Dmitry Bivol says that he is willing to drop down to Super-Middleweight to face World champion Callum Smith and become a two-weight World champion as he plots his future in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH DMITRY BIVOL IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Bivol (17-0 11 KOs) has held the WBA Light-Heavyweight crown for over two and a half years with six successful defenses over that time, and the Russian ace has been chasing a major showdown with the likes of fellow countryman and champion Artur Beterbiev. 

The 29 year old’s appetite for a crunch clash has also caused his eyes to look to the 168lbs division too, where an old amateur foe Callum Smith holds the WBA and Ring Magazine belts, and one of boxing’s elite draws, Canelo Alvarez, has also operated recently.

Bivol’s preference is to remain at 175lbs and unify the division first, but he’s put the Super-Middleweight division on red alert by asserting that he could make the weight with ease. 

“I watch a lot of fights in my division,” said Bivol. “I know that Beterbiev is one of the more dangerous fighters because he is really strong. If I were to fight Beterbiev I would like it to be in the USA because more people can see this fight than if I fight in Russia. 

“Canelo at Super-Middleweight is a big fight but everyone wants to fight him. He is just a man, he is just a boxer. You can earn money with him and it is a good opportunity to show your boxing skills to the whole world because of his massive fan base. 

“I would prefer the fight at 175lbs as it’s my weight but I could move down to 168lbs, that’s not a big problem for me. I had breakfast before my last fight on weigh-in day and think I have the reserves to come down.

“I boxed Callum Smith in Hungary as an amateur and to be honest I don’t remember this fight at all! At the time, he was just a tall guy, with good skills from Great Britain and I had to beat him. I think in the pro’s if we were to fight now it would be great for the British and Russian fans. It is a good fight for boxing because he is a champion at 168lbs and I am a champion at 175lbs. I want to fight the best in the world and he is now one of the best.”

Fans can find Bivol’s episode plus previous episodes with, Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Demetrius Andrade, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Joe Cordina and Liam Smith 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/

Miami – May 12, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., continues its special encore presentations this Friday, May 15 at 12 a.m. ET on Telemundo with the story of former World Champion Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz. The trailblazer fighter made history on Boxeo Telemundo as the first openly gay boxer.

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.

Cruz joins Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo and Edgar Lopez during the program to relive his most unforgettable Boxeo Telemundo bouts and his personal story as the first openly gay athlete in the sport. The episode will highlight Cruz’ iconic fight from October 19, 2012  when he squared off against Jorge Pazos, his first bout after coming out and following his victory for the Featherweight Latino OMB Title. The show will also showcase Cruz against Orlando Salido in Las Vegas from March 13, 2013. This fight solidified him as the #1 contender in the featherweight division. Cruz went onto fight twice for world titles: WBO Featherweight (October 2013 vs. Orlando Salido) and WBO Lightweight (November 2016 vs. Terry Flanagan).

Boxeo Telemundo will culminate its featured encores next Friday, May 22 with a look back at the beginnings of 4-division champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. 

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 Alvarez, 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.?

DETROIT, MI (May 12, 2020) – Golden Boy Promotions undefeated rising lightweight contender, 21-year old Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs), will be the featured guest on the second episode of “Stars and Champions”, airing this Friday, May 15, 2020, on the Impact Network. The 30-minute broadcast, hosted by Dan Rafael, begins at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT. Rafael gets confirmation on who Garcia wants next in the ring, and what he has been doing to keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ryan Garcia and I have a great relationship and the topics we covered during our conversation were amazing,” said Dan Rafael. “He talked about his close friendship with Saul “Canelo” Alverez, how he’s like a big brother to him, and the unbelievable coaching he’s getting from their trainer Eddy Reynoso. In addition, Garcia talks about potential mega fights with Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez, all of whom are in their early to mid-twenties. We also discuss his routine during the pandemic, how he got introduced to the sport of boxing, as well as his self built social media empire. This is a must see episode of “Stars and Champions” if you’re a fan of Ryan Garcia, and boxing in general.”

“We are thrilled to have Ryan Garcia as our next guest,” said Royal Jackson, Impact executive producer of Stars and Champions. “The kid is only twenty-one and has a charisma about him that is unprecedented for a young man his age. Furthermore, to his incredible talent in the ring, he’s a down to earth individual who brings a breath of fresh air to the sport of boxing.”

“Ryan Garcia is coming off two incredible knockouts and his 6.1 million followers on Instagram is proof that he’s well on his way to becoming the next superstar in the sport.” stated Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing. “We are booking the biggest names in boxing on “Stars and Champions”.

“The Impact Network is rapidly becoming a household name in boxing,” said Rick Torres, Head of Business and Legal Affairs for SMM Boxing. “Our first show with Leonard Ellerbe was incredible and now we get to feature the young phenom, Ryan Garcia in our second episode. Boxing fans will enjoy this interview, that I can guarantee.”

The Impact Network airs “Stars and Champions” 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. “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.

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About Impact Network: The Impact Network provides family friendly entertainment and educational themed inspirational content through its many distribution platforms. Broadcasting in over 88 million homes, Impact endeavors to be the foremost innovative inspirational network both locally and abroad. The Impact Network is the fastest growing and largest black owned faith-based TV network spanning across the united states, the Bahamian Islands and parts of Africa!

DETROIT, MI (May 11, 2020) – The debut of “Stars and Champions”, headlined by CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Leonard Ellerbe, made its highly anticipated debut this past Friday on the Impact Network. Ellerbe and host, legendary boxing writer Dan Rafael, had an open discussion about the challenges facing the boxing business as we continue to tread through the COVID-19 pandemic. Replays of “Stars and Champions” can be seen on Impact Boxing Series IGTV, Impact Facebook page, and on online at www.watchimpact.com.

“Leonard Ellerbe and I had a great informative conversation about boxing, and the business side of things, plus what challenges lie ahead as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the sports world,” said Rafael. “Ellerbe also hinted on the possibility of Floyd Mayweather returning to the ring. I believe “Stars and Champions” will be here to stay as I have been getting great feedback from our first show.”

“The first thing that were going to do, Mayweather Promotions, we’re going to roll out a nice small show for our younger fighters,” said Ellerbe. “We’ve already secured a venue. It’s just a matter of the timing and we’re looking at potentially the end of July, and all that just depends on what happens here in Las Vegas.”

“We are very pleased, here at the Impact Network, with the numbers generated from our first show,” stated Royal Jackson, Impact executive producer of Stars and Champions. “Leonard Ellerbe and Dan Rafael did a great job with their discussion. The show is now available on our Facebook page.”

“We are off to a great start with our initial “Stars and Champions” show,” stated Steve Marcano of SMH Group. “The content was highly educational and all of our shows moving forward are going to be fan friendly.”

“The progress being made with our first show has been excellent,” said Rick Torres, Head of Business Affairs for Impact Boxing. “As we march on, I believe “Stars and Champions” will continue to gain momentum in the boxing world.”

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.

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About Impact Network: The Impact Network provides family friendly entertainment and educational themed inspirational content through its many distribution platforms. Broadcasting in over 88 million homes, Impact endeavors to be the foremost innovative inspirational network both locally and abroad. The Impact Network is the fastest growing and largest black owned faith-based TV network spanning across the united states, the Bahamian Islands and parts of Africa!

BOSTON (May 11, 2020) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker announced that it has signed a pair of promising Ukrainian prospects, word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (7-0, 3 KOs), to exclusive managerial contracts.

“I’m honored to represent such high-quality Ukrainian fighters like Karen and Zoravor,” Fighter Locker president Ryan Roach said “They’re both trained by world champion Vyacheslav Senchenko. Anytime you can add such accomplished fighters to your stable, especially a champion like Karen, is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to getting them here in the United States and into fights.”

The 24-year-old Chukhadzhian, ranked No. 14 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), captured the WBA International welterweight title in his last fight this past February 1, by way of a 10-round decision over previously undefeated Sergy Vorobiev (9-1).

Chukhadzhian is also a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver welterweight champion. Like the great Bernard Hopkins he lost his pro debut, he has reeled off 16 consecutive victories.

Back in 2008, Chukhadzhian first became inspired to box after watching “King” Arthur Abraham overcome a broken jaw to decision Edison Miranda. Karen went on to have approximately 200 amateur fights and was crowned 2014 Ukraine National Champion.

“I’m pleased to have signed a contract with Ryan Roach and Daniyar Ganik (trainer),” Chukhadzhian said. “I look forward to fighting in the United States and climbing new mountains.”

Petrosyan, 21, was a decorated amateur boxer who captured a bronze medal at the 2016 World Youth (Under-19) Championships, in addition to being a multiple Ukrainian National champion. All seven of his pro career fights to date, which started October 2, 2018, have been held in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev.

“I can’t wait to start boxing in the United States,” Petrosyan commented. “I can’t believe my boxing career is now going to be built in the U.S. I’m confident of becoming a world champion I’m ready for a youth title fight right now.”

Chukhadzhian and Petrosyan join Fighter Locker’s growing stable that already includes their fellow countryman, North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs). Other stablemates are 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), 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.

Ukraine, of course, has developed into one of the most prolific countries in terms of producing great boxers such as Vasiliy Lomachenko, Aleksandr Usyk, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Viktor Postol, among the most notable contemporary fighter from Ukraine.

Chukhadzhian and Petrosyan are in the latest wave from the Eastern European country.

Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew are back with the third instalment of our ‘Talk the Talk’ series, which airs tonight at 8pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.

The duo return for another knockout episode starring Heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte and Liverpool’s UFC star Darren ‘The Gorilla’ Till.

Speaking from his Portugal training camp, Whyte discusses the possibility of fighting Alexander Povetkin behind closed doors and analyses Francis Ngannou’s victory at UFC 249 as a potential crossover clash down the line continues to gain momentum. 

Following a Twitter back and forth in the week, Till accepted Hearn’s open invite to come on the show and recap the return of MMA, reveal his proposed next outing and shake on a bet for the undisputed fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. 

Amongst a host of other topics, both men also discussed cutting weight in their respective sports and what can be done to improve fighter safety.

“It’s another unbelievable show,” said Hearn. “I’ve never spoke with Darren before, he calls me out on social media from time to time but it was fascinating to chat. Dillian’s always ready to go and provides great value in the latest Talk The Talk.”

“Darren and Dillian are two good guys who just want to fight, that’s the most important thing in combat sports and that shines through in episode 3,” added Bellew.

Talk The Talk premieres tonight at 8pm (BST) tonight

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the class of 2020. The 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place later this year and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Georges St-Pierre is a pioneer of Canadian MMA who helped build the sport globally,” UFC President Dana White said. “He is the most famous athlete to ever come out of Canada and one of the greatest martial artists of all-time. We’re proud to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020.”

St-Pierre will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019) and Rashad Evans (2019) in this distinguished category. The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35 or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 28 fights during his 17-year career, St-Pierre compiled a record of 26-2 (20-2, UFC), which included wins over UFC Hall of Famers BJ Penn, Matt Hughes, Matt Serra and Michael Bisping. His record also includes victories over well-known opponents such as former UFC lightweight champion Sean Sherk, former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks, former WEC^® welterweight champion Carlos Condit, former WEC^® and Strikeforce^® welterweight champion Nick Diaz and former Shooto welterweight and Strikeforce^® middleweight champion Jake Shields.  

St-Pierre made his UFC debut at UFC^® 46: SUPERNATURAL on January 31, 2004 in Las Vegas, defeating Karo Parisyan via unanimous decision. Georges returned to Las Vegas on June 19 to face Jay Hieron at UFC^® 48: PAYBACK, defeating Hieron via punches in the first round. The victory earned him his first title shot for the vacant UFC welterweight title against his fighting idol, Matt Hughes, at UFC 50. 

UFC^® 50: THE WAR OF ‘04 took place on October 22, 2004 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Hughes, the former five-time UFC welterweight champion and veteran of 41 fights, stepped inside the Octagon^® with a goal of regaining the title he lost to Penn at UFC 46. St-Pierre, in awe of the future UFC Hall of Famer, suffered his first loss via armbar submission with seconds remaining in the first round.

St-Pierre returned to the Octagon to face former SuperBrawl welterweight champion Jason Miller at UFC^® 52: COUTURE vs. LIDDELL 2. He defeated Miller via unanimous decision to begin a four-fight winning streak in UFC where he defeated Frank Trigg, Sherk and Penn, earning a rematch against Hughes at UFC 65 with the UFC welterweight title on the line.

Hughes entered UFC 65 on an equally impressive six-fight winning streak, having defeated Penn, UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie, former WEC^® welterweight champion Joe Riggs, Trigg, St-Pierre and Renato Verissimo. During this winning streak, Hughes won five fights by TKO or submission, with four in the first round.

UFC^® 65: BAD INTENTIONS took place on November 18, 2006 in Sacramento, California. St-Pierre controlled the first round with a series of punches and kicks. He connected on a head kick with seconds remaining in the first, as the horn to end the round saved Hughes. Georges continued his dominance in the second round, landing punches for the first minute before connecting on a left head kick 77 seconds into the round, followed by a series of ground strikes to end the fight and become the new UFC welterweight champion.

After a stunning first-round loss to Matt Serra at UFC^® 69: SHOOTOUT, St-Pierre returned to the Octagon and defeated Josh Koscheck via unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC^® 74: RESPECT. 

Georges would then embark on a six-year, 12-fight winning streak in which he would first capture the interim UFC welterweight title by defeating Hughes via submission at UFC^® 79: NEMESIS, then unify the title in a rematch with Serra in Montreal during UFC’s first-ever fight card in Canada, UFC^® 83: SERRA vs. ST-PIERRE 2, which he won via TKO.

St-Pierre’s global popularity skyrocketed over the next three years as he secured consecutive victories over Jon Fitch, Penn, Thiago Alves, Dan Hardy and a second win over Koscheck, leading to one of the biggest fights in UFC history at UFC 129.

UFC^® 129: ST-PIERRE vs. SHIELDS marked the first-ever sanctioned MMA event in the Province of Ontario. With St-Pierre, now one of the world’s most popular athletes, on an eight-fight winning streak, it was a perfect time for him to headline a card at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, one of the largest venues in the country. His opponent would be Jake Shields, unbeaten in six years with 15 consecutive wins.

St-Pierre would defeat Shields via unanimous decision, keeping his winning streak intact and furthering his claim as Canada’s most famous athlete. UFC 129 recorded a live gate of $12 million with a sellout crowd of 55,724 fans in attendance. The sellout crowd of 55,724 fans still stands as a North American record and serves as the third-largest crowd in UFC history.

St-Pierre would defend the UFC welterweight title three more times, defeating Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz and Johny Hendricks. Following his ninth successful title defense and 12^th consecutive victory, Georges took a hiatus from the sport in December 2013. At the time of this break, he held the records for most wins in title bouts with 12.

After a four-year hiatus, he returned to face UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping at UFC^® 217: BISPING vs. ST-PIERRE. Bisping entered the matchup on a five-fight winning streak that included wins over UFC^® 17: REDEMPTION middleweight tournament champion and former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson, and former UFC middleweight champions Luke Rockhold and Anderson Silva.

Both fighters would take turns controlling the match during the first two rounds, but St-Pierre outpaced Bisping in strikes, 74-58, submitting Bisping in the third round via rear-naked choke, capturing the UFC middleweight title. He would later vacate the title and retire. 

St-Pierre enter the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

• 1 of 7 fighters in UFC history with a title in two weight classes (welterweight / middleweight)

• 13 consecutive wins – Tied for 2^nd most in UFC history (2007-17)

• 13 title fight wins – 2^nd most in UFC history

• 20 wins – Tied for 3^rd most in UFC history

• 2,591 – Most strikes landed in UFC history

• 461 – Most significant ground strikes landed in UFC history

• 90 – Most takedowns in UFC history

Outside the Octagon, St-Pierre was honored with numerous awards, such as being named a three-time Rogers Sportsnet Canadian Athlete of the Year (2008-10), Black Belt Magazine MMA Fighter of the Year (2008), Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year (2009), MMA Junkie Fighter of the Year (2009), World MMA Awards Fighter of the Year (2009), Wrestling Observer Most Outstanding Fighter (2008-10), Wrestling Observer MMA Most Valuable Fighter (2011, 2013, 2017) and MMA Junkie Fighter of the Year (2017).

In January 2019, the UFC welterweight championship belt St-Pierre defended against Penn at UFC^® 94: ST-PIERRE vs. PENN 2, was acquired by the Canadian Museum of History, where it remains today for public display.

Since 2009, he has appeared in several films with roles / cameos in films such as Never Surrender (2009); Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014); Kickboxer: Vengeance (2016); and Cartels (2017). As part of UFC’s 25^th anniversary in 2018, St-Pierre was the subject of a UFC “25 Years In Short” documentary entitled: “Bully Proof: The Story of GSP’s Evolution from Bully Victim to UFC Badass.”

In 2009, he founded The Georges St-Pierre Foundation to help youth stop bullying and promote physical activity in schools. His foundation which provides grants to student-athletes competing in sports that helped hone his skills, such as boxing, fencing, judo, karate, Olympic wrestling, taekwondo and artistic gymnastics. His foundation supports Kids Help Phone, PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence) and Bullying.org.

In 2013, St-Pierre added author to his list of accomplishments when his biography entitled: “The Way of the Fight” was published by William Morrow. Written with Justin Kingsley, “The Way of the Fight” shared lessons on how he overcame bullying and injury to become an internationally celebrated athlete and champion.

A native of St. Isidore, Quebec, Canada, St-Pierre was introduced to Kyokushin Karate at the age of seven, after years of being bullied. Georges dedicated himself to martial arts and advanced to the level of 2^nd Dan black belt of Kyokushin Karate by the age of 12. Competing in the All-Canadian Open Junior Kumite Championships as a teenager, he advanced to the finals six consecutive years, capturing five titles. St-Pierre, who also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, continues to train at Tristar Gym.

Additional inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2020 will be announced in the coming weeks.

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s 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.

With a new date for their historic showdown coming soon, undefeated three-division and WBC and WBO Super Welterweight Champion Claressa Shields and IBF Super Welterweight Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire will both appear on “K9 Boxing Live,” a live stream hosted by two-time IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Cornelius Bundrage, this Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The exclusive interviews with the two champions previewing their imminent clash can be viewed on the Salita Promotions YouTube channel.

Flint, Michigan’s Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) and Montreal, Canada’s Dicaire (17-0) were originally scheduled to meet on May 9 at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint live on SHOWTIME, but the blockbuster matchup for Shields’ WBC and WBO titles and Dicaire’s IBF belt and the WBA (Super) crown, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, the two popular champions will sit down with Bundrage, himself a two-time IBF Super Welterweight Champion, to discuss their ongoing preparations and their eagerness to get hostilities underway as soon as possible.

The historic bout will see Shields attempting to become the first boxer in the four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion in two weight divisions and will be the first time in its 99-year history that the WBA has awarded a Super Champion belt to a female boxer.

“Of course, I wish I was fighting this weekend for my second undisputed world championship, but there are bigger things at stake right now and we all need to be focused on staying well,” said Shields. “I’ve been working out regularly and virtually training with my fans online. With that being said I cannot wait to be able to return to training camp, and I look forward to fighting Dicaire for the undisputed 154-pound titles as soon as we can!”

“I’m really looking forward to participating in this online interview with Claressa Shields,” said Dicaire. “I love talking about my passion for boxing and it will allow me to introduce myself to fans in the US, so they can find out who I am as an athlete.”

After the interviews, fans are invited to watch Shields’ momentous April 2019 unanimous decision victory over Germany’s Christina Hammer that unified the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO middleweight titles, as well as highlights from Dicaire’s impressive championship career.

Both videos will be available on the Salita Promotions YouTube channel.

WHO: Claressa Shields and Marie-Eve Dicaire live streamed on “K9 Boxing Live” with Cornelius Bundrage

WHEN: Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 pm ET.

WHERE: Salita Promotions YouTube channel.

John Ryder says a win over former IBF Middleweight ruler Danny Jacobs in New York would fire him back in line for another shot at WBA Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith as he spoke to Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH JOHN RYDER IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Ryder (28-5, 16 KOs) pushed Smith all the way at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool in November but lost out in what many thought was a controversial decision. A rematch with ‘Mundo’ is at the top of Ryder’s wish-list but the Islington man accepts he may have to earn another shot.

“The fight that I really want is the rematch with Callum but I know that Chudinov is now in the mandatory position,” said Ryder. “In order to get myself back there then why not someone like Danny Jacobs in New York. He’s a great fighter and I want to test myself against the best.

“It took me a couple of weeks to watch it back and when I did I still had it to myself by a few rounds even being ultra favourable to Callum Smith in the close rounds. I still feel that at worst it was a draw.

“I don’t want to harp on about it and my problem isn’t with Callum or any of his brothers, they’re all lovely people, it’s the judges and the scorecards. It half makes a mockery of the sport. Sometimes you get a dodgy scorecard but I feel that three was a bit wrong. 

“Are judges in the best position to score a fight? Should they be behind the scenes watching on a screen so they’re not influenced by the crowd? 

“Part of the plan was to build into the fight as we knew he would be dangerous early on so the plan was to take control in the second half. I thought we executed that plan perfectly. The first round I hadn’t planned on throwing a shot but they were there so I ended up throwing a couple. 

“Sometimes you can sense a script with commentary teams who are so pro for the puncher or the champion that even if the fight isn’t going a certain way the challenger just gets neglected. I think I won, he thinks he won but the scorecards don’t tell the story of the fight which was close. 

As well as speaking about Jacobs and Smith, Ryder talks about losing a close friend at a young age, life in lockdown, fatherhood, fighting behind closed doors and much more. 

Fans can find Ryder’s episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobds, Liam Smith and Demetrius Andrade 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/

BOXING LEGEND Prince Naseem Hamed has confidently predicted that 22-year-old Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois will “take over Heavyweight boxing”.

Speaking on the latest instalment of Frank Warren’s Heavyweight Podcast, the Sheffield icon expressed his admiration for promoter Warren’s eye for talent and spoke of the qualities that he believes make Dubois a surefire superstar.

“Frank knows how to pick the best fighters” he said, “and at the moment I think he’s got one in Daniel Dubois who I really think is going to light up the world.”

No stranger to a knockout himself, Naz added: “He has that crushing power. I love the way he fights… the way he punches to the body too.”

Despite his young age Dubois has already carved out an impressive 14-0 professional record, with 13 KO’s to his name, and has a list of boxing luminaries queuing up to praise him.

Hamed’s voice joins those of George Foreman, David Haye, Frank Bruno and Larry Holmes, amongst others, who have recently spoken of the potential for greatness in Dubois’ future.

‘Dynamite’ is next scheduled to face domestic rival Joe Joyce in a mouthwatering all-British battle that many see as a stepping stone to world title contention.

Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren clearly agrees and earlier this week declared Dubois to be the “best Heavyweight prospect on Planet Earth” and sensationally backed him to be victorious in a potential shootout with Deontay Wilder.

Prince Naseem wasn’t drawn on that particular match-up but did issue an ominous warning to the Heavyweight division as a whole.

“I am looking forward to watching Daniel Dubois’ career unfold. For me, I believe he takes over Heavyweight boxing.”

Famous for his exploits in the lighter weight classes, Naz did also reveal that he is keeping a keen eye on another of Queensberry’s brightest prospects: 19-year-old Bantamweight, Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann.

“I like Dennis. Dennis is a good fighter, definitely. I’m expecting him to be a world champion.

“For me, that’s one of the guarantees of boxing: Dennis and Daniel Dubois being world champions.”

———-

For more, Listen and subscribe to Frank Warren’s Heavyweight Podcast now wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4cMuJcPnrH7xS6XOLfibTU?si=Pl9edfc7Rz64PFA_g0tf6A

Reading, PA (May 7, 2020)-TONIGHT, Heavyweight contenders Travis Kauffman and Chris Arreola will be special guests on “In The Ring with Kings.” The show will take place at 7 PM ET and will be streamed live on the King’s Promotions Facebook Page (Search is Kings Boxing).

The show will discuss their classic matchup from 2015, their plans for the future and get their perspectives on the current landscape in in the heavyweight division – can Deontay Wilder be competitive in rematch with Tyson Fury, whose the current heavyweight king, and who is the next star in the heavyweight division? The fighters will also take questions from people all over the world who tune in for the live stream.

At 8 PM ET, world-ranked super bantamweight, Raeese Aleem wlll be interviewed by Marc Abrams.

Join the conversation live on Kings Promotions Facebook page at 7PM.

DANIEL DUBOIS facing fellow knockout artist Deontay Wilder, could be one of Heavyweight boxing’s big fights of 2021 according to the British champion’s trainer Martin Bowers. 

“It’s a fight that in about 12 months would be a fantastic one for the fans,” said Bowers.

Dubois and Wilder both have massive scraps ahead of them in the near future that are sure to have fans on the edge of their seats. 

Wilder attempts to regain the WBC championship when he meets Daniel’s Frank Warren stablemate Tyson Fury for the third time whilst Dubois will meet Joe Joyce in a mouthwatering domestic dust-up.

But talk of Dubois facing Wilder has sparked hot debate in boxing after Hall of Fame promoter Warren suggested he would welcome the fight. 

Bowers added: “Dan has a massive job to do against Joe, and Wilder is fighting Tyson again in his next fight. 

“I get the appeal of Daniel and Wilder. They are two big bangers, but Daniel can also box. Right now, we have one job to do and that is beating Joe.” 

Another top trainer Tunde Ajayi believes Daniel’s promoter Frank Warren is right to call out Wilder and predicted: “I fancy Daniel to knockout Wilder. 

“Daniel is young, hungry and ready to go, but before we talk Wilder he has to beat Joe Joyce and that is no foregone conclusion. 

“Tyson Fury was never looked on as a puncher but look what he did to Wilder. Daniel is a KO artist so what’s to say and he can’t do the same to Wilder. 

“Wilder is still a danger and will be for Fury, but Daniel is only going to get better and is young enough to bounce back if he loses.” 

Ajayi who trains Anthony Yarde, first met 22-year-old Dubois when the hot prospect was still at school and boxing for Lynn ABC. 

He added: “Daniel’s Dad told me when I met him for the first time years ago that he wanted him to be one of the world’s youngest Heavyweight champions in history. We’re talking stars aligning because he’s on the way. 

“Daniel doesn’t say a lot, but if he beats Joe then he is out there and ready for them all.” 

British training great Billy Graham is excited at the thought of Dubois v Wilder and would back the young Londoner against the American. 

Graham who famously trained Ricky Hatton says: “Of the current Heavyweight prospects I have seen, Daniel is the one that stands out. 

“I wouldn’t back him against Tyson Fury, but he is capable of knocking out Wilder or anyone else in the division. 

“The only worry I have is Daniel’s inexperience and whether he holds a shot because nobody can take Wilder’s right hand if it lands proper.

“He has rhythm and can move like a good Riddick Bowe and Sonny Liston. 

“I know there has been talk of Wilder and while I think Daniel can win, I would wait a little while because he is getting better and better with each fight.” 

Leading London trainer Alan Smith is also wowed by Daniel, adding: “I think he beats Wilder now. Wilder is a bully who was shown up by Tyson Fury.” 

Another big puncher, former WBO Cruiserweight champion and TV pundit Enzo Maccarinelli sounded a note of caution before unbeaten Dubois who has knocked out 13 of his 14 victims moves on. 

Maccarinelli who hopes to have his 50th fight later this year added: “If Daniel comes through what is a hard fight against Joyce he should have two or three more fights after before facing men like Wilder. 

“Daniel is a fighter and I’m sure if he was offered Wilder by Frank he would take it, but I would like to see him wait. 

“Daniel is really good and so impressive against Nathan Gorman, but he still lacks experience and that showed against Kevin Johnson.” 

Inexperienced he might be for now, but once past Joyce few will be able to argue that Dubois doesn’t belong with the Heavyweight division’s elite.

World Title rivals Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas will come together for a special ePress conference at 7pm (BST) tonight on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with StubHub, Eddie Hearn hosts the third edition of our ‘Rivals’ series following the first two instalments with Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr and Anthony Fowler and Ohara Davies. 

Harper (10-5, 5 KOs) was due to defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight crowns against Liverpool’s Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs) in an all-British showdown at the Doncaster Dome on April 24 before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the sporting world to a halt. 

“I want to understand why Tasha thinks she’s better than me,” said Harper. “Obviously she had the bad fight against Obenauf, I believe Viviane came in at short notice. For me, Viviane had a full training camp, she prepared well for me, and when I look back now it was a comfortable win for me.

“Tasha gets caught quite a lot and I’m a big strong Super-Featherweight. When I get in the ring I’m easily a good 10 or 12lbs heavier than what I was at the weigh-in the day before. I’ve got a bit of meat behind my punches and I strongly believe I could get a stoppage over Tasha.

“Every fight I’m having I’m always thinking about that next step and reaching the next level. I enjoy the risks but I feel I have great momentum and I can’t see anything stopping me at the minute.”

“I respect the way she’s come through,” said Jonas. “She hasn’t come from the big amateur background and had a big TV deal from the start. She’s got herself to that point. She’s hungry but I’m hungrier. I respect her, she’s young, she’s quick and she’s got a good engine but no disrespect, I just think I’m better.”

“I can’t keep living off my amateur career. The WBC belt is one of the most prestigious belts and I don’t think from memory Joe Gallagher has had a WBC Champion yet. We want the belt, the t-shirts and everything!”

“Natasha Jonas was due to challenge for Terri’s unified World Championships in April. There’s been some fascinating conversations moving forward about when this fight might happen. This is a fight that is done, is agreed and will be happening,” added Eddie Hearn. 

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

THE UNBEATEN MIDLANDS puncher Danny Ball has joined the welterweight ranks at Queensberry Promotions and will now fight under the Frank Warren banner.

The 23-year-old, who holds a record of 9-0-1 (4 KOs), enjoyed a major career breakthrough in October of last year when he upset the odds from the away corner in Ellesmere Port and stopped the home fighter and highly regarded Mason Cartwright inside three rounds to claim the vacant WBC International Silver title.

It was a statement performance that signalled a new force arriving on the welterweight scene that includes now fellow Queensberry fighters in Chris Jenkins, Johnny Garton and new boy Ekow Essuman.

The clinical finish clearly caught the eye of those charged with recruitment at Queensberry, who quickly registered an interest.

“I can hardly believe it because it is such a massive thing and a massive opportunity for me,” reacted the Kingswinford-based Ball to his career development.

“Just after I won my WBC belt back in October my manager Errol (Johnson) said there had been contact and there was some interest in me. Then it went quiet for a bit and I didn’t think anything was going to come of it, but then the contract came through so I signed it on the same day and sent it straight back!

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” added Ball, who knew full well that he wasn’t drafted in for a shot at his belt with any expectation of him pulling off a victory.

“I don’t think anybody expected it apart from me and my team really. Everything was geared up for him to win it. He sold about 500 tickets, while I took about 100 up to Ellesmere Port with me and took it away from him as soon as I had the opportunity. I took it with both hands and I was always confident of winning the fight anyway.

“One hundred per cent it was my breakthrough and when we took it I said straight away that I was confident of beating him. It took me a couple of rounds to warm into the fight, but he didn’t faze me and when the opportunity came I got him out of there.”

Boxing runs through the Ball family with his uncle, Shaun Cooper, being a veteran of over 90 fights and captained the England amateur team, while his brother Jamie is the Midlands Area champion at super welterweight.

Danny himself departed the amateur scene at the age of 15 after 12 fights, of which he won nine. A rise in weight due to the inactivity led him to the white collar circuit to get fit, where he took part in 15 fights and won them all.

He made his professional debut with a first round stoppage in July 2017.

While he reckons it won’t be himself that starts any flirting with the more established 147-pounders, he insists he will not shy away if any of them are ready to sign up for battle.

“I don’t think I am in a position to call anyone out, but if they come to me I wouldn’t turn it down. I am 110 per cent confident of getting in there with anyone in the top five or ten in the rankings. No problem.

“I don’t think I have hit my prime in my body yet so just keep putting them in front of me and I will keep taking them out, then hopefully I will get the opportunity of another belt on the way up.

“It is a boring time at the moment but I am glad of the time with my little girl. I have been ticking over doing my road runs and exercises in the garden. I am just getting itchy to start punching again now.”

———————————————

DANNY BALL’S FIRST INTERVIEW AS A QUEENSBERRY FIGHTER IS AVAILABLE NOW! WATCH THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF ‘LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN’ HERE

DANIEL DUBOIS has backed promoter Frank Warren’s call for a mouthwatering match-up with Deontay Wilder and boldly predicted he’d “break him down”.

Speaking to Danny Flexen from SecondsOut, Dubois admitted he wasn’t privy to Warren’s plan to pair him with the ‘Bronze Bomber’ ahead of time but was sure the fight was “the right step”.

“He was champion a long time but his reign is over now. When we do meet, i’ll be looking forward to it.”

With a wry smile, the 22-year-old bruiser then added: “It’ll be interesting.”

Frank Warren said of Dubois earlier this week: “Daniel is the best Heavyweight prospect on Planet Earth and he’ll have far too much for Deontay Wilder.”

‘Dynamite’ clearly agrees.

“I’ve got more tools. I’ve got plenty of tools to use. I’ll find a way to win and break him down.”

Famed for the devastating punching power that has helped him to a 14-0 professional record, with 13 KO’s, Dubois was then asked whether he would knock out Wilder.

The answer was simple: “Yeah. Of course.”

He added: “This is what the Heavyweight game is all about, knockouts and exciting nights… It’ll be interesting when it happens.”

Dubois drew confidence from watching Tyson Fury dismantle Wilder in February and believes Wilder’s ‘heavy costume’ excuses are “a bit iffy”.

“He looked overwhelmed from the first second of that fight. He couldn’t get a foothold in the fight and he got beat up fair and square. He got beat down.

If he’s the next step for me I’m ready to take him.”

Warren’s call for a transatlantic dust-up between the two knockout artists came with just one caveat, that Dubois first overcame domestic rival ‘The Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce.

The two British titans were scheduled to fight on April 11th, a bout that has since been rescheduled to July 11th because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

When the fight does take place, Dubois is fully confident he’ll rise to the challenge.

“I’m not overlooking anyone or underestimating anyone… this next fight with Joe is to see who is the best Heavyweight in Britain and after that it’s ‘who’s going to be the number 1 in the world?’”

Dubois then took aim at the Heavyweight divisions biggest names, adding that he planned to “move all the old guys out the way”.

34-year-old former champ Wilder may take some moving, but confident Dubois seemingly has his sights set on the very top of the Heavyweight mountain.

———————

Daniel Dubois’ ‘Skype it Up Interview’ with Danny Flexen will go live at 7pm Tonight (Wednesday May 6th) on the SecondsOut YouTube page here

Fight fans across the world can now enjoy hundreds of hours of classic archived moments from Matchroom Boxing’s illustrious history in the sport courtesy of Matchroom Live.

The new platform allows fans to delve into the history books of all of Matchroom Sport’s offerings from over the past 30 years across a wide range of sports including darts, snooker, fishing and tenpin bowling. 

FANS CAN SIGN UP TO WATCH THE FREE ARCHIVE BY CLICKING HERE
 

Fans can watch an extensive catalogue of content featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Chris Eubank Sr, Nigel Benn, Tony Bellew, Carl Froch and many more.

Hours of Fight Night Classics, 101 Great Knockouts, Prize Fighter and Pro Box Classics will feature, as well as Eddie Hearn’s brand new Talk The Talk show starring former Cruiserweight World Champion Tony Bellew, with plenty more content to come.

Matchroom Live has the ability to cast to virtually any device whether that be a console, Smart TV, or connected device.

Demetrius Andrade hopes to finally get to face bitter rival Billy Joe Saunders when boxing returns – and told Matchroom Boxing’s Podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’ that he would ‘bust up’ the Brit if they clashed.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH DEMETRIUS ANDRADE IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) was due to face Saunders in October 2018 for the Londoner’s WBO crown but the Briton failed a drugs test and subsequently relinquished the title. 

Andrade would win the vacant belt against Walter Kautondokwa in Boston and has since defended the title with imposing wins over Artur Akavov, Maciej Sulecki and Luke Keeler. The Rhode Island star has been hunting a massive fight to stamp his authority on the 160lbs division before moving up to Super-Middleweight, and the 32 year old ran the rule over his rivals at both weights as he itches to get back in the ring.

“I was willing to fight Billy Joe after a 15 month lay-off but that didn’t happen and I am willing to fight him again,” said Andrade. “If I can’t get Canelo then it’s Billy Joe or Charlo at 160. At 168 we’ve got Callum Smith. I would bust Billy Joe Saunders up at 160 or 168, that’s not a problem. 

“I consider Danny Jacobs one of the best Middleweights out there, but would I fight him, yeah! If it came to the point where we were going to make X amount, then we could make it happen, but I grew up with him and we have a brothership and mutual connections. Fighting him isn’t something I’m looking to do.

“I don’t want to talk about Liam Williams because there is nothing to talk about. What do I have to say? We know Jacobs, Canelo, GGG, Sergey Derevyenchenko and Billy Joe want to fight, who am I going to fight? Billy Joe or Liam Williams? Who do you want to see? 

“I saw Billy Joe in the airport not too long ago. He said ‘what do you think about me and you?’ and I told him ‘he doesn’t want to fight me and for him to go and enjoy his life’.

“It might be Williams but I’m not fighting Canelo or Charlo or Billy Joe behind closed doors because I want to shut them up in front of people! And tell them ‘It’s me again’!”

Fans can find Andrade’s episode plus previous episodes with, Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Joe Cordina and Liam Smith 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/

Miami – May 5, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., continues its special encore presentations this Friday, May 8 at 12 a.m. ET with the story behind the rise of  Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez Jr and the road to his World Tittle shot, following the footsteps of his father, a legitimate Puerto Rican legend and three-time World Boxing Champ, Wilfredo Vazquez.

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 Wilfredo Vasquez Jr.’s career highlights with a show-stopping bout from September 12, 2008 as he squared off against Adolfo Landeros for the Titulo Super Gallo Interino OMB, marking the first title of his career. Later that year, Vasquez Jr. faced Victor Martinez in a fight that went on to mark his first title defense and led him to claim victory for the WBO Super Bantamweight title twice later in 2011 vs. Jorge Arce and in 2012 vs. Nonito Donaire.

Boxeo Telemundo will continue its featured encores on Friday, May 15 with the trajectory of Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz topped off with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes anecdotes and stories from the on-air talent. The special season wraps ups on May 22 with a special highlighting the beginnings of 4-division champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. 

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 Alvarez, 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.?

Tonight, May 5, will be a night of boxing on ESPNEWS when the network airs five consecutive hours of the sweet science featuring some of the sport’s greatest grudge matches. The action will begin at 7 p.m. ET with the epic first fight between Mexican legends Érik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera.

The special presentation will include an interview from ESPN’s Joe Tessitore with unified WBC and WBO super lightweight champion, José Ramirez. During the interview, Ramirez talks about what he is doing in his community in support of Covid-19 relief and what he is doing to stay in fighting shape. The interview will air approximately at 10 p.m. ET.

Lineup includes:

ÉrikMorales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera 1: This super bantamweight unification fight saw WBC world champion Morales put his belt on the line against WBO world champion Barrera. In the Ring Magazine’s Fight of the Year for 2000, the two combined to land 618 punches. Round 5 was named Round of the Year by Ring Magazine, and Barrera and Morales would fight twice more over the next four years in what is considered one of the greatest trilogies in boxing history.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Márquez 1: The first of their four meetings took place at MGM Grand Garden Arena with Marquez defending his WBA and IBF featherweight world titles. Marquez survived three first-round knockdowns to push Pacquiao to the brink in an epic 12-rounder.

Miguel Cotto vs. Antonio Margarito 1: Puerto Rican superstar Cotto had made four successful defenses of his WBA welterweight world title when he faced Mexican bruiser Margarito for the first time in 2008. Cotto dominated the early rounds, but Margarito came on in the later rounds in what turned out to be a dramatic, bloody ending.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Julio César Chávez 1: A crowd of more than 15,000 packed the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace for this June 1996 battle between WBC super lightweight champion Chávez and De La Hoya, a 1992 U.S. Olympic gold medalist seeking a world title in a third weight class. A cut in the first round drastically changed the course of the fight.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Márquez 4: More than eight years after their first matchup, no major world titles were at stake. Pacquiao held a 2-0-1 series lead, but their fourth matchup was one of the most brutal fights of the 21^st century. It ended suddenly, with one of the most devastating one-punch knockouts the sport has ever seen. The pay-per-view event generated 1.1 million buys and a live gate of almost $11 million.

Additionally, starting today and concluding tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, ESPN Deportes will treat fans to 30 hours of classic Top Rank bouts featuring some of the sport’s greatest fighters, including Márquez, Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Roberto Durán, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Terence Crawford.

ESPN+ features a library of hundreds of the most important fights in boxing history, as well as recent Top Rank on ESPN fight cards for replay, all streaming on demand. The historic fights on ESPN+ include legendary heavyweight showdowns like Ali vs. Frazier III, Ali vs. George Foreman, Joe Louis vs. Billy Conn, Tyson vs. Holmes, Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney, Max Baer vs. James J. Braddock, Ali vs. Sonny Liston I & II, Wilder vs. Fury II and many more.

Boxing lineup on ESPNEWS

Julio Cesar Chavez says fighting on Cinco de Mayo was so special for him to connect with his fans as he joins Jessie Vargas in a special episode of ‘Peleamundo’. CHAVEZ IS A GUEST ON THE CINCO DE MAYO EPISODE OF ‘PELEAMUNDO’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FROM 5PM (ET) TODAY!
The Mexican legend boxed countless times in Cinco de Mayo weekend and the month of May over his incredible career and speaking to host Jessie Vargas, the former three-weight World king discussed how it felt to fight for his people on that date, especially his rematch with Frankie Randall in 1994.

“It’s a very special day for all Mexicans,” said Chavez. “I fought many times in May representing all Mexicans. It’s something very, very special, something very beautiful feeling the love, the support from all the Mexican Americans that lived in the United States.

“Above all, the Mexicans, that truly are the ones who support other Mexicans who go and triumph in the United States. For them it’s something great that one can represent them. I always tried to represent them in the best way. Fortunately, I gained their respect, but above all, I won the love of the people, nobody can take it away from me.

“They were great, they were huge for me because I always had the support of all the Mexicans that moved there. I don’t even remember any more if I won or lost, I think I won more than I lost!

“The one thing I’m left with is with the joy that I gave to the Mexicans there, the euphoria with which they received me, they presented me, and they followed me. I always have that.

“There are opponents that are complicated for us. The truth is that for me, Frankie Randall’s style was always complicated for me. Even in the third fight, because in the second fight, even though I beat him the truth is that if it weren’t for the headbutt no one knows how it would have gone for me because I was already really tired. 

“Honestly in that fight, I had prepared like never before. My addiction was already very far along. But I stopped for a bit there because I had lost, I wanted to avenge my loss. I stopped a bit, despite the fact that my addiction was already very advanced. I stopped a bit, I tried to stop a bit in order to take back my title and that’s how it went. I think I went a bit too far, I prepared so well, that I went into the fight over-trained. In the second round, I felt that my arms were already falling. 

“Fortunately, thank God, based on pure experience I took the fight. I had another fight against him in Mexico City where I already knew his style and there, I beat him more easily.”

Chavez joins Vargas in a special Cinco de Mayo episode of ‘Peleamundo’ which also features WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman.

New York, May 4, 2020

Star Boxing swings during COVID-19 sports freeze. On Friday May 8, Star Boxing is set to present the first ever “Rockin’ Fights Rewind” starting at 8:00PM ET, LIVE on the Star Boxing Facebook page. “Rockin’ Fights Rewind” is set to take place in lieu of the previously postponed “Rockin’ Fights” 39, as a result of COVID-19 shut-down.

Tune in at starting at 8PM ET as Star Boxings stars and top prospects interact with fans as we rewind some of their thrilling bouts at The Paramount. Fighters to be featured include, current #4 (WBO), #8 (WBA & IBF), world rated and current NABO light heavyweight champion, JOE “BEAST” SMITH JR. (25-3 20KO’s) , current #11 (WBA), #13 (IBF) world rated, and current NABA Super Lightweight Champion, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (25-1 21KO’s), current WBC FECARBOX and ABO Intercontinental Super Lightweight champion, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (19-2-1 7KO’s) and undefeated rising super welterweight, fan favorite, “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (11-0 8KO’s).

Interact with each fighter, as they answer questions direct from the YOU, the fans, via Facebook Live. Get an in-depth look into the mind of a fighter, as each breaks down his strategy and adjustments in real time while watching the action with fans.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about “Rockin’ Fights Rewind,” “Nothing will compare to physically being at the fights, but with the current circumstances, we wanted to be able to give fight fans the unique experience to interact with some of the fan favorites, while having the opportunity to get inside the mind of a fighter, like never before. It is a chance for our fans to remain safe, but involved and we hope it will bring some joy to these otherwise hectic times, thru the sweet science.”

WHO:
JOE “BEAST” SMITH JR.

4 (WBO), #8 (IBF, WBC) World Rated & Current NABO Champion

CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN

11 (WBA), #13 (IBF) World Rated & Current NABA Champion

DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ
Current WBC FECARBOX & ABO Intercontinental Champion

“THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES
Undefeated Rising Star

JOE DEGUARDIA
CEO/President Star Boxing

WHAT:
Star Boxing presents “Rockin’ Fights Rewind”
Watch the action while interacting with Star Boxing’s fighters and CEO via Facebook Live as each fighter REWINDS with fights from Star Boxing’s critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series from The Paramount in Huntington, New York.

WHEN:
THIS Friday, May 8, Starting at 8PM ET

WHERE:
Star Boxing Facebook Page
www.Facebook.com/StarBoxing

NEW YORK – May 4, 2020 – SHOWTIME announced today it has acquired rights to the award-winning documentary RINGSIDE, which chronicles the dramatic upbringing of two boxing prodigies and follows the divergent paths they take as they navigate life’s uncertainties on the South Side of Chicago. Filmed over the course of nine years by award-winning director Andre Hörmann, RINGSIDE will premiere on SHOWTIME on Friday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Winner of the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival, RINGSIDE documents the lives of Kenneth Sims Jr., Destyne Butler Jr., and their dedicated fathers who train them, and their aspirations of surviving one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation to achieve boxing glory. Hörmann teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Tom Bergmann and editor Vincent Assmann in 2009 to begin following the gifted young athletes. Starting with their U.S. Olympic^® Boxing Team Trials, the filmmakers captured pivotal moments over nine years as the young men’s choices and circumstances changed, leading them down separate paths – one towards a promising boxing career and the other through the prison system.

“Filmed over the course of nine years, RINGSIDE is a complex, emotional account of two youths fighting to survive both professionally and personally,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “This remarkable film follows two gifted young boxers and the fathers who guide them, as they strive to overcome a seemingly never-ending series of personal and societal obstacles. The result is a moving story about hope, ambition, self-discipline, resilience and redemption. It is this type of provocative story, at the intersection of sports and society, that has become the hallmark of SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films.”

Both young men achieved remarkable success in their amateur careers. Sims amassed over 250 amateur fights, winning numerous national titles, and after his professional debut in 2014, became a sought-after sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Linares among others. He has made four appearances on the SHOWTIME prospect developmental series ShoBox: The New Generation to date. Conversely, Butler fell in with a burglary ring and served time in prison. He returned to boxing following his release in 2018, winning the Chicago Golden Gloves. He now stands undefeated following nine professional bouts.

A Sutor Kolonko and Motto Pictures production in association with Blue Ice Docs and Mitten Media, RINGSIDE is produced by two-time Academy Award^® nominee and Emmy^® Award winner Julie Goldman, Emmy Award winner Ingmar Trost and Emmy and Peabody Award winner Christopher Clements. The executive producers are Ken Pelletier, Mark Mitten and Carolyn Hepburn.

RINGSIDE is the latest in culturally relevant unscripted programming from SHOWTIME SPORTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS that spotlights contemporary subject matter. New customers who sign up on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app can take advantage of a 30-day free trial for the SHOWTIME streaming service, available on SHOWTIME.com and the SHOWTIME app on all supported devices.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND^®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME^®. 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. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

HALL OF FAME promoter Frank Warren has sensationally claimed he’d be willing to match Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois against Deontay Wilder “by the end of the year”.

Speaking to Queensberry Promotions’ Lockdown Lowdown show, Warren said a potential bout would be contingent on ‘Dynamite’ first overcoming Joe Joyce.

He said: “If Daniel comes through his fight with Joyce… then yes, by the end of the year yes.”

Deontay Wilder was last seen on February 22nd when he was outclassed and stopped by Tyson Fury in Las Vegas, losing his WBC crown in the process.

Warren believes that in that contest ‘The Gypsy King’ revealed the blueprint to beating ‘The Bronze Bomber’ and that will be Wilder’s undoing in the future.

In later comments to Queensberry Promotions, Warren said: “Tyson has shown how beatable Wilder is. Once their rematch is out the way, I’d have no problem matching Daniel with Deontay. 

Wilder is good, don’t get me wrong, but my man will be miles better in time.”

22-year-old Greenwich bruiser Dubois has amassed a fearsome reputation as a devastating knockout artist in his 14 professional scraps to date but his promoter believes it’s his other attributes that really set him apart.

“Daniel’s big and powerful and everyone knows he can punch, too. But he’s a good boxer. I’ve said before that he has a Larry Holmes-like jab and he works the body as well as any heavyweight on earth.

I’ve been telling people how good Daniel is and once the world starts going back to normal, i’ll have no doubt he’ll show you.”

Prior to the coronavirus crisis ‘Dynamite’ was scheduled to meet fellow Londoner Joe Joyce in a mouthwatering domestic clash but has since been hunkered down in a new Hertfordshire pad.

Keeping fresh by training alongside his boxing siblings, Prince and Caroline, Daniel told The Sun on Sunday he was raring to get back to work, saying: “I just want to get on with it.”

Whilst no-one can predict what comes next in these uncertain times, Daniel’s promoter Warren is certain he can predict what would happen if Dubois got to step in the ring with the American Wilder.

“Daniel is the best Heavyweight prospect on Planet Earth and he’ll have far too much for Deontay Wilder. I truly believe that.”

—————-

The full ‘Lockdown Lowdown: Frank Warren’s Q&A’ will go live here on Tuesday 5th May at 7pm

NATIONAL AMATEUR LIGHTWEIGHT champion Masood Abdulah is set to turn professional under the promotional guidance of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

A product of Islington Boxing Club, Abdulah enjoyed a rapid rise through the amateur ranks that culminated in him winning the National Championships (formerly ABAs) last April – having previously won gold at the Three-Nations Championships – all inside of 30 fights.

The 26-year-old concluded his amateur stint on 34 fights, having last season also won the Novices, Development and Intermediate Elites, competing in 14 fights over a four-month period.

He will enter the professional game as a super featherweight.

“I am honestly over the moon,” said the articulate Abdulah on securing a promotional platform to showcase his talents. “I haven’t been boxing for that long and I have managed to get in with one of the best promoters out there. I am ecstatic about it, very excited and looking forward to the journey.

“I met Frank Warren and he wished me the best of luck and said he hopes I can carry my success in the amateurs into the pros. I think I have a professional style because I sit down on my shots and don’t bounce in and out and I look to stop fights every single time.”

It was keeping tabs on his younger sibling that saw the university educated North Londoner sport the boxing gloves for the first time, but it was the older Abdulah who stood the test of time and went on to enjoy unexpected success.

“I had my first fight on February 9, 2017 and I only joined the boxing club just so I could spend time with my younger brother,” he revealed. “He used to box and I used to kick box and after university I wanted to spend more time with him because we grew apart.

“The more time I spent boxing the less he spent boxing, which was weird. It was just a way of me keeping an eye on him, but then he beat me up in the gym and I needed to get him back.

“I think that saw us grow apart again because I came down and took over his sport. We speak once in a while now and we have got each other’s back, no matter what.”

Promoter Warren added on his new recruit: “Masood has enjoyed huge success in such a short space of time and it will be fascinating to see if he can emulate these accomplishments in the pro ranks.

“Winning what used to be known as a senior ABA title with so little experience suggests that he has got what it takes and I am looking forward to launching the second phase of his career.

“I am sure he will be one to watch.”

Liam Smith says he would love to fight Kell Brook, but warned that he won’t chase the Sheffield star as he is the latest guest on Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH LIAM SMITH IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!

Former WBO World Super-Welterweight king Smith (29-2-1 16 KOs) is plotting his route to becoming a two-time World champion, and the 31 year old wants that route to include a huge all-British fight with Brook, the former IBF Welterweight ruler.

Brook surrendered that crown in May 2017 against Errol Spence Jr, and then ‘The Special One’ moved up to 154lbs, settling in with wins over Sergey Rabchenko, Michael Zerafa and Mark DeLuca. Brook has been heavily linked with a return to Welterweight to meet WBO champion Terence Crawford, while the rivalry with Amir Khan is still in the picture, but Smith hopes that the fight with him and Brook can be made, but is also open to a battle with former two-weight champion Jessie Vargas.

“The Brook fight is a fight I want but I am not going to chase him,” said Smith. “He’s not that good and he hasn’t got a World Title, I want to fight him because he’s a decent name and I think it’s a very good fight for the British fans.

“The Jessie Vargas fight is the more likely fight for me. Brook seems to be playing no part but I think Eddie Hearn should force Brook’s hand if he wants to see the fight. I don’t blame Brook, if he gets the Crawford fight then good luck for him but I think a fight with me will be much more competitive.

“I want to be in a fight that people will be glued to, find entertaining and want to watch. We know Vargas can fight, he’s a two weight World Champion and it was almost done before Eddie signed Mikey Garcia which then became the obvious fight to make.

“Amir Khan isn’t scared of Brook, he has fought everyone. His resume is unbelievable, but I think he is scared of losing to Brook. I think it’s similar with Kell that he is scared of losing to me. Too higher risk for a smaller reward for him but I do think there is good money there in that fight. If it isn’t Crawford it should be me and Brook.”

As well as speaking about Brook and Vargas, Smith talks about his boxing brothers, fighting Canelo Alvarez, Liverpool FC’s title hopes and much more in the latest episode of ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.

Fans can find Smith’s episode plus previous episodes with, Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington and Liam Smith 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/

HALL-OF-FAME Promoter Frank Warren has today gone public with his worry that boxing could “lose a lot of young fighters” if the sport doesn’t resume in the coming months.

Speaking to Chef Gordon Ramsey on the latest episode of Frank Warren’s Heavyweight Podcast, Warren was bullish about the need to get moving again as soon as it was safe to do so.

“We need to get on. As far as boxing is concerned, if we don’t, I think we’re going to lose a lot of young fighters.”

He added: “It’s not like they can even train properly. They can’t get into gyms, they can’t spar.”

Accepting the need for a ‘new normal’, Warren acknowledged that financial gain for promoters will be impossible over the coming months but insisted it is imperative for the fighters and the sport itself that action is resumed.

“We’re working very closely with the boxing board of control to enable us to get something going. There’s going to be no money in it but we’ve got to get it moving.”

Chief amongst people’s concerns when discussing a return to live boxing is the issue of safety and the Queensberry head-honcho has made clear that it will be his number one priority before he promotes any future events.

“To begin with we’ll be putting shows on behind closed doors… We’ve got to work very hard on safety aspects to make sure people are tested regularly”, he said. 

“This is a contact sport, a full contact sport… from the trainers to the seconds to the referees, we need to make sure it’s a safe environment for everyone involved. That is paramount.”

Warren batted away any concerns about the logistical hurdles that may involve and confirmed: “We’re ready to go!”

“We’ve got everything in place to do this as soon as we get the green light. When the government says we can commence doing things behind closed doors, we are in a good position.”

Listening on was world famous chef, and boxing fanatic, Gordon Ramsay who saw similarities between the difficulties facing the boxing industry and those facing the restaurant trade.

Reflecting on the effect on his business, he said: “There’ll be substantial losses next year, no two ways about that, but we don’t need a kicking because of the severe losses, we need supporting.”

Chef Ramsay echoed his host’s call to worry more about the prospects of young people than the effect on the bottom line and spoke passionately about the need to find a way out of this situation.

He said: “Having three daughters and two sons, the mental health aspect of being confined to barracks and having this cabin fever. Being locked in for this length of time? We have to be very careful of the long term effects of knocking the confidence out of youngsters today.”

Amidst all the doom-and-gloom, though, he does see some shoots of recovery.

“i’m optimistic. We have to open up and come back stronger.”

———-

For more, Listen and subscribe to Frank Warren’s Heavyweight Podcast now wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4cMuJcPnrH7xS6XOLfibTU?si=Pl9edfc7Rz64PFA_g0tf6A

Star trainers Freddie Roach, Robert Garcia and Andre Rozier join Chris Mannix in a new show on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel as they view the COVID-19 pandemic and the return of the sport ‘From The Corner’.
WATCH ROACH, GARCIA AND ROZIER TALK ALL THINGS BOXING WITH CHRIS MANNIX ON ‘FROM THE CORNER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Boxing has been hit as hard as any sport as fighters kick their heels waiting to hear when they will be back between the ropes, and as the trio of the sport’s elite coaches told Chris Mannix, they know that they have a key role in how their fighters return at their peak.

Roach, Garcia and Rozier chewed the fat with Mannix for over 40 minutes and the group offer their expert opinions:

On the lockdown –

Garcia: “It’s tough, fighters fight for a living and without having any income coming in they have to look for support elsewhere. There are some fortunate fighters like Mikey Garcia and Manny Pacquiao that are getting big paydays but besides those guys, boxers are going to struggle especially if this goes on for four, five more months, fighters are going to be in trouble.”

Roach: “This has attacked the whole world, we weren’t prepared and it’s hitting us hard, it’s killed all sports. I’ve told my fighters, don’t get caught off guard, be ready. You have to be in shape at all time, because if you get the first call out and you say ‘I’m not ready yet’, that’s not going to go down well with the promoters.”

Rozier: “Maintain cardio, that’s really important. You are in the house, what do you do? You watch TV and you eat, and some of my guys eat and eat and eat. So, I am telling them to make sure they keep then roadwork going, do as much as you can. You’ve been taught everything in the gym already. Do your exercise, shadow box, just work, that’s all you can do right now. You have to be prepared because when we get back to a ‘new normal’, you have to be ready because the first guys that are ready to go will be the first guys to really go.”

On the importance of sparring –

Garcia: “I’ve thought about it and we cannot stop sparring. The guys need it. Like Freddie, I remember the days when I would spar every day, I think three days a week is enough now to get the rounds in. We don’t have to bring outside guys in really with the guys we have in there, but sometimes I’ll call the Wild Card and ask if there’s someone for one of my guys, and sometimes I’ll get the call from the Wild Card to send a guy over there. We won’t really have a problem as all the guys are living, eating and training together so it’s not going to affect us too much. Jose Ramirez always wants to spar Vergil Ortiz, because he gets the best work from him.”

Rozier: “Sparring is the essence of practice. I’m not saying your guys have to kill each other in sparring, but you have to formulate your attack plans, your footwork, your ring generalship and that’s how you gain your experience, by sparring. So, it’s going to be really difficult, the only good thing going on with my crew of guys is that they are so diverse that they can spar with each other, I don’t have to call guys in from outside.”

Roach: “Mike Tyson said to me one day ‘why do I have to spar with three different sparring partners? Can’t we make it fair and have me spar with one guy for the whole day?’ I said, ‘well Mike you know that’s not how it works’ but he tried to convince me! Mike was a character! He KO’d a lot of guys in sparring early in his career, but he wasn’t bad on them later in his career when he was with me. He said to me once, ‘Freddie, you don’t have to get up in the morning and do road work with me, I will do it myself anyway,’ and I said ‘yeah, I am just here to spy on you a little bit and make sure you get up!’”  

On boxing behind closed doors – 

Garcia: “it’s going to have to happen, like it or not. Boxing is going to change. Jose Ramirez for example told me that he’d rather not fight (without fans) but with things going the way they are going, he’s going to have to, there’s nothing else he can do. He doesn’t like the idea but what else are you going to do? Fighters that have already accomplished so much might be able to retire or those that haven’t been in the sport for long and aren’t making money could consider doing something else if they don’t like fighting without fans, but those that are in the position where the purses are already huge or they are in World title fights, they are going to have to fight, there’s no way they will make that sort of money. 

“Having millions of people watching on TV is just not the same as have the live crowd cheering your name, or against you which can motivate you, it’s something boxing needs but we’re going to have to deal with it and teach our fighters how to handle it. The gyms are going to change too, sparring sessions sometimes have lots of people in the gym but maybe that will be just the trainers and the fighters so that they can get used to this.”

Roach: “Gabriel Rosado had a fight in an empty arena in Phoenix and it was really hard to motivate him, we had to push him to fight after the Jacobs-Chavez Jr. fight had emptied the arena. It was unusual but at least he’s had practice at it. It was difficult for him to get his combinations going and get pumped up, there was no crowd just some officials, judges and the cornermen, that’s it – and we’ll have to get used to that for some time because that’s the path we’re on right now.”

Rozier: “Sergey Derevyanchenko and I spoke about it. I asked him about there being no fans and he’s such a nonchalant guy he just said, ‘it’s OK coach, I do what I have to do’. Fighters are going to have to make it work, you can’t say no, you have to fight. You can’t tell a promoter ‘oh I don’t have an audience so I can’t fight’. I’m praying we’ll be back eventually but to get the ball bouncing, we’re going to have to get in the ring in arenas by ourselves and Robert and Freddie and I will be the guys cheering the fighters on from our corners! The guys that are always in swing-bouts will be ready for this big time!”

Los Angeles, CA (April 30, 2020) Churchill Management led by Peter Berg, Mark Wahlberg and Sam Katkovski, has announced the signing of top junior lightweight prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas to a managerial contract. The 23-year-old Balderas, a native of Santa Maria, CA sports a record of 9-1 with eight knockouts and is promoted by Ringstar Sports and fights under the Premier Boxing Champions banner.

Said Balderas, “I’ve always dealt very well with adversity, every setback has always helped better me and propel me to the next level. In the long run I’ll come out on top.” After a scorching start to his professional career following the 2016 Olympic Games, the popular Balderas lost his first fight as a professional on December 21, 2019 to Rene Tellez Giron in Ontario, CA.

“I’m stepping it up inside and outside the ring and that’s why I’ve joined Churchill Management to help take me to the next level. They have a proven record of success with their fighters and I’m honored to be part of their team.” Balderas joins former WBA Junior Welterweight World Champion Regis Prograis, Welterweight Contender Alex Saucedo and undefeated middleweight prospect Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams as part of the Churchill Management Team.

Said Peter Berg, “Karlos Balderas’ vicious body attack and lightning speed combinations make him one of the most dangerous prospects in boxing. I’m very excited to start working with him.”

Continued Sam Katkovski, “I’ve been interested in working with Karlos since the 2016 Olympics. He has enormous talent and a possesses a million-dollar smile, he’s a marketer’s dream. I look forward to working with Premier Boxing Champions and Ringstar Sports towards building Karlos into a World Champion.”

Details on Balderas return to the ring will be announced in the near future.