LAS VEGAS (Sept. 29, 2021) – WBC and lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury expects history to repeat itself when he takes on Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder next Saturday, October 9 on ESPN+ PPV and FOX Sports PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After dethroning Wilder via seventh-round knockout in February 2020, Fury reiterated that he expected the third fight to be a shorter, more dominant affair.

Tickets for Fury vs. Wilder III are on sale now and can be purchased at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by Top Rank, BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

This is what Fury, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, and Frank Warren (Fury’s co-promoter) had to say during Wednesday’s virtual press conference.

TYSON FURY

“I’m very excited. I’m looking forward to this fight. I’m very motivated, focused, and determined and I can’t wait for October 9. I wish it was this weekend. I have to wait one more week until I get these big hands on Wilder for a third time. It’s one of the few heavyweight trilogies since Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield. I’m going to go all guns blazing, full out attack, all in victory, straight out of the door from round one until it finishes. It’s either going to be me or Wilder. I’ve never had a bad training camp, and I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m injury-free, which is the most important thing. I’m really looking forward to it, and I can’t wait.”

“I don’t really make much of the excuses that were flying around for so long. I think they just made him a weaker character and less of a man and less of a fighter, because when you get beat, you get beat. Shake the man’s hand and move on. Lots of fighters have lost. Muhammad Ali lost fights, Mike Tyson lost fights. It’s what they do after they lose that makes them who they are. I don’t really have a lot to say about what Deontay Wilder was saying. It’s none of my concern because when some people lose, they have to make up an excuse for why they lost and that’s what Wilder’s reason is for convincing himself about whatever happened. That’s up to him, so good luck to him in the fight, and we’ll see if he can do anything better.”

“I don’t make much of his training videos because a lot of people speak a lot of words and nothing ever gets done about it, but we’ll see on the night. I hope he brings a better fight because {our} last fight was disappointing, to say the least. I trained for an absolute war, and it was a one-sided beatdown, so hopefully he can give me a challenge.”

“It’s none of my concern about where the belts are as long as my belt is strapped around my waist. The rest of them, I don’t care where they go because there’s only one man that can bring them all back and that’s me. There only has ever one, and that’s me. I’m sick of saying it. There has only ever been one, and there only can ever be one, and that is me, ‘The Gypsy King.’”

“It’s nearly that time of the year again where I take over Las Vegas, and it becomes the home of ‘The Gypsy King,’ and just remember that I plan to smash Deontay Wilder to bits….and I will.”

BOB ARUM

“There is no heavyweight in the world that can beat Tyson Fury, period, end of story. No heavyweight in the world, now and in the near future.”

FRANK WARREN

“I think we only saw him a few weeks ago. Other than that, it was closed down.

“When I saw him, he was in extremely great physical condition, and he was great mentally. This is a dangerous Tyson Fury. When he’s like this, he’s a dangerous man, and I think Deontay Wilder will have a real problem.”

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.toprank.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing,  @TGBPromotions, @TMobileArena and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/trboxing.

Los Angeles, CA – September 29, 2021 – Probellum President Richard Schaefer has released an update discussing the phenomenal reaction the promotion has received – following its launch earlier this month.

Since it was officially announced just under two weeks ago, Probellum has already taken the boxing world by storm, forming ground-breaking partnerships with some of the biggest forces in the sport.

They have also unveiled their innovative strategy, which includes working with promoters around the world, providing support for grassroots boxing on a global level, and growing a digital platform which will serve millions of fans.

To date, Probellum has announced co-promotional deals with major boxing companies such as LNK Boxing in Latvia, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia and Box Office Sports in Ghana, along with revealing several of their talent line-up, including Ali Drew, Paul Smith, and Fight Disciples.

There has been an extremely positive reaction to the launch, with supporters of boxing excited at the prospect of having their passion for the sport truly appreciated, and Schaefer promises there will be more good news in the near future.

“There has been a phenomenal reaction since we launched earlier this month, and this is only the beginning,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We are excited about what is to come, and boxing fans around the world should be excited too.

“We have been working away behind the scenes for a long time in order to try and secure the most strategic partnerships possible, along with finding the athletes that show the most promise. We have been able to acquire the best that the world has to offer, and we can’t wait to reveal to fans what we have in store.

“I have been involved in boxing for over 20 years, and I can safely say that Probellum is the most ambitious and determined promotion that I have ever seen. The all-star team that has been assembled features some of the best minds in the sport, and I have no doubt that by all working together, we can achieve big things in the sport.

“Boxing is truly the greatest sport in the world, featuring the toughest warriors on the planet who put everything all on the line. With our athlete-first approach here at Probellum, we are going to ensure that they receive the backing they deserve.

“There are going to be over 100 announcements in the coming days and weeks, so everybody should stay tuned and get ready as we prepare to announce everything we’ve been up to.”

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

BOSTON (September 29, 2021) — While it’s challenging enough during the pandemic to even get boxers into fights, during a recent 8-day stretch from September 18 through 25, members of the Fighter Locker stable won 12 of 13 fights.

The hot stretch started in Galveston, Texas back on Sept. 18th, when undefeated Colorado super middleweight Shawn “The Amazing” McCalman (9-0, 5 KOs) knocked out Jaime Barbosa (21-19) in the opening round, and stablemate Miranda Reyes (4-0, 2 KOs), of Houston, stopped super lightweight Erica Donnelly (0-1) in three rounds.

Last Thursday in the Dominican Republic, Fighter Locker was had four fighters in action at home: 2-time Olympian Leonel de los Santos (4-0, 4 KOs) knocked out Jaime Mariano (2-10-2) in the third round, cruiserweight Roki “Rocky” Berroa (1-0) won a 4-round unanimous decision over Orlando Peralto Beltran (0-1), super welterweight Orlando Perez Zapata (9-0, 6 KOs) stopped Anyelo Munoz (18-20) in three, super welterweight Juan Solano (1-0) won his pro debut with an opening-round KO of Dioni Candelaria (0-3).

The lone non-winning Fighter Locker boxer was New Haven (CT) super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (18-6-2, 6 KOs), the UBO International and ABF USA champion, who dropped a 10-round decision in last Friday’s main event in Hartford to Greg Vendetti (23-4-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Super Welterweight Championship.

On the same night in Dedham, Massachusetts, ABF American West and NBA Continental Champion RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (14-0, 11 KOs), fighting out of Albany, New York, registered a second-round technical knockout of Philip Adyaka (7-15) in the main event.

The following night at the same Dedham venue, Fighter Locker had five winners as Lawrence (MA) super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 10 KOs) shutout Danny Flores (15-25-1, 8 KOs) for a 8-round decision, Springfield, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (4-0, 3 KOs) posted a first-round knockout of Luciano Santos (0-2), pro-debuting Kansas City (KS) super lightweight Marcus Davidson (1-0, 1 KO) blasted out Austin Reed Ward (0-9) in round one, Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. drilled Chakem Brooks (0-1) in two rounds, and Irish cruiserweight Thomas O’Toole (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an promising pro debut by stopping Francisco Ariri Neto (1-15, 1 KO) in the first.

“Thirteen fights in 8 days is a great stretch for my company and coming away 12-1 is pretty close to perfect,” Fighter Locker president Ryan Roach said. “We lost a tough decision with Jimmy, but he showed some heart and won over some new fans. It was very challenging organizing it all beforehand, but we got it done and we were very successful. I am very fortunate to keep my fighters this active. I am only able to do so with the relationships I have developed with promoters. I made a promise to my fighters that I would keep them active, and I have delivered, They have also delivered by winning. What we have built at Fighter Locker has been special and I am looking forward to 2022. My goal to win a title in 2020-2021 was derailed by the pandemic. A lot of my fighters are in position to fight for a title soon, so I am very happy. We are not slowing down the next three months. We have a lot of fights already slotted and look to continue our streak. It is humbling how many fighters reach out daily to sign with my company. I think that is all due to the activity of my fighters.”

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker

TWITTER: @RoachRyan

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.

LAS VEGAS (September 29, 2021) – Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions has announced back-to-back shows on Thursday and Friday, October 14th and 15th, showcasing some of the top Mexican fighters in various weight classes, at Auditorio Benito Juarez in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, in association with De La O Promotions, Kochul Pro and World Cup Boxing Series, both shows will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

“Back in July, RJJ Boxing had to cancel its first show ever, due to COVID-19,” veteran RJJ Boxing matchmaker Guy Taylor explained. “We decided to go back-to-back to give back to the fans who had bought tickets to the July show. They’ve been very supportive of RJJ Boxing, so why not do this with two of our best cards ever. We’re giving fans what they really want to see: evenly matched, compelling fights because they pay good, hard-earned money for tickets. We don’t want fans to know who is going to win before the fights, and we’re packing the undercard with local kids. We want to give back to Los Mochis, which has produced 26 world champions, including a Who’s Who of Mexican boxing. I don’t know what’s in tacos there, but it hasn’t happened by accident.”

On Thursday, Oct. 14, super middleweight Manuel “El Meno” Gallegos (18-1, 15 KOs) takes on Gabriel “Drago” Lopez (10-5-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Mexican boxers who defeat American opponents like Gallegos did in his last fight this past June, winning a 10-round unanimous decision against Kevin Newman in the same venue, are treated like heroes in Los Mochis. Gallegos is arguably the best Mexican super middleweight outside of Saul Canelo” Alvarez.

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated Guatemalan Lester Martinez (9-0, 9 KOs) makes his first WBO Latino Super Middleweight title defense against his Cuban challenger, Raiko Santana (8-2, 5 KOs). A former WBC Latino Super Middleweight Champion, the 25-year-old Martinez made his pro debut in 2019, stopping 3-time, 2-division world champion Ricardo Mayorga in round two. The heavy-handed fighter has also defeated Michi Munoz and Uriel Gonzalez, both by first-round stoppages. Santana is a typical product of the highly-regard Cuban amateur boxing program, a sound boxer and solid defensive fighter, who has a 120-20 record..

WBC Youth Council Silver Lightweight Champion Luis “Koreano” Torres (12-0, 8 KOs) is a familiar fighter on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS streams with this being his seventh straight appearance. The gifted 19-year-old Torres faces Guillermo “El Borrego” Avila (19-11, 14 KOs) in the 10-round, non-title fight. Torres should be tested by the more experienced Avila, who has bene in the ring with the likes of world champions Gervonta Davis and Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr., as well as Jonathan Oquendo, Andrey Klimov and Miguel Marriaga.

The latest member of the famed Montiel boxing family, unbeaten lightweight Jorgo “Jorgito” Lugo Cota (4-0, 4 KOs) meets Edgar Almeda (4-2-1, 3 KOs) in his first slated 6-round bout. Cota, 19, was 150-10 as an amateur.

The following night, former NABF Welterweight Champion Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring after being idle the past 10 months due to personal reasons against Jesus “Chino” Antonio Rubio (13-4, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. Dominguez is a homerun hitter who was ranked among the top 15 welterweight in the world. Rubio may be the toughest test of Dominguez’ pro career based on him challenging Alberto Puello (18-0) in his most recent fight, albeit in a loss by 12-round decision, for the vacant WBA Interim World Super Lightweight Championship. An 8-round win by decision against 21-3 Sonny Fredickson in his previous fight set-up Rubio’s title shot.

Former WBC Youth Silver Featherweight Champion Jose “El Sugar” Eduardo Nunez (21-1, 21 KOs) throws-down with Osvaldo “Catotas” Maldonado (10-1, 5 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature. Nunez is one of the best kept secrets in boxing with 21 knockouts in 21 victories, however, Maldonado has the same style as the lone fighter to defeat Nunez, Hiram Gallardo, who won a 6-round decision in 2018. Knockout artist Nunez is riding an 11-fight win streak.

Lightweights Jose “Cheche Choryboy” Valenzuela (9-3, 3 KOs) and Jose Luis Vazquez (10-1, 8 KOs) will battle in an intra-state 8-round bout for Sinaloa bragging rights. Valenzuela is from Los Mochis, Vazquez lives in Culiacan.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a massive impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in many of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable.

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

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 29, 2021) — Pound-for-pound star Terence “Bud” Crawford has called out the welterweight superstars for years.  His long wait for a legacy-defining fight is now over. Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title and unbeaten record Saturday, Nov. 20 against two-time welterweight champion and WBO No. 1 contender “Showtime” Shawn Porter at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, Crawford-Porter will be a Top Rank PPV exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets starting at $54 go on sale Monday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased by visiting AXS.com. Undercard information will be announced shortly.

“This is a fight that reminds me of all the great welterweight battles of the 1980s and 90s, two prime fighters unafraid to tackle the biggest challenge available to them,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Terence has wanted a challenge like this for a very long time, and I am confident he will rise to the occasion. Shawn Porter, however, is not an easy night for any fighter.”

“I’ve been calling out the top welterweights since I moved up to 147 in 2018, and I’m excited that Shawn stepped up,” Crawford said. “This fight will bring out the best in me and showcase parts of my game that the world hasn’t seen yet. On November 20, I will silence my doubters and prove that I am the best welterweight in the world.”

Porter said, “I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and now my patience has paid off. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on the best and proven myself as a man who gives 100 percent in everything I do. Terence Crawford is a great, versatile fighter who is very athletic just like myself. We are the two best welterweights in the world, and on November 20, we get a chance to prove who is the best. Fight fans can expect a great show that night and, with this victory, I will cement myself as the best welterweight of this era.”

Matt Kenny, Vice President, Programming & Acquisition, ESPN added, “We are thrilled to present this blockbuster welterweight showdown exclusively on ESPN+ PPV. This is the kind of fight that boxing fans dream of and we are looking forward to a tremendous event on November 20.”

Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs), the three-weight world champion from America’s heartland, Omaha, Nebraska, has made four defenses of his world title since knocking off Jeff “The Hornet” Horn in June 2018. A mainstay near the upper rungs of the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, Crawford has been a world champion since March 2014. He defeated WBO lightweight world champion Ricky Burns on enemy soil in Scotland and made his first title defense in front of the Omaha faithful with a ninth-round stoppage over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Crawford became the first man in the four-belt era to become the undisputed junior welterweight champion, and he is 4-0 with four knockouts since moving up to welterweight. His knockout streak of eight dates back to July 2016, when he notched a one-sided decision over Viktor “The Iceman” Postol at MGM Grand Garden Arena to unify two of the junior welterweight world titles. Crawford is coming off last November’s fourth-round knockout over Kell Brook inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

Porter (31-3-1, 17 KOs), a 13-year pro from Akron, Ohio, first tasted championship glory in December 2013 when he outfought the previously undefeated Devon Alexander to win the IBF welterweight title. He knocked out two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi in his first title defense before Brook edged him by majority decision in August 2014. Over the next seven years, Porter continued fighting the welterweight elite, becoming a two-time world champion in 2018 when he toppled Danny Garcia to win the WBC welterweight title. He defended that title against future Manny Pacquiao conqueror Yordenis Ugas before taking Errol Spence Jr. to the limit in a September 2019 title unification tilt. After dropping a split decision to Spence, Porter regrouped with a one-sided decision over Sebastian Formella in August 2020 to set up the Crawford showdown.

Use the hashtag #CrawfordPorter to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

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 Michelob ULTRA Arena
The Michelob ULTRA Arena is a multi-purpose arena home to World Championship Boxing, premier concerts and special events. With seating for as many as 12,000, the arena, which was recently renovated in 2018, offers excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The entertainment venue is home to WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, the city’s first professional basketball team. Prominent events have included concerts such as Justin Timberlake, KISS, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Alejandro Fernandez and David Foster & Friends. World championship boxing events have featured fighters including Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins. The Michelob ULTRA Arena also has been home to multiple Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, USA Basketball and the Latin Billboard Music Awards.

QUINCY, Mass. (September 28, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced that New England heavyweight champion “Fly” Mike Marshall will fight on the high-profile October 9th Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder III FOX pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The 33-year-old Marshall (6-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, will take on undefeated Ukrainian prospect Victor Vykhrryst (aka Faust) in an 8-round bout

“This fight means everything to me,” Marshall said. “I’ve worked for this my whole life. To have this opportunity to showcase what I can do as a fighter is incredible. I signed with Chris (Granite State Promotions president Chris Traietti) after the (Steve) Vukosa fight (10-round split draw, this past June) and he’s really come through.

“I’m not the type of person to shy away from an opportunity like this that he gave me. I saw that he had gotten other fighters in big fights. Promoters like Chris don’t get the credit that they deserve. Fighters need good promoters and management teams like I have. At the end of the day, we need fights and to get paid.”

“Fighters like Mike represent how I want to build Granite Chin,” Traietti commented. “I want all my fighters (and most do) to have what I call the 3A mentality….anyone, anytime, anywhere…just pay us accordingly. Most promoters want to keep their guys in this tiny bubble making scraps. That’s boring, short sighted and creates a low ceiling. I want to sharpen my fighters up at home but then we go on the road to see what we got and make damn good money in the process.

“Mike didn’t even hesitate at this fight. He saw the opportunity and did what real fighters do, step up to the plate and get ready to go to bat. I appreciate the credit he throws my way, but he did the heavy lifting, he took the fights that me and his management team told him. This wasn’t an easy road for him. He had to take on some tough fighters and now he’s getting his just reward. In a few weeks it won’t just be the New England fight crowd that knows about ‘Fly’ Mike.”

Vykhryst, 29, will be making his United States debut as a professional against Marshall. A decorated amateur boxer, he won gold medals at the 2017 European Championships and 2019 European Games. The 6’ 5”, 235-pound Vykhryst, who has fought in Germany the past two years, is coming off victories against unbeaten opponents, 11-0 Jacek Krzysztof Piatek (KO1) and Wilmer Vasquez (11-0-2).

“He’s a big right-hander,” Marshall noted. “He has had experience fighting in the WSB (World Series of Boxing – 3-1), too. A fight is a fight and I’m not saying anything before our fight. I’ll show what I have during the fight.”

What could an impressive victory against Vykhryst, especially on the Fury-Wilder III platform, do for Marshall and his career?

Marshall responded: “Wow! More opportunities will open up with a win against this guy on this card. I think the floodgates will open. I’m so excited to be living out my dream. Most people don’t know I was an amateur for 10 years and we didn’t get paid. I’ve sacrificed a lot to get here. Somebody once told me: ‘Life isn’t about what you want, it’s about what you are. I can’t run, I’m answering the call.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @FkyMikeMarshall

NEW YORK (Sept. 28, 2021) — Jose “Chon” Zepeda wants a third world title shot. Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas, born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, hopes his hometown main event is the ticket to title contention.
 
Zepeda and Vargas will meet in a 10-round junior welterweight main event Saturday, Oct. 30 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Zepeda is ranked No. 2 in the world by the WBC, and Vargas, winner of 13 straight bouts, hopes to knock “Chon” off his lofty perch.
 
Zepeda-Vargas and a 10-round bantamweight tilt between undefeated Puerto Rican knockout artist Carlos “Purin” Caraballo and former world title challenger Jonas Sultan will stream and live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 
 
Undercard action — also streaming and live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes former world champion Jonathan Guzman returning in an eight-round junior featherweight fight, Long Island-born welterweight Jahi Tucker (4-0, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, Kasir “Mazzi” Goldston (3-0, 1 KO) competing in a six-round junior welterweight contest, New York City prospect Mathew Gonzalez (12-0, 8 KOs) making his MSG debut in a six-rounder at junior welterweight, former New York City amateur standout Ray Cuadrado (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at junior lightweight, and Irish sensation Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (7-0, 5 KOs) making his American debut in a six-round welterweight assignment.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $30 (not including fees) go on sale Friday, Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com or MSG.com. All guests age 12 and older are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination (this means having at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending). MSG’s comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines, including those regarding children under 12, can be found at https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/faqs.
 
“It’s been a long time, and Top Rank and ESPN are thrilled to be back at Madison Square Garden with an intriguing battle between a sensational young southpaw in Vargas and a world-level contender in Zepeda. The winner is squarely in the title picture,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Carlos Caraballo has all the makings of the next Puerto Rican superstar. Not many bantamweights can punch like this kid, but Sultan is far from a pushover.”
 
Zepeda (34-2, 21 KOs) is unbeaten in five bouts since a tight majority decision loss to then-WBC world champion Jose Ramirez in February 2019. The slick-boxing Zepeda participated in the 2020 Fight of the Year, knocking out Ivan Baranchyk in the fifth round of a bout that featured eight total knockdowns. He returned in May on the Josh Taylor-Ramirez undercard and outboxed “Hammerin” Hank Lundy over 10 rounds. Zepeda hopes a win over Vargas leads to a Ramirez rematch or perhaps a crack at undisputed king Taylor. Vargas (19-1, 9 KOs) earned his nickname as a wunderkind in the Bronx, where he compiled a 72-8 amateur record and won six New York City Metro championships. Apart from a controversial disqualification loss early in his pro career, Vargas has been near-perfect. He fought twice in 2020 inside the MGM Grand Bubble, notching wide points wins over Salvador Briceno and Kendo Castaneda. He last fought April 24 in Kissimmee, Florida, and turned back the awkward challenge of Willie Shaw over 10 rounds.
 
“I am pushing hard to earn another world title opportunity, but I understand the task at hand against a young, talented fighter like Josue Vargas,” Zepeda said. “There is mutual respect, but when we enter the Madison Square Garden ring, that all goes out the window.”
 
Vargas said, “I’m ready for this opportunity. Being the main event in my hometown, Madison Square Garden, is a dream true. The Bronx and Puerto Rico will be in the building to show their support. This is Puerto Rico versus Mexico, so you know it’s going to be a heck of a fight. Once I got the call, I started pushing even harder. I‘ve been through a lot in my professional career, so why not step up to the plate? I have the skills to beat Zepeda, and I’m going to do just that. Zepeda has a lot of experience against the top names in the junior welterweight division. We both have the talent and the skills to put on a show.”
 
Caraballo (14-0, 14 KOs), from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, is a five-year pro who broke out in March with his fourth-round demolition over Leonardo Baez. He hopes to enter the world title picture with an impressive showing over Sultan (17-5, 11 KOs), a former world title challenger from the Philippines who has never been stopped as a professional. In May 2018, Sultan dropped a decision to Jerwin Ancajas for the IBF junior bantamweight world title. He has won three out of his past four fights and last fought in August, knocking out Sharone Carter in seven rounds.
 
Caraballo said, “I am thankful for the opportunity that my promoter, Miguel Cotto Promotions, is giving me together with Top Rank to fight at Madison Square Garden. I will take this opportunity to look great and continue to make noise at 118 pounds as I aspire to win a world title. Sultan is a strong, experienced opponent. I know he has fought the big names, but I am working hard with my team to show I am a force to be reckoned with. This victory is for my people from Guayanilla, and all Puerto Ricans in New York.”
 
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 Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment. The Company presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, the Company features the original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. The Company’s two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG+, deliver a wide range of live sports content and other programming. Also under the MSG Entertainment umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Hakkasan and Omnia. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.  

LAS VEGAS (September 28, 2021) – Polish star Adam Kownacki has revenge and redemption on his mind as he prepares for his rematch against Robert Helenius, which takes place on the ESPN+ PPV and FOX Sports PPV undercard (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) leading up to the highly anticipated Fury vs. Wilder III heavyweight trilogy showdown on Saturday, October 9 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“A win on October 9 puts me back on the map and would show that the last fight was just an accident,” said Kownacki. “I think that I got a little tired and tried to end the night early, so I rushed in and got caught. But being Brooklyn-born, when someone puts you on your ass, you want to show the kind of character you have, come back and beat them. I come from a hardworking community of mostly immigrants. So I don’t shy away from hard work or tough tests.”

The test in front of Kownacki is a second showdown against Finland’s Helenius, after Kownacki suffered his first career loss in March 2020 against Helenius. For this fight, Kownacki has made adjustments in training camp to help put him over the top when he faces Helenius again.

“Training has been going great,” said Kownacki. “I’ve been eating healthier and feeling a lot better. We’ve been working out of Bellmore Kickboxing Academy in New York and I’ve been sparring with Otto Walin and Brandon Lynch. We cut down sparring to two days a week, but we’re doing eight and 10-round sessions, so it’s been great work.

“With the rematch being postponed a few times, we’ve basically had three or four mini camps going all the way back to January. At this point, I just can’t wait to get back in the ring with Helenius.”

Kownacki’s rise up the heavyweight division coincided with him becoming a popular draw amongst the passionate Polish sports fans in his adopted hometown of Brooklyn. On October 9, Kownacki fights in Las Vegas for the first time in his career, and competes outside of Brooklyn for the first time in years. This change in venue is something that Kownacki is not only ready for, but could work to his advantage.

“I’m going to be ready for the bright lights for sure,” said Kownacki. “There actually might be less distractions for me in Las Vegas, compared to being in Brooklyn. I’m not looking to make any excuses, but my son was born just months before my last fight and there were lots of sleepless nights leading up to it. For this fight, my son will be staying back home with my wife. I’ll miss them, but I should be able to totally focus during fight week.”

Known for his aggressive and action-packed style, Kownacki does not plan to abandon that strategy that made him a fan-favorite, but he plans to be more prepared for what Helenius brings to the ring and fully-focused on showing the best version of his skills on October 9.

“Helenius is a good counter puncher and that’s what I got caught with,” said Kownacki. “I got reckless. Every fighter in this division can pack a punch. Everyone who’s seen me fight, knows that I come forward and try to destroy people. As always, this fight is going to be action packed. On October 9, I’m going to show everyone that my last fight was an accident and that I’m back to being my old self.”

#

For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.toprank.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing, @TGBPromotions, @TMobileArena and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/trboxing.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 28, 2021) – Kicking off a mammoth month of outstanding BELLATOR MMA action, former three-time BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and current No. 1-ranked contender Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (32-9) will square off in a much-anticipated rematch against No. 2-ranked Michael “Venom” Page (19-1) in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs MVP 2, this Friday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

During their initial encounter as the co-feature of BELLATOR MMA 221 nearly two-and-half years ago on May 11, 2019, Lima advanced to the final of the BELLATOR Welterweight World Grand Prix by scoring a devasting knockout over MVP at 35 seconds of the second round.

SHOWTIME will televise the phenomenal five-bout BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs MVP 2 main card live at 4 p.m. ET. Additionally, all eight preliminary fights will stream live three-and-a-half hours earlier at 12:30 p.m. ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Lima, of Atlanta, followed up his destruction of “MVP” and captured the BELLATOR welterweight crown five months later when he grinded out a unanimous decision over Rory MacDonald. The hard-fought victory in October 2019 at BELLATOR MMA 232 from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., earned the Brazilian native a hefty $1 million prize, saw him collect both the BELLATOR Welterweight World Grand Prix and 170-pound world title belts, and avenged a previous loss to MacDonald.

Hailing from London, “MVP” recorded one of the most devastating knockouts in BELLATOR history when he landed a flying knee at 4:31 of the second round to stop Brazilian Evangelista Santos on July 16, 2016, at BELLATOR MMA 158 from the O2 Arena in London. Currently riding a five-bout win streak, the hard-hitting 34-year-old opened his career by scoring nine first-round victories by knockout or submission in his initial 13 contests.

In the fantastic featherweight co-feature, Irish phenom and No. 5 contender Leah McCourt (5-1) hopes to run her unbeaten streak to six and continue her ascension to the top of the BELLATOR rankings when she takes on hard-hitting Jessica “The Black Widow” Borga (3-3) of Lakeland, Fla.

Rounding out the five-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be three outstanding contests featuring international brawlers, including American Top Team-product Robert Whiteford (16-4) of Scotland battling it out against Englishman Andrew Fisher (18-8-1) in a featherweight showdown. Also featured on the SHOWTIME telecast will be undefeated Londoner and light heavyweight brawler Luke Trainer (4-0) squaring off against fellow U.K. native Yannick Bahati (9-5, 1 NC), and the explosive Parisian Yves Landu (16-8) challenging English knockout machine Tim Wilde (13-4).

Highlighting the eight-fight preliminary card will see the return of submission-specialist Lewis Long (18-6) of Wales waging war against Swiss sensation Michael Dubois (11-7), as well as Manchester resident Kane Mousah (13-3) looking to play the role of spoiler for French 155-pounder and BELLATOR debutant Davy Gallon (18-7-2).

BELLATOR MMA 267: LIMA VS. MVP 2 MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) / BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: No. 1 Douglas Lima (32-9) vs. No. 2 Michael Page (19-1)

Featherweight Bout: No. 5 Leah McCourt (5-1) vs. Jessica Borga (3-3)

Featherweight Bout: Robert Whiteford (16-4)vs. Andrew Fisher (18-8-1)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (4-0) vs. Yannick Bahati (9-5, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-8) vs. Tim Wilde (13-4)

BELLATOR MMA 267: LIMA VS. MVP II PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, Oct. 1, 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (18-6) vs. Michael Dubois (11-7)

Lightweight Bout: Kane Mousah (13-3) vs. Davy Gallon (18-7-2) 

Flyweight Bout: Elina Kallionidou (7-4) vs. Petra Castkova (4-3)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Benjamin Brander (13-8)

Welterweight Bout: Jack Grant (17-7) vs. Nathan Jones (13-10)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (7-0)vs. Nathan Rose (7-3)

Strawweight Bout: Chiara Penco (5-3) vs. Katharina Dalisda (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Khurshed Kakhorov (7-0) vs. Jair Junior (7-2)

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

** Card subject to change **

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. 

Rylan Charlton is relishing his drop down in weight to 135lbs and says fans can expect to see the best version of him at his “own weight” when he meets undefeated Tony Bellew-managed southpaw Luke Willis on the huge Smith vs. Fowler card at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday October 9. 

Norwich’s Charlton (6-1-1, 3 KOs) demonstrated his ‘Pint Size’ power when he made easy work of Joe Laws in October 2020, sending the Benwell Welterweight prospect crashing to the canvas three times on route to a brutal third round KO in Peterborough. 

Charlton displayed his power once again when he dropped Florian Marku to the canvas in round six of his eighth round TKO loss to ‘The Albanian King’ earlier this year at The SSE Arena, Wembley – a loss that prompted the 29-year-old Norfolk puncher to drop down two weight divisions. 

“I gave it a go at Welterweight and they’re far too big for me,” said Charlton. “Marku proved that. He was a strong Welterweight. My power is one of my strongest assets, so if you take that away from me against some of the bigger boys then it’s not great for me. We’ll really see how effective I am now I’m dropping down to Lightweight.

“I can’t wait for it; it’s going to be a good fight. Finally dropping down to Lightweight is what I needed to do, I tested it at Welterweight – far too big – but you’ve seen what I did at that weight. I’m going to take over this Lightweight division. My power is going to be a big advantage in the Lightweight division and you’ll see me really come into my own. 

“I don’t know a lot about Willis. I’ve had a little look at him. He’s a tidy boxer, he’s speedy, he’s in and out, but this is going to be a different Rylan Charlton. I’ve changed up my trainers. I’m not going to be the same fighter you saw against Florian Marku. I’m still going to be carrying the punch power. Obviously we know that we can’t always rely on your power. A lot of my boxing skills are going to come out at 135lbs. 

“The Marku loss was a fight that I needed to have. It got my name out there a bit more. It was well out of my weight class. Everything happens for a reason. If I’d have beaten Marku then I’d have continued fighting at 147lbs. That was never my natural weight. I’ve learnt some stuff from that fight. I’ve learnt that I’ve got one hell of a chin on me and I can still carry my power up some divisions. It’s going to be exciting to box at my own weight.”

Willis vs. Charlton is part of a stacked night of action in Liverpool, former WBO Super-Welterweight Word Champion Liam Smith (29-3-1, 16 KOs) meets 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Rio 2016 Olympian Anthony Fowler (15-1, 12 KOs) in a massive all-Liverpool clash for local bragging rights, Ted Cheeseman (17-2-1, 10 KOs) puts his British Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Troy Williamson (16-0-1, 12 KOs) following his brilliant stoppage win over James Metcalf in Gibraltar, WBA Bantamweight World Champion Shannon Courtenay (7-1, 3 KOs) defends her crown for the first time against the USA’s Jamie Mitchell (6-0-2, 4 KOs), Northampton’s Kieron Conway (16-2-1, 3 KOs) looks to bounce back from his loss to Souleymane Cissokho on the Canelo vs. Saunders undercard when he meets James Metcalf (21-1, 13 KOs), decorated amateur star Peter McGrail makes his highly anticipated professional debut, two-time World Title challenger Natasha Jonas (9-2-1, 7 KOs) returns after her thrilling fight with Katie Taylor in May, Birmingham Heavyweight hope Solomon Dacres (2-0, 1 KO) steps up against the experienced Kamil Sokolowski (10-22-2, 4 KOs) in just his third fight, Wigan Lightweight Rhiannon Dixon (3-0) takes on Anaelle Angerville (1-1-1) over four rounds and Blane Hyland (4-1) meets Santiago San Eusebio (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a four round Super-Flyweight contest. 

NEW YORK (September 27, 2021) – Split-T Management has announced the signing of 2021 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson.

Johnson, 23 years-old of Cleveland, Ohio, will compete as a welterweight in the professional ranks.

“Signing with Split-T Management is a dream come true. I have a great relationship with (Split-T Management CEO) Dave McWater. He has seen me fight as a youth, and has followed my amateur career very closely. I am very comfortable with Dave and his team because he has taught me a lot about life outside the ring, and has given me great advice. Being that comfortable has helped me in the ring,” said Johnson.

“Tiger is just such a special kid. I first saw him in Reno in January of 2016, and I immediately knew that he was going to be a star. I am excited to be part of his journey,” said McWater.

Johnson began boxing at the age of seven as he had uncles and cousins who were professional boxers, including former light heavyweights Darrel Johnson (11-3-1, 8 KOs) and Ronald Johnson (17-1, 4 KOs).

Tiger Johnson had a highly decorated amateur career finishing with a record of 188-17, and saw him win a Gold Medal in the 2016 Youth World Championships; a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games; a 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Championship; Four 2017 Elite National Championships; a 2016 Elite National Championship; a 2015 Youth National Championship; and a 2014 National Junior Olympic Championship.

Johnson made it to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo before losing to the eventual Gold Medal winner, Cuban Roniel Iglesias.

In his spare time, Johnson makes musical beats and is an avid reader of comic books.

Johnson is trained by widely respected Cleveland trainer Renard Sefo and former professional fighter Prenice Brewer.

Johnson can be followed on both Instagram and Twitter @tigerjohnson216

FLORESVILLE, TX (September 25, 2021) – This past Saturday, Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super featherweight prospect, Richard Medina (11-0, 6 KOs), passed one of the toughest tests of his career by defeating veteran
Rafael Reyes (19-13, 15 KOs), in the main event of an online PPV that took place from The Event Center in Floresville, Texas. Medina, who is promoted by TMB Promotions, won by way of a unanimous decision with the scores being 78-73, 77-74, and 80-70.

“I want to give a lot of respect to my opponent as he brought the fight to me, and forced me to step up my game,” said Medina. “This was a tough performance, and I gave it everything I had, and I know this is the type of fight that will make me better.”

“Medina put on an action-packed performance on Saturday,” said Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “He has a great following in the Texas area and the goal is to let his promoter, Rick Morones, continue the great work he is doing with him. Medina is ready to put on more great fights.”

“Medina put on great performance against a tough journeyman and the fans enjoyed seeing him fight,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “Medina has a great fanbase in Texas, because he has great skill, to go along with his warrior fighting style. The goal is to have him back in the ring twice by the end of the year.”

“I want to thank all the fans who support me and came out to watch me fight,” continued Medina. “I want to return before the end of the year in Texas, and if possible, in the San Antonio area, so I can put on another great show for my local fans.”

WBA #7 Anatoli Muratov (24-2-1, 17 KOs) replaces Sven Elbir as the opponent for Chris Eubank Jr (30-2, 22 KOs) on October 2 at The SSE Arena, Wembley after Elbir tested positive for Covid-19.

The German-based Kazahk was on standby preparing for his own bout on October 9 when he got the call to step in. The WBA world-ranked number 7 now has a golden opportunity to force his way into World Title contention.

Muratov is a former WBA Intercontinental Middleweight Champion and German Super Middleweight Champion. He is undefeated in his last 17 contests and boasts an impressive KO record with over 60% of his wins coming inside the distance.

The 33-year-old is well-travelled having boxed away from home in Turkey, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary and the United States as well as in his native Germany throughout his 27-fight career.

“This is a fantastic moment for me,” said Muratov. “It will be an honour to fight at The SSE Arena, Wembley and to test my skills against a boxer like Chris Eubank Jr. I’m jumping on this opportunity because that is what warriors do.
Anytime, anyplace, I am ready to fight anyone. I’m looking forward to an exciting fight and a great night of boxing in London. I’m coming to win and I will give it my all.”

“The opponent has changed but my objective remains the same,” says Eubank Jr. “October 2 is my night and nothing is going to stand in my way!”

“First of all, I would like to wish Sven Elbir a speedy recovery,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “A change of opponent this close to a fight is never ideal but I know Chris remains focused on what he needs to do on Saturday night.

“Muratov was on standby. He was in the gym preparing for a fight next week when the opportunity came. He is well known in Germany and he is a serious contender. He is ranked number 7 in the world by the WBA and will pose a different set of problems that Chris will need to be ready for.”

“It’s unfortunate for Elbir he has had to withdraw due to Covid, but the change of opponent to the World ranked Muratov will make the fight a more interesting one. Muratov comes into the fight after some impressive wins and is highly of thought of in Germany. He has been in training and is coming in to win,” said BOXXER’s Ben Shalom.

Chris Eubank Jr tops the bill at The SSE Arena, Wembley on October 2 against Anatoli Muratov, live on Sky Sports. Tickets are available via AXS.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 27, 2021) – A new chapter will be added to the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry on Saturday, November 13, as Jaime Munguia (37-0, 30 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, will put his undefeated record and WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title on the line when he faces off against the Borinquen warrior “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Penn. Fight fans, clamoring for an all-out war between two of the most exciting warriors in the division, will get to see a 12-round ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Additional information on the event will be announced.

“This fight will be full of non-stop action. It will be a war that fight fans will enjoy and a new exciting chapter in the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Both fighters are coming off of spectacular performances and knock-out victories that showed their power, speed, and resilience. Jaime Munguia is a super-star; he has all the elements that make a fighter great. He’s already conquered the junior middleweight division and is on his way to conquer the middleweight division. But this is going to be a big test for him because Gabriel Rosado is a dangerous fighter, he has never backed down from a challenge. He has faced and gone the distance with some of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division. This is truly a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, a fight that fans will remember for years to come.”

“As always, Golden Boy continues to deliver world-class matchmaking in what’s set to be a brilliant night of boxing in November between Jaime Munguia and Gabriel Rosado,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “After a clinical performance against Szeremeta in June, Munguia puts it all on the line again, this time against a fan favorite and one of the toughest men in the sport of boxing, Gabriel Rosado. We cannot wait to bring this fight to fans around the world, live exclusively on DAZN.”

“Rosado is a dangerous fighter with a lot of experience,” said Munguia. “He is a formidable rival that we have to prepare to be stronger and more intelligent in the ring. He has had the opportunity to fight with great fighters, the best in the middleweight division. I am going to give this fight 100% and as always, give a great fight for fans on November 13.”

“I’m excited about this fight. It’s a fight in high demand,” said Rosado. “I respect Munguia as a fighter and I will bring my best and I am confident I will be victorious. My last fight I think will end up being ‘Knock-out of the Year,’ and I plan on making this upcoming bout ‘The Fight of the Year.’ Time to make history. Team KGR!!”

Ranked as one of the top middleweights in the world, Jaime Munguia will have a big challenge in facing “King” Gabriel Rosado. One of the most exciting fighters to come out of Tijuana, Mexico, Munguia is a rising boxing super-star in the middleweight division. He has already conquered the junior middleweight division with a former world title and five defenses against Liam “Beefy” Smith, Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan, and Patrick Allotey. Now, Munguia hopes to continue his undefeated streak as he trains under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales as he continues to climb the ranks and prove he is the best at 160lbs.

“King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is coming off of a sensational knock-out victory over the former undefeated fighter Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev. The Philadelphia fighter of Puerto Rican descent has never backed down from a fight and has delivered some of the most memorable battles in the sport, facing some of the toughest fighters in the division. His experience has prepared him for the upcoming test, as he takes on Munguia on November 13 and hopefully claim the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title.

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, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

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.

Dubai, UAE (27 September 2021) ‘THE TONGAN TYSON’ Hemi Ahio will use his big showdown at the first-ever Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October to show he’s the real fighting deal.

Undefeated Ahio (17-0, 12 KOs), who has ten KO’s inside the first two rounds, faces Dubai’s KO sensation Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid in an explosive heavyweight collision for the (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

The aggressive New Zealand crowd pleaser born to Tongan parents carries power and hand speed that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Mike Tyson.

All funds generated at the A-list event where the world’s top crypto investors settle their differences will be donated to the humanitarian work undertaken by the Amir Khan Foundation.

Ahio, 31, who trains in his home city Auckland at the City Kickboxing gym under Doug Viney said: “Winning this title will open doors to fighting higher ranked fighters so I get known.

“I would like to spend time in Britain boxing because there seems to be some really good Heavyweights.

“The only problem we have in New Zealand is that there aren’t constantly shows like there are in Britain and the United States.

“In terms of training, I love it in New Zealand because we have some excellent boxing teachers and coaches, but perhaps that is something to think about.”

A win in the UAE will help Ahio earn a top 15 ranking with the WBC whose world Heavyweight title will be on the line when Tyson Fury defends against Deontay Wilder on October 9.

Ahio who has won five of his last six contests by KO added: “I would love to fight the French boxer Tony Yoka. He is making his way up and is really technical.

“Of course I would jump in there with Fury, Wilder or Anthony Joshua, but Yoka may have something they don’t.

“I always like studying techniques when I am in the ring with these big dudes and I’d enjoy fighting Yoka before them, especially with his skillset and frame.

“There was talk of fighting Joe Parker in an all New Zealand fight, but it died down pretty quickly.

“I have met Joe once or twice and he is a good guy. I would love to get in the ring with him if I was given the chance.”

Even though all of Bayat Farid’s 17 wins have come inside the distance, Ahio has no concerns about his rival.

“I have no idea about Farid and have zero knowledge on him. I just know that I am meant to be fighting him,” explained Ahio who knocked out 7ft 2in American Julius Long when he last fought in February.

“The only thing I am worried about is my training. I have not even looked at his record, who or where he has boxed.

“When I get to Dubai I will take a look at his fights, but right now I am just putting in the work.”

Two-time world champion Amir Khan and the Super Boxing League (SBL) in association with Savy Capital, Bybit and the World Boxing Council (WBC) will stage the inaugural Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October.

The first ever WBC Crypto belt will be contested for and presented to the winner of the boxing match between the leading crypto traders RookieXBT and Loomdart which headlines the extravaganza.

In the co-main event an exciting showdown between two huge punchers in the heavyweight division sees New Zealand big-hitter Hemi ‘The Heat’ Ahio (17-0-0, 12 KO’s) in a seismic collision with Dubai KO king Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) for the vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

Three further contests between some of the world’s most powerful crypto traders will also take place on the card, featuring: Profit Maximalist podcast host Luke Martin vs. whizz-kid trader Barney The Boi, entrepreneur Raghav ‘Reggie’ Jerath vs. investment and finance pro and co-founder of Gath3r Network Foz; leading British trader Adam ‘Cass’ Craigmile vs. Egyptian hot-trader Ahmed Mousa.

Besides a fantastic night of boxing the celebrity crypto crowd will also be involved in an auction of various crypto related assets, collectibles and NFT digital art.

ABOUT SBL

Launched in India in League format. It is the first combat sports promoter to introduce boxing in the Middle East with SBL Jeddah Season. The WBC supported SBL Jeddah Season and also designed a special WBC Belt for the International title when Amir Khan defeated Billy Dib. The first SBL Crypto Fight Night, is all set to recreate history in the Middle East with the first ever WBC Crypto belt, especially designed by the WBC.

ABOUT East West Sports LLC

East West Sports LLC (EWS) owns the Super Boxing League (SBL) has extensive experience in Sports Entertainment having hosted over 151 live events in leading venues internationally. In turn many of these have been aired on leading media platforms such as ESPN, Fox, Sky Sports, Star Sports, MBC, Super Sport, Viacom, Channel 5 and many more…

Please visit www.superboxingleague.com for additional information.

FLORESVILLE, TX (September 25, 2021) – After tipping the scales yesterday at 128.8 lbs., Prince Ranch Boxings’ undefeated super featherweight prospect, Richard Medina (10-0, 6 KOs), is ready to shine tonight against battle tested, Rafael Reyes (19-12, 15 KOs), who weighed in at 129 lbs. The 8-round bout will be taking place at the Event Center in Floresville, Texas, and will be available to watch on PPV at iconicppv.com.

“All the training and hard work has been done and now its time to shine in front of my hometown fans,” said Medina. “Those who cannot make can order the PPV. This is going to be a brutal war and I don’t thing this fight will go the distance, as I plan to stop this guy.”

“There will be a nice lively crowd going crazy tonight,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “My partner Rick Morones did a great job promoting this fight to the local market, and you can feel the buzz in the streets. Everyone is excited to see Medina fight in person. It’s going to be a fun night.”

“Medina has a lot of loyal fans here in Floresville, and we are loving the support they are showing as this will be a sold-out event,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “The fact that this fight will now be available on PPV makes it that much bigger.”

To order the TMB Promotions PPV, please click here or go to www.iconicppv.com. First fight starts at 7:45 pm CT.

Tampa, FL (September 25, 2021) – Italian import Simona Sarpa will make her pro debut Saturday, October 16 when she faces veteran Amarilis Adorno at Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL.

Originally from Naples, Italy, Sarpa dabbled with boxing in Italy but the sport’s lack of popularity in her area eliminated the possibility of competing. Sarpa relocated to Tampa in 2017 and shortly after moving stateside, she begun training at Fight Fitness Center.

Sarpa trains each morning, with evenings dedicated to her critically acclaimed Italian restaurant Viva Napoli. Although she’s had 10 amateur fights and successfully balances boxing with owning a business, Sarpa was hungry for more.

“I wanted to turn pro because the amateur tournaments I competed in were three rounds, with each round only lasting a minute and a half,” said Sarpa. “I’m a technical boxer so those fights weren’t giving me enough time to showcase my skills. Most of all, I love the sport of boxing so turning pro is a great opportunity.”

Sarpa’s foe is a 14 year pro who faced the likes of current pound for pound star Seneisa Estrada, Noemi Bosques and former UFC fighter Angela Magana.

“I’ve watched some of her recent fights and we worked on a strategy,” Sarpa said of Adorno. “I’m really excited for October 16!”

The four round showdown between Sarpa and Adorno is part of a 10 fight card.

This exciting evening of boxing is presented by Fire Fist Boxing in association with Pahlavan Promotions. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/boxing-tickets or by calling 727-525-3159.

Doors open at 5:30 PM and first fight is scheduled for 6:30.

For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/firefistboxing.

DEDHAM, Mass. (September 25, 2021) – Albany lightweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez lived up to his nickname in the main event last night on the “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley III” will be held this evening (Saturday) at the same venue, headlined by an 8-round super lightweight bout between undefeated Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) and Danny “Venado” Flores.

The reigning NBA Continental Junior welterweight and ABF American West super lightweight champion, Bermudez outclassed his Ugandan opponent, Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-16, 4 KOs), in fact, destroying him in a one-sided fight that only lasted until midway through the second round. In the final round, Bermudez badly hurt Adayaka with a powerful right hand and Adayaka never recovered. He was getting pounded when the referee waved off the fight.

“I felt sharp and strong in the ring tonight,” Bermudez said after the fight. “I was strong from a good training camp. I knew he was nervous when the fight started. I knew going into this fight and it would only go one or two rounds. I just want to keep fighting and work hard to get to the top.”

In the co-featured event, celebrated New England amateur boxer Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (8-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect pro record intact on his 21st birthday, abusing Rakim Johnson (6-14-1, 5 KOs) from the start until the eventual finish in round three. Hogan dropped Johnson with a right hook in round two and again moments later, which was not ruled a knockdown because of a low blow. A tall, lanky southpaw from Weymouth (MA), Hogan came out in the third to close the show, throwing explosive punches that decked Johnson three more times in the third, until the referee mercifully ended the fight.

R – Hogan.jpg
Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (L) picked apart Rakim Johnson

“For me, personally, there was no better way to celebrate my 21st birthday than this,” Hogan talked about winning in such impressive fashion on his birthday. I live to do this in the ring. I wanted everybody there for me to celebrate. The key tonight was relaxation. I started out that way and got things going right up to the end. I want to close out the year fighting. And when that call comes for a world title fight, It’ll be Tank time!”

New Hampshire cruiserweight champion Larry “Hit Man” Pryor (15-24, 9 KOs), fighting out of Maryland, overcame a second-round knockdown and trailed, 20-17, on all three judges’ scorecards, until he cracked an unsuspecting Bryant , a 2-time New England amateur champion, with a left hook thrown from downtown that landed right on the button for a shocking third-round knockout.

Cornered by World super middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade and father, Paul, Providence middleweight Anthony Conception (8-0-1, 6 KOs) dominated Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-27-3, 5 KOs) enroute to a 6-round unanimous decision. Conception won all six rounds, using a stiff jab to set up powerful combinations to the head and body, buzzing a very game Dozier at the end of the third round with several well-placed right uppercuts.

New Bedford (MA) middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (3-0-2, 3 KOs) ripped a left hook to David Rohn’s (0-9-1) body, dropping the Illinois fighter midway through the opening round. Rohn beat the count, however, he didn’t respond to the referee’s instructions and the fight was halted.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS

RayJay Bermudez (14-0, 11 KOs), Albany, NY

WTKO2 (1:35)

Philip Adyaka (7-16, 4 KOs), Saint Paul, MN by way of Uganda

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Francis Hogan (8-0, 8 KOs), Weymouth, MA

WTKO3 (3:18)

Rakim Johnson (6-14-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

CRUISERWEIGHTS

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

WKO3 (2:17)

Bryan Daniels (6-2, 4 KOs), Worcester, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Anthony Conception (8-0-1, 6 KOs), Providence, RI

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

Lenwood Dozier (10-27-3, 5 KOs), Washington D.C.

Drew Dwelly (3-0-2, 3 KOs), New Bedford, MA

WTKO1 (1:48)

David Rohn (0-9-1), Villa Park, IL

DEDHAM, Mass. (September 24, 2021) – The “Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s III”, presented by Vertex Promotions, was held today for tomorrow night’s professional boxing event at Mosley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 p.m. ET.) 2021 New England Championships amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 general admission only) on sale at the door. Fifteen matches are scheduled featuring the top N.E. amateurs.

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)

Adrian Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs), Lawrence, MA 139 lbs.

Danny Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico 137 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

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

Isias Martin Cardona Gonzales (26-22, 18 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Tomorrow

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Eric Goff (3-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA 146 lbs.

Luciano Santos (0-1), Concord, NH lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), Dorchester, MA 126 lbs.

Chakem Brooks (Pro Debut), Danville, VA 124 lbs.

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Marcus Davidson (Pro Debut), Kansas City, KS 142 lbs.

Austin Reed Ward (0-8), Garden City, KS 145 lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)

Thomas O’Toole (Pro Debut), Galway, Ireland 185 lbs.

Francisco Ariri Neto (1-14, 1 KO), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil 196 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Brandon Idrogo (3-1, 3 KOs), Ellenville, NY 149 lbs.

Paulo Souza (0-22), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil 151 lbs.

Birmingham, UK (24 September 2021) Sam Eggington and Bilel Jkitou’s brutal Fight of the Year epic will be show again at an exclusive select audience screening on Monday 4th October at The Mockingbird Cinema in Birmingham’s iconic Custard Factory.

WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Eggington went to war with French rival Jkitou earlier this month at the Coventry SkyDome Arena and from the opening bell it was an unbelievable encounter that has been hailed as the best fight seen in this country in the last decade.

After an exhilarating twelve-rounds that left the crowd and viewers watching live on Channel 5 in shock at the sheer ferocity, relentless pace and pure brutality, Eggington’s hand was raised after winning on the judges scorecards by split decision to retain his crown.

Seen on the small screen by millions, promoter Mick Hennessy and Eggington’s manager Jon Pegg have now ensured that the fight receives its big screen premiere in the Birmingham hero’s home city plus the highlights from the action packed undercard on the night.

Eggington will attend the screening with the other Midland stars of the Eastside Gym, including Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent and some of the other boxers that featured on the card, plus Michelin starred chef and boxing fanatic Glynn Purnell.

“I’m a big fan of the Rocky films and I’ve always fancied myself to be on the big screen one day and now that’s come true!” Said Eggington.

“At the time you don’t think how great it’s looking on TV because you’re so involved and focused on the fight and making sure you’re on top and winning and landing the better and harder shots. Only afterwards after watching it again did I think ‘You know, that was something a bit more special than usual’.

“The fight went out to a massive live audience on Channel 5 that received fantastic exposure and now I’m thrilled it will be replayed at the Mockingbird Cinema in my home City.”

By Norm Frauenheim-

Oleksandr Usyk showed up a little early for Octoberfest. But there he was this week, wearing a red suit that made him look like a rare red pumpkin waiting to be the centerpiece of what could be a heavyweight celebration over the next few weeks.

Pumpkins, of course, get carved up.

But Usyk looked as if he has other ideas. Usyk, a man dressed for a change in the seasons, had the bold appearance of a fighter prepared for a changing of the guard. The heavyweights are a lot of things these days. The fabled division is a jagged collection of faces.

There’s Tyson Fury, a clever entertainer with one-liners as sharp as his long jab. There’s Deontay Wilder, wildly erratic with one scary punch to go along with crazy talk about body bags and legal homicide. There’s Anthony Joshua, proud yet often tentative in a brutal business that rarely rewards caution.

It’s a hard division to know. Harder, perhaps, to like.

For now, Usyk is the wild card, the Joker who also showed up at a news conference Wednesday in a black shirt and a yellow vest, appropriate complements to the autumn-like red. Call it Fashion by Candy Corn.

It was a statement all right. But it was more than just about fashion. Usyk has been the heavyweight of the future for a while now. Trick-or-treat, he thinks that day has arrived in his bid to take Joshua’s three versions of the belt Saturday (DAZN, 5 p.m. ET/2p.m. PT) at London’s Tottenham Stadium in the first of two heavyweight bouts in two weeks.

After a torturous succession of delays and cancellations brought on by the Pandemic and contract complications, Fury and Wilder are finally scheduled to settle their differences in a third fight on Oct. 9 in Las Vegas.

It’s been assumed that, in the end, it would all lead to Fury-Joshua.  That’s still the best guess. But Usyk, who emerged as Joshua’s challenger because of an arbitrator’s ruling last summer, has a chance to overturn those long-term plans.

The guess here is that Usyk has a better chance at doing that than Wilder does. It’s hard to see how the third Wilder-Fury fight will be any different than the second one. That’s when Fury went straight at Wilder, taking away the leverage he needs to throw his feared right while also exposing him as one dimensional. Wilder’s corner threw in the towel after an embarrassing rout through six-plus rounds.

Put it this way: If Usyk were fighting Wilder instead of Joshua Saturday, he’d might be favored. He’d be this corner’s pick. Against Joshua, however, he’s not, for a variety of reasons.

Joshua (25-1, 22 KOs) is just the bigger man with enough of a skillset to offset the versatile Usyk (18-0, 13 KOs).

“I can outbox him, of course I can,’’ Joshua told Sky Sports this week. “And I can out-strength him. You have to have a bit of aggression, boxing skill, head movement. There is not just one factor that determines a fight.

“Obviously we have our go-to — our strength. I will use my strengths. But it’s called a boxing match for a reason. I love the sweet science. I will display my boxing skills, but I won’t make it too complicated in there.”

Strip away potential complications, and the guess is that Joshua will simply overpower Usyk to win a late stoppage. But it might not be that uncomplicated. Usyk has shown he can be tricky. He knows his way around the ring. The problem, however, is that he doesn’t exactly know his way around today’s generation of jumbo-sized heavyweights. All of his brilliant potential was on display during his undisputed reign at cruiserweight. At heavyweight, not so much.

The historical parallel is Evander Holyfield, who also made the cruiserweight-to-heavyweight jump.  But Holyfield took his time. He had six heavyweight bouts before he took the title from poorly-conditioned Buster Douglas in October 1990.

After just two heavyweight bouts, Usyk is trying to do what Holyfield did more than three decades ago. Usyk won both, a stoppage of Chazz Witherspoon and decision over Dereck Chisora. But each performance left questions about whether he was in fact ready for Joshua or Fury.

Usyk insists he is, saying he is a full-fledged heavyweight. Maybe. He has the ability to surprise Joshua. His footwork, southpaw style, smarts and instincts can give Joshua fits. If Joshua stays poised, uses his jab and remembers he’s the bigger man, he wins. Usyk won’t, but he wins the argument for a rematch if it goes the distance.

The pick: It’ll go 12 rounds. Joshua wins a narrow decision in a bout that will lead to calls for a rematch in the court of public opinion.

Pick, Part 2: The rematch will happen and this time Uysk won’t have to wear a costume before the opening bell. Then, there will be no disguise, no doubt, about what he’s become. He’ll be a full-fledged heavyweight, perhaps the best in the division because of what he figures to learn Saturday.

Hartford, CT (Thursday, September 23) – Listed below are Thursday’s official weigh-in results for CES Boxing Live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, scheduled for tomorrow night at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Limited tickets for Friday’s event can be purchased online at CESFights.com. Headlining Friday’s card are regional rivals Jimmy Williams (18-5-2, 6 KOs) of New Haven, CT, and Greg Vendetti (22-4-1, 12 KOs) of Stoneham, MA, who face one another in the 10-round main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Super Welterweight Title.

Friday’s event also features the long-awaited Connecticut debut of Stamford’s own Chordale Booker (16-0, 7 KOs), a rising star in the middleweight division who faces tough veteran Silveiro Ortiz (37-27, 18 KOs) of Yucatan, Mexico in the eight-round co-main event.

Also on the card, undefeated super bantamweight Angel Gonzalez (5-0, 3 KOs) of Hartford, who now fights out of Florida, returns to New England in a tough six-round matchup against Dominican Republic-born challenger Juan Gabriel Medina (12-7, 11 KOs). Featherweight Nathan Martinez (6-1, 2 KOs) of New Britain returns from a two-year layoff to face Mexican challenger Francisco Dominguez (7-11-1, 1 KO) in the six-round special attraction.

Preliminary bouts begin at 6:30 pm ET followed by the live FIGHT PASS stream beginning at 7 with play-by play from Michael Parente alongside color commentators “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Fun 107 radio host and veteran ringside correspondent Madelyn Grimaldi.

Visit CESFights.com for more information and follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS

Jimmy Williams
New Haven, CT
18-5-12, 6 KOs
152 1/2

Greg Vendetti
Stoneham, MA
22-4-1, 12 KOs
153

Nathan Martinez
New Britain, CT
6-1, 2 KOs
126

Francisco Dominguez
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
7-11-1, 1 KO
126 1/2

Chordale Booker
Stamford, CT
16-0, 7 KOs
159

Silverio Ortiz
Yucatan, Mexico
37-27, 18 KOs
157

Angel Gonzalez
Hartford, CT
5-0, 3 KOs
116

Juan Gabriel Medina
La Ramona, Dominican Republic
12-7, 11 KOs
117

Ramon Caraballo
New Britain, CT
Pro debut
146

Samuel Lajoie-Dery
Montreal, Canada
1-0, 1 KO
146

Stevie Jane Coleman
Columbia, CT
0-1
149

Christina Barry
Manitoba, Canada
1-7
147

Carlos Perez
New Haven, CT
1-0
140

Tyriek Gainey
Paterson, NJ
Pro debut
134

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience.

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

Opened in 2005, the Connecticut Convention Center is the Northeast’s most ideal location for trade shows, conventions, business meetings or any occasion demanding a dramatic riverfront setting. Overlooking the Connecticut River, the Center is situated in the heart of downtown Hartford’s Front Street District – a rapidly expanding entertainment hub teeming with new restaurants, bistros and entertainment venues. Limitlessly functional and endlessly customizable, the 540,000 square foot Connecticut Convention Center is the largest convention facility between New York and Boston. The Center combines ample meeting space – including 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000 square foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space – with visually stunning touches, creating the ideal backdrop for any event.

DEDHAM, Mass. (September 23, 2021) – Fighters weighed in today for tomorrow night’s “Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s II, presented by Vertex Promotions, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

Tickets are priced at $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

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

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

WI – ME.jpg
MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)

(L) RayJay Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs), Albany, NY 138 lbs.

(R) Philip Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), Saint Paul, MN by way of Uganda 138 lbs.

WI – Hogan.jpg
CO-FEATIURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)

Francis Hogan (7-0, 7 KOs), Weymouth, MA 154 lbs.

Rakim Johnson (6-13-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, tomorrow

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Bryan Daniels (6-1, 4 KOs), Worcester, MA 198 lbs.

Larry Pryor (14-24, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD tomorrow

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Anthony Conception (7-0-1, 6 KOs), Providence, RI 159 lbs.

Lenwood Dozier (10-26-3, 5 KOs), Belcamp, MD tomorrow

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Drew Dwelly (2-0-2, New Bedford, MA 160 lbs.

David Rohn (0-8-1), Villa Park, IL 165 lbs.

BROKEN ARROW, Okla., – September 23, 2021 – Exciting rising bantamweight prospects Ja’Rico O’Quinn (14-0-1, 8 KOs) and Saul Sanchez (16-1, 9 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round main event on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, September 24, live on SHOWTIME at 10:35 p.m. ET/PT from the unique outdoor setting on Main Street in the Rose District of downtown Broken Arrow, Okla. 

The co-main event pits undefeated featherweight prospects Luis Reynaldo Nunez (11-0, 8 KOs) and Jayvon Garnett (10-0, 5 KOs) against each other in a 10-round bout and undefeated Otar Eranosyan (9-0, 6 KOs) takes on Alejandro Guerrero (12-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight contest that opens the telecast.

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action alongside former world champion Raul Marquez and Hall of Famer Al Bernstein. Fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood is the unofficial scorer. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Bantamweight 10-Round Bout

Ja’Rico O’Quinn – 115.2 pounds

Saul Sanchez – 117.8 pounds

Referee: Gary Ritter (Okla.); Judges: David Sutherland (Okla.), Henry Ellick (Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kan.)

Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Luis Reynaldo Nunez – 125.6 pounds

Jayvon Garnett – 125.6 pounds

Referee: Gerald Ritter (Okla.); Judges: David Sutherland (Okla.), Henry Ellick (Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kan.)

Super Featherweight Eight-Round Bout

Otar Eranosyan – 130 pounds

Alejandro Guerrero – 129.2 pounds

Referee: Gary Ritter (Okla.); Judges: David Sutherland (Okla.), Henry Ellick (Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kan.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Ja’Rico O’Quinn

“I don’t really care too much about the long layoff. I am going to go in there and make adjustments as the rounds go on. I am going to knock the rust off early.

“I watch all my opponents. I know he is going to come forward and pressure me. I want to go in there and have fun and do what I do. I expect him to come forward and think I am going wear him down.

“I have not yet gotten to show people my best boxing skills. I can’t wait to showcase them on ShoBox. I wanted to finish the last guy the last time I was on ShoBox. I hope I can catch [Sanchez] with some bigger punches earlier in the rounds. I have room for improvement. All boxers can improve.

“If he is ranked in the bantamweight division then with a win I should be too. I should be in the discussion. I should be somewhere in the mix. He has been more active than me and it should say a lot that I am taking this fight off a long layoff.

“I am in great shape. The more he comes forward, the more he will open up. I am a great boxer and I have an exceptional output. I’m strong, fast. I am ready for Friday night.”

Saul Sanchez

“It feels good to be back with Manny Robles. I had my pro debut with him. It’s already been a year that we’ve been back together but it has been great. I was slacking off on my defense when I was with Joel Diaz. Now, I am already letting go of my combinations and putting them together. I feel good.”

“The split decision loss was close against [Edwin] Rodriguez. I had a knee injury and I wasn’t 100%. It was hard for me to run and get my conditioning. I wanted to pull out of that fight but my team underestimated my opponent so they told me not to pull out of the fight. It was a learning experience and it made me work harder.

“[O’Quinn] is good. He’s fast. He hasn’t fought any tough fighters like me though. The guy he fought last time was backing him up and he’s smaller than me. We will find out on Friday night though.”

Luis Reynaldo Nunez

“I feel great moving up to featherweight. It’s less weight to lose and I moved up in weight class to challenge myself at the next level. As of now I am going to fight at 126 pounds and see how it goes. Depending on the results, I will go to my promoters and see what they say.

“I am grateful to fight in the United States. This is amazing to fight here and on SHOWTIME. I am going to show who I am on Friday, and I can’t wait.

“I am a wise fighter. I have a better reach than him and that will matter. I am used to fighting guys like him with my same style, but I am the smarter fighter. I don’t have a specific style. I fight however I need to. I fight from distance, I fight inside, I just fight however I need to in the moment against my opponent. My left hand is my greatest weapon though.”

Jayvon Garnett

“I had a long layoff from 2018 to 2020: There were a few promoters trying to get things off the ground. It was hard to get me fights. I was just trying to find the right place for me, and I did with my current promoter. It brought me to ShoBox.

“Working with Jamel Herring was very technical. He brought me up levels. I have actually been in camp with Jamel for a few years, but I never got the chance to work with him. He just brought me out to his last camp and he taught me a lot. It was an amazing experience and it showed me a lot about levels.

“[Nunez] is coming to fight. He throws a lot of punches, but I feel like I am more of a threat to him than he is to me. I make adjustments and I adapt to the situation I am in. I like to work my jab and I like to be sharp. Then I break them down.

“My conditioning was crazy for my first 10-rounder. It got tough toward the end but my conditioning kicked in.

“It is a blessing to be here. I take the adversities in my life to refocus me on boxing. I was going to a tournament right before I was shot when I was 17. It humbled me. Time is of the essence, and I can’t deal with that foolishness. My parents are amazing. My mom and my stepfather. I take my hat off to them because they have always kept me on the right path mentally and supported me through thick and thin.”

Otar Eranosyan

“I don’t consider myself a devastating puncher, but my pace and volume of punches is what creates the knockouts.

“I have had long separations with my family in the past and it has been difficult. But my family is here now and it makes my preparations much easier.

“I respect all of my opponents. Guerrero is a talented kid and a hard-punching opponent. I think this is going to be a great fight. I will dictate the pace and use that pace to break my opponent.

“It is time for me to show who I am and what I can do.”

Alejandro Guerrero:

“I learned a lot from my mistakes and better things are coming. I have been working on my technique and my style. I have learned that I can’t walk through all my opponents. I have learned that I can’t just be a brawler and I need to be smart and box more often.

“Fighting at 135 pounds was always so easy for me. So fighting at 130 is just another run, it’s easy.

“He is going to be tough. I fight great competition unlike a lot of fighters. I know he is a good fighter and I need to use my head. If I have the opportunity to take him out – I will take it. Anything can change when you get punched in the face but my game plan is to be the smarter fighter.”

“A lot of these fighters go and take these easy fights all day long. When they take tough fights, they lose, they quit, they get knocked out. I lost my last fight, but I could have won. I just wasn’t in the right place. I know I am one of the greatest at 130 and 126 and I can become a world champion.”

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 84 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Tyson Fury, Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

PHILADELPHIA (September 23, 2021) — Joe Hand Promotions and Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia today announced that professional boxing will debut at the new Live! Event Center on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

The event will feature exciting matchups with Super Lightweight SHINARD BUNCH (16-1-1, 14K0s) and South Philly’s own, Heavyweight SONNY CONTO (7-0, 6K0s) headlining the card in separate bouts.

Promoter Joe Hand, Sr. is working with advisor International Boxing Hall of Famer J Russell Peltz to ensure entertaining fights and competitive matchups. With their combined experience of over 100 years, they know that the secret to the ultimate boxing experience is to put Philadelphia fighters in front of a local crowd. Zac Pomilio will be matching the full card to be announced.

“In my 50 years in the boxing business, I have had the opportunity to put together many shows in South Philly and have always enjoyed them the most. Having the opportunity to work with a high-quality partner like Live! Casino is a very exciting time for us here at Joe Hand Promotions,” said Joe Hand, Sr.

“Boxing has always been a premier sport with a proud legacy in the Philadelphia region, so we are excited to partner with Joe Hand, Sr. and the team at Joe Hands Promotions to usher in a new chapter of Philadelphia boxing,” said Joe Billhimer, Executive Vice President of Cordish Gaming Group and Live! Casinos. “We look forward to welcoming boxing fans to Live! Philadelphia for many years to come.”

ABOUT NOVEMBER 18
The main event and full November 18 fight card are to be announced. The card will consist of a minimum of seven fights with the first one beginning at 7:00 p.m. Doors to open at 6:30 p.m. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions.

Tickets are priced at $50, $75 and $125. Visit LiveCasinoHotel.com or AXS.com for on sale dates.

Must be 21 or older to attend.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a thrilling light heavyweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 5 ranked Thiago Santos battle No. 10 Johnny Walker. Also, No. 3 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Aspen Ladd squares off with No. 11 Macy Chiasson.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: SANTOS vs. WALKER will take place Saturday, October 2 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET and the main card at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET.

Former light heavyweight title challenger Santos (21-9, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has his sights set on turning heads with another vintage finish. Among the 205-pound division’s most devastating strikers, he holds KO wins over Anthony Smith, Jimi Manuwa and current light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz. Santos now hopes to fortify his position among the best in the world by adding to his highlight reel.

Dynamic striker Walker (18-5, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) continues to prove he’s among the most exciting fighters at light heavyweight. A contract winner on Dana White’s Contender Series: Brazil, he has since delivered spectacular KO victories against Ryan Spann, Misha Cirkunov and Khalil Rountree Jr., and now he goes for the biggest win of his career and aims to add a former title challenger to his resume.

Aggressive finisher Ladd (9-1, El Dorado Hills, Calif.) hopes to pick up where she left off following a 2019 TKO victory over fellow contender Yana Kunitskaya. During her UFC run she has also netted impressive stoppage wins against Tonya Evinger and Lina Länsberg. Ladd now aims to remind the 135-pound division that she’s more dangerous than ever.

The Ultimate Fighter season 28 winner Chiasson (8-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of New Orleans, La.) looks to make the most of her first UFC co-main event opportunity. Since joining the UFC roster in 2018, she has earned notable victories against Marion Reneau, Shanna Young and Sarah Moras. Chiasson is now gunning for the biggest win of her career to crack the bantamweight top five.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 14 ranked middleweight contender Kevin Holland (21-7, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) goes for another highlight-reel finish when he takes on Kyle Daukaus (10-2, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
• Alex Oliveira (22-10-1 2NC, fighting out of Tres Rios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meets Niko Price (14-6 2NC, fighting out of Cape Coral, Fla.) in a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• No. 13 ranked light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov (15-6, fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada) makes his middleweight debut against Krzysztof Jotko (22-5, fighting out of Orneta, Poland)
• Joe Solecki (11-2, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) takes on Jared Gordon (17-4, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) at lightweight
• Antonina Shevchenko (9-3, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) aims to hand Casey O’Neill (7-0, fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia) her first loss in a women’s flyweight bout
• Former women’s bantamweight title challenger Bethe Correia (11-5-1, fighting out of Campina Grande, Paraiba, Brazil) clashes with Karol Rosa (14-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Devonte Smith (11-2, fighting out of Cleveland, Ohio by way of Englewood, Colo.) squares off with Jamie Mullarkey (13-4, fighting out of Central Coast, Australia) at lightweight
• Douglas Silva de Andrade (26-4 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil) returns to bantamweight against Gaetano Pirrello (15-6-1, fighting out of La Louvière, Belgium)
• Stephanie Egger (5-2, fighting out of St. Gallen, Switzerland) faces Shanna Young (8-4, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) in a women’s bantamweight bout
• Alejandro Perez (22-8-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) locks horns with Johnny Eduardo (28-12, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in an exciting bantamweight bout

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

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

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

About ESPN

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