FRANK WARREN IS delighted to announce that #1 ranked WBO super-middleweight Zach Parker has signed to fight under the Queensberry Promotions banner and be showcased live on the BT Sport platform.
 
The 26-year-old from Woodville in Derby holds a professional record of 19-0 (13 KOs), having made his debut in the pro ranks in July 2015. He will make his Queensberry debut on the March 26th show at the Copperbox Arena.
 
After building up a big punching reputation in the division, Parker’s major breakthrough fight came in November 2018 when he was awarded the verdict in a split decision battle against Darryll Williams to win the British title. Unfortunately this success came at a cost and a period out of the ring followed due to a dislocated shoulder sustained early in the first round of the fight that required triple surgery. After making a routine return six months later, Parker then reinforced his No.1 status with the WBO by winning the International title with a late stoppage of his closest rival in the rankings, the Australian Rohan Murdock in March of last year.
 
The current WBO world super middleweight champion is Billy Joe Saunders, who won the vacant belt by beating Shefat Isufi at Stevenage FC in May 2019 and has since embarked on two low key voluntary defences, the most recent of which being a wide points victory over the veteran Martin Murray in December.
 
Parker hails from fighting stock, with father Darren a former pro and veteran of 200 amateur fights, while his two brothers – Duane (14-1 as a pro) and Lee – were also both in the sport. Currently, cousin Connor Parker, 25, is a promising super lightweight who is also on the Queensberry books.
 
“To sign with Frank Warren, one of the biggest promoters in the world, I am obviously buzzing about it,” said Parker on the link-up. “I want to get active in 2021 having only fought once in the last 18 months and I think this is the best move I can go with, to be with Frank and BT Sport.
 
“Hopefully we can go all the way to the top together and get a world title. I would go for any of the world champions.
 
“I am just looking forward to what 2021 brings.
 
“A lot of people say I have come under the radar, but I have come up from the bottom and worked my way up the hard way without a massive promoter. Now it makes it all a lot sweeter to have such huge backing and it will make things a lot easier for me and the team.
 
“After an extremely frustrating 2020, I terminated my Agreement with my former promoter. I am currently ranked number one by the WBO in the very exciting Super-Middleweight division and have been for a year. In order to push on and secure a mandatory challenge, I need to stay active and I have to defend my International title in order to preserve my status.
 
“I am extremely delighted and excited to be given the opportunity to join the Queensberry team and showcase my talents on BT Sport’s platform and get the chance to put myself in the shop window for a world title challenge. I am looking forward to working with Frank Warren who has a proven track record for delivering for his boxers.
 
“Along with my manager Neil Marsh I now have a team to guide me into the next chapter of my journey and secure me a world title. That chapter starts on 26th March in London.”
 
Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am thrilled to add a fighter of Zach’s obvious pedigree to our hugely exciting pool of talent. Unlike most of our prospects and contenders who we bring through the ranks, Zach is ready to go and set to make a name for himself at world level.
 
“It is our job to enforce his position with the WBO and secure him his world title opportunity and we will do just that. There is a bit of manoeuvring going on at the moment in the division, but Zach is guaranteed his shot and it is just a question of timing.
 
“Zach possesses the power and technical ability to go all the way to the top and also has time on his side to make a big impact in the sport. I am looking forward to guiding Zach as he enters the next stage of his career that will see his talent rewarded with major opportunities.”
 

CORONA, CA (February 22, 2021) – Last night at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, Thompson Boxing Promotions hosted the first 2021 edition of its 3.2.1. Boxing series. In the 6-round main event, middleweight prospect Richard Brewart Jr. (9-0, 4 KOs), remained undefeated, winning a split decision against Nathan Weston (6-1-2, 2 KOs).

In round one, Brewart Jr. got caught with a left hook by Nelson that sent him to the canvas, but it was more of an off-balance situation. Brewart Jr. bounced back nicely by applying a lot of pressure in the early round. Nelson was using a lot of lateral movement as he did his best to avoid the power right hands that were coming at him. Both fighters were engaged in some explosive exchanges in the middle rounds, but it was Brewart Jr. who was getting the better of those trades. In the later rounds, Brewart Jr. continued to bring the fight to Nelson which was the difference in the fight as he won by split decision. Scorecards read 58-55 twice for Brewart Jr. and b, 57-56 for Nelson.

“This was great learning experience for me against another undefeated fighter,” said Brewart Jr. “I thought I rebounded after being dropped in the first round. I was never hurt, and I was relentless for the rest of the fight. I had to dig deep to get the victory and all the hard work in training camp paid off. I’m looking forward to my next fight.”

In the 6-round co-feature featherweight prospects Katsuma Akitsugi and Arnold Dinong put on an entertaining fight as both fighters showed great skills and high ring IQ’s. Akitsugi, who was fighting out of the southpaw stance, was landing a lot of nice counters, while Dinong was fighting good on the inside.
Akitsugi used a lot of lateral movement as he was landing clean punches off angels. Dinong had some good moments when he had Akitsugi on the ropes. It was close fight all the way to the final bell, but Akitsugi was the one the landed the cleaner shots in the judges’ eyes as he won a majority decision.
?Scorecards read 58-56, 59-55 for Katsuma and 58-56 for Dinong.

“I knew Dinong was going to be a tough fight, but I was confident I was going to come out victorious as we had a great game plan in place,” said Akitsugi. “This is a great victory on my record and I going to take this momentum into the rest of 2021. I’ll be back in the gym on Monday ready to get right back in the ring.”

The opening 4-round middleweight bout showcased the pro debut of Nelson Oliva, who faced Uriel Gonzalez. Oliva came out guns blazing as he wasted no time letting his hands go, landing power shots to the head and body from the southpaw stance. After sending Gonzalez to the canvas early in round one with a brutal left hook to the head, Oliva dropped him once again before the round ended. In round two, Oliva continued his onslaught, landing more crushing blows before the referee stopped the bout at the 1:27 mark. Nelson Oliva (1-0, 1 KO) wins his first as a professional, while Uriel Gonzalez (5-7-1, 5 KOs) suffers another defeat.

“It felt good to get my first win as a pro, especially by knockout.” said Oliva. “I felt really strong in there tonight. I sat on my punches and delivered a lot of powerful shots and got him out of there. I know have a long way to go but I’m feeling great on how my career has started. I ready to get right back in there.”

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

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

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Richard Brewart Jr. 155.7 vs. Nathan Weston 155.9
Arnold Dinong 123.9 vs Katsuma Akitsugi 124
Nelson Oliva 155.6 vs. Uriel Gonzalez 157.8

The 3-fight card will take place this Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV.

Dillian Whyte’s eagerly anticipated rematch with Alexander Povetkin is heading to Gibraltar on a new date of Saturday March 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all other markets excluding the UK and Ireland.

The British Heavyweight contender was set to face Povetkin on March 6, but travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic have meant the fight has been pushed back three weeks. 

Brixton’s Whyte will be attempting to avenge his shock knockout defeat to Povetkin last summer, with an announcement on a venue to be made in due course. 

Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “In the current environment we are always having to think on our feet. We did everything to try and make March 6 happen, but with the new travel restrictions it was impossible. Now we have something outside the box, compelling, and a unique setting for one of the Heavyweight Fights of the Year – roll on the Rumble on the Rock!”

NEW YORK (February 20, 2021) – Four fighters under the Split-T Management banner will see action on two different shoes

In Las Vegas, undefeated Heavyweight Sonny Conto returns to take on Waldo Cortes in a four-round bout; undefeated middleweight Javier Martinez takes on Billy Wagner in a four-round bout; Omar Rosario battles Uriel Villanueva in a junior welterweight tussle. Those bouts will be contested at at the MGM Grand Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble”, and streamed live on ESPN+ at 6:30 PM RT.

Welterweight contender Ivan Golub takes on Luis Eduardo Florez in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds at the Carible Royale.in Orlando, Florida.

Conto of Philadelphia has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams /Top Rank via Getty Images

The 25 year-old Conto is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Curtis Head on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Cortes of Arizona is 6-3 with three knockouts, and sports a win over Kingsley Ibeh. Cortes is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Daviante Jones on October 29th.

Conto weighed 221.5 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Cortes was 255.5 lbs.

Martinez of Milwaukee is 2-0.

The 25 year-old Martinez is coming off a unanimous decision over Rance Ward on August 29th.

Martinez was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight. He was also a five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Wagner of Great Falls, Montana, has a record of 3-1 with one knockout.

He has a win over Andrew Whitfield, and is won his last two fights, including his last bout when defeated 16-fight veteran Sean Gee on January 25, 2020.

Martinez weighed 161 lbs; Wagner weighed 160 lbs.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has a record of 2-0.

The 23 year-old Rosario is coming off a unanimous decision win over Matt Gaver on October 2nd in Kissimmee, Florida.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

guidance of Tim VanNewhouse.

Conto, Martinez and Rosario are promoted by Top Rank.

Golub of Brooklyn, New York is on the cusp of a major opportunity, as he sports an impressive mark of 18-1 with 14 knockouts.

The 32 year-old Golub is a seven-year professional.

He has racked up a slew of an impressive wins over Kirk Huff (3-0), Tyson Harrison (2-0), Kendal Mena (20-2), Juan Rodriguez Jr. (12-3), Marlon Aguas (9-0) and James Stevenson (23-2). Golub has won five straight contests, with the latest being a 10th round stoppage over Janer Gonzalez (19-2-1) on November 15, 2019 to make the 2nd defense of his WBC USNBC Welterweight title.

Florez of Colombia is 25-17 with 21 knockouts.

The 33 year-old is a 10 year-veteran, and has a 1st round knockout over current WBC Super Featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt (21-0 at the time).

Florez has shared the ring with world champions Jamel Herring and Regis Prograis.

Golub weighed in a 149.6 lbs. Florez was 150.4 lbs.

Golub is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

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

    •     Miguel Berchelt 130 lbs vs. Oscar Valdez 130 lbs 
(Berchelt’s WBC Super Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•   Gabriel Flores Jr. 132 lbs vs. Jayson Velez 132 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT)

•   Esquiva Falcao 162 lbs vs. Artur Akavov 161.5 lbs 
(Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

•      Elvis Rodriguez 143 lbs vs. Luis Alberto Veron 142 lbs 
(Jr. Welterweight  — 8 Rounds)

•        Xander Zayas 146 lbs vs. James Martin 146 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•        Sonny Conto 221.5 lbs vs. Waldo Cortes 255.5 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

•         Javier Martinez 161 lbs vs. Billy Wagner 160 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

•         Omar Rosario 140 lbs vs. Uriel Villanueva 141 lbs 
(Jr. Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

February 19, 2021-A very important bout between two top-10 middleweight contenders, Willie Monroe Jr. and Gabriel Rosado, will be featured on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

In a bout that took place on September 17, 2016, in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Monroe (20-2, 6 KOs) and Rosado (23-9, 13 KOs) battled for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title. The winner received a world title opportunity against WBO World Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders.

See who was able to gain the coveted title shot in this middleweight showdown 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

Welterweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Adrien Broner – 146 lbs.

Jovanie Santiago – 145 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Peter Hary (Conn.)

Heavyweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Dominic Breazeale – 261 ¼ lbs.

Otto Wallin – 240 ½ lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas; Judges: Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Tom Schreck (N.Y.)

Super Lightweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Robert Easter Jr. – 139 ¾ lbs.

Ryan Martin – 139 ½ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Frank Lombardi (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.

# # #

ABOUT BRONER VS. SANTIAGO:

Broner vs. Santiago will see former four-division world champion Adrien Broner return to the ring to face undefeated Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round welterweight bout in the main event Saturday, February 20 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 will also pit former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS & DAZN

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Featherweight Title
JORDAN GILL 8st 13lbs 5oz v CESAR JUAREZ 8st 13lbs 2oz
(Chatteris, England)                  (Mexico City, Mexico)

followed by

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 16st 13lbs 10oz v MATT GORDON 17st 3lbs 10oz
(Romford, England)                          (West Bromwich, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title 
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 9st 12lbs 2oz v GABRIEL VALENZUELA 9st 12lbs 8oz
(Liverpool, England)                          (Guadalajara, Mexico)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
FLORIAN MARKU 10st 6lbs 8oz v RYLAN  CHARLTON 10st 4lbs 6oz
(Lushnje, Albania)                             (Norwich, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins European Welterweight Title
DAVID AVANESYAN 10st 6lbs 6oz v JOSH KELLY 10st 6lbs
(Tabynskoe, Russia)                         (Sunderland, England)

PLANT CITY, FL (February 18, 2021) Garry Jonas, former head of Iron Mike Productions and Acquinity Sports has announced the launch of ProBox Promotions, a new promotional company based in Plant City, FL.

Returning to the promotions trade after a five-years hiatus, Jonas is very excited to move forward on his new venture. “I’ve worked with some world champions and great fighters over the last ten years including Juan Carlos Payano and Argenis Mendez in addition to Erickson Lubin, Sammy Vasquez Jr. and Felix Diaz along with Edgar Berlanga and Josue Vargas. I know how to build champions and promote world-class events both of which are strong components of what our success will be at ProBox Promotions.”

“Over the course of the last few years I’ve built the largest and best rehab facility in the country, WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab here in Plant City. Through our unique situation there is a wealth of synergy between the two companies with our fighters able to train and live here in Plant City.”

“Our state-of-the-art gym transitions to a full-service boxing venue that will host our events. The self-contained venue also has full production capabilities for our broadcasts.”

Continued Jonas, “We’re also announcing the signing today of two tremendous, good looking Puerto Rican prospects, Dominic and Marques Valle. I see both of them as every bit as talented as the world class fighters I’ve worked with in the past. Additionally, they are well-raised, polite, humble and hard-working young men that have the drive and work ethic which I’ve learned over the years is so important in becoming a world champion.”

“I’m grateful to Tim Van Newhouse of Split-T Management for bringing Dominic and Marques to my attention and look forward to working with him further. We’ll be announcing their upcoming fights shortly, Marques’ second pro bout and Dominic’s debut.”

Said Van Newhouse, “I’ve known Garry for many years. His creativity, energy and passion for the sport always stuck with me, so it’s refreshing to work with him in this capacity. This is a perfect fit for the Valle brothers and collectively I’m confident we can keep these guys on the championship path”. Both brothers fight out of nearby Winter Haven, FL and both are also NEXT models.

The 21-year-old Marques Valle, (1-0, 1 KO), stands 6’1” tall and competes as a professional in the welterweight division. Among his accolades through his 45 amateur bouts were a Silver Medal at the 2018 Men’s Nationals in addition to being a 2020 Team USA Olympic Trials Participant.

Marques made his successful pro debut on September 10, 2020 with a first-round knockout of Jernato Harris in Kissimmee, FL. Said Marques, “This is a great step forward in my boxing career. I’m confident that signing with ProBox Promotions will bring me great opportunities. I feel blessed, not only to be given this opportunity but for my brother and I to grow and be great together.”

Standing 5’11”, Dominic Valle will be fighting in the featherweight division as a professional. In the amateur ranks, he was a winner at the 2016 National Silver Gloves and 2018 National Junior Olympics while boasting a record of 43-3 with all three losses coming by split decision.

Said Dominic, “It’s a dream come true – working all of these years, working nonstop. I’ve never been on Instagram, bragging about what I’m doing, I’ve just stayed in the gym and can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve put into this. “We are going to make the Valle name a household name, being on the same card – we are going to sell out arenas in the near future!” 

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (Feb. 19, 2021): Seasoned slugger Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (33-7-1, 23 KOs) will take on rising contender Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (17-0, 9 KOs) in a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver International Super Lightweight Title in the new co-main event to Ortiz Jr. vs Hooker. The action will take place Saturday, March 20 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S. and Mexico.

Highly touted heavyweight monster Arslanbek Makhmudov was originally slated to return in the co-main event, but he will now return in April against a very big challenge. Details for Makhmudov’s return will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This co-main is a Golden Boy special — two guys who can crack, don’t take a step backwards and are always going for the knockout,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “With both guys having been off for more than a year due to Covid-19, each is hungry for a win and to position themselves in the mix at the top of the super lightweight division.”

Cano is a 31-year-old contender from Tlalnepantla, Mexico, who is coming off wins against
Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares and Roberto “Massa” Ortiz. This young veteran of about 15 years has also defeated the likes of Ashley Theophane, Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera and Ruslan Madiev, and he has participated in great battles against “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Paul “The Magic Man” Malignaggi and Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Cano will inch closer to a world title shot if can beat Navarro.

“I am very happy to be returning on such an important card on March 20” said Pablo Cesar Cano. “I am delighted for the chance to be active once again, especially because of all that has happened due to the pandemic. I am motivated, and I have a positive mentality. I’m going to make sure I train very hard to be at optimum shape on fight night.”

Navarro is a 24-year-old rising contender who scored his biggest win yet in 2018 when he beat then-undefeated prospect Damon Allen Jr. via technical knockout. Since then, he has scored two impressive wins, though he has been inactive since October 2019. Navarro plans to return to the ring and make a big statement in order to put himself in line for a world title shot.

“I am very excited for this fight,” said Jonathan Navarro. “You’re not going to want to miss it. This fight will be a big step up for me, and it will bring me closer to becoming a world champion. We are working very hard back at camp and making sure we are prepared for Cano. I’m coming to make a statement in the 140-pound division. I will let everyone know that I’m coming for a belt very soon!”

As announced previously, the Ortiz vs. Hooker undercard will be stacked from top to bottom with highly competitive matchups.

Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will meet in an epic 10-round fight for Ortiz’s WBA Minimumweight World Title.

Luis “Matador” Hernandez (21-0, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super lightweight battle against Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight fight against Alex Martin(15-3, 6 KOs) of Merida, Mexico.

Hector Valdez (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Alberto Torres (11-3-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California in an eight-round super bantamweight battle.

Oscar Acevedo (7-0) of Garden City, Kansas and James “Crunch Time” Willkins (9-1-0, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will meet in an eight-round super featherweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

Tristan Kalkreuth (7-0, 6 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will return against a soon-to-be-announced opponent in a six-round fight in the cruiserweight division.

Ortiz Jr. vs Hooker is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Championship presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Hooker are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $40, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.dickiesarena.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 #OrtizHooker

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

Los Angeles (February 19, 2021) – Two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell and Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis previewed their WBC Super Middleweight World title eliminator on a media conference call Wednesday before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, February 27 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The show features two of the most sensational teenage boxers in the sport as 19-year-old welterweight rising star Jesus Ramos battles Jesus Bojorquez in a 10-round co-feature and 18-year-old exciting prospect Vito Mielnicki, Jr. squares off against Noe Lopez in an eight-round welterweight match to open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the conference call participants had to say Wednesday:

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“Training camp has been going good. I’ve been in camp probably three months. I think this is the longest camp I’ve been in. Weight is not an issue, it’s coming down fairly easy. I’m just ready to go. I thought I was fighting earlier, it got postponed and I’m fine with that. The extra time has given me more time to practice my craft and showcase it on Saturday, February 27.

“I think Davis bit off more than he can chew. He’s good but I’m in a different bracket. There’s levels to this. I’m going to go in there and display my experience, what I can do and just get him out of there.

“I honestly thought I was winning the David Benavidez fight until I got cut. But that’s water under the bridge. The fight happened how it was supposed to happen. He’s a true champion. Unfortunately, I got cut and I couldn’t continue to fight. But they know it was a competitive fight until then, I was basically boxing him. You have to learn how to bounce back from your losses. Right now, I’m focused on Kyrone Davis because you can’t overlook anyone in boxing. I’ve been in camp too long and I’m missing my family. I want to get to see them quickly.

“I feel good at 36-years-old. I feel strong. I know everyone says this is one of my better camps but it has been. I feel we were able to do more to get ready. We had time to do a lot more to slowly build to where we want to be. I feel tremendous. I’m literally ready to fight right now. I’m knocking his a– out.”

KYRONE DAVIS

“I’m feeling confident. I’ve been training since August, just trying to stay active because of the pandemic. I’m just walking into my moment and my destiny.

“I’ve learned a lot under Stephen “Breadman” Edwards. He’s been a role model and a great teacher.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve been boxing since I was eight-years old. I’ve had trials and tribulations, just working hard and staying focused no matter what happened in my life. I feel like this is my moment. I’ve always dreamed of this kind of opportunity. I’m confident and I believe I’m going to be victorious.

“This is an ultimate challenge. Dirrell is a two-time world champion, he has a lot of pedigree, a lot of experience. But every dog has its day and I plan on capturing my moment. I’m not worried about what he has done. What he has done makes this moment bigger and I’m just thankful for this opportunity.

“I can’t say the game plan but I’m bringing tenacity. It’s going to be a great fight. I think he’s going to bring it. I think he knows what this means. I feel my edge is youth and I feel I’m going to be the better man that night.

“I’m a lot bigger than people think that I am or expect me to be. I think people are going to be surprised when they see me in the ring, the way I look. My sparring partners are bigger but I always spar with bigger guys. I’m eating a little bit more and I feel comfortable. It’s a weight class jump but it’s nothing crazy. I feel like I’m going to be in good shape.

“David Benavidez is a good fighter and he was coming in against Dirrell with the momentum. I feel like Dirrell couldn’t handle what Benavidez was bringing to him. I think he fought well. I don’t know if the eye had something to do with it, I don’t know if he could see or what. I just think Benavidez looked like the hungrier fighter.

“Dirrell can say what he wants to say. A lot of people have a lot of feelings about this fight. I’m not getting wrapped up into what anybody says. We’ve got to fight.

“I’m absolutely motivated. This is something I’ve always dreamed of. The moment is bigger so I have to rise to the occasion. That makes good fighters great and that’s what I expect to do.

“Sometimes you look for the knockout and you don’t get it, sometimes you look for it and get caught. I don’t expect Dirrell to say anything less than wanting a knockout and look impressive. So do I. I’m going to adjust to what he’s doing, he’s going to try to adjust to what I’m doing and we’ll see how it goes. Whatever fight it’s going to be, I’m going to be ready for it.

“I have high aspirations. I want to be world champion. I’m just trying to walk into my own footsteps, I’m not worried about what anyone else is doing. I’m just trying to put respect on my name and I’m ready to prove that.

“I’m going to keep my eyes on him. We’re going to work, see what opens up and see what we can land. There are a lot of layers to this fight so we’ll see what happens. We’ve got a game plan. We’ll stay composed and do what we have to do. This is my defining moment. This is a big fight. I’m not taking anything for granted. A win will put me where I need to be.”

“This will definitely boost me. Dirrell has done some good things in the sport so a win over him, definitely puts me on people’s radar. People are writing me off. I win this fight, you’ve got to look at me different. I’m looking to seize this opportunity.

“I’m excited to try this new body out at a new weight and see what we can do. I could still make 160 but we’ll see what happens and what opportunities are there. I feel great right now. My energy level, my moves, just overall, it’s just a different feeling. Even though I’ve cut at 154 and 160, I had to make that weight. I’m still making 168 so I’m not as small as you think I am. I’m dedicated and I know how to manipulate my body to make it do what I need to do. But fighting at 168 is like a weight off my shoulders. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to February 27.

“Every fighter has their weaknesses. Without giving anything away, I’m just going to try and exploit them. I’m young, more talented than people probably give me credit for. We’re going to see.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Thank you for joining us on this call today. I said a few weeks ago on the Caleb Plant-Caleb Truax call that the 168-pound division is quickly becoming one of the hottest divisions in the sport. Boxing fans say that the older fighter should pass the torch to the younger fighter, the changing of the guard. Anthony Dirrell isn’t quite ready for that to happen yet. He’s had a tremendous camp and he feels great going into this fight. He holds the edge in terms of experience and quality of opposition. He’s already made his mark on the sport of boxing as a two-time champion.

“Davis, on the other hand, is the younger fighter. He was a decorated amateur standout, a 2012 Olympic alternate and he believes this is his time to shine. So I believe we have all the ingredients to just a terrific fight. I’m really looking forward to it.”

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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.

(Thursday, February 18, 2021 – Flint, MI) A limited number of tickets are on sale now for the “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE” women’s boxing event on Friday, March 5 from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich.

Due to pandemic-related limits on capacity, an exclusive 194 tickets can be purchased to watch the all-female night of professional boxing, featuring a 10-round 154-pound unification showdown between undefeated three-division and current WBC/WBO Super Welterweight World champion Claressa Shields and also unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire.

Priced at $300, $225 and $150 (with facility fee included), the tickets can be purchased at the Dort Financial Center website www.dortfinancialcenter.com, at etix.com or in-person at the Dort Financial Center box office from 9:00-5:00 Monday – Friday.

In support of the “herstoric” main event, undefeated former amateur standout Danielle Perkins (2-0, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas, will fight an eight-round rematch to the exciting non-stop slugfest she had with Waycross, Georgia’s Monika “Lay Em Down” Harrison (2-1, 1 KO) last August. This time, however, a prestigious belt will be on the line, as the two warriors will vie for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship.

In another outstanding match-up, undefeated fast-rising middleweight Logan “The Golden Girl” Holler (9-0-1, 3 KO) of Columbia, South Carolina, will look to continue her ascent up the 160-pound ranks against Newark, Delaware, veteran Schemelle Baldwin (3-1-2, 2 KO) over eight tough rounds.

For those not lucky enough to obtain tickets, SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE will be livestreamed on FITE.TV (9 pm ET/6 pm PT) and distributed by InDemand to the major cable, satellite and telco outlets for just $29.95. To pre-order the fights, click this link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

Dedicated to this year’s International Women’s day (Monday, March 8, 2021) SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE is presented by Salita Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel.

More concussive matchups will be announced shortly.

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About FITE.TV
FITE.TV is the premiere digital network for direct-to-consumer digital live streaming for combat sports, specializing in professional wrestling, mixed martial arts and boxing events. To millions of fans around the world, FITE.TV streams a rich array of live pay-per-view events, subscription packages and thousands of hours of live and on-demand free programs with a mission to help fans discover and watch premium live events. FITE.TV is the leading digital distributor for the industry’s marquee events, including AEW, Impact, WWE, KSI-Logan Paul 2 from Matchroom, Canelo vs GGG 1 & 2 from GBP / HBO, Pacquiao-Thurman from PBC / Fox, Top Rank / ESPN PPV, ROH, BKFC, NWA, GCW, ONE, Combate, RIZIN, MOTO FITE Klub and FMX FITE Klub, Rumble on the Rooftop, Major Concerts, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer events and more.

About International Women’s Day
The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. In 1910, Europe established a Women’s Day to honour the movement for women’s rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. After World War II, March 8 started to be celebrated in a number of countries. In 1975, during the International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1995 the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments, focused on 12 critical areas of concern; and the inclusion of Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge looks to call out gender bias and inequity and celebrate women’s achievements.

For more information, please visit internationalwomensday.com.

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.

February 18, 2021 – Janelson Figueroa Bocachica remained undefeated by winning an 10-round majority decision over previously perfect Mark Reyes Jr. in the headline bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation show at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The show was televised Live on Showtime®.

The fight was fought at a quick pace throughout the affair that saw Bocachica take the lead on the exchanges, and was able to catch Reyes was some solid combinations around the counter attempts of Reyes.

Bocachica showed a great chin, as Reyes landed some solid counters, mostly with the left hook. Those punches were sandwiched in between Bocachica landing two or three solid shots of his own. Bocachica was able to control the action at distance, but he wanted to put on an entertaining fight, and he was able to win by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-95.

“I felt like I had a unanimous decision but I just need to go back and watch the tape,” said the 22-year-old Bocachica. “I felt like it was an easy victory and I took him to school.”

“He had a short temper and he came out talking trash so you know I had to talk my trash back,” continued Bocachica. “But it was all part of the game plan to get him emotional in the ring and it worked in my advantage.”

With the win, the native of Detroit raised his perfect mark to 17-0. Reyes of Tampa, Florida is 14-1.

Bocachica is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by King’s Promotions.

Canelo Alvarez says his desire to create history is the driving force that keeps him striving for greatness as he prepares to defend his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles against Avni Yildirim at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico) with tickets on sale with Ticketmaster.

TICKETS FOR CANELO VS. YILDIRIM ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER – TICKETS START AT $55 (PLUS FEES) –FANS CAN VISIT HARDROCKSTADIUM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS 

Alvarez (54-1-2 36 KOs) is straight back into action following his clinical win over Callum Smith in December to claim the WBC and Ring Magazine straps and now puts his 168lb belts on the line against WBC mandatory challenger Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) as he plots his path to becoming the first Mexican to be undisputed champion at Super-Middleweight.

The pound for pound king believes he can set the example for other fighters to follow and look to claim all the belts and secure a legacy, something that motivates him and his trainer Eddy Reynoso to strive to break records and set new goals.

“It’s important for me and Eddy because very few people have achieved becoming undisputed champions,” said Canelo. “And that’s a short-term goal for us. To win all the titles at 168 pounds.

“Obviously, no Mexican has ever done it. So that’s our short-term goal, to keep making history. And that’s what we want. Eddy and I have always wanted the best. And we want to keep making history.

“I think it’s important, not just for me, but for all fighters. To make history in boxing is very important, I think. It’s very important to me to leave behind a legacy in this sport. And that’s why we’re doing this. To keep making history and so when people talk about boxing, they always remember me.”

Canelo’s clash with Yildirim is part of huge night of action at the home of the Miami Dolphins. 

JulioCesar Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) provides the chief support as he defends his WBC World Flyweight title against mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) while Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) faces Jerry Forrest (26-4 20 KOs) over ten rounds. 

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card in the form of Diego Pacheco. (10-0 8 KOs), Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs), Marc Castro (1-0 1 KO) and Aaron Aponte (1-0 1 KO).

This Saturday, Feb. 20, Top Rank on ESPN will be home to an all-Mexican championship clash when two of the sport’s most decorated action heroes – WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt (38-1, 34 KOs) and former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) clash in the highly anticipated showdown live from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Live coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action on ESPN+ (in English and Spanish). Main event coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+ (in English and Spanish).

Berchelt vs. Valdez will re-air on ESPN Deportes, Sunday, Feb 21 at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PST and 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

The co-main will feature a 10-round junior lightweight special attraction featuring undefeated 20-year-old Gabriel Flores Jr. against former world title challenger Jayson Velez. The featured bout on a loaded ESPN+ undercard matches unbeaten Brazilian middleweight contender and former Olympic Silver Medalist Esquiva Falcao against two-time world title challenger Artur Akavov. Also on the ESPN+ undercard are some of the top blue-chip prospects in the sport including Dominican knockout wizard Elvis Rodriguez and 18-year old Puerto Rican wunderkind Xander Zayas.

Fight week and fight night programming will feature ESPN’s boxing commentary team, including veteran broadcaster Joe Tessitore for ringside commentary, alongside 2021 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, former two-division world champion and 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, and future Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley on the analysis. The onsite location desk team will feature ESPN’s boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna and ESPN’s boxing insider Mark Kriegel. 

Fight week coverage includes:

• SportsCenter (Fri-Sat.): Bernardo Osuna to host segments for ESPN’s flagship news and information program from Las Vegas
• LIVE – Berchelt vs. Valdez Final Press Conference: Thurs at 3 p.m. ET on the ESPN App and YouTube.com/ESPN
• LIVE – Berchelt vs. Valdez Official Weigh-In: Fri at 5 p.m. on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and streaming live on the ESPN App
• Max on Boxing (Fri at 5:30 p.m., ESPN2): ESPN’s boxing series, hosted by Max Kellerman, will air immediately following the weigh-in and include interviews with Berchelt and Valdez.
• ESPN’s marketing creative features music from the track, “Coming For Blood” by Slick Naim featuring Break Out the Crazy.  
• Blood, Sweat & Tears: Berchelt vs. Valdez: a two-part, behind-the-scenes look at the fighters’ camps, streaming on demand now on the ESPN App (Part 1, Part 2)
• Real Time: Berchelt vs. Valdez: all-access social media series follows the fighters throughout fight week, with new episodes posted daily

ESPN.com

• Berchelt-Valdez Expert Picks:
• Thursday: 12 Rounds: Berchelt-Valdez breakdown by Andre Ward
• Friday: The heart of a fighter: Mark Kriegel on Valdez-Berchelt
• Saturday: Ringside Seat – Everything you need to know about Berchelt-Valdez

ESPNDeportes.com will feature pre-and-post fight features, videos, daily reports, stats, as well as real-time fight score and analysis.

Top Rank on ESPN(All times Eastern)

Eddie Hearn:

“Wow. We’re just about catching our breath after an incredible night of boxing last Saturday here at The SSE Arena, Wembley live on Sky Sports across the UK and DAZN all around the world. Last Saturday was special. Last Saturday reminded us why we love the sport of boxing. The pain of defeat, the harrowing silence of Josh Warrington’s shock defeat at the hands of Mexico’s Mauricio Lara, which has spurred on a nation of fighters, particularly Cesar Juarez and Gabriel Valenzuela as well.

“What a thrilling night from top to bottom. For me, this Saturday I think we have one of the cards, and one of the main events in particular, that I haven’t looked forward to like this for a long long time. This is a brilliant night of boxing, and we’re so pleased to be keeping the sport going, keeping the momentum going, and we can’t thank our partners enough, across the board, Betfred, JD, Wow Hydrate and of course Sky Sports and DAZN. This sport is getting bigger and bigger. This is just the start of a huge year for us.”

David Avanesyan – Tabynskoe, Russia – 26-3-1, 14 KOs – defending his European Welterweight Title against Josh Kelly:

“This fight has been coming for a long time. The date has changed many times. I’ve had many training camps. I hope everything is good tomorrow with the weight. I need to win this fight. This is my work. I give everything to win this fight. I’m going to give 100% to take the win. After the fight I will go home to see my children and my family. This is a must-win fight for me. It’s a big fight. English, Russian and Spanish fans have been messaging me. On Saturday night we’re going to show a good fight. I’m going to give everything to win this fight.”

Josh Kelly – Sunderland, England – 10-0-1, 6 KOs – challenging David Avanesyan for the European Welterweight Title:

“I’ve got great respect for David, and I’ll just echo what he said, family and health is the most important thing. We’ve got to get a job done on Saturday. It’s my main aim in 2021 to start off with this European Title. I’ve stepped up to levels that I couldn’t even imagine I could do in the gym. I thought last time I was ready, but COVID came and it got cancelled. I was nowhere near ready compared to what I am now. All I need to do is go and put a show on on Saturday. I’ve done a lot of talking this week and I feel like I’ve expressed myself  fully on what I believe will happen. We’ve just got to do the dance on Saturday. I think David is a strong capable fighter. I believe that I’m a big Welterweight, and I’m strong. I’m a very strong Welterweight. Saturday night is going to be a night for everyone to enjoy I think. Now it’s time to quiet down, focus in and get the job done.”

Florian Marku – Lushnje, Albania – 7-0-1, 5 KOs – fighting Rylan Charlton in a ten round Welterweight contest:
“I am more ready than I have ever been before. I couldn’t wait for this day after my injustice that they did to me in my last fight. I couldn’t wait to step into the ring again to show what I’m about. I’m really happy that Rylan is undefeated. People think that he will cause me real problems. This is the fight that I want. I don’t want fights where people expect me to wipe out my opponents fast. I’m going to do this against Charlton, but people aren’t expecting me to do it. I feel very good. The people can think what they want. I’m in my best shape ever, and on Saturday you will see what I’m going to do. I have changed many things in my game-plan. The fans want to see the knockout and the aggressiveness. I don’t think Rylan will stay toe to toe with me.”

Rylan Charlton – Norwich, England – 6-0-1, 3 KOs – fighting Florian Marku in a ten round Welterweight contest:

“I’m just going to get in there, do what I do best, and if Florian wants to come and meet me in the middle, he’ll be thinking otherwise when I land a shot. He’ll be on the back foot, 100%. It’s a massive opportunity. The Laws fight, people still don’t know enough about me because I only got in there and did three rounds. This is going to really get my name out there once I beat Marku. It’s similar to the Laws fight, he’s just a big ticket seller. I’ve already done one big ticket seller, and now I’m going to do another big ticket seller. Then I’ll be the big ticket seller! I think he’s going to be more cautious because it’s over ten rounds. He can’t afford to come running at me. If he does come running at me then he’s going to walk onto the Pint Size power! It’s as simple as that. I could knock him out yeah, easily. We’ll have to wait and see. It could be points or a knockout. The win is all I focus on.”

Robbie Davies Jr – Liverpool, England – 20-2, 13 KOs – fighting Gabriel Valenzuela for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title:

“I’m looking forward to being back. Make no mistake, what happened last week is not going to be happening this week. I’ve been preparing for a long time, even with the pandemic I’ve stayed in the gym, kept ticking over. This fight has come around at the right time. Come Saturday night I’m going to do a job. With me joining the new gym, I thought I’d use this time to learn more on my craft and the Ingle way with Dom and the team. I think being in the gym all of the time is probably going to benefit me more than it would have done if I’d have just jumped back in the gym eights weeks ago. I’ve seen glimpses of him and he seems like a good fighter. He’s very capable. Like I say with all of my opponents, I don’t watch too much of them and I don’t analyse too much. I leave that to my team. I’m sparring with world level guys like Kid Galahad and Liam Williams in the gym. Whatever he brings to the table I’m going to be ready for it.”

Gabriel Valenzuela – Guadalajara, Mexico – 22-2-1, 13 KOs – fighting Robbie Davies Jr for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title:

“Obviously it is a huge motivating factor, that Mexico have come over here and caused an upset in another country. We’re going to repeat that on Saturday. We want to make sure we finish this with a KO because we don’t want to leave anything to the judges. We know that there has been some cards that have not been fair to the away fighters, so we don’t want to leave it to the judges on this occasion and we want to go for the knockout. We want to put ourselves on the map and climb up the rankings. We are really motivated. Thanks to Eddy Reynoso for this opportunity to come and represent Mexico in this country.”

Johnny Fisher – Romford, England – Professional Debut – fighting Matt Gordon in a four round Heavyweight contest:

“It’s brilliant to be here. It’s a great opportunity for me. I put a lot of hard work in, and now I’ve got to put it all on the line on Saturday night. I bring a lot of supporters with me. I’ve got a great support network behind me which I’m really thankful for. When it comes to Saturday night, it’s just me and Matt Gordon in the ring. I’ve got to show him what I’m about, and I’m going to do that. I’ve got some great experience under my belt in terms of sparring. Now I’m with Mark Tibbs and Steve Andrews I’m really in a good place. I’ve got to get my experience on the job, and I really mean it. It all starts on Saturday. I’ve got to show what I’m about on my debut. Of course there’s nerves, but that’s where I thrive, under that pressure. I’ve watched Matt and he gives people good fights. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but he’s got to realise that when I come in on Saturday night I’m going to be on the top of my game. I’ve trained like a dog since August and I’m ready to go.”

Matt Gordon – West Bromwich, England – 2-5-1 – fighting Johnny Fisher in a four round Heavyweight contest:

“I know he’s coming to do the business. I’m here to do the business as well. May the best man win on the night. Obviously I’m going to try and take any chance that’s there. I’ve done a few of these lockdown shows. I feel like I know what to expect with no crowds there and whatever else. I haven’t really heard much about Johnny Fisher to be honest. I’ve heard he’s quite aggressive and game. I’ve seen him saying that he wants to box as much as he can. If he comes and boxes that will be lovely. We’re ready for both styles to be honest. I’ve got a lot to prove myself. My record has not been the best in my last few fights against these prospects. I need to try and have a little turnaround myself. I’ve not set out to be a journeyman but my record is suggesting otherwise at the minute. I don’t come to lose.”

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 25-1, 7 KOs – fighting Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title:

“I’m absolutely buzzing. I’m just happy to be out of the house. When the call came I grabbed the opportunity with both hands to be in the ring with Cesar Juarez. He’s an established world level fighter. He’s been in with some massive names, Nonito Donaire, Angelo Leo in a World Title eliminator and Carlos Castro. All of these guys are top fighters. Isaac Dogboe as well. I’m excited to be back and I’m excited to put on a show. I feel like when you’re not fighting as often as you would like to during a pandemic, you need to take bigger steps. This is a big step. I understand that. There’s a massive threat posed to me on Saturday night. I expect to pass this test with flying colours. I’m expecting a hard fight, but I think it’s going to be an entertaining one. This will push me onto big things.”

Cesar Juarez – Mexico City, Mexico – 25-9, 19 KOs – fighting Jordan Gill for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title:

“I am ready. I am feeling really strong. I didn’t come all of this way to lose. Every time you have Mexican fighters come here they have great values. They have lots of hunger and they come to win. If you look at my nickname, my nickname is ‘Corazon’, and that says it all really. I come for war.”

Las Vegas – The UFC^® heavyweight division continues to be on display at UFC APEX as No. 3 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik and No. 7 Ciryl Gane aim to make a statement in the main event. In the co-main event, No. 8 ranked UFC light heavyweight Nikita Krylov intends to defend his spot in the rankings against No. 11 Magomed Ankalaev.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ROZENSTRUIK vs. GANE will take place Saturday, February 27 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT and the prelims at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

Knockout artist Rozenstruik (11-1, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) intends to make the most of his second UFC main event by securing another spectacular victory. Among the most credentialed strikers in the heavyweight division, Rozenstruik has finished all but one of his wins by knockout, including former UFC champions Andrei Arlovski and Junior Dos Santos. He also holds the record for the second-fastest KO in UFC heavyweight history when he defeated Allen Crowder in just nine seconds. He now looks to secure an impressive finish and become the first person to defeat Gane.

Gane (7-0, fighting out of Paris, France) has quickly become the top prospect in the heavyweight division after debuting only a year and a half ago. An undefeated kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter, Gane showed off his well-rounded skillset when he submitted his first two UFC opponents. Most recently, he delivered a high-level performance against former UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos, winning by knockout in the second round. Gane now plans on remaining undefeated in MMA and declaring himself as the next contender for the belt. 

Krylov (27-7, fighting out of Donetsk, Ukraine) looks to build another long win streak and work his way into the championship conversation. Since joining the UFC roster in 2013 when he was only 21 years old, he has established himself as an elite contender in the division by finishing all but one of his 27 victories, including wins over Ovince Saint Preux, Walt Harris and Ed Herman. Krylov now seeks to start 2021 off with a bang by becoming the first person to knock out Ankalaev.

Highly touted prospect Ankalaev (14-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) intends to keep his momentum going and break into the division’s top 10. Among the most well rounded athletes at light heavyweight, Ankalaev bounced back from a shocking, last-second loss in his UFC debut to win his next five bouts in a row. This recent streak includes knockouts over Ion Cutelaba (twice), Dalcha Lungiambula and Marcin Prachnio. He now aims to prove that he can compete with the best in the world by adding an emphatic finish of Krylov to his resume. 

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In an exciting women’s flyweight bout, Montana De La Rosa (11-6, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) tests her submission skills against Mayra Bueno Silva (7-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Randy Brown (12-4, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) and Alex Oliveira (22-9-1, 2 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) seek to steal the show in a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• An exciting bantamweight rematch sees No. 8 ranked Pedro Munhoz (18-5, 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to revenge his 2015 split decision loss to No. 9 Jimmie Rivera (23-4, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.)
• Fan favorite Alex Caceres ( 17-12, 1 NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) looks to extend the longest UFC win streak of his career when he faces Kevin Croom (21-12, 1 NC, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.) in a featherweight bout
• Top women’s bantamweight’s No. 9 Marion Reneau (9-6-1, fighting out of Visalia, Calif.) and No. 10 Macy Chiasson (7-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) vie to climb the rankings
• Alexander Hernandez (12-3, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) meets Thiago Moises (14-4, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil) in a clash of lightweight prospects
• Women’s MMA veteran Alexis Davis (19-10, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) intends to spoil the bantamweight debut of Sabina Mazo (9-1, fighting out of Hermosa Beach, Calif. by way of Medellin, Colombia)
• In a battle of light heavyweight Dana White’s Contender Series veterans, William Knight (9-1, fighting out of Vernon, Conn.) faces off with Alonzo Menifield (9-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas)
• Vince Cachero (7-3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) plans to secure his first UFC victory against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Ronnie Lawrence (6-1, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) at bantamweight
• Dustin Jacoby (13-5, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.) aims to keep making the most of his second run in the UFC when he takes on Maxim Grishin (31-8-2, fighting out of Grozny, Chechen Republic, Russia) in a light heavyweight match

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

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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.

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LAS VEGAS (February 18, 2021) — The Battle for Mexico is almost here. WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt and former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez shared the stage Thursday two days before one of the most highly anticipated all-Mexican showdowns in boxing history.

Berchelt is seeking his seventh successful title defense, while Valdez hopes to fulfill a lifelong dream of capturing a WBC world title. After fits and starts, including Berchelt’s COVID-19 diagnosis last year, the fight is finally happening. 

Berchelt-Valdez and a junior lightweight showdown between Gabriel Flores Jr. and Jayson Velez will air live Saturday on ESPN and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET. 

At Thursday’s final press conference, this is what Berchelt, Valdez, Flores and Velez had to say.

Miguel Berchelt

“I’m very happy to be here. I’ve been following Oscar since the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, since that was an opportunity I wanted for myself. I respect him. We know the quality of the opponent we have in front of us, but I’m here to get the win and {retain} my title.”

“Styles make fight, and I believe my style and Oscar’s style will make for a great fight, so we’ll see what happens.”

“I want to tell my fans not to miss this fight. This is going to be a great fight. I know what it’s taken me to get this title, and I’m sure I will defend this title successfully again.”

Oscar Valdez

“This is a difficult fight. There’s a reason he’s holding that belt. He’s a great champion inside the ring and outside the ring. Nothing personal, but I want that belt. It’s a dream I’ve had ever since I was 8 years old, 9 years old. My idols have held it: Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera. They all held this belt, and that is something I’ve wanted to hold since I was a kid. This is my opportunity.”

“Everywhere I go in Mexico, I get asked that question: ‘When are you and Berchelt going to fight?’ It would be an honor for me to show them a great fight with a warrior like Miguel Berchelt.”

“This is my opportunity. I’m not going to go in there and not give it my all. I’m going to do whatever it takes. If I have to box, I’ll box. If I have to bang it and brawl it out, then I’m willing to do that, too.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“The hard work is paying off. My team is working. We’re going to put that on display Saturday night.”

“Saturday night, I’m going to take control of the fight. I’m going to be in there, and I just can’t to be in the moment and show you guys that I’m ready for a world title shot.”

“Jayson Velez has fought some contenders and good people. He’s the best on paper, but my job Saturday night is to make him not look like my best opponent thus far.”

Jayson Velez

“{Flores} has the skills. He has the talent. This is what I need to prove I can be at the top level. I like to bring action to the fans. This is going to be one of the great fights.”

“He is a technical fighter. He has skills, but sometimes he stops to fight. He’s a very complete fighter, and I like that because some time in the fight he will have to stop {and fight}. And that’s what I want. That’s what I like, and that’s what people like. I expect him to use his skills for a few rounds. Eventually, we will bring the action to the fans.”

FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, February 19, 2021Official Weigh-In
5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT
LIVE on ESPN2

Max on Boxing
5:30 p.m ET/2:30 p.m. PT
ESPN2
ESPN’s boxing series, hosted by Max Kellerman, will air immediately following the weigh-in and include interviews with Berchelt and Valdez.

SATURDAY, February 20, 2021

ESPN & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Miguel Berchelt vs. Oscar Valdez, 12 rounds, WBC Super Featherweight World Title

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs.. Jayson Velez, 10 rounds, junior lightweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Esquiva Falcao vs. Artur Akavov, 10 rounds, middleweight

Elvis Rodriguez vs. Luis Alberto Veron, 8/6 rounds, junior welterweight

Omar Rosario vs. Uriel Villanueva, 4 rounds, jr. welterweight

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – February 18, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and Jovanie Santiago met face to face Thursday at the final press conference to preview their main event attraction taking place this Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The popular Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), who by the age of 26 had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, will end his two-year hiatus from boxing and continue his quest for a fifth world title by returning to face the unbeaten Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round welterweight bout.

The press conference also featured former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale and highly touted contender Otto Wallin, who will square off in the 12-round co-feature of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast, and former world champion Robert Easter Jr. and contender Ryan Martin who will meet in a 12-round super lightweight bout to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

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

ADRIEN BRONER

“I’ve had so many great performances and I’m looking forward to another great performance Saturday night. I know he’s coming to fight, he’s undefeated and he’s hungry. Anybody who fights a name like Adrien Broner is going to always train to their best ability so I’m not looking at this as a fight where I just go in and destroy this guy. I’m just going to go to do what I have to do to get the victory – look good inside and outside the ring.

“I feel like I’m going to be a world champion again, again, again and again. Until I’m really done with boxing. Yes, I took two years off from boxing, retired and let my body heal and rest. I just feel like I’ve got what it takes to win more championships in different weight classes so that’s what I’m going to do.

“At the end of the day, he’s here because of me and everybody in this room is here because of me, so that’s special. Saturday night, the only thing that’s going to be special is this whooping I’m giving out. He’ll know then. Santiago hasn’t been punched yet. When you punch somebody, they talk different. He ain’t going to be talking like that after Saturday.

“I went through a lot of things, honestly. One day, I just woke and said, ‘I’m done.’ In order to change, you’ve got to make change or you’ll steady get caught up doing the same thing. I cut a lot of stuff, I stopped doing a lot of stuff and I got myself together. It was a long road to get to where I’m at today and now I’m here.

“Listen, if you got a belt, just hold on to it. I’m coming to sweep it all up; WBA, WBO, WBC, IBF. I’m coming to get them all.

“Just expect a hell of a show. I know he’s coming to fight, He’s from Puerto Rico, they come to fight. But I didn’t just do all this training to go into the ring and not fight. So he’s got to know that if he comes to a war, he’s going to be in a war too. He better be coming with a lot of equipment because I’ve got a lot of equipment coming with me. I’m just ready to put it all on the line. I don’t know how he feels, but I’m willing to die in the ring. I’m willing to put my life on the line. I don’t know how far he’s willing to go. He might start thinking about his kids, grandkids, aunts, nieces, I don’t know.

“From the time I was six years old, I never took a break from boxing. So that’s what I did. Now, I’m missing boxing again, I’m back in it and we’re back to it on Saturday night.

“It’s been a hell of a training camp. Maybe one of the toughest because I had to get back in rhythm, coming back and losing all that weight and working as hard as I do. I didn’t want an easy fight so I picked a guy like Jovanie Santiago because I know he’s going to push me and bring the best out of me. That’s what I know about him. He’s a good fighter, an undefeated fighter, and he’s not here to lose.

“I know a lot of people don’t know these guys, but guys like Jovanie can be very dangerous because a lot of people don’t know him. I know better, he’s coming to fight, he’s a good fighter and undefeated, so I have to stay on my A-game. I’m going in to get the victory – whatever presents itself. If the knockout presents itself, I’m taking it. You don’t get paid for overtime but I’m definitely coming to get my win.

“The overall goal is to get past this fight first. In boxing, you can’t look past no opponent. I don’t care how everything looks on paper. In boxing, you’re only one punch away from a knockout and that’s on both ends. So what I’ve got to do is go in, get my victory, get my hands raised first, and then we’re gonna go to the drawing board. So the plan for me is to get my victory Saturday night.

“Everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great start. Like I said before, I didn’t want no easy out. I could have taken a pushover, but I’m not doing that. I love competition. I want somebody to test me, bring the best out of me, and that’s why I picked Jovanie Santiago. Saturday night is going to be a great fight.”

JOVANIE SANTIAGO

“This is a great opportunity for me. Saturday night, I’m going to show who I am. I’m going to show Adrien Broner that I’m ready to fight.

“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to beat him on Saturday night. I’m ready for this fight. At this point, Broner might think he has an easy fight, but he’s in the wrong. I’m here to fight, I’m here to win. We’re ready.

“This Saturday night is going to be a war and it’s going to be a victory for Puerto Rico. I’m ready to die in the line like we say in Puerto Rico.

“I know this is the biggest fight of my career. He’s a big name and I’m going to try and win for Puerto Rico. Winning this fight would be the best thing that’s happened in my career and my name would get a lot bigger in the boxing world.

“I don’t have anything to lose. Adrien Broner has everything to lose Saturday night so he better bring his A-game against me. A win for me would catapult me into a world title shot.

“AB always puts on a show so on Saturday I have to be ready to put on my own show against AB. He is a good champion but I’ve trained really hard in the gym and I’m going to show it on Saturday.

“I think Adrien Broner thinks that I’m an easy fight for him, but he’s wrong about that. I think Broner is going to let go of his hands because he sees me as a weak opponent. He’s definitely overlooking me.

“Whatever Broner brings to the table, I’m going to be ready for it. If he moves, I’m going to move with him. If he wants to brawl, I’m going to brawl. Whatever he does, I’m going to do it better than he does.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“It’s true you’re only as good as your last fight, but at the same time I feel like this is my coming out party. It feels like my pro debut. I’ve been off for a long time and had a great training camp so I’m ready for Saturday night.

“After my last fight against (Deontay) Wilder I took a few days to digest the loss and then was back in the gym about 10 days later. I didn’t want to harp on it or let it bother me. There wasn’t really a sense of urgency, but I knew there were going to be changes and I knew they had to be done in the next couple of weeks. I focused on my eating and my training and, of course, the biggest change of all was my trainer change from Virgil Hunter to Abel Sanchez.

“Switching to Abel and training up in Big Bear has been huge and something I wish I would have done years ago. Abel actually has something written on the wall that says, ‘Imagine what if.’ And I imagine ‘what if’ every night. Like I said, I wish I would have done this a year ago, but my conditioning and my confidence are at an all-time high.

“Some people might have thought I would have wanted to get back in there with a pushover, but I’ve always wanted to fight the top guys. I saw the Otto Wallin fight and the performance he gave against Tyson Fury and then Travis Kauffman. When the name was brought to my attention, I jumped all over it. I knew that the boxing world would respect the fight against myself and Otto.

“I don’t think Otto’s been in there with a big, strong, athletic guy like myself. Mike Tyson said it best: ‘Everyone’s got a game plan until you get punched in the mouth.’”

OTTO WALLIN

“Everybody wants to ask about my fight with Tyson Fury and they forget that I’ve done a lot more than that. But it was a great performance and I understand that most people hadn’t seen me fight before, it was a great fight and it was better than what most people thought. I’m kind of over that now. I want to move forward. It’s nice to move forward. It’s nice to be on SHOWTIME fighting with Breazeale, who has a good name. So hopefully with this fight, I beat him and move on so people can see I’m able to beat good guys.

“I think I’m more well-rounded than Breazeale. Also, you can’t forget that I’m actually 6’ 6”, 240, so I’m not that small. I know a lot of people look at me like I’m smaller but I’m not that small. With that being said, I’m smarter, got a great team, we’ve had a great camp and I’m really good too. I’m faster than Dominic, I have better footwork, better defense, and better defense. So I’ve got to bring all of that in there, do what I’m good at and I’ll be fine.

“I think a win will hopefully help me move past Fury. But also it will put my name up there, to solidify my spot there. I don’t think this fight will get me a title shot but it will be a good shot on the way.

“I think you can expect a good fight, two good fighters. Dominic probably feels he has a point to prove and probably going to come out and be aggressive and try to come after me. I’m sure I won’t have to look for him and I’m ready for that. People can expect an exciting fight and a good night of boxing.

“Dominic is an aggressive guy so I have to be smart. I have to be who I am and set him up and I think I will be able to do that.

“I don’t feel a lot of pressure. I just have to be myself and I have to do what I do, what I’m good at. This is a big opportunity for me so I try to be positive. I waited a long time to get to this level, I’m finally here and I’m not going back.”

ROBERT EASTER, JR.

“I’ve been in some brawls, but I really haven’t ever shown my true boxing abilities. Me, Mike Stafford and my father (Robert Easter, Sr.) just worked on boxing and being myself.

“During COVID it really set me down and being off for all that time and never really knowing when I would get that call to get back in the ring. So I really had to focus up and I had to be ready whenever I was given that phone call. It motivated me. Plus, I had to look over my son and make sure he was alright. So it really put a different drive in me. This pandemic really set everything back, but we’re more than ready.

“140 is definitely the place for me to be right now. That’s the future. We’re worried about present right and capturing this title at 140.

“I’m just worried about me and showing my skills and everything we’ve worked on in training and this camp.”

RYAN MARTIN

“We fought in the amateurs and he beat me so there’s definitely a little chip on my shoulder there. I want to get back at him and let him know that I’m not a 16-year-old kid anymore.

“This fight is going to put me right back up there to be in a position to fight any of the champions or top contenders in the division. This fight is definitely going to steal the show.

“I’m focused. My mind is clear. This fight right here gets me excited. We’re two Ohio fighters with history – I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. It’s going to be an action-packed fight and I’m going to bring it. I’m not really surprised that Easter says he doesn’t see much difficulty in fighting me. I kind of expected him to say that. Easter is Easter.

“It’s going to be very important that I let my hands go against Easter. I feel that this fight is going to have so much action. I’m clear minded. I’m ready. Saturday night, we’re going to get in there and let it fly.

“Words can’t explain how excited and anxious I am for this, to tell you the truth. I’m just so ready for Saturday night. I’m ready to get the weigh-in over with, get under the lights on Saturday night and put on a show. It’s going to be an entertaining fight. A lot of people are saying a lot of things about me based on the Josh Taylor fight. So, it’s kind of like I’m battling two things.

“Easter just needs to come with it on Saturday night. I always knew this fight with Robert Easter was going to happen. I don’t know why, but I just always knew that we would meet again in the ring. I think it’s because we were both in Ohio – he was in Toledo and I was in Cleveland – and I just always thought I’d get this fight. I just didn’t think it would happen like this in a bubble.”

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.

# # #

ABOUT BRONER VS. SANTIAGO:

Broner vs. Santiago will see former four-division world champion Adrien Broner return to the ring to face undefeated Puerto Rican Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round welterweight bout in the main event Saturday, February 20 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 will also pit former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

CORONA, CA (February 18, 2021) – Undefeated middleweight, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO), will take on Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs), this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round bout will serve as the main event of the evening.

The co-feature will see undefeated super bantamweight, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), facing fellow unbeaten prospect, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO). In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.

The free stream will air live this Sunday, February 21, 2021, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.

Here is what Richard Brewart Jr. had to say about his upcoming fight with Weston, training camp with coach Henry Ramirez, and more.

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been in the gym with my coach Henry Ramirez, working on a lot of defensive drills and I am seeing the time I have put in paying off. I learned a lot in my last fight, and I know that I am close to some big opportunities, so I’m super focused. It’s been a very productive training camp to say the least.”

On his matchup with Nathan Weston:
“I have heard of Weston, I know he’s been in a couple of camps with big names like Golovkin and Munguia, but I know that I am different. This is a chance for me to show my talent against a well-respected opponent and someone who is coming to win. My power is starting to emerge more and more with each fight, and I feel my power will break him down. I’m going to make this fight uncomfortable for him by throwing a lot of power shots.

On what a win will do for his career:
“I am about to beat back-to-back undefeated fighters, and that is something a lot of fighters with less than ten fights don’t do. I am looking to make a statement in the middleweight division, and let the rest of the contenders know that I am coming.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“Thompson Boxing has always taken great care of me and I appreciate them keeping my busy. Each fight I have been on for 3.2.1 Boxing has been exciting and fan-friendly. My last fight against Louis Hernandez was considered by some to be one of the best fights last year, and I know this fight will be just as good, if not better. I look forward to fighting on future 3.2.1 Boxing cards for the rest of 2021.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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

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

Florian Marku says he will make Rylan Charlton “look stupid” when they clash over ten rounds this Saturday February 20 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.

The undefeated Welterweights have been embroiled in a war of words on social media since the original fight date of January 30 was announced back in December, and ‘The Albanian King’ (7-0-1, 5 KOs) has promised to “humiliate” Norwich’s ‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ when they lock horns in the evening’s chief-support bout. 

“I will knock Rylan Charlton out 100%,” said Marku. “He has said many bad things about me, so I just hope he comes to fight. In his other fights his approach is to come forward and be aggressive but when he is face to face with me, he will change his game plan.

“He will feel my power and my speed, then he will change his mind. I know he says he will wipe the floor with me, but I don’t know how he will recover from saying that when he loses. He will be humiliated. I am going to make him look stupid in the ring and he will see my boxing ability. He says he doesn’t rate it, but he will see.

“I am confident like nobody else, you can bring me whoever you want inside of the ring. I will never think my opponent is better than me. I am in the best shape I have ever been and will show that in this fight. Crowd or no crowd it will just be me and Rylan Charlton, we fight alone. I am no Joe Laws trust me, I am going to knock him out!”

Marku vs. Charlton is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) takes on Gabriel Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KO’s) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordon (2-5-1).

WORLD class Light-Heavyweight Callum Johnson has signed a long-term promotional deal with Queensberry Promotions.
 
The former British and Commonwealth champion started his career with Frank Warren and has returned to the Hall of Fame promoter, who he believes is best placed to land him a World Title.
 
Once Johnson achieves his World Title ambitions, potential domestic defences against stablemates Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde are sure to excite fans.
 
“I want to be in the best possible fights domestically and on the world stage. Frank is the man to deliver those fights,” said excited Johnson after signing his new deal.
 
“It wasn’t happening for me elsewhere, and Frank has a good stable of Light-Heavyweights so returning to him made sense.”
 
Johnson, 35, was fearless when he challenged IBF World title holder Artur Beterbiev in October 2018. He floored the division’s main man before losing in the fourth round of a brutal war.
 
‘The One’ bounced back from that solitary defeat last March when he travelled to upstate New York and hammered local star Sean Monaghan in three rounds.
 
Johnson turned professional in December 2010 and injury has slowed the Boston boxer’s progression.
 
He added: “I am fresh and feel like I am 25. The only hard war I’ve had was the Beterbiev fight and I have so much more left.
 
“When I am running my times are better than ever and I am lifting heavier weights than I have done before.
 
“I am very fresh for my age. A lot of damage can also happen in sparring, but I have never really had hard spars and never had wars as an amateur.”
 
Callum became Commonwealth champion in September 2016 stopping Willbeforce Shihepo in nine rounds at Manchester Arena.
 
He was then sidelined for 18 months, but returned with a career best performance beating former World title challenger Frank Buglioni in just 91 seconds of round one, adding the British crown to his Commonwealth belt.
 
That set up the Beterbiev challenge and his trainer and manager Joe Gallagher insists Warren is the man to help him go one better.
 
Gallagher said: “Callum is the man to go and get that World Light-Heavyweight title for Frank and bring it back to Britain.
 
“That will lead to big defences against the likes of Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde who Frank also promotes.
 
“Callum had a frustrating 2020. He said, ‘Yes’ to fights with Dmitry Bivol and Joshua Buatsi but then heard no more.
 
“Now things are looking up. Callum is in the prime of his career and Frank has the contacts and fighters to make big things happen.
 
“Callum is back to where he started his career when Frank promoted him and Naseem Hamed was his manager.
 
Warren added: “I am delighted to be back working with Callum once again. He started his career with me and I hope he ends it having won a World championship and fulfilling his promise.
 
“We will get him out in the next couple of months and then it will all be about a big world title push and even at domestic level there will be some huge lucrative fights.”
 
Despite being raised born and raised in Lincoln he qualified to box for Scotland and won a gold medal for the Tartan army at 2010 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
 
His popularity in his hometown has led to a street being named after him on the Fenside Estate where he grew up. Last year a street was named ‘Callum Johnson Close.’
 
Details of Johnson’s next fight will be released shortly.

(Wednesday, February 17, 2021 – Flint, MI) Two more exciting women’s bouts have been announced for the televised undercard of the “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE” all-female boxing event on Friday, March 5 from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Mich., and live on InDemand Pay-per-view and livestreaming platform FITE.TV (9 pm ET/6 pm PT).

In support of the “herstoric” main event, a 10-round 154-pound unification showdown between undefeated three-division and current WBC/WBO Super Welterweight World champion Claressa Shields and also unbeaten IBF Super Welterweight World Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire, will be a potentially explosive co-main event, as undefeated former amateur standout Danielle Perkins (2-0, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas, will fight an eight-round rematch to the exciting non-stop slugfest she had with Waycross, Georgia’s Monika “Lay Em Down” Harrison (2-1, 1 KO) last August. This time, however, a prestigious belt will be on the line, as the two warriors will vie for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship.

In another outstanding match-up, undefeated fast-rising middleweight Logan “The Golden Girl” Holler (9-0-1, 3 KO) of Columbia, South Carolina, will look to continue her ascent up the 160-pound ranks against Newark, Delaware, veteran Schemelle Baldwin (3-1-2, 2 KO) over eight tough rounds.

Dedicated to this year’s International Women’s day (Monday, March 8, 2021) and presented by Salita Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE on Friday, March 5, will be livestreamed on FITE.TV and distributed by InDemand to the major cable, satellite and telco outlets for just $29.95. To pre-order the fights, click this link: https://www.fite.tv/watch/shields-vs-dicaire/2p8qn/.

Undefeated 6-foot tall 198-lb Danielle Perkins was already a world-class athlete before boxing, as she played collegiate basketball for St. John’s University, making two trips to the NCAA Tournament, followed by a professional basketball career in Europe. After an automobile accident left her temporarily paralyzed, Perkins underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program and then dedicated herself to boxing. The towering southpaw won the USA National Championships, and then as a member of Team USA, won the 2019 World Championships in Russia, becoming the first American man or woman to win a world championship since Claressa Shields in 2016. Perkins trains under the tutelage of James Cooper.

“I’m excited to be a part of such an historic all-female card on March 5,” said Perkins. “I admire what Claressa Shields has done as a trailblazer for women’s boxing and I want to bring the same thing to the heavyweight division.”

Once-beaten Monika Harrison started in combat sports as a kickboxer, 17 years ago. The intimidating slugger has had trouble finding opponents in both the amateur and professional ranks but seems to have found a heated rival in Perkins. The pair fought to an exciting four-round decision victory for Perkins last August, but Harrison had her moments and says she’s making the adjustments to even the score this time. A construction worker, originally from Georgia and residing in New Jersey, Harrison turned professional in 2018, and once fought highly touted undefeated prospect Lei’D Tapa to a four-round draw. Tapa never fought again.

A natural to the sport, Columbia, South Carolina, native Logan Holler started boxing as a way to stay in shape, but quickly found she had a knack. A lifelong athlete from an athletic family, Holler’s father played football player for the Green Bay Packers and legendary coach Vince Lombardi. Holler was an equestrian before finding the ring. She earned a Division 1 scholarship to the University of South Carolina’s Equestrian team where she helped them win the SEC Championship. Holler says she had trouble finding amateur fights in South Carolina, so she turned professional in 2014 without ever having fought and has gone on to turn heads by going unbeaten since then. Holler is also a devout Christian. She is trained by former fighter Dominic Robinson-Neal.

“I am excited to be a part of such a great event featuring an all-female card making history on this PPV,” said Holler. “I am looking forward to putting on a strong performance and making a statement as I continue down the path toward a world title shot.”

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About FITE.TV
FITE.TV is the premiere digital network for direct-to-consumer digital live streaming for combat sports, specializing in professional wrestling, mixed martial arts and boxing events. To millions of fans around the world, FITE.TV streams a rich array of live pay-per-view events, subscription packages and thousands of hours of live and on-demand free programs with a mission to help fans discover and watch premium live events. FITE.TV is the leading digital distributor for the industry’s marquee events, including AEW, Impact, WWE, KSI-Logan Paul 2 from Matchroom, Canelo vs GGG 1 & 2 from GBP / HBO, Pacquiao-Thurman from PBC / Fox, Top Rank / ESPN PPV, ROH, BKFC, NWA, GCW, ONE, Combate, RIZIN, MOTO FITE Klub and FMX FITE Klub, Rumble on the Rooftop, Major Concerts, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer events and more.

About International Women’s Day
The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. In 1910, Europe established a Women’s Day to honour the movement for women’s rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. After World War II, March 8 started to be celebrated in a number of countries. In 1975, during the International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1995 the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments, focused on 12 critical areas of concern; and the inclusion of Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge looks to call out gender bias and inequity and celebrate women’s achievements.

For more information, please visit internationalwomensday.com.

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.

BOSTON (February 17, 2021) – Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. hasn’t made his pro debut yet, but he did get the opportunity to recently spar with undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs), the 2012 Olympic gold medalist from Ireland, who was a 5-time AIBA world champion as an amateur.

The 28-year-old Anderson, who is managed by Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker, was supposed to make his pro debut earlier this year in Mexico. He showed up but his opponent tested positive for COVID-19 and their fight was canceled.

Taylor frequently travels from Ireland to Connecticut, where she prepares for fights with her trainer, Ross Enamait.

Anderson, a union Sheetmetal worker in local 17, was a decorated amateur who won a gold medal at the 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament, as well as The New England’s Tournament twice in 2018-2019, and won Central Division of the New England Golden Gloves Tournament twice and runner-up twice during his four-year (2016-2019) run. He also competed in three national tournaments.

Anderson benefitted from being a southpaw when his trainer, Marc Gargaro, was contacted by Enamait about needing a lefthanded sparring partner for Taylor. “I’ve only sparred with her once,” Anderson said, “but I believe I will be getting more work with Katie at her training camp in the near future. I’ve already been asked back for more sparring.

“In the ring, Katie is patient, sharp, and quick with her combinations. She also doesn’t waste any movements all all. She is very tough and aggressive. Outside the ring, she is very nice, always smiling when talking, and a generous, decent human being.”

There’s nothing better for a young boxer than to train and spar with a world-class athlete, even if it’s a female against a male, the experience in invaluable.

I believe getting experience with a world champion helped me build up my confidence. It definitely opened my mind and eyes to trying new things like different movements and combinations, as well as make sure my defense and foot work was on point. Learning to become better at changing the tempo of combinations I was throwing. Also, realizing the things Katie did during and after sparring, understanding her mentality, and letting me know and see what it takes to be the best in the world, will help me grow big-time as a boxer.

“It is a little different sparring a woman but, honestly, it helped me work on my craft in areas I’ve been trying to improve on. I am still available to give and get good, solid work and effort. It’s expanding my mind, I was still able to pick and choose when to dig hard shots to make sure I was still solidly sparring for her, unlike with guys’ majority of punches are thrown hard.

Ortiz’ manager Ryan Roach commented: “This is a great opportunity for Troy. Anytime you share the ring with a world champion, even sparring, is a great way to elevate your level of confidence. As many know there are a lot of levels to this sport and these opportunities are crucial in building a fighter. I am really proud of Troy. His debut got pushed back, but he’s stayed in the gym and remains positive waiting for his shot. He has a great coach and team at Nonantum Boxing.”

Sparring Taylor may not have erased the disappointment of Anderson’s pro debut being canceled; however, the experience will surely make him a better fighter.

“Sparring a world champion was unbelievable,” Anderson concluded. “Just having the opportunity to step foot in the ring with world champion Katie Taylor was amazing. Literally, leading up to the day of sparring, that’s all I could focus on and think about. I was extremely locked in, because I wanted to give Katie Taylor good work and show her that reaching out to my coach Marc was not a mistake, and his words about me were solid. Seeing how Katie is when moving, throwing combinations, and on defense picking and choosing when to be aggressive and not, is unexplained. It was truly a blessing and I will forever be grateful and thankful for the experience and opportunity to be able to spar with a world champion, Katie Taylor”

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

February 17, 2021 – TONIGHT!!, Heralded welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica looks to keep the momentum going from his sensational knockout on last October, when he takes on fellow undefeated Mark Reyes Jr. in a bout that will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation event from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, and LIVE ON SHOWTIME (9 PM ET / PT)

Bocachica of Detroit, Michigan will be making his second consecutive ShoBox appearance as he took out Nicklaus Flaz in the opening round of their October 7th bout in the same venue.

The win pushed the 22 year-old’s mark to 16-0 with 11 knockouts.

Reyes of Tampa, Florida is 14-0 with 12 knockouts.

At Tuesday’s weigh-in, Bocachica was 146 1/2 lbs. Reyes was 147 lbs.

Janelson Bocachica quotes:
“My last fight on ShoBox, I feel like I surprised a lot of people. I wasn’t surprised myself because I know what I have to give. I showed my skills even though I could have done a little better, and that’s what I’m trying to do this fight. I won’t be satisfied until I get the WBC belt.

“I could have been better with my movement in my last fight. I wasn’t totally tuned into the fight. I wanted to make him work a little bit more even though I set him up perfectly.

“I usually don’t watch much tape on my opponents. The level of opponents that he’s faced doesn’t match up to the fighter that I am, so there’s not a whole lot that I can learn from watching tape. He won’t be able to do the same things with me that he’s done with the guys he’s faced. I have seen a couple highlights though and he does look good. He looks like a good fighter and that’s why I picked this fight.

“Whenever I fight there’s a high chance for an explosion. If he tries to pressure me and he’s throwing punches, he’s going to be receiving them back. I’m not a walking punching bag. I tried to box in my last fight but every time somebody gives me an opening my precision is there. That’s what we train for. As soon as he opens up and gets cocky with it, I’ll step on the gas and get him out of there.

“I have power in both hands. If he really wants to fight, then he can look for a fight. I just don’t think a fight with me will last very long for Mark Reyes. I think I’m super close to being a top contender. This fight is going to help me a lot. It’s another stepping-stone and I feel like you guys are going to be seeing a lot more of me.”

Bocachica is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by King’s Promotions.

Gabriel Valenzuela has been inspired to follow in the footsteps of his countryman Mauricio Lara by knocking out Robbie Davies Jr when the pair meet for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘Nini’ (22-2-1, 13 KOs) arrives in London in what is his second fight outside of his native Mexico, boxing to what he labels as a ‘controversial draw’ in Canada back in 2018. Based on his previous experience on away soil,  the 26-year-old from Guadalajara is determined not to leave the fight in the judges’ hands. 

“The fight between Mauricio Lara and Josh Warrington was amazing,” said Valenzuela. “It was a great night. We were all watching back in Mexico. I want to get the stoppage in this fight like Mauricio did!

“I’ve watched videos of Robbie Davies Jr, I know he’s strong and fast but I have been preparing hard for this and I am here to win. We are aware of some of the questionable decisions from the judges in the UK recently. I don’t want to let this fight go to the judges, I’m coming for the knockout.

“I like to counter-punch and feint which encourages my opponent to throw, I can then land my big shots. I have the chance here to surprise the British public, they don’t really know who they are getting but they will after Saturday.

“A win will mean everything to me. I’m here on a mission which will be the beginning of even greater things in my career. I would like to reserve any predictions but you can certainly expect an excellent fight.”

Davies Jr vs. Valenzuela is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Jordan Gill (25-1, 7 KOs) meets Mexico’s Cesar Juarez for the vacant WBA International Featherweight Title and Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his professional debut against Matt Gordan (2-5-1).

CARL FRAMPTON’S HISTORY making bid to become a three-weight world champion by taking on the WBO world super featherweight champion Jamel Herring is unfortunately now subject to delay due to ‘The Jackal’ suffering a hand injury.
 
Frampton’s challenge was set for Saturday February 27, live on BT Sport. Despite the headline fights cancellation, the show will go ahead as planned at the Copper Box Arena with the British super featherweight title clash between Anthony Cacace and Lyon Woodstock headlining the card in a much-anticipated dust-up.
 
Tommy Fury also returns on a card that includes super-flyweight Kaisy Khademi bidding to add the vacant IBF European to his WBO European title against Birmingham’s Ijaz Ahmed.
 
The pride of Stoke, hugely popular middleweight star Nathan Heaney takes on a tough domestic test in Ryan Oliver, with thrilling lightweight prospect Sam Noakes going in against the unbeaten Delmar Thomas.
 
Frampton vs Herring will be moved to a new date that will be advised in due course.
 
“It is just a bit of a twinge to my hand, nothing too serious but I have seen a specialist and his advice was to rest it,” revealed Frampton, 33. “So I asked about the possibility of a postponement to the fight and it was agreed to.
 
“It gives me a better chance because I will be going into the fight with two good hands after taking the advice from the specialist. It is nothing major though and there is no fracture.
 
“I did go into a fight with a hand injury against Tyler McCreary and ended up requiring surgery afterwards on both hands. No disrespect to Tyler, but Jamel Herring is a world champion and at a higher level so I need to be at my best. That is what I intend to be.
 
“I haven’t been able to spar or hit the heavy bags for a while. From next week I have been given the go-ahead to start doing that again. I have still been training, doing loads of running, shadow boxing and hitting the paddles as well, which kind of replicates the pads, but I have not hit anything solid for the last two weeks.
 
“It wouldn’t have sat right with me to pull out if people had spent their hard earned money on tickets and travel, but this is completely different and I just want to give myself the best opportunity to win and that is it.
 
“I would like to thank Frank and Bob for making this possible, plus Jamel as well for his understanding. It is something that just happens in boxing and I am thankful we have been able to postpone it.”
 
Promoter Frank Warren said: “Carl has picked up an injury unfortunately, so we’ve had to postpone that fight for the time being.
 
“Like most fans, I was looking forward to seeing Carl make history by being crowned a three-weight World Champion. That will have to wait for now, but we still have a fantastic card of fights lined up for next Saturday night.
 
“Cacace vs Woodstock has been booked for a year now, and I think we’re all excited to finally see these two meet in the ring. It’ll be an all-action, excitement-guaranteed kind of fight, so don’t miss it.”
 

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated Dominican heavyweight “Gentleman” George Arias (15-0, 7 KOs) to a co-promotional agreement, along with DiBella Entertainment.

Born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Arias moved to New York City in 1996, at four years old. At age 18, the now 29-year-old started boxing as a hobby at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home in Brooklyn, but quickly found he had natural talent for the sport. Arias capped off his amateur career by winning the New York Golden Gloves in 2014 and subsequently turned professional in October of that year.

Though he facially bears a resemblance to “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali, Arias’ relatively diminutive height of 6’ 0” often puts him at a size disadvantage against today’s modern heavyweights. He overcomes the physical adversity with an entertaining fighting style more reminiscent of the great “Smokin” Joe Frazier than Ali. Trained and managed by Leon Washington Jr. and advised by Andre Rozier, Arias often switches between clever boxing and all-out slugging and has proven adept at both in several exciting fights.

Inactive since October 2019 due to the pandemic, Arias will finally return to action and make his first appearance under the new co-promotional banner this Wednesday, February 17, at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Fighting on the untelevised undercard of a ShoBox: The New Generation card, Arias will face deceptively skilled North Carolina veteran Joel Caudle over six rounds.

“First of all, I’m very thankful where DiBella Entertainment has brought me thus far,” said Arias. “Now I’m excited about where DBE and Salita can advance my career together. It is my goal to be the first heavyweight champion of the world from the Dominican Republic.”

Promoter Salita, who also handles unbeaten big men Jarrell Miller and Apti Davtaev, as well as previous Arias opponent Robert Simms, says his new fighter has all the makings of a new fan-favorite in boxing.

“George becomes a fan favorite everywhere he fights,” said new promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “He’s got the style and the smile to become an old-school heavyweight champion the whole worlds knows and loves. I’m happy to be pairing up with his team to help make that happen and I’m looking forward to watching this exciting prospect back in action this week.”

“George is poised for a big opportunity by the end of 2021, but he needs to fight regularly until then. We wanted to get him back into the ring as soon as possible and we’re really happy that tomorrow night he will be facing a tough opponent in Joel Caudle, who is with Russell Peltz,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Going forward, George will be co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Salita Promotions, appearing on both of our events, getting him ready for when a major opportunity presents itself.”

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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.