INDIO, CALIF. (April 27, 2021) – Former world champion and welterweight contender Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. shared details of his training camp and previewed his upcoming showdown against Abel Ramos, which serves as the co-main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event this Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Figueroa (30-1-1, 19 KOs) says that he feels as good as he has in a decade during this camp, which he spent in Indio, California with trainer Joel Diaz.

“It’s feeling healthy, above all, that’s really making a difference,” said Figueroa. “This was the first time we have prepared like we should in 10 years. Complete, from start to finish. I haven’t felt this good or fought this well in a decade. Now I’m excited to see how everything will come together on May 1”.

The 31-year-old veteran also had the chance to make a dream of his come true, training with younger brother and current super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa, who is seven years younger than him and getting ready for his own upcoming fight.

“That’s what I had always asked for,” said Figueroa. “I wanted to train alongside and fight against my brother, and that is exactly what happened. Whenever he saw I was getting complacent, he would raise his game and that would motivate me to reach his level, and the same thing happened with him if I got better. It couldn’t have gone better.”

Figueroa’s focus has remained on the daily grind under the tutelage of Diaz and alongside his brother, and isn’t particularly concerned with what Ramos might be doing at the moment.

“I hear Abel talk and I do expect a good fight out of him,” said Figueroa. “Nothing more, nothing less. I am focused only on what I can do, because I love to fight. Simple as that.”

Figueroa won the WBC Lightweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Nihito Arakawa in a 2013 “Fight of the Year” and successfully defended the title two times before moving up to super lightweight in 2015. In his last fight in 2019, he fought Yordenis Ugas, who is currently the WBA Welterweight World Champion, losing a unanimous decision. When he returns to the ring Saturday, he looks forward to showcasing his improvement on a special fight weekend.

“Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate for Mexican people everywhere, and I want them to enjoy a great Mexican showcase,” said Figueroa. “My only focus is on Saturday night. I don’t concern myself with what the future may hold. My only focus is on doing my job well against Ramos and showing everyone that the fun is only about to start”.

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ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

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

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Promoters Sampson Boxing and Tello Box are pleased to announce the signing of a co-promotional agreement with undefeated Argentinean super lightweight prospect Hugo “El Nato” Roldan.

In his four-year career, the 27-year-old Roldan (20-0-1, 7 KOs), has already beaten current South American middleweight champion Lucas Bastida (TKO 3); former Argentinean super lightweight champion Damián Yapur (UD 10); former South American lightweight champion Sergio Gil (KO 1); former Argentine welterweight champion, Chaco Victor Hugo Velázquez (UD 10) and WBC Latino Super Lightweight Champion Emiliano “Cobrita” Domínguez twice (both UD 10).

“My ambition is to reach the top of boxing, said an excited Roldan about the signing, “and with my new team, Sampson and Tello, we can achieve it together. I’ve always worked hard in the gym, but now, with this added motivation, I will do even more.”

A clever boxer who moves in and out of range using his exceptional foot speed, Roldan and his trainer/brother Lorenzo will soon be relocating to Coachella, California, to work with rising trainer Freddy Fundora at his gym.

“We knew about Hugo Roldan’s career, but we hadn’t seen him in action,” said Carlos Tello of Tello Box. “It was very impressive what he and his team accomplished with almost no support. Then we learned that he was looking for a promoter to get him off the ground and that is how he came to us. Hugo has the talent and discipline to become a star in boxing.”

Lewkowicz, boxing’s premier talent scout and promoter of several world champions, says he’s looking to do with Roldan what he did not long ago with a certain Argentinean middleweight named Sergio Martinez.

“I’m very happy to be adding this undefeated prospect to my roster,” said Lewkowicz. “I’m going to work hard to be able to give Argentina another world title, like I did with Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martínez. I think Hugo has the talent to do it.”

Roldan’s manager Raúl Camacho says the co-promotional agreement is a big step in his fighter’s development. “We have previously always worked alone,” he said, “signing with Sampson Boxing and Tello is the beginning of something very big. We know of all the contacts that Sampson has in the boxing world and that he always keeps his word. He is a good man and the whole team is convinced that he will take Hugo far.”

Lewkowicz says he’s working on securing Roldan a US work visa and will be announcing Roldan’s first fight under the new promotional banners very soon.
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 27, 2021)–On Saturday night, May 8th, undefeated featherweight prospect Rashiem Jefferson Jr. takes a step up in competition when he takes on upset-specialist Diuhl Olguin in a six-round bout that will headline a big night of boxing at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Jefferson, still just 19 years-old, has been a professional for one year, and defeated undefeated Nathan Benichou in pro debut on March 7, 2020.

Jefferson is 5-0 with one knockout and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Darel Harris on March 6th in Feasterville, Pa.

Olguin of Guadalajara, Mexico has a record of 15-16-4 with 10 knockouts.

The 32 year-old is in his 13th year of a professional career, and has upset wins over Horacio Garcia (32-2-1), Kevin Rivers Jr. (14-1) and his last bout when he stopped top-rated prospect David Navarro in six-rounds on March 10th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

In a co-feature bout, Edgar Cortes of Millvillle, New Jersey takes on undefeated Alexander Castellano in a bantamweight fight.

Cortes is 7-6-1 with one knockout. The 26 year-old is an eight-year professional, and is coming off his 1st stoppage win as he got Michael Stoute out of there in five rounds on March 6th in Feasterville, Pa.

Castellano of Tornawanda, New York is 4-0 with two knockouts.

The 28 year-old is a two year professional and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Raymond Locker on February 20th in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

In six-round bouts:

Donald Smith (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jonathan Lecona Ramos (18-20-5, 6 KOs) of Mexico City in a featherweight bout.

Shinard Bunch (14-1, 12 KOs) of Trenton, NJ takes on Diego Vicente Perez (13-12-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a junior welterweight bout.

Mark Dawson (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Rodrigo Solis (4-6-1, 2 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico in a welterweight bout.

Also seeing action in a six-round bout will be undefeated featherweight Rasheen Brown (7-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia against Nestor Robiedo (7-11-2) of Georgetown, Texas.

In four-round bouts:

Christian Bermudez (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY takes on pro debuting Jerrell Murray of Davenport, Iowa in a junior welterweight contest.

Welterweight Isaiah Johnson (1-0,, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, NJ; Welterweight Tahmir Smalls (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, super lightweight Raekwon Butler (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York and light heavyweight David Stevens (4-0, 3 KOs) of Reading, Pa. will see action against opponents to be named.

Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $150 and $250 and can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com

1st Bell is at 7 PM

All Covid-19 Protocols will be followed, and masks must be worn at all times.

Los Angeles, April 26, 2021 – Triller Fight Club today announced that it has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court of Central California with regard to widespread piracy that impacted their April 17 Triller Fight Club Pay Per View event that was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The lawsuit seeks $100 million in damages from the groups named.

“It’s shocking to think a theft so grand can be done so blatantly and brazenly and with no remorse. There is zero difference between what they did and walking into a market stealing tons of a product and selling it at a discount in the parking lot. It’s neither civilly nor criminally any different, and we are prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law. There were more than two million illegal streams, akin to hundreds of millions of dollars. Sites, mostly using Google’s YouTube, such as FILMDAILY.COM, ACCESSTVPRO.CO, enONLINE2LIVESTREAM.US, CRACKSTREAMSLIVE.COM, SPORTS-TODAY.CLUB, MY-SPORTS.CLUB, BILASPORT.COM, TRENDY CLIPS, MIKE, YOUR EXTRA, ECLIPT GAMING, ITSLILBRANDON, and others are causing significant damage not just to Triller Fight Club but content creators overall. People put a lot of hard work, time and money into creating a product for the consumer, and having it stolen and resold is terribly damaging. The good news is they are not protected by VPN masking or other firewalls as their activities are criminal and grand theft, so we will ultimately find them and prevail not just for us but for content creators in general.”

–Ryan Kavanaugh, co-controlling shareholder, Triller
 

Philadelphia (April 26, 2021) – The Abrams Boxing Show podcast is pleased to announce a content partnership with sports handicapping industry power, “Follow The Action®.”

The show, which has been a popular show for interviewing fighters and boxing personalities will turn into more a structured show, and will be available on up to 20 social media platforms with at least eight of those platforms streaming the show live.

Special on-site Fight week and Post Fight shows will also be streamed live.

Marc Abrams will continue his live interview series for which he has done close to 500 live interviews since last May.

“Follow The Action” is a Sports Handicapping syndicate that is headed up by handicapping legend, The Philly Godfather and WWE Hall of Famer John Layfield.

The show plans to break down fights, give predictions, go over the news of the day and have the biggest guests in the world of boxing.

Marc Abrams is a 19-year boxing industry insider who owns the popular website 15rounds.com. Abrams is also one of the top public relations people in boxing. Marc has also been one of the premier boxing Play-By-Play broadcasters, who has broadcasted over 530 shows worldwide including many world title bouts. In 2020 Abrams was picked to be inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (will be inducted in 2021). Marc is set to receive the courage award by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

“With the addition of Follow The Action to my distribution, I expect this show to be one of, if not the highest viewed and listened to shows in the sport. The Philly Godfather is one of the top handicappers in the world as well as a real estate mogul. His numbers are off the charts when it comes to handicapping sports. He has been featured on many radio and television shows all over the country such as Fox Business, so that shows the credibility of what he does. John Layfield’s name speaks for itself. He is a Hall of Famer, a true Heavyweight in the business world and I am honored to be able to make this deal with them,” said Marc Abrams.

“We are also in development for more live sports podcasts that will focus on all sports. We have some cool ideas centered around this week’s NFL Draft that we have been working on.”

Exact links of where the live shows can be seen.

https://www.youtube.com/user/15rounds1

https://www.facebook.com/marc.abrams2/

https://www.facebook.com/abramsboxing

https://www.facebook.com/15roundscom-388438861186233

https://www.twitch.tv/marcabramsboxing

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmjQjaup5q7rIbT0phwKuKg

It didn’t take long for Moe Zawadi to announce his presence in the professional ranks.

The four-time Canadian national amateur champion made his pro debut on Saturday night in Vancouver, B.C., scoring a first-round TKO victory over Olivier Tshitumba.

Zawadi, who is signed to Lee Baxter Promotions, took the opportunity to fight on one of the few cards to take place in Canada in 2021, this one presented by Three Lions Promotions in conjunction with Baxter. In accordance with provincial legislation, there were no fans in attendance, as has been commonplace in boxing over the last year.

“It felt amazing, even though there were no fans in the place, it felt amazing knowing that so many people were back home watching on TV, so the electricity was still there,” said Zawadi. “I had my promoter and my coach there, so I knew what I had to do. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’ll always remember my pro debut.”

The 19-year old, who won 13 of the 14 amateur boxing tournaments he entered, now enters a middleweight division long regarded as one of the glamour divisions in the sport. But Zawadi doesn’t necessarily see reaching the top of the division as a particularly long-term proposition. Emboldened by the recent trend of amateur standouts fast-tracking towards contention, Zawadi hopes he can follow in those footsteps and find himself in meaningful televised bouts sooner rather than later.

“I just think I sent a message to everyone in the middleweight division that there’s a 19-year old coming to take everyone’s head off,” said Zawadi. “We can’t take fights to just have a padded record. We go in there, we do our thing and we come out victorious. I want those big fights, I want people to think I’m going to lose, I want to be the underdog and prove everybody wrong.”

According to Baxter, the plan is to keep Zawadi as busy as possible considering the restrictions in play across most of Canada. Baxter has been able to secure high profile fights for other members of his stable, such as Samuel Vargas, overseas, and that could be an option for Zawadi as well.

“We have a star on our hands, and we don’t want to let him fade for even a second,” said Baxter. “Moe is the kind of talent that of course you want to nurture, but at the same time, you don’t have to hesitate when you’re trying to match him. He’s a special fighter, and I’m confident that he’s ready for any challenge I could put in front of him at this point in his career.”

Zawadi, who resides in Barrie, ON, is massively popular in his hometown and would frequently sell out amateur events he headlined at home. In particular, he has the backing of IUOE Local 793. A proud union family, his father Mark, brothers Sheher, Abdul and Mohamed, and nephew Alexander, are all among the 16,000+ members of the union, which sponsored many of his amateur outings as well.

PHILADELPHIA (April 23, 2021)–Jeter Promotions made it’s Philadelphia debut with two exciting shows at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The shows were contested in front of two very enthusiastic and sold out crowds

In the main event of the evening session, Daniel Gonzalez won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Evencii Dixon in a welterweight fight.

Gonzalez of Woodhaven, New York controlled the action and won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice to raise his mark to 20-2-1

Brandon Chambers remained undefeated as he stopped Jonathan Gray in round three of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Chambers landed a perfect straight right to the head that put down Gray. Gray got uo, but was in no condition to continue at 1:20.

Chambers, 125.6 lbs of Baltimore is 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Gray, 125.5 lbs of Waldorf, MD is 0-2.

Colby Madison stopped Antwaun Tubbs in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Madison dropped Tubbs with a a right hand in the corner and the fight was stopped at

Madison, 235.3 lbs of Owings Mills, Maryland is now 9-2-2 with six knockouts. Tubbs, 231.2 lbs of Cincinnati is 5-15.,

Josh Clark won a four-round unanimous decision over Evan Harker in a fight featuring pro debuting lightweight.

Clark, 138.1 lbs of Minnesota won by scores of 39-36 on all cards, and is now 1-0. Harker, of Baltimore via Canada is 0-1.

In a battle of pro debuting super bantamweights, Jaqeem Henderson won a four-round unanimous decision over Jeffrey Williams.

Henderson, 121.6 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD won by scores 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Williams, 118.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1.

Ray Cuadrado needed just 45 seconds to dispose of Alexis Chavarria in a lightweight bout.

Cuadrado landed a vicious left hook that sent Chavarria to the deck. Cuadrado finished the fight by scoring another knockdown.

Cuadrado, 132.4 lbs of New York is 1-0 with one knockout. Chavarria of Houston is 1-2.

Christopher Brooker stopped Damion Damion Hill in round two of their scheduled six-round super middleweight contest.

In round two, Brooker dropped Hill with a barrage of punches in the corner. The fight did not last long after that as Brokker landed a series of left hooks to the body that sent Hill down again and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Brooker, 168.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 15-7 with six knockouts. Hill, 164 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-14.

Matinee Show

Victor Williams needed just 50 seconds in his pro debut to destroy Leonidias Flowers in a junior middleweight bout that capped off the matinee portion of a day-night double header at the 2300 Arena.

Willaims dropped Fowlkes with a big overhand right that sent Flowers to the canvas. Williams jumped on Flowers and the bout was stopped just 50 seconds into the contest.

Williams, who was a Wide Receiver at Dartmouth is 1-0. Flowers of Maryland is 2-2.

Dewayne Williams stopped Stephon Morris in the 2nd round of their middleweight bout.

In round two, Williams dropped Morris with a left hook. Willams hurt Morris again on the ropes, who took an eight count. Williams ended the fight by dropping Morris with a big hand and the fight was stopped at

Williams, 160.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-3 with three knockouts, Morris, 158.1 lbs of Baltimore is 4-2.

Mike Lee stopped Roy McGill in round three of a scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

The time was 2:26 for Lee, 142.6 lbs of Orange, NJ who is now 8-1 with six knockouts. McGill, 139.4 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 6-4.

Jahvel Joseph remained undefeated and won a four-round unanimous decision over Carl Murphy in a super middleweight bout.

Joseph, 165.5 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 4-0. Murphy, 174.5 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 2-3.

Steve Moore won a four-round unanimous decision over Phillip Davis in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Moore scored a knockdown with a hard right hand.

In round three, Moore sent Davis down with a right hand. Those two knockdowns were the difference as Moore, 143.4 lbs of New Jersey won by scores of 38-36 twice and 38-37 to raise his record to 6-8. Davis, 142.3 lbs of Massachusetts is 0-3.

John Leonardo destroyed Willie Anderson with the 1st punch and scored a knockout just seconds into their featherweight bout.

Leonardo landed a booming right that sent Anderson to the deck and the fight was stopped at 14 seconds.

Leonardo, 126.1 lbs of Englishtown, New Jersey is 1-0-1 with one knockout. Anderson, 123.3 lbs of Paulsboro, NJ is 0-5.

Nick Vitone and Matt Gaver fought to a four-round majority draw in a welterweight contest.

Vitone won a card 39-37. that was overruled by two cards that were 38-38.

Vitone, 143.8 lbs of New Jersey is 4-0-1. Gaver of California is 1-5-2.

Jeter Promotions is comprised of Tony Jeter, Christen Jeter and matchmaker Nick Tiberi

Photos by Daniel Cork

SUNNY EDWARDS HAS vowed to make sure 2021 is another big year for the underdogs by following in the 2020 footsteps of Teofimo Lopez, Dillian Whyte and Jeison Rosario by shocking the boxing world when he takes on IBF Flyweight World Champion Moruti Mthalane.

Last year saw the bookies – along with a good few pundits – rocked by a series of high profile fistic upsets, and 2021 has started in a similar fashion with Mauricio Lara and Lennox Clarke recording stunning victories over higher ranked opponents.

Upsetting the odds is what Edwards will need to do if he wants to take possession of the IBF belt held by the battle-hardened champion on April 30, live on BT Sport.

This particular betting underdog is a dedicated lover of our canine friends and will need to summon up the bulldog spirit of his beloved hounds against the 39-2 ruler of the division, with 26 KOs to his name.

Edwards is the proud owner of two American Bullys – Duchess and Kilo – who he insists are not quite as fierce as they look. He knows it is up to him to prove once more that underdogs can snap and bite with the best of the pedigree champions.

“I am pretty happy to be considered the underdog,” confirmed the 25-year-old. “They have been on a great run recently and especially since boxing went behind closed doors.

“It is a trend I am confident of continuing and when I get the belt it will be in safe keeping with Kilo and Duchess protecting the crown jewels! I might have to ask the IBF about sanctioning some world champion dog collars if it all goes my way.

“And I know my dogs look quite mean, but they are big teddy bears!”

Edwards goes into battle admitting that he might be minus the supposed menaces of his four-legged family and will need to assess what he is up against in the opening couple of rounds.

“I think I will have to move around and have a look for the whole 12 rounds, to be honest. You don’t go head on against an immovable object, I’ve got to try and work around it for as long as I can.

“This is definitely a 12-round fight and I have trained for 15. All I know is, I wouldn’t try and beat him in an arm wrestle, so I am not going to try and beat him in a fight!”

Edwards is both familiar and friendly with the 38-year-old, known as ‘Babyface’, since spending time together over in Ukraine at a training camp.

“It is a friendly one since we were together in Ukraine and we have got each other on social media, so it has always been a ‘good luck’ or ‘well done’ before and after fights. He is top of the division, top of the tree and he is where everybody else wants to be.

“He is heavily avoided, we know that. I think he’s had like 10 world title fights and nobody has ever given him a unification shot. He has proved time and time again he will be the away fighter, even as a world champion.

“I think you have to understand the beast I am getting in the ring with, to be honest. I do.

“When I got out of the ring in Ukraine he said I would 100 per cent be a world champion, when I asked him for a picture. Hopefully that 100 per cent will be on April 30 and against him, but he is such a nice man and a great champion.

“I do genuinely feel honoured to be sharing a ring with him, but all the friendliness will fall by the wayside when that first bell goes. I just need to win and having that world title would mean the absolute world to me and it would put me up there with the top British fighters right now.”

Craig Richards says all of the pressure is on Dmitry Bivol ahead of their clash for the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title this Saturday May 1 at the AO Arena, Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) delivered a Fight of the Year contender last time out in December against fierce rival Shakan Pitters as he stopped the Birmingham man in nine rounds to capture the British Light-Heavyweight crown.

Ranked at number 5 in the world with the WBA and number 7 with the IBF, ‘Spider’ earned his shot at world honours by remaining undefeated since his sole career loss against former World Title challenger Frank Buglioni in October 2017.

The Crystal Palace fighter, 30, comes into this weekend’s showdown with Russia’s long-reigning champion Bivol as a huge underdog and is all too aware of the huge task at hand, but feels he brings something to the table that none of Bivol’s previous 17 opponents possessed. 

“You come into boxing to become a World Champion – that’s always the goal,” said Richards. “I couldn’t be any happier that I have the opportunity to do that on Saturday. I’ve been fortunate to have these opportunities to push my career forwards. Getting the WBA Continental, getting myself in the world rankings. I’ve been in the top 10 with the WBA for two years now. I’m ranked a number 5 with the WBA and I’m in the top ten with the IBF as well. 

“I’ve boxed on a lot of big stages already. I’ve boxed unbeaten fighters, I’ve had pressure fights, 50-50 fights and underdog fights. I’ve really been under pressure in my career constantly. All of those experiences have pushed me and got me prepared for this moment. I believe that every step gets your prepared for the next one. I’ve taken the right steps. Now it’s another step. I’m the underdog again. I’ve had to do things the hard way to get myself into this position. 

“I know this guy is no joke. I’ve made sure I’m prepared in all areas. He’s a good fighter. He likes to be busy at times. He has decent footwork. There’s a couple of good names on his record. I don’t believe he’s boxed someone who brings the stuff I bring to the ring. I think he’s boxed a lot of different types of styles. I think my style is slightly different and I don’t think he’s crossed that yet. 

“The bigger the challenge, the more exciting it is for me. I always get up for a challenge. Every time I’m in a big Title fight when I’m the underdog, I go out there and I get the job done. I haven’t had to go through the gears yet. This is the sort of fight that will get the best out of me. I’ll show everyone what I’m really about. All I think about is that first bell. That’ the moment I really can’t wait for.

“There’s no pressure on me, there’s pressure on him. He’s the World Champion. He’s meant to be this big star. He’s meant to be this super champion from Russia. He’s going to want to go out there and look tremendous. He’ll want to make a statement, so there’s going to be pressure on him to go out there and perform. The pressure is on him, but I’m putting pressure on myself because I want to make sure I get that Title and prove everyone wrong.”

Bivol vs. Richards is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Derek Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) and Joseph Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) collide in a huge Heavyweight clash, Irish star Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs), Chris Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returns against Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), Belfast’s James Tennyson (28-3, 24 KOs) faces Mexico’s JovanniStraffon (23-3-1, 16 KOs) for the IBO Lightweight World Title, Preston Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald (14-0, 9 KOs) makes his long awaited return and Lightweight prospect Campbell Hatton (1-0) fights in his home city for the first time as a pro. 

London, UK (26 April 2021) Dynamite-fisted River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) is looking for another explosive KO win in the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title on Saturday 22nd May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, exclusively live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

The red-hot unbeaten prospect from Exhall features in his home city for the first time as a champion when he takes on undefeated challenger George Farrell (5-0-1, 1 KO) from Derby.

Bent ended last year with a devastating third round knockout of Troy Coleman from a blockbuster right-hand that flattened his rival in one of the KO highlights of the year to win the title.

The 27-year-old has been raring to go since then and can’t wait to climb through the ropes next month as he continues his march towards higher title honours in the 160 pound domestic division.

He said, “It seems like ages ago since that knockout win over Coleman in December and I really can’t wait to get back in action on the 22nd May,”

“That knockout was really beautiful, probably the best I’ve had in my career so far. I know that I’ve got the power to hit and hurt opponents and make them stay down, but I’m not just reliant on my power, I’ve got sound boxing skills and I can go ten or twelve rounds at solid pace. I know that my engine is there and I’ll be ready to go that distance if and when it comes,”

“Farrell looks good, he’s unbeaten and he fancies his chances against me so he’s taken the fight. I’ll be ready for him and I’ll have an answer for anything he brings. I know he likes to come forward and he’ll walk onto something big from me.”

Bent, who’s exciting, hard-hitting, style has attracted a massive following in Coventry, believes he can start a renaissance of boxing in the once popular fight city that has produced champions including Dean Pithie, Neil Simpson, Richard Evatt, Steven Bendall and Andy Halder.

He continued, “It’s a dream to be fighting in my home city of Coventry as a champion for the first time and I want to be headlining here in the future and become a big attraction with more titles and hopefully, one day, a World title, that would be a dream,”

“Coventry has been a bit quiet recently on the boxing scene, we’ve had many great fighters and champions hailing from here from Dean Pithie to Andy Halder over the years and I’d love to change that and get boxing back on the map here and make it a major fight city for a new generation of fans.”

Bent watched the big middleweight fight between Denzel Bentley and Felix Cash for the British and Commonwealth titles on Saturday night and was shocked by the result that saw Cash destroy Bently in three rounds.

He added, “I’d sparred 30 or 40 rounds with Bentley and he did great, I would never have expected that outcome. For some reason Bentley just didn’t get going in the fight. Cash took the opportunity and made it his, fair play to him. Once those small gloves go on your fists it’s a different game,”

“I know I’ll be up for the British and Commonwealth belts in the not-too-distant future and when the time comes I’ll be ready for them. Right now I’m concentrating on Farrell and making sure I get the win.”

Main event on the Hennessy Sports action-packed card 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, 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. 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 Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, will follow up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

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

Brandon Chambers remained undefeated as he stopped Jonathan Gray in round three of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Chambers landed a perfect straight right to the head that put down Gray. Gray got uo, but was in no condition to continue at 1:20.

Chambers, 125.6 lbs of Baltimore is 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Gray, 125.5 lbs of Waldorf, MD is 0-2.

Colby Madison stopped Antwaun Tubbs in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Madison dropped Tubbs with a a right hand in the corner and the fight was stopped at

Madison, 235.3 lbs of Owings Mills, Maryland is now 9-2-2 with six knockouts. Tubbs, 231.2 lbs of Cincinnati is 5-15.,

Josh Clark won a four-round unanimous decision over Evan Harker in a fight featuring pro debuting lightweight.

Clark, 138.1 lbs of Minnesota won by scores of 39-36 on all cards, and is now 1-0. Harker, of Baltimore via Canada is 0-1.

In a battle of pro debuting super bantamweights, Jaqeem Henderson won a four-round unanimous decision over Jeffrey Williams.

Henderson, 121.6 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD won by scores 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Williams, 118.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1.

Ray Cuadrado needed just 45 seconds to dispose of Alexis Chavarria in a lightweight bout.

Cuadrado landed a vicious left hook that sent Chavarria to the deck. Cuadrado finished the fight by scoring another knockdown.

Cuadrado, 132.4 lbs of New York is 1-0 with one knockout. Chavarria of Houston is 1-2.

Christopher Brooker stopped Damion Damion Hill in round two of their scheduled six-round super middleweight contest.

In round two, Brooker dropped Hill with a barrage of punches in the corner. The fight did not last long after that as Brokker landed a series of left hooks to the body sent Hill down again and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Brooker, 168.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 15-7 with six knockouts. Hill, 164 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-14.

Chantelle Cameron will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez on the undercard of Devin Haney’s WBC World Lightweight title defense against Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – with more tickets to go on sale at 10am PT tomorrow (April 25).
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM
Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) makes the first defense of the title she won with a shut-out points win over Adriana dos Santos Araujo in Milton Keynes, UK in October, and the talented 29 year old fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks against Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs).

The Puerto Rican veteran is fighting for a World title at a third weight class after been the WBC Featherweight ruler and having also challenged for the WBC Lightweight strap.

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title. Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) is back on the winning path with back-to-back wins after his setback against Tureano Johnson in July 2019, and a third win on the spin for the decorated Irish amateur would catapult him into the mix for more big fights and titles at 160lbs.

That’s exactly what Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) is hunting too, and the son of the former three-weight king Shane Mosley is in fine form himself and has boxed more recently than Quigley, forcing the retirement of Cristian Olivas after five rounds in Indio, California in February. That was a fourth win on the bounce for the 30 year old, and he’ll be out for a statement win over Quigley to emerge into the mix at Middleweight.

It’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward as he faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) is edging closer to his World title dreams and the #4 ranked Briton enters the biggest fight of his career to date on his American debut and a welcome return to action for the 29 year old whose last fight was a shutout win over Jesus Amparan in Sheffield, UK in February 2020.

Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) also fights in America for the first time in his career, and the South African ranked one spot lower than Ward at #5 is taking a second bite at the cherry having faced Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in an eliminator in September 2019 in East London, South Africa, with Fuzile ahead on the cards before the Russian recorded an eight round stoppage. ‘Golden Boy’ has not boxed since that night but can get back on course for a world title shot in what promises to be an exciting clash.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe. The 24 year old Jersey talent will kick life off in the paid ranks at Light-Heavyweight before eyeing a move down to 168lbs, and his journey will begin in Las Vegas.

Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, with the New Yorker looking to extend his KO run to six fights, having added two KOs in quick succession in November and December, both in Hollywood, Fl.

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.

“This is a stacked card in support of a brilliant main event – and our first promotion in Las Vegas,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for Chantelle Cameron to showcase her skills in the States and stake her claim for the unification fights she craves, against a tough competitor in Melissa Hernandez.

“Quigley vs. Mosley Jr has the feel of a must-win crossroads fight for the pair, while Ward vs. Fuzile has plenty at stake and is sure to catch fire.

“What a night for Khalil Coe to make his debut, this young man can become a star, and the pro journeys of Reshat Mati, Ramla Ali and Darren Cunningham continue on the bill. This is an unmissable night of boxing in Las Vegas.”

Two-time world champion Javier Fortuna, his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and their entire team sincerely wish fellow lightweight contender Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery.

Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) and Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) were to have faced off in a July 9 blockbuster showdown streamed live on DAZN, however, Garcia announced to his 8.6 million followers today that he is withdrawing from the fight to recuperate his health and wellbeing.

“I wish Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery,” said Fortuna. “There are things more important than fighting and I hope he is able to quickly recover. We can reschedule our fight for a time when I can face and beat a 100% prepared version of Ryan Garcia.”

Fortuna, rated #2 by the WBC and the #6 135-lb fighter in the world by Ring Magazine, says he’s not sure yet if he’ll be facing a different opponent next.

“At the end of the day, your health is what truly matters,” added Lewkowicz. “I commend Ryan Garcia for having the courage to admit he needs to focus on his life away from the ring. We will be ready to reschedule when he is and our whole team wishes him well.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (April 23, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. took fans inside his training camp Thursday during a virtual media workout that streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as Ruiz prepares to take on Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola Saturday, May 1 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The full workout stream can be watched in its entirety HERE, as Ruiz showed off his skills alongside his renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso.

The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Ruiz will return to the ring for the first time since his pair of fights against Anthony Joshua that saw him shock the British heavyweight via a knockout victory in their first matchup, which made Ruiz the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. To regain the title, Ruiz joined up with Eddy Reynoso and will step into action under his guide for the first time on May 1.

Here is what Ruiz and Reynoso had to say Thursday:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“It’s great to be back. I feel really good right now with all the hard work we’ve put in at the gym. I know Arreola is training hard as well and looking good, so we’re ready for whatever he brings on fight night.

“I chose Eddy because this is where the champions train. Everyone here is dedicated and disciplined. I felt like I needed to make this change and it’s really something that I should have done a long time ago.

“The main thing I’ve learned here is discipline. That’s something you can’t buy, you have to do it on your own. You have to want it.

“I’ve learned so much here. We try to perfect every punch and every movement. I’m not just a fighter who comes forward. I have more abilities. Losing weight is going to let me show more of what I can do.

“Chris and I sparred when I was 16-years-old. We’ve both had the same dreams and the same vision. We’ve had great careers. My dad has always said that me and him were going to fight one day and now it’s right around the corner.

“I come to the gym with a smile on my face now. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m a lot better than I was before. I just have to keep working and stay disciplined. I have to be in the gym, even when I don’t have a fight date. It’s got to be a lifestyle.

“I’ve learned different abilities that I can do during this training camp. I can throw different punches and combinations fighting at this weight. I was always a fighter who could come forward, but now I can switch it up. I can’t wait to show it on May 1.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer

“The most important thing for Andy is the discipline and his mentality. Those are the main aspects we’ve been working on. From there, we have the building blocks to get better each and every day with everything we want to do

“The talent and intelligence has always been there for Andy. It’s a pleasure to work with him. He’s done everything I’ve asked of him so far.

“I’m really excited for this fight. You’re going to see a new Andy Ruiz Jr. both physically and mentally. You’re going to see him become champion again. I can’t wait for this step on May 1.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough fight against Arreola. These are two fighters who had the same upbringing. There’s going to be nowhere to hide in the ring and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”

#

ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NEW YORK (April 23, 2021)- Undefeated brothers, Joseph and Jeremy Adorno of Split-T Management, will be back in action against undefeated foes at the Silver Spurs Arena tomorrow night in Kissimmee, Florida.

The two fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 PM ET

Joseph (14-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Jamaine Ortiz in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Jeremy (4-0, 1 KO) fights fellow another undefeated foe in Ramiro Martinez in a four-round super bantamweight tilt.

Joseph of Allentown, Pa. will be back in the ring for the first time since his draw with Hector Garcia on January 11, 2020.

The 22 year-old Adorno has a wins over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kevin Cruz (8-0) and Damian Alejandro Sosa (9-2).

Ortiz of Worcester, Mass. is 14-0 with eight knockouts.

The 24 year-old Ortiz has wins over Clinton Miller (2-0), Glenn Mitchell (2-0), Derrick Murray (13-3-1), Ricardo Quiroz (10-0), Romain Couture (8-1-1), Luis Castillo (22-5) and his last bout when he stopped Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1) on November 28th in Los Angeles.

Jeremy Adorno, 20 of Allentown, Pennsylvania is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Fernando Ibarra on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Martinez of Hurst, Texas is 2-0-2 with one knockout, and will be facing his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent.

The 22 year-old is 1-0-2 against those undefeated opponents, with his victory in his last bout over Tevin Moore (1-0) on November 20th in Irving, Texas.

Joseph and Jeremy Adorno are promoted by Top Rank

Undefeated Welterweight Michael McKinson has signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing following his breakout win over Chris Kongo on the Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte II undercard in Gibraltar last month. 

The Portsmouth southpaw (20-0, 2 KOs) stunned Kongo with an aggressive start, flooring the Bermondsey fighter in the opening round as he edged a closely contested encounter to secure the WBO Global Title with scores of 97-93, 96-94, 95-94.

Prior to that win the 27-year-old, who is trained by his father Michael Ballingall and managed by MTK Global’s Lee Eaton, had picked up the WBO European, WBC International Silver and WBC Youth Welterweight Titles since turning professional in October 2014. 

‘The Problem’, ranked at number 6 in the world with the WBO, hasn’t been shy in calling out the top names in the domestic Welterweight scene, including new stablemates Conor Benn, Josh Kelly and Florian Marku in the aftermath on his most recent win, and the Pompey fanatic feels he can no longer be overlooked. 

“Signing with Matchroom is the best thing that’s happened to my career,” said McKinson. “It’s been frustrating times for a while, but I got my chance against Chris Kongo, and now I’m in the position where I want to be in my career, so I’m really excited.

“I’ve worked hard for a long time. This is my seventh year as a professional and I have finally got something that I want. When we were on the plane out to Gibraltar, Eddie Hearn said to go out there and chase your dreams, and I made it clear all week that it was going to be the Michael McKinson show. I’m here to stay and it feels good that everything I’ve said has come true.

“None of this would be possible without MTK Global too. I’m blessed to have them backing me and supporting me, and for the first time in my career I’m not worried about getting big fights. I’ve got full faith and trust in Matchroom to get me these big opportunities.

“For a long time, my name was never mentioned alongside some of the other Welterweights, but now my name is in the picture. It’s no secret I want to face all of the guys out there, so let’s all fight each other.

“My biggest goal is to one day fight at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Every little bit of success I have is making that dream come true little by little, so hopefully it gets done one day and I can make history for my city.”

“As I always say, ‘winner stays on’, and I’m delighted to be working with Michael McKinson,” said Eddie Hearn. “For a long time he has been an avoided fighter and now after his huge win in Gibraltar, he is ready to move onto World level. Michael has a great mindset and a huge fan base in Portsmouth, we are already planning a major step-up for him in the summer. Next summer we want to be at Fratton Park in a blockbuster – exciting times ahead!”

Lee Eaton said: “I’m over the moon for Michael for earning a promotional deal with Matchroom. He has come up the hardest route possible and has produced some fantastic performances over the last few years.

“He came to us when he was 13-0 and has fought anybody that was put in front of him, so I’m so pleased that all of his hard work over the years is finally paying off.”

You can follow McKinson’s journey on Twitter: @mikeytheproblem and Instagram: mikeytheproblem

PHILADELPHIA (April 23, 2021)–Weights for Saturday’s Jeter Promotions day-night double header at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Evening card (7:30 PM 1st Bell)

Daniel Gonzalez 147.5 – Evencii Dixon 149.7
Brandon Chambers 125.6 – Jonathan Gray 125.5
Colby Madison 235.3 – Antwaun Tubbs 231.2
Evan Harker 135.7 – Josh Clark 138.1
Jaqeem Hutcherson 121.6 – Jeffrey Williams 118.1
Ray Cuadrado 132.4 – Alexis Chavarria 133.5
Christopher Brooker 168.9 – Damion Hill 164

Afternoon Card (3 PM ET 1st Bell)

Victor Williams 151.9 – Leonidis Fowlkes 153,2
Stephon Morris 158.1 – Dewayne Williams 160.5
Mike Lee 142.6 – Roy McGill 139.4
Jahvel Joseph 165.5 – Carl Murphy 174.5
Steve Moore 143.4 – Phillip Davis 142.3
Willie Anderson 123.3 – John Leonardo 126.1
Nick Vitone 143.8 – Matt Gaver 143.6

PROMOTER: Jeter Promotions
VENUE: 2300 ARENA
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR BOTH SHOWS
STREAMS: FACEBOOK FIGHT NIGHT LIVE AND FLO SPORTS

Additional tickets will go on sale at 10am PT on Sunday April 25 for the blockbuster clash between WBC World Lightweight ruler Devin Haney and Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – after the initial allocation sold-out.

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM

Haney (25-0 18 KOs) defends his title for the third time having seen off the challenges of Alfredo Santiago and Yuriorkis Gamboa with comfortable points wins, but now faces the toughest test of his pro career to date in the form of Linares in his first fight back in his Las Vegas backyard since May 2016.

Linares (47-5 29 KOs) is looking to become a two-time holder of the WBC strap that he won in December 2014 against Javier Prieto, with Haney the 15^th World title battle and 53^rd bout in over 18 years as a pro. The fight was a catalyst to a four-year run where the Venezuelan ace beat Kevin Mitchell, Ivan Cano, Anthony Crolla twice, Luke Campbell and Mercito Gesta as Lightweight king before he faced defeat in a to-and-fro clash with Vasiliy Lomachenko in New York in May 2018.

The undercard for May 29 will be announced tomorrow, and Haney says he’s excited to be facing Linares in Vegas – and has even admitted to having nerves about facing the storied Venezuelan.

“I’m very excited for this fight,” said Haney. “Very few fights in the past that I actually felt a bit nervous for. This fight I feel nervous and excited for and I look forward to it. I feel like this is a fight that I really get to showcase everything in my arsenal. I look forward to it.

“I do think that Jorge is a better fighter than Yuriorkis Gamboa, I think he’s at a better point in his career than Gamboa, and this is a fight where they should give me all my credit.”

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

    •    Emanuel Navarrete 126 lbs vs.Christopher Diaz 125.8 lbs 
(Navarrete’s WBO Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Chris Flores, Alexander Levin, and Patricia Morse Jarman
Referee: Samuel Burgos

•          Edgar Berlanga 168.4 lbs vs. Demond Nicholson 168.2 lbs 
(Super Middleweight— 8 Rounds)
Judges: Rodolfo Aguilar, Fred Fluty and Efrain Lebron 
Referee: Emil Lombardi

(ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT)

•   Josue Vargas 141.4 lbs vs. Willie Shaw 139.8 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•         Joseph Adorno 135.2 lbs vs. Jamaine Ortiz 136.2
(Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

   •   Orlando Gonzalez 127.6 lbs vs. Juan Antonio Lopez 128.4
 (Featherweight   — 8 Rounds)

•       Xander Zayas 146.4 lbs vs. Demarcus Layton 146.2
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
•      Jeremy Adorno 122 lbs vs. Ramiro Martinez 122.2
 (Junior Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Jaycob Gomez 129 lbs vs. Mobley Villegas 129.4
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

London, UK (23 April 2021) Birmingham’s battle-hardened Sam Eggington will face teak-tough Mexican warrior ‘King’ Carlos Molina in a crucial showdown on Saturday 22 May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, with the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship on the line.

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.

Eggington (29-7–0, 17 KO’s), a former British, Commonwealth and European Champion, is now within touching distance of a World title shot and fulfilling his destiny of finally becoming a World Champion.

Last in action in December behind-closed-doors, Eggington put on a devastating display of power-punching to destroy former British Champion and World title challenger Ashley Theophane inside six rounds and bring to a close the colourful veteran’s 50-fight career.

In a 36-fight and near nine year career, the working-class hero has fought everyone; usually away from home at short notice in fights he wasn’t supposed to win and on the end of wrong decisions, but all that suffer and heartache will change with a victory over Molina.

Now in his prime of his life, Eggington, 27, will take the risk against dangerman Molina as he’s aware of the bigger reward that will see him placed in a primary position to challenge for the World title next if he wins the WBC Silver crown.

The fight against Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) is the type of war that ‘The Savage’ will relish against a vastly experienced former IBF World Super-Welterweight Champion who has faced a Who’s Who of champions, including Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (twice), Mike Alvarado, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, James Kirkland, Ishe Smith, Cory Spinks and Cornelius Bundrage.

In a near 20 year career with 50 fights and 401 rounds under his belt, Molina, 37, has never been stopped in his eleven losses. His career highlight was defeating Ishe Smith to be crowned IBF World Champion in September 2013, but is also well known for highly controversial draws against Lara (March 2011) and Chavez, Jr. (December 2005), both fights that many felt Molina had won.

Even more controversial was the ending to his fight against Kirkland in March 2012 Molina completely dominated Kirkland up until the 11th round of the 12-rounder, but was disqualified at the end of the round when he was floored by Kirkland and while being counted by the referee, one of Molina’s cornermen entered the ring after the bell had rung to end the round.

Mexican born Molina holds no fear of coming to the UK to face Eggington having previously pushed Josh Kelly in their ten-round WBA International title fight in March 2018 in Cardiff. In addition to fighting in the US, Molina has also fought in France and Santa Domingo, with his last fight overseas in Germany in February 2019.

Since then Molina has kept very busy as he targets another World title fight. Despite the pandemic and lack of fight opportunities, Molina returned to Mexico and creatively turned promoter and fought under his own banner, King Carlos Promotions. He has put together an unbeaten eight-fight streak with his last fight in February registering a points win over Edgar Ortega.

Well aware of the danger Molina poses, Eggington is already deep in training at his Eastside Boxing Gym HQ in Birmingham with coach Jon Pegg to see off Molina’s thunder.

Eggington, recently picked up the British Boxing Board of Control’s Contest of The Year Award 2019/2020 for his pulsating fight with rival Ted Cheeseman, said, “There’s nothing like a hard Mexican fighter to really get the blood and adrenaline pumping and I can’t wait for this one. Molina is very experienced, he’s a former World Champion, he’s fought everyone and he’s still hungry and ambitious for another World title fight. I like the danger that he brings to the ring which will bring the savage out in me. I’m very close to my own World title fight and I can’t and won’t let Molina wreck that, so I’ll be going all out on him and if the knockout or stoppage comes and I’m the first man to do it to him, then that’s a bonus.”

Molina said, “My main goal when I started my promotional company was to make my own path to a world title. This is a great test for me and I’m looking forward to being the new WBC Silver Champion. It has come at a perfect time for me, having momentum coming off of eight consecutive wins and also to continue to build King Carlos Promotions by being associated as a promoter for this show.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy is excited to bring this show to Coventry as it begins its celebrations as the UK City of Culture 2021. The event will also be a public attended event, open on a restricted basis in-line with the government’s roadmap – Step 3. Tickets will go on sale shortly and will be available to purchase from the Coventry Skydome Arena Box Office. Hennessy Sports will release further information in due course.

Hennessy said, “Sam ended last year in explosive style when he dealt with the experienced Ashley Theophane very effectively and it was the perfect ending on his Channel 5 debut that greatly enhanced his profile. Now he takes on another tough and difficult challenge against Molina that is really going to test him. Molina has seen and done it all in his near two decades in the sport and been up against some of the best around the weight, but he is still very dangerous and he’ll have to be right on it with him. Sam is so close to a world title now and this will open the door for him.”

The undercard will feature 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 (subject to BBBofC approval). 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). Bent won the title last December with a brutal right hand that flattened rival Troi Wilson in the third round in one of the KO’s of the year. 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 and the Birmingham star is intent on reclaiming his Lonsdale belt. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, 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) had a great 2021 with four wins on Hennessy Sports shows and now the entertainer continues on his path towards a first domestic title. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings in his first fight of the year. Hennessy ended 2021 with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win every round of their six-round contest. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, will follow up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

Hennessy added, “This is a fantastic fight card stacked from top to bottom with quality talent and fights. I’m thrilled to have our young guns back out in action supporting Sam in the main event and the prospect of having fans back into the arena is very encouraging as we build towards a busy rest of the year with plenty of shows coming up.”

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

Boxing is back on BT Sport 1 HD TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30PM

In the main event Denzel Bentley defends his British Middleweight title against Felix Cash, who will be putting his own Commonwealth title on the line. Elsewhere on the card, Callum Johnson returns after a 2 year absence against Croatia’s Emil Markic. David Adeleye takes a step-up when he battles Kamil Sokolowski and Queensberry prospects Henry Turner, George Davey and Karol Itauma all return to action.

Worcester’s Owen Cooper makes his Queensberry debut.

Official photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Felix Cash – 159lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley – 159lb 4oz

Emil Markic – 174lb 5oz
Callum Johnson – 174lb 6oz

Kamil Sokolowski – 230lb
David Adeleye – 225lb 7oz

Clayton Bricknell – 138lb 3oz
Henry Turner – 142lb 2oz

Jamie Stewart – 146lb 2oz
George Davey – 147lb 4oz

James Heneghan – 161lb 8oz
Dwain Grant – 161lb 6oz

Ryan Hibbert – 176lb 9oz
Karol Itauma – 176lbs

Daryl Pearce – 147lbs 5oz
Owen Cooper – 147lbs 6oz

DENZEL BENTLEY has accused big fight rival Felix Cash of being a “dirty fighter”.

He defends the British Middleweight championship against mandatory contender, Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) who will be risking his Commonwealth title on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

When Bentley (14-0-1, —12 KOs) sparred with Cash a few years ago things spilled over when Bentley got fed up with Cash’s roughhouse tactics.

He has admitted to pulling Cash into a headlock before being picked up by his rival. They ended up grappling on the floor before being pulled apart.

Bentley, 26, recalled: “We both did four rounds sparring then jumped back in with each other.

“We were going at it and he started hitting low and behind the head – all the little dirty tricks he likes to do. Then it got heated, he got upset and it turned into a little scrap but it’s in the past.

“He says I was clinging on for dear life – well we will see on Saturday.

“I do everything better than Felix. Is he gonna turn up with his dirty tricks? He is a dirty fighter. Everyone has seen it in his fights.

“He does it well and gets away with it a lot, but it’s not going to bother me. I reckon I am going to stop him even if he doesn’t have chinks in his armour.”

Cash, 28,  hit back: “Am I a dirty fighter? I am what I am. I am a very good fighter and I am going to show Denzel. I will win the fight by stoppage.”

Bentley is making his first defence of the title he won by forcing Mark Heffron to retire in November and promoter Frank Warren has suggested his man is close to moving onto to the world stage.

The Hall of Fame promoter who won the purse bids to stage the showdown added: “There was talk that Tony Sims (Felix’s trainer) said he was considering not taking the fight and moving on, but hats off to them.

“From a fans point of view it doesn’t get any better than this. The one who has the skills and wants it the most will come through.

“I have an opinion about the fight and that is why we got behind Denzel in the purse bids. We believe in him.

“If Denzel comes through this as we expect him to then he will move on and into a position where he gets a world title fight.”

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.

Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

Over six rounds York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1), and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) keeps busy.

In four rounders are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0), Worcester Welterweight Owen Cooper (3-0) and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (April 22, 2021) — Central Florida will turn into Northern Puerto Rico on Saturday evening when two of the island’s favorite boxers look to make emphatic statements.

In the main event from a sold-out Silver Spurs Arena, two-weight Mexican world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Puerto Rican challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz. The co-feature will see Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, 16-0 with 16 first-round knockouts, test himself against veteran contender Demond Nicholson in an eight-round super middleweight tilt.

Navarrete-Diaz and Berlanga-Nicholson will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard action set to stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. At the final presser, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“I know he has been fighting at 126 and even at 130. I think it will be tough to hurt a fighter that has fought at higher divisions, but I believe I have the punching power to knock him out.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in front of fans. I miss the vibes of having the fans in the arena. Even though 90 percent of the fans will be cheering for ‘Pitufo,’ I feel like the pressure is going to be on him because he needs to perform for his people, for his fans. I’ve always been a fighter that’s been on the road, fighting away from home. I feel like the pressure is on him.”

“I started training camp in Mexico. Things were not as tough there, and the hard part of training camp I did in Tijuana. I want to thank my co-promoter Zanfer for the help they’ve given me. This camp has been very good, unlike the last camp for {Ruben} Villa, where everything was closed. So it was really tough to train for that fight.”

Christopher Diaz

“I’ve been in the big arenas a lot of times {against} Shakur Stevenson, Masayuki Ito in front of 8,00 people. Sold out against Navarrete. I think I have the experience to become world champion Saturday night.”

“If you’ve seen my last two fights, I’ve been a different fighter. I go to the ring to perform, to show the people I can be a star. Navarrete is a great champion. It’s a pleasure for me to share the ring with him. We’re going to be in the history books as part of Puerto Rico versus Mexico, but again, there are levels to this. Navarrete has been in a lot of title fights, but this is my second one, and I can say my third one because the Shakur Stevenson was that level a fight.”

“{After the Stevenson fight}, when I came home and I saw my babies…I have three daughters and a beautiful wife. As a leader in my house, I have to bring the food to the table, and this is the easiest way. I mean, it’s not easy because you get hit, but at the end of the day, I go back to the gym with that mentality. I work hard.”

“I want to tell Navarrete that I respect him as a person. He’s a humble guy, a family man like myself. It’s tough to become a one-time champion. I had my opportunity already, and I just hope he brings his best so we can give the fans a great fight.”

“We’re fighting a 50-50 fight. I’m happy because he knows I’m the most dangerous fighter he’s fought to this day. I’m just comfortable. I got confidence in myself. My team believes in me. My family believes in me. That means a lot to me because it’s my family. That’s my team. That’s my daughters yelling to me. That’s the most important thing. I don’t think about Navarrete’s fans who are against me because he deserves that, he’s a two-time world champion.”

Edgar Berlanga

“With winning, all of that comes. The fame, the money… when you’re winning, and if you’re doing what I’m doing, all of that is going to come. So I don’t really pay mind to that. It’s cool to have that, to build a brand. You build the brand, you build the image, and that’s how you make more money. But at the end of the day, boxing is my number one priority. And you have to win at the end of the day.”

“He’s the right fight. We’re building something here. It’s brick by brick. Rome wasn’t built in a day. I know he’s a veteran. He has a lot of fights under his belt. He got a lot of experience, and these are the types of fights I need.”

“Like I always say, every fight is for Puerto Rico. It’s an island that hasn’t had a world champion and a superstar in a very long time, so for me, it’s going to be electrifying. I’m ready to tear the roof off. It’s going to be a good night Saturday.”

“We push in training camp to go those rounds in sparring. I make sure I’m ready to go 12 rounds, whether {the fight} is an eight-rounder or 10-rounder. And that’s the mindset you gotta have because there are killers out there. You have to train for that. When you’re on top and a target, everyone wants to take your head off, so you have to be 100 percent prepared. We’re in camp, and I push myself to the limit each and every time.”

Demond Nicholson

“When we got the call, {I thought} that’s not a bad fight. When we first got it, we turned it down. They called us in December or January. We turned it down. They didn’t offer the money that we wanted, and then they called us back and we found a conclusion and the fight is happening.”

On how he’s changed since his 2018 knockout loss to Jesse Hart

“I’m not mentally in the same place I was three years ago, financially and everything. I was facing some hard demons that I’ve pushed away and pushed to the side, overcame, and now it’s time to work. It’s my time to shine.”

“It’s going to be a boxing lesson. That’s all I can tell you.”

SATURDAY, April 24, 2021

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

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Christopher Diaz, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Edgar Berlanga  vs. Demond Nicholson, 8 rounds, super middleweight

ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Josue Vargas vs. Willie Shaw, 10 rounds, junior welterweight

Joseph Adorno vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 8 rounds, lightweight

Xander Zayas vs. Demarcus Layton, 6 rounds, welterweight

Jeremy Adorno vs. Ramiro Martinez, 4 rounds, junior featherweight

Jaycob Gomez vs. Mobley Villegas, 4 rounds, junior lightweight

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

UFC 261:  Usman vs. Masvidal 2will stream exclusively on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday, April 24, at 10p.m. ET from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL. The UFC 261 main card features three Championship bouts, topped by the highly-anticipated UFC welterweight rematch between champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (18-1-0), defending his title in a against No.4-ranked contender Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-14-0), in a rematch of their meeting at UFC 251 on Fight Island last July – a fight Masvidal took on less than a week’s notice, and which was a unanimous decision victory for Usman.

Also on the main card are two fights, for two championship belts, featuring four of the UFC’s top five women’s pound-for-pound fighters. The Co-Main fight will be a battle for the Women’s strawweight title, with Champion Zhang Weili (21-1-0) facing no. 1 contender and former strawweight Champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas (10-4-0) in a showdown of the no. 3 and no. 4 pound-for-pound women’s fighters in the UFC.  In the third title fight of the night, Women’s Flyweight champion Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko (20-3-0) puts her title on the line for the sixth straight time – this time against no.1 contender Jessica Andrade (21-8-0).

UFC 261:  Usman vs. Masvidal 2will begin with early prelims at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 and ESPN+ (English and Spanish), prelims at 8 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, and the PPV main card at 10 p.m., exclusively on ESPN+ (English, Spanish).  Live coverage begins with UFC Live presented by DraftKings: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 on ABC at 4 p.m.. The Pre-Show provides fans with exclusive insights and views on the biggest stories heading into UFC 261. 

The no. 2 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter, Usman kicked off his 2021 campaign with an impressive TKO win over former teammate Gilbert Burns in February and now has his sights set on his fourth title defense by proving his first win over Masvidal was no fluke.

Masvidal aims to even the score with Usman and capture the UFC welterweight championship in his second crack at the title. Owner of the fastest KO in UFC history at six seconds over Ben Askren in 2019, he has also had wins against Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and Darren Till.

UFC 261 will be Zhang’s first appearance since her 2020 Fight of the Year win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk one year ago. Currently riding a 21-fight win streak, she is looking to take out another high-profile former titleholder and continue her run at the top of the strawweight division.

Namajunas is gunning to become the first ever two-time champion in UFC strawweight history. Originally featured as a cast member on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter, Namajunas looks to become the first fighter to defeat Zhang in almost eight years.

Shevchenko seeks to continue her dominant title reign against one of her toughest opponents to date. Undefeated since moving to flyweight in 2018, she aims to add another former UFC champion to her resume and prove she is undoubtably the top women’s flyweight in the world.

Andrade immediately made an impact upon moving to the flyweight division by delivering a TKO win over top contender Katlyn Chookagian last October, and now hopes to become only the second female fighter in UFC history to win titles in two separate divisions.

The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN+

The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck (2010)andThe Ultimate Fighter 20: A Champion Will Be Crowned (2014)arenow available on ESPN+. TUF 12 features lightweights only, with rivals Georges St-Pierre and Josh Koscheck as coaches prior to their face off at UFC 124. TUF 20 is the first season to feature all female athletes and was used to create the UFC Women’s Strawweight division. Watch runner-up Rose Namajunas before she faces UFC Strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261 on Saturday.  How to watch The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN+ and other MMA Stories.

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2Original Content:

• COVER STORY: Kamaru Usman– “The Nigerian Nightmare” has a new act ahead of him, one rooted in the past: to not just win, but dominate and break souls. (Debuting Thursday across ESPN platforms)
• Baddest In The Game – A little more than a decade ago, the backyards of South Dade Miami provided the ultimate venue for Jorge “GameBred” Masvidal to showcase his skills. Now he’s getting a second crack at a UFC title. (Debuting Friday across ESPN platforms)
• El Guerrero de la Semana: Jeffrey Molina – The second instalment of the weekly ESPN Deportes cross-platform series highlighting Latinx combat sports athletes focuses on Colombian-American Jeff “El Jefe” Molina and how his love of Jackie Chan films inspired him to pursue a career in MMA. 

• UFC 261 Countdown: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 behind-the-scenes look at the training camps for the main and co-main fighters. Available on ESPN+.
• UFC 261: Embedded:  all-access series follows athletes throughout fight week, leading up to UFC 261. New episodes available on ESPN+ throughout fight week.
• Unlocking Victory: UFC 261 available now on ESPN+
• Ariel & the Bad Guy: Recent episodes available on ESPN+ 

ESPN Digital

• Jeff Wagenheim looks at how UFC 261 is a showcase of the increasingly undeniable power of women’s MMA
• MMA’s welterweight Mount Rushmore: Ranking Kamaru Usman among the greats
• An Oral History of the most impactful night of Masvidal’s career – when he defeated fellow welterweight contender Darren Till, and then served a “three piece with a soda” to Leon Edwards backstage. (Coming Friday)
• UFC 261 Viewer’s Guide (Coming Saturday)
• This week: How to watch and stream, plus expert analysis and predictions 
• ESPN’s UFC 261 Pick’Em – fans can play for FREE and compete for a chance to win $5,000 

Social: @ESPNMMA Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Fans can sign-up for ESPN+ at any time at ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or on the ESPN App and purchase UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2.

Programming (All times ET)

* immediately following main card

Main Card, Prelims and Early Prelims (All times ET)

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2021) – Undefeated and heralded prospect Jalan Walker, and his opponent Angel Antonio Contreras weighed-in for the scheduled six-round featherweight bout that will take place tonight in West Point, New York.

Walker, 19 years-old of Los Angeles, tipped the scales at 125.8 pounds, while Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico was 126.4 pounds.

The bout, which will be part of a Ring City USA card from the United States Military Academy, and will be streamed Live on Twitch beginning at 6:30 PM.

Walker, who will be making his 6th start since the beginning of the Pandemic, was featured on major platforms during this fight week.

RINGTV.COM– JALEN WALKER IS LOOKING AT MORE EXPOSURE THURSDAY ON RING CITY USA

BOXINGSCENE.COM–Jalen Walker: Since Early On, My Main Objective Was Just Boxing
Interview with undefeated Featherweight Jalan Walker
Walker, is managed by Rene Symonds and Clement Kwan of Waterfront Management, and is a promotional free agent.

Photos by Tom Hogan–Hogan Photos / Ring City USA

Se ha celebrado el pesaje de la velada que organiza este viernes Matchroom Boxing en el Palau Olímpic Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona. DAZN retransmitirá en directo la velada desde las 20:00.

4×2 Peso wélter
April Hunter 66.200 kg (Reino Unido, 2-0, 0 KO) vs. Elsa Hemat 65 kg (Francia, 1-3, 0 KO)

6×3 Peso superligero
Luke Willis 63.500 kg (Reino Unido, 9-0, 1 KO) vs. Ricardo Fernández “Mateo” 63.100 kg (España, 9-5, 0 KO)

6×3 Peso pluma
Bernard Angelo Torres 57.800 kg (Noruega, 13-0, 5 KO) vs. Anuar Salas 59.300 kg (Colombia, 20-8-1 12 KO)

10×3 Peso superwélter
Kerman Lejarraga 69.650 kg (España, 31-2, 24 KO) vs. Jez Smith 69.500 kg (Reino Unido, 12-2-1, 5 KO)

12×3 Peso pluma. Título de Europa
Andoni Gago 56.600 kg (España, 24-3-3, 7 KO) vs. Gavin McDonnell 56.600 kg (Reino Unido, 22-2-2, 6 KO)

12×3 Peso superligero. Título de Europa
Sandor Martín 63.400 kg (España, 37-2, 13 KO) vs. Kay Prosper 63.300 kg (Reino Unido, 14-1-1, 7 KO)

Las fotografías del pesaje pueden verse y descargarse AQUÍ. Mención obligatoria: Matchroom Boxing

Hamburg, 22nd of April – EC Boxing is prepared to stage another thrilling fight night in the ECB Gym in Hamburg, Germany. As of now the main event on May 15 will be Mahmoud Charr vs. Christopher Lovejoy. A couple of days ago the news broke that DKP (Don King Promotions) would threaten to take legal action in order to stop Lovejoy from taking part in this bout, since according to DKP there still is a contract between them and the undefeated American.

Erol Ceylan, CEO of EC Boxing, is disappointed in this development, but willing to go ahead with the event regardless of the outcome of this legal situation: „We are not quite sure what Don King‘s intentions are at this stage. Instead of making fights happen, he tries to sabotage them. First he‘s getting Charr stripped off his WBA belt and now this. But we are still confident that Charr and Lovejoy will meet in the ring on May 15 and are willing to settle the situation with DKP. However: we are prepared to give a different opponent the chance to take on our guy if necessary.“

There are two possible substitute opponents who are both in training right now and willing to take on Mahmoud Charr. There won‘t be any legal situation stopping them from taking part. Charr, who is now called the „Heavyweight Champion in recess“ by the World Boxing Association (WBA), is eager to return to the squared circle, after spending 3 and a half years without having a fight: „I’m in great shape! Now it’s time to get back in the ring,“ Charr states.

UNBEATEN hopeful Owen Cooper is the latest top young talent to sign promotional terms with Frank Warren’s growing Queensberry stable.

Cooper (3-0) is straight into action and boxes a four rounder on Saturday’s big London card that is being televised by BT Sport.

The Worcester boxer, 20, is managed by Errol Johnson of Black Country Boxing who alerted the Hall of Fame promoter about his latest prospect.

Cooper said: “I can’t explain how much it means to me.

“I can’t thank Errol, everyone at BCB and ultimately Frank enough for giving me the opportunity to get out on this show.

“It is everything to me. When I started boxing at 14 years of age I couldn’t picture myself on a show like this.

“Hopefully I might get on TV, but just being on it and around the show this week means so much. I’m so grateful.”

As an amateur at Worcester City ABC, Cooper represented England and won the National Youth Championships title in 2018.

Although Saturday’s fight is made at Welterweight, Cooper will be moving down to Super-Lightweight in the future.

Cooper who is trained by former two-time British title challenger Malcolm Melvin explained: “I was told to stay ready and when I got in the gym on Monday I was offered my first fight for Queensberry. I couldn’t turn it down.

“There is no time to get nervous about an opponent which is a good thing. I do get nervous before fights, but once I am in the ring the nerves go.

“It’s great to have Malcolm training me. He has been there, done it before and knows what it takes. I couldn’t have anyone better.”

While he is still progressing, Cooper will continue working as a painter and decorator with his Dad.

Owen who turned professional in September 2019 added: “The dream is to be able to box full-time, but for now I can enjoy working with Dad and boxing.

“You don’t have to be training two or three times a day for four rounders. It is about staying sharp and focused.

“As time goes on and the rounds step up I will need to be in the gym more. Then, I will knock work on the head and go full-time.

“My dad supports me all the way. Even when I need to time off to spar now it’s no problem.”

Headlining bill is British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who defends his Lonsdale belt against Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose crown is also at stake.

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.

 Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

 Over six rounds York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1), and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) keeps busy.

 In four rounders alongside Cooper are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0), and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.

VAN NUYS, CALIF. (April 21, 2021) – All-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola showed off his skills in the ring during a virtual media workout Wednesday, which streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as he nears his clash against former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The full replay of the workout, which includes interviews with Arreola and his famed trainer Joe Goossen, can be watched HERE.

The May 1 event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Arreola’s workout took place at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, California where Arreola is participating in his second training camp with Goossen. Arreola’s first fight with Goossen saw the veteran former title challenger set numerous CompuBox heavyweight records in a narrow decision loss to Adam Kownacki.

Here is what Arreola and Goossen had to say Wednesday:

CHRIS ARREOLA

“I’m ready for this fight. I’ve been waiting for this fight for four or five months. This one is going to be a barnburner for sure.

“This fight is important for my legacy. I want to make the fans happy they bought this fight. I don’t fight for paychecks. I’m a fighter for the fans. So I hope they enjoy this fight and buy this pay-per-view.

“I love what I do. I’m a fortunate person to have been a fighter since a young age. I bleed boxing. I put my whole self out there every time I fight. I know that I owe it to the fans to give them a great fight.

“Defensively I’ve grown so much working with Joe. He’s taught me a lot about keeping my hands up and countering. He hasn’t reinvented the wheel, he’s just made sure the wheel is round.

“I was able to keep up the pace against Kownacki because I did everything I had to do in the gym. I could have given three more rounds at the end of that fight too. The fight is always won in the gym and we put all of the work in to win that fight. I thought I won that fight. Despite not getting the decision, it was a fun fight for me.

“I feel great. I’ve been working hard for months. I know that I have to make this a great fight for the fans and for myself. I know how crucial this fight is for my career.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. If people want to make me the underdog, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve been an underdog my whole life.

“I’ve had some long layoffs before, so I know how to get back into it when the time comes. The sparring helps you know where your timing is at. That’s the best way to gauge where you’re at in your training camp.

“It’s a beautiful venue at Dignity Health Sports Park. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Every time I go there I love to sit up there with all the fans and enjoy the fights. It’s going to be a fun night of boxing on May 1 and I can’t wait.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer

“Chris and Andy are veterans. They’ve been around a longtime. They know how to turn on the switch when the time comes. We’re preparing for a great fight on May 1.

“When you have two guys of the same talent, how do you determine who wins the fight? It’s the fighter who’s in better shape. That’s the underlying thought process here. Both Chris and Andy have talent, but our goal is for Chris to be in the best shape possible. The difference plays itself out in those last few rounds of the fight.

“You’re going to have the best Andy Ruiz that we’ve seen in this fight. And we have the same on our side. Our team has been working hard as well. I don’t expect anything but a great fight. However many rounds this goes, it’s going to be fireworks.

“We’ve been training for around four months but he hasn’t peaked too early because we’ve been consistent. Once we built up to a certain point, we’ve kept it there. He’s not worn out at all. This is what fighters are supposed to do. They’re supposed to be in the gym training.

“I’m very confident and calm heading into this fight, because Chris has been doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. That’s all you can ask for.”

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ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

HALL OF FAME PROMOTER Frank Warren today hosted the final head-to-head press conference between British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) and Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs).

Both titles will be on the line when the bitter rivals meet on Saturday (April 24) live on BT Sport.

Here is a selection of quotes from today’s presser.

FRANK WARREN

This fight came about because the British Boxing Board of Control ordered it. Denzel and Felix didn’t want to withdraw from it. It went out to purse bids which we (Queensberry) won and it’s on.

I don’t think it gets any better than this. Both guys are undefeated, they have similar records and I think you are going to see something a little bit special. I understand there is no love lost from sparring, and was there unofficial sparring out of the ring? This has got the hallmarks of a classic fight in a division that Britain has always flown the flag in. You can go back over the years and look at some of the great British and Commonwealth Middleweight title fights. This, definitely has a great chance of being up there as far as quality and action are concerned. As a boxing fan I’m looking forward to it. There was a lot of talk, that Tony Sims (Felix’s trainer) said he was considering not taking the fight and moving on, but hats off to them. We won the purse bids and they are having the fight. From the fans point of view it doesn’t get any better than this. The one who has the skills and wants it the most will come through. I have an opinion about the fight and that is why we got behind Denzel in the purse bids. We believe in him. If Denzel comes through this as we expect him to then he will move on and into a position where he gets a world title fight. Denzel hasn’t come through the easy way. It has been tough. I lost a main event on a televised dinner show on the day. Denzel had been sparring ten rounds, but he jumped at a fight that night and stopped Serge Ambomo. That tells me a lot about him. It shows me a guy who believes in himself. He has looked better and better. He is a credit to himself and his trainer Martin Bowers. If good guys win he comes through this weekend. Fans are going to see something special between two talented fighters. There is competition between them, their promoters. The whole thing smacks of electricity. It will be exciting while it lasts.

DENZEL BENTLEY

I am very proud to be British Middleweight champion. I have been everywhere with the belt. I’ve shown it off to let everyone know about my achievements. I am proud. I think Felix will regret taking this fight. Felix believes he is world level, but go through his opponents and there is nothing to suggest he is at that level, but every fighter needs to believe they are. I believe I am world level and he believes I’m not, so we will see. There is the sparring story with Felix. We both did four rounds sparring then jumped back in with each other. We were going at it and he started hitting low and behind the head – all the little dirty tricks he likes to do. Then it got heated, he got upset and it turned into a little scrap but it’s in the past. He says I was clinging on for dear life – well we will see on Saturday.

I do everything better than Felix. Is he gonna turn up with his dirty tricks? He is a dirty fighter. Everyone has seen it in his fights before. He does it well and gets away with it a lot, but it’s not going to bother me. I reckon I am going to stop him even if he doesn’t have chinks in his armour.

FELIX CASH

Every British fighter wants to win the British title and that is what I want to do. Denzel is in my way so let’s get it on. I cannot wait to get my hands on the British belt. There were other options on the table, but we sat down and spoke as a team. We had a look at Denzel and just said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ I would have preferred it was on a Matchroom show, but it doesn’t make any difference to me, a ring is a ring and the best man will win on the night. I believe I am world level and I don’t believe that Denzel is. He is a decent domestic fighter. I believe I am a level above him and I will show him on Saturday night. Styles make fights. I believe I am better and I will prove that. We will sort it out man to man and the best man will win. I believe that man is going to be me. He has been doing a world tour with that belt. I hope he has enjoyed it because it is leaving him on Saturday night. I am going to be in front of him and he will have to deal with it. Am I a dirty fighter? I am what I am. I am a very good fighter and I am going to show Denzel. I will win the fight by stoppage. Let’s just put on a good fight for the fans.

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.

Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

Also in six round action, York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) who meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0).

 In four rounders are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0) and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.