London, UK (1 August 2020) Sammy Cantwell and Ricky Little’s Southern Area Super-Flyweight showdown has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday 5th September.

The title fight will feature on the card headlined by Alex Dilmaghani’s challenge for the European Super-Featherweight title against Champion Samir Ziani, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Presented by Mick Hennessy for Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, the five-fight card to be staged behind-closed-doors at a purpose built TV production facility in Wakefield, also features cruiserweight talent Isaac Chamberlain and fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

Bexleyheath’s Cantwell (7-1-1, 3 KO’s) was due to face Southampton’s Little (5-2-1, 1 KO), the Southern Area Champion, on April 25th in Crystal Palace, but the show was subsequently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sammy, son of Mickey, the popular 90s British Flyweight Champion and four-time World Title Challenger, is thrilled that the fight has been rescheduled and is ready to claim his first title. And Mickey will be also working Sammy’s corner on the night of the fight.

“It’s fantastic that Mick has kept the title fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring. It’s been a very challenging time for everyone, but I’m thrilled to still be fighting where many boxers aren’t able to return to the ring yet. It will be strange without a crowd as I have a massive fan base, but I’m going all out to take that title from Little,” Said Cantwell.

Little said, “I’ve kept in shape throughout as I knew the fight would eventually come off so I’m ready right now for Cantwell. He wants the title so I’m expecting him to come in fully fit and prepared because he’s in for the fight of his life if he thinks he’s taking my title.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy added, “This could turn out to be a war between the pair, they have the biggest hearts and fight at a frenetic pace which could prove to be a real exciting fight between them. The show is complete now with Alex’s challenge for the European title as the headliner which I also expect to be a real thriller as both men are fully charged-up for the fight. With Isaac looking to make a statement in his return, plus my son Michael, it’s a cracking show, live and free on Channel 5.”

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

GILROY, CA (July 31, 2020) – The nephew of Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 16-year old Jesse James Guerrero, is set to make his pro debut this Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Papas and Beer in Rosarito, Mexico. Jesse James will campaign in the flyweight division.

Ruben Guerrero Sr. will be guiding the corner of his grandson with son Ruben Guerrero Jr. Jesse James has been working hard for his debut, sparring with the likes of Oscar Escandon and others in preparation for this fight.

“I know I have big shoes to fill following in the steps of my uncle Robert,” said Jesse James Guerrero. “My goal is to create my own path and become something special in this sport. I’ve been working with my grandfather for the last twelve months and I feel I’m ready to fight, even though I’m only sixteen years old.”

“We put in a lot of hard work going into this fight,” said Ruben Guerrero. “Jesse is a very hard worker and I know with pro experience he can make a name for himself. The plan is to build him up in Mexico before he turns eighteen and can fight in the States. I’m expecting to see him execute our game plan when we step in the ring tomorrow.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 31, 2020) – 17-year old boxing prodigies, twin sensations, Angel “AK-47” (2-0, 2 KOs) and Chavez “The Beast” Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs), and their stablemate, Demler “DJ” Zamora lll (3-0, 2 KOs), are scheduled to fight this Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Papas and Beer in Rosarito, MX. All three blue chip prospects fight out of the Pound-4-Pound boxing gym in Las Vegas and will compete in separate 4-round bouts.

Angel Barrientes will face Gilberto Valenzuela at super bantamweight, Chavez Barrientes will square off against Brayan Martinez at super bantamweight, and DJ Zamora III will fight Sergio Vidal at featherweight.

Chavez Barrientes won by first round knockout in his last outing, a bout that took place in Tijuana, MX back in February of 2020. He’ll be looking to score another knockout against Martinez.

“It’s go time now,” said Chavez Barrientes. “I’m ready to throw down and make another statement in this fight. These last few months have been frustrating and now its time to let loose. I don’t want this fight going the distance.”

In his last fight, Angel Barrientes forced his opponent to quit on the stool, winning by way of third-round knockout. Angel dropped his opponent before the action was halted and promises to give another spectacular performance in this upcoming fight.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting once again after a long layoff due to COVID-19,” said Angel Barrientes. “I feel real confident going into this fight because I was sparring world champions in camp and holding my own. I’m ready to do some damage and I can’t wait to let my hands go.”

Featherweight sensation DJ Zamora lll (3-0, 2 KOs) won a four-round unanimous decision in his last fight. After getting world class sparring, Zamora III is geared up for a great performance.

“I put in a tremendous amount of hard work going into this fight,” said Zamora III. “I’m in premier shape and excited to drop some bombs. Fighting in Mexico is never an easy challenge these days, so I’m taking this fight very seriously.

Other Pound-4-Pound stablemates fighting in Mexico are Lightweight Nino Delgado (5-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Cosme Rivera (42-29-3, 29 KOs), Super Flyweight Jesse Rosales (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jesus Francisco Ochoa and Featherweight Joseph Macedo vs. Javier Cruz Alvarez, all fighting in 4-round bouts.

#

Vacant WBO Junior Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Angelo Leo – 121 lbs.

Tramaine Williams – 121½ lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock (Union, N.J.); Judges: Don Ackerman (West Oneida, N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.)

WBA Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Ra’eese Aleem – 121¼ lbs.

Marcus Bates – 121¼ lbs.

Referee: Gary Rosato (Hazel Township, Pa.); Judges: Steve Weisfeld (River Vale, N.J.), Tom Schreck (Albany, N.Y.), Glenn Feldman (Avon, Conn.)

Light Heavyweights – 10 Rounds

Joe George – 174¼ lbs.

Marcos Escudero – 173½ lbs.

Referee: Dan Schavoine (Wethersfield, Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Hebron, Conn.), Don Trella (Noank, Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (River Vale, N.J.)

*  *  *

ABNER MARES TO JOIN SATURDAY’S ANNOUNCE TEAM

Four-time world champion and Olympian Abner Mares will join this Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® announce team. Mares will work alongside the most experience and decorated boxing team in television including host Brian Custer, play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo and four International Boxing Hall of Famers Al Bernstein (analyst), Jimmy Lennon, Jr. (in ring), Steve Farhood (scoring), and Jim Gray (ringside reporter).

The executive producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The pair has been guiding this flagship sports series since its inception in 1986. In addition, Raúl Marquez and Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

Bilingual and personable, the 34-year-old Mares will provide expert analysis gathered from a future Hall of Famer career that continues after 16 years and has included 11 world title fights (7-3-1). In 2010, Mares established himself as an elite-level fighter with six consecutive wins against world champions over the next two and a half years. He won the IBF bantamweight world title in 2011 and made one successful defense before moving up in weight and winning the WBC super bantamweight (122 pounds) world title in 2012.

“As a fighter, I’ve had memorable fights on SHOWTIME, including earning my fourth world title belt against Jesus Cuellar,” said Mares. “It’s an honor to call the action for fans from the other side of the ring. As an active fighter, I’m looking forward to being part of the return of world championship boxing as a member of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING team, especially calling the two important 122-pound fights, a division I know a lot about.”

*  *  *

Saturday’s fights are presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by TGB and Mayweather Promotions in association with Kings Promotions. The main event is promoted in association with New World Sports and Warriors Boxing. 

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

Las Vegas – The hit show Dana White’s Contender Series officially returns for its fourth season featuring a lineup of new and returning athletes looking for their chance to impress Dana White and make their UFC dreams come true by competing to earn a spot on the UFC roster.

Season four is scheduled for 10 Tuesday night episodes, with the first taking place on Tuesday, August 4 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+.

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.

Over its past three seasons, Dana White’s Contender Series has introduced some of UFC’s top prospects from around the world, including launching the UFC careers for such athletes as Sean O’Malley, Edmen Shahbazyan, Dan Ige, Maycee Barber, Sodiq Yusuff and more. To this day, eight Dana White’s Contender Series alums have competed in UFC main or co-main events and 16 signees are currently in the top 15 of their respective divisions, making it one of the most successful talent-discovery shows in UFC history.

To support your coverage, please find the download link to the season four sizzle reel 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.

Bouts included in the first episode of season 4:

Light heavyweight

Ty Flores vs. Dustin Jacoby

Lightweight

Uros Medic vs. Mikey Gonzalez

Flyweight

Luis Rodriguez vs. Jerome Rivera

Lightweight

Jordan Leavitt vs. Luke Flores

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN

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

On Thursday, August 20, 2020, promoter Dmitriy Salita will kick off a very special series of no spectator professional boxing shows entitled “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” at Detroit’s Kronk Gym.

Featuring undefeated WBC #10-rated super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Serpukhov, Russia, taking on Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico’s battle-tested Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event, the entire event will be livestreamed exclusively on the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, UFC FIGHT PASS® (7pm ET/4pm PT).

“It’s great to kick off this exciting series from the legendary Kronk Gym in the historic boxing city of Detroit and fulfill the hunger of boxing fans and fighters alike who are craving hard-hitting action,” said Dmitriy Salita. “The main event will be a tough test for world-ranked rising star Vladimir Shishkin, and we have several more high-profile fights that we will be announcing shortly. I am thrilled to be able to showcase these fighters to the fight-savvy UFC FIGHT PASS audience.”

Trained by SugarHill Steward at the Kronk Gym, the 28-year-old Shishkin first made his presence felt in his United States debut in August of last year, registering an eighth-round technical knockout against then once-beaten DeAndre Ware.

A former amateur standout in Russia, the 6’ 1” Shishkin scored 301 wins in 330 fights before turning professional in 2016. Despite having just 10 professional fights, Shishkin has already won the WBA Continental Super Middleweight Championship with a KO win over Gasan Gasanov. Shishkin holds a successful title defense against former world title challenger and world-rated contender, Nadjib Mohammedi, via TKO. Shishkin was last seen scoring a dominant unanimous decision over then-undefeated (15-0-2) Californian Ulises Sierra in January of this year.

“It is an honor to be fighting in the first event at the legendary gym where I train and have learned so much about fighting as a professional,” said Vladimir Shishkin. “And with the reach of UFC FIGHT PASS, my fight can be watched by my fans across the USA and back home in Russia. I will work hard to put on a spectacular performance worthy of this recognition.”

A “boxing businessman,” Oscar Riojas is a hard-nosed slugger who always comes to fight, win or lose, regardless of the opponent’s reputation. The 36-year-old veteran says he uses his fight purses to open a café in Mexico and to support his extended family including his parents. Better than his record, Riojas has been on the controversial end of some of his fights against top competition and says he’s ready for war against who he calls the “untested” Shishkin.

“I always come for war, no matter who I face,” said Riojas. “My Russian opponent is undefeated, but he has never been in the trenches with a true warrior. We are going to see if he is what they say he is on August 20. Tell him to be ready.”

Originally run out of the basement of the oldest recreation center of the City of Detroit, the legendary Kronk Gym rose to prominence under the guidance of hall-of-fame trainer, Emanuel Steward, in the 1980s. Producing such homegrown greats including multiple World Champion and Boxing Hall of Famer Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, lightweight champion Hilmer Kenty, WBC’s World Welterweight Champion Milton McCrory, IBF Lightweight king Jimmy Paul, and WBC Junior Middleweight champ Duane Thomas among many others.

Seeking out the Kronk magic, world champions and all-time greats such as Michael Moorer, Héctor Camacho, Julio César Chávez, Naseem Hamed, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis all trained under the eagle-eyed tutelage of Steward.

After Steward’s unfortunate death, Kronk Gym relocated to a modern new Detroit facility in 2015, under the guidance of Steward’s nephew, Javan SugarHill Steward. Steward has gone on to forge his own growing legend, working with a new group of fighting champions and contenders, including lineal and unified heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“This will be a historic fight because Emanuel was trying to do something just like this before he died,” said Javan SugarHill Steward. “He did amateur shows at the gym but a big pro show like this is something he was working on. To continue his legacy like this is amazing. It’s going to be fire.”

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.

10 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
JORDAN GILL 8st 13lbs 12oz v REECE BELLOTTI 8st 13lbs 4oz              
(Chatteris)                                    (Watford)

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
DALTON SMITH 10st 0lbs 8ozv NATHAN BENNETT 10st 0lbs 0oz
(Sheffield)                                    (Liverpool)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant English Heavyweight Title 
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 0lbs 0oz v SIMON VALLILY 16st 0lbs 8oz
(Ipswich)                                         (Middlesbrough)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant British Lightweight Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 8ozv GAVIN GWYNNE 9st 8lbs 4oz
(Belfast)                                            (Treharris)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF International Super-Welterweight Title 
SAM EGGINGTON 10st 13lbs 12ozv TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 4oz
(Stourbridge)                                       (Bermondsey)

Uncasville, Conn. – July 30, 2020 – Fighters taking part in Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main and co-main events participated in a virtual media availability ZOOM webinar on Thursday in advance of SHOWTIME®’s first live boxing event since March.

On Wednesday evening, it was announced previous main event fighter Stephen Fulton Jr. tested positive for COVID-19 and was removed from the 122-pound title fight versus Angelo Leo. Tramaine Williams will now step in to face fellow unbeaten Leo for the vacant WBO Jr. Featherweight World Championship in the main event. Ra’eese Aleem, who was previously scheduled to face Williams, will instead face 122-pound contender Marcus Bates in a rematch of their 2018 bout that saw Aleem walk away with a unanimous decision victory. The winner of Aleem vs. Bates will be in line for a shot at the WBA Super Bantamweight World Title.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features a light heavyweight rematch between Houston’s Joe George and Argentina’s Marcos Escudero that opens the telecast. The card is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by TGB and Mayweather Promotions in association with Kings Promotions. The main event is promoted in association with New World Sports and Warriors Boxing.

SHOWTIME Sports’ President of Sports & Event Programming Stephen Espinoza also spoke on Thursday’s conference call.

FLASH QUOTES:

ANGELO LEO

“These things happen in boxing, so you just have to stay focused and prepared for anything. Luckily, Tramaine isn’t too much of a different fighter from Fulton. He’s got similar styles, the only difference is he’s southpaw. We’ll make some small adjustments but I’m in shape for whoever. I’m in the best shape of my life and once I get in that ring, I’ll make the necessary adjustments.

“I definitely want to paint a Picasso-like painting for the fans on Saturday night. Something really nice. I want to leave the fans happy with a great performance and I want them to know who the real Angelo Leo is.”

TRAMAINE WILLIAMS

“When I got the news that I would be stepping up the main event, it was bittersweet. It was bitter because Stephen Fulton prepared eight weeks to fight for a world title. He’s been dreaming of that his whole life and he didn’t get that opportunity so my heart goes out to him. It was sweet on my end because I get to fight for a world title and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do my whole life.

“About a year ago, I started a top-five or top-ten fighters I had on notice. I always paid attention to all of the fighters in my weight class. I’ve been prepared for the chance to face Leo for a while. I’ve had my eye on all of these guys for a year and some change now. It’s not like he’s a random opponent for me, I’ve had my eye on him.”

RA’EESE ALEEM

“My first fight against Marcus was a good fight, I believe I won every round. That was my first fight back after a two-and-a-half-year layoff. I just couldn’t get a fight and he accepted the challenge at that time. I gave him his first loss and you always remember your first loss. I’m sure he thinks about me at night.

“Facing a new opponent on late notice doesn’t take away from my aggression, if anything it amps it up. I’m probably going to be more aggressive, if anything, because it is more of a grudge match. The first time that I fought him, head-to-head, I beat him fair and square and he has the audacity to say that something was up with his water or whatever. Real fighters don’t make excuses and that’s exactly what he has done. He called me out and told people I was scared to fight him. Well, now he gets his chance and it’s going to be more than what he bargained for.”

MARCUS BATES

“I’ve been working hard to get to where I’m at and everybody who boxes dreams of being a world champion. For this to fall into place at this point of my career, I think it’s perfect timing a perfect opportunity. I’ve wanted the rematch with Aleem and I couldn’t get it, so for us to get the rematch on SHOWTIME is great. If I win this, I will be in position to fight for a world title and every boxer’s dream is to get a belt.

“Even though there was a chance I wouldn’t be fighting, I came here expecting to fight. I didn’t come all the way up here just to go home without a fight. Once they told me I was definitely fighting and it was going to be a rematch to the only guy I’ve lost to, I was very excited. I always wanted to fight him again after I lost to him so I’m so excited.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA

“We are thrilled with the quality of the card, we are obviously disappointed for Stephen [Fulton], but it’s not a huge surprise to be completely honest. We have worked very hard to minimize the risk but we know we can’t eliminate the risk altogether. In some sense, this was inevitable. We were going to get some positive tests and we worked hard to be prepared. One of the things that we did notice in observing other combat sports and other sports generally, was that there really is no way to avoid positive tests. At this point, our focus was on being prepared and having backup fighters prepared, trained, COVID-tested, so that in the event of an unfortunate positive test we would be prepared and could move forward hopefully seamlessly as we have on this card.

“I think the key for this card is storylines. Even before the changes this was a card filled with up-and-coming young boxers, promising prospects and rising stars. With the loss of Stephen Fulton Jr., that has remained the same nonetheless. We have Angelo Leo, a Mayweather Promotions prospect from Albuquerque, N.M., who is a very good young boxer and excellent body puncher looking for the opportunity at his first world title. Tramaine Williams came here expecting to be on the undercard in the co-feature and instead he has found himself with the biggest opportunity of his career. We thank the WBO for working with us and maintaining the title fight. We have now instead of the No. 1 and No. 2 contenders in the WBO, we have the No. 2 and No. 6 so no real drop-off in quality of the fight.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of August events at UFC APEX, headlined by a battle of heavyweight contenders, as No. 4 ranked Derrick Lewis squares off with No. 11 Aleksei Oleinik. The co-main event will feature No. 11 ranked middleweight contender Omari Akhmedov, who aims to take out his first former UFC champion when he faces Chris Weidman.

The event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance pursuant to a Health, Safety and Operations plan approved by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: LEWIS vs. OLEINIK will take place Saturday, August 8 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 8, with the prelims kicking off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

A former title challenger, Lewis (23-7 1NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) is among the most exciting KO artists in the heavyweight division. Throughout his UFC run, he has delivered impressive KO finishes against Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura and Travis Browne. Lewis also holds a decision victory over perennial top contender Francis Ngannou. Lewis now looks to earn his third consecutive win to re-assert himself as a dangerous title threat.

Considered among the most skilled heavyweight grapplers, Oleinik (59-13-1, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) continues to turn heads with his trademark Ezekiel choke submission. A 24-year MMA veteran, he has delivered spectacular victories over Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt and Mirko Cro Cop. Oleinik now hopes to add another top heavyweight to his hit list and crack the UFC heavyweight top five for the first time in his career.

Unbeaten since returning to the middleweight division in 2017, Akhmedov (20-4-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) goes for his most important win yet. A gritty Sambo fighter, Akhmedov secured hard-fought wins over Ian Heinisch, Zak Cummings and Tim Boetsch. In the biggest spotlight of his career, Akhmedov has his sights set on taking out his first former UFC champion to continue his ascent up the 185-pound ladder.

A former UFC middleweight champion, Weidman (14-5, fighting out of Baldwin, N.Y.) returns to the 185-pound division ready to climb back to the top of the mountain. A decorated grappler, Weidman dethroned all-time great Anderson Silva for the middleweight belt in 2013. During his reign he netted successful title defenses against Silva, Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort. Weidman now aims to re-enter the middleweight rankings with a dominant win over a tough emerging contender.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Maki Pitolo (12-5, fighting out of M?kaha, Hawaii) squares off with Darren Stewart (11-4 1NC, fighting out of London, England) in an exciting middleweight bout
• No. 8 ranked women’s bantamweight contender and former women’s featherweight title challenger Yana Kunitskaya (12-5 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, FL by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) meets debuting Julija Stoliarenko (9-3-1, fighting out of Kaunas, Lithuania)
• In a battle of rising lightweights, No. 14 ranked contender Beneil Dariush (18-4-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.) takes on Scott Holtzman (14-3, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.)
• Tim Means (29-12-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) makes his 22^nd UFC appearance against Laureano Staropoli (9-2, fighting out of La Plata, Argentina)
• Nasrat Haqparast (11-3, fighting out of Hamburg, Germany) hopes to return to his winning ways when he faces undefeated Alex Munoz (6-0, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)
• Andrew Sanchez (12-5, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) locks horns with Wellington Turman (16-3, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
• Gavin Tucker (11-1, fighting out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) meets Justin Jaynes (16-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in a clash of entertaining featherweights
• Youssef Zalal (9-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Casablanca, Morocco) aims to continue his momentum when he meets Peter Barrett (11-3, fighting out of Somerville, Mass.)
• Irwin Rivera (9-5, fighting out of Hudson Valley, N.Y. by way of Mexico City, Mexico) hopes to earn his first UFC victory when he takes on Ali Alqaisi (8-3, fighting out of Jordan)

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

LOS ANGELES (July 30, 2020) – Top welterweight Jamal “Shango’’ James will square off against former title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round battle for the Interim WBA Welterweight Title, headlining the return of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes, Saturday, August 8 from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban sensation David Morrell Jr. stepping up in just his third professional fight to face unbeaten Lennox Allen in a 12-round WBA Super Middleweight Interim Title match in the co-main event. Exciting, undefeated super lightweight prospect Omar Juárez will battle Willie Shaw in a special attraction on the broadcast. All programming can be live streamed in English and Spanish on the new FOX Sports app. FOX Deportes offers delayed coverage of all FOX and FS1 programming beginning at 10:00 PM ET.

Following the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast will be a full slate of bouts on FS1 as welterweight Mykal Fox (22-1, 5 KOs) takes on Lucas Santamaría (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round fight, sensational 18-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) battles Chris Rollins (3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout, and in an eight-round clash of unbeaten heavyweight prospects, Luis Peña (6-0, 6 KOs) faces Michael Coffie (9-0, 6 KOs) to kick off the action. The FS1 broadcast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT after the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast.

Plus! Key FOX PBC Fight Night and FS1, FOX Deportes and PPV event dates for the remainder of the year will be unveiled live during the primetime broadcast, which will feature interviews with some of the PBC stars who will appear on those shows.

“FOX Sports is thrilled to welcome PBC back into the ring August 8 with a fantastic matchup,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, FOX Sports. “This outing is the first in a long line of great fight nights coming for the remainder of the year on FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes and PPV.”

The James vs. Dulorme event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater, an AEG venue, which will be the home of some of the earlier upcoming FOX PBC Fight Night events.

“We’re thrilled to have PBC back on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes headlined by this great main event between Jamal James and Thomas Dulorme,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “James has proven that he is amongst the top welterweights in the world and he will again have a chance to show his credentials against a tough opponent in Dulorme. Combined with a stacked undercard of fights featuring rising stars and more, this lineup should deliver great action for fans all night long on August 8.”

“Boxing has a rich history in downtown Los Angeles, and we are incredibly excited to host FOX PBC Fight Night on Saturday, August 8,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE. “This will mark our first televised fanless event since the COVID-19 Pandemic forced us to close our venues in March and we look forward to providing FOX, the fighters, their camps and the California State Athletic Commission with a safe environment to host their Fight Night at Microsoft Theater.”

James (26-1, 12 KOs) has built a passionate fan base in his hometown of Minneapolis and was scheduled to thrill his local fans again on April 11 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to be rescheduled. His last fight was an exciting decision victory over former champion Antonio DeMarco in an FS1 main event last July. The 32-year-old James has reeled off six consecutive victories since suffering his only defeat in a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2016. James has compiled three knockouts during his current win streak, defeating the likes of Diego Chaves, Abel Ramos and Jo Jo Dan.

“I’m excited and ready to be getting back in the ring after everything happening these last months,” said James. “Thomas Dulorme is a strong opponent and I feel that we will be giving boxing fans a great night of action. Training has gone extremely well and I am more than prepared to secure this victory.”

The 30-year-old Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) most recently defeated then unbeaten Terrel Williams in September, winning a unanimous decision after his previous contest had seen him fight to a majority draw against two-division champion Jessie Vargas in 2018. Born in Marigot, Guadeloupe but fighting out of and representing Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dulorme rebounded from a loss to Terence Crawford for a 140-pound title by scoring back-to-back knockouts, leading to a narrow decision loss to top welterweight Yordenis Ugas in 2017 on FOX PBC Fight Night.

“I have been in training camp now for over four months for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring and put on a spectacular performance,” said Dulorme. “The delay only makes me more motivated. James is a good fighter but I am on a different level and it will show on August 8. I will put on the best performance of my career and win the WBA title.”

Morrell (2-0, 2 KOs) arrived in the U.S. last year and immediately began to show the same prodigious talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s iconic amateur scene. Now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell made his pro debut there last August, stopping Yendris Rodríguez in the first round. The 22-year-old followed that up in November, knocking out Quinton Rankin, who entered the fight with a 15-6-2 record and had most recently gone the distance with former champion Chad Dawson five months before facing Morrell. This will be a major step up for Morrell in just the third fight of his pro career.

“I’m focused and ready to get in the ring to win this title on August 8,” said Morrell. “Training is going really well and I’ve been working hard with my team day after day. I know that I have to prepare for everything and that I can’t underestimate Allen. I want that belt, but I know he does too. I respect him as a person, but when I step into the ring I don’t have friends, family or anything. It’s just two fighters going after the same prize and I’m prepared to do what I have to do.”

Born in Guyana, Allen (22-0-1, 14 KOs) turned pro in 2004 and has fought out of New York since 2010. He’s won 10 consecutive fights since a 2010 draw against Darnell Boone, including a 12-round decision victory over Kwesi Jones, a knockout of then once-beaten Kojo Issah and most recently a 10-round decision victory over Derrick Webster in February 2019.

“It’s been a while that we’ve been waiting for this fight but training camp has been going great and we’re on schedule for fight night,” said Allen. “I’m ready to go in there, showcase my skills and let everyone see that I’m a well-rounded fighter. I think this fight is going to go into the later rounds and then my experience is going to kick in and I’ll leave the ring with my hand raised.”

Juárez (7-0, 4 KOs) carries the nickname “Relámpago’’, or “Lightning’’ in English, and it could apply to how quickly he strikes in the ring and to how rapidly he plans to overtake the super lightweight division. The 21-year-old from Brownsville, Texas had an outstanding amateur career with over 120 fights, establishing himself as a “can’t miss’’ pro. He had a busy 2019, chalking up five straight wins, and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Angel Martinez Hernandez in February.

“The motivation to take my career to the next level has only intensified since the shutdown and I can’t wait to get back in the ring,” said Juarez. “Fighting on FOX for the first time is a dream come true. A win against a fighter like Willie Shaw, who has been in the ring with some quality fighters, is going to elevate my status in the super lightweight division. I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to let my hands fly with bad intentions.”

Shaw (12-1, 8 KOs) most recently scored a knockout victory over Antonio Flores in February. The 28-year-old has always been an exceptional athlete, and even received a basketball scholarship to Stanford University. He took up boxing late, turning pro in 2017 with nine straight wins. Shaw has put together three consecutive wins since suffering his only loss, a majority decision to Jose Marrufo in March 2019.

“Training camp for this fight has been perfect and I’m anxious and ready to take advantage of this chance and opportunity,” said Shaw. “Once I beat Juarez, I can show that I have class. People are going to have to respect me. He’s going to bring a lot of attention to me. I think it’s going to be a good chess match. He’s got the amateur experience and I have the pro experience. I’ve been waiting for my moment. He’s just someone in the way.”

Additional non-televised action will feature undefeated prospect Jose Valenzuela (5-0, 2 KOs) in a lightweight showdown against Tedoro Alonso (3-2).

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (July 30, 2020) — Leave the judges at home because Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. are coming for the knockout.

Alvarez and Smith will face off in a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator in Top Rank’s return to the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 22. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Alvarez vs. Smith and a co-feature will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I can’t wait to sit back and watch this fight, which features two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest punchers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It’s a 50-50 fight and a great way to kick off our return to MGM Grand.”

Said Alvarez, “This fight is critical for both of our careers. I respect Joe Smith, who has proven to be an elite fighter. However, I have all the tools to beat him, and that’s what I intend to do. My goal is to become a two-time light heavyweight world champion.” 

Said Smith, “This fight means everything to me. It’s my path to a world title fight, and I know this is my second chance to turn my dream into reality. Alvarez is a former world champion, and in my mind, I am treating this as a world title fight. To get there, I have to, and will, win this fight.”

Alvarez (25-1, 13 KOs) is a former Colombian Olympian who has made Montreal his home since turning pro in 2009. He gained widespread recognition following victories over Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal, but his August 2018 knockout win over longtime champion Sergey Kovalev earned him the WBO light heavyweight world title and recognition as one of the world’s top fighters. Alvarez lost a decision to Kovalev in a rematch the following February, but after recovering from a foot injury, he returned stronger than ever. He headlined a Top Rank on ESPN main event January 18 and knocked out Michael Seals with a single right hand. The knockout, an instant viral video sensation, became an early frontrunner for Knockout of the Year.

Smith (25-3, 20 KOs), from Long Island, rose to prominence in 2016 as the construction worker member of the Laborers Local 66 union who knocked out top contender Andrzej Fonfara and living legend Bernard Hopkins in back-to-back fights. He fell short in his only world title shot, a March 2019 decision defeat to WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. The Bivol fight was a minor hiccup, as he returned in January and neutralized Jesse Hart over 10 one-sided rounds in a Top Rank on ESPN main event in Atlantic City. Smith, who now owns and operates a residential tree service company on Long Island, hopes to punch his ticket to another title shot. A win over Alvarez will assure him of that opportunity.

Joe DeGuardia, Smith’s promoter, said, “I just love watching Joe Smith Jr. fight. He is a true throwback, a fan-favorite with tremendous punching power. It will be thrilling to see him against Alvarez, who is one of the top fighters in the game. Not only will boxing fans see two of the toughest light heavyweights battle it out in a fight that will ultimately determine the WBO world champion, but this has all the makings of the Fight of the Year.”

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.

NEW YORK (July 30, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) announced today that its ninth annual induction dinner at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Originally slated for from April 19,it had been postponed until to September 20, but the next NYSBHOF induction dinner will now be held April 25, 2021 at the same venue. Tickets and journal ads may be reimbursed at point of purchase.

A NYSBHOF committee will meet in the not too distant future to determine if it will induct both classes ( Class of 2020 & 2021 ) next year.

“We waited to see if the City of New York eased restrictions,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy announced, “but we are forced to cancel since there will not be enough time allotted for us once restrictions are eased. We have agreed to cancel our event until next year. I want to thank the ownership and management at Russo’s On The Bay for continuing to work with us during this crisis to give us another date. And I’d like to thank everyone for their patience, advise and insight into making this decision. We’re confident that next year’s award dinner will be our best ever.”

Living boxers in the Class of 2020 include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.

Posthumous participants are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants include Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Wantah, Long Island journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella, and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

Each attending inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2020 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

INFORMATION:

www.NYBoxingHOF.org

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Thank you to Chris and Darren. I’m a bit nervous actually! It’s been four or five months since I’ve done an actual live press conference. I’m used to doing them on ZOOM, but we are back! Fight Camp begins this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and live on DAZN across America as well. We’ve heard all of the puns, ‘it’s Matchroom Square Gardens, it’s Weekend at Hearnies’, whatever you want to call it. But the truth is, what an opportunity for these fighters and what an opportunity for our sport.

“I’ve seen other people come back, studios, empty casinos, great, and we credit them. We are different. We wanted to make a bang. We wanted to make an impact. We wanted to show you how great the sport of boxing is. This time you are going to hear everything. You’re going to hear pin drops around the house and the grounds of Matchroom HQ. You’re going to hear the punches land to the rib cage. You’re going to hear the fighters wincing in agony. You’re going to hear the fighters talking to each other, the referees instructions and you’re going to hear the dialogue between the corner teams when it gets really tough. 

“The world has changed in the last few months, and it may have changed forever. Maybe it has changed our sport forever. We’re back and what an opportunity for these guys. Maybe this is going to be what it’s like for the next couple of weeks, maybe it’s going to happen for the next couple of months. What I do know is Fight Camp has changed the dynamics of boxing. The pandemic has changed the dynamics of boxing because now fighters are stepping up quicker. They are realising they have to take their opportunity.

“The younger fighters coming through are realising they have to step up, particularly against British talents. Here we have two guys in Jordan Gill and Reece Bellotti who were probably due to have six round fights to come back and get their careers back on track. We spoke to both individuals and we said ‘this is a chance for Fight Camp to explode, do you want to be a part of it?’ They both grabbed the opportunity. Ten rounds in the Featherweight division. It’s two guys who I like a lot. We’ve come to a position in boxing where we’re now going to see this a lot. Putting our fighters in together in fights that we feel are going to give value for money for fans and broadcasters.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 28-6, 17 KO’s – defending his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title against Ted Cheeseman:

“Italy was a great adventure for me. I went over there with a chip on my shoulder thinking I had to get it done and get it done right to get me back to where I needed to be. We done that, came home and this is what’s next. I’m excited. As soon as I heard about these back garden brawls I rang Jon and said ‘we need to be a part of this’. I’m over the moon to be headlining the first one. It’s a good fight and it’s one that I believe I can win and look good in. It has all of the makings for a good night. You can lose and come back, history points to that. We’ve had big nights and we’ve had bad nights. They don’t define me. I’m still learning and I’m getting better. I’m getting bigger and stronger. I feel good, the weight has gone well and the training has gone well.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-2-1, 9 KOs – challenging Sam Eggington for the IBF International Super-Welterweight Title:

“If you stay determined and keep on pushing forwards you’ll be rewarded with the opportunities that you need. This is a big opportunity for me to refresh my career and push on. You look at Sam and you know what you get with him. I’m still young and I’m still a baby. I’m 24 but I’m maturing all of the time and over the past 18 months I’ve been learning a lot. I’ve had a lot of time to work on things. I’m making sure everything is perfect. Sam was a massive Welterweight but he isn’t as dominant at Light-Middle.”

James Tennyson – Belfast, Northern Ireland – 26-3, 22 KOs – fighting Gavin Gwynne for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“You could say this is my first big tough fight up at Lightweight. Gavin Gwynne is a tough durable lad. He gave a real good account of himself against Joe Cordina. I’m expecting a tough night. The guy works hard. I’ve seen some of his interviews and he’s very confident about getting the win so I’m excited about this one. I need to be smart about my work. I need to stick to the game plan that me and my team have set out. I can’t go in there just relying on my power. Doing drastic weight cuts was killing me off. I was weak to the body and it showed. No I’ve moved up I’m a lot stronger and I’ll show that on fight night.”

Gavin Gwynne – Treharris, Wales – 12-1, 2 KOs – fighting James Tennyson for the vacant British Lightweight Title:

“It’s a life-changing opportunity for myself so I’m going to take it with both hands. He’s a massive puncher, it doesn’t matter if he’s at Lightweight or Super-Feather. He’s a massive puncher. You see the people he’s been in with and knocking over in two or three rounds. That speaks for itself so I’m definitely going to be wary of that. I’ve got to stick to the game plan during the fight. He’s been stopped before and I’m going to try and stop him again.”

Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 8-0, 7 KOs – fighting Simon Vallily for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“On Saturday it’s the big test. Like everyone has been saying, it’s the coming out party, the announcement, the real test to get rid of some of those question marks people have about me. I expect Simon to bring the heat full force. He says this is the best shape that he’s been in and he’s been able to train properly with the lockdown. He’s fully focused on the gym and his training. Hopefully on Saturday night I get the best Simon Vallily. Hopefully I’ll then get the credit for taking on a real competitor and getting the win.”

Simon Vallily – Middlesbrough, England – 17-2-1, 7 KOs – fighting Fabio Wardley for the vacant English Heavyweight Title:

“I don’t think he’s man enough to grow a real moustache is he. It doesn’t suit him. It’s a great chance and a great opportunity. I’m in great shape for it. I’ve applied myself properly. I’m focused and I’ve trained well. I’ve train hard. I’ve trained properly and I’ve done it all right. Fabio possess some talent, I’m not going to sit here and say he doesn’t. He’s fast and he’s athletic but the best Simon Vallily beats the best Fabio Wardley. We haven’t see the best Simon Vallily, I’m sick of going on about it. I think he might be expecting the Simon Vallily from the Craig Glover fight. He’s managed by Dillian Whyte, wow. I haven’t lost no sleep over him.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 5-0, 4 KOs – fighting Nathan Bennett in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“This is my first real test and it’s one I feel very comfortable heading into. We’ve got to thank Eddie for setting this up and creating a big occasion. It’s time to get to business now and we’re here for one reason and that’s to fight. It’s my first step up and I’m very confident. This is the first time that I’ve done a full ten week professional camp. Last year is was very stop and start. I was very active last year. To have a durable opponent in Nathan Bennett drives you on in training and makes you train hard. You know you’ve got to be 100% and I know Nathan is going to be coming in 100%.”

Nathan Bennett – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 2 KOs – fighting Dalton Smith in an eight round Super-Lightweight contest:

“It’s an opportunity that I was looking for. When this lockdown came about I was meant to be fighting for the Central Area Title on the 6th of June. I’d boxed on the 14th of March and Dalton boxed on the 7th. Steve Wood phoned me and asked what I thought of Dalton Smith and I said ‘if you can make the fight, make the fight’. I believe in myself against anybody. At 140lbs I’ll give anyone a fight. Trust me on that one. On Saturday night I’m going to prove that. I can do the eight rounds on my head easy. We’ll find out on Saturday what the fight is going to start like.”

Jordan Gill – Chatteris, England – 24-1, 7 KOs – fighting Reece Bellotti in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s part of history and it’s something we might not ever see again. Thanks for having me and I’m glad you like the barnet. It’s going to have to go at some point but we’ll see how it goes. It’s a fight that I’m looking forward to. When Dave rang and told me I was going to be fighting behind closed doors, he said my show was the first one cancelled so I had the first opportunity to come back, the name that was put to me first was Reece Bellotti and I said yes. No problem. It’s going to be a good fight and I think everyone is looking forward to it.”

Reece Bellotti – Watford, England – 14-3, 12 KOs – fighting Jordan Gill in a 10 round Featherweight contest:

“I didn’t perform to my best in Italy. It kind of is what it is. You don’t look back too much on it with excuses and things like that. It is what it is on the night. I got the offer for Jordan Gill and I thought it was a great fight for me to propel myself back up to where I want to be. Everyone has got their opinions on this fight. They say I carry power, I wouldn’t say that Jordan doesn’t punch hard just because his record doesn’t show it. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t punch hard. On his performances he definitely looks technically better than me, but on the night we could both turn up with different game plans. I’m going to leave everything in there on the night.”

Lyndon Arthur returns to action tomorrow night in a blockbuster Commonwealth Title clash against a tough challenger in Scunthorpe’s Dec Spelman.

Many have predicted that Spelman will give Arthur the toughest fight of his career, but Lyndon is confident of dispatching his opponent in just four rounds.

The prize? The winner will move forward to a future battle with Light Heavyweight superstar Anthony Yarde.

Rounding out the card will be Belfast banger Caoimhin Agyarko who takes on a step-up fight against Jez Smith, and Liverpool trio Brad Strand, Andrew Cain and Nick Ball will all make their Queensberry promotional debut.

Don’t miss any of the action live tomorrow night on BT Sport 1 at 7pm.

Please find all weigh-in photos here

All weights below:

ANDREW CAIN 9st 4.25lb
ED HARRISON 9st 2.5lb

BRAD STRAND 8st 11.75lb
BRETT FIDOE 8st 11.25lb

CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 11st 5.5lb
JEZ SMITH 11st 5.5lb

NICK BALL 9st 3.75lb
JEROME CAMPBELL 9st 2.5lb

LYNDON ARTHUR 12st 6.5lb
DEC SPELMAN 12st 6.5lb
———-

Arthur vs Spelman is live on BT Sport 1 at 7pm, tomorrow night.

NEW YORK – July 29, 2020 – Undefeated contender Tramaine Williams will step in to face fellow unbeaten Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO Jr. Featherweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, August 1, (live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Williams replaces Stephen Fulton Jr., who tested positive for COVID-19 on the test provided by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation and was removed from the 122-pound title bout versus Leo.

Undefeated Ra’eese Aleem will now face 122-poundcontender Marcus Bates in the co-main event in a 12-round WBA Super Bantamweight Title Eliminator. Aleem had previously been scheduled to fight Williams, before Williams moved into the main event to fight Leo.

The 26-year-old Leo (19-0, 9 KOs) fights out of the Mayweather Promotions stable and will look to become the first world champion from his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico since Johnny Tapia. He will now seek the title against another unbeaten opponent in the 27-year-old Williams (19-0, 6 KOs). Williams represents his native New Haven, Connecticut and shot up the WBO rankings by defeating Yenifel Vicente in July 2019.

The 30-year-old Aleem (16-0, 10 KOs), who hails from Muskegon, Michigan, has continued his winning ways since beating Bates in 2018, adding five victories to his ledger. The 26-year-old Bates (11-1, 8 KOs) is currently ranked No. 7 by the WBA and hails from Washington, D.C. He will look to avenge his lone loss in this rematch against Aleem.

“Extensive protocols have been put in place to catch this very possibility and they’ve proven so far to be effective,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We are supporting Stephen and his team as they self-quarantine off property and we will help with any medical assistance if needed.

“Fortunately, Williams was ready to move into the spot in the main event, which remains a battle of unbeaten young super bantamweights. In addition, Marcus Bates was in excellent shape and answered the call to face Aleem in a title eliminator. He is an aggressive super bantamweight who will make the most of this opportunity. I expect him to be on everyone’s radar after Saturday night.”

Fulton and his team never entered the closed system set up at Mohegan Sun for this week’s event. Upon arrival to the property, they and all fighters were tested and quarantined until their individual test results came back. There are no other positive tests to report at this time.

Before arrival to Mohegan Sun, Team Fulton and all of this Saturday’s fight teams had been tested multiple times over a period of weeks leading up to the event. Team Fulton was tested six times prior to arrival, from June 25 through the most recent test he took on July 23 before traveling to Connecticut. All of those tests came back negative. Today’s result was the first positive test for Team Fulton.

Saturday night’s triple-header on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING also features rising light heavyweight prospects Joe George (10-0, 6 KOs) and Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs) opening the telecast with a 10-round rematch of their November ShoBox showdown that saw George win a narrow-split decision.

Uncasville, Conn. – July 29, 2020 – Boxing is back on SHOWTIME and five fighters taking part in Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader participated in a media availability on Wednesday to discuss the bouts Presented by Premier Boxing Champions and taking place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Philadelphia’s 122-pound rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. will headline Saturday’s tripleheader (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) against talented, fellow undefeated contender Angelo Leo of the Mayweather stable in a marquee 12-round matchup for the vacant WBO junior featherweight world title.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast features Tramaine Williams, of New Haven, Conn., clashing with Las Vegas-based Ra’eese Aleem in an intriguing, 50-50 matchup between talented, undefeated prospects in the co-featured bout and a light heavyweight rematch between Houston’s Joe George and Argentina’s Marcos Escudero that opens the telecast.

Here is what the fighters had to say on today’s call. Due to a scheduling conflict, Fulton was unable to participate.

ANGELO LEO

“This is something I’ve worked my whole life for, so my preparation has been the best I’ve ever had, both physically and mentally. This is the day I’ve been waiting for and I have to seize the opportunity.

“Floyd was in the gym with me a couple of times giving me pointers and helping work through my game plan. His wisdom combined with my trainer’s knowledge really meshed together for me. Floyd just told me to just stay calm, treat it like any other fight and do what I do best. I know the mental strength that Floyd has, and I’ve learned from it. I’ve learned from the best.

“I definitely expect to be able to hurt Fulton. He talks a lot about how he’s fought a lot of undefeated fighters, but if you look closely, he’s been hurt before. I just want to make that point clear that he’s not untouchable.

“This would be a great win for my hometown of Albuquerque. We haven’t had a champion since Johnny Tapia and to become a champion after him would mean a great deal to me and to the city.

“It’s possible he’s overconfident. He’s been talking a lot, and I know he has to have confidence, but I think he’s a bit overconfident. I don’t really get effected by his talk or people thinking I’m the underdog. I’m just focused on the job.

“As far as not having fans in the arena, I don’t think it will have an effect on this fight. It’s like sparring but more intense. I’m the type of fighter that if I smell blood, I’m going to go for the kill.

“Being in Las Vegas was probably the best move I made in my career. I’ve seen Fulton’s style in the gym and it’s nothing I’m not prepared for. I’ll adapt in the ring and make my adjustments. Ultimately, I’m going to come out with the victory.

“I just need to vary up my attack. I have good footwork to get on the inside. My head movement is strong, and all of that is going to be key in this fight. I think he has some trouble with fighters who move backwards against him, so I’m going to use my boxing too. We’re prepared for anything we need to do in there.”

TRAMAINE WILLIAMS

“It’s a bit of an unusual situation but I take every fight as if were just another day in the gym or another sparring session, so this will be nothing different. As boxers, as fighters, as humans, we just have to adapt. No excuses, whatever comes our way we’ve got to figure it out and that’s what I’m going to do on Saturday. I’ll adapt to no crowd and you guys may hear me talk a little bit in the ring.

“My preparations changed a bit because of the social distancing and you want to be careful with who you interact with. If you’re sparring with a select few guys, you want to make sure those guys are practicing social distancing as well. It was kind of hard to get a lot of people to spar with because you want to be careful.

“I prepared for Aleem the same way I prepare for every fighter. I stay focus and try to prepare for 10 or 12 rounds, whatever the fight may be, and focus three minutes at a time. He’s a little awkward. You never want to underestimate anyone so I’m treating him like he is a world champion.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll take him to deep waters, and deep waters doesn’t mean the seventh, eighth, or ninth round -deep waters means the third round and he’s still got seven to go.

“Aleem is much different from my last opponent (Yenifel Vicente) because he’s a cleaner fighter. You can tell he’s a respectful opponent and he comes from a good boxing lineage in Detroit. He’s a lot different from Vicente, who came in there just swinging for the fences and looking to land a lucky shot. I had him frustrated so maybe he was looking for an out or try to distract me but Aleem will be much different from that.

“If I win this fight, I definitely think a title shot could be next against the winner of Saturday’s main event. Or I would fight Figueroa or [Murodjon Akhmadaliev]. I’ve been ready for all of these guys. I should have already been in the position that Fulton and Leo are at right now, fighting for a world title.”

RA’EESE ALEEM

“I feel like my win over Adam Lopez was definitely a big upset. I feel like I made a big statement and I want to make another big statement on Saturday night. As far as that being my TV debut, there was no extra emotion behind it. I was completely confident in myself and just ready to go in there and do what I do.

“The super bantamweight division is a very stacked division. It’s tough because a lot of the champions have been champs for years. The big money fights are there, they just need to be made and right now is the perfect time to make those fights because we have to give the fans what they want. I’m ready for the big fights right now.

“This is a huge opportunity for me to catapult myself into the top spots. It’s going to raise me in the rankings and even if my next fight isn’t for a world title fight, I’m going to be next. It’s a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Leo and Fulton are both great fighters so to be able to see them up close is great because I want to fight both of them. Either one, it doesn’t matter. Whoever wins, that’s who I want. I have to show up and show out because just winning isn’t good enough for me. I have to dominate and that will really solidify what I’m about.

“Tramaine Williams is a really smart fighter. He has really fast hands, fast feet. I think my biggest advantage going into this is he’s never fought a fighter like me. I just have to be cautious. I don’t believe he’s a big puncher but I have to be cautious of his skill and his boxing IQ. I don’t feel like he’s faced a real dog. Somebody who is showing up to win, somebody who has faster hands and feet than him.

“I’m telling myself I have 10 rounds to knock him out. You can expect a lot of action from me on Saturday night. I don’t think my opponent really wants a lot of action, but I definitely want to get him out of there. But I’m going to let it come to me, I’m not going to just go in there and force it. It will come, though. It won’t go the distance. I’m prepared to go the distance but my ultimate goal is to get him out of there.”

JOE GEORGE

“I’m in better shape for this fight compared to our first fight. We’re working on fighting off of the ropes better and fighting in the center of the ring more effectively.

“A knockout is always good, but I like to take it one round at a time. If the knockout comes, it comes, and we’re going to take advantage. I’ve been dropping fighters in camp, so the chance of a knockout is pretty high.

“He was an okay opponent. He had a chin and was in shape. His punches weren’t effective though. I made sure my punches landed and I hurt him a few times, I just couldn’t really finish him.

“This fight will be different because I’m going to work off the ropes more instead of letting him gain momentum with his punches. Last fight was just him being really active and having a good chin -that’s all that stopped him from getting knocked out. If I was in  better shape, I could have finished him. If I get the opportunity this fight, I’ll finish it.

“I expect to see a slight difference in Escudero. If you change trainers, then you should have made some changes. I had a good hard camp and whatever he brings, I’ll be ready for it.

“Some people think that Escudero won, and that’s their opinion. But I knew what I was doing. He wasn’t effective. I think just by me being on the ropes it made some people think that I was losing. But for me, I’m very comfortable fighting on the ropes.

“I didn’t really spar with people my weight in camp, it was either with heavyweights or guys who are lighter. The lighter guys helped with my speed and the heavyweights helped with my power. It worked out perfectly and I got the best of both worlds.

“My manager Trent Williams is a young athlete so he knows how this goes. He knows the things to do and what to say. You never see him angry or frustrated, the only time he’s aggressive is when he’s training or on the field. His work ethic is incredible and that’s motivation in itself. He’s a great role model and I learn a lot from watching him.”

MARCOS ESCUDERO

“Everyone saw what happened in the first fight. I believe I did enough to get the win, but it is what it is. I’ve changed my team and am working with Kevin Cunningham now and that is going to make the biggest difference heading into this rematch. Everyone is going to see a different fighter than the first fight on Saturday night.

“With Coach Kevin we’ve watched the tape of the first fight over and over again. We knew we needed to take care of little details, be more effective and that we couldn’t leave it up to the judges. I have to be more intelligent in my game plan and change my angles. I think those were the most important things we worked on.

“Obviously we plan to bring the fight to George and make it entertaining. I know that I have enough power to make sure it doesn’t go to the cards. That’s what we’re looking for.

“I’ve known Kevin for a while. He’s worked with a lot of world champions and I’ve seen how different it is to have a strong team on my side. To be a great fighter you need to have a great team supporting you.

“I’m much more confident heading into this fight than the last one. He knows that he lost the fight. I know that I did enough work to get the victory. Now in the rematch, I’m going to show my confidence in the ring. My only goal is to beat Joe George. I am working toward becoming a world champion, so I had to get this rematch settled before anything else. After Saturday night, we’ll keep moving forward.”

(July 29, 2020) — Lyndon “King” Arthur will make the first defense of Commonwealth light heavyweight crown Friday, July 31, against Dec “Kid Nytro” Spelman at BT Sport Studio in London. The scheduled 12-round battle will headline a closed-door card beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT live on ESPN+.
 
Arthur (16-0, 12 KOs) won the vacant Commonwealth title live on ESPN+ last October in a barnburner against Emmanuel Anim, knocking down Anim in the fourth round before prevailing via unanimous decision. He was scheduled to fight former world title challenger Anthony Yarde in April, but the COVID-19 pandemic interfered. With an eye on a Yarde fight later this year, Arthur must first get past Spelman (16-3, 8 KOs), a six-year professional looking to rebound from last September’s decision loss to Shakan Pitters. Spelman, a scaffolder by day, is a former English light heavyweight champion.
 
In undercard action on the ESPN+ stream:

• In an eight-round junior lightweight bout featuring a pair of unbeatens, Liverpool native Nick Ball (12-0, 6 KOs) will face Jerome “Stay Ready” Campbell (6-0, 1 KO). Ball, who recently signed with Queensberry Promotions, won a Junior ABA title as an amateur.
   
• Middleweight prospect Caoimhin “Black Thunder” Agyarko (6-0, 3 KOs) will fight Jez Smith (11-1-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round showdown. As an amateur, Agyarko won a 2018 Irish national championship before turning pro later that year.
   
• Junior featherweight prospect Brad Strand (3-0, 1 KO) will fight noted spoiler Brett Fidoe in a four-round bout. Fidoe has been knocked out only once in an 80-fight pro career that began in 2012.

Having undergone successful thyroid cancer surgery, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to thank hundreds of well-wishers and assure them he will be making his comeback very soon.

“God works in mysterious ways,” said the recovering Lewkowicz.

In early June of this year, Lewkowicz says he had a small abrasion on his nose. “My four-year-old granddaughter, Emma, noticed it,” he explains, “she called it a ‘boo boo,’ and she made me promise to go to the doctor for it. I went to the doctor and while he was examining me, he noticed a lump in my neck and ordered me to undergo a biopsy, which revealed I had thyroid cancer and several tumors.”

Lewkowicz was originally scheduled for surgery July 30, but for personal reasons, that date was later cancelled, leaving him without a surgeon.

“On July 24, I was informed that the doctor cannot do the surgery. I shared this development with my friend Ricardo Rizzo, and he told another friend of mine, Juan Carlos Tapia from Panama. Within two hours, Tapia gave me the name of Dr. Adan Rios at the Memorial Hermann Health System, who had helped him and several family and friends.”

Rios immediately referred him to specialist Dr. Ron Karni, who ran further tests and spotted another aggressive cancer in addition to the previous three.

Lewkowicz was hurried into surgery at River Oaks Hospital & Clinics in Houston yesterday and, today, is recovering comfortably with his lovely wife Ketty at his side.

“The surgery was a success,” he happily reports. “All the tumors and cancer were removed.”

The grateful Lewkowicz wishes to thank all of his well-wishers, including WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, who rushed a rosary blessed by Pope Francis to his bedside upon hearing the news.

“Regardless of your religion, we all have red blood in our veins. Thank you to all who prayed for me.”

Already eager to go back to work, Lewkowicz says he’s aiming to return in time for his fighter, two-time WBC super middleweight champion David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavidez’s, Showtime-televised August 15 title defense against Roamer Alexis Angulo at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.
About Sampson Boxing

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

NEW YORK (July 29, 2020) – Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of amateur standout Haven Brady to a managerial contract.

Brady, 18, is from Albany, Georgia, and was the 2019, Jr. National Olympic Gold Medal winner at 132 pounds.

He will campaign at 126 pounds in the professional ranks.

“Split-T Management is a great company that has produced many talented fighters. That gives me the confidence that that they can take me to where I want to be, and that is being a world champion,” said Brady.

Said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management, “Haven is really a special young man. He’s a star in the ring, but also was a top flight student who graduated high school with honors, and while in high school, he accumulated tons of college credit. That kind of work ethic and dedication speaks to just how special he is.”

Brady began boxing at the age of 12 because he wanted to do something different and be involved with a solo sport. He also wanted to learn to defend himself.

That spawned an amateur career that saw him go 65-10 with 30 knockouts. Besides winning the Jr. Nationals, Brady won the 2019 Eastern Qualifiers and 2019 Jr. National PAL.

Brady was influenced by Floyd Mayweather and Thomas Hearns, and compares his style to Gervonta Davis.

“You will see power, power and more power out of me.”

In his spare time, Brady likes to spend time with his family, play basketball and give back to his community.

He trains at the Soul City Boxing Gym in Toledo, Ohio under the guidance of Otha and Roshawn Jones, and alongside his Split-T Management stablemates Charles Conwell, Isaiah Steen and Otha Jones III.

It was Jones who introduced Brady to McWater.

“I am learning to expand my boxing, so I not only have power but can box and adapt to any style

“Dave McWater is a very good man, firm on his word. I know what he will do for me and, he is connected to the big people in boxing.”

“15 years from now, I will be a multi-Division world champion and a role model for the youth.”

When home in Albany, Brady trains at The Beat The Streetz Gym.

“I have been waiting to turn pro for a long time. It is time to go to the next level.

With just two days until his BT Sport 1 main event against Dec Spelman, ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur has declared himself ready to conquer the United Kingdom’s Light Heavyweight landscape.

“Forget Yarde and Buatsi,” said Lyndon of his two most high-profile rivals. “By the end of the year, i’ll be the guy you’re all talking about.”

Prior to Lockdown, Arthur had been scheduled for a blockbuster bust-up with ‘The Beast’ Anthony Yarde but those plans were scuppered by the Lockdown and subsequent postponement of a planned April 11th card at the O2 Arena.

That fight remains part of Frank Warren’s plans for later this year, but first Lyndon must overcome a tricky defence of his Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title against a tough opponent in Dec Spelman.

Spelman is confident of victory himself and in his first interview since arriving in London for fight week, the Scunthorpe scrapper vowed to take Lyndon’s “head off”.

The ‘King’ isn’t worried about the threat to his crown… or his head.

“Friday it’ll be the same old story. I’ll beat him down and I’ll knock him out. Easy work.

“I keep hearing people say this is my hardest fight but I’m going to make it look like my easiest. Dec Spelman has never been hit as hard as he will be on Friday night.”

Spelman enters the ring boasting an impressive record of 16-3, but the undefeated Mancunian thinks he’ll be able to prove he’s a level above his opponent.

Lyndon is 16-0 with 12KO’s to his name and believes he’ll soon prove himself worthy of his royal nickname.

The ‘King’ said: “Dec’s a good fighter but he doesn’t belong in the ring with me.”

Arthur vs Spelman is live on BT Sport 1 at 7pm, this Friday night.

NEW YORK (July 28, 2020) – Surging middleweight contender Christopher Pearson is ready for a breakthrough performance against any of the top names at 160 or 168 divisions.

Pearson of Trotwood, Ohio, is managed by Split-T Management, and he recently moved to San Antonio, Texas, has a record of 17-2, and is riding a three-fight winning streak which includes a win over former Olympic Bronze Medal winner and undefeated Yamaguchi Falcao.

Pearson, who trains in Los Angeles under world-championship trainer Manny Robles, has already begun preparations for his next assignment.

“I started training down here in San Antonio at Jesse James Leija’s gym. I just moved down here, and it took a minute to find a gym, but once the gym opened, this is a great place to be. I will go to Los Angeles on July 30th and start with Manny,” said Pearson.

Pearson, who began his career with 13 consecutive victories, feels that he is a stern challenge for anybody at middleweight or super middleweight.

“I am looking to fight the best in those two divisions,and solidify myself as the best in the sport. I feel that that the 2nd half of my career is proving that I am the best.”

The Falcao fight proved that Pearson can fight anyone in those divisions, and despite getting a late call for the fight, he performed at a high-level to come home with the emphatic unanimous decision victory.

“I took that fight on four weeks notice. I am not short on confidence, and I know what I am capable of doing.

Recently Pearson had his named mentioned for a showdown with Canelo Alvarez, and he believes that Canelo’s handlers were not too keen in a fight with the 29 year-old Pearson.

“I know that I am one of four or five guys from Golden Boy Promotions that was offered that fight. Out of all of those guys, they must of looked at me as a high-risk, low-reward fight. Fighting me is dangerous. They know me, because I have sparred with him, and he knows what I am capable of.”

“Canelo is a counter-puncher, but he is not better then me in the department. He has more power, but he is not as capable as me. Once we get in the ring, anything can happen..especially at 168 pounds.”

“Another fight that I would like to get is with Jaime Munguia. He is at 160 pounds now. I can outclass him. I don’t see anything special about him. If it takes beating other fighters like David Lemieux or Taureano Johnson to get those fights, then bring them on. Right now I am ready to take on anyone.”

Pearson is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER Dec Spelman today arrived at the fighter hotel ahead of a headline clash against British and Commonwealth Champion ‘King’ Lyndon Arthur, vowing to dethrone his highly-favoured opponent.

The pair will clash on Friday night, live on BT Sport 1 at 7pm, and a confident Spelman is clear on what he intends to do: “I want to bash up Lyndon, I want his British and Commonwealth titles… and then I want to fight Anthony Yarde.”

Much has been made of Hall-Of-Fame promoter Frank Warren’s plans to manoeuvre Arthur into position to face Yarde later in the year, but Spelman believes he’s being overlooked and it’ll come back to bite Arthur come Friday night.

“All i’ve heard about since the fight was made is how Lyndon’s going to beat me and then get his big night against Anthony Yarde.

“I’m sick of people looking past me, I’m sick of Lyndon Arthur looking past me. It’s all fun and games for him until he gets in the ring on Friday and realises he should never have taken this fight.”

The Scunthorpe scrapper believes that he can take Arthur to levels he’s not yet seen and then go and give a good account for himself against ‘The Beast’ later in 2020.

“I’ve already beaten fighters that would beat Lyndon Arthur. The one time he stepped up he went to war with an unknown Ghanaian.

“Anthony Yarde has nothing that worries me. None of the light heavies do. That’s how good I feel.

“I feel great, I’ve just been grinding through lockdown and I’m ready to take Lyndon’s head off.”

The last time Dec Spelman fought on BT Sport he suffered a razor-thin, close decision loss to Shakan Pitters but Dec reckons viewers shouldn’t read too much into what he considers a sub-par performance.

“BT Sport viewers didn’t see the best of me last time out, but I know come Friday it’ll be the best version of Dec Spelman that knocks out Lyndon Arthur.”

Live coverage on BT Sport 1 begins at 7pm on Friday.

Dalton Smith,Sheffield’s most successful amateur boxer of all time,only has eyes for the future as he prepares to take the biggest step up in his pro career to date when he fights Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett over eight rounds in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday August 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

In a glittering amateur career, Smith established himself as one of the very best fighters in the country, winning medals at the Junior European Championships and youth Commonwealth Games, as well as representing Team GB around the World and taking on the very best amateurs on the planet in the World Series of Boxing.

Since swapping his Team GB vest for the paid ranks with Eddie’s Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in March 2019, Smith has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the UK, winning all five of his bouts in impressive fashion and stopping all but one opponent inside the distance.

‘Thunder’s’ successful switch from the amateurs is all the more compelling given he had four operations on his hands before even starting his professional adventure, and the gifted 23-year-old says his hands are feeling stronger than ever as he looks to move 6-0 this weekend. 

“In the amateurs I had a lot of hand injuries towards the back of my career and I’ve got the scars to show for it.” said Smith. “I’ve had two operations on my right hand and I had to have a tendon repaired on my left hand. You can see why I say the gloves and the hand wraps have a big impact in the amateurs on fighter’s hands. I’d be going to tournaments, throwing punches but holding back. 

“It was like a mental thing where I’d had all of that time off with injuries and operations, I just didn’t want to go through all of that again. You just have to overcome that and have trust in yourself. They’ve been fine ever since. Now I’ve turned professional I get the pro wrap, the gloves are shaped better and I’ve not had not any hand trouble whatsoever.”

Trained by his father Grant at the Steel City Gym in Sheffield alongside former WBC Flyweight World Champion Charlie Edwards and his brother Sunny, Smith has settled well into life as a professional fighter and hopes to replicate his outstanding amateur achievements in the pro game. 

“My dad got a trophy cabinet for me to keep all of my medals and trophies together. I used to come back from a tournament and my dad would stack my medals in there. The trophies go back to when I was eleven when I first started competing. It’s nice to look back on my past achievements. It’s something to show your kids when you get older.

“I won National Titles all the way up to the Seniors. Just before I turned professional, I won the Senior ABA’s. I had a good amateur career so it’s nice to see all of my medals and look back on them but I’m in the professional game now and I’ve got new goals to achieve. I’ll have to get a new trophy cabinet now to stick the belts in. The amateurs are passed me now and success in professional game is my new goal.”

Smith vs. Bennett lands on Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle.

UNBEATEN MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER Caoimhin Agyarko will take on Jez Smith live from the BT Studio on Friday night in the third of Frank Warren’s post-lockdown summer series.

Heading up the show is the tasty looking light heavyweight collision between Lyndon Arthur and Dec Spelman with the Commonwealth title at stake in a fight where sparks are certain to fly.

Agyarko and Smith coming together is also a combustible cocktail containing mostly pure aggression and come forward intent from both fighters.

Agyarko (6-0), known as Black Thunder, recognises this domestic dust-up as his first big test, while Smith (11-1-1) acknowledges this is his time to shine in stepping up to middleweight for a golden opportunity to kickstart his career.

“Jez Smith is a decent opponent so I am looking forward to it,” said the 23-year-old from Belfast. “I have been wanting someone who will come and fight, someone who will throw back and leave openings. Someone who will test me as well, so this could be it.

“He has never fought at middleweight before, but he carries a bit of power for a welterweight and has five stoppages from his 11 wins. I’ll not be taking anything for granted. Regardless of whether he is a welterweight or not, I am taking it as my toughest fight to date and I am going to put on a good performance.

“Obviously I would have preferred a middleweight with a good record but nobody wanted to step up to the plate at this moment in time. Fair play to Jez for taking this fight and I am sure he will be out to prove everybody wrong and cause an upset.

“This is a stepping stone for me, a domestic dust-up and what I’ve been calling for. I am looking forward to getting the job done and moving on to bigger and better things.”

Smith, from Harrow, is undaunted by the mission of stepping up in weight and views the fight as his potential passport back to the big stage he operated on during his prospect phase.

“I’d been preparing for a fight in Belarus and working hard, but I didn’t know what was going on with travel quarantine,” said Smith, the younger brother of former WBO European champion Mitchell. “So I put my name out there in case anything came up and then I got a message from my trainer saying we’ve been offered a fight at middleweight.

“I was going to fight between light middle and middle in Belarus so I said to myself it is just an extra few pounds and I believe I am big enough. To be honest with you, I look at Agyarko and I don’t think he is a middleweight.

“I believe he is not massive at the weight and, if he wanted to, he could do a lower weight. He is quite chunky but it doesn’t faze me and I believe I am strong enough and I spar bigger lads all the time.

“I can fight, I can box and, I’ll tell you one thing for sure, I am not coming in as a body. I am coming to win and he is going to get a tough night’s work.

“It is a massive opportunity for me. It is on BT Sport and if I put on a massive performance and turn him over it opens up a huge door for me.

“I am not saying I am going to fight at middleweight from now on, it is just a fight I believe I hold my own in. I believe I can win. I am not being unrealistic because I don’t think he is a world-beater. I’ve watched him and he is a good fighter, but I am believe I am too and I can’t wait to get in there.

“If people go off my last performance then more fool them.”

Also featuring on the card is the exciting Liverpool trio of Nick Ball, Andrew Cain and Brad Strand from the Everton Red Triangle gym. 11-0 featherweight Ball takes on the 6-0 Jerome Campbell from Kingsbury.

Live coverage on BT Sport 1 begins at 7pm on Friday.

London, UK (28 July 2020) Undefeated British Light-Heavyweight title contender Shakan Pitters has signed a long-term promotional agreement with renowned promoter Mick Hennessy as he advances to the next level of his career.

The Birmingham hot shot has won all 13 of his fights since turning professional in March 2017 and first came to public attention when he breezed through the Ultimate Boxxer 2 tournament in November 2018, winning three fights in one night to claim the top prize.

He captured his first professional title when he defeated Dec Spelman in a thrilling 10-round war to lift the English crown and close a successful 2019.  All set for a big 2020 with a challenge for the British title against Chad Sugden scheduled for March 28, Pitters then saw the fight cancelled just a week prior due to the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Hennessy this week delivered the exciting and long-awaited news that boxing’s big return to free-to-air TV screens will be the Pitters versus Sugden British title showdown which headlines a thrilling five-fight card, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.   

Also on the summer sizzler of a card will be the comeback of Brixton cruiserweight title contender Isaac Chamberlain; Birmingham super-welterweight and Love Island star Idris Virgo;fast-rising Sevenoaks middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr and a further Area Championship title fight to be confirmed that completes a real quality packed show.

At a towering 6’ 6”, ‘Big Shak’ stands, literally, head and shoulders above his 175lb rivals and combined with his long reach, it comes as no surprise that his idol is the legendary seven-time and five-weight World Champion Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns who he shares physical similarities with.  

The all-action box-puncher possesses a solid and accurate left jab, knockout power in both hands and fast footwork, combined with his fighting heart and pride and a relentless desire to become a World Champion.   Mixed with his undoubted charisma, mega watt smile and persona, Hennessy believes he has all the tools and qualities to become a star in the sport and essentially a World Champion. 

Pitters’ natural athleticism was evident at an early age when he competed to a high level boxing in the juniors, but he was also a youth trainee footballer at West Bromwich Albion during his teenage years until he was released and then returned to boxing and pursued a career with his fists in the pros which has proved to be a dynamite choice.

Boxing also runs in the family blood with his father Colin, a professional middleweight in the early 1990s who once fought future WBC World Champion Richie Woodhall and top pros Steve Foster, Neville Brown and Adrian Dodson, plus his uncle Rob was also a top light-middleweight prospect.

Currently Pitters trains at Birmingham’s renowned factory of champions, the Eastside Gym in Bordesley Green, alongside IBF International Welterweight Champion Sam Eggington, and is managed by Jon Pegg and trained by Paul “Soggy’ Counihan.

Pitters joins the ever expanding and talented Hennessy Sports stable that includes recent top cruiserweight signing Isaac Chamberlain, European super-featherweight title contender Alex Dilmaghani and rising middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr., alongside Hennessy managed fighters Hughie Fury and Savannah Marshall.

With his new promotional deal in place with Hennessy, who developed Carl Froch and Tyson Fury into mainstream stars and took them to World Championship honours and his future fights to be broadcast on free-to-air Channel 5, Pitters is ecstatic and can’t wait to get started on August 22nd.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign with Mick Hennessy and join the Hennessy Sports stable,” enthused Pitters.  “My career is at the next stage and I believe that Mick is the man to take me where I want to go.  His track record of spotting and developing talent into champions is second-to-none and I’m sure I can repay his faith in me by delivering Championship titles.  I’m super excited to be fighting regularly on Channel 5 in front of an audience of million upon millions of viewers and with my fighting style and personality, I have got a fantastic platform to become a household name.  The next leg of my journey begins on Saturday 22nd August when I challenge for the British title against Sugden.  I’m not looking ahead of this fight, everything we’ve worked towards so far is on the line here and it means everything to me.” 

A delighted Hennessy said, “We welcome Shakan to the Hennessy Sports team and look forward to working with Jon as we take his career to the next level and beyond.  I’ve followed Shakan since he started his career and have always been impressed with him and how he handles himself inside and outside of the ring and it’s fantastic to now be guiding his career.  He’s a physical specimen blessed with great boxing skills, he can box, he can fight, he has a real aura and charisma that will crossover to the mainstream, but importantly his attitude and desire to go to the top and win a World title.  I really believe that he has something special and with my guidance and his exposure on free-to-air Channel 5, he can become a real star in the sport. The 175lb division is really heating up and Shakan can be in the heat of the action, but first and foremost he mustn’t overlook Chad who is a serious challenger for the British title and will be a big hurdle to get over first.”

Jordan Gill says his boxing career was close to being KO’d by Thyroid Disease after a nasty battle with the disorder at the back end of last year left the Chatteris talent seriously considering his future in the squared circle.

Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) was riding the crest of a wave having impressed with eye-catching stoppage wins over Ryan Doyle and Emmanuel Dominguez before a shock defeat to Mexico’s Mario Enrique Tinoco at the Nottingham Arena in May signalled the start of a frustrating spell. 

The 26-year-old managed to return from his first career loss with a win over Yesner Talavera in Florence, Italy but his joy was short-lived after he was forced to withdraw from a scheduled bout in December as his health issues worsened.

Having now put his medical issues behind him, ‘The Thrill’ is fully focused on getting a win over British rival Reece Bellotti this Saturday on Fight Camp Week 1, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, to catapult himself back to where he was before his loss to Tinoco. 

“A lot of people don’t realise how serious the health issues I had were,” explained Gill. “I thought I’d never box again. I thought I’d never be the same again. It turned my boxing life and my personal life upside down. I was struggling with my training, my heart rate was going through the roof. I was sweating at night, I was constantly hungry and I had no energy.

“Something had to change so I got a blood test and I was diagnosed. At first I was misdiagnosed so I went through all of the private testing and paid a lot of money for private doctors to give me the correct diagnoses. I’m glad to be putting behind me because it was a big worry at the time. I thought my life in boxing was over but thankfully we’ve got the all clear and we’re on the mend. I’m back feeling good, back to where I should be. 

“They were constantly testing my bloods, making sure that my Thyroid Gland was working the way it should be. It flared right up. I was losing weight constantly, but being out of shape and losing muscle. I was eating no end but not putting any weight on. Then it went under-active and I wasn’t eating at all but putting loads and loads of weight on – for a boxer that’s quite daunting.

“I thought I was going to have to find something else. I thought I was going to have to find another path in life. For someone that puts 100% into one thing, I put all my eggs in one basket with boxing, it’s a scary thing. That’s the way I live my life. If I attack something, I’m attacking it with 100% and that’s what I do with boxing. To have it possibly being taken away from you is a massive thing. 

“I think even without the Thyroid issues I’ve not been in a competitive fight for a long time, last time I boxed in Italy in a six rounder in September. It’s been a long time out of the ring and people will expect me to be a bit cautious or not be firing on all cylinders. I’ve got no excuses though, I’ve prepared in the best way possible. I’ve been diligent with my training and I’ve left no stone unturned. I’ve got no excuses and the better man will win on the night.”

Gill vs. Bellotti lands on Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title , fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs). 

INDIO, CALIF. (July 27, 2020) – For Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (22-0, 14 KOs), it’s not if he’ll have a shot at a world title, but when. In the August 28 co-main event of Linares vs. Fortuna, Ellis will have an opportunity to show why when he faces experienced contender Brad “King” Solomon (28-3, 9 KOs) in a 10-round defense of his WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title.

The event, which will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, will be closed to the public and media. It will be streamed live on DAZN.

“Rashidi Ellis is a big problem for everyone at 147 pounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “He may very well have the quickest hands in boxing, and he’s eager to fight the very best in the division. We’re proud to have him lead our explosive undercard for August 28, which features some of the best contenders in any division, including the hard-hitting Bektemir Melikuziev and rising welterweight Alexis Rocha.”

At 27 years of age, Ellis is ready for the very best that the welterweight division has to offer. The native of Lynn, Mass. has never tasted defeat since making his professional debut in 2017, and he’s fought in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as well is in many different cities in the United States. Ellis has previously held the IBF North American Welterweight Title, and now he is currently the proud holder of the WBA Continental Americas Welterweight Title, which he earned via unanimous decision in his rematch against Eddie “E-Boy” Gomez. Ellis will face one of the toughest challenges of his career in Solomon, and the result will indicate to all where he stands in the division.

“I’m finally back in the ring on August 28 on DAZN,” said Rashidi Ellis. “And I’m happy that it will be at my favorite place, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Brad Solomon his coming off some very tough challenges, but I’m coming to make a statement. I’m going to show that I’m the best in the welterweight division and that I’m ready for a title shot. Stay tuned!”

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Louisiana who was a decorated amateur before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves tournaments, Solomon also possesses an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he has defeated tough fighters such as Freddy “The Rail” Hernandez and Adrian “El Tigre” Granados. Solomon is returning after back-to-back losses against Vergil Ortiz Jr.and Alexis Rocha, but he promises that this fight will re-enter him into upper echelon of the welterweight rankings.

“I want to tip my hat off to Golden Boy for bringing me back on one of their shows,” said Brad Solomon. “I will fight a good prospect, an up-and-coming fighter. But that’s what I’ve always wanted, the top, up-and-coming fighters. In this fight, I’m going to prove myself. I’m going to show the sport of boxing that I’m back. I’m going to put my career back on top where it’s supposed to be.”

Uzbekistani wrecking ball Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (5-0, 4 KOs) will continue his rapid rise up the 168-pound rankings when he defends his WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Title Alan “La Amenaza” Campa (17-5, 11 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a 10-round clash.

Alexis “Lex” Rocha (16-0, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round battle against Jameson Bacon (23-4, 15 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines.

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. (19-1-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C., will face Neil Tabanao (17-7, 11 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines in a 10-round super featherweight fight.

Marlen Esparza (7-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return after her first and only defeat in an eight-round flyweight bout against Jacky Calvo (12-5-1, 1 KO) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Linares vs. Fortuna is a 12-round fight for the WBC Diamond Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Teiken Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will take Friday, August 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
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PHILADELPHIA, PENN/ / ORANGE, CALIF. July 27, 2020) – Lightweight prospect, Michael “West Texas Warrior” Dutchover, improved his record to (14-1, 10 KOs) as he dominated Jorge Marron Jr. (18-2, 6 KOs) in the feature attraction of Thompson Boxing Promotions 3.2.1. Boxing pay-per-view streaming event. The 8-round main event bout took place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA.

Dutchover, who is co promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, dominated the bout from the opening bell as he outworked Marron Jr. throughout the entire fight. With his slippery style from the southpaw stance, Marron Jr. was able to avoid a lot of powerful blows from Dutchover, but never landed anything offensively. Dutchover got the best of some heated exchanges that took place in the later rounds, as Marron Jr. was doing his best to make the fight competitive. Dutchover cruised to a unanimous decision victory. Scorecards read 80-72, 78-74 twice.

“I feel with a few more fights, I’ll be ready to take on anyone they put in front of me,” said Dutchover. “Marron showed a lot of heart today by going the distance, but I felt he was trying to survive and make it to the final bell. We had a few nice exchanges, but he wasn’t really engaging. I did what I had to do to get the victory so now its time to move on. I’ll wait to see what my promoters, Thompson Boxing and Banner has next for me. I’ll be ready for war when they call my name.”

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing.

Nathan Bennett says he is ready to seize a “once in a lifetime” opportunity when he takes on highly-rated Matchroom prospect Dalton Smith this Saturday August 1 on the opening weekend of Fight Camp, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Trained by former professional Light-Middleweight boxer Steve Harkin, Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs) has fought exclusively in his home city of Liverpool since making his professional debut with a 40-36 points win over Lithuania’s Andrej Cepur at the BT Convention Centre in November 2017.

The 27-year-old notched another six wins before suffering his first defeat in the pros against Birmingham’s Ben Fields at the Olympia in October last year. He bounced back from that disappointment with wins over Stu Greener and most recently Michael Mooney. 

Despite having only fought on non-televised small hall shows up until this point, the Steve Wood-managed fighter insists he won’t be overawed when he squares off with Sheffield’s most successful amateur of all time in the unique and breathtaking outdoor setting at Matchroom HQ. 

“It’s an ask but I’m definitely capable of beating him or I wouldn’t have taken the fight,” said Bennett. “I was driving in my car when I got a phone call off my manager Steve Wood and he said ‘what do you reckon on this Dalton Smith?’. I just told him to make the fight. 

“Let’s face it, I wouldn’t have been boxing until next year if it wasn’t for this fight would I. He fought just before lockdown and so did I so we’re both going to be there and we’re both going to be fresh. He fought on the 7^th of March and then I fought on the 14^th of March. 

“I couldn’t get out of bed for some of my earlier opponents because I knew I was going to beat them. That’s the honest truth. It was unprofessional of me but that’s definitely not the case for this fight. These are the fights that get me out of bed.

“I’m not like those fighters that he’s fought and he’s going to find that out the 1^st of August. Weight isn’t going to be an issue for me. I’m six foot so I’ve got the height advantage. I’ll meet him straight in the middle. They’re most probably underestimating my boxing ability. I had 80 fights as an amateur, won two titles and boxed everywhere. It’s going to be a good fight. 

“They’re all 50-50 fights on every show otherwise they wouldn’t have put them on. It’s great exposure for me. I don’t think this will ever happen again. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and it will be watched all around the world. This is my opportunity. This was meant to be for me. There’s no expectations of me but I’ve got expectations of myself.”

Smith vs. Bennett lands on Week 1 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) put his IBF International Super-Welterweight Title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight Title, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle.