The most exciting prospect in all of Heavyweight boxing, Daniel Dubois, returns tomorrow night on BT Sport 1. ‘Dynamite’ will test his skills against the 18-1 Dutchman Ricardo Snijders.

Fighters from tomorrows huge night of boxing have today weighed-in successfully and all eyes now turn to the BT Sport Studio.

The action begins at 7pm on BT Sport 1 directly after the conclusion of the FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Elsewhere on the card, Sunny Edwards defends his IBF International Flyweight title against former Olympian Thomas Essomba, Sam Maxwell puts his WBO European Super Lightweight title on the line against former European champ Joe Hughes, Heavyweight prospect David Adeleye returns against Phil Williams, Willy Hutchinson battles Ben Thomas and Sam Noakes faces off against Jordan Ellison.

It all goes down TOMORROW NIGHT on BT Sport 1 at 7pm.

Official photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Official weights are below:

Daniel Dubois 17st 6lb 
Ricardo Sneijders 15st 5lb

Sunny Edwards 8st 2lb 7oz
Thomas Essomba 8st 2lb 2oz

Sam Maxwell 9st 13lb 1oz
Joe Hughes 9st 13lb

David Adeleye 15st 7lb 7oz
Phil Williams 18st 6lb 1oz

Willy Hutchinson 12st 5lb 4oz
Ben Thomas 12st 7lb 7oz

Sam Noakes 9st 12lb 1oz
Jordan Ellison 9st 11lb 10oz

JOSH TAYLOR’S World Super-Lightweight title unification clash against Apinun Khongsong has an undercard in place featuring former WBC World Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards.

Title contests featuring Taylor’s fellow Scot Willy Hutchinson and Irishman Davey Oliver Joyce will also take place on Saturday September 26.

IBF and WBA champion Taylor (16-0, 12KOs) had been due to meet Thai Khongsong (16-0, 13KOs), his IBF mandatory challenger in May, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay to his contest against the heavy handed challenger.

The Edinburgh star heads another talent stacked card promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions and Bob Arum for Top Rank, with the return of Edwards a big attraction.

Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs) moves up to bantamweight after relinquishing his world crown and faces Wolverhampton’s Kyle Williams (11-2, 3 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

It will be his first fight since a no-contest against Julio Cesar Martinez a year ago and his debut under Hall Of Fame promoter Warren who he joined recently.

The Croydon man said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. It feels like it’s been a long time coming.

“I have had 12 months out, but I have developed more than I did even when I was a world champion.

“My life away from boxing could not be any better. I am settled in a new home, I have got engaged and in January I will become a Dad.

“I have never been in such a good place mentally, physically and emotionally.

“Obviously I am not world class yet at Bantamweight and that might take time, but Kyle is a very decent opponent after so long out.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a show against a great fighter. This fight is a fantastic domestic clash.

“It would be great to have fans there, but I’ve had similar experiences as an amateur. I once boxed in a 30,000 capacity arena in Azerbaijan with 20 people there at a World Championship qualifier.”

Fast emerging Super-Middleweight Hutchinson (11-0, 7 KOS) will challenge for his first professional title with the vacant IBF European crown on the line, should he come through his bout tomorrow night on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Ricardo Snijders.

There will be a third title at stake when Joyce (12-1, 9KOs) makes the first defence of his WBO European Super-Bantamweight crown against Spain’s Ionut Baluta (13-2, 2KOs) over ten rounds.

Mullingar’s Joyce won the title in February when he stopped former IBF World Bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in five rounds.

Warren said: “Josh’s fight is a high end world title battle, and yet again we have delivered with brilliant supporting fights.

“I was very excited to sign Charlie who is a fighter I have always rated and enjoyed watching even when he wasn’t on out cards.

“I promised him that he would get the chance to become a two-weight world champion and this is the start of the journey for him. He is coming back at Bantamweight, but he could also do Super-Flyweight if the opportunity came.

“He has mixed with the best in the world and that is where Willy Hutchinson is heading. I have real faith that he will go all the way at Super-Middleweight and become part of Britain’s rich history in the division.

“Everyone at my office has been working hard and I’m delighted with what we’ve delivered for fans on these behind closed doors shows.”

There will also be a four round Super-Welterweight match between York’s George Davey (2-0) and Blackpool veteran Jeff Thomas (12-7-3, 1 KO). Northampton Super-Lightweight Ethan James (3-0) is also in action.

LAS VEGAS (August 27, 2020) —  Finally! After a pair of fight dates fell by the wayside, WBC/WBO junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez and former world champion Viktor Postol are set to fight Saturday evening from the MGM Grand “Bubble” (ESPN+ coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET). They were scheduled to fight Feb. 2 in China and May 9 in Fresno, Calif., but the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled those plans.

In other action Saturday evening, junior welterweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr. will fight Canadian veteran Tony Luis, and Dominican knockout artist Elvis Rodriguez will look to extend his knockout streak to seven against Cody Wilson in a six-rounder at welterweight.

This is what Ramirez and Postol had to say at Thursday’s press conference.

Jose Ramirez

 “After the big win against Hooker, I am ready to go and continue my journey to become undisputed champion. I know Viktor Postol stands in the way of that, and he is a very experienced fighter. I have been training very, very hard for this fight.

“Due to the pandemic, the fight got rescheduled, but I stayed at the gym. I remained composed and patient. I have a great team and my family behind me. I’m a man of faith. I believe everything happens for a reason, and now that I’m here, I can’t wait to showcase my talent on August 29. I want to show the world how much I have grown and matured as a unified champion. My goal is to become {undisputed} world champion.

“For the first date for this fight, I did a full training camp. The fight got rescheduled the same day I was supposed to depart, but luckily, I didn’t get to the airport. For the second date, I was in camp for five weeks before I got the call that the fight was going to get canceled again. Now, this is another nine-week camp that I’ve been on. My last fight was 13 months ago, but it feels like it was yesterday because I’ve been in the gym the whole year and with this fight on my mind the whole time.”

Viktor Postol

“The first training camp was tough because I came to the U.S. two months before the fight and we actually departed to China for the first fight date. It was a long flight. This camp has also been very long. I came three months before the fight date, but I feel good. I feel ready to fight.

“Jose is a good fighter. He is a good champion, but I know I have a good chance to win this fight. I have the motivation because this fight is for two belts. I’ll be ready.”

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.

Stockton, CA (August 27, 2020) – Three of the best boxers in Stockton, California will be featured on an internet Pay-Per-View on September 5th in Tijuana, Mexico.

In the six-round co-feature, undefeated Manuel Jaimes will battle Francisco Rubio in a six-round lightweight bout.

Jaimes, 20 years-old of Stockton, California has a record of 9-0 with eight knockouts is not afraid to take on good competition as he is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Lorenzo Antonio Juarez (5-0) on June 26th in Tijuana. Jaimes, who is an action fighter, is a machinist in the ring. He grinds his opponents down. He has been promoted by Toscano Promotions since debuting.

Giovannie Gonzalez (10-5, 8 KOs) of Stockton, California battles undefeated Brandon Cortez (5-0, 4 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a lightweight fight.

Gonzalez is known for his huge heart, and his crowd pleasing style.

Wade Jones III (4-0, 2 KOs) of Stockton, California will take on Francisco Parra in a lightweight fight.

Jones is budding star, who has gifted ability, and will be looking to step up.

Toscano Promotions will present a great night of professional boxing when they present “Futuros Campeones II” from the Historic Jai Alai Palace Forum Entertainment Center in Tijuana, Mexico.

The outstanding show be will streamed live all over the world on bestinboxing.com

The free undercard will begin at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT With the main card beginning after the four-fight undercard. The main card can be seen for $9.99

The Free undercard will be hosted by Emmy-Award winner Courtney Perna, and can be seen on Fight Hub TV on You Tube, Abrams Boxing on Youtube, Best in Boxing on Facebook; Best in Boxing on Youtube ; Global Sports Streaming on Periscope / Twitter as well as globalsportsstreaming.com and bestinboxing.com

LAS VEGAS (August 27, 2020) —Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound heavyweight destroyer from Toledo, Ohio, returns for his third “Bubble” appearance Saturday, Sept. 5 at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Anderson will take on nine-year pro and noted spoiler Rodney Hernandez in a bout scheduled for eight or six rounds on the undercard of an action-packed doubleheader featuring Jamel Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title defense against Jonathan Oquendo and unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson against DeAndre Ware in a 10-rounder.

Anderson-Hernandez and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 PT.

Anderson said, “I’ve made my home in the ‘Bubble’ this summer, and I’ve enjoyed coming to Las Vegas and putting on a heavyweight show for the fans. I don’t know too much about Rodney Hernandez, but I know he’s been in there with a lot of top guys and usually goes rounds.

“I can’t wait for this one. Top Rank keeps lining these guys up, and I’m knocking them out.”

The 20-year-old Anderson (5-0, 5 KOs) has opened eyes with four first-round knockouts in five outings since making his professional debut last October. He spent the early part of 2020 in camp with Tyson Fury as the lineal heavyweight champion readied to battle Deontay Wilder. When boxing returned, Anderson knocked out Johnnie Langston in three rounds in June and stopped Hector Perez in one round the following month. Hernandez (13-9-2, 4 KOs) has four wins over previously undefeated prospects, including a first-round stoppage over Onoriode Ehwarieme, who was 17-0 at the time.

In other undercard action:

San Antonio native Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (11-0, 7 KOs), a light flyweight prospect promoted by Teiken Promotions, will take on Puerto Rican veteran Janiel Rivera (18-6-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Rodriguez has won three straight by knockout, including an eighth-round stoppage Feb. 29 on the Mikey Garcia-Jessie Vargas undercard.

In a six-round battle of unbeaten welterweights, Christopher Gonzalez (7-0-1, 1 KO) will face D’Andre Smith (8-0, 5 KOs). Gonzalez, a ticket-seller in his hometown of Tucson, Ariz., has won four in a row since the lone draw on his ledger.

Colombian puncher Ruben Cervera (12-2, 10 KOs), who defeated Clay “3rd Degree” Burns via decision July 14 inside the “Bubble,” will fight New Orleans native Rennard Oliver (7-2-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior lightweight.
Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 ND, 1 KO), from Fort Worth, Texas, will make his “Bubble” debut against Adan “Temo” Ochoa (11-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight tilt.
Philadelphia native Rashiem Jefferson (1-0), a former U.S. amateur star, will return to the ring against Jose Martinez (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.
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

Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) and Jack Culcay (28-4, 13 KOs) both made weight ahead of their hotly anticipated ‘Fight of The Year’ which takes place tomorrow night at the Havel Studios in Berlin.

The IBF eliminator will see Germany’s #1 and #2 ranked super welterweights clash, with 25-year-old Baraou looking to topple former World Champion Culcay.

IBF Super Welterweight Eliminator:
Abass Baraou: 69.5kg
Jack Culcay: 69.7kg

IBF Intercontinental Middleweight Title:
Vincent Feigenbutz: 71.8kg
Jama Saidi: 71.4kg

The event will take place on August 28th at the Havel Studios in Berlin and will be broadcast live on SPORT1. 

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks off September with a battle between heavyweight KO artists, as No. 6 ranked contender Alistair Overeem faces No. 9 Augusto Sakai.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: OVEREEM vs. SAKAI will take place Saturday, September 5 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.

A 21-year veteran who has competed against the MMA and kickboxing elite, Overeem (46-18 1NC, fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands) still has his sights set on capturing UFC gold. Over the course of his legendary career, he has delivered memorable knockout wins over former champions Junior Dos Santos and Brock Lesnar, as well as Mark Hunt. Overeem now aims to stop another rising, young contender and re-assert himself as one of the most dangerous heavyweights on the planet.

Unbeaten since joining the UFC roster in 2018, Sakai (15-1-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) wasted no time in cracking the heavyweight division’s top 10. Originally signed following a spectacular performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, he has since secured impressive victories against Blagoy Ivanov, Marcin Tybura and former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski. Sakai now hopes to take advantage of his first UFC main event opportunity by earning the biggest win of his career.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former The Ultimate Fighter standout Sijara Eubanks (6-4, fighting out of Brick, NJ) seeks her second consecutive victory when she meets Karol Rosa (13-3, fighting out of Niteroi, RJ, Brazil) in a bantamweight showdown
• Michael Pereira (23-11 2NC, fighting out of Tucuma, Para, Brazil) looks to deliver another memorable performance when he takes on Zelim Imadaev (8-2, fighting out of Chechen Republic, Russia) at welterweight
• Former women’s flyweight champion Nicco Montano (5-3, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) goes for her first UFC bantamweight win against streaking Julia Avila (8-1, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.)
• Ricky Simon (16-3, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) locks horns with Brian Kelleher (21-11, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.) in an exciting featherweight bout
• Women’s flyweight contenders collide when No. 8 ranked Viviane Araujo (8-2, fighting out of Brasilia, DF, Brazil) meets No. 12 Montana De La Rosa (11-5, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
• In a clash of middleweight hopefuls, Andre Muniz (19-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) takes on Bartosz Fabinski (14-3, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland)
• Unbeaten heavyweight Alexandr Romanov (11-0, fighting out of Comrat City, Republic of Moldova) debuts against Marcos Rogerio De Lima (17-7-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Talented lightweights clash when Thiago Moises (13-4, fighting out of Indaiatuba, Brazil) meets Jalin Turner (10-5, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.)
• Cole Smith (7-1, fighting out of Squamish, B.C., Canada) squares off with Hunter Azure (8-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) in a battle of promising bantamweight prospects

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.

LOS ANGELES (August 27, 2020) – Former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax outlined the adjustments made in his training camp and more as he prepares to take on the hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo this Saturday, August 29 in FOX PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“Training camp was a little tricky with the pandemic, but we did most of our training at Lyke’s Boxing Gym in Spring Lake Park, MN.,” said Truax. “Me and my trainer Tom Halstead just moved there in December, but then the Governor shut everything down with the pandemic, so we had to adjust.

“Luckily, I have the keys to the gym, so I could go when I wanted and get a private workout in. It was tough to navigate everything being shut down, though. We had to make up ways to stay in shape. I was chopping wood and doing all sorts of crazy stuff outdoors to stay active. The only real negative was that my routine was interrupted. I’m a creature of habit and have basically been doing the same thing my whole career. But we rolled with the punches and were able to find creative ways to train. Plus it was great to be able to spend more time with my family.”

For Truax, 2019 saw a title eliminator against former champion Peter Quillin fall through twice. First, their April main event on FS1 ended in two rounds with a no-decision after Truax suffered a cut caused by an accidental head butt. Then, Truax suffered an Achilles injury heading into the planned rematch in September. Alfredo Angulo stepped in to replace Truax and defeated Quillin, again changing Truax’s plans.

“I had kind of an unlucky year and a half with the cut and the injury,” said Truax. “Watching Quillin and Angulo fight last September was definitely frustrating because that should have been me in there. But I’m a pretty low-key and even keel guy, so I just stayed calm and knew that I’d get my chance again, whether it was against Quillin or Angulo, or someone else.

“I knew Angulo was a great fighter, but I definitely favored Quillin going into the fight. I thought the judges got that one right, though. Angulo was able to push Quillin back and I thought the right man won.”

In Angulo, Truax faces a battle-tested opponent who has gone toe-to-toe with top champions such as Erislandy Lara and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The hard-charging Angulo, who’s career resurgence comes under the guide of renowned coach Abel Sanchez, presents a style challenge that Truax looks forward to.

“I like when fighters come at me like Angulo typically does,” said Truax. “If Angulo comes at me, I plan to set the distance that I want to fight at. I’ve had some great sparring and even with the pandemic, I was able to get some work with good pressure fighters. So I’ll be ready for whatever he brings in the ring on Saturday.”

With a win on Saturday, Truax puts himself in a position to reclaim the IBF 168-pound title he won in 2017 by traveling the U.K. to upset James DeGale in his home country. That matchup with the current IBF champion, unbeaten Caleb Plant, is an opportunity Truax would relish.

“I think Caleb Plant is a really good boxer,” said Truax. “He’s very talented and one of the best in the division. Most importantly, he’s got the belt that I want to get back, so I hope I get the opportunity to face him.”

#

ABOUT LARA VS. VENDETTI
Lara vs. Vendetti will see WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Greg Vendetti in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 29 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo battling former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax in an IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

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. Angulo vs. Truax is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing.

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

(August 27, 2020) — Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois, the heavyweight division’s most feared young knockout artist, will defend his WBO International belt Saturday against Dutch upstart Ricardo Snijders in a scheduled 12-rounder from BT Sport Studio in London.
 
Dubois-Snijders headlines a scheduled six-bout card on ESPN+ beginning at 2 p.m. ET, which kicks off a boxing marathon exclusively on the streaming service. Later that day, WBC/WBO junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez will defend his world titles against former world champion Viktor Postol (7:30 p.m. ET).
 
The 22-year-old Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) went 5-0 with 5 knockouts in 2020, including a fifth-round demolition over the previously unbeaten Nathan Gorman. He won the British and Commonwealth titles to rise to the top of the domestic heavyweight crop and closed out the year last December with a second-round stoppage over Kyotaro Fujimoto. Dubois is well known to ESPN+ viewers, as his last seven bouts have streamed live on the platform. As he awaits a potential showdown with unbeaten countryman Joe Joyce, he must defeat Snijders (18-1, 8 KOs), who has fought all but one of his pro bouts in his home country.
 
In other streaming action on the Dubois-Snijders card:

• Junior bantamweight contender Sunny Edwards (14-0, 4 KOs) will defend his IBF International strap in a 12-rounder against noted spoiler Thomas Essomba (10-5, 4 KOs). Edwards recently captured the British title with a points win over Marcel Braithwaite, while Essomba has defeated unbeaten prospects in his last two bouts.
   
• WBO European junior welterweight champion Sam Maxwell (13-0, 11 KOs) will make the second defense of his belt in a 10-rounder against Joe Hughes (17-5-1, 7 KOs), a former English and European champion looking to break a two-bout losing skid.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Willy Hutchinson (11-0, 7 KOs) will fight Ben Thomas (2-2-3, 1 KO) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Lightweight prospect Sam Noakes (3-0, 3 KOs) and rising heavyweight David Adeleye (2-0, 2 KOs) will also see action.
   

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 (August 27, 2020) – WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara shared his insights from training camp and discussed his upcoming battle against Greg Vendetti that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, August 29 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Once the longest-reigning titleholder in the stacked 154-pound division, Lara returns to the ring after capturing the WBA title last August on FOX with a TKO victory over Ramon Alvarez.

Here is what Lara had to say about his matchup this Saturday and more, from training camp in Las Vegas:

On his recent training camp with coach Ismael Salas:
“Coach Salas and I have been working harmoniously together in Las Vegas, where I’ve been getting great sparring with top level guys. There are a lot of good fighters in Las Vegas that bring a lot of experience to my sparring sessions. My timing is right on point and I’m going to be very sharp in this fight.”

On making his 2020 ring return on FOX:
“It’s been way to long for me to be out of the ring. Now that it’s finally coming to that point where I’ll be fighting, I’m extremely excited. FOX is the most viewed television network in boxing, and I’m honored to be fighting on their network once again. The fan support that I get after fighting on FOX is incredible. Everyone should be tuning in because I’m going to put on a great show for everyone watching.”

On his upcoming matchup with Greg Vendetti:
“Just like everyone that I step in the ring with, they all come to dethrone me, and Vendetti will be no different. He’s coming into this fight with nothing to lose and that can be a dangerous situation, because he’s going to be in the best shape of his life. I’m not looking past him and if I get him hurt at any time in the fight, I’m going for the finish. I will end this fight early if I see blood.”

On what a win could lead to for his next fight:
“A victory puts me in line to fight the Charlo vs. Rosario winner, if that’s the direction my team wants to go. The goal for me is to unify the titles and become the undisputed champion of the 154-pound division. My body feels good and I feel I’m still the best fighter at super welterweight. Saturday night is another chance for me to show why.”

#

ABOUT LARA VS. VENDETTI
Lara vs. Vendetti will see WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Greg Vendetti in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 29 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo battling former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax in an IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

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. Angulo vs. Truax is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing.

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

FRANK WARREN WILL serve up a treble of top title action on October 10, live on BT Sport, featuring soon-to-be world middleweight title challenger Liam Williams, British welterweight champion Anthony Cacace and Commonwealth super welterweight ruler JJ Metcalf.

The destructive Williams – who is on a four-fight KO run at 160lbs – will defend his British title against his mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson (24-4-1) from Redditch. The 28-year-old, who is in mandatory position himself for the WBO world middleweight title held by Demetrius Andrade, will be seeking to maintain his reign of terror over the division while awaiting the purse bid process for his shot at the big prize.

Williams (22-2-1) won his title by defeating Mark Heffron in December 2018 and has defended once against Joe Mullender, while also picking up the WBC Silver title and WBO Intercontinental title with brutal stoppages of Karim Achour and Alantez Fox respectively.

Also on the card, Cacace (18-1) will defend his Lonsdale belt against Lyon Woodstock (12-2) in what is sure to be an all-action encounter. The Belfast man Cacace won the title last year by overcoming the then champion Sam Bowen in Birmingham, while former WBO European champion Woodstock from Leicester last saw action against Zelfa Barrett in 2019 when he was defeated on points in a Commonwealth title challenge.

JJ Metcalf (21-0) will defend his Commonwealth crown against former English champion Jack Flatley (16-1-1). The Liverpool man – also known as Kid Shamrock and firmly in the frame for British title honours – won his belt in June of last year by stopping former world title challenger Jason Welborn with a crippling left to the body in round eight.

Flatley, the ‘Quiet Storm’ from Bolton, became English champion by defeating Craig Morris in May 2019 before dropping his title on points to Harry Scarff in the September. The 25-year-old returned to winning ways by defeating Alastair Warren in December.

The title action is supplemented by three of the most exciting prospects in British boxing.

Thrilling bantamweight Dennis McCann will have his eighth professional fight after making a big statement last time out by stopping Brett Fidoe in the second round – only the second to halt Fidoe in 80 fights.

The Southampton snapper Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner (9-0) returns to business at super featherweight with a match against Birmingham’s experienced Sean Davies (14-14). He will be joined on the card by his teammate on the South Coast, Mark Chamberlain (6-0), who takes a step-up fight against Shaun Cooper (10-1) from Willenhall.

The 19-year-old welterweight Micky Burke jr completes the card with ‘The Gent’ taking part in his fourth professional fight.

Even though he has got bigger fish to fry in the pipeline, Williams insists he will approach his domestic defence against Robinson with his customary bludgeoning intent and went as far as to issue a health warning.

“I am obviously very, very confident and I know I will make a good job of him because I am training hard and I will turn up like I do for every other fight having left no stone unturned,” said the Welshman.

“I don’t think he is on my level but I am definitely not taking him lightly and I will approach the fight the way I do the others and that is with bad intentions.

“He is my mandatory and I think it is a dangerous fight because I think he could possibly get hurt. The referee and his team need to be careful and need to be looking after his health and interests because I genuinely think I could damage him.

“I am not sitting about waiting for the purse bids and when they said I could get out it was fantastic news for me. I was delighted and I just can’t wait to fight. I hoped to fight even earlier but now I am headlining and it is worth waiting another two weeks to have that top spot.

“I wanted to stay busy and they have given me what I asked for. Now it is up to me to produce the goods again.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren added: “This is another top show involving the top fighters we are delivering to the fans on BT Sport again.

“Liam Williams has blazed a trail through the middleweight division in a blistering fashion that has captured the imagination of the public. He is a big player now who is on the cusp of a world title shot that will be right in play once travel and crowd restrictions have been eased.

“He is still the British champion and Andrew Robinson is his mandatory challenger, so Liam has got genuine business to attend to on the night and I know it is a job he will be taking seriously.

“Anthony Cacace and Lyon Woodstock should be a real barnstormer and the winner of this one will be an excellent position to secure more big fights in what is a thriving super featherweight division. I am also looking forward to seeing JJ Metcalf back in action against Jack Flatley. JJ has been absent through injury and if he comes through this and retains his Commonwealth title there are massive fights in front of him on the domestic super welterweight front.

“I am also delighted to showcase three of the most captivating talents in the game in Dennis McCann, Mark Chamberlain and Ryan Garner on the same card. I am convinced in a few years’ time that these three will be competing for headline status on the big shows with major titles at stake.”

Miami – August 27, 2020 – “Boxeo Telemundo,” the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., continues its all-star boxing lineup this Friday night, August 28 at 12am midnight ET. This week’s action will be headlined by up and coming stars Dennis “El Martillo” Contreras and Belmar Preciado, set to face each other in a 10-round fight for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecentro Flyweight Title. The event will be broadcast live from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla. on Telemundo as well as on the Telemundo Deportes App.

Calling the action are “Boxeo Telemundo” veteran boxing commentators, Edgar Lopez and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo alongside World Boxing Champion and former Olympian Abner Mares.

Mexican Dennis “El Martillo” Contreras (21-10-1-19 KO’s), is eager to take home a win against Belmar Preciado (20-2-13 KO’s), hoping it will be the key to more opportunities against U.S. based fighters. “I am ready to fight with anyone, I feel that I am in the best stage of my career, mentally, physically, with the experience to make a good fight, and fight with any champion,” said Contreras, adding he feels ready to fight with global featherweight stars such as Gary Russel Jr. and fellow Mexican native “Vaquero” Navarrete.

While this week marks the Boxeo Telemundo debut and first fight this year for both boxers, Preciado, the 32-year-old featherweight title contender is more than ready for the challenge. Friday’s fight marks the Baranquilla, Colombia native’s first U.S. fight following the cancellation of his St. Patrick’s Day bout against Belfast’s Michael Conlan at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater. 

All “Boxeo Telemundo” Summer Season fights, running through September 4^th, will be broadcast live on Telemundo and live streamed on Telemundo Deportes App. Each live broadcast is complemented by extensive news and additional content on Telemundo Deportes’ digital platforms including access to the weigh-in and exclusive behind-the-scenes content on TelemundoDeportes.com, as well as short form content produced exclusively for Telemundo Deportes’ social media platforms using the hashtag #BoxeoTelemundo.

Debuting in 1989, “Boxeo Telemundo” has grown to become the #1 combat sports program in the U.S. among Hispanics, across broadcast and cable landscape. Since its launch, “Boxeo Telemundo” has broadcast over 350 title fights, showcasing some of the biggest boxing stars as they rose to stardom and won their first championship titles, earning a reputation as the show “where champions are born.” Among these stars is Saúl Canelo Alvarez, who won his first pro boxing title on “Boxeo Telemundo” in 2008. Other notable Champions featured include?Juan Manuel Marquez,?Diego Corrales, Carlos Maussa,?Floyd Mayweather,?Israel Vázquez,?Wilfredo Vázquez,?Rafael Ruelas,?Jorge Solis and many others. In addition, renowned boxing Hall of Famers have also appeared on the show including?Erik Morales,?Marco Antonio Barrera and?Felix Trinidad.?

About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises:
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio is comprised of the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo Global Studios, Universo, and a Revenue Strategy & Innovation unit. Telemundo Network features original Spanish-language entertainment, news and sports content reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 30 local stations, 50 affiliates and its national feed. Telemundo also owns WKAQ, a television station that serves viewers in Puerto Rico. Telemundo Deportes is the designated Spanish-language home of two of the world’s most popular sporting events: FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. Telemundo Global Studios is the company’s domestic and international scripted production unit including Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International Studios, Telemundo International, Underground Producciones, an internationally renowned production boutique based in Argentina as well as all of the company’s co-production partnerships. As the #1 media company reaching Hispanics and millennials online, the Revenue Strategy & Innovation unit distributes original content across multiple platforms, maximizing its exclusive partnerships with properties such as BuzzFeed, Vox, and Snapchat. Through Telemundo Internacional, the largest U.S.-based distributor of Spanish-language content in the world; and Universo, the company reflects the diverse lifestyle, cultural experience and language of its expanding audience. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

SAN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico (August 26, 2020) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s (Thurs., Aug. 27) RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, its second event at the same venue within the past 48 hours.

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

Official fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC LATINO SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 8 ROUNDS*
Juan Barajas
(11-0, 7 KOs), Victorville, California, USA 168 lbs.
vs,
Jose Resendiz
(11-0, 8 KOs), Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico 168 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WELTERWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS*
Marco Dominguez
(11-2-1, 10 KOs), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 147 lbs.
vs.
Salvador Tapia
(9-3-1, 8 KOs), Trepic, Nayarit, Mexico 147 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS*
Lester Martinez (4-0, 4 KOs), Guatemala City, Guatemala, Mexico 168 lbs..
vs.
Abraham Hernandez
(8-2, 4 KOs), Monterey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 170 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS*
Jose Arellano
(8-0, 5 KOs), Aurora, Colorado, Mexico 137.8 lbs.
vs
Flavio Cedar Santos
(6-1, 0 KOs), Durango, Durango, Mexico 141.1 lbs.

*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS
card subject to change

WHERE: Marinaterra Hotel & Spa, San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 2020

PROMOTER: RJJ Boxing Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

BROADCASTERS: T.J. DeSantis (blow-by-blow), and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

RJJ BOXING ON UFC FIGHT PASS SCHEDULE:
Thursday, Aug . 27, at Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
Thursday, Sept. 24 at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi

INFORMATION:

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

LOS ANGELES (August 26, 2020) – WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and veteran contender Greg Vendetti previewed their world title bout on an international media conference call Wednesday, before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, this Saturday, August 29 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The call also featured hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo and former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax discussing their IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

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. Angulo vs. Truax is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing.

Here is what the conference call participants had to say Wednesday:

ERISLANDY LARA

“I feel better than ever. I’ve been training hard and working well heading into this fight. I feel stronger than I did a couple of years ago and I’m totally ready for this fight on Saturday.

“The difference people have seen in my last few fights isn’t about my fighting style or even about trying pleasing the fans. I just do what is needed inside of the ring. I have to see what each fight requires me to do. If it pleases the fans, then that’s great. But I’m always focused on doing what I have to do in each situation during each fight.

“I’m not focused on my legacy yet. There is a lot to accomplish still and I want to bolster my standing as one of the best Cuban fighters in history with more important wins.

“I still feel like I can have a lot of success in the rest of my career, so I haven’t set any time frame for when I’ll be done boxing. But once I feel the difference in my training and when the young fighters are really getting the best of me, then it will be something to consider. But it’s not on my mind.

“I really haven’t seen Vendetti at all. I don’t like to watch video of my future opponents. For me, the style will become clear in the first round once we start throwing punches in the ring.

“I firmly believe that I can be the undisputed best fighter in this division. Most of the other champions haven’t faced me yet. We’ll see how it plays out, but I believe that I can come out on top against anybody at any time in a very competitive division.

“I never lost any confidence. Regardless of any circumstances after the Canelo fight or the Jarrett Hurd fight, I always believe in my abilities in the ring. That belief is still very strong. I’m willing and able to fight anyone in the division at any time.

“I want everyone to know that I’m in great shape, I’m feeling outstanding and ready to put on a show Saturday night.”

GREG VENDETTI

“I think we’ve done all we can to prepare for this fight. Every box is checked. I’m in a position to do my best and I’m excited and confident for this opportunity

My trainer has been saying for years that I have a good style to face Lara and once I got the call, I took it as a real sign. I’m really motivated to show everyone what I can do and put on my best performance.

“I look at it like this is just another human like me that I’m facing. He’s made of skin and bones and I’m sure he has his doubts about himself. Maybe about his age and about if I can get to him. I don’t get intimidated by anything in the ring. I’m just really excited to test myself against one of the best fighters of this generation.

“I just have to prepare the best and I can and perform the best I can. I can’t control anything else. Could this be my only title shot? Maybe, but thinking about that won’t change anything in the ring. I just have to give myself the best shot to win.

“It will be a little strange without fans. If anything I think it will help me. It allows me to focus better. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have, the crowd can make you more aggressive than you want to be and influence the judges. If anything, it will help me, but it is what it is.

“I’ve approached this fight like I’m getting the best version of Lara that’s ever existed. I’m not taking him lightly at all. But if you look at his performances as of late, it’s not the same Lara you saw against Angulo and Canelo years ago. The agility is not there as much. It almost seems like he’s doing just enough to try to win these fights and not really going the extra mile to dominate.

“Pressure is the name of the game. I have to be active. I can’t run in and get blasted, but I’m going to try to push the pace as best I can and be as smart as I can. I’m predicting an exciting fight, at least on my end.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“First thing’s first, I have to focus on Saturday night. Whatever comes next, including a possible fight for the world title, it will only happen if I win. This will be an interesting fight and a great challenge for me.

“Abel Sanchez really has a fountain of youth. I feel rejuvenated and I think the clock has been turned back. My only focus is on working hard and giving the fans a great fight.

“The biggest key for me is my confidence and the input that Abel gives me each and every day. That’s the most important thing that has changed. All the advice that he’s able to give me is so valuable.

“I also get a lot of motivation from the other fighters in the gym with me because they have the same ambition as me. We push each other to get to new heights. It’s not competitive as far as who gets a fight next. But it’s about making each other better.

“Truax is a great boxer and he’s aggressive. He comes and tries to get you out of there. It’s going to be a great matchup and we’re going to give the fans a great fight.

“I’m ready for Saturday night and I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great night for the fans and I’m planning on stealing the show.”

CALEB TRUAX

“The last year and a half was tough for me. I had the cut against Quillin and the Achilles injury. It took about eight or nine months for it to feel back to normal. But I’ve been training on it since January and I’m ready to roll.

“I had a little bit of ring rust in my last fight and it was great to knock it off. Most people thought I dominated, so I don’t know how it ended up so close on the cards, but I got the win and got the rounds in that I wanted. We’re moving forward and ready to put on a show against a higher level of competition in Alfredo Angulo.

“It wasn’t a surprise to me that he won against Peter Quillin. He backed up Quillin and pushed him around the whole night and did what he had to do.

“The Achilles was the first major injury I had in my career, but I’m fortunate to be in the spot that I’m in now. I’m number three in the IBF and I just need to make the most of it against Angulo. At this stage in my career, you have to approach every fight like it’s a must-win and a last chance opportunity.

“I used to be more of a counter puncher who tried to sit back and box, but when I fought Jermain Taylor, it was my first big fight against a top level opponent. I sat back too long and tried to counter. After that fight I reinvented my style and now I consider myself an aggressive counter puncher.

“I think my style matches up pretty well with Angulo. I like when I don’t have to go searching for someone, I haven’t fought someone who wants to come forward in a while.

“Whoever wins could get that opportunity against Caleb Plant, which you have to acknowledge, but none of that happens without going through Angulo first. So I have to take care of what’s in front of me Saturday.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“The 154 pound-division is stacked with talent right now. There are some big 154-pound fights on the horizon for Erislandy Lara, but first he has to get past the tough Greg Vendetti. Vendetti is legitimate and he’s going to try to test Lara all night, because he knows he’s getting in there against one of the best.

“I’m also looking forward to the always-exciting Alfredo Angulo going up against the former champion Caleb Truax in a super middleweight title eliminator that will put the winner in prime position for a title fight.”

#

ABOUT LARA VS. VENDETTI
Lara vs. Vendetti will see WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Greg Vendetti in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 29 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo battling former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax in an IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

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

LAS VEGAS (August 26, 2020) — The Mean Machine is ready to rise again. Welterweight contender Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas, a two-time Lithuanian Olympian coming off a valiant effort last December against Terence “Bud” Crawford, will face NABO welterweight title-holder Mikael Zewski in a 10-rounder Saturday, Sept. 12 from the MGM Grand Conference Center.
 
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga will fight recent world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
 
Kavaliauskas-Zewski and Marriaga-Gonzalez will stream live on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.  The undercard, also on ESPN+, starts at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT.
 
“Mean Machine proved he’s a top welterweight with his performance against Terence Crawford. He’s itching to get back into championship contention, and Zewski should give him a tough challenge,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Viewers will get a high-energy, action-packed fight with the Marriaga-Gonzalez bout.”
 
Kavaliauskas (21-1-1, 17 KOs) is a seven-year pro who earned a mandatory shot at Crawford with wins over the world-rated David Avanesyan, Juan Carlos Abreu and the previously unbeaten Roberto Arriaza. The Crawford bout headlined the post-Heisman Trophy ceremony telecast on ESPN last December, and Kavaliauskas was competitive with the pound-for-pound great until a pair of knockdowns ended things in the ninth round. He is still ranked in the Top 15 by the WBO and WBC and hopes a win over Zewski (34-1, 23 KOs) moves him closer to a second world title opportunity. Zewski, from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, is 8-0 with 3 KOs since a 2015 decision loss to Konstantin Ponomarev in Las Vegas.
 
Kavaliauskas said, “I am excited to return to the ring, as I still have unfinished business. I still believe I have what it takes to become a world champion, and that journey resumes against a tough opponent in Mikael Zewski.”
 
Zewski said, “This is the fight I’ve been waiting for. Kavaliauskas is a fast and extremely powerful boxer, but I have all the tools to win. The stakes are high, and a win will propel me into a world championship fight. This is my ninth fight in Las Vegas. I’ll feel right at home.”  
 
Marriaga (29-3, 25 KOs) is itching to return after his July 16 ESPN main event was canceled when Mark John Yap missed weight by nearly nine pounds. The Colombian slugger has won four in a row by knockout since challenging Vasiliy Lomachenko for a junior lightweight world title in August 2017. Gonzalez (23-1, 14 KOs) last fought in October 2019, dropping a unanimous decision to Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight world title. With Stevenson having vacated the title to campaign at junior lightweight, Gonzalez’s path to a second world title shot goes through Marriaga.
 
Marriaga said, “I was disappointed after what happened with Yap, but Joet Gonzalez always comes to fight. It’s going to be a toe-to-toe battle. I believe my experience and power will be the difference. I will not underestimate him, as I must win to move forward in my career.”
 
Gonzalez said, “It’s a real privilege to be coming back at this time. I want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, and my promoter, Golden Boy, for making this possible. Marriaga is a very tough fighter. He’s been in the ring with Nicholas Walters, Oscar Valdez and Vasiliy Lomachenko, so this will give everyone a good indication of where I stand in the division. I plan to make the most of this opportunity and score a big win so I can show everyone that I deserve to be at the top of the division.”
 
In undercard action: 

• Genaro Gamez (10-1, 7 KOs), who scored a first-round knockout inside the “Bubble” on July 7, will fight Puerto Rican veteran Anthony Mercado (13-4, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight.
   
• Undefeated featherweight prospect Angel Alejandro (9-0, 4 KOs), from Dallas, Texas, will face fellow Lone Star State native Jorge Ramos (7-2-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
   
• In a six-round bantamweight tilt, Manuel Flores (8-0, 5 KOs), from Coachella, Calif., will fight Jonathan Rodriguez (8-0, 3 KOs).
   
• Lightweight prospect Eric Puente (3-0), who is training out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, Calif., will fight an opponent to be named in a four-rounder.
   
• Thomas Wu will make his professional debut in a four-round junior welterweight bout against an opponent to be named. 

Use the hashtag #MachineZewski 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. 

SAN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico (August 26, 2020) -The first RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event in 6 ½ months was held last night, showcasing a trio of undefeated prospects, at Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

Luis “Koreano” Torres, World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 15 rated welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez and Jermone Jones, Jr. all remained undefeated.

RJJ Boxing became the first promotion to stream a complete boxing card live from Mexico on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

“It is a great privilege to be working with Emmanuel Romo from De La O Promotions,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre said. “Having fights in Mexico is extremely political and having a great partner makes things run a lot smoother. Adapting to the current situation is key to being successful and having fights in Mexico is where we need to be right now to make shows successful. I want to thank Terry Holland and the Mexican Boxing Commission for working with us and making RJJ Boxing feel so welcomed.”

In the main event, Torres improved to 10-0 (8 KOs) with a convincing win by 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Luis Vazquez (10-2, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBC Youth Silver lightweight championship. Torres, whose nickname is for his Asian features, had never fought more than four rounds during his young pro career.

Dominguez (22-0, 17 KOs) dropped late replacement and fellow Mexican knockout artist, Jadalberto “Terrible” Borquez (30-20-1, 27 KOs), three times in the first round of their title fight for the WBC FECARBOX and WBC United States welterweight crowns. Borquez, a former WBC Continental Americas featherweight champion, was blasted out by rising star Dominguez in the opening round.

The top world-rated Mexican welterweight in the world, Dominguez has now stopped nine of his last 10 opponents, as he ascends the rankings with each fight. He won the vacant FECARBOX title and retained his WBC U.S. crown.

The 25-year-old Jones (6-0, 6 KOs), the only non-Mexican fighter on the card, kept his perfect pro record intact, winning all six of his fights by stoppage, with a 4th-round knockout of Mario “Cachalote” Israel Vera (6-2, 0 KOs). Jones, fighting out of Phoenix, AZ, fought past the second round for the first time since his pro debut last November.

Barajas vs. Resendiz headlines RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS tomorrow night

Super middleweight prospects Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and Jose “Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) battle for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino title, headlining tomorrow night’s (Thurs., Aug. 27) RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, in an extremely rare match between undefeated prospects.

In two other bouts, unbeaten Las Vegas-based Mexican super bantamweight Ezequiel Borrero (3-0, 1 KO) won a 4-round unanimous decision over Jhoan Cano (1-2, 1 KO), while welterweight Jesus “Fierro” Lopez (2-0, 2 KOs) knocked out Bryan Joel Morales (0-4) in round one.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC YOUTH SILVER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Luis Torres (10-0, 8 KOs), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WDEC10 (99-91,97-92, 96-93)
Jose Luis Vazquez (10-2, 3 KOs), Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
(Torres won vacant WBC Youth Silver featherweight title)

CO-FEATURE – WBC FECARBOX & WBC U,S. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Santiago Dominguez (22-0, 17 KOs), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WKO1 (2:49)
Adalberto Borquez (30-20-1, 27 KOs), Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
(Dominguez retained WBC U.S & won WBC FECARBOX. welterweight titles)

WELTERWEIGHTS
Jermone Jones, Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), Phoenix, Arizona, USA .
WKO4 (1:01)
Mario Israel Vera (6-2 (0 KOs), Campeche, Campeche, Mexico

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ezequiel Borrero (3-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA by way of Mexico
WDEC4
Jhoan Cano (1-2, 1 KO), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Jesus Lopez (2-0, 2 KOs), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WKO1
Bryan Joel Morales (0-4), Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico

RJJ BOXING ON UFC FIGHT PASS SCHEDULE:
Thursday, Aug . 27, at Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
Thursday, Sept. 24, at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi

INFORMATION:

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

Anthony Yarde vs Dec Spelman, Nathan Gorman vs Richard Lartey, Mark Heffron vs Denzel Bentley and Ekow Essuman vs Cedrick Peynaud have today all been announced for a bumper Queensberry Promotions card on September 12.

Anthony Yarde will take on Dec Spelman, in what will prove an ideal chance to directly compare himself against potential future foe Lyndon Arthur – who last month edged Spelman on points behind-closed-doors.

Yarde challenged for a World Title against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and has been absent since his Russian mission – where he came within seconds of toppling the legendary champion.

The light heavyweight Beast from the East is now back in business against an opponent who extended Manchester’s Arthur to 12 rounds of work in July. Commenting on the fight on behalf of BT Sport on the night, Yarde complained over a lack of entertainment from the pair and that he needed paying to stay awake.

Yarde will be looking to provide more entertainment on September 12.

Also featuring on what will be a huge night of action is the heavyweight return of Nathan Gorman, 16-1, who will fight Richard Lartey from Ghana (subject to visa approval) in an eliminator for the Commonwealth title. Both have a shared experience of taking on Daniel Dubois, with the 14-2 Lartey engaging in an explosive shootout with the young Londoner before being stopped in four rounds at Wembley Arena in April of last year.

Gorman, just 24, will be seeking to put the domestic heavyweight division on notice that he is back in the fold and in the bidding for major titles once again.

The vacant IBF European welterweight championship will be on the line for English champion Ekow Essuman when he goes in with the Frenchman Cedrick Peynaud. The Paris-based Peynaud took part in two epic struggles against Connor Benn across 2017-18 where both men were put to the canvas and it represents an ideal test for Essuman, who is in the British title mix along with Benn and the champion Chris Jenkins.

In what is a huge fight for the middleweight division in this country, a battle of the big punchers is confirmed between Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (13-0) and Oldham’s Mark Heffron (25-1).

For a fight that surely cannot fail to deliver fireworks, the IBF European title is the prize for the winner between two men who have not been shy in calling each other out across social media. 

Promoter Frank Warren – who will also showcase the talents of lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali on the night, along with new signings Amin Jahanzeb (7-0, featherweight) and Joshua Frankham (debut, super welterweight) – said: 

“This is a card with the potential to deliver for the fans watching on BT Sport in a big way.

“Boxing is a game of ego’s and Anthony is keen to show the world that he can go one better than Lyndon and blast Spelman out early.

“Spelman is not an easy fight for anyone, but if Anthony comes through we’ll be on course for Yarde vs Arthur later this year hopefully.”

“I am delighted to be bringing Anthony back because he needs a competitive fight before his big domestic showdown against Lyndon Arthur and he will be determined to do a better job on Dec Spelman than his rival. He has put the onus on himself to find an explosive performance after complaining about Lyndon’s fight with Dec being boring!

“I still firmly believe Anthony is a world-level elite operator and he will prove as much given time but, for now, he needs to keep busy and remind the public of what he is all about.”

Anthony Yarde said:

“The people want explosive action and knockouts so I will not be hiding behind my jab and sending everyone to sleep,” stated the 19-1 man from Ilford. 

“This will be all about me reminding people that I am the force of the division and I am heading right back to the top where I intend to dominate and reign for a long time to come.

“I respect Dec Spelman as a fighter but this is the chance for me to show everyone what they can expect when I get to share a ring with Lyndon Arthur.”

Dec Spelman said:

“If Yarde comes to fight then so much the better for me. Lyndon made our fight a technical affair that I was disappointed I couldn’t really get to grips with, so if Yarde wants some action then bring it on.

“I will actually be his first test at domestic level so we will see how he looks on the night.”

FULL DETAILS FOR FURTHER SHOWS ON SEPT 26 (Headlined by Josh Taylor vs Apinun Khongsong) and OCT 10 COMING VERY SOON

London, UK (25 August 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy is thrilled to announce that one of the emerging young stars of World boxing, Stephen ‘Hitman’ McKenna, will make his UK debut on his 5th September show, live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Red-hot Irish talent McKenna will feature on the undercard of Alex Dilmaghani’s European Super-Featherweight title challenge against champion Samir Ziani, courtesy of his management team Sheer Sports. His opponent will be Gateshead’s Kris Pilkington in a six round contest.

The hard-hitting 24-year-old super-lightweight prospect is certainly living up to his Hitman moniker. Undefeated in four fights since turning professional last year, McKenna has won them all by KO inside two rounds, three coming in the first.

From Monaghan in Ireland, McKenna comes from a very strong boxing family of brothers alongside Gary and Aaron who all represented Ireland at International level winning medals. Now based in Woodhills, California, he is trained by the legendary Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym.

McKenna was a standout amateur produced by the Irish Boxing Association with a career record of 155 fights and only 24 losses. Astonishingly, he won the Irish U/18 youth title, Multi Nation Bronze in Russia, Commonwealth Youth Gold in Samoa, European youth silver in Poland and was crowned Irish Elite Senior Champion all in the same year.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles in 2018, McKenna had been training with the Irish Elite team full time at the High Performance center in Dublin for three years.

Despite only having four fights and less than five rounds of action, McKenna has gained valuable experience sparring with pound-for-pound best Vasily Lomachenko, plus top fighters Sergey Lipinets, Jose Zepeda, Hikori Okada, Antonio Orozco, Javier Molina, Lee Selby and Ryan Garcia.

McKenna is excited to fight in the UK for the first time as a professional. He said, “The Hitman is ready! I’m looking forward to making my first appearance in the UK with Hennessy Sports. I’m in really good shape and ready to put on an exciting show. I’m delighted to be fighting on free TV in the UK on Channel 5. It’s a fantastic opportunity for my friends, family and fans to finally see me in action. This is just the platform I need to build my stock. I can’t wait.”

Sheer Sports V.P Lyle Green, said: “Stevie McKenna is the best, most exciting up and coming fighter in boxing. Thank you to Mick Hennessy for giving Stevie a chance to showcase his world class talent in front of the entire UK and Ireland on September 5th live on Channel 5. He will not disappoint.”

Hennessy added, “This is a real honour to have this talented young man feature on my September 5th event. I’d like to thank Sheer Sports for allowing Stevie to fight on the card and I’m sure he will go down a storm with fans and viewers here. I’ve been well aware of Stephen’s quality and credentials for many years due to my close links with the Irish boxing scene and also knowing his family. He is one of the most exciting boxers to emerge from Ireland in recent years. I’m absolutely thrilled he’s going to fight on my show and what a night it will be with Alex challenging for the European title, Isaac continuing his momentum in the cruiserweight division, the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Championship between Ricky Little and Sammy Cantwell, plus my son Michael will fight Jamie Stewart, and Idris Virgo returns after his stunning one punch body knockout last Saturday night.”

Women’s boxing superstar Claressa Shields has added two more impressive distinctions to her already unparalleled boxing career laurels.

25-year-old “T-Rex” Shields (10-0, 2 KOs), currently the unified WBC and WBO World Female Super Welterweight and WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO Middleweight Champion, has been named #1 in both The Ring and ESPN’s inaugural pound-for-pound women’s rankings of the best female fighters in the world.

During an exciting renaissance for the sport, Shields was able to best a strong lineup of female fighters including Irish unified lightweight champion Katie Taylor, seven-division champ Amanda Serrano, Norway’s long-time undisputed queen Cecilia Braekhus and her recent conqueror Jessica McCaskill.

Among her many accomplishments, Shields is a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the first American boxer – female or male – to win consecutive Olympic boxing gold medals. She became Unified Super Middleweight World Champion in her fourth professional fight, Unified Middleweight World Champion in her sixth professional fight and Unified Super Welterweight World Champion in her tenth. She also holds the record for becoming a two and three-weight world champion in the fewest professional fights and is one of only seven boxers in history, female or male, to hold all four major world titles in boxing—WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO—simultaneously.

“Claressa is the driving force for women’s boxing!” said her promoter, Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “I am happy to see that ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports, and the well-respected “Bible of Boxing” Ring Magazine unanimously and indisputably recognize Claressa’s incredible accomplishments as the best in the world.”

“I’m proud to see two more Herstoric achievements added to the unprecedented resume of Claressa Shields,” said her manager, Mark Taffet, President of Mark Taffet Media. “She continues her march toward equality for female boxers using her broad shoulders from both an athletic and a social perspective. I look forward to the day when she appears on the top pound-for-pound list among the men with no gender labels.”

#

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.

Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter for undefeated two-time WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, has sent the following letter to the WBC, requesting they reinstate Benavidez into their super middleweight rankings.

After failing to make weight for what would have been his first defense of the WBC strap against Roamer Alexis Angulo on August 15, the WBC graciously installed Benavidez (23-0, 20 KOs) as their #1 contender at light heavyweight.

However, after consulting with physicians in his hometown of Phoenix, Team Benavidez say they’re confident the pandemic played a major role in Benavidez’s weight problems and that 168lbs is still a safe weight to make for the 23-year-old Benavidez.

Benavidez was stripped of his WBC title by weighing in 2.8 pounds over the super middleweight limit but went on to score a dominating 10th round TKO over Angulo.

Lewkowicz says he’s requesting the WBC place Benavidez in the super middleweight ratings in a position where he can secure an elimination fight and start the road to regaining his championship.

SAN CARLOS, Sonora, Mexico (August 22, 2020) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s first RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event since January 30th in Washington

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

Due to COVID-19 related problems, Adalberto “Terrible” Borquez (30-19-1, 27 KOs) has replaced Jose Rosario Cazarez as Santiago “Somer” Dominquez’ (21-0, 16 KOs) opponent in a battle of KO bombers. Dominguez-Borquez remains 10 rounds and contested for Dominquez’ WBC FECARBOX and WBC United States welterweight titles, but it is now the co-featured event. The original co-feature, Luis Torres vs. Jose Luis Vazquez, has been moved up to the 10-round main event for the vacant WBC Youth Silver lightweight title.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

Official fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC YOUTH SILVER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 10 ROUNDS*
Luis Torres (9-0, 8 KOs), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 134 lbs.
vs,
Jose Luis Vazquez (10-1, 3 KOs), Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico 135 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – WBC FECARBOX & WBC U,S. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 10 ROUNDS*
Santiago Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs), Champion, Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 146 lbs.
vs.
Adalberto “Terrible” Borquez (30-19-1, 27 KOs), Challenger, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico 147 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 6 ROUNDS*
Jermone Jones, Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs), Phoenix, Arizona, USA 147 lbs. .
vs.
Mario Israel Vera (6-1 (0 KOs), Campeche, Campeche, Mexico 146 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS*
Ezequiel Borrero (2-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 122 lbs.
vs
Jhoan Cano (1-1 (1 KO), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 122 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Jesus Lopez (1-0, 1 KO), Obregon, Sonora, Mexico 149 lbs.
vs.
Bryan Joel Morales (0-3), Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico 149 lbs.

*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS
card subject to change

WHERE: Marinaterra Hotel & Spa, San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 2020

PROMOTER: RJJ Boxing Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

BROADCASTERS: T.J. DeSantis (blow-by-blow), and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

RJJ BOXING ON UFC FIGHT PASS SCHEDULE:
Tuesday (Aug. 25) & Thursday (Aug . 27) at Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico

Thursday, Sept. 24 at Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi

INFORMATION:

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

NEW YORK (August 24, 2020) -Two members of the Split-T Management stable posted emphatic stoppage wins over the past four days.

On Thursday night, Morris Young Jr. made a successful pro debut by stopping Jader Alves De Oliveira in the 2nd round of their welterweight bout at Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym.

On Saturday in Fort Payne, Alabama, middleweight Money Powell IV needed just 58 seconds to take out Patrick Pierre.

Young hurt Oliveira to body as he landed a couple of crushing blows before the bout was stopped at 1:59.

Young was a 2019 National Golden Glove Champion. The Saginaw, Michigan native  is a relentless-pressure fighter.  His style is considered fan-friendly, and is poised to be the next future star that comes out of the Split-T stable.

Powell returned to his home state of Alabama, and stopped Patrick Pierre.
The bout,  saw Powell land a vicious three-punch combination that sent the 14-fight veteran back to the ropes.  A follow up flurry on the ropes hurt Pierre which forced the referee to stop the fight just 59 seconds into the contest.

With the wins, Powell improves to 11-1 while notching his 7th knockout.

CLICK TO WATCH MONEY POWELL’S 1ST ROUND STOPPAGE

Powell had a distinguished amateur that saw him win three United States Championships & Ringside World Championship.  He was also a Member of the 2016 United States Travel Team that competed in Russia.

LAS VEGAS (August 24, 2020) – Super middleweight prospects Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and Jose “Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino title, headlining this Thursday night’s (August 27) RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, in an extremely rare match between undefeated prospects.

The freakish 6′ 4″, 80″ reach Barajas, fighting out of Victorville CA, will be fighting for the 8th time in Mexico. Barajas’ statement victory to date came May 2019, when he won a 10-round majority decision against 18-4-3 Lanell Bellows in Memphis. In his UFC FIGHT PASS debut a year ago, Barajas followed up with an impressive 8-round unanimous decision win versus 20-7-1 Fidel Hernandez in Tucson, Arizona.

“I am excited to be on in the August 27th main event streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS,” Barajas said. “This is very much a dream come true and I am looking forward to showcasing my talents on the live UFC FIGHT PASS stream to prove to all super middleweights that ‘Just Business’ is here to stay. I had the honor of being signed by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing a year ago after beating Bellows. I took a 10-round fight having never fought a six-round fight, knowing that I was ready to beat a strong, experienced fighter, even though the entire crowd was against me.”

Barajas has dedicated this fight to the memory of a boy, Jose Huerto, who was killed two years ago in an accident. “Having the opportunity to fight for the WBC Latino super middleweight title comes with added importance for me. Two years ago, one of our kids was killed riding his bicycle after leaving my gym during the week of Thanksgiving. Jose had received a medal from the WBC that year for winning a WBC Youth Tournament. When the WBC found out, representatives from the WBC and Supreme Boxing’s Anthony Saldana came to the gym offering a donation to go towards the funeral. In fact, the WBC paid for the entire funeral.

“I am dedicating this fight to Jose Huerto and the WBC for the generosity it explained. Getting back in the ring after everything that has happened this year is a true blessing. Camp has been great, and I’ve benefitted a lot from having the best sparring in the U.S., right here in southern California. Training in the desert with temperatures ranging in the 100s is definitely an added plus. I feel like with each fight I am getting stronger and gaining more experience. I have a great management team, coach, and family supporting me every step of the way. I am looking forward to big things and big names going into 2021, but I am fully focused on the task in front of me. It’s Just Business.'”

Resendiz is riding an 8-fight knockout streak into his expected all-out battle with Barajas.

Undefeated Mexican lightweight Luis “Sparring” Gallegos (16-0, 15 KOs) suffered an injury in training camp, forcing him to pullout of Thursday night’s 8-round, co-featured event against fellow Mexican Oscar “Terrible” Flores (12, 12 KOs).

Mexican welterweight Marco “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs) versus another Mexican fighter, Salvador “Changuito” Tapia (9-3-1, 8 KOs), was moved back from tomorrow night’s RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS show to become Thursday’s new 8-round co-feature.

Dominguez is the younger brother of undefeated Mexican knockout specialist and WBC #15-rated Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs), who will be defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX and United States welterweight titles tomorrow evening (Tues.) against Mexican challenger Jose Rosario Cazarez (20-5-1, 10 KOs), which is also streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the same venue.

Rising-star Lester Martinez (4-0, 4 KOs) meets Abraham “Pan” Hernandez (8-2, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in a six round lightweight fight. Last year, Martinez made his pro debut at home in Guatemala City under extremely rare conditions, taking on 3-time, 2-division Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (32-11-1, 26 KOs), who hasn’t fought again since he was stopped in the second round by Martinez. The 24-year-old Martinez, who was a standout amateur boxer, is on a mission to become World champion prior to his 10th pro fight.

Undefeated Colorado welterweight Jose Arellano (8-0, 5 KOs), a Mexico native, meets Flavio Cesar Santos (6-1) in a 6-round match opening live UFC FIGHT PASS streaming.

Also scheduled to fight on the card, off-UFC FIGHT PASS, is Phoenix’ pro-debuting lightweight Jose Miguel Valenzuela against his Mexican opponent, Guillermo “El Gratano” Borboa (1-2-1, 1 KO), in a 4-round bout. Other undercard fights will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

INFORMATION:

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

NEW YORK (August 24, 2020) -Highly touted junior welterweight prospect Omar Rosario made a very successful professional debut by winning a four-round unanimous decision over six-fight veteran Solon Staley on Friday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

Rosario is managed by Split-T Management.

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

In the bout with Colon, he boxed very effectively and worked the body of Colon.

“I am very happy with my performance because I was able to demonstrate that I can do many things.,” said Rosario. “I worked my jab well, and I showed that I can work to the body. My opponent took a lot of punishment, and was in trouble quite a few times. It was a good experience to go four rounds in my pro debut.’

“I hope to be fighting again in October.”

Rosario is trained by Joe Santiago.

FRANK WARREN IS delighted to announce that outstanding amateur star Adan Mohamed has signed a promotional agreement to turn professional under the Queensberry Promotions banner.
 
Adan, 18, is a product of the Repton Boxing Club and amassed an amateur record of 55 wins from 60 fights.
 
A seven-time national champion, the Buckhurst Hill-based super bantamweight also won a Tri-Nations GB title, two Haringey Box Cups and was a bronze medallist in the 2019 European Youth championships. He also boxed over 10 times for England and was a member of the national squad from the age of 12.
 
“I am over the moon, I really am, and this has come at the right time for me,” reacted Adan to his career development.
 
“It is the place to be and it is where all young fighters want to be. I trained with the likes of Dennis McCann and Henry Turner as an amateur and I’ve seen them move to Frank Warren, perform well and enjoy their careers.
 
“I thought ‘I’ll join them’. They are giving young fighters their chance, building them up and most of them will become world champions. I just want to be in and amongst that.
 
“Signing with Frank and Queensberry is a no-brainer for me.
 
“I will probably fight at super bantam. I’ve been thinking about super bantam and featherweight but, to start off with, super bantam. I’m not small at all and I reckon I will be massive at the weight.
 
“I will be getting my licence either late in September or October and my debut will come before the end of the year. I reckon I will sell a good few tickets.”
 
Hall of Fame promoter Warren added: “I am thrilled to have Adan team up with us for what I am sure will prove to be a hugely successful journey in the sport.
 
“Adan is clearly a massive talent with the potential to go all the way and I am looking forward to helping him in realising his ambitions. The quality of young fighters we are attracting to the Queensberry and BT Sport platform is, I believe, at another level to anywhere else in the world at the moment and when these boys all grow into the fighters they can be there will certainly be exciting times ahead with numerous world title fights on the cards.
 
“This is the place to be for the best young fighters and recent history shows that the finest talents from the Repton club choose Queensberry as their professional home. Dennis McCann and Henry Turner are showing the way and I am sure Adan will quickly follow in their footsteps.”

London, UK (23 August 2020) Shakan Pitters is the new British Light-Heavyweight Champion after defeating Chad Sugden by unanimous points decision in Redditch last night.

The fight was originally scheduled for March 28 but was delayed when the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the lockdown ensued.

Shakan used his long reach and spearing jab to keep the aggressive Sugden at bay and in the second round he split Sugden’s lip with a big uppercut that required a check from the ringside doctor but was allowed to carry on.

Big Shak chose his punches well with scything left hooks and slicing right hands as he picked up the points lead.

He was also impressive in controlling the ring space and the centre of the ring.

Newark warrior Sugden had some success landing on Shak with right hands and left hooks, but rarely troubled the 6ft 6in Birmingham fighter.

All three judges’ had it for Pitters with wide scores of 118-111 (twice) and 119-110 which reflected his dominance.

British boxing legend John Conteh earlier backed Pitters to win his old British title and believes he could become a great champion,

Pitters said, “Chad was very game and I take my hat off to him. I kept it long and punished him as he came in. He was a very tough opponent but he didn’t trouble me. I wanted to keep things basic and it worked. I’m always learning and this was my first twelve-rounder. I’d give that performance a six or seven out of ten. It was a decent performance but I’m always improving.”

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest
Isaac Chamberlain WTKO3 (1:27) Antony Woolery

Brixton cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain sizzled in his return to the ring after a two year lay off to blow away Antony Woolery inside three rounds.

IC got to work with his sharp jabs in the early round and showed composure as he moved around the ring.

In the second round towards the end Chamberlain landed a good right that made Woolery come out swinging.

Chamberlain upped the tempo in the third round as he started landing left hooks and unsettling Woolery. He started working to the body more and got Woolery to the ropes and then landed a hard left hand to the body that folded the Wolverhampton former soldier.

“It’s been a tough two years, but I’m happy to be finally over that and get out tonight and showcase my skills. The left hook is my money punch and mixed with my strength and conditioning it was a real potent weapon. I just took my time, I knew he’d rush me. My corner told me to relax and get into my flow and boom I took him out.”

Chamberlain will get little rest, he will now return to action in two weeks’ time in another eight-round contest.

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
Conah Walker WPTS6 (60-54) Nathan Bendon

Conah Walker should have been up against Kaisee Benjamin for the Midlands Area Welterweight title, but Benjamin withdrew earlier in the week from a stomach viral infection.

Sutton Coldfield’s Nathan Bendon stepped in at the last minute and it was a rematch of their encounter in May last year that Walker won on points over six-rounds.

Walker was on top from the start, moving into range using a stiff jab and strong right hand before landing a hard body shot, then moving or swaying out of the way.

Walker kept working well to head and body and Bendon had some success with his right hand at points.

It was Walkers better work rate and cleaner punches that got him the decision again.

6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr WPTS6 (58-57) Tom Brennan

Undefeated middleweight Michael Hennessy Jr saw off the spirited challenge of Tom Brennan with a six-round points victory.

Burford’s Brennan called out for the fight during the lockdown and Hennessy accepted the challenge coming in fit and ready.

Hennessy was working with a new corner team of Junior Saba and John Pegg and he looked more composed and balanced as he pumped out a stiff left jab.

The Sevenoaks talent landed with some good clean body shots in the opening rounds and connected with a good right hand in the second.

In the fourth he showed some good combinations punching and landing with more clean body shots.

Although the score should have been wider than scored by the referee, Hennessy Jr. was happy to get a win after nine months out of the ring.

He said, “He was tough customer and I felt in control in there. It was good to get the ring rust off and I can’t wait to fight in two weeks’ time again. I think I showed new things in there tonight that I’d been working on and there is still plenty of improvements to come.”

The Sevenoaks talent takes his record to 4-0-1 and will be out in action again on September 5th in Wakefield.

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest
Idris Virgo WKO1 (Time: 1:44) Josh Hodgins

In a Birmingham derby Idris Virgo didn’t even break into a sweat as he dispatched of Josh Hodgins inside one round with a sickening left hook to the body that had Hodgins scream out in pain.

The encounter was expected to be a fiery one after Friday’s ‘water fight’ during a video interview when Virgo squeezed a bottle of water into Hodgins’ face and the pair ended up squirting each other.

Virgo, the former Love Island contest, said, “They call me the Body Breaker, as soon as I hit the body they go. I’ll destroy any opponent put in front of me. Step in my way and you’re gone. I might have been in Love Island but I ain’t showing no love in the ring. I’m serious and I mean business, I’m here to show people I can fight.”

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

Jack Cullen has moved up to Super-Middleweight to chase his dreams of winning British, European and World Titles – but must beat Zak Chelli at Matchroom Fight Camp this evening to prove he belongs at 168lbs.

Former English Middleweight Champion Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) was involved in a thrilling toe-to-toe war with Fight Camp week three headliner Felix Cash at Manchester Arena in November last year, falling short in an explosive battle for the Commonwealth Title. 

Both Cullen and Chelli will be looking to impress on the big stage and kick on in a red-hot 168lbs domestic scene that contains the likes of British and Commonwealth Champion Lerrone Richards, No.2 rated WBO contender Zach Parker and heavy-handed Scot John Docherty.

Cullen had been preparing to face Jason Quigley but has had to recalibrate to tackle game Londoner Chelli and knows that the clash is must-win for his career, but that won’t mean he’ll take a backwards step, and he expects the fight to catch fire.

“I think that this is the hardest I’ve ever trained,” said Cullen. “I was really excited about the Quigley fight but I think that there was talk about him being in the running for the Canelo Alvarez fight and any fighter is going to hold out for that as that’s the dream fight. He did what’s right for him and good luck to him, I’m just glad I’m fighting, I couldn’t be on a better show and Zak is a very good test.

“I don’t feel under any pressure, I’ve got myself in great shape to fight and I just have to go out there and do what I do best. I’ve watched a lot of Zak, he’s a good tough lad who comes for a fight, and I’m the same – so it’s going to be a belter. He likes winging it in and he’ll think he’s the bigger man in the ring, but on fight night he’ll see how big I am. He’s going to have a big shock. 

“I think that the time is right to move up to Super-Middleweight. I still have to make weight, it’s not like I am putting weight on to make 168lbs, I’m like every boxer, I’ll be cutting weight and then refueling, and I’ll be more than a Super-Middleweight in that ring, and he’ll feel that.

“It’s been good for me though as I’m not just concentrating on making weight, which is what happened in the last two fights, that’s all we were doing in the gym was making weight and not working on things to get the edge in the fight. It’s been totally different for this and I’ve benefited so much.

“I think there’s more pressure on him because I don’t feel pressure. I need to win, I know that, and the way that I see myself going in my life, I have to win this fight. I want a nice steady life from being a boxer, so I want to go for the British and European Titles, and from there we will see.”

Cullen vs. Chelli kicks off a huge night of action that sees Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defend his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs), with the WBC Diamond belt also up for grabs, Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) puts her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight crowns on the line against Belgium’s Delfine Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) in the biggest rematch in women’s boxing, Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs) and Croatian Heavyweight contender Alen Babic (3-0, 3 KOs) steps up to face Shawndell Winters (13-3, 12 KOs) over eight rounds. 

London, UK (22 August 2020) One of Britain’s greatest ever fighters John Conteh MBE has given Shakan Pitters a massive boost hours before his showdown with Chad Sugden for the British Light-Heavyweight Title, exclusively LIVE on Channel 5 from 10pm tonight.

The fight legend, who memorably won the WBC World Light-Heavyweight title against Jorge Victor Ahumada in 1974 at the Empire Pool, Wembley, transcended the sport in the 70s and become a household name through appearing on the iconic TV show Superstars.

Conteh held the prestigious Lonsdale belt – that Pitters challenges for tonight – over 47 years ago when he defeated rival Chris Finnegan with a hard fought points decision and believes Pitters could become a great champion in his own right.

“I think he has the potential to be not only a champion but a great fighter and his record proves that at the moment with thirteen fights and thirteen wins and four inside the distance. He has some punching power there to win the British title,” Said Conteh.

“He’s certainly got the ability to do it, he’s got the desire. I’m sure he’s won those fights because of his dedication, you have to be fully committed to fulfil your potential,”

“Give everything you’ve got, know what you’re going into. My trainer George Francis said ‘It’s won or lost on the training ground’ so you’ve got to give it 100 percent, always. That’s what Shakan’s doing at the moment, he’s unbeaten in thirteen, so there’s no slacking,”

“The domestic light-heavyweight division looks great at the moment with plenty of talents coming through so it’s good to see it in such fantastic shape. Forty-six years after I won the British title against Chris Finnegan, it would be great to see Shakan holding it,”

With boxing’s big return to free-to-air TV tonight on Channel 5, Pitters is looking to put on a big show with a potentially massive viewing audience that will further raise his profile and Conteh well knows the importance of a free TV platform as his fights were broadcast on the BBC.

He added, “For a boxer to build his profile it’s essential to get in front of the public and with free TV on Channel 5 he’ll get through to millions of people like I did on BBC. You have to leave it in the hands of the promoter who is guiding you to get the best exposure, which they’re doing. But Shakan has to focus on his job and he needs to concentrate on winning the British title tonight.”

PITTERS V SUGDEN IN THE MEDIA

Daily Star
Shakan Pitters aiming to put lockdown quiz defeats behind him on boxing return

BBC Sport Online
Shakan Pitters on West Brom rejection, new goals and a British title shot

Boxingscene
Shakan Pitters Reflects on The Long Road as Sugden Bout Looms

Seconds Out
Shakan Pitters vs Chad Sugden weights, TV channel & undercard

Daily Star Sunday
Saucy Shak To Go On The Attack

World Boxing News
Chad Sugden raring to go ahead of Shakan Pitters test on UK TV
British Boxing News
Pitters and Sugden get heated in interview

Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday at 10pm
In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Shakan Pitters v Chad Sugden British Light-Heavyweight title clash, plus the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain in an eight-round contest against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo faces Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins over four rounds; Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker faces Nathan Bendon in a six round welterweight contest, and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr takes on Burford’s Tom Brennan over six rounds.
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports