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

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

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

Evander Holyfield

“When Oscar De La Hoya came down with Covid they asked me to fight Vitor Belfort. Training is what I do, like I tell the young people if you do things right, it will work out for you, that works for older folks too.”

“Boxing is a game and I know how to prepare for it against Vitor Belfort. I’m sure if I was getting in his game, I’d be in trouble but he’s getting into my game so he’s in trouble.”

“I’ve been training for over two years because there were fights mentioned against other fighters. I realize now as I prepare to face Belfort I’m in good shape and I don’t get out of shape.”

“It’s not so much that I miss it but people always ask about Mike Tyson and I fighting. They’ve offered so much money that I would definitely take a chance against someone I’ve already beat.”

“I think I look alright but this is after two years of solid training.”

“Atlantic City became really big in boxing with Donald Trump, he did a great job promoting my fights.”

“When I was young I didn’t have any bad habits and so I’m older now and feel good. I learned my whole life you’ll never be successful in life if you don’t take chances, that’s throughout my whole career.”

Vitor Belfort

“I don’t see the change in opponent as a problem, I see it as an opportunity. And this is a huge opportunity for me to face a legend like Evander Holyfield.

“In boxing there’s too many big fights that aren’t happening. Oscar and Evander truly built the sport of boxing during their careers. Evander’s a hall of famer and I’m very excited to be fighting him.”

“The king of the jungle is the lion, not the elephant, I’m smaller than Evander but I’m the lion. Speed and power are more important than size.”

“It’s about hit and don’t get hit, I know how strong Evander is. It’s about fighting a smart fight on Saturday night.”

“I love having President Trump commentate on my fight. Triller is truly bringing something new to the sport of boxing. He’s a real fight fan, always has been.”

“America is a great country of opportunity and that’s been the story of my entire career.”

“I want to congratulate Ryan Kavanaugh and Triller on giving fans an event they cannot miss.”

Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 8, 2021) Below is an official statement from PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, Executive Director of the Florida State Boxing Commission.  

The Florida Athletic Commission has approved the EVANDER HOLYFIELD vs. VITOR BELFORT bout as a fully regulated professional boxing match. It will be conducted under the Unified Rules of Boxing and scored by three judges on the 10-point must system.

All boxers on this card have successfully met all requirements to be licensed by the Florida Athletic Commission.

                                                —————————————–

Headlining LEGENDS II, Former Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Undisputed World Champion, EVANDER ‘THE REAL DEAL’ HOLYFIELD will battle Former UFC Heavyweight World Champion VITOR ‘THE PHENOM’ BELFORT in an eight-round clash. Holyfield, considered to be the best Pound-for-Pound Heavyweight Champion alive today, squares off against Former Heavyweight UFC Champion Belfort who still holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history.

Co-featured at LEGENDS II, UFC Legends, ANDERSON ‘THE SPIDER’ SILVA from Sao Paolo, Brazil and ‘THE HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY’ TITO ORTIZ will clash in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match for combat sports supremacy.

Also, at LEGENDS II, Former Heavyweight and Cruiserweight World Champion DAVID ‘THE HAYEMAKER’ HAYE will face off against JOE FOURNIER in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight battle.

Additionally, in a highly anticipated super featherweight 10-rounder, ANDY ‘El TIBURON’ VENCES, (23-2-1, 12 KOs), of San Jose, CA will challenge Ireland’s JONO ‘KING KONG’ CARROLL, (19-2-1, 5 KOs).

Also, performing LIVE between fights will be Brazilian Pop-Superstar ANiTTA, Cuban super-group GENTE DE ZONA and Latino superstar LUNAY.

“September 11 will be an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime event of world class professional boxing and outstanding music,” said NIGEL LYTHGOE the visionary and producer of LEGENDS II.

Advance tickets starting at $81 are NOW-ON-SALE and may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at this LIVE Event Link! Hard Rock LIVE at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL, 33314. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:00 p.m. ET.

The FREEVIEW window starts on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT with the Triller Fight Club Pay-Per-View commencing at 7:00 p.m. ET 4:00 p.m. PT. The Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99 in North America and £9.99 ($13.99) in the UK. Purchasers can use this Direct Link  through FITE.TV.

FOLLOW TRILLER FIGHT CLUB

Triller Fight Club

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub

Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Website www.Triller.co

PITTSBURGH (September 8, 2021) – Professional boxing returns to the Greater Pittsburgh area Saturday night, September 18, as Gionta Management presents “Murrysville Madness” at Murrysville SportZone in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

An amateur show, co-promoted by Gionta Management and Kastle Boxing of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, will take center stage during the afternoon, starting at 12 p.m. with a separate admission of $20.00

“I hope to continue promoting shows here (30-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh) in this region moving forward,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “With another friend of mine promoting here, we can keep these guys busy, and look forward to moving them into bigger opportunities.”

Pittsburgh junior lightweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway (19-2, 8 KOs), the reigning IBA Intercontinental Junior Lightweight Champion, will headline “Murrysville Madness” in the 8-round main event against an opponent to be finalized.

In the 6-round co-featured event, Pittsburgh super middleweight Kiante Irving (9-0, 9 KOs), a 2018 National Golden Gloves Champion, plans to keep his perfect pro record intact against Antonio Louis Hernandez (5-11-3, 3 KOs).

Ohio lightweight Ryizeemmion “The Humble Beast” Ford (5-1-0, 3 KOs) steps up in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus an opponent to be determined.

A 4-round featherweight match between Buffalo’s pro-debuting Joe Reed and Kyrgyzstan-native Baszybek Baratov (4-1-2, 1 KO), fighting out of Monroeville, PA, has the potential to steal the show.

2019 National Golden Gloves Champion Chatiqua “Tika” Hemingway (1-0), managed by Split-T Management, is slated to be in action against a female super middleweight to be determined.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round matches is Pittsburgh super middleweight Eric Lomax (3-0, 2 KOs) vs, Taurean Bogguess (0-2), Pennsylvania’s pro-debuting middleweight Paul Palombo vs. Jereiah Yeager (1-1, 1 KO), and Pittsburgh super lightweight and Matt Conway’s brother, “Maverick” Mike Conway (3-2-1, 1 KO), vs. Joshua Zimmerman (0-3).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $125.00 ringside, $60.00 and $40.00 floor seating, and $50.00 reserved seating, and available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta

Twitter: @DGionta

Instagram: @d_p_g1

LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement

TUCSON, Ariz. (September 8, 2021) — WBC super featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, born in Nogales, Mexico and raised in Tucson, Arizona, is ready for his sold-out homecoming. Valdez authored a Knockout of the Year contender over Miguel Berchelt in February and will attempt to successfully defend his title for the first time against unbeaten Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao (16-0, 8 KOs) on Friday evening at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson. Conceicao defeated Valdez by one point in the finals of the 2009 Pan American Games, so the amateur rivals have a professional score to settle. 

In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated junior lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. (20-0, 7 KOs) will take on his stiffest test to date against hard-charging Mexican veteran Luis Alberto Lopez (22-2, 12 KOs). In his last bout, Flores, the pride of Stockton, California, knocked out former world title challenger Jayson Velez in six rounds. Lopez has won five in a row and is best known for last year’s split decision over Andy Vences in one of the best action bouts of 2020.

Valdez-Conceição and Flores-Lopez will stream live and exclusively Friday on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7p.m. PT.

At Wednesday’s final press conference, this is what the combatants had to say.

Oscar Valdez

“I feel blessed that I get the chance to step in the ring on September 10. I’m very grateful to Top Rank, the Pascua Yaqui {Tribal Gaming Commission} for letting this fight proceed, and I’ve just been very concentrated. Coming here to my second home in Tucson means a lot to me. People know my last two fights were without a crowd due to COVID and what better way to come back as a champion than in front of my people with all of Sonora and Arizona here? I’m just excited. I’ve been very focused on not looking at anything negative out there. It has been a little difficult — I  can’t lie — but this is what we have to go through. This is what it’s going to be.”

“This is when you realize who the real people are around you, who are loyal to you and got your back. I realize that my family is number one and also my team. I have to thank everyone on my team, {including} my manager, Frank Espinoza, and my trainer, Eddy Reynoso. My father has always been there with me. Just everyone who has been around supporting me during these tough times because it has been difficult. They had my back, and we know we did nothing wrong. We’re going to be real concentrated for this fight.” 

“{Our amateur bout} was a back-and-forth fight, but I lost. I always took my losses very seriously. Everybody hates losing, and I’m one of them. I’m a sore loser. Now that I get the chance to fight him as a professional, I’m taking this fight very seriously like all the fights. I’m defending my title, and I’m going to do whatever it takes and whatever I got to defend my title and avenge my loss.”

Robson Conceicao

“When I fought him {as an amateur}, it was a tough fight. I fought him and the crowd, and it motivated me a lot and made me happy. Here we have the same thing. I fight against two opponents, him and the crowd… and I will be the winner.”

“This is a very important moment for me, the most important moment in my life. I’m happy I’m here and not alone. I’m here for the Brazilian crowd, for my family, my team, and we’ll be great.” 

“About the problem with the champion, what is done is done. There is no explanation, but I’m here to do my best and fight the greatest fight of my life.” 

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“Every fight that goes on, I learn. Each fight, I get better and better. It’s a fact. You’re seeing it each fight. This training camp was a long training camp, a longer one because I was supposed to fight on the {Fury-Wilder 3} card, but that got postponed. And now I’m on this card. We took a positive out of a negative. We got sharper. The sparring was great and everything. All my confidence comes from my training. I sparred with real good people that helped me out for this fight. Gervonta Davis. Mark Magsayo. {Yuriorkis} Gamboa. So I’m extremely ready.”

“Lopez is going to get knocked out. He’s going to live up to his name. They call him the deer. He’s going to look like Bambi in there.” 

“I always look at the big picture. I know who I am. I started off early in the pros. I was 17 fighting, so that was me figuring out who I am. I know who I am. I’m comfortable. He just bit off more than he can chew. Friday night, he’s going to choke.”

Luis Alberto Lopez

“It was a great fight that night {against Vences}. Fans that night saw just half of what ‘Venado’ can do. I suffered a fracture in the sixth round, but we got the win. It was a big victory, and I wasn’t 100 percent.”

“He has a lot of flaws. He’s just a kid.”

“There’s a lot of talk, but I have proven I am on this level. He might be a future champion, but I’m here to demonstrate I’m on this level, too.”

FRIDAY, September 10, 2021

ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Oscar Valdez vs. Robson Conceicao, 12 rounds, Valdez’s WBC Super Featherweight World Title

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Luis Alberto Lopez, 10 rounds, junior lightweight

ESPN+, 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT

Junto Nakatani vs. Angel Acosta, 12 rounds, Nakatani’s WBO Flyweight World Title

Raymond Muratalla vs. Jose Angulo, 8 rounds, lightweight

Omar Aguilar vs. Carlos Manuel Portillo, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2021) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder have restarted their long-running rivalry and stated their intent to finally settle the score when they meet for the third time on Saturday, October 9 in an ESPN+ PPV and FOX Sports PPV event from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

“I’m going to knock Deontay Wilder spark out and it’s going to be even quicker than our last fight,” said Fury, who stopped Wilder in their second fight in February 2020 to capture the WBC title. “If he couldn’t beat me after three years out of the ring and 10 stone weight loss, he’s never beating me. None of them will. They’re just hyped up bums. All of them. Wilder, Joshua, Usyk. They’re all bums. Compared to me, they’re no good.”

“Hopefully Fury is confident enough to go through with this fight, because I’m going to be a reinvented Deontay Wilder on October 9,” said Wilder, who had successfully defended his heavyweight title 10 times before losing to Fury. “This training camp has rejuvenated me. It’s refreshed me. The key to victory in this fight is having a violent mind, but approaching it with calmness. I have all the right people around me and we’re looking forward to October 9. I just hope Fury is ready to put on a show for the fans and make history once again.”

Listen to the full interview with Wilder on the latest episode of the PBC Podcast.

Fury vs. Wilder III tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.tmobilearena.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by Top Rank, BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

#

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

LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2021) – ESPN KNOCKOUT is proud to announce a four-year multimedia agreement to become the Latin American home of Top Rank, the worldwide leader in boxing promotions. The agreement encompasses 25 Spanish-speaking territories, with a potential reach of 65 million households and 260 million viewers.

Under this landmark deal, ESPN KNOCKOUT will broadcast Top Rank’s live cards simultaneously on newly launched streaming service Star+, as well on ESPN linear channels in the region.

Top Rank’s inaugural ESPN KNOCKOUT card will be this Friday, Sept. 10 in Tucson, Arizona, headlined by WBC super featherweight world champion and two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez against unbeaten Brazilian Robson Conceicao.

“Latin America is a rich region with passionate fans connected to local and worldwide boxing for decades,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “We look forward to expanding our partnership with ESPN, serving the existing fans, and cultivating new fans under their many platforms.”

Live broadcasts will feature ESPN production and analysis on SportsCenter and the ESPN KNOCKOUT studio show, as well as through ESPN.com and on social media at @ESPNKnockOut.

About ESPN KNOCKOUT
ESPN KNOCKOUT, the best combat sports series in Latin America, shares the passion for boxing and MMA with fans. Throughout Latin America, ESPN KNOCKOUT airs the best live boxing and the most outstanding MMA events in the universe, along with features, interviews, analysis, exclusives, previews and much more from its renowned commentator team.  Follow @ESPNKnockOut for features exclusive content and the latest news on combat athletes. 

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1973 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Tyson Fury.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Wembley Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

About Star+
Star+ is a general entertainment and sports streaming service launched in Latin America on August 31. It is be complementary to, but independent from Disney+ in this region. The service is the home for exclusive premieres of general entertainment TV series and movies from The Walt Disney Company’s content studios, including Disney Television Studios, FX, 20th Century Studios, Star Original Productions, National Geographic Original Productions and more, and the streaming service for live sports from ESPN, the most respected and renowned brand for sports fans in the region. From dramas to comedies (including all seasons of The Simpsons) and thrillers for adults, Star+ also features exclusive original programming from the Star general entertainment brand, along with a collection of regional original productions from Latin America. To learn more, visit: www.starplus.com

QUEENSBERRY stage a prospect stacked night at London’s Copper Box Arena on Friday (Sept 10) featuring some of their finest young talent.
 
The new series of shows, branded ‘FIGHT NIGHT LIVE: THE PROSPECTS’, is topped by South Londoner Louie Lynn (9-0, 7 KOs) who defends his WBC International Silver Featherweight title in a ten round contest against Bradford’s Amin Jahanzeb (8-0, 2 KOs), live on BT Sport 1 HD and available to all on the BT Sport Boxing YouTube page.
 
Portsmouth heavy hitting Lightweight Mark Chamberlain (8-0, 5 KOs) has been added to the bill and will face Ghana’s Benjamin Lamptey (11-4-1, 9 KOs) over eight rounds.
 
Mark had been due to face Lamptey 24 hours later but the card has been cancelled after Sunny Edwards IBF World Flyweight title defence against Jayson Mama was called off.
 
Promoter Frank Warren: “It’s fantastic that BT Sport are getting behind our prospects and showing their support for boxing.
 
“Fans at the arena and watching at home will see a thriller between Louie and Amin.
 
“I’m delighted that Mark will get more exposure on TV, and I believe like many of the boxers in Wayne Batten’s stable it’s only a matter of time before he becomes more widely known.”
 
Hackney’s Frank Arnold (7-0-1, 1 KO) takes a dangerous fight when he meets Tipton’s Lee Glover (11-5-0, 3 KO’s) in a six round Super-Featherweight contest.
 
Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma (3-0, 2 KOs) has his fourth professional fight and faces Manchester’s 80 fight veteran Darryl Sharp.
 
Also in four round action are Reading Welterweight Joshua Frankham (3-0), Buckhurst Hill Super-Bantamweight Adan Mohamed (2-0), Muswell Hill Middleweight Jonathan Kumuteo (1-0), Liverpool Super-Lightweight Callum Thompson (1-0), a former Team GB star  and Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (1-0).
 
Tower Hamlets Welterweight Khalid Ali will make his professional debut after learning his trade at Repton ABC.
 

MIAMI – September 7, 2021 – WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás was honored with the “Key to the City” of Miami by Mayor Francis Suarez this afternoon during a ceremony at Mayor Suarez’s office.

Ugás defeated legendary eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao on August 21, 2021, to retain his title in a fight viewed by millions around the world.

“Ugás could have used that platform to talk about himself,” said Mayor Suarez. “Instead, he highlighted the oppression, the brutal dictatorship in Cuba. That’s something that we have to be eternally grateful for.

“He is more, in that sense, an activist than he is a fighter. And I think that’s really impressive. I knew at that moment that I had to invite him and give him the key to the city. He earned it.”

“It brings me great joy that I was presented with the Key to the City of Miami by Mayor Suarez,” said Ugás. “I had a great victory against a boxing legend like Manny Pacquiao and I was able to bring attention to the oppression my people back home in Cuba are dealing with.

“I will always fight for freedom, not only for my countrymen in Cuba, but those being oppressed all over the world. I’m grateful to all my fans who have been with me from the beginning. Today was a great day from me and I will forever be thankful.”

Ugás joins a select club of elite athletes that have received this distinction in South Florida, making his place among luminaries and past recipients such as Florida Marlins pitcher and World Series champion Livan Hernández, NBA Champions Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O´Neal, global music superstars Shakira and Jennifer López, and actor Will Smith among others that have been honored through the years.

Hollywood, FL (September 7, 2021) – FITE has announced Donald J. Trump, the 45^th President of the United States will provide guest commentary in a never-before-seen live event from the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 on Pay-Per-View and FITE.  

DUBBED “NO HOLDS BARRED”: PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP TO GIVE AN UNFILTERED BOXING COMMENTARY LIVE FROM THE HARDROCK IN FLORIDA, AIRING ON FITE.

Former Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Undisputed World Champion, EVANDER “THE REAL DEAL” HOLYFIELD makes his comeback fight in a heavyweight battle against UFC Heavyweight World Champion VITOR “THE PHENOM” BELFORT 

Holyfield, who is considered to be the best pound-for-pound Heavyweight Champion alive today, squares off against Former Heavyweight UFC Champion Belfort who still holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history. Also featured is ANDERSON “SPIDER” SILVA fighting “THE HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY” TITO ORTIZ in a professional boxing bout, DAVID “THE HAYMAKER” HAYE also making a professional comeback versus JOE “THE BILLIONAIRE” FOURNIER, followed by ANDY VENCES vs. JONO CARROLL. 

“I love great fighters and great fights. I look forward to seeing both this Saturday night and sharing my thoughts ringside. You won’t want to miss this special event,” said President Donald J. Trump. 

The FREEVIEW window starts on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT with the Triller Fight Club Pay-Per-View commencing at 7:00 p.m. ET 4:00 p.m. PT. The Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99 in North America and £13.99 in the UK. Purchasers can use this Direct Link through FITE.TV.  

Additionally, performing LIVE between fights will be Brazilian Pop-Superstar ANITTA, Cuban super-group GENTE DE ZONA and Latino superstar LUNAY.

How to Order: For worldwide live PPV streaming, go to TRILLERFIGHTCLUB.com or FITE or any FITE OTT/Smart TV/mobile apps, or order the event from your local cable/satellite and iNDEMAND partner throughout the USA and Canada.

(September 7, 2021) —Heavyweight contender Tony Yoka, the Paris native who won Olympic gold for France in 2016, returns home for a historic night at the fights. Yoka will face fellow unbeaten Peter Milas in a 10-rounder this Friday, Sept. 10 at Roland Garros, site of the French Open. This marks the first boxing event to take place at the famed tennis venue since 1973.
 
Yoka-Milas will headline a scheduled three-fight card streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT. Top Rank-signed prospect Hugo “The Fresh Prince of Monaco” Micallef will make his pro debut on the card in a four-round welterweight bout against Ezequiel Gregores (2-2, 0 KOs). Highlights of Micallef’s fight will be shown on the stream.
 
Yoka (10-0, 8 KOs) turned pro in April 2017 and stepped up early with wins over the likes of Jonnie Rice, David Allen and former European champion Alexander Dimitrenko. He went 2-0 in 2020, including a first-round knockout over former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas. Yoka made his 2021 debut in March and knocked out Belgian native Joel Tambwe Djeko to pick up the European Union title. Milas (15-0, 11 KOs), from Split, Croatia, has fought most of his pro career in Germany. He’s picked up standout victories over durable spoiler Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson and former world title challenger Francesco Pianeta.
 
In other action streaming on ESPN+:

• In a 12-round tilt for the vacant European Union light heavyweight title, former world title challenger Igor Mikhalkin (24-2, 11 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak to four against French 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Mathieu Bauderlique (20-1, 11 KOs). Bauderlique has won eight straight fights since a shocking first-round knockout loss.
   
• Souleymane Cissokho (13-0, 8 KOs), who earned a bronze medal for France at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will make the first defense of his WBA Intercontinental super welterweight strap against Russian veteran Ismail Iliev (13-2-1, 3 KOs). Cissokho won the belt in May with a split decision over Kieron Conway on the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders undercard.

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).

Tampa, FL (September 7, 2021) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions returns to Banquet Masters in Clearwater, FL Saturday, October 16.

The card is presented in association with Pahlavan Promotions and tickets are on sale at bit.ly/boxing-tickets or by calling 727-525-3159.

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

Headlining this exciting evening of boxing will be a ten round 140 pound showdown between St. Petersburg, FL’s Joseph Fernandez and Panama’s Jose Forero for the ABF Atlantic championship.

Fernandez,13-3-3 (4 KO’s), is riding a 6 fight win streak and stopped his last three foes. A crowd favorite in the Tampa Bay region, Fernandez most recently scored a sixth round stoppage of 33 fight veteran Carlos Pena.

The heavy-handed Forero has a record of 13-8-1 with 11 wins by knockout. He’s faced several notable foes including George Kambosos, Jaime Arboleda and former world champion Jezreel Corrales. In Forero’s last fight he put forth an admirable effort in a 9th round stoppage defeat against contender Willian Silva.

In an explosive eight round matchup where somebody’s 0 must go, heavyweight Geovanny “La Bestia” Bruzon puts his 6-0 record on the line against 5-0 Lenier Pero. Both fighters are originally from Cuba and have decorated amateur backgrounds. The winner of this contest will take a significant step forward in the heavyweight division.

Local favorite Arnold Hill of St Petersburg meets Michigan’s Emmanuel Sanchez in a six round middleweight contest.

Plant City, FL based Brazilian lightweight Willian “Baby Face” Silva and light heavyweight Imran Haddabah of St Petersburg are scheduled to appear against opponents to be named. Additional bouts will be added shortly.

“We’re glad to be back in Clearwater at the beautiful Banquet Masters venue working alongside our friends at Pahlavan Promotions,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “This card has a good mix of everything – local talent, international boxers plus a rare matchup between undefeated and highly skilled heavyweights. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody on the 16th.”

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

Hollywood, FL (September 6, 2021) TRILLER FIGHT CLUB has announced the LEGENDS II EVANDER HOLYFIELD COMEBACK FIGHT set for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, from Hard Rock LIVE at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL and LIVE on Pay-Per-View.

Former Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Undisputed World Champion, EVANDER ‘THE REAL DEAL’ HOLYFIELD will battle Former UFC Heavyweight World Champion VITOR ‘THE PHENOM’ BELFORT in an eight-round clash. Holyfield considered to be the best Pound-for-Pound Heavyweight Champion alive today, squares off against Former Heavyweight UFC Champion Belfort who still holds the record for most knockouts in UFC history.

Advance tickets starting at $81 are NOW-ON-SALE and may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at this LIVE Event Link! Hard Rock LIVE at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL, 33314. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:00 p.m. ET.

The FREEVIEW window starts on Saturday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT with the Triller Fight Club Pay-Per-View commencing at 7:00 p.m. ET 4:00 p.m. PT. The Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99 in North America and £9.99 ($13.99) in the UK. Purchasers can use this Direct Link  through FITE.TV.

“TRILLER breaks the mold plain and simple. This event brings together the worlds of boxing, MMA, music, hip hop and four quadrants. Boys, girls, ladies and gentlemen; this is not your father’s Oldsmobile,” said Triller’s RYAN KAVANAUGH.

“Evander Holyfield is in better shape today than when he last fought and this heavyweight bout is sure to be something for the history books,” continued Kavanaugh.

After record breaking events with the return of MIKE TYSON last year, which shattered PPV records and set the platform for JAKE PAUL, who knocked out NATE ROBINSON; TRILLER FIGHT CLUB followed up with another record breaking PPV which ended with JAKE PAUL knocking out BEN ASKREN in the first round.

With one of the most exciting cards in the history of Combat Sports, also featured is

ANDERSON ‘SPIDER’ SILVA fighting ‘THE HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY TITO ORTIZ in a professional boxing bout, DAVID ‘THE HAYMAKER’ HAYE also making a pro comeback versus JOE ‘THE BILLIONAIRE’ FOURNIER followed by ANDY ‘EL TIBURON’ VENCES vs. JONO ‘KING KONG’ CARROLL.

“To make sure the whole world has a chance to watch we’ve implemented a program where viewers can also get the PPV for free. Text “Fight” to 75303 for into on how to get the fight for free,” said MAHI DE SILVA, CEO of TRILLER.

Additionally, performing LIVE between fights will be Brazilian Pop-Superstar ANiTTA, Cuban super-group GENTE DE ZONA and Latino superstar LUNAY along with a fantastic post-fight event featuring an amazing VERZUZ BATTLE to be announced shortly.

“September 11 will be an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime event of world class professional boxing and outstanding music,” said NIGEL LYTHGOE the visionary and producer of LEGENDS II. 

One of the most successful boxers in history, Holyfield is the only fighter to reign as the Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion and Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion in the three-belt era and was the first boxer to hold world titles in three different decades.

The Three-Time Heavyweight World Champion who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015 was victorious over numerous other champions in his career including Mike Tyson (twice), Riddick Bowe, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Buster Douglas, Hasim Rahman, Michael Moorer, John Ruiz, Francois Botha and Dwight Muhammad Qawi (twice).

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Co-featured at LEGENDS II, UFC Legends, ANDERSON ‘THE SPIDER’ SILVA from Sao Paolo, Brazil and ‘THE HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY’ TITO ORTIZ will clash in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match for combat sports supremacy.

Also, at LEGENDS II, Former Heavyweight and Cruiserweight World Champion DAVID ‘THE HAYEMAKER’ HAYE will face off against JOE FOURNIER in a scheduled eight-round heavyweight battle.

Additionally, in a highly anticipated super featherweight 10-rounder, ANDY ‘El TIBURON’ VENCES, (23-2-1, 12 KOs), of San Jose, CA will challenge Ireland’s JONO ‘KING KONG’ CARROLL, (19-2-1, 5 KOs).

How to Order: For worldwide live PPV streaming, go to TRILLERFIGHTCLUB.com or FITE or any FITE OTT/Smart TV/mobile apps, or order the event from your local cable/satellite and iNDEMAND partner throughout the USA and Canada.

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iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for the De La Hoya vs. Belfort fight. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite, and telco PPV providers across the U.S., including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others and from leading operators in Canada.

LEGENDS II will be broadcast globally on FITE, iNDemand and through all leading Cable, Satellite and Telco Providers in the U.S. and Canada. The suggested PPV retail price is $49.99.

**HOW TO WATCH THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2021, TRILLER PPV EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub

LEGENDS II is the second event Triller Fight Club has promoted at STAPLES Center, the first being Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. on November 28, 2020. The fight was boxing’s biggest pay-per-view event of the year garnering over 1.6 million buys.

FITE, the world’s premier streaming PPV platform for sports and entertainment recently acquired by TrillerNet, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online for the September 11 event, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

This marks the third time that FITE, iNDemand and Triller will have partnered to bring value-packed, world-class PPV events to boxing, music, and entertainment fans. iNDemand also served as the cable, satellite, and telco PPV distributor for Triller Fight Club’s November 2020 Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. event (which landed as the 8th best PPV event of all time), as well as the April 17, 2021 Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren event. FITE handled global digital sales for both events and powered the TysononTriller and TrillerFightClub sites.

Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/evander-holyfield-vs-vitor-belfort/2p9su/

About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, LG, Samsung, Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, as well as over 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. FITE is owned by TrillerNet.

 FITE: It’s ON. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Facebook. 

About iNDemand:

iNDemand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDemand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDemand delivers great content to more than 80 million homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com.

FOLLOW TRILLER FIGHT CLUB AND VERZUZ

Triller Fight Club

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub

Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Website www.Triller.co 

Verzuz

Instagram: @VerzuzTV

Twitter: @VerzuzOnline

Facebook: @Verzuz

NEW YORK (September 6, 2021) – “The Blonde Bomber” Ebanie Bridges won a hard-fought decision over French Bantamweight Champion Mailys Gangloff on Saturday in Leeds, England. Bridges, who was fighting just four weeks after her 3rd round stoppage over Bec Connolly, stepped in the ring sporting the Leeds colors of White, Blue, and Yellow to a wonderful ovation from the fans in attendance.

Coming forward behind a tight guard from the get-go, Bridges appeared to injure her right hand early in the bout and later endured swelling around her right eye – perhaps a remnant of her hard fought battle against Shannon Courtenay this past April. Bridges was forced to bite down and tough it out through eight rounds against a very fit and competitive opponent in Gangloff. Bridges ultimately prevailed, winning by a referee score of 77-76 to raise her record to 7-1.

Bridges’ hand was visibly swollen after the fight with X-rays revealing significant bruising in her hand. The injury will undoubtedly take some time to heal, but when she is back Bridges will be looking to step up into the type of fights that will excite her now global fanbase – likely including a rematch with WBA Bantamweight champion Courtenay.

Bridges is represented by Split-T Management under Split-T’s own Brian Cohen.

Devon Young score 1st round KO in Debut

Young, 23 years-old of Aiken, South Carolina, took out Kenneth Thomas in the opening round in Columbia, South Carolina.

Young compiled an impressive 42-12 mark as an amateur.

As an amateur fighter, Young made it to the 2020 Olympic Trials, and was a Western qualifier champion in 2017 & 2018, and the 2015 Youth Open Champion. He also was a 2014 Junior Olympic champion.

Young has the distinction as being the last American fighter to defeat Olympic Silver Medal winner Super Heavyweight, Richard Torrez

TUCSON, Ariz. (September 6, 2021) — Puerto Rico’s next superstar hopes to break through with a statement-making performance under the desert sun. Xander Zayas, the 19-year-old puncher from San Juan, will step up in class when he meets Jose Luis Sanchez in a six-round junior middleweight bout this Friday, Sept. 10 at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona.
 
Zayas-Sanchez and an eight-round lightweight battle between the unbeaten Raymond “Danger” Muratalla and Ecuador’s Jose Angulo will be part of the undercard of Oscar Valdez’s WBC super featherweight world title defense against unbeaten Brazilian Robson Conceição. 
 
The undercard, which also includes WBO flyweight world champion Junto Nakatani’s title defense against Angel “Tito” Acosta, will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. ESPN+ will also stream Valdez-Conceição and a 10-round junior lightweight showdown between Gabriel Flores Jr. and Luis Alberto Lopez starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, limited tickets priced at $25 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.
 
Zayas (9-0, 7 KOs) has emerged as one of the sport’s top prospects since debuting as a 17-year-old in October 2019. He fought four times in 2020 and has already fought three times in 2021. He shut out James Martin over six rounds in February, blasted out Demarcus Layton in 56 seconds in April, and followed that up with a third-round demolition over Irish veteran Larry Fryers in June. The Fryers fight was Zayas’ welterweight finale, as he’s testing the junior middleweight waters versus Albuquerque native Sanchez (11-1-1, 4 KOs), who is coming off a draw in May against respected spoiler Adrian Granados. Sanchez has not lost since 2013.
 
Muratalla (12-0, 10 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained Southern California native, has notched seven consecutive knockout wins. The 24-year-old shined a pair of times last year inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble and stood out in May on the Josh Taylor-Jose Ramirez undercard with a fifth-round knockout over 30-fight veteran Jose Gallegos. Angulo (14-2, 7 KOs) has won two straight fights since a majority decision defeat to then-unbeaten prospect Alejandro Guerrero.  
 
In other undercard action on ESPN+:

• 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (12-0, 11 KOs), who made his Top Rank debut June 19 with a unanimous decision over Salvador Briceno, returns against Miguel Zamudio (45-16-1, 28 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight.
   
• René Telléz Girón (15-1, 9 KOs), who owns a December 2019 knockout victory over top prospect Karlos Balderas, will face Texas native Eduardo Garza (15-4-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior lightweight. Giron has fought once since the Balderas triumph, knocking out Guadalupe Acosta Rodriguez last November in seven rounds.
   
• Mexican junior welterweight knockout artist Omar “Pollo” Aguilar (21-0, 20 KOs) will step up in class against Paraguay’s Carlos Manuel Portillo (22-3, 17 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Aguilar has 15 first-round knockouts on his ledger and has not been extended past three rounds since December 2018.
   
• Tucson’s Jose “Fosforito” Ramirez will make his official pro debut against fellow Arizona native Miguel Ceballos (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder at junior featherweight. 

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).

London, UK (6 September 2021) Rising Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch believes his genetics, coupled with an insatiable work ethic, will allow him to extend his family’s formidable fighting legacy.

Dad Scott, the original ‘Brighton Rock’, captured British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and lasted the full course in a bold WBO world title challenge to Henry Akinwande in the 1990s and tenacious Tommy, a multiple national champion and England rep as an amateur, hopes to replicate.

‘Today Dad guides, trains, manages, does everything,’ says the Shoreham-born 26 year old who has triumphed in all four pro starts since debuting last December.

‘He has taught me everything he knew plus what he didn’t know but has learned since. I was born with his big heart and big balls, his natural aggression and skills. One time he taught me tough love. I was ballsy: ‘Lets go!’ and, playing about, he flicked me with a body shot that nearly broke me in half!

‘I was only four when Dad retired but I’ve vague memories of him coming home cut and bruised after big fights,’ continued the 6ft 3 ½in, 234lb colossus who works in the family’s care home business.

‘Dad was certainly responsible for getting me into the world of training. It’s a really lovely part of the country down here but we still have our bad streets and bad gyms and lots of the tough kids in the area trained at his gym. Dad tried to encourage the boxing but I just didn’t want to do it.

‘From the age of eight onwards, I was always happy to spar in the back garden and, by age 11, I was sparring grown men. I was always a big kid, I really liked fighting, just didn’t enjoy the other aspects of boxing training. Initially I found my feet in rugby, a very tough sport, lots of fighting on and off the pitch and I enjoyed the thrill of that. I was a temperamental boy, an angry kid with a terrible temper. Once I saw a red rag, I’d fight as hard as I could.’

Eventually, inevitably, he was bitten by the boxing bug.

‘Once boxing gets a hold of you, you can’t shake it off. It’s the respect you get from people when they know you’re a fighter,’ says Tommy who is co-coached by ex-Marine Ben Pringle at the same Brighton and Hove ABC gym where his father broke sweat.

‘Growing up, I generally tried to be a polite, respectful kid – I was the class joker – but it wasn’t always easy being Scott Welch’s boy. There’s always people who’ll try to cross you and, as a fighting man, you can’t shy away. You have to look after yourself, protect yourself.

‘I had my first sanctioned bout when I was a 91 kilo 14 year old against a 15 year old who was 103 kilos. I lost a home decision. Everyone thought I won. The hall was an absolute war zone; the type that can make or break you. Dad lost his first amateur fight too so I’m in good company.’

Since launching himself into the paid brigade late last year, walloper Welch has ruthlessly dispatched all four victims in six rounds combined.

‘The amateurs is pure sport but professional boxing has been tougher than I expected,’ he claims.

‘Its very business orientated and Dad’s name has proved an advantage in getting me on different shows when other boys haven’t been fighting, so I’m blessed there. The Welch name rings bells but I’m not getting my respect yet. Others at my level already have more hype but they’re pretty average.

‘Dad was a smaller man than me but he was a fast heavyweight and a real roughhouse. I’m naturally more of a boxer but I prefer to fight. At the level I’m at, it’s not about being tough and taking shots. It’s defence, defence, defence, then attack, pick ‘em apart.

‘I see my job being to win, in and out, quick as you can. not please others. Boxing’s a very damaging sport. If journeymen invite me in, I accept and destroy them.

‘I can always hone my skills in the 20 rounds of sparring I do in a day. I’ve sparred the likes of Dubois, Chisora, Dillian Whyte, Fabio Wardley. Top level. The better sparring opposition, the better you can practice your work to be fully ready for your fights.’

Young Welch shall profit from crucial nationwide free-to-air Channel 5 coverage on Saturday 10th September of his four rounder against Spain’s Alvaro Terrero on promoter Mick Hennessy’s mega show from the Coventry Skydome Arena.

‘Fans can expect to witness explosions with skill,’ concludes the Sussex starlet.

‘Over the next 12 months I hope to get to 10-0, and slowly, slowly start moving up to six, eight round fights against tougher opposition before gratefully accepting whatever opportunities may come my way.

‘My goal is to become a respected man through boxing, hopefully with a lot of money and a few belts for the cabinet. I want the best career I can possibly have for myself.’

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

Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna faces France’s Moussa Gary over six rounds ; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters tackles Holland’s Farouk Daku over eight rounds; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent takes on Bosnian hardman Sladjan Janjanin in a 10-round international contest, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin battles Finland’s Jarkko Putkonen over ten rounds; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo takes on the Czech Republic’s Michal Ryba over six rounds; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty faces Lithuania’s Lukas Ulys over four rounds; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch squares up against Spain’s Alvaro Terrero over four rounds and completing the card is the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. against Latvian Maksims Dembovskis.

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
MEDIA EVENTS
Wednesday 8th September: Press Conference

Samoan Joe’s
Spon Street
Coventry
CV1 3BB
Time: 1.30pm for a 2pm start

In attendance will be Sam Eggington-Bilel Jkitou and the undercard boxers’ will meet head-to-head with their opponents: River Wilson, Isaac Chamberlain, Stevie McKenna, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin, Idris Virgo, Michael Hennessy Jr., Brett McGinty and Tommy Welch.

One-one-interviews and photo opportunities will be available.

Thursday 9th September: Weigh-in

Samoan Joe’s
(Address as above)
Time: 12.30pm for a 1pm start

All boxers’ will officially weigh-in for their contests.

London, UK (6 September 2021) Former striker Bilel Jkitou has offered to play up front for Coventry City FC this Saturday after he has beaten WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Sam Eggington the night before.

And the unbeaten French hitman has the backing of his superstar friend the Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema.

Jkitou challenges Eggington for his crown at the Coventry Skydome Arena this Friday night, but the former Red Star forward is happy to swap his gloves for boots again and turn out at home for the Sky Blues, who are 7th in the Championship, against Middlesborough.

Before Jkitou switched to professional boxing he played as a striker for Red Star, the oldest league football club in Paris, and the sharpshooter scored 15 times in one season.

He has equalled his football prowess in the squared circle with an unbeaten 15-fight record and 6 knockouts and has captured the WBC Mediterranean Middleweight title as he heads into the biggest fight of his career against the Birmingham ‘Savage’ Eggington.

The 29-year-old has been in top form with back-to-back KO’s in his last three fights. In his last fight in March he destroyed Gyorgy Mizsei inside two rounds; prior to that in February last year he smashed Felice Moncelli in the opening round and Ernesto Olvera was despatched in eight rounds in October 2019.

Jkitou said, “It was a real pleasure for me to play and grow at Red Star, a club so prestigious in France for its level and its history. I scored about 15 goals in one season at Red Star. When I beat Eggington and take his title and while I’m still in the city before I go home I’d be happy to help out Coventry City against Middlesbrough

“Karim wanted to come to see the fight but with the Covid and the fact that he plays often complicates matters. Karim and I met on social networks he is passionate about boxing, he liked what I did and he wrote to me and since then our friendship is very healthy, we give advice to each other, we encourage each other. I also had to go see him in Madrid but the Covid has complicated all these trips, but it will be done very soon. Regarding the fight against Sam he encouraged me to win,”

He has also played alongside some other big French stars including former Spurs and Marseille winger Georges-Kévin Nkoudou.

He added, “I played with Nkoudou who played at Marseille and for Spurs in England, who now plays at Be?ikta?. Yacine Bammou who played in Nantes and with the national team of Morocco. I played with Abdoulaye Diaby who played in Lille, Bruges, Be?ikta?. Mario Lemina, he is also a friend, we come from the same neighbourhood.”

Jkitou says he has transferred all the qualities of a striker such as accuracy, speed, strength and confidence to being a boxer and will use them to defeat against Eggington. He finished, “Yes exactly I am a striker in football but also in boxing and you will see that on September 10 in Coventry.”

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

Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna faces France’s Moussa Gary over six rounds ; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters tackles Holland’s Farouk Daku over eight rounds; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent takes on Bosnian hardman Sladjan Janjanin in a 10-round international contest, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin battles Finland’s Jarkko Putkonen over ten rounds; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo takes on the Czech Republic’s Michal Ryba over six rounds; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty faces Lithuania’s Lukas Ulys over four rounds; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch squares up against Spain’s Alvaro Terrero over four rounds and completing the card is the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. against Latvian Maksims Dembovskis.

ITV Central feature | Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell gives a masterclass in cooking with Sam Eggington, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin and River Wilson-Bent
MEDIA EVENTS
Wednesday 8th September: Press Conference

Samoan Joe’s
Spon Street
Coventry
CV1 3BB
Time: 1.30pm for a 2pm start

In attendance will be Sam Eggington-Bilel Jkitou and the undercard boxers’ will meet head-to-head with their opponents: River Wilson, Isaac Chamberlain, Stevie McKenna, Shakan Pitters, Kaisee Benjamin, Idris Virgo, Michael Hennessy Jr., Brett McGinty and Tommy Welch.

One-one-interviews and photo opportunities will be available.

Thursday 9th September: Weigh-in

Samoan Joe’s
(Address as above)
Time: 12.30pm for a 1pm start

All boxers’ will officially weigh-in for their contests.

NEW YORK (September 4, 2021) – Ebanie “The Blonde Bomber” Bridges will be back in action today when she takes on Mailys Gangloff in a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout at Headingley Rugby Stadium in Leeds, England.

Bridges, 6-1 with three knockouts, is managed by Split-T Management under Brian Cohen. Bridges will be in the ring just four weeks after her third-round stoppage over Bec Connolly on August 7th in Essex, England.

Bridges, who has taken the boxing world by storm since her heroic effort against WBA Bantamweight champion Shannon Courtenay on April 10th, will look to for another big effort to position herself for another shot at a world title.

Bridges of New South Wales, Australia has a record of 6-1 with three knockouts, will be making her 4th start of 2021.

Gangloff of France brings in a record of 5-2 with two knockouts and is the current French Bantamweight champion. She won the title with a fourth-round stoppage over Romane Geffray on May 7th. Gangloff also owns a win over Elodie Bouchlaka (4-1-2).

At Friday’s weigh-in, Bridges was 118 lbs. Gangloff was 116 lbs.

The bout can be seen live on DAZN at 2 PM ET

Photo credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom