NEW YORK (June 18, 2021)-Two undefeated fighters from the Split-T Management stable will be in action tomorrow night at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Puente will take on Jose Antonio Meza in a six-round lightweight fight, while Rosario squares off with JJ Mariano in a four-round battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

Puente, 21 years-old of Vista, California is 5-0 and is coming off a unanimous decision over undefeated Sergio Vega on February 13th in Las Vegas.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team

Meza of Durango, Mexico, will be the most experienced foe of Puente’s young career as he has record of 7-5 with two knockouts. The 24 year-old Meza has wins over Arturo Montes (1-0-2) and Juan Funez (11-0-1). Meza is coming off a distance defeat to hotshot prospect Keyshawn Davis on May 8th in Arlington, Texas.

Puente was 136 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in; Meza was 136.6

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 3-0 with one knockout. The 23 year-old is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Uriel Villanueva on February 20th in Las Vegas,

Rosario, 23 years-old, was the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Mariano of Reno, Nevada is 3-0 with two knockouts. The 27 year-old is coming off an opening round stoppage over Matthew Reed October 3rd in Las Vegas,

Rosario was 140.5 lbs; Mariano was 140 lbs.

The bouts will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 8 PM ET

Puente and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO (JUNE 18, 2021)– Weights for Saturday night’s Tribute to the King’s Pay-Per-View featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs Anderson Silva

PAY-PER-VIEW WEIGHTS (9 pm ET)
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 184.4 – Anderson Silva 182
Julio Cesar Chavez 143 – Hector Camacho Jr. 160 lbs
(Exhibition)
Omar Chavez 161.1 – Ramon Alvarez 160
Damian Sosa 153.4 – Abel Mina 153.6
Kevin Torres 138.4 – Jorge Melendez 137.8

BeIN Sports Weights (7 PM ET)
Jesus Acosta 129.8 – Leonardo Padilla 129.2
Cesar Gutierrez 140 – Oscar Mejia 137.8
Mario Ramirez 128.6 – Pedro Castro 127.2
Johan Alvarez 129.8 – Erick Hernandez 131.6
Jose Vazquez 133.2 – Jonathan Perez 134.2
Diego Torres 136 – Jose Pacheco 134.2
Oscar Murguia 123.6 – Ricardo Badillo 122.2
Gamilel Perez 142.8 – Ismael Moreno 148.4

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •   Naoya Inoue 118 lbs vs. Michael Dasmarinas 117.4 lbs 
(Inoue’s WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Patricia Morse Jarman and Don Trella
Referee: Russell Mora

•     Mikaela Mayer 129.8 lbs vs. Erica Farias 128.2 lbs 
(Mayer’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title— 10 Rounds)
Judges: Max De Luca, Eric Cheek and Lisa Giampa
Referee: Mike Ortega

•    Adam Lopez 126 lbs vs. Isaac Dogboe 125.4 lbs 
(Lopez’s NABF featherweight title— 10 Rounds)
Judges: Chris Migliore, Dave Moretti and Don Trella
Referee: Celestino Ruiz

(ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT)

•    Lindolfo Delgado 141.6 lbs vs. Salvador Briceno 141.2 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Eric Puente 136 lbs vs. Jose Antonio Meza  136.6
(Lightweight  — 6 Rounds)

   •   Omar Rosario 140.5 lbs vs. JJ Mariano 140
 (Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

Providence, RI (June 18, 2021) – Featherweights Angel Luna and Adan Ochoa face one another for the vacant WBC USNBC title and Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt makes her long-awaited return in a special showcase bout against fellow Canadien Olivia Gerula as CES Boxing promotes its first event in front of a live audience since February of 2020 tomorrow at noon.

Listed below are the official weights for “The Thriller at the Stadium,” which begins tomorrow at noon at the historic Cranston Stadium in Cranston, RI, followed by the main card streaming live at 1 on UFC FIGHT PASS®. CES publicist and matchmaker Michael Parente handles play-by-play alongside the legendary “Sucra” Ray Oliveira and Fun 107 radio host and veteran ringside correspondent Madelyn Grimaldi.

The Thriller at the Stadium features the highly-anticipated return of the four-time world champion Clampitt (22-5-1, 7 KOs) fighting for the first time in eight years in a six-round special attraction against fellow former world-title holder Gerula (18-19-2, 3 KOs) of Ontario, plus the eight-round main event between the Dominican Republic native “El Gato” Luna (14-6-1, 7 KOs) and 23-year-old Los Angeles prospect Ochoa (11-2, 4 KOs).

Additional fight card details are available online. Visit CESFights.com for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @CESBOXING. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, visit ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS
ANGEL LUNA
East Haven, CT14-6-1, 7 KOs
125

ADAN OCHOA
Los Angeles, CA
11-2, 4 KOs
125

JAMES PERELLA
Mansfield, MA
6-0, 4 KOs
146

GAEL IBARRA
Douglas, AZ
5-3, 4 KOs
149

WILSON MASCARENHAS
New Bedford, MA
3-1
140

GEOFFREY THEN
Danbury, CT
1-0, 1 KO
140

VICTOR REYNOSO
Providence, RI
6-0, 5 KOs
153

MARTEZ JACKSON
Macon, GA
5-4-3, 2 KOs
153

JAIME CLAMPITT
Warwick, RI
22-5-1, 7 KOs
133

OLIVIA GERULA
Ontario, Canada
18-19-2, 3 KOs
133

GARY BALLETTO III
Cranston, RI
1-0, 1 KO
170

WILLIAM DUNKLE
Boise, ID
Pro debut
170

INFORMATION
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience.

Sprout CoWorking is a membership-based co-working facility used by entrepreneurs, start-ups, remote corporate workers, innovation teams, established small businesses, freelancers, community organizations, and home-based workers that are looking for supplemental business resources.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHTPASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

WBC Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Jermall Charlo – 160 lbs.

Juan Macias Montiel – 159.6 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Steve Morrow (Calif.), Nathan Palmer (Ind.), Chris Tellez (N.M.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Isaac Cruz – 133 lbs. 

Francisco Vargas – 134 lbs.

Referee: James Green; Judges: Kellie Isaac (Texas), Jesse Reyes (Texas), Randy Russell (Texas)

Super Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Angelo Leo – 122 lbs.

Aaron Alameda – 123.4 lbs.* 

Referee: Gregorio Alvarez; Judges: Jesse Reyes (Texas), Randy Russell (Texas), Eva Zaragoza (Texas)

*Alameda came in over the contracted weight. The fight will proceed as scheduled.

#          #          #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. MONTIEL

Charlo vs. Montiel will see undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo enter the ring for a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown when he takes on hard-hitting Juan Macías Montiel on Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature rising lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former world champion Francisco Vargas in the 10-round co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Angelo Leo returns to take on Mexican contender Aaron Alameda in a 10-round super bantamweight bout. 

The event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Leo vs. Alameda is promoted in association 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.

London, UK (18 June 2021) Iron-fisted heavyweight prospect Tommy Welch has his first pro fight on foreign soil tomorrow night (Saturday 19 June) in Brussels, Belgium, as he looks to take his record to 3-0.

The 25-year-old hot talent from Brighton has a great opportunity to keep active and get another fight under his belt when he features on the Maatala Production event and takes on Hungary’s Gyorgy Kutasi over four rounds.

Powerhouse Welch has made quick work of his first two opponents, just last month he destroyed Dmitrij Kalinovskij in the opening round and prior to that on his pro debut in December he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round.

All-action Welch doesn’t intend to rack up the rounds and wants to wipe out Kutasi in quick time to show he means business on his rise up the heavyweight division.

He said, “I know what I’ve got in front of me and I don’t want to be going in there doing rounds with this guy. At this early stage of my career it’s not about the rounds, that will come later as I step up, it’s about getting in there and unloading my punches and taking him out quickly, effectively and in devastating style.”

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

Wasserman Boxing is delighted to announce the signing of a hat-trick of top UK talent as Hosea Stewart, Linus Udofia and Razor Ali ink promotional deals.  

Hosea Stewart, the explosive heavyweight handpicked by Anthony Joshua for sparring ahead his world title fight with Kubrat Pulev and proposed bout with Tyson Fury, will enter the professional ranks with Wasserman Boxing. 

Stewart hails from a family that has boxing running through its veins, and has already proven his pedigree as an amateur. The 24-year-old is a two-time Midlands champion, ABA finalist and GB Amateur Championship winner. 

“Let’s get to work,” said Stewart. “Throughout this whole pandemic, and even before it I told myself, keep working, keep doing what you do, keep making moves – and now I’m making moves with the biggest players in the game!”

On sparring with Anthony Joshua, Stewart says he believes the experience has teed him up perfectly for a move into the pro game.

“I know I’m ready for this. I wouldn’t let myself do it if I didn’t know 100% I was ready,” he said. “Sparring with AJ and other top class professionals has left no doubt in my mind that I can do this. I have a lot of work to do, I need to focus on my game, but that’s what I’ve been doing for years now. I’m here on the heavyweight scene and I’m here to cause some problems!”

English Champion ‘Lightning’ Linus Udofia (16-0, 8 KOs) has also put pen to paper as he looks to progress his already impressive career. The hard-hitting middleweight is hot off the back of a TKO win over John Harding Jr, and has his eyes set on moving up the ranks and challenging for more belts.

“My team are the best in the business and now we’ve joined Wasserman we will become a real force in the sport,” he said. “The idea of signing with Wasserman and working with the Sauerland brothers really excited me! 

“Look at the moves they’re making. They’re expanding and showcasing the very best talent in the country. The next generation as well as the most exciting fighters currently. This is what boxers dream of. It’s what I dreamed of and I’m excited and raring to go!”

Completing a hat-trick of signings is British Iranian Alireza ‘Razor Ali’ Ghadiri (3-0). The undefeated featherweight has overcome adversity and homelessness to become one of the most sought after young talents in the sport after arriving in the UK as a political refugee.

“I’ve been dreaming of this situation for years – I’ve worked every day for the last 5 years, no days off, to get into this position,” said Ali. “When I came to the UK, I had no money – I was literally penniless, couldn’t speak any English and was sleeping on the streets.

“I want to inspire people. When you’re Mr Nobody you can’t inspire people, but I feel now I can become someone who can share a story. Even if it’s just one person, I can say life tried to KO me, but I came back and I’m here.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says today’s signings are a signal of intent from Wasserman Boxing as they look to deepen their stable by developing the best young talent alongside established stars. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Hosea, Linus and Ali to the team,” said Sauerland. “Today’s signings are statements of where we are moving with Wasserman Boxing. We want to work with the most exciting young talent who are hungry to develop. We will be continuing to grow our stable and will have more exciting announcement coming soon.”

CALLUM JOHNSON says it’s “a gutter” not to be boxing alongside Light-Heavyweight rivals Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde next month.

WBO number one contender Arthur and Yarde return to the ring at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

Former British and Commonwealth champion Johnson believes he may have stolen their thunder but injury means he cannot box on the bill as planned.

“I have had a few niggles that I thought would heal quicker, but I am back in training and will be ready for August,” said Johnson who came through a two round war against Emil Markic in April.

“It is a little bit of a gutter not being on the same bill as Lyndon and Anthony on July 10, but not the end of the world.

“It will only be another few weeks before Frank Warren has me out again, but I would have liked to be on that card.

“Firstly for the excitement of all three of us being on it and secondly to get out a bit quicker.

“I don’t think Lyndon or Anthony are as exciting as I am. I don’t think there are many fighters out there who are as exciting as me.

“The Markic fight brought a lot of excitement and everyone was talking about it. There are a lot of people who can’t wait to see me back out again.

“It’s a good card Queensberry are putting on at the Royal Albert Hall and they both have business to take care of. It looks like they are going to be having a rematch.”

Arthur took a split decision over Yarde when they met last December and promoter Warren has announced that a rematch is set to take place in the autumn.

If Johnson doesn’t get a second world title fight earlier, he will certainly be in the mix to fight the pair.

“They have both got to look good at the Royal Albert Hall trying to prove they are the best out of each other and to get people thinking they are the best in the country,” added Johnson who suffered his only loss in a thrilling World title challenge against Artur Beterbiev in October 2018.

“I think I would favour Arthur in the rematch, but it is a tough fight for both of them.

“Arthur deserved to win the first fight, but it wasn’t clear cut. He never dominated it massively, but did enough.

“These are exciting times because we all have a point to prove and all chasing the same thing.”

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) faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) 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 Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 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.

HAMZAH SHEERAZ has moved his training base to California and insists: “I now know that I belong at the top.”

The WBO European Super-Welterweight champion is training under experienced Ricky Funez at the Ten Goose gym in Los Angeles.

Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) switched to his new base two months ago and believes the results will show when he returns to action this Summer.

The Ilford man said: “If I came here and got my arse kicked in sparring I would have come home and not wasted time and money.

“The sparring whether it’s in our gym, going to the Wild Card or Justin Fortune’s gym is great. I have been sparring Olympians, Mexicans, South Americans and Cubans.

“It’s good to get a taste of all the styles because you know where you are at.

“I know for sure that I belong at the top after sparring here. It’s now about making the right adjustments and moves at the right time.

“In terms of training over here it is how you are outside as well as inside the ring.

“It’s not like I’m a wild child. I’m well behaved, but watching boxing, living it and breathing it is all I do out here.

“So many people come in and out the gym like the Ruelas brothers and I pick up a bit of knowledge from everyone.

“It takes a few camps for massive changes, but I’ve been learning a hell of a lot especially when it comes to work rate.”

Honduran born Funez learned the boxing business under Dan and Joe Goossen and worked with some of the sport’s biggest names.

That list includes the late Diego Corrales, Shane Mosley, Azumah Nelson, Michael Nunn, Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, James Toney and Israel Vazquez.

Hamzah who is world ranked number 13 by the WBO for Brian Castano’s world title set out to chase the American dream after meeting with Funez in London in 2019.

Sheeraz explained: “Before my fight with Ryan Kelly, Ricky was around as he had a YouTuber fighting on a charity event.

“I was asked to do a session with him so I could get a taste of what it was like working with an American coach and didn’t think anything of it.

“I thought I’d do the session and crack on with my day. Ever since then I have always wanted to come to America.

“At the time I didn’t have the funds and sponsorship in place, but got that thanks to my sponsors in Dubai.

“That allowed me to come over here and once we got the funds I made the move straight away. I am fully based here training wise with Ricky.

“It is pure camp life and I’m usually too tired to do much when I have time so it is Netflix and rest. It isn’t boring because I am enjoying it.

“I have given up so much. Unfortunately, my Uncle passed away and I had to miss his funeral, my birthday and a couple Religious festivals.

“I have been away for what seems so long that whoever is in the ring with me has to pay for it.

“We plan to fly back into the UK soon and allow plenty of time to get used to the eight hours time difference before the fight.”

There are plenty who expect Hamzah to reach the top, but before then he is involved in a thriving domestic scene.

A showdown with Queensberry stablemate Troy Williamson has been discussed but his rival is next in line to challenge British champion Ted Cheeseman.

.Hamzah added: “I have never set out to go out and win a British title, but if the opportunity came I wouldn’t knock it down.

“Whatever route Frank Warren and my manager Andy Ayling chooses I’ll go with. I will get in with whoever is in my way.”

ATLANTA (June 17, 2021) – Top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and former unified champion Jeison Rosario, plus former unified champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Brian Mendoza previewed their respective showdowns during a virtual press conference Thursday before they enter the ring on the Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios SHOWTIME PPV undercard Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Lubin and Rosario will meet in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, while Williams and Mendoza square off for a 10-round super welterweight showdown on the pay-per-view telecast. The telecast also features hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov stepping in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in the opening bout at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

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

ERICKSON LUBIN

“This has been the best camp of my life. I know it sounds cliché, but it really has been. I’ve been in the gym since my last fight. I made a few mistakes in that fight, but Kevin Cunningham and I have been at it since last year and we’re coming to make a statement.

“This is a stacked card and we’re excited to be a part of it. I’m ready to show everyone that I’m the best fighter in this division.

“This is going to be a fan-friendly fight. I can mix it up, box or bang. Rosario always comes forward. The fans are going to love it. I’m not the fighter who tries to find an easy way out. I’m looking to make a statement.

“I think that I’m a totally different fighter than when I trained with his coach, Herman Caicedo. Me and Kevin have worked on a lot of things that regular southpaws don’t have. I’m coming in with a game plan that’s like a jigsaw puzzle. I think this is the wrong fight for Rosario to take coming off a knockout loss.

“This fight comes down to who wants it more and who prepared better. I have power too. He’s got to have the skills and have his mind there. I know I’m ready mentally. I can’t wait to fight.

“I gained a lot of experience fighting Nathaniel Gallimore and Terrell Gausha. Those are top contenders. I don’t want any tune-up fights, that’s why I took this fight against Rosario. I gained a lot of confidence and everything is clicking for me right now.

“When I become world champion, I want to be able to say that I’ve beat all the top guys in the division. That’s just how I am. I’m a competitor. Make sure you tune-in on June 26.

“It doesn’t matter if I knock Rosario out or if I don’t. My job is to look good and come out victorious. I’m going to go in there and show the world that I can make anyone in this division look bad.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“I feel very healthy and very strong. It’s been a great camp so far and probably one of the best camps I’ve had in my career. I’m already at the weight and I am ready to go. The Jermell Charlo fight is the past. That’s over with. This is a new camp and I feel very strong. We’re moving forward.

“I changed trainers just because I was looking for a change. Not necessarily because I lost, but because it was just the right timing. Unfortunately, it came with a loss, but that was not the reason for the change. We’ve known each other for some time. I know Herman Caicedo’s style. It’s no nonsense. No excuses. It’s all or nothing and that’s what I wanted moving forward.

“First and foremost, I have the power to knockout Lubin and anybody in the 154-pound division. The camp that I’ve had, and the little tidbits of southpaw knowledge that I’ve picked up on, make me confident that I can knock Lubin out.

“What happened in the Charlo fight was the fluke. Me winning the titles was not the fluke. I’m going to show everybody that I will bounce back from that loss and win my next fight. I have no problem taking this fight. It’s not a mistake at all. This is what we do. We fight. I’m very excited for June 26 and I expect Lubin to bring his best.

“I actually watched the Charlo fight for the first time last night. Obviously, I learned from my mistake and worked to correct it in this camp. I’m looking forward to showing what I’ve learned from that defeat on June 26.

“At 154 pounds, I can knock anybody out. I have seen some of Lubin’s fights just as a fan and he is a great fighter. It’s not easy to land shots on him or land a home run shot. So that’s not the game plan. Obviously, there is a game plan and if I do land on him, I feel that I can knock him out. But I won’t just go in there trying to land a shot on the chin.

“I’m the type to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. This is another opportunity to get right back in the picture and fight for a title, so you have to take this. Not everybody would. Erickson did and I’m cut from the same cloth. It’s the opportunity and the pride of fighting the best.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“Camp is going really well. I’ve been out in Las Vegas with SugarHill Steward grinding and putting in the work. The fans can expect an explosive performance and a victory for myself on June 26.

“I just have to be myself on June 26. I think I’m more skilled than anyone else in the division and I plan on proving that again against Brian Mendoza.

“I’ve known who Brian Mendoza is. I expect him to get beat. He’s a decent fighter, but victory is the only thing on my mind.

“I don’t want to talk about what happened before the Rosario fight because it’s in the past. I don’t want to make any excuses. It wasn’t that I didn’t focus or train hard. Right now, I’ve had a great camp and I’m prepared to win.

“With me, you’re always going to see a hungry and focused fighter in the ring. I don’t know if I’ll look much different. I think with a new coach it takes some time for the changes to start setting in.

“I went through a four-week training camp before my fight in December was cancelled because I got COVID-19. It was almost a full camp and it definitely kept me motivated going into this next training camp for this fight.

“I’m the best fighter in the division. I just lost, that’s all. LeBron James and Michael Jordan had bad nights, I can have a bad night too. I’m still the best in the division and I’m anxious to get back in the ring.”

BRIAN MENDOZA

“Training camp has been going great. I’m out here in Las Vegas, too. I’ve just been grinding. This is a very big opportunity for me and I plan to take full advantage of it. Everybody can expect one hundred percent and everything I have in me.

“It’s not about looking back at the one blemish on my record and crying about what happened in the past. There’s always a million excuses behind the scenes, but it is what it is. I learned from that loss and you guys have seen the change in my performances since that fight and how I was more comfortable at 154 pounds in my next fight. I feel like this next fight will pull out even more from me. You guys will see another big jump in my skill level on June 26.

“I do feel that I have everything to gain in this fight and nothing to lose. I keep telling people on fight night that you’re not going to see somebody that’s just happy to be here and happy to get to this point. I have big goals and this is the perfect fight. So you’re going to see me coming with everything I have and coming for the victory. I have everything to gain.

“I feel like I’m catching Julian Williams at the right time because of where I am in my career. It’s about me. This is the right time. I’m 27-years-old and I’ve been a pro for many years now. I just feel like the schooling that I’ve had is really starting to come out and I’m hitting that next level. I’m not worried about what’s going on with Williams. I know he’s still coming with everything he has to prove that he still has it and that he’s still in the mix.

“A lot of people get to this point and they get a big fight like this and they think they’ve made it. They get happy just to be here, but you won’t see that at all with me. I’ve always visualized being at the top of this sport and climbing to the very top. I’m taking full advantage of this opportunity and you’re going to see somebody very hungry on June 26.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a really terrific card from top to bottom. Julian Williams is one of my favorite fighters. He’s a former unified champion who’s going to take on the tough Brian Mendoza. Williams is looking to make a big statement that he’s still a force and that he’s ready to get back in the mix with the other top 154-pounders.

“The co-main event could be a main event on its own. With Lubin and Rosario, we’re really excited to see who will emerge from that fight ready to challenge for a world title once again. We can’t wait for June 26.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. BARRIOS
Davis vs. Barrios will see four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis set his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

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

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO (JUNE 17, 2021)–A world class broadcast team will be ringside calling the live boxing action for the “Tribute to the Kings” Pay-Per-View event taking place from Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico this Saturday, June 19th.

Tribute to the Kings, featuring Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. “The Spider” Anderson Silva will be available for live viewing on cable, shown on cable, satellite and digital Pay Per View, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, on for a suggested retail price of only $39.99. Integrated Sports Media and Joe Hand Promotions will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, DISH, SaskTel, Rogers, Shaw PPV and via the FITE.TV website and app in the United States, Canada and select markets world-wide

Handling the blow-by-blow commentary will be Brandon Kyle. Known in the Muay Thai fight business as a broadcaster with Triumphant Combat Sports, he is now a fixture on the Global Sports Streaming (GSS) boxing series, “Best in Boxing.”

The expert analysis will be the work of former junior welterweight world champion, Chris Algieri. In addition to his championship pedigree, Algieri has quickly established himself as one of the best analyzers of fights with his work on Top Rank’s ESPN broadcasts.

Also handling commentary will be longtime boxing analyst, Jaime Motta.

Marcos Villegas will provide the unofficial scorecard.

Comedian Crystal Marie Denha will handle the reporting. Denha had her own sports show titled “The Fumble”. She left that to start a comedy career, and now is returning to broadcasting since selling The Fumble. She also hosted Australia Breakfast News Program “Sunrise”. She is a first-generation US citizen born to Iraqi parents.

Performing play-by-play calls on the Spanish broadcast will be Hall of Famer, Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera who can be seen and heard on many of the major fights throughout Mexico, will be the team lead for Tribute to the Kings.

He will be joined by former world champion Cristian Mijares as well as analyst Goyitp Perez. Gerardo Rodriguez will handle the hosting duties at the desk.

Former featherweight contender, Chris Martin, will analyze the fights on the beIN SPORTS undercard pre-show, while Rodriguez and Motta call the beIN SPORTS undercard show in Spanish.

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2021) — Naoya “Monster” Inoue is a man of few words, but his devastating knockouts, climb up the pound-for-pound rankings and cult hero status among combat sports fans have elevated the Japanese prodigy to main event status. Inoue will defend his WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles Saturday against Filipino mandatory challenger Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmarinas from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Inoue, who also captured titles at light flyweight and junior bantamweight, is 15-0 in world title bouts and looks to continue his dominance against a man who has not tasted defeat since 2014.

In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will make the first defense of her WBO junior lightweight strap against former two-weight world champion Erica Farias. Mayer dethroned Ewa Brodnicka last October as the co-feature to the Inoue-Jason Moloney main event. Mayer has her sights on the top names in and around her weight class.

The 10-round featherweight televised opener will see the return of action star Adam Lopez, who will defend his NABF strap against former WBO junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe. Lopez has won toe-to-toe battles against Louie Coria and Jason Sanchez since his valiant effort against Oscar Valdez, while Dogboe returned last July with a one-sided victory over Chris Avalos.

It was crowded dais Thursday, as Top Rank chairman Bob Arum and all six fighters participated in the final press conference. This is what they had to say.

Bob Arum

“Monster is back in the United States, and he’s fighting a tough Filipino. And I know from experience how tough Filipino fighters are. So this should be a very, very enjoyable fight. I can’t wait for Saturday night because the fists will be flying.”

Naoya Inoue

“Basically, {becoming undisputed champion} means I’m the best in that weight class, the bantamweight division. To prove that, that’s why I’m going after all four belts.” 

“I feel the expectations, and I want to answer those expectations, and I want to have a performance Saturday night to answer to those expectations.”

“I’m very happy that the nickname ‘Monster’ comes before Naoya Inoue. I’m very happy and honored, and I’ve taken it in myself as far as ‘Monster’ in the United States as my name.”

Michael Dasmarinas

“I did everything I am supposed to do in training, and I am prepared, and I will do whatever it takes to give a good fight to Naoya Inoue.”

“It was a long, hard wait {after winning the IBF title eliminator in March 2019}, but patience and perseverance allowed me to get here. I am thankful to everyone that I’ve been given the chance to fight a great fighter in Naoya Inoue.”

“America has to learn about my very hot and spicy punches!”

Mikaela Mayer

“We need to hear that promoters and networks want us to go those three-minute rounds and that they see the benefits it would have for women’s boxing. And if that’s what you want, I’ll give it to you, and if that’s what will grow women’s boxing, we will do it.”

“I don’t have anything bad to say about Erica Farias. She has been a champion for a long time. She fought at 140 and 147, and now she is coming down in weight. She has a ton of experience, but this is a new era in women’s boxing. The experience and the skill that I bring, even though I have less fights than her, is on another level thanks to the Olympics and for women being able to fight at the highest level in the amateurs. This will also be a test for her. I prepared very well and we studied her fights. We always go into fights with a good game plan. If she studied my last fight, it’s not going to really help her because every single fight we keep learning and building. I’m looking to become a better fighter every time I go out to the ring.”

Erica Farias

“I will take full advantage of this opportunity. I already became world champion in two divisions, and now I’m looking to become champion in the division that I debuted in a couple of years ago. I feel great at this weight.”

“I’m very calm. I’ve been working hard for seven months because I was going to get another opportunity in a higher weight class. That’s why we took this challenge. We were close to the division since I’ve been working very hard for the last couple of months.”

Adam Lopez

“This is the perfect name I need right now. Isaac is a great champion. He’s dedicated to the sport just like I am, and I’m excited to show you what I’ve been working on. Tune in. It’s going to be a great fight.”

“That fight alone {against Oscar Valdez} showed me that I got what it takes to be at the top. I took the fight on a day’s notice. I was going through a lot of management issues beforehand. I was in a shaky spot in my life. I was not 100 percent there mentally, physically, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It was a fight I always wanted. The way it presented itself was something you never see happen. Nobody comes in 11 pounds heavy {like Valdez’s original opponent, Andres Gutierrez}. That’s unheard of, so I thought it was meant to be. I jumped on it. I did my thing. I think I showed the world what I got, and that was me on three weeks of training. Saturday night, I got a full camp, so I’m excited.” 

“I put everything into this camp. I know Isaac is a tough competitor, so you will see the best Adam Lopez Saturday night.”

Isaac Dogboe

“{You can expect} a firefight as usual. What can I say? I bring excitement. That’s exactly what they are expecting. They’re expecting Isaac Dogboe to come and fight, so I am going to come and fight. Obviously, the fans are looking forward to an exciting fight, and that’s why we’re here. At the end of the day, we just want to keep the excitement going. After the fight, they’ll be like, ‘Yeah, that’s Adam Lopez and Isaac Dogboe. That was the fight of the night.'”

“I love working with them, Barry {Hunter} and Boogie {Harris} and Brady. These guys, they are family. I feel great. At first, I was just supposed to pass through a couple of weeks. I ended up telling them, “You know what, I’m gonna stay.’ That’s how everything began. I feel great. The boys down there are really sharp. They’re motivating me. They keep me in shape. I’ve had a relaxed camp. I feel calm. Saturday, I’m ready to put everything on the line.”

“The best Adam Lopez can also be an undisciplined Adam Lopez. I know he is a great fighter. He’s gonna stick and move. But at the end of the day, sometimes Adam Lopez gets cute in the ring, so we’re looking to exploit that. When he gets a little cute, we’ll let him know that it’s not a time to get cute.”

SATURDAY, June 19, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Naoya Inoue vs. Michael Dasmarinas, 12 rounds, Inoue’s WBA/IBF Bantamweight World Titles

Adam Lopez vs. Isaac Dogboe, 10 rounds, Lopez’s NABF featherweight title

ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Salvador Briceno, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Eric Puente vs. Jose Antonio Meza, 6 rounds, lightweight

Omar Rosario vs. JJ Mariano, 4 rounds, junior welterweight

HOUSTON (June 17, 2021) – Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo went face-to-face with the hard-hitting Juan Macias Montiel Thursday during the final press conference before they meet live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, June 19 from Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Thursday’s press conference also featured rising lightweight contender Isaac Cruz and former world champion Francisco Vargas, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus former super bantamweight world champion Angelo Leo and Mexican contender Aaron Alameda, who battle in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Saturday’s event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com.

Charlo has established himself as a force in two divisions and will seek to thrill his hometown crowd against Mexico’s Montiel, in a first-of-its-kind Juneteenth Day boxing celebration. Charlo and his twin brother Jermell Charlo were given a proclamation from Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday, declaring this Juneteenth Day “Jermall and Jermell Charlo Day” in their hometown.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JERMALL CHARLO

“I’m blessed to be in this position to showcase my talent. Camp was awesome. I’ve had great sparring throughout and I’m ready.

“On Saturday you can expect a hard fight. If he comes at me the same way everyone comes at me, you’re going to see the same Jermall Charlo. I can deliver explosive knockouts, go 12 rounds or beat you down from start to finish.

“If he’s strong like they say he is, I’ll show you my movement and attack the body. I have all the skills and ability of every other great middleweight throughout history.

“He’s strong, but I fight strong fighters. I spar heavy fighters all the time. I’m strong too, right? I’m not worried about his power. This is my hometown, and I’m going to stay champion. The talk about his power is just going to make me fight harder.

“This is a real fight. This isn’t James Kirkland or Hugo Centeno Jr. You’re only as good as your last fight. There are levels to this and I’m going to show what level I’m on Saturday. If he’s that good and if his team has a game plan that no one else has used before, then I’ll accept it. But I’ve trained hard for this fight and I’m going to show it.

“I’m honored to be fighting on Juneteenth with the opportunity to represent my people. I get to fight for all my ancestors who fought before me. I love it and I’m focused.

“Every fighter wants the belt. I remember being in that position, but I’m even hungrier now. I’m not sleeping on anybody. I’m still young in my career. I can’t make any mistakes right now. I know he’s coming to fight.

“I am not overlooking Montiel. Saturday is a holiday and that’s great. But I put my life on the line every time I get into the ring. I can’t overlook this guy. He says he trained hard, but I trained way harder.

“June 19 is going to be a party. Everyone get ready for a show. I’m coming for a fight. I’m putting it all on the line. This is going to be one of the fights where I do what I say I’m going to do.”

JUAN MACIAS MONTIEL

“I had an unbelievable training camp. It was the best camp of my entire career. It was very tough physically, but I feel great right now. We’ve worked hard to bring another world champion to Mexico.

“I plan to show everything we’ve worked on in training camp on Saturday night. We’ve worked on a variety of techniques and styles to use in this fight. I’m excited to show them in the ring.

“I was the underdog in the James Kirkland fight and everyone saw what happened. I wasn’t training the way I do now when I fought Hugo Centeno Jr. to a draw. I know that I have the best middleweight in front of me, so I knew that I had to train harder than ever for this fight.

“I believe that if he wants to trade punches with me, he’s going to be sorry that he chose that strategy.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. On Saturday night I’m going to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion. No matter what it takes.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I had a great two and a half months of training and I’m ready for Saturday night. Vargas has a similar style to mine. We both like to stand in front of our opponent, so it’s going to be a great fight.

“I’m planning to put Mexico on top once again. ‘Pitbull’ Cruz is going to show up like I always do. This is going to be a war.

“I plan to deliver a wonderful gift for all of the fans in Houston. Just like I delivered in San Antonio two fights ago, I’m going to show everyone that same power.

“I’m coming to win and I’m ready to have my hand raised. I’m not looking past Vargas, but I’ll be ready for whoever is next after I win.”

FRANCISCO VARGAS

“I’m very motivated and I can’t wait for Saturday night. I had a great training camp and I know that this is going to be an action-packed fight for the fans.

“We both want to win for our country. Everyone knows what kind of fight this is going to be. Cruz is a strong fighter who comes forward, so I’d say our styles are definitely similar.

“There’s not much that needs to be said. People might think I don’t have anything left, but I’m going to prove on Saturday night that there’s plenty in the tank. Everyone is going to see on June 19.

“This is going to be a very entertaining fight. It definitely could steal the night. It’s shaping up to be that type of fight.

“When you’ve got two Mexican warriors, you can expect another Fight of the Year. Don’t miss it on Saturday.”

ANGELO LEO

“It’s a pleasure to be fighting in Houston, Texas. I came up short in my last fight, but this camp we’ve improved my strength and conditioning. I’m a lot stronger and a lot wiser from the experience I had against Stephen Fulton.

“Training camp with my dad has been great. We’re ready to go and put on a show for Houston on Saturday.

“I had COVID-19 about six weeks before the Fulton fight. As a fighter, I wanted to put on a show for the fans no matter what. In that fight, I didn’t have the same stamina that I had in the previous fight. I feel fully healed now and we’re going to deliver a good performance.

“I have a lot of motivation knowing that I’ve been champion once and that I can reach that height again. I just want to prove to everyone that I’m still at the top level of this division and a serious threat to anybody.”

AARON ALAMEDA

“We trained very hard for this fight. I got a lot of good experience from the Luis Nery fight and on Saturday I’m going to show everything that I’ve learned.

“It was a great opportunity against Luis Nery. I’m going to let my hands go, leave it all in the ring and be victorious on Saturday night.

“I’m very motivated by my previous experience against Nery. Everyone will see that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win in this fight.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. MONTIEL
Charlo vs. Montiel will see undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo enter the ring for a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown when he takes on hard-hitting Juan Macías Montiel on Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature rising lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former world champion Francisco Vargas in the 10-round co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Angelo Leo returns to take on Mexican contender Aaron Alameda in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Leo vs. Alameda is promoted in association 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.

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 17, 2021) —- Triller today announced that 11-time Boxing World Champion Oscar De La Hoya will return to the ring to face Former UFC Superstar Vitor Belfort on Saturday, September 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, NV as part of the new TrillerVerz, the first-ever festival bringing together the power of Verzuz and Fight Club into one massive weekend festival. This will be the first of the TrillerVerz festivals.

The inaugural TrillerVerz will launch Friday, September 10 with a live Verzuz, followed by a full Saturday festival concert lineup with fight night entertainment produced by “So You Think You Can Dance” co-creator Nigel Lythgoe with the festival continuing on Sunday and Sunday Night.

De La Hoya and Belfort, two of the most respected and followed tacticians in their respective disciplines, will meet in a boxing ring for the first time Saturday, September 11.

TrillerVerz is a partnership developed between Triller-owned Verzuz and Triller owned Fight Club bringing together the cultural phenomenon the two have created throughout the music and sports worlds.

“We continue to create the biggest and most talked about events of the year, and we’re thrilled to introduce TrillerVerz, a spectacular weekend of music and events programmed by the legends themselves, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland,” said Bobby Sarnavesht, Triller co-owner, co-founder and Chairman. “There is no more anticipated and talked about return to the ring than Oscar De La Hoya, and his matchup with a legendary UFC Champion in Vitor Belfort will be a must-watch for entertainment and athleticism,” said co-founder Ryan Kavanaugh.

“I am ready to return to the ring and I am proud to be part of Triller and Verzuz and their game-changing model of reimagining the boxing business as four-quadrant entertainment,” De La Hoya said. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for a champion like Vitor Belfort as we show the world what high level boxing is all about.”

“It was incredibly important to me my comeback was on this date as it represents such an important moment in history for me, my fans and the words culture. This is much bigger than just me and this event, for all those with ties and or roots in and to Mexico.”

Said Belfort, “It will be a pleasure to represent MMA again, this time in the ring against one of the biggest names in the history of boxing. It will be a war not to be missed and a fight my kids will be talking about. This is certain to make combat sports history.”

Known as ‘The Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya won 11 world titles in six weight classes, including the lineal championship in three weight classes as well as being an Olympic gold medalist. He’s one of the best drawing boxers in the sport’s history and was named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year in 1995, and was its top-rated fighter in the world, pound for pound, in 1997 and 1998. He announced his retirement as a fighter in 2009, following a professional career spanning 16 years.

Brazilian MMA fighter Vitor Belfort is known to fight fans as “The Phenom” for his explosive striking power that helped him secure the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship title and tie for third for the most finishes in UFC history. His fights became part of two of the biggest all-time best-selling UFC Pay-Per-View events in a successful career that includes fighting in UFC’s Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight and Middleweight divisions, fighting for the Strikeforce, Pride and Affliction promotions and winning the Cage Rage championship.

The full festival lineup and details will be announced shortly accompanying the world class boxing card.

The TrillerVerz weekend festival comes on the heels of the Triller’s record-breaking Tyson-Jones event in November followed up by the chart-topping Jake Paul-Ben Askren event Triller Fight Club event in April.

Verzuz, recently acquired by Triller, has become a cultural phenomenon breaking barriers in music with co-founders Swizz Beatz and Timbaland and 43 of the world’s top hip hop artist as partners including, John Legend, DMX, Alicia Keys, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Too $hort, Patti LaBelle, Gucci Mane, Jeezy, E-40, Bounty Killer, D’Angelo, Ludacris, RZA, The Dream, Babyface, Nelly, Jagged Edge, Fred Hammond, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Brandy, Monica, Gladys Knight, Boi-1da, Hit-Boy, Ne-Yo, Johnta Austin, Scott Storch, T-Pain, Lil Jon, DJ Premier, Mannie Fresh, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, 112, Kirk Franklin, Sean Garrett and D’Angelo and has shattered social records often breaking millions of concurrent views across triller, fite.tv and Instagram.

“This is a first step in expanding the Verzuz ecosystem but certainly not the last. It has not only changed culture but is the center of a paradigm shift. We listened carefully to the audience and are giving them what they asked for.” Said Sarnavesht.

CEO and chairman Mahi de Silva said “Triller changed social media, Fight Club changed boxing, Verzuz changed music. The TrillerVerz will shift culture”.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Las Vegas with a pair of heavyweight bouts, headlined by a clash between elite strikers as No. 3 ranked contender Ciryl Gane battles No. 5 Alexander Volkov. In the co-main event Canadian standout Tanner Boser battles Ovince Saint Preux.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: GANE vs. VOLKOV will take place Saturday, June 26 from UFC APEX is Las Vegas. The entire card will be available in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT and continuing with the main card at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Undefeated Gane (8-0, fighting out of Paris, France) is coming off his first successful UFC main event, having bested fellow contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik in February. The former kickboxer immediately turned heads upon joining the UFC roster in 2019, picking up sensational wins over former champion Junior Dos Santos, Don’Tale Mayesr and Raphael Pessoa. Gane now hopes to continue his momentum with another high-level performance to stake his claim for a title shot.

Seasoned veteran Volkov (33-8, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) kicked off his 2021 campaign with a spectacular TKO victory over Alistair Overeem this past February. With 22 knockout victories on his resume, Volkov has also stopped former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum, Walt Harris and Stefan Struve in emphatic fashion. Volkov now has his sights on cementing his status as a title threat by handing Gane his first career loss.

Dynamic striker Boser (19-8-1, fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) is wasting no time returning to the Octagon with his sight set on delivering another spectacular KO win. Throughout his UFC run he has earned impressive finishes against Raphael Pessoa and Philipe Lins. Boser now hopes to make the most of his second co-main event spot by stopping Saint Preux.

Talented finisher Saint Preux (25-15, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) has proven to be just as skilled at striking as he is on the mat. A former interim light heavyweight title challenger, he has netted memorable wins against Tyson Pedro, Corey Anderson and Shogun Rua. Saint Preux now aims to deliver another highlight-reel victory to secure his first UFC win at heavyweight.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kennedy Nzechukwu (8-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) goes for his third consecutive win when he faces Danilo Marques (11-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil) in a light heavyweight bout
• Featherweight finishers collide as Andre Fili (21-8, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) returns to the Octagon against Daniel Pineda (27-14, 2 NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas).
• Renato Moicano (14-4-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) meets Jai Herbert (10-2, fighting out of Wolverhampton, England) in an intriguing lightweight bout
• Raoni Barcelos (16-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) faces Timur Valiev (17-2 1NC, fighting out of Toms River, N.J. by way of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) in a battle of promising bantamweights
• Unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov (13-0, fighting out of Kokshetau, Kazakhstan) takes on returning Michel Prazeres (26-3, fighting out of Belem, Para, Brazil) at welterweight
• Nicolas Dalby (19-3-1 2NC, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark) squares off with Tim Means (31-12-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) in a welterweight bout
• Marcin Prachnio (14-5, fighting out of Krasnodar, Russia) meets Ike Villanueva (17-11, fighting out of Houston, Texas) at light heavyweight
• No. 15 women’s bantamweight contender Julia Avila (8-2, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) battles Julija Stoliarenko (9-5-1, fighting out of Kaunas, Lithuania)
• Charles Rosa (13-5, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Peabody, Mass.) takes on Justin Jaynes (16-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in a featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• An exciting lightweight fight sees veteran Yancy Medeiros (15-7, 1 NC, fighting out of Makaha, Hawaii) lock horns with Damir Hadzovic (13-6, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark)

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 is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

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

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.

PHILADELPHIA (June 17, 2021)-A highly anticipated lightweight showdown between “Philly Favorites” Steven Ortiz and Damon Allen Jr. headlines a gigantic night of boxing on Saturday, July 24th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The fight card, dubbed “Crossroads” will feature the much talked about fight, which has been scheduled twice, but postponed by the Pandemic and then an injury.

The fight will headline the second night of back-to-back massive shows at the 2300 Arena promoted by RDR Promotions. The Friday, July 23rd show was announced yesterday

The Ortiz-Allen showdown is promoted in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The bout is the most anticipated “Philly vs. Philly” main event matchup since Derek Ennis took a 12-round majority decision over Gabriel Rosado on July, 30 2010 at the same venue.

Ortiz is 12-0 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old is a six-year professional, who has wins over Tyrome Jones (4-0), Joshua Davis (11-2), Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1), Jeremy Cuevas (11-0), Alejandro Salinas (10-2) and his last out when he took an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hill (14-0) on March 10th in Uncasville, Connectcut.

Allen is 16-1-1 with five knockouts. the 28 year-old Allen is an eight-year professional who has victories over former world champion Gamaliel Diaz, Jayro Duran (10-2), former world title challenger Martin Honorio and his last outing, when Allen took a six-round unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau on October 25, 2019.

Taking part in the eight round co-feature will be undefeated welterweight Mark Dawson Jr..

Dawson of Philadelphia is 8-0-1 with three knockouts. The 24 year-old former amateur standout is coming off a win over Rodrigo Solis on May 8th at the 2300 Arena. Dawson’s opponent will be announced shortly.

In a six-round bout, Rasheen Brown (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roberto Pucheta (10-18-2) of Jalisco, Mexico in a super bantamweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Paul Koon (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia squares off with Antonio Robertson (4-7-1, 2 KOs) of Raleigh, NC in a heavyweight fight.

Also appearing against opponents to be named will be super lightweight Nicolas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA; light heavyweight David Stevens (5-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA and pro debuting super featherweight Iman Lee of Yonkers, NY.
Tickets are $75, $100, $150 and $250 for VIP Box, and can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com

1st Bell is at 7 PM

EL PASO, TEXAS (June 17, 2021): Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) and Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET.

Below are what today’s main event fighters had to say:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Champion:
“Thank you to all. I’m excited to be fighting in El Paso. It’s been a dream of mine. It’s a place where many great fighters have fought. It fills me with pride to be able to deliver a great show. I think I need to make a statement. I’m on the rise, so I have to keep doing things better with each fight. We have a great fighter in front of us. We have a lot of respect and admiration towards him, so we have to make sure we do things correctly so that we get a big fight next.”

KAMIL SZEREMETA, Former World Title Challenger:
“This fight will be great. I’m happy to fight against such an amazing fighter. On Saturday, I will do my best to give you all a great show. I am very happy that I am fighting an undefeated boxer. It makes it more meaningful. I’m not worried about being in a place that will be full of Jamie Munguia’s supporters. I don’t even care. I’m used to this. I’m always fighting in other territories.”

ERIC GOMEZ, President of Golden Boy:
“We have a rich history here in El Paso. We’ve done many shows here, and many champions have fought here. Texas is a great state for boxing, but there’s also something special about El Paso. This will be a great show, and it’s stacked from top to bottom. We’re going to kick off the broadcast with Blair Cobbs, one of the top rising stars. He’s a very exciting fighter. We also have Marlen Esparza, who bounced back from her first loss and now fighting for a world title. The co-main event is also going to be great with Bektemir taking on Gabriel Rosado. And, of course, it will be topped off by the main event with Jaime Munguia. He’s Mexico’s next biggest star.”

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Munguia vs. Szeremeta is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 p.m. MDT/3:30 p.m. ET. Additional undercard bouts will be streamed live on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Szeremeta are on sale now and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For fans who have already purchased tickets for Saturday, April 24 and would like to still attend Munguia vs. Szeremeta your tickets and seating location are still valid for the new date and no further action is required.

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 #Munguia Szeremeta.

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

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2021) — Undefeated WBC super featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, has signed a new multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank. 
 
Valdez (29-0, 23 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian, turned pro with Top Rank following the 2012 London Olympics and continues a partnership that has seen him win world titles in two weight classes and become one of the faces of Top Rank on ESPN. 
 
A former WBO featherweight world champion, the 30-year-old Valdez upset the odds and boxed a brutal masterpiece in his last bout, knocking out Miguel Berchelt in a historic all-Mexican showdown to win the WBC super featherweight world title. Valdez is scheduled to return this fall on an ESPN platform. 
 
Valdez said, “I am proud to be part of the Top Rank family. I want to thank Bob Arum and Todd duBoef for their confidence in my abilities. I will not let them down. I also want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, for securing a great deal for me. This is a wonderful moment in my career, and I’m grateful to God for my blessings.”
 
“It’s a pleasure to promote a young athlete like Oscar Valdez. He is a true gentleman who is grateful for the help we’ve provided, and he works collaboratively with the company for the mutual benefit of both parties,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have been very fond of Oscar from the moment we signed him, and I am proud of everything he has accomplished. I would like to recognize Frank Espinoza, a fantastic manager who has been integral in helping Oscar reach this point.”
 
Added Espinoza, “We are ecstatic that Top Rank and Oscar Valdez are continuing what has been a long and successful partnership. Bob Arum and Todd duBoef recognize Oscar as a special fighter with all the characteristics to make him an all-time great. Oscar has the discipline and passion it takes to reach the top levels of the sport. We’re very proud of what Oscar has achieved so far, and we’re confident he will delight boxing fans with more exciting and memorable fights.”
 
Valdez has been involved in many of this generation’s most savage ring battles, participating in 12-round championship wars against the likes of Genesis Servania and Miguel Marriaga. His March 2018 victory over Scott Quigg represents one of the great feats of fistic courage. Quigg shattered Valdez’s jaw in the fifth round, and Valdez finished the fight to secure a convincing decision win. After six defenses of his featherweight world title, he moved up in weight and set his sights on Berchelt, considered the top fighter at 130 pounds. As a roughly 3-to-1 underdog, Valdez knocked out Berchelt with a left hook in the 10th round to solidify his place as a modern Mexican great. 

QUINCY, Mass. (June 17, 2021) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced the match-ups for the semifinals of the inaugural Granite Chin Invitational, showcasing some of top New England amateur boxers, as part of a Pro-Am card June 26th day-night doubleheader at New England Sports Center in

Two-time New England Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez (Nashua PAL) versus 2019 New England Golden Gloves winner James Maner (Big Six) and Wade Faria (Portland Boxing Club) against Eric Fonge Atebezi (Private Jewels) in the middleweight semifinal matchups. Apostolus Lolos and Will Guilmette (Hard Knocks) are matched in a welterweight semifinal bout, while light welterweight Jaydell Pazmino (Thrive Boxing) faces Dimas Colon (Intenze 9878).

The winners of the middleweight matches will advance to the championship final August 28th at New England Sports Center. Winners of the welterweight and light welterweight semifinals matches will face walk-over opponents in the championship final.

Six non-tournament matches are also scheduled featuring Senior Novice boxers from around New England.

“I am excited to be hosting the first of what I hope are many Granite Chin Invitationals in the future,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “We did a great job of securing some of the top amateur talent in the area and we intend to grow it to include fighters all over the Northeast. I believe adding more top amateur bouts to these doubleheader cards will be a huge part of Granite Chin’s continual growth.

“Throughout the pandemic I had some downtime to think and reassess the direction of the company and concluded that, doing the same old club shows was treading water, at best. That’s why during the last year and a half I took some chances, got creative, and have quickly brought Granite Chin to the forefront of New England boxing. Before long some of these talented amateurs will become staples of our pro cards, which will be live streamed starting with our August 26th event. Stay tuned for news about this new chapter!”

The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will be headlined by ABF Atlantic Cruiserweight Champion Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) defending his title against Lewiston, ME challenger Cristiano Pedro, fighting out by way of Angola, in an 8-round fight.

Other pro fights, all 4-rounders, include Canadian heavyweight Alexis Barriere (1-0, 1 KO) vs. New York’s pro-debuting Andrew Nolan, Methuen (MA), light heavyweight Andrew Perez (1-0) vs. TBA, Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York light heavyweight Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting super middleweight Laurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA.

The evening card, “Breakout,” is highlighted by three championship fights.

Former WBC United States Heavyweight Champion Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs), of Quincy, Massachusetts, headlines against New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, in the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship.

In the 8-round co-featured event, former N.E. heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), of Fairfield, ME, will takes on Mexican challenger Jose Humberto “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs) for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” O’Han, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), of Holbrook, MA, makes his first title defense against upset-minded Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs) in an 8-round bout.

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) is matched in his first scheduled 6-round bout against Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA.

Indianapolis junior welterweight Dewayne Wisdom faces Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-round match.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0) vs. TBA, Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Abel Castillo (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Jay Gregory (0-3), Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rodrigo Almeida (2-10, 2 KOs), Framingham, MA light heavyweight Saul “Spider” Almeida (0-13-4) vs. pro-debuting Steve Sumpter, Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-5), undefeated Puerto Rican super middleweight Jelame Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs) vs. Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-47-2, 8 KOs), and Worcester’s (MA) Salem, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Marco Nasciemento (0-1), Brandon Idrogo (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. New Bedford, MA lightweight Justin Morales (0-1), Jader Alves (0-8) vs. Worcester, MA middleweight Josniel Castro (2-0, 1 KO), 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), of Worcester, vs. pro-debuting Wallace Nass Silva.

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $25.00 (Day Show) / $40.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned). Unassigned ringside seating will be available at $35.00 per seat during the day show. The night show will offer ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) for $300.00 and are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: Granite Chin Invitational for the day show, Breakout for night show).

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin, @MikeOhan1

JULY 24 can’t come fast enough for ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce, who wants to ‘run over’ Carlos Takam before taking the chance to ‘punch up’ Anthony Joshua for the WBO title.

Joyce made clear he’d fight any of the big names but did express a preference for fighting a former Team GB colleague and sparring partner – WBO, WBA and IBF Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua.

Speaking to Dev Sahni at yesterday’s press conference, Joyce said: “We’ve had lots of good, competitive rounds in the ring. It’s a good fight, a 50-50 fight.”

Asked what attributes he thinks he’d bring to the bout that could see him better the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, Joe added: “My footwork, punch variety, punch durability. Also I’ve got punch power as well so I can trouble him.

“Credit to Joshua though, he’s a great fighter. He’s got a good defence, has high punch output and he puts them together well. He’s got good uppercuts. He’s a strong guy, so it’ll be a tough fight.”

Though, despite the respect he clearly has for AJ’s ability, he left no doubt about his prediction should the pair meet in a competitive setting: “I look forward to the opportunity to punch him up”, he joked.

Joe, a 2016 Olympic Silver medalist in his own right, has forged a path of destruction through the Heavyweight division and, at just 12-0, already has notable scalps on his record including Bermane Stiverne, Bryant Jennings and, most recently, Daniel Dubois.

Losing is not something Joyce understands in the professional game, with his most notable loss coming in the amateurs when, as consensus would tell you, he was robbed of a Gold medal in the Olympic final in Rio against Tony Yoka.

The judging at that tournament in 2016 is now under investigation, though Joe wouldn’t be drawn on the potential for him being retroactively awarded his Gold medal. He did however pour cold water on the suggestion he could rematch Yoka in the pro’s.

“He had his two-year ban” said Joe, “but he did look quite good in his last fight, he looked strong. I don’t think he’s quite earned his place to fight me yet.

“He needs a few more fights yet and hopefully by then I’ll be World Champion and maybe I’ll give him a defence.”

Talks of Joshua or Yoka are questions for the future and the Juggernaut’s immediate concern is a tricky scrap with Carlos Takam on July 24th.

“(Takam) is coming to throw a spanner in the works but I’m not going to let that happen. It’s going to be a tough fight but I think it’s something I can overcome. It’s exciting and this is why I’m in boxing.

“I’m going to deal with Takam and then go on to win a world title and become a World Champion. That’s what I’m aiming for.

“First I’ve got him in my way and I’m going to have to take care of business on July 24th.”

To watch the full Joe Joyce interview w/ Dev Sahni click here

Carlos Takam has revealed he is confident of a victory over Queensberry Heavyweight ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce – as his close friend Francis Ngannou has assured him Joyce is ‘not dangerous’.

Heavy-handed UFC Heavyweight Champion Ngannou, who shares both Cameroonian and French roots with Takam, sparred Joyce in Vegas ahead of the latter’s victorious bout against Daniel Dubois in November last year.

At the time, Joyce’s manager Sam Jones’ told Sky Sports that Ngannou could “box at a high level” and that he had “disgraceful power”, giving Joyce “the most entertaining spar I’ve ever seen Joe in”.

The complements clearly weren’t reciprocal however as Carlos Takam has told Danny Flexen of SecondsOut: “I know Francis sparred with Joe Joyce. When they asked me to spar with Joe I said I didn’t want to but they could spar my friend Francis if they want and Francis said yes.

“Francis says he’s a tough guy and he hits hard. But he said he didn’t want to say he was like a Mike Tyson, because Joe Joyce can’t move like Mike Tyson… he always comes in straight.

“He told me he’s a good guy but not dangerous.”

Takam and Ngannou have history together, they share a boxing coach in Dewey Cooper and Carlos helped his friend prepare for his last MMA fight – an outing which saw him dethrone Stipe Miocic to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world.

“We spar together, when he trained for his last fight when he won the title we sparred together 5 or 6 times. I helped him prepare for that fight. We sparred together before too, we sparred together in France before we came here (Las Vegas).”

Ngannou’s claims seem to contrast with the facts, however, as Joyce has racked up a professional record of 12-0 with an astonishing 11 KO’s.

In his most recent bout, against Daniel Dubois, the fight was stopped when ‘Dynamite’ took a knee having sustained a repeated battering to his left eye.

That injury, later diagnosed as multiple fractures to the eye socket alongside nerve damage, would be classed as ‘dangerous’ by anyone’s standards.

Takam seems utterly unfazed by the facts though, insisting he has no worries about his July 24th tussle with the Juggernaut.

He said: “Joe Joyce is a strong guy but he doesn’t have experience like me, he has never fought someone like me.

“Joe Joyce is not the best fighter I have fought but I am going to be the best fighter Joe Joyce has fought.

“He is a good opponent for me to come back to the UK. London is like my second home. Fans there are waiting for me, every day they’re writing me ‘Carlos, when you come back in London? When will you fight back in London?’

“I have time to prepare for this fight and I am going to go and win the fight. This is a good opportunity for me to come back home and to come back up in the heavyweight division.

“I am so excited, so happy to be coming back to London.”

To watch Danny Flexen’s full SecondsOut interview with Carlos Takam click here

WRECKING machine Sam Noakes has targeted knocking out his first ten professional opponents.

Noakes (5-0, 5 KOs) is halfway there and the Lightweight is desperate to continue that impressive run at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

The Maidstone banger who took just 110 seconds to finish off unbeaten Delmar Thomas in February said: “I don’t get in the ring thinking, ‘I am going to stop this guy,’ but at the back of my mind that is obviously what I want to do.

“I am hoping to get to ten fights with ten knockout wins. There is a still a long road ahead to reach ten out of ten, but I am confident I will do it.

“That is my first aim, and after that I won’t be bothered so much about going the distance.”

Noakes, 23, was a serious puncher as an amateur. He had 53 bouts, winning 47 with 26 of the victories coming via stoppage. He won the Senior ABA championships, Tri-Nations gold, two NABC titles and Gold in the Haringey Box Cup.

He added: “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I am not surprised all my wins have come inside the distance because I could punch as an amateur.

“I always felt with smaller gloves I would do more damage. The more rounds there are in a fight the more confident I will be of getting the stoppage.”

Trainer Alan Smith isn’t hurrying to push Noakes towards major titles yet, but on the running track the youngster is racing ahead of the rest.

“If the boxing doesn’t work out I think I will become a runner,” joked Noakes who is in training to run the Brighton Marathon in September and is aiming to finish under 2 hours 50 minutes.

“I don’t like to say this, but ask Dennis McCann and all the boys. They’re not catching me. They might in the ring, but not on the track.

“I have done a sprint triathlon and I’m getting ready for my first Marathon and want to get a qualifying time for Major marathons like London.

“When I finish with boxing I will do an Ironman, but that will be too much while I am boxing especially getting ready for the 112 mile bike ride.

“If I wasn’t boxing I would still be into fitness. I have been active since I was a young age, but I am addicted to fitness.

“If I sit about I feel guilty and lazy. I am always in the gym and the morning after every fight I go for a run along the coast at sunrise.”

The 9st 9lb division is stacked with prospects that also includes Queensberry stablemate Mark Chamberlain, another fierce puncher.

Noakes who turned professional in September 2019 says: “I put my trust in my trainers completely and I don’t have a choice in how quick I should be pushed.

“There are some really good fighters in my division and I don’t feel I would come unstuck, but many of them have years of experience, going the distance and doing the hard rounds.

“That is a big factor. It’s okay me thinking I have been knocking out blokes in three and four rounds, but when you get ten rounds deep and the fella is still coming it’s going to be a different story.

“I’d love to win the British title and although I am not thinking past it my goal is being a world champion.”

Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight champion Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the July 10th bill at the Royal Albert Hall. He 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) who lost a split decision against Arthur faces unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) 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 Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 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.

HOUSTON (June 16, 2021) – WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo was joined by his twin brother, unified super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo, as Houston’s world champions received a special proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday in an open to the public event in the Charlo twins’ hometown.

After the proclamation ceremony, Jermall participated in an open media workout ahead of his world title defense against hard-hitting Juan Macias Montiel taking place this Saturday, June 19 headlining action live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Center in Houston in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Saturday’s event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com.

The event also featured the Charlo Twins, along with WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, presenting Mayor Turner with a special WBC Juneteenth belt, ahead of Jermall’s Juneteenth Day homecoming title defense. During the ceremony, declared this Saturday, June 19 “Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day” in the city of Houston.

Here is what the event participants had to say Wednesday from outside of Toyota Center:

JERMALL CHARLO

“I want to thank everyone for supporting me for all these years. I’m putting my title and my undefeated record on the line, so everyone make sure you get your tickets and tune-in Saturday night.

“This means the world to me. The pressure is on me to bring out the most beautiful crowd boxing has ever seen right here in my hometown of Houston, Texas and we’re going to do it Saturday night.

“It’s so meaningful to see the city embrace me today. Now I know that I have to put on a show for the whole city. I’m going to stay locked in so that I can take over this division.

“There’s no way I’m letting someone come to my backyard and take my bike. I’m taking care of business on Saturday.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“I really appreciate my twin brother for standing by my side. We’ve been boxing since we were eight-years-old and we never gave up this dream. This is what we do. We’re putting on for the city on Saturday, and then I’m going to do it for my city on July 17.

“This day means so much for me, because Saturday is Jermall’s chance to shine and he’s representing for both of us. It’s huge for us.

“Me and my family have celebrated Juneteenth since I was young. A lot of people don’t understand it and don’t give this holiday the recognition it deserves, but this year, because of my brother’s big fight, Houston isn’t going to forget it.

“Right now it’s all about taking over our divisions and supporting our family. There’s a lot more to come from the Charlo Twins.”

HOUSTON MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER

“Houston is so proud to have the Charlo Twins right here in their hometown. This is a proud moment and I’m excited to be here. Saturday night is the big fight and we know Houston is going to be winning that night.

“The Charlo brothers are ambitious and steadfast supporters of their hometown. Together they have formed Lions Only Promotions to help stage their events and help give back to the community here in Houston.

“The city of Houston appreciates and thanks Jermell and Jermall Charlo for their outstanding work and we encourage Houstonians to join in and extend their best wishes for their continued success. I proudly proclaim this day, on Juneteenth 2021, as Jermell and Jermall Charlo Day in the city of Houston.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Jermall Charlo’s Trainer

“Jermall is always focused. That’s one thing I don’t need to worry about with him. He knows that every fight is important and he doesn’t underestimate anybody. Jermall is going out there to make history.

“I expect Jermall to go out and do what we’ve been working on. We’re going to stick to the game plan. If we stick to that, it’s going to be history again.”

DERRICK JAMES, Jermell Charlo’s Trainer

“I know this acknowledgement means a lot to Jermell and Jermall. We all work to take care of our family, but to be supported by the city, and have the Mayor come out, it’s amazing. It’s a really true affirmation from the city and I know they appreciate it.”

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. MONTIEL
Charlo vs. Montiel will see undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo enter the ring for a Juneteenth Day celebration in his hometown when he takes on hard-hitting Juan Macías Montiel on Saturday, June 19 at Toyota Center in Houston headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event live on SHOWTIME.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature rising lightweight contender Isaac Cruz battling former world champion Francisco Vargas in the 10-round co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, former world champion Angelo Leo returns to take on Mexican contender Aaron Alameda in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

The event is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. Leo vs. Alameda is promoted in association 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.

Las Vegas (June 16, 2021) – WE ARE BACK!!! With pandemic restrictions lifting, the Box Fan Expo has announced its return to Las Vegas and its Sixth Box Fan Expo for fans and the boxing industry. The event will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Mexican Independence weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend. Traditionally a major fight will take place in Las Vegas on Mexican Independence weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2021

The Last Box Fan Expo that took place in 2019 was another huge success. Over 3500 enthusiastic boxing fans from all over the globe had a chance to meet and greet some of their favorite fighters, including current and former world champions, top fighters of today, and many of the boxing celebrities such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Thomas Hearns, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Errol Spence Jr., Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter, Abner Mares, James Toney, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Devin Haney, Claressa Shields, Jessie Vargas, Michael Spinks, Riddick Bowe, Vinny Paz, Anthony Dirrell, Demetrius Andrade, Tevin Farmer and many others …

Those fighters plus more boxing celebrities took pictures, signed autographs for their fans who attended the Box Fan Expo. Fans also had an opportunity to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from fighters and companies involved with the sport of boxing

The Box Fan Expo also played host to the second edition of “Box Fan Expo Invitational 2019”. This was an incredible amateur show which showcased several highly ranked and top USA amateur boxers who competed against the best in their division and more importantly in front of thousands of boxing fans that attended the Expo. Those invited to compete had a chance to get huge exposure and get noticed by top boxing companies as well as industry people that were present that day during the event.

HELPING A GREAT CAUSE
The Box Fan Expo Invitational amateur show had an opportunity to collaborate and help Center Ring Boxing, a non-profit organization that was established in 1994 in the Las Vegas area. Their Mission is to facilitate programs for youth, ages 8 to 18 and their families. They promote and improve image of boxing as a sport and provide positive interactions that facilitate educational, physical, mentoring programs which is a great positive influence and mental growth for those young kids looking to improve their self-esteem and personal lives. For the 2nd straight year, the Invitational amateur competition was sponsored by Mayweather Promotions.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

SAN ANTONIO, TX. (June 16, 2021) – Unified WBC, WBA and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño will 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.

“This is going to be a monumental and historic event on July 17 at AT&T Center in San Antonio,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Charlo and Castaño will be vying to become the first undisputed champion at 154-pounds in the four-belt era. This is a big moment for the sport and I’m expecting both fighters to do whatever it takes to accomplish something that’s never been done before. Whoever emerges victorious on July 17, will cement their legacy and become the undisputed top fighter in one of the most stacked divisions in all of boxing.”

After years of scintillating matchups, memorable showdowns and drama-filled bouts, the super welterweight division will crown an undisputed champion on July 17 when the unified champion Charlo puts his three titles on the line against the hard-charging world champion Castaño. The winner of this matchup will become the first four-belt champion of the 154-pound division.

Houston’s Charlo (34-1, 18 KOs) became a unified champion in his last fight, dropping Jeison Rosario three times on his way to an eighth-round knockout that earned him the WBA and IBF titles. Before that fight, Charlo had avenged the only loss of his career, as he reclaimed his WBC belt via an 11th-round knockout of Tony Harrison in one of 2019’s best fights. The 31-year-old is trained by Derrick James in Dallas and won his first world title in his debut fight with James by scoring an eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in 2016. He followed up that victory with three successful defenses, knocking out Erickson Lubin and Charles Hatley, while winning a decision over former world champion Austin Trout.

“I’m more than excited for July 17,” said Charlo. “I have so much potential and I’m just doing everything I can to get better and do better day by day. I’m hungrier than ever because I know I’m on the verge of capturing this undisputed title and doing something that nobody has ever done before at 154 pounds. There’s nobody out there that’s as fast, strong and elusive as me. Castaño doesn’t possess anything I haven’t seen before, and we’ll see if he can take my power and the pain I’ll bring. But there’s nothing that worries me about this fight. I’m training super hard and aggressive and just taking it one day at a time. I’m so ready for this and more than likely he’ll walk into every shot I throw.”

The 31-year-old Castaño (17-0-1, 12 KOs) put on a spectacular performance to capture the WBO title in February, as he dominated Patrick Teixeira to wrest the belt away via unanimous decision. A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, a win on July 17 would be a monumental achievement in the storied history of Argentine boxing. Prior to winning his title, Castaño fought to a draw against two-division world champion Erislandy Lara in a 2019 action fight, and also owns triumphs over Michel Soro, Cedric Vitu and Wale Omotoso. A highly experienced amateur, Castaño notched victories over unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. and top middleweight Sergiy Derevyanchenko before he turned pro.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I won’t let it get away,” said Castaño. “I’ll make Charlo suffer more than he ever thought was possible. I’m training with only one goal in mind, to leave the ring with all of the belts on July 17.”

A rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions’ stable, Romero (13-0, 11 KOs) won his interim title in August 2020 via unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. The 25-year-old followed that victory up with an impressive seventh-round TKO over Avery Sparrow in January. Representing his hometown of Las Vegas, the undefeated Romero began his pro career with knockouts in 10 of his first 11 fights.

“I’ve watched some clips of Dulay fighting, and he definitely isn’t going to want to get hit by my power,” said Romero. “My trainer Bullit Cromwell and my dad are always by my side in camp, so we haven’t been working on doing too many things differently, we’re just fine-tuning. People said that all I have is power, so in my last fight I carried Sparrow the entire fight so I could show a different side. But for this fight, I don’t think I’m going to need to do that.”

Dulay (14-2, 10 KOs) enters this fight the winner of three out of his last four bouts, as he seeks a career-best triumph over Romero on July 17. The 25-year-old most recently defeated Jose Gallegos by unanimous decision in November 2020, putting him back in the win column after a decision loss against former title challenger Diego Magdaleno. Fighting out of his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, Dulay’s only other pro loss came against unbeaten rising interim super featherweight champion Chris Colbert.

“I moved my whole camp to Atlanta to focus mentally and to prepare physically for this fight,” said Dulay. “I’m bringing everything I got for this opportunity. But honestly, my training began over 20 years for this. It’s my time!”

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (12-0, 11 KOs) now fights out of Coachella, California, having beaten previously undefeated fighters in his last three bouts. The 25-year-old made his U.S. debut with a stoppage of Zach Prieto in November 2019, then returned quickly to knock out Leopoldo Reyna in January 2020. Most recently, the undefeated middleweight stopped Edward Ortiz in the second round of their November 2020 clash.

“Training has been going great for July 17,” said Vidal. “This is the best camp of my life. I will be stronger and hit harder than ever before, which is not good news for Immanuwel Aleem. The fans should watch this fight because I have a spectacular knockout to show them. My opponent has excellent experience and is a very good fighter, but I have full confidence in my punching power and my ability to beat him. This is another great opportunity for me. I grew up dreaming of doing exactly this in the ring, fighting in America against great opponents who will test me. This is a chance to be one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a world champion from Uruguay and I will make the most of it.”

The 27-year-old Aleem (18-2-2, 11 KO) has been sparring with WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo as he prepares to make his return to the ring. Born in East Meadow, New York and now residing in Richmond, Virginia, Aleem will look to bounce back from a draw against Matt Korobov and a majority decision loss against Ronald Ellis in his last two fights. Unbeaten in his first 18 pro bouts, Aleem owns an impressive stoppage victory over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov in their memorable 2017 brawl.

“I’m excited to take advantage of this opportunity on July 17,” said Aleem. “Vidal has an undefeated record, so I know he’s going to come in with confidence, which should make this a great fight. I can’t wait to show off everything I’ve been working on. You’re going to see the very best version of myself in this fight and I’m going to do whatever it takes to have my hand raised.”

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

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren today announced that Joe Joyce will face former World title challenger Carlos Takam at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT.

Joyce will be risking a guaranteed World title challenge when he tackles French star Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs), who went ten rounds with Anthony Joshua in an IBF and WBA championship challenge in October 2017.

Destructive Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) is back in action for the first time since his win against Daniel Dubois last November when he captured the vacant European title and relieved Dubois of his British and Commonwealth titles.

Putney’s Joyce is currently ranked number two by the WBO, but will move into their mandatory position after September’s proposed Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk clash.

The Queensberry card is billed ‘A Heavy Night’ with Joyce v Takam taking place a few hours before Tyson Fury defends his WBC World Heavyweight crown against Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference.

FRANK WARREN

Joe has been very patient by waiting seven months for a fight and that isn’t down to us. The fact is negotiations went on for ages and came to nothing between Tyson Fury and AJ. We had to preserve Joe’s position at number two with the WBO because had that fight taken place, Joe would have fought Usyk. Everyone knows who Takam is and he can’t afford to slip up. Hopefully AJ gets his fight sorted with Usyk. Once he does, Joe will be installed as the mandatory challenger. Joe has got his seat at the table and has to do the business on the night. He has kept in great shape since beating Daniel and been chomping at the bit. The moment has come and now he has to do the business. I don’t think he will get his shot this year, but if he keeps winning he gets that WBO World title fight. In fairness to Joe and his team they didn’t want an easy fight. They wanted someone the public know and who will come to fight. Within the next year he will be challenging for a World title.

JOE JOYCE

When I thought I might fight Usyk, I just went to the gym, practised some southpaw techniques, but boxing is unpredictable and you never really know what is going to happen. I kept myself ready, stayed off the doughnuts and the beers so I’m in good shape. I was training like I was going to fight Usyk, but now I am totally focused on Takam. He’s not a southpaw, he’s orthodox and I am confident of my ability in this fight. I am within touching distance of a World title fight and let them know I’m ready to fight whoever has the belts. I have accepted the fight with Takam because he is a good name, an experienced fighter, he’s strong and always comes to win. It’s going to be a great fight. He is a short fighter in stature so will want to get in range, throw those big dangerous hooks and get under my jab. It’s going to be a difficult fight. I just need to increase my sparring and I’m ready to go. There are a few fights to be sorted out, but I can fight any of the big names for a World title. That is what I’m in the sport for. I said I was going to win all the belts, win a World title and I am right there. I am going to get to my destination. I want Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury when I fight for a World title. I always seem to be the underdog who pulls through. It’s less pressure on myself and I make sure I do the work in the gym. It will be so much better with fans back and I can pick up their energy. I’m gonna beat up Takam, won’t be able to sleep and I will watch Tyson against Deontay.
Wilder has a new trainer in Malik Scott, but is he going to be able to change enough to do much different? He has that equaliser, but Fury took it and got back up in their first fight. Fury’s skills are so much better and it looks a formality for him but is still exciting because Wilder is dangerous.  I will win by stoppage or KO but wont round predict a round.

SAM JONES

We told Frank that we didn’t want to go backwards. We wanted to go forward. Joe wanted a tough challenge. He could have had a much easier fight, but Joe wanted Takam and that is a testament to him. Joe gets written off and people say he is slow and ponderous, but every Heavyweight that has been in there with Joe will tell you he is a whole different proposition when you have a 19 stone man coming at you constantly. He is like a wasp, a big one and will not leave you alone. Takam has muscles growing from his arm pits, is always game and gives everyone tough fights. He has been at World level and in good fights. Joe has to perform and keep his position with the WBO. This is no easy fight, but we’re confident  he will do a number. Tyson Fury is a genius of fighter, but Joe on his day will beat any man. Hopefully Tyson and AJ will get it on later this year and then Joe can fight the winner.

Springfield, MO (June 16, 2021) – Justin Ridgway will take his biggest step-up in competition when he faces former world title challenger and renowned knockout artist Marcus Oliveira Saturday, June 19 at the Civic Center in Neosho, Mo.

The eight round cruiserweight bout will headline an eleven-fight hybrid card known as “Rumble in the Heartland” that features five pro boxing fights and six mixed martial arts bouts.

The popular Ridgway (9-2, 6 knockouts) hails from nearby Springfield, Mo. and has won his last five fights, with the last coming by second round stoppage of Kent Holland in July of 2019.

Oliveira (26-5-1, 21 KOs) of Mayetta, Kansas is by far the most experienced opponent Ridgway will have faced. Oliveira was an undefeated contender when he traveled to Germany in 2013 to face Juergen Braehmer for the WBA light heavyweight championship, losing a close decision in his opponent’s home country.

Oliveira has knockout wins over former cruiserweight world champion Kelvin Davis, former title challenger Antwun Echols, plus the previously unbeaten fighters Ryan Coyne and Phil Williams.

Also on the card, David Perez (2-0) of Tulsa, Oklahoma will face Luis Galaviz (1-1) of Fayetteville, Arkansas in a four round junior lightweight bout.

Jake Robinson (3-2-1) of Lee’s Summit, Mo. will face the debuting Martino Grandelious of Springfield, Mo. in a four round bout.

Also in action will be Cesar Marquez (1-0-2) and Jody Linthicum (3-8) in separate bouts.

The Civic Center is located at 109 W Main St in Neosho, Mo. The card is being promoted by Skip Stewart Promotions and tickets to “Rumbe at the Heartland” can be purchased by calling 417-920-4880.

PHILADELPHIA (June 16, 2021)-The recently announced June 25th fight RDR Promotions fight card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia will be moved to Friday July 23rd. This will set p one of the biggest weekend in recent Philadelphia boxing history as RDR Promotions will present “Crossroads” fight weekend with two huge nights of boxing on Friday, July 23rd and Saturday, July 24th (Card to be announced this week).

Tickets Bought from Fighters, must be returned to the Point of Purchase for a refund. Those tickets WILL NOT be honored on July 23rd; Tickets Bought at the 2300 Arena WILL BE honored.

In the main event on July 23rd, will be a “cant miss” eight-round lightweight bout between Nahir Albright and Jeremy Hill.

Albright of Sicklerville, New Jersey has a record of 12-1 with six knockouts.

The 25 year-old Albright has been streaking as he stopped his last four opponents which includes early wins over Dante Cox (6-1) and his fight when he stopped former world title challenger Cosme Rivera in eight-rounds on May 28th in Rivera’s home country of Mexico. Albright also has wins over Danny Murray (1-0), Glenford Nickey (4-1-1) and Roy McGill (6-1-1).

Hill of New Orleans has a record of 15-1 with 10 knockouts.

Hiil, 28 years-old is a three-year pro who has wins over Leshawn Alcoks (1-0), Xavier Wilson (11-1-1) and Travis Castellon (16-3-1). Hill is coming of of a fourth round stoppage over Deivi Julio on May 15th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Also taking part in an eight-round bout will be Derrick Whitley Jr. taking on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Whitley of Springfield, MA is 6-1-1 and is a four-year professional. He is coming of a no-contest against Jermaine Corley, as Whitley suffered a cut before the fourth round.

Donald “No Love” Smith (12-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a eight-round featherweight bout.

In a six-round heavyweight tilt, Garrett Wilson (18-17-1, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Joel Caudle (8-5-2, 5 KOs) of Raleigh, NC.

In four-round Bouts:

Ryan Umberger (4-0, 4 KOs) of Bensalem, PA takes on Ryan Schwartzberg (0-1-1) in a junior middleweight fight.

Afunwa King (3-1, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY takes on Clarence Whitehead (0-2 of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight fight.

Isaiah Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Damien Robinson (1-0, 1 KO) of North Carolina in a super lightweight contest.

Rashan Adams of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight bout.

Muhsin Cason (7-0, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas will see action in a cruiserweight bout.
Tickets are $75, $100, $150 and $250 for VIP Box, and can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com

1st Bell is at 7 PM

New York, New York (June 16, 2021)

JOE JOYCE will risk his lofty world rankings and guaranteed future Heavyweight Title shot when he goes to battle with CARLOS TAKAM at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday July 24, live on BT Sport.

This huge event will be presented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Destructive Joyce (12-0, 11 KOs) is back in action for the first time since his tenth round win against Daniel Dubois last November when he captured the vacant European title and relieved Dubois of his British and Commonwealth titles.

Victory against former world title challenger Takam (39-5-1, 28 KOs) will cement Joe’s status as the next WBO mandatory challenger.

Promoter FRANK WARREN said: “It was a great win for Joe against Daniel Dubois. He has been inactive since then because we have been waiting for WBO title situation between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk to be finalized” Warren continued, “had that fight not happened Joe would have been fighting Usyk for the vacant title, so we had to wait and see what the outcome would be. That situation has been sorted. Joe will become the mandatory challenger for the winner and get his world title fight – should he beat Carlos Takam.”

“It is a testament to Joe’s character that he’d take a fight as difficult as this when a World Title fight is waiting round the corner. This is a dangerous, dangerous fight and Joe needs to make sure he doesn’t let Carlos come in and take everything he’s worked so hard for.”

Besides his sky-high WBO ranking, Joyce is ranked number six by the WBC for Fury’s crown and tenth for the IBF belt held by Joshua who is also WBA and WBO champion. Joyce would love to better Joshua who stopped Takam in the tenth round of a IBF and WBA World title defence in October 2017.

Takam who will be boxing in Britain for the fourth time when he faces Joyce has been in great form recently.

He has won four consecutive bouts and most recently beat American Jerry Forrest in Las Vegas. Takam remains fiercely ambitious and knows that upsetting Joyce is his route back to the top of the Heavyweight division.

Joe Joyce said: “I only want competitive fights but everyone wants to avoid me. Carlos Takam didn’t even want to spar me in Las Vegas, so I’m surprised he’s taken the fight. He has operated at a high level for a long time but on July 24th The Juggernaut will be activated… and I will run him over.”

JOE DEGUARDIA (President of Star Boxing, Promoter of Carlos Takam): “Joyce-Takam is a significant and compelling heavyweight fight. Certainly, if Carlos wins it puts him in a position to take Joe Joyce’s #1 World ranking and eventual World Title shot, so Carlos is extremely anxious to capitalize on this opportunity”.

Carlos Takam added: “I am excited about my fight on July 24th! Hey Joe, let’s give the great boxing fans in the UK an exciting fight! Be ready because I am a problem.”

Warren said: “Joe cannot afford to slip up. He is in a tremendous position, but he has to be focused and we want to see an impressive performance from him.

“Everyone knows who Takam is. He really made AJ work when he came in as a late substitute and plenty of people believe the stoppage was slightly premature. Takam is coming with ambition and his recent record shows that the desire is there to succeed at the highest level. It is a good voluntary defence. Given Joe’s position with the WBO he could have taken far easier options than this.”

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2021) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder squared off for a long and intense face-to-face stare down Tuesday in Los Angeles at a press conference to preview their highly anticipated third world title showdown taking place Saturday, July 24 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and live on pay-per-view.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by Top Rank, BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

Here is what the fighters and their trainers had to say Tuesday from The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. Live:

TYSON FURY

“It was a crazy roller coaster toward this fight. I always say, ‘you’re never fighting someone, until you’re in the ring opposite them.’ It wasn’t hard for me to adjust to fighting Deontay Wilder again. It’s what I’m paid to do.

“I’m just always training and staying motivated. I’m happy to be living and here right now. I look forward to today. That’s how I manage everything. I’m a ‘living in the moment’ type of person.

“I hope Deontay brings something different for this fight. He needs to, if we’re facing facts. I hope he brings a challenge. Hopefully Malik Scott can bring the best out of Deontay Wilder.

“The beating from the last fight has had a physical, mental and emotional effect on his life. I was worried about him after the way I beat him.

“Deontay Wilder is a one-trick pony. He’s got great one-punch knockout power. I’m going to run him over like I’m an 18-wheeler. I guarantee he doesn’t go past where he did in the second fight. I’m looking for a big knockout straight away.

“He said all this stuff about bloodshed last time and we all know what happened last time. I’m going to keep it short and sweet today.”

DEONTAY WILDER

“Enough has been said. It’s time to cut off his head. Come July the 24, there will be bloodshed. Get your tickets now and I’ll see you soon.

“A lot of things are going to be different in this fight. On July 24, the world is going to see. We’re going to reveal everything we’ve been working on.

“I didn’t feel any way about Fury trying to negotiate another fight. We knew we were in the right and we knew they couldn’t run. Silence is golden.

“I’ve been happy and even happier in my time off. I’ve had time to spend with my family and now I’m rejuvenated and ready to go.

“I’ve been training non-stop during the pandemic and I’ve been building. All this time between fights is going to be good for me and bad for him. I’ve had nothing but time to progress.

“Whatever he does on July 24, we will have an answer for it. I’m training very hard and my mind is very violent. I’m ready to go.”

SUGARHILL STEWARD, Fury’s Trainer

“The amount of time me and Tyson have had together since joining forces hasn’t changed anything. Our chemistry has always been there. The only thing is, is that over that time, he now has the power to knock a man out with one punch.

“I’m glad he’s added that kind of power to go with his boxing skills and IQ. He now has the one-punch knockout power. He just needs to land that one punch.”

MALIK SCOTT, Wilder’s Trainer

“Deontay and I have always had a chemistry and a brotherhood between us. Before we talked about moving forward with me as his trainer, I wanted to make sure we had the same chemistry as trainer and fighter that we had with our brotherhood. Our chemistry as fighter and trainer by far passes it. I’m impressed with how he’s adapted.

“I believe that with a fighter like Deontay, who has naturally raw power, combined with my technically sound background, we just match well together.

“Deontay has made the mental adjustments. All I needed was a receptive athlete. He’s already made the adjustments to do whatever I need him to do in that ring.

“I only see this fight going one way. If you just let Fury do what he wants, he’ll do way more than what you want. I have no doubt that Deontay will become the two-time heavyweight champion of the world and it will come by knockout.”