ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS 2020 HONOREES FOR ITS 4TH ANNUAL WEEKEND

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (November 12, 2019) – The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame (ACBHOF) today announced the honorees for the 2020 Induction Ceremony to be held Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28, 2020. The legendary boxers, trainers, promoters, matchmakers, media, and special contributors being enshrined into the 2020 Hall of Fame includes:

Roy Jones, Sergio Martinez, Riddick Bowe, Pernell Whitaker, AL Cole, Ernest Bing, Tony Thornton, Sr., Calvin Grove, Percy Richardson, Tommy Parks, Earl Morton, Steve Weisfeld, Ron Katz, Murad Muhammad, Marc Abrams, Al Bernstein, and Ms. Laoma Byrd.

“I am delighted to be going into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame I don’t know if I truly stopped boxing long enough, but it’s an honor and a pleasure that you guys think enough of me to put me into the Hall of Fame. I’m truly delighted and thankful and look forward to being back in Atlantic City again” said Roy Jones.

Since its 2017 inception, the climax of the weekend showcases the prestigious Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony which will take place in the Celebrity Theater at The Historic Claridge – A Radisson Hotel, located on Park Place & the Boardwalk in Atlantic City.

The Claridge a Radisson Hotel is again proud to host the 4th Annual Induction Ceremony in June 2020 and partner with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame” says Brian DeWinne, Partner, at the Claridge Hotel, a historic property that opened in 1930. “Ray McCline and his team have put on a great weekend of events in each of the past years here at the Claridge and we expect this to be the best Ceremony to date for them! We look forward to hosting and meeting all the inductees and attendees for the event and want to thank all who choose to visit and stay at our Historic hotel.”

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame will boast of an exciting weekend filled with VIP Meet & Greets, Live Boxing, Fan Experience, Music, Food, Boxing Legends and Celebrity guests and much more.

“FantaSea Resorts has been a proud sponsor and partner of the ACHOF since its inception. With this year’s exciting Induction class, we believe this will be ACBHOF’s biggest knockout to date. Founder Ray McCline and his team passion and love for boxing are infectious and that always deliver an experience up close and personal with all your favorite super-heroes of the sport. See you all in June” said Roxanne Passarella Esq. President and CEO of FantaSea Resorts.

For more information visit the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame website at www.acbhof.com.

A special thanks to our sponsors:

The Claridge – A Radisson Hotel, City of Atlantic City, FantaSea Resorts, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Adams Boxing, SparBar, WBC, IBF, and Expressions Web Graphic Specialist, and Fight Night Apparel.




WORLD RANKED RAQUEL MILLER FACES ALMA IBARRA FOR INTERIM WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 IN QUEBEC CITY

New York, NY (November 12, 2019) World Ranked Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (9-0, 4 KOs), of San Francisco, CA, battles undefeated contender Alma Ibarra (7-0, 4 KOs), of Monterrey, Mexico, in a scheduled 10-round bout for the vacant interim WBA Super Welterweight World Title on Saturday, November 23, at the Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Miller is world ranked #2 in the middleweight division and will be competing in the 154lb. weight class for the first time in her four years as a professional. Fighting for the third time in 2019, Miller returns to battle following a resounding seventh-round stoppage against former world title challenger Erin Toughill on May 18, in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to that, she swept all scorecards in taking a six-round unanimous decision versus Ashleigh Curry on February 28, in Dallas, TX.

Miller turned professional in May 2016, following an acclaimed amateur career. She was a 2012 National champion, a silver medalist at the 2012 Women’s World Championships, and a 2012 Olympic Team Alternate. She also won the Colorado Springs Golden Gloves tournament in 2013 and won gold at the National Police Athletic League tournament in 2014.

Ranked #2 in the super welterweight division, the 31-year-old Ibarra is coming off of her career-best victory, a fifth-round stoppage of Paty Ramirez on March 20, 2019, in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The world title fight will be her first professional bout outside of Mexico.

The event in Quebec City, promoted by Yvon Michel/GYM Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, is headlined by IBF Women’s Super Welterweight World Champion Marie Eve Dicaire (16-0) defending her title for the third time against Ogleidis Suarez (29-3-1, 13 KOs), of Caracas, Venezuela. The winner of Miller-Ibarra will become a highly attractive adversary to face Dicaire in a future title clash.

Women’s WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Hanna Gabriels had planned to compete on this card, but she suffered a torn biceps in training which required surgery. Following the surgery, which took place on November 2, Gabriels expects to resume training in a few months.




Alycia Baumgardner Headlines Against Former World Title Challenger Christina del valle Pacheco on Saturday, December 14th at The Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, PA (November 12, 2019)–Fresh off her win on November 2nd, lightweight Alycia Baumgardner will be right back in action on Saturday night, December 14th when she headlines against former world title challenger Christina del valle Pacheco an eight-bout card at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg, PA.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Baumgardner, 25 years old of Fremont, Ohio, has a record of 8-1 with five knockouts, has been a professional for over two years, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Annette Pabello on November 2nd in Tampa, Florida.

Pacheco of Cordoba, Argentina has a record of 11-12-2 with two knockouts.

The 39 year-old Pacheco is a 13 year-professional who in her last bout lost to Yazmin Rivas for the WBA Bantamweight title on November 10, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico.

New King’s Promotions signee Carlos Vidal will also be in action in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Vidal of North Las Vegas, Nevada has a record of 15-0 with 14 knockouts. The 29 year-old is a three-year professional, and who owns a knockout win over Antonio Castro (5-1). Vidal is coming off a 2nd round stoppage of 54-fight veteran Jesus Ricardo Armenta on May 25th. Vidal’s opponent will be named shortly.

Undefeated heavyweight Michael Coffie (7-0, 5 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York will be in action against an opponent to be named in six-round bout.

Also in six-round bouts:

Angel Rivera (5-1, 4 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Luis Morales (2-0) of Harrisburg, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight fight.

Carl Murphy (2-2, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA boxes Khainell Wheeler (3-0, 2 KOs) of Behemoth, PA in a super middleweight fight.

Brent Oren (2-2) of Harrisburg, PA takes Dillon Kasprzak (1-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Stafford Weddeburn of Harrisburg makes his pro debut against Lawrence Gabriel (3-2-1, 2 KOs) of Syracuse, NY in a heavyweight contest.

Tickets for this outstanding evening are $25, $50 and $400 for VIP tables and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

The Zembo-Shine Auditorium is located at 2801 North 3rd Street, #2 in Harrisburg.




RIAKPORHE AND MASSEY CLASH FOR BRITISH TITLE AT YORK HALL

Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey will clash for the vacant British Cruiserweight title at the top of a JD NXTGEN show at the famous York Hall in East London on Thursday December 19, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 
 
Big-hitting Riakporhe (10-0, 8 KOs) went the distance for only the second time of his career in July as he outpointed undefeated and highly-rated Bournemouth prospect Chris Billam-Smith in a close battle at The O2 in London to retain his WBA Inter-Continental title. 
 
Massey (16-0, 8 KOs) is firing on all cylinders again after an arm injury ruled him out of his July British and Commonwealth title clash with Lawrence Okolie, and ‘One Smack’ says he is ready to propel his name to the top of the domestic Cruiserweight scene in his first major title shot. 
 
“I’m over the moon to be fighting for the British title at the top of a bill at York Hall,” said Riakporhe. “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time and now it’s here I need to grab it with both hands.
 
“Jack is a decent opponent. I heard that he beat Chris Billam-Smith in the amateurs so he should have a good pedigree. He’s unbeaten in the professional ranks with a strong record so this should be a decent test for me. 
 
“I think Jack will come to fight and he’ll go for it, but I’ll be too strong for him and I’ll have too much will and determination – I’m going to light him up like a Christmas tree. A win here could lead to even bigger opportunities and I know what I have to do.”
 
“I’m in the best shape of my life and I feel great,” said Massey. “I’ve had a few setbacks recently, but they’ve made me even hungrier for this opportunity. I’ve got to come away with that British title on the night and I’ll give my all for it.
 
“This has got the makings of a great fight, we’re both big punchers and we both know how to finish a fight. This will be my first time fighting at York Hall so it’s even more special for me. It’s a prestigious place to fight and a prestigious belt to win so there’s a lot on the line – a win would be massive for me.”
 
Elsewhere on the card fast-rising Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (8-0, 7 KOs) continues his march towards a first title shot as he takes on Middlesbrough’s Simon Vallily (16-2-1, 7 KOs), Bracknell Welterweight Luther Clay (12-1, 5 KOs) defends his WBO Global Welterweight title against Freddy Kiwitt (17-2, 10 KOs) and Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (13-1-1, 3 KOs) continues to work towards another shot at the British title. 
 
Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (4-0, 1 KO) keeps active with her fifth outing of the year, Crowthorne Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) returns, Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (1-0) looks to build on his successful pro debut in Manchester and Billy Joe Saunders-managed Lightweight Donte Dixon looks to move 2-0.
 
“I’m delighted to be returning to the famous York Hall on December 19 for a Christmas cracker of a JD NXTGEN show topped by the British Cruiserweight title showdown between undefeated prospects Richard Riakporhe and Jack Massey,” said Eddie Hearn. “Riakporhe is quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared Cruiserweights on the domestic scene and secured an impressive breakout win over Chris Billam-Smith last time out. Massey has been waiting for an opportunity like this for a while and finally lands his big chance after the disappointment of his summer injury. Some of the best up-and-coming talents in the country will be looking to impress on the undercard with all of the action shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.”

“We’re bringing you a pre-Christmas cracker as Richard Riakporhe battles Jack Massey for the British title on another exciting JD NXTGEN bill,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing. “Riakporhe has emerged as an explosive contender – and next comes up against the well-schooled Massey in a high quality encounter for that coveted Lonsdale belt. Shannon Courtenay, Fabio Wardley, Charles Frankham are also back in action at York Hall as we extend our powerful schedule in 2019.”
 
Tickets priced £40, £70 and £130 go on sale at midday tomorrow (Wednesday November 13) via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).




ALEX DILMAGHANI: ‘MANY GREAT FIGHTERS HAVE FOUGHT AND WON AT THE YORK HALL. ON 16th NOVEMBER, I’LL BE ONE OF THEM!

London, UK (12 November 2019) It would be a serious shortcoming to dismiss the courteous and articulate manner with which Alex Dilmaghani habitually carries himself in Civvy Street as any form of weakness.

All civility ceases once the law graduate from the University of Southampton slips into the sweatshop and trains with demonic fervour to fulfil his fate of wearing a world super-featherweight crown. And woe betide any man foolish enough to risk compromising those ambitions.
Nicaragua’s Francisco Fonseca might be an iron-fisted two time world title challenger but, having placed a temporary harness on Dilma’s dreams by pulling out due to last minute sickness from their WBA International set-to in late September, he has good cause for apprehension when he reconvenes with the Crayford southpaw with the IBO Super-Featherweight World title now on the line at London’s York Hall this Saturday (16th November), exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.
‘I think he saw how strong and healthy I was at the weigh-in and had second thoughts!” States Dilmaghani.
‘No one else in his team had any bug or food poisoning. Besides, I once won in Mexico when I was suffering from salmonella. But Francisco said he was ill and I heard that he had vomited in the changing room so I suppose you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s been given a second chance and his team believe that I’m an easy fight. His trainer is the respected Rosendo Alvarez, Fonseca should take a leaf out of his book, a true warrior.’
Frustration at the unscripted interruption is understandable given that, for several years, pretender contenders in the 130lb weight class have swerved Dilmaghani as through he was riddled with leprosy.
Having survived and thrived in the harshest of fight clubs in the Mexico City slums as a fledgling pro, the 28 year old copped glowing reviews when he forced Slovakian strongman Martin Parlagi, who had never been stopped amateur or pro, to surrender during round eight of his heralded homecoming in Manchester last May. But Fonseca’s escapades have prevented Alex from ‘kicking on’ as he had hoped.
‘It was no one’s fault from our side; not Mick’s, not mine. After Parlagi, I was due to fight in Saudi in July on the Amir Khan undercard but there was a visa issue, then September, now November,’ he says.
‘But Mick has gone on record that I’m the toughest fighter he’s ever had to match and he’d managed to get the contracts done for Fonseca before so asked would I consider it again.
‘Obviously, I was apprehensive but it’d be difficult to find a similar level match. Fonseca ticks all the boxes; proven world class operator, ambitious. This time, I have assurances if, for any reason, the fight doesn’t happen.
‘Is their bad blood? Not really. Fonseca’s not done me or my family wrong. It’s just that I intend to be a great world champion and that involves beating whatever opponents are put in front of me. Francisco’s just a man in my way so I’ll bring it and take him out. No mercy.’
The re-scheduled fight has been shifted to the iconic East London fight hall, venue of the solitary stain on Dilma’s CV, but that does not faze him.
‘No need to mention that!’ quips Dilmaghani who was still a teenager when future Irish champ Mickey Coveney pipped him by a point back in June 2011 in his sole career loss, but has remained unbeaten in his 15 fights since.
‘Look, it was many years ago, a disputed four rounder but, if it had not been for that setback, at that stage, I’d not have uprooted to Mexico and made the adaptations that have brought my success, moulded me into what I’ve become.
‘Anyway, we’re fighting on the 16th and 16 has always been my lucky number – my brother was born on the 16th. Superstitions are for mentally weak people…..but I’ve previously fought four times in November and I’ve never lost a single round!
‘York Hall is such a historic venue. Over the years, many great, great fighters have fought and won there. On November 16th, I’ll become one of them!’
Promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Infinitum, Channel 5 and Priority Promotions, Dilmaghani v Fonseca will be televised exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and 5Spike.
Headline attraction on the card features Alex Dilmaghani versus Francisco Fonseca for the Vacant IBO Super-Featherweight Championship. Chief support sees an exciting clash between Irish star John Joe Nevin v Freddy Fonseca for the WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship. A packed and top quality undercard also features: Fast rising Sevenoaks middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jnr; Stockwell welterweight Samuel Antwi; Welsh super-featherweight Rhys Edwards; Chelsea Lightweight Connor Marsden; two London based Romanians: super-welterweight Flavius Biea and heavyweight Lucian Atani; Basildon super-lightweight Lewis Smith; Islington middleweight Billy Underwood; Luton super-lightweight Jahid Munim and Islington featherweight Alizara Ghadiri.
Tickets are available from MyFightTickets: https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-york-hall

Tickets are available from MyFightTickets: https://myfighttickets.com/shop-1?olsPage=products%2Fhennessy-york-hall



Nicholas Irizarry to return to action on Saturday in Orlando

Top super lightweight prospect Nicholas Irizarry will fight for the second time as a professional Saturday night when he faces Anthony Overby at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida. The card is topped by Dewayne Beamon who takes on Marvin Solano.

Irizarry, who is trained by one of Youtube sensation Logan Paul’s trainers Milton Lacroix, made his professional debut on October 12th in Southern California on the Ronald Johnson-Sergio Ramirez undercard. Irizarry overwhelmed Johnie White, stopping him on his feet in the second round.

This will be Irizarry’s second fight in two months and Ron Johnson’s American Dream Promotions plans on keeping the 23 year old very busy as he gains professional experience.

“Irizarry is a very talented super lightweight prospect that will be a world champion in a few years. He has a very bright future in the sport and we plan on building him up the right way,” Johnson explained.

Saturday’s card is promoted by Undisputed promotions and tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com.




UPRISING PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO JAMAICA ON SATURDAY NIGHT

Kingston, Jamaica (Nov. 11, 2019) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions will be back in action this Saturday night in Jamaica, presenting the first edition of a series of shows in the Caribbean nation. Headlining the card, which will take place at the National Arena in Kingston, will be showcase bouts by super featherweight Carlos Dixon (9-1, 7 KOs) and undefeated heavyweight Vladimir Tereshkin (21-0-1, 11 KOs), with a super lightweight attraction featuring Yurik Mamedov (11-1, 3 KOs).

Fans can watch all of the action live from Jamaica on Saturday via a livestream from 1 Spot Media.

“Jamaica has great boxing fans, and the country as a whole has provided outstanding support for this show,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We look forward to working in the community this week, where we will be giving back to charitable causes with fundraising efforts around this card. The Jamaican government has been a tremendous partner throughout the planning process, and we look forward to an exciting night of boxing on Saturday.”

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Carlos Dixon will be fighting in Jamaica for the second time of 2019 after stopping a tough Toriano Nicholas this past July at the Ambassador Theatre in Kingston. He will be facing Edinso Torres, Jr. on Saturday night, and the WBC Youth World Super Featherweight Title will be on the line. Incredibly popular in his hometown of Louisville, which is also the origin of the legendary Muhammad Ali, Dixon takes his Kentucky pride with him every time he steps into the ring.

Also competing in his second consecutive bout in Jamaica this weekend will be heavyweight Vladimir Tereshkin, who earned a stoppage win over Williams Ocando on the same show where Dixon defeated Nicholas. The Russia native will face unbeaten Dominican fighter Francisco Silvens (23-0, 22 KOs), who owns a 96% knockout rate as a professional pugilist.

A decorated amateur fighter, Tereshkin eclipsed 200 wins and was a repeated medal winner and champion in both Russian and international competitions. He turned professional in 2007 at the age of 19, and he has remained undefeated over the first 12 years of his career. The Russia native has fought in seven different countries during his pro campaign, and he has finished four of his last five opponents. Standing 6-foot-6, Tereshkin has the versatility to box from both the southpaw and orthodox stances. He also possesses valuable experience as a chief sparring partner in world championship camps for International Boxing Hall of Famer Vitali Klitschko and his brother, Wladimir, who will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame once eligible.

Super lightweight Yurik Mamedov will be seeking his fourth consecutive win on Saturday when he takes on once-beaten Eduardo Cordovez (13-1-1, 11 KOs). The Russia native heads to Jamaica after most recently defeating Jordan Rosario this past March in Atlantic City.

This card will also showcase local Jamaican fighters, such as bantamweight Lisa Frazer in her pro debut. Additionally, Uprising Promotions is actively seeking local talent in Jamaica who could be featured on upcoming shows.

“One of the main focuses of this boxing series is to create opportunities for young up-and-coming fighters from Jamaica,” Frank stated. “We want to provide a platform where they can showcase their talent and make their country proud.”

All amateur boxers will get into the show on Saturday for free. Uprising Promotions would also like to send out a huge amount of gratitude to the Jamaican Boxing Board, TV Jamaica and Creative Sports for their contributions to the development of this show and the boxing series as a whole.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.




STAR BOXING FIGHTERS SECURE WINS AROUND THE GLOBE

New York, November 11, 2019

From Florida to France, Star Boxing fighters have brought the action to kick off November. In France, DAVID PAPOT (23-0-1 3KO’s) improved on his undefeated record in impressive style, while across the Atlantic Ocean in Florida, Connecticut native, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (15-0 12KO’s) took care of business in his third fight in as many months.

Undefeated Frenchman, David Papot, took on Armenian, VAGHINAK TAMRAYZAN (16-5 5KO’S) at the “International Festival of Boxing” in Chapiteau Luna Park, Guerande, France on Friday night. Papot looked stellar in his return to the ring, out-boxing and dominating the tough, Tamrayzan, for eight straight rounds. Papot earned the clear unanimous decision victory, improving to 23-0-1 3KO’s. (78-74 (x3)).

Papot had this to say about his victory, “Victorious in the return on my land! Thank you all for your support, those close and far, you are huge.”

DAVID PAPOT RAISES HIS HAND AFTER HIS VICTORY IN FRANCE

Heavy handed slugger, Richie Rivera took on Juan Zapata at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida on November 1st. Rivera entered the ring for his third fight in as many months, against Zapata, who was taking on his fourth straight undefeated prospect. Wasting no time, Rivera imposed his will and strength on Zapata (6-16-2 4KO’s) scoring three knockdowns out of the gate, as the referee stopped the action with 30 seconds left in the first round. Rivera improves to 15-0 12KO’s.

Rivera had this to say about his victory, “It was such an amazing experience. I just want to thank God for these blessings. I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

RICHIE RIVERA CELEBRATES HIS TKO VICTORY IN FLORIDA

Keep an eye out for both Papot and Rivera moving into the new year, as each fighter looks to make a splash in their respective weight classes, and continue their rise up the world rankings.

On November 23, Star Boxing returns with the 37th edition of its critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. The main event features a grudge rematch between DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 18-2-1 7KO’s) against JOHNNY “HITMAN” HERNANDEZ (Huntington, NY 10-4 1KO), as Gonzalez defends his WBC FECARBOX and ABO Intercontinental titles, and the bad blood is settled once and for all. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased, HERE: https://bit.ly/2qFO6Tb




THE FIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS | OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FROM FRANK WARREN, DANIEL DUBOIS AND TOMMY FURY

FRANK WARREN today revealed details of Queensberry Promotions’ bumper ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ show at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 21.

The world’s number one heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois (13-0, 12KOs) tops the bill when he defends his WBO International heavyweight title against Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1, 13KOs).

The WBC Silver belt will also be on the line giving Dubois an opportunity to win a ninth professional title in his 14th professional fight.

Dubois has already captured WBC Youth, Southern Area, English, WBO European, WBO Global, British, WBO International and Commonwealth titles, but faces a hard night against the world ranked Japanese star.

Unbeaten light-heavyweight hopeful Tommy Fury (2-0, 1 KO) returns after his successful stint on Love Island where he finished runner-up with his girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague.

Details of further brilliant fights will be announced in the coming days.

Photos of today’s press conference are available on this link with credit to Reuters/Action Images.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference at BT Tower in London’s West End.

FRANK WARREN:

“Fujimoto is ranked 12 by the WBA, has a good record and this is a fight that will get Daniel a lot of exposure as we strive to make him a global brand.

“We are working on making Daniel a number one contender with a governing body. I will get him there.

“I loved what I saw of Daniel as a senior amateur, but what he has done as a professional has been punch perfect. At this stage of his career he is the best young heavyweight I have seen in British boxing.

“He is in love with boxing. His mission is to become unified world champion and he will do it. I could make a world title fight tomorrow and he would win, but he needs that little bit more experience. When he wins a world title it is about making sure he keeps it.

“This time next year he is going to do the business (in a world title). And next year there could also be a collision with Joe Joyce.

“Tommy will go much further than KSI as a boxer. He has a great future. There is a lot of pressure through Love Island, but he is confident and mature enough to deal with that. He has a career and it’s my job to deliver and guide him so he can achieve his dreams. If he keeps his side of the bargain and trains we can go on.

I am delighted he is back. He came into the sport as the brother of Tyson and now he is his own man. It will be a cracking card and a Christmas present for the fans.”

DANIEL DUBOIS
 
“I am very happy. My career has been perfect so far and I have progressed in and out of the ring. I am with Frank Warren who is one of the best promoters ever and there is my Dad, Martin and Tony Bowers. We are going all the way. My trainer Martin has organised so much and puts in so much hard work. I am going to make sure I become a success.

“It is coming together and in each camp I have improved. If I can get to a world title challenge soon I am more than ready. Timing is everything. I will continue winning in style and I will get there soon. It is a hell of a challenge against Fujimoto, but I will be ready and take him out in devastating fashion.

“The boxing audience is taking notice and that is down to the hard work we put in. I’m ready for the next step. I love the recognition. It is what I have been after since I was five-years-old. My feet are on the ground. I just stick to what I am good at and remain humble.

“I have been a student of this sport since I was young. I am obsessed by it all. The sport is filled with great fighters and I want to be a legend when I have finished.

“Fear is an asset for me. It’s a weapon and I use it in every fight.”

TOMMY FURY:

“It is good to be back after Love Island and life is good. I feel at home when I’m in the squared circle. Fame is one thing, but it is how you cope with it. You can let it go to your head and run around thinking you’re too good for everybody. But, you are the same as everybody. It’s just that a few more people want to take your picture or get a signature. I am still the same man as I was before Love Island – the same lad who was boxing on the Josh Warrington-Carl Frampton undercard.

“There are a lot of avenues that I could have taken since I did Love Island, but you have to ask if these things are making you happy. TV is great, but I am happiest when I am fighting. It is in my blood. I am a fighting man and here to prove it.

“I have been training my heart out for a few weeks, because after the last few months I’ve had to. I know what it takes and I am doing it every day in the gym.

“I watched the YouTubers fight at the weekend and I admire them both because it takes a man to get in the ring. I heard KSI wants to fight again and I am here if he wants to fight me. They had no boxing experience, trained their balls off for ten weeks, got in the ring and had a fight so I have nothing but respect.

“Just 12 months ago, I had 3000 followers and only known in my local kebab shop. Now I’m pushing on for three million followers.  I’m still the little boy who grew up in Salford. I don’t think I am too good for anybody.

“I am here to do the best I can. I want to bring a new audience to boxing as a lot of those there on December 21 will not have been to a boxing show before.

“Molly loves me boxing and watches it on YouTube. She is throwing combinations in the mirror every day. I have the right people around me and I just have to do the work in the gym.

“I think my brother Tyson will be there. To have the best heavyweight in the world sitting ringside makes you want to dig deep. Tyson is a worldwide superstar doing boxing, MMA and wrestling. Why not? Nothing is guaranteed in life. I would wrestle in a heartbeat. I have wanted to do that all along.

“I take every day as it comes, but I wouldn’t be in boxing if I couldn’t reach the top. If I didn’t believe I could be a world champion I wouldn’t do it. One day I will be holding all the belts.

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Copper Box Arena to stage a bumper night of boxing on December 21st.

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.

Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) makes his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and will be available via Ticketmaster on Wednesday.

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  

 




Alexander “The Great” Flores destroys Mario Heredia in 6

TUCSON, Arizona (November 9, 2019) – Heavy-handed California heavyweight Alexander “The Great” Flores returned to the ring last Thursday night with a vengeance, knocking out Mario “Chabelo” Heredia in the sixth round of the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS main event, outdoors Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

The 29-year-old Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs) hadn’t fought since last December in New Zealand, when he lost a controversial fight to former world champion Joseph Parker, in which Parker struck Flores numerous times below the belt, leading to a knockout.

Knockout-artist Flores floored his Mexican opponent, Heredia, three times during their fight in the third, fifth and the finisher in the sixth. Flores, who is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth champion, used a vicious body attack, resulting in the last two knockdowns, against the 282-pound Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs).

Flores’ only two losses have been to world champions Parker and Charles Martin. Heredia, a former WBC FECOMBOX champion, who only three fights ago won a split decision over former WBC heavyweight world champion and Nigerian Olympian Samuel Peter.

In the co-featured event, red-hot Mexican welterweight Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs) blasted Ravshan Hudayhazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), the Uzbekistan fighter, stopping him only 43-seconds into the opening round in a devastating performance.

In his RJJ Boxing Promotions debut, undefeated California super middleweight Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) pitched a complete shutout victory, winning each round on all three-judges’ scorecards, in a unanimous decision over Phoenix veteran Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), who announced before the fight that this would be his last.

Juan Barajas (R) is a sharpshooter

In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, unbeaten Tucson welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1, 1 KO) pulled off a mild upset, taking an eight-round unanimous decision from Marcos “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), the younger brother of Santiago.

Local fan favorite Briana “Amenaza” Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs) and pro-debuting junior flyweight Amanda Borg (0-0-1), of Albuquerque, battled to a four-round majority draw in the opening, off UFC FIGHT PASS fight of evening.

Official results:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Alexander Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs), Rowland Heights, CA
WTKO6 (1:33)
Mario Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

CO-FEATURE – VACANT WBC US SILVER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WKO1 (0:43)
Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Uzbekistan
(Dominguez won WBC Silver welterweight title)

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Juan Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), Victorville, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-71)
Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), Phoenix, AZ.

WELTERWEIGHTS
Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1), Tucson, AZ
WDEC8 (78-75, 77-75, 77-75)
Marcos Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

FEMALE JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS
Briana Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Tucson, AZ
D4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38)
Amanda Borg (0-0-1, 0 KOs), Albuquerque, NM

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.casinodelsol.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol




Split-T Management’s Undefeated Middleweight Diego Pacheco in Action Tonight in Los Angeles

NEW YORK (November 9, 2019)–Split-T Management’s undefeated middleweight Diego Pacheco will be in action TONIGHT!! when he takes on Aaron Casper in a six-round bout at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Pacheco of Los Angeles has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.

Pacheco has defeated four undefeated opponents, with his last win coming on September 14th when he knocked out undefeated Terry Fernandez in three rounds in Carson, California.

Casper is the most experienced foe in Pacheco’s young career as he brings in a record of 5-3 with four knockouts.

“I am very excited for this because it is in my hometown at Staples Center, my camp went very well. I have not seen anything on Casper. I just know that he is tall, so I had good sparring partners to prepare well for this fight, and I expect him to be very tough,” said Pacheco

Casper is the most experienced foe in Pacheco’s young career as he brings in a record of 5-3 with four knockouts.

The 18 year-old Pacheco has kept a busy work schedule since turning professional as this will be Pacheco’s 6th start this year and 7th in the last calendar year.

“I am very young, and every fight is a learning experience. My team has kept me very active and it’s a pace where I think I will be competing for world championships before others at my age.”

Being from Los Angeles, Pacheco has seen many of the world class events that have taken place at Staples Center, and on Saturday night he will look to add his name to the list of high-class athletes that have played the Los Angeles venue,

“As long as I could remember, it has been a dream of mine to fight at the Staples Center. It is where the Lakers and Clippers play, and to participate in a fight here is amazing, and I am so grateful that I can display my talents at the biggest venue in my city.”

“I just want everyone to follow my journey.”

The fight will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 7 PM ET.

To follow Diego Pacheco, click the following:

View on Instagram and Follow us on Twitter

Pacheco was 167.2 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Casper was 166.6

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Photos by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing




WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER FROM TODAY’S KSI VS. LOGAN PAUL II WEIGH-IN

FIRST BELL – 3.25pm (all times local)

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest                                              
Reshat Mati 148.4 lbs     vs            Cody Peterson 148.6 lbs
Staten Island, New York                 Liberty, Missouri

FROM 4pm

12 x 3 mins WBA Gold and NABF Super-Bantamweight championships   
Ronny Rios 120.6 lbs       vs            Hugo Berrio 121.6 lbs
Santa Ana, California                       Santa Marta, Colombia

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
Diego Pacheco 167.2 lbs                vs            Aaron Casper 166.6 lbs
Los Angeles, California                   Augusta, Georgia

Followed by

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest
Josh Brueckner 192.2 lbs               vs            Tyler Smith 199.4 lbs
Clinton, Michigan                                             Huntington Beach, California

FROM 6.00pm                                                                                  

12 x 3 mins WBO World Super-Middleweight championship                                        
Billy Joe Saunders 167.4 lbs         vs            Marcelo Coceres 168 lbs
Hatfield, England                                              San Jorge, Argentina

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC World Lightweight title                                               
Devin Haney 135 lbs        vs            Alfredo Santiago-Alvarez 135 lbs
Las Vegas, Nevada                           Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Cruiserweight contest
Logan Paul 199.4 lbs       vs            KSI          193.2 lbs
Los Angeles, California                   Watford, England

Float

4 / 6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
Nikita Ababiy 160.6 lbs   vs            Jonathan Batista 163.6 lbs
Brooklyn, New York                         San Pedro de Macoris, D.R.




Weigh-In Results: Jamel Herring vs. Lamont Roach Jr.

ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET)

Jamel Herring 129.8 lbs vs. Lamont Roach Jr. 129 lbs
(WBO Junior Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)

   Kubrat Pulev 248.4 lbs vs. Rydell Booker 248.2 lbs
(Heavyweight – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

                    David Kaminsky 162.2 lbs vs. Travis Jerig 162 lbs
(Middleweight – 6/4 Rounds)

            Janibek Alimkhanuly 159.8 lbs vs. Albert Onolunose 158.2 lbs
(WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global Middleweight titles – 10 Rounds)

    Robeisy Ramirez 124.8 lbs vs. Fernando Ibarra 122.4 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

    Esquiva Falcao 160.8 lbs vs. Manny Woods 161.4 lbs
(Middleweight – 10/8 Rounds)

        Amir Imam 144 lbs vs. Marcos Mojica 143 lbs
(Welterweight- 8 Rounds)

OFF TV (After Herring-Roach)

     Gabriel Flores Jr. 133.4 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 133.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 8 Rounds)
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy, tickets are priced at $200, $96, $46 and $29 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased by visiting mpv.tickets.com, charge by phone at 559.320.TIXS (8497) or at the Chukchansi Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m PT to 5 p.m. PT). In honor of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday, any active or retired service members will receive up to four free tickets to the event by presenting their military ID at the Chukchansi Park box office (while supplies last).

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

Use the hashtag #HerringRoach to join the conversation on social media.
About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 filmsFans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.




World Ranked Welterweight Mykal Fox Headlines On Friday, December 6th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (November 8, 2019)– World-Ranked welterweight Mykal Fox will compete in the 10-round main event on Friday night, December 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The 10-bout card will be promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox of Forestville. Maryland is ranked number-15 by the WBA, has a record of 21-1 with five knockouts.

The 24 year-old Fox is a five year professional and has garnered his world ranking on the strength of wins over Ricardo Garcia (14-1), Gonzalo Carlos Dallera (5-0), 2016 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Fazliddin Gainazarov (7-0) and in his last bout, Fox won a 10-round unanimous decision over Eudy Bernardo (25-4) on September 14th in Bethlehem, PA.

Fox’s opponent will be named shortly.

In the eight-round co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Kalvin Henderson will take on Genc Pllana.

Henderson of Fayetville, Arkansas has a record of 12-0 with eight knockouts.

The 29 year-old is a three year professional, and has had a meteoric climb up the super middleweight latter.

Henderson has wins over Bobby Taylor (4-0) and Brandon Robinson in a bout that was voted Philadelphia Fight of the Year for 2018. In his last bout, Henderson stopped Antowyan Aikens on May 10th at the 2300 Arena.

Pllana of Hagerstown, Maryland has a record of 7-1 with four knockouts.

The 25 year-old is a two-year professional who has defeated Jason Bell (3-0) and in his last bout, Pllana stopped Alex Lara in one-round on October 24th in Washington, DC.

A packed undercard has been assembled as some very talented fighters will be on display.

In eight-round bouts, WBA Number-14 ranked super bantamweight Marcus Bates (10-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, DC battles Jesus Martinez (26-10, 13 KOs) of Hollywood, Florida.

In six-round bouts, Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Shinard Bunch (3-1, 3 KOs) of Camden, NJ fights Vicente Morales (3-4-2, 2 KOs) of Matamoros, MEX in a welterweight contest.

Anthony Mercado (13-4, 11 KOs) of Arecibo, PR takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Undefeated Devar Ferhadi (7-0, 6 KOs) of Frederick, Maryland will square off with fellow undefeated Vincent Baccus (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight bout.

Damon Allen (16-1-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

In four-round bouts:

Ryan Umberger (3-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Charon Spain (1-13-1) of Davenport, IA in a junior middleweight contest.

Brandon Mullins (6-0, 2 KOs) will box an opponent to be named in a middleweight fight.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com




JACOBS AND CHAVEZ JR CLASH IN PHOENIX

Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will clash in a Super-Middleweight showdown at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday December 20, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Jacobs (35-3 29 KOs) makes the move up to 168lbs following his Middleweight unification showdown with Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May, putting his IBF crown on the line against the pound-for-pound Mexican king and WBC and WBA ruler who edged out Jacobs on the cards.

The two-time ruler at 160lbs will make the first steps to becoming a two-weight World champion in Phoenix and does so against Mexican fan-favorite Chavez Jr (51-3-1 33 KOs). It’s a special night for the former WBC 160lb champion Chavez Jr. as he takes on the ‘Miracle Man’ at the same venue his legendary father closed the curtain on his incredible career in 2005.

Chavez Jr. ruled the roost at Middleweight in at the turn of the decade with a record at 160lbs reading as a who’s who of the best at the weight in recent history. The 33 year old returned to action in August with a first round KO win in his 56th pro outing following his own clash with Canelo back in May 2017, and like Jacobs, he sees the Phoenix clash as the first step in adding World titles at 168lbs to his Middleweight crown.

“I am thrilled to be making my debut at Super-Middleweight on December 20 against Julio Cesar Chavez,” said Jacobs. “I’ve achieved a dream of becoming a World champion at Middleweight and now I am seeking to secure my legacy by becoming a two-weight World champion.

“There are some great fighters and champions at 168lbs and I believe that I will be a different beast up at Super-Middleweight. Facing Julio is a great test for my first fight, he’s a former Middleweight champion like me and he has the same goal as I do – Julio is always in great fight and I am sure that our styles will gel to be a thriller for the fans, and I plan to announce my arrival at 168lbs in style.”

“Going against Daniel Jacobs is the perfect fight for me because there is so much on the line,” said Chavez Jr. “A victory gets me one step closer to a world championship and I’m not going to let anyone stand in my way.

“I know that Danny Jacobs is a former world champion and is a strong fighter with very good boxing skills. Those are the kind of boxers that bring out the best in me. I’ve been working hard in the gym and can’t wait to let everyone see what I’ve been working on. I’m very motivated to get the win and at the end of the night I will have my hand raised in victory.  I ask my fans to believe in me.  I will deliver.”

“I’m delighted to announce this huge fight will close out an incredible 2019 for Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Daniel returns from his point defeat to Canelo to move up in weight on his quest to become a two-weight World champion. He faces a determined Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. who looks for redemption at the site of his father’s last ever professional fight. We expect a great fight, a huge crowd and a stacked card as we’ll look to close out the year in style.”

“As DAZN’s fight season continues, we are thrilled to bring boxing fans a huge super middleweight fight to close out the calendar year,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “Both Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. are in a position to prove themselves as title contenders on Dec. 20 and the winner will position themselves for a career-defining fight in 2020.”

An announcement on ticket details will be made next week.




JOSHUA PACIO SUBMITS RENE CATALAN TO RETAIN ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD TITLE

8 November 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), once again electrified the crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Last Friday night, 8 November, ONE: MASTERS OF FATE played host to a series of action-packed and compelling contests, delivered by the absolute best in world-class martial arts talent.

Visit the official ONE: MASTERS OF FATE photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

In the main event, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines turned in a dominant performance, submitting compatriot Rene “D’ Challenger” Catalan in the second round to retain his ONE Strawweight World Championship. Pacio survived an early submission scare from Catalan to impose his will on the ground. In the second round, Pacio stuffed a takedown from Catalan and worked his way into mount, before securing a masterful arm-triangle choke, leaving the challenger with no choice but to tap out.

In the co-main event of the evening, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines earned a technical decision victory over Mongolia’s Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu after an unintentional clash of heads brought the bout to an abrupt end. Folayang was on fire in the opening round, turning up the aggression with his strikes. A collision of heads midway into the second round was ruled as an unintentional foul, leading to a technical decision being made, which went in favor of the Filipino martial arts hero.

Multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Sangmanee “The Million Dollar Baby” Sathian Muaythai of Thailand impressed in his ONE Championship debut, defeating Azize “The Magician” Hlali of Morocco by unanimous decision. Sangmanee outstruck Hlali over the course of the three-round affair to walk away with the judges’ nod on all three scorecards, earning him a spectacular victory in his maiden appearance on the ONE stage.

Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio barged back into the win column with a thrilling knockout victory over Finland’s Toni “Dynamite” Tauru. In the first round, it looked as if Tauru was going to pick up an early submission win, but Eustaquio survived getting his back taken and proceeded to turn the tide in his favor. After a rocky opening stanza, Eustaquio rallied back in the second round by using his superior striking to do heaps of damage. The former flyweight king finished things off in the third round with a spinning back kick to the midsection that sent Tauru crashing to the mat for the highlight-reel stoppage win.

Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand took another big step forward in her mixed martial arts career, picking up a huge win over Vietnamese-American star Bi “Killer Bee” Nguyen. Stamp used her top-notch striking to pick Nguyen apart in the standup, while showing off her improved grappling to defend against Nguyen’s takedown attempts. Nguyen stood right in front of Stamp, but had difficulty finding her mark. After three rounds of fast-paced action, Stamp walked away with the clear-cut decision win and remained unbeaten in her ONE Championship career.

Chinese spitfire “The Underdog” Li Kai Wen returned to the ONE Championship ring in style with a first-round knockout victory over Indonesia’s Paul “The Great King” Lumihi. Li was aggressive right off the bat, charging at Lumihi to unleash a flying knee to open the action. After an exciting exchange between the two warriors, Li unloaded a three-punch combination, capped off by a right uppercut to put Lumihi to sleep.

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Japan kept his momentum going with a three-round unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit. The Japanese grappler imposed his game plan well, as he was able to ground Mitsatit at will. The Thai star looked to reverse his fortunes by pressuring Naito with his striking, but it wasn’t enough as the former strawweight king remained unstoppable with his takedowns. After three rounds of action, Naito walked away with the decision win.

Multiple-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Kongsak “Left Savage” PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym put on a striking clinic as he defeated Top King Muay Thai World Champion and former ONE World Title challenger Han Zi Hao of China to win by unanimous decision. The Thai stalwart controlled the action throughout the three-round bout, using crisp combinations to score points on the judges’ scorecards. Han had no answer for Kongsak, as the Thai warrior cruised to a dominant decision win.

The Philippines’ own Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan sent the Mall of Asia Arena into a frenzy after scoring an explosive knockout victory over Cuba’s Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart. Catalan was on point with his striking throughout the bout, and was able to hold his own against the high-level grappling of the Olympian wrestler Balart. Late in the second round, Catalan uncorked a well-timed right high kick that connected and took Balart out instantly, much to the delight of Catalan’s hometown crowd.

Multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Tukkatatong Petpayathai picked up a gritty split decision win over former ONE World Title challenger Hiroaki “Kaibutsukun” Suzuki of Japan in his return to the ONE Championship ring. It was an exciting back-and-forth affair between the two strikers, with Tukkatatong scoring points with his body kicks. After three rounds of action, it was the Thai veteran who walked away with the decision.

“The Fighting God” Kim Jae Woong of South Korea announced his arrival in the ONE Championship featherweight division in exciting fashion with a technical knockout victory over Brazilian veteran Rafael “Indio” Nunes. Kim picked Nunes apart in the striking department, and was able to survive the Brazilian grappler’s submission attempts. In the final round, Kim landed a punch to the body that ultimately spelled the end for Nunes, leading to a gutsy win for the South Korean inside the distance.

South Korea’s Kim Kyu Sung bounced back in spectacular fashion with a quick knockout win over ONE Warrior Series contract winner Akhiro “Superjap” Fujisawa of Japan. Kim needed only 68 seconds to stop Fujisawa, after landing a well-placed right uppercut to earn the highlight reel finish.

Kicking things off at ONE: MASTERS OF FATE in Manila, India’s Roshan Mainam put on an impressive performance in his ONE Championship debut, submitting Cambodia’s Khon Sichan via first-round Americana. Mainam wasted little time in getting the action to the ground, taking Sichan down with ease. Once on the mat, Mainam imposed his will on Sichan, getting into mount before finishing the bout with a slick armlock.

Official results for ONE: MASTERS OF FATE
ONE Strawweight World Championship: Joshua Pacio defeats Rene Catalan by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 2:29 minutes of round 2
Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight: Eduard Folayang defeats Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu by Technical Decision
Muay Thai Catchweight (68.0 KG) Sangmanee Sathian Muaythai defeats Azize Hlali by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight: Geje Eustaquio defeats Toni Tauru by Knockout (KO) at 2:11 minutes of round 3
Mixed Martial Arts Atomweight: Stamp Fairtex defeats Bi Nguyen by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Bantamweight: Li Kai Wen defeats Paul Lumihi by Knockout (KO) at 2:39 minutes of round 1
Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight: Yoshitaka Naito defeats Pongsiri Mitsatit by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Muay Thai Bantamweight: Kongsak PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym defeats Han Zi Hao by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight: Robin Catalan defeats Gustavo Balart by Knockout (KO) at 4:43 minutes of round 2
Muay Thai Bantamweight: Tukkatatong Petpayathai defeats Hiroaki Suzuki by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight: Kim Jae Woong defeats Rafael Nunes by TKO (Strikes) at 0:38 minutes of round 3
Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight: Kim Kyu Sung defeats Akihiro Fujisawa by Knockout (KO) at 1:08 minutes of round 1
Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight: Roshan Mainam defeats Khon Shichan by Submission (Armlock) at 3:22 minutes of round 1

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE Esports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global esports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.




TOMMY FURY BACK IN THE FOLD

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT AND Love Island star Tommy Fury will make his much-anticipated return to the ring on December 21 at the Copper Box Arena, live on BT.

The smooth-talking and strapping 20-year-old charmed the watching millions on the ITV2 hit show after entering the group and ultimately partnering up with his now girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague.

Fury placed his boxing career on pause to take part in the romantic reality show, having clocked up two wins since turning professional in December 2018, marking the occasion with a win over Jevgenijs Andrejevs in his hometown of Manchester.

He followed up his debut victory with a first round stoppage of Callum Ide in Leicester before swapping punching for Reality TV and topping up his tan on the Spanish island of Majorca over an eight-week period.

Despite his growing celebrity status, Fury has always maintained that his priority will always remain the sport of boxing and he will take the next step in his career in London against an opponent to be confirmed shortly.

“I am delighted to welcome Tommy back into the fold on our huge end-of-year show at the Copper Box,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“Tommy is a young man so taking a little bit of time out to pursue a television experience will have done him no harm at all and we always felt certain that he would be back in the ring sooner rather than later.

“In this day and age it is important for boxers to project their personalities to the public and Tommy is now one of the best known young fighters in the business.

“Now he has got to turn his mind back to what he does best and that is boxing. I am sure his new army of fans will be supporting him every step of the way.”

Further details of Tommy Fury’s return to the ring on December 21 will be revealed at a press conference on Monday, at which he will be in attendance along with main event attraction and Heavyweight star Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.

Tickets will be on sale on Monday at 12pm via Seeticketsand Ticketmaster.




ONE: MASTERS OF FATE FINAL WEIGHT AND HYDRATION RESULTS

8 November 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just released the official ONE: MASTERS OF FATE Final Weight and Hydration Results.

Complete ONE: MASTERS OF FATE  Final Weight and Hydration Results

MAIN CARD

ONE Strawweight World Championship (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG): 
Joshua Pacio (56.35, 1.0040) vs. Rene Catalan (55.80, 1.0023)

Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight (70.4 KG – 77.1 KG):
Eduard Folayang (76.30, 1.0027) vs. Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu (76.70, 1.0148)

Muay Thai Catchweight (68.0 KG):
Sangmanee Sathian Muaythai (65.55, 1.0191) vs. Azize Hlali (68.00, 1.0049)

Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG): 
Geje Eustaquio (60.95, 1.0199) vs.Toni Tauru (61.00, 1.0023)

Mixed Martial Arts Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG):
Stamp Fairtex (52.20, 1.0078)  vs. Bi Nguyen (52.10, 1.0152)

Mixed Martial Arts Bantamweight (61.3 KG – 65.8 KG): 
Paul Lumihi (65.40, 1.0124) vs. Li Kai Wen (65.80, 1.0120)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG): 
Yoshitaka Naito (56.40, 1.0040) vs. Pongsiri Mitsatit (56.35, 1.0191)

Muay Thai Bantamweight (61.3 KG – 65.8 KG): 
Han Zi Hao (65.25, 1.0023) vs. Kongsak PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym (65.45, 1.0014)

Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG): 
Robin Catalan (56.25, 1.0018) vs. Gustavo Balart (56.50, 1.0128)

Muay Thai Bantamweight (61.3 KG – 65.8 KG): 
Tukkatatong Petpayathai (65.75, 1.0066) vs. Hiroaki Suzuki (65.80, 1.0218)

Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG): 
Kim Jae Woong (69.95, 1.0005) vs. Rafael Nunes (69.40, 1.0103)

Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG): 
Kim Kyu Sung (61.05, 1.0218) vs. Akhiro Fujisawa (61.05, 1.0203)

Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG): 
Roshan Mainam (60.95, 1.0099) vs. Khon Sichan (60.85, 1.0199)*Hydration values less than or equal to 1.0250 earn a passing mark, while values greater than or equal to 1.0251 earn a failing mark. Athletes who failed weight and hydration tests on Day 1 or Day 2 are given another chance to clear tests on the morning of the event.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE Esports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global esports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.



Jamel Herring Set for Ballpark Title Defense Against Lamont Roach Jr.

FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2019) — Under the bright lights, above where a pitcher’s mound normally stands, Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring will enter the ring for the first time as a champion.

Herring, who makes the first defense of his WBO junior lightweight world title against Lamont Roach Jr. Saturday evening (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+) at Chukchansi Park (home of the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies), is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. He won the world title on Memorial Day Weekend earlier this year and, in fitting fashion, will defend his belt on Veterans Day Weekend and the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday.

In the 10-round co-feature, IBF No. 1 heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev (27-1, 14 KOs), seeking a 2020 world title shot, will face Detroit-based veteran Rydell Booker (26-2, 13 KOs). Pulev is angling for a shot at the winner of the Andy Ruiz Jr.-Anthony Joshua rematch, while the 38-year-old Booker is 4-1 since coming back to the ring following a 12-year prison sentence. 

In other action, after the main event takes place, 19-year-old lightweight sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. (15-0, 6 KOs) will face Aelio Mesquita (19-4, 17 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Flores, from nearby Stockton, Calif., will have a rabid cheering section.

At Thursday’s final press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jamel Herring

On sparring with the likes of Terence Crawford and Maurice Hooker

“Those guys, they really helped. {Super middleweight contender} Steven Nelson being a veteran helped as well. He motivated me and pushed me… camp has been great. It’s probably been one of the best camps that I’ve had.”

On defending his title on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday

“It’s all about what happens in the ring. All that will go in vain if I don’t play my part and perform to the best of my abilities and handle my business. It’s definitely great to be a Marine and basically be one of the only Marines on this type of platform. Of course, that’s a great feeling.”

Lamont Roach Jr.

“It’s truly a blessing fighting on Veterans Day weekend just to honor my cousin, who was my late trainer. He was in the Army and dedicated his life to boxing. He was an All-Army champ in, I think, 1983, one of those years. Way before I was born. But he learned the game from them, and he gave the game to me. That old Army training is definitely in me. This weekend is a big weekend for all vets, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to one thing to me, and that’s inside the ring. It’s for that belt right there. Julie {Goldsticker, Herring’s publicist}, hold that belt up for me. It’s gonna go home with me, and I am going to go celebrate with the Washington Nationals and the Mystics, who won the WNBA championship.”

“I’m glad that my promotional company moved me the right way. I earned this spot. I wasn’t given this spot. All the hard work that I put in from 9 years old to now is going to show.”

“We know Jamel is a crafty fighter, but we’re gonna bring it to him. I think I can do anything in the ring better than him. I can be a better, taller fighter than him even though I’m shorter than him. I can beat him on the inside, I can beat him all around the ring. So, we’re going to see.”

Kubrat Pulev

“This is boxing. Nothing is sure, but I am here to fight, and I am here to win. That is why I prepared well, and I believe in myself. I know who I am. I’m one of the best in the heavyweight division. And, yeah, my opponent is good also, but I think I’m much, much better.”

“For me, this is one fight and more experience. I must stay in the ring and wait to fight the winner of Joshua and Ruiz. Who wins, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m now concentrated on Booker. He’s a serious opponent.”

Rydell Booker

“This {opportunity} means a lot. Everyone understands my story. I went away to prison for 12 years.  In two years home, I’ve been very active. This fight couldn’t have come at a better time because I was just in camp with {Oleksandr} Usyk when I got the call. I left Usyk’s camp and went to Deontay Wilder’s camp, and so I stayed busy. I get a lot of calls to go help the greats. I was just in camp with Anthony Joshua, learning something from him and vice versa. So I’ve been around the game 31 years, and I come to bring my experience and talents.”

“I don’t take nothing away from nobody’s talent because everybody has their own talent in certain ways. He hasn’t fought a heavyweight like me, slick as me. I understand he lost to {Wladimir} Klitschko. Klitschko was taught by a great who taught me and my coach, Emanuel Steward. They still don’t have the athleticism that I have. I’ll let my talents speak for itself.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“This means a lot to me. I’ve fought in Fresno a few times already, and every time I come to Fresno, they treat me real well. It’s like a second home to me. I enjoy it here, and I feel the love. To fight on Veterans Day {Weekend} means a lot because I get to pay some respect to veterans. That’s something I always wanted to do, and to go to the veterans hospital {VA Central California} and talk to them and shake their hands, it was nice… just to hear their stories. I met a man who was a 100 years old, so it was nice to interact with them.”

“Each fight, I get better and better. I fix my mistakes. Every fight, there are mistakes. It’s hard to be perfect. Not everyone sees {my mistakes}. Maybe my father and I do, so come Saturday night, you’re going to see another step up from Gabriel Flores. To beat him, I just have to be myself. He’s got a nice right hand, but it takes more than a right hand to beat me.”

ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Jamel Herring vs. Lamont Roach Jr., 12 rounds, Herring’s WBO junior lightweight world title

Kubrat Pulev vs. Rydell Booker, 10 rounds, heavyweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

David Kaminsky vs. Travis Jerig, 6/4 rounds, middleweight

Robeisy Ramirez vs. Fernando Ibarra, 6 rounds, featherweight

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Albert Onolunose, 10 rounds, Alimkhanuly’s WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global middleweight titles

Esquiva Falcao vs. Manny Woods, 10/8 rounds, middleweight

Amir Imam vs. Marcos Mojica, 8 rounds, welterweight

OFF TV (After Herring-Roach)

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Aelio Mesquita, 8 rounds, lightweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy, tickets are priced at $200, $96, $46 and $29 (not including applicable fees). Tickets can be purchased by visiting mpv.tickets.com, charge by phone at 559.320.TIXS (8497) or at the Chukchansi Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m PT to 5 p.m. PT). In honor of Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday, any active or retired service members will receive up to four free tickets to the event by presenting their military ID at the Chukchansi Park box office (while supplies last).

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

Use the hashtag #HerringRoach to join the conversation on social media.




LEO SANTA CRUZ VS. MIGUEL FLORES, PLUS BRANDON FIGUEROA, MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Tom Brown
Thank you everyone for joining us today for this media conference call that will feature three division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, exciting contender Miguel Flores and WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa, as they discuss their upcoming FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdowns taking place Saturday, November 23rd from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Leo and Miguel will go toe to toe for the WBA Super Featherweight title in the co-main event as Leo looks to win a world title in a fourth weight class, while Flores looks to pull the upset in his first title opportunity. Brandon Figueroa will make the first defense of his 122-pound title against the tough former world champion Julio Ceja as part of the Pay-Per-View that begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

This event is of course headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder as he defends his title against the hard hitting Cuban slugger Luis Ortiz.

Tickets for this event which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions are on sale now and can be purchased at the mgmgrand.com and access.com. I also wanted to say thank you Leonard Ellerbe and the Mayweather Promotions team. Leonard’s been out running around the country promoting this event. So thank you Leonard.

All right. Now to start off the call today we have one of boxing’s brightest young starts joining us in Brandon Figueroa. He’s the WBA Super Bantamweight Champion having recently been elevated from interim champion. His record is 20-0, 15 KOs. He fights out of Weslaco, Texas. Brandon, can you give us some opening comments about how training camp is going?

Brandon Figueroa
Training camp has been going really good. I’ve been working through a couple injuries but it isn’t bad. As a fighter you’ve got to keep moving forward. I don’t want to pull out of the fight. I’ve just got to make it work, work around the injuries and as of right now, I’m still continuing working hard and I can’t wait. I can’t wait for November 23. It’s going to be a big opportunity for me, but not only for me, but both for my team and to represent my city.

Being 22 and having the world title, being the youngest champion at 122 pounds, it’s a privilege. So I’m definitely working hard towards fight night.

Q
Have you really had any time at all throughout this entire process to look back and kind of be amazed at what you have been able to be accomplished in such a relatively short manner of time?

B. Figueroa
Yes of course. Actually for the last fight with Thurman and Pacquiao I went to go watch it because that’s the day my brother fought as well and I was sitting there ring side and I was like man, I can just imagine the day when I’m fighting here. I can’t wait and I thought it was going to be maybe to next year, along that line. Maybe like a couple more fights but, wow it was two more fights down and here I am fighting on pay-per-view.

Not only that but fighting a great fighter like Julio Ceja, it’s a blessing. Me climbing up the ranks and being elevated to the champion was amazing. I definitely do work hard. I’m grateful for everything that my team does. It’s amazing and I’m just blessed and I’m happy that I get to be in this position and that I get to fight, just the most important thing that a boxer loves to do is fight and showcase his skills and prove to everyone that they deserve to be in the ring. So definitely the blessings have been coming my way and I’m just grateful.

Q
Are you going to look at Rigondeaux’s performance against Ceja or are you just really kind of following your own game plan and seeing how that fairs against Ceja?

B. Figueroa
You have to take everything into consideration. How are you going to outfight him? With Julio Ceja’s style, everything comes into play and obviously you always got to have a plan and obviously yes, I know Julio Ceja is going to come and brawl. Either I can box him or I can fight him inside. I’m an excellent fighter. I can fight. So it’s going to be interesting but I know I have more skills. I have the power definitely and watching his fight against Rigondeaux, I don’t know if he has stamina. So I’ve got to work the body, something that I’m used to doing, and that chin.

He’s been dropped plenty of times with that left hook so that’s something I’ve got to make sure I get to land. I know this isn’t going to be an easy fight but I’m definitely working really hard to make it easy and make fight night easy and even though it’s not going to be easy but, you always got to believe in yourself and plan it as if it’s going to be easy but. I know I’ve been on a knockout streak but I don’t plan on knocking him out. I’m just going to go in there and make sure that my plan goes well and that I get the W however I can.

Q
Now that you’re at this title level, do you still want to maintain this rate of activity that you’ve been able to enjoy this year?

B. Figueroa
Yes sir, of course. The love that I have for the sport that, as soon as I fight, a week or two weeks later I’m back at the gym or I’m always running, always keeping in shape. Making sure my condition doesn’t get too poor. It’s just a lifestyle. At the end of the day it’s a lifestyle and I don’t go up too much on weight. I’m always making sure that I’m always say maybe 15 pounds on top of my weight class. So I think the difference is that, I’m always trying to be healthy. I’m always keeping healthy and making sure I’m not doing dangerous stuff outside of boxing and stuff like that where I can injure myself. So I’m always safe and keeping active in my career.

Q
How much do you take from your brother Omar’ journey in this sport and use it to better your own game?

B. Figueroa
I always take my brother’s mistakes into consideration. He’s always told me, you’ve got to learn from my mistakes, whatever I did wrong and don’t commit them again. I know his last loss was big. Not only how it affected him but also me, seeing my brother lose like that. At the end of the day when we were talking to each other I was like, “Hey, you lost, you got beat but hey, you got to bounce back. You’ve got to get back to work, stop making excuses for yourself.”

That’s just how we are. He’s really hard on me, so I’m going to be hard on him and I know he’s going to bounce back. Right now he’s taking care of personal things but I tell him, brother I’m always going to be here for you, whenever you need a running partner or stuff like that. I always want to be there every step of the way, just how he wants to be there every step of the way in my career. So definitely, I learned a lot of things. He’s my mentor and he’s probably one of my biggest role models in my career and in my life. So I definitely look up to him and I can’t wait for him to come back and do big things again.

Q
How big was it for you to be able to have your own homecoming fight in August, just to be able to carry on the family name?

B. Figueroa
I don’t really see it like that. It was just a little bump in the road for him, and this is my career, I can’t really pay too much into his career or get distracted – you have to push on. I never see it like that. I’m always focused. I always do what I got to do. Everything outside my career or my life, I push it to the side and I got to do what I got to do. That homecoming fight I had to take care of business and I never really cared about his loss or whatever. I know it’s just part of the boxing game and it’s just a way of life. So I just push it to the side. I did what I got to do and I take care of business homecoming night.

Q
How soon after that fight did you know that you were going to land on this card or a card like this?

B. Figueroa
It was when I was actually at my sister’s wedding in Cancun. That’s when my dad told me that I had another fight lined up and as soon as I heard the news I was running over there in Cancun. I was trying to eat healthy. I was already working out as soon as I heard the news. I couldn’t comfortably enjoy the vacation. I couldn’t comfortably enjoy being over there so I had to get back to work as soon as I heard the news. It’s just like I said, it’s a lifestyle and as soon as I heard I was going to fight I was pumped up and ready to go.

Q
Do you have a one year plan, two year plan, three plan? Do you have goals now that you’ll be fighting for the full title to eventually unify with the other champions?

B. Figueroa
Yes Sir of course. I will take all the champions into consideration into my choice especially after this fight, if everything goes well and I come out the W. I’m more than excited to fight the best fighters in my division and at the end of the day, it’s going to be up to my team. We never say no to any fight. My team makes a lot of things possible for us because we never say no. We always take the fight no matter what and I’m excited.

I’m excited for the future but I don’t just relax and think about the future. I just take it one fight at a time and whenever it’s time for me, I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight these champions and I’m ready to really input my name into the boxing world and really showcase what I’m about.

Q
Are you taking it as a goal to potentially try to stop Ceja, potentially even stop him faster than Rigondeaux?

B. Figueroa
I think it is a matter of me implementing my style into the fight. I think once I get comfortable and once I study him and notice his little mistake, that’s where I’m really going to put the pressure on him. I know he’s going to come forward at all times so definitely we’re working on a lot of things. I’m the type of fighter that’s going to be on you all night. I’m going to be at the body, the head, the body, the head, throwing over 100 punches a round.

So definitely I trust in my style a lot. I believe in myself so much. I have so much confidence and I feel like my style works for any kind of fight. I can box, I can brawl, I can brawl on the inside. I can box on the outside. So I have a lot of skillsets that can add to any fight. So I’m excited for that and like I said, I can’t wait for fight night because it’s going to be my first time fighting in Vegas and not only that but at MGM Grand.

Q
What’s your threshold for pain and how do you know the difference between injuries and normal pain? How do you know when something’s going to be too much in the ring and how do you gauge that?

B. Figueroa
I definitely just have to see when I’m in training, if I can push through it. I’ve pushed through many injuries in my amateur career. I pushed through many injuries over my past fights and I fought with a messed up shoulder. I’ve trained with a messed up foot, messed up shoulder. Mostly it was my right shoulder but thank God I got that pain away and it doesn’t bother me anymore. But little minor injuries that happen here and there that kind of slow down the training that I can’t spar or I can’t hit the bag or I can’t run because sometimes my Achilles hurts, stuff like that. But I feel like, I just got to keep praying to God to give me health and make sure that I’m healthy for my training sessions so that I can be really well prepared when fight night comes.

It’s just a matter of me pushing through it and once I see that the injury doesn’t go away, once I see that the pain is too much, then we’re going to have to either fight through it or we pull out but I’ve never pulled out of a fight due to an injury. So I know I can pull through it.

Q
Is that something that’s happened with this fight where you’ve had to alter your training schedule?

B. Figueroa:
This is nothing new. I’ve trained without sparring for some of my fights. I’ve trained without running sometimes because of my foot and on fight night everything works out. I know that sometimes I’m not really well prepared because of the injuries but at the end of the day, I go out there and I fight my heart out and I get the W. I know some people may say it’s kind of stupid to fight like that or it’s kind of risky but I feel like, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and it’s the challenge of my career.

I know at the end of the day it’s going to make me stronger. I’m not underestimating Julio Ceja at all but this ain’t the first time that I’ve been training injured and I’ve just go to push through it mentally and I’ve got to be strong minded and I can’t let the injuries get the best of me.

Q
Is it your main goal to clean out the junior featherweight division and do you have a time span from when you’d like to jump up to featherweight and has that been a thought running through your mind at all?

B. Figueroa
Yes, of course. Me and my team talk about it. They believe in me so much. As of right now I know that my body’s maturing. Every fight I’m getting stronger. I feel faster. The power’s coming in as my body matures. At this weight now I’m gaining more muscle mass. I feel my body is different and I feel it getting stronger. I just feel good. I just feel good when I run as far as I feel stronger in general and I know that down the line that it’s going to be harder to make weight and I got to move up. But as of right now I think I can stay at 122 for a couple more fights.

T. Brown
Now we have on the call, the 27-year-old super featherweight contender Miguel Flores. Miguel’s got a record of 24-2 with 12 knockouts. Originally born in Mexico. He grew up and fights out of Houston, Texas. His quest for a world title has always been a two man journey. He lost his older brother Benjamin to a ring death only a few months before making his professional debut. But not only does he fight to pursue his own dreams but he also fights to continue his brother’s legacy.

He was originally scheduled to fight Santa Cruz back in February before an ankle injury forced him to withdrawal from the fight. He returned to the ring with a knockout win in June and is now ready to challenge for his first world title. Miguel, could you please make some opening comments about training and how you feel right now?

Miguel Flores
Hey. How you guys doing? Thank you for having me on. Training’s been great. I guess when you’re at this level there are no easy days. There are no easy fights. So training’s been great. We’ve been grinding. We know we have a tough, tough task in front of us in Santa Cruz but I think it’s all about timing and I think it’s my time now. I’m definitely going to do my best to take advantage of the opportunity. Like I said before, I know people think I don’t deserve this fight but I know what I deserve. I know I’ve been grinding hard since I was a kid at the gym and after we give a great, great fight, people are going to appreciate this fight.

Q
Your late brother Benjamin was a boxer and you promised him that you would become a world champion. Do you feel that this fight is destiny fighting for a world title now?

M. Flores
It definitely is. It’s about 10 years after his passing and the opportunity is finally here. It’s crazy because my brother once took a picture with the WBA title. At the time the fighter that had it was Chris John and he borrowed his belt and took a picture with it. Ten years later, I have the opportunity to fight for that belt and become world champion. So, like I said, it’s destiny. Obviously, this last fight, when we were scheduled to fight this last time, unfortunately, I had that injury, but it’s destiny. Some things are just meant to happen, and I know Leo is a great fighter, but we’re going to put up a great fight, two Mexicans, and it’s nothing but respect for him outside the ring, but once we get in the ring, I’m definitely going to try and knock him out.

Q
Did the time off from the injury help in any way? Were you able to study Leo a little more?

M. Flores
Obviously, I did. I’ve always said that that’s the beauty of boxing. Every day you go to the gym, every day that passes by, you’re adding knowledge. You’re getting better. You’re working on new things. So obviously I saw his fight with Rafael Rivera. It was a great fight, toe to toe, and obviously there’s things that I saw there that I can do.

I want to say I’m definitely more prepared than I was the first time. I can implement my game plan a little more. Obviously, there’s things he does great, but I think I can offset those things and use them to my advantage.

Q
Do you feel like maybe this time you’re at a much more comfortable weight than you would have fighting at featherweight?

M. Flores
Yes, a lot of people asked me, why this fight at 130? Well, I’m not gonna lie, he’s calling the shots right now. He wants it at 130, and there’s no reason why I wouldn’t go up to 130 to fight him. That just means I have four extra pounds. The just means I can eat steak all the way to the weigh in.

So it’s just going to be a little more comfortable. Making weight is never easy. That’s one thing people have to realize, but having those extra pounds of cushion, is going to give me, I think, an advantage.

Given that fact, we know he started off at 118, 122, 126, and obviously now 130, that’s four divisions. Some fighters they don’t adapt and their power doesn’t carry with them. So, like I said, it’s all about timing, and I think all those little things, the additional weight, him not being too active, and just him being over 30. They’re all going to play to my advantage.

Q
You fought in June, does that comeback fight from injury, did that kind of help maybe shake off the cobwebs a little bit and make you believe or get a little bit more confidence in getting this fight against Santa Cruz?

M. Flores
Yes, obviously it did. I remember right when I was going to walk out for that fight, I told myself if I wanted that fight again, I got to treat this fight like if it was a big fight at a big stage, and I did just that. I shook off some ring rust. I had a veteran opponent who could take a punch, but I ultimately got the six round knockout and like I said, it’s just experience. There’s little things I worked on in there that I want to implement in this fight, and I did them. So I’m more confident now. And obviously getting knockouts is always a little confidence booster, so I’m feeling great.

Even though people say we’re moving up in weight, that fight was at 128. So this being at 130 is not going to be a new thing to me.

Q
Is there anything that’s been different about this training camp as the last training camp that you had preparing for Leo Santa Cruz?

M. Flores
Obviously we try to pick up the intensity every training camp, but we’re not doing anything crazy. We’ve been training at the high level like this for years. I’ve been training. It’s not like I’m a lazy guy and, okay, I got to get up for this fight. No, I’m a fighter who was trained how you’re supposed to always be in shape.

So I’m not doing anything crazy like running 25 miles every day. Because I’ve always trained hard my entire life. Like I said, we do pick up the intensity. We do want to stay a little bit more focused because there’s a bigger opportunity, but everything remains the same, hard work and dedication is what we’re putting in in the gym.

Q
Does it feel more satisfying that you have the opportunity to disrupt Leo’s future plans for potential big fights including Gervonta Davis?

M. Flores
Every time I hear that they’re planning on Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz Pay-Per-View fight for next year, or Leo Santa Cruz trying to fight Gary Russell, I love hearing stuff.

I want him thinking about stuff like that. I hope he’s thinking about stuff like that. Because guess what? I wake up in the morning, I only got one person to think of. I look at my kids, give them a kiss, and then right away I think about Leo Santa Cruz and that’s the only fighter I’m thinking of.

If he’s thinking about other fights, that’s great for me. Like I said before, I know he’s a professional. So I hope he’s not looking past me. I know he’s doing his job. He has a great team with his dad and his brothers. So I know they’re doing their job but if they’re looking past me, they’re going to be in for a tough night.

Q
When you suffered the injury, what kind of assurances were in place that an opportunity like this was going to come along, whether rescheduling with Leo or just another title opportunity in general?

M. Flores
I’ve always said I have a great team and I feel right at home with them because even after the injury, my manager called me. He told me, recover, don’t rush anything, get well from that foot, and more opportunities will come.

I fought in June. Obviously, I knew I have to win this fight because if I lose, everything goes downhill. So I won the fight and right away I got a call and they’re, like, this fight may be out there, keep it to yourself, stay quiet, just keep training and we’re going to do our best to get you this fight.

So I already knew it could possibly still happen. So you could say I’ve had about a year of training camp for Leo Santa Cruz. Because ever since that first fight with him was announced, now he’s always been in my mind, and I’ve always been thinking and dreaming of that fight, of that ring walk against him.

Q
Back in 2017 you had two controversial, or two setbacks I would say, one against Chris Avalos, the other against Dat Nguyen. What have you learned from those two fights, and how was that prepared you for this moment today?

M. Flores
There’s a saying that you gain more from a loss than if you’re always winning, and I think with that Nguyen fight, and I’ve always said it, I never have any excuse. He beat me fair and square. There’s obviously things I rather not talk about that I know I won’t ever do again, if that happens in a match, or at weigh-in or something like that. I know there’s things that I won’t do, and I won’t accept, but at the end of the day I took the fight, and he beat me.

Do I think he’s a better fighter than me overall? No, I don’t think so. He was a better fighter that night, but I learned just to stay focused throughout the fight and never underestimate anyone. Not that I underestimated him, but just I got to stay focused throughout the whole 10, 12 rounds that I’m fighting.

Obviously with the Chris Avalos fight, I don’t even take that as a loss. A lot of people that are boxing fans or that really follow the sport know what happened in that fight. I felt like I was dominating the fight. I had dropped Avalos.

The type of grueling fight that it was, we unfortunately, had three cuts on us and, the ref made a bad call. That was his call. I can’t do anything about it, but I took that last more, like, you just got to live to fight another day. I felt like right when Avalos got the fight with Leo, I was like, man, that’s my fight, that’s my opportunity. So like I said, I’ve been thinking about Leo Santa Cruz for years now, and finally this moment is here, and I’m planning to take full advantage of it.

T. Brown
All right. Now on the line, we have one of boxing’s most accomplished and exciting stars today. The three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Originally born in Mexico, now representing Los Angeles, Leo has racked up a record of 36-1-1 with 19 knockouts, on his way to winning titles at 118 pounds, 122, and 126 pounds.

Now he looks to become a four-division champion on November 23 and steal the show with his fan friendly style in the co-main event on pay-per-view. Leo, can you please make some opening comments and tell everyone how you’re preparing for the Flores fights.

Leo Santa Cruz
Hello to everyone. My training has been going great. I just finished sparring10 rounds. I feel great, I feel strong and I’m training for this fight like I train for all my fights, really hard. I’m more focused because Miguel Flores is a tough fighter, and I know he’s going to come with everything because this is his opportunity for a world title and it’s going to be a tough fight.

I know people are saying I should win, but every fighter is strong. Miguel Flores is a strong fighter, and I know it’s going to be a great fight and whatever he wants to bring, that’s what we’re going to match.

Q
Can you talk about if you felt the need to move up because of your body, and if you think a Gervonta Davis fight is still on the horizon?

L. Santa Cruz
Yeah, I moved up some weight because I had the opportunity. I had been entertaining that maybe I wanted to unify it against. And I said if those fights can’t happen, I want more titles at new weight classes.

The opportunity came as Davis moved up in weight, and the title that’s right there was vacant. So I was offered to fight for the fight, and I said yes. The fans are going to be happy, and they’re going to realize that Miguel is a lot better than they think. He’s a good fighter that comes and fights. It’s going to be great fight.

At the end of the day it’s just who wants it more. If it’s Miguel’s turn, if it’s his opportunity, I’ll be more than happy, for him to win, but I’m training really hard, and I want that title more than anything. I want to be a four division world champion.

Q
You’re no stranger to moving up in weight, but what’s been different about maybe making the move from 126 to 130 as compared to your previous attempts to move up in other weight classes in the past?

L. Santa Cruz
So what made me change to 130 is that I have to work more on my power. I have to work for the power punches. Being at this weight will help me bring more power into sparring and into the fight, because I won’t be as focused on cutting weight.

I’ve been sparring with guys that weigh 140. That way when I go out there against the strongest 130-pound fighters, I’ll still win the same and there won’t be any surprises.

Q
Was the idea of moving up to 130 on the table for this year, or even early this year regardless of what Gervonta Davis was going to do? Or would you still have managed to just find a way to still fight at 126 pounds, despite maybe not necessarily getting those big fights that you wanted?

L. Santa Cruz
My dream was to be a four division world champion. I wanted to win the title so when I retire, I’m remembered as one of the only fighters that wins a fourth title, in four divisions. Not a lot of people do that. So, that was my dream. I have the opportunity. So I’m going to go for it and hopefully everything goes good.

People ask me, and I say, I don’t know what’s going to happen that day on November 23. But if I win, I want the big fights. I want to get Gervonta Davis, Gary Russell Jr and I want the big name that people will want me to fight.

Q
For the training for this fight, is there any difference other than training at a heavier weight, or do you just kind of pick-up from where you left off when you were previously training for the fight that was scheduled earlier this year?

L. Santa Cruz
Yeah, I’ve been training the same. I don’t think there’s going to be a big training shift. We always prepare to be at our very best and give the fans a fun show.

The only thing we can do more in is our power. That’s the only thing different that we have been doing. Focusing more on our power and strengthening everything.

Now I’m now sparring with bigger guys than me. So, we go up there and we don’t feel the difference. So that’s going to be a big help because I don’t need to adjust to fighting bigger opponents.

Q
Does it add any dynamics fighting on a flash pay-per-view?

L. Santa Cruz
I don’t care where I fight, as long as I fight. I don’t care if I’m the main event, I’m mainly here to go out and there and just give a great fight. No matter if I’m main event or co-main even, I’m still going to go out there and fight the same. I’m happy to be on the card with Dentay Wilder who is a great fighter.

I’m excited to go out there and fight against Miguel Flores. He’s a good fighter too, and I know he’s going to bring everything, and it’ll be a great fight. Hopefully it will be a great night from start to finish.

Q
How easy or how difficult has it been to keep your focus on Miguel Flores who you’re heavily favored to beat?

L. Santa Cruz
There’s a lot of pressure on me because I’m favored, but I never see myself like that. I never see myself as a favorite because anything could happen in a fight.

My only focus is on the fight I’m going to have on November 23. Every time I fight they’re asking me about other opponents. You never know what’s going to happen in this fight. And I could say, I want this fight next, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in this fight.

When I get the win, now we can talk about the other fights. Because Flores is a good fighter, and I think it’s going to be a great fight, so first we’re going to focus on this fight, and then we’ll talk about the other ones.

Q
What do you see in Miguel Flores? What are the things about him that impress you, or things that you need to prepare for?

L. Santa Cruz
He comes forward throwing a lot of punches and he work the body well. He’s throwing a lot of punches, combinations, and he likes to control the pace like I do. He tries to entertain the fans like I do, and we’re going to make a great fight. He’s going to just keep on coming forward and one of the punches could land and he could hurt me. I just know it’s going to be a good fight, and we are going to please the fans, and we’re gonna go out there and just give it our all.

Q
Did you feel any different at this weight when working on your power?

L. Santa Cruz
I feel better, a lot better at this weight. Some past fights, I was feeling a little bit more tired. So now I’m a lot stronger. Even my sparring partners, they say that I’m hitting a lot stronger and that I’ve been better than in the past. I’ve been working extremely hard and I’m not taking Miguel Flores lightly. I know he’s a complete opponent and that he could surprise us. So I’m going to focus on him and do everything right in camp. I’m doing everything right, and I’m doing everything that my team asks of me.

#

ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

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




HEAVYWEIGHT SENSATION DANIEL DUBOIS LANDS WBC SILVER TITLE SHOT AND DEFENDS WBO INTERNATIONAL BELT AGAINST JAPAN’S KYOTARO FUJIMOTO ON DECEMBER 21

DANIEL ‘DYNAMITE’ DUBOIS (13-0, 12KOs) takes on a new front on his prolific title hunt when he challenges for the WBC Silver Championship at the Copper Box Arena on December 21 against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1, 13KOs). Dubois’ recently won WBO International Title will also be on the line. ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ will be televised by BT.

Still just 22, Dubois has already collected a staggering eight title belts in just 13 fights as a professional, with the WBC Youth, Southern Area, English, WBO European, WBO Global, British, WBO International and Commonwealth titles all to his name – in just 39 rounds of professional action.

Last month Dubois was added to the top 15 of the WBC rankings and he now gets to mark the occasion with a tilt at the governing body’s Silver title belt that successfully winning would further strengthen his position. The previous holder of the belt was Dillian Whyte, who made three successful defences of the title between April 2016 and December 2018. Dubois also holds a number 9 ranking with the WBO and number 15 ranking with the IBF.

December 21 will represent Dubois’ fifth fight of a productive year that has seen him record four KOs and not being taken beyond the fifth round at an assortment of major venues across the capital. He now returns to the Copper Box for the first time since December 2017, having recently showcased his explosive talents twice at the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena and the o2 Arena.

Fujimoto holds a strong record of 21-1 with 13 wins coming via KO. A resident of Tokyo, his only reverse came in his sixth fight back in 2012 and he is the current holder of the WBO Asia Pacific title that he won by stopping Herman Ene Purcell in the ninth round in May 2017.

He has subsequently made three defences of his belt, winning all by stoppage, and he is ranked at 12 by the WBA. Fujimoto will be a first Asian opponent for Dubois, having previously sampled the experience of opponents from Africa, Eastern Europe, as well as North and South America.

“I wanted to defend my British Title but no one would step up to fight me. I want to be fighting world champions within the next 12 months and when the opportunity to fight for the WBC Silver Title was made available, a belt that Dillian Whyte held until his last fight, I jumped at it. I’ll also be defending my WBO International title I won in my last fight” said Dubois on his latest assignment.

“Fujimoto has a good rating and is a great stepping stone on my path to the top.

“He will have his own ambitions and I know he was rumoured before to be considered for a fight with Anthony Joshua, but I will be knocking that ambition out of him on December 21st when I knock him out.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This is all about continually increasing Daniel’s experience levels against tough opposition. He has made huge and rapid strides in a short space of time and Fujimoto will present the ideal and a legitimate test at this point in time.

“Daniel cannot afford to underestimate Fujimoto and I am sure he won’t. Fujimoto is ranked highly by the WBA who, incidentally, are the only governing body not to include Daniel in their top 15, so hopefully this is another box he will be able to tick with an impressive performance on December 21. A win here will see Daniel ranked by all the major organisations.

“It has been a big year for Daniel and the combined record of his last three opponents stood at 49-1 before coming up against our man and Daniel completed his work in under 10 full rounds of action.

“We shouldn’t overlook what Daniel is fighting for here because the WBC Silver and WBO International belts have been the headline prize on pay-per-view shows staged in the UK in recent times and is the established pathway towards a shot at the world title, which is the direction Daniel is heading in as we move towards 2020.”

There will be a press conference on Monday to announce the full card. Details to follow.

Tickets will be on sale on Monday at 12pm via Seetickets and Ticketmaster.




YVES ULYSSE JR. TO DEFEND WBA GOLD SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST ISMAEL BARROSO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

COSTA MESA, CALIF. (Nov. 7, 2019): Canadian 140-pound contender Yves Ulysse Jr. (18-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring against tough Venezuelan puncher Ismael Barroso (21-3-2, 20 KOs) to fight defend his WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title in the 12-round main event of Thursday Night Fights on Dec. 5 at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The fights will be streamed live DAZN, RingTV.com
and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation.

Ulysse Jr. is a 31-year-old contender of Montreal, Canada who has scored four spectacular victories since his controversial split decision loss against Steve Claggett in October 2017. Aside from avenging his loss to Claggett in their last fight, Ulysse Jr. has also defeated previously unbeaten fighters Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa, Esrnesto España and Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin. Ulysse Jr. will look to inch close to a world title at 140 pounds by defending his prestigious WBA Gold Title for the first time.

“I having the best training camp of my career,” said Yves Ulysse Jr. “My sparring partners have pushed me, and I feel in the best shape I’ve ever been. I’m convinced that I will offer a great performance and intend to dominate my opponent with my speed and precision.”

“I am thrilled to have Ulysse defend his WBA Gold title and getting us closer to our ultimate gold which is world titles and unification,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We want to dominate the division at 140.”

Barroso, a heavy-handed 36-year-old southpaw out of El Tigre, Venezuela, is a former interim lightweight champion who has scored knockouts in 20 of his 21 victories, including a fifth-round technical knockout over longtime contender Kevin “The Hammer” Mitchell and a dominant stoppage win against Fidel “Atrisco Kid” Maldonado Jr. Barroso is looking to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career against a dangerous fighter in Ulysse Jr.

“If people think that I’m coming here as a stepping stone, then they’re totally wrong because I’m coming prepared mentally and physically to knock out Yves Ulysse Jr,” said Ismael Barroso. “I have demonstrated in the past that when people try to bring me as an opponent, I have come out victorious. This fight will not be the exception.”

In the co-main event, D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) of Temple Hills, Maryland and Yamaguchi Falcao (16-1, 7 KOs) will square off in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Middleweight. This will be a battle between two contenders who developed under the Golden Boy banner, but only one will move forward to a world title shot.

Mihai Nistor of Erbiceni, Romania will make his professional debut in a six-round heavyweight fight. Nistor is a former international amateur star who scored a third-round knockout win against Anthony Joshua in the 2011European Amateur Championship.Nisto ris ready to make his professional debut under the Golden Boy banner and plans to conquer the division.

Jason Quigley (16-1, 12 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return to the ring against Abraham Cordero (13-4-2, 7 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in an eight-round middleweight fight.

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-1, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles will fight Diuhl Olguin (14-12-3, 9 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in a six-round featherweight clash.

George Rincon (8-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will fight Antonio Flores (8-1, 2 KOs) of Northglenn, Colorado in a six-round super lightweight fight.

Rianna Rios of Colorado Springs, Colorado will make her professional debut in a four-round featherweight fight.

Opponents for Nistor and Rios will be announced shortly.

Ulysse Jr. vs. Barroso is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Eye of the Tiger Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fight will take place Thursday, Dec. 5 at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area click here.

Tickets for Ulysse Jr. vs. Barrosoare on sale at www.socafights.com.

Media interested covering Ulysse Jr. vs. Barroso must be pre-approved for credentials.
Credential application are due Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #UlysseJrBarroso, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/UlysseJrBarroso into the browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for videos used.




Undefeated Contender Leduan Barthelemy Battles Former Title Challenger Eduardo Ramirez in Super Featherweight Rematch on FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 & FOX Deportes Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (November 7, 2019) – Undefeated Cuban contender Leduan Barthelemy will square off against former title challenger Eduardo Ramirez in a 10-round super featherweight rematch that headlines FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Barthelemy and Ramirez go toe-to-toe again after originally fighting to a split-draw in their 2017 duel.

Prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will also feature 17-year-old sensation Vito Mielnicki Jr. in a four-round welterweight bout against North Carolina’s Marklin Bailey and rising super lightweight prospect Omar “El Relámpago”Juarez battling Michigan’s Kevin Shacks in a six-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Prelims precede the pay-per-view event headlined by boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz. Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz will seek a title in another division in the co-main event when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship as part of pay-per-view action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The younger brother of two-division champion Rances and Olympic gold medalist Yan, Barthelemy (15-0-1, 7 KOs) has won back-to-back unanimous decisions in 2019 since the split draw against Ramirez, most recently defeating Jose Cayetano in June. The 30-year-old from Guantanamo, Cuba now lives and trains in Las Vegas and won his first 13 fights after turning pro in 2011.

Ramirez (22-2-3, 9 KOs) followed up the draw against Barthelemy by challenging Lee Selby for the featherweight world title in a bout that he lost by decision in December 2017. The 26-year-old southpaw from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico bounced back from the loss with a stoppage victory over Carlos Jacobo in 2018 and a knockout of Bryan De Gracia in March 2019. He most recently lost a decision to former champion Claudio Marrero in June.

Fighting out of Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (2-0, 2 KOs) burst onto the professional scene in July with a first-round knockout in his debut. The 17-year-old had an exceptional amateur career, compiling a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves amongst many accolades before turning pro. He most recently delivered another first-round knockout while earning his second pro win in September and will look for his third win against the 25-year-old Bailey (6-5, 4 KOs), who fights out of Durham, North Carolina.

The 20-year-old Juarez (5-0, 3 KO) was a highly decorated amateur who turned pro in September 2018 and has been on an active pace thus far. Representing his hometown of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez scored a first round stoppage of Gino De La Paz last time he entered the ring, in action on FS1 in front of his hometown fans in August. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Shacks (3-4-3, 3 KOs) who fights out of Lansing, Michigan.

#

ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions.

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




My Time Promotions Stages Inaugural Card on Saturday, November 23rd at The Riveredge Restaurant in Reading, Pa.

Reading, PA (November 7, 2019)– On Saturday night, November 23rd, My Time Promotions will stage it’s Inaugural card with a special Pro-Am card at The Riveredge Restaurant in Reading, Pa.

My Time Promotions is headed up by Heavyweight contender Travis Kauffman.

Kauffman will be promoting his 1st show in the same venue as his father, Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions promoted his 1st show on August 21, 1994. That day happened to be Travis Kauffman’s 9th

“This is a great opportunity to get my promotional career up and going. I have been around boxing since I was a baby. I am an active fighter, I have trained fighters and now I am promoting. I understand the business and have learned from the best, so on November 23rd, It is My Time to begin promoting,” said Kauffman.

The show is also in association with King’s Promotions.

The professional part of the card will have three bouts, which will be headlined by former welterweight world champion Kermit Cintron.

Cintron will be making his maiden voyage in the super middleweight division when he takes on Josue Obando in a six-round bout.

Cintron of 39-6-3, 30 KOs of Reading, will be fighting at home eighth time. He won his 1st 24 fights which included wins over Leon Pearson (9-1-1), Said Ouali (7-0), Omar Davila (12-2), Ian Mackillop (14-1), Luis Rosado (29-5), Elio Ortiz (25-6). He won the WBO Interim Welterweight title with a 8th round stoppage over Teddy Reid on July 17, 2004.

After losing the title, Cintron defeated David Estrada (18-2) and then won the IBF Welterweight title with a 6th round stoppage over Mark Suarez (25-2). Cibtron defended the title twice with stoppage wins over Walter Matthysse (26-1) and Jesse Feliciano.

After losing the IBF belt, Cintron continued to defeated good competition such as Lovemore Ndou (46-10-1), Alfredo Angulo (15-0), Juliano Ramos (15-2), Antwone Smith (20-2-1), Jonathan Batista (14-1), and Ronald Cruz (20-2).

Cintron is coming off a no-contest with Marquis Taylor on February 13, 2018 in Bethlehem, Pa.

Obando of Guadalajara, Mexico has a record of 18-26-2 with 13 Knockouts.

Obando, 29 years-old is a nine-year professional has wins over Juan Manuel Mares (2-0), Ronald Hearns (28-5) & Jorge Luis Garcia Perez (14-0). In his last bout, Obando stopped Isreal Ornelas on October 4th in Tijuana, Mexico.

In a six-round welterweight bout, Kashon Hutchinson (6-5, 1 KO) of Reading battles James Robinson (5-12-5) of York, Pa.

In a four-round bantamweight contest, Luis Morales (3-0, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights Jerrod Miner (1-8-2) of Philadelphia.

There will be 10 amateur bouts featuring some of the top young fighters in the area.

Tickets are Ringside Tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission tickets are $25, and can be purchased by calling 484-663-3523.




The Monster Cometh: Naoya Inoue Signs Multi-Year Promotional Deal With Top Rank

(Nov. 7, 2019) — WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion Naoya “Monster” Inoue, a 5-foot-4½ three-weight world champion who has climbed the pound-for-pound rankings with devastating knockouts against normally iron-chinned foes, is coming to America.

Inoue has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank, which will co-promote his bouts with Ohashi Promotions on the ESPN family of networks. His first fight under this new, landmark agreement will take place in the United States in early 2020.

The 26-year-old Inoue is coming off a thrilling unanimous decision over Nonito Donaire earlier today in the championship of the World Boxing Super Series.

“Naoya Inoue is a generational talent, the sort of fighter who comes around once a decade,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is already a superstar in Japan, and he will be major star stateside in no time. You are looking at an all-time great who is entering the prime of what will be a historic career.”

“It is a tremendous honor to sign with Top Rank and to showcase my talents on ESPN,” Inoue said. “I look forward to 2020. I’ve fought in America once before, and I look forward to doing so again in the very near future.”

“I would like to thank Mr. Bob Arum and Mr. Todd duBoef,” said Hideyuki Ohashi, CEO of Ohashi Promotions. “ESPN is a tremendous platform for Naoya as he continues his career.”

Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs) born in Zama, Japan, compiled a reported 75-6 record in the amateur ranks before turning pro as a 19-year-old in October 2012. He won the WBC light flyweight world title in his sixth pro fight and defended that belt once before moving up two weight classes. Inoue knocked out longtime WBO junior bantamweight world champion Omar Narvaez in the second round and then defended that belt seven times before joining the bantamweight ranks. He is 14-0 with 12 knockouts in world title bouts and is one of six male boxers from Japan to capture world titles in three weight divisions. Before the Donaire fight, he had knocked out seven consecutive opponents who had never been stopped before. He is a consensus top five pound-for-pound boxer, and many experts rate him as the world’s best fighter.

A YouTube sensation, his one-punch knockout of Juan Carlos Payano last October was named by many outlets as the 2018 Knockout of the Year. In his fourth pro fight, he bested Ryoichi Taguchi over 10 rounds to win the Japanese light flyweight title. Taguchi went unbeaten for nearly five years after facing Inoue, unifying light flyweight world titles in the process.

A three-weight kingpin, Inoue has more weight classes to conquer. The legend of “The Monster” continues on ESPN in 2020.




SUNNY SHINES A LIGHT ON CASIMERO

SUNNY EDWARDS SUSPECTS that Zolani Tete will be up against it when he defends his WBO world bantamweight title against John Riel Casimero at Arena, Birmingham on November 30.

The Filipino Casimero is mandatory challenger for the world title held by the explosive South African Tete and Edwards has seen close up the threat posed by the 30-year-old from the stable of ring legend Manny Pacquiao.

Edwards was in the camp of his brother Charlie when he unsuccessfully challenged for the IBF world flyweight title held by Casimero at the o2 Arena back in September 2016 and saw at close quarters the potent punching power possessed by the 28-4 man with 19 KO victims.

Not deterred by personal experience, Edwards has booked his seat for the return of Casimero to the UK in a fight that has got quality written all over it.

“Yeah, 100 per cent I am going down to watch that! ” said Edwards. “I have been wanting this fight for years.

“I genuinely believe – although people might think I am saying it because he beat my brother – that Casimero is very, very dangerous. Disgustingly dangerous, how powerful and explosive he is.

“Obviously he has had a good run of form recently as well so it is a real pick ’em.

“Tete has stalled a bit through injury recently and that has been a bit frustrating, but on his game he is right up there with the best. So is Casimero though and he is not a two-weight world champion for nothing.”

WBO world bantamweight champion Zolani Tete defends his title against mandatory challenger John Riel Casimero features on a stacked night of title action at Arena, Birmingham on November 30. British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Chris Jenkins makes a defence against Liam Taylor, Lerrone Richards also takes on Lennox Clarke for the Commonwealth and vacant British super middleweight belt, while East Midlands favourite Sam Bowen makes a second defence of his British super featherweight title against mandatory challenger Anthony Cacace. Sam Maxwell defends his WBO European super lightweight title against the also unbeaten Connor Parker from Derbyshire.

Hamzah Sheeraz will fight for his first major title at super welterweight, with thrilling prospects Dennis McCann, Shabaz Masoud, Eithan James and George Davey also featuring on the bill, along with talents from the local region in Nathan Heaney and River Wilson-Bent.
Tickets are available now from £40 via TheTicketFactory and Ticketmaster

Ticket Prices:
£250 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier




‘BORN FIGHTER’ ABABIY DRIVEN BY FAMILY LOVE

Nikita Ababiy fights under the bright lights of the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday night, live on DAZN in the US, Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and distributed globally on FITE – but in the latest episode of ‘Born Fighter’, the rising star emotionally opened up on his humble beginnings.
TICKETS FOR KSI-LOGAN PAUL II FEATURING HANEY-SANTIAGO ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE
Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs) has dazzled since his debut in Chicago last October, stopping all but one of his opponents so far and winning five of those fights in the opening round. The larger-than-life New Yorker has danced in the ring after his wins and like the main eventers on Saturday night – KSI and Logan Paul – loves to reveal his playful side on his YouTube channel; but there’s much more to the 21 year old than flossing and fighting.

Ababiy is the latest Matchroom Boxing USA talent to sit down with Lauren Gardner for the YouTube series ‘Born Fighter’ and ‘White Chocolate’ became emotional when talking about his humble beginnings and how his drive to succeed in the ring is based on helping his family.

“I hadn’t previously told anyone this but until I was 20, I was sleeping in a bunk bed, I didn’t have my own room until 20,” said Ababiy. “No-one has seen that. When I turned pro I moved my family out and we got a new place, and that’s my switch to perform in the ring because I know my opponent is trying to take everything away from me, so I have to prevent that as I have a bunch of people depending on me.

“Everyone fights their own demons. I remember all my friends talking about ‘man caves’ and their gaming set up and I never had that, we didn’t have the space, but now I am almost 21 and it’s getting better and better from here.

“Now we’ve moved to a bigger place it feels weird as we’re far apart now, I remember in the old place we were always together as it was small, so you would come home and we’d be together and wake up and we’d be together, and I miss that. Because of training camps I’m always in my room resting and mt Dad is in the living room waiting for someone to come in.

“My family is so supportive of me. People look at my Instagram and think ‘this kid has everything’ and that’s not true. Everything on Instagram is the best side of me, but they don’t see behind that.

“My parents have always been there for me and given me everything, I’m so grateful to them. They’re my best friends with my sister.

“Looking back at my childhood, I loved it. My Mom always complains to my Dad that ‘all he ever did as a kid was train, train and train’ but looking back I only remember the best moments, it was always fun and I don’t regret any of it. Fight for your dreams.

“It’s very different now and I am doing it for them. I don’t care about the fame or any of that bullshit, I am doing it for my family and my future family.”

Ababiy takes his spot on a packed card in Los Angeles, topped by the rematch between YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul.

Two World champions defend their titles as Devin Haney (23-0 15 KOs) puts his WBC Lightweight strap on the line for the first time against Alfredo Santiago (12-0 4 KOs) and Billy Joe Saunders (28-0 13 KOs) makes his American debut and defends his WBO World Super-Middleweight title against unbeaten Argentine Marcelo Coceres (28-0-1 15 KOs), and he is joined on the card by a quartet of Eddie Hearn’s talented rising US stars in Nikita Ababiy (7-0 6 KOs), Diego Pacheco (6-0 5 KOs), Reshat Mati (4-0 2 KOs) and Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs). 

Tickets are on sale NOW from AXS.com




Saturday: Conrad Cummings-Danny Dignum Middleweight Clash to Headline Latest Edition of #MTKFightNight on ESPN+

(Nov. 6, 2019) — Conrad “Mr. Dynamite” Cummings and the unbeaten Danny Dignum will square off in a can’t-miss 10-round tilt for the vacant WBO European middleweight title Saturday from London’s York Hall on the latest edition of #MTKFightNight.
 
Cummings-Dignum and a stacked undercard will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
 
Cummings (17-3-1, 7 KOs) hopes to capture the WBO European middleweight belt for the third time. His second reign ended in March via unanimous decision to top contender Luke Keeler, but he returned to the win column in October with a six-round points victory over veteran Adam Grabiec. Dignum (11-0, 5 KOs), from Essex, England, will make his middleweight debut after fighting at super middleweight and light heavyweight. This is his first scheduled 10-round bout, and he is coming off an eight-round decision over former world title challenger and European welterweight champion Rafal Jackiewicz.
 
In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

  • Welterweight contender Michael “The Problem” McKinson (17-0, 2 KOs) will face fellow unbeaten Luis Alberto Varon (17-0-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
     
  • Former world title challenger Liam Walsh (22-1, 15 KOs) will fight longtime British fan-favorite Maxi Hughes (19-4-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBO European lightweight belt. Walsh challenged Gervonta Davis for the IBF junior lightweight world title in May 2017 and was knocked out in the third round. He has fought once since taking a nearly two-year sabbatical from the ring. Before facing Davis, he captured British and Commonwealth honors at 130 pounds.
     
  • Chantelle Cameron (11-0, 7 KOs) will clash with Argentinian veteran and former two-weight world champion Anahi Ester “La Indiecita” Sanchez (19-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round final eliminator for the WBC super lightweight world title.

Use the hashtag #MTKFightNight to join the conversation on social media.
 
For more information, visit: www.toprank.comwww.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 filmsFans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.
 
ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.




DEONTAY WILDER ALABAMA MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

NORTHPORT, AL. (November 6, 2019) – Boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight champion, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, held a media workout in Alabama Tuesday night, as he prepares to battle Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in a rematch that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, November 23 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com.

Wilder showed off his skills and discussed his highly anticipated rematch against Ortiz from New Era Boxing and Fitness in Northport, Alabama. Here is what Wilder and his co-trainer Jay Deas had to say on Tuesday evening:

DEONTAY WILDER

“With Ortiz we know that he’s a smart fighter and a great counter puncher. He’s really good at what he does. I’m the only person in the top five who’s given him the opportunity.

“I don’t think I threw enough jabs at him in the first fight. The positioning of my feet was not as good as it could be. The movement that we have is very awkward when you have an orthodox fighter against a southpaw. I’m looking forward to making it another great fight.

“I’m planning to stress Ortiz out. I’ve never been good with predictions. My energy for this fight makes me want to say to everyone, be careful in that first round. I’m the kind of fighter where you can’t blink. You’re always on the edge of your seat and you never know what’s going to happen.

“Alabama is my home and being here just gives me peace. That’s very important to me. I have serenity here and I get a lot of love. It’s beautiful here. I love feeling the energy of the people here. I made it here, so why go anywhere else? I need that release when things get hectic for me.

“I’m looking to beat Ortiz in even more dramatic fashion. When we fought the first time, I had a bad flu. I could have called off the fight but I want to be able to do things that other fighters shouldn’t or wouldn’t do.

“It’s a beautiful thing to have a team that I started with and have that same team that I’m going to finish with. When we first started we had plans about how we wanted my career to unfold. It’s great to have a team that has my best interests at heart.

“When I’m not in the ring, I look back at my past fights as a fan. I understand why these guys run from me and think twice about getting in there across from me.

“Some people think that boxers need to be one-dimensional people who just train and fight and nothing else. We’re still people who can do so many other things besides fighting. I’m a great guy. It just happens that in the ring, I can whoop you as well. There’s a transformation that happens when that bell rings.”

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Co-Trainer

“It took Deontay and Luis a few rounds to get going last time, but I don’t think that will be the case in this fight. These fighters know each other, they’ve been in there together and seen what the other guy has. They know stylistically what the other brings to the table. I think it’s going to be very interesting from the opening bell.

“I think we’re going to see the best Luis Ortiz. He knows this could be his last chance at world title and that will make him bring the best that he has to offer. He’s going to make some corrections off what he did the first fight. We’re preparing for the best Ortiz and Ortiz better be prepared for the best Deontay Wilder.

“When Deontay comes out with a victory, then we’ll visit any other fights in his future. There are no other big fights, without a victory over Luis Ortiz on November 23. We’re zeroed in on Ortiz.”

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ABOUT WILDER VS. ORTIZ II
Wilder vs. Ortiz II will see boxing’s longest reigning heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his WBC title in a rematch against once-beaten Cuban slugger Luis “King Kong” Ortiz Saturday, November 23 in FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View action live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Three-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz seeks a title in another division when he takes on Miguel “El Michoacan” Flores for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship in the co-main event.

Pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features undefeated rising star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa making the first defense of his WBA Super Bantamweight Title against former champion Julio Ceja while undefeated Mexican power-puncher Luis Nery battles Puerto Rico’s Emmanuel Rodríguez in a matchup of former bantamweight champions

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




Erik Vega Ortiz and Alberto Palmetta Both Looking To Make Statements When They Collide Friday, November 15 On ShoBox: The New Generation From WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa

SLOAN, IOWA – November 6, 2019 – Welterweight prospects Erik Vega Ortiz and Alberto Palmetta are both ready to capitalize on their big opportunity when they meet in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, November 15 live on SHOWTIME.

Undefeated Vega Ortiz (16-0, 9 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, and 2016 Olympian and decorated amateur Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs), of Argentina will headline a ShoBox tripleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) that also features hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs), also of Argentina, taking on Houston’s Joseph George (9-0, 6 KOs) in the 10-round light heavyweight co-feature. In the opening bout, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal (9-0, 8 KOs) will take on Zach Prieto (9-0, 7 KOs), of El Paso, Texas, in an eight-round middleweight bout.

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

23-year-old Vega Ortiz is aware of what’s potentially at stake in this intriguing match-up. “I have fought tough opponents in the past, but Palmetta is the biggest challenge of my career. That’s why I’m working so hard to prepare. This is a tremendous opportunity for me and I know that I have to give my best because I have a great opponent in front of me. This will define my career so I’m taking this fight very seriously.”

Vega Ortiz has been training at his home base, the Gimnasio CREA gym in Tijuana, with his long-time and respected trainer Romulo Quirarte, who he says is like a second father.

“Romulo has a very long career as a trainer and has had many great fighters, but what I like best about him is he demands respect and discipline with all of us in the gym. He has become family to me. I trust him completely and whatever he says to do in a fight, that’s what I do.”

Vega Ortiz started boxing at age seven as a hyperactive kid and patterns his style off Mexican legend Ricardo “El Finito” Lopez. “I’m a technical fighter most of the time, but I can get very aggressive. I like to use my distance, but if it comes down to it, I will throw combinations and put on the pressure.”

A victory over Palmetta, says Vega Ortiz, would open the doors to where he’d like to be in boxing.

“I’m going to show what I can do November 15. It’s time for me to shine. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity all my life and that really motivates me. It is an honor to represent Mexico and I’m going to show everyone who I am. A victory would mean everything to me. Even though I’ve already been a professional for years, this fight will be the beginning of my career. This is the fight that puts me on the map.”

Vega Ortiz’s promoter, Paco Damian from Paco Presents Boxing, says a lot of questions about his young fighter will be answered next Friday.

“He’s a technician with a beautiful style and he can punch and is very dedicated,” Damian said. “But what he will do under this kind of pressure is always a question. Is he ready or will he be anxious and nervous in the lights on TV? We will all find out.”

Palmetta, who came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history, has been training under the tutelage of 1976 Olympic Bantamweight Silver Medalist Charles Mooney in Palm Beach, Florida.

“My training was perfect,” said Palmetta. “I have been in camp for two months. My last fight was in August and after the fight, I took four or five days to rest and then went right back into training. I like to train hard every day. I feel so good about this. I think it’s a great opportunity for me. I am very thankful to SHOWTIME and to my promoter, Sampson Boxing and my manager, Gardner Payne, for taking this fight. It’s a big opportunity to show the American people, and people around the world, my skills.”

Palmetta, who started boxing at age 14 and won numerous national and international distinctions in his 112 amateur fights, says he’s not anticipating anything new from Vega Ortiz.

“In my amateur career, I saw a lot of different styles and have a lot of experience. I watched a couple fights of his and he’s a good fighter, but I don’t see anything special. I see a normal boxer. He has basic skills and throws the 1-2 and sometimes he tries to be aggressive, but I see nothing special. I like to say every opponent has something special. Ortiz doesn’t have as much experience in the amateurs as I do, but I know he wants to win. I know he will be well-prepared, but I don’t think he’s prepared for me.”

The 29-year-old Palmetta also says he’s keenly aware of the opportunities afforded a fighter victorious on ShoBox.

“I don’t know if it’s my toughest fight, but it’s my biggest fight. A victory would be a stepping stone to my goal of fighting the best in the world and becoming champion of the world. As an amateur, I was a top-10 boxer in the world. I want to be the same as a professional. This fight is the doorway to that.”

“Alberto Palmetta is the future of the division,” said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “This fight will be his introduction to the boxing world in North America and his first important victory on the way to the title. Don’t miss his electrifying performance on November 15.”

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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 80 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.