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.

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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

WBC Middleweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Jermall Charlo – 159 ¾ lbs.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko – 159 ½ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock (New Jersey); Judges: David Sutherland (Oklahoma), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey), Tim Cheatham (Las Vegas)

WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Brandon Figueroa – 122 lbs.

Damien Vazquez – 121 ½ lbs.

Referee: Gary Rosato (Pennsylvania); Judges: John McKaie (New York), Glenn Feldman (Connecticut), Don Trella (Connecticut)

WBO Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

John Riel Casimero – 117 ¾ lbs.

Duke Micah – 117 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Steve Willis (New York); Judges: Julie Lederman (New York), John McKaie (New York), Tim Cheatham (Las Vegas)

WBC, WBA and IBF 154-pound Unification Bout – 12 Rounds

Jermell Charlo – 153 ¾ lbs.

Jeison Rosario – 153 ½ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock (New Jersey); Judges: Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey), Glenn Feldman (Connecticut) John McKaie (New York)

WBC Vacant Super Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Luis Nery – 121 ½ lbs.

Aaron Alameda – 121 ½ lbs.

Referee: Michael Ortega (Connecticut); Judges: Tom Carusone (Connecticut), Don Ackerman (New York), Julie Lederman (New York)

WBC Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Danny Roman – 121 ¼ lbs.

Juan Carlos Payano – 121 ½ lbs.

Referee: John Callas (Connecticut); Judges: Don Trella (Connecticut), David Sutherland (Oklahoma), Kevin Morgan (New York)

The announce team for the SHOWTIME PPV telecast is comprised of the most experienced and decorated boxing team on television. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer is the host. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and four-time world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. In addition, former world champion Raúl Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

The executive producer of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The pair has been guiding SHOWTIME Sports’ flagship series SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® since its inception in 1986 and has produced the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all time (Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, Mayweather-Canelo).

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES – (September 25, 2020) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will take on hard-hitting Rigoberto Hermosillo in the 10-round main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, October 3 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature top welterweight prospect Paul Kroll squaring off against rising prospect Luke Santamaria in the 10-round co-main event. The lineup also features the unbeaten Barrientes twins in separate six-round featherweight attractions as Ángel Barrientes takes on Fernando Ibarra and Chávez Barrientes matches up against Ivan Varela.

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.

“Saturday, October 3 will feature contenders and prospects putting their unbeaten records on the line as they look for statement victories live on FS1,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Featherweight contender Mark Magsayo and top welterweight prospect Paul Kroll will aim to impress against stiff competition as Magsayo faces the always tough Rigoberto Hermosillo, while Kroll steps up to battle the fast-rising Luke Santamaria. With the addition of the sensational twin prospects Ángel and Chávez Barrientes in their television debuts, October 3 shapes up as a jam-packed night of action.”

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (20-,0, 14 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently scored two wins in 2019, knocking out Erick Deztroyer in April and earning a 12-round decision over former world champion Panya Uthok in August. The 25-year-old owns two other 12-round decision wins and a stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos. Magsayo will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time on October 3.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Hermosillo (11-2-1, 8 KOs) now trains out of California as he prepares to fight in the U.S. for the fourth straight time. The 28-year-old has fought professionally since 2013 and will look to bounce back from defeats against a pair of unbeaten fighters. He dropped a narrow split-decision to Manny Robles last May, and most recently dropped a decision to Viktor Slavinskyi last November.

A decorated U.S. amateur from the fighter-rich city of Philadelphia, Kroll (7-0, 6 KOs) turned pro in August 2018 with a first-round stoppage of DeAngelo Alcorn. The 25-year-old ended his first four fights inside of two rounds before going to distance and beating then unbeaten Shinard Bunch in August 2019. Most recently, Kroll kicked off his 2020 campaign with a TKO victory over Marcel Rivers in January.

The 22-year-old Santamaria (11-1-1, 7 KOs) returns to action after an August triumph over veteran contender Mykal Fox that saw him drop Fox in round one of their battle on FS1. The Garden Grove, California native had previously won a decision over Willie Jones and fought to a split draw against Marquis Taylor in his 2019 contests. Santamaria is unbeaten in his last 10 fights since his lone loss, a four-round decision in his third pro bout in 2015.

The younger twin by 13 minutes, Ángel Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs) and his brother were born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and moved to Las Vegas when they were two-years-old. The 18-year-old Ángel turned pro alongside his brother last November with a first-round knockout of Luis Armando Nunez. Ángel had an impressive amateur career winning 14 national tournaments and three international. He will be opposed by the 19-year-old Ibarra (2-3) who hails from Guanajuato, Mexico and fights out of Fairfield, California.

Fresh off of graduating high school with his brother in May, Chávez Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs) also delivered a first-round knockout in his pro debut last November, stopping Jorge Luis Sedano. Chávez and his brother were first introduced to the sport by their father Richard at an early age, with their interest and skill eventually prompting him to open his own gym. Barrientes will be facing Lindsay, California’s Varela (3-2, 1 KO) in the twins’ first stateside pro fights. The 23-year-old Varela most recently dropped a decision to Anthony Casillas last June.

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

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING returns to BT Sport tomorrow night when Josh Taylor defends his unified IBF/WBA super lightweight belts against mandatory challenger, the unbeaten Apinun Khongsong from Thailand. Also in headline position is the return of former WBC world flyweight champion Charlie Edwards to the ring, where he will step up to bantamweight to take on Kyle Williams.

Earlier today, the four fighters took part in the official weigh-in ahead of tomorrows show.

Photos from todays press conference will be upload here

Weights below:

Josh Taylor 9st 13lb 8oz
Apinun Khongsong 9st 13lb 8oz

Charlie Edwards 8st 5lb 8oz
Kyle Williams 8st 5lb 12oz

Davey Oliver Joyce 8st 9lb 4oz
Ionut Baluta 8st 9lb 4oz

George Davey 11st 0lb 8oz
Jeff Thomas 11st 1lb 8oz

Eithan James 10st 1lb 4oz
Kris Pilkington 10st 1lb 4oz

Live coverage on BT Sport 1 begins at 7.30pm

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero to a co-promotional contract, along with Cameron Dunkin’s NOW Boxing Promotions.

Fighting out of Houston, Texas, under the guidance of trainer Rudy Silva and manager Niko Tsigaras, 22-year-old Mexican American Guerrero (12-0, 9 KOs) is a crowd-pleasing power puncher with an aggressive, pressuring style and a strong amateur pedigree.

Guerrero started boxing at age 10 at the Irving PAL and went on to win two junior national titles while going approximately 90-10. Along the way, he faced such current luminaries as WBC Lightweight Champion Devin Haney, WBC Silver Lightweight Champion Ryan Garcia and 2019 The Ring Magazine “Prospect of the Year” Virgil Ortiz, against whom he went 2-2 in a four-fight series.

Last seen in action on March 13, breaking down and winning a nationally televised decision over then 12-1 Jose Angulo on SHOBOX: The New Generation, Guerrero says the new pact moves him a step closer to his ultimate goal.

“I am excited to continue my boxing career with a team that others would call an “all star” team,” said Guerrero. “I am confident and blessed that, with this team, my dreams of becoming a world champion are now possible.”

Dunkin, the 2017 BWAA Manager of the Year, guided the careers of 34 world champions before starting his NOW Boxing Promotions, says he’s excited to be working with Salita on this young prospect. “By teaming with Dmitriy, I feel Cameron Dunkin/D & D Boxing Inc., and Dmitriy Salita/Salita Promotions will afford Alejandro many opportunities to show his talent.”

Salita, the former fighter turned emerging promotional presence in boxing, says Guerrero is a welcome addition to his growing stable of prospects and champions.

“I am excited to promote one of the best lightweight prospects in the world in Alejandro ‘Porkchop’ Guerrero,” said Salita. “At only 22 years old, he has already shown his world-class potential. I am grateful to be teaming up with Cameron Dunkin who has demonstrated his superb eye for blue-chip talent over many years in the sport.”

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 24, 2020) – Fresh of his spectacular knockout performance on FS1 PBC Fight Night, undefeated featherweight/bantamweight sensation, Victor Pasillas (16-0, 9 KOs), is thrilled to have kept his knockout steak intact, which now stand at six. Pasillas looked unbelievable last night stopping previously unbeaten foe, Ranfis Encarnacion (17-1, 13 KOs), by sixth-round TKO.

“I told myself that I didn’t want the fight to go the distance because I know how important it was for me to look impressive in my PBC debut,” said Victor Pasillas, who was born and raised in East Los Angeles. “When you fight on national television, I feel you must show out and go for the knockout. With this being my televised debut as well, that’s exactly what I did, keeping my knockout steak alive. I made a concerted effort to let my hands go and not be boring. Fans can expect me to fight this style every time I step in the ring.”

“It was an incredible feeling to see Victor get the exposure with PBC and FOX as he deserves everything that is coming his way,” said Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages Pasillas. “He has the talent to become a multiple division world champion, and knowing how hard he works, I can see him in some very big fights right away. Everyone is saying Victor is a star in the making and I agree. We are exploring options for his next opponent and I know it’s going to be big.”

With the bantamweight and featherweight divisions stacked with talent, many big fights can be made with Pasillas. His performance against Encarnacion showed he will be a problem for any champion or contender fighting in those respected divisions. Pasillas wants all the big names.

“At age twenty-eight, I feel I’m in the prime of my career, ready to fight any of the champions or contenders at bantamweight or featherweight, Pasillas continued. “Both of those divisions are loaded with entertaining fights, and I’m ready to jump in headfirst and fight all of them. I know the fans want to see me challenge those guys so let’s see who they put in front of me next. I’m hoping it’s a big name. I’m so grateful to the folks at PBC and FOX, as well as my core team, for believing in me. I’m ready to take over.”

New York, NY (September 24, 2020) DiBella Entertainment’s undefeated welterweight prospect Mark Reyes Jr. (12-0, 10 KOs), of Tampa, FL, will headline a fight card tonight, streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT. Held at the Civic Center, in Biloxi, MS, tonight’s event is promoted by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and Rite Hook Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

Drawing huge crowds to his first twelve professional fights befitting his status as one of the most popular fighters in Florida, Reyes fights away from home for the first time as a pro in his UFC Fight Pass® debut. He faces Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez, of La Paz Baja California Sur, Mexico, in the eight-round main event.

“Mark was an outstanding amateur and is developing into a tremendous professional. I look forward to seeing him notch another exciting victory to his record tonight on UFC Fight Pass,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s got a show-stopping knockout punch and has all the intangibles to become a world champion. He’s a great kid with a huge fan base in Florida and is very admirable for his community work through numerous charitable endeavors. I am happy working with Mark and his father Mark Reyes Sr., as we set a course for him to maximize his potential inside the ring and marketability outside.”

“My last fight came right before live boxing began to shut down in the United States due to the pandemic and I am very excited to get back in the ring tonight pursuing my dream. I am also thrilled that I will get to showcase my talent headlining on UFC Fight Pass,” said 24-year-old Reyes.

“As I resume my career, I am thankful to be signed with DiBella Entertainment,” continued Reyes. “I love Lou’s passion for boxing and for his fighters. He truly cares personally for the fighter. I know I need more experience in the right fights and that Lou can provide that for me as I continue to learn and grow in this sport.”

Reyes is coming off of a fourth-round knockout of Gabriel Calfin on March 14, 2020, in Tampa, FL, in front of a standing-room-only throng of his supporters. The victory was the seventh straight stoppage by the heavy-handed Reyes. In 2019, Reyes was victorious in all three of his fights, two by first-round knockout.

Born and raised in Tampa, Reyes is of Puerto Rican heritage from both his parents. Taking up boxing at an early age through his father, Mark Reyes Sr., who was an amateur boxer and is his current trainer, along with his inspiration from watching fellow Floridian Roy Jones Jr., Reyes had his first bout at the age of twelve. Using boxing to offset his hyperactivity as a youth, he was successful from the start, winning the PAL National Tournament in 2012, after finishing second in the previous year. Reyes also won two national amateur tournaments competing in Puerto Rico, finishing with a record of 40-6.

Outside of the ring, Reyes is active raising money and giving of his time for numerous charities. More information can be found on his website at www.mrjboxing.com.

Photo: Team Reyes Jr.

Social Media/Mark Reyes Jr.
Instagram: OfficialMarkReyesJr
Facebook: OfficialMRJBoxing

DiBella Entertainment
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UNCASVILLE, Conn. – September 24, 2020 – Top fighters and trainers shared their thoughts and gave predictions on the two main events headlining the blockbuster CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER this Saturday, September 26, live on SHOWTIME PPV (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The unprecedented twin bill features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast is headlined by undefeated Jermall Charlo putting his WBC World Middleweight Title on the line versus top rated contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

Following the main event of part one and a 30-minute intermission hosted by MORNIG KOMBAT, the second three-fight card will begin, headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo facing unified WBA and IBF 154-pound World Champion Jeison Rosario.

The highly anticipated pay-per-view doubleheader is the talk of the boxing world and some of the game’s finest minds are split on who will emerge victorious. Respondents leaned toward Jermall Charlo to retain his title over Derevyanchenko by a tally of 12 to 8 (with one draw pick) while predictions for Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario were even tighter, with Charlo edging it out by a total of 15 to 13. Here is what the fighters and trainers had to say:

JERMALL CHARLO VS. SERGEY DEREVYANCHENKO FIGHT PREDICTIONS

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight champion
Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo demonstrated in his fight with Matt Korobov that he has trouble with fighters who can move, box and think in the ring. So that’s what he’s up against with Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Derevyanchenko lost two close fights to Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin, and it looked like he may have even beaten Golovkin. But in the end, I have Jermall winning this fight by a close decision.

Oleksandr Usyk, former undisputed cruiserweight champion and current heavyweight contender
Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is our guy and has been waiting for a title opportunity like this for a long time. His experience gained against Daniel Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin have prepared him for victory over Jermall Charlo. Sergiy by unanimous decision.

Nonito Donaire, four-division world champion
Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo gets in there and establishes that he is the ring general, which is key going into a fight with anybody. You put your feet in cement, and you claim the ring and make them adjust to what you’re doing.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but Charlo is a very crafty fighter, and when he smells blood, he goes in on him, knowing how to work a fighter along the ropes and at the same time using the ring. I see him winning by a decision if not by knockout.

Jarrett Hurd, former unified super welterweight champion
Derevyanchenko UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko had a really good fight against Gennadiy Golovkin, and, in fact, I thought he won. I think that he’ll carry that momentum into this fight with Jermall Charlo, winning a unanimous decision.

Erislandy Lara, WBA Super Welterweight Champion
Charlo UD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko likes to come forward and I think that plays into Jermall Charlo’s hands, who has the power to keep him honest. I just think Jermall is the better fighter with the superior boxing skills and he will come out victorious. Jermall by unanimous decision in a very entertaining fight.

Tony Harrison, former super welterweight champion
Charlo SD 12: Jermall Charlo will win based on his size in a tough fight similar to how Danny Jacobs and Gennadiy Golovkin did. I know Sergiy Derevyanchenko comes to fight, and I think it’s going to be Charlo’s most difficult fight to date, but I see him winning close, maybe by a split-decision.

Adam Kownacki, heavyweight contender
Draw: This is a difficult fight to pick, and I believe that it can go either way. I know both guys, and they’re each very tough, so I’ll say it’s going to end in a draw.

Danny Roman, former unified super bantamweight champion
Charlo SD 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko looked very tough against Gennadiy Golovkin, and he really gave him some problems in a fight that a lot of people believe Golovkin lost.

Jermall Charlo will have Derevyanchenko applying pressure on him for the entire fight, but I believe that he will use his speed, height and reach to win a split-decision.

Brandon Figueroa, Undefeated WBA Super Bantamweight Champion
Charlo TKO 10: Jermall Charlo’s going to want to go out there and perform at his best against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Charlo has power in both hands and he’s going to show it. I believe Charlo is going to stop Derevyanchenko by TKO in the 10th.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk, former light heavyweight champion
Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has great stamina, great conditioning and applies a lot of pressure. I don’t believe that Jermall Charlo will be able to maintain a safe distance for the full 12 rounds.

I believe that Sergiy will be the one with his hands raised in the end, either by going the distance and applying constant pressure or winning by stoppage in the later rounds. But either way, I believe that the Ukraine is going to have another world champion.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time world champion
Charlo UD 12: I think that Jermall Charlo wins against an aggressive fighter in Sergiy Derevyanchenko, whose style plays right into Charlo’s. Derevyanchenko is a pressure fighter, and anytime you get someone who can box, work behind a jab and deliver power like Charlo can, I believe that makes Derevyanchenko an easier target. I see Charlo winning by unanimous decision.

Taras Shelestyuk, undefeated welterweight contender
Derevyanchenko KO: Sergiy Derevyanchenko versus Jermall Charlo will be a tough fight. Their two different styles make this fight a hard one for both boxers. I believe that Sergiy will get the victory, but he will need to stop Charlo by knockout or technical knockout. If the fight goes through all rounds, it will be difficult for Sergiy to get a victory on points.

Robert Garcia, trainer of four-division world champion Mikey Garcia
Charlo W 12: I believe that Jermall Charlo will win a decision over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a very good fight. Derevyanchenko will bring the pressure, but the game-changer is the skills that Charlo possesses, and I believe that he will use them to outbox Derevyanchenko.

Jamal James, interim WBA Welterweight Champion
Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is the stronger fighter and he has more skill than Sergiy Derevyanchenko as far as speed and general ring savvy as well, so I feel as if it’s going to be a wide decision, if not a knockout win, for him.

Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar, featherweight contender
Derevyanchenko 12: It’s a tough fight for both Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermall Charlo. I know Derevyanchenko from the amateurs and he will pull it off in this one. But I believe it’s a 50/50 fight. The best man will come out on top.

Sergey Lipinets, former super lightweight champion and welterweight contender
Charlo TKO 8: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has a rugged style and he’s coming off of a close loss to Gennadiy Golovkin, so we know he’s capable of giving people problems. But I’ve known Derevyanchenko for a long time, and he’s gotten busted up before, and Charlo places his punches really well.

So if Derevyanchenko gets caught by a big punch from Charlo in the middle of the fight, it’s going to get nasty, it’s going to be a wrap, and they are going to stop it on cuts in about the eighth round.

Matt Korobov, middleweight contender
Charlo W 12: Jermall Charlo is going to win this fight. Sergiy Derevyanchenko can put a lot of pressure, but I think Charlo is smart enough to beat Derevyanchenko.

Charles Mooney, Olympic Silver Medalist and trainer of Matt Korobov
Derevyanchenko W 12: Jermall Charlo is trained by Ronnie Shields, whom I believe is the best in the business. Charlo’s jab, combinations, reaction time and defensive skills are excellent. But so are Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s, and he demonstrated against Gennadiy Golovkin that he has the abilities to dominate this fight.

Still, Charlo’s a hittable target, and it takes an aggressive guy like Derevyanchenko to beat him. Charlo doesn’t have the amateur international history that Derevyanchenko has, and Derevyanchenko can really fight, so I’m leaning toward him to win a close one by decision.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of former super welterweight champion Julian Williams
Charlo UD 12: I think Jermall Charlo is too big for Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Jermall’s jab and stature will be a lot to penetrate. Sergiy has more amateur pedigree, so I expect him to score points and hold his own.

But I think Jermall’s jab, size and chin will win him the fight. I think Sergiy is vulnerable early and a knockdown will be the difference. Jermall by unanimous decision.

Ivan Redkach, welterweight contender
Derevyanchenko KO 7: Sergiy Derevyanchenko has never been a champion and he’s extremely hungry and motivated to become one by defeating Jermall Charlo. I really like Charlo as a fighter, and as far as his style, and I have nothing bad to say about it.

But I do believe that Sergiy’s pressure will eventually wear down Charlo, and that he will at some point hurt him, not let him off the hook, and be able to stop Charlo somewhere in the middle of the fight, maybe in the seventh round.

Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, light heavyweight contender
Derevyanchenko W 12: Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a very tough, durable guy whom I know from the amateurs, but Jermall Charlo has a great boxing style. Both fighters have great chins. I believe that it’s going to be a great fight, and I think it’s going to go the distance. But, ultimately, I believe Sergiy will have his hands raised in the end.

JERMELL CHARLO VS. JEISON ROSARIO FIGHT PREDICTIONS

Errol Spence Jr., Undefeated Unified Welterweight Champion
Charlo W 12: I like Rosario as a fighter, but I think Jermell is going to beat him. Rosario has been stopped before. He has been hurt before and recently Jermell’s been showing knockout power. I feel like if he catches Rosario with a good shot, he could stop him, but I’m going with Charlo by decision.

Shawn Porter, two-time welterweight champion
Charlo late-round TKO: I think that Jermell Charlo is going to win this fight against Jeison Rosario. Rosario is on a winning streak, but Charlo has a mean streak, and that energetic persona works for him.

Knowing that Rosario has been knocked out before, and when you’re going up against a heavy-hitter who lands straight punches and a nice jab like Charlo, I have to go with Charlo by late-round stoppage in a firefight.

Anthony Dirrell, former super middleweight champion
Charlo SD 12: Anything can happen, and we know that. Jeison Rosario’s mentality in knocking out Julian Williams was unbelievable. But Rosario’s not a guy who dances around too much so Jermell’s skills and his beast mentality will get him those belts from Rosario. I believe it will be Jermell by a split-decision.

Marcus Browne, former light heavyweight champion
Charlo KO 12: Jermell Charlo is on a roll, but Jeison Rosario is a very tough cookie. Jermell has a lot of momentum coming off of his revenge victory over Tony Harrison, and, for that reason, I believe that he is in a zone. Rosario did stop Julian Williams on a night when he brought his “A-game,” and I believe that he can present some issues. But I see a late-round knockout for Jermell.

Herman Caicedo, trainer of heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz and former bantamweight champion Juan Carlos Payano
Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is sharper and more powerful with his punches and shows a level of calmness beyond his years. I believe he will defeat Jermell Charlo and maybe even earn a late stoppage.

Chris Colbert, Undefeated interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion
Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario will be a tough fight for the first three or four rounds, but that Jermell’s clean power-punching will be too much and Rosario will get caught with a vicious shot and be knocked out cold.

Nonito Donaire, former four-division world champion
Charlo KO 8: Jermell Charlo is in against one hell of a fighter in Jeison Rosario, who is big and tough and will make it a dogfight. But I think that over the distance, Jermell will start to catch up to him and win by eighth-round knockout.

Luis Ortiz, heavyweight contender
Rosario W 12: I think that Jeison Rosario will win this fight against Jermell Charlo. Rosario is bigger, stronger, has better punch placement and lands with harder shots. I believe that he will win a decision, if not by early knockout or TKO. It’s a life-changing event and Rosario won’t waste this opportunity.

Tony Harrison, former super welterweight champion
Charlo UD 12: As much as I don’t like Jermell Charlo, he gained my respect in our two fights. Charlo’s facing a guy in Jeison Rosario who is game and very motivated after knocking out Julian Williams. I think it’s going to be a tight fight, and I think each of them can be hurt at one point, but I see Charlo winning by a unanimous decision.

Jorge Cota, super welterweight contender
Rosario KO 10: I know both Jeison Rosario and Jermell Charlo because I fought both of them, losing a split-decision to Rosario and being knocked out in third round by Charlo by a punch that I didn’t see coming.

But even though my fight went the distance against Rosario, I felt the power of every single punch he threw, whether it was on the arms, the shoulders, the chest, the stomach or the head.
I never really felt Charlo’s power until he caught me with that one punch. So with that in mind, I believe that Rosario will do similar damage to Charlo, wearing him down before finally stopping him in around the 10th round.

Erislandy Lara, WBA Super Welterweight Champion
Charlo KO 11: Jermell Charlo will be too much for Jeison Rosario because he is the better boxer. The fight will be competitive until the later rounds, when Jermell will score a knockout. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Jermell by 11th round knockout.

Sebastian Fundora, undefeated super welterweight contender
Rosario late-round KO: I believe that styles make fights, and that their styles are perfect for one of them to be knocked out. But I think that Jeison Rosario has the edge over Jermell Charlo, and that it will be Rosario who delivers the knockout in the later rounds.

Andre Dirrell, Olympic Bronze Medalist and veteran contender
Charlo KO 10: I believe that Jermell Charlo will come out of this with a knockout victory over Jeison Rosario, who will bring it, but Jermell will have all the answers and make the adjustment. I’m looking for Jermell to win by ninth or 10th round-knockout.

Danny Roman, former unified super bantamweight champion
Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a war that I don’t think will go the full 12 rounds. I believe that Rosario will win by 10th-round knockout.

Stephen Edwards, trainer of former super welterweight champion Julian Williams
Charlo TKO 6: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison “Banana” Rosario is a tough fight to assess. I think Rosario is the better boxer. Jermell looks like the better boxer because he can use his legs and he has a good jab. But Jermell’s not hard to hit and he’s been out-boxed for long stretches by Tony Harrison, John Jackson and Demetrius Hopkins.

Rosario has some skillful moves – except he just comes forward. But Jermell is clutch and he has an elite chin also. I also believe Rosario loses steam after six rounds. So, look for Jermell to clip him late in a great fight. Jermell by TKO.

Kenny Porter, trainer of two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter
Charlo KO 10: I think Jermell Charlo will win this fight by stoppage against Jeison Rosario, and I’m thinking that it will be a knockout in the ninth or 10th round.

Javier Fortuna, former two-division world champion
Rosario KO 7: I have no doubt that Jeison “Banana” Rosario will defeat Jermell Charlo and make history for the Dominican Republic. I believe that Rosario will do to Charlo what he did to Julian Williams, but that Charlo will be knocked out cold.

Kevin Cunningham, trainer of super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin
Charlo KO 8: Somebody is getting knocked out in the Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario fight, and I’m picking Charlo to win a shootout. I believe that Charlo’s athleticism will give him the edge over Rosario, and I think he’ll stop Rosario in the eighth round.

Juan Carlos Payano, former world bantamweight champion
Rosario W 12: I believe that Jeison Rosario is going to win against Jermell Charlo. It’s Jeison’s time, and he won’t waste it. Jeison is bigger and stronger and will walk down Charlo.

Rolando Romero, undefeated interim WBA Lightweight Champion
Charlo KO 9: Jermell Charlo versus Jeison Rosario is going to be a dogfight over the first half of the fight, but I think that as it goes on, Jermell’s just going to crack him. I think it will be a late-round knockout, probably in the eighth or the ninth.

Michel Rivera, undefeated lightweight contender
Rosario W 12: Jeison Rosario is my pick against Jermell Charlo. From the heart and from the head, Rosario is better at power punching and very poised in all situations. Rosario by decision or by early knockout.

Jesus Ramos, undefeated welterweight contender
Charlo TKO 10: I see Jermell Charlo boxing a little smarter than Jeison Rosario and taking him into deep waters with his experience. It’s a been there done that situation for him.

Amilcar Vidal, undefeated middleweight prospect
Rosario TKO 10: I believe that Jeison Rosario against Jermell Charlo will be a very entertaining fight, but it’s also the biggest of Rosario’s career. For that reason, I believe that Rosario will be at his best and win by knockout in the later round, perhaps by 10th-round TKO.

Andre Rozier, trainer of middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko and former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs
Rosario W 12: This is a very intriguing bout. Jeison Rosario is a big 154-pounder, as is Jermell Charlo. They both have good punching power. But It will come down to a battle of wills, and I’m seeing the hunger of Jeison being a stronger force. Jeison by decision.

Carlos Negron, heavyweight contender
Rosario KO 10: Jermell Charlo is very skilled, but Jeison Rosario is the harder, sharper puncher. As long as Rosario doesn’t get surprised with a shot, he will win by knockout in the later rounds.

Charles Mooney, Olympic Silver Medalist and trainer of middleweight contender Matt Korobov
Rosario SD 12: If Jermell Charlo’s mind isn’t right, he can leave a lot of openings for Jeison Rosario to capitalize on and walk away with the championships. Rosario’s a tough guy, so I’m leaning toward him to win a tough, close fight by split-decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight champion
Charlo KO 9: I think that Jeison Rosario may give Jermell Charlo some problems early due to the fact that he’s a big 154-pounder with good power, but I think that Jermell’s general experience, punching power, accuracy and ability to come on in the later rounds will enable him to stop Rosario in the eighth or ninth round.

Eduardo Ramirez, featherweight contender
Rosario KO 9: Jeison Rosario is a younger, newer champion and more motivated fighter than Jermell Charlo. I have no doubt that he is the stronger more powerful fighter and that he will win by a late-round knockout.

#

ABOUT CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER
The CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER takes place Saturday, September 26 on SHOWTIME PPV with an unprecedented event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The PPV begins at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. The SHOWTIME pay-per-view telecast begins with the Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko three-fight card followed by a 30-minute intermission hosted by MORNING KOMBAT and then. the Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario three-fight card.

Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV is headlined by WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

The second three-fight card is headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery will battle undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces off against former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® will continue its run of shows on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with a pair of exciting bouts featuring top contenders from the women’s bantamweight division. In the headliner, former champion and No. 2 ranked Holly Holm will look to stop the momentum of No. 6 Irene Aldana. Also, former women’s featherweight champion and current No. 1 ranked bantamweight contender Germaine de Randamie clash with No. 4 Julianna Peña.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: HOLM vs. ALDANA will take place Saturday, October 3 from UFC FIGHT ISLAND on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The main card will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, with the prelims exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT. The event is in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Former champion Holm (13-5, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) aims to continue her winning ways in 2020 with a vintage performance against one of the division’s rising stars. Known for her vicious left high kick, Holm has delivered memorable knockouts against Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia. She has also netted impressive wins over top contenders Raquel Pennington and Marion Reneau. Holm is now seeking another thrilling finish to again earn a crack at the women’s bantamweight belt.

Aldana (12-5, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) is one of the sport’s most formidable strikers. In her most recent appearance, she handed highly touted contender Ketlen Vieira her first loss via highlight-reel KO. Aldana also holds memorable wins against Bethe Correia and Lucie Pudilova. Aldana now aims to take out a former champion to earn her first UFC title shot.

Recent women’s bantamweight title challenger de Randamie (9-4, fighting out of Utrecht, The Netherlands) is intent on reasserting herself among the weight class’ top contenders. Tied with Ronda Rousey for fastest KO in the division following a 16-second victory against Aspen Ladd last year, de Randamie has also netted spectacular knockouts over Anna Elmose and Larissa Pacheco. De Randamie now hopes to stop Peña to defend her spot in the rankings.

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 18, Peña (9-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) aims to stake her claim for her first title shot with a trademark performance. An aggressive striker and grappler, Peña has delivered entertaining victories over former flyweight champion Nicco Montaño, as well as former UFC title challengers Cat Zingano and Jessica Eye. Peña now goes for the biggest win of her career to secure her spot as the top contender.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Yorgan De Castro (6-1, fighting out of Fall River, Mass.) locks horns with fellow heavyweight prospect Carlos Felipe (8-1, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil)
• Dequan Townsend (21-11, fighting out of Lansing, Mich.) goes for his first UFC win against debuting Dana White’s Contender Series signee Dusko Todorovic (9-0, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia) in a middleweight bout
• Former interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit (30-13, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) squares off with Court McGee (Orem, Utah) in an entertaining battle of veterans
• Tom Breese (11-2, fighting out of Birmingham, England) returns to action against Roman Kopylov (8-1, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia) in a middleweight scrap
• In an exciting featherweight prospects’ bout, Charles Jourdain (10-3, fighting out of Beloeil, Que., Canada) meets Josh Culibao (8-1, fighting out of Sydney, Australia)
• Loma Lookboonmee (4-2, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand) faces Jinh Yu Frey (9-5, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) in what promises to be an action-packed women’s strawweight contest
• Casey Kenney (14-2-1, fighting out of Tuscan, Ariz.) meets AlatengHeili (14-7-1, fighting out of Beijing, China) in a battle of bantamweight hopefuls
• In a clash of returning lightweights, Luigi Vendramini (8-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) takes on Jessin Ayari (16-5, fighting out of Nuremburg, Germany)

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.

UNCASVILLE, CT. – September 23, 2020 – WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo previewed the CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER at final press conferences Wednesday, as they went face to face with the opponents presenting the toughest tests of their careers.

Jermall will face top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko headlining part one of the doubleheader, while Jermell takes on WBA and IBF 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in the main event of part two of the twin bill taking place this Saturday, September 26 live on SHOWTIME PPV (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT), in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conferences included all 12 fighters participating on the stacked pay-per-view event featuring six competitive fights in all, five of which are world title fights.

The three-fight Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko card will see WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa defending his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-main event, plus WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero battling unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

Following a 30-minute intermission at the conclusion of Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko, the three-fight Charlo vs. Rosario card will begin. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery takes on undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-main event, while former unified champion Danny Román duels former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator kicking off the second portion of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from Mohegan Sun in Connecticut:

JERMALL CHARLO

“This is just the beginning for me. There’s been 30 fighters who’ve tried to beat me, and all 30 failed. We’ll get a chance to get in there and do what we do best on Saturday. Talk is cheap. We’ll see where that green belt goes on Saturday.

“I’m focused and locked in. I’m ready to fight. Sergiy can say what he wants to say about me, it’s going to be a fight on Saturday.

“This is like the Super Bowl for us. At the end of the day, we’re always ready to fight. This is what we do and this is what we prepare ourselves for. We’re true warriors.

“Derevyanchenko is looking past me. His trainer and his whole camp, they’re all looking past me. They’re going to find out what they’re in for on Saturday.

“I’m the best in the world. On Saturday night, everyone will get a chance to see it live on SHOWTIME PPV.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Saturday night is going to be my history-making performance. This is something that I’ve always wanted and that I’ve always trained for. I’ve put in the hard work for every fight I’ve ever had, and this is what it’s all been for.

“People will say that they can’t wait to see us fight again after Saturday. We come to fight. We prepared all our life for this. Now is our time. The big dogs are here to stay. We’re veterans in this game and we love this sport. To make it to this stage, there’s nothing bigger for us. This is our Super Bowl. This is our national championship. It’s time for us to go get our belts.

“This is about my legacy and my career. I want everyone to see what I’m made of. [Jeison] Rosario is a tough fighter with a lot of good attributes. He’s coming to fight. Styles make fights and we’re going to see that in the ring.

“We’re going to put on a show. Knowing my brother is also fighting gives me more energy. Fight night is when you see all our excitement and all our hard work pouring out. This is huge for us. We’re both doing our thing and feeding off each other’s energy.

“Just being on this stage makes you buckle in and focus a lot better. I’m 30 years old and I want to push myself and keep testing my limits. That’s what’s gotten me to this stage right now.

“I have confidence in my skills and I’m going to bring some new tricks out of my hat.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“The green color of the WBC belt suits me. I want that green belt. I’ve fought twice for the title, and I’m more ready than ever for the third time.

“I was happy to have the break after the Gennadiy Golovkin fight. I got good rest. I’m relaxed, and when I came back to the United States, I was ready to train and now I’m ready to fight. It all helped me.

“Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs were tough fights, they were both close fights and I think those experiences definitely helped me. I’ll show it in the ring on Saturday.

“I’m going to put pressure on him from the beginning. I’m going to use my legs, my jab and combinations to get the win.

“We always train hard and we have great sparring partners to prepare us. They’ve shown me what he’s going to bring to the ring. Now we just have to take our strategy and use it in the ring on Saturday.

“This is a big fight. When I win, even more opportunities will open up. I’ll be able to unify and take my career to the next level.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“People are going to see on Saturday that it was no fluke that I beat Julian Williams the way that I did.

“This is going to be a war. I’m a warrior, and I’m going to find a way to win. That’s the only thing on my mind.

“I don’t feel any pressure, it’s an obligation – not only to my family, but to all of Latin America – to win these titles. There’s no room in my mind for the possibility of not winning. That’s going to be clear on Saturday night.

“I’m prepared for the fight to go the distance, but I also have the stamina to finish it early and take advantage of my opportunity.

“I don’t have to understand what Jermell is saying on stage to know that he thinks he’s going to win, just like I think I’m going to win. That’s what makes this a great fight, but nothing is going to change my mindset.

“Training camp was great despite the pandemic. I feel strong, healthy and confident. Jermell is a great fighter with a lot of power, but I’m the better overall fighter and the world will see that on Saturday.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I’m excited to be back to doing what I do best and that’s getting in the ring and giving the fans a great show.

“It’s been a very unique circumstance training for this fight during the pandemic, but we made the most of it. I’m very fortunate that I have access to a private gym, so I was able to stay consistent with my training. Sparring was a little difficult, but I was able to venture out after a while and get some good sessions in. Even though this is the longest I’ve gone without a fight, I never took much time off.

“Vazquez is a good, tough opponent but I really don’t think he’ll be able to handle the pressure that I’m going to bring. I’m an action fighter but I can do it all. I can bang, but I can also box – and my dad wants me to box even more and tag him on the outside. I don’t think he’ll be able to handle my body shots.

“I feel like this fight won’t last too long, because I had such a good training camp. I keep getting better and stronger and I’m ready to showcase that Saturday night.”

DAMIEN VAZQUEZ

“If he says it won’t go past six rounds, then he’s going to have to work hard. I’m going to make sure it’ an all-out war. He’s going to have to earn everything.

“I’m ready to go. To be honest, this is the most excited I’ve ever been about a fight. He has two hands and his heart beats like mine. There’s nothing to be scared about in facing my opponent.

“No disrespect to the Charlos, but I want to be fight of the night and steal the show. May the best man win. I’m confident that will be me. Plain and simple.”

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“This is my first time on SHOWTIME so I want to give everyone watching an impressive performance. I’ll go for the knockout.

“This is a big opportunity show the world who I am. I promise I will do my best this fight. I am extremely ready to give it my all.

“My opponent is a mature boxer with good experience. But I’m going to be too strong for him. I believe I’m the best at 118-pounds.”

DUKE MICAH

“I’m so grateful for this moment. This is a massive night for me. It all comes down to this and we are coming to win.

“I have to stick to my game plan. I expect my opponent to box and move. I’ve prepared for a couple attacks that I think he will use. I’ve never been more ready for a fight than I am for this one.

“Casimero is a good boxer, but I’m a different fighter than I’ve been in the past. I’ve improved my game so much working with Andre Rozier. The fans will see it on Saturday night, and they will become instant fans of my electrifying style.”

LUIS NERY

“Everyone knows about my strength and knockout power, but my technique and preparation will play a part to help me win this fight.

“I’m excited for the challenge of moving up in weight. I want to dominate across multiple weight classes. That’s going to start Saturday night with a big statement against [Aaron] Alameda.

“This is really one of the best training camps I’ve ever had. I’ve been working with Eddy Reynoso, he’s focused on a lot of different aspects of my game that I can show in the ring on Saturday.

“The level of the fighter that Alameda has fought is not too impressive. On Saturday he’s going to face someone who’s on a whole new level from anything he’s ever faced.”

AARON ALAMEDA

“Everyone knows I’m the underdog, but after Saturday, everyone is going to know who Aaron Alameda is. I prepared hard like I always do, and you will see that from me in this fight.

“This fight was supposed to take place back in March, but I’ve been able to take the last six months to prepare even better and make sure I’m 100 percent the best version of myself.

“There’s so much on the line that I don’t think not having fans will have any effect. It’s pay-per-view and that means a lot of eyeballs will be on me. This fight means everything for me and my career.”

DANNY ROMAN

“I am coming off of losing the titles and that has made me hungrier than before. I am going again against a quality fighter like [Juan Carlos] Payano, and I don’t believe this is going the distance.

“I always make weight. I am still eating right now, and I think I will be eating before the weigh-in. I don’t struggle with the weight and I even think with a good diet I might be able to make 118 pounds.

“My style is to go in there and give the best of me and try to make my fight, the fight of the night. There are a lot of great fighters up here, but I’m trying to steal the show. We’re going to do whatever is possible to get this win.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I’ve faced better fighters than [Danny] Roman and I’m not going to back down against anyone. I’m ready for him to bring it. I’ve been on this stage before. I train to win every fight no matter what.

“I was already in training camp before the shutdown and I haven’t stopped working since. It’s been a long training camp, but we’re here now and I’m prepared.

“I didn’t come to talk too much. People will see the results on Saturday. I’m ready to show everyone that my power will be there in this fight.”

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

“I’d like to acknowledge the fighters and all of their camps for cooperating with us, complying with the protocols, and for meeting this challenge.

“The fans have spoken, and we listened. Fans wanted the best fighting the best. Well, we’ve got that. Without question, this is not just the biggest pay-per-view card of the year, but there is also the most value for your money on this card. I’ve never been involved with a card that has this level of quality and this level of star power”.

“We are proud that the Charlo’s are returning home to SHOWTIME after they came of age on this network. This is the fight fans’ fight card, with top to bottom can’t-miss action guaranteed on Saturday night.”

#

ABOUT CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER
The CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER takes place Saturday, September 26 on SHOWTIME PPV with an unprecedented event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The pay-per-view begins at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. The SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins with the Jermall Charlo vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko three-fight card followed by a 30-minute intermission and then the Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario three-fight card.

Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV is headlined by WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

The second three-fight card is headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery will battle undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces off against former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

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

LAS VEGAS (September 23, 2020) —The most anticipated fight of the fall — the Oct. 17 lightweight unification showdown between WBC Franchise/WBA/WBO world champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko and IBF kingpin Teofimo Lopez from the MGM Grand Las Vegas “Bubble”— now has a two-course televised appetizer befitting the occasion.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, former world title challenger Alex Saucedo will fight unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr.
 
The televised opener will see super middleweight knockout sensation Edgar Berlanga test his perfect record against veteran Lanell Bellows in an eight-rounder. Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) has won all 14 of his professional fights by first-round stoppage.
 
Lomachenko-Lopez, Saucedo-Barboza and Berlanga-Bellows will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
“Lomachenko-Lopez promises to be a classic, and the rest of the ESPN-televised card will set the table,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Barboza and Saucedo are players in the deep junior welterweight division, and both men are ferocious competitors. The winner is ready to challenge for a world title. As for Edgar Berlanga, every time he steps in the ring, he impresses me more and more. I haven’t seen a young puncher like him in quite some time.”
 
Saucedo (30-1, 19 KOs), the thunderous slugger from Oklahoma City, has won a pair of fights since falling short to Maurice Hooker in a November 2018 bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. He is entering his third bout with head trainer Pedro Neme, a union that has paid dividends thus far. Saucedo knocked out Rod Salka in the first round last November and made his “Bubble” debut June 30 with a one-sided decision over Sonny Fredrickson.
 
Barboza (24-0, 10 KOs), from South El Monte, Calif., is a seven-year pro who is ranked in the top 10 by the WBO and WBC at 140 pounds. He graduated from prospect to contender with victories over the likes of Mike Reed, Mike Alvarado and William Silva. He last fought Aug. 29 as the co-feature to the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol junior welterweight world title bout and cruised to a one-sided decision over Canadian veteran Tony Luis.
 
“Arnold is a very versatile fighter, so we are preparing for everything,” Saucedo said. “I know it will be hard to steal the show from Lomachenko-Lopez, but I’m coming in to put on a memorable fight for the fans. I feel like people still doubt me from the Maurice Hooker fight, and I can’t wait to show everyone all of my tools.”
 
“This fight, and fighting on such a significant card, means the world to me,” Barboza said. “It’s time to put the 140-pound division on notice. I respect Saucedo, but he’s in my way as I strive to earn a world title opportunity.”
 
Berlanga has combined flash with unique power to earn headlines despite not having seen the second round as a pro. The record for consecutive first-round knockouts to begin a career is 21, held by the late Ali Raymi. Berlanga made his “Bubble” debut on July 21 and stopped Eric Moon in 62 seconds, which equaled the fifth-shortest outing of his career. Bellows (20-5-3, 13 KOs) has never been stopped as a pro and has made his bones testing young prospects. He is coming off a fourth-round stoppage over Malcolm Jones, who entered the fight with a 15-1 record.
 
“I’m dedicating this fight to my family and Puerto Rico. I want to continue to shine like a bright star and carry the flag on my back,” Berlanga said. “Bellows has never been stopped, but I intend to be the first man to stop him. He’s a strong fighter, and I hope to get some rounds in. I want to show that I’m a versatile boxer and not just a puncher. One thing I will guarantee is another explosive performance.”
 
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Hamburg, 23rd of September– It was the first small step-up for Ukrainian Heayvweight Victor Faust when he faced the experienced Gabriel Enguema last Sunday. It was only the third fight in Faust‘s professional career after spending over a decade in the amateur ranks. He joined EC Boxing in Hamburg a few months before the pandemic shut down the entire world including the sport of boxing. Therefore Faust was only able to fight twice in a span of roughly 6 months.

So it came to no surprise that the 28-year old giant was eager to show the world his ability last Sunday in Dnipro, where he took on Enguema. The big man from Spain made a name for himself in the past as a tough opponent for up-and-coming prospects. And in the first round of their fight Enguema proved that by landing a hard right hand on Faust. The former amateur-standout took the punch well though and came back with his own offense. Right at the end of the third round he landed a perfect straight right to knock Enguema out.

This was only the first glance at what is about to come. The 6‘6‘‘ tall Faust has all the tools to make a big statement in the Heayvweight division. His promoter Erol Ceylan is confident that his client will reach the top: „Victor’s size and power is impressive. Soon everyone will also see how skillful he is. He’s the complete package and will compete in massive fights sooner rather than later.“

On the undercard of the event in the Ukraine two other EC Boxing athletes made their successful return to the ring. Fellow Heayvweight Ali Eren Demirezen beat tough Pole Kamil Sokolowksi by decision over six rounds, while Volkan Gökcek, who competes at Super-Lightweight, stopped Ruslan Belinskyi in the sixth round after landing several knockdowns in the process.