NEW YORK (May 22, 2021)- Javier Martinez remained undefeated with an explosive fourth round stoppage over Calvin Metcalf in a scheduled six-round middleweight bout at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

Martinez is managed by Split-T Management.
In round four, Martinez landed a perfect right hook to the head that sent Metcalf down and out at 1:33. It was the first time Metcalf has been stopped.

Martinez, 162.5 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 4-0 with two knockouts. Metcalf, 160.4 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 10-6-1.

“I am excited about that knockout. Going into the fight, I was looking for a knockout as he was never stopped in 16 bouts. I did my thing ,and I am glad I got him out there. I am getting used to the pro style, and the sky is the limit. I am looking to get back sometime in August,” said Martinez

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

Limited extra seats are on sale NOW for the huge WBC World Lightweight clash between unbeaten champion Devin Haney and former World ruler Jorge Linares at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday May 29, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM AXS.COM

Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time against the former multiple division world champion, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs), who is looking to regain the green and gold belt he held in 2014-15 – and that tops a stacked card of action with extra tickets now on-sale following sold-out pre-sale and general sale periods.

There’s another WBC World title belt up for grabs when Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) will defend her Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs) in more World title action. There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title and it’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) as he faces Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Amari Jones (1-0 1 KO) fighting in the paid ranks for the second time after his debut in April.

Martin J. Ward thinks he has all the answers for Azinga Fuzile as he prepares to travel to Las Vegas to meet the South African in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Mandalay Bay, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT – MATCHROOM ARE WORKING WITH MANDALAY BAY TO INCREASE CAPACITY

Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) fulfills a childhood dream making his American debut in the bright lights of Sin City, but the Briton will not let the glitz and glamour distract him from taking a massive step in becoming a World champion.

The 29 year old knows that Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) presents a dangerous obstacle to that dream, but the Tony Sims trained talent is not fazed by having to face a southpaw to land a World title shot, and wants to emulate the impact that one of his heroes, Prince Naseem Hamed, had when he would wow crowds in America.

“I was a big Naz fan and stayed up to watch him fight Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas and in all his fights all over the States,” said Ward. “It has been a childhood dream of mine to fight in Vegas on the big stage, and here it is, and I am not going to let this slip through my fingers, I’ve trained too hard and put too much of my life into this to let it go.

“Motivation has not been an issue at all in this camp, I’ve been training so hard, and I’ve been flying, smashing it in the gym and on the track, it’s all coming together at the right time and I’m just so excited. Over the last year there have been a few opportunities that have come up, so I didn’t want to get too excited as a couple of them fell through and I had started to get my weight down for them. I was chomping at the bit for them, so it was frustrating, so I took this one with a pinch of salt really, I just wanted a date to be sorted, and when it was cemented in place it was great.

“He’s a slick southpaw, has some impressive wins on the record and only has one loss and he was winning that fight until he got chinned. He looks a good fighter, and hopefully our styles will gel, and we’ll put on a good fight for the fans. I haven’t fought in over a year, but it’s been over 18 months for him, but it depends how you live outside the gym, I live the life, I keep a healthy lifestyle and training makes me happy, it’s part of me.

“I won the British title in 2016 and then won it outright in the space of ten months against three southpaws so it’s funny how I’m now facing another southpaw in this massive fight. All those fights have built up my experience and it’s all fallen into place; I just need to put it all together on the night.

“He’s elusive, sharp, counters well and has good defense with the shoulder roll, but I am going to nullify all that and take him out of his comfort zone and do a job on him. I’ll be too smart, and I think I’ll be too big and strong for the guy. I’m so close to where I want to be.”

Ward’s clash with Fuzile is part of a huge night of action in Las Vegas, topped by unbeaten WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney (25-0 15 KOs) defending his title against former World ruler Jorge Linares (47-5 29 KOs).

There’s more World title action on the card as Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) defends her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs), and there’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title.

There’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the night, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Darren Cunningham (13-0 7 KOs) continuing his pro rise.

NEW YORK (May 21, 2021)- Tomorrow night, undefeated middleweight prospect Javier Martinez will take on veteran Calvin Metcalf in a bout scheduled for six-rounds at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

The bout, which will kick off the much anticipated Jose Ramirez – Josh Taylor undisputed junior welterweight world championship fight card, will begin at 4:45 ET and be streamed live on ESPN+.

The 25 year-old Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is managed by Split-T Management, is 3-0 with one knockout, and is coming off his first stoppage victory as he took out Billy Wagner in the first round on February 20th in Las Vegas.

Martinez also has a win over Rance Ward (4-1).

Martinez got ready for this bout as he was a main sparring partner to Ramirez.

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Metcalf of Kansas City, Missouri, has a record of 10-5-1 with three knockouts. The 26 year-old is a five-year professional. Metcalf has quality wins over Raymond Handson (5-0-1), Joe Louie Lopez (9-2) and Marchristopher Adkins (9-2). Metcalf has never been stopped and is coming off a defeat to undefeated Timur Kerefov on August 20th in Detroit.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Martinez checked in at 162.5 lbs. Metcalf was 160.4

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams (Top Rank via Getty Images)

  •    Jose Ramirez 139.6 lbs vs. Josh Taylor 139.6 lbs 
(Undisputed Junior Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Tim Cheatham, Dave Moretti and Steve Weisfeld
Referee: Kenny Bayless

•          Jose Zepeda 140 lbs vs. Hank Lundy 139 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight— 10 Rounds)

•          Elvis Rodriguez 139.8 lbs vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. 139.8 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 4:45 p.m. ET / 1:45 p.m. PT)

•   Jose Enrique Vivas 127.4 lbs vs. Louie Coria 127.5 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•         Andres Cortes 132.2 lbs vs. Eduardo Garza  132.5
(Junior Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

   •   Robeisy Ramirez 126.6 lbs vs. Ryan Allen 125.4
 (Featherweight   — 6 Rounds)

•       Raymond Muratalla 137 lbs vs. Jose Gallegos 139.6
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
•      Javier Martinez 162.5 lbs vs. Calvin Metcalf 160.4
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

PHILADELPHIA (May 21, 2021)– Popular two division champion Ricky Hatton looked to reclaim the IBF world junior welterweight title from undefeated Juan Urango in a bout that will be featured tonight in the next installment of Classic Fight Night at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network.

Urango was surging with a record of 17-0 -1,with 13 knockouts, and was looking to make the first defense of the title Hatton relinquished. Urango was considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing at the time. Hatton (41-0, 30 KOs) surrendered the IBF world junior welterweight title when he moved up to beat WBA world welterweight champion Luis Collazo.

Tune in to see these two undefeated champions, when they met at The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas on January 20, 2007.

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

NEW YORK – May 21, 2021 – With less than three weeks until Sunday, June 6, when all-time boxing great and 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Floyd “Money” Mayweather returns to the ring to take on social media sensation and professional boxer Logan “The Maverick” Paul in an exhibition bout, SHOWTIME and FANMIO have launched digital distribution platforms for pay-per-view purchase. The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and begins at a special time of 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is available now for pre-order for $49.99 at www.SHOWTIME.com/ppv and FANMIO.com/MayweatherVsPaul. All consumers who purchase the event via SHOWTIME.com can watch the event live through the SHOWTIME streaming service apps on Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, Roku, FireTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, as well as online at www.SHOWTIME.com/ppv.

Fans purchasing the pay-per-view through FANMIO.com or any FANMIO Boxing app will receive an exclusive Mayweather vs. Logan Paul t-shirt included with the $49.99 purchase price. Mayweather vs. Paul can be purchased through the newly launched FANMIO Boxing app, which is available globally via smart televisions and mobile devices via Apple iOS and tvOS devices, Android Mobile, AndroidTV, FireTV, Google TV and Chromecast. To learn how to watch the blockbuster event on FANMIO, click here.

The pay-per-view will also be available for purchase in the supported SHOWTIME apps listed above and in the Sony PlayStation Store, on Sling TV and via all traditional cable and satellite pay-per-view providers. Mayweather vs. Logan Paul also will be shown at select closed-circuit locations and movie theaters.

“We’ve enjoyed a long and successful track record working with Floyd Mayweather on the biggest events in boxing and on television,” said Stephen Espinoza, President of Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “He is the greatest boxer of his generation and one of the best all-time. We are excited to present this special event, complete with two compelling professional bouts and two entertaining exhibitions. This show will have something for everyone.”

“We are thrilled to expand our platform with the new FANMIO native apps for smart TV and mobile devices making the Mayweather vs. Logan Paul fight even more accessible, increasing our reach into new countries and regions,” said Solomon Engel, CEO and Founder of FANMIO. “These apps will provide a unique viewing experience, whether it is on a smart television, phone, tablet or computer. We have already experienced a high demand for pay-per-view sales following the fight’s official announcement and anticipate that with this expansion of our platform, coupled with our new relationships with Mayweather Promotions and SHOWTIME, this event is on path to make history.”

#

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.

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 21, 2021): Golden Boy is delighted to once again deliver world-class boxing to the Los Angeles area as the light heavyweight showdown between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) and Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs) heads to the beautiful Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles, home of the
Los Angeles Football Club. The event will take place on Friday, July 9 and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“We are ecstatic to be bringing this huge card to the Banc of California Stadium,” Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Fans in Los Angeles are eager to attend a live event of such magnitude, so we are pleased to be able to deliver that with ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, Joseph Diaz Jr. and a spectacular undercard that will be announced next week. Golden Boy boxing returns home on July 9.”

“Banc of California Stadium and LAFC are excited to welcome Golden Boy to the Heart of Los Angeles,” LAFC Co-President and CBO Larry Freedman said. “This is going to be an incredible night of world-class boxing at our world-class venue.”

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera will go on sale Wednesday, June 2 and are priced at $150, $100, $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.

As previously announced, the co-main event will feature Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz Jr. (31-1-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California taking on Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) of La Romana, Dominican Republic in a 12-round lightweight bout.

A full undercard of action will be announced shortly.

#

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 lightweight battle 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.

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.

NEW YORK – May 21, 2021 – Showtime Sports Documentary Films has released the official trailer and poster art for the upcoming documentary THE KINGS, a four-part series chronicling the fierce rivalry between world champions and Boxing Hall of Famers known as the “Four Kings” – Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, and Sugar Ray Leonard. Premiering Sunday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, the series chronicles the four fighters’ dramatic and divergent ascents to greatness and the legendary matches they produced.

To watch and share the trailer, go to: https://s.sho.com/3whPJTt

THE KINGS spotlights boxing’s evolution from the end of Muhammad Ali’s era to the era of the Four Kings, set against the seismic political and socio-economic shifts taking place in the United States. The Four Kings rose to fame as the presidency of Jimmy Carter and economic recession gave way to the boon of 1980s capitalism and excess harnessed by the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Through in-depth interviews and archival footage, the series also examines the very personal battles that each man waged on his unique journey to the center of the sports world.

THE KINGS is produced by Box To Box Film in association with Ingenious Media. The series is executive produced by James Gay-Rees (Amy, Senna, Drive To Survive) and Paul Martin (Diego Maradona, Drive To Survive), produced by Fiona Neilson (Oasis: Supersonic, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams) and directed by Mat Whitecross (Oasis: Supersonic, Road To Guantanamo, Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams).

Guadalajara, Mexico (May 21, 2021) – St-Pierre, Rogan, Liddell and Sonnen, a who’s who in the sport of mixed martial arts, today weighed in on the upcoming mega-matchup between world-class striker Anderson Silva and world-class boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, Junior Saturday, June 19th live on Pay-Per-View from Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.

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

Click here to download video EPK of Silva training videos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5o6k6x0fmis2w9f/AABrlWegSERF9egjfLr77541a?dl=0

Starting off the conversation is “The Iceman” Chuck Liddell, one of the greatest athletes ever to enter the Octagon, who said, “It’s tough to cross over from MMA or even kickboxing to boxing because of the differences in stance, distance and timing, but if anyone can do it, Anderson Silva can! I’ll pay to watch this fight.”

Said Georges “Rush” St-Pierre, “I wish Anderson good luck because he is the one who is stepping into Chavez Junior’s world. Let’s hope they enjoy their fight, and that the boxing fans embrace this event. And of course that no one gets hurt.”

Joe Rogan also commented on Chavez, Jr. vs. Silva saying to his guest and comedian Russell Peters in his recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, “He might not be as respected as some, but Julio Cesar Chavez, Junior is still a fucking beast. You cannot sleep on that guy. He is a dangerous man.”

Chael Sonnen, the former UFC fighter who fought Silva twice, took to his YouTube channel last week (https://youtu.be/BhRxzEpVUnI) to give fans a seven-minute breakdown of the 10-round boxing match that will occur between Chavez, Jr. and Silva on June 19th:

“This is a very different Anderson because he used to box and even if it was Muay Thai, even if it was standup fights… but he actually got in the ring and did this. It’s a significant difference than say what Conor McGregor did when he fought Floyd. It’s significantly different in that Conor had never done it before. He’d done something close, he had done a version of it – he had sparred a little bit. Anderson did all of that but also stepped in there and competed. … I’m happy to hear he’s done with MMA. I’m happy to hear that if he’s going to elect to go into this sport he is showing that sport the respect that it needs and that it requires to be successful which is full commitment and immersion.”

Silva is considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time. He compiled a record of 34 victories with 11 losses and 23 stunning knockouts. His boxing record is 13-1. Chavez, Jr., the son of the legendary boxer Julio Cesar Chavez, has a record of 52-5-1 with 34 knockouts.

“Tribute to The Kings” also features a special Exhibition bout that will see the great Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. Camacho will be honoring the legacy of his late Hall of Fame father.

NEW QUEENSBERRY RECRUIT Willo Hayden proved earlier this year that he is more than ready to retaliate if he gets caught up in any social media crossfire.

The 19-year-old – unbeaten in 45 championship amateur fights in his native Ireland – was drafted in to help his great friend and fellow Crumlin native Conor McGregor prepare for his UFC 257 collision with Dustin Poirier in January.

Following McGregor’s defeat in Dubai, the unbeaten MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov stuck the boot in on the Crumlin crew and its youngest member took exception to the accusation that the Notorious one was undercooked.

“This is what happened, when you change your team, leave the sparring partners who made you a champion and sparring with little kids, far away from reality,” wrote the Russian on Twitter, provoking a furious response from Hayden.

“Khabib, who is obviously Conor’s nemesis, they had a fight and Khabib won,” recalled Hayden, taking up the story. “After his last fight, which Conor lost, Khabib put out a tweet where he was blaming it on him changing his sparring partners, saying he was sparring little kids and training with little kids.

“I was the youngest on the team, so I took that personally. Who else could it have been aimed at?

“I took to Twitter, basically calling him out, saying if I am a little kid then he should have no problem sparring or boxing me and I would meet him anywhere in the world.

“I also told him that I am 100 per cent confident I would destroy him in the boxing ring.”

Khabib, who only lost a single UFC round in his career, decided against replying.

“The tweet actually got taken down later that day because it said it went against the guidelines for inciting violence! The language was perfect, but it got reported by people.”

Moving back up to date, with Hayden poised to launch his professional career at light welterweight, he admits that having McGregor as a close associate will bring greater spotlight upon his own progress, but hopes that it’ll also help as he’s seen how to deal with the fame game.

“Of course, Conor is an inspiration and a role model,” considered the 11-time national champion.

“He has made mistakes, but to see someone who comes from the same area as me turn into the superstar that he is, shows me that it is possible and that anyone can do it.

“I don’t want to copy him though because I am my own person and I want to make it in my own way. You couldn’t copy him anyway.”

Coventry, UK (21 May 2021) Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina officially weighed-in today for their Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship, plus the undercard to take place this Saturday (22 May) at the Coventry Skydome Arena.

FIGHT #1 17:00
4 x 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
Tommy Welch
Brighton, England
16st 9lbs 8oz (233.8 pounds)

vs

Dmitrij Kalinovskij
Klaipeda, Lithuania
14st 9lbs 5oz (205.5 pounds)

FIGHT #2 17:30
4 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
Brett McGinty
St Johnson, Ireland
11st 4lbs 12oz (158.1 pounds)

vs

Dwain Grant
Oldbury, West Midland
11st 6lbs 3oz (160.3 pounds)

FIGHT #3 18:00
6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest:
Idris Virgo
Birmingham, England
12st 10lbs 8oz (178.8 pounds)

vs

Lewis van Poetics
Lydney, Gloucestershire
12st 6lbs (174 pounds)

FIGHT #4 18:40
8 x 3 Minute Rounds Light Heavyweight Contest
Shakan Pitters
Birmingham, England
12st 10lbs 2oz (178.2 pounds)

vs

Jermaine Springer
Bradford, England
12st 10lbs (178 pounds)

FIGHT #5 19:30
6 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr.
Sevenoaks, England
11st 2lbs (156 pounds)

vs

Paul Cummings
Warminster, Wiltshire, England
11st 1lb 9oz (155.9 pounds)

FIGHT #6 20:00
THE MIDLANDS AREA MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 11st (160lbs)
River Wilson-Bent
Coventry, England
11st 5lbs 4oz (159.4 pounds)

vs

George Farrell
Derby, England
11st 5lbs 6oz (159.6 pounds)

FIGHT #7 21:00
ELIMINATOR FOR THE THE BRITISH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs)
Kaisee Benjamin
Birmingham, England
10st 6lbs 12oz (146.1 pounds)

vs

Martin Harkin
Dumbarton, Scotland
10st 6lbs 6oz (146.6 pounds)

LIVE BROADCAST COMMENCES ON CHANNEL 5 22:01

FIGHT #8 22:08
6 x 3 Rounds Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna
County Monaghan, Ireland
10st 10lbs 5oz (150.5 pounds)

vs

Damian Haus
Myszkow, Poland
10st 11lbs 4oz (151.4 pounds)

FIGHT #9 22:40
THE WBC SILVER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 x 3 Minute Rounds at 11st 6lbs (160lbs)
Sam Eggington
Birmingham, England
11st 4lbs 3oz (158.3 pounds)

vs

Carlos Molina
Patzcuaro, Michoacán de Ocampo, Mexico
11st 5lbs 4oz (159.4 pounds)

Running order is correct at time of publication and subject to change without prior notice.

NESTLED IN THE industrial hinterland surrounding St Marys football ground – where the Saints go marching in on a Saturday (traditionally, anyway) – lies the new home of Southampton boxing and four of Queensberry’s finest young prospects.

Named with a big nod to its founder, ‘Batten’s Boxing’ is a superbly appointed facility set over two storeys, complete with a balcony overlooking the ring. It is the long-awaited stuff of dreams for trainer Wayne Batten, who is now in full control of his fistic enterprise.

Batten has been something of a nomad since learning the coaching ropes from fellow South Coaster and veteran boxing sage Ronnie Davies. He was very much in the rental and sharing marketplace, until now, with the windows of his new premises embossed with his boxing brand.

“I am really happy and it has been a long time coming, to be honest,” reflected Batten. “I’ve always shared a gym over the years and finally I’ve got my own premises now. Hopefully it is the beginning of a real exciting journey.

“We want to be recognised as the home of boxing in Southampton and have that identity, while we are only 200 yards from the football club itself and we can see the roof from the gym. From the other side I can see the roof of where I first started in a school in a community hall.

“It feels nice that I am bang in the middle in a wonderful premises now,” added the just turned 49-year-old, who went to explain his route into training fighters courtesy of the man famous for masterminding the success of Chris Eubank.

“I used to run an amateur club back in the early 2000s and there was a professional boxer there at the time called Henry Castle, who was managed and trained by Ronnie. I got involved with Henry and started working with Ronnie, who became my mentor and like a father-figure, and he has taught me so much. He gave me the opportunity to be where I am now, really.

“Ronnie is 75 now and still doing it, so I hope I am in that position in a sport I love so much and hopefully get to the level he has in boxing. He is always still there now for me at the end of a phone and the experience he has got is priceless. You can’t beat a wise old head and that is what Ronnie is – along with my long-term friend and cutsman Frank Hopkins – and I am very, very lucky they are both there for me.”

It is Batten’s new centre of excellence that will play host to the development of a young crop of Queensberry fighters of immense promise. Ryan Garner, the cheeky 10-0 super feather who calls himself the Piranha, was Batten’s original star pupil from his current crop, while Mark Chamberlain crosses the coastal divide to train in Southampton from his home in Waterlooville, near Portsmouth.

‘MarkyBoy’ as he now seems to be known, has really pushed himself to the forefront in recent times and was, in fact, the first home fighter back in a British ring following the first 2020 lockdown for his emphatic win over Stu Greener on July 9.

The 22-year-old, who is 8-0, is really making people sit up and take notice, not least for his bludgeoning power. In his last fight he blasted out Jordan Ellison in just over a minute. The only other to do this to Ellison in the first round was Zelfa Barrett – and he took a minute longer.

Chamberlain is now on the cusp of taking a big step forward.

Two other young hopefuls make up Batten’s Queensberry squad of four, with the Frankham cousins – Josh and Levi – now having turned professional and holding records of 3-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Boxing is a full-time business for Batten and he also devotes time to improving the prospects of a clutch of top young amateurs, who are approaching the age of 18 with a view to turning professional.

“I know it is easy to say, but I think this is the best shape and mental state that Ryan Garner has ever been in,” Batten revealed on his most senior member, who returned to the ring with victory over the aforementioned Ellison a couple of weeks back.

“A few things have changed in his personal life, which is the best thing that could have happened to him, as far as I am concerned. It is still early days, but I am confident this is the start of a new journey. It is surreal, we are in a new premises near the football ground and it has always been our goal and vision for him to have a big fight there.

“I do believe everything happens for a reason, he is just 23 and the stop-start we have had might work in our favour because he has now matured and in a couple of years we can be where we wanted to be.

“When we get some momentum, with back-to-back fights, we will really see the best of Ryan.

“Mark is a showstopper and it was the perfect punch in his last fight,” Batten continued on lightweight Chamberlain. “When he first came to me he used to go head-hunting quite a lot because Mark is an aggressive fighter and he thought punching people in the head was the way to go.

“But I always say to him that the head moves and the body doesn’t, but him leading with that body punch did surprise me a little bit. I thought we were looking at four or five rounds and Jordan did say to me that the shot almost made him black out.

“Mark has been one of the very, very lucky ones over the last year and I thank Frank for that, I really do. He has been very fortunate and he has developed from that and made the most of the activity. I’ll tell you this, him and Ryan had a spar a few weeks back and it was the best Mark Chamberlain I have ever seen. Ryan brought the best out in him and it was the first time I have sparred them together since they started working with me.

“I would like to see a bit more variety from Josh Frankham. He is a work in progress as a young welterweight, but I think he is a little bit caught in two minds over what he actually is in terms of style and building his own identity as a fighter.

“He is very intelligent, Josh. The penny is starting to drop and I am looking forward to seeing his development.

“I’ve been working with Levi Frankham for a year now and I am still getting to know him. He is a reserved individual but he is not shy in the ring and is heavy-handed. He will be exciting and has plenty of fight in him. There is nothing not to like about a big-at-the-weight southpaw who can punch.”

For Wayne Batten, it is now home sweet new home.

New York, NY (May 20, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment, today announced the signing of top heavyweight prospect Michael Pirotton-Bamogo (4-0, 2 KOs), of Liege, Belgium, to a multi-year promotional agreement.

The 24-year-old Pirotton-Bamogo, managed by Michael Amoo-Bediako of Streetwise Management, will hit the ring for the fifth time as a professional on Saturday, May 29, in his hometown against Croatia’s Igor Mihaljevic.

Plans are in place for Pirotton-Bamogo, whose mother was born in the West African nation of Burkina Faso and father born in Belgium, to relocate to Southern California in June and train under the renowned Manny Robles.

“I’ve watched tapes of Michael’s fights and can’t wait to start working with him in the United States,” said DiBella. “He’s a work in progress, but he’s a very handsome, marketable young man with the skill set and work ethic to become a big player in the heavyweight division.

“Michael Amoo-Bediako and I have worked together with great success, including with world champion Richard Commey, and I’m confident this will be another tremendous chapter for us.”

“I’m honored to have Lou DiBella take an interest in my career,” said Pirotton-Bamogo. “I’ve worked very hard in Belgium, but in order to pursue the biggest opportunities, the move to the United States is imperative. I can’t wait to get to work with Coach Manny at his gym in Southern California.

“Michael has all the attributes needed to become a world champion. Lou and his team are very experienced in building stars in the United States and this is the perfect fit for him,” said Amoo-Bediako. “I have every confidence that this is the right move for Michael’s career to reach its heights.”

Pirotton-Bamogo took to boxing at the age of 18 and had a short amateur career with 15 fights, which included a 2018 tournament victory in France as part of the Belgian National Team.

Photo/DiBella Entertainment

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Michael Pirotton-Bamago
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Devin Haney believes his WBC World Lightweight title defense against Jorge Linares will be a firefight – and he’s relishing that prospect as they clash at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday May 29, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT – MATCHROOM ARE WORKING WITH MANDALAY BAY TO INCREASE CAPACITY

Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time against the former multiple division world champion, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs), who is looking to regain the green and gold belt he held in 2014-15.

‘The Dream’ expects the best of the 35 year old and that ‘El Nino’ has plenty of tools in his shed to call upon, and while that makes him an unpredictable foe, Haney says he is the man that it’s impossible to prepare for thanks to his ability to adapt to any challenge.

 “I am expecting a firefight and I can’t wait,” said Haney. “We don’t know what Jorge will turn up, but I am ready for anything, and I can’t wait to show it.

“Jorge brings so much to the table. Speed, power, ring IQ, experience against the best of the best, and I think he’s the type of opponent that will bring the best out of me, make me bring out my A-game, take it to the next level, the elite level.

“People think he will have success, some think he will even win the fight, and that’s why it will show that I am elite and one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

“Every day, my dad and I get to know each other more and more. This camp has been great and we’re both ready for this one night to show everything we have been working on. You can’t train for me, because you don’t know what style I am going to bring. I’ve learned so many different styles and I can adjust, and that’s the difference between me and a lot of other fighters.”

 Haney’s clash with Linares tops a stacked card of action in Sin City, as Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez  (23-7-3 7 KOs) in more World title action. There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title and it’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) as he faces Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Amari Jones (1-0 1 KO) fighting in the paid ranks for the second time after his debut in April.

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2021) — Nobody’s hat was stolen. No brawl broke out. WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez and WBA/IBF champion Josh Taylor were all business Thursday at the final press conference for Saturday’s undisputed junior welterweight world title showdown at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs) and Taylor (17-0, 13 KOs) are fighting, not only to maintain their unbeaten records, but to become the sixth man to attain undisputed status in the four-belt era. For the first time since the matchup was officially announced nearly three months ago, the two best 140-pound fighters in the world were face to face. A little good-natured trash talk followed. But that’s to be expected.

Two days before the fight, this is what Taylor, Ramirez and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Bob Arum

“I’m very excited. Now at the end of this pandemic, we have the best fight of the whole pandemic experience. We don’t have to sell anything about this fight. We just mention the fighters. They are both undefeated, both former Olympians, both world champions. This will be a great fight!”

“With Jose as a fighter, you have seen his accomplishments, but I’m more impressed with the man he is outside of the ring. I’m proud of Jose.”

Jose Ramirez

“It’s an honor for me to face a great fighter like Taylor. This will be the best fight of the year.”

“He is very prideful of his country and I respect that. That’s the way a champion should be.”

“This has been a great training camp. I’m very motivated. It will be an honor and a blessing to make history as the first Mexican undisputed champion.”

“I believe a fighter like Taylor will bring out the best in me. He is a technical fighter, and when you face a fighter like that, you see everything clearly. You will see all the small things that I have worked on and that will show the experience I have as a fighter. You will see all my skills, and I will put on a show against a great fighter.”

“I’ve never been a fan of opinions of who is the best fighter out there. Sometimes people don’t understand that especially at this level, each fight is going to be tough. I always train like I’m the underdog. I always train like each fight is the biggest fight of my career. I can’t afford to lose. That’s always been my mentality. I always find a way to win.”

Josh Taylor

“I loved every single minute of camp in Las Vegas. Felt great to be back to normal.”

“I respect every fighter that jumps in the ring. You don’t become a unified champion out of anywhere. You have to be a great fighter. I highly respect him. He is a great fighter and a great person, but on Saturday night, as soon as that bell rings, all that goes out the window”

“This fight means the world to me. Puts my name in the history books as one of the {best} Scottish fighters in history. That’s why I have trained so hard for this fight. I dedicated my whole life to the sport. I’m so confident. This is a pure boxing fight.” 

“I’m confident I’m getting the KO on Saturday.”

SATURDAY, May 22, 2021

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

Jose Ramirez vs. Josh Taylor, 12 rounds, Undisputed Junior Welterweight World Title

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Kenneth Sims Jr., 8 rounds, junior welterweight

ESPN+, 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT

Jose Enrique Vivas vs. Louie Coria, 8 rounds, featherweight

Andres Cortes vs. Eduardo Garza, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Raymond Muratalla vs. Jose Gallegos, 8 rounds, lightweight

Javier Martinez vs. Calvin Metcalf, 6 rounds, middleweight

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ATLANTA (May 20, 2021) – Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their SHOWTIME PPV main event taking place Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis will take on a career-defining challenge in the undefeated Barrios, as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history. Standing in his way is the undefeated 25-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign and holds a six-inch height advantage over Davis.

Davis returns to fight at State Farm Arena after selling out the venue in December 2019 during a star-studded event that saw him stop former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 12th and final round to capture a lightweight title.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Friday, May 21 at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday at State Farm Arena:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“Camp has been great for me. We know that Barrios is a bigger guy and that he can punch. We’re working hard each day in the gym, because we’re going up against a big task on June 26.

“We all have challenges we go through in life, and that’s what makes us strong. This is another challenge that I have on my road to success. I’m ready to walk through it and keep pushing.

“We know this is a dangerous fight. Barrios is coming with power and you know for sure I’m coming with power. May the best man win.

“I took this fight because I want to be great. All the other big names at lightweight had scheduled fights so I felt like I wanted to go out and beat the best fighter out there for me.

“Even if he is bigger than me on fight night, it doesn’t matter. This is all part of the sport. My goal is to break him down. If I can get him out of there, I’ll get him out of there. If it goes 12 rounds, so be it. He’s big and strong, but he’s never faced anyone like me.

“We have to wait and see what happens on fight night. Different styles dictate what I need to show in the fight. We’ll see what he brings to the table, and then we’ll capitalize off of it.

“I’m not worried about losing any speed by adding weight. I’m going to be quick regardless. I think I’m going to be at my best at 140-pounds.

“Like all of the rest of my fights, this is going to be action packed. Don’t go get popcorn during the fight, because it could end at any moment. I bring what boxing needs, and that’s excitement. We all know when I fight, it’s never a boring fight. From the first round, until whenever it ends, I just keep coming, in all of my fights. That’s what you’re going to see June 26.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“This is a huge opportunity for me. ‘Tank’ called me out. I know he’s trying to do something great, but this is a dangerous fight for him. It’s going to be an action-packed fight. We’ve never faced fighters like each other before. We’re going to see on June 26 if it’s the right move for him.

“I fight to represent my city and my people. I’m going to go out there and do my best to make everybody proud.

“They might be looking at my fight against Batyr Akhmedov closely. But I think he has a totally different style and that this fight will be different than what they expect if they just watch that match. I don’t know what they see in me to want this fight, but none of it matters to me. All the questions are going to be answered on June 26.

“’Tank’ is jumping up two weight classes. He’s doing something a lot of great fighters have done. He even said it: this isn’t an easy fight for him. We’re ready to face the best version of ‘Tank’ that anyone has ever seen and it’s going to be war.

“I was surprised when his name was brought up to me. But whether you like ‘Tank’ or not, he has one of the biggest names in boxing. This is the type of fight that can skyrocket my name up there to the top level of the sport.

“’Tank’ is a good fighter and a very explosive fighter. There is the question of whether he’s bringing his power up to 140. I don’t have any concerns about it though. He’s the guy who has to show people he can handle my power at this weight.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Atlanta. This is my first time here actually but I know the fans here are very passionate. I’m expecting to see a great turnout here at State Farm Arena.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“’Tank’ is a generational fighter. He has certain abilities that others just don’t. He’s special, but this is a dangerous fight for him. This is a tremendous challenge and I’m really excited for this fight.

“Atlanta is a hot market. Obviously the first fight they had in a long time was ‘Tank’ vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa and it was a packed sold out crowd in this building. The fans really enjoyed it. The city needs big events like this. We told the fans we were coming back and here we are.

“’Tank’ is chasing history. When you look back at a lot of all-time greats, they’ve gone through things no one else ever has. Looking to be a three-division champion at 26 years old is another example of him chasing greatness like that.

“’Tank’ is the most exciting fighter in the entire sport and he gives the fans what they want to see. He puts butts in seats. People gravitate to the way he fights. This new generation of fans that we have, they love him.”

#

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

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

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

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

Coventry, UK (20 May 2021) Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina came head-to-head today at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Coventry today ahead of their WBC Silver Middleweight Championship clash this Saturday night (22nd May) at the Coventry Skydome Arena, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.

Here are a few key quotes from the press conference:

Eggington
“This fight’s big. People are recognising it on terrestrial TV, people are recognising me more often. The camps been great and we’ve worked hard. He’s a former World Champion and it can only make for an exciting fight,”

Molina
“This is a huge opportunity and I’m very focused on this fight and a plus to have my promotional company associated with this event and I’m just looking forward to it,”

“I’m just so competitive with myself and I always want to better myself and I feel like I wouldn’t take this fight or even be fighting if I didn’t feel like I could compete at that level and win. I feel like my best performance is still yet to come,”

Eggington
“I’m confident with this win when we get this win we’ll see what comes up. At the moment were at middleweight and we enjoy it so we’ll see how it goes,”

“I’m close if not in my prime. I feel good in training, I’ve said it a few times I’m enjoying training and getting more out of it. So I’m in a good place,”

“We’ll get through Saturday and then on to bigger and better things,”

Molina
“The plan right now is to get the world title and I’m ranked in the WBC top ten at middleweight but right now I’m focused on this fight,”

“I feel like I’m going to set up a masterful boxing performance. I want to dominate from the beginning from the first round and if I see the KO I’m going to go for it, but the most important thing is I dominate from the beginning,”

EGGINGTON V MOLINA IN THE HEADLINES

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan, Everlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.
Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship. Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship.
Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO). Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder against Poland’s Damian Haus, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside. Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds against Lydney’s Lewis van Poetsch. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Oldbury’s Dwain Grant. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest against Lithuanian Dmitrij Kalinovskij.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Chantelle Cameron is itching to make the first defense of her WBC World Light-Welterweight title against Melissa Hernandez – and wants to show she will relish being a World ruler on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, live worldwide on DAZN.

 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT AXS.COM

Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) landed the vacant WBC strap with a shut-out win over Ariana dos Santos Araujo in Milton Keynes, England in October, but her first defense against Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs) proposed for March had to be postponed through an injury to the Briton.

The pair now get it on in front of fans in Las Vegas, and that’s exactly the type of stage that the 30 year old wants to be spotlighted on, and for Cameron, holding the green and gold belt means other fighters are calling her out – and that’s a position she’s delighted to be in.

“I feel good being the target,” said Cameron. “It’s better than doing the chasing, that’s frustrating, you are just trying to get the fights and a title shot, so now I know I am going to get fights because people want my belt.

“Being World champion has not really sunk in yet, and nothing has changed because it’s been so long since I won the fight, and I haven’t been able to defend it yet. So, I don’t think it’ll really feel it will sink in until I win more belts, but I still feel the same, still have the same drive, the same hunger, and now I am a target. I used to have to chase people for fights but now I have the green and gold belt, I am the target.

“The best of me is yet to come, the fight hasn’t come where I get to show that. I boxed to my game plan to win the belt and did what I had to do and what my coaches told me. She is a big puncher so I knew I didn’t want to be taking risks and getting involved with someone that could put me on my backside. When I do get the fight that shows what I can really do, I think people will acknowledge me more.

“Everyone is so desperate to stay undefeated, but this is a sport, we all have to climb the ladder and if you are that good, then boxing anyone – that’s my mentality. If I become undisputed and someone is calling me out and they’ve proved themselves, let’s take the fight.”

Cameron’s clash with Hernandez is part of a huge night of action in Sin City, topped by unbeaten WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney (25-0 15 KOs) defending his title against former World ruler Jorge Linares (47-5 29 KOs).

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title and it’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) as he faces Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title.

There’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the night, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Darren Cunningham (13-0 7 KOs) continuing his pro rise.

Coventry, UK (20 May 2021) Undefeated Irish ‘Hitman’ Stephen McKenna is lining up British rival Conor Benn in his sights for a mouthwatering England v Ireland showdown.

The welterweight ace from County Monaghan has dispatched of all seven of his opponents with cold and clinical efficiency and goes for his eighth target this Saturday (22 May) at the Coventry Skydome Arena.

McKenna features on the undercard of Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina’s clash for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship against Poland’s Damian Haus and such is the growing reputation of the fast-rising young talent, he will open the show on the Channel 5 live broadcast.

The 24-year-old has the unbeaten Essex ‘Destroyer’ at the top of his hit list and predicts a fight with the current WBA Continental Champion next year in a potential thriller.

And McKenna says it doesn’t bode well for Benn Jr. fighting the best young talent from the Emerald Isle with his father, fight legend Nigel, beaten twice and retired by the Irish fight great Steve Collins.

“It’s the fight I’m looking for and I’d love to get Conor Benn into the ring,” Stated McKenna.

“It would be a dangerous fight for him and I think that Eddie Hearn would know that. It would be too dangerous for him as Benn hasn’t come up against a puncher yet and he wouldn’t make it past four, five or six rounds against me. I’d get him out of there really quick.”

“I’ve been watching him and seeing a lot of flaws and once he comes up against a guy like me he’s going to end up on his back. I’m still progressing and after a couple more fights we could make it happen, maybe next year. It would be a great fight that would capture the attention of the English and Irish fans.”

“I’m still 7-0 and he’s 18-0, I know that if I fought him now I’d beat him, but after some more fights then next year I’d love to get the fight.”

“Wherever he’d want to do it, in England or in Ireland, he’ll end up like his dad and getting beat by another Irishman. I’d just love to get him into the ring. You can see he leads with his emotions and he’s crying before fights and he’s very emotional. The minute he gets in the ring with me he’ll know what he’s in for.”

Stevie McKenna: “You haven’t yet seen the best of me”
Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan, Everlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.
Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship. Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship.
Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO). Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder against Poland’s Damian Haus, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside. Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds against Lydney’s Lewis van Poetsch. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Oldbury’s Dwain Grant. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest against Lithuanian Dmitrij Kalinovskij.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

After his victory last weekend, Salita Promotions newest promotional signee, undefeated Ghanaian Prince Octopus Dzanie, says his next step is to relocate to the US and put the squeeze on today’s top super bantamweights.

Dzanie, now 22-0, 18 KOs, stayed busy in Ghana last Saturday night by battering veteran countryman Kamarudeen Boyefio (11-10) over six rounds.

The two 122-lb fighters came out swinging in the first, with Dzanie getting the better of things. With his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses properly gauged after the first, Dzanie switched over to boxing mode and used his excellent jab to pick Boyefio apart at range while strafing him with powerful combinations, almost at will. In the sixth, Dzanie had seen enough and turned up the heat on the sagging Boyefio, who sank to the canvas for the 10 count near the end of the round.

“It’s a great pleasure for me whenever I win in the ring,” said a happy Dzanie, post-fight. “My opponent was an experienced and very tough fighter, but I always find a way. This win starts a new chapter of my career and is also a warning to the champions in the world stage. Big thanks to my trainers from Akotoku Boxing Academy for the words of encouragement and a big shout out to TMM Sports Promotion for linking me up with my new management team VMS Inc. and to Salita Promotions for helping me become a world champion very soon for my nation and my team.”

What comes next for the former Olympian and highly touted prospect is securing the proper visas and heading to the US to continue fine-tuning for an assault on the top of the division.

“Prince Octopus is one of the brightest prospects in boxing,” said his new promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Vinny Scolpino (Dzanie’s manager) and I are doing the paperwork to bring him over here where he can get world-class sparring and start building his reputation in North
America. The fans are going to love watching “The Octopus” fight. He’s the kind of ferocious puncher that people love to watch. He can get you with one shot or, like he did Saturday, grind an opponent down with his constant combinations. He really is like fighting an octopus.”

Dzanie says he’s eager to get started on his march to the world title.

“Soon, I’ll be in America, where champions are made and dream come true.”

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Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.

TOMMY FURY has warned Jake Paul to be ready for a trip to the dentist if they ever meet each other.

American YouTuber, Paul and the unbeaten Light-Heavyweight hope have been filling each other in with verbal taunts, but haven’t come across each other in Miami where both are holed up.

Love Island sensation Fury is there training alongside brother Tyson preparing for his sixth professional fight in Telford on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

Paul moved to Miami recently and has reportedly signed a deal for Showtime to screen his fights, after winning three celebrity boxing matches and reckons Tommy is on his radar.

Earlier this month Jake sparked a brawl at the press conference to announce his brother, Logan’s bout against Floyd Mayweather.

He confronted the all-time great and then snatched a baseball cap from his head leading to chaotic scenes.

Fury dubbed a “spoon-fed reality star” by Jake promised it would have been even nastier had the internet star attempted the stunt he pulled with Mayweather on him.

Tommy said: “If Jake Paul tried to take my cap I’d break his jaw and nose on sight. He’d have no teeth left. I’d knock them straight down his throat.

“I’d run after him and give him the worst beating he has had in his life and see what the YouTuber thinks then.

“Floyd is a good businessman and one of the best fighters ever. He can’t be giving his full mindset to Jake Paul, a YouTuber.

“But, If I was in Mayweather’s position and someone came to my event and started playing up they’d be getting it, cameras or no cameras.

“My last opponent Scott Williams would take Jake Paul out of there in two rounds. He is an actual fighting man, fighting all his life and knows what it is like to take a crack.”

Fury returns home next week and doesn’t expect Paul to come anywhere near him even though they are a few miles apart in the Magic City.

He added: “Our paths haven’t crossed because the man is s**t scared. If you’re very intimidated by somebody you’re not going to cross their paths — you’re going to stay 100 miles plus away from them.

“He most probably knows my location, written on a piece of paper X, X, X and said to himself; ’Can’t go there. It’s out of bounds for the next two weeks.’”

Last weekend Tommy, Tyson and the WBC World Heavyweight champion’s son Prince were VIP guests of WWE boss Vince McMahon at ‘Wrestlemania Backlash.’

Tyson who had a WWE match in 2019, Tommy and Prince met with McMahon and wrestling legends such as Paul Heyman, Ric Flair and Sheamus.

Tommy has revealed that once he has achieved his boxing goals and won a world title, the WWE will be his future.

He explained: “Wrestling has always been the number one sport of mine. I have always loved it just like every kid does.

“When I met the guys I hoped they were thinking; ‘sign him up’, because after boxing I definitely want to give it a go.

“I am sat down thinking; ‘I’ve shook hands with Vince McMahon and all the wrestlers I watched as a kid.”

“The experience was one of my top three ever because I have always wanted to do that. Crazy feeling — 22-years-old or not I will never get over that.

“One million, trillion per-cent that is what I want to do. Don’t get me wrong it is fun, but big men get injured in there and it is no game. I’m super athletic and it is right up my alley.”

TO WATCH DEV SAHNI’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY FURY CLICK HERE

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2021) – Multiple World boxing champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano will headline iKON 7, presented by iKON Fighting Federation, the mixed-martial-arts division of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing, June 11th at Benito Juarez Auditorium in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

iKON 7 will be streamed live and exclusively April 2nd on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

Puerto Rico native Serrano, fighting out of Brooklyn, New York, is 1-0-1 in mixed-martial-arts competition. She will face pro-debuting Valentia Garcia, of Mexico, in the iKON 7 main event. One of the greatest female boxers of all-time, Serrano is a 10-time, 7-division World champion, who sports a remarkable 40-1-1(30 Kos) pro record.

“We are thrilled to have Amanda Serrano headlining our card,” iKON Fighting Federation president Keith Veltre said. “She is a great boxing champion, one of the all-time best, who is going to make waves in MMA. She can really fight! Her fight is also a continuation of the terrific Puerto Rico versus Mexico sports rivalry.”

In the co-featured event, Las Vegas fighter Johnny “The Paradox” Parsons (6-2-0, iKON: 2-0-0) faces Ricardo “Woody” Chavez (5-1-0), of Mexico, at a 175-pound catchweight.

Undefeated Tucson welterweight Pete “Dead Game” Rodriguez, a familiar iKON fighter, goes for his fourth straight victory without a loss – all in iKON competition – versus Mexican opponent Roberto “Pixley 2B” Pixley (5-1-0).

Scheduled to fight on the undercard is Yakima, Washington featherweight Jorge “The Natural” Alcala (4-1-0) vs. Sergio “The Animal” Cortez (3-2-0), Hong Kong female featherweight Ramona Pasqual (4-2-0) vs. pro-debuting Guadalupe Guzman, Miami by way of Egypt welterweight Manmoud Sebie vs. Enrique Hernandez in a battle of pro-debuting fighters, pro-debuting female flyweights Rosselyn Chavira, of Tucson (AZ) and Sofia Salacar, and Mexican featherweights Luis “Mano” Garcia (1-2, iKON: 1-1-0) vs. pro-debuting Angel Rivera.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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

QUINCY, Mass. (May 20, 2021) – “Breakout,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will feature two heavyweight title fights as part of another day-night doubleheader on June 26th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The night card is headlined by the 10-round main event for the vacant NABA United States Heavyweight Championship between ageless Steve “The Gentle Giant” Vukosa (13-1, 5 KOs) and Mike “Fly” Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs).

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).

The reigning New England Heavyweight Champion, Marshall won his belt last November at the same venue as his upcoming fight with Vukosa, when the Danbury, CT fighter took an 8-round unanimous decision from Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe.

Former N.E. heavyweight champion Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs), representing Fairfield, ME, will face his Mexican opponent, Jose Humbert “Olimpico” Corral (20-26, 12 KOs), in the 8-round, co-featured event for the vacant ABF Atlantic heavyweight title.

“I am excited to be coming back to Derry with another doubleheader, featuring open-class amateurs and local professionals,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “I try to grow and develop the Granite Chin brand every show. Bringing in an elite level amateur tournament is a great way to introduce local fans to the future of the sport and help me develop relationships with amateur boxers.”

Undefeated Holyoke, MA welterweight Denzel Whitley (4-0, 3 KOs) will be in his first scheduled 6-rounder versus Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), of Swansea, MA. Lawrence, MA junior lightweight Kevin Rodriguez (0-1) faces Ryan Venable (2-4) in a 4-round battle.

Also slated to be in action on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts against opponents to be determined, are Weymouth, MA welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (1-0), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), and Woburn, MA middleweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs).

A Pro-Am card will feature 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).:

The pro segment of the afternoon’s Pro-Am card will showcase 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. TBA, Springfield (MA) super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (0-0-1) vs. Andy Aiello (1-4-1), of Bridgewater, MA, New York cruiserweight Scott Lambert (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Yhago Goncalves (0-3), of Portsmouth (ME) by way of Brazil, and Springfield’s pro-debuting light heavyweight Laurent Humes vs.pro-debuting Philipe Martins, of Marlborough, MA..

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

The most anticipated fight so far in 2021 airs live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, this Saturday, May 22 when WBC/WBO champion José Ramírez (26-0, 17 KO) and IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor (17-0, 13 KO), clash in a winner-take-all battle of unbeatens for the undisputed junior welterweight world championship live from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Live coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. ET., with undercard action on ESPN+ (English and Spanish).  Main card coverage airs on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (English and Spanish) at 8 p.m. ET.

Fight week and fight night programming will feature ESPN’s boxing commentator team, including Joe Tessitore, two-division world champion and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, and future Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley. The on location desk team will feature Bernardo Osuna and Mark Kriegel. WBO female junior lightweight champion and 2016 U.S. Olympian, Mikaela Mayer, will join ESPN’s commentator team as guest analyst for the undercards.

Coverage across ESPN platforms begins Thursday, May 20 with a full lineup of Ramírez vs. Taylor preview content in primetime on ESPN. Complete fight week coverage includes:

• Ramírez vs. Taylor Official Press Conference (LIVE): Thur. at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+
• Max on Boxing: Ramírez vs. Taylor Preview Special (Thur. at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN): One-hour special hosted by Max Kellerman
• State of Boxing: Ramírez vs. Taylor Preview Special (LIVE): (Thur. at 9 p.m. on ESPN)
• Blood, Sweat and Tears: Ramírez vs. Taylor (Thur. at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN): the two-part, behind-the-scenes look at the fighters’ camps, also available on demand on the ESPN App;
• SportsCenter (Fri-Sat.): Tessitore hosts live segments from Las Vegas 
• Ramírez vs. Taylor Official Weigh-In (LIVE):Fri at 4 p.m. ET on the ESPN App and ESPN YouTube channel
• Top Rank Post Show: Ramírez vs. Taylor (LIVE): Immediately following Main Event on ESPN+ (approx. 10:30 p.m. ET)
• Mark Kriegel feature on Ramírez and Taylor 
• José Ramirez v Josh Taylor “The Good Ol’ Days” Essay by Mark Kriegel.

ESPN.com

• Ready to be undisputed: José Ramírez and Josh Taylor share their journey to boxing history
• Thursday: Expert Picks
• Friday: Mark Kriegel: Ramírez-Taylor is the antidote for the current state of boxing, Ringside Seat

ESPNDeportes.com will feature pre-and post-fight content, videos, daily reports, stats, and real-time fight score and analysis.

Top Rank on ESPN Ramírez vs. Taylor (All Times ET)

*Immediately follows conclusion of Main Card

Claressa Shields, a new four-part, all-access series, premiering exclusively on ESPN+ in June, will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at Shields’ quest to become the greatest two-sport athlete of all time, simultaneously maintaining her dominance in boxing while making her debut in mixed martial arts. A two-time boxing Olympic Gold Medalist and the first professional boxer – male or female – to win undisputed world titles in two separate weight divisions in the four-belt era, Shields has now set her sights on an MMA championship as part of her ambitious goal to be recognized as the undisputed, greatest woman in combat sports.

From Shields’ humble beginnings as a young girl who discovered boxing in a tough Flint, Michigan neighborhood, to winning Olympic Gold in London and Rio, to establishing herself as the No. 1 pound-for-pound female boxing champion, Claressa Shields tells her unique and inspiring story as she continues to rise.

The first episode of the series, premiering Thursday, June 3, captures Shields as she prepares to make her MMA debut with the Professional Fighters League in a lightweight bout versus Brittney Elkin at PFL 4 on Thursday, June 10, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. PFL 4 will be live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET and on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET.

Since announcing her decision to pursue an MMA title, Shields has been training at the famed Jackson Wink MMA Academy, where former UFC champions Holly Holm and Jon Jones (the UFC’s No. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter) train with Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn.

“Claressa has accomplished so much as an athlete already and her life story is both authentic and compelling,” said Brian Lockhart, senior vice president, original content and ESPN Films. “We know she’s just getting started, and this new series is a chance for all of us to join Claressa on her journey and to see up close what drives the ambition of a world champion who is reaching for all-time greatness.”

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).

JACK CATTERALL is on a Las Vegas spying mission as he plots to become World Super-Lightweight champion.

Edinburgh’s IBF and WBA World champion Josh Taylor meets WBC and WBO title holder Jose Ramirez on Saturday and Catterall will be front row making sure the winner doesn’t duck out.

The winner has vowed to face WBO mandatory contender Catterall next after the Chorley man agreed to step aside and allow all four belts to be at stake in boxing’s capital.

Catterall, who boasts a pristine 100% record with 26 wins, no losses and no draws, said “I’m excited to be here for fight week.

“It is a massive fight, hopefully it is a good fight and I can let everyone know I’m serious about fighting the winner.

“I will do some training, sparring and ultimately watch the fight. After the weekend we will have a clear direction of where we’re going.

“I stepped aside on the promise that I will get the winner and I am under no illusion because anything can happen, but ultimately I have allowed them to create this big undisputed title fight.

“I have beaten everyone in front of me, done everything asked of me on my side.”

Catterall, 27, believes that a Taylor win will set-up a huge England v Scotland battle, but has doubts about Ramirez keeping his word if he triumphs.

“I hope Josh wins and hope he is a man of his word” added Catterall, who will spend two weeks in Las Vegas training.

“It’s been talked about Taylor having a homecoming fight at Edinburgh Castle and I am bang up for the challenge.

“I could be wrong and I hope I am wrong, but I don’t think Ramirez will give me an opportunity. I think he probably has other plans.

“Taylor has publicly thanked me for stepping aside and allowing this big fight to happen. Hopefully he can get the job done and we can get it on.

“I have been very patient and it’s been a long time coming, but I will be getting my crack.

“I’ve said it from the start, I think Taylor wins.

“Ramirez has improved, but is one dimensional. He has a big heart, will come forward but he is up against a southpaw mover who can get stuck in. He will face problems.

“Every meaningful fight I’ve had has been on the road. Tyrone McKenna I went to Belfast, Tom Stalker we were in Liverpool and Tyrone Nurse in Leeds.

“I don’t mind travelling and Edinburgh for a scrap would be brilliant. I have already planned English drummers to walk me out.”

ATLANTA (May 19, 2021) – Four-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis will take on a career-defining challenge as he sets his sights on capturing a title in a third weight class when he faces undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a SHOWTIME PPV main event Saturday, June 26 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view undercard will feature a battle of two top 154-pound contenders as Erickson “Hammer” Lubin faces former unified champion Jeison Rosario in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Former unified super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams returns to the ring for the first time in 18 months to take on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown and hard-hitting Olympian Batyr Akhmedov steps in against former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 12-round WBA Super Lightweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event at State Farm Arena, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. ET, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The Akhmedov vs. Mendez fight is promoted in association with World of Boxing.

One of boxing’s biggest stars at just 26-years-old, Davis moves up to 140-pounds for the first time in his career as he aims to add super lightweight champion to his stellar resume. Davis has already captured titles at 130 and 135-pounds. With a victory, Davis will hold world championships in three different divisions simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a few fighters in history, including Henry Armstrong and Canelo Alvarez. Standing in his way is the undefeated 25-year-old Barrios, who owns a 9-0 record with eight knockouts during his 140-pound reign while holding a six-inch height advantage over Davis.

“Gervonta Davis is looking to become a three-division world champion, and has a big undertaking in front of him in challenging Barrios for his WBA title at 140-pounds,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Barrios is a warrior, and this is going to be Davis’ toughest fight to date. Atlanta, be ready for a show on June 26!”

Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel knockout in his last fight, producing another sensational and memorable performance that has made him a popular draw throughout the country. Davis stopped four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz with one powerful uppercut in that October 2020 fight and put Santa Cruz down and out for the first time in his illustrious career. Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Davis will make his second headline appearance on pay-per-view as he has asserted himself as a must-see headline attraction in his first pay-per-view

Davis first burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME® in January 2017. At the time, he became the youngest world champion in boxing at age 22. The Baltimore-native also owns knockout performances in world title fights over Jesus Cuellar in 2018 and Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019. The 2019 triumph over Gamboa came at a sold out State Farm Arena, during a year that also saw him fill venues in his hometown of Baltimore and Southern California.

“I’m excited to make history on June 26 in Atlanta and become a three-division world champion,” said Davis. “Atlanta welcomed me with open arms for my fight against Gamboa and I couldn’t wait to come back and headline a spectacular SHOWTIME PPV card. Mario Barrios is an undefeated champion, but he hasn’t ever faced anyone like me before. Moving up to 140-pounds is a big challenge but I’ve been working hard in camp and I’ll be ready. Thank you to my whole team for making this historic boxing event possible. Make sure you get your tickets early because this fight is definitely selling out! Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you!”

Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs) captured his 140-pound championship in September 2019, scoring two knockdowns and fighting through a cut to win a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov. The San Antonio-native trains in Oakland, Calif., under the guidance of renowned coach Virgil Hunter. In his most recent outing, Barrios knocked out Ryan Karl in the sixth-round of their clash on the pay-per-view undercard of Davis vs. Santa Cruz.

Standing nearly six-feet tall, Barrios debuted as a pro at super bantamweight in 2013 and had success moving up the rankings in the super featherweight division. His first 140-pound bout came in 2017 and saw him increase his power from his previous performances. At super lightweight, Barrios has scored knockouts in every fight except the title-winning performance against Akhmedov, where his power was still on display with a pair of knockdowns.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME PPV is a dream come true and an opportunity that I’m going to take full advantage of,” said Barrios. “Gervonta Davis is a pound-for-pound champion and it’s going to be an honor sharing the ring with him. This fight is my shining moment and the pinnacle of the boxing world, on the biggest stage possible. Boxing fans around the globe will be watching this fight and I’m coming to shock the world. To all my Mexican fans, I’m going to bring this historic victory home for La Raza.”

The 25-year-old Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) has put together an impressive five-bout winning streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. In his most recent outing, he defeated U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha by unanimous decision in September of last year. Prior to the victory over Gausha, he became the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith, in addition to a dominating victory over Nathaniel Gallimore in October 2019. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest toward another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013, eventually being named “Prospect Of The Year” by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m so ready for this fight and we’ve been working hard in preparation for Rosario,” said Lubin. “This fight is another step closer to getting that world title shot. Coach Cunningham and I have a great game plan in place. We know this is going to be a tough fight and the fans are going to see a much-improved version of myself. I’ve taken my training to the next level during this training camp. Rosario is a former world champion who I know is going to bring his best, which is going to make for a great night of boxing. This card is stacked, but I’m going to steal the show with an incredible performance. I will not be denied, I’m coming out on top. It’s Hammer Time!”

Rosario (20-2-1, 14 KOs) will look to climb back into world title contention after losing his 154-pound belts to Jermell Charlo in their September 2020 clash. The 26-year-old captured the WBA and IBF belts by stopping Julian Williams in one of 2020’s biggest upsets. Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario rode an eight-fight unbeaten streak into the showdown with Williams, including victories over 154-pound contenders Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach, Jorge Cota and Marcos Hernandez. Coming into the Charlo matchup, Rosario had established his power by earning a stoppage victory or scoring a knockdown in seven of his previous nine contests.

“I make no excuses for losing the fight to Charlo, but that was then, and this is now,” said Rosario. “I have turned to a new page in my career with my new trainer Herman Caicedo. I will not lose again, especially in this fight against Lubin. He’s a great contender, and I respect his abilities, but I will knock him out on June 26.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. The 31-year-old dropped the titles in his first defense, losing to Jeison Rosario in January 2020. Williams had been riding a five-fight winning streak going into the Rosario matchup, in which he added victories over former champion Ishe Smith and hard-hitting contender Nathaniel Gallimore to his ledger.

“This has been the longest layoff of my career, so I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “Mendoza is a decent fighter. I’ve even been in the gym with him and he’s a good guy. But on June 26, it’s going to be all business. I just need to come out on top. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before. I know he’ll be ready because this is like the Super Bowl for him. So I know he’ll be ready, but I’ll be ready too. If I’m able to get the win, then it’s on to bigger and better opportunities. But I’m definitely not looking past Brian because I know how seriously he’s taking this fight.”

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.

“This fight against Julian Williams is just the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Mendoza. “I’m planning to take full advantage of the opportunity. Julian Williams is a great fighter, but after June 26, the whole world is going to know that I belong at this level.”

Born in Uzbekistan and now fighting out of Los Angeles, Akhmedov (8-1, 7 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympic games. The 30-year-old turned pro in 2017 and won his first seven pro fights, with six coming by knockout. His lone blemish came in an action-packed title fight against Mario Barrios in September 2019, where he was able to survive two knockdowns to make it a close fight, before eventually losing by decision. Most recently, Akhmedov blasted out Ray Perez in the first round of their September 2020 clash.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring for a big fight on June 26,” said Akhmedov. “I’ve been training hard to get another shot at the title. I know that if I make a big statement and defeat a former world champion in Mendez, I expect my next fight will be for the title. I’m always in exciting fights that fans love, and this matchup is going to be no different.”

A former super featherweight champion, Mendez (25-6-3, 12 KOs) has a reputation for providing stiff challenges to the sport’s best and has proven to be a durable contender at 140-pounds, including his most recent outing that saw him drop a split-decision to Richardson Hitchins last December. In 2019, Mendez fought to back-to-back draws against super lightweight contenders Anthony Peterson and Juan Heraldez. Born in San Juan de La Maguana, Dominican Republic, Mendez now fights out of Yonkers, N.Y. and owns victories over Eddie Ramirez, Ivan Redkach and former titlist Miguel Vazquez. He has also gone toe-to-toe with former champions Rances Barthelemy and Robert Easter Jr.

“I am ready for anything Akhmedov brings and then a world title fight after,” said Mendez. “I believe that I beat Hitchins in my last fight, even though I was coming off a long layoff. I’m in great shape right now. Akhmedov is a hard puncher, but the fans are going to see me shine against him. There is a lot left in my tank and that will be obvious to everyone on June 26.”

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LAS VEGAS (May 19, 2021) – Only five boxers have started their professional careers with a 50-fight win streak and the contemporary leader, 41-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is on a mission to join the exclusive club, continuing July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, was the first Mexican-born super middleweight World champion, and he is currently the No. 3 rated light heavyweight in the world, by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO).

Although he won’t turn 30 until June 19, Ramirez has been fighting professionally for nearly 12 years, and one of his goals is to become a World champion in two different weight classes. Another is joining his idol and fellow Mexican, Julio Cesar Chavez in the 50-0 Club, in which he is No. 1 having amazingly won his first 87 pro fights. The first blemish on his pro record was a 12-round majority draw with the great Pernell Whitaker in 1993 in their WBC World welterweight title fight.

BOXING’S 50-0 CLUB

1. Julio “J.C. Cesar Chavez 87 (13 KOs) 1980-1993 Mexico
2. Willie “Wil ‘o The Wisp” Pep 62 (23 KOs) 1940-1943 USA
3. Wanheng Menayothin 54 (18 KOs) 2009-2019 Thailand
4. Carlos “Canas” Zarate 52 (51 KOs) 1970-1978 Mexico
5. Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. 50 (27 KOs) 1996-2017 USA

“Getting to 50-0 is very important, but I’m more interested in being able to fight the fights the fans want,” Ramirez said. “I’ve never turned down a fight and have made it clear to all the fighters I want. I look across the division and none of these fighters are on my level”

Chavez moved ahead of featherweight icon Will Pep at 62, No. 2 on the contemporary list, compiled in less than three years dating back to the 1940’s. Pep lost for the first time as a pro to Sammy Angott by 10-round decision in 1943.

Thailand mini-flyweight Wanheng Menayothin, originally a Muay Thai fighter, had his streak snapped last November at 54 by Panya Pradabsri.

Another Mexican boxer is in the 50-0 Club, No. 4 Carlos Zarate, who reached 52 straight victories off his pro debut, 51 by knockout, in the 1970’s. Zarate was stopped in his 53rd fight by Puerto Rican star Wilfredo Gomez in the fifth round of their 1978 WBC super bantamweight World championship match.

The only member of the exclusive 50-0 Club to retire undefeated is Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. in fifth place with 50.

The four inactive boxers in the club – Chavez, Pep, Zarate, and Mayweather – are inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Rocky Marciano and Brian Nielson (49), Larry Holmes (48), Ricardo Lopez (47), Joe Calzaghe (46-0) and Jim Barry (45) all came close to 50-0 memberships. Lopez (51-0-1) fought a draw in his 48th pro fight with Rosendo Alvarez.

Ramirez is closing in on boxing history as he fights for his legacy. Five years after he retires, “Zurdo” should rightfully join the four Hall of Famers who are presently ahead of him on the 50-Club list.

INFORMATION:

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

PITTSBURGH (May 19, 2021) – Pittsburgh super featherweight Matt “Sweet Child” Conway will headline the June 4tth “Battle of the Fairgrounds” card, presented by Gionta Management, at Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, Pennsylvania.

This will be the second installment of “Battle of the Fairgrounds” for Gionta Management having launched the series this past February 6th.

The 25-year-old Conway (18-2, 7 KOs) faces Colombian knockout artist Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (38-26, 30 KOs), the former Colombian Super Bantamweight Champion, in the 8-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Intercontinental Super Featherweight Championship.

Conway, who has never been stopped as a professional, is coming off a win by way of a 6-round unanimous decision this past February against Vincent Jennings. Perez has become a gatekeeper for the super featherweight division having fought some of the leading prospects during the past few years.

“We are excited to bring professional boxing back to the Washington County Fairgrounds,” promoter Derek Gionta said. “This will be our second show there since February. We were under tight restriction (due to COVID-19) at our first show and everybody there were great to work with. As of May 31st, we are allowed 100-percent capacity at the venue and no social distancing measures are required. This will be great for the fights and fans.

“We are featuring Matt Conway, who has been in some tough fights recently on ESPN+ in Reno and Las Vegas on Top Rank-shows. He won a decision over Vincent Jennings in February and will take another step up in competition to prepare for another opportunity on a bigger stage. Our undercard has a number of exciting local and former amateur standouts who will be exciting to watch.”

In the 6-round co-featured event, unbeaten Pittsburgh super middleweight “Pretty” Richie Cantolina (6-0-1, 2 KOs) takes on Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (4-9-2, 2 KOs), fighting out of Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Puerto Rican super middleweight prospect Joel De La Paz (10-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of Atlantic City, faces Bronx challenger Troy Artis (5-9-1, 3 KOs) in a 6-round bout. De La Paz has won his last three fights since suffering his only pro loss to 8-1 Naim Terbunja in 2018.

Hyped Louisville welterweight prospect Demontaze Duncan (2-0, 2 KOs), the No. 1 ranked United States amateur in the Youth middleweight division last year, meets Andres Borrego (0-1), of Colorado, in a 4-rounder. Duncan is only 18 years old.

Local boxer Deon Goodlow (1-3) and Ivan “The Hurricane” Hernandez (2-4-1, 2 KOs), of Buffalo, square off in a 4-round fight at a 152-pound catchweight, while Buffalo lightweight Gerffred Ngayot (2-0, 1 KO) squares off against Robert Bevilacqua (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 4-rounder.

Ohio super featherweight Ryizeemmion Ford (4-1) is scheduled to fight on the undercard 6-round match against an opponent to be determined.

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