NEW YORK (June 25, 2020) – TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, world-ranked and undefeated junior lightweight Abraham “Super” Nova takes on tough Philly-based Avery Sparrow in the co-feature bout of a Top Rank promoted card on ESPN (8 PM ET / 5 PM PT)

Nova, 26, of Albany, New York has a record of 18-0 with 14 knockouts.

The four-year pro is currently ranked number-six by the WBA and number-seven by the WBO, will be making his 2nd start of 2020. He is coming off a 4th round stoppage of 57-fight veteran Pedro Navarrete on January 18th in Verona, New York.

Nova has wins over Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Zapata (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2); He won the NABA Super Featherweight title with a unanimous decision over Suliman Segawa (11-1).

He also defeated Brian Pelaez (8-2), Mario Lozano (18-2-1) and Luis Ronaldo Castillo (20-3).

Sparrow of Philadelphia is 10-1 with three knockouts. Sparrow has some impressive wins as he defeated Anthony Burgin (10-2), Isaelin Florian (6-0), Joey Laviolette (6-0), Jose Lopez (19-1-1), and his last bout when he won a majority decision over crosstown rival and former world title challenger Hank Lundy (29-7-1) on March 15, 2019 in Philadelphia.

At Wednesday’s weigh-in, Nova was 131.9 lbs. Sparrow was 131.5 lbs.

Nova is co-promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions.

BRITISH boxing’s Heavyweight super-fight between unbeaten KO Kings ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce will now take place at The 02 Arena, London on Saturday October 24.

The showdown between British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion Dubois and fellow Londoner Joyce, an Olympic Silver medallist, had been scheduled for July 11 but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the date shift.

Government guidelines will continue to be strictly followed but with lockdown being eased promoter Frank Warren is optimistic that the battle, dubbed ‘Seek And Destroy’, will finally take place in October.

Joyce (10-0, 9 KOs) and Dubois (14-0, 13 KOs) are within touching distance of a world title challenge and the winner will be in line to land a mandatory contender’s position with one of the major governing bodies, as well as adding the vacant EBU European Heavyweight Championship to their trophy cabinets.

Warren said: “It will be a fight to remember and what a boost for British boxing.

“Everyone wants to see it. Lockdown has meant a delay, but we all want the fight to take place in October and we are hopeful that the government will give us the all clear.

“What a position the winner will be in. They will be nailed on for a world title shot in 2021.”

Dubois, 22, who is ranked number five by the WBO  and seven in the latest WBC ratings said: “I’ll be ready to go in October for sure.

“It has been tough during lockdown, but I have ticked over and I’m back in the Peacock gym helping my sparring partner Dorin Krasmaru get ready for his behind closed doors fight on Frank Warren’s bill on July 10.

“Hopefully in the near future I will be able to get some good overseas sparring in. I’ll be ready for October 24, so I hope Joe is coming prepared.”

Foe Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in just his fourth fight and his best win came against former WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne via a sixth round KO in February 2019. The London man aims to top that victory when he tackles Dubois and doesn’t mince his words when discussing his young opponent.

“It was great news to get the new date so I can finally punch up Dubois,” said the Putney man who is already highly ranked by the WBC.

Joyce is ready to rev up his training and added: “Obviously once lockdown started I had a good idea we wouldn’t meet in July, but I was always staying on top of training.

“Now gyms are open for athletes I can kick on and just keep my focus on the new date, finally settling the score with Dubois and moving on to a world title fight.”

Existing ticket holders who cannot attend the rearranged date can get refunds from their point of purchase.

————-
Tickets are now on sale via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket Prices:

£400 Ringside – Hospitality
£300 Floor
£200 Floor
£150 Floor/Tier
£100 Tier
£80 Tier
£55 Upper Tier
£40 Upper Tier

 •     Jason Moloney 117.7 lbs vs. Leonardo Baez 118.3 lbs
(Bantamweight — 10 Rounds)

    •   Abraham Nova 131.9 lbs vs.  Avery Sparrow 131.5 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

• Orlando Gonzalez 126 lbs vs. Luis Porozo 125 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

• Vlad Panin 149 lbs vs. Benjamin Whitaker 149 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

    • Clay Burns 143.6 lbs vs. Reymond Yanong 143 lbs
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
• Waldo Cortes 246.9 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 286.4 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (June 24, 2020) —Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre will give it another shot. The junior welterweights will face off in the 10-round main event Thursday, July 2 from the MGM Grand Conference Center—Grand Ballroom. Pedraza-LesPierre was originally scheduled for June 18, but the bout was postponed after LesPierre’s manager tested positive for COVID-19.

Week 4 of the Top Rank on ESPN summer series begins Tuesday, June 30 at the MGM Grand, when top junior welterweight contender Alex Saucedo faces Sonny Fredrickson in a 10-round showdown.

The Pedraza-LesPierre and Saucedo-Fredrickson cards will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. 

“Mikkel and Jose deserve this opportunity, and I commend both camps for agreeing to reschedule this fight on short notice,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Alex Saucedo is destined to be a world champion, but he has an incredibly tall task in Sonny Fredrickson. We have another great week in store at MGM Grand.”

June 30
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Alex Saucedo (29-1, 19 KOs) vs. Sonny Fredrickson (21-2, 14 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

Saucedo has fought only once — a first-round knockout over Rod Salka — since he was knocked out by Maurice Hooker in November 2018 in a bid for the WBO junior welterweight world title. The Oklahoma City product is entering his second fight with head trainer Pedro Neme and will move closer to a second world title opportunity with a victory over the 6-foot-1 Fredrickson. From Toledo, Ohio, Fredrickson is a former U.S. amateur standout who is hoping to re-establish his momentum following a majority decision defeat to Samuel Teah last November.

“I have gotten a lot of quality sparring during the last few months, and I believe that’s going to show on June 30,” Saucedo said. “We have done 130 rounds in this camp sparring three times a week. We were able to get some taller guys to prepare for what Sonny brings to the table. I’ve worked on the things I need to win this fight. I’m still the same aggressive fighter, but we put a lot more movement in there. I’ve gone back to basics.”

Undercard

Junior welterweight prospect Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs) will seek to increase his winning streak to 11 when he faces the battle-hardened Salvador Briceno (17-5, 11 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Vargas fought four times in 2019, including a win over Noel Murphy that earned him the IBF North American junior welterweight strap. Briceno is 4-2 in his last six fights, including competitive showings in decision losses to unbeaten prospects Gabriel Flores Jr. and Yomar Alamo.

Former U.S. amateur superstar Javier Martinez, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will make his professional debut against an opponent to be named in a six-rounder at middleweight. Martinez won the U.S. Olympic Trials at 165 pounds and was ranked number one in the nation at that weight, but after being named an alternate for the Olympic squad, he turned pro with Top Rank and noted manager Tim VanNewhouse.

Junior welterweight rising star John “El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5 KOs) will return from a nearly one-year layoff against the Irish-born, New York-based Larry Fryers (11-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-rounder. 

Unbeaten Cleveland native Fred Wilson Jr. (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will face Rance Ward (4-1-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior middleweight.

In a six-round junior welterweight bout, Adrian Valdovinos (5-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Gerardo Alvarez (2-2-2, 0 KOs).

July 2
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Pedraza, who won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, is taking another run at the super lightweight division following last September’s decision loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda. His opponent LesPierre challenged Maurice Hooker for a world title last year, dropping a unanimous decision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn resident received deliveries and assisted doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.

“I didn’t want to wait around for this fight, so I’m glad we got the deal done,” Pedraza said. “My march toward a junior welterweight world title continues July 2 in Las Vegas.”

“I want to thank Top Rank and DiBella Entertainment for making this fight happen through the trials and tribulations,” LesPierre said. “I’m honored to be the main event on July 2, and I am ready to showcase my talent to the world and prove my world championship caliber.”

Undercard

Robeisy Ramirez (3-1, 3 KOs) is out for revenge. The two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba will fight Adan Gonzales (5-2-2, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight. It was Gonzales who shocked the boxing world last August when he spoiled Ramirez’s pro debut with a four-round split decision victory. Ramirez has scored three knockout wins since then, including June 9 at MGM Grand. Gonzales has not fought since the Ramirez fight.

Top junior lightweight contender Albert Bell (16-0, 5 KOs), from Toledo Ohio, will face Filipino puncher Mark Bernaldez (20-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Bell graduated from prospect to contender last June on the Tyson Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard, defeating Andy Vences (22-0-1 at the time) over 10 rounds. He returned in October and shut out Frank De Alba. 

Featherweight prospect Carlos Jackson (16-0, 11 KOs), who has knocked out five of his last six opponents, will face Jose Enrique Vivas (18-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-rounder. 

Elvis Rodriguez (6-0-1, 6 KOs), the southpaw sensation from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will seek to register his fifth consecutive knockout in a six-round junior welterweight tilt against Daniel Murray (5-3, 0 KOs). The only blemish on Rodriguez’s record came in this third pro fight, a technical draw following an accidental clash of heads.

Featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout. 

Los Angeles, CA (June 23, 2020) World Ranked Welterweight Contender Radzhab Butaev has spoken out following the recent details of Alexander Basputin’s failed drug test results from their WBA Welterweight World Championship fight on November 30, 2019 in Monte Carlo. Recently, Butaev and his team were informed that the ‘B’ sample from Basputin also contained LGD-4033(Ligandrol). The ‘A’ sample contained the same prohibited drug when the finding was announced in January.  Basputin was declared the winner of their hard-fought bout by unanimous decision by scores of 116-112 on all three judges’ scorecards.

Said Butaev, “As I said previously, I’m not surprised. First of all, my manager and my team always insist on VADA testing. It is a standard procedure for a world title fight. Since 2013, starting with most of the fights that our teammate Ruslan Provodnikov participated in and most other fights of significance involving boxers from our team we always insisted upon mandatory anti-doping testing. This drug that was in his system, has been banned by all doping agencies in the world and has never been legal.”

“After consultations with several doctors and pharmaceutical specialists in the states, we were made clear what this drug was and how it was very difficult to obtain and that it is usually used by athletes to significantly increase stamina, endurance, and strength during a competition or training. And the fact that this substance was found in a urine test is enough to know that this was not consumed by mistake in training camp in advance.”

Continued Butaev, “For me, this is now in the past, and even though this is not pleasant, all I think about now is taking back what’s mine and becoming a real champion, a champion that knows that he got his world title in a fair and honest competition of boxing, man vs. man!”

“From the moment Basputin refused to start VADA testing for weeks before the bout, even after I paid all the fees for him and myself, he still did not want to sign and return the VADA paperwork, I believe that whatever he and his team were hiding literally helped him survive our fight, but justice has triumphed.”

“Now I am primarily concerned about having my next fight for the world title. I consider it very inappropriate to disrespect the sport of boxing, the fans, my team and his own team and I do not see any excuses.  I hope that the WBA will issue their resolution on this situation and announce my opponent for the world title soon and I am ready to go, I will fight anybody, it doesn’t matter to me, I just want my fair and clean chance to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a world champion.”

Stated manager Vadim Kornilov, “Radzhab’s dream is to become a world champion and on a level playing field there is no doubt that he can beat anybody in the division. The next step is to work through the procedures with the WBA and await Radzhab’s immediate fight with the top-rated contender for the WBA World Title.”

NEW YORK (June 23, 2020) – TONIGHT at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Split-T Management fighter Rolando Vargas takes a step up in competition when he takes on fellow undefeated Miguel Contreras in a six-round junior welterweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

The fight can be seen live on ESPN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Vargas, 20, of Milwaukee is 5-0 with all wins coming via stoppage.

After winning the 2017 Junior National Championships, Vargas turned professional, and has ripped off five consecutive knockouts, with none of his fights reaching the 3rd round.

Vargas will be making his 2nd start of 2020, as he is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Rondale Hubbert on February 8th in Hammond, Indiana.

Contreras of Bakersfield, California is 10-0 with six knockouts. The 22 year-old Contreras is a four-year professional, and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Monteiro on February 1st in Bakersfield.

At Monday’s weigh-in, Vargas was 137 lbs. Contreras was 137.4 lbs.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

  •     Andrew Moloney 114.6 lbs ??vs. Joshua Franco 115 lbs ??
(WBA Super Flyweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

    •   Christopher Diaz 124.9 lbs ?? vs.  Jason Sanchez 126 lbs ??
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

• Joseph Adorno 136 lbs ??vs. Alexis del Bosque 134.2 lbs ??
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

          • Rolando Vargas 137 lbs ?? vs. Miguel Contreras 137.4 lbs ??
(Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

    • Helaman Olguin 290 lbs ?? vs. Adam Stewart 232.1 lbs ??
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a lightweight main event all but guaranteed to deliver action as No. 3 ranked contender Dustin Poirier and No. 5 Dan Hooker meet in a battle of elite strikers. In the co-main event, two fan favorites will clash at welterweight as Mike Perry goes for another signature knockout against submission specialist Mickey Gall.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: POIRIER vs. HOOKER will take place Saturday, June 27 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. The preliminary card will kick off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT. The event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

A former interim UFC lightweight champion, Poirier (25-6 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) returns to action looking to remind the rest of the division that he is still one of the best in the world. Among the most respected athletes on the roster, Poirier has secured wins over former UFC champions Max Holloway (twice), Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis. He now aims to stop the impressive run of Hooker and make his claim for another title shot.

One of the most dangerous strikers at lightweight, Hooker (21-8, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) intends to land another devastating knockout and secure the biggest win of his career. Since moving up to 155 pounds, Hooker has earned notable victories over Gilbert Burns, James Vick and Al Iaquinta. He now looks to prove that he can compete with the elite of the division and achieve his first UFC title shot. 

A fan favorite for his explosive fighting style and unique personality, Perry (13-6, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) looks to bounce back into the win column with another exciting performance. A power puncher with all of his finishes coming by knockout, Perry has earned victories over Paul Felder, Jake Ellenberger and Alex Oliveira. He now looks to make an emphatic statement with another highlight reel finish.

One of the top prospects in the welterweight division, Gall (6-2, fighting out of Green Brook Township, N.J.) has proven that he holds the grappling skills to stop anyone in the world. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Gall has secured submissions in all but one of his victories, including wins over CM Punk, Sage Northcutt and George Sullivan. He now looks to become only the second person to submit Perry and continue his run up the welterweight ranks.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Dana White’s Contender Series veterans clash as Brendan Allen (13-3, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) looks to spoil the debut of Kyle Daukaus (9-0, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
• Gian Villante (17-11, fighting out of Bellmore, N.Y.) makes his heavyweight debut against Maurice Greene (8-5, fighting out of St. Cloud, Minn.)
• Lightweight strikers aim to put on a show as Luis Pena (8-2, fighting out of Gilroy, Calif.) meets Khama Worthy (15-6, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.)
• Mara Romero Borella (13-8, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) intends to bounce back into the win column when she takes on UFC newcomer Miranda Maverick (7-2, fighting out of Norfolk, Va.) at flyweight
• Philipe Lins (14-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) and Tanner Boser (17-6-1, fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) look to make a statement in a clash of heavyweight hopefuls
• In a 150 pound catchweight bout, Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sean Woodson (7-0, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Kyle Nelson (13-3, fighting out of Huntsville, Ontario, Canada)
• Takashi Sato (15-3, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan) welcomes the debuting Ramiz Brahimaj (8-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) to the UFC welterweight division
• Invicta FC standouts look to make a statement as Kay Hansen (6-3, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) takes on former atomweight champion Jinh Yu Frey (9-4, fighting out of Arlington, Texas)
• Jordan Griffin (18-7, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) returns to action aims to hand Youssef Zalal (8-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) his first UFC loss in a featherweight bout

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ 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 Disney’s Direct-To-Consumer & International

Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment includes Disney’s international media operations stretching from Europe to Asia to Latin America and the Company’s direct-to-consumer streaming businesses, including Hulu, Hotstar, ESPN+, and the recently launched Disney+ service. DTCI also manages global advertising sales and ad technology for Disney media properties which include ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX Networks, National Geographic, and the Disney Channels. The Company’s media distribution operations are also part of the Direct-to-Consumer & International business segment.

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.

LAS VEGAS (June 22, 2020) — Javier Martinez, USA Boxing’s top-rated fighter at 165 pounds, has signed a multi-year contract with Top Rank and will make his professional debut as a middleweight June 30 live on ESPN.

Martinez, 24, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials, but after being selected as an alternate for the Olympic team, elected to punch for pay after roughly 160 bouts in the amateur ranks. He captured his first of five national titles at the age of 13 and won a USA Elite National Championship in 2018.

Martinez is trained by Jorge Capetillo, who is known for his work with the likes of lineal/WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and former world champions Jessie Magdaleno and Antonio DeMarco. 

“With Javier’s amateur credentials, fan-friendly style, and Top Rank’s amazing track record at developing amateurs into champions, this is a win-win for everyone,” said Tim VanNewhouse, Martinez’s manager. “I look forward to a big future for Javier, and I’m eager for everyone to see his pro debut on ESPN June 30.”

“I knew it would be hard for me to qualify for the Olympics, so when I found out they chose someone else, it made no sense for me to stay,” Martinez said. “I got this opportunity from Top Rank, so why not? I have a great promotional company and manager behind me.

“I’ve just been beating everyone in the country the past three, four years, so the time was right to make my next move.”

Martinez, the youngest of five children born to Mexican immigrants, first picked up a pair of gloves at 8 years old. He hopes to become only the second Milwaukee-born fighter — Pinky Mitchell was named the inaugural junior welterweight world champion in 1922 — to win a professional world title. 

“I do this for my family. I do it for my kid,” said Martinez, who has a 7-year-old son. “I want to represent Milwaukee and my parents, who came to this country with nothing and built a life for my brothers and me.”

Emanuel Navarrete 127 lbs vs. Uriel Lopez127 lbs
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)
   Carlos Ornelas 127 lbs vs.  Edwin Palomares 126 lbs(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)
            Sergio Sanchez 126 lbs vs. Gustavo Alan Pina 126 lbs(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)         Ivan Armando Garcia 113 lbs vs. Roberto Palomares 113 lbs(Flyweight — 8 Rounds)
    Jessica Nery Plata 112 lbs vs. Edith de Jesus Flores 112 lbs
(Flyweight — 8 Rounds)

FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry Promotions have today signalled the return of live boxing by announcing three HUGE British title fights that will see Brad Foster defend against James Beech, Anthony Cacace face Lyon Woodstock and Lerrone Richards square off against Umar Sadiq.

Alongside broadcast partner BT Sport, Queensberry are happy to announce the launch of a new series of shows that will run across the summer months and restore the sport to the homes of fight fans and return Queensberry’s roster of champions, contenders and prospects to the ring following the enforced hiatus.

Always first to the punch, Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren is delivering on his promise of bringing boxing back with a bang and has vowed that the three massive British title fights are just the beginning for what will be a huge Summer of boxing, live from the BT Sport Studio.

Leading the charge, The British and Commonwealth super bantamweight title will be on the line when champion Brad Foster (12-0-2) defends against the unbeaten James Beech (12-0) from Bloxwich, West Midlands.

And on dates to be confirmed shortly, Anthony Cacace will take on the first defence of his British Super Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock, whilst Lerrone Richards will defend his British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles against Umar ‘Top Boxer’ Sadiq.

“I am thrilled to inform the fans that the wait for live boxing to return is coming to an end,” said promoter Warren. “It has been a long haul and a trying time for everyone but we can now see the first flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.

“I am so excited to get going again after a period of unprecedented planning and detail to get to where we are. Unfortunately boxing without fans at the venue is the new, but I am sure temporary, normal and we have made it our business to bring the sport back at the earliest opportunity in line with government guidelines regarding health and safety protocols.

“Our opening show on July 10 is just for starters and we will be looking to go bigger and better as we move along in our summer season that will see us deliver at least five TV shows.

“Across these dates it is our intention to showcase highly competitive fights between hungry young domestic fighters and increase the stakes from show to show. No easy fights, just British boxing as it should be.

“I am also looking forward to seeing our unparalleled crop of brilliant young fighters step up the risk levels and really make the most of what will be huge exposure for them across the BT Sport platforms.”

Also on the July 10th card WBO European super welterweight champion Hamzah Sheeraz (10-0), will defend his belt against the (12-1) Scot Paul Kean from Dundee; heavyweight hope David Adeleye from Notting Hill will be hoping for another stoppage victory in his second professional fight and Lightweight Mark ‘Da Bomb’ Chamberlain (5-0, 3KOs), will be looking to take a step up in Stratford.

Warren said: “This is just the beginning. It’s going to be a magnificent summer of Great British boxing, so sit back and enjoy every round live on BT Sport.”

Tonight’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre has been canceled after LesPierre’s manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this morning. The Gabriel Flores Jr.-Josec Ruiz lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 8 p.m. ET).
 
Said LesPierre: “My manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19. Due to the rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, I will be unable to fight tonight as scheduled against Jose Pedraza. I understand the severity of COVID-19 because I have been working on the front lines of helping treat this virus at Mount Sinai Beth Israel—Petrie Division in Manhattan.
 
“I am devastated. This was my opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, but everything happens for a reason. This is just another roadblock in my story.
 
“I apologize to Jose and his team for any inconvenience this caused. He is a great boxer, and I hope we can reschedule the fight as soon as possible.”
 
Said Taveras: “I apologize for the inconvenience this caused. I am not exhibiting any symptoms. I am looking forward to hopefully rescheduling this fight as soon as possible. I am devastated for Mikkel.”

 Jose Pedraza 140.4 lbs vs. Mikkel LesPierre141 lbs
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)
              Adrian Servin 118 lbs vs. Robert Rodriguez 120.3 lbs(Bantamweight — 6 Rounds)       Victor Rodriguez 140.2 lbs vs. Justin Horsley 140.7 lbs(Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)
    Frevian Gonzalez 129.4 lbs vs. Jose Martinez 127.8 lbs(Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
David Kaminsky 164.3 lbs vs.  Clay Collard 163.6 lbs
(Super Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

    Gabriel Flores Jr 132.4 lbs vs.  Josec Ruiz 132.4 lbs
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

NEW YORK (June 17, 2020) -Split-T Management welterweight Giovani Santillan remained undefeated as he showed his grit by winning a 10-round majority decision over former world champion Antonio DeMarco on Tuesday night at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The bout was the co-feature bout of a Top Rank promoted card.

It was a battle that was fought mostly at close-quarters, with Santillan getting credit for lading the more telling blows, and he was able to take the victory by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 to raise his perfect mark to 26-0.

“I knew it was a close fight, but I felt like I did enough solid work in there to pull out the win,” Santillan said. “He never hurt me at any point in the fight, but he used his experience in there. He’s a former world champion who has been in there with the best of the best. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible and use this experience to my advantage.”

Santillan is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

LAS VEGAS (June 16, 2020) — From Down Under to “The Bubble,” Australia’s Moloney twins — Andrew and Jason — are set for their Las Vegas debuts.

Andrew “The Monster” Moloney will make the first defense of his WBA super flyweight world title Tuesday, June 23 from the MGM Grand Conference Center—Grand Ballroom against Joshua “El Professor” Franco (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 8 p.m. ET). Moloney-Franco will be the first men’s boxing world title bout since February 29.

The fights continue from the MGM Grand Thursday, June 25, when WBO No. 2 bantamweight contender Jason Moloney will face Leonardo Baez in a 10-rounder (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 8 p.m. ET).

Week 3 of the Top Rank on ESPN summer series concludes from TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City on Saturday, June 27, when WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt will face Eleazar “Tronco” Valenzuela in a 10-round lightweight bout (ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 11 p.m. ET).

“It’s very exciting times as Australia’s only world champion, Andrew Moloney, will defend his title against a tough warrior in Joshua Franco,” said Tony Tolj, who manages the Moloney brothers. “Jason has trained hard and is ready for world championship opportunities. Both are in tough fights that the fans are going to love. We want to fight the best. It’s a great honor to headline back-to-back shows, especially at MGM Grand.”

June 23
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Andrew Moloney (21-0, 14 KOs) vs. Joshua Franco (16-1-2, 8 KOs)
12 Rounds, Moloney’s WBA Super Flyweight World Title

Andrew Moloney has won four consecutive bouts by knockout, including an eighth-round stoppage over Miguel Gonzalez on Gonzalez’s home turf in Chile. He captured the WBA interim world title last November, stopping Elton Dharry on cuts following eight one-sided rounds. The WBA elevated Moloney to full champion in March, and he will defend his strap against Franco, a San Antonio native who is best known for his action-packed trilogy against Oscar Negrete. Franco, who has gone five bouts since his lone professional defeat, went 1-0-2 versus Negrete.

“It’s a dream come true for me to be headlining at the MGM Grand for my first world title defense,” Andrew Moloney said. “Thank you to Top Rank and my team for giving me this amazing opportunity. Franco is a great fighter, but I believe I am faster, more powerful, and too hungry to let anyone take this belt away from me.”

Said Franco: “I have been waiting all my life to fight for a world title. I know that all my hard work will pay off when I step into the ring and become a world champion. These are tough times for the world, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity when the world has come to a halt. I will do my best to entertain the fans during this time and make my training team, promoter and everyone in San Antonio proud. This June 23, class will be in session, and everyone’s invited to watch on ESPN.”

Co-Feature
Christopher Diaz (25-2, 16 KOs) vs. Jason Sanchez (15-1, 8 KOs)
10 Rounds, Featherweight

In a clash of former world title challengers, the winner will re-enter the world title picture. Diaz is 2-1 since a decision loss to Masayuki Ito for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title. Following the Ito loss, Diaz moved down in weight to compete as a featherweight. Sanchez gave a valiant effort in a June 2019 decision loss to then-WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez. The Albuquerque native rebounded with a knockout win over Adeilson Dos Santos last October.

“I know that winning this next fight opens the door to a world title shot, and I have worked hard to make it happen and finally achieve my dream of becoming a world champion,” Diaz said. “Jason Sanchez is a world-level opponent. His only defeat is against Oscar Valdez — and he is a seasoned Mexican warrior — but I am coming prepared for everything Sanchez will bring to the ring.”

Undercard

Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs), who is coming off an eight-round draw in January, will look to get back to his winning ways against Alexis del Bosque (17-5, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder at lightweight.

In a junior welterweight battle set for six rounds, Miguel Contreras (10-0, 6 KOs), from Bakersfield, California, will fight 20-year-old knockout artist Rolando Vargas (5-0, 5 KOs).

Helaman Olguin (7-3, 3 KOs), winner of five straight, will take on Adam Stewart (8-0-1, 5 KOs) in a six-rounder at heavyweight.

June 25
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom

Main Event
Jason Moloney (20-1, 17 KOs) vs. Leonardo Baez (18-2, 9 KOs)
10 Rounds, Bantamweight

Jason Moloney came up a hair short in his bid for the IBF bantamweight world title in October 2018, losing a disputed split decision to Emmanuel Rodriguez. He has knocked out three opponents since, most recently blitzing Dixon Flores in two rounds on the same card as his brother’s victory over Elton Dharry. Baez, from Mexicali, Mexico, has won six in a row, most recently shutting out former interim world champion Moises Flores over eight rounds.

“My opponent, Leonardo Baez, is a good fighter who comes forward and puts on a lot of pressure,” Jason Moloney said. “I have been working extremely hard to make sure this is the most spectacular performance of my career and to prove that I am ready for another shot at a world title.”

Said Baez: “I’m very happy for this opportunity. I had already been training, so that’s why I’m ready to come back. I’m confident in my preparation. I know I will walk away with my hand raised.” 

Co-Feature
Abraham Nova (18-0, 14 KOs) vs. Avery Sparrow (10-1, 3 KOs)
10 Rounds, Junior Lightweight 

Nova made his Top Rank debut in January, registering a fourth-round knockout. He returns for his “Bubble” debut against Sparrow, a battle-hardened Philadelphia native who is coming off a March 2019 decision victory over former world title challenger Hank Lundy. Nova, born in Puerto Rico and raised in Albany, New York, was one of Teofimo Lopez’s chief sparring partners before Lopez’s lightweight title-winning effort over Richard Commey last December.

Undercard

Orlando “El Zurdo de Oro” González (14-0, 10 KOs), from Aguadilla Puerto Rico, will face off against Ecuadorian veteran Luis Porozo (15-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior lightweight. A southpaw puncher, Gonzalez has registered three knockouts in his last four fights.

June 27
TV Azteca Studios

Main Event
Miguel Berchelt (37-1, 33 KOs) vs. Eleazar Valenzuela (21-13-4, 16 KOs)

Berchelt, the long-reigning WBC super featherweight kingpin, will return in his first non-title bout since 2015. A native of Cancun, Mexico, he has notched five consecutive knockouts, including a devastating fourth-round stoppage over former world champion Jason Sosa in his last outing. Valenzuela is 8-3 with one no contest in his last 12 bouts.

Undercard

Omar “Pollo” Aguilar (17-0, 16 KOs), a 21-year-old punching prodigy from Ensenada, Mexico, will fight Dante “Crazy” Jardon (32-6, 23 KOs) in a 10-rounder at junior welterweight.

In a 10-round junior lightweight bout, Mauricio “Bronco” Lara (18-2, 12 KOs) will fight unbeaten Tijuana native Humberto Galindo (12-0-1, 9 KOs).

Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza (14-0, 12 KOs) will look to extend his knockout streak to eight in an eight-round featherweight battle against Luis Guzman (8-14, 1 KO).

Junior welterweight prospect Ruben “Pollito” Aguilar (9-0, 7 KOs), who has five consecutive first-round knockouts, will fight Emanuel Herrera (7-10, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 16, 2020) – The Pound-For-Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, who has three elite boxers making waves in the professional ranks, twin sensations Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs) and Chavez “The Beast” Barrientes (2-0, 2 KOs), as well as their stablemate Demler “DJ War Machine” Zamora III (3-0, 2 KOs), have traveled to the Bay Area to get elite level sparring with top tier fighters in Eros Correa (10-0, 8 KOs), Oscar Escandon (26-5, 18 KOs), and Justin Cardona (4-0, 2 KOs), as well as many other top fighters.

“This is needed to see where we are at,” said super bantamweight Angel Barrientes. “We’re all trying our hardest to become the best fighters we can be, and going to different places to spar the best, is a great way to find out where you sit amongst the best in the world. I’m looking forward to sparring new guys.”

Amongst one of their many stops, the three young fighters will be visiting Ruben “Mad Dog” Guerrero’s boxing gym in Gilroy, California, as the legendary trainer will open his doors to the young fighters and their team.

“I am excited to work with such high-level people,” said super bantamweight Chavez Barrientes. “We have been working hard in Vegas, and now to get new looks along with seeing how others train will be a great change in our training camp.”

Zamora, the youngest of the three fighters who just turned 17-years-old is very excited about this summer sparring trip.

“We all want to be the best and in order to be the best you have to travel to learn,” said the dynamic featherweight Zamora III. “I am eager to be in a new climate, be in gyms I am unfamiliar with, and find out where I am at as a fighter.”

These three fighters are just 17-years-old, and will be sparring the very best the Bay Area has to offer this week.

NEW YORK (June 16, 2020) – TONIGHT!!! Two members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action on at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In the opening co-feature bout, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan will take on former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

In a six-round middleweight bout, Split-T Management’s Isiah Jones takes on undefeated Nikoloz Sekhniashvili.

The fights will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Santillan of San Diego has a record of 25-0 with 15 knockouts, and will be making his 2020 debut.

The 28 year-old has amassed wins over the likes of Peter Haro (2-0), Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and in his bout when he stopped Wilfredo Buelvas in two rounds on November 22nd in Ontario, California.

DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico is a 16 year-veteran who won the WBC Interim Lightweight title on October 31, 2009 with a 10th round stoppage over Jose Alfaro. He then went on to win the WBC Lightweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Jorge Linares. He defended the title twice with stoppage victories over Miguel Roman and John Molina Jr.

Santillan was 148 pounds at Monday’s weigh-in. DeMarco was 147 pounds.

The classy DeMarco also has wins over Nick Casal (16-1-1), Juan Casteneda Jr. (12-0), Kid Diamond (27-1-1), Anges Adjaho (25-1) and Eddie Ramirez (17-0). DeMarco is coming off a loss to Jamal James on July 13, 2019 in Minneapolis.

Interview with undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan
Interview with undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan

Jones of Detroit, Michigan, is advised by Carlos Llinas, and has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts.

The 25 year-old won his first eight bouts which was highlighted by a win over previously undefeated Anthony Wade (4-0).

Sekhniashvili of Sherman Oaks, California via The Georgia Republic has a record of 5-0 with four knockouts.

Jones was 158.3 pounds at Monday’s weigh-in. Sekhniashvili was 159.25 lbs.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

 Joshua Greer Jr. 120 lbs vs. Mike Plania119.5 lbs
(Bantamweight — 10 Rounds)

           Bobirzhan Mominov 152 lbs vs.  Cameron Krael 147.8 lbs
(Super Welterweight — 8 Rounds

        Hector Perez 221 lbs vs.  Juan Torres 250 lbs
(Heavyweight — 6/4 Rounds)
              Nikoloz Sekhniashvili 159.25 lbs vs. Isiah Jones 158.3 lbs(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
                  Giovani Santillan 148 lbs vs. Antonio DeMarco 147 lbs(Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

PHILADELPHIA (JUNE 15, 2020)–Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated featherweight Giovanni Cabrera Mioletti to a promotional contract.

“I am very excited to add Giovanni to our growing roster. He was brought to me by a friend of mine named Sam DiTusa. I have watched him fight and he is a very good prospect who already has some quality wins. I feel that his best fights are ahead of him, and he will be a real player in the featherweight division,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“I am very excited to start the next chapter of my career,” said Mioletti. “I want to be a world champion, and Banner Promotions can get me to that step,” said Mioletti.

Said co-manager/co-trainer, Sam DiTusa, “I have known Artie Pelullo for 15 years. I have total confidence in him, and when I knew it was time for Giovanni to take the next step up, I know Artie and Banner Promotions is the team that will get him there. Artie makes it easy for managers to do their job and, he has the right vision to get Giovanni to the top.”

Mioletti, 25 years-old of Chicago has a record of 18-0 with seven knockouts.

Mioletti began boxing at the age of 16 after he caught the boxing bug when he watched the Manny Pacquiao – Miguel Cotto fight at a friends house.

“That fight piqued my interest in the sport, and I began reading up and watching Pacquiao and Muhammad Ali fights.”

Giovanni began his amateur career with a 10-second knockout. That fight was the beginning of a amateur tenure that saw him go 60-5, and he captured the 2013 Chicago Golden Gloves. Mioletti, then moved to Mexico, where he continued boxing and won the Leon Championships,and was a state champion in Guanajuato. He later won a Bronze Medal in the Mexican Olympic Trials.

Miloetti turned professional on April 22, 2016 with a 2nd round stoppage over DeShawn DuBose.

To say Mioletti has been matched tough is an understatement. He has defeated seven undefeated opponents in Gavino Guan (4-0), William Hernandez (3-0), Roberto Meza (8-0), Ray Lampkin (11-0), Elijah Price (8-0), & Headley Scott (11-0).

The 7th undefeated foe to fall was Luis Porozo (14-0) as Mioletti won a 10-round unanimous decision on July 12, 2019 in a bout that was shown on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME.

Mioletti also has victories over distinguished veterans Tyrone Harris and Antonio Escalante.

In his last bout, Mioletti won a decision over Joshuah Hernandez on October 12, 2019 in Chicago.

Mioletti, whose father is Mexican, and mother is Italian is the middle of three children (older brother and younger sister). In his spare time, Giovanni considers himself a movie buff who says Raging Bull as a favorite film.

Mioletti is co-managed and co-trained by John Nocita.

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a thrilling heavyweight clash featuring No. 3 ranked contender Curtis Blaydes and No. 7 Alexander Volkov. The co-main event will see a battle between surging featherweight contenders, as No. 8 ranked Josh Emmett faces No. 10 Shane Burgos.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: BLAYDES vs. VOLKOV will take place Saturday, June 20 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. The preliminary card will kick off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT. The event will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Blaydes (13-2 1NC, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) made a huge statement in his last outing this past January by securing an emphatic TKO victory over former champion Junior Dos Santos. The 29-year-old standout also holds spectacular wins against Alistair Overeem, Mark Hunt and Aleksei Oleinik. Blaydes now looks to keep his momentum going and deliver another impressive finish to cement his status as a heavyweight title threat.

Victorious in seven of his last eight bouts, Volkov (31-7, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) looks to continue his winning ways following a dominant victory over Greg Hardy in November. Since joining the UFC roster in 2016, the talented striker has also earned impressive wins over Fabricio Werdum, Stefan Struve and Roy Nelson. Volkov now aims to crack the heavyweight top five by taking out one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.

A member of Team Alpha Male, Emmett (15-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) aims to capture his third consecutive win in the UFC’s talent-stacked featherweight division. Since dropping down to 145 pounds in 2017, Emmett has delivered sensational KO wins over Mirsad Bektic, Michael Johnson and Ricardo Lamas. Emmett now hopes to take out another surging featherweight to continue his hot streak.

Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Burgos (13-1, fighting out of Monroe, N.Y.) has established himself as a featherweight contender to watch. During his most recent run, Burgos has delivered impressive victories against Makwan Amirkhani, Cub Swanson and Kurt Holobaugh. Burgos now looks to stop another highly touted contender to further establish himself as a dangerous title threat.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 6 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Raquel Pennington (10-9, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) hopes to rebound when she takes on No. 10 Marion Reneau (9-5-1, fighting out of Visalia, Calif.)
• In a clash of entertaining welterweights, Belal Muhammad (16-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) squares off with Lyman Good (21-5 1NC, fighting out of New York, N.Y.)
• Jim Miller (31-14 1NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) makes his 34^th UFC appearance against rising prospect Roosevelt Roberts (11-1, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.) in a 160-pound catchweight bout
• Crafty veterans collide when Clay Guida (35-16, fighting out of Johnsburg, Ill.) faces Bobby Green (24-10-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.)
• No. 12 ranked women’s strawweight contender Tecia Torres (10-5, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) aims to get back in the win column against rising Brianna Van Buren (9-2, fighting out of Gilroy, Calif.)
• Marc-Andre Barriault (11-4, fighting out of Quebec City, Que., Canada) hopes to secure his first UFC victory when he takes on Oskar Piechota (11-3-1, fighting out of Gdynia, Poland)
• No. 15 ranked women’s flyweight contender Cortney Casey (9-7, fighting out of Maui, Hawaii) takes on exciting finisher Gillian Robertson (7-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., by way of Niagara Falls, Ont., Canada)
• In an exciting featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, Matt Frevola (8-1-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) takes on Frank Camacho (22-8, fighting out of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
• In a clash of women’s flyweight contenders, No. 5 ranked Roxanne Modafferi (24-17, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets No. 6 Lauren Murphy (12-4, fighting out of Houston, Tex.)
• In a battle of lightweight prospects, Austin Hubbard (11-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) faces undefeated UFC newcomer Max Rohskopf (5-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)

Visit UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ 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.

HALL-OF-FAME promoter Frank Warren has responded to Tyson Fury’s sensational Lockdown Lowdown interview where he declared he’d beat “cash cow” Anthony Joshua and called WBC mandatory challenger Dillian Whyte a “stocky plodder”.

Fury also suggested, in comments picked up by the national press, that by beating AJ he would be landing a potentially fatal blow to Joshua’s promoters.

Whilst Fury’s promoter Warren was coy on the effect a huge Tyson victory over AJ would have on his business rivals, he was keen to point out Queensberry had no concerns about their own future.

“At Queensberry we couldn’t be happier with our hand” he said, “We’ve got the number one Heavyweight in World Boxing, Tyson Fury, and we’ve got the next big superstar in Daniel Dubois.”

Warren has long hailed ‘Dynamite’ as the future of the Heavyweight division and recently caused a stir when he insisted he’d happily match the youngster with Deontay Wilder right away and still be confident of a KO victory for Dubois.

“We’ve got this 22 year old kid in Daniel Dubois and he’s top ten with the organising bodies, The Ring magazine have today said he’s ‘on the cusp’ of their Top Ten.

“He’s the hottest prospect in boxing and he’s knocking on the door of the big boys already. 

“I’ve said it before, he’ll have a world title shot within a year or two.”

Stablemate Fury clearly shares Warren’s assessment of Dubois and the threat he poses to the “big boys”, telling the Lockdown Lowdown that domestic rival Dillian Whyte should be less concerned about his mandatory WBC title shot and instead focused on the growing threat of ‘Dynamite’.

He said: “When the time comes, I’ll put him (Whyte) in his place. Until then I think he’ll have plenty more to worry about with the likes of Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce and Povetkin who he’s fighting next.”

Asked whether he’d consider Whyte as an opponent for Dubois, Warren wasted no time in saying “absolutely” but says he understands Dillian’s frustration at not getting a world title shot.

“It’s incredible what’s happened with him really. He was ranked number one with the WBO for God knows how long, ranked number one with the WBC and he’s just not got the fights. If I were him, I’d be asking the question… ‘Why hasn’t my promoter been able to get me those fights?’ 

“He’s on about suing the WBC, but they don’t seem to be the problem.

“It’s remarkable, really. I can’t think of another British fighter who’s been left out to dry as much as him. He was in the same stable as the WBO Champion and still couldn’t get a shot.

“You can see why he’s upset. He doesn’t feel he’s been looked after. At this point, Dillian must be wondering if he’s ever going to get a world title shot over there.”

Warren was clear that if Whyte was fighting under his banner, the situation would be different.

“If Dillian was with me, he would have fought for a world title by now”, he added.

Comparing Whyte’s fortunes to that of Tyson Fury, whose astonishing comeback was masterminded by Warren, he said: “I had Tyson Fury fighting for a world title within 6 months of signing with him, we kept him nice and active and then got him the Wilder fight.

“Look what’s happened since, Tyson is an absolute global superstar on the verge of the biggest contract in boxing history.”

Reverting back to his confidence in the future of Queensberry Promotions, Warren ended by saying simply: “We always look to do the best job for our fighters and give them the best chance for success at world level and to make good money for them and their families.

“That’s why we think we’re in such a good place going forward.”

ORANGE, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Giovani Santillan (25-0, 15 KO), who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank Inc., will face former world champion Antonio DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs), on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 on ESPN. The 10-round bout will serve as the co-main event for Joshua Greer Jr. (22-1-1, 12 KOs) versus Mike Plania (23-1, 12 KOs). The Top Rank broadcast will start on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Here is what Giovani Santillan had to say about his training camp and more:

On his recent training camp

“I did my whole training camp in my hometown of San Diego, CA, with my dad Guillermo Santillan who is my head trainer. We are very blessed to have Danny Perez as a second in the corner. Together we have a great game plan put in place to face DeMarco, who is a crafty southpaw. All the sparring is done now and I’m in the best shape of my career. I’m fully prepared to go the distance if need be.”

On facing the toughest opponent of his career, former world champion Antonio DeMarco

“I am extremely focused going into this fight. Antonio DeMarco is the hardest fight of my career, and I want to be as prepared as possible. DeMarco is a true veteran with a lot of power. He has twice as many professional fights as me, so I know this is a major step up fight. I want to show the world that I am an elite fighter worthy of a top 15 ranking.”

On fighting on ESPN

“These times have been very tough, and I am glad that my promoters, Top Rank and Thompson Boxing, have given me this opportunity to fight on ESPN. It’s is a massive platform for me fighting in front of millions of people, and I am looking to take full advantage of it by putting on an exciting action-packed performance. Everyone will know my name after this fight.”

On signing with Top Rank

“I want to thank Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo for believing in me, as well as my manager Dave MacWater. Thompson Boxing is a family business and they take care of their fighters very well. I’m blessed to now have a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank and thanks to them I am now on ESPN, the leader in sports. Top Rank has a history of building some of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing, and I feel I have the perfect team behind me to get me into contention for a world title.”

On what a win will do for his career

“A win against DeMarco will change my life. It will mean I would’ve won a fight against a former world champion on national television when hardly anything live is occurring. A lot of people are watching these fights, and I believe this will put me in contention to fight for a world title. I want to get a ranking in the top 15 of any of the major sanctioning body to be considered as a world title challenger, and defeating Antonio DeMarco will be a great step in that direction.”

ORANGE, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Presents 3.2.1. Boxing show, coming in July. More details to follow shortly. For more information please visit the TBP Instagram page, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Raging Babe’s Philly Special has been postponed again due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event, originally set for March 27 and then rescheduled for June 19, was to feature an all-Philly main event between lightweights  Stevie Ortiz and Damon Allen. 

The fighters on the card have agreed to fight as soon as a date becomes available. 

Greg Sirb, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, is expected to issue guidance on Monday, and Raging Babe has dates on hold every month through the end of 2020.  

“This is a tough time to be a promoter who depends on the live gate,” said Michelle Rosado, Founder and Promoter at Raging Babe. “Promotional companies that have television deals are able to put on shows with no fans. The middle-class promoters, those of  us who need people in seats to make the events work financially, we’re out in the cold, temporarily.”  

Fans can expect a big payoff for the wait.  

“Philly Special has all the elements of any big television card,” said Rosado. “We’ve got Philly fighters in very competitive matches. There’s a reason Philadelphia is known as a  terrific fight town. These guys aren’t out there to be flashy or to pad their records. Some of them have big amateur careers, some are undefeated, most have compelling stories, but nobody on the card is expecting a ‘gimme.’ They come to fight, and the matchups that Hall-of-Fame Matchmaker J Russell Peltz put together promise to be the kind of fights that make people fall in love with boxing. I can’t wait to get the green light, and we’re ready to go when that time comes.” 

Rosado acknowledged that the pandemic has been difficult for some of the fighters. 

“These boxers aren’t on a salary from a big-time manager or promoter,” she said. “They are in the gym every day, getting ready for their big shot. Many Philly fighters are known for working day jobs to keep afloat. We’ve got some amateur standouts who

rely on this platform to showcase their skills and help their careers progress.

The most important thing is keeping the fighters safe, their families and fans safe, and all the people involved with putting on an event safe.”  

BOSTON (June 11, 2020) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker announced today that it has inked decorated U.S. Army boxer Daniel Bailey, Jr. to an exclusive managerial contract.

Born in Miami, the 24-year-old Bailey has had more than 100 amateur matches and he is currently the No. 10 ranked bantamweight in the United States.

Bailey joined the U.S. Army in 2015 and he is currently a Specialist 4th Class stationed at Fort Carson, which is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He qualified to be a member of the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), created to give elite Soldier-athletes to perform at the International level while also serving in the military.

WCAP members such as Bailey are allowed to train and compete throughout the year at Fort Carson, which is close to the state-of-the-art U.S. Olympic Paralympic Training Center, where they train with non-military elite athletes and coaches. Bailey has been able to train and compete with America’s top amateur boxers and spar with the likes of world champions Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, among the most notables.

Bailey’s leading performances include 2012 Ringside World National Champion, Title Boxing Classic National Champion, and Florida state PAL Champion; 2018 & 2019 Colorado Golden Gloves Champion; and 4-time U.S. Army Champion.

“I’m ready to go,” Bailey said. “I’ve been training in a garage during this (pandemic).I want to start my legacy and can’t wait to get going. It’s time for me to transition into boxing full-time, but I also want to attend college and major in sports management. My main strength is my work ethic. The Army taught me discipline and to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal at any cost.

“I was being pursued by some managers, but they weren’t telling me what I wanted to hear, which is family first. I honestly believe that Ryan Roach is like that and he wants his fighters to be champions inside the ring and successful outside of it. He has the best interest in his fighters. I’m very, very excited to be working with Ryan.”

“Signing a top 10, blue chip prospect like Dan was very important to my stable is a major accomplishment,” manager Ryan Roach commented. “Aside from being an excellent fighter, he is also a great person, and soldier serving his country. Dan had other managers pursuing him and I’m honored he chose me. I am excited to start this journey and watching Dan achieve his goals inside and outside the ring.”

Bailey will be discharged early next year from the U.S. Army. The personable soldier-boxer fully intends turn pro and continue living in Colorado Springs.

“I want to start my own legacy and keep going,” Bailey concluded. “One day I want to be considered an icon in boxing, remembered long after I’m gone.”

Bailey joins Fighter Locker’s growing stable that includes a talented Ukrainian trio of North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs), word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (7-0, 3 KOs). Other Fighter Locker stablemates include Dominican welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion; Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs),Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez, Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), New Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-3-2, 5 KOs), plus former Kazakhstan National Team light heavyweight Alexey Sevostyanov and Irish National champion Paul Ryan, who will fight as a welterweight in the pro ranks. The latter two will make their pro debuts when boxing returns.

INFORMATION:
WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

Dmitriy Salita continues to expand his Salita Promotions YouTube Channel by reaching an agreement and obtaining a license to display the fight-video library of promoter/trainer Marshall Kauffman’s Kings Promotions on the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel, free of charge.

Pennsylvania-based Kings Promotions’ library includes action-packed bouts featuring world champions and exciting contenders and prospects such as former IBF Welterweight Champ Kermit Cintron, first-round KO world-record holder Tyrone Brunson, Christian Carto, Oshaquie Foster, Frank DeAlba, Marcus Bates, Raeese Aleem, three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov, Steve Ortiz, Antuanne Russell, Antonio Russell, Paul Kroll, and Mykal Fox.

Kings Promotions was founded by world-renowned trainer, manager, promoter and matchmaker Marshall Kauffman in 1995. Kings Promotions has promoted over 120 events in the United States and abroad with its primary locations in Philadelphia, Allentown and Reading, PA. Kings Promotions events have been televised across the world on Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Fox, FS1, Spike and Telemundo.

In 2015, Kauffman was awarded Promoter of the Year by the boxing writers of America and was named Promoter of the Year in Philadelphia in 2017 and 2018.

“I am very excited to partner with Salita Promotions on this YouTube venture,” said Kauffman. “Dmitriy has always been a pleasure to work with and I am looking forward to doing so much more business with him in the near future!”

The Kings Promotions library will now become part of the massive Salita Promotions YouTube Channel that already features the esteemed collections of Cedric Kushner’s CKP, Dan Goossen’s America Presents, Gary Shaw Productions and Leon Margules’ Warriors Boxing Promotions.

“Marshall is a highly successful promoter who has trained and promoted many of the most exciting prospects from Pennsylvania and around the world for many years,” said Dmitriy Salita. “His unique collection of exciting names and fights makes a welcome addition our always growing YouTube Channel.”

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

 Jessie Magdaleno 127.9 lbs vs. Yenifel Vicente 126.5 lbs
(Featherweight – 128-lb Catchweight — 10 Rounds)

       Eric Mondragon 133 lbs vs. Mike Sanchez 132.3 lbs
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds

         Gabriel Muratalla 118.3 lbs vs.  Fernando Robles 118 lbs
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)
           Adam López 125.8 lbs vs. Louie Coria 124.7 lbs(Vacant NABF Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

 For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Las Vegas – UFC^® action continues in Las Vegas with another action-packed fight night as No. 1 ranked women’s flyweight contender Jessica Eyetakes on No. 10 ranked strawweight submission ace Cynthia Calvillo. Also on the card, Karl Roberson and Marvin Vettorilook to settle their grudge match when the two middleweights finally meet in the Octagon. UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: EYE vs. CALVILLO will be the first of three events taking place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas on June 13, 20 and 27 respectively; details of future cards will be announced at a later date. These events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: EYE vs. CALVILLO will take place Saturday, June 13 UFC Apex in Las Vegas. All bouts will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in English and Spanish, and be simulcast on ESPN+, beginning with the prelims at 6 p.m. ET and the main card at 9 p.m. ET.

One of the toughest competitors in all of women’s MMA, Eye (15-7 1NC, fighting out of Cleveland, Ohio) intends to defend her spot at the top of the flyweight rankings and work her way back to another shot at the title. Experiencing a career resurgence since moving to flyweight, Eye has netted impressive wins over Jessica-Rose Clark, Katlyn Chookagian and Viviane Araujo. She now looks to spoil the 125-pound debut of Calvillo in her first UFC main event.

A standout in the UFC women’s strawweight division ever since her debut in 2017, Calvillo (8-1-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) aims to make a statement in her first fight at flyweight. One of the top prospects in women’s MMA, Calvillo established herself with notable victories over Cortney Casey, Joanne Calderwood and Pearl Gonzalez. She now looks to finally compete at her full potential and build a case for her first UFC title shot.

A veteran of Dana White’s Contender Series, Roberson (9-2, fighting out of Neptune, N.J.) looks to extend the longest winning streak of his UFC career with another signature finish. A well-rounded prospect with a variety of finishes both on the feet and the ground, Roberson has earned stoppages over Ryan Spann, Darren Stewart and Roman Kopylov. He now aims to be the first person to ever finish Vettori and break into the middleweight top 15.

Long considered to be one of the dark horses of the middleweight division, Vettori (14-4-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) looks to secure a signature win to catapult him into the rankings. Arguably the top Italian prospect in the UFC, Vettori holds wins over Vitor Miranda, Cezar Ferreira and Andrew Sanchez. He now seeks to earn his third win in a row and work his way towards a rematch with champion Israel Adesanya.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top featherweight prospects battle as Andre Fili (20-7, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) takes on Charles Jourdain (10-2, fighting out of Quebec, Canada)
• Merab Dvalishvili (10-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) and Ray Borg (13-5, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) meet in a clash of bantamweight grapplers
• Bantamweight action sees Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Jordan Espinosa (14-7, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) take on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Mark De La Rosa (11-4, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
• Hannah Cifers (10-5, fighting out of Kittrell, N.C.) sees a quick return to action when she meets Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Mariya Agapova (8-1, fighting out of Pavlodar Province, Kazakhstan)
• Charles Rosa (12-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) and Kevin Aguilar (17-3, fighting out of Longview, Texas) look to get back into the win column at lightweight
• In the women’s bantamweight division, Julia Avila (7-1, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) welcomes Gina Mazany (5-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) back to the UFC.
• Tyson Nam (18-11-1, fighting out of Wahiawa, Hawaii) meets UFC newcomer Zarrukh Adashev (3-1, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y.) at flyweight
• In a featherweight bout all but guaranteed to deliver action, Jordan Griffin (18-7, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) takes on Darrick Minner (24-11, fighting out of Nebraska City, Neb.)
• UFC newcomers Anthony Ivy (8-2, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) and Christian Aguilera (13-6, fighting out of Brea, Calif.) look to make a statement at welterweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 80 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ 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.

LAS VEGAS (June 9, 2020) — Don’t blink. Top Rank on ESPN’s summer schedule resumes with a trio of shows, commencing Tuesday, June 16, with the return of bantamweight contender Joshua “Don’t Blink” Greer Jr. in a 10-rounder against 23-year-old Filipino upstart Mike Plania at the MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom in Las Vegas. 
 
The action continues from MGM Grand Thursday, June 18, when former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza will face former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre in a 10-round super lightweight showdown.
 
Week 2 concludes Saturday, June 20, at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, when WBO junior featherweight world champion Navarrete will fight Uriel “Yuca” Lopez in a 10-round featherweight bout. Navarrete-Lopez will headline one of two June cards from TV Azteca Studios, which will be promoted by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions.
 
All three Week 2 events will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (in Spanish), with start times to be announced shortly.
 
“It is exciting to see these great fighters back in action and in fights that promise to be action-packed,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Greer and Pedraza have tough opponents in front of them, but if they are victorious, we could see them in world title fights before the end of the year. Navarrete is the king of the 122-pounders, a throwback fighter who wants to stay as active as possible.”
 
June 16
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom
 
Main Event
Joshua Greer Jr. (22-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. Mike Plania (23-1, 12 KOs)
10 rounds, Bantamweight
 
Greer, the Chicago product who taunts potential KO victims with custom-made pillows, is knocking on the doorstep of a world title shot. He has won 19 fights in a row and is currently the WBO No. 1 contender at bantamweight. Plania, meanwhile, has won eight straight bouts since a March 2018 decision loss to Juan Carlos Payano, a fight that propelled Payano to a world title shot against pound-for-pound great Naoya Inoue.
 
“Whoever the opponent is, it doesn’t matter. I prepare the same,” Greer said. “Every fight is a world title fight for me. I’m ranked number one in the world, so I have to take advantage of this opportunity. ‘Mr. ESPN’ is back!”
 
Co-Feature
Antonio DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs) vs. Giovani Santillan (25-0, 15 KOs)
10 rounds, Welterweight
 
Former lightweight world champion DeMarco, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to top contender Jamal James, represents a quantum leap in class for the 28-year-old Santillan. A native of San Diego who has stopped his last four opponents, Santillan hopes to become the first man to knock out DeMarco in nearly eight years. In his last bout, he overcame a nearly 19-month layoff to knock out Wilfrido Buelvas in two rounds.
 
Undercard
 
Nikoloz Sekhniashvili (5-0, 4 KOs), a 26-year-old who hails from the nation of Georgia, will make his 2020 debut against Detroit native Isiah Jones (8-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder at super middleweight. Sekhniashvili, trained by Javiel Centeno, is part of a deep stable of fighters that includes Puerto Rican phenom Xander Zayas and lightweight contender George Kambosos Jr.
 
Super featherweight prospect Edward Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO), from Fort Worth, Texas, will face an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.
 
Puerto Rican-born heavyweight Hector Perez (6-2, 3 KOs) will fight southpaw spoiler Juan Torres (5-2-1, 2 KOs), from Cypress, Texas, in a six-round bout. Torres has won two straight and has never been knocked out in a professional match.
 
June 18
MGM Grand Conference Center – Grand Ballroom
 
Main Event
Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Lightweight
 
Pedraza, who won world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, is taking another run at the super lightweight division following last September’s decision loss to Jose “Chon” Zepeda. His opponent LesPierre challenged Maurice Hooker for a world title last year, dropping a unanimous decision. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brooklyn resident received deliveries and assisted doctors and nurses at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in Manhattan.
 
“I am very excited to finally return to the ring after this long break. During quarantine, I made adjustments and trained hard from home, Pedraza said. “Despite everything that is happening in the world, my team and I have had a great training camp. I have done many runs up the mountains in Cidra, Puerto Rico. I am now focused on giving the fans a great show on June 18 against Mikkel LesPierre. We know he is a world-class fighter, but I am, too, and I am determined to return to the top once again.”
 
“I’m excited and blessed to be a part of the first round of televised sports as we navigate through this pandemic,” LesPierre said. “Jose Pedraza is a good fighter and a former world champion, but I feel that I have the tools to beat him. It will be a great fight and an opportunity for me to take my career to the next level. The Maurice Hooker fight was just a taste of what the elite level is all about. I’m determined to get back to title contention. This fight is the first step toward that goal. I’m ready to go.” 
 
Co-Feature
Gabriel Flores Jr. (17-0, 6 KOs) vs. Josec Ruiz (21-2-3, 14 KOs)
10 rounds, Lightweight
 
The 20-year-old Flores, fresh off a win on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury 2 undercard, returns in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Flores, the Stockton, California native who signed with Top Rank when he was 16 years old, packed more than 10,000 spectators into the Stockton Arena last May to establish himself as one of the sport’s top regional ticket-sellers. Ruiz is unbeaten in his last 16 bouts.
 
Undercard
 
David “The Lion of Zion” Kaminsky (6-0, 3 KOs) will face noted spoiler Clay Collard (6-2-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at super middleweight. Collard, who also is a veteran MMA pro, has defeated unbeaten prospects in his last two fights.
 
In four-round bouts each, Puerto Rican super featherweight Frevian Gonzalez (2-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named, while super lightweight Victor Rodriguez (2-0, 1 KO) will face Justin Horsley (0-1).
 
June 20
TV Azteca Studios
 
Main Event
Emanuel Navarrete (31-1, 27 KOs) vs. Uriel Lopez (13-13-1, 6 KOs)
10 rounds, Featherweight
 
Boxing’s most active world champion, Navarrete defended his title five times (all by KO) in nine months, most recently knocking out Jeo Santisima on the Wilder-Fury 2 Pay-Per-View undercard. Navarrete is fighting as a featherweight for the first time in nearly three years in what will be his sixth bout in 13 months. Lopez has a 2016 knockout victory over longtime Japanese contender Ryo Matsumoto.
 
Undercard action will feature Carlos “Chinito” Ornelas (25-2, 14 KOs), who will take on Edwin “Pupo” Palomares (12-3-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-rounder at featherweight. Featherweight prospect Sergio Chirino Sanchez (14-1, 8 KOs) will look to extend his winning streak to six against Gustavo Alan Pina (8-2, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout.
 
Former interim world champion Silvia Torres (20-2-2, 7 KOs) will face 21-bout veteran Edith de Jesus Flores in an eight-rounder at light flyweight.
 
Mexico City-based flyweight prospect Ivan Armando Garcia (5-0, 3 KOs) will fight Roberto Palomares (5-4-1, 1 KO) in his first scheduled six-rounder.