Devin Haney will defend his WBC World Lightweight title against Yuriorkis Gamboa on Saturday, Nov. 7 and Daniel Jacobs will clash with Gabriel Rosado on Friday, Nov. 27, both behind closed doors and subject to strict COVID-19 protocols at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, live on DAZN.
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Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) is back in action for the first time since November 2019 after injuring his right shoulder in seeing off Alfredo Santiago in the first defense of his belt in LA. The 21-year-old sensation had successful surgery on the injury and is now ready to resume his quest to dominate a 135-lbs. scene that’s littered with big names.

First on his hit list is Gamboa (30-3, 18 KOs), the former unified World Featherweight king and Cuban hero, following his Olympic gold medal. Gamboa is aiming to become a two-weight World ruler at the third attempt having challenged Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis for their titles, but Haney is confident he will reignite his reign in style.

“Yuriokis Gamboa is a dangerous and experienced fighter,” said Haney. “He’s a former unified world champion, and he has been in the ring with some of the best. He hurt Terence Crawford with a big shot, so his power is not to be ignored. He beat Orlando Salido who beat Vasiliy Lomachenko. Less than a year ago he took Gervonta Davis into the 12th round, something no one has ever been able to do. Gamboa is a true warrior and I’m not taking him lightly. I’ve called out all the top names, and I finally got someone who will challenge me for my title. I intend on making a statement in this fight. My hunger is on another level. It’s time to show the world who the best fighter in boxing is and that’s me!” 

“I’m extremely thankful to God for allowing this fight to happen and for the miracle of healing my Achilles,” said Gamboa. “I’ve been dreaming and wishing of fighting for the WBC Green Belt ever since I was an amateur in Cuba. I’m ready and determined to win this title for my fans and to prove those who wrote me off as a washed up fighter wrong. I came up short against Davis because of my Achilles in the second round, but I fought the rest of the fight on one foot, hurting him in the middle rounds. You are going to see a healthy Gamboa fight with both of my legs, fists and warrior heart of mine. With God’s blessings I will come out victorious Nov. 7.”

Jacobs and Rosado have built up a rivalry over the last year and now that comes to a head three weeks after Haney vs. Gamboa.

Jacobs (36-3, 30 KOs) made the first steps on his target of becoming a two-weight World champion with victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Phoenix, Arizona in December. That was the “Miracle Man’s” first foray into the 168-lbs. scene after the two-time World Middleweight king moved up from 160 lbs. after his unification clash with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2019.

Rosado (25-12-1, 14 KOs) appeared on the undercard in Phoenix and clashed with Jacobs ahead of the weigh-in. The Philly ace recorded a ten round points win that night to return to winning ways following his thrilling back-and-forth battle with Maciej Sulecki on home turf in March 2019, and the 34-year-old will be out to fire himself into contention for the World title clash that Jacobs seeks.

“Gabe talked his way into this fight and now it’s time to see if he can back it up,” said Jacobs. “He’s got a big mouth and he’s been bringing up my name constantly for over a year – but on Nov. 27 the talking stops and I can’t wait to shut him up. My aim is to become a two-weight division World champion in 2021 and that starts with a big win in Florida. After that, I’m ready to step up and fight one of the World champions at 168 pounds.”

“I’m really excited for the fight,” said Rosado. “There’s been a lot of back and forth between me and Jacobs, and for the fight to finally happen, I’m more than ready. I’ve started training camp with Freddie Roach in LA at Wild Card Boxing, and I’m just looking to put on one hell of a show for the fans. I’m definitely going to bring the fight to Danny and it’s going to be great.”

Both events have stacked undercards in support of the main event. There’s a Heavyweight flavor to the Haney card with Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic (11-0, 9 KOs) facing American Rydell Booker (26-3, 13 KOs) and Chinese star Zhilei Zhang (21-0, 18 KOs) meeting another American in Devin Vargas (22-6, 9 KOs). Three young stars continue their pro journeys on the bill as Reshat Mati (7-0, 5 KOs), Raymond Ford (6-0, 2 KOs) and Arthur Biyarslanov (6-0, 5 KOs) are in action on the show – and Matchroom are delighted to announce the signing of French star Souleymane Cissokho (11-0 7 KOs) to a multi-fight deal and he’ll box on the bill, and more details on the deal for the Anthony Joshua managed Super-Welterweight will come on Monday.

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 fellow amateur rulers in Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov (9-0, 5 KOs), 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).

“I can’t wait for our U.S. return in Florida – two stacked cards with plenty riding on them,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The Lightweight division is on fire and there’s no better time for Devin to return to action and make a big statement at the Hard Rock. Although Devin may well be the next big thing, when you look at his CV, Yuriorkis is by far his toughest test to date. A few weeks later, the bad blood between Daniel and Gabe will come to a head as they clash, and the winner of that fight will find themselves in a great position for a World title shot at 168 lbs. in 2021.”

“There’s so many interesting plotlines on both undercards. The Heavyweights are in the spotlight on Nov. 7, with Filip and Zhilei, two World-class fighters that are looking to stake their claims for massive fights next year, as will Magomedrasul who fights on Nov. 27.”

“Marc was devastated that his debut was postponed but the Fresno sensation has re-focused and it’s not a bad thing to have to learn to cope with a setback like that – he’s been working so hard in training, and I think we’re going to see a spectacular debut.”

“We’re lining up a big test for Daniyar, and so many of the young stars on the cards are beginning to get to the stages in their career where they move to the next level so I am expecting two exciting nights of action in the Sunshine State.”

Hard Rock Live and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida have a rich history of hosting world-class boxing in addition to globally recognized entertainment acts like Jerry Seinfeld, Alicia Keys and Aerosmith. The venue is excited to play host to two huge nights of action in November.

Kane Baker has dispelled rumours that he is emotionally attached to Aqib Fiaz as the Super-Featherweight rivals prepare to collide in a spicy grudge match on the Joshua Buatsi vs. Marko Calic undercard on Sunday October 4, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Baker (13-6) was left bitterly disappointed after his golden opportunity on the big stage was ripped away from him at the last moment when Matchroom new boy Fiaz was pulled from their eight-round contest on the eve of the fight, with the 21-year-old’s team deeming him unfit to box. 

“It was an emotional week for me really,” said Baker. “My older brothers were on the phone to me while I was in the bubble. I had to say my goodbyes to their dad before he had his life support machine turned off which was weird, hard and very upsetting for me. He was looking forward to watching my fight. 

“There’s been a lot going around about me being emotional and emotionally attached to Fiaz. I was more emotionally attached to fighting in Eddie’s garden. I also had emotions in my personal life. I had a little rant after the fight was pulled and I don’t know how that came across because I was a bit emotional.

“I thought to myself, ‘shit, I hope I haven’t let myself down by being a bit emotional, upset and angry’. I had a bit of a rant at him which was all just in the heat of the moment. When Jamie Moore said I was emotionally attached to the Aqib Fiaz fight, he was wrong,  it was 100% was nothing to do with Fiaz.

“Fiaz has got the chance to come again, but I’ll tell you now, if I wasn’t well and I pulled out of the fight, I wouldn’t be sat here today getting my chance again. That’s a fact. I’ve had a lot of people message me, there’s more support for me out there now after what happened. 

“I’ve heard that he did a lot of that kind of thing in the amateurs, missing weight. He had things his own way in the amateurs and if he wasn’t ready to fight then the fights got pulled. He’s known for it. This is what I’ve been told. I know in my heart of hearts what I believe.”

Former Midlands Area Lightweight Champion Baker, trained by Paul Mann at the BCB Gym, is even more fired up following his Fight Camp heartache, and the 30-year-old is promising to inflict a first career defeat on Oldham prospect Fiaz.

“I’m absolutely buzzing it’s back on. Matchroom and Eddie Hearn stuck to their word. It was a hard wait waiting for the new date but they stuck to their word and I’m back out again. I’m in the same position, but there’s much more interest in the fight this time.

“I’m ready to go straight away. We know the tactics and the plan. It could all go out of the window, and I could just go back to all I know which is having a good tear up! Either way, this fight is going to get 110% of me. 

“I’m going to leave everything in that ring. I know the job at hand. I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I know what I’ve got to do. I know my strengths, and I’m going to show them on Sunday. That should be enough. Aqib, please turn up mate!”

Fiaz vs. Baker 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, 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 recent Matchroom signing John Hedges make his pro debut at Super-Middleweight. 

October 2, 2020 (New York, NY)

WENDY “THE HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (12-0 5KO’s) is preparing for his third bout of ‘covid19 crazed’ 2020 when he faces undefeated heralded prospect CHARLES “BAD NEWS” CONWELL (12-0 9KO’S) on Wednesday, October 7 in a 10-round super welterweight main event on Shobox.

Toussaint currently resides in Huntington, NY, training out of Academy of Boxing. The 28-year-old prospect is well-respected in the New York boxing scene for his work ethic, and overall boxing ability, so much so, that he was tapped as the lead sparring partner for Long Island’s “Common Man” and Star Boxing stablemate, JOE “The Beast” SMITH JR. (26-3 21KO’s) ahead of his demolition of Elieder “Storm” Alvarez in their WBO World Title Eliminator back in August.

Toussaint took on Jermaine Corley on February 28 at “Rockin’ Fights” 38 where he wasted no time digging to the body with a vicious left hand that sent Corley to the canvas early in the second round. In August, on the undercard of the Smith Jr-Alvarez WBO Title Eliminator, Toussaint took on Isiah Jones at The Bubble in Las Vegas, where he dominated to a wide unanimous decision. Turning to October 7, a victory would catapult Toussaint into the upper level of a hot super welterweight division.

Toussaint was born in Haiti and later moved to French Guiana where he first laced up a pair of boxing gloves. “My cousin asked me if I wanted to train, so I thought we were going to work out” said Toussaint. “When we showed up at the gym, it turned out she meant train at a boxing gym.” Toussaint found success in the sweet science, fighting for a local team in French Guiana winning local titles. Finally, Toussaint’s mother made the call to move his family to the United States for better opportunities and quality of life.

Outside of the ring Toussaint is a school bus driver for the Deer Park School district. When he is not training, or driving his route, Toussaint is also a volunteer firefighter. Work ethic isn’t a choice for Wendy, it’s a lifestyle, “I always want to keep my mind busy, I always want to keep working no matter if it is in the gym, or outside of the gym.”

Toussaint turned professional in 2013 on Star Boxing’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount (Long Island, NY), and has not looked back. He has continued to improve and has told his promoter, Joe DeGuardia, that he is ready to fight the best prospects in the game and wants to be in with top competition. After 12 consecutive victories, 5 of the last 7 coming by way of knockout, Toussaint has been getting those opportunities with the biggest challenge coming on October 7th. Toussaint knows the opportunity, and challenge that lays ahead of him next Wednesday on ShoBox in front of a national TV audience, stating: “Charles Conwell is a great, great fighter, but so am I. I know he is coming to fight, and that is all I know how to do. I am ready, for me it stays the same, I am bringing the Haitian Fire.”

ConwellToussaint is promoted by Tony Holden Productions in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

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.

ABOUT STAR BOXING ®:
For over a quarter century Star Boxing has consistently delivered boxing events of the highest caliber that attract loyal fans from all corners of the globe. Star Boxing has promoted events at practically every locale and on every network. From the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones trilogy to the meteoric rise of Chris Algieri and Joe Smith Jr. through the critically acclaimed Rockin’ Fights Paramount Series, Star Boxing continues to develop world rated contenders and red-hot prospects into future world champions. Founded by its Hall of Fame promoter, Joe DeGuardia, an attorney, former boxer and respected boxing leader, Star Boxing has become revered worldwide throughout the industry for its credibility, integrity, and exciting fights.

Lee Selby will take on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Derek Chisora on Saturday October 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The pair were due to meet in Selby’s native Wales at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in May before the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the event to be postponed, but the rivals now have a chance to lock horns following a spicy build-up over the past few months. 

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), a former IBF Featherweight World Champion, edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion. 

Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Sydney in Australia, defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out to announce himself as a rising star of the Lightweight division and has vowed to ‘retire’ Selby.

“I’m delighted that Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have managed to get this fight on again,” said Selby. “I’m one step away from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.

“Kambosos Jr is a hungry young fighter that I know will bring it all, but I’ve had some of my best performances against Australian boxers stopping both Corey McConnell and Joel Brunker in title fights and October 31 will be no different.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports, said: “Lee Selby’s crucial clash with George Kambosos Jr is an exciting addition to the Usyk vs Chisora bill, with more fantastic fights to follow in the coming weeks.

“The classy Welshman is one of Britain’s most skilful operators, but the dangerous Kambosos Jr will be determined to fulfil his own ambitions. Can Lee Selby produce a vintage performance to earn another world Title fight? We’ll find out on October 31st before Usyk and Chisora collide in an enthralling Heavyweight showdown!”

NEW YORK (October 2, 2020) – Split-T Management junior welterweight prospect, Omar Rosario will be back in action TONIGHT!! when he takes on Matt Gavers in Kissimmee, Florida.

Rosario is coming off an impressive pro debut when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Solon Staley on August 21st at the same Osceola Heritage Park, where Friday night’s fight will be held.

The Top Rank Promoted Rosario, 22 years-old of Caguas, PR, was the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but signed with Tim VanNewhouse with Split-T Management.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Rosario was 144 lbs.; Gavers was 146.

The show will be televised on Telemundo at Midnight Eastern Time.

Photo Credit: Damon Gonzalez / All-Star Boxing

Filip Hrgovi? (11-0, 9 KOs) will face Rydell Booker (26-3, 13 KOs) on November 7th behind closed doors at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, live on DAZN in the US and RTL in Croatia.

The Croatian heavyweight sensation known as ‘El Animal’ will fight for the second time in just three months following a spectacular second-round knockout win against Alexandre Kartozia last Saturday in Struer, Denmark.

The 2016 Olympic Bronze medallist returns to America for the second time in his paid career, having previously claimed a stunning first-round knockout victory over Gregory Corbin at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Hrgovi? will be looking to extend his four fight KO streak as he squares off against former sparring partner Booker, the Detroit-native, who pushed World title challenger Kubrat Pulev to a points decision last November in Fresno.  

“I can’t wait to go back to America to fight again,” said the 28-year-old from Zagreb. “Booker is a skilful fighter. He had a good fight with Kubrat Pulev. He went the distance and won the first few rounds. I think I can do better. I want to make a statement and finish the fight early.

“Booker was one of my sparring partners before I fought Gregory Corbin. I know him well and he knows me, so I’m looking forward to the fight. He has good skills and technique, but I will be better prepared and in better shape. I don’t think he’ll be able to handle my power and my pressure!”

Hrgovi?’s promoter Nisse Sauerland believes a busy end to 2020 will be the perfect preparation for a World title assault in 2021, as he predicts another knockout performance from the Croatian giant. 

“Filip has the style to trouble every heavyweight in division,” said Sauerland. “He has dynamite in both hands as he showed in his last fight, and I think he will demonstrate that power again against Booker. It’s important for Filip to stay busy as we’re expecting a huge 2021 for him. He’s ready for the World title.”

Zeljko Karajica, Hrgovi?’s manager, said: “After his knockout of the year against Kartozia, I’m happy to have Filip back in the ring so quickly. He is very excited to fight in America once again and we are looking forward to him putting on a show on November 7th for the US fight fans.”

Hrgovi?, who is co-promoted by Team Sauerland and Matchroom Boxing, fights as part of a huge night of boxing in Florida that features American star Devin Haney defending his WBC World Lightweight title against Yuriorkis Gamboa.

Queensberry Promotions can today announce that terms have been agreed to stage the highly anticipated Heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce behind closed doors.

The titanic tussle between the two standout British Heavies will now be staged in either late November or early December, with full details to follow shortly.

Hall-of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren was initially sceptical about running the event without fans but has decided that in light of the recent coronavirus developments it is important for both the boxers and the fans that this fight gets made.

Warren said: “Since the government let us know we couldn’t have an audience present in October I’ve worked day and night to ensure this fight still happens.

“It’s the biggest domestic Heavyweight clash in years and it’s testament to the character of both fighters that they are willing to step up and take the fight on even with all the restrictions and obstacles in their way.

“I’m delighted that Queensberry, BT Sport and the fighters were all willing to come together to make this happen and deliver big time for British boxing fans.”

Daniel Dubois (15-0, 14KO’s) and Joe Joyce (11-0, 10KO’s) are the two British Heavyweights seen as being closest to breaking through to elite level.

Future world title bouts with superstars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are seen as being within reach for the winner and Warren thinks that that’s what makes the fight so exciting.

“It really is winner-takes-all,” said Warren. “In Daniel, you have a 23-year-old lad who most in world boxing consider to be the hottest young prospect in the Heavyweight division. 

“If he can do to Joe Joyce what he’s done to the 15 men that came before him, he’ll be ready to go for a world title in my opinion.

“Joe might be a little older than Daniel, but in my books he’s every bit as exciting a prospect. He has so much more experience than Daniel, as an amateur, that I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go into the fight as many people’s favourite.

“If Joe wins, then he’ll be ready for world titles too.”

23-year-old Greenwich banger Dubois shares his promoters assessment that the winner will go on to fight for a world title, but is less willing to see the potential for a Joyce victory.

“Nothing’s changed from February when I first said I’d knock Joe out. It’s a tough fight, he’s a good fighter, but I’m looking to deliver another devastating performance and move on to fight for a world title.

“I’m just glad we can finally get it on. I know we’ve both been looking forward to it and I’m sure the British public are just as excited as we are for us to finally fight.

“Joe is going to find out just how explosive Dynamite really is.”

For his part, 35-year-old ‘Juggernaut’ is equally bullish about his chances for victory and concurs with his younger opponent’s view on what fans can expect from the scrap.

“The fight is finally on and I can’t wait to get my hands on this guy,” said Joe. Echoing Dubois’ sentiment, he added: “It’s going to be an explosive night.”

The rescheduled bout represents the final chapter in a saga that has seen previously arranged dates in April, July and now October cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Though today’s announcement is short on the usual details, Warren was adamant it was important to clear up confusion for ticket holders who had previously purchased tickets for the event.

“Of course I’d like to come out with all the venue and date details ready to go”, Warren said. “But the reality is, the situation is moving so fast we don’t have everything 100% confirmed.

“But the one thing we do have confirmed is that this fight will happen behind-closed-doors either in late November or early December. That means the event in October is cancelled and all ticket holders should get a refund from their ticket agent.”

Whilst obviously disappointed that fans can’t be present for such an attractive match-up between two of his flagship fighters, a characteristically upbeat Warren was keen to see the bright side.

“This is the most exciting prospective fight in all of boxing right now. So let’s get it on for the fans.” 

DUBOIS vs JOYCE WILL HAPPEN BEHIND CLOSED DOORS LATER THIS YEAR. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW SHORTLY.

(October 2, 2020) — In anticipation of the Oct. 17 lightweight unification showdown between WBC Franchise/WBA/WBO world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and IBF kingpin Teofimo Lopez, ESPN will debut Blood, Sweat and Tears: Lomachenko vs. Lopez, a two-part, behind-the-scenes look at the fighters’ camps.
 
Episode 1: (Sunday, Oct. 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, ESPN (re-airs on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET): A visit to the respective training camps of pound-for-pound king Lomachenko in Southern California and Lopez’s in New Jersey. The show will provide fans a peek behind the curtain of both fighters’ regimens as they prepare to battle it out in the ring.
 
Episode 2: debuts Sunday, Oct. 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN (re-airs on ESPN2 Monday, Oct 12 at 11:30 p.m. ET).
 
Sunday’s programming lineup will also include some of Lomachenko and Lopez’s classic fights and air across ESPN and ESPN2. Be sure to tune in to ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNEWS starting Oct. 4 all the way through fight night for more classic Top Rank and re-airs of recent Lomachenko and Lopez events.
 
The Lomachenko vs. Lopez telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and airs on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The 10-round junior welterweight co-main features former world title challenger Alex Saucedo against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr. In the eight-round ESPN-televised opener, super middleweight knockout sensation Edgar Berlanga tests his perfect record against veteran Lanell Bellows. Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) has won all 14 of his professional fights by first-round stoppage.  
 
Live coverage begins with undercard action streaming live on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
 
Top Rank on ESPN Schedule (All Times ET)
 

Use the hashtag #LomaLopez to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

Las Vegas – UFC^® will continue its run of shows on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with a pivotal matchup in the bantamweight division as former title challenger and No. 1 ranked Marlon Moraes battles No. 4 ranked Cory Sandhagen with a potential title shot on the line. The co-main event will see dynamic featherweights compete to climb the rankings as No. 14 Edson Barboza takes on Makwan Amirkhani.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: MORAES vs. SANDHAGEN will take place Saturday, October 10 from UFC FIGHT ISLAND on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. All bouts will be carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, beginning with the prelims at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT and followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The event is in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Moraes (23-6, fighting out of Toms River, NJ by way of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) plans to earn his second shot at the belt by landing another signature knockout. A black belt in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Moraes has proven that he is dangerous wherever the fight goes with finishes over Raphael Assuncao, Jimmie Rivera and Aljamain Sterling. Moraes now intends to become the first man to knockout Sandhagen and cement his spot at the top of the rankings.

Sandhagen (12-2, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) returns to the Octagon aiming to secure the most significant win of his young career. A professional mixed martial artist for just over five years, Sandhagen has proven himself to be among the best in the world with wins over Raphael Assuncao, John Lineker and Iuri Alcantara. He now looks to show off his ever-growing skillset and earn his first UFC title shot with a statement victory.

Highly regarded striker Barboza (20-9, fighting out of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to land another highlight-reel knockout and begin his climb towards the top of the featherweight division. One of the top Muay Thai artists in the UFC, Barboza made his name with devastating victories over Terry Etim, Evan Dunham and, most recently, Dan Hooker. He now seeks to claim his first victory at 145 pounds and prove he still has what it takes to compete with the UFC elite.

Finland’s Amirkhani (16-4, fighting out of Turku, Finland) steps up on short notice against his most dangerous opponent to date, hoping to break into the featherweight top 15 for the first time. A submission specialist with dynamic striking, Amirkhani burst on to the UFC scene with an eight-second flying knee knockout over Andy Ogle. Since then, he has notched exciting wins over Jason Knight, Chris Fishgold and Danny Henry. Amirkhani now aims to deliver his most impressive performance yet and declare himself as the next future contender for the belt.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Heavyweight veterans collide as Ben Rothwell (38-12, fighting out of Kenosha, Wis.) locks horns with Marcin Tybura (19-6, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland)
• Middleweight Markus Perez (12-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) plans to spoil the UFC debut of Dricus du Plessis (14-2, fighting out of Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa)
• In a battle of heavyweight prospects Tom Aspinall (8-2, fighting out of Liverpool, England) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Alan Baudot (8-1, fighting out of Lyon, France)
• Thomas Almeida (22-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) returns to the Octagon to take on fellow bantamweight finisher Alejandro Perez (22-8-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.)
• Featherweight Youssef Zalal (10-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) goes for his fourth win of 2020 when he meets undefeated UFC newcomer Ilia Topuria (8-0, fighting out of Alicante, Spain)

·         Tom Breese (11-2, fighting out of Birmingham, England) returns to action against undefeated UFC newcomer KB Bhullar (8-0, fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) in a middleweight scrap

• Heavyweights Chris Daukaus (9-4, fighting out of Philadelphia, Pa.) and Rodrigo Nascimento (8-0, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil) aim to hand each other their first UFC loss
• Hard hitting middleweights faceoff as Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Impa Kasanganay (8-0, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) meets Joaquin Buckley (10-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.)
• Bantamweights Ali Al-Qaisi (8-4, fighting out of Amman, Jordan) and Tony Kelley (6-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) clash to earn their first UFC victory
• Dynamic featherweight striker Giga Chikadze (10-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) looks to hand Omar Morales (10-0, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Caracas, Venezuela) his first loss
• Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Tracy Cortez(7-1, fighting out of Scottsdale, Ariz.) welcomes UFC newcomer Stephanie Eggar (5-1, fighting out of St. Gallen, Switzerland) at bantamweight
• Bruno Silva (10-5-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Tagir Ulanbekov (12-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Republic of Dagestan, Russia) meet in a battle of flyweight grapplers

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

A full line of UFC FIGHT ISLAND products, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles, tote bags, and more are available now on UFCStore.com.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

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

About ESPN

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA/ / ORANGE, CA. (October 1, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotions is pleased to present the newest instalment of its successful boxing series 3.2.1 Boxing featuring three exciting-and-compelling bouts, live on Sunday, November 1st, 2020. The free stream will air on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. The fight will also be streamed on the Banner Promotions Facebook page and website (www.banner-promotions.com)

3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event
Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET.

In the 8-round main event, super lightweight Michael “The West Texas Warrior” Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs), of Midland, TX, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, will make his second headlining appearance on 3.2.1 Boxing as he faces Manuel “La Tormenta” Mendez (16-7-3, 11 KOs), who fights out of Colton, CA. Dutchover will look to continue to build on the success off his last win over Jorge Marron Jr. (18-2, 6 KOs).

Dutchover, who is coached and managed by Danny Zamora, has a high knockout ratio and is known for his all-out attack. His only loss came in a controversial stoppage during a match against Thomas Mattice in his hometown of Midland, TX, on a ShoBox main event back in 2019. In his last bout, Dutchover bounced back by beating Jorge Marron Jr. by a wide-unanimous decision on the first 3.2.1 boxing card of the year.

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

Las Vegas – UFC^®and ESPN+ announced today that The Ultimate Fighter, the longstanding reality television series will return in March 2021, exclusively on ESPN+.

The Ultimate Fighter 29 (TUF 29) will feature athletes from the men’s bantamweight (135 lbs.) and middleweight (185 lbs.) divisions. Casting is open through Friday, Nov. 13 with applications available for download at ufc.com/TUF. Team coaches for TUF 29 will be announced at a later date.

The iconic reality series has introduced a wide array of fans – from die-hard to brand new – to UFC and served as a springboard for the career of numerous fighters who went on to be UFC champions, contenders and stars, including: Kamaru Usman, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Nate Diaz, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Uriah Hall and Conor McGregor, who was a coach in TUF 22.

In addition to TUF 29, ESPN+ will also be a new destination for fans to re-watch all 28 previous seasons of TUF, available on a date to be announced soon.

Casting for TUF 29 will be remote for the first time with no physical tryouts. Finalists will be selected by late November 2020.

WHO:                                       Male bantamweight (135 lb.) and middleweight (185 lb.) athletes

WHEN:                                    Now through Friday, Nov. 13

WHERE:                                 Remote Casting Only

                                                Application Available at ufc.com/TUF

CASTING CONTACT:           Gary DeFranco at gdefranco@pilgrimmediagroup.com

TUF joins a lineup of original and on-demand content on ESPN+ that includes: Dana White’s Contender Series, the four-part documentary UFC Fight Island Declassified, Ariel & The Bad Guy, Detail: Daniel Cormier, UFC Destined, UFC Unlocking Victory, UFC Embedded, UFC Reloaded, UFC Top 10, and a library of recent events, great title fights and classic UFC.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com.

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

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

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

About ESPN

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

About Pilgrim Media Group

Pilgrim Media Group, headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and documentary projects. The company is behind hit series such as: “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Dirty Jobs,” “Dodgeball: Thunderdome,” the “Street Outlaws” and “Wicked Tuna” franchises, and the World MMA Award-winner “The Ultimate Fighter.” Upcoming projects include “The Ultimate Surfer” for ABC and the Sundance Festival Favorite Award-winning documentary “Giving Voice” for Netflix.

LAS VEGAS (October 1, 2020) — Take two. Junior welterweight contenders Jose “Chon” Zepeda and former world champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk were scheduled to fight in July, but the bout was postponed after Baranchyk suffered an injured rib in training. Both men now have a clean bill of health, and the two will fight Saturday evening in a 10-round bout from the MGM Grand Conference Center (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET).

In the co-feature, unbeaten lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. will take on Ryan “The Polish Prince” Kielczweski in a 10-rounder.

At Thursday’s final press conference, here’s what the fighters had to say.

Jose Zepeda

“I have gained a lot of experience by fighting guys like {Jose} Ramirez and ‘Sniper’ Pedraza. Those guys have been world champions. It was a great experience being in the ring with them. The experience counts a lot.”

“The bubble is something new, but it doesn’t make much of a difference. I don’t mind the whole experience of the bubble. At the end of the day, it’s always the two fighters in the ring fighting each other.”

“I feel like I’m the number one at 140. I did think the Ramirez fight was pretty close, and a lot of people saw me winning. I think he is one of the best in the top 5. Both of us right here, together with Ramirez and Josh Taylor, are in the top 5. It’s very exciting. We are all good at certain things and that makes for a very exciting division.”

Ivan Baranchyk

“In my training camp, I’ve been going harder and harder and harder. I feel great. I’m ready to fight all rounds. I can go 10, 12, or 20 rounds. I’m very hungry.  You will see a good fight Saturday night.”

“I don’t feel like I’m in a bubble. I feel comfortable. The treatment has been the best. I feel good.”

“This is the best division. This fight is very important for me because it will be my next step towards a world title opportunity. If we win this fight, maybe I can get the chance to challenge Ramirez.” 

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“Everything has been great. Moving to Vegas has helped me get great sparring. We’re running up Mount Charleston. My conditioning level is outrageous. The move here really helped me.”

“I’m 100 percent healthy, thank God, because that last fight {June 18 against Josec Ruiz}, just going in and continuing to fight, it was tough going those whole 10 rounds with my lower back injury because it was a real injury. I went to a chiropractor and got it all figured out. I’ve been healthy for a while.”

“He’s experienced and everything, but I’m moving my way up the rankings. Every fight that comes, I get better and better. We fix our mistakes. We get better.”

Ryan Kielczweski

“I’m always in the gym, either holding the mitts or working people out or working out myself. It wasn’t really too hard to kick it back into gear and get right back into shape.”

“He’s 18-0. He’s obviously a very good fighter, very fast. He’s got a lot of skill. I just can’t wait to get in there and see what happens.”

“When I faced {Tommy} Coyle, I went up a couple weight classes. It was at super lightweight, and I took the fight on about three weeks’ notice. I was in shape. I fought maybe three or four weeks before that. I was still in shape, but I really didn’t have much time to set up a real game plan. We go in there and do what we do.”

“I had plenty of time to get ready for this. I’m in great shape.”

Use the hashtag #ZepedaBaranchyk to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing; twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

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

West Haven, CT (September 1) – The “Quiet Storm” has endured every drought and downpour life can throw at you during his high-profile, seven-year career in professional boxing. Now Jimmy Williams faces his toughest to date, a fight that, if victorious, could lead to bigger and better opportunities.

The West Haven, CT, resident and veteran welterweight makes his Showtime debut next Wednesday, October 7 live from Mohegan Sun Arena in a televised showdown against hard-hitting, undefeated, 21-year-old Brandun Lee (19-0, 17 KOs), a La Quinta, CA, native and one of boxing’s brightest prospects.

The eight-round Williams-Lee bout, which will be contested at a catch weight of 144 pounds, opens a three-fight telecast beginning at 9 pm ET and presented by Premier Boxing Champions in association with CES Boxing, one of five remaining events scheduled for 2020 at Mohegan Sun that will air live on Showtime. The October 7 event is headlined by a 10-round showdown between unbeaten middleweights Wendy Toussaint and Charles Conwell, both of whom boast 12-0 records. Williams’ opponent, Lee – a former three-time National Junior Golden Glove champion – has won his last 10 fights by knockout dating back to 2018.

“It’s an honor to fight on this stage,” Williams said. “I’m prepared. I was born for this.”

Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs) – promoted by the legendary Jimmy Burchfield Sr., and CES Boxing – faces another tall order next Wednesday against the electrifying Lee, though it’s merely par for the course in what has been a tumultuous journey both in and out of the ring over the past decade and a half. Born and raised in Plainfield, NJ, the 34-year-old Williams began boxing at the age of 8, introduced to the sport by his uncle, but he found his calling on the gridiron, where he starred as a defensive back at Southern Connecticut State.

Though boxing was his first love, Williams didn’t step through the ropes again until after his mother, Belinda, was murdered in 2008, a case that remains unsolved to this day. Williams also lost his father due to cancer. Belinda had always dreamt her son would become a fighter, so, to honor her memory, he stepped away from football following a series of injuries and instead picked up where he left off with boxing, making his professional debut in 2013.

Williams’ career in the ring has featured a number of highlight-reel finishes and right-place, right-time moments. Earmarked as the swing bout in his debut – otherwise known as the bout that gets pushed in front of the TV cameras in the event of an early finish – his knockout victory over Noel Garcia made it onto the NBC Sports telecast, giving fight fans an early glimpse of Williams’ irrepressible talent. Two months later – again as the swing bout – Williams found himself on ESPN2, outworking Ray Younger by decision to improve to 2-0. In February of 2015, once again at Mohegan, Williams earned another spot on ESPN2 and flattened regional rival Eddie Caminero, a knockout that landed on the network’s weekly Top 10 highlight reel.

The pressure of the bright lights? That’s not a factor for Williams, whose pro career was essentially “born” on network television, so it’s only fitting that his biggest, most difficult challenge will meet a similar fate in front of millions of watchful eyes on Showtime’s global platform. Physically, Williams feels great; 34 might as well be 24, and he’s almost a year – 361 days, to be exact – removed from his last bout, allowing his body to recover from the usual wear and tear associated with constant training and weight-cutting.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed the landscape of professional boxing with fighters showcasing their craft in front of empty arenas, provided a small silver lining for Williams, who used the quarantine to spend more time with his family.

Equally important was the opportunity to “reset” mentally and focus on what lies ahead. He has fought his entire career under Burchfield’s guidance, winning 14 of his first 15 bouts and reaching the pinnacle in 2017 by capturing the WBC USNBC Welterweight Title. Though he may have discovered the proverbial fountain of youth during his time away from the sport, the reality is this may be Williams’ to climb the ranks and land the signature bout that eludes so many talented fighters. Perhaps this is the aforementioned signature bout.

In any event, Williams – with no hesitation – is stepping back into the fire next Wednesday on an a rather unusual, unconventional platform, fighting just a stone’s throw from his home in Uncasville, CT, but without the rabid fan base that usually follows him to every arena. What may seem odd from some might just be what the doctor ordered for the unflappable Williams, whose journey in professional boxing has been anything but conventional.

“He’s a great fighter,” Williams said of Lee, “but we’ll see what he’s made of October 7.”

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

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), was created for television by Haymon Sports, LLC, in January 2015. PBC is a boxing series that returns the sweet science to its rightful place atop the sports pantheon. Featuring today’s best and brightest stars in their toughest, most anticipated bouts, Premier Boxing Champions is broadcast and streamed live on SHOWTIME, FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes. PBC takes boxing back to its roots. This is boxing, pure and simple, where what’s brought to the fight, mentally and physically, is what determines who goes home the winner, and who just goes home. Bouts featured within the PBC Series are promoted by licensed promoters, with each bout in accordance with applicable regulatory rules and regulations.

A world at play and a world to its own, Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut in partnership with Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, is one of the world’s most amazing destinations with some of New England’s finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Boasting two unique casinos, Mohegan Sun is also host to the Kids Quest/Cyber Quest family entertainment facility, two luxurious spas, world-class meeting facilities, a state-of-the-art Poker Room as well as three major entertainment venues with seating from 350 to 10,000. People from across the globe come to see live concerts with some of today’s top headliners, along with major sporting events including Mohegan Sun’s very own WNBA team, the Connecticut Sun and lacrosse team, the New England Black Wolves.

London, UK (1 October 2020) BOXXER is thrilled to announce that UB7, will make its return behind closed doors with a never seen before, one night, four man knockout competition and a stacked card. The undercard will also feature recently signed UB Champions, a huge professional debut and an Albanian superstar.

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UB7, in association with Betfred and Lucozade, will be on Tuesday 10th November LIVE from the BT Sport studio in Stratford for a special Tuesday Night Fight Night with the debut tournament in the super-middleweight division.

In an exciting development, UB7 will be presented around a four-man competition format. This will comprise of two semi-finals and a final, all in one night – for the first time ever. The winner claiming the Golden Robe and the lions share of the prize money.

In a real groundbreaking move for BOXXER, in addition to UB7 being broadcast LIVE with our partner BT Sport, the show will also be simulcast live on ITV4 which is available on free-to-air across the UK.

Some significant changes for the new Millennial boxing brand and we’re delighted to implement them ahead of our return in the four-man 168-pound square-off with the following line-up:

Zak Chelli (7-1-1, 3 KO’s) Joint youngest in the tournament at 22 but has crammed in plenty of ring experience in just three and half years of pro action with nine fights and 52 rounds plus a Southern Area title. He’s pulled off a few shocks previously by beating unbeaten prospect Umar Sadiq and dropping contender Kody Davies. He’s the bookies favorite off the back of his highly questionable draw with Jack Cullen at Matchroom’s Fight camp last time out as the away fighter. He’s hungry for the win and then onto a rematch with Cullen.

Diego Costa (7-0-0, 5 KO’s) Regarded as the most avoided man in the division but there is no home corner in this competition. The Boy From Brazil brings sizzle and salsa when he fights! From Recife, Brazil, and fighting out of Fallowfield, Manchester, Costa is the puncher in the pack with five KO’s in seven fights to earn his nickname ‘Dynamite’. Costa will have the benefit of being trained by former Prize Fighter winner Martin Murray who is familiar with the tournament format. He’s the oldest at 34, but the most dangerous and with explosive packed fists can end a fight at any second.

Charlie Schofield (15-1-0, 1 KO) At 6ft 3in, Schofield is the tallest boxer in the line-up and has been dubbed the ‘Manchester Giant’. The 27-year-old has accumulated the most ring experience with 87 rounds in 16 fights, including an English title challenge in his last fight. He’ll be looking to impose his size and ring savvy to victory.

Ben Ridings (3-0-0) The up-and-coming 22-year old from Bury turned pro in 2018 and is undefeated in his three fights with twelve rounds. Being an unknown quantity means he’s got nothing to lose and is confident of pulling off the biggest shock on the night. Ridings is the youngest competitor and is an outsider, but will rely on his youth and desire to overcome his rivals’ age and experience.

To support the super-middleweight shoot-out in UB7, an action-packed undercard has been formed and one of the highlights is the exciting and intriguing professional debut of reality star and UB presenter Jack Fincham who leaves the showbiz world behind to enter the gritty world of professional boxing. To start his journey he has teamed up with world champion trainer Ben Davison.

Far away from his victory on the 2018 series of ITV hit show Love Island, Fincham now steps between the ropes – he was a former amateur with 26 fights – to compete as a pro-boxer in the light-heavyweight division and aims to prove he’s for real.

Also featuring on the card are two previous UB winners who have now signed long term promotional contracts with BOXXER as they continue their careers towards championship honours with BOXXER firmly in their corner.

UB3 Middleweight winner Derrick Osaze (10-0-0, 2 KOs) is the first boxer to sign a multi-fight deal with BOXXER and is on the cusp of challenging for titles. Known as ‘The Punching Preacher’ because of his dual role as an ordained minister for his local church and his work with troubled youths, Osaze believes he can become a real force in the competitive 160 pound division.

UB4 Cruiserweight winner Mikael Lawal (12-0-0, 7 KOs) is also within touching distance of challenging for the British title and the hard-hitting 25-year-old talent from Shepherd’s Bush has put his rivals firmly on notice. With BOXXER’s backing he believes he can finally realise his dream of becoming a champion. It’s a long way from his days as a homeless 13-year-old living on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, and begging for scraps of food to survive. Lawal has been nominated for an Eliminator contest for the British Title against Luke Watkins next so he’ll be going all out for victory on UB7.

The power-punching, London-based, Albanian sensation Florian ‘TNT’ Marku (6-0-0, 4 KO’s) will again appear on the undercard. Marku featured on UB6 and impressed with his commanding victory over Nathan Bendon to take his unbeaten record to six fights and has already been linked to future fights with rivals Josh Kelly and Connor Benn.

BOXXER founder Ben Shalom, the youngest licensed promoter by the BBBofC, is excited with the new developments for UB7 and the future.

He said, “Whilst it’s been a challenging period for everyone, I’m delighted that we have used the time to identify opportunities and to make and implement significant changes for UB7 and beyond.”

“We’re back, it’s on a Tuesday night and I’m thrilled with the new four-man tournament format which, following regular consolation with the BBBofC, has been approved and allows us the flexibility to use in conjunction with our eight-man format,”

“Alongside our broadcaster partner BT Sports we’re delighted that the show will be simulcast live on free-to-air ITV4 which will allow even more viewers across the UK,”

“We want people to watch our shows without knowing who is going to win, true 50-50 fights and are really proud of the card we have put together. We’re confident it will keep viewers gripped all around a really competitive four man, one night tournament.”

“We’re excited to begin the promotional journey with champions of our previous shows, this is a new chapter for the company and think the huge audience this show brings on simulcast, is a great start. The Jack Fincham signing raised a few eyebrows, however, I can assure you he’s serious, Ben Davison has agreed to train him, which is a huge opportunity for him.

“The year so far has presented challenges, but we’re really pleased that we can deliver UB7 for the fans on November 10 and we intend on going forward into 2021 with further exciting developments.”

BOXXER

Tuesday 10th November

TuesdayNightFight Night

UB4 SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Zak Chelli

Diego Costa

Charlie Schofield

Ben Ridings

UNDERCARD

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest

Mikael Lawal v TBC

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Derrick Osaze v TBC

4/6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

Florian Marku v TBC

Professional Debut

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest

Jack Fincham v TBC

Website – More information can be found at www.boxxer.uk

Please tag our social handles:

F- @boxxer

I- @boxxer

T- @ultimateboxxer

NEW YORK (Sept 30, 2020) – Split-T Management is delighted to announce the signing of highly sought-after amateur David Navarro.

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.

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

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

“David is making us very proud,” said Jose Navarro. “We know he is going to be special, and I wish him and his team nothing but success at the professional level.”

David will be co-trained by his father, Salvador, and renowned trainer Robert Garcia.

Garcia noted, “David has a great support system at home. He is a very disciplined fighter with a big heart who has tremendous power. I am confident that with this team, we will help David climb to the top of the sport.”

Navarro joins an increasingly deep roster that has been signed by Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse. VanNewhouse’s earlier signees include another Los Angeles standout in undefeated super middleweight Diego Pacheco, as well as five fellow top amateurs from the 2020 US and Puerto Rican Olympic Trials.

“David had a ton of interest from various promoters and managers and I’m thrilled that Split-T meets his and his families expectations to manage his career. He’s a gem of a kid and a special talent out of Los Angeles with the type of ability that will make him a huge hit with Mexican-American fight fans,” said VanNewhouse.

Navarro will begin his pro career at 126 pounds and is scheduled to make his professional debut on October 7th in a special attraction bout.

The event is headlined by undefeated super welterweight prospects Charles Conwell and Wendy Toussaint live on SHOWTIME ® (9 p.m. ET/PT) from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, with highlights of Navarro’s bout to be shown on the broadcast.

Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza stated “David Navarro is one of the most exciting young boxers in the USA Boxing program. He comes from a boxing family and has quite literally grown up in the sport. We are proud to support him in making his pro debut at a Showtime-televised event. We look forward to being able to feature him on Showtime as he develops as a professional.”

David is happy – and ready – to carry on the legacy and rich traditions of his family in the sport of boxing.

“I am working hard to become the best in my division and to make my father and family proud!” said Navarro. “I am grateful to enter into the pro’s with such a good team around me and I plan to fulfill everyone’s expectations of me. I’ve worked my entire life for this and I know I will become a World Champion.”

Photos by Steven Khan

QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS can today announce a new four-man matchmaking unit tasked with propelling Queensberry’s exciting roster of young British talent to new heights.

Steve Furness, Errol Johnson and Neil Bowers are the men handling the UK matchmaking duties, whilst New York-based Rick Glaser will oversee international affairs.

Queensberry only recently parted ways with previous matchmaker Jason McClory and Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren is excited to begin this new era.

Warren said: “This is a crucial time for Queensberry Promotions and I have full confidence in the men we’ve selected to lead the charge in terms of matchmaking.

“Our roster of young talent is unrivalled anywhere in world boxing, and the careers of guys like Daniel Dubois, Dennis McCann, David Adeleye and Hamzah Sheeraz – to name just a few – need to be guided with care and intelligence.

“With Steve, Errol and Neil we have a breadth of boxing knowledge that spans the entire country and, with Rick, we also have an international eye that will help us scour the globe for talent.

“I wish Jason all the best in his future endeavours but it was time for a change, time to kick our operation into a higher gear and I think we’ve done just that.

“This is a critical time in the history of British boxing and I’m happy that the team we’ve assembled will help keep Queensberry Promotions at the front of the pack when it comes to talent and career development.”

Furness, Johnson, Bowers and Glaser have taken up their posts with immediate effect.

LAS VEGAS (September 29, 2020) —Mikaela Mayer called on the junior lightweight world champions for a fight. One of them was mandated to answer.
 
WBO female junior lightweight world champion Ewa Brodnicka will make the sixth defense of her title in a 10-round showdown against mandatory challenger Mayer on Halloween evening, Saturday, Oct. 31 from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center. Brodnicka-Mayer will serve as the chief support bout to WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue’s title defense against Jason “Mayhem” Moloney.
 
Inoue-Moloney and Brodnicka-Mayer will headline an evening of boxing live and exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
 
“After Mikaela’s last performance, I promised her a world title fight. She’s asked to fight the champions, and I am confident she will make a statement to the rest of the women in and around her weight class,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We’ve watched her progress since her pro debut, and she has turned into one of the premier fighters in female boxing. This WBO belt will be the first of many world titles for Mikaela.”

Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, Brodnicka’s co-promoter, said: “We’re happy to be working with our friends at Top Rank on another great fight. Ewa Brodnicka has proved herself to be one of the best 130-pound fighters on the planet with five defenses of her WBO world title, and I’m backing her to make it six successful defenses when she meets the undefeated Mikaela Mayer on Oct. 31. This is a top matchup at a time when women’s boxing grows from strength to strength.”
 
Brodnicka (19-0, 2 KOs), from Poland, has fought all of her pro bouts in her home country and has gone the 10-round distance on 10 occasions. She participated in the final world title bout before the COVID-19 pandemic March 7, winning a unanimous decision over Djemilla Gontaruk in Dzier?oniów, Poland. Before capturing world title honors at junior lightweight, Brodnicka reigned as European lightweight champion.
 
Brodnicka said, “I am excited that my title defense against Mikaela is happening in America, where I’ve always wanted to fight. I am more than ready for this opportunity, and I would like to thank my promoters, Eddie Hearn and Mariusz Grabowski, for helping make this fight a reality.”
 
Mayer (13-0, 5 KOs), from Los Angeles, turned pro under the Top Rank banner almost one year after representing the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She made her pandemic return July 14 and bested two-time world title challenger Helen Joseph over 10 rounds. Matchroom Boxing announced it had signed Brodnicka to a promotional contract on Aug. 6, but later that day, the WBO ordered Brodnicka to defend her world title against Mayer. 
 
“I’ve made huge improvements to my boxing skills over the last 10 months. You saw some of it in my last fight against Helen Joseph, but I’ve reached a whole new level this fight camp,” Mayer said. “I’m more than prepared for this WBO world championship fight, and I will absolutely be going home with the belt. This fight will not go the distance. Ewa Brodnicka is not on my level, and her time is up. Tune in and watch me bring the championship belt to ESPN and Top Rank.”
 
Use the hashtags #InoueMoloney and #BrodnickaMayer to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing;twitter.com/ESPNRingside.
 

LAS VEGAS (September 29, 2020) – Unbeaten twin prospects Ángel and Chávez Barrientes shared insights into their training camp before they make their televised debuts this Saturday, October 3 in FS1 PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by unbeaten featherweight contender Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo taking on hard-hitting Rigoberto Hermosillo in a 10-round showdown. Also featured is top welterweight prospect Paul Kroll squaring off against rising prospect Luke Santamaria in the 10-round co-main event.

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

Ángel (3-0, 3 KOs) will battle Fernando Ibarra in a six-round featherweight attraction, while Chávez (3-0, 3 KOs) will face Ivan Varela, also in a six-round featherweight bout. Here is what the 18-year-old twins had to say from training camp in Las Vegas:

On their recent training camp in Las Vegas with their father and trainer Richard Barrientes:

Angel:

“Training camp has been great. There are no days off for the Barrientes twins. We have been training hard all year long and making sure we are staying in shape.

“Having my dad in my corner is a blessing. My father helps me through everything. We have been working together since our amateur days. He really knows what it takes to get the victory. We train at the elite level, nothing less. We have been getting as much experience as we can sparring world champions. I’m ready and can’t wait to showcase my talents.”

Chavez:

“My dad, Richard Barrientes, is my trainer and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. He knows me better than anyone and he does a good job keeping us focused. We stay disciplined. At the gym he’s our trainer, and at home, he’s our dad. We understand each other and work well together.

“Me and my brother train together every day. We really learn well off each other. We’ve been running up at Mt. Charleston to help us with beast level conditioning. I have remained fight ready all of quarantine. We are ready and excited to get into the ring and show the world what we are all about. “

On their matchups with opponents Ivan Varela and Fernando Ibarra.

Chavez on facing Ivan Varela:

“Varela is a talented fighter who has good technique. It’s going to be interesting to see what game plan Varela brings to the ring that day. I am preparing for him to come in aggressively, because he has a lot to prove after his last performance. My goal now and always will be to bring an exciting fight to the fans. Everyone can expect to see me throw a lot of accurate punches.”

Angel on facing Fernando Ibarra:

“I think Fernando is a pretty solid fighter, and I know he’s going to be coming with the desire to be great. But this is my time to show the fans watching that I’m an elite fighter. My plan is to not let the fight go the distance. I’m very confident I will go in there and get the job done.”

On making their televised debuts on FS1:

Angel:

“I want to send a huge thank you to PBC for making this happen, we feel so blessed. It took a lot of flexibility to get to this point and it couldn’t come soon enough. We have been preparing for this day and its finally here. I consider this to be one of the most important fights in my career. I am ready to go out there and dazzle the fans tuning in and showcase my talents on this PBC platform.”

Chavez:

“First, I want to thank PBC for this opportunity. I am so excited to be displaying my talents in front of the world. It’s like a dream come true. On October 3, you will see my hard work pay off. I feel mentally and physically ready to get in the ring. Keep watching out for us and keep supporting us.”

#

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

COCORIT, Sonora, Mexico (September 29, 2020) – Undefeated, world-rated Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (23-0, 18 KOs) defeated Jose Rosario Cazarez (19-6-1, 10 KOs), by way of a third-round technical knockout, last Saturday night to capture the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) welterweight title last night in Cocorit, Sonora, Mexico.

Dominguez, 28, added the NABF crown to his growing collection of hardware, which had already included the World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX and USNBC (United States) straps.

“I sensed fear from my opponent in the beginning stages of the fight,” Dominguez said after the fight. “I was not going to be denied.”

Saturday night’s card, presented by De La O Promotions, was headlined by the tremendous power-punching Dominguez, who is rated No. 14 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

“We’re excited about Santiago’s potential,” added his promoter, Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing CEO and co-founder Keith Veltre. “Now, he’s champion of three organizations, and climbing the ratings towards a world title fight, hopefully, in 2021. He’s the best welterweight in Mexico, rated number 14 by the WBC, and improving each fight.”

Cazarez, who had been unbeaten in his previous seven fights (6-0-1) when he entered the ring to fight Dominguez, had been previously stopped only once four years ago.

Santiago has been one of the most active fighters having been in action twice within four weeks, August 25th and September 26th.

“I’m taking a two-week vacation and then start camp in the United States to improve my skills through better sparring,” Dominguez concluded. “My job is to fight and take care of my family. My manager (Terry Hollan) finds me the opportunity, my team prepares me to win.”

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @KeithVeltre
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /KeithVeltre

New York, NY (09/29/20) – DiBella Entertainment has signed super lightweight contender Petros Ananyan (15-2-2, 7 KOs) to an exclusive promotional agreement.

Ananyan is coming off of an impressive victory against previously unbeaten knockout artist Subriel Matias on February 22, in Las Vegas, as part of the undercard to the Wilder-Fury heavyweight championship rematch. For over six exciting rounds, the two adversaries stood shoulder-to-shoulder trading furious combinations, until Ananyan hurt and staggered Matias into the ropes for a knockdown call in the seventh frame. Ananyan dominated the remainder of the contest to earn a unanimous decision. Going into the bout, Matias was rated #2 by the IBF, #3 by the WBC, and #10 by the WBO.

Born in Armenia and raised in Russia, Ananyan began boxing at the age of 11. Over the next 15 years, he compiled an amateur record of 220-60, while winning the Moscow Championships in 2007, securing a bronze cup at the Cup of Russia Tournament in 2008, and making it to the finals of the 2014 AIBA Open Championships in China.

During that time, Ananyan also served in the military and attended University. While completing a two-year stint in the Russian Army, Ananyan competed in and won the Championship of the Armed Forces Boxing Tournament in 2010. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in 2013.

Ananyan, who captured the IBF International junior welterweight title in 2017, is currently training in Los Angeles, CA, but primarily lives in Russia with his wife and two children. His Russian trainer, Vely Melamed, has been in Ananyan’s corner for most of his pro career.

“Lou DiBella is one of the best promoters in the world and I’m happy to team up with him,” said Ananyan. “I know that, with DiBella Entertainment, I can achieve my dream of becoming a world champion. I am hungry, determined and eager to prove that I am one of the best super lightweights in the world.”

“I’m thrilled to sign Petros Ananyan to DiBella Entertainment,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Petros’ win against Matias showed me that he has the talent to compete with the top contenders of the super lightweight division. I will work hard to provide Petros with the opportunities to move toward a world title shot.”

“I first met Lou DiBella in Moscow at a sanctioning body’s annual convention in 2003 and we’ve been friends ever since,” said Ananyan’s manager, Edouard Goumachian. “I’ve worked with him on many of my fighters’ careers and I am excited for Ananyan’s future with DiBella Entertainment’s guidance.”

BOSTON (September 29, 2020) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker has announced another fighter signing, 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian Leonel de los Santos, to an exclusive managerial contract.

The 25-year-old Santos, who will fight as a lightweight as a professional, competed in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and qualified for the Dominican Republic Olympic Boxing Team in terms of the postponed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

“After a good amateur boxing career, which took me to different national and international stages, in which I proudly represented my country, the Dominican Republic, I’ve decided to have a career in the professional ranks,” Santos announced.

“I hope to have the support I’ve always received. I’ve signed a managerial contract with Fighter Locker, which is directed by Ryan Roach, who comes from one of the most recognized families in the world of boxing. Thanks in advance to everyone. I hope for the best and that, with the help of God, we move forward.”

Currently rated No. 3 in the World, Santos was a silver medalist at the prestigious Pan-American Games in 2019, where he lost to 3-time Pan-Am gold medalist Lazaro Alvarez, the 3-time World amateur champion and 2-time Olympic bronze medalist.

“Every signing to me is special if these fighters sign with me, because it shows they believe in me,” Roach commented. “Leonel is very special, he’s an Olympian. He’s a very good boxer he has it all: speed, power and he counter punches very well. He is also a great young man and serves as a police officer in his home country. I think he will transition into the pros very easily. I am really excited about adding Leonel to my stable he’s joining an elite group of fighters.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers includes a talented Ukrainian trio comprised 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 (7-0, 3 KOs). Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Salem, MA welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion, Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs), Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez (9-0, 6 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs), super featherweight Jesus Vasquez, Jr. (6-0, 2 KOs), 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

Reading, PA (September 29, 2020)–.King’s Promotions is proud to announce the signing of United States amateur star Atid Oberlton to an exclusive promotional contract.

The 22 year-old Philadelphia was the number-two ranked light heavyweight in the United States and was a favorite to be part of the United States Olympic team, but he decided to turn his attention to the paid ranks.

“I feel like this is the best time to turn professional,” said Oberlton. “I did not want to wait for the Olympics, and with all of the politics and stuff, it was just the right time to make this move. I am ready to turn over a new leaf and become world champion.”

Oberlton competed in approximately 100 amateur fights where he won many tournaments, including: U.S. National Junior Olympics; Two-time National Golden Gloves champion and Eastern Elite Qualifier. Oberlton placed 2nd at the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

Oberlton is excited to get going under the King’s Promotions banner.

“I feel that King’s Promotions is the best fit for me. I know Marshall Kauffman thinks highly, and believes in me. He thinks that I can become a superstar in the sport. I want to be with people who believe in me as much as I do.”

“My style is winning. I can do everything in there. I can be slick. If my opponent wants a rough fight, I am down for that as well. I can do whatever it takes to get the job done.”

“This is a huge signing for us,” said Marshall Kauffman, President of King’s Promotions. “Atif is a major talent, and I am thrilled to be able to help develop him into a future world champion. We look forward to getting him started, help him in his journey to become one of the top fighters in the sport.”

“Atif Oberlton is one of the most gifted young light heavyweights I’ve seen in quite some time,” said Lando Rosa, Oberlton’s adviser of Pivott Boxing “He has immense physical tools, and a great work ethic. I have the utmost confidence that we’re looking at a future light heavyweight champion. Pivott Boxing welcomes him with open arms. we believe Coach Shar’ron Baker and her assistant coach Markus Rosa are the perfect combination to take Atif to the top.”

“Atif Oberlton is one of the top prospects in the United States right now. He has a deep amateur background that includes wins and top finishes in major national and international tournaments. He is charismatic, likeable and hard-working. His size, strength, athleticism and boxing style will make him an even more formidable professional than amateur and there is no doubt in my mind he will be a world champion in the future. I’m thrilled he will be representing Kings Promotions and can’t wait for his professional debut,” said King’s Promotions Partner, Dr. Andrew Foy.

INDIO, CALIF. (Sept. 29, 2020) – Golden Boy is delighted to present two highly competitive matchups featuring some of its best in-house talent on the stacked undercard of Munguia vs. Johnson. In the co-main event, Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (22-0, 14 KOs) will face Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight Title. The night will also feature an explosive matchup between standout contenders Marlen Esparza and Sulem Urbina in a world title eliminator.

The action takes place on Friday, October 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. The event will be closed to the public and media.

“Boxing fans want to see competitive matchups, and that’s exactly what we are delivering,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Rashidi Ellis and Alexis Rocha have spent the past few years climbing up the rankings on many of our shows. But now, they will risk their undefeated records against each other for a chance to get one step closer to a world title. That same night, we’ll also be presenting another historic matchup for women’s boxing as Olympic Bronze medalist Marlen Esparza takes on standout contender Sulem Urbina. We can’t wait to host this stacked night of action.”

At 27 years of age, Ellis is ready for the very best that the welterweight division has to offer. The native of Lynn, Mass. has never tasted defeat since making his professional debut in 2017, and he’s fought in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as well is in many different cities in the United States. Ellis has held the IBF North American Welterweight Title and the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title, the latter of which he earned via unanimous decision in his rematch against Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez. Now, Ellis will look to earn the most impressive victory of his career so finally earn his shot at a world title.

“I’m finally back in the ring on October 30,” said Rashidi Ellis. “And I’m happy that it will be at my favorite place, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. This is going to be a very exciting night for boxing fans. How often do you get to see two young, undefeated contenders face each in their prime? Alexis Rocha is a tough fighter, but I need to show the world that I’m ready for a title shot. Make sure you stay tuned!”

Rocha is a 23-year-old southpaw of Santa Ana, California who is widely considered as one of the best rising contenders of the welterweight division. Since making his debut in 2016, Rocha has steadily climbed the rankings by fighting some of the biggest cards that Southern California has hosted in recent years. After defending his regional title against the likes of Berlin Abreu and Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Rocha will look to pass the toughest test of his career when he takes on a fellow unbeaten contender in Ellis.

“What people don’t know is I wanted this fight a year ago, but Rashidi and his team turned it down,” said Alexis Rocha. “There’s been a lot of talk about the future of boxing and upcoming stars, and I’ve felt slighted because I haven’t been in that conversation. Rashidi said something about how he’s just fighting another name. I can promise you I’m not just another name. And when this is over, Rashidi and the entire world of boxing are going to know more than my name: they are going to know that I’m ready to carry the sport forward into a new generation of champions.”

As mentioned above, Golden Boy will feature yet another historic matchup between two of its female competitors as Marlen Esparza (7-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas and Sulem Urbina (12-0, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona will clash in an eight-round WBC Flyweight World Title Eliminator bout.

“I’m excited,” said Marlen Esparza. “I want to offer my thanks and appreciation to the WBC for the opportunity to fight for the shot at the world title. It’s been a dream and vision of mine to fight representing the WBC. I want people to see another great fight. I’m proud to be on the stage again with a great fighter, and I know there are a limited amount of major women’s fights, so I’m honored to have this opportunity. I’ve fought Sulem Urbina multiple times and look forward to doing it again. Game on.”

“As soon as I got the call about this fight, I instantly took it because I know it’s a big opportunity for me,” said Sulem Urbina. “We are both with Golden Boy, and they want to give the best fights possible. Marlen and I have some history. When I first saw her fight in 2008, I became a fan of hers, until the time arrived in which I became a rival of hers. I feel that Marlen has a lot to owe to Seniesa [Estrada] because that loss opened her eyes and showed her that she’s not done yet. I know she’ll come back stronger. I’ll be ready for the best version of Esparza. In the midst of a pandemic and during a time of such uncertainty, I know that this fight, despite not having people attend, will have a huge audience through DAZN because it is a fight that everyone wants to see.”

Hard-hitting Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (17-1, 12 KOs), the pride of Mexicali, Mexico, will defend his WBO Light Flyweight World Title against Carlos Buitrago (32-4-1, 18 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 12-round fight presented in association with Zanfer Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

Uzbekistani wrecking ball Bektemir “Bull” Melikuziev (5-0, 4 KOs) will continue his rapid rise up the 168-pound rankings when faces Alan Campa (17-5, 11 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round clash for the NABO Super Middleweight Title.

Lamont Roach Jr. (19-1-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will fight in a 10-round super featherweight fight. This will be Roach Jr’s first fight after challenging for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title in November 2019

Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (5-0, 4 KOs) of Duncanville, Texas will open the night in a six-round cruiserweight fight.

Opponents for Roach Jr. and Kalkreuth will be announced shortly.

Munguia vs. Johnson is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, October 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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

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

Team Sauerland’s unbeaten Danish Heavyweight Kem Ljungquist (10-0, 5 KOs) will face the toughest test of his professional career when he squares off against experienced German southpaw Senad Gashi (20-3, 20 KOs) on Universum’s show on October 17th at the Mitsubishi Electric Hall in Düsseldorf.

30-year-old Ljungquist, who hails from Herlev in Denmark, was most recently in action on January 25th 2020 when he dominated Ukraine’s German Skobenko over eight rounds at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

The 6”7 Danish southpaw returns to a happy hunting ground as he fights in Germany for the sixth time in his professional career, and he’s optimistic that the fans can expect a ferocious fight when he faces off against Gashi.

“The ring is my second home and I always look forward to the rush of a fight,” said Ljungquist. “The fans can expect to see a technical fighter with good overall skills and who’s in it to win it. I want to fight for titles and be in the mix.

“I’ve seen a bit of Gashi on YouTube and he looks good, but I want to take a step up in each fight and if Gashi is the next step I’ll take the fight gladly.

Nisse Sauerland, head of Team Sauerland and promoter of Ljungquist, believes stepping up a level will bring the best out of his undefeated heavyweight.

“Kem has a solid amateur career and has taken to the paid ranks with ease,” said Sauerland. “We want him to fight for titles and he needs to beat people like Senad Gashi to make that happen. We are looking forward to Kem coming through this fight and showing Denmark that they have a new hero to support.”

The event on October 17th, which is named ‘Back2Business’, will be headlined by IBO International Super Lightweight Champion Artem Harutyunyan as he defends his titles against Germany’s Timo Schwarzkopf. The action will be available to watch on ZDF in Germany.

ORANGE, CA (September 28, 2020) – Former super bantamweight world champion, Danny Roman (28-3-1, 10 KOs), has his sights on challenging newly crowned WBC Champion Luis Nery (31-0, 24 KOs) after his recent unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Payano (21-4, 9 KOs). Roman defeated Payano by scores of 116-112 across the board in a WBC title elimination bout, putting him next in line to challenge Nery, who defeated previously unbeaten Aaron Alameda (25-1, 13 KOs) by way of a twelve round unanimous decision, to capture the vacant WBC belt.

“After defeating Payano, my focus has shifted to challenging Luis Nery for the WBC title.” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. “I am now the mandatory challenger to fight Nery and I believe that fight can be made easily, since we are both fighting on SHOWTIME with the PBC. Luis Nery is a true warrior, as am I, and I’ll be ready to fight him anytime, anywhere. Nery is a very gifted fighter and I think that fight will be fan friendly with both of us leaving everything in the ring.”

In addition, Roman has unfinished business to settle with IBF/WBA champion, Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0, 6 KOs) after he lost a close split decision in their world championship bout that took place in January of this year. Roman relinquished his IBF and WBA titles that night.

“I want a rematch with Murodjon Akhmadaliev as I believe I won that fight,” Roman continued. “When you fight champion for his titles, you must win convincingly, and I don’t think Akhmadaliev did enough that night, but the judges thought differently. I graciously took the defeat with class, but it didn’t feel right. I want to avenge my loss.”

Lastly, if a fight cannot be made with Nery or Akhmadaliev, Roman wants WBO champion, Angelo Leo (20-9 KOs). In his last bout, Leo captured the vacant WBO world title with a dominating performance against previously undefeated contender, Tramaine Williams (19-1, 6 KOs).

“Angelo Leo, who holds the WBO title, is the other world champion that I want to challenge,” Roman concluded. “Leo is another great fighter that brings excitement each time he fights, and I know if we go to battle, it will be an explosive fight. Before my loss to Akhmadaliev, I was unbeaten for six years. I’m ready to become a world champion once again.”

WHAT: Saturday’s CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER main events featuring the world champion Charlo twins will air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, October 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo passed his toughest test to date with high marks, earning a skilled and disciplined unanimous decision victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko while twin brother Jermell Charlo unified the WBC, WBA and IBF 154-pound titles with a spectacular knockout against Jeison Rosario.

Watch the Jermall Charlo-Derevyanchenko video recap HERE: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1310030527303487496?s=20

Watch the Jermell Charlo-Rosario KO HERE: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1310088074471321600

• Four-part docuseries chronicles UFC’s fight to produce UFC 251 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi 
• Features behind-the-scenes footage of UFC President Dana White, UFC athletes, coaches, medical staff, and more
• Unveils thought-provoking, raw emotions involved in producing major sports event during global pandemic
• Series debuts Oct 2, in the midst of UFC’s five-event return to Fight Island
• ESPN+ available on the ESPN App, ESPN.com and connected TV devices. To subscribe, visit www.espnplus.com/ufc

UFC Fight Island: Declassified,a new thought-provoking, four-part docuseries exposing the determination, heartbreak and raw emotion of UFC’s challenge to produce a major sports event when much of the world was shut down, will premiere next Friday, October 2, exclusively on ESPN+. Featuring never before seen footage of UFC President Dana White, UFC athletes, coaches, UFC announcers, production crew, security personnel, medical staff, and more, UFC Fight Island: Declassified chronicles all that went into producing UFC 251 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi this past summer. 

Each episode of UFC Fight Island: Declassified takes fans deep behind the scenes with special access to the key characters involved in creating an unprecedented series of UFC events, while examining the importance of sport as the world struggles through uncertain times. All four episodes will be available to stream exclusively on ESPN+ when the series debuts. UFC Fight Island: Declassified was produced by UFC and directed by award-winning filmmaker Rory Karpf.

“The creation of Fight Island was an innovative approach to safely stage live events during a pandemic, requiring the unique vision and determination of Dana White and UFC,” said Matt Kenny, vice president, programming and acquisitions, ESPN. “It’s an intriguing, engaging story that connects with both die-hard and casual fans alike. Just one more reason why ESPN+ is proud to be the home of UFC, and we’re excited to showcase this behind-the-scenes look at Fight Island.”

Video Trailer: UFC Fight Island: Declassified

Episode 1: Uncharted Waters – With unprecedented access to White as he makes the impossible possible, the first episode captures his fight to bring UFC back as the first major sport to produce live events in the COVID era.

Episode 2: No Man an Island – Embedded with several UFC athletes and their teams as they deal with a myriad of challenges, the second episode shows how one fighter is forced to rely only on his best friend to coach him, after his entire training team tests positive for COVID-19. Also, while Joseph Benavidez fights for a UFC title, with his wife and UFC broadcaster Megan Olivi by his side, the couple face unforeseen adversity.

Episode 3: Against the Tide – Episode three follows UFC athletes as the coronavirus impacts their family and loved ones, including one fighter who must make his UFC debut with his family locked down in a different part of the world, and another who may be forced to relinquish his championship dreams after being exposed to the virus.

Episode 4: Welcome to Paradise – As the first live events at Fight Island conclude, the UFC has defied the odds and Abu Dhabi will become the new fight capital of the world. Also, a new superstar emerges, displaying a dominance never before been seen in the UFC, and a veteran competitor aims to re-establish herself as the reigning queen of women’s combat.

UFC Fight Island: Declassified premieres Friday, October 2,in the midst of UFC’s five-event return to Fight Island, which begins tonight with UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa and culminates with UFC 254: Khabib vs Gaethje on October 25, one of the most anticipated ESPN+ PPV events of the year. 

ESPN+ is available on the ESPN App, ESPN.com and connected TV devices. To subscribe, visit www.espnplus.com/ufc

Follow all the action as Mairis Briedis takes on Yuniel Dorticos for the World Boxing Super Series and IBF Cruiserweight Titles

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY–NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Dorticos lands a right..Briedis lands a left hook..Jab

Round 2 Left hook from Briedis..Good right to body from Dorticos..Right to body

Round 3 Right From Briedis…Uppercut

Round 4 Jab from Dorticos…Right..Left to body…Left to head from Briedis..Good right…Big Right from Dorticos..Good Jab from Briedis…

Round 5 Right from Briedis..Good right from Doricos

Round 6 

Round 7 Good right from Briedis..Right from Dorticos…Good right from Briedis

Round 8 Body shot from Briedis…

Round 10 Jab from Briedis…Right from Briedis…Body shot

Round 11 Body/Head combination from Briedis..Good right from Dorticos..Right from Briedis..Good jab from Dorticos..

Round 12 Right from Breidis

117-111 TWICE AND 114-114; FOR BRIEDIS

BILOXI, Miss. (September 25, 2020) – Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing) and the debut of the newest mixed-martial-arts promotional company, iKON Fighting Federation (iKON), presented its inaugural hybrid professional boxing/MMA show last night at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Boxjng and MMA action was streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.

Boxing was co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Rite Hook Promotions, pro MMA matches were co-promoted by iKON, in association with RJJ Boxing, and Empire Fighting Championship.

Five undefeated boxing prospects were showcased with each emerging victoriously. In the main event, undefeated Tampa welterweight prospect Mark Reyes, Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs) knocked out his Mexican opponent, Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez (13-9-1, 5 KOs), in round four for his eighth straight fight that didn’t go the distant.

In the co-featured event, Roy Jones, Jr. protégé, Michael “Boy Wonder” Williams, Jr. (13-0, 9 KOs), captured the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Continental Americas super lightweight title, stopping Thomas Miller (6-4, 3 KOs) midway through the second round with a vicious body shot.

Tennessee super lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (7-0, 5 KOs) need only half-a-round to knockout Texan Gabriel Gutierrez (5-9, 3 KOs), New Orleans super lightweight Jonathan Montrel (7-0, 5 KOs) erased Henry Lee Crapp in two rounds, and Dominican Republic lightweight Eridson Garcia (9-0, 6 KOs) pitched a shutout against Argentinian Christian “El Ninja” Guido (8-14, 6 KOs) for a 6-roiund unanimous decision.

In the iKON launch, veteran lightweight Khasan “Black Wolf” Ashkabov improved to 21-2-0 with a second-round submission win in the main event against Cliff “The Goblin” Wright (12-14-0), by locking in a rear naked choke.

Hometown favorite Tyler “Zombie” Hill (10-5-0) suffered a first-round loss to Iowa middleweight Johnny Parsons (5-2-0), who stopped his opponent on punches.

Miami middleweight Allan St. Gelais (1-0-0) won his pro debut with a second-round stoppage of Ravon “Big Shot” Baxter (1-2-0), while North Carolina welterweight Zachary Dalen (2-1-0) recorded an opening-round technical knockout of R.J. Summerlin (1-2-0).

Sedriques “The Reaper” Dumas won his pro debut in fashion, using a rear naked choke to submit Clarence “Prodigy” Brown (1-8-0) in round one.

Florida lightweight Christian “Hollywood” Lohsen (8-2-0) and Arizona featherweight A.J. Cunningham (6-1-0), respectively, defeated Dennis “DJ” Hughes (2-2-0) and Jewell “Kid Dynamite” Scott (3-4-0).

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

RJJ BOXING

MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHTS
Mark Reyes, Jr. (13-0, 11 KOs), Tampa, FL
WTKO4 (1:51)
Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez (13-9-1, 5 KOs), La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

CO-FEATURE – VACANT NBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Michael Williams, Jr. (13-0, 9 KOs), Fayetteville, NC
WKO2 (1:42)
Thomas Miller (6-4, 3 KOs), Huntington, WV

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS
Tyler Tomlin (7-0, 5 KOs), Ashland City, TN
WTKO1 (1:49)
Gabriel Guttierrez (5-9, 3 KOs), El Paso, TX

Jonathan Montrel (8-0, 5 KOs), New Orleans, LA
WTKO2
Henry Lee Crapp

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Eridson Garcia (9-0, 6 KOs), Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Christian “El Ninja” Danilo Guido (8-14 (6 KOs), Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina

iKON MMA

MAIN EVENT – LIGHTWEIGHTS
Khasan Askhabov (20-2-0), Miami, FL
WSUB2 (rear naked choke – 2:24)
Cliff Wright (12-13-0), Cedar Rapids, IA

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Johnny Parsons (4-2-0), Las Vegas, NV
WTKO/KO1 (punches – 2:35)
Tyler Hill (7-2-0), Biloxi, MS

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Allan St. Gelais (1-0-0), Miami, FL
WKO/TKO2 (2:12)
Ravon Baxter (1-2-0), Clarksville, TN

Sedriques Dumas (0-0-0), Pensacola, FL
WSUB1 (rear naked choke – 2:53)
Clarence Brown (1-7-0), Houston, TX

WELTERWEIGHTS
Zachary Dalen (2-1-0), Fayetteville, NC
WTKO1 (4:42)
R.J. Summerlin (1-2-0), Pensacola, FL

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Christian Lohsen (8-2-0), Deland, FL
WDEC3
Dennis Hughes (2-2-0), Wiggins, MS

FEATHERWEIGHTS
A.J. Cunningham, (6-1-0), Batesville, AZ
WDEC3
Jewell Scott (3-4-0), Shreveport, LA

INFORMATION:
Website: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre
Instagram: @iKONFightingFederation, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre

Dina Thorslund (14-0, 6 KOs) and Nina Radovanovic (14-3, 3 KOs) both made weight ahead of their WBO Super Bantamweight World title clash this Saturday night at the Struer Energi Park in Struer, Denmark. 

Thorslund returns having successfully defended her WBO World title for the second time against Australia’s April Adams, and is now facing former IBO World Champion Radovanovic from Belgrade, Serbia.

The quick handed Thorslund has told fans she’s expecting to knock out her challenger, whilst Radovanovic says she has never felt better prepared.

WBO Female Super Bantamweight World Championship – 10 Rounds
Dina Thorslund: 55.2kg
Nina Radovanovic: 53.9kg

Official undercard weights:

Heavyweight – 8 Rounds
Filip Hrgovi?: 112.4kg
Alexandre Kartozia: 100kg

Super Middleweight – 6 Rounds
Oliver Zaren: 75.5kg
Konstantin Alexandrov: 75.3kg

Welterweight – 6 Rounds
Oliver Mollenberg: 66.4kg
Nikola Vlajkov: 67kg

Middleweight – 4 Rounds
Jacob Bank: 74kg
Birkan Garib: 73.8kg

Super Middleweight – 4 Rounds
Martin Foru: 77.3kg
Tarkan Oezcoban: 77.6kg

Super Featherweight – 4 Rounds
Payman Akbari: 59kg
Marko Petrovic: 58.9kg