boy, it’s great to see Eric Gomez here from Los Angeles. It’s great to keep it in the DAZN family as always with Golden Boy and Matchroom.

“This event is representative of exactly what we’re trying to do – a global schedule with fantastic fights, matchups happening when they should happen and delivered with fantastic partners of which there are many sat on this table. We’re very excited, we’re looking forward to it and it’s great to be in business with Abu Dhabi.”

H.E. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Geziry:

“Thank you very much Eddie. I can’t express how happy we are for all of you to be here. This happiness is on a personal note because we’ve made new friends of Abu Dhabi, but also on a professional level where our partnership today and the announcement we’re doing today is a milestone for Abu Dhabi within what we are planning for the rest of the future.

“Today Abu Dhabi positioning itself as an events hub in the international world is a very important statement. In the vertical of sports, Abu Dhabi has done a great job with partnering with perfect international brands – whether it’s the NBA, whether it’s the UFC as Eddie rightly mentioned, whether it’s the T20 in cricket and so on and so forth. With the boxing world, we are very pleased to be partners with Matchroom.

“Normally whenever you start a certain vertical you want to start with a big bang, and I think the fight that has just been announced is a fight that everyone has been waiting for. I think it’s one of the first times that combined you have over 60 fights to zero. How could we have started with anything better than this? Thank you very much for putting this together.”
 




“KING ARTHUR” RETURNS IN BOLTON

Lydon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) is planning on an explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight as Wasserman Boxing heads to the University of Bolton Stadium for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Bolton will be bouncing as ‘King Arthur’ looks to put his foot straight back onto the title contention ladder with a statement win. It didn’t go to plan last time out, but the Manchester fighter knows his love for the sport will always shine through, and he’ll be back twice the fighter to make a statement live on Channel 5.

“I’ve never lost that love for boxing, I’ve always cared and committed to it the same,” said Arthur. “There’s so many reasons behind my love for boxing and, even though I put my everything into the sport, I also owe the sport everything.”

The former Commonwealth and WBO Inter-Continental light-heavyweight champion, Arthur, will face a very tough challenge in Sequeira, known as ‘The Alligator’ or “El Yacare” in his native tongue. Sequeira has fought his way to 17 knockout wins out of his 25 professional wins, but Arthur is feeling confident after all the preparations that have gone on during the lay-off.

“In the gym I have just been working on the small details that I think are necessary for me to improve. The focus has also been on sharpening them tools as well, taking my strengths and making them even more dangerous,” said Arthur. “It has been about developing my mindset as an athlete and myself as a boxer.”

All the focus on training points to one thing for fight night, and that is a rejuvenated and ready Lyndon Arthur. There seems no reluctance or nervousness from the Manchester fighter, as he anticipates fireworks on Saturday, September 17.

“I can assure you one thing; you’re going to see a fighter who’s excited to be back in that ring,” he said. “You’re going to see a fighter excited to cause some damage and I’ll be working towards getting him out of there in explosive fashion.”

The current IBF International Heavyweight Champion, Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs), will also look to bring another powerful heavyweight performance, this time to Bolton. The 26-year-old has been mentioned as a potential challenger for the British title in the near future, and will be looking to get the spotlight pointing on him again like last time out in Liverpool.

“It was my first show under the Wasserman Boxing banner last time out against Salek and live on Channel 5, and getting that IBF International belt around my waist, made it a great night,” said Gorman.

He looks like the man in line to face Fabio Wardley next and could have waited until that fight materialised, instead, Gorman wanted to remain active and continue showing his progression under the lights. After previously spending a while out of the ring, he’s smitten over the sport once again and eager to get back in front of terrestrial screens.

“I’ve asked to get back out there as fast as possible, because I don’t want to wait around and be inactive for longer than I need to be,” he said.  “Boxing in Bolton, and on another Channel 5 show, is something I’m really looking forward to doing.”

You will seldom find a fighter who overlooks the challenge in front of them, but the opportunity to face Wardley means a destructive performance could send all the right messages from Gorman’s camp. Feeling happy and healthy, the Nantwich man is now ready to showcase his speedy progression with each fight that comes and earn those future title bouts.

“A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter. I think I’m definitely noticing constant improvements and you won’t see a better version of me than on September 17 in Bolton when I get more members of our live audience taking note.”

Gorman continued, “I’ll be looking for another one to add to the KO reel, so be ready.”

An all-Welsh affair also features 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). With both fighters coming into this with huge momentum behind them, it will be Gwynne looking to keep hold of the gold after shutting down Luke Willis to claim the belt back in April of this year. Woodruff will have plenty of positives to take into this title challenge after working his way to a unanimous decision win in Cardiff in March.

 Conah “The Wolf” Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) will face off against Kane Gardner (14-2, 7 KOs) in a domestic bout that will look to steal the headlines. Walker will be looking for a performance similar to his win in Wolverhampton last time out to put “Sugar Kane” out of contention for a British Title shot. The boy from Beswick, Gardner, will be looking to build off two-straight wins and be happy to replicate either his TKO or points wins from those fights.

Amongst the electric fights already announced on the card, keep your eyes peeled on more news coming out of Wasserman Boxing. The card will feature further top talent looking to arrive in Bolton as contenders and leave as the one to watch.

“When you look at the sporting history of Bolton, you look no further than Amir Khan as the flagbearer and all he has achieved in the sport,” said Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. “September 17 offers the city the opportunity to start a new chapter in the book of British boxing, with a line-up that guarantees top domestic talent becoming household names. Live on Channel 5 and ready to entertain once again.”
 
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