Miami, FL – March 10, 2020 – Boxeo Telemundo, the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., wraps up its first season of 2020 this Friday, March 13 at 11:35 p.m. ET, live on Telemundo, featuring two flyweights as they battle for the vacant WBC International title. Adrian “Gatico” Curiel will square off against former “Cinturon De Oro” champion Hugo “Verdugo” Guarneros, live from Mexico City.

Curiel (15-3 3 KOs) seeks his second title after winning the silver flyweight FECARBOX WBC Championship in 2019. On the other side of the ring, Guarnero (16-3-2 8 KOs) will be looking to secure his first title after a tough bout against Sunny Edwards in London last year, the only time he has fought outside of Mexico.

Boxeo Telemundo commentators René Giraldo and Edgar López will call the action alongside World Boxing Champion and former Olympian Abner Mares.

The event will be broadcast live on Telemundo and live stream on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app with additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including access to the weigh-in and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. In addition, short form content that include fighters, behind the scenes and news will be produced exclusively for Telemundo Deportes’ social media platforms using the hashtag #BoxeoTelemundo.

The co-main event of the night includes WBC Latino champion Denilson Jair Valtierra (9-0 5 KOs) squaring off against former NABF Jr. lightweight champion Jose Eduardo Hernandez Rizo (7-3-3 3 KOs) in a lightweight division bout.

The night will also feature Mexican native Juan Antonio “El Zurdo” Rodríguez (31-8 27 KOs) as he faces gatekeeper Jose Andres Periban (9-6-1) in an 8-round bout.

Boxeo Telemundo will return to Telemundo in May presenting four additional live events as part of the show’s expansion to four installments in 2020, presenting more fights than ever on Telemundo with a total of 16 events on the schedule.

Debuting in 1989, “Boxeo Telemundo” has grown to become the #1 boxing 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.?

RIVERSIDE, CA. (March 10, 2020) – “Madman” Marcos Hernandez will look to put himself back into contention for a world title when he takes on hard-hitting James Kirkland in the FS1 PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

A Fresno, California native, Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has made improvements in his most recent training camp with head coach Henry Ramirez that he believes will help him get by Kirkland and leap forward in his career.

“I’ve had a great camp and for the first time in my career I’ve added a strength and conditioning coach,” said Hernandez. “I’m constantly in the gym with Henry Ramirez working hard every single day. I was super focused going into this camp, since I know this is a major opportunity to get me back in line for a world title shot. I know I have to take this seriously.

“Some people may have doubted me based on past fights, but that is only fueling my motivation. I miss my family a lot, but I know to be great, I have to do what it takes to go to the next level.”

For Hernandez, the veteran contender Kirkland represents the most notable opponent of the 26-year-old’s pro career, which dates back to 2013, while Kirkland has fought professionally since 2001 while compiling a knockout ratio over 80%.

“James Kirkland is a notorious fighter known for his power, but his time has come and gone,” said Hernandez. “This is a great opportunity for me since Kirkland is a popular fighter and when I beat him, people will take notice. I watched Kirkland growing up and I have studied his mistakes. Kirkland only has one style, but I have many. This will be a great fight for the fans because both of us have our backs against the wall and must win.”

Hernandez has faced a slew of fellow young contenders while competing four times on FS1 leading up to his first main event this Saturday night.

“I have been featured on many televised cards, but to actually get promoted to the main event on a great network like FS1 and with PBC, it just shows my hard work is paying off,” said Hernandez. “I am thankful to my team and everyone who’s put effort into my professional career. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”

Included in Hernandez’s exciting battles against fellow contenders are a pair of matchups against current unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Hernandez and Rosario fought to a draw in their first matchup before Rosario scored a victory in their February 2019 rematch. With a win on Saturday, Hernandez has his eyes on a trilogy for his first world title opportunity.

“When I win, I want to get back in there with unified champion Jeison Rosario,” said Hernandez. “I have fought Rosario twice already and the first time was a draw. I have unfinished business with him. I need to make a big statement and have a highlight-reel performance this Saturday night. I believe I can fight him this year. The fight would be a trilogy and who doesn’t like trilogies in boxing?”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

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ABOUT KIRKLAND VS. HERNANDEZ
Kirkland vs. Hernandez will see hard-hitting James Kirkland taking on all-action “Madman” Marcos Hernández in a 10-round middleweight showdown headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 14 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten top prospect and 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis faces Justin DeLoach in the 10-round welterweight co-main event and undefeated hard-hitting prospect Jonathan “El Diamante” Esquivel battling Colombia’s Dormedes Potes in an eight-round middleweight showdown.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MGMNatlHarbor, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

(March 10, 2020) —Top Rank has signed veteran light heavyweight contender Maxim Vlasov to a long-term promotional agreement. Vlasov, a 33-year-old boxer-puncher from Samara, Russia, has won regional titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight and cruiserweight.

Vlasov will return this summer against countryman Umar Salamov as part of the four-man WBO light heavyweight tournament, which will determine a new world champion. Joe Smith Jr. and former light heavyweight world champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez will face off in the other WBO semifinal. With Vlasov’s signing, all four men in the tournament have promotional ties to Top Rank.

“Maxim deserves the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and we are thrilled to add him to our deep light heavyweight stable,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “His fight against Salamov is one that I can’t wait to see.”

“I want to thank Mr. Bob Arum for believing in me and signing me to a long-term promotional agreement. I am very excited to be part of the four-way tournament for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title,” Vlasov said. “Having fought professionally for 15 years in three different weight divisions against some of the world’s top fighters, I now believe that I am at the top of my game. I am ready to prove to the light heavyweight division that I have what it takes to become the WBO world champion.”

“It is very exciting for Maxim and our team to have signed a promotional agreement with Top Rank. The backing and support from a world leader in the boxing industry will give Maxim the exposure globally that he needs to become a star,” said Oleg Bogdanov, Vlasov’s manager. “He is a real dark horse that has experience against world-class fighters in three weight classes.”

Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) had a brief 35-bout amateur stint and turned pro in April 2005 at the age of 18. He won the first 19 bouts of his career before dropping a 10-round decision to perennial light heavyweight contender Isaac Chilemba, whom he knocked down twice in the eighth round. In 2015, following a decision loss Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, he moved up to cruiserweight. He won his first 12 bouts at cruiserweight, including a 2016 knockout over 2008 Olympic gold medalist Rakhim Chakhkiev and a 10th-round stoppage over hard-punching veteran Olanrewaju Durodola in February 2018.

Following a close decision defeat to Krzysztof Glowacki in November 2018 for the interim WBO cruiserweight world title, Vlasov moved down to light heavyweight. He has won three straight since, including a decision over Chilemba. He last fought Nov. 30 in Russia, where he shut out the previously unbeaten Emmanuel Martey over 10 rounds.

NEW YORK – March 10, 2020 – Rising 140-pound knockout artist Brandun Lee has a growing reputation within the sport of boxing and can count three accomplished and decorated pros among those who believe he is destined for the very top. Former two-division champion Timothy Bradley, Jr., lightweight champion in recess Devin Haney, and top welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis have seen Lee up close and believe he will soon be a household name among boxing fans.

The undefeated super lightweight Lee (18-0, 16 KOs), who was the subject of the latest installment of SHOWTIME Sports’ DAY IN CAMP digital video franchise, will headline his first ShoBox: The New Generation when he takes on Camilo Prieto (15-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout on Friday, March 13 live on SHOWTIME (10 ET/PT) from the Grand Casino Hinckley in Hinckley, Minn.

“DAY IN CAMP: Brandun Lee,” a 15-minute special video feature, captures Lee’s family-first mentality, emphasis on the importance of education and hunger for success inside the ring. Viewers are taken through a typical day during Lee’s training camp, which includes sparring, college coursework, cooking, a grueling nighttime workout and a FaceTime call with friend and fellow ShoBox fighter Jaron Ennis. Available for viewing HERE: https://youtu.be/Ow04RVwkpx8

“Brandun is a beast,” said Ennis, who has fought on SHOWTIME in four of his last five fights. “He’s a phenomenal fighter and he’s going to put on a show Friday night. I think he’ll be able to show boxing fans all his skills. He’s a monster. Him being a calm and relaxed fighter sets him apart. He’s really smart as well and has great ring IQ, but you can’t forget about his power because he has the ability to end fights early.”

Bradley and Haney, who are among the list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles, have both sparred with Lee and are amazed by the bright prospect’s talent.

Bradley, who appeared on ShoBox four times between 2006-08, including a split-decision over Junior Witter to win the WBC Super Lightweight Championship, recalls sparring with a 14-year-old Lee ahead of Bradley’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBO Welterweight Title in 2013. Bradley’s trainer, Joel Diaz, wanted to replicate Marquez’s counterpunching ability and believed Lee’s hand speed and counterpunching were credible.

“Lee and I sparred four complete rounds and, boy, was I impressed with his ring IQ, speed, timing and movement,” said Bradley. “For a young man with no pro experience, he was able to hold his own. Brandun is from my area so I follow him from afar and I really admire his game. He’s undefeated and that’s not surprising at all. I believe Lee has the goods to become a world champion and at this point he is still gaining experience and momentum towards his dream.

“There are still questions that need to be answered by Lee. How will he respond if he is ever knocked down? How will he do against someone just like himself; someone undefeated, stern and just as hungry? It’s going to be fun to watch him as he continues his journey. He has the skill to rise to the top but we all know it takes more than just skills. He’s on the right course and I back him 110 percent.”

Haney, who headlined on the prospect development series on three different occasions, went on to win a world title at the age of 20 and believes Lee has the potential to move up the ranks quite quickly as well.

“If you haven’t heard of Brandun Lee, you will very soon,” said Haney, now 21 years old. “He has the talent and power to make some real noise in the welterweight division. I sparred him before and trust me, he’s a real dog. I’m looking forward to watching on March 13 and I expect my guy to put on a hell of a performance on ShoBox: The New Generation.”

Lee has also sparred with Oxnard, Calif.’s Mikey Garcia, who has fought on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING six times, and Mauricio Herrera, who lost a close decision to then-unified champion Danny Garcia on SHOWTIME in 2014.

Friday’s four-fight ShoBox telecast includes five boxers who have yet to taste defeat with a total record of 107 wins to just four defeats and two draws. In the co-featured bout, undefeated Brian Norman Jr. (16-0, 14 KOs) puts his perfect record on the line as he takes on Flavio Rodriguez (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight matchup. Undefeated Alejandro Guerrero (11-0, 9 KOs) meets Jose Angulo (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight scrap while yet another unbeaten fighter Aram Avagyan (9-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Dagoberto Aguero (17-0, 11 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight fight.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with D&D Boxing and Rapacz Boxing, are priced at $75 Ringside, $50 Reserved, $25 General Admission, and $62.50 Table Seating (two-ticket minimum), and are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or the Grand Casino Hinckley Box Office.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports  

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

Trenton, NJ (March 10, 2020) – A plethora of undefeated fighters will put their perfect record on the line at CHAMPBOX 2 which is promoted by SilverBow on Friday night, April 3rd at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.

Headlining the card will be undefeated cruiserweight Mike Hilton.

Hilton, who headlined CHAMPBOX 1 with a six-round unanimous decision over Baldimir Hernandez, will be back to thrill his hometown fans on April 3rd.

Hilton, a former National Golden Gloves champion. has a record of 10-0 with seven knockouts, and was a National Golden Gloves champion.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a show for my city,” said Hilton.

Also on the card in a six-round bouts will be undefeated light heavyweight Omar Salem (9-0, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn,

New York; As well as super bantamweight Kalid Tawiti (6-0, 3 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Yemen.

“Brooklyn drip with pure gold swag I’m the future April 3rd I will be in my bag,” said Tawiti.

Seeing action in four-round bouts will be:

Cruiserweight Jakub Sowirko (2-0, 1 KO) of Trenton. Sowirko who thrilled the fans with his win at CHAMPBOX1, has a great following with the Polish community in Trenton.

“I’m here to put on a show and that’s what I’ll do,” said Sowirko.

Super welterweight Elijah Morales (4-0, 1 KO) of Trenton by way of Puerto Rico.

“I want to thank SilverBow for exposing the beautiful capital city of Trenton. I am fighting in the arena where I went to see Disney on Ice as a child. I am literally up the street where it’s been a viewed as a negative area, and we want to change that. We will have a lot of support as I have been raised here. Trenton is in my DNA. We don’t see race or anything like that, we see community,” said Morales

Middleweight Glenwood Latimer (1-0) of Philadelphia;

Two-Time Golden Gloves champion super bantamweight Ry’shine Collins (3-0, 2 KOs).

“I’m more ready than ever to perform on Champbox2. I’ll give the fans what they deserve on April 3rd,” said Collins.

Cruiserweight Sean Bullock (1-0) of Trenton and pro debuting super featherweight Jonibek Khotamov of Brooklyn.

Tickets for this special evening of boxing are $25, $39, $59, $79 $99. Tickets or on sale now and can be purchased at www.cureinsurancearena.com or by calling 1-800-298-4200.

The card is a pro-am that will begin at 6 PM with the doors opening at 5 PM.

The event is being sponsored by Flash Tech IT and CyberSecuirty since 1992. www.flashtech.com

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Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) has linked up with renowned British coach Adam Booth as the German super welterweight star looks to realise his World title ambitions.

Booth, who has recently opened his new Boxing Booth Gym in Surrey, has forged a formidable reputation as one of the sport’s leading coaches having trained numerous World Champions including David Haye, George Groves and Ryan Burnett.

Baraou was last in action on January 25th where he won with a fourth-round stoppage victory over Abraham Juarez, and will have Booth in his corner for the first time when he headlines Team Sauerland’s next event in Hamburg on April 4th.

Under the tutelage of Booth, Baraou will hope to build on a successful 2019 that saw the 25-year-old win the WBC International Super Welterweight title, gain victories over two former World Champions, make his international debut in Dubai and seal a successful year with a stoppage victory at The O2 in London on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Super Lightweight Final.

Baraou is currently training alongside Booth’s stable of exciting contenders including Josh Kelly, Michael Conlon and Harlem Eubank.

“I feel really confident with Adam and I really enjoy the work. We work very well together and I’m enjoying being here,” said Baraou. “I’ve found a new challenge with Adam and I really love it. He’s showing me how to use my weapons.

“I’m learning and enjoying working alongside everyone in the gym,” Baraou continued. “It feels like everyone sticks together and helps each other and there’s a nice energy here. I’m really glad to be here because I’ve found a new way to see boxing and I really like this. I’m also excited for the future and what it’s going to bring.”

Booth has been equally impressed with the German contender’s attitude and application.

“He’s a joy to work with,” said Booth. “He was a European gold medallist and a World bronze so you know he’s got competitive grade from the amateurs. He’s been sparring with Josh Kelly and a couple of other guys as well and he’s really impressed.

“I’ve been impressed with his mental approach, he’s made up of the right stuff. He’s very clever and he’s very strong.” Continued Booth. “We are enjoying what we do, the coach can only get the best out of a fighter when he understands a fighter and we are in that stage at the moment where I’m finding things out already that could work at a very high level. I’m excited.”

Baraou’s promoter Nisse Sauerland believes Booth is the perfect fit for his fighter and will see him continue his journey to the upper echelons of the sport.

“Adam Booth is one of the best coaches in the world,” said Sauerland. “His style and philosophy fit perfectly with Abass, who will give everything he’s got to ensure he gets to the top. We are delighted to see these two become a team!”

Baraou returns to the ring on April 4th at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg with chief support coming from Denis Radovan (13-0-1, 6 KOs). 18-year-old Sophie Alisch (5-0, 1 KOs) is also in action as the boxing prodigy looks to build on a fantastic debut year. James Kraft (17-0-1, 9 KOs) challenges challenge Dimitar Tilev (11-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Junior World Super Middleweight title and further announcements will be made shortly.

All the action will be broadcast live on SPORT1 in Germany. 

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 10, 2020) – Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton, who recently signed a managerial agreement with Victory Sports & Entertainment, will now prep for his professional debut on April 17th in his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the Osage Casino, on a card promoted by Top Rank.

“So much can be said, somehow this is how I always imagined it would happen as my dreams are coming true.” said Milton. “Tulsa Oklahoma watched me grow as I walked into a gym and never left. Last year I accomplished some of the greatest achievements anyone has ever done out of Oklahoma as I gained national recognition with only a heavy bag, and desire to wake up each day an get it. You watched me take my talents across the country and represent.”

“Although they love me in so many other places now, I get to bring my talents back to home. I’m thankful for everyone who helped me stay on this journey it’s truly not mine alone. Through the highs and lows never, stop believing in yourself. To my young fighters back home, trust your gut and always be honest with yourself and remember…Dreams become reality when you meet the odds and punch them straight in the mouth.”

Milton, a 25-year-old amateur standout, is looking to take his career to the next level. After winning a silver medal at the Olympic Trials and winning the Western Qualifiers in 2019, Milton is focused on making noise in the professional game.

“I have always wanted to be a professional boxer because I have a professional style,” emphasized Milton. “Training in Las Vegas, Nevada, sparring with Joe Joyce, and now fighting on a major card in my hometown, it doesn’t get much better than this. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m training hard to make the most of this opportunity.”

Milton’s manager Mike Leanardì is ecstatic with this opportunity for his fighter.

“Milton has only been boxing for three years, but in those three years he has made dramatic progress,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “Right now, Milton is in training camp with Joe Joyce, working hard and focused on making his pro debut something special. The fact that he’s fighting in his hometown really gets me excited. Milton has the work ethic that can be found in world champions and I can’t wait to see him shine in the pros.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Oklahoma City for the third time with a thrilling middleweight bout between No. 6 ranked contender Jack Hermansson and former middleweight champion Chris Weidman. In a pivotal strawweight bout, No. 6 ranked contender Claudia Gadelha squares off with undefeated No. 9 Marina Rodriguez.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: HERMANSSON vs. WEIDMAN will take place Saturday, May 2 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN in English and the ESPN App in Spanish. Doors open at 5 p.m. ET.

Known for his devastating ground-and-pound attack, Hermansson (20-5, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) emerged as a middleweight contender following a four-fight win streak that saw him earn spectacular victories over “Jacare” Souza, David Branch, Gerald Meerschaert and former title challenger Thales Leites. Hermansson now aims to add a former UFC champion to his resume and further stake his claim as title threat in the stacked middleweight division.

Weidman (14-5, fighting out of Baldwin, N.Y.) etched his name in the history books by dethroning long-reigning UFC champion Anderson Silva in 2013. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has also netted impressive wins against Kelvin Gastelum and Demian Maia, as well as former UFC champions Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida. Weidman now returns to middleweight and aims to re-assert himself as one of the best fighters at 185 pounds.

A former women’s strawweight title challenger, Gadelha (17-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has fought the who’s who in the 115-pound division. Throughout her UFC run, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has earned exciting wins over Carla Esparza, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Jessica Aguilar. Gadelha now hopes to be the first fighter to beat Rodriguez and take another step towards title contention.

A contract winner on Dana White’s Contender Series, Rodriguez (12-0-2, fighting out of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) has impressed since joining the UFC roster. During this time, she has netted emphatic victories against Tecia Torres and Jessica Aguilar. Rodriguez is now poised to continue her ascent up the strawweight rankings as she sets her sight on one of the toughest contenders in the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 13 ranked featherweight contender Ryan Hall (8-1, Falls Church, Va.) goes for another show-stealing finish when he meets former title challenger Ricardo Lamas (19-8, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.)
• Bryce Mitchell (12-1, fighting out of Searcy, Ark.) takes on Charles Rosa (12-3, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Peabody, Mass.) in a thrilling featherweight bout
• Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (28-19 2NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Minsk, Belarus) faces debuting Philipe Lins (14-3, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Alonzo Menifield (10-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) aims to remain undefeated when he rakes on Devin Clark (11-4, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.)
• The Ultimate Fighter season three veteran Ed Herman (26-14 1NC, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) squares off with surging Da-un Jung (13-2, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea)
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sarah Alpar (9-4, fighting out of Edmond, Okla.) debuts against Vanessa Melo (10-7, fighting out of Taboao da Serra, Sao Paulo, Brazil)

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: HERMANSSON vs. WEIDMAN go on sale Friday, March 13 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 12 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC^®

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

About Chesapeake Energy Arena

Chesapeake Energy Arena is Oklahoma City’s premier entertainment facility and home to NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Located in downtown OKC, the facility can hold over 18,000 fans for basketball games and over 16,000 for concerts. Consistently listed on Pollstar’s Top Arenas Worldwide, the arena hosts numerous concerts, family shows, and sporting events creating memories for thousands of guests each year and consistently lands on Pollstar’s Top Arenas Worldwide list. Chesapeake Energy Arena is owned by the City of Oklahoma City and managed by ASM Global. For more information and a full list of events, visit www.chesapeakearena.com.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.6 million subscribers in less than two years, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

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

Philadelphia, PA (March 9, 2020) -This past Saturday night, junior welterweight Samuel Teah won a six-round unanimous decision over Dieumerci Nzau in front of a sold-out crowd at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The successful show, which was attended by many members of the boxing community as well as well as WWE superstars, was the inaugural card staged by RDR Promotions.

Teah of Philadelphia dropped Nzau in the opening frame with a hard right hand to the head. Teah never was challenged in the bout that saw him win by scores of 60-53 twice and 59-54.

Teah now has a record of 17-3-1. Nzau of Silver Spring, Maryland is now 11-12.

Brandon Robinson got off the deck in round two to comeback and stop Josue Obando in the same round of their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 1:46 of the 2nd frame for the Upper Darby, PA native, who now has a record of 15-2 with 10 knockouts. Obando of Guadalajara, Mexico is 19-27-2.

Nahir Albright won a six-round majority decision over Andrew Rodgers in a junior welterweight bout.

Albright of Sicklerville, NJ won by scores of 60-54, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 8-1. Rodgers of Elkhart, IN is 4-9-2.

Ryan Umberger kept his perfect knockout streak in-tact by stopping Estevan Payan in the opening frame of their four-round middleweight bout.

Umberger of Bensalem, PA is 4-0 with four stoppages. Payan of Glendale, AZ is 1-9-1.

Naheem Parker made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Carter in a super lightweight bout.

Parker of Camden, NJ won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37. Carter of Philadelphia is 0-2.

Victor Medina and Michael Stoute fought to a four-round split draw in a bantamweight fight.

Scores were 39-37 for each and 38-38.

Medina of Hartford, CT is 1-0-1. Stoute of Long Island is 3-2-1.

Nafear Charles stopped Joseph Santana in 74 seconds of their four-round lightweight bout.

Charles of Philadelphia is 3-0 with all wins coming early. Santana of Providence, RI is 0-3.

Touted amateur Rashiem Jefferson Jr. won a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Nathan Benichou in a featherweight contest.

Jefferson of Philadelphia was making his pro debut, won by shutout scores of 40-36 on all cards. Benichou of France is 2-1.

LaQuan Evans stopped debuting Anthony Young in the final round of their scheduled four-round junior middleweight fight.

Evans of Philadelphia is now 4-1 with two knockouts. Carter, also of Philadelphia is 0-1.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr. / RDR Promotions.

Las Vegas (March 9, 2020) – Four-division world champion Mikey Garcia has confirmed that he will appear at the sixth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Garcia will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Boxing Expo will also take place before the return of Boxing’s Superstar Canelo Alvarez, who will be participating in a mega fight, later that evening at the T-Mobile arena.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com- @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://bitly.com/BoxingExpo2020

Garcia will make his 4th appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise as well as products for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this Boxing Superstar and one of the best Boxer in the world at the Pound For Pound (P4P) CBD booth. More info: https://www.pforpcbd.com/

Garcia returned to the ring last week on February 29, 2020 to face former 3-time world champion Jessie Vargas. This exciting welterweight showdown took place at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas and was streamed live on DAZN in the US. Close to 12,000 fans were treated to an incredible night of boxing, which saw Garcia compete in his second welterweight division bout, with a unanimous decision win over Vargas in a very tough, competitive and entertaining fight.

Garcia joins Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales, Michael Spinks and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Mikey Garcia
Mikey Garcia, is an American professional boxer from Mexican descent and a 4 Division world champion as well as a unified lightweight world champion, having held the WBC title since 2017, and the IBF title since July 2018. Previously he held the WBO and Ring magazine featherweight titles in 2013, the WBO junior lightweight title from 2013 to 2014, and the IBF and lineal light welterweight titles from March to April 2018. On July 28, 2018, Garcia defended his WBC lightweight title and took away the IBF belt from Robert Easter Jr with a wide unanimous decision win, which included a third-round knockdown. More than 12,500 fans were on hand at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to witness this incredible achievement.

On March 16th of this year, Garcia went up 2 weight classes to challenge the IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., who many consider to be one of the Top Pound for Pound best boxer in the world. In front of a 48,000 thousand electrifying crowd at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Garcia fought a very hard and incredibly brave fight that went the distance, but Spence came out on top to retain his world Title.

Garcia is considered and ranked in many organizations amongst some of the best fighters in the world. He is trained by his father Eduardo and his brother, former world champion and one of the top boxing trainers in the world Robert Garcia. Today, the boxing world awaits impatiently to see what Garcia will decide to do in his next fight and which division he will be competing at, with so many great fights to happen in the near future.

About Pound For Pound CBD
P4P Therapeutics and Mikey Garcia have teamed up to make high-quality CBD products available in convenient and affordable bundles shipped directly to you each month. Our products are produced from 100% organic industrial hemp and are tested for purity & potency. We work with the top CBD cultivators and have specially formulated this line to meet Mikey Garcia’s needs as a professional athlete, as well as for maximum benefit to recreational athletes and all consumers. From gummies and gel capsules, to lemongrass soothe balms and potent CBD oil tinctures, we have you covered! Made in the USA and containing zero THC, our products are formulated for human consumption and are safe for all animals with endocannabinoid systems. Browse the new P4P Therapeutics line, choose a monthly subscription, and start enjoying the benefits of high-quality CBD products with us!

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –
http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

PHOENIX – March 9, 2020 – Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Davíd “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will defend his title on Saturday, April 18 in his hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. against former world title challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo, live on SHOWTIME from Arizona Federal Theatre headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising lightweight prospect Michel Rivera taking on Mexico’s Marcos Villasana Jr. in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Interim WBA Super Lightweight titlist Alberto Puello faces two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy in the televised opener.

One of the sport’s brightest young stars, Benavidez kicks off his second reign as WBC Super Middleweight Champion by returning to fight in his native Phoenix for the first time since 2015, when he knocked out Ricardo Campillo in just his 10th pro fight.

“On Saturday, April 18, Phoenix’s own super middleweight world champion Davíd Benavidez will return home looking to thrill his hometown fans at Arizona Federal Theatre and further cement his positioning in the 168-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Benavidez can expect a strong challenge from the exciting Roamer Alexis Angulo, which should create an action-packed main event live on SHOWTIME. Two more fights with title implications add to the intrigue, with fast-rising Michel Rivera barreling toward a championship and two-division champion Rances Barthelemy hoping to pry the title away from Alberto Puello.”

“From the start of his career, long before he became champion, people have been asking me about Davíd fighting at home,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “Now is the perfect time and I’m very happy to help bring this show to Davíd’s hometown. I have no doubt it will not only be a great event; it will also be packed with thousands of fans of ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavidez.”

“SHOWTIME Sports continues its tradition of featuring the brightest young stars in boxing,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “At just 23 years old, David Benavidez is one of boxing’s most exciting young champions, and he’s facing a dangerous opponent in Roamer Alexis Angulo, who is hungry for another upset victory. In the co-main event, we have yet another boxing prodigy in undefeated 21-year-old rising star Michel Rivera, who is facing his most challenging opponent to date in Marcos Villasana. To round out the card, we will yet another undefeated young rising star in 25-year-old Alberto Puello, who takes on battle-tested veteran Rances Barthelemy.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at Arizona Federal Theatre box office.

The 23-year-old Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs) defends his belt after defeating two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell in September, stopping him in nine rounds. Benavidez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Benavidez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first championship.

“I’m very excited to be fighting Angulo on SHOWTIME and in front of my hometown crowd,” said Benavidez. “I haven’t fought in Phoenix in five years. It’s exciting to be back. I expect Angulo to come in ready. I know he just pulled an upset in his last fight and he’s not taking any shortcuts, but neither am I. Angulo has never been stopped, so I want to be the first person to stop him. I feel like I’m more motivated with a hungry fighter like him in front of me, and you will see it in my performance.”

Born in El Bordo, Colombia and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) enters his second world title opportunity on a three-fight winning streak, including two triumphs over previously unbeaten fighters. Angulo stopped Reinaldo Gonzalez in 2018 in his first fight since losing a decision to then-super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez earlier that year. He scored a decision victory this January over Anthony Sims Jr. to put himself in position to again challenge the best in the division.

“I’m very motivated by this great opportunity to fight for the world title again,” said Angulo. “Benavidez is a talented world champion who is clearly one of the best super middleweights in the world. This is going to be a great fight for the fans because of the style I bring to the ring. My Mexican style of fighting will be too much for Benavidez and I will have my hand raised on April 18.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now living in Miami, the 21-year-old Rivera (18-0, 12 KOs) made his U.S. debut on ShoBox in June of 2019 by scoring an impressive unanimous decision victory against then-unbeaten Rene Tellez Giron, who would go on to upset Karlos Balderas in his next fight. The explosive rising star then followed up by stopping Jose Luis Gallegos in September and scoring a vicious 10th-round TKO against Fidel Maldonado Jr. in February of 2020.

Villasana (25-6, 14 KOs) is the son of former featherweight champion Marcos Villasana, and fights out of Acapulco, Mexico. The 28-year-old will make his U.S. debut on April 18 riding a 10-fight winning streak that includes five knockouts. He most recently picked up two victories in 2019, defeating then-unbeaten Roman Villa in April before knocking out Javier Franco in August.

Representing his home of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello (17-0, 9 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on April 18 when he faces Barthelemy. The 25-year-old has fought professionally since 2015, defeating a slew of regional contenders and prospects. His most recent fight saw him defeat 2012 Olympian and then-unbeaten Jonathan Alonso by 12-round decision to capture his interim 140-pound title.

A decorated Cuban amateur who hails from a boxing family, Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KOs) is moving back to super lightweight after fighting former champion Robert Easter Jr. to a draw in their April 2019 lightweight title fight. The 33-year-old now trains in Las Vegas and has won titles in two weight classes, defeating Argenis Mendez for a 130-pound crown in 2014 and Denis Shafikov for a 135-pound belt in 2015. Barthelemy will look to work his way toward a second world title shot at 140 pounds, which could make him the first three-division champion from Cuba.

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will serve as telecast host with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Rounding out the telecast team are Emmy® award-winning reporter Jim Gray, unofficial ringside scorer Steve Farhood and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. David Dinkins Jr. serves as Executive Producer with Ray Smaltz producing and Bob Dunphy directing.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing

Providence, RI (Monday, March 9) – Undefeated featherweight prospect Ricky Delossantos has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout Thursday at Twin River Casino Hotel due to a strained intercostal muscle, CES Boxing announced Monday.

Delossantos (9-0, 1 KO), a Pawtucket, RI, native, sustained the injury during training camp in preparation for his scheduled eight-round bout against fellow unbeaten prospect Edward Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO) of Fort Worth, TX. An intercostal muscle strain is an injury affecting the muscles between two or more ribs.

Thursday’s event is headlined by the return of Providence native Toka Kahn Clary (27-2, 18 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight main event bout against Mexican challenger Dennis Contreras (21-10-1, 19 KOs). Massachusetts rivals Ray Oliveira Jr. (8-3, 1 KO) of New Bedford and Springfield’s Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-1-1) face one another in a special six-round welterweight attraction and undefeated Providence super welterweight Lamont Powell (5-0, 1 KO) steps up to battle the dangerous Carlos Huerta(6-5-2, 3 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico, in a six-round bout. CES Boxing President and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr. said plans are in place to reschedule the Delossantos-Vazquez bout for a later date.

“Given the severity of the injury, I did not feel comfortable with Ricky stepping into the ring in the toughest fight of his career and risking the possibility of further aggravating the injury and missing even more time down the road,” Burchfield said.

“We sought out multiple opinions, and I accompanied Ricky this morning to see an orthopedic surgeon. After seeking out a third opinion and examining all the facts, it became increasingly obvious he would be unable to fight. As important as this fight was to both sides, nothing is more important than the long-term health of the fighters. This was a difficult decision, but a necessary one.

“We encourage anyone who’s a fight fan to come out and join us Thursday night. This event is loaded from top to bottom, starting with Toka Kahn Clary’s long-awaited homecoming, plus the return of several of New England’s top prospects, including Lamont Powell and Elijah Peixoto, and Ricky will be in attendance to greet his fans. Our No. 1 goal is to put on a world-class event Thursday and I’m confident we’re well on our way to another sold-out show.”

“After putting together one of the best camps of my career in what was to be my biggest, most important fight, I sustained an injury that will prevent me from competing Thursday night,” Delossantos said.

“We did everything we could, including seeking second and third opinions from doctors and specialists. This is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s God’s plan, and I won’t let it stop me on my journey. I am thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way. Even though I am not fighting, I will be in attendance Thursday rooting on my teammates, many of whom I came up with in the amateurs, and I encourage everyone to join me for what is going to be a great night of boxing. I’ll be signing autographs, passing out shirts and taking pictures with my fans.”

Tickets for Thursday start at $47 and are available online at CESBoxing.com and ShowClix.com, or by phone at 401.724-2253. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting approximately at 6:45. The official weigh-in is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. at the Twin River Casino Hotel Event Center, the site of Thursday’s event.

Another potential show-stopper Thursday is the six-round welterweight battle between Marqus Bates (7-3, 5 KOs) of Taunton, MA and crafty Culpeper, VA, vet Roque Zapata (6-3-5). Unbeaten Providence super welterweight Anthony Concepcion (4-0-1, 4 KOs) puts his unbeaten record on the line in a four-round bout against 11-fight vet Martez Jackson (4-4-3, 2 KOs) of Valdosta, GA.

Thursday’s card also features the professional debut of Pawtucket super middleweight Hassler Chacon in a four-round bout against Brazilian Raush Manfio of Florida in addition to the return of East Providence, RI, native and decorated amateur Elijah Peixoto (2-0, 1 KO) in his third professional bout as he faces Philadelphia native Zaymar Brothers (0-1-1) in a four-round super lightweight bout. The 24-year-old Peixoto won four Southern New England Golden Gloves titles as an amateur and amassed an impressive 119-27 record that also included a trip to the 2018 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers.

Visit CESBoxing.com, Twitter.com/CESBoxing or Facebook.com/CESBoxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Twin River Casino Hotel, located in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is the state’s largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction, offering 162,000 square-feet of gaming space with more than 5,000 gaming positions. The casino operates more than 4,200 video slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 119 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, a poker room and more. A great alternative to Connecticut and Massachusetts casinos, this unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, signature cocktails and premium cigars at Blackstone Cigar Bar, and award-winning beer and live music at the Shipyard Pub. Home to the incredible Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, you can have an award-winning steak and seafood dinner, or enjoy the exciting sports bar scene at Wicked Good Bar & Grill, as well as 18 other dining outlets. Twin River offers both smoking (1st Floor) and smoke-free (2nd Floor) casinos. Twin River Casino is situated just 10 minutes from Providence and less than an hour from Boston.

FRESNO, Calif. (March. 9, 2020) — It took a little longer than expected, but WBC/WBO super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, is set to return. Ramirez will defend his titles against mandatory challenger and former world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol Saturday, May 9 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, a short drive from Ramirez’s hometown of Avenal. Ramirez and Postol were set to fight Feb. 1 in China, but the bout was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Ramirez-Postol and a 10-round super lightweight battle between former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza and surging 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with the undercard bouts scheduled to stream in English and Spanish on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with TGB Promotions, tickets priced at $206, $131, $96, $66 and $31 go on sale Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“We are pleased that Ramirez and Postol will finally fight May 9 from the great city of Fresno,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Viktor is a worthy mandatory challenger who earned his title shot, and Jose will be fully prepared to make a statement. And for Jose, this could be his last fight in Fresno for a long time, so I expect the Central Valley faithful to fill up the Save Mart Center for a special evening.”

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) is one of two unified junior welterweight champions. He won the WBC world title in March 2018, prevailing via 12-round shootout against Amir Imam in New York City. He defended that belt twice before stepping up to fight Maurice Hooker in a highly anticipated title unification bout. In one of the best fights of 2019, Ramirez knocked out Hooker in six rounds. A 2012 U.S. Olympian, Ramirez has headlined at Save Mart Center five times previously and has drawn a total of 65,794 fans through the arena’s turnstiles. Last time he fought at Save Mart Center — February 2019 against Jose Zepeda — he drew a career-high turnout of 14,034.

“It is always a blessing to fight at Save Mart Center in front of my loyal fans,” Ramirez said. “I prepared for Postol once, and I will be in top form May 9. My trainer, Robert Garcia, will have me ready for whatever he brings to the table. He is a former world champion who I cannot underestimate.” 

Postol (31-2, 12 KOs) has spent the majority of his 12-year career as a super lightweight and nearly a decade at, or near, the top of the division. He stunned the boxing world in October 2015 when he dethroned Lucas Matthysse via 10th-round KO to win the WBC world title. In his next fight, he was blunted over 12 rounds by Terence Crawford in a unification bout. He is 3-1 since the Crawford defeat, dropping a 2018 decision to Josh Taylor, who is now the division’s other unified champion. He earned the WBC’s mandatory shot at Ramirez in April with a unanimous decision over Mohamed Mimoune.

“I am glad the new fight date is set. I’m already in gym, and camp is going really well,” Postol said. “I was ready to fight on Feb. 1 and now I’m focused on May 9. The fight is taking place in his hometown, but that does not bother me because I have the experience to fight on away soil. I am looking forward to become a champion again.”

Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, held the IBF junior lightweight world title from 2015-2017 and then upset Ray Beltran in August 2018 to capture the WBO lightweight world title. He came up short in a valiant effort against Vasiliy Lomachenko in a toe-to-toe unification bout in December 2018 before knocking out Antonio Lozada Jr. in nine rounds the following May. Pedraza then moved up to 140 pounds last September and was outboxed by southpaw spoiler Jose Zepeda. He’s taking another shot as a super lightweight, this time against Molina (22-2, 9 KOs), a native of Norwalk, Calif. Molina, winner of five in a row, is coming off a pair of signature victories.

Last November, he knocked out Japanese veteran Hiroki Okada in just 65 seconds in an ESPN-televised co-feature. He followed that up with gritty eight-round decision over Imam on the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder II undercard.

“This May 9 fight against Javier Molina will be crucial for my career. This is a crossroads fight, and I will do everything in my power to return to the winning route against a world-class opponent,” Pedraza said. “I know Molina very well. I saw him fight while we were at the 2008 Olympics in China. He is coming off a couple of big wins and is looking for a world title shot at 140. I’m also looking for a world title shot at super lightweight, and that makes this fight a significant and interesting one. I’m working extremely hard because I know that to get a world title opportunity, I can’t have another loss on my record. I will get a big win against Javier Molina on May 9, and after that, the ‘Sniper’ will aim for a world title at 140.”

“I’m happy to get right back in the ring with another tough opponent. With a win over Pedraza, I feel like it should definitely set me up for a title shot next,” Molina said. “I’m excited to be on ESPN once again and continue to get that exposure. I’m just ready to go. 2020 will be my year.”

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

Filip Hrgovi? will take on Jerry Forrest and Daniyar Yeleussinov will meet Julius Indongo in big step-up bouts for the talented pair on Friday April 17 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, live on DAZN.
TICKETS START AT JUST $43 (PLUS FEES)
Hrgovi? (10-0 8 KOs) made his debut under the Sauerland-Matchroom Boxing USA co-promotional banner in the same venue in May, hammering Gregory Corbin in the first round in his first defense of his WBC International title, and has added two more big KO wins since then, stopping Mario Heredia in Mexico in August in three rounds and then needing under nine minutes once again to blast away former World title challenger Eric Molina in Saudi Arabia in December.

Hrgovi? expects tough resistance from Forrest (26-3 20 KOs) in his first fight in 2020, with the Virginia man having ran unbeaten Jermaine Franklin close in July and returning to action in September to record his 20^thKO win from 23 fights. 

“I am looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Hrgovi?. “I have good memories from fighting at the MGM National Harbor. This is where I made my American debut when I knocked out Gregory Corbin in the first round, and I’ve been training hard to give the fans another exciting performance on April 17.

“Jerry Forrest is a good boxer. He is a southpaw with a good record, and I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m confident I will beat him.

“2019 was a great year for me. I fought in America, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. I had three fights against three strong opponents and got three knockouts wins. This year will be even better. My goal has always been to become World Champion, and I’m now closing in on that goal. I’m coming for belts!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland said: “Filip is in fantastic shape and ready to start his 2020 campaign in style. Last time out at the MGM National Harbor he introduced himself to the American fight fans with an explosive first-round knockout, and they can expect a similar display this time round. Whenever Filip steps into the ring you’re guaranteed excitement. He is the future of the Heavyweight division and it’s only a matter of time before he’s fighting for World honors.”

Yeleussinov (9-0 5 KOs) looked explosive in his last two outings of 2019, hammering Reshard Hicks inside the opening round of their September clash in New York before stopping Alan Sanchez in the fifth round of their clash in Phoenix in September. 

The Kazakhstan 2016 Olympic gold medal man now faces a stiff test of his talents in his first action of 2020 against Indongo (23-2 12 KOs). The rangy Namibian rose to prominence in December 2016 when his stunning first round one-punch KO win saw him rip the WBO World Super-Lightweight title from Russia’s Eduard Troyanovsky in Moscow and then unified the division against Scotland’s three-weight World champion Ricky Burns in Glasgow in April 2017.

The 37 year old faced Terence Crawford for the undisputed Super-Lightweight title in August 2017 and then met former World Super-Lightweight champion and Maryland headliner Regis Prograis in March 2018. Indongo fell to both champions but bounced back with a 12^th career KO win in Alabama in August, and Yeleussinov has vowed to shine against the former World ruler.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Yeleussinov. “I had a great end to the year, and I feel I am building real momentum in the pro game now, but this is a big leap in quality of opponent. Julius is a former unified World champion and has huge experience at the very top level, so I will need to put on a career-best performance to keep my run going.”

One of Matchroom Boxing USA’s bright young talents joins Hrgovic and Yeleussinov in the shape of Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs), who will be eager to build on an explosive performance in December in destroying Francisco Mura in the first round in Phoenix.

“This is a big night in the careers of Filip Hrgovic and Daniyar Yeleussinov,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Filip is a big problem for the Heavyweight division. The Croat is gaining valuable experience with every camp and fight, and all eyes will be on the 27 year old in Maryland as he looks to make another statement in boxing’s glamour division.

“Daniyar is really growing in the paid ranks and has been impressive in his recent outings, but Julius Indongo is a big step-up for the ‘Kazakh Thunder’. The former unified World champion will look to carry his power up to 147lbs so Daniyar will be under pressure to both impress again and stave off the attack of the dangerous Indongo.

“Our young stable of fighters is the best in the States, and Raymond continues his pro education on what promises to be another exciting night of action on DAZN.”

Tickets are currently on general sale now starting at just $43 (plus fees) via Ticketmaster. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (March 9, 2020): Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management are proud to introduce another exciting talent to American audiences as NABF Heavyweight Champion Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (10-0, 10 KOs) has joined their co-promotional stable. Makhamudov joins the likes of David Lemieux, Yves Ulysses, Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler in taking part in this historic co-promotional partnership.

Standing at six feet five and a half inches tall, Makhmudov is a Russian monster who weighs as much as 260 pounds when stepping into the ring. Before turning professional in 2017, he was an international amateur standout, where he competed in various tournaments, including the World Series of Boxing. As a professional, the 30-year-old contender has ended all of his fights by knockout, including a first-round win against world champion Samuel “The Nigerian Nightmare” Peter to win the NABF Heavyweight Title. Makhmudov, who now calls Montreal, Quebec, Canada his home, aspires to conquer the talent-laden heavyweight division as soon as possible.

“I’m confident that with my team, Eye of the Tiger Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, I will reach my goal of becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“I’m thrilled to bring the top heavyweight prospect in the world to the U.S. with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We plan to send a message to the heavyweight division with his performances. I’m partnering up with Oscar, Eric, Robert, Bernard and their team, and I believe we will have a heavyweight champion of the world together.”

“In recent years, we have had somewhat of a renaissance in the heavyweight division,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “The big fights, heated rivalries and constant media exposure that the heavyweights are getting these days is very good for the health of the sport. By signing fighters such as Arslan Makhmudov, we are doing our part in continuing this momentum into the future. Makhmudov is a knockout artist who is joining our ranks after compiling an impressive record of 10 wins with 10 knockouts with our friends at Eye of the Tiger Management. We look forward to working with Camille Estephan and the entire team as we develop Makhmudov into a world champion.”

About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

The World Championship boxing event scheduled for March 27 in Verona, Italy, at the AGSM Forum, has been postponed due to the recent ban by the Italian government of all sports events until April 3.
 
The show promoted by Opi Since 82, Matchroom Boxing Italy and DAZN will be rescheduled as soon as health regulations allow. The main event will remain the vacant Interim WBA World Lightweight Title clash between Francesco Patera and Devis Boschiero. Opi Since 82 and Matchroom Boxing Italy are also working to reschedule the show which should have taken place in Milan on February 28. Given the unprecedented nature of this now global issue, we are unable to offer more clarity on new dates.

os Angeles, CA, (March 9, 2020) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. Promotions present the tenth evening of the acclaimed ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’^® series emanating from the legendary AVALON in Hollywood, CA on Sunday, March 29, 2020. The event will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, and is headlined by Fast Rising Welterweight Star, Brian Ceballo, (11-0-0, 6 KOs) of New York City facing Heavy-Handed Texan Brian ‘Sweet’ Jones, (15-11, 9 KOs), of Clarksville, Texas.

“This is our tenth ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ event at the AVALON and we couldn’t be more excited to work with Boxing Legend Roy Jones Jr. and his Team along with UFC FIGHT PASS to broadcast this action-packed event on their outstanding digital platform,” said Loeffler.

“Brian Ceballo is one of boxing’s top young stars fighting Brian Jones, a tough and durable opponent. In addition, the undercard is packed with many of Southern California’s top young prospects. We are expecting another sold-out event at the AVALON and encourage fans to purchase tickets quickly.”

The 25-year-old Ceballo had a busy schedule in 2019 with five victorious performances including three by knockout. The year was highlighted by a victory over previously undefeated Bakhtiyar Eyubov on June 8, 2019 at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of the Gennadiy Golovkin vs. Steve Rolls main event. Ceballo was also included in the ESPN 2019 Boxing’s Prospect of the Year list.

The upset minded Jones knocked out previously undefeated prospect Julian Sosa in the fifth round on August 3, 2019 in Brooklyn, NY. He looks to get back in the win column following a hard-fought decision loss to Anthony Laureano on September 14, 2019 in Catskill, NY.

Co-featured at ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ in an outstanding featherweight clash, undefeated Adrian Montoya, (12-0, 10 KOs), of Sonora, Mexico returns to the AVALON in a six-rounder against Anthony Reyes, (12-1-1, 7 KOs), of San Diego, CA. The all-action 22-year-old Montoya, made his Southern California debut with an outstanding unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Humberto Rubalcava on October 27, 2019. Kicking off his 2020 campaign, Montoya knocked out Juan Gomez Torres in the second round on February 15 in Tijuana, Mexico. The 25-year-old Reyes returns to battle after a fourth- round knockout over Miguel Lopez on November 16, 2019 in Tijuana, Mexico.

In a six-round super flyweight bout, George ‘El Phantasma’ Navarro, (7-0-1, 3 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA faced Fernando Diaz, (5-1-1, 1 KO), of Bloomington, CA. The popular 21-year-old Navarro will be making his fifth straight appearance at ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ in front of his army of fans. On October 27, 2019 he pitched a four-round unanimous decision over Nestor Ramos. The 19-year-old Diaz will be looking to bounce back into the win column after fighting to a six-round draw against Christian Negrete on June 29, 2019.

‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ fan favorite, super-featherweight Adrian ‘Bam Bam’ Corona, (7-0-1, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA battles Sergio Vega, (2-0-1, 2 KOs), of Woodland Hills, CA in a scheduled six rounder. The 20-year-old Corona, fighting for the seventh time at the AVALON capped off a four-win 2019 campaign with an exciting six-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Castro on October 27, 2019. The undefeated southpaw Vega hits the ring following a four-round draw against Diego Elizondo on June 8, 2019 in Reno, Nevada.

Flyweights will see action as Christian Robles, (4-0, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA faces Dilan ‘El Rey’ Miranda, (5-2, 4 KOs), of San Diego, CA in a scheduled four rounder. Fighting for the fourth time at ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’, the 23-year-old Robles returns after a four-round unanimous decision victory over Cesar Sustaita on October 27, 2019. The 24-year-old Miranda looks to stay in the win column, knocking out Ming Freeman on August 24, 2019 in the third round in Alpine, CA.

Popular light heavyweight Marco Deckmann, (3-1, 3 KOs), of North Hollywood, trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, will look to bounce back from a valiant loss to Jamel Reynolds on October 27, 2019 at the AVALON. The native of Germany will face an opponent to be named for his scheduled four-rounder.

Super welterweight newcomer Arman Darchinyan, (1-0, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA, the nephew of former world champion Vic Darchinyan, will battle in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named. The 25-year-old former amateur standout in his home country of Armenia, was successful in his professional debut stopping Kendall Mayes-Taylor in the second round at the AVALON on October 27, 2019.

Opening the show in the super-flyweight division, John ‘Scappy’ Ramirez, of Los Angeles, CA will make his professional debut in a four-round bout against an opponent to be announced.

Tickets for The VIP Boxing Experience priced at $150 (Limited VIP Ring Mat), $125 (First Row), $100 (Second Row), $85 (Reserved Floor) $80 (General Admission/Standing Room Floor), and $60 (General Admission/Balcony) are now on sale at www.360Promotions.us and through the interactive seating chart by clicking HERE. VIP Booths ($2000/10 Seats) are also available by calling 805-910-6111. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. PT for the exciting eight-bout card.

*Card subject to change

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

                                                ————————————————–

The historic AVALON is located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood, CA adjacent to the iconic intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St. For more details on the AVALON, please visit their website, www.AvalonHollywood.com

Providence, RI (Monday, March 9) – The ultimate spectator sport, boxing provides fans with an adrenaline rush few sports have the ability to replicate.

No matter the venue, the combatants, or the circumstances, boxing rarely fails to deliver, but there’s something a little extra special about two undefeated fighters putting their records – and reputations – on the line.

On Thursday night at Twin River Casino Hotel, undefeated prospects Ricky Delossantos (9-0, 1 KO) of Pawtucket, RI, and 24-year-old Fort Worth, TX, native Edward Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO) risk their perfect records in a highly-anticipated featherweight showdown under promotional giant CES Boxing.

The fight is scheduled for eight rounds and marks the second year in a row CES Boxing has opened its annual Twin River Casino Fight Series with a battle of unbeatens. In 2019, it was Jamaine Ortiz and Ricardo Quiroz battling for the WBC Youth World Lightweight title. Now it’s Delossantos and Vazquez, two fighters with different backgrounds and different paths to the squared circle, except for that one common denominator – their unblemished records and the expectations that come with them.

The fight is just days away and Vazquez is brimming with confidence as he prepares for his first trip up north and what may be the biggest challenge of his young career.

“He’s going to have to kill me if he wants to beat me,” Vazquez said. “I hope you’re working your ass off, because I am. You have no idea what you’ve got coming to you.”

Tickets start at $47 and are available online at CESBoxing.com and ShowClix.com, or by phone at 401.724-2253. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout at 6:45. The official weigh-in is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. at the Twin River Casino Hotel Event Center, the site of Thursday’s event.

A late bloomer who didn’t make his professional debut until the age of 27, Delossantos has grown in confidence and stature with each fight. He pieced together arguably his most impressive performance in his last night, sending Yeuri Andujar to the canvas twice in the sixth and final round of their August bout en route to a decisive unanimous decision win.

“I feel like more of a veteran in that ring,” Delossantos said. “Skill-wise and confidence-wise, things continue to get better. I’ve been learning fast. Every fight is a showcase to prove myself and show my fans what I’m about and what I bring to the table.”

As for Vazquez’s style, Delossantos described his opponent as an elusive, slick boxer who “likes to move around a lot, box on the outside, and then jump in.” Will that deter Delossantos’ straight-forward approach?

“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” he said. “I feel like I can get him out of there by the fifth round. He won’t be able to take the pressure. He won’t be able to dance around with me that long.”

Aside from their unbeaten records, Vazquez and Delossantos couldn’t be more different. Vazquez, nicknamed “Kid,” began boxing at 8 years old, amassed an amateur record of 82-8 and advanced to the Junior Olympic semifinals before launching his pro career in 2016 under the guidance of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. He recently upended previously unbeaten California prospect Brandon Cruz by split decision.

Delossantos admits he got into a light of fights while starring as a two-sport athlete at Pawtucket’s Tolman High School. He took up boxing to put his aggression toward a more worthwhile cause and keep himself out of trouble. Under the guidance of lifelong trainer Orlondo Valles, he enjoyed a brief amateur career before turning pro in 2017 with a win over fellow debut fighter and New England rival Philip Davis.

The stage has been set for what should be another epic CES Boxing showcase Thursday night at Twin River. There’s not much more to be said until that first bell rings. It may be the last time either fighter can claim to be undefeated.

“I believe I’m the smarter fighter,” Vazquez said. “I’m the more experienced fighter. I’m the better fighter. I’m a hard worker. The thrill of stepping into that ring and competing at the highest level is what drives me every day.”

Added Delossantos: “That record doesn’t mean anything until you’re in the ring with someone who can match you punch for punch. I’ve looked at some of the video to study his style, but that changes once you’re in the ring. He’s going to have to adjust to what I’m doing.”

Thursday’s event also features the return of Providence native Toka Kahn Clary (27-2, 18 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight main event bout against Mexican challenger Dennis Contreras (21-10-1, 19 KOs). In perhaps another showstopper, Massachusetts rivals Ray Oliveira Jr. (8-3, 1 KO) of New Bedford and Springfield’s Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-1-1) face one another in a special six-round welterweight attraction.

Another fight threatening to steal the show is a six-round welterweight battle between Marqus Bates (7-3, 5 KOs) of Taunton, MA and crafty Culpeper, VA, vet Roque Zapata, who returns to Twin River following a back-and-forth showdown with Bates’ stablemate Victor Reynoso in November. Unbeaten Providence super welterweight Lamont Powell (5-0, 1 KO) returns in a six-round bout against Mexican challenger Carlos Huerta (6-5-2, 3 KOs) and fellow 154-pounder Anthony Concepcion (4-0-1, 4 KOs) of Providence puts his unbeaten record on the line in a four-round bout against 11-fight vet Martez Jackson (4-4-3, 2 KOs) of Valdosta, GA.

Next Thursday’s card also features the professional debut of Pawtucket super middleweight Hassler Chacon in a four-round bout against Brazilian Raush Manfio of Florida in addition to the return of East Providence, RI, native and decorated amateur Elijah Peixoto (2-0, 1 KO) in his third professional bout as he faces Philadelphia native Zaymar Brothers (0-1-1) in a four-round super lightweight bout. The 24-year-old Peixoto won four Southern New England Golden Gloves titles as an amateur and amassed an impressive 119-27 record that also included a trip to the 2018 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers.

Visit CESBoxing.com, Twitter.com/CESBoxing or Facebook.com/CESBoxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Twin River Casino Hotel, located in Lincoln, Rhode Island, is the state’s largest gaming and entertainment venue as well as its top tourist and cultural attraction, offering 162,000 square-feet of gaming space with more than 5,000 gaming positions. The casino operates more than 4,200 video slot machines and virtual table games (including blackjack and roulette), as well as 119 live table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, a poker room and more. A great alternative to Connecticut and Massachusetts casinos, this unique gaming facility also hosts simulcasting of the best thoroughbred and greyhound racing from around the country, a 29,000+ square foot Twin River Event Center with headline entertainment, free concerts at the Lighthouse Bar, signature cocktails and premium cigars at Blackstone Cigar Bar, and award-winning beer and live music at the Shipyard Pub. Home to the incredible Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse, you can have an award-winning steak and seafood dinner, or enjoy the exciting sports bar scene at Wicked Good Bar & Grill, as well as 18 other dining outlets. Twin River offers both smoking (1st Floor) and smoke-free (2nd Floor) casinos. Twin River Casino is situated just 10 minutes from Providence and less than an hour from Boston.

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that the classic 2013 fight between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Fight Wing’ as part of the Class of 2020. The 2020 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place on Thursday, July 9, at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Going into the first Jones vs. Gustafsson fight, fans and media didn’t care about the fight, because they didn’t believe Gustafsson deserved a title shot, and this thing ended up being the greatest light heavyweight title fight in UFC history,” UFC President Dana White said. “To be there and watch it live was amazing. It was an incredible fight and both athletes gave everything they had for all five rounds. This fight was such a classic it was named the 2013 Fight of the Year and will always be considered one of the greatest fights in combat sports history. This fight showed what a true champion Jon Jones was, as this was the first time he was taken into deep waters and truly tested. This fight also put Gustafsson on the map and showed his true potential. Congratulations to Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson on being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame ‘Fight Wing’ for such an epic fight.”

As the main event of UFC^® 165: JONES vs. GUSTAFSSON, which took place on September 21, 2013 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, both athletes entered the matchup on extensive winning streaks. This event would also mark the third consecutive year that Jones would defend his title inside the iconic venue.

Jones entered the Octagon with an impressive 18-1 record and a nine-fight winning streak that included victories over former UFC light heavyweight champions Vitor Belfort, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Quinton Jackson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. This streak also included victories over former 2005 WEC^® heavyweight grand prix champion Brandon Vera and Chael Sonnen, with only one of those nine wins coming via decision.

Having successfully defended the UFC light heavyweight title five consecutive times, a victory against Gustafsson at UFC 165 would set a new record for most successive light heavyweight title defenses in UFC history, passing UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz.

Gustafsson, competing for the first time in Canada, entered the arena with a 15-1 record and a six-fight winning streak that also included a victory over former UFC light heavyweight champion Rua.

Both Jones and Gustafsson traded a series of high and low kicks, as well as punches and elbows, throughout the majority of the first round, until a right hook by the Sweden native opened up a cut over Jones’ right eye with two minutes remaining in the round. Following 59 seconds of trading additional strikes, Jones would be taken down by Gustafsson for the first time in his career, as he had effectively stopped 13 previous attempts during his first 19 professional fights. Alexander would end the round having landed eight significant head strikes to Jones’ five, with Jon landing eight body strikes compared to Gustafsson’s four.

Round two began similarly to round one, with both Jones and Gustafsson continuously moving around the Octagon while connecting via punches and low kicks. With 2:30 remaining in the round, Jones connected on a left head kick, backing Gustafsson off from a takedown attempt. Alexander would employ skills from his amateur boxing background for the remainder of the round, thwarting Jones’ takedown attempts in the process. Gustafsson would land 16 significant head and body strikes, compared to Jon’s eight during the round.

Gustafsson opened the third round with a big combination to set the tone. With Jones having problems from the cut over his right eye, Alexander would continue his boxing attack, changing levels, and landing jabs and uppercuts with Jon countering by connecting on a series of low and high kicks. During the round, Alexander landed 24 significant head and body strikes compared to 19 from Jon. Jones and Gustafsson combined for 55 significant strikes in round three, setting a new record for a UFC light heavyweight title fight.

Round four marked the first time that Gustafsson had ever fought past three rounds in his professional MMA career. With both athletes pushing the pace, Alexander took the early advantage by landing several jabs and hooks, stuffing Jones’ takedown attempts in the process. Jones, bleeding heavily from his right eye, connected on a series of left elbows, stunning Gustafsson by landing a reverse elbow with 35 seconds remaining and capitalizing with elbows and knees with Alexander against the cage. Jones ended the round with an elbow and a flying knee, taking control of the round and the fight in the process. Jones and Gustafsson combined for 53 significant strikes in the fourth frame, which ranked as second-most in a light heavyweight title fight in UFC history at the time.

Jon and Alexander each entered the final round bleeding heavily and they each stayed in the center of the Octagon exchanging punches. Jones secured his first takedown of Gustafsson with 3:00 remaining, but both athletes quickly stood up. Jon would connect on a left head kick with 2:22 left in the round, but Alexander kept moving without showing any effects. With Gustafsson physically exhausted, Jones advanced, landing a series of high kicks and punches as Alexander struggled to stay on his feet. Jon would land three consecutive head kicks, an elbow and a flying knee to conclude the fight.

Jones would win the bout via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), setting a new record for most consecutive title defenses in UFC light heavyweight history.

Both athletes combined to land 244 significant strikes, which set a new UFC light heavyweight record at the time and currently ranks second all-time in the division (260 – UFC 192 – Cormier vs. Gustafsson). Jon would also set two new UFC light heavyweight title fight records by landing 53 leg kicks and 134 significant strikes, surpassing his previous record of 105.

Gustafsson’s 110 significant strikes landed against Jones were the second-most by a light heavyweight in a UFC title fight in history at the time and ranked as the most strikes absorbed by Jones in any of his 20 fights, with 45 being the previous high. Alexander attempted 288 significant strikes during the fight, besting the previous high against Jon of 151 by Rashad Evans at UFC 145.

Gustafsson provided Jones with the toughest test of his career to date, while also matching Jon in some of his more favorable areas. A decorated wrestler in high school and junior college, Jones was unable to take Alexander down on 10 of his 11 attempts, with Gustafsson utilizing skills learned from training with former NCAA Division I National Champion wrestler (2008) Phil Davis.

An instant classic, this fight would earn 2013 Fight of the Year Award honors by ESPN, Sherdog, FOX Sports, Yahoo! Sports, MMA Junkie, MMA Fighting, MMA Weekly and the World MMA Awards.

The pair met in a rematch with the vacant UFC light heavyweight title on the line in the main event of UFC 232^®: JONES vs. GUSTAFSSON 2 on December 29, 2018 in Los Angeles. Jones would defeat Gustafsson for a second time, via TKO in the third round, to regain the UFC light heavyweight crown. Since recapturing the title at UFC 232, Jones has defended his title three times and recently set a new record for most championship victories in UFC history, with 14, following his unanimous decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247^®: JONES vs. REYES on February 8, 2020 in Houston.

Gustafsson returned to the Octagon on June 1, 2019, in the main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: GUSTAFSSON vs. SMITH, in his hometown of Stockholm, Sweden. Anthony Smith defeated Alexander via rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round. Following his defeat, Gustafsson retired inside the Octagon, ending an 11-year career with a record of 18-6 (10-6 UFC).

The remaining inductees of the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will be announced in the coming weeks leading to the 9^th Annual UFC International Fight Week™, which takes place from Tuesday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12 in Las Vegas.

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 80 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s 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. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Atlantic City, NJ (March 7, 2020)–Weights for Tonight’s Boxing card at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino

Derrick Webster 166 – Gabriel Pham 164
Christian Tapia 131 – Carlos Colon 129
Jeremy Cuevas 140.4 – Nestor Hugo Paniagua 137
Isiah Seldon 159.4 – Darryl Bunting 162.
Benny Sinakin 173.6 – Leroy Jones 174.2
Thomas Velasquez 133.4 – Gustavo Molina 134

Promoter: Hard Hitting Promotions
Venue: Ballys Atlantic Hotel and Casino
1st Bell: 7 PM

Tickets are on sale now for $100 for VIP, $65 for Ringside and $50 for VIP and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at The Caesars Box Office.

Callum Johnson will take on Igor Mikhalkin for the vacant EBU European Light-Heavyweight Title on the undercard of the blockbuster Heavyweight clash between Dillian Whyte and Alexander Povetkin at Manchester Arena on Saturday May 2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenged Artur Beterbiev for the IBF World Light-Heavyweight Title in the first ever live show on American soil on DAZN, and the pair put on a hell-raising shootout, with Johnson climbing off the canvas in the opening round to send Beterbiev to the deck in the second session.

After falling short in his first World Title shot, ‘The One’ took out Sean Monaghan in three rounds at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in March 2019, but that turned out to be the Boston man’s only fight of the year, and he is keen to put a disappointing injury-hit year behind him by winning the European crown.

Mikhalkin (23-2, 10 KOs) held the European Light-Heavyweight Title for two years, winning the vacant title against Mohamed Belkacem in 2014 before making three successful defences against Hakim Chioui, Hugo Kasperski and Patrick Bois – all in France.

The Russian southpaw then picked up the vacant IBO Light-Heavyweight Title against Thomas Oosthuizen at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg before suffering only his second career defeat against Sergey Kovalev in a challenge for the WBO crown in 2018.

“He’s a good tough fighter,” said Johnson. “It’s a tough fight for me, he’s a solid southpaw, he’s been European Champion before and he lost to Kovalev when Kovalev was still top of his game. I’m expecting a very hard fight but it’s a fight that I’m looking forward to and I’m confident I can win.

“2019 got off to a flying start, I got a good win out in America and I impressed a lot of people with that performance. It’s a shame that I got injured because I think 2019 would have been a brilliant year for me. It didn’t turn out to be my year but we go again.

“To win the British, Commonwealth and European Titles will be a fantastic achievement and I’m confident of getting the win on May 2. It’s a fight that I’ve got to win. If I win then it potentially opens massive doors for me to get another World Title shot and earn some big money. If I lose, it’s a big setback.”

“I’m happy that I can showcase my skills against a tough opponent in the UK,” said Mikhalkin. “I know that Callum will come into our fight in very good shape and he has already shown he can trouble the best fighters in the world. I believe that I have what it takes to beat Callum, I’ve held the European Title before and made a number of successful defences, this is my belt and I’ll be taking it back to Russia after May 2.”

Whyte vs. Povetkin tops a huge night of action in Manchester as Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) and Amanda Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) collide in a blockbuster super fight with the Irish legend’s Lightweight World Titles on the line against the seven-weight World Champion.

Tickets for Whyte vs. Povetkin are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 and £400 (VIP).

General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Irving, TX, March 7, 2020 — Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield (3-0, 3 KOs) made his professional debut on November 2, 2019 and will fight his fourth fight tonight, Saturday, March 7, at the Toyota music Factory in Irving, Texas. Evan’s Head Coach Termite Watkins and his father Evander Holyfield discuss the process of the super middleweight, in which Evander’s take always lead to a story.

Watch Evan’s last fight (Feb. 8) here – catch Elijah and Evander ringside at the end https://youtu.be/F1TD1Ls6wLU

TERMITE WATKINS
We definitely want the fights to go longer (:16 KO, round 3 KO & 1:22 KO respectively), that’s where we get the experience but the main thing is we want him to learn the ring. This fight we have tomorrow the guy has one win and one draw (Dylan Carlson, 1-0-1, 1 KO) – Evan has 3 fights. It should be somewhat of an equal match. Then next time we will pick it up a little more and I’d like to find someone that has maybe five wins and five losses, but until he gets comfortable in the ring, until he gets to learning it, then, yes, we will progress slowly.

It’s just a process and getting him used to the ring. We could put him in against guys that are much better than him, and he would beat them, but they would be wars. We want to have our wars later – not right now – we want to get him experience. That’s what this is all about – experience.

Every fight he has been in he has learned something, without a doubt. He’s learned how to be aggressive. This time he is probably going to move and box more, depending on circumstances. We are handpicking things that we want to work on and each time we work on something different. One fight we worked on our right hand, one fight we worked on our left. This fight we will be working more on boxing and using his jab more. This fight our goal is to use our jab a whole lot more. From there we will pick up the pace – he has had three fights so far, then at the time we feel comfortable it will start moving real quick, but we are not going to move real quick until we are comfortable.

EVANDER HOLYFIELD
Evan is doing good but it’s kind of hard to tell when you first start off because you are trying to figure out what type of fighters he is fighting compared to who that champion is in that weight division, to know where he has to get. Right now I think just getting him comfortable when he’s in there and showing that it’s not that much different than being in the gym.

Evan is kind of skillful and I think you get tested when you get good sparring partners – somebody who has done something, somebody that used to be a champion.

I remember when I sparred against the guy from Philadelphia (Bert Cooper) that made George Foreman quit boxing the first time. They put him in there and my trainer Georgie Benton told me I wouldn’t even get a lick on him and the first round I took it slow trying to figure him out. The second round I hit him with a combination ‘boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.’ It was more than the three punches he normally got – it was six, seven or eight because I know he could block the first two. He thought I would pull back after the first two but I hit him with the next six (laughing) and they had to pull me off him.

(Back to Evan) So I am looking forward to him stepping it up to another level. He was a good amateur fighter and as he’s coming along. He’ll have to find someone that will keep him on the outside. Right now he is keeping the opponents on the outside. People that are aggressive can’t stand the other guy being aggressive, and with me I always knew that – like with Mike Tyson – he couldn’t fight going backwards to save his life and I knew that so I pushed him backwards and it proved the fact that people don’t want people to do things to you that you do to them. (Then he bit your ear) Yep (laughing), he sure did.

(Do you get excited for his fights?) I kind of push my emotions down because I know that’s the way I was supposed to be when I fought, but it’s difficult because I’m his father. I make myself emotionless, and not look at it being big and all this. Being able to look at him and he won’t see any stress on my face regardless.

I realize that I come from a very emotional family and it always bothered me and it made me think “ya’ll don’t believe in me.” I remember with the first fight against Dwight Muhammad Qawi, they all said ‘you are throwing him in there too quick,’ but I always believed I could beat anybody they put in the ring.

EVAN HOLYFIELD
I’ve seen my opponent fight and I know he is going to come to fight. I am just going to go out there and hit and don’t get hit and let my punches do the talking. Regarding my dad and my last name . . . I don’t feel any pressure. When I get in the ring I fight for myself. I am in the ring for me. I don’t care if no one showed up to watch. I don’t care if I had my mom’s last name, I would still go in there to give it my all. I feel like I have the talent that got me this far and it is just a matter of staying focused, staying in love with the sport.

COMPARING
My dad and I were the same size all through our lives and now we are both 6’2” but I am still eating my Wheaties to try to get that extra inch.

• * *

Lone Star State-based non-profit organization Ring of Hope returns for a resounding night of sanctioned professional boxing when it presents its ninth annual “Night To Fight” pro boxing and charity event on Saturday, March 7 at the Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. The main event will present an 8 round light heavyweight attraction between two battle-tested warriors when Dallas-Fort Worth born-and-bred boxer Samuel Clarkson (22-5, 15 KOs) challenges the Freddie Roach-trained Israel Duffus (19-6, 16 KOs). Also to be featured in separate bouts are welterweights Jessy Martinez (14-0, 9 KOs) and Brandyn Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs), cruiserweight Robin Safar (10-0, 7 KOs) and heavyweight Patrick Mailata (4-0, 2 KOs), Austin-based super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) and the Corpus Christi-based lightweight John Rincon (4-0, 2 KOs).

Night To Fight will be available live on Integrated Sports Pay Per View on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV and DISH in the United States, Shaw PPV in Canada and worldwide via the FITE.TV app and website.

Hall of Fame Showtime TV broadcaster Al Bernstein, former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi and LA Times and Boxing Scene journalist and writer Manouk Akopyan will call the action from ringside.

Philadelphia, PA (March 6 2020) -Weights for Saturday night’s card at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Samuel Teah 140.8 lbs – Dieumerci Nzau 139.7
Brandon Robinson 169.4 – Josue Obando 171
Nahir Albright 136.2 – Andrew Rodgers 141.5
Victor Medina 117.1 – Michael Stoute 118.5
Naheem Parker 138.9 – Anthony Carter 139.1
Rashiem Jefferson 125 – Nathan Benichou 125.7
LaQuan Evans 154 – Anthony Young 150.4
Nafear Charles 135 – Joseph Santana 132.3
Ryan Umberger 155 – Estevan Payan 155

Promoter: RDR Promotions
1st Bell: 7:00 PM

Tickets are $125 VIP with a drink; $75 Ringside and $55 General Admission and can be purchased at 2300arena.com

16:30 DOORS AND FIRST BELL

LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL

4 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
BLANE HYLAND 8st 3lbs 4oz v JOEL SANCHEZ 8st 4lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                   (Nicaragua)

4 x 3 mins Super Middleweight 
BRADLEY REA 11st 7lbs v PAVOL GARAJ 11st 9bs
(Stretford)                             (Slovakia)

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
AQIB FIAZ 9st 9lbs 12oz v DEAN JONES 9st 10lbs 7oz                             
(Oldham)                              (Telford)

17:50 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 1lb 12oz v BENSON NYILAWILA 10st 1lb 1oz
(Sheffield)                                     (Tanzania)
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
ROBBIE DAVIES JR 10st 3lbs 8oz v DAMIAN LEONARDO YAPUR 10st 3lbs            
(Liverpool)                                           (Argentina)

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
JACK CULLEN 11st 7lbs 12oz v TOMAS ANDRES REYNOSO 11st 8lbs       
(Little Leaver)                               (Argentina)     

12 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
SCOTT QUIGG 9st 3lbs 6oz v JONO CARROLL 9st 4lbs
(Bury)                                         (Dublin)

FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest 
RESHAT MATI 10st 6lbs 9oz v ABDALLAH LUANJA 10st 7lbs 7oz
(New York, USA)                       (Tanzania)

New York, NY (March 6, 2020) DiBella Entertainment’s acclaimed Broadway Boxing series, celebrating its 17th year, has moved its scheduled March 12 event in Miami, FL, to Thursday, March 19 at the Showboat Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event will still be headlined by Ghanaian lightweight contender Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (31-1, 15 KOs) battling Filipino veteran Rey “The Technician” Perez (24-11, 8 KOs) and live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Advance tickets, priced at $100 (Ringside), $65 (Reserved) and $35 (General Admission), may be purchased on Eventbrite HERE or by calling DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Showboat Atlantic City is located at 801 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. More information can be found on their website, www.ShowboatHotelAC.com.

“I’m thrilled to bring the next Broadway Boxing event to the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, on Thursday, March 19. World ranked Ghanaian lightweight contender Emmanuel Tagoe faces Filipino Rey Perez in a terrific main event, streamed live on UFC Fight Pass,” said 2020 International Boxing Hall-of-Fame Inductee Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The stacked undercard includes two exciting female fights, featuring former world champion Kali Reis and rising prospect Logan Holler. Colombian Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo will take on Demetri Bentley in a battle of unbeaten light heavyweight prospects and the popular Dusty Harrison, from Washington, D.C., will see action as well.”

Fighting out of the talent-laden region of Accra, Ghana, world-ranked lightweight Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (31-1, 15 KOs) will seek to keep his remarkable winning streak intact, facing Rey “The Technician” Perez (24-11, 8 KOs), of North Hollywood, CA, by way of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, in the 10-round main event. Tagoe has won 31 fights in a row since his lone defeat in his 2004 pro debut.

Ranked #2 by the WBO, #6 by the IBF, and #10 by the WBC, Tagoe will be fighting in the United States for the first time in seven years. Most recently, the heavy-handed Ghanaian knocked out Ishmael Aryeetey in the sixth round, on July 20, 2019, in Accra. He also holds victories against former world champions Moses Paulus and Mzonke Fana.

Said Tagoe manager, Peter Kahn, “Emmanuel has been in camp in Florida for four months away from home in Ghana, away from his family. He has been working hard, he’s in excellent condition and ready to fight on March 19 in Atlantic City. As the WBO #2 rated lightweight in the world, Emmanuel is in line for big fights in 2020.”

The 30-year-old Perez hits the ring following a hard-fought decision loss to undefeated contender George Kambosos on January 19, 2019, in Las Vegas. Perez has been tested against solid opposition throughout his 11-year career, facing Jessie Magdaleno, Lamont Roach, Chris Avalos and Oscar Duarte. Prior to the loss against Kambosos, Perez stopped Christian Gonzalez in the seventh round on October 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA.

The co-feature will have former world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (16-7-1, 5 KOs), of Providence, RI, fighting in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout. Since challenging undisputed champion Cecilia Braekhus in May of 2018, Reis has won three consecutive fights, including a six-round decision on August 29, 2019, against Patricia Juarez.

In a scheduled six-round light heavyweight battle of unbeaten prospects, 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo (3-0, 2 KOs) continues his ascent as a professional challenging hard-hitting Demetri Bentley (8-0, 6 KOs), of Atlanta, GA. The 27-year-old Carrillo is staying busy in 2020, scoring a second-round knockout of Ben Williams on February 8, in Daytona Beach, FL. Following an active 2019, fighting eight times last year, the 24-year-old Bentley returns to action after an eight-round unanimous decision versus Ian Darby on September 29, 2019.

Exciting female junior middleweight prospect and newly signed to DiBella Entertainment, Logan Holler (8-0-1, 3 KOs), of Columbia, SC, clashes with Leslie Pope (4-1, 3 KOs), of Kansas City, MO, in a six-round bout. Fighting for the first time in 2020, the former star college athlete Holler has moved her training to South Florida, where she is guided by Javiel Centeno in a camp alongside Tagoe and Kambosos. She is looking to bounce back following the only blemish on her record; a six-round majority draw to Bertha Aracil on February 23, 2019.

Rounding out the card, undefeated light heavyweight contender Dusty Harrison (34-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in an eight-round bout. The 25-year-old Washington D.C. resident is currently riding a five-bout winning streak against top-level competition. Most recently, he knocked out Les Sherrington in the second round on February 8, 2020, in Vienna, Virginia. The Harrison bout is presented in association with Lee Baxter Promotions.

Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

NEW YORK CITY (March 6, 2020) — Before Irish sensation Michael “Mick” Conlan enters the ring against Colombian slugger Belmar Preciado in front of a raucous St. Patrick’s Day crowd at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden (ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET), many of the sport’s brightest young stars will look to steal the holiday spotlight.

Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas will make the first defense of his IBF North American 140-pound belt Tuesday, March 17 against Salvador Briceno in a 10-rounder. Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs), from the Bronx, N.Y., has won 10 consecutive bouts since an October 2016 disqualification defeat. Briceno (17-5, 11 KOs), from Guadalajara, Mexico, has won two of three since pushing undefeated prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. the distance last June in Reno, Nev. 

Vargas-Briceno, along with the returns of top prospects Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez, Paddy “Real Deal” Donovan and Christopher “The Boy” Zavala, will stream live on ESPN+ starting at 5 p.m. ET.

“I’m excited to be fighting in my hometown on such a stacked card,” Vargas said. “It’s an honor to defend my belt in front of my friends, family and biggest supporters. I can’t wait for another spectacular fight night and to put on a show for everyone who will be watching on ESPN+.”

Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs), the fighting pride of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., will face former top prospect Dannie Williams (24-3, 18 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super lightweight. Rodriguez fought three times in the last five months of 2019 after nearly two years out of the ring due to assorted injuries. Williams, from Saint Louis, returned to the ring last April following more than five years away from it. He last fought in January, notching a 10-round decision over Andre Keys (12-1 at the time).

Donovan (3-0, 2 KOs), a 13-time national amateur champion from Limerick, Ireland, will be making his American debut in a six-round welterweight contest against Gregory Young (4-3, 1 KO). Donovan is trained and managed by former middleweight world champion Andy Lee.

“I can’t wait for my U.S. debut. I learned so much from training alongside Tyson Fury recently,” Donovan said. “I’m taking that experience into this fight. Thank you to Top Rank for putting me on this card. Conlan’s St. Patrick’s Day cards are always exciting, and I’m happy to be part of the festivities.”

Zavala (6-0, 3 KOs), a 20-year-old from Long Beach, Calif., will fight Rennard Oliver (7-2-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at super featherweight. Oliver has never been knocked out as a pro and is coming off a draw against Raul Manrique Jr. (4-0 at the time).

In other action on the undercard stream:

• Feargal McCrory (11-0, 5 KOs), one of Ireland’s top young prospects, will make his United States debut against the durable Juan Tapia (9-3, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder at super featherweight. Tapia, who has fought the likes of current WBO featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, has never been knocked out as a pro.
   
• Matthew Tinker (2-0, 2 KOs), from Scarborough, England, will face Esai Herrera (2-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at light heavyweight. Tinker has scored a pair of first-round knockouts to begin his career. 

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $200, $100, $70, $40 and $30 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing and twitter.com/ESPNRingside; IG:instagram.com/espnringside/

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ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown quickly to 7.6 million subscribers in less than two years, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com. It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

Atlantic City, NJ (March 6, 2020)–Atlantic City native Gabriel Pham believes that he is ready to even the score with Derrick Webster when they meet this Saturday night in an eight-round super middleweight main event at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino.

The card is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.

Pham, who has had several stops and starts in his career, is ready for a victory that will put him on the map in the super middleweight division. Pham has been training with world championship trainer, Raul “Chino” Rivas, and has been working hard in preparation for this bout.

“Training camp was good. I have been preparing for this bout for a while. As soon I was able to start training after my last fight, I started camp for Saturday night,” said Pham.

One of the big motivating factors for Pham was an amateur bout, which was the last one for Webster before he turned pro, where Webster defeated Pham.

“He beat me as an amateur,” continued Pham. “That is why I want this fight, but we are completely different fighters. He talked about when we sparred, we are different fighters from that point as well.”

Being in Atlantic City, Pham has something to prove to the hometown fans as this will be the the 10th time that Pham has laced up the gloves in the boardwalk town.”

“It’s a big fight, and because it is in my hometown, people will talk about it. Heck I live about three blocks from Ballys, so yes I am excited about this fight.”

Taking on a formidable opponent in Webster is what Pham wanted as he only wants to fight quality opposition in order to achieve what he wants, and that is to be a world champion.

“I am coming off a loss in my last bout to Ievgen Khytrov, and now I am fighting Derrick. I want to take on guys in the top-50 and then top-20, top-15 and so on. When I win on Saturday night, that will help me get to those goals.”

“I actually want to possibly move down to 160 pounds, I have been eating three-times a day and have been drinking, but the motivation to get even for that amateur fight is the reason why I took this fight. I saw that he feels that I am not on his level, and he can talk all that he wants to, but I know he respects me.”

Pham also has another big and personal reason to perform on Saturday.

“I want to dedicate the fight to people battling Mental Health Issues. I have been battling depression for about 10 years. I think it is so great what Tyson Fury has done in making awareness of this. I just want everyone to know that Saturday night will be a great fight.”

Said Pham’s Manager Rich Masini, “Gabriel is very confident and this is the nest that I haver seen him mentally and physically as he went into a fight.”

In six-round Bouts:

Anthony Young (21-2, 8 KOs) of Atlantic City battles Jorge Martin Garcia (13-7-1, 3 KOs) of Buenos Aries, Argentina in a six-round welterweight bout.

Jeremy Cuevas (12-1, 9 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Nestor Hugo Paniagua (26-9-2, 17 KOs) of Santa Fe, Argentina in an lightweight bout.

Christian Tapia (10-0, 9 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico fights Carlos Colon (5-2, 2 KOs) of Hatillo, Puerto Rico in a super featherweight contest.

Thomas Velasquez (9-0-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia squares off with Gustavo Molina (24-21, 9 KOs) of Tlaxcala, Mexico in a lightweight fight.

Isiah Seldon (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Atlantic City fights Darryl Bunting (4-6-2, 2 KOs) of Asbury Park, NJ in a six-round super middleweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Benny Sinakin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Leroy Jones (3-7, 2 KOs) of Saint Louis in a light heavyweight contest.

THE WEIGH IN WILL TAKE PLACE TODAY AT THE BOOK AT BALLYS AT 3 PM ET

Tickets are on sale now for $100 for VIP, $65 for Ringside and $50 for VIP and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at The Caesars Box Office.

Lee Selby will take on George Kambosos Jr in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Lightweight World Title on Saturday May 9 at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN.

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs), a former IBF Featherweight World Champion, edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion. 

Kambosos Jr (18-0, 10 KOs), hailing from Sydney in Australia, defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out to announce himself as a rising star of the Lightweight division and has vowed to ‘retire’ Selby in front of his home crowd. 

 “It’s great to be boxing back at home in Cardiff after six years boxing all over the UK and US,” said Selby. “I’m one step away now from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.

“Kambosos Jr is a hungry young fighter that I know will bring it all, but I’ve had some of my best performances against Australian boxers stopping both Corey McConnell and Joel Brunker in title fights and May 9th will be no different.”

“I’m excited and I cannot wait to fight Lee Selby in this IBF World Title Eliminator on May 9^th where the winner will become the Mandatory Challenger for the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez,” said Kambosos Jr.

“I defeated former World Champion Mickey Bey in his backyard at Madison Square Garden in December and I am ready to beat another former World Champion in his backyard in Cardiff, Wales.

“I’m excited for a fight of this magnitude and look forward to retiring Lee Selby in his hometown with a dominating and punishing performance in addition to gaining all of the UK supporters that will get behind me toward winning my World Title.”

Northern Irish Lightweight powerhouse James Tennyson (26-3, 22 KOs) faces Welshman Gavin Gwynne (12-1, 2 KOs) for the British Title in his very first contest as a Matchroom Boxing fighter, Bournemouth Cruiserweight talent Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs),’The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina (11-0, 7 KOs) returns home for the first time since 2018, rising Super-Middleweight monster John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) continues his march towards a first title shot and there’s action for Newport Bantamweight Sean McGoldrick (9-1, 2 KOs) and Swindon Super-Middleweight Jamie Cox (25-2, 14 KOs).

“I’m delighted to be coming back to the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff for the first time in 6 years,” said Eddie Hearn. “We’ve got a great card with a blistering main event that will be a real firecracker between Lee Selby and George Kambosos Jr with the winner being Mandatory to the winner of Lomachenko vs. Lopez.

“Joe Cordina will take another step up as he sets his sights on a World Title in the next 12 months and Belfast’s big-punching James Tennyson takes on Gavin Gwynne in a cracking fight. ‘The Gentleman’ Chris Billam-Smith defends his Commonwealth Title against Cardiff’s’s Nathan Thorley, Super-Middleweight powerhouse John Docherty marches on and former Super-Middleweight champ Jamie cox returns to action alongside Sean McGoldrick. There’s plenty to be added to what will be a guaranteed sell-out in Cardiff – see you there!”

“On May 9th, George will earn his right to fight for the IBF World Title by becoming the Mandatory Challenger,” said Peter Kahn, Manager of Kambosos Jr. “I have no doubt in my mind that George will defeat Lee Selby. This opportunity has been seven years in the making and George will take full advantage what’s in front of him.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing Development said: “Lee Selby is within touching distance of another World Title fight and we’re excited to be back in Wales for this must-win clash against George Kambosos Jr.

“Welsh boxing has given us some memorable nights down the years, with Robbie Regan, Steve Robinson, Nicky Piper, Barry Jones, Enzo Maccarinelli, Nathan Cleverly and of course Joe Calzaghe. We’ve loved covering some fabulous fights.

“Selby gave us a timely reminder of his classy skills against Ricky Burns, but his bid to become a two-weight World Champion could be ended by Kambosos Jr, who comes to Britain with big ambitions of his own.

 “The local fans will really get behind Lee, on his long-awaited return to Cardiff, and he will be determined to produce a vintage display against the dangerous Kambosos Jr.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) go on General Sale on Monday March 9 at midday via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Motorpoint Arena Cardiff (www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk) Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).