MONTREAL (September 13, 2021) — A great World Boxing Council (WBC) World Championship fight will officially come to fruition on October 22nd, in the bewitching atmosphere of L’Olympia de Montréal, a renovated venue that has kept its captivating cachet. Those who will have the privilege of being there will attend a colorful show in an exceptional environment that they will not soon forget.

For the first time in history, the WBC Bridgerweight title, under 224 pounds, will be on the line. Adopted Quebecer and WBC No. 1 contender for the vacant WBC title, Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (27-1, 19KO) will face American and No. 3 rated Bryant Jennings (24-4, 14KO), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This is a major clash for the two fighters and their careers, which promises to be a risky, hotly contested contest. After all, the winner will become the monarch of this new division. This grand and historic showdown marks the return of American television to Canada for the first time since December 2018, as ESPN + retained the broadcast rights to the fight in the United States. In total, this prestigious gala will also be broadcast live in nearly 50 countries.

Rivas was ranked among the world’s top 5 heavyweights when he was selected as the No. 1 contender in the WBC’s newly created division. In his last fight this past March, he easily disposed of Sylvera Louis by retirement in the 3rd round. In addition, boxing fans remember the fight delivered by “Kaboom” in England on July 20, 2019, against Britain’s Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18KO), in his previous outing. Rivas lost by close decision, even though he knocked his opponent down in the 9th round. The loss was very bitter, especially when it became known that Whyte had allegedly tested positive for illegal substances before the fight without BBBofC intervention.

This will be the second clash between Jennings and Rivas, who fought an extremely contested duel on January 2019, in Verona, New York. Also broadcast by ESPN +, Rivas-Jennings I was virtually even after 11 rounds. At the start of the last round, Rivas attacked with an aggressive and intense push to send the American to the floor, and subsequently forced the referee to end the hostilities. Since that time, the Philadelphia boxer has been calling for a rematch.

Jennings has fought one fight since his first fight with Rivas, a decision loss to Rio Olympics silver medalist and mandatory world contender to champion Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce (13-0, 12KO). Jennings is the only one to have crossed the line against the British giant. The scores of 115-112, 118-119 and 117-110 indicate that Jennings managed to win several rounds in this match, despite it being held in Joyce’s backyard in London.

A total of 6 boxing matches are planned for this magnificent evening.

The return of the charismatic Sébastien Bouchard (19-2, 8KO) is confirmed, He will be back in the ring for the second time in 2021, after suffering a major injury against Ayaz Hussain in Quebec in 2019.

Alexandre Roberge (1-1) and Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1KO) caused a stir March 16th in their 6-round confrontation, which was won by Charbonneau via split decision. The two young boxers will pick up where they left off with another 6-round fight.

The evening’s other fights will be announced later this week.

The Oct. 22nd event, presented in association with Mise-O-Jeu, will mark the 49th world Championship fight promoted by GYM since its founding in 2004.

Tickets will go on sale this Saturday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m. ET on ticketmaster.ca. For group orders, contact GYM at 514-383-0666 extension # 5, or by emailing info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

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About Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, each still active within the company, the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding, GYM has promoted 158 events in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, in addition to participating in 37 international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 34 occasions, the major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel

INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel

TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

GroupeYM #RivasJennings2

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 13, 2021) – International Boxing Hall of Famer and former three-division world champion Marco Antonio Barrera will return to the ring for the first time in more than a decade when he squares off against former two-time world titleholder Daniel Ponce de Leon on Saturday, Nov 20, 2021, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

Come celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday five days early as these two legendary fighters square off in a six-round welterweight clash and headline an electrifying, eight-fight Tapia Promotions card.

Barrera (67-7, 44 KOs) makes his dramatic comeback four years after being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. Ranked by No. 43 among the greatest boxers of all time by ESPN, the “Baby Faced Assassin” has captured world titles across three weight divisions and earned 43 consecutive victories at the onset of his illustrious pro career.

Never one to shy away from an opponent, the pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, has battled many of the sweet science’s finest including fellow Hall of Famers Erik Morales (three times), Johnny Tapia, and Juan Manuel Marquez, as well as future IBOFer Manny Pacquiao, Paulie Ayala, Naseem Hamed, and Amir Kahn.

De Leon (45-7, 35 KOs), of Chihuahua, Mexico, will make his dramatic return to the famed squared circle for the first time in more than seven years. Fighting out of Huntington Park, Calif., the 2000 Mexican Olympic team member opened his career with 24 consecutive victories, including 23 by knockout.

A former two-division world champion, De Leon claimed the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight title in October 2005 and made six successful defenses. Nearly seven years after earning his first world title, the southpaw slugger garnered a second with an eight-round technical decision over Jhonny Gonzalez in September 2012 to claim the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown.

In the first of two exciting co-features, undefeated super featherweight contender Abel Mendoza (30-0, 23 KOs) hopes to keep his perfect record intact and ascend to the upper echelon of the 130-pound division when he takes on fellow El Paso, Texas, brawler Antonio Escalante (29-11, 20 KOs) in a 10-round clash.

The second co feature pits Josh “Pitbull” Torres (23-7-2, 14 KOs), returning to Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino against once-beaten Steven “Manos de Oro” Villalobos (15-1-1, 11 KOs) in a welterweight showdown.

Rounding out the card will be a found-round, 270-pound battle royale pitting Streetbeefs standouts Cody Beck and Johnathon Rice making their pro debuts, undefeated up-and-comers Clinton Chavez (Albuquerque, N.M.), Javier Fernandez (San Antonio, Texas) and Angel Chavez (Sacramento, Calif.) against opponents to be named, and Luis Angel Jimenez of El Paso in his initial pro bout.

Tickets for the thrilling eight-fight extravaganza promoted by Tapia Promotions start at $75 and are on sale exclusively via https://innofthemountaingods.com

BOSTON (September 13, 2021) – Due to fighter demand, Vertex Promotions has added a show on Friday night, September 24, the night before its previously announced “Fight Night on the Charles at Moseley’s II,” on Saturday night, September 25, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“Fight Night On The Charles at Mosley’s II & III”, as well as a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card Saturday afternoon (Sept. 25) – 2021 New England Championships — at the same venue, will all be hosted by Vertex Promotions.

“Coming off our successful first show on July 31st,” Vertex promoter Dave Clark said. “we decided to promote another show on September 25th at Moseley’s. There’s a lot of local talent in this region and we want to try to keep them as active as we can, but we were contacted by some many boxers who wanted to compete on our September 25th card that we are promoting back-to-back shows on consecutive nights at the same venue, Mosley On The Charles. We’re excited about ‘Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s II & III’ and look forward to the rare challenge of promoting two nights in a row at Mosley’s”

Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) was scheduled to headline the originally announced Sept. 25th show, but he has been moved to Friday night’s main event in the 8-round lightweight match versus Uganda-native Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), who is fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The 8-round, co-featured event finds California bantamweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), the former ABF Continental Americas Super Flyweight Champion, fighting and opponent to be determined. This fight will mark the first for Santomauro east of Las Vegas.

Rising prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (7-0, 7 KOs) puts his perfect pro record on the line in a 6-round Special Middleweight Attraction against Rakim Johnson (6-13-1, 5 KOs). Representing Weymouth, MA, Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire super welterweight champion, as well as a 2019 New England Golden Gloves gold medalist.

Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels, a 2-time New England Golden Gloves champion, faces Larry “Hit Man” Pryor (14-24, 8 KOs) in a 6-round bout, while Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Conception (7-0-1, 6 KOs) meets Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-26-3, 5 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard, each in 4-round matches, is Malden, MA light heavyweight Alex Rivera (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Tomi Archambault (1-13, 1 KO), New Bedford, MA middleweight Drew “Tomahawk” Dwelly (2-2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Lashawn Alcocks (1-10), and 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist Thomas O’Toole will make his pro debut vs. TBA.

Saturday night’s card will be headlined by undefeated welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) of Lawrence (MA), in an 8-round bout versus his Mexican opponent, Danny “Venado” Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs).

Undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, throws down with another Mexican fighter, Isias Martin Cardona Gonzales (26-22, 18 KOs), in the 6-round co-featured event. The highly popular Perella is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. The popular fighter returns in the 6-round co-featured event.

Undefeated super featherweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will make his New England debut against TBA in a 4-rounder. A 4-time U.S. Army and 2012 Ringside National champion, Bailey is the cousin of multiple world champion Randall Bailey.

Another promising prospect, Weymouth, MA junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 2 KOs), and Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, will be in action in 4-round bouts versus TBAs.

Lynn (MA) light heavyweight James Perkins (5-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Trevor Ollison (0-2-1) in a 4-rounder.

Cards are subject to change.

Tickets for both shows are on sale for $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 on both evenings.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 pm. ET.) amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 per person) on sale at the door.

LAS VEGAS (September 10, 2021) – After struggling to make weight at light heavyweight and catchweights for a majority of his pro career, Dallas boxer Adrian “Monta-Ru” Taylor has finally found his comfort spot in the cruiserweight division.

The 30-year-old Taylor (11-1, 4 KOs) takes on Armenian knockout artist Rafayel “Bam” Simonyan (9-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round bout this Thursday night on the latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS, presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and 360 Boxing in association with World Cup Boxing Series.

The Sept. 16th event 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, from Quiet Cannon Event Center in Montebello, California. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Taylor was a decorated amateur boxer who captured top honors in a pair of national tournaments, in addition to being the 2016 USA Boxing Olympic Alternate in the heavyweight division. As “Monta-Ru” (“God of War”) notes, he fought as an amateur in the weight category closest to cruiserweight division as a professional.

“Fighting at 175 pounds wasn’t good for me,” Taylor explained. “My natural fighting weight is between 196 and 198. I couldn’t lose thirty-five pounds every time I fought. It’s hot in Texas and working out and sparring is really hot. Getting hit in the head and trying to stay hydrated every day in the gym was tough. The pandemic messed me up bad, too.

The Abel Sanchez-trained Simonyan is coming off a disputed loss by way of an 8-round majority decision this past March to Abraham Tebes. Taylor, who has won his last four fights, has gained invaluable experience as world welterweight champion Errol Spence’s sparring partner.

“I’m going in the ring to scrap,” Taylor said. “They may probably think I’m just BS. Its boxing and I have to prove myself. I want to be world champion and he’s in my way. I don’t underestimate him at all. I don’t think he’s coming to lay down and I hope he doesn’t think I am. I’ll need to adjust during the fight. I’m not looking for a knockout but, if it comes, it comes. Everybody wants to see a victory knockout, but I’m going to do what I do, and that’s fight smart.”

Headlining “Hollywood Fight Nights” is Ukrainian super welterweight Serhi “El Flaco” Bohachuk (19-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, against upset-minded Houston super welterweight Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe (16-2, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event. A former Texas State and ABF USA Super Middleweight Champion, Igbokwe is riding a 3-fight win streak into the ring versus the explosive Igbokwe.

Kazakhstan super middleweight Ali Akhemedov (16-1, 12 KOs), a former WBC International Silver Super Middleweight Champion, faces veteran Peruvian fighter David “La Pantera” Zegarra (34-5, 21 KOs), who is fighting out of Mexico City, in the 10-round co-featured event.

Undefeated California super featherweights Adrian Corona (7-0, 1 KO) faces Daniel “Big Dawg” Robles (7-0, 5 KOs) are matched in a classic 6-round boxer-puncher matchup, while undefeated female lightweights Austria-born Elvina “Warrior” White (5-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, and Chelsey “Mae” Anderson (3-0, 1 KO) battle in a 4-round fight to open the UFC FIGHT PASS action.

Card subject to change.

Limited tickets are on sale for The VIP Boxing Experience ($100 preferred seating and $60.00 general admission) and available for purchase online at www.360Promotions.

?Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT.

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 combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

NEW YORK (September 13, 2021) – Two members of the Split-T Management stable picked up victories over the weekend.

On Friday night at The Motor City Casino in Detroit, lightweight Rolando Vargas stopped Akeem Jackson in the opening round of their scheduled six-round bout.

Vargas, 21 years-old of Milwaukee, got back in the win column to raise his record to 6-1 with six knockouts.

DeAndre Ware of Toledo also got back in the win column, as he stopped Ashton Sykes in round three of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout in Oregon, Ohio, not far from Ware’s hometown.

Ware, who already has registered wins over Derrick Adkins (5-1-1), Enrique Collazo (11-0-1) and Ronald Ells (16-0-2).

With the win, Ware will look for another big opportunity as his record has reached 14-3-2 with nine knockouts.

London, England (13 September 2021) Birmingham hero Sam Eggington threw a staggering total of 1317 punches – an incredible average of 109 punches per round – in his absolute barnstormer of a fight with Bilel Jkitou at the Coventry Skydome Arena last Friday night.

WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Eggington defended his title on a split decision in what promoter Mick Hennessy and many in the fight trade have hailed as worldwide Fight of the Year that was broadcast live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

British great Joe Calzaghe famously threw 1006 punches in his legendary showdown with rival champion Jeff Lacy in their epic 2006 encounter, but Eggington has left that in the shade with his punch output beating the fire-fisted Calzaghe by a wide 311 punches.

More unbelievable stats from the fight reveal that Eggington’s best round was the thrilling second when he threw 125 punches and in the championship rounds he recorded his second and third best tallies by landing 117 in the eleventh and 115 in the twelfth and final round.

Incredibly not once throughout the whole fight did the referee Mark Lyson have to separate the pair for clinching or holding, or to speak or warn either man as the warriors were left to get on with their own brutal business as they exchanged heavy shots on each other.

The pair have received high praise from most importantly the fight fans and media pundits as they went above and beyond in their twelve round thriller that has taken the boxing world by storm.

Renowned Midlands fight figure Jon Pegg, Eggington’s career long manager who worked the corner on the night, religiously watches every fight again in half speed to record the number of punches thrown to aid Eggington in his fight performances.

The average boxer throws 50-60 punches per round, in comparison Eggington routinely throws 80-90, but even he outperformed himself on that magical night.

Pegg said, “Sam throws 80-90 punches per round and this is even when opponents are moving away or holding. Because he had such a willing dance partner in Jkitou in front of him, his punch stats have gone through the roof. Sam standing in front of someone is really hard man to beat. His engine is flawless, you can’t throw that many punches without your engine being tip top. Sam doesn’t usually get that kind of guy and fair play to Jkitou, it takes two to make a fight, but hats off to the pair of them for giving the fans and viewers something really special to remember for years to come.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy, who’s now in his 20th year as a TV promoter under the Hennessy Sports banner, said he has never seen anything on par with that fight before.

He said, “I’ve promoted some of the best fights and boxers in the world and I knew that this was going to be a great fight, but it totally eclipsed that and developed into a classic. I was sat at ringside and was absolutely amazed by what I was witnessing and got so involved in the edge-of-your seat action that I lost my voice through shouting. We’re in an era of easy pay day prima donna boxers in non-PPV worthy fights and broadcasters and media who are more attracted by YouTubers and social media celebrities fighting each other. Sam is a throwback to a time of real fighting men and has been seriously overlooked by the mainstream broadcasters and media. I believed in Sam and knew what he could do in the right fights with the right backing and that has been proved beyond doubt. I will get Sam what he deserves and that will be a World title fight on our terms. I would ask everyone to please now get behind the most exciting fighter in World boxing and he hails from Birmingham, England, Sam Eggington”

Download all the fight night images from the whole show HERE
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Dubai, UAE – 13 September 2021 – Two-time World Champion Amir Khan and the Super Boxing League (SBL) in association with Savy Capital, Bybit and the World Boxing Council (WBC) are thrilled to announce that it will stage the inaugural Amir Khan Crypto Fight Night at La Perle, Dubai, UAE, on Saturday 16th October.

The high-profile event will feature the World’s leading crypto traders meeting in the ring and all funds generated from the big night – that includes an auction of various crypto related assets, collectibles and NFT digital art – will be donated to the vital humanitarian work undertaken by the Amir Khan Foundation.

The SBL works in unity with the foundation which was set-up by two-time World Boxing Champion & Olympic Silver Medalist Amir Khan with the core objective to support communities globally, especially through health, fitness, and sport. Since its inception, the Amir Khan Foundation has responded to global emergencies and facilitated developmental projects across the world. The foundation exists to support individuals, families and communities globally, and to offer relief and support during times of hardship, urgent need and upheaval.

The star-studded evening will showcase Dubai as the future of Block Chain technology and innovation, with the World’s fastest-growing crypto community in attendance on fight night.

This first of its kind A-list event is supported by the World’s leading boxing governing body the World Boxing Council (WBC), who lead the way in protecting human rights, eradicating discrimination and helping the most vulnerable, and Savy Capital, who is the Crypto Community Partner and makes investments in different asset classes globally.

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

RookieXBT is one of the youngest and most respected Crypto traders. Loomdart is arguably the most notable investor in the industry and partner in VC Egirl Capital.

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 (17-2-1, 17 KO’s) Bayat Farid for the Vacant WBC Asia Heavyweight Championship.

Three further highly-competitive 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 versus 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. American hot-trader Ahmed.

In addition, the event also features an undercard full of action-packed contests, including the highly anticipated professional debuts of two sensational hot prospects: England’s National ABA Youth Champion and Amir’s cousin Abdul Khan, and Tal Singh, the Amir managed England Boxing National Champion, plus other eminent boxers.

Amir Khan, SBL Chairman, said: “Get ready and be prepared to witness high adrenaline action unlike anything you’ve seen before. Being associated with crypto will further augment our endeavour to reach to the population which believe in pace and transformation.”

Bill Dosanjh, SBL CEO & Founder, said: “I’m proud to announce the SBL Crypto Fight Night, as we are the first ever-combat sports promoters to take this leap with something which denotes the future and is in line with the UAE vision as well. Our core objective is to showcase that Dubai is the future hub of Block Chain. This association will help build the sport amongst the millennial and young business generation who have a forward approach.”

RookieXBT and Loomadart can only usually be viewed as avatars, and it’s the FIRST TIME that the Crypto community will see them live.

Self-taught trader Rookie said, “I’m happy to be participating in an event that brings the crypto family together in a way that’s never been done before. It’s extremely humbling. I’m looking forward to this event being a success and hopefully something that happens annually.”

Rival Loomdart who has traded Crypto since 2014 added, “There’s something beautiful about being able to say getting involved in crypto has led to me fighting some dude i’ve never met before. I can’t wait for these to be regular events and let people get revenge for getting dumped on.”

Savy Capital said, “The crypto community is a robust group of individuals and companies that are dedicated to making a difference in today’s society, we are proud to bring them together with the combat sports world partnering with SBL, where we can showcase to people the winning spirit, high octane energy, and giving back personalities of all involved. This event is the first edition of many more to come!”

Roy Blackstone said, “SBL and Savy Capital are combining to give the world the first event that merges the boxing and crypto communities in Dubai, one of the world’s most incredible cities. This night will help to bring awareness of both of these communities to the mainstream, and I am proud to support the very first fight night.

Bybit added, “Crypto and boxing have a lot in common — striving for excellence, keeping one’s composure in challenging circumstances, being resilient enough and coming back again and again even when getting knocked down, and not to mention being often misunderstood. The pandemic has taken a toll on sports and other sources of joy. We at Bybit are glad to be able to help bring some entertainment back, and add a little excitement to the lovers of combat sports and crypto.”

Sheikh Almualla bin Ahmed Al Mualla, the Founder of Ghaf Capital said, “Ghaf Capital is excited to be a part of this “first of its kind” event. In a way, it’s metaphoric of what many of us have lived through last year, taking punches and getting knocked down. We’re excited for an amazing evening with our fellow blockchain pioneers and the athletes attending. It’s going to be a great reminder that no matter what punches life throws at you, keep your hands up and keep swinging!”

• Ends –

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.

Coventry, England (11 September 2021) On a busy night of boxing shows that were all left in the shade, Hennessy Sports promoted a sensational event featuring the Fight of the Year between proud warriors Sam Eggington and Bilel Jkitou at the Coventry Skydome Arena last night with the Savage coming out the winner by split decision in a tremendous all-action battle that left fans’ breathless.

Eggington put his WBC Silver Middleweight title on the line for the first time, whilst Frenchman Jkitou bravely risked his 15 fight unbeaten record to come to England and face Eggington, but has now seen his stock rise considerably after last night and present himself as a new star.

The humble yet consummate pro Eggington is now on the cusp of challenging for a World title and with that epic performance he has left some so called PPV stars to shame.

Jkitou started the aggressor taking the fight to Sam in the opening early session of the first, with the Birmingham man looking to feel his way in but he quickly stamped his own brutal brand by going toe-to-toe.

Sticking close to each other and planting their feet, the pair traded big hooks, uppercuts and ripping in body shots with each other as neither man wanted to give way. Jkitou was cheered on by a large group of loud supporters who had made the journey to England and Eggington had his own band of loyal followers making their noise.

With the intense action going back and forth in the early rounds and both men having their moments of success, in the fourth Bilel landed a good left hook with Eggington feeling it, but coming straight back with his own punches.

Eggington looked the busier man with his straight-punching and landed the more decisive and heavier shots. His eyes started to swell midway in the fight and his right eye picked up some small cuts with their heads rubbing closely, but expert cuts man Kerry Kayes in the corner worked his magic which did not affect Eggington’s vision in the fight.

Still just 27, Eggington, Britain’s most exciting fighter, looked to be getting ahead from sixth round landing more shots and bringing in his extensive championship title experience but Jkitou was still dangerous getting success with his own punches.

At the start of the eighth, Eggington looked to use some distance and box, but Jkitou unleashed some big shots starting with a big left hook and unloading with Eggington on the ropes. Sam quickly firing back and later in the round landed his own perfect five-punch combo close up.

With the crowd on their feet, the final three rounds were fought at a ferocious pace just like the opening rounds with broadcaster Channel 5 having Eggington three rounds up going into the ninth. With pride now on the line and neither man willing to relent, they dug deep and carried on their fierce exchanges until the final bell.

It went to the judges scorecards and they were split, with one scoring it 116-112 for Jkitou, but the other two both had it 117-112 in favour of Eggington.

Eggington, who wears his heart on sleeve every time and often doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves, said modestly afterwards, “I was fit and ready but I made harder work of it than I should have. I should have boxed a bit more early on in the fight and I gave him ground a bit and I enjoy it most of the time, but when you do that it’s hard to get out of it so I slipped into trying to box and reverted back into going in and having a war. He caught me in the eye with jabs a few times and a lot of heads, I thought the split was a bit harsh. I thought he won a few rounds, more rounds than he should have done, than [the judges] should have given him. But it is what it is, it’s tough, he’s 15-0 and he can dig and he caught me a few times so it is what it is and I should have made easier work of it, but I got the win.”

The live opener on Channel 5 saw Irish dynamo Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna extended for the first time in his career as he won every round against tough Moussa Gary and took his record to unbeaten in nine. McKenna looked to blow away Frenchman Gary with his big and heavy shots, but Gary, a quality operator with a granite chin, was an awkward customer and the Country Monaghan ace couldn’t nail him, but going the extra rounds at full pace would have given him vital career experience.

Also on the card: Birmingham Welterweight Kaisee Benjamin KO’d Jarkko Putkonen in the third round (1:09); Coventry Middleweight star River Wilson-Bent outpointed Gabor Gorbics over 10 rounds (100-90); Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters beat Farouk Daku over eight (80-70); Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch won every round against Alvaro Terrero (40-36); Brixton light-heavyweight Isaac Chamberlain won by RTD1 against Ben Thomas; Sevenoaks Michael Hennessy Jr. won by first round KO (2:15) against Maksims Dembovskis; County Monaghan middleweight Aaron McKenna outpointed Ivica Gogosevic over six rounds (60-52) and finally show opener County Donegal super-welterweight Brett McGinty won by third round KO (1:17) against Teodor Nikolov.

BAKERSFIELD, CA. (September 10, 2021) – Premier Boxing Champions will present back-to-back nights of FS1 PBC Fight Night action, and on FOX Deportes, on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 delivering an exciting fight-filled weekend live from Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

On Saturday, rising lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela will put his unbeaten record on the line against Colombia’s Deiner Berrio in the 10-round main event. That telecast will begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and feature undefeated super middleweight prospect Suray Mahmutovic stepping into the ring for six rounds of action against unbeaten Pachino Hill, while undefeated featherweights Rajon Chance and Elon de Jesus battle in a six-round attraction.

On Sunday, undefeated super featherweight prospect Maliek Montgomery faces Aleem Jumakhonov in a 10-round headlining bout. That telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see all-action super lightweight Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez in an eight-round attraction against Mexico’s Jairo Lopez, plus exciting prospect Angel Barrientes competes in a four-round super bantamweight showdown taking on Victor Torres.

Tickets for the live events, which are promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.

Born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela (9-0, 6 KOs) now trains in Seattle as a stablemate of unbeaten two-time champion David Benavidez. The 22-year-old turned pro in 2018 and is currently on a five-bout knockout streak that includes 2021 victories over Nelson Hampton and Clay Burns. In his last outing, Valenzuela stopped Donte Strayhorn in the fourth-round of their August 21 bout. He takes on the 30-year-old Berrio (22-3-1, 13 KOs), who represents his native Columbia while fighting out of Los Angeles. All three of Berrio’s defeats have come against unbeaten fighters and have gone the distance, including his last outing, which saw him drop his U.S. debut to Juan Pablo Romero in April.

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

The 21-year-old Chance (5-0, 5 KOs) will look to keep his perfect record intact when he returns to the ring on September 18. A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Chance began his 2021 by knocking out Marco Lara in the first round in July. Chance will be taking on the 27-year-old de Jesus (3-0, 2 KOs) in a rematch of their 2018 amateur clash that Chance won by split-decision. Fighting out of Dunkirk, New York, de Jesus most recently defeated Jetter Soriano by unanimous decision in August.

The 25-year-old Montgomery (10-0, 10 KOs) turned pro in 2017 after an impressive amateur career that included two national Golden Gloves titles and victories over recognizable names such as Edgar Berlanga, Keeshawn Williams and Joseph Adorno, to name a few. The Macon, Georgia born fighter has stopped all 10 of his opponents inside of the distance in his pro career to date. He will face the 28-year-old Jumakhonov (9-3-2, 5 KOs), who most recently knocked out Jorge Ramos in September 2020. Born in Horoh, Tajikistan, Jumakhonov now fights out of Reseda, California.

Juárez (11-1, 5 KOs) will look to bounce back after his first defeat, which came via decision in an exciting showdown against All Rivera in June. Juárez has been lauded as much for his work outside the ring as he has for what he’s accomplished in it. After graduating high school in his native Brownsville, Texas, the 22-year-old dedicated himself to giving back to the state’s youth through motivational speaking and received recognition from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his efforts. He takes on the 30-year-old Lopez (26-13, 17 KOs), who hails from Nuevo Leon, Mexico and lost by decision to Anthony Peterson in his last outing.

The younger of the Barrientes twins by 13 minutes, Ángel Barrientes (5-1, 4 KOs) had an impressive amateur career, winning 14 national tournaments and three international. The 19-year-old turned pro in November 2019, winning his first three fights before dropping a December 2020 contest to Travon Lawson. Barrientes last fight saw him stop Linus Lambert in the first round in August. He squares off against the 27-year-old Torres (7-8-1, 5 KOs), who fights out of Modesto, California and has won five-straight bouts heading into September 19.

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

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

LAS VEGAS (September 10, 2021) – The latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS makes its California debut next Thursday night, September 16th at Quiet Cannon Event Center in Montebello, California.

Presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, in association with World Cup Boxing Series and 360 Boxing, who’s popular “Hollywood Fight Nights” series returns to its southern California base.

The Sept. 16th event 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.

“We’ve been streaming RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS for nearly three years and without question this will be our most powerful event to date,” RJJ Boxing co-founder an CEO Keith Veltre said. “It very well may be the best boxing ever streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS. There will be three action-packed hours of boxing, showcasing ten fighters with a combined pro record of 127-11 with eighty knockouts competing in five competitive, entertaining matches.

“Tom Loeffler (360 Promotions) is a good promoter to partner with in California. We were supposed to co-promote a ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ show with him last year, but COVID-19 restrictions canceled that date. We’re excited about this show and this memorable evening of boxing.”

Ukrainian knockout artist Serhi “El Flaco” Bohachuk (19-1, 19 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, headlines in the 10-round main event against Houston super welterweight Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe (16-2, 7 KOs). Ranked No. 13 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), the 26-yar-old Bohachuk faces a clear and present danger in Igbokwe, who is riding a 3-fight win streak.

In the 10-round co-featured event, Kazakhstan super middleweight Ali Akhemedov (16-1, 12 KOs), a former WBC International Silver Super Middleweight Champion, takes on veteran Peruvian fighter David “La Pantera” Zegarra (34-5, 21 KOs), who is fighting out of Mexico City. Akhmedov trains with world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin.

Armenian cruiserweight Rafayel “Bam Bam” Simonyan (9-1, 8 KOs) meets Adrian “Monta-Ru” Taylor (11-1, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bout. The Abel Sanchez-trained Simonyan is coming off a disputed loss by way of an 8-round majority decision this pat March to Abraham Tebes. Taylor has gained invaluable experience as world welterweight champion Errol Spence’s sparring partner.

In a battle of undefeated California super featherweights, Adrian Corona (7-0, 1 KO) faces Daniel “Big Dawg” Robles (7-0, 5 KOs) in a 6-round boxer-puncher matchup.

In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, undefeated female lightweights Austria-born Elvina “Warrior” White (5-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, and Chelsey “Mae” Anderson (3-0, 1 KO) throw-down in a 4-round fight.

Card subject to change.

Limited tickets are on sale for The VIP Boxing Experience ($100 preferred seating and $60.00 general admission) and available for purchase online at www.360Promotions. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. PT.

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 combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

LOS ANGELES – A pair of elite mixed martial artists meet in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 266 next Saturday, Sept. 18 inside the SAP Center at San Jose when former 205-pound champion and No. 3 ranked Phil Davis (22-6) welcomes MMA superstar Yoel Romero (13-5) to the BELLATOR promotion. The main card of BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

In addition, the evening features a welterweight co-main event pitting No. 4 ranked Neiman Gracie (10-2) against Mark Lemminger (12-3) and a women’s flyweight contest between former title challenger #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) and DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1).

Two additional main card fights have been added with a lightweight fight featuring Georgi Karakhanyan (31-11-1, 1 NC) versus Saul Rogers (14-4) and a light heavyweight tilt between No. 10 ranked Christian Edwards (4-0) against Ben Parrish (4-1) kicking off the action.

Nine action-packed preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT. Complete bout listing available below.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA

Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

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

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

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BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero Main Card:

Saturday, September 18 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Light Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Phil Davis (22-6) vs. Yoel Romero (13-5)

Welterweight Bout: #4-Neiman Gracie (10-2) vs. Mark Lemminger (12-3)

Flyweight Bout: #5-Alejandra Lara (9-4) vs. DeAnna Bennett (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-11-1, 1 NC) vs. Saul Rogers (14-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #10-Christian Edwards (4-0) vs. Ben Parrish (4-1)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Light Heavyweight Bout: #7-Grant Neal (6-0) vs. Alex Polizzi (8-1)

Middleweight Bout: Khalid Murtazaliev (15-2) vs. Anthony Adams (8-2)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Abraham Vaesau (5-3, 1 NC) vs. Albert Gonzales (2-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Socrates Hernandez (Pro Debut) vs. Pedro Juarez (Pro Debut)

Bantamweight Bout: Bobby Seronio III (Pro Debut) vs. Erin Hunter (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Bout: Rhalan Gracie (0-2) vs. Shane Keefe (1-0)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Eddie Abasolo (Pro Debut) vs. Art Hernandez (4-5, 1 NC)

Flyweight Bout: Edwin De Los Santos (Pro Debut) vs. Jon Adams (0-1-1)

130-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jesse Delgado (Pro Debut) vs. Joshua Dillon (1-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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. 

Kerman Lejarraga says he has rediscovered his hunger for boxing ahead of his clash with undefeated Frenchman Dylan Charrat for the vacant European Super-Welterweight Title at the Palau Olímpic Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain tomorrow night, live on DAZN. 

Bilbao’s Lejarraga (32-2, 25 KOs), the former European Welterweight Champion, was involved in a Fight of the Year contender against Britain’s Jez Smith last time out in April, surviving knockdowns in the third and fourth rounds to stop Smith on his feet in the sixth. 

The big hitting ‘Revolver’ continues his quest to win a World Title at 154lbs when he meets former European Union Super-Welterweight Champion Charrat (20-0-1, 6 KOs) for a chance to become a two-weight European Champion after winning the 147lbs crown against Bradley Skeete in 2018.

“I lost my passion for boxing”, admitted Lejarraga. “I needed a change in my life. I decided to change my corner team and I have rediscovered the desire to fight. For me this is a huge challenge to face an undefeated opponent. I prefer to take a risk against a young kid who has more to lose than me. I’ve been saying it for a while, ‘ask him to fight abroad, let’s go’. It’s a challenge I’ve been requesting for a while. He’s an undefeated fighter and a winner. 

“I want to get in there and play. I’m 29-years-old. I want to get in there and fight. I’m really happy, and I truly have that hunger again, that hunger to fight. Watch out for the new Kerman because he’s hungry. I’m hungry again and that makes me tough opposition. I’m going to fight my style, everyone knows what that is. If it goes well or if it doesn’t, I’ll always fight on my terms. I never put pressure on myself. I keep loving what I do. 

“This is the most important fight of my career. We have planned to fight twelve rounds, not for an early knockout. They have already given me up for retirement, but I’m 29-years-old and I want to continue giving my all to this sport. Boxing stopped being a passion and began to become an obligation, and I was no longer having fun. Now I am excited, wanting to return and enjoying boxing once more. I’m hungry again and the excited Kerman is back.”

Lejarraga vs. Charrat tops a big night of action in Barcelona, in the second European Title fight of the night Murcia’s Mary Romero (6-2, 1 KO) defends her Super-Bantamweight belt against Southam’s Amy Timlin (4-0-1) – who comes into her first fight on foreign soil off the back of a competitive draw with Carly Skelly for the Commonwealth Title, former IBF Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-10-2, 29 KOs) returns against Jayro Duran (14-9, 13 KOs) following his controversial loss to Zelfa Barrett, former amateur standout Cyrus Pattinson (1-0, 1 KO) looks to build on his impressive debut win over Yoncho Markov in June when he meets Dumitru Vicol (4-6), Cristóbal Lorente (12-0-1, 5 KOs) takes on Anuar Salas (21-10-1, 12 KOs)in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest, undefeated Super-Featherweight Moussa Gholam (16-0, 9 KOs) clashes with Mauro Alex Hasan Perouene (12-3-1, 6 KOs) and Wembley Super-Featherweight talent Youssef Khoumari (12-0-1, 5 KOs) fights Vicente Martin Rodriguez (39-7-1, 21 KOs) over eight rounds. 

Coventry, UK (10 September 2021) Irish star Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna will now feature on promoter Mick Hennessy’s show tonight at the Coventry Skydome Arena on the Sam Eggington-Bilel Jkitou WBC Silver Middleweight title clash.

The undefeated 22-year-old middleweight from County Monaghan takes on Croatian Ivica Gogosevic over six rounds as he aims to extend his record to 12-0.

McKenna likes to get the job done quickly with seven of his eleven wins coming by KO – and seven of those have come inside three rounds.

Aaron joins older sibling Stevie ‘The Hitman’, the explosive hitting unbeaten welterweight contender, who takes on Frenchman Moussa Gary, on the card.

It’s the first time the brothers have featured together on a show since December 11 last year on the Eggington-Ashley Theophane undercard in Redditch.

Aaron retired the tough Jordan Grannum – who hadn’t been stopped in 79 fights – with a savage body shot in the second round and Grannum didn’t come out for the third.

While Stevie blitzed Des Newton with powerful shots throughout the fight until he was finally stopped in the fifth round.

Aaron is looking to put on a real show tonight for the fans’ and a live stream is available on the SunSport website starting at 1715hrs with Aaron’s fight starting at 2000hrs with the best of the action on Channel 5 from 2200hrs.

He said, “I’m just raring to go and I can’t wait to get back in the ring again and fight. I don’t like to hang about and I want to get my business done quickly so it could end early once the big punches start landing. It’s fantastic to fight on the same card with Stevie again and we both bring the same brand of entertainment when we fight: KO’s.”

Hennessy added, “It’s fantastic to welcome such an exciting talent like Aaron back on my show again and I’m really looking forward to seeing him back in action. Like his brother Stevie he’s an awesome prospect and the two of them together will bring dynamite tonight in Coventry.”

Remaining tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Evander Holyfield

“I thought I was getting ready to fight Mike Tyson but now I’m fighting Vitor Belfort. So, I’ve been training for two years for that. When they asked me to fight Vitor I said if he wants to do it then I want to do it. I put the time in the last two years and I want to get paid for my time. It hasn’t been a week to get ready, I’ve been training for two years. I’m more than ready and look forward to the fight.”

Vitor Belfort

“It’s a joy to me to fight Evander Holyfield on Saturday night. I remember when I first fought in the UFC tournament, the same month I saw Evander fight Mike Tyson the second time. My dream was to see MMA become as big as boxing. He’s the heavyweight king and I’m looking forward to showing my boxing skills on Saturday night. It’s an amazing opportunity for me.”

Anderson Silva

“This is good to hear from Tito Ortiz, it’s an interesting fight on Saturday night. I don’t like to talk much, I like to do my job. I take my job and winning seriously and that’s the point.”

Tito Ortiz

“This camp was super short but I’m ready to go. Typically, I have a much longer camp. This is just for boxing so a different camp. Lot of roadwork, four miles a day, seven days a week. I’ve been very focused on this fight and I’m ready to fight a true legend in Anderson Silva.”

“I take challenges in stride, I know what I need to do to beat Anderson. And I’m going to make a statement on his face on Saturday night. On Saturday night, I’m going to do what I do best and that’s punish people.”

David Haye

“There’s going to be a ring on Saturday night and us standing in it and you’re going to get punched in the head. Once the bell rings, know that I’m there to win. Even with all that money you have you can’t buy the feeling that true fighters have. And you’re going to realize that when the first bell rings.”

“There’s only one way to straighten this out and that’s on Saturday night.”

Joe Fournier   

“David’s ego is too big, he would never accept the fact that I can beat him and I will beat him on Saturday night. I see for myself why elegance beats brute power.”

“I don’t fight for the money. For me its legacy. No one else would be doing this. I skipped a lot of steps to get where I’m at and this is another step to beat the colossal David Haye. He’s a decreasing asset and I see that. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have been in the ring with him but now absolutely.”

Andy Vences

“Like all the other fighters here on the dais were all ready to go. I get to do my job and take care of business. It’s a great opportunity for me and I plan to take full advantage of it. I was supposed to fight in June but boxing can be very unexpected. I know I’ve trained the entire time, I doubt my opponent has actually put in the work.”

Jono Carroll

“I’m very excited, this has been a long time coming. I sacrificed a lot just to be in camp for the first scheduled date. I had a baby in the hospital at the time. But I’ve been training again with a long camp in Mexico. It was disappointing last time when the fight got cancelled five days out but I’m ready to go on Saturday. This is boxing and one thing that’s important is to always be prepared.”

Kerman Lejarraga – Bilbao, Spain – 32-2, 25 KOs – challenging Dylan Charrat for the vacant European Super-Welterweight Title:

“I lost my passion for boxing. I needed a change in my life. I decided to change my corner and I have recovered the desire to fight. For me this is a huge challenge to face an undefeated opponent, who has good legs. It is a real motivation for me. This is the most important fight of my career. We have planned to fight twelve rounds, not for an early knockout. Barcelona is my second home so I want a big performance.”

Dylan Charrat – Cannes, France – 20-0-1, 6 KOs – challenging Dylan Charrat for the vacant European Super-Welterweight Title:

“I have done everything possible to fight. I haven´t been able to box because of the pandemic. This why I am so excited to fight for the belt against a great boxer like Kerman. I want to face big names. I’m not just a technical boxer, I’m ready to take his punch power. On Saturday I will show my skills against a very strong opponent, but I am prepared for a tactical fight. I am very happy to fight on an show like this broadcast worldwide by DAZN.”

Mary Romero – Murcia, Spain – 6-2, 1 KO – defending her European Super-Bantamweight Title against Amy Timlin. 

“The camp has gone well. I have worked so hard to give a good show on Saturday. For me this is a dream be here. Every woman who fights wants to box with Matchroom, because it is the greatest promoter. I hope to do very well and they call me again. Once we are in the ring we will see what dangers my rival brings. I’m not going to give her my European Title.”

Amy Timlin – Southam, England – 4-0-1 – challenging Mary Romero for the European Super-Bantamweight Title:

“I have trained very well, especially during these last two weeks. It is a great opportunity. You will see the best version of me on Saturday night. I am prepared for everything Mary bring to the table, I have studied her closely.”

Kiko Martínez – Alicante, Spain – 41-10-2, 29 KOs – fighting Jayro Duran in an eight round Featherweight contest:

“I`m well prepared, as always, because I train hard everyday. When I get into a fight I am excited, I am only excited about my daughters in this life, and boxing. I have constantly had many ups and downs in my career and that has taught me to be patient. I’ve had to train a lot outside my house, working very hard on my own. When something bad happens to me I look for all the positives from that situation. I want to focus on Saturday. I have to fulfill my commitment on Saturday if I want to fight Zelfa Barrett again. I know that after this fight, great things are going to come for me again.”

Cristóbal Lorente – Barcelona, Spain – 12-0-1, 5 KOs – fighting Anuar Salas in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“It is an honour to be fighting on this show with so many other talented boxers. Mentally I am more than ready to achieve great things. I think I will be able to keep my rival at the distance that suits me. I trained hard, I was preparing with Sandor Martín.”

PHILADELPHIA (September 9, 2021)–Weights for Friday night’s King’s Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

Greg Outlaw 145.7 – Edgar Torres 145.2
Christian Carto 120.3 – Yeison Vargas 120.6
Elijah Morales 145.3 – Kevin Davilla 144.7
Kashom Hutchinson 145.3 – Andre Byrd 147.4
LeAnna Cruz 115.3 – Delaney Bailey 116.9
Julian Gonzalez 129.2 – Ronny Arana 129.5
Quadir Albright 142.2 – Humberto Camareno Jr. 142.5

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
1st Bell: 8 PM ET (Doors 7 PM ET)
Stream: Flo Combat

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased https://2300arena.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=367&src=default

  •   Oscar Valdez 130 lbs vs. Robson Conceicao 129.6 lbs 
(Valdez’s WBC Super Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Stephen Blea, Omar Mintun and Chris Tellez
Referee: Tony Zaino

•     Gabriel Flores Jr. 129.6 lbs vs. Luis Alberto Lopez 128.4 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:15 p.m. ET / 3:15 p.m. PT)

•  Junto Nakatani 111.4 lbs vs. Angel Acosta 112 lbs 
(Nakatani’s WBO Flyweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

   •   Xander Zayas 151.8 lbs vs. Jose Luis Sanchez 151.6 lbs
 (Junior Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •       Lindolfo Delgado 141.6 lbs vs. Miguel Zamudio 140.8 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Rene Tellez Giron 132.2 lbs vs. Eduardo Garza 132.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Omar Aguilar 142.6 lbs vs. Carlos Manuel Portillo 141.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

The ESPN+ exclusive presentation of Dana White’s Contender Series presented by ZipRecruiter continues with episode three next Tuesday, September 14, at 8 p.m. ET from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. 

A new group of contenders will meet next week, all looking to make their way into the UFC. Episode two of DWCS saw five athletes earn highly-coveted UFC contracts.

DWCS introduces some of UFC’s top prospects from around the world in a ten-episode season, with new episodes available every Tuesday evening exclusively on ESPN+, the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service. Showcasing approximately five bouts in each episode, prospects will compete for the chance to earn a contract with UFC.

Following Tuesday night’s fights, 127 athletes throughout the series have now earned UFC contracts, including “Suga” Sean O’Malley, Ryan Spann, Maycee “The Future” Barber, Johnny Walker and Marina Rodriguez, who will be the first non-champion woman in UFC history to headline multiple events in a calendar year.

Dana White’s Contender Series on ESPN+, Episode Three Bouts:

• Light Heavyweight – Jailton “Malhadinho” Almeida vs. Nasrudin Nasrudinov

• Bantamweight – Brandon “Superman” Lewis vs. Mo “Mo Show” Miller

• Middleweight – Albert “Machete” Duraev vs. Caio “Leão” Bittencourt

• Heavyweight – Lukasz Brzeski vs. Dylan “Big Poppa” Potter

• Welterweight – Ange Loosa vs. Jack Della Maddalena

• Women’s Flyweight – Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Julia Polastri

UFC Rise of the Contenders, a 30-minute series recap of seasons one through four of Dana White’s Contender Series, airs on ESPN2 this Saturday, September 11, at 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. showcasing some of the best and brightest prospects from UFC. Rise of the Contenders highlights the background of the Contender Series, UFC headliners the show has produced, and how the series fits into the overall plan to identify and develop future UFC athletes.

###

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 UFC^®
UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 142 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 one billion TV households across more than 171 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 72 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.?For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Coventry, UK (9 September 2021) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce that SunSport will stream exclusively LIVE and FREE the whole undercard of Friday night’s big show at the Coventry Skydome Arena, headlined by WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Sam Eggington and challenger Bilel Jkitou clash.

In a massive night of boxing with almost four hours of live action on SunSport, red hot Irish super-welterweight prospect Brett McGinty opens the exciting show at 1715; then at 1735 Sevenoaks ace Michael Hennessy Jr; 1805 Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters; 1845 Brighton’s undefeated heavyweight destroyer Scott Welch; 1905 Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin; 2000 unbeaten middleweight sensation Aaron McKenna; 2025 Coventry’s dynamite punching middleweight River Wilson-Bent; 2115 the return of cruiserweight star Isaac Chamberlain.

Go to the SunSport website at www.thesun.co.uk

The action then switches LIVE and FREE to Channel 5 in the UK and Ireland at 22:00 with the show opened by the explosive-punching Irish KO sensation Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna who’s unbeaten in 8 fights with 8 KO’s and looks to continue his perfect run.

Then it’s the big one between Birmingham hero Eggington, who has the world title in his sights, and risks his title against the hard-hitting and undefeated challenger from France, Jkitou.

Remaining tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

FLORESVILLE, TX (September 8, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxings’
undefeated featherweight prospect, Richard Medina (10-0, 6 KOs), is back in action on September 25, 2021, as he faces tough veteran Rafael Reyes (19-12, 15 KOs). The 8-round bout will be taking place at the Event Center in Floresville, Texas.

“This is a big moment in my life, and my opponent is coming off a big win over an undefeated fighter, so I am looking forward to this challenge,” said Medina, who is promoted by TMB Promotions. “I have worked very hard during this camp and I’m ready to return to the ring. I have a lot of family and friends who will be in attendance so I will be gunning for the knockout. I’m ready to take big fights down the road, and I know I have to win these fights to get that chance.”

Medina’s opponent, Rafael Reyes, is coming off the win of his career stopping Ignacio Chairez in the first round.

“Medina is doing everything that is asked of him, and you can tell by the type of performances he is having,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “This is a tough fight, but a good test. This is the type of bout that will help build Medina into a world champion, and these are the type of wins you need to go to the next level.”

Medina who hails from San Antonio, Texas will be a mere 30 minutes from home for this fight.

“Medina is a big crowd favorite, and it is great to have him fighting in front of his local fans,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “Medina has all the talent to go to the top of his division, and we also enjoy having him on shows in the San Antonio-area as he is a great ambassador of boxing.”

“The fans fuel my journey, and now I want to make everyone proud,” concluded Medina. “At this point, I have to go out there and perform to get people excited to see me in bigger fights. I am hoping with a great performance this will not just get my local fans excited, but also garner me a big fight in the near future.”

Tickets priced $30 General Admission, $900 VIP Tables are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. Doors open at 6:00 pm, first bell at 7:30 pm. The Floresville Event Center is located at 600 TX 97 Floresville TX, 78114

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 9, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight contender, Raeese “The Beast” Aleem (18-0, 12 KOs), currently ranked WBA #1, is looking for a world title shot, and WBA super bantamweight champion, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (9-0, 7 KOs), is who Aleem would like next.

“I am the number one contender and mandatory for Akhmadaliev’s belt and people are saying he is one of the best in the division, so I want him to prove it, because I know I can beat him,” said Aleem. “With the WBA reducing the number of world titles they have, and now that I am not an interim world champion, I want this fight. Since Akhmadaliev won the belt against Daniel Roman nearly two years ago, he has only fought one time. I feel the WBA needs to mandate this fight and crown the true champion at super bantamweight.”

Aleem, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, is looking for the biggest fights possible.

“Aleem passes all the checkmarks of being a world champion, but no one seems too eager to fight him,” said Greg Hannley, Aleem’s manager. “Aleem versus Akhmadaliev would be a great fight that fans would love to see. A battle of two of the best in the world.”

Aleem doesn’t just have his eyes set on the current WBA world champion, he also wants to face the winner of Stephen Fulton vs Brandon Figueroa in the future as well.

“I want to beat Akhmadaliev and then unify my title against the winner of Stephen Fulton versus Brandon Figueroa,” Aleem continued. “I am the best fighter in this division, and I am calling out all names, if people don’t like me, sign up to fight me and prove me wrong.”

Las Vegas – The 9^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^™ will take place from Tuesday, September 21 through Saturday, September 25, with numerous events throughout Las Vegas, including Park MGM Las Vegas, New York-New York Hotel & Casino, T-Mobile Arena and Resorts World Las Vegas.

UFC International Fight Week is highlighted by the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and an easily accessible and fully interactive two-day UFC Fan Experience^Ò. The week-long celebration is anchored by the highly anticipated UFC^Ò 266: VOLKANOVSKI vs. ORTEGA, presented by Modelo, which takes place on Saturday, September 25, at T-Mobile Arena. Tickets for UFC 266 are available via AXS.

On Thursday, September 23, UFC will host the UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^Ò, at 7:30 p.m. at Park Theater inside Park MGM. Hosted by Jon Anik, the annual ceremony honors contributors and athletes that helped shape UFC and left an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts. Tickets to the induction ceremony are priced at $25.00 (not including fees), with all proceeds benefitting Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. The ceremony will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^Ò.

Spanning more than two acres of entertainment activation space, The Park and Toshiba Plaza will host UFC’s fully immersive and easily accessible two-day Fan Experience, featuring multiple autograph sessions and brand and partner activations with unparalleled access to UFC champions, Hall of Famers, top-ranked contenders, and other UFC personalities.

This free-of-charge event will be part of the two-day UFC Fan Experience, which will be open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25. The UFC Fan Experience will be produced by global full-service cultural marketing agency 160over90.

UFC will also host three official parties during the week at Resorts World Las Vegas on Friday, September 24 and Saturday, September 25. On Friday, UFC’s official pool party takes place at Ayu Dayclub beginning at 11 a.m. On Saturday, the official UFC 266 viewing party takes place at RedTail at 5:30 p.m., followed by the official UFC 266 after party at Zouk Nightclub beginning at 10:30 p.m.

Fans will also be able to purchase exclusive UFC merchandise at the UFC Store, while also having the chance to participate in numerous activities with brand partners such as ESPN+, Toyo Tires, Modelo, Panini America, Jose Cuervo, Ultimate Sound, Venum, Howler Head and more!

For more information, visit UFCFIGHTWEEK.COM.

Filip Hrgovi? (12-0, 10 KOs) continues his World Title charge tomorrow night as he looks to take out a year of frustration on Marko Radonjic (22-0, 22 KOs) when the unbeaten Heavyweights collide at the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria, live on RTL in Croatia and DAZN in over 190 countries and territories worldwide.
 
Hrgovi? has become one of the most avoided men in boxing with all of the IBF top 15 turning down the opportunity to face him in a Final Eliminator to become mandatory challenger for Anthony Joshua’s Heavyweight crown.
 
The 29-year-old from Zagreb was last in action on November 7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida where he handed American Heavyweight Rydell Booker his first stoppage loss, and after almost a year of inactivity, ‘El Animal’ is ready to be let loose in Klagenfurt.
 
“I’m very happy to be back in the ring,” said Hrgovi?, who weighed in today at 112kg (17st 8lbs 15oz). “It’s been a tough year. We’ve had a lot of problems finding opponents so I’m thankful to Marko for accepting this challenge. He is obviously a brave guy to be willing to fight me when a lot of top heavyweights refused. I’ve been in training camp for almost a year. I’ve done a lot of sparring and I’m in great shape. I just feel sorry for my opponent because I am going to put a year of preparation into this fight. Tomorrow night El Animal is back!”
 
“I’m expecting a good fight,” said the ‘Montenegro Hammer’ Radonjic, who tipped the scales at 113kg (17st 11lbs 2oz). “Filip is one of the best heavyweights in the world. He had a good amateur career, but so did I. People say I have a strong punch, but that’s not everything in boxing. It’s good to have 22 wins and all by knockout, but I have other strengths too. I’ve come here to fight. Filip is good, but I am too. Remember that. Let’s get ready to rumble.”
 
“Fans can look forward to a spectacular night of Heavyweight boxing tomorrow at the Wörthersee Stadium,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “When I saw Marko Radonjic’s record, I thought it was a typo – 22 wins, all by KO, is something you just don’t see in Heavyweight boxing. Filip has been looking for an opponent for the last 9 months, the whole IBF top 15 turned down the challenge so credit to Marko for taking the fight. I know Filip can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what he does best.”
 
The IBF International Heavyweight Title contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Marko Radonjic headlines an action-packed event at the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria promoted by Wasserman Boxing and Matchroom Boxing in association with SEH Sports and Entertainment Holding.
 
Tickets are available via https://www.snapticket-live.de/battleofthegiants

LOS ANGELES – The highly anticipated BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Semifinals event has become even more stacked, adding a 155-pound bout between two former world champions when No. 3 ranked lightweight Benson Henderson (28-10) squares up against Brent Primus (10-2). In addition, a featherweight battle pitting Henry Corrales (18-6) against Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2) is set to kick off the main card action on SHOWTIME live Saturday, October 16 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Both semifinal matchups for the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix will top the card at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. Light heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov (14-2) defends his world championship against No. 4 ranked Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (23-6), while current BELLATOR Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-6) facesNo. 2-ranked light heavyweight Corey Anderson (15-5) in the co-main event.

Several new preliminary fights have been confirmed as well and are listed below. The preliminary card will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Former champions collide in the desert, as former UFC and WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson squares off with former BELLATOR lightweight champion Brent Primus in a 155-pound bout that is sure to produce fireworks. Both men hold black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and have the capability to finish a fight no matter where it goes. Fighting out of Glendale, AZ., “Smooth” Benson Henderson fights on his home turf but has a tough test in a Primus who is eager to return to the top of the mountain at 155-pounds.

Hard-hitting Henry Corrales reintroduces himself to the featherweight ranks, taking on submission guru Vladyslav Parubchenko in the opening bout of the main card. With 13 of his 18 professional victories coming by way of finish, “OK” Corrales steps in the cage with another known finisher, as Parubchenko has finished 14 of his 16 victories with stoppages. Both fighters are in the mix within a stacked BELLATOR featherweight division, and with a win, either fighter could find themselves making an immediate impact on the 145-pound rankings.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA

Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

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

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals Main Card:

SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT 

Light Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Vadim Nemkov (14-2) vs. #4-Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (23-6)

Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinal Bout: #1-Ryan Bader (28-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-Corey Anderson (15-5)

Lightweight Bout: #3-Benson Henderson (28-10) vs. Brent Primus (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (18-6) vs. Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Light Heavyweight Bout: #5-Julias Anglickas (10-1) vs. #10-Karl Albrektsson (12-3)

Bantamweight Bout: Erik Perez (20-8) vs. Brett Johns (17-3)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (1-0) vs. Deon Clash (1-0)

Lightweight Bout: Nick Browne (11-1) vs. Bobby Lee (12-6)

Middleweight Bout: Javier Torres (11-5, 1 NC) vs. Gregory Milliard (12-6)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Sumiko Inaba (2-0) vs. Randi Field (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Lance Gibson Jr. (4-0) vs. Raymond Pina (9-4)

Amateur Strawweight Bout: Maria Henderson (1-0) vs. Collette Santiago (0-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with an exciting matchup in the light heavyweight division, as No. 6 ranked contender Anthony Smith faces off with No. 11 Ryan Spann. In the co-main event, fellow 205ers Ion Cutelaba and Devin Clark aim to steal the show.   

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: SMITH vs SPANN will take place Saturday, September 18 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 Smith (35-16, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) boasts an impressive 94 percent finishing rate and plans to take out Spann in classic fashion. Smith is currently undefeated in 2021, having secured two first-round finishes over Jimmy Crute and Devin Clark. He now has his sights set on continuing his streak and defending his spot in the top 10 of the division.

Spann (21-6, fighting out of Beaumont, Texas) intends to deliver his best performance yet in his first UFC main event effort. A signee from season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series, Spann quickly rose through the light heavyweight ranks with notable victories over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Sam Alvey and, most recently, Misha Cirkunov. He now looks to notch the most important win of his career by defeating Smith.

Always entertaining Cutelaba (15-6-1, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) seeks to get back to his winning ways and re-assert himself as a future title contender. The owner of 13 first-round finishes, including 10 in 1:13 or less, Cutelaba established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the light heavyweight division with wins over Khalil Rountree, Gadzhimurad Antigulov and Luis Henrique da Silva. He now aims to prove that he still has his best performances ahead of him by finishing Clark.

Clark (12-5, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.) looks to make his first fight of 2021 a successful one by earning his first UFC stoppage. The 2009 NJCAA wrestling champion, he has displayed his skills with wins over Alonzo Menifield, Darko Stosic and Mike Rodriguez. Clark now plans to show that he can compete with the elite with a dominant performance against Cutelaba.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• UFC legend Jim Miller (32-16, 1 NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) returns to the Octagon for a record-breaking 38^th time when he looks to spoil the UFC debut of Dana White’s Contender Series signee Nikolas Motta (12-3, fighting out of Governador Valadares, Brazil) in a lightweight bout
• An exciting women’s flyweight bout sees Ariane Lipski (13-7, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) aim to hand Mandy Bohm (7-0, fighting out of Gelsenkirchen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany) her first loss
• No. 14 ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (16-2, fighting out of Krasnodar Krai, Russia) plans to show off his grappling skills against Christos Giagos (19-8, fighting out of Hawthorne, Calif.)
• Middleweight finishers lock horns as Joaquin Buckley (12-4, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) meets Antonio Arroyo (9-4, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M. by way of Nazare, Para, Brazil)
• Light heavyweight Dana White’s Contender Series alums Mike Rodriguez (11-6, 1 NC, fighting out of South Easton, Mass.) and Tafon Nchukwi (5-1, fighting out of Temple Hills, Md.) vie to secure another highlight reel knockout
• No. 12 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Pannie Kianzad (16-5, fighting out of Helsingborg, Skåne County, Sweden) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against former title challenger Raquel Pennington (11-9, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.)
• Top bantamweight prospects Nate Maness (13-1, fighting out of Henderson, Ky.) and Tony Gravely (21-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) collide
• Lightweights Dakota Bush (8-3, fighting out of St. Claire, Mo.) and Rongzhu (17-4, fighting out of Chengdu Shi, Sichuan Sheng, China) compete to earn their first UFC victories
• Dana White’s Contender Series veterans compete as Montel Jackson (11-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) takes on JP Buys (9-3, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Johannesburg, South Africa) at bantamweight
• Erin Blanchfield (6-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, N.J.) hopes for a successful UFC debut when she battles Sarah Alpar (9-5, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) in a women’s flyweight bout
• Impa Kasanganay (9-1, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) and Carlston Harris (16-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meet in a welterweight bout
• Bantamweights Gustavo Lopez (12-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Alatengheili (14-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Shanghai, China) clash in a high-paced matchup
• Emily Whitmire (4-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) hopes to secure another signature submission against Hannah Goldy (5-2, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.)

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 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.

Óscar Valdez (29-0, 23 KO), making the first defense of his WBC Junior Lightweight title, faces 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição (16-0, 8 KO), tomorrow night live from the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ.  The entire card will stream exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) with undercard at 5:45 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET.

Valdez won the title with a spectacular one-punch knockout of Miguel Berchelt in February.  Both Valdez and Conceição are unbeaten in their professional careers, but Conceição holds a victory in the amateurs over Valdez at the 2009 Pan American Championships.  Conceição is also the first Brazilian boxer to win an Olympic gold medal.

Another world title fight featured on the undercard, Junto Nakatani (21-0, 16 KO) defends his WBO Flyweight title for the first time against former junior flyweight champion Angel Acosta (22-2, 21 KO).  Nakatani is ranked 3rd at flyweight by ESPN while Acosta is ranked 9th.

Top Rank on ESPNValdez vs. Conceição(All Times ET)

*Immediately follows conclusion of Main Card

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Official photos from todays weigh-in will be uploaded here

Results from today’s weigh-in below:

FIGHT # 1 – 17:50 HRS
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
FRANK ARNOLD – 133.4lb
LEE GLOVER – 132.8lb

FIGHT # 2
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
JONATHAN KUMUTEO – 155.8lb                                      
KEV McCAULEY – 161.6lb

FIGHT # 3
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Bantamweight Contest
ADAN MOHAMED – 125.2lb
LUKE MERRYFIELD – 124.6lb

FIGHT # 4
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
JOSHUA FRANKHAM – 148lb                                             
MATIJA PETRINIC – 146lb

FIGHT # 5
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
CALLUM THOMPSON – 134.8lb                                           
DEAN JONES – 135lb

FIGHT # 6
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Bantamweight Contest
UMAR KHAN – 126.8lb
LUKE FASH – 122.2lb

FIGHT # 7
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
KHALID ALI – 149.8lb
DEAN WILKINSON – 145.2lb

FIGHT # 8
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
KAROL ITAUMA – 176.4lb
DARYL SHARP – 179.4lb

FIGHT # 9
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
MARK CHAMBERLAIN – 138.6lb
BENJAMIN LAMPTEY – 138.4lb

FIGHT # 10
THE WBC INTERNATIONAL SILVER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 126 lbs
LOUIE LYNN – 126lb
AMIN JAHANZEB – 126.6lb (Amin has 2 hours to make championship weight)

London, UK (9 September 2021) WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Sam Eggington and undefeated challenger Bilel Jkitou weighed in today at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport for their clash tomorrow night at the Coventry SkyDome Arena, exclusively LIVE and FREE on Channel 5.
WBC Silver Middleweight Championship
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
Sam Eggington 11st 4lbs 2oz vs. Bilel Jkitou 11st 3lbs 2oz

6 x 3 Super Lightweight
Stephen McKenna 10 7 9 vs. Moussa Gary 10 7 7

8 x 3 Light Heavyweight
Shakan Pitters 12 12 3 vs. Farouk Daku 12 8 3

10 x 3 Welterweight
Kaisee Benjamin 10 5 8 vs. Jarkko Putkonen 10 5 4

10 x 3 International Middleweight
River Wilson-Bent 11 5 3 vs. Gabor Gorbics 11 7 2

6 x 3 Super Welterweight
Michael Hennessy Jr. 11 4 2 vs. Maksims Dembovskis 10 13 3

4 x 3 Middleweight
Brett McGinty 11 3 4 vs. Teodor Nikolov 11 5 0

4 x 3 Heavyweight
Tommy Welch 16 10 0 vs. Alvaro Terrero 17 2 4

6 x 3 Middleweight
Aaron McKenna 11 7 3

Remaining tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports