LAS VEGAS (September 2, 2021) – Undefeated 122-pound world champions will go toe-to-toe as WBC champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. meet in the SHOWTIME main event Saturday, September 18 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will include undefeated super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem battling Mexico’s Eduardo Baez in the 10-round co-main event. Opening the telecast, unbeaten rising bantamweight contender Gary Antonio Russell takes on Mexico’s Alejandro Barrios in a 10-round showdown.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

“This night of high-stakes action is headlined by two undefeated young stars in one of the most anticipated fights of the year.” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The winner of this fight will not only hold the mantle as the division’s best but will have a case as one of the top pound-for-pound rising stars in the sport. With Ra’eese Aleem and Gary Antonio Russell also on the card, the future of the sport takes centerstage on September 18.”

The three-fight boxing event will open SHOWTIME’s combat sports doubleheader on September 18. Immediately following the main event from Las Vegas, BELLATOR MMA will air live from San Jose, Calif., with a three-fight event headlined by light heavyweight contenders Phil Davis and Yoel Romero.

Figueroa vs. Fulton has loomed as a potential showdown for several years prior to the two unbeaten fighters joining the world championship ranks with career-best performances in 2021. Fulton struck first, dominating then-unbeaten Angelo Leo to capture the WBO title in January, while Figueroa made his own statement in stopping two-division champion Luis Nery to capture the WBC strap in May.

The 24-year-old Figueroa (22-0-1, 17 KOs) used his youth and relentless pressure to become the first person to defeat Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME. Figueroa’s body attack was the difference, as he was able to stand up against Nery’s offense and eventually overwhelm him to earn the knockout. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa added to his family’s legacy in capturing the world title, joining his brother Omar Figueroa who previously held the lightweight world championship. Figueroa took down a slew of veteran contenders on his way to championship status, knocking out Moises Flores, Oscar Escandon and Damien Vazquez on his ascent.

“We train hard for every fight and make sure we go 110% come fight night,” said Figueroa. “I expect Fulton to be flashy and slick with his movements, and perhaps he’ll want to mix it up a little as well, so we’re ready for anything. People know I always come to fight and with this being my second back-to-back fight against another undefeated world champion it makes this an exciting fight on paper and it should be even more exciting to see it live on September 18.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa., Fulton (19-0, 8 KOs) faced impressive competition while rising up the 122-pound rankings to earn the opportunity that eventually saw him become world champion on SHOWTIME by besting Leo. In his last 13 professional fights, the 27-year-old has beaten eight previously undefeated fighters, including Leo, Josh Greer, Arnold Khegai, Adam Lopez and Luis Saul Rosario. Trained in his hometown by coach Wahid Rahim, Fulton has displayed sublime boxing skills that have allowed him to dominate opponents of varying styles and control fights from start to finish.

“We will have a new king of the division on a historic day,” said Fulton. “Training camp has been great, rough and dirty. I know where I need to be for this fight and I’m right there not running away from it. History will be made September 18 on Mexican Independence Day weekend in Las Vegas. Let’s celebrate with a bang!”

Owning a top-10 ranking at 122-pounds from multiple sanctioning bodies, Aleem (18-0, 12 KOs) put on the most impressive performance of his career in January to capture the interim WBA title on SHOWTIME. Aleem dominated in a battle of unbeatens, dropping Victor Pasillas four times before eventually stopping him in round 11. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, Nev., Aleem, 31, has stopped his past seven opponents inside the distance.

“It’s great to be back fighting on SHOWTIME,” said Aleem. “I’ve been waiting patiently, working hard in the gym, and now it’s go time. Eduardo Baez is a good fighter who is trying to make a name for himself, but he’s standing in my way of becoming world champion, and I’m going to take him out. I’m on a mission to prove I’m the king of the super bantamweight division, and the journey continues on September 18.”

The 26-year-old Baez (19-1-2, 6 KOs) will look to earn a career-best victory and build on back-to-back triumphs over previously unbeaten fighters when he takes on Aleem on September 18. Originally from Baja California, Mexico, Baez now fights out of Calexico, California as he nears his second stateside outing. Baez most recently won a decision over Abimael Ortiz in March, after his U.S. debut saw him defeat Narek Abgaryan in his U.S. debut in December 2020.

“I can’t wait for this opportunity against Ra’eese Aleem,” said Baez. “Success is the most precious treasure, the more you are willing to pay, the more valuable the prize will be. I will win this fight and we will all scream ‘viva Mexico!’”

The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Antonio Russell (18-0, 12 KOs) announced his arrival amongst the bantamweight division contenders with a technical decision over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 on SHOWTIME. The 28-year-old from Capitol Heights, Md. turned pro in 2015 after an impressive amateur career. After four wins in 2019, Russell kicked off 2020 defeating Jesus Martinez in February. Russell returns to action after his August 14 fight against former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez ended in a no-decision in round one due to a clash of heads.

“I’m excited to be back after I trained so hard for my last fight before it ended early,” said Russell. “Now, I’m just taking that same fight energy that I had for Emmanuel Rodriguez and bringing it on September 18 for my new opponent.”

The 25-year-old Barrios (24-2-5, 13 KOs) has not been beaten since 2014, a streak spanning 20 fights. Representing his native Tijuana, Mexico, Barrios has won his last eight contests since a 2018 draw against Jerwin Ancajas in a 115-pound title bout. After defeating Erick Hernandez and Willibaldo Garcia in 2020, Barrios knocked out Juan Gabriel Medina to begin his 2021. In addition to the draw against Ancajas, Barrios has fought then unbeaten Jose Martinez-Mercado to a draw twice while also earning the same result against then undefeated Antonio Nieves.

“I want to thank my whole team and everyone else who made this fight possible,” said Barrios. “It has been a long road for me. I’ve been looking for another title fight or a rematch with Ancajas, ever since our draw. We decided to move up to 118-pounds and I’ve just remained focused and worked hard for the next opportunity. Now I get to share the ring with a great and talented fighter in Gary Antonio Russell. On September 18, I will leave everything in that ring, put on a great fight for all boxing fans and leave victorious.”

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

DUBLIN – Leading mixed martial arts promotion BELLATOR MMA has today announced two explosive fights have been added to the BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix main card, which takes place at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday November 5^th. 

Set to light up the main card on BELLATOR’s highly-anticipated return to Ireland is a middleweight matchup between hometown hero and No. 6 ranked ‘Relentless’ Charlie Ward (9-4) and No. 9 ranked Norbert ‘Magic’ Novenyi Jr. (5-0). In addition, a thrilling featherweight fight will be contested between No. 6 ranked Daniel ‘Drake’ Weichel (41-12) and No. 7 ranked Pedro ‘The Game’ Carvalho (11-5).

In the United States, the main card action will air live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. BELLATOR fans in Ireland can watch the eagerly anticipated event on both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport, while UK fight fans can watch event live on BBC iPlayer.

In addition, five new preliminary bouts have been announced to kick the night off. The preliminary portion of the docket will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

The news comes just a week after the promotion announced their explosive return to the Irish capital. BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs Mix will be headlined by No. 6 ranked James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (11-1) and the No. 2 ranked Patchy Mix (14-1) in what is set to be a must-see bantamweight match up. In the co-main event, Waterford’s Peter “The Showstopper” Queally (13-5-1) will look to bring the house down as the No. 4 ranked lightweight goes head-to-head against 23-time BELLATOR veteran and No. 1 ranked Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10) in a hotly anticipated immediate rematch.

Tickets for BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs Mix are on sale now and can be purchased online from Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

“Relentless” Charlie Ward, who trains out of SBG, is unbeaten in his last two fights with six of his nine professional victories coming by the way of knockout. The number six ranked middleweight fighter will be looking to build on his impressive decision victory over Andy Manzolo in Milan at BELLATOR 247 last October. Ward will want to put on a show for his home fans and with fireworks guaranteed inside the 3Arena, this fight is certainly one not to be missed.

Standing in his way will be Hungarian Norbert Novenyi Jr., who trains out of London Shootfighters alongside Michael “Venom” Page. Novenyi who is yet to taste defeat as a professional, is one of the most explosive fighters in the middleweight division. Hewill want to prove his class once again after his first-round submission victory in his last fight against Laïd Zerhouni, which also took placeat BELLATOR 247. Novenyi will be hoping to silence the home crowd and continue his rise through the middleweight rankings as he looks to build on his impressive start to his MMA career.

Meanwhile, the highly experienced No. 6 ranked German, Daniel Weichel heads to Dublin after claiming victory over Keoni Diggsat BELLATOR 261 this past June. Weichel will be hoping to add to his impressive 41 professional victories in what is set be a thrilling encounter between two featherweights’ neck and neck in the BELLATOR rankings.

Opposing Weichel will be Portugal’s 26-year-old Pedro Carvalho, who also trains out of SBG in Ireland. “The Game” will be hoping to return to his winning ways and climb back up the featherweight rankings. A talented submission specialist, Carvalho has scored six of his 11 career victories in that fashion, proving to always be a tough out. On Nov. 5, the former featherweight world title challenger will be looking to secure the victory in his adopted hometown.

Fight fans can see the updated card for BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix below:

BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix MainCard:

SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Main Event: #6-James Gallagher (11-1) vs. #2-Patrick Mix (14-1)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: #4-Peter Queally (13-5-1) vs. #1-Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10)

Middleweight Bout: #6-Charlie Ward (9-4) vs. #9-Nobert Novenyi Jr. (5-0)

Featherweight Bout: #6-Daniel Weichel (41-6) vs. #7-Pedro Carvalho (11-5)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

5:30 p.m. GMT/1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Ashley Reece (8-2) vs. Luca Poclit (6-1) 

Lightweight Bout: Daniele Scatizzi (10-5) vs. Brian Hooi (16-7, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Lee Chadwick (26-15-1) vs. Arunas Andriuskevicus (15-4)

Featherweight Bout:Ilias Bulaid (2-0) vs. Georges Sasu (4-2)

Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (3-0) vs. Jordan Barton (6-1-1)

Welterweight Bout:Nicolò Solli (3-1) vs. Bobby Pallett (5-0)

Strawweight Bout: Danni Neilan (4-0) vs. Audrey Kerouche (7-5, 2 NC)

Featherweight Bout:Asael Adjoudj (1-1)vs. Keir Harvie (4-1)

Featherweight Bout: Junior Morgan (3-0) vs. Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Bout:Stephen Costello (Pro Debut) vs. Yusuf Nazokatov (Pro Debut)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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

****

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. 

Rising Middleweight star Linus Udofia (16-0, 8 KOs) and highly-rated Heavyweight debutant Matty Harris have been added to the undercard for Chris Eubank Jr’s showdown with Sven Elbir on October 2 at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

Udofia returns to Sky Sports following a spectacular ninth-round TKO win over John Harding Jr to retain the English Title on October 10 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. The 28-year-old will now put his unbeaten record on the line against London-based Albanian Xhuljo Vrenozi (17-3, 4 KOs) over ten rounds.

Having vacated the English Title and signed promotional terms with Wasserman Boxing, ‘Lightning’ is ready to prove his potential on another big card as he looks to move up the rankings into title contention. 

“I’ve been out of the ring for a while, but I’ve been working non-stop behind the scenes,” says Udofia. “It’s an honour to be on such an incredible card, it’s time for me to put on a show for the Wembley crowd and put Luton on the map.”

Harris will make his professional debut in a four-round contest at The SSE Arena, Wembley. The 6ft 8in Heavyweight is one of the UK’s most exciting boxing prospects. Having passed the GB assessment, the 21-year-old opted to join the paid ranks instead and spent lockdown sparring the best of the British Heavyweight scene including Daniel Dubois, Hughie Fury and Nathan Gorman.

To ensure he has had the perfect preparation for his debut the Leamington Spa man has been living in a caravan on his coach Edwin Cleary’s drive.

“I’m extremely excited to be making my debut for Wasserman Boxing on Sky Sports on October 2,” said Harris. “The lure of the professional ranks has always been something I was drawn to rather than a lengthy amateur career. Now I get the chance to make my family proud and show my supporters what I’m all about. Believe me when I tell you I’m going all the way to the top.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Linus and Matty, two of Britain’s brightest boxing prospects, to showcase their skills on the big stage. Linus is a slick fighter with power in both hands and is on the verge of major title challenges. Matty is just starting his journey but he has all the potential in the world and we believe he can go a very long way.”

The road to major world title contention leads Chris Eubank Jr and German standout Sven Elbir to London’s SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday, October 2. This co-promoted event is the first in a multi-fight deal between Wasserman Boxing and Boxxer to feature Chris Eubank Jr and other fighters from the Wasserman Boxing stable on Sky Sports.

Tickets are available via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk. 

London, UK (2 September 2021) Given its population, it’s perhaps something of mystery, that Coventry – England’s eleventh largest city – has struggled to deliver it’s share of boxing champions, all-action Exhall middleweight ace River Wilson-Bent promises to promptly put paid to that.

‘I want to put this brilliant city on the boxing map,’ says the 27 year old Midland Area Champion who is undefeated in nine, with five brutal stoppages.

‘We’ve twice won the City of Culture, we’ve a brilliant football club…! Coventry City (FC) are getting right behind me. I always go to the matches when my training schedule permits.’

Thus far, it has been a tale of the nearly men for the West Midlands’ second city. Welterweight Bobby Arthur sat briefly sat on the British throne in 1972 but his victory was courtesy of a disqualification over future world champion John H. Stracey who savagely avenged him in an immediate rematch. Amateur sensation Errol Christie, an eight-time national junior champion, promised so much in the 80s only for a suspect chin to be exposed in the more brutal paid fold. In the late 90s, colourful Richie ‘The Tiger’ Evatt was leading up until the 11th round of an IBO featherweight tilt at New York’s Junior Jones before running out of petrol.

The noughties proved a purple patch for Cov boxing. Super-feather Dean ‘Pitbull’ Pithie and light-heavy Neil Simpson briefly conquered the Commonwealth only to capitulate in British title challenges. Another amateur ace Steve Bendall contested British, Commonwealth and European middleweight fights but never quite crossed the line and featherweight Roy Rutherford won a British crown in 2003 only to succumb in his maiden defence. Two years after, middleweight Andy Halder muscled his way to a British title shot but was wiped out in a round by Plymouth southpaw Scott Dann.

‘It’s my ambition to bring big boxing titles to Cov, deliver something none of the others managed. A Lonsdale Belt outright would be a mad achievement.’ states huge ticket seller River.

The Nuneaton-born 6ft 2in roofer concedes that, growing up, he was protected from the city’s rougher edges.

‘Cov’s a lively old town but Dad pushed us into sports. I was always active in after school clubs,’ claims the youngest of three.

‘Though there’s no boxing in the family, my brother was a superstar junior rugby player, on all the elite squads and I was always in his shadow. People told me I wasn’t aggressive enough… !

‘At my school, loads of kids around my age boxed but my mum wasn’t going to allow anyone to punch her little baby in the face so I started off without her knowing in Year 10. From the off, I was absolutely glued to the training. My progress was all about dedication and hard work. I really didn’t have much natural ability. For a start I wasn’t very fit. I became a human punchbag.

‘At school, I was a cheeky lad, liked to push the boundaries, test the water. I got pushed around a bit but six months after starting training, I got into a fight, beat the other kid up and, seriously, everything changed that day. Everyone started being nice to me.’

Though he never advanced beyond the regional titles in a 57 bout amateur innings, the River really started to flow once he began his pro career against Hyde’s Mike Castell in November 2018.

‘I actually wanted a few rounds but it was ‘Here I am! I stormed to the ring as fast as I could, wanted to prove I was serious. Three hundred of my fans bought tickets to see me for just 90 seconds,’ he recalls.

Coached by Brendon Norman, managed by Jon Pegg and promoted by Mick Hennessy, the pride of Cov has certainly sparkled since being unleashed at 10 round Area title level last December.

‘I’ve always been able to use my nerves to rise to the occasion against better opposition,’ says the Midland man who trounced Burntwood’s 6-0 Troy Coleman with a raking right to claim the crown (TKO3), then retained by routing another unbeaten man, Derby’s George Farrell in seven rounds six months later.

‘I’d heard good things about Troy; he was strong gave people lots of problems but I’d always rather box better kids who open up.

‘Against George Farrell, I sold 220 tickets. I was told he was a baaaad guy, a big strong lad, a banger but I work way too hard to worry about others. He was a fit durable kid who shook off some seriously heavy shots. But it was lovely to hear the crowd back.’

With his huge army of Sky Blues boys bringing the noise to every appearance, big things are predicted for the Exhall Express.

‘I’m mandatory for the English and hopefully will fight Tyler Denny in November or December,’ says Wilson-Bent who recently completed a marathon in just three hours, 20 minutes.

‘I’ve developed a winning style that adapts to whatever’s in front of me. I can box long, short or mid-range, I can dance and move or get stuck in. I usually keep them on the end of my long levers but when I smell blood, I go for the jugular.’

He will certainly be the best supported man on the bill when he stars on promoter Hennessy’s Channel 5 screened spectacular at The Skydome in his home city on Friday 10th September when he takes on Bosnian Hardman Sladjan Janjanin in what is expected to be a fiery showdown.

‘Get down to the Skydome!’ concludes River.

‘I’m fighting a 10 rounder against a tough Bosnian Sladjan Janjanin who’s got 29 wins, and 23 stoppages. It’s a good opponent, hopefully for an International title.

‘I’m just a young local lad trying to make something of himself. My support is ridiculous and their noise is crazy. They’ll bring the atmosphere, I’ll deliver the entertainment. Guaranteed!’

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
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.

Adrian Granados is determined to prove that he is still a major threat on the world scene by becoming the first man to defeat rising Welterweight star Conor Benn when they collide on the undercard of Mauricio Lara vs. Josh Warrington 2 at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Saturday September 4, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

‘El Tigre’, a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms, will finally lock horns with ‘The Destroyer’ in front of 20,000 fans at the home of Leeds Rhinos this weekend after their Fight Camp meeting was quashed by a positive COVID-19 test, and the 32-year-old Mexican American believes he is on another level to the opponents Benn has faced up to this point in his career. 

Granados (21-8-3, 15 KOs) is the vastly more experienced fighter having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts. Despite having 8 losses on his record, some of which he feels are controversial, the Chicago fighter believes that he still has a World Title shot in him.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit for this fight,” said Granados. “It was frustrating at the time because we were ready to go. I was already in the zone and just ready to fight Conor, but it happened, this is the day and age we live in now where this can happen. I’m still crossing my fingers because we’re not there yet, when the bell goes, I’ll feel a little calmer. It worked out, I got a couple of days off and then flew home. We didn’t even stay for the fights. We flew right home and got back to work.

“It’s fight week, so I think he reignited the flame again, but he’s been pretty quiet the past few weeks. Leading up to the last fight he was very vocal and brash. I think somebody hit him with some peace of mind and he’s tried to go the humble route this time. We all know how Conor Benn is and we know the type of character he is, and it’s starting to come back.

“I’m excited. I accept all challenges. If he thinks that he’s better than me on his worst day, I want his best. Don’t give me your worst, I want the best of Conor Benn so I can beat him straight out. I think I’m better than him. It’s not so much humbling him, it’s more teaching him a lesson. My career has been so up and down, and I’ve been in and out of so many different controversial things. I’m on a mission to prove my point that I’m still one of the best fighters in the world.

“A lot of people are underestimating me. The odds are crazy right now. The way it looks they’re already making plans for him in December against Adrian Broner – somebody who I believe I beat as well. If I beat Conor then I’ll be like, ‘let me get that Broner fight’. Let me get my rematch. If he’s looking past me then let me look past him. If you guys have got future plans for him then I’m going to start making my own plans.

“I don’t have the prettiest record in boxing and usually people are quick to attack me with that. The real diehards hit me with the fact that I’ve been robbed so many times. All three of my draws were clear wins and my losses – I count maybe half of them or three of them. I can’t accept all of those losses that I have. It’s just unfortunate. That’s why I feel boxing is actually killing itself. It turns people off the sport. I’m hoping for a fair shake and that justice is served, and that the best man wins. 

“We’re both hot heads – I think him a lot more than I. I’ve got it in me. I’ve got that Mexican style. I’m that type if you hit me, I want to hit you back. It’s going to make for exciting fireworks. I’m excited for this fight, he’s excited for this fight and everyone is excited for this fight. We’re both planning on putting on a show. I just turned 32, I’m a young veteran. I’m a savvy vet and I’ve got a lot of tools in my toolbox. I think I’ve got a lot more to offer in a fight than Conor Benn.”

Benn vs. Granados is part of a huge night of action in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KOs), Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Antony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

NEW YORK (September 1, 2021) – Heavyweight Stephan Shaw and junior welterweight Omar Rosario kept their undefeated records intact with victories at Whitesands Event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Shaw and Rosario are managed by Split-T Management.

Shaw of Saint Louis, Missouri, upped his record to 15-0 with 11 knockouts as he dispatched Nick Davis at 1:42 of the opening round of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Shaw dropped Davis with a huge barrage of power punches that put Davis out on his back.

WATCH SHAW’S KO

Shaw is promoted by DiBella Entertainment

Rosario pitched a shutout in his four round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Marc Misiura.

Rosario was able to showcase his boxing skills that made him an amateur star in his native Puerto Rico. The 23 year-old Rosario won every round and came home with the victory by scores on all three judges’ scorecards to raise his record to 5-0. Misiura is now 2-1.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank.

Sunday night in Cleveland, junior middleweight Charles Conwell stopped previously undefeated Juan Carlos Rubio at 2:39 of round three of their scheduled 10-round bout.

Conwell of Cleveland is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts.

Conwell is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Las Vegas & Abu Dhabi – UFC^® returns to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi with another blockbuster event, headlined by two highly anticipated world championship bouts. UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz goes for his second successful title defense when he takes on No. 1 ranked contender Glover Teixeira. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling look to settle the score with former titleholder and No. 1 ranked contender Petr Yan.

UFC^® 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEIXEIRA will take place Saturday, Oct. 30 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

UFC^® 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEIXEIRA will headline Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which will feature city-wide activations, including fan events, fitness showcases and much more, in partnership with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

UFC^® 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEIXEIRA tickets will go on general sale Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 1:00 p.m. GST and are available through Ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae starting from AED 495. Tickets are limited to six (6) per person.

Blachowicz (28-8, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) looks to build off his recent momentum that not only saw him capture UFC gold, but also hand middleweight champion Israel Adesanya the first loss of his career. A 14-year MMA veteran, he holds spectacular KO wins over Luke Rockhold, Dominick Reyes and Corey Anderson. Blachowicz now has his sight set on taking out another dangerous finisher to continue building his legacy atop the 205-pound ladder.

Teixeira (32-7, fighting out of Danbury, Conn.) hopes to make good on his second UFC title shot by stopping Blachowicz in emphatic fashion. A decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with heavy hands, he has delivered memorable victories against Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Rashad Evans and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Teixeira is now gunning for his sixth consecutive win by dethroning Blachowicz to achieve dream of becoming UFC champion.

Sterling (20-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) plans to cement his UFC bantamweight championship reign by delivering a dominant performance in the rematch against Yan, who he defeated via disqualification in March. A skilled grappler, he has earned notable wins over Cory Sandhagen, Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera. Sterling now vies to put his rivalry with Yan to bed by netting another show-stealing submission victory.

Yan (15-2, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia) is gunning to avenge his disqualification loss to Sterling by reclaiming the UFC bantamweight championship. A Master of Sport in MMA and boxing, he has secured thrilling KO victories against Jose Aldo, Urijah Faber, Douglas Silva de Andrade and Teruto Ishihara. Yan now intends to get the last laugh against Sterling by finishing the New Yorker and once again taking his spot at the top of the 135-pound division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 5 ranked lightweight contender Islam Makhachev (20-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) looks to take out his first former UFC champion when he meets No. 7 Rafael Dos Anjos (30-13, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• No. 7 ranked Magomed Ankalaev (15-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) takes on No. 8 Volkan Oezdemir (17-5, fighting out of Fribourg, Switzerland) in a clash of light heavyweight contenders
• Top heavyweights collide when No. 5 ranked contender Alexander Volkov (33-9, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) squares off with surging No. 8 Marcin Tybura (22-6, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland)
• No. 12 ranked welterweight contender Li Jingliang (18-6, fighting out of Beijing, China) aims to spoil the return of undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (9-0, Stockholm, Sweden by way of Chechnya, Russia)
• No. 11 ranked strawweight contender Amanda Ribas (10-2, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil) faces No. 12 Virna Jandiroba (17-2, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil) in a clash of talented grapplers
• Ricardo Ramos (15-3, fighting out of Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks for another vintage win against rising prospect Zubaira Tukhugov (19-5-1, fighting out of Grozny, Chechen Republic, Russia) at featherweight
• Exciting lightweights battle as Magomed Mustafaev (14-4, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) takes on Damir Ismagulov (23- 1, fighting out of Orenburg, Russia by the way of Almaty, Kazakhstan)
• Makwan Amirkhani (16-6, fighting out of Turku, Finland by way of Kurdistan) locks horns with Tristan Connelly (14-7, fighting out of Vancouver, BC, Canada) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• Hu Yaozong (3-2, fighting out of Beijing, China) makes his first Octagon appearance in nearly three years when he faces Alen Amedovski (8-2, fighting out of Rome, Italy) at middleweight
• Tagir Ulanbekov (13-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) hopes to continue his momentum when he takes on Allan Nascimento (18-5, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at flyweight
• Shamil Gamzatov (14-0, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) hopes to remain undefeated when he battles Michal Oleksiejczuk (15-4 1NC, fighting out of Leczna, Poland) at light heavyweight

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 155 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

Etihad Arena

Etihad Arena is the UAE’s landmark of entertainment, the region’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena set on the stunning waterfront of Yas Bay, offering world-class event space and hospitality. Designed with sustainability at its core, the venue offers a dynamic event space that can be easily transformed to host a variety of events including large-scale international concerts, sports games, corporate events, private functions and local community celebrations. Owned by Miral Asset Management and operated by Flash Entertainment, Etihad Arena is proudly positioned on Yas Island, the Middle East’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, and will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global entertainment hub. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is the proud naming rights partner for Etihad Arena. Over the years to come, Etihad will fly many of the world-class entertainment acts and guests to the venue.

Jennifer Han believes she can pull off the mother of all victories when she challenges Katie Taylor for the Undisputed World Lightweight Championship at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Saturday September 4, live worldwide on DAZN. 

Han (18-3-1 1 KO) is back in World Title action after giving birth to her second son earlier in the year, and the former IBF Featherweight ruler is more than confident she’s back in fighting shape for the biggest night of her career.

‘El Paso’s Sweetheart’, a six-time national amateur champion, landed the vacant IBF strap in September 2015, and went on to make four successful title defenses of the belt before taking time out to start her family. Han’s last fight came in February of 2020, a unanimous decision win against Jeri Sitzes on home turf at the El Paso County Coliseum.

The 38-year-old is moving up to 135lbs for the fight of her life and fights outside of America for the second time in her career, having been edged out by majority decision in South Korea by Ji Hye Woo in March 2013, and knows that she has to be at her very best to take the titles from the number one female fighter.

“I’ve been a road warrior, I know how it is, the odds are stacked against me, she’s the hometown girl – I get it,” said Han. “When I went to Korea, I felt I dominated the fight and the decision was taken away from me, so this time I have to not only dominate but be in command of every single round or go for the KO.

“This is huge, it’s the biggest fight of my life and you can’t get bigger than Katie Taylor. I’m going to be fighting for all her belts, this is the greatest opportunity that God has blessed me with, I’ve worked my whole life for this, and I am ready.

“After I fought last year, I was meant to defend my title again versus the interim champion, but she lost, and the new champion wasn’t ready to fight yet. The IBF granted me the opportunity to fight Jeri, and then they made me the number one contender at Lightweight so I could fight Katie – but then COVID got in the way and crushed those dreams. 

“Americans weren’t allowed to go over to the UK, so the fight was shelved, there was nothing out there for me, so I had baby number two. I kept my number one spot which I did, I didn’t think that the opportunity would come around so soon, but it has, you must be prepared for this, and I am, it’s great and I have trained so hard for this and it’s going to be so worth it. 

“I was IBF champion for five years, but I was only fighting once a year because I couldn’t get the big fights. I can’t pause my life, I don’t have that luxury, so I had my baby, I’m very lucky and happy. I am in great shape, and I want to fight the best of the best, and that’s what I am doing on Saturday.

“She has amazing strengths, an Olympic gold medalist, Undisputed World Champion, she’s beaten a lot of talented fighters, but they are not the same as me, and I think what I bring to the table she hasn’t seen before so I hope that I surprise her with my technique.

“I hope she underestimates me and takes into consideration all the things that are stacked up against me. I hope she hasn’t trained hard; she’s taken me for granted, that’d be sweeter for me.

“I was hoping to just be on TV and become a two-weight World Champion, but this is the biggest platform possible for me. I’m not going to take anything away from her, but she’s beatable. Believe me, my camp and I are studying her inside and out. We have plenty of strategies.”

Taylor vs. Han is part of a huge night of boxing in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) faces Adrian Granados (21-8-3, 15 KOs) after their Fight Camp Week 1 headliner fell through, Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Anthony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Wasserman Boxing has agreed a multi-fight deal with Boxxer to feature British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr and other fighters from the Wasserman Boxing stable on Sky Sports.

The first co-promoted event of this exciting new agreement will take place on October 2 with Chris Eubank Jr headlining at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London against German standout Sven Elbir, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

“We’re delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal with Boxxer to bring Chris Eubank Jr and the Wasserman Boxing stable to Sky Sports, which has been the home of UK boxing for the last decade. We look forward to working together to deliver some unforgettable nights for fight fans. We have big plans for Chris Eubank Jr. He’s ready for career defining fights but first he must overcome a tough test against Sven Elbir on October 2,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman.

“It feels good to be back on Sky Sports and headlining another big show at The SSE Arena, Wembley,” said Chris Eubank Jr. “I’d like to thank my promoters the Sauerland brothers at Wasserman Boxing for the opportunity. My opponent Sven Elbir is a good fighter but if he thinks he can stand in my way – he’s wrong, and he will learn that the hard way. 2022 is going to be massive year for me. The middleweight division is on notice. The takeover begins on October 2.”

Wasserman COO of Global Football and Boxing, Fahri Ecvet said: “We’re thrilled to have reached an agreement that will enable Chris Eubank Jr and other top talent from the Wasserman Boxing stable to feature on Sky Sports. Chris is one of the most exciting names in world boxing right now. With many big fights on the horizon, we look forward to seeing him star on the Sky Sports platform very soon.”

“Chris Eubank Jr. is one of British boxing’s best talents and this is the first fight of his new multi-fight deal with Wasserman Boxing and Sky Sports. Elbir is very skilled, he’s got knockout power and he wants that big-name win. Major opportunities are on the line here – the winner will see their career taken to a new level,” said BOXXER’s Ben Shalom.

The deal features regular fight nights plus Pay Per View events and opportunities to showcase up and coming talent from Wasserman Boxing’s UK stable on Sky Sports.

Wasserman Boxing is the UK’s fastest growing stable, promoting some of the country’s most exciting talent including former WBA interim World Middleweight Champion and two-time IBO World Super Middleweight Champion Chris Eubank Jr, English Middleweight Champion Linus Udofia, WBO European Flyweight Champion Harvey Horn, undefeated British Iranian Featherweight Razor Ali, highly regarded 6ft 8in Heavyweight Matty Harris, undefeated Cornish Middleweight Brad Pauls, explosive Heavyweight debutant and Anthony Joshua sparring partner Hosea Stewart, and former GB boxer, Ricky Hatton trained Featherweight Chloe Watson.

About Wasserman:

Wasserman is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties and talent in their endeavours across sports, entertainment and culture. Our purpose is to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman operates globally in more than 20 cities, including London, New York, Toronto, Raleigh, Carlsbad, The Hague, Portland and Shanghai. In 2021, Wasserman acquired Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters, to form Wasserman Boxing, a new global force in the world of boxing. Wasserman Boxing’s promotional stable includes British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr, IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Mairis Briedis and top heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovi?. Learn more at TeamWass.com.

Conor Benn has put his Fight Camp disappointment behind him and is now fully focused on stealing the show when he defends his WBA Continental Welterweight Title against Adrian Granados at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds this Saturday September 4, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ was set to headline the first Matchroom Fight Camp event last month before a positive COVID-19 test forced the Essex native to pull out of his clash with Mexican-American Granados on the Thursday of fight week. 

Benn, a face of the British boxing future, upped his stock in a major way after a first-round destruction of Samuel Vargas in April to improve to 18-0 with 12 knockouts, and the surging 24-year-old knows that another standout victory will push him a step closer to a World Title shot in the 147lbs division. 

“I was devastated,” admitted Benn. “I went home half not believing it. We did around eight tests. I was absolutely devastated. I worked extremely hard and had a blinding camp. It honestly pained me so much – I even shed a few tears. I’m going to go through adversity again. It’s just how you react to it. What’s for me won’t pass me, so come September 4 in front of 20,000 I’ll put on a show.

“I was quite worried about long Covid. A few people messaged me saying not to train too hard too soon. When I broke my jaw, and I had my first sparring session back, people were saying, ‘you’re going to be a bit hesitant’, and I thought, ‘no I’m not’. If it goes it goes. If my jaw goes it goes. I’m not going to have that at the back of my head.

“That was my mindset with training. When I was doing my sprints on the steps down at Leigh-on-Sea, how am I hitting my PB after Covid? How am I hitting my PB for a 5 miler? I’m not going to say it’s all been heaven because a lot of people have been affected by COVID, but I’m blessed to have made a full recovery in time for this huge show. 

“I don’t have a message for Granados. I don’t. There is nothing to say. I let my fists do the talking. Everything that has been said from both parties has been said now. At the end of the day the promo is done. All that’s left to do now is fight, and come September 4 he is in for one hell of a fight. I know he’s going to bring it – but that gets me going. Let’s have it!

“He’s a tough durable guy, the only person to stop him is Danny Garcia. He won the fight against Adrian Broner. He gave hell to Shawn Porter. He fought Robert Easter Jr. He’s been in with the top boys, but he’s in with another top boy. I just want to fight now. I just want to get in there now. 

“Vargas he’s going, ‘well yeah, you’re not Khan, you’re not Vergil Ortiz, you’re not Errol Spence, you’re not Danny Garcia’, nah I’m Conor Benn mate. That’s my approach – if they don’t want to put respect on my name then I’ll make them put respect on my name. At the end of the day I’m up for a hard fight, but I’ve got his number on my worst day.”

Benn vs. Granados is part of a huge night of action in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KOs), Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Anthony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Katie Taylor says she is relishing the opportunity to make the latest defence of her Undisputed Lightweight crown in front of 20,000 passionate Leeds fans at Emerald Headingley Stadium on the blockbuster Lara vs. Warrington 2 card this Saturday September 4, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The Irish star (18-0, 6 KOs) was forced to dig deep as she retained her World Titles via a unanimous decision victory after another memorable meeting with Natasha Jonas last time out at Manchester Arena in May – nine years on from their London 2012 Olympic Games bout.

This time Taylor puts her belts on the line against six-time national amateur champion and former IBF Featherweight World Champion Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KO) – her latest Mandatory Challenger who heads into this weekend’s clash on the back of an eight-fight winning streak.

“My father was born and raised in Leeds, so we all grew up as Leeds United fans,” said Taylor. “There are still a few Leeds United fans out there! I’m really excited to fight in Leeds and in front of so many fans. It’s kind of like a second home to me so I just can’t wait. It’s going to be so exciting boxing in front of 20,000 people. The atmosphere is going to be insane. Leeds fans are very passionate and loud.

“I think the last 12 months have been fantastic for me personally. I’m still sitting here as the Undisputed Champion, 18-0 with some fantastic performances and some amazing fights under my belt. The fights I’ve been in have elevated women’s boxing to another level. This is the pinnacle of professional boxing – holding all of the belts, that’s what everyone in professional boxing wants to do. Everyone’s dream is to become the Undisputed Champion.

“I’m going to try my best to hold on to every one of those belts for as long as I can. This is what I’m in the sport for. I want to make history, I want to be a World Champion and I want to hold all of the belts – I’m all in. “The women are definitely more inclined to take a few more risks and actually go in and take the bigger fights. I love that about the female fighters. We actually want the big fights. We’re willing and able to actually step in the ring and fight all of these other champions. 

“I’m expecting the toughest fight from Jennifer. She has a lot of amateur experience and she’s a very technical fighter. She’s a six-time World Champion. She was my No.1 Mandatory as well so I had to take the fight. These girls have stepped up – they’ve boxed beyond themselves, they have raised their game against me. I’m expecting a very very tough fight and I’m going to be prepared like I have been for every single fight I’ve had over the last few years.

“She is a fighter that believes in herself. This fight is going to bring the best out of the both of us. I love the fact that she’s stepping into the ring confident like I am as well. I don’t really take much notice of what other fighters say, I just focus on my own performance and my own preparation. We’re going to be stepping into the ring 100% prepared. The only words that matter are, ‘and still’. Training is going well – I feel good and sharp. I can’t wait to step in again on September 4 and get another great victory.”

Taylor vs. Han is part of a huge night of boxing in Leeds, Mauricio Lara (23-2, 16 KOs) and Josh Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) face each other again in a huge rematch for the Featherweight division, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) faces Adrian Granados (21-8-3, 15 KOs) after their Fight Camp Week 1 headliner fell through, Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Anthony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

MINNEAPOLIS (August 31, 2021) – Super middleweight contender Kyrone Davis will square off against Martez McGregor in an 8/10-round showdown that tops FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 5 from the Armory in Minneapolis.

The FS1 telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten prospect Justin Cardona (5-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight affair, plus undefeated prospect Travon Marshall (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight bout, and super bantamweight prospect Michael Angeletti (3-0, 2 KOs) looking to remain unbeaten in a four-round duel against undefeated Mexican Alexis Salido (2-0, 1 KO).

The FS1 telecast will precede FOX PBC Fight Night which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by unbeaten rising star Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. taking on super welterweight contender Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown. In the FOX undercard, rising lightweight contender Starling “El Poli” Castillo battles former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in the 10-round co-main event, plus middleweight prospect Armando “El Toro” Reséndiz kicks off the broadcast against all-action Marcos “Madman” Hernández.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

A native of Monmouth, N.J., Davis (15-2-1, 6 KO) impressed against the toughest test of his career last time out, as he fought two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell to a split-draw in February. It was the 26-year-old’s debut at super middleweight, after beginning his career at middleweight. Davis had won five of his six previous outings heading into the Dirrell clash on FOX. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old Maywood, Illinois-native McGregor (8-4, 6 KOs), who looks to snap a three-fight losing streak.

In non-televised action, veteran heavyweight Iago Kiladze (26-5-1, 18 KOs) faces Matthew McKinney (8-3-2, 5 KOs) for eight-rounds of action.

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

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

ATLANTA (August 31, 2021) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Shakur Stevenson have exchanged verbal volleys in person and on social media. They’ll settle the score in the Throwdown in A-Town.

Herring will defend his WBO junior lightweight world title against former featherweight world champion Stevenson on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event promoted by Top Rank.

Nico Ali Walsh (1-0, 1 KO), grandson of “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, looks to make it 2 for 2 against an opponent to be named in a four-round middleweight special attraction.

Herring-Stevenson, Ali Walsh’s bout, and a co-feature will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — will see the professional comeback of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-round featherweight bout, Ragan’s Olympic teammate Troy Isley (2-0, 1 KO) in a six-rounder at middleweight, Georgia native Haven Brady Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) in a four-round featherweight tilt, and the A-Town debut of junior middleweight prospect Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (7-0, 5 KOs), an Atlanta native and the son of heavyweight legend Evander Holyfield. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

“We are thrilled to be back in Atlanta with a spectacular card headlined by a junior lightweight championship grudge match between a veteran champion and one of the sport’s supreme young talents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “And with names like Ali Walsh, Ragan and Isley on the undercard, Atlanta’s great fight fans will see many of the sport’s most promising up-and-comers.”

Herring (23-2, 11 KOs), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who captained the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, has made three defenses of the world title he won via decision over Masayuki Ito in May 2019. After a challenging 2020 campaign that included a bout with COVID-19 and a disqualification victory over Jonathan Oquendo, Herring punched his passport in April and knocked out former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in Dubai. He now steps up against pound-for-pound talent and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson (16-0, 8 KOs), a former WBO featherweight world champion who vacated the title last year to move up to junior lightweight. Stevenson is 3-0 at junior lightweight, most recently picking up the interim WBO junior lightweight world title in June with a shutout decision over Namibia’s Jeremiah Nakathila. Stevenson has lost only a handful of rounds since turning pro in April 2017, a dominant run that’s included victories over the likes of Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz and Joet Gonzalez.

“2021 has been good to me so far. I started the year with a big fight and a major win over Frampton,” Herring said. “I look forward to finishing out the year the same way I started it, not only with another huge victory, but as a world champion. I have nothing else to say. I’m focused on October 23 and the fourth title defense of my WBO belt.”

Stevenson said, “Jamel had to fight me, or he would’ve been stripped of his world title. I boxed him into a corner, and I am going to take his world title in devastating fashion on October 23. I can’t wait to fight in front of the amazing fans in Atlanta. Trust me, you are going to see a show, and I will become a two-weight world champion.”

Ali Walsh’s Aug. 14 professional debut drew international media attention, and he knocked out Jordan Weeks in the opening round while wearing a pair of his grandfather’s old trunks. He’ll make his ring return in a city that hosted two of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable moments. State Farm Arena sits less than two miles from the Atlanta Olympic Cauldron Tower, where Ali lit the Olympic flame at the 1996 Summer Olympics. In October 1970, Ali fought Jerry Quarry at City Auditorium, his first fight in more than three years after being banned from the ring for refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Ali Walsh’s second pro fight will come three days shy of the 51st anniversary of the Quarry fight, which Ali won by third-round knockout.

Ali Walsh said, “Atlanta welcomed my grandfather with open arms, and I am honored to fight there on a major world championship card. When Top Rank said I’d be fighting in Atlanta, I thought of my grandfather lighting the Olympic torch and his bout against Jerry Quarry. This will be a special evening for my entire family. The legend lives on.”

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA’s first-ever event in Russia just got even bigger, as BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, October 23 has officially added five more scintillating matchups.

As if the return of Russian legend Fedor Emelianenko wasn’t enough, two more of his countrymen join him on this stacked SHOWTIME-televised main card. Russian superstar and No. 6 ranked lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) takes on Patrik Pietila (11-8), while former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) makes his highly-anticipated return to action against No. 8 ranked heavyweight Said Sowma (7-2) in the co-main event of the evening.

Tickets for the massive event are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru. Additional matchups and SHOWTIME telecast details will be revealed soon.

The preliminary card of BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson has three confirmed bouts, with the homecoming of Russian submission ace Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) taking on former Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion Ross Houston (8-1), SBG-product and Irish star Brian Moore (14-7) squaring off with the BELLATOR-debuting Nikita Mikhailov (7-1) at 135-pounds, and sambo specialist Alexey Shurkevich (12-4) challenging the hard-hitting Christian Eckerlin (13-5) in a welterweight bout. Preliminary actionwill stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Initially known for being the cousin of Russian superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov, undefeated No. 6 ranked lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) has quickly made a name for himself and ascended into the 155-pound title conversation. Coming off a dominant victory in July and knockouts in five of his last six contests, the dangerous Russian looks primed and ready to continue his climb for a title shot with a win over Pietila, while putting on a show for the country he calls home.

Stepping into the BELLATOR cage for the first time in over two years, the former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) looks to remind the promotion’s heavyweight division how dangerous he is. With 20 of his 22 professional victories coming by way of stoppage, the four-time sambo world champion takes on No. 8 ranked heavyweight Said Sowma (7-2) in a fight that will instantly throw his name into the title picture if Minakov emerges victorious.

Replacing the injured Tyrell Fortune, the American Top Team-product Said Sowma (7-2) didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to welcome Vitaly Minakov back to the BELLATOR cage. Fresh off a highlight reel first-round knockout over UFC veteran Ronny Markes and debuting at No. 8 on the BELLATOR heavyweight rankings, the 28-year-old has finished five of his seven professional victories and plans on making a huge statement over the former champion in enemy territory.

Updated BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Bout: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. #8-Said Sowma (7-2)

160-pound contract weight bout: #6-Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Welterweight Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs Rustam Khabilov (24-4)

Preliminary Card: 

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

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Ross Houston (8-1, 1 NC)

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

Welterweight Bout: Alexey Shurkevich (12-4) vs. Christian Eckerlin (13-5)

*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. 

London, UK (31 August 2021) Concession of his cherished British title late last year has convinced Birmingham light-heavy ace Shakan Pitters to transform from a tidy technician into a terminator ahead of his return to the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free on Channel 5.

Though felled in round four, the 6ft 6in skyscraper believes he had clawed his way ahead after eight rounds of his maiden defence against Craig ‘Spider’ Richards, only to be dropped and stopped (whilst back upright), late in round nine. The complacency of cruising is something he now intends to curtail.

‘Previously, I’ve been too content to box to victory. Maybe I got too comfy. It’s changed my mentality. Now I won’t fight to decisions even though I’ve got the technical ability to dominate distance fights,’ claims the 32 year old ex logistics worker who claimed his crown four months earlier with a comprehensive 12 round decision over Chad Sugden.

True to his word, the high-rise Brummie bounced back with a brutal fifth round butchering of Bradford’s useful Jermaine Springer at Coventry’s Skydome last May.

Pitters’ presence certainly enriches promoter Mick Hennessy’s stellar show – headlined by Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title against unbeaten French rival Bilel Jkitou – when he takes Amsterdam’s experienced Farouk Daku over eights rounds.

‘Now my mindset is to win in dramatic fashion. I know what power I possess when I hold my feet. Jermaine was a strong kid but I felt I had to make a statement,’ says Pitters who can boast three clean knockouts in his five stoppage wins.

Formerly an Ultimate Boxxer, English and British champion, the Richards’ reverse represents the only stain on Shak’s 16 fight pro slate

‘I was boxing well, winning the fight but, up at this weight, all the best boys can hit and ‘Spider’ got a punch off,’ recalls the ex-West Bromwich Albion trainee.

‘It’s not as though it was a one-sided beating. The ref did his job but there were only about 15 seconds left in the round, in a title fight, and I was up. I can’t control the critics.

‘I trained to win as always but the better man won on the night. You just have to learn and move on. I learnt a lot, there’s improvements to be made. It’s part of my journey. You have to be graceful in defeat as well as victory and try to move forward. If we did it again, I’m sure I’d get the win, 100%. I’m a better boxer and I’ll never be beaten on heart. But I can’t become pre-occupied with chasing one fight.’

Alas, with Covid rampant, the finest night of Pitter’ four year fighting career, his coronation against Midland rival Sugden, transpired at an empty production studio in Redditch.

‘It was a bit of an anti-climax,’ concedes the string bean sharpshooter.

‘I’d have loved to have shared the night with my family and friends, snapping photos of me live rather than snapping their TV screens at home but I know they were all with me in spirit. Now they can return, I intend to give them their monies worth and win in dramatic fashion.’

So what of the future? The ex-champ, who is managed by Jon Pegg and coached by father-son duet Paul and Louis Counihan at the city’s thriving Eastside gym, was already 28 when committing to the profession in March 2017 and time is no longer a friend.

‘I may be 32 but I’m low mileage. I believe my fitness and power are as good as they’ve ever been,’ insists Pitters whose father Colin and uncle Rob were both respected pros.

‘With the likes of Joshua Buatsi, Callum Johnson, ‘Spider’, Lyndon Arthur, Anthony Yarde, the division is thriving and the fans need to get behind it. If I had a choice, a rematch with Spider would be top but I’d fight any of them. I’m scared of nobody and I’m confident of beating all of them. I bring a lot of advantages and I know what I’m capable of. You’ll notice there’s nobody calling me out.

‘I leave it to my team to navigate. One step at a time. If it made sense to fight for the British again, of course, I’d do it. I’d also love to fight for the European.

‘I’ve now been through the worst bit and never want to feel like that again. Look, there are other ways to make good money but my motivation has always been my little five year old daughter. She’s my pride, always utmost in my heart. Boxing has always been more of a passion in my family and I want to be the one who took it the furthest.’ finished the Brummie.

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
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.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

To apply for media accreditation to attend the Coventry Skydome Area show on Friday 10th September please CLICK HERE
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (30 August 2021) After marginally missing the boat at 147lbs, warlord Sam Eggington claims world honours await in the super-welter or middleweight divisions once he gets past undefeated French ace Bilel Jkitou on Friday 10th September at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free on Channel 5.

The 5ft 11in ‘Savage’ seemed a shoe-in to score a world title shot back in 2017 when, just 23, he sat proudly on the British, Commonwealth and European thrones, having just lifted the prestigious Boxing Writer’s Young Boxer of the Year award.

The humble but hardy father of three recently crowbarred his way into the WBC middleweight listings and still just 27 and with esteemed new promoter Mick Hennessy piloting his ship, the nine-year pro is as confident as he’s ever been that global glory awaits.

‘I still believe it’ll happen for me at world level or I’d not still be doing it and that’s the truth,’ says Eggington who, having previously scalped Paulie Malignaggi, conquered a second world champion when bagging the WBC Silver strap against Carlos Molina in Coventry last May.

‘Mick goes to hell and back for his fighters. He’ll take me where I need to go. I just have to play my part by winning the fights.

‘I’m so much happier now. My coaches will vouch that I’ve never enjoyed training as much ever and that obviously helps. Before boxing was just a job. After I’d done my two sessions, you couldn’t pay me to do another. Today, I gladly do my own additional training, even when I’m out of camp.’

The Smethwick-born fan favourite acknowledges that his ‘anyone, anywhere’ mindset has proven costly in the past. Most recently, he conceded an IBF rating after narrowly and controversially succumbing to Ted Cheeseman over 12 rounds last August, a decision that still rankles.

‘It’s a double-edged sword. The fans love that I’ll face anyone but now I have to get clever,’ concedes Sam has been trained and managed by Jon Pegg for his entire career.

‘I’ve never had a pathway before. My best chance of success would still probably be down at 154 because the biggest middleweights are seriously big lads. I know the type of confidence my size gave me at welter. But an opening came with the WBC at middle. It could be a risk fighting up at 160 but I’d not have a WBC belt if I didn’t take the gamble.

‘With hindsight, I should’ve vacated the European title in 2017 because making welter got too hard. But people place far too much value into wins and losses. One loss won’t ever spoil my career. You just get back on the horse and push on.

‘I don’t want to go through the eliminator process but if I was given a shot at Ted for the British (super-welter) I’d take it at a heartbeat.’

Though Eggington’s cabinet is overloaded with the bounty he acquired as a ‘rock’em, sock’em 147lber, the Stourbridge slugger insists he is a different, improved beast up at the higher poundage.

‘Experience brings you on and, technically, there’s a bit more about me now,’ says Eggington.

‘At welter, I always knew I was bigger and stronger than the other lads. Up at a higher weight, I have to box differently, worry more about what’s coming back.’

On Friday 10th September, headlining the show at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live and free on Channel 5, the world contender walks the tightrope against 15-0 French dangerman Bilel Jkitou, knowing that a stellar showing will vault him further up the WBC rankings.

‘I honestly know very little about him. He’s unbeaten, works the body shots, has got funny hair! That’s it,’ quips Sam.

‘I seldom watch even my own fights back but I’ve good coaches who take care of that part. He’s certainly not fought anyone at the level I’ve operated at.

‘The Skydome was a decent venue with just half a crowd in May. At full capacity, it’ll be some atmosphere. I need to win well, look comfortable to improve my ranking. Win, lose or draw, I never disappoint.’

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
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.

Los Angeles, CA (August 30, 2021) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing in association with World Cup Boxing Series have announced an outstanding ten-bout card of world class boxing for the return of the acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series on Thursday, September 16 at the Quiet Cannon – Montebello Country Club and streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

“We are excited to have so many quality fights on the Hollywood Fight Nights show September 16,” said Loeffler. “We’ve had a tremendous reaction from the fans and media to this event. Quiet Cannon will provide a scenic location and great atmosphere for this show. There is a great mix of world class fighters and local fighters which will provide a full night of entertaining fights. We look forward to working with UFC Fight Pass, who will broadcast the show and want to acknowledge Roy Jones Jr Boxing and World Cup of Boxing.”

Remaining tickets are Now On-Sale for The VIP Boxing Experience. Priced at $125 (VIP Ringside/SOLD-OUT), $100 (Preferred Seating), $80 (SOLD-OUT) and $60 (General Admission Seating) tickets may be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us and through the interactive seating chart by clicking HERE. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. PT. For more information on the venue please visit www.QuietCannon.com.

Headlining Hollywood Fight Nights, heavy-handed super welterweight Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (19-1, 19 KOs) battles veteran southpaw Raphael ‘Trouble’ Igbokwe, (16-2, 7 KOs), of Houston, TX. Following a first-round knockout of Brandon Baue on July 17, 2021, the 26-year-old Ukrainian Bohachuk, trained by the renowned Manny Robles looks to stay in the win column against the upset-minded Texan. The 28-year-old Igbokwe is riding a three-bout winning streak, most recently knocking out Juan Carlos Rodriguez in the third round on January 30, 2021 in Heredia, Costa Rica. Bohachuk is currently ranked #13 by the World Boxing Council.

Co-featured, Ali Akhmedov, (16-1, 12 KO’s), training out of Los Angeles, CA with Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin and promoted by GGG Promotions clashes with David Zegarra, (34-5, 21 KOs),of Lima, Peru, currently training in Mexico City, in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. A native of Almaty, Kazakhstan and guided by acclaimed trainer Johnathon Banks, the 26-year-old Akhmedov looks to get back into the win column following a hotly contested battle with Carlos Gongora on December 18, 2020. The battle-tested Zegarra also looks to return to the win column after a tough loss to former world champion David Lemieux.

In the light-heavyweight division over eight rounds, Rafayel Simonyan, (9-1, 8 KOs), of Vanadzor, Armenia faces Adrian ‘Montu-Ra’ Taylor, (11-1, 4 KOs), of Dallas, TX. The 27-year-old Simonyan, trained by the world-famous Abel Sanchez, returns to action after a disputed loss via eight-round majority decision to Abraham Tebes on March 5, 2021 in Kissimmee, FL. Taylor heads into the clash with Simonyan riding a four-bout winning streak, lastly winning a unanimous decision over German Perez on December 21, 2019.

Fighting in the super featherweight division in a battle of top undefeated local prospects, Adrian ‘Bam Bam’ Corona, (7-0, 1 KOs) of Rialto, CA battles Daniel ‘The Dawg’ Robles, (7-0-1, 5 KOs), scheduled for six rounds. A staple at Hollywood Fight Nights and trained by the legendary Ben Lira, Corona hits the ring for the first time since October 27, 2019, where he was victorious with a unanimous decision over Emmanuel Castro. Fighting for the fifth time in 2021, the busy Robles returns after a first-round knockout of Jahir Everson on August 6, 2021.   

In a special attraction female amateur bout, WBC Amateur Junior Featherweight Champion Chantel Navarro of Glendale, CA will face 18-year-old Daniela Rojas in a featherweight bout. The 17-year-old Navarro, a six-time amateur national champion, recently signed an exclusive multi-year sponsorship deal with NIKE.

Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, light heavyweight Marco Deckmann, (5-1, 4 KOs), of North Hollywood, CA will fight in a scheduled six rounder against Alejandro ‘Mexique’ Fugon,

(3-0-1, 3 KOs), of Palmdale, CA. Deckmann comes off a first-round knockout of Juan Antonio Lopez Fonseca on June 5, 2021, while Fugon looks to bounce back into the win column following a split draw with Gerardo Aldama Cuevas on July 31, 2021.

In a battle of locally based undefeated female lightweights, Elvina ‘Warrior’ White, (5-0, 2 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA battles Chelsey Anderson, (3-0, 1KOs), of Yorba Linda, CA in a four rounder. A native of Austria, White heads into battle after a fourth-round knockout of Katarina Vistica on December 12, 2020 in Germany. Anderson returns to action following a unanimous decision over Anyela Lopez on December 6, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ

In the super featherweight division, Eric Mondragon, (3-0-1, 2 KOs), of Maywood, CA will battle an opponent to be named in a four-rounder. The 22-year-old Mondragon looks to return to the win column following a majority draw on June 11, 2020 against Mike Danny Sanchez in Las Vegas, NV.

Scheduled for four rounds in the lightweight division, 19-year-old Ruben ‘Gallito’ Islas, (1-0, 1KO), of Los Angeles, CA will face pro debuting Raymond Grajeda of La Mirada, CA.

Rounding out the card, Irish amateur standout Callum Walsh will make his professional debut in a four-round super welterweight bout against Donnis Reed, of Lemon Grove, CA, a veteran of thirteen professional bouts. Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, the 20-year-old European Junior Gold Medalist and six-time Irish National Champion has recently been sparring with Gabriel Rosado at the Wild Card Boxing Gym.

More information on this exciting event will be announced shortly.

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Sao Paulo, Brazil (August 30, 2021) – Yamaguchi Falcao successfully moved up to the 168 pound division by dominating countryman Gilberto Perreira Dos Santos August 21 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The ten round contest between Falcao and Dos Santos was nationally televised in Brazil. The impressive performance earned Falcao the WBC Latino, WBC Feconsur and ABF Continental America Super Middleweight Titles.

With the victory, Falcao improved to 18-1-1 (8 KO’s) and is focused on facing any top 15 super middleweight in the immediate future.

“I am happy to have entertained my fans throughout Brazil during my last few fights. The goal remains the same for my team and I – we want to face the world’s best fighters. I feel great at 168 pounds and it doesn’t matter who they put me in with or where the fight takes place because I’ll be ready!”

Falcao’s promoter Jodi Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions is fully confident his fighter is up for the challenge and can hold his own with the best in the division.

“Yama’s vision is the exact same it was when he was campaigning at 160 pounds. He doesn’t care who he’s facing or where the fight is because he’ll be ready.”

Caliguire also believes the move up to 168 pounds only made Falcao stronger.

“Yama was a big middleweight and he won his medal in the Olympics at 178 pounds. He has more energy at super middleweight and continues to eat, sleep and dream boxing. I’ve got no doubt he can become a world champion!”

Falcao’s next bout takes place October 23 in Sao Paulo and will be nationally televised in Brazil.

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @YamaguchiFalcao. For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, visit Firefistboxing.net

LAS VEGAS (August 30, 2021) – Many believe World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (18-0, 11 KOs) is being used as a puppet by Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn, preventing undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) from challenging Bivol in a battle of undefeated, world-class fighters.

“I know my team is pushing for this fight but we’ve yet to hear from Dmitry or his team,” Ramirez said. “I’m not sure if he’s being silenced but he should remember that he is the fighter and the voice to make things happen. Before my last fight, he yapped and called for this fight, but is now radio silent. I’m not sure if he needs permission from the higher-ups but, hopefully, he’s not just being used as cannon fodder.”

When the pandemic started, Bivol and Ramirez, the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight World Champion, openly spoke about fighting each other in a major confrontation.

“Gilberto Ramirez is one of the top players in the light heavyweight division,” Bivol said. “We have talked about this fight for a long time. The time has come to bring this to a reality. We have trained together and some sparring as well. He is a professional and a gentleman. A very good fighter.

“He is an ex-world champion, he has proven to become one of the best, fights like this excite the fans. This is what boxing is all about, fighters where either boxer has a 50-percent chance of being victorious. We are both at the level that we can make a dynamic fight.”

“I think this is a great fight for boxing,” Ramirez explained, “the light heavyweight division, and ultimately for the fans. There’s great history in both Mexican and Russian boxing and hopefully this is something that brings excitement back to the light heavyweight division. Beyond that, I personally believe Bivol is the toughest champion and fight at the moment, and I hope that this caliber fight is the only one I’m in talks for going forward. Plus, we’ve talked about it for two years now, and it’s time to make it happen.

“Bivol is a great fighter and I know this will be the biggest challenge. I’ve seen his game improve every time we’ve met in the ring. He does everything well. He’s quick on his feet and throws great combinations with power. At the same time, he brings a high IQ into the ring, which always makes it a challenge. He’s not world champion by a fluke or design. This guy is probably one of the most disciplined fighters I’ve seen in a while.”

Before and after Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), Bivol wished Ramirez good luck in hopes that they could fight later this year, and it appeared to be a lock. Suddenly, though, Bivol shifted gears and challenged WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs), at either 168 or 175 pounds. Ramirez understood, realizing “Canelo” is boxing’s rainmaker.

When Bivol realized he wasn’t getting the fight with “Canelo,” instead of then returning his attention to fighting “Zurdo,” he went completely dark.

Why? The stars are aligned and Bivol and Ramirez are both available as neither has an upcoming fight lined up, in addition to both fighters having fought on DAZN, whose purse strings are controlled by Hearn.

Out of nowhere, Hearn announced last week that he wants to match Bivol in October at O2 Arena in London, against super middleweight John Ryder (29-5, 16 KOs), a relatively obscure southpaw from London, at least outside of the United Kingdom, who is supposed to be fighting David Morrell for the WBA regular title. Two fights ago, Ryder lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Callum Smith, and Ryder’s most recent fight was a 10-round unanimous decision win against somebody named (12-5-1) Mike Guy.

Ryder has never fought as a light heavyweight and if Bivol was an independent thinker, not Hearn’s puppet, he wouldn’t even consider fighting Ryder, never mind allow Hearn to grandstand. What would a win over Ryder prove? His last challenger, Craig Richards, was undeserving of a world title fight, yet Bivol went the distance with him.

No mention of Ramirez!

Hearn even went one step further, claiming he wants to put Bivol in against 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Joshua Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) next March.

No mention of Ramirez, or course!

The 30-year-old Ramirez is currently rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as No. 9 in The Ring independent rankings.

True superstars in boxing need epic fights and rivalries to secure their place in boxing history. In that respect, Bivol and Ramirez need to fight each other, because both fighters have defeated only one world champion each, Jean Pascal for Bivol, Arthur Abraham for “Zurdo.”

Boxing fans are always clamoring for blockbuster match-ups. Bivol and Ramirez are a combined 60-0 (39 KOs), world champions, and have fought on DAZN. There’s no good reason for Bivol vs. “Zurdo” not to happen, unless Hearn pulls Bivol’s puppet strings in a different direction.

“I would be surprised if Bivol looks for another opponent,” Ramirez concluded. “This is the fight fans are looking for! At the end of the day, I know he’s a good fighter and hopefully he stands by what he says.”

Isn’t it time for Bivol to speak for himself and demand that Hearn make a historic match against “Zurdo?”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (August 29, 2021) – Last night in front of a sold out crowd at the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Hotel, popular lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (12-0, 8 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, remained unbeaten with an inspiring knockout victory over veteran Ira “Mr. Showtime” Terry (27-17, 16 KOs). The card was promoted by Tri-Star Boxing.

In the early rounds, Tomlin had to make an adjustment to Terry’s speed and lateral movement, by mounting a body attack that slowed down the native Memphis, Tennessee. In the fifth round, Tomlin landed a right hook to the head, followed by a left to the temple, sending Terry to the canvas. The referee stopped the bout after Terry couldn’t continue.

“Ira Terry showed a lot of heart in this fight and I had to figure him out before I stopped him,” said Tyler Tomlin, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment. “His movement and speed were giving me problems in the first couple of rounds, but I made the adjustment, and got him out of there. My dad told me to start going to the body and that advise was the key to victory. He started to break down once I started pounding his body.”

“It’s unbelievable what Ty has been able to accomplish when it comes to selling tickets, as the venue of over a thousand people was completely sold out,” said Darryl Tomlin, who co-manages is son with Peter Fernandez, while taking on the role of coach and trainer. “Ira was coming off a nice win against an opponent with a good record, so we knew we were going to have to be on our game to come out on top. Ty showed he has what it takes to dig deep to win a fight.”

Tomlin, who is a massive ticket seller in his home state of Tennessee, was thrilled to be fighting at home in front of family and friends.

“Although the fight was in Kentucky, the venue is less then an hour from my hometown of Cheathem County,” Tomlin continued. “I wanted to put on a great show for my fans and I was able to do that with a knockout. The energy of the crowed as exhilarating and it motivated me during this fight. I’ll be talking with my promoter, Lou DiBella, about what’s next, and hopefully I’ll be back in the ring soon. I want to thank everyone who came out and supported me.”

DERRY, N.H. (August 29, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall dominated Jose “Olympico” Corral from start to finish, headlining last night’s “The Come Up” professional card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center, in Derry, New Hampshire.

An amateur card at night completed the day-night doubleheader, highlighted by three championship matches of the inaugural Granite Chin Invitational.

“This was a crucial set-up fight for Mike, who it appears will be fighting on the Fury-Wilder III card against,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “We hope to sign a contract next week. This was a big fight for Quintan Sumpter as well. We’ll find out next week, but all signs are pointing in the right direction. Despite this being a smaller Granite Chin show, implications were bigger, and Quinton may be fighting on Fury-Wilder III, too.

“The start to the Granite Chin Invitational wasn’t ideal, but we ended up with some good amateur boxers from New England. It takes time to build just like Granite Chin. I’m going to keep at it until I make this the marquee amateur tournament in New England.”

In a non-title fight, Marshall concentrated on a body attack early and often to wear down his tough Mexican opponent Corral (20-27, 12 KOs). The constantly learning Marshall, fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, worked 10 invaluable rounds in terms of his relatively young boxing career, winning a shutout decision (100 X 3, Corral penalized 1 point for hitting behind the head)

In the co-featured event, welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (6-0, 5 KOs) dazzled once again, methodically breaking down Dewayne Wisdom (7-59-2, 3 KOs), until the ending came by knockout via a single punch in round two.

In a battle of Springfield (MA) light heavyweights, Laurent Humes (2-0, 2 KOs) used stiff jabs and crisp counters to drop Jesus Cintron twice in the opening round, the final time with a body shot, for an impressive technical knockout win.

Light heavyweight Steve Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO), whose older brother Quinton fought one fight prior to his, flashed his skills from his southpaw stance, flooring Tahlik Taylor (3-19-1, 1 KO) twice in the opening round, the latter time ending the fight with a straight left to Taylor’s nose.

2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion Quinton Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an auspicious pro debut, landing a strong right cross that knocked out heavyweight Gabriel Aguilar (0-1) in the first round.

In his professional debut, lanky middleweight Jamer Jones (1-0, 1KO) effectively used his decisive height and reach advantage, decking Carlos Galindo (1-18) three times in round one, and he closed the show in the second with a sweet left hook.

Undefeated heavyweight Dennis Nolan (3-0, 3 KOs) registered a one-punch knockout of Andre Nolan (0-2) late in the opening round.

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (3-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated, landing one powerful right hand that left Jader Alves (0-12) leg-less and in trouble, when the referee waved-off the fight in the fourth round.

Cruiserweight Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO) won his pro debut against a game Scott “Scotty Bombs” Lampert (2-3, 2 KOs), stopping him with one-second remaining in the third round.

Promising middleweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (5-0, 3 KOs), fighting out of Baton Raton (F), floored Aquilano Brandao (0-7) four times en route to a first round technical knockout victory. Castro, who grew up in Lawrence (MA), dedicated the fight to his childhood friend, U.S. Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario, who died in the recent Afghanistan bombing.

Light heavyweight Jeff Esposito (1-0) won a 4-round split decision against Hiram Aponte (0-1) in a battle of pro debut fighters.

Local fan favorite “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (2-1, 1 KO) simply overwhelmed lightweight Brandon Ruffin (0-6), battering him to the canvas with a flurry of punches, and closing the show moments later with an overhand right midway through round one.

Two-time World cruiserweight title challenger Junior “Hurricane” Wright (18-4-1, 15 KOs) opened the afternoon segment of the doubleheader with a first-round technical knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino. Wright connected on a perfectly placed left hook to Trevino’s chin.

Three Granite Chin Invitational Champions Crowned

The Granite Chin Invitational, sanctioned by USA Boxing, winners were lightweight Jaydell Pazmino, welterweight Apostolus Lolas, and middleweight Wade Faria. Six non-tournament matches were also held.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (August 28, 2021) – Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley both made weight and faced off for the final time at the Keybank State Theatre ahead of their blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV event tomorrow night, Sunday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Paul’s hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.

Final weights and commission officials for the stacked five-fight SHOWTIME PPV card are below. Charles Conwell vs. Juan Carlos Rubio takes place prior to the pay-per-view.

Cruiserweight Bout (190-pound contract weight) – 8 Rounds

Jake Paul – 190 lbs.

Tyron Woodley – 189 ½ lbs.

Referee: George Nichols; Judges: Dana DePaolo (Penn.), Jaime Garayua (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

WBC/WBO Featherweight World Championship – 10 Rounds

Amanda Serrano – 124 lbs.

Yamileth Mercado – 124 lbs.

Referee: Lonnie Scott; Judges: Stacy Blevins (Ohio), Dana DePaolo (Penn.), Jaime Garayua (Ohio)

Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Daniel Dubois – 238 lbs.

Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano – 235 ½ lbs. 

Referee: George Nichols; Judges: Stacy Blevins (Ohio), Jaime Garayua (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Ivan Baranchyk – 140 ¾ lbs.

Montana Love – 141 lbs. 

Referee: Lonnie Scott; Judges: Stacy Blevins (Ohio), Dana DePaolo (Penn.), Jaime Garayua (Ohio)

Cruiserweight Bout (180-pound contract weight) – 4 Rounds

Tommy Fury – 179 lbs.

Anthony Taylor – 175 lbs.

Referee: George Nichols; Judges: Stacy Blevins (Ohio), Dana DePaolo (Penn.), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Charles Conwell – 153 lbs.

Juan Carlos Rubio – 153 ½ lbs.

Referee: Lonnie Scott; Judges: Dana DePaolo (Penn.), Jaime Garayua (Ohio), Phil Rogers (Ohio)

Tickets starting at $25 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

#          #          #

About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:

Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV^® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Productions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts.

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

DERRY, N.H. (August 27, 2021) – Fighters weighed in today for tomorrow afternoon’s “The Come Up” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center, in Derry, New Hampshire.

An amateur card tomorrow night will complete day-night doubleheader (separate admission), highlighted by four championship matches of the inaugural Granite Chin Invitational. Amateurs will weigh in Saturday morning.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $35.00 (general admission, $45.00 ringside) and $240.00 for a ringside table of four for Day Show / $25.00 (general admission) and $35.00 (ringside) for the Night Show. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Come Up (day show) and Granite Chin Invitational Finals (night show).

Doors open at 1 p.m. ET (day) and 7 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

Fighters’ weights below:

“THE COME UP”

MAIN EVENT — HEAVYWEIGHTS (10)

Mike Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), Danbury, CT 246 lbs.

Jose Corral (20-27, 12 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 232 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Dewayne Wisdom (7-58-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN 152.4 lbs.

Denzel Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA 147.4 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)

Junior Anthony Wright (17-3-1, 14 KOs), Evanston, IL 236 lbs.

Alfredo Trevino (9-9-1), 1 KO), Aquaprieta, Sonora, Mexico 245 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Andrew Nolan (0-1), Franklin, NY 208.6 lbs.

Dennis Ventura (2-0, 2 KOs), Lynn, MA 231 lbs.

Gabriel Aguilar (pro debut), Woburn, MA 216 lbs.

Quintin Sumpter (pro debut), Pittsfield, MA 221 lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)

Scott Lampert (2-2, 2 KOs), Dover, NY 180.8 lbs.

Raphael Torres (pro debut), Marlboro, MA

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Hiram Aponte (pro debut), Framingham, MA 172.4 lbs.

Jeff Esposito (pro debut), Danbury, CT 172.4 lbs.

Jesus Cintron (1-19-2, 0 KOs), Springfield, MA TOMORROW

Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO) 179.6 lbs.

Steve Sumpter (1-0, 1 KO), Pittsfield, 171 MA 171 lbs.

Tahlik Taylor (3-18-1, 1 KO), Raleigh, NC 173 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Josniel Castro (4-0, 2 KOs), Boca Raton, FL TOMORROW

Joao Borges (0-1), Boston, MA 159 lbs.

Carlos Galindo (1-17, 0 KOs), Framingham, MA by way of Peru 156 lbs.

Jamer Jones (pro debut), Springfield, MA 157 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Carlos Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Holyoke, MA 152.6 lbs.

Jader Alves (0-11), Woburn, MA 151.6 lbs

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Kevin Rodriguez (1-1, 0 KOs), Lawrence, MA 129.2 lbs.

Brandon Ruffin (0-5), Wilson, NC TOMORROW.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

NEW YORK (August 27, 2021) -Three members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action as undefeated heavyweight Stephan Shaw and undefeated junior welterweight Omar Rosario will be in the ring on Friday in Plant City, Florida while former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Ivan Baranchyk battles undefeated Montana Love as part of the Jake Paul – Tyron Woodley pay-per-view event on Sunday night in Cleveland.

Shaw of Saint Louis, Missouri is one of the top heavyweight prospects in the United States as he sports a record of 14-0 with 10 knockouts. The 28 year-old will be making his 2021 debut. He has racked up wins over Danny Kelly (9-2-1), Jonny Rice (4-1-1), Joel Caudle (7-1-1), Donovan Dennis (12-3), Willie Jake Jr, (8-2-1), Gregory Corbin (15-2) and his last bout when he took an eight-round unanimous decision over Lyubomyr Pinchuk (12-1-1-) on December 17, 2020 in Las Angeles..

Shaw will be taken on Nick Davis (6-2) of Atlanta, Georgia. Davis is a six-year professional who is coming off a 2nd round stoppage of Eric Abraham on July 23rd in Decatur, Georgia.

Shaw is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico will take on fellow undefeated Marc Misiura in a four-round bout. Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 4-o with two knockouts.

Rosario, 23 years-old, was the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Misiura is the third consecutive undefeated opponent for Rosario. Rosario stopped both Uriel Villanueva (1-0) and Wilfred Mariano (3-0), with the latter coming on June 19th in Las Vegas.

Misiura of Scranton, PA is 2-0 with one knockout. The 27-year-old turned professional this year, and is coming off a unanimous decision over Ubaldo Lara on April 24th in Louisville, Kentucky.

Rosario, who is promoted by Top Rank, checked in at 141.2 lbs at Thursday’s weigh-in.

Both Shaw’s and Rosario’s fights will be part of a Telemundo card.

On Sunday night in Cleveland, Baranchyk will make his long awaited return to the ring following his participation in the 2020 fight of the year against Jose Zepeda. That fight, which took place on October 3, 2020 featured eight knockdowns, with Baranchyk coming up on the short end of a classic that was stopped in round five.

Prior to that fight, Barranchyk (20-2, 13 KOs) of Miami, Oklahoma, has wins over Alfonso Olver (1-0), David Thomas (4-0), Angel Figueroa (4-1-1), Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2), Nicholas Givan (16-0-1), Eliseo Cruz Sesma (9-0-1), Zhimin Wang (7-0), Abel Ramos (17-1-2), Keenan Smith (11-0), former two-time world title challenger Petr Petrov (38-5).

On October 27, 2018, Barachyk won the IBF Junior Welterweight title with a 7th round stoppage over Anthony Yigit in New Orleans. In his first defense he came up just short against now undisputed world champion Josh Taylor. Baranchyk rebounded with a 4th round stoppage over Gabriel Bracero (25-3-1).

Love of Cleveland is 15-0-1 with seven knockouts. Just 26 years-old, Love already has wins over Vladimir Pierre (1-0), Samuel Teah (12-1), Ricardo Garcia (14-2), Jerrrico Walton (16-0) and in his last bout, Love stopped Olaide Fijabi (16-0) in two rounds on June 5th in Dubai.

The bout will be part of a SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View broadcast at 8 PM ET

Baranchyk is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Also in action will be undefeated junior middleweight Charles Conwell (15-0, 11 KOs) making his Cleveland homecoming against late-replacement Juan Carlos Rubio (18-0, 9 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a 10-round bout.

Conwell is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

New York, NY (August 27, 2021) With fighters competing on multiple cards, DiBella Entertainment’s busy weekend begins tonight.

Boasting an unblemished record of 14-0, with 10 knockouts, and fighting out of St. Louis, MO, the 28-year-old Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw is one of the most talked about prospects in the heavyweight division. Making his first start of the year tonight, Friday, August 27, Shaw will face off against Nicholas Davis (6-2, 4 KOs), of Atlanta, GA, in a scheduled six-round bout in Plant City, FL, at the Whitesands Events Center. Trained by four-time Olympic Boxing coach Basheer Abdullah out of Arena Gym, in San Diego, CA, the 6’4” Shaw returns to action following a dominant win last December on NBC Sports Network. Coming from a family of fighters, Shaw was a four-time US National amateur champion before his 2013 pro debut.

Tomorrow night, Saturday, August 28, Cheatham County, Tennessee’s Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (11-0, 7 KOs) returns to action against veteran Ira Terry (27-16, 16 KOs), of Memphis, TN, in an eight-round lightweight bout at the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Hotel, in Oak Grove, KY. The event will be streamed live, starting at 6:00pm CT via www.TriStarElitePromotions.com. In his last fight, the 21-year-old Tomlin stopped Tyrone Luckey in three rounds on the undercard of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing on May 14, in Murfreesboro, TN. Tomlin began boxing at age nine and was a touted amateur, compiling a 65-15 record. He won gold at the Tennessee Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves tournaments six times each, became a four-time Regionals champion, and won bronze at the 2015 Junior Olympics. He is trained by his father, Darryl Tomlin, at the Team Tomlin Gym, built four years ago on the family’s home estate.

Mauricio Lara says he will “destroy” Josh Warrington when they meet for a second time at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds next Saturday September 4 in what is a huge fight for the Featherweight division, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘Bronco’ (23-2, 16 KOs) pulled off a sensational upset when the pair met at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February, flooring and ruthlessly finishing ‘The Leeds Warrior’ in nine brutal rounds to end Warrington’s unbeaten 30-fight record and put a huge dent in the former World Champion’s unification plans.

Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) will be looking to exact revenge in front of a capacity crowd at the home of Leeds Rhinos in order to get his career back on track, but Mexico’s Lara – who has accused the 30-year-old of disrespecting his father – predicts that his rival won’t hear the final bell again.

“Warrington said that I got lucky,” said Lara. “Believe me. There’s no luck in boxing. I’ve never won anything with luck. I won with hard work and a lot of discipline. Of course, since I beat him I feel I’m the champion. Like they say in my town, I’m a champion without a crown. It sounds nice and I think I’ve earned it with hard work. I want to be number one in the world and I’m going to achieve that.

“I knew I had to win decisively in the first fight. This time it will be different. I’ll win, but you’ll see a totally different Mauricio Lara. I’ll be a different person. I have more drive in this fight because Warrington has been saying a lot of things and he’ll regret it. We think he’s going to be very careful with his face and his jaw so we’ll watch out with his strategy. But believe me, it doesn’t matter what strategy he has because I’m coming to destroy him.

“I’m a very humble person. He won my respect in the first fight because he was number one in the world, but that’s no longer the case. He doesn’t respect me and he has said many things about my dad. He made a mistake, believe me. He met a friendly version of me and look what happened.

“I’m really happy because I know bigger fights are coming, better fighters. The number ones, that’s who I want. I want to be in that spot and I’m going to fight for that. It’s great that a promoter like Matchroom believes in me and is giving me that opportunity. I’ll fight whoever. I want all the belts at 126lbs and I’m going to get them. On September 4 I’ll be mean and he won’t know what’s hit him.”

Lara vs. Warrington 2 tops a huge night of action in Leeds, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine crowns against her latest Mandatory Challenger Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KOs), rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) faces Adrian Granados (21-8-3, 15 KOs) after their Fight Camp Week 1 headliner fell through, Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon (24-3-1, 17 KOs) makes the first defence of his IBO Lightweight World Title against the in-form Maxi Hughes (23-5-2, 5 KOs), Australia’s Ebanie Bridges (6-1, 3 KOs) looks to build on her impressive KO win over Bec Connolly at Fight Camp earlier this month when she meets Mailys Gangloff (5-2, 2 KOs), Super-Bantamweight prospect Hopey Price (5-0, 1 KO) steps up against Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) in an all-Leeds clash, undefeated Super-Bantamweight talent Jack Bateson (13-0, 3 KOs) clashes with Felix Garcia (7-2-1, 3 KOs) over six rounds, 1-0 Super-Welterweight Brandon Stansfield takes on MJ Hall (2-61-2) and Light-Heavyweight Mali Wright makes his pro debut against Anthony Woolery (2-6).

Limited remaining tickets are available from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Philadelphia, PA (August 26, 2021)- The debut of Worldwide Title Shot that was set for September 2nd at the Marriott Philadelphia West has been postponed until Saturday, November 27th.

Worldwide Title Shot LLC will begin the Thursday Night Championship Series in Early 2022.

All tickets for the September 2nd show may be refunded at the point of purchase.

CLEVELAND (August 27, 2021) – Ahead of this Sunday’s Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley SHOWTIME PPV event, trainers for the main event fighters previewed the highly anticipated showdown during a media roundtable Friday before Paul and Woodley enter the ring at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

After Thursday’s heated press conference, Friday saw Paul’s head trainer B.J. Flores and Paul’s assistant trainer Jacob Chavez, along with Woodley’s trainer Gerald Tucker and Woodley’s assistant trainer Pedro Diaz, discuss training camp, Sunday’s matchup and more with media members.

Tickets starting at $25 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

Here is what the trainers had to say Friday:

B.J. FLORES, Paul’s Trainer

“Tyron poses a lot of threats. He is definitely Jake’s most dangerous opponent. If you look back at history, no one is in there with killers at 3-0. Tyron is strong, explosive, quick twitch. For Jake to fight a guy like that in his third fight in the main event on a SHOWTIME PPV, it’s really incredible.

“I don’t want Jake just going in there and blowing guys out. Of course, he is still making mistakes, it takes years and years and thousands of hours to do anything well. He has sparred with world champions and top contenders. He has taken his lumps, which is necessary. People think we take it easy on Jake, but that’s not true. He is like a shark. Once he tastes a little blood, he goes crazy.

“How far can he go? He is starting, he is getting going. His fundamentals are good. He is very sharp. We remove distractions and keep it simple, which is effective in the boxing world.

“Jake is a 24-year-old with the head of a 45-year-old on his shoulders. He is a very, very smart kid. He’s learned a lot in business as a young man. He is misunderstood. He’s flashy. That’s why he has me and Jacob to be his OGs and pull him back in.

“Pedro Diaz and Gerald Tucker are both excellent. Props to Tyron for assembling a very strong team. I think we will have a nice little duel on our hands as trainers on Sunday night.”

JACOB CHAVEZ, Paul’s Assistant Trainer

“Jake has so many great tools. Both hands, both sides. His right hand is his strongest. If he can work his left hand more as the fight goes on, you will see he has power there too.

“It’s going to take a one-in-a-million shot from Tyron to get Jake out of there on Sunday night.

“I want to see Jake have a competitive fight and get the experience of going rounds. I said the same thing before the Ben Askren fight, too.

“Every single sparring partner that comes in to spar Jake treats that moment like they are fighting in the biggest event of their life. No one wants to get knocked out by Jake Paul. Everyone brings their A-game to the sparring sessions. One of the sparring partners texted me that he was nervous before he came out to spar Jake. When they come to spar, they come fired up and ready to go.

“Jake sparred two or three times a week during this camp, always eight rounds. It’s not going to be a cardio thing for Jake. He is ready to go eight rounds, but I think he’s going to run Tyron into a big right hand that is just going to be nasty.”

GERALD TUCKER, Woodley’s Trainer

“You’re going to see on fight night that Tyron has a great boxing background, we just had to polish it up. He’s got great power and defense. It’s impressive.

“I like Jake as a fighter. I like that he’s entered our realm. I was a fan of his before this fight, but I’ve gone against fighters that I’m a fan of before.

“No matter what Jake’s done or not done in previous fights, we just prepare the best we can. You have to cover all your bases so you’re ready for anything.

“If you watch MMA fights, they have to defend a lot of things. Now Tyron only has to worry about upper body. It’s way easier for him to make people miss.”

PEDRO DIAZ, Woodley’s Assistant Trainer

“I think that if you look at MMA, it’s a sport that puts many kinds of combat skills together, but MMA is still mostly upper body and the hands are important. A lot of those fighters come from boxing backgrounds.

“We’re a serious team and we work hard on Tyron’s boxing technique. We also trade notes with MMA coaches to get the best result for Tyron. You have to work as a team to get the most out of a fighter.

“Gerald is a great trainer who works with a lot of great champions. He has great knowledge, and I have great experience. We’re a really good combination and we each have our part to play.”

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About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:

Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV^® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Productions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts.

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

HUMBLE, Texas (August 27, 2021) – Houston boxer Eridson Garcia (14-0, 9 KOs) remained undefeated and captured the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super Featherweight Championship, winning the main event last night on the latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS, presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Next Up Fight and the World Cup Boxing Series, at Humble Civic Center, Humble, Texas.

Fights were streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, with James “Smitty” Smith (blow-by-blow) and former WBA World super lightweight champion Roger Prograis (color commentator) calling the action from ringside To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The 27-year-old Garcia, who is a native of the Dominican Republic, took a 10-round unanimous decision in convincing fashion from intra-state rival Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of La Marque, Texas.

In the co-featured event, Detroit middleweight Wilfred Harris, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs) and Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs), fought to an 8-round draw. Alexander, of Saint Louis (MO), is the older brother of brother of 3-time, 2-division World champion Devon Alexander.

There was another draw on last night’s RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS as Austin (TX) super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0-1, 6 KOs) and Antonius Grable (3-1-1, 3 KOs), of Sarasota, Florida, fought to a 6-round draw.

In the opening UFC FIGHT PASS bout of the evening, Houston middleweight Eugene Hill, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) blasted out New Mexico’s Shane Hall (0-2) at the 45-seconds mark of the opening round. Hall dropped Hall early and the fight was quickly stopped after a subsequent flurry of unanswered punches.

Houston lightweight prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) remained perfect as a professional, registering his 12th victory with 11 knockouts, versus Italian-born Christian Danilo Guido, who fights out of Argentina, midway through round one.

Veteran Houston super featherweight Pablo “The Lethal Mosquito” Cruz (22-4, 6 KOs) out-boxed his Mexican opponent, Jonathan “Zorro” Lecona Ramos (18-32-5, 6 KOs) en route to a 6-round unanimous decision.

Complete results below

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT NABF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Eridson Garcia (14-0, 9 KOs), Houston, TX

WDEC10 (98-91, 97-92, 96-93)

Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), La Marque, TX

(Garcia won the NABF super featherweight title)

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Winfred Harris, Jr. (19-1-1, 9 KOs), Detroit, MI

D8 (77-75, 74-78, 76-76)

Vaugh Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs)

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0-1, 6 KOs), Austin, TX

D6 (57-57, 57-57, 56-58)

Antonius Grable (3-1-1, 3 KOs), Sarasota, FL

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Eugene Hill, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), Houston, TX

WTKO1 (0:45)

Shane Hall (0-2), Clovis, NM

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs), Houston, TX

WKO1 (1:03)

Christian Danilo Guido (8-20, 6 KOs), Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)

Pablo Cruz (22-4, 6 KOs), Houston, TX

WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 58-56)

Jonathan Lecona Ramos (18-32-5, 5 KOs), Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

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 huge 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 some 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 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

MONTREAL (August 27, 2021) – The official “Boxing Under the Stars” weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s outdoor show, presented by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Lee Baxter Promotions, at the IGA Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Boxing Under The Stars” will be available via pay-per-view on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and on Fite.TV (www.FITE.tv) for $ 49.99, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Priced at $35, $??50, $90 and $150 in the stands, tickets are available to purchase on ticketmaster.ca or by calling GYM at (515) 383.0666.

Fighters’ weights below:

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC SILVER FEMALE LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)

Kim Clavel (13-0, 2 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 107.8 lbs.

Maria Soledad Vargas (15-3-1, 1 KO), Morella, Michoacán de Ocampo, México 107.4 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Mikael Zewski (34-2, 23 KOs), Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada 153.8 lbs.

Dilan Loza (15-4-1, 9 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, México 153.4 lbs.

FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Marie Pier Houle (3-0-1, 1 KO), Terrebonne, Québec, Canada 146.6 lbs.

Jeanette Zacarais Zapata (2-3, 0 KOs), Villa de Puertecitos, Aguascalientes, México 143.4 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Alexis Barriere (2-0, 2 KOs), Saint-Jean-Sur Richelieu, Québec, Canada 230.8 lbs.

Angel Gabriel Barron (1-1, 1 KO), Hermosillo, Sonora, México 225.8 lbs.

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Mazlum Akedniz (13-0, 7 KOs), Montréal, Québec, Canada 139 lbs.

Giovanni Martinez (7-11-1, 4 KOs), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico 135.8 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)

Samuel Lajoie-Dery (Pro Debut), Montréal, Québec, Canada 145.8 lbs.

Patrick LaFleur (1-3-1, 1 KO), Sheerbrook, Alberta, Canada 147 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Petar Gavrilovic (Pro Début), Montréal, Québec, Canada 173.4 lbs.

Ruben Mejia (1-5-1, 0 KO), México City, Distrito Federal, México 176.8 lbs.

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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, who are all still active in the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding, GYM has organized 155 events in Quebec, all broadcasted in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, and participated 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 major American television networks were more active than ever in going to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On 34 occasions, the major American networks presented a GYM gala, 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).