LAS VEGAS (August 13, 2020) — WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring hopes the wait is finally over. Herring, a decorated U.S. Marine veteran from Coram, N.Y., will make his second world title defense Saturday, Sept. 5 against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan Oquendo at the MGM Grand Conference Center. Herring and Oquendo were scheduled to fight July 2, then July 14, but Herring twice tested positive for COVID-19.

In the 10-round super middleweight co-feature, it’s a battle of the Midwest as Omaha’s unbeaten Steven “So Cold” Nelson takes on Toledo’s DeAndre Ware.

Herring-Oquendo and Nelson-Ware will stream live on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET, with undercard action to stream on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“Jamel has had a run of bad luck, but his fortunes will change for the better inside the ‘Bubble’ on September 5,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oquendo is a crafty veteran who understands this may be his last shot at a world title, and I expect him to give ‘The Fighting Marine’ one heck of a fight.”

Herring said, “This postponement is a blessing in disguise because I feel 10 times better than I did three weeks ago. I’m grateful to have another opportunity to get back in the ring. I’ve fully recovered from COVID-19 and I’m more than ready for anything Jonathan Oquendo brings on September 5. Our team has a great game plan and we are eager to carry it out.”

Oquendo said, “I am very happy with finally getting this opportunity to challenge Herring for his world title, as the fight has been canceled twice because of COVID-19. At one point, I thought that maybe the fight was not going to happen, but thanks to God, we are now ready for September 5.

“We are going to win. We are in a very positive mindset. We are going to leave everything in the ring. It’s now or never. It would be a great accomplishment to become world champion at 37. That’s what we are going to do.” 

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) returns following the longest layoff of his career, nearly 10 months since he outpointed the previously unbeaten Lamont Roach Jr. at an outdoor ballpark in Fresno, Calif. Soon after his most recent positive COVID-19 test, he received a clean bill of health and resumed training camp in Omaha, Neb. Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs) rebounded from a March 2019 decision defeat to Roach to shut out Charles Huerta last September. He is 5-1 since a December 2015 defeat to Jesus Cuellar for the WBA featherweight world title.

Nelson (16-0, 13 KOs), who trains alongside Herring and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford in Omaha, recently moved down from light heavyweight and is ranked No. 8 by the WBO at super middleweight. He last fought in January, knocking out then-unbeaten prospect Cem Kilic on ESPN. A talented artist who designs his fight night attire— he entered the ring as The Grinch with a Santa hat against Kilic — Nelson hopes to notch his fourth knockout in a row. Ware (13-2-2, 8 KOs), a Toledo firefighter when he’s not fighting in the ring, is two fights removed from a February 2019 decision win over the previously unbeaten Ronald Ellis.

Nelson said, “I’ve been training and staying ready in Omaha with my team. Now it’s time to clock in for overtime. No audience? I don’t need cheers to do my job. I’m focused on the task at hand, which is to defeat DeAndre Ware.”

Use the hashtag #HerringOquendo 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.

Nikita Ababiy wants to rule the world in and out of the ring as he gets ready to return to action on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday night (August 15) live on DAZN.

Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs) was one of Eddie Hearn’s first signings in America and the colorful Brooklyn talent made an instant impact at the launch press conference for DAZN and Matchroom in New York and was an instant hit after both falling over his words on the microphone and owning it on his YouTube channel.

‘White Chocolate’ has certainly not stuttered in the ring, plundering eight wins and six inside the distance since his debut in October 2018, and with each fight week his confidence at press conferences is on the rise too.

The 21 year old is keen to forge a career outside the ring as a social media star, building up his YouTube channel and growing his presence on all other outlets, and having spent time with TikTok sensation Tayler Holder in Los Angeles following his last win there in November and believes he can be a social media star and a champion in the ring at the same time.

“I always had a fear of talking to the camera and still do in a way, I get a bit jittery,” said Ababiy, who meets Jarvis Williams (8-2-1 5 KOs) over six rounds in Tulsa. “But when you post something, you get good feedback and it motivates you to do more and you take it more seriously. I am going to be a World champion, multiple time, and a YouTube star – I can do it, so why not be both?

“I love the idea of having a camera and recording stuff, when I watch YouTube videos I never watch as a fan, I watch to learn because I thought that everything that they do I can do. I just never had the money or the platform to know where to start, I guess I didn’t have the confidence either. I can fight in front of 10,000 and I’m cool but talking to 50 people and two or three cameras is scary to me – I remember that first press conference was the scariest moment of my life, the scariest by a long way. 

“Eddie Hearn has given me an amazing platform and a big audience, so why not use that to skyrocket my YouTube channel? I have a close friend in Tayler Holder, he reached out to me on Instagram before I turned pro and said he loved what I did and saw something in me. 

“When I fought in LA in November after I won he invited me to live with him for a month there, introduced me to a bunch of people and it was an amazing vibe – but I was really nervous, I am just a kid coming up and everybody I saw from the internet was just hanging out with me like it was normal, it was really organic and natural and we all got along and accepted me.

“It’s been eight months since I’ve been in the ring and to be able to get back in is great, and to have this exposure on the first big show back here in Tulsa is great, and an opportunity I want to take advantage of.”

Ababiy’s clash with Williams is part of a huge night of action as Cecilia Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) goes for history in her 26^th defense of her undisputed Welterweight crown against unified Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.

Rising Super-Welterweight Israil Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) can close in on World title honors as he meets Eric Walker (20-2 9 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title while Madrimov’s fellow countryman ShakhramGiyasov (9-0 7 KOs) will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city, and the bill is completed with another of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros, Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs).

Eric Donovan finally has his big breakout opportunity as he takes on top Matchroom prospect Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title at Fight Camp this Friday August 14, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) is undefeated in the paid code since making the decision to turn over in 2016 following a standout amateur career in which he won five Irish National Championships, as well as representing his country, winning bronze medals at the 2009 European Union Championships and the 2010 European Championships.

As an amateur, ‘Lilywhite Lightning’ faced some of the best fighters on the planet, locking horns with Olympic, World and European Champions. Despite winning the Irish National Featherweight Title last year, the 35-year-old has yet to be properly tested in his pro career, but feels his clash with Manchester’s Barrett could be the fight that propels him towards more title action at 126lbs or 130lbs. 

“I don’t believe I’ve been tested truly,” said Donovan. “I don’t believe my character has been tested, I don’t believe my mental or physical ability has been tested to the maximum. You need that stress in front of you. You need that threat of someone trying to take your head off. 

“If I don’t perform to the best of my ability, then Zelfa Barrett will beat me. That’s why I’m up for this fight and that’s why I know you’re going to see the best Eric Donovan on August 14^th. I have an opportunity to salvage a career. To make something of my career. To go out and finish off my boxing journey with a bang. To finally say I’ve done it my way. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I think in life if you want to be successful, no matter what, you have to take risks. You also have to be able to back it up. You have to be good enough and you have to prepare well. When this opportunity was presented to me, I knew that chances and opportunities for me are few and fare between. 

“Nobody has the balls to fight Zelfa at Super-Featherweight in Britain. So when Mark put it to me I said, ‘yes Mark, I’ll step up to it and I’ll take that because I see an opportunity’. If I can perform to the best of my ability on Friday night I think I can do enough to win. I can see holes in Zelfa Barrett that I can exploit. Destiny awaits me on August 14th.”

Barrett vs. Donovan lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of the bill, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

Las Vegas, Nevada – Damien Vazquez (15-1-1) is counting down the days until his September 26th showdown against WBA super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa (20-0-1). The fight takes place at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

The loaded Showtime pay-per-view event is co-headlined by Jermall Charlo defending his middleweight title against Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jermell Charlo unifying his WBC super welterweight title against WBA/IBF champion Jeison Rosario.

While Vazquez respects his opponent, he is very confident that he will become a world champion on September 26th.

“Figueroa is a great fighter. I am not going to take nothing away from him. He is a world champion and a world champion for a reason. I am going to give him everything I got and take the f*cking title from him,” Vazquez stated.

Vazquez is known for his boxing ability but after getting hit with a controversial draw last year, the Mexican American has revamped his style and now refuses to leave his fate in the hand of the judges.

“Fuck it. I am just going to go toe to toe and f*ck him up on the inside to be honest. I want to fight toe to toe and show him what a real Mexican looks like,” Vazquez stated.

The Las Vegas based fighter doesn’t see how the fight will go to the final bell. He believes that the only reason the referee will be needed will be to count to ten when Figueroa hits canvas.

“I want to make it a Mexican is war, a tough fight. Let’s make it phone booth fight so I can show him how a real Mexican fights. I guarantee we still the show,” said Vazquez.

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

19:15 FIRST BELL

8 x 3 mins Super- Middleweight contest 
JOHN DOCHERTY 11st 12lbs 12oz v ANTHONY FOX 11st 12lbs 4oz                
(Montrose)                                            (Westbury)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title 
KIERON CONWAY 10st 13lbs 12ozv NAVID MANSOURI 10st 13lbs 4oz
(Northampton)                                     (Rotherham)

Followed by

8 x 2 mins Super-Bantamweight contest 
SHANNON COURTENAY 9st 0lbs 12oz v RACHEL BALL 8st 11lbs 8oz
(Watford)                                                      (Aldridge)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title
ZELFA BARRETT 9st 3lbs 10oz v ERIC DONOVAN 9st 3lbs 10oz
(Manchester)                                   (Athy)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Middleweight Title
FELIX CASH 11st 5lbs 12oz v JASON WELBORN 11st 4lbs 12oz
(Wokingham)                             (Tividale)

Thursday, August 13, 2020 (New York, NY) JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING continues adding talent to its roster, this time in the form of undefeated Brazilian, super bantamweight, MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (13-0 12KO’s). Da Silva has no issue bringing the pain as he is currently riding a ten-fight knockout streak. 

Thursday, August 13, 2020 (New York, NY)

JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING continues adding talent to its roster, this time in the form of undefeated Brazilian, super bantamweight, MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (13-0 12KO’s). Da Silva has no issue bringing the pain as he is currently riding a ten-fight knockout streak.

With all 13 of his fights taking place in his native Brazil, signing with Hall of Fame Promoter, Joe DeGuardia, Da Silva hopes to make a splash in the United States in the near future.

The 122 lb slugger began his boxing career at the age of 12, aspiring to be like his father, Aluisio Da Silva, who was a former boxer. At 15, Da Silva had his first amateur bout, and shortly thereafter participated in the World Championship in Liverpool England with the Brazilian boxing team. Finishing with 52 wins in 59 amateur fights, Da Silva turned to the professional ranks at the age of just 18.

Da Silva had this to say about signing with Star Boxing, “I want to thank Star Boxing for the amazing opportunity! I will work hard to achieve my biggest dream of becoming a World Champion! You can bet that that the world will witness me in some amazing fights!”

“On behalf of Michel Da Silva and the whole Team, I want to thank Star Boxing for the opportunity given,” said Da Silva’s manager, MARCEL TSHIYOYO. “I really do believe in Michel and I know he will reach his dreams of becoming world champion! We are ready to seize the opportunity!”

Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA, believes that “Michel has a fan friendly come forward style with immense power, especially in the super bantamweight division. We are looking forward to working with him.”

UNBEATEN Archie Sharp believes he is already a world-level talent and has sensationally called out American superstars Jamel Herring and Shakur Stevenson.

The Welling fighter will be protecting both his 18-0 unbeaten record and his WBO European Super-Featherweight crown on Saturday night when he steps in the ring against Tottenham man Jeff Ofori.

A supremely confident Sharp believes he is well-placed to steal the show and puts much of that down to the work he has been doing with his ‘mind coach’, Linda.

“With Linda, my mind coach, we’ve been working on a lot of programs. Mentally, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.”

It’s not a secret that the ‘Sharpshooter’ has sought the unorthodox methods of mind coach Linda Keen before, but Archie believes that the current coronavirus situation has made her input even more crucial to his fight preparations.

“Being mentally strong is the most important thing for what we’ve been going through,” he explained. “Im buzzing to be back. My batteries are recharged and I’m ready to go and put a show on.”

To many boxing fans, Saturday’s scrap between Sharp and Ofori is the sleeper candidate for fight-of-the-night and most believe that 30-year-old Ofori will present a stiff challenge for the younger champion.

Sharp doesn’t see it that way.

“I believe I’m at world level now.

“I’ve got a lot of heart, I’ve got a granite chin and I can punch. My footwork and my movement have always been unbelievable and on the 15th August you’re going to see a lot more of that.”

Archie accepts that Ofori will try and push the action when the pair clash on Saturday night, but believes “everyone has a plan till they get in there”.

“This fella I’m fighting, Jeff Ofori, is going to be coming like a man possessed” he admits, but says “I’m in the best shape ever and for sure I’m going to be looking at stealing the show.”

Whilst there is clearly business to take care of on BT Sport on Saturday night, Archie is a man who knows his own mind and knows where he wants to take his career.

“I want to be the best in this game” he said, adding “Carl Frampton is the main man on the show and that’s a fight I’m looking at. 

“Ideally, I just want to fight the WBO world champion and at the minute that’s Jamal Herring.”

Frampton and Herring are two big names to have in your crosshairs, but the ambitious ‘Sharpshooter’ doesn’t want to stop there.

“Shakur Stevenson can have it as well.”

BT Sport Fight Night Live: Frampton vs Traynor is this Saturday night / coverage starts at 8pm on BT Sport 2

UNCASVILLE, CONN. – August 12, 2020 – Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David Benavídez joined his main event opponent, Alexis Angulo, and the rest of the fighters on this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader in a virtual press webinar on Wednesday in advance of their respective bouts that will take place live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The card is presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The co-main event features rising lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez in a 12-round battle for the interim WBA Lightweight Title, while heavyweight contenders Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman square off in a 10-round showdown.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Romero vs. Maríñez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

FLASH QUOTES:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I feel amazing. Our preparation has been very good and everything has gone smoothly. We had private sessions in our gym, so we had sparring and everything we needed. I’m very close to weight right now and I’m ready to defend my title on Saturday.

“Moving to Seattle was really good for me. I just bought a house out there and it’s a beautiful place. I’m there to figure out what I really want in life and dedicate myself to boxing. I’ve hit a different stage in my life and career and I’m just ready to keep winning.

“I’ve seen Angulo’s style in some of my previous opponents. I’d compare him to ‘Porky’ Medina, but Angulo is a little fresher because he hasn’t been through the wars like Medina. Angulo is very heavy handed and he wants to win. He’s coming off of an upset win and I think that has him motivated to believe he can beat me.

“I’m ready for whatever he brings to the ring. I just have to be patient. I can’t just try to knock him out and leave myself open. I have confidence in my abilities, and if I do everything right, I believe the knockout will come. I’m ready to give a great show to all my fans around the world.

“I’ve just been working on every aspect of my game. My defense, the jab, body shots and keeping the distance especially. I think Angulo is the perfect opponent to display everything I have. This is going to be a rugged and tough fight but that’s what I expect for every fight from now on. As long as I prepare myself correctly, I think I’ll be fine. This is the level I wanted to be at, and now that I’m here, I want to take full advantage of that.

“Angulo is a tough fighter. He hurt Gilberto Ramirez a couple times in their fight. I have to go in there and be alert. Everything has to be perfect. When I get on the inside, I’m going to attack the body and throw combinations.

“I think this is going to be a different fight than my last fight. I don’t think Angulo will utilize the ring like Anthony Dirrell did. I want to start the fight off well, find my rhythm and ultimately break him down.

“I want to fight [IBF Super Middleweight Champion] Caleb Plant next. All the super middleweight champions have to take risks and fight each other. I want those other belts. I want to take the chances now and show everybody, including myself, that I’m the best.

“I feel like this is just the beginning for me. I want to be a unified champion and be known as the best super middleweight of my generation. I have time on my side and I’m hungry and competitive. The sky’s the limit for me.”

ALEXIS ANGULO

“The [COVID shutdown] has helped me tremendously. I’ve been able to prepare better, and not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been and this is really the best thing that could have happened to me. I know the coronavirus has affected many people negatively, but for me it’s been the total opposite. It’s just given me a lot more time to train.

“I hear that they are predicting Benavidez will knock me out in the seventh round, but that is just people’s opinion. I’m going to show on Saturday night that the people who are predicting that will be proven wrong.

“When I fought Anthony Sims Jr., he was a good fighter, but Benavidez is on another level in the boxing game. I’m going to show people that I belong on the same level as Benavidez.

“Benavidez is a warrior, but I don’t see him having any big advantages over me. In my only pro loss to Gilberto Ramirez, it was really just the experience factor. The biggest change for me since that fight is more personal, and just my mindset. I’m just stronger now, emotionally too. That’s the biggest change I’ve experienced.

“I know I have to be more aggressive in this fight – just more effective and smarter on Saturday. I don’t have a game plan. I’m going to adjust to the fight as it comes to me. I know I can adjust to anything Benavidez throws at me.

“I don’t know if this is my toughest fight to date. All my fights are difficult, some more than others. I’m prepared, I’m ready and on Saturday you will get to see if this is my toughest fight.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“This is a big opportunity for me. This is a way for me to show that I belong in there against the top fighters in the division. I’ve sparred with all of them before, but this will show I’m ready to face any of them in a real fight.

“I’m not worried about going 12 rounds for the first time. I’m not trying to let it go 12, but I’m prepared from sparring 15 rounds at a time in camp. It’s not going to be hard to have more left in the tank in the later rounds.

“Floyd Mayweather taking time to work with me in camp says a lot about him. He’s got a lot of other things he could be doing, so it’s already a blessing. He always tells me to work my jab and focus on my boxing ability. We’ve worked a lot together in camp for this fight.

“When I signed with Floyd. I asked him what I should work on and he told me to work on my jab. About four or five fights in I started to really use that advice and it’s the best advice that he could have given me.

“I’ve never relied on just my power. I use my skill set and when I land a punch, the power is what floors them. I’m just a heavy-handed fighter.

“I’ve been asking for tough fights like this and to step up against the better competition. If it turns out it was too soon, then it’s only because I asked for it. But that’s not happening. I’m going to end up on top.

“I don’t think his experience is going to be a problem for me. My boxing ability and power is going to be way too much for him. I don’t think he’ll be able to do anything to me. I think I’m going to win with an early round knockout. It’s going to be a really bad knockout.

“I think I’m the best in the world, but that’s just me. I think I’d stop every single fighter at 135-pounds.

“I’m already defined as a puncher, but I’ve yet to really show my boxing ability. That’s only because I haven’t needed to yet. As I get into tougher and tougher fights I think I’m going to blow through the 135-pound division. When I move up to 140 and 147 pounds, I’ll be ready to show my boxing ability more. I started this sport at 17 and I’m 24 now. I feel like I have nothing but room to grow.”

JACKSON MARIÑEZ

“I’ve been training with the Garcia team for over a year. I’ve learned so much from them. The Mexican boxing style is very different than the Dominican one – working with Robert and his team has helped me combine them both.

“Romero’s overconfidence and lack of experience will give me the edge on Saturday. I’m clearly the more experienced fighter, and I guarantee you, he’s never been in a ring with a boxer like me. My style is very different to what he’s used to. He’s in for a surprise.

“I give Romero merit for his power, he’s a good athlete, but I’m not intimidated by him. I know I will get the win come Saturday night.

“Every boxer dreams of becoming a world champion from the moment they first try on a pair of gloves. I’m no different. I’ve dreamt of this moment my entire life. Winning this fight will bring countless opportunities and will change my life.

“I believe everything is possible if you work hard enough. I’m a man of a few words, but my hard work will show in the ring on Saturday night.

“My fellow Dominican, [Jeison] ‘Banana’ Rosario has filled the Dominican people with hope. I want to follow his footsteps.”

OTTO WALLIN

“Yes, it has been quite different [training during COVID]. In the spring, when New York shut down, we were training a lot in my apartment and in Central Park. I pretty much had to build a gym in my apartment. I bought a bike, a bench press, and some other weights. Then for the last couple of months we had a private gym that we were working out of.

“It is not so much about proving that the Fury fight wasn’t a fluke. It is about me going out there and being myself and taking care of Kauffman. He’s a good fighter, so I have to be alert at all times, but I feel like I am just a better fighter so as long as I go out and preform, no one will be saying it is a fluke and that I am for real.

“Hopefully I will get a title shot soon. I did better against Fury than anybody has, so you can take that and see that I am one of the top guys. I think that I am one of the top guys and I am happy to be fighting again so I can show that. The champions are tied up with themselves, so we will see what happens, but I feel like after the Fury fight people know that I am in that mix. Fury seems to always be calling people out, but he never mentions my name.”

“I would like to fight the champions, of course, and that is Fury and Anthony Joshua. Wilder is a top guy, so that is an option when he comes back, but a Fury rematch or a fight with Joshua is what I really want. It is important for me to take care of Kauffman and stay busy, then get back in the ring quick.

“It feels great that I am finally going to fight. It has almost been a year since my last fight. It is great to train, but I do not want to train all the time, I want to fight. I have been on lockdown in New York, so finally I get some action.”

“When you fight the best, you see what you do well, and you see what you need to work on. I have been watching the Fury fight, and I have been studying it. Being in there with Fury, and trading rounds with the champion like that, there is nothing better. I need the experience, so that was great for me. I am sure I learned a lot that I do not even know of yet. I feel like improved after that fight, but we always need to improve.”

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“My life has always been full of challenges. With every fight and every camp there have been challenges. With the passing of Brother Naazim Richardson, who I’ve known since I was nine and who’s trained me for the last six years, it hurt. I didn’t expect him to pass away because he’d already overcome so much. It truly hurt me, but it also motivated me. I was unable to leave training camp, because all I could think about was that Brother Naazim would not have let me leave. He was truly a great mentor to me.

“When we knew Naazim wouldn’t be here, we decided to go back to what I knew best, which was working with my dad Marshall Kauffman. I knew that I should go back to the person who taught me everything I know.

“I turn 35 next Friday so it would be a great birthday present to beat this guy up before that. Every time I go to fight, I don’t get the nerves that people talk about. It’s another day at the office. This is a way to provide for my family. There’s always a lot on the line. If I win, it puts me in position to make life changing money.

“I have everything on the line because I know I have what it takes to beat Wallin. His claim to fame is losing to Tyson Fury. That’s all they know him for. I won’t take anything away from him, but he’s trying to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. It’s my job to stop him and I believe I have what it takes to do that.

“I’ve seen some flaws from Wallin and I’ve seen him do some great things. He’s got youth on his side, but I have the experience. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. I’ve been in there with some of the best heavyweights in the world. I don’t underestimate anybody in the ring. I’m coming here to bang and may the best man win. I believe I’m the better man.

“I always want to make a statement but winning is the number one statement. No matter how I win, I have to win. I don’t want to look good and lose. I can’t lose. I want to win and get another big opportunity.

“The passing of Brother Naazim has been a motivator these last couple of weeks especially. I kept hearing Brother Naazim’s voice in my head and it’s helped push me through the toughest days and made me even more motivated heading into this fight.”

LAS VEGAS (August 12, 2020) — Former middleweight world champion Rob “Bravo” Brant’s comeback begins in a Las Vegas “Bubble.” Brant, who lost his belt to Ryota Murata last July and had a January return scrapped due to a torn biceps, will fight Vitaliy Kopylenko in a 10-round middleweight tilt Saturday, August 22 from the MGM Grand Conference Center.
 
Brant-Kopylenko will serve as the co-feature to the Eleider-Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. light heavyweight world title eliminator live and exclusively on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET).
 
The undercard stream (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET) features the return of boxing’s newest cult hero, “Cassius” Clay Collard, the former UFC fighter who is the leading contender for 2020 Prospect of the Year.
 
“We have a can’t-miss main event and the highly anticipated returns of Rob Brant and Clay Collard. What a night at the fights inside the ‘Bubble,’” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Rob is rejuvenated and ready to begin his ascent towards another world title. As for Clay, whenever he fights, he delivers.” 
 
Brant (25-2, 17 KOs) upset the odds in October 2018, defeating Murata by unanimous decision to win the WBA world title nearly one year removed from his loss to Jürgen Brähmer. He defended his world title once, then traveled to Murata’s home country of Japan intent on repeating the deed. Instead, Murata turned the tables, knocking out Brant in the second round of a slugfest that saw 354 punches thrown in 334 seconds of action. Following the Murata defeat, Brant hired a new trainer in Brian McIntyre, who is best known for his work with pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring.
 
Kopylenko (28-2, 16 KOs), from Vasylkiv, Ukraine hopes to rebound from a May 2019 split decision loss to Steven Butler. Prior to the Butler loss, he’d won six consecutive bouts. A 12-year pro, Kopylenko advanced to the semifinals of the 2014 “Boxcino” middleweight tournament, which aired as part of the ESPN “Friday Night Fights” series.
 
“I have worked extremely hard, even though the current climate through the pandemic has been a bit hectic,” Brant said. “After physical therapy, I stayed focused on my nutrition, thanks to my wonderful wife, Tiffany, and began doing a lot of distance running until I was cleared to start punching again. I have been in camp for close to three months now and feel very strong and confident. Kopylenko is talented with a great body attack. I am very confident, but I respect his skill set and will prepare like this is a world title bout. I’m back!”
 
Collard (8-2-3, 3 KOs) will face Maurice Williams in a middleweight bout scheduled for eight or six rounds, his third “Bubble” appearance since June 18. Collard is 4-0 in 2020, including three victories over previously undefeated prospects. Williams (7-1, 3 KOs) has won five in a row since a fifth-round TKO loss to Dennis Knifechief in November 2016. He has since avenged his loss to Knifechief twice, including a third-round TKO victory.

“I just look at this as another fight. Nothing’s really changed other than the attention I’m getting,” Collard said. “I’m loving all of this. I’m just training and getting ready to do what I love.
 
“I didn’t know how I’d like fighting without fans and being quarantined, but I enjoy fighting for Top Rank in the ‘Bubble.’ I’m just blessed to be part of this experience.”

In other undercard action:

• In a 10-round duel of unbeaten junior welterweights, Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) will take on “Action” Anthony Laureano (13-0, 4 KOs). Rodriguez, a seven-year pro from Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., went 3-0 in 2019 following a nearly two-year layoff. 
   
• Star Boxing-promoted prospect Wendy Toussaint (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on “Bubble” veteran Isiah Jones (9-2, 3 KOs) in a middleweight fight scheduled for eight or six rounds. Jones, who went 1-1 inside the “Bubble” in June, is coming off a majority decision victory June 30 over the previously unbeaten Donte Stubbs.
   
• In scheduled six-round contests, Robert Rodriguez (8-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Abel Soriano (10-0, 7 KOs) at bantamweight, while knockout artist Israel Mercado (7-0, 7 KOs) will battle fellow California native Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs) at junior welterweight.
   
• Former U.S. amateur star Duke Ragan, from Cincinnati, will make his long-awaited professional debut against Luis Alvarado (1-1) in a four-rounder at featherweight.

Use the hashtag #AlvarezSmith 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.

Israil Madrimov is looking to steal the show again to convince promoter Eddie Hearn to put on a huge show in Uzbekistan as he faces Eric Walker in a final eliminator for the WBA World Super-Welterweight title in the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday night (August 15) live on DAZN.
 
Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) has made an electric start to life in the paid ranks, leaving his decorated amateur career behind and winning a title in his first pro outing in November 2018 to signal his intentions.
 
No opponent has taken the Uzbek star into the seventh round after five fights, and while Walker (20-2 9 KOs) has arrived in Tulsa confident of stopping Madrimov’s march and adding to his own incredible story, ‘The Dream’ can take a giant step towards his goal of becoming a World ruler with victory.
 
Boxing is the number one sport in Madrimov’s homeland and they recently celebrated their first World champion when Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev became the unified Super-Bantamweight ruler in January with victory over Daniel Roman in just his eighth pro outing.
 
Madrimov still has ambitions to beat his ‘brother’s’ record and aim to unify at 154lbs before eight fights, targeting a future clash with the winner of the September unification battle between IBF and WBA Super champion Jeison Rosario and WBC king Jermell Charlo, but winning a World title is the key, and if that can happen in Uzbekistan, the 25 year old believes it would be a historic night for his country.
 
“There have been talks over doing an event in Uzbekistan with Eddie Hearn, and it’s easier to do now with MJ as a World champion, it would be a huge event,” said Madrimov. “Our people are crazy boxing fans and would fill up any venue in the country, we have support from the government, so I am sure that it would be a sold-out stadium success and people would remember it for years.
 
“MJ made history and we’re happy for him as our friend, brother and teammate, it’s unbelievable what he achieved, unified champion in eight fights – but I still have time to beat him!
 
“Right now, the focus is Eric on Saturday, not looking past that. As soon as business is taken care of, we move on and we want to fight the champion, whoever that is. Rosario and Charlo are fighting each other, whoever has the belts I’m ready to fight them.
 
“Every fight for me is very important. I started off with a title fight on debut and my last fight was an eliminator, so they are all important and they keep getting bigger. This is a final eliminator and that’s big for me because win this and the next fight should be for a World title, the champion cannot avoid me then. I don’t call people out, I just want to be in a position to fight for titles. I want to build my own legacy and history by becoming World champion and I want to break records.”
 
Madrimov’s clash with Walker is part of a massive night of action as Cecilia Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) goes for history in the 26^th defense of her undisputed Welterweight crown against unified Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.
 
Madrimov’s fellow countryman Shakhram Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city, and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.

BANTAMWEIGHT PRODIGY Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann has bemoaned the lack of fighting spirit amongst his fellow British Bantamweights, saying ‘They don’t want it, do they?’

At a press conference earlier this week, Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren referred to McCann as one of the “best young talents” that he’d seen in “many, many years”  and said that Dennis had “the potential to be one of the outstanding British fighters of his generation.”

That message has clearly resonated with the British Bantamweight division as, according to McCann, not one of them was in a hurry to take the fight.

“We went down through the whole of BoxRec and we said ‘we’ll get him’ and we’d ring them up and it was no good,” he said. “Literally, we went through fifteen opponents with good records. All good kids… fought for good titles and they all turned it down.”

“Every single one of them.”

McCann is only six fights into his young career, but with four decisive finishes to his name has already earned comparisons to the great Prince Naseem Hamed.

Similar to Naz, who Warren also guided to the top of the boxing world, the young man from Kent’s confidence knows no bounds. However, he has insisted that he is “not the next Naz” and that he is “the first Dennis McCann.”

With that confidence, plus an abundance of scintillating speed and crushing power, this Maidstone mauler is considered by many to be a future world champion at his weight class.

But for Dennis? That’s simply not enough.

“I want a couple of world titles at a couple of weights, then I’ll be happy. When I’m training I picture those titles in my head. 

“I left school at ten years of age… I knew I was destined to box.”

McCann boasts a boxing intellect that is mature beyond his years and is fully aware that promoter Frank Warren houses British and Commonwealth Champion within his Queensberry stable.

With his limitless ambition, it would only make sense that Dennis already has at least one eye on Foster’s titles.

Whilst he is respectful of Brad’s ability, ‘The Menace’ is clear that a future bout is a very real possibility.

“Brad Foster boxed very well last time and is getting better and better every fight. He’s really improved. It’s nice to see. 

“That could definitely be a potential match-up down the line.”

Before that though, Dennis must take care of business live on BT Sport this Saturday night where his opponent will be tough, battle-hardened veteran Brett Fidoe.

In over 80 professional bouts Fidoe has only been stopped once, in 2016 against Andrew Selby, and has been christened by Steve Bunce as “the best journeyman in Britain.”

As tough a test as it might prove to be, Dennis sees only one outcome now that someone finally agreed to fight him.

“I cannot wait… i’ll steal the show as usual”

DENNIS MCCANN RETURNS ON SATURDAY NIGHT, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

The broadcast team has been named for Salita Promotions’ “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event at Detroit’s Kronk Gym on Thursday, August 20, 2020, and livestreamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS® (7pm ET/4pm PT).

Doing the play-by-play and in-ring interviews will be capable broadcast veteran Ray Flores of PBC fame, while well-known color man Corey Erdman will provide context and round-by-round scoring. Serving as roving reporter doing between-round and locker-room interviews will be Detroit’s own former world champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage.

For more than a decade, Ray Flores has been a play-by-play man and/ or ring announcer for some of the largest mixed martial arts and boxing organizations worldwide including Premier Boxing Champions, TGB Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, Banner Promotions, World Boxing Super Series, Warriors Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions and many more.

In 2017, Ray was the in-arena host for the Mayweather/McGregor world press tour seen all over the world. Over the past several years, Flores has been featured ring announcing on networks such as Fox, NBC, ESPN, CBS, NBCSN, PPV, FS1, MSG, Setanta Sports, SKY Sports, BoxNation, the Active Channel, AXS TV, Galavision, Telefutura, as well as doing play-by-play work on FS1, and Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Ray also spent five years as a sports anchor for ESPN Radio Chicago.

“It will be an honor to call the action from the legendary Kronk Boxing gym in Detroit,” said Flores. “It’s not easy putting on events during this time, but Salita Promotions has put together a terrific card and are taking all the necessary precautions to keep us safe. Expect an entertaining night of boxing from the Motor City on August 20.”

Canada’s Corey Erdman is a televised boxing veteran commentator having worked for ESPN, NBC, CBS, SpikeTV, BoxNation, DAZN and SNY, as well as UFC Fight Pass’ recurring series Broadway Boxing. Erdman is also a lead columnist for Boxing Scene, and a regular combat sports contributor to VICE.

“I’m beyond excited to get back to calling fights after six months,” said Erdman. “Anyone who knows me knows my attachment to the city of Detroit, so it’s a particular honor for me to be broadcasting fights happening at the historic Kronk Gym. I like to think we have some innovative and interesting things in store for the boxing fans at home as we all continue to adapt to a totally new era of broadcasting.”

During his impressive career, two-time former IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (36-6, 20 KO’s) has shared the ring with seven former world champions. Bundrage was also a competitor on ESPN’s “The Contender” Season 2 boxing reality television show in 2006 with Hall of fame host Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone and was named “fan favorite” out of sixteen boxers from all over the United States. Outside the ring Detroit native Bundrage is a motivational speaker and mentor.

“This is a very exciting time for the city of Detroit,” said Bundrage, “bringing boxing back to where it all started at the legendary Kronk gym. Emanuel would be proud. I take my hat off to everyone involved in making this fight happen. You can’t imagine how excited I am to be part of this. In the words of Shannon Briggs ‘Let’s Go Champ!’”

Mark Taffet, President of Mark Taffet Media, will be Executive Producer of the telecast and consultant on the event. Taffet brings his extensive boxing event and business experience to the Salita Promotions/UFC Fight Pass effort.

“For the UFC Fight Pass viewers, we intend to provide an entertaining, fast-paced seven fight card which will include talent in two locations and some intense live corner and locker room interviews at the most dramatic moments of a boxing event,” said Taffet.

“I am honored to be working with an all-star cast headlined by one of the long-time leaders of the boxing business in Mark Taffet with some of the world’s best broadcasters,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Although we are all going through a challenging time, we wanted to give the boxing community a special show from the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit.”

In the night’s 10-round super middleweight main event, undefeated Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Russia, will take on Mexico’s battle-tested Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs). In the eight-round middleweight co-main event, Russian middleweight Timur Kerefov (8-0, 4 KOs) of Detroit via Shalushka, Russia, takes on Kansas City, Missouri veteran Calvin Metcalf (10-4-1, 3 KOs).

Also appearing will be undefeated super middleweight prospect Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (7-0, 6 KOs) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a six-rounder against rugged Mexican veteran Jose Manuel Medrano of laquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, and in a notable women’s match-up, Houston via Brooklyn light heavyweight Danielle Perkins will make her highly anticipated six-round pro debut against undefeated fellow prospect Monika Harrison (2-0-1, 1 KO), also of Houston.

In a four-round heavyweight battle, Tulsa, Oklahoma, h6’ 4? 230-lb. heavyweight Jeremiah Milton will make his professional debut against an opponent TBA. Junior middleweight Morris Young Jr. will make his four-round debut against also debuting San Jose, California native Andrea Topping.

Opening up the action will be a middleweight four-rounder featuring Detroit’s Marlon Harrington (1-0, 1 KO) looking to spoil the pro debut of San Antonio’s Ricardo Medina.

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

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. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

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

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

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, thanks Darren, and thank you everybody for tuning in across this stream joining us on Sky Sports News and of course Matchroom Boxing socials as well. Wow. What a couple of weeks we’ve had. You know I was thinking the other day, Fight Camp is unquestionably the standout performer across all sports in my opinion, not just boxing, but all sports coming out through lockdown. It has been absolutely fantastic and I believe this week we have the best week of the three so far from top to bottom. Compelling fights. We’re expecting a few thunderstorms, we’re expecting a little bit of rain, it’s all going to add to the drama of Fight Camp as it unfolds at Matchroom HQ this Friday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN across America.”

John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 8-0, 6 KO’s – fighting Anthony Fox in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’ve put my body through hell in this training camp. I’ve taken Anthony Fox very seriously. He’s a tough opponent and I’ve not taken him lightly. Those boys he’s beaten in the past might have overlooked Anthony Fox. I’ve not overlooked Anthony Fox. I’ve put 100% into training. I’ve done more rounds of sparring in this camp. The boys I’ve been sparring are a lot better than Anthony Fox and I’m handling them in sparring. I’m looking forward to fight night and putting on a show. I’ve not taken this fight lightly. You’ll see that on Friday night. I’ll put on a performance. I’ll shine on Friday night and I’ll show what level I’m at. There’s levels to this boxing, and I’m levels above Anthony Fox. My amateur pedigree backs that up but obviously I’ve got to do that in the pros. I’m going to knockout Anthony Fox on Friday night. Mark my words I will.”

Anthony Fox – Westbury, England – 8-12-4 – fighting John Docherty in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“We’re focused on this fight. That’s it really. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard as well. 100%, I don’t think it’s going eight rounds. Either I’m getting stopped or he’s getting stopped. That’s it.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, England – 14-1-1, 3 KOs – fighting Navid Mansouri for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title:

“It’s a huge fight for me. I’m here to put a dominant display on. When people start talking about Cheeseman, Fitzgerald and Fowler, my name is going to be in that mix every single time after a real strong dominant performance. A lot of people see me as the back up and on the sidelines. I’m here to prove that I’m the top of that list. I’m not here to make up the numbers. I want to end this fight inside the distance and make a statement. I do believe that I’m a level above Navid but he seems to think that I’m overlooking him. I’m not overlooking him at all. I’m focused. I’m ready. If anything he’s overlooking me. I’m really looking forward to it. The set up looks unreal. The Cheeseman rematch is definitely the one I want. I want to put the record straight.”

Navid Mansouri – Rotherham, England – 20-3-2, 6 KOs – fighting Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title:

“I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to take on Kieron and push on to more big fights. I can adapt to any style. I can have a war for sure. I don’t shy away from a battle, I can box as well. We’re going to do what we need to do to get the win. This is the best camp that I’ve ever had. I couldn’t ask for anything better. With the position that I’m in now, physically and mentally, I feel 100%. I feel super confident and I can’t wait to get out there and showcase my skills. The Super-Welterweight division is booming and there’s some great fights to be made. Every one of those domestic fights will make for a great fight. Ted Cheeseman vs. Sam Eggington – what a fight that was! Anthony Fowler, what a great fighter he is as well. Get this win, and I’ll move into that mix.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 5-0, 2 KOs – fighting Rachel Ball in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“I feel in the best shape of my life. I’m actually embracing the pressure. Pressure creates diamonds, and on Friday night I will shine. I’ve had opponents before that haven’t brought the heat to me and I may have not performed to the best of my ability. I know for a fact that Rachel will be my hardest fight so far and because of that, that will bring out the best in me and you will see the very best version of myself. I can’t take anything for granted. I can’t switch off. I’ve got to stay focused 100%. Camp has been the hardest camp I’ve ever had but the best camp I’ve ever had. The sparring we’ve had has been sensational. I’ve had girls, some taller than Rachel, some that want to fight on the inside and some that keep me long. We’ve had every type of sparring partner that you can imagine and it’s the best that I’ve ever looked in the gym.”

Rachel Ball – Aldridge, England – 5-1 – fighting Shannon Courtenay in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“It’s a massive opportunity for me. I’ve come from fighting on small hall shows. I fought in Norway on a Team Sauerland show which was a really good promotion. For me it’s a massive opportunity and I want to prove that I belong on this platform. It’s nice to be Rachel the social worker when I’m at work and then when I’m in the gym I’m Rachel the boxer. I’m happy having that separation. Coming into this fight, a lot of people don’t know who I am and that’s fine. I’ve got to leave everything in there. I can’t take a second off. I’ve really got to give everything I can. I’m feeling confident. Even with the global pandemic I’ve had the best fight camp I could have ever had and I’m feeling great. I’m in great shape. I’ve got all of the confidence in the world.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 23-1, 14 KOs – fighting Eric Donovan for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“I’m buzzing about this opportunity. Respect to Eric, I really appreciate him taking the fight. I’m under no illusion, he’s there trying to beat me and I’m here to do a job on him. No disrespect to the guy. I’m going to look good doing it. The better he is, the better I’ll be. I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m ready to go to Ireland and back to beat this guy. I’ve trained too hard. I’ve dedicated my whole life towards boxing. I’ve moved in with my Uncle Pat for this camp, that was the hardest! I’ve not come this far to be put aside. I’m here to stay. I’m going to be fighting for World Titles at the M.E.N. No disrespect to him but he’s in my way.”

Eric Donovan – Athy, Ireland – 12-0, 7 KOs – fighting Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here. Honestly, I’m very grateful for the opportunity. You’re dead right. I think in life if you want to be successful, no matter what, you have to take risks. You also have to be able to back it up. You have to be good enough and you have to prepare well. When this opportunity was presented to me I knew that chances and opportunities for me are few and fare between. Nobody has the balls to fight Zelfa at Super-Featherweight in Britain. So when Mark put it to me I said yes Mark, I’ll step up to it and I’ll take that because I see an opportunity. I believe in myself and I believe if I can get a good camp, good preparation, then I can put in a good performance and win this fight. So far we have done that. If I can perform to the best of my ability on Friday night I think I can do enough to win.”

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 12-0, 8 KOs  – defending his Commonwealth Middleweight Title against Jason Welborn:

“Jason has been around. He’s a good fighter. He’s a strong fighter. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jason as a fighter. I believe I’m a level above him. I’m better than him and I’m going to show that on Friday night. I’ve left no stone unturned. I haven’t overlooked Jason. I’ve done everything right in the gym, trained hard and I’m ready to go on Friday night and move on after him, use him as a stepping stone to bigger and better fights. I’m planning to go all of the way. I’ve got to be dealing with people like Jason. This is a big night for me to showcase my skills. This is what it’s all about. This is what boxing is all about.”

Jason Welborn – Tividal, England – 24-8, 7 KOs  – challenging Felix Cash for the Commonwealth Middleweight Title:

“I’m back at Middleweight and I’m comfortable. I’m back enjoying the sport now. I had two losses at Light-Middle. I’ve had a few things going on in life but I’m back here now and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to experiencing Fight Camp. The key is with me is my strength. I’m a different fighter. I’ve had the wars and I’ve had the tests, I’ve been there. We’ve got to put on a good fight and I think it will be. With his style and my style, I think we’re going to clash. This is my time, and if I want to stay on these shows I’ve got to win on Friday night.”

Hamburg, 12th of August 2020 – Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat will makes a comeback to professional boxing next month – over two years since he surprisingly retired after losing ‘Battle of the Vikings’ against fellow Swede Otto Wallin. Granat lost the match after an unanimous decision and while Wallin went on to fight Tyson Fury in Las Vegas, Granat felt he’d had enough of boxing. A bumpy life on the pro circuit and turbulence behind the scenes in Hamburg had slowly killed the love for the sport he had grown up with. He decided to finish his degree in economics and is today a qualified accountant. But the story doesn’t end there…

Granat:“I felt disillusioned and decided to do something else. But a  few months ago I was talked into a few rounds of sparring…and it awakened something deep inside of me. I’ve boxed my entire life, it’s in my blood.”
With a new team supporting him and a new base in his hometown of  Malmö, Sweden – Adrian Granat is now ready for a comeback. A two-match contract is agreed with promotor Erol Ceylan and the first step back to the top will be in Istanbul in October.

Granat:“I’ve increased my training during the last couple of months. My current weight is 107 kg and it’s all muscle – I feel stronger than ever. I am definitely not done with boxing and there is still plenty of the desire in me. I was born a warrior and I can’t wait until I’m back in the ring!”

Cecilia Brækhus says her experience will be the key as the undisputed Welterweight champion puts her titles on the line against Jessica McCaskill on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday August 15, live on DAZN.

Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) is gunning for history on Saturday night as she looks to surpass Joe Louis’ 72-year record for World title defenses and is brimful of confidence that she has seen too much in the sport for the tenacious McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) to dethrone her.

The Norwegian star has been lacing them up as a pro for over 13 years following a successful amateur career, and dwarfing her Chicago rival who has achieved so much in just shy of five years as a pro – and Brækhus believes that gulf in experience will be key to adapt to the unique conditions of boxing around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I know the drill; it’s not the first time a fight has been cancelled for me,” said Brækhus. “Of course, these are some extraordinary circumstances, but as soon as the fight was off, we wound down a little bit and had some time off before slowly starting back up again. I think we’ve done the right thing, we haven’t over-trained, but we’ve stayed in shape.

“I will get win 37 in Tulsa. Being in Big Bear for so many months has given me another life in boxing, before I have been in meetings, on the phone, flying back and forth, LA-Norway, Norway-LA, but I’ve been just completely focused on my boxing and I am in the best shape, I cannot remember the last time I was in such great shape and I cannot wait for Saturday.

“Where I box doesn’t matter to me, I just get in the ring and I’m excited to share the ring with a great fighter. I’ve travelled the world and boxed indoors and outdoors; this is my job and it’s what we do. We have our routines and we are following them; we’re going to do the work inside the ring and that’s all the matters. The set up in Tulsa looks great and I’m excited to be a part of it, it’s completely new.

“I feel great knowing that we’ve both stayed in camp and so we’ll both be the best versions of ourselves. I think that it’s one of the best fights that Matchroom could come back with in the States.

“The best fighters will adapt to the new conditions. When I go into the ring I just focus on my opponent and nothing else, so it will be different but I have experienced a lot of weird stuff in my career, it’s been many years now and I honestly think that I have experienced everything so I don’t think no crowd being there will be an issue at all. I am there to do a job and that’s where my focus is.

“It’s a huge fight. The setting, being the main fight, a tough opponent in Jessica who we all know from her fights with Erica Farias and Katie Taylor; I think we’re opening boxing for Matchroom with a bang in America.”

Brækhus-McCaskill tops the bill on a massive night of action in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.

Rising Super-Welterweight Israil Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) can close in on World title honors as he meets Eric Walker (20-2 9 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title while Madrimov’s fellow countryman ShakhramGiyasov will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2020) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and Jose “Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) headline the August 27th RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing’s first show since January 30th at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington, will be held two nights prior to this event, Aug. 25th at the same venue, headlined by undefeated Mexican knockout specialist Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs) against Jose Rosario Cazarez (20-5-1, 10 KOs), also streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Barajas, fighting out of Victorville CA, is a relatively tall super middleweight, standing 6′ 4″ with an advantageous 80″ reach, whose should feel at home fighting for the 8th time in Mexico. Barajas registered his statement victory, to date, back in May 2019, when he won a 10-round majority decision against 18-4-3 Lanell Bellows in Memphis. In his UFC FIGHT PASS debut a year ago, Barajas followed up with an impressive 8-round unanimous decision win versus 20-7-1 Fidel Hernandez in Tucson, AZ.

Upset-minded Resendiz, who hopes to take advantage of this great opportunity, is riding an 8-fight knockout streak into this battle of undefeated prospects.

Juan “Just Business” Barajas (L) will put his 11-0 record on the line Aug. 27 against undefeated super middleweight Jose “Toro” Resendiz

Another power puncher, Mexican lightweight Luis “Sparring” Gallegos (16-0, 15 KOs) steps up in terms of fighting a quality opponent in fellow Mexican Oscar “Terrible” Flores (12, 12 KOs) in the 8-round, co-featured event. This fight doesn’t figure to go the distance, because the two Mexican fighters have 27 combined knockouts in 28 wins. 15 for 16 (Gallegos) and 12 12 (Flores). Gallegos, 22, was a 14-time Mexican National champion who was unable to qualify for the Mexican Olympic Boxing Team due to an unfortunate injury.

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

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

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

Card subject to change.

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

INFORMATION:

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

Miami – August 11, 2020 – “Boxeo Telemundo,” the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., makes its return to Telemundo this Friday, August 14 featuring the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latin Champion and Tijuana, Mexico native, Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza against Colombian and recently undefeated fighter, Brandon “El Metrallo” Valdes for the vacant WBO Youth Super Bantamweight World Title. The event will broadcast live on Telemundo and live stream on the Telemundo Deportes app this Friday night at midnight, 12 a.m ET, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

For four consecutive weeks, all fights will be broadcast live on Telemundo and live streamed on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app with additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including access to the weigh-in and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. In addition, short form content that include fighters, behind the scenes and news will be produced exclusively for Telemundo Deportes’ social media platforms using the hashtag #BoxeoTelemundo.

“Boxeo Telemundo” is hosted by veteran boxing expert and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo, alongside Edgar Lopez and World Boxing Champion and former Olympian Abner Mares.

In the season opener, Mexican Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza, 24-3 (21 KOs), will take on the Barranquilla, Colombia native, Brandon “El Metrallo” Valdes, 13-0 (11 KOs), for the WBO Youth Super Bantamweight World Title. The event marks both Hindu Espinoza’s and “El Metrallo” Valdes’ first fight this year. In addition to the WBO title, Friday offers an opportunity for Espinoza to avenge his 2019 loss to John Riel Casimero for the interim WBO World Bantam Title, while Valdes looks to maintain his undefeated streak from the previous year. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds in the Super Bantamweight division with the WBO Youth title in play. The showdown will mark the return of the series live on Telemundo every Friday until the closing fight on September 4th. Each fight will be broadcasted live from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

Highlighting the action during the series, fans can expect to see WBO Jr. Welterweight NABO Champion, Yomar “The Magic” Alamo, WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion, Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez, Ranked #7 WBA, #13 WBO, Internationally recognized Top Prospect from Colombia Flyweight Jose Soto, Mexico’s prospect Antonio “Tony” Moran and many more Boxeo Telemundo’s favorite.

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

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

Felix Cash says he will ‘deal with’ Jason Welborn in style this Friday August 14 at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, before turning his attention to a shot at the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt. 

Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title up for grabs against former World Title challenger Welborn, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, following his thrilling toe-to-toe battle with Jack Cullen last time out at Manchester Arena in November. 

Wokingham’s Cash, trained by Tony Sims in Essex, forced an eighth round stoppage to settle an explosive Fight of the Year contender with Cullen on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s WBO Super-Lightweight World Title triumph over Greece’s Christina Linardatou.

The 27-year-old is promising more fireworks this weekend as he takes centre stage at the top of a bill for the very first time in his career, looking to make a big statement against Birmingham’s former British Middleweight Champion Welborn. 

“Every time he goes up against a top operator he comes up short, and I believe I’m a top operator,” said Cash. “He might make it tough for a few rounds but I’ll get him in the end. I’m zoned in, ready to do some damage and retain my Commonwealth Title. He’s been in with top names, so I’ll have a look at him during the first couple of rounds and then go to work on him.

“He may have the experience over me but I’ve got the skill. He’s going to need to be the very best he can be. He’s going to have to raise his game, and I hope he does. He’s a tough, strong and game lad. He’s been around for a while and fought for World Titles. I’m here to take on all challengers and take them all out. It will be a good fight while it lasts. 

“I’m headlining for the first time and hopefully it won’t be the last. It’s a great platform for me to be on and a great show for me to put on a top performance and a clinical display. This will really raise my profile and get my name out there for more big fights in the Middleweight division.

“I’ve got to deal with Welborn first but I want a shot at the Lord Lonsdale Belt next. It’s a lovely belt, it’s one of the greatest domestic belts you can own. I’d love to fight for that next and win it. I’ll fight anyone out there in Britain for it, and then anyone out there in the world for more titles after.”

Cash vs. Welborn lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

Las Vegas, Nevada – Last year Sugar Boxing signed undefeated super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez to a multi-year managerial contract. As part of the agreement the Denver resident received a signing bonus and was relocated along with his family to Las Vegas, Nevada.

He made his Sugar Boxing debut on a Premier Boxing Champions card in Texas last October. He would end up winning a unanimous decision over Nestor Robledo but the decision was overturned to a no contest when Lopez tested positive for marijuana.

Lopez, who is 24 years old, doesn’t appear to be grateful for the support that he has received and there are rumors that he is trying to breach his contract.

“He is problematic.  We have offered him multiple good fights on PBC cards and he hasn’t taken any of them.  We got him a fight last year and paid for his opponent and then he tested positive for smoking weed so all that money went down the drain,” said a Sugar Boxing representative.

Sugar Boxing wants to make it known that Lopez is under contract and interference will not be tolerated by anyone.  They are hoping to reconcile with the young fighter and get his career back on track.

“We have this kid 100% under contract.  We gave him a signing bonus and moved him out here and have invested several thousands of dollars in him. Now I hear through the grapevine that some other people are talking to him.  Anyone who interferes with our contract will be sued to the full extent of the law,” said the representative.

Sugar Boxing is a leading boxing managerial company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their stable of fighters includes fighters includes Damien Vazquez who fights for the WBA super bantamweight title on September 26th and several other top Latino prospects. 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 (New York, NY)

Undefeated, Haitian born, Long Island super welterweight WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (11-0 5KO’s) has been making a name for himself in the tri-state area since his pro-debut at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series.

Now, the 28-year old Toussaint will lace them up in Las Vegas for the first time in his toughest test to date, against Detroit’s ISIAH JONES (9-2 3KO’s). The bout will take place on the undercard of Toussaint’s fellow Long Island sparring partner and Star Boxing stablemate, #4 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR.’s (25-3 2KO’s) WBO World Title Eliminator against #3 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, ELEIDER “STORM” ALVAREZ (25-1).

Toussaint has found dynamite in his hands as of late, winning five of his last six bouts by knockout. This past February, Toussaint took on the always tough Jermaine Corley at The Paramount. With his full arsenal on display, Toussaint disposed Corley via second round TKO after a vicious uppercut, followed by a right hand.

Watch the full fight, HERE. Toussaint had this to say about the opportunity, “I am ready to fight. I am always ready to fight. Nothing changes for me. The Haitian Fire is ready, anytime, anywhere.”

Jones will be making his third straight appearance at The Bubble, against his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent. In his most recent bout, Jones earned a tough fought majority decision over previously unbeaten Donte Stubbs. The 26-year-old Detroit native will look to keep the momentum on August 22.

“Wendy is a talented boxer,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA, “he has a very high ring IQ and power in both hands. He has tremendous potential. Jones will be a great test for Wendy.”

Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli will meet over ten rounds in a Super-Middleweight contest on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s defence of his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Saturday August 22.
 
Former English Middleweight Champion Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) was involved in a thrilling toe-to-toe war with Week 3 headliner Felix Cash at Manchester Arena in November last year, falling short in an explosive battle for the Commonwealth Title. 
 
Fulham’s former Southern Area Super-Middleweight Champion Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) outpointed Umar Sadiq in his fifth pro bout before suffering his first defeat at the hands of Welshman Kody Davies last time out up at Light-Heavyweight.
 
Both men will be looking to impress on the big stage and kick on in a red-hot 168lbs domestic scene that contains the likes of British and Commonwealth Champion Lerrone Richards, No.2 rated WBO contender Zach Parker and heavy-handed Scot John Docherty.
 
Cullen vs. Chelli lands on a huge night of action that sees Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) put 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 and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defend his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs), with more fights to be confirmed soon. 
 

Jessica McCaskill wants to tee up a blockbuster rematch with Katie Taylor by ending the reign of undisputed World Welterweight champion Cecilia Brækhus on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday August 15, live on DAZN.
 
McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) first gained attention when she travelled to London to take on Taylor in December 2017 to be the first challenger for Taylor’s WBA World Lightweight title, pushing the Irish sensation all the way in a grueling contest.
 
The Chicagoan dusted herself off and used that experience to great effect in her next outing, welcoming WBC Super-Lightweight champion Erica Farias to the Windy City in October 2018 in the first Matchroom and DAZN show in the US, and McCaskill ripped the title from the Argentine to become World champion in just her eighth pro fight.
 
McCaskill then unified the Super-Lightweight division in Maryland in May 2019 against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez before inviting Farias back for a rematch and triumphing once again to defend the titles, and now strives for greatness once again against Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs).
 
The Norwegian is hunting history as she looks to pass Joe Louis 72 year record of 25 straight successful World championship defenses, but McCaskill has her own legacy in mind ahead of the Tulsa tussle, and wants to extend her sensational run of form in the biggest night of her career to date.
 
“I would love the Taylor rematch and a chance to get my revenge, and definitely in a place like Wembley Stadium on a huge bill,” said McCaskill. “If we have fans again that stadium has 100,000 people and that’s the kind of crowd that needs to be at that kind of fight. I have my eyes on Taylor and I want that fight.
 
“Going to the UK for the Taylor fight, I didn’t know what to expect but it turns out that we have a ton of fans in the UK. I still hear from the UK fans on a regular basis and from the airport to the hotel to the venue, there were so many people that reached out and showed love to me and my team. Katie said that people were scared to fight her and of course, we weren’t, we took it and we learned that we were at that level.”
 
In order for the Taylor rematch to materialize, not only does McCaskill need to beat Brækhus but Taylor needs to get past Belgian foe Delfine Persoon at Eddie Hearn’s Fight Camp in Essex, England next Saturday in a rematch of their epic battle in New York in June 2019. 
 
Taylor and Persoon’s second meeting is the third huge women’s World title action in as many weeks following the fight of the year contender between Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas at Fight Camp on Saturday, and McCaskill expects both her clash with Brækhus and the Taylor-Persoon rematch to continue the high quality of the action between boxing’s elite female fighters.
 
“I was in New York for the first Taylor-Persoon fight and it was massive,” said McCaskill. “There was a lot of contact and it was a lesson for Taylor that you cannot take people lightly, it was a close fight and she could’ve been on the wrong side of the result. I think the second fight will be another classic.
 
“There are a lot of people that are responsible for the rise of female boxing. Eddie Hearn has put a lot of money into female boxing and DAZN has been a great platform for us to perform on. 
 
“The Taylor fight was probably meant to be that way, nobody knew who we were, our background and our history, winning that fight could have probably massively disrupted the growth of women’s boxing. I don’t think anyone would’ve put a lot of money into me not knowing who I was. So, after Taylor won that fight, they put a lot of time and effort into Taylor and things developed from there.”
 
Brækhus-McCaskill tops the bill on a massive night of action in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.
 
Rising Super-Welterweight Israil Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) can close in on World title honors as he meets Eric Walker (20-2 9 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title while Madrimov’s fellow countryman Shakhram Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city, and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.

Las Vegas – The fourth season of the hit show Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 2, featuring a lineup of rising athletes looking to make their dreams come true by impressing UFC President Dana White and earning a spot on the UFC roster.

The second episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, August 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the US.

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

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

Season 4, Episode 2 – Confirmed Bouts:

Middleweight

Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Joe Pyfer

Bantamweight

Adrian Yanez vs. Brady Huang

Women’s Strawweight

Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Cory McKenna

Featherweight

TJ Laramie vs. Daniel Swain

Middleweight

Anthony Adams vs. Impa Kasanganay

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

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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 quickly to 7.9 million subscribers in less than two years, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

(August 10, 2020) — Duke Ragan, the amateur fighting pride of Cincinnati, has elected to punch for pay. Ragan signed a multi-year professional pact with Top Rank, which will co-promote the 22-year-old with Antonio Leonard Promotions.

Ragan, who captured a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany, will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout August 22 in Las Vegas on the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. undercard.

Ragan’s head trainer is Kay Koroma, a longtime USA Boxing coach who also works with Shakur Stevenson, Mikaela Mayer, Jarrett Hurd, Efe Ajagba and Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson.

“This opportunity means the world to me,” Ragan said. “Since I didn’t go to the Olympics, becoming a world champion is my next goal. My jab, counterpunching ability, and stamina are more suited to the pro game. When I fought with headgear, I was hurting guys but not knocking them out. You’ll see more knockouts from me as a pro.”

Said Bob Arum, Top Rank chairman: “Cincinnati has produced countless great fighters, and we believe Duke Ragan will be the next world champion from the ‘Queen City.’ He is mature beyond his years, and with Kay Koroma, James Prince and Antonio Leonard on his team, he has a wonderful support system.”

Cincinnati is the home of all-time greats Ezzard Charles, Aaron Pryor and Freddie Miller, and Ragan grew up around the city’s recent crop of world-class fighters. His boxing mentor is Rau’Shee Warren, a former bantamweight world champion who made history as the only three-time U.S. boxing Olympian. He sparred in Cincinnati gyms with the likes of Warren, four-weight world champion Adrien Broner, Gervonta Davis and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring.

In addition to his silver medal at the 2017 World Championships, Ragan captured a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. His amateur résumé includes victories over a plethora of future professional standouts, including Ruben Villa, Lee McGregor, Victor Morales Jr., Raymond Ford, Otha Jones III and promotional stablemate Adam Lopez. 

Despite a pair of close losses at the Olympic Trials last December, he still had a path to an Olympic berth. But with the Tokyo Olympics postponed until 2021, Ragan, who has a 3-year-old daughter, decided to get a head start on his professional career.

Said Ragan, “It’s finally my time to shine. I’m proud to be from Cincinnati, and I know bringing home a world championship will put me up there with the top dogs from my city.”

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CARL FRAMPTON takes on Darren Traynor in the fourth show of Frank Warren’s summer series, live on BT Sport on Saturday night. The Jackal is bidding to keep himself firmly on track for a WBO world super featherweight title showdown against Jamel Herring later this year, so he cannot afford any slip-ups against the tough Scot from Aberdeen.

Also on the card, Michael Conlan faces former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht over ten rounds, with Troy Williamson also defending his IBF European super welterweight title against former English champion Harry Scarff. Archie Sharp defends his WBO European belt against Jeff Ofori, with elite level prospects Dennis McCann and Paddy Donovan making up the card.

Selected press conference quotes below.

All photos from today can be found here.

Frank Warren
We have already done three shows since lockdown and that was us dipping our toe back in the water. It was a case of getting the shows on and doing what we had to do as far as the safety aspect was concerned, while we got some of our young guys out and now we are stepping it up a gear.

Carl, a two-weight world champion, who was due to fight in the summer against Jamel Herring before the virus took hold, so now in the meantime he has got to keep busy and on Saturday he is fighting Darren Traynor as a replacement for his original opponent. Darren has been training very hard and fancies his chances.

It is something Carl has got to come through and not make any mistakes before getting to Herring in the autumn. Michael Conlan is not far off fighting for a world title and he is fighting Sofiane Takoucht, who has had 40 fights and won 35 of them. So he is very experienced and can give Michael a lot of things to think about.

If he is half the fighter we think he is then he is going to look good.

Dennis McCann is a great, young talent and that is what he is at the moment, a talent. He needs to work hard and have dedication because talent only gets you so far. For me he is one of the best young talents I have seen for many, many years.

Providing he keeps doing what he’s doing and stays focused I think he has got the potential to be one of the outstanding British fighters of his generation.

Troy Williamson v Harry Scarff is a cracking fight on paper. Troy, last time out, pole axed his opponent with an amazing KO punch and now his name is in the limelight. This is a tough fight, but we believe in him and think he has a great chance of going all the way.

Archie Sharp is going from strength to strength and has pulled some big punches out of the bag in his last few fights. I know Jeff Ofori is going to be up for it but I believe in Archie and if he wins this fight, then has one more before Christmas, he could be mandatory for a world title shot, which could be the winner of Carl against Jamel Herring.

Dennis McCann
I will be going into the fight for the first time as a married man. I am trying to buy a house and that is the plan. It is the way forward because a lot of kids my age will spend £500-600 on a pair of shoes and I will invest in houses.

I’ve heard from Naseem Hamed as I know his son very well and I went training with him the other day in Sheffield when I went sparring. He is a very nice bloke and I told him I have a better screwshot than he did! He reckons I am top class and told me to keep doing what I am doing.

Troy Williamson
I don’t go looking for power punches, if they come they come. Scarf is very awkward but he can be that all he likes because I’ve got ten rounds to pin him down and I think I will in the later rounds. With the 10oz gloves on I just need to land because I punch very hard for my weight. It looked like Scarf froze against Anthony Fowler, but his feet were too slow on the night and he couldn’t cut the ring down. I’ve got faster feet than Fowler and I genuinely believe I will get him out of there.

I want to be the man at 11st and I am confident I will beat anyone domestically.

Darren Traynor
This is my opportunity and my chance of getting back on the big stage again. I never ever thought I would be getting in the ring with Carl Frampton but now it is happening. I have to believe I can do it.

Carl Frampton
I respect anyone who steps between the ropes and even more so when they are fighting me. I think Darren is better than the original opponent and he has certainly fought at a higher level. What was going to be my first fight at super featherweight is now going to be my first at lightweight.

Darren has been training on the off-chance there were problems and he has been working for a number of weeks now, so it is not going to be an easy fight. I know that he is coming with nothing to lose and everything to gain, which brings its own pressures.

I just can’t be complacent for one second and I am looking forward to putting on a good show. I need to win because, if I lose the fight, my career is over. I’m not prepared to do that.

Legacy is a big driving force for me and if I win a third world title it will cement my place as Ireland’s greatest ever fighter, ahead of Steve Collins, Barry McGuigan, Katie Taylor and a few others. That is what I want.

Archie Sharp
Fighting and winning a world title is what I came into boxing to do and to fight big names like Carl. No disrespect, but Carl is in a position where he has a target on his back and it is a fight I want. I am in the game to be the best.

Jeff was my sparring partner for the Lyon Woodstock fight two years ago. A lot changes in two years and I have grown into a different fighter and, no disrespect, in the two years I have picked titles up and unfortunately he hasn’t.

I know Jeff keeps himself in the best shape possible and it is going to be tough. He is probably thinking he will get in and give Archie a hard night’s work, but I have been boxing since the age of seven so it is nothing unusual to me.

He is fit and will be on his game, but I am in the best shape I have ever been.

Jeff Ofori
One hundred per cent I can cause an upset. Where I am from not many fighters get the opportunity so , for me, I will grab it with both hands. I’ve been training right through and I am ready to go. I don’t think he will underestimate me because he wants to keep the platform he’s got. I’ve got other plans and I am hungry to stay in the game and be in the best fights.

Winning would definitely change my life.

Navid Mansouri believes his ring craft will be too much for Kieron Conway when they meet over ten rounds for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 14, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former English Champion Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) hasn’t fought in the UK since July 2017 when he decisioned Jordan Grannum over six rounds, his first fight in over two years after an Achilles injury ruled him out of his scheduled British and Commonwealth Title fight with Welshman Liam Williams. 

Rotherham’s Mansouri made the decision to base himself out of Marbella, Spain, where he began to rebuild his career with three wins in 2018. ‘Nav’ lost out in a close decision for the IBF Intercontinental Title to Jorge Fortea in February 2019 before travelling out to Rotterdam to face Stephen Danyo for the WBA Continental belt, where he fell short again.

Despite his losses, 31-year-old Mansouri is convinced he will have too much in the tank for Northampton’s rising star ‘Too Class’ Conway on his big return to UK soil. Since making his pro debut in 2017, Conway has boxed 87 rounds in 16 bouts, compared to Mansouri’s 143 rounds in 25 bouts. 

“I think they’re overlooking me,” said Mansouri. “They think Nav is done, but this fight just brought me back to life. I need this win. I’m desperate to get this win. It puts that little bit extra fire into it. I’m confident. I’m well-schooled and experienced in this game now. We never stop learning. I think I’ll have too much experience for Conway when it comes down to it. 

“We shared some rounds a few years ago in Marbella but I can’t take anything from that. I can’t remember too much from the spar. It was a long time ago and he’s come on loads, and I’ve come on loads since then too. I was injured back then as well. He’s a really nice kid but this is business and it’s my chance to shine again in the UK. 

“We kind of box in similar ways. We’ll set traps for each other and it will be an intelligent fight. That’s the way I see it going. It’s all about the timing and speed, and the work rate we’re going to put into it. He’s tough and slick, it will be a great fight to watch. I haven’t boxed in the UK for a few years, now is the time to make a statement.”

Conway vs. Mansouri lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) put his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs), recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

(August 10, 2020) – Midweek boxing comes to ESPN+ this Wednesday with the return of former world title challenger Jono Carroll, who will face off against veteran Maxi Hughes in the 10-round lightweight main event.
 
The closed-door #MTKFightNight event will take place at Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England, and will stream live beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs), from Dublin, lost a unanimous decision to Tevin Farmer for the IBF junior lightweight world title in March 2019, but he’s since won two consecutive bouts. The southpaw pressure fighter kicked off his 2020 campaign in March with a knockout over former world champion Scott Quigg in Manchester, England. The result sent Quigg into retirement and re-inserted Carroll into the world title picture. Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) is a two-time British title challenger who is best known to UK fight fans for his action-packed trilogy against Martin Joseph Ward. He is 3-2 in his last five bouts, including a decision loss to former world title challenger Liam Walsh last November.

In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

• “Sugar” Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs), aka “The Public Nuisance,” will fight former  Southern Area champion Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. McComb announced he will campaign at lightweight following the Ozgul fight.
   
• In an eight-round battle featuring a pair of unbeaten welterweights, former British amateur sensation Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) will take on Welsh prospect Maredudd Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Dublin-born prospect Pierce “Big Bang” O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) will face off against Jacob Quinn (4-0) in a scheduled six-rounder contracted for 143 pounds.
   
• Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Ishmael Ellis (11-2) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

The full card is taking shape for the historic “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event at Detroit’s Kronk Gym on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

In support of the 10-round super middleweight main event featuring undefeated Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Russia, taking on Mexico’s battle-tested Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs), promoter Dmitriy Salita has put together a six-fight undercard featuring several important professional debuts and noteworthy appearances by top up-and-comers.

The entire “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event will be livestreamed exclusively on the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, UFC FIGHT PASS® (7pm ET/4pm PT).

In the night’s eight-round middleweight co-main event, Russian middleweight Timur Kerefov (8-0, 4 KOs) of Detroit via Shalushka, Russia, takes on Kansas City, Missouri veteran Calvin Metcalf (10-4-1, 3 KOs). The fight will be the US debut for Kerefov, a highly touted professional prospect and former heavily decorated amateur who won several important tournaments and 298 of his 310 unpaid fights. Already designated a prestigious Master of Sports in Russia, the southpaw Kerefov is blessed with excellent hand and foot speed and the fast-twitch reflexes that only come from a lifetime in the sport.

Also appearing will be undefeated super middleweight prospect Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (7-0, 6 KOs) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a six-rounder against rugged Mexican veteran Jose Manuel Medrano of laquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. With over 400 amateur fights (325-80), the promising Stewart was a member of team that included notable professionals including Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Sadam Ali, and former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Stewart was a seven-time National Golden Gloves Qualifier and a runner-up in 2017, as well as runner-up at the Augusta Open Invitational, losing to current boxing superstar Danny Garcia in the finals.

In a notable women’s match-up, Houston via Brooklyn light heavyweight Danielle Perkins will make her highly anticipated six-round pro debut against undefeated fellow prospect Monika Harrison (2-0-1, 1 KO), also of Houston. The hard-punching Perkins was a four-time national champion as an amateur, as well as a Continental and Spain Bexem gold medallist. The former college basketball player improved on her 2018 bronze medal and became the first American amateur world champion in three years by defeating world champion Yang Xiaoli of China 5-0 in October of 2019.

In a four-round heavyweight battle, Tulsa, Oklahoma, heavyweight Jeremiah Milton will make his professional debut against an opponent TBA. The 6’ 4? 230-lb. 26-year old Milton was a Silver Medalist at the 2019 Olympic Trials, the 2019 Western Qualifier Champion, and took Bronze at the 2018 US Nationals.

Additionally, junior middleweight Morris Young Jr. is set to bring his fan-friendly, pressure style of boxing with his four-round debut against also debuting San Jose, California native Andrea Topping. A 2019 National Golden Glove Champion, Young possesses a grit and tenacity that embodies his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. His relentless approach in the ring helped lead him to the top of the amateur ranks, earning a spot at the 2019 USA Olympic Trials.

Opening up the action will be a middleweight four-rounder featuring Detroit’s Marlon Harrington (1-0, 1 KO) looking to spoil the pro debut of San Antonio’s Ricardo Medina.

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

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