Canelo Promotions and Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce that Canelo Alvarez will take on Callum Smith for the WBA and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide (excluding Mexico).
 
Alvarez (53-1-2 36 KOs) is back in action for the first time since knocking out Sergey Kovalev in November 2019 in Las Vegas, ripping the WBO World Light-Heavyweight title from the Russian to become a four-weight World ruler.
 
The Mexican superstar beat Smith’s old foe and fellow Liverpool fighter Rocky Fielding in December 2018 to win the WBA regular belt at 168lbs – his third weight to rule at – and will be gunning to follow his domination at Middleweight up to Super-Middle.
 
Smith (27-0 19 KOs) has landed the huge fight he has craved, and the powerful Brit will be out to cement his position as top dog at 168lbs. ‘Mundo’ landed the WBA and Ring belts he puts on the line with a clinical stoppage win over fellow countryman George Groves in the seventh round of final of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in September 2018. 
 
The 30 year old has defended the titles twice since, stopping Hassan N’Dam in New York in June 2019 and then outpointing John Ryder in his Liverpool hometown five months later. Smith will also be out for family revenge when he steps through the ropes, with Canelo having beaten Smith’s brother Liam in Texas in September 2016.
 
“I’m very happy to return to the ring and continue to make history,” said Canelo. “I am motivated to continue to be the best, and I look forward to fighting Callum Smith, who is one of the best at 168lbs.”
 
“We are very happy to return to the ring and close out the year with one more victory to continue demonstrating that Canelo is the best boxer on this planet,” said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions and Canelo’s trainer.
 
“I’ve been wanting a big fight since becoming World champion, so I’m so pleased that during these challenging times we can deliver to the fans a fight between the very best in the division,” said Smith. “I truly believe I beat him and will prove that 168lbs is my division.”
 
“I’m delighted to be part of this huge fight to close out 2020 and deliver this opportunity for Callum Smith,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. “Canelo is a fearless competitor who constantly challenges himself against great champions and this will be a thrilling battle for 168lb supremacy. It’s a pleasure to be working with Canelo and Eddy Reynoso and we look forward to a spectacular event on December 19.”
 
“We’re thrilled to work with our great partners Canelo Alvarez, Eddy Reynoso and Matchroom on this new venture,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “Canelo vs. Smith is a perfect fight to support DAZN’s global launch in December as we look forward to introducing the platform to sports fans around the world.”
 
An announcement on the venue for the fight will be made soon.

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*
Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), Victorville, California, USA
vs.
Brunbo “Tiburon” Sandoval (21-4-1, 17 KOs), México City, Distrito Federal, México

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)*
Geovany “La Bestia” Bruzon (2-0, 2 KOs), Guatemala City, Guatemala by way of Cuba
vs.
Jose “El Titan” Vazquez (6-4-1, 3 KOs), Guadalajara, Jalisco, México

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)*
Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui Palomares (5-0-1, 4 KOs), Navojoa, Sonora, México
vs.
Jaime Portillo (3-0, 3 KOs), Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)*
Jesus Miguel Diaz Valenzuela (5-0-1, 4 KOs), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
vs.
Miguel Nides (0-0-1), Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, México

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Jonathan Lopez (pro debut), Orlando, Florida, USA
vs.
Edwin “La Sombra” Salcido (3-3, 2 KOs), Agua Prieta, Sonora, México

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Maninaterra Hotel & Spa Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2020

CO-PROMOTERS:RJJ Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, boxing starts at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow), and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Jeff Huston

INFORMATION:

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 20 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico
Dec. 9 & 10 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico

Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN saw pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford (37-0, 28 KOs) retain his WBO welterweight world title with a fourth-round TKO over former welterweight world champion Kell Brook, in a main event from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  The fight delivered big on viewership, ranking as the top boxing telecast across all TV networks since January 2019. 

Top Things to Know

• Crawford vs Brook averaged 1,758,000 viewers, making it the most viewed boxing telecast across on all TV networks since January 2019
• The main event was also the most viewed boxing telecast on cable since December 2018 (Lomachenko vs. Pedraza on ESPN: 1,889,000)
• The fight rating peaked during the 11:45 p.m.-12:00 a.m. ET quarter hour with 2.1 million viewers
• Through seven Saturday night telecasts on ESPN so far this year, Top Rank on ESPN has averaged 1,033,000 viewers, up 44% from 11 Saturday night telecasts in 2019
• Adults 18-49 are up 54% year-over-year
• Crawford vs. Brook ranked No. 1 as the most socially engaged boxing telecast across TV over the last two years, with over 306,000 total social interactions across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Crawford vs. Brook had a strong performance on social media, becoming the most socially engaged telecast across TV over the last two years, with over 306,000 social interactions across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Lomachenko vs. Lopez and Crawford vs. Brook have been the most socially engaged boxing telecasts across TV in consecutive months over the last two years.

Top Rank on ESPN has featured an action-packed fall schedule highlighted by some of the leaders of boxing’s electric youth movement, including stunning performances by the new undisputed lightweight king Teofimo Lopez, WBO female junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and WBA/IBF unified bantamweight world champion Naoya Inoue. Rising star Shakur Stevenson, the undefeated former featherweight world champion from Newark, N.J., is set to close out the year in a 10-round junior lightweight main event against Toka Kahn Clary, Saturday, Dec. 12, from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Irish icon Katie Taylor has been crowned The Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound number one women’s fighter in the world following her brilliant Undisputed Lightweight World Title defence against Miriam Gutierrez at The SSE Arena, Wembley. 

The Irish star showed her superiority from the opening bell, flooring Spain’s Gutierrez in the fourth round as Taylor sealed a masterful unanimous decision victory with scores of 100-89, 100-90 and 99-91 at the top of the bill on an historic night for boxing. 

Sky Sports made the World Title triple-header, featuring Terri Harper and Rachel Ball, available to all, customers and non-subscribers alike, via multiple digital platforms including their YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.

The show, promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, was a big success, with over 2 million in the UK and Ireland viewing Taylor extend her unbeaten record in the pro ranks to 17-0 as she closed out the year in style against WBA Mandatory Challenger Gutierrez.

“It’s great to be considered the pound-for-pound number one and it’s a very satisfying way to end the year,” said Taylor. “It’s obviously been a very difficult year for everyone due to the pandemic so it’s been great to have had the opportunity to get two fights in. Hopefully next year I can be even busier. There are so many great fights and challenges out there for me and I’m so excited about what’s to come.”

The Ring Magazine Associate Editor Tom Gray said: “Katie Taylor has had an extraordinary career to date. Fulfilling her dreams of becoming undisputed Lightweight Champion was a historical accomplishment as was her ability to capture a second title at 140 pounds. To reach the top of the female pound-for-pound list is hopefully the icing on the cake. Her resume sparkles with some of the finest names in the women’s game and the frightening thing is that the best potentially lies ahead.

“As an ambassador and role model for the sport, Katie is unrivalled. On behalf of the Women’s Ratings Panel and The Ring Editorial Board, we are honoured to have Katie as our lightweight champion and new pound for pound No. 1. Ireland and thousands of aspiring female fighters will be proud.”

Philadephia, PA (November 17, 2020)–This Saturday night’s fight card that was to feature Genc Pllana taking on Khainell Wheeler at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has been canceled due to the new Covid-19 Restrictions that were implemented by The city of Philadelphia on Monday.

More information about future King’s Promotions will be available in the coming weeks.

Tickets can be returned to Pivott Boxing (2807, North 6th Street in Philadelphia)

Katie Taylor’s masterful Undisputed Lightweight World Title defence against Miriam Gutierrez at The SSE Arena, Wembley drew more than 2 million views across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Sky Sports made the historic World Title triple-header, featuring Terri Harper and Rachel Ball, available to all, customers and non-subscribers alike, via multiple digital platforms including their YouTube channel, Facebook page and website.

The fight generated more than 1.5 million views on Facebook, 550k on Sky Sports’ YouTube live stream and across Sky Sports’ website and apps there were 227k views, with over 600k viewers on Sky Sports’ TV platform, making it a bumper night for new audiences.

As part of Sky Sports’ commitment to women’s sport – first announced back in March – the move came with the aim of ensuring elite women’s sport is more widely available to the public through both increasing its existing coverage and by strengthening its digital output. 

Irish star Taylor looked phenomenal as she completely outclassed her WBA mandatory challenger in the evening’s main event, dropping the tough Spaniard in the fourth round on route to a unanimous decision that improved her unbeaten record to 17-0.

Earlier in the night, Denaby’s WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight ruler Harper stopped Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her belts and Ball picked up the Interim WBC Super-Bantamweight World Title by outpointing Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini.

Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “What a night and what a monumental moment on Saturday. This huge audience got to see a great night of boxing and a performance of pound-for-pound quality. We have made tremendous strides in women’s boxing but the job is still only half done. Together with these great athletes we will continue to push the boundaries.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ ?Head of Boxing Development, said: “We’re thrilled with the fantastic viewing figures, on all platforms, for a truly momentous evening of women’s title fights, topped by Katie Taylor’s masterful performance. 

“Rachel Ball produced a fantastic win, the launch pad for her to pursue World Titles, while Terri Harper was composed and clinical in her defence of the WBC Super-Featherweight belt. It was then Katie Taylor’s time to produce a punch perfect display. Simply dazzling.

“Katie is an unbelievable ambassador for the sport and we decided to stream  her historic fight night for free, a sign of our long-term commitment to women’s sport with Matchroom. We’ve started something special as we continue to showcase the best talent in women’s boxing on Sky Sports.”

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 17, 2020) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, hopes to steal the show on the November 28th Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view card, presented by Tyson’s Legends Only League, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The 24-year-old Ortiz, fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, will fight on the undercard against Maryland southpaw Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) lightweight title.

“I feel good and I’m ready,” Ortiz said. “I’m privileged for this opportunity to fight on the Tyson-Jones card and get good exposure. I hope to steal the show. As a kid, I followed them both, especially Jones. I tried to imitate him”

Like all fighters, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected his career, although he has managed to train, albeit in various gyms and mostly by himself.

“It wasn’t too bad,” added Ortiz, who is an apprentice carpenter. “Not all of the facilities I use to train were open. Early on, I trained by myself, and did a lot of running. We were quarantined until late June, early July, but then I was able to get good sparring. So, overall, it wasn’t too much of a change.”

(picture by Emily Harney)

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

“We’re happy our fighter, Jamaine Ortiz, will be getting such great exposure and he will show the world what we already know here in New England,” Shappy commented. “Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz is a force that will have to be reckoned with.”

LYNDON ARTHUR will make the second defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight championship against Anthony Yarde on Saturday December 5 in another huge night of boxing on BT Sport.
 
The sizzling showdown between the world ranked pair will be promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions and will mark the end of a huge two-week celebration of his 40 year anniversary in professional boxing, which also takes in Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce on November 28th.
 
Arthur (17-0, 12 KOs) won his title in October 2019 outpointing tough Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim, and in his first defence a little under four months ago won clearly on points against Dec Spelman.
 
‘King Arthur’ said: “What a great fight it is to be involved in.
 
“Being behind closed doors means there would have been a few stare downs at press conferences by now, but it takes nothing away when we fight.
 
“A lot of boxing fans are in lockdown, they all have an opinion and they will all tune in to BT Sport. I’m excited knowing that.”
 
Yarde (20-1, 19 KOs) went one better than his rival against Spelman in September and stopped him the sixth rounder of their non-title contest.
 
“I could have stopped Spelman if I upped the pressure. I was in first gear and not even blowing,” insisted Manchester man Arthur who is ranked at seven by the WBO and nine by the IBF.
 
The 29-year-old added: “Yarde has power, but to nullify it I will make sure I am not there to be hit. Everyone can hit hard if you stand in front of them.
 
“I have power as well and he needs to nullify mine. I’m not worried about his power.
 
“The two 12 rounders against Anim and Spelman have brought me on leaps and bounds. It’s 24 rounds experience in two 12 rounds fights. You cannot buy that.
 
“I’ve watched Yarde’s two fights since Kovalev and he hasn’t shown anything different. You get what you see.”
 
Like the defending champion, Yarde’s world rankings are soaring. The Ilford KO machine is ranked nine by the WBC, at twelve by the IBF and is fifth in the ratings for the vacant WBO championship.
 
Yarde went to Sergey Kovalev’s Russian back yard in August 2019 and came so close to beating the then WBO World Champion before running out of steam in round 11.
 
He returned in February and hammered Diego Jair Ramirez inside two rounds before his impressive showing against Spelman.
 
Yarde, 29, said: “I hope and believe this will deliver a thrilling end to what has been a difficult year for everybody.
 
“Top domestic fights like this are what boxing fans tell us they want and I am happy to be part of what will be a special night in London – a special place for a special fight.
 
“From my side, I will be about bringing entertainment for the viewers, spectacular action and a devastating finish. I want to make it a memorable fight that will be remembered for a long time.
 
“I am totally focused only on this fight and I am treating it just as seriously as I would for a world title. I take every fight seriously and right now I am just working towards getting the job done in the best fashion.”
 
It will also be a night to remember for Warren, as it concludes the two-week celebration of his 40th anniversary of promoting his first ever British Boxing Board of Control show.
 
The Hall-of-Fame promoter said: “It will be a memorable occasion for me personally, but to promote two world class boxers in the Queensberry stable going against each other is the icing on the cake.
 
“Anthony and Lyndon agreeing to fight tells you about their confidence levels and how they feel their place is in the pecking order.
 
“I believe the winner will become the mandatory for the WBO title.
 
“There are two guarantees. Anthony and Lyndon will deliver excitement and the winner will be in the world title picture in 2021.
 
“The fight was first scheduled for April. Sadly the pandemic has kept delaying it. Of course I would have loved a packed house, but we couldn’t delay it any further.”

London, UK (17 November 2020) Red-hot Irish boxing siblings Stevie and Aaron McKenna will both fight on the same show for the first time as professionals when they appear on promoter Mick Hennessy’s event on Friday 11th December.

The unbeaten baby-faced brothers are ready to bring excitement and knockouts when they feature in separate six-round contests on the undercard of the crunch clash between Sam Eggington and Ashley Theophane, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.

Stevie, 23, made his first appearance for Hennessy Sports back in September on the Alex Dilmaghani-Samir Ziani undercard in his last fight and made an immediate impact with his devastating firepower by flooring Gary McGuire three times before the referee called a halt at just 1:13 of the first round.

He’ll return to the ring again just seven days later when he features on another Hennessy show on Friday 18th December headlined by the mouthwatering British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards, also live on Channel 5.

Known as ‘The Hitman’, the 6ft super-lightweight hot shot from Monaghan, County Monaghan, has lived up to his nickname with all five of his opponents knocked out and he hasn’t wasted any time – four taken out in the opening round and one lasting until the second in only six-rounds of action.

Stevie said, “I’m thrilled to be fighting on Channel 5 again and it was amazing exposure for me where everyone could watch me for free. From beginning to end the experience was first class. Thanks to Hennessy Sports for the opportunity. I hope people watching enjoyed it last time, I put on an explosive performance. I can’t wait to deliver more on December 11th.”

This time Stevie brings with him super-welterweight Aaron, 21, who appears on the show courtesy of his promoter Oscar De La Hoya, and follows in his older brother’s footsteps by having his first fight on UK soil.

Aaron has slightly more experience with an unbeaten 10-fight record and six going early – five of those coming inside two rounds – with 31 rounds of action under his belt. Going under ‘The Silencer’ moniker, the 6’ 1” talent from Smithborough, County Monaghan is looking forward to his UK debut.

“It was great news from Golden Boy Promotions that they have secured a slot for me on the Hennessy Sports fight night on December 11th.” Said Aaron. “I’d like to thank Mick Hennessy for allowing me to fight and showcase my skills. Its great to get a fight before the end of the year and I am eagerly looking forward to putting on a show for my fans here in the UK and Ireland. The stage is now set for me and my brother Stephen to fight on the same card and we intend to produce the fireworks. Thanks to Golden Boy Promotions for granting me this opportunity.”

The all-action brothers are managed by Ken Sheer and trained by the legendary Freddie Roach at the Wildcard gym in Los Angeles. Both are currently in Ireland training with their father Fergal during the pandemic and they’ll return to Roach when travel restrictions are lifted.

Promoter Hennessy is thrilled to have Stevie back again and welcomes Aaron for the first time. Hennessy has family throughout Ireland and very close links to the boxing scene and his son Michael boxed out of the acclaimed St Monica’s Club in Newry as an amateur. Having watched both Stevie and Aaron from a young age and knowing Fergal, Hennessy was keen to work with the team.

“Stevie made such a great impression last time with his performance which was clinical, explosive and very quick, I’ve received hundreds of messages from fans who watched on Channel 5 and were left craving to see more of him!” Said Hennessy. “It’s fantastic to have Stevie on the show again and so quickly again on the 18 December, but I’m really excited to welcome his equally talented brother Aaron on the card – double the value! Thanks to Fergal, Oscar and Ken Sheer of Sheer Sports Management for making this happen and we look forward to seeing Stevie and Aaron in action next month.”

Tom Little has promised to “tear lumps” out of Alen Babic when they collide over eight rounds on the Conor Benn vs. Sebastian Formella undercard at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday November 21, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN. 

The Hatfield native (10-8, 3 KOs) has shared the ring with some huge punchers including Filip Hrgovic, David Price and Daniel Dubois, and insists that he has nothing to fear from ‘The Savage’, who heads into this weekend’s clash with five knockouts from five fight. 

Little was last seen losing to former amateur standout Mahammadrasul Majidov on the Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 undercard in Saudi Arabia last December, but the 33-year-old wants to be more than just an opponent for rising contenders, and plans on making his own statement against Croatia’s Babic.

“I’m massively motivated for this fight,” said Little. “No disrespect to Alen. He’s a great fighter. At this particular moment in time I don’t see him as a level above anyone I’ve boxed already. I’ve had a look at him. I’ve promised him a proper fight. Me and him are going to meet in the middle and knock absolute lumps out of each other, and then we’ll drink the minibar dry. 

“I’m enjoying everything about training. I’ve never worked this hard in my career. I’m excited to see what I  bring at the lower weight I’m going to be coming in at. This isn’t just a coming out party for my opponent. This is an opportunity for me to showcase what I’m about and what I’m capable of. I feel like I can make my own statement. 

“There’s no way you can say that you dislike Alen. If you do then you’re just out to dislike people and you’ve got no intensions of liking anyone. Everything about him is likeable. He’s a character. He’s what the sport needs. We get on very well. I’ve assured him that the moment that bell goes he will be public enemy number one. 

‘I’ll be in there to tear absolute lumps out of him. Alen is ‘The Savage’ and I’m the ‘Gypopotamus’. We’re both fighting men and this is what we live for. We’re going to meet in the middle and I’ve planned for nothing but fireworks. I plan on giving a fight that is going to be remembered. I implore anyone to run forward at me and let me smash them on the chin. I won’t be running from anybody. I haven’t got a cowardly bone inside my body. I predict a bloodbath on November 21. 

“I know that a top version of Tom Little beats the top version of Alen Babic. He won’t have to look too far for me. He’ll have to try and push me back. He’s going to bring all of the fire of hell with him, I know he is. I’m not worried about a bully. I don’t worry about being pushed back. His work rate is phenomenal. I know I’m in for a hard night. I feel that I’ll wear him down and knock him out. I genuinely do. I’m going to have to weather a very hard storm. I will take him out. I think I’ll be too clinical.”

Little vs. Babic is part of a big night of action in London, ‘The Destroyer’ Conor Benn (16-0, 11 KOs) takes a big step up against Germany’s former IBO Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Formella (22-1, 10 KOs), fresh from winning the English Heavyweight Title at Fight Camp, Fabio Wardley (9-0, 8 KOs) takes on Ghana’s Richard Lartey (14-3, 11 KOs), Donnington’s Liam Davies (7-0, 2 KOs) battles Liverpool’s Sean Cairns (7-2, 1 KO) for the English Bantamweight Title and BenRidings (3-0) meets Jez Smith (11-2-1, 5 KOs) over six rounds in a Middleweight contest. 

Two exciting Heavyweight matchups have been added to the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s Unified World Title defence against Kubrat Pulev on Saturday December 12, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Hughie Fury (24-3, 14 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his three-round destruction of Pavel Sour at Manchester Arena back in March to take on Poland’s Mariusz Wach (36-6, 19 KOs), a former opponent of Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte. 

“I’m very excited to be back in action again on December 12,” said Fury. “It’s been a while and I’m ready to show what I’m all about. I’ve been in the gym working on a lot of different aspects of my game, perfecting what I needed to do. 

“Mariusz Wach is a good fighter who’s been in with many top tier fighters including a World Title challenge. He brings power and size, and you can’t switch off for a second. I want these kind of fights as these fights will help me achieve what I need. I’m expecting a tough fight with Wach.”

Martin Bakole and Sergey Kuzmin fight for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight Title after their proposed fight earlier in the year was rescheduled. Both men share respective 15-1 records and will be looking to gatecrash the world rankings.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting for the WBC International Title on such a big night of boxing, said Bakole. “A victory over Kuzmin is another step to making my dreams come true.”

“This fight with Bakole is very important for me, I need to bounce back from my defeat to Michael Hunter last time and get back on track towards a World Title,” revealed Kuzmin. “Martin is big, tall and comes forward, we know his strengths. I come only to win on December 12.”

Anthony Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles against Mandatory Challenger KubratPulev (28-1, 14 KOs) on a huge night of action that sees Lawrence Okolie (14-0, 11 KOs) take on Krzysztof Glowacki (31-2, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBO Cruiserweight World Title.

PEACOCK GYM FOUNDER Martin Bowers has signalled his intention to realise the goal of turning the renowned fistic institution into a bastion of British title successes.

Bowers, along with his brother Tony, first opened the Peacock doors in 1978 and since that time a ‘Who’s Who’ of the sport’s greats have made the pilgrimage to the Canning Town boxing bolthole.

The Peacock’s professional contingent have recently moved to a bespoke facility in Epping, where all the character and memories from London E16 have been recreated and celebrated across the walls of the new gym.

The ‘New Peacock’ is already off to a promising beginning with regard to becoming a breeding ground for British titles. Bowers is lead trainer to Daniel Dubois, who picked up the coveted Lonsdale belt in his 12th fight in a battle of the unbeaten young heavies against Nathan Gorman.

And on Friday, another Peacock product Denzel Bentley secured a second British title for the gym when time was called on his middleweight collision with Mark Heffron after four rounds due to damage caused by ‘2 Sharp’ to Heffron’s eye.

Bentley, who learned the ropes as an amateur at Fisher ABC under the watchful eye of trainer Ray Bull, has also developed as a professional with the Peacock Gym stalwart in his corner.

“We are a traditional gym at heart and we like to do things the traditional way,” considered Bowers, who is currently preparing his British heavyweight champion for a major defence and a European title challenge against Joe Joyce on November 28.

“The old way is very often the best way and, wherever possible, we prefer to set our fighters on the route of Southern Area, English and British titles. There really is no better way of doing it and the step-ups these titles give the boys properly prepares them for the bigger challenges they will hopefully encounter in the future.

“Daniel’s journey has been perfectly mapped out by Frank (Warren) and the team and some people probably forget that he took the Southern Area-English route to get to where he is today.

“These are titles that really mean something and winning them is so special for the fighters – and us as trainers.

“Denzel winning the British middleweight title the other night meant so much to Ray, who has been with him right from the beginning and to have the British middleweight and heavyweight champions in our gym really puts us on the map and is recognition of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes by people who don’t get seen on television.

“The only disappointment – if you can call it that – with Denzel’s road to the British title is that Southern Area and English shots were denied to him. There was nothing anyone could do as the opponents simply didn’t want to fight him. Thankfully the Queensberry team got him the right fights to push him forward for the British.”

Dubois and Bentley is far from the end of the story where the Peacock and British titles are concerned.

Super bantamweight Chris Bourke is the Southern Area champion and heavily tipped to move through the title levels in 2021, while featherweight Louie Lynn looks a banker to start a belt collection in the new year.

“Chris and Louie are two exciting fighters who are doing everything right. They’ve got the application and enthusiasm to work and learn to match their obvious talent and that is the surest sign that we are on the right track with them.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed in boxing, but I am as certain as I can be that the two boys will go a long way in the sport and enjoy the success their hard work deserves.”

Success breeds success and it is Dubois who is leading the charge by being in an all-British multi-title fight between two unbeaten heavyweights with world titles on their minds.

“In many ways Daniel is the catalyst for the current success of the gym,” added Bowers. “The other boys see what he is doing and how he is doing it. It inspires them to want to be in massive fights themselves and it has a snowball effect.

“Outside of Daniel, Denzel and Chris, we’ve got two other title holders in Sean Phillips (Southern Area middleweight) and Danny Carr (Southern Area super feather). It shows that winning can become a habit.”

Providence, RI (November 16, 2020) – From a hard-hitting right-hander to a slick southpaw, CES Boxing prospect Jamaine Ortiz will see a much different look than previously anticipated on November 28, but his goal of bringing the WBC USNBC Silver Lightweight Title back to his hometown of Worcester, MA, remains the same.

With Nahir Albright forced to withdraw due to an elbow injury, the undefeated Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs) will now face African southpaw Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) of Silver Springs, MD, at The Staples Center in Los Angeles for the vacant USNBC crown, part of the highly-anticipated Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. undercard on November 28.

The change in opponent, which occurs almost two weeks from fight night, has done little to deter the laser-focused Ortiz; in fact, it may even prove to be more of a motivating factor (not that the reigning WBC Youth world champion needs any additional motivation to win). Ortiz firmly believes Segawa, a veteran of 16 pro fights with several notable wins on his resume, presents more of a challenge than Albright, who has only fought nine times since turning pro in 2016.

“I like it. People who are better bring out the best in me,” Ortiz said. “He’s upset a lot of people in their hometowns, so you know he can fight.”

Segawa, 29, is coming off a draw against 9-1-1 Zhora Hamazaryan in January. Prior to that, he defeated 9-1-1 Elijah Pierce and the previously-unbeaten Gadwin Rosa, who was 10-0 at the time, in back-to-back fights. He also boasts a knockout win in 2018 over Hector Lopez Jr., who was 10-0-1 at the time. The combined record of Segawa’s last seven opponents is a staggering 66-3-2, which compares favorably to Ortiz’s track record; since 2019, Ortiz has upended opponents with records of 22-5, 8-1-1, 15-4, and 10-0. The Worcester native is ranked No. 9 in the NABF.

Ortiz-Segawa is one of seven fights scheduled for November 28, including the highly-anticipated exhibition headliner between rings legends Tyson and Jones, who fight eight rounds for the newly-created WBC Frontline championship. With no fans in attendance, the card is available for purchase on pay per view via FITE TV, or on the newly-launched Triller app, available both on Apple or Android devices. Visit tysonontriller.com for more information. Showtime is 9 pm ET.

WBC World Youth Featherweight Champion Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs), also from Worcester, battles undefeated Forth Worth, TX, prospect Edward Vazquez (8-0, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBC USNBC Featherweight Title. Also on the card, heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano (18-3, 16 KOs) faces Mississippi’s Nick Jones (9-3, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant WBC USNBC Heavyweight Title.

Visit CESBoxing.com for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience.

Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League is a sports league created and owned by Mike Tyson and Eros Innovations. The Legends Only League is a next-generation sports venture that provides full support and infrastructure to the world’s greatest athletes, bringing the best of the best back to the ring, onto the court, and back on the field. The league will span live sporting events including tennis, basketball, boxing, and more in addition to creating consumer products, live events, premium content, and full-service management for the greatest sports stars the globe has ever known.

Eros Innovations is a global venture creation group led by Sophie Watts that invests in and creates globally recognized businesses for celebrities across premium content, consumer products and live experiences.Owners of Eros Innovations include Eros Investments, a media and tech investment holding company whose affiliate companies include Eros Now, India’s leading OOT platform with 186 million registered users.

Triller is an entertainment platform built for creators. The app allows users to create music videos, skits, and lip-syncing videos containing background music. Launched in 2015 by co-founders David Leiberman and Sammy Rubin, Triller uses an AI-based video editing tool that automatically adds effects like overlays, fast or slow motion, and basic text to videos. Triller has more than 65 million active users and has been downloaded over 250 million times worldwide. It also boasts some big names among its users, like Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled, Alicia Keys, and others. Triller is owned by Proxima Media, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group with other investors like Snoop Dog, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd.

London, UK – 16th November, 2020 – Everlast Worldwide, the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment, announced today that they have signed an exclusive multi-year fight sports equipment and sports apparel deal with the rapidly-rising British boxing talent Conor Benn.

The agreement represents an historic moment for Everlast’s expansion into Europe that sees Benn appointed as the first ever male athlete in the UK to be placed on an apparel agreement.  Benn will wear Everlast’s iconic boxing gloves and specialist boxing apparel in his fights, training and sparring and leisure.

The 24-year-old from Brentwood, Essex, currently holds a perfect 16-0 record with 11 KO’s and is the latest athlete to join Everlast’s elite roster of champions and contenders in the #TeamEverlast family.

Ahead of his highly-anticipated WBA Continental Welterweight title defence this Saturday against German Sebastian Formella at the SSE Wembley Arena, Benn was thrilled to announce the deal.

“I’m delighted to announce our long term partnership.  Everlast are a boxing brand through and through just like the Benn name.” He said.  “Everlast have supported world champions before me and have shown great amounts of belief in me to do the same.  I’m thankful for their support and truly excited for the journey ahead.”

Known as ‘The Destroyer’, boxing is embedded in Benn’s DNA with his legendary father Nigel, a former Two-Time and Two-Weight World Champion, hailed as one of the most exciting boxers Britain has ever produced.

Since turning professional in spring 2016, all-action Benn has quickly established himself as one of British boxing’s most exciting young prospects through a string of entertaining and explosive victories that have made him a fans’ favourite.

Benn is world ranked in the 147lb division that holds some of the world’s best boxers including #TeamEverlast athlete and one of the top pound-for-pound greats, the unified World Champion Errol Spence Jnr.

Chris Zoller, Everlast’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “Conor is a really exciting athlete and personality whose work ethic and fearlessness represents what we’re all about. We can’t wait to get started and for what the coming years will bring.”

To keep updated on Conor ‘The Destroyer’ Benn and other #TeamEverlast fighters, head to: www.everlast.com/pro-team

### 

DERRY, N.H. (November 15, 2020) — Professional boxing returned last night to New England Sports Center as Granite Chin Promotions presented “Gold Rush,” featuring three regional title fights, in Derry, New Hampshire.

Whitman (MA) boxer Mike Bad Man” O;Han, Jr. dominated Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-1-1, 1 KO) from start to finish in the main event, nearly pitching a complete shutout, winning every round on two of the judges’ cards, all but one on the other, to capture the vacant New England welterweight crown.

O’Han used his height and length to his great advantage, effectively fighting the majority of the time on the outside, throwing crisp punches at the smaller Dibartolomeo, the reigning New Hampshire State 147-pound division titlist.

In the co-feature, Danbury’s (CT) “Fly” Mike Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs) took early command and pulled away from defending champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (4-2-1, 3 KOs), who was making his first title defense, to take home the New England heavyweight strap. The two fought in close quarters throughout 8-rounds, but Rolfe found himself on the ropes too often, and that’s where Marshall took advantage to win a decisive 8-round unanimous decision by scores of 79-71, 79-73 and 78-74.

In the afternoon show’s main event, Maine favorite son Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (19-5-2, 13 KOs) knocked out West Virginian Zack Kuhn (10-7-1, 5 KOs) to capture the UBO All-American welterweight title. Berry was stunned in the opening round, but he fought back gamely, exploding in the second round to floor his opponent three times, resulting in an impressive victory by way of a technical knockout when referee Leo Gerstel waved off the fight.

Promising middleweight prospect Frank “The Tank” Hogan (3-0, 3 KOs), a former New England Golden gloves champion hailing from Weymouth (MA), landed a blistering right hook to the body from his southpaw stance to knockout Cliff McPherson (2-16,1 KO) in round one.

A pair of Massachusetts welterweights, battle tested “Ruthless” Augustine Mauras (7-7-3, 3 KOs) and pro-debuting John Ferrera, put on an entertaining match. The fighters went toe-to-toe in an action-packed fight with Mauras pulling off a mild upset by winning a 4-round majority decision.

Undefeated New Bedford (MA) welterweight Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs unloaded a fierce body attack in the third round, dropping Tahlik Taylor (3-15-1, 1 KO) twice, and the end came early in the fourth, when Mkpanam went upstairs and sent Taylor to the mat with a sweet right.

In a battle of Woburn (MA) middleweights, pro-debuting Julien Baptiste (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Leonardo Ladeita (0-6) in the fourth and final round with a strong overhand right that landed squarely on his opponent’s jaw.

Boston lightweight Johnny DePina (3-0, 3 KOs), a multiple New England Golden Gloves amateur champion, needed only one punch – straight right-hand lead – to knockout Thomas Kenney, who barely managed to beat the count but referee Gerstel didn’t allow the fight to continue.

In opening bout in the evening segment of “Gold Rush,” Braintree (MA) welterweight Chris “Tumbaros” Tuburcio (1-0, 1 KO) had an auspices pro debut, pounding Jader Alves (0-3) onto the mat with a powerful right in round three, after which referee Jackie Morrell called the fight off.

The latest member of the Holyoke (MA) fightin’ Whitley family, welterweight Denzel Whitley (1-0), made short order of his pro debut, blasting out Caleb Denham (0-2) in the first round. Whitley floored Denham twice, both via quick rights on the chin, and referee Morrell halted the action after the second knockdown.

Albany (NY) junior welterweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez kept his perfect record intact, improving to 10-0 (7 KOs), outclassing Rynell Griffin until referee Gerstel had seen enough and stopped the fight in the fifth round for a technical knockout.

Heavyweight John Gruber, of Fall River (MA), registered his first pro win by taking a 4-round unanimous decision from Corey Morley (0-4-1).

Lowell (MA) heavyweight Zack “Shark Attack” Calmus (1-0, 1 KO) had a memorable pro debut, knocking out Yhago Goncalves (0-1) at the end of round one. Calmus hurt Goncalves with a short punch and referee Gerstel called the fight when he determined Goncalves was unable to continue.

Journeyman Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (12-44-2, 8 KOs) knocked out Jesus Cintron (1-16-2, 0 KOs) in a rematch of a fight this past August at the same venue, in which Smith won for the first time in nine years, a unanimous 4-round decision to a very late replacement in Cintron. Smith knocked down Cintron in the fourth round and he soon closed the show with a right that floored Cintron again, leading to referee Morrell to wave off the fight.

Maryland cruiserweight Larry “Hitman” Pryor (13-22, 6 KOs) overcame a wild start to defeat pro-debuting Scott Lambert, who came out of the corner throwing bombs. Pryor came out an exchange to drop Lambert early with a short right and midway through the opening round he unloaded a vicious straight right to drop Lambert for the second time. Referee Gerstel had seen enough, and he halted the action for a technical knockout.

Former New England Golden Gloves champion Josniel Castro (2-0), now fighting out of Worcester (MA), outclassed sturdy Saul “The Spider” Almeida en route to winning a unanimous 4-round decision. Castro had recorded the lone knockdown of the fight

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mike Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC8 (79-71, 79-73, 78-74)
Justin Rolfe (4-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME
(Marshall won N.E. heavyweight title)

John Gruber (1-2), Fall River, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-46, 40-35)
Corey Morley (0-4-1), Philadelphia, PA

Zack Calmus (1-0, 1 KO), Lowell, MA
WTKO1 (2:54)
Yhago Goncalves (0-1), Woburn, MA

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Larry Pryor (13-22, 6 KOs)
WTKO1 (1:18)
Scott Lambert (0-1 KOs), Dover Plains, NY

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Edet Mkpanam (5-0, 4 KOs), New Bedford, MA
WTKO4 (0:26)
Tahlik Taylor (3-15-1, 1 KO), Raleigh, NC

Larry Smith (12-44-2, 8 KOs), Dallas, TX
WTKO4 (1:34)
Jesus Cintron (1-16-2 (0 KOs), Springfield, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Francis Hogan (3-0, 3 KOs), Weymouth, MA
WKO1 (1:23)
Cliff McPherson (2-16 (1 KO), Cleveland, OH

Julien Baptiste (1-0, 1 KO), Woburn, MA
WTKO4 (2:18)
Leonardo Ladeira (0-6), Woburn, OH

Josniel Castro (2-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 39-33)
Saul Almeida (0-12-3), Framingham, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Mike O’Han, Jr. (11-1, 5 KOs), Whitman, MA
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 79-73)
Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-1-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA
(O’Han, Jr. won N.E. welterweight title)

Brandon Berry (19-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME
WTKO2 (2:50)
Zack Kuhn (10-7-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV
(Berry won the UBO All-America welterweight title)

Augustine Maura (7-7-3, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)
John Ferrara (0-1), New Bedford, MA

Christopher Tiburcio (1-0, 1 KO), Braintree, MA
WTKO3 (1:01)
Jader Alves (0-3), Woburn, MA

Denzel Whitley (1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA
WTKO1 (2:09)
Caleb Denham (0-1-0), Boston, MA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Ray Jay Bermudez (10-0, 7 KOs), Albany, NY
WTKO5 (1:39)
Rynell Griffin (8-44-2, 2 KOs)

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Jonny DePina (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA
WTKO (1:57)
Thomas Kenney (0-6), Rutland, VT

N.E. welterweight champion Mike O’Han. Jr.

(L-R) Justin Rolfe & Mike Marshall

N.E. heavyweight champion Mike Marshal

(L-R) – Zack Kuhn & Brandon Berry

UBO All America welterweight champion Brandon Berry

NEW YORK (November 13, 2020)–Two fighters of under the Split-T Management banner will be in action on Saturday night.

Undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard will take on veteran KeAndre Leatherwood in a eight-round middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

In Los Angeles, cruiserweight “Mighty” Joe Jones takes on undefeated prospect Efetobor Apochi in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

Howard of Crossville, Tennessee has a record of 18-0 with 11 knockouts. The 26 year-old Howard is an eight-year professional, who has a 1st round stoppage over Isiah Seldon (12-1-1) as well as a win over Cristian Olivas (16-3). Howard is coming off a unanimous decision over Jamaal Davis on July 19, 2019.

Howard-Leatherwood weigh-in

Photo Credit_ Mikey Williams_Top Rank via Getty Images

Leatherwood of Birmingham, Alabama has a record of 22-7-1 with 13 knockouts. The 32 year-old Leatherwood is a 12 year-professional who has wins over Eddie Gates (2-0), Martez Barnes (1-0) and Ryan Adams (6-1-1), Leatherwood has also competed against world champions Caleb Truax and Andy Lee.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Howard weighed 161.2 lbs. Leatherwood was 161.9 lbs.

The Howard – Leatherwood fight will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 7 PM ET.

Howard is promoted by Top Rank.

Jones of Jersey City, New Jersey, has a record of 11-2 with eight knockouts. The 25 year-old Jones is seven year professional who was has a win over undefeated Montez Brown (8-0).

Apochi of Houston, Texas is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Apochi has a 7th round stoppage over Earl Newman (10-1-1) and is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Larry Pryor on October 4th, 2019.

PHOTOS FROM SEAN MICHAEL HAM_TGB PROMOTIONS

Jones weighed at 193 lbs. Apochi was 199 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in

The fight can be seen on FS1 at 8 PM ET

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

    •     Terence Crawford 146.4 lbs vs. Kell Brook 147 lbs 
(Crawford’s WBO Welterweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
 Judges/Referee: Patricia Morse Jarman, Dave Moretti and Benoit Roussel / Tony Weeks

•   Joshua Franco 114.5 lbs vs. Andrew Moloney 114.7 lbs 
(Franco’s WBA Super Flyweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: Steve Weisfeld, Tim Cheatham and Lisa Giampa / Russell Mora

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT)

•   Joshua Greer Jr. 118.9 lbs vs. Edwin Rodriguez 118.9 lbs 
(Bantamweight— 8 Rounds)

•   Tyler Howard 161.2 lbs vs. KeAndrae Leatherwood 161.9 lbs 
(Middleweight  — 8 Rounds)

•    Duke Ragan 126 lbs vs.  Sebastian Gutierrez 126.3 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Vegas Larfield 119 lbs vs.  Juan Alberto Flores 117.3 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

•            Raymond Muratalla 137.3 lbs vs.  Luis Porozo 135.2 lbs 
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

ARLINGTON, TX. (November 13, 2020) – Welterweight contender Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez has made his name as a contender in numerous memorable, action packed brawls throughout his career, and he expects more of the same when he takes on Francisco “Chia” Santana in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action Saturday, December 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“Like in all of my fights, fans can expect action,” said Lopez. “I’m going up against a tough competitor who comes to fight every time. I’d recommend that fans don’t blink, because this fight could end at any moment. I’m just expecting an aggressive, tough fight.”

Despite the pandemic affecting fight dates and camps throughout the sport, Lopez has been able to have as smooth a camp as possible with his coach Robert Garcia, even with some adjustments being made.

“This training camp is going great, but there are definitely some differences with training during the pandemic,” said Lopez. “The gym is limited to just our team members and sparring partners, but the grind is still the same with coach Garcia. We’re being extra safe, but the effort is the same as it was before.

“I’ve been training for six weeks so far, and now we’ve got a little less than four weeks to go. I’ve really kept busy and basically trained all year though, since I was anticipating that a fight could come at any time. I wanted to stay ready.”

Garcia has helped bring about a career renaissance for Lopez that has included a victory over then unbeaten Miguel Cruz and a narrow title fight loss to Keith Thurman, that saw Lopez hurt and nearly stop the then unbeaten Thurman in January 2019 on FOX. Most recently, Lopez knocked out another veteran contender known for action fights, as he stopped John Molina Jr. in the eighth round of their September 2019 FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View fight.

“It’s been a tremendous difference working with coach Garcia,” said Lopez. “My mental state and my physical training are much better with him. This is like my second life in this sport. I wish I could have started working with him sooner. But now we’re just continuing to make progress and working towards the biggest fights possible.”

Lopez has his eyes set on the elite of the star-studded welterweight division, including the winner of the main event on December 5, a welterweight title unification between Errol Spence Jr. and Danny Garcia. With a litany of big names in his sights, Lopez vows to be ready for any top fighter that he is able to get in the ring with.

“I’m not going after any particular name, but I’d love to get a fight with any of the top welterweights that are out there,” said Lopez. “I definitely think I’m prepared for any of them. Right now I’m just waiting for my moment.”

Despite the prospect of these potentially career-defining fights, Lopez has his focus set squarely on Francisco Santana on December 5.

“I have a big obstacle in front of me with Santana and I have to take care of business with him first on December 5,” said Lopez. “Santana is not an easy fight whatsoever. He’s a good fighter who’s given some of the top guys a run for their money. So if I’m able to dominate and get a decisive victory against him, then I’ll be able to show that I’m ready for the best in boxing’s deepest division.”

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia will see unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. duel two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia in the blockbuster main event of a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, December 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora taking on Jorge Cota in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. The lineup will also see all-action contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and Francisco “Chia” Santana squaring-off in a 10-round welterweight affair, plus former champion Julio Ceja faces featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the pay-per-view.

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.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

NEW YORK (November 13, 2020)–Split-T Management, boxing’s premier management company has added two outstanding young fighters to its already impressive roster.

Brothers, Joseph and Jeremy Adorno are the latest to ink with Split-T Management.

“We are excited to add Joseph and Jeremy to our roster. I have known them, and have always thought very highly of their skill levels since they were amateurs. I can’t wait to help guide them to the highest level of the sport,” said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater.

Joseph, a 21 year-old lightweight has a professional record of 14-0-1 with 12 knockouts. He was a top amateur who compiled a record of 156-22 and he won many amateur tournaments in his nearly 200 fight amateur career. He was a 13-time National Champion, who won Silver Gloves, Ringside and Junior Olympic championships. He holds two amateur wins over world champion Shakur Stevenson

As a professional, the four-year veteran has wins over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0); Kevin Cruz (8-0) and Damian Sosa (9-2).

“This is a great new beginning for me. Signing with Split-T Management will provide me new opportunities. This was the missing piece to the puzzle for me. Dave McWater and Split-T Management are people that will care for me and for my career. I have known Dave since the amateurs, and he is a loyal person, so that is very important to me. He reached out to me at the right time and this is what exactly what I needed in my career,” said Joseph Adorno.

Jeremy is a 19 year-old super bantamweight who has compiled a record of 4-0 with one knockout.

As an amateur, Jeremy won over 100 bouts, and was a member of USA Boxing. He was a National Silver Gloves, Ringside World Championships and 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Championships.

“I have known David McWater since 2015. He was talking to my brother and I about managing us back then. I know this is the perfect fit for us, and I see huge things in the future for us,” said Jeremy Adorno.

Jeremy is coming off a unanimous decision win over Fernando Ibarra on January 11th in Atlantic City.

They are trained by their father Anibal Adorno and are both promoted by Top Rank.

18:10 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest 
THOMAS WHITTAKER-HART 12st 6lbs 9oz v JERMAINE SPRINGER 12st 5lbs 4oz
(Liverpool, England)                                          (Bradford, England)

Followed by

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title  
KASH FAROOQ 8st 5lbs 0oz v ANGEL AVILES 8st 8lbs 0oz        
(Glasgow, Scotland)                 (Altamirano, Mexico)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Super-Middleweight Title Eliminator
JOHN DOCHERTY 11st 12lbs 9oz v JACK CULLEN 11st 13lbs 7oz
(Montrose, Scotland)                        (Little Lever, England)

followed by

10 x 2 mins vacant Interim WBC Super-Bantamweight World Title
RACHEL BALL 8st 9lbs 9oz v JORGELINA GUANINI 8st 13lbs 7oz
(Aldridge, England)                (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles
TERRI HARPER 9st 3lbs 5oz v KATHARINA THANDERZ 9st 3lbs 10oz
(Denaby, England)                    (Oslo, Norway)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 9st 8lbs 7ozv MIRIAM GUTIERREZ 9st 8lbs 6oz
(Bray, Ireland)                          (Madrid, Spain)

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce the signing of undefeated WBA Super-Featherweight World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi on a multi-fight promotional deal. 

Choi (17-0-1, 4 KOs) beat China’s Chunyan Xu on her professional debut in October 2018 to claim the vacant WBA Featherweight crown before making seven defences of her World Title in the following five years. 

The South Korean became a two-weight World Champion when she landed the WBA Super-Featherweight Title against Thailand’s Siriwan Thongmanit in May 2014, and has since made six defences of the Title, most recently against Wakako Fujiwara in June 2019.

Choi joins a Matchroom stable that boasts WBC and IBO 130lbs Champion Terri Harper, who puts her titles on the line against Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in London tomorrow, and France’s long reigning IBF ruler Maiva Hamadouche.

“I have worked hard and dedicated my life to being the best Champion I can be,” said Choi. “I strive to improve every day and work on my craft. I am thankful for my family, friends, and team who have supported me on this Championship journey these past 12 years.

“As I have grown and matured and studied our sport, I still have a yearning desire not just to defend my Title but to achieve my ultimate goal of unifying all of the belts. I will continue to challenge myself, work hard and dedicate my whole being to women’s boxing. I want to be an ambassador for women’s boxing and continue to grow its popularity.”

“We are delighted to welcome Hyun-Mi Choi to the Matchroom Boxing team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It is a wonderful time for women’s boxing and particularly the Super-Featherweight division as we target an Undisputed Champion in the weight class. We look forward to seeing her defend her Title later this year before a major unification in early 2021.”

Paco Damian, Paco Presents Boxing, said: “The entire Hyunmi’s team are very proud to represent the longest reigning champion today. Hyunmi is one of the most respectful, sweetest, hardworking athletes I have ever known. We are also very pleased to have teamed up with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing to be able to give Hyunmi the fights she deserved. She will be ready to defend her WBA World Super-Featherweight Title against an opponent to be determined before the end of the year.”

Matchroom Boxing can confirm that Conor Benn’s WBA Continental Welterweight Title clash with former IBO Welterweight World Champion Sebastian Formella will now headline on Saturday November 21 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, with all of the action shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ (16-0, 11 KOs) scored two big knockout wins in 2019, firstly obliterating Jussi Koivula with a brutal second-round stoppage in his first headline fight at York Hall in June, and then explosively knocking out Steve Jamoye in four rounds at The O2 in October. 

Formella (22-1, 10 KOs) went on a 22-fight winning streak, picking up the IBO Welterweight crown against Roberto Arriaza in January earlier this year, before taking two-time World Champion Shawn Porter the distance in his first career defeat in August. 

After two quick wins on the spin, unbeaten Croat Alen Babic (5-0, 5 KOs) looks to continue his red-hot run of form with another big knockout win, this time against Hatfield’s Tom Little (10-8, 3 KOs), who has been in with some huge punchers including Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois. 

“It’s been a busy period, but I don’t want to rest, I want to fight,” said Babic. “Tom’s a cool guy, he’s a warrior. We’ve exchanged messages on social media but that won’t hold me back, ‘The Savage’ is waiting to be released and score another KO.”

“Alen makes too many mistakes,” said Little. “I’ve boxed at a much higher level and it will show. “I’ll be too much for him, this is too early in his career. I’ve been training for a while now with this fight in the back of my mind, so I’m prepared. The so-called Savage won’t hear the final bell.”

Fresh from winning the English Heavyweight Title with a third-round stoppage of Simon Vallily at Fight Camp, Ipswich talent Fabio Wardley (9-0, 8 KOs) takes on Ghana’s Richard Lartey (14-3, 11 KOs) – a former opponent of Dubois and Nathan Gorman. 

“Lartey’s a great opponent for me at this stage of my career,” said Wardley. “He’s a really strong and durable opponent that will definitely look to test me and take me in to the later rounds. You’ve seen in his previous fights that he’s not shy of a tear up so there may be moments in the fight when I’ll have to bite down on my gum shield and get stuck in, which I can’t wait for!”

Following the disappointment of his fight with Christopher Lovejoy falling through at the last moment, Heavyweight fan favourite Dave ‘White Rhino’ Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns to the ring looking to end the year on a high.

Also on the card, Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) returns after his win over Jonny Phillips on Fight Camp Week 2 and Donnington’s Liam Davies (7-0, 2 KOs) battles Liverpool’s Sean Cairns (7-2, 1 KO) for the English Bantamweight Title. 

Adam Smith,? Sky Sports ?Head of Boxing Development ?said:? “Conor Benn is back, continuing his exciting journey next Saturday night, live on Sky Sports. Of course, we fondly remember his father Nigel, a former World Champion, and we’ve covered Conor’s career since the very start.

“He’s an explosive young talent, so get ready for more fireworks when Conor collides with Sebastian Formella. Britain’s Welterweight division is really heating up with Josh Kelly and Chris Kongo also waiting in the wings – and Benn will be hoping to seize his opportunity to impress on a big stage.

“There’s also a Heavyweight triple-header – Fabio Wardley can enhance his growing reputation against Richard Lartey, while Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic battles Tom Little, and Dave Allen also returns in a thriving top division. It should be another superb evening of action on Sky Sports.”

Eddie Hearn:

“It’s great to be back inside the bubble. It is unquestionably the best bubble in boxing. It is definitely the most expensive bubble in boxing! We do it properly. It is great to see all of the fighters here looking fit, well and healthy ahead of a huge night of boxing on Saturday back at Wembley Arena. A World Championship triple-header and a great opportunity for women’s boxing to carry on progressing. We’re live on Sky Sports in the UK and live across America on DAZN as well. The beauty of this card is although we have three women’s World Title fights, we also have three really good men’s fights. Domestic fights, young talent coming through, a big Super-Middleweight clash too.”

Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 16-0, 6 KOs – defending her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Miriam Gutierrez:

“I never get sick of looking at all the belts – it’s something I’ve worked extremely hard for. The journey has definitely been more exciting that I could have expected.

“One punch can change a fight in professional boxing. She is an unbeaten fighter and better than people expect.

“Hopefully I will do a bit of everything – outbox her and outfight her. There are no easy fights at this stage. This is a huge opportunity for her.

“Complacency is very, very dangerous. I’m ready for whatever comes my way. People haven’t seen the best of me.

“Every belt is on the line. She has a lot to fight for. But this is the position I’ve always wanted to be in, defending my titles. I’m prepared to walk away the Undisputed Champion.

“It’s a privilege to be headlining such a big show, an historic show. I never thought when I turned pro that we would see three women’s World Title fights on a show.

“I want to make history and create legacy and, to do that, you have to be active and take risks. We’re in this sport to inspire the next generation. It’s incredible to me that female fighters are household names now.”

Miriam Gutierrez – Madrid, Spain – 13-0, 5 KOs – challenging Katie Taylor for her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles:

“I’m really looking forward to the fight coming around. It has been a long wait, particularly being in a bubble, it’s a bit different but I’m really looking forward to the fight. I can’t wait for it to come around.

“Of course I am really focused, that’s not to say I don’t admire her, I have followed her career both in the amateur ranks and now in the professionals. We’ve been working really hard for this so I am totally focused.

“It’s a lovely situation to be in and it’s a big opportunity for me. I have been working really hard for it so hopefully I can take advantage of this.”

Terri Harper – Denaby, England – 10-0-1, 5 KOs – defending her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Katharina Thanderz:

“I’m still as hungry as ever. This is only the beginning for me. I want to get out there and fight the other champions, the best in my division.

“I’ve seen a few people on social media saying I can’t box! I’m not doing badly for someone who can’t box. A mistake we’ve made in the past was to look past the fight that was coming up towards future plans.

“The fight I had with Natasha Jonas? I learned a lot. That fight was a blessing in disguise which brought me back to reality, slowed me down, made me realised that I needed to make changes and improvements.

“Thanderz will throw the kitchen sink at me but I have to make sure that I stay champion. She’s very good at coming forwards, very game. I need to use my long arms and not get dragged into a scrap like I did [against Jonas].”

Katharina Thanderz – Oslo, Norway – 13-0, 2 KOs – challenging Terri Harper for her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles:

“It’s great to be here and it is a great opportunity. I’ve been waiting a long time for this, I’m really excited. It’s an amazing thing to see how female boxing is growing. It’s always good to have great examples like the current fighters we have to look up to. Of course in Norway for many years we had Cecilia Brækhus. She did a lot for boxing in Norway and Scandinavia. It’s great to be part of this. 

“To become WBC World Champion on Saturday would mean everything. It is what I have been working towards for years. I really enjoy training, that’s what I enjoy the most. For me it isn’t hard work, I really enjoy it. It would mean a lot.”

Rachel Ball – Aldridge, England – 6-1 – fighting Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:

“Every time I hear people say it, it gets more and more real. It’s still crazy and I’m just so grateful to be here. I’ve taken this opportunity with both hands. I’ve done everything that I can. I’m not going to leave anything in there on Saturday. 

“It’s a fantastic time to be a part of women’s boxing – there’s loads of great girls coming through, now it’s time to live up to the expectations, to step up and deliver. Expect an all action fight from me every time. Expect fireworks, I’m definitely going to deliver them.

“I’ve got a 10-round fight ahead of me so I won’t be daft in the first few rounds but I’m not scared of tearing it up. I’m a very resilient person so I don’t think the pressure affected me [in my last fight]. This time, I’m more prepared.

“People will remember these kinds of shows forever. Katie and Terri will go down in history and hopefully I will too. People will look back and say: ‘That set a precedent like Jane Couch back in the day’. What she did for women’s boxing, hopefully we will too.”

Jorgelina Guanini – Buenos Aires, Argentina – 9-1-2, 1 KO – fighting Rachel Ball for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:

“First and foremost thank you for the compliment on my new haircut! This is an incredible opportunity for me and it’s an opportunity that I’m really looking forward to. I’m really grateful for this. It’s true that I am pretty small. I have been smaller than all of my opponents I have faced. I have probably never faced someone as tall as Rachel but I am up for fighting whatever opponent that is put in front of me.”

John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 9-0, 7 KO’s – fighting Jack Cullen in an Eliminator for the British Super-Middleweight Title:

“He’s just another man in my way. This takes me a step closer to the British Title and he’s in my way. He’s not stopping me and I’m going to go through him like Felix Cash did. I’m going to go through Jack Cullen on Saturday night and put on a good performance. I’m going to put on a standout performance in the Super-Middleweight division. I’m not taking anything away from Jack Cullen but I’m levels above him. I know I can’t say that in the pro game because I haven’t showed it yet. I’m going to put him to sleep, it’s as simple as that.”

Jack Cullen – Little Lever, England – 18-2-1, 9 KOs – fighting John Docherty in an Eliminator for the British Super-Middleweight Title:

“I’m not taking it personally, I think it’s a load of shit to be honest with you. What he’s got to realise is I’m not a Middleweight anymore, I’m a Super-Middle and I’m a big Super-Middle. I’m coming to win. Obviously you’ve given me another chance, Matchroom have given me another chance and I’m here to prove a point. In beating John Docherty I will prove my point. I’m going to show how good I really am. He’s fought journeymen. He’s not fought anyone decent yet. He’s going to see on fight night how good I am.”

Kash Farooq – Glasgow, Scotland – 13-1, 6 KOs – fighting Angel Aviles for the vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title:

“Fingers crossed everything goes well and you’ll see me in the ring on Saturday night putting on a good performance. Friday night was a long night for me. I brushed myself down and went back to the gym on Sunday morning and carried on. I’ve got to thank everyone for getting me on this bill. Every fight is hard and I’m expecting a tough challenge against Angel. He’s going to be there all night and he’s going to bring the best out in me. I expect myself to be the winner.”

Angel Aviles – Altamirano, Mexico – 20-5-1, 1 KO – fighting Kash Farooq for the vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title:

“You can expect a good fight from me. I have to say thank you very much for brining me to this city to fight. I have had some good fights and I’ve had four fights at championship level so I’m used to going the distance and I expect to win this fight.”

Thomas Whittaker-Hart – Liverpool, England – 4-0, 2 KOs – fighting Jermaine Springer in an eight round Light-Heavyweight contest: 

“I’m made up to have someone that’s coming to win against me. I feel like you’ll get more out of me if you’ve got someone in front of me who’s ready to push me. I’m excited to show what I can do. I know Jermaine is going to come to win and it’s going to be exciting. It’s not about the pressure, I don’t really think too much into that. I’ve been doing this since I was a young boy so I’m just taking things in my stride and going with it.”

Jermaine Springer – Bradford, England – 7-1, 1 KO – fighting Thomas Whittaker-Hart in an eight round Light-Heavyweight contest: 

“There’s no pressure on me. I’m coming here to fight. I rate Tom, he’s a good fighter. I’m going to bring the fire. I’m here to spoil the party. I can’t leave the ring disappointed or having regrets. I need to give it everything that I’ve got. I’ve got to put the pressure on and turn it into a real fight. I’ve fought unbeaten fighters before and I’ve gone there to win. This will be the first time that he’s thought someone with my mindset.”

LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2020) – An undefeated trio of Cuban prospects will be showcased Thursday night, November 20th, on another installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, at Marinaterra Hotel Spa & Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing, presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

The 10-round main event pits undefeated Californian Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) against Mexican knockout artist Bruno “Tiburon” Sandoval (21-4-1, 17 KOs), for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super middleweight title.

Barajas, who won 27 of 30 amateur matches, takes advantage of his unusual size for a super middleweight, standing 6′ 3″ with an 80″ reach. Sandoval was the Interim WBC Latino super middleweight champion after defeating 24-8 Deivas Casseres (24-8) in 2 ½ years ago by way of a first-round knockout.

The three unbeaten Cuban fighters on the Nov. 19th card, all living in Guatemala, are middleweight Yoevel “La Joya” Gomez (2-0, 2 KOs), super bantamweight Ariel Perez De La Torre (3-0-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight Geovany “L Bestia” Bruzon (2-0, 2 KOs).

A natural junior middleweight, the 22-year-old Gomez agreed to take his 6-round fight against unbeaten Mexican Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui Palomares (5-0-1, 4 KOs). Gomez is a technically sound, aggressive power punched. The 2-time Cuban Youth champion is the son of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Jose Gomez.

De La Torre, who had more than 150 amateur matches, is dropping down from junior lightweight to super bantamweight, assuring undefeated Mexican Jesus “Panterita” Daniel Tamez (6-0, 5 KOs) a significant size advantage in their 6-round fight.

Bruzon, 22, was the 2014 Cuban National Youth champion. A southpaw with great hand speed and power, Bruzon faces Jose “El Titan” Vazquez (6-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 6-rounder.

Unbeaten California welterweight Raiden “Mortal Kombat” Jace Martinez (5-0, 5 KOs) is also scheduled to fight in a 4-rounder against TBA off-UFC FIGHT PASS.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 20 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico
Dec. 9 & 10 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico

Las Vegas – UFC^® will continue its year-end run of shows at UFC APEX with two exciting world championship bouts in the 125-pound divisions. Deiveson Figueiredo will look to secure his first successful flyweight title defense when he takes on No. 4 ranked contender Alex Perez. Women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko hopes to continue her dominant reign when she faces Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and No. 3 ranked contender Jennifer Maia.

UFC^® 255: FIGUEIREDO vs. PEREZ will take place Saturday, November 21 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas and will stream live on Pay-Per-View, exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

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

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 255: FIGUEIREDO vs. PEREZ online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN2 and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, as well as being simulcast in both languages on ESPN+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) and ESPN+ (in English and Spanish) at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Figueiredo (19-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) is coming off his dominant submission win over Joseph Benavidez to capture the vacant flyweight championship in July. A heavy-handed striker and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has also earned thrilling victories against Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and John Moraga. Figueiredo now aims to secure his first successful title defense with another show-stealing performance.

Perez (24-5, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) has wasted no time since joining the UFC roster in 2017, as he becomes the first Dana White’s Contender Series signee to challenge for a UFC title. Following exciting wins against Jordan Espinosa and Mark De La Rosa, Perez turned heads with his calf-kick TKO victory over perennial contender Jussier Formiga in June. Perez now aims to continue his rapid ascent by dethroning Figueiredo to achieve his dream of being UFC flyweight champion.

No. 3 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Shevchenko (19-3, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) hopes to continue her dominant title reign with another highlight-reel finish. Throughout her career, she has netted impressive wins over Holly Holm, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Julianna Pena and Jessica Eye. Shevchenko now has her sights set on delivering a spectacular victory to secure her fourth consecutive title defense.

Skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Maia (18-6-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) feels she has the tools to shock the world and dethrone Shevchenko. An 11-year MMA veteran and former Invicta FC Flyweight champion, Maia has secured sensational victories against Joanne Calderwood, Alexis Davis and Roxanne Modafferi (twice). Maia now aims to take home UFC gold by becoming the first fighter to defeat Shevchenko at 125 pounds.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 2 ranked contender Katlyn Chookagian (14-4, fighting out of Amity Harbor, NY) squares off with No. 4 Cynthia Calvillo (9-1-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) in a pivotal women’s flyweight contest
• No. 2 ranked flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (17-5-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 6 Brandon Royval (12-4, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) in a bout with serious title implications
• No. 14 ranked light heavyweight contender Shogun Rua (27-11-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) runs it back with No. 15 Paul Craig (13-4-1, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland) following their entertaining draw one year ago
• Hot on the heels of his viral spinning back kick KO victory over Impa Kasanganay, Joaquin Buckley (11-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) makes a quick turnaround against unbeaten Jordan Wright (11-0 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) in a middleweight clash
• In a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, Mike Perry (14-6, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) takes on Tim Means (30-12-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
• No. 15 ranked contender Antonina Shevchenko (8-2, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) faces Ariane Lipski (13-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in what is expected to be an entertaining women’s flyweight bout
• Middleweight hopefuls collide when Kyle Daukaus (9-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) meets Dana White’s Contender Series signee Dustin Stoltzfus (13-1, fighting out of Germersheim, Germany)
• Alan Jouban (16-7, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) returns against debuting Jared Gooden (17-4, fighting out of Atlanta, Ga.) in a welterweight bout
• Daniel Rodriguez (13-1, fighting out of Alhambra, Calif.) steps in to face Nicolas Dalby (18-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark) in an entertaining welterweight bout
• Recent Dana White’s Contender Series Louis Cosce (7-0, fighting out of Arcata, Calif.) takes on Sasha Palatnikov (5-2, fighting out of Hong Kong, China) in a battle of welterweight newcomers

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 126 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 171 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 72 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 8.5 million subscribers.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC events, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, college sports (including football, basketball and nearly a dozen other sports from 20 conferences), top domestic and international soccer (Bundesliga, Serie A, FA Cup, MLS, Copa Del Rey, EFL Championship, Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), Golf (coverage from PGA Tour, The Masters and PGA Championship), Top Rank Boxing, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series and studio shows (including ESPN+ NFL PrimeTime, Peyton’s Places, Detail, Bettor Days, ESPN FC, Our Time, Dana White’s Contender Series, and many more), plus exclusive access to the entire library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

About ESPN

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

HEFFRON v BENTLEY 2 RUNNING ORDER:

Fight # 1
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
MICKEY BURKE JR. (10st 8lb 8oz) v THOMAS BROADBENT (10st 9lb 6oz)

Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
HENRY TURNER (10st 2lb 5oz) v DES NEWTON (10st 2lb 4oz)

Fight # 3 
10 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO (11st 9lb 10oz) v ROBBIE CHAPMAN (11st 11lb 10oz)

Fight # 4 
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
TOMMY FURY (12st 13lbs 6oz) v GENADIJ KRAJEVSKIJ (12st 13lb 8oz)

Fight # 5 
The Vacant British Middleweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 160lbs
MARK HEFFRON (11st 5lb 4oz) v DENZEL BENTLEY (11st 5lb 2oz)
————–

Heffron v Bentley 2 is live from BT Sport Studio @ 7.30pm on BT Sport 1 HD

Jermaine Springer insists that all of the pressure is on Matchroom new boy Thomas Whittaker-Hart ahead of their eight round Light-Heavyweight battle on the Katie Taylor vs. Miriam Gutierrez undercard this Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN. 

Liverpool’s Whittaker-Hart, managed by former WBC Cruiserweight king Tony Bellew, signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn last month and will be hoping to impress on his Matchroom debut as he kicks off a huge night of World Title action, but Bradford’s Springer has other ideas. 

Trained by Al Osta at the Ultra Flex Gym in Leeds, ‘Showtime’ heads into his first TV appearance sporting a record of seven wins and one loss since turning pro in March 2018, and the 32-year-old says he is ready to cause an upset against former amateur standout Whittaker-Hart. 

“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Springer told Seconds Out. “He’s just signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom, he’s managed by Tony Bellew and he’s the amateur star that has all of the pressure and expectation on him. For me, I’ve just got to go out there and have a fight. It’s a much more simple situation for me. It’s a lot more complicated for him. 

“I’ve seen more of his amateur stuff. We know what he’s about. I think it will be a good fight. He’s not just a one trick pony. He’s an all round good fighter. He’s got good speed, good power and a good jab. He can fight at distance and he can fight up close on the inside. I think our styles will gel.

“I’m going to bring the fire. This is my opportunity. I don’t get opportunities like this. I’m used to fighting at small hall shows. This is what I dream about, fighting on Matchroom shows live on Sky Sports. I’m normally watching them on TV.

“I’m a massive boxing fan. It’s a dream come true and I’m going to give it everything that I’ve got. I 100% believe in myself and I am going there to cause the upset. I can’t leave anything in the ring and end up disappointed. I have to put on a good show and get the win.”

Taylor vs. Gutierrez tops an historic night of World Title action in the Capital, Denaby’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles against Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), Rachel Ball (6-1) faces Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-2, 1 KO) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, big-punching John Docherty (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up against ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (18-2-1, 9 KOs) and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs).

JOE JOYCE BELIEVES he is fighting for promotional priority, as well as the British and European titles, when he takes on Daniel Dubois in a huge heavyweight collision on November 28.

Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has been in the corner of Dubois since setting him on the road to professional stardom in April of 2017 at the age of 19. The Peacock Gym product has more than lived up to his Dynamite billing and is, by common consensus, the best young heavyweight in the business.

‘Juggernaut’ Joyce, who joined the Queensberry ranks in May 2019 when he was first mandated to fight Dubois for the British title, wants a piece of the action and intends to ambush the ambitious plans laid out for his in-house rival.

“Right now, Daniel is a top boy for Queensberry and BT Sport so if I beat him, or when I beat him, I will be one to watch,” considered the 35-year-old Olympic silver medallist.

“According to Frank, the winner could potentially get a world title shot and that is definitely what I am in boxing for, so I am looking forward to beating Dubois and being No.1.”

Dubois enjoys a lofty No.2 ranking with the WBO behind only Oleksandr Usyk, who occupies top spot and mandatory position by virtue of moving up from cruiserweight as an undefeated champion.

Usyk is entitled to enforce a fight with the WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but the Englishman first must negotiate an IBF obligation against Kubrat Pulev in December. If he then intends to enter into a two-fight booking with Tyson Fury, the WBO belt could well become up for grabs.

Enter Dubois or Joyce against Usyk.

“I know, imagine that, it would be unbelievable,” stated Joyce in eager anticipation. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself though because I’ve still got Dubois in my face to take on.”

Joyce, of course, suffered a defeat to Usyk in the World Boxing Series as a GB amateur and taking revenge as a pro, with a world title at stake, would be ideal retribution.

“I definitely wouldn’t be afraid of his power, more his skill really because he’s got good head movement. When I fought him it was quite an even fight, although he did catch me clean a few times, I had less defence and I was still a bit novicey back then.

“He was fresh off winning gold at London so he is a good fighter and I think the later rounds, especially with pro gloves on, would be the deciding factor if we got in the ring again.

“He wouldn’t be able to hurt me, which would be very dangerous for him.”

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Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28^th.

On the undercard, highly touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Sheeraz was last seen on 10^th July 2020 when he impressively cut through 12-1 Scotsman Paul Kean in 6 comfortable rounds.

Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest.

Catterall is the #1 ranked contender for Jose Ramirez’s WBO title and intends to challenge the winner of the potential unification fight between Ramirez and WBA/IBF Champion Josh Taylor, but only if he can overcome the challenge of Houya. The Tunisian-born fighter boasts a respectable professional record and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics.

London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0). Whitaker is coming off a points win over Chris Healey and has previously beaten Jonathan Palata.

Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).

Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2^nd round TKO from the 25^th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.

DOMESTIC MIDDLEWEIGHT RIVALS Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley are all set to repeat their thrilling September encounter on Friday night – live on BT Sport – and this time the coveted British title is on the line.

Heffron (25-1-1) and Bentley (13-0-1) were given the opportunity today for a final say on how they think this highly-anticipated collision will play out in the ring and the questions and answers are detailed in full below.

Photos from today’s live Q and A available here

The judges scored the first fight 95-95, what went through your head when you heard that?
DB: I was disappointed because I thought I nicked it and I thought the last round would give me the decision. At the end of the day we are in a better position now and I’ve got to make this one count.

Were you disappointed with the scores or a little bit disappointed with yourself?
DB: That is a good question. Maybe a bit of both, but the scores mainly. I thought I did what I needed to do apart from falling asleep in the middle rounds and allowing him to come back into the fight. Other than that, more so the scorecards.

A clear Denzel Bentley win in your eyes?
DB: Yes.

Mark, how many times have you watched the fight back?
MH: I’ve watched the fight 10 or 11 times now and I see the same thing every time. I think I won the fight.

What makes you think you did more than Denzel?
MH: I just feel like I landed the much bigger shots, the more work and the cleaner shots.

Talk us through the knockdown. Were you hurt?
MH: Not at all. Not one bit was I hurt because I was more off-balance than anything. I got straight up and straight back on with it and I feel like I won the rest of the round.

You’ve gone on record saying Denzel is deluded because he says he won. Why is he so far wrong?
MH: He is deluded because I clearly won the fight and he thinks he won it.

Are you deluded, Denzel?
DB: Listen, there is one person saying he won every round of that fight so there is only one person that is deluded here.

You scored the knockdown in the fight. Did you think you had hurt him?
DB: No, I know I didn’t hurt him. He just walked into a shot, panicked and went down. I knew he wasn’t ready to go and that is why I didn’t jump on him. He is right, he wasn’t hurt.

There was a point in the fight when it looked like you were hurt with a clean shot landed by Mark. Were you hurt?
DB: It was a good shot. I wasn’t hurt, but it buzzed me a bit, my chin was in the air and I was a bit tired. It was a good shot that took me two seconds to recover from.

What can Mark do differently in the rematch?
DB: You have to ask him. I have no clue.

What can you change Mark? Do you feel you need to change anything?
MH: We’ve made a few changes that you will see on the night.

You have been with Michael Jennings a little bit longer. How much of a difference is that going to make?
MH: I’d been in the gym with Michael for one week and then we got the fight date. The last camp was more just getting fit for the fight. This camp we have got a good, good game plan and we’ve made a few changes.

Denzel, you are fighting a lot right now. You might be the most active fighter in lockdown, with also fighting in July against Mick Hall. Are you tired?
DB: No, I am alright, I’m happy, I’m active and a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to fight at all. I am grateful, happy and I appreciate it.

It felt like you changed your style from what we are used to. It felt like you went from being a big power puncher to a bit of a mover. Talk us through that?
DB: I didn’t change anything, it is just a side you haven’t seen before. Unless you have seen me in the gym or in the amateurs, you won’t know that I can do whatever I want to do in the ring. That is just the side I decided to show that day, the side I felt would win the fight. You don’t just go in there and think you will run through everyone. You’ve got to pick and choose.

Can you improve on the first performance? Do you have to improve? What do you need to do differently?
DB: I think I can improve in general and not just because of the first fight against Mark. I am going to improve throughout my career. I have only been a pro for three years and got to this level quickly despite not having a deep amateur career. I have improved quickly and there are more improvements to make.

Ahead of the first fight, you were saying; ’I’ll win”. This time you’re saying; ‘Tune in because I will stop him.’ Where has this confidence come from?
DB: It is not about finding confidence, but knowing what I can do. I feel like I am going to stop him and that is it.

Were there chinks in Mark’s armour in the first fight that maybe you didn’t exploit?
DB: You find that in anyone. I just feel I will stop him.

Has Mark got the power to stop you?
DB: He couldn’t finish me in the first fight and he isn’t going to finish me now.

You landed a big shot in round nine of the first fight. You have a big reputation as a fearsome puncher. What does it do for your confidence when you land clean and he’s still there?
MH: When you step up levels one shot doesn’t knock opponents out. That is where I have gone wrong in the past – admiring my shots and stuff like that. I have been working with Michael Jennings on not admiring my work, but putting shots together.

Are you looking to take the decision out of the judges’ hands and getting the job done early?
MH: I am ready for a good, solid 12 rounds, but if I can take it out of the judges’ hands I will.

Has he got the power to stop you?
MH: He definitely hasn’t got the power to stop me.

It’s your first 12 rounder and first crack at a British title. You have been accused of taking rounds off. This is 12 rounds. How can you not take rounds off?
DB: I will do what I need to do and be in that fight every round. It is not a matter of taking rounds off. It’s a matter of boxing how I feel is appropriate on the night. I did ten rounds last time and finished strong so the extra two rounds won’t hurt.

What will becoming British champion mean to you?
DB: It would mean a lot to me. I have been calling for this title for a while so to finally get a chance to fight for it is good. I’m happy for the chance and excited. Being champion of your home country is something else.

You have a WBO ranking, number 14 so there is a lot at stake.
DB: They saw the last fight.

What are you going to do differently?
MH: You’ll see how I am going to finish him on the night.

What does it potentially mean to you to win the British title?
MH: To win the British title on Friday means the absolute world to me. I can’t wait and I am buzzing. A British title is what every domestic fighter wants and I feel I should be British champion now if Jason Welborn hadn’t pulled out. Instead, I moved up a few levels and fought Liam Williams.

What do you think of that world ranking on the line?
MH: It’s a massive opportunity because there will also be a world ranking.

What is your final message?
MH: I hope he has worked hard, because I know I have. I can’t wait.

Anything you want to say to Mark?
DB: Just show up on Friday, Mark.

LAS VEGAS (November 11, 2020) —The pound-for-pound king, WBO welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, renewed acquaintances with Kell Brook Wednesday afternoon, nearly nine months after they had a brief conversation at the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury 2 weigh-in inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This time, they sat six feet apart on a socially distanced press conference dais three days before their championship showdown, which will air LIVE on ESPN and Deportes (10 p.m. ET), and exclusively on Premier Sports in the UK. When it came time to face off, they edged closer, neither man willing to give an inch.

In the co-feature — a rematch of one of the most memorable Bubble bouts — WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco will attempt to repeat the deed against Andrew “The Monster” Moloney. Franco upset Moloney via unanimous decision on June 23, as Moloney faded in the later rounds after suffering a pair of perforated eardrums.

At the press conference, this is what they had to say.

Terence Crawford

“I’ve always felt that I’m number one pound-for-pound in the world. This is what I do.”

“I’m not the one to quit on a fight, but I can’t say the same about him. I wish him the best.”

“At the end of the day, this is nothing new to me. I have fought in an arena where there are 50 people. I’ll go in there and get the job done as I always do.”

Kell Brook

“I’ve been after this fight for a long time. I’m more than ready! I’m in the best condition of my life, and I’m ready to become a two-time world champion. I’m like fine wine. I’m getting better as I get older. I’m ready.”

”I think Terence knows I’m not an easy fight. I want him to bring the best out of me. I’m pushing myself to perform the best I can. I pulled myself away from my family and from all the distractions. I’m making the sacrifice of being away from my family because I want to be great.”

“It will be great for the UK for me to come through and become world champ against the number one fighter in the world. I know who Terence is, and that’s why I have prepared the way I have. I’m a big welterweight, and I can punch with both hands. This is what I do. The talking is done. All the work has been done. It’s time to perform.”

Joshua Franco

“It’s great to be back in The Bubble, and now that I have the title, it is even better. I have more confidence and I’m getting better. I have the confidence of having Robert (Garcia) in my corner. That is great. He has great experience. We are looking for better opportunities after Saturday.”

Andrew Moloney

“I’ve never been so determined to do something in my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to redeem myself. For the past five months, I have prepared myself to leave with that belt around my waist. That belt means everything to me. It’s my son’s future. I’m not leaving without it.”

“It wasn’t my best night, but you are going to see a much better fighter this time around. He is going to think he is in the ring with a different fighter.” SATURDAY’S CARD

ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Terence Crawford vs. Kell Brook, 12 rounds, Crawford’s WBO welterweight world title

Joshua Franco vs. Andrew Moloney 2, 12 rounds, Franco’s WBA super flyweight world title

ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Edwin Rodriguez , 8 rounds, bantamweight

Tyler Howard vs. KeAndrae Leatherwood, 8 rounds, middleweight

Duke Ragan vs. Sebastian Gutierrez, 4 rounds, featherweight

Raymond Muratalla vs. Luis Porozo, 6 rounds, lightweight