NEW YORK (July 26, 2021) – Split-T Management has signed heavyweight Devon Young to a managerial contract.

The 22 year-old Young is from Aiken, South Carolina, and compiled an impressive 42-12 mark as an amateur.

“I think this is great. Dave McWater is one of the top managers in boxing, This will put me in a great position to get to my dreams, and that is to become world champion,” said Young. “Split-T has many talented fighters, and I am grateful to join them. I expect to make my pro debut on September 4th in Columbia, South Carolina. I am a boxer-puncher that is more aggressive and I like to come forward. I am very athletic, I can’t wait to show the world my talents”

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

Young has the distinction as being the last fighter to defeated current United States Olympic Super Heavyweight Richard Torrez

Young’s athletic prowess extends beyond the ring as he was a star football player on both sides of the ball who earned a scholarship to Georgia Military College as a Running Back and Defensive End.

Devon is trained by his uncle Terry Cade, who himself was a former professional boxer.

Adrian Granados says he will “humble” Conor Benn when they collide for the WBA Continental Welterweight Title at the top of Fight Camp Week 1 in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘Tigre’, a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms, has gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts – and the 31-year-old believes he is on another level to the opponents Benn has faced.

Benn produced dominant performances in his last two outings against Sebastian Formella and Samuel Vargas – leading to many in the sport labelling him as one of the new stars of the thriving 147lbs division – and Granados says that he will need to stop the 24-year-old Essex native if he is to come away with a victory. 

“I want to beat Conor Benn and get closer towards a World Title shot of my own,” said Granados. “I’m not worried about whatever Conor Benn is saying. He’s saying he’s going to stop me. He’s saying he’s going to do this and do that. You know what? I don’t talk, I just show up, and that’s what I’m going to do. 

“Confidence is good. That’s what we all have. I’m a confident fighter. I’m confident in my abilities. I just don’t talk the way he does. Some of the things he said about me, it’s like, ‘alright boy you’re going to find out now’. Don’t be talking all that mess because you’re going to get humbled real quick. 

“I’m not anybody else you ever fought. He’s making it seem like he’s going to dismantle me, he’s going to destroy me. It’s like bro, you ain’t nobody. I didn’t even know who he was until recently. I’ve got respect for the Benn name. I respect him because he’s a Benn. It’s from his dad and what his dad has done. 

“I’m going to have to stop him because I’m fighting England’s new golden boy in England. I’ve got to stop him. I know everyone was impressed with his fight with Samuel Vargas but he just kind of jumped on Sammy and Sammy wasn’t expecting all that. It was a great win for him, but I’m not Samuel Vargas. 

“I kind of see myself as a loveable loser because I just can’t get a decision. I can’t get a win at the big stage. I give hell to whoever I fight. Have they looked at my losses and think I’m the right fight to take? My career could look so much different if the right decisions were made in my fights. I know that I’m going to show the heart that I’ve got and the balls that I’ve got.

“I’ve asked questions of much better fighters than Conor Benn and I’m not coming to the U.K. to make up the numbers. This is a big opportunity for me against a fighter I know they’re hyping to be the next big thing. They’ve made a mistake in picking me. This is a big moment for me and I’m taking it.” Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea, Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 26, 2021) — While the stock market continues to soar, the value on betting that eight-division champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will upset undefeated unified WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. is plummeting.  Three weeks into his U.S. training camp with world-famous Freddie Roach at the Hollywood, California-based Wild Card Boxing Club, insider information seems to have leaked out on Manny’s conditioning and training camp performance.  The numbers don’t lie.  Spence, 11 years younger and four inches taller than Manny, opened as a massive 4:1 favorite with BetMGM to retain his belts. Since last week, the money has been pouring in on amazin’ Manny, who is now only a 2:1 underdog.

And why not?  Before the pandemic put mega fights on the shelf, Manny lit up the welterweight division in his last three fights, which took place during a 12-month period, from July 15, 2018 to July 20, 2019.  He ran the table, knocking out WBA regular welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse, successfully defending that title with a unanimous decision blitzing of Adrien Broner, and scoring a first-round knockdown en route to an exciting split decision victory over then undefeated WBA welterweight “super” champion Keith Thurman to become, at age 40, the oldest man to win a welterweight title.  Now, tan, rested, and ready to rumble, Manny is looking to break that age record, along with Spence’s grip on those world championship belts.

“Two years out of the ring allowed my body to rest.  My energy stores are overflowing,” said Manny.  “I am so grateful to God that I can still fight at this level against the best and to still have these opportunities at age 42.  I am still amazed that I have won world titles in each decade, going back to the nineties.  My fight with Errol Spence is not just a battle between the two best welterweights but between two of the best fighters.  There is no “B side” in this fight.  I have just as much to prove in this fight as Errol does.  We are going to bring out the best in each other.  It is the type of fight that makes boxing so great.”

“Working with Manny never gets old.  In fact, it seems like Manny never gets old!  And hearing that all the money is coming in on Manny reminds me of the song, The Best Is Yet To Come, because that has been the common thread throughout Manny’s boxing career,” said Freddie.  “I am just so damn proud of Manny for picking Errol Spence for this fight.  It’s a real fight and what a great example to set.  You want respect?  You want to establish a legacy?  Look at what Manny and Spence will be doing on August 21.  It’s the type of fight that returns boxing to the front page.”   

Manny, (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade and three-time Fighter of the Year.  He faces his biggest professional boxing challenge when he goes mano a mano with Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), from DeSoto, Texas.  The Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View, Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions.  The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. RT / 6 p.m. PT.  Remaining tickets can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

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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.

MAIN EVENT – FEATHERWEIGHTS — (10)*

Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez (21-1, 21 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Brazil

vs.

Jonathan “El Fenix” Aguilar (20-10, 15 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

CO-FEATIURE – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)*

Jose “Checke Choryboy” Valenzuela (10-3, 4 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Brazil

vs.

Jose Luis “Cuare” Vazquez (12-2, 5 KOs), Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico

LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)*

Jorge “Jorgito” Lugo Cota (4-0, 3 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Brazil

vs.

Rodrigo Felix (4-4, 2 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS (6)*

Nazario Castro (6-2, 3 KOs), Guamuchil, Sonora, Mexico

vs.

Issac “Yaqui” Buttimea (9-7, 4 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

FEMALE JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS (4)

Yadira Bustillo (3-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

vs.

Dana Fraire (0-1-1), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Ezquiel Borrero (3-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

vs.

Miguel Angel Nides (0-0-1), Cuidad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

(card subject to change)

*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochia, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 2021

CO-PROMOTERS: RJJ Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, boxing starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow) and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

INFORMATION:

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

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

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

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

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

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 14 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #15 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (20-1, 12 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs).

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

London, United Kingdom (July 25, 2021)

In what was a spectacular 5 rounds, CARLOS TAKAM traveled to the UK, the home of opponent and undefeated heavyweight JOE JOYCE, as a 7-1 underdog and took the fight right to the man known as “The Juggernaut” for the WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships.

Takam immediately found a home for his overhand right, setting up the power punch with stiff jabs to the body. In the first two rounds, Takam was agile on his feet while throwing two and three punch combinations to the head and body of Joyce. A back and forth third round, saw Takam continue his assault with the same overhand right that seemed to land every time it was thrown, while Joyce finally began to establish his jab, and dug to the body. Takam’s right hand began causing swelling under Joyce’s eye.

The thrilling action continued in the fourth and fifth round, with Takam maintaining he lead.

In the sixth round, Joyce came out of his corner quickly and hurt Takam. Joyce rocked Takam and sensing an opportunity, put together sequence of punches as Takam parried, slipped and blocked in an attempt to avoid the onslaught. Although Takam seemed alert and able to defend himself, he didn’t return punches and referee Steve Gray stopped the fight. The stoppage was premature in the eyes of an outraged Takam, who immediately protested the stoppage. As the fight was waved off, the shocked and disappointed Takam was shouting ‘why, why, why’ to the referee. It was an exceptionally entertaining heavyweight fight that Carlos Takam and the fans that filled the SSE Arena wanted to see continue. At the time of the stoppage Takam was up on all three judges’ scorecards.

Carlos Takam had this to say on the premature stoppage, “Joe Joyce was punching at me yes, but I see that he was getting really tired, so I tried to keep my hands up, that was my strategy, to come back after he was tired and put him out. He stopped the fight and I ask [the ref] why? Why? I used my experience, I know what I am doing, but he stopped the fight.” Takam felt that Joyce was punching himself out in the sixth round barrage and was planning a counterattack.

CEO of Star Boxing JOE DEGUARDIA was disappointed in the outcome, “[Takam] was alert. You could see in his eyes he was aware of what was going on, and was defending himself. While certainly a factor, it’s not just about whether a fighter is throwing punches back. When you have an experienced veteran fighter like Carlos, who is clearly winning an important heavyweight fight, it’s important to get it right. The referee must also know who is in that ring, his acumen, experience, basically his ring generalship. These are things that must be taken into consideration in order to make the right call. Unfortunately for Carlo’s tonight, we believe the wrong decision was made and that he was alert and defending himself while waiting to launch his counter-attack at the right precise moment. We think a rematch is warranted.”

As for what’s next for Carlos Takam, that remains to be seen. He once again established that he can go toe to toe with the top heavyweights in the world.

CARLOS TAKAM REACTS TO FIGHT RESULTS:
Carlos Takam Reacts to Premature Stoppage Against Joe Joyce
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up
Joyce-Takam Press Conference
Joyce-Takam Weigh In

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 24, 2021) – Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) and brother Amado “El Malvado” Vargas (3-0, 2 KO), the sons of former two-time light middleweight world champion, Fernando Vargas, returned to action last night, Friday July 23, 2021, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. The card titled, “Campeonata Nacional “Mosca” Cuentas Pendientes”, was presented by GRAND MEX-ENT, in association with the WBC.

Middleweight Fernando Vargas Jr., won his bout against Abel Luna by way of a third-round technical knockout in impressive fashion

“I wanted to put on a show, and give those who were here live as well as those who paid for the PPV a great show,” said Vargas Jr. “This is just the beginning, I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I am very focused and want to achieve my life-long goal of becoming a world champion.”

Featherweight Amado Vargas won his bout against Fernando De La Cruz by way of a first-round KO.

“It is a good feeling to know that all the hard work I put into training camp paid off and that the result I wanted occurred,” said Amado Vargas, after his first-round knockout. “Fighting is the family business, and I am glad to have been on the same card as my brother, as I continue to grow as a fighter, I will take it one step at a time with short-term goals that lead to bigger goals.”

“We’re really excited about the future of both Vargas brothers,” said Jose De La Cruz, who is the co-manager of the Vargas brothers with Egis Klimas. “A lot is asked of them because of their last name, and the expectations that come with it, but each and every time they step up they deliver. The future looks bright for both of them.”

THE IBF WORLD flyweight champion Sunny Edwards will make a first defence of his title against the unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday September 11.

For ‘Showtime’ Sunny, 16-0, this mandatory challenge for his belt comes just over four months after his exquisite skills proved simply too much for the former long standing and decorated champion Muruti Mthalane at York Hall, where he became his promoter Frank Warren’s 149th world champion a matter of months after the Hall of Famer celebrated 40 years in the professional sport.

This time around, the 25-year-old Edwards will have the additional boost of crowd support inside the Copper Box on a show that falls squarely near the beginning of the traditional boxing ‘season’.

It should make for a spectacular start to the new campaign, with Edwards up against a 16-0 challenger, whose KO-record justifies his stage name of ‘Smasher’. The 24-year-old has stopped nine of his 16 opponents and hails from a nation with a rich pedigree in the lighter weight classes.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “This is a bit of a step into the unknown against an unbeaten fighter who will be as confident of victory as Sunny was against Mthalane. Jayson Mama was good enough to step aside to allow Sunny his shot at the South African great and now it is his turn to attempt to upset the odds.

“To my mind though, Sunny is the best flyweight on the planet and this is just the beginning of a glorious reign as champion. He wants to unify and win the Ring Magazine belt and we will look to do that, but he has this mandatory obligation to navigate through first and he cannot take anything for granted.

“After winning his title in an eerie atmosphere, it would be fitting if the public really come out in their numbers to support Sunny on his journey as world champion and I hope the Copper Box is full to the rafters in recognition of his achievements.”

Ticket information to follow next week.

PHILADELPHIA (July 24, 2021)–Weights for TONIGHT’s RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Mark Dawson 148 – Ivan Pandzic 146.2
Dhafir Smith 198.6 – Joe Jones 194.6
Paul Koon 251.4 – Michael Glasscox 221.4
Edgar Joe Cortes 122.8 – Roberto Pucheta 121.9
Rasheen Brown 129 – Prisco Marquez 127.9
Sean Hemphill 171 – Robert Burwell 173
Jibril Noble 132.2 – Deljerro Revello 131.2
David Stevens 174.8 – Montrel James 173.8

PROMOTER: RDR Promotions
STREAM: BXNGTV.COM
1ST BELL: 6 PM ET

NEW YORK (July 23, 2021) – TONIGHT!! Two undefeated members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action in the main event and co-main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation 20th anniversary card at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The SHOWTIME broadcast begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT.

In the main event, Split-T Management boxer Isaiah Steen will take on Kalvin Henderson in a super middleweight tussle of undefeated fighters that is scheduled for 10-rounds.

In the co-feature, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica battles Shinard Bunch in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Steen of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 15-0 with 12 knockouts. The 24 year-old is a five-year professional who has wins against Jamaal Williams (1-0), Carlos Ruiz (8-2), Gorjan Slaveski (5-0) and his last bout when he took out Juan De Angel in five rounds on November 6th in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Steen is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Henderson of Fayetville, Arkansas is 14-0-1 with 10 knockouts. The 31 year-old King’s Promotions fighter, is a five-year pro, who as defeated Cameron Burroughs (2-0), Bobby Taylor (4-0), Brandon Robinson (11-1), and his last bout when stopped Tevin Anderson in five rounds on June 5th in Springdale,h Arkansas.

Isaiah Steen Quotes

“I am very familiar with Kalvin Henderson. It’s a fight that’s been a long time coming. I know that he’s got a good straight right hand but I need to capitalize on his weaknesses and get him out of there. I just need to be busier and outwork him.

“I think my last fight was my best performance. Juan De Angel fought a lot of tough opponents and world champions like Austin Trout and Caleb Plant. I got him out of there and those guys couldn’t get him out. I threw a lot of good body shots. My body shots were there and I did a little more boxing. I showed off my boxing skills.

“I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This is a big step-up for me. It’s the biggest fight of my career so far. I’m ready for the spotlight.

“After this fight, I want people to know me for my own name. Everybody knows me as Charles Conwell’s brother. I want to make a name for myself.”

Steen was 168 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh-in. Henderson was 166.

Bocachica of Detroit is making his third ShoBox appearance, and has a record of 17-0 with 11 knockouts. The 22 year-old Bocachica is a five-year professional with wins over Pablo Sanchez (10-2) as well as his two previous ShoBox wins, which were a sensational 1st round knockout over Nicklaus Flaz (9-1). In his last ShoBox appearance, Bocachica took a 10-round majority decision over Mark Reyes Jr. (14-0) on February 17th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Bocachica is co-promoted by King’s Promotions and Salita Promotions/

Like Bocachica, Bunch is 22 years-old. The Trenton, New Jersey native has been boxing’s busiest fighter in 2021 as Friday marks the 6th time that Bunch will step through the ropes in the calendar year.

Bunch has a record of 15-1 with 13 knockouts, and has won 13 straight contests. In his last bout, Bunch stopped Diego Vicente Perez in the opening frame on May 8th in Philadelphia.

Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Quotes

“From my last fight, I learned not to be showboating so much. I was comfortable. But you can’t be showboating like that, that’s for sure. I can’t let that happen.

“To me, I felt like I won all 10 rounds in my fight against Mark Reyes. He caught me with clean punches but he never hurt me. He was a strong dude. He didn’t have a ton of power on his shots but he could pick me up, that’s for sure. I had fun the whole 10 rounds, I controlled the fight and it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing again.

“I had never heard of Shinard Bunch until my fight with Mark Reyes. I know that they are sparring partners and teammates. I don’t know why they came for me. They must have heard of me. It’s not a problem, though. I’ll shut down their gym.

“I think Mark Reyes is going to tell Shinard Bunch to run. To not stand there and bang with me. Shinard Bunch isn’t Mark Reyes. Mark Reyes was a shorter, compact fighter. Shinard Bunch is taller and I think he’s going to try to use the jab. But that jab isn’t going to stop me from doing anything.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison and that was great work. I’m getting work from taller guys and guys with a lot of experience. I don’t think this fight is going to be as easy as Shinard Bunch thinks. I saw he was quoted as saying he’s going to fight a smart fight against me. There is no smart fight against me. If he would have had a smart fight, he would have chose somebody else.”

At Thursday’s weigh-in, both Bocachica and Bunch tipped the scales at 146 1/2 lbs.

Photos by Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry are bringing a stacked card, including THREE British title fights, to the Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Anthony Cacace will defend against Lyon Woodstock, Akeem Ennis-Brown against Sam Maxwell and Ijaz Ahmed and Kaisy Khademi will contest the vacant British Super-Flyweight title.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“Ahmed v Khademi was a closely fought contest first time out, I can only imagine fans will be treated to much the same this time around.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

Chris Billam-Smith has predicted that he will “take out” Tommy McCarthy “in the mid to late rounds” when the Cruiserweight rivals collide for the European, British and Commonwealth Titles on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Gentleman’ used the power of social media to help secure a shot at the European and British Titles when he sent the following Tweet to McCarthy on May 12: “Stop trying to avoid me. I’d punch holes in you. Don’t bottle it”. Just more than a month later, the pair went face to face with their bout confirmed for July 31.

Billam-Smith was made to work as he dropped the Czech Republic’s Vasil Ducar twice during a hard-fought points victory that saw him claim the vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight Title and progress to 12-1 (10 KOs) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in March. 

The former Poole ABC man, who blasted out Nathan Thorley in two rounds last year at Fight Camp, believes he will eventually wear down McCarthy to deliver another stoppage triumph as he continues to build towards a World Title shot under the guidance of trainer Shane McGuigan.

“We were calling out Tommy McCarthy after my fight at Fight Camp last year,” said Billam-Smith. “I was getting interviewed after that and we were talking about it. It’s been a year in the making. Obviously with Tommy boxing on Matchroom shows and myself wanting bigger Titles and him picking up the European – it was a fight that made sense. I believe it’s a really fan-friendly fight and a great one for my career. I’ve been asking for it for a while and we’ve finally got it. 

“I’ve seen Tommy and I’ve watched him for a few years now. He’s a very decent fighter. He’s got quick hands and a very good boxing IQ. It’s an exciting challenge for me. Winning the European Title will be a massive achievement for me and it’s one that I’m really looking forward to, but also, it’s a step that you plan to make on the journey. 

“You can’t take too much from his last fight. He did exactly what he had to do. He boxed well, he hurt him to the body, but unfortunately there wasn’t much coming back so there’s not much you can really take from that win. There will be a lot of other fights of his from the past that you can watch that are better wins for him because the opponents brought out more of him. 

“I sent that one Tweet out which got a lot of traction, a lot more than I expected to be honest. I’m just glad he took the fight and it’s got him right up for the fight which is great to see. That’s what fans want to see. They want to see two domestic fighters going at it, and in the press conferences as well.

“It looks like I’ve riled him up a bit so he’s going to be fired up for this fight. He’s going to be training very hard. I expect a very good performance from him. The fight will definitely catch fire. Every fighter wants to win with a knockout and I think this is a really good opportunity for me to put all of my skillset to work. I can box, I can break him down and I believe that I will take him out in the mid to late rounds.”

McCarthy vs. Billam-Smith is part of a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs), WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) defends his Title against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

London, United Kingdom (July 23, 2021)

After yesterday’s tense press conference that saw a colorful exchange of victory declarations, questions of power and espionage, with only one nights sleep from Joyce-Takam fight night, it was time for the big boys to tilt the scales at the Brent Civic Centre in Wembley. Undefeated heavyweight, JOE JOYCE (12-11KO’s) came in at 268.14 lbs. and heavyweight title contender, CARLOS TAKAM weighed in at a shredded 248.8 lbs.

To no surprise, an intense stare down ensued as the two fighters faced off for the final time. No words were spoken, but their eyes said all that needed to be said – a war is upon us and only one man will have his hand raised with major stakes in the heavyweight division up for grabs.

Tomorrow’s Joyce-Takam fight card can be watched on BT Sport Boxing (7:15 PM GMT +1) and in the USA on FITE.TV (2:15PM ET)
Joyce-Takam is promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

CARLOS TAKAM REWIND:?
Carlos Takam vs Jerry Forrest (Highlights)
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up
Joyce-Takam Press Conference

FULL LINE UP

Harry Gigliotti, Haverhill, MA.
vs. Brandon Higgins, Chelmsford, MA.
8 Rounds, Merrimack Valley Welterweight Title

Danny Robles, Oxnard, CA.
vs. Juan Bryand, Laredo, TX.
4 Rounds Super Featherweights

Shayna Foppiano, Everett, MA.
vs. Vanessa Grimes, Abilene, TX.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Alejandro Paulino, New London, CT.
vs. Celiel Castillo, San Juan, PR.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Nick Molina, Lowell, MA.
vs. Mike Taylor, Cortland, NY.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

David Tubbs, Ventura, CA.
vs. Thomas Haney III, St. Louis, MO.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Stephen Langlais, Acushnet, MA.
vs. Rico Depaolis, Watertown, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Sean Bey, Providence, RI.
vs. Gary Cameron, Wilmington, VT.
4 Rounds, Cruiserweights

Alexis Flores, Ojai, CA.
vs. Carlos Galindo, Woburn, MA.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Mitch Louis Charles Boston, MA.
vs. Aguilando Brandao, Woburn, MA.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Bryce Davis, New Rochelle, NY.
vs. Fernando Perez, Haverhill, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

The Great American Boxing Bash presented by Boston Boxing Promotions takes place Friday, July 23rd, Friday, July 30th and Friday August 6th at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Tickets for July 23rd are completely sold out. Very limited tickets remain for July 30th and August 6th and are available at www.boxingnh.com. All three nights will be aired live on www.YouTube.com/BoxingBoston

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic, last August when they held an empty venue show in Windham, New Hampshire that was broadcast for free on YouTube and watched live by thousands of boxing fans worldwide. After 4 empty venue events for free and broadcast online at www.youtube.com/bostonboxing Boston Boxing Promotions returns with The Great American Boxing Bash, three consecutive Friday Nights of boxing July 23, July 30 and August 6. All three events will be broadcast live and for free on www.youtube.com/bostonboxing

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!

DAVID ADELEYE would be forgiven for doing a double take on his ring walk when he sees several thousand fans this weekend.

The Notting Hill banger was Britain’s most active boxer during lockdown, fighting FIVE times behind closed doors.

When Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs) boxes at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday (July 24) it will be the first time he has fought in front of a live crowd since his professional debut in December 2019.

Excited Adeleye, 24, said: “It’s going to be electric fighting in front of a few thousand fans. I am going to thrive off the atmosphere.

“I am not used to a crowd anyway. When I was an amateur I was always last on when people were going home, so the behind closed doors shows were like being back in the amateurs in that respect.

“Now, I have to get used to fighting in front of crowd and I am going to love every minute of it.

“I will go out there enjoy it, have fun. A lot of fighters don’t enjoy big nights. They look back on it when they retire and regret not enjoying these big Wembley nights.

“I heard I was the busiest boxer in Britain when there were no fans in. Credit to Frank Warren. He kept me active and I am grateful.

“I would love to be 10-0 by the end of the year. Then, we can start looking at some of these boys and start fighting for some titles.”

When he boxed before fans on his debut, Dmitrij Kalinovskij was blown away inside a round and Adeleye predict’s an explosive performance, live on BT Sport this weekend.

Kamil Sokolowski took him the distance in his last fight and Adeleye brushed off unfair criticism after his six round points win against a solid opponent.

Adeleye who is trained by Frank Greaves added: “I am looking at getting back to knockout ways. That is in my nature.

“My brother was at the last fight and he said afterwards that it was the worst he has seen me perform amateur or professional.

“There were some underlying problems, but that is no excuse. This week, I will show my skillset and go from there.

“A lot of things have gone better. We hit a few brick walls but we got through it. It was tough getting sparring partners as the country was locked, but we got the good work in and I’m raring to go.

“Heavyweights knock someone out and people moan, ‘You aren’t learning,’ or go the distance, and critics say, ‘You’re no good.’

“Heavyweights get ridiculed, but I do not let it get to me.”
 

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

£50 Tier
£70 Floor/Tier
£100 Floor
£150 Floor

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – July 22, 2021 – Exciting undefeated super middleweight prospects Kalvin Henderson and Isaiah Steen both made weight a day before their main event showdown headlining a special ShoBox: The New Generation 20-year anniversary telecast tomorrow night, Friday, July 23, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Neb.

Just as it has for the past 20 years, Friday’s tripleheader features prospects matched tough. Henderson (14-0-1,10 KOs) meets knockout artist Steen (15-0, 12 KOs) in the first 10-rounder for both fighters. The co-feature pits ShoBox veteran Janelson Bocachica (17-0, 11 KOs) of Detroit against 21-year-old Shinard Bunch (15-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. In a battle of unbeatens, Martino Jules (10-0-2, 2 KOs) faces Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight affair.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout
Kalvin Henderson – 166 pounds
Isaiah Steen – 168 pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Welterweight 10-Round Bout
Janelson Bocachica – 146 ½ pounds
Shinard Bunch – 146 ½ pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Featherweight Eight-Round Bout
Martino Jules – 125 ¼ pounds
Aram Avagyan – 129 pounds*
*Avagyan came in over the featherweight limit. The fight will proceed as scheduled.
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), John Klemiato (Neb.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Kalvin Henderson

“Boxing is a numbers game. To get to the bigger stage you have to look good on paper. It doesn’t make sense for me to be 13-0 and fight Canelo. So, we have to keep the numbers up. I’ll plan to fight two or three more times this year alone, to make up for 2020 and the pandemic year and being inactive.

“I’m not sure how he’ll fight me. When you look at film of him, he’s always walking forward and letting his hands go. But when I’ve seen him spar he likes to use his jab and use his feet. So we’re prepared for both. It’s all about adjustments and adapting.

“I don’t think he is my toughest opponent, but we’ll see Friday night. I feel like I have to win every fight, but this one especially. This is the third time Steen and I have been matched up, so third time’s a charm. We gotta make this happen.

“I graduated in 2012 with my music degree from the University of Arkansas. As a music major you have to learn every instrument, so I dabble in a lot of them, but my main instrument is percussions. I kind of put everything on hold in 2013 and put all my energy into boxing. But I used to do both. I used to teach part-time at the high school in Fayetteville. And I was also teaching at the gym. But I sat down with my coach and prayed about it and said I can’t be a part-time boxer. So I put everything I had into it. But can I still play drums? Most definitely.

“I think it comes down to whoever imposes the most force will win. He’s skilled, I’m skilled. I’m undefeated, he’s undefeated. When you fight someone who is undefeated you have to break their will because they think they should win too. I really think it will come down who wants it more.”

Isaiah Steen

“I am very familiar with Kalvin Henderson. It’s a fight that’s been a long time coming. I know that he’s got a good straight right hand but I need to capitalize on his weaknesses and get him out of there. I just need to be busier and outwork him.

“I think my last fight was my best performance. Juan De Angel fought a lot of tough opponents and world champions like Austin Trout and Caleb Plant. I got him out of there and those guys couldn’t get him out. I threw a lot of good body shots. My body shots were there and I did a little more boxing. I showed off my boxing skills.

“I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This is a big step-up for me. It’s the biggest fight of my career so far. I’m ready for the spotlight.

“After this fight, I want people to know me for my own name. Everybody knows me as Charles Conwell’s brother. I want to make a name for myself.”

Janelson Bocachica

“From my last fight, I learned not to be showboating so much. I was comfortable. But you can’t be showboating like that, that’s for sure. I can’t let that happen.

“To me, I felt like I won all 10 rounds in my fight against Mark Reyes. He caught me with clean punches but he never hurt me. He was a strong dude. He didn’t have a ton of power on his shots but he could pick me up, that’s for sure. I had fun the whole 10 rounds, I controlled the fight and it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing again.

“I had never heard of Shinard Bunch until my fight with Mark Reyes. I know that they are sparring partners and teammates. I don’t know why they came for me. They must have heard of me. It’s not a problem, though. I’ll shut down their gym.

“I think Mark Reyes is going to tell Shinard Bunch to run. To not stand there and bang with me. Shinard Bunch isn’t Mark Reyes. Mark Reyes was a shorter, compact fighter. Shinard Bunch is taller and I think he’s going to try to use the jab. But that jab isn’t going to stop me from doing anything.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison and that was great work. I’m getting work from taller guys and guys with a lot of experience. I don’t think this fight is going to be as easy as Shinard Bunch thinks. I saw he was quoted as saying he’s going to fight a smart fight against me. There is no smart fight against me. If he would have had a smart fight, he would have chose somebody else.”

Shinard Bunch

“This fight means everything to me. Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to fight on ShoBox or SHOWTIME. Showtime is my actual middle name, so it was always a dream and it was destiny. When I was born, my mom said he’s going to be a star one day and gave me the middle name Showtime.

“I would definitely say that I’m an aggressive boxer. But we take every fight differently. Every fight is different so we come in with a certain game plan for each fight. Sometimes you may see me more relaxed and sometimes you may see me aggressive.

“I was in the same training camp as Mark Reyes and that was my first time hearing about Bocachica. I’m not too familiar with him. I watched his fight against Reyes. I know he likes to get into fire fights, but I need to outwork him. I think my power is severe and it’s real.

“I feel confident going 10 rounds. We’ve been training for that. I’m confident in myself. And as far as the weight, my first six fights were all at 147 pounds. Then I went down and tried 140. The jump in weight isn’t too drastic. I feel more comfortable at 147 pounds but if we get a fight after this at 140, that’s not a problem either.

“I’ve been working with Chino Rivas for eight months. I feel like I benefitted all-around working with him. He put me around some great people, great mentors. He’s always there for me, he cares for me as a person outside of boxing. It’s not just about boxing with him. He’s in my life personally and as a father-figure, it’s definitely benefitting me and it makes me want to work harder. He took Jason Sosa and turned him into a world champion, he took Tevin Farmer and turned him into a world champion so I know he has the ability and the mindset to turn me in to a world champion. He always tells me if I follow his lead, he’ll take me to the promised land.”

Martino Jules

“I describe my style as being a boxer-puncher. As for my opponent, from what I’ve seen I’m a better boxer than he is. He has two more knockout wins than me, so pretty much he knows how to punch. He wants his opponents to stand in front of him and not moving around. Aram opens up a lot, and relies on his power punches.

“I was supposed to fight on ShoBox back in October, but my opponent got sick the day of the fight. It will be great to finally be back in the ring and know that all my hard work and sacrifice has paid off.

“I don’t really know what the future holds or what to expect next. I’m just looking forward to winning and whoever they want to bring to me next, I’ll be ready for them. I’m in the gym every day and training hard to get better. Just like any fighter, I’m ready for the next step. So whatever it is, I’ll be ready for it.”

Aram Avagyan

“I’m a slow starter so I plan to come out a little quicker. Maybe I’ll shadow box two rounds in the locker room before I go out there. After the third and fourth rounds I start to feel better. The longer the fight goes, the better I fight.

“I have observed my opponent and I know his strengths and weaknesses. I don’t want to leave anything to the judges’ decision so I’m looking for the knockout. The public loves an all-action fighter, and that’s what they will see on Friday night. I’m a warrior and I love action.

“Boxing is a mental sport and if you can control your emotions, you can control anything. You can win the fight before the fight. You can mentally break your opponent down.”

#

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
This year, the critically acclaimed prospect developmental series, ShoBox: The New Generation, celebrates its 20th anniversary on the air as it continues to match top young talent tough. Since its inception in July 2001, the ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 84 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2021)–Weights for Friday night’s RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Nahir Albright 133.6 – Jeremy Hill 135.2
(NABA Lightweight title)
Muhsin Cason 197.3 – Tristan James 194
Derrick Whitley Jr. 147.6 – Julian Smith 144.8
Ryan Umberger 155.1 – Ryan Schwartzberg 156.3
DuShane Crooks 167.7 – Bernard Thomas 168.8
Steve Galeano 143.1 – Marquis Hawthorne 138.8
Raekwon Butler 138.8 – Diemerci Nzau 144

PROMOTER: RDR Promotions
STREAM: BXNGTV.COM
1ST BELL: 6 PM ET

NEW YORK (July 22, 2021) – Friday night at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, top featherweight prospect David Navarro returns to action in a six-round bout against Jayron Santiago Lopez.

Navarro (2-1, 2 KOs) will be making his first appearance in the ring since his controversial loss to Diuhl Olguin on March 10th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. In that bout, Navarro was comfortably ahead before suffering a cut late in the 5th round by what appeared to be a non-punch. The fight was ultimately stopped by the ringside doctor with 20 seconds remaining in the final frame, with Navarro winning fourteen out of a possible fifteen rounds on the judges scorecards to that point.

The result of the bout was formally protested to the Mohegan Sun Commission, but the result stood.

Still just 21 years old, Navarro began training in the sport at the age of five and left behind his childhood long endeavor of becoming an Olympian to enter the professional ranks. During his time in the amateurs, David won 15 National titles and competed in over 170 amateur bouts. Navarro was one of only eight boxers in his weight division to compete for a spot on Team USA’s Olympic squad at the 2020 Olympic Trials. During the 10-day event, he made it all the way to the finals by upsetting top seed Duke Ragan and in January was named as an Olympic Alternate for the 2020 Olympics, now rescheduled to take place in 2021.

The Boyle Heights, Los Angeles native’s return to the ring will take place before the 20th anniversary ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME, with Navarro’s Split-T Management stablemates Isaiah Steen and Janelson Figueroa Bocachica featured on the televised portion of the show. (9 PM ET / 6 PT)

Navarro weighed in Thursday afternoon at 127.5 lbs while his opponent, Santiago Lopez of Bayamon, Puerto Rico (7-7, 5 KOs), weighed in at an even 129 lbs.

BOSTON (July 22, 2021) – Undefeated ABF American West super lightweight champion RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs) will headline “Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s,” presented by Vertex Promotions, in Massachusetts’ first professional boxing match event in 1 ½ years, at Mosley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The 23-year-old Bermudez, fighting out of Albany (NY), faces Bergman “The Snake” Aguillar (15-8-1, 5 KOs), the former WBA FEDALATIN Super Featherweight Champion, in the 8-round main event for the vacant NBA Continental junior welterweight title in what will be the first pro boxing show ever in the neighboring Boston town of Dedham.

“I’m excited to be headlining for the first time,” the former upstate New York amateur standout Bermudez said. “I’m going to put on a good fight for the fans and do my thing. My opponent is a southpaw and I’ve fought three southpaws. Straight right hands, go left not right, and stay away from his left is the plan. I want to get him out no later than five rounds. I’ll box, set him up, and hopefully get him out.”

Hector Bermudez, who Hector has trained several world champions including TJ Doheny and Javier Fortuna, is his nephew RayJay’s head trainer. He treats me like anybody else, no special treatment,” RayJay explained. He pushes me to the limit and doesn’t take it easy on me. That’s good for me.”

Undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (7-0, 5 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, who will take on Indiana’s Rakim Johnson (6-12-1, 5 KOs) in the 6-round, co-featured event.

Another undefeated prospect, Weymouth (MA) middleweight Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (6-0, 6 KOs), faces Isiah Hart (6-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-round Special Middleweight Attraction. Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire Silver Welterweight Champion.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, are Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Lucinei Santos, Weymouth (MA) welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (2-0, 2 KOs), vs. Austin Reed Ward (0-6), Boston lightweight Jonathan de Pina (4-1, 3 KOs) vs. Mike Fowler (7-37, 2 KOs), Boston welterweight James Murrin vs. Concord’s (NH) Maycon Oller in a battle of pro-debuting welterweights, Worcester’s (MA) pro debut junior lightweight Alex Rivera vs. Hawaiian Richard “Hit To Hard” Bernard (1-3-1), and Dorchester cruiserweight Bernard Joseph (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Francisco Neto (1-13-1, 1 KO), of Woburn (MA) by way of Brazil.

Bouts subject to change

Championship final matches of the New England Silver Gloves Tournament will precede the evening’s pro card, during the July 31st afternoon segment, between 2-5 p.m. ET ($20.00 admission fee at door).

Limited tickets for the evening’s pro card will be available at the door for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room).

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® delivers another action-packed night at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, set to be headlined by a clash of top 15 middleweight stand-up artists as No. 8 ranked Uriah Hall takes on No. 11 ranked Sean Strickland. In the co-main event, fan favorite Sam Alvey faces off with rising prospect Roman Kopylov.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HALL vs STRICKLAND will take place Saturday, July 31 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes beginning with the prelims at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT and followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

Elite striker Hall (17-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) aims to deliver another spectacular knockout in his third UFC main event. Currently on the best win streak of his UFC career, Hall recently secured stoppage victories over former UFC middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva. He now looks to keep his momentum going against Strickland while making a case to break into the Top 5. 

Strickland (15-4, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) intends to make a statement in his first UFC headlining effort. Known for his confident fighting style, Strickland is undefeated since returning to the Octagon after a two-year layoff, including victories over Jack Marshman, Brendan Allen and Krzysztof Jotko. He now has his sights set on snapping Hall’s win streak and cementing himself as a top contender in the division.

Alvey (33-15-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) returns to action looking to secure another classic stoppage victory in a pivotal UFC bout for the popular knockout artist. A member of The Ultimate Fighter season 16, he has been a part of the UFC roster since 2014 and owns wins over Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt and Eric Spicely. Alvey now seeks to keep Kopylov from earning his first UFC victory and show that he is still part of the elite.

Budding contender Kopylov (8-1, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia) enters his sophomore UFC bout aiming to show off the skills that garnered his status as one of the top Russian prospects. A multiple-time world champion in hand-to-hand combat, he joined the UFC with an undefeated record of 8-0 with all but one of those finishes coming by knockout. Kopylov is now gunning for the biggest win of his career and begin his journey towards the Top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Dana White’s Contender Series alums battle as strawweights Cheyanne Buys (5-2, fighting out of Irving, Texas) and Gloria de Paula (5-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) vie for their first UFC victories
• Kyung Ho Kang (17-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) seeks to extend his win streak when he faces off with grappling specialist Rani Yahya (27-10-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) at bantamweight
• Former women’s flyweight champion Nicco Montano (5-3, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) ends a two-year layoff to clash with Wu Yanan (11-4, fighting out of Xi’an, China) at bantamweight
• Welterweights Bryan Barberena (15-7, fighting out of Gastonia, N.C.) and Jason Witt (18-7, fighting out of Overland Park, Kan.) clash
• Niklas Stolze (12-4, fighting out of Magdeburg, Germany) intends to secure his first UFC victory when he takes on highly-touted Mounir Lazzez (10-2, fighting out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates) at welterweight
• Strawweights Jinh Yu Frey (10-6, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) and Ashley Yoder (8-7, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) lock horns in an entertaining matchup
• In a pivotal heavyweight contenders’ bout, No. 7 ranked Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-5, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) faces No. 10 Chris Daukaus (11-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
• The Ultimate Fighter veteran Chris Gruetzemacher (14-4, fighting out of New Bern, N.C.) meets Rafa Garcia (12-1, fighting out of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico) in a lightweight bout
• An exciting featherweight bout sees Danny Chavez (11-4, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) meet Kai Kamaka (8-4, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) who replaces Dooho Choi on short notice due to injury
• Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) looks to stay undefeated in the UFC when he takes on Trevin Jones (13-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Maite, Guam) at bantamweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signees Collin Anglin (8-1, fighting out of South Lyon, Mich.) and Melsik Baghdasaryan (5-1, fighting out of Glendale, Calif., by way of Yerevan, Armenia) aim to impress in their UFC debuts at featherweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series veterans Philip Rowe (9-3, fighting out of Ocoee, Fla.) and undefeated Orion Cosce (7-0, fighting out of Orangevale, Calif.) meet at welterweight
• Veteran flyweight Ryan Benoit (10-7, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) competes in his ninth UFC contest against Zarrukh Adashev (3-3, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan)

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

Conor Benn is aiming to take another step towards a World Title shot when he puts his WBA Continental Welterweight Title on the line against Adrian Granados at the top of the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ lived up to his name last time out in April when he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to wipe out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round and improve his unblemished record to 18-0 with twelve knockouts, sending out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals. 

The rapidly improving 24-year-old has promised more fireworks when he meets Mexico’s Granados – a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts.

“Last time out – big statement,” said Benn. “Would I have liked to get more rounds in? Of course, but I’m not going to complain about knocking him out in one round! I was straight off to have my Ruby Murray. I’m looking for world honours. I’m knocking on the door for World Titles. For me to be headlining the first Fight Camp show, live on DAZN, is a blessing. Entertainment is what you’ll get from me. Value for money. Expect fireworks every single time I fight. I don’t care who you are, nobody wants to watch a boring fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. 

“I’m interested to see how much further we can go. Do I believe I can win a World Title? 100%. There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is – it could be absolutely anything – I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do. 

“I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer’, the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one. 

“We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight. Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then mate – try me. He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it – more than ever. I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my World Title he’s got another thing coming that’s for sure.”

Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

CLEVELAND (July 22, 2021) – Tickets are now available for purchase for the highly-anticipated pro boxing showdown between renowned content creator, pro boxer and Cleveland-native Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley as the fierce rivals headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, August 29 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tickets for the live event can be purchased through RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. Prices start at $10 with VIP packages also available for purchase.

Today, Paul is sharing a series of content across his social media platforms with a potential reach of tens of millions worldwide in promotion of tickets going on sale, including this video from his YouTube page. He created this video* for media use: Click HERE.

*This video is available for media use in coverage of today’s announcement.

The 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. The undercard also will include a pair of rising prospects from Cleveland in separate bouts—top-10 ranked junior middleweight and former U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell and undefeated junior welterweight Montana Love. Additional bouts are to be announced.

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted in association with Tony 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 contribute to a unique, fully integrated partnership.

#  #  #

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.

London, United Kingdom (July 22, 2021)

A tense press conference came to a close at The Landmark in London in advance of the highly anticipated heavyweight bout on Saturday night (7/24) between undefeated and #1 World Rated (WBO) JOE JOYCE (12-0 11KO’s) and heavyweight title contender, CARLOS TAKAM (39-5-1 28KO’s).

Things got off to a smooth start, as Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA explained the importance of this fight for Carlos Takam, “Joe [Joyce] is in a great position. He’s about to fight for the championship of the world, but he’s got to get through Carlos first. A win for Carlos puts him in that position.”

It didn’t take long, however, for the jousting between Carlos Takam and Joe Joyce’s manager, SAM JONES to begin. When questioned about Jones’ previous comments in regard to having a mole in the Takam camp, Jones replied cheekily “It’s not moles, it’s just the morning report.” Takam, in response said, “Sam doesn’t know my game plan,” to which Jones replied, “I do [know your game plan], I’ve watched all of your spars.” Takam promptly snapped back, “Why you watch my sparring? Maybe you are scared of me or what?”

Joe Joyce was finally able to tune in and said, “training camp has gone really well… I have done all that I can in the training camp leading up. The camp has been good, I have had great sparring. I am in a good place, he’s in a good place, we are going to have a car crash Saturday night, we are both going to go at it, and I am going to win.”

In parting, Takam said, “To Joe, I want to say good luck, and to Sam, no, I have nothing to say to Sam…” Needless to say, there is no love lost. The tension and energy will look to spill over into the ring on Saturday night at the SSE Arena, with major heavyweight stakes on the line.

The Joyce-Takam fight card can be watched on BT Sport Boxing (7:15 PM GMT +1) and in the USA on FITE.TV (2:15PM ET).
WATCH: JOYCE-TAKAM PRESS CONFERENCE
Joe Joyce and Carlos Takam Face-Off for the First Time at the Final Presser
Joyce-Takam is promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

CARLOS TAKAM REWIND:?
Carlos Takam vs Jerry Forrest (Highlights)
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up

On the back of announcing a new series of prospect-centric shows to air on BT Sport and for free on the BT Sport Boxing YouTube page, Queensberry are unhappy to unveil another trio of new young signings hoping to impress and forge impressive pro careers. This follows yesterdays trio of new signings – Macauley Owen, Callum Thompson and Junaid Bostan.

Today’s signings can be confirmed as Khalid Ali, Frank Arnold and Arnold Obodai.

For more information on each, read on.

KHALID ALI

REPTON BOXING CLUB graduate Khalid Ali is set to turn professional having signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The welterweight, who is nearly 20, hails from the heart of Brick Lane in London and is trained in Bethnal Green by Roger Hunt – a nephew of former world champion Maurice Hope – and his own father, Wolid.

“The fans can expect someone strong and confident,” pointed out Khalid, by way of an introduction. “I want to be the best out of the young crop. Frank signs a lot of young people and amateur stars and I want to prove I am one of the best.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for myself and it is great for my community. Hamzah Sheeraz, his father and the whole team, helped me get this opportunity and I am so grateful. I cannot wait to showcase my skills.”

Khalid is following in his father’s footsteps, who was also a product of the Repton and steeped in the sport.

“I started off at Newham ABC when I was eight or nine and had my first four amateur fights from there. In my fourth fight I fought a multi-national champion and lost, due to being cocky! After that I had a bit of a gap year and trained in my dad’s gym, working with top pros to learn my trade.

“When I was 15 I went to Repton and had around 25 fights, losing something like five. I won the Londons, boxed for England and suffered a bad decision in the Haringey finals. I was on the same amateur team as Dennis McCann, Adan Mohamed, Henry Turner and all the other Repton boys.

“My father is a boxing man and has been in the game since he was 16. He used to be at Repton when he was younger and always said to the coaches that he would bring his son down eventually. My dad is one of the most important people in my boxing career and has taught me so much, everything really.”

Khalid states that his style of fighting is anything but basic, but insists he did not model himself on the obvious Asian inspirations. In fact, he might well be one of a kind in being a Bengali turning professional in boxing.

“Oh yeah, I am flashy! I also hit hard and look good as well. It just comes naturally, I watch fights but I don’t try to be like anyone. I think some fighters watch Prince Naseem too much and want to be like him instead of being themselves.

“As far as I am aware, I will be one of the first British Bengalis to be signed by Frank Warren. Hopefully I can inspire other kids because loads of Bengali kids are good and just don’t get the opportunity.

“Naseem was the first to inspire Asian kids, Amir Khan was the second and Hamzah will be the third. Hopefully I will help other Bengali kids to turn professional and be successful,” added Khalid, who will get to launch his professional journey in early 2021.

“I am always in the gym. I just need six weeks to turn up the oven and I will be ready to go.”

FRANK ARNOLD

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT Frank Arnold has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren to fight under the Queensberry banner.

The 22-year-old from Hackney holds a record of seven wins, with one draw, having made his professional debut in December 2017 at York Hall. Arnold is trained by Gareth Lawrence and managed by Tunde Ajayi.

“I am pretty happy, yeah, and it is my first big opportunity,” said Arnold, who trains in Lakeside, West Thurrock. “I am 100 per cent buzzing to get started.

“Back in the amateurs I only had 15 fights. I wouldn’t say I wasn’t dedicated, but I wasn’t all there. I boxed in the national finals and turned pro because my brother was doing it at the time.

“It has been slow and steady so far, but I didn’t have the right people with me at first to get me going, like the right promoter. This will be a springboard for me, I have been sparring with good people and now I want to get in there with them.”

Parental guidance pushed Arnold towards the gym while growing up and, in his case, it wasn’t love at first fight, although he indicates a preference for getting stuck in these days.

“My dad and mum forced me to go and I didn’t really like boxing. After a couple of years I did like it after only sticking with it because my brother was going.

“I can box on the back foot, but I am mainly aggressive. I think I punch hard, although my knockout count says otherwise. Hopefully I will get a fight in August and show people what I can do.”

ARNOLD OBODAI

TWO-time National amateur champion Arnold Obodai has signed a promotional contract with Queensberry.

The Londoner gave up a promising basketball career in the United States and could have been playing in the NBA, but for his boxing love affair.

“I played college basketball in North Carolina, but I was torn between that and boxing. I picked boxing because I don’t have to rely on team-mates,” said the athletic Cruiserweight who was awarded a collegiate scholarship.

“In boxing it’s down to the individual. You either crumble or rise to the occasion. I will never let myself down.

“I got a basketball scholarship and perhaps I could have gone on to play in the NBA where some of my mates are.

“One of my best mates Rayjon Tucker plays for Philadelphia 76ers and another friend Bam Adebayo is with the Miami Heat.

“You can make it as an individual in the NBA, but your team also carries you in a way. In boxing the pressure is on you.

“You can have an exceptional basketball game, but if your team-mates don’t play as good as you, then you can still lose and it takes away how well you played.”

Obodai took up boxing, aged 19, when he returned home from the USA in what he expected to be a brief visit.

Obodai who often spars with close friend Lawrence Okolie, the WBO World Cruiserweight champion explained: “There was an issue with some documents when I was in the United States.

“When I came back to England to sort out the issue too much time had lapsed to go back and do collegiate and basketball.

“I decided it was too late and put all my eggs in one basket and that is boxing.”

While boxing in the world famous Repton ABC vest, Obodai won a NABC title and the Class B 91kg+ crown at the National Development Championships in 2018.

Obodai who will trains under Will Jones hopes to make his debut next month after injury wrecked his Olympic dream.

He added: “My heart isn’t in the amateurs anymore so this is the right time to turn professional.

“I had a goal that I wanted to achieve and go to the Olympics, but I ruptured my Achilles in early 2019 and that didn’t allow me to do that.

“When I had the injury I looked at the time frame and my age so I decided to turn professional.

“I am still a baby in boxing terms, but if I waited until the 2024 Olympics I would be nearly 28.

“I am ambitious, don’t mind the pressure and I want the world. But, I am young. I don’t want to rush and I’ve only been boxing five years.

“As long as I do what I need to do and do things right we can start looking at belts in 18 months, but who knows what can happen or how soon.”

Los Angeles, CA (July 21, 2021) ‘The Golden Boy’, Boxing Legend Oscar De La Hoya of East Los Angeles, CA will face former UFC Superstar, Vitor ‘The Phenom’ Belfort of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday, September 11 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA and broadcast globally on FITE.TV, and through all leading Cable, Satellite and Telco Providers in the U.S. and Canada via iNDemand, it was announced today by Triller Fight Club. The event will be a professional boxing bout, not an exhibition, testing the fighting skills and will of these two greats in combat sports history, competing in the light heavyweight division in a scheduled eight-round bout.

“I’m very excited to announce my comeback against Vitor Belfort at STAPLES Center on Saturday, September 11 in a mega-event celebrating Mexican Independence Day,” said De La Hoya. “Triller Fight Club and My team have been working together to bring the most epic event boxing has seen in a long time. I decided if I was coming back it was for real, none of this exhibition stuff. Two warriors, one walks out the other doesn’t. Vitor Belfort is clearly a very tough MMA legend and while I’m sure he will give me a good run, a knockout is in my plan.” 

“This isn’t that WWE theatrics we’ve been seeing in boxing lately, this is the real deal, a real fight with real knockouts for a real win. This is not to be missed as I’m in better shape than I was 15 years ago.” 

“Oscar De La Hoya is a true superstar in the boxing world and one of the greatest and most popular fighters of our time,” said Belfort. “While we both have a great deal of respect for each other’s accomplishments, on September 11, I will make my MMA fans proud to show that MMA and ex-UFC fighters can take down even the best boxer in the world. I hope I don’t end up killing him but everything is on the table. This is a no holds barred, all out gladiator fight to the bitter end”. 

“It’s truly an honor to be able to announce this highly anticipated event featuring the return to the boxing ring of Oscar De La Hoya against MMA legend Vitor Belfort on Saturday, September 11,” said Triller Fight Club’s Ryan Kavanaugh. “The STAPLES Center, one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the world, is the perfect location for this fight and we’re excited to return there for another monumental night of boxing.”

The event will be produced by the acclaimed Nigel Lythgoe utilizing his unique vision and background. “In true Triller Fight Club style this will be a four-quadrant entertainment extravaganza where anything can and will happen. By continuing our relationship with Verzuz, we not only bring you the best in boxing but the best in music too.”

Returning to lead the broadcast commentary will be entertainment icon Snoop Dogg who will be joined by HBO legend Jim Lampley.  

“September 11, 2021 will truly be a special day at STAPLES Center as we are full circle welcoming back one of our favorite athletes, Oscar De La Hoya, in his return to the ring against Vitor Belfort,” said Lee Zeidman, President STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE. “We have always been very proud that Oscar’s fight against Shane Mosley was our first boxing event at the STAPLES Center and that his statue graces our Star Plaza.”

“Our Team is very excited to work again with Triller Fight Club who have some extraordinary ideas to make this a most memorable event for fans.”

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

Boxing’s biggest international star for over 15 years, De La Hoya was an 11-time world champion in six different weight classes while captivating fans all over the world and setting the standard by generating over $700 million dollars in pay-per-view income. 

De La Hoya’s first world championship fight with then rival Shane Mosley was the inaugural event held at STAPLES Center on June 17, 2000. Among the sold-out crowd of 20,744 in attendance were a wealth of celebrities from the sports and entertainment world. 

The blockbuster event made headlines. To commemorate De La Hoya’s unprecedented career, a life size statue was resurrected in acknowledgement of being one of Los Angeles’ homegrown, most influential sports figures.

Known throughout his career for fighting the best competition and ‘taking on all comers’, included among the victories during De La Hoya’s Hall of Fame career are world champions; Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, Ike Quartey, Fernando Vargas, Hector Camacho, Arturo Gatti, Yori Boy Campas, Ricardo Mayorga, Wilfredo Rivera and Felix Sturm. 

A national hero in his native Brazil, Belfort was taught at a very young age by jiu-jitsu master Carlson Gracie who nicknamed him ‘Vitor Belfort Gracie.’ With fast, powerful hands and a slick ground game, Belfort was selected to compete at one of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments at the young age of 18.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the tutelage of Gracie, Belfort would continue on to have a highly acclaimed and distinguished career in UFC , becoming one of their most popular international fighters.  He is a former UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion and also the winner of the UFC-12 Heavyweight Tournament Championship. 

A must-see attraction throughout his career for MMA fans, Belfort became known for his explosive striking power with two of his fights heading the list of all-time best-selling UFC Pay-Per-View events. Belfort’s illustrious UFC career includes numerous records and accolades including ‘Knockout of the Night’ (five times), ‘Most Knockouts in UFC History’ (12), ‘Most First Round Finishes in UFC History’ (13), and ‘Youngest UFC Tournament Winner’ (19 years, 313 days).

Among the notable names Belfort defeated in his illustrious career include; Dan Henderson, Randy Couture, Michael Bisping, Luke Rockhold and Wanderlei Silva. He has also battled many other top names; Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and Lyoto Machida.

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

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

About TrillerNet:

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

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

The PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada) plus processing fee. Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at www.FITE.tv  for international pricing.

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

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

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

In addition to being a co-owner, Snoop also provides strategic counsel to Triller Fight Club, helping to select fighters and musical acts for the show-stopping events. An entertainment expert who has successfully maneuvered through a range of projects in a variety of different fields, Snoop secured his spot as a fan favorite during Triller’s first sporting event, Tyson vs. Jones.

About FITE:

FITE is the premier global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 4.4MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow FITE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

About iNDemand:

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

Social Media

Triller Fight Club

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub

Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

Website www.Triller.co

Oscar De La Hoya

Instagram: @OscarDeLaHoya

Twitter: @OscarDeLaHoya

Facebook: @OscarDeLaHoya

Vitor Belfort

Instagram: @VitorBelfort

Twitter: @VitorBelfort

Facebook: @VitorThePhenom

Staples Center

Instagram: @staplescenterLA

Twitter: @STAPLESCenter

Facebook: @STAPLESCenter

Website: www.staplescenter.com

CARSON, CALIF. (July 21, 2021) – Two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero previewed their upcoming championship showdown during a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see Cuba’s two-time Olympic gold medalist Rigondeaux, who has earned pound-for-pound recognition at various points in his career, return to action against the Philippine’s Casimero, a three-division world champion looking for a career-best victory in his second 118-pound title defense.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“We are in the home stretch of training and everything has been going great. We’re fully focused on and excited about this fight coming up on August 14.

“It’s about patience before everything. That’s how I live. Whoever is standing across the ring from me on fight night, I will be ready for him regardless.

“I’ve always been at the world championship level and everyone knows that. At this point, I’m just waiting for August 14 to again show what I’m capable of and take care of business.

“I’m not worried about Casimero’s power or anything he brings. I’ve fought in three divisions and I’ve gone after the biggest challenges every time. I’m just not worried about what Casimero will do in the ring.

“It’s simple to me. Casimero is going to do his job and I’m going to do mine. We’ll both bring our ‘A-games’ and see who comes out on top on August 14.

“I’m not a big trash-talker. It’s not about what he’s going to say beforehand. I’ll see him in the ring on August 14 and he’ll get the real Rigondeaux just like he wants. Until then, I’m just focusing on my job.

“He says he’s going to retire me, so it’s on now. We’ll see if he’s able to back up that talk on August 14.

“He’s going to feel my power. Everyone is talking about his power and I feel like my power is being underestimated. I can’t wait to get in the ring on August 14 and show everyone what I’m capable of.

“I can guarantee that everyone is going to see the best of me on August 14. I perform best under the bright lights and that’s what I’m bringing to this fight.

“Casimero is a good opponent. Every opponent that I face believes that they can beat me, but the pressure is on them to back that up. I can only control what I bring and I know I’m going to be ready.

“I moved down to bantamweight because nobody wanted to fight me at 122-pounds. I’m the best fighter at that weight and everyone knows it. But no one wanted to fight me, so it just made sense to go down to bantamweight.”

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“I’m so ready for this fight on August 14. Training camp has gone so well and I’m just ready to rumble.

“Nonito Donaire didn’t want to fight me but that’s okay. Donaire is easy for me. Now, I have Rigondeaux and I know he’s very experienced. He’s a two-division world champion and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. This will be a great fight.

“Rigondeaux has a much different style from Donaire. I’m actually much more excited to fight Rigondeaux because Donaire is scared of me. I don’t think Rigondeaux is scared. If he’s not scared, he better fight me and not run.

“I want this to be a fight. The fans want this to be a fight. I hope Rigondeaux doesn’t run. If he does, this will be a boring fight. His old fights are no good. All he does is run, run, run. I want the Rigondeaux that doesn’t run, the one that boxes and fights.

“I believe that my work rate will overwhelm Rigondeaux. We put together a nice strategy with my trainer for Rigondeaux. We’ve watched a lot of tape on him. We just hope that the Rigondeaux that fought Nonito Donaire on a bicycle doesn’t show up. We want to see the one we’ve seen recently that comes to fight. I want to excite the people at the Dignity Health Sports Park. It’s a very special place to me because that’s where I won the WBO title. It will be another great fight if Rigondeaux comes to fight.

“When I beat Rigondeaux on August 14, he’s going to retire. He’s finished. Finito!

“We don’t underestimate anybody. I know that he’s a great fighter, a two-division champion and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. I want to do my best. I prepare very well for every fight. I just hope Rigondeaux leaves his bicycle at home and brings his boxing shoes and comes to fight. I know he’s preparing for this fight with hard work too.

“The change in opponent doesn’t bother me at all. It went back-and-forth between Rigondeaux and Donaire. I don’t care who they put in the ring in front of me. I’m ready and prepared for Rigondeaux.

“Rigondeaux thinks that Donaire is a better fighter than me, so I’m going to change his opinion on August 14.

“I need to win this fight so that I can keep moving along and get the next two big fights against Donaire and Naoya Inoue. But maybe those two are scared of me and don’t want to fight me.

“Manny Pacquiao is my idol. He’s a big inspiration. Being together and being able to train and run alongside him and watch what he does is inspiring. Everything about him is amazing. His power, what he does inside the ring and what he does outside of boxing as a Senator and what he does to help people are all inspiring and impressive.

“I’m very excited to be fighting back at the place where I won my world title. I have great memories there. There’s nothing better than going back to where you won your title. I think Rigondeaux has realized at this age he needs to engage a little more. I think this building brings out great fights. There’s something about the venue, so I think that Rigondeaux will stand and fight me and give the fans at the ‘War Grounds’ what they want to see.”

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ABOUT RIGONDEAUX VS. CASIMERO
Rigondeaux vs. Casimero will see two-division world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux face bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero for his WBO belt on Saturday, August 14 live on SHOWTIME headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also see rising unbeaten contender Antonio Russell battle former world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez as they vie for the WBA Interim Bantamweight Title in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Rau’shee Warren duels Damien Vázquez in a 10-round bantamweight bout.

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

NEWARK, N.J. (July 21, 2021) – Unbeaten rising heavyweight Michael Coffie will look to continue his ascent up the heavyweight rankings when he takes on former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington on Saturday, July 31 in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

“I’m looking to make a big statement,” said Coffie. “I want people to look at this fight and see my calmness. I want it to look like I’m the veteran and he’s the prospect. If he has belief in himself in the beginning of the fight, he’s going to start fast. It’s my job to take that away from him. “

In his last fight, Coffie scored an explosive knockout over previously unbeaten Darmani Rock live on FOX. The triumph was Coffie’s best win to date as a pro, a feat he will look to repeat as he steps up again against Washington.

“I showed in the Rock fight that regardless of the amount of years of experience that someone has over me, you can’t count me out,” said Coffie. “I definitely displayed poise and calmness and I’ve shown that I can put you down with any shot.”

Coffie has continued to train under the guidance of his head coach Josue Aguilar, as the two have put in the work in Orlando, Florida to continue to show improvement fight after fight. For this fight, Coffie has used some new techniques, combined with lessons learned from days sparring Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki, to hopefully put on his best performance to date.

“We’ve been working on strategy and how we’re going to expose Washington’s tendencies,” said Coffie. “We’ve been adding pool training and focusing a lot on breathing and explosiveness. I’ve been sparring with young, fast guys to work on my reflexes. I’m combining that with what I learned from Wilder and Kownacki, who really helped me with my range and distance, plus showing me the importance of conditioning.”

The 35-year-old Coffie got a late start into the sport after serving in the U.S. Marines prior to a successful amateur career that saw him put on standout performances at the New York Golden Gloves and Metro Championships. Coffie believes that his unorthodox entry into the sport will actually be a benefit as his pro career continues to burgeon.

“The biggest obstacle I’ve faced as a pro has been that people keep talking about my age,” said Coffie. “That has nothing to do with your boxing ability. If you keep yourself in shape, age is not a big thing. I’ve taken less damage at this point than other people my age who’ve gotten to this point. I also have a strong mentality and I know when it’s time to lock in for a fight. Life experience in general has shown me what I can become.”

As he enters this latest challenge, Coffie will look to take advantage of the opportunity headlining on FOX and deliver the fans a great fight in the style of some of the sport’s all-time greats.

“It’s still surreal to be in this position,” said Coffie. “When I decided to start boxing, I did not know that this would be happening so fast. I’m going to show the fans a piston jab. I want to give the feel of Sonny Liston, Larry Holmes and George Foreman. This is a combat sport, so expect blood and big shots on July 31.”

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

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ABOUT COFFIE VS. WASHINGTON
Coffie vs. Washington will see rising unbeaten heavyweight Michael Coffie facing former world title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 31 from Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The FOX broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see welterweight prospect and New Jersey-native Vito Mielnicki Jr. will battle James Martin in an eight-round rematch in the co-main event and unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer taking on Dan Karpency in an eight-round battle.

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

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 21, 2021) – Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) and brother Amado “El Malvado” Vargas (2-0, 1 KO), the sons of former two-time light middleweight world champion, Fernando Vargas, will be action this Friday July 23, 2021, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. The show titled, “Campeonata Nacional “Mosca” Cuentas Pendientes”, a $12.99 PPV event, is presented by GRAND MEX-ENT, in association with the WBC.

Fernando Vargas Jr., age 24, stands 5? 11? and fights out of the southpaw stance. Campaigning at middleweight, Vargas Jr. aspires of becoming a world champion one day. He knows he has a long road ahead but has tremendous confidence in himself.

“I grew up in boxing having been around the numerous gyms my dad took me to as a kid,” said Vargas Jr., who will be facing Able Luna of Mexico. “I didn’t have an extensive amateur career, but I’ve been sparring top pros since I was a teenager. I believe in myself, and I know I have the drive to make it in boxing. I’m going to do everything possible to make my dreams of become a world champion come true. I’m grateful to my dad for always being in my corner and I can’t wait to fight this Friday in Mexico, where the fans are the greatest.”

Amado Vargas, age 21, stands 5? 8?, and fights out of the orthodox stance in the featherweight division. Known for his great footwork, Amado also has dreams and aspirations of become a world champion.

“I made my pro debut earlier this year and I was able to get the knockout, which was an incredible feeling,” stated Amado Vargas, who spares off against Fernando De La Cruz. “There is nothing like growing up in a boxing family with a dad who accomplished some tremendous feats in this sport, like becoming a world champion at age 21. I just want to follow in my dad’s footsteps but make my own path. This Friday I’ll be fighting alongside my brother for the first time as a pro, and it’s going to be fun. Fighting in Mexico is always fun because the fans are so passionate.”

Fernando Vargas Jr. and Amado are both co-managed by famed adviser Egis Klimas, who was voted 2016 Manager of the Year from the Boxing Writers Association of America, for guiding Vasyl Lomachenko and Sergey Kovalev to the pinnacle of the boxing world, and Jose De La Cruz, who is best known for making Jorge Linares a multiple world champion.

SHOULD HE BE emphatic, as he intends to be, in repelling the challenge of James Beech jr on July 24, Chris Bourke plans to go against his more reserved nature and call out the British super bantamweight champion, Brad Foster.

Bourke defends his WBC International Silver title against the 12-1 Beech at the SSE Arena, Wembley in support of Joe Joyce taking on the formidable Carlos Takam for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles.

Even though Bourke, 26, acts and fights like a seasoned campaigner, his Wembley date will actually only take him to the early milestone of reaching double figures as a professional.

“I know… I’ve not even been a pro for three years yet,” Bourke acknowledged. “I’m nearly 10-0 and I’ve won the Southern Area, beat the English champion and now I’ve got the WBC belt, which gets me up in the rankings.”

The Streatham Sniper first jumped on the title trail with a points victory over the then also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood during last summer’s lockdown series of shows before going in with the English champ Michael Ramabeletsa with the WBC strap at stake in December.

Ramabeletsa came with a reputation for knocking prospects off their pedestal, but had the tables turned on him when Bourke caught him flush in the second round and didn’t let him off the hook.

Another tough challenge now looms with Beech jr making a challenge for his WBC title. The Midlander’s only loss came in a close-run thing against Foster in the first UK boxing show after last year’s first set of restrictions at the BT Sport studio.

Bourke reckons all the ingredients are there to cook up a crowd-pleasing spectacle.

“As long as I get the win, that’s what matters, but I reckon it will be a good one because he brings it and I don’t think he is ever in a dull fight. He comes forward, throws a lot of shots – and is there to be hit!

“He is 100 per cent a proper fighter and he gave Brad Foster a hard fight, I thought.

“He will try and bring it to me, so it will be down to me to show my skill and class and do what I need to do to get the win,” continued Bourke, who insists winning is all that matters by whatever method.

“I’m gonna get the win and, if I get him hurt, I will get him out of there. He is a good fighter who can do everything well, so I have just got to focus on the win.”

The product of the Peacock Gym knows this is a big opportunity for him to shine on a big stage and believes he needs to post a statement with his performance that demands a return ticket to the marquee cards.

“Exactly, you want to stand out, be the fight of the night and the one people are talking about afterwards. I feel like, for my weight, I hit hard and I just want to keep that going really.

“I want people to want to watch me so I want to be in exciting fights to get people interested.

“I’m not really a big talker, but when I am in the ring, that is where my fighting needs to do the talking for me.”

But despite being more thoughtful than voluble, Bourke understands his voice needs to be heard if an enticing domestic clash between himself and the also multi-titled Foster is to be delivered by public demand.

Foster is soon to challenge Jason Cunningham for the European title to add to the British and Commonwealth belts already in his possession.

“Yeah, it will only make sense, won’t it. Now he is fighting for the European there could be even more at stake for me. I think he will beat Cunningham, although I was surprised he beat (Gamal) Yafai.

“Once I get the win, depending on how I do, I will be a bit more vocal this time. I need to get people talking a bit more now.”

And on the main event, Bourke cannot see past his former GB teammate Joyce having his arm raised in triumph, but reckons it might not be straightforward for him.

“I am looking forward to that because Takam brings it. I think that Joyce has just got too good a chin for someone like Takam, but I think he will be dangerous for three or four rounds before Joyce gets to him. Like he does with everyone else.

“He will walk him down and get him out of there at some point. It is a good fight and a lot of people are looking forward to it.”

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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NEW YORK (July 21 2021) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of its biggest athlete in 6’9″ Iowa-native Antonio Mireles.

Mireles, 24 years-old of Des Moines, Iowa is affectionately known as “The Lincoln Giant” because of his tremendous stature and status as a graduate of Lincoln High School in Des Moines.

“I am very excited to sign with Split-T Management. They had their eye on me as an amateur. They saw me in a few tournaments and they were impressed. The goal was the Olympics and now I am ready to turn professional,” said Mireles.

“I am a boxer, I like to keep my opponents at bay and use my range. I am out in Oxnard training with Robert Garcia and hopefully will make my debut in September.”

“I am as excited about signing Antonio as anyone I’ve ever signed,” said David McWater of Split-T Management. “I think he has the ability to be heavyweight champion of the world some day and the opportunity to be a tremendous star.”

Mireles, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

Mireles has already impressed new coach Robert Garcia in his transition to the pro ranks, with Garcia noting his new fighters dedication, boxing skills, and “great power” as reasons for a successful future together.