WORCESTER, Mass. (February 15, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) truly lives up to his nickname in and out of the ring as a skilled boxer, union carpenter, and much more.

Fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, the poised beyond his years Ortiz is making waves in the loaded lightweight division, especially after his scintillating 8th round knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, last November on the Tyson-Jones, Jr. PPV card for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title.

Ortiz, who is a former WBC Youth World lightweight titlist, has moved up in ratings to No. 5 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), as well as No. 31 in the WBC world lightweight rankings.

Ortiz’ apt nickname, “The Technician”, came out of a conversation between Jamaine and a good friend from Worcester, retired 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, a few years ago when they were training with their strength-and-conditioning coach in Boston.

“Right away,” Ortiz said, “I thought it made sense. People were telling me I needed a nickname like all boxers and ‘The Technician” fits my style. Right away, I knew it would be my nickname, because a technician cares about his craft like I do in and out of the ring. I’m very technical in everything I do.”

In 2015, Ortiz because a New England-based union carpenter, although he hasn’t been working often lately due to his rising boxing career. Ortiz noted his work as a carpenter helped his conditioning for boxing by using his muscles to carry tools and wood.

“Being a technician is second nature to me,” Ortiz explained. “I need to cut on the line in finished carpentry. Even if it’s only one-eighth of an inch off, it’s a big deal, and the same in boxing. I need to be at the right distance from my opponent and it has to be fluid: timing, distance and measurement. ‘The Technician’ is self-explanatory. It is who I am – very skilled in my craft! And boxing is the Sweet science.”

Ortiz, however, isn’t your typical boxer. He is focused on his boxing career, but he has other interests as well. In the past, he talked about going to medical school to become a doctor or medical researcher, but his construction work as a carpenter led him to real estate, and now he’s into finance.

“As a kid I was always involved in being everything and anything I could,” Ortiz remarked. “I have settled on what I’m really good at right now and that’s in the ring. Boxing is No. 1! In the future, after boxing, I may go to medical school, but I’ve ben spending a lot of time trading and investing. When I retire from boxing, I may get a license to be a financial advisor and start ‘The Technician Brokerage’ to help athletes invest in the market so they have money after they retire from their sport.

“I have a mentor who I’ve learned from in real estate. I bought a three-decker (house) a few years ago as an investment and I’ve done well. I’ve learned that cash flow is most important, making money while I sleep, as they say. I’m just doing what comes naturally.”

“Jamaine is in the gym and still training hard to keep fit for his next fight,” Ortiz co-manager Dick Shappy added. “So far, he seems to be weathering the storm. He is anxious to get out there and show the world that he is the real deal and given the opportunity, he will prove that he is a force to be reckoned with boxing’s best at the highest levels.”

Jamaine Ortiz is “The Technician” with tremendous upside in the ring and business. And remember, he’s only 24 years old, yet he’s still learning every day about boxing and life to prepare for his future.

NEW YORK (February 13, 2021) – Tonight, two lightweight prospects under the Split-T Management banner will be in action on two separate cards.

In Las Vegas, undefeated Eric Puente makes his first start of 2021, when he takes on Sergio Vega at the MGM Grand Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble.”

Dalis Kaleiopu takes on Eduardo Sanchez at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Puente, 21 of Vista, California, and Vega take part in a four-round bout. Puente will be making his 3rd appearance in “The Bubble” as he is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Norambuena on September 12th.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Puente will be taking on his first undefeated opponent. Vega of Woodland, California is 2-0-1 with both wins coming via knockout. He is coming off a draw with undefeated Diego Elizondo on June 8, 2019.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Puente checked in at 137 lbs. Vega was 136 lbs,

The Puente – Vega bout will be part of an ESPN+ stream, beginning at 8:15. PM ET.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

??Kaleiopu will look to follow his fellow Waianae, Hawaii native and Split-T Stablemate, Asa Stevens in winning his pro debut in 202. Kaleiopu takes on veteran Eduardo Sanchez (2-3) in a four-round bout.

Kaleiopu, 21 years-old won the Western Elite championships in 2018, and in the same year, Kaleiopu was a National Championship runner-up.

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

Kaleiopu was 133.6 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in. Sanchez was 135.6 lbs.

(ESPN, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •     Richard Commey 136 lbs vs. Jackson Marinez 135.5 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Adam Lopez 126 lbs vs. Jason Sanchez 126 lbs 
(Lopez’s NABF Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Jared Anderson 249 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 276 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT)

•   Jahi Tucker 144 lbs vs. Eric Rodriguez 144.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Eric Puente 137 lbs vs. Sergio Vega 136 lbs 
(Lightweight  — 4 Rounds)

•    Troy Isley 157 lbs vs. Bryant Costello 158 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Floyd Diaz 117 lbs vs. Fernando Macias 118 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

February 12, 2021–Acelino Freitas, who was one of boxing’s biggest stars, looked to reclaim the WBO lightweight world title when he fought the surging Zahir Raheem. Relive the match on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Freitas (37-1, 32 KOs) was riding a two-fight winning streak after dropping the WBO title to Diego Corrales. The Brazilian was considered one of the sport’s most exciting fighters based on his prodigious knockout power. Coming off the biggest win of his career by defeating Mexican legend Erik Morales, Raheem (27-1, 16 KOs) earned the shot at the vacant title.

The bout took place on April 29, 2006, at The Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

See if Freitas was able to catch Raheem tonight at 8 PM ET.

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

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

NEW YORK – February 12, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner will end his two-year hiatus from boxing when he faces Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round super lightweight bout 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 BOXINGtelecast also pits 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.

“February 20 is going to be an exciting night with the return of Adrien Broner, one of boxing’s ‘must see’ attractions,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “A former world champion in four weight classes, Adrien remains one of the sport’s most popular and well-known athletes. In the co-main event, we are guaranteed action as former heavyweight title challengers Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin seek another chance to compete for a world championship. Plus Robert Easter continues his campaign at super lightweight as he takes on Ryan Martin, a true 140-pounder with a score to settle from the amateurs. This event is full of intrigue from top to bottom and we can’t wait to see how it will unfold.”

“There is no question that Adrien Broner is a bona fide boxing attraction and he’s never in a boring fight. His credentials as a four-division world champion are unquestioned. It’s good to see him back and ready to go,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin promises to be a heavyweight firefight and Robert Easter Jr. and Ryan Martin are both looking to establish themselves as formidable championship contenders in the super lightweight division. This is a strong PBC card from top to bottom for the fans who tune-in to SHOWTIME on February 20.’’

Cincinnati’s Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), is one of the most popular and colorful personalities in the sport. He quickly rose to prominence by combining supreme boxing with a brash outspoken personality. By the age of 26, he had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, becoming one of only eight active fighters to win a world championship in four divisions. Broner has faced several multi-division world champions such as Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, Mikey Garcia, Jessie Vargas and Manny Pacquiao. Broner returns to the super lightweight division where he dominated Khabib Allakhverdiev to win a 140-pound title in 2015.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring. It’s been a while. This will give me a chance to display my talents and show everybody what they’ve been missing,’’ Broner said. “I’ve been training and working very hard and everybody will see all of that hard work come together on February 20 on SHOWTIME.’’

Hailing from Dorado, Puerto Rico, the undefeated Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his stateside debut against Broner just two months removed from a dominating first-round knockout victory over then-unbeaten Juan Zegarra in the Dominican Republic. In 2017, Santiago defeated former super lightweight world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley via unanimous decision, marking the only time he has allowed his opponent to go the distance since 2015. Known for his come-forward style, Santiago has campaigned at 140 pounds for the majority of his career and ascended to 14^th in the WBA’s super lightweight rankings.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to step into the ring against Adrien Broner. I believe our styles are perfect for each other. But I feel like I have the skills that are necessary to beat him. I just fought a couple months ago so I feel good with the way my training has gone. I’m going to shock everyone on February 20.”

Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) has an impressive knockout ratio and numerous memorable knockout victories, including stoppages of Amir Mansour, Carlos Negron, and then-unbeaten Izuagbe Ugonoh. The 35-year-old has come up short in two heavyweight title opportunities against Deontay Wilder and current unified world champion Anthony Joshua. Born in Glendale, Calif., and now living in Eastvale, Calif., Breazeale was an outstanding high school football player who played quarterback at Northern Colorado University before taking up boxing. The 6-foot-7 heavyweight was also a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic® boxing team.

“Camp has been great. I’m working with my new trainer, Abel Sanchez, up in Big Bear,” Breazeale said. “Otto Wallin is going against a big guy who can punch and throws punches in bunches, so he’s going to be in trouble. I’m going to bring the pressure from the opening bell until the moment he hits the canvas.”

Wallin (21-1, 14 KOs) makes his second appearance on SHOWTIME within the Mohegan Sun “Fight Sphere” after defeating Travis Kauffman via fifth-round TKO in August. Before that, he nearly upset Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that almost halted the fight. While the 30-year-old lost to the lineal heavyweight world champion via unanimous decision, he proved his mettle as a potential heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“Training has been going very well. I’m in a good place,” said Wallin. “Breazeale is a tough customer that’s always in firefights and is entertaining to watch. I believe it’s going to be a good fight. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to try and come out and go after me, so I don’t think I’ll have to look for him. I’m in great shape. I believe I’ll be able to break him down and take him out.”

A former IBF lightweight world champion, Easter (22-1-1, 14 KOs) won the vacant belt with a split decision victory over future world champion Richard Commey in 2016. The 30-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, successfully defended the title three times before losing it to four-division world champion Mikey Garcia in a 2018 unification clash on SHOWTIME. Following a split-draw against Rances Barthelemy in April 2019, Easter made his super lightweight debut on SHOWTIME in October 2019 with a unanimous decision victory over Adrian Granados. 

“My last fight against Adrian Granados helped me get used to fighting at 140 pounds. The time away from the ring has helped me to get comfortable at the weight,’’ Easter said. “Martin has been active and he’s fought some good competition at 140 pounds, and I expect he’ll be at his best when we fight. But I’m going to be ready for anything that he brings to the ring on February 20.”

Martin (24-1, 14 KOs), who hails from Chattanooga, Tenn., has remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic with two stoppage victories since June 2020 including a first-round knockout over Hevinson Herrera in October. Similar to Easter, the 27-year-old has moved to the super lightweight division after many years at 135 pounds. Martin was handed the only loss of his career in 2018 to now-unified 140-pound world champion Josh Taylor. As an amateur, he lost a decision to Easter in the 2012 Olympic qualifiers and was denied an opportunity to represent the United States at the Summer Games in London as an alternate.

“I’m excited to be fighting on PBC on SHOWTIME,” said Martin. “It’s a great opportunity for me to redeem myself for a bad performance overseas against [Josh] Taylor. That experience is going to help. I’m coming to fight and to win.”

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

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

Both the undefeated sons of former two-time and undisputed heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman were victorious in fights last week, as heavyweight Hasim “Gold Blooded” Rahman Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) notched a second-round TKO over Mexico’s Alejandro de la Torre at the Salon de Eventos in Heroica Matamoros, Mexico and on Friday, February 5, and younger brother Sharif “C3” Rahman (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Haitian opponent Gladimir Jacinto at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 6.

The brothers, both signed to New York-based promoter Greg Cohen’s GCP, say it was nice to get back in the ring after an extended Covid-related period of inactivity.

Splitting his training time between the Upton Boxing Gym in his hometown of Baltimore with Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis and DLX Boxing in Las Vegas, where he’s trained by Dewey Cooper and his father, Hasim Sr., Rahman says he stayed ready the whole time for the chance to get back in. “Whenever it was open, I’ve been in the gym the whole time and looking forward to getting back. It felt great to get in there and get one that counts.”

A four-year pro and an accomplished amateur before that, Rahman Jr. says 2021 is the year he levels up in the family business. “This year, I want some better competition,” he said. “It’s clear that I can handle myself with B and C level opponents, so I’m looking to go ahead and get some more competitive fights this year and hopefully get on TV. I feel like I was born ready.”

Often on the smallish side, especially weight-wise, for today’s big men, Rahman says he’s looking forward to testing the waters in boxing’s newest weight class.

“My entire career has already been at bridgerweight,” he said. “I love everything about this new division. If you look at the top-50 heavyweights, you’d have to stretch to find more than a few that weighed under 225. That tells you they made this new weight class for a reason, to make it more competitive for guys around the cruiserweight limit. I think it’s perfect and I’ll definitely be campaigning at bridgerweight. If I don’t get a crack at that title, I’ll make my way down to cruiserweight. It’s not too far. I’m comfortable in either division.”

Sharif Rahman, who recently signed and joined his brother and his father before them as a member of the GCP stable, says the victory, his first in nearly three years, was a homecoming, even though it was in Mexico. “It’s rough getting fights in the US right now, so it felt great,” said Rahman. “In the ring is home for me. As far as my performance, it was good, but I can do a lot better.”

Rahman says his other family members’ experiences with GCP put him at total ease with his new promoter. “I’m looking to get to 10-0 this year,” he continued. “I hadn’t fought for a while because I had no backing and a lot of my scheduled bouts have fallen out, but I’ve known Greg since I was an amateur and I’ve got nothing but good things to say. He takes care of me well. I could have signed with Greg a while ago, but he didn’t want me to fight at 168 lbs. Now that I’m 100% disciplined and have made the sacrifices, he agreed to promote me at 154 lbs. and 147 lbs. as more appropriate weight classes. That’s fine with me because I want to be a multi-division champion.”

Like his brother, also a decorated former amateur, Rahman says fighting as a professional out of DLX Boxing in Las Vegas with trainer Chris Catalan and signed to GCP will finally allow him to let his true talents shine. “I’ve always had more of a pro style. Growing up watching my father train with fighters like Zab Judah, William Joppy and Floyd Mayweather, I would watch them and model my style after them. I’m more calculated and selective than an amateur.”

Father Hasim Rahman Sr. watched both his sons’ fights and indicates he is happy with the way things are going. “I was pleased with both outcomes to say the least,” said the elder Rahman. “I’m not concerned with rushing them. I feel like as long as they are progressing and moving forward to their goals, I’m happy. I’m also glad they are both signed to Greg Cohen now. Greg is an extended member of our family. I could have found a more prominent promoter to sign them with, but I know Greg has their best interests at heart, even beyond boxing. And I know for a fact Greg can get the job done because he got it done for me on several occasions. I have another son Hasan coming up and every one of us are going to sign with Greg automatically.”

Promoter Cohen says both brothers have big years in store for them under his guidance.

“Hasim Jr. is ready for another level,” said Cohen. “He is walking through the preliminary level of opponents. We hope to have him in with another prospect or a solid contender soon. And Sharif, he has turned his whole career around by focusing all his efforts. He looked terrific last week. I’ll be looking to continue his development by keeping him much more active in the next 12 months.”

INDIO, CALIF. (Feb. 11, 2021): Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1, 15 KOs) and Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino ahead of their 12-round fight for Diaz Jr.’s IBF Junior Lightweight Championship.

The fight, which will headline a stacked card of action, will take place this Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Below is what both fighters had to say at the presser:

Joseph Diaz Jr, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion:

“I’m focused on going out there and performing at my best. I want to entertain fight fans and show them what I am all about. I want to show that I am the best at 130 pounds.”

“It’s been a year-long layoff, but it’s been a great year-long layoff. I was able to witness the birth of my son, and I was able to spend some time away from boxing. I was able to enjoy life as a normal person.”

“But now I have this tough challenger ahead of me. We’ve taken this fight very seriously. We know exactly what he is all about. We know what he’s capable of doing, and we know he is a serious threat, but we know we’ll be able to adapt to anything on Saturday night.”

“I don’t feel like I get the respect that I deserve in this division. In my career in general, I haven’t gotten the respect that I deserve. But it’s all good. I’ve already dealt with so much adversity in my life. I’m already immune to it. I just focus on training as hard as I can to get the job done that night.”

“I faced a bit of adversity in the Gary Russell Jr. fight. I learned a lot that night. But I won’t let anything else prevent me from being what I want to be and doing what I want to do I the ring.”

“I’m ready for anything this Saturday. I’m ready for anything that he will bring to the table. If he thinks he will come in here and overwhelm me with his power–that is not going to happen. I’m strong and I’m big just like him. I will be able to take his shots and give them back. I worked my ass off to get this belt, and I’m not letting go.”

Shavkat Rakhimov, World Title Challenger:

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My dream has finally come true, so I am very glad.”

“Our game plan this Saturday is to do anything possible to win the fight. The key is to do anything that needs to be done to win. Diaz is going to be in for a big surprise on Saturday.”

“JoJo is a good boxer. But he will not be able to handle my power.”

#

Diaz Jr. vs. Rakhimov is a 12-round fight for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with RCC Boxing Promotions. Teixeira vs. Castaño is the 12-round co-main event for the WBO
Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

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

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

HOLLYWOOD, CA (February 11, 2021) – 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), scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2021, on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round co-main event is expected to be a 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 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 Katsuma Akitsugi had to say about his upcoming fight with Dinong, training camp with coach Eddie Hernandez, and more.

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been training non-stop since my last fight in September and now it’s time to get busy again. I feel I’m hitting with more power as I’m learning to sit on my punches and my coach Eddie Hernandez is working on a lot of fundamentals. I stay ready all the time so fans can expect me to be at my best when I step in the ring. All the hard work will be on display on fight night.”

On his matchup with Arnold Dinong:
“This will be my toughest opponent to date, but it’s a fight I believe I can win. Dinong is undefeated for a reason, he’s a very skilled fighter and I’m going to make this fight a war and force him to clash with me. I hope he’s ready for a dog fight because I’m not going to let him breathe.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win against Dinong will certainly put propel me to bigger opportunities. I’m hoping a victory will get me one step closer to being ranked in the top 15 of a sanctioning body and I know I have a long way to go, but a win against another undefeated fighter can only help my career.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing for the second time:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Thompson Boxing Promotions has given me once again. I know right now it’s very difficult to get a fights, so I’m very thankful. I’m going to make the most out of this opportunity so I can comeback as soon as they want me to step back in the ring but first I have to beat Dinong.”

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 11, 2021) — Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov — for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title — has been postponed after Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19. 

Vlasov said, “I am devastated with the postponement of my world title fight against Joe Smith Jr. I have been following strict protocols, I have done regular testing with negative results, and I have no symptoms. I am well prepared and had an excellent training camp. I look forward to the rescheduling of the fight and the opportunity to display my world class skills.”

The Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event and will headline the ESPN-televised tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In the new co-feature, action star Adam Lopez will defend his NABF featherweight belt in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Jason Sanchez. The ESPN telecast will open with Toledo heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs) against Kingsley Ibeh in a six-rounder.

Undercard bouts, including the professional debut of former U.S. amateur star Troy Isley, will stream live on ESPN+ at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

Providence, RI (February 11, 2021) – The “hardest working promoter in combat sports,” an eclectic personality in and out the ring, father figure to fighters young and old, and a spirited ambassador for women’s boxing – Jimmy Burchfield Sr.’s list of accolades has grown exponentially over the course of his marvelous, five-decade career.

As he closes in on 30 years as a licensed promoter, the World Boxing Council is paying Burchfield the ultimate honor, awarding the CES Boxing and CES MMA president with its Green and Gold WBC World Champion Belt as part of a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his vast contributions to the sport.

“We are honored to present the WBC Green and Gold belt to ‘Uncle Jimmy,’ as he is a champion of life and has dedicated so many years to change the lives of many fighters through his relentless will to promote our sport,” said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. “He is an inspiration to many by living a meaningful, successful life.”

“My relationship with the WBC, starting with the late, great Jose Sulaiman and continuing with his son, Mauricio, spans several decades, so to receive this award is a tremendous honor,” added Burchfield. “I am incredibly humbled to be recognized by a sanctioning body that has crowned so many noteworthy champions throughout boxing’s illustrious history. I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”

Known affectionally throughout the sport as “Mr. B,” Burchfield first became involved in boxing as a judge, traveling internationally to score world title bouts in Sicily and Paris. As a promoter, Burchfield guided five-time world champion Vinny Paz, promoting his 50th and final win, and launched the careers of many of the northeast region’s greatest fighters, including “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Peter Manfredo, Scott Pemberton, Matt Godfrey, and former U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, among others.

The tradition has continued into the new millennium, too, as Burchfield is the only promoter in the world to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions, including undefeated lightweight Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz of Worcester, MA, who recently dazzled in front of a worldwide audience on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. showcase in November. At 14-0, Ortiz is on the fast track to stardom and, perhaps, a shot at a world title, continuing Burchfield’s legacy is one of the sport’s top talent evaluators.

One of his greatest achievements is his dedication to promoting women’s boxing and serving as a pioneer in the sport during a time in which many promoters refused to take such risks. Burchfield helped launch the career of former three-time world champion boxer Jamie Clampitt, former world lightweight title-holder Elizabeth Mueller, two-time world champion Missy Fiorentino, former World Boxing Council middleweight world champion Kali Reis, world-title challenger Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes, and two-time world champion Shelly Vincent.

After promoting his first event in 1992 at the Rocky Point Palladium in Warwick, RI, Burchfield continued to develop champions well into the 21st century and earned several noteworthy awards, including the NABF Promoter of the Year in 2004 in addition to his 2011 induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Burchfield also promoted Oliveira’s epic 2001 showdown against Ben Tackie at Foxwoods Resort Casino, which set a modern-day CompuBox record for most punches thrown.

As the landscape of combat sports began to change, Burchfield adapted, making history in 2010 with the launch of his mixed martial arts division, CES MMA, and promoting Rhode Island’s first sanctioned event later that year at Twin River Casino Hotel. Years later, he continued his reign in the northeast by guiding hard-hitting Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach to the top of the division, culminating in a world-title showdown against Vladimir Klitschko in Germany. His development of Philadelphia lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy led to Lundy’s No. 1 world ranking and eventual world title shot against pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden in 2016.

A fixture on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights for decades, Burchfield proudly promotes his fighters on various platforms. Within four years of its inception, CES MMA became a household name on AXS TV before signing a multi-year agreement with international streaming giant UFC Fight Pass, which now live streams both CES MMA and CES Boxing.

The history and pageantry of the WBC’s infamous green and gold belt is undeniable; the modern-day design first launched in 1976, the second generation of championship belts presented the WBC and the first of its kind with the green strap and gold emblem. The late, great WBC president, Jose Sulaiman, designed the second-generation belt, which was worn by the likes of Larry Holmes, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, and Alexis Arguello, among others. Today’s fifth-generation belt features the images of Jose Sulaiman and pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather, an ode to the sport’s most important personalities.

INFORMATION

CES MMA is a mixed martial arts promotional company based out of Providence, R.I., founded by legendary boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. It promoted the first sanctioned professional mma event in the state of Rhode Island on Sept. 17, 2010 at Twin River Casino Hotel. Since its inception, CES MMA has been a gateway to the UFC developing the careers of UFC contenders Calvin Kattar, Rob Font, Charles Rosa, William Knight, Mike Rodriguez, Tony Gravely, Andre Soukhamthath and others. In October 2012, CES MMA promoted its first pay-per-view event at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, featuring the professional MMA debut of former WWE superstar Dave Bautista, and recently signed a two-year extension to broadcast exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, Darren and Andy, joining us live on Sky Sports as well. We are so happy to be back! 2021 here we go. We’re back behind closed doors but it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest year yet for Matchroom Boxing as we go global. The start of twelve shows in eight weeks, in seven different countries. Firstly, this Saturday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. The return of the No.1 Featherweight Josh Warrington against Mauricio Lara. Kiko Martinez against Zelfa Barrett, Reece Mould against Leigh Wood, Dalton Smith against Ishmael Ellis, Hopey Price against Mendoza and this one to kick us off, Ibrahim Nadim against Jonny Phillips.”

Josh Warrington – Leeds, England – 30-0, 7 KOs – fighting Mauricio Lara in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“He’s got a better knockout ratio than I have. But can he do the 12 rounds as well as I can? Has he got as much experience? I don’t think he can. But that’s up to me to expose that. He’s got punch power but, if I’m not there to be hit, he’ll be hitting thin air. It won’t go past six rounds. I strongly believe that. The way I’ve been hitting with 16oz gloves on? When I then put the 8oz gloves on and see the gaps in his defence, I expect an early night. But I’m experienced over 12 rounds. I’ve done marathons. I can do it at a good pace. This man here has no pressure. He is full of Mexican pride. I’m a big fan of Mexican fighters and how they wear their hearts on their sleeves. He will bring it but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This guy is a real puncher. He will bring it, which will tune me up nicely for the fights down the line. Make no mistake, I’m treating him like a monster because I can’t afford a slip-up.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 21-2, 14 KOs – fighting Josh Warrington in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“Thank you very much. Thanks for the invitation. It’s a lovely country that you’ve got here despite the fact that we haven’t been able to go out at all. It is a great opportunity for me and Josh Warrington is going to face a really tricky fighter in me. I’m also aware that I’m coming up agains the No.1 ranked fighter and it’s my opportunity to show the people of Mexico and everyone what I can do. I enjoy coming for war. We’re going to clash in the ring, that’s definitely going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. From the first bell I will be looking for the knockout. If it goes the distance I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready for whatever comes. I’d love to make history on February 13th, to take this victory home to Mexico City. It is a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of it.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 24-1, 15 KOs – defending his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against Kiko Martinez:

“I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I respect Kiko for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. I believe that I’m one of the best. It’s my time to shine and to show how good I am. Styles make fights. When I fight another guy like Eric Donovan, slick and tricky, I’ll learn from that. Kiko is coming, I know he’s coming, I can see him coming now! We’re ready for what he’s going to bring. Fight Camp was a good experience and Eric Donovan was a good fighter. I’m ready for anything. However he comes out I’ll just work on that. I’ll do what I’ve got to do. I know what he’s coming to do. He’s coming to fight. He’s coming for war. We’re ready. I know what I want and I know where we’re going. Kiko is a good fighter and beating him will put me in a good position.”

Kiko Martinez – Alicante, Spain – 41-9-2, 29 KOs – challenging Zelfa Barrett for his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“It’s great to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be here again. It is true, we’ve had some great nights in the past. This is a huge fight for me, and the opportunity for me to make history, to be one of the few people that have won Titles in three different weight classes. I’m very excited and prepared to face a really good fighter in Barrett on Saturday. It’s to make history, to make history in the ring. I’ve never been content with money alone, the only thing that makes me happy is being active as a fighter. It’s about doing all that I can, and giving my all every time that I step into the ring. I’m super prepared. Extremely prepared.”

Leigh Wood – Nottingham, England – 23-2, 13 KOs – fighting Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“I’m extremely confident of winning that British Title on Saturday night. New trainer, not so much new things. Obviously there’s only so many punches in boxing that you can learn. The perception of it, how you look at it, how you view it, how you set things up, keeping my base, just fundamentals. Drilling it and drilling it thousands of times. I’m really feeling confident ahead of Saturday night. I’ve said a few things that he’s taken as disrespectful. I’m not disrespecting him. I rate him, he’s a good fighter, 13-0, in and out of a gym with a World Champion. I’ve heard a lot of sparring rumours as well. I just believe that anyone I’m in with on Saturday night, I’m coming away with the win. I spent most of my career on my back foot. Dancing around, switching and moving. It’s one way of boxing but with my power, Ben was scratching his head at why I wasn’t using it. We’ve changed things in sparring and it’s coming together. Everyone that has ever taken me on the pads can vouch for me that I’m a big puncher. There’s more to boxing than punching. You’ve got to set it up. You’ve got to be smart. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Reece Mould – Doncaster, England – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Leigh Wood for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“Boxing is all about timing and I believe this is the right time for this fight. I’m going to win this fight and go onto bigger things. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting an easy night. I’ve said all along that it’s not going to be an easy fight. If Leigh comes to bring it and trade with me then I believe I’ll get him out of there early. We’re going to push him all the way. I’m expecting Leigh to bring his best. He’s got everything on his shoulders for this fight. He’s got to win the fight so he’s going to bring his best, but I believe my best beats Leigh Wood’s best.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 6-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ishmael Ellis in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’d have like to have got out before the end of last year but I got COVID-19 so we had to take our time. I’m happy that I’m back out on the first card of the year. This isn’t the fight that we originally had scheduled in but again, we can’t argue with that, it’s nobody’s fault. Now I’m facing Ishmael Ellis who is a lively opponent. I didn’t want anyone to step in as just a knock-over. We managed to get a lively opponent and we’ve got a good fight on Saturday. These guys facing me have got everything to gain and nothing to lose. For me, mainly I’ve got everything to lose. There’s a lot of pressure in these fights but this is the game we’re in. I want to keep on propelling my career further and further up. I’ve got to take these challenges. I think the better my opposition gets the better you’ll see of me.”

Ishmael Ellis – Birmingham, England – 11-3 – fighting Dalton Smith in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m 100% here to win this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity again. Thank you Dalton as well. It’s a massive opportunity for me. A lot of fighters have been turning these opportunities down but us underdog fighters can’t be turning down these opportunities. I do believe that I can give him a good fight on Saturday night. I took that loss last year. It was my own fault. I wasn’t really prepared for the fight, I was out of training. The opportunity came and I was just eager to fight. I just want to keep on going. I’ve had a bit more time to prepare for this one. I haven’t taken this fight just to go down in the first round and leave. I’ve come here to prove myself and gain something from this.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Daniel Mendoza in a six round Featherweight contest:

“We’ve been back and forth with a few different opponents. I’ve just got to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night. Now I’ve finally got an opponent I can just go out there and do what I’ve been working on in the gym. Obviously we have to move a bit quicker because of the pandemic. Me and Dave feel like I’m ready to move quicker anyway. I think with my ability and my boxing brain I’m ready to do so. These sort of fights are great experience for me for when I do eventually step-up. Having Jonny Phillips as my third fight has helped me improve as a fighter. I think I just need to keep taking these step-ups. That’s what is going to get me to where I need to be in the end.”

Daniel Mendoza – Chichigalpa, Nicaragua – 11-11, 4 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’d like to thank god first and foremost for being here. Thanks also to the promoters. It is true that I really like tough fights and it is going to be another one on Saturday night but I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I go into the ring it’s not about fighting, it is about winning. I always give my best and I have great heart. I will be doing that in the ring.”

Ibrahim Nadim – Keighley, England – 2-0 – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports for the opportunity. It’s good to be back boxing again. It’s a tough test but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. It’s been frustrating, but if you look at the positive side of things, it has given me more time to learn in the ring. I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I want to be in exciting fights like this.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-5, 2 KOs – fighting Ibrahim Nadim in a six round Featherweight contest:

“This time you’ve given me four weeks’ notice not four days! I’ve managed to make the weight quite comfortably. I made it at the start of the week. Mentally, we’re all there. Everything is in place now. I felt good in that last one but it was rushed and it was my first time being on Sky. That was hyped up. Now I’m used to it all. I’m buzzing, I cannot wait to get in there. I’m not in this game for money or fame. I want glory. I want to end my career with any belt. Beating him is going to hopefully put me a step closer to you offering me a Title fight.”

Matchroom Boxing Spain will return to the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona on Friday March 26 for a huge night of European Title action as local favourite Sandor Martin puts his Super-Lightweight crown on the line against Kay Prosper and Featherweight Champion Andoni Gago defends his Featherweight belt against Gavin McDonell, live on DAZN. 
 
Barcelona’s Martin (36-2, 13 KOs) claimed the European 140lbs Title by dominating Italy’s Andrea Scarpa and becoming the first man to stop him in July 2019, before widely outpointing Britain’s former champion Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show from his home country in December that year.
 
Luton’s English Champion Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs) beat Sam O’Maison at London’s iconic York Hall in September 2019 at the second time of asking to become the town’s first ever national champion. ‘Special K’ had missed out to O’Maison earlier in the year, with a controversial draw, but the now 36-year-old took the rematch unanimously on points to claim his first professional Title.
 
Bilbao’s Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs) won the 126lbs Euro Title in his home city back in June 2019, outpointing Madrid’s Jesus Sanchez to earn a split decision win. ‘El Macho’ won his next two contests early, stopping Carlos Arroyo in two rounds a year ago before earning a fifth-round technical decision against Brayan Mairena last October after an unintentional headbutt.
 
Doncaster’s two-time Super-Bantamweight World Title challenger McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight European Champion after winning and defending the 122lbs Title in 2015. The 34-year-old is looking to revive his career after moving up in weight following his loss to Daniel Roman in Chicago in 2018.  
 
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) keeps busy as he looks to defend his Title later in the year and Bilbao’s former European Welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
 
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “This is a huge card for Spanish boxing and we can’t wait to return on March 26. As Matchroom Boxing continues its global expansion, Spain remains a big focus for us and this double European Title card features some of the country’s strongest talents with two hungry Brits looking to come and rip the Titles from them. Don’t miss all the action live on DAZN.”

DETROIT – February 8, 2021 – Undefeated three-division world champion Claressa Shields has left camp at the Jackson Wink MMA Gym in Albuquerque, N.M., working on her MMA training, and resumed boxing training in Florida with elite trainer John David Jackson.

Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) says she and Jackson are catering their training to the fighting style of upcoming opponent Marie-Eve Dicaire (17-0), whom she will face in a 10-round 154-pound unification showdown in the main event of “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE,” a tribute to International Women’s Day, broadcast live on InDemand Pay-Per-View and livestreaming service FITE.TV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) on Friday, March 5 from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan.

“Training has been going really well,” said Shields. “I was home in Flint for a week and now I’m back here in Florida reuniting with my coach, John David Jackson. It will be great to just focus on boxing training and get ready for my 2021 debut. We are working on a lot of different elements for this camp. Dicaire tends to move a lot, so I’m definitely working on my cardio. This week, I’m also focused on, getting my timing right, but I will be ready for whatever she brings.”

Shields, who will attempt to become the first boxer in the four-belt era, male or female, to be crowned undisputed world champion in two different weight divisions when she faces Dicaire, says the fight being rescheduled due to the pandemic has been frustrating, but she is feeling good and taking every precaution to ensure the potentially historical superfight happens in March.

“We’ve been waiting for this fight to happen for months, so I’m just excited to be back in a boxing training camp and preparing to step back in the ring. We are definitely being safe here in training camp. I’m taking a COVID-19 test weekly and wearing a mask everywhere I go. This fight date has been affected multiple times by the pandemic, but it won’t disrupt my training and preparation for my first PPV.”

With so much world-title-fight experience, despite having just 10 professional fights thus far, Shields says the unbeaten Dicaire will pose some challenges, but none that she can’t adjust to and overcome.

“Dicaire is my first southpaw, but she won’t be the first undefeated champion that I’ve been in the ring with. This will be another chance for me to show off my ring IQ and all of the tools in my arsenal. I’ve been out of the ring for over a year, but on March 5, I’m going to remind everyone why I’m the GWOAT.”

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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.

HAYWARD, CA (February 10, 2021) – Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion, Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), has arrived in Hayward, California, to start training camp with coach Virgil Hunter. Barrios, who resides in San Antonio, TX, recently defended his title against Ryan Karl (18-3, 12 KOs) in October of 2020. Barrios is awaiting a fight date from the PBC to make his 2021 debut.

“Leaving home early to start training camp with Virgil has been the game changer in my career,” said Barrios, who has stopped nine of his last ten opponents. “It’s a sacrifice that I feel needs to be made as enter the second half of my career. All the fights from here on out will be against top level opposition, and there is no room for error. Everything is on the line each and every time I step in the ring so I’m doing everything in my power to stay on top.”

There are many big opportunities for Mario Barrios, who at 25-years old, is on the verge of super stardom.

“I know there are plenty of big names that for me to fight that the fans want to see,” Barrios continued. “After talking to my team, I’m excited about what lies ahead, and the possible names that have been presented. 2021 will be another monumental year in my career.”

Mauricio Lara says he is ready to go to war with former IBF Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The 22-year-old from Mexico City is ranked in the top ten in the world with the IBF and is currently enjoying a ten-fight winning streak that stretches back to May 2018 when he suffered only his second career loss at the hands of Eliot Chavez.

‘Bronco’ (21-2, 14 KOs) has only fought outside of Mexico on one occasion, a win over Eduardo Estela in Argentina in 2019, but the youngster is full of confidence and believes he can rip up the script by claiming the biggest scalp in the 126lbs division this weekend. 

“Initially when I heard it was a World Title fight, I was really excited and motivated,” said Lara on a recent media call. “When the news came that it was no longer going to be a World Title fight it didn’t change things. I remained just as motivated. We’ve prepared to do a job and that’s what we’re going to do. 

“Recently becoming a father to a daughter is an extra motivation for me. It’s always an extra motivation for me when I enter the ring, whether that is for training or fighting. I’ve prepared to come and win. I know that I am going to win. I’ve prepared really hard to go to war in the ring. 

“I’m not concerned about the decisions of the judges if it goes to points. We’ve come prepared to win, whether that is by knockout, which would be ideal, but if not, I’m going to make sure it is a clear victory so it doesn’t need to depend on the judges. Either way, I think they will do their jobs correctly. 

“It’s normal for fighters in Mexico to begin their careers very young and that was the case for me. I’m going to use that to my advantage when I go into this particular fight. Josh Warrington is seen as the world’s number one Featherweight fighter in Mexico, and he’s number one for a reason. They also believe in me, and they know that I am going to war in London on Saturday.”

Warrington vs. Lara tops Matchroom’s first show of 2021, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Title against Spain’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-9-2, 29 KOs) in the chief support bout, Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Doncaster man Reece Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant British Featherweight Title, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ishmael Ellis (11-3), Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) sees action and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps-up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

Miami, Florida –  Super welterweight prospect Gorjan “Gogo” Slaveski (6-1) returns to the ring this Saturday night when he faces Antonio Hernandez in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds. 

Hernandez has faced several top prospects from the super welterweight division up to the super middleweight division.  In 2020 he went the distance with Lorenzo Simpson and upset a then 9-0 Destyne Butler. 

Like many fighters, Slaveski had his 2020 campaign effected by the coronavirus pandemic. He was only able to fight once, stopping Zachariah Kelley in 3 rounds in August. 

The Macedonia native has relocated to South Florida and has put together a new team. 

“I feel very fortunate to be working with my new manager Luis Molina, boxing coach Derik Santos and my strength coach Phil Daru. I also am working with Maureen Shea who advises me in both areas. I have worked in the past with other trainers but there has never been so much focus put on my boxing fundamentals.  I hope that one day Luis Molina will have the first Macedonian world champion. My goal is to make that history,” Slaveski stated. 

Slaveski’s only career defeat came against unbeaten prospect Isiah Stevens in 2019.  Even though he took the fight on only one day’s notice, he scored a knockdown on the way to losing a  controversial majority decision. 

New trainer Derik Santos believes the sky is the limit for Slaveski.   

“Gogo came to us and asked if we would be interested in working with him. I told him I’d give him a look and after a few workouts what I realized was that this kid is very athletic and has a ton of upside. He just did not yet have the knowledge of what to do with it. Even though he is a professional he had a very limited amateur career. I really kept coming back to his upside. The rest of the team came together and we all felt the same. For this weight division he has the speed, power, and athletic ability to compete at the highest level. So now he is doing his part and our part is to teach and guide him through with an on the job education,” said Santos. 

The plan is for Slaveski to fight 5 times in 2021 and get closer to being ranked by the major sanctioning bodies. He has fought the majority of his career at super middleweight and is now beginning the process of moving down to the 154 pound super welterweight limit. 

Jonny Phillips is planning on handing Keighley Featherweight prospect Ibrahim Nadim his first loss when they collide on the undercard of Josh Warrington vs. Mauricio Lara at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Matador’, or ‘Mental Jonny Phillips’ as promoter Eddie Hearn calls him, won fans over with his crazy antics in the Essex bubble last summer ahead of his points loss to highly-rated Leeds Featherweight talent Hopey Price on the second instalment of Matchroom Fight Camp. 

Phillips jumps back in the ring with another top youngster this weekend, Ricky Hatton-trained 21-year-old Nadim, who has won both of his professional outings on points. The business owner from Sandhurst believes he will have too much experience and size for Nadim.  

“I really enjoyed Fight Camp,” said Phillips. “You’re having breakfast, lunch and dinner with the person you’re about to have a tear up with. Seeing the person you’re about to trade leather with every day is quite weird. It was like a little holiday for me really – I loved the whole experience.

“To be honest I never watch any of my opponents. My coach does that because he knows more than me. We’ve come up with a little game-plan. We’re just going to get in there and get the job done. I’ve had the right amount of time to get the weight off. 

“Last time I had to cut a lot of weight, and because it was around the first lockdown, I hadn’t been in the gym that much. I haven’t left the gym since that fight really. Mentally, I’m ready for everything, and I really think it’s going to be my night. I’m going to go out there and steal the show for a second time. 

“I’m ready to rock and roll. My team tell me he’s a good amateur and he has a good jab. There’s a couple of negative things they’ve seen in him. That’s what we’ve been working on. I’m not going to take anything away from him. There’s no bad blood there. I think Hopey is a little bit better than him.

“I’m actually stepping down another weight so I’m going to be an absolute monster in there compared to him. I just don’t think he’s experienced enough. This is my eleventh pro fight now – I’ve been in there with World Title contenders and British Champions. 

“He’s had two fights against two bums and he couldn’t even stop them. I’m not worried at all. He seems like an alright fella and he was a good amateur, but I think I’m going to smash his face in for him. I’ve had four weeks’ notice and it feels like I’ve had a full camp. I just can’t wait to get in the bubble.”

Nadim vs. Phillips is part of a big night of action as live boxing returns to the UK, Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs), Zelfa Barrett defends his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against former World Champion Kiko Martinez, Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Doncaster man Reece Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant British Featherweight Title, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ishmael Ellis (11-3) and Leeds starlet Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) sees action.

Cleveland, Ohio – Willie Nelson (27-3-1) is looking to make a big impact in 2021. Like many fighters, Nelson’s 2020 campaign was aborted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nelson has been a top contender in the super welterweight division the past several years but will campaign as a full fledged middleweight when he returns to the ring.  The middleweight division has produced some of the biggest fights in boxing in recent years and there are several fighters who interest Nelson.

“I just want to get in the mix. (Gennadiy) Golovkin is a guy I want to fight.  I think his style and mine would produce the type of fight that the fans would love.  I also am looking at guys like Rob Brant, Jaime Munguia, Ryota Murata, and Jermall Charlo.  I want to fight the top guys in the division. If I can’t get a champion right away get me a top contender that would put me in position to fight for a title,” Nelson explained.

The 33 year old has never backed down from a challenge and is no stranger to big fights having fought on HBO, Showtime and ESPN throughout his career.  He holds a big knockout victory over former champion Tony Harrison and also handed top prospects Yudel Johnson and John Jackson their first professional losses.  Nelson has also faced WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade and former title challenger Vanes Martirosyan.

“I feel a lot stronger at 160.  The last couple fights was a struggle to get down in weight.  I haven’t taken much punishment and feel like I am in the prime of my career. I can’t wait to begin this next chapter of my career. I just need to get a chance with one of these big names to remind everyone what I am capable of,” said Nelson.

CORONA, CA (February 8, 2021) – Due to sickness, welterweight Saul Bustos (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will have to step down from his scheduled 8-round bout with Todd Manuel (18-17, 5 KOs), that was set to be the main event for Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1. Boxing show on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

?A battle of unbeaten middleweights will now serve as the new main event as Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO), will face Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs), in a 6-round bout.

Undefeated super bantamweights, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO) and Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO) will square off in the 6-round co-main event. In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva of Fontana, CA, will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 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.

“It’s unfortunate that Bustos got sick, but I think we rebounded nicely,” said promoter Ken Thompson. “Brewart Jr. vs. Weston and Dinong vs. Akitsugi are two great fights pitting undefeated fighters who will be putting their “0’s” on the line.”

“This card will continue to be very explosive as both our main and co-main events have hungry, young, unbeaten fighters going to battle,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager and creator of 3.2.1 Boxing. “I’m expecting a lot of fireworks to be on display.”

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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Philadelphia, PA (February 8, 2021) – This past Saturday, William Foster III came into Philadelphia and won a six-round unanimous decision over Donald Smith, in battle of undefeated featherweights.

The bout topped a five-bout RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

The show was streamed live on FITE.TV, and still can be purchased on-demand for $9.99

Foster did well by taking the fight on the inside and grind out the rounds. Smith did well when he was able to create space, but Foster controlled the geography of the contest, and won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice.

Foster of New Haven, Connecticut raised his perfect ledger to 12-0. Smith of Philadelphia is now 10-1.

Nahir Albright needed just 54 seconds to dispose of veteran Darnell Jiles Jr. in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout.

In the opening seconds of the bout, Albright came out and landed a hard combination that stunned Jiles and forced a standing eight-count by referee Benjy Esteves. Albright continued his furious assault as he buckled Jiles and the fight was stopped.

CLICK TO WATCH NAHIR ALBRIGHT’S 1ST ROUND STOPPAGE

Albright of Sicklerville, NJ is now 9-1 with three knockouts. Jiles of Rochester, NY is 9-6.

Rashiem Jefferson Jr. was impressive in controlling the action to gain a four-round unanimous decision over upset-specialist James Early in a featherweight contest.

Jefferson of Philadelphia is now 4-0. Early of Seat Pleasant, Md. is 5-7.

Sharif Rahman dropped Gladimir Jacinto three-times en-route to a third-round stoppage in their scheduled four-round junior middleweight contest.

Rahman dropped Jacinto once in round two, and two more times in round three to force the stoppage upon the final knockdown.

Rahman of Baltimore, Md. is now 4-0 with three knockouts. Jacinto of Fresno, Ca. is 0-3.

New Jersey Golden Gloves champion Derrick Starling was successful in his pro debut as he pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Nunez in a heavyweight bout.

Starling of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37, and is now 1-0. Nunez of Reading, PA is 0-2.

RDR Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena on Saturday, March 6th. The lineup will be announced shortly.

Joel Diaz says his work with new charge Avni Yildirim will shock the world when he takes on WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens in Florida on Saturday February 27, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS ARE ON GENERAL SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER – TICKETS START AT $55 (PLUS FEES) – FANS CAN VISIT WWW.HARDROCKSTADIUM.COM/BOXING FOR MORE DETAILS

Star trainer Diaz teamed up with Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) late in October 2019 but due to the COVID pandemic, the showdown with Canelo will be their first fight together after 18 months of work, with Yildirim’s last action coming in February 2019 when he faced Anthony Dirrell for the vacant WBC strap in Minnesota.

Inactivity might be a hindrance to many ahead of taking on the pound-for-pound number one, but Diaz is happy that they have been able to work on the Turkish man’s arsenal and rid him of his ‘Mr Robot’ style behind closed doors, and Diaz believes that fight fans and pundits will meet a new Avni Yildirim on February 27 – one that’s ready to shock the world against Canelo (54-1-2 36 KOs).

“Avni came to Indio and in the first week of training he fell in love with my work,” said Diaz. “He was the happiest guy I’ve ever met because this guy is not only a gym rat and a hard worker, but he’s a smart fighter, he loves learning. A lot of the things he never learned in his career, he’s learned them now, and he loves the work I put in, and it doesn’t matter how hard the work is, he never complains.

“That’s the reason I like Avni, any trainer would like to have him, he just does what you tell him to do. He’s a true soldier – you tell him to do something, he just does it.

“Avni may be an underdog but he doesn’t care what anybody says, he’s fighting for his country and he’s going to shock the world.

“He’s a completely different fighter from when he fought Dirrell and Chris Eubank Jr. I said to him, you are a physically stronger guy than Dirrell but you had no defense. That’s why they called him ‘Mr Robot’, but there’s no robot in him now, I can tell you. I made a complete transformation because I dedicated time to him. The COVID situation helped him in a way because there was nothing to do, there were no fights, so just to keep him busy we would go to the gym and work on technique and making him a better fighter.”

Yildirim’s clash with Canelo is part of a huge night of action in Miami, as Julio Cesar Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) defends his WBC World Flyweight title against mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs).

Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) makes a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), and 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).

February 5, 2021–Two highly entertaining bouts will be on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network at 8 PM ET.

Petr Petrov battles Michael Perez in a lightweight bout. Also featured will be a special heavyweight throwdown as Andrey Fedosov takes on Mario Heredia.

The fight between Petrov (37-4-2, 18 KOs) and Perez (24-1-2, 11KOs) had major ramifications. The the winner earned a shot at the world lightweight title. It was a high-stakes entertaining battle that took place on September 30, 2016, at The Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indo, California.

On June 11, 2016, Fedosov (28-3, 23 KOs) and Heredia (13-1, 11 KOs) took part in a heavyweight slugfest that saw Heredia start well. Fedosov, making his first ring appearance since winning the Boxcino Heavyweight tournament, showed his championship-level experience on his way to victory and a stake as a top contender.

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

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

Leigh Wood is predicting an early finish when he collides with Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Nottingham’s Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) narrowly lost out to eventual MTK Golden Contract winner Jazza Dickens in February last year, but heads into his second attempt at capturing the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt with a new approach and full of confidence having linked up with trainer Ben Davison in recent months.

“New trainer, new place. It was challenging at first but it’s without a doubt the best move I’ve made,” said Wood. “The way I view boxing, my perception of things, I’ve started learning! I’m going in there with a game-plan and I know exactly what I’ve got to do.

“When you look back at my previous fights, I spent most of my time dancing around, not using my biggest attribute which is my power. One of the first things Ben asked me is, why do you fight like that? When I watch back the fight with Jazza Dickens I’m shaking my head! It’s almost cringey, it’s a hard watch when I identify all the things I’ve been working on now. I can’t wait to show the new and improved version of myself.”

In just his 12th pro fight, Wood boxed Gavin McDonnell for the British Super-Bantamweight crown but was handed his first defeat, a loss that has made his desire to win the belt at the second time of asking even stronger.

“From when I turned professional winning the British Title was something I wanted to do. It’s a box I want to tick so I’m extremely focused on the job at hand. 

“When I was fighting for the British Title for the first time I was unbeaten and I didn’t want to lose my 0 at any cost, but it’s all experience. You don’t get easy fights for the British Title, they don’t give them away! I’m confident because I’ve put the work in that 100% I’ll bring it home on February 13th.”

Wood is all too aware that Mould (13-0, 6 KOs), the current English Champion and stablemate of Featherweight kingpin Josh Warrington, will be no easy touch and has prepared for a tough fight. 

“We’ve studied Reece Mould, we know his strengths and weaknesses. He’s a good fighter, you don’t win Titles if you’re not. I just think he’s very basic in what he does, he’s not very adaptable and I think that’s going to be key for me.

“I’m not expecting an easy fight but it’s one I’m very confident of winning. I can’t see him hearing the final bell, I’m on fire at the minute. Everything is coming together at the right time! I’m going to be hitting him with some incredibly big shots that he won’t see coming, it’s going to be a great night for me.”

Wood vs. Mould is part of a big night of action, Josh Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs), Zelfa Barrett defends his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against former World Champion Kiko Martinez, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ishmael Ellis (11-3), Leeds starlet Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) sees action and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps-up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

LAS VEGAS (February 4, 2021) — Brazilian middleweight contender Esquiva Falcao is coming back to America. After a pair of knockout wins last year in his home nation, the 2012 Olympic silver medalist will take on two-time world title challenger Artur Akavov in a 10-rounder Saturday, Feb. 20 from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
 
In a junior welterweight special feature scheduled for eight or six rounds, knockout wizard Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez will face Argentine veteran Luis Alberto Veron.
 
Falcao-Akavov, Rodriguez-Veron and additional undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT. The evening continues live on ESPN & ESPN3 (in Spanish) (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) with the all-Mexican showdown between WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt and former world champion Oscar Valdez, and junior lightweight contender Gabriel Flores Jr. against former world title challenger Jayson Velez.
 
Falcao (27-0, 19 KOs), ranked No. 5 by the IBF and WBO, is a seven-year pro who ended his sterling amateur career with a 215-15 record. He has won four consecutive bouts by knockout, including an eighth-round stoppage over Mexican veteran Jesus Antonio Gutierrez in July 2019. Akavov (20-3, 9 KOs) nearly dethroned WBO middleweight world champion Billy Joe Saunders in December 2016, dropping a controversial decision. He challenged for the same world title in January 2019 and was bested by Demetrius Andrade en route to a 12^th-round TKO loss. Akavov last fought in October 2019 and knocked out 50-fight veteran Sergei Melis in five rounds.

Falcao said, “I am ready to face the best in my division. My opponent is a good boxer, but I am better and I am ready to become a world champion. No fighter will stop me. I’m training very hard with Robert García. I’m sparring with the best because I am one of the best. On February 20, I will show the world once again that I am ready to become a world champion.”
 
Rodriguez (10-0-1, 10 KOs) emerged as one of boxing’s hottest prospects in 2020, going 5-0 with five knockouts, including four headline-making stoppages inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. He last fought Oct. 9 and became only the second man to knock out 37-fight veteran Cameron Krael. Veron (18-2-2, 9 KOs) has never been knocked out as a professional and is a former WBO Latino and South American welterweight champion. He is coming off a competitive decision defeat to 2012 Olympic bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk in January 2020.

Rodriguez said, “I want to show that I am ready for the big fights. I think I deserved to be the Prospect of the Year. Not being named Prospect of the Year has motivated me more than ever. I am here to become a world champion. I am very grateful for the opportunities Top Rank is giving me and for the efforts of my entire team. I am going to show who I am through my actions in the ring, not through words or social media.”
 
In other ESPN+ streaming action:

• Xander Zayas (6-0, 5 KOs), the Puerto Rican prodigy who celebrated his 18^th birthday last September, will clash with Philadelphia native James Martin (6-1) in a six-round welterweight fight. Zayas signed with Top Rank at 16 years old and hopes to extend his knockout streak to four against Martin, who has never been stopped in the paid ranks.

  “Since my last fight, I’ve had an extended camp and have been fortunate to spar numerous world champions and top fighters, which has provided me a wealth of experience,” Zayas said. “I’m excited to fight on February 20 and put on a show for my fans.”

• Unbeaten junior lightweights collide when California Central Valley favorite Bryan Lua (7-0, 3 KOs) fights Puerto Rican prospect Frevian Gonzalez (4-0, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Gonzalez and Lua won two fights apiece inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble last year, with Lua scoring a highlight-reel knockout over Luis Norambuena in his first fight following a 27-month layoff.
   
• Sonny “The Bronco” Conto (6-0, 5 KO), South Philadelphia’s latest heavyweight hopeful, is set to return from a 13-month layoff against Waldo Cortes (6-3, 3 KOs) in a four-rounder. Conto battled assorted injuries throughout 2020, but he is ready for a busier 2021. Cortes fought Bubble favorite Kingsley Ibeh last June, giving as good as he received before being knocked out in the fourth round.
   
• Milwaukee-born middleweight sensation Javier Martinez (2-0) will make his third appearance inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, this time in a four-rounder against Montana native Billy Wagner (3-1, 1 KO).
   
• One of Puerto Rico’s brightest young talents, Omar Rosario (2-0), will make his Las Vegas debut in a four-round welterweight tilt versus fellow unbeaten Uriel Villanueva (1-0). Rosario, a 23-year-old from Caguas, won the 2020 Olympic Trials for his home nation at 152 pounds before electing to turn pro.
• Use the hashtag #BercheltValdez to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.
   

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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.

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 4, 2021) – It seems only appropriate that undefeated cruiserweight Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (18-0, 13 KOs) has found a new home in Orlando (FL), although his heart remains in his native Hartford (CT), since he followed his partner/head trainer Tony Blanco there nearly six months ago,

“I recently went to Universal Studios and it’s definitely Popeye-friendly,” the charismatic Rivera reported. “They had Popeye rides, souvenirs and novelties. I felt like it’s my part of town.”

Due to financial strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hartford Boxing Center (HBC) was closed by the state March 15 and it never reopened. Blanco and his family traveled south to the Sunshine State, where he opened the Orlando Boxing Club (OBC at 7335 Lake Underhill Road in Orlando, Florida). Soon after “Popeye” packed his bags and joined Blanco.

“The business was bleeding, and I have a family to support,” Blanco explained. “We’ve more or less brought Hartford Boxing Center to Orlando, where there are so many opportunities for us. It is what it is, there was no other way to survive. We’ve turning a negative into a positive.

“It was a cool ride alongside the Hartford community. We were sad to announce the Hartford Boxing Center had closed its doors. We are deeply indebted to Hartford for giving us the opportunity to meet such a loving community that made us feel like family. We will miss each and every one there and, hopefully, we left our legacy there in good standing with everyone. We hope everybody stays safe, healthy and continues their goals and dreams The fight continues!”

Florida’s weather alone has advantages over Connecticut, in addition to no state tax, and “Popeye” has taken full advantage as he marches towards the top of the cruiserweight division.

“I’ve taken it all in,” he commented. “Down here I’m able to run in weather when it isn’t freezing or in the snow, although that did make me more of an animal. But it was harder training in Hartford and there are so many reasons not to run and train there. Not in Orlando where I have nothing but quality runs and workouts. I get solid sparring here in Orlando with partners who have different styles and I EVEN went over to the gym owned by my idol, Roy Jones, Jr., in Pensacola.

“It’s especially difficult being here during the pandemic with so many of my family and friends back in Hartford. I’m still showed a lot of love back there where I have my roots. Florida is awesome, but I still have a lot of living left, so we’ll need to wait to see what’s ahead for me in the future.”

Meanwhile, Rivera and Blanco found a strong ally and friend in Hall of Famer Christy Martin, who is now a boxing promoter in Florida and North Carolina. Rivera’s last fight was this past August 15th in Daytona Beach (FL) on a Martin-promoted card, in which he knocked out Ryan Soft in the opening round.

“Popeye” is scheduled to fight on her February 12th show in Orlando against veteran Mexican fighter Ulises “El Cirillo” Jimenez (24-26-1, 18 KOs) in an 8-round featured bout.

“This will be the fifth time I’ve fought on one of her cards,” Rivera noted. “She’s awesome. Boxing is a little cutthroat, but I felt comfortable with Christy right away. She doesn’t need to have me fighting on her cards. I’m blessed to have her continue to watch after me. I’m also blessed to have a promoter like Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing), especially during this pandemic, because he doesn’t have to let me fight on cards that he doesn’t promote like on February 12th.”

The feeling between Martin and Team Popeye is mutual. “I really like Popeye and Tony,” Martin offered. “He understands that this isn’t all about fighting. Fighters need to market themselves. and everybody here loves Popeye. After each fight he goes to talk to fans, especially kids, sign autographs for them and pose for pictures. There’s nothing like being here in Florida. It’s the best for training. Good weather all around and coming from the north like him, no excuses to work-out because of the cold. He’s improved the basic stuff since I first watched him. He’s keeping his head up, improved his power, and is more relaxed in the ring. He’s certainly headed in the right direction. He hasn’t been in any battles and I think he’s getting ready to take a big leap into a title fight.”

Rivera has benefitted from being promoted by DeGuardia in several ways, including his role as a regular sparring partner for Star Boxing light heavyweight Joe Smith, Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs), who is preparing for a Feb. 13th showdown with Maxim Vlasov (45-3 (26 KOs) airing on ESPN live from The Bubble in Las Vegas. They will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.

“‘Popeye’ is a colorful character and an exciting fighter who has a very entertaining style,” DeGuardia remarked. “He has a great way about him.”

When asked about putting “Popeye” on Christy’s show, DeGuardia stated: “Every decision is unique and made with a view towards what’s best for both the promoter and fighter. Does it make sense? Is it good for Star Boxing and our fighters? If it fits, I have no problem having our fighter on somebody else’s card. This makes sense for everybody. Christy gets a good, featured fighter on her card, hopefully ‘Popeye’ gets a win, and our fighter stays busy. While in this COVID-19 pandemic a few good wins for your fighter is a good thing,”

His heart may always be in Hartford, but ‘Popeye” Rivera has found a new home in Orlando, and his boxing career continues to rise.

INFORMATION.
Website: www.OrlandoBoxingClub.com, www.StarBoxing.com
Facebook: /orlandoboxingcenter, /StarBoxing
Twitter: @orlandoboxing, @StarBoxing
Instagram: @orlando.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera
You Tube: /c/OrlandoBoxingCenter, /StarBoxingInc

Las Vegas – The first Las Vegas UFC^® Pay-Per-View of 2021 will be headlined by a thrilling welterweight title bout, as champion Kamaru Usman looks to continue asserting his dominance over the division by ending the momentum of former teammate and No. 2 ranked contender Gilbert Burns. In the co-main event, top 15 women’s flyweights battle to break into the title picture as No. 10 Maycee Barber returns against No. 15 Alexa Grasso.

UFC^® 258: USMAN vs. BURNS will take place Saturday, February 13 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas and will stream live on Pay-Per-View, exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in 2019.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 258: USMAN vs. BURNS online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, as well as being simulcast in both languages on ESPN+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ (in English and Spanish) at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Undisputed UFC welterweight champion Usman (17-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) aims to continue proving that he is the greatest athlete in the division’s lauded history. Following impressive wins over Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington and Tyron Woodley, Usman finds himself tied with all-time great Georges St-Pierre for the longest winning streak in the 170-pound weight class at 12. He now attempts to stamp his name in the record books and remain undefeated in the UFC by taking out one of his most dangerous challengers yet.

Burns (19-3, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to make the most of his first shot at UFC gold. A member of the roster since 2014, Burns has seen a resurgence in his career after rejoining the welterweight division in 2019 and rattling off four dominant wins in a row over Alexey Kunchenko, Gunnar Nelson, Demian Maia and former titleholder Tyron Woodley. He now seeks to deliver his most remarkable performance yet and begin his reign as champion.

Barber (8-1, fighting out of Sullivan, Wisc.) looks to make a statement in her return to the Octagon. One of the youngest athletes on the roster, Barber burst onto the MMA scene with a breakout performance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2018 when she was just 20 years old. Once signed, she secured stoppage victories over Hannah Cifers, JJ Aldrich and Gillian Robertson. Barber now plans to return to her winning ways and cement herself as a future contender for the belt.

Former strawweight Grasso (12-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) has her sights set on remaining undefeated at flyweight and breaking into the top 10. A former Invicta FC standout, she has been a prominent member of the UFC roster since 2016 with wins over Randa Markos, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Ji Yeon Kim. She now aims to become the first person to finish Barber and prove that she is the top prospect in the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former The Ultimate Fighter winner and No. 9 ranked middleweight Kelvin Gastelum (16-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz.) squares off with No. 15 ranked Ian Heinisch (14-3, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.)
• Top 10 bantamweights hope to steal the show as No. 8 Pedro Munhoz (18-5, 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil) rematches No. 9 Jimmie Rivera (23-4, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.)
• Jim Miller (32-15, 1 NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) and Bobby Green (27-11-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) collide in a clash of lightweight veterans
• Middleweight submission ace Rodolfo Vieira (7-0, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to remain undefeated when he battles Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Anthony Hernandez (7-2, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif.)
• No. 13 ranked welterweight Belal Muhammad (17-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) takes on Dhiego Lima (17-7, fighting out of Atlanta, Ga.) in an exciting veterans bout
• In a featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Ricky Simon (17-3, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) makes a quick turnaround to face Brian Kelleher (22-11, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.)
• Gillian Robertson (9-5, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) competes for the third time in five months when she locks horns with Miranda Maverick (10-2, fighting out of Suffolk, Va.) in an intriguing women’s flyweight bout
• Welterweight Gabe Green (9-3, fighting out of Downey, Calif.) plans to spoil the UFC debut of Dana White’s Contender Series signee Philip Rowe (7-2, fighting out of Ocoee, Fla.)
• Middleweight knockout artists clash as Maki Pitolo (13-7, fighting out of Makaha, Hawaii) matches up with Julian Marquez (7-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Polyana Viana (11-4, fighting out of Sao Geraldo do Araguaia, Para, Brazil) attempts to maintain her impressive 100 percent finishing rate against Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Mallory Martin (7-3, fighting out of Brighton, Colo.) 

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

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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.

New York, NY (January 30, 2021) Colombian Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo (3-0, 2 KOs) makes his ring return TONIGHT on the undercard of M&R Boxing Promotions’ event from Four Ambassadors Hotel, in Miami, FL. He will face Khainell Wheeler (4-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight clash. The card will be streamed live on M&R Boxing Promotions’ Facebook page, beginning at 6:00pm ET/3:00pm PT.

The 28-year-old Carrillo advanced to the second round at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Accumulating a record of 388-23, he was among Colombia’s most decorated amateurs, winning gold at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. Carrillo comes from a boxing family and, at age nine, followed his father and older brother into the sport. His brother, Leonard Carrillo, is an active junior middleweight.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Carrillo is now based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and is trained by Luis Perez, who also works with Dominican Jeison Rosario. Managed by Felipe Gomez, of El Matador Management, he turned professional on May 17, 2019, with a second-round stoppage of Yendris Rodriguez Valdez, in Miami, FL.

Deerfield Beach, FL (January 29, 2021)—Trevor “the Dream” Bryan knocked former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne to the canvas in the 11^th round and then finished him off before referee Frank Gentile stopped the fight and Bryan walked off with the WBA Heavyweight Championship.

Bryan (21-0, 15 KOs) from Ft. Lauderdale, FL kept his record perfect as his powerful jab kept Stiverne at bay in the title bout at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL Friday night.  In the 11^th round, Bryan used his left jab and then countered with three solid rights to his opponent’s head that sent him to the canvas.  After a standing eight count, Bryan continued to press the hurt Stiverne before referee Gentile stopped the bout at 1:26 of the 11^th round.

Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs), who is 43-years-old and hails from Las Vegas, NV, couldn’t handle the steady jabs of the 31-year-old Bryan.  He tried to land his powerful overhand right hand several times, but Bryan stepped aside.

Don King promoted the night of boxing as his “Return to Greatness” card with three live fights and three Don King promoted classics on pay-per-view via Don King TV.

The first live fight of the evening saw bantamweight Joahnys Argilagos (6-0, 3 KOs) keep his record perfect with a unanimous four-round victory over veteran Ernie Marquez (10-16-2, 3 KOs).  All three judges—Brian Garry, John Rupert and Rocky Young—had the fight 40-39.

In the second fight, Sarasota cruiserweight Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) pummeled his opponent, DeShon Webster (12-4-3, 6 KOs) of Kansas City, MO for all six rounds to win a unanimous decision.  Two judges had the bout 59-55 and the third had it 60-54.

In addition to the three live fights, King treated boxing fans to three classics he promoted on the $19.99 pay-per-view card–the 1994 WBC Super Lightweight title fight between Julio Cesar Chavez and Frankie Randall; the 1999 WBC and IBF World Welterweight title fight between Oscar De la Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad and the final classic will come from 1982 for the WBC World Heavyweight title between Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney.

Boxing fans can visit www.donking.com to view and purchase the pay-per-view priced at $19.99.

IBF Super Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Caleb Plant – 167.6 lbs.
Caleb Truax – 167.8 lbs.

Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Michael Coffie – 270.2 lbs.
Darmani Rock – 261lbs.

Super Welterweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Joey Spencer – 158 lbs.
Isiah Seldon – 156.6 lbs.

Lightweight Bout – 4/6 Rounds
Fernando Molina – 136.4 lbs.
James DeHerrera – 137 lbs.

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Rances Barthelemy – 142.8 lbs.
All Rivera – 143.2 lbs.

Light Heavyweight Bout – 4 Rounds
Atif Oberlton – 177.4 lbs.
Nathan Sharp – 177.6 lbs.

Middleweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Brandyn Lynch – 158.2 lbs.
Marcos Hernandez – 160 lbs.

Super Featherweight Bout – 4/6 Rounds
Daniel Garcia – 131.4 lbs.
Jose Delgado – 130 lbs.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing.

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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.