CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (August 24, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (11-0, 7 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, is looking to keep the forward momentum going on his promising professional boxing career as he faces, Ira “Mr. Showtime” Terry (27-16, 16 KOs), that on paper is Tomlin’s toughest fight of his career. The bout scheduled for eight-rounds will take place this Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Hotel in Oak Grove, Kentucky.

“I am now signed with DiBella Entertainment, and having a major promoter means I have to step my game up as I will now be getting bigger fights,” said Tomlin. “Ira Terry has fought a lot of really good fighters like Jorge Linares, Francisco Vargas and Claudio Marrero, and I look forward to showing the world where I stack up against these legends in boxing. This is the toughest test of my career and I’m looking to have a performance that gets people talking about me.”

Tomlin, who was an offensive wrecking ball from the opening bell, landed some vicious body blows early, in addition to some powerful overhand rights, that led to his opponent’s demise in his last fight against Tyrone Luckey. Tomlin is looking to repeat that performance against Terry.

“Ira Terry is a golden glove winner and he’s coming off a big win in his last fight, and we’re taking him very seriously,” said Darryl Tomlin, Tyler’s coach, and father, who co-manages is son with Peter Fernandez. “We’re grateful to Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment for keeping us active and we are looking to put on a great show for all of those who will be traveling to the fight to support Ty. I want everyone to know we have trained for a knockout, and we’re looking to close the show in this fight.”

Tomlin is a massive draw, and despite the fight being in Kentucky, it is a mere 30-minutes from his residence in Tennessee, meaning Ty will have a lot of familiar faces in the crowd.

“This bout is 30-minutes from where I live, and I am excited to have tremendous support from my family and friends as I move forward on my journey towards becoming a world champion,” said Tomlin. “This will be a sold out show and I want to make everyone proud who is coming to see me. I’m going to bring it in this fight and put on a great show for the fans.”

DUBLIN – After more than 18 months away from the 3Arena, BELLATOR’s return to the iconic Dublin venue is set for Friday, Nov. 5, when Ireland’s own No. 6 ranked James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (11-1) faces the No. 2 ranked Patchy Mix (14-1) in a huge bantamweight main event to headline BELLATOR 270.

In the co-headliner, No. 4 ranked lightweight and Dublin’s very own Peter “The Showstopper” Queally (13-5-1), will be looking to bring the house down again when he faces 23-time BELLATOR veteran and No. 1 ranked Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10) in a highly anticipated rematch. An additional five preliminary matchups for BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix are also confirmed below.

Tickets to BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix go on general sale on this Friday, Aug. 27, with an exclusive presale on Thursday, Aug. 26, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

Fans in Ireland will be able to watch the event on both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport, while those in the UK can watch the event live on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile U.S. fans will be able to enjoy the main card action live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with a replay at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The eagerly awaited bantamweight matchup between Gallagher and Mix has the potential to go down as one of the all-time great fights in BELLATOR history. It was originally due to take place in May at BELLATOR 258, but injury forced Gallagher out of the encounter. Now, in front of what is guaranteed to be an electric Irish crowd, the “Strabanimal” will finally get his chance to silence Mix as he looks to earn the biggest win of his career to date.

“I’m so grateful to be back as the headline in Dublin,” said Gallagher, “I’ve moved to America to take my mindset and skill set to another level and I’m happy I can show my work to my home fans! Welcome to the Jimmy Show! ”

Patchy Mix is currently the #2 ranked bantamweight and fights out of Extreme Couture in Las Vegas. Like Gallagher, Mix has made a name for himself in the BELLATOR cage by displaying impressive submissions, including the rare Suloev Stretch.

Mix said of his long-awaited matchup: “I’m going to walk into James’ home country and put him away in the first round.”

After a series of lively back-and-forth trash talk encounters and cancelled bouts due to injury, Queally and Pitbull finally met in the BELLATOR cage in May earlier this year, with the Irishman causing a huge upset, securing a hard-fought TKO victory due to a doctor’s stoppage following a cut Patricky sustained in the second round. 

Queally, meanwhile, who trains alongside Gallagher out of Ireland’s famous Straight Blast Gym, will be looking to once again use the might of the home-crowd to help him secure a decisive win over his bitter rival, Pitbull.

“I can’t wait to get back out there again to settle this once and for all with Pitbull and really give the 3Arena crowd something special,” Queally said. “Patricky is such a perfect opponent, there has been so much that has gone on with me and him that I think the crowd will be even more invested than normal this time. Expect an all-out war – I’m going to beat him, and the lightweight belt is next.”

Freire – the older brother of BELLATOR lightweight champion Patrício – has competed professionally since 2005, earning a fearsome reputation as a knockout artist. Living up to the moniker “Pitbull,” Freire will be looking to even the score with Queally, silence the home crowd and get back to his winning ways.

“He knows he was getting beat up in the first fight,” said Pitbull. “He felt pain in his legs and body, I’m gonna make him feel even more pain now. The Irish fans are very loud and passionate, but when I knock him out, you will be able to hear a pin drop in that arena.”

The news of a return to Dublin rounds off a trio of BELLATOR MMA events confirmed on European soil in 2021, with the cage setting down in London on October 1 and Moscow on October 23 before heading to the Irish capital on November 5.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

London, UK (24 August 2021) Red hot Irish prospect Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna has turned to horsepower as he gallops towards his first championship title.

The undefeated super-lightweight KO king and his equally talented brother Aaron, an unbeaten super-welterweight talent, have both taken up horse riding to aid in their active recovery from arduous training sessions.

Front runner McKenna features on promoter Mick Hennessy’s big bill on Friday 10th September at the Coventry Skydome Arena, headlined by Sam Eggington’s defence of his WBC Silver Middleweight Championship against undefeated French sensation Bilel Jkitou, exclusively live and free on Channel 5 in the UK and Ireland.

The County Monaghan ace has shot out of the starting gates as a pro, racing to a perfect 8-0 and flattening all by knockout – with five coming in the opening round – and is in the saddle on the fast track to his first championship title.

Stablemates Stevie, 24, and Aaron, 22, recently took to the Sport of Kings on their return to Ireland after the lockdown and the brothers are now regulars at the Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre at the luxury 5 Star hotel Castle Leslie in Monaghan.

He said, “It started when Aaron and I came back to Ireland from America after the lockdown and we were looking for something to do at the weekends and we just hit on the idea of doing some horse riding,”

“Back In Los Angeles we were jet skiing and shooting on our days off, we were always out and about doing some type of active recovery from our training sessions so back home in Ireland we chose horse riding and I’m glad we did,”

“It’s a very exciting and we get a great thrill out of it. We get an adrenaline rush out of it, just like you do in the ring, once you get the horse going up fast to a canter and then once you start getting it galloping, it’s a truly amazing feeling,”

“It’s a dangerous sport, but we’re not afraid of anything and we have great instructors to do it safely. We decided to pick it up and we learned pretty quick, it didn’t take us long to get on the horse and get used to it and we’re really enjoying it,”

“It’s hard on the legs and you have to use your core and balance so it works everything. Instead of lying up on a Sunday on the couch and doing nothing you’re out horse riding and we’re really feeling the benefits when we’re back in the gym,”

“Balance is key when you’re standing up on the horse and using the core so it helps us as well when we’re taking a rest day and also getting in some active recovery. It fits well as part of our training schedule.”

“We’re hoping to do anything on the horse like galloping, jumping as high as we can get them, we’re up for anything, we’re still just learning really and it will happen over time, but for now we’re just really loving the excitement.”

The McKennas are even eying up owning a stable of champions horses one day, but for now Stevie has got the blinkers on as he focuses on becoming World Champion.

He added, “Hopefully some day we can own a few horses ourselves, but our focus right now is to become World champions first,”

“We’re both a bit tall to be jockeys, I’m 6’ 1” and Aaron’s 6’ 2”, so we’d probably need to get a jockey in, our brother Gary is a wee bit shorter so we may use him!”

“Watch out Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore, in the future who knows, we might give them a run for their money!”

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

Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters; 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; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch and the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 24, 2021) – Cuban sensation and undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Ariel “The Machine” De la Torre (6-0, 5 KOs), has arrived in Las Vegas, NV, to start training with famed boxing coach, Ismael Salas. De La Torre, who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez, is co-promoted with Warriors Boxing and Boxing Major League.

De La Torre, age 23, stands 5’5, and was born in Camaguey, Cuba. With an exceptional pedigree, De La Torre had an excellent amateur record and is considered one of the top global blue-chip prospects in boxing. In addition, he was the 2018 Super Flyweight Cuban National Champion.

“I’m very happy to be training in Las Vegas with Salas, who is one of the best boxing coaches in the world,” said De La Torre. “I know there will be a lot of great fighters in the gym, so I want to learn as much as possible form everyone, especially Salas. Training with world class fighters is only going to elevate my career.”

Ismael Salas is known as an elite coach having guided multiple fighters to world titles. His recent victory with WBA welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas, who defeated boxing legend and 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao this past Saturday, will go down in history as one of the best upsets of all time. Rodriguez is thrilled to have his fighter training with the best.

“In my opinion, Ismael Salas is a future Hall of Fame boxing coach, who is globally recognized for his great work, having build many world champions,” said Jesse Rodriguez. “Ariel De La Torre is a tremendous talent, and his punching power is immense for this division. I believe De La Torre will be a future champion and I can’t wait to get him his first fight in the United States.”

“I’m looking forward to making my USA debut by the end of this year,” De La Torre continued. “Everyone will see the explosiveness that God has blessed me with. My goal is take over the super bantamweight division.”

LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2021) – Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) feels he’ll get his first World light heavyweight title shot because he believes in himself, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, and his Mexican heritage.

The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight World champion is a leading light heavyweight contender, 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 for the first time in the 175-pound division.

After Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning him for a World title shot, the boxing world looked forward to “Zurdo” challenging World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol later this year. Bivol had all but assured a showdown with Ramirez through social media posts, but suddenly he changed his tune and was dreaming of a match this November that isn’t going to happen against WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs).

The 30-year Ramirez has openly called for a fight with Bivol or either of the other World light heavyweight title holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), whose rumored unification fight doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.

Meanwhile, all three reigning World light heavyweight champions have gone dark, at least in terms of fighting Ramirez. Is “Zurdo” too risky for them, or are they just hesitant to fight a proven Mexican challenger?

“I leave my opponents to my promoter, Golden Boy, and its matchmaker, Robert Diaz,” Ramirez explained. “They’re aware of what I want, and I trust they are diligent and will do whatever is best for me. As a fighter, I’ve been clear that all the World light heavyweight champs are on my hit list; and I don’t retract my statement or shy away from the fights as most of them have. In this world, all I have are my word and balls, and I don’t break ‘em for anyone. I fight not just for myself, but for my pride and the spirit of Mexican people. We are proud of our heritage and have been the best fighters. Russians know I will take out both Bivol and Beterbiev; Joe Smith, Jr. is just an appetizer.”

“Canelo” and Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) are the only native Mexicans to be crowned World Light Heavyweight Champions, but everybody in boxing knows Mexican boxers are called warriors for a good reason.

“I think they’re all reluctant to fight a Mexican light heavyweight like me,” Ramirez added. “There’s a reason why Bivol is retracting his statement and staying quiet after all his social media antics. If he was serious, it’s an easy fight to make, and he knows it (both fighters have fought on DAZN). I’m also hearing (Joshua) Buatsi’s name in the mix, but I would absolutely destroy him. All these guys talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. I am a Mexican warrior; everybody knows the way we are built!”

Other potential contenders in the mix, excluding the reigning world champions, may include Badou Jack, Eleider Alvarez, Maxim Vlasov (Ramirez defeated him as super middleweights), and Lyndon Arthur.

“My time will come, Ramirez concluded. “I know Golden Boy is working hard on making this a reality and when that time comes, all these guys will have nowhere to run or hide. I leave who I fight next up to my matchmaker, Robert Diaz. I trust that Golden Boy will do whatever is best for my career.

“I’m not frustrated, this is part of the process. I’m a veteran in this game. Many will talk, but they will fall when it’s time to act. Again, I trust Golden Boy will do what has been promised and I look forward to what fight they will present me with.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

‘JUGGERNAUT’ Joe Joyce has signed a multi-fight contract extension to continue his journey towards becoming world champion under the promotional banner of Queensberry.

Unbeaten in 13 professional fights, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist has committed his fighting future to Frank Warren and Queensberry, who he linked up with in May 2019 and launched the promotional partnership with a resounding stoppage of another world title challenger, Alexandr Ustinov.

Since this time, the now 35-year-old has recorded impressive victories over Bryant Jennings and German Michael Wallisch.

Joyce then propelled himself into public prominence as a professional when he took the unbeaten record of young heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois in late November and, in turn, took over the high WBO ranking accumulated by the 23-year-old.

In his most recent bout Joyce overcame an early onslaught with typical tenacity to finish the durable former World Title challenger Carlos Takam.

He is now in pole position to fight the winner of the forthcoming heavyweight title fight between unified champion Anthony Joshua and former cruiserweight ruler Oleksandr Usyk.

Joyce said: “I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be extending my promotional deal with Queensberry. I believe with my management S-Jam, Queensberry and BT Sport I’m in the right place to achieve my dreams and become a World Champion.”

Hall-Of-Fame Promote Frank Warren said: “I am delighted Joe has agreed a long-term contract renewal with us at Queensberry for the period of time where we are confident he will be crowned WBO world champion.

“He hasn’t put a foot – or a fist – wrong since teaming up with us and he is now getting the exposure and attention his boxing exploits deserve. 

“We worked very hard in lobbying the WBO to recognise Joe as No.2 in the world rankings and the governing body will enforce the mandatory challenge to the winner of Joshua-Usyk in 2022.

“So there are exciting times ahead in the heavyweight division for Queensberry fighters, with Tyson Fury leading the way as WBC champion, Joe poised to challenge for the WBO title and Daniel Dubois now WBA Interim champion.

“It means we will be all set for some massive fights and huge occasions across the rest of this year and next and Joe will play a big part in it all.”

#3-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC) defeated Sergei Kharitonov (32-9, 2 NC) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round two

#5-Logan Storley (12-1) defeated Dante Schiro (8-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Marcelo Golm (9-3) defeated Billy Swanson (4-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:57 of round one

#6-Jornel Lugo (7-0) defeated Keith Lee (7-4) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 5:00 of round one

Preliminary Card: 

Fabio Aguiar (18-2) defeated Taylor Johnson (7-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Mike Hamel (8-5) defeated Bryce Logan (12-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Archie Colgan (3-0) defeated Ben Simons (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 00:00 of round one

Duane Johnson (6-2)defeated Deven Fisher(4-9) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:04 of round one

Bailey Schoenfelder (2-0) defeated Kory Moegenburg (1-3) via TKO (strikes) at 4:11 of round one

NEW YORK (August 20, 2021) -TONIGHT! at the Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, California, Split-T Management’s Kali Reis will make the first defense of her WBA Super Lightweight world title when she takes on Diana Prazak in the headline bout of a UFC Fight Pass streamed card (11 PM ET / 8 PM PT).

Reis of Providence, Rhode Island, has a record 17-7-1 with five knockouts.

Reis, who is managed by Brian Cohen, won the title on November 6, 2020 with an exciting 10-round unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Reis, who is also a former WBC Middleweight world champion has wins over Maricela Cornejo (4-1) and Patricia Juarez (4-1).

Prazak of Melbourne, Australia has a record of 14-3 with nine knockouts, won the WBA Super Featherweight title with an 8th round stoppage over Frida Wallberg on June 14, 2013 in Sweden. She defended the title once with a 5th round stoppage over Shannon O’Connell (8-2). Prazak also has wins over Siriphon Chanbuala (10-0-1) and Fatuma Zarika (23-5-1). Prazak is coming off a unanimous decision over Milagros Gabriela Diaz on March 13th in Tijuana, Mexico.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Reis weighed 139.2 lbs. Prazak was 138.2 lbs.

Reis is promoted by Dibella Entertainment.

Tijuana (August 20, 2021) – 19-year-old female fighting sensation Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (2-0) will return to action tomorrow night in Tijuana, taking on Mexico’s Karol Mazariegos (1-0-1, 1 KOs) in a super flyweight four-rounder to open festivities at the Najera Boxing Promotions’ event at the Round 13 Big Punch Arena.

The younger sister of world-ranked super welterweight contender Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Gabriela Fundora, is a lofty 5’ 9” former amateur standout, trained by her father, Freddy, at his increasingly popular gym in Coachella, California. The skilful southpaw says her busy schedule since turning professional is all part of a larger plan.

“I’m feeling very strong and fast and I’m excited getting back in the ring,” said Fundora, who was last seen in July of this year, taking a unanimous decision from Texas brawler Indeya Smith. “I don’t know much about Karol Mazariegos, but we are trying to stay super busy and get as much experience as possible.”

Like her brother, Fundora is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. She says her busy schedule is part of a plan to take the fast track to a world championship fight.

“My brother and i are working extremely hard in the desert, trying to improve our craft,” she explained. “I want to get as much promotion as possible, to prepare for what my promoter has planned and that’s a world title by next year. The sky is the limit!”

From a boxing family where three of her brothers, her father and her mother were once fighters, the fighting female Fundora is the most heavily decorated member of the family while winning regional and national championships, including the 2017 USA National Junior Championship, where she was named “Boxer of the Tournament” as well as the Junior Olympics twice, and the 2017 USA Eastern and Western Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Lewkowicz says that because of Fundora’s extensive experience, she is already an uncrowned world champion.

“Gabriela ‘Sweet Poison’ Fundora will be a world champion a year from now. I guarantee it,” said a confident Lewkowicz, known for finding unknown talent in gyms all over the world. “She is too much for most of the fighters in her division to handle, so we are taking a fast route to the top. We are keeping her sharp and ready for when the time comes to take her first belt from one of the current champions.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Kali Reis 139.2 lbs. vs. Diana Prazak 138.2 lbs.

Elvis Garcia 218.4 lbs. vs. Joel Shojgreen 197.6 lbs.

Alma Ibarra 146.2 lbs. vs. Kandi Wyatt 145 lbs.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

10 ROUNDS – WBA/IBO WORLD FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION
Kali Reis vs. Diana Prazak
Philadelphia, PA Los Angeles, CA
17-7-1, 5 KO’s 14-3, 9 KO’s
139.2 lbs. 138.2 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Austin Brooks vs. Jesus Torres Beltran
San Diego, CA San Bernardino, CA
3-0, 1 KO 4-0, 3 KO’s
128.6 lbs. 130 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE
Elvis Garcia vs. Joel Shojgreen
Puerta de Mangos, Nayarit, Mexico Brooklyn, NY
11-0, 8 KO’s 10-2 (9 KOs)
218.4 lbs. 197.6 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – WBA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR
Alma Ibarra vs. Kandi Wyatt
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Calgary, Alberta, Canada
8-1, 4 KO’s 10-2, 3 KO’s
146.2 lbs. 145 lbs.

Photo Credit: Paul Gallegos/DiBella Entertainment

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

UFC Fight Pass
Instagram: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Facebook: @UFCFightPass

El Cajon, CA (August 20, 2021) – Tune in TODAY at 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT to catch Kali Reis (17-7-1, 5 KOs), 139.2 lbs., defend her WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Los Angeles-based Australian Diana Prazak (14-3, 9KOs), 138.2 lbs., streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports. The IBO Female Super Lightweight belt will also be at stake in the 10-round bout.

On the UFC Fight Pass undercard, La Mesa, California’s Austin Brooks (3-0, 1 KO), 128.6 lbs., and 19-year-old Jesus Torres Beltran (4-0, 3 KOs), 130 lbs., of San Bernardino, CA, will put their undefeated records on the line in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Mexican Elvis Garcia (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Joel Shojgreen (10-2, 9 KOs), 197.2 lbs., of Brooklyn, NY, with the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight Title on the line. Referred to as Anthony Joshua’s “secret weapon”, Garcia served as Joshua’s main sparring partner in preparation for his world heavyweight championship rematch against Andy Ruiz in December 2019. With new dedication to health and nutrition, Garcia, who weighed in at 260 pounds for a fight just two years ago, hit the scales yesterday at 218.4 pounds.

In a fight dubbed the “Thrilla for CasKilla,” Mexican Alma Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs), 146.2 lbs., will face Canada’s Kandi Wyatt (10-2, 3 KO’s), 145 lbs., in a high-stakes WBA welterweight title eliminator. The winner will challenge undisputed welterweight female champion Jessica “CasKilla” McCaskill.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

UFC Fight Pass
Instagram: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @UFCFightPass
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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (August 19, 2021) — The 5th Annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame event promises an action-packed weekend filled with interactive fan experiences, exhibits, live amateur bouts, and the must-attend Induction Ceremony on Sunday, August 22, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in the Sound Waves Theater.

The red-carpet formal celebration will honor and enshrine many great boxers and notable contributors who made Atlantic City the worldwide boxing mecca. Guests will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with more than 20 special guests, including entertainers, sports icons, government officials, and more. From basketball star Lamar Odom to boxing legends Paulie Malignaggi, Michael Olajide, Ray Mercer, Michael Spinks, Tim Witherspoon, and Iran Barkley to Grammy award-winning songwriter Fred Jerkins, Hip Hop Legend and Sirius XM Radio Host Roxanne Shante and actor Daryl’ Chill’ Mitchell to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Victor Manuelle a Latin Grammy-nominated American salsa singer, known to his fans as El Sonero de la Juventud (“The Singer of Youths”) will sing the national anthem. Many other great fighters, both current & future stars and former World Champions, will be in attendance.

At the Induction Ceremony, which takes place from 4 pm to 8 pm, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by an awards presentation filled with live music, tribute dance performance, and more.

The 2020 and 2021 inductees are:

Roy Jones Jr., Riddick Bowe, Pernell Whitaker, Al Cole, Ernest Bing, Tony Thornton, Sr., Calvin Grove, Percy Richardson, Tommy Parks, Earl Morton, Steve Weisfeld, Ron Katz, Murad Muhammad, Marc Abrams, Al Bernstein, and Ms. Laoma Byrd. Felix Trinidad, Kelly Pavlik, Simon Brown, Ivan Robinson, Aaron Snowell, Joey Eye, Frank Cappuccino, Ed Keenan, and Nino Delbuno.

To purchase tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime evening to remember, visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more program information, visit Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame at www.acbhof.com or call (609) 829-8711.

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2021) – Fighters competing on this Saturday’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard went face-to-face and previewed their respective showdowns during a press conference Thursday before they square off in action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference featured former world champions and all-action welterweights Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, who meet in a 10-round attraction, unbeaten contender Mark Magsayo and former world champion Julio Ceja, who duel in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated Carlos Castro and former title challenger Óscar Escandón, who battle in a 10-round featherweight bout that kicks off the pay-per-view telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I feel like I’m 30-years-old again. I feel great. The time off allowed me to rest.
I couldn’t be happier. Training camp went great. Through the whole pandemic the past year-and-a-half I just stayed in shape. I have my own boxing gym at home so it was nice to be able to stay in the gym.

“I’ve been training out here in Las Vegas for a while now. It’s incredible to be on this card with Manny Pacquiao as it may be his last fight. I’m just excited for this opportunity and I’m ready to go.

“When I got the call to fight Victor Ortiz, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I got a lot of respect for Victor. He always brings it which means it’s going to be a great fight for the fans. I’ve put in the work I needed to put in.

“I’m expecting a good fight. I know Victor Ortiz is coming to fight. He’s always in great shape and brings it all the time. We had to prepare very well and not take it lightly. This is one of those fights that could catapult us into a world title bout. I know he’s coming and I’m coming so it’s going to be a great one.

“The goal is to fight the best fighters and the best fighters are the champs right now. I’m looking toward facing one of them and so I’m excited about that. I see myself taking care of business this weekend and going from there. In the past, I was looking to the future and not taking care of what’s in front of me. Now, we’re just looking to Saturday night and that’s it.

“You’re going to see a great fight no matter what. Whether it’s on the outside or inside. Myself and Victor come to fight every time so this fight might steal the show.”

VICTOR ORTIZ

“I really don’t have much to say. I’m just very grateful for this opportunity. I couldn’t have done it without my team. Coach Freddie Roach, Coach Marvin, Coach Pepe, and Marie of course. I feel the same, it’s like I never left.

“What gave the biggest motivation of my lifetime are my two boys, Royal and Casino. I’m here to make a statement and I’m not leaving without the victory.

“I’ve had big fights all around, I’ve been boxing as a pro since I was 17. Experience is the difference. I am an experienced veteran now.

“It’s a great pleasure to share the ring with another legend. That’s what boxing is all about. I’m only focused on what coach Freddie has me focused on and myself. At this point in time, we’re ready to go. We put in the work and we did the homework.

“I would never in a million years expect for Robert The Ghost” Guerrero to not prepare correctly. I expect the best of him. I looked up to him, a southpaw like me. I have great respect for him and his entire team.

“I am with the elite. Guerrero comes to fight. He comes with pressure and boxing, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day I know what I’ve done in training camp, and I’ve obeyed my camp 100%. I was in bed at the correct times, I was dieting correctly, and running when I was supposed to. I am ready.

“I made a promise to my babies: I’m going to reign for a decade. I’m back.”

MARK MAGSAYO

“I want to thank God for putting me here and for the opportunity. I want to thank my promoters. I was dreaming and praying that I would be on the undercard of a Manny Pacquiao fight. Now my dream has come true. So, I’ve put my all into winning this fight and I will be victorious.

“I am thankful for Freddie Roach for this camp. I’m so thankful that I have a legendary coach. He teaches me so many things about boxing and points out my mistake. All of my punches now are accurate. I’m a better fighter now.

“If I win this fight – I’m sure I’m going to win this fight – my dream is to become a world champion. Let’s see what Ceja does. It’s a great fight. Am I going to knock him out? Of course.”

JULIO CEJA

“We had a great camp. I’m in great shape for this fight. I also want to thank Ismael Salas, Thomas Dulorme and all the team that prepared me for this fight.

“We’re motivated and ready to win on Saturday night. I’m really happy to be here on the Pacquiao-Ugas undercard. We’re going to take advantage of this opportunity and the only thing I can say is that we’re going to win on Saturday night.

“This is a great opportunity. I’m really motivated to become world champion. I’m ready to win this Saturday and a world title. Don’t miss this fight because we’re here to win. When it’s Mexico vs. the Philippines, you know it’s going to be spectacular.

“The way I see this fight is that I’ve been in the ring with better opponents. I will be stronger and more physical than Magsayo. We are going to win by knockout.”

CARLOS CASTRO

“It’s a dream come true to be on the stage with these great fighters. I’ve been training hard for something like this and I don’t plan to let it go.

“As the opening fight, I think we should bring a great show and show the people what we’re made of. I’m not taking Óscar Escandón lightly. He’s a former world title challenger and been on the same stage. It’s just great to be in this arena on a card with legends like Manny Pacquiao.

“Escandón is a great fighter, a strong fighter. He’s proven it in the ring. He said he had a great camp and I had a tremendous camp with my sparring partners and my trainer Manny Robles. It’s going to be a great fight. I hope you guys don’t miss it because we’re going to put on a show and I’m going to show everyone what I’m made of.”

ÓSCAR ESCANDÓN

“First of all, I want to thank God for this fight and for everything. I also want to thank my managers, coach Ruben Guerrero, Robert Guerrero and my team.

“We were training for August 28th but this is a bigger fight and I’m ready for this card to start. I’m excited, I’m just ready for the first bell to ring and I’m here for the ‘W.’ Thanks everybody for the opportunity to be in this great event.

“The fight with Jhack Tepora was an opportunity from God. It was an easy fight. I didn’t know I was going to beat him that quickly. Same thing with Castro. I’m prepared, here to beat him and give everyone a surprise.

“The hardest part was the camp and now I’m going to enjoy the fight. I don’t like to make predictions. I’m just going to go out there, do my job and let the crowd enjoy the fight.”

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS
Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in the 10-round welterweight co-main event, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.

How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including
Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.);
as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)

iNDemand is serving as the cable and telco distributor in North America.

Streaming: FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, YouTube PPV, Fite.TV and Sony Playstation – Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX in Las Vegas with a striking fans’ dream fight, as No. 9 ranked featherweight contender Edson Barboza clashes with No. 10 Giga Chikadze. Also on the card, The Return of the Ultimate Fighter middleweight and bantamweight tournament winners will be crowned.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BARBOZA vs CHIKADZE will take place Saturday, August 28 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

KO artist Barboza (22-9, fighting out of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has been thrilling fans for years with highlight-reel finishes. Throughout his UFC career, he has delivered memorable victories against Beneil Dariush, Terry Etim and, most recently, Shane Burgos. Barboza now aims to keep his momentum going by becoming the first fighter to stop Chikadze in the UFC.

Rising contender and former kickboxer Chikadze (13-2, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) quickly climbed the featherweight ranks upon joining the UFC roster in 2019. Since then, he is undefeated in the Octagon with wins over Cub Swanson, Jamey Simmons and Omar Morales. Chikadze now goes for the biggest win of his career to continue his ascent up the 145-pound ladder.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BARBOZA vs CHIKADZE will also feature the exciting finals of The Return of the Ultimate Fighter. The groundbreaking reality series made its triumphant return in June, featuring UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 2 ranked contender Brian Ortega as coaches.

The Return of the Ultimate Fighter will conclude with an all Team Volkanovski finale. The final middleweight bout will see Bryan Battle (5-1, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) take on Gilbert Urbina (6-1, fighting out of Weslaco, Texas), who is replacing Team Ortega’s Tresean Gore due to injury. Also, Ricky Turcios (10-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) faces Brady Hiestand (5-1, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) at bantamweight.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kevin Lee (18-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns to welterweight to take on rising star Daniel Rodriguez (15-2, fighting out of Alhambra, Calif.)
• Team Ortega middleweights collide when Andre Petroski (5-1, fighting out of Springfield Township, Pennsylvania) faces Micheal Gillmore (6-3, fighting out of Charlotte, Michigan)
• Makhmud Muradov (25-6, fighting out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan) looks for another highlight-reel finish when he faces gritty veteran Gerald Meerschaert (32-14, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a middleweight bout
• Antonio Braga Neto (9-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to stop Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-4, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) from reaching his first win at middleweight
• Fan favorite Sam Alvey (33-15-1 1NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) returns against Wellington Turman (16-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in a middleweight bout
• Dustin Jacoby (14-5-1, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) faces Darren Stewart (12-7 2NC, fighting out of London, England) in an exciting matchup of light heavyweight strikers
• Featherweight prospects collide when Jamall Emmers (18-5, fighting out of Redlands, Calif.) squares off with Pat Sabatini (14-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)

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

El Cajon, CA (August 19, 2021) When Alma Ibarra steps into the ring at Sycuan Casino Resort tomorrow night, as part of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing event, live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world will meet a woman who has been dealt as tough a hand as anyone at the poker tables outside the doors of the casino’s Heritage Event Center. They will meet a fighter who has faced adversity at every turn throughout her boxing career and fights now for an opportunity to become the first Mexican female unified world champion.

Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs) is set to face Canada’s Kandi Wyatt (10-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round WBA welterweight title eliminator, dubbed the “Thrilla for Caskilla.” The winner of the bout will face Jessica “CasKilla” McCaskill, who currently holds the WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO female welterweight world titles. The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, starting at 8:00pm PT / 11:00pm ET.

The 33-year-old single mother began fighting at 19 years old. She originally stepped into the ring to lose weight, but soon found her calling between the ropes. At age 25, she gave birth to a son, Matthias, who was born with hemophilia, a condition that prevents his blood from clotting properly, and makes every scratch a medical emergency.

“How can I keep him from being a kid?” Ibarra lamented. “He wants to skateboard. He wants to fight. When I told him he can’t skateboard, that he can get hurt, he reminded me that I get punched in the face for a living. How can I be his hero and then not allow him to do the things that I do?”

Matthias loves to skateboard, and in March 2020, he had a minor accident that landed him in the hospital for two weeks. It was during the time that Ibarra was fighting to qualify to represent Mexico in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The night before her qualifying bout in Veracruz, Mexico, Ibarra received a call to her hotel room from the police. There was a threat against her, and she needed to meet officers outside the hotel to ensure her safety. She did as she was asked, walking out the front door of the hotel and to a waiting SUV that signaled her with its lights.

Once inside, Ibarra quickly figured out that the people that had taken her were not, in fact, the police, but kidnappers, looking for ransom. They drove her to a hotel a few blocks away and took her phone to call her friends and family. Twenty hours later, and a ransom not secured, Ibarra asked for something to eat. Her captors ordered pizza, but the consummate athlete refused to eat it.

“I’m an athlete,” she told them. “I am fighting. I can’t eat pizza.”

The kidnappers who, until then, had been kind, all things considered, became angry, and began roughing her up, slapping her and throwing her against the wall. She stayed quiet from then on out, wondering if she’d survive the ordeal.

After looking at security camera footage, the real police tracked the SUV to a hotel just three blocks away from hers and rescued her.

Ready to get back to qualifying, Ibarra and her manager, Hector Fernandez de Cordova, implored the Mexican National Officials to allow her to fight, but they refused. Despite having been kidnapped and held for over 20 hours, she was deemed a “no call, no show,” and was disqualified.

After the ordeal, she returned to her son’s hospital bedside, and upon his release a week later, she implored Fernandez de Cordova to secure a fight as soon as possible.

“You don’t want to take a little time off after everything you’ve been through?” he asked her.

“No,” she answered. “I have a son and my parents to support. I need money. I need to get back in the ring. I need to break someone’s nose and get this anger out of my system.”

“She’s like Wonder Woman,” Fernandez de Cordova said of his charge. “She is so incredibly strong. She’s my hero and her son Matthias idolizes her.”

She and Fernandez de Cordova saw the light at the end of the tunnel when she defeated Maricela Cornejo in March. Both cried at the decision, not just because she had won, but because they knew the sacrifice and struggle had paid off.

This Friday, she carries the weight of her family, her team and her country into the ring as she seeks to secure the biggest fight of her career. The only thing standing in the way is Kandi Wyatt. Like all other obstacles, Ibarra plans to knock her down on her way to becoming a unified world champion.

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Sioux Falls, SD. – BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov will be broadcast LIVE tomorrow, Friday, August 20 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

The welterweight bout pitting number five ranked Logan Storley (11-1) against the debuting Dante Schiro (8-2) has been elevated to the co-main event slot following the cancellation of Adam Borics versus Jay-Jay Wilson.

BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Main Card:

Friday, August 20 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Heavyweight Bout: #3-Cheick Kongo (247) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (264.8)

Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (170.4) vs. Dante Schiro (170)

Heavyweight Bout: Marcelo Golm (252) vs. Billy Swanson (265.6)

140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: #6-Jornel Lugo (137.4) vs. Keith Lee (140)

Scratched: #3-Adam Borics (145.6) vs. #5-Jay-Jay Wilson (150.4)*

Preliminary Card:

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

6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (185.8) vs. Fabio Aguiar (184.6)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Hamel (155.4) vs. Bryce Logan (155.8)

Welterweight Bout: Archie Colgan (169) vs. Ben Simons (170.4)

Middleweight Bout: Duane Johnson (185.6)vs. Deven Fisher(184.4)

225-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Bailey Schoenfelder (224) vs. Kory Moegenburg (214.8)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

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

NEW YORK (August 19, 2021) – SHOWTIME, the longest-tenured network covering the sport of boxing, has assembled an all-star team of International Boxing Hall of Famers, versatile combat sports personalities and high-profile sports media commentators to present the blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV^® event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley on Sunday, August 29, (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the telecast with special guest commentators Logan Paul and newly crowned BELLATOR MMA featherweight world champion AJ McKee. Themost versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, and International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein will call the action at ringside. Leading mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani will serve as a special guest analyst at ringside and handle in-ring post-fight interviews. 

Barstool Sports President Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy and the host of its hit podcast Pardon My Take Dan “Big Cat” Katz will join the team as part of a unique and fully integrated sponsorship from Barstool Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of the event. In addition to the exclusive category sponsorship and the in-arena and telecast branding, Barstool Sportsbook will have a branded desk on the set in the arena and Barstool’s two most popular personalities Portnoy and Big Cat will host sports betting segments throughout the telecast.   

Multi-faceted TV personality and MMA reporter Phoenix Carnevale will serve as a roving reporter, providing behind-the-scenes access to the event and pre-fight interviews with the fighters and celebrities in attendance.

The in-ring announcer will be International Boxing Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. who will be backed up by Cleveland’s own nationally renowned electronic dance music artist E-V who will spin music in the arena. 

The pay-per-view telecast is executive produced and directed by David Dinkins Jr. and Bob Dunphy, respectively, the tandem behind all of SHOWTIME Boxing’s biggest events including the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and Mayweather vs. McGregor.

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Holden Productions. The pay-per-view is available for purchase now for $59.99 at SHOWTIME.com/PPV and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada.

Tickets for the event at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, are still available starting at $25 via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

The five-fight SHOWTIME PPV event will feature a complete undercard of world-class professional boxing including Puerto Rican star and WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico in the co-featured bout. Former junior welterweight world champion Ivan Baranchyk will step into the ring to face the unbeaten Cleveland-native Montana Love in a 10-round showdown. Rounding out the PPV telecast will be two U.K stars making their stateside debut as the hard-hitting heavyweight Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, will face Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano in a 10-round matchup, and Tommy “TNT” Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, will square off against combat sports veteran Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor in a six-round, 180-pound catchweight fight to open the pay-per-view telecast.

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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.

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2021) — Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs) is aware of future implications regarding his August 26th match against Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (15-6, 9 KOs) in the 8-roiund co-featured event on the next installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGH PASS®.

Presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Next Up Fight and the World Cup Boxing Series, the Aug. 26th event will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Humble Civic Center in Humble, Texas.

Texas rivals Eridson Garcia (13-0, 9 KOs) and Armando Frausto (9-1-1, 5 KOs) headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super featherweight title.

Harris’ most impressive victories to date have been a pair of 2017 8-round unanimous decisions over former California State welterweight and New England middleweight champion, Chris Chatman (14-7-1), and veteran Lanardo Tyner (32-10-2) for the vacant UBF All American middleweight title.

St. Louis’ Alexander is the brother of 3-time, 2-division World champion Devon Alexander. In 2017, “The Animal” stopped former IBF World Middleweight Champion Elvin Ayala in seven rounds and two years later, Alexander took an 8-round majority decision from previously undefeated prospect Money Powell (10-0, 7 KOs).

“I’ll probably come out boxing him, beat on him a little, and then see from there,” Harris predicted. “He may take me the distance, but I’m going to win easily. I’ll have 20 wins and that should position me at the next level, especially fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS. I’ve never fought on a televised (or streamed) show before.

“I’m a boxer-puncher with real good power and speed. I’m a big guy for my weight class and smart. I do a lot of different things and I definitely have a lot of heart.”

Undefeated Austin (TX) super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) will meet Antonius Grable (3-1, 3 KOs), of Sarasota (FL), in a 6-round match.

Opening the UFC FIGHT PASS stream is a 4-round middleweight bout between Houston prospect Eugene Hill, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) and Shane Hall (0-1), of Clovis, New Mexico.

Former WBA World light welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout will join veteran James “Smitty” Smith on the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS announcing team for this show.

Priced at $800.00 (VIP table of 6), $75.00 (reserved) and $50.00 (general admission), tickets are available to purchase online at https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/nextfightup-xiii—ufc-fightpass-humble-august-815051

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 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.

London, UK (19 August 2021) Coventry puncher River Wilson-Bent is hell bent on knocking out Sladjan Janjanin after the Bosnian hardman fired a salvo of posts on Instagram calling him a ‘little girl’.

Undefeated middleweight Bent takes on Janjanin at his fort at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Friday 10th September, headlined with Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against Bilel Jkitou, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.

Sparks are expected to fly when they collide as both men carry iron in their fists in the ring and also in their jobs. Hammer fisted River, who has KO’d five out of his nine opponents, works as a roofer, while heavy-handed Janjanin, with a frightening 23 KO’s from 29 wins, is a miner in his homeland.

Bent has impressed with dynamite KO performance in his last three fights that also sent shivers down the back of Stoke rival Nathan Heaney causing him to pull out of their recent English title purse bids.

The 27-year-old from Exhall who’s unbeaten in nine fights with five KO’s takes a big step up when he faces the experienced Janjanin, who has 37 fights under his belt in their ten-round International contest.

Janjanin, 30, extended four-time World Title challenger Martin Murray the eight-round distance when they fought in November 2019 in Liverpool and is threatening to knockout Bent on his UK return.

Wilson erupted after reading the messages on Instagram, he said, “I’m going to do a real good job nailing this guy flat to the canvas,”

“I’m pleased that he’s really confident and talking big ahead of the fight because he’ll be falling from a great height when I knock him out,”

“Janjanin is the type of opponent I wanted to fire me up and get me in the right frame of mind to do some damage. He’s a step up for me, he’s very experienced, he took Murray the distance when they fought and it will be a big statement if I can get him out of there quicker,”

“He’s coming over here to break my clean slate but there’s no way he’s going to do that in front of my loyal home fans who’ll be packing out the Coventry Skydome Arena to the rafters on the night,”

“He won’t have felt power like what’s in my fists when I land cleanly and precisely on his jaw, it will be just like hitting a nail perfectly square-on with a hammer with one shot, he’ll go.”

“I’ll be leaving Janjanin in the gutter at the end of the night. I can’t wait for it.”

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

Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters; 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 faces Italian Dario Morello in a 10-round international contest; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch and the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

THE OPENING NIGHT of Queensberry’s series of shows with the spotlight placed on top prospects will take place at the Copper Box Arena on Friday September 10, live on BT Sport. The show will also be available live and free on the BT Sport Boxing YouTube channel.

To mark the occasion, two unbeaten young featherweights will top the bill with the WBC International Silver title at stake and thrills and spills guaranteed.

The champion, Louie Lynn (9-0, 7 KOs) from South London will defend against Bradford’s Amin Jahanzeb (8-0, 2 KOs) over 10 rounds in a fight that will bring about a fascinating clash of styles.

‘Loco’ Lynn, 25, is a relentless volume puncher who goes for the jugular, whereas Jahanzeb, also 25, likes to employ slick skills and clever footwork to unpick his opponent.

Peacock Gym man Lynn won his WBC strap last time out in a big step up against the 12-1 Spaniard Sebastian Perez in March, also at the Copper Box. Jahanzeb last fought in September and recorded a points victory over six rounds against Jamie Quinn at York Hall.

Hackney’s Frank Arnold (7-0-1, 1 KO) will take a dangerous fight himself when he meets Tipton’s Lee Glover (11-5-0, 3 KO’s) in a 6 round Super-Featherweight contest.

Also on the bill, which falls the night before Sunny Edwards makes a first defence of his IBF world flyweight title against Jayson Mama, former Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma in his fourth professional fight.

The Chatham light heavyweight has enjoyed a successful introduction to the pro ranks and has executed knockout finishes to his last two fights.

The card also features the super welterweight cousins Josh and Levi Frankham, who will be taking part in their fourth and third fight respectively, while super bantamweight Adan Mohamed from Buckhurst Hill will have his third fight over four rounds. Middleweight Jonathan Kumuteo from Muswell Hill will make his second appearance as a professional.

Two highly-anticipated professional debuts complete the card, with Rotherham’s double National champion and former England international Junaid Bostan taking his first step as a pro. The 19-year-old boxes out of the Steel City Gym in Sheffield, where he works alongside Sunny Edwards under the stewardship of leading trainer Grant Smith.

Former Team GB ace Callum Thompson also makes his debut. Thompson, 22, won a Three Nations gold medal twice and five bronze medals for Team GB in six international competitions during his two years on the squad.

The Liverpool boxer, 22, who had 96 amateur bouts, is trained by Joe Gallagher in Bolton.

“I am delighted to be launching our new series of shows on September 10 ahead of world title action the following night,” said promoter Frank Warren. “It will give the fans a double helping of boxing to look forward to and, on the Friday, our young stars will have the show to themselves and a big chance to shine.

“I would like to again thank BT Sport for getting behind this project and supporting the sport at another level. This is an opportunity for people to identify talent at an early stage and get behind the ones who catch their eye.

“I am thrilled that we are kicking off with a cracking prospect v prospect battle between Louie Lynn and Amin Jahanzeb and I hope we get to see more of this type of match as we move forward. Viewers will have seen a bit of Louie previously, but this is his chance to headline the show and adapt to a different set of circumstances. For Amin it is a huge opportunity for him to show us what he’s got and stake his claim for a higher place in the pecking order.

“I am also looking forward to seeing the continued development of the other fighters on the bill and officially welcoming Junaid Bostan and Callum Thompson to the Queensberry fold.”

Tickets for LYNN vs JAHANZEB are available here

Floor Seating £110.00
Floor Seating £66.00
Tiered Seating £55.00
Wheelchair Accessible Companion Seat £55.00
Accessible Seating (bought in multiples of two) £27.50

LAS VEGAS (August 18, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before they meet in the highly anticipated FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Pacquiao, already a legend in the sport, can break his own record as the oldest fighter to ever win a welterweight championship, while Ugas looks to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career in his first world title defense.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what the fighters, along with their esteemed trainers, had to say Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I didn’t like that someone took my belt without challenging me in the ring. Both of us are champions, but we’ll see who has the belt after Saturday.

“I’m praying for a fast recovery from Errol Spence Jr. and that he can fight again soon. I of course felt bad when I first heard the news, but it’s a good thing that Ugas was ready to challenge me for the world title. I’m glad that we can settle that dispute about the WBA title. It’s always better to talk in the ring.

“It only took me two days to adjust to fighting Ugas. I have fought a lot of right handed fighters before. It would have been harder switching from preparing for a right hander to a southpaw. Most of my opponents have been right-handed, so there’s nothing to worry about.

“I feel young right now. I’m just happy with what I’m doing, because boxing is my passion. I enjoy training camp and I’m excited to sacrifice and be disciplined every day to prepare for a fight like this.

“For the Keith Thurman fight I would do about 25 rounds a day, and now for this fight I’m doing 30 or more rounds a day. The coaches have had to try to stop me because I want to keep going.

“If there’s a chance for a knockout, then I’ll go for it because that’s what I want to give to the fans. I’m not underestimating Ugas though. He has a lot of experience in boxing and fought in the Olympics. I know I have to be very good to win this fight.

“I never imagined what I would have accomplished in boxing from the beginning of my career leading up to now. I went from nothing to something in order to be an inspiration for people both inside and outside of the ring. This is going to be a good action fight and I’m going to do my best Saturday night because I love to make the fans happy.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“This has been a long road for me. Obviously it is short notice that I learned I was fighting Pacquiao, but I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to take advantage of it.

“We made the adjustments we had to in the last two weeks so that I’m ready for Pacquiao. We’ve done everything we had to and we’re 100% ready to go Saturday night.

“There are no excuses heading into this fight. I’ve been in this position taking a short-notice fight before, although obviously never against a fighter the caliber of Pacquiao. I have no concerns though, and I believe both of us are going to be prepared for this fight.

“I’m certain that he cannot knock me out. I’ve done all the preparation over these past six years to get in this position, I’ve hit my stride and I just don’t believe I can be stopped by Manny.

“I have prepared for 12 hard rounds. If this is Pacquiao’s final fight, then he’s going to be up against a guy who brought his best and who is a world-class fighter.

“I want to thank my whole team for this great opportunity. More than anything, I am a fighter who represents my country of Cuba. This fight is dedicated to all the people who are fighting for freedom in Cuba, I’m fighting for all of them.

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Trainer

“Manny Pacquiao has been the best fighter I’ve ever trained. To win titles in eight divisions and be in fights here at MGM so many times, has been a dream come true. I’ve trained over 40 world champions throughout my career, but no one competes with Manny Pacquiao.

“We’ve had a good training camp and Manny has worked really hard for this fight. Putting a sparring partner on the canvas was a motivation for all of us. We’re going to bring that into this fight.

“His work ethic today is as good as it was 20 years go. He’s been unbelievable in training and sparring for this fight. I don’t know if it was a bigger confidence boost for me or Manny, but I’m expecting this fight to end in a knockout the way he’s been looking.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugas’ Trainer

“The experience that Ugas has from the Olympics and over 500 amateur bouts is going to be the most important thing for him in this fight. We’ve been on a roll for these last 12 fights since Ugas has started working with me. We’re going to keep it going on Saturday.

“To fight Manny Pacquiao is an honor. To me, he’s a legend and a person who is an inspiration for millions of fighters. But when you look back at his recent fights, he hasn’t delivered a knockout in a long time. He’s dropped guys, but it’s been a while since he’s knocked someone out.

“Ugas fights for his pride and for his love of the sport. For a long time he has been struggling here in the United States. We are immigrants, and every immigrant has to adjust to the way of living. Despite all of the changes he has been through, he has had success. He needs to keep working for what he loves, which is boxing.

“Pacquiao comes from a lot of angles, but so does Ugas. Ugas has mastered fighting southpaws, so we’ll see who is going to be able to see their opponent’s punches coming.”

Feasterville, PA (August 18, 2021)-RDR Promotions has announced that due to unforeseen circumstances the August 28th fight card at The Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA has been cancelled.

RDR Promotions will be making a major fight announcement next week about the next show that will take place on Friday, September 17th in Philadelphia.

NEW YORK – August 18, 2021 – Puerto Rican star and unified WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano plans to take full advantage of her opportunity on the SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley when she faces super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado on Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

“It means a lot to women’s boxing for me to be in this position to perform on this stage,” said Serrano. “We deserve to be in the spotlight. I’ll perform like I always do and represent for women’s boxing the best way I know how. I’m very excited that they chose me for this event.”

In an event headlined by the renowned content creator and pro boxer Paul, who will be taking on his toughest test to date in the ring against the former UFC champion Woodley, Serrano knows that her style will help her gain fans on this big platform.

“Expect this to be a war, because I always bring the fireworks,” said Serrano. “I have a fan-friendly style and I’m going out there to finish my opponent. That’s what the fans want to see.

“Don’t blink during this one, because even though she’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, this could be a short fight. I give her a lot of credit for accepting this fight right away. I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!”

Already the most-decorated fighter in women’s boxing, having won world titles at every weight class from 115 to 140 pounds, the Brooklyn-based fighter currently has her sights set on becoming undisputed at featherweight, which means eventually luring the other 126-pound titlists into the ring with her.

“If Erica Cruz and Sarah Mahfood want to be considered the best, they have to face me,” said Serrano. “Each of them was offered the biggest purse of their career to face me on August 29, and they turned it down. I want to be undisputed in this division, but they refuse to take any chances. All I can do right now is train to be at my best and make another statement against Mercado.”

Throughout her training for this fight, Serrano has had the opportunity to train side-by-side with the event’s headliner in Paul. While she sees Paul doing what is necessary to reach his ultimate dreams, she too is intrigued by his matchup against the very tough Woodley on August 29.

“Jake is an up-and-coming fighter who’s taking all the right steps,” said Serrano. “He’s learning on the job and he’s shown that he’s a very hard worker. He’s got a positive team around him and I’m excited to see how he fights Tyron Woodley. Woodley is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing how that matchup plays out.”

Tickets starting at $45 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will be incorporated in a unique, fully integrated brand activation that is to be announced in more detail.

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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 Promotions, 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.

Italian star Daniele Scardina continues his hunt for a World Title fight when he takes on Juergen Doberstein for the WBO Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Title at the top of an action-packed night of boxing at the Allianz Cloud in Milan on Friday October 1, with all of the action shown live on DAZN.

Scardina (19-0, 15 KOs) produced a dominant performance to extend his unbeaten record at the expense of Cesar Nunez last time out in February, stopping the Spaniard in eight rounds to claim the vacant EBU European Union Super-Middleweight Title.

‘King Toretto’, who trains out of the 5th Street Gym in Miami, currently sits at No. 11 in the world with the IBF, No.13 with the WBO and No.15 with the WBA, and the 29-year-old can take a step closer to his dream of a World Title opportunity in the 168lbs division by defeating Doberstein (26-4-1, 7 KOs).

In the chief support bout, former EBU European Lightweight Champion Francesco Patera (23-3, 8 KOs) looks to extend his six-fight winning streak against Italian veteran Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (48-6-2, 22 KOs) as they battle for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title.

‘The Good Boy’ Nicholas Esponsito (14-0, 5 KOs) puts his Italian Welterweight Title on the line for the first time against Emanuele Cavallucci (12-4-1, 4 KOs), former Team GB standout Sandy Ryan (1-0) looks to build on her debut win at Fight Camp last month, undefeated Super-Welterweight talent Samuel Nmomah (15-0, 4 KOs) steps up against Ireland’s Craig ‘The Iron’ O’Brien (12-2, 1 KO), ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (10-0, 7 KOs) sees action for the second time this year and undefeated Super-Bantamweight Vincenzo La Femina (9-0, 4 KOs) looks to go 10-0.

“Italian boxing’s flag-bearer Daniele Scardina headlines an action-packed card in Milan as we continue to deliver on our long-term commitment with DAZN to grow boxing globally,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Scardina vs. Doberstein quickly follows on from our European Title double-header in Barcelona on September 11 and is another great addition to our busy upcoming schedule as we cement our position as the No.1 promotional company in world boxing.”

“We are very happy to finally have fans back at the Allianz Cloud in Milan,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “This is a stacked card featuring three title fights with Italy’s rising star Daniele Scardina topping the bill as he goes for the WBO Intercontinental Title against Juergen Doberstein. Francesco Patera against Devis Boschiero is a great fight for the WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title and Nicholas Esposito vs. Emanuele Cavallucci is a great battle for the Italian Welterweight crown. Samuel Nmomah steps-up against Irishman Craig O’Brien plus there’s action for prospects Vincenzo La Femina, Reshat Mati and Sandy Ryan. Don’t miss it live and on-demand on DAZN!”

Tickets will be available soon on ticketone.it

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT STAR Callum Johnson makes his return to the ring on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ first defence of his IBF world flyweight title at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday September 11, live on BT Sport.

Edwards goes in against mandatory challenger and also 16-0 Jayson Mama from the Philippines following his epic seizing of the title from former long-standing champion Moruti Mthalane back in April.

Johnson, 19-1 (14 KOs), made an emphatic return to the Queensberry ranks in April with an explosive destruction of Croatian tough man Emil Markic in the second round. Now the 35-year-old former world title challenger will look to remain on course for a second shot with a convincing performance against the Serbian Marko Nikolic, 27-1 (12 KOs).

Nikolic has previously held the WBC Mediterranean light heavyweight title and, in his last fight, suffered his only defeat in a challenge for the WBC International Silver title.

Also on the card, popular middleweight Denzel Bentley (14-1, 12 KOs) gets back into the fighting fold with a domestic dust-up against experienced campaigner Andrew Robinson (24-5-1, 7 KOs).

Bentley suffered his only reverse last time out when defending his British title against Felix Cash and will be seeking to quickly restore himself into title contention.

Some of the finest young talents in British boxing take their place on the Copper Box card with ferocious lightweight Mark Chamberlain (8-0, 5 KOs) back in action and looking to prove himself as the No.1 young lightweight on the Queensberry books.

In March, Chamberlain, 22, demolished the usually resolute Jordan Ellison inside 90 seconds with a sickening body shot and will now be aiming to continue his trail of destruction.

His stablemate in  Southampton, Ryan Garner (10-0, 6 KOs), is also no stranger to concussive finishes and ‘The Piranha’ will be taking the next step before closing in on the super featherweight title challenges his huge ability warrants.

Multi-titled former amateur star Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) will have his second fight as a Queensberry fighter after a successful introduction at the SSE Arena, Wembley in July at lightweight, with former senior ABA champion Masood Abdulah (1-0) also in action at super featherweight.

Super bantamweight Umar Khan (1-0), Super Featherweight Masood Abdulah (1-0, 1 KO), Cruiserweight Ellis Zorro (9-0, 4 KO’s) and the debut-making welterweight Khalid Ali complete the card.

LONDON, UK – A women’s featherweight fight will serve as the co-main event for BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 on Friday, October 1 when No. 5 ranked Leah McCourt (5-1) meets Jessica Borga (3-3) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

The bout will sit atop the card alongside a must-see rematch between No. 1 ranked Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (32-9) and No. 2 ranked Michael “Venom” Page (19-1) where the stylish striker from London will look to avenge the lone blemish on his record in front of his home crowd. 

BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 main card action will kick off at 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET, while the preliminary card begins at 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET. BELLATOR fans can watch the event live on SHOWTIME (US), BBC iPlayer (UK), as well as both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport (Ireland).

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com.

Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt returns to action following a stunning come-from-behind victory against Janay Harding during her last outing at BELLATOR 259 in May. Now sitting at No. 5 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Oct. 1 will go a long way in moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.

Making her third appearance for BELLATOR, Jessica Borga will be competing for the second time in 2021. Most recently, “The Black Widow” went 15 minutes with former title challenger Talita Nogueira, following up an impressive submission triumph over Amber Leibrock in her promotional debut. 

Additional bouts have been added to the fight card, which can be found below.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events

Fri. Aug. 20 // BELLATOR 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov //Sanford Pentagon // Sioux Falls, SD

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

BELLATOR  MMA 267 Lima vs. MVP 2 MainCard:

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

Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #1-Douglas Lima (32-9) vs. #2-Michael Page (19-1)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Leah McCourt (5-1) vs. Jessica Borga (3-3)

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

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

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

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. BST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (18-6) vs. Uros Jurisic (11-1)

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

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-2) vs. Elina Kallionidou (7-4)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)

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

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

Bantamweight Bout: Khurshed Kakhorov (7-0) vs. Mike Ekundayo (8-1)

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

August 17, 2021, Miami, Florida — This Friday, August 20, recently turned professional, Luis Rodriguez, (3-0, 3 KOs) from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, seeks a 4th straight knockout victory in Miami, Florida at the Doubletree Hilton.

At the young age of 24, this wouldn’t be the first time that Luis is doing things that already set him apart from the pack. As an amateur star in Puerto Rico, he amassed a record of 78 wins and was a five time Puerto Rico National Champion. Having set his eyes in the professional ranks, he decided to bypass the Tokyo Olympics to turn pro instead and made his professional debut on June 11, 2021. In that fight, against Alberto Delgado, Luis won by scoring a phenomenal knockout.

Luis and his team, renowned boxing attorney Tony Gonzalez, and his promoter, Rivalta Boxing, followed up his pro debut with another two bouts, on June 26 and July 3, each of them knockout victories. “The idea of fast tracking Luis’ career is not a novel concept,” said Gonzalez. “In fact, back in the day, professional fighters use to fight every week. Also, highly decorated amateur stars are used to fighting in every day in tournaments like the Pan Am games or the Olympics.”

So far, Luis is passing the test with flying colors and shows much promise in becoming boxing’s next superstar. As Rodriguez continues to humbly make a name for himself in the sport. Gonzalez added, “This Friday Luis will be seeking his 4th win by KO in two months and the team is very excited about the future. All indications are that he will be ready for whatever test is laid next. Expectations are high for he and his team, and more importantly for Puerto Rico.”

El Cajon, CA (August 17, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella announced today that top Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis “Semental” Garcia (11-0, 8 KOs), of Tacoma, WA, by way of Puerta de Mangos, Nayarit, Mexico, will take on Joel Shojgreen (10-2, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, in a scheduled eight-round battle for the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight Title. The event, headlined by world champion Kali Reis defending her crown, will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, starting at 8:00pm PT / 11:00pm ET.

Garcia vs. Shojgreen is one of the featured fights on Friday, August 20, on the Broadway Boxing event from the beautiful Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, CA. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, tickets, starting at $69, may be purchased HERE. The Sycuan Casino Resort is located at 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019, thirty minutes from Downtown San Diego. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00pm PT.

Elvis Garcia has dedicated himself to a long-term, impactful fitness and nutrition program, which will see him enter the ring on Friday night in the best condition of his professional boxing career that began four years ago. The WBC’s Bridgerweight division has a weight limit of 224 pounds. Known for his heavy hands, the charismatic Garcia last fought on June 26, earning an eighth-round stoppage win against Daniel Cota Peinado. Referred to as Anthony Joshua’s “secret weapon”, Garcia served as Joshua’s main sparring partner in preparation for his world heavyweight championship rematch against Andy Ruiz in December 2019. Fighting for the third time in 2021, the powerful Shojgreen returns to action following two first-round knockouts earlier this year in Mexico.

“One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned from my coach, Joel Diaz, is the need to pay close attention to the things outside the ring. I have focused on proper nutrition and a fitness plan that I adhere to every day, and not just when I have a fight scheduled, that I feel has made me a much better fighter and athlete,” said Garcia.

“I am very excited to be fighting Joel Shojgreen for the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight title, live on UFC Fight Pass. All of the work that my team and I have put in at the gym will show on Friday night and I feel confident that, at the end of the night, the belt will be mine. Being Mexican, the green belt holds a special significance to me and a victory will get me one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming a WBC world champion. I want to thank Lou DiBella and Mauricio Sulaiman for this tremendous opportunity.”

Headlining the broadcast, WBA 140lb. World Champion Kali “K.O. Mequinonoag” Reis (17-7-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, who is the first female Native American boxing world champion, makes the first defense of her world title against Los Angeles-based Australian veteran and former world champion Diana Prazak (14-3, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout. The division’s vacant IBO Title will also be at stake.

Fighting in a scheduled eight-round WBA 147lb. World Title Eliminator, dubbed the “Thrilla for CasKilla”, Alma “The Conqueror” Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs), of Monterrey, Mexico, faces Kandi “Krush” Wyatt (10-2, 3 KOs), of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for undisputed world champion Jessica McCaskill.

In a scheduled 10-round bout, Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (8-2), of Montreal, Canada, will face former world champion Victoria Bustos (21-6), for the vacant WBO 140lb. World Title. Camara’s world title opportunity follows her victory against former world champion Heather Hardy on May 14, 2021.

The off-TV undercard features plenty of local talent. Cruiserweight newcomers will battle in a four-round bout as Ben Alvarez (1-0, 1KO), of San Diego, CA, faces Jerell Nettles (0-1), of Denver, CO. In the super featherweight division, San Diego’s Austin Brooks (1-0, 1KO), takes on Jesus Torres Beltran (4-0, 3 KOs), of San Bernardino, CA. Over four rounds in the super lightweight division, pro debuting William King, of Perris, CA, challenges Oscar Mendoza (0-1), of San Rafael, CA. Welterweight pro debuters Jacob Macololooy, of San Diego, and Oscar Mendoza, of San Ardo, clash in a four-rounder. Junior welterweight Joel Diaz Jr. (25-2, 21 KOs), of Palmdale, CA, and San Diego pro debuting bantamweight Jennifer Chieng are also expected to compete.

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PHILADELPHIA (August 17, 2021)–King’s Promotions returns to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a jam-packed night of boxing on Friday night September 10th.

In the main event, welterweight Greg Outlaw will compete against Edgar Torres in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Outlaw of Bowie, Maryland, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Outlaw is a five year-professional. Outlaw has wins over Kashon Hutchinson (2-0) and Mack Allison IV (8-1-1). Outlaw is looking to get back in the win column after suffering his first defeat, which came on June 5th against Andrew Rodgers at the 2300 Arena.

Torres of Woodbridge, Virginia, has a record of 8-1-1 with four knockouts. The 38 year-old is a 14 year-professional. Torres is coming off his first loss, when he was stopped by Hutchinson on June 5th at the 2300 Arena.

The six-round co-feature will mark the much anticipated return of popular bantamweight Christian Carto.

Carto, 24 years-old of Philadelphia is 17-1 with 11 knockouts. Carto, who turned professional in 2016, won his first 17 bouts, which were highlighted by a win over Alonso Melendez (14-1). Carto suffered his only loss on February 8th, 2019 to Victor Ruiz at the 2300 Arena.

Carto’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Also in six-round bouts:

Elijah Morales (8-0, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ takes on Kevin Davilla (5-8-3, 1 KO) of Lakeland, Washington in a welterweight contest.

Kashon Hutchinson (8-5, 2 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight fight.

Kenny Robles (8-1, 3 KOs) of Staten Island, NY takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight scrap.

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Quadir Albright (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles debuting Humberto Camareno Jr. of Lakewood, Washington in a junior welterweight fight.

Julian Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight contest.

Bilal Quintyne (1-0, 1 KO) of Atlanta, GA fights an opponent to be named in a middleweight tussle.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling King’s Promotions at 610-587-5950