LAS VEGAS, NV (July 10, 2020) – Undefeated WBC Lightweight champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (24-0, 15 KOs), sounds off, putting the big names surrounding his weight class on notice as he awaits the announcement of this next fight. In addition, Haney gives his thoughts on his next fight during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the mental and physical benefits of being quarantined.

I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Devin Haney. “This has been the longest time between fights in my career. My body received a well deserved rest. I’m blessed.”

“Lately, I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time with “TBE” Floyd Maweather. Being compared to Mayweather is the ultimate compliment for any fighter in this era of boxing. I’m the most skilled fighter in the world right now and I’m looking forward to an opponent I can make a statement against. I’m working diligently with Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBC to make the big fights happen. Every decision made by the WBC hasn’t went my way, but I have a genuine love and respect for the WBC family as a whole. I’m proud to represent the WBC organization.”

“Vasyl Lomachenko is a true professional and considered to be a top five pound for pound champion. I challenged him for the WBC lightweight world title and I didn’t get the big fight I wanted, but I got the belt I deserved by stopping Zaur Abdullaev and becoming Vasyl Lomachenko’s mandatory challenger to the lightweight world title. Ironically, the big fight never happened because Lomachenko and Top Rank petitioned the WBC not to fight me and award him the franchise title. I then petitioned the WBC to elevate me from interim champion, to full world champion, because Lomachenko chose not to fight me and I had previously beat the highest ranked fighter available. Let’s make this clear, you can’t win the franchise title and you can’t challenge a franchise champion. I’m 21-years old and I’m the WBC world lightweight champion and I believe in fighting mandatory challengers. The 135 lbs unification runs thru me. Enough said!”

“At this point in my career I don’t mind mandatories at all because it forces the best fighters in my division to get in the ring with me. They can run but they can’t hide. Mandatory for me means mandatory cash. It’s good to be in a stacked division. If I can I’m going to fight all of them. I hope Teofimo Lopez beats Loma and then fights me in a unification for all the belts like he promised Mauricio Sulaiman. To me it looks like Luke Campbell is looking forward to the opportunity of getting beat up by me more than Ryan Garcia is looking forward to it. I’m guessing in Ryan’s defense, he’s never lost so he’s moving a little different and trying to stay undefeated (lol), but I don’t think Eddie Reynosa and Golden Boy really don’t want him to fight me yet. Luke is accustomed to losing big fights, we know he’s come up short more than once. I think he has more of a… “I don’t give a damn attitude” and I’m cool with that too! As far as Gervonta “Tank” Davis? I don’t like throwing water on a drowning man but leaving a stacked 135 lbs. division, to take a fight at super featherweight kind of tells you where he’s at. It’s no secret I’m a problem at 135 lbs. I know Jose Ramirez ain’t sleeping good at night either, he got Haney at 140 lbs. or Terence Crawford at 147 lbs. problems to think about. I don’t wish that on anybody. Josh Taylor is an easier fight for Ramirez then me or Bud, but it’s still a tough 50/50 fight. Ramirez is out here looking like food on the low.”

“This pandemic is something we’ve never seen,” Haney concluded. “It’s tough on everyone around the world. We’ve all been in quarantine for the last few months, including myself, and fortunately staying at home is the best place to be. Similar in many ways to training camp. I pray to GOD things get back to normal soon. I’m anxious to get back in the ring as soon as the experts give the green light. I want all the smoke.”

Queensberry Promotions and Prenetics are delighted to announce that as of Friday 10th July, 104 covid-19 tests were carried out over the previous seven day period and all results have come back negative.

As such, boxing will return to UK screens tonight at 7pm, Live on BT Sport 1.

Queensberry Promotions have teamed with leading international genetic testing and digital health company Prenetics to deliver the first integrated testing to the Boxing sector after successful development and deployment in the English Premier League football and Test cricket

The programme is being adopted to support the first Boxing event at the BT Sport Studio on Friday, July 10th and the following four scheduled dates across July and August. Prenetics will begin the testing of all boxers and support staff a week prior to each match. Prenetics will also be testing key individuals upon entry to the venue who will then self-isolate until the results of the tests are fully determined. There will be a total of 564 tests across 5 event dates, as currently scheduled for July 10th, July 25th, July 31st, August 20th and August 31st.

Avi Lasarow, CEO of Prenetics UK said: “We are delighted to be working with Queensberry, after our existing mandates with the Premier League and England and Wales Cricket Board (‘ECB’), as part of our mission to help Britain get back to work and play as we get through this crisis.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® action continues on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with an exciting featherweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 6 Calvin Kattar and No. 10 Dan Ige battle to prove they belong in the title conversation. In the co-main event, thrilling flyweights clash as No. 12 ranked contender Tim Elliott takes on Ryan Benoit. All events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND are the result of a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: KATTAR vs. IGE will take place Wednesday, July 15 at Flash Forum on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The full event will be simulcast airing live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ (English and Spanish) with the prelims starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the main card at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

Quickly returning to action after securing the biggest win of his career over Jeremy Stephens, Kattar (22-4, fighting out of Methuen, Mass.) has his sights set on breaking into the top five of the division for the first time with another signature win. Among the most skilled strikers at featherweight, Kattar has finished all but one of his UFC victories via knockout, including wins over Shane Burgos, Chris Fishgold and Ricardo Lamas. Kattar now aims to make his biggest statement yet by becoming the first person to ever stop Ige.

The newest member of the featherweight top 10, Ige (14-2, fighting out of Haleiwa, Hawaii) plans to continue his impressive winning streak in his first UFC main event. After a close decision loss in his UFC debut, Ige has gone undefeated in six fights, earning impressive wins over Edson Barboza, Mirsad Bektic and Kevin Aguilar. Now, Ige looks to prove he belongs with the elite of the division by securing his most important victory to date.

A former UFC flyweight title challenger, Elliott (16-11, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) looks to defend his spot in the rankings and put on another entertaining performance. Known for his incredible pressure and cardio, Elliott has earned victories over some of the toughest competitors in the division’s history, including Jens Pulver, Mark De La Rosa and Louis Smolka. He now aims to bounce back into the win column and reinsert himself into the championship conversation.

Competing in the first co-main event of his UFC career, Benoit (10-6, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) aims to make the most of the opportunity and claim his biggest win yet. One of the hardest hitters in the flyweight division, Benoit has finished a remarkable eight of his 10 wins by knockout or TKO, including stoppages over Sergio Pettis and Ashkan Mokhtarian. He now attempts to become the first person in the UFC to knockout Elliott, and break into the division’s top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top-ranked bantamweights meet at featherweight on short notice as Jimmie Rivera (22-4, fighting out Ramsey, N.J.) seeks to become the first person to KO Cody Stamann (19-2, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.)
• No. 15 ranked women’s flyweight contender Molly McCann (10-2, fighting out of Liverpool, England) looks to extend her impressive winning streak against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Taila Santos (15-1, fighting out of Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil)
• Dangerous knockout artist Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) returns to action against UFC newcomer Mounir Lazzez (9-1, fighting out of Dubai, UAE by way of Sfax, Tunisia) at welterweight
• Heavy-handed middleweight John Phillips (22-9, fighting out of Swansea, Wales) goes for another signature finish against undefeated newcomer Khamzat Chimaev (6-0, fighting out of Sweden)
• Top featherweight prospects face off when Ricardo Ramos (14-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) meets Lerone Murphy (8-0-1, fighting out of Manchester, England)
• Debuting light heavyweights Modestas Bukauskas (10-2, fighting out of Buckinghamshire, England by way of Klaip?da County, Lithuania) and Andreas Michailidis (12-3, fighting out of  Athens, Greece) aim to make a good first impression on UFC fans
• Entertaining featherweights clash as Jared Gordon (15-4, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) takes on Chris Fishgold (18-3, fighting out of Liverpool, England)
• Diana Belbita (13-5, fighting out of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania) and Liana Jojua (7-3, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) look to secure their first UFC wins in a women’s flyweight clash
• Undefeated bantamweight Jack Shore (12-0, fighting out of Abertillery, Wales) faces the returning Aaron Phillips (12-3, fighting out of Lafayette, La.)
• Light heavyweights Jorge Gonzalez (16-4, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) and Kenneth Bergh (8-0, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) look to make the most of their UFC debuts and announce themselves as the next top prospect

The UFC will then continue events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with:

• UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: FIGUEIREDO vs. BENAVIDEZ 2 on Saturday, July 18
• UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: WHITTAKER vs. TILL on Saturday, July 25

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

A full line of UFC FIGHT ISLAND products, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles, tote bags, and more are available now on UFCStore.com

Matchroom Boxing USA are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Rod Ballelos as Chief Medical Officer.
 
Dr. Ballelos joins the company in a consultancy role ahead of our return to live action in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 15, live on DAZN, and he has been immediately tasked with playing a vital role around the COVID-19 protocols ahead of the event.
 
Dr. Ballelos brings substantial and varied medical experience and expertise to the role.  He currently works across multiple Emergency Departments in the greater Las Vegas area, and has worked alongside legendary ringside physician Dr. Flip Homansky, of the Las Vegas Boxing Commission, as well as Dr. Jeffrey Davidson, medical director of UFC, and is also a part of C & C Events Company, who provide medical care for large gatherings and events such as Electric Daisy Carnival.
 
Matchroom Boxing had intended to make the appointment ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic striking and pausing the sport, with the role intended to ensure that Matchroom’s events and fighters have access to first-class medical expertise at all times, including throughout training camps, around events and during fight night itself.  Dr. Ballelos will provide expertise across a range of areas including correct fighter nutrition and hydration advice, anti-doping measures and head trauma/concussion protocols. In addition to those responsibilities, he will now also help shape Matchroom’s COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all event participants and implementation of effective testing.
 
“I look forward to working closely with Matchroom Boxing, as well as being able to get to know the boxers both medically and on a personal level to be able to give them a sense of security about their health and well-being,” said Dr. Ballelos.
 
Shaun Palmer, Chief Operating Officer of Matchroom Boxing USA and Global General Counsel commented: “The health and safety of our fighters is paramount. Dr. Ballelos will perform a critical consulting role to help us ensure we continue to maintain the very highest safety standards and best medical practices across all our events. Dr. Ballelos will also offer invaluable guidance as we deal with the unprecedented challenges posed by staging events against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

WBO European Super Welterweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz has taken aim at challenger Paul Kean by saying that the behind-closed-doors environment plays into the Scotsman hands as he’s “used to boxing on small shows”.

Ahead of the first behind-closed-doors show on British soil – Friday night, 7pm on BT Sport 1 – Sheeraz said of no audiences: “He’s probably used to boxing on small hall shows, so if anything it plays in his favour.”

Asked if the lack of fans would impact his own performance, Sheeraz insisted ““not at all!” 

“At the end of the day, it’s just going to be me and Paul in a ring smashing each others faces in.  Regardless of who’s outside the ring, it’s not going to change anything.

Opponent Kean was equally forthright in his views about fighting in front of a TV audience but no physical crowd.

“A fight’s a fight, you know what I mean? It’s two people in the ring fighting. It could be in your back garden, in the street. A fight’s a fight to me” said Kean,  “I’m just happy with the opportunity.”

Sheeraz and Kean have been on a collision course for some time now, with their scrap originally scheduled for the Dubois vs Joyce undercard on April 11.

That fight was subsequently moved back, first to July 11th and most recently until October 24th, and both Hamzah and Paul were happy to move their date completely to make sure they could meet.

Neither believe the delay will impact their performance.

“I don’t really go into camp. I’m always training and I’m always ready. I’ve stayed in shape. Come Friday I’ll be more than ready.

“Anything he’s bringing fight night I’ll be more than ready for”, said Hamzah.

Kean went further still and said that Lockdown has actually helped his preparations. 

The Scotsman usually balances boxing with a full-time job but Lockdown has allowed him to devote more time to his training, with the exception of the odd Zoom PT session he’s been providing to punters.

“It’s been good… I’ve got a full time job, so Lockdown has been perfect for me as i’ve been able to train as a professional for the first time. It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. It’s given me more time to prepare.” 

Hamzah enters the ring as the WBO European Champion, a title he claimed by toppling Ryan Kelly in Birmingham late last year.

The young man from Ilford believes that that experience, against a tough and well-rated opponent, has given him an extra fire in his belly to push on up the rankings.

“When I fought Ryan Kelly for the title it was different as I was still a prospect. Now i’ve got the belt, if anything, it’s given me more hunger as I don’t want to lose my belt, I don’t want to lose my position… I’m definitely not going to let that go.” 

Kean was quick to reply that, despite Hamzah’s big-time experience, he and his team were ready to spring the upset.

He said: “I’m confident in my ability as well. Me and my team are more than confident in coming down and doing the business.

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m ready to take it with both hands. I’ve been around the fight game a long time, I was a kickboxer before I was a boxer so I’m very experienced.” 

A clearly unimpressed Sheeraz laughed and, with a final pre-fight pun, simply replied “Come fight night we’ll see how keen he really is.”

——-

Watch ‘Head 2 Head – Sheeraz vs Kean’ here

LAS VEGAS (July 9, 2020) — Miguel “Escorpion” Marriaga’s quest for a fourth world title shot continues inside the MGM Grand “Bubble” Thursday, July 16, in a scheduled 10-round featherweight main event against Filipino veteran Mark John Yap.

In the 10-round lightweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo, closing in on a world title shot of his own, will fight the unbeaten Will Madera.

Marriaga-Yap, Verdejo-Madera, and undercard bouts will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“Miguel stayed in shape throughout the pandemic and was willing to fight anyone we put in front of him,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Felix is so close to realizing his potential, and with a great trainer like Ismael Salas in his corner, anything is possible. This is going to be an action-packed card, and both Miguel and Felix will be tested.”

Marriaga said, “I stayed in shape during the pandemic, and I am thankful to my team for this wonderful opportunity. I want to be a world champion, and a win over Yap will move me one step closer to my ultimate goal. Yap is much better than his record indicates. Neither of us will take a backward step.”

Marriaga (29-3, 25 KOs) fell short in world title fights against Nicholas Walters, Oscar Valdez and Vasiliy Lomachenko, but he has knocked out four straight foes since the Lomachenko defeat in August 2017. He last saw action Dec. 7 in Pueblo, Mexico, and knocked out Alfredo Mejia Vargas with a body shot. Marriaga was scheduled to challenge Shakur Stevenson for the WBO featherweight world title March 14, but the bout was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yap (30-15, 15 KOs) is a 13-year pro and a former OPBF bantamweight champion who has not been knocked out since 2014.

Verdejo (26-1, 16 KOs) is seeking his fourth consecutive win since a shocking 2018 TKO loss at the hands of Antonio Lozada Jr. Now based in Las Vegas under the tutelage of Salas, the 2012 Olympian is coming off an ESPN-televised decision win Jan. 18 over Manuel Rey Rojas. Madera (15-0-3, 8 KOs), from Albany, New York, impressed American fight fans with his nationally televised decision win over the previously undefeated Thomas Mattice in February 2019. He is 2-0-1 since the Mattice victory, including a second-round stoppage over Edgar Ramirez on Jan. 28.

“July 16 marks my return to the ring against Will Madera in what will be my second fight with my new team,” Verdejo said. “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the progress resulting from my work. I have renewed motivation to realize my dream of becoming a world champion. That is the goal.”

In undercard action:

Alexis “Perro” del Bosque (17-5, 9 KOs), from Dallas, Texas, will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder at lightweight. del Bosque, who has won four in a row, was scheduled to fight Joseph Adorno in the MGM Grand “Bubble” last month, but the fight was canceled after Adorno failed to make weight.

Featherweight prospect Martino Jules (9-0, 2 KOs), a former amateur standout from Allentown, Pennsylvania, will face the upset-minded Aleem Jumakhonov (8-2-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Jumakhonov, who was born Tajikistan and now resides in Southern California, is coming off a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Anthony Chavez. 

Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe (14-2, 6 KOs), winner of two straight bouts, will fight Genc Pllana (8-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super middleweight. Pllana is coming off a nationally televised decision victory over Kevin Newman II (11-1-1 at the time) and a draw against Kalvin Henderson (12-0).

In a six-round welterweight tussle, Hector Madera (6-0, 3 KOs) will fight fellow unbeaten Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs).

IT’S BACK!

After 118 days of being locked down, Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are delighted to be able to say ‘BOXING IS BACK’.

After a successful, and socially distanced, weigh-in earlier today we can now confirm that all five of the events bouts are ready to go.

All the action will be live on BT SPORT 1 from 7pm tomorrow evening, Friday 10th July.

Pictures from the weigh-in can be accessed here

Official weights below:

Brad Foster – 8st 8.5lbs
James Beech Jr – 8st 9.75lbs

Hamzah Sheeraz – 10st 13.5lbs
Paul Kean – 10st 13.25lbs

Mark Chamberlain – 9st 11.5lbs
Stu Greener – 9st 9.5lbs

David Adeleye – 15st 9.25lbs
Matt Gordon – 17st 5.25lbs

Dorin Krasmaru – 17st 11.75lbs
Phil Williams – 17st 13.5lbs

The biggest rematch in the history of women’s boxing has been confirmed for Matchroom Fight Camp as Katie Taylor defends her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Delfine Persoon on Saturday August 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office. 

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) completed her fairy-tale journey from Olympic Gold to Undisputed Lightweight World Champion with a thrilling but controversial points win over Belgium’s Persoon on a historical night at the world-famous Madison Square Garden on the Joshua vs. Ruiz bill last year. 

After a bloody and brutal battle that captivated the New York crowd, the Irish star added Persoon’s WBC belt to her IBF, WBO and WBA Titles to hold all four at 135lbs and cement her place as the number one Lightweight on the planet.

The 34-year-old went on to create more history at Manchester Arena in November when she dethroned WBO Super-Lightweight World Champion Christina Linardatou to become a two-weight World ruler – becoming only the third Irish boxer to win World Titles in two weight classes.

Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) held the WBC strap for five years, making nine successful defences in that reign, before losing it to Taylor in a Fight of the Year contender. Despite losing on two of the judges’ scorecards, Persoon was convinced she’d won after ten rounds of relentless action and has been lobbying for a rematch ever since. 

“With Amanda Serrano not taking the fight I wanted the biggest fight possible in August and I think a second Persoon fight is one that everyone wants to see,” said Taylor. “I’ve been looking forward to a rematch ever since the first fight and I’m delighted it’s been made. It was definitely very close first time around, but I felt I deserved the win and I intend to leave no doubts in the rematch.”

Persoon said: “I am ready to get the victory following the injustice last June in New York, not by words but in the ring – I am ready!”

“Wow! What a fight – what a night! To be honest I can’t quite believe this fight has been made, I can’t give enough credit to Katie and Delfine for agreeing to do it again,” said Eddie Hearn. “Since their epic Fight of the Year contender at MSG last year, everyone has wanted to see this once again and now we have it. I’m very proud to stage this fight especially at such a critical time for our sport – along with Whyte vs. Povetkin August 22 will be one not to forget.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to confirm Katie Taylor’s eagerly awaited rematch against Delfine Persoon, with all the World Lightweight Titles on the line. Katie has called for a second fight ever since that thrilling first encounter when she received the verdict, much to the dismay of Persoon.

“They go again on the Whyte-Povetkin bill, which just got even bigger, and Katie will be determined to end any dispute with a resounding win. I’ve been speaking to Katie over the last few days and she’s more fired up than ever to show once again why she is a pound-for-pound star of the sport.

“Of course, we’ve also got Whyte’s high stakes showdown against Povetkin, with Dillian risking his WBC Mandatory Title shot. It’s repeat or revenge for Taylor and then Heavyweight fireworks in a fitting finale to Matchroom’s Fight Camp!”

Taylor vs. Persoon lands on the final week of Matchroom Fight Camp as Dillian Whyte  (27-1, 18 KOs) puts his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title on the line against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) in a battle of the left hooks, Martin Bakole (15-1, 12 KOs) returns to the ring against Russia’s Sergey Kuzmin (15-1, 11 KOs) and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs). 

DANIEL DUBOIS reckons the behind closed doors showdown against Erik Pfeifer will be ideal preparation for his showdown against Joe Joyce.

The British and Commonwealth Heavyweight champion was due to face Joyce this month, but the date at London’s O2 has been pushed back to Saturday October 24 at the same venue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To keep busy Dubois (14-0, 13KOs) defends his WBO International championship against Germany’s Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KOs) on Saturday August 29 at BT Sport studios as part of Frank Warren’s summer series.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) meets Pfeifer’s stable mate Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KOs) on Saturday July 25 in a non-title ten rounder giving the arch rivals an opportunity to sharpen up ahead of the much anticipated autumn showdown.

Dubois, 22, said: “The delay until October for the fight against Joe has given me more time to get things right and the Pfeifer fight is a bonus.

“It’s a shame that fans can’t attend, but I’m not moaning. A lot of fighters aren’t going to get work for months. 

“Hopefully Joe does the business on Wallisch and we give fans something to look forward when we finally meet later in October.

“It’s great to have an outing so I can blow away the cobwebs. When fight night comes it will have been more than seven months since my last contest. I’ve never had a layoff that long since I started boxing.

“I want to deliver a big performance and then it will be all systems go to KO Joe in October.”

Russian-born Pfeifer, 33, turned professional in September 2018. He last fought in November, and picked up the WBO European crown when Adnan Redzovic retired after five rounds.

The Hamburg man represented Germany at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. He won a bronze medal at the 2011 World championships losing against Anthony Joshua in the semi-final.

Two years later he claimed another World championship bronze. He also boxed in the World Series of Boxing and defeated French star Tony Yoka. Pfeifer has also been crowned the Super-Heavyweight (91+ kg) championship in AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) .

He will provide a good test, but Dubois warned: “Everyone knows how serious I am.

 “Through lockdown I haven’t stopped training at home with my brother and sister. There was no messing.

“As soon as we were allowed to go into the gym I was back with my trainer Martin Bowers, and being in a familiar environment makes things more comfortable.

“Frank Warren told me a while back there might be a chance of a fight on a TV studio show, and when the chance came I didn’t hesitate.

“Pfeifer has come along at relatively short notice, but we have more than enough time to prepare.”

And with the Pfeifer fight his biggest immediate concern, there will be little thought of Joyce for now.

“It is no concern of mine how he looks in his warm-up. I just have to concentrate on myself and not worry about his performance.”

Further attractions on the August 29 show include British super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (14-0) defending his IBF International title against the former Commonwealth champion and Cameroon Olympian Thomas Essomba (10-5).

Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell (13-0) will defend his WBO European super lightweight title against former European champion and British title challenger Joe Hughes (17-5-1) from Malmesbury.

Former world amateur champion Willy Hutchinson (10-0) takes on the experienced ex-Commonwealth champion Luke Blackledge (26-9-2), with 2016 Olympian Muhammad Ali (1-0) from Bradford having his second professional encounter.

ARCHIE SHARP PROMISES a fan-friendly collision when he goes toe-to-toe with Jeff Ofori, with his WBO European super featherweight title at stake on Thursday August 20.

The unbeaten ‘Sharpshooter’ will clock up his 19th professional fight at the BT Studio against the 10-2-1 Tottenham man in the fourth edition of Frank Warren’s summer series that returns the sport to television screens.

It will represent a fourth defence of his WBO title for the 25-year-old Sharp and one he insists will be a tough domestic assignment against an opponent he is already familiar with.

“I am buzzing to be back out and I’m looking forward to it, being top of the bill as well is nice to hear,” reacted Sharp to his fight news.

“I have just been playing it by ear during the lockdown when the whole world didn’t know where it was at. Now I have got a date I am off to Tenerife with the Walsh brothers to prepare me for the Ofori fight.

“To be honest with you, Jeff is a very nice fella and I know him and his trainer and have nothing but respect for them. I’ve sparred Jeff and it was him who prepared me for the Lyon Woodstock fight.

“So we’ve done some rounds together and he is very tough. He’s boxed up at a big weight (super lightweight) against Ohara Davies, so it will be very interesting with him coming down to 9st 4lbs.

“I do know he is relentless, he comes forward, but in the last two years I have put on a lot of power and strength so it will be a good fight.

“I think this sort of fight, with our styles, will bring the best me out and that is why I wanted this fight because I am going to show everyone the real me. I have not really done that in previous fights.

“This sort of opponent will allow me to bring the best out of me,” added Sharp, who considers this fight as comparable to the tests he has already been presented with.

“I don’t think he is the best I’ve had in terms of ability, but it toughness he is right up there for sure.

“It will be a very, very good fight for the fans watching and there will definitely be some fireworks. There will also be a masterclass from myself.”

Featuring as part of the event is the IBF European super welterweight clash between the unbeaten pair of Troy Williamson (13-0-1) from Darlington and Michael McGurk (12-0) from Uddingston in Scotland.

There are also fights for three Blue Chip prospects from the Queensberry iBox Gym, with Dennis McCann (6-0), Sam Noakes (3-0) and Henry Turner (2-0) all in action. 

LYNDON ARTHUR is focused on knocking out Dec Spelman before getting to grips with Anthony Yarde.

The Mancunian makes the first defence of his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight championship against Spelman (16-3, 8KOs) on Friday July 31 In the third instalment of Frank Warren’s summer series.

Scunthorpe’s Spelman is one of the toughest 12st 7lb men in Britain and it will be a big ask for Arthur (16-0, 12KOs) to end his challenge inside 12 rounds.

Arthur, 29, hasn’t boxed since last October when he claimed his title by outpointing Ghana’s Emmanuel Anim, who he floored in round four.

Lyndon said: “Dec might have lost a couple of fights, but he leaves it in there and is a tough, come forward fighter, can take a shot and could be in there for the long haul.

“He is rock solid, but he hasn’t been hit off me. He hasn’t been in with anyone who hits as hard as I do. I am looking to knock him out.

“The Anim fight ticked so many boxes for me. I know I am fit and can do 12 rounds without a problem.

“Anyone I had hit before that fight hadn’t got up, but him getting up and pushing me for 12 rounds was a good experience.

“It was nice to get in there with someone who can give me a good fight after being hurt. I adapted well to that situation.

“If I drop Dec and he gets up and pushes me 12 rounds there won’t be any shock on my part this time.

“Boxing behind closed doors will be like an intense spar with little gloves on, trying to knock each other out.”

Arthur had been due to face Yarde this month in a mouthwatering clash, but the coronavirus crisis has forced a delay.

“Not to fight Yarde in July was initially a blow.” said Arthur.

“I have not fought since October last year so it will be good to get out before the Yarde fight.”

Spelman, 28, won the English title last May when he defeated Kirk Garvey, but Shakan Pitters snatched the crown from him back in September.

He knows this a chance to wreck Arthur’s date with Yarde and book himself that fight later this year.

“The chance of fighting Yarde is driving me on massively,” roared Spelman who combines boxing with his day job as a scaffolder.

“Lyndon has the Yarde fight hanging over him, but if I win then I could get that fight and make life-changing money.

“Lyndon has power, but he is also elusive. I am not stupid enough to think I can outbox him.

“I have got to get in his face, rough him up, use my strength. I can whack a bit as well.

“He knows what I am going to do. I am going to meet him in the middle and we will see who comes on top. This fight is a potential banana skin for him.”

On the same bill at BT Sports studio Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko (6-0, 3KOs) will get the chance to show his talents as chief support in his first ten-rounder.

Liverpool trio Nick Ball (12-0, 6KOs), Andrew Cain (5-0, 5KOs) and Brad Strand (3-0, 1KO) are all in action, as Ball takes on Jerome Cambell (6-0, 1KO) in a Super-Featherweight clash and Strand tackles Brett Fidoe (13-62-5, 6KO’s) in super-bantam action. Andrew Cain’s opponent will be confirmed shortly.

JOE JOYCE has rejigged his training arrangements ahead of his return to the ring to prepare for his huge and much-anticipated encounter with Daniel Dubois in the autumn.

The Heavyweight rivals are both in action at BT Sports studios when they face German opposition ahead of their clash at London’s O2 on Saturday October 24.

Joyce (10-0, 9KOs) boxes Pfeifer’s stablemate Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KOs) in a non-title ten rounder in the second show of Frank Warren’s summer series on Saturday July 25.

Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) defends his WBO International crown against Hamburg’s Russian born Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KOs) on Saturday August 29.

Joyce, 34, began training in Las Vegas with Ismael Salas earlier this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the brakes on their partnership.

Joyce is being trained by Steve Broughton for the Wallisch battle, but expects to be reunited with Cuban Salas next month ahead of the super-fight against British and Commonwealth King, Dubois.

“I can’t get Ismael into the country for this fight because of coronavirus, but I have Steve Broughton looking after me,” explained WBA Gold champion Joyce.

“After the Wallisch fight I am hoping to be able to go to Las Vegas to train with Salas or get him over here to prepare me for Dubois.

“If we can go to the Vegas next month, I will only ever be in the gym or at the house so the environment will be enclosed.”

Wallisch, 34, turned professional in March 2010 and won his first 19 fights, picking up German and WBO European titles before losing to Christian Hammer.

The Munich man hasn’t boxed since last September when he was defeated by Tony Yoka, the Frenchman who edged out Joyce in the 2016 Olympic final.

“It will be good to shake off the ring rust, get back in there and actually box,” said relieved Joyce whose last outing was a 12 rounds points decision against Bryant Jennings last July.

“Wallisch is good boxer. He has a European style with a high guard and he comes in throwing punches, body shots and head shots.

“It is a good, hard fight. It wasn’t too long ago he was highly ranked so this is a chance for him to get back in the picture.

“There is a bit more pressure on with Dubois in October. I just have to avoid injury, make sure I look good against Wallisch, get myself back into the flow of things and go into the Dubois fight in the best shape possible.”

Also featuring on the July 25^th edition live from the BT Sport studio is English welterweight champion Ekow Essuman (13-0) in his maiden contest since signing a promotional agreement with Frank Warren, while there are sure to be further fireworks on the undercard, with Streatham’s Chris Bourke (7-0) challenging for the Southern Area super bantamweight title against the also unbeaten Ramez Mahmood (12-0) from Ilford.

The Battersea banger Denzel Bentley will be looking to extend his unbeaten record and increase his already fearocious reputation in his 13^th professional assignment at middleweight, with his Peacock Gym teammate Louie Lynn (6-0) is set for his first big test at featherweight against the Scot Monty Ogilvie (9-1-0) over six rounds.

QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS are pleased to announce full details of the first five shows in what will be a huge Summer of boxing behind-closed-doors on BT Sport.

Fans, already excited for the much-heralded Super-Bantamweight clash between Brad Foster (12-0-2, 5KO’s) and James Beech Jr (12-0, 2KO’s) this Friday night, can now look forward to further nights of high-octane boxing action on Saturday 25th July, Friday 31st July, Thursday 20th August and Saturday 29th August.

Knockout-starved fans can expect to see the in-ring returns of British boxing stars like Joe Joyce, Daniel Dubois, Lyndon Arthur, Archie Sharp, Dennis McCann, Sunny Edwards and many, many more.

Once the dust has settled on this Friday’s huge event under the lights of the BT Sport Studio, fans don’t have to wait long until the return of Queensberry Promotions as Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) will headline a stacked card on Saturday 25th July.

Show 2 of 5 will be headlined by ‘The Juggernaut’, as he takes on German Heavyweight Michael Wallisch (20-3, 13KO’s) in a ten-round contest.

Wallisch was last seen in September 2019, when he shared the professional ring with Frenchman Tony Yoka, and he will provide a stern test for Joyce as he prepares for a bout with fellow Brit Daniel Dubois on October 24th.

Also on the July 25th card, Dubois’ Peacock pals Denzel Bentley (12-0, 10KO’s) and Louie Lynn (6-0, 5KO’s) will return to action and fellow Peacock prospect Chris Bourke (7-0, 5KO’s) will contest the vacant Southern Area Super-Bantamweight Championship against Ilford’s Ramez Mamood (11-0, 2KO’s).

Rounding out the card will be new signing Ekow Essuman (13-0, 5KO’s), who will make his Queensberry debut in a Welterweight contest against an opponent to be confirmed shortly.

Show 3 of 5 will be held less than a week later, on Friday 31st July, and will be a headlined by a mouthwatering clash for the Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship between champ Lyndon Arthur (16-0, 12KO’s) and challenger Dec Spelman (16-3, 8KO’s).

That card will also see Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko (6-0, 3KO’s) return to Middleweight action and will also showcase the talents of Liverpool lads Nick Ball (12-0, 6 KO’s), Andrew Cain (5-0, 5KO’s) and Brad Strand (3-0, 1KO).

Following a brief break in the action, to allow BT Sport to show a dizzying array of European football on their channels, Frank Warren will bring boxing back to the BT Sport Studio again on Thursday 20th August.

That show will be headlined by a WBO European Super-Featherweight Title clash between champion Archie Sharp (18-0, 9KO’s) and challenger Jeff Ofori (10-2-1, 3KO’s).

The IBF European Super-Welterweight Championship will also be defended on that show as titleholder Troy Williamson (14-0-1, 11 KO’s) defends against Scotland’s Michael McGurk (12-0, 3KO’s).

Queensberry IBox prospects Dennis McCann (6-0, 4KO’s), Sam Noakes (3-0, 3KO’s) and Henry Turner (2-0) will all return on August 20th, too.

The first run of Frank Warren’s huge Summer boxing series on BT will conclude with the blockbuster return of the hottest prospect in world boxing, Greenwich Heavyweight Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois (14-0, 13 KO’s).

Dubois will take on a proper test in Russian-born Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5KO’s) on Saturday 29th August, with Daniel’s WBO International Heavyweight title on the line.

Unbeaten Pfeifer is a two-time Olympian, having competed at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and he also won Bronze medals at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships.

Croydon’s Sunny Edwards (14-0, 4KO’s) will return on the same card, defending the IBF Super-Flyweight Championship against Thomas Essomba (10-5, 4KO’s).

The undercard that night is stuffed full of mouthwatering domestic battles, as Sam Maxwell (13-0, 11KO’s) defends his WBO European Super-Lightweight Championship against former European Champion Joe Huges (17-5-1, 7KO’s) and Willy Hutchinson (10-0, 6KO’s) returns in Light Heavyweight action against Clitheroe’s Luke Blackledge (26-9-2, 9KO’s).

Featherweight Muhammad Ali (1-0) will make his second professional appearance on the show.

—————————-

Frank Warren Quotes

“I’m delighted to be able to give fans more clarity as to what they can expect from the huge Summer of boxing on BT Sport.

“Everyone at Queensberry and BT have worked hard to get these shows up and running and I believe this schedule is second-to-none in the boxing world right now.

“Daniel and Joe returning is obviously huge, headline news and scheduling these fights reflect our growing confidence that Daniel and Joe will be able to finally square off on October 24th. I spoke to both teams and they both said that as it looks like we’re going to finally do this in October, they’d like tune-up fights first. Thankfully, BT liked the idea and here we are.

“Daniel hasn’t boxed since December and Joe will have been out for an over year. These fights will sharpen them up and I’m sure they will deliver knockout performances that will get fans even more excited for October.

“For Erik and Michael it’s a chance to cause huge upsets”

On the rest of the Summer schedule:

“That’s five huge dates locked in now, where Queensberry and BT will set the standard for Boxing in this new era. Fans can sit back and enjoy huge British battles and big, big names all live on BT Sport.

“As the rest of the country gets back to work, so does British boxing and I’m delighted that it’s Queensberry Promotions leading the charge.”

“Originally Anthony Cacace was due to fight Lyon Woodstock on our second show, but Anthony has a slight dental issue he needs to take care of. That fight is still signed, it’ll just happen a little later than we anticipated. Fans can still look forward to that fight later this year. The same is true for Lerrone Richards vs Umar Sadiq. That fight is signed, but Lerrone has a personal issue which means we’ll have to come back to it a little later than we’d like.

“But if you look at the fights we’re offering, I don’t think there’s a fan alive who can feel hard done by. 

“Lyndon Arthur vs Dec Spelman? What a fight that is. Huge credit to Lyndon for taking the risk and should he come through victorious it makes the fight with Anthony Yarde even bigger.

“Chris Bourke vs Ramez Mamood is a fight all fans should be excited for, so too is Archie vs Jeff Ofori, Sam Maxwell against Joe Hughes, Willy Hutchinson against Luke Blackledge. There’s great fights up and down these cards.

“This run of shows is a fantastic opportunity for all these talents to step up and make a mark. The eyes of the world are on boxing as it comes out of Lockdown and my challenge to all of these is to take this huge opportunity!”

New York, NY (06/08/20) – Tomorrow night, July 9, from the Grand Ballroom at the MGM Grand Conference Center, in Las Vegas, NV, DiBella Entertainment’s Joshafat “The Truth” Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) will take on Joshua Orta (6-0, 2 KOs), in a battle of undefeated junior lightweight prospects, scheduled for six rounds, live on ESPN, at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT, as part of the undercard to Jerry Forrest’s heavyweight bout against Carlos Takam.

Ortiz was born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, but moved to the US at age four and was raised by his mother in Reading, PA. He was first introduced to boxing as a child, as his father, uncle and brother were all amateur fighters. Ortiz compiled an amateur record of 42-7, and was a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion, before turning pro in May 2017. Trained by Rashiem Jefferson and managed by Felipe Gomez, he is coming off of an impressive six-round unanimous decision victory against Andrew Bentley, on September 20, 2019.

Joshua Orta, from Springfield, MA, turned pro in August 2018, but has been boxing since age 12 and was a Western New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is trained by Michael Rodriguez and Jose Ortiz out of Springfield’s Central City Boxing & Barbell Gym. In his last fight, Orta earned a majority decision win against the previously undefeated 6-0-1 Michael Valentin on November 23, 2019.

“I’m excited to be able to showcase my skills on such a huge platform. I feel very blessed and I’ll be sure to take full advantage of the opportunity. Orta is a good fighter, but he’ll be the one leaving the ring with his first loss,” said Ortiz. “I’m very thankful for my whole team and promoter Lou DiBella, as well as Top Rank, for making this happen.”

“This is a great opportunity for Joshafat Ortiz and I’m thrilled that he’ll get to return to the ring in front of a national audience on ESPN,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Orta is talented, undefeated and will provide a big test, but I am confident that Ortiz will prove he is a prospect on the rise and one to watch. Both combatants stayed in shape and took this fight on short notice. Good for them.”

New York, NY (06/08/20) – Fighting out of the talent-laden region of Accra, Ghana, world-ranked lightweight contender Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (31-1, 15 KOs), is poised to take part in a WBO elimination bout to move one step closer toward a world title opportunity. Tagoe is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by Peter Kahn.

Although Lee Selby is rated #1 by the WBO, he is locked into an IBF lightweight elimination contest against George Kambosos, scheduled for October 3. Earlier this week, the WBO ordered an eliminator between the next two leading available contenders, Ryan Garcia, rated #2, and Tagoe, rated #3, to become the mandatory challenger to face champion Vasyl Lomachenko. DiBella Entertainment and Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, have been in communication about the fight.

Tagoe has won 31 fights in a row since his lone defeat in his 2004 pro debut. Most recently, the heavy-handed Ghanaian knocked out Ishmael Aryeetey in the sixth round in Accra. He also holds victories against former world champions Moses Paulus and Mzonke Fana.

Coming from a boxing family, Tagoe’s maternal uncle, Nana Yaw Konadu, is a former two-division and three-time world champion, having held the WBC super flyweight title and the WBA bantamweight title twice. His other uncle, the late Emmanuel Teiko Tagoe, was a renowned trainer in Ghana, having worked with Joshua and Emmanuel Clottey, Osumanu Akaba and Ossie Duran.

“I welcome the challenge to fight Ryan Garcia to earn my world title shot for the WBO lightweight championship against Lomachenko,” said Tagoe. “I have been waiting my entire career for this opportunity and will make it count. I will be the next lightweight world champion and make Ghana proud.”

“Gameboy Tagoe has earned the right to fight in a title elimination bout,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We would love it to be against Ryan Garcia, one of the sport’s hottest up-and-coming stars, in what we think would be a highly competitive and exciting fight. If this isn’t possible, we’re happy to move down the rankings for another elimination bout and are also willing to entertain any big fight offer against one of the stars of the division.”

“Emmanuel Tagoe is a world class fighter deserving of the WBO eliminator for the mandatory position in the lightweight division,” said Tagoe’s manager Peter Kahn. “It’s up to Ryan Garcia to accept the fight and have his promoter Golden Boy Promotions negotiate for the fight. If they decline, we’re happy to move on to the next highest rated contender. Tagoe is one win away from a guaranteed shot at the world title.”

 •         Carlos Takam 245.7 lbs vs. Jerry Forrest 225.6 lbs
(Heavyweight — 10 Rounds)
 
    •         Carlos Castro 123.8 lbs vs. Cesar Juarez 124.4 lbs 
(Junior Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

•     Joshafat Ortiz 130.8 lbs vs. Joshua Orta 132.7 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight— 6 Rounds)

•      Fred Wilson Jr. 159 lbs vs. Donte Stubbs 159.5 lbs 
(Middleweight— 6 Rounds)

•         Peter Cortez 147.5 lbs vs. Corey Champion 147.6 lbs 
(Welterweight— 4 Rounds)

NEW YORK (July 8, 2020) – Lightweight prospect Eric Puente remained perfect by winning a four-round majority decision over Diego Elizondo on Tuesday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Puente landed the more telling blows as he took his time against an awkward southpaw that stood 5’10”

Puente picked it up after the 2nd frame as he used pressure and worked the body. He mixed up his punches well with body shots and right hands.

The 20 year-old Puente shook off a 16-month layoff, by winning his Las Vegas debut by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38.

With the win, the Visata, California native upped his mark to 3-0.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

KEY WORKER Brad Foster has put the Lockdown night shifts at Tesco behind him and is looking forward to what he predicts will be a “massive event” when he faces James Beech Jr on Friday night, live only on BT Sport.

Lichfield’s Foster (12-0-2, 5 KO’s) defends his British and Commonwealth Super-Bantam titles against fellow Midlander Beech Jr. (12-0, 2 KO’s) in the main event of British boxing’s first show back in 118 days.

Foster also has the unique honour of having headlined Queensberry Promotions last show before lockdown, stopping Lucien Reid after six rounds at York Hall on February 22nd, and admits he feels “blessed” to be British boxing’s last man out and first man back.

Speaking on ‘Head 2 Head’, the first of Queensberry’s digital press conferences for the upcoming Summer fight series, Foster said: “I’m blessed to be in this situation and I’m going to make the most of it.”

Listening on was his undefeated opponent James Beech Jr, who shared Foster’s excitement at being part of British boxing history.

Speaking about receiving the call to fight for the British and Commonwealth titles, Beech admitted: “I was running up and down my living room, I was buzzing to be honest.” 

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and I can change my life if I get the win on Friday,” he added.

Both men are aware of the extra importance of fighting on boxing’s first show back, with Foster believing the excitement for the sports return will rival that which greeted football when it came back last month.

“It’s going to be a massive, massive event. People haven’t been able to watch the sport. It’s like the football, people were going mad that the football was coming back and it’s going to be the same with boxing.

“I’m sure me and Beech will put a great fight on for fans watching at home.”

Preparation for the huge main event has been unorthodox, though, with neither man able to get in the gym over the UK’s lockdown period.

Community-minded Foster has also been putting in some extra work at Tesco throughout Lockdown, helping to fill online shopping orders for housebound Midlanders, but insists he’ll be as ready as ever come fight night.

“I’ve been working nights, so going to Tesco at night, getting the hours in then coming home and sleeping and from then on it’s just training really” said Foster, “It’ll be an exciting fight and I just can’t wait for it.”

In response, Beech Jr was adamant that the extra time he has been able to dedicate to his cardiovascular training whilst at home has put him in good stead.

“I’ve put in more work for this fight than I have for any other fight. I’ll be the fittest i’ve ever been.”

Unsurprisingly, the two Midlanders are no strangers to one another, with Beech Jr revealing that the pair had been sparring partners ahead of Foster’s victory over Lucien Reid at York Hall on February 22nd.

Champ Foster accepts that Beech put in some “good rounds” and admits they got along well, but says that on fight night all that will go to the back of the mind.

“He’s going to try and punch my head in, so i’m going to try and punch his head in,” laughed Foster.

“We’re there to do a job at the end of the day, so for 36 minutes you’ve got to put whatever aside and try and punch each other’s heads in” replied Beech, “It’s as simple as that.”

Asked for a prediction on how the fight might go, both men were confident of victory under the lights of the BT Sport Studio.

Man-of-few-words Foster said just “I’ll be the winner outright” whilst lesser known Beech Jr said that his desire to “prove” himself will see him crowned as the new British and Commonwealth Super-Bantam king.

“I want to be in 50-50 fights, I want to be in proper fights and prove to people how good I am. Further down the stretch my strength and better fighting technique will come out and take over.”

A smiling Foster was unphased by his opponents confidence, however, and simply added “we will see.”

And see we will, live at 7pm on Friday night only on BT Sport 1.

————

To watch the full episode of ‘Head 2 Head: Foster vs Beech’ head over to the Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel or click here

LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2020) — Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Mikaela Mayer, both of whom are healthy following recent positive COVID-19 test results that delayed their fights, are primed for their “Bubble” debuts.

U.S. Marine veteran Herring will make his second world title defense against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo on Tuesday, July 14, at the MGM Grand Conference Center — Grand Ballroom.

In the co-feature, undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian Mayer will fight former world title challenger Helen Joseph in a 10-round junior lightweight showdown. 

The undercard will feature the anticipated “Bubble” encore of “Cassius” Clay Collard, who will fight LT “Smash” Nelson in a six-round middleweight bout. Collard, 3-0 in 2020 (all against previously undefeated fighters), took the “0” from highly decorated prospect David Kaminsky on June 18.

Herring-Oquendo, Mayer-Joseph, Collard-Nelson, and additional undercard action will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 

“Jamel and Mikaela wanted to come back as soon as possible, and we were happy to oblige them,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are healthy and ready to put forth tremendous performances.”

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) makes his 2020 debut following a banner 2019 that saw him upset Masayuki Ito to win the title, and outpoint Lamont Roach Jr. in front of more than 7,000 fans at an outdoor baseball stadium in Fresno, Calif. Herring and Oquendo were set to fight July 2 but Herring’s COVID-19 results delayed the fight 12 days. Herring, the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team captain, is 5-0 since inking a multi-fight deal with Top Rank. 

Herring said, “I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title. Oquendo is a tough opponent who realizes this is his last chance to win a world title. He’s coming for what I have and I’m not going to cut any corners. I will return home to celebrate with my family and my belt.”

Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, challenged Jesus Cuellar for a featherweight world title in December 2015 and is 5-1 since moving up to junior lightweight. He earned the title shot following last November’s shutout decision win over Charles Huerta, which came off the heels of a controversial decision loss to Roach Jr. 

Oquendo said, “We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range, but we are working for that and we know that we will have no problems. My company knows how hard I fight and how hard I train. Fans like Jonathan Oquendo because he makes for great fights.”

In less than three years as a professional, Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) has become one of the faces of female boxing. She closed out her 2019 campaign last October with a sixth-round stoppage over Alejandra Soledad Zamora. The Los Angeles native is on track for a world title shot this year, but she must defeat Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs), a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to former lightweight champion Delfine Persoon.

Mayer said, “After having two fights canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am relieved and excited to be back and grateful to Top Rank for getting me back on a card so quickly. I’m not the fighter you last saw in October. I’ve had three camps to peak myself and grow as an athlete. A whole new fighter is stepping in that ring on July 14, so I hope Helen is ready.” 

In undercard action:

Puerto Rican featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will take on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder. Two of Vazquez’s last three wins have come against previously undefeated opponents, while Melendez has won six in a row since the lone defeat of his career.

Colombian puncher Ruben “El Tigrillo” Cervera (11-2, 10 KOs) will fight Clay “3rd Degree” Burns (9-8-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight. Cervera was stopped by Miguel Marriaga last May, but he returned with a knockout win over Luis Carlos Lugo in October. Burns made a notable “Bubble” impression on June 25, losing an action-filled split decision to Reymond Yanong.

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect William Villa (4-0) will face Eduardo Sanchez (2-2) in a four-rounder.

NEW YORK (July 7, 2020) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Eric Puente returns to the ring when he takes on Diego Elizondo in a four-round lightweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 20 year-old Puente, who is managed by Split-T Management is 2-0, and he will be making his 1st appearance since his unanimous decision over Alejandro Lopez Huerta on March 23, 2019 in Costa Mesa, California.

Puente, of Vista, California was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Elizondo of Carson City, Nevada is 2-1-2.

At Monday’s weigh-in, Puente was 135 lbs. Elizondo was 135.9

  •         Jose Zepeda 143.9 lbs vs. Kendo Castaneda 143.9 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
 
    •         Andy Vences 129.5 lbs vs. Luis Alberto Lopez 128.2 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•     Andres Cortes 132.5 lbs vs. Alejandro Salinas 132.4 lbs 
(Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

•     Gabriel Muratalla 118.9 lbs vs. Sergio Lopez 119.1 lbs 
(Bantamweight— 4 Rounds)

•      Genaro Gamez 146 lbs vs. Reymond Yanong 141.8 lbs 
(Welterweight— 8 Rounds)

•         Eric Puente 135 lbs vs.  Diego Elizondo 135.9 lbs 
(Lightweight— 4 Rounds)

Frank Warren has fired the starting pistol on the first British boxing fight week in four months by issuing a challenge to the dazzling array of young talent on show this Friday evening: “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, so don’t screw it up.”

Hall-of-Fame promoter Warren brings British boxing back to life this Friday night on BT Sport with a show stacked full of young, hungry prospects desperate to make their mark at the very top level of boxing.

Live from the BT Sport Studios, the show will be headlined by 22-year-old Brad Foster (12-0-2, 5KO’s) defending his British and Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight titles against fellow Midlander, 23-year-old James Beech Jr (12-0, 2 KO’s).

Action-starved British fans will also be treated to the in-ring returns of 21-year-old Mark Chamberlain (5-0, 3 KO’s), 23-year-old David Adeleye (1-0, 1 KO’s) and 21-year-old WBO European Super-Welterweight Champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0, 6 KO’s).

“I can’t believe how young some of these lads are,” laughed Warren. “Hamzah Sheeraz will soon be knocking on the door of World level competition and he was only born in 1999. It’s incredible.”

Sheeraz will defend his European crown against tricky opposition in the form of Dundee scrapper Paul Kean (12-1, 1 KO) – a fight that Warren believes, alongside the Foster/Beech main event, is indicative of what the ‘new normal’ of boxing should look like as Lockdown eases across the UK.

“This is what Queensberry Promotions is all about. It’s nothing new to us. We believe in securing the future of British boxing by investing in and getting behind the next generation of World Champions from this country.

“As British boxing gets back on its feet what fans deserve to see are competitive domestic fights that set the stage for the kids that emerge victorious to become real superstars at the highest level.

“I want fans to get to know these young fighters now from the comfort of their own home so that when audiences are allowed back in they’ll know all about the kids from Lichfield or Notting Hill or Ilford who are fighting for world titles and headlining arenas.

“It’s the first British show in four months so the eyes of the world are on them. 

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime, so my advice would be ‘don’t screw it up’. If they can grab the brass ring now, they’ll be box office stars when the fans are allowed back through the front doors.”

Avid football fan Warren is hopeful that some of his young hopefuls can mimic the on-field successes of some of the Premier League’s youngsters when boxing returns.

“I want our boys to emulate the successes of Bukayo Sako, Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden. It’s that simple.

“I’ve been watching on BT Sport and the behind-closed-doors environment has done wonders for the Premier League’s young players, so I want to see a bit of that same stardust from our lads.”

The return of boxing to BT Sport begins on Friday night at 7pm on BT Sport 1, and will continue with at least four further shows behind-closed-doors this Summer.

Full details are still to come but plans have been revealed to stage a British Super-Featherweight title fight between Anthony Cacace and Lyon Woodstock, whilst Lerrone Richards is scheduled to defend his British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles against Umar ‘Top Boxer’ Sadiq.

“If you think that’s good” said Warren, “you should wait to see what we’ve got up our sleeve”

“We’ll be announcing details of the next few shows shortly and fans are in for a real treat. We have the sort of fights that are going to keep fans excited throughout Summer.”

“Boxing is back and I couldn’t be happier.”

Team Sauerland’s exciting super welterweight contender Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) will challenge former World Champion Jack Culcay (28-4, 13 KOs) in a mouth watering 50/50 clash on August 28th at the Harvel Studios in Berlin.

The fight, already being billed as the ‘Fight of the Year’ in Germany, will see Baraou fight under the tutelage of esteemed trainer Adam Booth for the first time, having linked up with the Englishman in early March.

Baraou kicked off the year with a devastating four round demolition of Mexico’s Abraham Juarez in Hamburg on January 25th, and the 25-year-old was scheduled to take on Nick Klappert (28-3, 15 KOs) on April 4th in Hamburg, Germany, however this fight was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am really looking forward to the fight and I’m more than ready” said Baraou. “I would also like to thank the Sauerland team for the trust they have placed in me. Jack is a big fighter with a lot of experience, but I’m sure I can and will beat him. I will leave nothing to chance on the way to becoming number one in Germany.”

Former interim WBA World Super Welterweight Champion Culcay makes a quick return to the ring having claimed a unanimous decision victory over Howard Cospolite on June 12th, and the 34-year-old Berliner is confident he will remain Germany’s No.1 rated super welterweight. 

“It will be a great battle for the fans and a tough battle between the best super welterweight fighters in Germany,” said Culcay. “I am number one in the German rankings and it will stay that way even after the fight. Thank you AGON Sports & Events for fulfilling my wish. Let’s win this together!”

Team Sauerland promoter Nisse Sauerland is looking forward to seeing Germany’s #1 rated super welterweight take on #2, with the winner of the fight being elevated to number 2 in the IBF world rankings.

“I am very pleased that AGON and the Sauerland team were able to work together to make such a great fight,” said Sauerland. “It’s admirable that Abass has the courage to face a world-class boxer like Jack in just his tenth fight. Jack was previously a Team Sauerland fighter so we know what a great fighter he is.”

The event will take place on August 28th at the Havel Studios in Berlin and there will be further announcements shortly.

•  Jose Pedraza 143.9 lbs vs. Mikkel LesPierre 143.5 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

    •   Albert Bell 133 lbs vs. Mark Bernaldez 132 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

 •   Elvis Rodriguez 140.2 lbs vs. Dan Murray 139.2 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Patrick Mailata 284 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 284.1 lbs 
(Heavyweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Robeisy Ramirez 125.1 lbs vs. Adan Gonzales 125.4 lbs 
(Featherweight  — 6 Rounds)

•   Carlos Jackson 125.1 lbs vs. Jose Enrique Vivas 125.9 lbs 
(Featherweight  — 10 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (July 1, 2020) — A southpaw stylist weighing 140 pounds and a 250-plus-pound heavyweight will enter “The Bubble” spotlight at MGM Grand for Week 5 of Top Rank on ESPN’s Summer Series.

On Tuesday, July 7, two-time world title challenger and top junior welterweight contender Jose “Chon” Zepeda will face Kendo Castaneda in a 10-round clash of styles. Two days later on Thursday, July 9, longtime heavyweight contender Carlos Takam will fight Jerry “Slug” Forrest in a 10-rounder.

Both shows will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. 

“In the main events, you have four fighters hoping to seize an amazing opportunity live on ESPN,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Jose Zepeda is one of the world’s elite 140-pounders, and I credit Kendo for taking on this challenge. I believe Carlos Takam can climb the heavyweight rankings again, and most importantly, he is a fan-friendly fighter who is guaranteed entertainment.”

July 7
Main Event
Jose Zepeda (31-2, 25 KOs) vs. Kendo Castaneda (17-1, 8 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Zepeda is a little more than a year removed from challenging junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez in Ramirez’s backyard of Fresno, California. He fell short via majority decision, but many experts believed he’d done enough to win the title. Zepeda shined on the Tyson Fury-Otto Wallin undercard last September at T-Mobile Arena, outboxing former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza over 10 rounds. Castaneda, from San Antonio, stepped in after Zepeda’s original opponent, Ivan Baranchyk, suffered an injury in training. Castaneda hopes to rebound from his first career loss, a majority decision to fellow unbeaten Yomar Alamo in February.

“I’m ready to fight on July 7, whether it’s Ivan Baranchyk, or any of the other fighters in the 140-pound division,” Zepeda said. “I’ve trained for July 7 since early May, so no matter who’s in the opposite corner, I’ll be ready. I’m a professional. I’m coming to MGM Grand ready to prove, once again, why I’m one of the elite junior welterweights.”

Co-Feature
Andy Vences (23-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Luis Alberto Lopez (20-2, 11 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

Vences makes his 2020 debut with intentions to carry over the momentum from his final outing of 2019, a unanimous decision over Mark Bernaldez. The San Jose native recently called out WBO world champion Jamel Herring, and he hopes a win over Lopez will push him closer to a world title shot. Lopez, from Mexicali, Mexico, has won three straight since a decision loss to unbeaten contender Ruben Villa.

“I’m very excited to return to the ring against the tough, rugged Luis Alberto Lopez,” Vences said. “I want to fight the best and prove to the boxing world that I am one of the best in the junior lightweight division. I’m grateful to have Top Rank and my manager, Peter Kahn, behind me 100 percent. My hard work, discipline, consistency, and sacrifices will pay off.”

Undercard 

In an eight-round lightweight bout, the Las Vegas-born Andres “Savage” Cortes (12-0, 7 KOs) will return from a yearlong layoff to face Alejandro Salinas (10-3, 9 KOs). Cortes, who holds a pair of amateur wins over current lightweight world Teofimo Lopez, is 9-0 with 5 KOs when fighting in Las Vegas.

Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-1, 6 KOs) will look to bounce back from his first career defeat in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against Reymond Yanong (11-5-1, 9 KOs). Gamez, from San Diego, hasn’t fought since a decision loss last August to fellow unbeaten Luis Feliciano. Yanong bested Clay Burns by split decision June 25 live on ESPN.

In a four-round lightweight bout, the undefeated Eric Puente (2-0) will take on Diego Elizondo (2-1-2), who is coming off his first career defeat last October on the Shakur Stevenson-Joet Gonzalez undercard.

Gabriel Muratalla (3-0, 3 KOs), the fighting preschool teacher who scored a first-round knockout in “The Bubble” on June 11, returns on short notice to fight Sergio Lopez (4-5-3, 0 KOs) in a four-rounder at bantamweight. The Robert Garcia-trained Muratalla knocked out Fernando Robles in 2:33 live on ESPN, earning him another televised slot.

July 9
Main Event
Carlos Takam (38-5-1, 28 KOs) vs. Jerry Forrest (26-3, 20 KOs)
10 Rounds, Heavyweight

Takam has been at, or near, the top of the heavyweight hierarchy for the past decade. He is a former world title challenger who has won three fights in a row and is seeking another championship opportunity at the age of 39. A 2004 Olympian for his native Cameroon, Takam, who is co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, has wins over former world title challengers Michael Grant and Tony Thompson. Forrest has suffered only one defeat since 2014, a controversial split decision against Jermaine Franklin last July. The winner of this main event will take a seismic step forward in the heavyweight landscape.

“For the past two weeks, I didn’t think I was fighting since my fight with Oscar Rivas fell through, but I stayed ready,” Takam said. “I want to give a great fight to everyone watching on ESPN.”

DeGuardia stated, “I am thrilled the ESPN audience will be able to see Carlos Takam on July 9. Takam-Forrest is a significant fight in a hot heavyweight division. Carlos is a true pro, and he didn’t let the Oscar Rivas pull-out affect him. He stayed ready and now can jump in on less than two weeks’ notice to capitalize on this opportunity. This will be his third fight in less than a year, and kudos to him as he is a fighter who wants to stay active.”

“I respect Carlos Takam as a man, but I will have to hurt him and do what I have to do to win,” Forrest said. “This is an amazing opportunity for me to fight on ESPN. I feel I’ve earned it, and I’m more than ready. The change in opponent was of no huge concern. Though Takam has been more active and is in better shape, he and Jarrell Miller have a similar style, so I didn’t have to change much in training camp.”

Co-Feature
Carlos Castro (25-0, 10 KOs) vs. Cesar Juarez (25-8, 19 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Featherweight

Castro, from Phoenix, Arizona, is 5-0 since signing a co-promotional deal with Top Rank, rising the rankings with a classic boxer-puncher style. He dominated former world title challenger Genesis Servania over 10 rounds in February 2019 and is coming off a tight majority decision verdict over longtime contender Jesus Ruiz. Juarez is synonymous with toe-to-toe battles and is perhaps best known for his 2015 Fight of the Year contender against Nonito Donaire, which he lost by unanimous decision. Juarez is 8-4 since the Donaire fight, including a knockout win over Albert Pagara (26-0 at the time).

Undercard

Heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (4-0, 4 KOs), who notched a KO win inside “The Bubble” on June 9, will return in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.

Philadelphia middleweight Fred Wilson Jr. (6-0-2, 2 KOs), who is coming off a pair of draws, will fight Ashton Sykes (5-3, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.

In an eight-round cruiserweight tilt, the unbeaten Robin Sirwan Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) will fight DeShon Webster (12-3-2, 6 KOs). Safar has won his last three by first-round knockout.

In a four-rounder at welterweight, Peter Cortez (2-1, 1 KO) will take on an opponent to be named.

Puerto Rico-born junior lightweight prospect Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) will collide with fellow unbeaten Joshua Orta (6-0, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

NEW YORK (July 1, 2020) – Split-T Management’s Isiah Jones scored a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Jones of Detroit was fighting for the 2nd time in two weeks, outworked Stubbs, and won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57.

The fight was televised live on ESPN.

With the win, it pushed the record of the 2016 National Golden Gloves champion to 9-2..

The 25 year-old took the fight on short notice, and improved on his performance from June 16th, when he dropped a decision to Nikoloz Sekhniashvili. Stubbs was the 3rd consecutive undefeated fighter that Jones has faced.

London, UK (1 July 2020) Hennessy Sports is thrilled to announce that big-time championship boxing will return live and on free-to-air television on Saturday 22nd August when fierce rivals Shakan Pitters and Chad Sugden collide for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight title on Channel 5.

In association with Ladbrokes and Infinitum, Hennessy Sports will present the exciting five-fight card headlined with the highly-anticipated Pitters v Sugden clash, plus 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.

The event will be staged in a state of the art, arena sized and purpose built production studio, behind-closed-doors, with no public in attendance. In addition, strict medical protocols laid out by the BBBofC will be followed to ensure the health and safety of the boxers, trainers, staff, officials, medics and broadcast team working on the night.

Whilst it will be an unusual experience to not have the energy and atmosphere of fans’ at the event, the Channel 5 production team will use innovative ideas and techniques to fully enhance the presentation for the viewer.

Pitters and Sugden collide in a mouthwatering dust up that was originally scheduled for March 28 in Coventry, but had to be postponed one week prior to the event when the country went into lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After three months of self-training in isolation at their homes and only recently beginning to train and spar in controlled conditions in their gyms after the British Boxing Board of Control eased restrictions, Pitters and Sugden are now powering on in their respective training camps to prepare for boxing’s big return on terrestrial TV.

Undefeated Pitters from Birmingham said, “This has been a long time coming and every day that’s gone by in lockdown I’ve been getting more and more hungry, determined and focused on beating Sugden and claiming the British title,”

“It was very frustrating when the show was cancelled just one week before, but I understood the bigger picture as the pandemic is a global crisis and the lives that had been lost in the UK alone was frightening and I commend the front line workers who kept working throughout,”

“I just had to be patient and keep training in the background and thanks to Mick and Channel 5 the big fight is now back on,”

“Whilst my loyal supporters can’t be there, the fight is live and free for everyone to watch on Channel 5, so tune in and watch me beat Sugden and become the new British champion.”

Newark battler Sugden said, “This was the news I had been waiting for for a long time and I just can’t wait now until August 22nd and to get in the ring and win that beautiful British title.”

“I’ve certainly missed my live sport on TV but now things are returning gradually with football and boxing and I’m thrilled that my fight will be broadcast live on Channel 5 and it’s free for anyone to watch,”

“This is going to be a great fight, I’m certainly not seeing this as an easy one. Pitters wants it bad and so do I. It’s down to who wants it more and who’s prepared to go that extra mile,”

“I’m gutted that my loyal fans won’t be there to see me lift the British title, but get the drinks and snacks in and switch on to Channel 5 and watch from the comfort of your own home.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy said, “It’s been extremely tough for everyone throughout the country these past few months, but key and frontline workers have kept us safe and going through these hard times and with the vast majority of the public adhering to the lockdown rules we’re now starting to come through, but there’s still a long way to go and we must be vigilant,”

“With live sport on TV starting to return after months off-air, I’m delighted to finally bring boxing back with a bang on free-to-air TV screens on Channel 5 and what a fight to return with between Shakan and Chad and the prestigious British title on the line,”

“I believe that it’s vital that sport and boxing reaches the biggest viewing audience possible and I’m delighted that with our broadcast partner Channel 5 we can deliver this fight live on terrestrial TV in the UK to an audience of millions and more importantly it’s absolutely free to watch.”

“It’s been very tough on Shakan and Chad who were ready to go a week before the first fight and then it had to be postponed following the lockdown. Since then they’ve had to maintain their discipline through training at home and keep positive despite the uncertainty of when the fight would be rescheduled, but through patience and perseverance it’s now on,”

“We have worked step-by-step with the BBBofC and followed the Government guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved with the event, but sadly, though, we are unable to allow fans into the venue at this present time,”

“Whilst it will be a strange experience not feeling the raw energy and passion of the crowd as Shakan and Chad engage in what I believe will be a thrilling fight, through technology and innovative production ideas from the team at Channel 5 we will deliver a special first class presentation that will go a long way to fill the void of fans not in the venue.”

This will be the first live championship boxing event of a busy schedule for Hennessy Sport on Channel 5 with more big title-fight shows to be announced in the coming weeks.

Download the press release in Word format CLICK HERE
For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

Las Vegas – UFC^® holds its first in a series of events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND, headlined by a trio of world championship bouts. Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will go for his second successful title defense when he takes on teammate and No. 1 contender Gilbert Burns. In a featherweight championship rematch, Alexander Volkanovski defends against former champion and No. 1 contender Max Holloway. The vacant bantamweight championship is up for grabs when No. 3 ranked contender Petr Yan faces former featherweight champion and No. 6 bantamweight Jose Aldo. All events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND are the result of a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.

UFC^® 251: USMAN vs. BURNS will take place Saturday, July 11 at Yas Forum on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and will stream live on Pay-Per-View, exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in 2019.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 251: USMAN vs. BURNS online at http://espnplus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of 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.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN and ESPN+, and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with the first four bouts also simulcast on UFC Fight Pass.

Initially turning heads by winning season 21 of The Ultimate Fighter, Usman (16-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) has been unbeaten for over seven years. After earning a dominant victory over Tyron Woodley to capture the UFC welterweight championship in early 2019, Usman closed out the year by delivering a thrilling knockout victory over heated rival Colby Covington. Usman now aims to secure his second successful title defense against the division’s fastest rising contender.

Burns (19-3, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has wasted no time fighting his way into title contention since returning to welterweight in August 2019. Following impressive victories over Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson and Aleksei Kunchenko, Burns put on the best outing of his career in a dominant win against Tyron Woodley in May. Burns now aims to earn UFC gold by dethroning his teammate with another spectacular performance.

Newly crowned champion Volkanovski (21-1, fighting out of Windang, New South Wales, Australia) aims to prove his incredible title victory over Holloway was no fluke. The former rugby player immediately made waves upon joining the UFC roster, securing thrilling victories over Chad Mendes, Darren Elkins and Jeremy Kennedy. Volkanovski is now gunning to go 2-0 against Holloway and begin building his own legacy as a dominant featherweight champion.

A former UFC featherweight champion, Holloway (21-5, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) is looking for a measure of revenge against the man who took his belt. During a spectacular unbeaten streak at 145 pounds that lasted almost six years, Holloway delivered show-stealing victories against Brian Ortega, Frankie Edgar and Anthony Pettis. Holloway now has his sights set on evening the score with Volkanovski to reclaim his featherweight championship.

Unbeaten for over four years, Yan (14-1, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia) has quickly emerged as one of the top bantamweights in the world since joining the UFC roster with a KO victory against Teruto Ishihara in 2018. Since then, he has secured impressive wins over Urijah Faber, Jimmie Rivera and John Dodson. Yan now looks to take out another legend and achieve his dream of becoming UFC champion.

Among the greatest fighters in MMA history, Aldo (28-6, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) hopes to become the eighth athlete to win championships in two UFC divisions. A two-time UFC featherweight champion, Aldo holds sensational victories over some of the biggest names in the sport, including Frankie Edgar (twice), Chad Mendes (twice) and Urijah Faber. Aldo now aims to capture the vacant bantamweight championship and add to his incredible legacy.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a rematch of former women’s strawweight champions, No. 1 ranked contender Jessica Andrade (20-7, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) runs it back with No. 2 Rose Namajunas (9-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo.)
• No. 14 ranked women’s strawweight contender Amanda Ribas (9-1, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil) hopes to continue her hot streak against returning Paige VanZant (8-4, fighting out of Portland, Ore.)
• No. 7 ranked light heavyweight contender Volkan Oezdemir (17-4, fighting out of Fribourg, Switzerland) takes on highly touted UFC newcomer Jiri Prochazka (26-3-1, fighting out of Brno, Czech Republic)
• Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (22-6, fighting out of Francisco Beltrao, Parana, Brazil) squares off with Muslim Salikhov (16-2, fighting out of Buynaksk, Dagestan, Russia) in an exciting welterweight bout
• Entertaining featherweights collide as Makwan Amirkhani (15-4, Turku, Finland by way of Kurdistan) meets Danny Henry (12-3, fighting out of Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Leonardo Santos (17-4-1, fighting out of Campos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) looks to deliver another highlight-reel finish against undefeated Roman Bogatov (10-0, fighting out of Orenburg, Russia)
• Marcin Tybura (18-6, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland) locks horns with unbeaten Alexandr Romanov (11-0, fighting out of Comrat, Moldova) in a heavyweight bout
• No. 14 ranked flyweight contender Raulian Paiva (19-3, fighting out of Santana, Amapa, Brazil) faces debuting Zhalgas Zhumagulov (13-3, fighting out of Aktobe, Kazakhstan)
• Karol Rosa (12-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to secure her fourth consecutive victory when she takes on Vanessa Melo (10-7, fighting out of Taboao da Serra, Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Martin Day (8-3, fighting out of Kailua, Hawaii) looks to secure his first UFC win when he meets Davey Grant (11-4, fighting out of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, England)

The UFC will then continue events on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with:

• UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: KATTAR vs. IGE on Wednesday, July 15
• UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: FIGUEIREDO vs. BENAVIDEZ 2 on Saturday, July 18
• UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: WHITTAKER vs. TILL on Saturday, July 25

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

A full line of UFC FIGHT ISLAND products, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles, tote bags, and more are available now on UFCStore.com

###

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 the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.9 million subscribers, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

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

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.

INDIO, CALIF. (June 29, 2020) – A high-stakes battle of international proportions heads to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. as Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) takes on Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs) in a 12-round fight for the WBC Diamond Lightweight Championship. The fights will take place on Friday, August 28 and will be streamed live on DAZN.

The event will be closed to the public and media. Details for the undercard will be announced shortly.

“Temperatures will reach record-breaking numbers this summer as we present a high-level clash between two battle-tested former world champions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Linares’ legacy as a future Hall of Famer is etched in stone. During his time with us, he has conquered three divisions and traveled all over the world as he demonstrated his courage as a fighter. But make no mistake: Linares is not done yet. On August 28, he’s in for a tough fight against a man who is just as quick-handed as he is, so expect both men to bring a lot of firepower. Golden Boy boxing is back, and that means competitive fights are back.”

Linares is a Venezuelan contender who boasts one of the most impressive resumes of any active fighter today. The quick-handed 34-year-old has earned world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions and faced some of the best fighters in recent years. After a dominant performance against Carlos “The Solution” Morales in February, Linares is ready to regain his throne as the King of the Lightweights.

“I’m ready to return to the top of the lightweight division,” said Jorge Linares. “I have been training in Japan, a place that nourishes me and provides me with the best environment to train. At the same time, I’m also grateful to be headlining a card during this difficult time for the world, but I hope to provide everyone with a bit of diversion and excitement as I get closer to regaining my throne as the king of the 135-pound division.

Fortuna is a 31-year-old southpaw who is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBC in the lightweight division. The native of the Dominican Republic is a proven veteran who captured the interim WBA Featherweight Title against then-undefeated Patrick “The Punisher” Hyland in 2012, while in 2015, he defeated once-beaten Bryan “El Tiquito” Vazquez to capture the WBA Super Featherweight Title. In his last shot at a world title, Fortuna lost a close split decision victory to Robert Easter Jr., and in his last outing, Fortuna dominated former world titles Jesus “El Jinete” Cuellar to earn his status in the division.

“Don’t make any excuses on fight night,” said Javier Fortuna. “Not the Covid. Not the travel. Nothing. Don’t blame it on an injury either. Just fight. Come ready for war because that’s what I’m going to do. And when you lose, don’t make any excuse.”

“I commend Jorge Linares for taking this fight while so many other top contenders didn’t want the fight,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing. “I expect Javier Fortuna to be in top shape and ready for a battle he will win. Javier Fortuna will be the first three-time world champion from the Dominican Republic.”

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.” The event will take Friday, August 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

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