NEW YORK – May 19, 2020 – SHOWTIMEhas released the official trailer and poster for its upcoming award-winning documentary RINGSIDE, premiering on Friday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Filmed over the course of nine years by award-winning director Andre Hörmann, RINGSIDE 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.

To watch and share the trailer for RINGSIDE, go to: https://s.sho.com/2TjLmGl.

Winner of the Silver Hugo Award at the Chicago International Film Festival, RINGSIDE examines the lives of Kenneth Sims Jr., Destyne Butler Jr., and their fathers who train them as they embark on a journey to make the U.S. Olympic^® Boxing Team in 2009, and stays with them for the following nine years. Throughout that time, their choices and circumstances change, leading one of them toward a promising boxing career, and the other one through the prison system. 

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.

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.

Wednesday, May 20, will be a night of boxing on ESPN2 when the network airs five consecutive hours of the sweet science featuring some of the sport’s most debated decisions. The action will begin at 7 p.m. ET with Oscar De La Hoya vs. Félix Trinidad.  

In addition to the linear telecast, all these fights are also available on ESPN+. Exclusively available to subscribers, ESPN+ features a library of hundreds of the most important fights in boxing history.

Lineup includes:

Oscar De La Hoya vs Félix Trinidad (7 P.M. ET): The two long-reigning welterweight champions and pound-for-pound greats met in the “Fight of the Millennium” on Sept. 18, 1999,  with De La Hoya defending his WBC title and Trinidad defending his IBF title.  De La Hoya landed 97 more punches (263 to 166), but after 12 tensely fought rounds, Trinidad was controversially declared the winner by majority decision. The bout set the pay-per-view record for a non-heavyweight fight with 1.4 million buys, a mark that stood until it was broken by De La Hoya-Mayweather on May 5, 2007.

Oscar De La Hoya vs Shane Mosley II (8 P.M. ET): In a rematch of their first bout in June 2000 — won by Mosley via split decision — De La Hoya put his WBA and WBC super welterweight world titles on the line against the former welterweight and lightweight world champion. According to CompuBox, De La Hoya landed more punches (221-127) and was the more accurate puncher (36%-26%). Despite De La Hoya winning in the eyes of most boxing experts, Mosley was declared the winner in a controversial unanimous decision.

Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Márquez III (9 P.M. ET): The only fight of the four between them not to feature a knockdown, Pacquiao and Márquez once again went to a decision in this WBO welterweight title fight. Pacquiao was making the third defense of his title and landed more punches (176-138), but Márquez was the more accurate of the two fighters, according to CompuBox (32%-30%). The bout generated 1.4 million pay-per-view buys in the United States, which was Pacquiao’s best pay-per-view total until his 2015 mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard (10 P.M. ET): Longtime middleweight champion Hagler had made 12 successful defense of his world title before facing the returning Sugar Ray Leonard, who had not fought in almost three years. Leonard, who was attempting to win a world title in a third weight class, built an early lead, but Hagler came on strong late. Ring Magazine named Hagler-Leonard the 1987 Fight of the Year, and the split decision victory for Leonard cemented a comeback for the ages.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. José Luis Castillo I (11 P.M. ET): After eight successful defenses of his super featherweight title, Mayweather moved up in weight for his lightweight debut against Castillo, who was making the fourth defense of his WBC title. According to CompuBox, Castillo outlanded Mayweather 203-157. HBO’s ringside judge, the late Harold Lederman, scored the fight for Castillo by four points. The official judges, however, scored it unanimously in Mayweather’s favor.

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.

‘LION IN THE CAMP’ Anthony Yarde has revealed how the boxing world played an important part in helping him recover from the tragic personal losses he has suffered at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic.

After losing both his Father and Grandmother in recent months Yarde has received private messages of support from the boxing fraternity.

Speaking to Queensberry Promotions’ ‘Lockdown Lowdown’, Anthony said: “I got messages from a lot of people in my weight class… some that people want me to fight.”

Challenging any assumption boxing might not be the natural breeding ground for compassion, ‘The Beast from the East’ added: “nine times out of ten, boxers are nice people.”

One of those nice people is ‘King Arthur’ Lyndon Arthur, the 28-year-old Manchester Light-Heavyweight that was scheduled to be Anthony’s next opponent.

The pair were originally slated to clash in the co-main event of the Dubois vs Joyce pay-per-view that has been postponed due to the current situation.

Despite their upcoming scrap, Arthur was quick to offer his personal condolences to his rival.

“Lyndon, someone i’m meant to be fighting very soon, sent me condolences and told me to stay strong and all that kind of stuff.”

Reflecting on the nature of rivalries in boxing, Yarde added: “even though we’re getting ready to fight each other there’s no bad blood really. 

“There might be a bit of bad blood thrown around when we get in the ring, or the build up, but none of us wish anything traumatic like that to happen to each other.”

Interviewer Dev Sahni was quick to express his admiration that the pair could show such respect despite expecting to be soon “punching each other’s heads in”, but confident Yarde was quick to pour cold water on the idea that it would be so mutual.

“We’re not about to punch each other’s heads in” he laughed, adding: “I’m not one of those people that brags and boasts but I’m a very confident individual and it ain’t me getting my head punched in. I’ll tell you that.”

That positive mindset, whether in life or in boxing, is what Yarde believes gives him his ability to ride out personal tragedy.

“Life can make you or break you, but what life will do to me is motivate me and help me along. 

“I’m a very strong believer in God so I believe… the bad things we go through are lessons, you have to go through things that teach you and prepare you for the real world.”

————

Anthony Yarde’s ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ interview can be seen in full on YouTube – here

Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew are back with the fourth 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 big-hitters from the footballing world as Champions League winner and Sky Sports Football pundit Jamie Carragher, Watford F.C. captain Troy Deeney and Fleetwood Town F.C manager Joey Barton debate ‘Project Restart’ – the Premier League’s attempts to resume the season that was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic on March 13.

“We’re obviously planning our own return but football seems to have a range of hurdles to overcome in a short space of time before the restart,” said Hearn. “It’s another fascinating chat this time with Jamie, Joey and Troy to get some real insight from those involved in the game.”

 “It’s another great episode,” added Bellew. “Joey is a clever individual. Troy’s got an inspiring story, I’ve admired him from afar from years and it’s always a pleasure to speak with my mate Carra.”

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC heavyweight champion Kevin Randleman has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class for 2020 as a Pioneer. 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^®.

“Kevin Randleman was one of the first real athletes in the early days of UFC,” UFC President Dana White said. “He was a two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and All-American wrestler at The Ohio State University. He was the fifth heavyweight champion in UFC history and one of the first athletes to successfully compete at both heavyweight and light heavyweight. He was a pioneer of the sport and it’s an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020.”

Randleman will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 17^th member of the Pioneer Era wing. The Pioneers Era category includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000 (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted), are a minimum age of 35, or have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 33 professional fights during his 15-year career, Randleman compiled a record of 17-16 (4-3, UFC), including wins over UFC Hall of Famer Maurice Smith, UFC^®23: ULTIMATE JAPAN 2 middleweight tournament champion Kenichi Yamamoto and 2006 PRIDE FC world open-weight grand prix champion Mirko Cro Cop.

Randleman made his UFC debut on March 5, 1999 at UFC^® 19: ULTIMATE YOUNG GUNS in Bay St. Louis, Missouri, defeating Maurice Smith via unanimous decision. His victory earned him an immediate title shot for the vacant UFC heavyweight title against future UFC Hall of Famer and three-time King of Pancrase champion Bas Rutten in the main event of UFC^® 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD. Kevin entered the bout with a 7-2 record against the veteran Rutten, who stepped inside the Octagon^® with a 26-4-1 record, having won 19 of his previous 20 fights (1 Draw).

UFC^® 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD took place on May 7, 1999 in Birmingham, Alabama. As the fight began, Randleman immediately secured his first takedown. Kevin maintained top control while landing a barrage of punches that broke Rutten’s nose within the first five minutes, momentarily stopping the action for doctors to evaluate his condition. After Bas was deemed able to continue, Randleman immediately took Rutten back to the canvas, trading punches for 10 minutes, until referee John McCarthy halted action so doctors could address the heavy bleeding from Rutten’s nose.

Rutten would spend the majority this event fighting and throwing punches from his back, which resulted in Bas landing numerous strikes to Randleman’s head. At the end of regulation, with no winner declared, both athletes advanced to fight for three additional three-minute overtime rounds. Randleman seemed to control two of three rounds, but following 21 minutes of action, Rutten was declared the winner via split decision. This split decision loss is still considered one of the most controversial decisions in UFC history.

Rutten would later vacate the title, giving Randleman a chance to compete for the vacant UFC heavyweight title against Pete Williams at UFC 23. 

Randleman had a personal interest in this matchup, as Williams had recently defeated Kevin’s friend, trainer and coach, future UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman, one year earlier at UFC^® 17: REDEMPTION. Known as “The Kick Heard Round the World” this fight was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2016.

UFC^®23: ULTIMATE JAPAN 2 took place on November 19, 1999 in Tokyo, Japan. At the beginning of the match, Randleman quickly advanced to the center of the Octagon, hitting Williams with several punches before securing his first takedown at the 10-second mark. Randleman controlled the action during the majority of the first round, until Williams rocked Kevin with a series of punches in the late frame.

Randleman recovered for the start of the second round, taking Williams down repeatedly and controlling the pace of the action through the remaining four rounds. Kevin’s numerous takedowns proved to be the deciding factor to winning the fight via unanimous decision and becoming the fifth heavyweight champion in UFC history.

Next, Randleman would successfully defend his title by defeating Pedro Rizzo at UFC^®26: ULTIMATE FIELD OF DREAMS, which took place on June 9, 2000 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With his victory, he became just the second UFC heavyweight champion to make a successful title defense. Kevin took a four-month break before returning to action to face future UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture on November 17, 2000 as the main event of UFC^®28: HIGH STAKES. Randleman would lose the title to Couture, then split his last two fights before leaving the organization after defeating former Strikeforce^® light heavyweight champion Renato Sobral at UFC^®35: THROWDOWN. He would continue to compete at both light heavyweight and heavyweight in other promotions until retiring in 2011.

During his MMA career, Randleman was known for his power and speed, as he recorded nine knockout victories and nine first round stoppages. A world-class wrestler at all levels, he also secured the second-most takedowns (21) during the time frame in which he competed in UFC from 1999-2002 (Tito Ortiz, 29).

Throughout his MMA career, Randleman consistently competed against the best of the best, including 13 athletes that collectively captured 13 UFC, six King of Pancrase and three PRIDE FC championships, along with individual titles in Strikeforce^® and World Extreme Cagefighting^®, respectively. Randleman also used his combat sports notoriety to compete as a professional wrestler with domestic and international promotions from 2002-07.

A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Randleman began wrestling in high school, compiling a record of 122-11 and capturing the Ohio state HS championship in 1989. He went on to wrestle at Ohio State University, where he was a three-time Big Ten and two-time NCAA Division I Champion in 1992-93. He passed away at the age of 44 in 2016 due to complications from pneumonia and is survived by his wife and four children.

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.

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 15, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight contender, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (12-0, 7 KOs), has fully recovered from a hand injury suffered in his last fight with Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (12-3-1, 6 KOs), a 10-round bout that headlined on ShoBox back in February of this year.

Hunter, a Las Vegas native, is eager to face all top contenders when boxing returns. The super lightweight contender is currently ranked #13 by the WBA, meaning his shot at the top of the division is coming soon.

“I am ready to face the best in the division and I feel even better since my hand has fully healed with this time off,” explained Hunter, who ready to prove himself once again. “I was supposed to fight Shonjahon Ergashev and Malik Hawinks, so I’d like to fight them first, but honestly, a fight with any of the world champions is a challenge I’m ready for now. I willing and ready to face the best!”

Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley, is staying ready as he awaits a phone call that boxing is back.

“Keith Hunter is ready for his shot at the best in the division,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Keith has defeated two fighters signed by Mayweather Promotions in his last three consecutive bouts. He is getting national attention and his ranking in the WBA gets him closer to a world title shot. Now is Keith Hunter’s time.”

“I just know that I am gifted and want to win a world title to further my father’s legacy,” Hunter continued. “I am so focused, I just want to bring great entertainment to people who are in need of things to do, and if I can fight for a title, that’d even be better.”

Keith Hunter is promoted by Greg Cohen, founder, and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports’ Friday night series SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will continue this week with two blockbuster matchups featuring all-time great Floyd Mayweather. In the first replay, Mayweather faces Argentine power-puncher Marcos Maidana for the WBA and WBC Welterweight Championships in one of the most competitive fights of the Hall of Famer’s career. The second fight features the undefeated Mayweather coming back from retirement to face mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor in one of the biggest global sporting events in recent memory.

WHEN: Tonight/Friday, May 15, at 10 p.m. ET/PT – Immediately following the premiere of BASKETBALL COUNTY: In The Water, documentary from executive producers Kevin Durant and Thirty Five Ventures’ Rich Kleiman.

WHERE TO WATCH: On SHOWTIME^®, via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

ADDED COVERAGE: During Friday’s SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecast, combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host a live digital companion series titled MORNING KOMBAT CLASSICS on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel. 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.

Star trainers Manny Robles, Joel Diaz and Ronnie Shields join Chris Mannix in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube show with trainers viewing the sport and the COVID-19 pandemic ‘From The Corner’.
WATCH ROBLES, DIAZ AND SHIELDS TALK ALL THINGS BOXING WITH CHRIS MANNIX ON ‘FROM THE CORNER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
All three trainers have bustling stables of elite fighters and rising stars, and they are eagerly waiting for the go-ahead to prime their fighters to return with a bang, but first, Robles was asked about his old charge, former World Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz. 

Robles: I’ve never had to depend on one boxer, I have a good stable of fighters and I’m lucky to be able to do what I do which is coach and be in boxing. I wish Andy nothing but the best, I understand he’s now training with Eddy Reynoso, I think that’s a good choice for Andy.

Bottom line is that it’s down to the fighter and he’s got to want it. Again, it’s down to accountability – fighters have to hold themselves accountable. We as coaches get them ready, train them and prepare them mentally and physically but if the fighter isn’t there what can you do? A fighter has to want it, and Andy has everything to get back into title contention again.

I said before the June fight with Anthony Joshua that he had what it took to be champion when no-one believed me, and I wasn’t wrong. Unfortunately, after June 1 everything changed, he was a different person overnight.  

On sparring:

Robles: How else will you get ready for a fight without sparring? It’s impossible. We have to rely on each other to be responsible, that everyone is staying safe and taking the necessary precautions and don’t end up getting sick. That’s all we can really do, hold yourself accountable and be responsible.

I’m working with four or five guys right now and I spread their training out. I’ve got other fighters that I communicate with and see how they are holding up and everyone is eager to get back to fighting. 

Diaz: You can improvise sparring with mitt work. You have to simulate the opponent that you are coming up against with the mitts. My guys are together in the camp house and as a trainer, not only am I training them, but I am reminding them that they can only go home and go to the gym and the supermarket, wash their hands and wear their masks. My boys have been sparring because they have been living together, so that’s not a problem for the guys I have here, but I have no dates, no fights.

On fighting without fans:

Diaz: We’re going through a pandemic and we have to make adjustments. Every fighter has probably boxed on an undercard with no fans at one point, I’ve had fighters box at 1am in front of one guy and the cleaners! I’ve heard from fighters recently say, ‘I don’t want to fight if there’s no fans’ but then hear fighters say, ‘I don’t care about the fans, boxing is my source of income, I need to bring the bread home!’ 

Do you want the fans, or do you want to bring food to the table? Based on the situation we are in; boxing is my source of income. People were sort of stuck watching UFC because there was a nothing else on and the ratings were high because everyone was watching. The fighters have to prepare mentally to do the same and say, ‘I am going to go to work’ and perform, or do you need the cheers of the crowd to hype you up?  

Robles: Fighters will fight anywhere in the world; you just have to adapt. This is what we do, it shouldn’t come as a shock, it’s just being able to adapt to the circumstances. 

Shields: We’re going to have to come back without fans, and it’s not going to be much different really, it’ll be like being in the gym. A lot of times in the gym you only have a few people watching you spar, so it’ll be a bit like that, but it’s the real deal. You have to prepare yourself mentally, but once you get in there, it’s not going to make a difference if you have a crowd or not, because that guy in front of you is trying to knock your head off and you have to concentrate on what’s in front of you and not what is in the audience.

On remote judging and corners:

Robles: It’s a complicated situation, I think the judges have to be there live, they aren’t close to the fighters. There are certain things that you can’t change. I got a call to say that there may only be two in the corner – coach and cutman – it’s difficult for two to do the corner, you need at least three and maybe four.

Shields: There’s no way it can happen. Suppose the internet goes, or the electricity goes? Anything can happen. Judges have a hard job as it is doing it live. They have to be there. 

Diaz: I’m not with that. You see a different fight on TV or on a monitor than you do watching it live. 

On Jermall Charlo vs. Demetrius Andrade

Shields: It’s not up to me, I don’t pick fights. That comes from the management, they strategize on who this and that guy is going to fight, then they come to me. To build a guy to become a World champion is one of the hardest things to do, and once they get there, you want to make sure that they get the best fights available to them. Our main goal now is Canelo, like everyone in the division, he’s the best and he brings the money. I like Demetrius, he’s a good fighter, but it’s not up to me to make the fights.

I spoke to Jermall and he said he just wants to get back to his sport and he’s anxious to go. These guys are ready. Jermall has a gym at his house but it gets boring when you are just doing a workout by yourself. He doesn’t care about not having fans there, he just wants to defend his title and he doesn’t want to sit out too much longer. 

NEW YORK – May 13, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports announced today its new mixed martial arts series, MORNING KOMBAT STRIKEFORCE CLASSICS, which features hosts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell reliving some of the most memorable STRIKEFORCE on SHOWTIME^® fights, along with all-new interviews and analysis from legendary combat sports analyst Mauro Ranallo and Bellator MMA President and STRIKEFORCE founder Scott Coker. The new series will premiere on SHOWTIME EXTREME Thursday, May 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and will also be available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

The MORNING KOMBAT STRIKEFORCE CLASSICS series will feature some of MMA’s biggest names over the coming months, including all-time greats Frank Shamrock, Gilbert Melendez and Daniel Cormier.

“I am extremely proud of what we accomplished with STRIKEFORCE and our partners at SHOWTIME,” Coker said. “We helped build some of the sport’s biggest stars and promoted some of the most incredible events that mixed martial arts had ever seen. The fact that these moments are still being discussed to this day shows what type of impact STRIKEFORCE had on the industry. I am excited that SHOWTIME is providing fans the opportunity to relive these classic matchups that helped make the organization what it was.”

This Thursday’s MORNING KOMBAT STRIKEFORCE CLASSICS episode will feature Frank “The Legend” Shamrock and the three final fights of his legendary career. In 2007, Shamrock won the first STRIKEFORCE Middleweight world title belt against Phil Baroni in the first STRIKEFORCE co-produced mixed martial arts event on SHOWTIME PPV^®. In 2008, he suffered a loss to Cung Le in which Le broke Shamrock’s arm. Also in the spotlight will be Shamrock’s final career fight against Nick Diaz in 2009, which kicked off a run of nine STRIKEFORCE events on SHOWTIME that year.

The Melendez-Josh Thomson trilogy will be featured on Thursday, May 21, and three of Daniel Cormier’s STRIKEFORCE HEAVYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX wins will air on Thursday, May 28.

Founded in 2006 by Coker, STRIKEFORCE MMA traces its roots back to 1985 starting as a regional kickboxing promotion. STRIKEFORCE was a launchpad for future champions such as Cormier, Robbie Lawler, Gina Carano, Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Luke Rockhold and Tyron Woodley.

The MORNING KOMBAT STRIKEFORCE CLASSICS on SHOWTIME EXTREME schedule for the month of May is below with more episodes to follow in June:

• Thursday, May 14, 10 p.m. ET/PT: 
  • Shamrock vs. Baroni (June 22, 2007) – Baroni wastes little time from the start but is eventually worn down by a relentless Shamrock ground attack. The finish comes by way of technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:00 of round two, crowning Shamrock the inaugural STRIKEFORCE Middleweight Champion.

• Shamrock vs. Cung Le – (March 29, 2008) – In the 2008 “Fight of the Year,” Le controls the fight early with Shamrock making a commendable run late in the third round. A brutal kick from Le’s left leg breaks Shamrock’s arm, ending the bout after three five-minute championship rounds and earning Le the STRIKEFORCE Middleweight World Title.

• Shamrock vs.  Diaz – (April 11, 2009) – Diaz dominates the veteran Shamrock, earning a TKO (punches) at 3:57 of the second round. The victory is one of 11 that Diaz earned over the course of a four-year undefeated stint in which he would later secure and defend the STRIKEFORCE Welterweight World Title.

• Thursday, May 21, 10 p.m. ET/PT:
  • Melendez vs. Thomson I – (June 27, 2008) – After claiming the STRIKEFORCE Lightweight Championship nearly two years earlier, Melendez is dethroned for the first time in his young career. Thomson is able to keep Melendez guessing all night, using tactical jabs and an elite ground game to control the former 155-pound world titleholder.

o    Melendez vs. Thomson II – (December 19, 2009) – Melendez avenges his first loss to Thomson with a unanimous decision victory. He dominates all five rounds using a combination of his elite ground game and knockout power to win and unify the STRIKEFORCE Lightweight World Title. Earning the 2009 Sports Illustrated “Round of the Year,” the fifth and final round of the contest will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greatest slugfests in MMA history.

• Melendez vs. Thomson III – (May 19, 2012) – Melendez survives a flurry of punches and a late takedown by Thomson at the end of the fourth, sending the rubber matchto a decisive final round. In the end, it is Melendez who defends his crown, as he holds off Thomson via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47), ending the epic trilogy with 25 minutes of war.

• Thursday, May 28, 10 p.m. ET/PT:
  • Cormier vs. Jeff Monson (June 18, 2011)– In a STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix reserve bout, the eventual tournament champion and MMA newcomer Cormier captures a unanimous decision (30-27) against the former world champion wrestler Monson. 

• Cormier vs. Antonio Silva (September 10, 2011)– The undefeated Cormier gives up over 10 inches in reach, seven inches in height, and about 40 pounds in weight to Brazilian heavyweight “Bigfoot” Silva, but that doesn’t stop him from dropping the larger man to the canvas just 45 seconds into the fight with an overhand right. A few minutes later, Cormier delivers a massive right uppercut, knocking Silva out at 3:56 into the opening round and advancing to the final of the STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix.

• Cormier vs. Josh Barnett (May 19, 2012)– Cormier emerges the STRIKEFORCE Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament victorious with his 10^th consecutive professional victory. A jaw-dropping slam takedown by Cormier sets the stage for his early dominance. In the end, Barnett lasts all five championship rounds only to witness Cormier celebrate his new 265-pound world title.

For a limited time, 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.

FORMER SUCCESSFUL AMATEUR Jonathan Kumuteo is set to turn professional under the promotional guidance of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.

The 24-year-old DR Congo-born welterweight will enter the pro ranks working from the Bushey base of trainer Josh Burnham.

Preparing to embark on his professional journey working hard in solitary at his gym, Kumuteo insists the launch of his career and continued development couldn’t be in better hands.

In his first interview as a Queensberry fighter, Kumuteo spoke to Dev Sahni here.

“It means a lot because signing with Queensberry and Frank means I am with one of the biggest companies in the UK and Europe. To have the platform and backing is a dream come true.”

Kumuteo, who describes himself as ‘an aggressive counter-puncher’ enjoyed success in the amateur ranks with victory in the London Novice u20 championships and was a finalist in the National Novice championships, clocking up 28 fights as an amateur.

However, his amateur experience was punctuated by the suffering of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, (HS), which is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, for a little over four years.?

The condition affected his ability to compete in tournaments, as well as his availability to accept international recognition by both England and DRC.

“I started boxing in 2012 and it affected me for over half of my amateur career,” explained Kumuteo, who hails from Finchley. “I had three operations, the most recent being in November 2018, which I have fully recovered from.

“The first operation was minor, but the second was a particularly depressing time where I lost all my strength and literally had to rebuild from scratch. I remember first going back to the gym when I couldn’t even bench-press ten reps with no weights.

“I still boxed and lost in the London Alliance finals before following up with my dermatologist to determine the best course of action with regards to boxing again. The skin around my under arms was very weak and would always tear open.

“Sometimes I could train and sometimes I couldn’t. In my opinion I should have had at least 60-plus bouts in the amateurs but wasn’t able to due to all the time out.

“I was then advised I would need skin graft surgery if I wished to pursue a boxing career. I recovered for three months and have been in the gym ever since February 2019 training for my professional debut.

“When having to go through the pain I had to go through and still boxing for four years I found there were people going through similar situations and winning with it. When I found this out I stopped complaining and got on with everything.

“Now I am completely healed and free from medication I feel I am going to be unstoppable because if I can win the London Novice championships taking heavy medication every day, what would I have been like now that I am good?”

It was a similar will to win and an insatiable competitive streak that first led him to lacing up and stepping into the ring in the first place.

“As a youngster I was always highly competitive and if there could be a winner – in whatever it was – I always wanted to win.

“A friend of mine challenged me to spar him down at the local boxing club and initially I wasn’t interested. I decided to give it a go after a few more challenges and I fell in love with sport instantly and joined Finchley ABC.”

When he is not boxing, Kumuteo, who enjoys a sizeable following on social media thanks in no small way to sharing his experience of HS, likes to turn his hand to creative forms of media to share with his followers.

“I put that down to being creative and always thinking outside of the box. I am actually interested in photography and videography and I like to cast myself as being creative. I am always studying anything to do it, whether it be in sport, fashion and whatever.

“My own Instagram page is unlike anyone else’s and I call it a seamless feed because all my images connect. No matter image I upload, it is almost like a collage and whatever the size the images all connect one by one.

“I hope my boxing is seamless as well,” he continued, adding in a career goal for good measure.

“I know I can perform and I have the potential. With the right team, like Frank Warren and Queensberry, I believe I can go all the way.

“I have been training and the bag has become my best friend during lockdown. I am ready to go.”

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.?