Philadelphia, Pa. – February 11, 2020 – Banner Promotions has signed undefeated heavyweight Isaac Munoz Gutierrez to a co-promotional deal with United Promotions.

Gutierrez, 27 years-old of Torreon Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico has a record of 12-0-1 with 10 knockouts.

“We are happy to bring Isaac to Banner Promotions. He is a very good prospect that was brought to my attention by Don MacDonald of United Promotions. I have seen him and he has good power. I feel that he will make waves in the heavyweight division,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.

“I feel very happy to sign with Banner Promotions. Being with a big company will be great for my career. With Banner and United Promotions, I feel my career can go to big heights, and I am grateful for that,” Said Gutierrez.

“I have known Artie Pelullo for 25 years, and I know what he can do. I feel Artie and Banner Promotions is the promoter that will make the inroads for Isaac in the heavyweight division,” said Don MacDonald of United Promotions.

Gutierrez was 220-20 as an amateur, and was a multi-time Mexican National champion, and was part of the Mexican National boxing team for two years. Gutierrez competed in the World Series of Boxing.

Gutierrez turned professional on September 9, 2011 with a 1st round stoppage over Misael Jossy Chavez. Gutierrez has established himself as a power puncher, and is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Jesus Alberto Martinez Torres on September 7th.

“We are extremely happy to sign with Banner Promotions. This is exactly what we wanted, and need for Isaac’s career. I have known about Banner Promotions and Artie Pelullo for a long time, and I know he can get Isaac to the top level,” said Gutierrez manager, Manuel Garrido.

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

Rising Welterweight starlet Reshat Mati will make his UK debut on the undercard of Scott Quigg vs. Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

New York’s Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) has shot to six wins without loss since turning over to the pro ranks in October 2018.

‘The Albanian Bear’ made the perfect start to life in the paid code, disposing of Adan Ahumada inside three rounds in Chicago, before decisioning Juan Sepulveda at Madison Square Garden three weeks later.

The 21-year-old’s winning form continued into 2019, securing a first round KO in his home city before a shoulder injury ruled him out until October. Mati showed no sign of ring rust on his return in the Windy City, notching a shutout points win and banking valuable rounds.

Two knockout victories rounded off his first full year as a professional and now he will be eager to impress the British faithful and set the standard for an exciting 2020.

Mati follows in the footsteps of Austin Williams, Nikita Ababiy, Raymond Ford and Otha Jones III in stepping foot into a British ring with more exciting US talent to look forward to on these shores in 2020.

“I am so happy to be making my debut in the UK,” said Mati. “The atmosphere that the fans create looks special and I can’t wait to experience this first hand. Hopefully after March 7 I will return to the US with some new fans!”

“I am so happy for Reshat to be making his UK debut, he has shone already on lots of big shows in America and this is another step for his development,” said Eddie Hearn. “I am sure that the UK and Albanian fans will get behind him on March 7 and they won’t be disappointed with what they see.”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Mati makes his UK debut on a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Scott Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) take on Jono Carroll (17-1-1, 3 KOs) in an explosive Super-Featherweight matchup, Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) returns as he looks to fight his way back into title action in 2020, Liverpool Super-Welterweight talent Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) continues his hunt for a rematch with Scott Fitzgerald, Sheffield Super-Lightweight starlet Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to go 5-0, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0), with more fights to be announced soon.

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2020) – Lightweight prospect Ruben “Ace” Torres (11-0, 9 KOs), will headline Thompson Boxing’s “Path To Glory” event on Friday, Feb. 21st, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Torres, who is rapidly making a name for himself with his aggressive style, headlines his third straight Thompson Boxing card, as he faces the dangerous knockout artist from Sonora, Mexico, Gabino Cota (19-10-2, 17 KOs), in an eight-round main event clash.

The 22-year old Torres, who hails from South Central Los Angeles, is guided by Danny Zamora and trains out of the Santa Fe Springs Activities Center in, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. Torres is most known for his power on the right hand, as all but two of his fights have ended by way of knockout.

“This is such a great opportunity for me,” said Torres. “I’m comfortable and happy with my promoter, they are allowing me to elevate my game and are putting me in a great position along with my trainer/manager Danny Zamora. On February 21st, I will look to put on another great performance and like always, fans can expect to see my hands flying.”

Torres is no stranger to headlining a show as his last two outings have been eight-round main event bouts, with “Ace” knocking out his opponents in the first and second round respectively. Standing in front of Torres’ undefeated record is Gabino “The Flash” Cota, who is known for his explosive strength.

“My opponent is not only tough,” Torres said. “He also comes forward at all his fights and we know he has knock out power. Our fight should be a barn burner.”

Torres has been working hard in camp, sparring his teammate, super lightweight Michael Dutchover, who is also signed to Thompson Boxing.

“I’ve been getting pushed a lot in camp.” stated Torres, who turned professional nearly three years ago. “I’m getting some great sparring with Michael and other guys as well; my coach is also having me do specific drills that I will use to my benefit. One thing is for sure, I’m going to give the fans an entertaining bout.”

Tickets for “Path To Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

In the “Path To Glory” co-feature, lightweight George Acosta (8-1, 1 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. meets Ivan Benitez (14-3, 6 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).
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UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Bantamweight standout Saul Sanchez (12-1, 7 KOs) of Pacoima, Calif will face Victor Trejo (17-11-2, 8KOs) (8-rounds).

Featherweight Jose Sanchez (5-0, 4 KOs) of nearby Cathedral City, Calif. fights Cristian Arredondo (4-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).

Additionally, super welterweight Richard Brewart (6-0, 2 KO) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. meets Juan Jose Riveria (3-1, 2 KOs) of Mexico (4-rounds)

Opening “Path To Glory” is bantamweight Ivan Zarate (1-0) who will face Ulises Gabriel (0-1) of Mexico. (4-rounds)

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All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:05 p.m. PT / 11:05 p.m. ET.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“Path To Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

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

New York, NY (February 11, 2020) On Saturday night, February 8, several DiBella Entertainment fighters posted big victories across the United States and internationally.

“Merciless” Mary McGee (27-3, 15 KOs) successfully defended her IBF junior welterweight title for the first time near her hometown of Gary, IN, with an eighth-round stoppage against Deanha “The Silencer” Hobbs (8-2, 5 KOs), of Queensland, Australia, at the Civic Center in Hammond, IN. One of McGee’s biggest strengths is her punching accuracy and that was evident again versus Hobbs. McGee effectively countered Hobbs’ offense each round with her own heavy shots. When in close, McGee would unload combinations to the head and body. Hobbs was hurt by McGee’s left hook in the seventh and the champion was determined to go for the finish. In the eighth, an extended barrage aimed at a tired Hobbs against the ropes forced the referee to intervene for the TKO win. The victory, in front of a huge crowd of local supporters, was the seventh straight for McGee, who won the world title with a 10th-round stoppage of Ana Laura Esteche on December 5, 2019.

Christina “Medusa” Linardatou (13-2, 6 KOs), of Athens, Greece, regained the WBO super lightweight world title in Hammond, IN, with a 10-round unanimous decision against Prisca “die Kriegerin” Vicot (11-7, 2 KOs), of England. She pressed forward, landing the harder shots throughout and decked Vicot in round three with a right hand. Linardatou had previously lost the title to Katie Taylor in a hotly contested battle on November 2, 2019.

Also featured on the card in Hammond, IN, in a scheduled eight-rounder, the 22-year-old 2016 US Olympian Charles Conwell (12-0, 9 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, returned to the ring with a fifth-round knockout of Mexican southpaw Ramses “El Faraon” Agaton (22-12-3, 12 KOs), of Tlalnepantla. Conwell worked to close the gap against his taller foe then often pounded the body with combinations. After four completed rounds of getting outworked, Agaton retired on his stool, with the official time of the stoppage being 0:01 of round five. It was the first fight for Conwell following the tragic passing of Patrick Day after their fight on October 12, 2019.

In a scheduled six-rounder in Hammond, IN, top undefeated middleweight prospect, 23-year-old Isaiah Steen (14-0, 10 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, a training partner of Conwell’s, earned a first-round stoppage against Kenneth Council (10-4-1, 8 KOs), of Knoxville, TX. Steen dropped his adversary with an overhand right then, shortly thereafter, Council complained about an injured right shoulder which prompted the referee to end the contest via TKO.

Also, on Saturday night in Daytona Beach, FL, 2016 Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo (3-0, 2 KOs), of Barranquilla, Colombia, knocked out Ben Williams (1-3), of Benton Harbor, MI, in the second round a scheduled six-round light heavyweight clash. The 27-year-old Carrillo, who represented Colombia at the Rio Olympics, landed a left hook to the body that sent Williams to the deck resulting in the knockout at the 2:27 mark of the frame. As an amateur, Carrillo compiled an impressive 388-23 record, winning gold at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. The event, held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, FL, was promoted by women’s boxing legend and 2020 Hall-of-Fame Inductee Christy Martin.

In Vienna, Virginia, heavyweight contender Mike Balogun (16-0, 12 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD, scored a first-round stoppage of Adnan Buharalija, of Norcross, Georgia, in a scheduled eight-rounder. A right hook upstairs dropped Buharalija near the end of the opening frame and the fight was stopped at the 2:59 mark. It was the fourth knockout victory in his last five fights for the former college football standout who played with the Oklahoma Sooners.

Fighting at home in Bilbao, Spain, top lightweight contender Jon Fernandez (21-1, 18 KOs) knocked out Colombian Aristides Perez (31-13-2, 17 KOs) in the first round of a scheduled eight-round bout. Fernandez pressured from the outset, focusing on Perez’ midsection. Following a sustained attack against the ropes, an exhausted Perez took a knee. Once he arose, Fernandez unleashed a follow-up barrage to force a second and final knockdown to secure the TKO win. It was the fifth straight victory for the 24-year-old Fernandez, who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and MaravillaBox Promotions.

Lewis Ritson will clash with former long-reigning World Champion Miguel Vazquez on a huge night of action at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday April 4, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Geordie favourite Ritson (20-1, 12 KOs) produced a career-best performance to beat bitter rival Robbie Davies Jr in an enthralling Fight of the Year candidate last time out in October to stay in line for a shot at the WBA Super-Lightweight crown.

Tough Mexican Vazquez (42-9, 16 KOs) previously held the IBF Lightweight World Title for four years, making six defences of the title in that time, before losing to Mickey Bey via a controversial split decision in Las Vegas.

“He’s obviously been there and done it and got the t-shirt,” said Ritson. ‘’He is a world class fighter who has fought at the very top level of the sport and continues to do so, I need to be on my A game to get the win here.

“That’s the sort of fights we need now to get the best experience at that level. Get past Vazquez and I’m knocking on the door.

“Vazquez can do a bit of everything. He’s awkward, he can fight, he can box, but whatever he brings to the table, we’ll have to adapt to that and work out a way to beat him.

“We cannot look past him, there’s a lot riding on it, but if we get the win over Vazquez then it could lead to a World Title shot down the line.”

“I think Ritson is a very strong fighter and I am expecting a very hard fight,” said Vazquez. “This fight will be very entertaining and it is a good fight for both of us, the fans will certainly leave happy.

“I think not only in Newcastle but across the UK fans will be supporting Lewis because they want another champion in the future, but I also want to be a champion again so because of this, I feel this is a really intriguing fight.

“I know that Lewis will be very well prepared and anything could happen. I will prepare as I need to, in order to win this fight on April 4.”

Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (8-0, 6 KOs), Britain’s first ever female amateur World Champion, attempts to win a professional World Title in just her ninth fight when she faces New Zealand’s WBO Light-Heavyweight ruler Geovana Peres (8-1, 1 KO).

Dillian Whyte’s fast-rising Heavyweight protégé Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) lands his first professional title shot as he steps up to take on Middlesbrough hard-man Simon Vallily (17-2-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant English belt.

Undefeated Super-Bantamweight slickster Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0, 4 KOs) takes another step in his seemingly unstoppable rise to a World Title after notching four wins in 2019 and cementing his place in the top 10 of the WBO and IBF rankings at 122lbs.

Glasgow Bantamweight contender Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs) fights for the first time under the Matchroom Boxing banner as he targets a highly-anticipated rematch with British and Commonwealth Champion Lee McGregor following his controversial loss in November.

Some of the best up-and-coming talent in the North East feature on a bumper undercard with action for Benwell Welterweight Joe Laws (8-0, 4 KOs), Newcastle Super-Lightweight Terry Wilkinson (8-0), Wallsend Welterweight April Hunter (2-0), Bedlington Super-Lightweight Darren Reay (7-0-2, 1 KO) and Spennymoor Super-Welterweight Chad Ellis (9-0).

“I can’t wait to be back in Newcastle, it’s become an absolute must on the boxing calendar,” said Eddie Hearn. “After his FOTY contender with Robbie Davies Jr, Lewis Ritson is straight back in the deep end against former World Lightweight king Miguel Vazquez as he continues his quest to challenge for a World Title in 2020.

“Britain’s Savannah Marshall looks to continue the run for women’s boxing as she moves up in weight to challenge for the WBO Light-Heavyweight World Title against champion Geovana Peres and World number 3 Thomas Patrick Ward looks to continue his impressive rise.

“There is a great domestic Heavyweight battle as Dillian Whyte’s charge Fabio Wardley takes on Simon Vallily for the English title and the talented Kash Farooq returns to title action. The Benwell Bomber Joe Laws will once again light up the Newcastle Arena and with further additions to be added, we expect another electric atmosphere in the North East.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development, said: “We can’t wait to head back to Newcastle for another red-hot atmosphere as local hero Lewis Ritson returns against Miguel Vazquez. Ritson produced a classic domestic clash with Robbie Davies Jr, but now tests himself against Mexico’s Vazquez, a classy technician.

“On another action-packed night in the north east, Savannah Marshall is targeting a World Title triumph, just a few weeks after fellow Brit Terri Harper was crowned as WBC Champion, and Fabio Wardley is one to watch in the Heavyweight division. We’re ready to hear the Ritson roar in Newcastle!”

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase for Fightpass members from midday today (Tuesday February 11) via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

General sale tickets are available to purchase tomorrow (Wednesday February 12) from midday from the Utitlita Arena Newcastle (www.utilitaarena.co.uk), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

LAS VEGAS – February 10, 2020 – Undefeated rising prospect Raeese “The Beast” Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) held a media workout at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame as he prepares for his upcoming eight-round super bantamweight bout against Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) in the co-feature of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, February 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

In the main event of the four-fight telecast, lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) will face hard-hitting Isaac Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. Plus, in a matchup of undefeated super lightweights, Cleveland’s Montana Love (12-0-1, 6 KOs) returns to ShoBox in an eight-round bout with Houston’s Jerrico Walton (16-0, 7 KOs). In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super welterweight Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs), of Detroit will face Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs) of North Carolina.

Aleem, who is managed by Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by Kings Promotions, will make his television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Here is what Aleem had to say Saturday at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas:

RAEESE ALEEM

“I’m very excited to be making my televised debut on SHOWTIME, where the world will get to see my talent. I’m definitely looking forward to making some new fans. This is a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

“I feel like I’m flying under the radar. I’ve been right there with all the other rising prospects. I’m originally from a small town so I never had the proper eyes on me. I feel like I must train twice as hard as the average fighter just to be in the same conversation than these guys. But that’s just how the game is. I’m ready to show up and show out.

“It’s been a huge transition since I moved out here [Las Vegas] from Muskegon, Mich., where I’m originally from. I came out here with no family and no friends, with the sole idea to pursue my career. I took a leap of faith and it has paid off. It’s been all about business here in Las Vegas, and it’s been great. I’ve been exposed to a lot of great fighters and picked up a lot of good tips.

“Adam Lopez is a tough Latino fighter who is going to bring his ‘A’ game, and he has something to prove. He has a lot of experience. He’s been in the ring with a lot of skilled guys and current world champions. This is the type of fight I need to take the next step toward being a world champion.

“I’m an aggressive boxer who likes to throw a lot of punches. I make my opponent miss and I make them pay. I’m all-action. I’m a beast! I’m prepared to go the distance, but my ultimate goal is to get him out of there, to get the win.”

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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.

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.

Murat Gassiev will make his long-awaited Heavyweight debut against Jerry Forrest at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Saturday February 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK – with rising Junior-Middleweight star Israil Madrimov in a World title eliminator and headline star Mikey Garcia showcasing two of his Garcia Promotions talents.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $25 VIA SEATGEEK

Gassiev (26-1 19 KOs) announced his move to Heavyweight in April after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing and Warriors Boxing to fight on DAZN, following hot on the heels of his old Cruiserweight foe Oleksandr Usyk, the last man he faced in an undisputed World title clash and the final of the World Boxing Super Series in July 2018.

The Russian banger was set to make his bow in July at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas against Joey Dawejko but a shoulder injury in the build-up forced the 26 year old to delay his entrance into a red-hot division.

Now a fully fit Gassiev does get the chance to debut in the Lone Star state, this time against seasoned Louisianan Forrest (26-3 20 KOs), the active 31 year old who has five wins from six fights in the last 12 months, and ‘The Iron’ is looking to sharpen his tools for an assault on the Heavyweights.

“I’m so happy to finally be able to make my debut at Heavyweight,” said Gassiev. “It has been frustrating not being able to fight but I am ready to go now, and I want to make up for lost time.

“When I box in Frisco it will have been nearly 600 days since I’ve fought and a lot has happened in the Heavyweight division over that time – I know that I can be a World champion at Heavyweight but I need to show to the rest of the division that I am a serious threat, and that starts on February 29.”

Madrimov (4-0 4 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Junior-Middleweight title in an official eliminator for the #2 position in the WBA against Venezuelan Charlie Navarro (29-9 22 KOs). Madrimov landed the title with a stunning second round KO of Frank Rojas in Verona, NY in March and maintained his 100 per cent KO ratio as a pro with sixth and fifth round wins at Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple in June and October.

The 24 year old Uzbekistani talent will be buoyed by his fellow countryman and stablemate ‘MJ’ Murodjon Akhmadaliev becoming Uzbekistan’s first ever unified champion, and victory over the experienced former World title challenger will edge Madrimov closer to a World title shot in 2020.

“I am so excited to be getting my first fight of 2020 on such a big card in Frisco,” said Madrimov. “I was so happy to watch MJ beat Daniel Roman in Miami last weekend, and that win has spurred me on to join him as a World champion this year.

“Navarro is a proud and experienced fighter and I know he will be a great test for me, but this is a great night for me to showcase my talents and show the rest of the division that I am ready to win World titles.”

It’s a huge weekend for headline star Garcia, who faces Jessie Vargas in a blockbuster Welterweight showdown in the main event. Garcia, who promotes a fight card on Friday night in Irving, Texas, will showcase two of his Garcia Promotions charges on his undercard with 20 year old unbeaten Texan Flyweight Jesse Rodriguez (10-0 6 KOs) clashing with Marco Sustaita (12-2-1 10 KOs) over ten rounds and unbeaten Mexican Middleweight Leo Ruiz Acevedo (6-0 4 KOs) taking on Dennis Knifechief (12-11 7 KOs) over six rounds.

“It’s great to have Jesse and Leo on the Frisco card that I am headlining against Jessie Vargas,” said Mikey Garcia. “Jesse’s fight with Marco is a really tough fight for both guys and it’s a real step up for Jesse, while Leo is on a great KO run and will be a threat in the Middleweight division in 2020 – February 29 is going to be a huge night of boxing and we’re looking to get three big wins.”

Gassiev, Madrimov, Rodriguez and Acevedo complete a stacked bill in Frisco, Texas, topped by Garcia vs. Vargas, with the longest reigning British World champion Kal Yafai (26-015 KOs) puts his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs) and rising Mexican sensation Julio Cesar Martinez (15-1 12 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC World Flyweight title against unbeaten European champion Jay Harris (17-0 9 KOs) – with Matchroom Boxing USA talents Diego Pacheco (8-0 7 KOs) and Alexis Espino (5-0 4 KOs) getting their first taste of action in 2020.

ENDS

About The Star in Frisco
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, other world class sporting events such as top flight boxing matches, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 10, 2020) – Undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 10 KOs) hosted a Las Vegas media workout Saturday in preparation for his upcoming bout against Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KOs) which takes place Friday, February 14 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing and promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will make his 2020 debut as part of the of Ryan Garcia versus Francisco Fonseca card, which will air live on DAZN at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Here is what Cobbs had to say Saturday from the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in Las Vegas:

BLAIR COBBS

“This camp has been amazing. I’ve had nothing but the greatest sparring partners to get prepared for this upcoming bout. My trainer Brandon Woods has been sharpening up my tools and I’m ready to preform at my best on fight night. Everyone can expect to see the best Blair “The Flair” Cobbs possible. This is a sport filled with entertainment and I call myself “The most exciting man in Boxing”.

“On Valentines Day, I’m going to steal the show and all the fans watching on DAZN will see an amazing performance from me. My opponent, Samuel Kotey, is a tough hombre who is coming to win, but I have other plans for him. There is nothing he can do that will outmatch my skill and desire to win this fight.”

“It’s been a wonderful experience having the Mexican fans behind me being that they know that’s where I first learned how to box when I fled to Guadalajara, Mexico. It’s been a hell of a journey coming back to the United States from Mexico, where I learned to fight the Mexican style, always throwing big shots to entertain the fans. Fighting in the amateurs in Mexico, is like fighting in the pros. Sometimes we didn’t use headgear. It was crazy, but it made me the fighter I am today.”

Philadelphia, Pa. – February 10, 2020 – Banner Promotions is pleased to announce to the signing of top junior welterweight prospect Jamshidbek Najmitdinov (14-1, 11 KOs) to a co-promotional deal with Uprising Promotions.

Najmitdinov of of Yashkent, Uzbekistan is looking forward to getting started and moving up the ranks of the 140-pound division.

“I am very pleased to able to sign Jamshidbek, and to work with Ronson Frank and his company, Uprising Promotions. Jamshidbek is a very talented fighter who is television friendly, and we feel has the capability to be a real player in the 140 pound division, I saw his fight with Postol, and he won that fight in my opinion. He should have been credited with three knockdowns, but only got one. He is undefeated an fighter in my mind. ” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.

“I am very happy to sign with Banner Promotions. I am looking forward to fighting in America. Fans will love my style, as i try to take after Roy Jones and Manny Pacquiao. I was inspired by with my countryman Murodjon Akhmadliev who won the unified super bantamweight world championship. I been getting good sparring with (IBF Number-one ranked welterweight) Kudratillo Abdukakhorov,” said Najmitdinov.

“We are very excited to work with Banner Promotions. Artie Pelullo has been in the game a long time and has the ability to help get Jamshidbek to the highest level. He is very talented fighter with one disputed loss to a world champion. we are excited for this partnership that will create a lot of opportunities to be seen nationally on all the major platforms out there,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions.

Najmitdinov on July 25, 2013 with a unanimous decision over Botir Nosirov. Najmitdinov won his first nine bouts before facing former world champion Viktor Postol.

That bout, which took place on September 16, 2017 saw Jamshidbek drop Postol three times but was denied those two of the knockdowns, due to Postol fighting in front of his home-country fans. Jamshidbek pushed the action, and established himself as one of the top-140 pounders in the world. Since that fight, Jamshidebek has won five in a row, which includes his last bout when he won the WBC CIS and Slovac titles with a 1st round stoppage over Giorgi Khutsishvili on October 6th in Uzbekistan.

“Against Postol, it was a fight that I took on short notice. I wasn’t in the best of shape. I want to fight him again. I hope that he beats Jose Ramirez, because I want to fight him for the world championship when I get the rematch. I just want to tell my fans, that the best is yet to come from me, and I am looking forward to getting started in the United States,” said Najmitdinov.

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

On Friday, February 21, Russian heavyweight destroyer Apti Davtaev will make a quick return to the ring in an important eight-round showdown against fellow undefeated John Napari of Accra, Ghana.

Davtaev (19-0-1, 18 KOs) and Napari (21-0, 15 KOs) will meet as a chief supporting bout on Akhmat Promotion Company’s stacked event at the Dynamo Palace of Sports in Krylatskoye, Moscow, featuring undefeated Russian super welterweight champion Islam “The Sniper” Edisultanov’s (9-0, 6 KOs) domestic battle against tough southpaw Evgeny Terentiev (15-2, 7 KOs).

Ever improving under the tutelage of SugarHill Steward, the powerful Davtaev will be looking to continue the brutal momentum he has been building since signing his co-promotional deal with Salita Promotions in late 2017.

“I’ve continued training at the Kronk Gym for this fight,” said Davtaev. “I look forward to another Detroit-style knockout victory over an undefeated opponent.”

Davtaev was last seen January 10 of this year, scoring a thudding TKO 3 over West Virginia-based veteran Keith Barr at Ocean Resort Casino, Atlantic City. Showing improved ability to corner opponents trying to avoid his fearsome punching, 6’ 5” Davtaev looked to be rounding into world-class form.

“Apti is one of the biggest heavyweights and hardest punchers in the division,” said his co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “This will be his second fight in as many months. He will continue to stay busy and I believe he has all the ingredients to be a force in the division. This is going to be a big statement-making year for Apti.”

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Nutley, NJ (February 10, 2020) — Six members of the GH3 Promotions stable will be in action this weekend, as the company will have three fighters featured on ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT) on Friday night from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

In the main event, GH3’s Thomas Mattice (15-1-1, 11 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio takes on Isaac Cruz (18-1-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico City in a 10-round lightweight bout.

In the co-feature, Adam Lopez (19-3-2, 9 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas battles undefeated Raeese Aleem (15-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas in an eight-round super bantamweight contest.

Opening up the television portion of the card will be Derrick Colemon Jr. (11-0, 8 KOs) of Detroit taking on fellow undefeated fighter Joseph Jackson (15-0, 12 KOs) of Greensboro, N.C., in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

Before the camera’s begin rolling, undefeated heavyweight Norman Neely (5-0, 5 KOs) of Paterson, N.J., takes on Jersey City’s Nicoy Clarke (2-5) in Neeley’s first scheduled six-round bout.

Also Friday night in Philadelphia, middleweight Ian Green (12-2, 9 KOs) of Paterson, N.J., takes on Ray Barringer (6-3, 4 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio in a six-round middleweight fight.

Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn., former National Golden Gloves champion and undefeated Roney Hines (7-0, 5 KOs) of Cleveland battles Johnnie Langston (8-1, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla., in a six-round heavyweight bout.

“We have all our guys in tough this weekend,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions. “I am really looking forward to seeing these fights, and how our fighters perform. A couple of the guys, namely Mattice and Lopez are on the cusp of some big opportunities. I think Colemon has a chance to establish himself as a top prospect. Green has won on ShoBox before and wants to get back there. And the two big heavyweights, Hines and Neeley, are taking the next steps on becoming top-prospects themselves.”

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (February 10, 2020) – “Fight Night In Framingham”, presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), not only will be the first professional boxing event in the Massachusetts city, located 20 miles southwest of Boston, it has additional meaning for youngsters in that market.

“Fight Night In Framingham,” will be held Friday night, March 20, at Sheraton Framingham Hotel for the benefit of Fighting Life, an after-school youth boxing and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge, to students beginning in elementary school through high school education.

“SBP is very excited and looks forward to putting on Framingham’s first ever boxing event for this organization,” promoter Chuck Shearns commented. “I think what is speaks the loudest right now is the amount of community and business support Fighting Life has received, including the presenting sponsor, Street Light Ventures, which is a great company. I think it says a lot about what A.J. Thomas and the board are trying to accomplish with this organization. This kind of support will go a long way.”

Located out of UpperKuts Boxing Club in Ashland, Massachusetts, the Fighting Life Boxing Program was founded by owner and head coach, A.J. Thomas, as a resource and program to provide children with a positive outlet and outlook in life. Visit www.fightinglife.org to learn more about this organization.

The purpose of Fighting Life is to provide a safe space to promote structure, growth mindset, self-worth, and goal setting through physical and academic fulfillment and self-discipline.

“It is an outlet for kids,” Thomas (pictured to the left) explained Fighting Life. “Kids who have been picked on, bullied, or at risk find it’s a safe haven. We take kids from all walks of life. We don’t turn anybody away. If their parents can’t afford the membership fee to join the gym, we provide a voucher to apply to waive the fee. Not all of these kids come here to become boxers. We have fitness classes in addition to teaching boxing lessons.

“This show is important because the attention and money we receive will help us get more volunteers, equipment, and go places (to box) that they’ve never been. Any money we receive will go straight to the kids. Our dream is promote out own shows someday to get our charity’s name out there for the benefit of our programs. Boxing is growing here in Framingham and we believe that there will be more boxing in our city. I even check on them in school and if they need help, they’ll have a big brother right next to them. Everything is for the kids!”

Two unbeaten pro “graduates” of the Fighting Life Boxing Program, super featherweights Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs) and Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0m, 2 KOs), are fighting in the main event and co-feature, respectively. Both train at UpperKuts and haven’t forgotten where they come from, often teaching youngsters in the program how to train to become boxers.

“Timmy and Nelson have been with me for years,” Thomas added. “They’ve used their efforts in boxing to better their lives. We’re all family here. Timmy and Nelson are still part of our program because they help the other kids.”

Ramos, fighting out of Framingham, was a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion as an amateur. He is in the 6-round, main event against Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Perez, who hails from nearby Marlboro, is another New England Golden Gloves champion. He faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round co-featured event. “I try to teach the kids to stay out of trouble,” Perez remarked. “I coach them a little to help them live and prosper. It’s great seeing these kids in the gym. I’m very excited to be part of this event to benefit Fighting Life.”

Boston heavyweight Tracey Johnson (4-7-6), whose brother Demetrius Andrade is a past Olympian and reigning WBO super middleweight champion, takes on Larry “Hitman” Pryor (11-22-5, 5 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

A pair of quality MMA fighters, Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut against Framingham favorite, Brazilian-born Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA).

Also fighting on the undercard is Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-12-4, 7 KOs), in a 6-round bout; Worcester, MA super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) vs. Henry Garcia (0-5-1), of New Bedford, MA, and pro-debuting Hartford, CT super flyweight Angel Gonzalez, Jr. vs. Brandon Allen Sagraves (0-1), in 4-round fights. Gonzalez is a decorated amateur boxer who is a three-time New England Golden Gloves, two-time Ringside National and 2014 National PAL champion

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices are $75,.00 ringside (rows 1-3), $60.00 (seated), $45.00 standing room, and VIP tables (of 10) for $1000.00 and may be purchased HERE, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Street Light Ventures is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, East Coast Herbalist, Tecate, Ashwood Advisors LLC and A Affordable Insurance.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing, @UpperKutsBoxing, @sheratonframingham

Instagram: @ShearnsBoxingPromotions, @Upperkuts_boxing_club, @sheratonframingham

Katharina Thanderz says she wants to fight Terri Harper next having witnessed the British boxer dethrone Eva Wahlstrom for the WBC Female World Super Featherweight title on Saturday in Sheffield, England.

Thanderz, who holds the interim WBC World title, was ringside to watch Harper defeat Wahlstrom, with whom she sparred in the build up to this fight, and is now looking forward to her own showdown with the WBC and IBO champion.

“It was amazing to sit ringside to watch Eva Wahlstrom and Terri Harper fight,” said Thanderz, who outpointed Danila Ramos in Oslo in November to claim the interim World title and earn her shot at the winner of Harper and Wahlstrom.

“It was a very good technical fight. They both had their moments, and trying to give a neutral opinion, I would say I had Eva up on my scorecard until round 7. Then she went down, which didn’t look like a normal knockdown, she seemed to lose her balance, and Harper did better in the second half of the fight, which is why I guess she finally got the win. However it was a very close fight.

“I thought Harper did a good job, as did Wahlstrom, but I wouldn’t say ‘impressed’ is the right word to describe what I thought of her performance. She is a good boxer though, with the potential to get even better with all the hard work she puts in, and for that I do respect and admire her.

“Absolutely, I want to fight Harper next, and as interim WBC Champion, I hope and expect to fight her next. A fight between me and Harper would be completely different to the fight between Harper and Wahlstrom. Physically, I’d say I’m more similar to Harper, and her reach and length wouldn’t be a problem for me. I won’t give away our game plan, but what I can say is it would be a great fight, and I am convinced it would end with my arm being raised.”

Having experienced the atmosphere in Sheffield, Thanderz says she would have no problem fighting Harper at home and has welcomed the challenge.

“It’s not in my hands to decide where to fight. Of course, home advantage can be an important factor, but for me it’s more important that the fight takes place. I’m interested in fighting the best, and sometimes you need to be brave and go out to get it. I have always admired boxers who have done that.

“I observed the hostile reception that the fans in Sheffield gave Eva Wahlstrom when she entered the ring, so I would be prepared for exactly the same treatment, and it would probably make me stronger.”

David Avanesyan will defend his EBU European Welterweight Title against undefeated rising star Josh Kelly in a bitter grudge match at The O2 in London on Saturday March 28, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The rivals were due to meet at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield back in December 2018 before an illness forced Kelly to withdraw from the contest on the morning of the fight, leading to “bottle job” jibes from Avanesyan’s manager Neil Marsh as bad blood boiled over between the camps.

Russia’s Avanesyan (26-3-1, 14 KOs) dealt with the disappointment by firmly establishing himself as ‘the man’ of the European Welterweight scene, ripping the 147lbs title from Bilbao’s Kerman Lejarraga on away soil in March before destroying him in the opening round of their September rematch.

The former World Champion made light work of Jose del Rio last time out in Barcelona, crushing the Spaniard in the opening round, and now finds himself on the cusp of another World Title shot should he inflict a first defeat on Kelly. 

Kelly (10-0-1, 6 KOs), a Rio 2016 Olympian from Sunderland, outclassed the previously undefeated Pole Przemyslaw Runowski at The O2 in April last year before drawing with Przemyslaw Runowski two months later on his US debut in New York.

‘PBK’ decisioned Nicaragua’s Wiston Campos in his last outing in Phoenix to set up his long-awaited showdown with Avanesyan the North East talent is determined to silence his critics by producing a career-best win in April.

“It’s a good opportunity to silence the doubters,” said Kelly. “He is the favourite now. He has proved how good he is in the last three fights. It’s going to be a good fight, but one I’m quietly confident about.

“I do feel excited. I feel like this is a turning point in my career. If I win, when I win, then I take it to the next level. A lot in the future is lying on this fight.

“Two fights ago I fought Ray Robinson, which was a massive step-up. I don’t think people realised how big of a step-up that was, but now I’m fighting Avanesyan, I should get the credit I deserve.”

“I have unfinished business with Josh Kelly,” said Avanesyan. “I’m delighted the fight has finally been made and I will have a chance to inflict a first defeat on his professional career.

“As the British fans know, I will fight anyone anywhere and I determined to put a big show on for them in every fight as they treat me so well and I love them.

“After I deal with Kelly I want Eddie to deliver me a World Title shot so I can become a two-time World Champion and secure my family’s future.”

“This is just a brilliant fight – absolute sink or swim time,” said Eddie Hearn. “Avanesyan is a world class Welterweight who sits in the top 10 with every governing body but for every great Olympic prospect comes judgement day and this is it for Josh Kelly. The fight that could turn him into a real star and a legitimate World Title contender. It’s the ultimate stage, the ultimate test – don’t miss it.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Josh Kelly is one of the hottest talents in British boxing – and now he gets the perfect platform to showcase his dazzling skills against David Avanesyan.

“We’ve followed Josh’s career since he’s turned professional, but this is a real acid test against the dangerous European Champion.

“Josh is part of a red-hot Welterweight division, brimming with big names, and we cannot wait to see PBK light up The O2 on March 28.”

TAMAULIPAS, MX (February 7, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated blue-chip prospects picked up big wins tonight as featherweight Richard Medina (7-0, 6 KO), and welterweight Hector Coronado (5-0, 4 KOs), both picked up spectacular wins on Friday, February 7, 2020, at the Centro de Convenciones in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico

The 19-year old Medina, who resides in San Antonio, TX, picked up a first-round TKO victory.

“I worked hard and had the performance I envisioned,” said Medina. “My promoter TMB & PRB Entertainment have done an excellent job with my career and my performances in the ring are showing. Between Rick Morones and Alex Draghici getting me fights, Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing managing me, I know I’m in good hands and I feel unstoppable.”

Coronado, a resident of Del Rio, TX, scored a second-round knockout.

“I am focused on becoming a world champion and this was the type of performance that puts me on that path,” said Coronado “I’m staying busy, and I am very focused. I am looking to fight a lot this year. I have a great team, who I know will keep me active and put me in the best possible positions.”

“Both Medina and Coronado are fighters with the skillset and abilities to be in position for great opportunities down the road,” said manager Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “What stands out about both fighters is their punching power, with some incredible knockouts early in their career, which makes them very fan-friendly.”

“These kids are both putting the time and effort into their training camps to have good performances,” said Rick Morones, of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “Medina and Coronado are crowd-pleasing fighters, who are looking to put on a show. Their work ethic is apparent in their fighting style.”

“It so exciting being a part of both of these young fighters’ careers,” said Alex Draghici, of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “They both leave everything in the ring, and the fans can tell by the type of performances they put on. I see only bigger and bigger things for them in the future.”

NEW YORK (February 8, 2020) -Four top Female fighters who recently signed with Split-T Management will be in action tonight at the Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana.

Undefeated Australian bantamweight Ebanie Bridges, junior lightweight Melissa St. Vil, super middleweight Leatitia Robinson and welterweight Sarah French will compete in the first fight’s under the Split-T Management banner. All four were brought to Split-T Management by Brian Cohen.

Bridges (3-0, 2 KOs) of New South Wales, Australia checked in at 117.8 lbs for her six-round bout with Crystal Hoy (6-10-4, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas, who weighed in at 122.2 lbs.

St. Vil (12-4-4, 1 KO) of Brooklyn was 131.2 lbs while Jessica Camara (7-1) of Montreal was 134.4 lbs for the 10-round bout that will be contested for the WBO NABO title.

Robinson (15-1, 9 KOs) of nearby Chicago, is a former WBA Middleweight world champion, was 167 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in, while her opponent Claire Hafner (4-2) of Ottawa, Canada was also 167 lbs for their scheduled six-round bout.

Sarah French (4-2-1) of McHenry, Illinois was 147.8 lbs. Her opponent, Christina Barry (1-6) of Winnipeg, Canada weighed 146.2 for their six-round bout.

They will join fellow Split-T Management fighters Charles Conwell, Isaiah Steen and Rolando Vargas in action on the card

NEW YORK (February 7, 2020) -Three undefeated fighters from the Split-T Management stable will be in action this Saturday night at the Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana.

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell; super middleweight Isaiah Steen and super lightweight Rolando Vargas will look to keep their perfect records in-tact.

2016 United States Olympian Charles Conwell (11-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio will take on Ramses Agaton (22-11-3, 12 KOs) of Mexico in an eight-round bout.

Conwell’s half-brother, Steen (13-0, 10 KOs) of Cleveland tales on Kenneth Council (10-3-1, 8 KOs) of Knoxville, Tennessee in a six-round bout.

Vargas (4-0, 4 KOs) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin takes on his most experienced foe in Rondale Hubbert (13-12-2, 8 KOs) of Fargo, North Dakota in a four-round bout.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Conwell was 155.6 lbs – Agaton was 158.2 lbs; Steen 168.4 lbs vs Kenneth Council 169 lbs; Vargas 138.8 lbs vs Hubbert 142.6 lbs.

Conwell and Steen are Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Promotions.

WBC Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Gary Russell Jr. – 125 lbs.
Tugstsogt Nyambayar – 125 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Gary Rosato (Penn.); Judges: David Bilocerkowec (Canada), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.)

Vacant WBA Bantamweight World Championship – 12 Rounds
Guillermo Rigondeaux – 117 ¼ lbs.
Liborio Solís – 117 ¾ lbs.
Referee: Benjy Esteves (N.Y.); Judges: Don Ackerman (N.Y.), Ron McNair (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.)

WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Jaime Arboleda – 129 ¼ lbs.
Jayson Vélez – 130 lbs.
Referee: Eric Dali (N.J.); Judges: Bernard Bruni (Penn.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Eric Marlinski (N.Y.)

FLASH QUOTES:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“My toughest challenger is myself. I never focus on my opponent. My toughest challenge is preparing myself to the best of my ability. I think he’s a good fighter. I think he’s going to bring his physical best. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose, but I feel as though he’s going to need a little more than that. The difference will be my speed, punching power, ring generalship and boxing IQ.

“I believe that all three of the Russell brothers can be world champions. I want us to be the set of brothers that makes history. I’ll be in the corners for my brothers tomorrow night. It’s fun. It’s something that I genuinely enjoy doing and supporting my younger brothers is definitely what I want to do. Hopefully, we’ll all get these W’s come tomorrow night.”

TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR

“I don’t feel any pressure that my whole country will be watching. I’m a fighter and this fight is mine. I’m here to win. This will be a good fight and I’ll be the next champion.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“This is really my weight – 118. I fought at 122, but I feel very comfortable at 118. Boxing is like mathematics, so we’re going to adjust to whatever my opponent brings. We can box and also, what you saw in my last fight, we can pressure. I can also bring that tomorrow.”

LIBORIO SOLIS

“There’s always that same hunger to win a championship again. It’s been a while, so I want it back. With faith in God, I will get it back tomorrow. I want to state that me and Guillermo are both warriors. We’re both going to give a great show out there. If he comes out boxing, then I’ll box him. If he comes out with pressure, like he did in his last fight, then I will come out that way. We both want this fight. We know it’s a great opportunity and I’m going to show the best of me tomorrow.”

#

ABOUT RUSSELL VS. NYAMBAYAR
Russell vs. Nyambayar will see WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator bout opening the telecast

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

Daytona Beach, February 7, 2020 — Evan “Yung Holy” Holyfield’s (2-0, 2 KOs)fights tomorrow night on a card promoted by Christy Martin Promotions and takes place at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.

The event will be live streamed via Facebook and YouTube on Payne Boxing Television channels.

Here is a conversation with Evan . . .

I’m feeling great. I have done all my hard work and preparation in Houston and quite frankly, the weather is great here in Daytona Beach compared to what it’s like there right now so it’s a pleasure to be here. The Hard Rock hotel is great also, there is a lot of memorabilia here and it gives you the rock’n roll vibe. I woke up this morning, went out on the deck and listened to the waves.

How was it turning pro?

It was a blessing and a great experience to fight on that (Canelo-Kovalev) card, fighting alongside some of my favorite fighters and I took in every little bit that I could.

I spend most of my time in Texas since I have turned pro to train since I have been having fights back-to-back.

How is your dad feeling about all of this?

My father loves me just as any father would love his son and he always wants me to do better. He tells me that each generation should be better than the previous so he is always pushing me to work hard to be better.

Do you get nervous having your dad at ringside?

When I get in the ring I don’t think about him being there because down the road there are going to be many others watching and if I got nervous fighting in front of my dad I would really be nervous fighting in front of others. I work hard whether he is there or not, and even if there was nobody there watching I will work my hardest and do my best.

Do you try to go for the knockout?

I come in there to do my job and I don’t get paid overtime, but at the same boxing is the name of the game and that’s what I do and it doesn’t matter how it turns out as long as I get the W.

Do you feel like you’re following in your dad’s footsteps?

I wouldn’t say I am following in his footsteps; boxing is just something that fell on me. I had my first fight at 8, and won, then my mom took me and put me in every sport she possibly could until I was 14. Then one day I cam downstairs and sat them both down and said “I am ready to focus on just one sport.”

At the time, growing up with my brother Elijah, he began to only focused on football and it was taking him places, so you can’t have your hand it too many things. I didn’t like team sports because everyone was always pointing at each other and boxing is one of those sports that what you put in is what you get out. So I fell in love with that and I fell in love with the whole story of boxing – there are two guys and each has a story and it is more personable. Eventually after 80 amateur fights, my dad gave me his blessing to turn pro.

Are you excited about your brother?

My bother is now with the (Philadelphia) Eagles. At first he was with the (Carolina) Panthers but I know Philadelphia has way more stuff going on than Carolina so it’s good for him. And I’ll be there, having some Philly cheesesteaks.

I have ten bothers and sisters and I feel that a lot of them could have continued in sports if they really wanted to but everyone seems to be happy with their life and happy with where their paths have taken them.

Elijah and I, being so close (within a year), we are always trying to one-up each other. So here we are.

OK, you against your dad at 22 – who wins?

I think he doesn’t win it. But he thinks he would win it. But that’s what any boxer would say.

I study my dad’s style but boxing is a melting pot of things. You can’t be like one person. I started studying him watching his Olympic tapes – that is my favorite style, watching him box. Styles change in every fight but my favorite was the way he fought in Qawi 2 – it was beautiful. I take styles from Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Robinson and Rigondeaux.

With speed comes power, well sometimes, but in my case it does

Does your dad’s legacy motivate you or make you nervous?

I get nervous for every fight and it makes me think, why am I nervous? I am not nervous because I am scared, I am nervous because I want to do great from my own expectations. There is a difference between nervous and being scared. You get scared before you get a whooping from your parents but just nervous for a fight. The fight is where you put everything you did in the gym into fruition.

I talk to my dad a lot but it’s never like I’ve got to fill his shoes because you have to understand he paved the road, but once you get to that end of the road you’ve got to pave your own road. That’s why I am so excited to fight because every time I fight, the people watching say ‘of yea, he is different from his dad. He can box a little bit more, he is a little faster, he may have a little bit more creativity.’ There is a vast difference between our styles. That’s why I am so eager to box, to show people the difference. And he was a little more buff, but we are going to get there one day. On the other hand that was a different time and there is no need to compare side-by-side, but legacy makes its own name.

As far as legacy and everything, when I get in that ring I want to be the one that is not getting hit.

Did you ever try MMA?
I did Tae Kwon Do and I was nationally ranked for two years. See in boxing, you only get hit with padded things, so why would I go into a sport where I get hit with everything but the pads?

What about Saturday’s fight?

On Saturday night I am fighting Travis Nero and I think he has six fights and . . . he is an opponent.

You have to worry about being overconfident because anything can happen in the ring and that’s what makes the sport. One punch can change the whole game plan. You never know what can happen once you get punched. There is a difference between being cocky and being confident. It is really trusting and being faithful. Certain are already written out and stuff happens

You have had 3 fights in 90-some days?

Yes, it is my job, and what else am I going to do? If I don’t go to the gym or practice, the day just doesn’t feel right.

2-0 is a good start but we are working on everything. Every fight is a different fight, so I like that.

The thing about amateurs is, as a pro you get to study an opponent for a whole month and get their style. In the amateurs you are fighting someone different every single day for three rounds and of course you are going to get hit. People think because of the head gear that the punches will be a little softer but the head gear only helps with the head buts.

What is it like to work with Christy Martin?

Christy Martin – she is a dog – you know what I mean? I’m not trying to be disrespectful or anything but by saying she is a dog is meaning she is going to get the job done inside the ring. If it was her mom stepping in that ring she would probably try to get her out of there. She is a tue warrior and it is great to get to work besides somebody like that. She knows the game, and she knows what it’s like to get hit too.

New York, NY (February 7, 2020) DiBella Entertainment has a busy weekend ahead, headlined by “Merciless” Mary McGee defending her IBF Junior Welterweight world title for the first time tomorrow night, February 8, near her hometown of Gary, IN, at the Civic Center, in Hammond, IN.

McGee (26-3, 14 KOs) will battle Deanha “The Silencer” Hobbs (8-1, 5 KO), of Queensland, Australia, in the 10-round main event. She won the vacant world title on December 5, 2019, with a 10th-round stoppage of Ana Laura Esteche on Broadway Boxing in New York City. Hobbs is coming off of the first loss of her four-year professional career, a 10-round decision to then-WBO Super Lightweight world champion Christina Linardatou on June 7, 2019, in Athens, Greece.

Christina “Medusa” Linardatou (12-2, 6 KOs), of Athens, Greece, will compete in a scheduled 10-round bout against Prisca “die Kriegerin” Vicot (11-6, 2 KOs), of England. In a hotly contested world championship battle, Linardatou lost her title by decision to Katie Taylor on November 2, 2019, in Manchester, England. Vicot is riding a two-bout winning streak, most recently defeating Olena Medvedenko via unanimous decision, on July 6, 2019, in Vienna, Austria.

Also featured on the card in Hammond, IN, 2016 US Olympian Charles Conwell (11-0, 8 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, faces Ramses “El Faraon” Agaton (22-11-3, 12 KOs), of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, over eight rounds. The 22-year-old Conwell is returning to the ring for the first time since his victory against Patrick Day on October 12, 2019, in Chicago, IL. Tragically, Day passed away from injuries incurred during the bout four days later. A professional for 10 years, the 29-year-old Agaton is coming off of a fourth-round knockout of Victor Marquez on December 28, 2019, in Mexico.

In a scheduled six-rounder in Hammond, IN, undefeated middleweight prospect Isaiah Steen (13-0, 10 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, a training partner of Conwell’s, faces Kenneth “The Cannon” Council (10-3-1, 8 KOs), of Knoxville, TN. Fighting for the first time this year, the 23-year-old Steen hits the ring following an eight-round decision against Gorjan Slaveski on August 16, 2019, in Columbus, OH. Council looks to rebound from a hard-fought six-round split decision loss to undefeated Anthony Barnes on October 11, 2019, in Warren, MI.

Also, on Saturday night in Daytona Beach, FL, 2016 Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo (2-0, 1 KO), of Barranquilla, Colombia, continues his ascent in the professional ranks, facing Ben Williams (1-2), of Benton Harbor, MI, in a scheduled six-round light heavyweight clash. The 27-year-old Carrillo, who represented Colombia at the Rio Olympics, compiled an impressive 388-23 amateur record, winning gold at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. He won his first two professional bouts in dominant fashion last year and looks toward a busy 2020. The event at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, FL, is promoted by women’s boxing legend and 2020 Hall-of-Fame Inductee Christy Martin.

In Vienna, Virginia, at Tysons Playground, heavyweight contender Mike Balogun (15-0, 11 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD, battles Bosnian Adnan Buharalija, of Norcross, Georgia, in a scheduled eight-rounder. A former college football standout for the Oklahoma Sooners who also played in the NFL, Balogun will be making his first start of 2020 after four victories last year, two by first-round knockout.

Rounding out the weekend for DiBella Entertainment, top lightweight contender Jon Fernandez (20-1, 17 KOs) fights at home on Saturday night in Bilbao, Spain, against Robin Zamora (15-7, 8 KOs), of Managua, Nicaragua, in a scheduled eight-rounder. Co-promoted by boxing legend Sergio Martinez’ Maravilla Promotions, the 24-year-old Fernandez has won four fights in a row since his only loss to O’Shaquie Foster in September 2018. The 21-year-old Zamora has won two of his last three starts by knockout.

Trenton, NJ (February 7, 2020) – After a successful inaugural fight card on January 25th, Silver Bow will present ChampBox 2 on Saturday night, April 3rd at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton.

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

Also on the card will be undefeated light heavyweight Omar Salem (9-0, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York; cruiserweight Jakub Sowirko (2-0, 1 KO) of Trenton, New Jersey as well as well as undefeated super welterweight Elijah Morales (4-0,1 KO) of Trenton.

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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One of Germany’s most decorated boxers Arthur Abraham (47-6, 30 KOs) has tipped Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs) to become Germany’s latest World Champion on February 15th when he takes on Caleb Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) for the IBF Super Middleweight World title at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Abraham, a two-weight multiple-time World Champion has held the IBF Middleweight World title and the WBO Super Middleweight World title twice throughout his illustrious career, is confident that Feigenbutz can upset the odds and beat the Nashville native Plant in his hometown. 

“It’s going to be a tough fight because Caleb Plant is one of the best super middleweights there is,” said Abraham. “However, Vincent has a great chance to win the World title. If he is brave, tough and demonstrates his punching power then he can win the fight. 

“No matter what country, boxing anywhere is the same. If you are the away fighter then it’s always much more difficult to get the decision. I think knocking out Caleb Plant will make it much easier for Vincent to become victorious.

“Vincent needs to maintain his focus but also stay relaxed,” continued Abraham. “I know Vincent has trained hard, he always does. But as I mentioned he has to be brave, hard and also confident. A victory would be very important for the development of boxing in Germany and would help it to become successful again.”

‘King Arthur’ was last in action in April 2018 when he dropped Denmark’s Patrick Nielsen en route to a points victory and the 39-year-old has been linked with a return to the ring against fellow two-weight World Champion Felix Sturm. When questioned if he would consider facing his former foe, Abraham simply replied:

“If Felix Sturm wants to box me, I’m always ready to do it.”

The IBF Super Middleweight World title fight between Caleb Plant and Vincent Feigenbutz takes place at the 20,000-seater Bridgestone Arena on February 15th and all the action will be broadcast live on Fox in the US and other territories to be released shortly.

THE big and much anticipated heavyweight showdown between Britain’s undefeated KO merchants ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois and Olympic silver medalist ‘Juggernaut’ Joe Joyce is finally on.

The pair will duke it out at The O2, London on Saturday April 11 live on BT Sport Box Office.

British, Commonwealth, WBC Silver and WBO International champion, Dubois will go in against Joyce, the WBA Gold champion and the former Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion, ranked No.1 by the EBU.

It is a fight that has been brewing since the London pair were put forward to contend for the British title last summer, but ultimately headed in alternate directions, with Dubois (14-0) taking on fellow young heavy Nathan Gorman and Joyce (10-0) scoring a notable win over the experienced American Bryant Jennings.

There can be little dispute that Dubois and Joyce are the frontrunners when it comes to the emerging forces in the heavyweight division, and the winner of their much anticipated 12-round battle will be on the brink of a world heavyweight title challenge.

For Dubois, 22, it is a natural next step following his belt-collecting exploits since turning professional in April 2017 and subsequently winning nine championship titles inside 41 rounds of action.

Dubois, ranked number three by the WBO said: “This is the biggest fight of my career without doubt. This will be the fight that announces me to the world.

“I think I am better than Joe in every department. I have a better jab, I have better movement, I have more power. The only thing Joe has over me is experience, but he’s never boxed anyone as young and as hungry as me.

“This will be the most devastating performance of my career.”

Joyce, 34, won the Commonwealth title in his fourth professional fight, having made his professional debut in October 2017, and won his WBA strap in December 2018 following a first round stoppage of Joe Hanks.

He defeated former WBC world champion Bermane Stiverne via a sixth round KO in February 2019 and then scored a quick fire third round victory over the giant Alexander Ustinov in his first appearance as a Queensberry Promotions fighter last May.

The unanimous points decision over Jennings came in the July before a period of inactivity followed while he awaited mandatory shots at the European and WBA Regular titles that have yet to come to fruition.

Besides his Gold belt, Joyce enjoys high rankings with the WBC and WBO.

He said: “This is a massive fight there’s no denying that there’s a lot on the line on both sides but experience is something you can’t buy and I’ve got tonnes of it and I believe it’ll play a huge factor in this fight.”

Now an epic domestic duel awaits between two of British boxing’s biggest stars and Frank Warren who promotes both boxers is delighted to deliver it for fight fans.

“People always talks about wanting the best to fight the best,” said the Hall of Fame promoter.

“Well, on February 22 we have the No.1 and No.2 heavyweights in the world settling a score in Las Vegas, then in April we have the two best up and coming heavyweights in the world putting it on the line at the O2 Arena.

“It is a fight that needed to be made to see which man is ready to challenge the elite at the top end of the division and which one will reset and go again.

“This is one both men could easily have avoided and navigated a less perilous route to the top, but they want to get it on and give the fans what they want to see.

“When that first bell rings and it will be edge-of-seat stuff right from the off.

“The contrast in styles will be fascinating, Daniel being a classic banger, with strong fundamentals and a ramrod jab that gets better all the time. Joe has got a style all of his own and comes at his opponents relentlessly from every angle.

“Can Daniel withstand the swarming force of Joe? Can Joe absorb the bludgeoning power of Daniel? We’ll find out soon enough on April 18 and it is absolutely one not to be missed.”

Sam Jones who heads Joyce’s management company S-JAM Boxing added: “This is a monster fight for Joe. We are proud that after only 10 fights he will headline The O2 in a pay-per-view fight against one of the most exciting young boxers in the UK.

“We are all confident that Joe will win. His experience and amateur pedigree will shine through on this massive night for British boxing.”

Tickets go on general sale at 12pm on Friday 7th February via AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk

Ticket Prices:

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 6, 2020) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated blue-chip prospects, featherweight Richard Medina (6-0, 5 KO), and welterweight Hector Coronado (4-0, 3 KOs), will both be in action this Friday, February 7, 2020, at the Centro de Convenciones “Mundo Nuevo” in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico

The 19-year old Medina, who is a native of San Antonio, TX, has lived up to his billing of being a blue-chip prospect as he has knocked out all, but one of his opponents, and puts on a great show each and every time out.

“I am excited to return to the ring,” said Medina. “My team is doing a fantastic job to keep me active so that I am consistently putting on entertaining and dominating performances. I have faith that I will be a world champion one day and Friday will be another step in that direction.”

Coronado, who resides in Del Rio, TX, will be making his 2020 debut. The 23-year old is looking to shine once again in his upcoming bout.

“I’m ready to let my hands go,” said Coronado. “I am an action fighter, and everyone knows that I don’t talk a ton, but I let my fists speak for themselves in the ring. I am excited to be able to fight for the first time this year and look to be very active in 2020.”

“Both Medina and Coronado are incredible fighters that we feel have world title potential,” said Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing, who manages both fighters. “The work ethic they display is second to none, and the eagerness from both to stay in the gym is inspiring. We’re expecting very big things from both over the next few years.”

“Seeing the progression of both Median and Coronado has been amazing thus far,” said Rick Morones, of TMB & PRB Entertainment, who promotes both fighters. “Their tools are sharpening with each fight, and they exude complete confidence in their fighting style. This Friday they will take another step toward becoming great.”

“It’s very gratifying when you have two dedicated fighters like Median and Coronado on your roster,” said TMB & PRB Entertainment promoter, Alexander Draghici. “Sky is the limit for these kids and I cant wait to see them continue their journey to the top.”

ALLENTOWN, PA. (February 6, 2020) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar went face-to-face at a final press conference Thursday before they headline action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The press conference also featured former champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solis, who battle in the co-main event for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title, plus Jaime Arboleda and Jayson Velez, who compete in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator to open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.pplcenter.com/events (direct link HERE).

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Renaissance Allentown Hotel:

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“We had a great training camp. I have my younger brothers on the card with me and in camp, pushing me every day. We’re ready, focused and hungry.

“Tug will be the best he possibly can be because he knows he’s facing one of the best fighters in the world. He has everything to gain and nothing to lose. He’s going to leave it all on the line.

“I think Tug is a lot more technically sound than a lot of the guys who I have competed against. He’s another guy with everything to gain and nothing to lose, so I’m anticipating a tough fight.

“If it were up to me, I’d be facing Leo Santa Cruz or Gervonta Davis, but this is what I have to face. I’m here to defend my title in style once again.

“It’s amazing to watch my younger brothers and to have them on the same card. I’m excited to work their corners. There’s never been a set of three brothers to become world champions, and I think we’ll do that real soon. They’re both extremely talented and hungry. I expect them to be better than me by the time they’re at this point in their careers.

“I was the first fighter to turn pro on ShoBox, and I went on to win my title on SHOWTIME. The fact that we’re still doing it now speaks wonders. I work great with their team and I’m grateful to be in this position.

“You should expect to see what you always see with me. Boxing at its best. A great deal of ring generalship. Good boxing IQ. Hand speed. Punching power. The total package as a fighter. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to figure out why I’m not on the pound for pound list given all of that. That’s an issue.”

TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR

“I’m very excited for this fight. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans. Gary Russell Jr. is a great champion, but watch on Saturday night, when I become the new featherweight world champion.

“I just have to be better than Gary Russell on Saturday night. The past experience won’t matter. If he thinks I’m too inexperienced for this fight, he is going to be in for a surprise Saturday.

“I know that I’m the underdog, but that doesn’t affect me. I don’t care if I’m the favorite or the underdog.

“I’m not worried about any ring rust. I’ve worked so hard in the ring during training camp to make sure I’m the best I’ve ever been.

“Working with Ismael Salas has been very good for me and I think it’s taken me to another level in my career. All of skills, all of my power and speed, it will all be with me on Saturday. I just have to put it together for my best performance.

“I’m very ready for this fight. I want to be the first WBC featherweight champion in history from Mongolia. I’m ready, you just need to watch on Saturday.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“Bantamweight is my division. I have no issues making that weight. I want to thank my team for getting me prepared and getting me to this position. All that’s left is to fight Saturday night.

“I want to also thank Ronnie Shields for how he has prepared me for this fight. It’s been a great training camp and I can’t wait to step into the ring and become champion again.

“I feel 100% and I believe that bantamweight has always been my best weight. I did well at 122 pounds, so i stayed there. My plan now is to dominate this division.

“Me and Ronnie Shields have great chemistry and worked well together. Ronnie is a great trainer and I’m looking forward to a long run that we’re going to have together.

“I’m going to be phenomenal in the ring. I’m going to unify 118 pounds just like I did at 122 pounds. I’m excited to get started.

“My strategy will depend on the fight that Solis brings. I’m a veteran in this sport, dating back to the amateurs, so I’m used to seeing so many different styles. I’m to fight the way that gives me the best chance to win.”

LIBORIO SOLIS

“Thank you very much to my team who has backed me and supported me leading up to this fight. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. My opponent has been a great champion and I’m very excited to be here to fight him.

“This is obviously going to be a great fight. I’m a warrior who always comes to fight. He can pick his strategy however he wants. But I just want to get in there and put my skills on display.

I was already a champion in one division and I had a fight taken on the scorecards at bantamweight, or else i would already be a two-division champion.

“Saturday is going to be different than my last fights. Both me and Guillermo give our heart and soul and we’re going to fight until the best man wins. I’m not leaving that ring without a championship.

“I’m going to come with everything on Saturday. I come to fight and I come to win. I’m sure Guillermo is the same. The difference will be my determination to win this fight.

“I don’t think anyone’s weight or which division we fought at in the past will be an advantage. I’m sure he could have always fought at 118. The person with the advantage is who wants it more.”

JAIME ARBOLEDA

“I want to thank all the great champions up on this stage and everyone on my team who made this fight happen. This opportunity has been a long time coming and I’ve been preparing hard to make the most out of it.

“On Saturday, I’m very confident that this is going to be a great fight and end in a knockout. I’m prepared and I know that I’m going to win.

“This is a great chance to get one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I know what I have to do and I’ve prepared every day to make sure that I fight my best on Saturday night.

“We have a lot of respect for each other and we’re looking forward to Saturday night. Don’t miss this card because it’s going to be action packed from start to finish.”

JAYSON VELEZ

“I’m happy to be here again and back in a big fight. My last time fighting on SHOWTIME was in 2012 and I’m very thankful for this opportunity to compete on this stage once again.

“I’m blessed to be able to do what I do every day. I’ve fought professionally since 2007. This is the dream that every boxer has. When I win on Saturday, I’ll be the mandatory for the belt and that’s the opportunity that I want.

“I’ve been training hard for this fight and I’m ready. I’ve won three fights in a row heading into a great fight between two hungry fighters. We want to add each other to our record and I believe that this fight is ending in knockout.

“Don’t miss this fight because this is going to be great. There’s going to be a lot of action. Every time I step into the ring, win or lose, I will leave everything in there. I fight with my heart and I fight for Puerto Rico.”

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ABOUT RUSSELL VS. NYAMBAYAR
Russell vs. Nyambayar will see WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator bout opening the telecast

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

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 6, 2020) —An exciting lineup of rising stars will enter the ring in undercard action leading up to the highly anticipated rematch between unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury headlining a historic, mega PPV event Saturday, February 22 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Wilder vs. Fury II Prelims will feature hard-hitting undefeated contender Subriel Matias in a super lightweight showdown against Petros Ananyan, plus super lightweight contender Amir Imam taking on Javier Molina.

Prelims will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT on FS1, ESPNEWS and in Spanish on FOX Deportes and ESPN3. ESPNEWS’ coverage will switch to ESPN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The Wilder vs. Fury II PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against former title challenger Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington for a 12-round IBF Heavyweight Title eliminator in the co-main event. WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, a.k.a “The Mexican Iron Man” will defend his title against Filipino contender Jeo Santisima in the PPV featured bout. Plus in the PPV opener, super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will face 2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis in a 10-round battle of unbeatens.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

A pro since 2015, Matias (15-0, 15 KOs) has stopped every opponent he’s faced in the professional ranks, including three more knockout victories in 2019. The 27-year-old will be fighting in the U.S for the third time on February 22, and the first time in Las Vegas, as he looks for a big 2020 debut. The Fajardo, Puerto Rico native will take on the 31-year-old, Ananyan (14-2-2, 7 KOs), who made his U.S. debut in December 2019, losing a narrow majority decision against Kareem Martin after defeating Arkadi Harutyunyan in April 2019. Born in Abovyan, Armenia and training in Houston, Texas, Ananyan was unbeaten in his first 15 fights after turning pro in 2015.

“I’m very excited for this fight and thankful to my team for giving me this great opportunity,” said Matias. “Just like all of my other fights, I’m going to train to my maximum level, because no matter who the opponent is, we’re all chasing the same dream. I want to thank him for taking this fight, but I won’t let him stand in my way. We’re going to give the fans great action and on February 22, we will know who is the most prepared to win.”

“This is a moment that every boxer dreams about and I can’t wait to demonstrate my skills on a big show,” said Ananyan. “I’m training hard, learning my opponent’s style, his weaknesses and putting together a strategy for fight night. This is a very important fight for me, because with a win I will be able to make my dreams come true. It’s been a long road to achieve my dreams and I’m ready to take another big step on February 22.”

The fighting pride of Albany, N.Y., Imam (22-2, 19 KOs) has resumed his quest for a super lightweight world title. After promotional issues kept him out of the ring for nearly two years following his competitive March 2018 decision loss to Jose Ramirez for the vacant WBC super lightweight title, Imam came back in grand style last November, knocking out Marcos Mojica in four rounds. The Mojica fight was his first under the Top Rank banner, and he’ll return against promotional stablemate Molina (21-2, 9 KOs), a 2008 U.S. Olympian. Molina went 3-0 in 2019, most recently knocking out Hiroki Okada at 1:05 of the opening round in their ESPN-televised showdown.

“I feel blessed to be fighting on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year,” said Imam. “I am prepared to shine and take full advantage of the opportunity and the exposure. I’ve had a great camp in preparation for this fight. I’m excited to get in the ring and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. Defeating Javier Molina will put myself back in the conversation as one of the top super lightweights in the world.”

“I’m looking forward to fighting in an event as big as this one,” said Molina. “I know I’m facing a tough fighter in Amir Imam, but these are the type of fights that I need to earn a world title shot. I’m excited and ready to make a statement on February 22.”

The action-packed non-televised lineup includes unbeaten prospect Rolando Romero battling fellow unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in an eight-round lightweight fight, plus rising prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. in an eight-round lightweight affair against Matt Conway.

Rounding out the card is sensational 17-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. in a four-round welterweight attraction against Corey Champion, and unbeaten featherweight Isaac Lowe squaring off against Mexico’s Alberto Guevara.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Romero (10-0, 9 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019, including a highlight-reel knockout win on FS1 in April when he stopped Andres Figueroa. A fast-rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, the 24-year-old will look to extend his five-fight knockout streak on February 22. He will take on the 30-year-old Ahmetovs (5-0, 2 KOs), who turned pro in March 2019 and picked up five victories throughout the year. Ahmetovs was born in Riga, Latvia and fights out of Delray Beach, Florida.

The 19-year-old Flores (16-0, 6 KOs) is one of the sport’s rising stars, an amateur prodigy who signed with Top Rank at the age of 16. Already a proven ticket-seller in his hometown of Stockton, California, he will be making his fourth Las Vegas appearance. Last September, he shut out Miguel Angel Aispuro over six rounds on the Fury vs. Otto Wallin undercard at T-Mobile Arena. Conway (17-1, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro whose only defeat came via split decision to Francisco Esparza last October.

Still a senior in high school, the 17-year-old Mielnicki (4-0, 3 KOs) fights out of his hometown of Roseland, New Jersey and turned pro in July 2019 after a stellar amateur career. Mielnicki has shown his immense skill in back-to-back performances on FOX PBC Prelims, stopping Marklin Bailey on the Wilder vs. Ortiz II prelims show on FS2 in November, then defeating Preston Wilson in his 2020 debut in January on FS1. He will take on the 21-year-old Champion, who fights out of Charlottesville, Virginia and has fought three times since turning pro in July 2019.

Lowe (19-0-3, 6 KOs), Fury’s close friend and training partner, is a former Commonwealth featherweight champion who has won five in a row since a 2018 draw against Ryan Walsh for the British featherweight title. A fan-friendly pressure fighter, Lowe was victorious on the undercards of Fury’s last two bouts and hopes to move closer to a world title shot with another win. Guevara (27-5, 12 KOs), a native of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, is a two-time bantamweight world title challenger who pushed then-champion Leo Santa Cruz the distance in December 2012. He fought Shakur Stevenson last July on short notice and gave a valiant effort before being stopped in the third round.

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA — It should be another all-Philly classic when lightweights Stevie Ortiz and Damon Allen collide over 10 rounds for Ortiz’ Pennsylvania state lightweight championship on Friday evening, March 27, at the 2300 Arena.

The Ortiz-Allen showdown will headline a seven-bout card dubbed Philly Special by Raging Babe, aka Michelle Rosado. First fight will start at 7:30 p.m.

“The recipe for success in Philly always has been Philly vs. Philly,” said Rosado. “It’s what made Philly a great fight town. The hard part today is getting Philly fighters to fight each other so I’m thankful that Steve Ortiz and Damon Allen bought in.

“This fight is happening at the right time for both of them. The winner can break into the world rankings.”

Ortiz won the vacant state 135-pound title last year when he scored a pair of knockdowns en route to a unanimous eight-round decision over another Philadelphian, Jeremy Cuevas, at the Met.

The 26-year-old Ortiz last boxed Sept. 20 at the Parx Casino in Bensalem, PA, when he got off the canvas twice to earn an eight-round majority decision over Alejandro Salinas, of Youngstown, OH. Scores were 75-75, 76-74, 76-74.

A pro since 2015, Ortiz is 11-0, 3 KOs, and he has boxed only two men with losing records. Ortiz is managed and trained by Chino Rivas and promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

“It’s a big fight because we are both very talented,” Ortiz said. “It will draw a lot of attention because of our amateur backgrounds. A lot of people always wanted to see us fight.

“As amateurs, Damon was always the top guy in his division. I was the top in my division. We went to the National Golden Gloves together and we fought great fights. This match-up is going to bring the best out of us.”

“This is a great opportunity for Stevie Ortiz in a hometown, Philly Special main event against Damon Allen,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is reminiscent of the great Philly fights of old. The card is stacked and will be a great representation of Philly boxing and the best of local shows. I look forward to working with Raging Babe to secure a television or streaming partner for the March 27 Philly Special. Philly Special will be special and I can’t wait for fans to see it.”

Allen, 27, last boxed Oct. 25 at the 2300 Arena when he scored a unanimous six-round decision over Dieumerci Nzau, of Silver Spring, MD. That marked Allen’s first fight in his hometown in more than four years.

A pro since 2013, Allen is 16-1-1, 5 KOs. He owns a pair of victories over Mexican veterans Gamaliel Diaz and Martin Honorio.

Allen is managed by Tim VanNewhouse and David McWater, and he is trained by Brian McIntyre.

“I never wanted to be the best in the city; I want to be the best period,” Allen said. “I know he’s looking at it like it’s a big fight. This isn’t my first rodeo in a fight like this. I know what to bring and what not to bring. My mind is straight. He is going to be game.

“I have more experience in and out of the ring. He’s just another fighter in front of me. I live a boxing lifestyle. I told him to ‘come ready and prepared’ because I’m coming 110 percent.”

Philly Special is promoted by Raging Babe, in association with DiBella Entertainment. Hall-of-Fame promoter, Russell Peltz will handle the matchmaking duties.

Six preliminary fights open the card, which kicks off at 7:30 in the evening on March 27. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $125 go on sale Friday at noon, and can be purchased by visiting 2300arena.com or by calling 267-273-0945.

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 6, 2020) – A week ago, at the Meridian Island Gardens Arena in Miami, FL, Daniel “The Baby Face Assassin” Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), valiantly relinquished his two super bantamweight word titles (WBA / IBF), losing a hard-fought split decision to Murodjon Akhmadaliev (8-0, 6 KOs). Roman showed true grit in the loss and is now vehemently campaigning for an immediate rematch.

“It was a close fight and I take my hat off to Akhmadaliev for being a true warrior,” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Matchroom Boxing. “I want a rematch because I think I won the fight. I believe I deserve to get that opportunity because I left it all in the ring. I know Akhmadaliev has the heart of a champion, and I believe he’ll want a to face me once more to settle the score between us.”

“Daniel Roman is the embodiment of how a prize fighter should carry themselves inside and outside of the ring,” said Eddie Gonzalez, Roman’s manager and trainer. “The fight was a split decision and if anyone deserves another shot, it’s Daniel.”

“We are in the process of requesting the rematch and we hope that the WBA and IBF realize that Danny is a credit to the sport of boxing,” said Alex Camponovo, Vice President and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing. “The fight was razor sharp close and I personally think Danny edged it out; now we need to wait and trust that Daniel Roman will be granted the rematch he is seeking and deserves.”

“Its moments like these where a true champion shows his heart by working his way back to the top,” Roman concluded. “There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll once again be a world champion when that opportunity presents itself. My promoters and management team are the best, I know they will get it done. I’m going to do everything in my power to get my world titles back.”

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