LONDON (April 19, 2022) —WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury is comfortable as a solo artist. After Dillian Whyte did not show up to Tuesday’s open workout in London, Fury thrilled the home fans on his own. Fury, who will battle Whyte on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday at Wembley Stadium (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT), turned southpaw and went through the fight week paces with his head trainer, SugarHill Steward.

A crowd of more than 94,000 is expected for this all-UK showdown, which would be one of the largest audiences in combat sports history.

Without Whyte to share the spotlight, this is some of what Fury had to say.
 
“Frank Warren and the boys have done a fantastic job. It’s been a great promotion. Looking forward to a fantastic event.”

“I think it’s gonna be real for {Whyte}. If not today or tomorrow or this week, then as soon as I hit him in the mouth on Saturday night. Then, he knows it’s real!”

“I’ve been boxing quite a bit as a southpaw in camp. We’ll see. Whatever works. If that don’t work, we’ll switch off to orthodox. If that don’t work, we’ll switch back up. I might just go square on!”

On Whyte not showing up to the workout

“That’s Dillian’s concern. That’s none of my business. Dillian Whyte, I’m sure he’s got his reasons why he’s not here today. Whatever they are, good luck to him, and I’ll see him on the fight night.”

“I’ve said this is my last fight, and it will be.”

“I’m overwhelmed with the support I’ve had over the years. It’s been fantastic. 94,000 people, it’s unbelievable, it’s amazing stuff.”

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 19, 2022) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its 2021 award winners to be honored at the 16TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, May 21, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

East Hartford’s “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams has been selected as the 2021 Connecticut Professional Boxer of the Year. Williams could become the first CBHOF triple-crown winner having previously been the Amateur Boxer of the Year. All that’s left for the gifted super welterweight, who had a 16-0-1 (7 KOs) overall pro record entering 2022, including the WBC USNBC super lightweight title, is a future CBHOF inductee. In his lone 2021 fight, Williams won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Yeis Gabriel Solano (15-0), who landed on the canvas in the 8th round.

East Hartford High School junior Jahnyah Lumpkin is the Ronald Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year. Lumpkin won seven of nine fights in 2021, defeating nationally ranked fighters and earning a silver medal at the National Silver Gloves Championships. Her only losses were to nationally rated opponents. A National Honor Society student who fights out of the Charter Oak Academy, Lumpkin finished fourth at the U.S. National Championships.

Attorney Jeffrey Dressler is the George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award winner. He is Charter Oak Academy Board member, as well as a member of the Connecticut State Boxing Commission, and active member of UA Boxing since 1992. He is also an accomplished ring announcer who has helped young boxers succeed outside the ring through Mega Education, the scholastic incentive system he founded.

The Will Hutt Professional Official of the Year Frank Lombardi, of Danbury, is one of the most accomplished judges in boxing. He has judged more than 600 bouts, highlighted by his judging of the first Arturo Gatti-Micky Ward fight at Mohegan Sun, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, voted as the Fight of the Year by several organizations.

Earning praise for her abilities as an official is old hat for 2021 Amateur Official of the Year Heather Concepcion, whose selection for this prestigious award for the second time. As president of the Connecticut USA Boxing Committee, she was able to revive amateur boxing in Connecticut despite COVID-19 restrictions. Concepcion has managed registration, secretarial duties, chairmanship, and vice president responsibilities with Conn. USA Boxing during her career.

The inaugural Willie Pep Courage Award recipient is Jason Jakubowski for being so active in community service in the Greater Hartford area for many years. This award will be presented annually to an individual or entity throughout the community who displays extraordinary courage. He was a longtime coach in the West Hartford Youth Baseball League. Mr. Jakubowski is president and CEO of Foodshare, which distributes more than 13 million meals each year to local food pantries and community kitchens in Central Connecticut. Jakubowski oversaw the distribution of food to hundreds of thousands of individuals and families during the pandemic.

“The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is so proud to announce this year’s annual award winners,” CBHOF President John L. Laudati said. “Congratulations to repeat winners Mykquan Williams and Heather Conception. Young Ms. Lumpkin is a deserving winner as is renowned boxing Judge Frank Lombardi. Few people have contributed as much to the Sport of Boxing and the youth of Hartford as Jeffrey Dressler. We at the CBHOF are especially proud to present the inaugural Willie Pep Courage Award to celebrate the 100th birthday anniversary of the legendary Willie Pep.”

The CBHOF Class of 2021 inductees are retired boxers Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver, of Hartford, and New Haven’s Elvin Ayala, Hartford referee Danny Schiavone, Glastonbury’s (Hartford Civic Center executive director) Frank E. Russo, Manchester trainer Jose “Papo” Colon, and New Haven manager Mike Criscio.

The CBHOF Class of 2020 consists entirely of “Old Timers”, will also be inducted on May 21: Jimmy Leto, of Hartford, Waterbury’s Eddie Dolan, New Haven’s Al Gainer, and Meridian’s Steve Carr, as well as New London’s coach Mosey King, commissioner Barbara Dunn, and Hartford journalist/editor William J. “Bill” Lee.

Tickets for the CBHOF 16th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Sherman Cain at 860.212.9029 and Rider Productions at 860.413.9067. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. ET.

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 16th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, and past CBHOF inductees.

ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The CBHOF’s new location is in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun.

As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

We regret to announce that Bob Yalen has today stepped down as CEO of MTK Global for personal reasons.

We would like to thank him for all of his efforts on behalf of the business and his leadership of our team.

Bob Yalen said: “I am incredibly proud of the success of MTK Global and I feel privileged to have served as President and CEO since 2018.

“However, the pressure of the last few weeks has been particularly intense. I need to consider the impact on myself and my family. So after four years leading MTK, I think it’s time for me to step aside to take on new challenges.”

Los Angeles, CA (April 18, 2022) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced a full card of fights for the highly anticipated return on Thursday, May 12  of its acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series at the Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club.

The event headlined by Top, Undefeated Irish Rising Star Callum Walsh, (2-0, 2 KOs) of Riverside, CA will be broadcast live globally on UFC Fight Pass, linked here for subscription >> https://bit.ly/3uJOnTE.

Just 21-years-old, the internationally heralded Walsh, guided by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, will clash with fellow undefeated prospect Luis ‘The Sniper’ Garcia, (3-0, 1 KO), of San Diego, CA in the scheduled six-round, super welterweight main event.

Co-featured Jalen ‘Sky’ Walker, (10-0-1, 9 KO’s), of Los Angeles, CA battles Adan Ochoa, (12-2, 5 KOs) in a highly anticipated eight-round featherweight clash.

In a women’s lightweight bout, Chelsey Anderson, (4-0, 1 KO), of Yorba Linda, CA battles San Diego southpaw Jessica Juarez, (3-1, 1 KO), in a scheduled six rounder.

In a special attraction amateur bout, Son of the Legendary Manny Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao Jr. will compete in a three-round featherweight bout against an opponent to be announced.

Light heavyweights will be in action as Hollywood Fight Nights fan favorite, Marco Deckmann, (8-1, 7 KOs), of North Hollywood, CA looks to extend his five-bout winning streak against Jasper McCargo, (4-2-2, 2 KOs), of Richmond, CA.

Competing in the featherweight division, Omar Cande Trinidad, (7-0-1, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA will face an opponent to be announced over six scheduled rounds.

Also, in the featherweight division, Dariial Kuchmenov, (3-0, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA will compete in a four rounder against an opponent to be announced.

Lightweight prospect 19-year-old Ruben ‘Gallito’ Islas, (4-0, 3 KOs), of Rialto, CA hits the ring in a four-round bout against an opponent to be announced.

Rounding out the card, in a battle of super lightweight newcomers, David Romero, (1-0, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA battles pro debuting Fernando Gaytan of Hemet, CA in a four rounder.

Advance tickets are now on-sale starting at $150 (VIP Ringside), $100 (Preferred Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating), online at Hollywood Fight Nights / Seating. The Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. PT. For more information on the venue please visit www.QuietCannon.com.

About Tom Loeffler

Loeffler holds the record for having promoted the most heavyweight world title fights this century while promoting all the championship fights of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko for K2 Promotions, a company he founded with the brothers. Tom also brought the Spotlight to the Flyweight division launching the Superfly Series on HBO that highlighted stars including Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Kazuto Ioka, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras. Tom is best known for his work with Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin building him into an international superstar as the reigning middleweight world champion for the last 10 years. He strategically secured global sponsorship deals with Jordan Brand, Hublot, Tecate, Chivas, and Bijan. Tom has also worked with Hall of Fame fighters Shane Mosley, James Toney and Kevin Kelley as well as hosting the US debut of Naoya Inoue. 

About 360 Promotions:

During 2017, Tom Loeffler founded 360 Promotions to provide rising boxers additional opportunities to develop their talents. 360 Promotions produced the acclaimed ‘Superfly’ series giving exposure to tremendous talents in the lighter divisions including world champions; Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Naoya Inoue and Kazuto Ioka. In 2018, 360 Promotions launched the Hollywood Fight Nights series at the Avalon Nightclub in Hollywood, CA. Hollywood Fight Nights is billed as the VIP boxing experience which provides a platform for rising boxers to develop their talents as future champions.

About UFC FIGHT PASS^®:

UFC FIGHT PASS^® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or @UFCFightPass on Twitter, and Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/ufcfightpass.

Social Media

#HollywoodFightNights

#UFCFightPass

Twitter

@UFCFightPass

@360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1

 @howlerhead

Facebook

@UFCFightPass

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@howlerheadwhiskey

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@callum_walsh1 

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Website

www.360Promotions.us

QUINCY, Mass. (April 18, 2022) – Boxers make only one professional debut and Brockton (MA) welterweight David Ribeiro is excited to make his May 7th on the “Hometown Royalty” in the first pro boxing event held in nearby Bridgewater (MA), at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts (85 Cottage St.).

“Hometown Royalty” is presented by Granite Chin, in association with Cappiello Boxing Promotions and Shearns Boxing Promotions.

Fighting out of the “City of Champions,” Brockton son Ribeiro was a celebrated amateur having won gold medals at the 2020 New England Golden Gloves, 2019 King of the Ring, and the regional Mike Tyson Tournament.

Ribeiro quickly realized that there are several key differences between amateur and pro boxing, as well as the importance of keeping his poise despite being excited, especially with his family, friends and fans screaming his name with every thrown punch.

“The big difference is in preparation, physically and mentally, and it’s also more about promoting the event to get people to come,” Ribeiro explained about turning pro. “There’s a buzz here in Brockton. I’m excited!

“I’ll need to stay disciplined and humbled in the gym. Train now, celebrate later. I’m never really satisfied and always want to better myself and stay humble. I’ve had good sparring and I’m in top shape. I’m fighting a little lighter – welterweight – and that requires more cardio work. There are a few pounds difference between amateur and pro welterweight divisions. No headgear will allow me to see better in the ring. This is a different level. There is much more preparation and training as a pro.”

Ribeiro’s opponent for their 4-round bout is Fernando Perez (0-3), of Plymouth (MA).

“My team does the research on my opponents, and they train me to be prepared,” Ribeiro said. “They train me to win, I fight. I leave all the research to my team. I want to have an impressive pro debut to get people excited to see me fight against and look forward to my future.”

“I’m excited to have David’s pro debut close to his home,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about him in and out of the ring. I look forward to seeing his pro career get started and flourish. May 7th is simply the first step in what I know will be a successful journey.”

Holbrook (MA) junior welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (14-1, 8 KOs) faces “El Chino” Aubel (8-9, 7 KOs), of Argentina, in the 8-round main event. Ohan is dropping down in weight from welterweight, in which he captured and defended the New England title.

Former world-rated Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski (30-6, 11 KOs), of Quincy (MA), takes on Argentinian lightweight Mario Lozano (18-5-1, 9 KOs), in the 8-round co-featured event. The 32-year-old Kielczweski was a 2008 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, as well as a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Undefeated New Bedford light heavyweight Edet Mkpanam (6-0, 5 KOs), a 2018 New England Golden Gloves runner-up, fights Scott “Bombz” Lampert (2-4, 2 KOs) in a 6-rounder, while Fall River (MA) welterweight Damon Towns (4-0, 3 KOs) meets Robert Bricks (0-9) in a 4-round match.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale, $60.00 standing room and $40.00 floor seats, and available for purchase at www.TicketRiver.com (Search: Hometown Royalty).

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Coventry, England – (April 16 2022) – Hometown hero Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) emerged as the winner of the BOXXER Series lightweight tournament tonight as he beat Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) by unanimous decision to claim the 40-thousand-pound prize at the Skydome Arena in Coventry, live on Sky Sports.

The former kickboxing world champion from Coventry didn’t have an easy road to the final however as Cheema had to fend off the likes of Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) and Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) on the way.

The final was an all-out war from the opening bell, both men landed powerful shots that had all in attendance grimacing. The pair were feeling the effects of the previous fights and were breathing heavily at the end of the round. It asked the question of who was hungrier to win.

Cheema and Charlton traded numerous punches in the second round and at times it seemed Charlton was flat out on his feet, but he kept mustering the energy to answer Cheema back.

The third and final round was one to go down in the BOXXER Series history books as all in attendance were speechless in what they were witnessing. Both men put the hard hours in during training camp and it showed in the ring with the end-to-end action. The Coventry crowd were treated to a great night of tournament boxing.

The BOXXER Series victory at lightweight not only led Cheema to an eye-watering amount of cash but a step in the right direction as more opportunities under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banner await the 25-year-old.

Cheema’s route to the final was a hard earnt one that had his home crowd of Coventry entertained. After an explosive first round stoppage victory over Otis Lookman in the quarter finals, Cheema faced Scott Melvin in the semis which was easily fight of the night until the final.

Melvin looked comfortable throughout the second round against Cheema, he wasn’t afraid to showboat in front of the Coventry crowd on the night. However, it was Cheema that was landing the more convincing punches.

The final round had the crowd in awe as both fighters bit down on the gum shield and came out swinging. Melvin was able to slip some of the forward attacks from Cheema but saw himself on the end of a lot of heavy blows that was the difference for the judges at ringside.

Melvin’s journey to the semi-final against Cheema was a difficult one for himself personally as he was drawn against fellow stablemate Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) who is most notably recognised as the brother of Cori Gibbs, BOXXER series Liverpool champion.

An interesting fight from the moment it was drawn earlier in the week, both fighters shared the same corner and were anticipating a meeting in the final. Both men fought hard, and it was hard to split the two before the final bell. Melvin took the victory via a split decision.

Before Charlton joined Cheema in the final, he stopped the experienced Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) in the final round of their semi final meeting. Charlton was a handful in every fight he took part in on the night with his super aggressive style of fighting, living up to his nickname ‘The pint-sized powerhouse’.

Cooper was able to stay on the back foot at times and land long, looping shots over the top of the guard of Charlton who remained consistent on the front foot. A brutal body shot landed in the final round that saw Cooper drop to the canvas in agony and wanting no more.

The bookies favourite and Sky Sports Boxing regular Charlton defeated Nottingham based fighter Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) prior to his semi final appearance in a gruelling quarter final clash which could have gone either way.

Charlton remained on the front foot throughout all three rounds with Hughes doing a fantastic job to stay with his man following the onslaught.

Shaun Cooper, who formerly held the WBO Youth lightweight title, matched up against 22-year-old Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) in the final quarter final of the evening in Coventry.

Tilley who was spurred on by his loyal fanbase struggled to convince the judges at ringside as Cooper had his hand raised and his name booked into the semi final with Charlton. The judges scored it 29-28 all in favour of a split decision victory for Cooper.

BOXXER Series returns to Sky Sports next month as the tournament hits Sheffield on May 21st, showcasing eight hungry cruiserweights waiting for their time to shine.

Fight results

Final: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Cheema, 29-28 Cheema 3×3 lightweight.

Semi final two: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) – 3rd rnd KO, 3×3 lightweight

Quarter final one: Dylan Cheema (5-0, 1 KOs) def. Otis Lookman (1-1, 1 KOs) – 1st rnd TKO, 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final two: Scott Melvin (5-1, 1 KOs) def. Tion Gibbs (8-1, 0 KOs) – Split decision 29-28 Melvin, 29-28 Gibbs, 29-28 Melvin 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final three: Rylan Charlton (9-3-1, 4 KOs) def. Joe Underwood Hughes (7-1, 1 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Charlton 3×3 lightweight.

Quarter final four: Shaun Cooper (13-4, 0 KOs) def. Brooklyn Tilley (3-1, 0 KOs) – Unanimous decision 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 Cooper 3×3 lightweight.

JASON CUNNINGHAM RETAINED his European super bantamweight title with a sixth round stoppage of previously unbeaten challenger Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Arena on Saturday night.

It was a successful and spectacular second defence of his coveted title for the Doncaster man who has his eyes firmly fixed on a world title tilt.

Le Couviour came perilously close to being counted out in just the second round when Cunningham unloaded a vicious left uppercut to the body that floored the Frenchman, who got up at nine.

Le Couviour was down again in the third as Cunningham was exploiting the weakness at will and the 16-0 man was being outclassed by his more experienced opponent, although he managed to compose himself a little in the fourth.

Cunningham pummelled the body again in the fifth and Le Couviour looked vulnerable once more and it was all over in the sixth when another left under the ribs saw Le Couviour wanting no more and the fight was waved off after 53 seconds of the round.

Nathan Heaney extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 with a successful defence of his IBO International middleweight title against the dangerous Diego Ramirez.

Heaney was felled by a dynamite left from Ramirez near the end of the first round after what was a controlled beginning from the Stoke favourite. It was quickly clear that a looping left was the danger shot from the Argentinean and Heaney would have to be on his guard.

Heaney regrouped and largely dominated the second, putting the 27-year-old under severe pressure towards the end of the round. Heaney applied caution as he worked his way through the third, patiently landing the telling blows.

There were warning signs again for Heaney in the fourth as Ramirez enjoyed some success and the 32-year-old was strongly advised by his corner not to get involved in a shootout.

Heaney was snuffing out the threat and coming up with good work of his own as the final rounds approached. He asserted control over proceedings and just needed to stay out of the way of wild swings.

Heaney worked his way through and took the verdict with scores of 97-93, 98-91, 97-92.

Andrew Cain took all of 10 seconds to extinguish the threat of Pablo Ariel Gomez to win the WBC International Silver title at super bantamweight. A clubbing right hand poleaxed the Argentinean and, after John Latham’s count, the official time was given as 19 seconds.

“I was just thinking seek and destroy,” said Cain in the aftermath of his eighth stoppage in nine unbeaten fights. Cain is in line to face the winner of the forthcoming British title battle between Marc Leach and Liam Davies.

Eithan James passed the first stern examination of his young career by outsmarting the rough and always ready Ben Fields over eight. The 21-year-old remained composed against the robust Birmingham man with a reputation for removing the 0 from the records of prospects.

The classy James from Northampton picked off his more experienced opponent over the opening and middle rounds before Fields finally managed to get up closer and enjoyed some success.

James did not shy away from battle and will benefit from the experience with an English title eliminator looming. Despite taking a booming shot to the temple in round eight, James prevailed and moved to 8-0 via a 78-75 scoreline from referee Michael Alexander.

A lively scrap was had between Worcester welter Owen Cooper and his game opponent Richard Helm over six. The first round brought about an entertaining trade-up between the pair before Cooper established a rhythm and began to impose himself on the Rochdale man.

Cooper, just 21, was dominating by the fourth round and punished the older man to the body, which took away the ambition of the 35-year-old, but he wasn’t to surrender. Helm rallied in the final round, but Cooper moved to 6-0 with John Latham’s scorecard reading 59-56 in his favour.

Liverpool super bantamweight Brad Strand, now 7-0, displayed a combination of skill and spite to overcome the previously 11-1 Ally Mwerangi in a biggest career test. After plotting his way through most of the first four, Strand rocked his Tanzanian opponent at the end of the round.

The 25-year-old followed up in the fifth with a stinging onslaught and kept Mwerangi at bay with pockets of speedy and smart work. Mwerangi was docked a point in the final round for use of his head and the scorecard read a convincing 60-53 margin for the Everton Red Triangle product.

Earlier on, York welterweight George Davey was judged to have drawn with Serge Ambomo, with the score being marked up at 57-57.

In the opening fights of the evening, Bradley Thompson – the flyweight brother of Liam Davies – registered his fourth win as a pro with a third round stoppage of Francisco Rodriguez. The Spaniard was saved after 1.16 of the round.

Promising welterweight powerhouse George Bance, now 3-0, scored his first win via KO, stopping Des Newton after 1.48 of round two. At super lightweight, Telford local Macaulay Owen overcame Liam Richards with a shutout 40-36 victory on the cards to move to 3-0 as a pro.

COSTA MESA, CA (April 15, 2022) – Super lightweight rising star, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (5-0, 5 KOs), remained undefeated scoring his fourth consecutive first round knockout, this time against battle tested veteran Daniel Evangelista Jr. (20-14-2, 16 KOs). The six-round bout, promoted by Englebrecht Promotions & Events on the popular Fight Club OC series, took place at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, CA.

Mercado came out guns blazing as soon as the bell rang and send Evangelista to the canvas in the opening minuet of round one, then followed up with two more knockdowns before the referee stopped the bout at the 1:37 mark. With another impressive knockout victory, Mercado is on the fast track to bigger fights.

“I’ve been saying in all my interviews that there are no more killers in the sport of boxing, and I wanted to come out again and show the world that I’m one of those throw back fighters like Mike Tyson,” said the Pomona, California native, Mercado. “I was hoping to get some rounds in against Evangelista, but I got him hurt early and took him out. Once I see my opponent hurt, my mindset is to finish him off. I want to be known as the next great knockout artist in boxing.”

At 20-years old, Mercado feels he’s one of the top prospects in boxing. After knocking out four of his five opponents within two round or less to start off his career, he’s well on his way to super stardom.

“I’ve never drank or smoke, so my body and mind is at one hundred percent when I step in the ring,” concluded Mercado, who was an Olympic alternate. “I feel if I keep working hard in and out of the ring, stay focused on the task at hand, I’ll become a world champion at some point. I’m grateful to my dad and trainer, Ernesto Mercado Sr., for keeping me on the straight and narrow, and all my supporters for helping me on my journey to the top. I’m putting everyone on notice in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions.”

WBC, WBA and IBF Welterweight World Championship Unification – 12 Rounds

Errol Spence Jr. – 146 ¼ lbs.

Yordenis Ugás – 146 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Isaac Cruz – 134 ¾ lbs.

Yuriorkis Gamboa – 134 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Jesse Reyes (Texas), Jose Roberto Torres (P.R.)

Note: Cruz made weight on second attempt after initially coming in at 136 ½ lbs.

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Jose Valenzuela – 134 ¾ lbs.

Francisco Vargas – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), Jesse Reyes (Texas)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Cody Crowley – 144 ½ lbs.

Josesito Lopez – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® – Saturday, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

WBA Welterweight Title Bout – 12 Rounds

Radzhab Butaev – 146 ½ lbs.

Eimantas Stanionis – 146 ½ lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Javier Alvarez (Texas), Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Jose Roberto Torres (P.R.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 142 ½ lbs.

Zachary Ochoa – 141 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-oy; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Josef Mason (Colo.), Chris Migliore (Nev.)

Note: Contracted weight is 143 pounds

The most trusted and experienced team in combat sports will be on the pay-per-view call. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three Hall of Famers round out the SHOWTIME telecast team – Emmy^® award-winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr.  Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna will serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). On the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the action from ringside with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell and Marquez serving as expert analysts.

The executive producer of SHOWTIME PPV is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins Jr., the director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is Richard Gaughan with Rick Phillips directing.

#          #          #

ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugás will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugás square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

Boston, MA (April 15, 2022) – Michael Reyes, CEO & Founder of Reyes Boxing Promotions, has been a busy man of late.

On April 9, Reyes traveled to California with welterweight Jeovanis Barraza for his showdown against top rated contender Giovani Santillan on ESPN.

Shortly after returning to his native Massachusetts, Reyes signed new talent to his growing stable.

Chris Thompson, a 6-0 middleweight with 5 knockouts, inked a promotional contract with Reyes Boxing Promotions earlier this week. Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, the 6’1 Thompson was a three-time Golden Gloves champion. The 29-year-old’s been invited to camps for some of boxing’s best including Terence Crawford, Demetrius Andrade, and Amir Khan.

Outside of the ring, Thompson is a leader in his community.

Thompson works for the Gregg Klice Community Center, serving as a recreation leader and supervisor. He’s in charge of youth programs and his efforts help kids in one of the city’s most dangerous areas. He also runs his own boxing program, Crunch Time Boxing and took eight young fighters to compete in the Golden Gloves.

Reyes Boxing Promotions has also signed Santa, CA based bantamweight Mario Hernandez, 10-3-1 (3 KO’s) and heavyweight Robert Sabbagh, 3-1 (2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY.

“April has been a very busy month thus far,” said Reyes, who is also working on a special summer card that will take place at Gillette Stadium. “Chris caught my eye in Andrade’s camp and he’s not just a very talented fighter but a champion human being. Hernandez is very tough and lost a close fight against an unbeaten prospect for the NABA belt in his last fight. If the decision went his way, he’d be world rated. Sabbagh is a tough fighter that had a setback against a much bigger opponent in his last bout but I believe he can bounce back.”

On April 29, Reyes Boxing Promotions’ Marqus Bates is scheduled to fight 22 fight veteran Augustine Mauras in Springfield, MA. Bates scored a unanimous decision over Christian Guido February, 19 as part of Reyes Boxing’s “Down & Dirty” fight card in Melrose, MA.

For more information, visit Reyesboxingclub.com

Jason Cunningham 120.8 lbs
Terry Le Couviour 121.2lbs

Nathan Heaney 159.3 lbs
Diego Ramirez 158.2lbs 

Andrew Cain 121.6lbs  
Pablo Ariel Gomez 121.1lbs

Eithan James 143 lbs
Ben Fields 144.1 lbs

Brad Strand 122.1 lbs
Ally Mwerangi 122.2 lbs

Owen Cooper 149.4 lbs
Richard Helm149.8 lbs

George Davey 149.4 lbs
Serge Ambomo 150.9 lbs 

George Bance 146.8 lbs
Des Newton 150.1 lbs

Macauley Owen, Liam Richards, Bradley Thompson and Francisco Rodriguez weigh-in tomorrow

Cunningham: “The belt comes home with me on Saturday night, simple as that!” – All the quotes from yesterday’s press conference here.

Coventry, England – (April 15, 2022) – The eight contenders vying to be crowned the BOXXER Series Lightweight Champion tomorrow night at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, weighed-in today at the CBS Arena.

The official BOXXER draw yesterday delivered some scintillating opening Quarter Final match ups, none more so than the Tion Gibbs-Scott Melvin shoot out with the friends and stablemates both fighting out of the Birmingham Eastside Gym.

The boxers recorded the following weights:

Quarter-Final 1:

Otis Lookham (1-0-0, 1 KO)

Nottingham

9st 9lb 5oz (135.03lb)

vs

Dylan Cheema (2-0-0)

Coventry

9st 10lb 5oz (136.03lb)

Quarter-Final 2:

Tion Gibbs (8-0-0)

Birmingham

9st 10lb (136lb)

vs.

Scott Melvin (4-0-0, 1 KO)

Chelmsley Wood, West Midlands

9st 10lb (136lb)

Quarter-Final 3:

Rylan Charlton (7-2-1, 3 KO’)

Norwich

9st 10lb (136lb)

vs

Joe Underwood Hughes (7-0-0, 1 KO)

Beeston, Nottinghamshire

9st 10lb 5oz (136.03lb)

Quarter-Final 4:

Shaun Cooper (12-3-0)

Willenhall, West Midlands

9st 10lb (136lb)

vs

Brooklyn Tilley (3-0)

Rainham, Essex

9st 9lb 5oz (135.03lb)

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The BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament takes place this Saturday, April 16 at Coventry Skydome and airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports from 8pm.

Fast, action-packed and unpredictable, BOXXER Series tournaments showcase the highly-popular Short-Form Boxing format: each match is just three rounds, ensuring fast-paced explosive encounters as boxers look for decisive wins to guarantee their passage to the next stage.

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14, 2022) – Super bantamweight prospect, Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (8-1, 6 KOs), is ready to make a statement against Fernando Garcia (13-4, 8 KOS), this Saturday, April 16th, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Barrientes vs. Garcia will, a 6-round bout, will be showcased on the Errol Spence Jr. vs Yordenis Ugas PPV showdown.

“It is great to be back on such a big stage to display my talents,” said Barrientes. “I want to make a statement in this bout as well as show people that I am one of the best young fighters in the game at my weight class. Garcia has never been stopped so I’m looking to make a statement with a knockout.”

Barrientes, a Las Vegas native, is now going to the next level of competition. He stopped his last opponent in three rounds, and is eager to have a similar performance on such a big night of boxing.

“I want people to remember my name and fighting on these massive cards I need to not just win, but also leave people wanting more,” said Barrientes. “I have goals of becoming a world champion and to do that I have to perform at a high level on the best cards in the world.”

Ontario, CA (April 14, 2022) – Featherweight world title contender, Ruben “Drac” Villa (18-1, 5 KOs) weighed in at 126.4 pounds while his opponent Horacio Garcia (35-5-1, 25 KOs) checked in at 126.7 pounds for their Friday night 10-round fight at The Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa of Salinas, California is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. will be competing in the main event of a card that will be streamed live on Banner Promotions Facebook page, Thompsonboxing.com, and Thompson Boxing social media as well as the Thompson Boxing app beginning at 8 PM PT /11 PM ET.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

RED CORNERBLUE CORNER
8 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTSMike Balogun                                                                              vs.                                  Sergio Ramirez MarinUpper Marlboro, MD                                                                                                                Tijuana, Mexico18-0, 14 KO’s                                                                                                                             20-7, 12 KO’s233 lbs.                                                                                                                                      212 lbs. 8 ROUNDS – SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTSJa’Rico O’Quinn                                                                              vs.                                  Jobert AlvarezDetroit, MI Renton, WA Renton, WA Renton, WA Renton, WA Renton, WA Renton, WA Renton, WA14-1-1, 8 KO’s                                                                                                                            20-2-2, 7 KO’s116.25 lbs.                                                                                                                                  120 lbs. 6 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTSMichael Pirotton-Bamogo                                                          vs.                                  Jonathan GruberLiege, Belgium                                                                                                                FaFall River, MA River, MA5-0, 2 KO’s                                                                                                                             3-0, 2 KO’s230 lbs.                                                                                                                                   227 lbs.                                                                                                                             8 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTSJoshafat Ortiz                                                                              vs.                                  Derrick MurrayReading, PA                                                                                                               Saint Saint Louis, MO9-0, 5 KO’s                                                                                                                             15-4-1, 5 KO’s130.5 lbs.                                                                                                                                131 lbs.
4 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTSSean Brewer                                                                              vs.                                  Dominique WilliamsHenderson, NV                                                                                                                Jacksonville, FL2-0, 1 KO                                                                                                                      1-4 1-4 1-4127 lbs.                                                                                                                             131.25 lbs.

Social MediaDiBella EntertainmentInstagram: @DiBellaEntTwitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEntFacebook: @DiBellaEntertainment UFC Fight PassInstagram: @UFCFightPassTwitter: @UFCFightPassFacebook: @UFCFightPass

(April 14, 2022) — Fight fans across the U.S. are counting down the days until WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury defends his crown against British countryman Dillian Whyte at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 23. The Top Rank Pay-Per-View event will begin at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

A UK-record crowd of 94,000 is expected for this heavyweight matchup of historic proportions. And, thanks to a partnership with Joe Hand Promotions, this fight card will now be shown in movie theaters across the U.S., including Cinemark, AMC, Regal, Marcus Theatres, Emagine Entertainment, and Harkins Theatres.

“Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight of his generation, and I expect another spectacular performance on April 23,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Dillian Whyte is a formidable challenger, and with 94,000 people in attendance, this is a unique event that will capture the attention of the entire sports world.”

“Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte is one of the biggest fights of the year and fight fans across the U.S are looking for a fun place to gather with friends and enjoy the event. Theaters from all across the country are offering the opportunity for these fans to watch this fight on a big screen, in comfortable seating, with a great selection of food and drinks” said Joe Hand, Jr., President, Joe Hand Promotions. “We’re proud to partner with Top Rank and help them grow their fan base and brand in theaters across the U.S.”

“As a content provider, it’s exciting to bring these types of top-quality live events into theaters as we continually seek to activate new content for theater owners and their customers.”

To locate a theater showing the event, fans can check the Joe Hand Promotions website: https://bit.ly/furywhyte.

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

About Joe Hand Promotions
Joe Hand Promotions is the leading provider of live content to bars, restaurants, theaters, and other public viewing venues. Joe Hand Promotions has been bringing fan communities together to watch sporting events since 1971. Over its history, Joe Hand Promotions has presented more than 25,000 events to commercial establishments, helping them boost their food and beverage sales, expand their customer base, and increase their late-night revenues.

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 14, 2022 – Unified WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA champion Yordenis Ugás faced off at a final press conference on Thursday, two days before they meet in a welterweight title unification clash live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT this Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

A confident Spence declared AT&T Stadium “my house” come Saturday and even predicted that if the fight is waged in close quarters, it likely won’t go the distance. Meanwhile, Ugás said he will lean on the resolve that has allowed him to overcome all manner of adversity in his life to power past Spence in the ring.    

Just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugás will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.

Spence will look to add a third welterweight championship belt to his resume when he returns to fight at AT&T Stadium in front of his hometown fans for the third time. Ugás enters this matchup off of a career-best victory last August, as he retained his WBA title by stepping in for an injured Spence to defeat boxing legend Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Prior to fight night, PBC fighters previewed Spence vs. Ugás in a video HERE, via the SHOWTIME Boxing Twitter. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Main Club North at AT&T Stadium:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It’s going to be action-packed on Saturday night. I’m looking to put on a great show and a great performance in front of my hometown fans. I know Ugás is coming to fight. I know his coach has a great game plan, but come Saturday night, I’m putting on a great show and another great performance. I’m looking forward to adding the WBA belt to my titles so I have three belts. That means there’s just one more to go.

“When people say I can’t do this or I can’t do that, I prove them wrong every time. I am the same guy I was before the accident and the injury. I feel like I’m better than that guy that fought Shawn Porter or Danny García.

“This fight might not go the distance. Ugás is a tough fighter. He’s a guy that embraces the fight and wanting to go toe-to-toe. If he has to, he’ll do anything to win. I’m that type of guy. I’m the type of guy that if I have to go toe-to-toe, I will. If I have to stay there and fight, I will. If we get in the clinch and start fighting, I don’t think it’s going 12 rounds.

“Everybody knows my motivation. I fight for my family, my friends, my city, the whole state of Texas. I want to be the three-belt unified champion of the world and I want to become the future undisputed welterweight champion of the world. The first ever to do it.

“This is my house. This is my hometown. I love the Dallas Cowboys to death. I love AT&T Stadium and I appreciate them giving me the hospitality and making this my home. Come Saturday night, I’m going to win another championship in the home of the Cowboys.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m so excited for this fight. I have nothing but respect for Spence. He’s a great fighter and this is not only going to be a clash between us, but also between two of the greatest trainers in the world, so you’re not going to want to miss that either.

“Spence promises a knockout. I promise a win. Don’t miss it!

“I have a wise trainer. Somebody that has seen more boxing than most. But we have different opinions and I think that Spence is going to be one hundred percent. I prepared for the best Spence possible. That’s been my mindset throughout.

“People know my story by now. I came back from being 15-3 back in 2016 and ever since then, I have established myself as part of the elite in this division. If he’s the big fish, I belong in that same tank because I’m willing to swim with the big fishes whenever, wherever. I have been willing to do whatever it takes to get to where I am right now.

“I promise you blood, sweat, and everything that I have to give for my country and for my fans. For everyone watching the pay-per-view, we’re going to put on a great show and you’re going to see the same Ugás that put his heart and soul into this sport that means so much to me.

“I’m a warrior. I’m a competitor. I’ve been facing adversity ever since I was six or seven years old. I’ve been fighting ever since I was a little kid. This is nothing new to me. It’s going to be a great night for me but no different than any other fight that I’ve had throughout my boxing career.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Ugás’ trainer is looking for the same things I’m looking for on film. Salas is smart. He’s supposed to look for patterns and see what kind of shots the opponents’ throw. That’s what trainers are supposed to do. I’ll watch some of his fights; I watch enough. Just to pick up on tendencies and shots he throws and how he throws his punches so I can mimic them. And I’ll let Errol know that this is coming, or that is coming.

“Ugás’ biggest threat coming into this fight is what you can’t see. It’s his heart and his fortitude. It’s his desire to want to be great.

“We can go up to whatever weight he wants to go. We spar heavyweights on a consistent basis. Errol’s very physical as a fighter and he can fight up to 160, and maybe even higher. I’m not saying that’s what we’re going to do. He’d probably be comfortable with that because we are comfortable with being in there with bigger guys all the time.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugás’ Trainer

“This camp has been outstanding. We have been able to prepare in the best way for what is going to be a huge fight, and the biggest fight in the 147-pound division right now. We feel that the preparation that we have had, with no real adversity whatsoever, has been really great.

“Ugás is one hundred percent ready for this fight. Mentally we are very strong and we are prepared for any style. Every fighter has a different style and styles make fights. We are comfortable fighting a southpaw. Ugás showed and proved that he can already beat a southpaw in Manny Pacquiao.

“Spence is a warrior. We have two front-footed guys, but the one difference is that Ugás is more of a counter-puncher. Spence is physically amazing, and he’s strong mentally. But he’s never shown that he can move like Ugás.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME SPORTS^®

“The welterweight division has long been one of boxing’s most glamorous, most interesting and most popular divisions. A place where fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather have ruled. This Saturday represents a significant step for figuring out who is the best 147-pound fighter in the sport today.

“Three world titles are at stake and a three-title unification fits perfectly into what SHOWTIME is doing in 2022. That’s putting the best against the best in the most competitive matchups. This past weekend, we had a thrilling Fight of the Year contender with Sebastián Fundora and Erickson Lubin that people are still talking about. That’s what happens when you put two elite fighters in the ring against each other. You get that kind of action and that kind of competition. That’s exactly what we’re going to see on Saturday night.

“One of the disadvantages of having such a great main event is sometimes people overlook the undercard. In the co-feature, we have a really exciting young fighter in Isaac Cruz coming off giving ‘Tank’ Davis the toughest fight of his career. He is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

“We’re here for Spence and Ugás. Two former Olympians. Two of the best in the division. Two outstanding family men. Two guys who are a credit to their sport. You’ve seen them on ALL ACCESS. We thank both of them and their camps for letting us in and allowing us to portray who they are outside the ring. We couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this event. Two fine young men. Two great sportsmen. Two elite boxers. One iconic venue with three world titles at stake. It’s an event not to be missed.”

#          #          #

ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS

Spence vs. Ugás will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugás square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with an intriguing matchup in the strawweight division, as No. 10 ranked contender Amanda Lemos attempts to spoil the return of former champion Jessica Andrade. In the heavyweight co-main event, Tanner Boser plots to stop the undefeated up and comer Alexandr Romanov.  

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: LEMOS vs ANDRADE will take place Saturday, April 23 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 3 p.m. PT/ 6 p.m. ET and the main card at 6 p.m. PT/ 9 p.m. ET.

Lemos (11-1-1, fighting out of Para, Brazil) looks to extend her five-fight win streak in her first UFC main event. During her climb up the rankings, Lemos proved she is among the best in the division with wins over Angela Hill, Montserrat Conejo, and Livinha Souza. She now targets to secure the biggest victory of her career by defeating former strawweight champion Andrade and breaking into the Top 5.

No. 1 ranked women’s flyweight Andrade (22-9, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) steps back into the strawweight division for the first time since 2020. The Muay Thai specialist, who has nine knockouts and seven submissions to her name, plans to recapture the momentum at 115 pounds that saw her secure memorable victories over Rose Namajunas, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Tecia Torres, as well as a world title. She now aims to finish Lemos and begin her rise back to the top of the division.   

Boser (20-8-1, fighting out of Bonnyville, Alberta) seeks to continue his ascent after an impressive knockout over veteran Ovince St. Preux in his last bout. The Karate expert, who has 10 wins by knockout and two by submission, now has his sights set on sending a message to the rest of the heavyweights and erasing Romanov’s undefeated record.

Romanov (15-0, fighting out of Comrat, Gagauzia, Moldova) intends to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity after finishing Jared Vanderaa in spectacular fashion. The wrestler, who has a remarkable 10 first-round finishes and a 93 percent finishing rate, now strives to keep his perfect record in an exciting matchup that will almost certainly end in a finish.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Veteran Clay Guida (37-21, fighting out of Johnsburg, Ill.) hopes to end Claudio Puelles’ (11-2, fighting out Lima, Peru) four-fight win streak in a lightweight matchup
• Featherweights Lando Vannata (12-5-2, fighting out Albuquerque, N.M.)and Charles Jourdain (12-4-1, fighting out of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada) face off in an all-action bout
• No. 14 ranked women’s flyweight Maycee Barber (9-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wis.) meets submission technician Montana De La Rosa (12-6-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
• No. 12 ranked flyweight contender Sumudaerji (15-4, fighting out of Sichuan, China) looks to continue his winning streak against No. 14 ranked Manel Kape (17-6, fighting out Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal)
• Welterweight action sees Louis Cosce (7-1, fighting out of Arcata, Calif.) face off with submission ace Preston Parsons (9-3, fighting out of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.)
• Jordan Wright (12-2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) battles Marc-Andre Barriualt (13-5, 1 NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada) in a 190-pound catchweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Dwight Grant (11-4, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y.) takes on Karate specialist Sergey Khandozhko (27-6-1, fighting out of Krasnodar, Krasnodar Krai, Russia) at welterweight
• Light heavyweights Tyson Pedro (7-3, fighting out of Sydney, Australia) and Ike Villanueva (18-13, fighting out of Lansing, Mich.) lock horns
• Flyweights Aoriqileng (20-11, fighting out of Inner Mongolia, China) and Cameron Else (10-5, fighting out of England, United Kingdom) face off as they both look to capture their first UFC win
• Marcin Prachnio (15-5, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) and Philipe Lins (14-5, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) battle at light heavyweight
• Dean Barry (4-1, fighting out of Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland.) and Michael Jackson (0-1, 1 NC fighting out of Houston, Texas) square off as they look to make a name for themselves at welterweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

###

About UFC^®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About 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 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

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

ATLANTA, GA (April 14, 2022)–New promoters Prestige Boxing Advisory Group in association with BFC The Last Round Promotions will present a packed night of professional boxing that will take place on Saturday night, June 11th at Center Stage in Atlanta.

In a Six-round bout, popular middleweight Casey” K Champ” Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Josh Franks (4-0, 3 KOs) of Waverly, Nebraska in a battle of undefeated super middleweights for the WBA Youth Title.

The six-round co-feature will pit Atlanta’s Quatavious Cash in a middleweight bout.

In a four-round junior middleweight fight, internet sensation Supreme Patty will make his boxing debut. Patty has 5.2 million Instagram followers

Also in a four-round bout will be popular rapper and actor Daniel “D Smoke” Farris will make his pro debut in a middleweight fight. The Inglewood, California boasts 1.9 million Instagram followers.

Also in a special attraction, super bantamweight and world renowned model and undefeated Avril Mathie of Miami via Australia will risk her record that reads 7-0-1 with three knockouts.

Also seeing action in six-round bouts will be featherweight Jose Nieves (2-0, 1 KO) of Woodbridge, New Jersey; junior welterweight Patrick Harris (19-0, 9 KOs) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Also super bantamweight Abel Aparicio (10-1, 4 KOs) of Atlanta will take on opponents to be named.

In four-round bouts, heavyweight Dante Williams (1-0, 1 KO) of Hawkinsville, Georgia;

Tickets are $100, $250 and $500 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.com

The show will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com

Coventry, England – (April 14, 2022) – “In terms of well-matched fights, this might be Saturday night’s best card,” this week’s edition of British pugilism bible Boxing News said of this weekend’s BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament.

The eight participants clearly agree, judging by the energy between them at today’s official draw to determine the quarter-final matches which will commence the one-night tournament live on Sky Sports this Saturday night.

On the line are significant purses and – perhaps equally as important – the chance to compete on the biggest television platform in British sports and put on performances which will open up new levels of future career opportunity.

From undefeated prospects fighting out of well-known stables through to dark horse newcomers with a reputation for one-punch stopping power, the balance between the BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament octuplet promises all-out action from start to finish.

Hosted by BOXXER executive Daniel Stewart, today’s draw produced some interesting quarter-final matches for this Saturday night, including an unexpected early showdown between stablemates Gibbs and Melvin and a must-win bout for Coventry’s own Cheema against heavy hitter Lookham.

Quarter-Final 1:

Otis Lookham (1-0) vs Dylan Cheema (2-0)

Quarter-Final 2:

Tion Gibbs (8-0) vs. Scott Melvin

Quarter-Final 3:

Rylan Charlton (7-2-1) vs Joe Underwood Hughes (7-0)

Quarter-Final 4:

Shaun Cooper (12-3) vs Brooklyn Tilley (3-0)

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The BOXXER Series Coventry: Lightweight Tournament takes place this Saturday, April 16 at Coventry Skydome and airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports from TIMEpm.

Fast, action-packed and unpredictable, BOXXER Series tournaments showcase the highly-popular Short-Form Boxing format: each match is just three rounds, ensuring fast-paced explosive encounters as boxers look for decisive wins to guarantee their passage to the next stage.

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 14, 2022) – Undefeated super featherweight,
Andres Cortes (16-0, 9 KOs), who recently signed a multiyear promotional with Top Rank Inc., will return to action on April 30th, against Alexis del Bosque (18-5-1, 9 KOs), at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cortes vs. Bosque will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

“I am fired up to be on such a massive card and my goal will be to continue this knockout streak I have going, “stated the 24-year-old Cortes. “I have made big statements in my last few fights, and I want to keep that momentum going. I’m grateful that I’m starting to get noticed and now I am all-in on performing to the highest level of my abilities. I am chasing greatness and I am looking to get into the world title picture by the end of the year.”

In August of last year, Cortes scored a devastating first-round knockout against former world title challenger Genesis Servania (34-3, 16 KOs). A crushing right hand-left hook combo sent Servania to the canvass. Cortes followed up that great performance by stopping durable Mark Bernaldez (23-5, 17 KOs), by way of a third round KO. Both fights were seen nationally on ESPN. The boxing world is excited about the potential emergence of a breakout superstar in Cortes.

“I feel as good as ever and I am approaching my prime,” continued Cortes, who will be fighting for the first time as an officially signed Top Rank fighter. “I can’t wait to mix it up with the best fighters in the world. I look at all the great fighters Top Rank has promoted and it’s an honor to be on their roster. I’m ready to fight on these great cards, now it is my time to shine. I’m always going to entertain the fans and show them just how hard I have been working.”

“This is a great chance to continue on the momentum created with the last two fights we had with Top Rank,” said Luis Cortes, brother, and trainer of Andres. “Little bro has worked so hard for his first fight since signing with Top Rank. Andres takes great pride being promoted with Top Rank and wants to let everyone know he is very close to fighting for a world title.”

Elsewhere on tomorrow’s card, Sam Gilley defends his English super-welterweight title against Drew Brown, Nina Hughes takes on Bec Connolly, plus Sultan Zaurbek, Carl Fail, Elliot Whale, Dean Richardson, Paul Ryan and Jimmy Croxson are all in action.

IFL TV UNDERCARD BEGINS 5:30PM

FIGHT #1
Super-Welterweight, 6 Rounds

PAUL RYAN (157.2lbs) vs. GABOR GORBICS (159.3lbs)

FIGHT #2
Super-Lightweight, 4 Rounds

JIMMY CROXSON vs. FONZ ALEXANDER (Weigh-In On Day)

FIGHT #3
Super-Welterweight, 6 Rounds

DEAN RICHARDSON (158lbs) vs. ANGEL EMILOV (159lbs)

TV FLOAT
Super-Welterweight, 6 Rounds

CARL FAIL (156.7lbs) vs. VICTOR GARCIA (156.7lbs)

IFL TV MAIN CARD BEGINS 7:00PM

FIGHT #4
Super-Featherweight, 10 Rounds

SULTAN ZAURBEK (131.9lbs) vs. NICOLAS NAHUEL BOTELLI (130.8lbs)

FIGHT #5
Super-Welterweight, 6 Rounds

ELLIOT WHALE (153.3lbs) vs. FERNANDO VALENCIA (156.6lbs)

FIGHT #6
Super-Bantamweight, 8 Rounds

NINA HUGHES (122.4lbs) vs. BEC CONNOLLY (121.9lbs)

FIGHT #7
Super-Lightweight, 8 Rounds

PIERCE O’LEARY (141.9lbs) vs. NATHAN AUGUSTINE (138.7lbs)

FIGHT #8
English Super-Welterweight Title, 10 Rounds

SAM GILLEY (153.8lbs) vs. DREW BROWN (154lbs)

FIGHT #9
British & Commonwealth Lightweight Titles, 12 Rounds

GAVIN GWYNNE (134.5lbs) vs. LUKE WILLIS (134.8lbs)

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‘Ruthless’ Ryan Kelly (16-3, 8 KOs) is promising a clinical performance as he looks to defuse ‘The Newquay Bomb’ Brad Pauls (15-0, 9 KOs) when they meet in an eliminator for the British Middleweight Title on Friday May 13 as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing at the Indigo at the O2, live on Channel 5.

Having moved up in weight and reconnected with coach John Costello, Kelly is preparing to launch his assault on a stacked domestic division. The 28-year-old says he has learnt from his setbacks and is confident of overcoming undefeated opponent Pauls and earning his shot at the British Title.

“I think a lot of people think I’m just a come forward fighter, which I’ve probably made the mistake of doing in the past, but I can box too,” said Kelly. “My nickname is ‘Ruthless’ and you’re always going to get a bit of ‘Ruthless’ but I’m also very clinical, and on fight night, that’s what you’re going to see, a clinical, ruthless performance.”

“I haven’t really looked into Pauls much because I believe on the night with the game plan set up by my trainer John, I’ll just need to box to instructions and I’m going to win. I really do believe it. I’m not taking it for granted. I know I’ve had a couple of losses, a couple of setbacks, and I’ve done a lot of things wrong in boxing, but now I’m in right place, and I’m going to come out with the win.

“I’m always in exciting fights and I think this is going to be a very live fight. On paper it’s a 50-50, some people might favour him because of his unbeaten record, but I believe I’m better, and it’s going to be my time.”

Kelly will be keeping a keen eye on the evening’s main event as Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley battle for the vacant British Middleweight Title, which the Birmingham boxer will be hoping to get his hands on should he beat Pauls. 

“Whoever wins just needs to keep the belt warm for me because I’m coming,” said Kelly. “I’m not in this game to make up numbers. I’ve got a couple of blips on my record but nothing I can’t come back from, and I’m coming back strong. ‘Ruthless’ Ryan Kelly against ‘The Newquay Bomb’ Brad Pauls, that’s a really cool fight, and one I’m looking forward to. Thanks to Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 for having me on board. It’s going to be a good night.”

Josh Kelly (10-1-1, 6 KOs), Harlem Eubank (13-0, 5 KOs) and the hotly anticipated British Middleweight Title clash between Linus Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) and Denzel Bentley (15-1-1, 13 KOs) will top a stacked card in the capital as Wasserman Boxing launch their first free-to-air event live on Channel 5 on Friday May 13 at the Indigo at the O2, in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets are on sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 13, 2022 – Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. said he was focused on scoring a knockout against Yordenis Ugas during a public media workout on Wednesday as Spence vs. Ugas fight week events officially kicked off with an outdoor session for fighters competing this Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The event is headlined by WBC and IBF World Champion Spence Jr. taking on WBA World Champion Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash.

“Besides the Kell Brook fight, this is definitely the meanest I’ve been going into a fight,” Spence said on Wednesday. “I’m just ready to go.”

Ugas, who worked out before Spence, said that his reach, height and his “will and my heart” are going to be the keys to pulling off an upset.

Also entering the ring for the media workout were fighters competing on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard featuring exciting lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the co-main event, rising unbeaten José Valenzuela taking on former champion Francisco Vargas in a lightweight bout and all-action welterweights Cody Crowley and Josesito López dueling in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Fighters entering the ring for SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® action prior to the pay-per-view also previewed their respective showdowns during an undercard press conference on Wednesday. Fights live on SHOWTIME and streaming on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and feature WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev facing unbeaten top contender Eimantas Stanionis in the main event, and unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Texas Live! in Arlington:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It means everything to get a response like this in Dallas. It’s getting me pumped up. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight. I’m ready to put on a great performance in front of my hometown crowd.

“It’s eat or get ate. That’s all it is on Saturday night. Eat or get ate.

“Of course I’m going to win. But I’m going for the knockout.

“There’s nothing to elaborate on when I said I’m going for the knockout. It’s what I said. So if I get it, I get it. If I don’t, I don’t. I know one hundred percent I’m getting the victory, but I definitely want to knock him out.

“It’s a blessing and a dream come true to get the support of your hometown. People are coming out here to support me with their hard-earned money during a difficult time. It’s a school night and people came out to support me and I really appreciate it.

“I’m one hundred percent ready. I’ve been training hard. I know the task at hand. Training camp has been going great. I know what I’m capable of. You can expect and you’re going to see fireworks. It’s going to be a great show and a great performance.

“This is going to be a great event. I’m excited to be fighting at home in front of family and longtime friends. I think people are going to come out and support and it’s going to be a great night of boxing.

“I’m going to fight Ugas like I’ve been fighting everybody else. He’s a very good fighter. He trains hard. He comes from a Cuban background and he’s very dedicated. But I feel like I’m one hundred percent dedicated and in prior fights, I haven’t been as focused as I am right now.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m excited and ready to fight in front of a great fan base on Saturday night here in Dallas. Spence is a respectful fighter and we have nothing against each other outside of the ring, I’m just ready for action.

“I’m a competitor, I’m a warrior and I came to fight 12 rounds strong. That’s the most important thing of all. That alone should make Spence uneasy.

“I know I’m the underdog. I came here to win. I will fight whenever, wherever, in anybody’s backyard.

“Spence can say whatever he wants. I’ll fight the way I always do, exchanging blows and coming forward.

“I’ve always been an underdog – six years ago and now, I’m used to it. Spence is the rightful favorite as a unified champion in his home city, but I came here to pull off the upset.

“I want all of Cuba to know that I fight for them with all my heart and soul, and I will do just that on Saturday night.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I’m super excited for this fight and I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve received here in Texas. I can’t wait to put on a show for everyone Saturday night.

“The biggest lesson I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight is that I need to prepare physically and mentally to not give one inch to any opponent ever again.

“I come to give everyone a good, clean fight. Whether this victory comes by knockout or by decision, it’s going to be fine by me.

“I feel right at home in front of these fans. That’s why I’m even more motivated to give everyone a great show. You’re not going to want to miss it.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA

“I’m really thankful to be in this position, especially in front of these people here today. I’m very excited to give everyone a great fight. I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of.

“No matter what has happened in the past, you have to have courage and the conviction that you can win. That’s what I’m going to have on Saturday night.

“Every fight is different. The key thing is that we’re getting ready to prove to everyone that I can come out on top Saturday night.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I’m extremely excited for this fight. This is a dream come true and I’m thankful every day for this opportunity to compete on this card.

“Vargas is a great fighter with a lot of really good experience. We just saw him give Isaac Cruz a hard fight last time out. So I’m training for him like he’s in his prime and I’m ready for whatever he brings.

“I think a win in this fight will put me on the radar and put me in line to face the top guys in the lightweight division. I’m going to put on a performance that puts everyone on notice.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“This is a great opportunity for me and it’s going to be great action with me and Valenzuela. I’m really looking forward to this fight on Saturday.

“Every fight provides valuable lessons. My last fight versus Isaac Cruz was against a young scrappy fighter with some tricks up his sleeve. I’ve learned from it and you will see that in this fight.

“He’s a good fighter who’s dedicated to the sport. But I believe that I have more skills and much more experience than Valenzuela.”

CODY CROWLEY

“Josesito has been in there with a lot of amazing fighters. He’s an amazing fighter himself. But when Cody Crowley comes to fight, that’s a dog in the ring. Saturday night you can expect us to go at each other from the first bell to the last bell. That’s what I bring every time.

“I’m a pay-per-view star in the making and everyone is going to find out what I’m about Saturday night. If you haven’t heard of Cody Crowley yet, make sure you tune in Saturday night.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m just prepared and can’t wait until Saturday night. My hunger to win is strong. I want to keep competing against the best fighters in the world and fight for world titles. I’ll be ready to face anybody they put in front of me.

“Any time you see one of my fights, especially when it’s here in Texas, they know that I come to fight. It’s going to be one of the best fights of the night for sure.

“I have a deep love for Texas and I can’t wait to show off in the ring on Saturday.”

RADZHAB BUTAEV

“My win against Jamal James was a good win and it’s given me more confidence moving forward. I’m just as hungry as Stanionis is and I know what to expect from him. I’m completely ready.

“This is the kind of fight I like to be in. I like to make it tough in there and bang with my opponent on the inside. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a big honor to be on this card. It’s easily one of the best cards of the year and it’s a great opportunity to show off my skills and my boxing.

“Once I stepped into the gym with my trainer Joel Diaz, he told me that I’m the best welterweight out there and that I’m going to become champion. Now we have the belt and I’m growing and getting better with every fight.

“The main event is a great fight. I’m looking forward to seeing who wins so that I can face them next.

“I don’t make predictions for my fights. I have a goal and that’s to stop my opponent. That’s what I’m working to do.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS

“I’ve dreamt all my life of this moment Saturday night. I was extremely happy when this fight officially came together.

“It would be amazing to be the first world champion from Lithuania. Everyone is expecting me to win and rooting for me to get it done. I want to make the dream a reality.

“For sure the fans are going to be in for an entertaining fight. This is going to be two trucks meeting in the middle of the ring and making a big explosion.

“We both have a dream to win the belt. We’re both training hard to reach our goal. This is going to be a banger. That’s what our styles always create.

“Spence has a lot to prove, he was out for a long time. He’s going to have to look good and it’s going to be a good fight against Ugas.

“I just want to hear the words ‘and the new’ on Saturday night, that’s it, it’s simple.”

BRANDUN LEE

“This means the world to me to be on a huge card like this. I’m going to show the world who I am on Saturday night.

“I’m looking at this as another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m just moving one step closer to the goal of a world title with a win on Saturday.

“I don’t let my knockout streak get to me. The main goal is to win. If the knockout comes, I’m ready. That’s the plan Saturday night.

“I just stay focused and stay in the gym. Fighters get a little bit of fame and forget how hard they had to work to get there. I’m not going to be slacking.

“I am just blessed with power. A lot of people think you can create speed, but you can’t. You’re either born with it or you’re not. That’s the key to my power.

“I turn 23-years-old next week and I believe it’s time for me to start fighting the top-10 guys. Some guys may see more risk than reward fighting me, but eventually, they’ll have no choice.

“I don’t make predictions but I’m going to have my hand-raised on April 16.”

ZACHARY OCHOA

“I said yes to this fight immediately. These are the types of fights that I want. SHOWTIME always has big fights and I want to be a part of them.

“I know the type of fighter I am. I’ve matured over the years, I’ve had a great training camp and I can’t wait to fight.

“Lee is a good fighter, but my experience in the ring is going to be the difference. I’ve fought in every kind of venue you can imagine. This is my second time fighting at AT&T Stadium. Experience goes a long way, but at the end of the day, it matters what you do under those bright lights.

“My trainer Stephen Edwards, he’s really brought me to school. He’s one of the best trainers in the world. I’ve learned more with him than I did my whole career. I’m very confident heading into Saturday.

“This is going to be a great fight and I’m winning at the end of the day. There’s a lot on the line and I’m going to be the winner Saturday. Winning this fight would change everything for me. I really can’t wait to get into the ring.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten José Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito López in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGheadlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

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

Hialeah, FL / April 12, 2022 – Professional boxing returns to this iconic South Florida landmark for the second time this year on Saturday May 7, 2022 at 7 PM when Hialeah Park Casino, in association with Warriors Boxing and Rivalta Boxing, presents “Una Gran Noche De Boxeo Cubano 2.”

The card will be highlighted by two title fights, one featuring the undefeated Cuban heavyweight prospect and Mike Tyson look-alike Lenier “El Justiciero” Peró (6-0, 3 KOs) against Hector Perez (7-4, 3 KOs) for the NABO Heavyweight championship and the other pitting cruiserweight Anthony “White Chocolate” Martinez (12-1, 11 KOs) against #15 IBF contender David Light (17-0, 11 KOs) of New Zealand for the WBO International Cruiserweight title.

“Peró was a very accomplished amateur who won gold medals for Cuba at the Pan American Games and fought at the 2016 Summer Olympics,” said promoter Henry Rivalta. “He’s a fantastic prospect, a very technical and graceful fighter. But he needs to be ready to fight! Perez is super tough and he’s on the comeback trail.”

As for the Martinez-Light matchup, “This fight will be a major class test for the local fighter Martinez,” explained Rivalta. “Light has held three different regional cruiserweight titles and he’s looking to break into the IBF Top 10.”

Before the main events on the May 7 card, Cuban super-lightweight Orestes Velazquez (3-0, 3 KOs), coming off a victory in “the fight of the night” on the January 28 card at Hialeah Park, faces former WBO champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-9, 16 KOs), Cuban welterweight Livan Navarro (11-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his only defeat to face tough Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz (37-29, 18 KOs), and Cuban super-bantamweight Ariel Perez de la Torre (7-0, 5 KOs) risks his undefeated status against Angel Pillado (13-3, 4 KOs).

Victor Abreu.jpg

But the fight that has most ringsiders anxious about is the professional debut of Cuban super-bantamweight Victor Abreu, who will fight early in the evening.

“This kid is really special,” said Rivalta. “He fought over 170 times as an amateur in Cuba, he’s incredibly well-built for a 122-pounder, and I’m predicting he will be a world champion before the end of 2023.”

Tickets for the fights will be on sale this Friday, April 15th through the Hialeah Park website at www.hialeahpark.com

LOS ANGELES (April 13, 2022) – Boxing’s most beloved heavyweight fighter, Gerry Cooney is set as the special VIP Guest at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on the April 21st fight card. The event features Golden Boy returning to its Coachella Valley home and is headlined by Palmdale’s Joel Diaz, Jr. (26-2, 22 KOs) and San Diego’s Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-3-3, 17 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight battle. The co-main event of the night Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (11-0-1, 10 KOs) from Glendora, CA, will face Jairo Lopez (27-14, 17 KOs) of Apodaca, Mexico in an 8-round lightweight bout. Also on the card, San Diego’s top prospect Jorge Chavez (1-0, 1 KOs) is scheduled for a 4-round super featherweight fight. Undefeated prospect Manuel Flores (11-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, CA, will take on the experienced Victor Ruiz (23-12, 16 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in an 8-round super bantamweight fight. Also, part of the DAZN broadcast, Los Cabos, Mexico’s Jan Salvatierra (7-1, 3 KOs) will participate in a 6-round flyweight event, and Hawaii’s Asa Stevens (2-0, 1 KOs) is scheduled for a 4-round bantamweight bout. All the fights will be streamed live, exclusively, on DAZN worldwide starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Best known for his epic battles against George Foreman and Larry Holmes, Gerry Cooney challenged for the WBC and Lineal Heavyweight World Championship titles in 1982 and the Lineal Heavyweight World Championship in 1987. The heavy-handed, Cooney compiled a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses, with 24 knockouts and not one of his fights ever went the distance. He is currently ranked number 53 on The Ring’s list of “100 Greatest Punchers of All Time” and according to George Foreman, Gerry Cooney was one of the three hardest punchers he had faced in his career. As the VIP guest, Cooney will be in attendance for the fights and will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center before the DAZN livestream begins. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

Tickets for Diaz Jr. vs. Gesta are on sale now and are priced at $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. Tickets are available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Diaz, Jr. vs. Gesta is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event was sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Thursday, April 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

Los Angeles, CA (April 13, 2022) Following up on their Just Released Massive Schedule of Extraordinary Events in 2022, Triller Fight Club has announced a Mega-Heavyweight Clash between Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion Andy ‘The Destroyer’ Ruiz Jr., (34-2, 22 KOs), of Imperial, CA and Top Rated and Undefeated Contender Tyrone ‘King of the Ring’ Spong, (14-0, 13 KOs) of Paramaribo, Suriname set for Saturday, July 16 and emanating from the historic Plaza de Toros in Mexico City, Mexico.

The ten-round main event will headline a tremendous boxing card broadcast on Pay-Per-View. The entire broadcast will be produced by Nigel Lythgoe, award-winning producer of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol” who has brought his captivating new look and feel of combat sports to Triller Fight Club events as the creative partner, visionary and executive producer. Information on advance tickets for the live event will be forthcoming.

“Triller Fight Club is dedicated to delivering a steady roster of content with something for everyone. This mega-event is set to give the most discerning boxing and MMA fans the most exciting fight of the year while surrounding it with a festival that is sure to deliver for all ages, combat sports fans or not,” said Lythgoe.

The 32-year-old Ruiz shocked the sports world, becoming the first Mexican heavyweight world champion on June 1, 2019, with a remarkable seventh-round knockout of undefeated, unified world champion Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden. Most recently, Ruiz was victorious in dominant fashion with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Chris Arreola on May 1, 2021, in Carson, CA.

The popular fan-favorite Ruiz is guided by perennial Trainer of the Year, Eddy Reynoso, who counts boxing’s #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and World Champion Oscar Valdez among his stable in San Diego, CA.

A world champion kickboxer with a wealth of international accolades, the heavy-handed Spong, currently training in South Florida, returns to the squared circle following a second-round knockout of Jeyson Minda in Merida, Mexico. Eleven of his thirteen knockouts have come within the first two rounds of his fourteen victories. He is the holder of the WBC Latino Heavyweight and WBO Latino Heavyweight Titles.

“Triller and Fight Club like to trailblaze. We have high expectations for this event. It matches the world’s best heavyweights in boxing and MMA in a battle to determine who is the best. Surrounding it with a Trillerfest where the best musicians, Verzuz, sports, and celebrity events will bookend this historic fight,” said David Tetreault, President of Triller Fight Club.

Opened in 1946, Plaza de Toros is the world’s largest bullring. In 2004, It played host to the third fight between Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and former world champion Frankie Randall.

A full schedule of events and additional fights for this evening of world-class boxing will be announced shortly.

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Launched less than two years ago, Triller Fight Club has already sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views in the past year, making it one of the top-selling combat sports/entertainment platforms. TrillerVerz’s widely acclaimed monthly series, including world-class professional boxing and musical Verzuz battles, has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 6,000,000 views. 

Triller entered into a definitive merger agreement with SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAC), in a transaction that would result in the combined company being named TrillerVerz Corp., and its common stock will be listed on Nasdaq, subject to completion of the conditions listed in the S4, which was filed by SeaChange (NASD: SEAC).

This Triller Fight Club PPV event will be carried in North America across all traditional PPV TV platforms, including cable, satellite & telco TV PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada. It will also be offered to commercial outlets via Joe Hand Promotions and globally via digital streaming to all major outlets.

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**HOW TO WATCH THE July 16 event via Worldwide Streaming **

Digitally broadcast via FITE

 and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller, and OTT apps, as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.com

Follow Triller Fight Club on social media: 

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub
Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub