Possible swan song for Steve Vukosa, Statement time for Mike Marshall

QUINCY, Mass. (June 1, 2021) – The main event on the June 26th “Breakout” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, matches two New England heavyweights heading in opposite directions, Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and “Fly” Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).

The evening card of another Granite Chin day-night doubleheader (separate admissions) is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) who will possibly be fighting for the final time – win, lose or draw — and reigning New England heavyweight champion Marshall.

Vukosa, fighting of out Quincy, MA, is a former WBC U.S. Heavyweight Champion, which he captured in 2019 when he won an 8-round unanimous decision against Joe Cusumano (18-2, 16 KOs). During his 20-year pro boxing career, Vukosa’s gained invaluable experience sparring at the famed Wild Card Boxing gym in Los Angeles as a sparring partner for world champions James Toney, Evander Holyfield and Wladimir Klitschko. He’s also driven a bus for the past 15 years for the Mass Bay Transportation Authority, starting at 4 p.m. and finishing around 2 a.m., after which he does his run in. But he’s now 44 with a wife and three children and his boxing clock is ticking.

“I’m still fighting because I love it,” Vukosa explained. “It’s hard to walk away from something you’re good at. This one fight and it could be the end. My wife will be happy. My body is starting to fall apart: hands, back and knees. They’ve been killing me. I used to be quick and fast, now I’m slow. I just want to have a good fight, win, or lose, but I want to win. I really enjoyed by days at Wild Card, those sparring sessions were like real fights, and my amateur days with trainer Jimmy Farrell.

“I saw my opponent when he won the New England title, I was impressed. (promoter) Chris (Traietti) called asking if I’d fight him, I accepted because I like to fight and a good challenge. I’m looking forward to the fight.”

The 36-year-old Marshall, fighting out of Danbury, CT, has won his last two fights, both on Granite Chin shows at the same venue as his upcoming match with Vukosa, including his N.E. title-winning performance last November against Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe. Marshall isn’t looking at his opponent as over the hill because of Vukosa’s advance age, but he does plan to make a statement that, hopefully, will get him positive exposure outside of New England.

“I know he’s a veteran pugilist, a pupil of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who was an awesome fighter in his own right,” Marshall remarked. “This is boxing, anything can happen. My job is to prepare for anything. I’ve had the best quality sparring in house with the No. 1 amateur heavyweight, Fernely Felix, Jr. My team works very hard, My manger, A.J. Galante, asked me to be sharper in my last fight (3-round KO of Tracey Johnson this past April), so I did what he asked me to do. My cornerman Austin Ampeoquio keeps me sharp with the mitts, and my head coaches David McDonough and Bennie ‘The Jet’ Little do a good job pushing me as well.

“I know Steve comes to fight and I’m looking forward to an exciting night of boxing. We are two warriors going toe-to-toe in the ring, putting on a show for boxing fans who really enjoy the sport of boxing, not this YouTube celebrity garbage that’s going on right now.”

“Steve ran into some bad luck after the Cusumano win,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented. “A few fights fell through, then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. We literally had a fight in Germany fall out the day we were set to leave for the airport. After that we lost a lot of the steam from the Cusamano fight and kind of had to reassess. He picked up a tune-up fight a few months ago, but we now have to either regain some momentum by winning a fight like this or finally have Steve ride off into the sunset. This fight with Marshall will be no picnic. He has burst upon the local scene with some impressive performances.

“Like many coming to the fight, I have no idea how this fight shakes out, which makes for a great main event. One thing I will say, despite what Steve like to make people believe, in the event he wins this fight, it won’t be his final fight. Zero chance of that! If Marshall wins, I have no doubt he will get a television fight in the very near future on a major network.”

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

New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Holbrook, MA, will defend his title in an 8-round match against upset-minded Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (13-14-4 (9 KOs).

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Indianapolis junior welterweight Dewayne Wisdom will be in his 66th pro fight against Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, is Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0) vs. Aquilando Brandao (0-3), 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 (2-4), 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) 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO) 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 in his pro debut vs. Jesus Cintron (1-18-2), 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.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin




An ESPN+ Exclusive: The Return of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF29) Tonight at 9 ET

Episode 1 “New Beginnings” —  The Return of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF29) premieres tonight as UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 2 contender Brian Ortega evaluate and draft their respective teams of fighters. After moving into the fighter house, the competition kicks off with a bout in the middleweight division. 




Crossroads fight this Friday night for Matt Conway at “Battle at the Fairgrounds” Pro Boxing returns to Pittsburgh area

PITTSBURGH (June 1, 2021) – A lot is on the line for Pittsburgh super featherweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway this Friday night (June 4) when he headlines the second installment of the popular “Battle of the Fairgrounds” series, presented by Gionta Management, at Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Conway (18-2, 7 KOs), a former International Boxing Association (IBA) Intercontinental lightweight champion, takes on Colombian knockout specialist Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (38-26, 30 KOs), the former Colombian Super Bantamweight Champion, in the 8-round main event for the vacant IBA Intercontinental Super Featherweight Championship.

The 25-year-old Conway is in a crossroads fight having suffered the first losses of his pro career. He is coming off a win by way of a 6-round unanimous decision this past February against Vincent Jennings, but prior to that fight, Conway stepped up in class and lost to Francisco Esparza (9-1-1) and Gabriel Flores, Jr. (16-0), respectively, by way of 8-round split and unanimous decisions in Las Vegas on Top Rank-promoted cards against its fighters.

Conway, who has never been stopped as a professional, realizes that he needs to get back on the winning track and he’s thrilled to be headlining in his hometown.

“It’s kind of a crossroads fight for me because now, I don’t have much wiggle room and losing can’t be an option,” Conway said. “But losing those two fights pushed me to get better and taught me what I had to work on, and it’s not like I got blown out of those fights. I can still make my mark with quality opponents. I learned to be more patient, and I need to trust myself and know I’m there for a reason.

“Being pumped for this fight is an understatement, especially headlining in a title fight. People are going crazy because they wanted boxing back after the pandemic and we’re making it happen. My hometown fans always come to support me and with this fight in my backyard, I’m ready to put on a show.”

Battle-tested Perez, who has fought world champions Cristian Mijares and Abner Mares, has become a gatekeeper having fought rising prospects such as Toka Khan Clary, Carlos Videl, Nestor Bravo Velezquez, Karl Dargan, Luis Rosa, and many others during the past decade.

“I know my opponent is tough,” Conway added. “He has a lot of experience and is coming here to fight, but I don’t want this fight going more than six rounds. An impressive victory will let everyone know I’m in the running to make some noise, especially in the IBA. My name has a little buzz to it, but it’s not big enough.”

Unbeaten Pittsburgh super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (6-0-1, 2 KOs) faces upset-minded Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (4-9-2, 2 KOs) in the In the 6-round co-featured event. A former mixed-martial-arts fighter (12-8 as an amateur), Cantolina has successfully transitioned to boxing, evident by his pro record.

Ohio super featherweight Ryizeemmion “Humble Beast” Ford (4-1, 3 KOs) meets 21-fight veteran Christopher Nelson, of Louisville, in a 6-rouind match.

Puerto Rico-native Joel De La Paz (10-1, 6 KOs), a promising prospect out of Atlantic City (NJ), takes on Cleveland challenger Latiss Norman (4-6, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout. De La Paz is riding a 3-fight win streak since he suffered his only pro loss in 2018 to 8-1 Naim Terbunja.

Also slated to fight on the under in 4-round bouts are Pittsburgh’s Deon Goodlow (1-3) and Ivan “The Hurricane” Hernandez (2-4-1, 2 KOs), of Buffalo, battle in a 4-round fight at a 152-pound catchweight, Buffalo lightweight Gerffred Ngayot (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA, and Ohio super featherweight Shawn Rall (0-4) vs. North Carolina’s Brandon Grimett (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $30.00 general admission, $50.00 reserved seating, and $100.00 table seats (limited available) and available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta
Twitter: @DGionta
Instagram: @d_p_g1
LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement




‘I THINK I’LL BEAT HIM’ – DUBOIS KEEN ON JOYCE REMATCH

HIGH UP ON the heavyweight wish list of the returning Daniel Dubois is the chance to put right the only blot on his record that came against British rival Joe Joyce.

Dubois, who is back in action with a WBA Interim title shot against Bogdan Dinu in Telford on Saturday, says he would relish the opportunity of setting the record straight against the 2016 Olympic silver medallist should their paths collide once more.

Joyce was triumphant at the end of November when a compelling contest came to an end following Dubois taking himself out of the firing line due to extensive damage to his left eye. The now No.2 ranked WBO contender looked to have executed a cunning and effective game plan to derail the Dubois Express but, when the younger man was counted out, he was actually ahead on the scorecards.

Dubois can put himself right back in the title picture on Saturday with victory over the 20-2 Romanian Dinu, but scoring an equaliser against the only man to have defeated him as a pro remains a high priority, although he insists he will not be consumed by feelings of revenge in the meantime.

“I really do want it, but time will tell what route we both take from here,” said the 23-year-old with a current record of 15-1 (14 KOs). “I would love to fight Joe again. I think I could really do something and beat him. I wasn’t losing by a ton and getting pasted, it was a close fight in my opinion, so nip and tuck, really.

“I want to get back in that sort of level fight and beat someone of Joe’s calibre. We’ll see, I don’t know, only time will tell if it can happen. Right now I am just excited about the comeback.

“I do want to have revenge and to put it right, but if I’ve got to take it out on someone else then, hey, Bogdan is there to get it, isn’t he?”

Returning to the fighting fold with a major belt on the line is a significant bonus for Dubois and he believes we will witness a combination of his previous bullish approach as well as a degree of patience in the way he sets about Dinu.

“It is not bad at all and it is a nice cherry on the cake for my comeback,” he added on the prize on the line. “That is how I look at it and this belt is an important one to get me ranked and on track again.

“I know enough about him and he is a decent fighter, but not on my level and I will put him away in devastating fashion, I believe. I will make a real statement in this next one.

“You will see a bit of both from me, I think. I’ll have that fire in me to go out there and cause mayhem, but also to show my boxing and clever work behind a jab to set it up better.”

 

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 




Light Heavyweight Khalil Coe Scores spectacular 2nd round stoppage in Pro debut

NEW YORK (May 29, 2021)- Khalil Coe looked like seasoned pro as he won his pro debut with an emphatic 2nd round stoppage over Nathaniel Tadd in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The bout kicked off the DAZN Stream

In round one, Coe dropped Tadd twice. The first knockdown came as he hurt Tadd with a body shot. Coe followed up with a flurry of body shots that sent Tadd down to the canvas. Coe went right back to that body, and landed a big uppercut and down went Tadd for a second time. In round two, It was another left to the body that sent Tadd down for a third time, and the fight was stopped at 1:10.

Coe, 176.2 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Tadd, 179 lbs of Houston is 2-5.

“I think I did well. I listened to my corner, and executed the game plan. I had everyone watching and I appreciate everybody. We worked on a lot of body shots. “Big Steppa” is here,” said Coe

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management’s David McWater and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.




JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER PETROS ANANYAN IS BACK IN THE U.S. SEEKING BIGGEST CHALLENGES

New York, NY (May 29, 2021) – World ranked junior welterweight contender Petros Ananyan (15-2-2, 7 KOs) is back in the United States, training in Los Angeles, CA, and wants to take on the best in his division, including a rematch against Subriel Matias, who he defeated in 2020.

Currently ranked #14 by the IBF and #15 by the WBC, Ananyan defeated the previously unbeaten, highly ranked knockout artist Matias on February 22, 2020, on the undercard of Wilder-Fury II. For over six exciting rounds, the two adversaries stood shoulder-to-shoulder trading furious combinations, until Ananyan hurt and staggered Matias into the ropes for a knockdown call in the seventh frame. Ananyan dominated the remainder of the contest to secure the win. Going into the bout, Matias was rated #2 by the IBF, #3 by the WBC, and #10 by the WBO.

“Last year, I came to Las Vegas from Moscow on short notice to take on the highly ranked Subriel Matias and I beat him. I proved that I belong among the best junior welterweights in the world,” said Ananyan.

“It was very tough for me having to sit out and not fight right after the biggest win of my career, with the onset of the pandemic. I gave Matias his first loss, almost knocking him out, and now he is fighting in a semifinal eliminator for the IBF title at 140 pounds. I don’t believe that is right. In a recent interview, Matias called me a lizard and said that he was a shark. If you watch our fight, that is ridiculous. It would give me great pleasure to defeat him again.

“I am back in the United States, training in Los Angeles with my chief coach Levi Melamed, and I want to take on the top fighters at my weight. Josh Taylor, Adrien Broner, Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda, I want them all. I know that my promoter, Lou DiBella, is planning my next fight and I cannot wait to get back into the ring.”

“The 140-pound division has a lot of talent and more moving toward it. Ananyan is one of the best junior welterweights in the world and he deserves an opportunity to fight the best,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’ll be back in the ring in July to shake off the rust and then he wants to take on the biggest challenges available. Petros also has unfinished business with Matias, who he’ll defeat again in a rematch.”

Ananyan turned pro in 2015 and won the IBF International junior welterweight title in 2017. Born in Armenia and raised in Russia, Ananyan began boxing at the age of 11. Over the next 15 years, he compiled an amateur record of 220-60, while winning the Moscow Championships in 2007, securing a bronze cup at the Cup of Russia Tournament in 2008, and making it to the finals of the 2014 AIBA Open Championships in China.

During that time, Ananyan also served in the military and attended University. While completing a two-year stint in the Russian Army, Ananyan won the Championship of the Armed Forces Boxing Tournament in 2010. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in 2013.




Light Heavyweight Khalil Coe to Make Pro Debut Tomorrow Night in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (May 28, 2021)- Heralded Light Heavyweight prospect Khalil Coe will make his pro debut tomorrow night at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Coe of Jersey City, New Jersey will take on Nathaniel Todd in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

The fight will kick off the DAZN stream at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

Despite just 34 amateur fights, Coe made the most of his opportunities as he was a member of the distinguished United States elite team. Coe gained his most prominence when he knocked out Olympic Gold Medal Winner and four-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar La Cruz.

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Coe weighed 176.2 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Todd of Houston, Texas weighed 179 lbs.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Coe’s Press Conference Quotes

“I’m looking forward to the journey with Matchroom, I already put on a show and I’m grateful to be on this card for my pro debut. The talent that’s going behind me, I want to stand out just as well as they do.

“This is what I’ve been waiting on my whole career, I never thought I would be signed with Matchroom so that’s a big plus. I’m going take advantage and do what I’ve got to do and put it on for the fans.

“There’s going to be a big difference. Some people just think I only have a right hand, I’m only a puncher, but I have footwork, elusiveness, and power. You never know what I’m going to bring to the fight.”




NORDINE OUBAALI VS. NONITO DONAIRE FINAL WEIGHTS

WBC Bantamweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Nordine Oubaali – 117 ½ lbs.

Nonito Donaire – 117 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), Patrick Russell (Calif.)

IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Subriel Matias – 139 ½ lbs. 

Batyr Jukembayev – 139 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Ray Corona; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Robert Hoyle (Nev.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Gary Antuanne Russell – 137 ¼ lbs.

Jovanie Santiago – 140 lbs.

Referee: Sharon Sands; Judges: Carla Caiz (Calif.), Jerry Cantu (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.)

NOTE: Three-time super bantamweight world champion Israel Vazquez will join Alejandro Luna on Saturday night’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. as a special guest analyst on the Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in place of Raul Marquez.

Two of the fights in Vazquez’s legendary four-fight series with fellow Mexican Rafael Marquez took place at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly known as Home Depot Center and StubHub Center), including a seventh-round stoppage loss in their first meeting and a split-decision victory in their third. All four fights in the fierce rivalry aired live on SHOWTIME.

# # #

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE

Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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




HANEY VS. LINARES WEIGHTS, IMAGES AND RUNNING ORDER

First bell – 3.20pm PT
 
LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL ON THE MATCHROOM YOUTUBE CHANNEL
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Amari Jones 153.6lbs  vs.     Jonathan Burrs 153lbs
Las Vegas, NV                         Frederick, Maryland
 
Followed by
 
6 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
 
Ramla Ali 124lbs vs.     Mikayla Nebel 124.6lbs
London, UK                     Las Vegas, NV
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
 
Reshat Mati 145.8lbs  vs.     Ryan Pino 146.8lbs
Staten Island, NY                   San Juan, Puerto Rico
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5PM PT/ 8PM ET
 
4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
 
Khalil Coe 176.2lbs      vs.     Nathaniel Tadd 179lbs
Jersey City, NJ                         Houston, TX
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins Final Eliminator for IBF World Super-Featherweight title
 
Martin J. Ward 129.6lbs       vs.    Azinga Fuzile 129.2lbs
Brentwood, UK                                East London, South Africa
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins vacant WBO NABO Middleweight title
 
Jason Quigley 159.4lbs         vs.     Shane Mosley Jr 160lbs
Ballybofey, Ireland                             Pomona, CA
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBC World Super-Lightweight title
 
Chantelle Cameron 139.2lbs vs.     Melissa Hernandez 136.2lbs
Northampton, UK                               Miami, FL
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC World Lightweight title
 
Devin Haney 135lbs     vs.     Jorge Linares 134lbs
Las Vegas, NV                         Barinas, Venezuela      




Barrientes Twins, DJ Zamora III and Angel Chavez in Action This Saturday in Wyoming

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 28, 2021) – Some of the best young fighters in the country will be in action this Saturday, May 29th, from the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as the Barrientes Twins, Chavez and Angel, as well as super featherweight Demler “DJ” Zamora III and super middleweight Angel Chavez all return to action in separate bouts.

All four teenage fighters are advised by veteran manager Bob Santos. This event is brought to you by Pound 4 Pound Promotions and will be streamed live on YouTube.

Featherweight Chavez Barrientes (5-0, 4 KOs), age 18, will be looking for his third knockout in a row as his career continues to start fast.

“I am not thinking about my knockout streak going into this fight,” said Barrientes. “I am just going to let the fight come to me and focus on boxing a great fight as well as sticking to the game plan.”

Super bantamweight Angel Barrientes (4-1, 3 KOs), age 18, is coming off a first-round knockout in April and is looking to have a similar performance in his upcoming bout.

“I am excited to get back in the ring and stay active,” said Barrientes. “I am gaining experience looking to fight as much as possible and this is a great opportunity for me to continue my career.

DJ Zamora III (3-0, 2 KOs), age 18 and nicknamed “The War Machine”, is eager to make his USA debut.

“I find it very motivating fighting on the same card as my teammates,” said Zamora, an all-action fighter. “I am looking to put on a show and enjoy the sights of Wyoming as well.”

Super middleweight Angel Chavez (3-0, 3 KOs), age 19 of Salinas, California, has won every fight by knockout so far and is looking like a force in the coming years.

“I am very lucky to be in this position I am in and just want to put on a great show,” said Chavez. “I have started out my career with all knockouts, but I am motivated and focused on the task at hand and not my record.”

“This is going to be one of the best shows you can see of young-and-emerging talent,” said Bob Santos. “Each of these fighters will be headlining big cards in the next 3-to-4-years and fans at this show will get the chance to see them early on. I like to call this group the Fearsome Foursome.”

Boxing returns this Saturday, May 29th, from the Outlaw Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming.




Clampitt, Gonzalez headline CES’ star-studded return to live action

Providence, RI (May 28, 2021) – Fans will be in attendance for the time in more than a year as CES Boxing returns with a huge outdoor spectacular to kick off the summer season live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

On Saturday, June 19, CES brings live professional boxing to Rhode Island’s historic Cranston Stadium, the state’s most revered outdoor multi-sport complex, for a special matinee show beginning with preliminary bouts at noon followed by the live stream of the main card at 1 on FIGHT PASS.

While the COVID-19 pandemic prevented fans from attending live combat sports events worldwide, CES is excited to welcome fans to Cranston Stadium on June 19. Sources report that this will be Rhode Island’s first outdoor boxing event since August 25, 1959 at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence when former world light heavyweight title challenger Tony Anthony – who battled pound-for-pound great and Hall of Famer Archie Moore two years prior – knocked out Providence’s Bob Young in the eighth round of their scheduled 10-round bout.

This is CES’ first event since a closed-door FIGHT PASS show in October and its first in front of a live audience since February of 2020 in Worcester, MA.

“No sport is more exciting than live, professional boxing, and absolutely nothing can replace the thrill and energy of fans in attendance creating the fight-night atmosphere our fighters deserve,” said CES Boxing president and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr. “This has been a long road for everyone in the sport, promoters and fighters included, but we’re confident the best is yet to come as we all finally return to doing what we do best.”

“We are grateful for the conscientious efforts of [Rhode Island] Governor Dan McKee, Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins and other state and local officials in re-opening business in Rhode Island. Most importantly, we are extremely thankful for our loyal fans who’ve stuck with us over the past year and a half. We promised we’d be back better than before and we guarantee 4th of July fireworks on June 19!”

With the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the state of Rhode Island revising their COVID-19 guidelines in recent weeks, tickets will be available starting at $50 online at CESFights.com. The event will also include a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

The June 19 matinee will feature a mix of CES’ top fan favorites and rising stars, including the highly-anticipated return of four-time world champion; Saskatchewan native; and Warwick, RI, resident Jamie “Hurricane” Clampitt (22-5-1, 7 KOs), who fights for the first time since 2013 in a six-round showcase against former WBC super featherweight champion Olivia Gerula (18-19-2, 3 KOs) of Ontario.

Also fighting June 19 is Worcester, MA, featherweight and reigning WBC World Youth champion Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (14-3, 11 KOs), who recently faced Edward Vazquez in a show-stopping preliminary bout on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. event in November.

Lynn, MA, welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs) makes his long-awaited return, ending a 20-month layoff, and fellow welterweight Victor Reynoso (6-0, 5 KOs) of Providence puts his unbeaten record on the line in his first fight since November of 2019, both in separate six-round bouts. The undercard also features Mansfield, MA, welterweight James Perella (6-0, 4 KOs), who made his CES debut in October with a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Antonio Castillo, and the long-awaited return of Cranston light heavyweight Gary Balletto III (1-0, 1 KO), the son of New England boxing icon Gary “Tiger” Balletto.

Charismatic fan favorite Mike “Bling Bling” Valentin (6-1-1) of Providence is also back in action, returning to the ring for the first time since battling regional rival Josh Orta in 2019. He joins undefeated Pawtucket, RI, featherweight Ricky Delossantos (9-0, 1 KO), who ends a 22-month layoff, and New Bedford, MA, super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (3-1), who aims for his fourth consecutive win.

Clampitt’s comeback figures to draw considerable buzz in boxing circles. The 44-year-old female boxing icon perfected her craft under the guidance of Burchfield. A pioneer in women’s boxing, Clampitt captured the first of her four world titles in 2003 with a unanimous decision win over Eliza Olson for the IWBF super lightweight crown and four years later dropped down to 135 pounds to defeat fellow icon Mia St. John for the IWBF lightweight title in 2007.

After retiring in 2010, Clampitt returned to the ring three years later at Twin River Casino Hotel and beat Dominga Oliva by unanimous decision. In 2019, she was among seven fighters inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in Nevada.

Gonzalez will headline the card as he looks to rebound from a narrow loss to Edward Vazquez for the vacant WBC USNBC featherweight title in November. Gonzalez and Vazquez stole the spotlight in the opener of the Tyson-Jones pay-per-view telecast, matching wits – and fists – for eight hard rounds. In 2019 as the co-main event of CES’ last show in front of a live audience, Gonzalez secured the youth title with a thrilling knockout win over the dangerous Yeuri Andujar in front of his hometown fans. A standout amateur, the 25-year-old Gonzalez competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in Nevada before making his professional debut later that summer.

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

INFORMATION

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

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




Ricky Hatton against Jose Luis Castillo Plus Daniel Jacobs vs Dmitry Pirog on fubo Sports Network

PHILADELPHIA (May 28, 2021)–There will be fireworks to kickoff Memorial Day weekend, tonight on Classic Fight Night at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network, as two memorable knockouts will be featured .

Junior welterweight Ricky Hatton defended his title against Jose Luis Castillo on June 23, 2007. That fight will be joined by the Daniel Jacobs – Dmitry Pirog WBO World Middleweight Title bout that happened on July 31, 2010.

Both fights featured stunning and emphatic endings, Tune in at 8 PM ET to watch these explosive results.

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

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing




Three Greg Cohen Promotions Fighters Competing for World Titles in Separate Events in Eight Days

(May 28, 2021) Greg Cohen and his Greg Cohen Promotions are in for a very big week with no less than three of their fighters contending for world championships in just eight days.

Tonight, GCP’s WBA light flyweight champion Carlos Canizales (22-0-1, 7 KOs) will attempt to make the third defense of his crown against #10-ranked Esteban Bermudez (13-3-2, 9 KOs) at the Foro Viena in Coyoacan, Mexico City and live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo EstrellaTV and FITE.TV, beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

Then on Saturday night (May 29), GCP’s outstanding former world champion Melissa “The Shark” Hernandez (23-7-3, 7 KO) will return from a two-year layoff to challenge undefeated WBC Women’s World Super Lightweight Champion Chantelle Cameron (13-0, 7 KO) on DAZN’s Haney-Linares undercard from the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

And finally, the following Saturday night (June 5), GCP’s Romanian WBA #2-ranked heavyweight Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) will face Britain’s Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title at Telford International Centre on June 5, live on BT Sport, beginning at 5:00 pm ET.

“It’s one of the biggest weeks GCP has had in a long time,” admitted Cohen, who is best known for helping guide several fighters from unknowns to world champions. “We have our current champion Carlos Canizales defending his championship and two of our other fighters going into title fights with real chances of winning.”

Cohen says he’s surprised to be having such a big 2021, given the pandemic’s effect on the sport. “I know this is a slower time for professional sports, but we’ve made a number of shrewd signings in the past few years and they are joining our established names and helping us thrive in difficult times.
?

#

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen is lauded for his expert guidance of, among many others, current WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant from Minnesota, top-rated heavyweight contender Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller from New York and former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout of New Mexico. All three fighters, under Cohen’s promotional watch, went from unknowns to prospects to national television stars.

In addition, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney, as well as former WBA World Champion Ismael Barroso and former WBO-NABO Super Middleweight Champion “Mean” Joe Greene.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, CBS Sports, MSG and FOX Sports Net.




ADAN MOHAMED WANTS TO SPAR “BIG BOY OF THE DIVISION” BRAD FOSTER

TEENAGE Super-Bantamweight hope Adan Mohamed wants British title holder Brad Foster to help him master his craft.

The seven-time national champion insists that sparring with Britain’s best is crucial in his development as a professional.

Adan who won 55 of 60 amateur contests has his second professional fight at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5, when he meets Luke Fash over four rounds.

The Buckhurst Hill youngster, 19, who outpointed Brett Fidoe on his debut said: “I will spar with anyone to see where I am at.

“I have been getting some rounds in with Chris Bourke and Louie Lynn over the last couple of weeks, but I am hoping to spar with the British champion, Brad Foster.

“After my fight in Telford I am going to ask Brad if he would let me come and do some rounds with him.

“He is a really good fighter and that would be really good learning for me. He is the big boy of the division.

“I would not be going up there looking at taking his titles. By the time I get to British title level, Brad will be down a different avenue. He is already going for the European belt.

“He is ahead of me by miles. We are in two worlds and it’s unlikely we would ever fight each other because of where we are in our careers so hopefully he will be happy to spar.”

When Mohamed isn’t training at Gator ABC with trainer Donnall Smith or travelling around London gyms sparring he will sit at home studying fighters.

His idols are Sugar Ray Leonard and Pernell Whitaker, but is currently watching Tevin Farmer fights because “he has such good movement.”

Adan’s life is boxing and even when he was at Roding Valley High School in Loughton he would beg his Mum to allow him to go to the gym instead of the class room.

He explained: “I am buzzing for my second pro fight and I would be the same at school all week, thinking of the weekend and boxing. That is all my mind would think about.

“At break time I would tell all the other kids who I’d schooled at the weekend and what was happening the next weekend with my boxing.

“I used to drive them mad, but they loved it. I would keep asking them to come and watch me.

“I would wear my England vest and kit to PE. Some teachers loved it, but a couple thought I was cocky. The PE teacher loved it though because I was good at sport.

“I would be to school and then go straight to the gym. I didn’t even want to be in school. I wanted to be in the gym.

“I would nag my Mum about needing to be in the gym boxing instead of school. Mum would force me to go school.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 




NORDINE OUBAALI VS. NONITO DONAIRE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before their world title showdown taking place this Saturday, May 29 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The press conference also featured hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias and unbeaten Batyr Jukembayev, who meet in the co-main event for a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, and unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell and Jovanie Santiago, who square off in a 10-round super lightweight clash that opens the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

NORDINE OUBAALI

“Yes, we’ve sparred but training is training. When you go into a fight, it’s not the same. Every fight is different and I know on Saturday I will put on a great show with Nonito Donaire because I know he’s a good boxer but I know I’m the best. I trained so hard for this and now I’m ready to fight. I want to show everybody that the best two bantamweights in boxing today are fighting on Saturday.

“Yes, he’s had an outstanding career and he has power but I believe I have more power than him. I know I have the power. He’s a good boxer but I’m the world champion and on Saturday I’m going to show the world who is the best. I know I am the best. I respect Nonito. He’s had a good career but I’m the best in the division.

“The difference in the fight is going to be I want to win more. I want to continue to make history and stay as the world champion in this division. I know that it’s my time. I want this more than he does.

“If I’m victorious, why not have my next fight be for the unification? I want to make history every time and this is my motivation. I’m here because I love boxing and I want to face the best boxers every time. I’m facing Nonito Donaire and that’s great for my career. I just like to fight and this is my life.”

NONITO DONAIRE

“It would be great to win the title at 38 years old and become the oldest champion at 118 pounds, but let’s keep it going. Let’s make it 40. Let’s make it 42. There ain’t no stopping me. Mentally, I’m very grateful but at the same time I’m just very ready.

“I’m always healthy and the reason why I can compete with anybody is because I keep myself healthy and I work hard. There’s nothing less than 100 percent every time I’m in that gym.

“I’m very hard-headed so I don’t always do what people tell me to do. People can say that it’s their time. But I also have my time and I’m always going to be the one who concedes their time or makes that decision. It’s still my time.

“It’s going to be a great fight. Oubaali is the champion for a reason. He’s been through it in terms of the amateurs and making it here. So we’re not underestimating any of that. But I’ve fought in this venue many times and I always make magical fights in the first place. It’s always going to be magical with me. I’m a unicorn.

“The difference in this fight is going to be my hunger. He’s younger than me but I have the hunger. We both have an objective and that’s what’s going to make this a great fight.

“I want to fight the best out there. I want the rematch with Naoya Inoue and I want to get all the belts. The only thing I haven’t accomplished in boxing is becoming undisputed champion. I’ve done everything else. Fighter of the Year. Knockout of the Year. Multiple championships. Four-division champion. You name it. That’s my main goal. Get the belt and put them all together.

“Bantamweight is my real weight. I’ve always fought in the heavier division because of the excitement, the challenge and the lucrative offer or the names at that time. Now, I’m here where I belong and this is where I’m really strong.

“The layoff will not be a factor at all. The time off helped me out. Just being out of the ring helped my body recover. And the eagerness and the hunger is there more than ever. It was a blessing for me.”

SUBRIEL MATIAS

“I will be his toughest test without question and come Saturday night, everybody will find out why I’m saying that.

“I believe him when he says that he has the tools to get a stoppage on Saturday. But it’s not just a matter of saying, on Saturday night he has to prove it. If it’s going to come out of your mouth, then you have to prove it.

“We’re both knockout artists and with what we’re looking at, this fight should not finish by a decision.

“I don’t have much to say about that fight against Petros Ananyan. Those that saw me lose, I lost. There’s nothing I can say about it. But those that know boxing know that I’ve been progressing and improving and you all will see that on Saturday.”

BATYR JUKEMBAYEV

“I had a great training camp. I am ready for Saturday night. I know that he’s a good fighter but I promise that I will be ready.

“We will see Saturday night whether it’s going to end in a knockout. I’ll show you what I’m made of and you will all see.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I’m in the hurt business. He’s a slugger. If he wants to come in there and slug with me, he will feel my power. He will see how intelligent I am. Not just mentally, but physically with my hands. Like I said, I’m in the hurt business. I come to hurt.

“Pardon my lack of Spanish, but what you are going to see is, ‘la violencia.’ He’s going to bring his pressure. He’s going to bring punches in bunches and I believe that’s all he can bring. If he’s been training and trying to perfect himself for my style of fighting, that’s fine. You’re not supposed to come in here one-dimensional. A diamond shines from all sides.

“The only thing I can say is this venue is going to promote blood, sweat and tears and the desire of people to be great. I’m definitely one of them. I’ve been in the gym giving my blood, my sweat and my tears and I’m bringing all of that to this venue come Saturday night.

“I definitely want to stay more active. That’s always been my plan. The pandemic slowed things down. Fans always tell me they want to see me get back in there because they want to see more ass-kickings. I just tell them, me too. The fighters aren’t the ones pulling all of the strings. Should I be more active? Of course. I want to be more active.

“I want to show that I’m the cream of the crop. I’m a superstar. The light hasn’t been shining on me because there’s a lot of other things going on. Until then, you’re going to have to wait and see. Come Saturday, it will be a great show. There will be some sparks and fireworks. I have an opponent that’s not willing to lay down. If he’s not willing to, I must make him lay down.”

JOVANIE SANTIAGO

“I know that he’s a good fighter. An Olympian. He’s young and he’s going to come fight. I’m going to come to fight too, so if the fight finishes early, then it finishes early.

“I just have to work round-by-round, throw punches and win one round at a time. After I beat Russell, everybody is going to be on my side.

“This is my weight. This is where I’m most comfortable. I’ve always been a 140-pounder and Saturday that’s what I’m going to demonstrate.

“This time, I’m fighting at my actual weight. I feel strong. I’m coming to work round-by-round and on Saturday everybody will see what I’m all about.”

# # #

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE

Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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




Quotes – Undefeated Mandatory Challenger George Kambosos Jr Holds Miami Media Workout

MIAMI (May 27, 2021) – Undefeated Mandatory Challenger, ‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr., (19-0, 10 KOs), held court for the South Florida media at his home gym, Centeno’s Sweatbox Boxing Gym on Thursday afternoon.  Kambosos is training for his highly anticipated world title clash with Undisputed Lightweight World Champion, ‘The Takeover’ Teofimo Lopez, (16-0, 12 KOs), set for Saturday, June 19 at Miami’s loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins and live on Pay-Per-View. Ticket and Pay-Per-View purchase information can be found at www.TrillerFightClub.com.

Below are quotes by Kambosos from Thursday’s media workout where he was joined by his longtime trainer Javiel Centeno.

“Lomachenko didn’t throw enough punches in the first six rounds, I will be much better than that against Lopez. Lomachenko had been out for 400 days, that wasn’t really him in the ring, it was more like half of a Lomachenko. Lopez got lucky in a very close fight. I saw a lot of holes in Lopez’s game that I will exploit on June 19.”

“Lopez is a fugazi, a fraud, a fake. He’s got a fake persona filled with contradictions. Two months ago, he was talking about how gone Pacquaiao was, now he’s all over him because of the Spence fight announcement. What you see with me is real and what you get is real.”

‘I’m more Brooklyn than Lopez is. He’s not from Brooklyn, he’s from here in Davie, FL where he went to school. It’s just a fake persona saying he’s from Brooklyn.”

“Whatever they’re saying, three rounds this and four rounds that. I’ll be laughing at him, coming forward and blasting away every round and after the third round, he’s in very big trouble.”

“We’ve got a great game plan. When I fight its full tunnel vision and there’s no way I’m not coming out victorious. I won’t be over emotional at what he’s said leading up to the fight.”

“I don’t care what his Dad says about me, he’s never had a fight in his life. If he’s got a problem my Dad is here too and they can have a crack.”

“I think it’s fantastic to fight in front of such a big crowd. Who doesn’t love a big stadium fight? The date change is nothing to me, two weeks is easy, I’ve waited my whole life for this.”

“The tremendous support I get from the American boxing fans is due to them wanting me to beat Lopez. They can see right through his fake persona.”

“I’ve sparred over 250 rounds with Manny Pacquiao, he told me if I’m as good against Lopez as I was in the gym against him that I’ll be victorious and take home all the belts.”

“The perfect victory for me is just win, by any means necessary.”

Among the other boxers at the media workout to greet Lopez were 18-Year-Old Phenom, Xander Zayas who is also trained by Javiel Centeno.

Click Here for Media Credential Application Form to the June 19 Event

                                                 —————————————————-

The four-hour show, which will kick off at 8:00pm EDT with the live PPV main card starting at 9pm EDT, will also feature a WBA World Title Heavyweight Eliminator bout between Michael Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and Mike Wilson (21-1, 10 KOs), as well as the WBC International Super Featherweight Silver Championship matchup between Andy Vences (23-2-1, 12 KOs) and Ireland’s Jono Carroll (19-2-1, 5 KOs). Additional fights will be announced in the coming weeks.

López, 23, (16-0, 12 KOs) is the current undisputed lightweight world champion, having held the IBF title since 2019 and the WBA, WBO, WBC and Ring magazine titles since defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020. López is considered to be one of, if not the, best active boxers, pound for pound, by ESPN and Boxing Writers Association of America, and The Ring. He is also ranked as the world’s best active lightweight by BoxRec, ESPN and the TBRB. The Australian Kambosos has held the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title since 2017. Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) became the IBF mandatory challenger after defeating Lee Selby by split decision in October.  

The co-main bout will feature a four-belt undisputed super middleweight championship between WBC/WBO titlist Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos, who holds the WBA and IBF belts. The winner will become a true women’s undisputed champion in the sport.

In a heavyweight clash, Las Vegas, NV resident Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II will battle Michael ‘White Delight’ Wilson, of Medford, OR in a ten-round WBA Heavyweight World Title Eliminator.

Competing for the WBC International Super Featherweight Silver Championship, Andy ‘El Tiburon’ Vences of San Jose, CA meets Jono ‘King Kong’ Carroll of Dublin, Ireland in a scheduled 10-rounder.

FITE, the world’s premier streaming PPV platform for sports and entertainment recently acquired by TrillerNet, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online for the June 19 event, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

The PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada) plus processing fee. Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/teofimo-lopez-vs-george-kambosos/2p97b/ for international pricing.

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

About FITE:

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

About loanDepot park:

loanDepot park is a state-of-the-art retractable roof ballpark located in the heart of Miami. Built in 2012 and located fewer than two miles from downtown Miami, loanDepot park’s uniqueness and attractiveness, including unobstructed views of Miami’s skyline made possible by six operable glass panels, have made the venue a go-to destination for world-class entertainment, hosting a variety of sporting events as well as many business and entertainment events.

About TrillerNet:

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




HANEY VS. LINARES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Devin Haney (25-0 15 KOs) – defending WBC World Lightweight title against Jorge Linares
 
“I’m happy he said this was the best training camp and he’s in the best shape of his life. I want the best Jorge Linares so when I win that there’s no excuses and the world knows he came in 100 per cent.
 
“This is the time I’ve been waiting for; this is the moment and my time to finally shine against an incredible opponent and thinks he can put up a good fight and win against me. This is a huge opportunity for me, this is time to show everything I’m made of.
 
“Like Jorge said, this is a whole new level but I’m ready for it. It’ll be a very dominant performance; I think the world will be surprised at what kind of performance it is. I think even Jorge will be surprised at what type of fighter I am.” 
 
Bill Haney – trainer and father of Devin Haney
 
“As you know, we’ve always talked about getting Devin in that right fight that will catapult his career, we believe Jorge Linares is that guy. We’re thankful to Linares for stepping up and giving Devin that opportunity to once and for all show that he’s an elite fighter.
 
“We have appreciation for Matchroom and how long you’ve been patient. We’ve both tried to get those names in the ring, finally now on Saturday we have that name in Jorge Linares. We hope that he comes and brings his all, we hope to have a healthy and very competitive Jorge Linares so Devin actually can show he’s an elite fighter.
 
“These are the kind of fights that bring out the best in a fighter. A young fighter like Devin with so much in his toolbox, arsenal full of different kinds of punches. It’s just a great opportunity, we want Jorge to come at his best and bring out those things so we can showcase to the people what a wonderful talent he is.
 
“You’ll see Devin make a statement, he’s ready for this moment. It’s a euphoric moment, now we get a chance to be on the big stage, our home away from home in Vegas, we look forward to Saturday night, it’s going to be amazing.”
 
Jorge Linares (47-5 29 KOs) – challenges Devin Haney for the WBC World Lightweight title
 
“I’m very excited to be here in Vegas again, I’m next to the lightweight world champion Devin Haney, so this is a big opportunity of my life. I had a great training camp in Japan for a long time with my brother but now I’m here. I’m very excited for Saturday night.
 
“I feel much better than before, against Kevin Mitchell, Anthony Crolla, Vasiliy Lomachenko, I think this is the best and more important training camp – a big opportunity in my life. I’m here a couple more days.
 
“I’ve fought a lot of big fights, 52 fights, in England, USA, Latin America, this time I’ve come back to Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay. It’s in amazing fight against an amazing young champion, it’s so exciting to show everyone who I am, how much experience I have and how good I feel.
 
“I respect Haney’s comments, thinking about after this fight, talking about Lopez and everyone in the lightweight division. Me too, I’m thinking about being a champion again and then fighting with the best in the division. There’s a lot of good opponents and champions, I need to be ready for that again.”
 
Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) – defends her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez
 
“I’m delighted to be here, and I can’t wait to get in there Saturday and put on a show. I’m a natural fighter, I do what I do, I don’t talk much I just let my hands do the talking.
 
“I’m always spiteful but now it’s added a bit more spice into it. I can’t wait to get in there now and get down to the action.
 
“I’m not going to look past Melissa, she’s a former world champion and has got a lot of experience but I’m the better fighter. Things for me are going to go forward and I’ve got a long journey ahead of me – I’m not stopping here.” 
 
Melissa Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs) – challenges Chantelle Cameron for the WBC World Super-Lightweight title
 
“Saturday, expect fireworks. Women’s boxing is back to stay, I was one of the pioneers and I’m here to prove that I still have it and pay homage to all the women that came before me.
 
“We busted out asses for so long to finally be on these huge cards and to be getting paid more than we used to. When I was fighting, our purses weren’t even enough to pay our rent, now we have women building empires off it – it’s amazing to be here.
 
“To clear things up about the banter that went on between us, it was taken out of context by somebody chasing clout. I heard what I heard, at the end of the day, the fight is happening. I’m happy I had that extra time to train because she’s a badass, I’m here to prove that I’m a little bit more of a badass.”
 
Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) – defends WBO NABO Middleweight title against Shane Mosley Jr
 
“This is a massive opportunity, big stage, capital of professional boxing here in Las Vegas. It’s a great platform for us to get on the stage, showcase our skills and give our absolute best come fight night.
 
“Once that bells rings there’s always going to be fireworks., especially with a great fight like this on the line. We both know what this fight means to us, we both know where this fight can put us in our careers. You can definitely expect fireworks come fight night.”
 
Shane Mosley Jr. (17-3 10 KOs) – challenges Jason Quigley for the WBO NABO Middleweight title against Jason Quigley
 
“I’m grateful to be a part of this, it’s a great card and I’m grateful to be here and have this opportunity. This is everything I’ve wanted; this is my opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of that and do my best.
 
“I’m in this sport because I want to be known as my own man, I want to be known as Shane Mosley Jr. That’s why I’m here and that’s what I’m going to do.
 
“That’s why they come to watch the fights, we put on good shows. Golden Boy, Matchroom, both put on great shows and that’s what we’re expected to do.”
 
Robert Diaz – VP/Matchmaker, Golden Boy Promotions
 
“I want to wish both fighters good luck, I know once the bell rings you guys are concentrated on one thing only. This fight means so much to both Jason and Shane, it’s such an important fight, it’s a very even fight and a fight nobody wants to miss. They both know what a win on Saturday night is going to do for their career.
 
“I know both fighters very well, I’ve known Shane since he was a boy working with his father. I’ve known Jason since his pro debut working his whole career with Golden Boy – I’ve become very attached to both. They’re both very similar outside the ring, they’re gentlemen. There hasn’t been once bad thing said between them, but once that bell rings they’re not friends. Trust me, they’re both coming to knock each other out. May the best man win.”
 
Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) – faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title
 
“This is my time now to shine. Las Vegas, the bright lights and big city, that’s what I’m here for. To deal with this guy here, it’s all business, I’m fighting on Saturday night for me. I’m going to deal with him in good fashion and show the US public who I am. Azinga Fuzile knows who I am, he’ll definitely know my name Saturday.
 
“Azinga is a good fighter, it’s going to make for good fight but I’m 100% confident I’m going to do a job on this guy. He’s a good, slick fighter but I’ve definitely got all the tools in my arsenal to deal with him in good fashion on Saturday night.
 
“I’ve put it all in at camp, I’ve done all that I’ve needed to do, it’s all on Saturday night now. The talking means nothing, I’ve prepared, I’m mentally and physically there, I’m ready to put on a good show on Saturday night and excite the fans.”
 
Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) – faces Martin J. Ward in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title
 
“I’m ready for the fight, I’ve been preparing for three months for the fight. I’m ready, I can’t wait for Saturday to beat Martin. I promise you, Martin, I’m going to win. I signed the contract to fight and that’s what I’m going to do on fight night.
 
“I’m too good for Martin. I’ve seen his videos, watched him fight, then I said I can fight him in a way that I can beat him easily. Firstly, I didn’t know about him, when I was checking the ratings looking at the guys on top. I found out who he was when they said I must fight Martin Ward. He will know me better, who Azinga is and what he’s capable of.
 
“I won’t say how I’m going to beat him; you’re all going to see it on Saturday. My fight with Rakhimov, what happened, happened, I had to move on. Now I’m facing this guy, I need to take him out of my way. I’m ready to show the people of Las Vegas beautiful boxing.”
 
Khalil Coe – makes professional debut
 
“I’m looking forward to the journey with Matchroom, I already put on a show and I’m grateful to be on this card for my pro debut. The talent that’s going behind me, I want to stand out just as well as they do.
 
“This is what I’ve been waiting on my whole career, I never thought I would be signed with Matchroom so that’s a big plus. I’m going take advantage and do what I’ve got to do and put it on for the fans.
 
“There’s going to be a big difference. Some people just think I only have a right hand, I’m only a puncher, but I have footwork, elusiveness, and power. You never know what I’m going to bring to the fight.”
 
Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) – fights Ryan Pino in his tenth pro fight.
 
“I’m looking to be active as much as possible. I’m looking for big fights, to get my name out there, you told me to go down to 140lbs, we ventured slowly, worked our way down and make a big impact.
 
“I’ve learned just to stay calm. In the amateurs it’s three rounds, it’s quick. The main thing is to stay loose, listen to your coaches and stay active as much as possible. It’s better to stay active because the times you have off tests you to how you come back to those adversities. First I’ve got to deal with this guy Saturday and then work our way to the next fight.”
 
Ramla Ali (2-0) – faces Mikayla Nebel in her third pro fight
 
“I can’t believe I’ve been given the opportunity to fight in the boxing capital of the world, Vegas, so early on in my career. I can only feel grateful, humbled, and honored to be part of such an amazing card. I love Jorge Linares, I grew up watching him, I think he’s amazing and him versus Haney is going to be electric.
 
“I think there was a little twitter war going on this morning, someone took what I said out of context. What I meant was you’ve got these amazing fighters in the world, Lomachenko, Shields, Katie Taylor, who have done so much in the amateurs, won everything there is to possibly win, if they wanted to fight for a World title in their first fight, they’d be deserved of it. I want to feel deserved of a World title and to feel like a World champion when I feel ready. I don’t want to be pushed into it when I don’t feel ready.
 
“I’m really excited for when those opportunities will arise, I never shy away from a challenge and if fighting those girls means that it’s the next step to a world title then so be




HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDERS’ DOUBLEHEADER AT UFC® APEX IN LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to UFC APEX with a pair of thrilling heavyweight contenders’ bouts, as No. 6 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik battles No. 9 Augusto Sakai. The co-main event will see No. 8 Walt Harris take on surging No. 11 Marcin Tybura.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. SAKAI will take place Saturday, June 5 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting with the prelims at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT and the main card at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Former kickboxing standout Rozenstruik (11-2, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) made waves upon joining the UFC roster in early 2019, securing four consecutive knockouts within a 10-month span. He has delivered spectacular KO victories over heavyweight legends Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski to crack the division’s top five. Rozenstruik now hopes to defend his spot in the rankings by turning away a dangerous rising contender.

After turning heads on Dana White’s Contender Series to secure a UFC contract, Sakai (15-2-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) immediately began ascending the heavyweight ladder. Throughout his Octagon run he has earned memorable wins against Blagoy Ivanov, Andrei Arlovski and Chase Sherman. Sakai now has his sights set on making the most of his second UFC main event by netting the biggest victory of his career to enter the heavyweight top five.

KO artist Harris (13-9 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.) is gunning for another highlight-reel finish to cement his status as one of the top heavyweights in the world. The heavy-handed striker has finished each of his career wins, including standout performances against Aleksei Oleinik, Sergey Spivak and Chase Sherman. Harris now looks to send a message with another thrilling KO.

Tybura (21-6, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland) enters his fifth year on the UFC roster riding an impressive four-fight win streak. Coming off a Performance of the Night earning win over Greg Hardy in December, he has also delivered notable victories over Ben Rothwell, Stefan Struve and Andrei Arlovski. Tybura now aims to continue his momentum by taking out another hard-hitting contender.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • Roman Dolidze (8-1, fighting out of Batumi, Georgia) faces Laureano Staropoli (9-3, fighting out of La Plata, Argentina), who is stepping in for injured Alessio Di Chirico at middleweight
  • Welterweight veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) aims to become the first fighter to stop undefeated Miguel Baeza (10-0, fighting out of Davie, Fla.)
  • Dusko Todorovic (10-1, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia) squares off with replacement Gregory Rodrigues (9-3, fighting out of Los Angeles), who is replacing injured Maki Pitolo at middleweight
  • Tom Breese (12-3, fighting out of Birmingham, England) meets Antonio Arroyo (9-4, fighting out of Belem, Para, Brazil) in a clash of middleweight strikers
  • Makwan Amirkhani (16-5, fighting out of Turku, Finland by way of Kurdistan) locks horns with replacement Kamuela Kirk (11-4, fighting out of Peoria, Ariz.) at featherweight, due to an injury sustained by Nate Landwehr
  • Montana De La Rosa (11-6-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) faces Ariane Lipski (13-6, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in a women’s flyweight contest
  • Tanner Boser (19-7-1, fighting out of Edmonton, Alta., Canada) meets Ilir Latifi (15-8 1NC, fighting out of Malmo, Sweden) in a battle of budding heavyweight contenders
  • Francisco Trinaldo (26-7, fighting out of Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil) makes his welterweight debut when he takes on Muslim Salikhov (17-2, fighting out of Buynaksk, Dagestan, Russia)
  • Alan Patrick (15-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to return to his winning ways against Mason Jones (10-1, fighting out of Blaenavon, Wales) at lightweight
  • Manon Fiorot (6-1, fighting out of Nice, France) looks to build off the momentum of her impressive debut when she takes on tough Maryna Moroz (10-3, fighting out of Volnogorsk, Ukraine) at flyweight
  • Sean Woodson (7-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) takes on Youssef Zalal (10-4, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Casablanca, Morocco) in a clash of promising featherweights
  • Claudio Puelles (10-2, fighting out of Lima, Peru) hopes to hand unbeaten Jordan Leavitt (8-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) his first career loss in a lightweight bout

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

###

About UFC®

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

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

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

About ESPN

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




ACTION PACKED LINEUP OF UNDERCARD MATCHUPS SET TO LEAD INTO MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL SHOWTIME PPV EVENT SUNDAY, JUNE 6 FROM HARD ROCK STADIUM IN MIAMI GARDENS

MIAMI GARDENS – (May 27, 2021) – Fighters competing in a series of exciting undercard attractions on Sunday, June 6 will enter the ring at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for action that leads up to the Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul SHOWTIME PPV event.

The non-televised fight lineup will include unbeaten Puerto Rican super lightweight contender Jean Torres (18-0, 14 KOs) squaring off against West Virginia’s Zack Kuhn (10-7-1, 5 KOs) for an eight-round bout, undefeated lightweight prospect and Cincinnati-native Adrian Benton (4-0, 3 KOs) taking on San Jose’s Pedro Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round lightweight affair and unbeaten Phoenix-native Micky Scala (2-0, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight showdown against New Mexico’s Adam Ramirez (1-1, 1 KO).

Rounding out the action is unbeaten cruiserweight prospect and popular social media star Viddal Riley competing in a six-round cruiserweight fight against Missouri’s Quintell Thompson, plus a pair of promising prospects make their pro debuts in four-round bouts as Washington, D.C.-born welterweight Jalil Hackett battles Texas’ Angelo Diaz and Phoenix’s Dorian Khan Jr. duels Miami’s Jonathan Conde in a super featherweight fight.

“I’m very excited for this undercard,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We have a young group of rising hungry talent coming out of Mayweather Promotions’ stable with the opportunity to be aligned with a Mayweather mega event! Not many will have this opportunity beyond this point, and I’m sure that all of them will seize the moment and put on a show come June 6.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL
Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul, www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.




June 26: Rob Brant-Janibek Alimkhanuly Middleweight Showdown Set for Lomachenko-Nakatani Co-Feature at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (May 27, 2021) — Janibek Alimkhanuly, the middleweight phenom who once ruled the amateur ranks, is ready to bring his patented “Qazaq Style” to Las Vegas. Alimkhanuly, an unbeaten 28-year-old, will step up against former middleweight world champion Rob “Bravo” Brant in a 10-round showdown Saturday, June 26 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Brant-Alimkhanuly will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round lightweight main event between former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko and Japanese contender Masayoshi Nakatani.

Lomachenko-Nakatani and Brant-Alimkhanuly will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $400, $300, $200, $125 and $75 go on sale Friday, May 28 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.

“This is a fantastic doubleheader featuring a living legend in Lomachenko and a pair of middleweights who are closing in on a world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Janibek is relatively young in the pro ranks, but he has long wanted to fight the best available opposition. Rob Brant didn’t hesitate when offered this fight.”

Brant (26-2, 18 KOs) won the WBA middleweight belt in October 2018 with a one-sided decision over Ryota Murata, but in their rematch less than nine months later, Murata stopped Brant in a two-round barnburner. Brant returned last August and stopped Vitaliy Kopylenko in five rounds. Alimkhanuly (9-0, 7 KOs) dominated the field en route to winning the 2013 World Championships and represented Kazakhstan at the 2016 Olympics, where he advanced to the quarterfinals. A five-year pro, Alimkhanuly made his Top Rank debut in 2018 and most recently knocked out Gonzalo Coria in two rounds last October inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

“I am very excited to be back in the ring under the Top Rank banner against a formidable opponent in Janibek,” Brant said. “I am excited to showcase all the hard work I have put in with a victory on a stacked card.”

Alimkhanuly said, “For the fans who don’t know about me, you will be introduced to ‘Qazaq Style’ on June 26. Rob Brant is a former world champion who demands respect, but I am coming to Las Vegas to put on a spectacular show. My time has come. I will beat any of the middleweight champions. You will see it soon.”

About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.

About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. Virgin Hotels Chicago – named the “#1 Hotel in the United States” in 2016 and “#1 Hotel in Chicago” in 2016, 2017, and 2020 by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards – Virgin Hotels Dallas – named the “#16 Hotel in Texas” – Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are now open. Locations in New York, New Orleans, Miami, Edinburgh and Glasgow to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, and London.

About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Curio Collection properties offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Read the latest brand and hotel stories at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and connect with Curio Collection on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).




Bantamweight Showdown Between Mexico’s Alejandro Barrios and the Dominican Republic’s Juan Gabriel Medina Highlights Undercard Lineup This Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California

CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – Mexico’s Alejandro Barrios and the Dominican Republic’s Juan Gabriel Medina will meet in an eight-round bantamweight attraction that highlights the non-televised undercard lineup this Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The undercard will also see unbeaten super lightweight Luis Salazar (15-0, 3 KOs) taking on Detroit’s Kevin Johnson (8-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round duel and Las Vegas-born Rey Diaz (4-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round super featherweight bout against California’s Sergio Gonzalez (3-4, 2 KOs).

Plus, highly decorated unbeaten amateur Otif Oberlton makes his second pro start in a six-round light heavyweight fight squaring off against Washington, D.C.’s Larry Pryor.

The non-televised undercard leads up to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT that is headlined by WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali facing future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The 25-year-old Barrios (23-2-5, 12 KOs) enters this fight on a seven-bout winning streak, all coming since a split-draw in a 2018 super flyweight title bout against Jerwin Ancajas. The Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico native has fought professionally since 2012 and is unbeaten since his 11th pro fight. Barrios has also fought to draws against then unbeaten fighters Antonio Nieves and Jose Martinez and will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time on May 29. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Medina (12-6, 11 KOs), who has split a pair of fights in 2021 so far, defeating Euclides Carcamo and losing a split-decision to Omar Cuello. The La Romana, Dominican Republic native has faced a series of big names throughout his career, including matchups against former champion Rau’shee Warren and contenders McWilliams Arroyo and Joshua Greer Jr.

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE
Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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




SENIESA ESTRADA TO CHALLENGE TENKAI TSUNAMI FOR THE WBO LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ON ZURDO VS. BARRERA UNDERCARD

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 27, 2021): Golden Boy is proud to announce two spectacular additions to the Zurdo vs. Barrera undercard as Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs) challenges Tenkai Tsunami (28-12-1, 16 KOs) for the WBO Light Flyweight Championship and Hector Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) faces William “El Camaron” Zepeda (22-0, 20 KOs) in a lightweight clash.

The event will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“When it comes to undercards, nobody does it better than we do,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “For all of us at Golden Boy, it is very important for fans to get their money’s worth when attending our events or watching from the comforts of their home. That’s why we are committed to providing a full night of competitive action featuring the likes of Seniesa Estrada, Hector Tanajara Jr., William Zepeda and many more.”

Estrada is a 28-year-old world champion from East Los Angeles, California whose immediate goal is to capture gold in three divisions. In March, she faced Anabel “La Avispa” Ortiz to capture the WBA Minimumweight World Title. Now, she looks to capture a belt a 108 pounds to be one step closer to achieving her goal.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in Los Angeles again,” said Seniesa Estrada. “Fighting at home with my family, friends and fans there is the best feeling. LAFC is going to be a great venue for Golden Boy boxing. I can’t wait to win another world title in a second division.”

Tsunami, who will be defending her 108-pound title, is a two-division world champion who has a lot of experience fighting at a world championship level. Although making her United States debut, Tsunami feels she is not at a disadvantage because she has fought over a dozen times in foreign countries.

“I am excited to accept the challenge of young and fast-rising Estrada,” said Tenkai Tsunami. “I know Estrada is a good boxer. But I have superior experience and skills that I have gotten throughout my 16-year career and which I wish to use to be victorious. This is my first fight in the United States, but have fought in Mexico seven times, once in Chile and six times in Korea.”

As mentioned above, Hector Tanajara Jr. of San Antonio, Texas will face fellow Golden Boy contender William Zepeda of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in a 10-round lightweight battle.

“These are the kinds of fights that will take my career to the next level,” said Hector Tanajara Jr. “A win against a tough, undefeated southpaw contender will show everyone that I am ready for a world title opportunity. I believe in my skills and my talent, and on July 9, I will put them on full display at Banc of California Stadium.”

“I’m ready to face the most difficult challenge of my career in Hector Tanajara Jr.,” said William Zepeda. “I have worked all my life to be able to fight on big stages such as the Zurdo vs. Barrera event. I know that Tanajara Jr. very elusive fighter, but I will do everything in my power to make him stand in the center of the ring and give a real show to all the fans.”

Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Bryan Chevalier (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In a historic bout for women’s boxing, Naoka Fujioka (18-2-1, 8 KOs), Japan’s only five-division world champion, will defend her WBA Flyweight World Championship against Mexican standout Sulem Urbina (12-1, 2 KOs).

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. (20-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will participate in a 10-round super featherweight battle.

Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (19-3, 16 KOs) will return in a 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Heavyweight standout Mihai Nistor (2-0, 2 KOs) of Bucharest, Romania will fight in an eight-round bout against Colby Madison (9-2-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland.

Miguel Gaona of El Sereno, California will make his pro debut in a four-round lightweight battle.

#

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

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

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

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




Lineups set for King’s Promotions Day-Night Doubleheader on Saturday, June 5th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (May 27, 2021)– A huge day and night of professional boxing is now set for Saturday June 5th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

King’s Promotions will present two shows that will begin at 3 PM and 8 PM ET respectively.

Headlining the afternoon card will be super middleweight’s Devar Ferhadi (8-0, 7 KOs) of Frederick, Maryland and Blake Mansfield (7-3-1, 4 KOs) of Burlington, North Carolina in a fight scheduled for eight-rounds.

In six-round bouts:

Greg Outlaw (8-0, 3 KOs) of Bowie, Maryland taking on Andrew Rodgers (4-9-2, 2 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana in a junior welterweight fight.

Joseph Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) of Greensboro, NC battles Terrance Williams (5-4-1, 1 KO) Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

Edgar Torres (8-0-1, 4 KOs) of Springfield, VA. fights Keshon Hutchinson (7-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

In four-round Contests

Lawrence Murtagh will make his pro debut against Christian Bermudez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of Brooklyn based junior welterweights.

In a battle of first-timers, Isaac Haynes of Albany, New York will fight Quadir Albright of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

The night action will feature a much anticipated eight-round super middleweight clash between Brandon Robinson (15-2, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia and Genc Pllana (8-1-1, 4 KOs) of Hagerstown, Maryalnd.

In six-round bouts:

It will be a battle of Keystone state lightweights as Osvaldo Morales (4-0, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights James Bernadin (3-0-1, 2 KOs) Lancaster, PA

Jonathan Rodriguez (8-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights Sebastian Baltazar (1-4) of Tacoma, Washington in a bantamweight fight.

Rasheed Johnson (7-3, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia squares off with Rafiq Muhammad (4-0, 2 KOs) of Richmond, VA in a welterweight fight.

Khainell Wheer (4-1, 4 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Vincent Baccus (4-2-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight affair,

In four-round fights.

Elijah Morales (7-0, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ fights Andres Abarco (2-4) of Normandy Park, Washington in a welterweight contest.

Pro debuting Eric Monroe of Philadelphia fights Roudly Lolo (0-0-1) of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Both cards will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

ONLY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF $50 General Admission Tickets remain for both shows, and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or at Pivott Boxing (2807 North 6th Street in Philadelphia, 215-398-5766)




JARRELL MILLER HELPING BOGDAN DINU TO KO DANIEL DUBOIS

BOGDAN DINU has brought in the world’s most controversial boxer Jarrell Miller to help cause the downfall of Daniel Dubois.

The Romanian powerhouse challenges Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim Heavyweight title at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

Miller is currently banned from boxing after a string of failed drug tests, but has been flown from the United States to Bucharest by Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) for sparring ahead of the big Dubois showdown.

Dinu who will be risking his number two ranking for the WBA world title held by Anthony Joshua when he meets Dubois was beaten by Miller in 2018.

“Jarrell has a great style and I needed him for this fight,” said 34-year-old Dinu

“The preparation has been one of the best I have had. It has been a great training camp with good sparring, good coaches and I’m healthy.

“It has been good having Jarrell Miller in camp. He puts good pressure on, is heavy handed and is a strong guy. That is what I need for big fights like this.

“He is a nice guy, a funny guy and we train together. After every spar he gives me advice on what he believes will work in the fight

“I think it is a big difference between Dubois and Jarrell. Jarrell has power, skills, experience.”

Dubois is returning after suffering an injury loss against Joe Joyce last November and still holds a healthy world ranking with WBA and WBO.

The Londoner will be hoping that 6ft 5in Dinu goes the same way as his previous Romanian opponent, Razvan Cojanu who he toppled inside two rounds in March 2019.

Dinu told the Unibet Lowdown: “Cojanu never had a good strategy against Daniel. I will have a better one. I will get revenge for my old amateur team-mate.”

To watch the Unibet Lowdown with Bogdan Dinu click here

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 
 




Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Massive Super Featherweight Power Puncher DeMichael Triggerman Harris to a Promotional Contract

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated super featherweight puncher DeMichael “Triggerman” Harris to a promotional contract.

Despite weighing just 130 lbs., Harris (3-0, 3 KOs) stands an imposing 6’ tall and, with his incredible punching power and above-average hand speed, reminds many of the great Thomas Hearns.

The 24-year-old is a native of Cleveland, but now lives and trains in Atlanta. A born fighter, Harris was a latecomer to boxing and had only 15 amateur bouts before close friend and multi-weight world champion Gervonta Davis convinced him to take his heavy-handed style to the professional ranks in 2019.

“When I was younger, my dad would always bring up boxing to me, but I never went into a gym. I was into other sports,” recounted Harris. “One day, when I was 19, I decided to go to a gym and try it. My first time going, I wasn’t very good, but I liked it and just kept going and I got pretty good pretty fast.”

Harris went on to fight on the undercards of two of Davis’ high-profile title fights and is already generating strong buzz for his immense size and pulverizing power. Signing with Cohen, Harris says, is a key piece of the puzzle toward winning a world championship like his friend Davis.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m very excited to work with him,” said Harris of Cohen. “I hope to get my name out there and be named Prospect of the Year next year. That‘s what I’m aiming for. I think I can do it.”

The hard-working Harris recently spent time with former featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson but does most of his preparatory work at Champs Boxing and Fitness in Atlanta with his long-time coach and father figure, Pete Crumpley.

Crumpley, a friend of Cohen’s and a former fighter himself, says Harris was showing signs he was something special from very early on.

“I remember when he first came to the gym,” he recalled. “I noticed he had a great jab for a kid just starting out and pretty soon he was sparring with pros all the time and giving them good work. He would stop some of them with body shots. He liked going downstairs and everybody he hit to the body would quit. And for him to be able to work with Shakur in camp when he’s just a 3-0 pro with only 15 amateur fights. That says a lot. I think he has the potential to be a world champion.

“I think he can compete with the best of them right now,” Crumpley continued. “Some fighters are born with it and some are taught. DeMichael is an animal. When you find a kid who can punch with his amount of heart and guts, it’s something very special. He’s literally willing to do whatever it takes to win a fight.”

Promoter Cohen, who has taken a number of unknowns to the boxing promised land, says Harris impresses him with his physical gifts and his seemingly unending heart in the ring.

“He’s got unbelievable power and he just keeps coming,” said Cohen. “He soaks up knowledge like a sponge and he’s also got a very strong chin. It’s going to be hard for anyone in his weight class to do anything with him. He’s a very quiet guy outside the ring, but he turns on a switch when he fights, and he wants to kill you.”

Cohen says Harris will make his GCP debut on June 12 in Chattanooga, against an opponent to be named soon.

#

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen is lauded for his expert guidance of, among many others, current WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant from Minnesota, top-rated heavyweight contender Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller from New York and former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout of New Mexico. All three fighters, under Cohen’s promotional watch, went from unknowns to prospects to national television stars.

In addition, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney, as well as former WBA World Champion Ismael Barroso and former WBO-NABO Super Middleweight Champion “Mean” Joe Greene.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, CBS Sports, MSG and FOX Sports Net.




NATHAN HEANEY TARGETS OPEN AIR TITLE FIGHT AT STOKE CITY FC

NATHAN HEANEY insists fighting at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium next summer for the British Middleweight title is more than a dream.

The biggest ticket seller in British boxing believes that signing with Frank Warren makes it a realistic target.

The Stoke-on-Trent hero is back in action at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5 when he faces Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs), live on BT Sport.

COVID regulations allow just 1000 fans at the show, but Heaney’s allocation of 600 tickets was sold in minutes.

Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) who lives on the same road as his beloved football team’s ground said: “All the way through my career people have asked me about boxing at the Bet365.

“I didn’t have a major promoter then although I had a great one in BCB, most of their shows are small hall.

“Now I have Frank Warren behind me, people have asked would you have to fight for a World or European title to get a fight there?

“I think there is something special going on in our city and I really believe that if Frank put me in a British title fight it could happen.

“You would need the Queensberry superstars on there to make it a real event, but I really do think the city is going crazy for my fights.

“I want to push for Frank and Queensberry to put on a show at the Bet365 Stadium. I do think it is possible in the Summer of 2022.

“The location is fantastic for getting to and from Liverpool and Manchester. London is only 90 minutes on a train and the atmosphere it could create will be the best boxing atmosphere ever in a football stadium.

“I have to keep winning, moving up the rankings and hopefully get that British title shot.”

Heaney is under no illusions that he must progress and show Warren that he can deliver on a gigantic stage.

As well as his performances adding to his fan base, clips of his walk out to Stoke City anthem Delilah have gone viral.

Nathan, 32, added: “I am realistic and know the score. Felix Cash’s British title winning performance against Denzel Bentley was dangerous.

“If any British Middleweight looked at that and thought; ‘I’m having him next week,’ they’re lying.

“That is why I say next summer for the British title because I can have some good step up fights between now and then. I could have three or even four fights in that time.

“More than anything in the world that is what I want. To be British champion would be amazing.

“I have visions in my head of what the walk out would be. It would be one of the greatest things ever, but I need to speak with Frank about this sort of stuff.

“We will get together soon and see what the plans are.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 




Michael Dutchover vs. Ivan BenitezHeadlines Next Edition of 3.2.1 Boxing on Sunday, June 6th in Corona, California

CORONA, CA (May 26, 2021) – Junior welterweight, Michael Dutchover will return on Sunday, June 6th, 2021,as he faces Ivan Leon Benitez in a eight-round main event bout of a Thompson Boxing promoted 3.2.1 Boxing event at The Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, California.

Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs), of Midland, Texas, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, is eager to return to the ring as the man known to fans as the “West Texas Warrior” will look to continue his ascent up the rankings.

“I am happy to be back in the ring, making my 2021 debut. I have been training all year, but a couple dates fell out and finally looking to showcase my skills. I have not seen much of Benitez, but I know, he is game, and he is looking to take my spot,. He has nothing to lose, so I will have to take it to him. It’s all part of the game..”

Dutchover’s opponent, Benitez (14-4-1, 6 KOs), of Cancun, Mexico, is looking to spoil the show.

“People are largely discounting me in this fight,” said Benitez. “I have wins over two undefeated opponents and am coming off a draw against Francisco Corrales, in which I felt I won in December. I have never felt this good in my career and I am ready upset the house fighter.”

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. 3.2.1. and will start at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing




NORDINE OUBAALI AND NONITO DONAIRE TRAINING CAMP NOTES

CARSON, CALIF. (May 26, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire shared insight into their training camps and their long-awaited showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, May 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias taking on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in an IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. In the telecast opener, unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell will face Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Oubaali and Donaire will finally meet in the ring after they were originally scheduled to square off last year in a SHOWTIME main event. Oubaali will seek a career-best victory over a future Hall of Famer, while Donaire looks to add another triumph to his sterling career resume. The winner of this fight will have their eye on the winner of the upcoming showdown between former unified champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBO Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero, who are set to meet on SHOWTIME on August 14 in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Here is what the main event fighters had to say leading up to Saturday’s showdown:

NORDINE OUBAALI

On Training Camp:

“This has been a very long training camp. I was supposed to fight Nonito a few times last year, and every time I had a camp leading up to a new date. First May, then December. Now, it’s finally time to fight.

“I had a lot of really good sparring in France and in Los Mochis, Mexico. It’s a nine-hour time difference coming from France, so I wanted to make sure I could get acclimated. I left France on May 1 and I’ve been able to adapt to the time and the conditions that I’ll be fighting in on May 29.”

On facing a future Hall of Famer in Nonito Donaire:

“Nonito Donaire is a big name and he’s been a world champion in a lot of different divisions. He’s strong, but I know what he can do and I know what my strategy is. I think we have similar styles, because we both like to stand and fight.

“He’s a strong fighter with a great technique, but I’m just going to do my best with whatever situations present themselves on fight night. My strength is being able to adapt to any style. I will feel the fight out. For me, boxing is like chess. Every time he makes a move, I have to counter it. I will respond to however Nonito comes forward and make the fight go the way I want it to.”

On being the betting favorite in this fight:

“For me, I don’t worry about who is the favorite or the underdog. I stay focused on the fight. The favorite is whoever has their hand raised at the end. I’m the champion and in my mind, I’m the best fighter in the division. I know why I came here, and that’s to get the job done. I came here to stay champion.”

On how having over a year knowing Donaire was next will help or hurt him on fight night:

“Having all of this time for preparation has been good, but I think the strategy I have will beß the same now as it would have been any other time we fought. It’s not anyone’s fault that the fight got pushed back, it’s just what we’ve all had to deal with the past year. We both have had plenty of time to prepare and I’m just excited that now the time is here.”

On his message to the rest of the bantamweight division:

“I’m the best bantamweight in the world. I’m going to give a great fight on Saturday so that everyone knows. I want all the bantamweights to know that I’m ready for them. I want to fight the best. I’m ready for the winner of John Riel Casimero vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux or Naoya Inoue. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I know that I’m the best. Now I need to win and show the world.”

NONITO DONAIRE

On Training Camp:

“When I got back into the gym for this fight, I could feel that the power, the speed, the explosiveness was all there again. I felt like my body had time to heal properly for this training camp. I am very confident going into Saturday night.”

On what he expects from Oubaali:

“He’s very technically sound. You can’t underestimate a guy like him who has that amateur pedigree and who has worn that belt on his waist. We are not underestimating him. He is smart and sound, but I have the experience, the power, the speed and all the motivation to beat him. I will be looking for the knockout like I do every fight.”

On the longest layoff of his career:

“It’s been frustrating at times but it has given me the time to recover and refresh my body. I feel great right now and felt amazing going into training camp. I have been able to get closer to my kids, my wife, and get closer to myself through spirituality. The time has given me a chance to heal and be youthful all over again. The layoff really refreshed my mentality and my body. I feel great. I don’t expect any ring rust on Saturday.”

On increasing his intensity in sparring:

“For the past four or five years, maybe even longer, I have been sparring to just work with guys. The mindset was not about destroying someone. But in this training camp, I have had great sparring where I am going at my pace and no longer holding back. I have been going all out. This has been the biggest key in reclaiming the killer instinct that I had in the past. I was very aware after the Inoue fight that I needed to make a change in sparring. When I would hurt a guy, I would step back. That showed in the ring when I hurt Inoue, I stepped back a little bit instead of going for the kill.”

On the possibility of passing Gerry Penalosa to become the oldest bantamweight champ:

“Gerry is a good friend of mine. It would be so significant to me. I am still competing; I am still performing at a very high level and it proves that age is not a factor when you are healthy. When you keep yourself motivated and healthy, it all counts. I am really proud of where I’m at and what I can still achieve.”

On facing a southpaw:

“The layoff has given me a lot of time to really study and assess fighting southpaws. Of all of my losses, half of them were southpaws. I have learned a lot about southpaws during this layoff and I feel great. I feel like I could beat any southpaw at this moment.”

On being an underdog:

“I have been an underdog a few times. It’s a challenge for me and it motivates me a little bit but do I really care about being an underdog? No, because in my career I just make things happen. It’s not to prove anyone wrong but just to prove that I am still here. All that talk just flows past me and it doesn’t get into my head. The motivation for me is defeating this guy.”

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE
Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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




PATTINSON SIGNS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM

Cyrus Pattinson has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his professional debut on the Lewis Ritson vs. Jeremias Ponce undercard 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 from Alnwick in Northumberland will fight out of Birtley Boxing Club under the guidance of long-time coach Graeme Rutherford, making his debut at Super-Welterweight with a view to move down to Welterweight. 
 
Now managed by Charlie Sims, Pattinson, 27, won gold medals at the 2017 Tammer and 2016 Feliks Stamm international tournaments during a successful stint in the amateurs and represented the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing between 2016 and 2018. 
 
“I want to push myself as far as I can go,” said Pattinson. “I’m going to bring an exciting style to the pro scene. Being from Team GB, I’ve showed plenty of times that I can box – use space well and close down space. I can fight as well. I’ve been in many wars in competitions and in the gym. I know I’m capable of doing both. I’d say I’m made more the pros. 
 
“Signing up with Eddie and Matchroom is something that I have always wanted and thought about – to the point where I even created my own ‘Welcome to the Team’ graphic a few years ago to keep myself motivated and positive when I was going through one of my surgeries. 
 
“To be honest I was looking to start my professional journey at the beginning of 2020. I was ready to turnover from Team GB and I’d already had discussions with Charlie Sims. I found myself more motivated by the pro game than the amateur scene. Amateur boxing is very political and there’s so many gold medals and fights that I should have won. 
 
“There was a lot of bad decisions when I was boxing abroad. My opportunities were limited, they could only send one boxer to the majors and that wasn’t me at the time. I’ve been ready to turn pro for a while and start a new chapter for myself. Being 27 I’m a man now and all of the experiences that I’ve endured have prepared me for the pro game.
 
“Graeme Rutherford has taken me from the grass roots level all the way through to the international scene. I feel like he’s done the most for my career. He’s the person that I trust more than anyone. I think that’s crucial for me moving forward. I couldn’t have wished for a better stage to make my professional debut on with fans finally returning. I can’t wait to get in there and start my new chapter.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson to Matchroom and look forward to his pro debut on the Lewis Ritson vs. Jeremias Ponce undercard in Newcastle next month,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Cyrus has proved his ability during his time with Team GB and the British Lionhearts and I expect him to make a real impact in the pro ranks. There’s some huge nights ahead in the North East for Cyrus and it all starts at the Vertu Motors Arena on June 12, don’t miss it!”
 
“Cyrus is one of the hottest prospects in the UK right now,” said Charlie Sims. “Southpaw, angles and a slick boxer. There’s no doubt he has an incredibly deep amateur pedigree that Team GB alongside Birtley have helped facilitate for the last 6 years. Cyrus has a loyal fan base in the North East and now with the support from Matchroom he can go on to achieve great things globally. He is walking into a stacked division domestically and worldwide, I’m sure the North East will see some great nights watching this young man.”
 
You can follow Pattinson’s journey on Twitter: @CyrusRamone and Instagram: cyrusramone




June 19: Adam Lopez-Isaac Dogboe added to Inoue-Dasmarinas/Mayer-Farias ESPN Telecast at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (May 26, 2021) — The 10-round featherweight showdown between NABF champion Adam “BluNose” Lopez and former junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe will now open the ESPN telecast Saturday, June 19 from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
The main event marks the return of undefeated WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion and pound-for-pound elite Naoya “Monster” Inoue against Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmarinas, while WBO female junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer will make her first title defense in the co-feature versus former two-weight world champion Erica Farias.
 
Inoue-Dasmarinas, Mayer-Farias and Lopez-Dogboe will air live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.
 
Lopez (15-2, 6 KOs), from Glendale, California, is coming off decision victories over Jason Sanchez and Louie Coria, two of the best bouts to emanate from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. He steps up against Dogboe (21-2, 15 KOs), who bounced back from a pair of title fight defeats against Emanuel Navarrete to knock out Chris Avalos.
 
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.
 
About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. Virgin Hotels Chicago – named the “#1 Hotel in the United States” in 2016 and “#1 Hotel in Chicago” in 2016, 2017, and 2020 by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards – Virgin Hotels Dallas – named the “#16 Hotel in Texas” – Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are now open. Locations in New York, New Orleans, Miami, Edinburgh and Glasgow to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, and London.
 
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Curio Collection properties offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Read the latest brand and hotel stories at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and connect with Curio Collection on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.