JOE JOYCE LOOKS FORWARD TO “HARD FIGHT” ON JULY 25th
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 25th 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 13th 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.
DUBOIS AND JOYCE RETURN AS QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS FILL OUT SUMMER SCHEDULE
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.
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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!”
JOSHAFAT “THE TRUTH” ORTIZ FACES JOSHUA ORTA THURSDAY, JULY 9, ON ESPN IN A BATTLE OF UNBEATEN JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECTS
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.”
EMMANUEL “THE GAMEBOY” TAGOE AIMS FOR THE STARS EYEING RYAN GARCIA IN WBO LIGHTWEIGHT ELIMINATOR
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.”
Weigh-In Results: Carlos Takam vs. Jerry Forrest
• 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)
Split-T Management’s Eric Puente Remains Undefeated with Win Over Diego Elizondo in Las Vegas
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 PREDICTS “MASSIVE EVENT” AS HE GOES ‘HEAD 2 HEAD’ WITH JAMES BEECH JR
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.
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To watch the full episode of ‘Head 2 Head: Foster vs Beech’ head over to the Queensberry Promotions YouTube channel or click here
Oorah! U.S. Marine Veteran Jamel Herring to Defend Junior Lightweight World Title Against Jonathan Oquendo July 14 at MGM Grand “Bubble”
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.
Split-T Management’s Undefeated Lightweight Eric Puente set for Fight with Diego Elizondo TONIGHT in Las Vegas
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
Weigh-In Results: Jose Zepeda vs. Kendo Castaneda
• 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)
• Eric Puente 135 lbs vs. Diego Elizondo 135.9 lbs (Lightweight— 4 Rounds)
“DON’T SCREW IT UP!”: WARREN FIRES STARTING PISTOL ON FIRST FIGHT WEEK IN MONTHS
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.”
BIG TIME BOXING RETURNS TO GERMANY AS BARAOU CHALLENGES CULCAY
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.
AUDIO: Super Bantamweight Dominique Francis 7-0(6KO)
Weigh-In Results: Jose Pedraza vs. Mikkel LesPierre
• 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 lbsvs. Dan Murray 139.2 lbs (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
• Carlos Jackson 125.1 lbsvs. Jose Enrique Vivas 125.9 lbs (Featherweight — 10 Rounds)
Jose Zepeda-Kendo Castaneda & Carlos Takam-Jerry Forrest Headline Week 5 Shows Inside MGM Grand “Bubble”
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.
Split-T Management’s Isiah Jones Defeats Previously Undefeated Donte Stubbs
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.
LIVE BIG-TIME BOXING BACK AND FREE ON TV!
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
UFC® KICKS OFF EVENTS ON UFC FIGHT ISLAND WITH THREE THRILLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS
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 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.
JORGE ‘EL NIÑO DE ORO’ LINARES TO FACE JAVIER ‘EL ABEJON’ FORTUNA FOR THE WBC DIAMOND LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
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.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #LinaresFortuna.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link https://bit.ly/LinaresFortuna into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
GOLDEN BOY, DAZN AND FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO TO HOST CALIFORNIA’S BIG BOXING RETURN!
INDIO, CALIF. (June 29, 2020) – Golden Boy, DAZN and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino are proud to announce the return of world-class professional boxing in Southern California! In the main event of this long-awaited comeback, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (15-0, 15 KOs) will defend his WBA Gold Welterweight Title against Samuel Vargas (31-5-2, 14 KOs) in a 12-round bout.
The action takes place on Friday, July 24 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN. The event will be closed to the public and media as we enter the first phase of our responsible return to regular boxing action.
“Preparing our comeback hasn’t been easy, but we know that we have a responsibility to our fighters and our fans to stage high-level boxing events as soon as we possibly can,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This card demonstrates our commitment to presenting competitive fights despite current circumstances as the future of boxing, Vergil Ortiz Jr., will step into the ring with Samuel Vargas as was initially planned back in March.”
“And to add to that, lightweight contender Hector Tanajara Jr. is taking a big step up in competition against a veteran southpaw in Mercito Gesta,” De La Hoya continued. “Times may be tough, but our fighters are tougher, so I want to thank them for accepting these challenges during this time. I also want to thank the CSAC, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, DAZN and everyone involved as we work together to make this a success.”
Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every opponent in sight. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, will participate in his first fight of the year after a spectacular 2019 in which he stopped the likes of Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco and Brad “King” Solomon. The 22-year-old contender is a bit surprised because his 2020 debut will take place as late in the year as July, but he is nevertheless prepared for the challenge.
“I’m very thankful and excited to be headlining the first Golden Boy event after the quarantine,” said Vergil Ortiz. “I’m happy that it’s still with the same opponent, so basically we’re picking up where we left off. It’s going to be a tough fight, and it’ll be a great way to kick off the year for me.”
Vargas is recognized as one of the toughest challenges in any division. The 31-year-old native of Bogota, Colombia has faced a who’s who of welterweight boxers, including Amir “King” Khan, Luis Collazo, Danny “Swift” Garcia and Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. Despite the uncertainty facing the world today, Vargas is totally confident that he will beat Ortiz Jr.
“I’m happy to be back to work training in Las Vegas,” said Samuel Vargas. “I think that everything happens for a reason. I think this time off benefited me. I’m ready to upset the world. I believe I can come out with a win. The world is in a weird place right now. The show will be different. There will be no fans. But I have no doubt that I am going to win.”
In the co-main event, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) will take a step up in opposition as he takes on two-time world title challenger Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-3-3, 17 KOs) of Cebu, Philippines in a 10-round defense of the USNBC Lightweight Title.
“I’m ready for the best of the division,” said Hector Tanajara Jr. “I want to be a world champion, and the only way to do that is to beat tough fighters like Mercito Gesta, who has challenged for a world title and is a southpaw with a lot of experience. Also, I’m very thankful to be fighting during this time. Boxing is slowly coming back, and I’m proud to be featured on the first Golden Boy card after the big hiatus.”
“I am so excited to fight on July 24 against a talented, young, and very technical boxer in Hector Tanajara Jr,” said Mercito Gesta. “During the pandemic, I was doing conditioning training virtually with my team in San Diego, but now I am in Los Angeles training with Coach Marvin Somodio and my dad at the Wild Card Boxing gym. Even though the fight will be different this time because there will be no audience, friends or family, I’m well prepared and will put on a great show against Tanajara Jr. I hope everyone watches this card around the world, especially in my hometown of Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines as Golden Boy boxing is back! Salamat, Mabuhay!”
Shane Mosley Jr. (15-3, 9 KOs) of Pomona, Calif. will make his debut under the Golden Boy banner in an eight-round middleweight bout against veteran Jeremy Ramos (11-8, 2 KOs) of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
World champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (18-0, 7 KOs) of East Los Angeles, Calif. will return to the 108-pound division against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.
Hector Valdez (12-0, 8 KOs), the newly signed super bantamweight prospect of Dallas, Texas, will participate in a six-round fight.
Hard-hitting welterweight prospect Evan Sanchez (7-0, 6 KOs) of Parlier, Calif will open the night of action in a six-round fight.
Ortiz vs. Vargas is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, July 24 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/ and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #OrtizVargas.
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/OrtizVargas into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.
MARTINEZ MEETS ARROYO AS MATCHROOM BOXING USA RETURNS IN TULSA
Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against #1 ranked McWilliams Arroyo as Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA return to action in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday August 15, exclusively live on DAZN in the US.
Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown against Arroyo, in a main event brought to you in association with Canelo Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, having thrilled Texas with his first defense of the belt in Matchroom Boxing’s last show before the COVID-19 pandemic in February, coming out on top of an enthralling 12 round battle with Welshman Jay Harris.
The 25 year old Mexican landed the title with a ninth round KO win in a ferocious clash with former champion Cristofer Rosales, and the champion is honored to be topping the return of Hearn’s outfit in the States as he looks to cement his place in the division and move towards unification battles.
“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you another war on August 15,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe 2020 and 2021 will see me unify and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”
Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) challenges for a 112lb World title for the third time in his career as he looks to finally get a World strap around his waist. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for -pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.
The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Tulsa.
“I am very happy with this opportunity that my promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions have given me since I am ranked number #1 in the WBC and I am following my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Arroyo.
“I think Julio Cesar Martinez is a great champion the fans will see a fight full of action due to the styles of both of us. It is very good for boxing Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and I am eager to take the belt”
Prior to the lockdown, Cecilia Brækhus was set to defend her undisputed Welterweight championship in Maryland against Jessica McCaskill, and that fight is the co-main feature in Tulsa.
Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) has dominated the Welterweight division for 11 years and victory over McCaskill would see the Norwegian sensation break Joe Louis’ record of 25 consecutive World title defenses, with the 38 year old’s record stretching back to her first World title fight in her 11thpro outing in March 2009.
‘The First Lady’ still holds the same ambitions from when she first became a World ruler, and with a long camp behind her in Big Bear, California with new trainer Abel Sanchez, Brækhus is itching to get back into action and defend her belts in style.
“Finally we have a new fight date and I cannot wait to return to battle,” said Brækhus. “It’s been an extended camp in Big Bear with my new trainer Abel Sanchez and I’m very excited to defend my world titles against Jessica on August 15. I know how tough of a fight this is and will be well prepared for victory.
“Thanks very much to Abel, the Matchroom Boxing Team and Tom Loeffler for all of their support during these unique times. And to my fans in Norway, the United States and all over the world, thanks so much for continuing to inspire me, I hear you loud and clear.”
It’s fitting that McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) marks the return of Matchroom Boxing USA on DAZN from the lockdown as the Chicago ace won her WBC World Super-Lightweight title in Hearn’s first ever show on the groundbreaking streaming network in America in her hometown in October 2018 against Erica Farias.
‘CasKILLA’ went on to unify the division by taking the WBA crown from Farias fellow Argentine Anahi Sanchez in May 2019 in Maryland before putting both belts on the line in a rematch with Farias in her Windy City home, edging out her old foe via majority decision.
The 35 year old now meets the Norwegian superstar for the undisputed title in just her 11th fight, and McCaskill is determined to keep her fairytale story going and end Braekhus supremacy.
“I’m just looking to make history and shock the world as I usually do every time,” said McCaskill. “I’m expecting to knock out Cecilia. I don’t know what round, but this extra time we’ve got to train before the fight is definitely going to make us a lot sharper and a lot stronger and smarter overall.
“I’ve been in the gym every day for multiple workouts and I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on.”
Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) picked up the strap he defends in Tulsa in April 2019 with victory over Emanuel Taylor in California, and in his first defense certainly saw the boxing world stand up and take notice as he obliterated former World champion Darleys Perez inside 30 seconds of the fight.
The highly decorated amateur is ranked at number seven in the WBA and a second successful defense of his belt would move him into a great position to land a shot at the World title in the future.
“I’m very excited to defend my title on August 15 against Francisco Rojo,” said Giyasov. “I know how tough of a fight this is and have already started training with Coach Diaz in Southern California to prepare for victory.
“Huge thanks to my team at World of Boxing and Vadim Kornilov along with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN for this tremendous opportunity.”
Rojo (22-3 15 KOs) returns to action following a brief spell on the sidelines and looking to spoil Giyasov’s rise. The Mexican has a wealth of experience from his 25 fight pro career, and the 29 year old is confident of causing an upset against the 26 year old.
“What a wonderful opportunity,” said Rojo. “My gym is now open and I will be well prepared. I showed American fans I could fight when I fought Ryan Martin in Las Vegas and I’ll remind them again when I beat Giyasov.”
Three of Hearn’s talented youngster’s complete the line-up, and it promises to be a memorable night for amateur standout Marc Castro as he makes his pro debut alongside rising starlets Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford.
Hearn beat off fierce competition to ink a deal with Castro, with the 20 year old turning over with an amateur record of 177 wins and 7 losses with a stellar 48-1 record in international and national competition, and in addition to being a two-time Amateur World Champion, Castro is a 16-time National Champion, three-time National Silver Gloves champion, and two-time National Junior Olympics Champion.
“I’m excited so start my professional journey to becoming a World champion,” said Castro. “The extra time has just made me even hungrier to get my career going and I cannot wait to showcase what I will bring to the pro game.”
Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs) fights for the ninth time in the paid ranks and for the first time since a controversial DQ win over Jonathan Baptista at the Staples Center in Los Angeles gave ‘White Chocolate’ a sixth win inside the distance since turning pro as one of Hearn’s first US signings in October 2018.
“I’m excited to light up that ring, it’s been way too long,” said Ababiy. “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes and I will be looking to steal the show on August 16 – White Chocolate is back!”
Ford (5-0 2 KOs) will taste his sixth action as a pro and for the ‘Savage’, it’s a chance to unleash the frustrations of two-thirds of a year on the sidelines since the 21 year old from Camden, New Jersey recorded his second win inside the distance from his five pro fights to date in Phoenix in December 2019.
“Due to injuries and this pandemic it will be eight months before I fight again,” said Ford. “It feels great to finally get back in the ring. It’s been hard during the pandemic, but I used this time to work on my craft and it made me go harder in the gym. On August 15 I will show the world why I’m the BEST prospect in boxing.”
The announcement of Hearn’s return to boxing in the States comes hot on the heels of the promoter releasing details of four stacked and ultra-competitive fight cards in Britain over four weeks in the unique setting of the grounds of the company’s Essex headquarters.
Hearn is following that bold move with more ambitious plans for his American return, with the elite-level bill set to have a unique setting in Tulsa unveiled soon.
“We are ready to return in the States and just like Fight Camp in the UK, we plan to do things differently,” said Hearn. “We are heading outdoors in Tulsa, Oklahoma and we’re planning something unique and special for this double World championship header that should both thrill in the ring.
“Julio Cesar Martinez is a beast and one of the most exciting World champions in boxing. It’s Mexico v Puerto Rio as he faces mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in a guaranteed thriller. In the co-main event, we stage the Undisputed Welterweight championship between Cecilia and Jessica which promises to be an electric pace between two great champions.
“Beneath them, ‘Wonder Boy’ Shakhram Giyasov steps up the gears as he homes in on a 140lbs World title shot and US amateur sensation Marc Castro makes his professional debut. Rising US stars Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford step up the opposition as they continue their rise to the top.”
Weigh-In Results: Alex Saucedo vs. Sonny Fredrickson
• Alex Saucedo 140.8 lbs vs. Sonny Fredrickson 140.9 lbs (Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
• Josue Vargas 140.5 lbs vs. Salvador Briceno 138.2 lbs (Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
• John Bauza 139.3 lbs vs. Larry Fryers 138.9 lbs (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)
• Donte Stubbs 160.2 lbs vs. Isiah Jones 159.3 lbs (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton Sparring Guido Vianello in Anticipation of Pro Debut in August
LAS VEGAS, NV (June 29, 2020) – Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, who recently made the move from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, has been sparring undefeated 2016 Italian Olympian, Guido Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs), in preparation for his highly anticipated pro debut, which is tentatively scheduled for August 2020.
The big puncher Milton, who is singed under management with Victory Sports & Entertainment, has been in the ring with the likes of 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Joe Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs), as well as other top heavyweights who have trained in Las Vegas.
“I love sparring the best heavyweights in boxing,” said the 26-year-old amateur stand-out who was a silver medalist at the Olympic Trials and won the Western Qualifiers in 2019. “There is no other city like Las Vegas where you can get the best sparring that boxing has to offer. Guido Vianello is an exceptionally talented fighter and I’m learning a lot by sharing the ring with him. I’m proud to represent my city Tulsa, Oklahoma amongst the best in boxing.”
“Jeremiah is learning how to adjust to different styles and Vianello is a very powerful puncher so the work he’s getting is incredible,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “We are looking to have Jeremiah make his pro debut in August if everything plays out perfect. Those details will be announced when we finalize his opponent and the promoter gives us the green light that his show is happening.”
“We knew that Jeremiah’s move to Las Vegas was going to be the key factor for him to become the best possible fighter,” said Rick Torres, of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “Sparring guys like Guido Vianello and Joy Joyce can’t happen in any other city. We are pleased with what we are seeing in these sparring sessions.”
Kermit Cintron to Sergio Martinez: “We Have Unfinished Business”
Reading, PA (June 29, 2020)–.Former Two-time world welterweight champion Kermit Cintron (39-6, 30 KOs) would like to let former world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, that if he were to comeback, it should be against him.
After recent reports that Martinez will end his retirement, Cintron is adamant that a rematch of the two world champions is inevitable.
On February 14, 2009, Cintron and Martinez fought to a disputed draw in Sunrise, Florida, and now is the time for the two to settle the score.
“I see that he is coming back, and I want the opportunity to face him. We have some unfinished business from our fight in 2009, and this is the time to do it. There were various opinions on that fight. If the fight needs to be in Spain, Argentina or wherever, my Passport is up-to-date, and I am willing to travel,” said Cintron
“This is a no brainer fight for the promoters, but it is up to Sergio. I am sure he would like to avenge the draw, so let’s make it happen.”
Said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions, “This would be a great fight. It’s two former world champions looking for that one last shot at something significant. The winner would have that. I will reach out to his representatives, and try to make this fight happen.”
HEAVYWEIGHT HOPEFUL DAVID ADELEYE LOOKS FORWARD TO GETTING BACK IN RING WITH DUBOIS
Heavyweight hopeful David Adeleye is laser focused on his return to boxing on July 10 but admits he can’t wait to get back in the ring with Daniel Dubois when the time is right.
The 23-year-old Notting Hill banger sparred with Dubois when they were teenagers at the famous Dale Youth Club and, prior to the coronavirus pandemic, had been brought in to get ‘Dynamite’ ready for his upcoming bout with Joe Joyce.
Adeleye, however, admits that he held a little back in their latest encounter in case the two ever meet professionally.
“No, I didn’t give it my all” he told interviewer Dev Sahni, “I went down there and it was more like learning – like ‘oh, this is what he’s doing’.”
That’s not to say the hulking brute didn’t try and win the battle anyway, confessing that he and Dubois were both keen to “make a statement.”
“We tried to make a statement. He’s trying to show that he’s better than me, I’m trying to show that I’m better than him. So, we kinda just go at it.
“The first minute of the first round Martin Bowers and my coach were like ‘listen, just get to boxing’ as we were both trying to show our muscles. We both feel like we’ve got points to prove.”
No stranger to excellent sparring partners, having helped prepare Tyson Fury ahead of his second bout with Deontay Wilder, Adeleye hopes that as the coronavirus situation eases he’ll get a chance to get back in there with Dubois.
“It was a good spar. I went down to the Peacock gym and got some good rounds in. I remember Martin Bowers (Daniel’s Head Coach) saying afterwards ‘that first spar was kind of like you guys just going at it’.
“It was good and there is probably going to be many more to come. He’s going to need the work, I’m going to need the work.”
Confident Adeleye made his professional debut on December 21st, scoring a convincing knockout victory in Round 1 over the overwhelmed Lithuanian Dmitrij Kalinovskij.
Coincidentally, that fight was on the undercard of Daniel Dubois’ scrap against Japanese superstar Kyotaro Fujimoto but Adeleye doesn’t think it’ll be long before he’s headlining shows of his own.
“Honestly, I put myself at the very top of the division, especially in this country.”
Asked if there were any British boxers he’d like the chance to test his skills against, he was clear that it didn’t matter who was put in front of him – he plans on taking them all out.
“There’s a few fighters on the domestic scene that I look at and think ‘y’know, this will be a good little match-up for me’. But, I just let it play out.
“I just focus on myself, stay in my lane and when it’s my time it’ll come.”
July 10 will mark Adeleye’s second professional outing, this time in the unusual surroundings of BT Sport Studio’s with no crowd present.
Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren is bringing British boxing back on that date behind closed doors due to the current coronavirus restrictions and whilst Adeleye is looking forward to the opportunity, he doesn’t think it’ll affect his performance.
Instead, he thinks his time in Las Vegas sparring Tyson Fury is going to have the bigger impact come fight night.
“You’ll see some different things. I think you’ll see better boxing ability, you’ll see me picking my shots a bit more.
“What you won’t see different is the knockout, that’s definitely going to come.”
———–
David Adeleye was speaking to Dev Sahni on Queensberry Promotions’ YouTube show ‘The Lockdown Lowdown’ – video available here
Official Weigh-in: Miguel Berchelt vs. Eleazar Valenzuela
Miguel Berchelt 135 lbs vs. Eleazar Valenzuela135.5 lbs (Lightweight — 10 Rounds) Omar Aguilar 140 lbs vs. Dante Jardon 141 lbs(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds) Florentino Perez Hernandez 121.2 lbs vs. Alan David Picasso 121.2 lbs(Junior Featherweight — 8 Rounds) Rafael Espinoza 127.8 lbs vs. Luis Guzman 127.8 lbs(Featherweight — 8 Rounds) Ruben Aguilar 141.1 lbs vs Emanuel Herrera 141.1 lbs (Jr. Lightweight — 6 Rounds)
Abraham Nova Remains Undefeated with Unanimous Decision over Avery Sparrow
NEW YORK (June 26, 2020) – World-Ranked Abraham “Super” Nova remained perfect by pounding out a 10-round unanimous decision over tough Avery Sparrow in a junior lightweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Nova, 26, who is managed by Split-T Management, took his time and eased into the fight. Over the first half of the fight, Sparrow showed his mettle, and fought on even terms with the world-ranked Nova.
Nova really started to pick up momentum as the fight reached the halfway point, and put his foot on the gas in round eight.
In that round, Nova started to push the action and land some hard combinations. Nova was the boss in the fight over the final five rounds and won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 96-94 to to raise his mark to 19-0.
The native of Albany, New York, who is ranked number-six by the WBA and number-seven by the WBO outlanded Sparrow 112-60, which included a 20-7 advantage in round eight and 73-36 over the last five frames.
“Sparrow was slippery in there and tough to hit. I had to be patient and search for my openings. In the last few rounds, I began to time him, and that won me the fight,” Nova said. “Listen, this was a learning experience. I’ll be ready for the top guys in the 130-pound division very, very soon.”
“The fight was satisfying. Abraham followed the gameplan perfectly. He got ring experience. The game-plan was to box more and not rely on his power.,” said Hector Bermudez, Trainer of Abraham Nova.
“Although Sparrow had a good ring IQ, and a difficult Cutie style, Nova made the proper adjustments to win the fight. I knew it was an ugly match-up from the beginning, and far from complimentary to Nova’s ESPN debut. However, we all knew he’d come out victorious. He’s still developing and he will continue to improve in the gym. I have big plans for him in the fall,” Said Tom VanNewhouse of Split-T Management.
Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions.
MATCHROOM FIGHT CAMP LAUNCHES ON AUGUST 1
Eddie Hearn and Matchroom are delighted to announce the full schedule for Fight Camp – an unrivalled summer of elite boxing based at the Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex with the first three weeks shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US – and the final week shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The unique and ground-breaking outdoor setting overlooking the city of London will play host to huge World Title clashes, British and Commonwealth Title showdowns, Heavyweight wars and countless other Title fights as Matchroom bring top tier boxing back to the screens of fights fans across the UK and US.
Matchroom’s summer of boxing launches with a bang on Saturday August 1 as Sam Eggington (28-6, 17 KOs) puts his IBF International Super-Welterweight title on the line against Ted Cheeseman (15-2-1, 9 KOs) in a guaranteed barnburner, Belfast’s big-hitting James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) takes on Cardiff’s Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant British Lightweight title, Chatteris talent Jordan Gill (24-1, 7 KOs) meets Watford’s Reece Bellotti (14-3, 12 KOs) in an electric Featherweight battle, fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) steps up to take on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt and gifted Sheffield Super-Lightweight Dalton Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) squares off with Liverpool’s Nathan Bennett (9-1, 2 KOs).
Terri Harper’s (10-0, 5 KOs) defence of her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against British rival Natasha Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) headlines week 2 on Friday August 7 supported by Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defending his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1), Oldham Lightweight prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker (13-6) and Leeds Featherweight prospect Hopey Price (2-0) fights on UK soil again following his win on the huge Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 show in Saudi Arabia.
Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs) at top of week 3’s bill on Friday August 14, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) over ten rounds, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs), Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) looks for his second win of the year.
Fight Camp concludes with an unmissable night of blockbuster action on Saturday August 22, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office, as Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) defends his WBC Interim Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) and Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) defends her Undisputed Lightweight World Titles. There’s more Heavyweight action on offer as 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).
Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, said: “Eddie Hearn has supplied a sizzling summer schedule in August, starting with three Sky Sports shows packed with British talent. Sam Eggington against Ted Cheeseman should be a classic clash, while the exciting trio of Jordan Gill, Fabio Wardley and Dalton Smith will be eager to impress.
“Terri Harper has already endeared herself to fight fans with her remarkable success story, but Natasha Jonas is a genuine threat as we return to Matchroom HQ with a high-class World Title fight. Anthony Fowler and Chris Billam-Smith have big ambitions and cannot afford slip-ups on the same bill.
“Felix Cash defends his Commonwealth belt against the dangerous Jason Welborn on our third action-packed show. We’ll get another chance to see Shannon Courtenay in action – she is a rising talent with an entertaining style – and it’s a perfect platform for Kieron Conway and Zelfa Barrett to showcase their skills.
“Fight Camp ends with fireworks as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions against the big-hitting Alexander Povetkin, live on Sky Sports Box Office. Katie Taylor can cement her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters when she returns to action on another fantastic bill. We’re back with a red-hot line-up of live boxing!”
2020 ESPY Winner Kim Clavel Returns to the Boxing Ring July 21 LIVE on ESPN
(June 25, 2020) —Undefeated light flyweight boxer Kim Clavel, who won the 2020 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs, is ready for her next fight.
Clavel took a hiatus from the ring in March to return to work as a nurse at elder care facilities in Montreal and will make her triumphant return in a scheduled eight-round fight Tuesday, July 21 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against an opponent to be named.
Clavel’s comeback bout will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (8 p.m. ET).
“I am grateful to Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Top Rank, and ESPN for this opportunity, which allows me to make my United States debut on a major ESPN-televised card in Las Vegas,” Clavel said. “This is significant for my boxing career, and my training team and I are already counting down the days.”
“When Kim Clavel’s boxing career was paused due to the pandemic, she didn’t hesitate to go head-to-head against this new opponent,” said Yvon Michel, Clavel’s promoter. “It is with the same courage and enthusiasm that she will step into the ring on July 21 to pursue her goal of becoming world champion and continuing to inspire people. Thank you to Top Rank and ESPN for offering Kim this unique opportunity to showcase her world-class talent.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Clavel (11-0, 2 KOs) had established herself as one of female boxing’s rising stars. She won the NABF light flyweight title last December and was scheduled to headline her first show March 21 against former world champion Esmeralda Moreno.
Clavel put her boxing career on hold and returned to work on March 21. She worked night shifts and treated Montreal’s most vulnerable citizens. Clavel stayed in shape with a modified routine of jumping rope, running, and shadowboxing, preparing for her ring comeback while dealing with the mental and emotional toll of her day (and night) job.
Boxing resumed, opportunity knocked, and Clavel answered. Her world title quest continues July 21.
Confident Conwell Ready To Return
Cleveland, OH (June 25, 2020) – Undefeated junior middleweight standout Charles Conwell knew it was only a matter of time until his April 10 showdown against Madiyar Ashkeyev would be cancelled by COVID-19. Still, it was a disappointment when the most significant bout of his career got called off.
With gyms also closing for health and safety purposes, the 2016 Olympian was without boxing for the first time since childhood.
“I’ve been training or fighting since I was 11 years old,” said the 22-year-old Conwell who has a perfect 12-0 record with 9 knockouts. “The quarantine was boring at first without boxing and not a lot going on but I got to know myself and those around me a lot better. It turned out to be an interesting experience.”
Now that boxing is back, Conwell’s resumed training and is excited to return to the ring against Ashkeyev in the coming months.
“I’m motivated because he’s a good fighter and beating him gets me a step closer to fighting for the world title. I’m hungry and ready to show everybody I’m one of the best fighters at 154 pounds.”
Conwell’s Co-Promoter Tony Holden is also excited about what the future holds for his fighter.
“Charles Conwell-Madiyar Ashkeyev is still going to happen on Showtime, possibly early as August,” said Holden, who co-promotes Conwell along with DiBella Entertainment. “This is a significant bout in the 154 pound division and a definitely a big challenge for both fighters. I’m confident in Charles and know a victory will lead to bigger opportunities.”
The official date and venue of Conwell-Ashkeyev will be announced shortly.
