LAS VEGAS (June 1, 2020) — It can all be summarized in three long-awaited words: boxing is back.
 
Top Rank on ESPN returns Tuesday, June 9, as WBO featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson will take on Puerto Rican contender Felix “La Sombra” Caraballo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Stevenson-Caraballo will kick off a blockbuster June boxing lineup, which will include multiple cards each week on the ESPN family of networks. Specifics on ESPN platforms and tune-in times to be announced soon.
 
Stevenson-Caraballo will be the first of multiple June events to take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom. The action will continue Thursday, June 11 when former junior featherweight world champion and top featherweight contender Jessie Magdaleno faces Dominican puncher Yenifel Vicente in a 10-rounder.
 
These events will be closed to both the public and the media, as only essential fight camp members and event staff will be permitted on site.
 
“I would like to thank MGM Resorts and the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their assistance in helping to bring back world-class boxing,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are all looking forward to a spectacular summer of live boxing across ESPN platforms. Shakur is among the best young talents I’ve ever promoted, and he is going to put on a show on June 9.”
 
ESPN’s Top Rank play-by-play commentator, Joe Tessitore, will be calling the action from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios.  Andre Ward (analyst), former #1 pound-for-pound two-division world titleholder and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, Tim Bradley (analyst), former two-division world titleholder and boxing insider Mark Kriegel, will join from their home studios. Boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna will be on-location in Las Vegas. 
 
June 9 
MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom
Main Event
Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Felix Caraballo (13-1-2, 9 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Featherweight
 
2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson, the pride of Newark, New Jersey, is testing the waters at super featherweight following his featherweight title-winning effort over Joet Gonzalez last October. He went 4-0 in 2019, flashing the skills and athleticism that have many experts pegging him as a future pound-for-pound superstar. Caraballo has won five fights in a row and will be fighting for the first time away from Puerto Rico.
 
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and return live boxing to ESPN,” Stevenson said. “I was really disappointed when my fight got canceled in March, and I said then that I wanted to be one of the first fights back. I stayed in shape so when that call came, I was ready. The atmosphere might be different on June 9, but I’ve fought in unique situations all over the world before so it won’t affect me. Regardless of who’s in the building, you’ll see another great performance, and I’ll remind everyone why I’m the best young fighter in boxing.”
  
Co-Feature
Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) vs. Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Featherweight
 
Mayer, Stevenson’s 2016 Olympic teammate, has in short order become one of the faces of female boxing. The Los Angeles native is on track for a world title shot this year, but she must first defeat Joseph, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to former lightweight queen Delfine Persoon.
 
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be fighting on the first boxing card since the pandemic shutdown,” Mayer said. “I was set to travel to New York City for a fight March 17, but the quarantine went into effect the day before I was supposed to fly out. So, despite having a long, hard 10-week camp, I was unable to perform and showcase the work I had put in. I feel like I’ve leveled up my skill set, and I’m eager to show that on June 9 and capture my 13th win. It’s also great to see ESPN and Top Rank having a woman headline their first card back. I have been in camp with Shakur, and we’re ready to bring boxing back to television with exciting wins.”
 
Undercard
 
Undefeated heavyweight knockout artists Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (3-0, 3 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, will face Johnnie Langston (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Anderson recently served as Tyson Fury’s chief sparring partner for the Deontay Wilder rematch.
 
Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (6-0, 6 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian, will fight Don Haynesworth (16-3-1, 14 KOs) in a six-rounder at heavyweight.
 
Robeisy Ramirez (2-1, 2 KOs), the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba who bested Stevenson in the 2016 gold medal match, will seek his third straight win as a pro in a six-round featherweight bout against Yeuri Andujar (5-3, 3 KOs).
 
In a middleweight tilt set for six or four rounds, Calvin Metcalf (10-3-1, 3 KOs) will face Atlanta native Quatavious Cash (11-2, 7 KOs).
 
June 11
MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom
Main Event
Jessie Magdaleno (27-1, 18 KOs) vs. Yenifel Vicente (36-4-2, 28 KOs)
10 rounds, Featherweight
 
Top-ranked featherweight contender Magdaleno has defeated veterans Rafael Rivera and Rico Ramos since moving up from the junior featherweight ranks. The Las Vegas native will be fighting in his hometown for the first time since he dethroned four-weight kingpin Nonito Donaire in November 2016. Vicente, the author of numerous highlight-reel knockouts, is 11-1 with 11 knockouts in his last 12 fights.
 
“It feels great to be one of the first fighters back,” Magdaleno said. “I’m excited to get back in the ring, especially after my last fight was canceled. I didn’t get discouraged. I am even more ready now. I can’t wait to showcase my talent to the ESPN audience. What better way to show that the champ is back?”
 
Co-Feature
Adam Lopez (13-2, 6 KOs) vs. Louie Coria (12-2, 7 KOs)
10 rounds, vacant NABF Featherweight title
 
Lopez, a native of Glendale, California, is back following his seesaw throwdown against Oscar Valdez last November, a bout he took on a day’s notice after Valdez’s original opponent missed weight. Despite a 3.5-pound weight disadvantage, he knocked down Valdez in the second round before being stopped in the seventh. The “Glendale Gatti” will have a tough task in Coria, a Robert Garcia-trained fighter who has won three straight since a split decision loss at super featherweight.
 
“I will put a show on for all the fight fans around the world and show them what I’m made of,” Lopez said. “The Valdez fight was an incredible experience. I’m ready to get what’s left of 2020 going and move toward a title shot.  The whole team is working hard and preparing well. Tune in. I’m going to put on a show.”
 
Undercard
 
Bryan Lua (5-0, 2 KOs), from California’s Central Valley, will return following a more than two-year layoff against Dan Murray (5-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight.
 
Bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla (2-0, 2 KOs) will make his 2020 debut in a four-rounder versus Fernando Robles (2-2, 0 KOs).
 
In a battle of unbeaten California-based lightweights scheduled for six or four rounds, Eric Mondragon (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Mike Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs).

Sampson boxing proudly announces the re-signing of featherweight contender Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez and super welterweight contender Jorge “Demonio” Cota, both of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, to exclusive long-term promotional contracts.

Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) is a 27-year-old, highly skilled southpaw with fast hands and super defense. He was last seen stopping formerly undefeated Cuban Leduan Barthelemy in four impressive rounds last November in Las Vegas. The pair had previously fought to a controversial draw, but this time Ramirez left no doubt.

Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) is a 27-year-old perennial contender with powerful fists and a hard-nosed relentless free-swinging style. Cota was last seen at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia where he scored a TKO 5 over popular contender Thomas LaManna on the undercard of promotional stablemate Jeison Rosario’s title-winning stoppage of Julian Williams in January of this year.

Both fighters are trained by Pedro and Eduardo Montiel and managed by Manuel Montiel Jr., brothers of five-time world champion Fernando Montiel.

“I have been given many good opportunities in my career and look forward to many more with Sampson Boxing,” said Ramirez. “Sampson told me if I work hard and do my job, he will get me in the right fights and we have both kept our word.”

“I am happy to continue to fight under the Sampson banner,” said Cota. “Sampson never gave up on me. I will continue to fight hard and work to win a world championship for my team.”

Lewkowicz says he’s happy to be continuing his promotional relationship with both Mexican warriors.

“Both of these fighters are from the toughest parts of Mexico and they work everyday for more for themselves and their families. I am honored to remain part of their team and helping them fight their way to better lives. They are both good men who always show up to fight. They are both coming off big victories in their careers and when boxing starts up again, they will both see good opportunities to come.”
About Sampson Boxing

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX in Las Vegas with a thrilling women’s featherweight championship bout that will see No. 1 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Amanda Nunes defend her featherweight belt against top contender Felicia Spencer. In a blockbuster bantamweight bout, No. 5 ranked contender Raphael Assuncao battles former champion and No. 9 ranked Cody Garbrandt.

UFC^® 250: NUNES vs. SPENCER will take place Saturday, June 6 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas 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^® 250: NUNES vs. SPENCER online at 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 on ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.

The greatest women’s fighter of all-time, Nunes (19-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) looks to continue cementing her legacy by securing her first successful featherweight title defense. Throughout her storied career, Nunes has delivered spectacular first-round finishes against Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. Nunes now looks for another show-stealing performance to further etch her name in the history books.

A former Invicta FC featherweight champion, Spencer (8-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Montreal, Canada) aims to send shockwaves throughout the sports world by dethroning Nunes. A talented grappler, the Canadian-born submission specialist has delivered spectacular finishes against Megan Anderson, Zarah Fairn and Pam Sorenson. Spencer now aims to capture her first UFC championship by handing Nunes her first loss in over five years.

A perennial bantamweight contender, Assuncao (27-7, fighting out of Alpharetta, Ga. by way of Recife, Brazil) has fought the top names at 135 pounds in the UFC. A talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has earned impressive wins against TJ Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz. He looks to add another former champion to his resume and re-assert himself as a title threat.

Former champion Garbrandt (11-3, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) turned heads by winning his first 11 consecutive outings and dethroning long-time champion Dominick Cruz in 2016. Over the course of his career, he has netted memorable KO wins against Thomas Almeida, Takeya Mizugaki and Augusto Mendes. He looks to take his next step back into title contention with another highlight-reel finish.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a pivotal bantamweight bout with title implications, No. 2 ranked contender Aljamain Sterling (18-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) takes on No. 4 Cory Sandhagen (12-1, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.)
• Neil Magny (22-8, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) squares off with Anthony Rocco Martin (17-5, fighting out of St. Cloud, Minn.) in a thrilling welterweight contest
• Former WEC bantamweight champion Eddie Wineland (24-13-1, fighting out of Chesterton, Ind.) locks horns with undefeated upstart Sean O’Malley (11-0, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.)
• In an exciting featherweight bout, Alex Caceres (15-12 1NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) takes on undefeated Chase Hooper (9-0-1, fighting out of Enumclaw, Wash.)
• Ian Heinisch (13-3, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) squares off with Gerald Meerschaert (30-12, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in an entertaining middleweight bout
• Cody Stamann (18-2-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) takes on Brian Kelleher (21-10, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• Charles Byrd (10-6, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) meets Maki Pitolo (11-5, fighting out of M?kaha, Hawaii) in a clash of middleweight finishers
• In a battle of flyweight contenders, No. 4 ranked Jussier Formiga (23-7, fighting out of Natal, Brazil) faces No. 9 Alex Perez (23-5, fighting out of Leemoore, Calif.)
• Alonzo Menifield (10-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) looks to remain undefeated when he takes on tough Devin Clark (11-4, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.)
• Evan Dunham (18-7-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns against Herbert Burns (10-2, fighting out of Lantana, Fla. by way of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a 150-pound catchweight bout

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

###

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.

Over the next few weeks the sport of boxing will finally resume after a lengthy hiatus caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

While the action in the ring was on hold, there still was plenty going on outside of the ring.  Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson was trending after setting the social media world fire after posting a short training video clip.

Whispers of a comeback by Tyson ensued and he fueled the fire more by stating that he would like to comeback to the ring in a series of exhibition bouts to raise money for charity.  

Tyson’s announcement set off a chain reaction, as he inspired several other legendary names in the combat sports world to throw their names in the mix. Long time Tyson rival Evander Holyfield, James Toney and MMA legends such as Wanderlei Silva and Tito Ortiz were among the fighters to state their interest in fighting the youngest heavyweight in the history of boxing.

However, the interest in comebacks isn’t limited to only heavyweight fighters.  A former Mexican superstar has reached out to Impact Boxing to gauge their interest in potentially televising his comeback fight.  

Impact Boxing is a newcomer to the sport, having joined the boxing world earlier this year and is interested in helping retired fighters continue to earn money to support their families but only if it can be done in a safe manner.

In similar fashion to senior leagues in professional golf and tennis, Impact Boxing would only be interested in televising these “legends” fights if strict rules are adhered to for each bout.

Impact Boxing would like to propose the potential creation of a veteran’s league that would allow former ring idols to return against their colleagues with modified rules. These rules are outlined below:

VETERAN BOXING LEAGUE

The Veteran Boxing League (the “VBL”) is a proposed specialty boxing league specifically established for former professional boxers from ages 45-60 years. The VBL would follow traditional boxing weight classes and work with established sanctioning bodies to establish a ranking system and championship structure for each weight class. 

The VBL would hold events and mini-tournaments featuring a “who’s who” of retired professional boxers that would allow these retired pros to come out of retirement and
recapture their former glory in the ring. The VBL would provide a high level of competition for former fighters in a setting that allows for competition and safety.

VBL Fight Structure:
? No more than 6 rounds per bout
? 2 minute rounds
? 90 second breaks between rounds instead of the usual 1 minute for professional fights in order to allow proper recovery time and also additional medical supervision from ringside doctors between rounds
? Fighters would use 12 oz. gloves at the heavier weight classes and 10 oz. gloves at the lighter weight classes
? Stringent medical requirements pre-bout to ensure physical fitness to compete in VBL
? All other aspects of the fights to be governed by the ABC rules
? Tournaments may be held with seeding established based on fighter’s prior professional success, alternatively fighters could be ranked in conjunction with an established sanctioning body

Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing believes that the VBL will provide a high level of competition for former fighters that still desire to fight in a setting that allows for competition and safety. “This structure will allow retired fighters to compete against each other and avoid mismatches where retired fighters are fighting boxers who are much younger than them, which increases the potential risk of injury and is something that no one wants to see,” he stated.

According to Marcano, Impact is in discussions to hold its first VBL event with a main event featuring 2 boxing hall of famers as soon as regulations preventing fans from attending events are lifted.

“As soon as we are up and running we are expecting to get this new platform off the ground in conjunction with Impact’s regular boxing programming,” Marcano revealed

Ricky Burns says it would be fitting to draw the curtain on his illustrious career in Glasgow when the time is right, but the Coatbridge hero is confident he still has plenty more great nights left in the tank as he spoke with Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH RICKY BURNS IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Burns (43-8-1, 16 KOs ) created history by becoming Scotland’s first three-weight World champion in May 2016 when he added Super-Lightweight glory to his Super-Featherweight and Lightweight titles by stopping Michele Di Rocco for the WBA title at the SSE Hydro.

‘Rickster’ joined the paid ranks at the age of 18 in October 2001, decisioning Woody Greenway at Kevlin Hall in Glasgow, 51 fights and almost 20 years later the ultimate professional insists that he is still going strong following a close defeat to Welshman Lee Selby in London last October. 

“I just felt as if I had done enough to win in that fight,” said Burns. “It wasn’t just the Selby fight but over the last year and on social media, I had lots of people asking me if I was still fighting. After the fight it was things like that going through my head but I’m not ready to retire yet. If I had went in and Lee had punched the face off me I would have said no more. 

“As I say, I thought I had done enough to win and I do think I have a couple of good fights left in me so let’s see what happens! I was 36 at the time, I am 37 now and I don’t kid myself. I know I have got a year or two left of my career. I’ve always said I will decide when the time is right, I just don’t like it when people are trying to force it upon me.

“I started ticking over in the gym up here and had to shake off a few injuries after the Selby fight. All the scans have come back clear and I have been back to normal doing marathon runs, the body is all good. 

“We’ve not spoken about dates or opponents yet but I would love to finish my career in Glasgow and have one more big night up here. Throughout my career the fans have always turned up and showed great support so I would love to put on one last show for them up here before I call it a day.

“I don’t really want to think about life after boxing until I’ve decided that’s it. I see myself staying within boxing and getting an amateur club started. Getting my pro license would be great and I think I would make a good coach and a good trainer.”

As well as reflecting on his glittering career and looking ahead to what comes next, Burns discusses his amateur days in Scotland, dealing with losses, what it takes to maintain his incredible fitness, as well as the future of Scottish boxing. 

Fans can find Burn’s episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Liam Smith, Demetrius Andrade, John Ryder and more here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

Interim WBC Heavyweight World Champion Dillian Whyte and Heavyweight UFC star Francis Ngannouwill come together for a special ePress conference at 7pm (BST) tomorrow (Saturday May 30) on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with StubHub, Sky Sports and VOW, Eddie Hearn hosts the fifth edition of our ‘Rivals’ series following the first four instalments featuring Lee Selby, Anthony Fowler, Ohara Davies, Terri Harper, Fabio Wardley and more. 

Hearn revealed that he has received huge demand to stage an explosive battle between the big-hitters, and is planning on holding talks with UFC boss Dana White with an eye to putting on the fight at the back end of 2020.

Whyte is currently training for a rescheduled clash with Russian danger man Alexander Povetkin that is due to conclude Matchroom Boxing’s groundbreaking ‘Fight Camp’ this summer, but ‘The Body Snatcher’ could then turn his attention to a fight with Ngannou before the end of 2020. 

Ngannou is the No.2 ranked contender in the UFC and the 33-year-old’s mettle has already been tested inside the boxing ring by British Heavyweight Joe Joyce when the big men shared eight rounds of sparring in Las Vegas earlier this year.

“Whoever wants it, can get it,” said Whyte. “We can do two fights, one in the ring and one in the cage. We’ve both got power, we’re both in our prime and one punch can end it. I want to get it on and rock the world.”

“People have been talking about this potential fight for months now,” said Ngannou. “This makes sense down the line, me and Dillian are going to cross paths. I don’t back down from a challenge.”

“Dana loves great fights, so I’ll try to make this happen. This isn’t a gimmick, this is two of the best and baddest in the world. Whyte vs. Ngannou would be huge,” added Hearn. 

Fans can tune in to Rivals tomorrow at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel here: Whyte vs. Ngannou Rivals 

Matchroom Boxing Light-Heavyweight stars Joshua Buatsi and Callum Johnson will speak to each other for the very first time on ‘The Boxing Show’ – a new dynamic weekly show presented by Anna Woolhouse alongside Matthew Macklin on Sky Sports.

Airing at 2.00pm (BST) today on Sky Sports News and Main Event, the British rivals will discuss the latest news and views from the world of boxing, with a focus on the thriving Light-Heavyweight scene and a potentially huge domestic clash with each other in the future. 

Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) has already established himself as a must-watch fighter having scored a series of eye-catching stoppage wins so far in his professional career as he marches towards a World Title shot, most recently halting Ryan Ford in seven rounds at The O2.

Big-hitting Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) fell short in his first World Title attempt in 2018 when current WBC and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev inflicted his sole career defeat, but the Boston man is itching for another shot at the big time and believes that a meeting with Buatsi is inevitable down the line. 

Buatsi’s manager, two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE, was full of praise for the undefeated Croydon sensation as he spoke to Andy Scott in an exclusive interview: “I know Buatsi for the man he is. He gives me advice as well before my fights, he reaches out to me. I think with Buatsi, why he will do great things in boxing is because of his belief in god.

“He has a reason, and his reason is bigger than boxing. Through boxing, he will use his platform to go on and do great things after. That rugged edge is only to fulfil his destiny and purpose, and he has to do it through fighting.”

Watch ‘The Boxing Show’ on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Main Event from 2.00pm (BST) today!

NEW YORK (May 28, 2020) – Split-T Management has announced the addition of a second top amateur prospect this week, as 2020 Olympic hopeful Omar Rosario of Puerto Rico has signed with the company.

Rosario, of Caguas, PR, is the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However after many conversations with his coaches and family surrounding the uncertainty of the Olympic games due to postponement of the games due to COVID-19, Rosario has decided to make the transition to the pro ranks under the guidance of Split-T’s Tim VanNewhouse.

Rosario will campaign in the junior welterweight division.

“Although I am disappointed I won’t be able to compete for Puerto Rico in the Olympics this year, I feel that I am better able to represent my country in the pros. Puerto Rico is looking for their next superstar, and I am that guy,” said Rosario with a smile.

Rosario, 22, has come a long way since he began boxing at the age of seven after being inspired by the success of fellow countryman and fellow Caguas-native Miguel Cotto. Rosario has followed in Cotto’s footsteps ever since – winning six Puerto Rican National Championships and representing the National Team in various international competitions. In fact, Cotto’s father, Miguel Sr., was Rosario’s first trainer and Rosario describes him as being “like a second father” to him growing up.

“I am ready and working hard every day to build a great legacy in boxing and I know that Tim and the whole Split-T family will help me do that. I just want to make the people of Puerto Rico proud.”

Rosario’s current trainer, Joe Santiago, the coach of the Puerto Rican National Team and Miguel Cotto’s trainer for multiple world title bouts, commented that, “The Olympics are a myth right now and we are going to take advantage of this time to begin Omar’s journey into the pros. He has all the right tools and physicality to become a multi-divisional World Champ.”

According to VanNewhouse, Rosario is a complete fighter with good fundamental skills – honed by over 200 amateur bouts – with a particular fondness for attacking the body like his idol, Cotto.

“I’m really excited about adding Omar to our growing roster of young talent. He’s from a deep boxing culture in Puerto Rico that has great love and pride for the sport. Omar’s an outstanding talent and he can easily be described as a boxer-puncher with a beautiful, precise left hook – similar to Cotto’s when he was an amateur. With Omar’s ability and experience he has a maturity about him that should help him make a flawless transition to the professional ranks,” stated VanNewhouse.

Rosario enjoys a strong support system at home that includes his brother Jose, a 2015 Pan-Am Games Bronze medalist boxer for Puerto Rico, and is in the process of completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Finance at Ana G. Méndez Universidad.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 28, 2020) — Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), founded and operated by veteran boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., is offering “Iron” Mike Tyson $1,000,000 to square-off with Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, plus a percentage of closed circuit receipts to be negotiated, as well a $200,000 donation to whatever charity Tyson’s wife prefers.

Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., known as “The Hardest Working Promoter in Combat Sports”
“If Mike Tyson is serious about making a comeback,” Burchfield said, “we’re prepared to make him a legitimate offer to fight Cusumano in a 6 or 8-round fight, whichever Mike chooses. After three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, boxing fans are hungry to watch real fights, not exhibitions. Tyson is a boxer and a damn good one at that! He’s not a bare-knuckle fighter or wrestler. A real boxing match is what we’re interested in promoting!”

Tyson (50-6, 49 KOs) hasn’t officially fought since June 11, 2005.

The 6′ 4″ Cusumano (18-3, 16 KOs) is an Italian heavyweight who fights out of Carini, Sicily.

CES needs to make sure that Tyson is medically cleared before proceeding. His complete medical exam results are required by CES to be submitted with a June 25, 2020 deadline. The date and venue for Tyson vs. Cusumano is to be determined, but open to negotiations once CES has spoken to Tyson or his representatives.

“Cusumano will be a true gauge for Tyson’s first fight in 15 years,” Burchfield added. “This is a fight boxing fans want to see, not an exhibition, because it will let everyone know exactly where he’s at today and whether or not he can truly challenge a (Tyson) Fury, (Anthony) Joshua, or (Deontay) Wilder. We’re ready to negotiate in good faith right now.”

CES has been promoting boxing events for nearly 30 years and its stable of fighters has included 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, who was a very close teammate of Tyson’s when they were amateurs, 3-time world titlist Chad Dawson, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Ray Olivieria, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, and Matt Remillard, among the more notables.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.CESBoxing.com
Twitter & Instagram: @cesboxing

NEW YORK – May 28, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports^® has announced today its SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS June slate, featuring a collection of Mike Tyson fights, Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko and other memorable moments from the network’s deep archive of world championship bouts. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS airs every Friday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and is also available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

In June, the weekly series includes four nights of edge-of-your-seat boxing action featuring some of the most unforgettable bouts in recent years, including 2017’s unanimous Fight of the Year – Joshua vs. Klitschko – and a dramatic matchup between Adrien Broner and Marcos Maidana. In addition, Mike Tyson’s legendary knockout power will be on display with five fights in one night on June 12, and the semifinals and final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic will air on June 19 and June 26.

The full schedule is as follows:

• Friday, June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Joshua vs. Klitschko
  • Broner vs. Maidana
• Friday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Tyson vs. Frans Botha
  • Tyson vs. Julian Francis
  • Tyson vs. Lou Savarese
  • Tyson vs. Brian Nielsen
  • Tyson vs. Clifford Etienne
• Friday, June 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham
  • Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson
• Friday, June 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Ward vs. Froch

Combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host live companion episodes of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel for select SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecasts. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple^®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku^®, Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV or directly at www.showtime.com.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Las Vegas with a pivotal bout in the welterweight division as former champion and No. 1 ranked contender Tyron Woodley looks to work his way back to title contention by snapping the impressive winning streak of No. 6 Gilbert Burns.Also on the card, No. 2 ranked women’s flyweight contender Katlyn Chookagian aims to bounce back into the win column when she meets fellow striker No. 12 Antonina Shevchenko.This will be the first in a series of events set to take place at UFC’s Apex facility. 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 pursuant to a Health, Safety and Operations plan approved by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WOODLEY vs. BURNS will take place Saturday, May 30 at 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.

Looking to make an emphatic return to action, Woodley (19-4, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) plans to remind the division of the skills that made him one of the most dominant champions in welterweight history. Competing for the first time in over a year, Woodley intends to add another signature win to his resume that already includes victories over Robbie Lawler, Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. He now aims to make a statement and stake his claim for another title shot.

Currently on the best winning streak of his UFC career, Burns (18-3, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) looks to secure his biggest victory yet. A multiple-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Burns has earned wins over fellow grapplers Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson and Olivier Aubin-Mercier. He now looks to take out his first former UFC champion and break into the top 5 of the division. 

Chookagian (13-3, fighting out of Kenilworth, N.J.) looks to take the lessons learned from her recent title bout and return to her winning ways. One of the most skilled strikers in the division, Chookagian has netted wins over Joanne Calderwood, Jennifer Maia and Irene Aldana. She now aims to defend her spot at the top of the rankings by defeating the sister of the champion. 

A multiple-time world champion in Muay Thai, Shevchenko (8-1, fighting out of Henderson, Nev.) aims to continue her climb up the women’s flyweight rankings. Despite being in the UFC for less than two years, Shevchenko has established herself as one of its top prospects with wins over Ji Yeon Kim and Lucie Pudilova. She now intends to replicate her sister’s victory over Chookagian and secure the biggest win of her MMA career.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WOODLEY vs. BURNS is also stacked with up-and-coming talent looking to make their mark on the sport, including Billy Quarantillo (13-2, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) and Spike Carlyle (9-1, fighting out of Del Mar, Calif.), who intend to build off their impressive debuts in a catchweight bout at 150 pounds. Additionally, in a clash of Dana White’s Contender Series standouts, Brok Weaver (14-4, fighting out of McIntosh, Ala.) and Roosevelt Roberts (10-1, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.) aim to prove that they are the next top prospect in the lightweight division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a battle of heavyweight contenders seeking to break into the top 10, No. 12 Blagoy Ivanov (18-3 1NC, fighting out of Sofia, Bulgaria) aims to stop the rise of surging No. 13 Augusto Sakai (14-1-1, fighting out of Parana, Brazil)
• Submission ace Mackenzie Dern (7-1, fighting out of Long Beach, Calif.) faces Hannah Cifers (10-4, fighting out of Wake Forest, N.C.) in a women’s strawweight bout
• Jamahal Hill (7-0, fighting out of Grand Rapids, Mich.) aims to remain undefeated when he meets Klidson Abreu (15-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
• No.11 ranked flyweight contender Timothy Elliott (16-10-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) squares off with UFC newcomer Brandon Royval (10-4, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.)
• Chris Gutierrez (14-3, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.) looks to secure his third win in a row when he takes on Vince Morales (9-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Exciting bantamweight grapplers meet as Louis Smolka (16-6, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) battles Casey Kenney (9-2, fighting out of Tucson, Ariz.)
• In a welterweight bout, Daniel Rodriguez (11-1, fighting out of San Gabriel, Calif.) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he welcomes short-notice newcomer Gabriel Green (9-2, fighting out of Downey, Calif.)

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

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.9 million subscribers, 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

Carl Froch and Darren Barker own some of the best wins on away territory by British fighters, and the duo talk about fighting on the road with Chris Algieri on the latest episode of ‘The Rounds’.
WATCH EPISODE TWO OF ‘THE ROUNDS’ AS CARL FROCH AND DARREN BARKER JOIN CHRIS ALGIERI
Froch began life as WBC World Super-Middleweight champion with a thrilling final round win over Jermain Taylor in Connecticut in April 2009, and then in 2010-11, ‘The Cobra’ went on the road during the Super Six series to face Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson and Andre Ward.

Barker’s first World title action saw him face the formidable Middleweight king Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City in October 2011 and then returned to the same city in August 2013 to achieve his World title dreams in dramatic fashion against IBF king Daniel Geale.

Both men open up on those trips and more, including great stories on their sparring sessions together.

Carl Froch: “I enjoyed being on the road. When we boxed for England we were going to hostile environments and fighting top fighters back-to-back in nations tournaments, but I was always a nervous fighter. So, when I defended my title against Jermain Taylor in Connecticut, I was nervous about it all. 

“Not so much boxing abroad, but more that it was Taylor, a former undisputed Middleweight World champion. I saw him get out of this limousine for the press conference in NYC and he just looked like the don, he had this nice suit on and looked crisp and clean. I was just there with a hoodie and t-shirt and I was thinking ‘do I belong here?’ It was quite a daunting thing for me, and I was always quite nervous and apprehensive as a fighter, I was unsure of myself, and I was a new World champion and making my first defense. I didn’t really know if I belonged at World level and here I was fighting Taylor in America. I look back at that fight now and think how naive I was at that level and I just had to put all my trust in Rob McCracken and my fitness, my refusal to quit and my competitive nature, I like to win.

“[Kessler and the volcanic ash cloud] On Tuesday of fight week we had Sky News on and they were saying all the flights we grounded so I am thinking I am definitely not going, the US broadcasters aren’t going to be able to make it over, so it’s definitely off. We had a barbecue in the garden, I had a couple of cans of Guinness; I don’t drink much, and I had a couple of them in fight week! The next day my promoter rang me and said that the Sauerlands’s were sending a private jet and the flight was at 2pm. Private jet sounds glamorous but it wasn’t, it was a five-seater, it was bumpy all the way and Rob doesn’t like heights so he was white all the way and didn’t say a word, hanging onto the seat and looking at me, and I was winding him up saying ‘I think we’re bang in trouble here this plane is all over the place!’ 

“I crashed the weight which I never do, and at the weigh-in I felt weak. It’s the first and only time I ever did that, but I don’t want people to think I’m making an excuse, I felt good to fight and had a great 12 rounds against a brilliant fighter and I just didn’t quite do enough. But going over on the Wednesday under that ash cloud in fight week and being overweight, switching off, it was horrible. I believe that things happen for a reason though and in boxing you don’t win or lose, you win or learn. I learnt how to come back and in my next fight I fought Arthur Abraham and the WBC title was back up for grabs, that boosted my spirits and that loss then didn’t feel as bad. 

“The loss with Andre Ward felt worse. Andre is a fantastic fighter, very skillful, fast, hard to hit, good with his jab. I remember getting out of the fight thinking, I had a decent rounds in 10, 11 and 12, and I was getting into it and I thought, why didn’t I start earlier, why didn’t I get into it, why didn’t I believe in myself? But that’s what we do when we lose, we look for reasons.”

Darren Barker: “I never felt more nervous or under pressure in the States and I think a big part of that was the experience of fighting all over the world as an amateur.

“I flew into New York with Eddie Hearn and we were in and out for the Martinez press conference, I remember the American’s almost laughing at me for showing any confidence, even though I was undefeated and European champion, I just hadn’t fought anybody. I was confident in my ability, but it was the unknown, I had sparred hundreds of rounds with Carl, an elite level fighter, but it’s still sparring. I knew I was capable of being in there with elite fighters, but I didn’t quite understand where I was at the time. 

“I don’t have any regrets looking back at my career, but I have a slight one looking back at that fight because I think if I had believed in myself a little more, been more aggressive and forced the action more, then potentially I could have caused a huge upset. I’m not saying that it would have happened, I just wished I gave it a bit more. But the whole unbuild up was just the reason I chose boxing, I was on top of a huge skyscraper in New York for the presser and thinking, ‘this is it, I’ve made it’. I was walking up fifth avenue with Eddie and we walked past a shop with bright green trousers in the window and Eddie said: ‘you should buy them and wear them at the press conference for a laugh!’ I said: ‘no chance, I wouldn’t be seen dead in them!’ We got to the press conference and Sergio was wearing that exact pair of trousers! 

“The Repton club had a knack of churning out top quality Southpaws so I was never fazed at fighting them, I knew I would be able to compete with him and it was a great experience for me and one that was massively valuable going onto the Geale fight.

“I’d been to Atlantic City for the Martinez fight, so it wasn’t alien to me and I was driven to right that wrong. We had a similar game plan, to be aggressive but smart, on the front-foot and hold center of the ring. It wasn’t until I got in there that I realized how awkward he was, he had a knack of getting out of range, I was falling short and adopted a different plan to get on his chest and outwork him. 

“The moment I got put down in the sixth round, a lot of people know my brother Gary passed away, he was a very good fighter and if I had have lost that fight I would never have fought again, it would have been a box that hadn’t been ticked and it would have eaten away. So, I was just so prepared to leave everything in the ring that night that a body shot was never going to keep me down, fast-forward to the 12th round and hearing Michael Buffer say, ‘and the new’, I still can’t believe it. I achieved what I set out to do. 

“There were a lot of question marks over my toughness, but I always knew I was tough. You don’t do 12 rounds of sparring with Carl and not be tough! I always knew there was a fight out there to show everyone I was mentally and physically tough.”

Froch and Barker star in the second episode of ‘The Rounds’ and the first episode, featuring Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Daniel Jacobs talking about the highs and lows of boxing, can be found on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the re-signing of two-time former world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna to a promotional contract.

From La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna (35-2-1, 24 KOs), the former WBA Featherweight and Super Featherweight Champion, has fought under the Sampson Boxing banner from his pro debut and has gone on to have one of the greatest careers in history for a Dominican boxer.

The 31-year-old is currently the world’s #1 WBC lightweight contender and, upon the end of the pandemic’s halt of professional boxing, will next face England’s Luke Campbell, for the interim lightweight championship.

The winner of that match will go on to face current Regular Champion, Devin Haney.

“If I were to die and be born again, I would re-sign with Sampson to do it all over again,” said a happy Fortuna. “I will become the first three-division world champion soon and I have my promoter Sampson to thank for all the opportunities he got for me throughout my career.”

Lewkowicz, best known for having helped discover and bring Manny Pacquiao to the United States, currently handles two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, 6’ 7” super welterweight contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and unified WBA and IBF Welterweight Champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario, among others.

“I have been working with Javier Fortuna since his pro debut and he has always been a joy to work with him and his team,” said Lewkowicz. “Soon he will wear the championship belt in his third division and I couldn’t be happier or more proud of all his success. My fighters are like sons to me and I laugh and cry with them through the good times and the bad.”
About Sampson Boxing

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

DETROIT, MI (May 26, 2020) – Live televised boxing events are scheduled to return on the Impact Network in mid-July as negotiations for fights in Las Vegas, Detroit, Chicago, and Florida for the Bahamas, are all underway as particular cities reopen up for business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With social distancing guidelines still in effect, Impact will stage these live boxing shows without fans in attendance. The two-hour broadcast will feature relevant contenders and undefeated prospects who will be in step-up fights.

Impact senior management Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, Terry Arnold, and Royal Jackson agree with their programming partner, Steven Marcano, that it’s time to return to work.

“I’m very excited about the return of boxing programming to Impact Network,” said Bishop Wayne T. Jackson, CEO, and president of the Impact Network. “Our network is growing immensely, and boxing will be a stable of our channel for years to come. These young men are eager to get back in the ring and we can’t wait to showcase their talent. In July we’ll be broadcasting our next live boxing event on Impact.”

“We are seeing great success with our “Stars and Champions” programming and we believe that momentum will continue forth when we resume live boxing events to Impact in July,” said Royal Jackson, Impact executive producer. “I’m excited about what the future holds for boxing on the Impact Network.”

“We are ready to resume live boxing events and programming on the Impact Network,” stated Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing, whose company is responsible for Impact’s admittance into the sport. “Right now, we are working closely with city officials to bring boxing back in certain states as the COVID-19 lockdown loosens up. If all goes as planned, we will have our next show back on Impact in July.”

“Our next card is being planned for July with several undefeated fighters set to make their Impact debut,” said Rick Torres, head of business and legal affairs for SMM Boxing. “Showcasing rising young stars in the sport is a feature we plan on emphasizing as we march forward with Impact.”

The Impact Network airs across all major cable, satellite, and digital channels. Impact is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week, on DIRECTV’s Channel 380 or Channel 268, DISH Network’s Channel 268, Fios TV Channel 787, and Comcast’s Xfinity TV’s Channel 400. In addition, Impact Network can be viewed digitally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and Sling. All live boxing events can be viewed on the Impact Network website and mobile app. Please check local listings in your area for more information.

DETROIT, MI (May 26, 2020) – Undefeated Super Lightweight World Champion, Jose Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs), who is promoted by Top Rank, will be the featured guest on this week’s edition of “Stars and Champions”, airing this Friday, May 29, 2020, on the Impact Network. Veteran boxing writer Dan Rafael will host the 30-minute broadcast beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.

Ramirez captured the WBC Super Lightweight title when he defeated Amir Ahmed Imam (22-3, 19 KOs) in March of 2017. He defended his WBC title twice in 2018 winning by unanimous decision against Antonio Orozco (28-2, 17 KOs), and by majority decision against Jose Zepeda (31-2, 25 KOs). In 2019 he won a unification bout against WBO champion Maurice Hooker (27-1-3, 18 KOs), becoming a two-time world champion. Ramirez is the current WBC and WBO Super Lightweight champion.

The Impact Network will air “Stars and Champions” across all major cable, satellite, and digital channels. Impact is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and can be viewed on DIRECTV’s Channel 380 or Channel 268, DISH Network’s Channel 268, Fios TV Channel 787, and Comcast’s Xfinity TV’s Channel 400. In addition, Impact Network can be viewed digitally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and Sling. “Stars and Champions” can also be viewed on the Impact Network website and mobile app. Please check local listings in your area for more information.

DELIGHTED Hall-Of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has proudly declared that new signing Charlie Edwards can become a three-weight World Champion under his guidance.

In a joint interview, Warren insisted: “I’m sure he can become a double weight world champion, if not a triple weight world champion.”

Listening on, new boy Edwards beamed from ear-to-ear and said “that’s what I like to hear, Frank!”

The pair were speaking to Dev Sahni as part of Queensberry Promotions’ ongoing ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ YouTube series.

Warren was clearly happy with the new addition to his swelling roster of young stars but hinted it had come at a price.

“We fought very hard to get him on board and eventually got a deal done – we’re very pleased.”

Edwards was less shy about what helped get him over the line: “Frank was the top bidder”, he said.

In addition to a healthy pay packet, Charlie revealed Frank’s experience of developing fighters, the lure of BT Sport and fighting on the same shows as his brother Sunny all played a part in influencing his decision.

“I’ve seen how Frank has developed Sunny, from the start and all the way through his career and he’s a big name on BT Sport. I can’t wait to join him.

“It’s good. We can fight on the same shows which i’ve always wanted to do.”

Edwards last bout was in August 2019, after which he relinquished his WBC Flyweight World Title citing increasing difficulties in making the weight.

With a new start ahead of him, he was keen not to dwell on the past.

“It’s a new chapter. It’s good. I’ve put the past behind me. I’ve already won a world title at one weight, and I’m looking forward to becoming a two weight world champion. And what better place than coming on to BT Sport, with my brother!”

Edwards currently holds a #2 World ranking with the WBC at Super-Flyweight, a designation he’s keen to keep hold of, but he has also flirted with the idea of fighting at Bantamweight if the right opportunity arose.

“I can fight between the two. It’ll still be tough to get to the super-flyweight limit, but at world level you’ve got to make sacrifices and go that extra 1 or 2% into the danger zone.”

Acknowledging the difficulties in fighting international opposition during the current crisis, the former World Champion went on to say that he was keen to fight as soon as possible, even behind closed doors, adding “any British Super-flyweight or Bantamweight who wants to get it on, let’s do it.”

Promoter Warren echoed Charlies thoughts and stressed he was keen to get the Croydon man out again this Summer.

“There’s plenty of fights out there for him. We’ll probably get him out sometime in late August,” Warren said. “The name of the game is to keep him busy, let him settle at the weight. He was obviously struggling at flyweight – for guys in the lighter weight divisions, 1 or 2lb can make a tremendous difference.”

“Hopefully now moving up he can be stronger – he obviously did well at flyweight, he won the world title – and i’m sure he can become a double weight world champion if not a triple weight world champion.”‘

NEW YORK (May 26, 2020) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of highly coveted amateur Javier Martinez.

Martinez, 23, was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight, but has decided to turn professional under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse. A five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

“Being a casualty of the new Olympic selection process just makes me that much more determined. I am going to show, time and time again why I was deserving of that spot. That said, I am excited to turn professional, and this is the perfect situation. Tim came at me with a good plan for my future and I have a great feeling about him and the whole Split-T family,” said Martinez.

The son of Mexican immigrants from Palos Altos, Jalisco, Martinez began boxing at the age of eight after following his older brothers into the gym.

“I want to make something big out of boxing, and provide a better life for myself and family – especially my son. At this point of my life, I feel that Split-T will move me the right way and guide me into becoming a world champion.”

A Milwaukee-native, Martinez is now training in Las Vegas, Nevada under the tutelage of renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo, and is expected to make his debut at Super Middleweight within the next couple of months.

“Javier has good physical attributes as he stands 6’1″. He has a fan-friendly, pressure style, who stalks his opponents behind a tight defense with well-selected combinations. He enjoys investing in the body, and shows a nice blend of aggression and power. Javier is a fundamentally complete fighter with balance, power and mobility. That is why there were so many people trying to recruit him. Javier’s the type of athlete that will be placed on a fast track and debut in a six-round bout. He will soon be paired with one of the best promoters in the world, and I can’t wait to see him on TV soon,” said VanNewhouse.

FORMER WBC World Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards has signed a multi-fight deal with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

He joins brother Sunny in the Queensberry Promotions camp and believes it’s only a matter of time before ‘The Croydon Klitschkos’ are fighting in world title contests on the same bill.

Edwards, 27, said: “I was with Eddie Hearn for six years and I needed to freshen things up. I feel this is the next chapter of my career.

“I have seen what Frank has done for my brother Sunny. He has done very well for him from the start.

“Frank really looks after his fighters as well. I felt I was taken for granted and I am looking forward to getting started with Frank as my promoter.

“I have chatted to Frank at Sunny’s fights and the timing was right.  My management MTK sorted the deal, my adviser thought it was best for me and the offer is great.”

Edwards (15-1, 6KOs) will be moving up from Flyweight to either Bantamweight or Super-Flyweight where he is ranked number two by the WBC in their world rankings.

Charlie vacated his WBC world crown after being severely weight-drained for his defence against Julio Cesar Martinez last August that ended in a no-contest.

He added: “The next fight is likely to be a gage to see where I’m at regarding my best weight. The main thing is keeping my world ranking at Super-Flyweight for now.

“I look at the Bantamweight champions. I’m not deluded and say,  ‘I’m world level’ at that weight because that would be stupid.

“If I go to Bantamweight I wont be rushing to get in with world level fighters. It will be building up over a few fights.

“I have Frank behind me and he is not going to chuck me in at the deep end. It’s going to be building into the world title picture.”

Edwards insists he is more than happy to box on one of the behind closed doors extravaganzas Warren has planned this summer.

His big hope is to fight on the same bill as his brother Sunny, who also has serious world title aspirations at Super-Flyweight.

Charlie who trains alongside his brother under Grant Smith in Sheffield said: “Just mentioning me and my brother fighting for world titles on the same bill gives a tingle down my spine.

“I did a bucket list some time ago. Sunny and myself fighting on the same show has always been there. That was another thing that made it perfect sense to join Frank because it can happen.

“We still try to outdo each other when we train. That is the beauty of it. We’re brothers, we have ultimate love and want the best for each other.

“We want to beat each other whether we’re sparring or on the track. We have progressed because we always push each other.”

Warren said: “I am absolutely delighted that Charlie has joined our team and we will work out a plan for him to become a two weight world champion.

“We have often spoke at my shows when Sunny has been boxing. We always got on well and shared a joke.

“The two brothers fighting for world titles on the same show isn’t a pipe-dream. We deliver and It is a realistic prospect.”

Charlie turned professional in January 2015. In his fifth fight he won the English Flyweight title against Louis Norman and two fights later added the WBC International Silver championship.

In September 2016 he fell short against high class Filipino John Riel Casimero in a IBF Flyweight title challenge, his only professional defeat.

Seven months later, Edwards outpointed Iain Butcher to become British Super-Flyweight champion, a crown now held by his younger brother, Sunny.

Charlie upset defending champion Cristofer Rosales on points to become WBC Flyweight title holder in December 2018. He made one successful defence three months later in a points decision against Angel Moreno.

——————

Charlies’s first act as a Queensberry fighter was to speak alongside promoter Frank Warren to interviewer Dev Sahni as part of the ongoing Lockdown Lowdown series. That interview can be seen here.

Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew are back with the fifth instalment of our ‘Talk the Talk’ series, which airs tonight at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.

This week the duo are joined by YouTube sensation KSI who defeated rival YouTuber Logan Paul at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles back in November and reigning undefeated WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders. 

“Episode 5 of 6 is another cracker,” said Hearn. “Billy Joe I think has got it in him to deliver on the big stage and it was great to discuss these potential mega fights and also check in with KSI, who has his new album out. Will we see him back in the ring with Jake Paul? I think so down the line.”

“It was great finding out a little bit more and speaking with KSI,” added Bellew. “I now look at him as someone who works very hard, sometimes you have to put your hands up – You have to admire his work ethic. Billy Joe is a diamond, we go back years and it was great to catchup and hear his plans – Deep down he has a good heart.”

Talk The Talk premieres tonight at 7pm (BST) tonight

ESPN will open its extensive library of vintage boxing matches this weekend to present four hours of “Iron” Mike Tyson in some of the most iconic fights of his legendary career on Saturday, May 23, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

The four-hour block starts with “Mike Tyson’s Greatest Hits – Volume I” followed by four classic fights highlighting the early part of Tyson’s career, which began with 19 straight knockout wins by an average of less than two rounds per fight, before a dominating 10-round unanimous decision over James “Quick” Tillis in 1986. Two of Tyson’s most iconic fights – a heavyweight title bout versus Michael Spinks in 1988 and his first fight with Frank Bruno in 1989 – will round out the night. Six of the fights featured during the four-hour Tyson block are available to stream now on ESPN+ for on-demand viewing.

In addition to early Tyson fights, ESPN+ is presenting a special collection of classic “blockbuster” matches to kick start Memorial Day weekend. The special collection includes legendary boxers Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard,  Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and more.

Saturday, May 23, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on ESPN

• 7:00 p.m. Mike Tyson’s Greatest Hits – Volume I
• 7:30 p.m. Tyson vs. Mike Jameson (Available to stream on ESPN+)
• 8:00 p.m. Tyson vs. Jess Ferguson (Available to stream on ESPN+)
• 8:30 p.m. Steve Zouski (Available to stream on ESPN+)
• 9:00 p.m. James Tillis (Available to stream on ESPN+)
• 10:00 p.m. Tyson vs. Michael Spinks (Available to stream on ESPN+)
• 10:30 p.m. Tyson vs. Frank Bruno I (Available to stream on ESPN+)

Special Collection of Blockbuster World Championship Fights on ESPN+ | https://es.pn/3gad7Lc

• Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns (Middleweight, 1985)
• Foreman vs. Evander Holyfield (Heavyweight, 1991)
• Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns II (Super Middleweight, 1989)
• Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel  Cotto ( Welterweight, 2009)
• Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (Welterweight, 2015)
• Ali vs. Spinks 1 (Heavyweight, 1978)
• Ali vs. Frazier 1 (Heavyweight, 1971)
• Ali vs. Frazier 2 (Heavyweight, 1974)
• Ali vs. Frazier 3 (Heavyweight, 1975)

About ESPN+

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

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.

ORANGE, Calif. (May 21, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotion’s former two-time super-bantamweight world champion, Daniel Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), gives fans an exclusive interview this Friday, May 22, 2020. Beto Duran, who operates as the blow-by-blow commentator for Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “TB Presents,” conducts the fun natured interview with Roman.

The streaming interview, presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions, starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. and can be viewed via the TBP Instagram page, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

“I had a lot of fun interviewing Danny Roman, who in my opinion is one of the classiest fighters in boxing today,” said Beto Duran. “We discuss funny things you might not know about him and how he maintains a positive attitude during the COVID-19 lockdown. I know people will enjoy this interview because we touch on his personal life outside of boxing. Roman is a great role model, a great fighter, and an inspiration to many who know him.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

OUTSTANDING AMATEUR TALENT Amaar Akbar has joined forces with Frank Warren to launch his professional career under the Queensberry Promotions banner.

The two-time national champion and six-time Yorkshire champion reached the final of the senior National Amateur championships at the age of 18, defeating the No.1 seed on his way to the last two. He was defeated by now promotional stablemate Sam Noakes in the final.

His performances in his opening bouts as a senior resulted in international recognition and a trial for the GB squad was pencilled in for this spring, only to be put on hold by the current restrictions on sporting participation.

He has now made the decision to turn professional and will be trained by his father Zahiran at the Warrior Breed gym in Dewsbury, having now completed his studies for a Level 3 Sports course at Bradford College.

The now 19-year-old super lightweight insists he harbours no regrets over making an early departure from the amateur ranks.

“No, no, no, I was ready to turn pro straight way,” reported Akbar. “I was going to go to the Elite Championships and I had the GB assessment as well, but as soon as I heard the news about Frank Warren I knew what I was going to do.

“I am delighted to sign because I have been watching Frank and all his fighters for all my life really. I am very happy and I couldn’t believe it.

“Even though I am 18 I have been sparring with pros for a long time and from 16 I was sparring world champions, so I am do not have any reservations over turning pro.

“My family have all been into boxing, my dad used to box a bit and I have always been into it. I have done MMA but boxing just stuck with me and I have gone with it.”

Asked to describe his style of fighting, Akbar considered that he will simply adapt to whoever is put in front of him.

“I can do everything really, I can box and I can fight. I think the main thing about me is I can adapt to everything and each opponent. I wouldn’t say I am flashy, but I can make people miss and I can make people pay. That is what I would say.

“I have always had a good following and I will do well on tickets. There are lots of amateurs in Dewsbury but I am the one leading the pack now with having such a big promoter.

“I am definitely excited and cannot wait to get going. It has got me through this present time, while I have always been training, but this has given me an extra boost.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to add another top young prospect to the crop of fighters we have signed recently, who I am looking forward to seeing in action once we are up and running again. Developing young fighters and making them into champions is what we do best and I believe Amaar has the talent to do big things in the sport and really make a name for himself.

Akbar’s first act as a Queensberry fighter was to speak to interviewer Dev Sahni as part of the ongoing Lockdown Lowdown series. That interview can be seen here

In service to boxing-hungry fans waiting out the current pandemic, promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions has acquired a license to, free of charge to all, display the boxing video libraries of former prominent boxing promotions firms CKP and America Presents on his ever-expanding Salita Promotions YouTube Channel.

The massive CKP library, from the archives of the company formerly run by the late South African-born promoter Cedric Kushner, contains more than 1000 hours of premium bouts from the world’s leading television networks, including HBO, ESPN, and EuroSport.

In his hall-of-fame career as a manager and then promoter, Kushner worked with a lineup of well-known heavyweight champions and contenders including Hasim Rahman, Shannon Briggs, Oleg Maskaev, Chris Byrd, Corrie Sanders, Ike Ibeabuchi and David Tua.

Also considered one of the world’s best collection of fights for the period of the mid-1990s to 2002, the America Presents collection, from the archives of the company formerly run by late hall-of-famer Dan Goossen, has more than 300 hours of exciting action featuring the likes of Joel Casamayor, Hector Camacho, Wayne McCullough, David Reid and David Tua, among others.

Cedric was a wonderful individual and in my opinion a hall-of-fame boxing promoter,” said Steven Heid, Vice President of the library’s keepers, ACH Services. “It is an honor and a great pleasure to be able to bring many historic fights back to the public for their viewing pleasure, especially during these tough times.”

The extensive collection comes in addition to the Salita Promotions and previously announced Warriors Boxing fights already available on the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel featuring former heavyweight champions Wladimir Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, Michael Moorer, Sultan Ibragimov, Samuel Peter, and Shannon Briggs, top heavyweight contenders Ray Mercer and Jarrell Miller. As well as lower-weight stars including Hector “Macho” Camacho, Joel Casamayor, Kelly Pavlik, Vic Darchinyan, Edison Miranda, Juan Urango, Celestino Caballero, Andrzej Fonfara and Tomoki Kameda, women’s superstar Claressa Shields and many of today’s most exciting up-and-comers.

“I am excited about giving boxing fans historic fights and fighters from decades past,” said Dmitriy Salita. “ Fight fans can relive some of the best moments in boxing history on our YouTube Channel available to all around the world.”

IRATE BOXING MANAGER Sam Jones has SLAMMED internet trolls who predicted “baby” Daniel Dubois would KO his client Joe Joyce.

Ranting to Queensberry Promotions ‘Lockdown Lowdown’, the Derby man fumed: “Joe has beaten Majidov, Tony Yoka, Frazer Clarke, Filip Hrgovic. He’s done all of them in the amateurs. 

“He beat Bryant Jennings in his last outing… a world class heavyweight who took Wladimir Klitschko twelve rounds. Daniel Dubois has beaten nobody, amateur or professional. That’s just facts.”

Questioning Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren’s masterplan to guide 22-year-old Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois to a World title, Jones’ believes that ‘Dynamite’ simply isn’t ready to step in the ring with ‘The Juggernaut’.

“Joe Joyce is going to have too much experience for him, too much know-how for him.

“Daniel’s had no in-between fights. Fujimoto to Joe Joyce? You’re taking the p*ss.”

Turning his fire on the internet boxing community, who had confidently predicted a Dubois victory in any clash with Joe, he insisted: “Let me tell you something now, when I was out in Vegas with Joe he looked unbelievable. I don’t care what the trolls say, Joe Joyce would have beaten Daniel Dubois on April 11th. 

“(Daniel’s) not the finished article. I think he’ll be a great fighter down the line, but it’s disrespectful that people write Joe off.

“He’s going to get found out. I know who Daniel was planning on sparring in his camp and even that’s disrespectful to Joe. We were sparring undefeated professional heavyweights, we were taking it very seriously.”

Joyce was originally slated to fight Dubois on April 11th but the event was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since lockdown began, though, social media has been abuzz with discussions about potential ‘fantasy’ fights and where the two British behemoths might go next in their career.

One such ‘dream match’ was the mooted Daniel Dubois vs. Deontay Wilder contest, with promoter Frank Warren insisting he’d put his young Heavyweight in with the former WBC Champ right now.

Jones’ says he understands Warren’s confidence but reckons Dubois would find himself in deep waters with the ‘Bronze Bomber’.

“He’s Frank’s baby isn’t he, Dubois? So Frank’s not going to say ‘oh no, Deontay Wilder would take his head off’ but I look at the fight against Richard Lartey – if Daniel Dubois tried to swing arms with Deontay Wilder like that he’d be asleep until the virus is gone.”

Whilst he is adamant that he and Joyce are focused on Dubois, Jones’ isn’t immune to speculation himself and has an elaborate battle plan laid out for Joe’s next THREE fights.

“Joe would fight any man in the world,” he said. “We’ll wipe out Daniel Dubois, get him out the way and then we want Jarrell Miller. It’s the fight we’ve wanted for ages. It’s personal for Joe. They had a back and forth before so that fight needs to happen. Doesn’t matter where, Baby Miller is next.

“After that it’s a world title.”

Asked by interviewer Dev Sahni whether he’d prefer that potential World title tilt to be against Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, Jones’ wasted no time in picking ‘The Gypsy King’.

“I would prefer Joe to face Tyson Fury. For the simple reason he’s the king of this era. You want to test yourself against the best. If you’re a professional footballer you want to play against Cristiano Ronaldo, you want to play against Lionel Messi. It’s the same for Joe.

“If Joe just beats Anthony Joshua, he still wouldn’t be considered number one.”

Cecilia Brækhus wants to continue to tread new ground and break down more barriers as she talks to Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH CECILIA BRÆKHUS IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) has dominated the Welterweight division for 11 years now, and should her proposed clash with Jessica McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) go ahead when boxing returns, victory for the ‘First Lady’ will 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 11^thpro outing in March 2009.

‘The First Lady’ still holds the same ambitions from when she first became a World ruler, and having changed the face of the sport in her home country from her debut to trhis point, Brækhus outlined her eagerness to get back into action and tick off further goals in her impressive career.

“From when I started to now has been incredible for woman’s boxing,” said Brækhus. “We are on every show, headlining bills, fighting in the Olympics and it’s incredible and such a big difference from how it once was. Being a part of it makes me feel incredibly lucky and I feel when I retire, I will be able to say I have played my part.

“I am talking to Eddie Hearn and my team and following the guidelines. The McCaskill fight looks likely to be taking place in July and I am hoping this is the case as I can’t stay in Big Bear forever! I don’t care where the fight takes place because I have been fighting all over the world since the beginning of the career. Wherever the fight is I will be ready.

“I would love to fight in the UK. I went to Joshua vs Klitschko and I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Even though there were 90,000 people watching, the fight overshadowed everything, it was amazing.

“I became a World Champion and had a bigger media profile. People would watch my fights in both Germany and Denmark because I couldn’t box in Norway and they started questioning how strange it was to have a World Champion who couldn’t fight in their home country. It was on live TV in Norway so people began coming to conclusions that this law was crazy!

“When the new government came in, we began to work together. My team, my team in Norway and the politicians began to analyze things and when we broke the sport down we found out that a lot of the arguments making the sport illegal were out of date. 

“I was actually voted Sportsperson of the Year in Norway when professional boxing was illegal! It was a crazy situation.

“I think about life after boxing a lot and the good thing is that athletes can go on for longer due to the improvements in sports science, training and nutrition! Age isn’t a massive concern for me yet, but I am working hard on some other big projects which are keeping me busy.”

Fans can find Brækhus’ episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Liam Smith, Demetrius Andrade, John Ryder, Dmitry Bivol and Callum Johnson here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

LAS VEGAS, NV (MAY 19, 2020) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame regretfully announces the postponement of its 2020 induction Weekend until summer of 2021. The severity of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the subsequent uncertainty resulting from it, caused NVBHOF President and CEO Michelle Corrales-Lewis to make the announcement. The 8th annual weekend spectacular had been scheduled for August 7-8 at Red Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

“We waited as long as possible before making this difficult final decision,” stated Michelle Corrales-Lewis. “Our induction weekend features numerous events that require close proximity of our devoted boxing fans with honorees. Hundreds of fans mix with our inductees, champions, and celebrities where hand-shaking, hugging, picture-taking, autograph-signing, and close-in dining are all part of the experience. We do not want to reduce the quality and emotion of the weekend for our Inductees, and certainly do not want to put anyone’s health in jeopardy because of the nature of our event.”

The 2020 Class of Inductees will be augmented by additional names comprising the 2021 Class, and both will be celebrated in the most spectacular event in NVBHOF’s history next summer. The 2020 Inductees are: Andre Ward, James Toney, Miguel Cotto, Fernando Vargas, Clarence “Bones” Adams, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Azumah Nelson, Julian Jackson, Jose Luis Castillo, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Carlos Padilla, Jose Sulaiman, Lorenzo Fertitta, and Sammy Macias.

We will closely monitor Federal, State and Local guidelines in future months and then announce details. All decisions will be guided by our top priority being the health and safety of those who attend our events.

Tickets purchased are fully refundable. Check our website: www.nvbhof.com for details. We recommend if you have reserved hotel rooms for the induction weekend, that you call and cancel.

?The NVBHOF, a charitable 501-c-3 non-profit, is unable to hold normal fund-raising events because of the pandemic, and also had to close its museum. We request continued support through donations which can be made on our website.
The 2020 Induction Class includes

Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas (26-5, 22 KO’s)
Clarence “Bones” Adams (44-7-4, 20 KOs)
Andre “SOG” Ward (32-0, 16 KOs)
James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs)
Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs)
Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson (44-5-1, 28 KOs)
Julian “The Hawk” Jackson (55-6, 49 KOs)
Azumah “The Professor” Nelson (39-6-2, 28 KOs)
Danny “Little Red” Lopez (42-6, 39 KOs)
Jose Luis Castillo (66-13-1, 57 KOs)

Non-Boxer Inductees includes
Carlos Padilla
Lorenzo Fertitta
Sammy Macias
Jose Sulaiman

2020 Fighter of the Year
Devin Haney (24-0, 14 KO’s)

2020 Prospect of the Year
Rolando “Rolly” Romero (11-0, 10 KOs)

2020 Amateur of the Year
Rahim Gonzales

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 19, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Victor Pasillas (15-0, 8 KOs), is eager to face all elite fighters in his division as soon as boxing marches on.

“I am ready, I was a great amateur, I know who I am as a professional and I want the toughest fights, possible,” said Pasillas, who is a promotional free agent. “I am a world class fighter. All I need is an opportunity to prove myself. The fans deserve great fights, and I know I am a great fighter. I’m ready to make some action-packed fights for the fans.”

“Victor has made it clear he wants to fight only opponents that he views as a threat,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Most guys might look for a guy they know they can beat or develop with, Victor is at a place in his career in which he won’t sign to fight someone unless he knows they are a top-tier fighter.”

“I want to fight Rey Vargas, Emmanuel Navarrete, Brandon Figueroa, Ronny Rios, Luis Nery…I want all those guys.” continued the 28-year old Pasillas . “I want to challenge myself against the best, these are the top guys in my division and when they return to action, I am ready and willing to fight them as soon as possible.”

Miami – May 19, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., culminates its special encore presentations of the notable fighters who have left an indelible mark on the sport with the story of 4-division champion Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez. The special, airing this Friday, May 22 at 12 a.m. ET on Telemundo, relives the rise of the Mexican boxing star by showcasing memorable bouts that marked the beginnings of his pro boxing career.

Boxeo Telemundo will be broadcast on Telemundo and streamed on the Telemundo Deportes app highlighting the best bouts around each story and featuring special commentary from the experts to provide viewers with insights and anecdotes. Additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including the fighters’ best moments following each episode.

Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo and Edgar Lopez will relive three unforgettable Boxeo Telemundo bouts featuring a young, thrilling Canelo Alvarez as his history was being written, along with a special package of interviews of Canelo throughout the years. The show begins with Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez vs. Gabriel Martinez from April 18, 2008. The fight marked Alvarez’s first belt win from the FEDECENTRO World Boxing Association. The special presentation continues as Alvarez squares off against Axel Rodrigo Solis in an incredible KO fight from February 22, 2008. Canelo’s second fight in the U.S. culminates the night with a bout from December 5, 2008 against Raul Pinzon. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez would go on to be WBC and WBA Super Welter Champion as well as WBC, WBA, IBO and IBF Middleweight and WBO Light Heavyweight Champion.

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