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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About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 11.5 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

About ESPN

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

LAS VEGAS (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.

CORONA, CA (February 16, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO), will face fellow unbeaten fighter Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round co-main event is expected to be an all-out war.

Unbeaten middleweights Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO) vs. Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will serve as the in a 6-round main event bout. 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 Arnold Dinong had to say about his upcoming fight with Akitsugi, training camp with coach Bruno Escalante, and more.

On his recent training camp:
“We’ve been in camp for a while, waiting on the call and I’m grateful for the opportunity to finally be here. I have been training with my coach Bruno Escalante at Aloha Time Boxing Studio and we have a perfect game plan for Akitsugi. A lot of strength and conditioning has been implemented in this camp, and I think that will be the difference in this fight. I’m feeling good.”

On his matchup with Katsuma Akitsugi:
“I have been taking tough fights, and I don’t have a promoter, so I am looking to prove myself against Akitsugi. I am trying to fight the best-ranked opponents as possible, so I can put myself into contention for a regional belt. Katsuma is a very good fighter whom I am eager to face.”

On what a win would do for his career:
“Because I’ve been fighting tough guys, I’m hoping I can sign with Thompson with a victory against Akitsugi. Bruno Escalante and Mike Bazzel have put a lot of time and effort into me, and I have sacrificed a lot moving from Hawaii to the Bay Area. I met Bruno Escalante when I was 8-years-old, we were training partners, so a win would mean a lot as it has been a long journey.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“I’m grateful that Thompson Boxing sees me as a fighter that can bring an exciting fight to their card. I have worked very hard in the gym, and Thompson Boxing has always treated me well. I am grateful to be the co-main event of this card and look forward to putting on a good fight for my friends and family. “

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.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – February 16, 2021 – Exciting welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica and fellow undefeated Mark Reyes Jr. both made weight a day before their main event showdown tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 17, live on SHOWTIME  at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. as ShoBox continues its 20^th anniversary year showcasing boxing’s rising stars matched tough.

Detroit’s Bocachica (16-0, 11 KOs) is following up on a dominating performance in his ShoBox debut in October when by facing the power-punching Reyes (14-0, 12 KOs) from Tampa, Fla., in a 10-round welterweight bout. The co-main event will feature unbeaten Russian and Detroit-trained Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 7 KOs) taking on Ghana’s Sena Agbeko (23-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup, while Alejandro Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) of Houston, Texas, returns to ShoBox and faces Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (19-2-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

The previously announced middleweight matchup between Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 KOs) and Argenis Espana (15-1, 14 KOs) will no longer take place. Kerefov will now face Fernando Farias (10-0-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight non-televised scrap.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The three-fight telecast is promoted by Salita Promotions.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Janelson Bocachica – 146 ½ lbs.

Mark Reyes Jr. – 147 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Don Trella (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout

Vladimir Shishkin – 169 lbs.

Sena Agbeko – 168 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Arthur Mercante (N.Y.); Judges: Don Ackerman (N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.)

Lightweight Eight-Round Bout

Alejandro Guerrero – 135 lbs.

Abraham Montoya – 135 lbs.

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

FINAL QUOTES:

Janelson Bocachica

“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.”

Mark Reyes Jr.

“This could definitely be a short fight. It may not last long. But I can definitely say I’m prepared to go into the ninth and 10^th round just as strong as I’m coming on in the first. But if the opportunity presents itself, there’s no reason to sit around and wait. If I hit anybody flush a few times, I don’t think many people are going to withstand that.

“I feel like winning this fight would be a push towards making a name for myself in the welterweight division. It would definitely set me up for future fights and opportunities that I’ve been wanting and looking for.

“A lot of my power comes from my timing. Sometimes, the biggest punchers have a habit of relying on their power too much. You’ll see that with time, there are guys that are able to withhold and weather the storm and actually end up knocking those guys out. I would say the most important thing is if you are a powerful puncher, you definitely want to rely on timing and speed just as much as you do your natural abilities.

“We got in the gym right away making sure that we got our rounds in sparring. Obviously, we all know that sparring is a different type of conditioning. You can do all your running and all your training, but if you’re not having the right quality of sparring and getting those rounds in you might second guess yourself when you get into those later rounds. That’s definitely something that I wanted to make sure that I was ready for. I’m absolutely ready to go 10 rounds. If this was a 12-round fight, I would be ready to go 12 rounds.

“A win over this guy would definitely place me in a good position for my future fights this year. The long-term goal is to fight for a world title within the next two years. If I am able to move and grow steadily, then that’s the plan. I have to take the right fights and make sure that I’m always learning, always growing, and if the opportunities present themselves, I am definitely willing to take them.”

Vladimir Shishkin

“Agbeko is a solid fight for me. He is physically strong and he will come to fight. He’s a good boxer and he’s a big featherweight. I will have to put in a good performance to score a victory. My plan is to just listen to my trainer, L.J. Harrison, and if I listen and follow the plan the result will be perfect.

“I made the move to train with L.J. and stop working with SugarHill Steward because I have a very good relationship with L.J. I have a great connection with him and I believe a lot in what I’m learning and what he’s teaching me. I am more flexible, he’s teaching me distance and balance. I feel that I am improving and it’s going to pay off in this fight.

“I think that I’m an elite fighter and I want to show on February 17 that I can compete at an elite level. I think that I am ready to face the best in the super middleweight division. I have already beaten guys that were ranked in the top 15 at the time like Nadjib Mohammedi and DeAndre Ware. I am ready for guys like Canelo and the best in the division.”

Sena Agbeko

“This fight is coming at the perfect time for me. I’m ready to launch myself and possibly challenge for a world title soon. I feel like I really need to get going with my career. There have been so many starts and stops and I’m ready to be done with that and just have a more consistent flow with the fights.

“Training with people like Badou Jack and Caleb Plant, you get to understand the discipline that is required to perform at that level. Prior to that, the assumption was just to go out there and try to make a statement, but the certain patience and discipline that you have to adhere to at the highest level is what I learned. You get punished for even the simplest mistakes, so sparring with them got me a lot of experience.

“Back in 2014 when I first came to the U.S., I feel that I was mentally very underdeveloped. I had a very different perception of the sport. I feel that I wasn’t quite ready. I didn’t understand what it took mentally to be at the level I wanted to be at. That was the biggest difference. Now, I’m more mature and I’ve been around the U.S. I’ve been to different camps all around the country – New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Houston – and through it all I’ve learned to deal with the mental aspect of the sport. My mental preparation and being in a calm state of mind ready to perform is the biggest difference.

“I don’t see myself as the B-side. I actually like playing the role of the underdog. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to adapt in the ring and being the best that I can be. I have a plethora of tools to use and as the fight goes on, I will be able to adjust to whatever I need to adjust to. The goal is to win and I’m not going to wait until it’s too late. Every step of the way, I am going to do things that will put me ahead.

“I was informed on Tuesday that my opponent from my last fight, Roy King, passed away on Monday night. It’s unfortunate. Roy is somebody that was doing a lot for his city, Johnson City, in Tennessee. When I met him at the weigh-in, I talked to him and he was very nice. It’s so unfortunate that this happened. I did go to see him in the hospital shortly after our fight and I was expecting him to recover, but unfortunately, he passed away after a year of dealing with it.” 

Alejandro Guerrero

“I don’t think the layoff will have any effect on me. If anything, I’m going to come back harder and stronger. It wasn’t a big issue being laid off. I had more time to train. I was training harder and doing things the right way. This is my first fight where I’ve been completely focused on boxing. I haven’t been working a fulltime job like I normally was, so physically, I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. I feel like I can take on the world.

“My last fight on ShoBox with no crowd felt totally off. I’m used to the crowd going crazy when I land a nice combination. I’m a crowd-pleaser. That’s what motivates me to continue going harder and harder.Not having a crowd, there isn’t a huge issue, but at the same time it does kind of change the whole setting of the fight.

“In that last fight against Angulo, I had him hurt in the last three rounds but I just didn’t have the opportunity to completely take him out of the way. He was strong. He was taking all my hits. I feel that I wasn’t at my best in that fight and I didn’t do everything the correct way. This fight, I’m coming back stronger and tougher and I’m not going to need any judges..

“Anybody who has seen me fight knows that I like to come forward. I like to throw a lot of shots. I always see myself as the big dog in the ring. I like to take control of the fight. I’m just going to take all my movement and power and skills to another level and it’s going to be more explosive. You are going to see a totally different ‘Pork Chop’ that’s way better than I was in my last fight.

“I’ve been getting great work in sparring. I started off by sparring people around my weight but I was taking them out. They couldn’t last more than four rounds so I’ve been using heavier, stronger guys for this camp. I know this guy that I’m facing has nothing compared to the guys that I’ve been sparring. That’s why I’m so confident. I’m going in with everything I have. It’s not going to be an easy fight but I’m going to make it look easy.”

Abraham Montoya

“I am a very offensive fighter naturally, but I’m also the type of fighter that is always willing to adapt and adjust to my opponent’s style. The plan is to just go out there, listen to the bell ring and get close to my opponent and get to work. I will read him, adjust as I need to and do what I have to do.

“Normally, fighters change weight classes when they have defeats. But for me, I am not coming off a loss. I decided to start fighting at lightweight because it was just the right time. I was the national champion and North American champion at super featherweight. I spent all last year looking or good opportunities but I didn’t find any. That’s why I am so excited for this opportunity and why I decided to move to lightweight.

“We have watched Guerrero and we are aware that he is a very aggressive fighter. He’s the type of opponent that will come to clash. He has a lot of fire. Getting a win against him is going to be a big deal for me and my career. I have faced better opposition than Guerrero, so I may be considered a favorite, but I feel like an underdog. When I’m the underdog, that just gives me even more motivation.

“I wasn’t born yet when my father Eduardo fought for a world title. There weren’t a ton of cameras around back then so I haven’t been able to watch a lot of video of his fights. What I rely on is the stories that he and everybody who knew him tell me. That’s what motivated me to become a fighter.

“For my fight against Yakubov in Russia, we were negotiating for four weeks. It took a long time. I accepted the fight and it was finally finalized with just 18 days’ notice. I did the best I could with that time but I was not 100 percent prepared for that fight. For this fight, of course I am 100 percent prepared. I’ve been preparing for the fight since the first week of January. I am the type of fighter that is 24/7, always training. There are no excuses this time around.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 83 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

(February 16, 2021) — Southpaw prodigy Sean “The Public Nuisance” McComb hopes to add Commonwealth gold to his growing résumé. McComb will step up in class versus Gavin Gwynne in a 12-round tilt for the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title Friday, Feb. 19 at University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton, England.
 
McComb-Gwynne will headline a card streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
McComb (11-0, 5 KOs), a 2015 European Games bronze medalist from Belfast, has been dominant since turning pro in 2018. He won a pair of bouts in 2020, including a sixth-round stoppage over former WBO Latino junior welterweight champion Mauro Maximiliano Godoy.
 
Gwynne (12-2, 2 KOs) is a two-time British lightweight title challenger who hopes to spring the major upset. He last fought in August 2020 and was stopped in six rounds by former world title challenger James Tennyson.
 
In other streaming action:

• Samuel Antwi (12-1, 5 KOs), who has won five straight since the lone defeat of his career, will fight Darren Tetley (20-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant English welterweight title.
   
• Junior lightweight prospect Dean “El Diablo” Dodge (9-0-1, 3 KOs), winner of seven straight, will take on fellow unbeaten DP “Cannon” Carr (11-0-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan (5-0, 3 KOs), a Top Rank-signed welterweight prospect from Limerick, Ireland, will face 20-fight veteran Siar Ozgul (15-5, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. In his last bout, Ozgul gave McComb a competitive battle en route to a 10-round decision defeat.
   
• In a scheduled six-round battle of unbeaten featherweights, Brad Daws (6-0, 2 KOs) will fight Mark McKeown (3-0, 1 KO).
   
• Dublin-born junior welterweight Pierce O’Leary (5-0, 2 KOs), a former Irish amateur standout, will tangle with Irvin Magno (5-3-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Magno, who turned pro in 2016, has never been stopped in the paid ranks.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 11.5 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2021) – Two-time super middleweight world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell takes on Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 12-round WBC Super Middleweight World Title eliminator to headline FOX PBC Fight Night live on Saturday, February 27 from the 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.

“Anthony Dirrell is a natural-born fighter. He’s had to overcome several obstacles in his life to become two-time super middleweight world champion. Each time he has had to come back, he’s done it and been stronger than before,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Kyrone Davis believes this is his moment to shine under the spotlight of FOX PBC Fight Night. What Dirrell and Davis bring to the ring on February 27 are the ingredients for a terrific fight. The added treat is watching the continued rise of a pair of brilliant young boxers – Jesus Ramos and Vito Mielnicki, Jr. – as they take on tough challenges.’’

Dirrell (33-2-1, 24 KOs), a two-time WBC 168-pound world champion, is a battle-tested veteran who never backs down from anyone in the ring. The 36-year-old Dirrell won the WBC title for the first time with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2014. The native of Flint, Michigan lost the title the next year to Badou Jack by majority decision. He put together six straight victories after that loss to get back into position to fight for the championship again. He won the title with a technical decision victory over Avni Yildirim in 2019. Dirrell is the younger brother of Andre Dirrell, who won a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 2004. He is coming off a hard-fought loss to former champion David Benavidez.

“I feel great, camp has been great and it feels good to get back in the ring with everything that’s been going on in the world,” said Dirrell. “Kyrone Davis has fought some good guys but with me being me, he’s biting off a little more than he chew. Fans can look forward to a knockout on February 27. I’m not playing, I’m going to make a statement.”

Davis (15-2, 6 KO) will face the toughest challenge of his career when he steps in against the more experienced Dirrell. The 26-year-old Davis from Monmouth, N.J. will be moving up to super middleweight for this match. His last fight was a TKO victory over Antonio Todd at middleweight in January 2020. His only two losses came against Junior Castillo and Patrick Day in 2018. His most notable victory so far came against Marcos Hernandez in 2017. Hernandez was undefeated at the time.

“I’ve worked extremely hard and I’m thankful for the opportunity and plan to take full advantage of it,’’ Davis said. “It’s my turn and you’re going to see that on FOX PBC on February 27.”

Ramos (14-0, 13 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, steadily increased the toughness of competition in 2020. The 19-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona has scored four-straight knockout wins following his only pro fight that has gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks. In his last fight Ramos scored a fourth round stoppage against Naim Nelson in December 2020 on FOX.

“I’m very excited to be back in the ring on February 27, just two months after my last fight,” said Ramos. “I want to stay active this year, and I can’t wait to kick off 2021 with another solid performance.”

Bojorquez (24-2, 18 KOs) has scored four straight victories since losing to Abner Lopez. All four of those victories came by way of stoppage. The 33-year-old Bojorquez from Sonora, Mexico will be fighting for the first time in the United States. He’s coming off a fourth round TKO win over Jose Luis Araiza.

“I know Ramos is a tough young boxer and he’s been on a hot streak. But I’ve been on a hot streak too and my experience will be the deciding factor,’’ said Bojorquez. “I’m looking forward to going against him in an exciting fight on FOX PBC in prime time. I expect it will be a tough fight but I’m ready for anything that he can come with on February 27.’’

Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (7-0, 4 KOs) began turning heads during an exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Oustanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves amongst many accolades before turning pro. Last December, the 18-year-old welterweight dropped Steven Pulluaim twice on his way to a six-round unanimous decision.

“Camp is going great and I’m in the best shape of my life,” said Mielnicki. “I can’t wait to showcase my talent on FOX in my first eight-rounder.”

Veteran Lopez (10-3-1, 4 KOs) hails from the fighting town of Jalisco, Mexico and currently resides in Spring, Texas. He’s remained active during the pandemic, fighting three times in 2020, including two victories and a points loss to Joseph Francisco last November.

“I’m really excited about this fight,” said Lopez. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this and I’ve been training hard for months now. Mielnicki is a young, strong kid. I’m going to go out there, test him and shock the world.”

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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.

Los Angeles – February 12, 2021 – Ring City USA, the new sports media startup that debuted its Thursday night boxing series in November 2020, has unveiled undercard fights for their March 4 and March 18 events, three weeks ahead of their residency in Puerto Rico. All events will be televised in the United States and Puerto Rico on NBC Sports Network and the NBC Sports app on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action streaming live on Twitch. The full card, which will be announced at a later date, will be available on Twitch outside of the United States.

On March 4, Ring City will take over the Felix Pagan Pintor Gym in Guaynabo with the previously-announced main event between undefeated blue-chip rising star Serhii Bohachuk (18-0, 18 KOs) and former middleweight title challenger Brandon Adams (22-3, 13 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight affair. In the co-main event on NBCSN, undefeated prospect Danielito Zorilla (14-0, 11 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, will meet Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Madiyev (13-1 5 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight. Also featured on the undercard will be one of Puerto Rico’s hottest prospects, junior middleweight Patrick Cora (10-0, 7 KOs).

Two weeks later on March 18, the action will head to Albergue Olimpico (Olympic Center) in Salinas, as the main event features the next chapter in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico ring rivalry when former super featherweight world titlist Alberto Machado (22-2, 18 KOs) faces undefeated rising prospect Hector Tanajara (19-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight. The co-main event features a battle of two former Olympians as undefeated Christian Mbili (17-0, 16 KOs) of France faces Ukraine’s Ievgen Khytrov (20-2, 17 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super middleweight contest. Another Puerto Rico vs. Mexico affair opens the main card on NBC Sports Network telecast as Jose Martinez (21-1-2, 14 KOs) of Las Marias, Puerto Rico, takes on Israel Gonzalez (25-4, 11 KOs) of Los Cabos, Mexico, in an eight-round super flyweight fight.

“As we put together the first three Ring City events of 2021, we continue to look for fighters who are willing to take risks,” said Evan Rutkowski, Head of Boxing, Ring City USA. “Zorilla continues to climb the super lightweight rankings but will take on the toughest challenge of his career on March 4 against Madiyev. Likewise, on March 18, Mbili puts his unblemished record on the line against Khytrov in a battle of two fighters with true knockout power. We are excited how the cards are coming together and look forward to unveiling more fights soon.”

Full card details will be announced at a later date. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

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

NEW YORK – February 16, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner and stablemate and former world champion Robert “Trouble” Easter Jr. previewed their respective showdowns taking place 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 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 Jovanie Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) in a 12-round super lightweight bout. In the opening bout of the telecast, the former IBF Lightweight World Champion Easter (22-1-1, 14 KOs) will fight for the second time at super lightweight when he takes on once-beaten contender Ryan Martin (24-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round contest.

The childhood friends and Ohio natives just concluded an intense and lengthy training camp in southern Florida under the watchful eye of Mike Stafford, the longtime head trainer of Broner and assistant trainer of Easter. Here is what both fighters had to say about training camp, their respective matchups and more:

ADRIEN BRONER:

On his matchup with Jovanie Santiago…

“Santiago is hungry. He’s still undefeated and he definitely doesn’t want to lose. It’s going to be a great fight. He’s definitely going to come to fight. Anybody that has a chance to fight an Adrien Broner to put their career up another step, they’re going to bring their A-game. I’m just training my hardest and I’m going to come in and be ready on February 20.

“He’s a hell of a fighter. He’s got great skills. But I just think I’m on a different level. February 20 people are going to see that I’m still the Adrien Broner who can take over the sport. In boxing I’ve learned that it only takes one performance to bring everybody back. All I have to do is go out there and perform and everybody will be back on the bandwagon.

On his motivations for this fight…

“Even if I didn’t have these pending court cases against me, I’d still be working my ass off to come back and make a fortune. That has nothing to do with my motivation. God gave me a blessing and gifted me with some great talent and I’m not going to let it go to waste. The motivation is that I miss the sport. I miss being on top. I miss being champion and I’m going to take another run at being champion.

“I’ve found my love for boxing again. I gave myself some time to miss boxing and I’m ready to go in there and win some more world titles. My children are what fuel me now.

On how he plans to stay on track after this fight…

“I just need to go back to the gym after the fight. I’m trying to stay out of as much trouble as possible, stay out of jail and just work my ass off. I’m going to dedicate these last three to five years to straight boxing. I’m going to get as much as I can out of boxing and then retire and watch my kids grow up. I’ve matured a lot. I’ve been through a lot. It’s just time to get to business, make my money and do what I do best, and that’s box.

On getting back into fighting shape…

“I had to lose the 35 pounds and it was tough. I’ve put in the work. After this fight I’m going to stay on track and get right back to the gym. The goal is to become the five-time world champion, and then the sixth and the seventh time after that. I’m just working. I was so out of shape. I had to be gritty and I had to dig deep. Being out that long, I was overweight. I had to wake up and run miles and work my body back. It was tough.

“I’ve just had to change everything, change the lifestyle mostly. What would I tell a younger fighter? Just stay in the gym as much as possible. Don’t be blinded by the money and the lights and the girls and the partying life. I’m not saying don’t live your life. You can’t just box, box, box your whole life. You just have to stay relaxed.

On fighting at 140 pounds…

“I feel like 140 pounds is the weight that I want to be at. You can’t really say I made by bread and butter at 147. I’ve been a champion at 147 pounds but I’ve also been a champion at 140, 135 and 130 pounds. I think any fight at whatever weight Adrien Broner is at is a big fight. That’s the main thing. I want to fight where I feel the most comfortable right now in my career, and right now, I think 140 is the best for me.

On his legacy as a boxer…

“My career speaks for itself, honestly. A four-weight class world champion. I was one of the youngest to ever do it. And I’m going to be a five-time world champion soon. I’m just going to keep putting in the work and I’m going to stay focused.

“People forget that I’m only 31 years old. They sometimes look at me like an old head. It’s crazy. I have been around for a long time – about 11 years now. But I’m only 31 and I have a lot more in the tank. With my resume, I just feel like I have a lot more to do. I’m going to put the work in and I’m going to get it done. Of course, I think about the Hall of Fame. I think I’ve done enough already. I was one of the youngest to ever become a four-time world champion in four weight classes. But I’m going to go win some more titles and do what I do to seal the deal.”

ROBERT EASTER JR.

On his matchup with Ryan Martin…

“Martin is a tough opponent who is going to bring his A-game, but I don’t see much difficulty in handling him and adjusting to anything he brings. I know he’s a hard worker. We fought each other in the amateurs so I know he probably has a chip on his shoulder. I really don’t think there’s much from that amateur fight that I can take away for this fight. We both have transitioned into the pros so he probably has a little more in his arsenal now, just like I do.

“I don’t know what to expect from Ryan Martin, but I do know what I expect from myself. When I’m in the ring I will make it a one-sided fight and bring my A-game. I’m coming to get the win.

On his 15-month layoff…

“I’m just very excited to get back in the ring. I had a little rust at first but that’s gone away and I’m perfectly fine now. I was a little nervous thinking about how I was going to feel when I came back, but I’m good now. We’re training very well. We’re sparring a lot. I am more than ready.

On training with Broner…

“There’s a lot I’ve learned from Adrian. We train together every single day in the morning and in the afternoon. As soon as I turned pro, he took me under his wing. He taught me a lot of small things that you have to learn when you first come up from the amateurs into the pros. He was already a world champion by the time I came up so there was definitely a lot I could learn from him.

On his plans for 2021…

“I’m not worried about who’s next, I just have to be prepared for February 20. It’s been frustrating watching all these fights on TV. I don’t even watch it anymore. But it’s been motivating to me and I just have to stay focused and keep training like crazy.

“My plan for 2021 is that I want to fight three times and get a title shot as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter who has the title or who I have to fight, I want to go get it. I plan to stay at 140. I feel stronger at 140 than I do at 135, so that’s where I want to be. I’m taking it one fight at a time to get to that title shot.”

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.

Liverpool’s Robbie Davies Jr is plotting a big 2021, starting with victory over Gabriel Valenzuela 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, which would see him pick up the vacant IBF Intercontinental Title and a top 15 ranking. 

Former British, Commonwealth and European ruler Davies Jr (20-2, 13 KOs) has boxed just once since his thrilling 12-round war with rival Lewis Ritson in Newcastle, securing a shut-out points victory over Damian Yapur in March last year in his first fight under renowned trainer Dominic Ingle. 

“I’m so excited to be back, it’s been almost a year so I am raring to go,” said Davies Jr. “I’m in some of the best shape of my life. The gym is buzzing at the moment and everyone is working hard. I was feeling like the opportunity wouldn’t come but now I feel ready to showcase everything I’ve been working on.”

Valenzuela (22-2-1, 13 KOs) has only fought outside of his native Mexico on one occasion, but Davies Jr insists there is no chance of him overlooking ‘Nine’, especially after watching his Matchroom stablemate Josh Warrington suffer a shock defeat to Mexico City’s Mauricio Lara over the weekend. 

“I’m expecting Valenzuela to bring his A-game,” added Davies Jr. “I’m expecting a hard fight but I want to move as quickly as possible this year. I want to get a big fight in the summer and another big name at the end of the year. I want this year to really push me on.

“My manager Neil Marsh and my trainer Dom Ingle have got this fight together against Valenzuela and it’s for a belt as well. When I win the IBF Intercontinental Title it will be great to get myself back into the top 15 rankings. The plan is just to win this fight and then push on to a big year.

“In my life in general I’ve always been chasing more, and worrying about things I need in life. Since having my little girl, I’ve realised I have everything I want and more. Real happiness. The motivation to provide and better her little life growing up is a burning fuel inside me.”

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).

CORONA, CA (February 15, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions
first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year will feature a stacked night of boxing as four unbeaten fighters will risk their 0’s. Middleweight, Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will take on Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO) in the 6-round main event bout of the evening.

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.

In the 6-round co-main event, unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), is ready for his showdown with fellow undefeated foe, 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.

Here is what Nathan Weston had to say about training camp, his matchup with Brewart Jr., and more.

On his recent training camp:
“I am not doing a lot of talking for this camp. I am extremely confident that I’ve put in the work to come out victorious. I am training hard, and I am going to knock out Richard Brewart Jr.”

On his matchup with Richard Brewart Jr:
“He is a good fighter, but he was hurt really bad in his last fight and recovered. If I get him hurt, I’m going to finish the job. I have found my ability to be a gentleman outside of the ring and a killer inside of the ring. I have flipped a switch, and because of that I don’t think it really matters who is inside the ring with me.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win in this bout would change my life. I recently became a father and I feel that this man I am fighting is trying to take money from my plate to support my family. I don’t see any other option but winning. When my hands are raised, I’ll be happy to move on to bigger fights.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing:
“It is an honor to fight on a Thompson Boxing card. Because it will be steamed live on YouTube, all my friends and family will be able to tune in and watch. I’m hoping after a spectacular performance, they will bring me back. It means a lot to be on their card.”

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.

LAS VEGAS (February 15, 2020) — Texas middleweight John “The Phenom” Vera returns to the ring March 4th to headline the first 2021 show presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, streaming on UFC FIGHT PASS® from Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The first 2021 installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The 32-year-old Vera (19-1, 11 KOs), fighting out Forth Worth (TX), will take on California veteran Cleotis “Mookie” Pandarvis (21-7-2, 9 KOs) in the 8-round main event.

“We’re excited to kick-off our third year streaming our fights on UFC FIGHT PASS,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-founder Keith Veltre said. “We’re also happy to be going back to Biloxi. Promoting during this pandemic has been a major challenge, but we’re committed to providing a platform for boxing fans a watch competitive, entertaining action RJJ Boxing is known for in the industry.

“Our March 4th show will be headlined by middleweight John Vera against veteran Cleotis Pendarvis. John’s battle back to the top of the division has been slowed because of COVID-19 restrictions, but we believe this is the start of his special journey back to where he belongs. Top middleweights will be put on notice after this fight. We also have some of the best young talent in North America scheduled to fight on our March 4th card.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vera hasn’t fought since last August in Las Vegas, when he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-1). Vera is a former NABA USA (U.S.) super welterweight champion, while Pendarvis was a former USBA lightweight titlist.

“I’m happy to be headlining my first show back in more than a year,” Vera commented between training sessions. “It’s unfortunate I’ve had such a long layoff, but I’m ready to get back at it. 2020 was rough for everyone, but I’ve stayed active, healthy and in shape. Only thing I could do is roll with the punches, Fortunately, I live in Texas, so we didn’t go through much of a lockdown like other states. Physically and mentally I’m in the best place.”

In 2018, Vera traveled to France to fight Michel Soro (31-2-1) for the WBA Interim junior middleweight title, in which Vera lost a 12-round unanimous decision.

In the 8-round co-feature, Georgia light heavyweight Michael Seals (24-3, 8 KOs), who lost his last fight a year ago to Eleider Alvarez, faces Detroit’s upset-minded Demetrious Banks (10-9-1, 5 KOs), a former WBC Youth cruiserweight title challenger.

In a battle of undefeated super featherweights, Dominican prospect Eridson Garcia (10-0, 7 KOs) meets Jose Miguel Diaz Valenzuela (6-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, in a 6-round match.

Roy Jones, Jr. protégé Michael ‘’Boy Wonder’’ Williams, Jr. (14-0, 10 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line in a 6-round bout against Michigan super lightweight Julius Dyis (10-3, 5 KOs). The 21-year-old Williams is trained by living legend Jones.

Scheduled to be in action on the undercard are three undefeated boxers in 6-round bouts: New Orleans super lightweight Jonathan Montrel (8-0, 6 KOs) vs. Ariel “La Guerro” Vazquez (14-28-3, 9 KOs), Texas welterweight Christian Edwards (11-2, 6 KOs) vs. Jonathan Steele (9-6-1, 6 KOs), and Tennessee super lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. TBA. Slated to make his pro debut vs. TBA is Mississippi super welterweight Randy Blythe in a 4-rounder

All fights are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

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

NEW YORK (February 13, 2021) – Two of Split-T Management’s lightweight prospects emerged victorious on Saturday night in separate shows in Las Vegas and Indio, California.

Eric Puente remained perfect with an easy four-round unanimous decision over Sergio Vega to raise his mark to 5-0.

The bout took place at the MGM Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble” in Las Vegas, and was streamed lived on ESPN+

Puente boxed well and followed a solid jab with good left hooks. Vegas was never any concern to the 21 year-old Puente.

Puente, 137 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Vega, 136 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 2-1-1.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

Dalis Kaleiopu was sensational in his pro debut as he stopped Eduardo Sanchez in the third-round of their fight at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Kaleiopu dominated the opening two frames, and in round landed a blistering right uppercut that sent Sanchez down to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 48 seconds into round three.

Kaleiopu, 136 lbs of Waianae, HI is 1-0 with one knockout. Sanchez, 135.6 lbs of Corcoran, CA is 2-4.

“It’s been a long time because of COVID,” said Dalis Kaleiopu. “So, it felt great to finally make my pro debut. I hurt him many times, but I let him go. But then I landed a shot he couldn’t come back from, so it feels good to stop somebody that has never been stopped.

Kaleiopu, who is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Josh Warrington has been given a massive boost by his huge army of fans who bombarded him with messages over the weekend.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ has received thousands since his first ever professional defeat against Mexican Mauricio Lara at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Warrington said: “I am so thankful for the incredible support I have received since Saturday night.

“The support from the public in Leeds has been overwhelming. Also, boxing fans from all over Britain have shown concern and sent lovely messages.

“It’s not been the best weekend, even Leeds United were beaten at Arsenal but I just wanted to take time to say how much these positive messages and social media posts are appreciated.”

Warrington travelled back home to Leeds with his wife, Natasha in the early hours of Sunday Morning to celebrate the third birthday of their twin daughters, Eliza and Olivia.

He added: “Being around my wife and my girls on their third birthday was special. They will always make me smile.

“Their birthday and hearing from so many well-wishers has been a great boost.

“Obviously, I’m hurting inside. I’ve lost my unbeaten record. That’s something I have treasured and it is a dent. Anyone who knows me can tell you I stand proud.”

Warrington, 30, will see a shoulder specialist this week, but doesn’t expect any long-term issues from that or other injuries he sustained in the fight.

When the all-clear is given Josh, father and trainer Sean O’Hagan, manager Steve Wood and promoter Eddie Hearn will map out plans for a ring return.

“I have a small, close-knit team around me and it will not be long before I am ready to start the climb back to the top of the Featherweight division,” says Warrington.

“I may not have to prove myself to my fans, but I want to show them and my rivals that I still belong at the very highest level.

“Good luck to Mauricio Lara who is a serious opponent for anybody. He is heavy-handed and holds power that will trouble any Featherweight.

“Will we meet again in a boxing ring? Who knows. We only fought a couple of days ago. But, if the chance comes I will jump at it.

“It’s now about having a break after 15 months in the gym, recharging my batteries, letting the injuries heal and becoming a two-time World Champion.

“I thank everyone again from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait until we’re lifting the roof off Leeds Arena once more, singing ‘Marching On Together.’”