Heavyweight Shawndell Winters has told Alen Babic in no uncertain terms that he’s bitten off more than he can chew for just his fourth pro fight this evening, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Winters arrived from Chicago to meet the Dillian Whyte managed Babic at the final installment of Matchroom Fight Camp, and their eight round Heavyweight battle has become one of the most talked about fights on the card following a spicy press conference on Thursday.

Babic has yet to hit the third round in his three fights to date, but Winters represents a huge step up in class, as the American enters the bout on the back of tackling former World Champion Joseph Parker in Texas in February, and as the 39-year-old enters his 17^th pro bout, he believes experience will be key.

“He ain’t the first person in the gym or on the streets to say he’s gonna knock me out,” said Winters. “I’m still alive! Am I mad? No, he’s supposed to say that. They made a mistake bringing me over here because it will propel me. When I beat him, when I show him how to fight, he will understand. I was 3-0 with three KOs once. I’m 13-3 now. I was where he was, I understand. I’m known for bringing the smoke! He has fought three cab drivers and has never been hit by a punch.

“The integrity, the moral compass I have? If I say to a man ‘I will knock him out’ then when I see him, that’s my energy. He plans on coming forwards. That’s what I love. He’s a kickboxer, an MMA fighter. All he can do is come forwards. He doesn’t know anything about establishing a jab.

“I found out about the fight a while ago, but I knew it was a possibility and the reality is I’ve been in the gym. I don’t have a 9-to-5 job, this is my job, so I’ve been training all the time, so you are never going to pop up and catch me off guard, that’s never going to happen.

“I expect him to come forward and try to do what he said, he wants to KO me, so I expect him to come forward with pressure and throw a lot of punches, and try to break me down. He can expect me to bring my speed, fast hands, it’s different to be fast AND quick, and strong. That’s what he’s getting from me.

“I feel that this is destiny for me. I’ve had three losses in my career and I’ve come back stronger from each one. The purpose for me fighting and winning and moving on is far greater than just beating my opponent. What I can do with winning these fights on these platforms is change where I am from. 

“I don’t know where a win takes me because I don’t know what people feel about this fight, but I will fight anybody, it doesn’t matter. Winning cures all, if you lose bad but come back with a better win, people forget the loss and just say ‘he just knocked him out!’ The loss is gone.

“I will fight King Kong or Godzilla. The Joseph Parker fight? I wasn’t 100 per cent. Babic will get a rude awakening. The reality is that I like to fight – that’s what I’m known for in Chicago. I was an 180lbs amateur beating up World Champions in the gym in Chicago. I’ve got more knockouts than Babic has had fights! It will definitely be about the experience. My skills are certified. He thinks he will beat me but that ain’t gonna happen.”

Babic vs. Winters lands on 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), 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), Super-Middleweights Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs)  Super-Middleweights Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) and Zak Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) meet over eight rounds.

London, UK (22 August 2020) Tonight at a purpose built TV production studio in Redditch, the 26-year-old one-time world kick-boxing champion challenges 6ft 6in Birmingham tower Shakan Pitters in an East v West Midlands derby that has got the diehards drooling.

‘Fighting for the British title live on Channel 5, it doesn’t get any better. The Lonsdale is the best belt and I want to earn the right to have a photo with it wrapped round my waist,’ chirped the Nottingham-born ‘2Slick’ who cemented his worth by upsetting ex Commonwealth 12st king Luke Blackledge, then holding world rated Craig Richards to an eight round draw in the second half of last year.

‘The opportunity may have come sooner than expected but it’s definitely not too soon. Win this and I’m on my way.

‘We got an inkling (original co-challenger Craig) Richards might pull out so I was put on stand-by anyway. But I’ve been preparing for this since I was five years old, not just eight weeks.

‘Though I’ve not had a 10 rounder yet, I think the Board considered the calibre of my recent opponents and determined I was more than able.

‘I always keep myself in shape but I’ve trained as hard as I ever have. This has given me an extra buzz. Besides, I enjoy challenging myself. I’m really excited to test my skills against another good fighter. I like being the underdog, proving people wrong.’

Strongman Sugden, who hails from one of the nation’s most formidable fighting families, suggests that his substitution actually enhances the clash for the vacant crown.

‘This is a far more exciting fight for the fans than Pitters v Richards would have been. At some stage, it’s gonna light up!’ claims the former K1 star whose younger brother Regis is an undefeated pro welter.

Unbeaten co-challenger Pitters, the sky-scraping English champion, will present the sternest examination of Sugden’s formidable fighting credentials but John Costello, the Brummie who coaches Chad in tandem with his ex-world kick-boxing champion dad Dean Sugden, is confident that he is piloting the better machine.

‘Shakan’s a nice lad, a gentleman, who uses his physical attributes well. He’s very long behind his front hand then walks you on to his right,’ assesses Costello who steered Swindon’s Jamie Cox to a world super-middle title challenge.

‘But Shak came to boxing late whereas Chad’s from a pedigree fighting family. Fighting’s not in Shak’s soul, like it’s in Chad’s soul. This is totally the wrong fight for Pitters. Chad’s done very well against tall lads before in the kick-boxing and has a huge advantage physically in this fight. Chad’s unpredictable with a great sense of distance and good positioning. Shak won’t have dealt with anyone like Chad before, trust me.’

Qualified personal trainer Chad knows that he’ll have to deliver a career best effort if he is to get his hand raised.

‘Look, Shak’s a top fighter. He does plenty right,’ concedes Sugden.

‘But I fight different to most. Others attacked him in straight lines, I’ll be coming in at angles. Let’s see how he deals with that. And let’s see how mentally strong he is. I came through against Richards after breaking my nose in round two. I’ve been knocked down in the kick-boxing and prevailed. I’ve dealt with adversity. I’m war tested. Is Shakan? He’s not been the places in the ring that I have yet. I’ll take him there tonight.

‘Shak’s a freak at the weight but I’ve sparred with (6ft 4in ex British champion) Hosea Burton four times for this fight and he’s probably better than Pitters. Shak’s shoulders are big but he’s pretty slight, certainly not as thick as I am. I gain in other areas; strength, movement, timing. Though Shak’s a good bit older, he started far later than me. I’ve been boxing, since I’ve been walking.

‘Obviously, I’ll be trying to close the distance, Shak will be trying to maintain it. He’ll try to capitalise on his height, use the jab a lot, then load up with the back hand and those big right uppercuts. If I have to be clever, I can. He’ll get a shock when I land my jab on him. He’ll be hard to hit to the head early on so we’ll attack the body.

‘Now I just want to get in there. I’ll give it all I’ve got, push the pace all the way through. I’m coming to win every round.

‘I win because my ability is better and my boxing IQ is higher. Shak’s a tough lad but I will break him mentally, then physically. I expect to stop him.’

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 21, 2020) – Earlier this week undefeated rising star, super lightweight Omar “Relámpago” Juárez (8-0, 4 KO’s), flew out to Las Vegas to get top notch sparring in preparation for his upcoming bout tentatively scheduled for early September. During his visit, Juarez sparred with WBA world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis (23-0, 22 KOs), a session that took place at the Mayweather Boxing Gym in front of Floyd Mayweather.

“It was incredible to be in the ring with Tank Davis,” said Juarez. “Gervonta has tremendous power to go along with his high ring IQ. We went six rounds and I got to experience what the elite level of boxing is like. I got tagged a couple of times but held my own. Tank is no joke and I favorite him to beat Leo Santa Cruz. Floyd Mayweather was very cool and gave me some good compliments after sparring the second day.”

In addition, Juarez got work with others in the Mayweather gym as well as getting some good sparring at Jorge Capetillo’s gym. Juarez sparred three days straight and gained a lot of good experience.

“The knowledge I gained this week is invaluable and will make me a better fighter,” Juarez continued. “I’m grateful to all the fighters and trainers in Las Vegas who welcomed me with open arms. I’m going to take everything that I learned and apply it to my game moving forward.”

 •     Eleider Alvarez 174.6 lbs vs. Joe Smith Jr. 174.9 lbs 
(WBO Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator — 12 Rounds)

•    Rob Brant 161.1 lbs vs. Vitaliy Kopylenko 159.5 lbs 
(Middleweight — 10 Rounds)

•    Julian Rodriguez 141.5 lbs vs. Anthony Laureano 145.9 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•      Clay Collard 159.8 lbs vs. Maurice Williams 158.2 lbs 
(Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•     Duke Ragan 125.5 lbs vs. Luis Alvarado 126.8 lbs 
(Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

•    Robert Rodriguez 119.7 lbs vs. Abel Soriano 119.8 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Adrian Valdovinos 137.2 lbs vs. Israel Mercado 136.6 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Wendy Toussaint 154.4 lbs vs. Isiah Jones 157.2 lbs 
(Middleweight — 8 Rounds)
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

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

Las Vegas – The last UFC^® event in August is set be headlined by an exciting bout featuring light heavyweight finishers looking to make a statement as No. 5 ranked Anthony Smith takes on No. 8 Aleksandar Rakic in a three-round main event.In the co-main event, former UFC welterweight champion and No. 13 ranked contender Robbie Lawler returns to action to battle fellow veteran and No. 14 ranked Neil Magny. This event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance pursuant to a Health, Safety and Operations plan approved by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+®: SMITH vs. RAKIC will take place Saturday, August 29 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, with the prelims kicking off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Smith (32-15, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) aims to impress with another highlight-reel finish. Having ended an incredible 30 of his 32 wins before the final bell, Smith has established himself as one of the most thrilling athletes on the roster with victories over Alexander Gustafsson, Mauricio Rua and Rashad Evans. He now looks to work his way back to the title picture by becoming the first man in the UFC to stop Rakic.

Among the youngest members of the light heavyweight top 10, Rakic (12-2, fighting out of Vienna, Austria) intends to steal the show and earn the biggest win of his career. A former kickboxer with nine of his 12 wins coming by knockout, Rakic rose through the ranks with emphatic first-round finishes of Jimi Manuwa and Devin Clark. He now seeks to prove that he can compete with the top of the division and solidify himself as a future title threat.

Former UFC welterweight champion and fan-favorite Lawler (28-14, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) returns to action for the first time in over a year. Among the most revered athletes on the roster, Lawler made his mark in the division with historic wins over Rory MacDonald, Carlos Condit and Johny Hendricks. He now aims to deliver a vintage performance to snap his recent losing streak and begin the climb back up the 170-pound rankings.

A UFC veteran since 2013, Magny (23-8, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) has competed against some of the biggest names in the welterweight division. Among the most active athletes on the roster with a record-tying five wins in a calendar year, Magny’s resume includes notable victories over Kelvin Gastelum, Johny Hendricks, Hector Lombard and Carlos Condit. He now looks to extend his current win streak and break into the top 10 of the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

·         No. 14 ranked women’s flyweight Ji Yeon Kim (8-2-2, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) welcomes No. 14 ranked women’s strawweight Alexa Grasso (11-3, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) to the 125-pound division

·         In a highly-anticipated light heavyweight rematch, No. 14 ranked Magomed Ankalaev (13-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) and Ion Cutelaba (15-5 1 NC, fighting out of Moldavian, Romanian) look to earn a definitive win

·         Dana White’s Contender Series veterans clash as Maki Pitolo (13-6, fighting out of Makaha, Hawaii) makes a quick return to the Octagon to take on recent signee Impa Kasanganay (7-0, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.)

·         Mallory Martin (6-3, fighting out of Brighton, Colo.) goes for her first UFC win when she meets Hannah Cifers (10-6, fighting out Kittrell, N.C.)

·         Middleweight veterans hunt to get back in the win column as Alessio Di Chirico (12-4, fighting out of Rome, Italy) takes on Zak Cummings (23-7, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo.)

·         In a featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Alex Caceres (16-12, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) looks to hand former GLORY kickboxer Giga Chikadze (10-2, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) his first UFC loss

·         Polyana Viana (10-4, fighting out of São Geraldo do Araguaia, Para, Brazil) and Emily Whitmire (4-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meet in a clash of women’s strawweight hopefuls

·         Undefeated welterweight prospect Sean Brady (12-0, fighting out of Philadelphia, Pa.) looks to snap the win streak of Christian Aguilera (14-6, fighting out of Brea, Calif.)

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

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

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

(August 21, 2020) —Australia’s most anticipated fistic showdown in years has an American streaming home.
 
Former welterweight world champion and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn will face Tim Tszyu in a 10-round junior middleweight bout Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, Australia. A socially distanced crowd of more than 16,000 fans are expected for Horn-Tszyu, which will headline a special edition of Breakfast and Boxing exclusively on ESPN+ (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT).
 
Horn (20-2-1, 13 KOs), from Brisbane, toppled Pacquiao in July 2017 via unanimous decision to win the WBO welterweight world title. Horn-Pacquiao, the Top Rank on ESPN series premier, peaked at 4.4 million viewers. Horn defended his title once before losing via ninth-round stoppage to Terence “Bud” Crawford in June 2018. He is 2-1 since the Crawford loss, most recently splitting a pair of action classics against countryman Michael Zerafa in 2019.
 
Tszyu (15-0, 11 KO), the Sydney-born son of legendary former world champion Kostya Tszyu, returns from a nearly nine-month layoff. He graduated from prospect to contender in 2019, closing out the year in December with a fourth-round TKO over Jack Brubaker that streamed live on ESPN+. 
 
“In my career, what I’ve accomplished and what I’m doing, my dad doesn’t play much of a role. I do my own stuff,” Tszyu told ESPN recently. “He taught me one thing and that’s work ethic, because of that I am who I am. If you want to succeed you have to put in the work.
 
“I’m proud of what my dad achieved. He’s the greatest boxer in Australian and Russian sports history. I do everything that he’s done. There’s a blueprint. If I could do half of what he did, I’m going to be a great in this sport.”
 
The Horn-Tszyu stream will also include unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Liam Wilson (6-0, 4 KOs) against Jackson Woods (4-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder, former Australian 154-pound champion Joel Camilleri (18-6-1, 8 KOs) versus Adam Copland (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Australian middleweight prospect Issac “The Headsplitter” Hardman (6-0, 5 KOs ) against seven-year veteran Jamie Weetch (12-3, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
Lewis Crocker-Louis Greene Headlines #MTKFightNight Following Horn-Tszyu
 
The action continues Wednesday on ESPN+ at  2 p.m. ET, as MTK Global returns with a closed-door card from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England. In the 10-round main event, Belfast’s Lewis “The Croc” Crocker will battle Louis Greene for the vacant WBO European welterweight title.
 
Crocker (11-0, 6 KOs) is making his headlining debut in his first scheduled 10-round assignment. He last fought Feb. 1 at Belfast’s historic Ulster Hall, where he notched an eight-round decision over John Thain. Greene (12-1, 7 KOs) has won three fights in a row since a unanimous decision defeat to Larry Ekundayo for the IBF European welterweight title.
 
In other action on the Crocker-Greene stream, British and Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor (8-0, 6 KOs) moves up to junior featherweight to fight Ryan Walker (11-1, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder; junior welterweight prospect Gary Cully (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Craig Woodruff (10-5, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight tilt; middleweight Fearghus Quinn turns pro in a six-rounder against Robbie Chapman (6-3, 0 KOs); and Darren Tetley (20-0, 9 KOs) fights Liam Taylor (21-1-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round British welterweight title eliminator.
 
August 23: Kazakh Amateur Superstar to Make Pro Debut at Cruiserweight
 
MTK Global presents a special Sunday show live from Almaty, Kazakhstan, which will showcase the professional debut of former Kazakh amateur superstar Kamshybek Kunkabayev. The two-time World Championships silver medalist (2017 & 2019), will make his professional debut in an eight-round cruiserweight bout against Issa Akberbayev (20-1, 15 KOs). Kunkabayev also won a pair of Asian Championships silver medals, while Akberbayev, a 6-foot-3 puncher who currently resides in Almaty, hopes to rebound from his first career defeat.
 
The scheduled five-fight stream kicks off on ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT and also includes:

• Lightweight contender Viktor Kotochigov (11-0, 4 KOs), who defended the WBC International belt last December, will fight Belarusian veteran Andrei Isayeu (30-17, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

• In an eight-round junior middleweight bout, 2019 Asian Championships gold medalist and 2019 World Championships bronze medalist Tursynbay Kulakhmet will make his pro debut against former amateur star Sagadat Rakhmankul (6-1, 4 KOs), who has won three consecutive fights since his lone pro defeat.
   
• In an eight-round clash of undefeated middleweights, Abay Tolesh (5-0, 3 KOs) will take on southpaw Saparbay Aidarov (4-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Nurtas Azhbenov (9-0, 4 KOs), who has won three of his last four via first-round stoppage, will fight Shovkat Khalilov (7-2, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

NEW YORK (August 21, 2020) – TONIGHT at The Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, highly regarded Split-T Management signee Omar Rosario will make his highly anticipated professional debut when he takes on six-fight veteran Siolon Staley in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

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.

Rosario will campaign in the junior welterweight division.

Rosario was likely to star at the Olympics, however after many conversations with his coaches and family surrounding the uncertainty of the Olympic games due to postponement of the games due to COVID-19, Rosario has decided to make the transition to the pro ranks under the guidance of Split-T’s Tim VanNewhouse.

According to VanNewhouse, Rosario is a complete fighter with good fundamental skills – honed by over 200 amateur bouts – with a particular fondness for attacking the body like his idol, Miguel Cotto.

Rosario enjoys a strong support system at home that includes his brother Jose, a 2015 Pan-Am Games Bronze medalist boxer for Puerto Rico, and is in the process of completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Finance at Ana G. Méndez Universidad.

At Thursday’s weigh-in Rosario weighed 144.2 lbs. Staley was 143.6.

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank and he is trained by Joe Santiago.

The show can be seen on Telemundo at Midnight Eastern Time.

Zak Chelli says he’ll provide the fireworks on the last night of Fight Camp as he aims to KO Jack Cullen, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Chelli stepped up to Light-Heavyweight in September to tackle the hotly-touted Kody Davies at York Hall, and more than threatened to upset the Welshman after putting him on the deck on the second round with an uppercut.

The 22-year-old has no regrets stepping up in weight against Davies and believes that putting him over proves that he has power, and a punch that he’ll bring back down to 168lbs to put Cullen away in style inside the ten rounds and set up more big opportunities.

“You’re going to see fireworks – knockout fireworks,” said Chelli. “As soon as the bell goes, I can test him out inside the first ten seconds and then we’ll know what to do, if it’s going to go the full ten or if it can go early, but I am planning to take him out. I like his style because it suits mine, he likes to come for a war, and I like to hurt people and have a war too.

“He’s had 21 fights but he’s not really fought anyone. I beat Umar Sadiq and he’s fought for the British Title, Kody is a former Team GB podium boxer, and I’ve boxed a lot of other guys with winning records. So even though I’ve had less fights, I think I have the better record and I know I have had better sparring with Joshua Buatsi, George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr, and I’ve treated them more like learning fights.

“I won the Southern Area Title at just 21 and was Mandatory for the English title after that but unfortunately due to COVID that never came. This opportunity came along and I’m the type of fighter to take opportunities with both hands. It’s a great platform too appearing at Matchroom Fight Camp on Sky Sports Box Office, and one that I intend to make go well and open up even bigger chances for me.

“I think I was right to take the Davies fight. I did drop him in there but he was more of a Cruiserweight in there – I dropped a Cruiserweight in round two so imagine what I’ll do in this fight. Jack is not going to have the power of a true Super-Middleweight, and especially not one like me that can put over Cruiserweights.”

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. 

10 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
JACK CULLEN 11st 10lbs 6oz v ZAK CHELLI 11st 10lbs 8oz
(Little Lever) (Fulham)

followed by

19:30 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE (encrypted)

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
ALEN BABIC 14st 9lbs 0oz v SHAWNDELL WINTERS 13st 12lbs 0oz
(Croatia) (USA)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO Global Welterweight Title
LUTHER CLAY 10st 5lbs 8oz v CHRIS KONGO 10st 5lbs 5oz
(Bracknell) (Bermondsey)

followed by

10 x 2 mins Undisputed Lightweight World Titles
KATIE TAYLOR 9st 8lbs 3oz v DELFINE PERSOON 9st 6lbs 7oz
(Ireland) (Belgium)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC Interim and Diamond Heavyweight Titles
DILLIAN WHYTE 18st 0lbs 6oz v ALEXANDER POVETKIN 16st 0lbs 0oz
(Brixton) (Russia)

Unbeaten Super Welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will be donning some very special trunks to honor the fallen when he takes on Nathaniel Gallimore this Saturday night, August 22, live on FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) will face Chicago’s Nathaniel Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) in the co-main event. In the main event, two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator.

The custom-made trunks, adorned with red roses, will be Fundora’s tribute to all the fallen people worldwide who have succumbed to COVID-19.

“The roses are for all the victims. Those who have lost their lives and those who have lost a friend or relative to this terrible virus,” said Fundora.

22-year-old Fundora, who speaks to young students about fighting for your dreams in his adopted hometown of Coachella, California, in his spare time, says the trunks are a small gesture of remembrance.

“I think we all need to fight on the same team to defeat this thing,” continued Fundora. “We’ve been on the ropes, but humanity will never lose in the end.”

“I’m so proud of Sebastian,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “In every fight, Sebastian finds a way to dedicate his fights to a good cause or a good person. Last time, he dedicated his fight to Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter. People from Australia sent him messages about how much they loved it. Sebastian is a great fighter and future champion, but he’s also a good man.”

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

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.

CONTACTS:
Tim Smith, Premier Boxing Champions: timothy@haymonboxing.com
Andrew Fegyveresi, FOX Sports: Andrew.Fegyveresi@FOX.com
Vernon Cheek, FOX Sports: Vernon.Cheek@FOX.com
Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500, contact@swansonpr.com
TGB Promotions: (818) 817-8001
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

London, UK (21 August 2020) Hennessy Sports are delighted to announce that all boxers, trainers and staff participating in the event tomorrow (Saturday 22 August) have tested negative for COVID-19.

The main event features Shakan Pitters versus Chad Sugden for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight Championship, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 from 10pm tomorrow.

All boxers officially weighed in today at the Holiday Inn, Redditch:

THE VACANT LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF GREAT BRITAIN
12 X 3 Minute Rounds at 12st 7lbs (175lbs)
Shakan Pitters 12st 6½lb vs. Chad Sugden 12st 6lb 5oz
8 x 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest
Isaac Chamberlain 14st 8lb vs. Anthony Woolery 14st 5lb 3oz
6 x 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
Michael Hennessy Jr 11st 5lbs 3oz vs. Tom Brennan 11st 5lbs 1oz
4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super Welterweight Contest
Idris Virgo 11st 12lb 10oz vs. Josh Hodgins 11st 10½lb
4 x 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
Conah Walker 10st 13¾lb vs. Nathan Bendon 11st 1lb 3oz

Download free-to-use high-res images of all boxers weighing-in HERE
Please credit Hennessy Sports where used
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

Croatia’s explosive Heavyweight contender Alen Babic lit a fire under his clash with Shawndell Winters – and he’s ready to back up his fiery words with another big KO when they meet live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Babic (3-0, 3 KOs) can enhance his growing reputation as ‘The Savage’ when he faces American Winters, and the 29-year-old has had the best possible preparation sparring with his manager and headline attraction Dillian Whyte in Portugal.

The pair may only be fighting over eight rounds but there will be huge interest following a tense press conference between the pair that almost spilled over – but now Babic wants to focus on the business at hand, proving that he can become a major force in the Heavyweight division.

“There’s no way he doesn’t get KO’d by me,” said Babic. “I don’t want to sound too cocky, but I’m too good, fast and strong for him. Joseph Parker did him in five rounds so I am going to try and do it in three or four rounds. This means a lot to me, to be on a big stage like this is huge, so many people will get to see me, they hadn’t heard of me before but now they will see me

 “I am not here by accident, I trained for ten years for this, I’m ready now for everything so I don’t need to wait. Dillian is a very good manager and he understands that I don’t need ten easy fights to start with, I will just knock them out with in 50 seconds, it’s not worth it.

“I know Shawndell is tough and that’s why I like it. My last three fights have been over fast, I know that Shawndell will come to beat me and that’s why I like this fight, we’re going to entertain the fans. It’s critical for me to put on a good show, not just beat him up and KO him, but to entertain. I want to show people that I know how to box too.

“I love sparring with Dillian, it’s pure joy. I do my rounds with him and just enjoy it, we know what each other can do and we just go for it. He is harder with me in sparring than anyone else! I love that – I tell him to go all out because I am a sparring partner for him, so I want him to be at full power, I would be upset if he wasn’t, I’d have to punch him in the throat or something to make him angry!

“I think he’ll KO Povetkin – I have a lot of respect for him as a great professional and an Olympian, but I don’t see him beating Dillian much like Shawndell won’t beat me. I’m only in my first year as a pro and I spar with the best amateurs and of course with Dillian, but in the amateurs you never know who you are going to fight so this is nothing new to me, it’s a walk in the park.”

Babic vs. Winters lands on 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), 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), Super-Middleweights Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs)  Super-Middleweights Jack Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) and Zak Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) meet over eight rounds.

London, UK (21 August 2020) Boxing makes it’s long awaited return to free-to-air TV tomorrow night when Channel 5 broadcast exclusively LIVE the big showdown between Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden for the British Light-Heavyweight Championship and the boxers featuring on the undercard have been given a massive boost.

The five-fight card presented from a purpose built TV studio in Redditch features stars from the Hennessy Sports stable including cruiserweight contender Isaac Chamberlain and hot middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr, plus welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo and welterweight Conah Walker*.

Pitters and Sugden will be televised live, but promoter Mick Hennessy has confirmed that Channel 5 will show all the other fights on the card in some capacity during the two-hour broadcast starting at 10pm, ensuring the boxers receive maximum free-to-air exposure on primetime across the UK.

Hennessy said, “Boxing has been absent from free-to-air TV screens for what seems like an eternity, but I’m thrilled that tomorrow tonight it finally returns to Channel 5 and we’re all really looking forward to finally seeing Shakan and Chad battle it out for the British Light-Heavyweight Title. We will also get to see the talents of Isaac as he returns to the ring and aims to get back on course towards title contention. What I’m really happy with is that the whole card will also get crucial terrestrial coverage on Channel 5, so Michael, Idris and Conah will see their profile and stock rise considerably. We have been receiving messages this week from eager fans’ asking how they can see the undercard and I’m delighted that their needs are now catered for and they will get to see it all for free on Channel 5.”

*Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (7-0-1, 2 KO’s) was scheduled to face Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin for the Vacant Midlands Area Championship on the card. Due to suffering from a stomach viral condition and upon medical advice, Benjamin has been withdrawn. Walker will remain on the show and will instead face Sutton Coldfield’s Nathan Bendon (3-2-1, 1 KO) in a six-round contest. This will be a rematch for the pair after Walker defeated Bendon by two points in a six-rounder last year in very competitive and close fight.

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

London, UK (21 August 2020) Returning cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain has entrusted new manager-promoter Mick Hennessy with the task of transforming his unquestioned talent into major titles.

The smooth and silky Chamberlain, still only 26, has been dormant for 22 months waiting for a promotional contract to extinguish. Now, clear of thought and fast galloping towards his physical peak, the Brixton battleship is fully primed to produce on his world class potential.

He makes his long awaited return tomorrow night in Redditch at a TV studio against Wolverhampton’s ‘Bull’ Antony Woolery who has had a month to prepare for Chamberlain and is intent on causing an upset.

‘I suffered contractual problems, broken promises. I was given ‘take it or leave it’ ultimatums so told them to shove it!’ states the strong but stylish south Londoner who has triumphed in all but one of his 11 paid starts.

‘While I want to be the best I can be, I refuse to be used as a pawn. In the past, I’ve headlined at the O2 Arena. I sell tickets.

‘But Mick (Hennessy) has a great plan for me. There’s real structure and now I’m so motivated. He speaks about potentially four fights this year, starting with an eight rounder live on Channel Five on 22nd August, then a 10 rounder a fortnight after.’

Despite nominal amateur experience ‘IC’ made a fast and favourable impression after storming the pro scene in January 2015. Within 15 months, he’d smashed 6-0 Ilkeston prospect Russ Henshaw in six, then ascended to the Southern Area throne in his next (sixth) start after what trade paper Boxing News dubbed ‘a hellacious struggle’ with Canning Town antagonist Wadi Camacho (WPTS10).

Alas, Isaac’s rise stalled when at just 23, he topped the bill at the O2 Arena against 2016 Olympian and future European czar Lawrence Okolie in early 2018 that resulted in his first career loss on points.

‘I believe everything happens for a reason,’ he says.

‘I was meant to lose to Okolie because of my (in)experience. Before, other people controlled everything. The loss taught me I had to take control and responsibility for my own career.’

Though the ‘Gloves Up, Knives Down’ ambassador’s ring CV lists just 11 starts in over five and a years among the paid brigade, it belies the Londoner’s true ring experience.

He explains: ‘I’ve sparred extensively with (ex WBC heavyweight boss Deontay) Wilder in Alabama, with (unified cruiser king Oleksandr) Usyk in the Ukraine, (Mateusz) Masternak in Poland, Mike Perez in Ireland….

‘I’ve also sparred AJ, Dillian (Whyte) many, many times over here. Above all, those spars built confidence that, at a very young age, 21, 22, I could mix it competitively with the best big fighting men on the planet whilst in an unfamiliar environment. That builds inner strength, mental strength.

‘I was always eager enough, humble enough, to learn and adapt but there were times when I’d outbox them because of my skills. Usyk, especially, was kind enough to give me pointers….until I became a bit too competitive with him!’

Such experiences, they say, can’t be bought, borrowed or stolen and they are sure to serve the south London ticket seller well when he finally returns to battle with just the Channel Five cameras reeling at a production studio in Redditch. And Chamberlain has developed itchy fists.

‘Through lockdown, I’ve been working out like there’s no tomorrow at the 12 Rounds Boxing gym in Clapham,’ he says.

‘I’m now trained by Rasel Hechadarria, a former coach with the Cuban national squad who is assisted by Bobby Miltiadous. Rasel has installed real rythym and flow into my boxing. He’s improved my distance, my co-ordination and my agility. Fans can expect a far smoother, sharper, more polished ‘IC’. He’s really worked on developing my eyes to anticipate opponents’ shots. I long to be great so I’m eager to learn.

‘I’m usually well supported so I’ve really no idea what to expect, fighting at an empty venue. But the way I’m feeling, physically and mentally, as soon as I touch them, I’ll get them out of there, and go home. I feel very confident in both our system and all the hard work I’ve put in. I aim to get the public on my side and be positioned to call the shots.’

Chamberlain’s comeback is sure to enrich a domestic 200lb duchy that, in addition to the undefeated and world ranked Okolie, includes British boss Richard Riakporpe (11-0), Commonwealth king Chris Billam-Smith (10-1), English champ Deion Jumah (13-0), Tommy McCarthy (16-2), Jack Massey (16-1) and Mikael Lawal (12-0). All are matches to salivate over.

‘If it makes sense, I’ll fight any of those named. In time, I’m gonna smash ‘em all out of the park!’ concludes confident Chamberlain.

‘Boxing is a business and if you’re disciplined, live the life, there’s no reason to be running away from anyone but, honestly, I’m more focussed on my own progression as a fighter than the others.

‘Riakporhe is a very good friend from our days training together under Ted and I’ve already beaten two Commonwealth champions (Camacho and Watkins).

‘It’s all up to Mick. I think he’s looking more at an international belt to get me going, increase my appeal to the casual fan. Basically, whatever can fast track me to a world title. That’s the dream.’

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

(Detroit, August 20, 2020) Tonight, in the 10-round main event of “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK,” undefeated top-10 super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (11-0, 6 KOs) dominated and stopped tough Mexican veteran Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-14-1, 10 KOs) in round nine.

Fighting live via livestream on UFC FIGHT PASS®, WBC #10-rated Shishkin, battered the game Riojas through eight tough rounds before finally crashing home a right hand that Riojas could not withstand. The Mexican tough guy bravely rose, but a follow-up barrage by Shishkin convinced referee Frank Garza to end things 48 seconds into the penultimate round. The result goes into the books as a TKO 9.

Credit goes to promoter Dmitriy Salita for pulling off such a quality show in the most trying times and rigid safety conditions for sports in the past 100 years. Shishkin looks ready for the deeper waters at the top of the 168-lb division.

Russian middleweight Timur Kerefov (9-0, 4 KOs) of Detroit via Shalushka, Russia, put in a workmanlike performance in outclassing a game, but out-gunned, Kansas City, Missouri veteran Calvin “The Great” Metcalf (10-5-1, 3 KOs).

Fighting in the eight-round middleweight co-main event, Kerefov got stronger as the fight wore on, bloodying Metcalf and sending his mouthpiece flying in round six. To his credit, Metcalf never stopped coming forward and deserves credit, but the power differential was too great.

It was a good lesson fight for Kerefov, the former decorated amateur, that sometimes opponents are just too stubborn to know when they’re beaten. The scores were 80-72, 80-72, and 78-74.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, heavyweight Jeremiah “The Night Closer” Milton needed just 75 seconds to win his four-round pro debut against Hale, Michigan’s Dennis “Mighty Oak” Vance Jr. (1-2, 1 KO).

Clearly in shape and with advanced power and skill, Milton caught the long-haired Vance Jr. with a right hand that nearly spun him the other direction, Rocky style. With Vance taking the full 10 count on the canvas, it was a debut that established the 6’ 4? 230-lb. Milton as a prospect to keep an eye on.

In the night’s only women’s boxing match-up, 2019 Amateur World Champion Danielle Perkins (1-0) of Houston was impressive in her four-round heavyweight pro debut against now-formerly undefeated Monika “Lay Em’ Down” Harrison (2-1-1, 1 KO), also of Houston.

Perkins had too much skill and athleticism for the game and tough Harrison, winning by entertaining four-round decision (scores: 40-35 x 3).

In the raucous third round, the two women went toe-to-toe with both landing their share of bombs. The pace, however, seemed to wear on Harrison and she suffered a knockdown near the end of the round.

Former National Golden Gloves Champion Morris James Young Jr. had a successful welterweight professional debut (1-0, 1 KO), stopping Framingham, MA via Brazil’s Jeader Alves De Oliveira (0-1) via TKO 2.

It took Young a round and a half to figure out the awkward roundhouses of Alves De Oliveira, who doubles as an MMA fighter and was also making his boxing debut. But once he did, Young finished things with several body shots and a sharp left hook that convinced referee Gerard White to stop the contest at 1:59.

In the opening middleweight four-rounder, Detroit’s Marlon “Savage” Harrington (now 2-0, 2 KOs) ruined the pro debut of San Antonio’s Ricardo Medina (0-1) by demolishing him in 62 seconds of the first round. Harrington landed several impressive bombs, scoring three knockdowns in the abbreviated contest. “He signed up for the wrong blind date,” said Harrington of Medina, pre-fight.

Excellent prediction by a fighter who deserves another look.

#

ABOUT BRAINS BIOCEUTICAL CORP
Brains Bioceutical Corp is a leader in certified production of naturally sourced active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Brains Bioceutical is one of the only cannabinoid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers in production today and is involved in academic and clinical trials across the globe. Brains Bioceutical Corp. Senior Management Team is made up of a rare hybrid of pharmaceutical and consumer goods executives-having held C-suite and other senior positions with companies such as GW Pharma, Merck, Seattle Seahawks, Golden State Warriors, Danone, Earthbound Farms, International Herbs, Cascadia Specialties and The Royal British Navy. This experience allows Brains to execute at a hyper-efficient level in the pharma and wellness categories. Brains’ wholly owned subsidiary in the UK, BSPG Laboratories is one of only nine companies that has the commercial capability and EudraGMDP certification to produce natural CBD API. Brains is currently manufacturing a line of phytocannabinoid THC-free CBD API products.

For more information, visit: www.brainspure.com or Instagram: @brainspure
ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®:
UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

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

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.

LAS VEGAS (August 20, 2020) — Light heavyweights Joe Smith Jr. and Eleider “Storm” Alvarez took the MGM Grand “Bubble” stage for the main event press conference Thursday afternoon in advance of Saturday’s WBO world title eliminator, which will stream live on ESPN+ (coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET).

In other action Saturday evening, former middleweight world champion Rob Brant returns against Vitaliy Kopylenko, Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez fights Anthony Laureano in a battle of unbeaten junior welterweights, “Cassius” Clay Collard seeks “Bubble” victory number three against Maurice Williams in an eight-rounder at middleweight, and Cincinnati’s Duke Ragan makes his highly anticipated professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout.

This is what two of the division’s heaviest hitters had to say.

Eleider Alvarez

“I feel 100 percent. I feel no pain since the recovery {from an injured shoulder}, so I feel great.

“{The Michael Seals knockout} was my first fight in 11 months, so I’m happy to be back. I want to put on a good performance. I felt that with the performance against Seals, I tried. I would’ve been happy with a decision. I was trying different things, but I got the knockout.

“When Oscar Rivas and I first came to Montreal, we didn’t speak English. We didn’t speak French. I knew a little bit of English, but over 10 years, I’ve learned to speak French. I’m even better in French than English. It’s been a special experience for me and here we are talking in French.

“It was hard for all the boxers, especially in the first two months to train, because everything was closed. We had to adapt to that. Now, things seem to be getting a little more back to normal. The gym is open. It’s not what it was. Hopefully, the pandemic can be over, and we can get back to normal. There were challenges, but we had them like every other fighter.

“I want to be champion of the world for a second time. Whether it’s by knockout or decision, I know Joe Smith comes to fight. I’m going to do the best I can to win this because I want to be champion of the world for a second time.”

Joe Smith Jr.

“Being the underdog, I always feel like I have something to prove. I don’t mind it. I like getting in there and proving the world that I belong at the top and should be a champion.

“The {first-round knockout} over Fonfara, I was like a 20-1 underdog in that fight. I came out and definitely shocked the world with that knockout. It got me here. It got me all the fights and the opportunities that I’ve gotten since. It all led up to this, and this one’s the big one. I’m really excited to be here and looking forward to getting another shot at a title.

“Same thing with Jesse Hart. I was pretty much the underdog in that fight. He was talking a lot, and I just kept it cool. I went in there and did what I had to do, and I got the win. That’s what I gotta keep doing.

“This is the number one priority right now for me. I’m just focused on getting this win Saturday night, so I trained very hard. I’m well prepared. As far as the tree business is going {Smith and his father own and operate Team Smith Tree Service on Long Island}, it’s definitely doing well. Due to the storms, we picked up some work. It was a little slow for some time because of the COVID 19, but it definitely has picked up. My father’s out there every day. He’s doing all the estimates. He’s running the business. I just pop in here and there. I haven’t been doing much with the business. I’ve just been focused on this.

“The only thing, this guy over here is trying to stop me from accomplishing the goal that I have set for myself. 

“I’m just going to get in there and give it my all. I plan on coming out on top. I just want to put on a great show for everybody and have a great night.”

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.

Thursday, August 20, 2020 (New York, NY)

From his professional debut in 2009, JOE SMITH JR. (25-3 20KO’s) always packed a punch. Now, just two days away from Smith Jr.’s WBO Title Eliminator bout against ELEIDER “STORM” ALVAREZ (23-1 13KO’s) on August 22 on ESPN + live from The Bubble at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, we revisit some of Smith Jr.’s best moments.

After winning 16 of his 17 first fights, 13 by way of knockout, Smith Jr. made his first appearance at Star Boxing’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York. After four consecutive wins by knockout, Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had positioned Smith Jr. for a major opportunity, and in spring of 2016, the call came.

ANDREZJ FONFARA | June 18, 2016 | UIC Pavilion, Chicago

Joe Smith Jr. vs Andrzej Fonfara highlights
Smith Jr. vs Fonfara
NBC Sports
A 16-1 underdog, Smith Jr. put on his hard hat, walked into enemy territory, and electrified the entire boxing world on NBC Sports. A thunderous right hand devoured then #2 ranked light heavyweight contender, and former light heavyweight world title challenger, Andrezj Fonfara, sending him to the mat. Smelling blood in the water, Smith Jr. pounced, firing off a six-punch combination flooring Fonfara for the second and final time. With the win, Smith Jr. earned the WBC International Light Heavyweight Title, and more importantly the hearts of boxing fans around the world.

BERNARD HOPKINS | December 17, 2016 | The Forum, California

Joe Smith Jr. vs Bernard Hopkins #FINAL1 from the Forum, LA

Smith Jr. vs Hopkins

FINAL1 | HBO

An underdog once more, Smith Jr. was handpicked by boxing legend Bernard Hopkins as his opponent for the #Final1, as Hopkins bid farewell to an iconic career. However, Smith Jr. would not allow the crafty veteran one final walk into the sunset. After a back and forth 7-rounds, Smith Jr. had Hopkins against the ropes when he unleashed a four-punch combination, sending the Hopkins through the ropes onto the Forum floor for a second consecutive underdog victory, retaining his WBC International Light Heavyweight Title.

DMIRTY BIVOL | March 9, 2019 | Turning Stone Resort Casino, New York
After recovering from a broken jaw and destroying Melvin Russell in 2018 inside of 1-round, Smith Jr. had positioned himself for a Light Heavyweight World Title Challenge against the dangerous technician, Dmirty Bivol. Bivol fought a measured fight, showing his skill, but the hard-working Smith Jr. took the champion 12-rounds, which included a highlight reel right hand that landed with just seconds left in the 10th round that had Bivol holding the ropes to get back to his corner. After the final bell, Bivol retained his title, and Smith Jr, further earned the respect of the boxing world.

JESSE HART | January 11, 2020 | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City

Joe Smith Jr. vs Jesse Hart: NABO Title Bout (Highlights)
Joe Smith Jr. vs Jesse Hart NABO Title Bout | ESPN
Coming from Philadelphia, and being mentored by the great Bernard Hopkins, Jesse Hart felt it was his duty to take down Smith. Smith Jr. coming off of his world title challenge was looking to get right back in the mix against the #3 rated light heavyweight in Hart. Smith Jr. showed vastly improved movement and boxing ability, along with his signature power. Having Hart hurt in the second, Smith Jr. overwhelmed him with pressure, and in the seventh, scored a knockdown. Smith earned the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight Title and positioned himself for the WBO World Title Eliminator bout.

Joe Smith Jr.: Top 5 “BEAST” Moments
Joe Smith Jr.: Top 5

LOS ANGELES (August 20, 2020) -Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter and unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella previewed their welterweight title eliminator on an international media conference call Thursday, before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, this Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The call also featured rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore discuss their 10-round super welterweight showdown that serves as the co-main event.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. 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 Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

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

SHAWN PORTER

“This fight for me is a matter of getting boxing back going. We’ve had a couple of big fights, but I really do think that boxing gets kicked off this Saturday night with ‘Showtime’ Shawn Porter and Sebastian Formella. We’ve trained hard and endured the conditions that everyone has had to endure and made the most of it. We started training in my father’s backyard in April and now we’re back up and running. We’ve done everything we were able to do against any other fighter in preparation for this fight

“I know that Formella is a boxer who likes to move and use the outside and box. We’re prepared to take the fight to him. We’re going to be smart and tactical, but aggressive as always. We’re going to go in there shining, looking great and make a statement to the world that boxing and Shawn Porter are still here.

“I think Formella has more of an amateur rhythm, because he’s not going to fight in the middle of the ring and slip and counter. He has a very well developed style of fighting that has helped him get to where he is.

“I’m different from most fighters. It’s a trend in boxing where fighters look past opponents, but I learned a long time ago that you have to focus on what’s in front of you and make the most of it. In my dad’s mind, we did even more for this fight than we did in getting prepared for Errol Spence, Jr.

“The plan is to get back into a world title fight. I don’t know exactly when that plan will come together, but I’ll be ready. I’m keeping my eye on the Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Danny Garcia fight as a potential future opponent, but also as a fan of the sport.

“My dad is all about hard work, commitment and integrity. We get that in every camp and in preparation for every fight, no matter who it is. Our mindset after the fight with Spence is the same as it’s always been, that’s to win. That’s what we’re going to do.

“We’ve been in a lot of uncomfortable positions inside the ring and in training and that’s what helps me get better. I’m comfortable in discomfort. That’s what I thrive off of. I’m always willing and usually able to make the adjustments to adapt to these situations.

“One thing we really worked on in this fight, without even knowing we were facing Formella, is our power. We did our strength program longer than we normally would and I know that the power is going to show up on Saturday night.

“I have friends in Germany who were able to give me information on Formella. We got all the tape and the information needed. We knew who he was training with and when he came to the U.S. I’ve done everything I need to do to be ready for this fighter.”

SEBASTIAN FORMELLA

“I’m happy to have this chance to fight one of the best welterweight boxers in the world. I trained very hard and I’m very excited to get into the ring.

“We made plans A, B and C because Porter is a strong fighter who comes forward and attacks the body and head. He has heavy hands so we looked at his mistakes and made a plan to box him and show off our style. I have good footwork and can move around. I think it will be an interesting style for him to face. I have the skills to make life very difficult in the ring for Shawn Porter.

“I’m a fighter who moves very well and I have good defense. I know how to keep my distance. I’m not the hardest hitter, but I’m a very smart fighter. I make my opponent have to think and make it very difficult for them. Fast feet and fast hands will be the key.

“My jab is going to be very important. Porter is going to attack me very hard and fight on the inside. I have to make sure I don’t fight inside with Porter too much. I’m going to keep the distance.

“We sparred with Yordenis Ugas for a week but we also worked with other strong fighters who really trained me to fight on the inside. All of the work put me in a great position. I learned a lot in that week with Ugas and I will show it in the fight.

“It makes me very sad that we can’t have fans in the stadium. The atmosphere in the U.S. for big fights is so crazy and beautiful. It’s disappointing, but I think it will help me because it’s something new for Shawn and not what he’s used to.

“My movement is going to be the most important, but also my mindset. I say all the time, strong mind and strong life. I’m going to be something new for him and I’m going to make it an interesting fight for everybody watching.

“Shawn Porter is a complete fighter, but we have a plan to beat him and that’s what we will do on Saturday. It’s very important for me to get this win and open the door for more big fights. Welterweight is a strong division in the U.S. and I have to do everything I can to earn more opportunities.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“It’s nice to be here in this position and back fighting in my home state of California. I’m very grateful for the opportunity. Come Saturday night, I’m ready to make a statement.

“I won’t have any problem on the scales tomorrow. I walk around at this weight and we were prepared and ready for the scales before we even came to the venue.

“Every fight is different, and every camp is different, so we worked on different things. We’ll see what Gallimore brings on Saturday and take what we learned in camp into the ring.

“My life is a camp. I basically lived the quarantine life already. My gym is in my backyard so I didn’t have to go anywhere. We just had to bring in sparring and we were ready.

“I fight however I feel comfortable. Inside or outside. However it feels best to me in the training camp, that’s what I bring into the ring. I understand why people say that I need to work on my jab, but a lot of those people haven’t been in the ring. I listen to my trainer and my team and do what makes sense to me.

“My dad is good at finding sparring partners, so that wasn’t a problem for me. This really was just like any other camp. I couldn’t say there were any problems.

“I definitely fight with the Mexican style. That’s the side of me that I’m representing in the ring, so that’s what I’m looking to show off every time.

“This an opportunity to face another elite fighter, so a win will definitely get me closer to the title. The final decision will be up to my team, but I feel like I’ll be ready soon. I think this is the toughest competition of my career. Getting a win will be a big step forward.”

NATHANIEL GALLIMORE

“I’m glad to be back in the ring. I’m fully focused, back with my original coach George Hernandez and ready to show the world what I have.

“Fundora is a good fighter, but I know that he hasn’t faced anyone like me. It’s going to be totally different facing me. Whatever he has prepared for, it won’t be enough when he faces me.

“The experience is definitely something that I have over him. But I just know that in my last couple fights I wasn’t really near my best. I know what I really bring to the table and I’m going to execute and do what I do best on Saturday.

“I wasn’t fighting in a way that I was comfortable with in the Erickson Lubin fight. I was thinking too much. I just have to fight my fight and be me. I know what I have to do.

“This is the first step toward a world title. I have to take care of Fundora, then the gates are going to be wide open after that.

“You always have to study your own fights and see the positives and negatives. I know what was missing and I’ve worked with my trainer to fix those mistakes. That makes me very confident in what I need to do Saturday night.

“It’s not Fundora’s height that I’m worried about. I’ve just been working with the best southpaws possible to get the angles right. I’ve worked hard to be prepared for anything.

“I’m a different type of animal in the ring. I’m not a typical fighter. I’m ready to show that Saturday night. I just feel like I’m the better fighter overall. It’s nothing against him, I just believe that I’m better.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be another terrific night of boxing on FOX and FOX Deportes from our bubble at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. We have the two-time welterweight champion Shawn Porter with his fan friendly style going up against the unbeaten Sebastian Formella in an IBF title eliminator.

“Sebastian and his team were very happy to get the call so he can prove himself against one of the best in the world. We know what Shawn is coming into the ring with after that terrific ‘Fight of the Year’ in September against Errol Spence, Jr., where Shawn’s stock actually went up that night. It’s going to be great to have Shawn back in the ring in a big fight.

“We also have the sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer on the broadcast, plus a fight I’ve really been looking forward to in this showdown between Sebastian Fundora and Nathaniel Gallimore. Nate has been asking us for months for a fight like this because he wants to get back in the ring and prove himself again. Fundora brings the action again and again and it should combine for something great.”

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ABOUT PORTER VS. FORMELLA
Porter vs. Formella will see two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting
Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. 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 Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

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.

LOS ANGELES (August 20) – The August 28 boxing event presented by Golden Boy and DAZN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has been postponed following a positive COVID-19 test result from Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares. We are actively working with all parties involved to reschedule the event as soon as possible.

Although sporting events around the world continue to face ongoing uncertainty due to the pandemic, we remain committed to presenting top-tier fights for our fans to enjoy. Details for the new date will be announced in the near future.

London, UK (20 August 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challengers Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden and their respective teams arrived today at the fight hotel in Redditch for their mandatory COVID-19 test before heading to their rooms to quarantine and await their results.

Hennessy Sports appointed the world leading genetics testing and digital health testing company Prenetics to undertake the integrated testing. Prenetics have successfully provided their services to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ and The England and Wales Cricket Board.

The fierce Midlands clash between Birmingham’s Pitters and Newark’s Sugden takes place this Saturday night behind closed doors at a TV production facility in Redditch, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 across the UK.

Other boxers featuring on the card including Isaac Chamberlain, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and Conah Walker also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

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; a fiery Midlands derby for the Vacant Midlands Area Welterweight title between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin and Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker, 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

NEW YORK (August 20, 2020) – TONIGHT in Detroit, Split-T Management is set to debut Welterweight Morris Young Jr. against Jeader Alves De Oliveira in a fight that will take place at the historic Kronk Gym.

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.

The fight will be streamed live on UFC Fight Pass at 7 PM ET.

At Wednesday’s weight in, Young was 145.4 lbs. De Oliveira was 147.

The long awaited Heavyweight showdown between Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live this Saturday from 9pm.

The biggest fight since restrictions have been eased, Saturday night will see Alexander Povetkin take on Brixton’s Dillian Whyte for the WBC Interim Heavyweight Title and vacant WBC Diamond Title.

The huge clash, which has been rescheduled twice, will take place at Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing Fight Camp. 

Prior to Whyte vs Povetkin, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live coverage of an exciting undercard, including the rematch between Katie Taylor and DelfinePersoon. Taylor will be hoping to silence her critics following her controversial points win over Persoon in June 2019. 

Broadcasting live from Fight Camp, commentary will come from Mike Costello and Steve Bunce, with more names to be announced. 

5 Live Boxing Commentator and BBC Sport Boxing Correspondent, Mike Costello said: “On the most significant night since the resumption of boxing, Dillian Whyte plays jeopardy with his career and Katie Taylor has a chance to remove what some consider to be a blemish on her record.

“If Whyte loses here, his hard-earned place in the Heavyweight mix disappears and that prospect might just motivate him to produce a career-best performance. Taylor and Persoon featured last year in the best women’s fight I’ve seen from ringside and Taylor wants to prove her superiority in a way that leaves no room for doubt this time.”

Eddie Hearn:

“This is it. This is the final week of Fight Camp. It has been just the most remarkable project we’ve ever been involved with. The return of big time boxing. We’ve had a wonderful three weeks. Some of the fights of the year. This week is really the first major card, the first major names to return to the sport of boxing since the pandemic, since lockdown has been over. It’s a thrilling fight card. Five fights on the card with Sky Sports Box office in the UK and DAZN in the US. Every single fight is a pick’em fight. Whyte is in fantastic condition. The scariest thing about Povetkin is his level all the time – from when he fought Joshua, Hunter, Price – I have not seen him deviate. Not even the tone of his voice. He is a machine! He is programmed to destroy. He will do everything in his power to do that. There is no quit in him, no backing down. If the machine gets broken down, you can’t conduct the task. That’s what Whyte will do.”

Dillian Whyte – Brixton, England – 27-1, 18 KOs – fighting Alexander Povetkin for the Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title and WBC Diamond Title:

“I had two fights last year but my mind wasn’t right. I put weight on. For my last fight I was nearly 20st. I got myself in shape slowly. I knew who I was fighting, and what it would take. I got into shape. The story of my life is pressure. I’ve been under pressure my entire life. This is just another puzzle. There is more pressure because of the future, but that’s in the future.

“I’m fighting a consummate professional so I’m not bothered about Tyson Fury. I’m bothered about Povetkin. Povetkin is the most technical fighter I’ve fought. He has beaten a lot of top guys. He’s an Olympic gold medallist. He’s only lost two fights. When the bell goes it doesn’t matter if there’s 100,000 people there or 100 people. You are zoned in.

“When I’m in shape, you’ve got problems, because I can do what I like to do. I don’t mind blowing up because I can recover, go again. Whatever he wants to do, I’m cool with it. I don’t like to make predictions. He is very experienced and can look after himself. He’s a tough guy. But listen, if I land early? It is night night early. But he can do the same, as well.

“I deal with pressure well. I could have taken an easier fight. These are the fights you need to grow. This guy has seen everything, probably 20 guys like me. To beat him, I will bank his experience. This motivates me. I will have to think more than I normally do. It gives me an extra edge.

“I’m ready for chaos and violence. I am focused on Povetkin. I will try to hurt him from the first bell. It will be war – that’s what he does. The great thing is that we both do similar things. It’s up to me to do things to make the fight in my favour, and I am capable of that. He is more experienced but I know how to fight, which isn’t something anyone can teach.”Alexander Povetkin – Russia – 35-2-1, 24 KOs – fighting Dillian Whyte for the Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title and WBC Diamond Title:

“First of all I would like to thank Eddie for doing this event during a pandemic. I’m very happy to be here. Thanks to Dillian also for taking this fight. Hopefully it will be a great fight in the Heavyweight division. I have taken responsibility to train for this fight, understanding how serious it is. You have to take Dillian seriously. I don’t like to make predictions – but it will be fireworks…”Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 15-0, 6 KOs – defending her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Delfine Persoon:

“I’m very very excited. I’ve said it before, this is why I’m in the sport of boxing, to be involved in fights like this. This is a legacy building fight for me and Delfine. We’re both in this sport to prove that we are the best. You have two fighters here that absolutely believe that they are going to win. We both think we’re going to win. That’s what makes this such a fantastic fight. I want to be involved in the biggest fights and that’s why I wanted this rematch. I want to prove that I am the best. There will be criticism whether I win or lose. This is why I’m in boxing – to be the best. I want to be known as the pound for pound No 1. No crowd, all the belts on the line? This is the purest form of boxing you will ever see. I’m prepared for whatever comes my way on Saturday. May the best boxer win. Delfine Persoon – Roeselare, Belgium – 44-2, 18 KOs – challenging Katie Taylor for the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles:

“It’s up to me to prove that I also deserve the Titles. In New York, for us, it was not the correct decision. Everybody thinks [I won the first fight with Taylor]. It’s good there is a rematch. We will see who is the best fighter. We didn’t think [Taylor would grant a rematch]. We were very surprised Katie is taking this risk. For her, it is a big risk. If she loses, it isn’t good for her career.

“A war? This is boxing. Punch, punch back. It is not a war. Grabbing and holding is not boxing. Boxing offensively, jabbing and working, is the way to box. I respect her style. I must prove my style, like I did in New York, but even better. But I like to box in front. Boxing with my heart can be a problem, sometimes I forget to use my [brain]. I must not give her time to hold me. Don’t give her the time.

“I could see I am bigger than her. I have to start the fight faster than last time, with a higher tempo. But I can’t change the whole thing. My way of boxing is with pressure. I can box also on the back foot but, a lot of the time, my opponents don’t pressure me. But I can do it. I spar with guys in Belgium who are stronger than me. They give me problems and I find solutions. Against a girl, I always feel stronger because I train with men.

Luther Clay – Bracknell, England – 13-1, 5 KOs – defending his WBO Global welterweight Title against Chris Kongo:

“He’s probably quite powerful, I guess. I don’t know. We’ll see. I know Chris is a good boxer and everyone rates him and everything. I’m interested to test myself and see it it’s really real.  He has the reputation and the clout. That’s what I want. Chris Kongo is saying he’s going to knock me out and I’m saying okay, come with it. I haven’t been to the well yet. I feel like I’ve been cruising. If he wants to take me there then I’m interested. If he’s the man to take me there I look forward to it. I want to dig deep and see what I’ve got in me too. I’m maybe too chilled right now. I don’t feel the pressure now but maybe I will on the night. I’m just ready to go.”Chris Kongo – Bermonsdey, England – 11-0, 6 KOs – challenging Luther Clay for the WBO Global Welterweight Title:

“I just want to thank you (Eddie Hearn) and Dillian Whyte for getting me on this platform. I believe this is my time to shine, to show what everyone has been talking about. I’m ready and raring to go. This fight won’t last. Someone is going down and I’m sure it ain’t me. I’m going to go in there and be the usual Chris Kongo. When I’m myself, everything just flows naturally in the ring. When I’m thinking, I make sure I listen to my coaches in the corner. That’s the main thing for me. I see him as a quality opponent. He’s got a few good fundamentals. On the night, I believe he is very limited in certain things he does. I don’t think he has any type of good fishing quality that you need as an elite fighter Speed kills. When I show my speed, everything will come off. You will see him on the floor, guaranteed. I don’t think I’ll let this go the distance. Everyone I’ve ever had hurt in a fight, they’ve never seen the last bell.”Alen Babic – Zagreb, Croatia – 3-0, 3 KOs – fighting Shawndell Winters in an eight round Heavyweight contest:

 “My game-plan is to knock you out! It’s not about Shawndell, it’s about everyone. You are only known for losing to Joseph Parker. You’re known for losing to Parker! You are a stepping stone. I will never lose to you, never! I’m going to knock you the f*** out, that’s what I’m going to do. What is this, a cartoon or something? I don’t understand you because you are stupid. We’re not the same, I’m not known for losing to guys. You don’t know what the smoke is but you’re going to see it. I’ve fought top amateurs. I’ve fought champions. Let’s go outside right now, let’s go right now! Shut your mouth. I will shut your mouth, first round. You’ll see. You’re slow, you’re easy. I am ready as ever. If I lost to Shawndell Winters I’d quit boxing. I’m in the best shape. You’re just a stepping stone for me. I’m going to knock you out. I’m never going to lose to you. Never.”

Shawndell Winters – Illinois, USA – 13-3, 12 KOs – fighting Alen Babic in an eight round Heavyweight contest:

“I got the call about this fight. I will fight King Kong or Godzilla. The Joseph Parker fight? I wasn’t 100%. Babic will get a rude awakening. The reality is that I like to fight – that’s what I’m known for in Chicago. I was an 180lbs amateur beating up World champions in the gym in Chicago. I’ve got more knockouts than Babic has had fights! It will definitely be about the experience.My skills are certified. He thinks he will beat me but that ain’t gonna happen.

“He ain’t the first person in the gym or on the streets to say he’s gonna knock me out. I’m still alive! Am I mad? No, he’s supposed to say that. They made a good mistake bringing me over here because it will propel me. When I beat him, when I show him how to fight, he will understand. I was 3-0 with three KOs once. I’m 13-3 now. I was where he was, I understand. I’m known for bringing the smoke! You’ve fought three cab drivers and never been hit by a punch.

“I wanted him to feel me. We ain’t gonna be in this room all day, we can go outside! That’s my vibe. The integrity, the moral compass I have? If I say to a man ‘I will knock him out’ then when I see him, that’s my energy. He plans on coming forwards. That’s what I love. He’s a kickboxer, an MMA fighter. All he can do is come forwards. He doesn’t know anything about establishing a jab.”Jack Cullen – Little Lever, England – 18-2, 9 KOs – fighting Zak Chelli in a ten round Super-Middleweight contest:

“It’s definitely an important fight for my career. I can’t be getting beat anymore. Moving up to the wait I’m feeling bigger, better and stronger. The stuff that we have been working on is great. I don’t just have to make weight, make weight, make weight. We’ve been practicing stuff, working on stuff. This is my time to shine. Everyone says it’s going to be a good fight. I think it’s going to be a good fight. Zak Chelli thinks it’s going to be a good fight. I’ve not been in a boring fight yet. I’m looking forward to it. You’re going to be hearing your coach in the corner a lot more. Your fans aren’t going to be egging you on. You’ll stick to your game plan and get the job done.”

Zak Chelli – Fulham, England – 7-1, 3 KOs – fighting Jack Cullen in a ten round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been training for the last eleven months since my last fight so my camp has been eleven months long and I’m ready for it now. Jack likes to come forward, I like to throw punches, so it’s going to be a great clash. I’m only 22, turning 23 in four months time. As a 22-year-old I’ve already fought for the Southern Area Title. I was supposed to fight for the English Super-Middleweight Title but coronavirus took that away. I’m only 22, if this fight goes well I could fight for the British Title, the guy I’ve already beat (Umar Sadiq) is fighting for the British Title. It’s going well for me. My work rate has improved a lot since my last fight. I’m much more of a fighter than a boxer now. Expect fireworks, expect a spectacular fight.”

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2020
Promoter: Salita Promotions
Venue: Detroit’s Kronk Gym
Livestream: UFC FIGHT PASS® (7 pm ET/4 pm PT)

Vladimir Shishkin 170 vs. Oscar Riojas 169.8
Timur Kerefov 159.6 vs. Calvin Metcalf 158
Jeremiah Milton 226 vs. Dennis Vance Jr. 235.4
Danielle Perkins 195.2 vs. Monika Harrison 202
Morris Young Jr. 145.4 vs. Jeader Alves De Oliveira 147
Marlon Harrington 157.4 vs. Ricardo Medina 160

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2020) – Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter sees limited adverse effects from his pandemic induced layoff, and actually believes the time in quarantine was an advantage, as he prepares to take on German contender Sebastian Formella in a welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, August 22 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“I think the quarantine helped me,” said Porter. “When this all began, I just took some time, and I believe that it refreshed and rejuvenated me. It gave me the opportunity to make some adjustments and we’ve all grown from it. Once I knew that we were coming back to boxing, I wanted to take on the responsibility of bringing big-time boxing back. I’m one of the first big names to come back and I’m proud to represent my team and my family by getting back in the ring sooner than later.”

Porter, who resides in Las Vegas, initially used the time off from the pandemic to spend time with his wife and two children, but he was back in the gym by April with his father and trainer Ken Porter. Although the pandemic led to safety concerns in the early weeks, the father and son duo sparred each other to limit outside interaction, they soon were back into the rhythm of their normal training.

“I took all of March off,” said Porter. “When the pandemic first hit, it was a little scary just going anywhere outside of the house. Ever since April though, we’ve been back at it. My dad lives right around the corner from me so we started off training in his back yard. Then we went back to the gym in May and I actually sparred with my dad for a few weeks, because we wanted to be as safe as possible. We just weren’t sure who else was safe to have around. But then in June we started bringing in other sparring partners. That was probably the aspect of training camp that was most affected by the pandemic.

“I have a wife and two kids now, so initially when the pandemic hit, I was just enjoying being at home with my family. But once my dad told me I had to get back moving, we got back to it. That’s just our relationship. My dad knows he can always count on me to do what’s necessary and best for my career. We played it safe, but no excuses to be made. It might be a pandemic, but my dad got me back to work safely.”

Porter will return to the ring for the first time since narrowly dropping a welterweight unification match against Errol Spence, Jr. last September, in a showdown that turned out to be one of 2019’s most action packed and dramatic fights. The 32-year-old believes that slight adjustments will help him get back to a title opportunity and beyond.

“By fighting an eliminator on Saturday, we believe we can be back in a world title fight the next time we’re in the ring,” said Porter. “For me, any improvement is about more than just hard work. Everyone knows that I work hard. Now it’s about knowing what to do and when to do it. I can’t have mental lapses and I just have to make sure that I’m staying composed inside the ring. I also have to make sure that I’m always listening to my corner and that I have the right state of mind when I’m in the ring.”

While Porter has faced a litany of the best welterweights of this generation, Saturday’s showdown puts him up against a fairly unknown entity in the German Formella, at least among U.S. observers. However, Porter’s affable personality outside of the ring has helped him gather the intel needed for this matchup.

“The good thing about being Shawn Porter, is that people like me,” said Porter. “My connections have helped me find out information on Formella, including when he was coming to the U.S. It’s awesome to have people so willing to help me out. One person that I’ve been talking with has seen Formella train a number of times and their insight has been very helpful. I’ve also gotten seven or eight tapes of his fights. We’re looking to throw some wrenches into what we think his game plan will be and do what we need to in order to get the win.”

With just days remaining before stepping into the ring and beginning his quest toward becoming a three-time champion, Porter has a clear statement for the rest of the division.

“The statement is that I’m still here,” said Porter. “I’ve had three losses, but I haven’t gone anywhere. I’m still here fighting at an elite level and that’s what they’re going to see in this fight.”

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ABOUT PORTER VS. FORMELLA
Porter vs. Formella will see two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting
Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. 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 Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

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 19, 2020) — The Dominican Republic’s most feared southpaw slugger since David Ortiz, Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez, returns on the Jose Ramirez-Viktor Postol/Arnold Barboza Jr.-Tony Luis undercard Saturday, Aug. 29 for his third appearance inside the MGM Grand “Bubble.” Rodriguez will fight Cody Wilson in a six-round welterweight bout as part of the exclusive undercard stream on ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET).
 
“I like staying active and putting on a show for the fans,” said Rodriguez, who is trained by the legendary Freddie Roach. “You’ve seen two big knockouts from me inside the ‘Bubble,’ and I don’t see my third fight being any different.”
 
Rodriguez (8-0-1, 8 KOs), like many of his nation’s sporting heroes, started on the baseball diamond. He soon found out he enjoyed fighting more than pitching and hitting, and thus began his ring journey. Following a successful amateur career in his homeland, he turned pro in November 2018 and signed with Top Rank early the following year. Apart from a headbutt-induced technical draw, Rodriguez has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. He made his “Bubble” debut July 2 and knocked out Danny Murray with a power jab in the opening round. Nineteen days later, he stopped Dennis Okoth with a left cross in the second round. Wilson (9-2, 6 KOs), from Fairmont, W.V., has won four fights in a row and has yet to be knocked out as a pro.
 
The Ramirez-Postol undercard also features:

• Unbeaten 20-year-old junior lightweight prospect Chris Zavala (6-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since last September and will fight Anthony Chavez (8-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Zavala, from Long Beach, Calif., turned pro under the Top Rank banner in June 2018 after going 136-9 as an amateur.
   
• Bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla (4-0, 3 KOs), the fighting preschool teacher who is 2-0 inside the “Bubble,” will face fellow unbeaten Justice Bland (2-0) in a four-rounder. Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (9-0, 7 KOs), Gabriel’s younger brother, will fight the battle-tested Cesar Valenzuela (15-6-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder at lightweight.
   
• Milwaukee-born southpaw Javier Martinez (1-0), who now trains with Robert Garcia, will fight Rance Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round middleweight bout. Martinez made his pro debut inside the “Bubble” July 14.
   
• Ernesto Mercardo, an amateur standout who was recently the lightweight runner-up at the U.S. Olympic Trials, will make his professional debut in a four-round lightweight bout against an opponent to be named.
   

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2020) – Unbeaten super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora claims no ill-effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on his normal training camp as he prepares to take on Nathaniel Gallimore in the co-main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, August 22 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

“Every camp we essentially quarantine ourselves, so this isn’t much different,” said Fundora. “This training camp is very similar to any other. We do a lot of running, training, eating and sleeping. We just stick to things that we don’t really need to go out for.”

Fundora returns to the ring after keeping his unbeaten record intact in February by defeating then undefeated Daniel Lewis on the PPV undercard of the Wilder vs. Fury rematch. As is his usual routine, Fundora returned to the gym almost immediately after.

“It’s always been business for me,” said Fundora. “So I really haven’t taken any time off. I’ve been working out ever since my last fight in February. I’m just approaching this like a professional and planning to take full advantage of another opportunity that I’m given.”

Towering at nearly six-feet six-inches, Fundora has at times used his considerable reach and height to his advantage, while at other times he has chosen to fight on the inside and turn fights into phone booth brawls. For the talented 22-year-old, he’ll measure out his opponent in Gallimore and take the strategy from there.

“The way I fight depends on the specific fight and who’s in front of me,” said Fundora. “I like to use different tools for different fighters. I don’t know too much about Gallimore. I haven’t watched very much of him before, so I’m just going to take it moment by moment and make the proper adjustments along the way.”

In Gallimore, Fundora will be tested by an opponent who has proven to be a tough contender on the elite level, having faced the likes of Julian Williams and Erickson Lubin, while also owning a victory over unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Although this will be just his 16th pro fight, Fundora plans to be prepared when his world title opportunity arrives. His promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, for one, sees this matchup as another step toward becoming the “king” of 154-pounds.

“Sebastian Fundora is a giant in the division and soon he will also be a king,” said Lewkowicz. “He will be in fantastic shape on Saturday and ready for another towering performance against Gallimore.”

“As soon as my team tells me it’s time, we’ll be ready,” said Fundora. “As a fighter, I’m always ready. We’re looking to make a statement with every fight and put on a great performance for the fans. This Saturday night will be no different.”

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ABOUT PORTER VS. FORMELLA
Porter vs. Formella will see two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter face unbeaten German contender Sebastian Formella in a 12-round welterweight title eliminator headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 22 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising undefeated contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora going up against hard-hitting
Nathaniel Gallimore in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Sensational rising prospect Joey Spencer will also compete on the broadcast in a six-round middleweight special attraction against Shawn West. 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 Porter vs. Formella event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

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.

DANIEL DUBOIS will defend his WBO International Heavyweight title against Ricardo Snijders at BT Sport studios on Saturday August 29.

The British and Commonwealth champion was due to face Eric Pfeifer in a behind closed doors showdown, but issues with the Germans medical have derailed those plans.

Whilst it’s a blow for Londoner Dubois (14-0, 13KOs), Dutch title holder Snijders (18-1, 8KOs) has jumped at the chance to gatecrash the world rankings.

Dubois, 22, hasn’t boxed since last December and needs to sharpen his skills ahead of his highly anticipated showdown against Joe Joyce, scheduled for London’s O2 on Saturday October 24.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “Of course it’s a disappointment that we have had to make a late change, but the most important thing was getting Daniel a solid test.

“We’ve had Snijders training for weeks getting ready for this fight on the off chance there was an issue, and thank God we did.

“Pfeifer‘s team didn’t submit his MRI on time and given the current circumstances we couldn’t stand for the uncertainty or take the risk that the fight would be pulled at the last minute. 

“Daniel hasn’t boxed since last December, some eight months ago. That’s a long time, especially for Daniel who has always been active.

“Daniel trained at home with his sister and younger brother during lockdown and he has been back in the gym with his trainer Martin Bowers for several weeks. 

“Joe got an impressive win last month, so this is Daniel’s chance to show what he’s made of.

“Of course my nerves will be on edge a bit next week.

“They were until Joe came through against Michael Wallisch, and until Daniel’s arm is raised after the Snijders fight it will be the same.

“Snijders fancies the fight and was happy to say ‘yes’ and jump at the opportunity of his career. He’s coming up from Cruiserweight and wants to follow in the footsteps of fighters like Usyk, Haye and Bellew.”

Snijders, 26, turned professional in January 2016 and little more than two years later claimed the Dutch title.

Seven of his last eight wins have come inside the distance, and knows he will need his power to hold off Dubois. 

In his last outing, Ricardo knocked out Istvan Kun inside two rounds.

Warren rates Dubois as the finest prospect in the Heavyweight division and the world governing bodies appear to agree.

Dubois is currently ranked number three for Anthony Joshua’s WBO belt and is at seven for the WBC title that is held by his Frank Warren stablemate Tyson Fury.

Warren added: “Providing Daniel can solve this Dutch puzzle, we can push on with the Joyce fight and then we can hope for a world title fight next year as a mandatory contender.”

DUBOIS vs SNIJDERS IS LIVE ON BT SPORT 1, SATURDAY AUGUST 29th @ 7PM