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.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2021 —– Triller Fight Club (TFC) took another major step in its growing sports and entertainment business today when it added one of the world’s most respected and accomplished athletes, Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield, to its lineup of elite fighters, legends, rising stars and leading entertainment personalities. Holyfield, the only person ever to win the world heavyweight title four times, will return to the ring to fight Kevin McBride in a six-round bout in Florida on Saturday, June 5. He will join a card that already has the title fight between Teófimo López and George Kambosos Jr. The veteran McBride (35-10-1) is best known for ending the career of Mike Tyson in June of 2005 when Tyson retired in the sixth round in Washington, D.C. Triller Fight Club is a partnership between Triller and Snoop Dogg and is spearheaded by Ryan Kavanaugh. All professional fight rules will apply.

The location and times for Triller Fight Club on June 5 will be announced officially in the coming days.

“Our continued reinvention of boxing as four-quadrant entertainment now adds one of the biggest names in the history of boxing, Evander Holyfield, against one of the best opponents, Kevin McBride,” Kavanaugh said. “He joins a lineup featuring some of the most elite fighters who are on their way up the ranks and world-class musical entertainment as we present a multifaceted experience for fans of every interest in four action-packed and exciting pay per view hours.”

“I am proud to be able to join Triller Fight Club as they are exactly what our industry needed. They have reimagined the sport of boxing in a very exciting new way,” Holyfield said. “Their combination of young talent, music, entertainment and special matchups is setting a new standard for our sport, and my return to the ring for this fight is one that everyone, myself included, will enjoy, and I am proud to help take this to the next level.”

Holyfield is the only professional fighter to win the heavyweight championship four separate times, surpassing the record of Muhammad Ali, who won it three times. After a standout amateur and Olympic boxing career, Holyfield turned professional, and in 1986 he won the junior heavyweight title by upsetting World Boxing Association (WBA) champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi in a 15-round split decision. In April 1988, with an eighth-round knockout of Carlos DeLeon, Holyfield became boxing’s first undisputed cruiserweight champion. Three months later he fought his first heavyweight bout, knocking out James Tillis in five rounds. On October 25, 1990, he scored a third-round knockout of James (“Buster”) Douglas to win the undisputed heavyweight title of the WBA, the World Boxing Council (WBC), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF). After successful defenses against former champions George Foreman and Larry Holmes, Holyfield lost the title on November 13, 1992, dropping a 12-round decision to Riddick Bowe. In a rematch with Bowe one year later, he recaptured the WBA and IBF titles in another decision. Holyfield met heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a much-anticipated WBA bout on November 9, 1996, scoring a TKO in the 11th round, becoming the heavyweight champion for a third time. Holyfield regained the IBF title by knocking out Michael Moorer in the eighth round of their November 8, 1997 rematch. He retired in 2014 with a career record of 44 wins (29 by knockout), 10 losses, and 2 draws. Holyfield was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

Fight Club has created and named this match the Legends Title Fight and will be delivering the winner the Triller Fight Club Legends Champion Gold Belt, the first of Fight Club’s championship belts.

López, 23, is the current unified lightweight world champion, having held the IBF title since 2019 and the WBA (Super), WBO and Ring magazine titles since defeating Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020. López is ranked as the world’s fifth best active boxer, pound for pound, by ESPN and Boxing Writers Association of America, and sixth by The Ring. He is also ranked as the world’s best active lightweight by BoxRec, ESPN and the TBRB.

The Australian Kambosos has held the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title since 2017. He previously held the Australian NSW, Australian, WBA-PABA, and WBA Oceania lightweight titles between 2013 and 2017. Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) became the IBF mandatory challenger after defeating Lee Selby by split decision in October.

In the headline matchup of Triller Fight Club’s first event of 2021 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jake Paul takes on former Bellator and ONE FC champion Ben Askren, while Regis Prograis (New Orleans), a former world champion and arguably one of the top two super lightweights in the world, battles Ivan Redkach (Shostka, Ukraine); heavyweight MMA Bad Boy Frank Mir (Las Vegas) opposes Steve Cunningham (Philadelphia); and Joe Fournier (London) challenges music icon and worldwide star Reykon (Envigado, Colombia). Several undefeated boxers put their records on the line Saturday: welterweight Quinton Randall (Houston, 7-0), super middleweight Junior Younan (Brooklyn, N.Y., 15-0-1) and middleweight Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (Baltimore, Md., 9-0). Simpson will meet Francisco Torres (Buenos Aires, 16-3-1), while Younan will take on Jeyson Minda (Quito, Ecuador/Salem, Mass., 14-4-1) and Randall will battle Cincinnati veteran William Jackson (13-2-2, 2 KOs).

The lineup for Saturday’s four-hour Pay Per View show will include performances by Justin Bieber, The Black Keys, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Diplo, Major Lazer, and the exclusive world premiere of the hip hop supergroup Mt. Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort and E-40) performing for their first time ever together. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bert Marcus will lead and direct the creative storytelling for the Triller Fight Club event.

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

**HOW TO WATCH THE APRIL 17, 2021, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB PPV EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, DIRECTV & U-Verse TV, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), as well as leading providers in Canada.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.com

ABOUT TRILLER FIGHT CLUB /TRILLERNET

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

DANIEL DUBOIS WILL make his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday June 5 with a challenge for the vacant WBA Interim heavyweight title against the towering Romanian Bogdan Dinu.

The 23-year-old Dubois was last in action at the end of November 2020 in a multi-titled collision with fellow Brit Joe Joyce in London. An absorbing battle came to a halt when Dubois, who suffered a horrific eye injury, removed himself from further danger by taking a knee in the 10th round.

It was later confirmed that he had sustained significant damage to his orbital bone and taking himself out of the firing line almost certainly preserved his career and protected against an even more serious injury.

Having now been given the all-clear from specialists, the 15-1 Dubois is ready to pick up where he left off prior to the Joyce fight and get back into the business of winning titles. Dubois is formerly the holder of the WBC Youth world, the Southern Area, English, British, WBO European, WBO Global, WBO International, Commonwealth and WBC Silver belts.

Dinu, 34, from Bucharest, holds a record of 20-2, with 16 of his wins coming via knockout. The 6ft 5″ puncher, ranked #2 by the WBA, returned to winning ways with two KO victories after suffering his only career losses in the USA when he went up against the unbeaten ex-contender Jarrell Miller and the hugely experienced campaigner Kubrat Pulev.

The show will be co-promoted by Dinu’s US promotional vehicle, Greg Cohen Promotions.

“I am excited to be back in the ring on June 5 after the frustration of being kept out of the gym and doing what I love to do for a number of months after my last fight,” said Dubois.

“This is my chance to remind people of what I am really about, which is winning fights in a devastating fashion. I don’t need to make any excuses for the Joe fight because everybody could see the issue with my vision, but Joe won fair and square and we move on.

“Time is on my side but I don’t intend to slow down my progress and I am more than happy to be returning to the ring in a big title fight that puts me right back in the picture.

“I respect Dinu and accept that he could provide a tough test, but I can only see one outcome and that is me leaving the ring with another major championship belt for my collection.”

Dinu, who last fought in October 2020 with a second round stoppage, said: “This is the most important fight for me and I will be prepared for a war in the ring. It’s my perfect moment to win and to get to the big fights. I’m fighting in London to become the first Romanian heavyweight champion of the world.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I’m delighted to get this fight over the line for Daniel and really pleased to be working with Greg Cohen on this event. A win for Daniel in this Interim title fight will see him become the mandatory challenger for the WBA world title and, if he can get past Dinu on June 5, he is back in contention and right in the mix with the top contenders.

“It is an opportunity for Daniel to post a ‘business as usual’ statement to the public and the rest of the heavyweight division following his setback against Joe. Daniel’s enthusiasm to reach the very top has not diminished in the slightest and, even though it is a bit of an old cliche, it is true that he will only learn and benefit from the experience of taking a first loss and rebuilding from it.

“Dinu is a high quality and respected opponent who in no way can Daniel take lightly. It is exactly the sort of challenge he needs at this stage in his career. Daniel achieved so much, so early on his professional journey and remains so young in heavyweight terms.

“There will be significant pressure on Daniel coming back after a first defeat and the focus will be right on him to see how he reacts. He is returning in a big fight, everything will be on the line and the prize on offer is a shot at the world title.”

Greg Cohen, founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions, said: “This is the career defining bout that Bogdan Dinu has been waiting for his entire life. The opportunity to not only fight for, but WIN a WBA Heavyweight Title, against a top rated and well respected fighter in Daniel Dubois will put Bogdan at the top of the heavyweight division and open the doors to mega fights for him in the near future. His entire team has been assisting him in preparing for this moment and he will undoubtedly seize the moment. It won’t be easy, but the years of hard work, sacrifice and experience are going to pay off.

“I’d like to thank the entire team at Queensberry for their professionalism and assistance in making this bout a reality. I’d also like to thank Sorin Florea, Bogdan’s long time manager from Romania who’s support, attention to detail and class are always instrumental and appreciated.  We look forward to a great night of boxing and a spectacular heavyweight matchup!”

THE PROFESSIONAL AMBITIONS of Karol Itauma are not open to charges of ambiguity. The Olympic Youth gold medallist simply plans on ruling the light heavy mob.

‘Undisputed’ is the Itauma buzzword and the now 20-year-old even pencilled himself a little reminder to post by his bedside while growing up in Kent.

Also an eight-time national champion as an amateur, Itauma set off on his professional journey on short notice in December after willingly accepting an invitation to jump on big Lyndon Arthur-Anthony Yarde show in London.

He gave a good account of himself against the redoubtable Lewis van Poetsch, who was drafted in to get the storied amateur – who initially hails from Slovakia – off the mark in the pro ranks. Itauma will have a second outing, this time with a full preparation period, when he takes his place on the Denzel Bentley-Felix Cash British middleweight title card on April 24.

But Itauma has far grander plans for a glittering future of dominance in his division. He is setting his goals high and has every intention of reaching for the stars.

“That is my dream, undisputed champion,” said the 6ft 1″ southpaw, who was less emphatic over placing a timeframe on achieving such lofty heights. “From when I started boxing I had a little note by my bedside and the aim has always been to be undisputed and win those titles.

“I didn’t put a year alongside it because, in my opinion, if you put a date to it you could arguably start to rush things. You have to take your time with things like that and mature properly and develop.”

For now though, the Itauma development will continue at York Hall, where he will seek to demonstrate that preparation and practice make perfect.

“I wasn’t meant to box until this year, but when I got offered a debut on 10 days notice I wasn’t going to not take an opportunity I’d been given.

“In my opinion, obviously you are going to be in better shape – physically and mentally – after a four to six week training camp, rather than 10 days notice.

“It is all about the marginal gains and, if I had more time, I could have been better.

“I just look at this one coming up as a next fight and one I am taking very seriously. For me, it is all about learning, gaining experience, getting better and improving.”

Aside from the British and Commonwealth middleweight title showdown, there is a strong light heavyweight theme running throughout the April 24 bill. Callum Johnson makes his Queensberry return against the experienced Emil Markic, while Anthony Yarde will be bidding to get back to winning ways against the unbeaten German Emin Atra.

“Absolutely and it is obviously great to see the division thriving. They all have their strengths and weaknesses and are effective in their different ways.

“Tommy Fury is around too. At the moment we are on different tracks but I have to focus on myself and on getting better each day. In every fight I want you to be able to see an improvement,” added Itauma, who admits executing a spectacular finish does carry some appeal.

“A part of me does want it, but I am not the type of fighter to go in there and have that on my mind because that is when things go wrong. I just want to stick to the game plan and go from there.

“I feel like I need to get my foundations correct now, while I am learning and maturing. I am not a man yet so I need to get my fundamentals right first. Then when I do mature and get my man strength it will come together nicely.”

Demetrius Andrade – Providence, Rhode Island – 29-0, 18 KOs – defending his WBO World Middleweight Title against Liam Williams:

“I don’t know until I get in there with Williams. They all say they’re going to do something to me, knock me out, beat me up, snatch my belt, they’ve all got a plan until they get hit and then it’s a different story.”

“It’s all good, it’s part of the hype, it’s part of their job to do what they need to do to get in their mind but at the end of the day I end up getting mind control over them anyway and we do what we do and get the W.”

“I’m very excited, it’s been since January last year since I last put my hands on somebody. We got the knockout against Luke Keeler who was supposed to come and take what rightfully mine. Same thing going on here, I’m back in action in Miami, this is my second home.”

“It’s going to be a great showing, I’m ready, I’m going to turn up. If Williams is going to bring the fight that we all want to see, then I’m all for it. There’s nothing wrong with it, I’m here, I signed and I’m here to show the people what they want to see.”

“Nobody is going to know until the bell rings at the end of the day. I don’t sit here and say that Williams is or isn’t going to bring the fight. Once we get in there and if he does then we’ll see, if he doesn’t then he doesn’t. We all know I’m going to bring the fight.”

“At the end of the day I train hard and smarter every single day, I’ve been doing this a very long time. I’ve fought all of them already, there’s nothing new I’ve seen from Williams. Okay he’s tough and bringing it forward, alright well at the end of the day I’m going to have the answers for whatever he brings forward.”

“I’m going to be glad to sit back and watch the beautiful boxing match that I put on after I’ve beat him. I’ll watch and say hey you’ve done a great job banging a guy that came to fight.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing, schooling people, I’m an educator.”

Paul Andrade – father and trainer of Demetrius Andrade

“Every fight is a tough fight; nobody goes in there to lose. He’s going to try and put a lot of pressure on us, but we’ve been there and done that, I only feel like he’s a one-dimensional fighter.”

“All he can do is come forward, we’ll do everything we have to do, he’s not going to be to put the pressure on. I don’t think he has the footwork to keep up with Demetrius.”

“I don’t think anybody has seen Demetrius’ best fight yet, no one has brought it out of him. Boo Boo has it in him to preform even at a higher level, but somebody’s got to bring it out of him. If he’s the one, congratulations, bring it out of him because we’ll give it right back to you.”

“We know we’re going to win; we’ve been winning, and we don’t know how to lose. We’re going to have a good fight come Saturday and we’re going to keep our belt.”

Liam Williams – Clydach Vale, Wales – 23-20-1, 18 KOs – mandatory challenger for WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade:

“It is a massive opportunity for me, and I really can’t wait to get my chance on Saturday night to prove I’m the best at 160lbs. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get my hands on him this Saturday.”

“Not to get it twisted, I do respect him, he’s a great fighter and obviously three-time world champion in two different weight divisions, what’s not to respect? I’d be a bit of a fool to not think he’s any good wouldn’t I, but I see things, weaknesses that I can exploit, I’m fully confident I’m going to do that Saturday night and not just going to win but win in devastating fashion.”

“I don’t plan on going in there and winning on points. If it goes twelve then happy days I still plan on winning, I’m going in their crash, bang, wallop and looking to take him out simple as that.”

“If I win this, I’ll be massive star in Wales and in Britain. I’m just very excited, it’s a big opportunity and for me to win this it’s going to be life changing for me.”

Dominic Ingle – trainer of Liam Williams

“It’s a great fight, Demetrius is a good fighter, we’re not underestimating him, he’s very skilful and tricky. He’s a quality fighter.

“Look he’s [Andrade] 33 years old, Liam’s 28, he’s bringing youth and aggression and on Saturday night we’re expecting a good fight. Demetrius is calm and collected, a very cool customer and relaxed under the lights, very experienced, but this is Liam’s biggest opportunity and he’s not going to waste it.”

“Demetrius is used to the pressure, that’s what southpaws like, the pressure coming and walking onto the shots. It’s got to be calculated pressure, Liam can box, and he’s shown that – he likes to have a tear up and that’s sometimes his worst attribute.”

“We’ve got a plan on Saturday night; he can fight when he needs to fight, and he can box when he needs to box. We’ve studied Demetrius, he’s a good fighter and calculated in what he does. Like I said, we’re not underestimating him.”

Francis Warren – Queensberry Promotions, promoter of Liam Williams

“I’m very confident about it. For me Liam Williams is world class, this is a huge opportunity for him to prove that. He’s had a world title fight before against Liam Smith in 2017, had the rematch and didn’t go his way.”

“Since then, he went away, re-evaluated what weight he was going to campaign at, and middleweight was the decision. Since then, he’s gone on a hot streak, 7 knockout wins and he’s gone from strength to strength with a brilliant performance against Atlantis Fox. I know him and Demetrius share that opponent and on paper Liam did a better job.”

“I fancy Liam to be the new WBO champion on Saturday night and it’s going to be a fun plane ride back to Heathrow.”

“If you want to talk about raw aggression, raw talent, Liam’s got it all. This guy’s not been brought up to talk the talk, he’s going to walk the walk, fight the fight and I really hope Demetrius has brought his A-game because with all due respect this guy is on a different level. I’m thrilled he’s got the opportunity to show what he can do.”

Joe Markowski – EVP, DAZN

“This is the start of a fantastic run of events for us, spring rolling into the summer, we’ve obviously got Canelo coming up next month in a similar weight class. It’s a great opportunity for these two guys to make their claim on a fantastic schedule and a platform that is designed for boxing fans around the world.”

“As a Brit in the States it’s great to have the time zone accommodated for the time zone back at home and I think that’s going to help our fans enjoy it and our subscribers get value for money which is what we’re all about.”

Carlos Gongora – Esmeraldas, Ecuador – 19-0, 14 KOs – defending his IBO World Super-Middleweight Title against Christopher Pearson:

“I’m ready to compete again, I feel a lot better and I’m ready for the next fight and to give it my all.”

“The fight was rushed; it was a complicated year with Coronavirus and everything else – athletes couldn’t compete, and I was on standby. It was a title fight, and I was ready to do that, it all went well. I’m always trying to stay ready in the gym, I’m always trying to prepare because of the discipline I have.”

“I’m very grateful to represent my country with pride. For a long time, there was no representation, my uncle was the first and now it’s me. I’m grateful I can represent my country.”

Christopher Pearson – Dayton, Ohio – 17-2, 12 KOs – challenging Carlos Gongora for the IBO World Super-Middleweight title:

“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.”

Mahammadrasul Majidov – Baku, Azerbaijan – 3-0, 3 KOs – fighting Andrey Fedosov over ten rounds at Heavyweight:

“This is good fight for me, it’s a big fight. I’m going go in there and show all my power. I’m happy that we’re starting to fight again. I will try to put on a great fight.”

“I had a tremendous career in the amateurs, but it doesn’t matter now. I’m here, stepping up every fight and I want the bigger names and fights every time.”

Andrey Fedosov – Shuya, Russia – 31-3, 25 KOs – fighting Mahammadrasul Majidov over ten rounds at Heavyweight

“I was ready to fight all the time when I was off, ready at the camp training all day.”

“Everybody in the heavyweight division is a dangerous guy.”

“Of course, it’s a tough fight, of course.”

Otha Jones III – Toledo, Ohio – 5-0-1, 2 KOs – fighting Jorge Castaneda over eight rounds at Lightweight

“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.”

Jorge Castaneda – Laredo, Texas – 13-1, 11 KOs – fighting Otha Jones III over eight rounds at Lightweight

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m here to make a statement.”

“This is a really great opportunity for me to fight Jones, with a lot of amateur experience. It’s just motivation for me, to come and beat him and get a spot.”

Arthur Biyarslanov – Toronto, Canada – 7-0, 6 KOs – fighting Israel Mercado over eight rounds at Lightweight

“I want to fight ever fight with better opponents. I want to say thank you to Israel for taking this fight. We had a great camp, even though the last fight got cancelled, it gave me more time to train, and I feel more than ready.”

“Thank you to Israel for taking this fight. He’s undefeated, 9-0, I’m undefeated, we’re young and hungry. We had a tremendous camp, 12 weeks, it was amazing. If you want to get known you have to fight better opponents and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I had a great amateur background, 2015 Pan American champion, 2016 Olympian, I’ve been to many international tournaments too, so I have a lot of experience. When it comes to professional boxing, I feel like I fit into it more. The better fights and opponents I fight will show how good I actually am. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Israel Mercado – Pomona, California – 9-0, 7 KOs – fighting Arthur Biyarslanov over eight rounds at Lightweight

“It’s going to be a great fight; I’m looking forward to it as well. I’m excited for it, I stay in the gym all year round. I got the call about a month out and just continued doing what I was doing, sparring contenders and ex-champions, I’m ready for it.”

“Victory on Saturday will be huge, especially on a platform like this. I’m ready, I know he has a lot of experience and he’s signed; I’ve taken the harder way coming up but I’m ready for it.”

Alexis Espino – Las Vegas, Nevada – 7-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ty McLeod over six rounds at Super Middleweight

“After training all year in 2020, for me to finally get back in the ring in 2021 it felt good, and I feel like I’m getting back in my rhythm after that fight.”

“My team and I have been training really hard. If Robert thinks I’m ready for this then I know for a fact I’m ready. I get top notch sparring and I’ve been in the gym and haven’t stopped training since my last fight. I’m excited for this, I love a challenge.”

“I get to get all kinds of sparring with other prospects, world champions. I sparred with Bivol this camp, I only sparred him twice but I’m looking to go back after this fight.”

Ty McLeod – Bradenton, Florida – 6-0, 6 KOs – fighting Alexis Espino over six rounds at Super-Middleweight

“I’m ready to go in there on Saturday and prove my worth, fight hard and we’ll find out what happens.”

“That what I plan on doing, I’ve trained hard for it so I plan on going in there and making a big statement on Saturday night.”

Aaron Aponte – Hialeah, Florida – 2-0, 1 KO – fighting Javier Martinez over four rounds at Super-Lightweight

“Everything’s working out, you keep coming out to Miami and putting on the cards – I’m very grateful.”

“It was amazing hearing everybody cheer my name; I got the and showed out for Miami. It was a great experience.”

“Now that I’ve experienced it and I was on such a big stage, I don’t think I’ll ever be intimidated at all. I was a little nervous from being on such a big stage but now I’ve experienced it I’ll be able to handle it better and finish the job.”

“I see myself at the front, I want to shine and make a big statement this fight.”

LENNOX CLARKE has vowed to “iron out” Lerrone Richards and doesn’t even want paying for their rematch.

The Halesowen roughhouse suffered his only defeat in 22 fights when he dropped a split decision against Richards, who Clarke challenged for the British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles in November 2019.

Clarke won those titles at the second attempt in March after they became vacant when he knocked out Willy Hutchinson inside five rounds.

“I will give Lerrone my purse to get in the ring with him again. I’d fight him for free because I know what I will do to him,” snapped the punching car mechanic.

“It was a fight I had to take and a chance I took, but I fell short. I have the beating of Lerrone. I’ll knock him out next time.

“I have spoken more about Lerrone than Willy because it is a bitter pill. I want to iron him out.”

“I have always had belief in myself and even more so when I lost to Lerrone. I only had one hand when I boxed him.

“At the time he was touted to be a top prospect. I gave him hell for 12 rounds and was handicapped so I got confidence from that.

“I took the chance and I had really good feedback from David Haye and Richie Woodhall who were there.

“They both messaged me afterwards and said they had become fans and thought I nicked the fight.

“It’s horses for courses. One judge favoured me and the other judges favoured him.”

Clarke damaged his right shoulder before the fight and admits he was close to pulling out hours before the closely fought contest against Richards.

Lennox revealed: “I was going pull out of that fight on the day. I was having a cortisone injection in my right shoulder three hours before the fight.

“I wasn’t able to use my right hand because of the pain. I was the mandatory challenger and if I pulled out I might not have got a chance again.

“After that fight I had rehab on my shoulder for eight months, but I knew afterwards that I was British title level and more.”

Clarke’s upset win against Hutchinson followed a 16-month layoff caused by his injury and shortage of promotions to box on during the pandemic.

Even when he stepped in the ring to face the fancied Scot Hutchinson, Clarke still doubted his right hand.

Clarke, 29, explained: “The sweetest thing for me was hitting Willy with the right hand because that was my injured shoulder and I have had a mental block.

“I’ve been using it in training, but I never let it go. I let it go that night and Willy was gone. The physios told me to use it and Errol Johnson kept telling me to let it go in the corner.

“I hadn’t thrown it with bad intentions, but it worked against Willy.”

DERRY, N.H. (April 16, 2021) — The official weigh ins for tomorrow’s “Crossroads” day-night doubleheader (Apr. 17) was held today at the same venue as the event, New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: crossroads) and priced at (separate day-night admissions) $35.00 (Day Show) / $45.00 (Night Show) for general seating (unassigned) and $220.00 (Day Show) / $300.00 (Night Show) for ringside tables (assigned and seats 4) and available to purchase

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. ET and 7:15 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 12:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

Fighters’ weights below:

NIGHT CARD

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (15-1-2, 11 KOs), Worcester, MA 166 ½ lbs.
Bryan “The Warrior” Vera (28-16, 18 KOs), Austin, TX 168 lbs.

CO-FEATIURE –NEW HAMPSHIRE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)
Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-1-1, 1 KO), Champion, Leominster, MA 146 ½ lbs.
Marquis Bates (7-4, 5 KOs), Challenger, Taunton, MA 145 lbs.

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)
Scott Lampert (1-1, 1 KO), Dover Plains, NY 180 lbs.
Larry Pryor (13-23, 7 KOs), Frederick, MD 190 lbs.

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (6)
Francis Hogan (4-0, 4 KOs), Weymouth, MA 153 lbs.
Larry Smith (12-45-2 (8 KOs), Dallas, TX 153 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)
Alfredo Trevino (9-8-1, 1 KO), Douglas, AZ 253 lbs.
Justin Rolfe (4-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME 263 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Aquilando Brandao (0-3), Boston, MA 148 ½ lbs.
Denzel Whitley (3-0, 3 KOs), Holyoke, MA 149 lbs.

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Dormedes Potes (12-2-1, 9 KOs), Woburn, MA 153 lbs.
Jahyae Brown (8-0, 7 KOs), Schenectady, NY 151 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Julien Baptiste (1-0, 1 KO), Woburn, MA156 ½ lbs.
Bruno Dias (0-4), Boston, MA 158 lbs.

WELTERWEGHTS (4)
Anthony Andreozzi (pro debut), Swansea, MA 146 ½ lbs.
Dustin Reinhold (5-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA 149 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (4)
Carlos Castillo (pro debut), Holyoke, MA 155 lbs.
Theo Desjardin (0-6), Attleboro, MA 155 lbs.

DAY CARD

MAIN EVENT – UBO ALL-AMERICA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Brandon Berry (20-5-2, 12 KOs), Champion, West Forks, ME 147 lbs.
Gael Ibarra (5-2, 4 KOs), Challenger, Bisbee, AZ 147 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS (8)
Mike Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY 244 lbs.
Tracey Johnson, (4-9-6, 0 KOs), Boston, MA 235 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Marco Nascimento (pro debut) Bow, NH 202.8 lbs.
Jimmy Torney (2-0, 2 KOs), Boston, MA 269 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Jader Alves (0-4), Woburn, MA 146 lbs.
Eric Goff (pro debut), Weymouth, MA 145 ½ lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (4)
Demek Edmonds (pro debut), Worcester, MA 199 lbs.
Francisco Neto (1-11), Woburn, MA 200 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)
Mike Ohan, Jr. (11-5, 5 KOs), Holbrook, MA 145 lbs.
Rynell Griffin (8-45-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV 153 ½ lbs.

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Steve Walker (26-36, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO 200 lbs.
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 198 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (8)
Omar Borday, Jr. (10-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT 146 lbs.
Dewayne Wisdom (7-55-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN 149 lbs.

(card subject to change)

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

Philadelphia, PA (April 16, 2021) – Weights for Saturday night’s Price Promotions show at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Dylan Price 117.6 – Elias Joaquino 118.6
Donald Smith 129.5 – Braulio Avila 134.2
Isiah Johnson 138.6 – David Loureiro 138.8
Naheem Parker 135.6 – Matt Apolinaris 134.1
Boimah Karmo 148.2 – Rahiem Cooke 152.2

Promoter: Price Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
1st Bell: 6:30 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com
Price Promotions Weigh In April 16, 2021 featuring Dylan Price vs Elas Joaquino

Tickets for this special night range from $250 VIP (which includes food and beverage) and $50-1$150 for the evening show; And $200 for VIP and $50-$150 for the afternoon show and Tickets can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577 or pboxingpromotions.com

PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 16, 2021)–Former Boxcino Heavyweight champion, and, current contender, Andrey Fedosov weighed in for his bout against Mahammadrasul Majidov that takes place tomorrow at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Fedosov of Shuya, Russia, will be making his first ring appearance of 2021, and has a record of 31-3 with 25 knockouts.

The former Boxcino champion, who began his career in his native country, has been very successful when taking his career stateside, as he has a record of 12-2 with 11 knockouts, which includes scoring three knockout victories to win the Boxcino Heavyweight title

Fedosov, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Newsboy Boxing, is a former WBO Intercontinental and WBA Fedlatin Heavyweight champion.

Majidov is 3-0 with three and knockouts, and is a three-time world amateur champion.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Fedosov checked in at 224 lbs, 8 OZ. Majidov was 232 lbs.

The fight will be streamed live on DAZN at 3 PM ET

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

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

LOS ANGELES (April 16, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospects Frank Martin and Jerry Perez will 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 Jose 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.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

The 26-year-old Martin (12-0, 9 KOs) added two victories to his ledger in 2020, stopping Tyrone Luckey in December and Reymond Yanong in February. A seven-time national champion as an amateur, including a first place finish at the 2016 National Golden Gloves, Martin was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana and now resides in Indianapolis. Martin has fought professionally since 2017, scoring knockouts in five of his first six fights.

Trained alongside four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz and his family, Perez (13-0, 10 KOs) is riding a three-fight knockout streak into this bout on April 20. Most recently the 28-year-old scored a career best victory in blasting out Joshua Zuniga in their October 2020 matchup, winning by third-round knockout. The Oak Hills, California native had previously earned stoppage victories over Tyrone Luckey and Ivan Leon Benitez in 2019.

The 22-year-old Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) will make his U.S. debut when he steps into the ring on April 20. Fighting out of Nayarit, Mexico, Resendiz has won eight consecutive fights by knockout, after his first three pro outings saw him win unanimous decisions. In his last fight, Resendiz stopped Joaquin Murrieta in the eighth round of their January 2020 clash.

Born in Mount Vernon, Washington, Madera (12-2, 8 KOs) now resides in Fresno, California as he prepares to face Resendiz. Most recently, Madera won a unanimous decision over Osbaldo Camacho Gonzales in May 2019. That victory gave the 28-year-old back-to-back triumphs and wins in five of his last six contests overall, dating back to 2018.

Oberlton (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut on January 30 as the 22-year-old stopped Nathan Sharp in the third round. Representing the fighter-rich city of Philadelphia, Oberlton won the 2018 and 2016 National Golden Gloves tournaments and reached the finals of the 2018 U.S. National Championships prior to turning pro. He will be opposed by the 36-year-old Bryan (19-5-2, 15 KOs), who returns to the ring after a decision loss in February of this year. The Jefferson City, Missouri native had won 10 consecutive fights before dropping his last two contests.

Brooks (6-1, 5 KOs) trains with unified welterweight champion Errol Spence in Dallas, Texas under the tutelage of coach Derrick James. The 25-year-old Brooks is looking to bounce back from a split decision loss to Marco Delgado in his last fight in September. Rivera (8-6-3, 6 KOs) fights out of Fife, Washington and is coming off a TKO victory over Roberto Salas in his last fight.

The 20-year-old Marshall will turn pro on April 20 after an impressive amateur career. Marshall was born in Landover, Maryland and now resides in Capitol Heights, Maryland as he embarks on his professional journey. He will be opposed by the 31-year-old Marron (0-1) who fights out of Bakersfield, California.

The 28-year-old Rashidi (8-1-1, 6 KOs) works out of the same gym in Dallas as Spence and Brooks and is coming off a TKO victory over Rynell Griffin in his last fight. He will face Silverya (8-6-2, 3 KOs), who is from Nuevo Leon, Mexico and is coming off a loss to Fazliddin Gaibnazarov in his last fight.

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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.

LOS ANGELES (April 15, 2021) – Middleweight contender Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) will now make his highly anticipated return to the ring on June 19 live on DAZN at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center. His initial return date of April 23 has been rescheduled following an elbow injury suffered by D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0-1, 13 KOs).

Additional details for the event, including his opponent, will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the event will be honored for the rescheduled date. For more information, please call the UTEP Box Office at (915)-747-5234.

DENZEL BENTLEY will wear his Lonsdale belt AND his Ghanaian heritage with pride when he looks to defeat Middleweight challenger Felix Cash on April 24th.

Denzel has been hard at work at the Peacock Gym readying himself for the biggest fight of his life, but was delighted he had the time to take the trappings of his British title success on a whirlwind tour of his region of Ghana after his last scrap.

Bentley, 26, won the middleweight Lonsdale belt after a brutal stoppage of Mark Heffron and, with it being his third fight in under four months, he took himself off on holiday to the birthplace of his parents, where he still enjoys strong family connections.

The trip turned into something of a victory parade and the champ, along with his belt, was the cause of much celebration amongst the local population.

For the 14-0-1 man from Battersea, it was a source of great pride for his accomplishment to be received with such joy in his second home.

“It meant a lot and let me know how proud everyone was back home and how much they supported me and continue to support me,” said the fighter known as ‘2Sharp’.

“It has kind of got me feeling that I don’t want to let them down now by going back there empty handed or having taken a step back. It is a good sort of pressure that will make me keep my head down and keep grinding towards the success that I want.”

The London-born Bentley fully embraces his dual-nationality.

“I am Ghanaian by blood and British by birth. I am proud to be British, I was born and grew up here aside from going to Ghana for a couple of years when I was younger. This is home, but also where my parents are from is home too so when I go back I am a mix of the two together and I know I have got both of my people behind me.

“It is amazing really and I couldn’t ask for any more. You could say I have got the best of both worlds. Being back and forth is good because I am accepted in both countries.”

The pinnacle of Bentley’s most recent foray to Ghana was an audience with the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, which he does admit was a nerve-racking experience.

“Yes! Oh my days, I haven’t been so nervous before, more than even when I made my debut. I didn’t want to get anything wrong, there are a few protocols you need to observe and I haven’t been in that position before.

“I was presenting myself in front of royalty to be congratulated and I needed to get it right. I wanted it to be like the perfect day because it is something I will remember forever. As soon as they called out my name to come and meet him the nerves struck and everyone around me was telling me how to approach it.

“When I got there he was nice and relaxed, giving me blessings and congratulating me, saying how proud he and the people of the Ashanti are of me. It was good to hear those words because I’m just a kid that has come from, really and truly, nowhere.

“For him to take me in, congratulate me and show me love was special.”

If Bentley manages to add the Commonwealth title to his British when he takes on Felix Cash on April 24 in a highly-anticipated collision, he will emulate one achievement of a true Ghanaian hero, Azumah Nelson, who held the belt at featherweight in 1983.

“Yes, and I met him out there as well,” he reported. “It means a lot in Ghana because they are part of the Commonwealth and, although it is not the world title, they do appreciate and would be proud of me winning it.

“When I met Azumah he was telling me to go out there and be better than he was. I am sure he would be proud if I win it and it is a good title to go out and win.”

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.

The show will also see the return to action of Queensberry starlet’s David Adeleye (5-0), George Davey (3-0), Henry Turner (4-0), James Heneghan (4-0) and Karol Itauma (1-0).