Philadelphia, PA (January 29, 2021) – The terrific February 6th RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia now has a distribution home.

The show, which will feature a mouth-watering battle of undefeated featherweight’s Donald “No Love” Smith (10-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia taking on William Foster III (11-0, 8 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will be streamed LIVE on FITE.TV for just $9.99. (CLICK LINK TO GO DIRECTLY TO EVENT PAGE)

To kick off fight-week, many of the participants of the card will take part in a virtual press conference on Tuesday, February 2nd, beginning at 7 PM. The platforms for the press conference will be announced later this week.

Smith, 27 of Philadelphia, has a record of 10-0 with six knockouts. Smith is a five-year professional, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Abdur-Raheem Abdullah on August 10, 2019 in Philadelphia.

Foster, 27, of New Haven, Connecticut is 11-0 with eight knockouts. The six-year pro has quality wins over undefeated Sulaiman Segawa (10-0) and Angel Suarez. In his last bout, Foster took out Jahmal Dyer in three rounds on November 9, 2019 in Portland, Maine.

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated welterweight Mark Dawson takes on Derrick Whitley Jr. in an eight-round bout.

Dawson, 23, of Philadelphia is undefeated at 7-0-1 with three knockouts. The five-year professional, is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over crosstown rival Vincent Floyd on November 7th at the 2300 Arena. Dawson is managed by Split-T Management.

Whitley of Springfield, Mass. has a record of 6-1-1. The 29 year-old is a four-year professional. In his last bout, Whitey fought to a no-decision with Jermaine Corley due to a cut caused by an accidental headbutt on December 13th, 2019 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

In six-round bouts:

Nahir Albright (8-1, 2 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey fights veteran Darnell Jiles Jr. (9-5-2, 3 KOs) of Rochester, New York in a lightweight contest.

Sharif Rahman (3-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas fights Gladmir Jacinto (0-2) of Fresno, California in a super welterweight bout.

Rahman is the son of former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Hasim Rahman.

In four-round bouts:

Rashiem Jefferson (3-0) of Philadelphia takes on James Early (5-6) of Seat Pleasant, Maryland in a featherweight tussle.

Derrick Starling of New Jersey will make his pro debut against Jose Nunez (0-1) of Reading, PA in a heavyweight fight.

Tickets for this this outstanding evening are $150 for VIP; $125 for Ringside and 100 for General Admission and can be purchased by emailing rricereview@yahoo.com

All Covid 19 Protocols will be enforced including wearing a Mask at all times and ID is required.

Matchroom Boxing will return to The SSE Arena, Wembley for Josh Warrington vs. Mauricio Lara on Saturday February 13 and David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly on Saturday February 20, with both events shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

Matchroom’s first two events of 2021 kick off a stacked schedule that also features the highly anticipated Heavyweight rematch between Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte on Saturday March 6, Lawrence Okolie’s shot at the WBO Cruiserweight crown against Krzysztof Glowacki on Saturday March 20 and rising Welterweight star Conor Benn vs. Samuel Vargas on Saturday April 10.

This follows on from Matchroom’s hugely successful residency at The SSE Arena, Wembley in October, November and December last year that that saw pound-for-pound star Oleksander Usyk outpoint Derek Chisora, Undisputed Lightweight ruler Katie Taylor retain her belts against Miriam Gutierrez, Conor Benn turn in a career-best performance against Sebastian Formella, Billy Joe Saunders defend his WBO Super-Middleweight crown against Martin Murray and culminated in Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua brutally knocking out Kubrat Pulev in front of 1,000 fans. 

Matchroom’s 2021 schedule launches with a bang on February 13 as Warrington (30-0, 7 KOs) faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara (21-2, 14 KOs) while he waits for a huge fight later in the year, 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) sees action, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) meets Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs) and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

Russia’s European Welterweight Champion Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against  Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill on February 20, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs), undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) rematch for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October and explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut. 

John Drury,VP and General Manager at The SSE Arena, Wembley, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Matchroom Boxing back to The SSE Arena, Wembley for our first events of 2021. We’re looking forward to another huge residency, with ASM Global’s VenueShield protocols keeping everyone at our venue safe and comfortable in a welcoming and Covid-secure environment.”

Atlantic City, NJ- January 29, 2021 – Middleweight contender Isiah Seldon took the time to answer a few questions before his big fight on Saturday night against undefeated Joey Spencer. The eight-round bout will be part of a broadcast on FOX (8 PM ET)

Q– How has your preparation been for this Saturday’s fight?

IS– It’s been great. The best camp I have ever had.

Q– How long have you been in training? A lot of fighters have had trouble finding places to train with Covid and the protocols that are in place.

IS– I’ve been in the gym for quite a while now. Covid has definitely changed the way the fight game is at the moment. I knew that the best thing I could do was stay in shape. I knew I might get a great opportunity on short notice and I wanted to be ready.

Q– Where have you been training?

IS: I usually train at the Atlantic City P.A.L. with Bill Johnson but the P.A.L. has been closed due to Covid. So now I have been training in Philadelphia with Danny Davis.

Q– Danny is an excellent trainer and has worked closely with a lot of top fighters such as Bernard Hopkins. How is it working out and what have you learned from Danny?

IS: Bill Johnson laid the foundation, and Danny has truly helped take me to another level. I don’t want to get into too much detail, I am just very excited for the world to see the improvements that I’ve made.

Q: Well the world will get that opportunity on January 30 when you take on Joey Spencer in a bout televised on FOX. What do you know about Spencer?

IS: Joey Spencer is an excellent all around fighter, a solid undefeated prospect. He is trained by his father who has done a great job with Joey. He had a decorated amateur career. A lot of his fights are online so I have been able to see a lot. He has fast hands, he puts his punches together well. He like to dig left hands to the body. He can fight.

Q: What type of fight are you expecting?

IS: I expect Joey to come out fast in the opening round, trying to make a statement. We have prepared all camp for that. He likes to work the body. I had the best camp in my career. I am in the best shape of my life. I am ready for 12 rounds (the fight is a scheduled 8 rounder). I expect a fast pace.

Q: What have you done differently that makes you feel that this is your best camp?

IS: I have prepared and been in the gym longer for this fight than any other fight I have had. I had a full training camp. This is the first time that I have been able to focus 100% on training. I didn’t have to worry about work, bills or anything else. My team has made sure that all of that was taken care of and the one and only thing that I had to focus on was getting ready for January 30.

Also training in Philly has been great, it’s no joke. It was good to get out of my comfort zone. Danny Davis has really pushed me. I am at a new level.

Q I see that this bout is at a catch weight of 158. You have fought as high as 168. Will making 158 be a problem?

IS: Absolutely not. We added a nutritionist to my team back in October. I usually walk around at 175-180. In the past I would have to cut weight late and it affected me. Now my nutritionist monitors my diet and it has really helped my strength, recovery and energy. We have been on a program to gradually drop the weight so I won’t be drained. We will have no problem making 158 and we plan to be between 170 and 175 on fight night.

Q It sounds like you are ready. Do you have any final thoughts?

IS: I am ready to fight right now. Joey is an excellent fighter. He does a lot of things well. They have done a great job matching him so far but they made a mistake in this fight, he hasn’t faced anyone like me. I am the most prepared for a fight that I have ever been. I am excited to showcase my skills on January 30.

David Avanesyan has vowed to deal with Josh Kelly “once and for all” ahead of their long-awaited showdown for the European Welterweight Title on Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The rivals were due to meet at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield back in December 2018 before an illness forced Kelly to withdraw from the contest on the day of the fight, leading to “bottle job” jibes from Avanesyan’s manager Neil Marsh as bad blood boiled over between the camps.

After ripping the European Title from Bilbao’s Kerman Lejarraga on away soil in March 2019 and making two successful defences later that year, Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) finds himself on the cusp of another World Title shot should be hand a first defeat to former Team GB standout Kelly next month.

“The first time we were supposed to fight Kelly said ‘no fight’ three hours before the first bell,” said Avanesyan. “It was very difficult for me. You give everything to this sport, all of that hard work and losing the weight. I still don’t understand why. People say that Kelly was feeling unwell, but I saw Kelly in the evening after the weigh-in looking happy and speaking with friends. Everything was good. 

“I’ve been training for this fight for over two years. I hope everything will be okay this time. I will never disrespect any fighter, but let’s just say the events of the past couple of years have made me very angry. The fact I have to spend Christmas away from my family and young child has given me extra motivation, not that any was needed.

“Kelly is a good fighter. He was a good amateur boxer. His professional record is good so far. He’s sharp and fast. I have the experience over him. Now is my time. I need to take the big fights. I’m ready. I’m working with my team to give everything for another World Title. My style is to give everything, take my time and ensure that I get the win. 

“I want to show the fans a good fight. I’ll do my best and give everything to win. After Kelly I need another World Title fight. For now, all of my focus and energy is on my fight on February 20 and defending my European Title. I am here to deal with Kelly once and for all.”

Avanesyan vs. Kelly tops a huge night of action, Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (13-1, 10 KOs) returns against Spain’s Jorge Fortea (21-2-1, 7 KOs), undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) rematch for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October and explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut. 

January 29, 2021–Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network will now be streamed on Friday nights. The series will continue to show some of the biggest fights, with the largest names in the sport. Tonight will be no exception, as the June 29, 2019, bout featuring undefeated WBC World Middleweight champion Jermall Charlo (28-0, 21 KOs) defends his belt against the streaking Brandon Adams (21-2, 13 KOs).

Going into the bout, Charlo was looking to continue his rise through the middleweight division, seeking for major fights against Canelo Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin. He would need to get past Adams, who was riding a four-fight winning streak, and coming off of winning The Contender reality show.

See what happens when they collide at 8 PM ET on fubo Sports Network,

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

Zawadi, who won the Canadian national crown as an amateur four times, has inked a deal with Lee Baxter Promotions to make his professional debut in early 2021. “King Moe” was a dominant force as a junior in both the national and international circuits, and now will look to make a big splash in the middleweight division in the paid ranks.

“Words can’t even describe how excited I am. It’s been eleven years in the making. I’ve won pretty much every tournament I’ve been in, I’ve been in 14 tournaments and I’ve won 13 of them. This is what every fighter dreams of, to go pro and to do it at such a young age,” said Zawadi, who resides in Barrie, Ontario.

The 19-year old found himself at a tournament in Colorado Springs in 2018 alongside names like Diego Pacheco, Alexis Espino and Lorenzo Simpson, all of whom have gone on to successful young careers and significant exposure on outlets like DAZN. Once all of his contemporaries departed and made that leap, he felt it was time to join them in the pros.

“The plan was to be Olympic champion. But I found out that like a lot of sports, amateur boxing had a lot of politics in it. I lost a decision in the Olympic Trials that I didn’t think I lost and that my team didn’t think I lost. So after that we were like, okay, we have the tools to go pro, I’m more mature now, now’s the right time to go pro,” said Zawadi. “You’re getting punched in the head. Your body takes a lot of damage. You can only do it for so many years without making money, you’ve got to get paid for your craft.”

Zawadi’s acute sense of the value of his labour might come from his father Mark, an operating engineer who is a proud member of IUOE Local 793. A proud union family, his brothers Sheher, Abdul and Mohamed, and nephew Alexander, are all also Local 793 members. But it’s not just his family in his corner from the Local, it’s all 16,000 plus members, as the union helped sponsor his rise through the amateur ranks, and will continue to support him as he strives for bigger goals in the pros.

“They’re backing me with whatever chance we make, and one day, we believe we’re going to be world champion with their logo on my trunks,” he said.

In Baxter, Zawadi has linked up with a man who has shown an ability to get Canadian fighters opportunities on American and international television, and maneuver them into world title contention.

According to Baxter, he feels he’s found a fighter who can kickstar the next generation in Canadian boxing, particularly in a weight neighborhood that boasts some of the biggest names in the sport, like Canelo Alvarez.

“I first saw Moe knock out a 27-year old when he was still just 16 as an amateur, and I knew I was looking at something special,” said Baxter. “I jokingly asked him if he wanted to turn pro that day, but in the back of my head, I was kind of serious. From an early age he had the ability to be a counterpuncher who makes you pay with power, kind of like a Canelo. With his charisma, the way he carries himself, he could be the next Canadian boxing superstar.”

Details about Zawadi’s debut fight will be announced shortly.

LAS VEGAS (January 28, 2021) —Featherweight action star Adam “BluNose” Lopez and Jason “El Alacrancito” Sanchez are ready for a phone booth battle. Lopez will defend his NABF belt in a 10-rounder against Sanchez Saturday, Feb. 13, on the undercard of the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title bout between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

In a six-round heavyweight special attraction, 21-year-old knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will take on Kingsley Ibeh, who went 2-0-1 last year inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.
 
Lopez-Sanchez and Anderson-Ibeh will stream live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, preceding the ESPN telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) featuring Smith-Vlasov and Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez.
 
Lopez (14-2, 6 KOs), from Glendale, Calif., has earned his reputation as the “Glendale Gatti” with a series of action-packed fights. Following his controversial TKO loss to Oscar Valdez in November 2019, Lopez returned last June with a majority decision over Louie Coria in one of the year’s best fights. Sanchez (15-2, 8 KOs) challenged Valdez for the WBO featherweight world title in June 2019 and dropped a competitive unanimous decision. He has split a pair of bouts since then, most recently falling short via 10-round decision to Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz last June. 
 
“On February 13, we’re back on the big screen,” Lopez said. “Mark your calendars, call off work, do what you have to do. You don’t want to miss this one. This is the year ‘BluNose’ gets his strap. Stay tuned, ladies and gentlemen.”
 
Sanchez said, “l’ve never been more ready. I just came back from a loss, so I am more determined and hungrier than ever. I will not take another loss, and that is my biggest motivation.”
 
Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, went 5-0 in 2020, including four Bubble knockouts. He most recently knocked out Luis Eduardo Pena in one round, the fifth first-round stoppage of his young career. Ibeh (5-1-1, 4 KOs), a former collegiate football player fighting out of Phoenix, became an instant ESPN favorite with his go-for-broke style. In his last two bouts, the 6’4, 275-pound Ibeh held unbeaten phenom Guido Vianello to a draw and bested the previously undefeated Patrick Mailata by majority decision.
 
In other matches streaming on ESPN+:

• Former junior middleweight contender Carlos Adames (18-1, 14 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will make his long-awaited ring return in an eight-round middleweight fight against an opponent to be named. Adames last fought in November 2019 and lost a unanimous decision to Patrick Teixeira for the interim WBO junior middleweight world title.
   
• Lightweight prospect Eric Puente (4-0), from San Diego, will fight fellow unbeaten Sergio Vega (2-0-1, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder. Puente, who is trained by Robert Garcia, won a pair of decisions last year after more than a year away from the ring.
   
• A pair of highly talented former U.S. amateur stars will make their professional debuts in separate four-round bouts. Troy Isley, from Alexandria, Va., is scheduled to fight Bryant Costello (1-1, 1 KO) at middleweight, while Las Vegas-born bantamweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz will fight Fernando Macias (1-1). Diaz made headlines in 2010 as a six-year-old when his flashy mitt work routine was shown on an episode of HBO’s “24/7 Mayweather-Mosley.”
   
• Jahi Tucker (2-0, 1 KO), the 18-year-old prodigy who turned pro last September, will face Eric Rodriguez (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round welterweight tilt.

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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with an exciting bout between heavyweight KO artists as No. 5 ranked contender Alistair Overeem takes on No. 6 Alexander Volkov. Bantamweight contenders collide in the co-main event when No. 2 ranked Cory Sandhagen faces No. 4 Frankie Edgar.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: OVEREEM vs. VOLKOV will take place Saturday, February 6 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off on ESPN+ starting at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

Overeem (47-18, 1 NC, fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) aims to continue his momentum with another highlight reel finish. Among the most decorated heavyweights in MMA, the former Strikeforce champion and K-1 World Grand Prix winner has picked up thrilling KO wins over Junior Dos Santos, Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar. Overeem now hopes to extend his winning streak to three on the road to another shot at UFC gold.

Volkov (32-8, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) looks to make the most of his third UFC main event by taking out one of the heavyweight division’s most seasoned strikers. Since joining the UFC roster in 2016, he has delivered memorable KO wins against Walt Harris, Stefan Struve and former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum. Volkov now hopes to deliver his best performance yet to stake his claim as a dangerous title threat.

Sandhagen (13-2, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) is coming off his most impressive performance to date when he stopped former title challenger Marlon Moraes in dominant fashion last October. A versatile and dynamic striker, he has also secured impressive victories over Raphael Assuncao, John Lineker and Iuri Alcantara. Sandhagen now goes for the biggest win of his career as he attempts to add the first former UFC titleholder to his resume.

Former lightweight champion Edgar (23-8-1, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) made good on his bantamweight debut last August, winning an entertaining decision over Pedro Munhoz. Throughout his decorated career, he has netted spectacular victories against Urijah Faber, Charles Oliveira and BJ Penn (thrice). Edgar now hopes to continue his climb up the 135-pound ladder and set himself up to become the first athlete to challenge for UFC championships in three divisions.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a clash of women’s bantamweight contenders, No. 10 Marion Reneau (9-6-1, fighting out of Visalia, Calif.) takes on No. 12 Macy Chiasson (7-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of New Orleans, La.)
• No. 5 ranked flyweight Alexandre Pantoja (22-5, fighting out of Arraial Do Cabo, Brazil) looks to spoil the highly anticipated debut of Manel Kape (15-4, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal)
• No. 13 ranked bantamweight contender Cody Stamann (19-3-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) squares off with Andre Ewell (71-6, fighting out of Riverside, Calif.)
• No. 10 ranked lightweight contender Diego Ferreira (17-2, fighting out of Pharr, TX by way of Careiro da Várzea, Amazonas, Brazil) runs it back with No. 13 Beneil Dariush (19-4-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.)
• Michael Johnson (20-16, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of St. Louis, Mo.) meets Clay Guida (35-17, fighting out of Johnsburg, Ill.) in a battle of lightweight veterans
• Light heavyweight finishers clash as Mike Rodriguez (11-5 1NC, fighting out of South Easton, Mass.) faces Danilo Marques (10-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Julio Arce (16-4, fighting out of Bayside, N.Y.) takes on Timur Valiev (16-2 1NC, fighting out of Toms River, N.J. by way of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) in an exciting featherweight bout
• Molly McCann (10-3, fighting out of Liverpool, England) meets returning Lara Procopio (6-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a women’s flyweight bout
• SeungWoo Choi (8-3, fighting out of Gangneung, South Korea) aims to continue his momentum against short-notice replacement Youssef Zalal (10-3, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Casablanca, Morocco)

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

###

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.

Hamburg, 28th of January– It was just a formality. Everything Mahmoud Charr needed to enter the US and defend his WBA Heavyweight Title against American Trevor Bryan was a P1-Visa. A visa specifically created for professional athletes to compete abroad and earn money while doing so. But in order to receive this, a signed contract by Don King Productions was needed to proof that the event on January 29th was actually taking place. But still to this day DKP has not sent a signed contract, nor did they show evidence of a booked venue. In the end the US consulate in Frankfurt could not hand out the visa without documents as proof.

From the start it became crystal clear that Don King Productions were never interested in making Charr vs. Bryan happen in the first place. They never took care of visas, flights, hotel booking or the necessary medicals. In fact, it was Charr and EC Boxing trying to arrange all of these things, even though DKP were responsible as stated in the original contract. Their petition to the WBA to make Charr „Champion in recess“ and get their own fighter (Bermane Stiverne) in as a replacement only further proofs the foul play happening.

„At the end of the day we did everything we could. We just hope the WBA acts wisely now, so that Mahmoud can finally step back in the ring to defend his title“, Charr‘s promoter Erol Ceylan (EC Boxing) states. 

After nearly a year of inactivity due to the global pandemic, Mazlum Akdeniz will have a chance to remind people why he’s one of the top super lightweight prospects in the world.

Akdeniz, who is handled by Lee Baxter Promotions, will return to action on January 30 in Sucre, Colombia against an opponent yet to be named. It will be his first bout since a knockout win over journeyman Elliott Brown on February 8 of 2020.

With the frequency of events gradually picking up across the globe and solutions to staging safe events being generated, Akdeniz is looking to make up for lost time in 2021.

“Lee called me and he said if you’re ready, I’ll make a fight. I’m a fighter who loves to fight every month, every two months. I think a fighter should always be active. Sugar Ray said the worst thing for a fighter is inactivity, and that’s real,” said Akdeniz. “To be honest, I want to fight seven or eight times this year. In the amateurs, I was doing six fights in a week, so I’m not too worried about it. Lee said you know what, let’s take back the time we lost.”

The 23-year old currently sits at 11-0 with six knockouts, to go along with a storied amateur career coming up through the Canadian amateur system. The 23-year old came out of the unpaid ranks with a considerable amount of promise, as one of the more accomplished amateurs to come out of the Canadian program in some time. In addition to winning the 2015 Ringside Championships, Akdeniz also scored a win over Jorge Moiran Vinent, becoming the first Quebec-based boxer to defeat a Cuban fighter since the legendary Jean Pascal in 2005.

“Canadian prospects don’t get the same level of hype as prospects from other countries, but we truly believe Mazlum is as good as any up-and-coming fighter in the world right now,” said promoter Lee Baxter. “Lots of people talk about Elvis Rodriguez as the top 140-pound prospect in the game right now, but I think Mazlum will have something to say about that in the coming year or two.”

The Montreal resident has scored knockouts in four of his last five outings, and will now fight outside of North America for the first time as a professional.

“To be honest, I wouldn’t mind going a few rounds. Going a few rounds wouldn’t be bad for me, because I can still work on some things. But if it’s over in two rounds, we’ll take it. We’re not paid for overtime,” said Akdeniz.

Baxter says the plan is to keep his blue chipper as busy as possible in 2021, even if that means keeping him on the road where opportunities are available, as no Canadian province is currently sanctioning events.

“By the end of the year, I want to fight for some kind of title, even a regional title, but next year, I’ll be ready to fight for a world title,” said Akdeniz. “Fights against someone like Elvis Rodriguez, these are fights that will be meaningful in two years.”

Reece Mould has warned Leigh Wood that his career will be over if he loses their clash for the vacant British Featherweight Title on the Josh Warrington vs. Mauricio Lara undercard 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 undefeated Doncaster man (13-0, 6 KOs) claimed the English Featherweight crown by knocking down Sean Davis four times in four rounds at the Doncaster Racecourse in June 2019 before becoming mandatory challenger for the British Title recently vacated by long-reigning holder Ryan Walsh. 

Mould, who trains alongside Featherweight kingpin Warrington, is hoping to announce himself on the big stage with a career-best win over Nottingham’s Wood, and the Sean O’Hagan-trained 26-year-old is confident that he will have an answer for whatever ‘Leigh-thal’ brings to the table.

“I don’t think he shows me any respect whatsoever,” said Mould. “I’m sure on February 13 I’ll get his respect. He’s a good fighter. You can’t take that away from him. You can’t take away what he’s done, but I believe I beat him at whatever he brings – whether it’s boxing or fighting. If he wants to stand in there and go toe-to-toe with me I’m willing to do that. 

“It’s just how he talks about me, saying my opportunity has come too soon. I watched an interview with him saying it shouldn’t be me who’s mandatory, it should have been one of them who were fighting in the Golden Contract. I don’t care what he’s got to say, I’ll do whatever I need to do on February 13 and beat him.

“This is going to be my breakout fight. That’s what we’re looking to do. You could say that I’ve boxed under the radar even though I have been on a few Matchroom shows before. I’ve never had that pressure of Sky Sports on my back like a lot of these young fighters have. This fight is going to really put my name out there. 

“All of the pressure is on Leigh Wood. He’s known and I’m not really known. I believe if I beat him it will be the end of his career, and he knows that deep down. When I beat him it’s the end of the road for him. I’ve got no pressure on my shoulders whatsoever.”

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) as he waits for a huge fight later in the year, 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, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) and Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) takes on Zahid Hussain (16-1, 2 KOs). 

Tickets for the unification rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez will clash in a for the WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles on Saturday March 13 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, go on sale at 10am CT/ 11am ET tomorrow (February 28). The event is live worldwide on DAZN and is presented in association with Zanfer Promotions, Teiken Promotions and Latin Sports.

TICKETS GO ON SALE TOMORROW FROM TICKETMASTER – TICKETS START AT $35 (PLUS FEES)

Estrada and Chocolatito first clashed in November 2012 in Los Angeles, with Chocolatito successfully defending his WBA Light-Flyweight title via unanimous decision, and now over eight years later, they will meet again

Mexican star Estrada (41-3 28 KOs) has established himself as the #1 fighter at 115lbs and underlined his status with a thrilling 11^th round KO win over Carlos Cuadras in October in Mexico City, climbing off the canvas in the third round to beat his fellow countryman for the second time in his career.

Former pound for pound #1 Chocolatito (50-2 41 KOs) recorded his own impressive win on the same night by outpointing hungry young Mexican Israel Gonzalez in the first defense of the WBA title that he ripped from Kal Yafai with a clinical KO win in February in Texas.

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is led by another rematch as Jessica McCaskill defends the undisputed World Welterweight crown she ripped from Cecilia Brækhus.

McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) handed the Norwegian star her first pro defeat on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, snapping the long-standing unbeaten via majority decision and becoming a two-weight World champion in just her 11^th pro fight in the process.

Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) was denied a record-breaking night with McCaskill preventing her from recording her 25^th consecutive successful World title defense, but she activated the rematch clause and will now go for revenge in the Lone Star state against the Chicagoan – but the champion was succinct in her belief that the belts will remain hers

On a huge triple-header of World title action, new Matchroom signing Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Axel Vega.

Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) makes his third defense of the WBA crown having stopped Heikke Budler for the strap in December 2018 to become a two-weight World ruler and then seeing off the challenges of Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2019. In December, Matchroom announced a multi-fight promotional deal with the Japanese star, working with Canelo Promotions and manager Eddy Reynoso, and that relationship kicks off with his clash with Vega.

Kyoguchi fights for the first time in the States against the 20 year old Mexican (14-3-1 8 KOs) who gunning for a World title in his second attempt having challenged for the WBO Minimumweight strap in October 2019.

Tickets for Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles against Avni Yidirim on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, are on general sale NOW! The event is live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Mexico) or on cable/satellite pay-per-view in the U.S. and Canada.

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

Canelo (54-1-2 36 KOs) cemented himself as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the top dog in the 168lb division with a dominant win over previously unbeaten Briton Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December with the WBA, vacant WBC and Ring Magazine belts on the line in front of a sold-out socially distanced crowd in the Lone Star state.

Yildirim (21-2 12 KOs) has been biding his time to fight for the WBC title once again, having been frustrated in his last outing when his clash for the vacant crown with Anthony Dirrell in Minnesota in February 2019, with the clash ending in a technical decision win for Dirrell after he suffered a cut over his eye.

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is lead by Canelo’s fellow countryman Julio Cesar Martinez defending his WBC World Flyweight title against mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo.

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest, 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).

Under the agreement, Bradley will continue to serve as boxing analyst for Top Rank on ESPN and appear on a variety of ESPN platforms including ESPN+. He will also continue to work alongside ESPN’s best-in-class boxing announce team, including Mark Kriegel, Bernardo Osuna, Joe Tessitore and Andre Ward, on pre- and post-shows and ringside contributions.

“We are thrilled to have Tim continuing his role with Top Rank on ESPN. His expertise, knowledge and passion for the sport makes him an incredible part of our Top Rank on ESPN team,” said Mark Gross, ESPN senior vice president, production and remote events. “Last June, boxing was the first live event production back on our air following the pause in sports caused by COVID-19. As we entered unchartered territory in live production, Tim was able to quickly adjust to a “new normal” and showed a deep level of range and versatility as an analyst, first by working remotely from home studios and later by covering the sport from the Top Rank bubble in Las Vegas.”

“I am extremely blessed and thankful toward ESPN and Top Rank boxing for placing their faith in me,” said Bradley. “I look forward to continuing our legacy as the staple of boxing alongside the entire ESPN and Top Rank family, from those of us on screen to those behind the scenes. I will continue to make sure that the fans get the real.”

Bradley joined ESPN as a guest analyst prior to his retirement from professional boxing in 2016.  He has since called some of thehighest rated fights of 2020, along with some of biggest recent fights in the sport, including Pacquiao vs. Horn (November 2017), Lomachenko vs. Rigondeaux (December 2017), Crawford vs. Benavidez, (October 2018), Linares vs. Lomachenko (May 2019), Wilder vs. Fury II (February 2020) and Lomachenko vs. Lopez (December 2020).

Bradley held three world championships in two divisions (WBC light welterweight, WBO light welterweight and WBO welterweight).  He retired in 2017, finishing his career with a record of 33-2-1, with 13 of his victories by way of knockouts. He won his first world title fight, light welterweight, in 2008 when he upset champion Junior Witter in England.

From Palm Springs, Calif., Bradley began training as a professional boxer in his late teens.  In 2004, at the age of 20—just nine days shy of his 21^st birthday—Bradley fought Francisco Martinez in his first professional fight, which he won in the second round by knockout.

Daniele Scardina will face Cesar Nunez for the vacant European Union Super-Middleweight Title at the top of a stacked night of Italian boxing at the Allianz Cloud in Milan on Friday February 26, live on DAZN.

Scardina (18-0, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring following a frustrating 2020 in which he didn’t fight due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and ‘King Toretto’ will be looking to pick up where he left off as he strives towards world honours. 

Spain’s Nunez (17-2-1, 9 KOs) will be aiming to overcome the disappointment of his WBO International Title fight with Zach Parker being cancelled in December due to his cutman returning a positive COVID-19 test.

A strong undercard sees Milan’s undefeated Maxim Prodan (18-0-1, 14 KOs) defend his IBF International Welterweight Title against Ferrara’s Nicola Cristofori (11-2-2, 1 KO), Francesco Grandelli (14-1-1, 2 KOs) takes on Italian Featherweight Champion Davide Tassi (11-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Featherweight Title, Nicholas Esposito (13-0, 5 KOs) challenges Tobia Loriga (32-8-3, 6 KOs) for the Italian Welterweight Title, Roma’s big-hitting Super-Welterweight prospect Mirko Natalizi (9-0, 6 KOs) returns, Campania’s Vincenzo La Femina (6-0, 3 KOs) looks to impress and Welterweight prospect Christian Mazzon (4-0, 3 KOs) opens the card. 

Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “We’re excited to return to the Allianz Cloud in Milan for Matchroom Boxing Italy and OPI Since 82’s first show of 2021. Daniele Scardina was making excellent progress before the Coronavirus pandemic forced him out of the ring in 2020. We look forward to his return against Cesar Nunez. As always, we have a strong undercard featuring a further three championship fights and an array of Italian prospects. Catch all of the action live on DAZN.”

Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “We are very happy to finally have Daniele Scardina back in the ring for our first show of the year. Maxim Prodan is lighting up the Welterweight division and faces another test in Nicola Cristofori, Nicholas Esposito goes for his first Title against the experienced Tobia Loriga, the IBF International Featherweight Title clash between Francesco Grandelli and Davide Tassi promises fireworks , heavy-handed Mirko Natalizi is always in entertaining fights and Vincenzo La Femina and Christian Mazzon both have another golden chance to impress. Don’t miss any of the action live and on demand on DAZN.”

Anthony Fowler wants to fight Sergio Garcia next if he can get past the European Super-Welterweight Champion’s compatriot Jorge Fortea on Saturday February 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

Garcia is known on these shores for inflicting a first career defeat on Fowler’s domestic rival Ted Cheeseman at The O2 in London back in February 2019 in his only fight outside of Spain to date. ‘El Nino’ outworked and outclassed Cheeseman over 12 rounds to maintain his unbeaten record.

‘The Machine’ progressed to 13-1 (10 KOs) last time out with a punishing seventh round stoppage of the tough and game Adam Harper at Fight Camp, and the former Team GB standout says he is ready to push on towards British and European level as he approaches his 30th birthday in March. 

“I’ve got to step up now,” said Fowler. “I’ve been pro for a few years. I’ve had 14 fights so it’s about time that I step up the levels. This lad is ranked in the world and he’s no mug. I’ve got to be ready for a long fight because he’s going to be hard to pin down and catch. I’ve got to keep my composure, stay calm and follow the game plan. 

“He looks like a tricky lad. He went 12 rounds with a Russian called Bakhram Murtazaliev who I think is rated number one with the IBF. This is a good test to prepare me for the bigger fights that are coming my way later this year. 

“When I beat Fortea I want to box a Sergio Garcia or Ted Cheeseman. That’s the level I want to be at this year. I want to be pushing on now and testing myself. Garcia would be a great fight for me and I could potentially box him after Fortea. Until I prove myself at British and European level I can’t start calling for the big names. 

“I feel like I’m coming into my own this year. There’s no point messing around anymore. It’s time to push on now and see what level I’m at. I want to be a contender. I want to be British, European and World Champion. I’ve got to be fighting these kids and beating them well. It’s about time I tested myself.” 

Fowler vs. Fortea is part of a big night of action, Russia’s European Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited Title defence against Josh Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs) at the top of the bill, undefeated Welterweights Florian Marku (7-0-1, 5 KOs) and Rylan Charlton (6-0-1, 3 KOs) meet in what promises to be an explosive ten-round battle, Amy Timlin (4-0-1) and Carly Skelly (3-0-1) rematch for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title after their split draw on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora undercard last October and explosive Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher makes his highly anticipated professional debut. 

DALLAS, TEXAS (Jan. 27, 2021): A hometown battle between two Dallas, Texas natives will take place on March 20 as Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and former world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will headline a card that includes the Unites States debut of heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov and a world title clash between Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada.

Information regarding the venue will be announced shortly as it is pending commission approval. The fights will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

“On his rapid ascent from prospect to contender, Vergil has absolutely blown away everyone we have put in front of him, including a former world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “But with a win over Maurice Hooker, just one fight removed from a significant title reign, on March 20, Vergil can stamp his ticket to a world championship fight.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every single person who has stepped into the ring with him. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has scored stoppage wins against the likes of Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Samuel Vargas. The 22-year-old contender has been wanting to fight Hooker for some time, and he’s eager to demonstrate his abilities against a former world champion.

“First and foremost, I’m really grateful to be fighting back at home again,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Not only that, but I’ll be fighting another Dallas native in Maurice Hooker. I’ve known Hooker since back in the amateur days. I know we’re going to give the fans back at home a fight to remember.”

Hooker is a 31-year-old former world champion who traveled to United Kingdom to defeat Terry “Turbo” Flanagan and capture the 140-pound WBO title. Then, Hooker scored big wins against undefeated contenders Mikkel “Slikk Mikk”LesPierre and Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo before suffering his first loss in an epic unification fight against Jose Carlos Ramirez. Now at welterweight, Hooker plans to derail Ortiz’s meteoric rise by putting an end to their long-standing rivalry.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a fight,” said Maurice Hooker. “The decision to fight Ortiz was an easy one as it allows me to prove to the world something that I already know—that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world. I have a new team around me who has taken my game to a whole new level, and I feel amazing at this weight class. I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans on March 20. Dallas, get ready!”

In the co-main event, Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut in a 10-round defense of his NABF heavyweight title in a bout presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The 31-year-old Russian is on the fast track to a world title, and he already has his eyes set on the biggest names of the division.

Two-division champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will meet in an epic 10-round fight for Ortiz’s WBA Minimumweight World Title. Ortiz is eager to make a statement in her United States debut, while Estrada looks to accomplish her dream of becoming a world champion in more than one division.

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

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

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

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

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

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

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

January 26, 2020 (New York, New York)–JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. had a spectacular 2020, consecutively dominating two #1 world rated light heavyweight challengers on ESPN in Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez, and was nominated as the BWAA 2020 Fighter of the Year. Now the #1 world rated light heavyweight, Smith Jr. (Long Island, NY 26-3 21KO’s) is working hard again in his native Long Island hometown preparing for his WBO World Championship title bout against Russian veteran MAXIM VLASOV (Samara, Russia 45-3 26KO’s).

Incredibly, since Smith Jr.’s two impressive victories in 2020, not much has changed in terms of the current COVID world we are all faced with. Social distancing, masks and testing still reign supreme, especially in the worldwide attempts in the sports world to trudge on through the pandemic. How does an elite athlete work around these conditions? This “Common Man,” who has become an elite beloved fighter, gets back to his roots.

“I just train because there is nothing else to do,” said Smith. “I can’t go to the movies, I can’t go bowling, so while I sit at home, there are no distractions, that’s for sure. As far as conditioning, I do a lot outside and at home.”

In an attempt to keep the circle small, Smith Jr. and trainer Jerry Capobianco are lucky enough to have a key to a local Long Island boxing gym where they are able to put in work as Smith Jr.’s thudding punches echo across the otherwise empty gym. “As far as sparring, my sparring partner and his coach come down and opens their gym for us” said Smith. “It is one on one, and no one else is around.” Most recently Smith has continued sharpening his skills training with heavyweight Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki, UFC’s Randy Brown as well as Star Boxing stalemate, super welterweight Wendy Toussaint.

As for the fight, Smith Jr. knows the work that he is putting in now will pay dividends come fight night against Vlasov. “Anybody is a dangerous opponent, but I am confident that I am preparing the right way for a tough fight. I know Vlasov is a busy fighter so I will come into this fight in great shape.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Smith-Vlasov World Championship fight will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on February 13 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo as the chief support to Canelo Alvarez’s defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS GO ON PRE-SALE TODAY (TUESDAY JAN. 26) FROM 2PM ET VIA TICKETMASTER AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 2PM ET ON WEDNESDAY JAN. 27 – TICKETS START AT $55 (PLUS FEES) – FANS CAN VISIT WWW.HARDROCKSTADIUM.COM/BOXING FOR MORE DETAILS

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

The all-action Mexican is raring to finally face his mandatory challenger Arroyo after having to pull out of a proposed clash with the Puerto Rican through illness in August. It is a huge night for the all-action champion, who turns 26 on Wednesday, as he finally gets to fight as the chief support to his stablemate Alvarez, whom he also shares a trainer and manager in Eddy Reynoso, after illness ruled him out of fighting on his card in December in San Antonio.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you a war with Arroyo in Miami,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe that 2021 will see me unify the division and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Miami.

“Finally, the fight is near, and I am sure the fans will enjoy another classic between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Arroyo.

“This will be another great classic between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Arroyo’s co-promoter, Miguel Cotto. “I am sure they will provide the fans a great fight and McWilliams will be prepared to rip that title away and bring it back to Puerto Rico.”

A stacked undercard in support of Alvarez also sees Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest.

Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) is back in the sunshine state after stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in their clash in Hollywood, Fl. in November, and the 37 year old giant will look to take another step towards securing a huge fight in the glamour division with victory over Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), who took Carlos Takam the distance in his last outing in July.

“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Zhang. “February 27 is the highest profile card of the first quarter of 2021, and it will be an honor to be part of it. I can’t wait to get in the ring and wish the best of luck to my opponent Jerry Forrest. I am training full force. I will be ready.”

“Zhang is a good fighter with great size and technique, but I’ll be ready for this fight,” said Forrest. “2021 is a new beginning for me. Covid has made training difficult with many gyms shut down, but I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight. I’m now up at my manager’s gym in Ashburn, Virginia, and my trainers have been creating a game plan while bringing in sparring partners to match Zhang’s size and style. I’m excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to ending Zhang’s unbeaten streak.”

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card, led by Diego Pacheco. The rangy teen has raced to 10-0 with eight wins inside the distance, and the Super-Middleweight sensation will look to add another impressive win when he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10KOs) over eight rounds.

“I am excited to be back under the bright lights,” said Pacheco. “2021, it’s time to show everyone I’m here and I’m a problem for anyone at 168lbs.”

Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs) had a frustrating end to 2020 after losing out on two fights, but the 21 year old is ready to put that behind him and get 2021 off to a flier against Ashton Sykes (5-3 KOs)

“I am more than ready to fight on this amazing card and show what I been working on aside from the time I spent away,” said Espino. “it was a frustrating time for me at the end of 2020, but I am itching to finally show how much work I have been putting into this since I haven’t been in the ring due to recent cancellations.”

Former amateur sensation Marc Castro got his pro career off to the perfect start on Canelo’s undercard in San Antonio with a KO win, and the Fresno star goes again in Miami against Lester Brown (4-2-3 1 KO).

“I am ready to get back in the ring and I want thank God and my team for making it possible for being a part of the pound-for-pound king Canelo’s undercard once again,” said Castro.

Another successful amateur making his second appearance in the paid ranks is Miami’s own Aaron Aponte. The 19 year old won via stoppage on debut in October, and Aponte will showcase the his talents on a huge platform in his hometown.

“I’m super excited to be fighting at the Hard Rock Stadium on February 27 on the undercard of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez” said Aponte. “It’s an honor to fight on such a massive event in my hometown and I’m very grateful to Matchroom and DAZN along with my manager Peter Kahn and the Fight Game Advisors Team for this opportunity. Stay tuned for the rise of Aaron ‘Alien King’ Aponte!!”

“This is a stacked undercard in support of the pound-for-pound king,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio Cesar Martinez is fast becoming a must-see attraction in the sport and an impressive win here will take him to another level – but McWilliams Arroyo is up for the challenge and is a dangerman.

“Zhilei Zhang can stake his claim for a massive fight at Heavyweight later in the year with victory over Jerry Forrest, and it is fantastic for the young talents on the card to be able to perform on this huge stage.”

Undefeated Welterweights Chris Kongo and Michael McKinson will collide for the WBO Global Title on the undercard of Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte 2 on Saturday March 6, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all other markets excluding the UK and Ireland.

Bermondsey’s Kongo clinically dispatched Luther Clay in nine rounds to win the WBO ranking Title at Fight Camp last summer, taking full advantage oh his first opportunity of the big stage to extend his unbeaten record to 12-0 with seven knockouts.

Portsmouth’s McKinson has won all nineteen of his professional contests, with two of those wins coming via knockout, and the 26-year-old prospect has picked up the WBC Youth World, WBC International Silver and WBO European Welterweight Titles in an impressive run. 

“I’m very excited, this is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Kongo. “He was saying that he was far ahead of me, but now I’ve got the belt, the tables have turned.

“Michael has said he’s the most avoided, but I know I’m the most avoided, so we have to make it happen. The two most dangerous fighters in the division – we’re both getting it on now – so it’s a big fight.

“It’s not, can I solve ‘The Problem?’ I will solve ‘The Problem’ on March 6, guaranteed. In the Luther Clay fight, I said before it, someone is going to go down, and I definitely know it’s not me. Same way someone is going to go down in this fight, and it’s definitely not me again.

“It’s going to be an explosive win for me. This is what we train for, this is what we work for. I want the big risk fights. If you don’t take risks in life, you won’t get anywhere, so it’s all about taking another risk in my career.”

“I’m very pleased with this Chris Kongo fight,” said McKinson. “It’s a fight I have called for and I’m over the moon to get a fight that I want. I’ve wanted a big fight for a long time. I deserve one and I’m buzzing.

“It’s a massive platform and one that I need in my career. I believe I was born to be on the big stage and I can’t wait to show that on March 6. Chris Kongo is a dangerous fighter and a talented fighter, but there is no fighter like Michael McKinson. You can throw me in with anybody and I’d come out victorious.

“I’ve told Chris before many times that all they needed to do was make the call and the answer would be yes. Winning a fight like this can change my life and change my daughter’s life, it can catapult me to even bigger things. That’s why I’m in this sport, to do big things for my city of Portsmouth and big things for my daughter and make people proud, and that’s what I’ll do on March 6.”

Povetkin vs. Whyte 2 tops a huge night of action, Bermondsey’s Ted Cheeseman (16-2-1, 9 KOs) meets Liverpool’s James Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) for the vacant British Super-Welterweight Title, Ipswich Heavyweight talent Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KOs) steps-up again against USA’s former World Title challenger Eric Molina (27-6, 19 KOs), Manchester Super-Featherweight Campbell Hatton – son of British fight legend Ricky Hatton – makes his professional debut and Wembley Super-Featherweight Youssef Khoumari ( 11-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Birmingham’s Kane Baker (14-7).

Miami, Fla. – Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera had a very frustrating 2020 campaign.

He spent most of the year training for a showdown against Sergey Kovalev that failed to materialize because of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. With Kovalev having since failed a test for PEDs, that fight won’t be a possibility anytime soon.

The promotional free agent is really baffled that he hasn’t been able to make a meaningful fight in the division.

“I wasted a lot of time and energy for the Kovalev fight. I just want to fight and I have called out all of the champions, contenders and top prospects and no one wants to fight me,” Barrera explained.

Barrera has never had any issues making weight and has decided that the best way to make a meaningful fight is to drop down to the super middleweight division. He wants to make it clear he is available for any top contender or prospect at 168 pounds.

“I am going to move down in weight. It won’t be a problem for me. I am a free agent so making a deal is easy. David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith and even young fighters like Edgar Berlanga are all on my radar. I would fight any of them. They say I am old and washed up so I should be easy for them,” said Barrera.

The former Cuban amateur standout has continued to train and is ready to fight right now. There are several interesting options in the super middleweight division. Barrera just needs one to accept his challenge.

“I think I have a good resume. I have fought several top fighters. My win over Joe Smith looks better all the time. If I am so easy then these guys should accept my challenge. Who wants to meet me in the ring?” Barrera stated.

LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2021) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy takes on All Rivera in a 10-round welterweight match headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, January 30 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features exciting light heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton making his pro debut against Nathan Sharp in a four-round special feature and Brandyn Lynch taking on Mark Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight duel to open the telecast.

FS1 PBC Fight Night precedes the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant defending his title against former champion Caleb Truax.

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

Rances Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KOs) is a decorated Cuban amateur who hails from a boxing family that includes his older brother, Olympic Gold Medalist Yan, and younger brother, featherweight Leduan. A two-division world champion, the 34-year-old Barthlemey is moving up to welterweight after campaigning at lightweight where he won a 135-pound title against Mickey Bey in 2016.

Barthelemy won a 130-pound championship by defeating Argenis Mendez in 2014 and attempted to become the first Cuban three-division champion when he moved up to 140-pounds for his first fight against Kiryl Relikh, a title eliminator that he won by decision. He returned to lightweight in his last match and fought to a split draw against Robert Easter Jr. in 2019.

Rivera (21-4, 18 KOs), a 27-year-old southpaw from Bobon, Philippines, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rodel Wenceslao last February. This will be the second time that he has fought in the U.S. He lost against Malik Hawkins in Las Vegas in 2019.

Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs) scored a KO victory over Bernard Thomas in his last fight. The 29-year-old Lynch is from Englewood, New Jersey, and is the nephew of famed entertainer Eddie Murphy. He will be making his debut on FS1 in the toughest fight of his pro career, which began in 2016.

Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough, fellow rising contenders. The 27-year-old Hernandez has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He most recently lost a decision to Kevin Newman in November 2019, a rematch of a fight Hernandez won in 2017. He defeated then unbeaten fighters in Newman and Thomas Hill in 2016.

Oberlton was the No. 2 ranked light heavyweight amateur in the U.S. before deciding to turn pro. With over 100 amateur bouts under his belt, he had placed second at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2020. The 22-year old Oberlton hopes to be in the long line of other greats from Philadelphia. Sharp (4-2, 4 KOs), who is from Merced, California, will be a hard-hitting test for Oberlton. All of his victories have come by KO and he will be looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Burley Brooks in his last fight in 2019.

In off-TV undercard action, sensational lightweight prospect Fernando Molina (4-0, 2 KOs) battles James De Herrera (4-5, 3 KOs) in a four-round match and lightweight prospect Daniel Garcia of Denver, Colorado will make his debut against Joseph Quintana of La Junta, Colorado in a four-round bout.

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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.

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 25, 2021) – Success in amateur boxing doesn’t necessarily insure a great professional career. Some fighters are much more suited to be better pros than amateurs, most often power punchers, but it’s usually clear early on if a fighter is especially skilled or not.

Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Worcester, MA, displayed his tremendous gifts in the amateurs against some of today’s most talented, young boxers.

Back in 2012, for example, 14-year-old, 106-pound Ortiz defeated the hottest pro prospect in the world today, 16-0(16 KOs) Edgar Berlanga, of Brooklyn, at the Junior Olympics National Championships held in Lake Placid, New York. Ortiz went on to win 100 of 114 amateur matches, Berlanga finished with a 162-17 amateur record. All 16 of the latter’s pro fights ended in the opening round.

Ortiz never dreamed that Berlanga would become the super middleweight monster that he is today for a good reason. “I didn’t have pros on my mind,” Ortiz remembered. “My goal was to win an Olympic gold medal. I didn’t see him at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but I did at a few national tournaments.”

Another Brooklyn-born fighter, unified world lightweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs), the 2020 Fighter of the Year, handed Ortiz a 3-0 loss on points at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Championship.

“If I had my coach in the corner – Rocky Gonzalez had to leave because of a pro commitment – I think I would have been able to beat him. He’s a power puncher now, but not when I fought him. I hope to fight him sometime because he holds the belts. I want to fight the top dogs.”

In Ortiz’ final amateur fight, he won a 2-1 decision against Abraham “El Super” Nova (19-0, 14 KOs), the former NABF super featherweight champion in the pro ranks, to be crowned New England Golden Gloves champion

“We’ve sparred after that,” Ortiz noted. “We go to his trainer’s (Hector Bermudez) gym in Boston a lot to get good work.”

Two other undefeated contemporary pros who were also standout pro prospects that Ortiz defeated in the amateurs are former NABF super lightweight Luis Feliciano (14-0, 8 KOs) and yet another Brooklyn native, super lightweight Richardson Hitchins (12-0, 5 KOs). Against Feliciano, Ortiz won 3-0 at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, and he edged Hitchins, 2-1, at the Olympic Qualifier.

“The Feliciano fight was fairly easy for me,” Ortiz noted. “I’m not surprised by his success as a pro because he was a recognized amateur on Team USA. The Hitchins fight was competitive and he probably thought he won.”

Two losses in the amateurs against undefeated rising pro stars, welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) and bantamweight Gary Antuanne Russell (18-0, 12 KOs), only enhanced Ortiz’ potential as a prizefighter. Both fights were scored 3-0 for Ennis in the Olympic Qualifier and Russell in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials.

“I fought Ennis in his hometown, Philadelphia, and he beat me,” Ortiz commented. “He turned pro and started knocking out everybody. He didn’t stop me, though. I haven’t seen Russell fight in the pros.”

Ortiz is promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES). “I’ve been in this business a long time and affiliated with thousands of athletes,” CES founder/CEO Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. commented. “Jamaine has it all! He’s a perfect gentleman who has all types of experience against practically every type of boxer. Anybody who truly understands boxing can tell the difference about the special ones. He reminds me a little of Sugar Ray Leonard and looks like Oscar de la Hoya. He is the whole package with everything needed to be world champion.

“I love working with his team, Rocky Gonzalez and Carlos Garcia. They’ve all bonded. Team Ortiz is great to work with and I believe Jamaine has an unbelievable career ahead of him. Athletes of the 21st Century need more than in the past like a strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist. We have that for Jermaine.

Ortiz understands that there’s a world of difference between the amateurs and pros. “Styles make fights and pro versus amateur boxing is different,” he remarked. “We didn’t wear headgear in the Olympic Trials, but nobody stopped me. It seems like a lot of those guys I fought in the amateurs gained power in the pros and aren’t fighting as lightweights anymore (other than Lopez).”

The 24-year-old Ortiz is the reigning World Boxing Council World Youth and USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion. His stocked has skyrocketed since his spectacular performance this past November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. PPV, in which Ortiz stopped Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in the seventh round of their high-profile fight.
“I’m back in the gym staying sharp and in shape,” Ortiz concluded, “working hard for whatever comes.”

Burchfield added, “Since his great performance on the Tyson-Jones PPV, we have been receiving all kinds of good offers for him. Jamaine Ortiz is a future boxing star.”

Ortiz’ special gifts were developed in the amateurs fighting opponents such as Lopez, Berlanga, Ennis and Co. Now, he’s making waves in the pro ranks, ranked No. 5 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), and cracking the WBC world lightweight ratings at No. 28.

WBO Junior Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Angelo Leo – 121 ½ lbs.

Stephen Fulton, Jr. – 122 lbs.

Referee: David Fields (N.J.); Judges: Frank Lombardi (Conn.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey),

Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title – 12 Rounds

Ra’eese Aleem – 121 ½ lbs. 

Victor Pasillas – 122 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Conn.); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Lightweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Rolando Romero – 134 ¼ lbs.

Avery Sparrow – 136 lbs.

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

Note: Romero was originally scheduled to defend his interim lightweight title against Justin Pauldo, who exceeded the 135-pound limit. Avery Sparrow will take Pauldo’s place in the bout. Romero’s title will not be on the line.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say during Fight Week:

Angelo Leo

“Training at Mayweather’s Gym has really helped me just for the fact that you get so many different fighters coming in from all over the world, and you see so many different styles and different looks. So it’s great for me. It really pushes me. It’s a great experience for any fighter to train there.

“The one thing Floyd told me is that he was going to make me a champion in two years. He kept his word, two and a half years or less I became a world champion. He wasn’t as present for this camp, but at my last camp he deeply impacted me with tips on how to approach the fight with Fulton and his style. Tips that carried over into this camp.

“Fulton’s a good fighter. He’s got his style down pat. He likes to use his jab and control the distance. You can’t take anything away from him. He was out for a year, so I’m taking advantage of that.

“My advantages are my pressure, my work rate and my boxing IQ. I think a lot of people underestimate that about me.

“It means a lot to be the first champion from Albuquerque since Johnny Tapia. I looked up to Tapia and Johnny Romero, so to be the next is an honor. Albuquerque is a fight town, but it’s not the biggest city so there’s a lot of unseen talent there.

“The 122-pound division is stacked with a lot of talent. There’re a lot of fighters who are still undefeated, and I just want to fight the best. This fight against Fulton has taught me a lot already; it’s a huge fight for me. I know that winning this already solidifies my spot. Then, I can focus on who is the next big fight.”

Stephen Fulton Jr.

“Some of the fighters I like are Bernard Hopkins, [Joe] Frazier, and Meldrick Taylor. They mean a lot to me, and to the sport of boxing and the history of Philadelphia. I watched the guys who were leading and now I’m leading. It’s just a big accomplishment to say you’re trying to lead the new era for your city.

“I don’t think much of Angelo Leo. I wasn’t impressed with his last fight. Just pressure. That’s about the only thing he brings. There are things he’s probably never seen before. I come with angles and my ability to punch off angles.

“Not fighting back in August kind of pushed me. It didn’t have a bad effect. It made me push myself to the limit in training just knowing that it was all taken away that first time.

“I would like to get past this and unify. Fights like against Leo and [Luis] Nery are easy fights for me. Their styles and my styles are tailor-made for each other. What they both do fits my style perfectly.”

Ra’eese Aleem

“Myprevious manager wasn’t doing much as far as getting me fights, so I had to take matters into my own hands, and that’s when I decided to leave Michigan for a new life in Las Vegas. I had $3,000 in my pocket with no family or friends. I just had faith in myself and started to make my own way. It was rough in the beginning, but I made it work, and now I’m a better man, and a better fighter because of that decision. It forced me to be responsible, hence me being more mature. There was not time for games in my plan. 

“Fighting an undefeated fighter like Pasillas is what great fighters do. I want to fight the best now, and Pasillas is one of the best fighters in the division. I’m not ducking or dodging anyone. I’m going to be a world champion by all means necessary. Once I beat Pasillas, I’m coming for [Murodjon] Akhmadaliev, then all the other champions.

“Fighting in the bubble was something new, but this is COVID time, so we have to get used to it. To me it’s not a problem. I’m a fighter and I don’t care if fans are there or not. I’m just ready to dominate.

“As far as the main event fighters, neither of them will be able to hang with me. I’m the best fighter in the division period!”

Victor Pasillas

“Representing East Los Angeles means everything to me because I have so many people back home in East L.A. who believe in me. When I was coming up in the amateurs, I always had a big crowd attending my fights. East L.A. has always been a city known for its great boxers, and I want to continue that tradition.

“I’ve always been a monster in the weight room. I’m just a gym rat who loves to work out. My whole life outside of home is in the gym, either boxing or in the weight room. My power has improved as I’ve grown into my man strength, and right now I think I’m at my peak as a man. Everyone will definitely see some serious power coming from me on fight night.

“I don’t know much about [Aleem] personally, but I know he’s a good fighter who is ranked higher than me. We both have the same Prince Ranch Boxing manager in Greg Hannley, but I’ve never met him.

This is my second fight in the bubble. I actually love fighting in the bubble. I get so much rest, it’s very refreshing. Usually, I have my wife and kids with me, but to be honest, I need that peace and quiet and being in the bubble forces you to be by yourself, and in return I get great rest. As far as no fans in attendance, I like that as well, because I can hear my coach’s instructions. I feel I can concentrate more and relax better when there are no fans. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing like fighting in front of a big crowd as well. I was built for this, fans or no fans. 

“By far this is the biggest fight of my career because I’m right around the corner of becoming a world champion. Once I get that strap, I’m going to unify all the belts and do the same at featherweight, super featherweight and maybe even bantamweight. All I know is I’m coming for everyone. 

“I don’t want to give up my game plan but best believe I’m going to do whatever it takes to win this fight. If he wants to bang, then we’ll bang, if he wants to box, we’ll box. I’ve seen so many different styles in the amateurs, there is nothing that he brings that I haven’t seen. My power is what he’s going to have to deal with.”

Rolando Romero

“To those that think the scorecards were off in my last fight, I’d say watch the fight again without any commentary and then see what they’d say.

“It’s simple, I like knocking people out. Fans wanna see a knockout. I don’t think it hurts my chances at landing the big fights in the future, but I know there are fighters in the division who don’t want to step up. 

“I’ve remained focused. I know what I want in life. I’m not a weak-minded sheep that needs an outside force to make me want something. I’m ranked No. 1 by the WBA and I know I’m looking up at champions Gervonta Davis and Teofimo Lopez. But I’m still No. 1, pound-for-pound.”

Avery Sparrow

“I knew this opportunity would come to me, so I have been staying well prepared. I was already on weight. I didn’t need to struggle to make weight this week. I came in here well prepared in case they needed me. Nothing was out of the ordinary for me as I prepared for this.

“I had a full camp. I was already in the gym and they called me about three weeks ago. My manager was talking to me about a fight in February so I was preparing for that. I have been getting ready to fight. I only had to cut about seven to 10 pounds over the last three weeks. I am strong, I am solid, and I am mentally prepared. Justin Pauldo was an easier fight for Romero but now I am here and it’s my turn.

“Rolly is a solid fighter but he makes a lot of amateur mistakes. He relies on his power. He lost his last fight, I believe, but the politics of boxing let him proceed with the victory. It’s in the back of our minds that we need to take over the fight to win on the scorecards. I am so blessed and grateful for this opportunity. The universe is working in my favor and I believe that if I win the fight in the ring then I will be awarded the right decision.

“I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I lost a tough decision against Abraham Nova in June that I thought really went my way, but I won’t cry over spilled milk. The fight was on TV so everyone saw what happened. I put seven rounds in the bank that night. But I am going to put on a great show for SHOWTIME.

“I am going to step to Rolly Romero and definitely try to knock him out. I am going out there looking for the knockout. Philly is going to have a big night between me and Stephen Fulton.”

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ABOUT LEO VS. FULTON

Leo vs. Fulton will see WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Angelo Leo take on unbeaten rising star Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 23 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast of 2021 begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a co-main event between unbeaten 122-pounders Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas for the interim WBA title. In the telecast opener, rising prospect Rolando Romero squares off against Avery Sparrow in a 12-round lightweight bout.

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

Jessica McCaskill and Cecelia Brækhus will rematch for the undisputed World Welterweight title on a stacked card on March 13 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, live worldwide on DAZN, on a stacked card topped by the rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON TICKET ON-SALE DATES AND PRICES WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE
McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) ripped the belts from the Norwegian star on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, snapping the long-standing unbeaten via majority decision and becoming a two-weight World champion in just her 11^th pro fight in the process.

Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) was denied a record-breaking night with McCaskill preventing her from recording her 25^th consecutive successful World title defense, but she activated the rematch clause and will now go for revenge in the Lone Star state against the Chicagoan – but the champion was succinct in her belief that the belts will remain hers.

“I interrupted her career in the first fight,” said McCaskill. “I will end her career in the rematch.”

“I’m very focused on regaining all of my undisputed belts on March 13 in the rematch against Jessica,” said Brækhus. “It will be a very special night in Dallas for my supporters and for all of my worldwide fans who can watch the fight on the DAZN.”

On a huge triple-header of World title action, new Matchroom signing Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Axel Vega.

Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) makes his third defense of the WBA crown having stopped Heikke Budler for the strap in December 2018 to become a two-weight World ruler and then seeing off the challenges of Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2019. In December, Matchroom announced a multi-fight promotional deal with the Japanese star, working with Clase Y Talento and manager Eddy Reynoso, and that relationship kicks off with his clash with Vega.

Kyoguchi fights for the first time in the States against the 20 year old Mexican (14-3-1 8 KOs) who gunning for a World title in his second attempt having challenged for the WBO Minimumweight strap in October 2019.

“I’m very happy to make my debut in the US under the guidance and management of Eddy Reynoso and with my promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Kyoguchi. “I want to thank them for the chance to prove that Japanese boxing is the best in the world. I am very grateful to them and we will put everything into becoming a star in the boxing world.”

“I’m very happy to receive this world title shot,” said Vega. “Kyoguchi is a great champion but I’m a hungry young contender and will conquer the championship on March 13. I want to thank my promoter Tuto Zabala Jr (All Star Boxing) for turning around so quickly, one week after signing and here is my chance, also to my manager Joe Gonzalez and to Eddie Hearn.”

“This is a huge night of boxing in Dallas,” said Hearn. “Cecilia and Jessica will put it all on the line in their rematch for the undisputed Welterweight title and Hirotu is a fighter that I am excited to see explode onto the big stage under the guidance of his manager Eddy Reynoso and Matchroom.

“With a brilliant main event in the rematch between Estrada and Chocolatito and plenty of young talents to be added to the card, this is an unmissable feast of fights for the fans in Dallas and on DAZN.”

Las Vegas, Nevada – American Dreams Presents have teamed up with Don King Productions to add a special heavyweight attraction to Don King’s January 29th pay-per-view. The event takes place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The card is headlined by the WBA heavyweight showdown pitting Manuel Charr against Trevor Bryan. In the co-feature bout Beibut Shumenov and Raphael Murphy will fight for the WBA cruiserweight title.

American Dream Presents’ CEO Ronald Johnson will appear on the pay-per-view portion of the undercard against veteran heavyweight Raphael Zumbano.

“I want to face the winner of Charr-Bryan and what better way to get ready for that fight than to be on this undercard. I don’t really care who wins but may the best man win and give me my shot next,” The heavyweight veteran stated.

In order for a title fight to become a possibility, Johnson knows he must take care of the task at hand and is 100% focused on his upcoming opponent.

“Zumbano is a guy who has been in with most of the top heavyweights and I know he is going to come right after me. He’s known for being very durable and tough. I plan on putting on a show for all the fans that will be tuning in,” said Johnson.

“This is just the first step. We are taking it one step at a time and we won’t stop until we win a world title,” Johnson explained.

Both Johnson and Love have been out of the ring since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans on making up for lost time with a big year in 2021.

This will also be the legendary Don King’s first event in several years and Johnson said it has been great working with him.

“Don King is one of the greatest promoters of all time. He has promoted several of the top names in the sport over the past 50 years. It is a pleasure doing business with him. January 29th can’t come soon enough. I can’t wait until I get my hand raised,” Johnson stated.

“Boxing can be a lonely sport, support is key to getting to this opportunity of where I am in my career right now. That’s why I’m so thankful for my long time partner Ronn Bailey who has always believed in me and even built me a private gym 10 years ago. He’s always talked highly of Mr. King and he approved of me doing business with Mr. King.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 22, 2021) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax previewed their world title showdown on a media conference call Thursday before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, January 30 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

In the co-feature, Michael Coffie and Darmani Rock clash in a 10-round battle of unbeaten heavyweights. Super welterweight sensation Joey Spencer takes on Isiah Seldon in an eight rounder to open the telecast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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

CALEB PLANT

“I can honestly say this is one of my best camps. I’ve had great sparring. I haven’t had any restrictions as far as COVID-19 goes when it comes to sparring partners or strength and conditioning or being in the gym. So I’ve been really focused on what I need to do and I’m just ready to go in there and handle business.

“It’s hard to say where Caleb Truax ranks in terms of past opponents. I have to get in there with him. Styles make fights so after January 30, I’ll have a better idea. I know he’s a veteran, has a lot of experience and is a former world champion who has upset people before, so he has to be taken seriously.

“I’m fully focused on January 30 and when that bell rings so I can do what I do best. I’m not looking past him, but I am looking through him. I’m looking to end this fight early. I don’t see it going 12 rounds, so whether they throw in the white towel, I throw in the white towel for him or the ref steps in to do his job, I’m looking for a stoppage. This ends with me getting my hand raised in spectacular fashion.

“I know what I need to go in there and do. At the end of the day, I can have a game plan but that may not be how the fight is going to go. So I’ll have to make adjustments as needed and I feel that’s one of the things I’m best at. Whatever is needed for the job, I can pull it out of my toolbox and put it to work.

“Me against Jose Uzcategui, they had me the underdog and they had it wrong. So I don’t pay attention to numbers, betting odds—that’s not how I became a world champion and how I’m going to stay world champion. My job is to go in there fully focused on the task at hand. I could care less what the odds say, I know what I need to go in there and do because betting odds don’t win or lose fights.

“I feel like there are unification fights to be made and I feel like they will happen. But as of now, January 30 has my full attention. After that, we’ll have a better understanding of how the cards will fall in the super middleweight division and we’ll be ready to make our next move.

“I think people tend to forget I only have 20 fights. So within 21 fights to not only win a world title from a champion but then have another former world champion under my belt, I feel like I’m off to a great start in my career and I think there are big things ahead.

“I love the team that I have around me. I know that my team has supreme confidence in what I can do in this sport. Not only am I betting on myself, but I know for a fact the rest of the team is betting on me as well. And we’re betting big. We’re not looking to jump on something quick for a quick payday and ride off into the sunset. We’re looking to take this thing all the way to the top and sometimes that requires patience. I know in due time, after I handle business on January 30, when those fights do happen, everything will come to fruition just like we imagined.

“Like most boxers, I don’t come from much and I wanted more than I had. I wanted a better life for the loved ones around me. So I set my mind on a mission and when I put my mind to something, no matter what it is in life, when I say I’m going to do it, I do it. And when I say I want something, I get it. So it doesn’t matter what life tosses my way, it doesn’t matter what I’m up against, once I set my mind to it, I assure you it will get done. I’m fully motivated for this fight, fully focused and, again, I can’t wait to get in there.

“It was a goal to become world champion but it’s not the goal. I’m still far from where I want to be. I’m still far from everything I want to accomplish and to keep that hunger, that motivation, you have to be honest with yourself about who you are and where you’re at. I know where I’m at in my career and how much farther I want to go so it’s no time for me to let my foot off the gas. I need to keep my foot on their necks and I need to keep pushing because, as I’ve said, I’m looking to become the first undisputed world super middleweight champion of all time and you can’t do that with just one world title.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m very grateful and fortunate to be in this spot. I’m feeling fantastic. Everything is going as planned as far as camp. I’ve had some great sparring over the past five or six weeks. I’m feeling healthy for the first time in a couple years. I was talking to my trainer this morning when we were working out and I’m almost paranoid that something is going to go wrong in the last nine days. I’m feeling so good right now. I’m just excited and ready to take on this challenge.

“I didn’t have my greatest performance in my last fight but the most important thing I took from it was that my Achilles was healthy after eight or nine months of recovery. It held up perfectly and that was the most important thing. I’m ready to move forward.

“I’ve had some elbow problems the past couple years and that has seemed to have cleared up. My Achilles is healthy as I said before and I’m just feeling really good. I’ve been feeling great in sparring. I’m getting paranoid that I’m feeling too good almost but, I’m focused, feeling great and ready to put on a great performance.

“It’s hard to say if Plant is the toughest opponent of my career until we get in the ring. He’s not the most experienced guy, he’s not the most highly-vaunted guy that I’ve fought. Probably Danny Jacobs was and even James DeGale. So that’s to be determined until we get in the ring and mix it up.

“I’ve always been the underdog and I embrace that role. I fight my best when I’m in that spot and I look forward to proving all the naysayers wrong again.

“At my age, at 37, there is no telling when I’ll be able to get a world title fight again. So I’ve been approaching it as if this is my last shot. I’ve been very focused in camp and just determined to leave it all in the ring and get my belt back.

“I’m going to win because I’m the most experienced and the best fighter that Plant has ever faced. I believe my experience, my pressure, my conditioning and just my determination will be the factor in getting the win and I expect to do so on January 30.

“I’m so used to training through the holidays after doing it for 14 years that it doesn’t affect me too much. The only challenges this time around was that we had a one month shutdown of my gym due to COVID-19. Thankfully it’s a semi-private gym and I have a key to it so I was able to have access. This winter in Minnesota has been very mild so I’ve been able to get some roadwork in and chop some wood without freezing my a— off so it’s been pretty easy to get stuff done.

“Everything has gone great. Preparing for Caleb Plant is a little different than normal; trying to get good boxers with real good speed and just trying to find sparring partners to emulate his strengths. We got a couple guys in, got some really good rounds in. I’ll have my last sparring session tomorrow then I’ll taper down next week and get ready for the fight.

“My hard-working mentality is my character. My mother was a single mother working her butt off to provide for my sister, my brother and I. But I also started my career late in boxing. I had to mitigate the experience my opponents had over me and I had to do that through hard work.

“I go in there and give it my all and fight hard and try to put on the best performance I possibly can for the fans and come out with the win. In a perfect world, it’s a slugfest, a crowd-pleasing fight and I get the win in a 12-round decision. Actually, in a perfect world I go out there and knock him out with the first punch. But we all know that’s not going to happen. He’s a good fighter so I expect to go 12 rounds and just get the job done.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Thank you for joining us on this call, for the battle of the ‘Caleb’s: Caleb Plant versus Caleb Truax for the 168-pound championship of the world. The 168-pound division is quickly becoming one of the hottest in the sport. I know both guys very well, I was involved in promoting both of their professional debuts. Caleb Truax back in 2007 at the Target Center in Minneapolis and Plant’s pro debut in May 2014 at the USC Galen Center. So it’s been a lot of fun watching them develop into world champions.

“Caleb Plant put the boxing world on notice with his exciting, title-winning performance in January 2019 and has established himself as the force in the division going into his third title defense. He’s on a mission to be the first undisputed super middleweight champion in boxing history.

“We all know what he has to go through to in order to make that happen. He has a stiff test in front of him in the upset-minded Caleb Truax, whose super middleweight glory came back in 2017 when he traveled overseas and pulled off a huge upset over James DeGale for the same IBF belt. He has vast experience against some of the best at 168 pounds: Jermain Taylor, Danny Jacobs, Anthony Dirrell, James DeGale—and Caleb, I thought you won both fights—Peter Quillin, so it’s going to be an exciting, can’t-miss night of primetime boxing on FOX.”

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,
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NEW YORK (January 22, 2021) – Split-T Management was awarded the highest honors in the sport, solidifying itself as the premiere management organization by sweeping all of the major awards in an announcement by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) today.

Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez took home the coveted Fighter of the Year; Split-T Management CEO David McWater was named Manager of the Year; Ivan Baranchyk took part in the Fight of the Year, and Teofimo Lopez Sr. was named Trainer of the Year.

Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) took his honors on the strength of his sensational performance on October 17th when he added the WBC Franchise, WBA and WBO Lightweight titles to his IBF Championship. The win by Lopez further exemplified that Split-T Management is one of the most powerful entities in boxing as it now handles one of the top Pound-for-Pound fighters in the sport.

“I’m very appreciative of this,” Lopez said. “It’s been a long journey and this is just the beginning. What I can say is this is a true big win for us. It’s surreal. Sometimes I still think this is a dream for us, but we turned that dream into reality.

“When I look down on the list of past BWAA Fighter of the Year award winners, they are all in the Hall of Fame, or going into the Hall of Fame. Now I’m a part of that group and that history. It’s something no one can take away from me. And there is so much more that we will accomplish.”

Under McWater, Split-T outperformed the industry in 2020, featuring its fighters in 40% of the bouts it had participated in the year prior (the industry average was 13%). Split-T Management fighters amassed a record of 44-6-1, winning four world titles that included Lopez, Kali Reis, Raquel Miller and Christina Linardatou as well as four more regional titles, with fights televised or streamed on all of the major boxing platforms such as ESPN/ESPN+, SHOWTIME, DAZN, NBC Sports and FOX. Other Split-T boxers, such as Charles Conwell, Brian Ceballo, Abraham Nova, Stephan Shaw and Janelson Bocachica continued their rise in the sport from prospects to bonafide contenders.

“Getting this award is pretty exciting and very vindicating,” McWater said. “It involved a lot of hard work, and it’s especially sweet because I felt last year Keith Connolly (the 2019 BWAA Manager of the Year) deserved it so much, which I felt gave the award more credibility than in the past.

“It’s a tribute to our whole company at Split-T. Everyone at Split-T has so much to be grateful about for Teofimo and his father. Their awards couldn’t be more deserving.”

Baranchyk’s October 3rd eight-knockdown thriller with Jose Zepeda was broadcasted on ESPN+ had fans in awe in one of the most exciting and sensational back-and-forth fights in recent memory. Baranchyk displayed both the renowned heart and tenacity that has made him beloved by fans.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the BWAA as a participant in the Fight of the Year,” said Baranchyk. “I only watched the bout once so I can fix my mistakes and come back stronger for my next fight, which I would love to be a rematch with Jose – something I know the fans would also want.”

Lopez Sr. made good on his prediction of his son defeating the highly acclaimed Lomachenko. Lopez Sr. was magnificent in devising a game plan for which his son carried out almost flawlessly in the October 17th bout.

“I never expected this,” Lopez Sr. said. “This is a tribute to all of the hard work that we put in. I was thinking about my son. I wasn’t thinking about any awards, so to get this from the BWAA makes me a part of history and I’ll be in the boxing books forever. It’s a great honor and I don’t plan on letting anyone down.”

Los Angeles – January 22, 2021 – A bitterly disappointed Aram Avagyan says he’s willing to do a rematch of his exciting showdown with Jose “Magnifico” Nunez, but this time things have to be a bit different.

The two undefeated super featherweights, Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs) and Nunez (11-0-2, 4 KOs), fought to a fan-friendly eight-round majority draw this week, in the co-main event of Wednesday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation from Mohegan Sun Arena.

But Avagyan, who was facing his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent, takes great exception to the outcome and feels the scores of judges Tom Carusone and John McKaie, who both scored the exciting fight 76-76, and especially Judge Peter Hary, who had it 77-75 in favor of Nunez, were way off base. Former champ Raul Marquez of Showtime, had it 77-75 for Avagyan.

“I was shocked,” said Avagyan from his adopted home in Los Angeles. “I thought I only lost round four and the last round. That’s all I give him, and I have 20 years’ experience in boxing. I know when I’m winning or losing.”

Avagyan says Panama’s Nunez must have been getting credit for punches that didn’t land throughout the fight.

“He didn’t hit me clean once!” Avagyan continued. “Every punch he threw, I blocked and then countered, and I caught him with clean power shots throughout. All he did was his slapping punch on my right arm over and over. The fight wasn’t even close. My coach told me don’t stop in the last round, but I said to myself that if I’m winning the fight, I don’t want to take a lot of risks because this is boxing. One lucky punch can end everything, so I just enjoyed myself for the last three minutes, knowing I had already won.”

Still stinging as he spends quality time with his family, Avagyan says he’d like the rematch with Nunez, but only under different circumstances with different officials.

“If the rematch is going to be like that, forget it. Were the judges watching my fight or another fight? The one who gave him 77-75 – was he just learning how to judge? I even knocked him down and they didn’t count it. It’s ridiculous.”

Avagyan’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the fight was close in his eyes, but his fighter should have gotten the nod. Salita says if Team Nunez want to do it again, things will have to be a bit different.

“It was a highly competitive fight, but I thought Aram pulled it out,” said Salita. “I had it 77-75 for Aram, same as Raul Marquez. It’s great for boxing when two undefeated fighters face each other, so if the boxing fans and his team want to do it again, we are willing as well. But this time, it should be scheduled for 10 rounds, not eight. Then we’ll know who the real winner is, and I know it will be Aram.”

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.

New York, New York – January 22, 2021 – Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of undefeated Panamanian super featherweight Jose “Magnifico” Nunez (11-0-2, 4 KOs), says a rematch must happen between his fighter and Armenia’s Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs).

The pair of hard-nosed prospects fought to an action-packed eight-round majority draw this week in the co-main event of Wednesday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation from Mohegan Sun Arena, as Judge Peter Hary had it 77-75 in favor of the Panamanian, but was overruled by Tom Carusone and John McKaie, who both scored the exciting fight 76-76. Showtime’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood scored it 77-75 in favor of Nunez.

Lewkowicz, who places no blame at the feet of the judges, says there’s only one way to establish who is the better fighter between the two warriors… they have to do it again.

“I don’t blame the judges,” said Lewkowicz, “it was a close fight and difficult to score, but after his tremendous performance, my fighter deserves another chance for a victory,” said Lewkowicz. “A draw leaves no clear winner, so they must fight again.”

According to Lewkowicz, Avagyan and his team have an open invitation to do it again on any of his upcoming televised shows.

“It was a great fight and I congratulate both fighters, but I want to do this again as soon as possible,” said Lewkowicz, “The fans deserve to see them put on another great show and the only way to solve who is better is by doing a rematch.”

Lewkowicz says he hopes Team Avagyan have the same mindset and looks forward to beginning negotiations with them.

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.