Undefeated Welterweight Rylan Charlton has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 

‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ (6-0-1, 3 KOs) was last seen wiping out the previously unbeaten Benwell prospect Joe Laws in three destructive rounds on the Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez undercard in October. 

Charlton sent Laws crashing to the canvas three times as he inflicted a brutal first loss on the 26-year-old; hurting him with a sickening body shot in the earliest exchange and then flooring him with a big left hook in the opening round. 

Laws never recovered – Charlton did major damage with the second knock-down then landed a massive uppercut which ended the fight in explosive fashion, sealing an impressive win on his first-ever TV appearance.

The Norwich native is willing to take on anyone at 147lbs and has already set his sights on the ‘Albanian King’ Florian Marku, with his new Matchroom stablemate also expressing a desire to meet in 2021. 

“It feels great to finally be signed with Eddie Hearn & Matchroom Boxing,” said Charlton. “It has been a long and hard road to get here. I couldn’t have done it without my trainer Frank Sictorness and my manager Daniel Naylor; we’ve all worked very hard. This is where the fun begins.  

“Life has been pretty normal since the Laws win. I’ve got a few more followers and had some lovely messages, but life stays the same; I work hard in my day job and train even harder. Fans can expect to see more big knockouts from me. My last fight was taken on two weeks’ notice, with a full camp under my belt I will be finishing my opponents in style!

“Norwich is tucked out of the way and I’m proud to be getting it on the boxing map. Eventually Eddie can stick a show on in Norwich with me headlining it for titles. That’ll really get Norwich out there. I’m very excited to be representing my city.

“I saw Florian Marku get the draw on the AJ card. I think he deserved to win the fight. It’s a fight I’d like to have but it would just another stepping stone for me. I’ll wipe the floor with him. I respect the fact he was kick boxing champion but he’s in my game now, I don’t rate him as a boxer and I won’t be letting it go to the judges when we meet. 

“My goal for 2021 is to have a title wrapped around my waist by the end of the year. I’m not in this game to mess around. I want to go as far as possible and I want to fight the best opponents out there as I work my way to the top. The Pint Size Powerhouse is coming!”

“I’m delighted to add Rylan Charlton to our growing stable of talent,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We saw a glimpse of Rylan’s destructive power when he blitzed Joe Laws in three-rounds last time out and it’s clear he possesses the power to be a problem for anyone in the Welterweight division. We’re going to have a lot of fun with the ‘Pint Size Powerhouse’ and there’s some exciting fights to be made for him in the domestic 147lbs scene.”

NEW YORK – December 16, 2020 – ShoBox: The New Generation kicks off its 20^th anniversary year showcasing boxing’s rising stars matched tough with a four-fight card headlined by a battle of unbeaten prospects as Patrick Cora and Hurshidbek Normatov meet in a 10-round super welterweight bout Wednesday, January 20 live on SHOWTIMEat 9 p.m. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The inaugural 2021 boxing event on SHOWTIME will feature eight prospects with a combined record of 93-1-3, 45 KO’s in their toughest tests to date. Seven of the fighters are currently undefeated and six will be making their ShoBox debuts.

The quadrupleheader also features Yeis Gabriel Solano making his ShoBox return against fellow unbeaten Mykquan Williams in an eight-round super lightweight bout and Panama’s unbeaten Jose Nunez facing decorated amateur Aram Avagyan in an eight-round featherweight matchup. Featherweight prospects Martino Jules and hard-hitting Pedro Marquez Medina meet in the eight-round telecast opener.

“We are excited to ring in the new year with a ShoBox event that brings together five promoters and features eight fighters with only one loss amongst them,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “Each fight presents prospects in both corners in their toughest tests to date with all looking to continue their quest to turn from prospect to contender. Our 2021 kickoff event speaks to SHOWTIME’s commitment to work with all promoters and managers to develop the stars of tomorrow.”

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents Boxing, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Kings Promotions and Salita Promotions.

Cora vs. Normatov – 10-Round Super Welterweight Main Event Bout

Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cora (10-0, 7 KOs) aims to follow in the footsteps of fellow Puerto Rican world champions Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, both of whom competed in the super welterweight division during their legendary careers. As an amateur, Cora amassed a 65-19 record and captured a Puerto Rican National Championship.

The 21-year-old turned pro in 2017 and quickly built a perfect 10-0 record, highlighted by six flawless outings in 2019. Additionally, the southpaw is coming off back-to-back victories over undefeated fighters, including a fourth-round stoppage victory against Geronimo Nahuel Sacco in December 2019. January 20 will be his first fight in the mainland United States though he has spent time training in Florida and sparred with the likes of Erickson Lubin and Jeison Rosario.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a dream come true and being put in the main event is just beyond words,” said Cora, who will be making his ShoBox debut. “At the end of the night, I will prove I belong there with the best of the best. There are no excuses. I am ready for war and to win for Puerto Rico. My opponent had a great amateur career and he’s talented. It will be a great experience for sure, but I have worked hard for these types of fights and the hand they will raise at the end of the fight will be mine.”

Also holding the designation of being his home country’s top-ranked super welterweight, Uzbekistan’s Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) who now resides and fights out of Brooklyn, N.Y., will face the toughest challenge of his professional career when he meets Cora. Normatov, 28, finished his amateur career in 2016 with a 190-40 record. In his first ten fights as a pro, the southpaw has faced seven fighters with winning records including two undefeated prospects. Normatov is trained by Andre Rozier who has trained several world champions including Richard Commey, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

“I hope this fight will be a key one on the way to a world championship,” said Normatov, who will also make his ShoBox debut. “I am happy to be fighting on ShoBox as more than 80 ShoBox fighters have become world champions.”

Solano vs. Williams – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Making his super lightweight debut after campaigning primarily at 135 pounds over his first 15 professional fights, Solano (15-0, 10 KOs) returns to ShoBox to face the first undefeated fighter of his career. Solano, 28, who fights for Paco Presents Boxing, was impressive on the amateur boxing circuit in his native Colombia, notching a 118-12 record prior to turning professional in 2015. Fighting primarily in Colombia as a professional, the southpaw made his U.S. debut on ShoBox in June 2019 against Elias Damian Araujo, who he handed just his second career loss via split decision.

“I am excited to be back on ShoBox,” said Solano. “Training this time has been a bit different, due to the pandemic, however, we are training very hard and preparing for a battle. I know my opponent will do the same, so expect a war.”

Solano will face his toughest test yet when he meets Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) who was featured in Ring Magazine’s “New Faces” column in 2019, which highlights the sport’s rising prospects. The 22-year-old was an amateur standout, earning three Ringside Championships and a Silver Gloves Championship in his home state of Connecticut. Williams is a natural super lightweight and is coming off a hard-fought majority draw against Tre’Sean Wiggins. 

“I’m excited about this fight and am looking forward to showcasing my skills on a major platform like ShoBox,” said Williams. “I’m expecting Solano to be in great shape, but I will be ready. Thank you to DiBella Entertainment for getting me this opportunity.”

Nunez vs. Avagyan – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout

Hailing from Curundu, Panama, Nunez (11-0-1, 4 KOs) turned pro in 2016 and has built a solid resume en route to his U.S. debut on ShoBox on January 20. Nunez started boxing at 10 years old and competed in 45 amateur fights in Panama. In his last fight, the southpaw conquered Francisco Martinez via unanimous decision in Panama City, handing the tough Mexican fighter his second professional loss. Only 22 years old, Nunez is promoted by Sampson Boxing and has garnered buzz from many boxing insiders during his professional ascension.

“I am incredibly happy to be able to fight outside my country, with an opponent that will demand my best,” said Nunez. “Nevertheless, I have no doubt of my preparations and I have faith that I will be victorious. A victory will open many doors for me in the United States.”

Fighting under the Salita Promotions banner, Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) returns to ShoBox for the second time after surviving two early knockdowns in his debut against then-unbeaten Dagoberto Aguero in the last ShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months inMarch 2020. Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, and now residing in California, Avagyan is a decorated amateur with more than 300 fights. He captured two Bronze Medals at the European Championships and represented Armenia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The 29-year-old has faced undefeated fighters in his past three bouts.

“For every fighter, being able to show their skills, character, heart and fighting spirit on SHOWTIME is a goal, a dream and a great honor,” said Avagyan. “I want to convey to the fans that this will be a spectacular battle. I am hungry. I want to get in the ring and fight like a warrior!”

Jules vs. Medina – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout

Fighting out of his hometown of Allentown, Pa., Martino Jules (10-0, 2 KOs) is making his ShoBox debut as he continues to rise in the featherweight rankings. In his 90 amateur bouts, the southpaw won 75 fights prior to hitting the professional ranks in 2016. In his last fight, Jules, 23, beat the betting favorite Aleen Jumakhonov via majority decision in Las Vegas.

“I’m very excited to showcase my talent on SHOWTIME,” said Jules. “My opponent is world ranked by WBO so I’m expecting a tough fight. I’m very grateful for my manager Trifon Petrov, Marshall Kauffman and Sampson Lewkowicz for giving me the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME. I view this fight as a step up which is all I want at this point in my career but it’s also a fight where I can learn what I have to strengthen for myself and also in my future training camps. I have no doubt that I will win this fight, I’m only focused on coming to fight night as the best version of myself.”    

Living and training in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Medina (12-1, 8 KOs) enters this fight as the more experienced professional fighter. In 2018, Medina bested Felix Caraballo, handing him his first professional loss. In January 2020, the 26-year-old captured the WBA NABO featherweight title via third-round technical knockout over Juan Carlos Pena who was 30-1.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME and in the United States for the first time,” said Medina. “My job is to train hard and meet the demands of my trainer Ricky Márquez. My opponent is good; he has solid boxing skills and throws a lot of punches, but I have no doubt that after this fight, many more opportunities will arise for me.”

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Craig Richards aims to close the final domestic boxing show of the year with a knockout of Champion Shakan Pitters and claim the Lonsdale belt.

Richards and Pitters collide this Friday night at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch, exclusively LIVE and FREE in the UK on Channel 5.

With the recent shock defeats of heavyweight Daniel Dubois and light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde to Joe Joyce and Lyndon Arthur, respectively, the Crystal Palace hotshot says it will not be an upset when he defeats the unbeaten Birmingham stylist.“I don’t believe it will be an upset when I beat Pitters. I’m a better fighter than him, I’ve boxed at a higher level and I’m just going out to get the job done,” Said Richards.

“I’ve had the right preparation and I’m ready to get the job done. I just to go out and show my abilities and what I’m capable of,”

“I’ve found sparring partner similar to his stature and attributes so I’ve been quite fortunate. I’ve had loads of differing sparring partners like Lawrence Okolie and Mark Williams, cruiserweights to tall light-heavyweights.”

“First thing I’m thinking about is December 18, before I think of anything else, so that’s my main focus. I’ve been thriving on this and looking forward to it for a long time,”

“It’s the fight I’ve been waiting for to really get the performance out of myself and it will be a win by KO or just the win.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Plymouth’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters and challenger Craig Richards checked into their fight hotel in Redditch today with their respective training teams to undertake the mandatory COVID-19 test.

Birmingham’s Pitters put his title on the line in his first defence against London rival Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio, exclusively LIVE and FREE on Channel 5 in the UK.

After taking the COVID-19 test, both fighters and teams headed to their rooms to quarantine and await the vital all-clear results.

Hennessy Sports has again appointed the world leading genetics testing and digital health testing company Prenetics to undertake the integrated testing. Prenetics have successfully provided their services to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ and The England and Wales Cricket Board.

Other boxers featuring on the undercard are River Bent, Troy Coleman, Sammy Cantwell, Ricky Little, Stephen McKenna, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and their opponents also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

Promoter Mick Hennessy applied stricter shielding measures for his boxers’ featuring on the event last Friday (11 December) to minimised their exposure to the coronavirus to ensure the boxers’ would be able to feature on this Friday’s show.

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

CORONA, CA (December 15, 2020) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect, Louis Hernandez (8-0-1, 6 KOs), is set to face Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) on Thompson Boxing Promotions final 3.2.1. Boxing event of 2020. The 6-round opening bout will be part of a three-fight card scheduled for December 20, 2020.

Ruben “Ace” Torres (13-0, 11 KOs) will battle Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (23-13-1, 13 KOs) in the main event, scheduled for 8-rounds in the super lightweight division. The 8-round co-main event will feature Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (14-1, 8 KO), of Pacoima, CA, taking on Mario Hernandez (10-1-1, 3 KOs), of Santa Ana, CA, in a super flyweight bout.

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

Here is what Louis Hernandez had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Brewart Jr., and more.

On his recent training camp.

“Training camp has been very difficult because of the COVID restrictions, but I put in a lot of hard work that I know will get my hands raised in victory. I’ve been working on a lot of foot work drills but that main attribute I’ve enhanced is sitting on my punches and delivering powerful body shots. All my tools will be on display and I am focused on beating my opponent, who I think has never fought anyone like me.”

On his matchup with Brewart Jr.

“I am not impressed at all with him. I think he is taking me far too lightly and he will pay on fight night. He hasn’t fought anyone yet who has been a true threat to him, this will be a big wake-up call. I don’t think he’ll make it to the final bell.”

On fighting on 3.2.1 Boxing

“It is an honor to fight on a Thompson Boxing Promotions card, and especially one in which all my friends and family can easily watch it. I am going to make the most of this opportunity and take this momentum into 2020.”

On being the underdog.

“I embrace being in the underdog role because I haven’t had my opportunity yet. I view this as when Terence Crawford had to fight overseas and beat Ricky Burns to become a world champion. I am having to go into Brewart’s hometown, to beat him and earn my respect in the boxing world.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer, while Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, watch our media partner Fight Hub TV and follow us on
Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (December 15, 2020) – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Champion David O. Morrell Jr. will face Mike Gavronski in the 12-round main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 26 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature the return of renowned knockout artist James Kirkland dueling hard-hitting Juan Macias Montiel in the 10-round middleweight co-main event while unbeaten young rising star Jesus Ramos battles Naim Nelson in a 10-round super lightweight bout that will kick off the broadcast.

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

“Cuban sensation David O. Morrell Jr. burst onto the scene in 2019 and followed that up in August this year by putting on a great performance to capture his interim super middleweight title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will look to continue his rapid rise at 168-pounds with a battle-tested challenger in Mike Gavronski. James Kirkland has entertained fans with his aggressive style and prolific power for years, and seeks another chance to face the best in the sport beginning December 26. Adding in the scintillating rising star Jesus Ramos returning to action against Naim Nelson, and fight fans can expect a late present the day after Christmas on FOX PBC Fight Night.”

Morrell (3-0, 2 KOs) arrived in the U.S. last year and immediately began to show the same prodigious talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s iconic amateur scene. In August he became interim champion by scoring a dominant decision victory over then unbeaten Lennox Allen on FOX. Now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell made his pro debut there in August 2019, stopping Yendris Valdez in the first round. The 22-year-old followed that up in November 2019, knocking out Quinton Rankin, who entered the fight with a 15-6-2 record and had most recently gone the distance with former champion Chad Dawson five months before facing Morrell.

“I feel very happy about being able to fight before the year is out,” said Morrell. “I want to reach the goals I set for myself and continue to provide for my family. I’m working toward being the best in my division and I know I will get there. I’m also thankful for my team’s efforts and trust in my talent. I’m ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Originally from Bellevue, Washington and now fighting out of Lockport, Illinois, Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) has won back-to-back fights since dropping a 2018 contest to top super middleweight Jesse Hart in 2018. Gavronski owns victories over Brian Vera, then unbeaten Jake Carr and Geraldo Ibarra, in a career that has also seen him face Tureano Johnson. Gavronski’s 2019 victories came in a decision over Emmanuel Sanchez and a stoppage of Tommy Hughes.

“I’m very grateful for an opportunity in a big fight like this,” said Gavronski. “I’ve watched film on David O. Morrell Jr and I have great respect for his abilities. My team and I have put together a great game plan and we believe it’s going to get me victory and the title on December 26 on FOX.”

Born in Austin and fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and explosive fighters in the sport in a long career that’s only seen him defeated twice. The 35-year-old returned to the ring in 2019 with two knockout victories, his first action since losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2015. Kirkland sports an 83% knockout rate and has previously picked up notable wins against former champion Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angulo.

“Pressure is a blessing,” said Kirkland. “I can’t wait to go in there on December 26 to display all my skills and put on a great performance for all the fans watching.”

The 26-year-old Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) steps back into the ring after his U.S. debut saw him fight Hugo Centeno Jr. to a split-draw on FS1 in December 2019. Representing his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel had previously stopped Marco Reyes and Gustavo Castro to bounce back from a defeat to former champion Jaime Munguia in 2017.

“I know that a win on December 26 will catapult me into even bigger fights,” said Montiel. “I’ve prepared better than ever before leading up to this matchup. I’m more than ready to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.”

The nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, Jesus Ramos (13-0, 12 KOs) has steadily increased his competition as 2020 has seen him deliver knockouts of Ramal Amanov, and most recently then unbeaten Esteban Garcia in action on FOX in September. The 19-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona has scored three-straight knockout wins following his only pro fight that has gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring a day after Christmas,” said Ramos. “I’m looking forward to closing out this year strong. I have a tough opponent in Naim Nelson. He’s been in there with some great fighters, but I’ve been working hard to prepare as best as I can. I’m confident that with the work we’ve been putting in, we’re going to get the result we want and in impressive fashion once again.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) has challenged WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios and former champion Mickey Bey throughout a career that dates back to 2011. The 30-year-old won his first 12 pro fights and most recently earned a unanimous decision over Roy McGill in October 2019.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to fight this year,” said Nelson. “I’ve done my best to stay safe and healthy amidst the pandemic by continuing to train hard. I never took a break away from the gym. I knew that when the call to step on the big stage, I’d be more ready than ever. I’ve been in this position before against a young knockout artist, and I love these kind of challenges. It’s my job to go in there and use all of my experience to show him another level and bring home the win.”

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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.

NEW YORK (12/14/20) – Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) has traveled to the Dominican Republic for a Wednesday night rematch with Dahiana Santana (36-12, 15 KOs) at Santo Domingo’s Hotel Catalonia Malecon Center. It will be the seven-division champion’s first fight since January, despite several high-profile bouts being knocked out by Covid-19.

Serrano has twice been scheduled to fight Katie Taylor, a fight that is widely considered the biggest fight in women’s boxing. The bout was announced in late March, just before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down New York City, and kicked off a spate of event cancellations. The May 2nd bout was rescheduled for July in England. Once again, the bout was sidelined by Covid, and rescheduled for August. Unable to go to the gym due to Covid restrictions in New York City, and unwilling to travel and fight, without proper sparring, literally in her opponent’s promoter’s backyard, with no neutral officials, during a pandemic, Serrano and her team decided to move on from the Taylor bout.

A unique and exciting opportunity then seemed to present itself – a historic, all-women event, set to take place in December on a new major platform, that would have seen Serrano unify her WBO featherweight title with Sarah Mahfoud’s IBF featherweight title. That event was canceled largely due to the rise of Covid-19 cases.

“We had to get Amanda in the ring,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment (DBE). “I then happily made a deal with the new Ring City series to feature her on their December 17 card, which already included Jelena Mrdjenovich.”

Serrano was set to face Taynna Cardoso, of Brazil, in an eight-round bout, when Cardoso’s pre-fight Covid test came back positive. Undeterred, Serrano kept training, and a replacement opponent, Argentinian Ana Romina Guichapani, was secured.

“We got word that the airport closest to Guichapani in Santa Cruz, Argentina, was closed due to Covid,” said DiBella. “In order to get to the States, she would have to fly out of Buenos Aires, which is a two-and-a-half day drive for her. We couldn’t make it work, but Amanda needed to fight.”

DiBella then secured a rematch with Dahiana Santana, the only opponent available on short notice. Serrano had stopped Santana at Barclays Center, in their first hard-fought fight, with a TKO in the eighth round. To benefit Dahiana and to make the rematch a bit more interesting, the fight was moved to the Dominican Republic, Santana’s backyard, on a card promoted by Shuan Boxing Promotions.

“I have the best promoter, the best team, that have been trying to put me on multiple cards in December,” said Serrano. “I did my medicals, I have continued training. I’m doing my part, and am looking forward to getting back in that ring and fighting again.

“I definitely want to unify with the IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud, as well as the WBC and WBA belts with Jelena Mrdjenovich,” Serrano continued. “Hopefully, that will happen in 2021.”

Mrdjenovich is scheduled to face Iranda Paola Torres on Thursday’s Ring City card on NBC SportsNet. In the main event, DiBella Entertainment’s rising star Charles “Bad News” Conwell will be facing Madiyar Ashkeyev and DBE’s undefeated heavyweight prospect Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw will be fighting Lyubomyr Pinchuk on the same card.

“What a long, strange trip 2020 has been,” said DiBella. “Amanda and her manager, Jordan Maldonado, have been so patient and cooperative, and it’s been frustrating to face so many roadblocks this year. Amanda is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. We’ll get through this fight, and focus on 2021. It is Amanda’s desire to unify the featherweight division. That’s what we are aiming to do. Amanda’s on a collision course with Jelena Mrdjenovich and Sarah Mahfoud.”

Serrano’s fight will stream live on Facebook on both DiBella Entertainment’s and Shuan Boxing Promotions’ pages. The card begins at 5:00pm EST and also features a world title fight. Puerto Rico’s WBO minimumweight world champion Wilfredo Mendez will defend his title for the third time against Venezuelan Alexis Diaz in a 12-round contest.

NEW YORK – December 15, 2020 – Exciting unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to continue his 16-fight knockout streak when he faces veteran Chris van Heerden in the 12-round co-main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) Saturday, December 19 from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) faces the all-action South African native van Heerden (28-2-1, 12 KOs), who is on a bit of a roll himself winning 14 of his last 15 fights since his first professional defeat in 2010.

Ennis, who made his SHOWTIME debut in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, is trained by his father Bozy Ennis at Bozy’s Dungeon in Philadelphia, Pa.

“I’ve been sparring with some of my dad’s fighters, but we’ve had trouble finding guys to spar because of the virus,” said Ennis. “We just want to keep everyone safe and healthy. But we’re definitely ready. I’m ready to rock and roll and keep my knockout streak going with No. 17 on December 19.”

Ennis is currently ranked WBO No. 7, IBF No. 10 and WBC No. 11 at 147 pounds. He knows he competes in boxing’s glamour division with superstars like Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, Manny Pacquiao, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

“I just want to fight the world champions,” said the power-punching Ennis, who has recorded 16 knockdowns in his last seven fights. “I want to fight the top five guys. I’m ready, and I’ve been ready to make a big statement. I just have to stay focused and do what I have to do and handle my business and then it’s on to bigger and better things.”

Even though his last seven fights were scheduled for 10 rounds, Ennis has only gone six rounds once in his professional career. “We prepare ourselves for 12, 15 rounds,” he said. “I can go all day long. I get stronger as the fight goes on. I know people haven’t gotten to see that side of me yet. If it goes past six rounds, then I’m in shape for it. I’m always in shape, and I’m ready to go. No matter many rounds I have to go.”

Ennis believes that a big fight against a top 147-pounder is in his near future. “At the end of the day people are seeing that it’s not my fault I’m not getting these big fights,” he said. “These guys are hopping around me and don’t want to fight me. I can only fight who they put in front of me. I definitely think I need to make a big statement on December 19 so that in 2021 I can start getting the big fights. I will be a world champion in 2021!”

Ennis is a natural right-hander who fights from the southpaw stance. “Everybody knows I love to fight southpaws,” he said. “Early in my career I fought four or five southpaws back-to-back. I love it. It’s easy for me and they don’t give me any problems. I know southpaws don’t like fighting other southpaws, but I love fighting them.”

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ABOUT RODRIGUEZ VS. GABALLO
Rodriguez vs. Gaballo will see former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

London, UK (15 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters hasn’t taken challenger Craig Richards for granted after seeing recent high profile defeats involving Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois.

Undefeated Pitters makes the first defence of the Lonsdale belt against Londoner Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV Studio in Redditch, live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

Earlier this month Yarde was turned over by Lyndon Arthur to win the Commonwealth and WBO Intercontinental 175lb titles and heavyweight Dubois lost to bookies’ underdog Joe Joyce in their British, Commonwealth and European title scrap.

The Birmingham ace won the British title in a tough twelve round battle against Chad Sugden and isn’t prepared to let the titles go without a fight and realises the threat Richards presents.

“Those results show how tough this sport is to hold onto the titles and to take nothing for granted,” Said Pitters.

“Richards is a dangerous challenger and I’ve not looked beyond this fight against him. Everything has been focused on this fight only and retaining my title in my first defence,”

“Whilst they were upsets, I wasn’t completely surprised by the Yarde and Dubois loses. Arthur is a top quality fighter and vastly underrated, whilst Joyce was a class former Olympian and I couldn’t understand why he was installed as the underdog by the bookmakers,”

“Knowing that Richards wants to rip the title from me, take away my career, future earnings and being able to feed my family is all the motivation in the World I need to win and keep hold of this title.”

The Pitters-Richard showdown has been a long time coming. They were due to meet for the British title in March this year after promoter Mick Hennessy won the purse bid, but Richards withdrew with a viral infection and Sugden stepped in to replace him – with Hennessy giving Richards the first shot at the winner.

Pitters v Sugden was then postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the ensuing national lockdown, but then with the recommencement of sport behind closed doors they finally clashed in August and Pitters won widely on the scorecards with a superb boxing display.

Hennessy then delivered on his word and gave Richards his chance with the bout set for November 14, but then Pitters suffered an injury in training and the fight was rescheduled for this Friday.

Despite the turbulent year, Pitters aims to end they year on a high by beating Richards and move into a positive 2021.

He added, “This time last year nobody could have predicted the way this year has turned out. Coronavirus has turned the World upside down and caused so much disruption and pain to everything we took for granted in our everyday lives,”

“I think one of the biggest factors in fighting the pandemic is the human fighting spirit, not giving in and coming together to battle the disease and we are starting to turn the war more in our favour with the vaccine roll out,”

“Through it all, I’ve kept the faith, kept me and family safe and just believed that things would eventually start get back to normal. Whilst we’ve still got a long way to go, I’m a positive believer and things will change next year,”

“I’ve not let the coronavirus derail me and I certainly won’t let Craig Richards on Friday night.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2020) – Rising welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis will battle Colombia’s Janer González in the 10-round main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Wednesday, December 16 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see featherweight prospect José
Perez battle José Edgardo Garcia in an eight-round attraction to kick off the telecast, and Philippine Olympian Eumir Marcial makes his pro debut in a six-round special feature against Andrew Whitfield.

In addition, unbeaten lightweight prospect Fernando Molina faces Teodoro Alonso in a six-round affair, and super bantamweight prospect Michael Angeletti makes his pro debut in a four-round contest dueling Jerrell Barbour.

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

“Eimantas Stanionis continued his ascent up the welterweight rankings with an emphatic victory in November and will return to FS1 on December 16 with a sturdy test in Janer González,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In addition, José Perez vs. José Edgardo Garcia is a 50-50 matchup of hungry featherweights that’s sure to deliver action. Adding in a trio of exciting prospects looking to make nationally televised statements will make December 16 a great night for boxing fans on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

A native of Lithuania who now lives and trains in the U.S., Stanionis (11-0, 8 KOs) is one of the most promising fighters to come out of the 2016 Olympic Games and has continued to impress in the pro ranks. The 26-year-old scored a dominant knockout victory over Justin DeLoach on November 4 on FS1. Stanionis picked up three victories in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa in March, before stopping Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon. He will be making his second headlining appearance and his fourth overall on an FS1 telecast.

Fighting out of his native Barranquilla, Colombia, González (19-3-1, 15 KOs) has been battle tested in his last three contests, facing top welterweight Jamal James in an action fight on FS1, in addition to contenders Ivan Golub and Radzhab Butaev. The 33-year-old has fought professionally since 2011, and delivered knockout victories in his first eight pro fights.

The 25-year-old Perez (8-1-1, 3 KOs) returns to the ring after his most recent outing saw him stop Jesus Manuel Sandoval in the second round in November 2019. Born in Gardena, California and now fighting out of Oak Hills, Perez is unbeaten in his last seven fights, with his only blemish coming via a majority draw against Mario Ayala in June 2019.

Born in Honduras and now fighting out of Houston, Garcia (13-0-2, 9 KOs) returns to action after most recently fighting to a split-draw against Francisco Gabrial Pina in March. Prior to that 2020 debut, the 32-year-old scored five knockout victories in 2019.

A native of Lunzuran, Zamboanga City, Philippines, Marcial makes his pro debut on December 16 after an impressive amateur career. The 25-year-old qualified for the 2020 Olympics before it was postponed, and won the silver medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships. The youngest of five siblings, Marcial is trained by renowned coach Freddie Roach. He will be opposed by the 29-year-old Whitfield (3-1, 2 KOs), a Lewiston, Idaho native who enters this fight having won his last two bouts.

The 18-year-old Molina (3-0, 2 KOs) made his U.S. debut on FS1 on November 21, dropping Jose Zaragoza on his way to a unanimous decision victory. The Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico native had previously scored knockout victories in his first two pro fights, both coming in 2019. He takes on the Los Angeles native Alonso (3-2), who rides a three-bout winning streak heading into December 16. The 22-year-old made his pro debut in February 2018.

Born in New Orleans but now living in Spring, Texas, Angeletti will make his pro debut following an amateur career that saw him ranked as the top flyweight in the country. The 24-year-old was a strong contender for the eventually postponed 2020 Olympics, after winning the Elite National Championships and placing third in an international tournament in 2018. His pro debut will see him square off against the 29-year-old Barbour (1-0). A native of Tacoma, Washington, Barbour’s amateur career included a points loss to top super bantamweight Stephen Fulton.

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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.

CORONA, CA (December 14, 2020) – Undefeated middleweight prospect, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs), is scheduled to face fellow unbeaten foe Louis Hernandez (8-0-1, 6 KOs) when Thompson Boxing Promotions returns on Sunday, December 20, 2020, with their final 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. Brewart Jr. vs. Hernandez, a 6-round bout, will be the opening fight on the card that will feature three action packed clashes.

Ruben “Ace” Torres (13-0, 11 KOs) will battle Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (23-13-1, 13 KOs) in the main event, scheduled for 8-rounds in the super lightweight division. The 8-round co-main event will feature Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (14-1, 8 KO), of Pacoima, CA, taking on Mario Hernandez (10-1-1, 3 KOs), of Santa Ana, CA, in a super flyweight bout.

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

Here is what Brewart Jr, who is hosting training camp in Riverside, CA, with coach Henry Ramirez, had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Hernandez, and more.

On his recent training camp.

“Camp with Henry Ramirez has been great and working with Mark Hernandez has gotten me ready. It’s been grueling camp, but I know all the hard work will pay off. I’ve been waiting since February to get back in the ring and I am prepared to stop this guy.”

On fighting Louis Hernandez.

“To be honest, I really don’t like him. Hernandez hasn’t done anything in the sport of boxing and is talking a lot of trash on the internet. He should be more humble about getting this fight, he has never been at this level. I’m ready to put a beating on him.”

On what fans can expect in this fight.

“I am going to come out firing big bombs as soon as the opening bell rings. I’m going to bring the heat, and he is going to question if he still wants to box after this fight. This will be a dominant performance that moves me into the conversation of the prospect of the year.”

On fighting on 3.2.1 Boxing.

“It is always great to fight on Thompson Boxing shows. I had a knockout of the year candidate on one of their events not long ago, and they always have great production value. Thompson Boxing Promotions is a very professional organization and fans from all over the world can tune in because it’s available to the public across many platforms.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer, while Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, watch our media partner Fight Hub TV and follow us on
Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK, NY (DECEMBER 14, 2020)–This past Saturday night, three members of the Split-T Management stable all gained stoppage victories on three cards around the United States.

In Las Vegas, featherweight Haven Brady Jr. stopped Michael Land after round two of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.  

	Haven Brady Jr. wins–Photo Credit- Mikey Williams-Top Rank via Getty Images

Brady beat up and battered for six-minutes until Land and his corner had enough, and the 18-year old native of Albany, Georgia raised his mark to 2-0 with both wins coming by knockout.

The fight was streamed live on ESPN+.  Brady is promoted by Top Rank.
Heralded amateur David Navarro also is now 2-0 with two knockouts as he took out Jason Vera in the opening round of their featherweight bout at The Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Navarro dropped Vera with a wicked overhand right.  Navarro followed that up with a vicious combination and the fight was stopped at 2:02.
Navarro, 21 years old of Los Angeles is under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse, and the fight had highlights shown on the Showtime Boxing Special Edition broadcast.

CLICK TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF NAVARRO’S 1ST ROUND STOPPAGE OVER JASON VERA

In Miami, middleweight Andreas Katzourakis stopped Brandon Baue in round three of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout at the Airport Hilton.

In round one, Katzourakis dropped Baue with a hard jab.  Katzourakis dropped Baue again in the opening round with two hard body shots.  In round three, Katzourakis dropped Baue with a hard body shot.  It was one more left to the body that put Baue down for a 4th time, and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Katzouraks of Athens, Greece is 6-0 with five knockouts.

WATCH ANDREAS KATZOURAKIS 3RD ROUND STOPPAGE OVER BRANDON BAUE

GALVESTON, Texas (December 14, 2020) — A strong undercard showcasing young, talented boxers from Texas and Southern California will provide support for this Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande” card, airing live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
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Former world super middleweight title-holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Ramirez’
Zurdo Promotions is co-promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” with Lopez’ company, El Tigre Promotions.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs) faces Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event., who has replaced veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.

Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations to Gilberto), the first boxer signed by Ramirez’ emerging promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, will make his professional debut in a 4-round bout against his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-2).

The 24-year-old Ramirez, who has no formal boxing experience, played on an L.A. high school football team, which was featured on ESPN because the area from which student-athletes came from was riddled with drugs and gangs. “Scrappy” may not have boxed as an amateur, but he is a fighter.

“I’m still young in the sport but I love it,” ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez spoke about making his pro boxing debut. “I’m just a different breed when it comes to this. At the end of the day, it’s a fight and I’m here to take over not just take part in. Where I’m from past records, accolades and titles don’t mean s*it. It’s all about today and what lays ahead.

“Being around the Champ (Gilberto) and watching him firsthand, I’m more motivated than ever and know what it takes to succeed. The grind is different, and no one can outwork me.”

Unbeaten Pittsburg, CA featherweight Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-3, 2 KOs) faces Armando Frausto (8-1, 5 KOs), of Alvin (TX), in a 6-round match for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) title.

Also scheduled to fight on the “Battle of Rio Grande” undercard in 4-round bouts are Houston middleweight Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO), Houston lightweight Juan Velazquez (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Breyon Gorham (6-0 (5 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-18-3, 2 KOs).

Pro-debuting fighters in additional 4-round undercard fights are Porter, TX junior middleweight Apostle Arias vs. Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5), Trinity, TX middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor vs. Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-1), and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle vs. Jarvis Lee (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

Galveston, TX, December 14, 2020 — Undefeated former Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez returns to the ring on Friday, December 18, challenging North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas, live on pay-per-view. “The Battle of Rio Grande” will be co-promoted by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, the first promotion for each under their respective companies.
Tickets to are on sale and can be purchased here https://zurdopromotions.events.com/

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I’m extremely excited to back in the ring. It’s been a long year of ups and downs and we have been kind of unsure. At my age I’m saying this is not what a fighter needs. I am used to fighting on a consistent schedule. It’s unfortunate but I’m very grateful we got to pull this off.

What did you do during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I stayed in the gym, lifting weights and hitting the bag. I made a little gym in the garage since all of the gyms had been shut down. A lot of running, keeping the body in shape and not overindulging on the food a deserts. We had to stay strict hoping the opportunity would come and here it is.

How do you plan to fight Zurdo?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In the fight, as the rounds go on, we are looking for consistency and great conditioning. We focused a lot on conditioning and our strength. I think as the rounds go on you are going to see patience and growth as a fighter from over the years and the wins that we have had and bring it all together on December 18.

It looks as though you two have respect for one another . . .

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: When you have tremendous respect for each other, what happens is both fighters bring their A-game to the table and you end up getting this amazing fight not only for yourself but the fans in general. It’s a blessing that we are both humble and respecting guys because the people that get to witness the fight we are about to put on are the overall winners.

Keys to victory?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: Just kind of being me. The keys are going to be you have to be in shape any time you are going to fight Zurdo. He is one of the best pressure fighters in the business – he stays on you and keeps driving. I have to be prepared mentally to deal with his strength and to really stay in there and bang it out with him. We’ll see how it turns out. We don’t know what’s going to happen until we get in there. 40 guys have gone in there against him and 40 have failed because he is legitimate – one of the best in the business. We’ll just get int here and see how the fight turns out and we’ll make adjustments as we go.

How is it promoting your own fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: As a promoter I have been in the business for 3 or 4 years now, so it was a little easier for me because we kind of had it all laid out so just making it on a larger scale. With Zurdo, that kind of added a little more stress because it is such a big event. We are fighting for a NABF title and we are both ranked in the top ten. There is more at stake here so creating it for the fans and a little more stress but he has a great team and I have a great team. I think we are going to do a great job and it’s an amazing even from the undercard to the main event.

What do you mean by “being me?”

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I am a boxer mover. You have seen me I can box and move around the ring to offset what he is going to pressure me with. Or at the end of the day, I am Mexican blooded and I can get in there and bang. If it has to turn into forehead to forehead, hey lets go for it. Being me is letting my competitive nature dictate what I do and not getting frustrated with anything.

What kind of challenges have you had to endure to train in the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: The challenges were you had to make your own gym. They had everything shut down so we created a gym in the garage and tried to do some bag work with the coaches but a lot of us were stuck at home, especially if we had close elderly family members. We really couldn’t get together and you find yourself doing long runs alone and bag work alone and strength work alone. It was a little difficult but here in Texas it opened up a little bit and we got to get out and get into some of the gyms as long as we stuck to the guidelines but I wouldn’t say it was the best case scenario for a training camp but we did the best could and we are going to be a in great shape.

What are you expecting on December 18?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: On December 18 I am expecting the best Zurdo that we have yet to see. He is going to bring a filled in light heavyweight body and he is going to use that size to his advantage and I think he is going to be better physically prepared since he has had time to settle into the light heavyweight body.

Did you train differently for this fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In this training camp I made some adjustments to how I was conditioning compared to several of my other fights. I spent a lot more time doing road work and strength and conditioning and really focused on a lot of flexibility just to make sure that for the longevity of the sport we can be 100%. I know the dedication is there and the hunger is there and during a lot of my runs I just feel great and can’t wait to get back in there.

Do you have a message for Zurdo?

I ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: don’t have anything to say to Zurdo exactly. I am expecting Zurdo to be at 100% and may the best man win.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?
ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I like Canelo in a late round stoppage from some body shots.

How do you like being a parent?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: It is really interesting and different.

Why did you decide to go on your own?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been in boxing a long time but I think I made a lot of mistakes and that’s why I made my own promotion company because I want to help young fighters reach their goals as a fighter and as a businessman to let them know how negotiate to reach those goals.

How was the break with Top Rank?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We are still friends. My contract expired and I didn’t want to renew and that’s what happened but I think in the near future we can still work together because he has one champion and potentially another so we will see.

How did this fight come together?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We reached out to the Tigre Lopez team and they agreed to a fight with us to do a co-promotion deal and it’s really good for me because I have been outside of the ring for almost two years and no I come back. Alfonso Lopez has the NABF title and I hope he’s coming really prepared to put on a great show for all the people and all the fans.

How has the pandemic affected you?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been training the whole time, even during Corona. Before during training I was a little upset because of first my contract and then Corona but now everything is in place. I put all of the pieces in place and I feel ready now to get in the ring and put on a great performance.

Will we see anything new ion the ring?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes you are. I am going to put everything that I have done in training to put on a great show for the fans and that’s all I want is for people to watch the fight on December 18.

What do you have to say to Alfonso Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I hope El Tigre comes in in great shape to put on a great show and best of luck.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I like Canelo because he is Mexican

What should we expect in the fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Expect a WAR, El Tigre has Mexican blood and inside the ring 2 Mexicans it’s guaranteed a WAR. My team and I worked on the game plan together. I believe he is real good he’s never been stopped and he has 10 victories in a row. I trained like a true champ not taking him lightly I think it’s a good for us both at this time.

Expecting a knockout?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: More than anything my hand will be raised I’m 41-0 and I think the KO will come on it’s own

How about Zurdo Promotions?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I feel happy and excited to help young fighters. I’m working hard with El Tigre Promotions. They have a good team as a promoter everything is working out as planned and as a fighter I’m gonna leave it all in the ring. That’s right my fight will be live only on Fite TV 24.99 make sure you guys go get it and don’t miss a fun night of action

You announced the fight on the 19th then changed it to the 18th and now you are on same night as GGG. . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Nothing controversial the fans know boxing they will watch both fights it really doesn’t matter we can both fight on the same day and people will still tune in boxing is what people want and they are getting it. And GGG, it’s a good thing because the fans want to see boxing it’s been needed and like I said the fans will be watching all 3 fights that weekend .

You and GGG training in the same place?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes, GGG and I have been in the same gym training for our fights

Canelo and Eddy Reynoso again said they will not face a Mexican opponent . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I know that fight will happen one day I’ll just keep winning and do what I do and that fight will happen. I also want to be the face of boxing and I know to be the face of boxing I will have to beat him down the line – I just gotta keep on winning.

How was training during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: We focused a lot on boxing and strength and conditioning because he is an amazing fighter and he brings a toughness to all of his fights. He world a world champion and he’s undefeated. We have prepared ourselves for the best fighter in the world and be ready the best that we can.

Will you try and go for early KO?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t think is the best way to jump into a fight with Zurdo. We both have a lot of experience and we both will rely, in the ring, on all of our experiences. He has never been hurt really – he has a heck of a chin.

Do you feel disrespected in boxing?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t feel disrespected, Zurdo is a superstar in the sport. I know what he brings to the table and I know why kind of fighter I am because of what I have put into the sport of boxing. It’s the business of boxing if people don’t see you and you aren’t promoted everyone sees you as a guy that is just there and that’s the business of boxing.

There was some talk of you fighting Bivol . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: My team and I, we discussed it (Bivol fight) and decided that Alfonso was the best opponent for us right now but I think in the near future the Bivol fight will happen, but right now I don’t see beyond and I am focusing on Alfonso.

It seem throughout your career you have been having a tough time getting the top opponents . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Right now I feel great and that’s why I started my own promotional company so I can choose my best path for my career and I will have control, after this fight, all those kind of fights will happen. At the beginning I was frustrated abut that (getting top fights) but all of the fighters want the big names. It didn’t happen during that time but now I can make that happen. I can work with different promoters but right now I have Alfonso Lopez and he has the NABF title and I have prepared for this fight because he has what I want.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have to be worried about the fight in the ring and be sharp. I don’t feel like I have to be worried about anything in particular because I have trained so long for this fight – I was my longest training camp in my life and I feel great. I feel ready to rumble. Ready to put on a great show in Galveston, Texas on December 18. I can’t wait to be in the ring as a fighter.

How is the promotional company coming along?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have ten fighters in my promotion. Some of them fought in Mexico a couple weeks a go and some will be fighting on my card. We are going to have another show in February in Mexico. It is really interesting being a promoter because I want to help the fighters. I want to have champions to, obviously, but I want to teach them how the business is as a fighter and as a promoter. They have to know everything and I want to help them.

What do you want to accomplish against Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I want to send the message that I am the best light heavyweight in the world and everybody will see on December 18. Alfonso has been winning in his last ten fights in a row and he’s never been stopped and we are going to put on a great show for all the fans.

Can you make it back to 168?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I could make 168 if I cut off my leg. But I don’t think I can go back to 168, it is too much on my body and I feel that I would rather move up. Move up to cruiserweight and then heavyweight – why not?

Do you think a Canelo fight will happen?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Of course a Canelo fight can happen. Like you say with me and him fighting back-to-back this weekend – people will watch Canelo and they will watch me, and if the fans want to see us fight then we could make that fight happen. Eventually I will reach out to his team and I want to propose to make the fight happen. He has his own promotional team and I have my own promotional team so we can make it happen. If the people want to see the fight and there will be belts, for sure.

What weight would a Canelo fight be at?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: The Canelo fight would have to be at 175. He already fought at that weight against Sergey Kovalev and I don’t want to go back to that weight. We’d have to fight at the same weight with no rehydration clauses or any of that.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Don’t miss the fight on December 18 on FITE.tv. It is going to be a good fight and we are going to put on a great show for all of them and you will see a new Zurdo Ramirez, so don’t miss it!

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 14, 2020) – Prior to his sensational performance on the recent Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event, undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz was boxing’s best kept secret. No more, though, as Ortiz firmly established himself as a rising star in front of countless fans among the 1.6 million PPV buys.

Ortiz flew from Boston to Los Angeles on Thanksgiving. He was driven to his hotel, where he immediately saw Jones, checked his weight, and walked to Staples Center. “I was comfortable from the start,” said the young fighter who was fighting for the first time as a professional outside of New England. “I was there to get the job done. I was on a mission. I walk to see the Staples Center and that was cool. I later took my run around the Staples Center and there were a lot of statues. It was beautiful. It was cool seeing the Lakers locker-room.”

The 24-year-old Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, knocked out Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs) with a bruising body attack, hurting his opponent in the sixth round, and closing the show in spectacular fashion in the seventh for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title. Segawa had never been stopped before as a professional.

Ortiz displayed his overall arsenal: stiff jab, lightning quick hands and feet, switching back and forth effortlessly from orthodox to southpaw stances, punishing hooks up and down, and the most lethal body shots seen from a New Englander since “Irish” Micky Ward.

“I was calm and cool before the fight,” Ortiz added. “I like to go into a fight, mentally, like it was a sparring session and I always do good. I started out in an orthodox stance, established my jab and used it a lot. I think I should have used it more and could have beaten him with it. I listened to my coach (Rocky Gonzalez) and he told me when to switch. Body punching is the No. 1 thing with Rocky. I may not have shown it nearly as much in other fights, but he drills that into me all the time. In the sixth round, he told me to go more to the body, not looking to catch him, and in the seventh I really hurt him to the body.

“Segawa was definitely tough. He had beaten a lot of guys, including a few he upset. Every fight is a stepping-stone and I’m my worst critic. I felt that I could have knocked him out in the second round, but I didn’t want to go off the game plan.”

Ortiz set-up Segawa from the opening bell, broke him down, and finished the show in grand style as Seqawa was hurt and trapped on the ropes, drawing kudos from highly respected people in the industry such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Teddy Atlas, and others. Ortiz’ fan-base grew exponentially as boxing fans rushed to sign up to follow Jamaine during and after his breakout fight.

“Once people saw me perform and my style,” Ortiz continued, “they liked me. I could have shown more and thrown more combinations. I really needed to fight in front of the world. I got 5,500 new Instagram flowers that night. I guess, I’m no longer the best kept secret in boxing.”

“Our main goal is to win a world title,” Gonzalez commented. “This was fun and a great opportunity, but the motivation to be world champion is stronger. He dealt with this fight as just another fight, and he followed our game plan.

“His body shots set up the ending. I’m always telling him about Micky Ward’s body shots. You know, boxing is a dance, a salsa. Boxers need to dance; I don’t think they should just be orthodox. They all need to fight the other way and when Jamaine switched stances in the third, he never let up. I’ve trained him hard. I’m always on him and what better way to shut me up than ending it like he did on pay per view? It was a drop the microphone moment!”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi.

Because of the uncertainty in boxing due to the pandemic, Ortiz’ 2021 schedule is unknown, but he isn’t boxing’s best kept secret anymore, “The Technician” is a bonafide rising star.

Redditch, UK (11 December 2020) Sam Eggington smashed Ashley Theophane in the sixth round tonight in Redditch with one final body shot to get back on track towards championship contention in 2021.

From the opening bell, Eggington used his size and strength advantage and set a relentless pace to break down Theophane who had some remote success.

Eggington mixed his punches up well throughout the contest from a solid jab to a hard right hand then going downstairs to land some very heavy body shots to slow down the Theophane.

The Birmingham beast kept Theophane trapped in the neutral corner and giving him very little opportunity escape as he unloaded his big shots.

In the sixth Eggington landed a hard right to Theophane’s ribs under the elbow that dropped the Paddington man. He was up at nine but referee John Latham had seen enough and waved it off at 2:58.

Egginton was coming off a questionable loss to Ted Cheeseman in August, but he firmly put that behind him with his commanding performance tonight and showed that he still has plenty to give.

He said, “I’m over the moon with the result. I felt I was hard done by against Cheesman and I needed to get back with a good win and prove that I’ve got plenty left in the tank. I know Theophane would be tricky from the start and hard to it. It was hard to get through at first and I just had to keep the pressure on and breaking down and I knew I’d get to him eventually.”

“I’m not shouting anyone out, I’ll fight anyone put in front of me and I can’t wait for a big 2021. I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy and Channel 5, it was a great set up here tonight.”

On the undercard, Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch, son of the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Scott, made an impressive start to the pro ranks with a second round stoppage of Matt Gordon in his debut. Heavy handed Welch pummelled Gordon in the corner with the referee stepping to halt the onslaught at 2:56.

Sevenoaks middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr. returned to winning ways with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win 60-54. Hennessy produced some great work with variations to head and body and fast combinations, Arrowsmith stuck with Hennessy and pushed him all the way, but the younger man’s classier work stood out.

Undefeated Monaghan super-welterweight hot-shot Aaron ‘Silencer’ McKenna destroyed the more experience Jordan Grannum in the second round with a perfect left hook to the body. Although Jordan had not been stopped in 79 fights, he couldn’t handle the power of the hard-hitting 21-year-old who appeared on the show courtesy of his promoter Golden Boy Promotions.

Signing his new promotional agreement with promoter Mick Hennessy earlier today, middleweight ace Idris Virgo outpointed the vastly experienced Kevin McCauley over four rounds. The bright young star worked well behind the jab and showed some excellent body punching in the impressive showing.

Aaron’s older brother Stephen McKenna also signed a long term promotional deal with Hennessy yesterday and maintained his 100 percent win and KO record. It was the first time McKenna had gone beyond the second round and had to venture into the fifth to get the stoppage against MJ Hall, but the extra rounds will give the 23-year-old talent more ring experience. Although McKenna set a blistering pace from the opening bell, looking to bomb out Hall with huge shots, he pursued Hall throughout until he got him in the corner and laded some hard shots in the sixth and the referee stepped in.

In the only Championship contest of the evening, Kaisee Hall claimed the Midlands Area Welterweight Championship with a points victory over local rival Ben Fields by a score of 97-95. Benjamin boxed well showing fast hands and holding the centre of the ring, but Fields was pushing the action throughout.

COMPLETE FIGHT RESULTS

FIGHT #1
4 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Tommy Welch WTKO2 (Time: 2:56) Matt Gordon

FIGHT #2
6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy WPTS6 (60-54) Dale Arrowsmith

FIGHT #3
6 x 3 Light Middleweight Contest
Aaron McKenna WTKO2 Jordan Grannum

FIGHT #4
4 x 3 Middleweight Contest
Idris Virgo WPTS4 (40-36) Kevin McCauley

FIGHT #5
6 x 3 Super Lightweight Contest
Stephen McKenna WTKO5 (Time: 1:56) MJ Hall

FIGHT #6
The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship
10 x 3 Minute Rounds at 10st 7lbs (147lbs)
Kaisee Benjamin WPTS10 (97-95) Ben Fields

FIGHT #7
10 x 3 Super Welterweight Contest
Sam Eggington WTKO6 (Time: 2:58) Ashley Theophane

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

NEW YORK, NY (DECEMBER 11, 2020)–Saturday night at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, AKA “The Bubble” featherweight prospect Haven Brady Jr. looks to make it two-for-two as he battles Michael Land in a four-round bout.

The 18 year-old Brady is managed by Split-T Management.

The fight will be streamed live on ESPN+ at 7 PM ET.

Brady of Albany, Georgia turned professional with a 4th round stoppage over Gorwar Karyah on October 3rd at the same venue where Saturday night’s fight will take place.

Land of Cedar Hill, Texas is 1-1 with one stoppage.

“All I know is that my opponent is a southpaw and he is 1-1 I watched one video on him. I am just trying to go in there and do my best, and him execute off of what I am doing. I am just going to work the game plan. We have been working and training hard. I am ready for any style,” said Brady

Brady began boxing at the age of 12 because he wanted to do something different and be involved with a solo sport. He also wanted to learn to defend himself.

That spawned an amateur career that saw him go 65-10 with 30 knockouts. Besides winning the Jr. Nationals, Brady won the 2019 Eastern Qualifiers and 2019 Jr. National PAL.

Brady weighed 127 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in; Land was 126 lbs.

Brady is promoted by Top Rank.

•     Shakur Stevenson 130 lbs vs. Toka Kahn Clary 129 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Felix Verdejo 135 lbs vs. Masayoshi Nakatani 135 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Edgar Berlanga 169 lbs vs. Ulises Sierra 167.5 lbs 
(Super Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT)

•   Clay Collard 159 lbs vs. Quincy LaVallais 159 lbs 
(Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Jesse Rodriguez 110.5 lbs vs. Saul Juarez 110 lbs 
(Light Flyweight  — 8/6 Rounds)

•    Robeisy Ramirez 126 lbs vs. Brandon Valdes 127 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8/6 Rounds)

•        Elvis Rodriguez 146.5 lbs vs. Larry Fryers 145.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•          Haven Brady Jr. 127 lbs vs.  Michael Land 126 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)
•          Kasir Goldston 142 lbs vs.  Llewelyn McClamy 142.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

Two world title fights will be featured on the undercard of the historic Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin – Kamil Szeremeta IBF/IBO World Middleweight Championship.  Undefeated super middleweight contenders Ali Akhmedov (16-0, 12 KOs), from Almaty, Kazakhstan and Carlos Góngora (18-0, 13 KOs), from Esmeraldas, Ecuador, will rumble for the vacant IBO super middleweight world title and unbeaten WBA super featherweight world champion Hyun Mi Choi (17-0-1, 4 KOs), from Seoul, South Korea, will be looking to extend her 12-year title reign against Calista Silgado (19-11-3 14 KOs) from Tolu, Colombia.  Presented by GGG Promotions and Matchroom Boxing with Warriors Boxing, the Golovkin – Szeremeta world championship event will take place Friday, Dec. 18, behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. It will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN beginning at 5pm ET in over 200 countries and territories.
 
“Title fights have always been my goal, and together with the team we became one step closer to the world title.  I am confident in myself, my strength, and can’t wait to step into the ring.  The training camp was held at the highest level as always, and I am ready for the fight,” Akhmedov said.
 
“We have been training together for several years and I have seen his progress with every fight and training camp.  He is ready to fight for the world title and I am glad that Ali represents GGGP at the turning point of his career.  I am sure he will succeed,” Golovkin said.  
 
“I know I will be in tough with Akhmedov and I am ready for anything he wants to offer.  We will see if he can do the same against me.  Boston is about to see the start of its newest championship dynasty — mine,” Góngora said.                  
 
Akhmedov, who has won 75% of his fights by stoppage, returns to the ring having won five of his last six bout by knockout.  He captured the WBC International Silver super middleweight title on June 8, 2019 by knocking out undefeated Marcus McDaniel in the third round.  He followed that up with his first title defense, a first-round stoppage of Andrew Hernandez, Oct. 5, 2019.  Promoted by GGG Promotions, he has been in the same training camp of his mentor Gennadiy Golovkin for several years.    
 
Góngora, who represented Ecuador in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals in the 2008 summer games, has been training out of the Boston area throughout his professional career.  The Ecuadorian bomber’s skill set as a boxer puncher and his victory by knockout ratio of 72% has made him one of the most avoided fighters.  Now, in his first opportunity to fight on the international stage, he has vowed to make the most of this opportunity.  
 
Choi’s 19^th pro outing is her 18^th World title fight, and on her American debut, the two-weight World ruler will look to make a big statement to her star-studded rivals at Super-Featherweight, while Calista is looking to break her curse in World title outings, having challenged for elite belts on six previous fights.
 
“From the time I started boxing, it was my dream to fight in the United States,” said Choi. “Now, it’s time to realize that dream. I am ready to show everyone a great boxing match. Through this match I hope to gain respect and support from the world. I’m looking forward to my first match in the United States.”
 
Also added to the card is British Super-Middleweight World title contender John Ryder (28-5 16 KOs) who takes on Michael Guy (12-5-1 5 KOs) over ten rounds. Ryder is back in action for the first time since taking on Callum Smith for the WBA and WBC Diamond titles, running the champion close on his Liverpool home turf. The Londoner will be looking to shake the rust off as he prepares for a big fight in the first quarter of 2021.
 
Reshat Mati (8-0 6 KOs) has been an exciting addition to the paid ranks, and the Albanian Bear fights for the ninth time as a pro and unbeaten Californian 18 year old Jalan Walker (6-0 6 KOs) fights on US soil for the first time against Rafael Reyes (18-11 14 KO’s) having boxed in Mexico six times since his debut in November 2019.

17:10 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
QAIS ASHFAQ 8st 12lbs 4ozv ASHLEY LANE 8st 10lbs 6oz
(Leeds, England)                      (Bristol, England)

followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

8 x 3 mins International Welterweight contest
FLORIAN MARKU 10st 6lbs 15ozv JAMIE STEWART 10st 5lbs 14oz
(Lushnje, Albania)                            (Longton, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
KIERON CONWAY 11st 5lbs 10ozv MACAULAY MCGOWAN 11st 4lbs 7oz
(Northampton, England)                  (Wythenshawe, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title
MARTIN BAKOLE 17st 13lbs 6ozv SERGEY KUZMIN 18st 6lbs 7oz
(Kananga, Congo)                            (Saint Petersburg, Russia)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest 
HUGHIE FURY 17st 9lbs 5ozv MARIUSZ WACH 19st 8lbs 6oz
(Manchester, England)            (Krakow, Poland)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBO International Cruiserweight Title 
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 13ozv NIKODEM JEZEWSKI 14st 3lbs 11oz
(Hackney, England)                              (Koscierzyna, Poland)

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO Heavyweight World Titles
ANTHONY JOSHUA 17st 2lbs 13ozv KUBRAT PULEV 17st 1lbs 11oz
(Watford, England)                             (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Matchroom and Canelo Promotions are delighted to announce that the WBC World Super-Middleweight title will be on the line when Canelo Alvarez and Callum Smith clash at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $75 (PLUS FEES) FROM TICKETMASTER – CLICK HERE
Canelo (53-1-2 36 KOs) once again reaches for greatness as he challenges the WBA Super, Ring Magazine and world number one rated Super-Middleweight Smith (27-0 19 KOs) in Texas, and the addition of the WBC title adds more greatness and glamour to an already monstrous fight.

Both men have won WBC straps before, with Canelo winning belts at Super-Welterweight and Middleweight and Smith landing the WBC Diamond belt at 168lbs, and the winner on December 19 will be ordered to face WBC #2 ranked Avni Yildrim within 90 days.

“The WBC is extremely proud to have such tremendous fight for the vacant WBC Super-Middleweight title,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. “Canelo and Callum will give the world a superb closing of a difficult year and will make fans from around the world celebrate with much entertainment and enjoyment. I would like to personally praise Avni Yildirim for his exemplary collaboration to make this a reality.”

“I am delighted that the winner of this fight will be crowned the WBC World champion at 168lbs,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Canelo Alvarez is the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet, and Callum Smith is the number one Super-Middleweight on the planet – so it is fitting for the winner to proudly wear the green and gold belt on December 19.”

AN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico (December 9, 2020) — The final RJJ Boxing event of 2020 was held last night, presented by Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, at Marinaterra Hotel & Spa Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 13 rated welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs), improved to 24-0 (18 KOs) with a hard fought 10-round split decision victory over a tough Ricardo “Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs) in the main event.

The final 2020 installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The 29-year-old Santiago, Mexico’s No. 1 rated welterweight, was extended the full distance for only the sixth time during his pro career. The reigning North American Boxing Federation (NABF) champion fought four times in 2020, including three during the pandemic.

In the co-featured event, Luis “Koreano” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs) destroyed Juan Marcos “Mudo” Rodriguez Ortiz (9-3, 7 KOs), brutally knocking him out in the third round. Torres holds the WBC Youth Silver lightweight title.

Three Cuban prospects living in Guatemala all remained undefeated with impressive performances: heavyweight Geovany “La Bestia” Bruzon (5-0, 5 KOs) starched Hugo “Tremendo” Lomeli (21-16-1, 15 KOs) midway through the opening round, super welterweight Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (3-0, 3 KOs) stopped David “El Nene” Rangel (13-8, 9 KOs) in round three, and featherweight Jailer Lopez (4-0, 2 KOs) defeated previously undefeated Armando Ramirez (3-1) by way of a unanimous 4-round decision.

Complete results below:

MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHTS
Santiago Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs), Obregón, Sonora, México
WDEC10 (96-95, 96-95, 94-96)
Ricardo Lara (22-8, 10 KOs), El Grullo, Jalisco, México

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Luis Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Obregón, Sonora, México
WKO3 (1:48)
Juan Marcos Rodriguez Ortiz (9-3, 7 KOs), Culiacán, Sinaloa, México

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Geovany Bruzon (5-0, 5 KOs), Holguin, Cuba by way of Guatemala
WTKO1 (1:55)
Hugo Lomeli (21-16-1, 15 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
Yoelvis Gomez (3-0, 2 KOs), Havana, Cuba by way of Guatemala
WTKO3 (0:31)
David Rangel (13-8, 9 KOs), El Marques, Querétaro, Chiapas, México

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jailer Lopez (4-0, 2 KOs), Cienfuegos, Cuba by way of Guatemala
WDEC4 (39-36, 39-36, 38-37)
Armando Ramírez (3-1, 0 KOs), El Grullo, Jalisco, México

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

NEW YORK (December 11th, 2020)–Prized-Prospect David Navarro makes his 2nd ring appearance this Saturday night as the featherweight from Los Angeles takes on 12-fight veteran Jason Vera in a scheduled four-round bout at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Navarro made a big splash in his pro debut as he took out Nathan Benichou in the opening round of their fight that took place on October 7th at the Mohegan Sun.

Vera of Miami, Florida and has been a professional for seven years. The 27 year-old has faced four undefeated opponents.

Navarro, who is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse, will have highlights of his fight with Vera shown during the SHOWTIME Boxing broadcast that begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

“I’m here for one purpose, and that is to become a World Champion. My opponent is just another guy trying to get in the way of that. I worked extremely hard in the gym, and come Saturday I will be victorious,” said Navarro.

“Being showcased on Showtime this early in his career is a huge compliment to David’s talent and potential. I’m sure he’s going to impress and win like a pro Saturday night,” said Manager Tim VanNewhouse.

Navarro, 20, began training in the sport at the age of five, and was a multi-time National Champion who competed in over 170 amateur bouts.

Last December, Navarro was one of only eight boxers in his weight division to compete for a spot on Team USA’s Olympic squad. During the 10-day event, he made it all the way to the finals by upsetting top seed Duke Ragan and in January was named as an Olympic Alternate for the 2020 Olympics, now rescheduled to take place in 2021.

In addition to David’s deep amateur accolades, he comes from one of the great Mexican American boxing families. David is the younger brother of Golden Boy Promotions undefeated junior welterweight prospect Johnathan Navarro, and his cousins, Steven and Chantel, are widely regarded as two of the top young prospects in the USA amateur system.

David is also the nephew of former Olympian Jose Navarro, who competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games, and Carlos Navarro, one of America’s greatest amateurs in the 90’s, who is well-known for being the the last American to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. by winning a box-off at the 1995 Pan-American Games.

NEW YORK – December 11, 2020 – Former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez will take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris Van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event for the vacant IBO welterweight title. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

Non-televised undercard action will see rising prospect Brandun Lee battling Dakota Linger in a 10-round super lightweight attraction.

Nordine Oubaali and Nonito Donaire were originally set to meet for Oubaali’s WBC title, before the fighters tested positive for COVID-19, at which point the Rodríguez vs. Gaballo fight was made for the vacant interim title.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

“Emmanuel Rodríguez will seek to grab a second bantamweight title on December 19, but will have a hungry and dangerous fighter in the unbeaten Reymart Gaballo standing in his way,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “With the vacant interim WBC title on the line, expect both fighters to leave it all in the ring in order to claim this belt. Adding in the always exciting Jaron Ennis against Chris Van Heerden, and an intriguing clash between Antonio Russell and Juan Carlos Payano, and December 19 shapes up to be a stacked night from start to finish live on SHOWTIME.”

The 28-year-old Rodríguez (19-1, 12 KOs) will look to capture a second bantamweight title with a victory on December 19. Fighting out of Manati, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and successfully defended it against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. Rodríguez was most recently stopped by unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May 2019 title bout.

“This is a dream come true to have another chance to fight for the title,” said Rodríguez. “Even with the opponent change, I know it will be a tough challenge, but I’ve worked too hard and put in too much time in the gym to allow myself to lose this fight on December 19.”

Fighting out of General Santos City, Philippines, Gaballo (23-0, 20 KOs) enters this battle on a four-fight knockout streak and is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 24-year-old’s most impressive victory came in March 2018, when he dropped then-undefeated Stephon Young on his way to a unanimous decision victory for the interim WBA bantamweight title. The number one bantamweight in the WBA rankings, who also is ranked 12th by the WBO, Gaballo will fight in the U.S. for the fourth time on December 19, with his most recent stateside triumph coming by third-round stoppage over Yeison Vargas in August 2019.

“I’m very excited for this fight,” said Gaballo. “I can’t wait to step into the ring again. I’ve been training in Miami since March and I’m planning to take advantage of this opportunity. I have a very tough opponent, but I’m going to show everyone what I can do and make sure I’m victorious.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Pa., the supremely talented Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) returns to the ring after stopping Juan Carlos Abreu in September on SHOWTIME. Ennis, 23, scored two emphatic knockout victories on ShoBox: The New Generation in 2018 before adding two more KO wins to his ledger in 2019. As his level of opposition has steadily increased since turning professional in 2016, the switch-hitter has scored 16 consecutive knockouts in addition to notching 16 knockdowns in his last six bouts.

“I can’t wait to get in there to make a big statement,” said Ennis. “I am ready to show out and put on a crushing performance. This is one step closer to the bigger names and my world title shot.”

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Van Heerden (28-2-1,12 KOs) now lives and trains out of Santa Monica, Calif. The 33-year-old has won five-straight bouts leading into December 19, including 2019 wins over Aslanbek Kozaev and Mahonri Montes. Since his first professional defeat in 2010, Van Heerden has won 14 of his 15 fights, with his only blemish coming in 2015 against unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr.

“Sometimes it can take years for that one moment to come around and change your life,” said Van Heerden. “I have waited seven years for this opportunity to do my part and inspire my country of South Africa. Even with three weeks’ notice and coming in as the underdog, I am taking advantage of the opportunity that has been placed in front of me in these challenging times. I’m the veteran and will use my experience to win this fight. Fighters fight. We need to be prepared to step in when the opportunity presents itself and seize the moment. I’ll be ready on December 19.”

The middle brother between WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Jr. and 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne, Antonio Russell (17-0, 12 KOs) will return to action looking to cement his contender status in the bantamweight division. The 27-year-old from Capitol Heights, Md. turned pro in 2015 after an impressive amateur career. After four wins in 2019, Russell kicked off 2020 defeating Jesus Martinez in February.

“I’m ready for this fight,” said Russell. “We have been in the gym training hard despite the pandemic. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. We know our opponent is coming to fight, and so are we. I’m prepared for whatever he brings.”

Born in the Dominican Republic but now living and fighting out of Miami, Fla. Payano (21-4, 9 KOs) will move back down to bantamweight, where he was previously champion, after his most recent outing saw him drop a competitive decision against former champion Danny Roman in September. Payano captured his title in 2014 by defeating Anselmo Moreno, before splitting a pair of memorable fights against Rau’shee Warren. Payano has come up short in recent years against top fighters Luis Nery and Naoya Inoue, while delivering Damien Vazquez his first career loss.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring before the end of the year,” said Payano. “I’m excited for the opportunity on SHOWTIME against an undefeated bantamweight. He’s never faced anyone like me, and I plan on testing him from the opening bell and giving the fans a great show. Uncasville, CT and Mohegan Sun is a first class city and venue. Thank you to PBC for giving me this opportunity.”

The 21-year-old Lee (20-0, 18 KOs) steps into the ring for the fourth time in 2020, having already delivered three knockout victories this year. Fighting out of La Quinta, Calif., Lee most recently dropped Jimmy Williams three times on his way to a first round knockout in October. Lee enters this fight having stopped his last 11 opponents inside of the distance.

Representing his native Buckhannon, W. Va., Linger (12-4-2, 8 KOs) has proved to be a durable challenge in his pro career that dates back to 2015. The 26-year-old was 2-2 from January 2019 to January 2020, with his losses coming by narrow majority decisions against Maurice Lee and Nelson Hampton. Most recently Linger lost an eight-round decision to unbeaten prospect Omar Juarez in September.

The telecast announce team is comprised of the most experienced and decorated boxing team on television. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer is the host. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The pair has been guiding SHOWTIME Sports’ flagship series SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING since its inception in 1986.

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

WBA Super Featherweight Interim World Championship – 12 Rounds

Chris Colbert – 130 lbs.

Jaime Arboleda – 130 lbs.

Referee: Steve Willis (New York); Judges: John McKaie (New York), Tom Schreck (New York), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey),

Super Lightweights – 10 Rounds

Richardson Hitchins – 140 lbs. 

Argenis Mendez – 140 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Wethersfield, Conn.); Judges: Don Ackerman (New York), Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey)

Middleweights – 10 Rounds

Ronald Ellis – 166 lbs.*

Matt Korobov – 160 lbs.

*–Ellis missed the contracted 161-pound weight limit; The fight will proceed as scheduled.

Referee: Johnny Callas (Connecticut); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), John McKaie (New York), Tom Schreck (New York)

NOTE: Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will include highlights from highly regarded featherweight prospect David Navarro’s second professional fight. The 21-year-old Los Angeles native opted to forgo the chance to represent the U.S. at next summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, turning professional in October and putting an end to a decorated amateur career that saw him win multiple national titles. The talented Navarro comes from a boxing family which includes his uncle Jose Navarro, a 2000 U.S. Olympian and older brother Jonathan, an undefeated 140-pound prospect. Navarro earned a first-round TKO in his October pro debut. 

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

 # # #

ABOUT COLBERT VS. ARBOLEDA

Colbert vs. Arboleda will see two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tripleheader will see rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in the 10-round co-main event and middleweight contenders Ronald Ellis and Matt Korobov battle in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

EVAN HOLYFIELD (4-0, 3 KOs) talks about his training camp, return to the ring against Donnis Reed in Jonesboro, GA, his dad and Holyfield-Tyson 3.

“I am with a whole new training staff right now, back down in Atlanta where I came up through the amateur ranks, with my former trainers and a new addition of Mark Breland. Everyone around here is like family, even Mark as I got to know him a little better and I’m happy and there is nothing more dangerous than a happy fighter. I am round a lot of good energy and a lot of good people. There have been some tough sparring days and some tough training days. I’ve been working on some new tools with Mark and adding some elements to my game. I feel like I really sacrificed for this camp and I’m anxious to see the results. You are going to see something different and I can’t wait to get in there to show people what I have learned. I’m pretty excited to see what happens.

Above L-R: Bert Wells, Mark Breland, Evan, Courtney Williams, Tony Williams
Below: Breland and Evan Courtesy Evan Holyfield

“I feel like it’s an early Christmas gift and I understand that everybody has not had the opportunity to get a fight this year and I feel like I am really blessed to get the opportunity.

“On Saturday, I know he is going to try and push me but being pushed comes with an evolution of yourself. The last three fights have been a tremendous experience for me, especially the last one going the distance.

“It’s a blessing to have my last name but it is also a blessing to be working towards living up to it

“Could my dad train me? My dad couldn’t train me because he understands it is an investment in time and that’s hard being the way he is and with what he possibly has coming up (Tyson?). Plus it’s not always easy to have the business in the family. If you are a trainer you have to be there all the time. Mark Breland is a dedicated trainer and he is going to be there no matter what part of the day as well as my other trainer Bert Wells. But my dad and me from talking regularly and he is always out there to help when needed. He always tells me to keep a level head, and the work I put in will be the results I get out, be in shape and to do what I do best – always throw combinations and don’t be there to be hit. He’s been by to see training and is pretty impressed with what we’ve been working on. He said to stay focused and work hard and that’s the name of the game. It’s all about staying ready and not getting ready.

“So, my dad training me is out but I do want to spar him one time.”

“I don’t feel like I am following in my dad’s footsteps, I feel like the sport has chosen me. I had my first fight at 8 years old but then my mom took me out of it – she didn’t like seeing her 8 year old child getting hit, so then I went to Taekwondo and was #1 in the nation for about a year. Then I got DQ’d for hitting someone too hard in the head so my dad said maybe you should try boxing where you can’t get DQ’d for hitting someone in the head. But I was getting kicked so I had to put the equalizer on him.

In high school all the kids were investing in one sport and one day I came downstairs and told my mom and dad “I want to do boxing and this is the only sport I want to do.” My dad said, ‘you know people are going to want to hurt you and compare you to me so if you are going to do this do it for yourself.’ I had my ups and downs in the beginning. My mom offered me many times to quit but this is really what I stuck to.

On Tyson and Holyfield-Tyson 3
“I was really impressed with Mike Tyson not having fought for as long as he has. I’ve been watching his YouTube videos and he’s been smoking a lot of weed so I was surprised that he had some wind too. It was good to see because everybody likes Mike Tyson. I didn’t think it was a draw but as long as they came out with good health and had a good time.

“My dad’s been training and getting back into shape and I know it’s something that he’s been wanting. So all of his training we thought was for no reason but it may be paying off. My dad will do what he did the first two times. You know, water and oil don’t always mix. My dad just seems to be Mike Tyson’s oil, so we will just have to see.

“I feel like a third fight with Mike Tyson would be great especially if his ear stays in tact. Of course, I got my pop.

CASSIUS CHANEY (19-0, 13 KOs) fights Jason Bergman (27-18, 18 KOs).

“I had training camp in Miami with Luis Ortiz’ trainer German Caicedo. Training camp was HARD, it was good though, but tough. I know that the sacrifice was there and as long as I am pushing through it and get through the training, I know when I fight it’s going to be easy. But it’s tough on everybody. I know that people are going through those days, like dang, but I’m cool with it.

“German has been around a long time – he has trained Shannon Briggs and has had Luis Ortiz basically his whole career since he came to the America. I went down to German in April to try it out. We stay in the gym. We are in a warehouse. There are seven of us that live there but I am the only American fighter – there is a Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Panamanian and an African. We are in West Miami and the only place I have ventured out to is Walmart – (laughing) I know where everything is in Walmart now.

“I’m just happy to get back in there, I need to keep busy. My body is getting stronger. The stuff I have been going through in the gym makes me realize, ‘hey, if I can get through this, when I fight, that’s the prize.’ That’s the fun part – when I put it together. I’m rounding out as a professional now.

“I think in 2021 I should have a couple of step up fights. There are some guys out there that make sense but it also has to make sense to them. I’m in a tricky situation. Main Events wants to be careful but they also want me to show them I’m getting better. I think once I hit the TV stream, the fans will enjoy my style. It’s just a matter of me putting in the work.

“I don’t watch the video (of me knocking Joe Caudle out of the ring) but people show it to me all the time or tag me in it. I don’t watch it because I threw so many punches that were so wrong, because I was mad at him. He was talking trash for so long, we were supposed to fight two years prior and it started then. He was going on social media saying he had a body bag for me and my mom saw it and my brother saw it, then after the fight he turns right around and asks me for advice! And I gave it to him!

“So I was sitting on that trash talk for so long that when the fight came around, that’s why my reaction was what it was then I was like, ‘wow, he went out of the ring.’ Then I was like ‘dang, it’s over’ then he tried to get back in the ring and I’m like “this dude is crazy.” I was in shock but then I was more in shock that he was trying to get back in the ring. I think there was a ghost next to him or something to save him from a horrible fall. Then the referee did the right thing.”

Regarding Bergman: “He’s a veteran and seems quite durable. I have to make my presence felt right away, to overwhelm him. I really want to use my jab and work on my range and he really shouldn’t touch me but I really want to be able to get some rounds in and show that I am learning as a professional and doing things different than I did in my last fight – getting better.”

Highly-touted Greek boxer Andreas Katzourakis (5-0, 4 KOs) returns to the ring after nearly a year hiatus on Saturday, December 12th at the Blue Lagoon Hilton in Miami. Katzourakis is set to face 35-fight veteran Brandon Baue in a six round bout contested at a catchweight of 158 lbs. Two undefeated opponents had earlier pulled out of the fight, the last due to a COVID-19 related issue on Monday evening.

Katzourakis spent much of 2020 at home in Greece before signing with Split-T Boxing in September. By mid-October, he was stationed in Big Bear Lake, California training under legendary coach Abel Sanchez. “Katz” has found a new home at Sanchez’s famed Summit Gym, nearly 7,000 miles away – and 7,000 feet above – his family and friends in Athens.
“I’ve had an amazing camp with Abel and the team. Here it’s all about hard work, rest, hard work, and rest again! There are no distractions to get your mind off of training and with the types of grueling workouts we are doing we need the fresh air that the mountain provides!” said Katzourakis.

“Andreas spent the last two months in the mountains of Big Bear Lake, living and training at The Summit Gym. I’ve been lucky enough to train some really exceptional middleweights in my career. Let me just say this kid gets me excited. We’ve been training hard and are looking forward to displaying the work put in at The Summit,” said Sanchez.
Split-T’s CEO David McWater is very encouraged by the potential he sees in the 23-year old fighter.

“Brendan Segalas (of Split-T) brought to my attention a kid he thought had all the tools to be special, but just needed some structure and a good team around him to sharpen those tools. Although he’s managed to roll over some tough, veteran opposition early in his career, Andreas is still a raw talent. He dominated Walter Wright in his fourth bout and that really caught my eye. We felt that if we put him in camp with Abel in Big Bear and let him develop the sky’s the limit, so that’s exactly what we’ve done,” said McWater.

Despite having only five professional bouts, Katzourakis has already established himself as one of the top up-and-coming prospects in the middle weight divisions. Split-T has interest from multiple promoters in signing their young fighter to a long term deal and plans to accelerate those conversations going into 2021. Still, Katzourakis’ team thought it was important to keep him active going into the new year. Regardless of wherever and whomever he is facing, Katzourakis is grateful for the opportunity afforded to him each time he steps in the ring.

“My biggest motivation to become a World Champion is to represent Greece and the Greek boxing community. I fight knowing what my ancestors had done in the past and what I can do for Greek boxing in the future. I don’t need much more motivation than that alone.”

To purchase tickets to Andreas’ fight and the entire Global Legion Fight Club 17 card visit Eventbrite.com. Doors open at 3pm ET and boxing begins at 4pm ET. The event will be streamed live via FITE.com pay-per-view.

London, UK (11 December 2020) Flash and brash unbeaten middleweight ace Idris Virgo has signed a long-term promotional agreement with promoter Mick Hennessy as he takes his career to the next level.

The unbeaten 27-year-old from Birmingham has a busy week ahead featuring on two Hennessy Sports cards staged at the Fly By Nite studio in Redditch, both shows televised live and exclusive on free-to-air Channel 5.

Tonight he takes on Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley over four round and on the 18th December he faces Walsall’s Kearon Thomas over six rounds, before looking ahead to a big 2021.

He said, “I’m over the moon to sign with Mick Hennessy, he believes in me and where I’m going and what I’m going to do and I’ll deliver on that.”

“Mick’s a very experienced and knowledgable promoter with an eye for talent who has brought through some of the best fighters in recent years to become World Champions and household names, I’m confident that together we will achieve the same.”

“I’m dedicated to boxing and with this new deal in place I’m one hundred percent committed to the sport and achieve my aim of becoming a World champion.”

One fighter Virgo is looking forward to welcoming to the pro ranks is Jack Fincham, the eventual winner of Love Island 2018, who recently turned professional and who Virgo issued a challenge to.

He added, “Jack knows I’d end his pro career before it even got started if he met me. There’d be no love lost there, call it whatever you want “The Battle of Love Island’, deep down he knows he can’t win against me, it would be a one sided beating from me.”

Hennessy is delighted to welcome Virgo to his stable and is looking forward to a lively ride with the young talent.

He said, “Idris is a great signing and he has great potential inside and outside of the ring. We look look forward to working with him, Jon Pegg and his trainer Anthony xxx to developing him into the fighter that we believe he can become. He’s flash and brash, some people like it, some people hate it, but it makes people sit up and take notice. It’ll be a fun and exciting journey with him that’s for sure!”

Sam Eggington versus Ashley Theophane headlines the Hennessy Sports card in an International Super-Welterweight Contest tonight. Chief-support features the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight Title between Birmingham derby between Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields. The undercard includes: undefeated super-lightweight and red-hot talent Stephen McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland against Brierley Hill’s MJ Hall, in a six-round contest; his equally talented brother Aaron McKenna (appearing courtesy of Golden Boy Promotions) takes on Islington’s Jordan Grannum over six rounds at light-middleweight; Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. meets Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith; the flash, brash and exciting unbeaten Birmingham star Idris Virgo faces Stourbridge’s Kevin McCauley in a four-round middleweight contest; Brighton heavyweight Tommy Welch makes his pro debut against West Bromwich’s Matt Gordon.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (11 December 2020) Mick Hennessy is thrilled to announce that broadcaster Channel 5 will televise all of the fights on his event tonight (Friday 11th December) from the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch.

The show starts live and free on Channel 5 across the UK at 10pm and opens with the highly anticipated domestic super-welterweight showdown between Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane.

Action from each of the undercard fights will then be televised in the two hour slot until midnight. An exciting seven fight card features: The Midlands Area Welterweight Championship between fierce local rivals Kaisee Benjamin and Ben Fields; Ireland’s all-action dynamite punching brothers Stevie and Aaron McKenna; Sevenoaks super-welterweight talent Michael Hennessy Jr; Birmingham’s flash and brash middleweight prospect Idris Virgo and Brighton’s hard-hitting pro-debutant heavyweight Tommy Welch the son of former British & Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion, Scott.

Hennessy is delighted that Channel 5 will broadcast all the fights to ensure fans get to see all the action and drama tonight. He said, “For fight fans Channel 5 is the only place they need to go for a night of free and live boxing action. It’s a real pick ‘em showdown between the battle hardened warriors Eggington and Theophane that has the boxing community divided. Also on the card fans will see a fiery Midlands derby between Benjamin and Fields for the area title, new and exciting talents like Stevie and Aaron McKenna, and the continuing careers of Idris and Michael, plus there’s plenty of curiosity around the pro debut of Tommy Welch to see if he’s like his dad.”

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

NEW YORK – December 10, 2020 – Unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert and hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda previewed their upcoming showdown taking place live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Also discussing their respective clashes were rising super lightweight Richardson Hitchins and former champion Argenis Mendez, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, and middleweight contenders Ronald Ellis and Matt Korobov, who battle in a 10-round duel to open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. Hitchins vs. Mendez is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

CHRIS COLBERT

“I didn’t watch film on Arboleda. I know he is going to come game and I know his trainer is going to have him in great shape and ready to fight. I am coming to execute my game plan on Saturday night on SHOWTIME. I am just going to be me – ‘Primetime’ – and this time on primetime TV.

“I feel I am one of the best at 130-pounds, but until I prove that in the ring, I can’t consider myself the best in the division yet. I want to get in there with the top five guys. I know I can beat any champion in this weight class.

“I predict a dominating performance. My name is Chris ‘Primetime’ Colbert, I have to look spectacular every single time. You never saw Deion ‘Primetime’ Sanders come out and not look spectacular.”

JAIME ARBOLEDA

“Chris is a very good fighter and a great boxer. He is in the top of the division as far as his boxing skills. On Saturday night, I am going to test him. I don’t think Chris has been tested like I have. I was tested in my last fight against Jayson Velez and came out victorious. Chris is not as strong as Velez.

“Colbert’s biggest downfall will be his arrogance. He doesn’t have the firepower to finish me with one punch. He’s not a puncher like that. He picks his shots and moves. He’s a boxer and I am a boxer-puncher.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“After a year like this, I’m just ready to finish it off in spectacular fashion. I was blessed to have two great opportunities with SHOWTIME in 2020, now it’s time to do my part and give the fans a show. I feel great and it’s going to show on Saturday night.

“My opponent is going to come with everything he has and so am I. I’m not making promises. I’m just going to show the world my God-given ability and all the work I’ve put in. Be sure to tune in to watch me and my brother Chris Colbert go to work!

“They say Mendez is a tricky guy and a guy with a known name. I don’t think he has that elite level experience. I know deep in my heart that I am better than him and on Saturday night, I will prove it.”

ARGENIS MENDEZ

“Hitchins is not ready for this fight. In my last four fights, I have fought fighters better than him. I think Juan Heraldez and Anthony Peterson were better fighters. I have watched him a lot and I don’t see anything special in him.

“During the pandemic I’ve been able to work on some things that I needed to. I stayed in shape the whole time. I don’t drink or smoke. I stay healthy. It wasn’t difficult to find sparring. I have some tall, fast sparring partners who helped me prepare.

“I want to dominate this young kid. I want to show you my skills and show that I am still here, still dangerous and I can still fight. I want to fight for a world title again.”

RONALD ELLIS

“Korobov is a slick boxer and he’s got a lot of experience, but this fight is about me getting punches in bunches. If I stay on him, it’s going to be hard for him to set up anything.

“It’s been a year since his shoulder injury, but he’s on the older side now so I doubt he’s fully recovered We’re going to test that.

“My next fight after this is going to be big. That’s what I am using this fight for. He is thinking he’s going to win and try to get a rematch with Jermall Charlo. I am using it for the same exact thing except it’s not a rematch, it will be my first time against the big guys. I think I deserve to be there and I think this fight is going to be my showcase.”

MATT KOROBOV

“It’s been exactly one year since my last fight. My shoulder feels good and my preparation went well. I am in the best shape I can be for this fight. I didn’t watch a lot of film, but I studied enough to set my preparations for Saturday night. I was more focused on the work that I needed to do in the gym to get myself ready.

“After a couple of months of healing, my manager tried to get the rematch with Chris Eubank Jr. but we got no answer and had to move on to get back in the ring. Ronald Ellis was the first name they brought up and I told them, ‘yes,’ right away. I want a rematch with [Chris] Eubank Jr. but I guess it will never happen. We’re on to a big fight against Ellis on Saturday.”

# # #

ABOUT COLBERT VS. ARBOLEDA
Colbert vs. Arboleda will see two of the top fighters in the 130-pound division meet when unbeaten interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert faces the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, December 12 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The tripleheader will see rising super lightweight phenom Richardson Hitchins taking on the toughest test of his young career as he faces former world champion Argenis Mendez in the 10-round co-main event and middleweight contenders Ronald Ellis and Matt Korobov
battle in the 10-round telecast opener.

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