BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON VIRTUAL MEDIA AVAILABILITY QUOTES

MOSCOW (Oct. 19, 2021) – Capping a historic month of exceptional BELLATOR MMA action, Russian heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will make his highly anticipated return to the cage following a nearly 22-month absence when he squares off against No. 2-ranked contender Tim Johnson (15-7) at BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME. In the co-featured bout inside the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) will return to combat for the first time in more than two years when he faces No. 8-ranked Said Sowma (7-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic four-fight BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson main card live at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, all eight must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at Noon ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson are currently on sale at Kassir.ru.

Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned co-main event between Minakov and Sowma, Team Fedor’s Anatoly Tokov vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov in a middleweight clash, and undefeated Russian phenom Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8). A previously scheduled bout between No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Rustam Khabilov (24-4) has been cancelled due to an undisclosed injury.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Tuesday, Oct. 19:

FEDOR EMELIANENKO: Russian Heavyweight Legend

Click HERE for Fedor’s full media day session

“Tim Johnson recently had a nice winning streak and that shows that he’s quite a good fighter. This was something that I took into consideration when looking at opponents.”

“MMA is the most joyful job that I could have. I’m never tired of the press events, and actually consider them to be a necessity to the business of combat sports, so I have gotten used to them over the years. As far as fighting alongside my friends and family, I think this can be difficult. When my friends and family are fighting with me on the same card, it’s important that I concentrate on my own fight and not get caught up in the rest. Because I am a professional and have been performing in this sport for a while now, I believe that I am good at simplifying everything when it comes to all of these factors.”

“In my next fight, I would prefer to go to Chicago instead of New York, but the plan for the next fight is really up to BELLATOR. If BELLATOR decides to go to a specific place, I will go. But, if it’s in America, it should be in Chicago.”

“It is great news and very exciting that Vadim Nemkov was able to defend his title and advance to the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals. On the topic of champions, I hope that before I leave this sport, we will have another world champion.”

TIM JOHNSON: No. 2-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Tim’s full media day session

“I embrace fighting in Fedor’s home country. How many people get to experience something like that? I fought a Brazilian in Brazil (unanimous decision over Marcelo Golm in February 2018), but this will be a little more intense.”

“I can’t go out there and think, ‘Hey, I’m fighting Fedor.’ This is just an opponent, and he is (standing) in front of my goals.”

“Fedor is a power puncher. He’s got good explosions. I’m preparing this fight to be in all three positions.”

“Fedor fights in front of you, looking to land that big right hand or that big uppercut. He is a well-rounded fighter. You can’t get lazy with him.”

“Tim Johnson is pretty low on the name power list. People know me, but I don’t think the big-time fans look at me as a name power guy.”

“If Fedor beats me, this definitely is not going to be his last fight. If he gets a win over me, he will get a chance to potentially fight for the (heavyweight) belt again.”

VITALY MINAKOV: Former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion

Click HERE for Vitaly’s full media day session

“It’s definitely a shame that I couldn’t compete for these past two years. Regardless, the past two-and-a-half months of training have been perfect. I’m still in shape and I’m still intact.”

“It is quite difficult with the American Visa. If BELLATOR is not going to come to Russia anytime soon, it will make it difficult. My plans are to stay at BELLATOR and in this sport.”

“Said (Sowma) and I know each other quite well and have trained at the same gym. He is a comfortable person to spar with.”

“I haven’t always seen MMA as a professional career until I came to the BELLATOR tournament. In 2013 when I participated in the Grand Prix, I realized that MMA is something that I could build a career on. I decided to do it to win a title and achieve something in the sport.”

SAID SOWMA: No. 8-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Said’s full media day session

“It’s a big difference when you have to travel across the world for a fight. It was difficult before, but definitely even more difficult now due to the additional restrictions and guidelines. Even though I am fighting in Minakov’s home country, I usually try to ignore the crowd as much as I can as it is, so it really shouldn’t be a factor for me.”

“I think I’m faster than Minakov and I will certainly try to use my speed to my advantage in this fight. I wasn’t so much interested in fighting Minakov as I was in traveling to Russia. I told BELLATOR that I really wanted to go and compete in this event, and the only fighter that I could have potentially matched up against was Minakov, so I took it.”

“I’ve been training at ATT (American Top Team) for 11 years now, and my entire wrestling and jiu-jitsu background comes from that gym. One of the best things about my gym is the absolute goldmine of fighters and coaches. There is just so much talent there.”

“I’m naturally a slow starter inside of the cage, so I’m not sure how this fight is going to play out. Having said that, I do think a win over Minakov will put me in title contention, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing.”

Click here for Usman Nurmagomedov’s full media day session

Click here for Anatoly Tokov’s full media day session

Click here for Patrik Pietila’s full media day session

Click here for Darina Mazdyuk’s full media day session

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (7-2)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 7 Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) vs. Rab Truesdale (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (6-1) vs. Aymard Guih (15-11-1)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (4-1) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (4-4)

Flyweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (3-1) vs. Stephanie Page (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-7) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (7-1)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (12-4)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (9-5) vs. Alexander Osetrov (8-2-1)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-1) vs. Alexander Belikh (9-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23: BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5: BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12: BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh / Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino / Hollywood, Fla.

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.

Fernandez captures ABF title; Haddabah Shines in Clearwater

Clearwater, FL (October 19, 2021) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returned to Banquet Maters in Clearwater Saturday, October 16 and treated fans to an entertaining 7 fight card.

Popular junior welterweight Joseph Fernandez of St. Petersburg, FL became the ABF champion with an impressive third round stoppage against veteran Jose Forero of Panama. Backed by a large cheering section, Fernandez got off to a strong start and landed many clean shots against the rugged Forero. In round three, the southpaw Fernandez connected with picturesque right hook to Forero’s head that sent him crashing to the canvas.

Forero bravely got up at the count of 8 but was in no condition to continue, forcing Referee Michael DeJesus to halt the contest at 2:10.

With the victory, Fernandez improves to 14-3-3 with 5 knockouts. Forero slips to 13-9-1 (11 KO’s).

Light heavyweight Imran “El Toro Arab” Haddabah of St. Petersburg destroyed Los Angeles, CA’s Victor Garcia Rivera in 1 minute and 51 seconds. The heavy-handed Haddabah scored three knockdowns and is now 3-0 with all of his victories coming by first round stoppage.

135 pound up and comer Iron Alvarez of Tampa, FL improved to 14-0 (11 KO’s) following a hard-fought decision over Miami, FL based Argentinian Jonatan Hernan Godoy, 5-11 (2 KO’s).

Alvarez had a significant height and reach advantage and peppered Godoy with jabs and straight rights from the opening bell. Alvarez’ repeated blows opened a cut over Godoy’s left eye and helped him score a hard knockdown but Godoy had no intentions of packing it in.

Bleeding and down on the scorecards, Godoy begun pressing the fight and successfully connected with a number of punches to Alvarez’ head.

After six entertaining rounds, scores were 58-55 and 59-54 twice.

Junior lightweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey of Tampa improved to 8-0 with an impressive six round decision over Aguadilla, Puerto Rico’s Pedro Hernandez. An Army veteran and multi-time amateur champion, Bailey displayed solid skills and looks to be a prospect on the rise.

In a women’s flyweight contest, Maryguenn Vellinga Hinz scored a third round TKO over debuting Simona Sarpa of Tampa. Vellinga Hinz, of Park City, UT, is 3-1-2 with 2 wins by knockout.

Cruiserweight Adrian Pinheiro of Orlando, FL improved to 3-0 (3 KO’s) with a first round knocked out of Wilson, NC’s
Dequanti Johnson and Tampa middleweight Christopher Rodriguez moved to 2-0 (2 KO’s) by KO’ing Milwaukee, WI’s Jay Ellis in round one.

“I am thrilled we were able to give the fans an entertaining show,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing. “There is a lot of up and coming talent in the Tampa-St Pete region and the fans have always been great in packing the house on fight night. We’re looking forward to our next show.”

Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returns to Banquet Masters on January, 28. More information will follow.

For more information, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

A PAIR OF BLOCKBUSTER CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS HEADLINE UFC® 269 AT T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to T-Mobile Arena with two thrilling world championship fights and a welterweight grudge match guaranteed to deliver fireworks. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will go for his first successful title defense when he takes on No. 1 ranked contender Dustin Poirier. Plus, the greatest women’s fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes, defends her bantamweight championship against gritty No. 5 Julianna Peña, while No. 3 ranked welterweight contender Leon Edwards looks to settle the score with No. 6 Jorge Masvidal.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER will take place Saturday, Dec. 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER tickets will go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^®members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Oct. 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Oliveira (31-8 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) achieved his dream of winning UFC gold with a knockout victory over Michael Chandler in May. Throughout his UFC career, he has also netted thrilling wins against Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee and Nik Lentz (twice). Oliveira now aims to cement his status as the top 155-pound fighter in the world by stopping Poirier in emphatic fashion.

Former interim lightweight champion and No. 6 men’s pound-for-pound fighter, Poirier (28-6 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Lafayette, La.) is riding a wave of momentum following a pair of spectacular wins over Conor McGregor this year. During his UFC run, he has also earned victories against Max Holloway (twice), Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje. Poirier now has his sights set on taking his spot atop the 155-pound division with another highlight-reel finish.

Two-division champion Nunes (21-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) has etched her name in the history books among the most dominant fighters in UFC history. Currently riding a seven-year unbeaten streak, she has delivered sensational KO wins over former UFC champions Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg. Nunes now seeks to continue her legendary run with another show-stealing performance.

The Ultimate Fighter season 18 winner Peña (11-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) looks to claim the biggest victory of her career and secure her first title. A well-rounded grappler, she cemented herself as one of the best fighters in the world by defeating former UFC champion Nicco Montano, as well as former title challengers Jessica Eye, Cat Zingano and Sara McMann. Peña now intends to shock the world by dethroning Nunes in impressive fashion.

Edwards (19-3 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) is gunning for another dominant performance to set himself up for a UFC title shot. Currently riding a six-year unbeaten streak, he holds notable victories over Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone. Edwards now plans to get the last laugh against Masvidal to earn his first crack at UFC gold.

Two-time title challenger Masvidal (35-15, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) is determined to cap off 2021 with a vintage knockout win. Throughout his 18-year MMA career, he has delivered memorable finishes of Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till. Masvidal now plans to stop Edwards’ momentum in emphatic fashion to once again enter the welterweight top five.

Additional bouts on the card include:

No. 6 ranked flyweight contender Kai Kara-France (22-9 1NC, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) looks to spoil the 125-pound debut of former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (12-4, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)
No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Raulian Paiva (21-3, fighting out of Santana, Amapa, Brazil) and Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sean O’Malley (14-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) aim to steal the show
Welterweight contenders collide when No. 10 Geoff Neal (13-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces No. 12 Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
No. 9 ranked bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz (19-6 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) takes on former champion and No. 11 Dominick Cruz (23-3, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
No. 15 ranked middleweight contender Andre Muniz (21-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) aims to keep his momentum going when he meets rising prospect Dricus du Plessis (16-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa)
No. 13 ranked women’s flyweight contender Maycee Barber (9-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with rising star Erin Blanchfield (7-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, NJ)
No. 4 ranked flyweight contender Alex Perez (24-6, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) battles No. 9 Matt Schnell (15-6, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
Submission ace Ryan Hall (8-2, fighting out of Falls Church, Va.) takes on Darrick Minner (26-12, fighting out of Nebraska City, Neb.) in an intriguing featherweight contest
Gillian Robertson (9-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada) faces Priscila Cachoeira (10-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a flyweight bout
Randy Costa (6-2, fighting out of Taunton, Mass.) takes on Tony Kelley (7-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) at bantamweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 155 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 approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 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 T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

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

About ESPN

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

Miguel “El Explosivo” MadueñoTraining Camp Notes

ORANGE, CA (October 19, 2021) – Fresh off a dynamic knockout victory on Triller Fight Club, undefeated lightweight power puncher, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (25-0, 23 KOs), is scheduled to headline Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event on Friday, October 22, 2021, against Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-14-1, 13 KOs), in the 8-round main event.

Here is what Madueño had to say about this training camp, his matchup with Rodriguez, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“After my last win, which was a big KO victory over Sonny Fredrickson, I really wanted to stay in the gym and continue my momentum going forward. Anyone who knows anything about my career, knows I am a big puncher, but we’re working on other aspects of my game so that when I need it, I will be able to show it. I am excited for this bout.”

On his matchup with Jose Luis Rodriguez:

“He has fought a lot of good fighters like Ruben Torres and Antonio Orozco. I want to show what I am capable of by getting another knockout. I want to stop him since he’s been taking everyone the distance, and the last person to stop him was a world champion in Mario Barrios. So, my goal is simple, I want to knockout Jose Luis Rodriguez.”

On fighting in main event of Thompson Boxing’s New Blood event:

“Thompson Boxing has treated me so well. My career wouldn’t be where it is at without them being fully behind me, and now I am on the verge of a world title shot. I have a great record, a fan-friendly style, now it just comes down to performing time and time again. What is even nicer is now knowing they trust me to headline a card knowing fighters like Timothy Bradley Jr., Josesito Lopez, and Daniel Roman, have headlined cards for this same promoter. It means a lot, actually.”

On what a victory will do for his career:

“I want to be in the title picture, and I feel I have done enough to be a top-15 world-ranked fighter in the lightweight division. I think after this fight I will either be rated in the top-15 or people will start having conversations about me being in the top-15, and then I can get the type of fights that I want, and the fans want. So, a win will get me one step closer to my dream of being a world champion.”

“New Blood” 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 available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone).

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV, our proud Media Partner.
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World Cup Boxing Series Signs undefeated Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres

SOUTH LAKE, Tex. (October 19, 2021) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, announced today that WCBS has signed undefeated Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres (15-0, 11 KOs) to a long term, multi-year promotional contract.

The 19-year-old Torres, the reigning WBC Youth Lightweight World Champion, is a rising star in his native Mexico having defeated quality opponents such as Orlando Zepeda (9-2), Juan Marco Rodriguez (10-4), Gregorio Soto (11-1), Jose Luis Vasquez (12-2), Jose Paez (15-2), and Diego Fabian Eligio (20-5).

“He (Torres) is a real contender,” WCBS CEO Terry Hollan commented, “and the boxing world will see that very soon. I am truly honored to have World Cup Boxing Series be part of the exciting future of Luis Torres.”

“Luis Torres is an absolute pleasure to work with,” WCBS creator/matchmaker Guy Taylor added. “From the first time I saw him fight, I knew this young man was special. At only 19 years old, Torres is proving to be one of the faces to watch in the future.

“Torres only wants marquee match ups in 2022. He’s mentioned the likes of WBC Latino Lightweight Champion Alberto Ruiz and WBO Latino Lightweight Champion Jesus Saracho. World Cup Boxing Series is ready, willing, and able to work with anyone to make these competitive and compelling fights happen. How about a 4-Man Lightweight Tournament featuring four of the best young Mexican contenders? This is something Terry Hollan is actively pursing with the WBC for the beginning of 2022.”

Torres, who had a 23-1 (22 KOs) amateur record, turned pro at the age of 16. He grew up in one of the roughest neighborhoods, Colonia Cajeme, in Obregon, Sonora.

“I am very happy to be working with World Cup Boxing Series,” No. 6 WBO Latino rated Torres said. “WCBS will provide me with the support I need to progress in my career, especially when I fight in the United States, where all the big lightweight fights are held.”

Torres is co-promoted in Mexico with De La O Promotions, which is led by Emmanuel Romo, who remarked: “Luis Torres is the best prospect in Mexico right now. He has everything a promoter wants in a fighter: southpaw stance, skills, chin, and defense. There is no other 19-year-old in boxing right now that has faced the kind of opponents Torres has at this stage of their careers.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

TICKETS FOR BELLATOR MMA 271: CYBORG VS. KAVANAGH TO GO ON SALE FRIDAY, OCT. 22, WITH A SPECIAL PRESALE BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will take place on Friday, Nov. 12 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Tickets for the promotion’s long-awaited Florida return go on sale on Friday, Oct. 22, via Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com at 10 a.m. ET. Additionally, mixed martial arts fans will have access to a special presale beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

In the main event, current 145-pound champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) will make her third straight title defense when she takes on No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), while the co-main event features two top-5 heavyweight contenders going toe-to-toe as No. 4-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1) squares up with No. 5-ranked Linton Vassell (20-8).

Also on the card, a featured featherweight fight between No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) and undefeated, No. 8-ranked Justin Gonzales (12-0) and a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) and No. 7-ranked Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight attraction between undefeated, No. 6-ranked Steve Mowry (9-0) and former PFL competitor Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1).

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

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., “Cyborg” is coming off the second defense of her BELLATOR crown when she scored a vicious TKO over Leslie Smith at BELLATOR MMA 259 earlier this year. After earning world titles in STRIKEFORCE, UFC, and Invicta, the Brazilian native made history by capturing BELLATOR’s 145-pound strap to become a “Grand Slam Champion,” with belts in four different organizations. The hard-hitting, 36-year-old sports 20 career finishes with victories over elite competition, including Julia Budd, Holly Holm, Marloes Coenen, Gina Carano, and the aforementioned Smith (twice).

Kavanagh, a winner of her last two BELLATOR contests, strives to live up to her “KO” moniker when she attempts to stop the sport’s most dominant female athlete. The former amateur boxing champion is poised for a career breakout moment at BELLATOR 271 when the SBG Ireland-product attempts to do what only two other female fighters have previously accomplished; defeat “Cyborg.”

31-year-old Tyrell Fortune was thrust into the spotlight as one of the rare talents to start his professional career with the BELLATOR promotion. Known for his Olympic-caliber wrestling ability, Fortune has proven to be much more than a wrestler, becoming a fearsome and dynamic striker earning knockouts with his fists in seven of his 11 victories. Currently BELLATOR’s No. 4-ranked heavyweight, he recently defeated Matt Mitrione, causing him to submit to strikes at BELLATOR 262.

Former two-time light heavyweight title challenger, Linton Vassell bulked his way up to heavyweight where he has found immediate success, finishing both Ronny Markes and Sergei Kharitonov to solidify himself as the number five ranked big man in the division. A proud British fighter, “The Swarm” will be making his 15th promotional appearance at BELLATOR 271, averaging nearly two fights a year since signing with BELLATOR eight years ago in 2013.

A former freestyle wrestler who took home the California state high school title and placed second at the 2016 U.S. Olympic team trials, Pico hopes to continue his ascension toward a BELLATOR title with a fifth consecutive victory. Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Wink gym in Albuquerque, N.M.., the father of an infant son born in late July 2021 has stopped his past four opponents, including a pair of highlight reel knockouts. On Nov. 12, the 25-year-old knockout artist and Whittier, Calif., native will face his toughest test to date with plans to enter the 145-pound title conversation.

After signing with BELLATOR in September 2020, “J-Train” Gonzales made his promotional debut nine months later and earned a hard-fought split decision win over Tywan Claxton at BELLATOR MMA 260. Hailing from Greeley, Colo., the former LFA featherweight champion has knocked out four of his last seven opponents, including two in the opening round.

Additional preliminary matchups will be announced shortly

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Main Card:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #4-Tyrell Fortune (11-1) vs. #5-Linton Vassell (20-8)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. #8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: Arlene Blencowe (14-8) vs. Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: Steve Mowry (9-0) vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1)

BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Preliminary Card:

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

Friday, Nov. 12

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com.

** Card subject to change **

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

About BELLATOR

About SHOWTIME

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000 square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more.

Eros Correa Training Camp Notes

SAN JOSE, CA (October 19, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa (10-0, 7 KOs), will return to action against Katsuma Akitsugi (6-0, 1 KO) in the 8-round co-feature of Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event happening this Friday, October 22, 2021.

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

On his recent training camp:

“I have had a long training camp with a few delays just based on securing a fight date, but now I’m more ready than ever. I have worked on getting physically stronger, and that will be the key to this fight. Another big thing about the camp is my commitment to the sport, I am doing multiple workouts a day which include a morning boxing workout, strength and conditioning, as well as road work, so I have never felt better.”

On his matchup with Katsuma Akitsugi:

“He fought someone I know very well in Arnold Dinong, and I watched that fight several times. I think he is a good fighter, but I think he is going to have trouble with my strength. I just feel I am too strong for him, but I think he is a tricky, skilled and an awkward fighter, who is a tough test for anyone. I also feel that his biggest strength is that he is coming to win. I know this will be my toughest fight, but I’m confident in my ability to come out on top.”

On fighting in the co-feature of Thompson Boxing’s New Blood event:

“It is massive, whenever a promoter wants to put me in a marquee spot. I just want to put forth a performance that merits my slot on the card. Thompson Boxing has always been good to me, and I want to put on a dynamic and exciting fight that has the fans excited to see me fight again. My fight against Akitsugi will be the fight of the night.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A victory gets me closer to a big fight. I know the level I am at since I fought at a high level in the amateurs, and now I must show the world how good I am. Each win is a down payment on my future.”

ARTHUR v YARDE 2 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

FRANK WARREN today hosted a press conference to announce British boxing’s big Light-Heavyweight rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

‘King’ Arthur will make the third defence of his Commonwealth championship against Ilford puncher, Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4 , live on BT Sport.

Also on the line will be the position as number one challenger to WBO World champion, Joe Smith.

The pair first met last December when Manchester’s Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) edged out his great rival on a split decision after 12 rounds.

Now they will lock horns once again with even more at stake.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s tension filled head-to-head meeting between the boxers and their camps, where Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett eventually stormed out after clashing with Yarde’s coach Tunde Ajayi.

FRANK WARREN: Since the first fight Lyndon has gone into the number one position with the WBO and eventually you become the mandatory. That is at stake. It’s a crossroads for both of them and a fantastic fight where I think fans will see something a little bit special. It’s war and we are going to see a quality fight between two quality fighters. There was a contract with a rematch clause. I said to Pat I will try to get it on in Manchester but there was no date available and then we tried October in Birmingham and it didn’t happen. Now it’s on and it will be war. It’s even more meaningful then the first fight.

LYNDON ARTHUR: He (Yarde) didn’t want to come to Manchester and fight me. I believe they were too scared to come to Manchester. He is going to come out fast. There isn’t a chance on this earth he can outbox me. I know for a fact what he will try to do. The only thing he can do is try and knock me out.

YARDE: You (Arthur) got no fan base. It didn’t matter where the fight was and it (going to Manchester) didn’t get put to me. I don’t care where I fight. I have been to Russia to fight so all that talk is not right. I just said make the rematch happen. I don’t b*****t I don’t do excuses. Judges’ said I lost. The fight went the way it went and that’s it. If I land a shot and knock him down I wont wait for him to recover. I will finish the job. I am going to knock him out. Pat came in the changing room and said; ‘We was lucky, it was a close fight. I know how you’re going to come for the next fight I am going to do everything to not make the rematch happen. I want my boy to make so money.’

PAT BARRETT: I’m not here to entertain, I am here for the fight. Tunde said Yarde was going to knock Lyndon out before the first fight. He didn’t and that’s it. At the end of the day, the judges said he got beat. It was a close fight, but Lyndon only boxed with one hand. I came into the dressing room to show respect but Tunde didn’t even look at me. He has made a problem with me. Even if I don’t like you I respect you. I respect Anthony and I am going to prepare Lyndon for Anthony like he is a World champion. This is no walkover — it’s real. Respect is something that you earn and after the first fight we earned that as fighter and trainer. Anthony has never been overlooked and even though we was the champion before the first fight it wasn’t a backward step. If you are looking at World titles you have to beat World class operators like Anthony Yarde and he is a good opponent again. I said after to Anthony; ‘It was a close and Lyndon won with the jab,’

TUNDE AJAYI: I have never made excuses. It’s not in our nature. We know what Anthony was going through emotionally before the first fight. Tell me how you are supposed to perform at your apex when you have lost so many family members in a number of weeks? Everyone who saw the fight knows Anthony doesn’t box like that. He (Arthur) has made up a story about a spectacular jab, but won by one point and lost by six on another card. Lyndon isn’t calm enough for this. We will be calm and collected. I don’t know what Pat is talking about with this changing room situation. If my fighters have lost I am not going to be shaking hands and go hip, hip hooray after the fight. I have to let things digest. Let the gladiators do what they do and fight. The never wanted the rematch and tried to get out. Pat said after the first fight; ‘We don’t want that rematch,’ Lyndon and Anthony are going to get in the ring and settle the score.

————-

Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4 are available here

HOSPITALITY – £300.00
HOSPITALITY – £250.00
FLOOR SEAT – £150.00
FLOOR SEAT – £100.00
FLOOR SEAT – £75.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £50.00

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO CHRONICLE CANELO ALVAREZ VS. CALEB PLANT WITH EMMY® AWARD-WINNING SERIES ALL ACCESS

NEW YORK – October 19, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports will chronicle the buildup to the historic and highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight championship showdown between boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez and undefeated Caleb Plant with a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALL ACCESS. The two-part series premieres Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME with episode two premiering Friday, October 29 in advance of the SHOWTIME PPV® event on Saturday, November 6.

ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT brings viewers behind-the-scenes as unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Plant prepare for one of the biggest and most important fights of 2021. ALL ACCESS captures the promotion starting with the kickoff press conference in Los Angeles, where an intense stare down turned physical and glancing blows were exchanged, to their respective training camps as Canelo readies under the watchful eye of his renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso in San Diego and Plant trains in Las Vegas with boxing coach Justin Gamber and father and co-trainer, Richie Plant.

Episode two of ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT will premiere Friday, October 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT EPILOGUE will premiere Saturday, November 13.

FIVE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION GERVONTA DAVIS AND UNBEATEN LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER ROLANDO ROMERO SET FOR SHOWTIME PPV® CHAMPIONSHIP GRUDGE MATCH AT STAPLES CENTER IN LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES (October 19, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, boxing’s hottest attraction, will defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view headliner will pit one of boxing’s biggest stars, the 26-year-old Davis, against his outspoken lightweight rival Romero, for an explosive championship showdown. The event will mark Davis’ return to Southern California after he knocked out Hugo Ruiz in the first round in front of a sold-out crowd in February 2019.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale this Thursday, October 21 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com.

**Presale tickets are available today, Tuesday, October 19 beginning at 11 a.m. PT through Wednesday, October 20 at 10 p.m. PT at AXS.com with the presale code: STAPLES

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

RICHARD SCHAEFER PROUD TO SEE PROBELLUM REPRESENTING FIGHTERS ALL OVER THE WORLD

Los Angeles, CA – October 19, 2021 – Probellum President Richard Schaefer has reflected on the fantastic signings that have been made during the first month of Probellum’s tenure – following their ground-breaking launch four weeks ago.

Probellum made waves in the boxing industry one month ago, when their ambitious next-generation sports company was officially announced, and in the process saw them begin their structured global expansion strategy.

It has seen the promotion sign some of the very best fighters that the world has to offer, with many more set to come in the near future.

At present, 14 fighters have been signed, with 11 countries being represented by boxers across the world. Armenia, Canada, England, Lithuania, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, Sweden, Ukraine and the United States all boast stars in Probellum’s stable.

Five of those athletes are current or former world champions, with boxing superstars like Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Badou Jack, Ricky Burns and Paul Butler all part of the team, while there are also a number of top contenders on the cusp of big things, including Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, and Taras Shelestyuk.

The likes of Lewis Ritson, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson and Brandon Moore round up the talented boxers that are part of Probellum, with all of them set for plenty of success alongside their new promotional outfit.

Schaefer, along with Harrison Whitman, are both delighted with how everything has gone over the last four weeks, and they insist that it is just the start for the promotion.

“We are extremely proud of the stable that we have already established here at Probellum,” said Schaefer. “The fact that we have managed to recruit so many huge names shows the level of trust that they have within us, and that’s a great honor.

“This is just the beginning of what is going to be a very bright future. We only launched Probellum one month ago and we’ve already had great success, so watch this space to see what else is in store.”

“We always had a very clear vision to establish a global presence, and we’re thrilled with what we’ve been able to achieve so far,” said Whitman.

“Boxing is a worldwide sport, and it is essential to approach it in that manner.”

Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with some of the leading promoters in the sport, having partnered with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

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

“The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozicki FACT SHEET

WHAT: “The Conquest: Oscar Rivas vs. Ryan Rozocki” professional boxing

WHEN: Friday, October 22, 2021

WHERE: Montreal Olympia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WHO: MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC BRIDGERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)

                   Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada



                   CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

                   Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada

vs.

Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

                   SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)

                   Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada

vs.

                   Gregory “Crazy Frenchy” Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs), Dainville, Nord, France



                   HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Alexandre Roberge (1-1, 0 KOs), Lanoraie, Quebec, Canada

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

                   Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico



                   MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

                   Kevin Menoche (4-0, 4 KOs), Repentigney, Quebec, Canada

vs.

Thad Ridsdill (2-2-1, 1 KO), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

                   Alexis Barriere (3-0, 3 Kos), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada

vs.

                   Rafael “Rafaga” Sanchez Rojas (5-1, 3 KOs), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

(card subject to change)

Promoter: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in collaboration with Three Lions Promotions, presented by Mise-O-Jeu

How To Watch: Broadcast live in nearly fifty countries. In Quebec, the event will be available on pay-per-view television on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and Fite.tv.

Tickets: On sale at ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

FACEBOOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

LINKEDIN: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasRozicki

Source: Yvon Michel Group

ABOUT GROUPE YVON MICHEL (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company. GYM is the most prolific organization Canadian professional boxing history. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in thirty-seven international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in forty-eight world championship bouts, sporting an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On thirty-four occasions, major American networks broadcasted a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec-based boxing, including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN ( 1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA VS. JEOVANIS BARRAZA SET AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR MUNGUIA VS. ROSADO

ANAHEIM, CA (October 19, 2021) – Orange County will be represented on November 13th as Santa Ana’s Alexis “Lex” Rocha (17-1, 11KOs) faces off against Jeovanis Barraza (22-1, 15KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia, in a 10-round welterweight co-main event for Munguia vs. Rosado at Anaheim’s Honda Center. The welterweight fight will be preceded by a 10-round middleweight bout between top contender D’Mitrus Ballard (20-0-1, 11KOs) of Temple Hill, Maryland, and Mexico’s Paul Valenzuela, Jr. (26-9, 17KOs). The DAZN show opener will feature Mexico’s undefeated, heavy-handed, lightweight rising star, William Zepeda (23-0, 21KOs), facing off against Miami’s John Moralde (24-4, 13KOs) in a 10-round fight for the WBA Continental America’s Lightweight title. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

“Saturday, November 13th will be a great night of boxing for Southern California fight fans,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are proud to highlight one of Orange County’s top contenders, Alexis Rocha, as he makes his return to the Honda Center in the co-main event of the night. I know he will make all his hometown fans proud as he takes on a tough contender in a 10-round welterweight war.”

After a stellar, knock-out performance on June 19, 2021, against James Bacon, Alexis “Lex” Rocha of Santa Ana, California, is determined to continue his winning streak when he faces off against Jeovanis Barraza on November 13. The Southern California native is returning to the Honda Center as a top-rising welterweight contender who has steadily climbed the rankings by successfully defeating tough competitors like Berlin Abreu, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and Brad Solomon.

“I expect a lot from myself. I expect to be a main event star in the sport. For now, I’m focused on stealing the show as the co-main event and bringing excitement to the crowd,” said Alexis Rocha. “I want to earn the respect and support of Orange County fans and I can do that by knocking opponents out. I was born and raised here. Sports in Orange County should be Angels, Ducks, and Alexis Rocha. That’s my goal.”

Making his second American appearance on November 13, Jeovanis Barraza of Barranquilla, Colombia, is looking to make a statement in the welterweight division. The 26-year-old dangerous contender has defeated tough competition in Colombia, including top prospects Carlos Saenz and Luis Guillermo Berrio. Now, he will be looking to impress American audiences as he seeks an upset victory against Santa Ana’s Alexis Rocha.

“I am at Reyes Boxing getting the best training I can to prepare for a fight that will change my life,” said Jeovanis Barraza. “I am going to bring my top game and show the world what I am made of.”

Headlining the Golden Boy Fight Night portion of the night, live on Facebook Watch, Arley Muncino (29-3-2, 10 KOs) of Monterey, Mexico will meet Jackie Calvo (14-6-2, 1KO) of Mexico City in a 10-round female flyweight battle.

The Pride of Mexicali, Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10KOs) will make his return to the ring facing off against Guadalajara’s Jose Gonzalez (23-9-1, 13KOs) in a 10-round featherweight event.

Alejandro Reyes (4-0, 3KOs) of Los Angeles will participate in a 4-round super lightweight fight against Osmel Mayorga (2-2, 1KO) of Miami, Fl.

Finally, San Diego’s rising prospect, Jorge Chavez, will make his pro debut in a 4-round super featherweight bout against Mexico City’s Gilberto Aguilar (0-3).

Tickets for Munguia vs. Rosado are on sale now and are priced at $250, $150, $100, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Please note that California Department of Health guidelines and other protocols relating to admission requirements may be in place for this event, which may include a requirement that all guests show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or full vaccination status.

Munguia vs. Rosado is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, November 13, and live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

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 #MunguiaRosado.

ABOUT HONDA CENTER
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. Owned by the City of Anaheim and managed by Anaheim Arena Management, LLC, the arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, and Foo Fighters. Since 2005, Anaheim Arena Management/Anaheim Ducks owners, Henry and Susan Samueli, have invested millions of dollars into facility upgrades, continuously improving the guest experience at Honda Center.

Prince Octopus Dzanie Makes Grand Entrance into IBF Bantamweight Rankings; Blue-Chip African Prospect Enters at #11

Salita Promotions is proud to announce that exciting, undefeated Ghanaian prospect Prince Octopus Dzanie officially entered the IBF’s world rankings for 118-lb bantamweight fighters this month at #11.

Dzanie (now 22-0, 18 KOs) was last seen battering veteran countryman Sherif Kareem (9-3, 7 KOs) over five one-sided rounds at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Ghana. Before turning professional in 2012, the long-armed power puncher was a three-time Ghanaian Champion and an All-Africa Bronze Medalist. He also represented his homeland of Ghana at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing China.

Dzanie is now a world-rated fighter, fighting under the respected Salita promotional banner, with well-known manager Vinny Scolpino of VMS Management handling business and his trainers from the prestigious Akotoku Boxing Academy that has already produced such boxing legends as Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, David “Poison” Kotey, Hector Clottey, Judas Clottey, Kpakpo Allotey and late Alfred Kotey.

“I thank my promoter and management team for getting me into the world rankings of the IBF at the number 11,” said an excited Dzanie. “It is a great step toward realizing my dream of becoming a world champion and I’ll work hard till the dream is achieved!”

“I am really happy that Prince is now ranked in the top 15,” said Vincent Scolpino, who has also worked with well-known veteran Hank Lundy and dangerous featherweight contender Eric Hunter from Philadelphia. “Opportunities are now closer than ever for Prince to get a tittle shot and bring another would champion to Ghana. I can’t wait to get him into that big fight.”

Promoter Salita says he’s happy with Prince’s progress since signing him earlier this year. “Prince is the best fighter coming out of Africa right now, a continent growing with opportunities and in need of a boxing star like Azumah Nelson or Ike Quartey,” said Salita. “Prince has the skills and personality to be King of the Bantamweight division, I believe his reign is right around the corner. I’m happy the IBF has chosen to bring him into their important rankings.”

The current IBF Bantamweight Champion is Japan’s Naoya Inoue. Inoue is the unified IBF & WBA Champion.

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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.

PROBELLUM TEAMS UP WITH SCOTLAND’S KYNOCH BOXING

Kynoch Boxing has become the most active promoter in Scotland in recent years, showcasing the very best talent that the country has to offer. The promotion is home to over 30 fighters, including the likes of Hannah Rankin, Nathaniel Collins, Dean Sutherland and Paul Kean.

They have already promoted six events so far in 2021, with two more scheduled over the next month in iconic venues, Trump Turnberry and the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.

Kynoch Boxing was founded in 2018 by Sam Kynoch, who traded in a career as a Corporate Lawyer with Scotland’s largest Commercial Law firm to operate full-time in the boxing industry.

He has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, and with the help of Probellum, the two companies will look to take boxing in Scotland from strength to strength.

It is Probellum’s latest co-promotional agreement with some of the leading promoters in the sport, having already secured deals with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, PR Best Boxing Promotions in Puerto Rico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“I am delighted to be working with Probellum and I look forward to seeing their ambitious plans unfolding,” said Sam Kynoch. “It is exciting to be working with a truly global enterprise which will create fantastic opportunities for boxers. Kynoch Boxing athletes and events will benefit massively from this partnership – and I look forward to future stars of Scottish boxing emerging in the coming years.”

“We’re delighted to team up with Kynoch Boxing and secure another major co-promotional agreement for Probellum,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “They’ve helped to build boxing in Scotland for a number of years and we’ll now be on hand to take things even further.

“Boxing in Scotland is arguably at an all-time high, with world-class fighters such as Josh Taylor, Lee McGregor, and Probellum’s very own Ricky Burns all having incredible careers, and we’re pleased to now be involved in what is certain to be a very exciting period for the country.”

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

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ VS. JOSE UZCÁTEGUI VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

HOENIX (October 18, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and former champion José Uzcátegui previewed their upcoming super middleweight title eliminator during a virtual press conference Monday before they meet live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, November 13 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features the much-anticipated return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. The Benavídez brothers have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans in long-awaited homecoming bouts.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Monday:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“I’m going to be the same fighter I always am, ripping the body and looking for the knockout. I like a fast-paced, action packed fight. The fans are expecting it, so there’s no reason to change my style now. No one has ever stopped Uzcategui, but that’s the statement I’m trying to make.

“I’m going to go in there and do what I always do. I’m always looking for a spectacular knockout. That’s just the way that I train. I put my heart and soul into camp. No matter what fight might be on the horizon, it doesn’t change the way I prepare for a fight.

“Every time I go to sleep, I’m thinking about war on November 13. I’m gunning for the knockout, and if I have to go through a war to get it, then that’s what’s going to happen.

“Uzcategui is a strong fighter. If I can’t get the stoppage, I want to get a very clear victory. I’ve got a great game plan and I’m prepared to bring a lot of different styles into the ring. I know this isn’t an easy opponent, but that’s the kind of fighter I want to be. I want to take on the toughest challenges.

“We’ve had a lot of great sparring sessions out here in Southern California with Gabe Rosado and Diego Pacheco. I’ve been going up to 14 rounds in sparring sessions, so I’m not even worried about my stamina at all.

“There’s no anxiety about fighting at home. I’m just excited about it. I’ve worked very hard for this. It’s going to be a great night of boxing, and I can’t wait to share the card with my brother in the co-main event. It’s really a dream come true.

“My main objective is to go in there and stop him. I’m the best super middleweight in the world and I just have to show everybody why.

“I know he’s coming to knock me out too, and that’s going to make it a great fight. It’s huge for both of us to get this win and get to the next step toward a title.

“I feel like the winner of this fight deserves the Canelo-Plant winner. We’ve definitely put the work in throughout our careers to earn it. I think Canelo has the experience and power that’s going to help him get the victory on November 6 over Plant.

“I’m doing 13 or 14 rounds of sparring and running six or seven miles a day right now and I’m feeling strong. I basically had two back-to-back camps with the delay, so it was a little bit of a blessing in disguise.”

JOSE UZCÁTEGUI

“I’m very motivated to work hard and train hard every day. If David doesn’t think I’m a top-level fighter, then that’s fine. I’m going to show him in the ring. Whatever misconceptions he has, we are going to figure it out in the ring and I will show the kind of work that I have put in and the type of opponent that I can be.

“What happened with Caleb Plant was just a bad night. We prepared in the wrong way and we weren’t ready like we should have been. But on November 13, the people are going to realize that the Plant fight was just one bad night and we will work extremely hard to become victorious.

“I’m not going to tell you that I’m going to get the knockout or that I’m going to stop him or anything like that,because David is a young, strong, talented fighter who is capable of anything, just like I am. I’m going to provide my own speed, my own talent and my own experience. So in the end, the winners on November 13 are going to be the fans.

“I can guarantee you that we will provide fans with a great fight and that people will realize the type of fighters we are. I promise I will make the most out of this opportunity and give the fans what they deserve.

“I truly believe that the winner of this fight between me and David deserves to fight the winner of Canelo-Plant. No doubt about that. As far as that fight goes, I think Canelo is going to win, and he may even knock Plant out in eight or nine rounds.

“This could be the Fight of the Year, I can tell you that. The fans can expect a war between me and David. I know it’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be a real entertaining fight that the fans will love and we are going to put on a show for them.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. UZCATEGUI
Benavidez vs. Uzcategui will see unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez square off against former champion José Uzcátegui in a super middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, November 13 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Two-Time Super Middleweight Champion Anthony Dirrell Battles Exciting Contender Marcos Hernández in Co-Main Event of Canelo vs. Plant SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, November 6 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (October 18, 2021) – Three high-stakes matchups featuring former world champions, top contenders and rising future champions have been added to the highly anticipated SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Canelo Álvarez and Caleb “Sweethands” Plant battling for the undisputed super middleweight championship on Saturday, November 6 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell will square off against exciting contender “Madman” Marcos Hernández in the 10-round co-main event, while unbeaten former super bantamweight world champion Rey Vargas returns to action against Mexico’s Leonardo Báez in a 10-round attraction. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, super lightweight contenders Elvis Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Romero will duel in a 10-round showdown.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.

Dirrell (33-2-2, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound world champion, won the title for the first time with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2014. The native of Flint, Mich. dropped the title the next year to Badou Jack by majority decision, before putting together six straight victories to get back into position to fight for the championship again. He captured the title for a second time in 2019, winning a technical decision victory over Avni Yildirim. Most recently, Dirrell battled Kyrone Davis to a draw in February, in his first fight since a title fight defeat against David Benavidez in September 2019.

“I’m very ready for this fight,” said Dirrell. “I know Hernandez is a tough competitor and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of fans there since we’re fighting on the same card as Canelo. But I know I’m ready to fight on the big stage and on a card of this magnitude. I fought on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter undercard and I think this fight night is going to have a similar feel. I’m just prepared to do whatever I have to do to get the victory. The fans should expect fireworks. I’m not shying away from the action and hopefully I can get the winner of Canelo vs. Plant if I perform well on November 6.”

Fighting out of Fresno, Calif., Hernández (15-4-2, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. The 28-year-old most recently scored an impressive unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Armando Resendiz in September. In addition to his recent triumph, Hernández has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He has also taken down then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman II and Thomas Hill.

“I’m having a great training camp for this fight coming off of my performance in early September,” said Hernández. “As always, the fans can expect me to bring an entertaining fight. I know that I’m up against a former world champion who’s accomplished a lot in his career. I’m just focusing on working hard every day to get the victory and everything that will come with it.”

The former WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion, Vargas (34-0, 22 KOs) will return from layoff due to injury when he enters the ring on November 6. The 30-year-old went on the road to the U.K. to capture his title in 2017, winning a decision over previously unbeaten Gavin McDonnell. A native of Mexico City, Vargas made five successful defenses of his title, defeating top contenders including Oscar Negrete, Ronny Rios and Azat Hovhannisyan. His last fight and fifth successful title defense came via a unanimous decision over former world champion Tomoki Kameda in July 2019.

“I’m very happy for my return to the ring and my debut with PBC,” said Vargas. “You are going to see a renewed Rey Vargas on November 6. My opponent is a good fighter with speed who throws a lot of combinations. It will be a tough fight, but I know I have what it takes to win. I couldn’t be happier to be on the big stage on Canelo’s undercard. I know that I have to shine on fight night, take advantage of this showcase, and deliver a great fight for the fans.”

The Baja California, Mexico native Báez (21-4, 12 KOs) enters this fight the winner of his last three outings, all coming by TKO. The 26-year-old put together the winning streak after defeats to the previously unbeaten Carlos Caraballo and former title challenger Jason Moloney. Báez, who has fought professionally since 2013, will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on November 6. Amongst his stateside outings, Báez dominated former interim champion Moises Flores on his way to earning a unanimous decision in February 2020.

“I’m excited for this great challenge on November 6,” said Báez. “I’m planning on giving the fans a true Mexican war and leaving it all in the ring to get the victory. It’s an honor to fight on the Canelo undercard and I’m going to make the most of it. This is going to be a toe-to-toe war, and I’m going to show that he’s not able to stand up to my power and aggression.”

Rodríguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs) burst onto the scene with knockout victories in 10 of his first 11 fights. He capped off a five-win 2020 campaign with a knockout of Cameron Krael in October and a decision victory against Luis Alberto Veron four months later. Fighting out of his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rodríguez most recently dropped a narrow majority decision against Kenneth Sims Jr. in May.

“I am very thankful to my team for getting me this tremendous opportunity opening up the pay-per-view for the biggest fight of the year,” said Rodríguez. “I have a tough opponent in front of me, but I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m ready to show everyone that I’m the real deal. My goal remains the same, and that’s to win a world title in 2022. First, I am just focused on November 6 and making sure I take advantage of the opportunity that a victory will produce on my road to the world title.”

Romero (14-0, 9 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after fighting for his native Mexico at the 2016 Olympic Games. The 31-year-old dispatched solid veterans Nestor Armas, Nestor Gonzalez and Ranses Payano in 2019, before earning a 10-round decision over Sergio Torres Alvarado in his only 2020 contest. Romero made it back-to-back 10-round unanimous decision triumphs in April of this year, as he won his U.S. debut by defeating Deiner Berrio. Throughout his extensive amateur career, Romero owns an impressive victory over unbeaten welterweight contender Gabriel Maestre.

“I’m very excited that my team was able to get me this great opportunity to fight on a Canelo show in Las Vegas,” said Romero. “I feel just as happy and excited to fight as I did for the Olympic games. I’m going to prove what I’m made of on November 6. No matter who my opponent is, I always train hard and prepare to do whatever I can to earn the victory.”

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ABOUT CANELO VS. PLANT
Canelo vs. Plant will see boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Mexican superstar and unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez face undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant in a historic showdown on Saturday, November 6, live on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter with the hashtag #CaneloPlant, and @Canelo, @SweetHandsPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @Canelo, @CalebPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Katsuma Akitsugi Training Camp Quotes and Photos

ORANGE, CA (October 18, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect,
Katsuma Akitsugi (6-0, 1 KO), will face the toughest of his career as he faces Eros Correa (10-0, 7 KOs) in the co-main event of Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event this Friday, October 22, 2021, in an 8-round feature attraction.

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.

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

On his recent training camp:

“Things have been great, I have stayed in the gym since my last fight, and I am just trying to prove myself to the world. Each camp is a building process as I look to go to the next level. I’m in great shape and I’ll at my best come fight night.”

On his matchup with Eros Correa:

“He is a good fighter, but I don’t think he has faced anyone like me before. I know how to use my length and distance, and have faced fighters from his area before so I have idea of what to expect for this fight.”

On fighting in the co-main event of Thompson Boxing’s New Blood event:

“I am thankful for Thompson Boxing in believing in me as a fighter and showcasing me on their cards. Thompson Boxing has had a lot of great fighters ascend to bigtime fights and I want to follow in their footsteps. They do a lot of shows in the L.A.-area, and they have helped my career a ton. I’m looking forward to putting on a great fight for the fans.

On what a win will do for his career:

“Hopefully I can continue to get spots on Thompson Boxing cards moving forward and build my career here in L.A. I am fighting undefeated fighters and I am looking to move fast, so a win here would show the world how talented I am, and that I am willing to fight the best.”

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DKO Boxing Management Rack Up Four Wins in Framingham, Massachusetts

Framingham, Mass. (October 18th, 2021)–Four Fighters from the DKO Management stable all came out victorious with decisive wins on Saturday night at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

In the main event, Nelson Perez took a six-round unanimous decision over Ryan Venable in a lightweight battle.

Perez scored two knockdowns and won by comfortable scores of 59-53 on all cards of 59-53 to raise his record to 4-0.

Perez, 30 years-old, was a Rocky Marciano and Connecticut State champion in 2018.

Elvis Figueroa made it 8-0 as he stopped 64-fight veteran Larry Smith in round three of their scheduled six-round super middleweight contest.

Figueroa dominated the action as Smith had to take a knee in round two. Figueroa continued the pressure which forced the corner of Smith to toss in the towel at 1:04 of round three.

Figueroa of New Haven, Connecticut notched 4th stoppage win in eight fights.

Felix Parrilla lived up to the billing as he scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over Sidell Blocker in a scheduled four-round super featherweight bout.

Parrilla dropped Blocker in the opening seconds from a perfect left hook. Parrilla dropped Blocker again in round two, and the fight was stopped in between rounds after Blocker continued to take more punishment.

Parrilla of New Haven was a 2017 New England Golden Gloves champion; 2017 Junior Olympics Finalist; 2018 National Golden Gloves Finalist; 2019 New England Golden Gloves Finalist and the 2019 Connecticut Amateur of the Year.

Jeffrey Torres raised his record to 8-1 with four knockouts with a 1st round dismantling of Jader Alves in a welterweight fight.

Torres dropped Alves with a left hook at the end of the opening frame, and the fight was stopped at 2:56.

Figueroa, Torres and Parrilla are co-managed by Marilyn Rosa and are promoted by KO Night Promotions.

The King of Cleveland: 17-Year-Old Lightweight Prodigy Abdullah Mason Signs with Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 18, 2021) — Cleveland native Abdullah Mason is ready to conquer the boxing world. The lightweight prodigy, who many insiders tabbed as the brightest talent in the American amateur system, is not wasting time. At 17 years old, Mason, part of The Mason Brothers family of fighters, signed a professional contract with Top Rank and will turn pro in a four-rounder Friday, Nov. 5 on the Mikaela Mayer-Maiva Hamadouche undercard at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (LIVE on ESPN+).

Mason, who is managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard Promotions, won the National Junior Olympics in 2017, the Eastern Regional Open in 2017 and 2018, and the Junior Open in 2018 and 2019. In April, he won a USA Boxing Youth National title, cementing his status as one of the country’s fighting crown jewels. He concluded his amateur career with roughly 65 wins in 80 fights.

“Abdullah Mason is one of the most electrifying young fighters I’ve ever seen, a 17-year-old who is ready to be a sensational professional,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s held his own in sparring against the best pros in the world, and everybody I’ve spoken to raves about his talent and work ethic. It takes a special type of kid to turn pro this young, and I have no doubt he’ll live up to the billing.”

Mason said, “I want to thank Bob Arum, Top Rank, James Prince, Antonio Leonard, and my family for this incredible honor. My father and I believed it was the right time to take the next step.”

Mason, who recently relocated to Las Vegas with his family, has sparred the likes of Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, and Darwin Price. Trained by his father, Valiant Mason, he has four brothers, all of whom are boxers: Amir, 24, Adel, 22, Abdurrahman, 19, and Ibrahim, 15.

“My family is one big team. It keeps us on track,” Abdullah Mason said. “We’re always in the gym. We all have fun with it, but we push each other to the limit.

“Vegas is the boxing capital, so we wanted to come here and follow in the footsteps of all the world champions before us. We came here to train with the best fighters in the world. Being in an environment like this breeds champions. And with the team I have behind me, I know I will be a world champion one day.”

Thompson Boxing Promotions Launches New Mobile App

ORANGE, CA (October 18, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions is excited to announce the official launch of their new mobile app, which is now available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone). Fight fans will be able to stream all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind the scenes content. In addition, special incentives will be offered for those who download the app.

The app was developed as a tool for those who want to be updated and want to immerse themselves with Thompson Boxing’s latest news.

“Our new app will be constantly updated, and it will grow to the point that it will allow us to sell tickets, offer merchandise, in addition to all the great things it already offers,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager for the promotional company. “We keep improving the way we communicate with the fans, and we strive to deliver our content and place it on their fingertips.”

Cesar Francis reacts to win on Triller Fight Club, eyes action fights at 140 and 147

Brooklyn’s Cesar Francis announced himself to the welterweight division on Saturday evening, as the Panamanian boxer-puncher dominated previously undefeated Puerto Rican hope Jose Roman at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Francis entered the fight as an underdog, but showed his skill levels from the outset, bossing the vast majority of the contest, with the judges scorecards being reflective of Francis’ dominance.

Francis, who nearly forced a stoppage midway through the fight, discussed his performance in front of his hometown crowd in Brooklyn.

He said, “Firstly I have to thank God for the victory, without God we don’t have anything in life. I’m blessed right now, beyond belief, and I am so grateful for that.

“I have to thank my team, Fransisco Guzman, Mitchell Graham and ProBox Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and Triller for giving me the opportunity to be in a competitive fight in Brooklyn, New York. This is what boxing is all about for me. Like I said before, I’m blessed. I have an amazing family and friends that support me and I couldn’t be happier right now.

“I thought I put on a good performance, but I know I have improvements to make and I will get back in the gym my team we will make them. I believe though I announced myself into the welterweight division on Saturday night. I can make 140 still as well, but I’m coming for real fights like I did on Saturday night.”

After taking the scalp of previously undefeated Roman, who entered the fight as a favorite, Brooklyn’s ‘Rainman’ opened up on his objectives moving forward.

Francis stated, “Look I’m really a 140 pounder, I can make 140 comfortably and I want big fights at 140. I’ve just beaten a good prospect at 147, so I have options. Right now though, I want the realest fights. I’m 9-0, but I’m not looking to be spoon fed. I want the tough opposition so I can show what level I am on.

“I have a great team that worked very hard for me to get this last opportunity and prepare me for it, and I know they’ll continue to do that moving forward. I trust them to make the right decision for me, but I’m open to boxing the elite level guys, and pushing on to title fights. That’s what I want next at either 140 or 147.”

BABIC COLLIDES WITH MOLINA AT THE O2

Alen Babic will battle former World Title challenger Eric Molina in a scheduled eight-round contest on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s huge showdown with Otto Wallin at The O2 in London on Saturday October 30, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Savage’ (8-0, 8 KOs) continued his destructive run of form when he retired Mark Bennett in five rounds on the undercard of Kid Galahad’s IBF Featherweight World Title win over Jazza Dickens on the second week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex.

‘Drummer Boy’ (28-7, 20 KOs) gave Fabio Wardley the toughest test of his career at the Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar earlier this year and heads into his clash with Babic on the back of a third-round knockout win over Alejandro de la Torre in August.

“The Savage calls upon his army once again,” said Babic. “The stage is The O2 Arena, the opponent is Eric Molina. The Savage is coming home. Pain is on the menu that night, let us embrace it. I don’t want a normal fight, I want a painful one. Eric Molina – I hope you are ready because it is going to be a painful fight. Happy Halloween, Eric.”

“The Heavyweight division is on fire,” said Molina. “These are the explosive fights that people want to see. I plan to use my size and experience to my advantage. This is a very very dangerous fight for Babic.”

Babic vs. Molina is part of a huge night of boxing in the capital, Dillian Whyte (28-2, 19 KOs) puts his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title on the line against Sweden’s Otto Wallin (21-1-0-1, 14 KOs), Northampton’s Chantelle Cameron (14-0, 8 KOs) meets the USA’s Mary McGee (27-3, 15 KOs) in a unification clash for the WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Lightweight World Titles, Craig Richards (16-2-1, 9 KOs) returns to the ring against Poland’s Marek Matyja (20-2-2, 9 KOs) after pushing WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol all the way in May, Youssef Khoumari (13-0-1, 5 KOs) takes on Jorge David Castaneda (14-1, 11 KOs) for the vacant WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight Title, ‘The Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (3-0, 3 KOs) faces Spain’s Alvaro Terrero (5-13-2, 3 KOs) in front of over 1,000 of his fans, Catford Super-Bantamweight Ellie Scotney (2-0) squares off against Eva Cantos (2-1) in her first fight with new trainer Shane McGuigan, Takeley Light-Heavyweight prospect John Hedges (3-0) meets Antony Woolery (2-7) over four rounds and Dublin Heavyweight Thomas Carty (1-0) has his second professional fight.

Tickets for Whyte vs. Wallin priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £250 and £500 (VIP) are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Giovani Santillan Seeks Top Contender in Next Fight

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 18, 2021) – Thompson Boxing’s welterweight, Giovani Santillan (28-0, 15 KOs), stayed unbeaten and thrilled fans in his hometown of San Diego, California, this past Friday as he defeated Angel Ruiz (17-2, 12 KOs), of Los Angeles, California, by way of a ten-round unanimous decision with the scores of 99-91 and 100-90 on two cards. The ten-round bout, co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing, was shown live on ESPN+.

After the triumphant win, Santillan is looking to get his world rankings status back, with the hopes of working his way toward a world title shot in 2022. He feels he is very close to getting a big fight with one of the top fighters in the welterweight division. Santillan, who has nearly thirty wins with no defeats, is now looking to have a bout with a top contender in his next fight.

“I want to work my way to a title eliminator bout in 2022,” said Santillan, who is co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing. “My goal has always been to be a world champion, and I’m going to earn it, and I think by next year, people will see that my record speaks for itself, and that I should get it. I am not calling out anyone, but I want everyone in the division to be on notice that I am willing to take big fights starting next year.”

“It was a good win, and I was thrilled to entertain my fans at home,” continued Santillan. “I fought four months ago, but before that I had a year layoff, and I have also adjusted to a new camp with Robert Garcia, so I feel I am starting to get into a good groove. I know with if I continue to work hard, a world title shot will be in my future. I’m definitely looking to fight a top contender in my next fight.”

“Giovani showed a lot in this fight, and we believe he is really close to getting a big fight,” stated promoter Ken Thompson. “This win opened up a lot of doors for Santillan and we will work toward getting him ranked. Every time he’s stepped up in competition, he’s showed he can take his game to the next level. We will be working closely with Top Rank and his management team, to see what’s best for him. His future is bright.”

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Split-T Management Quartet Gain Wins Over The Weekend

New York (October 18, 2021)-Split-T Management fighters were a perfect 4-for-4 over the weekend with winning efforts on Friday night in San Diego and Saturday night in Brooklyn.

Friday night in San Diego, Split-T fighters racked up three victories as Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz in a welterweight bout.

Santillan was able to get the better of the fast paced fight by landing hard combinations on the inside. The fight was fought at close quarters with many exchanges that saw Santillan land more and harder.

In round seven, Santillan’s left eye began to swell.

Santillan landed 266 of 693 punches; Ruiz was 157 of 577.

Santillan, 147 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-0. Ruiz, 147.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-2.

Santillan said, “This is what it’s all about, a great fight in front of my amazing hometown fans. They were cheering for me all night, and it was an honor to perform for my people in San Diego.

“My father and I always wanted to fight here. It was a dream come true, and credit to Angel Ruiz for going to battle for 10 rounds. He’s a true Mexican warrior. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Santillan is promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing

Javier Martinez remained undefeated as he battered Darryl Jones over six-rounds to win a unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 162.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 60-53 twice and is now 5-0. Jones, 161.6 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-3-1.

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Demonte Randle in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles dropped Randle with a right hook. Seconds later, Mireles landed a hard flurry that sent Randle into the ropes for a knockdown. Mireles ended the fight with a right hook to the side of the head that sent Randle down and the fight was stopped at 2:07.

Mireles, 262.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 1-0 with one knockout. Randle, 314 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 2-2.

Mireles is Promoted by Top Rank.

Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Will Madera spoiled the American debut of Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight fight.

In round four, The nose of Najmitdinov began to bleed. Najmitdinov also hurt his left arm, and the fight was halted after round five because of those injuries.

Madera, 139.4 lbs of Albany, NY is now 17-1-3 with 10 knockouts. Najmitdinov, 139.8 lbs of Tashkent, UZB is 17-2.

“This was a tough fight against a strong guy,” said Madera. “I knew I was hurting him, he was shaking his head no but that usually means yet. He was getting tired from my body shots and I could hear him grunting after each one.”

Madera is promoted by Liveco Boxing.

Split-T Management’s undefeated featherweight, Haven Brady Jr. will be in action this Saturday night in Atlanta.

Santillan/Martinez/Mireles Photos by Mikey Williams Top Rank via Getty Images.

Madera Photo by Amanda Wescott / Triller Fight Club

ALL-TIME-GREAT JAMES TONEY RETURNS OCTOBER 29 TO FACE KO ARTIST JEREMY WILLIAMS AT BLUE MOON BOXING’S ‘BATTLE OF THE KO KINGS’ IN AGUASCALIENTES, MEXICO

On Friday, October 29, legendary three-weight world champion and all-time-great James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs) will make a very special return to the ring to face murderous-punching Jeremy “Half-Man, Half-Amazing” Williams (43-5-1, 35 KOs) in an eight-round exhibition bout that will serve as the main event of “Battle of the KO Kings,” a seven-fight night of free professional boxing, presented by Blue Moon Boxing at the Palenque de la Feria San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and livestreamed on bluemoonentertainment.com, which can be accessed free of charge by signing up to watch.

Although the event is scheduled as an exhibition, both Toney and Williams say they aren’t travelling to Aguascalientes, Mexico to play.

A legendary warrior, 53-year-old Toney, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, held the lineal middleweight championship from 1991 to 1993, the IBF super middleweight title from 1993 to 1994, and won the IBF cruiserweight title in 2003. Toney also challenged twice for a world heavyweight title in 2005 and 2006 and, overall, competed in 15 world title fights spanning four weight classes.

Despite his proven ability to rock much larger opponents with his natural punching power, Toney is best known as a “throwback” defensive and counterpunching specialist, who often preferred to fight off the ropes. Voted Fighter of the Year, both by The Ring magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1991 and 2003, Toney was named the tenth best middleweight of the last 50 years by The Ring magazine in 2011. An incredibly tough fighter with an unbreakable will, of Toney’s 10 professional defeats, none ended by way of stoppage.

“There’s no such thing as a boxing exhibition,” said Toney in his customarily aggressive manner. “I’m a fighter. I’ll be there to turn the lights out. Evander (Holyfield) thought he was doing an exhibition for fun and he got embarrassed. I don’t play. I’m going to knock his ass out. Call it whatever you want.”

The 49-year-old Williams, one of the most feared heavyweight punchers of the last 30 years, began his career at cruiserweight, but moved up and won the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Championship twice, with two of his 35 knockouts coming, incredibly, before 30 seconds of the first round. Williams was trained in Catskill, New York, by the team (Bill Cayton and Kevin Rooney) that produced former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. He holds a victory over former title challenger “Smokin’ Bert Cooper and fought former world champion Al “Ice” Cole to a draw.

Originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa, as an amateur, Williams was the 1989 and 1990 United States amateur Light Heavyweight, 1989 heavyweight Jr. Olympic, and the 1990 and 1991 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight champion, and is a member of the Golden Gloves hall of fame. His amateur record was 168–4.

“James Toney is not a true heavyweight and even they can’t take my punches,” said an excited Williams, “I’m a smaller guy with fast hands, he won’t be able to use his smaller size to outmaneuver me. And I punch a lot harder than he does! It’s a matter of time before I catch him with something and finish him for good.”

Todd Lewis, VP of Operations for Blue Moon Boxing, says despite the bravado shown by both warriors, every commission-advised safeguard will be followed in presenting this match-up of ring legends past. And while a stadium full of ticket buyers would be an ideal situation for the fight, the Covid-induced reality is a lot different.

“The commission here is very concerned with the safety of all fighters and they are dictating all the necessary precautions, which will be vigorously followed,” said Lewis. “While we love the idea of seeing these two rivals throw down again, we are not in the business of having a retired fighter take a sustained beating on our air.”

In fact, Lewis says Blue Moon is promoting this fight to gather together lists of fans to market his upcoming ESPN Knockout series of fights to. “Drop us an email at bluemoonentertainment.com and get registered to watch the fight for free,” he continued, “and in the future we will let you know when and where we are doing our next events. It’s that easy.”

Toney vs. Williams will be supported by up to six televised undercard bouts, which will be announced shortly.

BRIEDIS DEFENDS WORLD TITLES WITH TKO WIN OVER MANN

Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOS) defended his IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles last night at the Arena Riga in Latvia with a spectacular third-round TKO win over German challenger Artur Mann (17-2, 9 KOS).

The Latvian boxing star was fighting for the first time since capturing the coveted Muhammad Ali Trophy in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament against former WBA and IBF World Champion Yuniel Dorticos.

The 36-year-old from Riga was cheered into the ring by his passionate home support who were in attendance to see the three-time world ruler win his fifth major world title fight and claim his twentieth career knockout.

Mann looked to meet Briedis in the centre of the ring but was outboxed by the champion who sent the former WBO International title holder to the canvas once in the second round and twice in the third before the referee called a halt to the action.

“Thank you to all the fans who came to support me. You are fantastic,” said Briedis after the bout. “My opponent was not easy. We prepared very well for this fight and invested a lot of time and work. I am happy to defend my titles and I look forward to collecting more belts soon.”

“That was a great performance by Mairis,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “Tonight, he showed once again why he is the man to beat at 200lbs. There are a lot of big fights out there for him. A unification with Lawrence Okolie, a mandatory defence against Jai Opetaia or a move up to Heavyweight. Mairis has already proven he is the number one in the division and now it’s about securing legacy defining fights. 2022 is going to be a massive year for him.”

British boxer Harlem Eubank made his promotional debut for Wasserman Boxing on the undercard in Riga. The 27-year-old Super Lightweight from Brighton, who is the cousin of Wasserman stablemate Chris Eubank Jr, moves to 12-0 following a stoppage victory over Nika Nakashidze.

COMPLETE RESULTS FOR BELLATOR MMA 268: LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD GRAND PRIX SEMIFINALS

C-Vadim Nemkov (15-2) defeated #5-Julius Anglickas (10-2) via submission (kimura) at 4:24 of round four

#2-Corey Anderson (16-5) defeated #1-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) via TKO (punches) at :51 of round one

Brent Primus (11-2) defeated #3-Benson Henderson (28-11) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Henry Corrales (19-6) defeated Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-3) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Preliminary Card:

#10-Karl Albrektsson (13-3) defeated Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-7-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mukhamed Berkhamov (15-0) defeated Jaleel Willis (15-3) via submission (guillotine) at 4:05 of round one

Nick Browne (12-1) defeated Bobby Lee (12-7) via submission (heel hook) at 1:30 of round one

Javier Torres (12-5, 1 NC) defeated Gregory Milliard (12-7) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Sumiko Inaba (3-0) defeated Randi Field (2-1) via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:02 of round two

Lance Gibson Jr. (5-0) defeated Raymond Pina (9-5) via TKO (strikes) at 1:44 of round two

Jaylon Bates (4-0) defeated Raphael Montini de Lima (6-5, 1 NC) via submission (armbar) at 3:49 of round one

Sullivan Cauley (2-0) defeated Deon Clash (1-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:59 of round one

Amateur Bout: Maria Henderson (2-0) defeated Collette Santiago (0-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) :40 of round one

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

About SHOWTIME

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

Local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez Played The Sheriff, defeats “Outlaw” Ryan Venable

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (October 17, 2021) – Local favorite Nelson “Chino” Perez played the sheriff role in last night’s main event on the “Fight Night om Framingham” card, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions, at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night in Framingham,” the first professional boxing show ever in Framingham, was a charity event held for the benefit of locally based “Fighting Life,” an after-school youth boxing program and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge to students beginning in elementary school through high school education.

“We’re very happy with this show, which was 18 months in the making (rescheduled when originally canceled due to the pandemic,” promoter Chuck Shearns said. “You could feel the vibes in the room. The feedback we received was everybody had a good time. We had a good turnout, roughly 600. This will not be the last pro boxing show in Framingham. The venue has already asked us back. There wasn’t a lot of buzz leading up to the show, but those who didn’t attend will learn that it was successful, and I expect the next one will be even better.”

Nelson (4-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of neighboring Marlborough, has to overcome the awkward style of his opponent, “Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-7, 0 KOs), which included several rounds of obvious frustration. Perez, who is a proud graduate of “Fighting Life,” settled down nicely and took the fight to Venable, flooring him in the third and again in the sixth, enroute to a 6-round unanimous decision.

In the co-featured event, undefeated super welterweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (6-0, 3 KOs) continued to show steady improvement. He set up his punches well, effectively threw crisp combinations, and controlled the pace throughout, peppering Las Vegas journeyman Rynell Griffin (8-48-2, 2 KOs) with constant punches to the head and body. Castro’s intense pressure paid off in the third, when Griffin went down twice from powerful body shots. Another body shot sent Griffin to the mat in the next round and referee Tom Clark immediately waved off the fight.

R – Castro Griffin.JPG
(L-R) – Josniel Castro & Rynell Griffin

Castro was born in Puerto Rico and presently lives in Boca Raton, Florida, but he grew up in Lawrence (MA) and also resided and trained in Worcester (MA) and Portland, Maine.

Undefeated New Haven (CT) Elvis Figueroa (8-0, 5 KOs) was on a mission in his first action in more than two years. His relentless attack on Dallas veteran Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-50-2, 8 KOs) led to a third-round stoppage. After a Figueroa assault at the end of round two, Smith took a knee at the end of the second, and his corner threw in the towel early in the following round.

R – Smith Figueroa.JPG
(L-R) – ELVIS WAS IN THE HOUSE: Larry Smith & Elvis Figueroa

Figueroa is a 3-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, in addition to capturing a silver medal at the 2015 USA National Championships.

In a fight between pro-debuting heavyweights, Sean Evans (1-0, 1 KO), of nearby Shrewsbury (MA), needed only 49-seconds to take out Levi Guimareas (0-1) with a straight right. Guimareas beat the count, but he was in no condition to continue.

New Haven super featherweight Felix Parrilla’s long awaited pro debut was worth the wait as the 21-year-old floored Sidell Blocker (1-12-1) mere seconds into the opening round with a left hook. Blocker took a beating in the second round, hitting the canvas once again, and between rounds the fight was halted on the advice of the ring physician. Parrilla is a 3-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, as well as 2018 National Golden Gloves silver medalist.

Puerto Rican welterweight Jeffrey Torres (8-1, 4 KOs),fighting out of New Haven, battered a game Jader Alves de Oliveira (0-13) all around the ring until a perfectly placed left hook closed the show with only seconds remaining in the opening round.

Brazilian Rodrigo da Rocha (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro debut in style, dropping Leonard Ladeira (0-7) twice in the first and two more times in the second, the latter coming off a sweet left-right combination from which Ladeira was unable to beat the 10-count. The fight was contested at a 185-pound catchweight.

Complete results below:

MAIN EVENT – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Nelson Perez (4-0, 2 KOs), Marlboro, MA by way of Puerto Rico

WDEC6 (59-53, 59-53, 59-53)

Ryan Venable (2-9, 0 KOs), Roanoke, VA

CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Josniel Castro (6-0, 4 KOs), Boca Raton, FL

WTKO4 (1:06)

Rynell Griffin (8-48-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Sean Evans (1-0, 1 KO), Shrewsbury, MA

WTKO1 (0:49)

Levi Guimareas (0-1), Woburn, MA

185-POUND CATCHWEIGHT

Rodrigo da Rocha (1-0, 1 KO), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil

KO2 (2:04)

Leonardo Ladeira (0-7), Revere, MA by way of Brazil

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Elvis Figueroa (8-0, 4 KOs), New Haven, CT

WTKO3 (1:04)

Larry Smith (12-50-2, 8 KOs), Dallas, TX

WELTERWEIGHTS

Jeffrey Torres (8-1, 4 KOs), New Haven, CT by way of Puerto Rico

WKO1 (2:56)

Jader Alves de Oliveira (0-13), Framingham, MA

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Felix Parrella (1-0, 1 KO), New Haven, CT

WTKO2 (3:00)

Sidell Blocker (1-12-1, 0 KOs), Pleasantville, NJ

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

DKO Boxing Management Foursome in Action Tonight in Framingham, Massachusetts

Framingham, Mass. (October 16th, 2021)–TONIGHT at The Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts, four members of the DKO Management stable will be in action.

Competing in the main event will be undefeated lightweight Nelson Perez.

Perez will be taking on Ryan Venable in a six-round bout.

Perez of Marlboro, Massachusetts has a record of 3-0 with two knockouts. Both Perez and Venable came in at 135 lbs.

Perez, 30 years-old, was a Rocky Marciano and Connecticut State champion in 2018.

Competing in a six-round super middleweight fight will be undefeated Elvis Figueroa. Figueroa will take on Larry Smith.

Figueroa of New Haven, Connecticut is 7-0 with four knockouts. He has wins over Leemont Johnson (6-0) and his bout when he stopped Marcelo Ruben Molina in the opening round on August 17, 2019 in Springfield, MA.

Figueroa was an accomplished amateur who won two National Championships, four Golden Gloves titles, and finished second in the Olympic Qualifier tournament, which made him an alternate for the Olympic team in 2016. He holds an amatuer win over Edgar Berlanga.

Figueroa weighed 168 lbs. Smith was 162.5.

Making his pro debut will be highly regarded featherweight Felix Parrilla.

Parrilla will fight Sidell Blocker. Parrilla of New Haven was a 2017 New England Golden Gloves champion; 2017 Junior Olympics Finalist; 2018 National Golden Gloves Finalist; 2019 New England Golden Gloves Finalist and the 2019 Connecticut Amaateur of the Year.

Parrilla weighed 129.5 lbs. Blocker was 125.5

Jeffrey Torres will take on Jader Alves in a four-round welterweight bout.

Torres of New Haven is 7-1 with three knockouts. Torres has a win over Jesus Almonte (9-2-2).

Torres weighed in at 147 lbs. Alves was 145.5

Rodriguez, Parrilla and Torres are co-managed with Marilyn Rosa and promoted by KO Night Boxing