DENNIS MCCANN will box his first ever eight rounder next month when he steps up in class and faces Pedro Matos.

The brilliant bantamweight prospect will tackle his Portuguese rival on Frank Warren’s triple title bill at BT Sport studio on Saturday October 10.

Unbeaten McCann, made it seven wins out of seven as a professional last month when he became only the second man to stop 82-fight veteran Brett Fidoe.

And the Maidstone traveller is more than confident that his eighth professional win will follow in his second fight behind closed doors.

It will be the third consecutive fight in Britain for Matos who performed well against Sunny Edwards and Quaise Khademi in title contests.

McCann, 19, who was boosted by a recent Facetime call from Naseem Hamed, the man many compare him with, has stopped five of his professional opponents and is confident of adding Matos to the list.

‘Dennis The Menace’ said: “This year has been very big one for me and I will do the exact same thing against better opposition as what I’ve been doing to most opponents.

“I will be putting them to sleep, never mind just stopping them. I believe Matos will be going that way.

“You either have it or you don’t although you have to live the life and be dedicated. The best like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko were born with that talent. 

“The elite fighters are born with it and I was also 100 per-cent, for sure.”

Matos (7-3, 1 KO) was stopped on his feet in round eight when he challenged Edwards for the WBO European Super-Flyweight championship at Wembley Arena in April 2019.

The Lisbon man returned to London last December when he met Khademi for the same belt, but lost a close unanimous decision although he believed he did enough to win at the final bell.

Hall of Fame promoter Warren said: “The L plates are starting to be torn away from Dennis and he is moving on to the next stage of his career.

“Matos will fight with ambition and for a teenager to be taking a solid European opponent says a lot about the belief we have in Dennis.

“There are a lot of great young boxers around the world with the same aspirations as Dennis, but I can’t think of many prospects who have had less than ten fights as good as him.”

Heading the show is Welsh ace Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight crown against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace makes the first defence of his British Super-Featherweight championship against Leicester’s Leon Woodstock.

Nathan Gorman returns to action in a Commonwealth Title Eliminator against Ghana’s Richard Lartey.

Liverpool’s James Metcalf is back in action and risks his Commonwealth Super-Welterweight title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley.

Elsewhere, Mark Chamberlain looks to keep his unbeaten record and Bexley Welterweight Micky Burke bids for his fourth win since turning professional last year.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – 2020 has been a tough year for most of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down several sports leagues and brought the sport of boxing to a grinding halt. The sport is back but without fans and higher level fights are still a few weeks away from taking place.

Sullivan Barrera is one of the fighters that has been adversely affected. The former world title challenger was scheduled to face former champion Sergey Kovalev on April 25th in a DAZN streamed main event. This fight was among the spring events that were scrapped due to the coronavirus. Efforts to reschedule the fight for the summer and fall have so far failed to bear fruit.

Ever the consummate professional, Barrera has stayed active in the gym and is in great shape. He is looking to return to the ring in either November or December.

“I trained hard for the Kovalev fight. That was the fight to get me right back in the mix to fight for a world title,” said Barrera. “I only took a week off when the fight was canceled and I got right back in the gym.”

At this point in his career the former Cuban amateur standout is only interested in meaningful fights. With the Kovalev fight looking less and less likely, he is interested in facing any of the champions or top rated fighters in the loaded light heavyweight division.

“I am ready to fight any world champion and the best challengers in my division. I am a free agent and it is easy to make a fight with me. Just call my manager and show me where to sign,” Barrera stated.

Barrera holds a win over surging light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. and also has faced elite fighters like Andre Ward and Dmitry Bivol. He feels rejuvenated and believes that he can produce another performance similar to his win over Smith when he knocked him down and broke his jaw.

“I am very hungry and can’t wait to get back in the ring. It has been too long. Hopefully one of these guys steps up to the plate so I can prove that I still have it,” Barrera stated.

MARK HEFFRON BELIEVES his hugely anticipated showdown with Denzel Bentley will develop into the shootout everyone expects, but reckons a few cagey rounds could precede the firefight.

The middleweight bangers collide inside the BT Studio on Saturday night – live coverage begins on BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm – and the 25-1 Heffron was forthright in his initial assessment of how the fight will go against the unbeaten Bentley, 13-0.

“I’m gonna demolish him!” was his opening gambit.

“I don’t even know how it will play out… It could be a bit of a chess match at first but after a few rounds it will get lively.

“I don’t think he is the best of boxers, to be honest,  and he was all over the place when Mick Hall put it on him. I think the only thing he can do is come forward, basically.

“I don’t think he has been hit before, but I have definitely got to be smart in what I do.

“This will get me right back on track, get a good win over Denzel and it should put me forward for big titles. I 100 per cent still want the British. Hopefully, after beating Denzel, I will be fighting for the British in December.”

The 28-year-old Heffron has resisted a recently stated intention to move up to super middleweight and has instead been going over some old ground in the gym with the only man to have beaten him as a pro. What he doesn’t intend to do, unlike against Liam Williams, is engage in any verbal warfare with Bentley because this really is a fight that speaks for itself.

“I have sorted my diet our properly now and my weight has come down by itself. It is almost bang-on already.

“We had a good spar, me and Liam, but I didn’t chin him and we did eight rounds. In one of the rounds they had to stop it and tell us both to calm down a bit.

“I’m just going to keep myself to myself and do my thing in the ring. I did call him a silly sausage once but I’ve got no hard feelings towards Denzel and he has not said anything bad about me.

“He seems like a nice lad but, obviously, this is business and he is in my way,” added the Oldham man, who is fully embracing the prospect of fighting without his army of fans urging him on.

“I am ready for all the new stuff and I am looking forward to just chilling out in the hotel. I think fighting behind closed doors might be better for me because when all the crowd are going mad you are not as focused.

“This time you will see the best of me even though I would have done hundreds of tickets for this one. This camp has actually been a lot easier with not messing around so much sorting out tickets.”

Without having to cater for the ticketing demands of the Oldham public, Heffron has been able to settle into a routine with his latest trainer in Michael Jennings, the former British welterweight champion and world title challenger.

“I’ve had a few, haven’t I…” conceded Heffron on his multiple moves.

“Obviously I am happy now 100 per cent and this is me now with Michael. I am buzzing with him and I have learned so much over the last seven or eight weeks. I am just ready now to go and I can’t wait.

“For this fight, with Michael, we have got an absolute banging game plan and everything is working. We’ve and the perfect sparring for Denzel and I have been putting the plan into action during the sparring.”

Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley will fight on BT Sport on Saturday September 12 on a card that also features the return of Anthony Yarde to light heavyweight action against Dec Spelman.

The IBF European title will also be on the line at welterweight when the holder Cedrick Peynaud defends against English champion Ekow Essuman. Nathan Gorman returns to the heavyweight picture against Richard Lartey, with lightweight Bilal Ali, featherweight Amin Jahanzeb and debut making super welterweight Josh Frankham also on the card.

Live coverage begins on BT Sport 1 at 7.30pm

Millville, NJ (September 8, 2020) – It’s been a little over a week since Jr. Middleweight Contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna and once beaten Brian “La Bala” Mendoza squared off in the PBC on FS1 Main Event from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Uncertain as to why and how, judges Edward Hernandez Sr. (98-92), Steve Morrow (96-94) and Pat Russell (98-92) all saw the bout in favor of Mendoza. Ironically, Hernandez Sr. was one of the judges from this past Sunday’s WBA Welterweight championship fight between Yordenis Ugas and Abel Ramos.

“This is a huge problem with boxing, these judges are ruining the careers of many young fighters who are just trying to make it. fortunately, the right person won in the Ugas fight, but they tried robbing that man of a World Title, it’s gross”. LaManna quoted in a very “torn” voice.

When asked about the fight, the scoring and “the bubble”, LaManna had no problem speaking his mind.

“The world knows I won; shit Brian Mendoza knows I won. The look on his face on National TV after they announced him the winner speaks for itself. I don’t have a problem with the kid, I wish him nothing but the best, he’s a good fighter and he gutted it out after being badly hurt in the 3rd round, but facts are it shouldn’t of been enough to win the fight and the judges are completely foul for scoring the way they did. There’s no need for a rematch, I’m still at a loss for words, but I’m able to sleep well at night knowing that I won that fight, and it’s probably haunting Mendoza because he knows he got an early Christmas gift”.

“The whole fight week was smooth, but it was not easy for everyone. We are basically locked in our room for maybe 20 hours out of the day, only allowed out to use the gym at a set time and to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was well run by the security team and the PBC staff was tremendous. It’s just a shame that a different, but good fight week was ruined by the decision”.

“I guess the biggest mistake that I made was having too much fun in the fight. I was the aggressor, I threw more punches, I landed more punches, I was making him miss and just displaying my experience. My trainers both told me that we didn’t know what the judges were looking at, so let’s close the fight out, Mendoza doesn’t belong in there with me”.

That didn’t turn out the way LaManna had hoped as he was cut in the 9th round for the first time in his almost 10-year career after a fierce exchange. “That sucked” LaManna quoted laughing. “The cut probably threw me off my game and I wasn’t happy with my mental conditioning, but now it’s something I’ve now experienced and thankfully there was only a round and a half left. My cutman Mike Rodriguez did an excellent job with the cut, I just let it get the best of me”.

“Boxing is all about being able to make adjustments in the moment, being smart and sharp, swimming without getting wet as Brother Naz (Late trainer Naazim Richardson) always said. God willing I’ll be back, PBC treated me good and gave me another opportunity after my poor performance against (Jorge) Cota back in January. I watched the replay once and listening to hall of famers Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen, who both had me winning comfortably along with Brian Kenny, really lit a spark and I realized that I should have just kept doing what I was doing, boxing and making Mendoza look lost but based on the judges scores, would it have really mattered though?”

THE HEAVYWEIGHT RETURN of Nathan Gorman against Richard Lartey will now take place on October 10, having been pushed back from its original date of September 12.

The Ghanaian’s medicals have not been supplied in time for him to enter the fighter bubble tomorrow and as such the fight will be moved to the undercard of Liam Williams’ mandatory defence of his British title against Andrew Robinson.

Gorman, 16-1, will now feature on a show that also includes Anthony Cacace defending his British super featherweight title against Lyon Woodstock and the Commonwealth super welterweight title clash between the holder JJ Metcalf and challenger Jack Flatley.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “Since returning post-lockdown we have always been ready to react to issues as and when they arise. We have been clear that we will always act with fighter and event safety in mind.

It is disappointing that we can’t put on this great fight for fans this weekend, but the show is still an exciting prospect for boxing fans, headlined by the return of Anthony Yarde.

“It is a pity for Nathan that he doesn’t get to fight this weekend, but it is only a short delay to what will be a good fight that will go ahead on another strong card on October 10.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its September run of shows at UFC APEX with a thrilling strawweight clash as No. 8 ranked contender Michelle Waterson and No. 13 Angela Hill meet in a five-round main event guaranteed to deliver action.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: WATERSON vs. HILL will take place Saturday, September 12 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

Waterson (17-8, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) heads into her third UFC main event looking to show off the skills that won her an Invicta FC championship. A talented striker and grappler, she holds entertaining wins over Paige VanZant, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Angela Magana. Waterson now plans to re-insert herself into the strawweight title conversation with another exciting performance.

Also a former Invicta FC champion, Hill (12-8, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) has become a fan favorite for being among the most active athletes on the entire UFC roster. Hill holds the record for the most fights in UFC women’s strawweight history with 15, which she earned with recent trademark wins over Loma Lookboonmee, Hannah Cifers and Ariane Carnelossi. She now aims to claim the biggest victory of her career in her first main event and break into the division’s top 10.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Ottman Azaitar (12-0, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco) takes on Khama Worthy (16-6, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.) in a battle of lightweight prospects
• Top 10 women’s flyweights rematch as No. 8 ranked Roxanne Modafferi (24-18, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) looks to replicate her 2014 win over No. 9 Andrea Lee (11-4, Shreveport, La.)
• Light heavyweight strikers clash as veteran Ed Herman (26-14, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) takes on Mike Rodriguez (11-4, fighting out of South Easton, Mass.) on short notice
• Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Billy Quarantillo (14-2, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he clashes with well-rounded Canadian Kyle Nelson (13-3, fighting out of Huntsville, Ontario, Canada)
• No. 9 ranked flyweight contender Matt Schnell (14-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) meets fellow finisher Tyson Nam (19-11-1, fighting out of Wahiawa, Hawaii)
• No. 14 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Julia Avila (8-1, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) and No. 15 Sijara Eubanks (6-4, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) seek to break into the top 10 with a standout performance
• Matt Frevola (8-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) aims to steal the show against fellow lightweight contender Roosevelt Roberts (11-2, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.)
• Bobby Green (26-10-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) competes for the third time in four months as he looks to finish Alan Patrick (15-2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• In a lightweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Brok Weaver (14-5, fighting out of Mobile, Ala.) locks horns with Frank Camacho (22-9, fighting out of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
• Bryan Barberena (14-7, fighting out of Gastonia, N.C.) and Anthony Ivy (8-3, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) look to make a statement in a clash at welterweight
• Women’s flyweight prospect Sabina Mazo (8-1, fighting out of Fountain Valley, Calif.) aims to extend her win streak when she meets veteran Justine Kish (7-2, fighting out of Cramerton, N.C.) 

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

###

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.

LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2020) — Four belts, one champion. A universally recognized lightweight king will be crowned Saturday, Oct. 17, live on ESPN from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  

WBO/WBA/WBC Franchise world champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, the pound-for-pound “Boxing Baryshnikov” from Ukraine, will fight unbeaten IBF world champion Teofimo Lopez, the knockout artist from Brooklyn who has lobbed verbal haymakers at Lomachenko for more than two years. The two will fight from the MGM Grand Conference Center aka the “Las Vegas Bubble.”   Promoted by Top Rank, Lomachenko-Lopez (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET) headlines a can’t-miss month of boxing on the ESPN family of networks, which also includes the long-awaited return of Japanese pound-for-pound superstar Naoya “Monster” Inoue, who will defend his WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles on Halloween evening, Saturday, Oct. 31, against Australian contender Jason “Mayhem” Moloney.  

“Lomachenko-Lopez is the best fight that can be made in boxing, and we are delighted that it will be available to fans for no extra charge live on ESPN,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Teofimo and Vasiliy demanded the fight, and we are glad we could make it happen. Vasiliy has never backed down from a challenge since he turned pro under the Top Rank banner, and Teofimo is a fearless young champion daring to be great. This has all the makings of a modern boxing classic.”  

Lomachenko said, “Teofimo Lopez can talk all he wants. He’s very good at talking. He has done nothing but say my name for the past two years. I am a fighter, and my goal is to win another world title. Good for Teofimo. When we fight in Las Vegas, he will eat my punches and his words. I will be the better man, and four world titles will come home with me to Ukraine.”

Egis Klimas, Lomachenko’s manager, stated, “Nobody has seen Lomachenko at 100 percent inside the ring. If Teofimo can push Loma to at least 80 percent, it means Teofimo is the best opponent Loma has faced.”  

Lopez said, “I will beat up Lomachenko and take his belts. Simple as that. I’m coming to Las Vegas to make history. I don’t like the guy, and I’m going to have fun as Lomachenko’s face is beaten and marked up by my hands. The Takeover is here, and the reign of Lomachenko, the little diva, is coming to an end.”  

Added Matt Kenny, Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN: “Boxing has long been part of the fabric of our company and we could not be more excited for the October schedule on ESPN platforms, which includes the highly anticipated lightweight title bout between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez on October 17. Top Rank was one of the very first organizations to safely stage live events during the pandemic and as the calendar turns to fall, ESPN will be home to fights that will excite boxing enthusiasts and capture the attention of casual fans.”  

Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) enters this bout coming off a scintillating decision win over British star Luke Campbell last August in front of a sold-out O2 Arena in London. A two-time Olympic gold medalist who went 396-1 in the amateur ranks, Lomachenko tied a boxing record by winning a world title in his third pro fight. He is a former featherweight and junior lightweight world champion who won the lightweight crown in May 2018 with a body shot knockout over Jorge Linares. In seven years as a pro, Lomachenko is 13-1 with 9 knockouts in world title fights and is ranked by many pundits as this generation’s most accomplished pugilist. From 2016-2017, he made four consecutive fighters quit on their stools, earning him the “No-Mas-chenko” moniker.   

Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs), the brash Brooklynite who initially gained attention because of his post-fight “Fortnite” dances and backflip celebrations, soon emerged as boxing’s most charismatic young superstar following his 2016 pro debut. He was the consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year, a campaign punctuated by a one-punch, first-round knockout over Mason Menard on the Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza undercard. Following the Menard knockout, he donned the jersey of Kyler Murray, who’d won the Heisman Trophy earlier that evening. Lopez climbed the rankings in 2019 with wins over Diego Magdaleno, Edis Tatli and Masayoshi Nakatani.  

Last December, Lopez knocked out Richard Commey in two rounds to win the IBF world title. Sitting ringside was Lomachenko, who entered the ring during the post-fight pandemonium. Arum waved him over to take a photo with the newly crowned champion. The stage had been set. #LomaLopez was going to happen.  

The lightweight unification battle is only the tip of the Top Rank on ESPN boxing iceberg. Here’s what else is in store in October.  

Saturday, October 3

Jose Zepeda (32-2, 2 NC, 25 KOs) vs. Ivan Baranchyk (20-1, 13 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT  

Zepeda and Baranchyk were scheduled to meet inside the “Bubble” July 7, but a training injury to Baranchyk forced a postponement. Zepeda, a two-time world title challenger, instead fought Kendo Castaneda on July 7, cruising to a unanimous win. Baranchyk formerly held the IBF junior welterweight world title, defeating Anthony Yigit via seventh-round TKO to pick up the vacant title in October 2018. In May 2019, he was dethroned by current WBA/IBF world champion Josh Taylor in a competitive 12-round battle. He rebounded last October with a fourth-round stoppage over Gabriel Bracero at Madison Square Garden. The winner of this bout will be ranked No. 1 by the WBC at 140 pounds for the belt currently held by Jose Ramirez.  

Friday, October 9

Emanuel Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs) vs. Ruben Villa (18-0, 5 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

12 Rounds, Vacant WBO Featherweight World Title

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

After five defenses of his WBO junior featherweight world title, Navarrete is ready to conquer the featherweight division. The “Mexican Iron Man” and boxing’s most active world champion, Navarrete fought six world title bouts in just over 14 months (December 2018 to February 2020). He last fought a non-title bout against Uriel Lopez on June 20 in Mexico City, scoring a sixth-round TKO. The WBO No. 1 featherweight contender, Navarrete has won 27 consecutive bouts, including 14 of his last 15 by stoppage. Villa, from Salinas, Calif., has defeated contenders Alexei Collado, Jose Enrique Vivas and Luis Alberto Lopez in his last three bouts to earn the world title shot.  

Friday, October 23

Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) vs. Adam Deines (19-1-1, 10 KOs)

Moscow

12 Rounds, Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles

ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Undercard: ESPN+, 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT  

Boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, Beterbiev will fight for the first time since knocking out Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a highly anticipated world title unification bout last October. A two-time Russian Olympian, Beterbiev has never fought in his home nation as a professional and will do so against Deines, a fellow Russian who now calls Germany home. Deines has won two in a row since a decision loss to Meng Fanlong, while Beterbiev has made three world title defenses since winning the vacant IBF world title with a 12th-round stoppage over Enrico Koelling in November 2017.  

In the ESPN-televised co-feature, a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator, No. 1-ranked contender Umar Salamov will face No. 2-ranked contender Maxim Vlasov, with the winner expected to fight Joe Smith Jr. for the vacant world title. Both Salamov and Vlasov recently signed promotional contracts with Top Rank.  

Saturday, October 31

Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs) vs. Jason Moloney (21-1, 18 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

12 Rounds, Inoue’s IBF/WBA Bantamweight World Titles

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT  

A three-division world champion and a consensus Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter, Inoue makes his Las Vegas debut and his fourth bantamweight world title defense against a man who is ranked in the Top 5 by every major sanctioning organization. Inoue is coming off a unanimous decision over Nonito Donaire last November, a fight named by many outlets as the Fight of the Year. Prior to the Donaire bout, Inoue knocked out four consecutive opponents in three rounds or less, including a second-round stoppage over Emmanuel Rodriguez to win the IBF world title. Inoue’s ring return was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he has a stiff test in Moloney, an Australian boxer-puncher who made his “Bubble” debut June 25 with a knockout over Leonardo Baez. Moloney has won four straight bouts, all by knockouts, since a controversial split decision loss to Rodriguez for the IBF world title.  

NEW YORK (Sept 7, 2020) – Marques Valle made a splash in his pro debut, as the 21 year-old Welterweight needed just 93 seconds to take out Jernato Harris this past Friday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

The former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

Valle dropped Harris with a hard body shot in the opening minute of the contest. Valle ended things by landing a barrage of punches that was punctuated by a vicious left to the body that had Harris riding in pain under the bottom rope, and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

WATCH KNOCKOUT

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida is 1-0 with one knockout.

CORONA, CA (September 6, 2020) – Tonight, undefeated prospects, Luis Lopez (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Corona, Ca, and Saul “El Chicano” Bustos (12-0-1, 7 KOs), of El Monte, Ca, promise fireworks as they headline Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1 Boxing event this Sunday, September 5, 2020. Lopez vs. Bustos, an 8-round main event bout, will be in the welterweight division.

Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1 Boxing streams for free on Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and ?YouTube pages, showcasing three action-packed bouts on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

“I hope Bustos is ready for a war because I’m going to be coming hard from the opening bell,” Luis Lopez said. “Everyone knows I like to let my hands go and it will be no different tonight. If I get Bustos hurt, I’m taking him out.”

“I’m going to be dropping bombs tonight,” said Saul Bustos. “I can’t wait to dig my fists into Lopez’ body. I respect Lopez, but this is the hurt game, and I’m coming to do some damage.”

“Whenever you have two undefeated fighters putting everything on the line to be great, fans can expect a good action-packed fight,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager and creator of 3.2.1 Boxing. “This will be the situation tonight when Bustos and Lopez go to war.”

3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event
Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET. 3.2.1 Boxing is a non-audience show. The co-main event will feature George “El Yuyu” Acosta (9-1, 1 KO) vs. Esteban “Stone Hands” Munoz (2-0, 2 KOs) in a 6-round welterweight bout. The opening bout will showcase Katsuma “El Cuate Japonecito” Akitsugi (3-0, 1 KO) vs. David Angeles (1-2).

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer, while Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; by Omega Product International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; by Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and by Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Luis Lopez 146.8 vs. Saul Bustos 146.7
George Acosta 140.5 vs. Estabn Munoz 143.7
Katsuma Akitsugi 127 vs. David Angeles 127.7

Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1 Boxing streams for free on Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and ?YouTube pages, showcasing three action-packed bouts on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event
Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET. 3.2.1 Boxing is a non-audience show. The card is headlined by a clash of undefeated welterweight boxers as Luis Lopez (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Corona, Ca, battles Saul “El Chicano” Bustos (12-0-1, 7 KOs), of El Monte, Ca in an eight-round bout.

London, UK (5 September 2020) Red hot Irish prospect Stevie McKenna has come out all-guns-blazing at his American rival Ryan Garcia just hours before the KO King’s debut in a UK ring tonight. Watch in the UK and Ireland on free-to-air Channel 5 from 10pm or for free around the world on Seconds Out YouTube from 7pm (GMT) 2pm (ET).

The undefeated Monaghan super-lightweight takes on Gary McGuire at the LS Live TV studio in Wakefield, as he aims to take his record to 5-0. But it’s the simmering tensions that has reached boiling point between McKenna and Garcia that has captured the attentions of fans around the world.

In an exclusive interview with Hennessy Sports partner Seconds Out, McKenna and his father and co-trainer Fergal, explosively reveal exactly what really happened in that infamous sparring session; the real reason behind the Twitter spat; the vicious and nasty messages sent by Garcia and a future fight between them.

Here are some of the more hard-hitting comments in the interview:

Stevie on Garcia as a fighter…

He hasn’t fought anyone that puts it on him…once that day comes he will fall and he will get beat

Stevie on Garcia sending spiteful messages…

He’s the kind of guy that likes to HIDE behind a phone and send messages.

Stevie on ‘that’ sparring session…

He fights like a COWARD, cowards always get exposed

I was wearing 16oz gloves…and this pre-Madonna is wearing a pair of 14oz wee small little gloves

He was supposed to do six rounds but jumped out after four after taking beatdown and then never wanted to spar again

Fergal added…

He doesn’t like getting his hair tossed…He’s the type of fighter if you laid a glove on him and their all glazy, he’d almost start crying

Stevie on a future fight between him and Garcia…

It’s personal yes…I’d love to get him. I’d bash him up.

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 7pm.

Tijuana, Mexico (September 4, 2020) – Weights for Saturday night’s Toscano Promotions event that will be seen live on www.bestinboxing.com PPV

PPV FIGHTS
Angel Ramos 114.4 lbs – Jorge Villalobos 114.4
Manuel Jaimes 130.5 lbs – Francisco Rubio 131.6
Giovannie Gonzalez 135.8 – Brandon Cortez 134.2
Wade Jones III 135.8 – Alberto Guzman 136.0
Manuel Medina 157.8 – Alejandro Gonzalez 154.9
(Exhibition Featuring former world champions)

UNDERCARD FIGHTS
Jose Alvarado 132.9 – Daniel Acosta 130.5
Elvis Bravo 157.8 – Rolando Paredes 159.8
Jose Garcia 140.8 – Ivan Pinto 136
Sergio Perez 131.3 – Noe Ontiveros 130.5
Alan Garcia 131.6 – Jose Abraham Rodriguez Paredes 132.9

Promoter: Toscano Promotions
Stream: bestinboxing.com PPV

Undercard begins at 9 PM ET and can be seen on:

bestinboxing.com, globalsportsstreaming.com; Fight Hub TV on Youtube; Abrams Boxing on Youtube; www.15rounds.com www.abramsboxing.com

NEW YORK (September 4, 2020)–It wasn’t a typical weigh-in day for super middleweight DeAndre Ware. But it wasn’t a a day that out of the ordinary either,

Super Middleweight contender, and Toledo Firefighter DeAndre Ware not only brought his fighting skills to Las Vegas, where he will meet Steven Nelson for Nelson’s NABO Super Middleweight title on Saturday night,at the MGM Grand Conference Center, but he displayed his firefighter and first-aid talents by springing into action and saving the life of longtime Top Rank Event Coordinator Pete Susens.

Approximately 30 minutes before the weigh-in, Ware was meeting with Nevada Commission officials and filling out the customary pre-fight paperwork, when Susens suddenly collapsed. Eyewitnesses painted a bleak picture as to Susens’ condition. That’s when Ware jumped into action by performing chest compression’s and revived Susens.

“I’m here for my fight, but I had to put EMS skills to work and do some CPR. Happy to say the guy was talking a bit, and was alert headed to the hospital. I’m thankful! I feel I saved a life'” Ware posted immediately after on his Twitter account.

Susens was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is responsive and expected to make a full recovery.

Moments later, Ware jumped on the scale and weighed in at the 168 pound limit for Saturday’s showdown. Nelson checked in at 167.6 lbs.

The bout can be seen live at 10 PM ET on ESPN +. The undercard begins at 7:30 PM ET.

Ware is managed by Split-T Management.

•     Jamel Herring 129.5 lbs vs. Jonathan Oquendo 129.6 lbs 
(Herring’s WBO Jr. Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•    Steven Nelson 167.6 lbs vs. DeAndre Ware 168 lbs 
(Nelson’s NABO Super Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•    Jesse Rodriguez 109.2 lbs vs. Janiel Rivera 109.3 lbs 
(Light Flyweight — 8 Rounds)

•      Jared Anderson 247.2 lbs vs. Rodney Hernandez 255.2 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•     D’Andre Smith 147.4 lbs vs. Benjamin Whitaker 149.8 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Ruben Cervera 130.3 lbs vs. Rennard Oliver 130.5 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Edward Vazquez 127.3 lbs vs. Adan Ochoa 127.1 lbs 
(Featherweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Rashiem Jefferson 125 lbs vs. Jose Martinez 125.1 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)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.

Las Vegas – The fourth season of the hit show Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 6, featuring a lineup of rising athletes looking to make their dreams come true by impressing UFC President Dana White and earning a spot on the UFC roster.

The sixth episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the US.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com or the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more. Fans can sign up for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, with no contract required.

To support your coverage, please find the download link to the season four sizzle reels here and here. In addition, please find the download link for the season four athlete feature here, which highlights some of the participating athletes, their backgrounds and what competing on Dana White’s Contender Series means to them.

Season 4, Episode 6 – Confirmed Bouts:

Light heavyweight

Tafon Nchukwi vs. Al Matavao

Lightweight

Cameron Church vs. Sherrard Blackledge

Middleweight

Phillips Hawes vs. Khadzhimurat Bestaev

Bantamweight

Mana Martinez vs. Drako Rodriguez

Middleweight

Aliaskhab Khizriev vs. Henrique Shiguemoto

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

###

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer 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 through offering fans thousands of live 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 $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ — all for just $12.99/month

LOS ANGELES (September 4, 2020) – Rising prospect Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez talked about his recent training camp, which included sparring two-division champion Gervonta Davis, and more, as he prepares to take on Dakota Linger in a special bonus feature on FOX PBC Fight Night and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 6 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“I only had a few days to rest after my last fight, which only took place a month ago,” said Juárez. “I spent the first week in Las Vegas and was able to spar Gervonta Davis, as well as some other top guys who were training out there. Sparring Gervonta was a really valuable experience. I think being able to test my skills against one of the best fighters out there is only going to help me as I go forward. I finished up training in San Antonio, with coach Rick Nunez. Overall I’m feeling really healthy and in tremendous shape.”

The 21-year-old Juárez returns to fight on FOX for the second time in less than a month, after defeating Willie Shaw by unanimous decision on August 8. Juárez plans to take full advantage of another chance on a big platform.

“All I can say is, I’m very blessed to be fighting on the FOX, the biggest stage in boxing,” said Juárez. “There are many fighters who would love to be in my situation, so I’m going to be explosive, and capitalize on another wonderful opportunity. I’m grateful.”

On Sunday, Juárez will be opposed by the 25-year-old Linger, and he will seek to continue to show the patience in the ring that he showed in beating the crafty Shaw in August.

“I’m expecting Dakota to be in the best shape of his life and I’m looking at this fight as a must-win,” said Juárez. “I’m going to see what he comes with in the early rounds and make my adjustments from there. I want to keep showing everyone my growth in the ring and display my versatility.”

Juárez has proudly represented his hometown of Brownsville, Texas throughout his career, and for years has given back to the community by mentoring young children. Ultimately, one of Juárez’s goals is to become the first world champion from Brownsville.

“I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, and the fan support I’ve received since turning pro has been unbelievable,” said Juárez. “As I’ve stated in the past, I want to be the first world champion to come out of Brownsville. It’s a small city but we are mighty, and I’m going to put on a great show for everyone watching back home.”

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.

#

ABOUT UGAS VS. RAMOS
Ugas vs. Ramos will see top contender Yordenis Ugás and hard-hitting Abel Ramos square off for the vacant WBA Welterweight Championship in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 6 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see undefeated prospect Jesús Ramos taking on fellow unbeaten Esteban García in an eight-round super lightweight co-main event. Plus, rising prospect Omar “El Relámpago” Juárez steps in against Dakota Linger in an eight-round super lightweight special bonus feature.

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.
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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.

London, UK (4 September 2020) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce that all boxers, trainers and staff participating in the event tomorrow (Saturday 5 September) at the LS Studio in Wakefield have tested negative for COVID-19.

The main event features Samir Ziani versus Alex Dilmaghani for the Super-Featherweight Championship of Europe, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 from 10pm tomorrow.

All boxers officially weighed in today at the Holiday Inn, Wakefield:
DOWNLOAD FREE-TO-USE HIGH RES IMAGES FROM TODAY’S WEIGH IN WITH ALL BOXERS HERE

THE SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF EUROPE

12 x 3 Rounds at 9st 4lb (130lb)

Samir Ziani 9st 3lb 6oz (129.6lb)
vs.
Alex Dilmaghani 9st 3lb 4oz (129.4lb)

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest

Isaac Chamberlain 14st 9lb (205lb)
vs.
Matt Sen 14st 9lb 2oz (205.2lb)

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Michael Hennessy Jr. 11st 4lb 4oz (158.4lb)
vs.
Jamie Stewart 11st 2lb 4oz (156.4lb)

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Lightweight Contest

Stephen McKenna 10st 9lb 9oz (149.9lb)
vs.
Gary McGuire 10st 10lb 12oz (150.12lb)

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest

Idris Virgo 11st 13lb 8oz (167.8lb)
vs.
Scott Williams 12st 2lb 8oz (170.8lb)

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 6.30pm.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight.

Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell six-round super-flyweight fight against Westbrook’s Ricky Leach has been cancelled after Leach withdrew from the contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (4 September 2020) Alex Dilmaghani says he’s going for a real belt tomorrow night when he aims to tear the European Super-Featherweight title from Champion Samir Ziani in Wakefield, live on Channel 5.

The Crayford ace is determined to capture the traditional belt before moving on and fighting one of his rivals and is happy to go up or down in weight to face top Brits Carl Frampton or Josh Warrington.

Dilmaghani said, “There’s plenty of plastic belts to be got by beating numpties but this is an exciting fight, a world eliminator, for a beautiful, traditional belt that gets you ranked in the world top five with the WBC and, I think, the IBF.”

“Wins over top names mean even more to me than belts. Samir’s well respected, a warrior like myself. No one can accuse me of padding my record…..a rarity! A legitimate fight, for a legitimate belt and a legitimate ranking.”

He was due to fight Ziani back in April, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the lockdown followed, the fight was postponed, but Dilmaghani put the time to good use and is now fully prepared to face the tough Frenchman.

“I’ve not found lockdown especially hard. I’ve had a relaxing time, catching up with family, movies, lots of reading. With stuff like Netflix and smart phones, this lockdown isn’t as difficult as one in prior eras might have been,”

“From a professional point, I’ve concentrated on more strength work plus fine-tuning my nutrition. I discovered allergies to eggs and bananas which I consumed almost on a daily basis but were causing stomach cramps,”

“Covid has shown the importance of maintaining good health. My weight is fantastic. I pretty much made fight weight at the check weigh-in yet I’m so strong, manhandling welterweights in sparring,”

“After doing some pad work at home with my brother, I’ve had eight weeks with my trainer Lee Wilkins. I’ve had great sparring with Ryan Walsh and Louis Greene,”

“I intend showing I can box and fight. In a 12 round fight, I intend showing every desirable attribute.”

Ziani, a former French and WBC & WBA International Champion, is the most accomplished fighter Dilmaghani as faced so far, the 29-year-old will be making the second defence of his European crown and this will be his first pro-fight in the UK after previously fighting in Spain, Denmark, Morocco, Ukraine and Italy in his 35-fight career.

With only three points losses, the granite chinned Ziani has never been floored and one of his losses was to the to the big-hitting former IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey in a very tight fight that some had Ziani winning.

Dilmaghani is well aware of the threat Ziani poses, but believes he is well prepared with the extra months to get ready in the southpaw versus southpaw battle.

He said, “Samir’s a very tough guy, throws lots of punches, applies lots of pressure. But, technically, I’m far superior as will be evident on fight night. He’s not that much more experienced when you consider that he’s fought three fellas three times,”

“I respect him and his team but thoroughly expect to take his belt and his rankings,”

“I’ve prepared for 12 rounds at a frantic pace but if I clock him clean – right place, right time – and see him hurt, I’ll take him out,”

“Style wise, it’s an attractive match-up for terrestrial TV viewers,”

“I had Christian Arrazola over three times in the first round, I had a landslide against Tuomo Eronen. I’ve fought plenty and always get plenty of southpaw on southpaw sparring to practise combinations which work best against southpaws,”

“You’ve just got to be professional. Besides, the beauty of ‘behind closed doors’ is it’s a level playing field. No one’s at home or away. It’s impartial, no crowd influence.”

Providing he comes through against Ziani, Dilmaghani hopes that promoter Mick Hennessy can secure him a world title fight next year.

“Mick’s an experienced and influential guy and, after maybe one defence, I’d definitely expect to fight for a world title next year, even if it’s behind closed doors,” Added Dilmaghani.

“I intend to win in style. Every world class fighter should aim to impress every outing,”

“Boxing is evolving. Now there’s ice chambers and ever improving nutrition. Careers go on longer – Bernard Hopkins is proof of that. I’m still young and fresh, 29 not 49!”

Samir Ziani vs. Alex Dilmaghani plus Isaac Chamberlain is exclusively LIVE on free-to-air Channel 5 on Saturday night from 10pm. Watch the whole undercard LIVE and free on the Seconds Out You Tube Channel youtube.com/secondsout from 6.30pm.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight.

Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell six-round super-flyweight fight against Westbrook’s Ricky Leach has been cancelled after Leach withdrew from the contest.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

LAS VEGAS (September 3, 2020) —  Two fight dates came and went, and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring and Jonathan Oquendo had nothing to show for it. Herring’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis forced postponements of July 2 and July 14 fight dates, but he and Oquendo will finally face off Saturday from the MGM Grand Las Vegas (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET). 

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) will make the second defense of the world title he won from Masayuki Ito last May, while Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), a 37-year-old veteran from Puerto Rico, is making his second attempt at a world title.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson, a stablemate of Herring’s, will fight DeAndre Ware in a 10-rounder. In heavyweight action, unbeaten sensation Jared Anderson will fight Rodney Hernandez.

This is what Herring and Oquendo had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Jamel Herring

 “I just feel like everything happens for a reason. It’s not like I was the only one suffering. It’s a global pandemic, so I can’t really complain too much. I’m just glad that I have a great team.

“Going through a global pandemic, I was still fortunate to have training camp. We have a gym. My strength coach, Jamie Belt, is here, {assistant trainer} Esau Dieguez as well. Being around {Terence Crawford}, Steven Nelson, who is also fighting this weekend, Rob Brant, Maurice Hooker, and so many guys coming in that gym… I’m just grateful. Despite all the setbacks, I’m still able to handle business. I sparred every other day. We have a track. To me, it’s just another day at the job, and I’m just happy to be here.

“All I need to hear is Bomac’s {Brian McIntyre’s} voice in the corner, Red Spikes, and Esau, and I’m fine with that. {Bomac} will probably be the highlight of the show, to be honest with you. Any fighter will tell you, once they get in there, it’s tunnel vision anyway. My job is to focus on what’s in front of me. I can’t really worry about what’s going on on the outside. It’s just a great opportunity for fighters to be back in the ring, period. Despite having no crowd, we’re still fortunate to be doing what we love and do for a living. That’s all that matters to me.

“All I can focus on is this fight, getting to even right now on this stage. Everything was a process. I’m not really worried about what’s going on. With this series, we’ve seen many, many upsets because fighters tend to maybe not train their best or look ahead to things.”

Jonathan Oquendo

“I was disappointed {when the July 14 fight was postponed} right before the weigh-ins. I knew things were going to be OK. I understand the position of my opponent. I was worried about the fight never happening, but I had faith in Top Rank, and I know they do a good job. I’m ready to go for it Saturday night.

“I want to congratulate Herring. I know he’s a great fighter. He deserves everything he has right now, and I will try my best on Saturday night. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity.

“I’m 37 years old, but mentally, I’m prepared. I believe this is the perfect time for me to fight for a world title. I want to show the world what I’m capable of doing.

“Health and safety is the most important thing. I’m good. Herring is good. I can’t wait to fight.”

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.

NEW YORK (Sept 3, 2020) – Split-T Management’s latest signee, welterweight Marques Valle weighed in for his professional debut that will take place tomorrow evening at The Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Valle, 21 years-old of Wesley Chapel Florida checked in at 147.8 lbs. His opponent, Jernato Harris checked in at 148.9 lbs.

Valle was a former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

The show is promoted by All-Star Boxing and can be seen on Telemundo at 12 AM ET.

Social Media

Instagram
@splittboxing
@marquesvalle
@timvannewhouse

Twitter
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@marquesvalle
@timvannewhouse

WESLACO, TX. – September 3, 2020 – Unbeaten WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa gave updates on his current training camp and previewed his showdown against Damien Vazquez taking place Saturday, September 26 on part one of a first-of-its-kind SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The 23-year-old Figueroa has begun to make a name for himself as a force in the 122-pound division and has moved past being known primarily as the younger brother of former champion Omar Figueroa. However, it is the encouragement and motivation he receives from his brother, in addition to his father and head trainer, Omar Sr., and his sister and strength and conditioning coach, Omayra, that has helped him get to this point.

“It’s great to have my family behind me because they understand what I fight for,” said Figueroa. “Especially in a career like this, it’s not easy, and they help me a lot both mentally and physically. I’m grateful that they support and push me the way that they do.

“Training camp for this fight has been going really well. I’ve been sparring a lot with Omar Juarez and a number of guys from here in the Rio Grande Valley. We’ve just been helping each other out, keeping busy and keeping the work rate up.”

Figueroa returns to defend his title after fighting to an exciting draw against Julio Ceja in a November clash. Figueroa is set on making up for what he sees as far from his best performance, and believes that the extra rest time because of the pandemic will end up being an advantage.
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“Heading into my last fight, I had some injuries that I was dealing with,” said Figueroa. “But with this pandemic and the quarantine, I got a chance to recover and fully heal. I’ve never had this much time between fights, so I feel great now and I’m prepared for this fight. I’m just anxious to fight at this point.

“I don’t take anything away from Ceja though. He came to fight. But we learn from every fight. What I took away from it was that even at the worst moment of my career, I didn’t lose. I’m a different fighter now, though. I’m healthy heading into this upcoming fight and I feel like everyone is going to see a different type of Brandon Figueroa.”

Figueroa’s September 26 foe Vazquez has already stated that he plans to make their title fight a “Mexican war” full of toe-to-toe action. For Figueroa, no stranger to action fights himself, he sees that as playing into his hands.

“I feel like the action fighting has been my style and game plan since day one,” said Figueroa. “But I obviously believe I’d also have an advantage boxing him at distance. So he can say whatever he wants, I don’t think he’s going to want to go toe-to-toe with me. I can guarantee you he’ll regret that.

“I see this as the biggest opportunity of my career, and Vazquez is standing in my way. This is my chance to show everyone why I’m one of the best fighters in the world. I’m ready, I’m focused on September 26 and I can’t wait to showcase my skills.”

The stacked doubleheader lineup includes a number of top fighters in and around the 122-pound division, including a vacant WBC title fight between Luis Nery and Aaron Alameda, plus former unified champion Danny Roman battling Juan Carlos Payano in a title eliminator. In addition, the winner of a future fight between recently crowned WBO champion Angelo Leo and Stephen Fulton could loom as a possible opponent down the road. No matter who Figueroa may face next, he is in position to deliver action for boxing fans.

“At this point, I feel like any fight with me against a top 122-pounder is a great fight,” said Figueroa. “I’m willing to mix it up with any of them. I honestly don’t care who wants to fight me, I’ll take any of them to put on a great show for the fans. My team knows that as well. So hopefully after September 26 we can make a great fight with any of the other top fighters in my division.”

The unprecedented pay-per-view 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 begins live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with the three-fight card topped by unbeaten WBC Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender 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.

Following a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card, headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, will begin. Unbeaten former champion Nery will battle undefeated 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

(Detroit) Tomorrow at 1 pm ET (10 am PT), Salita Promotions will take their highly successful YouTube Channel a step further by presenting an afternoon of livestreamed professional boxing, live from the Soviet Wings Sport Palace in Moscow, Russia, free of charge.

The jam-packed card, presented by Shamo Boxing, will feature a 10-round battle for the Russian Light Heavyweight Championship between Artur Ziyatdinov (12-0, 9 KOs) from Montreal, Canada via Simferopol, Crimea, Russia, taking on Gassan Gassanov (16-9-1, 13 KOs) of Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, in the main event.

In other exciting title fights, Mukhammad Shekhov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Velikie Luki, Russia via Uzbekistan will face Magomed Kurbanov (6-0, 3 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Russia, over 10 rounds for the WBA International Super Bantamweight Championship. Radik Grigoryan (6-0-1, 1 KO) of Krasnodar, Russia via Armenia will take on also undefeated Andrey Maik (6-0, 1 KO) Saint Petersburg, Russia via Ukraine, over 10 rounds for the WBA Asia Super Lightweight Championship; and Ravshan Makhamadjonov (10-0, 7 KOs) of Tashkent, Uzbekistan will face Volodymyr Hordiienko (8-1, 3 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine over eight rounds for the WBC World Youth Super Welterweight Championship.

The livestream will be the first of its kind for Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel, that already offers thousands of hours of past fights from many of the biggest names in boxing, free of charge, and attracts more than 5 million monthly views with 110,000 subscribers with upwards of 200,000 daily viewers.

Calling the action for the English-speaking audience will be Canada’s Corey Erdman, a commentary veteran for ESPN, NBC, CBS, SpikeTV, BoxNation, DAZN and SNY, as well as UFC Fight Pass’ recurring series Broadway Boxing. Erdman is also a lead columnist for Boxing Scene, and a regular combat sports contributor to VICE.

“I am thrilled to be able to help bring this show, and many more to the English-speaking audience across the world,” said Erdman. “Shekhov-Kurbanov, in particular, is one of the highest-level competitive fights on the calendar, between two incredibly decorated amateurs that would normally not be matched up with one another. There is a whole world of boxing out there that has been ignored for years by North American broadcasters, and it’s tremendous that Dmitriy Salita has taken the initiative to open that portal to the boxing audience.”

Opening up the action will be a 10-round showdown between Artur Ziyatdinov (12-0, 9 KOs) of Montreal, Canada via Simferopol, Crimea, Russia and Gassan Gassanov (16-9-1, 13 KOs) of Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, for the Russian Light Heavyweight Championship.

Also in action will be an eight-round cruiserweight battle between Vladimir Kelesh (7-0, 5 KOs) of Moscow, Russia, via Kazakhstan and Denis Tsaryuk (12-2, 10 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Russia; and a six-round super lightweight opener between Valery Oganisyan (2-0, 2 KOs) of Ruza, Russia, and Arkadi Harutyunyan (4-9, 1 KO) of Khimki, Russia, via Armenia.

Salita Promotions President, Dmitriy Salita says although this event is the first of its kind, in the future he plans on bringing lots of shows from the other side of the world to his YouTube Channel followers.

“The world is a small place and our sport of boxing can be a great connector,” said Salita. “Our YouTube Channel is having tremendous success in reaching fans worldwide and we have decided to extend its reach by providing live programming. Beginning on September 4, we will be live streaming exciting fights from all around the world.”

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.

NEW YORK – September 3, 2020 – Top 154-pound contenders go toe-to-toe as hard-hitting Erickson “Hammer” Lubin battles 2012 U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a WBC Super Welterweight Title Eliminator headlining a three-fight event presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features Mongolia’s Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar stepping in to face unbeaten Cobia “Soldier” Breedy in the 10-round featherweight co-main event bout. The telecast opener will see one of the top prospects in boxing, unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis, squaring off against the Dominican Republic’s Juan Carlos Abreu in a 10-round matchup.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. The Ennis vs. Abreu bout is promoted in association with D & D Boxing.

“The super welterweight division is red-hot, and the winner between Erickson Lubin and Terrell Gausha on September 19 will be in a prime position to be the next 154-pound world champion, including a possible matchup against the following week’s Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario winner,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Erickson Lubin has been on a tear since his only loss, showing his growth from the Prospect Of The Year to a top contender. Terrell Gausha has an impressive pedigree dating back to his time as a U.S. Olympian and like Lubin, he can earn a second world title opportunity with a win on September 19. Add in two exciting undercard attractions, and this is yet another fight card on SHOWTIME that boxing fans won’t want to miss.”

The 24-year-old Lubin (22-1, 16 KOs) has put together an impressive four-bout winning streak since a loss to Jermell Charlo in 2017. He became the first person to stop former champion Ishe Smith, and most recently, he dominated Nathaniel Gallimore to earn a decision in October. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is trained by renowned coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest to another title opportunity. After a stellar amateur career, Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013, eventually being named Prospect Of The Year by ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I’m focused and ready to make my 2020 debut on SHOWTIME,” said Lubin. “Terrell Gausha has been in the ring with a few good fighters and he’s also an Olympian, so I know he has the experience, but I’m expecting to dominate him. My mindset will be to execute my game plan and come out on top. I’m going to show the world that I’m one of the best 154 pounders out there and I’m ready to put a strap around my waist. It’s Hammer time!”

A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KOs) was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, Calif., where he is trained by Manny Robles. The 32-year-old is coming off a split draw against former world champion Austin Trout in May 2019. Gausha won his first 20 professional fights, before suffering his only career defeat in a 2017 world title showdown against Erislandy Lara.

“Training camp has obviously been a little different ahead of this fight, but we’ve done what we need to, and I’ll be ready on September 19,” said Gausha. “This is a big fight for me, being my second chance at getting to a world title. I know Lubin is a young, good fighter and I’m sure he’ll also be ready. But this is my fourth southpaw in a row, so I’m very prepared for this fight and I’m going to show that I’m on another level.”

The 28-year-old Nyambayar (11-0, 9 KOs) won a silver medal representing his native Mongolia in the 2012 Olympics. He now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Nyambayar ascended the featherweight rankings after his extensive amateur career with victories over then unbeaten Harmonito Dela Torre and former interim champion Oscar Escandon. Nyambayar earned his first world title shot before earning the title shot when he defeated former champion Claudio Marrero in January 2019. The Mongolian dropped his most recent fight against long-reigning WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. in February on SHOWTIME.

“I am excited to step in the ring and perform on September 19,” said Nyambayar. “The change in opponent to Breedy will have no effect on me. This is the fight game, so you always have to be prepared. I was already working hard and I will continue to work day by day to be at my very best when I compete on fight night.”

The 28-year-old Breedy (15-0, 5 KOs), from Bridgetown, Barbados and fighting out of Hyattsville, Md., turned pro in 2014 and trains in Barry Hunter’s Headbangers Gym in Washington, D.C. Fighting under the nickname “Soldier”, Breedy served three years in the Barbadian military. Inside the ring, he most recently stopped Titus Williams in December, capping off a successful 2019 where he added three wins to his unblemished record. Having campaigned at both 130 and 135 pounds, Breedy is looking to make a name for himself in the competitive 126-pound division.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I’m thankful to my team for getting me this fight,” said Breedy. “I stay in the gym and I’m always prepared and staying ready. I have that mindset so I can take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way. My opponent is a good fighter, but on September 19, tune in and watch me go to war. The world will get to know who I am. I’m going to give 100 percent. I can do anything in the ring, and I will show it on fight night.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Pa., the supremely talented Ennis (25-0, 23 KOs) returns to the ring after stopping Bakhtiyar Eyubov in January. Ennis scored two emphatic knockout victories on ShoBox: The New Generation in 2018 before adding two more KO wins to his ledger in 2019. As his level of opposition has steadily increased since turning professional in 2016, the switch-hitter has scored 15 consecutive knockouts and 13 knockdowns in his six most recent bouts. “Boots,” who has yet to be pushed past the sixth round, was a standout amateur who won the 2015 National Golden Gloves and was ranked as the No. 1 amateur at 141 pounds before turning pro.

“I’m getting better every single day, sharper every single day, and smarter every single day during training camp,” said Ennis. “I don’t know much about my opponent, but not too many guys have been able to withstand my power and I don’t expect this to be any different. I’m just focused on myself, preparing so I can go into the ring, have fun, look phenomenal for everybody tuning in on SHOWTIME and come out victorious.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs) has now lived and trained in Salem, Mass., for the last five years. The 33-year-old has battled a slew of top welterweights throughout his career, including Jamal James and Egidijus Kavaliauskas, while also earning a TKO victory over Jesus Soto-Karass. Abreu has never been stopped.

“Jaron Ennis is a great contender with good boxing IQ, speed and decent power, but this is not my first rodeo,” said Abreu. “I have fought first-class opposition and I would like to dance some good Merengue with him. I am having a great camp and I am excited and motivated by this opportunity. It is clear to me that this is a do-or-die fight for me, and therefore, come September 19, I am preparing mentally and physically to leave everything in that ring.”

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

ORANGE, Calif. (September 3, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotions presents the second edition of 3.2.1 Boxing, this time FREE and streaming on Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, showcasing three action-packed bouts on Sunday, September 6, 2020.

3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET. 3.2.1 Boxing is a non-audience show. The card is headlined by a clash of undefeated welterweight boxers as Luis Lopez (8-0-1, 4 KOs), of Corona, Ca, battles Saul “Avatar” Bustos (12-0-1, 7KOs), of El Monte, Ca in an eight-round bout.

Lopez, who is hosting training camp in Riverside, CA, with coach Henry Ramirez, talks about his recent training camp, his matchup with Bustos, and more.

On this training camp.

“Training camp has been going really well, I have been working with my coach Henry Ramirez, and been focusing on getting to that next level. The sparring I’ve been getting has been tremendous work. I have a lot of hours of training going into this fight, so I know I’m going to be at my best.”

On fighting Saul Bustos.

“My opponent, Saul Bustos, is a good fighter who is undefeated like myself, so I know I’m in a tough fight. I believe that I will be far too much for him and I am looking to exploit his weaknesses as well as show him that he hasn’t faced the same level of opponents as I have. I know Bustos is coming with everything he’s got but I don’t believe he can beat me.

On returning to the ring after COVID-19 Shutdown.

“It is a big deal, this has been a scary situation, and I am glad to be able to get a chance to get back into the ring to restart my career. In addition, I’m excited to entertain people so they can take their mind of the world at large. In California, we have COVID, rolling blackouts and bad fires right now, when I fight, I hope I can provide a distraction for a few hours out of the day for those who love boxing.”

On fighting a Thompson Boxing card.

“Thompson Boxing has always been really good to me and have been a very professional organization. I believe they’re grooming me to be in contention for a world title, and eventually get me that shot, but first thing is first is, I have to win on September 6th. This is the type of fight I have been wanting and I am grateful to Thompson Boxing for this opportunity.”

National amateur titlist Umar Khan has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren and will turn professional under the Queensberry Promotions banner.

The 18-year-old, who did not hold extensive ambitions in the amateur code, clocked up 28 wins from 32 fights and became a national champion, but his heart was firmly set on turning pro and following in the footsteps of his cousin Hamzah Sheeraz, the WBO European super welterweight champion, who is making huge strides in the sport.

“It is crazy and almost surreal for me,” said the super bantamweight on signing with a Hall of Fame promoter to launch his career. “It is like a dream come true and I have known about it since my birthday in May.

“I just used the amateurs for experience and it was never my dream to be a star at that level. My heart was set on the pro game.

“I started boxing at 13 and I was more of a footballer before that, but the football season was finished and my brother went to the boxing club so I went with him. From that moment I just fell in love with it.

“I don’t want to sound cocky, but I think I had a natural ability for it from day one.”

Umar has a role model very close to home in cousin Hamzah, who is blazing a trail in the professional ranks and tipped for the very top by promoter Warren. The newcomer knows where to look for inspiration.

“It has been crazy and since I have been coming up I have seen him progress,” he said of his 11-0 family member. “Seeing him have such success just makes you want to do it yourself and get into his position one day.

“Hamzah is class,” added the Ilford-based Umar, who hedged his bets when asked what style of fighter we can expect to see when he gets to make his professional debut later in the year.

“That is a difficult question. It depends what day it is because sometimes I box and sometimes I fight. If I have to fight I will but I suppose it is best to avoid it.

“Hopefully I will get to show what I can do by the end of November.”

London, UK (3 September 2020) Putting his signature to a long-term deal with leading manager-promoter Mick Hennessy should finally provide the structure for Brixton cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain to fulfil his unquestionable ability.

Hot off a knockout victory just under two weeks ago, Chamberlain makes a quick return to action this Saturday night in Wakefield when he takes on Matt Senn, live on free-to-air Channel 5.

At 6ft 2in tall and blessed with a 78in wingspan, ‘IC’ has always possessed the physical hardware and technical slicks to mix with the division’s elite. However, contractual discord caused his career to meander aimlessly.

After a 22-month exodus from the public eye, the chiselled 26 year old delivered a timely reminder of his talent, kickstarting his association with Hennessy by levelling Wolverhampton warmonger Antony Woolery for the full count with a frighteningly explosive volley, live on Channel Five a fortnight back.

And with mentor Mick able to guarantee live terrestrial TV, the affable south Londoner can finally visualise a pathway to the hallowed green WBC belt he has long considered his destiny.

‘Twelve months from now, I expect to be somewhere around the world top ten,’ states ‘Chambo’ who registered the fifth stoppage of a 12 fight career that has stretched five and a half years.

‘Returning after 22 months was very difficult. You have to get the feel for the canvas, the lights, the pressure again. I felt I could’ve done better but Mick Hennessy and Channel Five were both very happy. Apparently, the viewing figures peaked for my fight and I got thousands of new Instagram followers. I’m now up to 145,000.

‘I was just happy to be fighting again, very grateful to Mick and Channel 5 for the opportunity. The stoppage provided evidence of what I’ve been working on with (coaches) Rasel and Bobby. Power! I’ve always had a very efficient, snappy jab but I looked and felt very explosive.

‘Finally returning to the ring was a huge weight off my shoulders but I’ve always been the type of person to ask ‘What next?’ rather than dwell on past glories. Now I can’t wait for what the future holds, to show further what I’ve learnt from my training camp; how I’m preparing myself better, getting everything to run more smoothly when I’m in the ring.’

It’s hard not to root for this most humble, affable yet frighteningly focussed fighting man, who survived a single-parent childhood – eldest of seven – that saw him inadvertently serve as a ‘drug mule’ on some of south London’s most savage estates.

‘It has been difficult but these hard times will soon pass,’ claims the ‘Gloves Up, Knives Down’ ambassador who was recently dubbed ‘the most interesting boxer in Britain’ by award-winning journalist Donald McRae.

‘You just need to stay diligent and graft away. That in itself builds character and I’m made for it. I was always prepared to put in the hard work when there were no fights on the horizon so imagine how driven I am now that I’m promised a televised fight every month.’

There is a consistent commitment to self-improvement that raises Chamberlain above the hordes. Barely out of his teens, he challenged himself in savage spars against the globe’s heavyweight hardcore – Joshua, Wilder, Whyte, Usyk – often on foreign climes.

He was just 22 and fighting for a sixth time when he captured the Southern Area title in 2016 and, four fights later, headlined at London’s O2 Arena only to suffer from stage fright. Beaten by Olympian Lawrence Okolie (pts 10), Chamberlain then imprisoned himself at a $15 a night hostel in Miami to work under Cuban coach Jorge Rubio – an association that ultimately ended in disappointment.

‘I’m not exactly sure where my desire and drive come from but I definitely have it. I didn’t really have male role models growing up. Bettering myself was just something I had to do. I guess my mentality was a bit naïve. I was always ‘Chase Your Dream,’ he explains.

‘Initially, I wanted to be a chemical engineer but, from the moment my mum took me to the boxing club for protection after my cousin was stabbed, I was just so in love with it.

‘My philosophy is to master each day at a time. Conquer the day. After you conquer Monday, you conquer Tuesday. When Tuesday is conquered you attack Wednesday and Thursday.

‘Every obstacle in life is there to test you. But for anything to be worthwhile you have to go through a number of obstacles to attain it. I constantly strive to be a better athlete and a better human being. At elite level, all the top contenders are tough, smart, strong but I’m banking on my consistency taking me above them. I’m obsessed with getting better.’

Chamberlain’s renaissance continues before C5 cameras this Saturday with 5-2 Wolverhampton warlord Matt ‘Slugger’ Sen – once a runner-up in the Mr England bodybuilding championships – providing muscular opposition.

‘Expect another relaxed showing,’ predicts Isaac who already has dates lined up for November and December.

‘I’d like another explosive, spectacular knockout to confirm how my power has developed but, as long as the fans enjoy it, I’ll be satisfied.’

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, Crayford’s Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight Championship against the reigning Champion Samir Ziani from France headlines the card. Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain – hot off a third round KO win just under two weeks ago after two years out of the ring – returns to action in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Matt Sen. Unbeaten Sevenoaks middleweight hot-shot Michael Hennessy Jr. continues on his march towards his first pro title and takes on Stoke-on-Trent’s Jamie Stewart in a six-round contest. One of the world’s hottest emerging young talents, Stevie McKenna from Monaghan, Ireland, based out of California, makes his first pro appearance on UK soil when he takes on Glasgow’s Gary McGuire over six-rounds at lightweight. Birmingham’s undefeated Idris Virgo lit up social media with his sensational one-punch body KO in his last fight and now returns to face Manchester’s Scott Williams at super-welterweight. Finally, Bexleyheath’s Sam Cantwell, son of the former British Flyweight Champion, Mickey, faces Westbrook’s Ricky Leach over six-rounds at super-flyweight.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

LAS VEGAS (September 2, 2020) – Top contender Yordenis Ugás shared insights into his training camp and more as he prepares to take on hard-hitting Abel Ramos for the vacant WBA Welterweight Championship this Sunday, September 6 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Ugás returns to action after scoring a stoppage victory over Mike Dallas in February on FS1. Prior to that fight, Ugás had battled then WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter in a March 2019 title fight on FOX that saw the Cuban fighter lose a narrow decision.

To earn the title shot, the Olympic bronze medalist Ugás returned from a nearly two-year layoff in 2016 and beat then unbeaten fighters Jamal James and Bryant Perrella. Ugás turned that into an eight-fight winning streak, including triumphs over Thomas Dulorme, Ray Robinson and Cesar Miguel Barrionuevo.

Here is what Ugás had to say from training camp in Las Vegas with his coach, Ismael Salas:

On his recent training camp:

“Training in Las Vegas at the Salas Boxing Academy with coach Ismael is a great time because he provides a championship atmosphere. The gym is filled with excellent fighters and the sparring I’ve gotten has been incredible. More importantly, Salas is a great teacher who knows exactly what is needed to improve my game. We got a lot done in this camp and you will see a more polished version of myself on fight night.”

On his matchup with Abel Ramos:

“Ramos is a very tough fighter who has a tremendous amount of heart, as shown in his last fight when he knocked out Perrella in the final seconds of that fight. This will be one of those fights that the fans will be talking about for many years, because we are not going to be backing up. I’m expecting an all-out war.”

On his quest to become the first Cuban Welterweight World Champion in 45 years:

“If I’m not mistaken, there hasn’t been a Cuban welterweight world champion since Jose Napoles in 1975. It will be an honor to become the first Cuban welterweight world champion of this millennium, God willing I come out victorious. Becoming a world champion is a goal I set for myself when I first started boxing, and I’m not going to let it slip by this time around. My goal is to not leave the decision in the hands of the judges, so I’ll be going for the knockout.”

On the state of the welterweight division:

“Everyone knows the welterweight division is always loaded with the best fighters in boxing, and I consider myself as one of those guys. I feel I beat Shawn Porter, so I know I belong with the elite boxers at 147 pounds. I must get past Ramos first, then I’m coming for everyone.”

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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.
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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.

LAS VEGAS (September 2, 2020) — Former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza continues his quest for another world title against 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina in a 10-round junior welterweight main event Saturday, Sept. 19 from the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Pedraza-Molina will headline a night of fights live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the co-feature set to begin at approximately 10 p.m. ET.

“Pedraza and Molina asked us for a meaningful fight, and we believe the winner is in excellent position for a world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.

Pedraza (27-3, 13 KOs), a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion, returns to the MGM Grand “Bubble” a little more than two months after he dominated former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre over 10 rounds. Pedraza had an inauspicious junior welterweight debut when he lost a decision to Jose Zepeda last September, but the LesPierre performance established his place among the division’s top contenders. Molina (22-2, 9 KOs) is 4-0 since signing with Top Rank in early 2019, reviving a career that stalled following a pair of decision defeats. Last November, he knocked out the normally durable Hiroki Okada in 65 seconds. He followed up the Okada KO with an upset victory over Amir Imam in February on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard.

Pedraza and Molina were scheduled to fight on the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol undercard on May 9, but the event was scrapped due to COVID-19. The Ramirez-Postol bout finally happened August 29, and now Pedraza and Molina will headline a show of their own.

Pedraza said, “I’ve been looking for a fight against Javier Molina for a long time. I also had him on my radar because we were supposed to fight earlier this year, but the whole situation with the pandemic changed those plans and the fight was postponed. I kept training hard to keep improving and I ended up fighting against another opponent and had a great performance.

“This fight will bring me even closer to a world title opportunity. My goal is to become a three-division world champion, and Javier Molina will not stop me from achieving my dream.”

Molina said, “Going into this year, I had big expectations for myself. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m here to make a statement against Pedraza. I haven’t received the respect or recognition I feel I deserve but getting a win over Pedraza will put my name out there. It’s a huge opportunity, and I plan on taking advantage of it.”

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

About ESPN+
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LOS ANGELES (September 2, 2020) – Unbeaten Cody Crowley will take on Josh Torres in a 10-round welterweight clash headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 6 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and also features 2016 Olympian Batyr Akhmedov facing the Philippines’ Rey Perez in a 10-round super lightweight attraction.

The FS1 coverage precedes FOX PBC Fight Night, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by top contender Yordenis Ugas and hard-hitting Abel Ramos squaring off for the vacant WBA Welterweight Championship.

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.

Representing his native Ontario, Canada, Crowley (18-0, 9 KOs) comes in after a 2019 that saw him win a Canadian super welterweight title with a 12-round decision over Stuart McLellan in February, before successfully defending that title with a dominant decision over Mian Hussain in October. The 27-year-old returns to fight in the U.S. for the first time since 2016, after seven of his first eight pro fights came in the U.S.

The 30-year-old Torres (22-6-2, 13 KOs) enters this matchup the winner of his last seven bouts, with six of those wins coming inside of the distance. A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Torres scored three victories in 2019 and has faced veteran contenders including Mike Alvarado and Dusty Hernandez-Harrison throughout a career dating back to 2008.

Born in Uzbekistan and residing in Russia, Akhmedov (7-1, 6 KOs) represented Turkey at the 2016 Olympics. The 29-year-old returns to action after a grueling title fight against Mario Barrios on the Spence vs. Porter PPV undercard that he lost by a narrow decision. He made his U.S. debut in April 2018, immediately announcing himself with stoppage victories over Ismael Barroso and Oscar Barajas.

Now training in North Hollywood, California, Perez (24-11, 8 KOs) hails from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines and most recently lost a decision to George Kambosos Jr. in January 2019. The 29-year-old has faced a slew of contenders, with two victories over Christian Gonzalez and a knockout of Roberto Marroquin, in addition to stateside challenges of Lamont Roach, Jessie Magdaleno and Chris Avalos.

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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.
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