WEST POINT, N.Y. (April 21, 2021) –  All fighters successfully weighed in today ahead of Thursday’s Ring City USA event headlined by the high-stakes world title main event between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jelena Mrdjenovich and Erika Cruz, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The main card on NBC Sports Network will feature two additional bouts beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a three-fight professional undercard and amateur bouts featuring West Point cadets beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch.

In the co-main event of the evening on NBC Sports Network, the heavy-handed Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on veteran Deiner Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight clash which marks both fighters’ U.S. debut.  Rounding out the NBCSN telecast is an eight-round welterweight fight featuring Kazakhstan’s Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) facing the most difficult test of his professional career when he takes on Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, now residing in Los Angeles, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, 25-year-old Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) will return to take on rugged ring veteran Jesus Antonio Gutierrez (27-4-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a super middleweight fight scheduled for eight rounds. Highlighted on the Twitch undercard is undefeated phenom Jalan Walker (8-0, 7 KOs) who will battle Angel Antonio Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs) in a featherweight fight scheduled for six rounds. In the opening professional fight of the evening, undefeated prospect Daniel Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs) faces Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a four-round junior lightweight fight.

Official weights and officials from West Point:

WBA Featherweight World Title Fight – 10 Rounds

Jelena Mrdjenovich – 125.2 lbs.

Erika Cruz – 125. 8 lbs.

Referee: Benjy Esteves

Judges: John Basile, Glenn Feldman, Robin Taylor

Welterweight Fight – 10 Rounds

Juan Pablo Romero – 143 lbs.

Denier Berrio – 141.8 lbs.

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, Steve Weisfeld

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Bobirzhan Mominov – 146.2 lbs.

Angel Ruiz – 146.6 lbs.

Referee: Charlie Fitch

Judges: Ken Ezzo, Eric Marlinksi, James Pierce

Super Middleweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Christian Mbilli – 167.4 lbs.

Jesus Antonio Gutierrez – 167.4 lbs.

Referee: Jamil Antoine

Judges: Ken Ezzo, Eric Marlinski, James Piece

Featherweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Jalan Walker – 125.8 lbs.

Angel Antonio Contreras – 126.4 lbs.

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, Steve Weisfeld

Junior Lightweight Fight – 4 Rounds

Daniel Bailey – 129.6 lbs.

Luis Alvarado – 130 lbs.

Referee: Jamil Antoine

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, James Pierce

Catch up on fight week in West Point ahead of tomorrow’s stacked card with in-depth features now available on Ring City USA’s YouTube Channel.

Subscribe to Ring City USA on Twitch for undercard action and an exclusive post-fight presentation following the evening’s main event. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in West Point or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information. 

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

WEST POINT, New York – April 21 2021 – WBO Super Featherweight World Title Jamel Herring will serve as a guest commentator on Ring City USA’s Thursday night telecast, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and around the United States on NBC Sports Network.

Herring enters the broadcast booth fresh off a career-defining win on April 3 when he knocked out two-division world champion Carl Frampton in the sixth round to successfully defend his super featherweight title for the third time. Herring was the captain of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, having served two tours of duty in Iraq.

On Thursday night, he will join the Ring City USA team to present a six-fight event that is headlined by Jelena Mrjdenovich making the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz Hernandez. The main card on NBCSN will feature three fights beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a bonus three-fight undercard beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch. Additionally, the presentation will include West Point cadets facing off in amateur bouts beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Twitch.

The Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will also make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV. Thursday’s event will mark the first professional fight card in New York since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020

Herring spoke with the media to share insights on his legacy as a Marine, his role as a guest commentator on Ring City, his next fight and more. Below are highlights from his conversation:

JAMEL HERRING

On his journey from the Marines to a World Championship: “I was thinking about my time from Iraq to where I am at now and it feels like a dream at times. I know fellow Marines who love the sport of boxing as well who used to dream about being in the position I am in. I remember clearly back in 2007, I was literally in Iraq during the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather fight. I remember thinking I need to get back into the sport of boxing, I need to get back in the sport when I get home to America. Just to remember that day clearly and to see where I am at now – it’s a blessing.”

On a future broadcasting career: “I love the commentating aspect of the sport because it allows me to speak on my public opinion and give my knowledge of the sport as well. I can definitely see myself doing this as a career in the future but right now I am just taking full advantage of the opportunity and the moment. I am glad to be a part of it.”

On working with Ring City: “I am close with Seniesa (Estrada) and Shawn (Porter). Shawn is the one that motivated me to get into broadcasting, especially being an active fighter. Seniesa did a great job, especially giving her opinion from a women’s aspect and what to look at. She’s very knowledgeable of the sport. It comes natural with Shawn, so it’s great having him on board.”

On training to fight vs. studying to announce a fight: “It’s definitely different. For the most part in camp, you know yourself. You know what to expect going into training camp. All week I have been looking at my notes and studying the fighters and where they are from, and all the different aspects. It’s fun. I get to learn something new with each fighter. Commentators also get to see the fighters grow throughout their career.”

On the amateur fights between West Point cadets on the undercard: “As a Marine Corps Sergeant, I am going to be hard on them because I expect nothing but the best effort from them. I know what it takes to even get to that level, not even just in the Marines but in the military in general. A lot of people don’t see it but during the amateurs, we have a target on our backs because they feel that we are privileged, I guess. That we had a ‘free ride,’ they would say, to the national tournaments. But in order for you to get to that level on any of the Armed Forces teams, you have to be the best of your branch. I am just happy for them and hope they take it as far as they want to take it.”

On developing military boxers at the professional level: “It is hard for us in the military to get to the highest level in boxing. I remember I met Ken Norton before he passed when I was an active duty Marine in 2006. I was also very close with Leon Spinks who recently passed away. I look back at those two individuals and I think that I am only one of the remaining marines to carry a world title – it means a lot to me but I would also like to see more follow my path. I looked up to Spinks and Norton, they have wins over the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, and they were marines. I took the fight with Carl Frampton very, very seriously and I just feel like there are a lot of Marines and veterans out there who are looking up to me and that’s why I always carry myself as a Marine to this day.”

On Thursday’s main event: “I have always been a big supporter of women in the sport of boxing. They are fighters. Most people see around my camp, and in my camp leading into Carl Frampton, Mikaela Mayer was in the gym with me for the most part. She works just as hard as the men. I am a huge supporter of women’s boxing and it is good to see them get the proper respect that they deserve. Women’s boxing has come a long way from let’s say the Laila Ali days. Now, amateur boxing is growing and more girls are getting involved, so you are seeing the amateur pedigree behind them.”

On the postponement of the heavyweight main event: “I know Stephan (Shaw) and his trainer personally. He actually was basically an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team and a lot of people don’t know that. He helped a lot of us prepare for the Olympics. I know him from way back and he was young then. It’s a bummer that the fight fell through, but I wish them well. It gave us an opportunity for women to showcase what they can do – their skills and ability. Amanda Serrano just showed what she could do on the same platform. I would have loved to see Shaw vs. Franklin on Thursday though.”

On the importance of AFN: “When I was over in Iraq in 2007, I got to witness one of the biggest fights of that time, of that era, between De La Hoya and Mayweather, thanks to AFN. They definitely play a huge role. They aired all of my Armed Forces bouts as well and they’ve aired some of my own fights. Our service men and women get to see individuals like myself representing them on a bigger stage. It means a lot for them to know that there is someone out there who represents them. Even though I am not active duty – you know the motto, ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine.’ And I carry myself like that. It gives them the boost of morale.”

On his next fight: “I look at all roads and options, to be honest with you. I don’t count anything out. I don’t even count out the Shakur Stevenson fight. It’s just about what is available and what makes the most sense. Not even on the business side but in terms of my own legacy. Of course, I want to win another world title. I want to win more world titles. If those opportunities come first at super featherweight or lightweight, then that’s what I am going to go for. Right now, I am enjoying the time off from training, but I am always thinking about what’s next. I am already over the Frampton fight. I am glad I got the respect that I was looking for. It was an honor to share the ring with him but now I am looking for the next big thing. The Valdez fight would be the smart choice. But I just want to continue conducting myself as a Marine and bringing more prestigious titles to the Marines and be known as the one of the best to do it. I think that a fight with Oscar Valdez and a big win over him would at least put me in the best conversation for being Fighter of the Year.”

Follow Ring City USA for live updates from West Point on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

New York, NY (April 21, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella announced today the newest addition to the DiBella Entertainment roster of world class boxing talent: undefeated lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (10-0, 6 KOs), of Cheatham County, Tennessee.

Tomlin will make his DiBella Entertainment debut in a special attraction eight-round bout on Friday, May 14, 2021, in Murfreesboro, the sports capital of Tennessee, featured on Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight. Tomlin’s bout will not be streamed on UFC Fight Pass®, so local fans wishing to see his fight are encouraged to buy tickets well in advance to ensure entry.

Tickets, starting at $35, are On Sale Now and can be purchased online at Broadway Boxing Tickets. Fans wishing to support Team Short Fuse should purchase seats or tables labeled “Tomlin.” The event is co-promoted by Matt Young’s Tri-Star Boxing. Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, just outside of Nashville, TN. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. local time.

“Over the last 18 years, Broadway Boxing has become a global brand and I am so excited to bring the series to Murfreesboro on May 14,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Tyler Tomlin is already a star in Tennessee and has the potential to carry his stardom onto the global stage. Starting May 14, we will begin the process of making Tyler Tomlin a prominent name in the boxing world. Cheatham County has my word, he will not forget where he came from and will continue to be active in the Tennessee boxing scene.”

Just 21 years old, Tomlin has already made a huge splash on the Tennessee boxing scene since turning professional in May 2019. He has won his first 10 bouts, while cultivating one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases anywhere in professional boxing. Tomlin began boxing at age nine and was a touted amateur, compiling a 65-15 record. He won gold at the Tennessee Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves tournaments six times each, became a four-time Regionals champion, and won bronze at the 2015 Junior Olympics. He is trained by his father, Darryl Tomlin, at the Team Tomlin Gym, built four years ago on the family’s home estate.

“I’m extremely happy that I’ve signed with an experienced promoter like Lou DiBella, who has been in the boxing business for many years,” said Tyler Tomlin. “I believe that we will do incredible things together as I ascend to the top of the boxing world. We’ve discussed building my career in my home state of Tennessee and that’s an attractive part of our agreement. I want to bring big fights to Tennessee and I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level. I know DiBella Entertainment can make that happen.”

“After going back and forth with negotiations, Lou DiBella gave us many of the terms we were seeking,” said Darryl Tomlin, Tyler’s father and trainer/co-manager. “Ty has built a tremendous fan base here in his hometown of Cheatham County and Lou agrees that we should continue to fight in Tennessee and maintain the momentum. We want to have a great working relationship with DiBella Entertainment and it’s truly a blessing for Ty and our family to be with Lou, who has also been involved in some of my favorite boxing movies like ‘Southpaw’, ‘The Fighter’ and ‘Rocky Balboa’.”

Tomlin is co-managed by noted boxing manager Peter Fernandez, of Tampa, Florida.

The remainder of the May 14 event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, and will feature a world class, historic evening of exclusively women’s boxing. Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight is headlined by an eight-round lightweight contest between popular, former WBO featherweight world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1, 4 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, and Montreal, Canada’s Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-2).

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS®, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

Tyler Tomlin
Instagram: @_TyTomlin
Twitter: @_TyTomlin
Facebook: @TyTomlin123

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of a pair of undefeated 21-year-old Dominican prospects, super featherweight Edwin De Los Santos and super bantamweight Luis Reynaldo Nunez to promotional agreements.

A crow-pleasing puncher with tremendous will, the southpaw De los Santos (9-0, 8 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, started boxing at the age of eight and went on to win numerous national amateur championships in his boxing-rich homeland. At age 14, he joined the Dominican’s prestigious National Boxing Team and, at 18, made the move to professional ranks. De Los Santos has already captured the WBA Fedecaribe and WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championships in his young career.

“It motivated me seeing how so many other great Dominican fighters have reached places they never dreamed of under the guidance of Sampson Boxing,” said De Los Santos of the signing. I am committed to bringing another world championship home to my country, defending it with pride and courage as many times as possible and improving the economic situation of my family.”

Also a decorated amateur in the Dominican, Puerto Plata’s Luis Reynaldo Nunez started boxing at age six and went on to win a number of national and international championships all over the world as a member of the elite Dominican national team. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18 under the guidance of manger Antonio Tineo and trainer Vicente De La Cruz, best known as the trainer of former unified world champion Jeison (el Banana) Rosario. Nunez won the Dominican Republic Super Bantamweight Championship in 2019 and has successfully defended it once. He added the WBA Fedelatin Super Bantamweight Title in December of last year with a fourth-round stoppage of Nicaragua’s Giovanni Gutierrez. Gutierrez had previously gone the 10-round distance with top contender Mike Plania.

“I am grateful to Mr. Antonio Tineo, who is like a father to me. I’m also excited to work with Sampson Boxing and all the opportunities he wins for his fighters. I will be a proud world champion from the Dominican Republic. I also want to improve the economic situation of my family (grandparents and parents) who have given everything to me without asking for anything in return.”

A staunch advocate of Dominican boxing, Lewkowicz has expertly guided the careers of esteemed Dominican champions Jeison “Banana” Rosario, Javer “El Abejón” Fortuna, Jonathan Guzman, Dahiana Santana and Katy Wilson Castillo. He was introduced to Tineo through his long-time Dominican talent scout Cesar “Manguita” Mercedes.

Lewkowicz says he’s looking forward to working with the two young talents and to partnering with Tineo on several more promising fighters in the future.

“I have always supported Dominican boxers and have helped several of them become world champions,” said Lewkowicz. “I thank Cesar Mercedes for introducing me to Mr. Tineo and I look forward to helping establish several more Dominican champions during our work together. Both Nunez and De Los Santos are elite-level fighters who will be contenders in their divisions in the near future.”
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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks off its May run of events at UFC APEX with a clash of top five light heavyweight contenders, as No. 3 ranked Dominick Reyes takes on No. 5 Jiri Prochazka. In the co-main event, an exciting featherweight bout pits the always-entertaining Cub Swanson against rising prospect Giga Chikadze. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: REYES vs. PROCHAZKA will take place Saturday, May 1 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT, with the prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

Reyes (12-2, fighting out of Victorville, Calif.) intends to deliver another statement victory to remind the rest of the light heavyweight division that he is still one of the best in the world. A two-time title challenger, Reyes rose through the 205-pound ranks with standout wins over Jared Cannonier, Ovince Saint Preux and Chris Weidman. He now looks to reinsert himself into the championship conversation by becoming the first man to defeat Prochazka in the UFC.

Exciting striker Prochazka (27-3-1, fighting out of Brno, Czech Republic) burst onto the UFC scene with a Performance of the Night bonus-earning knockout over former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. A Czech national Muay Thai champion, he holds an incredible 96 percent finishing rate in MMA with 24 of his 27 victories coming by knockout, including his last nine wins in a row. Prochazka now plans to keep the momentum from his debut going by finishing Reyes and declaring himself as the next challenger for the belt.

Fan favorite Swanson (27-11, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) aims to deliver another vintage performance in his 20^th Octagon appearance. The record owner for most total fight night bonuses in UFC featherweight history, Swanson established himself as one of the most exciting athletes on the roster with victories over Dustin Poirier, Dooho Choi and Charles Oliveira. He now has his sights set on handing Chikadze his first UFC loss in spectacular fashion. 

Chikadze (12-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC and secure the biggest victory of his MMA career. A former GLORY kickboxer, he has won all five of his UFC bouts, including wins over Brandon Davis, Jamall Emmers and most recently Jamey Simmons. Chikadze now attempts to show that he can compete with the elite of the division and cement himself as a 145-pound contender.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top 15 bantamweight grapplers face off as No. 12 ranked Merab Dvalishvili (12-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) meets No. 13 Cody Stamann (19-3-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.)
• Ion Cutelaba (15-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) takes on Dustin Jacoby (14-5, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.) in a light heavyweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• No. 15 ranked middleweight contender Sean Strickland (22-3, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) locks horns with Krzysztof Jotko (22-4, fighting out of Orneta, Poland)
• Poliana Botelho (8-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Luana Carolina (6-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) battle in a flyweight bout
• Veteran Randa Markos (10-11-1, fighting out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Dana White’s Contender Series signee Luana Pinheiro (8-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Featherweights Gabriel Benitez (22-9, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) and Jonathan Pearce (10-4, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) plan to steal the show with an impressive performance
• Kai Kamaka (8-3, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) plans to stop TJ Brown (14-8, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) from earning his first UFC victory
• Women’s strawweight standout Loma Lookboonmee (5-2, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand) goes for her first UFC finish against Sam Hughes (5-2, fighting out of Everett, Wash.)
• Middleweights Andreas Michailidis (12-4, fighting out of Athens, Greece) and KB Bhullar (8-1, fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) both vie to secure their first UFC wins

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

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2021) – Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara previewed his quest to become a three-time, two-division champion as he prepares to take on Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Lara vs. LaManna serves as the main event of a broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. battling all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola, which tops a stellar boxing extravaganza all taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Lara will make his 2021 debut after his last fight saw him defeat Greg Vendetti by unanimous decision on FOX in August, making it three-straight fights without a loss combined with his knockout victory over Ramon Alvarez in August 2019 and a split-draw in a 2019 action fight against current 154-pound champion Brian Castaño.

Prior to narrowly dropping 2018’s Fight of the Year to Jarrett Hurd, Lara was established as the longest-reigning 154-pound champion, owning six title defenses. Lara has faced a slew of top names in the division throughout the years, including Canelo Alvarez, Austin Trout, Alfredo Angulo, Paul Williams, Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan, in addition to Hurd and Castaño.

Here is what Lara had to say about training camp, moving up to middleweight and more:

On this recent training camp:
“Training camp has been hard. I am working with my coach Ismael Salas, and things have just been very calculated and scientific. We got great sparring and I’m feeling young in my mind, body, and soul. I like the way the camp is being managed, and I expect to have a lot of success in this fight based on the preparation I have had in Las Vegas.”

On his matchup with LaManna:
“Thomas LaManna is really big and tall and brings a unique style to the ring. This is not an easy fight at all, and I know I will have to be my very best to come out victorious. He has never fought for a world title so I am fighting a person who is looking to accomplish his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion. I am fully prepared, focused, and I’m expecting a tough fight.”

On fighting for the vacant WBA middleweight title:
“I’m looking to become a two division and three-time world champion. I take great pride in being a fighter that puts everything on the line. I want to face any-and-all challengers, and this will continue May 1. My goal is to be an all-time great and a legend in the sport. I’m moving up in weight to become a world champion and show the world I’m ready for new challenges.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A victory against LaManna will put me in position to challenge the other champions at middleweight. I am looking at unification bouts, I want the biggest bouts possible, but I must win this fight first. There are a lot of meaningful fights at middleweight, and I want them all. I want to be a Hall-of-Famer and go down as one of the best Cuban boxers to ever do it. For my legacy to be thought of that way, I have to fight the best.”

#

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!

Preceding the pay-per-view, FOX PBC Fight Night will begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT headlined by Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara seeking a third world title in a second weight class when he faces veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title. In the co-main event on FOX, top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramírez takes on hard-hitting Isaac Avelar in a 12-round fight for the vacant interim WBA Featherweight Title.

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.

Terri Harper will put her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi on a huge night of action at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 15 that also sees the return of rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi plus three European Title fights, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) looked sensational as she stopped Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her WBC and IBO 130lbs crowns last time out in November at The SSE Arena, Wembley on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s win over Miriam Gutierrez. 

‘Belter’ clung onto her belts after a thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas at Matchroom Fight Camp back in August, but the 24-year-old produced a far more composed performance to ruthlessly halt her mandatory challenger Thanderz in just her 12^th fight. 

Choi (18-0-1, 4 KOs), the longest-reigning world ruler in women’s boxing, beat China’s Chunyan Xu on her professional debut in October 2008 to claim the vacant WBA Featherweight crown before making seven defences of her World Title in the following five years. 

The South Korean became a two-weight World Champion when she landed the WBA Super-Featherweight Title against Thailand’s Siriwan Thongmanit in May 2014, and most recently defended it against Calista Silgado on her Matchroom debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“It’s exciting that our dream of becoming Undisputed Super-Featherweight World Champion is taking a step closer to reality with my first unification fight,” said Harper. “I’m looking forward to the step-up and fighting an undefeated champion.

“Choi is the longest-reigning female World Champion and it will be an honour to share the ring with her. I’m more than ready. I’ve been training for this fight since the new year, even with my broken hand. I don’t just want to win; I want to win in style and make a statement.”

“I have waited a very long time for the opportunity to fight for the WBC belt,” said Choi. “I am so excited and looking forward to it. My goal has been to unify my weight division for many years and now the time has finally come.

“I know this fight in England will not be easy. Fighting in another country is extremely difficult but I am prepared for this adventure and challenge. I truly hope the best fighter will win. I have prepared for this opportunity my whole boxing career.”

Croydon’s Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs) came through the toughest test of his career as he stopped brave Croatian Marko Calic in seven brutal rounds to retain his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title in the main event at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes last October.

The 28-year-old has since switched trainers and will now be guided by Virgil Hunter in San Francisco, the renowned coach who oversaw Andre Ward’s legendary career that ended with a perfect 32-0 record and World Titles in two divisions. 

Undefeated Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (14-0, 3 KOs), the former British and Commonwealth Champion, steps up his pursuit for world honours as he takes on Italy’s Giovanni De Carolis (28-9-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Title.

Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) captured the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Title after a hard-fought majority decision victory over Bilal Laggoune – he makes the first defence of his belt against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs).

Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) puts his EBU European Super-Bantamweight Title on the line for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) after claiming it with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Italy’s Luca Rigoldi at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

Fast-rising Super-Lightweight star Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Doncaster’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Title after their February clash fell through at short notice due two positive COVID tests in Appleyard’s camp. 

“This is a cracking card and most likely our last in the U.K. behind closed doors,” said Eddie Hearn. “As Terri Harper continues her quest for Undisputed, she takes on the unbeaten champ Hyun-Mi Choi in a brilliant unification match-up. Joshua Buatsi returns to action under new trainer Virgil Hunter and we have three European Title match ups with champions Tommy MCarthy and Gamal Yafai defending and Leronne Richards going for the Super-Middleweight Title. Electric prospect Dalton Smith also steps-up in a great fight vs. Lee Appleyard for the vacant English Title as he continues his charge.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said: “Terri Harper tops a superb night of action, live on Sky Sports, in a high-class unification clash with rival World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi.

“Terri is one of our leading women’s fighters – we’ve followed her journey closely – and now she aims to propel herself into elite company as a unified champion.

“Joshua Buatsi continues his explosive pursuit of a World Title fight and it will be fascinating to see the influence of America’s highly-regarded trainer, Virgil Hunter.

“Lerrone Richards, Tommy McCarthy and Gamal Yafai also return in a triple-header of European Title action, while Dalton Smith against Lee Appleyard should be an enthralling domestic clash.”

BOSTON (April 20, 2021) – Recently discharged U.S. Army specialist 4th class Daniel Bailey Jr. will be fighting in front of soldiers this Thursday night at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

The 24-year-old Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will face Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a 4-round featherweight bout on a Ring City USA card, the first live boxing in New York since before the pandemic.

All the action will be streamed live (9 pm. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on the Twitch.tv app, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, as well as via the Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific (AFNTV).

“I’ve never been to West Point,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to fight there in front of other soldiers. I’m honored. We’re all brothers and sisters in arms and I want to put on a great show for them. I’m bringing the heat!”

“This is a great opportunity for Daniel,” Bailey’s manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) commented. “Ring City USA has really taken over during the pandemic, putting on some really great shows. Ring City reached out to me looking to get some U.S. Army veterans on the card and Daniel answered the call, as always. I’m excited for this and Daniel is ready for the big stage.”

Born in Miami, Bailey’s cousin is Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey (46-9, 39 KOs), the 2-division World champion who was considered one of the hardest pound-4-pound punchers of his era (1996-2016).

Bailey was honorably discharged from the military this past March 19 after serving a 6-year stint. He was a 4-time U.S. Army champion rated as high as No. 1 in the country as an amateur boxer. He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs (CO), where Daniel was enrolled in the special soldier-athlete program there, World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).

Bailey made his pro debut November 7, 2020, when he stopped Noe Marquez Talamantes in the second-round of their fight in Mexico. His last action was an opening-round knockout of Jahterris Lewis last month in Alabama.

During his solid amateur boxing career, Bailey benefited from sparring world champions Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, among the more notables.

“I’ve become a much more complete fighter since I turned pro,” Bailey explained. “I have more control, like fully hydrating after a weigh in. I’m like a kid in a candy store now. I’ve made changes and sparring top guys has really helped my conditioning.

“This is the right place, right time for me,” Bailey concluded. I’m already on weight and ready to fight. It was a good time for me to get out of the army to pursue my dream.”

INFORMATION:
WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan, DanielBaileyJr
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.

HEAVYWEIGHT banger David Adeleye insists he is ready to let Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman feel his power.

Adeleye has shown he can pack a punch and knocked out his first five professional opponents in style.

The Notting Hill man is back in action on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

Adeleye, 24, has oozed potential in his string of wins and is happy to be pushed by promoter Frank Warren who is matching the former ABA Junior and Senior Novices champion well.

Allen is returning to boxing following a short retirement and Gorman is closing in on a second British title shot after suffering his only career defeat against Daniel Dubois.

Adeleye said: “Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman are fights I think I can take. I am confident in myself, I believe in myself and I can beat them.

“Dave would be a good contest for me. He has been in there with some great fighters.

“It would be a good fight and it is one I would take.

“Dave is talking only boxing four or six rounders so I could get to stage that I have gone passed him.

“Credit to Nathan. He is a good fighter and you can see that, but he is someone I believe I can take on.

“I don’t just ask for these fight to say it. If they got made there wouldn’t be a ‘no’ from me.

“My development has been perfect and I know there is no rush, but if it was down to me I would want these fights.”

Four of Adeleye’s wins have come inside two rounds, and usually durable Phil Williams was stopped in three.

“As fights get longer the opposition will be better. I will get more time to break opponents down and box instead of just trying to blast them out,” added Adeleye who studied at the University of Wolverhampton, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business Management.

“There have been opponents who were meant to give me rounds, like Williams. He was tough and I had to do a few things different to get him out of there, but it came together.

“I am disciplined and an all year round fighter. I don’t train in seasons. I always stay ready. After each fight I have a week off and then I’m back in the gym, improving.

“Nothing comes easy. As long as I stay grounded and guided I know I can go all the way.”

He might be in a hurry to make his name in the boxing business, but trainer Frank Greaves ensures Adeleye remains focused.

Adeleye says: “It’s easy to get knocked off your high horse and why I always mention staying disciplined and grounded.

“It must be hard for fighters when they are suddenly earning big money and  having big fights. At the same time, it’s easy because if you want something you stay disciplined.

“I have good people around me who will keep me in check like my family and coach, Frank Greaves.

“I think Frank likes me saying these names. He doesn’t want be with a fighter who doesn’t believe in himself.

“He does the training and might say something on opponents because he knows where I am at, but doesn’t bother when I call someone out.”

Denzel Bentley (14-0-1) vs Felix Cash (13-0) for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles headlines a bumper night of boxing, live on BT Sport on April 24.

 Also on the card, light heavyweight star Callum Johnson (18-1) marks his return to the ring with a battle against the experienced Emil Markic (32-2) for the WBO Global championship.

 Other Queensberry prospects besides Adeleye (5-0) on the show are George Davey (3-0), Henry Turner (4-0), James Heneghan (4-0) and Karol Itauma (1-0).

Kings Promotions and Salita Promotions proudly announce signing a co-promotional agreement with undefeated welterweight prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica.

The 5? 10? and 22-year-old Figueroa Bocachica (17-0, 11 KOs) is a proud Puerto Rican/American who hails from Southwest Detroit. Before turning pro at the tender age of 17, Figueroa Bocachica scored victories over current fellow undefeated professional prospects Charles Conwell and Brandun Lee, while winning multiple city/state titles. He finished the unpaid ranks with a record of 60-5.

Describing himself as an “aggressive technician,” Figueroa Bocachica trains with his father, Nelson Figueroa, at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit.

“Man, big things are going on in Detroit,” said Bocachica of signing with Michigan-based New Yorker Salita. “They are doing big shows and I want to be a part of that, so I’m in the right spot to prove myself against every opponent I face. I want all the belts in multiple divisions!”

Figueroa Bocachica has come up big in nationally televised showcases in his last two fights. In October 2020, he needed less than a round to stop and drop Puerto Rico’s then 9-1 Nicklaus Flaz. The capable Flaz was down three times from the accurate bombs of Figueroa Bocachica. And then, in February of this year, he took an entertaining majority 10-round decision over formerly undefeated Mark Reyes Jr.

“I’ve always known that Janelson was a special kid – I just didn’t realize how quickly he’d prove it to everybody else!” said his manager, David McWater. “He’s the rare type of the fighter that not only has devastating one-punch power but can really box as well. Teaming with Salita Promotions will allow Janelson to get all the right opportunities to become the next big Detroit boxing star and we’re just thrilled for the future.”

Both of Figueroa Bocachica’s co-promoters say they are pleased with the deal and looking forward to pairing up on more exciting prospects.

“I’m happy to be partnering with Salita Promotions in helping to develop one of the very best Welterweights in the world,” said Marshall Kauffman, President of Kings Promotions. “I look forward to doing more business with Dmitriy in the near future with many more boxers.”

“Janelson Figueroa is one of the best American prospects,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He got his start at the Kronk Gym in Detroit and I believe that he has all the tools to be the next welterweight world champion from Detroit. I’m happy to be working with Marshall Kauffman on building the next great champion from the Motor City.”

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

CALLUM JOHNSON is hoping for the first crack at new WBO World Light-Heavyweight champion Joe Smith.

Fan-friendly Johnson excited American fans on two previous appearances in the United States and hopes Smith’s promoter Bob Arum contacts Frank Warren about the fight.

The former British and Commonwealth champion said: “I have seen loads of comments on social media saying,  ‘Joe Smith v Callum Johnson, what a fight,’ and it is one that excites me.”

New York’s Smith won the vacant title earlier this month when he snatched a majority decision against Russian Maxim Vlasov.

Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) impressed in Verona, New York when he last boxed in March 2019 demolishing Sean Monaghan inside three rounds.

Five months earlier in Chicago, he lost a World title war in four rounds against the division’s top man Artur Beterbiev, but floored the IBF Champion before losing for the only time as a professional.

Johnson’s reputation soared and he returns against Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) in a vacant WBO Global title clash in London on Saturday April 24, (live on BT Sport).

Boston’s Johnson said: “It’s an interesting division and there are a few of us who want to get that shot at Smith.

“If Bob Arum called Frank and offered me the fight — one million per-cent I would take it in a heartbeat.

“I wouldn’t need to think twice. That is where I want to go and I would jump straight in with Smith next if I could.

“If Frank wants to push me for WBO title I am all up for winning it against Smith and coming back to face Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

“Stylistically, Joe and myself is a good fight. It has been talked about before, is easy to make and one that fans like.

“I do feel I would beat Joe and bring that title back, but I have to think about Markic.

“I am expected to win and confident I will win, but Markic is no slouch. I can’t look past him. At the same time fighters do think what might come.”

Markic is ranked 15th by the WBO and a lofty world ranking is at stake when Johnson takes on the Bosnian puncher.

“Markic is a decent opponent after a long lay-off. He has a good record and can obviously punch a bit looking at his knockout ratio,” added 35-year-old Johnson.

“He is an opponent that I am not looking past or taking lightly, that is for sure.

“When I re-signed with Frank I didn’t care who I fought. I just wanted to get out there.

“I am as fresh as a daisy, but not a young lad. I don’t want to come back with six and eight rounders because I am past all that. There is no point and I haven’t got time.

“It is straight back in and getting back to where I want to be.”

Heading the show is Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who makes the first defence of his British Middleweight title against mandatory contender Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose  Commonwealth crown is also on the line.

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 is York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) who faces Clayton Bricknell (3-3-1).

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

Orlando, FL (April 20, 2021) – In 2003, Jose Antonio Rivera flew more than 3,000 miles from his backyard in Worcester, MA, to the middle of Berlin and won a narrow majority decision over unbeaten hometown fighter Michael Trabant to capture the vacant WBA world welterweight title, a rare – but not impossible – feat amidst the duplicity and deceit that often overshadows boxing.

Worcester is affectionately known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” an industrial city that earned its reputation at the turn of the century through long hours of physical, backbreaking labor by those who worked textile mills and factories, so it’s no surprise Worcester fighters do their best when forced to dig deep and grind when it matters most.

Worcester’s Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) – the brightest among a city filled with great up-and-coming talent – hopes to carry the torch Saturday, April 24 when he makes his long-awaited network television debut in an eight-round fight against fellow unbeaten lightweight Joseph Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs), streaming live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 pm ET from the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL.

Facing the greatest challenge of his pro career, the 24-year-old Ortiz must channel the soul of 19th century Worcester and deliver the type of performance one would expect from a hard-working father and union carpenter accustomed to putting his hands to use both in and out of the ring.

“I’m built for this,” Ortiz said. “Whether I have to fight on the road, or travel to fight in someone’s backyard, it’s a risk, but I’m not concerned about that. I’m just going to be the best I can be and never run away from any challenges.”

The card, promoted by Top Rank, features a handful of exciting bouts, including WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) and a 10-round super lightweight showdown between Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (18-1, 9 KOs) and Willie Shaw (13-2, 9 KOs). The main card airs live on at 10 pm ET on ESPN.

To watch Ortiz-Adorno live, sign up for ESPN+ for $5.99 a month or $59.99 for an entire year at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com, or via the ESPN app for mobile and connected devises. ESPN+ is also available as part of The Disney Bundle, which also includes Disney+ and Hulu. Subscriptions range from $12.99 to $18.99 per month.

Why this fight – and why now – just six months after his scintillating knockout win over Sulamain Segawa in California on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. fight?

“My time is now,” Ortiz said.

The reigning WBC Youth and USNBC Silver champion turns 25 later this month. He’s in the fifth year of his professional career. Everything is lined up the way he wants it as he begins what he considers a make-or-break 2021.

Ortiz isn’t like those fighters who only talk the talk when it comes to dreaming of championship glory. Since his days as an amateur, trained by the great Carlos Garcia, traveling the world to fight the best in his weight class, Ortiz envisioned everything he’s experiencing now. When he talks about each step leading to something greater, each move as a building block for the future, his words carry weight – he knew at 18 what he’d experience at 21 and beyond.

Just days after his win over Segawa – a fight viewed by an estimated 1.6 million who purchased the card on pay per view – Ortiz achieved instant celebrity status in the boxing world; his followers on social media nearly tripled and his inbox flooded with hundreds of unsolicited messages, all clamoring to find out more about this soft-spoken “technician” from Worcester.

“My vision is just so far ahead, and I’m so far ahead of myself sometimes that none of it was surprising to me,” Ortiz said. “I’ve manifested all of this, day by day, fight by fight. I literally said before I signed my first professional contract that it would happen just like this. I’m just glad it’s finally coming to fruition.”

While some fighters speak with a level of confidence that borders on arrogance, Ortiz’s self-assurance veers in the opposite direction; there’s humility and gratitude in every word, enough to convince you Ortiz is not only two, three, or four, but rather several steps ahead of the competition. He genuinely believes the best is yet to come, not because he expects it to be handed to him, but because he’s worked for every inch and every advantage.

When talking about the opportunity ahead of him this weekend, Ortiz chuckles. He knows what’s at stake. Not everyone gets the chance to fight on this stage, even those with more accomplished amateur backgrounds, or lucrative financial backers. Ortiz earned it the hard way, and there’s zero chance he’s letting it slip through his grasp without leaving it all in the ring on Saturday night.

“I watched a video recently about how not everyone gets that turn in life, and how you have to take advantage of it. That really hit me,” Ortiz said. “This is my turn, and not everybody gets it, so you’ve got to make the most of it. I’m chasing a legacy, in a sense – a story. My story hasn’t been a cakewalk. I’m willing to face whoever I have to face to get to where I want to be.”

In boxing, where the athletes’ shelf lives are much shorter than in other sports, fights like this take on an understandable heightened sense of importance. Ortiz knows this. The plan he’s envisioned – the road he’s mapped out since Day 1 – also includes life after boxing, one in which a lengthy reign of dominance and potential earnings will make every current-day sacrifice worth the struggle. The “technician” who burst into living rooms across the world in November is poised to make an even greater impact Saturday against the dangerous Adorno, who, like Ortiz, built his foundation in the amateurs.

Worcester, no matter the generation, will always be the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” and its fighters don’t back down from a challenge, regardless of where their journey takes them. Ortiz has history – and an entire city – on his side this weekend.

“Boxing is time-limited. You can’t box your entire life,” Ortiz said. “You hit your prime and you have a couple of great years ahead of you, then you start to wind down. I hope to make a couple of bucks and make all of those beginning sacrifices worth it. I’m in this now 100 percent. It’s my time, and time is limited, so I have to get in early, chase those titles, and take over for as long as I can.”

Visit CESFights.com for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

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

CORONA, CA (April 18, 2021) – Today at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, Thompson Boxing Promotions hosted the second edition of their popular 3.2.1. Boxing series of 2021.

In the 8-round main event, super lightweight prospect Ruben “Ace” Torres (15-0, 12 KOs) dropped Diego Contreras (11-4, 5 KOs) twice in the opening round. The first knockdown came when Torres landed a vicious left hook to the head, while the second one happened by way of a left hook to the body. The referee saw enough and stopped the bout at the 1:04 mark of round one. Torres remains unbeaten and will look to step up in his next fight, with the thoughts of getting ranked in the top 15.

“I was really sharp today and my timing was right on,” said Torres. “I’m very thankful to be staying busy and the support from my promoter, Thompson Boxing, is incredible. I’m ready for the next level and I can see myself in some big fights with the pandemic coming to an end. I’m gong to stay focused and get right back in the gym.”

In the 8-round co-feature super lightweight slugger, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (23-0, 21 KOs) demolished, Bergman Aguilar (15-7-1, 5 KOs) by way of a brutal overhand right to the head during an exchange at the end of the opening round. Aguilar did not get up after being dropped and the referee officially called off the bout at the 2:59 mark of round one.

“I wanted to send a message to everyone in my division,” said Madueño. “I’m a power puncher with a lot of heart and fans will get to know me more each and every time I step in the ring. I believe I’m the top prospect in boxing and I’ll continue to prove that in each fight. I’m hoping to step up against a big name in my next fight.”

In the opening 6-round super lightweight bout, George “El YuYu” Acosta (11-1, 1 KO) was victorious, winning a unanimous decision against Edgar “Pito Lupillo” Ramirez (17-17-1, 14 KOs). Acosta outworked Ramirez from the opening round to the final bell, landing clean body and head shots throughout the fight. Scorecards read 60-54 across the board.

“I was in great shape going into this fight and I felt strong in there tonight.” said Acosta. “I was in control the entire fight and I almost got him out of there in the fifth round. Ramirez was a tough opponent who showed a lot of heart. I’m ready to get back in the gym to start training for my next fight, which will hopefully be sooner than later.”

?3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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WORCESTER, Mass. (April 19, 2021) – Rarely do undefeated prospects with double-digit victories fight each other because of the perceived risk like lightweights Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will do this Saturday night, April 24th, at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.

The 8-round Adorno vs. Ortiz fight, streaming live on ESPN+, will be on the Top Rank card headlined (on ESPN) by WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).
Both young lightweights were decorated USA amateur boxers who are rising stars in arguably boxing’s most loaded division.

“I’m counting the days,” Ortiz said about his fight with Adorno. “I’ve trained hard my whole life. When an opportunity like this comes, I’m ready to prove myself. I think I’ll have a spectacular performance and impress the crowd like I usually do. I’m fighting on another big card; I’m going up not down.”

The reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, in addition to being a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist, the 24-year-old Ortiz recently cracked the top 40 in the WBC ratings at 31, and he’s also ranked No. 5 by the NABF.

Ortiz is coming off a sensational, high-profile knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, in the seventh round last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event.

The lone blemish on the 21-year-old Adorno’s pro record came in his last fight, back on January 11, 2020, when he fought an 8-round split draw with Hector Garcia (14-7-3). Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Adorno lives and trains in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ortiz surprisingly may have what amounts to a “hometown” advantage, at least in terms of vocal support, largely because many of his New England friends and family are flying down to Florida to attend the fight, along with his Florida fans.
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“My father lived in Florida and I visited him during summers, and I went to second grade there,” Ortiz explained. “I have a big family-base in Orlando. A lot of family and friends from Worcester are going to the fight. I’m surprised by how many people will be there for me.”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), which will co-promote Adorno vs. Ortiz with Top Rank, and managed by Dick Shappy.
“Both teams need to be complimented for taking a fight like this.” Burchfield commented. “Two undefeated, young boxers like this fighting each other is what real boxing is all about. Bob Arum, Carl Moretti and Team Top Rank have been friends of mine for so many years.

“We turned Jamaine pro and through all these years as a promoter (32nd), maybe, every decade or so you have a special one like Jamaine, who can become the future of boxing. When you find a fighter who can box, punch and set-up his punches very well, he’s special and I feel Jamaine is special like that, not only in the ring but outside as well. I don’t worry about getting a late-night call about him. He is a total professional, no distractions with him. Jamaine works as a carpenter, he’s learning the real estate business, and he’s also looking into the medical field in the future. He reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De Lay Hoya. He has that charisma and is a technician in the ring. A very smart kid in the ring. He has a spectacular team of managers and trainer to work with, too.”

“For many years,” Shappy added, “our management team (including Eddie Imondi) had been searching for the right boxer to come along that had the potential to be a world champ. We are very confident that we have found that person, Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz.”

Rare as it may be in boxing, the reward is ultimately worth the risk for these legitimate fighters, Ortiz and Adormo.

CARSON, CALIF. (April 19, 2021) – WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Luis Nery and unbeaten rising star Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa will meet in a championship duel that will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on Saturday, May 15 headlining action live on SHOWTIME® in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® televised undercard will feature former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman facing the tough, hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza in the co-main event and rising contender Xavier Martinez taking on the experienced Abraham Montoya in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. PT 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.

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

Los Angeles – April 19, 2021 – On Thursday night, Ring City USA will return with another high-stakes world title main event when Jelena Mrdjenovich makes the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz Hernandez, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and on NBC Sports Network. The main card on NBCSN will feature two additional bouts beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a three-fight undercard beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch.

The previously announced main event heavyweight clash between undefeated contenders Jermaine Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) and Stephan Shaw (14-0, 10 KOs) was postponed due to Franklin testing positive for COVID-19.

Mrdjenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) returns to the Ring City USA squared circle following her fifth world title defense, a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Iranda Paolo Torres on December 17, 2020 at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, Calif. The three-division world champion won the WBA world title in March 2016 defeating champion Edith Matthysse. A pioneer for women’s boxing in her home country of Canada, Mrdjenovich, 38, is currently the second-ranked featherweight in the world by Ring Magazine, behind only recent Ring City victor Amanda Serrano.

The upset-minded Cruz Hernandez (12-1-0, 3 KOs) will be challenging for her first world title. The 30-year-old southpaw is currently riding an 11-bout winning streak including victories over world ranked contenders Vissia Trovato and Jocelyn Morales Torres. As an amateur, the Mexico City native bested 2012 U.S. Olympian Queen Underwood.

Making his United States debut, heavy-handed Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) arrives for battle following a ten-round unanimous decision over Sergio Torres on November 28, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. Prior to his most recent outing, Romero, 31, has faced top competition for a rising prospect and performed well by knocking out four consecutive opponents within the first four rounds.

Romero will face Deiner Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs) who returns to the ring following back-to-back knockout wins in his two most recent performances. In his last fight in August 2019, Berrio scored an impressive knockout of Gustavo Sandoval in the second round in his second career bout at 140 pounds. Thursday’s fight against Romero will mark his U.S. debut. Romero was previously scheduled to fight undefeated prospect Jonathan Navarro who was forced to withdraw with an injury.

Now added to the NBC Sports Network telecast, Kazakhstan’s Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) will face the most difficult test of his professional career when he takes on Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a welterweight fight scheduled for eight rounds. Now fighting out of California, the unbeaten 29-year-old prospect notched two impressive decision wins in 2020 as he continues his ascension to contender status. Standing in his way is the hungry 23-year-old Ruiz, who is trained by Manny Robles out of Southern California and returns to the ring after a nearly 18-month layoff following his first professional loss in 2019.

Bonus undercard action will stream live around the world on Twitch with West Point cadets taking center stage in amateur contests at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will also make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV. 

Main Card on NBC Sports Network

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

WBA Featherweight World Title Fight  – 10 Rounds

Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) vs. Erika Cruz Hernandez (12-1, 3 KOs)

Junior Welterweight – 8 Rounds

Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Denier Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs)

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs)

Bonus Undercard on Twitch

6:30 p.m ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Super Middleweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Jesus Antonio Gutierrez (27-4-2, 14 KOs)

Featherweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Jalan Walker (8-0, 7 KOs) who will battle Angel Antonio Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs)

Junior Lightweight Fight – 4 Rounds

Daniel Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis Alvarado (1-2)

Follow Ring City USA for live updates from West Point on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

ANTHONY YARDE HAS unfortunately been forced to withdraw from his return fight against unbeaten German Emin Atra in London on Saturday.

The 29-year-old is suffering with a tooth abscess, meaning his 10-rounder against the 17-0 Atra is now subject to a short delay.

“I am frustrated but it is what it is and I won’t rush anything,” said the light heavyweight on his dental treatment. “It just makes me even more eager to get back out.

“It should take about two weeks, the tooth is next to my canine so I am going to have to use a denture for a little while before having an implant. I definitely won’t be out for long.

“The dentist lady literally laughed when I told her I had a fight coming up! She said if I got hit there – I joked that I don’t get hit… – because it is nerve endings, it could swell up in a way that is uncontrollable.

“It is one of those things and I have just got to deal with it.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “It is disappointing for both Anthony and the viewers this time around, but the fight will go ahead on one of our forthcoming shows. However, we’ve got a great show to look forward to on Saturday, topped by the terrific British and Commonwealth middleweight title battle between Denzel Bentley and Felix Cash.

“I think everybody is looking forward to this one, plus we’ve got the return of Callum Johnson in a good fight against the experienced Emil Markic and our big heavyweight prospect David Adeleye back in action and looking to impress.”

LAS VEGAS – (April 19, 2021) – Undefeated 22-year-old middleweight boxing sensation Armando “El Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) shared his thoughts on his upcoming showdown against tough veteran Quilisto “Kilo The Kid” Madera (12-2, 8 KOs) before they meet in the eight-round co-main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Tuesday, April 20 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Resendiz will be making his U.S. debut on Tuesday night against a formidable opponent in Stockton, California’s Madera, who enters this fight having won five of his last six contests.

The Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico native Resendiz has been training in Las Vegas at the Salas Boxing Academy with famed coach Bob Santos. Resendiz has notched knockout victories in his last eight bouts heading into Tuesday’s clash.

Here is what Resendiz, who is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and ranked at #13 by the WBA, had to say about training camp, his matchup with Madera, making his U.S. debut, and more.

On his training camp in Las Vegas with Bob Santos:

“I recently started training with Bob Santos at the Salas Boxing Academy in Las Vegas and everything is working out great. Santos has a lot of knowledge and I am excited to show off my devastating power-punching style. I am grateful to my promoters for believing in me. I’m also grateful to the PBC for giving me this opportunity. I have given my all to this camp and I am ready for this fight.”

On his matchup with Madera:

“I have a lot of respect for my opponent, he is a really tough guy, and he always brings an exciting fight to the ring. I have nothing bad to say, but when we fight, I am going in there to let my hands do the talking. This is my U.S. debut and I want to make it memorable. On Tuesday night, I will show why I am the future of the division.”

What a win will do for your career:

“I believe a win against a rough fighter like Quilisto Madera would put me in the top five or at least top-10 of the WBA rankings. This is not an easy fight, and this is the fight I choose to debut in America with, because I wanted to make a statement. On BoxRec, I am rated as the #2 super middleweight in Mexico, behind only Canelo. I am looking to become one of the best fighters in the world, and it all starts on Tuesday.”

What can fans expect:

“This fight will be all-action as both Madera and I are true warriors that like to throw a lot of hard punches. I have power in both hands, and I like to throw a lot of power shots. This fight will be explosive, and all boxing fans should be turning in to see a great war.”

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ABOUT FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT: MARTIN VS. PEREZ
Martin vs. Perez will see undefeated lightweight prospects Frank Martin and Jerry Perez go toe-to-toe in a 10-round battle that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, April 20 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten middleweight prospect Armando Resendiz square off against Quilisto Madera in the eight-round co-main event. The telecast will also feature exciting prospect Atif Oberlton in a light heavyweight attraction against Jesse Bryan, super middleweight prospect Burley Brooks taking on Cameron Rivera, the pro debut of Travon Marshall in a super welterweight showdown against Christian Marron, and Amon Rashidi meeting Jesus Silverya in a super lightweight bout to open the telecast.

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.

Elwin Soto will defend his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama as the chief-support bout to the blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on the show having penned a deal with Eddie Hearn last week. The Mexican makes the third defense of the crown he ripped from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has seen off the challenges of Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

The 24 year old now puts the crown on the line against the seasoned Japanese Takayama (32-8 12 KOs). The five-time Minimumweight champion made his return to professional action in December in Osaka, Japan having left the paid ranks as a World ruler in 2017 to aim for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and now the 37 year old has switched his focus to becoming a two-weight World champion.

There’s a stacked card under the two World title fights, led by Kieron Conway defending his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho.

Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) picked up the title with an impressive win over Navid Mansouri at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex in August. Conway and Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs) were due to meet on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Kubrat Pulev in London in December, but the bout had to be shelved, so Conway took his frustrations out on Macauley McGowan on that card instead, with a shut-out win over ten rounds.

French Olympian Cissokho shrugged off his pain at missing the original fight date on the undercard of his manager Joshua by recording his eighth KO win from 12 outings with a sixth round stoppage of Daniel Echeverria in Dallas in March, setting up a rescheduled clash with Conway that is full of intrigue and importance for their respective careers.

Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) let his hands go for a seventh round KO win over Julian Fernandez on the undercard of Alvarez’s win over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December, and the big Cuban Heavyweight will be looking to repeat that feat against Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs).

Sanchez is ranked at a lofty #6 with the WBO, and the 28 year old Eddy Reynoso charge will be plotting a route to the crunch clashes with his fellow big-hitters, but Aguilera will be planning to give him a tough night and the 34 year old comes into the bout on the back of a 21^st career win in November.

Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) makes it three Canelo undercard appearances from three since making his pro debut on the Canelo-Smith card in Texas. The stellar amateur recorded a third round stoppage that night and followed that with a second round KO in Miami on the Canelo-Yildirim bill – the 21 year old will be looking to shine on the biggest stage once again over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) made his debut at the Hard Rock Stadium and he appears alongside Castro once again in his third pro outing. The Virginia starlet grabbed a second round win that night over Lester Brown and followed that by forcing Richman Ashelley to retire after four rounds of their battle in Dubai earlier this month, and Davis will face Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds. It’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks after a second round KO win on his debut in December in Los Angeles, taking on Jan Marsalek (8-2 7 KOs) over six rounds.

Rounding off the undercard, Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) is on another Canelo undercard after stopping Angel Hernandez in three rounds in San Antonio in December, and he’ll celebrate Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

“It’s a stacked night of action at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Elwin Soto is a great addition to our stable and the Mexican World champion will want to dazzle on the biggest stage against the experienced Takayama.

“The clash between Kieron and Souleymane is a cracker, and I am thrilled for both of them that they get to perform on this stage – there will be some spice there after it was postponed in December and now, they get their hands on each other in Texas.

“Frank always brings the heat and he’ll be eyeing a showstopping KO, and again, Marc and Keyshawn get to shine under the brightest lights – it’s going to be a spectacular night of action, leading to the big one between Canelo and Billy Joe.”

PARIS, France (April 18, 2021) – European Super Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani (32-3-1, 7 KOs) has called out Tervin “American Idol” Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs), former International Boxing Federation World Super Featherweight Champion, to fight June 5th for the WBC Silver belt in a World Boxing Council (WBC) elimination fight. The winner would position himself for a title fight against WBC World champion Oscar Valdez.

The battle of left-handed super featherweights would be on the June 5th Triller pay-per-view card in Florida, headlined by undefeated World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (16-0) vs. George Kambosos, Jr. (19-0), supported by an exhibition fight between 4-time World heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride.

According to Ziani’s manager Gary Hyde, was offered the WBC eliminator against Farmer and the Frenchman immediately accepted, while all has been quiet from Farmer.

“”I was excited to fight Farmer on a great Triller show,” Ziani said, “especially because it is my dream to win a World title in the United States. “I am surprised to hear that Farmer has chickened out of our fight, but I suppose je knows his boxing is slipping downwards.

“I want you, Farmer! Accept the fight and be a real warrior. Don’t run away from me. I want to box in the capital of boxing, the United States, to show American fans what I can do. They say you’re a technician, I will show you that I am a true warrior. The ring is for real men with the ambition to beat the best, not box the weakest, so, let’s give true value and pay respect to our noble art of boxing.”

Ranked No. 11 by the WBC, as well as No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the 30-year-old Ziani is the reigning EBU European champion, riding a 10-fight win streak. In his most recent fight (Sept. 5, 2020) and second title defense, Ziani dropped a bloody Alex Dilmaghian (19-1-1) three times en route to a 12th round win by technical knockout with 9-seconds left in what was a Fight of the Year candidate.

Ziani’s last loss was 4 ½ years ago to World title challenger and fellow Frenchman, Guillaume Frenois (41-1), by a razor-thin margin, 115-113 three times, in Paris. Earlier in his career, Ziani also suffered a disputed 10-round loss by decision (97-93, 96-94, 96-94) in Denmark to current IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey (18-0) in 2014.

“Ziani is an all-action fighter with an enormous work rate,” the Ireland-based Hyde added. “It would be a tantalizing match between two talented southpaws with the winner going on to fight for the WBC World title.”

The president of NoWhere2Hyde Management, Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga and Simpiwe Vetyeaka.

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /SamirZiani, /nowhere2hyde
Twitter: @BoxeurProZiani, @nowhere2hyde
Instagram: @samir_ziani_boxeurpro, @gary_nowhere2hyde

DERRY, N.H. (April 18, 2021) – Former New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. turned in a career-best performance in last night’s main event against dangerous Bryan “The Warrior” Vera on the evening portion of the “Crossroads” day-night doubleheader, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The pre-fight plan was followed as Ball (16-1-2, 11 KOs) boxed and moved, while Vera (28-17, 18 KOs) applied pressure, right from the opening bell. Ball took control in the second round, when he stayed in the pocket, snapping off crisp combinations. Ball fired more effective combinations in the third round as Vera started chasing his opponent. Ball started moving around the ring and fighting from the outside in the fourth and stayed on his toes the remainder of the fight.

Ball won an 8-round unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (United States) Silver Super Middleweight Champion.

“This was my best fight, because of who I fought, and the magnitude of the fight,” Ball commented. “The plan was to box and move because he was much smaller and slower. At times I banged, when I knew he wasn’t hurting me, but I shouldn’t have taken the risks.”

The 39-year-old Vera isn’t the same fighter he was when he beat three different world champions – Andy Lee, Sergio Mora (twice) and Serhiy Dzinziruk. The Texan needs to decide if it’s time to finally hang up his gloves.

“This was awesome, definitely our best show to date,” Granite Chin’s Chris Traietti declared after the show. “We feel great about stepping up to give these fighters, especially the locals, a platform to perform on in front of fans. I think a lot of promoters have gotten lazy. They gave us a lane and Granite Chin took advantage. This was our fourth show with fans during the last year. Brian fought hard and he’s a great guy, but he’s not the same guy he was in 2011. He needs to think about what he’s going to do.

“Granite Chin returns here June 26th with another doubleheader. The afternoon show will be the Granite Chin Invitational for open elite boxers. With the New England Golden Gloves canceled again there is a void to fill. If promoters are going to help amateurs, I certainly will, starting June 26th.”

Challenger Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs) dethroned defending New Hampshire Welterweight Champion Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO) via a sixth-round stoppage in an entertaining co-feature. A devastating overhand right from Bates gave him his new crown as the referee didn’t even count as the ring doctor quickly entered the ring.

Larry “Hitman” Pryor took the contract out on Scott Lambert and he wasted little time taking care of business to become the New Hampshire Cruiserweight Champion. Pryor took advantage of his decisive height and reach advantages, closing the show with a perfectly thrown left hook that sent Lambert to the canvas. Lambert managed to beat the count, but the referee stopped the fight midway through the opening round when he saw Lambert wobbling back and forth on rubbery legs.

Lanky left-handed Francis “The Tank” Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs) graduated last night with a brilliant performance against Larry “Slo Mo” Smith, who was in his 60th career fight. Hogan put down Smith early in the third round and caught the Texan late in the same round with a lefty-combination to the temple. Smith beat the count, but he was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round, and 20-year-old Hogan became the new New Hampshire Junior Middleweight Champion.

Former New England heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs) positioned himself for another N.E. title shot with a spectacular knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO). The 263-pound Rolfe, fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, charged across the ring at the bell and put his Arizona opponent to sleep right in his corner, when he was counted out at the 20-seconds mark.

The newest member of the fightin’ Whitley family from western Massachusetts, undefeated welterweight Denzel Whitley, cruised to his fourth victory with his fourth knockout. He drilled Aquilandro Brandao late in round one and the fight was stopped by the referee.

Undefeated Jahye Brown (9-0, 7 KOs) captured the vacant ABF Athletic junior middleweight title with a hard fought 8-round unanimous decision over a game Mexican opponent, Dormedes Potes (12-4-1, 9 KOs). The two fought toe-to-toe from the opening bell and Brown landed the more effective punches inside to earn the victory.

Promising middleweight prospect Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste improved to 2-0 with his second knockout, blasting out Bruno Dias in the third round.

Fighting for the first time in more than eight years, Fall River, MA welterweight Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs) won a 4-round unanimous decision over pro-debuting Anthony Andreozzi in what can best be called a rough and tumble match.

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo’s professional debut was a gem as the Holyoke, MA fighter dropped Theo Desjardon twice, the last closing the show late in the first round.

“Cannon” Berry stops Ibarra in 5

UBO All-America Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs) successfully defended in the afternoon card’s main event, overcoming a slow start in which he was buzzed to stop challenger Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs) in the fifth round.

Berry finished the fight in the fifth, when he unloaded twin barrages of unanswered punches on a trapped Ibarra until the referee waved off the fight.

“I’m glad it wasn’t a 4-round fight,” Berry said after the fight. “He was a strong guy. I was feeling it. He tested me. I want to thank my family and friends here, and Granite Chin and everybody involved in the promotion.”

In the co-featured event, New England heavyweight champion Mike “Fly” Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), in a non-title fight, knocked out Tracey Johnson (4-10-6) in the third round.

Popular Boston Irishman Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs) – 6’ 6”, 269 lbs. – needed only 42-seconds and one big right to stop pro-debuting heavyweight Marco Nascimento.

Massachusetts welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff convincingly won his pro debut against Jader Alves (0-5) as he pitched a 4-round shutout

Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds had an awesome pro debut, dropping cruiserweight Francisco Neto twice in round one, the second a vicious body shot ending the fight. Edmonds, a southpaw from Worcester, MA, is a college graduate and bonafide prospect to watch.

In a non-title fight, New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) schooled his 54-fight Las Vegas opponent, junior middleweight Rynell Griffin. Ohan decked Griffin three times in the first round, the third with a left hook to the body from which Griffin was unable to beat the count.

Canadian cruiserweight Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) landed two stinging rights to the body of 63-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, both flooring the Missouri fighter, the second resulting in an opening-round knockout for the vacant ABF Atlantic title.

Connecticut welterweight Omar “The Beast” Borday, Jr. (1101, 3 KOs) dominated 65-fight journeyman Dewayne Wisdom en route to a one-sided 8-round unanimous decision.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NIGHT CARD

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (16-1-2, 11 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 78-74)
Bryan Vera (28-17, 18 KOs), Austin, TX
(Ball on WBC USNBC Silver middleweight title)

CO-FEATIURE –NEW HAMPSHIRE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs), Taunton, MA
WKO6 (2 :26)
Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA
(Bates won the N.H. welterweight title)

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Larry Pryor (14-23, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD
WTKO1 (1:50)
Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO), Dover Plains, NY
(Pryor won the N.H. cruiserweight title)

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Francis Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs), Weymouth, MA
WTKO3 (3:00)
Larry Smith (12-46-2 (8 KOs), Dallas, TX
(Hogan won the N.H. junior middleweight title)

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jahyae Brown (9-0, 7 KOs), Schenectady, NY
WDEC8 (79-72, 77-74, 77074)
Dormedes Potes (12-3-1, 9 KOs), Woburn, MA
(Brown won ABF Atlantic junior middleweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Justin Rolfe (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME
WKO1 (0:20)
Alfredo Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO), Douglas, AZ

WELTERWEIGHTS
Denzel Whitley (4-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA
WTKO1 (2 :42)
Aquilando Brandao (0-4), Boston, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Julien Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA
WTKO3 (2 :26)
Bruno Dias (0-5), Boston, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT
Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), Holyoke, MA
WTKO1 (2:16)
Theo Desjardin (0-7), Attleboro, MA

WELTERWEGHTS
Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA
WDEC4 (39-36, 39-036, 39-37
Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Swansea, MA
.
DAY CARD

MAIN EVENT – UBO ALL-AMERICA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Brandon Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME
WTKO5 (1:29)
Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs), Bisbee, AZ
(Berry retained the UBO All-America welterweight title)

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WTKO3 (0:38)
Tracey Johnson, (4-10-6, 0 KOs), Boston, MA.

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WKO1 (1:02)
Steve Walker (26-37, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO
(Pellerin won the ABF Atlantic cruiserweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA
WTKO1 (0:42)
Marco Nascimento (0-1), Bow, NH

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Demek Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:56)
Francisco Neto (1-12), Woburn, MA

       JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Mike Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), Holbrook, MA
WTKO1 (2:52)
Rynell Griffin (8-46-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

WELTERWEIGHTS
Eric Goff (1-0, 1 KO), Weymouth, MA
WDEC4 (40-30, 40-34, 40-34)
Jader Alves (0-5), Woburn, MA.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Omar Borday, Jr. (11-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC8 (80-70, 79-72, 78-72
Dewayne Wisdom (7-56-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Deerfield Beach, Fla. (April 19, 2021)—Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King has sent a Cease & Desist letter to undefeated heavyweight boxer Christopher Lovejoy, claiming he is under an exclusive promotional agreement with Don King Promotions and not permitted to enter any future fights without King’s consent.

Recent media reports have stated that Lovejoy is currently in Germany and has agreed to face the WBA champion in recess Mahmoud Charr on May 15 in Hamburg, Germany.

Trevor Bryan recently won the WBA heavyweight title after Charr disregarded the WBA and was not allowed in the United States due to Homeland Security visa denial of the Syrian. 

The letter demands that Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), who had previously announced his retirement from boxing, not participate in the bout with Charr or any other future bout or opponent.

“It is unconscionable, illegal, and unethical for you to participate in this May 15, 2021 bout or any bout without DKP’s expressed, written permission and consent,” the letter from King’s lawyer’s states. “Participating in any bout without DKP’s expressed written consent is … willfully breaching the Promotional Agreement and exposes those you have entered into agreement with for your services as a professional fighter to extreme legally liability, as they too are aware that you are under contract to DKP.”

The letter goes on to state, “If you have in fact signed to fight Charr as you proclaim and has been reported in these media reports, you have intentionally, willfully, and maliciously breached your exclusive, world-wide promotional agreement with DKP.”

Lovejoy, 37, lives and trains in Las Vegas. All 19 of Lovejoy’s pro fights since February of 2016 have taken place in Tijuana, Mexico.

Las Vegas – The highly anticipated The Return of The Ultimate Fighter^®: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortegawill see UFC^® featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 2 contender Brian Ortega coach men’s bantamweights and middleweights competing to make the UFC roster. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, June 1 on ESPN+, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the featherweight title at a date that will be determined in the near future.

The Return of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF 29) will feature a dynamic cast of 16 ascending athletes in the men’s bantamweight (135 lbs.) and middleweight (185 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.

The entire twelve episode season of TUF 29 will be available exclusively on ESPN+, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning June 1. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 28 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service, with entire seasons premiering on the service each week through the end of May for bingeable viewing.

The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.

Undisputed UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski (22-1, fighting out of Windang, New South Wales, Australia) is unbeaten in almost eight years, including nine straight wins in the UFC. Volkanovski proved himself as one of UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters with two title fight victories over Max Holloway, along with dominant performances against Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Darren Elkins. Volkanovski now hopes to experience the same type of success in his first opportunity as a head coach.

Ortega (15-1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) is determined to make 2021 the year his UFC title dreams become a reality. Two years removed from his first title challenge, Ortega hopes to apply the same skills that helped him defeat the likes of Chan Sung Jung, Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson and Renato Moicano, to foster the careers of future UFC stars.

Below is a full list of competitors scheduled to compete in The Return of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega (name, age, professional record and fighting out of):

MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS

Daniel Argueta | 27 | 5-0 | Chicago, IL

Brady Hiestand | 21 | 4-1 | Spokane, WA

Dustin Lampros | 26 | 5-0 | Deerfield Beach, FL

Vince Murdock | 30 | 11-6 | Sacramento, CA

Mitch Raposo | 22 | 5-0 | Fall River, MA

Joshua Rettinghouse | 31 | 16-5 | Spokane, WA

Liudvik Sholinian | 30 | 9-1 | Kiev, Ukraine

Ricky Turcios | 27 | 10-2 | Houston, TX

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Aaron Phillips | 29 | 5-1 | Kotzbue, AK

Andre Petroski | 29 | 5-1 | Philadelphia, PA

Bryan Battle | 26 | 4-1 | Charlotte, NC

Ryder Newman | 25 | 3-1 | Las Vegas, NV

Tresean Gore | 26 | 3-0 | Decatur, GA

Miles Hunsinger | 30 | 7-0 | Las Vegas, NV

Kemran Lachinov | 30 | 10-3 | West Springfield, MA

Gilbert Urbina | 25 | 6-1 | Rio Grande Valley, TX

*All athletes are subject to change

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

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 142 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

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 $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

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

About Pilgrim Media Group

Pilgrim Media Group, headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and documentary projects. The company is behind hit series such as: “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Dirty Jobs,” “Dodgeball: Thunderdome,” the “Street Outlaws” and “Wicked Tuna” franchises, and the World MMA Award-winner “The Ultimate Fighter.” Upcoming projects include “The Ultimate Surfer” for ABC and the Sundance Festival Favorite Award-winning documentary “Giving Voice” for Netflix.

Ruben Torres 138 vs. Diego Contreras 137.1
Miguel Madueno 142 vs. Bergman Aguilar 141.8
George Acosta 135.8 vs. Edgar Ramirez 137.8

The 3-fight card will take place this Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. The free stream will air live on the Thompson
Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV.

PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 17, 2021)–Andrey Fedosov threw himself right into the middle of the heavyweight mix with an explosive opening round destruction of undefeated former amateur star Mahammadrasul Majidov at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Fedosov landed a booming right hand that sent Majidov crashing down on his back to the point where is right lehg buckled underneath him. Clearly hurt, Majidov slowly got to his feet, but ate another flush right that sent him down again and the fight was over just 84 seconds after it began.

Fedosov of Shuya, Russia is now 32-3 with 26 knockouts,

“It was good to come back after my layoff. They had me as an underdog, but I had to make a statement. I wanted to put the heavyweight division on notice that I am still a player, and ready for anyone,” said Fedosov

“He came out as a big amateur. They spent a long time, like five minutes just announcing his accolades. He was an amateur going against a professional I showed that he is not ready for the big dogs.”

“The first-time that I dropped him, I knew he was hurt. He took his time getting up. He got up at nine. My coach told me to go after him. I did, and you saw what happened.”

“We are very proud of Andrey. He did a great job in there. We knew it was the right fight for him. Justin Fortune did a great job getting him ready. Andrey is ready to fight anybody in the heavyweight division,” said Artie Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions.

Fedosov is promoted by Banner Promotions and Newsboy Boxing.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom

NEW YORK (April 16, 2021)-Tomorrow, two members of the under the Split-T Management banner will be in action at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The fights will be streamed live on DAZN (3 PM ET)

Christopher Pearson will battle Carlos Gongora for the IBO Super Middleweight title, while lightweight Otha Jones III takes on Jorge Castaneda.

Pearson of Dayton, Ohio, has been on a roll as he has racked up three consecutive victories to push his record to 17-2 with 12 knockouts.

The 30 year-old Pearson is in his 10th year as a professional has wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Areciao Ferrera (14-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-1), Said El Harrak (12-2-2), Janks Trotter (9-1-1), Joshua Okine (28-6-1) and his last outing when he defeated previously undefeated Olympic medalist Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0) on May 2, 2019

Christopher Pearson quotes:

“I’m ready to step up to the plate and deliver a sensational performance. I’ve got a lot of respect for Carlos, he came in this past December and put on a spectator performance. A lot of credit to him but he’s dealing with a different beast with me, and I look forward to displaying that Saturday night.”

“At this point all there’s left to do is fight. This is the easy part; all the hard stuff is done so I look forward to getting in the ring and displaying my talent Saturday night.”

“168 is a glamour division because you’ve got guys who are very technically sound, throw a lot of punches, got heavyweight knockout power. Anything can happen in this division; I think that fans are going to enjoy these two athletes you have on display. I think we’re going to be able to showcase our boxing and it’s still the ultimate combat sport.”

Gongora of Boston is 19-0 with 14 knockouts.

The 31 year-old Gongora is a six-year professional and has wins over David Adkins (1-0-1), Ronald Mixon (7-0), Marvin Betancourt (29-4), Jesus Aviles (8-1). In his last biut, Gongora shocked the highly regarded and undefeated Ali Akhmedov by stopping him in the 12th round on December 18th at the same Seminole Hard Rock venue.

Pearson was 167 lbs, 8 oz at Friday’s weigh-in. Gongora was 167 lbs, 12 oz.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio brings in a record of 5-0-1 with two knockouts.

The 21 year-old Jones has fought a very ambitious schedule in his first six-fights he has already displayed his talents in the The United States, England and Mexico. In his pro debut, the two year-pro won a unanimous decision over Giorgi Gelashvilli.

In his last Jones fought to a disputed draw with Kevin Montiel on October 23rd in Montiel’s home country of Mexico.

Otha Jones III Press Conference quotes

“The opportunity is great; Mexico didn’t go how I planned – that was my fault. I wasn’t listening to my pops but I went back to square one. I got cool with my pops, moved my camp, I’m ready.”

“That’s why I can’t let Jorge do that. Mexico set me back, I’m looking for revenge and he’s in my way. I got to beat his ass like he stole something now.”

“It’s crunch time for me, I’m back on and looking great, feeling great. I’m going to show that Saturday night.”

Castaneda has a record of 13-1 with 11 knockouts.

Castaneda of Laredo, Texas sports a solid win over Carlos Villareal (9-2), and he is riding a three-fight winning streak.

Jones weighed in at 134 lbs, 8 oz. Castaneda 135 lbs.

Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Images by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

1.45pm ET
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
Aaron Aponte 140lbs  vs.        Javier Martinez 138lbs 4oz
Hialeah, Fl.                                Austin, TX
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Otha Jones III 134lbs 8oz        vs.        Jorge Castaneda 135lbs
Toledo, OH                                              Laredo, TX
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 3PM ET/ 8PM UK
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Arthur Biyarslanov 136lbs 8oz            vs.   Israel Mercado 136lbs 12oz
Toronto, Canada                                             Pomona, CA
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Heavyweight contest
 
Mahammadrasul Majidov 232lbs       vs.     Andrey Fedosov 224lbs 8oz
Azerbaijan                                                       Russia
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins IBO World Super-Middleweight title
 
Carlos Gongora 167lbs 12oz   vs.        Christopher Pearson 167lbs 8oz
Ecuador                                                   Dayton, OH
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO World Middleweight title
 
Demetrius Andrade 159lbs 8oz vs.     Liam Williams 160lbs
Providence, RI                                       Wales
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
 
Alexis Espino 166lbs 4oz         vs.        Ty McLeod 164lbs 4oz
Las Vegas, NV                                      Bradenton, FL

New York, NY (April 16, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella announced today that the debut of “Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight” has been rescheduled for Friday, May 14, 2021, from the sports capital of Tennessee, Murfreesboro, TN, at the Embassy Suites Nashville SE. The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, starting at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT.

Tables for the event, priced at $800 and $600 (for a group of 10), and limited General Admission tickets for $35, are on sale starting tomorrow, APRIL 17, at MurfreesboroBoxing.EventBrite.com. The Embassy Suites Nashville SE is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30pm CDT, with the first bell at 7:00pm CDT.

The evening, marking the 18th anniversary of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series, is headlined by an eight-round lightweight contest between popular, former WBO featherweight world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1, 4 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, and Montreal, Canada’s Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-2).

“Unfortunately, Heather Hardy was sick recently with a non-Covid related illness, so we had to move the card back a few weeks to Friday, May 14,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “It’s a tremendous night of world class women’s boxing for the passionate Murfreesboro and Nashville sports fans and those watching on UFC Fight Pass on the first installment of Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight.”

Co-featured on “Ladies Fight” will be an eight-round battle of undefeated bantamweight prospects and highly touted amateur standouts between Mikiah Kreps (1-0, 1 KO), of Niagara Falls, NY, making her DiBella Entertainment debut, and Alex Love (3-0, 2 KOs), of Brighton, CO.

Brooklyn, NY’s Melissa St. Vil (13-4-4, 1 KO), known as “Little Miss Tyson”, will compete in an eight-round lightweight bout against former world champion Olivia “The Predator” Gerula (18-18-2, 3 KOs), of Winnipeg, Canada.

In a special attraction eight-round light flyweight clash, former three-division world champion Carina “La Reina” Moreno (25-7, 6 KO’s), of Watsonville, CA, battles two-time New York Golden Gloves champion Natalie “The Barracuda” Gonzalez (6-1, 1 KO), of New Rochelle, NY.

Making their professional debuts, Stevie Jane Coleman, of Columbia, CT, will face Kelsey Wickstrum, of Redding, CA, in a four-round welterweight bout.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS®, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

UFC Fight Pass
Instagram: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Facebook: @UFCFightPass

Heather Hardy
Instagram: @HeatherTheHeat
Twitter: @HeatherHardyBox
Facebook: @Heather.Hardy.969