NEW YORK (OCTOBER 26, 2020)– This past Friday night, Split-T Management’s Diego Pacheco remained undefeated by knocking out Juan Antonio Mendez in round two of a scheduled six-round super middleweight fight in Mexico City.

In round two, Pacheco dropped Mendez with a sweet uppercut and the fight was stopped immediately at 2:02,

Pacheco, 167.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Mendez, 164.9 lbs of Mexico City is 12-3-2.

On the same card that was streamed live on DAZN, junior lightweight Otha Jones III fought to a disputed split-draw with undefeated Kevin Montiel.

Each fighter won a scorecard 58-56, while a 3rd card read even at 57-57.

Jones, who was a 21-time amateur National Champion, continues to show the willingness to fight take on top competition, and took on the undefeated Montiel as an opponent on just two days notice.

Jones, 130 lbs of Toledo, OH is 5-0-1. Montiel, 130 lbs of Mexico is 6-0-1.

Both Pacheco and Jones are promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Los Angeles, CA (October 26, 2020) Undefeated Knockout Artist Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (18-0, 18 KOs), fighting on Friday, September 25 posted huge viewership numbers defending his WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title on Grupo SIPSE TV with his sixth round knockout of Alejandro Davila, (21-2-2, 8 KOs), broadcast from the network’s studios ‘behind closed doors’ in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Said Mario Abraham of local promoter Max Boxing, “Bohachuk vs. Davila garnered one of the highest rated shows in the history of Grupo SIPSE TV. We are very happy with this high rating and look forward to Bohachuk coming back in the future.”

Bohachuk is promoted by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Ural Boxing Promotions in addition to being trained by the renowned Manny Robles at his Legends Boxing Academy in Norwalk, CA.  The super welterweight power puncher is rated #8 by the IBF and #9 by the WBC.

“Serhii was very busy before the fight doing a wealth of publicity, particularly with the Mexican press. Fight fans in Mexico were very excited to see him fight and he entertained them with a dominant performance, stopping Davila in the sixth round,” said Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions. “We look forward to Serhii fighting again soon and bringing him back to Mexico in the future.”

New York, NY (10/26/20) – The IMPACT Network, in conjunction with SMH Group, will present IMPACT Championship Boxing brought to you by T&K Boxing Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, featuring an exciting women’s world title fight between Kali Reis and Kandi Wyatt. The event takes place on Friday, November 6, from the St. Petersburg Clearwater Marriott, in St. Petersburg, FL, and will premiere on IMPACT Network, Saturday, November 7, at 10:30pm ET.

In the main event, Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (16-7-1, 5 KOs), of Providence, RI, will meet Kandi “Krush” Wyatt (10-1, 3 KOs), of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in a 10-round clash with the vacant WBA world female super lightweight title on the line. The winner of this high stakes battle could be in line for unification matches against IBF champion Mary McGee or WBO champion Christina Linardatou.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with T&K Boxing Promotions and Steven Marcano to bring an exciting night of championship boxing to IMPACT Network’s wide-ranging audience,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Former world champion Kali Reis will take on highly skilled Canadian Kandi Wyatt for a vacant super lightweight world title and heavyweight slugger Elvis Garcia collides with Dell Long. Boxing fans will also get to see a pair of rising stars in action, including unbeaten Puerto Rican lightweight contender Victor Padilla and Sin City heavyweight Jeremiah Milton. The Reis-Wyatt title fight joins a string of significant female championship fights worldwide. I’m thrilled to have found a home for it on IMPACT Network.”

“We are pleased to be back on November 6 for the live event, which will air November 7, at 10:30pm ET, to IMPACT’s 90 million homes via basic cable,” stated Steven Marcano, of the SMH Group, the programming partner with Impact Media Group. “After discussing with the IMPACT executive team, Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Royal Jackson and Terry Arnold, we all agreed that we wanted to work with Lou DiBella, who is now a Hall-of-Famer, and he’s brought us a terrific event featuring a female world title fight worthy of IMPACT Network. We were supposed to do another event with Lou earlier this year, but it was cancelled due to Covid-19. IMPACT plans to have a 24-show calendar for 2021 and plans many more shows with DiBella Entertainment. IMPACT Boxing is also excited to welcome boxing great Antonio Tarver, who will call the action from ringside, along with Curran Bhatia and ringside reporter and boxing insider Zach Hirsch.”

“T&K Boxing Promotions is happy to announce that we are working together with DiBella Entertainment on our November 6 event, known locally as ‘All or Nothing’, and we are thrilled that it will be broadcast on IMPACT Network,” said Jesus Escalera, President of T&K Boxing Promotions. “We were all set to present a great show featuring local talent and then Lou DiBella approached us with an opportunity to televise it. Lou also provided us with a tremendous women’s world championship main event, along with other up-and-coming prospects for the undercard. It will be a special night for us, as it is part of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame’s induction weekend. The Class of 2020 will be in attendance.”

Reis is a former WBC middleweight world champion. Her nickname, “KO Mequinonoag”, which means “many feathers, many talents”, represents her Native American heritage, of which she is part Cherokee, Nipmuc, and Seaconke Wampanoag. In one of women’s boxing’s biggest events, Reis challenged then-undisputed welterweight world champion Cecilia Braekhus in 2018. It was the first women’s bout telecast by HBO World Championship Boxing in its 45-year history. Remarkably, the fight averaged 904,000 viewers, the second highest rating by the network for boxing during that year. Reis has rebounded with three wins in a row.

Wyatt, promoted by Michael Short’s Dekada Promotions, is a former world title challenger, having faced Linardatou for the WBO world female super lightweight title in March 2019. She was a highly accomplished amateur, before her 2014 pro debut, becoming a 10-time Provincial champion, six-time National champion and four-time Ringside World Tournament champion.

Rising lightweight Victor Padilla (8-0, 7 KOs) will be featured in a six-round bout. Trained by Rashiem Jefferson and managed by Carlos Rosario, the heavy-handed Padilla has stopped six of his opponents inside the opening round. Born in Puerto Rico, now living in Berlin, NJ, Padilla turned professional in December 2016, following a stellar amateur career that included three National championships, ending with a record of 90-7.

Elvis Garcia (8-0, 5 KOs) will clash with Dell Long (7-6-2, 4 KOs), of Artie, WV, in an attractive six-round heavyweight bout. Born in Mexico, now living in Indio, CA, trained by Joel Diaz, Garcia returns to the ring following a victory against Hugo Trujillo. He also recently gained invaluable experience working as the “secret weapon sparring partner” that promoter Eddie Hearn referred to with regard to Anthony Joshua’s preparation for his rematch against Andy Ruiz last year. Prior to turning pro, Garcia was an outstanding amateur with a record of 85-10, 42 KOs. After winning gold at the Washington State Golden Gloves, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at USA National Tournaments, Garcia moved to Tijuana, Mexico, where he won the Mexican National Championships and the Mexican Golden Gloves Tournament twice. Long is coming off of an unexpected upset win against Don Haynesworth (16-4-1) on August 29, and he also owns a knockout victory against 13-1 Travis Clark.

Heavyweight prospect Jeremiah Milton (1-0, 1 KO), originally from Tulsa, OK, now based in Las Vegas, NV, will compete in a four-round bout against Robert Brothers, of Titusville, FL. Milton’s pro debut on August 20 lasted just 75 seconds, ending with a knockout of Dennis Vance Jr. As an amateur, Milton was a super heavyweight silver medalist at the 2019 US Olympic Trials. In preparation for his pro debut, Milton sparred with Luis Ortiz, Joe Joyce and Guido Vianello.

UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov says he wants to see former Undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk take on WBC Heavyweight ruler Tyson Fury.

Dana White hailed Russia’s Nurmagomedov as the ‘GOAT’ and pound-for-pound best after he sensationally retired following his second-round stoppage of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi.

The undefeated Lightweight World Champion is a long-time fan of boxing, and was even spotted ringside for Anthony Joshua’s huge rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last year, but it is Ukraine’s Usyk he wants to see share the ring with ‘The Gypsy King’, not ‘AJ’.

When asked for his assessment of the sport, prior to Vasiliy Lomachenko’s loss to Teofimo Lopez in Las Vegas, Khabib told reporters: “Right now, I think three guys. Oleksandr Usyk, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Canelo Alvarez.

“Oh sorry, Tyson Fury too. Four guys. It’s very hard [to decide] who is the best.

“I really want to see Usyk vs Fury. It’s gonna be a very good fight. He [Usyk] has very good skill and technique, Tyson Fury too.

“He is not like other Heavyweights, more technique, his footwork is very good, his conditioning is very good, I really wanna watch Usyk against Fury.”

Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) sits as WBO Mandatory Challenger to Joshua, but must first deal with an in-form Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena Wembley on Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

Usyk vs. Chisora tops a huge night of action, Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) and George Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns against America’s KO artist Christopher Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Tommy McCarthy believes that winning the EBU European Cruiserweight Title against Bilal Laggoune at The SSE Arena, Wembley this Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office and onDAZN in all of its nine markets including the US, will put him him in line for a dream World Title shot. 

The Belfast man (16-2, 8 KOs) edged past Italy’s Fabio Turchi last October to land the WBC International Cruiserweight Title on away soil and believes his European Title shot against Belgium’s Laggoune has come at the perfect time. 

“I’ve been training for a long time and I’ve had a great camp,” said McCarthy. “We’ve had good notice for this fight. I feel like he’s made for me. To win this belt will open even more doors for me. The WBC Title opened doors; this will put me in the rankings with all of the governing bodies. Anyone who has come before me and won the EBU Title has usually gone on to fight for a World Title after. I’m looking at this as a World Title eliminator. 

“This will probably be the biggest show of the year. It’s live on pay-per-view and topped by two massive names in Oleksandr Uyk and Derek Chisora. For me the plan is to shine on this show, all eyes will be on me. It will boost my profile and I could become a household name within boxing. It will catapult me to stardom.”

McCarthy’s career took a huge blow in March 2019 when he was stopped in four rounds by Walworth’s big-punching British Cruiserweight Champion Richard Riakporhe at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, but the 29-year-old believes that loss was the making of him as a fighter. 

“Even when I was at the bottom, I always knew it would turn good because I have the talent,” said McCarthy. “I had a terrible loss, an embarrassing loss, and I had to pick myself up from being at an all-time low. After I sat down and did some soul-searching, I phoned Mark my manager and I said, ‘look, that’s never happening again, so let’s get a fight as soon as possible’.

“It doesn’t feel surreal or anything because I always had faith that it was going to end up this way. I believe that everything happens for a reason. When I was a kid I wanted to become Ireland’s first black World Champion. My main life-long goal is to become a World Champion. If the history comes with it, it just makes it sweeter.”

McCarthy vs. Laggoune is part of a huge night of action topped by Oleksandr Usyk’s (17-0, 13 KOs) Heavyweight showdown with Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) and George Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns against America’s KO artist Christopher Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs) makes his Matchroom debut against Martin Tecuapetla (15-2-4, 10 KOs) and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

(October 26, 2020) — November’s most anticipated fight now has an exclusive UK broadcast home.
 
Premier Sports and Top Rank have announced that pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford’s WBO welterweight world title defense against Sheffield’s Kell Brook — Saturday, November 14 in the United States — will air live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 12.30 a.m. Sunday morning.
 
The Crawford-Brook telecast will also include the highly anticipated rematch between WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco and former world champion Andrew Moloney. Franco upset Moloney via unanimous decision June 23 to capture the world title.
 
Premier Sports 1 is available in HD via Sky (412 & 429), Virgin TV (551 & 552) and online via the Premier Player available on app and desktop. New subscribers to Premier Sports can easily sign up via the website – www.premiersports.com.
 
Richard Sweeney, CEO of Premier Sports said, “We are delighted to partner with Top Rank and broadcast this massively anticipated fight next month. There is huge interest in this event from fans in the UK, and we’re pleased to make it live and exclusive to Premier Sports customers.”
 
Brook said,“I am delighted to announce that my fans across the UK will be able to watch me fight Terence Crawford for the welterweight world title LIVE on Premier Sports.
 
“It’s bonfire season, and I’m going to be bringing the fireworks, so make sure you subscribe and tune in to watch me become two-time world champion, baby!”
 
Added Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, “I commend Premier Sports for stepping up to broadcast Crawford-Brook. Terence is a generational talent, and I strongly believe Kell has the skills to give him a tremendous challenge. The UK boxing fans deserved an outlet to watch this fight, and thanks to Premier Sports, they will have an opportunity to do so.”
 
About Premier Sports
Formed in 2009, Premier Sports is currently broadcasting in the UK and Republic of Ireland with live and exclusive rights to the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Guinness PRO14, Scottish Cup and Betfred Cup, GAA, NHL, NASCAR and also operate BoxNation, a dedicated boxing channel. Many of these rights are available in both territories with some exclusive to each region.

Dave Allen will fight Christopher Lovejoy on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

Fan favourite Allen was due to make his ring return against Christian Hammer before the German was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19 now meets undefeated Christopher Lovejoy whose 100% KO record from his 19 professional bouts see him ranked in the top 15 with the WBA.

2019 held mixed fortunes for Allen, who has now linked up with trainer Jamie Moore, with ‘The White Rhino’ looking to end Lovejoy’s unbeaten run in style.

“I’m looking forward to this fight with Chris,” said Allen. “He’s positioned 15th with the WBA and I’d love to take that World ranking. He’s a big, strong man and just look at his record – He’s done what’s been asked of him in those 19 fights. There’s not much footage of him, so I don’t know really know what I’m preparing for which adds to the intrigue but I’m going in there to do a number on him.”

“I finally made it here to the U.K!” said Lovejoy. “I’m here to shock the world and show what Chris Lovejoy is really about. Dave will end up number 20 on my record. I’ve travelled a long way so I just hope he shows up!”

“This is fascinating,” added promoter Eddie Hearn. “Here we have this giant in Christopher Lovejoy that has amassed 19 wins with 19 KOs against limited opposition and has somehow found himself in the world top 15. The truth is, he might be an absolute beast or he may get found out but for Dave Allen it’s a huge opportunity. There will be plenty of eyeballs on this fight and if Dave can get the win he will force himself into the World rankings and land a major fight in 2021. I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen but I’m excited to find out!”

Allen vs. Lovejoy lands of huge night of action which sees former Undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora meet in a thrilling Heavyweight clash, Lee Selby and George KambososJr square off in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin collide for the WBO Middleweight crown, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy fights Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune for the European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin faces off with Carly Skelly for the Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Julio Cesar Martinez has set his sights on unification battles in 2021 before moving to Super-Flyweight as the WBC World Flyweight king meets Moises Calleros tonight at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, Mexico, live on DAZN.

Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) fights for the second time as WBC king following his first defense against Welshman Jay Harris in Dallas in February having won the vacant strap with a ninth round KO in a thrilling shootout with former champion Cristofer Rosales in December.

Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs) failed to make weight for the battle so cannot win the strap, but Martinez is still looking to impress and reignite the momentum he had going following his World title wins.

The 25 year old is eyeing battles with IBF champion Moruti Mthalane and WBA ruler Artem Dalakian in unification battles but admits that the lure of big showdowns with tonight’s fellow World title defenders Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez could see him move to Super-Flyweight later in 2021.

“I would like to go up against Mthalane,” said Martinez. “There’s him, there’s Dalakian. Honestly, I will go up against anyone, anywhere. I’m ready to have my hand raised first thanks to God, because we’re going in with everything other than fear. We won’t disappoint, it will a great fight.

“I want to stay here a little while to get two or three more belts. But I want the biggest fights, so I’d want El Gallo Estrada and Chocolatito, big fights. But whatever comes. Maybe I have six more months and I’ll move up to Super-Flyweight before they run away from me.

“More than anything, I’m very happy and very excited to be fighting in my homeland. I’m just happy that, after my fight, I can go be with my family, with my wife, with my kids. 

“I spent my whole training camp at the Centro Ceremonial Otomi. I’ve always said that I prepare with everything other than fear. I don’t train at 100 per cent. I train at 1000 per cent with my training Mauricio Aceves. We fight with whoever, wherever and we always give 100 per cent.

“We’re really happy that Eddy Reynoso and the rest of the guys have accepted us into that group. In that stable you have guys like Canelo, Andy Ruiz Jr, Ryan Garcia, Oscar Valdez ‘El Pantera’ Luiz Nery, they’re really all great friends. It’s really great motivation, anything is possible and we’re going into this fight with everything and for the fights to come, thank God.

“It’s a really good fight tonight. He’s a guy that moves a lot and who brings it all in the ring. But we know we’re also going to leave it all in the ring. And like I always say against whomever and wherever, we always give it our all.”

Martinez’s clash with Calleros is part of a huge fight night in Mexico City, topped by a triple header of mouthwatering World title action.

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) defends his WBC World Super-Flyweight title in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (49-2 41 KOs) defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight strap against Israel Gonzalez (25-3 11 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious.

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

Israel Gonzalez believes he has the boxing IQ to beat WBA World Super-Flyweight champion Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez as they clash for the belt live on DAZN tonight from TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, Mexico.

Gonzalez (25-3 11 KOs) is hoping it’s third time lucky in World title fights having fallen short against Jerwin Ancajas in February 2018 for the IBF strap and then Kal Yafai nine months later for the WBA belt.

Chocolatito ripped the title from Yafai in Dallas in February with a ninth round KO underscoring a dominant performance by the former pound for pound king. The carrot of a rematch with Juan Francisco Estrada dangles over the evening with both champions putting their belts on the line, as WBC king ‘El Gallo’ meets Carlos Cuadras in another rematch.

But 23 year old Gonzalez is confident he will rip up those plans and is relishing the chance to go up against the vastly experienced Nicaraguan, believing he can outwit the 33 year old and land the World title.

“I’m excited, I’m ready and I think it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, the fight of my life,” said Gonzalez. “I’m going up against one of the best pound for point fighters in the world at the smaller weights. It’s an opportunity that I can’t waste and I’m ready for this fight, I’m sure that it’s going to be my night.

“I think my intelligence will be the key in the fight, my intelligence in the ring. Knowing how to use my timing and use the distance and to fight an intelligent fight against Roman, who is also very intelligent. I think that will be the main factor, not to pressure myself, not to get hit with too many punches – hit and not get hit. 

“I’ve watched his fight with Yafai a few times. I get a lot out of watching it; I don’t think Yafai looked great, I didn’t see him very concentrated in the fight and I think that made things easier for Roman. My style is completely different from Yafai, so this will be a very different fight. 

“I’ve been through similar things before, different fighters like Yafai before facing them, they were already looking ahead to other fights, and it hasn’t gone well for them. In don’t think this will be an exception. Tonight, we will show them they’re doing things wrong and should be looking at what’s in front of them.”

“I don’t like to make predictions but I just can’t wait for the fight. I want to show all the work I’ve put into training. I guarantee it will be a good fight, I don’t doubt that it will be my night and I have no doubt I will become World champion.” 

Gonzalez’s clash with Chocolatito is part of a huge fight night in Mexico City, topped by a triple header of mouthwatering World title action.

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) defends his WBC World Super-Flyweight title in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious – and Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) will now defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Moises Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs).

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro

NEW YORK (October 23, 2020) – Unbeaten WBA Super Lightweight Champion and San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios will look to put on a memorable performance in front of his hometown fans when he battles Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the SHOWTIME PPV co-main event Saturday, October 31 from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“It always feels great to fight in Texas, but this fight is even sweeter because I’ll be defending my WBA title in my hometown of San Antonio,” said Barrios. “I’m expecting a huge turnout from my San Antonio and Texas fans and I promise to bring everyone at Alamodome a sensational night of action. There is a lot at stake, and I won’t be denied. I’m ready to drop some bombs and remain champion.”

For the 25-year-old Barrios, October 31 is another opportunity on a big platform to make a statement that he is one boxing’s young rising stars. Being able to take the stage on a stacked event only increases his excitement leading up to the fight.

“This is a great opportunity for me and it definitely adds to my motivation to be part of what could be a historic night for boxing,” said Barrios. “It’s a humbling experience. I’ve been getting tons of feedback from my local fans about purchasing tickets, so I encourage everyone to buy them as soon as possible. If you’re unable to be there, make sure you order it on SHOWTIME PPV, because this is not a card you will want to miss out on.”

Barrios has continued to work with renowned coach Virgil Hunter as he resumes his climb up the 140-pound rankings. Hunter has overseen Barrios as he’s compiled a record of 8-0 with seven knockouts since moving up to super lightweight in 2017. This includes Barrios’ most recent triumph, a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov in September 2019 to capture his WBA crown.

“Training camp with Virgil has been great,” said Barrios. “We keep growing with each fight. I’m learning and adding more to my arsenal. I have full confidence in my preparation, so I know that come fight night, I’ll be ready to handle the best Karl is able to bring.”

Barrios will be opposed by the Milano, Texas-born Karl. The two Texans have known each other for years dating back to their days competing in the same amateur tournaments. Barrios expects the best from his familiar foe, but will not be holding back when they finally square off on fight night.

“Ryan Karl is an excellent fighter who is going to bring a lot of heart into the ring,” said Barrios. “He’s strong and likes to mix it up, so I’m preparing for a war. We’ve known each other since our amateur days back in Texas, but this will be the first time fighting each other. At the end of the day, business is business, I am honored to be sharing the ring with him, but my goal will be to display my boxing abilities and explosiveness. I’m not looking for a knockout, but everything I throw is with bad intentions.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com.

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

Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Israel Gonzalez tonight at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, Mexico live on DAZN – and says his win over former champion Kal Yafai is one of the proudest of his glittering career.

Chocolatito (49-2 41 KOs) handed Yafai a first career defeat with a dominant performance in Dallas in February with a ninth round KO to return to World champion status for the first time since losing his WBC strap to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in March 2017.

The Nicaraguan is heading for a rematch with WBC ruler Juan Francisco Estrada should he beat Gonzalez and ‘El Gallo’ gain a second win over Carlos Cuadras, and the 33 year old is proud of his performance against Yafai for setting up the possibility of a blockbuster second clash with the Mexican in 2021.

“I’m really proud because I’ve had the strength and blessings to win a World title again,” said Chocolatito. “After so many fights, the one against Kal Yafai and being crowned World champion again, it was one of the most satisfying victories of my life. 

“I did great work in training camp with my team, you’ve already seen the results and we’re doing the same and persevering through this time, so we are prepared to come out with our hand raised again.

“It’s a hard fight with Israel. You cannot look past anyone. He has to watch out, and so do I. We’re going to have a great fight, I always hope everything turns out well in the end. He’s coming in good shape and so am I, so we move forward.

“We are focused on Friday tonight, I think it’s going to be a difficult fight, like every fight is. The most important thing is coming in there in good shape, mentally and physically and coming out with my hand raised. After that, we can discuss many important things and we’ll see about the fight with Estrada.

“Thank God, I had that last opportunity i had in the fight with Yafai. We had that fight and then the pandemic happened. I went to my family. There were a lot of important things that I couldn’t do. 

“But God has his plans, it’s been hard these three months that I haven’t been home. I’ve missed my family, but I’ve been careful during the pandemic. And we’re still here, thank God. I know we’re all going to get through this, it’s been hard but we’re still here fighting.”

Chocolatito’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a huge fight night in Mexico City, topped by a triple header of mouthwatering World title action.

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) defends his WBC World Super-Flyweight title in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious – and Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) will now defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Moises Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs).

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 23, 2020)– Tonight in Mexico City, two of
Split-T Management’s undefeated prospects, super middleweight Diego Pacheco and junior lightweight Otha Jones III will be in action on a card that will be streamed live on DAZN (7 PM ET).

Pacheco (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles battles Juan Antonio Mendez (12-2-2, 8 KOs) of Mexico, while Jones (5-0, 2 KOs) battles fellow undefeated Kevin Monitel (6-0, 3 KOs) of Mexico. Both bouts are scheduled for six-rounds.

Pacheco, still just 19 years-old continues his upward ascension as he continues to take on quality opposition. He was wins over four undefeated foes, and is coming off a win over 34-fight veteran Oscar Riojas on February 29th.

Pacheco is under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse.

Pacheco was 167.2 lbs at Thursday’s weigh-in. Mendez was 164.9 lbs

Mendez, 33 years-old, has wins over two undefeated fighters and undefeated in his last four outings. He is coming off a win over Rafael Rocha Merino on November 19th.

The 20 year-old native of Toledo, Ohio, Jones, who was a 21-time National Amateur Champion, looks to raise his mark to 6-0 as he battles an undefeated opponent.

Jones is coming off an impressive 2nd round stoppage over Juan Santiago on January 30th in Miami.

Montiel, 21 years-old, who has wins over Cesar Ramos (4-1) and Pedro Ivan Bernal (2-0), is coming off a Angel Enrique Leal Pacheco on November 16.

Both Jones and Montiel were 130 lbs, at Thursday’s weigh-in.

Jones and Pacheco are promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

IBF Welterweight Interim World Championship – 12 Rounds

Sergey Lipinets – 147 lbs.

Custio Clayton – 147 lbs.

Referee: David Fields (Newark, N.J.); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), Tom Schreck (Albany, N.Y.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.)

WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Xavier Martinez – 130 lbs.

Claudio Marrero – 130 lbs.

Referee: John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Hebron, Conn.), Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.)

Super Lightweights – 10 Rounds

Malik Hawkins – 140 ¼ lbs.

Subriel Matias – 139 ½ lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas (West Hartford, Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Hebron, Conn.), John McKaie (Flushing, N.Y.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.)

*  *  *

ABOUT LIPINETS VS. CLAYTON

Lipinets vs. Clayton will see former world champion Sergey Lipinets face unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

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

Juan Francisco Estrada insists he is fully focused on his WBC World Super-Flyweight title defense against Carlos Cuadras tonight at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, Mexico, live on DAZN. 

Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) meets Cuadras in a rematch of their closely fought first battle in September 2017, and should Estrada retain his title and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez prevail in his WBA World Super-Flyweight title defense against Israel Gonzalez this evening, the pair will clash in a hotly-anticipated rematch in early 2021.

Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) says he has learned lessons from the first fight and has promised a war, but ‘El Gallo’ is ready to meet fire with fire, and revealed injuries had him underprepared for their first battle.

“It was a great fight without a doubt, it was very close,” said Estrada. “Carlos was a World champion, he’s not just any opponent, thank God we came out with the victory. I learned that in those title fights, in those World title elimination fights, you have to give your all, no matter who the opponent is. I think that in this second fight against him, we’ll show things with more clarity. 

“It’s been nearly three years since that fight, I’ve had other fights and you never stop learning. We’ve been studying and we’ve watched my first fight with him. More than anything I learned that I have to train at 100 per cent. I only trained at 50 or 60 per cent for that fight, but I wasn’t fully healthy, I had some injuries and now, thank God, I don’t have any injuries and I’m at 100 per cent. So, if he wins, he’s better than me, but I really doubt it. I think we’re well prepared both mentally and physically. 

“First and foremost, I am focused on getting past Carlos which is the priority. If we both win it looks like there’s a 90 per cent chance, we’re going into a fight with Chocolatito. It’s already been eight years since the first fight and a lot of people are calling for the rematch, I’m excited for it and I really hope it happens next year. 

“I have two other losses and I avenged them both, that’s the only one left to avenge and I hope it happens soon. The truth is we’ve both changed a lot, it’s been eight years and I think we’re both really experienced. Now we’re both World champions too, it would be a great unification fight. It was at Light-Flyweight and I was at Flyweight at the time I went down for the opportunity for a World title. 

“I was 21 years old; I was inexperienced fighting against the best Flyweight and pound-for-pound fighter. Now, with the World titles I’ve won, I’ve gained experience and strength. I’m at Super-Flyweight, two weight classes higher, I think we’ve both adapted to this weight class, we’ve both won World titles, it would be a better fight than the first. It’s a fight that the people would really enjoy. 

“I’m really happy to finally be able to fight after one year and two months. It’s been sad more than anything, because there has been a lot of inactivity, not necessarily for me but for everyone in general. It’s been pretty hard. Thanks God things are slowly getting back to normal. But there are still people coming out with positive COVID test and we have to take care of ourselves.”

Estrada’s clash with Cuadras is part of a huge night of action in Mexico City, topped by a triple header of mouthwatering World title action.

Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (49-2 41 KOs) defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Israel Gonzalez  (25-3 11 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious – and Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) will now defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Moises Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs).

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

Derek Chisora says Oleksandr Usyk is in store for the “fright of his life” when they collide in a Heavyweight Halloween blockbuster at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

‘WAR’ Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) intends on giving Usyk nightmares in his second fight up at Heavyweight, and the Finchley powerhouse heads into next weekend’s clash in terrifying form having scored big knockout wins over Artur Szpika and David Price at The O2 in 2019. 

“On October 31st, Oleksandr Usyk is going to get the fright of his life,” said Chisora. “He wants to claim he is at the top of the food chain, but if he wants to do that he needs to box a true Heavyweight. It’s a fight, the guy is going to chuck the kitchen sink at me. I’m just going to bite down on the gum shield and let god take over. I am coming for war!

“The fight sells itself, he is a good fighter and is loved by the English fans. Even people who don’t like boxing love watching him and he’s fighting myself. There is nothing bad about this fight, there’s not hatred, it’s all about the love for the sport.

“He’s not scary, it’s a fight. He’s a man and I’m a man. The worst thing that can happen is you get knocked out. I will make sure that when Usyk gets out that ring he knows he has been in a fight. Seek and destroy, no mercy! That’s what we’re aiming for.”

Usyk vs. Chisora tops a huge night of action, Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) and George Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce Betfred as the official title partner for Oleksandr Usyk’s highly-anticipated Heavyweight clash with Derek Chisora at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 
 
Pound-for-pound star Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) made the move to Heavyweight after dominating at Cruiserweight, winning all of the major belts in an extraordinary spell at 200lbs that saw him crowned the Undisputed World Champion. 
 
The 2012 Olympic Gold medallist is determined to become a two-weight World Champion but faces an in-form Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs) who is coming into this fight off the back of two devastating KO wins over Artur Szpilka and David Price. 
 
Usyk vs. Chisora is supported by an all-action undercard as Lee Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) and George Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) meets Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) takes on Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.
 
Fred Done, Owner of Betfred, said: “We enjoy a fantastic relationship with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport through our sponsorship of snooker and darts, so I am delighted to be joining up with Matchroom Boxing for what should be a superb Heavyweight clash.”
 
Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, said: “Betfred have been a huge supporter of Matchroom events over the years, especially through their World championship snooker partnership and I am delighted to welcome them onboard for this huge fight next week, and look forward to delivering them unprecedented global exposure and a thrilling night for Betfred and fight fans around the world.”

Billy Joe Saunders will make the second defence of his WBO Super-Middleweight World Title against British rival Martin Murray at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Friday December 4, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S.

Hatfield star Saunders (29-0, 14 KOs) became a two-weight World Champion with a shutout points win over Shefat Isufi in May 2019, outclassing his Serbian opponent over 12 rounds to add the WBO 168lbs crown to his collection. 

The former Middleweight ruler was on the verge of securing a mega fight with Mexican pound-for-pound icon Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez earlier this year before the coronavirus pandemic turned the sporting world on its head and scuppered his shot at greatness. 

Four-time World Title challenger Murray (39-5-1, 17 KOs) stands in the way of unification fights for Saunders in 2021, and the St Helens man is more determined than ever to finally land a World Title of his own and put his rivalry with Saunders to bed after their scheduled meeting in 2018 fell through twice. 

“I am very happy to be defending my WBO World Title again,” said Saunders. “I haven’t boxed for a year and I really do miss being in the ring. I can’t wait to have my 30th professional fight and finish the year with a bang before a big 2021.

“The coronavirus pandemic has affected everybody in many ways, and it has had a big impact on the sport of boxing. The Canelo Alvarez fight falling through was very frustrating for me but now the journey continues in December. 

“Martin and I were supposed to fight twice before but it didn’t happen either time. He said some stuff and so did I, so let’s see who can back it up. I’m enjoying training with Mark Tibbs. He’s incredibly knowledgeable in the sport of boxing and we are working on new stuff that we will show on the night.”

“I’m really looking forward to getting back in there and fighting for another World Title,” said Murray. “The big fights definitely bring out the best in me. This year has been a good year for me personally. It seemed like all the stresses of life were taken away so I really enjoyed being able to relax a bit more and spend even more time with my family.

“There was no bad blood really between me and Billy to be honest, it was just a lot of frustration after he pulled out twice. That got left where it was, but we’ve definitely got some unfinished business. I’m expecting a hard fight and Billy Joe to be at his best, so I’ll be ready.”

“I’m delighted to announce another big fight for the 2020 schedule as we close out this tough year with a huge bang,” said Eddie Hearn. “All-British World Title fights are always special, especially in the Super-Middleweight division, and I’m really excited to see Billy back in the ring. We were 24 hours away from an announcement for Billy to fight Canelo when the pandemic hit and so it throws up the final roll of the dice for Martin Murray who will give it everything on December 4.”

“We’re bringing you more World Title action on our Sky Sports schedule during a thrilling end to the boxing calendar, which also features the return of Katie Taylor and some huge Heavyweight nights on Sky Sports Box Office,” said Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports.

“Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO Super-Middleweight belt in an all-British battle against Martin Murray, with live boxing back on a Friday night! Katie Taylor returns next month on a triple-header of women’s World Title fights – and Britain’s Heavyweights also take centre stage as Usyk vs. Chisora, Povetkin vs. Whyte 2 and AJ vs. Pulev will guarantee Heavyweight drama.”

Lee Selby can take a step closer to becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion when he takes on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Former IBF Featherweight World Champion Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) made the move up to Lightweight after losing his title to Josh Warrington at Elland Road back in May 2018, and the 33-year-old from Barry has won two in a row at 135lbs, most recently beating Ricky Burns over 12 rounds last October. 

Next up for ‘Lightning’ is a scheduled 12-rounder against Australia’s unbeaten contender ‘Ferocious’ Kambosos Jr, who had previously promised to retire Selby in front of his home crowd when they were due to meet at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff back in May.

“On social media he comes across quite outspoken and arrogant,” said Selby. “He’s saying he’s going to do this and do that. To look at him, he looks like a very good fighter. He’s got fast hands; he looks like he can punch. He can box a bit as well; he brings a lot of pressure. He’s young, hungry and ambitious.

“When we did an E-Press Conference earlier in the year he told me that every time he hit me in sparring, he rocked me to my boots. That in itself just gave me extra confidence, knowing that he’s making up tales about sparring. 

“You don’t speak to anybody like that. It is disrespectful. To me it’s water off a duck’s back. It doesn’t bother me. I don’t know whether he’s trying to get me to fall into a trap, but that’s just not who I am. I’ve got very thick skin.”

A number of Welshman have had the opportunity to become two-weight World Champions, including Caerphilly’s Robbie Regan and Newport’s Gavin Rees, but Selby is promising to go one better than his countrymen by dethroning Teofimo Lopez when he gets the chance. 

“If I come through this fight then I’ll be in another massive World Title fight,” added Selby. “Teofimo Lopez is within touching distance and a dream is close to becoming a reality for me. It will be life-changing for me if I can get through this fight.

“I’ll become the first Welshman to become a two-weight World Champion. All I have to do is win two fights. Two fights and I’ve written my name into the history books. It would not only be massive for Welsh boxing, but British boxing too. You can’t put a price tag on that.

“On October 31 you’re going to see a Lee Selby win, by any means possible, whether the stoppage comes or it’s a 12-round decision – you’ll see a Lee Selby win. I’ve had time to grow into the weight. During lockdown I was doing a lot of strength and conditioning work and I feel like a fully-fledged Lightweight now.”

Selby vs. Kambosos Jr is part of a huge night of boxing as pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) faces his first real Heavyweight test in Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) returns, Hartlepool’s Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs) meets Glasgow’s Hannah Rankin (9-4, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBO Middleweight World Title, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Live on DAZN from 7pm ET

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest

Otha Jones III (130 lbs)                  vs.     Kevin Montiel (130 lbs)
Toledo, Ohio                                            Mexico       
5-0 (2 KOs)                                      6-0 (3 KOs)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

Austin Williams (160 lbs)      vs.     Esau Herrera (157.6 lbs)
Houston, Texas                      Mexico City, Mexico
5-0 (4 KOs)                             19-11-1 (8 KOs)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest

Diego Pacheco (167.2 lbs)    vs.     Juan Antonio Mendez (164.9 lbs)
Los Angeles, California          Mexico City, Mexico
9-0 7 KOs                               12-2-2 (10 KOs)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC World Flyweight Championship

Julio Cesar Martinez (111 lbs)       vs.     Moises Calleros (117.4 lbs*)
Mexico City, Mexico                                 Monterrey, Mexico
16-1-1 (12 KOs)                               33-9-1 (17 KOs)

*Calleros failed to make weight – fight goes on but Calleros unable to win the title that Martinez owns.

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA World Super-Flyweight Championship

Roman Gonzalez (114 lbs)    vs.     Israel Gonzalez (114 lbs)
Managua, Nicaragua                       Los Cabos, Mexico
49-2 (41 KOs)                                  25-3 (11 KOs)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC World Super-Flyweight Championship

Juan Francisco Estrada (114.5 lbs) vs.     Carlos Cuadras (114.5 lbs)
Sonora, Mexico                               Sinaloa, Mexico
40-3 27 KOs                                              39-3-1 27 KOs

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 22, 2020) — Robson Conceição, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist for his native Brazil, seeks to notch the signature win of his unblemished professional career when he takes on Luis Coria in a 10-round junior lightweight fight Saturday, Oct. 31 from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble.

Conceição-Coria will serve as the chief support bout to the world championship doubleheader featuring unified bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue’s title defense against Jason Moloney and Mikaela Mayer challenging WBO female junior lightweight world champion Ewa Brodnicka.

The card will also feature Toledo’s 20-year-old heavyweight sensation, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (6-0, 6 KOs), who will fight Luis Eduardo Pena (6-1, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder. Anderson has three knockout wins inside the Bubble and four first-round stoppages in his young career.

The entire Inoue-Moloney card will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the co-feature (Brodnicka-Mayer) expected to start at approximately 10 p.m. ET.

Conceição (14-0, 7 KOs) turned pro under the Top Rank banner in 2016 after an amateur career that included the Olympic gold medal, more than 400 victories and two World Championship medals. He last fought in August in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and knocked out Eduardo Reis in the second round. Conceição takes a giant step up in class against Coria (12-3, 7 KOs), a Robert Garcia-trained fighter who is coming off a razor-thin majority decision loss in June against Adam Lopez in one of the year’s best back-and-forth brawls.

In other undercard bouts:

Julian Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) vs. TBA
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

“Hammer Hands” Rodriguez is 4-0 with three knockouts since returning from a nearly two-year layoff last July, re-establishing himself as one of the 140-pound division’s top prospects. He made his Bubble debut Aug. 22 and knocked out the previously undefeated Anthony Laureano in the first round. Rodriguez turned pro in 2013 as an 18-year-old, and at 25 years old, is approaching contender status.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. TBA
8 Rounds, Light Flyweight

Rodriguez, a 20-year-old southpaw prodigy from San Antonio, Texas, put forth a star-making performance inside the Bubble Sept. 5, knocking down the normally iron-chinned Janiel Rivera three times en route to a first-round stoppage. Trained by Robert Garcia and promoted by Teiken Promotions, Rodriguez has won four straight bouts by stoppage, and his sublime footwork reminds many boxing observers of Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Andy Hiraoka (15-0, 10 KOs) vs. Rickey Edwards (12-4, 3 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Hiraoka, a stablemate of Inoue’s from Yokohama, Japan, made his U.S. debut last November and knocked out Rogelio Casarez in two rounds. A former high school distance-running star, the 24-year-old also bested former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo via 10-round decision in July 2019. Edwards, from Paterson, N.J., hopes to snap a two-bout losing skid and pick up his third victory over a previously undefeated prospect.

Andres Cortes (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. George Acosta (10-1, 1 KO)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

Cortes returns for his second Bubble bout nearly four months removed from his July 7 slugfest against Alejandro Salinas. Cortes recovered from a fourth-round knockdown to earn an eight-round unanimous decision. As an amateur, he notched a pair of victories over undisputed lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez. Acosta, from Long Beach, Calif., has won three consecutive fights since a six-round decision defeat to Ruben Torres.

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NEW YORK – October 22, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets and unbeaten Custio Clayton previewed their battle for the interim IBF Welterweight Title Thursday during media availability on Zoom in advance of their main event bout live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The media availability also featured undefeated contender Xavier Martinez and hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero, who will duel in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, plus rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins and knockout artist Subriel Matias, who will kick off the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITIONat 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in a 10-round showdown.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

SERGEY LIPINETS

“We stayed in the gym the whole time. Joe Goossen kept us working every day of the week. We were actually getting ready for several possible opponents at once. Everything really went as planned.

“Clayton’s name was thrown out probably a month ago as a possibility. Joe took care of studying him initially. About a week ago we got everything solidified, but we had already worked with sparring partners to prepare for someone like Clayton.

“It was really all about Joe putting pieces together for my style no matter who we were going to face. People might not think it, but I can box and move around the ring well. Joe has added elements to it that made it a more fluid style.

“Clayton is definitely a great fighter. He was an Olympian, which says a lot in itself. He’s shown in the pros that he can punch well, so we know he’s dangerous. We both come forward and try to fight. It’s going to be a very entertaining fight.

“I don’t look past Clayton. I have to win that fight and I’m 100% focused on him. But I do believe that I belong on the level with Errol Spence Jr. and the other elite welterweights. I think I’ve shown that my whole career. Before I can look at a fight against Spence or Danny Garcia, I have to win on Saturday.”

CUSTIO CLAYTON

“The truth is that I’ve been preparing for the possibility of this fight for four or five weeks. I’m not underprepared whatsoever. I was ready to fight when I got the call. How do you say no to a fight like this? I have had a great camp and I feel confident and ready for Saturday night.

“I think this is a very good matchup. Lipinets is a very good fighter. He’s a former world champion and from what I’ve seen he always comes to fight. Most people look at me as an aggressive fighter as well. I always like to bang, but I think you are going to see a different side to me.

“People who know me know that I’m very low-key and laid back, so not much gets to me, but this is a very, very big opportunity and I’m thankful for it. I’m not the type to jump in excitement but I am definitely very happy that I got the call for this fight. Now we are focused on preparing for Lipinets.

“I think my boxing ability is going to be the biggest factor in this fight. It’s just that nobody has seen it yet. That will be the big key. People don’t understand how smart I am. I don’t look at the size. I’m prepared for whatever.”

“I think a win would do a lot for the reputation of Canadian boxers. It will show that we do have some fighters that when they get the opportunity, can take advantage of it. We have a couple fighters like Jean Pascal and hopefully that I can show I can be another one. All the hard work I did back in Nova Scotia, it shows that people can take different routes to chase their dreams. A win would mean a lot to me and to Novia Scotia.”

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“I’ve been in camp since July because I thought I was going to fight in August, but there was a change of plans. So I’ve had a very long camp and I’m more than ready for Saturday night. I’m not going to chase a knockout, but my plan is to get him out within seven rounds. If it doesn’t go that way, I already know I’m going to win no matter what.

“I feel like this fight is a big step-up. I get the opportunity to show off my skills against somebody who has experience. But just because he has more experience, doesn’t mean he’s better than me. I’m very excited to fight. I haven’t fought in a while, so Saturday night you guys are going to be in for a treat.

“Having the fight postponed wasn’t too much of a disruption. I was a little upset about it but you have to take everything in stride. I looked at it as I have two more weeks to prepare and I was actually able to eat for a couple nights before I got right back on my diet. I was happy to eat.

“I see that he’s been stopped before. I’m not looking for a knockout, but my plan is to go in there and overwhelm him with combinations and pressure. After this fight, I hope to be able to get a world title fight for my next fight or at least within two fights. The goal is to get to that world title fight and right now Marrero is standing in the way of that. I need to knock him out of the way.

“The game plan is to go in there and be me. I’m going to adjust to whatever he does, make the changes I need to make and execute the plan that my coach Ray [Woods] has in store for me.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“There were some personal things I was dealing with in the past, and going up in weight has been new, but I’m very confident with myself right now and with my preparations.

“I respect my opponent. I don’t know much about Martinez. He’s a young lion trying to come up. Other than that, he’s just another fighter in the way.

“A win against Martinez would be good for my career. He’s not a world champion or anything like that. I don’t know exactly what it will do, but for me he’s just another fighter. He’s just another win I will get on Saturday.

“To go all the way down to 126 pounds I would have to lose like 30 pounds. So moving up in weight and being given the extra five pounds is huge for me. Physically I’m feeling so strong right now.

“SHOWTIME is my house. Nobody beats me on SHOWTIME!”

MALIK HAWKINS

“I’m feeling great heading into this fight. I’ve had a tremendous training camp with a lot of different types of sparring. I’ve sparred with Terence Crawford, Jaron Ennis, Jamel Herring and Maurice Hooker. Now I know that come Saturday I’m prepared for any type of look Matias is willing to bring.

“Training during the pandemic didn’t really affect me physically, just mentally, because I was set to fight in the summer. Then we had to readjust, but you can’t cry over spilled milk.

“We definitely looked at Matias’ last fight. Everyone looked at his record before that fight, but what we saw is that if you actually fight him back, he’s more of a B or C class fighter. I think that’s the type of fighter he is.

“His team is using the excuse that he didn’t take his last opponent seriously. With the way I train, it doesn’t matter if my opponent is 0-20. I’m always going to come into the fight at my very best.

“One thing I know is that he’s going to try to bully me, but that’s what I’ve always done. I’m not going to sit there and let him beat me at my own game.

“I don’t really pay attention to someone’s knockout ratio. Those knockouts didn’t come against anyone who fights like me. I’m just looking at this like an opportunity to get closer to my world title shot.”

SUBRIEL MATIAS

“I have only myself to blame for losing my last fight. In boxing everyone pays the consequences and I paid the last time considering my camp wasn’t the best one. I have made the adjustments I needed to make. I’m motivated to prove everyone wrong. I’m ready for this fight physically and mentally.

“Excuses are for losers. I have nothing to say about the last fight except my opponent got the better of me. Come Saturday, you will see the difference.

“My record speaks for itself with 15 knockouts, so I don’t have to change as a fighter. I know who I am as a fighter.

“Malik says the fight won’t go the distance. And I agree with that prediction.”

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ABOUT LIPINETS VS. CLAYTON
Lipinets vs. Clayton will see former world champion Sergey Lipinets face unbeaten Custio Clayton for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Lee Baxter Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

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

LOS ANGELES (October 22, 2020) – Former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna will take on Mexico’s Antonio Lozada in a 10-round lightweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, November 21 from Los Angeles.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten Starling Castillo battle lightweight contender Austin Dulay in the 10-round co-main event. In special features on the telecast, middleweight prospect Raymond Guajardo competes in a four-round attraction and lightweight prospect Armani Alméstica makes his pro debut in a four-round affair. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

“Javier Fortuna and Antonio Lozada have both put on explosive performances at the highest levels and will look to ascend up the stacked lightweight division when they meet on FS1 Saturday, November 21,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Combined with an intriguing lightweight clash between Starling Castillo and Austin Dulay, plus powerful prospects Raymond Guajardo and Armani Alméstica in separate bouts, November 21 is set to deliver an action-packed evening.”

Born in La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs) returns to action after a 2019 campaign that saw him defeat contender Sharif Bogere in February, before knocking out Jesus Cuellar in the second-round on FS1 in November. Now fighting out of Braintree, Massachusetts, Fortuna has won six of his last seven contests, with his only blemish coming by split-decision against then lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. Fortuna previously captured a 130-pound title by defeating Bryan Vasquez in 2015.

The 30-year-old Lozada (40-4-1, 34 KOs) will look to bounce back from a pair of defeats in 2019, including coming up short against former two-division champion Jose Pedraza. Born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Lozada’s U.S. debut came in 2018 when he stopped then unbeaten Felix Verdejo to score an upset and announce himself as a 135-pound contender. Lozada has fought professionally since his 2006 debut, which came when he was just 16-years-old.

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo (12-0, 9 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on November 21. The 25-year-old has fought professionally since 2017 and scored knockouts in seven of his first eight fights. After adding three victories to his resume in 2019, Castillo kicked off his 2020 with a second-round stoppage of Miguel Taveras in February.

The 25-year-old Dulay (13-2, 10 KOs) will return to the ring looking to bounce back from a February defeat against veteran contender Diego Magdaleno. Prior to that fight, the Nashville native had won back-to-back fights since a 2018 loss against top super featherweight Chris Colbert.

Fighting out of his native San Antonio, Texas, Guajardo (5-1, 4 KOs) turned pro in March 2019 with five victories, including four by way of knockout. The 20-year-old southpaw steps back into the ring after losing to Clay Collard in a memorable firefight on FS1 in February that saw both men hit the canvas in round one.

Trained by his father Freddy, a former pro boxer, Alméstica will make his pro debut after an impressive amateur career that included winning the 2018 Youth National Championships and National Golden Gloves, in addition to the 2017 National Junior Olympics. The 19-year-old lives and trains out of his native Orlando, Florida.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

TAMARAC, FLA, October 21, 2020 — U.S. Army Veteran (Captain) Kendall D. Harris found the sport of boxing later than most, at the age on nineteen. Kendall grew up playing all sports, and was a basketball star, as was his brother and father who each played hoops in college. He did love to box and fight but his mom was worried he would get hurt and wouldn’t let him sign up. He realized that as soon as he had the opportunity, when he was old enough to do it on his own, he would pursue boxing. In 2014, in his second month as a Freshman at University Texas San Antonio (UTSA), he laced up his first pair of boxing gloves at Alcosers Boxing Gym.

UTSA also had a R.O.T.C program that Kendall was aware of, but growing up an Army Brat – his father retired as a Lt. Colonel – constantly moving around he always said to himself, “I won’t do it.” However, his brother, who ran track and field for West Point, educated him on the advantages of the Army sports programs. Kendall decided to check out the program and they offered him full scholarship, which he couldn’t turn down.

Kendall went on to box all 4 years in college, winning Gold medals in both the 2014 Texas State Games and the 2014 San Antonio Regional Golden Gloves. Upon college graduation, Kendall received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from UTSA, while at the same time commissioning into the United States Army as a Logistics Officer.

In 2017 he tried out for the All Army National Boxing Team. Not only did the US Army Captain make the team, he went on to be one of the best Heavyweight boxers to ever wear the Army uniform. Kendall won back-to-back (2017 & ’18) All Army Heavyweight Titles. In ’17, Kendall also won a Silver Medal at the world renowned Police Athletic League National Tournament in Oxnard, California.

Also in 2017, a fellow be boxed with mentioned to him about a sergeant he had that he thought Kendal would get along well with, so he set them up on a date. They did get along well and wed on New Years Day 2019. “Boxing has been very good to me,” said a beaming Kendall His wife was a track star at Tennessee State and “understands the work that goes into being a world class athlete.” She joins him and pushes him during roadwork and while at Fort Lee they ran a half marathon together.

Soon thereafter, duty called and Kendall was on a tour in Korea handling ammunition logistics. After thirteen months he got the call to return stateside as he was selected to be part of Army’s Olympic World Class Athlete Program, whose adage is ‘to compete and succeed in national competitions while maintaining a professional military career and promoting the U.S. Army to the world.’ Members of the world-class program trained in Fort Carson, Colorado. “We had the best facilities. There were wrestlers, rugby players, track and field athletes,” explained Kendal. “Our job was to train and compete against each other and the other Armed Forces, with the goal being to make the Olympics. While here your only function is to train. We did no military exercises. I was getting paid as an Army Officer to just box. It was a dream job. It was like being a pro athlete.”

In 2019 as training was beginning for the Olympic trails, a call to duty interrupted once again as Army Orders directed Kendall to go to Captains Career Course. “They said, ‘we’ll let you go back to boxing but you are still a soldier.’ It was bad timing.” So he moved to Fort Lee, Virginia for schooling. Upon completion, he discussed his options Nelson and Kendal decided it was time to transition out of the Army and begin pursuing civilian opportunities.

After deciding to transition, Kendall packed up his wife and two children and moved back to San Antonio to begin training for his professional boxing career.

Kendal is planning to make his pro debut in January at Cruiserweight.

Kendall Harris’ IG

LPMG Global Facebook

NEW YORK – October 22, 2020 – Former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis talked about moving his training camp from Los Angeles back to Houston and more as he previewed his upcoming showdown against unbeaten Juan Heraldez that takes place Saturday, October 31 live on SHOWTIME PPV from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“Training camp is going great and I’m thrilled to be back home in Houston with my team,” said Prograis. “I have my best training here. It’s just a strict training camp lifestyle. When I lived in L.A. I had great training, but it’s just a vacation lifestyle that doesn’t work for me right now. Down here in Houston I’m with my long-time trainer Bobby Benton at the Main Street Boxing Gym. There’s no frills in there, it’s always very hot.”

Even from the early days of the pandemic, Prograis was still finding ways to safely stay in shape for an eventual return to the ring. Since moving training back to Houston, he’s continued to responsibly put himself in position to be at his very best on October 31.

“When the pandemic started, I was still living in Los Angeles, so I’d go to the gym late at night and train by myself,” said Prograis. “Since I moved back to Houston, we’ve taken all the protocols to have a safe camp and prepare to our fullest for October 31.”

Prior to the pandemic, Prograis had a fight scheduled against former champion Maurice Hooker, which was cancelled along with numerous other fights on the boxing calendar. Now that he has a fight in place, Prograis is eager to return to what he loves.

“I wanted to fight soon after the Josh Taylor fight, because I always want to be active,” said Prograis. “We had a fight set in April against Maurice Hooker, then the pandemic hit and it was postponed. Now my sights are only set on Juan Heraldez. I can’t wait to fight on October 31. I just love to fight.”

For Prograis, this will be his first time on the pay-per-view stage, an opportunity that he relishes. In addition, the fight will have fans in attendance at Alamodome in San Antonio, giving Prograis a chance to return in front of fans in his home state.

“This is my first time on a pay-per-view and first time fighting on a Premier Boxing Champions card, so I’m very excited,” said Prograis. ” I fought six times on ShoBox: The New Generation and really started to make my name on that series, so to be back on SHOWTIME is a great feeling. I’m thrilled that we’re fighting in front of fans at the Alamodome. It’s only a couple hours away from Houston and I know San Antonio’s a great fight town. It’s going to be a tremendous night.”

In Heraldez, Prograis is matched up against an unbeaten opponent who is looking to use a career-best victory on October 31 to springboard himself into the 140-pound elite that Prograis has long been amongst. Because of that, Prograis knows not to take him lightly heading into their showdown.

“I don’t know too much about Juan Heraldez, but for him this is a great opportunity, so I know he’s going to come into the fight with guns blazing,” said Prograis. “We’ll see what happens once the fight starts. I can box and I can bang, and the way I’m training, I’ll be more than ready for whatever he brings. I’m not big on predictions, but I’ll be victorious.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com.

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Las Vegas with a Halloween treat for fans as No. 10 ranked middleweight Uriah Hall takes on legendary former champion Anderson Silva in a clash of two of the most dynamic strikers in the sport. In the co-main event, No. 15 ranked featherweight Bryce Mitchell looks to defend his spot in the rankings against the always-entertaining Andre Fili.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: HALL vs. SILVA will take place Saturday, October 31 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream live on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims kicking off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Hall (16-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) first made waves as a standout on season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he put his highlight reel striking on display with some of the most devastating finishes in the show’s history. Since joining the UFC, Hall has continued to develop his elite reputation with stoppages of Gegard Mousasi, Chris Leben and Bevon Lewis. He now intends to claim the biggest victory of his career when he takes on personal idol and former UFC middleweight champion Silva.

Longtime middleweight king Silva (34-10 1 NC, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) is considered by many to be the greatest mixed martial arts athlete of all time. The record holder for the longest win streak in UFC history, Silva established himself as one of the best ever with extraordinary stoppage wins over Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin and Dan Henderson. He now seeks to deliver a vintage performance in what could be the final bout of his career.

Rising featherweight prospect Mitchell (13-1, fighting out of Sherwood, Ark.) has quickly become a fan favorite for his relentless fighting style and unique personality. First discovered on The Ultimate Fighter: Undefeated, Mitchell turned heads when he became just the second athlete in UFC history to secure a twister submission against fellow prospect Matt Sayles. Now, Mitchell looks to stay undefeated in the UFC and move towards the top 10 rankings with another dominant showing.

Fili (21-7, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) aims to take out his second prospect in a row and break into the featherweight rankings. A member of the UFC since 2013, Fili has consistently proven himself to be among the most entertaining athletes on the roster with victories over Sheymon Moraes, Artem Lobov and Gabriel Benitez. He now plans to become the first person in the UFC to defeat Mitchell and make a statement to the rest of the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Middleweight fan favorite Kevin Holland (20-5, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) intends to hand Makhmud Muradov (24-6, fighting out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan) his first UFC loss
• Heavyweight prospects clash as Maurice Greene (9-5, fighting out of St. Cloud Minn.) meets former NFL pro Greg Hardy (8-2 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
• In a lightweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Bobby Green (27-10-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) takes on Thiago Moises (13-4, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil)
• Chris Gruetzemacher (14-3, fighting out of New Bern, N.C.) returns to the Octagon to battle Alexander Hernandez (11-3, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) at lightweight
• Middleweights Sean Strickland (20-3-1, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) and Jack Marshman (23-9, fighting out of South Wales, United Kingdom) plan to put on show stealing performances
• Welterweights Cole Williams (11-2, fighting out of Madison, Wisc.) and Jason Witt (17-6, fighting out of Overland Park, Kan.) face off to secure their first UFC victories
• Light heavyweight Dana White’s Contender Series signee Dustin Jacoby (12-5, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.) looks to impress in his second UFC run when he meets Justin Ledet (9-3 1 NC, fighting out of Rosharon, Texas)
• Cortney Casey (9-8, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) seeks to get back into the win column against Priscila Cachoeira (9-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at flyweight
• Miles Johns (9-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) intends to spoil the UFC debut of Kevin Natividad (9-1, fighting out of Tempe, Ariz.)

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 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 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 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 from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

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 enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Matchroom Boxing will take over The SSE Arena, Wembley for four events in October, November and December, starting with the highly-anticipated Heavyweight showdown between pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S., and ending with a night of World Championship boxing on Friday December 4 that will be announced shortly.

Over the course of six weeks, the famous venue in North-West London will play host to colossal Heavyweight rematches, historic World Title triple-headers, all-British World Title clashes, European Title action and British and Commonwealth Title fights as Matchroom close out the year in style with a packed schedule of boxing.

Former Undisputed Cruiserweight king Usyk and fan favourite Chisora kick things off next week on a huge night of action that sees Lee Selby and George KambososJr square off in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title, Savannah Marshall and Hannah Rankin collide for the WBO Middleweight crown, Heavyweight cult hero Dave Allen returns to action, Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune for the European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin faces off with Carly Skelly for the Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

Then on Saturday November 14, Undisputed Lightweight queen Katie Taylor puts her belts on the line against Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez on an historic World Titletriple-header as Terri Harper faces her first WBC Mandatory challenger in Katharina Thanderz, RachelBall takes on undefeated Australian Ebanie Bridges for the WBA Bantamweight crown, Swindon’s Jamie Cox returns against ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen, big-punching John Docherty steps up against Jack Arnfield and recent Matchroom Light-Heavyweight signing Thomas Whittaker-Hart meets Jermaine Springer.

The rematch that everyone is talking about lands on Saturday November 21 when Dillian Whyte looks to put things right against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin after his shock KO loss on the final weekend of Matchroom Fight Camp, fast-rising Welterweight talent Conor Benn takes a huge step up in class against Germany’s Sebastian Formella, a former IBO World Champion who went the distance with Shawn Porter in August, and big-hitting Bournemouth Cruiserweight Chris Billam-Smith clashes with undefeated English Champion Deion Jumah for the British and Cruiserweight Titles, with more fights to be confirmed shortly. 

“I’m delighted to have The SSE Arena, Wembley as our new home for the next six weeks, we’ve got a remarkable schedule especially considering the current environment,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “It’s so important to be as creative as you can with behind closed doors events and here we have a huge space that we can create a high end viewing experience for the fans at home. Whilst we have made the decision to proceed with these huge nights without a crowd, we are working hard with The SSE Arena, Wembley and the authorities to try and bring fans back safely during this period.” 

John Drury, VP & General Manager, The SSE Arena, Wembley said: “It’s such an honour that we’ve been chosen to host this Matchroom residency. We’ve seen some massive shows over the years, and circumstances now make these particularly special. Not only are they huge events in their own right, but they’ll be giving vital work to some of our supply chain contractors, which has been almost completely missing since March.”

LAS VEGAS – October 22, 2020 – Three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis shared insight into his training camp Wednesday as he showed off his skills during a virtual media workout ahead of his SHOWTIME PPV clash against four-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz that headlines action Saturday, October 31 from Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Davis and Santa Cruz will fight for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships in the rare clash in boxing history in which world titles in two weight classes will be at stake. Other notable instances in recent boxing history are the 1988 Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Donny Lalonde fight for the light heavyweight and super middleweight titles, and the 2014 Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana rematch for the super welterweight and welterweight championships.

Joining Davis Wednesday at the workout were Mayweather Promotions President and all-time boxing great Floyd Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe and Davis’ longtime trainer Calvin Ford.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Wednesday from Las Vegas:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’ve trained out here in Las Vegas before when I first signed with Floyd, so I knew what type of camp this was going to be. I’m fighting a great fighter in Leo Santa Cruz. He’s a four-division world champion. He’s a future Hall of Famer. I know that it’s going to be a tough fight so I made the decision to come to Vegas to train for a long time.

“Floyd has just been telling me to stay focused. ‘Be patient and be yourself.’ I just need to go out there and do what I do best, and that’s put on a great performance. I need to work hard so I can put on a great performance. This is a new task, fighting on pay-per-view against a tough opponent and for two belts. It’s very important that I go out there and put on the tremendous performance that I’m looking for.

“I definitely feel that I’m maturing with each one of my fights and as I keep moving forward. All I have to do is stay focused, stay humble and the rest is history.

“My training is going very well. I could make weight tonight if I wanted to. Overall, making the decision to bring my team and train in Vegas was the best for me. I think I’ll be training here for all my camps. I’m thinking about buying a property here so I can have a place to stay when I come here. I’m ready. My weight is on point and we’re just looking forward to October 31.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“I’m so happy with what Gervonta’s done in his career. He’s one of the biggest stars in the sport. I’ve laid down the blueprint and I’m going to keep helping him grow.

“Me and Gervonta talked about making the weight earlier for this fight. He came to Las Vegas to do a 12-week training camp and so far everything has been great. He’s been focused and working extremely hard.

“I’m proud of Gervonta and Leo for getting to this moment. Boxing is about testing yourself against the best. Leo has been the best in his weight class before and moved up again and again. Him and Gervonta are both taking chances to prove that they’re the best.

“Gervonta cannot overlook Leo Santa Cruz. Leo has won titles in four divisions, so he can clearly fight. You don’t know what kind of Leo you’ll get. Leo might come out on his toes and boxing. That’s why we have to keep giving Gervonta different looks in sparring.

“Gervonta is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. He has the equalizer that can completely change a fight in one moment. He can put you to sleep with either hand.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“This is not our first time training here with Floyd. When ‘Tank’ first signed with Floyd he was doing his retirement fight and when he fought Conor McGregor we trained here at the Mayweather Boxing Club, so it’s like family to me. It’s like home away from home when I do come here. This camp has really tested us because it’s pay-per-view. We got the world champion, but when you fight at the pay-per-view level, it’s a different atmosphere.

“‘Tank’ has just really kept this camp serious. Just watching him, I’ve seen him grow. Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis: the family man, the fighter and then the business man. So he’s learning. No one gave him a manual to do this. He’s putting it together on his own.

“Santa Cruz might change up what he’s doing. We are working on a lot of things. What I always tell ‘Tank’ is the fight may not be how we train. We can do a lot of stuff in the gym, but we might have to change. We just have to be effective with what we have to do. Leo’s been putting in the work. I watched his media workout and his interview. He says he’s going to give Gervonta his first loss. And I like that energy. I love that energy because I know you are really going to bring what I’m looking for. ‘Tank’ hasn’t brought his best yet, and I’m just waiting for that fighter to bring the best out of ‘Tank’.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This fight is a tremendous clash of styles. Not only do you have power vs. pressure, but you have two young fighters who are risking it all to prove they’re the best and give the fans a memorable night.

“Gervonta has really had a fantastic training camp. You can see the focus and determination he has to make a statement on October 31. Leo also looks to be in great shape, so it’s all the ingredients for something really special.

“We’re excited to bring this fight to the fans in San Antonio. It’s a great fight town, and we know they’re going to appreciate what these two fighters are going to bring into the ring on fight night.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

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

UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje streams exclusively on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday, October 24 at a special 2 p.m. ET start time from UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The top of the fight card features one of the most anticipated fights of the year ? two lightweight champions facing off in the main event to determine the undisputed king of one of UFC’s most competitive weight divisions.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, the UFC lightweight champion, enters the Octagon with a perfect, undefeated record (28-0-0) and is coming off two dominating defenses of his title – most recently in a third-round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 242 in September 2019. Justin Gaethje (22-2-0) has won four fights in a row, including three first-round finishes, capped by a fifth-round TKO of then-No. 1 contender Tony Ferguson in May – a victory that earned Gaethje the interim UFC lightweight title.

Nurmagomedov will be looking to take the fight to the ground where his unrelenting wrestling and ground-and-pound has been the end of many of the best fighters in the world. Gaethje will be looking to keep the fight on its feet and in the middle of the Octagon, where his knockout power and striking speed may give him the edge.

The co-main event pits former UFC middleweight champion and No. 1-ranked contender Robert Whittaker(22-5-0) against No. 3-ranked contender Jared Cannonier (13-4-0). The winner is likely to have a future date with UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who has already said he wants Cannonier if he can win this bout. Whittaker lost his belt to Adesanya a year ago, only to bounce back with a win over Darren Till in July and is looking to be in position for a chance to reclaim the title. Cannonier last fought over a year ago in September 2019, when he knocked out Jack Hermansson for his third straight early TKO.

Elsewhere on the main card, two top-10 heavyweights match up as No. 6-ranked Alexander Volkov (31-8-0) and No. 8-ranked Walt Harris (13-8-0) both try to move up the rankings in hopes of title contention. Plus, a light heavyweight rematch between Magomed Ankalaev(13-1-0)and Ion Cutelaba (15-5-0) will see the two fighters run it back after a controversial first-round stoppage in February, which Cutelaba appealed.  

Saturday’s coverage begins with the early prelims beginning on ESPN+ at 11 a.m. The prelims begin at Noon across ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish), and ESPN+ (English and Spanish).

On Friday, UFC Live will air on ESPN2 at 5:30 p.m., providing fans with exclusive insights and views on the biggest stories heading into UFC 254.

UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje content on ESPN+:

• Unlocking Victory: UFC 254 — Dominick Cruz and Gilbert Melendez break down the keys to victory for the fighters competing at UFC 254
• UFC 254 Embedded – Go inside the lives of the fighters in the build-up to UFC 254 – Eps. 1  Eps 2
• UFC Fight Island Declassified: Four-part docuseries chronicles the story behind the scenes of the creation of “UFC Fight Island” on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
   

ESPN.com:

• “Father’s Plan” – Brett Okamoto examines how Khabib honors his dad’s memory
• “Something I’ve never felt before” — What’s it like to fight Khabib? Hear from some of those that have done it.
• UFC 254 Main Event Breakdown
• Brett Okamoto goes inside Justin Gaethje’s journey from a mining town to MMA stardom
• Marc Raimondi examines the story behind the hat that helped shape Khabib’s identity
• UFC 254: Why confusion over takedowns might affect Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje

ESPN’s UFC 254 Pick’Em – play for FREE and compete for a chance to win $5,000

Social: @ESPNMMA Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Fans can sign-up for ESPN+ at any time at ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or on the ESPN App and purchase UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje PPV.

UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje Programming (All times ET)

Main Card, Prelims and Early Prelims (All times ET)

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

The British Boxing Board of Control have today announced that the highly anticipated rematch between Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley has been sanctioned for the now vacant British Middleweight title.

Previously announced as a final eliminator, the bout was upgraded once Liam Williams chose to vacate his title. Williams will now focus his attention on his position as the mandatory challenger for the WBO title held by Demetrius Andrade.

Heffron (25-1-1, 19KO’s) and Bentley (13-0-1, 11KO’s) last met on the 12th September, with the fight ending in a controversial unanimous draw. Both fighters believed they’d done enough to win the fight, and will now get a chance to settle the debate with the richest prize in domestic boxing on the line.

On fighting for the British title, Mark Heffron said: “My daughter Poppy wants that title belt for Christmas and I never let her down.”

Denzel Bentley was equally confident, saying: “Being British and fighting for the British title is an honour. I want to conquer home first, then I’ll go on to conquer the world.”

Heffron vs Bentley 2 headlines another huge night of BT Sport Boxing for Queensberry Promotions on Friday November 13th.

Chief support to the huge domestic battle will be provided by Tommy Fury (3-0, 2KO’s), who will be returning the ring for the first time since last December. Tyson’s younger brother will undoubtedly be looking for another spectacular first round knockout.

English Champion Michael Ramabeletsa (18-17, 8KO’s) will compete against Chris Bourke (8-0, 5KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Bantamweight clash.

Queensberry new boy Kaisy Khademi (8-0, 2KO’s) makes his promotional debut in a 10 round defense of his WBO European Super-Flyweight title against Birmingham’s Ijaz Ahmed (7-2). The vacant IBF European title will also be on the line.

Rounding out the card will be unbeaten featherweight Louie Lynn (7-0, 6KO’s), former Team GB starlet Muhammad Ali (1-0) and professional debutant Masoud Abdulah.

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 22, 2020)– Undefeated Greek boxer Andreas Katzourakis (5-0, 4 KOs) has returned to the United States to begin training under legendary coach Abel Sanchez at the historic Summit Gym in Big Bear, California. Sanchez, who is well known for developing fighters such as Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, Terry Norris, and Lupe Aquino, among many others, has been impressed with what he has seen from the Athens-native.

“Andreas is a very strong kid. He’s smart and has high expectations of himself – he’s doing all of the things he needs to do to grow as a fighter,” said Sanchez.

Despite having a limited amateur background in which he went undefeated in 21 bouts in Greece, Katzourakis has been tested tough early in his pro career – facing opposition with a combined 50 victories and a 70% win percentage. Thus far, he’s passed with flying colors. In his second career fight, Katzourakis handed the rugged Christian Aguirre (8-3) his first knockout loss and in only his fourth fight swept a crafty veteran in the former NABA and IBA Champ Walter Wright (17-5) in a 6-round UD victory.

Katzourakis recently signed with Split-T Boxing to advance his career. Split-T’s David McWater, who also manages the Undisputed Lightweight Champion of the World Teofimo Lopez, said of his new signing, “I was impressed at how advanced Andreas was for his age. Most of the foreigners that come here and move up quickly do so because they’ve had extensive amateur careers. Andreas is very young and has a lot of room for growth.”

Katzourakis is well aware of the unique opportunity he has to bring Greek boxing to the forefront.

“I have been waiting for this opportunity since I started boxing and competing globally. I have sacrificed a lot to be where I am today and I will keep working hard every day until I achieve my goals. I want to thank Split-T Boxing for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills on bigger stages and also thank my coach Abel Sanchez for accepting me in his training camp and believing in me,” said Katzourakis.

Split-T’s Brendan Segalas stated that, “As a Greek-American, working with Andreas is a dream come true. Although he only just turned 23, Andreas already has the look of a complete fighter. He’s compact with a lot of punching power and strong defensive abilities and reflexes. Working with Abel will take him to the next level. Andreas has the ability – and determination – to become the first Greek World Champion of the modern era.”

Follow Andreas Katzourakis on Instagram @adreaskatz