LOS ANGELES, CA (October 7, 2020) – The exciting return of super bantamweight Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (13-1, 7 KOs) of Pacoima, Ca, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing, will happen this Friday, October 9th, 2020, as he faces Daniel “La Tormenta” Lozano (15-9-1, 11 KOs), who fights out of Bowling Green, Florida. The two warriors will headline a ten-round bout televised live on Telemundo, taking place at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Here is what Sanchez had to say about this recent training camp with coach Manny Robles.

On his recent training camp.
“It has been really good training camp as we just wrapped up our final day of working out. I am working with my coach Manny Robles, and he is helping me to improve in a lot of areas. This has been an exhausting and hard camp, but I feel that the work I put in will pay off in the ring.”

On the match-up with Daniel Lozano.
“Daniel Lozano is a really tough and experienced fighter. I think he is a little past his prime, but even then, he is still a difficult fight. He’s been in the ring with some good fighters. Lozano is from Florida and I am going into his backyard, so I am coming in with the mindset of being the underdog. I hate that I have a loss on my record, so I feel my performance needs to be that much better to get my name to where it was prior to my first defeat.”

On what a win would do for your career.
“A win could elevate me into the bouts I want to be in. I look at guys like Daniel Roman and Ruben Villa, both of whom are in world title fights and signed to my promoter Thompson Boxing, and that is what I want. So, I want to get myself into a position in which I can fight for a world title against the very best in the world and beating a known veteran like Lozano helps move me in that direction.”

On headlining a Telemundo boxing card
“Obviously to headline any card is huge, but for it to be on national television is a major step up in my career. I just want to put on a great fight for those tuning in. I need to be impressive in this televised fight. I’ll be throwing a lot of punches, that you can guarantee.”

NEW YORK (October 7, 2020) – TONIGHT at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, one of the most decorated amateur stars in recent history is set to make his pro debut when David Navarro of Los Angeles introduces himself to the pro ranks when he takes on Nathan Benichou in a four-round featherweight bout.

Benichou is the son of former world featherweight champion Fabrice Benichou.

Navarro, who recently inked with Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse weighed in at 126 3/4 lbs while Benichou weighed in at the same 126 3/4 lbs.

Highlights of the bout will be aired live on the ShoBox: The New Generation card that will feature Navarro’s Split-T Management stablemates Charles Conwell (who faces Wendy Toussaint in the main event) and Janelson Figueroa Bocachica (who takes on Nicklaus Flaz in the co-feature) live on SHOWTIME (9 PM ET/PT)

“I am very excited to start my pro career on Wednesday night,” said Navarro. “I just want to show everyone who I am, and what I can do. I will have a lot of family and friends who will be watching and rooting for me back home.”

“I am so prepared for this because of seeing my brother (Golden Boy Promotions, 17-0 Prospect, Jonathan Navarro) go through his career. I have defeated some of the best amateur fighters in the world, and that gives me the confidence to have a great career, and that begins tonight.”

Navarro, 20, began training in the sport at the age of five, and leaves behind his childhood long endeavor of becoming an Olympian to enter the professional ranks. During his time in the amateurs, David compiled 15 National titles and competed in over 170 amateur bouts.

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

Photo by Steven Khan

BT SPORT delivers another power-packed boxing bill on Saturday night headed by Clydach Vale’s Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight championship against Redditch’s mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Williams hopes it is his final fight before challenging American WBO World champion Demetrius Andrade.

Nathan Gorman is back in action on the behind-closed-doors card at BT Sports studio in East London. He boxes a  Commonwealth Heavyweight title eliminator against Ghana’s Richard Lartey.

Earlier today, the four fighters took part in a media conference, photos can be found here and below are a selection of quotes.

LIAM WILLIAMS (22-2-1, 17 KOs)
“It’s not fair to say I’m angriest man in boxing,  but when I’m in the ring I have that nastiness about me and a short fuse. Day to day, I am a steady living guy. It doesn’t matter what anybody says or does I always bring excitement and fire on all cylinders. Andrade is full of s**t and keeps saying he is ‘The Boogeyman”, but I am actually chasing the fight with him. I don’t care if he fights me or vacates as long as I get that world title. I  think he will vacate and I will fight someone like Jaime Munguia, which has blood and guts written all over it. I will talk about Andrade and Eubank, but my focus is Andrew Robinson. The referee will have to keep a eye on him because I am coming with bad intentions. I am going to be on the ball and the referee needs to be on the ball because someone could be getting hurt. I will take Robinson’s heart, then come back take his gold teeth and weigh them in to get a nice little bonus.”

ANDREW ROBINSON (24-4-1, 7 KOs)
“I am living my dream and don’t get involved in talk about being overlooked. I’ve always been a fan of Liam Williams. It’s like a dream come true to be fighting one of the best Middleweights in the world. I will fight anybody and I’m ecstatic to be the ring with the number one fighter in the WBO ratings. If I win, I fight for a world title so I’m buzzing. I went to Poland and beat Damian Jonak who hadn’t lost in 13 years. God was with me that night and hopefully he is on Saturday.”

NATHAN GORMAN (16-1, 11 KOs)
“This is a different Nathan Gorman from 16 months ago. I have a new team and I am in a good fight. What has happened in the past has happened and I got beaten by Daniel Dubois. I could have taken a six rounder, but if I beat Lartey I can push on for titles. I am sure the winner of Dubois v Joyce will vacate the Commonwealth title and I can get that title. What a fight that will be. It’s a case of who lands first. Under six rounds you favour Daniel because he’s explosive. Over six rounds, It could be Joyce with his engine.”

RICHARD LARTEY (14-2, 11 KOs)
“Preparation has been good and I will give the TV fans a great fight. People still talk about my fight with Daniel Dubois. I have a new team. I am prepared and something will happen. I respect Nathan and know all about him. I wasn’t pleased with how the referee stopped the fight against Daniel and I would like the chance to meet him again.”

A second title fight on the card sees Liverpool’s JJ Metcalf (21-0, 13KOs) make the first defence of his Commonwealth Super-Welterweight title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs)

Willy Hutchinson  (12-0, 8 KOs) chases his 13th straight win when he boxes Spaniard Jose Miguel Fandino (15-7, 8 KOs) in a non-title ten-round Super-Middleweight clash.

Portsmouth Lightweight Mark Chamberlain (6-0, 4KOs) moves up to eight round class and faces Shaun Cooper (10-1)

Completing the card Super-Featherweight Muheeb Fazeldine (13-0-1, 4KOs) meets Luke Jones (6-3-1) over six rounds and over four rounds Bexley Welterweight Mickey Burke Jr (3-0) tackles Manchester’s Dan Booth (4-1, 

NEW YORK – October 6, 2020 – Three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz previewed their highly anticipated battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships during a virtual press conference on Tuesday.

Two of the sport’s most exciting fighters, Davis vs. Santa Cruz will headline a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions live from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The fighters were joined Tuesday by Mayweather Promotions President and all-time great Floyd Mayweather amongst the participants previewing the event during the virtual press conference.

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 press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I brought my camp to Las Vegas and have trained more than eight weeks for this fight, because I know that I’m fighting a top-notch fighter. Leo comes to fight. He brings pressure and he’s a high-volume puncher.

“I’m having my camp here so I can stay focused on just boxing. I’m close to my Mayweather team and I have Floyd in the gym with me more. I’m grateful for having Floyd here to help me tweak things that will help me fight better against Leo.

“We have more than five sparring partners just to make sure I’m more than well prepared. My coach Calvin Ford keeps me focused day-to-day so that I’m able to give the fans a great, exciting fight.

“At the end of the day, the fans are going to win. We’re two elite fighters matching up. This could be one of those fights that you’ll always remember. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m ready.

“I’m thankful to Leo for stepping up and calling me out. He wants to test himself out. It shows me that he has a lot of heart and he wants to fight the best. The winner of this should be up there in the pound-for-pound rankings. The winner takes it all on October 31.

“Floyd’s been there coaching me through what comes with having my first pay-per-view main event fight. There’s a lot of pressure on me and you have to live up to fighting on pay-per-view so you can fight on pay-per-view again. When I’m down or anything like that, he’s able to push me, because he’s been there before. There are things that only Floyd can tell me about because he has that experience.

“This camp has been great for me. I’m already on weight. I’ve just been working hard. We’re not worrying about weight. We’re worrying about giving Leo Santa Cruz a great fight on October 31.

“Most fighters don’t last to the second half of the fight against me. Jose Pedraza brought pressure against me and he got stopped in round seven. He can say what he wants, but he has to prove it on October 31.

“I believe I can stay at 130 after this fight, but if there’s a fight worth going to 135, I’ll do that. Right now, I’m just focused on Leo and becoming a pay-per-view star.

“I have a lot left to show in the ring and Leo is going to bring the best out of me. We just have to wait and see. I’ve been working hard every day sparring bigger and smaller guys. I’m prepared for anything. We know he’s coming to fight. We want to give everyone a great show. It’s going to be a spooky night on Halloween.

“As a professional, you have to be ready no matter what. You have to adapt to whatever comes your way. I’ve been working out for three months every day, just to prepare for this. I’m more grateful to be in this position than anything. I’m so focused on what’s in front of me, and that’s getting past Leo.

“I can’t say if he can take my power until we get in there. I’m working hard in camp so that I can show my appreciation with a great performance. Come October 31, you definitely won’t want to miss it.”

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“I feel really great. This camp has been perfect. I feel strong and I’m very motivated. My dad and my brothers have been helping me out. It’s really the best camp I’ve had and I’m in the best shape of my career.

“This is a hard fight. It’s the toughest fight of my career. We’re facing a tough fighter with great skills. I know he’s going to come with everything he has and be at his best.

“I’m determined to go beat ‘Tank’ so I can say that I beat one of the best fighters in the world. I want to give the fans a great fight. This is a big opportunity for me to become a superstar. It’s an opportunity for ‘Tank’ too, so I know we’re both going to go out there and give it our all for the fans.

“We’ve been sparring with bigger guys who fight at 147 pounds. I think that’s going to make me able to take his punches. I’m eating a little better and feeling strong. I’m doing everything I can to be able to take his punches.

“Davis is a strong fighter, especially in the first five rounds. He’s always dangerous, but if I see him gassing out, I’m going to pressure him and break him down. I think that I can frustrate him.

“I believe the winner of this fight is pound-for-pound top 10. Nobody wants to fight ‘Tank’ Davis and I chose to fight him. If I beat him, I know that everyone will have to say that I’m one of the best fighters in the world.

“I think my future will be at 130 pounds. I want to defend the title and unify but if there’s a fight that makes sense at 135 pounds, I’ll definitely take it.

“There’s no concern from us about his weight. He’s been training hard and he looks like he’s in good shape. He fought during Christmas last time, but I know this time he’ll be ready.

“The only concern my team had at the beginning was whether he’d make weight, but that isn’t a concern anymore. We’re working hard in the gym on how to avoid the big shots. We know we have to fight a perfect fight and that’s what we’re going to do.

“We have to fight from the outside because we know that ‘Tank’ can hit. But I always try to give the fans a great fight, so there’s going to be times I’m brawling with him. We’re going to go back and forth. If I feel like I can take his punches, I’m going to be right in his face.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“This fight here is about these two young hungry lions. ‘Tank’, I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished in a short period of time. Leo, I have to commend you also, because you’ve done great things in this sport. I’m glad that we were able to take this fight to the Alamodome so we can have some fans. This fight needs to have fans.

“If you can’t make it there, make sure you tune in. We know Leo is going to bring excitement and high volume. ‘Tank’ is always going to bring the power and speed. This can’t be anything other than a collision. These guys do it for the fans, they love the fans and I’m proud to be part of such an event.

“When ‘Tank’ was very young, I told him that at some point he’d be on pay-per-view and now we’re here. I’ve always been a fan of Leo’s as well. Both fighters deserve this, the fans deserve this, and I want to see these fighters at their best on fight night. Go out and give the fans what they want to see.

“I know ‘Tank’ is ready for pay-per-view because his fan base is really growing. The demographic that follows him is getting bigger. With Leo being popular on the West Coast and in Texas, he’ll bring a huge following as well. This fight can only be on pay-per-view in my opinion.

“In the gym, Calvin Ford and I work hand in hand. I’m just there to give pointers and help ‘Tank’ understand how pay-per-view works. If a fighter is in a gym working hard all day, sometimes he doesn’t want to do the things you have to do that are part of being on pay-per-view. When we invest in a fight like this, we want these fighters to give 100%. I’m proud of both competitors for what they’ve done so far.

“I believe in ‘Tank’. I’ve believed in him ever since he was a young kid. He’s still a kid in my eyes, but he’s a young man now. I told him it was going to come fast and when it comes, to be ready.

“You haven’t seen the best Gervonta Davis yet. He had so many different looks in training. He had big guys, small guys, combination punchers, pressure fighters. He was boxing everything from middleweights to featherweights. All of this is going to play a big part in his career.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a terrific fight. It’s a clash of styles. Leo is a non-stop puncher. He’s relentless and comes forward. ‘Tank’ has the power, the youth and the speed. It’s two young fighters who want to give the fans the best out performances of their careers.

“Leo really pushed for this fight. Obviously, he sees something in ‘Tank’ that he feels he can take advantage of. It makes it a really fascinating matchup.

“The timing couldn’t be better for pay-per-view. These two young guys are ready. ‘Tank’ has become a huge attraction, selling out fights in the U.K., on the East Coast, down south and in California. We’re excited to bring him to Texas on October 31.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“It was important for Floyd, Leonard and all of us involved in this fight to have fans at an event of this magnitude.

“We started looking for where we could go, and It’s difficult with so many sports going on right now, but the Alamodome was open because we can set it up with social distancing throughout the arena. It was the right fit for a fight like this. We’re excited to come back to a great fight town in San Antonio.

“I’ve always loved the Alamodome. We can make this a great night in a great fight town. I’m so happy we can bring this to the fans in San Antonio.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“In order for boxing to be at its best, the best fighters must fight the best fighters. Tough fights matter. Matchmaking matters. It is good for the fans and it is good for the sport.

“This matchup between Tank Davis and Leo Santa Cruz is one of the most anticipated and exciting matchups of the year. We have power and speed and athleticism versus experience and pressure fighting. We have a boxer with one of the sport’s highest knockout ratings versus a fighter who is one of the busiest, highest pressure fighters in the sport. I give credit to both Tank and Leo for taking this fight and for taking big risks.

“We are thrilled with the undercard. We’ve seen Mario Barrios fight on SHOWTIME before, and he will be defending his title against the very entertaining Ryan Karl. We’ve seen Regis Prograis mature through ShoBox and we’re thrilled to have him back, and he has his hands full with fellow ShoBox fighter Juan Heraldez. The opener between Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno is another fight fans’ fight.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ
Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see htree-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/.

SALINAS, CA (October 6, 2020) – The highly anticipated world title fight between Ruben Villa IV (18-0, 5KOs), who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, and Emanuel Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs) will happen this Friday, October 9th, 2020 on ESPN with the vacant WBO featherweight world title on the line.

The fight is being promoted by Top Rank, in association with Banner Promotions Promotions and Thompson Boxing, taking place at “The Bubble” inside the MGM Grand Conference Center, televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (10 PM ET / 7 PM PT).

Prior to being in the professional ranks, Villa was largely considered as one of the greatest amateurs in recent years in USA Boxing. He is now looking to make a childhood dream come true by bringing a world title back to his hometown of Salinas, California.

Here is what Villa had to say about his upcoming fight world title fight.

On his recent training camp
“This camp has been the best camp of my life. I turned off all social media, I took a ‘Mamba Mentality’, and focused strictly on training. I’ve had great sparring partners preparing for this fight like Manny Jaimes, Javier Padilla, Andy Vences and Xavier Martinez, and they all gave me tough rounds, and I am ready for whatever Navarrete will bring, whether it is boxing or pressure.

On his matchup with Emanuel Navarrete
“Navarrete is a good fighter, but I will be honest, I feel largely disrespected coming into this fight. I am a southpaw who is the bigger man, and had a better amateur career, but am being viewed as an underdog. I have a chip on my shoulder, and though I respect Navarrete’s skills, I am looking to prove a point.”

On bringing a world title back to Salinas, California.
“I love my hometown of Salinas, California, and I want to bring home a world title to all the fans here that have supported me over the years. I have told my trainers Max Garcia and Sam Garcia that this has been a childhood dream of mine since I first laced up a pair of gloves. We’re working as a team to accomplish this goal.”

On what people expect when he steps in the ring.
“People will see someone who started boxing at a young age, show his skills and poise in accomplishing a childhood dream. I have been very focused, I am giving this my all, and I am ready. Everyone should tune in Friday, October 9th, on ESPN, because this will be a great fight for the fans.”

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

UNCASVILLE, CONN. – October 6, 2020 – Exciting 154-pound prospects Charles Conwell and Wendy Toussaint both made weight a day beforeheir main event showdown set for Wednesday, October 7, live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/PT) from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in the first ShoBox: The New Generation telecast since March.

A decorated amateur and U.S. representative at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the 22-year-old Conwell (12-0, 9 KOs) hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and will make his second ShoBox appearance when he takes on up-and-coming Toussaint (12-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

The ShoBox event will open with two eight-round welterweight showdowns as Detroit’s Janelson Figueroa Bocachica (15-0, 10 KOs) takes on fellow Puerto Rico native Nicklaus Flaz (9-1, 7 KOs) and hard-hitting Brandun Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) returns to ShoBox in the telecast opener against Jimmy Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs).

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

The event is promoted by Tony Holden Productions.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout
Charles Conwell – 154 lbs.
Wendy Toussaint – 153 lbs.
Referee: Johnny Callas (West Hartford, Conn.); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), Frank Lombardi (Brookfield, Conn.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.),

Welterweight 8-Round Bout
Janelson Figueroa Bocachica – 146½ lbs.
Nicklaus Flaz – 146½ lbs.
Referee: Johnny Callas (West Hartford, Conn.); Judges: Ken Ezzo (Wilton, Conn.),Don Trella (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (River Vale, N.J.), ,

Welterweight 8-Round Bout
Brandun Lee – 144 lbs.
Jimmy Williams – 143¾ lbs.
Referee: Danny Schiavone (Wethersfield, Conn.); Judges: Ken Ezzo (Wilton, Conn.), Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), Frank Lombardi (Brookfield, Conn.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Charles Conwell

“Since my last ShoBox appearance three years ago, I’ve matured a lot as a fighter. I’m more comfortable inside the ring and going longer rounds. I’ve developed as an all-around fighter. A lot of challenges have been thrown my way but it’s nothing that I can’t overcome. I’ve been able to adjust, get over it and keep moving up.

“I think I need a couple more fights, a couple more good wins under my belt against some formidable opponents, and looking good doing it, and I’ll be considered a top-10 type of contender. I think I need two more fights.

“I had a fight scheduled in April right before the shutdown, which got cancelled. So, it’s just been constant training for me. Not necessarily going hard in the gym, but just staying active in the gym and staying in shape so when the call comes, you’re prepared for it whenever they give you a date.

“I know that I’m facing an undefeated, 12-0 fighter. He fought in the bubble, I know that. He’s a slim, tall type of guy who has length, and he’s athletic. I’ve just seen one of his fights. He has a little awkwardness and he throws some loopy shots that I need to be aware of.

“With the Patrick Day fight, I’ve just learned to live with it and try to stay positive. Keep positive people and positive energy around me. That’s all I can ever do, stay looking forward and try not to dwell on the past. It’s a very difficult thing for me but you can’t think about it in this sport. You have to continue to be aggressive. My first fight after that tragedy, once somebody punches you in the face it’s not too hard to punch them back – it’s natural. In training, I was a little timid at first but once somebody is in there trying to punch you in the face, it’s easy to be aggressive.

“I’ve always been an aggressive fighter. Being a shorter guy, you fight taller guys and you always have to be more aggressive. As I get in there and work with my coaches, I’ve developed different skills – different punches, different defensive moves, different angles, different tricks on the inside – so I’ve always been aggressive and willing to fight on the inside.”

Wendy Toussaint

“My conditioning is great right now. I’m always in shape and I’m very strong right now. I’m ready because this is a great opportunity for me. It’s difficult to get a fight right now with the Coronavirus so when this fight came, I took it immediately. I fought once in the bubble in Las Vegas already and I think that’s a little bit of an advantage for me. I think I already got one fight with no fans and I’m used to it – so maybe that’s a small advantage and the fact that I’ve been active is good as well.

“I sparred with [Sergiy] Derevyanchenko in camp and that was a great experience. He throws a lot of punches and sparring with him was different than anything I’ve experienced. It was very difficult, but I gave him a lot of work, a lot of pressure, and I think it will really help me a lot in this fight and going forward in my career.

“Conwell is a great fighter but I’m a very strong fighter as well, so I’m not going to be frustrated by anything he does. I’m going to stay relaxed, box and let everything come together because like I said, this is not my first time getting in the ring. Boxing is about staying relaxed no matter what your opponent brings. You have to be ready for anything. Conwell is a great fighter, all respect to him, but I’m coming to fight.

“Every time I have a fight, I don’t watch my opponent a whole lot but I do watch them a little bit. He’s a very strong fighter but every fight is different, you can be in top shape for one fight and be a different fighter in your next one. He’s a strong fighter, he likes to attack the body, but I don’t think I’ll have a big problem on my hands.

“Boxing is all mental. Sometimes, when you look at things on paper they are different than when you actually get in the ring and start fighting. I know that Conwell is going to be a strong fighter but is he stronger than the guys I’ve faced in sparring? I don’t know. I have to wait to get in the ring and see what he brings. You never know. But I’m very confident in myself and I’m not intimidated at all.”

Janelson Figueroa Bocachica

“I got a good six weeks of training in for this fight. I’ve been in camp with Charles Conwell this entire time. I’ve been going to Ohio and he’s come over to Detroit. I’ve also been in Tony Harrison’s camp for the past two weeks. I’ve gotten amazing work from both of those guys.

“I’m definitely a big puncher but you’ve got to know how to set it up. You can’t rush it, just trust that the knockout is going to come. I get knockouts with punches that I wasn’t even expecting to knock people out but then they don’t get back up. Boxing is about timing, it’s art. It’s not about brute strength. I’ve knocked people out with a jab, but my right hand seems to put everybody out. The better my opponents are, the better I am. As good as he looks, I know I’m going to be even better.

“When I went pro, I knew that I hurt people in the amateurs with big gloves and headgear, so imagine what I could do with the little ones? But I had to learn how to set my opponents up and pick my shots and get an opening. I couldn’t just go straight forward. Sometimes you have to let them come to you. It’s all about ring control.

“It won’t be a problem fighting without a crowd. I’ll still have my fans watching on TV and my coach, which is my dad, will still be there in my corner. I’m comfortable with the situation.

“I beat Brandun Lee in the amateurs but I don’t have any relationship with him today. I don’t really see much of what he’s doing, with him being out in California. I know he’s on this card so when I see him at the fight, I want to let him know that I want to fight him after this. I wish him well against his opponent but I know I’m going to do my thing and take care of my business. I upset him in the amateurs, and I hope I can see him in the pros too. If he wants to do it, we can do it. I’m ready for big names. I’m ready for Virgil Ortiz. I’m ready for Keith Thurman. Everybody around me knows that I’m so ready for bigger fights and bigger opponents.

“All I know is that Nicklaus Flaz better be ready because I had a super hard training camp and we’ve been working hard. I want to put on a great show for something that I’ve been training so hard for. I know Puerto Rico is going to be watching this one, and I know all of his fans are going to be mine after this fight.”

Nicklaus Flaz

“I was in the same camp as Jeison Rosario and I sparred with him a couple of times. I’ve been in touch with him since the Charlo fight and he’s doing better now. He’s eager to get back to work but they told him to get some rest. Sparring with Rosario, a world champion, was a great experience. It was really tough but I did my best to manage.

“I’m an aggressive fighter. I like to fight on the inside, come straight forward and do damage. I’m a better fighter than since I was in the World Series of Boxing. My defense and my ring IQ are way better. I used to just go in blindly looking to land punches, now I go in more conscious and with better defense. My punches are much more accurate now.

“I don’t know much about Bocachica. I let my trainer figure him out but what I know is that he’s a really tough fighter, undefeated, and he can punch. I’ve never been down before so I can definitely take a punch.

“This is Puerto Rico vs. Puerto Rico. That’s a great motivation for me. I got to take him out. He says he’s going to knock me out, so I want to see how he plans to do that. We can brawl if he wants. I want to see him try to knock me out. It’s going to be fireworks.

“I’ve worked a lot on my conditioning and pacing myself since my lone defeat. I’m a lot smarter than I was then. Not every fighter is going to be knocked out, so I worked on that and I fixed it. I’m in much better shape and I’m ready to fight 12 rounds if I have to, even though the fight is only scheduled for eight. I know I’ll be throwing a lot of punches until the end. My punch output will be high as always.”

Brandun Lee

“I was on the last fight on ShoBox in March, and we didn’t have a crowd at that one either. In a way, I feel like I’ve already been there, done that. I know what to expect without a crowd. Nothing has changed as far as my training. It’s been a little tough to find sparring but other than that, boxing-wise, the pandemic hasn’t affected me much.

“This will be the biggest guy I’ve ever fought. He’s a natural 147 and 154-pounder, so he is a much bigger fighter. I’m a 140-pounder. I think he’ll be the best fighter I’ve faced too. I feel that way because once upon a time he was a top-15 prospect in the rankings and he’s a much bigger, much longer guy than anybody I’ve faced.

“Hopefully this fight gives me more rounds than I’ve been able to get in the past. He’s only been knocked out once and he’s gone 10 rounds before. Hopefully we can get the rounds in because I need it. The only positive that comes from facing guys that you knock out in the first round is building up that confidence. But I feel like I’ve already built up my confidence so it’s time to start bringing in some real fighters and making some noise.

“I learned something from my last fight. Before the fight, I said I have to pick my shots more and be more calm, but in that case, I could have just gone in there and blown the guy away in the first round. I learned that you have to be able to make a quick choice on whether you want to take the guy out later or take him out now. I took him out later because I wanted to go more rounds. I expected the fight to go longer than what it did. We wanted the later rounds and the longer minutes but that was a mistake. If I hurt Jimmy Williams in the first round, I’m definitely going to get him out of there.

“I remember my fight against Bocachica in the amateurs was a hell of a fight. We had the entire arena watching us. It was a close fight. It could have gone either way. We were 15 at the time. I don’t really look at it like I need to avenge that loss in the pros. I’m looking at what’s ahead of me, not behind me. That was the amateurs but if he steps up to the plate, I’ll step up to the plate as well.

“My last fight against Camilo Prieto was a step-up and now Jimmy Williams is an even bigger step-up. After this fight, we need another step-up. Each fight, we need to slowly progress into the top ten. At the end of the day, I’m just a fighter. I will listen to my team and my promoter and whoever they pick for me to fight, I’m definitely going to step up to the plate and do what I do best.”

Jimmy Williams

“I’m a local guy and I’ve fought many times at Mohegan Sun, so it will be weird not having support in the arena but I know they will all be tuning in on SHOWTIME. It is what it is. I’m excited with fans or without fans, it doesn’t make a difference.

“I watched a little bit of tape on my opponent. I know he’s a young prospect, he had a great amateur career. But this is the pro game. I know he hasn’t been tested yet, he’s sparred with some of the greatest fighters in the world but he will get tested on Wednesday night. We’re going to see what Brandun Lee is made of.

“If you go and watch Brandun’s fights, the guys he faced didn’t come to fight. They came to lay down, they weren’t punching back and Brandun had enough time to set up his punches and he was able to do what he wanted to in the ring. I don’t discredit the guys he fought, he’s still got talent, but I’ve been tested. I’ve been hit hard. I’ve been in the ring with some great fighters already. This fight will definitely go past the first round. He better be prepared to put the rounds in with me.

“In 2008, my mom was murdered and it changed my whole life. I opted to leave school that year and enter the NFL draft. A lot of people thought I was crazy because I still had a year of eligibility, but I was projected to get drafted in the fifth to seventh round. It didn’t work out my way but I still got some calls and tried out for a few teams in camp. But my mom’s spirit brought me back to the ring. I had a lot of frustration and anger because it is an unsolved case, and boxing was my bread and butter from the beginning so getting back in the ring was the natural thing to do.

“My mother’s death motivated me to stay on the right path. My father passed away from cancer, and my parents both raised me to be somebody great in life. Her death motivated me. Her death never sat right with me. She didn’t die from a natural cause, somebody strangled her and put her there. That made me go hard in life. I woke up and told myself I would be somebody. I had to make her proud and I’m making her proud now. That anger fuels me in the ring because I feel like I bring her back to life. I know she went out fighting and every time I get in the ring, I fight for her.”

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

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

HALL-OF-FAME Promoter Frank Warren has today revealed the highly anticipated Heavyweight battle between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will land on Nov 28th, live on BT Sport.

In an incredible reversal, the fight – the most significant domestic bout staged in the UK post-Lockdown and the biggest domestic Heavyweight clash in years – will now NOT be on pay-per-view.

The blockbuster November event, branded with the apt tagline ‘At Last’, will represent the final chapter in a saga that has seen April, July and October dates cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Warren was keen to point out that the COVID outbreak and its negative effect on UK jobs and livelihoods was on his mind as he decided to scrap plans to make the fight PPV.

He said: “This is about keeping boxing alive and relevant at a tough time and doing something for the fans and we have moved heaven and earth to put this on as a BT Sport subscription Fight Night instead.”

“With boxing still being behind closed doors and struggling back to its feet post-Lockdown, I wanted to give something of a gift to British boxing fans. Dubois versus Joyce is the best fight on the British boxing calendar and I want this to be something as many people as possible can enjoy. It’s a bonus that the added exposure gained from the fight will really help the boxers as they move forward with their careers.

“Above all, this is about making sure that the fans are looked after and this fight will be available to BT Sport subscribers. Queensberry and BT Sport are looking forward to delivering a huge night of boxing, so let’s make sure the eyes of the country, and the world, are on British boxing come November 28th. 

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to BT Sport for being willing to make this happen.

“I sound like a broken record I’m sure, but sometimes you have to put the sport and the fans first. Queensberry gets that and BT Sport gets that. ‘For the fans’, it’s what it’s all about.”

‘AT LAST: DUBOIS vs JOYCE’ WILL HAPPEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS ON NOVEMBER 28th, LIVE ON BT SPORT

(October 6, 2020) — FITE, the premier global digital platform for sports and entertainment, announced today that they have acquired the exclusive rights in the UK for the upcoming October 17th Top Rank Pay-Per-View boxing event: Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) vs. Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs).

Later this week, FITE will announce more countries where this fight will be available via the FITE digital platform. Start time for this LIVE event will be 2:00am UK time on Sunday morning, October 18th, and available for only £9.99.

This long-anticipated fight is available on the five-year-old digital streaming platform, FITE. FITE is known for providing the best viewing experience on a multitude of digital platforms including its website www.FITE.tv, Android and iOS mobile apps, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Netgem TV, Foxxum, Hisense/Vidaa televisions and 7,000 other Smart TV models. FITE also features the technology that lets users cast the purchased event from the mobile app to their wi-fi connected television or streaming device. Click here for more How to Watch on FITE Details.

FITE was founded in 2016 and has offered the top boxing, pro wrestling and MMA events on a weekly basis. Since its launch, it has streamed more than 3,500 live Pay-Per-View events. Recently, FITE opened up a London office under the direction of former ITV Box Office executive, Ben Halabi.

“We are excited to have the rights to the upcoming Lomachenko vs Lopez fight,” Halabi said. “FITE already offers many live Top Rank boxing events and continues the trend of FITE offering best-in-class boxing entertainment.”

“We could have not picked a better partner for this fight than FITE,” said Top Rank Boxing Chairman, Bob Arum. “FITE will make this event available to every boxing fan in the UK regardless of the subscription networks they have or don’t have. No subscription is needed for this. To order PPV events on FITE, all you need is an internet connection. It couldn’t be simpler. Enjoy the fight.”

Order Lomachenko vs. Lopez NOW: CLICK HERE

Daniyar Yeleussinov will face Julius Indongo for the IBF Intercontinental Welterweight title on Friday November 27 behind closed doors at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, live on DAZN.
 
Yeleussinov (9-0 5 KOs) faces a stern test of his ambitions in the paid ranks as the Kazakhstan Olympic gold medal man aims to press on the accelerator as he enters double figures in pro fights.
 
Indongo (23-2 12 KOs) represents a major step up in class for Yeleussinov, having taken on Terence Crawford for the undisputed Super-Lightweight title in August 2017 as the unified IBF and WBA champion, having unified against Ricky Burns three months earlier.
 
“I thank Indongo for accepting this challenge,” said Yeleussinov. “He’s a former World champion that will come to fight.
 
“This will be a great fight for me and a great boxing show at the Hard Rock. I am going to show I’m the better fighter and Indongo will see the best of Daniyar Yeleussinov. I hope my fans will enjoy this event.”
 
“Daniyar is a very gifted boxer and a highly accomplished Olympian,” said Indongo. “However, I don’t fear anyone, because my skills will be a challenge for him as well. I feel as if my skills and conditioning, since training in America, have improved very much, so it is going to be a good fight. I am prepared to put on a great performance and get the win.  
 
“I understand the importance of this fight for my career. I need to win…period. When I do, I will be considered as a contender in both the 140 lb. and 147 lb. divisions. This fight will open the doors I need to become a World champion again.”    
 
“This is the test that Daniyar needs to show that he’s ready to press for World honors,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julius is a former unified World champion; he’s been in with some great fighters and still has ambitions at the very top level.
 
“We believe that Daniyar is going to be a player in the division for years to come, but he must prove that by closing 2020 in style against Julius and setting up a big year in 2021.”
 
“Julius Indongo is only three years removed from being the unified champion at 140 and his losses have come exclusively at the hands of truly elite competition,” said Indongo’s promoter, Lou DiBella. “Daniyar Yeleussinov may have a gold medal from the amateurs, but is he an elite pro? Indongo represents a challenge in both skill and experience that Yeleussinov has not encountered as a professional. Indongo is hungry for another chance at a World title so, frankly, he views Yeleussinov as the stepping-stone and not the other way around.”
 
Yeleussinov’s clash with Indongo is part of a huge night of action in Florida as bitter rivals Daniel Jacobs and Gabe Rosado clash in a true grudge match at Super-Middleweight. 
 
Marc Castro will make his pro debut on the undercard of Jacobs vs. Rosado. The Fresno talent was slated to make his bow in the paid ranks in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, but he tested positive for COVID-19. Now the amateur sensation finally laces them up and is joined on the undercard by three-time World amateur champion Magomedrasul Majidov (2-0, 2 KOs), and young talents Nikita Ababiy (9-0, 6 KOs) and Alexis Espino (6-0, 4 KOs).

LIAM WILLIAMS believes WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade has nowhere to hide.

The American champion has been ordered to face Williams in his next defence and the Welshman’s promoter Frank Warren is working behind the scenes to make the fight happen very soon.

Andrade claims the world’s best 160lb fighters are avoiding him. That angers Williams who defends his British Middleweight title against Andrew ‘D’Animal’ Robinson at BT Sports studio on Saturday (October 10).

Fired up Williams, 28, put the World champion on notice and says: “I am confident in my ability to wreck Andrade.

“He says he is the most avoided man in boxing, but I am chasing him so he isn’t being avoided. 

“I don’t think he wants the fight, but he can’t keep hiding. It is just a matter of time and I am sure we will get to the bottom of the situation in the next couple of weeks.

“I believe it will be Andrade after Robinson, but I don’t believe Andrade wants to fight me. I wouldn’t say he is scared of me because that is probably a bit far-fetched, but he is wary.

“If he got beaten by a bigger name it would be acceptable because he could earn money from other fights.

“I am not a fool and understand the sport, but I am low reward, high risk for Andrade.

“I want to take a World title from the champion, but I just want my opportunity and whoever it is against I will win.”

Clydach Vale’s Williams (22-2-1, 17 KOs) can’t afford to slip up when he faces his Redditch based mandatory challenger Robinson (24-4-1, 7 KOs) behind-closed-doors this weekend.

Williams hasn’t boxed since December when he dished out a sensational five round hammering to Alantez Fox who had been the 12 round distance with Andrade.

He said: “For me, it’s about looking good but most of all it’s just about getting the win. If you can do some real damage in the mean time, happy days.

“I want to hurt people and that is because I just love winning and the feeling it brings.

“People are expecting me to put on a big performance and to knock him out. I’m expecting that myself, but if it doesn’t come I’m not going to be disappointed.

“Robinson represents a risk to me, but I couldn’t care less. I want to fight.

“I am mentally good, physically good, my weight is right and I could fight for a world title this week.”

Williams v Robinson headlines a packed card that also includes Liverpool’s JJ Metcalf who defends his Commonwealth Super-Welterweight title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley.

Nathan Gorman is back in action in an exciting Commonwealth Heavyweight title eliminator against Ghana’s Richard Lartey.

Willy Hutchinson chases his 13th straight win when he boxes Spaniard Jose Miguel Fandino in a non-title ten-round Super-Middleweight clash.

Portsmouth Lightweight Mark Chamberlain moves up in class when he faces Shaun Cooper and completing the card, Super-Featherweight Muheeb Fazeldine meets Luke Jones over six rounds and over four Bexley Welterweight Mickey Burke Jr tackles Manchester’s Dan Booth.

Don’t miss a punch on BT Sport 1 from 7pm on Saturday.

Joseph Parker and Junior Fa will clash in the biggest fight in New Zealand boxing history, live on DAZN from Spark Arena, Auckland, on Friday December 11 (NZ time).
 
Former WBO World Heavyweight ruler Parker (27-2 21 KOs) is ranked #3 with the WBO and is plotting his return to World champion status having stopped Shawndell Winters in five rounds in his last outing in Dallas in February.
 
Unbeaten Fa (19-0 10 KOs) is hot on Parker’s heels in the WBO rankings at number six and the 30 year old will be determined to come out on top in the biggest fight of his life with huge stakes on the table. The South Auckland fighters are aiming for a shot at the WBO World title and the winner of this highly anticipated bout will put them on a trajectory for a huge 2021.
 
“This is going to be war,” said Eddie Hearn. “We’re looking forward to co-promoting our first event in New Zealand with David Higgins and Duco. There’s plenty of needle with the amateur rivalry and there’s national pride at stake. A win over Fa will catapult Joe back into World Title contention.”
 
“Given the challenges facing major sporting events around the globe right now, getting this fight over the line is absolutely huge, and we are grateful to our partners Matchroom for their backing to make this happen” said Parker’s manager and Duco’s founder and Director David Higgins. “With both boxers inside the WBO top 10 world rankings and in their prime, this is undeniably New Zealand’s fight of the century.” 
 
The match-up will be a mouth-watering prospect for Kiwi boxing fans and for all sports fans starved of big events. The demand for a Heavyweight bout of this stature is enormous and the pay-per-view audience is expected to reflect that. With so much at stake for both fighters and the previous history of Parker and Fa winning two bouts each in their amateur days, commentators are already talking about the bout being an instant classic with fans standing firmly on both sides of the ring.
 
“I’ve always believed that Junior Fa had the ability to become a World champion and, on December 11, he’ll have the opportunity to prove that against a former Heavyweight champion and amateur rival, in countryman Joseph Parker,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Not only is this matchup one of the biggest fights in New Zealand history, it has high significance on the Heavyweight landscape worldwide, with the winner closing in on a world title shot. With a win, Junior can become a New Zealand sports superstar and a worldwide boxing star in one night. I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight card with David Higgins’ Duco Events and Matchroom.”
 
“Parker’s an Auckland born Samoan, Fa an Auckland born Tongan; the fight is taking place in the largest Polynesian city in the world; both fighters are close to and desperate for a title shot; they have a split history in amateur fights, and they are both members of the same Mormon Church. This fight already has everything,” said Higgins.
 
In a second huge announcement, Events company Duco Events, Spark Sport and media partner New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) today also announced a New Zealand first three-way partnership to finally get Parker and Fa in the ring.  
 
“The Parker Fa match-up sits perfectly with Spark Sport’s purpose to deliver premium live and on-demand sports to a wide-reaching audience. The arrangement between Spark Sport, Duco Events, NZME and the support of presenting partner Stonewood Homes is a great example of not just sitting back and waiting for a sport to come to you, instead we’ve all got together and made it happen. This will be our second major pay-per-view event after we streamed the Whyte Povetkin bout back in August, so we’re excited to bring this Kiwi based event to New Zealand as the exclusive broadcaster,” said Head of Spark Sport, Jeff Latch.
 
Getting the Parker and Fa fight over the line has taken more than eight months of negotiations with the boxers, yet the innovative partnership between Duco Events, Spark Sport, NZME, with the support of presenting partner Stonewood Homes, was pulled together in less than eight weeks, demonstrating the enthusiasm to change the way sport is delivered and promoted in New Zealand, while also ensuring the event took place this year and on Kiwi soil.
 
“It’s been a tough year for New Zealand sports fans with so little in the way of world class live sporting events since Covid-19 hit. For NZME this event encapsulates why we are committed to delivering the very best content to our audiences and advertisers, keeping Kiwis in the know. We are proud to support a spectacle like this, alongside Spark Sport and Duco, to bring sport back to a big arena where it deserves to be,” said NZME Chief Revenue Officer Paul Hancox.
 
The Heavyweight boxing match-up also marks the return of large-scale marquee events, with 9,000 expected to fill-out Auckland’s Spark Arena for the December 11 event.
 
“Events companies have been absolutely smashed by the pandemic and we’re really proud that our collaboration with Spark Sport, NZME and the support of Stonewood Homes plus our global collaboration with Matchroom and Di Bella has given us the opportunity to let New Zealanders get back to experiencing the excitement, the drama and the fun that an event like this creates,” said Duco’s Higgins.
 
“We would really like to thank and acknowledge Stonewood Homes for their support of this event and their contribution to the re-build of not only the events industry but also the local economy who all benefit from an event which attracts visitors and locals to spend within the region,” said Higgins.  “Without key sponsorship relationships, events such as Stonewood Homes, Joseph Parker v Junior Fa would not get off the ground.”
 
Stonewood Homes has built nearly 7,000 homes for Kiwi families since 1987. 
“We are proud to support world-class athletes Joseph Parker and Junior Fa, while helping rebuild New Zealand’s economy by getting events going again,” said Managing Director John Chow. 
Stonewood Homes Joseph Parker vs Junior Fa, Friday 11th December 2020 Spark Arena, Auckland New Zealand.
 
Tickets from $69 + fees at www.ticketmaster.co.nz.
Corporate Hospitality available at www.ducoevents.com. 
 
Pay-per-view will be priced on a tiered model with super early bird pricing of $39.99 available from today increasing to an early bird price of $49.99 on 27^th October and then reverting to the final pay-per-view cost of $59.99 for viewers who purchase the day before or the same day as the fight (10^th and 11^th of December).

Matchroom will promote the first ever women’s World Title triple-header on Saturday November 14, with Katie Taylor, Terri Harper and Rachel Ball all starring in an historic evening of boxing shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs) retained her Undisputed Lightweight World Title with a unanimous decision win over Delfine Persoon as their highly anticipated rematch produced another brutal battle on the final weekend of Fight Camp in August. 

The Irish star puts her World Titles on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), the undefeated Spaniard who has held the WBA’s Interim World Title since November 2019 following her win over Keren Batiz.

“I’m delighted to be headlining another fight night on Sky Sports,” said Taylor. “When I turned professional it was a bit of step into the unknown in terms of how it all would go so to have these opportunities to headline cards is something I never take for granted.

“It’s been a pretty quick turnaround from my last fight but I’m always looking towards the next challenge and I really wanted to fight again before the end of the year. The pandemic has obviously made it a very uncertain time in terms of scheduling fights so I’m really excited to have a date to focus on.

“I’m expecting a very tough fight against an undefeated challenger, but I’ve been back in training camp in the US for the past couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my titles on November 14.”

“I am very happy, eager and excited,” said Gutierrez. “I am preparing myself 100% for this fight with Katie. This is the great challenge that I have pursued in my sports career, to be able to fight for the undisputed crown.”

Denaby’s Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) retained her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles with a thrilling split decision draw against Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas in an historic Fight of the Year contender at the top of the bill on Fight Camp Week 2.

‘Belter’ faces her first WBC Mandatory challenger in Spanish-Norwegian Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), the undefeated Interim WBC Super-Featherweight World Champion who claimed the title against Brazilian Danila Ramos after a brutal ten round battle last November. 

“This is the most excited I’ve been for a fight, I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove,” said Harper. “We’ve had the opportunity in this camp to work on lots of new things, having a strength and conditioning coach join the team. I want to go out and put the wrongs right.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to know that I’m finally fighting for the World Title,” said Thanderz. “I’ve been waiting such a long time for this moment, and I just know I’ll give my everything to win the title. Harper is a young and talented fighter. I think she’s a very hard-working girl. She’s fast, she has a good technique, she has stamina, and she’s a very good fighter. It will a pleasure to share the ring with her. 

“I am confident I can beat her. I have a very good feeling, and I’m working very hard in my camp to be the best version of myself. I know it will be very difficult, especially because of the circumstances of the fight, but I’m prepared to surprise and shock everyone when I get the win. I feel very good about fighting in the UK. I’ve never fought in England, so I can’t wait to have the experience of fighting in a completely new country with so many boxing fans.”

Walsall’s Ball (6-1) lands a dream World Title shot on the back of her breakout win over Shannon Courtenay on the third week of Fight Camp. The 29-year-old takes on popular undefeated Australian Ebanie Bridges (4-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight crown. 

“I’ve been craving a big fight, now I’ve got it,” said Bridges. “I’m not coming to Britain to mess around; I’m going to take this opportunity with both hands and take that belt back to Australia with me in exciting style.”

“After my last fight I’m hungrier than ever, training harder than ever and asking myself everyday how I can improve,” said Ball. “I couldn’t be more excited for this fight. We’re friends but this fight isn’t going to be pretty, it’s business.”

“This a historic moment,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “A huge night of boxing that will be headlined by not one but three women’s World Title fights. Katie Taylor has spun the game on its head since she turned pro and has paved the way for so many great female fighters. Katie faces the second Mandatory Challenger during her undisputed reign in tough undefeated Spaniard Miriam Gutierrez. 

“While fresh off a Fight of the Year contender at Fight Camp, Terri Harper faces her first Mandatory Challenger in undefeated Spanish-Norwegian Katharina Thanderz and in a fairy tale story Rachel Ball has a chance to become World Champion against popular Aussie Ebanie Bridges. This is a major statement from us and our broadcast partners, don’t miss an incredible night on November 14.”

“Katie Taylor continues her epic journey as one of the world’s elite boxers on a terrific triple-header of women’s World Title action,” said Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports. “The Irish star displayed grit and determination in a punishing rematch win over Delfine Persoon in Fight Camp, and her renowned skills should also be on show against Miriam Gutierrez.

“Terri Harper battled to a thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas in one of the year’s most enthralling fights and she is back in action, defending her WBC belt versus Katharina Thanderz. Rachel Ball also receives a World Title fight after she dropped and shocked Shannon Courtenay, but she must now overcome Ebanie Bridges. Three fantastic World Title fights – all live on Sky Sports!”

NEW YORK – October 5, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets will take on unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 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.

Lipinets vs. Abdukakhorov was originally scheduled to take place October 10, but was rescheduled because of a delay in Abdukakhorov receiving his visa. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions.

“Sergey Lipinets announced himself last year as a serious contender in the welterweight division and can move closer to the top of the stacked weight class against the tough unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov on October 24,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In undercard attractions, unbeaten Xavier Martínez can earn a career-best victory over the always dangerous Claudio Marrero, while talented super lightweight Malik Hawkins and the powerful Subriel Matías will clash with a chance for the winner to propel themselves up the 140-pound rankings. These are three evenly matched bouts that will show us a lot about all of the fighters, while treating fans to great action.”

“Given what Kudratillo has gone through to get this opportunity, the fight seems easier,” said Carl Moretti, Top Rank VP of Boxing Operations. “But everyone knows it won’t be.”

The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten since moving up to welterweight in 2018 and position himself for further title opportunities in the welterweight division. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California and is trained by renowned coach Joe Goossen. Lipinets has put together three straight victories since losing his 140-pound title to four-division champion Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets scored two victories in 2019, including a stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson in one of the year’s most exciting fights.

Born in Uzbekistan and fighting out of Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) is the top-rated welterweight contender in the IBF rankings. The 27-year-old made his U.S. debut last March, defeating former title challenger Keita Obara by unanimous decision. Abdukakhorov followed that up with a wide technical decision triumph over former champion Luis Collazo last October.

A Mayweather Promotions prospect from Sacramento, Calif., Martínez (15-0, 11 KOs) has trained for this fight in Las Vegas, Nev. alongside three-time champion Gervonta Davis. The 22-year-old added three knockout victories to his record last year, and has stopped his last seven opponents heading into October 24. Martínez most recently knocked out Jessie Cris Rosales last November, and will step up in competition to face Marrero, as he seeks to move closer to a title shot.

The former interim featherweight champion Marrero (24-4, 17 KOs) will move up to the 130-pound division after a long run at 126-pounds that saw him face a slew of contenders and rising prospects. Representing Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero captured his interim title in April 2017 with a first round knockout over then unbeaten Carlo Zambrano. The 31-year-old also owns a first-round stoppage of then unbeaten Jorge Lara in April 2018 and a decision victory over featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez last June.

Another rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs), fights out of Baltimore, Maryland and is trained by Gervonta Davis’ coach Calvin Ford. The 24-year-old most recently triumphed over then unbeaten Darwin Price in December by fifth-round TKO. Hawkins was busy in 2019, picking up five victories in total following a 2018 campaign that saw him earn his first 10-round decision win by beating Raymond Serrano.

The 28-year-old Matías (15-1, 15 KOs) returns to action looking to bounce back from his first career defeat, a narrow decision loss to Petros Ananyan in February of this year. Prior to that, Matías had stopped all 15 of his opponents dating back to his pro debut in December 2015. October 24 will be his fourth fight in the U.S.

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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

BOSTON (October 5, 2020) – “Quiet Storm” planning a Perfect Storm!

Former Southern Connecticut State University football player Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams is looking forward to shocking the boxing world this Wednesday night (Oct. 7), when he takes on undefeated, blue-chip prospect Brandun Lee (19-0, 17 KOs) on ShoBox: The New Generation, airing live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Lee vs. Williams was originally scheduled for September 19, but it was pushed back until Oct. 7, and will be contested at a 145-pound catchweight. “It’s been a plus to have more time to prepare,” Williams spoke about the change of date. “This is a big fight for me, and the extra time was only a few weeks. I’ve stayed sharp.”

The 33-year-ol Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs), fighting out of West Haven, Connecticut, was a cornerback in college who, as an undrafted player, was invited to NFL tryouts as a free agent by the Raiders, Chiefs, Colts and Falcons.

Promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), Williams will be making his debut as a member of manager Ryan Roach’s growing Fighter Locker stable.

“I think this is a great opportunity for Jimmy, Roach added. This is a big fight for us and a must win. Jimmy is up for the challenge. We’ve been waiting for this call. He has been working hard every day with his trainer, Dave Forsyth.

“This is our first fight together as a team and I am really looking forward to it. I know Brandun is special, but he hasn’t seen anything like Jimmy before, and he will stop this kid in the later rounds.”

Williams is a decisive underdog versus Lee, a rising star whose goal is to become the first world champion of Korean dissent. The 21-year-old Californian was a highly decorated American amateur: 3-time U.S. National Silver Gloves, 2013 PAL National and 2015 U.S. National Juniors champion. However, he’s never fought past four rounds and Williams will attempt to extend the gifted Lee, taking him into deep water in hopes of making him gas.
“I’m honored to fight on Showtime,” Williams said. “I never thought I’d have this opportunity in my career. My whole life I’ve been the underdog. I love the challenge and that’s what made me who I am today. I overcome things.

“I thank God and my promoter, CES and Jimmy Burchfield, and my manager, Ryan Roach. I’m truly blessed. This is going to be a great fight and I will give Lee his first loss.”
Williams will be fighting for the memory of his mother, Belinda Jordan Williams, who was strangled to death in 2008, and the case remains open.

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also includes a talented Ukrainian trio of North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs), word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (9-0, 4 KOs). Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-6-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion, Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (10-1, 8 KOs),Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez, Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), Englewood, CO super featherweight Jesus Vasquez, Jr. (6-0,2 KOs), Auroraa, CO super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (4-0, 2 KOs) plus Irish National champion Paul Ryan, a welterweight in the pro ranks, and U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr., who will both be making their pro debuts.

INFORMATION:
WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

JJ METCALF is ready to start making up for lost time and wiping out the British Super-Welterweight division, with Fowler, Fitzgerald and Flatley high on his F heavy hitlist.

Queensberry Promotions supremo Frank Warren is meeting Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn in the near future to discuss the promotional rivals boxers facing each other.

And one of the potential mouthwatering clashes is a local derby between Warren’s Commonwealth Super-Welterweight champion Metcalf and Matchroom-backed Fowler.

Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) must come through a tricky first  title defence against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) at BT Sports Studio on Saturday October 10.

British champion Scott Fitzgerald has been ordered to defend the title against Metcalf, but the domestic title holder’s future is uncertain.

That could clear the path for Metcalf to face Fowler for the vacant British crown in a battle that would split Liverpool fight fans.

Metcalf is an Everton fan and Fowler supports Liverpool.

Metcalf who is ranked at five in the IBF rankings for Jermell Charlo’s world title said: “Fighting Fowler would be brilliant for Liverpool and capture the imagination especially as we’re both going well in our careers.

“A fight against Fowler in Liverpool is a big fight, and hopefully that comes off, but I would prefer to fight Scott Fitzgerald, right now.

“The reason I’d rather fight him than Fowler is that he is the British champion. I’d rather beat a champion than fight Fowler for the vacant title.

“Fitzgerald has beaten Fowler and Ted Cheeseman so it would be a better win for me, but I still have to get over Jack Flatley.

“I don’t know what the issues are with Scott, but he should start defending or relinquish the title.”

In the meantime, Metcalf is under no illusions about the ability of Flatley who he knows well having sparred “30 or 40 rounds.”

Flatley is always in thrillers and his brutal draw against Troy Williamson in June 2018 was one of the best fights seen in a British ring that year.

Hand injuries have caused Metcalf’s career to stall and since his title winning performance when he stopped Jason Welborn in June 2019, he has boxed just once.

On that occasion in February, Jan Balog was stopped in just 32 seconds.

Metcalf, the son of former top pro Shea Neary explained: “Before the Welborn fight I broke my hand quite badly and needed an operation, so I rolled the dice with that fight and took it.

“I had the operation afterwards and it took time to make a full recovery.

“I am not worried about the hand.I think it will be okay when I defend the title against Jack and it will work out okay on the night.

“I’ve been using it in sparring and it has felt okay so I am not worried. I think this operation has sorted it out.

“I’ve done loads of sparring with Jack and not even long ago either. The last time would have been last year. I know his style and how he will go about the fight.

“He is tough, strong, fit and throws a lot of shots. It will be a tough fight and no walk in the park.

“I could have done with a few more rounds since I won the title, but I have done good sparring and I’m prepared.”

Metcalf v Flatley is on a card headed by Welsh ace Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight crown against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Watch Williams vs Robinson, Saturday on BT Sport 1 HD – Coverage starts at 7pm.

Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs) will challenge Britain’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the WBC and IBO World Super Featherweight titles on November 14th.

Norwegian Thanderz, who boasts an unbeaten professional record, became mandatory in November 2019 after claiming the interim WBC World Super Featherweight title with a points decision over Danila Ramos of Brazil.

Current champion Terri Harper caught the eye last time out, a pulsating 10-round split draw with Natasha Jonas saw the Doncaster fighter retain the titles that will now be on the line in the clash with Thanderz.

While respecting the potential in Harper, Thanderz believes she has the tools to perform on the night.

“It’s an amazing feeling to know that I’m finally fighting for the world title 

I’ve been waiting such a long time for this moment, and I just know I’ll give my everything to win the title.

“Harper is a young and talented fighter. I think she’s a very hard working girl. She’s fast, she has a good technique, she has stamina, and she’s a very good fighter. It will be a pleasure to share the ring with her. 

“I am confident I can beat her. I have a very good feeling, and I’m working very hard in my camp to be the best version of myself. I know it will be very difficult , especially because of the circumstances of the fight, but I’m prepared to surprise and shock everyone when I get the win.”

Fighting for the first time on British soil, Thanderz is positive and upbeat on her chances.

“I feel very good about fighting in the UK. I’ve never fought in England, so I can’t wait to have the experience of fighting in a complete new country with so many boxing fans.” 

At 13-0 and 10-0-1 respectively, an unbeaten showdown between Thanderz and Harper is a mouthwatering prospect with the winner walking away with unified world champion status.

“This is the most excited I’ve been for a fight, I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove,” said Harper. “We’ve had the opportunity in this camp to work on lots of new things, having a strength and conditioning coach join the team. I want to go out and put the wrongs right.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland backed his fighter to come away with the win, and believes it is the perfect time to introduce Thanderz to the British scene.

“Katharina brings that Viking power and warrior spirit, and it’s a good time for her to come up against elite opposition. She’s undefeated, the interim belt holder and following the trail set by Cecilia Brækhus in bringing a world title back to Norway.

She’s said herself she’s going for greatness and you can see it in the way she operates, we can’t wait!”Eddie Hearn added “This is an historic moment. A huge night of boxing that will be headlined by not one but three women’s World Title fights. Katie Taylor has spun the game on its head since she turned pro and has paved the way for so many great female fighters.”

NEW YORK (October 3, 2020) – TONIGHT at the MGM Conference Center, two members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action on a big card that will be streamed by ESPN + (7:30 PM ET).

Former IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion, Ivan Baranchyk will take a very important step back towards 140-pound supremacy when he takes on former world title challenger Jose Zepeda in a 10-round bout.

Haven Brady Jr. will make his much talked-about pro debut when battles Gorwar Karyah in a four-round featherweight contest.

Baranchyk of Miami, Oklahoma by way of Amursk, Russia has a record of 20-1 with 13 knockouts, and is looking for his 2nd consecutive win since dropping his title in a highly-contest bout to now unified champion Josh Taylor. Baranchyk won the title by stopping via 7th round stoppage over Anthony Yigit on October 27, 2018.

The 27 year-old is coming off a 4th round stoppage over tough New Yorker Gabriel Bracero in four-rounds on October 5, 2019 at Madison Square Garden.

Baranchyk is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Zepeda has a record of 32-2 with 25 knockouts, and has won two straight, which includes a win over former two-division world champion Jose Pedraza. The 31 year-old Zepeda’s only two blemishes have come in world title bouts to Jose Ramirez and Terry Flanagan. The La Puente, California native is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Kendo Casteneda on July 7th,

At Friday’s weigh-in, Baranchyk was 139.6 lbs, while Zepeda was 139.9 lbs

Also, seeing action will be highly decorated amateur Haven Brady Jr.

The 18 year-old Brady will be making his pro debut in a four-round featherweight fight against Gorwar Karyah

Brady, is from Albany, Georgia, and was the 2019, Jr. National Olympic Gold Medal winner at 132 pounds. His amateur career saw him go 65-10 with 30 knockouts. Besides winning the Jr. Nationals, Brady won the 2019 Eastern Qualifiers and 2019 Jr. National PAL.

He has a very exciting style, who likes to throw a lot of power shots.

Karyah of Philadelphia is 2-1 with both wins coming by knockout.

Brady is promoted by Top Rank.

Brady weighed in at 125.9 lbs. Karyah was 124 lbs.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS ARENA
 
19:07 RING WALK

10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Title 
LINUS UDOFIA 11st 2lbs 5oz v JOHN HARDING JR 11st 2lbs 2oz
(Luton)                                        (Brixton)

Followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest 
JOHN HEDGES 11st 13lbs 5oz  v JAN ARDON 11st 11lbs 0oz
(Takeley)                                         (Manchester)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
AQIB FIAZ 9st 5lbs 3oz v KANE BAKER 9st 4lbs 13oz
(Oldham)                            (Birmingham)

followed by

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest 
ALEN BABIC 14st 3lbs 4oz v NIALL KENNEDY 15st 9lbs 8oz
(Croatia)                                   (Ireland)

followed by

21:30 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS MAIN EVENT

10 x 2 mins vacant WBC Super-Lightweight World Title
CHANTELLE CAMERON 9st 11lbs 11oz  v ADRIANA ARAUJO 10st 5lbs 11oz
(Northampton)                                               (Brazil)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title
JOSHUA BUATSI 12st 4lbs 5oz v MARKO CALIC 12st 4lbs 12oz
(Croydon)                                      (Croatia)

Joshua Buatsi – Croydon, England – 12-0, 10 KOs – defending his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title against Marko Calic:

“It has been 400 days and counting, so I’m glad to be back. I’ve got a good opponent and I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to box on Sunday. Staying around family and loved ones has helped me through this difficult year. There’s a lot of negative stuff that has happened this year but for me it’s about looking on the positive side of things. 

“I’m 27-years-old and I’ve still got years ahead of me. I’m just waiting, and an opportunity is here on Sunday. That’s all I’m thinking about right now. I’m fixed on it. What I like to do is surpass expectations. Things have happened that have stalled things. On Sunday it’s all about winning. I’d like to get out again before the end of the year.  

“He’s unbeaten, he’s hungry, he wants to fight, he wants to win. I’ve got the same attitude and in those ropes I know I’m a totally different person. Right now I’m cool, I’m calm, polite. We can talk and everything, but in that ring, I know what time it is.”Marko Calic – Croatia – 11-0, 6 KOs – challenging Joshua Buatsi the WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title:

“I am ready. This is like a dream come true for me. I have prepared very well. I have trained in boxing for more than 12 years. This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready for it. My style is hit and not get hit, but we’ll see. I’m ready for anything. All of us have weaknesses. Like I have weakness and he also has weakness. We’ll find out on Sunday.

“He’s my biggest, toughest test right now in my career, but I study him, I know him since [being an] amateur, so I know he’s a very good boxer and I’ll do my best and try to win. I’m ready.”Chantelle Cameron – Northampton, England – 12-0, 7 KOs – fighting Adriana Dos Santos Araujo for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight World Title:

“I think it’s perfect timing for me. I joined Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis last year and became Mandatory in two weights, and now it’s the right time to get a World Title shot. 

“It’s a massive buzz in the gym, and it’s a fun gym to be a part of. You’ll see a little bit of everything from me on Sunday. I will box, be aggressive, stand there and fight, and be smart too.

“During Fight Camp the women were flying the flag, and now I’m ready to carry that on and become world champion. She’s a tough opponent and I give her credit. I’m not underestimating her, but she doesn’t beat me, it’s as simple as that. 

“It will mean everything to me to become World Champion and be a dream come true. I’ll focus on Sunday and then look beyond that.”Adriana Dos Santos Araujo – Brazil – 6-0, 1 KO – challenging Chantelle Cameron for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight World Title:

“It’s an honour to be here again. I was here in 2012 for the Olympics and had a big party after winning the bronze medal, and now I’ll bring the World Title back to Brazil and have another party.

”I have a lot of experience as an amateur with more than 300 fights, I beat great fighters as an amateur so I believe that my experience will show. My nickname is ‘The Pitbull’, and I’m looking for blood on Sunday.”

Alen Babic – Zagreb, Croatia – 4-0, 4 KOs – fighting Niall Kennedy in an eight round Heavyweight contest:

“I have a lot of Irish fans. A lot of them messaged me: ‘Please, be good to Niall, he’s a good man’. I see that and it’s going to be hard to activate ‘The Savage,’ he’s such a nice man. I don’t want to hurt him, but I will do that in the ring, I will have to do it.

“But I’m not going to say nothing bad about him now, because I do respect him and I have a lot of respect for boxing. I don’t see him beating me, honestly. I think he’s [an] average boxer at best. It’s just my opinion. He could be much better than that. I’m going to do everything the fans want from me.”

Niall Kennedy – Gorey, Ireland – 13-1-1, 8 KOs – fighting Alen Babic in an eight round Heavyweight contest:

“Look, I’m coming over here to win and when I beat Alen, I move on and it will be seen by loads of people because of this man. It will be interesting, it will be fun. I’m not going to have to send a search team, to be fair to him. I’m not going to have to look for you. He won’t have to look for me. It will be exciting.”

Aqib Fiaz – Oldham, England – 5-0 – fighting Kane Baker in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“It was disappointing and horrible for me at the time but it is what it is. I’m a big believer in God having a bigger plan. This was his plan and we’re here now. The fight is on Sunday and it will be an exciting fight for the fans. I’m looking forward to it. Within ten days or so I was back in the gym.

“I’ve been fighting my whole life. Everyone thinks I’ve had it easy because I’m now signed by Matchroom and trained by Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, but I’ve not had it easy. We’ve had ups and downs. I’ve been fighting my whole life and I’m ready.

“We’ve had a lot of time to work on things during lockdown, things like my timing and pacing the rounds. This fight has come at the perfect time for me. I’m more suited to higher rounds and I’m more than ready to fight over eight rounds.”

Kane Baker – Birmingham, England – 13-6 – fighting Aqib Fiaz in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“I’ve stopped looking back. I’m just looking forward now. This is real again. I’m excited again. I’m as solid as I was the first time. I’m more prepared than I was the first time. I’m just ready to go. I’m excited to watch myself and see how I perform.

“This would be a massive win for me. I rate him highly. He’s a talented young prospect and I respect him for that, but it’s going to be a different part of the sport that he hasn’t seen yet and we’ll see if he’s up for the challenge. It’s his first step up.”

John Hedges – Takeley, England – making his professional debut in a four round Super-Middleweight contest with Jan Ardon:

“I’m only 18 but I’ve worked my whole life for a moment like this. I’m going to grab it with both hands. In the amateurs I had 44 fights and 40 wins. I won seven International Titles and four Nationals. I went all over in the amateurs and travelled the world. I represented England numerous times. Now I’m here on the pro stage.

“The opportunity came to turn pro and I couldn’t let it slip. Mentally I’ve been ready for this since I started boxing. It has always been my dream. It has come a little bit earlier than I thought. My last win was the ABA Finals. I’m coming off a great win and I can’t wait to get started.”

Jan Ardon – Manchester, England – 2-4 – fighting John Hedges in a four round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I came to this country because of boxing. It is very popular in this country. I am very settled in Manchester, I like the city. On Sunday I’m going to put on a drama show. I’m ready for it and I’m confident. John is a good fighter and experienced in the amateurs. I think it is going to be a good fight. I’m ready.”

Linus Udofia – Luton, England – 15-0, 7 KOs – defending his English Middleweight Title against John Harding Jr:

“I can’t see this going any other way than me staying an undefeated champion. I’m really confident. I’ve been here before. I’ve been at this level for a while now. I feel like it’s time to showcase that, and what an opportunity to be on Sky Sports to show that.

“I feel like I can adapt to whatever is in front of me. If I need to box I can box, if I need to fight I can fight. I’ve seen John fight before. I’ve shared rounds with him sparring. I know what he’s about. I’m expecting the best John Harding because he’s been with top trainers. 

“I didn’t really think I was going to get another opportunity to compete this year and defend my title. To be on a platform like this is absolutely fantastic. I’m going to take it with both hands. I’m just really happy to be here and have the opportunity to showcase my skills on Sunday.”

John Harding Jr – Brixton, England – 8-1-1, 2 KOs – challenging Linus Udofia for the English Middleweight Title:

“I bring war! I don’t fear him at all. I’m going to take that title away from him this Sunday. My heart separates us. He ain’t got heart like me. He ain’t fearsome like me. He hasn’t been through what I’ve been through. He might have more experience than me in the ring, but there’s things that have happened outside of the ring that have given me so much experience. 

“My heart is too big. I’m not going to back down. I’m a real champion. I know there’s going to be an opportunity for me to land, and when I do land cleanly, he’ll go down. I visualise myself stopping him and the ref waving it off.”

Live boxing will make its long-awaited return to Italy on Friday October 23 with a stacked show at the Allianz Cloud in Milan behind closed doors, almost a year on from the last Matchroom Boxing Italy and OPI Since 82 promoted show in the country, with all of the action shown exclusively on DAZN.
 
Main event on huge evening of boxing sees Florence’s Fabio Turchi (17-1, 13 KOs) attempt to bounce back from a first career defeat last time out in Trento as he takes on Latvia’s Nikolajs Grisunins (12-1-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Cruiserweight Title.
 
‘Stone Crusher’ was building strong momentum in his homeland with impressive knockout wins over Tony Conquest and Sami Enbom, both live on DAZN, before he suffered a first loss at the hands of Tommy McCarthy in October last year, surrendering his WBC International Title in the process. 
 
The 27-year-old southpaw is eager to put that loss behind him and resume his push towards a World Title shot, knowing that a win over fellow southpaw Grisunins will help maintain his reputation as one of the rising stars of Italian boxing. 
 
In an exciting co-main event feature, the undefeated Maxim Prodan (18-0-1, 14 KOs) puts his IBF International Welterweight Title on the line against Ferrara’s Nicola Cristofori (12-2-2, 1 KO) and former WBO Global Welterweight Champion Dario Morello (15-1, 2 KOs) meets former WBC Silver Champion Andrea Scarpa (24-6, 11 KOs) over ten rounds, with the winner of each contest facing each other at a later date. 
 
Some of the best up and coming prospects in the country return to action as former WBC International Silver Featherweight Champion Francesco Grandelli (13-1-1, 2 KOs) looks to build on his win over former Commonwealth Champion Reece Bellotti, Verbania’s undefeated Super-Middleweight talent Ivan Zucco (11-0, 9 KOs) fights over six rounds, Roma’s Super-Welterweight talent Mirko ‘Terminator’ Natalizi (7-0, 4 KOs) resumes his exciting career and Novarah Super-Welterweight Samuel Nmomah (13-0, 4 KOs) looks to protect his unbeaten record.
 
“After what will be nearly a year of no events in Italy due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, I’m delighted that we are returning on October 23 with our partners at OPI Since 82,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We were building great momentum with packed out shows since our launch event in November 2018, and I can’t wait to welcome fans back into the arena when it is safe to do so. Watch all of the action live and on demand on DAZN!”
 
“After these difficult and unprecedented times, we are glad to bring back Italian boxing live on DAZN,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “We are looking forward to watching Fabio Turchi back in a championship fight as he looks to resume his climb up the Cruiserweight rankings. The Welterweight tournament between Prodan, Cristofori, Morello and Scarpa will provide fireworks, and it is always good to see an undercard featuring some of the best Italian prospects. Don’t miss it live and on demand on DAZN!”

Takeley Super-Middleweight giant John Hedges isn’t short on confidence ahead of his keenly anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Joshua Buatsi vs. Marko Calic on Sunday October 4, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The elusive 6’ 5” southpaw, recently signed to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, meets Jan Ardon over four rounds on his introduction to the paid ranks following a glittering spell in the amateurs in which he won four National Titles and seven International Titles, amassing an impressive 40 wins from 44 fights. 

Known as ‘Gentleman John’, the gifted 18-year-old prospect fights out of the Hoddesdon Boxing Academy in Hertfordshire under the guidance of his trainer Sab Leo, and now finds himself part of a Matchroom stable that boasts two undefeated 168lbs World Champions in Callum Smith and Billy Joe Saunders.

Essex native Hedges, also guided by Sam Jones of S-JAM Boxing, believes his flashy style is well-suited to the pro game and will help establish him as a fan favourite as he looks to become the latest traveller to make a name for themselves in the squared circle. 

“It’s a big ‘un isn’t it!” said Hedges. “My first fight live on Sky Sports on a massive undercard, what more could you ask for? This is where I want to be, and I’ll start as I mean to go on. This is a big show and I hope it brings big things for me. 

“I’m buzzing with everything at the moment. Seeing all of the publicity around my signing and my debut is amazing. I’ve got a great following and I’m loving every minute of it. I’ve been in the gym every day training hard so roll on October 4, we’re ready to go.

“Naturally you feel a bit of pressure. Being this young it’s all new to me. Any young fighter will say it’s natural pressure from being put on the big stage live on Sky Sports. I’m getting put in at the deep end and I think I’ll shine brighter because of it.

“Some people crumble under pressure but I believe this is the best way I could have gone about things, going straight in at the deep end and into the limelight. I want to be the best prospect in Britain. That’s my main aim for now.

“I honestly believe that I will become a World Champion one day. I will get to that level. I’m not in a rush. I’ve got to prove myself, and October 4 is the first step of my mission. I’m going to take things step-by-step. When the opportunities present themselves, I’m going to take them as quickly as I can.”

Hedges vs. Ardon is part of a big night of action topped by Croydon’s rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) defending his WBA International Title against undefeated Croat Marko Calic (11-0, 6 KOs), Chantelle Cameron (12-0, 7 KOs) land a World Title shot in her very first bout as a Matchroom fighter as she takes on Brazil’s Adriana Dos Santos Araujo (6-0, 1 KO) for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight crown, ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (4-0, 4 KOs) returns to the UK looking to impress again as he locks horns with Irishman Niall Kennedy (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round Heavyweight contest, Luton’s Linus Udofia (15-0, 7 KOs) puts his English Middleweight Title on the line for the first time against Dillian Whyte-backed Brixton man John Harding Jr (8-1-1, 2 KOs) and Aqib Fiaz (5-0) and Kane Baker (13-6) look to settle the score after their Fight Camp disappointment.

Joshua Buatsi says there is no chance of him underestimating former Croatian amateur standout and current undefeated professional Marko Calic ahead of their ten round clash for the WBA International Light-Heavyweight crown this Sunday October 4, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) hasn’t fought since he became the first man to stop Canada’s Ryan Ford on the Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Luke Campbell show at The O2 in London last August, and the Anthony Joshua-backed talent will be looking to make up for lost time following over a year out of the ring. 

Standing in his way of huge fights with the likes on London rival Anthony Yarde and Matchroom stable mate Callum Johnson is Calic, the 6′ 3″ former Heavyweight amateur who is promising to seize his golden opportunity on the big stage, with no intention of serving as a mere stepping stone for rising star Buatsi.

“Marko Calic is a solid opponent who will be coming to win,” said Buatsi. “He’s very experienced in the amateur scene and was around on the circuit years before me. He boxed in the 91kg category as an amateur, I always fought at 81kg. He’s represented his country in a lot of tournaments, Europeans, World Championships and the World Series of Boxing.

“This is a well-established amateur. As a pro he is undefeated with a record of 11-0. That’s all I need to know about him. He had loads of WSB fights so he knows what he is doing. He knows how to handle himself. It’s my job to go in there and to come out on top, which I’m very confident of doing. I’m doing everything that I can to make sure that I remain unbeaten on October 4^th. 

“He’ll be game and he’ll try it but that’s what I’m expecting, so I’ll be there too. If the opportunity for a knockout comes, as always, I’ll take it. The aim is to go out there and box, get some rounds in. I wouldn’t shy away from saying if I hurt someone within the first couple of rounds, I’m there to close the show. The overall aim is to win. That’s where my mind set is at. On October 4^th that’s what I’m getting in there to do.” 

Buatsi vs. Calic tops a big night of action that sees Chantelle Cameron (12-0, 7 KOs) land a World Title shot in her very first bout as a Matchroom fighter as she takes on Brazil’s Adriana Dos Santos Araujo (6-0, 1 KO) for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight crown, ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (4-0, 4 KOs) returns to the UK looking to impress again as he locks horns with Irishman Niall Kennedy (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round Heavyweight contest, Luton’s Linus Udofia (15-0, 7 KOs) puts his English Middleweight Title on the line for the first time against Dillian Whyte-backed Brixton man John Harding Jr (8-1-1, 2 KOs), Aqib Fiaz (5-0) and Kane Baker (13-6) look to settle the score after their Fight Camp disappointment and recent Matchroom signing John Hedges makes his pro debut at Super-Middleweight against Jan Ardon (2-4)

Linus Udofia insists that all of the pressure is on John Harding Jr ahead of their ten round battle for the English Middleweight crown on the Buatsi vs. Calic undercard this Sunday October 4, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Luton’s Udofia (15-0, 7 KOs) won the English Title, his first major belt, with a majority decision against Tyler Denny at York Hall in November last year, and the 27-year-old is in a supremely confident mood ahead of what will be his first defence against Brixton’s Harding Jr. 

Undefeated in 15 fights, the Steve Goodwin-managed talent, trained by Terry Steward at the J.E.T Boxing and Fitness Centre in Epping, believes his class will show against the Dillian Whyte-backed 36-year-old, who fell short in an attempt for the English Title against Jack Cullen back in August 2019.

“This is a fight where I get to showcase how good I am and why I’m a champion at this weight,” said Udofia. “I’ll show what level I’m at and then move on to bigger and better things. Right now, I’ve got to defend this Title first, and this is a massive opportunity for me. You can’t get a bigger platform than this and I’m going to grab it with both hands. 

“I don’t feel any pressure. I’ve won this belt, I’ve got to defend it, and I’ve got to show everyone why I won this belt. John competed for the belt before and he wasn’t successful. All of the pressure is on him to come and get it the second time. I’m all good, I’m the champion, and I’ve got to show everyone why I’m the champion.

“I understand that everyone has got to hype themselves up in a certain way. It’s always good to see ‘Pester Superstar’ pop up and say something crazy. I look at it, have a laugh with my mates and get back to focusing on me. It’s good to see that he’s watching me all of the time. 

“We had a couple of spars; he was with Leon McKenzie and I don’t really even remember what happened. He can have 2-0 in sparring if he wants, I’ll take the win in the actual fight. He can have sparring, I don’t care. By beating him I just want to show that he’s not on the same level as me. I’m a champion and he isn’t. I want to show that and move on from there.”

Udofia vs. Harding Jr is part of a big night of action that sees Croydon’s rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) defend his WBA International Title against undefeated Croat Marko Calic (11-0, 6 KOs), Chantelle Cameron (12-0, 7 KOs) lands a World Title shot in her very first bout as a Matchroom fighter as she takes on Brazil’s Adriana Dos Santos Araujo (6-0, 1 KO) for the vacant WBC Super-Lightweight crown, ‘The Savage’ Alen Babic (4-0, 4 KOs) returns to the UK looking to impress again as he locks horns with Irishman Niall Kennedy (13-1-1, 8 KOs) in an eight round Heavyweight contest,  Aqib Fiaz (5-0) and Kane Baker (13-6) look to settle the score after their Fight Camp disappointment and recent Matchroom signing John Hedges make his pro debut at Super-Middleweight. 

NEW YORK (October 2, 2020) – Boxing’s premiere management company, Split-T Management will again be the busiest group in the month of October as 11 of it’s top performers will see action in high profile bouts over the biggest platforms in the sport.

On October 2nd, prized junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario
(1-0) of Caguas, Puerto Rico looks for win number-two against Matt Gavers in Kissimme, Florida on a card that will televised live on Telemundo.

On October 3, former IBF Junior Welterweight world champion Ivan Baranchyk
(20-1, 13 KOs) looks to get right back in title contention as he takes on Jose Zepeda (32-2, 25 KO’s) in a bout that will headline an ESPN+ card in Las Vegas.

Also on that card will be the much anticipated pro debut of star amateur featherweight
Haven Brady Jr. of Albany, Georgia. Brady will take on Gorwar Karyah (2-1, 2 KOs) in four round bout.

On October 7th, Split-T Management fighters will be featured prominently on a ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME as former U.S. Olympian and undefeated junior middleweight, Charles Conwell (12-0, 9 KOs) headlines a card against fellow undefeated Wendy Toussaint (12-0, 5 KOs) at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Also featured will be Conwell’s brother Isaiah Steen (14-0, 11 KOs) in a super middleweight fight; Undefeated welterweight Janelson Bocachica (15-0, 10 KOs) taking on Nicklaus Flaz (9-1, 7 KOs). That night will also see the pro debut of highly acclaimed featherweight David Navarro.

On October 9th, super welterweight Kahshad Elliott makes his pro debut in Las Vegas and live on ESPN+

On October 17th, In what many are calling the most anticipated fight of the the year, undefeated IBF Lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12KOs) takes on WBA/WBO world champion Vasilly Loamachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) in a mouth watering bout from Las Vegas and will be televised live on ESPN.

Finally on October 23rd, two of Split-T Management’s emerging prospects in super middleweight Diego Pacheco (9-0, 7 KOs) and junior lightweight Otha Jones III
(5-0, 2 KOs) will see action on a DAZN streamed card in Mexico City,

NEW YORK – October 2, 2020 – Three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will square off in a Halloween thriller for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships live on 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 four-fight pay-per-view card will be the first major boxing event with fans in attendance since COVID-19 forced a halt to U.S. sports in March.

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 highly anticipated main event will be contested at 130-pounds and will be fought for both Santa Cruz’s 130-pound title and Davis’ 135-pound title, which they each won in their previous fight. Two crowd favorites with massive followings, Davis vs. Santa Cruz is an all-action style matchup, with Davis owning a .957 knockout rate, while Santa Cruz is long established as one of the busiest punchers and best pressure fighters in the sport.

Davis vs. Santa Cruz will be a 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.

“I’m looking forward to showing the world how hard I’ve been working in camp,” said Davis. “We are just a few weeks away, and I’m already in great shape. Headlining on pay-per-view has always been a dream of mine since I started boxing. I can’t wait to put on a spectacular performance against multiple division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Thank you to my team, SHOWTIME, Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions, and all my fans worldwide. Keep supporting me and I’ll fight for you.”

“October 31 is going to be the biggest fight of my career,” said Santa Cruz. “I’m going to fight a very tough opponent, maybe the toughest opponent of my career. Two titles are going to be on the line, and this will be my first time headlining a pay-per-view. So I’m going to do everything that I can to put on a good show. Davis is known for his power. But I think with my experience and ring IQ I can break him down. He’s probably going to be very aggressive in the early rounds. But if I do what I’m supposed to, and execute our game plan, I will win.’’

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club.

“This fight between Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz is such a great fight that we had to have it with fans, which will be a first for a major boxing event since COVID-19 started,” said Floyd Mayweather, President of Mayweather Promotions and a 12-time, five-division world champion. “Tank’ Davis is a special talent, a super skilled fighter and I have been in the gym regularly to watch and help him prepare for a tough opponent in Santa Cruz, who we all know always comes in shape and ready to fight. It’s going to be a great night for Mayweather Promotions, for boxing and for sports. The best fighting the best is all we can ask for.” 

“We continue with the tradition of offering boxing fans the best matchups in the hottest divisions, pitting the best versus the best,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Tank Davis facing Leo Santa Cruz is one of the most exciting matchups of the year. You have a young, hungry star with devastating power in Davis and an experienced and absolutely relentless four-division champ looking to conquer a title in a fifth division. This is the type of matchup boxing fans have waited the entire year to watch. Two superstars in their toughest matchup to date battling for titles in two weight divisions at the same time.”

“Gervonta Davis is the most exciting fighter in the sport, and he’s set to headline his first pay-per-view card and set the world on fire,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He’s up against an experienced, four-division world champion in Leo Santa Cruz, who is looking to take him down and hand him his first L on October 31.”

“Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz is one of the best matchups that can be made in boxing, with each fighter in position to score a career-defining victory,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We’re excited to bring a historic showdown with world titles in two weight classes on the line to fans at the Alamodome. Davis vs. Santa Cruz presents a fascinating clash of styles, with Santa Cruz’s relentless pressure against Davis’ fight-changing power. Adding in three high-stakes undercard attractions, this pay-per-view is lined up to present drama in the ring from start to finish.” 

Tickets will go on sale Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. This is the first major boxing event with fans in attendance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in March. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the virus. 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.

“The Alamodome is excited to host the Davis vs. Santa Cruz SHOWTIME PPV event and to bring these athletes to San Antonio,” said Steve Zito, General Manager, Alamodome. “Not only is this a great platform for these athletes and their fans, but the event will also spotlight San Antonio through nationally televised matches and generate economic impact for our community during these challenging times.”

Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) burst onto the scene with an explosive knockout victory over Jose Pedraza to win the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title in a star-making performance on SHOWTIME^® in January 2017. At the time, he became the youngest world champion in boxing at age 22. In the ring, Davis blends controlled aggression with blazing hand and foot speed, eye-catching power and sublime boxing skills. The dynamic combination of skills has made Davis a fan-favorite who filled arenas in Atlanta, Ga., and his hometown of Baltimore, Md., last year. 

The 25-year-old began his 2019 with a knockout of Hugo Ruiz in February, before scoring a second-round stoppage of Ricardo Núñez in his homecoming fight in July. Davis closed out the year by capturing his lightweight title via 12^th round TKO of former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in December. Davis also owns a title-winning performance in which he dominated former champion Jesus Cuellar to capture the WBA 130-pound belt in 2018. Under the guidance of Mayweather Promotions, Davis will look to further improve his impressive portfolio with another title-winning performance in his first pay-per-view main event.

Fighting out of Los Angeles, Santa Cruz (37-1-1, 19 KOs) made his debut at super featherweight last November by defeating Miguel Flores to capture the WBA title. Santa Cruz has made his name in the sport by engaging in numerous Fight of the Year contenders, including two thrilling featherweight title duels against four-time champion Abner Mares and two-division champion Carl Frampton each. He lost his featherweight title in his first match against Frampton in 2016, but reclaimed it in their rematch the following year.

The 32-year-old has competed in title bouts in 17 of his last 19 fights, while picking up belts at 118, 122, 126 and 130-pounds. The 130-pound title made Santa Cruz just the fifth fighter of Mexican descent to win titles in four weight classes, joining Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Jorge Arce and Mikey Garcia. Santa Cruz was introduced to the sport and trained throughout his career by his father Jose, along with his brothers Jose Armando, a former lightweight contender, and Antonio. Santa Cruz will look to become a five-division champion in his first pay-per-view headliner.

The 25-year-old Barrios (25-0, 16 KOs) will be making the first defense of his world title in his hometown of San Antonio. Barrios captured his 140-pound title in his last fight in September 2019, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision over then-unbeaten Batyr Akhmedov, dropping him twice and fighting through a cut suffered on a head butt. Barrios trains in Oakland, Calif. under the guidance of renowned coach Virgil Hunter. The five-foot ten-inch Barrios debuted as a super bantamweight in 2013, eventually moving up to 140-pounds full time in 2017 where he is 8-0 with seven knockouts.

“The long layoff is finally over and fans can expect to see me go to war with Ryan Karl, who I know is coming to bring an aggressive fight to the table,” said Barrios. “I’ve stayed in great shape during this past year, so now it’s time for me to keep giving boxing fans exciting fights. I’ll be representing my city of San Antonio and as always, everyone can expect to see me as explosive as ever. On October 31, all the fans watching on pay-per-view will watch me make a statement as I defend my title.”

Born in Milano, Texas and now trained in Houston under the tutelage of top trainer Ronnie Shields, Karl (18-2, 11 KOs) will step in for his first title opportunity on October 31. The 28-year-old enters this fight on a three-bout winning streak, with all three wins coming in 2019, including a knockout of Kevin Watts to avenge one of his losses in an immediate rematch. Karl also owns victories over Kareem Martin and then-unbeaten Jose Felix Quezada during his pro career that dates back to 2014.

“I’ve been training for this my whole life and I’m not going to let it slip away,” said Karl. “We’re working hard in training camp to put on the best performance of my career. We know what we’re up against in Mario Barrios, but I’ve come too far not to take full advantage of this opportunity on October 31.”

A staple of the 140-pound elite, Prograis (24-1, 20 KOs) returns to the ring after losing his title in an exciting unification clash via majority decision last October against Josh Taylor. The 31-year-old won his title by defeating Kiryl Relikh by TKO in April 2019 and has also earned stoppage victories over former unified champion Julius Indongo, and then-unbeaten contenders Joel Diaz Jr. and Juan Jose Velasco. Prograis was born in New Orleans but lives and fights out of Houston.

“This is a huge fight and I’m very thankful to PBC for giving me this opportunity,” said Prograis. “I haven’t fought in a year and since then I’ve done a lot of self-reflection and moved from L.A. back to Texas. I’m more focused than I’ve ever been and I can’t wait to get back to my number one spot in the super lightweight division. I have to be a world champion again and I won’t stop until that happens.”

The 30-year-old Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) can vault himself into the top tier of 140-pound contenders with a career-best victory over Prograis on October 31. Born in Northridge, Cal. and training out of the Mayweather Promotions gym in Las Vegas, Heraldez most recently fought to a majority draw last May against former champion Argenis Mendez. Heraldez’s pro career has also seen him score victories over previously unbeaten Jose Miguel Borrego and tough contender Eddie Ramirez.

“It’s been a crazy year, but I took this opportunity to spend time with my family and sharpen my skills inside the ring,” said Heraldez. “There’s been a lot of great sparring happening at the Mayweather Boxing Club that I’ve taken advantage of. I have a tough opponent in front of me, and that’s my only focus right now. I trust in my ability as a fighter and I trust my team to get me over the finish line with a victory on October 31. I’m thankful to Mayweather Promotions for putting me on such a large platform for this fight.”

Fighting out of his native Mexico City, Mexico, Cruz (19-1-1, 14 KOs) is unbeaten in his last 15 fights since dropping his sixth pro fight by decision. The 22-year-old knocked out 10-of-13 opponents between 2016 and 2018, before making his U.S. debut in December 2019. That contest saw Cruz earn a unanimous decision over Miguel Perez, which he followed up in February of this year by defeating Thomas Mattice by decision on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“Since I started boxing, it has been my dream to fight on this stage in the United States,” said Cruz. “I know that Diego Magdaleno is a very tough and experienced fighter, but it’s my time on October 31. The fans will see that I have what it takes to be world champion when I beat Magdaleno and announce myself as one of the best lightweights in the world.”

Magdaleno (32-3, 13 KOs) enters this fight coming off of an impressive victory over contender Austin Dulay in February that saw him drop Dulay on his way to a unanimous decision. The 33-year-old has challenged Roman Martinez for a 130-pound title and Terry Flanagan for a lightweight crown, while also battling lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez in February 2019. A Las Vegas native, Magdaleno has won four-of-five fights entering October 31, including a 10-round decision over Artyom Hovhannisyan.

“I’ve been super eager to get back into the ring since my last performance,” said Magdaleno. “That win sparked a fire in me and got me as motivated as I’ve ever been. Now that I’m in a title eliminator, I’m even more excited to return to action. I’m facing another young lion, but he’s lacking the experience that I have. Training with Bones Adams has made a world of difference in my career. I’ve made a transition to being more composed and smarter in the ring. I’m here to make a statement and claim what’s mine. I’m never going to back down until I get that world title.”

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

•     José Zepeda 139.9 lbs vs. Ivan Baranchyk 139.6 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Gabriel Flores Jr. 131.7 lbs vs. Ryan Kielczweski 131 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•        Guido Vianello 238.7 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 276.8 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

•      Duke Ragan 126.4 lbs vs. John Moraga 127.7 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

•     Frevian Gonzalez 131.8 lbs vs. Carlos Marrero III 130.5 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight— 4 Rounds)

•    Mitchell Sipe 248.9 lbs vs. Jimmy Barnes 290.6 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Haven Brady Jr. 125.9 lbs vs. Gorwar Karyah 124 lbs 
(Featherweight— 4 Rounds)

•   JJ Mariano 144 lbs vs. Matthew Reed 149.4 lbs 
(Welterweight— 4 Rounds)
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LAS VEGAS (October 2, 2020) — Undefeated southpaw middleweight phenom Janibek Alimkhanuly is set to introduce ESPN viewers to his brand of “Qazaq Style.” Alimkhanuly will fight Argentinian contender Gonzalo Coria in a 10-rounder Friday, Oct. 9 from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center.

Alimkhanuly-Coria will serve as the co-feature to the vacant WBO featherweight world title fight between Emanuel Navarrete and Ruben Villa, and both bouts will be televised LIVE on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

Undercard action, including a 10-round lightweight showdown between Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno and Avery Sparrow, will stream live on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET. The ESPN+ stream will also see junior welterweight knockout sensation Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez against veteran spoiler Cameron Krael in an eight-rounder.

“Janibek is a future world champion, and I expect him to take advantage of the ESPN platform,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Elvis Rodriguez is a born puncher and a splendid young talent, but Krael is not an easy out. Joseph Adorno can prove a lot with an impressive showing over Avery Sparrow.”

Alimkhanuly (8-0, 4 KOs) turned pro in October 2016 after concluding a sterling amateur run for his native Kazakhstan, which included gold medals at both the Asian and World Championships in 2013 and a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He makes his 2020 debut after going 4-0 in 2019, a year in which he won the WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global belts. Alimkhanuly last fought Nov. 9 on the Jamel Herring-Lamont Roach Jr. undercard in Fresno, Calif., and he knocked out veteran Albert Onolunose in six rounds. Coria (16-3, 6 KOs) is coming off a career-best performance last June, a 12-round unanimous decision over Marcos Reyes in Reyes’ hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico.

“I’ve been out of the ring for a long time, and I’m very anxious to return,” Alimkhanuly said. “I had a great training camp with Buddy McGirt and excellent sparring partners. This is the next step as I prepare to fight for a world title in the near future. I can’t wait for Oct. 9 to show my fans ‘Qazaq Style.’”

Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) has not fought since a January draw against Hector Garcia, and he recently had his scheduled June 23 bout canceled after falling ill before the weigh-in. Adorno, who has wowed audiences with his highlight-reel knockouts, looks to regain his career momentum with an impressive showing against Sparrow (10-2, 3 KOs). A veteran of Philadelphia gym wars, Sparrow is coming off a competitive decision defeat June 25 to the unbeaten Abraham Nova. He took the Nova fight on short notice, but with a full training camp to prepare for Adorno, Sparrow hopes to graduate from prospect-tester to contender.

Rodriguez (9-0-1, 9 KOs) emerged as a “Bubble” superstar, having won three bouts by stoppage in three rounds or less. On July 2, he knocked out Danny Murray in the opening round. Nineteen days later, he stopped Dennis Okoth in the second round. In his last bout, Aug. 29 on the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol undercard, he knocked out Cody Wilson in the third round. Krael (17-16-3, 4 KOs) has four wins over previously undefeated prospects, four defeats by split or majority decision, and only one knockout loss. In 2016, he pushed Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas to the limit before losing an eight-round unanimous decision.

In other undercard bouts:

Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (8-0, 5 KOs) vs. Sonny Duversonne (11-0-2, 8 KOs)
8 Rounds, Middleweight
Simpson, a 20-year-old phenom from Baltimore, made headlines in August when he became the first American-born fighter to sign an advisory deal with MTK Global. Simpson last fought July 11 in Biloxi Miss., where he stopped Alex Sandro Duarte in 1:45. Duversonne has won 10 straight bouts since starting his career 1-0-2.

Bryan Lua (6-0, 3 KOs) vs. Nelson Colon (4-3, 3 KOs)
6 Rounds, Lightweight
Lua, from Madera, Calif., returned Sept. 19 following a layoff of more than two years and knocked out Luis Norambuena with a left hook in the second round. Colon’s only defeats have come against undefeated prospects, and on Aug. 21, he dropped a majority decision to Ofacio Falcon.

Rashiem Jefferson (2-0) vs. Steve Garagarza (2-2-1, 1 KO)
4 Rounds, Junior Featherweight
Jefferson, a 19-year-old prospect from Philadelphia, fought inside the “Bubble” on Sept. 5 and turned back Jose Martinez via four-round unanimous decision. Garagarza, from Laredo, Texas, has never been knocked out as a pro and is coming off a March decision win over Oscar Barrera.

Kahshad Elliott (Pro Debut) vs. Akeem Jackson (1-1, 1 KO)
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweight
Elliott, from Plainfield, N.J., won 10 national titles as an amateur and will turn pro at 154 pounds after attempting to qualify for the Olympics in the 165-pound division. He finished his amateur career with a reported 117-23 record.

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