LONDON (June 11, 2021) —  Sky Sports has outlined the next phase in its long and proud 30-year association with the sport of boxing, bringing two new partnerships that will deliver a fresh and exciting lineup of fighters both in the UK and internationally and more boxing than before.

Beginning on Saturday [June 12], Sky Sports will be the UK & Ireland home to Top Rank events from the United States thanks to a brand-new licensing agreement with the prestigious boxing promotion company. Sky Sports will step up its commitment to the very best UK fighters in a partnership with  BOXXER, founded by the youngest licensed promoter, Ben Shalom. John Wischhusen, formerly Head of Boxing at Matchroom Sport, brings more than 20 years of boxing management experience to the BOXXER team. Full UK schedule and announcements will be made in August.

Top Rank has a deep history with the sport, promoting greats including Muhammad Ali, Manny Pacquiao, George Foreman and Marvin Hagler. Currently, they have the likes of Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Josh Taylor, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez, Naoya Inoue, Artur Beterbiev, Joe Smith Jr., Jamel Herring, Emanuel Navarrete, Jose Ramirez, Michael Conlan, and Mikaela Mayer, amongst others, on their books.

The agreement will mean Sky Sports will broadcast many of the sport’s elite pound-for-pound fighters and deliver the best of men’s and women’s international boxing to Sky Sports audiences. Customers can look forward at least 18 Fight Nights a year, approaching 100 hours of boxing on Sky Sports, as well as 50-plus years of archive content highlighting legends such as Ali, Foreman, Pacquiao, Robert Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Sky Sports coverage of Top Rank events begins immediately with Shakur Stevenson taking on Jeremiah Nakathila Saturday 12 June at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for the vacant WBO interim junior lightweight title. Sky Sports will be broadcasting three Top Rank cards this month involving Naoya Inoue [June 19] and Vasiliy Lomachenko [June 26] bringing the best of Stateside boxing to Sky Sports subscribers, with Anthony Joshua’s upcoming bout with Oleksandr Usyk widely anticipated to follow in late summer. 

BOXXER aims to challenge traditions with a new approach to boxing promotion and Sky Sports and BOXXER will work collaboratively including with other promoters to bring elite fighters to Sky Sports Boxing with a modern approach to the sport.

Sky Sports, BOXXER and Top Rank will reveal a more detailed fight schedule for the remainder of 2021 as well as a refreshed editorial approach over the coming weeks. This wide-ranging partnership will benefit the very top of the sport as well as at grassroots levels, with a commitment to engage with the British Boxing Board of Control on how to ensure sustainable growth. Sky Sports and BOXXER are committed to developing initiatives to support grassroots boxing and the facilities to grow the sport and will outline further details in August. Sky Sports and BOXXER aim to introduce a new dynamic and diverse approach encompassing all platforms and engaging new audiences.

Sky Sports Managing Director Jonathan Licht said: “We’re very excited to partner with Top Rank and BOXXER to bring more world class boxing to Sky Sports.  Top Rank are one of the biggest boxing promoters in the world, and our customers will now be able to see more of the world’s best boxers on Sky.

“BOXXER have ambitious and exciting plans for the sport in the UK, and we share a long-term view for boxing.  Sky Sports has been a strong and close partner to boxing for more than 30 years and we look forward to continuing our partnership, giving a platform to the best fights at home and abroad and helping to grow the sport at elite and grassroots levels. We look forward to sharing more details with boxing fans in the next couple of months.”

Top Rank President Todd duBoef said: “For decades, Sky has been the leading sports brand in the UK. The world’s biggest sporting events and boxing matches have been cultivated under the Sky banner. Top Rank is honored to partner with Sky to continue to grow the sport both locally and globally for years to come.”

BOXXER founder Ben Shalom said: “Sky Sports has been the bedrock of British boxing for many years. We have been waiting for the opportunity to offer a transformative approach to the sport and we are delighted that Sky Sports have bought into this vision. We believe this will take the sport to new heights. Sky will show the best fights from around the world alongside a powerful UK schedule.”

British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Robert W. Smith said: “The British Boxing Board of Control are delighted that Sky Sports has reconfirmed its commitment to British Boxing that already spans in excess of 30 years.

“In John Wischhusen, Sky Sports retain a longstanding and respected relationship within the Sport, and Ben Shalom is one of the new generation of promoters at this transitional and exciting time for Boxing in the United Kingdom.

“Sky Sports’ next chapter in boxing represents a fantastic opportunity for many as they will continue to broadcast major events, in addition to supporting the boxing pyramid in this country.”

These new agreements will ensure Sky Sports remains the home of world class sport in the UK and Ireland, including Anthony Joshua’s next bout exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Sky Sports also broadcasts the best matches every weekend from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and for the first time the Women’s Super League, every race from the Formula One, the best of cricket, golf and much, much more.

Orlando, Florida (June 11, 2021)–TONIGHT at The Avanti Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida, super middleweight Christopher Brooker is back in action as he takes on Elie Augustama in a six-round bout on a Christy Martin Promotions card.

Brooker, 30 years-old has a record of 15-7, 6 KOs and the Philadelphia native is managed by DKO Boxing He is coming off a second round stoppage of Damion Hill on April 24th in Philadelphia.

Brooker is looking for an impressive performance to get back to big fights where he was able to win against the likes of Leo Hall (8-0), John Magda (11-0), Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1), Gabriel Pham (6-0), former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (28-7-1) and Lanell Bellows (18-2-2)

In taking on the 21 fight-veteran in Augustama, Brooker will be facing a veteran who has faced a staggering 14 undefeated foes. Augustama holds a win over undefeated DonYil Livingston (8-0-1).

Brooker weighed in at 167.6 lbs, while Augustama was 167.8 lbs.

EL PASO, Texas (June 11, 2021) – Former world title challenger Kamil Szeremeta (21-1, 5 KOs) will step in to face Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) in a 12-round bout for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship. The fight will take place on Saturday, June 19 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.

“I take my hat off to Jaime Munguia because he has remained calm and focused on his fight on June 19 despite so many changes,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “I am confident that he will make all the necessary changes and adjustments in order to walk away with his hand raised in victory. Kamil Szeremeta is the perfect challenge to show the world why he deserves a world title opportunity.”

“I have a lot of experience when it comes to opponent changes,” said Jaime Munguia. “Obviously, it’s different at this level because the preparation is stronger and more strategic. However, I’ve taken it very calmly, and we are going to make the necessary adjustments to walk away with our hand raised in victory on June 19.”

“I am delighted to be returning in such an important fight against Jaime Munguia,” said Kamil Szeremeta. “I understand the situation. Fight night is less than two weeks away. However, I’ve been preparing for an opportunity like this, and I will make sure to take it advantage of it. This June 19, I will score the upset against Munguia.”

“We are ready to show the world that Jaime Munguia is ready to become a two-division world champion,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “But first he will have to prove himself against a strong fighter in Kamil Szeremeta, whose only loss was to one of the best middleweights in recent years. With a resounding victory on June 19, the pride of Tijuana will put all the contenders in the division on notice.”

“On June 19, a standout Polish contender will headline a great boxing event against Jaime Munguia,” said Leon Margules, President of Warrior’s Boxing. “However, and contrary to what was expected, it will be Kamil Szeremeta who will represent Poland that night. I look forward to seeing him defeat Munguia and earn himself another world title opportunity.”

In the co-main event, rising Uzbek contender Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest test to date against former world title challenger “King” Gabriel Rosado (25-13-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Titles.

Ibeth “La Roca” Zamora (32-6, 12 KOs) of San Cristobal Huichochitlan, Toluca, Mexico will defend her WBC flyweight world championship against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (9-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas in a 10-round fight.

Welterweight contender Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight Brad “King” Soloman (29-3, 9 KOs) of Lafayette, Louisiana in the 10-round opener of the DAZN stream.

Additional undercard fights will be streamed live via Facebook Watch.

Topping the undercard presentation is an exciting battle between two Golden Boy welterweights as Raul Curiel (9-0, 7 KOs) of Tampico, Mexico and Ferdinand Keroyban (14-1, 9 KOs) of North Hollywood, California meet in a 10-round fight.

Exciting southpaw contender Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-1, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, California will look to bounce back from his first defeat in a 10-round 147-pound battle against Jameson Bacon (26-4, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

Tristan Kalkreuth (8-0, 6 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return to the ring in a six-round cruiserweight bout against Demetrius Banks (10-10-1, 5 KOs) of Detroit, Michigan.

Manuel Flores (9-0, 6 KOs) of Coachella, California will face Daniel Lozano (15-10-1, 11 KOs) of Bowling Green, Florida in a six-round super bantamweight battle.

Gregory “Goyo” Morales (12-0, 8 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will put his undefeated record on the line in a six-round super bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

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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.

Los Angeles, CA (June 11, 2021)–Nicknamed “Banana”, Super Bantamweight Dervin Rodriguez is one of the most underrated and unheard-of prospects in boxing. That will change starting today, as the unbeaten hard hitting Venezuelan has inked a promotional contract with Shapiro Sports & Entertainment, the ?rst step to making the 24-year-old a household name in the United States.

The powerful Rodriguez (7-0, 7 knockouts), who is from Venezuela, last fought on December 19th, 2019 knocking out veteran Colombian Argel Berrio in the second round in Barranquilla, Colombia.

“I’ve enjoyed ?ghting for the fans, in Venezuela and Colombia, but I’m ready to ?ght all the top names in the sport and since they’re ?ghting in the United States, I need to ?ght there too,” said Rodriguez. “Shapiro Sports & Entertainment has promised to help me get the big ?ghts and I can’t wait to perform against the top 15 in the world.”

“Dervin is an extraordinarily gifted young ?ghter, who ?ts right into the mix at 122 pounds,” said Shapiro Sports & Entertainment President Shane Shapiro. “At 24 years of age, the best is yet to come and like all great ?ghters, Dervin wants to make his mark in America. Rodriguez is by far one of the best ?ghters to come out of the country since Jorge Linares and Jose Uzcategui. He carries the responsibility of showing how good he is, and opening the door for other up and coming prospects from Venezuela.”

A date and opponent for Rodriguez’s Shapiro Sports & Entertainment debut will be announced shortly.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – June 10, 2021 – The second half of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Regular Season got off to an action-packed start on Thursday night, with five fighters punching their tickets to the 2021 PFL Playoffs and two-time Olympic boxing gold medalist Claressa Shields victorious in an impressive PFL MMA debut. 

In the final bout of the nine-fight event, Shields defeated Brittney Elkin via TKO with a vicious ground and pound attack. Shields held off Elkin’s ground attacks in the first two rounds before closing the show in round three.

In the co-main event, “Cassius” Clay Collard earned three points and a trip to the PFL playoffs with a split decision victory over Joilton Lutterbach. In a close fight, Bubba Jenkins won a unanimous decision over Bobby Moffett, to pick up a fifth straight victory and secure his place in PFL playoffs. Brendan Loughnane clinched a spot in the PFL playoffs with a hard fought majority decision over Tyler Diamond.

Loik Radzhabov set a PFL lightweight record for the fastest stoppage in division history with a 27-second first round knockout over Akhmed Aliev to earn six points. With Olivier Aubin-Mercier’s unanimous decision win over Marcin Held later in the night, Radzhabov clinched a spot in the 2021 playoffs. 

In the first fight of the night, Chris Wade defeated Arman Ospanov by second round knockout – the first of his career – to earn five points and clinch his third straight PFL playoff appearance.

“What a thrilling event to kick off the second half of the PFL Regular Season, with five fighters clinching spots in the 2021 Playoffs and Claressa Shields putting an exclamation point on her MMA debut with a powerful knockout,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO. “Tonight showcased intensity that only the Professional Fighters League can deliver with our unique true-season format, where every athlete faced a win-or-go-home scenario. I know that our two remaining Regular Season events will be spectacles delivering non-stop excitement, and I can’t wait to see our playoff field be rounded out.” 

“PFL 4 continued the momentum from the first half of the Regular Season as our lightweights and featherweights delivered an outstanding event for the more than 550 million MMA fans across the globe,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of the PFL. “Our fighters demonstrated the mental and physical skills required to earn a spot in the PFL playoffs, and I can’t wait to see the Regular Season finales for our welterweights and light heavyweights next week.”

In earlier action, two-time PFL lightweight champion Natan Schulte bounced back from his first loss in four years to win a split decision over the previously undefeated Alexander Martinez. The result pushed Schulte’s Regular Season point total to three, and he remains in contention to make the PFL playoffs. Sheymon Moraes remains in playoff contention following a second round submission over Jesse Stirn. 

The remaining playoff spots in the lightweight and featherweight divisions will be determined following the culmination of PFL 6 on Thursday, June 24. 

The PFL returns to Ocean Casino Resort next Thursday, June 17 as the league’s welterweights and light heavyweights make their final push for the 2021 PFL playoffs. After a dominating performance in his PFL debut, Rory MacDonald looks to continue his momentum and solidify a spot in the PFL playoffs. Meanwhile, 2019 PFL Light Heavyweight champion Emiliano Sordi currently sits in 4th place as he looks to separate himself from the pack and secure another world title.

All PFL 2021 Season events are live in primetime on ESPN networks and streaming platforms, as well as on a wide and diverse group of premier global distribution partner platforms reaching 160 countries around the world.

COMPLETE RESULTS

ESPN Card

Claressa Shields def. Brittney Elkin by 3rd round TKO (1:44)

Clay Collard def. Joilton Lutterbach by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Bubba Jenkins def. Bobby Moffett by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Brendan Loughnane def. Tyler Diamond by majority decision (29-27, 28-28, 30-27)

ESPN+ Card

Natan Schulte def. Alexander Martinez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 28-29)

Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Marcin Held by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Loik Radzhabov def. Akhmed Aliev by 1st round KO (0:27)

Sheymon Moraes def. Jesse Stirn by 2nd round submission (4:59)

Chris Wade def. Arman Ospanov by 2nd round KO (2:18) 

HAYWARD, CALIF. (June 10, 2021) – Unbeaten WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios shared updates on training camp and previewed his upcoming showdown against four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis before they square off in the SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

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.

The 26-year-old Barrios will be looking for a signature victory on June 26, and will bring a 5 ½ inch height advantage into the matchup against Davis. Since moving up to 140-pounds, Barrios is 9-0 with eight knockouts, and scored multiple knockdowns in the only fight that went the distance, his title-winning performance over Batyr Akhmedov. The San Antonio-native is buoyed by having renowned veteran trainer Virgil Hunter in his corner.

Here is what Barrios and Hunter had to say about training camp, Davis and more:

MARIO BARRIOS

“This is a huge opportunity for me. Gervonta Davis has a huge name in the sport and outside of it. This is the type of fight that can accelerate both of our names after June 26.

“I think Gervonta and his team might have bit off more than they could chew with this fight. I’m not one to talk too much, but we’ll see how it plays out when we step into the ring on June 26.

“’Tank’ is going to be in there with a full blown 140-pounder. He’s not going against someone past their prime or going up in weight. I’m a guy who goes out and gets stoppages. He’s facing someone just as dangerous as he is, but two weight classes higher than what he’s used to seeing.

“We know Gervonta is a dangerous fighter. We know the threat that we have in front of us. But I’m just as dangerous, if not more dangerous. I’ve been dangerous at 140 pounds for quite some time now.

“I have speed, power and explosiveness, just like Gervonta. But I have the length and physical stature to present problems that he’s never faced before.

“I know that I have power that carries from round one through round 12. He’s not used to being at this weight and we’re going to see how he handles that move up.

“I’m confident because I have a great team behind me. I’ve had a tremendous training camp. I go into every fight with confidence in my preparation. Just like every fight, I’m more than prepared for fight night.

“This is going to be fireworks from the opening bell. We have everything we need to make this the ‘Fight of the Year’.

“This is the moment that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid. It just goes to show that everything I’ve been working for my whole life is now unfolding in front of me. This is just the beginning and I’m ready to seize this opportunity.”

VIRGIL HUNTER, Barrios’ Trainer

“The preparation is going really well. We feel really good. Mario is as ready as he can be, so we’re looking forward to an exciting fight. He understands the importance of this fight. It’s a career-defining fight at this stage of his career, so he understands the significance of it. He understands what a victory means and what a setback means. He understands right where he is. His career is still in front of him because he’s a young fighter. But at this stage, it’s a very important fight and a victory would mean a lot.

“You always have to acknowledge ‘Tank’s’ punching power. You have to acknowledge his quickness and his IQ. His attributes appear to be very much real from what I’ve seen. There’s not anything about him that you cannot take seriously. You have to take everything about him seriously. He’s got a good corner and good people behind him so that makes for a formidable opponent.

“Mario’s reach and height is an advantage if you know how to use it to your advantage. It could be an advantage or could be a disadvantage. The thing is that we’re going to find the avenues to take advantage of it and make it work for us. On the other hand, it could be a disadvantage. Height and reach has never meant much to me in boxing because there are ways to overcome each stature that a fighter possesses. It’s who imposes their strategy and who imposes their will on the other who I think is going to come out victorious.

“The work ethic is there. Mario has a high ceiling that he hasn’t reached yet. He’s going towards that, but when he came here, he came with a high ceiling. A lot of fighters come and they’ve reached their ceiling, so there’s only so much you can do with them. But Mario has a lot of room for improvement and growth and I would say the best Mario Barrios is coming a couple years from now. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be victorious on June 26. He definitely has what it takes to be victorious.”

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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/.

LAS VEGAS (June 10, 2021) —Shakur Stevenson doesn’t know much about Saturday’s opponent, Namibian puncher Jeremiah Nakathila, but don’t expect him to step off the gas. Stevenson (15-0, 8 KOs), a former WBO featherweight world champion, will battle Nakathila (21-1, 17 KOs) for the vacant WBO interim junior lightweight world title at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This will be Stevenson’s third bout at 130 pounds, and a big step towards a potential showdown with WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring or WBC king Oscar Valdez. Nakathila has won 10 straight fights, all by knockout, since the lone loss of his career.

In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (28-3, 13 KOs) will fight Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (21-0, 14 KOs). The winner will be in line for a potential world title opportunity.

Two days before the fight, at the final press conference, this is what the fighters and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Bob Arum

“A year ago, when we started the ‘Bubble,’, you know who was the first main event? It was Shakur Stevenson. And now, thank God the Bubble is behind us. Shakur is the first main event we’ve done here in Nevada {at 100 percent capacity}. I’m very pleased that I’ve been able to do it. Shakur knows that as his body of work increases, the fights get more difficult and the opponents are looking to knock him off. That’s the way boxing has been, and Shakur Stevenson, a lot of experts say he in the coming years will be the face of boxing. We’ll see how he does against a tremendous puncher that he’ll face on Saturday. Every fight at this level is a tough fight. Nobody is a walk in the park.”

“Nakathila will give it a go, and I think it will be a very, very exciting fight.”

Shakur Stevenson

“It feels good knowing that Bob thinks I’m the next superstar of the sport, and I have to live up to the hype.”

“I just feel like, when I’m at my best, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. It’s been like that my whole career, since I’ve been an amateur. You don’t know who you’re going to fight in the amateurs. You come up and you just gotta fight people.” 

“At the end of the day, I listen {to the hype}, but you can’t get too hot. You still gotta complete the task. I try to stay in between. I don’t try to listen to everything I hear and go off that. I try to make sure I do what I’m supposed to do. My preparation was good. My weight is good. I’m ready to fight Saturday.”

Jeremiah Nakathila

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Top Rank for the opportunity. I’m coming here for the big one. I never prepared like this for a fight. Come Saturday, I will show it.”

“Whoever underestimates me will be surprised come Saturday night.”

“All I know is I can knock anybody out in this 130-pound division. I can destroy anybody at 130 pounds. Come Saturday night, Shakur will see how I’m going to destroy him.”

Jose Pedraza

“Julian is a great fighter. He has a lot of power {and is} a young, strong fighter. But as you mentioned, I have the experience and am well prepared for Saturday.”

“It would mean a lot to join all the Puerto Rican greats to have won world titles in three weight classes.”

“After the loss to Zepeda, I focused a lot more on training and training styles that I’m going to show on Saturday, everything that I’ve been working on.”

Julian Rodriguez

“It’s a pleasure to be here once again. I’m grateful to have fought twice during the pandemic here, thanks to Bob Arum and Top Rank. It’s just another fight for me. It’s a big step up.I had a tremendous camp. Everything went well. No injuries, no nothing. I’m ready to go Saturday.”

“I had a lot of great sparring partners throughout camp, but when I was in Vegas, I sparred Yordenis Ugas, a big 147. I trained with Ismael Salas and all those Cuban Olympians, those southpaws. I’ve had hundreds of fights in my life. I’ve been fighting since I was 7 years old, so I doubt he’s going to come out with a style I haven’t seen before. And if he does, I’ll be ready for it.”

“There were a few hiccups with the injury that I had a few years ago, but I believe I’m on that top-tier level. A lot of people that were in my class growing up , the same age group, they’re world champions now. I feel like that’s where I belong, and that’s what I am going to prove on Saturday.”

SATURDAY, June 12, 2021

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

Shakur Stevenson vs. Jeremiah Nakathila, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title

Jose Pedraza vs. Julian Rodriguez, 10 rounds, junior welterweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Tyler McCreary vs. Manuel Rey Rojas, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

John Bauza vs. Christon Edwards, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Bryan Lua vs. Frevian Gonzalez, 6 rounds, junior lightweight

Troy Isley vs. LaQuan Evans, 4 rounds, middleweight

Jahi Tucker vs. Ysrael Barboza, 4 rounds, welterweight

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of events at UFC APEX with a thrilling featherweight matchup, as fan favorite and No. 4 ranked contender Chan Sung Jung looks to add another exciting victory to his resume when he faces No. 8 Dan Ige. In the co-main event, heavyweight grapplers clash as No. 15 Aleksei Oleinik meets Serghei Spivac.  

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: THE KOREAN ZOMBIE vs. IGE will take place Saturday, June 19 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ will carry the entire event, with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT and the prelims at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT.

Featherweight star Jung (16-6, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) intends to deliver another impressive performance and continue working towards a UFC title shot. Beloved for his aggressive fighting style, Jung has finished an impressive 14 of his 16 wins, including his last nine victories in a row over the likes of Frankie Edgar, Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. He now looks to start his 2021 campaign on a high note by becoming the first person to stop Ige.

Ige (15-3, fighting out of Haleiwa, Hawaii) has wasted little time propelling himself towards the top of the stacked UFC featherweight division. He established himself as one of the best in the world with a highly entertaining six-fight win streak that featured victories over Edson Barboza, Mirsad Bektic and Danny Henry. Ige now looks to follow up his devastating 22-second knockout of Gavin Tucker from earlier this year with another highlight-reel performance in his second UFC main event.

No. 15 ranked heavyweight Oleinik (59-15-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) aims to get back to his winning ways and prove that he is still one of the elite of the division. Among the most prolific grapplers in heavyweight MMA history, Oleinik has secured a staggering 46 submissions in his career, including his Performance of the Night-earning victories over Junior Albini, Mark Hunt and Maurice Greene. He now has his sights set on taking out another up-and-coming contender and defending his spot in the rankings.

Spivac (12-2, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) plans on making a statement and show that he is the next top contender at heavyweight. One of the youngest athletes in the division, he debuted in the UFC at only 24 years old and quickly separated himself from the pack with wins over Tai Tuivasa, Carlos Felipe and, most recently, Jared Vanderaa. Spivac now intends to add the biggest name yet to his resume and breaking into the top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Welterweight veterans clash as Tim Means (31-12-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) faces Danny Roberts (17-5, fighting out of Liverpool, England)
• No. 15 ranked UFC bantamweight contenderMarlon Vera (16-7-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) returns to action against Davey Grant (13-4, fighting out of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, England)
• Wellington Turman (16-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) and Bruno Silva (19-6, fighting out of Paraiba, Brazil) meet in a middleweight bout
• Fan favorite Matt Brown (24-18, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) locks horns with fellow veteran Dhiego Lima (17-8, fighting out of Atlanta, Ga.) at welterweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Aleksa Camur (6-1, fighting out of Broadview Heights, Ohio) battles Nicolae Negumereanu (9-1, fighting out of Brasov County, Romania) at light heavyweight
• An exciting women’s strawweight bout sees No. 13 ranked Virna Jandiroba (16-2, fighting out of Feira De Santano, Brazil) defend her spot in the rankings against Kanako Murata (12-1, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan)
• Khaos Williams (11-2, fighting out of Jackson, Mich.) aims for another signature knockout against Matthew Semelsberger (8-2, fighting out of Ijamsville, Md.) in a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• Featherweights Julian Erosa (25-9, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and SeungWoo Choi (9-3, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) look to steal the show
• Josh Parisian (13-4, fighting out of Howell, Mich.) and Roque Martinez (15-7-2, fighting out of Tamuning, Guam) collide at heavyweight
• Submission specialist Joaquim Silva (11-2, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) hopes to add another post-fight bonus to his resume when he takes on Ricky Glenn (21-6, fighting out of Des Moines, Ia.)
• Women’s flyweights look to make a statement as Casey O’Neill (6-0, fighting out of Gold Coast, Australia) matches up with Lara Procopio (7-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

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

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About UFC^®

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

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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 10, 2021)–After his first-round destruction of former world amateur champion Mahammadrasul Majidov on April 17th, Andrey Fedosov wants to fight the top heavyweights in the world.

Fedosov (32-3, 26 KOs) took out Majidov by scoring two vicious knockdowns, and stopped the accomplished fighter in 84 seconds in Hollywood, Florida.

With champions Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua tied up with mandatory defenses, and presumably followed by two bouts against each other, the top contenders in the division will need quality opponents for the next 12-18 months.

Enter Fedosov.

The 35 year-old native of Shuya, Russia has not lost in eight years, and feels that bouts with the top contenders are a natural

“Look at my resume. It is as good as any, and now is my time to get my opportunity against one of the big names in the division. Guys like Andy Ruiz, Dillian Whyte, Joseph Parker, Luis Ortiz, Joe Joyce or Charles Martin are on my radar. I know these guys are waiting around for title shots, but if they really know is happening in the heavyweight division, they will be waiting a long time for that. They need to fight, and I would like to get one of them in the ring,” said the 2015 Boxcino champion.

“Andrey is willing to fight anyone in the division. There are a lot of potential great matchups for Andrey. We are working to secure one of those top contenders,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.
Fedosov is promoted by Banner Promotions and Newsboy Boxing.

WORCESTER, Mass. (June 10, 2021) – Unbeaten lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) is a visionary, clearly seeing the day he becomes the first Worcester (MA) native to become a World boxing champion, as well as headlining a show at home in front of thousands of his growing legend of fans, and much more.

The 25-year-old Ortiz, former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth lightweight, has his sights set on greatness and the boxing world got a glimpse of his vast talent in his last two fights, both showcased on high-profile cards.

His seventh-round stoppage of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been previously stopped, last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-event was the first time for most boxing fans outside of New England to watch him in action.

He followed that performance with an even better one last month on ESPN+, despite settling for a questionable 8-round draw against undefeated Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-2, 12 KOs), in which most observers felt Ortiz deserved a victory.

“I’ve seen a statue of myself in the City of Worcester…..like Rocky in Philadelphia,” Ortiz said, “but not only for what I do in the ring. I am part of this city. I’m the People’s Champ! I’m willing to do whatever it takes to become world champion. I’ve headlined a show in Worcester, but I want to do it on a big card with thousands of fans there supporting me.”

“I joke around a lot when he talks, but I support any kid who has a dream like Jamaine,” Ortiz’ trainer Rocky Gonzalez remarked. “That’s the way all of us were taught at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by Carlos Garcia. We believe in ourselves and I’m totally with it. Anything positive, just keep it positive.

“I think Jamaine feels the way he does about Worcester is because it’s personal with him. He was born in there. He’s always so positive at the gym with the kids. When you’re the best in the gym, everybody looks up to you, and that’s the way it is here with Jamaine. It’s important that the you
ng kids are positive, and it is that way in our gym. A lot of that is because of Jamaine.”
DCU Center and the new Polar Park are the only venues in Worcester (located 40 miles west of Boston) capable of holding 5,000 fans or more for boxing.

“Jamaine Ortiz to Worcester,” added promoter Jimmy Burchfield (CES president), “is like Micky Ward to Lowell (MA), Vinny Paz to Providence (RI), and John Ruiz to Chelsea (MA). We’re working every day for Jamaine, as we do for all of our fighters, and get ready for some big news!”

“I’ve headlined before, at the Palladium, but fighting at home in front of 5,000 or more fans on television would be great,” reigning WBC United States Silver lightweight
champion Ortiz concluded. “That’s something I expect as the People’s Champion. I’ve put in the work and built a growing fanbase, which will translate into future ticket sales. I think it may take me fighting on TV in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden for casual fight fans in Worcester to get onboard.”

“Very progressive and brilliant Worcester city officials recognize the importance of bringing high end sporting events to the area and have great plans for the sporting community in the near future,” Ortiz’ manager Dick Shappy noted. “The recent purchase of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox AAA minor league affiliate, is a testament to that. The timing is perfect right now for Jamaine as he positions himself to become Worcester’s favorite son and world champion. Boxing fans, stay tuned!

Worcester is ready to celebrate its favorite son. The Day of “The Technician” is coming!

QUINCY, Mass. (June 10, 2021) – New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” O’Han, Jr. will make his first title defense against Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey in an 8-round fight on the “Breakout” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, July 26th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

O’Han, Jr. vs. Luckey will be part of the evening card of another Granite Chin day-night doubleheader (separate admissions), headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), the reigning New England heavyweight champion.

O’Han, Jr. is a second-generation boxer. His father, Mike O’Han (14-6-2, 11 KOs), who fought professionally from 1983 to 1995. He was a sparring partner for Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Vinny Paz and Robbie Simms.

“I look up to my father,” O’Han, Jr. said. “I never saw him fight because his last was in 1995 and I was only one. He didn’t really want me to fight. I found boxing when I was around 14 or 15. Winning the New England title was the next step, defending it is step 2, and then whatever happens in the future will be another step. We had this planned since the beginning. I’m only 27 now. Even in the amateurs, we talked about not needing to rush.

O’Han, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Holbrook, MA, is a passionate fanbase that frows with each of his fights. He captured the vacant N.E. title last November, when he won a one-sided 8-round decision from New Hampshire welterweight titlist Ryan Dibartolomeo. O’Han’s most recent fight was this past April, in which he stopped Rynell Griffin in the opening round of their non-title fight.

“I love my fans,” O’Han added. “I feed off them. I have a lot of friends who come out to support me. I’m not sure how it’s gotten to this, but social media helps. My last fight was during the day, so even the kids from our gym (South Shore Boxing Club) had a chance to get out of the gym and watch a live fight.

“My opponent has fought some tough guys like Ryan Garcia (current WBC Interim World Lightweight Champion) and Jamaine Ortiz, who I sparred with for his last fight on ESPN+. I need to keep it simple and do what I’ve been doing to get another W.”

Upset-minded Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs) has won four of his last six fights.

“This fight is a logical step up for O’Han,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti remarked. “Now that he is an 8-round fighter, he needs to go up against other seasoned 8-round fighters, which is exactly what he’s doing against Tyrone. Tyrone is a rugged guy who comes to fight and has been in with a ton of talented guys. I have no doubt he will be looking for another upset.”

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) In the 8-round co-featured event for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight 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.

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 inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” tournament, pitting some of the best amateur boxers in New England in the semifinals round, in the USA Boxing-sanctioned event during the afternoon portion of the day-night doubleheader. The semifinals winners will advance to the tournament’s championship final August 28th at New England Sports Center.

Some of the top N.E. amateur boxers expected to compete include 2021 USA National Championships gold medalist Arika Skoog, the 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion out of Newton (MA); 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Tashawn Ward, a featherweight from Providence (RI); and middleweights James Maner, 2019 N.E. Golden Gloves champion from Providence, and 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion Mike Fontanez, of Nashua (N.H).

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.

LAS VEGAS (June 10, 2021) – Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis held a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday as he approaches his showdown against WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios which headlines a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, June 26 from the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

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.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis moves up to 140-pounds for the first time in his career as he aims to add super lightweight champion to his stellar resume. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez.

Here is what Davis, along with trainer Calvin Ford, and Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, had to say Wednesday from the Mayweather Boxing Club:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“We can’t say who the bigger puncher is until we get in that ring and test his power. It doesn’t matter who is stronger, I want to be better than him across the board and in every aspect of the game.

“People who are here in the gym with me see a lot of things that I don’t need to bring out, even in my fights. Floyd is always telling me to box and use my skills, and don’t always look for the knockout. This camp we’ve actually been working on getting back to that and letting the knockout come.

“For me, greatness is just not going backwards. I just want to keep going forward no matter what. No matter who’s in front of me, I just have to go through them. Where I’m from, a lot of people don’t make it out, so I’m doing something right. It doesn’t even have to be an opponent, it can be something outside of the ring. I’m always chasing greatness.

“My thing is just beat whoever is put in front of me. When it’s time, we’ll see who the top guy is. Until then, I don’t need to speak on any other fighter than the one in front of me.

“Barrios and I have been through the amateurs together. He’s known what I’ve been doing. It’s crazy how life works out sometimes.

“I’m a team player, so whatever my team tells me has to be done to better myself, I’m all for it. That’s what’s made me so good. I don’t just stand out by myself. I have the best team in boxing.

“My last fight people complained that Leo Santa Cruz was too small, so I’m basically going out there and showing that a size difference doesn’t matter. I’m going to beat whoever they put in front of me. I’m trying to chase greatness.

“I’m definitely looking to walk down the bigger guy. He might feel like he can walk me down. I was definitely watching Floyd fight a much bigger guy in Logan Paul and taking a few pointers from it.

“I don’t know what Barrios will bring, but from my side, I’m bringing everything I’ve got. You know whenever I fight, I’m bringing something for the fans to enjoy.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“’Tank’s’ pay-per-view numbers opened up the doors for the rest of them. It’s because of ‘Tank’s’ social media. When people ask me why people gravitate towards him – he’s just like any kid that’s coming up from the inner cities. Look at basketball players – inner cities. Look at football players – inner cities. He’s showing them that if you put the right people around you and you put your mind to something, anything is possible.

“’Tank’, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia will be the Four Kings if the fights happen. Let’s keep it real. Right now, they’re doing the same thing that the Four Kings did at the beginning stage. All we have to do is sit back and let the minds that be, do their thing. It’s going to happen. All these fights that people want to see are going to happen.

“Have you noticed that ‘Tank’ don’t call anybody out? He never did. But if you put him in front of somebody, he’s going to show you. If you know ‘Tank’ from the amateurs, he’s going to show up in the ring. He’s like a baby Mike Tyson.

“The weight isn’t what I’m focused on, it’s actually the opponent. When I started studying the opponent, his coach and I go way back in the amateurs. When we see each other, we know each other. It’s about the minds. He knows his athlete and I know my athlete. That night, it’s about the minds. It’s about who is going to hold fast to what they’re supposed to be doing. That’s the fight for me.

“I wouldn’t say this is the toughest test of ‘Tank’s’ career because nobody can show me the best of ‘Tank’ yet. I know the best of ‘Tank’. Ya’ll ain’t seen ‘Tank’.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“From top to bottom this is one of those pay-per-view events that you don’t want to miss. Anytime you have the most exciting fighter in the sport, you know it’s going to be big. Don’t expect anything less on June 26.

“Coach Calvin Ford is a tremendous trainer who’s been with Gervonta since day one and they have a great game plan in place. I fully expect him to be able to execute. But Barrios is coming for him. He’s got a great trainer himself in Virgil Hunter and has made great progression with Virgil.

“We know this is going to be a tough fight, but Gervonta just has to figure it out from the opening bell. And I believe he’ll do that, but it will take some time. Barrios is looking to upset the apple cart.

“Gervonta is molding into his comfort zone. He’s becoming more comfortable with the media because he truly understands what he has in front of him. He knows that his ceiling is to be the biggest star in the sport. On the inside of the ring though, nothing has changed.

“The co-feature is a terrific bout with Erickson Lubin taking on Jeison Rosario. That’s going to be a very entertaining fight. A win for Lubin puts him one step closer to his ultimate goal. Lubin feels like he’s the best in the weight class and eventually right that wrong of his loss to Jermell Charlo. But he has a tough rugged fighter in front of him and that should be an exciting bout.

“Former unified champion Julian Williams is looking to bounce back against Brian Mendoza on the pay-per-view. Julian is obviously one of the top fighters in the division, and he’s looking to get back what he lost.

“In the opening bout the very tough Batyr Akhmedov is up against Argenis Mendez, who is always in go-mode. So it really shows you how highly entertaining this card is all the way through. I’m really excited to be back at State Farm Arena.”

#

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/.

Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport:

“We’re back in Newcastle and what a place to return with fans. Although we only have 1,000 people in there on Saturday it will feel like the normal eight, nine or ten thousand we have up here. A massive moment in the career of Lewis Ritson against Jeremias Ponce in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title which will of course lead to a shot at the Undisputed Lightweight World Championship against Josh Taylor. This is a fight to position themselves as Mandatory to that belt. Live on Sky Sports and live on DAZN around the world. It’s a big card in Newcastle.”

Lewis Ritson – Forest Hall, England – 21-1, 12 KOs – fighting Jeremias Ponce in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title:

“Getting past Ponce is what every kid dreams of, I feel nice and relaxed and I can’t wat for Saturday in front of 1000 fans.

“I think being back with the fans we’ll see the best of Lewis Ritson, it’s the best and most relaxed I’ve felt for a good while. No fans in the bubble is a bit flat, but we’re expecting an explosive performance on Saturday.

“I’ve had about 11/12 fights for Matchroom, I feel like a bit of veteran, I’m already 27, but still young and fresh and not took much punishment. Now the time the apprenticeship is over, we’re ready for the big fights.

“I don’t think we’re going to have go looking for each other, I think it’s going to be a very hard fight – a tough night on Saturday night. But one I think we can get through.

Jeremias Ponce – Buenos Aires, Argentina – 27-0, 17 KOs – fighting Lewis Ritson in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title:

“Without doubt this is the biggest fight of my life.

“It’s going to be very entertaining fight; I’m going looking for the knockout. If that doesn’t happen so be it, but that’s the aim.

“It’ll be a dream for me personally, in Argentina we don’t have many champions, but it’ll be huge to get a shot at the World Title.” 

Thomas Patrick Ward – West Rainton, England – 29-0-1, 4 KOs – fighting Edy Valencia Mecado in a ten round Featherweight clash:

“Last time out wasn’t my best performance but this Saturday night you’re going to see a different Thomas Ward. It was a bad cut, but we got it stitched up, it healed up and we’re ready to go.

“Edy’s a good fighter, the Mexican’s come and give it all they’ve got. I’m definitely looking to put on a good show, a good statement, move forward and smash up some of these World Champions that don’t want to fight.

“I’m not looking past Saturday night; I’ve got a tough opponent in front of me who’s going to be coming and giving it his all. I’ve been rated quite highly for quite some time; I’m pushing on for those World Title fights. I want to fight them; do they want to fight me? Let’s see, let’s get it on.” 

Edy Valencia Mecado – Culiacan, Mexico – 17-5-6, 5 KOs – fighting Thomas Patrick Ward in a ten round Featherweight clash: 

“It’s a very proud moment for me to be coming here and I really do want to add to that list of Mexican’s that have caused an upset here. It’s a proud moment to be alongside you Eddie and my rival. I think for the fight I have the tools and mentality to be able to make this work, I think the only winner in this fight are the people watching.

“Hopefully, finally everyone can enjoy a good show. Mexican fighters come on the front foot and trade. I’ll wait to see what happens in the fight, I’m able to adapt my style, I have many different styles I can accommodate. Hopefully we can look forward to a great fight on Saturday night.”

Alen Babic – Zagreb, Croatia – 6-0, 6 KOs – fighting Damian Chambers in a six round Heavyweight contest:

“I feel blessed every time I’m here. The surgery was bad, I didn’t want to say it to myself, but I knew it was going to go down because that shoulder had been bad for the whole of the last year. I was talking to my inner self just hold on for a few more fights. I’ve done that now and my hand is feeling stronger than ever, I’m finally 150% back.

“I did some things with the recovery which were different, I’ve been sending savage to my shoulder to recover it. I’ve been doing things differently, they told me I’d be out for ten months, and I was back in two months. I’m so much better than before and I’m going to show it.

“I want to be a fighter in three weights, Cruiserweight, Bridgerweight and Heavyweight. I don’t care about the weight, that doesn’t been I don’t want to fight other weights, it means I don’t care where I’m fighting. My heart will always be in Heavyweight, but I can fight Light-Heavyweight if you make me angry enough. I don’t care about weights; I want to fight.

“They offered me so many tournaments and I said no I don’t want someone who’s going to fall because they know they can’t beat me. This is a guy [Chambers] who has a lot of knockouts, 11-1, he’s a very good guy. It’s going to be tremendous battle and I think it’s going to over inside 1-2. He’s a puncher but not much of a mover, this guy may be faster or stronger, I don’t know but we’re going to find out.”

Damian Chambers – Dukinfield, England – 11-1, 7 KOs – fighting Alen Babic in a six round Heavyweight contest:

“I know it’s going to be a tough night’s work; I’ve watched him before on shows and he is a tough fighter, he comes forward just throwing punches. We got the call on Sunday, by coach said we’ve got a fight do you want to take it it’s against Babic, he’s a tough guy I’ve watched before. He’s a Heavweight and I’m usually at Cruiserweight, he’s got the advantage but straight away I said I think it’s a good opportunity for me to showcase my skills.

“I can’t wait, I’ve been in the gym anyway training, over the last six days I’ve been in the gym training – sparring Monday and Tuesday. I had a tough session yesterday, we had a fight coming up anyway at the end of July, I’ve not fought in 16 months so we might as well take the fight. It’s not an easy fight, he’s a tough man, I’m going to have to be on my A game and make no mistakes.” 

Cyrus Pattinson – Alnwick, England – Professional Debut – fighting Yoncho Markov in a six round Super-Welterweight contest:

“It’s an amazing feeling, we’re finally here, we’ve been waiting for a year now with the COVID situation. I was devastated with COVID kicked in because that opportunity to make my debut in Newcastle last time out was taken away. It feels like the stars have aligned and we’re back here in Newcastle and the debut is still on.

“The experience is second to none, all those times turning up to competitions and fighting these world ranked opponents and Olympic medallists. You can’t get that experience elsewhere in the world, obviously the training camps you’ve got to factor in as well. Going to Kazakhstan and sparring six rounds with fresh opponents, it’s matures you as a person and excels you experience as well.

“It’s something that we’ve both discussed before the debut came about, we didn’t really want to take the four round fights which a lot of boxers usually take, usually with an opponent with a losing record. Instead, we wanted someone over six rounds, winning record, who’s going to bring the fight to us – that’s something I’m used to. I think that’s going to show the best out of me. I’m a humble person, I think that people can expect a good night and a good performance.”

Solomon Dacres – Birmingham, England – 1-0– fighting Alvaro Terrero in a six round Heavyweight contest:

“I hadn’t even got my clothes off from the last one and you [Eddie] were asking me for the next one. I took it, I’m ready and it’s good to get out pretty quickly again.

“That’s what boxing is about, I’m looking to progress to the highest level of the game, so I don’t want any easy touches. I want to be proven and having good fights I can learn from.

“I’ve said in the next twelve to eighteen months I want to be looking at British Title level and then pushing on. It’s a quick projection but I feel like I’m there technically and boxing wise – I just need the experience. All I need to do is get the fights under my belt and I’ll be ready to go at the higher levels. But on Saturday I’ve got to get through Alvaro.”

Alvaro Terrero – Cadiz, Spain – 5-11-2, 3 KOs – fighting Solomon Dacres in a six round Heavyweight contest:

“I’m delighted to be here.”

“Yes, I see him [Solomon] as a great opponent.” 

Joe Laws – Benwell, England – 9-1, 5 KOs – fighting Chris Adaway in a six round Welterweight contest:

“I cannot wait. Chris Adaway, I know him personally, I’ve seen fight loads and he’s a game competitor. He’s as game as they come, he never gets soft, he goes in there and gives all his prospects one hell of a go. I’m feeling good myself, I’m back in the best city in the world, I can’t wait to go out there, put a show on and get back to winning ways.

“I’ve learnt not to block shots with my forehead. No, what I’ve learnt is that I do want to box. Last Christmas I asked myself questions of do I want this, but I do. Here I am, come Saturday night I can’t wait to go out there. I might be nervous, but the crowds are back, but that nervous energy is what feeds me.

“I got some stick about losing, but that’s just social media. It was a low point at Christmas but I’m a man, I picked myself up and I’m back. Mentally and physically, I feel great, I’m 26-years-old. I’m a young pup in this sport. The past 18 months have been hard for boxing but come Saturday it’ll be a clip of what’s to come. The show will be electric.” 

April Hunter – Wallsend, England – 3-0 – fighting Klaudia Vigh in a four round Welterweight contest:

“I’m thrilled to be back, I’m home with my people, my city. I can’t wait to have a great performance Saturday night.

“Strictly boxing Saturday night, I’m not going to get carried away. I’m going to show my skill, we’ll see Saturday night.

“I think the pool of boxing is going to keep expanded. The next 18 months is pivotal for me, I’ve had Rick Ramos calling fights out that I’m interested in. I’ve got my eye more on Jessica, but if that’s the fight I’ve got to go through to get to her then I’ll be happy to do it.”

Klaudia Vigh – Budapest, Hungary – 32-27-1, 2 KOs – fighting April Hunter in a four round Welterweight contest:

“It’s a big chance and I’m very motivated. I like to box in the UK every time, it’s not my first time here. I’m waiting for Saturday night.”

Guadalajara, Mexico (June 10, 2021) –Seven big fights will be featured before the big Tribute To The Kings Pay-Per-view on Saturday June 19th at The Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Headlining the non pay-per-view action will be a eight-round super featherweight clash between Jose Acosta and Leonardo Padilla.

Acosta of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-2-1 with 10 knockouts. The 22 year-old is a five-year professional who owns a win over previously undefeated Jorge Zavala.

Padilla of Petare, Venezuela has a record of 19-3 with 14 knockouts. The year-old is a seven-year professional, and has won the WBA Fedebol Super Featherweight title with a win Daniel Miranda (13-2). He has also fought current WBA Super Featherweight world champion Roger Gutierrez. Padilla is coming off a win over Dionis Martinez on December 19th.

Cesar Gutierrez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico fights Oscar Mejia (14-4, 6 KOs) of Auguscalientes, Mexico in a six-round featherweight contest.

Mario Ramirez (15-1, 4 KOs) of Camalu, Mexico will take on Pedro Castro (8-2, 4 KOs) in a eight-round super feather battle.

Jose Vazquez (2-0, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico squares off Jonathan Perez (6-1, 3 KOs) of Morelio, Mexico in a eight-round featherweight affair.

Erik Inunza (7-2, 7 KOs) of Culican, Mexico fights Carlos Daniel Acosta (8-4) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a six-round super featherweight fight.

In swing bouts:

Oscar Munguia (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico takes on Ricardo Badilo (7-1, 1 KO) in a Featherweight bout.

Karen Rubio (5-1) who is a cousin to the Chavez family of Culican, Mexico will fight Estefany Alegria (1-0) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a four-round bantamweight fight.

Headlining the Tribute to the Kings Pay-Per-View portion of the event will be MMA legend “The Spider” Anderson Silva competing in his first major boxing match vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.

The co-main event will see the great Julio Cesar Chavez Senior take the ring for the last time to fight Hector “Little Macho” Camacho, the son of the man he beat in the historic boxing match “Chavez vs. Camacho in 1992.

Tribute to the Kings – Chavez Jr. vs. 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.

In addition to Silva vs. Chavez, Jr., Tribute to The Kings will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance when he takes on Hector Camacho, Jr. in a six round exhibition. Camacho will fight Chavez in honor of his late father and Boxing Hall of Famer, Hector “Macho” Camacho, who lost to Chavez in their historic fight in 1992.

In the televised opener of the live Pay-Per-View, Kevin “Diamond Boy” Torres will fight Jorge Luis “Silencioso” Melendez in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. The main card also includes a much-anticipated trilogy bout and rubber match between Omar Chavez and Ramon Alvarez, and a heated 10-round battle for the NABO Super Welterweight Title between Damian “Samurai” Sosa and Abel “Authentico” Mina.

For more information about Tribute to the Kings, visit www.TributetotheKings.com.

Matchroom and DAZN are thrilled to announce a series of fight nights live from Mexico in partnership with Canelo Alvarez and Canelo Promotions and Eddy Reynoso and Clase y Talento. The first event in the new four-part Mexico series will see Julio Cesar Martinez defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Joel Cordova at the Domo Alcade – Code Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico on Saturday, June 26. This follows on from DAZN and Matchroom’s game-changing five-year global deal announced last week underscoring a renewed, long-term investment by DAZN and Matchroom to take boxing to new global heights in countries around the world.
 
The June 26 fight night, as well as all three events from Mexico to follow over the next year, are in addition to DAZN’s current global boxing schedule and will all be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN – including Mexico, where fans can sign up for a monthly subscription at just 45 pesos a month. The broadcasts will be available in both English and Spanish, with the latter led by a dedicated on-air talent roster that will soon be unveiled.
 
Together with partners Canelo Promotions and Clase y Talento, Matchroom and DAZN will collaborate with the pound-for-pound king himself and his illustrious trainer to engage with passionate fans on-the-ground, showcase to the world the best in Mexican championship boxing, and discover and feature new talent from the proud boxing country.
 
“This is a great chance for Mexican fighters to follow their dreams,” said Canelo. “Sometimes our champions have to travel internationally to defend their belts and land opportunities. We plan on providing those opportunities in Mexico and giving young fighters the chance to develop and change their lives.”
 
“I am very proud to bring this exciting new project to Mexico and these new opportunities for our fighters,” said Reynoso. “There is so much talent in our country and these new shows will allow our champions to defend their belts on home soil and our prospects to get the chance to continue to grow.”
 
“This is such an exciting project and partnership, and I can’t wait to get started on June 26 and add even more action to the DAZN global schedule,” said Hearn. “It’s no secret that Mexico is blessed with boxing talent and passionate fans that truly embrace the sport. This new project will breathe new life into the sport in Mexico and give young fighters and champions the opportunity to flourish.”
 
“Last week, we announced as part of our game-changing global deal that DAZN and Matchroom will significantly invest in key markets around the world where there is extraordinary boxing fervor with regionally relevant events, partnerships, and content,” said DAZN Co-CEO James Rushton. “This new Mexico series builds on our growing momentum with Matchroom worldwide as well as long-time partners Canelo and Eddy Reynoso and together, we look forward to bringing more of the best Mexican boxing to fans locally as well as worldwide on DAZN.”
 
Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his green and gold strap on the line for the third time to kick off the return of big-time boxing to his home country.
 
The Flyweight king was due to defend his strap on the undercard of Alvarez’s World Super-Middleweight title clash with Avni Yildirim in February, but a hand injury sustained in fight week robbed him of the chance to fight McWilliams Arroyo on the show.
 
Now the electrifying 26-year-old will top the bill in his homeland against Cordova (12-4-2 3 KOs), Martinez’s fellow Mexican fighting in his first World title fight, and ‘El Rey’ is excited to be fighting at home for a second fight in a row as he looks to build to becoming a unified champion at 112lbs.
 
“I am so happy to be able to fight again and make a much-anticipated comeback,” said Martinez. “I am even more excited to be able to fight in my home country of Mexico and defend my title here. I am very motivated to reignite my career on such a platform.”
 
“I’ve waited for this opportunity for so long that I won’t waste my chance to fulfill my dreams of becoming world champion,” said Cordova. “I want to thank Matchroom and my company BXSTRS for making my dream come true. Maybe I’m not known by many, but after June 26, many will know my name. I know Martinez is a solid champion, but strength is not the only thing needed to win, it requires motivation, desire and there’s no one who can beat me in those. I have waited my whole life for this moment.”
 
There’s more World title action on the night with Cuba’s Daniel Matellon (11-0-2 6 KOs) making the first defense of his WBA World Light-Flyweight title against Jose Argumedo (24-4-1 15 KOs) with Matellon being elevated to full champion after landing the interim title in February 2020.
 
Gabriel Valenzuela (23-2-1 13 KOs) looks to build on his impressive win in London, England over Robbie Davies Jr in February by defending the IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title he won that night, there is a 12th pro-outing for rising Mexican-American starlet Diego Pacheco (11-0 8 KOs) and Christian Alan Gomez Duran (20-2-1 18 KOs) features on the card having recorded stoppage wins on two Canelo cards in December and May.
 
To become a subscriber, fans can download the DAZN app on any internet-connected device, including living room devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks and game consoles as well as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs. For more information, visit www.DAZN.com.

Jeremias Ponce says he will look to secure a “dream” World Title fight with Undisputed Super-Lightweight king Josh Taylor but knocking out Geordie favourite Lewis Ritson in front of his home crowd at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘Jere’ arrives in the UK for the first time sporting an impressive record of 27 wins and no losses – with 17 of those win coming by way of knockout – and has two notable wins ‘on the road’ against Rico Mueller for the IBO World Title in Germany and Francesco Lomasto for the IBF Intercontinental Title in Italy. 

The undefeated 24-year-old from from Buenos Aires, Argentina says the return of Ritson’s fanatical Newcastle support will only serve to spur him on as he looks to become the latest South American to spring an upset against a Brit.

“I go all out for the win,” said Ponce. “I try and leave nothing to chance. I always look for the knockout. This is a huge opportunity for me, if not the biggest in my career. I’ve trained with that mindset, thinking about this being the biggest moment in my career. 

“I think it’s a dream for any boxer to go on and win a World Title, and to face a fighter like Josh Taylor would be a dream come true. I’m 100% confident that I can add myself to the list of South Americans that have caused upsets in the UK. I’m going to go all out to win. 

“I think Lewis Ritson is a very good boxer. He’s very quick and he has a very high output. We’ve worked hard looking for ways to counter that. I think we’ll be able to do that. Both styles will definitely clash which will mean it will be a great fight.

“I think the Miguel Vazquez fight was just a really bad night for him. I have also had bad nights before. I don’t think it takes anything away from him. I think he’s still a really good boxer and it will be a very tough night for the both of us. 

“Having a crowd in the arena will motivate me even more. I’m used to these types of fights and being the away fighter. I’ve been the away fighter in Germany when the whole of the crowd was against me. I was the away fighter in Naples, Italy when all the fans were against me. I’m used to that and it really will spur me on even more.”

Ritson vs. Ponce tops a big night of action in Newcastle as fans return in the North East, West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Edy Valencia Mercado (17-5-6, 5 KOs) in a ten round Featherweight clash, Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson makes his professional debut in a six round Super-Welterweight clash with Bulgaria’s Yoncho Markov (4-2, 2 KOs),Croatian Heavyweight sensation Alen Babic (6-0, 6 KOs) returns to action against Damian Chambers (11-1, 7 KOs) following a shoulder injury, Catford Super-Bantamweight Ellie Scotney (2-0) meets Spain’s Vanesa Caballero (4-9-3) over eight rounds, Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres (1-0) clashes with Spain’s Alvaro Terrero (5-11-2, 3 KOs) over six rounds, Benwell Welterweight Joe Laws (9-1, 5 KOs) fights Chris Adaway (10-69-4, 1 KO) over six rounds and Wallsend Welterweight April Hunter (3-0) meets Hungary’s Klaudia Vigh (3-27-1, 2 KOs).

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (June 10, 2021) – Warriors Boxing is proud to announce the signing of undefeated middleweight Kevin Salgado to co-promotional contract with Davies Entertainment

Salgado, 23 years-old of Tizapan, Mexico is 13-0 with nine knockouts.

“I am blessed. I am very emotional and humbled, and I can’t wait to fight. We have a super team with Warriors and Davies Entertainment plus my manager Ursulo Perez,” said Salgado.

“I am very happy to join forces with Davies Entertainment. They are located in a one of the best boxing towns in San Antonio. Kevin Salgado is a very good puncher with either hand and comes from a great boxing family. His brother a two-time world champion,’ said Luis DeCubas Sr. of Warriors Boxing.

“I did a deal with Warriors in the past, and it was a great deal. For me it’s about providing opportunity for these young boxers and doing a deal with Warriors provides more exposure and opportunity for Kevin,” Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment.

“I look forward to see Kevin fight in the United States and make waves in the middleweight division,” Said Ursulo Perez, Manager of Kevin Salgado

Salgado got interested in boxing after watching his brother, two-time world super featherweight champion, Juan Carlos Salgado compete.

” As an amateur, I was watching my brother,, the crowds that loved him. My brother was, and will always be my idol.”

Before turning professional, Salgado went 38-2 and he was a three-time national champion and a six-time regional champion.

Salgado, who has had all 13 of fights in Mexico is looking forward to plying his trade in America.

“I know there are differences in the two countries, particularly the style. Boxers, pure boxers with great skills are plentiful in the US. Here the fighters are more aggressive, straight forward and tough. A losing record of a Mexican fighter does not tell the true story of his abilities. I am fortunate that I have quicker hands and good foot movement in comparison to other middleweights in Mexico. This was obvious, as an amateur as I won three national championships. I am ready to advance my skills. I am quick and strong, and I will come to the United States to knock out all of the top fighters. I will likely be doing some training in the United States at Davies Gym..”

“I am hopeful to be on TV soon, and within the next 18 months challenge any champion. It makes no difference, I am a professional and I will be ready.

“It would be a great honor to win a world championship in Las Vegas or San Antonio. I want to defend it a few times, and return to Mexico to defend the championship in front of my countrymen.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 9, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxings’ undefeated featherweight prospect, Richard Medina (9-0, 6 KOs), will be fighting on the biggest stage of his career as he faces Omar Castillo (6-2, 3 KOs), on the undercard of Jermall Charlo vs Juan Macias Montiel June 19th, from the Toyota Center, in Houston, Texas.

“These are the type of cards I have been hoping to be on, and I am so grateful to my team for this chance to showcase my skills,” said an excited Medina, who is promoted by TMB Entertainment. “I am ready for this fight, and I am happy to be on the big stage. Castillo is a dangerous opponent, who has fought good fighters, but I’m on another level. I’m ready for this step-up fight.”

“Medina has put in the hard work, and it has paid off,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Medina. “These are the type of fights that will lead to bigger and better opportunities. Medina will be tested in this bout, but we firmly believe he will pass this test, and with this, he will then be in a position to be in exciting future bouts.”

“Medina is looking to make a statement and show he belongs on the world level,” said Rick Morones, of TMB Entertainment. “I have never seen Medina this focused and this excited and the fact the fight is in Texas has made the fight even bigger for him as well.”

Medina, who is from San Antonio, Texas, which is a 3-hour drive to Houston, Texas, is looking to make his fans in the Lone Star State proud once he steps foot in the ring.

“I am not just fighting for me, I am fighting for everyone who ever believed in me,” continued Medina. “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I am looking to make a statement, so I can fight on these types of cards in the future.”

HOUSTON (June 9, 2021) – Unbeaten WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and hard-hitting challenger Juan Macías Montiel previewed their upcoming showdown during a virtual press conference Wednesday, as they near their matchup that headlines action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, June 19 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Toyota Center in Houston.

The 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 will fight in Houston for the fourth time as a pro and look to keep his undefeated record intact against the upset-minded Montiel.

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

JERMALL CHARLO

“This is going to be fireworks. This is going to be a fight. I come to put on a good show in front of my city. Get ready to tune in. This is going down, all the way down. There’s no way I’m letting Montiel take anything from me.

“There’s no pressure for me. I’m a fighter and pro at what I do. It’s my legacy on the line. So no matter what, I have to continue to be great. I have the best trainer in the world in Ronnie Shields and I’m so ready for this fight.

“I know Montiel is going to bring a strong challenge and try to knock me out. You put the pressure on yourself that way though. Normally when people talk trash, I lay them out. I’m going to be prepared. My mental has matched up with my physical ability and I’m stronger than ever.

“Montiel is a pressure fighter who fights from both stances. He’s strong with both hands and he’s going to try to fight fire with fire.

“When you’re the world champion, everyone wants to beat you. It doesn’t matter who they put in front of you, because they’re all training their hardest. He’s going to be in shape, but I’m going to be just as fast, strong and smart. My title is on the line, so I have to defend it.

“Bring on the power. I want the power. He better be as strong as he’s talking. I want to feel the power. I’ll show you what I do with the power.

“I’m enjoying my life. I’m enjoying being the best Jermall Charlo I can be. I enjoy the competition that they give me. I’m never okay or satisfied with being where I’m at. He’s going to see on June 19 that Jermall Charlo is for real.

“I’m making 160-pounds perfectly right now. I’m not finished at 160-pounds. There are bigger fights ahead of me though. No matter what happens, those bigger fights are coming. Right now, I’ve got something for Montiel.

“I’m giving you the best Jermall Charlo that I can give you. Montiel is going to come forward and give me some power. I’m going to put it in my pocket and charge my phone with it. You’re going to see a great night of boxing on June 19.

“I get a chance to fight for my community and my people on June 19. It’s going to be an amazing night of boxing. Everyone who stands up for me, I get to stand back up for them.”

JUAN MACÍAS MONTIEL

“I’m excited and I’m ready. This is a dream fight that I’ve been waiting for all my life. We’ve been getting ready for months and I’m more than ready to step up to this challenge.

“Whoever thinks this is an easy fight for Jermall, doesn’t know me at all. That’s like saying a spark can’t light a forest on fire. I’m going to show on June 19 that I’m more than up to the challenge of showing who Juan Macías Montiel is.

“I don’t see any weaknesses in Charlo’s game. He’s number one for a reason. I’m going to have to fight him to the best of my abilities. He’s at the top of his game and I respect what he brings.

“I think I have matured since my losses. I have trained very smart for this opportunity. I’m not going to let this slip away because of anything that I didn’t do.

“My record speaks for itself. I am all about the knockout and that’s what I’m coming for on June 19. I’ve been perfecting my whole game since my last fight. The power is definitely going to be the key for me.

“I had to overcome a lot of adversity against Hugo Centeno Jr. I was not 100% healthy in that fight, but all of that is behind me now. I’m not looking back, everything is focused on June 19 right now.

“I have never had a training camp as long as this one. We’ve upped the intensity and put focus on getting more rest and better nutrition. Everything that I could need as a fighter has gone into this training.

“I feel blessed to be able to achieve my dream of fighting for a world title. That’s going to be my sole focus on June 19. I’m going to make my dream come true.

“It’s a dream come true to fight a champion like Charlo. If I keep doing things the way I’ve done, I feel like I’ll show that I deserve this opportunity.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Jermall Charlo is the undefeated WBC world champion and I believe he’s the best middleweight in the world. He’s held titles in two weight classes and in his last fight at 154-pounds he took on the number one challenger, Julian Williams, and retained his title with a fifth round stoppage, dropping him three times. We know that Julian went on to become a unified champion after that fight, showing just how good of a win it was.

“Jermall is coming off an impressive victory over Sergey Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko had just given Gennadiy Golovkin the most grueling fight of his career and Charlo handled him easier than Golovkin or Daniel Jacobs. It just shows you how good he is.

“Charlo will have his hands full against the Mexican slugger Juan Macías Montiel. He’s 27-years-old and WBC ranked number four. We all know Montiel has heavy hands. He has 22 knockouts in 22 wins. Every loss he’s had, except against Jaime Munguia, has been a split or majority decision.

“It’s going to be an explosive night. I can’t wait to get down to Houston for what’s going to be a great card from top to bottom.”

#

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. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at toyotacenter.com. 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, @TGBPromotions and @MayweatherPromo on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LionsOnlyPromotions, @TGBPromotionss and @MayweatherPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 9, 2021 – Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY), the premier, full-service, vertically integrated sports betting and iGaming company in the U.S., and Oscar de la Hoya’s KO Entertainment, a subsidiary of the world’s most elite boxing promotion company Golden Boy Promotions, Inc., today announced the formation of a strategic relationship that aims to incorporate unparalleled innovation, objectivity and gamification into combat sports, thereby transforming fan engagement. To unveil this initiative, the companies will broadcast a pilot of “Oscar de la Hoya’s KO Entertainment Presents Bally’s Fight Night” — a reimagining of how the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts (“MMA”) are presented, and the first development in the 2.0 gamification of combat sports.

Bally’s Fight Night will feature five professional MMA and four professional boxing contests displayed in a video game type presentation. Utilizing sensors and a custom built data tracking dashboard, a variety of objective data points such as punch force, and punch combinations thrown and landed, will be captured in real time. Through the use of sports science, the data will be conveyed in an on-screen power bar, similar to those displayed in video games, summarizing a fighter’s total absorbed damage. By collecting, analyzing and integrating this data into future broadcasts, Bally’s and KO Entertainment will offer unparalleled objectivity that will create a more rewarding and safer experience for fighters, while also increasing transparency. To further enhance the gamification of combat sports and the viewing experience, Bally’s intends to integrate Monkey Knife Fight, its daily fantasy sports platform, into live broadcasts.

Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally’s Corporation’s Board of Directors, said, “This partnership represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring together experts in gaming, media and combat sports to breathe new life into boxing and mixed martial arts. By integrating our innovative technology and interactive gaming platforms into combat sports, we will create new and transformative ways for audiences to engage with our live broadcasts. We look forward to unveiling the pilot of Bally’s Fight Night, which represents just the beginning of this journey, and invite viewers to tune in for what should be an incredible night of entertainment.”

Oscar de la Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, commented, “We have the utmost respect for the storied history and tradition of boxing and mixed martial arts. By partnering with Bally’s, and working to develop this innovative product, we believe that we can deliver real-time, data-based insights into the punch-by-punch action, creating a level of transparency and objectivity that has never existed before. We will also provide an experience that is more easily understandable for the average viewer, and at the same time more rewarding and safer for fighters.”

Bally’s Fight Night will feature Mike Goldberg covering play-by-play, Frank Trigg as color commentator, and Holly Sonders as social host and reporter. Sonders will also provide fans with behind the scenes insight with fighters and trainers, facilitate fan interactions and present Monkey Knife Fight fantasy contests.

The “Bally’s Fight Night” pilot will be broadcast on Stadium, the digital and over-the-air television network owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 5:00pm ET/2:00pm PT. Fans interested in viewing Bally’s Fight Night can access the broadcast via https://watchstadium.com/live/ballys-fight-night/ and https://watchstadium.com/live/ballys-fight-night-2/. They can also track the action by following #BallysFightNight on Twitter and @BallysFightNight on Instagram.

About Bally’s Corporation

Bally’s Corporation is the premier, full-service, vertically integrated sports betting and iGaming company in the U.S. with a B2B2C business model. It currently owns and manages 13 casinos across nine states, a horse racetrack and 13 authorized OTB licenses in Colorado. It also owns Bet.Works, a first-in-class sports betting platform, Monkey Knife Fight, the fastest growing daily fantasy sports site in North America, and SportCaller, a leading global B2B free-to-play game provider.

With more than 6,000 employees, the Company’s operations, pro forma for pending acquisitions, include 15,558 slot machines, 465 table games and 5,355 hotel rooms. Upon closing the previously announced Jumer’s Casino & Hotel (Rock Island, IL) and Tropicana Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV) transactions, as well as completing the construction of a land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, Bally’s will own and manage 16 casinos across 11 states. Bally’s also maintains a multi-year market access partnership with Elite Casino Resorts, through which it will provide mobile sports betting in Iowa, and a temporary sports wagering permit to conduct online sports betting in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BALY”.

About KO Entertainment

KO Entertainment looks to enfranchise all collaborators from athletes to creators under one roof with ONE common purpose. Which is to develop culturally significant new media content, marketing & brand extensions that uplifts all Latino communities worldwide through its united love for sports and entertainment.

Founded in 2021 by superstar Oscar De La Hoya, whose known around the world not only as one of the best fighters of his era, but as an elite promoter, Grammy- nominated singer, astute businessman and active philanthropist.

About Golden Boy Promotions, Inc.

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe.

The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements as to matters that are not historical facts, and include statements about Bally’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are based on Bally’s current expectations and assumptions. Although Bally’s believes that its expectations and assumptions are reasonable at this time, they should not be regarded as representations that Bally’s expectations will be achieved. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time of this document and Bally’s does not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available, except as required by law.

Important factors beyond those that apply to most businesses, some of which are beyond Bally’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and assumptions include, without limitation:

· uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, including limitations on Bally’s operations, increased costs, changes in customer attitudes, impact on Bally’s employees and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on general economic conditions;
· unexpected costs, difficulties integrating and other events impacting Bally’s recently completed and proposed acquisitions and Bally’s ability to realize anticipated benefits;
· risks associated with Bally’s rapid growth, including those affecting customer and employee retention, integration and controls;
· risks associated with the impact of the digitalization of gaming on Bally’s casino operations, Bally’s expansion into iGaming and sports betting and the highly competitive and rapidly changing aspects of Bally’s new interactive businesses generally;
· the very substantial regulatory restrictions applicable to Bally’s, including costs of compliance;
· restrictions and limitations in agreements governing Bally’s debt could significantly affect Bally’s ability to operate our business and our liquidity; and
· other risks identified in Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of Bally’s Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with SEC on March 10, 2021 and other filings with the SEC.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive and does not include matters like changes in general economic conditions that affect substantially all gaming businesses.

You should not place undue reliance on Bally’s forward-looking statements.

LOS MOCHIS, Sinaloa, Mexico (June 9, 2021) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s RJJ Boxing on IUFC FIGHT PASS, RJJ Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, at Benito Juarez Auditorium, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT NMBA AMERICAS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)*
Manuel Gallegos (17-1, 15 KOs), Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico 169 lbs.
Kevin Newman (11-2-1, 6 KOs), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 168.7 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS (10)*
Alan Solis (13-0-1, 7 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico l127 bs.
Pablo Robles (14-2 (9 KOs), Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico 127.2 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS (10)*
Luis Torres (11-0, 8 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 135.1 lbs.
Diego Eligio (20-3-1, 8 KOs), Monterry, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 134.9 lbs.

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)*
Ricardo Bracamontes (6-0, 3 KOs), Cuidad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 131.2 lbs.
Nazario Castro (5-2, 3 KOs), Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México 130.2 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Jose Alberto Lugo Cota, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
Mario Duran (3-2, 2 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Andrew Murphy (2-0, 1 KO), Pensacola, Florida, USA
Luis Jesus Alcarez (2-4, 0 KOs), Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

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

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

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

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

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

SHOWTIME SPORTS – JUNE/JULY SCHEDULE

Friday, June 11

8:00 p.m. ET – ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. BARRIOS (Episode 1)

8:30 p.m. ET – ALL ACCESS: CHARLO VS. MONTIEL

9:00 p.m. ET – BELLATOR MMA 260: Douglas Lima vs. Yaroslav Amosov, Welterweight World Championship

Saturday, June 12

10:05 p.m. ET – Mayweather vs. Paul, Johnson vs. Maxwell & INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PAUL – EPILOGUE

Sunday, June 13

8:00 p.m. ET – THE KINGS (Episode 2)

Saturday, June 19

8:00 p.m. ET – ALL ACCESS: DAVIS VS. BARRIOS (Episode 2)

9:00 p.m. ET – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Jermall Charlo vs. Juan Macias Montiel, WBC Middleweight World Championship Fight

Sunday, June 20

8:00 p.m. ET – THE KINGS (Episode 3)

Friday, June 25

9:00 p.m. ET – BELLATOR MMA 261: Tim Johnson vs. Valentin Moldavsky, Interim Heavyweight Title Fight

Saturday, June 26

9:00 p.m. ET – SHOWTIME PPV: Gervonta Davis vs. Mario Barrios

Sunday, June 27

8:00 p.m. ET – THE KINGS (Episode 4, Series Finale)

Saturday, July 3

10:00 p.m. ET – SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Chris Colbert vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa, WBA Super Featherweight Interim Title Fight

Friday, July 9

8:30 p.m. ET – ALL ACCESS: CHARLO-CASTAÑO

Friday, July 16

9:00 p.m. ET – BELLATOR MMA 262: Juliana Velasquez vs. Denise Kielholtz, Flyweight World Championship

Saturday, July 17

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castaño, Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Championship Fight

*All four episodes of THE KINGS are available now wherever SHOWTIME is available.

ANTHONY YARDE has added top London trainer James Cook to his team as he launches another World title run.

Former British and European champion Cook will join Tunde Ajayi and Ade Olayinka in the corner when the world ranked Light-Heavyweight returns to action next month.

Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) meets unbeaten German Emin Atra (17-0, 12 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder at the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday July 10, live on BT Sport.

It will be the Ilford KO King’s first contest since losing his Commonwealth crown on a split decision against Lyndon Arthur last December.

Loyal Yarde refused to make wholesale team changes, but added experienced Cook who had 35 professional fights in a career between 1982 and 1994.

Cook’s career included wins against Mark Kaylor, Michael Watson, Sam Storey and in Paris he beat 50-1-1 French star Pierre Frank Winterstein to become European champion.

Yarde who lost to Sergey Kovalev in a WBO title fight in August 2019 said: “James has been an extra pair of eyes, watching over certain things and giving advice when he can. It has been good.

“He is a very nice guy. I have known him since I first started boxing and I know more about him now.

“He was a serious fighter, very well respected, has very good energy and very good boxing knowledge.”

Yarde foe Lyndon Arthur (18-0, 12 KOs) headlines the Queensberry bill on July 10th when he makes his first defence of the WBO Inter-Continental title against Italian Davide Faraci (15-0, 7 KOs).

If Arthur and Yarde come through unscathed it will bring their anticipated return clash a step closer.

Also on the bill WBO ranked number one Super-Middleweight Zach Parker (20-0, 14 KO’s) returns with his opponent yet to be confirmed. Zach is looking to defend his position ahead of hopefully being made mandatory to the World title held by P4P King Canelo Alvarez.

WBO ranked number four Super-Featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) faces Nicaragua’s Marcio Soza (21-6-2, 12 KOs) with the vacant WBO Global championship on the line.

More fights will be added.

Tickets will go on general sale tomorrow, available via the Royal Albert Hall here

Grand Tier & Loggia boxes – £100
2^nd Tier boxes – £75
Front Stalls – £75
Rear Stalls – £50
Rausing Circle – £50

IT WOULD HAVE been just Ryan Garner’s luck if the cut eye he sustained at the end of the third round of his return fight against Jordan Ellison at the end of April had cost him dearly.

‘The Piranha’ had been out of the ring for over a year and, with setbacks and the odd self-inflicted mishap along the way, it has taken him close to five years to cobble together a 10-0 professional record.

But Garner is a rejuvenated fighter who is fully back in love with the sport he clearly excels in. His application in training is matched by his enthusiasm for hard work and staying close to his fighting poundage.

The now 23-year-old is totally committed to fulfilling his obvious potential and leaving his mark on the boxing battleground.

In his own words, he has ‘never been happier’.

So it would have been a cruel twist of fate had the straight shot from Ellison which severed the skin above Garner’s left eye resulted in him taking a first loss. As it turned out, Garner didn’t even realise he was cut and superb work from veteran cornerman Frank Hopkins enabled him to survive and thrive in a six-round points triumph.

“I haven’t watched it back yet because I forgot to record it, but I know from photos that it was a pretty bad cut. It was a weird one because I didn’t even know I had been cut and Frank did a great job making sure there was no bleeding in my eye.

“If it had been stopped I would have lost because it was a punch. Imagine that? I would have been gutted. But, to be honest, the way my life is going at the moment, I have never been happier and everything just seems so positive for me at the moment. I can’t complain.

“I was 14 months out of the ring and, when I got back in there, I think I was just a bit over eager at first to get in there and make a statement. I was falling short and diving in, not being myself, with being rusty and getting caught with shots I normally wouldn’t.

“Once I got into it and shook off the rust, by rounds five and six I was really moving through the gears again. I got my rhythm and everything started to come back so I am hoping in my next fight my timing will be back, I will be fighting someone my own weight and you will see a really good performance.”

Perhaps inevitably, given the youthful competition within the gym, Garner came out looking to do a rush job on Ellison, having watched his teammate Mark Chamberlain take out the same opponent in just over a minute a month earlier.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I could have been rushing it as well and there were other factors. Mark had just beaten him so I was eager to look good, but it is one of those things and it was another learning fight. Doing six rounds at a good pace will serve me well.

“So, in the long run, I was more beneficial than just blowing him out of there. If anything, it is the most I have learned in a fight.

“I had a shiner for a week afterwards and a fat lip, but it was all good and I love it!”

London, UK (9 June 2021) Promoter Mick Hennessy is delighted to announce that he has signed the fast-rising Birmingham hot-shot Kaisee Benjamin to a long-term promotional agreement as he closes in on a British Welterweight title shot.

The 25-year-old is primed and ready for his opportunity at the Lonsdale belt following his career best win over rugged Scotsman Martin Harkin last month in their official eliminator showdown at the Coventry Skydome Arena.

Benjamin heavily dropped Harkin with a searing right hook to the ribs in the final seconds of the seventh round that sent him to one knee, but no count was given. Harkin wisely remained on his stool and didn’t come out for the eighth round.

Harkin’s sole loss on his record was on points in his previous fight to the now WBO #4 world ranked and WBO Global Champion Michael McKinson last October which shows the sheer quality of Benjamin to force Harkin to quit.

Renowned for his silky skills and boxing ability, Benjamin knows that he can outbox his opponents easily, but his manager Jon Pegg and trainer Louie Counihan have been heavily stressing on him the need to inject more spitefulness in his punches and start knocking opponents out.

The words have sunk in and Benjamin showed just what he can do when he flicks on the nasty switch which impressed Hennessy and the huge viewing audience on free-to-air Channel 5.

Benjamin, who has 12 wins under his belt, holds the Midlands Area title, but now with Hennessy’s promotional power behind him he will be thrusted towards challenging for the British title currently held by Chris Jenkins, who is due to defend against Ekow Essuman shortly.

“It’s fantastic to sign a promotional deal with Mick and to finally graduate from the small hall shows to now featuring on the big arena shows,” Said Benjamin.

“It’s a big step up for me and means more terrestrial TV exposure on Channel 5, but I’m ready to impress and the next step for me is challenging for the British title. I want that beautiful Lonsdale belt around my waist,”

“I knew that the Harkin fight was a massive opportunity to show just what I can do in front of Mick and the Channel 5 audience and I went out a proved it,”

“Harkin had only lost once previously on points to Michael McKinson, who’s now ranked number four in the world by the WBO, and for me to go out and stop Harkin was a real turning point in my career, it’s a huge win and big statement,”

“I needed the pressure of stepping up to perform and I feel that I showed that, but there is so much more to come from me, just wait and see,”

“With Mick now fully behind me and backing me, my great training team of Jon and Louie, I feel that I can go on and fully achieve my potential and dreams.”

Welcoming Benjamin to the prestigious, talent packed Hennessy Sports team, Hennessy said, “I’ve been really impressed with Kaisee, especially with his win over Harkin last time out, and I’m thrilled to have him fighting under our banner,”

“Jon and Louie have worked very hard bringing Kaisee through and the way he stepped up and dealt with Harkin, who had never been stopped, was a real eye opener for me and showed me that he is a top quality fighter,”

“Here’s a guy who has been the B-side on other promoters shows, has fought in the away corner, yet he’s picked up some very big wins and I really admire that in him,”

“He’s in line to fight for the British title and we’ll see what the outcome is between Jenkins and Essuman, but in the meantime he could look to challenge for the English title,”

Pegg added “I’m over the moon for Kaisee to take his career to the next level with Mick. He knew the importance of the Harkin fight and what it would mean if he won in style and subsequently, he went out a did a number on him. He knows what he needs to do now and we’ll be seeing a new, more devastating Kaisee, who’ll be a real threat to any welters out there.”

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

Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres is aiming for a knockout when he takes on Spain’s Alvaro Terrero at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle on Saturday June 12, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

The former Team GB amateur standout, now trained by Max McCracken, won his first professional fight on points by battering Bulgaria’s Mladen Manev for six rounds on the Buatsi vs. Dos Santos undercard at Manchester Arena last month.

The 6ft 5ins 27-year-old, who is managed by Adam Morallee and Sam Jones of S-JAM Boxing, says he is reaping the rewards from sparring with undefeated British, European and Commonwealth Champion Joe Joyce ahead of this weekend’s clash. 

“It’s good to get regular sparring with Joe,” said Dacres. “He’s in big fights now and he’s at the top level of the game. It’s good to come down here regularly and get good quality rounds. Joe has got the engine and it’s a high pace. It’s good to keep sparring with the top guys. No disrespect to opponents, but early on in your career you’re not going to face the top guys in the game, so it’s good to keep that level of boxing in the sparring. 

“I’ll fight anyone. That’s just the type of person I am. I want to fight. I put the work in so I can fight anyone. Sometimes you’ve got to have managers and trainers to look from the outside and hold you back a bit and build you in the right way. That’s why you have a good team around you, and you build yourself properly. I’ve just got to make sure that I really put myself in the best position for when it comes. I’ve been doing that since I started boxing, working hard to build myself that platform. Now it’s there, I’m not going to let it go to waste. I’ve just got to keep putting myself through all of the hard training and stay dedicated. 

“I’ve got to treat all of my opponents like they’re the best people out there getting in front of me. I don’t want to have ten fights against people that are only going to last two or three rounds. You want to progress to that level, because you’ve seen fighters in the past that have had easy touches for so many fights and then come unstuck when they’ve stepped up. I don’t want that to happen to me – I’ve got to keep on improving all of the time. I’m not resting on my laurels – I’m going to keep on working hard to get to the top. 

“Manev came to survive. Sometimes those guys just tuck up and they prepare themselves to take punishment. He was prepared to take shots and didn’t open up much. I kept my patience and I got the six rounds in. It was more about me showing I could keep up the work rate. I thought my punch selection was good. There are certain things to work on of course – we want to sit down on the shots more, but he didn’t open up for us much. It wasn’t much of a boxing contest. It was more of a war of attrition really. It was good to get in there and get the rust off. 

“I’m a Heavyweight. Heavyweight boxing – you want to get knockouts at times. Sometimes you do want to pace yourself when it’s the right time to do so. We’re working on things in the gym as well – sitting down on our shots and we want to get knockouts. It’s Heavyweight boxing – people want to see knockouts. I’m definitely coming for one. 

“We’ve had one World Champion from Birmingham. We’re the second city and we’ve had one World Champion! We’ve never had a Heavyweight Champion, so that’s something I’m aiming to achieve. if I can bring that to Birmingham, big shows to Birmingham, it’s going to be huge for the city and hopefully they can get behind me and we can look forward to some big nights. I’ve boxed all around the world internationally for Team GB but boxing in my home city would make me massively proud.”

Dacres vs. Terrero is part of a big night of action in Newcastle as fans return in the North East, Lewis Ritson (21-1, 12 KOs) meets undefeated Argentinian Jeremias Ponce (27-0, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title, West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Edy Valencia Mercado (17-5-6, 5 KOs) in a ten round Featherweight clash, Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson makes his professional debut in a six round Super-Welterweight clash with Bulgaria’s Yoncho Markov (4-2, 2 KOs), Croatian Heavyweight sensation Alen Babic (6-0, 6 KOs) returns to action following a shoulder injury, Catford Super-Bantamweight Ellie Scotney (2-0) meets Spain’s Vanesa Caballero (4-9-3) over eight rounds, Benwell Welterweight Joe Laws (9-1, 5 KOs) fights Nestor Maradiaga (9-10-2, 5 KOs) over six rounds and Wallsend Welterweight April Hunter (3-0) meets Hungary’s Klaudia Vigh (3-27-1, 2 KOs).

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TANK Zach Parker is ready to explode back onto the scene and take on all comers across the 12st boxing battlefield.

The Derby bomber is preparing to return to war in July as he readies himself to capitalise on the WBO No.1 ranking he has earned over his 20 conflicts in the professional ranks.

The obvious target for his fistic grenades is the dominant three-belted world champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who has embarked on a so far successful mission to completely unify the division.

Canelo, of course, has gunned down seven UK challengers over the course of his 59-fight pro journey to date, but Parker believes he possesses the ammunition to repel Mexican advances and succeed where British troops have been foiled in the past.

And he is planning to place himself on a war-footing with a show of force in London next month.

“Everybody is calling me a ‘Super Middleweight Tank’ so I have got to blast through everyone,” said the 27-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last weekend. “I need to deliver a performance that says ‘it is my time now’, 100%, and that is what I try to do in every fight.

“I want to make sure that I look the part in front of Frank (Warren) and all the fans who will be back by then. You have got to make statements and get people talking in boxing. There is no point being boring and knockouts are what I always aim for in every fight.

“I intend to put on a big performance in my next one and aim for a bigger fight by the end of the year. It is really good for me now after being inactive for a couple of years, now Frank has put me out there. It is what I have been waiting for and I thank him for it.”

In more recent times, Rocky Fielding, Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders have had a tilt at Canelo within the super middleweight limit, while Parker remains last man standing and undamaged goods awaiting his slot for a shot at the flame-haired phenomenon.

“That’s it, I am the undefeated one in Britain now and if it came to that fight I know I can give him a lot of problems and that is what I plan to do. He is obviously looking for the Caleb Plant (IBF champion) fight at the moment, but I am here waiting and ready.

“Now I have got the big promoter behind me it should be easier to make and I will do it whenever.”

From Matthew Hatton – who was the first from these shores to succumb to Canelo in 2011 – to Saunders a matter of weeks ago, Parker suspects that none of the seven vanquished Brits carried enough one-punch clout to stem the flow of one-way punching traffic.

“No, not really, you could make a case for Callum Smith, but I have got the worst style for Canelo with being a switch-hitter who can bang with both hands. Everyone who fights or spars me says they have never been hit as hard before and Canelo would be in for a rude awakening if we do fight.

“The others who have taken him on use a lot of different shots, but mine is one-shot power. I have got power like Deontay Wilder, that one-punch KO sort of power. I can knock anyone out.

“You can’t just keep running from Canelo, you’ve got to hit him and keep him occupied. If you don’t hit him back and get his respect he will keep just walking you down. That is what he did to Billy Joe and the others in the end and I wouldn’t allow it.”

Should Canelo, indeed, be engaged in September and Parker is confined to the waiting room, there are several targets on the home front he would happily point his tank at.

“There are a few out there and I want to be a bigger name in Britain so any of Rocky Fielding, John Ryder, Chris Eubank – any of them! I just want to keep myself out there and be busy.

“Those fights could be made easily and I would win easily as well.

“They wouldn’t be able to live with the power. I have knocked out 14 of my opponents and hurt the rest. If you look at the names I’ve mentioned, none of them are big punchers and are all little pot-shotters who I am sure I could overpower.

“Now I have turned 27 I am coming into my prime so it is the right time for me to get these big fights. With Frank and all my team behind me that is what we are going to do. We will take it a fight at a time, but hopefully the big ones get made soon.”

Zach Parker returns to action on July 10th at the Royal Albert Hall and said: ““I’m looking forward to getting back out on July 10^th and delivering another exciting performance and another explosive knockout live on BT Sport.”

LOS ANGELES (June 8, 2021) – Undefeated former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion (WBO) Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs), who will be making his debut as a member of Golden Boy’s stable, goes for his 42nd professional victory July 9th against world light heavyweight title challenger Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Zurdo vs. Barrera, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed exclusively on DAZN, live from Banc of California Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Football Club (pro soccer), located in downtown Los Angeles.

“I’m very excited to make my debut with Golden Boy,” Ramirez said. “LA’s the home to many Latinos and I can’t wait to share the moment with my people.

“Every fight is the most important fight of my career. Obviously, the goal is to dominate the division and become world champ, and I do believe this match-up versus Barrera is a step in the right direction.”

There will be World title implications for the winner of the 12-round Zurdo vs. Barrera main event. Ramirez is ranked No. 3 by the World Boxing Council (WBA) and WBO, as well as No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), which rates Barrera at No. 7 in the world.

Ramirez, 29, was the first Mexican fighter to capture a World super middleweight title, which he relinquished to move up to the light heavyweight division. He is 2-0 (2 KOs) as a 175-pounder, defeating Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) on April 12, 2019, when Karpency was unable to continue fighting after four rounds, along with a 10th round stoppage of Alphonso Lopez (32-3) last December to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) crown.

The 39-year-old Barrera was a decorated Cuban amateur boxer (285-27 record), who was the middleweight gold medalist at the 2000 AIBA Junior World Championships. Barrera, who defected to the United States in 2009 and settled in Miami, beat future pro world champions such as Chad Dawson, Beibut Shumenov and Mariano Natalio Carrera.

During the course of his 12-year pro career, Barrera is 3-3 vs. past or present world champions having defeated Jeff Lacy (WTKO4), Karo Murat (WKO12) and Felix Valera (WDEC10), losing to current WBA Super and IBF World light heavyweight champions, respectively, Dmitry Bivol (TKO12) and Joe Smith Jr. (DEC10), in addition to Hall of Famer Andre Ward (DEC 12).

“Barrera is a tough Cuban veteran with world-class experience,” Ramirez added. He’s fought the best in the past and shown why he’s been in many title fights against them. He even had a one-sided victory over the current WBO champions, Joe Smith, Jr.”

Jesse Hart is the only common opponent; Ramirez won a pair of decisions in World super middleweight title fights against Hart, while Sullivan lost a 10-round light heavyweight decision to the Philadelphia boxer.

Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $35, excluding applicable service charges, and available to purchase at www.bancocaliforniastadium and www.ticketmaster.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Los Angeles, CA (June 7, 2021)–Landry Kore has signed a promotional deal with Shapiro Sports & Entertainment, and will make his debut as the co-main event on the Felix Sturm-James Kraft card in Hamburg, Germany, June 19.

Regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European Boxing, Kore (11-0-1 6 KOs) landed the IBO Mediterranean middleweight title with a knockout win over former undefeated Armen Ypremyan at the Versluys Dome in Belgium back in May 2018.

Kore, born in Ivory Coast, recently relocated to Germany to train under the guidance of Dominik Junge, who has trained 2 world champions; Ewa Brodnicka and Raja Amasheh…

“This is a new chapter signing with Shapiro Sports, the 160 pound division is very hot right now in the United States and I know there are going to be opportunities for me,” said Kore. “I want to keep moving up the rankings and improving, I’ve got the capabilities to go all the way. I believe in my own ability and it’s a pleasure to have such a professional team around me.

“I wouldn’t waste anyone’s time if I didn’t believe I could win a world title, this is why I’m here – to win a World Title. There’s no one in my weight category that I fear, I’m ready to fight anyone with the right preparation and notice.

“Landry is a really great prospect with a lot of room to grow. He is now working with an excellent trainer in Dominik Junge, who has produced several world champions, and is really going to be instrumental in his growth. I look forward to moving him fairly quickly up the rankings as he puts everybody on notice at 160 pounds.” – said Shane Shapiro CEO of Shapiro Sports & Entertainment.