Vergil Ortiz Jr. To Defend WBO International Welterweight Title against Egidijus Kavaliauskas ?Saturday, Aug. 14 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and Streamed Live on DAZN

FRISCO, TEXAS (July 13, 2021): Welterweight knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr. (17-0, 17 KOs) will return against Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas (22-1-1, 18 KOs) in a 12-round defense of his WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will take place on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

“Vergil Ortiz Jr. is developing the most impressive resume for any boxer his age,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Though the welterweight division is perhaps the most competitive weight class in the sport, Ortiz Jr. has been able to maintain a knockout ratio of 100% in his big tests against Antonio Orozco, Brad Solomon and Maurice Hooker. On August 14, Ortiz Jr. will look better than ever and remind everyone why he is the biggest threat at 147 pounds.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every single challenge put in front of him. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has scored stoppage wins against the likes of Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker. The 23-year-old contender is anxious to fight for a world title and knows that “Mean Machine” stands in his way.

“I always said I’m here to take on the toughest challenges to prove myself,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Egis is a very game, strong opponent, and a win over him would leave no doubts that I’m ready for a world title fight immediately. It won’t be easy, but that’s the point. The fans are going to enjoy this one.”

Kavaliauskas is a Lithuanian contender who has defeated the likes of David Avanesyan and Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu. He has also faced tough tests against “The New” Ray Robinson and Terence “Bud” Crawford, the latter of whom handed the “Mean Machine” his sole defeat. The 32-year-old will return after stopping Mikael Zweski in September 2020.

“Fans been asking for this fight, and we’re going to give it to them,” said Egidijus Kavaliauskas. “So, mark your calendar and have your popcorn ready. A war is coming.”

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Ortiz Jr. vs. Kavaliauskas is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr vs. Kavaliauskas will go on sale Friday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m, CDT and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.seatgeek.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #OrtizKavaliauskas

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: https://bit.ly/OrtizKavaliauskas into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve Cowboys Way, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.




BELLATOR MMA 262 LINEUP FINALIZED AFTER INJURY CAUSES MAIN CARD SHAKEUP

LOS ANGELES – A main card contest scheduled for this Friday’s BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz event between Linton Vassell (20-8, 1 NC) and Marcelo Golm (8-3) has been cancelled due to injury. As a result, a bantamweight fight between Team Pitbull Brothers-product Matheus Mattos (12-2-1) and Cee Jay Hamilton (15-8) has been promoted to the main card.

The event will air LIVE on SHOWTIME this Friday, July 16 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the Mohegan Sun Arena and is headlined by a thrilling BELLATOR Flyweight World Championship matchup, as undefeated Juliana Velasquez (11-0) defends her prestigious MMA belt against No. 3 ranked Denise “Miss Dynamite” Kielholtz (6-2). Kielholtz, who currently holds BELLATOR Kickboxing’s Flyweight World Title will have the opportunity to make history with a victory by becoming the first fighter to hold both BELLATOR MMA and BELLATOR Kickboxing world championships simultaneously.

Additionally, a lightweight preliminary matchup between Longo and Weidman product Charlie Campbell (3-1) and Connecticut’s Nick Giulietti (2-1) has been added to the card as well.

All prelims will stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV. Full bout listings are below:

A limited number of tickets starting at $60 remain and can be purchased at Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

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BELLATOR MMA 262: Velasquez vs. Kielholtz Main Card:

Friday, July 16 – Live onSHOWTIME

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

Flyweight World Title Main Event: C-Juliana Velasquez (11-0) vs. #3-Denise Kielholtz (6-2)

Heavyweight Bout: #5–Tyrell Fortune (10-1, 1 NC) vs. #7-Matt Mitrione (13-8, 1 NC)

Bantamweight Bout: Matheus Mattos (12-2-1) vs. Cee Jay Hamilton (15-8)

Featherweight Bout: #2–Arlene Blencowe (13-8) vs. Dayana Silva (9-6)

Middleweight Bout: #5-Johnny Eblen (8-0) vs. Travis Davis (10-4)

Preliminary Card: 

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

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

Heavyweight Bout: Ronny Markes (19-8) vs. Said Sowma (6-2)

Featherweight Bout: Cody Law (3-0) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-0)

Welterweight Bout: Roman Faraldo (5-0) vs. John Ramirez (5-5)

Flyweight Bout: Diana Avsaragova (3-0) vs. Gabriella Gulfin (2-2)

Featherweight Bout: Johnny Soto (4-1) vs. Adil Benjilany (5-3, 1 NC)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Campbell (3-1) vs. Nicholas Giulietti (2-1)

*Card subject to change.

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, visit BELLATOR.com. 

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

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 




TAKAM FIRES WARNING SHOTS AT JOE JOYCE

THE HUGELY POPULAR heavyweight Carlos Takam has sounded a warning to Joe Joyce ahead of their collision at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

The Las Vegas-based Frenchman, 39-5-1, landed on Friday ahead of his fourth assignment on British soil against the unbeaten 12-0, 2016 Olympic silver medallist who is on the cusp of being put forward as mandatory challenger by the WBO for the world title held by Anthony Joshua – and soon likely to be defended against Oleksandr Usyk.

The upbeat Joyce, 35, known as the Juggernaut, has promised to ‘run over’ the two-time world title challenger in the sequel to his memorable derailing of Daniel Dubois at the end of November. Takam responded by questioning if Joyce possesses the experience to be making such bold predictions.

Takam was greeted at Heathrow Airport by interviewer Dev Sahni, who got the experienced Takam’s thoughts about his upcoming bout.

“He said he is going to run me over?” said the 40-year-old with a hearty chuckle. “I say good luck and I will see you on 24th July! I don’t think he is experienced enough to take out someone like me and this is going to be a big fight for him.

“I don’t want to say it is a small fight or an easy fight because every fight I treat the same. I am here because I am prepared and ready for this fight and I am coming to win. Everybody says he is a tough guy so I am here and ready for that.”

Takam was also bemused, rather than concerned, over claims from Joyce’s manager Sam Jones that he has been keeping tabs on his sparring sessions in Las Vegas.

“Really! He said that? So he’s been seeing my sparring – what the hell! That is good but, for me, I am not going to speak about what they say. I don’t care what a manager says about me because I am just focused for the fight.

“The only thing I want to say is ‘let’s do the job on 24th July. I am ready for then. Joe Joyce, I am coming’.

“I don’t want to say they have made a mistake picking me. This is a good opportunity for Joe Joyce and a good opportunity for me to fight in the UK, where they have made a good thing out of boxing.

“Joe Joyce, I am ready for you and I am a problem.”

Three further title clashes will take place on the undercard of Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles 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
£300 VIP Hospitality

To watch the full interview with Carlos Takam, click here




GLOBAL SUPERSTAR JAKE PAUL TO FACE FORMER UFC CHAMPION TYRON WOODLEY HEADLINING SHOWTIME PPV® BOXING EVENT ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2021) – Global superstar and professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest test of his burgeoning boxing career when he squares off against former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley in the main event of a professional boxing event on Sunday, August 29 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, live on SHOWTIME PPV.

After dominating the first three opponents of his professional boxing career, Paul continues to step-up the caliber of his competition against Woodley, a decorated mixed martial arts champion and striking specialist who held the UFC title from 2016 to 2019. On Sunday, August 29, Paul will look to thrill his legions of fans and silence his critics in front of his hometown Cleveland crowd in the eight-round cruiserweight main event, which will be contested at a 190-pound catchweight.

Paul and Woodley will go face-to-face at a press conference in Los Angeles on Tuesday to preview their highly anticipated showdown. The press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

The special Sunday night event is produced and presented by Most Valuable Promotions and SHOWTIME PPV. The pay-per-view telecast, which begins live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. It will feature an undercard complete with high-stakes, professional boxing showdowns 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.

Barstool Sportsbook is The Official Sports Betting Partner for the event, in a unique, fully integrated partnership.

Tickets for the live event will be available for purchase on Friday, July 22, at RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

The 24-year-old Paul (3-0, 3 KOs) is a world-renowned content creator. He began his professional boxing journey in January 2020 and has proven to be an influential participant in the sport’s landscape with his outsized personality and quickly developing skill set. The Cleveland-native is fighting out of Puerto Rico under the eye of former pro boxing contender B.J. Flores, who has been training Jake from his first professional fight. After knocking out YouTube star AnEsonGib and former NBA star Nate Robinson in his first two outings, Paul made quick work of former MMA champion Ben Askren in April with a first-round knockout. With the win over Askren, Paul notched his first victory over a seasoned professional fighter and now takes on an even bigger challenge in Woodley.

“I grew up going to Cavs, Browns and Indians games on the weekends, dreaming as a little kid of one day being in a position to put on a show for my hometown like they did,” said Paul. “On August 29, that dream comes true. My biggest challenge to date, in front of the city that made me, on pay per view for the world to see me knockout a UFC champion. I’m also thrilled to have Amanda Serrano on this card. She stands out as the most prolific KO artist in women’s boxing. What a night this is going to be!”

Fighting out of St. Louis, Missouri, Woodley (19-7-1 MMA record) has a storied career in combat sports. He became UFC champion in July 2016, defeating Robbie Lawler in the first round, and went on to defend his title successfully four times. Before competing in the UFC, Woodley fought in the Strikeforce MMA promotion on SHOWTIME and compiled an 8-1 record from 2009 through 2012. Widely considered one of the most dangerous punchers in UFC history, Woodley earned 14 of his 19 wins by way of TKO or submission.

“I’m a grown ass man,” said Woodley. “I don’t play games with kids. They brought me in to take the trash out. You’re welcome!”

Serrano is the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history with a professional record of 40-1-1 with 30 knockouts. She was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where she trains alongside her sister, former featherweight champion Cindy Serrano. The 32-year-old has won titles in every division between 115 and 140 pounds, earning belts in those two divisions just four months apart with fights in September 2018 and January 2019. Serrano won her WBC and WBO featherweight world championship belts in a high-profile showdown against Heather Hardy in 2019 and most recently she defended her titles with a knockout win over three-division world champion Daniela Bermudez in March. 

Chihuaha, Mexico’s Mercado (18-2, 5 KOs) has held the super bantamweight title since November 2019 and will look to become a two-division champion on August 29 when she challenges Serrano. The 23-year-old won the title via unanimous decision over Fatuma Zarika, avenging a previous defeat to Zarika in Mercado’s first attempt at the championship. Mercado rides a six-fight winning streak into this showdown, including victories over Julissa Guzman and previously unbeaten Angelica Rascon in 2021.

This is the first live sporting event co-produced by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian will be Executive Producers of the event.

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




Manny Pacquiao Blows the Whistle on WBA

 HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 12, 2021) — Would you buy a used car from the World Boxing Association (WBA)?

In a period of 12 months, from July 15, 2018 – July 20, 2019, eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao lit up the welterweight division by knocking out WBA regular welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse, successfully defending that title against former four-division world champion Adrien Broner (world-rated No. 6 by the WBA when they fought 2018-december.pdf (wbaboxing.com), and solidifying his hold on the division by tagging then undefeated WBA welterweight Super Champion Keith Thurman with his first loss while becoming the oldest fighter, at age 40, to win a welterweight title.  A few months later, the world shut down as it battled the Covid-19 pandemic.

Manny (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who had been training in his native Philippines for six weeks, recently moved his training camp to world-famous Freddie Roach’s Hollywood-based Wild Card Boxing Club as he prepares for his August 21 mega battle with unified WBC/IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs), from Desoto, Texas.Logic would dictate that Manny would be entering the ring at T-Mobile Arena to face Spence as the WBA Welterweight Super Champion. 

SORPRESA!          

On January 29, 2021, without any advance notice or warning, the WBA announced that it had designated Manny a “Champion in Recess” while promoting Regular Champion Yordenis Ugas to welterweight Super Champion — the title Manny won inside the ring — without even fighting for that title.  WBA designates Manny Pacquiao as Champion in Recess – World Boxing Association (wbaboxing.com).  Ugas hasn’t fought since winning the WBA Regular welterweight title on September 6, 2020.  It begs the question, what did Manny receive for the hundreds of thousands of dollars he paid in sanctioning fees to the WBA to sanction his last three title fight victories?        “I can tell you what Manny didn’t receive – DUE PROCESS AND RESPECT,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions.  “It took two years to get the world title belt he earned inside the ring by beating the undefeated Super Champion Keith Thurman.  Hell, Manny only received that belt on Saturday.  The WBA never inquired about Manny’s title defense plans.  The WBA never warned us Manny’s Super Champion status could be in jeopardy.  The WBA never informed us that Manny had been designated its Champion in Recess.  We had to read the WBA’s press release on that on the internet.  And speaking of Keith Thurman, the WBA had no concern about his lack of activity when he went over 22 months between title defenses (Danny Garcia on March 4, 2017, and Josesito Lopez on January 26, 2019).  Recess is over.  The two best fighters in the welterweight division are facing each other.  It should be celebrated and properly recognized.  The Ring is even blessing the winner as its welterweight champion.  This is not a sanctioning group.  It is a used car lot.  Take my advice.  Before paying the WBA a sanctioning fee, kick the tires and read the warranty.  Perhaps their new slogan should be Caveat Emptor.”
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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.

Photo credit : Chris Farina – ChrisFarina.com / ChrisFarinaPhoto copyright 2021




MANNY PACQUIAO VS. ERROL SPENCE JR. LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (July 12, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao went face to face with unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. at press conference in Los Angeles Sunday as they previewed their blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Spence will look to earn a legacy-defining victory, while Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

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

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Sunday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“There were a lot of opportunities for me to pick an easier fight than this. But I picked Errol Spence Jr. because I want a real fight and a great fight for the fans. I’m a fighter and boxing is my passion.

“Errol Spence Jr. is aggressive, young and undefeated. He’s dedicated to his career. This is definitely not an easy opponent. This is the kind of opponent you can never underestimate.

“It’s been a long time since I fought a southpaw opponent. We had to change some of our strategy compared to previous fights and we’ll throw some different combinations.

“I don’t think Errol needs advice from Floyd Mayweather. I believe that Errol is a better fighter than Mayweather. Errol can teach Floyd how to fight toe-to-toe.

“I don’t want to be overconfident, because Errol is too good of an opponent. His determination and passion for the sport is always there. When I say I’m going to do something, it’s real and from the heart, it’s not to impress anybody.

“I had started training in the last week of May in the Philippines. So when I got here to Los Angeles, I was just continuing what I was doing. It’s good for me to have the rest that I’ve had the last two years. I’ve been boxing since I was 12 years old until now. When I went back to training, I was still hungry and dedicated.

“I won’t predict another first round knockdown like I had against Thurman. I’m focusing my mind, body and spirit on winning the fight. That’s the only goal.
“This is one of the biggest challenges in my career. I can’t say it’s the biggest, because I’ve been fighting the best fighters in the world for years. But he’s right up there with anyone I’ve faced.

“I’ve been boxing for more than 25 careers as a pro. I think that I’ve seen every kind of style that’s out there.

“This is a one of a kind and prodigious fight. There’s going to be a lot of action in the ring. I’m so thankful for everyone who supports me and I’m happy to be in this position again fighting one of the best fighters in the world.”

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is a great opportunity. Coming off of my accident I went right to fighting Danny Garcia and now Pacquiao. A lot of people were in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. When I got the call about this fight, I agreed right away and didn’t give it a second thought.

“There aren’t that many southpaws in boxing, so you don’t usually spar that many. We’ve got a lot of guys in camp now who can fight that left-handed style. Obviously I can’t find someone who fights exactly like Manny, but you can find guys who can mimic the tempo and pace. So that’s who we’ve been working with.

“You can see that Manny is still an explosive fighter with great speed. We’ve been putting together a game plan and we’ve been working on implementing it. Come August 21, you’ll see it in the ring.

“Manny can lull you to sleep giving you compliments. But once the bell rings, he’s going to jump all over you.

“My chin since the accident has been tested in sparring and in the Danny Garcia fight. I imagine Manny is going to try to come in and test it as well.

“Just because he’s 42-years-old I don’t think it’s going to hurt him in training. He’s not blowing up in weight between fights and he’s not distracted. That’s why he’s been the same Manny Pacquiao for decades. I’m looking forward to the same Pacquiao who fought Keith Thurman and before that.

“Manny has a lot of tendencies, of course you’re going to see some things over the span of his whole career. When it’s time to buckle down, you know he’s the guy who’s going to fight. It can be a pro or a con, but he’s going to make it a fan-friendly fight.

“I don’t see myself ever getting knocked out. I just don’t see it. We’re going to be mindful that he has power. He knocked down Thurman and hurt him with a body shot. We’ll keep that in mind. But I’m not thinking about if he can knock me out.

“I have the ability to finish Pacquiao. For me though, I’m focused on winning the fight. If you rush and go for the knockout, you either look sloppy or something goes wrong. I have to fight my fight and at my pace. If the knockout comes, I’ll go for it.

“This is going to be a great fight. Pacquiao is going to bring it like he always does, but I’m definitely going to come through with the victory.”

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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.




PIVOTAL LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT BETWEEN (#9) ISLAM MAKHACHEV AND (#14) THIAGO MOISES HEADLINES AT UFC® APEX IN LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas – UFC® continues its run of events at UFC APEX with a pivotal bout in the stacked lightweight division as No. 9 ranked contender Islam Makhachevintends to prove that he is worthy of title contention when he takes on fellow rising star No. 14 Thiago Moises. In the co-main event, women’s bantamweight veteran and No. 12 ranked Marion Reneau looks to spoil the return of former UFC champion Miesha Tate.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MAKHACHEV vs MOISES will take place Saturday, July 17 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes beginning with the prelims at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT and followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

Khabib Nurmagomedov protégé Makhachev (19-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) aims to leave no doubt that he is destined to challenge for the UFC lightweight championship in the near future. Among the most dominant forces in MMA today, Makhachev holds the record for the least strikes absorbed per minute in UFC history, a distinction he earned with intimidating performances over Drew Dober, Davi Ramos and Gleison Tibau. He now intends to extend his impressive win streak and become the first fighter to finish Moises.

Moises (15-4, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil) has his sights set on keeping his current momentum going and securing the biggest win of his young career. A signee from Dana White’s Contender Series, the 26-year-old Moises recently found his footing in the talent-rich lightweight division when he rattled off three straight exciting victories against Michael Johnson, Bobby Green and Alexander Hernandez. Moises now plans to shock the world by upsetting Makhachev and beginning his own run towards UFC gold.

Reneau (9-7-1, fighting out of Visalia, Calif.) looks to deliver another stellar performance and show why she is one of the elite in women’s MMA. Reneau showed off her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt skills in her debut with a Performance of the Night submission win over former UFC champion Jessica Andrade and then followed up this performance with equally notable finishes over Milana Dudieva, Talita Bernardo and Sara McMann. She now seeks to make another statement against Tate.

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Tate (18-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) steps back into the Octagon for the first time in almost five years, looking to remind everyone of the skills that earned her UFC gold. Among the most popular athletes in MMA, Tate secured her first shot at the belt with victories over former title challengers Liz Carmouche, Sara McMann and Jessica Eye before defeating Holly Holm for the title. She now intends to get right back in the mix by becoming the first person to finish Reneau.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Jeremy Stephens (28-18, 1 NC, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) locks horns with Mateusz Gamrot (18-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Lubon, Poland) in a lightweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom Rodolfo Vieira (7-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) takes on fellow grappling specialist Dustin Stoltzfus (13-2, fighting out of Germersheim, Germany) at middleweight
  • An exciting featherweight bout sees Gabriel Benitez (22-9, fig8hting out of Tijuana, Mexico) face off with The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series alum Billy Quarantillo (15-3, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.)
  • Welterweights Daniel Rodriguez(14-2, fighting out of San Gabriel, Calif.) looks to spoil the UFC debut of newcomer Preston Parsons (9-2, fighting out of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) who replaces Abubakar Nurmagomedov on short notice
  • No. 14 ranked women’s strawweight Amanda Lemos (9-1-1, fighting out of Para, Brazil) aims to defend her spot in the rankings against Montserrat Conejo (10-1, fighting out of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico)
  • Khalid Taha (13-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany) intends to stop Sergey Morozov (16-4, fighting out of Aktau, Kazakhstan) from earning his first UFC victory in a bantamweight bout
  • Dana White’s Contender Series signee Miles Johns (11-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) looks to make it two finishes in a row when he takes on Anderson dos Santos (21-8, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at bantamweight
  • Francisco Figueiredo (12-3-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Condor, Para, Brazil) has his sights set on continuing to build his own legacy at flyweight when he battles Malcolm Gordon (12-5, fighting out of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada)
  • Alan Baudot (8-2, fighting out of Paris, France) seeks to secure his first emphatic UFC finish against Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Rodrigo Nascimento (8-1, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Brazil)

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

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 155 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

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ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers.  

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.




Jeter Promotions Back in Philadelphia on Saturday, August 7th at the 2300 Arena

PHILADELPHIA (July 7, 2021)–After a successful Philadelphia promotional debut in April, that saw two-sold out shows featuring action packed fights of a day-night doubleheader, Jeter Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena on Saturday night, August 7th.

In the main event Michael Lee will take on Romain Tomas in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Lee of Orange, New Jersey, has a record of 8-1 with six knockouts. The 25 year-old is a three-year pro, who is coming off a third-round stoppage over Roy McGill on April 24th at the 2300 Arena.

Tomas of Brooklyn, New York, has a record of 8-3 with one knockout. Tomas is a five-year professional, and has a win over previously undefeated Omar Bodoy (7-0). Tomas is coming off a decision loss to highly regarded Victor Padilla on October 4, 2019 at the 2300 Arena.

In a four-round light heavyweight bout, Charles Brewer Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) of Pennsauken, NJ takes on Carl Murphy (2-3, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA.

Also seeing action in four-round bouts will be featherweight Brandon Chambers (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Gwynn Oak, Md; lightweight Naheem Parker (2-0, 1 KO) of Camden, NJ; super lightweight Tyhler Williams (4-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; super welterweight Victor Williams (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, DC; bantamweight John Leonardo (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Englishtown, NJ; super middleweight and Penn State graduate AJ Williams (3-1, 2 KOs) of Cockeysville, MD; super featherweight Blaze Fidler Hernandez (1-0-1 of Arnold, MD); super bantamweight Jaqeem Hutcherson (1-0) of Forestville, MD; pro debuting super welterweight Matthew Castro of Glendale, NY; lightweight Raymond Cuadrado (1-0, 1 KO) of Ridgewood, NJ and lightweight Evan Harker (0-1) of Baltimore, MD

Tickets can be purchased at the 2300 Arena and can be purchased for $100.




Pacquiao spars with two southpaws

 HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA (July 9, 2021) – Four days removed from flying around the world to Los Angeles, eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, had the head gear on and sparred four rounds with two taller and younger southpaws at world-famous Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday.  The small audience that observed the session included two people assigned by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to collect a blood sample following his workout – the second time VADA has tested Manny this week.  Manny has powered his way through jet lag to train two to three hours daily at Wild Card every afternoon while starting most mornings with runs at either Pan Pacific Park or running straight up the hills of Griffith Park to the iconic Hollywood Sign, followed by a series of 1,000 sit-ups.  It is an extraordinary feat for any athlete, but for the 42-year-old amazin’ Manny, it is just a walk in the park.

Manny takes on undefeated unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs), from Desoto, Texas, in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

           “Manny lives for the challenge and the competition.  Manny loves hearing that the Las Vegas odds and the media favor Errol Spence,” said Freddie.  “Manny knows it’s a tough fight – probably his toughest – but that’s why he began his conditioning so early in the Philippines.  Usually, jet lag keeps him out of the gym for one day the first week he arrives in Los Angeles.  Not this time.  He has been here every day, training two and half to three hours each afternoon.  I usually hold off sparring the first week, but Manny insisted on sparring yesterday, so we brought in Maurice Lee (5’11) and Alexis Rocha (5’10), who went two rounds each with Manny.  Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and in his life.  But everyone in camp can sense this fight has a special meaning.  It is not just about beating a top pound-for-pound fighter or winning more titles.  This time it’s all about boxing immortality for Manny Pacquiao.  I am a Red Sox fan, and I can tell he wants to go out like Ted Williams did, hitting a home run in his last at bat.  By the way, Ted Williams was also 42 when he did that.”

           “What a great experience,” said Lee, 29, who boasts a professional record of 12-1-2, 5 KOs.  “I thought since he had just flown in from the Philippines, he would be a little tired and I could catch him with a few shots.  But he was sharp, elusive, and unpredictable.  Video tape does not prepare you for his speed and the angles he fights from.  His punches were coming from everywhere!  Calling him elite would be an understatement.”

           “Sparring with Manny was definitely a learning experience,” said Rocha, 24, who scored a second-round knockout victory over James Bacon in June to improve his record to 17-1, 11 KOs.  “Manny has a very awkward style to fight because his punches come from all directions.  He has fast and heavy hands and he throws punches in bunches.      

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Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence will kick off the promotional campaign side by side this Sunday, July 11, when they will appear for a live televised press conference on FOX (and the FOX Sports app) beginning at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.  The hour-long program will feature commentary from former opponents Keith “One Time” Thurman and “Showtime” Shawn Porter, who will offer their analysis before Pacquiao and Spence return to their training camps.

Remaining tickets for the Pacquiao-Spence world championship event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, MP Promotions and Man Down Promotions, 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.




August 14: Joshua Franco-Andrew Moloney III, Arnold Barboza Jr.-Antonio Moran and the Pro Debut of Nico Ali Walsh Confirmed for Titanic Tripleheader at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa

TULSA, OK (July 9, 2021) — Nine months after boxing’s most controversial conclusion of 2020, WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco and Australia’s former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney will settle the score in the third chapter of their rivalry Saturday, Aug. 14 at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated WBO International junior welterweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. will take on Antonio “Tono” Moran. 
 
The four-round middleweight special attraction will see the highly anticipated professional debut of Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, against an opponent to be named.
 
This titanic Tulsa tripleheader will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Andrew’s twin brother, bantamweight contender Jason “Mayhem” Moloney, will fight Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. in a 10-rounder that will be among the undercard fights streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ before the televised tripleheader. Tulsa fan-favorite Trey Lippe Morrison (17-0, 17 KOs) and emerging junior lightweight prospect Karlos Balderas (9-1, 8 KOs) will fight on the undercard in six-round bouts, while Tulsa-born heavyweight prospect Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a four-rounder.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets starting at $49.50 go on sale Tuesday, July 13 at 10 a.m. CST and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).
 
“The Hard Rock and the fight fans of Tulsa are in for a treat with a grudge match between Franco and Moloney, an all-action fight between Barboza and Moran, and the professional debut of a special young man in Nico Ali Walsh,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.
 
Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs), from San Antonio, Texas, upset Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision last June to win the world title. In their November 2020 rematch, Moloney dominated Franco over the first two rounds before swelling under Franco’s right eye prompted the fight to be stopped. Many ringside observers believed a punch caused the damage, which would’ve resulted in a TKO victory for Moloney. The referee in Nevada determined the swelling came from a headbutt, and following a nearly 30-minute replay review, a no contest meant Franco retained his title. The controversy did not subside, and less than one month after the disputed conclusion, the WBA mandated a third fight.
 
“I’m very excited for this third fight with Moloney. I’ve been preparing very well for this fight, and I’m feeling stronger than ever,” Franco said. “I hope everybody tunes in come fight night because it’s going to be one to remember. I will remind Moloney why I’m the champ. And still!”
 
Moloney said, “I’ve had to wait nine months to once again fight for what should have been mine back in November. There is no way I’ll be leaving that ring without my world title this time. I’m sure when he looks at himself in the mirror, he knows deep down he’s not the real champion. He knows there was no head clash. I’ve stayed in the gym and used this time to improve as a fighter. He is up against an even better fighter than he was the last time around. He’s in trouble.”
 
Barboza (25-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, California, is the WBO No. 3 contender, a 29-year-old who has steadily risen the ranks since turning pro more than eight years ago. After a 3-0 2019 campaign that saw him knock out former world champion Mike Alvarado, he notched a pair of significant wins in 2020 with decisions over Tony Luis and Alex Saucedo. Barboza now readies for Moran (26-4-1, 19 KOs), a native of Mexico City who is 2-0-1 since a 2019 defeat to Devin Haney.
 
Barboza said, “I’ve been in the gym since the Saucedo fight, and I’m looking forward to this one. He’s a tough, experienced fighter, and we’re looking to put on a good show. I don’t pay too much attention to the rankings. I always train like it’s a world title fight, and I expect Moran to give a great effort.”
 
Jason Moloney (21-2, 18 KOs) is a two-time bantamweight world title challenger who attempted to take down pound-for-pound great Naoya “Monster” Inoue last October. Inoue prevailed by seventh-round knockout, but Moloney returns to action intent on etching his name among the division’s top contenders. Chicago native Greer (22-2-2, 12 KOs), who climbed the world rankings following a string of dramatic knockouts, is 0-1-1 in his last two bouts and eager to recapture the form that saw him knock out seven straight foes from 2017-2019.
 
Jason Moloney said, “I’m excited to finally be back after what will be nearly 10 months out of the ring. After the disappointment with Inoue, I went straight back into the gym, and I’ve been working extremely hard. I learned a lot from that fight, and it has pushed me and motivated me to improve and reach another level. This is a must-win fight for both myself and Greer, but this is my road back to a world title, and no one will stop me from achieving my dream of becoming champion of the world.”
 
Greer said, “I’m dialed in and having a great camp in Las Vegas. My trainer, Kay Koroma, has added a lot to my game. No stone will be left unturned. Jason Moloney is another top contender, and at this level, you need other good fighters to bring the best out of you. I’m ready to mix it up with him on August 14. I’m thankful to Top Rank, James Prince and Antonio Leonard for this opportunity.”




ENGLAND v ITALY: ARTHUR/FARACI WEIGH-IN RESULTS

10 Rnds WBO Intercontinental Light-heavyweight Title
LYNDON ARTHUR – 12st 6lbs 10oz
v
DAVIDE FARACI – 
12st 6lbs 12oz

10 Rnds WBO International Super-middleweight Title
ZACHARY PARKER – 11st 13lbs 7oz
v
SHERZOD KHUSANOV – 
11st 13lbs 12oz

10 Rnds Vacant WBO Global Super-featherweight Title 
ARCHIE SHARP – 9st 3lbs 4oz
v 
DIEGO ANDRADE – 
9st 3lbs 11oz

8 Rnds Bantamweights
DENNIS McCANN – 8st 8lbs 4oz
v
JOHN CHUWA – 
8st 8lbs 9oz

6 Rnds Lightweights
SAM NOAKES – 9st 12lbs 9oz
v
LEE CONNELLY – 
9st 12lbs 1oz

6 Rnds Featherweights
MUHAMMAD ALI – 9st 6lbs 1oz
v
LEE GLOVER
  – 9st 5lbs 7oz

4 Rnds Light-heavyweights
KAROL ITAUMA – 12st 6lbs 10oz
v
TIM VENTRELLA – 
12st 7lbs 6oz




CHAMBERLAIN PREPARING FOR COMEBACK AFTER CAREER SAVING SHOULDER SURGERY

London, UK (9 July 2020) British cruiserweight contender Isaac Chamberlain spoke exclusively with Ali Drew for Hennessy Sports’ YouTube channel about his career saving shoulder surgery as he gears up for his long awaited return to the ring.

Chamberlain has been out of action so far this year as he underwent major surgery for his right shoulder following a severe injury suffered in sparring in early November last year ahead of a title fight on a show planned for later that month and a win would have seen Chamberlain back into the world top ten rankings and world title contention.

The problem first started when the Brixton boy dislocated his shoulder in the third round of his Southern Area Cruiserweight title fight against Wadi Camacho in September 2016 and after incredibly ‘popping’ it back in, he bravely fought on and won by four rounds on the score cards in one of the fights of the year.

IC then went into a number of fights carrying the injury, including his big showdown with rival Lawrence Okolie in February 2018, unable to punch with his right hand properly and just getting through with his talent and heart.

Following his points over Luke Watkins in October 2018, Chamberlain was sidelined as he saw out a managerial contract, but was then signed by promoter Mick Hennessy and made his return in August last year with quick stoppage wins against Antony Wollery and Matt Sen just two weeks’ apart.

After succumbing to the injury in training again earlier this year, Chamberlain saw a specialist and it was advised that he have surgery to repair the shoulder to continue his career. A successful operation conducted by a world leading surgeon has since seen Chamberlain undergo intense rehabilitation and is raring to get back in the ring.

Chamberlain said, “Whilst I was preparing for a title fight that was going to get me into the top ten in the world, I was sparring and I had a massive…I basically tore my rotator cuff [right shoulder], all the muscles in my rotator cuff and obviously that was very painful, so I had to have surgery and it’s been very, very difficult but I just have to trust the process,”

“I’ve been doing my rehab for a while now, we really tried to rush it and get back on May 22nd, I’ve been seeing all my friends fighting and obviously I couldn’t. So I was kind of thinking of doing that, but Mick was like be really, really careful. I would have had to start sparring 5 weeks before that and my shoulder was nowhere near as close to being prepared for strenuous exercise, so we had to delay and wait to fight on the next show,”

“The shoulder has been healing up very, very well, it’s getting a lot stronger. There’s a lot of promise in getting the right hand back and in all of my fights before, I kind of never really used it since 2016 with the fight with Wadi Camacho. So it feels great, like a massive breath of fresh air that I can use my right hand in full confidence in my arsenal as it wasn’t really there before so I had to sacrifice and use different types of techniques. That’s why I was always knocking guys out with a body shot or a left, never a right hand I never really felt a one-two or a double jab-right hand, so I had to really change the way I fight and it worked to a certain extent, but if you really want to fight the best in the world and really be with the elites you need to not be at a disadvantage,”

“I’ve always wanted to be among the best, I always wanted to get in there and show…forgetting how my body actually feels. As boxers you’re so so tough and you’re just thinking ‘I can get through whatever, I just need to fight, I can get through whatever,’ and you forget the things that are being detrimental in the long run and that’s a result of what happened with me,”

“But it’s okay, everything is sorted out and it’s full steam ahead and I really believe it’s not going to be anymore setbacks,”

“Everything I do and everything that happens to me I find a way to use it as motivation, I always try to find a way to use it as motivation, this has happened how can I deal with the situation that happened to me.”

Further details will be released shortly about Chamberlain’s return fight date.

For any interview opportunities with Chamberlain, please email: richard@maynardcomms.com

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports




MANNY PACQUIAO & ERROL SPENCE JR. SQUARE OFF IN BATTLE FOR WELTERWEIGHT SUPREMACY TOPPING PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

LAS VEGAS (July 8, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao takes on undefeated unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will pit the division’s reigning king against a legend of the sport who has proven in recent years that he is still worthy of his long held standing. Spence will look to earn a legacy-defining victory, while Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

Both fighters kick off the promotional campaign side by side this Sunday, July 11, when they’ll appear for a live televised press conference on FOX beginning at 5 p.m. ET. The hour-long program will feature commentary from former opponents Keith “One Time” Thurman and “Showtime” Shawn Porter, who will offer their analysis before Pacquiao and Spence return to their training camps.

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

“This is as big of a fight that can be made in boxing and the whole world will be watching on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View August 21,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Manny Pacquiao is a hero to his nation, a living legend in the ring, and is once again seeking the biggest challenge available to him, as he’s done throughout his career. Errol Spence Jr. has reigned as the world’s top welterweight for years and will now have a chance to further cement his pound-for-pound credentials in the biggest fight of his career. Whether you’re watching at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, or live on pay-per-view, August 21 is sure to be a memorable night for the sport.”

This will be the fourth FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View headlined by Spence (27-0, 21 KOs), who unified welterweight titles in September 2019 by besting Shawn Porter in one of the best fights of the year. Spence was launched into stardom when the 31-year-old first captured a welterweight crown by traveling to the U.K. to stop Kell Brook in front of his hometown fans in 2017. He followed up his title-winning victory with triumphs over Lamont Peterson and Carlos Ocampo in 2018.

Fighting out of his native Desoto, Texas, Spence returned to the ring last December for the first time since miraculously surviving a car accident in October 2019 where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed. Spence thrilled his hometown crowd at AT&T Stadium by defeating two-division champion Danny Garcia by unanimous decision. Spence represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics before turning pro later that year and scoring knockouts in 10 of his first 12 fights, showing the promise that he would eventually fulfill on the biggest stages of the sport.

“I’ve been waiting on this kind of major boxing event my entire career,” said Spence. “Manny Pacquiao is a boxing legend and future Hall of Famer. To be able to match skills with him and come out with a victory would be the highlight of my career thus far. I’m coming to win and he’s coming to win and that’s what makes for an all-action fight. I can’t wait to step into the ring at T-Mobile Arena on August 21 in what I expect to be an exciting night.’’

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the one-time Boxing Writers Association of America’s Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In January 2019, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of an illustrious career, which also marked his first time fighting back in the U.S. in two years. In his most recent performance Pacquiao added another Fight of the Year contender to his resume, as he dropped then unbeaten Keith Thurman in the first round on his way to a decision victory in a memorable action fight in July 2019.

“I am excited to be battling Errol Spence Jr.,” said Pacquiao. “Like me, Errol has an aggressive, all-action style of fighting. Boxing fans watching at T-Mobile Arena or on pay-per-view are going to be happy with this world championship fight. It is going to be wild!”

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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.




Saturday: Sultan Zaurbek-Ronnie Clark Junior Lightweight Showdown and the Return of Tursynbay Kulakhmet to Stream Live and Exclusively on ESPN+

(July 8, 2021) — Many of Kazakhstan’s bright young stars will be highlighted this Saturday, July 10 at Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, Kazakhstan. In the main event, Kazakh southpaw dynamo Sultan Zaurbek will battle Scotland’s Ronnie Clark in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European junior lightweight title.
 
Zaurbek-Clark will headline a scheduled six-fight stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT.
 
Zaurbek (10-0, 7 KOs) went 6-0 in 2019 and fought only once in 2020, a one-sided decision over Ukraine’s Vladyslav Melnyk in December. He broke through in December 2019 when he won the WBC Youth 130-pound title with a fourth-round stoppage over China’s Leshan Li. Clark (21-4-2, 10 KOs) is a 10-year pro who has not lost since challenging Martin Ward for the British junior lightweight title in 2016. He last fought in February 2018, knocking down the previously undefeated Zelfa Barrett en route to a majority decision win. A variety of issues kept Clark out of the ring, but he returns with hopes of springing another upset. 
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Tursynbay Kulakhmet (3-0, 2 KOs) will continue his world title charge against Russian veteran Aleksei Evchenko (19-14-2, 8 KOs). Kulakhmet, a 27-year-old southpaw, turned pro last summer with a fourth-round knockout over former amateur star Sagadat Rakhmankul and won the WBC International title in his second pro fight. Evchenko, who is 1-1-1 in his last three bouts, has only been knocked out once in a 15-year pro career.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

  • Lightweight Nurtas Azhbenov (11-0, 4 KOs), a 26-year-old southpaw from Kandyagash, Kazakhstan, will face former world title challenger Isa Chaniev (14-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Chaniev is 1-1 since a second-round TKO loss to Richard Commey in 2019 for the vacant IBF lightweight world title.
     
  • In an eight-round welterweight battle, 2018 Youth Olympic Games silver medalist Talgat Shayken (4-0, 2 KOs) will fight durable Russian trial horse Alexander Sharonov (12-5-2, 6 KOs), who has never been stopped in the paid ranks.
     
  • Ivan Dychko (9-0, 9 KOs), who won Olympic super heavyweight bronze medals for Kazakhstan in both 2012 and 2016, will face 22-year pro Denis Bakhtov (39-18, 26 KOs) in a scheduled eight-rounder. Dychko recently spent time in camp with WBC and lineal heavyweight world champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury.
     
  • Dauren Yeleussinov (8-1-1, 7 KOs) will look to bounce back from his first career loss against Arman Rysbek (7-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight tilt.

About ESPN+
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ENGLAND v ITALY: ARTHUR/FARACI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren today hosted a press conference ahead of Queensberry’s show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday (July 10) live on BT Sport.
 
It’s England v Italy part one ahead of Sunday’s European Championship football final in the main event.
 
Manchester’s number one WBO ranked Light-Heavyweight ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian star Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).
 
Also on the card WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) defends his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).
 
Here are a selection of quotes from the press conference.
 
FRANK WARREN: We want a England v Italy double in football and boxing. There is a lot riding on Lyndon’s fight  because he is number one contender with the WBO. He wants to cement his position so can’t afford to slip up. Joe Smith is WBO champion, but his mandatory is not due until next year. I will talk to his promoter Bob Arum about the Lyndon fight, but let’s get this out of the way. I am expecting Lyndon to win, England to win the next day and I will be barred from Bar Italia. I hadn’t seen a lot of Zach when we signed him, but he really impressed me against Vaughn Alexander. How he has gone under the radar I do not know, but he isn’t now. Sherzod is a good opponent, but Zach is going to be something special. We need to keep him busy so the public can see him. Once Canelo comes through against Plant in September there will be pressure for his mandatories and Zach will be one of them if he comes through on Saturday.
 
LYNDON ARTHUR I will put England 1-0 up on Saturday don’t worry about that. As soon as we beat Denmark it was down to me to score the first goal. I am not nervous because I’ve been out for a bit, just excited and confident. I’m itching to get in and get the job done. I don’t want to talk about anyone else. I have this fight on Saturday and will move on. I don’t need to focus on anyone else but David Faraci. He is an undefeated fighter and brings a lot of dangers. He is tall, a good boxer and possesses a good jab, but I will test it all. I will knock him out.
 
DAVIDE FARACI This is a great opportunity for me. I am very confident and I will do my best to win the fight. I feel absolutely confident that I will win on Saturday. He has a lot of experience, but I am not far from him in terms of that. I went to spar with Artur Beterbiev and that was an amazing experience. I learned so much. I believe I am going to win and Italy in the football on Sunday.
 
ZACH PARKER Now I am with Frank we’re pushing on and I can’t thank him enough because he’s getting my name out there. Sherzod is obviously a very good fighter, a two-time Olympian and I am expecting a really hard fight. The plan is to go out there and win. If the knockout comes it comes. That is what I’ve trained for and what fans want to see. I am with the right promoter to get Canelo. If Canelo wants to come to Britain, Pride Park is the place to box. There is no point in talking Canelo unless I can get through this fight. Any fight I lose I go to the bottom of the pile.
 
SHERZOD KHUSANOV: Zach is a very good boxer and I am expecting a very good fight. He is quick, young, agile and very good on his feet. That is why it will be a very exciting fight, but I have boxed fighters like him before and won. I am always ready to fight and I always bring my best to every fight. I give everything in the ring and I am here to win.
 
Also on the bill, WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Mexico’s David Andrade Chavez with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.
 
Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).
 
2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.




ZURDO VS. BARRERA FINAL PRESSER QUOTES

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 7, 2021) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at Banc of California Stadium, home of their July 9 fight which will be streamed live on DAZN. They were joined by several members of the undercard, including Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) and Seniesa Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs).

Below is what the main event participants had to say today:

GILBERTO RAMIREZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“This Friday, we are going to put on a great show. I know Sullivan Barrera very well and he knows me. We know that each of us always comes well prepared and ready to put on a show. But at the end of the day, I’ll be the one to come out with my hands raised in victory. I’m going to come out with a record of 42 wins and 28 knockouts.”

“The road to this fight has been exciting. I am happy to be working with Golden Boy Promotions. I am grateful for the opportunity. I want to give a great performance and show all my skills. I’m going to give the fans what they want: good fights!”

“I’m also very excited to be fighting here at Banc of California Stadium. I can’t wait to see all the people here, who are finally back to these kinds of events. There will be a lot of Mexicans and Latinos coming here to support me, so I can’t wait to give them a great show.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I respect Zurdo Ramírez a lot. We have known each other for a long time. As he said, we know that each of us trains hard. We know that because we have trained together and sparred. But now is the time to put on a great show for all the fans.”

“Everyone knows what I have done in this division. My experience says a lot. I have some loses, but they were against very tough fighters. My experience will be a big factor.”

“Zurdo Ramirez has a lot of skills. He does of things very well. But I have to do everything necessary to win this fight and earn another title shot. A win will help me get that opportunity.”

#

Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera are on sale and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.




JERMELL CHARLO VS. BRIAN CASTAÑO VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

SAN ANTONIO (July 7, 2021) – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño took part in a virtual press conference Wednesday to preview their battle for the undisputed 154-pound championship which headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 17 from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

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

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see the hard-hitting unified champion Charlo and the exciting Argentine Castaño go toe-to-toe as all of the super welterweight championship belts are on the line for the first time in the four-belt era.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

JERMELL CHARLO

“We have 10 days to go and I’m excited. This is the most important time of my life. I love this. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid. My experience inside and outside of the ring has all led up to this. Now is the time for me to put it all on the line.

“Castaño is going to leave everything in the ring. So we’re not playing any games. I’ve been training really hard. I’ve added things that have made me better because I know for a fact that this is going to be a great fight.

“I love my home state of Texas and I love fighting there. We’re bred differently. We’re a state that’s fought our own wars. This is huge. It’s a legacy fight for me and I’m ready for it.

“I know what I possess in the ring. When it’s time to fight, I instantly become the best warrior that there is out there.

“I’ve suffered my whole life, so there’s nothing in this world that can make me suffer more than what I went through growing up. Castaño is a great fighter who puts on a lot of pressure. But I know my abilities and I know my power. Every punch I throw is dominant and every shot I throw is painful for my opponent. I have a lot of unique abilities in me and I’m going to bring some tricks into this fight.

“I haven’t punched Castaño yet so I don’t know what his chin will do when I hit him. I know he’s got a big heart. I’m just going to do what I do, which is what everyone knows that I do. Everyone sees what I can do each time I get into the ring.

“I’ve been feeling really good in training camp. Better than I’ve ever felt. I’m in my prime right now and I feel stronger fight by fight. I’ve been developing every camp.

“I’ve got belts on belts and he’s got one belt. I’m ready to take that strap too. I’ve been paying attention to what he’s been doing. I haven’t just been sitting around since I fought Jeison Rosario. I’ve been working.

“Right now I’m not worried about what’s happening after this fight. I can only focus on what’s in front of me. I’m tunnel-visioned right now. This is what I want and I can’t see anything outside of victory on July 17.

“You’re going to see a more developed Jermell Charlo on July 17. I guarantee you’re going to see a top pound-for-pound fighter. At any point, this fight could be over with.

“This is a major fight because it’s history for me and my family. It’s huge for everyone that I represent and that’s been supporting me for all these years. It was due time to get in there for this fight. The belts and the money are not on my mind. What’s on my mind is the legacy.

“Not a lot of people get these opportunities. This fight is going to solidify a lot of different things in people’s minds about the Charlos.”

BRIAN CASTAÑO

“This is my opportunity. This is the fight of my life. I’m a world champion and Charlo is a world champion. The chance to become undisputed is just ten days away and I can’t wait. This is my time. This fight is so important for my life. I hope to become undisputed on July 17 for my country and for my Latin supporters.

“This is one of the most important fights in Argentina’s history. It’s for four belts, undisputed at 154 pounds. It’s a great opportunity for my team, my manager, my family and most importantly, for me. This will be the hardest fight of my career.

“Charlo is a great fighter, there’s no doubt about it. But I came here to do my job and I’m going to come forward. I’m the type of fighter that is always going after you. I’m always there to pressure you. Even though Charlo said that I don’t have anything he hasn’t seen before, he has never seen anybody with my fighting style.

“I’ve seen Charlo knock down a lot of fighters with just one punch. That’s something to look out for. However, I have more of a variety in my arsenal than anybody he has fought before. If I have to be more aggressive and go for more power instead of finesse, rest assured that I can knock him down as well.

“Ring rust will not be an issue at all. I train every day. I spar three times a week. I’ve been training twice a day lately. I am in rhythm and in shape. I am coming for the four belts.

“On July 17, I can guarantee that I will bare my soul, I will leave my heart in the ring and do everything in my power to become the undisputed, unified champion of the world.

“I think that Charlo is in the prime of his career as well. That’s why I looked for this fight. This is the fight I’ve been looking for because we are both in the best moment of our career, and I want to take advantage of it.

“I am out for glory. I want to be the first in history to be undisputed champion at 154 pounds in the four-belt era and also be one of the best Argentinian and Latin American boxers that ever lived. I’m going for it all. I’m going to leave it all out there on Saturday night and there’s no reason why I can’t be both one of the best pound-for-pound fighters and also one of the best Argentinian boxers ever.

“If I win, the glory would be equal to a potential Argentina World Cup title next year. However, soccer is different because you have ten other people that you can rely on. Messi has ten teammates that he can pass the ball to when things get tough, but when I’m in the ring I’m on my own. Boxing is more of an individual challenge. When I’m up against the ropes, I have to get out of it on my own. The glory and the excitement of a win would be the same as an Argentina World Cup for my country.

“This opportunity to make history for my country and for Latin American people brings out very strong emotions in me. I don’t want to let down my Latin American people from all over the world. I feel an immense amount of pride in that and I am up to the challenge.

“I have not had the opportunity to meet Manu Ginobili, but he is an icon in Argentinian sports. He is one of the best ever and what he represents is iconic both as an athlete and as a person. He has both my admiration and my respect.

“I am aware that people may not know me, but I’m here to create my own path and pave my own way. I know that I haven’t fought that much lately and maybe that’s part of the reason why people don’t know me, but I turned down fights against opponents that weren’t of the caliber that I wanted to face. My goal has always been to go up against the best of the best and the elite of my division. I have that chance now and I’m going to prove why I deserve this chance and why I’m worth following.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. CASTAÑO
Charlo vs. Castaño will see unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño battle for undisputed status at super welterweight as all four 154-pound belts hang in the balance for the first time in history on Saturday, July 17 live on SHOWTIME from AT&T Center in San Antonio in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature unbeaten Interim WBA Lightweight Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on Austin Dulay in the co-main event, plus unbeaten middleweight Amilcar Vidal matching up against veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout that opens the telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.attcenter.com. Romero vs. Dulay is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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.




JOAHNYS ARGILAGOS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 7, 2021) – Undefeated 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist and Cuban bantamweight prospect, Joahnys Argilagos (6-0, 3 KOs), talks about his upcoming fight at the Airport Hilton in Miami, FL, this Friday, July 9, 2021, against Juan Pablo Meza (4-1, 1 KO). This will be the first 8-round bout of Argilagos’ career. The event, titled “GOT TALENT XIII”, is promoted by M&R Boxing Promotions and will be streamed live on PPV for $4.99 at www.stellartickets.com.

Here is what Argilagos, who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez, had to say about his matchup with Meza, his recent training camp with coach Pedro Roque, fighting in his first 8-round bout, and more.

On his recent training camp in Las Vegas:

“I’ve been training with my coach Pedro Roque at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym with Bones Adams and his fighters. We’ve been sparring with the best and I’m feeling great. Today was my last day of training and I’ll be flying out to Miami this evening. All the hard work is done and now it’s time to focus on Meza.”

On his matchup with Juan Pablo Meza:

“I don’t know much about Meza except that his only loss was by split decision. I know he’s young and hungry so I’m expecting the best version of him. I’ll be ready for any style he brings.”

On fighting in his first 8-round bout:

“I’ve been ready to take everything in my career to new heights. Fighting eight rounds will not be a problem and I’m looking forward to it. This will give me more rounds to stop my opponents so I’m embracing fighting eight rounds. If all goes well, I want to do my damage early and end the fight by knockout.

On what a win will do for his career:

“Since this fight will be streamed live on PPV, I feel I can gain a lot of recognition with those watching. I have over 300 amateur fights, so I have great confidence in my ability to fight anyone in the world. A victory will get me one step closer to fighting someone in the top ten, which is my goal by the end of the year. I want to be fighting for a world title by the end of 2022.




MEXICAN TALENT ANGEL FIERRO SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM

Rising Mexican talent Angel Fierro has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom.
 
Fierro (18-1 14 KOs) grabbed the headlines with his stunning KO win over Alberto Machado in March, climbing off the canvas in the first and second rounds to deliver a brutal left hook to floor the former World Super-Featherweight champion in his Puerto Rican backyard.
 
The 22 year old, trained by Mexican legend Erik Morales, took the fight at one week’s notice and delivered on his promise to take the fight to the hometown man, and turned the fight on its head in spectacular fashion to announce himself as one to watch in the 135lbs division with his 14th KO win from 18 victories.
 
“I am happy with the opportunity to be part of a company like Matchroom,” said Fierro, who will be back in action later in the summer. “I am grateful with the opportunity to represent my country, climb the rankings and prove I am here to stay.”
 
Fierro’s signing follows the first event of a new series in Mexico with Eddie Hearn and DAZN teaming up with Canelo Promotions and Eddy Reynoso’s Clase y Talento as Julio Cesar Martinez defended his WBC World Flyweight title with a KO win over Joel Cordova in Guadalajara, and the promoter is thrilled to be adding more talent from the boxing hotbed to his stacked stable.
 
“I am delighted to welcome Angel to the team,” said Hearn. “His win over Machado was spectacular and he showed all the hallmarks of the classic Mexican fighters that we all love to watch – grit, determination, heart and the appetite for a war.
 
“Angel is the latest Mexican addition to the stable and coming off the back of a great night in Guadalajara, he’s just the type of fighter that these shows in Mexico are built for – hungry young talents that deserve the chance to shine at home.”



Salita Promotions Signs IBF #10 Light Heavyweight Ali Izmailov to a Promotional Contract

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of blue-chip Russian light heavyweight prospect Ali Izmailov to a promotional contract.

28-year-old Izmailov is a former amateur standout having won multiple elite international tournaments in amateurs. As a professional, at just 5-0, 3 KOs in his pro boxing career, Izmailov is already rated #10 by the IBF.

Standing 5? 11½? with a muscular frame, strong punching power, deceptive quickness and a very sturdy defense, Izmailov, from Malgobek, Russia, is a heavy-handed counter puncher whose accurate shots punish opponents into submission. The exciting prospect says he’s expecting to do big things fighting under the Salita banner.

“I have a great future with Salita and everyone will be surprised at my extraordinary ability,” said Izmailov. “Dmitriy Salita will give me the opportunity to become a world champion. I will show the American fans my exciting style and willingness to fight the best.”

Izmailov was last seen unleashing an impressive destruction of his 25-2 countryman, Ruslan Fayfer, in nine rounds in November 2020. Promoter Salita says he’s optimistic of the Russian power puncher’s chances.

“Ali is already the best prospect in the division,” said Salita. “We are going to bring him to the United States where fans will quickly grow to love his fearlessness and his power. The 175-lb division just got even deeper with the addition of this newest Russian strongman.”

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About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.




ZURDO VS. BARRERA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 6, 2021) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Banc of California Stadium, home of their July 9 fight which will be streamed live on DAZN. They were joined by several members of the undercard, including Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) and Seniesa Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs).

Below is what the main event participants had to say:

GILBERTO RAMIREZ, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I see every fight as an opportunity. This is my chance to start my path to becoming a two-division world champion. I know this is a tough fight. It will be very difficult for me. He has a lot of experience, and he’s fought against a lot of good fighters. But he’s never faced anyone like me. This Friday, you will all see the best version of Zurdo Ramirez. I’m here to take all of the belts at light heavyweight. I’m here to take the souls of all the warriors at this division.”

SULLIVAN BARRERA, Light Heavyweight Contender:
“I feel good. I feel great. After two years of being away from the ring, it’s great to be able to come back at such a high level. This is a great opportunity to show people what I am made of. Ramirez is a tough challenge. I know the kind of style he’s going to bring. He’s going to want to push me back and throw a lot of punches. But that’s not the kind of fight that I want. I want to be in the center of the ring, and I’m going to be the one pushing him back.”

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Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera are on sale and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera




Wednesday: Tim Tszyu-Steve Spark Junior Middleweight Down Under Showdown to Stream Live and Exclusively on ESPN+

(July 6, 2021) —The newest superstar in Australian boxing, undefeated junior middleweight contender Tim Tszyu, will look to extend his unbeaten record and defend his WBO Global belt in a 10-round showdown this Wednesday, July 7 against countryman Steve Spark at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, Australia.
 
Tszyu was originally supposed to fight longtime contender Michael Zerafa, who pulled out of the bout due to health concerns. Spark filled in on about a week’s notice to save the main event.
 
Tszyu-Spark and select undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT.
 
Tszyu (18-0, 14 KOs), the WBO No. 1 junior middleweight contender, has built a fanatical following in Australia, where he has fought all of his pro bouts. Last August, he knocked out former world champion Jeff Horn in front of 16,000 fans, and less than four months later, he knocked out Bowyn Morgan in one round in front of more than 15,000 spectators. Tszyu returned March 31 against former world title challenger Dennis Hogan and notched a bloody fifth-round stoppage. Spark (12-1, 11 KOs) has won 11 fights in a row, including an upset over Jack Brubaker in April to earn the shot at Tszyu.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

  • Undefeated junior lightweight Liam Wilson (9-0, 6 KOs) will challenge Filipino veteran Joe Noynay (18-2-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO Asia Pacific title. Noynay is 6-0-1 in his last seven fights dating back to 2017.
     
  • Junior middleweight veteran Troy O’Meley (11-1, 2 KOs) will face Wade Ryan (18-9, 6 KOs) in a 10-round rematch of last December’s battle, which was won by Ryan via split decision.
     
  • In an eight-round welterweight tilt, Sam Ah See (13-0-1, 6 KOs) will seek to extend his winning streak to 11 against Czar Amonsot (35-5-3, 22 KOs).
     
  • In a six-round female junior bantamweight bout, Linn Sandstrom (1-1) will fight Natalie Hills, who is making her pro debut.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers.Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).




Pacquiao Begins U.S. Training for Spence

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (July 5, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator MANNY “PACMAN” PACQUIAO began his first U.S. training camp in nearly two years today and it seemed like he picked up right where he left off when he dethroned WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019, tagging the defending champion with his first loss.  One day removed from arriving from the Philippines, Manny began the day with a five-mile morning run and 1,000 sit-ups.  Before heading to Wild Card Boxing Club, in Hollywood, for his afternoon training session with world-famous Freddie Roach, Manny was given a random drug test from VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) at his house.  Once at Wild Card, Manny and Freddie began the nearly three-hour gym session with nine rounds on the mitts, with each punch exploding like a July 4th firecracker.

Manny and undefeated WBC and IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence will meet in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  

“If this is how Manny hits with jet lag, I may need to get new gloves with thicker padding for our next sessions,” said Freddie.  “He was incredibly sharp for his first day.  He hit hard with good power.  After all these years, I’m still amazed at the great condition he’s in when he comes to training camp.  After traveling around the world yesterday, he put in a full day here – mitts, speed bag, shadow boxing – the works.  The best part was at the end when he lifted his shirt to show me his six pack and said, Freddie, I’m still here.”

“Errol Spence is a very difficult fight for me; perhaps the most difficult of my career,” said Manny.  “But I have been an underdog my whole life.  I am used to that.  It is why I work so hard.  But the love and the prayers of my fellow Philippine citizens and Filipinos around the world sustain and inspire me.  I fight for the glory of our nation and for underdogs everywhere.”

Remaining tickets to the Pacquiao-Spence welterweight world championship event can be purchased through  www.t-mobilearena.com and www.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.




2016 Olympian Joahnys Argilagos Signs Managerial with Jesse Rodriguez Boxing

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 5, 2021) – Jesse Rodriguez Boxing Management has signed 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist and Cuban bantamweight sensation, Joahnys Argilagos, to a multiyear managerial agreement. Argilagos joins blue chip prospects, Yoelvis Gomez, Geovany Bruzon, and Lenier Pero, as well multiple division world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, as part of Rodriguez’ growing stable of boxers.

Argilagos, who is a promotional free agent, is scheduled to fight in his first 8-round bout this Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Airport Hilton in Miami, FL, against Juan Pablo Meza (4-1, 1 KO). The bantamweight bout will be promoted by M&R Boxing Promotions.

Now training in Las Vegas, NV, Argilagos will be guided by veteran coach, Pedro Roque, who also guides the corner of Gamboa, in addition to many other great Cuban fighters of the past.

Joahnys Argilagos, who goes by the nickname “El Pequeño Gigante” (The Little Giant), is (6-0, 3 KOs) as a professional and was born in Camaguey, Cuba. The 24-year-old orthodox bantamweight stands 5’ 5” and had immaculate amateur record of (315 W – 10 L). Argilagos took home a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio and won gold at both the 2015 and 2017 World Championships. With lighting fast hands and explosive power, Argilagos has the pedigree to become the next great Cuban prize fighter.

“I’m going to set the world on fire and make a name for myself in the America,” Argilagos said. “Living and training in the United States has been exciting thus far, especially in Las Vegas where all the greatest fighters are at. I’m going to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and I’m very grateful to my manager Jesse Rodriguez for everything he has done for me.”

“Joahnys Argilagos is an exceptional boxer with explosive power and hand speed,” stated manager Jesse Rodriguez. “He brings an exciting style to the ring because he throws a lot of hard power shots and is very accurate with his punches. When he makes his televised debut, he will be must watch TV. I’m please with his progression as a professional and he’s in good hands with coach Pedro Roque. I’m expecting an electrifying performance from him this Friday in Miami.”




BATTLE OF UNBEATENS BETWEEN KALVIN HENDERSON AND ISAIAH STEEN HEADLINES SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY EVENT ON FRIDAY, JULY 23

NEW YORK – July 2, 2021 – ShoBox: The New Generation celebrates its 20-year anniversary with a three-fight card headlined by two exciting undefeated super middleweight prospects as Kalvin Henderson takes on Isaiah Steen in a 10-round main event clash Friday, July 23 live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT) from the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Neb.

The popular series ShoBox debuted in Atlantic City on July 21, 2001 and has produced 84 fighters who later went on to win a world title. Just like it has for the past 20 years, the upcoming tripleheader will feature prospects matched tough with a combined record of 81-1-5, including five boxers who have yet to taste defeat at the professional level.

Henderson (14-0-1,10 KOs) matches up against 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.

“This is a milestone ShoBox event and we could not be more excited,” said Gordon Hall, who has served as the executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation since its inception. “As we celebrate two decades of ShoBox on July 23, we will stay true to our ethos to match undefeated, developing prospects tough. In the main event, undefeated 168-pound prospects with decorated amateur pedigrees will seek a career-best win. The co-feature has the return of fast-rising Janelson Bocachica in a difficult style matchup against the power-punching Bunch, while the opener features a battle of unbeatens that could steal the show. ShoBox remains the sport’s ultimate proving ground for prospects and this event on July 23 is the perfect way to kick off our next decade.”

The event, which is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions in association with Holden Productions, Salita Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, brings together fighters from seven different boxing promotional and management teams.

Kalvin Henderson vs. Isaiah Steen – 10-round Super Middleweight Main Event

Henderson vs. Steen is a matchup that was originally scheduled for ShoBox in October, before Henderson withdrew during fight week with an illness.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Henderson currently resides and trains out of Fayetteville, Ark., where he was a six-time Arkansas state champion in the amateurs competing in 70 fights. He turned pro in 2016, winning his first 12 fights before fighting Genc Pllana to a draw in 2019. Henderson has prior experience at the Heartland Events Center, knocking out Justin Baesman at the venue in March.

Following high school, Henderson received a music scholarship from the University of Arkansas as a percussionist and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2012. The 30-year-old Henderson is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions.

“Two undefeated guys coming in on the main event,” said Henderson, who is married with five children. “I know he has a good amateur pedigree and he throws good combinations. He is bringing it and I am bringing it. The third time’s a charm to finally make this fight happen. This is the next step in my career. A lot of fighters have been on ShoBox and have gone on to amazing careers, and now it’s my turn to do the same.”

Like his half-brother, U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, the 24-year-old Steen of Cleveland also had a successful amateur career with a record of 85-15. In his last fight in November, Steen stopped Colombia’s Juan De Angel with a fifth-round TKO. In February of 2020, Steen needed less than a round to stop Kenneth Council in Hammond, Ind. Steen is co-promoted by Holden and Lou DiBella and managed by David McWater of Split-T Management.

“I have been going from training camp to training camp,” Steen said. “I am going to mix it up, and out box him with a lot of jabs. Then when I see his weakness, I am going to get him out. Kalvin is a come-straight-forward fighter and he punches hard. I was supposed to fight him before, so this fight has been brewing for a while.”

Janelson Bocachica vs. Shinard Bunch – 10-round Welterweight Bout

A native of Puerto Rico and fighting out of Detroit, Mich., Bocachica is just 22 years old and already has five years of pro experience, including two appearances on ShoBox. This will be his third appearance on the series in nine months. He is coming off his best win to date, a majority decision win over previously unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr. An aggressive, come-forward fighter, Bocachica began boxing at age eight, won four consecutive Ringside Championships (2011-14), the National PAL Championships and the 2015 Detroit Golden Gloves. He boasts an amateur record of 60-5 and beat Brandun Lee in the finals to win the 2014 U.S. Junior National Olympics. He is trained by his father, Nelson Figueroa. Bocachica is managed by McWater and co-promoted by King’s Promotions and Salita Promotions.

“This is what ShoBox is known for: matching up fighters for great fights,” Bocachica said. “Shinard Bunch is a step up in competition. He is from the same gym as Mark Reyes, and you saw what I did to him, On July 23, it will be much of the same. Fighting on SHOWTIME has helped with my profile. When I went to Puerto Rico, people knew who I was because of my previous experience on ShoBox. Being on the platform has brought me many new fans.”

Bunch is a Queens, N.Y.-native living and training in Trenton, N.J. Just 21-years-old, Bunch has been active with five fights in 2020 and five fights thus far in 2021. Bunch has more than 400 amateur fights and started boxing at age 7. He was rated as high as No. 3 in the nation at the 2016 Nationals. Currently riding a 13-fight winning streak, Bunch’s only pro loss came in 2019 in just his third fight, a unanimous loss to Paul Kroll. Bunch is managed by Russell Peltz.

“We are coming to work and make a statement,” Bunch said. “I really do not know too much about my opponent. I know he is a pressure fighter. I am not taking this fight lightly. This is a big fight, and we are going to box smart. This is a blessing to have an opportunity like this. Fighting on ShoBox is something that I have always dreamed of.”

Martino Jules vs. Aram Avagyan – 8-round Featherweight Bout

The 23-year-old southpaw Jules from Allentown, Pa., is coming off his best victory to date in an ESPN bubble fight last July, earning a majority-decision win over Aleem Jumakhonov. Jules is a 2015 Olympic Trials qualifier and had a 60-15 amateur record since turning pro in 2016 and slowly climbing up the featherweight rankings. Jules was scheduled to make his ShoBox debut in January, but his opponent fell ill the morning of his fight and the fight was called off.

“I am grateful for getting this fight,” said Jules, who is promoted by Kings Promotions and managed by Trifon Petrov. “This is something I have been waiting for a year now. I was supposed to fight on ShoBox before, but the fight fell out. I have been staying ready. My opponent is tough, and he comes ready to fight. He has a lot of merit to him, and that is pushing me to be better and I am excited to fight someone that will make me perform at my best.”

Fighting under the Salita Promotions banner, the 30-year-old Avagyan returns to ShoBox for the third time facing his fourth consecutive unbeaten fighter. In January, Avagyan and Panama’s Jose Nunez fought to a majority draw. Avagyan survived two early knockdowns in his debut against then-unbeaten Dagoberto Aguero to earn a majority decision in the last ShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months in March 2020.

Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, and now residing in California, Avagyan is a decorated amateur with more than 300 fights. He captured two Bronze Medals at the European Championships and represented Armenia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I’m always hungry and want to fight and the fact that it will be on the 20-year anniversary of ShoBox is doubly motivating to put on a great show,” said Avagyan. “I’m gradually gaining shape and I have another month to show my best side to all boxing fans. I promise that I’m going to war on July 23. Don’t miss this event and the war of the warrior!”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood, former world champion Raul Marquez and special guest Al Bernstein. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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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.




CHRIS COLBERT VS. TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR FINAL WEIGHTS

WBA Super Featherweight Interim Title Bout – 12 Rounds

Chris Colbert – 130 lbs.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar – 129 ½ lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Carla Caiz (Calif.), Fernando Villarreal (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

WBA Lightweight Eliminator Bout – 12 Rounds

Michel Rivera – 134 ½ lbs. 

Jon Fernandez – 135 lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Eddie Hernandez, Sr. (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.)

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ABOUT COLBERT VS. NYAMBAYAR

Colbert vs. Nyambayar will undefeated Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert face hard-hitting contender Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar on Saturday, July 3, headlining the live SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten rising star Michel Rivera battling lightweight contender Jon Fernández the co-main event.

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.




Demetrius Andrade against Vanes Martirosyan WBO Junior Middleweight World Title Fight on fubo Sports Network

PHILADELPHIA (July 2, 2021)–Current WBO Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade takes on Vanes Martiroysan for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title, tonight on the next installment of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Andrade (19-0) met Martiroysan (33-0-1) on November 9, 2013 at The American Bank Center in Corpus Christie, Texas. This title fight was a battle of former United States Olympians, with the winner reaching a coveted goal of becoming a world champion.

Watch what happened in this world title showdown at 8 PM ET.
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About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.




UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT BRAD PAULS SIGNS WITH WASSERMAN BOXING

Undefeated Middleweight Brad Pauls (14-0, 9 KOs) has signed a long-term promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing. 

Known as ‘The Newquay Bomb’, the explosive Cornish fighter is one of the UK’s hottest prospects. Unbeaten in fourteen professional contests including nine wins inside the distance, the current Southern Area Champion has already established a reputation as a fan favourite thanks to his all action style. 

Pauls captured the Southern Area Title in June 2019 with a third-round technical knockout win against Darren Codona before defending the belt with a devastating seventh-round stoppage victory over Robbie Chapman.

The Southern Area Title is just the beginning for Pauls, who having signed with new powerhouse promoter Wasserman Boxing, is excited to bring his fan friendly style to the masses as he sets his sights on domestic domination.  

“I like to bring excitement to my fights,” says Pauls. “I’m a come forward fighter who loves a tear up. My style and what fans look for is exactly the same. Fans like to see knockouts and fighters looking for knockouts. Intensity and constant, relentless hunting and pressure – that’s what I bring to the table on fight night.

“My aim is to become the best middleweight in the country. To be the best fighter domestically, and to show the world what I can do. It’s nothing personal with any of the fighters I’m in with – they share the same dreams and ambitions as me –  but ultimately I’m going in there to knock people out and win titles!

“What the guys at Wasserman Boxing are doing is huge, and to be a part of it is just amazing. I’ve worked so hard for so long to get myself into a position like this, and to be here with such an unbelievable team is incredible.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland is thrilled to welcome Pauls to the team as Wasserman Boxing continue to sign Britain’s most exciting young talent.

“We’re on an exciting journey here, and to sign a fighter like Brad shows we’re signing the very best British talent out there and looking to put on great shows with exhilarating, edge of your seat, style fighters,” said Sauerland.

Pauls is the latest fighter to sign with Wasserman Boxing. He joins many of Europe’s most exciting young fighters and established names including British boxing star Chris Eubank Jr., Cruiserweight World Champion Mairis Briedis and top Heavyweight contender Filip Hrgovic. 




“IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SHOT” – JOE JOYCE HAS THE GIFT OF THE JAB

LOGIC DETERMINED THAT it was Daniel Dubois who chose to remove himself from the firing line and take a knee in the 10th round of his huge domestic showdown against Joe Joyce in November.

Joyce, quite understandably, begs to differ.

The defeat of Dubois is the hallmark name on the record of the 2016 Olympic silver medallist, who is 12-0 with, officially, 11 thudding KOs. He had mixed in good company previously, but Dubois was the young, unstoppable force who pundits picked to knock the Juggernaut off-course.

It turned out that it was the Big Juggernaut who was in indestructible mode and his reward is another marquee name in Carlos Takam on July 24 at the SSE Arena, Wembley, as he hunts down a world title shot later this year or next.

For Joyce, it is big nights only from now on and Takam more than fits the bill, with the muscle-bound Frenchman respected as a dangerman of the division with 28 KOs to his name. With his heavyweight CV being 47 fights deep, the Cameroon-born banger is only one short of having had four times as many professional contests as the 35-year-old Joyce.

Whether he can make such experience count remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Joyce was all for having a last look back at the fight that transformed his career and also the public’s perception of his place in the heavyweight pecking order.

Joyce points out that he has stunned somebody before without actually touching them, but insists Dubois was feeling the effects of a ramrod jab.

“I saw a guy run into a tree once after I looked at him!” recalled the popular Putney native. “Well, it was from my jab – full body weight jabs! Apparently people were saying it was earlier in the fight that did the damage, but that last shot was a full-powered shot and Dubois must have felt something go in his eye and thought he’d had enough.”

But was it always the objective to bring about the downfall of Dubois via unusually nimble footwork and a crispy jab?

“I always work on the jab because it is the most important shot. When something is working and landing every time you stick with it. It wasn’t the plan and there were other combinations I was going to do.

“Perhaps if it wasn’t stopped then I would have to have picked it up in the last couple of rounds – especially knowing I was down.”

Indeed, Joyce was behind on the cards at the time of the stoppage, even though he believed himself the dominant force throughout the fight.

“I was well comfortable in there! Dubois was coming forward throwing his shots for a little burst of about 30 seconds and for the whole fight he was breathing heavily and couldn’t really keep up with the pace. I was nullifying his power and moving away from his shots, meanwhile landing my jab every time with accuracy and force.”

Joyce acknowledges that he had to resist approaching the fight in his traditional fashion of marching forward and being prepared to take a shot or two to land his own.

Recalling some pre-Olympic sparring with the now WBA Interim champion reminded him that freely trading leather wouldn’t be in his best interests.

“Yeah Dubois definitely has power and I felt it even before the Rio Olympics. He landed a big shot and I definitely felt it in sparring. I was seeing a few stars and I’ve always known he has that strength.

“But that is not the only thing in boxing and you have to have other attributes – rely on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

“Styles make fights and you have to know what your opponent’s particular style is going in there and that is why you need a coach who can read that and you work on it in training. It would be different for every fighter tactically.

“Me being tactical is reserved for certain fights! I do enjoy a tear-up but I was not going to come charging in and get knocked out.”

Dubois returned to his trail of destruction in June following his recovery from orbital injuries and the usually resolute Bogdan Dinu was chopped down half a minute into the second round.

Joyce was pleased for his younger rival, but couldn’t match the obvious delight of Dubois himself, who showed a rare display of emotion.

“He was so happy about his last win – I have never seen him so happy!

“Taking a first loss is hard, especially when you have been built up so well and everyone expects you to win. He does have dynamite in each hand but I think there is a point where you get built too much and become complacent.

“Then you are built for a bigger fall and it happens a lot with British fans. I remember with David Price, he was the next great big thing and then he lost to Tony Thompson, then lost again. They build you up and really slate you when you fall.

“Daniel is showing that you can have a loss, come back and get back on the wagon.”

On the undercard 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.

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LYNDON INSPIRED TO WIN WORLD TITLE BY BOXING ‘TWIN’ SUNNY

LYNDON ARTHUR SAYS the world title winning exploits of his boxing ‘twin’ Sunny Edwards has proved an inspiration and an achievement he is eager to emulate.

Sunny, of course, seized the IBF flyweight world title in a sensational fashion with a fleet-footed masterclass against the South African legend Moruti Mthalane in April. His nimble footwork and rapier-like array of shots saw to it that a glittering red belt was soon being couriered to his doorstep in Sheffield.

The 25-year-old world champion ventured across to Manchester this week to the famous Collyhurst and Moston gym, where the uncompromising headmaster is former European champion, the Black Flash, Pat Barrett.

One of Barrett’s star pupils is one of Britain’s and the world’s leading light heavyweights, who is known in boxing circles as King Arthur. Lyndon catapulted himself to the forefront of the division with a display of precise punch picking in his December showdown against big domestic rival Anthony Yarde in London.

The 30-year-old WBO Intercontinental and Commonwealth champion returns to the capital next Saturday (July 30) when he headlines the show at the Royal Albert Hall, taking on the unbeaten, 15-0, Italian Davide Faraci, live on BT Sport.

Inseparable amateur teammates Lyndon and Sunny were back in tandem as the light heavy was put through his paces by Barrett on Wednesday and the older of the pair reflected that he cannot fail to be inspired by his flyweight friend.

“Sunny, man, it was great, wasn’t it,” considered the 18-0 man. “It was just a great thing, I am a bit lost for words, it was just mad and amazing. I’ve watched him coming from ABA finals – and he got beaten in one of them – to the pinnacle of professional boxing.”

The typically reserved – publicly, at least – Lyndon doesn’t give much away at the best of times, but he was visibly ecstatic following Sunny’s triumph. Much more so than after his own successes.

“It is not just me,” he explained. “I know with a lot of boxers, you tend to get more excited about your friends or family fighting than you do about yourself. My reaction showed my feelings.

“It was crazy in the sense that we met on GB (elite amateur squad) and we just clicked straight away and have kept as friends and now we are both here.”

The obvious question remained. How did the quietly eloquent and imposing light heavyweight end up in cahoots with the impish – and some might say outspoken – flyweight?

“Have you seen the film Twins? It is the same sort of thing and we naturally bounce off each other and have done since we met. It just happened organically, it was not forced and we have stayed friends and had a strong relationship ever since.”

Away from his Sunny outlook, Lyndon has a job on his hands against Faraci next week and he is not underestimating the task.

“I have watched a few of his fights and he is a threat. I am the key to his world title shot and his lottery ticket, so to speak. He will take this fight more seriously than any other so I have to be ready.”

Pictures from Lyndon and Sunny’s media day can be downloaded here
 
Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th Royal Albert Hall bill and makes the first defence of his WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

The Mancunian’s bitter rival Anthony Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) returns in a non-title ten rounder.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO International belt against Uzbek Sherzod Khusanov (22-2-1, 10 KOs).

 WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) meets Mexico’s Diego Andrade Chavez (13-4-2, 1 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

Prodigious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann (9-0, 5 KOs) faces Tanzanian John Chuwa (20-4, 10 KOs).

Elsewhere on the card, 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (2-0) will have his third professional assignment against Lee Glover (11-4, 3 KOs), with Lightweight KO-artist Sam Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) and Light-Heavyweight former Olympic Youth champion Karol Itauma (2-0, 1 KO) also featuring.