THE LIGHTWEIGHT BANGER Mark Chamberlain believes he has now earned his stripes as a bonafide BT Sport attraction following his first round destruction of Jordan Ellison on Saturday.

Chamberlain, now 8-0, detonated a left hook to just below the ribs of the Sunderland-born 25-year-old and it quickly became clear that it was game over and the Pompey puncher had executed another speedy finish to his night’s work.

Ellison has been around and done the rounds in his 45-fight career to date, but never before has he been chopped down with less than 90 seconds on the clock and Chamberlain admits he did not see it coming.

“Nah, never in a million years!” confirmed the 22-year-old, who is trained by Wayne Batten. “I was thinking in my head that I would get a few rounds – at least five or six – but I timed it nice and caught him with a lovely body shot. It couldn’t have gone any better.

“I think I am the only one who has conquered him in the first! I had a look on Boxrec because I didn’t really know who he had boxed other than Sam (Noakes) had stopped him in five or six. I didn’t know he had been in with Zelfa Barrett and Lewis Ritson and they are heading to world level.

“It proves that I am on the same path as them,” he added, before pointing out that emulating fellow hot lightweight prospect Noakes was not part of his thinking beforehand.

“You know what, I got asked that about 10 times, with people saying I had to go out there and stop him before round five. To me it is not about that, I want to get in there and look good doing it, not go looking for the knockout. It just doesn’t work in your favour.

“Saturday night couldn’t have gone any better for me, it was perfect. For John Fury to sit there and praise me like he did, even a BT bloke asked him if he was feeling alright because he doesn’t normally do it.

“They were strong words from him saying he believed he had seen a future world champion. If he is a man of his word – and I think he is – I’d love to be a world champion and I will go for it.”

Chamberlain is prepared to bide his time, bearing in mind his age and relative lack of experience. He does, however, fancy a fight that plants a little fear in his belly during preparations. For now though, he prepared to abide by the maxim ‘Frank knows best’.

“I watched an interview with Frank Warren the other day and he is the boss. He obviously knows his stuff and he said I am only 22 and there is no rush, but hopefully next time out we get someone in the top 20 or close to for another eight rounder.

“Then we can maybe look for something for me because I don’t think I am far off. Whatever route they want to take me down I will grab with both hands. I know I’ve had eight fights and I’m only 22, but look at Louie Lynn on Saturday night, who boxed out of this world in fighting 10 rounds and winning a title.

“I want to be there as well. Everyone is commenting on my photos saying it is time for a strap, time for a title, so why not? There are some good fights to be made and lightweight is probably one of the hardest divisions out there if you look at the names in it from this level to world level. It is unbelievable.”

Promoter Warren made sure to issue some words of encouragement to the plasterer-by-day and boosted his spirits by stating an intention to return him to the ring in the near future.

“I got out of the ring and had a word with Frank. He said he wants to keep me active and will get me out in four or five weeks time. Here I am back running and back in the gym, waiting for that phone call and ready to go.

“Especially in this lockdown, I am so grateful to have been out the three times I have and on telly. For Frank to say personally he wants to keep me active is good to hear because normally you have a fight and have nothing to work towards until your next call.

“Without a doubt, I feel I have earned my spot now. They know what I am now and I am starting to get noticed a bit. Hopefully we can get the big fights and get going.”

LAS VEGAS (April 1, 2021) — The most anticipated fight of the first half of 2021 now has some powerful backup.
 
Jose “Chon” Zepeda will battle Mexican veteran Pedro Campa in a 10-round junior welterweight battle Saturday, May 22, which will serve as the co-feature to the undisputed junior welterweight world title bout between WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez and IBF/WBA champion Josh Taylor.

And, in a junior welterweight special attraction scheduled for eight rounds, top prospect Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez will take a seismic step up against Chicago native and one-time U.S. amateur standout Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr.

This junior welterweight tripleheader will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) starting at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.  Location, venue and ticket information will be announced shortly.

“The current and future stars of the junior welterweight division will be on display May 22,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jose Zepeda is one of the very best 140-pounders in the world, and he’ll have a chance to cement his status against a rugged Mexican in Pedro Campa. Elvis Rodriguez is a future world champion. Kenneth Sims Jr. is no pushover, but we believe this is the ideal next step as he continues his development.”
 
Zepeda (33-2, 26 KOs) is coming off last October’s fifth-round knockout over former world champion Ivan Baranchyk, the consensus 2020 Fight of the Year that featured eight total knockdowns culminating in the one-hitter quitter that ended the bout. A two-time world title challenger who pushed Jose Ramirez to a majority decision in their 2019 showdown, Zepeda is unbeaten in four fights since the Ramirez defeat, including a one-sided decision over two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza. Campa (32-1-1, 21 KOs), from Guaymas, Mexico, is 5-0-1 since the lone defeat of his career and most recently toppled veteran Carlos Cardenas by majority decision.
 
“I’m ready to go,” Zepeda said. After my Fight of the Year with Baranchyk, I’m better than ever. It’s only a matter of time before I become a world champion.”

The Freddie Roach-trained Rodriguez (11-0-1, 10 KOs), one of boxing’s elite young talents, went 5-0 inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, including four stoppages in three rounds or less. He went the distance for the first time in his career Feb. 20, topping Argentinian veteran Luis Alberto Veron by eight-round unanimous decision. Sims (15-2-1, 5 KOs), who lost to Jose Ramirez by one point at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, has sparred with the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Linares in the paid ranks. His defeats have come via close decisions to Rolando Chinea and Samuel Teah, but he has won two straight since the 2018 unanimous decision verdict to Teah. Against Rodriguez, he has the opportunity to flash the amateur pedigree that saw him defeat the likes of current contenders Lamont Roach Jr., O’Shaquie Foster and Albert Bell.
 
Rodriguez said, “I am happy and grateful for this opportunity, and I am going to make the most of it. It is a great step for my career, and I want to continue to show the boxing world that I have the talent to achieve great things.”
 
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 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 $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

Los Angeles – April 1, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020, will host its next live event from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. on Thursday, April 22. The event, which will be headlined by a matchup of two undefeated American heavyweights, will be televised on NBC Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) with bonus undercard action streaming live around the world on Twitch. Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV.  

The nation’s most notable military service academy will host a full evening of boxing action headlined by Ring City’s first ever heavyweight main event when two undefeated American heavyweights Jermaine Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) and Stephan Shaw (14-0, 10 KOs) meet in a ten-round fight. Franklin, who hails from Saginaw, Mich., will return from an 18-month layoff to face his toughest and most experienced challenger to date. Franklin, 27, notched three impressive decision victories in 2019, including a win over fellow top American heavyweight Jerry Forrest. Shaw, 28, will take another step in his development as he faces the first unbeaten fighter of his professional career in Franklin. Born and raised in Saint Louis, Shaw has flashed devastating power with all 10 of his career knockouts coming within four rounds.

“This will be the historic first-time professional bouts will occur at West Point,” said Ray Barone, Army West Point Boxing Coach. “We’ve been asked before, but never has a boxing event been brought to us the way Ring City and NBC has. We want to showcase the cadets. We want to demonstrate that amateur boxing when conducted properly is safe. And we hope that this will become an annual event.”

Ring City USA will pay homage to the host venue and its rich history by honoring current and former service members. The academy’s history is evidenced by 10 National Boxing Championships and a curriculum that mandates all cadets participate in the school’s renowned boxing program. Ring City will highlight the West Point Boxing Team by presenting intramural scrimmages on the undercard.

More details on the Ring City USA event on April 22 from West Point will be announced at a later date. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

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

About West Point

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal, liberal arts college located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America’s first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission remains constant—to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the U. S. Army. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.

PHILADELPHIA (April 1, 2021) – Undefeated welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to cement his status as a rising star in the welterweight division when he takes on rugged former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 23-year-old Ennis will be facing the toughest competition of his career in Lipinets, as he enters the ring in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Representing the fighting city of Philadelphia, Ennis has used sublime boxing skills and power in both hands to make his claim as the city’s next great champion.

Ennis put together a 16-fight knockout streak that included becoming the first person to stop Juan Carlos Abreu when he blasted out the longtime challenger in the sixth round in August 2020. Ennis was unable to extend that streak in December 2020, when his fight against Chris van Heerden was declared a no-contest after round one due to a clash of heads causing a severe cut on Van Heerden’s forehead.

Trained by his father Bozy Ennis, Ennis shared his thoughts on training camp, Lipinets and more below:

On headlining his first Showtime Championship Boxing card:

“It has made my schedule a little crazier. Being in the main event on SHOWTIME brings more attention, but I like it. I like being in the spotlight. I like to shine, so it’s nothing new to me. Now it’s fight time. I am locked in and ready to rock and roll.”

On training camp:

“We always do four-minute rounds in camp. I’ve been doing that since I was a baby. That’s another reason why I don’t sit down when I fight, because I am so used to the four-minute rounds. The three-minute rounds go by real fast on fight night. One thing we added this camp was the underwater treadmill work.”

On his final preparations:

“The week before the fight, we are winding it down and sharpening up. It’s been a great training camp. I have been getting better and better each and every day, and I can’t wait to perform next Saturday.”

On facing his first former world champion:

“He’s a good fighter, but it doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s just another day in the office. He’s a regular person just like anyone else.”

On Sergey calling him a ‘typical Philly fighter’:

“I guess he knows I’m tough, gritty and I’m ready to rumble. I’m coming there to take a win home to Philadelphia and look good doing it, by any means.”

On his knockout power:

“I don’t think I have my man strength yet. I feel it will be one or two more years until I fully have my man strength. The crazy part is, I feel like in a fight, I still haven’t thrown a real power shot and really sat down on a punch yet. Everything I’ve been knocking guys out with has been all natural strength.”

On how he views his knockout streak:

“Some people might look at a knockout on April 10 as the 17th consecutive knockout, some might view it as the start of a new knockout streak. For me, I don’t really care as long as I come out victorious. That’s all that matters to me. I’m not looking for a knockout but I’m going to take it if it comes.”

#

ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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.

DANNY BALL insists he’s ready to become British Welterweight champion even though it means beating close pal, Chris Jenkins.

The Black Country boxer showed big potential on his BT Sport debut outpointing unbeaten Sam Gilley last Friday in the first defence of his WBC International Silver title.

Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs) knows the British 10st 7lb division is stacked, but is happy to take on Britain’s best and fellow Queensberry star Jenkins tops his hit list.

Ball said: “I’m a fighter and any fight against a top British Welterweight I wouldn’t say no to it.

“Realistically, I would like to have two fights just to stay active and fight anyone. I’m not fussed.

“If the opportunity came up I would love to challenge the British champion, Chris Jenkins. That is my biggest target.

“I know Chris well from sparring and we keep in touch with each other. He is a good lad, but in boxing you have to fight and try and beat friends.

“I wouldn’t turn that fight down and I don’t think Chris would be happy if I did refuse that fight.”

The turnaround in Ball’s career is remarkable having boxed at Light-Heavyweight on the white collar circuit and then shedding two stone to box as a professional.

Kingswinford’s Ball, 24, slimmed down and made his debut in July 2017 leaving even his family shocked at what he achieved.

“To have done what I have in three-and-a-half years and to be promoted by Frank Warren, one of the biggest promoters in the world means a lot,” added Ball.

“I boxed as an amateur and went onto the white collar circuit just to keep fit and stay involved in boxing for a bit of fun.

“I don’t think anybody would have expected me to get this far as a professional, even my family because I liked my food.

“People underestimated me and didn’t think I was dedicated enough to get down to Welterweight. I was fighting at 12st 7lb on the white collar circuit.

“I had a tough fight in my final white collar contest and thought; ‘I’m better than this,’ so I decided to push my body and see where I got and it has clicked.

“I have let my weight go before between fights, but now I have such a big platform I’m straight back in the gym and keeping my weight down.”

Despite ten hard rounds against Gilley, Ball has returned to light training ready for the call from Warren about his next test.

He says: “I’m still over the moon with the win against Sam and to get the opportunity on BT Sport on a Queensberry show is something else.

“It was good to get ten hard rounds in and not to have everything my own way. I am back in the gym and can improve as a fighter.

“It was my TV debut and I will never forget walking onto the platform and seeing all the cameras. I didn’t freeze on the big stage.

“Errol Johnson (manager) is hoping to speak with Frank this week and get some idea when we might be back, but how nice will it be to box in front of fans again?”

DUBAI (April 1, 2021) —History will be made Saturday when Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring puts his WBO junior lightweight world title on the line against Belfast’s former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai. This will be Dubai’s first-ever first world title bout, and if Frampton is victorious, he would become the first Irish boxer to become a three-weight world champion. Herring, meanwhile, is looking to notch the third successful defense of the title he won from Masayuki Ito in May 2019.

Herring-Frampton will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET), with undercard action scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Before fight night, this is what both fighters had to say.

Jamel Herring 

“I was able to stay focused with all the postponements because I had that motivation and hunger. I know this is still a big fight. I didn’t want to let it go.”

“Yes, a win over Frampton would be a career-defining milestone. You want to win a world title. OK, we win the world title. Well, what’s next? We had to successfully defend our title to be considered a real champion. I’m getting to the conversation of, ‘Oh, you want to face the other champions and the other big names,’ and Carl Frampton is a two-division world champion. He has done great things in his career.”

“Since November 2019, this fight has been talked about, and this is my moment. This is what I’ve worked for. This is what I’ve been asking for. This is a big fight for me now.”

“I know a win will obviously push my career up, and I’m just excited to finally get in there with another good champion that I can topple, hopefully, this weekend.”

“I don’t have any doubts with the fight happening in Dubai because I’m a U.S. Marine. I’ve fought everywhere, in terms of the battlefield or in the ring. If you guys remember, I was willing to face him in Belfast with no issue, in front of thousands of people. I was willing to give him that home field advantage because I wanted the fight that bad that I didn’t really care where the fight was at. As long as we had a ring and some gloves, I didn’t care.”

“The way I win this fight is just being me, the Jamel that won the world championship. I have to bring that hunger back. I feel like my back is against the wall, even as the champion.”

Carl Frampton

“It seems like we’ve been talking about this fight for well over a year now. I feel like it was beneficial for me to get out here early. I had a sparring partner with me. I finished preparation here. I think it was beneficial to get used to my surroundings and the heat {more} than anything else. I finished off what has been a very, very good camp.”

“People will talk about this hand injury that delayed the fight for a little while, but it was something very, very small. There’s no real issue, and I finished off sparring. I kind of put some ‘TLC’ on my hand for a week or eight days, and I was back sparring, hitting the heavy bags. But the camp, apart from that, has been top-notch, very good, no complaints. I’m just where I need to be right now, and I’m looking forward to the fight.”

“I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my career so far, but the chance to go down as the only ever three-weight world champion from the whole island of Ireland — one of the only British fighters to ever do it as well — you join an absolute elite bunch of global fighters to do that. I want to do that. I’m so determined to make that happen on the night, and personally, it will mean the world to me.”

“I gotta expect the best Jamel Herring there’s ever been. We look at Jamel’s last performance {against Jonathan Oquendo}, he gets a bit of criticism from that, from the media and from other people. My own performance wasn’t brilliant in my last fight {last August against Darren Traynor}. I think both of us need to be a lot better in this fight to come out victorious. I’m prepared to be better. Hopefully, Jamel is as well, and I think it’s going to be a good fight.”

SATURDAY, April 3, 2021

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Jamel Herring vs. Carl Frampton, 12 rounds, Herring’s WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Zhankosh Turarov vs.Tyrone McKenna, 10 rounds, Turarov’s WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title

ESPN+, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Keyshawn Davis vs. Richman Ashelley, 6 rounds, lightweight

Donnie Nietes vs. Pablo Carrillo, 10 rounds, vacant WBO International Junior Bantamweight Title

Tursynbay Kulakhmet vs. Heber Rondon, 10 rounds, Kulakhmet’s WBC International Super Welterweight Title

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

Conor Benn is eyeing a huge domestic clash with Amir Khan or Kell Brook should he get past Samuel Vargas on Saturday April 10, but ‘The Destroyer’ insists there is no chance of him overlooking the Canadian-Colombian warrior as he puts his WBA Continental Title on the line once more, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Rising Welterweight star Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) turned in a career-best performance last time out in November as he dominated Germany’s Sebastian Formella over ten impressive rounds, outfighting and outboxing the former IBO World Champion at the top of the bill at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

The Essex native, 24, has come on leaps and bounds since making his professional debut at The O2 in London back in April 2016, and is arguably one of Britain’s most improved fighters in recent years. A win over Vargas next weekend would further enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in the 147lbs division. 

“He’s an experienced fighter,” said Benn. “He’s got tonnes of heart. He’s got tonnes of grit and sheer determination that so many fighters lack. He brings the heat! This ain’t going to be a one-two lights out. It isn’t going to be one of them. This is going to be a hard fight. This is going to be me getting stuck straight in and us two going at it in there. It’s going to be one hell of a fight and that’s what I’m preparing for.

“He gave Amir Khan hell. Amir Khan got saved by the bell and by the grace of God three or four times in that fight. He had him on the deck. I know Khan’s chin isn’t that credible but he’s a well-respected fighter. He’s achieved everything that I want to achieve in the sport. This is going to be a harder fight than people think in my opinion. 

“I made the mistake once of overlooking an opponent and I hit the deck twice. I can go back to that fight because it was a career-defining moment for me. I had to ask myself how badly I wanted it. It taught me to never overlook an opponent. I thought, ‘what’s he going to do to me?’. Boom, straight one-two. That was a massive reality check for me. Since then I don’t overlook opponents.

“I’m not overlooking Vargas, but what doors open after him? I want a big domestic fight still. Someone that I can take that experience off. The Amir Khans, the Kell Brooks. The Josh Kelly fight is still there if he’s still fighting. The Amir Khan fight would be one hell of a fight. That would be a great British clash. Amir Khan was a fighter I looked up to and so was Kell Brook. Why not put me in with one of them after Vargas? 

“This is definitely going to be an entertaining fight for the public. This is going to be one that you don’t want to miss. This is going to be a steppingstone in my career. It’s going to be a massive fight. It’s going to be a great fight. It’s going to be a hard fight. I’m going to have to show grit, determination, hunger, skill and power – the full shebang!”

Benn vs. Vargas tops a big night of action April 10, Watford’s Shannon Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs) faces Australia’s Ebanie Bridges  (5-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title against European Champion Femke Hermans (11-3, 4 KOs), Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles and Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October.

LOS MOCHIA, Sonora, Mexico (March 31, 2021) – The official weigh in for tomorrow night’s (Thursday, Apr. 1) RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, presented by Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, was held today in Los Mochis, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing is streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat RJJ Boxing sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochia, Sonora, Mexico. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Official fighters’ weights below:

               MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBO LATINO FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*

Alan Solis (12-0-1, 7 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Chichuahoa, Mexico 125 ½ lbs.
Jonathan Aguilar (19-8, 15 KOs), Tuxtia Gutierrez, Chapas, Mexico 127 ½ lbs.

CO-FEATIURE –WELTERWEIGHTS (8)*
Mauricio Pintor (23-3-1, 14 KOs), Cuajimalpa, Distrito Federal, Mexico 147 lbs.
Kendo Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), San Antonio, Texas, USA 147 lbs.

LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)*
Luis Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 134 lbs.
Jose Paez (13-1-1, 10 KOs), Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico 134 lbs.

FLYWEIGHTS (4)*
Kevin Urrutia (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 113 lbs.
Manuel Ruiz (1-0), Costa Rica, Sinaloa, Mexico 113 lbs.

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (4)
Yadira Bustillos (pro debut), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 112 lbs.
Maria Guadalupe Martinez (1-3-1), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico 112 lbs.

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS (4)
Andy Beltran (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 122 lbs.
Emmanuel Reyes (0-0-1), Cuidad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 123 lbs.

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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

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LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2021) – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets shared insights into his training camp as he prepares to take on rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 32-year-old Lipinets became a world champion at 140-pounds in 2017 when he dominated Akihiro Kondo on his way to a unanimous decision live on SHOWTIME. After losing the title to Mikey Garcia via decision in March 2018, Lipinets began his campaign at 147 pounds, with his sights set on becoming a two-division champion.

Prior to a March 2019 showdown against two-division champion Lamont Peterson, Lipinets joined forces with famed trainer Joe Goossen to help guide him toward his welterweight goals. Lipinets showed immediate strides, stopping the durable Peterson in a memorable fight that he recently singled out as perhaps the best performance of his career.

Lipinets followed that up with a knockout over Jayar Inson before most recently earning a draw against late-replacement Custio Clayton in their October 2020 clash. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California.

Here is what Lipinets had to say from training camp in Los Angeles with Goossen:

On his current training camp:

Sergey Lipinets: “Training is going really well. This is probably my hardest training camp ever. We’re training for Ennis’ physical abilities because we know he’s the full package as a fighter. He’s an up-and-comer with a lot on the line against me. So I’m really pushing myself. I’ve had to spar some really diverse fighters because Ennis does a lot of different things in the ring and he can switch up stances and styles. We’ve had some rigorous sparring sessions.

“Working with Coach Goossen is a great fit for me. He’s making it so that the things we’re working on are like second nature to me. It’s lots of work on combinations and throwing punches from different angles. Personality-wise we’re on the same page too, so we get along great, but he still pushes me.”

On Ennis being an “avoided” fighter:

SL: “I’m not sure why people say Ennis is avoided. On this level, nobody is afraid of anybody. I took this fight because I recognize that he’s one of the best welterweights out there, and I believe that when I beat him, it’ll put me in the mix for another championship fight. After this fight, the champions in this division are going to have to face me.”

On what he learned from his previous fight against Custio Clayton:

SL: “We didn’t have the proper amount of time to prepare for Clayton, and he’s not an easy guy to fight. He has a great amateur pedigree, and he’s athletic and boxes well. On top of all that, I pulled my left hamstring in the third round and it got worse and worse over the course of the fight. I don’t want to make excuses, but that wasn’t the best fight for me.

“What I learned from that fight and every other fight is that I have to fight from the first bell to the last bell. I’m prepared to go the full 12 rounds and give it my all, like always.”

On how his experience against top fighters and fighting during the pandemic helps him April 10:

SL: “Mikey Garcia has a different physicality and power, so having gone 12 rounds with him might help me. I took some serious punches from him, and I did some damage to him as well. But Jaron was born with a mouthpiece in, not a pacifier. I know he’s a fighter and he’ll be ready. This fight will come down to sheer will. We’ll see on April 10 whether he’s ready for me, but I don’t think I have all that much more experience than him because I know he’s been around boxing his whole life.

“It’s good to have experience fighting during these times, but that won’t make much difference. No matter what, when the bright lights come on and the bell rings, I’m ready to go. I love to fight. That’s what I do, regardless of the bubble or wherever I am.”

On what fans can expect to see on April 10:

SL: “I just want the sparks to fly. I believe that Jaron will bring out the best in me. I know that he’s a typical Philadelphia fighter who has a lot of pride, and I expect us to have an old school melee on April 10.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS
Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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.

Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney will defend his WBC World Lightweight title against Jorge Linares at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Saturday, May 29. The event will air live worldwide on DAZN in association with Devin Haney Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Information on tickets will be released soon.

The spotlight will be on Haney (25-0, 18 KOs) over Memorial Day Weekend as he puts his belt on the line for the third time, this time taking on Linares who will provide the sternest test of the champion’s rich talents. The 22-year-old star will box in his Las Vegas backyard for just the third time in his career and first time since his sixth pro outing in May 2016.

‘The Dream’ was elevated to World champion after a destructive KO win over Zaur Abdullaev in New York in September 2019. He went on to defend his belt twice with comfortable distance wins over Alfredo Santiago in November 2019 and Yuriorkis Gamboa the following November.

“I’m very excited to be making my third World title defense against a great fighter like Jorge Linares, who will be the best fighter I will have ever faced in my career,” said Haney. “He’s a three-division World champion who has fought at the championship level for the past thirteen years.

“I grew up watching Linares and the fact that this fight is happening in Las Vegas is incredible. Boxing fans around the world are eager to see me step up in competition which is great, and I know Linares is coming to fight. I’m ready to give the fans a spectacular performance. The better competition brings the best out of me. Against Linares, I’m going to show the world why I’m the king of the Lightweight division.”

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

The 35-year-old takes on Haney in his 15^th World title battle and 53^rd bout in over 18 years as a pro. Linares believes there are plenty more chapters to be written in his storied career.

Linares said, “This is my moment to show the world that I still have a lot more to give at 135 pounds. Devin Haney is a talented and quick-handed young man, but when I was his age, I had already become a world champion by snatching the title away from a real World champion like Oscar Larios. And now you can imagine how much more experience I have now at an age where I feel stronger and better than ever.”

“Without a doubt it will be a tremendous fight, but I will demonstrate that Haney made a big mistake by accepting a challenge that he is still not ready to overcome.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said, “This is the breakout fight that will show the world that Devin Haney is the best lightweight on the planet. Jorge Linares is a tremendous fighter, a three-weight king that has speed, power and plenty of experience.”

“I’ve represented four fighters who have attempted to beat Jorge and failed, but this time I believe we have the future king of the division in Devin, and this is his moment. May 29, the bright lights of Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, this is the moment.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, said, “We have worked with Jorge Linares for a long time and any time the so-called experts count him out, he comes back with a vengeance. Haney has never confronted anyone even close to Jorge’s skill level, and at 135, he is still a force to be reckoned with for anyone in the division.”

George Kliavkoff, President of Entertainment & Sports for MGM Resorts International, said, “Mandalay Bay has been synonymous with boxing for more than two decades and we look forward to continuing the tradition with our event partners.  The opportunity to host a fight of this caliber, and doing so safely, is another step in the return of championship events to the Sports Capital of the World.”

Ticket information for the Haney vs. Linares championship boxing event at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay, including on-sale details and pricing, as well as the undercard will be released soon.

MGM Resorts will implement its comprehensive Seven Point Safety Plan and its Entertainment & Sports “Convene with Confidence” program, which outline the company’s approach to protecting the health and safety of guests and employees. The multi-layered plans include everything from sanitation stations, masking and physical distancing to digital solutions that minimize touch points as well as enhanced cleaning protocol. Details can be found at MGM Resorts Entertainment Convene with Confidence.

Las Vegas – For the first time in three years, a new UFC^® lightweight champion will be crowned as No. 3 ranked contender Charles Oliveira and No. 4 Michael Chandler vie for the vacant belt. Also, for the first time in UFC history, a non-title co-main event will be five rounds as No. 3 ranked welterweight contender Leon Edwards faces off with Nate Diaz.

UFC 262: OLIVEIRA vs. CHANDLER will take place Saturday, May 15 at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. All bouts will be streamed on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The early prelims begin at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. The prelims will be distributed on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The UFC 262 main card will stream exclusively on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC 262: OLIVEIRA vs. CHANDLER tickets will go on sale Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at toyotacenter.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, March 31 at 3 p.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 1 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC submission king Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) intends to make the most of his first shot at the title by delivering another record setting performance. Owner of the most UFC Performance of the Night awards, most submissions and most finishes, he established himself as an elite contender with remarkable victories over Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee and Jim Miller. He now looks to extend his impressive win streak with his best showing yet in the biggest fight of his life.

Chandler (22-5, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) quickly won the attention and hearts of fans with his debut first-round finish over top contender Dan Hooker earlier this year. Long seen as one of the top competitors outside of UFC, he secured wins over former champions Benson Henderson (twice) and Eddie Alvarez to earn his spot in the world’s premier MMA organization. Chandler now attempts to accomplish his main goal of strapping UFC gold around his waist by taking out Oliveira in a statement victory.

Perennial top contender Edwards (18-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) makes a quick return to the Octagon looking to restart his momentum after a no contest with Belal Muhammad earlier this month. The owner of the second-longest active unbeaten streak in the stacked welterweight division, Edwards secured his spot in the top five with victories over Albert Tumenov, Vicente Luque, Gunnar Nelson and former champion Rafael Dos Anjos. He now looks to deliver his best performance yet in the biggest opportunity of his career against Diaz.

Fan favorite Diaz (21-12, fighting out of Stockton, Calif.) is set to make his first appearance in the Octagon in almost two years. A member of the UFC roster since winning the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2007, Diaz rocketed to superstardom following his massive upset victory over Conor McGregor in 2016. He has also secured impressive wins over Anthony Pettis, Gray Maynard and Donald Cerrone. Diaz now looks to remind fans that he is still one of the best in the world and immediately inject himself into the welterweight title conversation.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former UFC interim lightweight champion and No. 5 ranked contenderTony Ferguson (26-6, fighting out of Orange County, Calif.) takes on rising No. 9 Beneil Dariush (20-4-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.)
• An exciting featherweight bout sees No. 12 Shane Burgos (13-2, fighting out of Monroe, N.Y.) lock horns with No. 14 Edson Barboza (21-9, fighting out of Parkland, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• No. 7 ranked middleweight Jack Hermansson (21-6, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) looks to return to the winner’s circle when he meets No. 12 Edmen Shahbazyan (11-1, fighting out of Glendale, Calif.)
• Lando Vannata (11-5-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) battles Mike Grundy (12-2, fighting out of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England) in a featherweight bout all but guaranteed to deliver compelling action
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Rafael Alves (19-9, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Para, Brazil ) aims to impress in his UFC debut against the tough Damir Ismagulov (19-2, fighting out of Udarnyi, Orenburgskaia, Russia)
• Middleweight star Jacare Souza (26-9, 1 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to hand Andre Muniz (20-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil) his first UFC loss
• No. 2 ranked women’s flyweight Katlyn Chookagian (15-4, fighting out of Kenilworth, N.J.) plans to stop No. 7 Viviane Araujo (10-2, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) from breaking into the top five
• Top 10 flyweights clash as No. 4 Alex Perez (24-6, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) takes on No. 8 Matt Schnell (15-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
• In a matchup of ranked women’s flyweights, No. 11 Andrea Lee (11-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) meets No. 12 Antonina Shevchenko (9-2, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)
• Highly touted lightweight prospect Joel Alvarez (18-2, fighting out of Asturias, Spain) seeks to continue his 100 percent finishing rate when he faces off with Christos Giagos (18-8, fighting out of Hawthorne, Calif.)
• Jordan Wright (11-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) squares off with Jamie Pickett (11-5, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) in a matchup of middleweight Dana White Contender Series alums
• Kevin Aguilar (17-4, fighting out of Longview, Texas) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Tucker Lutz (11-1, fighting out of Reisterstown, Md.) at featherweight
• Gina Mazany (7-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) and Priscila Cachoeira (9-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) battle in a women’s flyweight bout

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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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 Houston Toyota Center

Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit ToyotaCenter.com.

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 12.5 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 offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

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. 

LAS VEGAS (March 31, 2021) – Former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) is on the hunt and his targets are undefeated Russians, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, respectively, the reigning WBC/IBF and WBA Super light heavyweight World champions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, by the WBA and WBO.

Ramirez was unimpressed by Beterbiev’s recent fight and he wonders where Bivol has been the past 1 ½ years, because he hasn’t been in the ring.

In his first fight in 519 days (Oct. 12, 2019), Beterbiev showed signs of rust and possibly age (36) during his 10th round technical knockout of his relatively unknown German opponent, Adam Deines (19-2-1, 10 KOs). Now, Beterbiev is talking about next fighting the winner of the April 10th Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) versus Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) on April 10th for the vacant WBO 175-pound division title. Vlasov, incidentally, was defeated by Ramirez via a 10-round unanimous decision in 2015.

“I expected a lot more from him (Beterbiev),” Ramirez talked about Beterbiev’s fight with Deines. “I thought he looked flat and dull for the majority of the fight. It’s nice of him to temporarily hold my belts, but he should know that I’m coming for all the hardware and will bring the titles back to my people in Mexico.”

Bivol hasn’t thrown a punch during a fight in 17 months, since winning a 12-round unanimous decision against Lenin Castillo. Instead of returning against a “name” fighter in defense of his WBA Super title, Bivol will be returning May 1st in London against somebody named Craig “Spider” Richards 16-1-1, 9 KOs), the WBA No. 8-rated light heavyweight who has never fought outside the United Kingdom.

“I’ve always said Dmitry Bivol was the toughest challenge out there,” Ramirez added, “which is why I want to make this fight happen. I know he’s got a fight coming up and hopefully he stays undefeated so we can make the mega-fight this summer.”

“Zurdo” is on the hunt!

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

About Zurdo Promotions:

Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event promoter with HQ in the United States and Mexico. Led by the undefeated World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

EL PASO, TEXAS (March 31, 2021) – Mexico’s biggest rising star Jaime Munguia (36-0, 29 KOs) will face his toughest challenge to date as he defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship against Maciej Sulecki (29-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round battle on Saturday, April 24 at The University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center under strict COVID-19 fan safety protocols and with a reduced event capacity below 40%. For detailed COVID-19 event safety fan protocols, click here or visit http://www.utepspecialevents.com.

The fight will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico. Similar to Garcia vs. Campbell, the event will feature an earlier start time of 12:30 p.m. PT/ 1:30 MDT/3:30 ET to maximize the audience across North America and Europe.

Additional information regarding the undercard will be announced soon.

“There is no more exciting a middleweight in the world today than Jaime Munguia, and every time he fights, he brings huge knockout power into the ring,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Sulecki is a tough customer who gave Danny Jacobs all he can handle, but if Munguia can pass this test, a world championship fight is right around the corner.”

Munguia is a 24-year-old former world champion from Tijuana, Mexico who leaped onto to the highest levels of the super welterweight division by knocking out Sadam “World Kid” Ali to capture the WBO title. Munguia then defended his title against Liam “Beefy” Smith, Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan and Patrick Allotey. After five defenses at junior middleweight, Munguia moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title against Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, which he defended against Tureano Johnson. Munguia looks to demonstrate the new skills he’s acquired under head trainer Erik “El Terrible” Morales against the toughest challenge of his career to date.

“I feel very happy to be returning on April 24 against Maciej Sulecki,” said Munguia. “It will be a great fight against great challenger. We are training at 100% to be in the best of conditions, and we promise to deliver an exciting battle.”

Sulecki is a Polish contender who has scored knockout victories against Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. and countryman Grzegorz Proksa. The 31-year-old puncher has only suffered two defeats, which were against Daniel “The Miracle Man” Jacobs and Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade. Sulecki believes Munguia is standing in his way of another title shot.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to return to the United States and fight in the main event of such a big card,” said Sulecki. “Jaime Munguia is a strong, young warrior, but I have fought against some of the best of this division. On April 24, I will show the world that I am a top middleweight contender and that I deserve another world title shot.”

“Maciej Sulecki is very excited about this opportunity to test his skills against Jaime Munguia,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “This is the perfect challenge to demonstrate that Sulecki deserves another world title shot, and it has all the ingredients to make for an action-packed battle.”

Munguia vs. Sulecki is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 24 at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico, beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/1:30 MDT/3:30 ET.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Sulecki go on sale Friday, April 2 at 10:00 am MDT and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $35 not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 915-747-5234. Tickets will also be available for purchase at http://www.utepspecialevents.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

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

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

MONTREAL (March 31, 2021) – Popular Canadian boxer Marie-Eve Dicaire learned an invaluable albeit disappointing lesson in her decision-loss to now-undisputed world super welterweight champion Claressa Shields (11-0, 2 KOs) on the March 3rd “SUPERWOMEN” pay-per-view event.

Dicaire (17-1) suffered her first loss as a professional and in boxing that often leads in one direction or the opposite: learning from the overall experience and improving as a boxer or continue fighting as just a former world champion chasing opportunity.
Two weeks after the Shields fight, Marie-Eve was right back in training, rather than wallowing in her first loss and feeling sorry for herself.

“Clearly,” Dicaire said, “I learned a lot. I went right back to the gym with a precise plan to take my boxing to another level. I’ve realized many things, some good and some bad, but it will definitely help become a more complete fighter.

“After two weeks off, I had more than enough. Also, during the last year we experimented with a new way to work. I go to the gym for intense training for a few weeks, then take a few days off to rest. This method has brought me to another level, so we decided to work this way for my upcoming camp, because I felt great in the ring. I’m an overachiever. I can’t rest when I know I lost. I needed to get the work done to enjoy true vacations. I know I will be in the ring again soon.”

Losses ultimately lead to changes but Dicaire’s goal of becoming undisputed world champion remains the same. What’s changing, though, is her style, at least to some degree, especially considering she has zero knockouts during her pro career.

“I was born ready, so the sooner, the better,” Dicaire spoke about winning another world title. “I want to become a unified, undisputed world champion and this is why I am already back to work. We’re working on improving some of my weaknesses that weren’t a priority before. I’ll be working on improving my power and inside fighting during this training camp.”

Dicaire also learned that her support system has grown, remarkably, even after the initial setback on her otherwise undefeated record.

“I thought I was going to deal with the loss alone with my family and close friends,” Dicaire concluded, “but it’s been the exact opposite. I have never experienced so much support from fans during my entire career. It is like everybody is aware I have everything it takes to become champion of the world again and they’re with me during this new journey.”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.groupevonmichel.ca
Facebook: /groupeyvonmichel
Twitter: @YvonMichelGYM, @EveDicaire
Instagram: @groupeyvonmichel, @MarieEveDicaire

GroupeYM

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 155 events in Quebec, participated in 36 international galas outside of Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 34 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

NEW YORK – March 31, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports and BELLATOR MMA will deliver its inaugural event, BELLATOR MMA 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2, live for free to non-SHOWTIME subscribers across multiple streaming services, online platforms and cable television providers when the premier combat sports partnership debuts on Friday, April 2 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The main card, in addition to airing live on SHOWTIME for subscribers, will be available for free to millions across the United States on industry-leading streaming services Pluto TV, Hulu, YouTube and FuboTV, in addition to participating television providers Armstrong, Buckeye, Liberty, Optimum and Suddenlink without the need for a SHOWTIME subscription. The main card of BELLATOR MMA 255: Pitbull vs. Sanchez 2 features five high-stakes matchups and is headlined by the next round of the Featherweight World Grand Prix tournament, as BELLATOR’s reigning lightweight and featherweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire (31-4)defends his 145-pound title against Emmanuel Sanchez (20-4) in a semifinal bout.

The full 13-fight event, including eight preliminary fights, will live stream on the SHOWTIME Sports and the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channels, in addition to SHOWTIME’s official website (www.sho.com). The full event, which begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, also will stream live on the SHOWTIME Selects and BELLATOR MMA channels on Pluto TV.

“We are proud to be the new home of BELLATOR and delighted to share this debut event with millions of non-subscribers,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, SHOWTIME Sports and Event Programming. “BELLATOR has steadily built the strongest roster in its history and now includes some of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. On Friday night, we will introduce new fans to this premier brand of mixed martial arts and invite them to our network, which along with world-class championship boxing now boasts more than 40 live combat sports events per year. SHOWTIME Sports premium fight coverage and signature storytelling sets the standard in combat sports and, coupled with our leading entertainment content, the value of the SHOWTIME subscription is now unrivaled for combat sports fans.”

As part of the launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME, the network is offering viewers who are new to the SHOWTIME streaming service a 30-day free trial, followed by a discounted monthly subscription fee of $4.99/month for the next six months. Viewers can sign up at SHO.com/BellatorMMA. Subscribers will be delivered two premier BELLATOR MMA events per month throughout 2021 and beyond, with all events scheduled to air live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT anywhere the SHOWTIME service is available.  

In the main event on Friday, April 2, “Pitbull” and Sanchez are vying for a chance to move on in the single-elimination Featherweight World Grand Prix tournament to face undefeated AJ McKee (17-0), who has already punched his ticket to the finals with an impressive first-round submission win in November. Fans can expect fireworks as these men compete for the BELLATOR Featherweight World Title and the World Grand Prix $1 million prize.

The launch of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME marks the beginning of three consecutive weeks of action-packed fights. Following the Featherweight World Grand Prix Semifinals on Friday, April 2, BELLATOR will begin the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, featuring eight of the top fighters in the deepest 205-pound division in the sport, with quarterfinal fights on both Friday, April 9 and Friday, April 16. On Friday, May 7, BELLATOR 258 will be headlined by Juan “The Spaniard” Archuleta (25-2) against Sergio “S.P.” Pettis (20-5) for the BELLATOR Bantamweight World Championship with the co-main event featuring Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (22-6) and Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero (13-5). Both Johnson and Romero will be making their BELLATOR MMA debut in this highly anticipated light heavyweight quarterfinal fight.

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About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts and kickboxing organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND^®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME^®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple^®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku^®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation^®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Ebanie Bridges says she will go down as a ‘folk hero’ in the UK if she beats Watford’s Shannon Courtenay when they clash for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title on Saturday April 10, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Bridges celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney earlier this month. The maths teacher from New South Wales won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts.

‘The Blonde Bomber’ meets ‘The Baby Face Assassin’ on the undercard of Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas, and in doing so becomes the first Australian female fighter to feature on a Matchroom show, and the 34-year-old is promising to mark the occasion by landing her first World Title. 

“I’m definitely being underestimated but that’s great,” said Bridges. “I’m all about shock value. Everything that I do makes headlines, that’s just me. I’m naturally like that, it just happens. When I get in there and throw the first punch of the fight, people are going to sit there and they’re going to be shocked because they have no idea what I’m capable of. I’m not just a Barbie Boxercise fighter. 

“I feel like if I beat Shannon Courtenay I’ll go down as a f***ing folk hero in the UK because everyone is DM’ing me asking me to knock her out. They’re all like, ‘hey I’m British and I just want you to shut her up and knock her out because she’s so arrogant’. It’s crazy how many messages I get. I feel like there’s so much pressure on me to f**k her up. Nobody seems to like her over there. If I win, I’m going to be a hero. 

“I’m not getting ahead of myself though because I know Shannon is a great boxer. She’s not going to be easy. I’m not going in there thinking this is going to be a walkover. I don’t think that about anyone. Losing is not an option, I’ll find a way. Is she going to be handle what I’m brining? We’re both skilled, both of us have styles that are pleasing to the eye.

“If she doesn’t end up getting knocked out, then by the end of the fight her face is going to end up looking like a smashed crab on a rock. It’s going to be messed up. She won’t be looking the same when this is finished. She’s in for a shock if she thinks I’m only worried about looking good on the scales. When I win that belt, the world is my oyster. It will open up opportunities everywhere.”

Courtenay vs. Bridges is part of a big night of action on April 10, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (17-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Continental Title against Samuel Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KOs) in the main event, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (9-0, 7 KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO Middleweight World Title against European Champion Femke Hermans (11-3, 4 KOs), Glasgow Bantamweight Kash Farooq (14-1, 6 KOs) returns after his masterclass win over Angel Aviles and Takeley Super-Middleweight John ‘The Gentleman’ Hedges (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win last October.

CARSON, CALIF. (March 30, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola previewed their heavyweight showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they battle in a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California,

The pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see this clash between two Mexican-American heavyweights top a jam-packed all-Mexican boxing extravaganza. The stacked pay-per-view undercard co-feature will see former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clash with Abel Ramos in a 12-round welterweight bout. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos, Jr. duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action.

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

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99.

The heavyweights were joined by their renowned trainers during the press conference, with Eddy Reynoso discussing Ruiz’s current camp, and Joe Goossen analyzing Arreola’s preparations. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I’m really motivated for May 1. We’re both training hard and working every day for this one. My mentality is where it needs to be and I’m ready to put on a great performance.

“Eddy sees the potential that I have and he told me that I needed to be disciplined if I was going to work with him. I don’t think I’ve ever been truly 100 percent dedicated until now. I’m surrounded by great champions like Canelo Alvarez, Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, who help motivate me and it’s a blessing to be learning from Eddy every single day.

“Working with Eddy has helped change my mentality. His mentality is that we can’t take anything for granted in this sport. We’ve been working on a lot of different things and I have the ability to do a lot of new things with Eddy. I can’t wait to show everyone the new Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1 because I’m more motivated right now than I ever have been before.

“I learned a lot from every trainer that I’ve had and I’m grateful for all of them. With Eddy, he likes to perfect every single punch and every movement in the ring. That level of detail is something that I’ve never had on this level.

“Arreola is a warrior who can take a lot of punches. He’s strong, but we’re going to stick to the game plan and remain disciplined.

“Losing my last fight was devastating. I didn’t do the things that I was supposed to do. That was the most important fight of my career. I had been waiting to become champion my whole life and I started doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I don’t want to make those same mistakes again, and that’s a big part of what’s motivating me.

“Now that I’ve been dropping weight the right way, I feel amazing. I feel like I can do a lot more things that I couldn’t do before because of my body. The sky is the limit for me.

“I still have a grudge inside of me about the second Anthony Joshua fight, because I don’t want to go down that path again. I just want to stay disciplined for this fight and all of the big fights coming up in my future.

“I learned from sparring with Arreola that we’re both warriors. We don’t give up. We love to receive punches and give them back. When we’re in that ring, it’s just business.

“This is going to be an all-action fight. I know Arreola is training really hard and I’m excited for whatever he’s going to bring. I can’t wait to show the people out there all of my improvements.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“This is a fight that I’ve seen coming since the first time I ever sparred Andy. Back then he was just a pudgy kid and I thought nothing of him, until he threw those hands. Those hands were fast and lethal. I knew at that point that one day this fight would come.

“I’ve been ready for this fight for a while. At one point he wanted to be like me, and now I want to be like him and become heavyweight champion. He deserved everything he got, and now it’s my time to do everything to change history and prove I’m an elite heavyweight.

“I’ve been giving it my all in training, but we’re going to keep working. I’m excited for May 1 because this is definitely going to be a rock ‘em sock ‘em type of fight.”

“I know Andy is looking strong and that’s going to make this a great fight. This is a fight people should be talking about. There’s more work to be done, but I’ll be ready to shock the world on May 1.

“It wasn’t so much the punch output that improved for me in the Adam Kownacki fight, but it’s the fact that I could throw combos when I wanted to. I believe the worst I should have gotten in that fight was a draw. Either way, my plan is to be in even better shape for this fight against Ruiz.

“There are not too many things that I regret in my life. Yes, I found more discipline later in my career, but I’m not one who draws on the past too much. There’s nothing I can change except what happens tomorrow.

“Now that I have this new added energy inside of me and really this new love for the game, it makes it easier for me to get in the gym and listen to Joe.

“Andy was very unassuming when I first sparred him. I didn’t think he was going to have the hand speed and skills that he had. I had a rude awakening that day. We were putting hands on each other. Instead of quitting, he kept coming. It was a fun sparring session. That’s why I was one of the people who predicted that he was going to beat Joshua the first fight.

“I know that I have to bring a smart game plan. At the end of the day, we’re going to have the rock ‘em sock ‘em moments. Andy has great hand speed. So I know that if I don’t bring my hands back, I’ll get caught.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer

“Andy has given so much time and has been so dedicated to his work inside the gym. We’re excited for May 1. He is motivated and learning a lot every day.

“We know that on May 1 we’re going to be dealing with an aggressive fighter who is going to bring his best. Andy is excited about the challenge that Arreola presents.

“May 1 is going to be the second beginning of Andy’s career. This is the start of his pursuit to become champion again. We respect Arreola, but we’re going to go in there to get the job done on May 1.

“Andy is strong and he has a tremendous focus. I have to congratulate Andy on his effort and dedication so far. I do believe that on May 1, everyone is going to see a much different and improved Andy Ruiz Jr.

“I talked with Andy and his entire team and they gave us the confidence that Andy would work hard. He’s done exactly that. The focus is for him to once again become world champion. There are a lot of great fighters at heavyweight, but we all believe that with this hard work Andy is going to show who he really is.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer

“These are two fighters known who are noted for what they do best, and that’s going for the knockout. They let it fly right away from the opening bell.

“Eddy is training Andy right now and that’s a great match, just like me and Chris are a great match. I expect both fighters to be in fantastic shape. I know that Eddy would not be training Andy unless he was dedicated to the program.

“We’ve been training for months now. Chris has been very dedicated and honing his skills getting ready for May 1. Both guys want to win. The pressure is on both guys to work hard for that. Neither guy believes they’re the ‘b-side’ and that’s how they should feel. When you have two skilled fighters with that mentality, it’s going to be a great fight.

“When have you ever seen either Chris or Andy in a bad fight? They both give it their all and if I wasn’t training Chris, I’d definitely be watching. When it’s all said and done, I believe this is going to be a fight that goes down in the history books.

“Andy’s style is Andy’s style. Like he said himself, the difference is what he can do with a different body. It’s going to be a new and improved style. It’s hard to change your whole style, but he’s going to show that he’s added on to his style.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Dignity Health Sports Park is the premier outdoor boxing venue in the U.S. It’s been home to some true modern classics. Something special happens when fighters walk down that tunnel. It’s like gladiators entering the Colosseum.

“Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Chris Arreola is guaranteed to be another great battle between two Mexican-American warriors from Southern California. Throughout their history, the minute they stepped into the ring, these fighters have electrified boxing fans.

“This fight will be a slugfest. Both fighters have fan friendly, all-action styles and it’s safe to say that both Ruiz and Arreola have never walked into the ring just to win—they want the knock-out. So It’s going to be bombs away on May 1.

“We’re really excited about this pay-per-view card with four all-action toss up fights. We open the action with the young top prospect Jesus Ramos taking on Javier Molina in a matchup that’s boxing’s future versus a veteran Olympian. We also have a rising star in Sebastian Fundora against a real contender in Jorge Cota. Plus, the co-main event with Omar Figueroa against Abel Ramos has the potential to be a Mexican-style Gatti vs. Ward type of fight.”

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

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

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, March 30, 2021 — Triller Fight Club today announced the latest additions to a world-class lineup of boxing for its April 17 event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Joining the global PPV boxing and entertainment extravaganza will be three undefeated boxers, including 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 meet Jeyson Minda (Quito, Ecuador/Salem, Mass., 14-4-1) with an opponent TBD for Randall. Triller Fight Club is a partnership between leading music and social media platform Triller and Snoop Dogg, and is spearheaded by visionary producer Ryan Kavanaugh.

“Nowhere will you find this mix of world class fights mixed with some of the biggest names in entertainment,” said Peter Kahn, Triller Fight Club Chief Boxing Officer. “The undercard we have built continues to stoke the fire for boxing fans, who will come for the action and love the music, while our audience coming for our elite music talent will be enthralled by the hard hitting, fast paced mix of legends and rising stars in the ring. Everyone learns, we grow audiences together and our vision of four quadrant entertainment reinvents the pay per view experience, with more to come.”

As revealed least week, the card will also have another fan favorite, hard hitting Steve Cunningham (Philadelphia) replacing Antonio Tarver in the previously announced fight against Frank Mir.

These world class additions help round out Triller Fight Club’s first in a series of 2021 special events. In the headline matchup April 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jake Paul takes on former Bellator and OneFC champion Ben Askren, while Regis Prograis (New Orleans), a former world champion and arguably one of the top two super lightweights in the world, takes on Ivan Redkach (Shostka, Ukraine); heavyweight MMA Bad Boy Mir (Las Vegas) will battle Cunningham (Philadelphia); and Joe Fournier (London) will challenge music icon and worldwide star Reykon (Envigado, Colombia).

Since turning professional shortly after his 18th birthday in 2013, the Brooklyn born Younan (15-0-1, 10 KOs) has stopped all opponents in the first two rounds. In his last start on March 9, 2019, he won a dominant unanimous decision over Derrick Findley in Verona, N.Y. Prior to turning professional Younan was a very highly decorated amateur including a 2011 National Junior Olympic Championship, a four-time National Silver Gloves champion, a three-time National PAL champion and a two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion.

The former U.S. national boxing champion, Randall (7-0) turned pro in February 2019 and has quickly racked up seven victories, including two by way of stoppage. The 30-year-old native of Houston last fought in The Bubble at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on October 17, 2020, a unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera. He is one of boxing’s great redemption stories, having overcome a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his eight year old son in a car accident, to turn his professional career around and put him in a position for continued success, now with TFC.

Minda enters at 14-4-1 with nine KO’s. The native Ecuadorian will bring a loyal and diverse Latino fan base to the card as well for his fast rising undefeated opponent.

The 20-year-old (9-0, 5 knockouts) Simpson made his pro debut in December 2018, and last fought in October, scoring a unanimous decision over Sonny Duversonne. Simpson is a 12 time National Champ and six time Silver Gloves winner, who many have dubbed “The Future of American Boxing.”

Torres (16-3, 5 KOs) has won his last eight bouts, two by KO, since April 2-18. He last fought on February 20, taking a unanimous decision from Louis Hernandez in Shelbyville, Ohio. Last August he claimed the WBA Fedecaribe super welterweight title with a win over Cleotis Pendarvis in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The lineup for the 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.

The lead up to April 17 officially also includes an original series exclusively on Triller and FITE. “PRBLM CHILD” is a raw, all-access look into the life of one of the world’s most polarizing and controversial personalities, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, as he trains for his fight vs. Askren. The series also will include boxing legends Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Ryan Garcia, Jorge Masvidal and Snoop Dogg, among many more.

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.

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for the event. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite and telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum in the U.S., as well as leading providers in Canada.

FITE, the premier PPV digital platform, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

The suggested PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada). Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/jake-paul-vs-ben-askren/2p8y0/ for international pricing. All fight information can be found at TrillerFightClub.com, which features fight news, announcements, promotional videos, and the digital portal to buy the event.

**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

Triller Fight Club, April 17, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Bout Schedule as of March 30, 2021

Main event:

Jake Paul, Cleveland (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Ben Askren, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (pro debut/boxing, 19-2-0, 6 Kos/MMA), 8 rounds, cruiserweight

Undercard:

Regis Prograis, New Orleans (25-1, 21 KOs) vs. Ivan Redkach, Shostka, Ukraine (23-5, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, super lightweight

Steve Cunningham, Philadelphia (29-9-1, 13 KOs), vs. Frank Mir, Las Vegas (pro debut/boxing, 18-11-0, 14KOs/MMA), 8 rounds, heavyweight

Joe Fournier, London (8-0, 8 KOs), vs. Andres Felipe Robledo Lodono (“Reykon”), Envigado, Colombia (pro debut), 6 rounds, light heavyweight

Junior Younan, Brooklyn (15-0-1, 10 KOs), vs. Jeyson Minda, Quito, Ecuador (14-4-1, 8 KOs), 8 rounds, super middleweight

Lorenzo Simpson, Baltimore (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Francisco Torres (Buenos Aires, 16-3-1) 8 rounds, middleweight

Quinton Randall, Houston (7-0, 2 KOs) vs TBD 8 rounds, welterweight

About Triller:

Triller Network is a consolidation of companies, apps and technologies and the first of its kind leading the move into Internet 3.0. Triller Network pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree tech and content-based vertical. The Triller Network—which includes the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. Unlike other apps it is often compared to, such as TikTok, it encourages its users to post the content created utilizing the Triller app across other social media platforms and websites. The network owns proprietary ad-tech and ad AI which is uniquely tied to the content rather than as is traditional to the user. By tracking the content, the Triller Network empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and un-affiliated sites and networks reaching tens of millions of additional users daily. Data from its AI suite, direct influencer and artists relationships is generated from both the on app and on the on and off network information and used both to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content and provide monetization opportunities maximizing brand partnership integrations. Having launched Highly successful campaigns starting with the app, and continuing throughout the entire tech ecosystem, with some of the biggest brands in the world including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others, the Triller Network offers brands a unique content and technology integration. Branded content is integrated at the Triller app level, making direct deals with the influencers and celebrities who post the content. This branded content is pushed to and through thousands of affiliated and non-affiliated sites, apps, social networks and is ultimately integrated into valuable long-form Triller Network content, such as boxing PPV, live fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 50 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s Must Haves, Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, Hypehouse’s Hanging With The Hype, 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. Triller Network includes Triller Fight Club which launched last year with the highly-successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records and became the 8th highest selling Boxing PPV of all time.

Guadalajara, Mexico (March 30, 2021) – It is Official!! — The Legend Anderson Silva has agreed to fight Julio Chavez Jr. in “Tribute to the Kings” in a boxing match on Saturday June 19th to be broadcast on Pay Per View in North America.

Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, will take on former WBC Middleweight Champion of the world Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. in a boxing match on June 19th at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Silva of Curitiba Brazil was the longest reigning middleweight Champion for the UFC and compiled a record of 34 victories with 11 losses and 23 stunning knockouts. His boxing record is 13 – 1. Chavez, Jr. has a record of 52-5-1 with 34 knockouts.

“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain!
I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr. I train continuously, always am striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath,” said Silva.

““I have rededicated myself to the sport I love and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva. I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19th,” said Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Keith Schoen, of Schoen Entertainment, working in concert with Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming (GSS) have secured the deal with Anderson Silva for this bout with Julio Chavez Jr. The promoter for this event is Jorge Toscano of Toscano Boxing Promotions and Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing Promotions who are represented by Attorney Gino Mazzanti.

“This promises to be an epic battle between two superior fighters with a global fan base. Everyone associated with this Pay-Per-View promotion, and fight fans from around the globe are super enthusiastic to see these two great fighters meet in the ring,” said Keith Schoen. Anderson Silva is represented by ICM Partners, and managed by Talize Sayegh of Ducais Talent Management.

Said Jorge Toscano of Toscano Promotions, “We are excited to complete this deal and bring an entertaining night of boxing for the combat sport community.”

Fellow co-promoter Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing said, “Anderson Silva is the greatest MMA fighter, and a great boxer so to have him fight Chavez Jr. for his first fight after leaving the UFC makes for an intriguing night of boxing.”

Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming stated, ““When you hear the names Chavez, Camacho, & Alvarez you know those are big names in boxing. Now adding Silva’s name to boxing; this made a special night even bigger with the GOAT of MMA fighting in a boxing match.”

This Massive Event “Tribute to The Kings” will be live on Pay-Per-View and will also feature a special Exhibition bout that will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. Camacho will be honoring the legacy of his late Hall of Fame father.

BOSTON (March 30, 2021) –Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker has signed 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez to an exclusive managerial contract.

The 29-year-old Colombian light flyweight has a 7-0 (2 KOs) record in the World Series of Boxing.

“After having a beautiful amateur career,” Martinez announced, “we have decided to go pro and signed a managerial contract with Fighter Locker. I still plan to represent my country again at the Olympics this year in Tokyo. It is a pleasure for me to sign with Fighter Locker and Ryan Roach, who comes from a boxing family of tradition. I am sure that this new career change will be successful.

“I want to thank all those who have supported me as an amateur boxer and member of Team Colombia. I have learned a lot and put the name of country, Colombia, at the top through discipline. I will continue to count on their continued support throughout my professional career.”

Martinez lost in the championship final of the 2016 Olympics on points to Hassanboy Dusmatov, of Uzbekistan, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

In addition to winning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, Martinez was a bronze medalist at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in Hamburg Germany. His other amateur boxing highlights include a gold medal at the 2018 South American Games, silver at the 2019 Pan American Games in Brazil, and gold and silver, respectively, at the 2018 and 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games.

“I have signed a good number of top amateurs in their respective divisions, but none as decorated as Yuberjen,” Martinez’ new manager Ryan Roach said. “This is a unique opportunity as he heads back to the Olympics and is favored to medal once again. He truly is a special fighter: fast, strong, and relentless. Once he finishes the Olympics, we will get right to work and focus on the professional ranks. I think it speaks volumes of my company and my reputation to sign such an outstanding fighter who could have previously signed with other managers. He’s a great addition to our fight family at Fighter Locker.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (7-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0-1, 2 KOs).

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

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

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

Pueblo, Colo. (March 30, 2021) – Not all fairytale stories in boxing have a happy ending. Some chapters close long before they’re expected to, and others benefit from a much-needed plot twist along the way, but the defining characteristic in boxing’s most appreciated narratives is the fighter’s never-ending will to succeed.

The story of “Much Too Much” Marvin Cordova is similar to many you’ve probably heard in the past, but with its own unique peaks and valleys. One third of the way through 2021, the 36-year-old Colorado native is steadily preparing for a year he expects to be the official relaunch of his career, one in which he can bury his past for good and set sail toward much greener pastures.

Cordova (23-2-1, 12 KOs) hasn’t fought since January of 2020 – a victim, like many, of COVID-19’s crippling effect on the industry – and only twice since 2010, the longer layoff stemming from two separate trips to prison totaling eight years during the prime of his career, the result of what he calls “bad decision-making” in his early 20s.

Teamed with living legend Jimmy Burchfield Sr., longtime promoter and CES Boxing president who is often lauded for his knowledge, wisdom, and relationships in building world champions, Cordova is confident the best is yet to come.

“Before I took on this project, I wanted to make sure Marvin was serious about this comeback,” Burchfield said. “Once I heard that passion in his voice, I was all in. He has a beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters. Now the team is all set to go.”

With his deep-rooted amateur background and experience as a pro, it’s not inconceivable for this lifelong journey to feature a Hollywood ending. Cordova could be the next real-life Rocky Balboa – a story that will pique the interest of network executives and boxing media alike.

The way he sees it, he has “six good years” left in the tank, which gives him plenty of time to achieve his dream of winning world titles in multiple weight classes. Whoever stands in his way, he intends to mow down, whether it’s the Charlo brothers – unified light middleweight champion Jermell and WBC middleweight title-holder Jermall – or even Rhode Island’s Demetrius Andrade, reigning WBO middleweight champ.

“I can compete with any of these guys,” said Cordova. “I’m going to be on top of the boxing world for a long time, and it’s going to be a great story along with a great run.”

The journey began decades ago when Cordova, the great grandson of the late Rafael Garcia – longtime cutman for Floyd Mayweather Jr. – thrived on the amateur circuit, fighting 242 times with wins over two-time middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs, 31-fight vet Willie Nelson, and former WBA 154-pound champ Austin Trout. He won a bronze medal in the 2002 U.S. U-19 Championships and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials, competing mostly in the 152-pound range.

After turning pro in 2004 at the age of 19, Cordova won his first 12 fights, including eight by knockout, and 16 of his first 17 with the only blemish a draw against eventual welterweight world champion Virgil Ortiz, a fight that was stopped early due to an accidental head butt. He lost hotly-contested battles with Filipino sensation Dennis Laurente and world-title challenger Josesito Lopez in 2009 and 2010, respectively, before his legal troubles began in 2012.

An extended period of time away from the sport would deter many fighters, especially those in their mid- to late 30s, but Cordova remains optimistic knowing the worst is behind him. He draws inspiration from the great Bernard Hopkins, who spent six years in prison, turned pro at 23, lost his first fight, and still went on to win multiple world titles in two weight classes in addition to becoming the oldest fighter to capture a world title at the age of 49, breaking his own record twice.

Time may not necessarily on Cordova’s side, but his health and wellbeing are; with seven years off between 2010 and 2017, the 5-foot-9 right-hander has not sustained as much damage as most fighters his age, which he believes will be beneficial as he continues his second comeback later this year. Older athletes succeeding late in their careers is not unprecedented, as Cordova points out; the iconic Manny Pacquiao upended Lucas Martin Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman between the ages of 39 and 40, and NFL legend Tom Brady just won his seventh Super Bowl ring at 43. Why not Cordova?

“I’m faster now than when I was younger,” Cordova said. “I’m wiser in the ring, and I’m just as hungry as I’ve ever been. I don’t have a lot of wear and tear. I’m going to prove a lot of people wrong. My ring generalship is second to none.”

Assembling the right team was the first priority. In 2019, Cordova joined forces with Burchfield, who has a strong reputation throughout the sport for bringing fighters to the top of the mountain and taking a gamble on what some would consider reclamation projects. As a father figure to many boxers, Burchfield brings a calming influence and an air of confidence unmatched by most promoters. Cordova affectionally refers to him as “Uncle Jimmy.”

“I love him,” Cordova said. “I’m so happy to be signed by CES, and thankful for this opportunity. He always tells me, ‘Just dedicate yourself your craft, and every time you fight, it’s your time to go out and shine. The only thing he can’t do for me is go out in the ring and fight.’ He will take care of the rest.

“Our goal is to win these titles, get this money, and set myself up for the long haul. There’s no way we can lose.”

Cordova also has the undying support of his wife, Lori, who’s also his manager and a former Golden Gloves champion from her own amateur days. The two have been together since they were 16 years old and now have two daughters together, 14 and 15 years old. Everyone in the family except Marvin caught COVID-19; his daughters came down with it last summer and Lori had it roughly three months ago. To make matters worse, Marvin and Lori were forced to shut down their gym during the pandemic, which is a major source of their income. Like many families, they dealt with the physical and financial effects of COVID, which brought them closer together and forced them to rethink their priorities.

Now, with his family and promoter in his corner, a strong team in the gym that includes head trainer and strength coach Paul Andrada and assistant Arron Bencomo, and several sponsors – A to Z Towing in Pueblo, Randy Lopez CDL Training & Testing, Arlene’s Bail Bonds, among others – Cordova already feels like he’s conquered the hardest part of the climb. The rest comes naturally.

The last time he stepped in the ring, his CES debut more than a year ago, he stopped former world-title challenger Hector Velazquez within four rounds. He was well on his way to a busy 2020 before the pandemic struck. Even though the past year and a half has forced him to hit the reset button, the goal remains the same; campaigning in the 160-pound range, Cordova is confident he can compete either at middleweight or junior welterweight – wherever “the money is right” – and he also hasn’t ruled out dropping back to 147, where he campaigned during the prime of his career between 2005 and 2007.

“Much Too Much” remains as confident as ever, one of many champion hopefuls aiming to emerge from this long pandemic to recapture past glory and write new chapters in their ever-evolving sagas. With the right script, Cordova may someday be the one fighters look up to for inspiration, delivering a powerful message of perseverance against all odds.

“As long as you keep pushing and keep working hard, anything can happen,” he said. “Hard works makes easy work.”

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.

30th March 2021; London, UK: Wasserman has announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters. The deal also catalyses the creation of WASSERMAN BOXING, an exciting new boxing focused marketing and promotions offering within Wasserman’s industry leading global sports’ company.

This addition is also a major statement of intent by Wasserman within the Boxing industry, thereby supplementing its internationally acclaimed representation business. At present Wasserman comprises 2000 plus clients across 42 different sports including renowned names such as Steven Gerrard, Russell Westbrook, Rickie Fowler, Megan Rapinoe, Marshawn Lynch and Jamie Vardy.

Team Sauerland, founded in 1978 by Hall of Fame legend Wilfried Sauerland, is led by brothers Kalle & Nisse Sauerland, and has been a leading presence in world boxing for over five decades. They have promoted more than 50 world champions across multiple weight classes. Their history within the sport is unrivalled having promoted thousands of championship events worldwide, breaking box office records in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US and Latin America. During this time that have worked with top fighters such as David Haye, Evander Holyfield and Mikkel Kessler as well as current stars that include World Champion Mairis Briedis, Filip Hrgovic and Chris Eubank Jr.

This new announcement has greatly enhanced the reputation of  Wasserman’s current Boxing division, having successfully represented a number of leading athletes including former super middleweight world champion George Groves and London 2012 medalist Anthony Ogogo.  

Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kalle, Nisse and their team to Wasserman. Their expertise and history within the sport is unrivalled and we are incredibly excited about the formation of Wasserman Boxing. We believe that together we can make a positive contribution to the boxing industry with plans to deliver world class promotions and shows to fans around the world”.

Kalle Sauerland said “We believe Wasserman is the ideal company to not only develop what we’ve achieved at Sauerland but take it to the next level. My brother Nisse and I have been big admirers of what they do, quite simply, they’re the best. The thought of having the power of Wasserman and our Boxing expertise should excite the fighters, the TV companies and most importantly, the fans, in what is going to be an adventurous future for the sport. We are going to take this to a whole new level.” 

Nisse Sauerland: We are extremely excited to be joining forces with Wasserman. They are industry leaders, unmatched in the marketing and representation of the biggest names and events in the world of sport. Working together, through Wasserman Boxing, we will provide fighters with life-changing opportunities, and boxing fans with unforgettable fights and events.”

Dean Baker, EVP and Managing Executive, Global Football and Boxing said “When the opportunity presented itself to expand our Boxing business it seemed a very appealing prospect, I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in Boxing at Wasserman within a relatively short period. I’ve personally known and worked with the Sauerland brothers for a number of years. Their hard work, commitment, combined with their experience in Boxing and ability to put on spectacular events is unparalleled. I look forward to adding what we can deliver at Wasserman to create another exciting chapter for Boxing, particularly in the UK”.

—ENDS—

About Wasserman 

Wasserman is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties and talent in their endeavors across sports, entertainment and culture. Our purpose is to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman operates globally in more than 20 cities, including London, New York, Toronto, Raleigh, Carlsbad, The Hague, Portland and Shanghai. Learn more at TeamWass.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

New York, NY (March 29, 2021) – Rising African prospect Joshua Wahab (20-0, 13 KOs) put pen to paper on a three-year promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment, signing on the dotted line at The Golden Tulip Hotel, in Accra, Ghana.

Wahab, born in Lagos, Nigeria, spoke of his immense pride at sealing his contract and excitement at linking up with world-renowned trainer Manny Robles.

“I want to thank almighty Allah for getting me this opportunity and I want to thank my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako for getting me this promotional deal with Lou DiBella,” the undefeated super featherweight stated.

“I am pleased to be with them because I know the good work they have done with Richard Commey and I know that with this team, along with my new trainer Manny Robles, I will become a world champion,” continued Wahab. “I want to thank Charles Quartey and Kamel [who formed my previous team] for all the hard work they have put into my development over the years, and I will not let them down.”

It was a coming together of Amoo-Bediako and Lou DiBella that started Richard Commey’s rise to prominence and world championships, with Michael taking Commey from the streets of Accra to Madison Square Garden.

Amoo-Bediako’s new management contract with Wahab excites him just as much and reminds him of the early days with his former IBF lightweight world champion.

“I am really pleased to add 20-0 super featherweight Joshua Wahab to our growing number of fighters that will be plying their trade stateside with DiBella Entertainment,” said Amoo-Bediako. “My relationship with Lou since the signing of Richard Commey has grown into an understanding of what it takes to make an African fighter a world champion.

“There are many stereotypes when it comes to African fighters and we are working hard to break those down. I believe, with Joshua Wahab, we have another potential champion from the motherland. He will be training with world-renowned trainer Manny Robles, who I know is excited to be linking up with Joshua. We look forward to his progress in what is a very hot division with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson, Joseph Diaz, Carl Frampton, and DiBella’s own Tevin Farmer, to name but a few.”

The relocation stateside will be one of the largest obstacles for the Ghana-based Nigerian native, and the culture change has presented issues for those who’ve completed it in the past. Wahab is a determined individual, desperate to seize his opportunity, but the trainer plotting his route to the top knows it’s one step at a time.

“I am definitely looking forward to working with Joshua,” added new trainer, and Los Angeles-based creator of champions, Manny Robles. “I’m excited to have Joshua arrive in America and initiate training. I’m looking forward to the journey and we will take one fight at a time.”

Fellow Amoo-Bediako/DiBella stablemate and friend Richard Commey had some words of wisdom for the WBA Pan-African champion.

“It’s great that Joshua will be joining me in America. I have sparred with him in Ghana on a couple of occasions and I can tell he is going to be a problem for anyone in the 130-pound division,” said Commey. “He now has the right promoter and, of course, the best manager and now teaming up with Manny [Robles], I think he has a great opportunity to become a world champion. But he must listen and work hard and not be distracted by outside influences once he reaches America.”

As the deal was finalized, the final word went to Lou DiBella, Wahab’s new promoter. DiBella has specialized in taking the sport’s underdogs or unfancied and has reveled in playing a part in their success. In Wahab, he believes he has the chance to do it all over again and that excites him.

“Joshua Wahab is one of the top super featherweights in Africa. After developing himself locally, building his record to 20-0, Wahab has been scouted by Michael Amoo-Bediako, who is one of the premier managers in the game and one of the most influential people in the African boxing scene,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Many African fighters throughout boxing history have left home to test themselves against the best and now, it’s Wahab’s turn. Amoo-Bediako, who helped introduce former world champion Richard Commey to an American audience, has teamed up with DiBella Entertainment to bring Wahab to the United States. I am excited to work with Wahab as he reaches his full potential.”

The journey truly starts now.

WHAT: Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing) streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Mexico

                   MAIN EVENT – WBO LATINO FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*

Antonio “Paulinho” Soares (11-1, 8 KOs), Champion, Socrocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil
vs.
Alan “Lachorro” Solis (12-0-1, 7 KOs), Challenger, Ciudad Juarez, Chichuahoa, Mexico

CO-FEATIURE –WELTERWEIGHTS (8)*
Mauricio “Trompas” Pintor (23-3-1, 14 KOs), Cuajimalpa, Distrito Federal, Mexico
vs.
Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), San Antonio, Texas, USA

LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)*
Luis Koreano” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
vs.
Jose “Cuate” Paez (13-1-1, 10 KOs), Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

FLYWEIGHTS (4)*
Kevin Urrutia (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Manuel Ruiz (1-0), Costa Rica, Sinaloa, Mexico

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (4)
Yadira Bustillos (pro debut), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Maria Guadalupe Martinez (1-3-1), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS (4)
Andy Beltran (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Emmanuel Reyes (0-0-1), Cuidad Obregon, Sonorta, Mexico

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochia, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Thursday, April 1, 2021

CO-PROMOTERS: RJJ Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, boxing starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow) and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

INFORMATION:

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

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

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

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

Dallas, Texas (March 29, 2021) -Former Boxing Manager, Adrian Clark is leaving the Fight Network after spending a year as the Content/Business Advisor to the Anthem Sports & Entertainment owned subsidiary.

“I appreciate the entire Anthem Sports & Entertainment family for their hospitality. I gained some valuable knowledge and connections while working with their conglomerate.” Clark stated.

In an interview via phone, Clark stated that it was his decision to leave Fight Network to focus more on Protect Yourself at All Times (PYaAT) and other related projects. He also mentioned that Fight Network will still air the seven -episode series titled Protect Yourself at All Times in April, despite his departure (see air-dates below)

Clark created the Protect Yourself at All Times initiative in 2016. The purpose of PYaAT is to educate & inform boxers on the nature of the boxing business (i.e signing contracts, understanding money, taxes, etc).

Air Dates for Protect Yourself At All-Times on The Fight Network (Youtube Channel)
(All Episodes begin at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT)

April 6 – Episode 1
April 8 – Episode 2
April 13 – Episode 3
April 15 – Episode 4
April 20 – Episode 5
April 22 – Episode 6
April 27 – Episode 7
April 29 – Special Episode

Adrian Clark was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016. He created AC Sports Management, LLC in 2012 and later sold the company to Ballengee Group in 2019. Clark managed the careers of Jerry Belmontes, James de la Rosa, Willie Monroe Jr and Frank Galarza. He is also closely linked to current unified Welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr.

NEW YORK – March 26, 2021 – Rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and former world champion Sergey Lipinets previewed their upcoming 12-round showdown during a virtual press conference Friday before they square off in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Ennis face his toughest test to date on his pursuit of a world title shot, while Lipinets looks to make a statement on his quest toward becoming a two-division world champion, having previously captured a title at 140 pounds.

The action will also feature unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis taking another step up in class in the co-main event, as he faces former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. In the telecast opener, IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas makes the ninth defense of his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday:

JARON ENNIS

“Training camp has been going well. I’m ready to rock and roll, ready to shine and take over this division. It’s my time and this is the fight that’s going to take me to the next level and bring out the skills and ability that you’ve never seen before. You will see an amazing, strong, sharp fighter ready to put on a punishing performance and get the knockout at the end of the night.

“I know Sergey Lipinets is going to come forward and be right in front of me. That’s his style and it’s perfect for me. His style clashes perfectly with mine and he’s going to be running into shots all night long.

“It’s a great feeling to be fighting in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING for the first time. I’m excited and it’s just my time. After this fight, it’s on to bigger and better and I just can’t wait.

“Whatever he brings, I’m going to be ready for it. We don’t look at anybody as a stepping stone but this fight is going to take me to the next level. I can do a bunch of different things and my opponent doesn’t know how I’m going to come out. He just needs to know I’m ready and this is the hardest I’ve ever worked to get ready for a fight. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I finally got a guy with a name and now it’s my time to shine and show the world my talent and show them that I’m not to be played with. I’m a dangerous man and they will see on April 10.

“Every time I fight, they always say it’s a step-up. And then when I do what I do, they say I need to fight somebody better. At the end of the day, I just work for myself and my family and my team. I’m just focused on getting better each and every fight and I just work harder and harder every time so I can perform to the best of my ability and show the world that with each fight, I’m getting better, stronger and smarter.

“Beating Lipinets would take my career to the next level because he’s a former world champion at 140 pounds and he fought a lot of top guys. Making a statement against him is definitely a whole different level and it would boost me all the way up the rankings. I feel like after this fight, it’s on to bigger and better things. But we have business to handle on April 10 first.

“I don’t watch tape of the guys that I fight. I leave that up to my team because you never know how a guy is going to come out. Just because he did one thing against one opponent doesn’t mean he’s going to do the same thing with me. You have to prepare yourself all the way around and that’s what we do. I do know that he’s a great fighter, but it’s my time.

“Not looking past Sergey Lipinets, but with me doing my thing on April 10, I definitely feel like I’ll be ready for a world title shot by the end of the year. You know me. I’ll fight anybody and everybody. All they have to do is call. I’m hungry and I’ve been waiting for these types of fights. All I want to do is fight, be great, be a legend and a multi-division world champion.

“Everybody has different roads to a world title. Mine is taking a little longer than some others but I don’t mind it. I’m still learning. I’m young and I’m getting better each and every fight. I’m fine with the way that my career is progressing. Everything is happening for a reason. It’s perfect timing for this opportunity.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m a hard worker and I’m not afraid of anything. Nothing is going to scare me when I step into a ring. This ‘stepping stone’ is going to be too high for Ennis. I’m going to go in there and give him a hell of a night.

“If you look at my career and how I went through the ranks, I did something that a lot of people didn’t. I was a world champion 13 fights in. I like to fight and I like challenges. Ennis is the challenge this time. I’ve never hesitated or thought twice about taking a fight. I wanted to fight the best, and Ennis is one of the best out there right now. If I win, it will further prove that I belong where I am right now.

“I’m learning with every fight that I have. The question is how to correct the mistakes you make. Before I even knew I would fight Ennis, I was already back in the gym working on correcting little mistakes from the Custio Clayton fight.

“We’ve watched Ennis’ fights and this is a guy who’s not going to shy away or just stay on the outside. He’s going to come to fight and that appealed to me. That’s what I like and I’m looking forward to it.

“Ultimately, we all want those world titles. This is the kind of fight where the winner can’t be denied anymore. Ennis is not a boogeyman, he’s another fighter with two hands and two feet.

“I’m sure that he’s training hard for 12 rounds. We’re both going to be ready. Ultimately, our main goal is to put on a great show. May the best man win. It’s hard to predict how he’ll do in the later rounds, because it does look like he belongs with me at the top of the division. We’ll find out on April 10.

“I’m not thinking about anything that’s going to happen after this fight. I’m just worried about April 10. I have to deal with Jaron Ennis, and that’s not an easy task. After this fight, we can have that conversation about the other big names at welterweight.

“It may look like I’m a fighter who’s standing there in front of you, but I’m good at working hard, getting into my opponent’s chest and doing what I do best, which is throw punches from every possible angle. The punch that is really going to hurt you, is the one that you don’t see coming.

“It’s been a hard training camp because it’s probably easier for Ennis to get a sparring partner who is like me, than it is for me to get someone like Ennis. We’ve had to get a lot of fighters in here and it’s made it a hard camp. I’ve been digging real deep every day in training.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is really is a fantastic main event. Ennis is one of boxing’s fastest-rising talents. He has the kind of style that just makes great fights. He has tremendous hand speed, punching power and he can switch styles from orthodox to southpaw, which makes it very hard for opponents to prepare for him.

“Ennis is taking a big step up in class against the former world champion Sergey Lipinets, who always comes to fight. He’s a seasoned aggressive fighter with serious punching power. In his only loss, a world title defense against Mikey Garcia, you could see that he landed the bigger, harder, more punishing shots and you could tell by looking at Garcia’s face after the fight.

“Lipinets can make it a tough night for anyone. This fight will show us if Ennis has the goods to be the next big thing at 147 pounds.

“This is a tremendous tripleheader starting out with a great world title fight. With Eimantas Stanionis stepping up against Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event, we see another rising star in the division. I think that Stanionis and Ennis might be the two guys a notch ahead of the other rising contenders at 147-pounds. Plus the all-action main event, it’s going to be great for the fans watching on SHOWTIME.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“We are really excited about this card and the whole weekend. For SHOWTIME, it is a big fight weekend. Friday night, we’ve got the launch of our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix from BELLATOR MMA as part of our three consecutive weeks of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME. I can’t think of a better way to top this whole weekend off with two of the most exciting fighters in the 147-pound division. Two of the most fan-friendly fighters in the division. This is guaranteed to be an exciting fight.

“We have three intriguing, meaningful fights on Saturday April 10. We open with a world title fight and that shows the depth of this card and the quality of the card. You can look across the networks and all the various platforms, you don’t see many cards with a world title fight three fights down. It should be an all-action world title fight with Jerwin Ancajas and Jonathan Rodriguez. In the co-feature, fast-rising young welterweight Eimantas Stanionis against the veteran Thomas Dulorme. Given those two styles, I’d expect all action.

“The main event is one of the premier fights on the schedule this spring. It’s something that fight fans have been looking forward to ever since it was first identified as a possibility. We’ve seen Sergey Lipinets on SHOWTIME several times. He is an aggressive fighter. You know exactly what he does when he gets in the ring. He’s all-action and he’s a big puncher. Jaron is the same type of fighter. This has the makings of a real war. Two highly accomplished guys in the welterweight division. We may just be seeing who is the future in the welterweight division when we’re done with this card.

“One of the things that we enjoy most at SHOWTIME is helping build a fighter. Our audience likes it when they can see guys over and over again and watch as a fighter matures. That’s what happened with Sergey. We had him on for one of his early fights and we saw him all the way through a world title and big fights. With ‘Boots’, we’ve been proud to work with him as he grows from a young fighter and highly regarded prospect on ShoBox to now seeing another big step in his career as a main event. If he’s able to win, his credentials put him up at the top of the division. The same goes for Sergey. The winner of this fight deserves a high-level fight. These are two guys at the top of the division, two of the most exciting guys in the division and whoever comes out on top is due for a world title shot in the very near future.”

# # #

ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS

Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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.

LONDON (March 26, 2021) — The London spotlight will shine on Belfast’s Michael “Mick” Conlan and South African great Moruti Mthalane from Copper Box Arena on Friday, April 30.

Mthalane, who is undefeated since 2008, will defend his IBF flyweight world title in the main event against London native Sunny Edwards. In the co-feature, longtime featherweight contender Conlan will make his junior featherweight debut in a 12-rounder against noted spoiler Ionut Baluta.

Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Mthalane-Edwards and Conlan-Baluta will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts are scheduled to begin live on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

“This is a big step up for Mick, as Baluta has pulled off quite a few upsets and is motivated to do so once again,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Mick is close to a world title shot, and I expect him to be at his very best April 30. I am also pleased that American fight fans will have an opportunity to watch the sensational Mthalane, who is in tough against the young Edwards.”

Conlan (14-0, 8 KOs) is back after a disappointing 2020 that started with the COVID-related cancellation of his annual St. Patrick’s Day bout in New York and ended with an ankle injury suffered while training in November. He knocked out former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht last August and now sets his focus on the junior featherweight division. He is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and No. 8 by the WBA, and he could be in line for a world title shot with a victory over Baluta (14-2, 3 KOs), a Romanian who is used to overcoming long odds. Last March, Baluta stunned former junior featherweight world champion TJ Doheny via eight-round unanimous decision, and six months later, he knocked out Conlan’s 2016 Irish Olympic teammate Davey Oliver Joyce in the third round.

Conlan said, “I’m very excited to get back in the ring against Ionut Baluta on April 30. I know how tough of a fighter Baluta is, but I’ve been training hard since shortly after my last win in August and will be well prepared for victory. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show and can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

Mthalane, 38, won his first world title in November 2009 with a unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant IBF crown. He cemented his world-class status with successful defenses over countryman Zolani Tete (TKO 5) and current WBO bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero (TKO 5). He reclaimed the IBF world title in July 2017 with a narrow decision win over Muhammad Waseem and has since defeated a trio of Japanese challengers: Masahiro Sakamoto (TKO 10), Masayuki Kuroda (UD) and Akira Yaegashi (TKO 9).

Edwards (15-0, 4 KOs) has fought his last two bouts at junior bantamweight, but he returns to flyweight for a crack at one of boxing’s most celebrated champions. He last fought at flyweight in September 2019, dominating Rosendo Hugo Guarneros to win the vacant IBF International and WBO Intercontinental straps.

“Moruti is the most criminally underrated fighter, having not lost in 13 years, and he is a proper, proper threat,” Edwards said. “This is no gimme or easy world title fight — it is very, very far from that. I asked for this fight and, if you look back at press conferences or interviews, you can see that I have wanted it for some time. In my head, this is what was coming to me and it is finally here, and I have got what I wanted.”

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SUNNY EDWARDS WILL go into battle for the IBF world flyweight title against the formidable and decorated champion Moruti Mthalane on Friday April 30, live on BT Sport.
 
In what will be a high stakes card in London, Belfast star Michael Conlan (14-0) provides the chief support as he takes his first fight at Super-Bantamweight against the tough 14-2 Ionut Baluta. The Romanian is seeking to defeat a third consecutive Irish opponent after toppling TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce in his last two fights.
 
For ‘Showtime’ Sunny, 25, it will represent a first crack at world honours in his 16th fight as a professional, with the British super flyweight champion having won belts at both fly and super fly, including the IBF International and Intercontinental, along with the WBO International and European.
 
Since beating Ryan Farrag in October 2018, Edwards embarked on a run of six fights with titles on the line to cement his place in the world rankings.
 
Edwards is a confirmed admirer of his forthcoming opponent.
 
“Moruti is the most criminally underrated fighter, having not lost in 13 years and he is a proper, proper threat,” he pointed out. “This is no gimme or easy world title for Sunny – it is very, very far from that.
 
“I asked for this fight and, if you look back at press conferences or interviews, you can see that I have wanted it for some time. In my head, this is what was coming to me and it is finally here and I have got what I wanted.
 
“Now it is my chance to prove myself and this will be the best benchmark I could have. I have beaten Olympians and people who have mixed at European and world level, but this is real genuine world level. This is my introduction as I have not been there before.
 
“He is as legit as they come. A big puncher, 41 fights, 39 wins and 26 knockouts. If I go and do this, capture the world title in my 16th fight, nobody can really argue. This will qualify everything I have been saying – if I do it. Moruti is no pushover by any stretch of the imagination; he is a very, very, very good fighter.”
 
Mthalane, 38, is indeed recognised as one the greatest of all current champions, having won his first world title in November 2009 with victory over Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant IBF flyweight title, which he followed up with successful defences over countryman Zolani Tete and current WBO world bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero.
 
After two further defences, the South African won the IBO flyweight title with a 2014 victory over Jetha Oliva and subsequently made three victorious defences of the belt.
 
He reclaimed his IBF title in July 2017 with a defeat of Muhammad Waseem and has since defeated Masahiro Sakamoto (TKO 10), Masayuki Kuroda (UD) and Akira Yaegashi (TKO 9).
 
“There can be no doubting that Sunny is up against a top-drawer world champion,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Mthalane possesses incredible experience and has beaten the leading guys around his weight, but I hope the timing is right for a changing of the guard at the top of the division.
 
“Sunny has demonstrated his readiness for taking on and, I hope, joining the elite and from his early days performing on our shows, I believed we had a special talent on our hands.
 
“It was up to us to recognise this by delivering the world title shot he craves and that is what we are doing. It will be a special night having Sunny fighting for a world title against a great champion.”
 
Edwards’ title tilt against Mthalane will represent the first fight of a new long-term promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.
 
“I am made up, I am absolutely made up,” reacted Edwards. “I have made it no secret that I wanted to be with Frank and I see my future with Frank. I am glad that, after months of back and forth, we have come to the agreement and we are both in a position where I am sure we are happy.
 
“Frank has given me the platform and helped me build my name so that anyone who tunes into BT Sport even semi-regularly will have probably seen one of my fights. Over the last year or two I have been on often and maybe BT lets me get away with being a little bit more cheeky than anyone else would!
 
“I like it, I like the relationship we have and I am looking to increase that going forward. I am a loyal person and, unless I am treated unfairly, I will never up sticks and leave on a whim. I have been with my trainer for seven years, my management team from the beginning and, ideally, I would like to be with the same promoter for my whole career.
 
“The fights and the opportunity I have had shows that my promoter and my network are happy with me so I can’t be any more happy with that and the position Frank has allowed me to put myself in. Without Frank, the platform of BT and my management it would have been hard for me to do so.
 
“I am grateful and delighted to have another long-term deal with Frank – my third one already and I am only 25! I genuinely mean this, I hope this is a relationship that lasts throughout my career.”
 
Frank Warren added: “I have never hidden my liking and admiration for Sunny and I am thrilled he is signed up with us for the long term. He is proving himself a major attraction on BT Sport, not just with his undoubted boxing ability, but also his personality that shines through in the way he goes about his work.
 
“Sunny is a character, no doubt about that, which is something the sport always needs and I shouldn’t think he ever finds himself lost for words. The thing with Sunny is he can back up what he says with huge natural talent that I am sure will excel on the world title stage.
 
“Operating at the highest level is the next step for Sunny and I am thrilled to deliver his world title shot on April 30. It is what he wants and what we want for him so all our efforts have gone into securing him his shot at the earliest opportunity and I cannot wait to see it happen and see another world champion added to our roll of honour.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 26, 2021) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation, Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2 KOs), is scheduled to make his hometown debut on Saturday, April 10 at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Milton will square off against Jayvone Dafney (2-2, 2 KOs) of McComb, Mississippi.

The 4-round bout, promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tony Holden Productions, will air live and exclusive on ESPN+, with the broadcast set to start at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 pm CST.

Milton, who is trained by two-time world champion, Bones Adams, relocated from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, NV, in 2020, to pursue his boxing career at the highest level. Having been in training camps with the likes of Luis Ortiz, Joy Joyce, and Michael Hunter, Milton feels convinced he has what it takes to be the next heavyweight standout. Fighting in Tulsa, his hometown, is something Milton has been envisioning since he turned professional.

“Maybe this is what it feels like to balance the highs and lows,” said Jeremiah Milton, from his Las Vegas training camp. “I’m a working man and not being able to fight or having fights getting canceled can test you. Despite that, I remain on the same path. The city of Tulsa created my mold, I woke up early mornings and you’d probably catch me running the town. April 10th I’ll be bringing back some of my new experiences for you to witness close up. Welcome to Dreamland.”

“We are ecstatic that Jeremiah will be fighting in his hometown because we know he’s very popular out there,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment, who manages Milton. “We’ve had a few fights fall out, so we are hoping this one stays intact. The entire city of Tulsa is excited about boxing returning to it’s city and we want to thank Top Rank for putting him on.”

“With the pandemic coming to a close, we have big plans to keep Jeremiah busy in 2021,” said Rick Torres, of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “This will be the first fight of many this year and we are thrilled that it’s taking place in Tulsa, where all his family and friends can attend.”

Tickets priced $40, $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking HERE. Premium floor seats are sold out so get your tickets while they last.