BRITISH SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT title challenger Chris Bourke insists the force is with him as he prepares to take on Marc Leach at York Hall on March 11.

The pintsized Streatham puncher has bludgeoned six of his 10 opponents to date into an early finish and, in turn, picked up a reputation as a KO-artist of considerable repute.

Even the redoubtable English champion, Michael Ramabeletsa – a known slayer of prospects – was battered into a second round submission in December 2020, with Bourke picking up the WBC International title as his reward, following up from his Southern Area title success against the previously unbeaten Ramez Mahmood five months earlier.

Bourke believes, if he lands on the money, a similar fate awaits all his super bantamweight rivals.

“100 per cent,” said the 27-year-old from the Peacock Gym. “Anyone I hit clean is going. I genuinely believe I am the biggest puncher in the super bantamweight division. It is just about getting my timing right, my sharpness there and executing the game plan.

“I am just blessed with it. I don’t know, it might be technique or something, but I know when I land it has got power.

“When I was 15 I was knocking out grown men three or four weights above me as an amateur, so I feel like I’ve always had it.”

Bourke’s spitefulness in the ring can perhaps be traced back to his childhood when, he recalls, his mother had to enlist outside help to calm his toddler tantrums.

These days, he is as cool, calm and collected as they come and we are highly unlikely to witness any pre-fight histrionics from either man leading up to March 11.

However, once he is in the ring, Bourke suspects a few character traits from the past return to the fore.

“When I was really young I had real anger issues and had to go and see someone, so they were proper issues,” he revealed. “Maybe I am just too mellow now!

“At school I was never really naughty, but I got into mischief and had the odd fight every now and again. I just had lots of energy.

“When I get in the ring he comes out again.”

Also on the show, Hackney Super-Featherweight Frank ‘The Tank’ Arnold (8-0-1, 2 KOs) will make the leap to ten rounds in a non-title contest.

British boxing’s latest Light-Heavyweight hopeful Karol Itauma (5-0, 3 KOs), an eight-time National amateur champion boxes a six rounder.

In four round action is Conor McGregor’s Super-Lightweight training partner Willo Hayden (2-0), Reading Super-Welterweight Joshua Frankham (4-0,1 KO), Portsmouth Super-Featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0), Welling Super-Welterweight Jake Henty (1-0), and exciting teenage Cruiserweight Aloys Youmbi (0-1).

The quality card also features the debut of another top London Cruiserweight prospect, Arnold Obodai, a former Repton ABC boxer who won two National championships.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, March 11 are selling fast, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01992 505 550 (office hours).

Ticket prices:
£55 (Floor/Balcony unreserved)
£65 (Floor/Balcony reserved) – SOLD OUT
£105 (Ringside) – SOLD OUT

Orlando, Florida (February 14, 2022)–Three undefeated fighters from Orlando, Florida, Sean Mason, Derrick Jackson and Fabian Lopez Nieves will compete in separate bouts as part of the non-televised undercard before a ShoBox: The New Generation card this Friday night at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.

Tickets are $40, $75, $100 and $1500 for VIP Tables, and can be purchased by clicking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professional-boxing-shobox-the-new-generation-tickets-247584781747

Mason, 21 years-old, is coming off a first-round stoppage over Ubaldo Lara on October 16, 2021 in Hallandale, Florida.

Hubbert, 33, is a 10-year professional with wins over Winston Anderson (4-0) and RJ Laase (12-1). Hubbert has faced 10 undefeated fighters and is coming off a loss to Bill Hutchinson on January 29th in Pittsburgh.

Jackson, 19, already has wins over three undefeated fighters in Antonius Grable (1-0) and Jose Rafael Salazar (1-0). In his last outing, he stopped Mike Plazoa in the opening round on January 7th in Orlando.

All four of Hatley’s wins have been against undefeated foes – Marcus Garza (5-0), Randall Feliciano Fernandez (2-0), Tracey McGruder (5-0) and Kerry James Jr. (4-0). In his last bout, he lost a split-decision to Vlad Panin (11-1) on December 19th in Atlanta.

Also seeing action in six-round bouts:

Fabian Lopez Nieves (3-0, 3 KOs) of Orlando via Caguas, Puerto Rico will face Cesar Soriano Berumwn (26-41-3, 16 KOs) of Iztaclco, Mexico in a middleweight fight.

Norman Neeley (10-0, 8 KOs) of Paterson, NJ will take on Rodney Moore (20-20-2, 9 KOs) in a heavyweight bout.

Elijah Pierce (11-2, 10 KOs) of Midwest City, Oklahoma battles Aldimar Silva (22-18, 14 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Brazil in a featherweight contest.

In a four-round bout, Jeremy Adorno (5-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA fights Trayvion Butts (4-2, 3 KOs) of Dry Branch, Georgia in a featherweight bout.

The main event will see undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs), who shared the ring with Jaron Ennis and Teofimo Lopez during a decorated amateur career, make his ShoBox debut against Nahir Albright (14-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round bout that could have long-term consequences for boxing’s hottest division. Albright is an aspiring R&B singer who belted out a tune during a post-fight interview following his last win. The co-feature matches ShoBox returnee Joe George (11-0, 7 KOs) facing Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout of unbeatens. The telecast opens with Philadelphia’s undefeated welterweight prospect Paul Kroll (9-0, 6 KOs) squaring off against perennial spoiler Marquis Taylor (12-1-1, 1 KOs) in an eight-round battle between ShoBox newcomers.

DEDHAM, Mass. February (12, 2022) – Last night was “Tank Time” again!

Weymouth (MA) super welterweight Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (10-0, 10 KOs) went 10-for-10, blasting out Vincent Floyd (4-12-2, 2 KOs) midway through the opening round, headlining St. Valentines’ Day Massacre,” presented by Vertex Promotions, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The 21-year-old Hogan was the headliner for the first time, as well as in his first schedule 8-round bout, brought the fight to his over-matched opponent right after the opening bell sounded and he never let up. Hogan, a southpaw, stunned Floyd, who’s legs buckled and left him on the ropes and vulnerable to sharp-shooting Hogan. Hogan unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches until the referee halted the action midway through round one as his many fans erupted in joy.

The wildly popular Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, in addition to capturing a gold medal at the 2019 New England Golden Gloves.

In the co-featured event, Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan Depina (7-1, 4 KOs) rolled to a 6-round unanimous decision victory over his Argentinian opponent, Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-13).

Mansfield (MA) boxer James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (9-0, 7 KOs) looked sharp, punching his way to a second-round win over Zack Kuhn (10-11-1, 5 KOs), who hit the canvas several times, by way of technical knockout in their Special Welterweight Attraction.

R – Perella-Kuhn.jpg
James Perella (L) stopped Zack Kuhn

Fighting for the first time in 2 ½ years, South Boston’s Joe Farina (8-1, 4 KOs) amazingly showed no rust, taking a one-sided 6-round unanimous decision from Las Vegas middleweight Rynell Griffin (8-50-2, 2 KOs).

New York City super lightweight Jaica Pavilus (2-4-1, 1 KO) registered the lone upset of the evening, winning a 6-round majority decision versus previously unbeaten Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-1-1, 3 KOs) in the first pro fight between females in Dedham.

Dorchester featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), a local favorite and union sheet metal worker in local 17, controlled the action from start to finish in his fist 6-rounder, effectively using his boxing skills en route to a 6-round unanimous decision over Mike Fowler (7-43, 2 KOs).

In his first 6-round bout, Irish prospect Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (3-0, 2 KOs) went the distance for the first time as a professional, dominating dangerous Larry “Hitman” Pryor (15-24, 9 KOs), the New Hampshire Cruiserweight Champion, winning all six rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for a shutout performance. The fight was contested at a187-pound catchweight. O’Toole, fighting out of Galway, was the 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist.

R – OToole-Pryor.jpg
Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (R) had Irish eyes smilin’ again

The Davidson brothers Kansas City, Kansas, fought on the same pro card for the first time and both were victorious. Marcus was fighting in his first scheduled 6-rounder, but he ended the show late in round one, after dropping welterweight Rakim Johnson (6-16-1, 5 KOs) twice. His older brother, super lightweight Marcell (1-0), turned in a promising pro debut, easily winning a 4-round unanimous decision against Cesar “Cobra” Espinal Maldanado (0-2). Marcell is a 2-time Ringside World and 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion.

Southbridge (MA) featherweight Alex Rivera (3-0, 2 KOs) decked Brandon “Bulldog” Grimmett (0-6) twice, the second stopping him late in the opening round.

Vertex Promotions’ next event is scheduled for May 14 at Moseley’s On The Charles.

Complete Results Below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Francis Hogan (10-0, 10 KOs), Weymouth, MA

WTKO1 (1:37)

Vincent Floyd (4-12-2, 2 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jonathan Depina (7-1, 4 KOs), Dorchester, MA

WDEC6 (61-54, 61-54, 59-58)

Jonathan Hernan Godoy (5-13, 0 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Argentina

187-POUND CATCHWEIGHT

Tommy O’Toole (3-0, 2 KOs), Galway, Ireland

WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)

Larry “Hitman” Pryor (15-25, 9 KOs), Frederick, MD

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Joe Farina (8-1, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA

WDEC6 (60-53, 60-53, 58-56)

Rynell Griffen (8-50-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

WELTERWEIGHTS

James Perella (9-0, 7 KOs), Mansfield, MA

WTKO2 (:50)

Zack Kuhn (10-11-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV

Marcus Davidson (3-0, 3 KOs), Kansas City, KS

WTKO1 (2:11)

Rakim Johnson (6-16-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Marcell Davidson (1-0, 0 KOs), Kansas City (KS)

WDEVC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Cesar Espinal Maldanado (0-2), Arecibo, Puerto Rico

FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jaica Pivilus (2-4-1, 2 KOs), New York, NY

WDEC6 (60-54, 58-56, 57-57)

Miranda Reyes (5-1-1, 3 KOs), Houston, TX

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Alex Rivera (3-0, 2 KO), Southbridge, MA

WTKO1 (2:42)

Brandon Grimmett (0-6), Thomasville, NC

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Troy Anderson, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), Dorchester, MA

WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)

Mike Fowler (7-43, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI

DEDHAM, Mass. (February 11, 2022) – The official weigh in for tomorrow night’s “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” presented by Vertex Promotions, was held this afternoon at the same venue the professional boxing event will be held, Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Limited tickets will be on sale while they last on fight night for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room).

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Fighters’ weights below:

MAIN EVENT – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Francis Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs), Weymouth, MA 156.5 lbs.

Vincent Floyd (4-11-2, 2 KOs), Philadelphia, PA 157.1 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs), Dorchester, MA 136 lbs.

Jonathan Hernan Godoy (5-12, 0 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Argentina 137.5 lbs.

SPECIAL WELTERWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)

James Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), Mansfield, MA 147 lbs.

Zack Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV 145.5 lbs.

187-POUND CATCHWEIGHT (6)

(R) Tommy O’Toole (2-0, 2 KOs), Galway, Ireland 186 lbs.

(L) Larry Pryor (15-24, 9 KOs), Frederick, MD 186 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA 153.5 lbs.

Rynell Griffen (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 160 lbs.

FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Miranda Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Houston, TX 140.5 lbs.

Jaica Pivilus (1-4-1 (1 KO), New York, NY 137.5 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs), Kansas City, KS 145 lbs.

Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN 146 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)

Troy Anderson, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), Dorchester, MA 129 lbs.

Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI 130.5 lbs.

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Marcell Davidson (pro debut), Kansas City (KS) 139 lbs.

Cesar “Cobra” Espinal Maldanado (0-1), Arecibo, Puerto Rico 145 lbs.

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA 128 lbs.

Brandon Grimmett (0-5), Thomasville, NC 134 lbs.

(card subject to change)

Bethlehem, PA (February 11, 2022)–Super Middleweight’s Devar Ferhadi and Khainell Wheeler will appear in the eight-round headline bout of a King’s Promotions card at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Events Center on Friday night, March 11th.

The eight-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Ferhadi, 27 years-old of Frederick, Maryland via Iraq is 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 10 year veteran has a win over undefeated Vincent Baccus (4-0-1). In his last bout, Ferhadi took an eight-round unanimous decision over Blake Mansfield on June 5, 2021 in Philadelphia.

Wheeler, 28 years-old of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has a record of 6-1 with five knockouts. The three-year pro is coming off his career best win as he took a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Frederick Julan (12-0) on December 2, 2021 in New York City.

In the eight-round co-feature, Kenny Robles battles Naim Nelson in a junior welterweight contest.

Robles, 30 years-old of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The five-year pro has a win over previously undefeated Shawn West (3-0), and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Isaac Luna on March 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Nelson, 31 years-old, of Philadelphia is 14-5 with one knockout. The 11 year-professional has wins over Korey Sloane (1-0), Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1) and Jerome Rodriguez (6-0-3). Nelson is coming off a 4th round stoppage defeated to undefeated Jesus Ramos on December 26, 2020 in Los Angeles.

In a six-round bout, undefeated James Bernadin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Lancaster, PA takes on tough Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ

The 29 year-old Bernadin has been on a roll as in his last two fights, he has wins over Osvaldo Morales (4-0) and a first-round stoppage of Edgar Torres (8-2-1).

Asmat, 27 years-old, has a win over Ernesto Ornelas (1-0). He is on a three-fight win streak, with his latest win being a third-round stoppage over Weusi Johnson on June 22, 2019 in Philadelphia,

In six-round bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jose Flores Chavez (9-13, 5 KOs) of Baja, Mexico in a bantamweight contest.

Julian Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight fight.

Quadir Albright (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Antonio Wattell (3-8-3, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas in a junior welterweight affair.

In four-round bouts:

LeAnna Cruz (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA will square off with Anyela Lopez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a bantamweight bout.

Thanjae Teasley of Bethlehem, PA and Ajoola Oladeinde of La Plata, MD in a welterweight fight of pro debuter’s.

Tickets for this great evening are priced at $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

17:15 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

6 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
SHILOH DEFREITAS 143.6lbs v ALEXEY TUKHTAROV 143.4lbs
(London, England)                    (Kamensk-Uralsky, Russia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
CYRUS PATTINSON 150.2lbs v EVGENII VAZEM 150.9lbs
(Ashtington, England)                (Stary Oskol, Russian)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
HOPEY PRICE 125lbs v RICADO ROMAN 124.6lbs
(Leeds, England)             (Durango, Mexico)

followed by

19:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN

8 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
AUSTIN WILLIAMS 161.4lbs v JAVIER FRANCISCO MACIEL 166.3lbs
(Texas, USA)                              (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Bantamwieght Title 
ELLIE SCOTNEY 121.2lbs v JORGELINA GUANINI 119.6lbs
(Catford, England)                 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBC International Middleweight Title
FELIX CASH 159.6lbs v MAGOMED MADIEV 159.1lbs   
(Wokingham, England)  (Makhachkala, Russia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 237lbs v GABRIEL ENGUEMA 231.7lbs     
(Romford, England)             (Madrid, Spain)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Super-Middleweight World Title Eliminator
DANIEL JACOBS 166.9lbs v JOHN RYDER 167lbs       
(Brooklyn, USA)                     (Islington, England)

EUROPEAN WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION David Avanesyan returns to the ring on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley with a defence of his title on a night of multiple championship clashes at the historic London venue.

Avanesyan, who is bidding to return to world title contention in 2022, takes on the unbeaten Finn Oskari Metz, 15-0, in what will be a fifth defence of his EBU belt, with him also having recently joined forces with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

For the 33-year-old Russian, who is trained out of Newark by Carl Greaves, it is a return to a happy hunting ground as the formerly known Wembley Arena hosted his stoppage triumphs over both Josh Kelly and Liam Taylor.

“I am very happy to be fighting in front of my British fans at my favourite venue in Wembley where I had great nights in the past year,” said Avenesyan, 28-3-1. “I promise I am back with real determination to put a big show on before a big fight.

“I am fit, I am ready and Metz is a good fighter and unbeaten, but I will win and win in style. I look forward to my debut under Frank Warren who I am grateful for getting me out on this show and look forward to performing for BT Sport and their fans.

“Enjoy the show I am back!”

An array of the country’s finest young prospects/contenders feature on the card, headed by Hamzah Sheeraz (14-0, 10 KOs), the WBO European super welterweight champion, who will take on Jez Smith (13-4-1, 6 KOs) for the WBC International Silver middleweight title in a fight that is sure to bring fireworks and a tough welcome to a new division.

Thrilling bantamweight star Dennis McCann is entering into title business for the first time. ‘The Menace’ (11-0, 6 KOs) will fight for the WBO Youth world title over eight rounds against Charles Tondo (12-4-2, 5 KOs), a southpaw from Tanzania.

The two leading young lightweights in Britain are also in action at Wembley, with Mark Chamberlain (9-0, 6 KOs) taking on a 10-rounder for the first time and Sam Noakes (8-0, 8 KOs) making a first defence of his WBC International Silver title against the Italian Vincenzo Finiello (15-4-2, 1 KO).

Further title action comes with relentless featherweight star Louie Lynn (10-0, 7 KOs) defending his WBC International Silver belt for a second time against James Beech jr (14-2, 2 KOs) from Bloxwich.

Completing the card, gifted super lightweight prospect Henry Turner (6-0) will have a fourth six-rounder, explosive super feather Masood Abdullah (3-0, 3 KOs) goes in with Engel Gomez (8-4, 4 KOs) over six rounds and super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (2-0) fights Birmingham’s Sean Davis (14-18), also in a six-rounder.

In four-round action, Khalid Ali (1-0, 1 KO) will look to double his win tally against Kris Pilkington (2-10-1).

Finally, Frank Warren gets to unleash his latest young star onto the professional ranks, with two-time European championship gold medallist Royston Barney-Smith making his pro debut, having turned 18 in January.

Barney-Smith enjoyed a glittering stint in the amateur code of the sport, with 50 fights under his belt bringing about 45 wins. The product of Pinewood Starr has represented England at four international championships and worn the colours of his country on 37 occasions, winning 36.

Promoter Warren said of his Wembley show: “I am thrilled to get our partnership underway with David Avenesyan and his manager Neil Marsh with another defence of his European title ahead of the bigger challenges on the horizon. I think everybody knows who the best welterweight knocking about these parts is, but there is no clamour to fight him, so we will look for a swift ascent back to world title contention for him as soon as possible.

“This show features a number of the best and most exciting young fighters currently coming through the ranks in this country and I am looking forward to seeing them all take a next step at the beginning of a big year for them.

“I am also personally very excited to launch the professional career of Royston Barney-Smith and I urge you all to get behind this young man from the off because he is a special talent, who is destined for big things in the years ahead.”

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena go on general sale at 11am on Wednesday 16th February at AXS.com. 

Brentwood, Essex – 11 February 2022 –  Kevin Mitchell from Dagenham left 29 of his 39 pro victims counting birdies en route to British and Commonwealth super-feather titles. And the explosive hooking two-time world title challengerhopes that Alfie Winter will be a chiller among the paid brigade.

Winter enters the the pro-ranks tomorrow night (Saturday 12th February) at the Brentwood Centre in Essex when he takes on experienced veteran Kevin McCauley over four rounds, streamed live on iFL.

‘I’m putting bad intentions into my punches. Kev’s got me to settle down, go through the gears and put spite into my shots as opposed to just flicking to score a point. Kev’s been there and done it. He talks from first-hand experience at the very highest level rather than from watching the tele.” Said the 24 year old who works with Mitchell at the Matchroom Gym in Romford.

‘I’ve also picked up spitefulness from sparring Conor Benn a good few times plus slickness and technical smarts from working with Joe Cordina. I’m developing into the full package.

‘Growing up, I was obsessed with Floyd Mayweather. He did everything needed to win. The win was everything. I hope to showcase the real art of boxing. My best attribute is my brain. Too many fighters don’t think too much then end up ugly.  I box slick, make ‘em miss, make ‘em pay.’

While the majority of the domestic boxing elite hail from Britain’s inner cities, the Winter’s tale began in the leafy glades of Surrey. Born in Kingston, he now resides with his father in Moseley.

‘I was brought up in a quiet neighbourhood, full of old people,’ disclosed affable Alfie, the youngest of three.

‘As a kid, I lacked confidence and kept myself to myself but I always liked fighting. I think boys are naturally drawn to it.  But when Dad watched boxing on the tele, I thought it was a bit boring. They always seemed to be holding, rather than punching. 

‘By 16, I realised I wasn’t going to get much further with my football so I went to the Battlebridge boxing gym. From football, I thought I was really fit until I began the boxing!

Fast of fist and foot, Alfie swiftly evolved into one of the brightest amateur talents in the region.

‘I won 30 of my 40 bouts,’ says Winter who also represented the Earlsfield and Guildford City clubs.  ‘Highlights included winning the Haringey Cup for under 20 bouts and losing a split decision in the National Novices final. I won a Southern Counties Challenge Belt which I successfully defended three times. I also represented the Southern Counties against Ireland and the Army.’

In 2018, he advanced to the London Elite ABA light-welter final but, conceding huge experience and natural size to Elliot Whale, a 6ft 1in southpaw from Sidcup, Winter was comprehensively outpointed.

‘I didn’t have the best of luck in the ABAs,’ he recalls.

‘The following year I broke my nose in the first round of a Southern Counties bout and Covid disrupted my plans the next two years. But boxing professional was always my goal. The amateurs just paved the way.’

Handsome and wholesome, the Richard Maynard managed talent embarks on his latest journey with steely single-mindedness.

‘Away from boxing, I have my little girl (two year old Myla) every weekend and take her to feed the ducks, stuff like that. I’ve got a gym at my house with a ring which she loves running around,’ says fresh-faced, softly spoken Winter, a closet Gooner.

‘My progression will be decided by Kevin and Richard but, initially, I’d like at least five fights a year. Long term, I aim to get to the top of the sport, world champion. Boxing’s not an easy sport and there’s no point doing it if you don’t aim to be the very best.’ 

‘I should shift a good few tickets and I intend to show fans what I’ve been working on with Kev, how I’ve changed,’ he concludes.

‘I’m definitely developing that explosiveness. Hopefully, I can put my opponent away and make a big statement.’ 

Follow Alfie Winter on Instagram: alfiewinter_

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 11, 2022) – Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camaron” Zepeda (24-0, 22 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, returns to the ring on February 19 against Luis “Bofo” Viedas (29-11-1, 10 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. The 10-round lightweight fight will serve as the co-main event for Munguia vs. Ballard and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN from the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana.

Also on the fight card and part of the DAZN broadcast, undefeated Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (17-0, 14 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, is set to face Alie “Demolition Man” Laurel (18-6-1, 11 KOs) of Manila, Philippines in a 10-round featherweight event. Opening the DAZN broadcasts, Diego “Azabache” Torres Nunez (13-0, 13 KOs) from Zapopan, Mexico, will be looking to continue his undefeated and perfect KO record when he faces fellow countryman Jonathan “Perita” Escobedo Martinez (8-2-1, 2 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight fight.

“I feel very excited to fight on DAZN in Tijuana, the cradle of boxing! Fighting in front of the Mexican boxing fans that created big legends like Julio Cesar Chavez and Erik’ El Terrible’ Morales will elevate my profile in front of the boxing community,” said William Zepeda. “Very soon, everyone will know my name, ‘Camaron’ Zepeda. I am also proud to represent Golden Boy, my team, and my family. I have come a long way and will show off all the hard work to give all the boxing fans a great show on February 19.”

“I am putting everything on the line for this opportunity,” said Luis Viedas. “I have been training hard, and although Zepeda is a tough fighter, I am fully confident in my ability to be victorious on February 19.”

“William Zepeda is a very exciting fighter to watch; he comes forward, he has power, speed, he is the whole package,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Every time I see him, he gets better and better, and I know he will deliver a great night of boxing in Tijuana, Mexico on February 19.”

One of the most exciting lightweight fighters to come out of Mexico, William “Camaron” Zepeda, is an undefeated fighter known for his devastating punching power. With a 91% KO ratio, Zepeda has only gone the distance twice in his career, first in 2016 and the second in 2017. Since then, the fighter has defeated every fighter via knockout, including tough contenders Roberto “Rifle” Ramirez and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara. Zepeda was last seen in the ring in November 2021, defeating John Vicente Moralde via knockout in the fourth round.

Luis “Bofo” Viedas of Tijuana, Mexico, has been a local staple on the Tijuana boxing scene since his professional debut in 2006. After a slow 2020 due to the pandemic, Vedas stayed active in 2021 when he was able to fight four times, winning bouts against Jose Luis Araiza, Luis Gerard Perez Salas, and Francisco Coronado. Now, Viedas is looking for an opportunity to prove he is still in his prime when he faces William Zepeda on February 19.

Also, on the fight card and part of the non-broadcasted fight card Jorge “Chino” Garcia (22-3, 18 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico, will participate in a 10-round super welterweight fight against Jesus “Dengue” Nunez Rodriguez (19-8-2, 13 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Argi Cortes (21-2-2, 10 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico is set to face Rogelio Romero (14-5, 7 KOs) of Tlaxcala, Mexico in a 10-round super flyweight fight.

Monterrey’s Arely “Ametralladora” Mucino (30-3-2, 10 KOs) is scheduled to take on Marisol Sanchez (12-9, 5 KOs) of Chiapas, Mexico, in an 8-round flyweight fight.

Opening up the fight card at the Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana, the undefeated Evan Sanchez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, California, will face Abraham “Pitbull” Juarez (19-8, 8 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 6-round super welterweight event.

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 at Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard are on sale now and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

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 #MunguiaBallard.

Professional fighter, Jordon Murphy, born in Bensalem, PA, and currently fighting out of Deerfield Beach, FL, will put his 1-0 record on the line when he faces Nasir Mickens (2-0, 1 KO), of Philadelphia, PA, in a four-round, lightweight bout at Live! Casino in South Philadelphia on Thursday, February 24. The fight is one of eight fights featured that evening.

Tickets at $50, $75 and $125 are on sale now at https://philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com/events-and-shows/joe-hand-boxing and at AXS.com or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Here is a question and answer with Murphy for consideration as a preview to the fight and a profile of a fighter.

What got you into boxing?
“Being born in Philadelphia you know Rocky is a huge part of that city, so I grew up a lot watching Rocky with my brother. Then I moved to Florida at a young age, and my brother was so influenced by Rocky, he begged my dad to sign him up for boxing, and we all were playing baseball. It just so happened that my old boxing coach, Butch Santy, came around somehow and started talking to my dad. They started to talk about boxing and then he (Butch) was like I’m opening a boxing gym in a few months and that is how it started, following in my brother’s footsteps.”

What do you enjoy the most about boxing/fighting?
“Basically everything about it. There is not one specific thing I can say. I love the training. Most people don’t like running. I enjoy running; I enjoy the workouts we do; I love sparring; I love being in the ring. What I like the most is seeing myself improve every time I step into the ring and learn new things.

Is there current or former fighters that you took pieces of their style from and implemented into your game?
“I would definitely say Sugar Ray Leonard was a big part of that. I watched Sugar Ray as a kid and then Floyd Mayweather came around. Floyd Mayweather was a huge star, and then Manny Pacquiao and Canelo Alvarez. I like watching those type of guys. They all have a unique style that you don’t usually see in boxers.”

Did you always want to be a boxer?
“So like I said, at first it was baseball. That was really the first sport I started playing, and I was really good at it. I always thought I was going to be a professional baseball player, but the first time I stepped into a gym was on my birthday, and that was the only thing I asked my dad for. I said I do not want anything for my birthday; I just want you to put me in boxing. Since the first day, I fell in love with it. My mom was pregnant with my little brother, and every day she would drive us to the gym, and it was something I really admired.”

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned in boxing?
“Definitely you learn a lot of discipline being in boxing. You know how to control your anger a little more. Nobody is perfect. Everyone gets mad, but me personally, I do not like getting mad. Boxing has helped with that over the years. I feel like my temper has gotten a lot better than when I was a kid, and also my discipline and wisdom, as well as how to speak to people when you’re interacting with people nonstop throughout your career. As a kid, I won 4 national titles, 7 regional titles and 12 state titles, so the attention was always on me, and I always had to interact with older people coming up to me. So, it definitely taught me a lot over the years.”

After your last fight, what is something that you have been working on that you want to showcase in the ring?
“It literally is those two things that you said were exactly what I needed to work on. I have watched my pro debut every day, and you start taking little pieces off. I did see I was fighting off of my front foot a lot. Obviously, it’s not good. You have to be sitting on your back foot to generate more power. So, something I have been working on a lot is sitting down more on my back foot and picking up my left hand. Watching Floyd Mayweather throughout my whole life, you probably know from seeing a lot of younger boxers, a lot of kids do the Philly shell now and try to mimic the Floyd Mayweather stance. But in professional boxing, that does not work.”

What do you find the most rewarding or gratifying in boxing?
“I think the most special part about boxing is definitely winning. That is a huge aspect. You never want to lose; you never want an L on your record even though you can’t be scared to have that on your record. A lot of champions who are still Hall of Famers have multiple L’s on their record. So it’s not something you should be scared of. It’s just something nobody wants. Definitely something special is having those people around you supporting you as well. They walk you step by step. Having my coach teach me new things and learning new things throughout the years, those things are special to me, knowing that I can get better and do better every time I’m in the gym.”

Who are your biggest supporters outside the ring?
“For sure, my girlfriend. I met my girlfriend a few years back. She’s my ride-or-die for sure. She has always had my back. She makes sure I’m eating well, going to the gym and doing the things I need to do. She helps me edit pictures; she does a lot too. She is definitely my number 1. My dad is also like my best friend. He is the one that put me into this sport, and he has been nothing but supportive of me and moving forward in the future. My whole family, I have a big family, I have my mom, my 2 older brothers, my younger brother, my younger sister, my uncle, who is also my manger. So, I have a pretty big team around me. Those people definitely hold a big spot in my heart. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do this. The support they give is something special for sure.”

For press credentials contact Bam McCloskey at Brittany@JoeHandPromotions.com.

About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has transformed the South Philadelphia Stadium District into a nationally unrivaled one-stop destination to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, well-appointed hotel accommodations and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms that are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, over 2,100 slots and electronic table games, and 150 live action table games, including a dedicated poker room. New dining and entertainment options include the Zagat-rated #1 steakhouse The Prime Rib®; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and Guy’s Burger Joint; Philadelphia-favorites Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, Termini Bros. Bakery and Sang Kee Noodle Bar & Kitchen; Morty’s Deli and Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The property offers more than 15,000-square-feet of customizable meeting and event space, as well as ample, secure parking. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia was developed and remains owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies,?the premier developer of Live!?dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit?Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – @livecasinophl

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with an intriguing lightweight contenders’ bout that will see former champion and No. 6 ranked Rafael Dos Anjos battle rising No. 11 Rafael Fiziev. Also, No. 10 ranked Johnny Walker faces No. 12 Jamahal Hill in a thrilling matchup of light heavyweight strikers

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: DOS ANJOS vs. FIZIEV will take place Saturday, Feb. 19 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

A limited number of tickets will be available on Monday, Feb. 14 at www.axs.com.

Former champion Dos Anjos (30-13, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returned to the 155-pound division with a Fight of the Night win over Paul Felder in late 2020. Throughout his UFC run, he has also delivered memorable victories over Nate Diaz, Robbie Lawler and Donald Cerrone (twice). Dos Anjos now aims to stop Fiziev’s momentum and continue his climb back to a lightweight title shot.

Rising contender Fiziev (11-1, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Miami, Fla.) has wasted no time dazzling fans with his diverse striking arsenal. Currently riding a five-fight win streak, he holds spectacular wins against Brad Riddell, Bobby Green and Renato Moicano. Fiziev now has his sights set on finishing his first former UFC champion to crack the lightweight top 10.

KO artist Walker (18-6, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) immediately turned heads upon joining the UFC roster in 2018. A powerful striker, he has secured impressive finishes against Ryan Spann, Misha Cirkunov and Khalil Rountree Jr. Walker is now gunning to get back to his winning ways with another show-stealing performance.

Hill (9-1 1NC, fighting out of Grand Rapids, Mich.) entered the UFC following a TKO victory over Alexander Poppeck on Dana White’s Contender Series. He has since climbed the ranks quickly with notable wins against Jimmy Crute, Ovince Saint Preux and Darko Stosic. Hill now intends to continue his ascent up the 205-pound ladder with another highlight-reel KO.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kyle Daukaus (10-2 1NC, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) battles Jamie Pickett (13-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) in a 195-pound catchweight bout
• Parker Porter (12-6, fighting out of West Hartford, Conn.) faces Alan Baudot (8-3, fighting out of Paris, France) in a heavyweight bout
• Lightweight legend Jim Miller (33-16 1NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) squares off with Dana White’s Contender Series signee Nikolas Motta (13-3, fighting out of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
• Joaquin Buckley (13-4, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) takes on Abdul Razak Alhassan (11-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Accra, Ghana) in a clash of middleweight finishers
• Gabriel Benitez (22-10, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) meets David Onama (8-1, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo. by way of Kyangwali, Uganda) at featherweight
• Jessica-Rose Clark (11-6 1NC, fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) squares off with Stephanie Egger (6-2, fighting out of St. Gallen, Switzerland) in a bantamweight bout
• Chas Skelly (16-3 1NC, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) returns to action against Mark Striegl (18-3 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Baguio City, Philippines) at featherweight
• Diana Belbita (14-6, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada) looks to build off the momentum of her first UFC win when she takes on Gloria de Paula (5-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at strawweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Chad Anheliger (11-5, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) debuts against Jesse Strader (5-2, fighting out of Antelope Valley, Calif.) in a bantamweight bout

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 188 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 17.1 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.

ARLINGTON, TX. (February 10, 2022) – Tickets for the general public go on-sale tomorrow for the welterweight title unification showdown between unbeaten WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas taking place Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale tomorrow, Friday, February 11 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

Spence-Ugas pits two of the best welterweight champions in the sport in a high-stakes unification match. Both men are coming off impressive victories over elite welterweights at the top class of the division. Spence defeated former champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter in his last two fights, while Ugas scored a thrilling upset victory over future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions.

About AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venue in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year-round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 92 works of art by 62 established and emerging artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2015 inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Game, the 2015 50th Anniversary Academy of Country Music Awards show and WrestleMania 32. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches and other special events. For more information, go to attstadium.com.

CORK, Ireland (February 10, 2022) – Three-time Ireland National Champion Tommy Hyde will turn professional April 2nd at home in Ballyvolane, Cork, on a show at The Big Top, Glen GGA Grounds, promoted by his father, renown international boxing manager Gary Hyde.

The 22-year-old Hyde, who participated in more than 100 amateur matches, reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious World Junior Championships in 2015. He was a 9-time National finalist, captured top honors at the 2019 Harringey Box Cup, and was a 3-time Celtic Bux Cup gold medalist.

“Since I started boxing at the age of seven,” the heavy-handed light heavyweight said, “it’s been my dream to box as a professional in Cork, Ireland. I grew up going to world championship shows all over the world and I’ve always wanted to fight at that level. On April 2nd, I will take the first step in getting there. I’ve had more than 100 amateur fights and feel it’s time to make the move to the pros and fulfill my lifelong dream.”

Hyde is training in Springfield, Massachusetts, under Hector Bermudez, who has trained world champions TJ Doheny, Jonathan Guzman, Carlos Gongora, Vince Phillips, Ryad Merhy and Javier Fortuna.

“I am absolutely thrilled to promote a show in which my son Tommy will make his pro debut,” proud father Gary added. “I’ve travelled the world to sign amateur fighters from so many different countries and this kid was in the bedroom next door.”

ABOUT NOWHERETOHYDE: Founded in 2007 by Gary Hyde in Cork, Ireland, NoWhere2Hyde offers full services for professional boxers around the world. Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga, Nassam N’Dam and Simpiwe Vetyeaka. He presently manages world-rated European Super Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani (21-3-1, 7 KOs) and Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (4-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /nowhere2hyde, /tommyhyde

Twitter: @nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde99

Instagram: @gary_nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde1

(Feb. 9, 2022) — WBO European middleweight champion Danny Dignum will make the third defense of his belt in the 10-round main event against Grant Dennis this Friday, Feb. 11, at London’s York Hall.

Dignum-Dennis headlines a loaded fight card that will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. European bantamweight champion “Lightning” Lee McGregor will fight Diego Alberto Ruiz in the 10-round junior featherweight co-feature.

Dignum (13-0-1, 7 KOs) won the vacant WBO European middleweight belt in November 2019 with a fifth-round TKO over Conrad Cummings and defended it less than four months later with a ninth-round stoppage against Alfredo Meli. He hopes to get back on the winning track following last April’s draw versus Russian veteran Andrey Sirotkin. Dennis (17-3, 3 KOs), from Chatham, England, has won a pair of fights since an October 2020 TKO loss to Sirotkin.

The 25-year-old McGregor (11-0, 9 KOs) had a pair of significant wins in 2021, knocking out Karim Guerfi in one round to win the European title and then defending it with an off-the-canvas stoppage victory over Vincent Legrand. Argentina native Ruiz (23-4, 12 KOs) is best known for his ninth-round knockout defeat to Michael Conlan in front of a sold-out Belfast crowd in August 2019. He is 2-1 since the Conlan fight.

In other undercard action on ESPN+:

• Super middleweight Joe Giles (1-0) will take on 148-fight journeyman legend Lewis van Poetsch in a four-rounder.
   
• Junior middleweight Bilal Fawaz will make his professional debut in a four-rounder against Vladimir Fleischhauer (1-12), who has only been stopped once as a pro.
   
• Southpaw junior middleweight prospect Paul Ryan (2-0, 1 KO), from Dublin, Ireland, will step up against CJ Wood (3-1-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
   
• Rising bantamweight Nina Hughes (1-0), a seven-time British amateur champion, will fight respected veteran Bec Connolly in an eight-rounder.

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 17.1 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).

Wasserman Boxing today won the purse bid for the hugely anticipated British Middleweight Title contest between Linus Udofia and Denzel Bentley.
 
Udofia (17-0, 9 KOs) will now face Bentley (15-1-1, 13 KOs) for the British Title on a Wasserman Boxing promoted event with further details announced soon.
 
“We’re delighted to have won today’s bid and secured home advantage for Linus in what promises to be a spectacular showdown for the Lonsdale belt,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “We saw a brilliant fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams in Cardiff on Saturday, and now we can look forward to another mouth-watering all-British Middleweight clash.
 
“The British Middleweight scene is stacked full of talent but we believe Linus is ready to take over. We have a lot of exciting announcements coming up, which will include the date and location for this fantastic British Title fight.”
 
Udofia, now undefeated in seventeen paid contests, announced himself on the domestic scene with a points win over Tyler Denny to capture the English Title in November 2019. The Luton-man then defended his strap with a TKO win over John Harding Jr in October 2020. ‘Lightning’ will now aim to add the British Title to his collection as he faces former champion Bentley for the vacant belt.

LAS VEGAS (February 9, 2022) – Mexican rivals Isai “Gaga” Hernandez (11-2-2, 7 KOs) and Irving “Poderoso” Castillo (11-2, 7 KOs) are pumped up about fighting each other in the semifinals of the World Cup Boxing Series’ (WCBS) inaugural “4-Man Lightweight Tournament,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

The first RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS of 2022 will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, from Palenque De La Expo in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The Hernandez-Castillo semifinals winner will advance to the championship final this spring against the other semifinalist victor between pre-tournament favorite Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) and Rodolfo “Rudy” Flores (14-5, 6 KOs) in an 8-rounder.

“Fighting in this tournament is good for me and my boxing career,” Hernandez said. “I’m very happy. I know he (Castillo) is in very good shape for every fight. He’s a good boxer, extremely tall for a lightweight. It’s a very tough fight for me.

“I’m a very strong brawler. I think it’s going to be a very tough fight. He will try to use his height and reach to keep his distance, but it’s my job to get inside and make him uncomfortable. We have been working so hard for this opportunity. I will do whatever it takes to win this fight.”

Castillo plans to take advantage of competing in this tournament, saying: “It’s a great opportunity for me to take part in this tournament. I’m very excited and look forward to making it to the championship and winning the WBC Latino title.

“I have seen him (Hernandez) fight a couple of times. Hernandez can handle a lot of punches and he likes to pressure his opponent every round. He’s a very tough fighter. I am very technical. I rarely waste any punches in there. It’s going to be a great fight with a lot of action. I have the qualities to win this fight impressively and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

The WCBS’ “4-Man lightweight Tournament,” created by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, is sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The winner will be crowned the WBC Latino Lightweight Champion, as well as positioned in the WBC’s top 15 ratings.

Semifinal’s action will be contested in 8-round bouts, 10 rounds for the championship final. The WCBS will also feature one “overtime” round, if needed, to declare a winner in the event of a draw upon the conclusion of the scheduled distance.

WCBS will also be offering a “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout” bonuses to each contestant through the duration of its “4-Man Lightweight Tournament.”

A non-tournament, title fight between decorated amateur boxer and undefeated professional, Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs), and Ivan “Zurdo” Alvarez (31-13-1, 21 KOs) will also be streamed live UFC FIGHT PASS® opener.

Randall, fighting out of Houston, was a 2016 USA Nationals Championships gold medalist, as well as runner-up at the 2017 USA National Championships and Pan-American Games. Alvarez, the former WBC Youth Mundo Hispanic light welterweight champion, is upset minded for his 10-round bout versus Randall for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Welterweight Championship.

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Two other lightweight bouts are also being streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS as Venezuelan knockout specialist Fradimil Macayo (15-1, 13 KOs) faces unbeaten Mexican Armando Ramirez Almanza (5-0-1,2 KOs) in an 8-round bout, while undefeated 19-year-old prospect Jorge “Jorgito” Cota (6-0, 4 KOs) – the youngest in the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family – meets Guatemalan challenger Rene “Kampana” de Leon Mazariegos (7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 6-rounder.

Two matches off-UFC FIGHT PASS finds featherweight Nazario Castro Nieblas (8-2, 3 KOs) vs. 17-year-old Javier “Totopo” Carriello Montes (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 6-round battle of Mexican featherweights, and Houston super lightweight Emmanuel Rojas (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis “El Faco” Angulo Bojorquez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Website: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2013, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country and also in Mexico, Russia, and Japan. RJJ Boxing has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass.

Long Island, New York (February 9, 2022) – The 41st edition of “Rockin’ Fights” is around the corner and Star Boxing is pleased to announce a championship featured attraction on March 18 as Ukraine born, Pittsburgh based, OLEH “THE UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN (13-0 5KO’s) will defend his NABA super bantamweight title against Brazilian banger MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (13-0 12KO’s).

27-year-old southpaw, Oleh Dovhun challenged for the vacant NABA title in November of 2021 against the dangerous, Glenn Dezurn (then 14-2-1 10KO’s) of Baltimore, Maryland. Over the 10 rounds, Dovhun took Dezurn to school, out boxing him to a clean sweep unanimous decision (100-90 x3), utilizing an uppercut and maintaining precision distance to control the action in its entirety. With the decisive victory, Dovhun was crowned NABA champion and earned the #6 World Rating by the WBA.

“I know that the WBA World title is within my reach, and it will be mine” said Dovhun. “I am coming to New York to make a statement and hope my American and Ukrainian supporters will be proud! A big thank you to my team Mike McSorley and JJ Richardson and my promoter Joe DeGuardia for this opportunity!”

NABA title challenger and Brazilian banger, Michel Silva packs a mighty punch. He has made a name for himself in his native Brazil with a 92% knockout ratio as 13 men have opposed Silva, however only one has made it the distance. Get in the ring with “Babu” and the chances are you’re in for an early night. An emphatic victory over an undefeated Dovhun will firmly plant Silva in the conversation at 122 lbs.

Silva understands the opportunity in front of him, “My opponent is undefeated. I’m undefeated too. I know it will be an epic fight! A huge thank you to my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for this long-awaited opportunity. I cannot wait! LET’S GO! Also, a big thank you to my manager (MT Management) Marcel Tshiyoyo!”

“There is nothing more admirable in the sport of boxing than two undefeated prospects putting their undefeated records on the line in an effort to be great,” said Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA “I commend both Dovhun and Silva for taking this fight and leading the way for what will be an exciting card from top to bottom.”

TICKETS:
Tickets to #RockinFights at The Paramount are now available at ticketmaster.com or by visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets start at $50. Purchase your tickets, HERE.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
To apply for media credentials CLICK HERE. All applications must be submitted no later than Friday, March 11 at 8PM. Accredited media members ONLY.

“Rockin’ Fights” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on March 18, 2022 at the Paramount in Long Island, NY.
Bouts subject to change
“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY, MARCH 18 AT THE PARAMOUNT
ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 27-3 21KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PAST RELEASES:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 18
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN returned to the Paramount at “Rockin Fights” 38 to face off with late replacement LUIS FLORES in a WAR for the NABA Super Lightweight Title
Rockin’ Fights 35: Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James vs Ray Oliveira Jr.
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!

Hotshot heavyweight prospect Fernely Feliz Jr., moved his record to a perfect 3-0, 3 KOs in impressive fashion last Saturday night with a fourth-round KO of power-punching and undefeated Christopher Arnold of Virginia.

Fighting on all-time-great fighter turned promoter Christy Martin’s event at the National Guard Armory in Saint Augustine, Florida, Feliz was matched up against Arnold, of Fredericksburg, who was a perfect 4-0, 4 KOs before the match.

Feliz, the 25-year-old former national amateur champion from Danbury, Connecticut, says he knew Arnold’s power was a factor coming in.

“The guy was 4-0 with 4 KOs, so I went in very aware that he had power and can bang a little bit,” explained Feliz. “I had to adjust to him. He was very awkward. The shots I was practicing with my father were not landing in the fight, so I was getting frustrated. But I adjusted quickly and by the end of the third I knew I had him. Once I connected, he couldn’t take it.”

Feliz says he matured as a fighter while taking out Arnold.

“I learned I can feint more and just have more confidence in my hands. I’ve watched the fight tape seven times and I’m just faster. My speed and timing are going to give a lot of people problems. I’m going to focus on being in the best shape of my life and keep going. I’m surrounded by a great group of people who take care of me. I’m ready to keep working.”

“Christopher Arnold was a tough, undefeated guy with huge power, having won his previous four fights by way of KO,” added manager Steven Heid. “Fernely Jr. showed why he is on a completely different level by making Arnold look like easy work.”

WHAT: “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” professional boxing

WHO: MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs), Weymouth, MA

vs.

Vincent Floyd (4-11-2, 2 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs), Dorchester, MA

vs.

Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12, 0 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Argentina

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA

vs.

Rynell Griffen (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Houston, TX

vs.

Jaica Pivilus (1-4-1 (1 KO), New York, NY

SPECIAL WELTERWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)

James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), Mansfield, MA

vs.

Zack Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV

FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)

Troy Anderson, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), Dorchester, MA

vs.

Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs), Kansas City, KS

vs.

Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Jonathan de Pina (4-1, 3 KOs), Boston, MA

vs.

Mike Fowler (7-37), Milwaukee, WI

187-POUND CATCHWEIGHT (6)

Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (2-0, 2 KOs), Galway, Ireland

vs.

Larry “Hitman” Pryor (15-24, 9 KOs), Frederick, MD

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Marcell Davidson (pro debut), Kansas City (KS)

vs.

Cesar “Cobra” Espinal Maldanado (0-1), Arecibo, Puerto Rico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA

vs.

Brandon Grimmett (0-5), Thomasville, NC

(card subject to change)

WHERE: Moseley’s On The Charles, Dedham, MA

WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 2022

PROMOTER: Vertex Promotions

MATCHMAKER: Brian Dillon

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room). Tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-valentines-day-massacre-21222-tickets-243038654157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 11th (2 p.m. ET start) at Moseley’s On The Charles, 50 Bridge St,, Dedham, MA

LOS ANGELES – A future shot at the BELLATOR Featherweight World Championship will be on the line when No. 2-ranked Adam Borics (17-1) meets a man also ranked No. 2 in the Official BELLATOR Rankings, Mads Burnell (16-3) in the main event of BELLATOR 276 on Saturday, March 12 at The Family Arena in St. Louis.

In the co-main event former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against No. 4-ranked Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. The main card will also see a pair of skilled lightweights compete, when undefeated Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) moves up in weight to meet Dagestan’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 11 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place the day prior.

A BELLATOR MMA 276 preliminary battle between two heavy-handed light heavyweights No. 8-ranked Alex “Easy” Polizzi (9-1) and Team Pitbull’s Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC) is also official. Additional contests will be announced shortly.

A multi-faceted fighter with tremendous success in two different combat sports, Adam Borics knocked out all 25 of his amateur opponents en route to compiling 10-0 (kickboxing) and 15-0 (MMA) records. Holding a three-inch height advantage and tied with upcoming opponent Mads Burnell as the No. 2 featherweight in the BELLATOR rankings, the Ft. Lauderdale featherweight commenced his pro career with 14 straight triumphs, including ten by KO or submission.

Much like his upcoming foe, the nine-time BELLATOR veteran, armed with an 8-1 promotional record, prefers to dispose of his counterparts quickly as evidenced by ten of his 18 career wins culminating in knockout or submission. Additionally, the former Hungarian Fight Championship Featherweight kingpin has fought only 41 rounds since turning professional in Aug. 2014, an average of only 2.3 per outing.

Nicknamed “The Kid,” the former Thai and Hungarian Thai Boxing World Titleholder, who lives by the adage “Practice laborious, battle easy,” and holds knockout wins over former BELLATOR featherweight champion Pat Curran and ferocious featherweight Aaron Pico. Born in Budapest, Hungary, the Sanford MMA fighter, who signed a multi-fight extension with BELLATOR in January 2021, launched his promotional campaign by submitting Anthony Taylor via rear-naked choke in April 2017. After dropping his lone BELLATOR bout at the hands of former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell in the quarterfinals of the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight Grand Prix, Borics has outpointed his last three opponents under the company banner. 

Currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, Mads Burnell prefers to dispatch of his opponents early. In 19 career fights, the submission specialist has stopped more than half of his adversaries (10), including eight in the opening round. Additionally, the Copenhagen, Denmark, native has not fought past three rounds in his professional career, while averaging a mere two per contest. The Arte Suave Copenhagen product, who will turn 28 less than one week prior to his fourth consecutive promotional appearance at BELLATOR MMA 276, opened his vocation by defeating his initial five opponents, including three via submission.

A first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burnell captured the Cage Warriors featherweight title by submitting then-champion Dean Trueman by Japanese necktie at 3:04 of the second round on June 29, 2019. Two months after signing with the company, the ferocious featherweight took the mixed martial arts world by storm when he recorded his lone career knockout and floored Darko Banovic at 3:13 of the first stanza in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 248 on Oct. 10, 2020, in Paris, France.

Following a second-round destruction of “The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber” standout Saul Rogers via rear-naked choke at BELLATOR MMA 257, the three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran returned to the cage less than four months later and upset Emmanuel Sanchez via three-round unanimous decision (29-28 and 30-27 twice) in a non-stop battle at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. A former European No-Gi champion, Burnell hopes to keep his undefeated BELLATOR record intact when he challenges fellow No. 2-ranked Adam Borics.

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs.Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events

Sat., Feb. 19 // BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE Arena, Wembley // London

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Salita Promotions will present another edition of the “Detroit Brawl” series, this time featuring Saginaw, Michigan, heavyweight spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) taking on undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35. Order tickets online or call or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event.

A proven spoiler, in six years as a professional, Simms has faced a number of quality opponents, often as the B side of the bout sheet, taking upset victories over then 15-1 Joe Cusumano (W 6), then 8-0-2 Colby Madison (W 8), and in his last ring appearance, a unanimous decision over then 8-1 Aaron Quintana last March. Still improving, Simms has lost only one fight of his last seven.

Born and raised in Huntington, New York, 29-year-old Johnson has gone undefeated, thus far, in his four-year career, stopping all but one opponent. As an amateur, Johnson was a 2015 Golden Gloves Champion in the super heavyweight open class. Johnson has worked as a sparring partner for top heavyweight Daniel Dubois. Simms represents, by far, his toughest opponent to date.

Featured in the co-main event will be Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (21-1-1, 10 KOs). Also seeing action will be undefeated middleweight terror Marlon Harrington (6-0, 5 KOs), as well as popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur stars Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), and Joshua Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) in separate four-rounders.

All undercard opponents will be announced shortly.

“The last Detroit Brawl was a tremendous success and we’re coming back to the same terrific venue for another night of world-class Michigan boxing,” said event promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “We’ve got many of the best prospects in the state that will be in tough match-ups, starting with our heavyweight main event, that I can’t pick a winner of. Both guys have a lot to prove, so it should be a sensational night of boxing from beginning to end.”

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. This event will also be streamed on the Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel.
About Salita Promotions

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

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

CHRIS BOURKE HAS made public his belief that he is the No.1 super bantamweight residing within these shores.

The unbeaten KO-artist bids for a third championship belt in just his 11th professional fight on March 11 when, at the famous old York Hall, he goes up against Marc Leach for the vacant British title, relinquished by Jason Cunningham.

Bourke is one of an ambitious clutch of super bantams currently operating in Britain, headed up by the European champion Cunningham, former British and Commonwealth title holder Brad Foster, WBC International Silver champion Liam Davies and Liverpool firebrand Andrew Cain.

Bourke declares himself undaunted by the potential opposition because he sees himself as top of the domestic charts and ready to step up the levels.

“It is crazy and it is a good division to be in,” said the 27-year-old on the flock of super bantams. “I believe I am No.1 out of all of the names, I just believe I am the best super bantam in the country.

“I would 100 per cent fight Jason Cunningham. If I won the British and he still has the European, that is the fight I want next.

“It opens up so many doors, winning the British. From there I would like to get the European and move on but, who knows, I’ve just got to get the British. It is important to not look past it.

“It can’t get any better than fighting for the British right now. It is a fight that makes sense. He will believe he has earned his shot and I think I am above British level. It is a fight people will be excited about and will be considered 50-50.”

Watch Bourke’s full interview with Dev Sahni on YouTube here.

Chris Bourke (10-0) takes on Marc Leach (17-1-1) for the vacant British super bantamweight title at York Hall on March 11, live on BT Sport.

The card also features exciting super featherweight Frank Arnold (8-0-1), Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma (5-0) in light heavyweight action, unbeaten Irish super lightweight Willo Hayden (2-0) and super welterweight Josh Frankham (4-0). Super featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0) has his first fight under the Queensberry banner, with Jake Henty (1-0 super welterweight) and Aloys Junior (0-1 cruiserweight) both having their second professional fights. Cruiserweight Arnold Obodai will make his professional debut.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, March 11 are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01992 505 550 (office hours).

Ticket prices:
£55 (Floor/Balcony unreserved)
£65 (Floor/Balcony reserved) – SOLD OUT
£105 (Ringside) – SOLD OUT