NEW YORK – December 14, 2021 – Three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams and legendary NFL running back Frank Gore are nearing their professional boxing debuts as the two stars from opposite sports put the finishing touches on their first ever training camps. The two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Williams and the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher Gore collide in a must-watch four-round heavyweight professional boxing match on Saturday, December 18 on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley II live on SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, December 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla.

Both men are eager to impress in their pro boxing debuts, and have cut no corners in their preparations for the fight. Williams has prepared at the gym he co-owns alongside trainer Sayif Saud at Fortis MMA in Dallas, Texas while the Miami native Gore is training under Javiel Centeno at Centeno’s Sweatbox Boxing Gym in Davie, Fla.

Here is what Williams and Gore had to say at their respective gyms.

Deron Williams

On his combat sports background…

“I don’t have any pro fights, per say, but combat sports has been a part of my life since I was growing up. I was a wrestler here in Texas and I actually won States twice as an eight-year-old and a 12-year-old. I would have continued competing but I had to make a choice between basketball and wrestling. I feel like I made the right choice.”

On training in boxing and MMA…

“I’ve always been drawn to boxing. I’ve always been drawn to MMA and been a UFC fan for as long as I can remember. I started training while I was still playing in the NBA and became part owner of Fortis MMA in 2015. I’ve been training here ever since.”

On how this fight came to be…

“I got a call about doing a boxing match and I always wanted to do a fight. At least once in my lifetime. I wanted to check that off the bucket list and so here I am.”

On Frank Gore…

“Frank was a beast on the football field. I know he’s going to be tough. I know he’s going to be in shape. He’s always been regarded as a really hard worker in his sport. He’s taken the most snaps of any rusher in the NFL which is a tremendous feat in itself. I know he’s been training and putting in the work. I think it’s going to be a fun fight to watch.”

On a career in combat sports…

“I’m just focused on this one fight. Especially in fighting, I don’t think you can look past your opponent. I’m focused on Frank. This was a box I wanted to check off and I’m getting to do that. Whatever else happens, we’ll see after that.”

Frank Gore

Why boxing…

“I’ve been around it for so long, I love competing. I want to give it a shot. I’ll see how this fight goes. If I want to do it again, I know I can. If I want to just do it one time and it’s over after that, it’ll be something I wanted to do and I did.”

On training camp…

“I’m taking this seriously. I want to look good, and of course, I want to win. When the fight is over on Saturday night, I want people to say, ‘Man, whatever you put your mind into, you can do it.’ This is no joke; a lot of people would be scared to get in the ring and go one-on-one with another guy.

“I’ve been working my behind off. I respect my opponent. This sport is really tough, man. I take my hat off to all boxers out there. It’s not easy… A lot of people don’t understand what boxing takes. Training is no joke. In football you got 10 other guys. In football you can hide behind other guys. In basketball you can hide. In this sport, you can’t.

“I come and work out. I do what my coaches tell me. I give it 110%. I have to because it’s just me in the ring. I can’t hide behind my linemen. I can’t hide behind my receivers. I have to be ready because it’s just me and another man on the other side.”

On his sons playing football…

“I go to see my son play at Southern Miss and see my stepson play at Wisconsin. My 15-year-old plays high school football too. I love spending time with them. I always tell them, just do the right thing. Listen to your coach and train hard. If you do that, whatever God has planned for you, it’ll come your way.”

In regards to his football career…

“Training camp started and I didn’t get a call. I’m being real man, that was garbage. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. The most ripped I’ve ever been. Hopefully San Francisco makes a run and my boys tell me to make a run with them.”

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ABOUT PAUL VS. WOODLEY II: “LEAVE NO DOUBT”

Paul vs. Woodley II will see international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul face former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in a rematch of their August clash won by Paul. Paul vs. Woodley II titled “Leave No Doubt” will be the main event on SHOWTIME PPV, live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, December 18 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The SHOWTIME PPV event will feature three additional professional boxing matches. In the co-main event, seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez. Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on legendary San Francisco 49ers running back, the No. 3 all-time leading rusher, Frank Gore in a four-round heavyweight bout, the professional boxing debut for both men.

In the telecast opener, undefeated IBF and WBO top-three ranked junior welterweight contender Liam Paro of Australia will face fellow unbeaten top-10 ranked, 140-pound Puerto Rican prospect Yomar Alamo in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown.

#PaulWoodley is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME Sports^® and promoted in association with Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

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

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (December 14, 2021) – Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs) wanted a major challenge for his first professional boxing fight in his region of Mauricie and his wish will be granted. For the first appearance in his 11-year career, at a boxing event in his hometown, the Trois-Rivières boxer will face WBC # 9 contender and powerful slugger Serhii Bohachuck (20-1, 20 KOs), of Vinitza, Ukraine, in the 10-round main event.

Colisée Vidéotron in Trois-Rivières will host its very first professional boxing event on Friday, March 25, starting at 7 p.m. This event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, and a Groupe Yvon Michel co-promotion with Probellum in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Also featured will be the popular welterweight Sébastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) from Baie-Saint-Paul, charismatic welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (4-0-1, 2 KOs) from Cap-de-la-Madeleine, skillful heavyweight Alexis Barrière (4-0, 3 KOs), of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, and several other boxers in important fights for the advancement of their careers.

For Mikaël, it is a dream come true: “I have been a professional since 2010 and since my very beginnings, I have wanted to box in front of my own people, my family and my friends. I know the challenge is important and that my opponent is dangerous, but I will be inspired and motivated like never before!” declared the sympathetic athlete.

“We are proud to present this international boxing gala in Trois-Rivières, which has become a reality thanks to the invaluable collaboration of Mark Weightman, president and CEO of the Trois-Rivières Lions. There is no doubt for us that Mikaël Zewski belongs among the world elite of his division, and he will have the opportunity to demonstrate it to everyone on March 25,” said Yvon Michel, President of GYM.

According to Mark Weightman, “The Videotron Coliseum is an exceptional venue for presenting boxing events, and we look forward to demonstrating it at this historic event.”

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, December 18, starting at 10 a.m. on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634. Tickets are available starting at $ 25.

Full details about this historic event will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 160 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 49 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 25 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 35 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (2), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

GLASGOW (Dec. 14, 2021) — BOXXER and Top Rank have announced ticket on-sale details for the highly charged Scotland-England showdown between Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor and WBO No. 1 contender Jack “El Gato” Catterall on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Presale tickets go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 12 p.m. GMT, followed by the public on-sale Friday, Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. GMT. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or Boxxer.com/tickets.

Undefeated Edinburgh star Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) defeated the previously unbeaten Jose Ramirez in May to unify the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF World titles, becoming the first British boxer in the four-belt era to achieve the remarkable feat.

He now makes the historic first defense of all four belts against the dangerous and undefeated Chorley contender Catterall (26-0, 13 KOs), a former British and WBO Intercontinental Champion who is intent on dethroning Taylor and ending his reign.

Full undercard details will be announced shortly.

ORANGE, CA (December 13, 2021) – Lightweight prospect, Ruben “Ace” Torres (16-0, 13 KOs), is set to fight fellow undefeated foe, Francisco Armenta (12-0, 4 KOs), of Orange, California, by way of Sinaloa, Mexico, in an eight-round co-main event this Friday, December 17th. The event titled, Path to Glory, will be taking place at DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California, promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions.

In the 10-round main event, Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (17-1, 10 KOs), will battle Jose “Hollywood” Estrella (23-17-1, 16 KOs). Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT.

?Tickets are priced at $50, $75, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

Here is what Torres had to say about his matchup with Armenta, training camp, and more.

On his upcoming fight with Francisco Armenta.

“I am very excited about this fight as this is my second undefeated fighter I have faced, previously I fought George Acosta, who is a good fighter, and he brought the best out of me. For me, the bigger the challenge the bigger the performance, I have been working hard with my coach Danny Zamora, and now more than ever, I am ready to perform come fight night. This will be a battle of two undefeated warriors and I plan to come out on top.”

On what a win will do for his career.

“A win puts me in the mix to compete for a world title in one of the most exciting weight classes in all of boxing as we will have a chance to compete against the very best fighters in the world, and on the biggest stages. I am ready for all challenges coming my way.”

On his recent training camp.

“This camp has been good, I feel great ending the year on a strong note and with the thoughts of being able to hopefully get back into the ring, in early 2022. Every camp seems to get better as I evolve as a fighter. I’m constantly learning new things about myself and my abilities. My goal is to constantly improve and bring fans exciting fights.”

On fighting in So-Cal on another Thompson Boxing Promotions card.

“Thompson Boxing Promotions has always taken great care of me and being that I am based out of the L.A. area, it is great that they focus on the L.A. market since that is where all my friends and family live. This will be like a holiday celebration a week before more people celebrate the holidays. I’m grateful that they have kept me busy during the pandemic. I’m going to give back by performing at my highest level.”

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
TB’s new mobile app is now available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone). Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

NEW YORK – December 13, 2021 – ShoBox: The New Generation will kick off the 2022 boxing calendar with a tripleheader featuring six undefeated fighters Friday, January 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The three undefeated matchups include fighters with a combined record of 80-0 and 57 knockouts and marks the first time ShoBox has featured a tripleheader in which all six fighters enter fight night without a loss in the 20-plus year history of the prospect series. The event is also the first time ShoBox will take place in Orlando as the Dominican Republic’s Luis Nunez (15-0, 11 KOs), who made his ShoBox debut in September, battles Carlos Arrieta (14-0, 8 KOs) of Puerto Rico in a 10-round lightweight main event.

The co-feature pits hard-hitting Starling Castillo (16-0, 12 KOs) against ShoBox returnee Otar Eranosyan (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the telecast opener, knockout artist Edwin De Los Santos (13-0, 12 KOs) battles William Foster III (12-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight fight. All six fighters have deep amateur pedigrees, highlighting their commitment to the sport.

There will be a new face on the ShoBox telecast as veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell will join former world champion Raul Marquez ringside as an expert analyst, while International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action. Fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood will remain a part of the broadcast team remotely.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Sampson Boxing.

“We are excited to kick off our 21^st consecutive year in action with a prototypical ShoBox card that features six undefeated fighters facing the most difficult challenges of their young careers,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “We’re also excited to be adding the versatile combat sports reporter Brian Campbell to one of the best broadcast teams in boxing. Brian has shined in various roles during SHOWTIME assignments over the past few years and we’re looking forward to adding him to the team.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Nunez vs. Arrieta – 10-Round Lightweight Main Event Bout

A decorated amateur in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata’s Luis “The Twist” Nunez started boxing at age eight and went on to win a number of national championships as a member of the Dominican national team, including gold in the 2016 Youth Championship. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18, passing every test put in front of him in his native country. On his 22^nd birthday in September, Nunez made his United States debut, upsetting then-undefeated Jayvon Garnett on ShoBox. His unblemished resume also includes a unanimous decision over then 20-3-1 Eliezer Aquino and a fourth-round KO over then once-beaten Giovanni Gutierrez.

“Change begins at the end of your comfort zone, nothing is beyond your reach as long as you are willing to work hard for it,” said Nunez. “Returning to SHOWTIME, for me, is more than a privilege because I feel that every day I am closer to achieving my dream that everyone will be able to witness. I don’t know much about my opponent, but I am sure that on January 7 I will go out through the front door, God willing! Having one more victory in my career is like climbing the ladder to go to the big leagues, which is where I want to be.”

Like Nunez, the Puerto Rican Arrieta was an accomplished amateur in his native country winning several national tournaments. The 27-year-old turned pro in 2015 campaigning mostly in Puerto Rico through the first four years of his career. He made his stateside debut in 2020, scoring a first-round KO in Biloxi, Miss. Going by the ring moniker “The Chosen One”, Arrieta is facing a stiff step-up in competition in his ShoBox debut. His last time out, he won a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Buitrago.

“Training is going very well and I will be ready,” said Arrieta. “I know my opponent is very good and I know it’s going to be a great fight, but I will take the victory home because it is a great opportunity for me to shine and go up to the next level. It’s an opportunity that I will not pass up.”

Castillo vs. Eranosyan – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout

The 26-year-old Castillo scored an emphatic knockout in his U.S. debut in July, blasting out then unbeaten Miguel Contreras in the second round. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo turned pro in 2017 and has delivered knockout wins in four of his last five fights. Castillo scored a career-best victory in September, earning a unanimous decision over former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos. Castillo was a highly successful amateur boxer in the Dominican Republic, fighting 460 times.

“I can’t wait to get back in the squared circle doing what I love and what I work very hard on,” said “El Poli” Castillo. “I’m so excited and honored to be put on a platform like ShoBox. We expect a very gutsy, action-packed fight, due to our fighting styles. They make for a great fight recipe. This victory will catapult me into the rankings and force the fans of boxing to start noticing me.”

Ranked No. 7 by the WBA at 130 pounds, Eranosyan was a highly decorated Georgian amateur with 290 total fights who has transitioned seamlessly into the paid ranks. The 28-year-old didn’t turn professional until August 2020 but has already fought 10 times. Now based in Miami Beach, Fla., “Pitbull” owns two notable fourth-round KOs over the 32-4 Juan Carlos Pena. Eranosyan made his ShoBox debut in September, defeating the highly regarded Alejandro Guerrero via unanimous decision in Broken Arrow, Okla. Eranosyan returns to his more familiar Florida, where he has fought each of his other fights professionally. 

“It’s a great honor for me to fight on SHOWTIME and to show the world once again that I am the best in my weight division,” said Eranosyan. “My opponent is a good, undefeated boxer. I’ve seen some of his fights and I am sure we will put on a spectacular fight for the fans. Just like all my other wins in my career, this win will bring me closer to a championship fight, to become an undisputed world champion.”

De Los Santos vs. Foster – Eight-Round Super Featherweight Bout

Edwin De Los Santos began boxing in his native Dominican Republic at the age of 12, and by age 14, he had won his first amateur tournament. He turned pro in 2018 and has competed exclusively in his native country. Packing one-punch power, De Los Santos has scored stoppages in his last seven fights. Among his most impressive performances is a first-round KO over then 8-2 Juan Alberto Garcia Perez and a unanimous decision over then 31-10 Francisco Contreras.  De Los Santos will make his United States debut on January 7.

“Thanks to my preparation and commitment, I promise to give my best and, above all, a great show, so that the public can enjoy it,” said the 22-year-old De Los Santos. “It is an unexplainable feeling being on SHOWTIME for my first time because it is a great opportunity that not many get to experience. My opponent is a good, undefeated boxer. I know it’ll be a war, but I work too hard to not get the victory. You won’t want to miss it.”

William Foster III, a native of New Haven, Conn., started boxing at four years old and started competing at age 10. He had an amateur record of 64-17, advancing to the Junior Olympic Nationals, the Golden Gloves Nationals (where he was a runner-up in 2014), and the PAL Nationals. De Los Santos will be the third undefeated opponent of Foster’s young career. He already owns two wins over then 10-0 fighters in Donald Smith and Sulaiman Segawa. The 28-year-old is the younger brother of 20-0 professional light heavyweight prospect Charles Foster.

“I’m very excited about fighting on SHOWTIME and hopefully this will open the door to more opportunities,” said Foster, nicknamed “The Silent Assassin”. “I know that my opponent is young and ambitious, but he’s making a big mistake by fighting me. He’s making a big mistake if he thinks that I’m like every other fighter.  It couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s going to be a very fun night for me. A victory will put me one step closer to my goal as a fighter which is to be the most dangerous fighter who has ever lived.”

The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 85 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

LAS VEGAS (December 13, 2021) – Undefeated Guatemalan star and WBA #1 ranked minimumweight contender, Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-0, 5 KOs), is looking to dethrone Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (21-0, 8 KOs) for her WBA Title in the co-feature attraction this Saturday December 18th, on the Gilberto Ramirez vs. Yunieski Gonzalez card. The 10-round bout, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN and takes place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.

Here is what Santizo had to say about recent training camp, her matchup with Estrada, and more.

On her recent training camp:
“I’m wrapping up the final days of training camp here in Las Vegas and I couldn’t ask for a better situation then what I’m experiencing right now. The sparring has been spectacular and the high elevation workouts have been fabulous. I feel strong and I’m going to be at my very best on Saturday.”

On her matchup with Estrada:
“To be honest with you, Estrada has never been in the ring with a fighter of my caliber. My record doesn’t show any high-level opponents but believe me, I’m a warrior with a lot of skills and determination. This will be the fight that the world will see what kind of athlete I am. Estrada is a great champion, but she’s in trouble, because I’m coming to dethrone her.

On fighting for her first world title:
“I’ve worked my whole life for this opportunity and I’m grateful for everyone who has helped me along the way. Coming from Guatemala, I take great pride representing my country men and women, and on Saturday night the first ever women’s world champion boxer will be crowned.

On fighting in 3-minutes rounds:
“Fighting in 3-minute rounds is crucial to the sport of women’s boxing. We deserve to fight at the same standards of the men, just like professional MMA. All women’s fights should be 3-minute rounds, especially if both fighters agree to it, as both Seniesa and myself have done for this fight. The fans want to see knockouts and I know fighting 3-minute rounds will accomplish that.”

On what a win will do for her career:
“A victory against Estrada will solidify me as one of the best female fighters in the world. In addition, a victory will bring a lot of attention to my country and hope to those struggling to make it in the sport of boxing. I want to inspire all my people and win this world title for them.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (December 13, 2021) – This past Saturday, Prince Ranch Boxing’s, Ricky “El Castigo” Medina, remained undefeated winning by unanimous decision with a dominant performance against Oscar Mojica (12-6, 1 KO), improving his record to (12-0, 6 KOs). The 8-round bout was promoted by TMB Promotions an took place at Nelson Wolff Stadium in San Antonio, Texas.

From the opening round, Medina controlled the action with a superior jab and high ring IQ. Mojica, who is known for giving his opponents a tough fight, had no answer to the skill set Medina bought to the ring. Medina dominated the bout till the final bell scoring a unanimous decision to remain undefeated. Scorecards read 80-72 twice and 79-73.

“I was well prepared going into the fight and it showed in my performance” said Medina, who is one of the next up and coming boxers fighting out of San Antonio. “I knew Mojica was going to be a tough challenge, so I took my training to the next level. I wanted to finish off the year with a great performance and I accomplished that goal. It was nice to see all my family and friends show up and I’m looking forward to a successful 2022.”

“Medina has developed into a great prospect and he’s on his way to a big fight,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “Rick Morones and I have plans to get him ranked with one of the sanctioning organizations in 2022. He had a tremendous amateur career, and it has transcended into the professional ranks. We have big plans for him in the upcoming year.”

“Medina showed me a lot in this fight,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “Mojica has never been dominated like that and that’s a testament to the hard work Medina and his team have put in. I want to thank all the people who helped me put on this event and we plan to have more shows in San Antonio next year.”

New York (December 13, 2021)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of undefeated, power-punching lightweight prospect Luis Acosta.

Acosta, 25 years-old of Houston, Texas has a professional record of 12-0 with 11 knockouts.

“Signing with Split-T Management is an amazing feeling. I have been trying to get noticed for a long time, but nobody was paying attention to me. Fortunately I was able to link up with Brendan (Segalas) who took a look at me and brought me the attention of Mr. (David) McWater. We were able to meet with him at my family’s restaurant, Titas Tacos, and knew immediately that Split-T was the place for us,” Said Acosta

Acosta began boxing at the age of 16, following in the footsteps of his father, Jose, and uncle, Mario, who were both professional boxers. His father, who now trains Luis, was 2-2 as a professional, while his uncle was 1-0.

“When I was a young kid, I did not like going to the gym. Then I started watching some boxing videos, and nine months later, we were building a gym in our backyard!”

This passion led to an amateur career that saw Luis go 57-8 and winning both the Title and Ringside Tournaments.

Acosta is a come-forward fighter, who is aggressive without getting hit, and possesses tremendous physical strength.

“In 2022, all of the opportunities will come to me. I am fighting for my family and I want to impress anyone who watches me.”

In addition, Acosta is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology and has an entrepreneurial spirit honed by working many hours in his family’s restaurant, which is a local landmark in Humble, Texas.

“I would like to open up a gym – not just a boxing gym – but for everyone to get into shape,” said Acosta. “Also open up another restaurant.”

MINNEAPOLIS (December 13, 2021) – Rising super lightweight contenders Richardson Hitchins and Malik Hawkins will square off in a 10-round showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 18 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The FS1 telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten Dominican Olympian Héctor Luis García dueling Mexico’s Isaac Avelar in an eight-round super featherweight bout and undefeated light heavyweight prospect Suray Mahmutovic taking on fellow unbeaten Pachino Hill.

Following the action on FS1, FOX PBC Fight Night will be headlined by Cuban sensation and unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. defending his title in his adopted hometown when he faces 168-pound contender Alantez Fox. The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features exciting rising unbeaten prospect José Valenzuela taking on lightweight contender Austin Dulay in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Alberto Puello dueling Minneapolis-native VeShawn Owens in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

A native of Brooklyn, Hitchins (12-0, 5 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after representing Haiti at the 2016 Olympics and signed on with Mayweather Promotions. The 24-year-old has flashed impressive skills as he’s amassed an unbeaten record in the pro ranks, which is the product of his extensive amateur career. In his last outing, Hitchins scored a career-best victory, as he earned a decision over former world champion Argenis Mendez. Hitchins has increased his competition in winning 10-round decisions in his last three fights.

Another rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, Hawkins (18-1, 11 KOs) fights out of Baltimore, Maryland and is trained by Gervonta Davis’ coach Calvin Ford. The 25-year-old most recently dropped an October 2020 contest against hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias. Hawkins owns a victory over then unbeaten Darwin Price via fifth-round TKO, which he picked up during a five-win 2019 campaign that also saw him knockout tough contender All Rivera in the first round.

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, García (13-0, 10 KOs) represented his home country at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 30-year-old owns a decision victory over previously unbeaten Anvar Yunusovin 2019, and most recently stopped Miguel Moreno in four rounds in July. He will take on the 24-year-old Avelar (16-3, 10 KOs), who has fought professionally since 2015. The Aguascalientes, Mexico-native has gone toe-to-toe with unified champion Stephen Fulton Jr. and top contender Eduardo Ramirez.

Mahmutovic (3-0, 3 KOs) began his pro career with three-straight knockout victories before he makes his U.S. debut as a pro on December 18. The 23-year-old was born in San Francisco and now resides in Daly City, California. Mahmutovic picked up all of his knockout victories in 2021, scoring wins in April, May and July. He squares off against Davenport, Iowa’s Hill (6-0, 5 KOs) in a battle of unbeatens. The 24-year-old Hill debuted in February 2020, with three-straight stoppage victories, having most recently defeated Brandt Cooper in August.

The non-televised undercard lineup will see super middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr. (21-1, 19 KOs) in a six-round bout against Manny Woods (17-14-1, 6 KOs) and lightweight prospect Breeon Carothers (1-0, 1 KO) facing Deljerro Revello (0-2) in a four-round fight. Rounding out the action is unbeaten Mayweather Promotions fighter Adrian Benton in a six-round lightweight duel versus Raymond Chacon.

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

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

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) returns to the division following his impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix and will now meet interim heavyweight kingpin Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky. The long-awaited title unification bout takes place on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

In addition, former bantamweight world champion Darrion Caldwell (14-5) returns to action against the winner of Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2, Enrique Barzola (16-5-2), who makes his BELLATOR debut.

The main card will air live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while the preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and airs on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky go on sale Thursday, Dec. 16 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. A special presale will be taking place the day prior.

A former two-division champion, Ryan Bader has had nothing but high-profile bouts since signing with BELLATOR MMA in 2017, defeating Fedor Emelianenko, King Mo, Matt Mitrione, Linton Vassell, Lyoto Machida, Phil Davis and has gone toe-to-toe with Vadim Nemkov, Corey Anderson and Cheick Kongo. A winner in eight of his last 11 bouts, Arizona State University’s “Darth” Bader will once again have a partisan crowd in attendance when he meets Valentin Moldavksy at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Making his return to the heavyweight division for the first time since 2019, Bader’s last title defense came against the aforementioned Kongo, a bout Bader was controlling until an accidental eye poke prematurely ended the contest.

The winner of the first-ever interim title in BELLATOR history, Valentin Moldavsky became Bader’s mandatory challenger following a dominant win over Tim Johnson at BELLATOR 261. Training under the tutelage of heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko, Moldavskyhas begun carving out his own legacy, accruing a perfect 6-0 record within the confines of the BELLATOR cage. A multi-time European Sambo champion, Moldavsky has defeated top heavyweight contenders such as Johnson, Javy Ayala, Linton Vassell, and Roy Nelson on his climb to the top. Born in Ukraine, the 30-year-old looks to join teammate Vadim Nemkov and become the undisputed champion of the heavyweight division on January 29.

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BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: #C-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) vs. #IC-Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-5) vs. Enrique Barzola (16-5-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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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. 

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based amateur-boxing star and future professional middleweight champion Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr., to a promotional contract.

After getting off to a relatively late start at age 19, the naturally gifted Hicks quickly fought his way to being named Captain of Team USA’s international amateur-boxing squad. He was also a National Golden Gloves Champion in 2019; a three-time Eastern Elite Qualifiers Champion (2017, 2018, 2019); and a five-time Michigan Golden Gloves Champion (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019) in his distinguished 100-bout amateur career.

Despite his considerable resume, Hicks reveals he’s decided to venture over to the professional side of the sport after feeling cheated of his dream of fighting for the USA Olympic Boxing Team by the pandemic.

Signing with Salita, he says, started with a tough sparring session in Detroit with one of the promoter’s other fighters.

“We were sparring with Marlon Harrington,” explained Hicks. “Marlon is a really good fighter. After I finished sparring him, I got a call from Marlon’s coach that his promoter, Dmitriy Salita, wanted to talk to me. Once I sat down with him, I liked everything he said. I can tell a good person when I meet him. He’s genuine and honest. I called my manager David McWater and told him I wanted to go with Salita. So, here we are, ready to get started.”

Family is vitally important to the 28-year-old Hicks, who cites his late father, Joseph “Sug” Hicks Sr., as the reason he started boxing. “My father loved it,” he recalled, “being at the gym made me feel close to him when he passed. He was a big fan. I remember when I was younger, he would put gloves me and tell people I was going to be his champ someday. The reason I chose the nickname ‘Sug’ is it was my father’s nickname. When I get in the ring, once the bell rings, I feel like he takes over.”

Hicks also has a five-year old daughter, Ariel, with his wife, Zoe Hicks (who is also an elite amateur boxer and is currently ranked #5 in the USA at 119 lbs).

Clever, quick-fisted boxer, well-known for his light-speed reflexes, Hicks says he loves to use his boxing skills in the ring, but the power in his right hand means he can also sit down on his punches when necessary.

So advanced are his considerable skills and so confident is his team that, according to Hicks, they have all agreed he will make his professional debut under the Salita banner early next year, starting with six-round bouts, instead of the customary four rounds.

“I want to get in as many fights as possible as quickly as possible, starting out with six rounders,” he explained. “We will debut in a six-rounder and then go right to eight after three or four fights. I’ve already fought overseas tournaments with no headgear. It’s no big deal. I always thought I had a pro style. I don’t think it’ll be a big adjustment. Especially with six rounds to work with, to set up some things up.”

Promoter Salita says he’s excited to be adding yet another outstanding Michigan-based talent to his formidable stable of top-level fighters.

“Joseph Hicks Jr., is an important part of the state’s next generation of boxing stars,” said Salita. “I’m happy to be adding him to the Salita Promotions team and looking forward to working with him and his manager, David McWater, with whom I’ve always had a great working relationship.”

Fighting out of Grand Rapids post-Floyd Mayweather can mean instant comparisons to the retired 50-0 superstar, but Hicks says he gets a great deal of support from another fighting alumnus of the city.

“There are two Grand Rapids boxers I look up to. One is Peter Quillen and the other being Floyd Mayweather, of course. Peter Quillen and I speak often. He tells me to continue to do me and make sure I stick with a good team that loves me and believes in me. He tells me life-motivational things. He tells me he’s very excited to see what I do in the pros. He’s one of the guys who know where I came from and where I am. He actually saw me get everything on my own the hard way with no handouts and he tells me he admires that.”

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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.

Los Angeles, CA – December 11, 2021 – Probellum is thrilled to announce the signing of 2020 Olympic gold medalist Hebert Sousa ahead of his plans to turn professional.

Sousa made history at Tokyo earlier this year, taking gold for Brazil in the middleweight division after knocking out Oleksandr Khyzhniak in the third round of their contest.

It capped off a fantastic amateur career for the 23-year-old from Salvador, which also includes a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships in Yekaterinburg, and a bronze medal at the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba.

Sousa will now take his incredible talents into the professional ranks, with the highly-rated Brazilian looking to replicate the immense success he has had so far.

He is the latest addition to Probellum’s elite roster of talent, having already signed the likes of Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia and and Francisco Rodriguez.

“I am delighted to announce that I am signing with Probellum,” said Sousa. “I was proud to win a gold medal at the Olympics earlier this year, and now it’s time to show what I can do as a professional.

“The chance to compete not only in Brazil but around the world is something I am very excited for, and I can’t wait to get started in the near future.”

“We’re extremely pleased to make another massive signing by welcoming Hebert Sousa to the team,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We’ve already signed some of the very best fighters across the globe, and now we’ve got one of the very best fighters that Brazil has ever produced in Sousa.

“Probellum have shown repeatedly that we want to enter into markets that may not usually receive the backing they deserve, and by having a superstar like Sousa now join our ranks, we will look to take Brazil and South America by storm.”

News on when Sousa will make his professional debut will be announced in due course.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Los Angeles, CA – December 11, 2021 – Probellum is delighted to announce the signings of highly-rated twin brothers Pat and Luke McCormack as they turn professional.

The McCormack brothers had immense success during their time in the amateurs, with each of them proudly representing Team GB for a number of years.

Pat’s achievements include a silver medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and a gold medal at the 2019 European Games in Minsk, while Luke won a gold medal at the 2018 EU Championships in Valladolid, a silver medal at the 2017 European Championships in Kharkiv and a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The North East stars will now call time on their tremendous amateur careers and enter the paid ranks, teaming up with world-title winning trainer Ben Davison and joining an elite stable that includes the likes of Josh Taylor, Lee McGregor, Leigh Wood, Mark Dickinson and more.

At just 26-years-old, the McCormack brothers look destined for huge success in the sport, as they become the latest big names to sign with Probellum.

Probellum has also acquired an elite roster, including fighters such as Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia and and Francisco Rodriguez.

“We’re ecstatic to announce our plans to turn professional by signing with Probellum,” said Pat and Luke McCormack. “We are proud of what we achieved as amateurs, but now is the time to kick on and take our careers to the next level in the paid ranks.

“After our conversations with Probellum it was clear that they were the very best option for us, and we have full confidence that they will take us to the very top as we look to achieve our dreams of winning world titles.”

“It is a true honor to announce the signings of Pat and Luke McCormack,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “They were some of the most sought-after fighters coming out of the Olympics, so to have them join Probellum is a massive statement of intent.

“We have an event in the North East of England on December 18 with some of the best talent from that area, and we’re certain that Pat and Luke can become the next big stars from that region.”

News on when Pat and Luke will make their respective professional debuts will be announced in due course.For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

PHILADELPHIA (December 10, 2021)–Weights for Saturday Night’s RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Photo by Marc Abrams / RDR Promotions

Jesse Hart 176.8 – David Murray 189
Nafear Charles 138.4 – Jonathan Hernan Godoy 140.8
Joshafat Ortiz 131.2 – Rondale Hubbert 139
Steven Pichardo 159 – Dewayne Williams 160
Boimah Karmo 151 – Denzel Fudd 150
Jerrod Miner 117 – Edwin Cortes 114.2
Derrick Whitley 144 – Raekwon Butler 140
Jose Nieves 124 – Josh Aarons 124.8
Felix Parrilla 132.8 – Ryan Venable 140.8

Promoter: RDR Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
Stream: BXNGTV.com
1st Bell: 7 PM

Tickets for this great night of boxing ae $50, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

16:00 GMT LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
JOE MCGRAIL121lbs 4ozv FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ 117lbs 11oz   
(Liverpool, England)             (Alfacar, Spain)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight contest
CALUM FRENCH10st 6ozv RUSTEM FATKHULLIN 10st 12oz
(Gateshead, England)            (Ufa, Russia)

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Featherweight contest
JORDAN GILL 128lbs 10ozv ALAN ISAIAS LUQUES CASTILLO 127lbs     
(Chatteris, England)               (Cordoba, Argentina)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
PADDY LACEY 11st 3lbs 2ozv VASIF MAMEDOV 11st 6lbs 5oz      
(Chester, England)                     (Perm, Russia)

followed by

19:00 GMT LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Middleweight Title
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 159lbs 5oz v NOE LARIOS JR 160lbs
(Belfast, Northern Ireland)                (California, USA)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
PETER MCGRAIL 123lbs 4oz v ENGEL GOMEZ 124lbs 12oz                
(Liverpool, England)                  (Chinandega, Nicaragua)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title 
JOE CORDINA 129lbs 15oz v MIKO KHATCHATRYAN 129lbs 12oz          
(Cardiff, Wales)                        (Liege, Belgium)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Title
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 139lbs 2oz v HENRY LUNDY 141lbs 4oz             
(Liverpool, England)                      (Philadelphia, USA)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 134lbs 11oz v FIRUZ SHARIPOVA 143lbs 4oz              
(Bray, Ireland)                           (Taraz, Kazakhstan)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Continental Welterweight Title
CONOR BENN 146lbs 8oz v CHRIS ALGIERI 146lbs             
(Brentwood, England)            (New York, USA)

WBC Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Nonito Donaire – 117.2 lbs.

Reymart Gaballo – 117 lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Karen Holderfield (Ark.), Dr, Lou Moret (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Kudratillo Abdukakhorov – 146.2 lbs.   

Cody Crowley – 145.4 lbs. 

Referee: Jerry Cantu; Judges: Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Pat Russell (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.)

Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Brandun Lee – 140 lbs.

Juan Heraldez – 144 lbs.*

*Heraldez missed the contracted weight of 142 lbs. The fight will proceed as scheduled.

Referee: Gerard White; Judges: Tiffany Clinton (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Zachary Young (Calif.)

#          #          #

ABOUT DONAIRE VS. GABALLO

Donaire vs. Gaballo will see WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire defend his title against undefeated interim WBC Bantamweight Titleholder and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

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

Magomed Kurbanov
154lbs.

Patrick Teixeira
153.8lbs

Ekaterinburg, Russia (December 10, 2021) Golden Boy’s Patrick Teixeria (31-2, 22 KOs) is set to take on Magomed “Black Lion” Kurbanov (22-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday, December 11 at Ekaterinburg, Russia for the WBO International Super Welterweight Title. The fighters are set to participate in a 12-round co-main event for the DAZN broadcast of Dimitry Bivol vs. Umar Salamov. The event will be available to stream via DAZN starting at 8:40am PT / 11:40am ET.

For more information on the event, please visit DAZN.com or click HERE

Providence, RI (December 10) – Jamaine Ortiz doesn’t care who he fights next, nor is he specific in terms of calling out potential opponents in the 135-pound weight class.

Anyone with a belt will do.

“For me, it’s about winning a title,” said Ortiz, the reigning, undefeated WBC World Youth and USNBC Silver lightweight champion promoted by CES Boxing. “I would love to fight Devin Haney, [Gervonta] Davis, [George] Kambosos – whoever is at the top. I’ve been staying ready. I’m anxious to fight.”

The 25-year-old Ortiz recently returned to his hometown of Worcester, MA, after spending five weeks in California helping pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko prepare for his Saturday-night showdown against Richard Commey. The 3,000-mile trip to Camarillo proved worthwhile on two fronts: It kept Ortiz sharp, plus it reaffirmed what he’s believed since Day 1 – that he’s one of the best in the sport capable of competing with anyone the lightweight division.

“I don’t necessarily need that validation,” Ortiz said, “but being there and going toe-to-toe with Lomachenko in sparring definitely felt like a confirmation for me. I’ve always known what I’m capable of doing. I know I belong in the ring with those guys. My work ethic shows whenever I walk into a room. Nobody trains the way I do.

“Sparring [with Lomachenko] went very, very well for,” Ortiz continued. “Lomachenko is a great fight, but the things he does, he wouldn’t be able to do that to me. I move different. When that bell rings, everything comes into play. I’m bigger, stronger, I have a high fight IQ – I am confident in what I can do once I step into that ring.”

Ortiz hasn’t fought since April when he battled fellow unbeaten lightweight Joseph Adorno to a draw in a back-and-forth thriller on ESPN in which Ortiz hit the canvas twice – once in the second, and again in the seventh round. Judges Rodolfo Aguilar and Brian Garry scored it 75-75 while Efrain Lebron judged in favor of Ortiz, 76-74; the seventh-round knockdown cost Ortiz what would’ve been a unanimous decision win.

Despite the minor blemish on his record – he is now 14-0-1, snapping his streak of 14 consecutive wins to start his pro career – Ortiz proved that night he can compete on the sport’s biggest stage against some of its brightest stars, and the scores proved he dominated the fight outside of the two knockdowns.

The fight also continued to boost Ortiz’s rapidly-rising stock. Soft-spoken and stoic by nature, Ortiz for years has flown under the radar in discussions about boxing’s best 135-pounders. In November of 2020, he opened the pay-per-view portion of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. and electrified social media with a knockout win over Sulaiman Segawa. Ortiz’s followers on multiple platforms more than doubled overnight with many in the boxing world getting their first real glimpse of CES’ blossoming talent.

Since then, Ortiz has gone from being a “name to watch” at 135 pounds to a now legitimate contender during what is currently considered a renaissance period in the lightweight division. The best part? The division is highly competitive, as evident by Kambosos’ recent win over Teofimo Lopez for the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles – only 13 months after Lopez upended Lomachenko to capture the belts.

“I was a little surprised,” Ortiz said of Kambosos’ win over Lopez. “But he had it coming. The way his father went after Kambosos’ father at the open workout, the way he called Kambosos a ‘one-day wonder,’ everything they said would happen to Kambosos happened to them.”

With titles changing hands so rapidly, there’s no reason to believe Ortiz can’t add one (or two) to his trophy case within the next year.

“As long as guys continue to fight who they should be fighting, that trend will continue,” Ortiz said. “That’s what makes this division in this era so great. Twenty years from now, they’ll be talking about this period in the lightweight division the way they talked about welterweights in the early ‘80s with Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. Our division is on fire right now.”

With 2022 on the horizon, Ortiz is expecting this to be his biggest year yet. The pandemic, coupled with a few nagging, reoccurring injuries, has limited him to just three fights over the past two years. Having just completed a grueling, yet productive, training camp with boxing’s former pound-for-pound king, Ortiz is sharp as ever and ready to hit the ground running in January.

He’ll be watching Lomachenko-Commey this weekend, patiently waiting for his opportunity to step onto that same stage.

“The goal is to get back on television and move closer to a world title,” Ortiz said. “I’m an entertaining fighter. Always have been. There’s nothing boring about my style.

“Once I get to where I need to be, it’s my job to perform, and you can be assured I will come out with the ‘W.’ the fans will follow. I’m there to win, perform, and put on a show. That’s what the fans like, and that’s why I have the following I do. This is going to be a big year.”

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

   •  Vasiliy Lomachenko 134.4 lbs vs. Richard Commey 134.2 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•     Jared Anderson 240 lbs vs. Oleksandr Teslenko 213.8 lbs 
(Anderson’s Jr. NABF Heavyweight Title — 8 Rounds)

•   Keyshawn Davis 137.8 lbs vs. Jose Zaragoza 136.2 lbs 
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 159.2 lbs vs. Reyes Sanchez 161.8 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT)

   •    Xander Zayas 152.6 lbs vs. Alessio Mastronunzio 152.2 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Pablo Valdez 146 lbs vs.  Julio Cesar Sanchez 149.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •     James Wilkins 127.2 lbs vs. Juan Tapia 129.4 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)
  •       Joe Ward 175.2 lbs vs. Britton Norwood 176.4 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

  •       Kelvin Davis 144 lbs vs. Ryan Schwartzberg 144.8 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

   •     John Bauza 140.2 lbs vs.  Michael Williams Jr. 138.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

December 10, 2021 – Salita Promotions has added the recently launched PPV.com platform from iNDEMAND to the list of U.S. and Canadian outlets where fans can purchase the world title defense of boxing superstar and first-ever two-division undisputed world champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields live on pay-per-view, as she takes on undefeated #1 ranked challenger Ema Kozin on Saturday, January 29 in Cardiff, Wales.

PPV.com adds a streaming service to iNDEMAND’s existing cable PPV infrastructure and is the only PPV streamer to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports events. PPV.com allows viewers to interact with other fans, post comments, and upload video selfies, in addition to other activities.

“It’s very exciting to be partnered with iNDEMAND as one of the first events featured on their new PPV.com platform,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “It is fitting that one of those first offerings will be a superstar of Claressa Shields’ caliber, as she makes her long-awaited U.K. debut against the talented and highly-motivated Ema Kozin. I know that Claressa is looking to make a statement in this fight and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver her matchup, plus three other exciting bouts, to her fanbase in the U.S. and Canada.”

Mark Boccardi, SVP, Programming & Marketing for iNDEMAND, said, “With the addition of PPV.com to our robust cable PPV distribution infrastructure, we now can provide fight promoters like Salita Promotions a one-stop shop to distribute their programming across all PPV platforms, whether on TV or online. We’re also proud to offer consumers a streaming PPV service that’s easy to find, easy to use, and provides interactive features that fans won’t get on any other PPV service during live-action sports.”

The January 29 event will be carried in North America across all PPV platforms, including streaming, cable, satellite and telco. On TV, boxing fans can order the event through Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as well as leading operators in Canada. Complete PPV distribution details can be found below.

Shields will defend her WBC, WBA and IBF titles against the WBC’s #1 ranked challenger, the undefeated Slovenian Kozin (21-0-1, 11 KOs), in the co-main event of the card which also features U.K. stars Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams in the highly-anticipated middleweight main event. Additional bouts on the pay-per-view telecast will be announced shortly. The bout was originally scheduled for December 11, but was rescheduled after an injury to Williams.

Shields vs. Kozin is the first in a lucrative multi-fight deal Salita Promotions secured for Claressa with broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K, and a bout that can set up a highly-anticipated showdown with Savannah Marshall in 2022. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat she has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks. Shields must emerge victorious on January 29 to clinch her long-awaited revenge match against Marshall.

HOW TO WATCH THE January 29 – Claressa Shields vs. Ema Kozin PPV

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, ____________Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as ____________well as leading operators in Canada.
Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV

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.

Friday, December 10, 2021

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions

The Quiet Cannon — Montebello Country Club

LIVE Stream through BXNGTV.com, Order by Clicking HERE ($19.99 US)

Adrian Corona, (132.4) vs. Jesus Perez, (133), Six Rounds

Ali Akhmedov, (170) Vs Paul Valenzuela Jr., (170.8), Ten Rounds

Marco Deckman, (193.2) vs. Santario Martin, (198.4), Six Rounds

Ruben Islas, (132) vs. Lucnor Diserne, (135), Four Rounds

Callum Walsh, (155.6) vs. Earl Henry, (156), Four Rounds

Eric Priest, (161.2) vs. Jamarcus Warren, (161), Four Rounds

Raul Chavez, (131.4) vs. Luis Montellano, (130), Four Rounds

Dariial Kuchmenov, (128.8) vs. Paul Amaro, (132.6), Four Rounds

Remaining tickets starting at $150 (VIP Ringside), $100 (Preferred Seating) and $80 (General Admission Seating), are on-sale online at Hollywood Fight Nights / Seating and will be available at the door. 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. PST. For more information on the venue please visit www.QuietCannon.com.

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.

Tom Loeffler and 360 Promotions have a broad global fan base with their events broadcast internationally on many different platforms.

About BXNG:

BXNG, is a dynamic new platform, linking local boxing events and emerging boxing prospects to a global audience. BXNG is the only platform focused directly on grassroots boxing, providing a new-aged stage for young fighters and local promoters. BXNG is a collaboration between Times Square Boxing Co. (New York, NY) and Vyre Network (Los Angeles, California). The collaboration is led by Adam Glenn (Times Square Boxing Co., CEO), along with partners Jason Scalzo (Scalzo Agency), Deon Elam (former boxer, contestant on “The Contender”), and Emil Czarnowski (Creative Director, Emil Filip X New York). BXNG is available for live streaming events at www.bxngtv.com or on Vyre Sports which is distributed through the Vyre Network through Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, iPhone, and Androids worldwide. 

Social Media

#HollywoodFightNights

Twitter

@360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1

Facebook

@360BoxingPromos

@BXNGTV

Instagram

@360BoxingPromotions

@TomLoeffler1

@bxng.tv

Website

www.360Promotions.us

NEW YORK – December 9, 2021 – Former MMA world champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley discussed his upcoming rematch against international superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul with media members on Thursday ahead of the sequel to their August clash won by Paul.

Paul vs. Woodley II, titled Leave No Doubt, will be the main event on SHOWTIME PPV, live from AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday, December 18 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Below are quotes from Woodley:

TYRON WOODLEY

“When I got the call about this fight I had already been training and had in my mind that I was going to fight four times next year. I was already getting battle-ready for a fight in January. It took me 20 seconds to say yes and now we’re here.

“Things happened the way they were supposed to happen. This is the fight that should have taken place anyway. More people were excited for this fight. These things happen for a reason.

“Very few times do you get a chance to go back and redo something that’s already done. You often times have regrets about how a fight went and now I get a chance to undo them. That really drives me. The fact that Jake can walk around saying he beat me, boils my blood. So I’m going to make it clear that I’m the better fighter.

“I’m going to be the better conditioned fighter in this fight. You won’t be able to tell who’s had all the time preparing for this matchup. Just like the first time. I was walking him down and putting him against the ropes. He was huffing and puffing. It’s going to be the same thing again.

“I didn’t have a lot of tape to break down the first time, but now I have eight rounds to watch and to make adjustments off of. Everyone knows no one is better in rematches than me.

On the $500k bonus if he knocks Jake Paul out…

“If you put a bounty on your head, I’m all about taking that free money. The knockout bonus is just a little extra perk and some extra motivation.

“I’m motivated by money, legacy and redemption. Why would you prize fight if you didn’t want a prize? But it’s also very much about the principle. At a certain point in your career, you want the bag to match with what you’ve accomplished. You’re going to see me walk away with that extra money on fight night.

“There were times in the first fight where I made him miss and didn’t make him pay. Without going into the game plan, I feel like there were times where I could have made there bigger consequences for him trying to hit me.

“I watched the first fight fully for the first time yesterday and I felt like I won rounds four through eight. And that’s not counting what should have been a 10-8 in round four with the knockdown. If I add in some more volume, I’m going to get the knockout.

“I don’t want to look ahead, but I’m not losing to Jake Paul. I’m getting the finish. I’m not leaving it in anyone else’s hands. That will probably set us up to fight a third time.

“There were times in rounds one through three where he was keeping busy but not landing anything that hurt. He does punch hard thought, I’m not going to act like he doesn’t. He hit me with some punches that would have put others down on the canvas.

“Jake has a screw loose, we all know that. So I’m not surprised he took this rematch. Everyone thinks he’s scared of me, so he couldn’t pass on the opportunity. He knows we have to make things right.

“My prediction is a knockout. When that happens depends on how much damage he can take and how much violence he can endure. I’m going to look for the openings and then I’m going to take them.”

# # #

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

CARSON, CALIF. (December 9, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire and unbeaten Interim WBC Bantamweight Champion and fellow Filipino countryman Reymart Gaballo went face to face at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the main event live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features unbeaten welterweight contenders Kudratillo Abdukakhorov and Cody Crowley squaring off in the 10-round co-main event, plus rising super lightweight Brandun Lee battling contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round bout. The telecast kicks off with a replay of last Saturday’s Gervonta Davis vs. Isaac Cruz SHOWTIME PPV® main event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

NONITO DONAIRE

“For me, after the Naoya Inoue fight, I saw that I still had a purpose in this sport. I came in strong against Nordine Oubaali in my last fight because I have that purpose. That purpose is to become undisputed champion of the world.

“I’m proud that there is another Filipino fighting at this level. I’m happy to be sharing the ring with Reymart. I know he’s very hungry and that he has a big dream, just like everyone in the Philippines. I know that he’s going to be at his best, so I made sure that I’m prepared and at my best as well.

“I’ve faced a lot of top guys with great power like Gaballo has. My experience allows me to have no fear of the power. We’re just focused on our strategy and how I can take advantage of his style.

“We’re 100% ready. We build up our mental fortitude so we can always push forward and be ready. We’re only as strong as our mind can be. My mental strength is through the moon.

“I’m here enjoying this moment and every moment I have left in my career. In the gym, I feel like I can do this for another 10 years. I just take it one fight at a time and I’m grateful for every moment of it.

“This is a gentleman’s sport. It gives credibility to a fighter if he can speak with sportsmanship. It’s not about talking down to other people. I believe the greater man can look into his opponent’s eyes, shake hands with him and then go for the kill when they’re in the ring.

“I love the sport of boxing. It’s given me everything that I have and I’m going to represent the sport with honor and integrity.

“I’m going to leave it up to my team as to what we do next. Having said that, I’m going to go after all of the other bantamweight champions.

“Reymart is a really good fighter, but I’m very confident. I have bigger fish to go after following this fight. We’re both going to do our best but victory is the only thing I’m here for.”

REYMART GABALLO

“It’s an honor to fight my idol in the ring. I’m so excited to compete on Saturday night for the world championship.

“When I look at my last fight, I see that I have to improve my head movement and throw more punches. I believe that I’ve made the improvements that I needed to during training camp.

“Every time we train in the gym, everyone is throwing me the same punches that Nonito throws. We know that he’s not only going to throw that left hook, so we made sure I’ll be ready for everything.

“Age is just a number. I know that Donaire’s movement is still there, just like it’s always been. We’re not going to rely on my youth as the only thing I need in this fight.

“I’m very happy and it gives me great pleasure to have this chance to become world champion. I’ve been working my whole life to accomplish this goal.

“I’m going to do everything that we’ve worked on and prepared for in training so that I put on a great performance. I’m coming with everything I have to win this fight.

“I don’t like to talk too much, but I can say that I’m going to do my best in the ring on Saturday night.

“This is going to be a very good fight and I’m going to do everything that I can to make sure that my hand is raised after the final bell rings.”

KUDRATILLO ABDUKAKHOROV

“I will win this fight. After three years of being the mandatory challenger in the IBF, I deserve a shot to be a champion.

“I will knock him out on Saturday night and then I will knock out Errol Spence Jr. to become world champion.

“I have no sympathy for Crowley and I don’t want to hear any excuses from him after this fight. It doesn’t matter what he says today, I will knock him out anyway.

“I’ve prepared for this opportunity and I know that I have what it takes not only to win this fight, but to show everyone that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world.

“I’m going to win this fight and knock him out. He says he’s never lost a round before, but that’s because he’s never faced the kind of competition that I’ve faced or that I bring to the ring.”

CODY CROWLEY

“I got offered this fight back in April and I accepted this fight without questioning it. He backed out the first time, but now we’re finally here. I have a feeling he’s overlooking me.

“He doesn’t know what I’m capable of. I’ve been in the ring with world champions. Even by mentioning Errol Spence’s name, he’s overlooking me. On Saturday night, he’s going to find himself in waters that he can’t swim in.

“You’re going to see who’s standing in the center of the ring and who’s running once the bell rings. I’ve survived in waters that destroy most people.

“I feel fantastic. I’m a world-class athlete and this is the level I’m supposed to be on. There’s a reason that people can’t keep up with my activity in the ring. I’m a machine. He’s going to find out that he doesn’t have a human in front of him Saturday night.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. This is where I belong and this is where I thrive. I feel at home right now. A win on Saturday puts me where I already know I am. I’m a world champion in my head, the world just doesn’t know it yet.

“It’s taken a lot of sacrifice to get here. I’m from a super small town in Canada where boxing doesn’t really exist. I’ve had a burning desire since a young age to become something great and I’ve put myself in the best possible environment to be successful.

“Everything I’ve done comes from a crazy work ethic that I put in at the gym every single day. I wake up and go to sleep every day knowing that I’m going to become world champion. Now I’m here on SHOWTIME. It’s a message to everyone out there in the world, that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

BRANDUN LEE

“I am going in to win no matter how it goes down. I might knock him out, it may go the distance.

“It doesn’t matter if I go for the knockout or go for the win. Come Saturday night, I’ll be 24-0.

“I don’t get paid for overtime, so it doesn’t matter if the fight goes one round or 10 rounds. I’m going to take it moment by moment and display all of my skills for as long as this fight goes.

“Juan Heraldez is a good boxer; he has good speed and he is light on his feet. He is definitely my best opponent to date. It’s a challenge that I’m looking forward to.

“I can’t predict the future, but the one thing I can predict is me winning. I’m going to be 24-0 after Saturday night.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“I learned in the Regis Prograis fight that I have to prepare better. I can’t just rely on my skills and talent. I have to physically be at a higher level.

“I changed coaches back to my amateur coach because I know he’s going to have a game plan and that he’s going to get the best out of me.

“I’m not worried about being an underdog. I’ve been an underdog against an undefeated fighter before and we’ve seen what I can do in those kinds of fights.

“I’m going to show off where I’m headed in this sport. My speed, talent and my jab are going to all come together. I think this is going to be the best performance of my career. I’m prepared physically and mentally.

“We’re going to find out Saturday what advantages I have over Lee. I haven’t watched much of him, but his record is what it is. We’re going to find out what he’s made of on Saturday.

“I’m predicting a win. Everyone else might be surprised, but we won’t be.”

#

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

ORANGE, CA (December 9, 2021) – Red-hot bantamweight contender, Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (17-1, 10 KOs), of Pacoima, CA, coming off back-to-back first-round KOs on national television, is back in action as he will headline Thompson Boxing’s “Path to Glory” event on Friday, December 17, 2021, against Jose “Hollywood” Estrella (23-17-1, 16 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico. The 10-round bout will serve as the main event of the evening.

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

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
TB’s new mobile app is now available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone). Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

NEW YORK (Dec. 9, 2021)—The former pound-for-pound king, Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, has saved some of his best performances for the New York City spotlight. He hopes to do it again Saturday evening at Madison Square Garden in the 12-round lightweight main event against former world champion Richard “RC” Commey (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Lomachenko vs. Commey headlines a stacked quadruple-header airing after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. Heavyweight knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (10-0, 10 KOs) returns in an eight-rounder against Ukraine’s Oleksandr Teslenko (17-1, 13 KOs), recent U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis (3-0, 2 KOs) takes on Mexican veteran Jose Zaragoza (8-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round lightweight tilt, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (2-0, 2 KOs), grandson of “The Greatest,” opens the telecast in a four-rounder versus Reyes Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs).

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT) features Puerto Rican junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (11-0, 8 KOs) in a six-rounder, and Kelvin Davis (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at welterweight.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“Madison Square Garden is a special place for me because during my professional career I had a lot of memorable fights here. It is the Mecca of Boxing. Thank you, Commey, you are a strong fighter. I think we are giving a very interesting fight to the fans. As I said before, he has big power and reach and has experience and a big heart.”

“I’m very excited because this is the next step of my boxing career, and it will be very interesting for the fans.”

Richard Commey

“I’m feeling good. I’m very excited. This is my second time coming here. The last time didn’t work out well for me {against Teofimo Lopez}, so I have the opportunity to right the wrong.”

“I’ve got all of my country {Ghana} behind me. I’ve got all of the little children back home who want to be where I am, and I know it’s not an easy fight, but I’m coming. Losing is part of boxing, so regardless of how you lose, it’s all about coming back. So whatever happened with the Teofimo Lopez fight, it is what it is and I took it as a man. I knew I needed to come back and I came back very strong, and that is the reason why Loma chose me, and Saturday we are going to see what happens.”

Jared Anderson

“I’ll be honest, he let a cruiserweight stop him, so that says it all. I had a pretty tough camp emotionally, but we came physically. We’re now mentally prepared, thanks to my team. They mean a lot to me. They’re behind me.” 

Oleksandr Teslenko

“I know I’m the underdog, but I don’t care what people say.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“This is such a humbling experience and it’s been an honor. It’s been a whirlwind these last couple of months, and to be among these great fighters… all these fighters I’ve watched before in the past. Being on the undercard of Lomachenko is amazing.”

Xander Zayas

“I have to close out the year strong and put on a show here at Madison Square Garden.”

“I’ve been having a lot of fun here in New York. It means a lot to me. it means a lot to the Puerto Rican fans. My team came off a great victory two weeks ago {with George Kambosos Jr.} here at Madison Square Garden, so I want to keep that momentum going, I’m ready to put on a show Saturday night, and now it’s laser focus.”

Keyshawn Davis

“I’m signed with Top Rank, the {Olympics} are over, and I feel like there is really no more pressure. It’s all business at this point. I believe in myself. I know I can fight. I’m going to go in there like I’ve been doing this entire year. We’re just going to keep this train going.”

Kelvin Davis

“This means a lot to me. It’s like a dream come true with me and my brother on the same card.”

SATURDAY, December 11, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Richard Commey, 12 rounds, vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Reyes Sanchez, 4 rounds, middleweight

ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Xander Zayas vs. Alessio Mastronunzio, 6 rounds, junior middleweight

Pablo Valdez vs. Julio Cesar Sanchez, 6 rounds, welterweight

James Wilkins vs. Juan Tapia, 8 rounds, featherweight

John Bauza vs. Michael Williams Jr., 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Las Vegas – UFC^® caps off an amazing year of events at the UFC APEX with a battle of Top 10 heavyweight knockout artists, as No. 3 ranked Derrick Lewistakes on No. 7 Chris Daukaus. In the co-main event, top welterweights look to make a statement as No. 5 ranked Stephen Thompson faces No. 10 Belal Muhammad.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: LEWIS vs DAUKAUS will take place Saturday, December 18 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT and the main card at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

Heavyweight standout Lewis (25-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) looks to take sole ownership of the record for most knockouts in UFC history with another vintage performance. Already the owner of the most knockouts in the UFC heavyweight division with 12, Lewis earned his spot in the record books by landing stunning finishes over Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov and Travis Browne. He now prepares to defend his spot in the Top 5 by handing Daukaus his first UFC loss.

Daukaus (12-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) intends to end the year on a high note by notching the biggest victory of his mixed martial arts career. Currently undefeated in the UFC with four knockouts to his name, Daukaus quickly rose up the heavyweight rankings with standout performances against Shamil Abdurakhimov, Aleksei Oleinik and Rodrigo Nascimento. He now seeks to collect his fourth Performance of the Night bonus in a row by shocking the world and taking out Lewis.

Fan favorite Thompson (16-5, fighting out of Simpsonville, S.C.) has his sights set on returning to the title conversation with another show-stealing effort. A former undefeated kickboxing world champion, Thompson established himself as one of the best strikers in the UFC with iconic victories over Dan Stittgen, Robert Whittaker and Johny Hendricks. He now plans to keep his spot in the Top 5 and begin building his momentum for 2022.

Muhammad (19-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) aims to continue his unbeaten streak and prove that he can compete with the elite of the division. A dominant grappler with relentless cardio, Muhammad has secured notable wins over Demian Maia, Dhiego Lima and Tim Means. He now looks to notch his third victory of 2021 with a statement performance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• A thrilling women’s strawweight bout sees No. 11 ranked contender Amanda Lemos (10-1-1, fighting out of Para, Brazil) match up with No. 12 ranked Angela Hill (13-10, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• No. 12 ranked featherweight contender Raphael Assuncao (27-8, fighting out of Alpharetta, Ga. by way of Recife, Brazil) intends to defend his spot in the rankings against Ricky Simon (18-3, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.)
• Lightweight grapplers collide as No. 12 ranked contender Diego Ferreira (17-4, fighting out of Pharr, TX by way of Careiro da Várzea, Amazonas, Brazil) takes on Mateusz Gamrot (19-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Lubo?, Wielkopolskie, Poland)
• Featherweight veterans collide as Cub Swanson(27-12, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) and Darren Elkins (27-9, fighting out of Portage, Ind.) open up the main card
• Gerald Meerschaert (33-14, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) intends to collect another signature submission against fellow grappler Dustin Stoltzfus (13-3, fighting out of Germersheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany)
• Heavyweight finishers Justin Tafa (4-3, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia) and Harry Hunsucker (7-4, fighting out of Richmond, Ky.) vie to end the year on a winning note
• Women’s flyweight veteran Sijara Eubanks (8-6, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) looks to hand Melissa Gatto (7-0-2, fighting out of State of Parana, Brazil) her first loss
• Charles Jourdain (11-4-1, fighting out of Beloeil, Quebec, Canada) and Andre Ewell (17-8, fighting out of Riverside, Calif.) lock horns in a battle of exciting featherweights
• Raquel Pennington (12-9, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) plans to extend her win streak when she takes on Macy Chiasson (8-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) in a featherweight bout
• Heavyweights Don’Tale Mayes (9-4, fighting out of Louisville, Ky.) and Josh Parisian (14-4, fighting out of Howell, Mich.) square off with fireworks expected
• Jordan Leavitt(8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) welcomes Matt Sayles (8-3, fighting out of Lakeside, Calif.) back to the Octagon in a lightweight bout

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

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About UFC^®

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About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine 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.

NEW YORK (Dec. 9, 2021) — Featherweight prospect Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials champion at 125 pounds, has signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank. Carrington (1-0) turned pro with a unanimous decision victory Oct. 9 on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III undercard.

Carrington hails from Brownsville, Brooklyn, the same neighborhood that produced Mike Tyson, Zab Judah and Shannon Briggs. He will train with the noted Kay Koroma, who is known for working with the likes of Shakur Stevenson and Mikaela Mayer. Carrington’s Top Rank debut is set for Saturday, Jan. 15 on the Joe Smith Jr.-Callum Johnson undercard at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

“Bruce Carrington is one of the great American amateurs of his generation, and he has the makeup and skills to be a future world champion,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He stood out on the Fury-Wilder III card as someone whose amateur success will translate to the pro ranks.”

Carrington said, “I’ve always admired how Top Rank develops young fighters into champions. I see myself having a long career, and I am excited to perform on ESPN’s platforms. I’ve always had a pro style, and after the Olympic Trials, I knew I was ready to take the next step.”

Carrington missed out on an opportunity to qualify for Tokyo after the American qualifiers were canceled in 2020 and 2021. It was an unfortunate break for the 24-year-old, who began boxing in the Brooklyn gyms at the age of 7. He watched up close as fellow New York City fighters like Danny Jacobs, Luis Collazo, and Curtis Stevens turned into top professionals.

Carrington, whose nickname “Shu Shu” means “the one who rises above all” in Egyptian, finally rose to the top of the amateur heap. As the eighth seed at the Olympic Trials, he defeated the likes of Duke Ragan, the Top Rank signee who earned a silver medal in Tokyo. In addition to Carrington, Top Rank has all five male Olympians from Tokyo under contract: Troy Isley (3-0, 2 KOs), Tiger Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), and silver medalists Ragan (4-0, 1 KO), Keyshawn Davis (3-0, 2 KOs) and Richard Torrez Jr. (pro debut).