BRITISH Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will make the first defence of his title against mandatory challenger Felix Cash on Saturday April 24.
 
The unbeaten pair will headline what promises to be another star-studded night of boxing live on BT Sport.
 
Queensberry Promotions won the purse bids for the fight between their man Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) and Cash (13-0, 9 KOs), whose Commonwealth crown is also on the line.
 
Battersea’s Bentley won the title in November when Mark Heffron was retired by his corner because of a grotesquely swollen left eye and Denzel insists Cash is next to see what damage his punches can cause.
 
“If we’re both at our best it will be a very good fight. There will be moments when the fight will be back and forth, but I am expecting to win.” said the champion.
 
“If I win comfortably I will be happy. If I win a hard fight I will be happy. I will be prepared for the best version of Felix.
 
“I know I am stepping up to a 50-50 fight and closer to what I want to achieve in the sport.
 
“Felix is a decent fighter, but this is one that will take me up another level so I am ready for it.”
 
Cash, 27, turned professional in June 2016 and became Commonwealth champion more than two years later when he stopped Nigerian Rasheed Abolaji inside a round.
 
He has stopped Jack Cullen and Jason Welborn in his two defences, but is ready for the biggest fight of his professional career.
 
“I want my name to go in the history books of holding the British title, it’s time to show everyone in the division who’s the man,” said the Wokingham boxer.
 
“There’s only one way to win in my eyes and I’m coming to take him out.”
 
Promoter Frank Warren added: “I cannot wait for Denzel against Felix, Denzel is one of the hottest properties in British boxing right now. He has taken every opportunity that lockdown boxing has afforded him – he’s won fights, won titles, headlined shows and really thrived with all the extra exposure that’s come his way. He’s definitely a fighter we’re looking at moving on to the next level.
 
“He never turns down a challenge and is one of the easiest there is to promote. You give him a date and an opponent and he is there.
 
“Felix is a solid test for Denzel, but I believe at Queensberry we have the finest eye for talent in British boxing and am fully backing our man to get a decisive victory.”
 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 16, 2021 – Four-division world champion and legendary Mexican boxer Erik Morales, who is the trainer of Tijuana’s Angel Fierro, previewed his fighter’s matchup against Puerto Rico’s Alberto Machado ahead of Thursday night’s Ring City USA main event. On Tuesday afternoon, Morales emphatically told reporters that Fierro will be looking for a knockout when he climbs inside the ropes to write the next chapter of the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry, live from Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, P.R., and live on NBC Sports Network (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The full card, which features six matchups and fighters at different levels in their professional careers, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

In the evening’s co-main event from Puerto Rico, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout. A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. In an eight-round flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif. Also on the Twitch undercard is a six-round junior lightweight battle featuring top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) fighting in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

Morales was unable to make the trip to Puerto Rico to be in his fighter’s corner, but he spoke with the media on Tuesday just days before the biggest fight of Fierro’s professional career. Below are highlights from his conversation with the media: 

ERIK MORALES

His assessment of Fierro: “Fierro is always working, always training. He was training to fight a guy very similar to Alberto Machado. Fierro is a fighter worth watching. He’s clean, young and strong. He’s going to give the fans a great fight on Thursday. He is a fighter who fights very well at a distance. He also throws very hard and when he’s throwing punches in bunches, you will see why we took this fight.”

On not being in Angel’s corner on Thursday: “We have been working together for 3 or 4 fights. Sometimes we rotate fighters in our gym because we can’t train them all. It’s been about a year. Fernando Fernandez has been training with me and other fighters with me since 1998 so he is in good hands.”

On Angel’s development: “He has learned a lot with us. When we got him, he used to jump a lot. But now he is better in his offense. He is a great fighter who is very tough. He is very strong.”

On Angel seizing this opportunity: “There are opportunities that don’t come very often. We lost a fight last time that we weren’t supposed to. But in this fight, he has an opportunity that he has to take advantage of, and he will. You’ll see him make the most of it on Thursday.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “We know we are in Puerto Rico so it’s complicated. It’s going to be a tough fight. That’s the tradition because it’s Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. But he is going to come here and beat Machado in his hometown. We trust that the judges will do their job but there’s no doubt about it, we are going for the knockout.”

On Angel’s Mexican style: “We will work based on our ability. Remember that we are Mexican, and we have a different way of boxing. Mexicans fight with more heart and more perseverance.”

On Estrada vs. Chocolatito 2: “It was an interesting fight. Both fighters were active. The 117-111 card was off but the other two were good. It’s been a while since we’ve seen such a great, phenomenal fight.”

On a possible fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mikey Garcia: “Mikey Garcia is a great fighter. Manny Pacquiao is very, very strong though. Pacquiao shows that there are levels to this game. I think that experience will win out and Pacquiao wins.”

On whether he will fight again: “Yes, it’s very possible that you will see me. Maybe Morales vs. Barrera 4.”

Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in Puerto Rico or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

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

Guadalajara, Mexico (March 16, 2021) – Today, boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez and Hector Camacho Jr. came face to face to announce their much anticipated exhibition fight that will take place on Saturday, June 19th as A special night that will honor the first-family of Mexican boxing, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Omar Chavez will take place on Saturday night, June 19th, at The Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico

Chavez and Camacho as well as Omar Chavez and Ramon Alvarez were present at Tuesday’s festivities.

Julio Cesar Chavez, referring to the first time he was offered to fight with the son of his great rival, Chavez, a member of the Hall of Fame, said “First I said no, because he is too young for me. But when they told me it was a tribute to my great friend (Camacho Sr.), who is in heaven, I accepted immediately. “

“Between Mexico and Puerto Rico there has always been a great rivalry, but “Macho” Camacho never bothered with my family, he never offended me or used rude words. And we became great friends, I love him to heaven, he knows it, and although now he must be angry about the beating I’m going to give his son.”

Hector “Macho” Camacho Jr thanked the authorities and the organizers of the event, and then added: “I have been waiting for the opportunity for this fight for years. I will be well prepared, very skinny as you like. This fight is going to be days before the anniversary of my father’s death, so it will be a very emotional fight for me.”

Tribute to The Kings will be live on Pay-Per-View and will 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.

In this very special battle between Mexico and Puerto Rico, Camacho will look to get even from the historic bout that Chavez had with Camacho’s legendary dad on September 12, 1992.

In a 10-ound light heavyweight, former middleweight world champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will take on an opponent to be announced.

In a 10-round middleweight bout, Omar Chavez will Ramon Alvarez in the rubber match of their trilogy

Tribute to The Kings is promoted by Borizteca Boxing and Toscano Promotions and will be produced by Global Sports Streaming.

(March 16, 2021) — Bantamweight phenom Lee McGregor has captured British and Commonwealth titles. He is now ready to conquer Europe. McGregor, from Edinburgh, Scotland, will challenge European bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi in a 12-round showdown this Friday, March 19 from University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England.
 
Guerfi-McGregor will headline a card streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
 
Guerfi (29-4, 9 KOs), from Manosque, France, is a three-time European bantamweight champion who challenged for an interim flyweight world title in 2012. He has not fought since November 2019, when he knocked out countryman Georges Ory in nine rounds. Guerfi has won his last three European bantamweight title bouts, all by knockout. McGregor (9-0, 7 KOs) captured the Commonwealth bantamweight crown in October 2018 in just his fifth pro bout, knocking out Thomas Essomba in the 12^th round. He unified the British and Commonwealth crowns in November 2019 with a razor-thin split decision over Ukashir Farooq. McGregor returned from a career-long layoff last August and stopped Ryan Walker in five rounds.
 
In other streaming action:

• The streaking Maxi Hughes (22-5-2, 4 KOs) will battle Belfast veteran Paul Hyland Jr. (20-2, 7 KOs) in a 12-rounder for the vacant British lightweight title. Hughes has scored upset victories in his last two bouts with decisions over the previously unbeaten Viktor Kotochigov and former world title challenger Jono Carroll. Hyland is coming off a June 2019 knockout loss to Francesca Patera for the European lightweight title.
   
• Belfast-born super middleweight contender Padraig “The Hammer” McCrory (11-0, 5 KOs) will fight fellow unbeaten Germaine Brown (9-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder. McCroy is coming off last September’s first-round blitzing of the normally durable Mickey Ellison.
   
• In an eight-round junior welterweight bout, Jamie Robinson (10-4-1, 3 KOs), winner of four straight, will look to make it five in a row against Billy Allington (8-1-2).
   
• Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Eryk Apresyan (7-0, 5 KOs) makes his UK debut against Nathan Bendon (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
   
• The ESPN+ stream is scheduled to start with the return of junior featherweight prospect Shabaz Masoud (7-0, 1 KO) against nine-year veteran Louis Norman (14-8-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

 
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.

Philadelphia, PA (March 16, 2021) -Heavyweight favorite Joey Dawejko will take on veteran Brandon Spencer in the headline bout of big night of boxing on Saturday, April 3rd at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.

The card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Dawejko of Philadelphia, has a record of 20-8-4 with 11 knockouts.

The 30 year-old Dawejko is a former Junior World Amateur champion, and is now a 12 year-professional who has wins over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossy (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umolhette (9-2), Natu Visinia (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1) and Kelvin Nunez (15-0).

Dawejko is looking to get back in the win column as he is coming off a loss to undefeated contender Frank Sanchez on March 7, 2020 in Brooklyn.

Spencer of Augusta, Georgia has a record of 9-18-3 with six knockouts.

The 11 year-veteran has two wins over Dylan Courson (1-0) & (5-1).

In six-round bouts:

Nahir Albright (10-1, 4 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ battles Dante Cox (6-1, 4 KOs) of Elkridge, MD in a lightweight out.

New RDR Promotions signee Mark Dawson (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named shortly in a welterweight bout.

Benny Sinakin (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Afumwa King (2-1, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY in a light heavyweight affair.

Rasheen Brown (6-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

Mike Hilton (10-0, 7 KOs) of Trenton, NJ battles Twon Smith (3-4, 2 KOs) of Oklahoma City in cruiserweight fight.

Matthew Gonzalez (11-0, 7 KOs) of Ridgewood, New York will take Luis Eduardo Florez (25-18, 21 KOs) of Colombia in a welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Tahmir Smalls (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight fight.

Jahdon Ervin of St. Clair, PA will make his pro debut against Kareem Gladney (0-3) in a middleweight bout.

Tickets are $250 for VIP (Includes three hours of Food & Drink) $150 for Front Row; $100 for Ringside and $75 for General Admission and can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com

New York, NY (March 16, 2021) – Irish boxing star “Mighty” Joe Ward will return to the ring this Thursday, March 18, as part of Ring City USA’s event on NBC Sports Network, beginning at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT, from Albergue Olimpico in Salinas, Puerto Rico. The entire event will also be streamed live internationally on Twitch.

The 27-year-old Ward (2-1, 2 KOs), a native of Westmeath, Ireland, will seek revenge in a six-round light heavyweight rematch against Marco Delgado (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, CA. Ward first faced Delgado in his highly anticipated pro debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden, on October 5, 2019. In the second round of their fight, Ward suffered a serious knee injury, which required surgery. Since his ring return in 2020, Ward, now trained by former world champion Joey Gamache and Jimmy Payne, has picked up two victories. Delgado is coming off of a big win against the previously unbeaten 6-0 Burley Brooks, on December 5, 2020, in Texas.

“I’m really looking forward to this fight. It’s a massive opportunity for me to put things right on national television,” said Ward. “I’ve been working hard and staying focused, despite everything that’s been going on, so I feel ready to go out and perform. I want to thank my entire team, from my trainers, Jimmy Payne and Joey Gamache, to my promoter, Lou DiBella, and my managers, Adam Glenn and Joe Winters, for getting me this opportunity. This is bittersweet because my manager and friend, Joe Winters, passed away two months ago due to Covid-19. He was a great man who meant a great deal to me. I know how happy and proud he would have been to see me back in the ring, but losing him has just given me more drive and more purpose. He always said that I would be a world champion and I want to prove him right, for myself and for him.”

“On Thursday night, Ireland’s Joe Ward has a chance at redemption, facing the man who shared the ring with him on the night his knee dislocated and he lost his pro debut. Marco Delgado just defeated an unbeaten prospect and is now 7-1. This is a very significant fight and career-defining moment for both Joe and Marco,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With the passing of Jimmy Glenn and his friend and co-manager Joe Winters from Covid-19, while recovering from knee surgery, Joe has had to endure a lot, but he has shown the strength of character to move forward and work toward achieving his dream.”

“We’re incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Adam Glenn, CEO of Times Square Boxing. “This has been a really tough year for Joe and the whole team, from the unfortunate knee injury, to the delays and difficulties due to Covid-19, to the devastating loss of Joe Winters, my business partner and co-manager of Joe, to Covid-19. Through it all, Joe Ward has been working hard and we’re incredibly proud of his perseverance and drive. A rematch with Delgado is an opportunity to set things right and remind everyone of why Joe is one of the most exciting prospects to ever come out of Ireland.”

A member of Ireland’s 2016 Olympic team, Ward is joined by undisputed world champion Katie Taylor as the only Irish boxers to win more than one European Elite gold medal. His acclaimed amateur career includes three gold medals at the European Amateur Championships (2017, 2015, 2011), a gold medal at the World Youth Championships (2010), and a gold medal at the World Junior Championships (2009).

Matchroom and OPI Since 82 return to the Allianz Cloud in Milan on Friday April 16 for a stacked night of Title action featuring Fabio Turchi vs. Dylan Bregeon and Francesco Patera vs. Devis Boschiero, live on DAZN. 
 
Florence’s Turchi (18-1, 13 KOs) bounced back from his first career loss to Tommy McCarthy by capturing the IBF International Cruiserweight Title against Nikolajs Grisunins last October, and now the ‘Stone Crusher’ faces undefeated Frenchman Bregeon (11-0-1, 3 KOs) for the European Union crown. 
 
Former EBU European Lightweight Champion Patera (23-3, 8 KOs) looks to extend his five-fight winning streak against Italy’s ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (48-6-2, 22 KOs) as they battle for the vacant WBC Silver Lightweight Title previously held by America’s rising star Ryan Garcia.
 
Undefeated Super-Middleweights Ivan Zucco (12-0, 10 KOs) and Luca Capuano (11-0, 2 KOs) meet for the Italian Title, plus there’s action for rising Super-Welterweight talent Samuel Nmoah (14-0, 4 KOs), Lazio Super-Lightweight youngster Armando Casamonica (1-0), EBU European Union Featherweight Champion Mauro Forte (14-0-1, 5 KOs) and former EBU European Union Flyweight Champion Mohammed Obbadi (21-1, 13 KOs).
 
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “On a huge week for the Cruiserweight division that sees Lawrence Okolie take on Krzysztof Glowacki for the WBO World Title, I’m delighted to announce Fabio Turchi’s return to the ring as he looks to climb the rankings towards a World Title shot of his own. We know just how good Francesco Patera is from his win over Lewis Ritson in Newcastle, and I’m confident his clash with Boschiero won’t disappoint. We look forward to another great night in Milan, with all of the action shown around the world on DAZN.”
 
Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “Another important test is waiting Fabio Turchi in his challenge for European Union Title against Dylan Bregeon. Franceso Patera will finally meet Devis Boschiero for the vacant WBC Silver World Title and there’s an interesting Italian Title battle between undefeated Super-Middleweights Ivan Zucco and Luca Capuano. A stacked undercard features Samuel Nmomah, Mauro Forte, Armando Casamonica and Mohammed Obbadi. Don’t miss it, live and on demand on DAZN!”

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – March 16, 2021 – Ring City USA continues its three-event residency in Puerto Rico this week as it heads to Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas this Thursday to present a stacked evening of boxing action headlined by the next chapter in the iconic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry as Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) of Rio Piedras, P.R., battles Angel ‘Tashiro’ Fierro (17-1-1, 13 KOs) of Tijuana.

The full card, which features six matchups and fighters at different levels in their professional careers, will stream live around the world on Twitch at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.  The three-fight main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network in the United States and Puerto Rico, and on Twitch for fans outside of the U.S.

In the evening’s co-main event from Puerto Rico, Jose ‘Chiquro’ Martinez, (21-1-2, 14 KOs), of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, clashes with three-time world title challenger Israel ‘Jiga’ Gonzalez (26-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in a ten-round bantamweight bout. A six-round light heavyweight fight will round out the main card on NBC Sports Network featuring Irish’ Joe Ward, (2-1, 2 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, who will look to avenge his pro debut setback against Marco ‘El Muneco’ Delgado, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Turlock, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, three-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (13-4, 5 KOs), of Los Angeles, Calif. faces off against Alma Ibarra (7-1, 4 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico. In an eight-round flyweight battle, former world champion and knockout artist Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta, (21-2, 21 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, battles Gilberto Mendoza (17-9-3, 8 KOs) of Modesto, Calif. Also on the Twitch undercard is a six-round junior lightweight battle featuring top undefeated prospect Edwin ‘The Chin’ Valentin (9-0, 8 KOs) fighting in his hometown of Salinas when he faces veteran Hector Marengo (7-14-4, 4 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico.

All fighters have arrived in Puerto Rico ahead of Thursday’s event and below are quotes from the Monday’s media availability:

ALBERTO MACHADO

On the opponent change: “We had a plan for Hector Tanajara. Fierro is a good fighter, he is young. He has a style a little similar to Tanajara but more aggressive. I’ve only watched one of Angel Fierro’s fights and don’t know much about him other than he is a tough Mexican fighter. The truth is that the last-minute change does affect me a little, but this happens in boxing. I am the main event of this big card and I have to do whatever it is for the show to continue even though Tanajara is sick. I have made the commitment to NBC Sports Network, my family, my promoter, and all boxing fans. I have a great team and I am a professional; I have to make adjustments and move on.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “It is very special to fight here and to fight at home in Puerto Rico. I am grateful for this opportunity to fight on NBC Sports Network. I want to demonstrate that I can be a world champion again.”

On the pandemic: “I have been boxing since I was 11 years old so it was good to get time off to rest my body and spend time with my kids.”

On his goal: “Many boxing fans know who I am, now I want to remind them why I was world champion. Those who do not know me will now through NBC Sports and the Twitch app. I also hope to win some new fans. Every boxer wants to be a world champion and then we want to defend the title. Some things are also important – entertain, make weight, be healthy.”

On fighting at 135 vs. 130 pounds: “I think I had great performances at 130 pounds but right now at the lightweight division my weight is good, and my body feels more comfortable. I was Alberto ‘Explosivo’ Machado in the past and I feel that back now at 135. I feel great right now.”

His prediction for Thursday night: “I predict victory, hopefully by knockout.”

On what’s next: “I have an excellent team around me, and they will dictate the next step. I always want to fight the best and hopefully I will have the opportunity to fight for a world title in the near future.”

ANGEL FIERRO

On training camp: “I was preparing for a fight on March 12 and this fight came so I said, ‘let’s go!’”

On taking the fight on short notice: “I had no reservations whatsoever, I am always dieting and watching my weight. I am always training so I jumped at the opportunity to take this fight.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “We know we are in enemy territory being in his hometown. But I have no worries, it’s going to be a war. This fight is going to be a war.”

On facing Machado: “Alberto Machado is an elite fighter. But I have stayed prepared for this opportunity. I am ready to fight.  I have seen him fight before. He has been on my radar because I knew that there was a possibility I would fight him. We studied the (Andrew) Cancio fights. We have been analyzing his strengths and weaknesses, his chin, everything. We are well prepared for whatever he can do.”

On facing southpaws: “I fought six southpaws in the past. They have all been different styles though. I know how to control southpaws. I know how to fight them. My original opponent for my next fight was a southpaw.”

On how a win would change his life: “I can’t think about how my life is going to change beforehand. I am 100% focused and I am sure 100% that I am going to win. Then we can talk about how my life is going to change with my team.”

On whether he’s looking for a knockout: “100%. I can’t promise the knockout, but I can assure you that it’s going to be a war. I am going to look for the knockout like all Mexicans do.”

MARICELA CORNEJO

On training with Buddy McGirt: “It’s been great. I have learned so much from working with him since May. It’s simple and basic things but they are so effective. He has truly brought the best out of me. I understand the game so much more now. I am in there extremely confident with my boxing IQ now and what each punch and movement is really there for.”

On what she learned from fighting Franchon Crews Dezurn: “During the (first) fight, her weight was on me and I could hear my back get injured. I felt paralyzed. I could only jab. I was very green when it came to rules and whatnot. It could’ve been a no-contest because I couldn’t continue but I didn’t know that. The second fight, I was on vacation three days before and I got the call for the fight. I took that fight because I wanted to show everybody and show myself that, ‘dude, I can fight.’ I have heart. I only have four amateur fights, but I can stand toe-to-toe and show them hell, too. Learning the game though, that’s where Buddy McGirt has helped me so much. That last fight showed me that I do belong here. I know what I have, and I know I am worthy to be here.”

On her strategy: “Fighting smart. If she wants to bring it, my right hand will be there to welcome it.”

On fighting in Puerto Rico: “They will see two women put on a good show. I am super excited to be here in Puerto Rico to win some fans and then eat some mofongo after the fight!”

On women’s boxing: “I am excited to be a part of this movement and what’s to come for these little girls out there. I want to see what impact this has for them – the youth – and then to see what they can do with it.”

On what’s next: “To get this win on Thursday night. This fight is my main focus right now. I think this will be the bloodiest and toughest war of my career. I am getting myself ready for that. Every time I step in the ring, it’s to be a better me. I am not focused on anyone else. I just want to step in there better than the last time.”

JOE WARD

On coming back from his knee injury: “It was tough not knowing where I’d be when I got back on my feet and how long it would take me to get back in the ring, in addition to what long term damage it was going to cause. I was lucky enough that everything went well, and I got back on my feet. I had a good strong mindset that if I put the work in, I would be back fighting soon. It’s been a long, difficult time but I am looking forward to getting back in the ring to showcase my skills.”

On the time away from the ring: “I feel that I am probably a better fighter now. I got to work on things that were my weaknesses over that period of time. I feel more determined and focused to put a show on and be ruthless.”

On a rematch with Delgado: “This was the opponent I wanted from day one. I wanted to put it right. I am 100% focused like I would be for any opponent. He has a number of wins and a bit of confidence. I know my level of fighting is higher than his and that will show on Thursday night. It’s just about me turning up. I told my team I wanted this rematch because I wanted to put this right. I want to go on to bigger and better things in the near future. I take one fight at a time, but I hope it’s a busy year. I’ll keep stepping up.”

On his two fights in Mexico: “It was great to get back in the ring after the injury. The two guys I fought weren’t up to the standard of where I am at, but I went in there ruthless and got them out of there as quickly as possible.”

On what he has to prove: “It’s not so much about what I have to prove but it’s getting opportunities to fight in these big events that are very special to me. I just want to show the people why I was such a good amateur and how it transfers to a professional.”

Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in Puerto Rico or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information.

About Ring City USA

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

SAN JUAN, March 15, 2001 – Luis Rodriguez, a Five Time Puerto Rico National Champion and member of Puerto Rico’s National Team since 2016, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Rivalta Boxing and has also signed with advisor and boxing attorney, Tony Gonzalez. This top prospect, who will fight at the middleweight division trains with Ricardo Santiago in Puerto Rico.

Rodriguez, who hails from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, will make his professional debut in May or June of this year. “I am ecstatic with the news of having Luis join our promotional company,” said Henry Rivalta, President of Rivalta Boxing. “I firmly believe he is going to be Puerto Rico’s next great champion. He understands that he has some huge shoes to fill with all the great champions coming from there, and he is up for that challenge.”

“I would like to thank Henry Rivalta and Tony Gonzalez for working so hard to make this happen,” Rodriguez said. “It is a great honor to be able to fight as a professional and represent Puerto Rico who has a long lineage of great champions. I will continue to represent Puerto Rico with great pride, as I did in the amateurs. I will work hard and I welcome this new challenge in the professionals and will bring a world title home.”

Tony Gonzalez said, “Luis has all the skills and tools not only to become a World Champion, but also to become a star attraction in the sport. He is a humble young man who has worked as a schoolteacher while representing Puerto Rico as part of the National Team and who desires nothing more than to become Puerto Rico’s next great champion. With Henry in his corner working with me, his career is in great hands and there is no reason to believe that he cannot achieve stardom in the sport.”

Rodriguez, 24, went 78-13 as an amateur and has represented Puerto Rico in the 2017 AIBA World Amateur Championship and the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (March 15, 2021) — Mexican great Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, boxing’s busiest world champion, is set to kick off his 2021 campaign by reviving a long-standing pugilistic rivalry. Navarrete will make his first defense of the WBO featherweight world title Saturday, April 24 against Puerto Rican contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla.

In the co-feature, super middleweight Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, 16-0, with 16 first-round stoppages, will step up in class against Demond Nicholson in a bout scheduled for eight rounds (or much less).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Zanfer Promotions, Navarrete-Diaz and Berlanga-Nicholson will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard bouts to stream live and exclusively on ESPN+. Ticket information will be announced shortly.

“The sensational Emanuel Navarrete wanted a formidable opponent for his first featherweight title defense, and Christopher Diaz fits the bill,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are also thrilled to have Edgar Berlanga back on ESPN, as he is the most devastating young puncher I’ve seen in ages.”

Navarrete (33-1, 28 KOs) burst onto the world scene in December 2018, battering Isaac Dogboe over 12 rounds to win the WBO junior featherweight world title. He is 7-0 since then, including five title defenses, all by stoppage. Navarrete moved up to featherweight and picked up the vacant WBO world title last October with a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Ruben Villa. Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) is not unbeaten, but he is battle-tested, having challenged Masayuki Ito for the WBO junior lightweight world title in July 2018. He lost to Ito by unanimous decision and has gone 3-1 since moving down to featherweight. Diaz rebounded from a 2019 points loss to Shakur Stevenson, besting former world title challenger Jason Sanchez over 10 rounds last June inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

“I am a fighter who likes to face the best, and my challenge now is to beat the tough ‘Pitufo’ Diaz,” Navarrete said. “I know he is a good fighter, and I am sure we will give a great show to the people of Florida and to those watching us fight on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. On April 24, I will show that I am the best featherweight in the world. I will not let him take my championship to Puerto Rico. That belt will stay with me in San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico.” 

Diaz said, “I have once again been given an opportunity to become a world champion, but there is something very different this time around. I will not fail. I will bring that much-needed world title to Puerto Rico. This is my time to become a world champion. God knows how much I have sacrificed and how much I have evolved. I live today to make my family happy, and it is time to change their lives. On April 24, there is no doubt that I will become world champion, and I will see you all on April 25 when I return to my island as world champion.”

Berlanga broke out as boxing’s consensus 2020 Prospect of the Year, impressing fans and media with his string of first-round routs against increasingly difficult opposition. Last July, he knocked out veteran spoiler Eric Moon in 62 seconds, and less than three months later on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Teofimo Lopez undercard, he became the first man to stop 30-fight veteran Lanell Bellows. Berlanga finished his whirlwind 2020 on Dec. 12, stopping the normally durable Ulises Sierra (15-1-2) in 2:40. Nicholson (23-3-1, 20 KOs) has won five consecutive fights since a seventh-round TKO loss to Jesse Hart in April 2018.

“I don’t like to make predictions, but make sure you tune in. I want to show out for the fans in attendance,” Berlanga said. “April 24 is going to be the beginning of a huge 2021 for my team. I take it one fight at a time, and this is just another step toward my goal of becoming a champion.”

Nicholson said, “I have the experience. When I first started, I was knocking everyone out in the first round as well. I have 20 knockouts, and that speaks for itself. If you look at his opponents, I’d knock them all out. Is he ready for the next level? He might be ready, but he won’t be ready for me.”

The undercard, which will be announced in due course, is set to feature a plethora of Puerto Rican fan-favorites: junior welterweight contender Josue Vargas, 18-year-old phenom Xander Zayas, unbeaten featherweight Orlando Gonzalez, undefeated junior lightweight Henry Lebron, big-punching lightweight Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno, and junior featherweight prospect Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno.

Use the hashtag #NavarreteDiaz to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

QUEBEC CITY, Ontario, Canada (March 15, 2021) — The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s “The Homecoming: Rivas vs. Louis 2” event, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with New Era Fighting & Promotion and Lee Baxter Promotions, at Quebec Plaza Hotel in Quebec City, Ontario, Canada.

The 8-round main event is a rematch between WBC No. 1 rated bridgeweight contender (pictured here on scale) Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs) and Sylvera “Sly” Louis (8-4, 4 KOs). Rivas, a 2008 Colombia Olympian, defeated Louis by 4-round majority decision back in 2012.

A maximum of 120 fans for a total of 250 peoples will be allowed to attend “The Homecoming.” Boxers and trainers had to have quarantined for 14 days prior to the event, and they will also need to carefully check any Covid potential symptoms during a 10-day period after the tomorrow evening’s fights.

“The Homecoming” will be streamed live by FITE worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $29.99 USD (available in English or French). It will also be available in Canada via Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and YOOP.

Fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – BRIDGERWEIGHTS (8)
Oscar Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 221.4 lbs.
Sylvera Louis (8-4, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 203.8 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Sebastien Bouchard (18-2, 8 KOs), Baie-Saint-Paul, Ontario, Canada 146.2 lbs.
Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada 141 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)
Patrice Volny (15-0, 9 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada 166 lbs.
Janko Trotter (10-5-2, 10 KOs), Calgary, Alberta, Canada 166.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Alexis Barriere (pro debut), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada 236 lbs.
Colin Sangster (2-0, 2 KOs), Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada 279.6 lbs.

CRUISERWEIGHTS (6)
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Granby, Quebec, Canada 187.8 lbs.
Marco Parente (1-4-3, 0 KOs), Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada 181.8 lbs.

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Francis Charbonneau (2-1, 2 KOs), Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada 211 lbs.
Alexandre Roberge (1-0 (0 KOs), Lanoraiem Quebec, Canada 222.4 lbs.

FACEBOOK: @groupeyvonmichel
INSTAGRAM: @groupeyvonmichel
TWITTER: @yvonmichelGYM

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RivasLouis2

Anthony Fowler believes he is entering his prime years under trainer Shane McGuigan, and the former Team GB amateur standout wants to test himself against the biggest names in the 154lbs division to ‘see what he’s made of’. 

‘The Machine’ progressed to 13-1 (10 KOs) last time out with a punishing seventh round stoppage of the tough and game Adam Harper at Fight Camp, but the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist is confident he is well beyond domestic level and has already expressed his desire to face European Champion Sergio Garcia this year. 

Next up for the recently-turned 30-year-old Liverpudlian is a defence of his WBA International Title against Spain’s Jorge Fortea this Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories, and Fowler is expecting a tough night’s work.

“I thought I did well in the Harper fight, I knew his style would play into my hands whereas Fortea is tricky and will give me a lot more to think about,” said Fowler. “This fight is a good indication of where I’m at. I feel good, I’ve had a short camp but I’m fit anyway so there won’t be excuses on the night, I’ll be ready to fight.

“Fortea is a really good fighter, he’s boxed on Canelo’s undercard and gone 12 rounds with the IBF No.1. He’s not the biggest puncher but he’s got good ring IQ and is very tough. I know he is going to make me work for the win. When I beat him I will be ranked in three of the four governing bodies.

“I’m looking to box someone like Sergio Garcia next and then I won’t be far off a World Title fight. You’re only one big win away from a big fight and when I beat Fortea I hope some doors will open. I’m open to boxing Scott Fitzgerald in the summer but I’m not going to wait around for him.

“I feel like I’ve fully adapted and I’m coming into my own under Shane now. I’m sparring 12 rounds easily and I feel a lot more at home in the ring. I’m coming into my prime now, I’ve just turned 30. I want to get in with the big boys and see what I’m made of. Shane is getting me to be more controlled and professional, if I can stop Fortea it will be a big statement. 

“I want to climb the rankings and win belts, starting with a win on March 20. I won’t be surprised if Fortea gets through the rounds as he’s illusive but I want to break him down and hurt him, winning is the most important thing!”

Fowler vs. Fortea is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Welsh Super-Featherweight Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) meets Belgium’s Faroukh Kourbanov (17-2, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, Bournemouth Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith (11-1, 10 KOs) looks to keep his KO streak going against Vasil Ducar (9-3-1, 8 KOs), Ramla Ali (1-0) faces Bec Connolly (3-8) in her second pro fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).

NEW YORK (MARCH 15, 2021)–Brothers, Marques and Dominic Valle made splashes by taking out their respective opponents in the opening round of their fights on Friday night in Plant City, Florida.

Marques, a 22 year-old welterweight went to 2-0 with two knockouts as he took out Leonadis Fowlkes at 1:57.

Marques registered one knockdown from a hard right hand, and the fight was stopped after Fowlkes hit the deck.
Fowlkes, who came into the fight perfect, is now 2-1.

As an amateur, Marques won Silver Medal at the 2018 Men’s Nationals as well as fighting in the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

Dominic made a sensational pro debut by stopping now 14-fight Juan Bryand in just 57 seconds.

Valle landed a big flurry of punches before a left hook put Bryand down on the deck, and the fight was stopped.

Dominic won the 2016 National Silver Gloves and in 2018, he was a National Junior Olympics champion.

The Valle’s are managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse and are promoted by ProBox Promotions.

Dmitriy Salita, President of US-based Salita Promotions proudly announces a partnership with long-time German promotional powerhouse Universum Box-Promotion GmbH to represent their fighter roster in the North American market, including staging events in the United States and working with broadcasting partners to share Universum Box-Promotion boxing shows in Germany with viewers in North America.

Ismail Özen-Otto, CEO of Universum, says he’s pleased to have reached this accord with Salita.

“I am happy about our partnership with Salita Promotions,” said Özen-Otto. “Now we have a strong partner in the US market and can present international fights. In the future, we would like to broadcast from Germany to the USA, because there is great potential in Germany.”

In addition to his domestic stable of contenders and champions, the agreement helps Salta continue to extend the reach of his company that already includes a sizable number of fighters from the former Soviet Bloc, as well as others from Sweden, Iceland, and the UK.

“I am delighted to partner up with Universum, a worldwide boxing brand that produced some of the best fighters and most exciting fights of recent decades in the sport of boxing,” said Salita. “With its excellent team, headed by promoter Ismail Özen Otto and Matchmaker Flavio Mirabal, we will work together to provide US exposure to their roster of very talented fighters from around the world.”

Universum’s current fighter stable features a long list of established contenders and former champions, as well as some of the most promising prospects in Europe, including five-time, multi-division former world champion Felix “The Fighter” Sturm (41-5-3, 18 KOs); Armenian-born German Olympic medalist, and BDB German International and IBO Continental Super Lightweight Champion, Artem “The Original” Harutyunyan (9-0, 6 KOs); as well as undefeated heavyweight prospects José Angel “The Cuban Colossus” Larduet (5-0, 4 KOs) a 6? 4½? 260-lb former amateur standout from Hamburg, Germany via Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and 6? 3? 230-lb IBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion Zhan Kossobutskiy (15-0, 14 KOs) from Kazakhstan.

Also fighting under the Universum banner are a pair of fighting brothers, WBC Youth World Cruiserweight, WBC Youth World Light Heavyweight, IBF European Super Middleweight and IBO Continental Super Middleweight Toni Kraft (16-1-2, 4 KOs) and his undefeated younger sibling James “The Baby Boy” Kraft (19-0-1, 10 KOs) a WBC Youth World Light Heavyweight and IBO Youth World Light Heavyweight Champion.

“The negotiations with Dmitry Salita were very pleasant,” added Universum Matchmaker Flavio Oleaga Mirabal. “He has similar ambitions as we do in boxing and recognized our potential in the promotion. It is exactly the right step and we are looking forward to big fights in the USA.”

The new partnership’s events and broadcasts will be announced shortly.

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For more information on Universum, visit their website.
Instagram: universum_boxpromotion or Twitter: @UniversumBoxPro

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

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

Chris Billam-Smith says there is no chance of him overlookinghis “tough” replacement opponent Vasil Ducar, but the reigning Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion will be looking to stop him inside the distance when they collideat The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday March 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Gentleman’ (11-1, 10 KOs), who blasted out Cardiff’s Nathan Thorley in two destructive rounds in the opening bout of Fight Camp Week 2 last August, was originally slated to battle English Champion Deion Jumah for the vacant British Title but will now take on the Czech Republic’s Ducar for the vacant WBA Continental Title. 

Impressive back-to-back stoppage wins since his close points loss to Richard Riakporhe in 2019 have seen the Bournemouth powerhouse cement himself as one of the hottest properties in the UK Cruiserweight scene, and now the 30-year-old Shane McGuigan-trained fighter will look to make his mark at European level, with a showdown against Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy in his sight lines. .

“We’re in this sport to fight so when fights fall out close to the date it’s frustrating but I’m just looking forward to getting back in there and putting on a show,” said Billam-Smith. “I’m learning all the time and that’s the way I’m looking at it, I’m far from the finished article and I’m using every day in camp to make sure I’m always improving.

“Vasil Ducar was out sparring Mairis Briedis with me about a year ago and he’s very tough. He’s been in with some very good fighters who couldn’t get him out of there so I will be looking to go one better and end the fight inside the ten rounds. 

“Shane also tells me how tough he is but my response to that is, ‘let’s see!’. He’s never been stopped and can clearly punch with 8 of his 9 wins coming by knockout. This is a good challenge for me at this stage of my career.

“I would love to headline a show in Bournemouth later this year when crowds have returned. The Tommy McCarthy fight for the European Title really excites me or the rematch with Richard Riakporhe, but right now it’s all focus on Ducar, March 20.”

Billam-Smith vs. Ducar is part of a huge night of action in London, Hackney Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (15-0, 12 KOs) attempts to become Britain’s next World Champion in just his sixteenth fight when he clashes with Krzysztof Glowacki for the vacant WBO crown, Welsh Super-Featherweight Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) meets Belgium’s Faroukh Kourbanov (17-2, 3 KOs) over ten rounds, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs) with the WBA International Title on the line, Ramla Ali (1-0) has her second professional fight, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (1-0) meets Mailys Gangloff (4-1, 1 KO) and Stretford Middleweight Bradley Rea (9-0, 3 KOs) takes on Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (7-0, 4 KOs).

SAM MAXWELL has branded arch rival Akeem Ennis-Brown; “Nasty and weird.”

The Liverpool man gets his chance to have the final word when he challenges for Ennis-Brown’s British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight titles on Friday March 26, live on BT Sport.

Maxwell (14-0, 11 KOs) believes the Gloucester man has been encouraged to wind him up by trash talking Ohara Davies.

Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) who will be making his first defence of the titles he won by defeating Philip Bowes last September has been sparring with Davies ahead of the crucial challenge.

Maxwell said: “Akeem is probably getting his advice from Ohara, they’re just two fools. I will deal with him and then I will deal with Ohara.

“Sometimes Akeem is respectful, but sometimes goes the Ohara route and is disrespectful. It’s nasty and weird.

“I’m ready for his mind games where he’s trying to get any edge he can. I’m more mature and wont let him get in my head.

“He keeps calling me ‘son’ like he’s my Dad, but I respect him and I’m leaving no stone unturned in the gym.

“Frank Warren has delivered this title shot and I am going to give it my all and become champion.”

Former GB amateur star Maxwell has moved to new trainer Steve Maylett, a switch that he believes will pay dividends now and in the future.

Sam, 32, added: “Steve has taken me on at late notice, but we have bonded so well. It’s a great team and I feel part of them.

“It wasn’t ideal to start, but I am more than happy and it’s starting to pay off.

“It’s short notice so Steve isn’t changing too much, but there are little things that will pay off.

“I think I can knock Akeem out. Steve has been saying I don’t need to put power in my shots because it’s there. 

“I carry my power and he has something to worry about from round one to 12. Akeem doesn’t have the same thunderous power as me. Taking a lot will damage him as well.”

Although Maxwell dismisses Ennis-Brown’s crass chat and believes he’ll get the KO win, the challenger does have some praise for the champion.

“Maybe he has had to take more gambles than me as a pro. He hadn’t done it as an amateur and perhaps had to take harder fights to get his shot,” he said.

“Akeem has the better resume than me. He has had to have hard fights and come through them.

“He is really good at what he does. He throws a lot of shots, is very fit, unorthodox and awkward. He gets people to fight his fight.

“The KO stats might be a little misleading, but that doesn’t hide the fact that I punch harder than him and the power is with me.

“But, at this level anyone can punch. He will hit hard and I respect his power, but the edge is with me in that department.”

Watch Sam Maxwell’s interview with Dev Sahni on The Lowdown click here 

Shannon Courtenay will face Ebanie Bridges for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title at a venue to be confirmed 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.

Courtenay (6-1, 3 KOs), who stopped Dorota Norek in seven rounds on the Saunders vs. Murray undercard last time out in December, was originally slated to rematch Rachel Ball for the WBA crown, but her Fight Camp nemesis is still recovering from the effects of COVID-19. 

Australia’s Bridges (5-0, 2 KOs) celebrated her return to the ring after more than a year out with a convincing points win over Carol Earl in Sydney. ‘The Blonde Bomber’ won the judges’ favour and secured a unanimous decision victory in Bankstown to extend her unbeaten run to five fights, including two knockouts.

“I was gutted to hear Rachel had pulled out but safety comes first so I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to when we do have that rematch down the line,” said Courtenay.

“All that’s changed is the opponent, the outcome is still the same and on April 10 I will be crowned World Champion. 

“We‘ll put on a great, non-stop action fight for the fans but I’m more determined and focused than ever and that World Title is staying in the UK.”

“I’m very excited to be the first female from Australia fighting on a Matchroom card,” said Bridges. “When Eddie contacted me, it was really unexpected but I’m not going to say no to this chance. 

“I was gutted for Rachel as she’s a friend and I wish her well in recovery but opportunity knocks. This is a fight that fans have spoke about for a while now since I moved onto the British scene. I respect Shannon as a boxer, I think we’ll put on a great show but I’ll be the one leaving with the gold.

“This is a huge platform to showcase my skills and who I am, ‘The Blonde Bomber’, to the world. I’ll bring the fight to Shannon – I’m coming to win that World Title, buckle up!”

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 after her emphatic win over Hannah Rankin in October, 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, with more fights to be added soon.

Demetrius Andrade will defend his WBO World Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Liam Williams at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida on Saturday April 17 in America, live worldwide on DAZN – with the main event set for 6pm ET/11pm GMT.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) defends his title for the fourth time. ‘Boo Boo’ became a two-weight World ruler when he picked up the vacant strap against Walter Kautondokwa in October 2018 in Boston, and has since seen off Artur Akavov, Maciej Sulecki and Luke Keeler in title defenses.

Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) fights for his first full World title against Andrade, having met Liam Smith for the interim WBO strap at Super-Welterweight in April 2017, with the Welshman moving to Middleweight after his rematch with Smith and becoming British champion at 160lbs before stopping Andrade’s old foe Alantez Fox in five rounds in December 2019.

“Liam Williams, you got what you wanted,” said Andrade. “You ran your mouth, got your rating up and here we go. April 17 your career ends. Or maybe you go back to headlining small club shows in the UK I don’t know. What I do know is that you’re getting beaten badly and then I’m on to much bigger fights and bigger nights in my career.

“It’s no secret, this isn’t the fight I wanted, but now it’s here and I will be taking care of business, taking care of Liam Williams in spectacular fashion come April 17. Then it’s whoever wants it. Canelo. GGG. Saunders. Charlo. Plant. I’m here. Undefeated. Two division World champion. Current middleweight champion of the world. I dare one of you to say my name.”

“I’ve been quite vocal saying I’ll smash him, and I actually am going to,” said Williams. “I’ve waited for this for too long now, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers, I’ll grab the opportunity with both hands.

“I just think he’s a complete weirdo, a very strange man – I’ve watched him for some time, I used to be a bit of a fan of him back then, now I get the chance to share a ring with him and punch his face in and I can’t wait to do it. I’m going to punch lumps out of him, nonstop.

“The first couple of rounds could be tricky, but I believe that I will get on top of him and start beating him up.

“I think he might overlook me, possibly. To be honest, maybe he has deserved to get a fight with Canelo, GGG, he’s been World champion for a long time, a two-weight and three-time champion, so he’s probably deserved those fights, but his time is up now and once I deal with him, I’ll get those fights.

“Have you ever seen me going into my shell in a fight? I don’t think he’s going to have enough in him to make me do that, and let’s not forget, he’s not fought anyone like me. When I start hitting him and hurting him, no-one really knows what he’s going to do. Who’s to say he’s not going to go into his shell?”

“This is a really good fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “In America, people don’t realize it’s as good a fight as it is. Liam is a big step-up from Demetrius’ recent opposition, and I think this is the fight ‘Boo Boo’ needs. I like Liam, he’s going to come in with real confidence and swagger and he’ll put it on Demetrius in the build-up, he’s a tough man and he will not take a backwards step against Demetrius, who will need to be at his best to prove he’s the number one Middleweight in the world.”

Early undercard information will be released soon, and no public tickets will be on sale for the show.

LAS VEGAS (March 13, 2021) — Top Rank is devastated by the passing of the incomparable Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of boxing’s most beloved and accomplished champions. Born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Hagler overcame humble beginnings to forge a storied professional career that included 12 successful defenses of the undisputed middleweight world championship. He concluded his career in 1987 with a 62-3-2 record and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.
 
Top Rank is honored to have promoted a fighter who embodied everything noble about the sport. The Top Rank family mourns the loss of a legend and sends our condolences to his loved ones and friends.
 
Said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “Marvelous Marvin Hagler was among the greatest athletes that Top Rank ever promoted. He was a man of honor and a man of his word, and he performed in the ring with unparalleled determination. He was a true athlete and a true man. I will miss him greatly.”

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 7PM CT/ 8pm ET
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
Austin Williams 162lbs vs.     Denis Douglin 161.6lbs
(Houston, TX)                            (Las Vegas, NV)
 
FOLLOWED BY
 
8 x 3 mins Featherweight contest
 
Raymond Ford 126.8lbs        vs.     Aaron Perez 127.2lbs
(Camden, NJ)                                   (Albuquerque, NM)
 
FOLLOWED BY
 
12 x 3 mins WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles
 
Hiroto Kyoguchi 107.6lbs      vs.     Aaron Perez 107.2lbs
(Tokyo, Japan)                                   (Ensenada, Mexico)
 
FOLLOWED BY
 
10 x 2 mins Undisputed World Welterweight championship
 
Jessica McCaskill 144.6lbs     vs.     Cecilia Brækhus 145lbs
(Chicago, IL)                                        (Bergen, Norway)
 
FOLLOWED BY
 
12 x 3 mins WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles
 
Juan Francisco Estrada 114.8lbs vs.         Roman Gonzalez 114.8lbs
(Hermosillo, Mexico)                                     (Managua, Nicaragua)
 
FLOAT
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
 
Souleymane Cissokho 159.4lbs      vs.     Daniel Echevarria 167lbs
(Bagnolet, France)                                       (Durango, Mexico)

FULL LINE UP

Matthew Tinker (5-0, 4 KOs), New York, NY./Yorkshire, UK.
vs. Stephen Langlais (1-0, 1 KO), Fall River, MA.
6 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Tommy Karpency, Adah, PA.
vs. Mickey Scarborough, Kansas City, MO.
10 Rounds Light Heavyweights

Chris Traetti, Quincy, MA.
vs. Alfredo Trevino, Douglas, AZ.
10 Rounds, Crusierweights

Brandon Berry, West Forks, ME.
vs. Agustin Cicero, Fishers, IN.
8 Rounds, Welterweights

Danny Robles, Oxnard, CA.
vs. Earnest Walls, Dubuque, IA.
4 Rounds, Junior Lightweights

Tyrone Luckey, Galloway, NJ.
vs. Aquilao Brandao, NY, NY.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Kyle Cusick, Fall River, MA.
vs. Jay Gregory, Auburn, NY.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

David Tubbs, Ventura, CA.
vs. Montoyia Swilling, Watertown, NY.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Nick Molina, Lowell, MA.
vs. Justin Morales, Providence, RI.
4 Rounds, Featherweights

Jon Gruber Fall River, MA.
vs. Marc Worthington, Mt. Carmel, PA.
4 Rounds, Heavyweights

Rico Depaolis, Watertown, MA.
vs. Scott Lampert, Dover Plains, NY.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Denzel Whitley, Holyoke, MA.
vs. Jader Alves de Oliveira, Framingham, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Chris Jay, Ventura, CA.
vs. Tom Kenney, Rutland, VT.
4 Rounds, Welterweights
ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic, last August when they held an empty venue show in Windham, New Hampshire that was broadcast for free on YouTube and watched live by thousands of boxing fans worldwide. After the successful event, that featured numerous safety protocols including Covid-19 testing, Boston Boxing Promotions returned with another matinee event this past October, once again for free and broadcast online at www.youtube.com/bostonboxing. March 13th will make for Boston Boxing Promotions’s first event of the year and the start of a busy 2021 with several more shows throughout New England soon to be announced.

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 12, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions’, Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (15-1, 8 KOs), will make his 2021 debut on Friday, March 19th, when he takes on Frank “El Castigador” Gonzalez (8-1, 4 KOs), in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds. On the line will be the WBA Fedecentro Bantamweight title, which will take place at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC in Tampa, Florida, as part of an All-Star Boxing card that will be televised live on Telemundo. Telecast begins at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT.

Sanchez, who was last in action on Thompson’s 3.2.1 Boxing series in December, in which he beat Mario Hernandez, is looking to climb the rankings with a win.

“I am thankful for my promoter Thompson Boxing, and my team, especially Manny Robles, for keeping me busy after my last win,” said Sanchez. “I am feeling better than ever, and I’m looking forward to what a win will do for my career. My main goal is to come out victorious and catapult myself into the world title mix.”

“Saul is getting close to big opportunities and his last win against Mario Hernandez showed it,” said TBP promoter Ken Thompson. “We have very big hopes on what Saul can do in the world of boxing and we’re expecting to see him do big things next Friday in Florida.”

“Saul Sanchez is the perfect example of a Thompson Boxing fighter,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager. “He is gritty, game, and tough. He lost a close fight but is not defined by it, and now is fighting even better than ever. Saul is coming along perfectly and we’re excited about his upcoming bout.”

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 12, 2021)–Matthew Hatton takes on Edwin Vazquez in the featured bout on Tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

The bout, which took place on June 23, 2007, at The Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, served as the chief support fight to Hatton’s brother, Ricky Hatton taking on Jose Luis Castillo.

Matthew Hatton came in with a record of 30-3-1 with 12 Knockouts, while Vazquez was 22-9-2 with eight knockouts.

Watch the action unfold when these two welterweights meet for the IBF Inter-Continental Welterweight title at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

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

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai kicks off this week’s action in Thailand searching for a 50^th pro win against Kwanthai Sithmorseng live on DAZN from 9.30pm ET tonight – and the Thai legend wants to make a big statement before sitting back the next day and watching Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez go to war for the second time in Dallas on Saturday night, knowing he’s in line to face the winner.

Rungvisai is looking to get back to World champion status having lost his WBC World Super-Flyweight strap to Estrada in LA in April 2019. The 34 year old responded to that defeat with a pair of wins on home soil in 2020, and knows that a milestone win against Sithmorseng would be the perfect preparation for a trilogy fight with the winner in Dallas.

“I am not only preparing to fight Kwanthai, but also for the Estrada and Chocolatito winner,” said Rungvisai, who scaled 114.7 lbs, with Sithmorseng weighing 114.9lbs. “I’m not overlooking Kwanthai, but I’m confident that I will beat him.

“He’s a very well-rounded boxer with great experience, who has fought at World level, but I am confident that my 50th win will be impressive. I am the stronger man, but I can’t afford to overlook him.

“Their first fight was very competitive. Ultimately, I think it will come down to their preparation and the fighter with the best conditioning will win. 

“Both of my fights with Chocolatito were extremely entertaining, if I am to fight him next for a third time, I’ll do it again and become a three-time World champion.

“My second fight against Estrada was very close. I accept the judges favored him, but if it’s him for the trilogy I will beat him.

“They are legends of the sport. It’s great for the division the best fight the best and I obviously include myself in that list. It can only help elevate the 115lbs division to become one of the more popular weight classes in the game.”

Reading, PA (March 12, 2021)– King’s Promotions is proud to announce the signing of undefeated super welterweight contender Joseph Jackson to a promotional contract.

Jackson, 32 of Greensboro, North Carolina, has a record of 16-0 with 12 knockouts.

Jackson came to the sport late at the age of 23, and had a very brief amateur career that saw him have just two fights (1-1).

“This is a great opportunity. At this point of my career, I need a promoter that will get me to a world title, (King’s Promotions CEO) Marshall Kauffman showed me love when I came to Philadelphia to fight on ShoBox, and now a year later, I am signed with him. He can provide that extra push towards a world title,” said Jackson.

Jackson turned professional on December 12, 2015 with a 2nd round knockout over Cory Macon in Greensboro. Jackson continued to dominate his opponents in North Carolina, and he shined when he received his biggest opportunity.

That came on February 14, 2020 and Jackson performed on that night, as he won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Derrick Colemon Jr (11-0).

The bout was seen by a national audience as it was part of a ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

“We are excited to add Joseph to King’s Promotions. He has shown that he can be a player in the super welterweight division. I was so impressed when he won on ShoBox, and have kept in contact with him, and was able to sign him, We have shown that we get our fighters opportunities, and Joseph will be no different,” said Marshall Kauffman.

Jackson finished by stating, “I am looking to fight as soon as possible. Hopefully I can get one fight in to shake off the rust and then another ShoBox fight.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of events at UFC APEX with a thrilling middleweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 7 ranked Derek Brunson look to stop the momentum of rising No. 10 Kevin Holland. In a fascinating co-main event, No. 15 ranked lightweight contender Gregor Gillespie returns against surging former kickboxer Brad Riddell.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BRUNSON vs. HOLLAND will take place Saturday, March 20 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will air live at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on ESPN and will also be simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+. ESPN Deportes will also air the main event joining in progress at 11 p.m. ET. The prelims will kick off on ESPN+ and ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Perennial contender Brunson (21-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) is coming off one of his most impressive performances to date, handing highly touted Edmen Shahbazyan his first professional loss in August via TKO. A NCAA Division II wrestler with KO power, Brunson has also earned KO wins over Lyoto Machida, Uriah Hall and Sam Alvey. Brunson now has his sights set on securing his fourth consecutive victory by turning back yet another rising contender.

Holland (21-5, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) hopes to continue the momentum of his historic 2020 campaign, which saw him become the first middleweight in UFC history to win five bouts inside a calendar year. A talented striker and grappler, Holland has netted spectacular KO wins against Jacare Souza, Charlie Ontiveros and Joaquin Buckley. Holland is now driven to pick up his sixth victory in a row to continue his ascent up the 185-pound ladder.

Gillespie (13-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) aims to remind fans he’s among the top lightweights in the world when he makes his first Octagon appearance since late 2019. A 2007 NCAA Division I wrestling champion, Gillespie’s crushing ground game has been on full display in stoppage victories against Yancy Medeiros, Vinc Pichel and Andrew Holbrook. Gillespie now looks for an emphatic return by becoming the first fighter to defeat Riddell in UFC.

Riddell (9-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand by way of Christchurch, New Zealand) has wasted little time since joining the world’s premiere MMA organization in 2019. A member of New Zealand’s famed City Kickboxing, Riddell has earned impressive wins against Alex da Silva, Magomed Mustafaev and Jamie Mullarkey. Riddell now hopes to keep his momentum going with another show-stealing performance to crack the lightweight top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Hard-hitting heavyweights collide when Tai Tuivasa (11-3, fighting out of Western Sydney, NSW, Australia) faces Don’Tale Mayes (8-4, fighting out of Louisville, Ken.)
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Adrian Yanez (12-3, fighting out of Houston, Texas) aims to deliver another spectacular KO when he faces Gustavo Lopez (12-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in a bantamweight bout
• Song Kenan (15-5, fighting out of Beijing, China) faces Max Griffin (16-8, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) in a clash of entertaining welterweight strikers
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Cheyanne Buys (5-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) takes on fellow newcomer Montserrat Ruiz (9-1, fighting out of El Paso, Texas) in a women’s strawweight bout
• Women’s bantamweight contenders battle when No. 9 Marion Reneau (9-6-1, fighting out of Visalia, Calif.) takes on No. 11 Macy Chiasson (7-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas)
• Streaking lightweights meet when Leonardo Santos (18-4-1, fighting out of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) goes for another impressive finish against Grant Dawson (16-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.)
• Trevin Giles (13-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas) squares off with Roman Dolidze (8-0, fighting out of Batumi, Georgia) in an intriguing middleweight bout
• Montel Jackson (9-2, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) meets newcomer Jesse Strader (5-1, fighting out of Lancaster, Calif.) in a battle of bantamweight prospects
• No. 15 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Julia Avila (8-2, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against Julija Stoliarenko (9-5-1, fighting out of Kaunas, Lithuania)
• Bruno Silva (10-5-2 1NC, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil by way of Piracicaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) hopes to return to the win column when he takes on Dana White’s Contender Series veteran JP Buys (9-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa) at flyweight
• Johnny Eduardo (28-12, fighting out of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil) faces Anthony Birchak (16-7, fighting out of Tucson, Ariz.) in an exciting bantamweight contest

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

###

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.5 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.

WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

David Benavidez – 167 ¼ lbs.

Ronald Ellis – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas; Judges: Don Trella (Conn.), Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Tom Carusone (Conn.)

WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Isaac Cruz – 134 lbs.

Matias Romero – 134 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.)

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Terrell Gausha – 154 ½ lbs.

Jamontay Clark – 154 ½ lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), Tom Carusone (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy^® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). 

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

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. ELLIS:

Undefeated two-time world champion David Benavidez will meet dangerous veteran Ronald Ellis in a 12-round WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator in the main event of a stacked tripleheader on Saturday, March 13 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast features a co-main event bout between two under-25 lightweight rising stars, Isaac Cruz and Matias Romero, when they meet in a 12-round WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features the return of 2012 Olympian Terrell Gausha against Jamontay Clark in a 10-round super welterweight affair. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.