LAS VEGAS (October 17, 2019) – Heavyweights will grab the spotlight on November 7, when Alex “The Great” Flores takes on Mario “Chabelo” Heredia, headlining the latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, to be streamed live and exclusively from Casino Del Sol’s outdoor AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, four potentially explosive bouts will stream live on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET.

The 29-year-old Flores (17-2-1, 15 KOs) is a knockout artist from Rowland Heights, California, whose only two losses as a professional have been to world champions, Joseph Parker and Charles Martin. A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World heavyweight champion, Flores’ most recent fight was a controversial loss in New Zealand to Parker, who struck Flores numerous times below the bout, leading to a knockout.

Flores and Mario “Chabelo” Heredia (16-7-1, 13 KOs), a former WBC FECOMBOX champion from Mexico, will throw-down in the 10-round main event. Two fights ago, Heredia upset former WBC heavyweight world champion and Nigerian Olympian Samuel Peter by split decision.

Texas light heavyweight Samuel Clarkson (22-5, 15 KOs), who lost in 2017 to Dmnitry Bivol for the World Boxing Association (WBA) nterim light heavyweight, will be showcased in the 10-round co-featured event against an opponent to be determined.

Undefeated Mexican welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (19-0, 15 KOs) puts his untarnished pro record on the line in an eight-rounder versus his Uzbekistan opponent, Ravshan Hudaynmazarov, who was the 2007 World Military Games champion.

The UFC FIGHT PASS opener pits undefeated California super middleweight Juan Jose “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-1-1, 10 KOs) in his RJJ Boxing debut against Fidel Hernandez (20-7-1, 11 KOs), of Phoenix.

Dominguez’ younger brother, welterweight Marcos “Nazzy” Dominguez (1-1-1, 10 KOs), will be in action, off UFC FIGHT PASS, in an either-round match against unbeaten Tucson welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (5-0-1, 1KO).

Also fighting on the undercard in four-rounders are Tucson flyweight Briana “Amenaza” Sanchez (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Albuquerque, New Mexico’s pro-debuting Amanda Borg, and Tucson junior middleweight Jose “Raging Bull” Pena (3-2, 1 KO) vs. TBA.

Cards are subject to change.

Ticket are available for purchase online at www.casinodelsol.com and priced at the following: $10.00 (lawn), $15.00 (pavilion), $25.00 (gold), $75.00 (platinum) and $100.00 (elite)..

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

MARK HEFFRON REVEALED that he would be more than open to a battle of the middleweight bangers against Denzel Bentley if there is a belt at stake.

Heffron moved to 24-1 on Saturday in Leeds with a first round stoppage of the usually durable Rui Manuel Pavanito and is now on a sequence of three straight victories since his only setback against Liam Williams in December of last year.

Bentley from Battersea is 11-0 and the heavy-handed 24-year-old is making quite a name for himself, blasting out Kelcie Ball inside a round last time out at the Royal Albert Hall in September.

Both men carry formidable punching power, with Heffron having stopped 18 of his 24 losing opponents, with Bentley’s KO-ratio standing at nine out of 11.

It would have all the makings of a fan-friendly war where something would have to give and Bentley, 24, has previously expressed willingness on his part to engage in what would be a mighty collision.

The 27-year-old Heffron shares those sentiments.

“Yeah I’ve seen that in an interview with him,” said the Oldham man. “He is a good operator and a good fighter – and it would be a top fight. I would definitely do it if there is a good title on the line and it makes sense. I would fight anybody.

“I want titles and want something that means something,” added Heffron who, ideally, would relish another crack at the British title.

Heffron secured himself mandatory position for the middleweight edition of the Lonsdale belt and was initially lined up to fight the then champion Jason Welborn in December. Welborn then relinquished the title and Heffron subsequently accepted an invitation to fight the already world-level Williams for the vacant title.

He has no regrets over taking such a big step up, even though it resulted in a punishing 10th round stoppage.

“I am not in this game to avoid anyone and when the fight got offered to me, I took it. I couldn’t not take the fight. You learn a lot from your mistakes and I learned a lot from that fight. I am ready to move on now.”

Patrick Day passed away today, October 16, 2019, succumbing to the traumatic brain injury he suffered in his fight this past Saturday, October 12, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL. He was surrounded by his family, close friends and members of his boxing team, including his mentor, friend and trainer Joe Higgins. On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury.

Before establishing himself as a world class professional fighter, Pat was a highly decorated amateur. He won two Nationals titles, the New York Golden Gloves tournament and was an Olympic Team alternate, all in 2012. Day turned pro in 2013 and overcame early career struggles to become a world-rated super welterweight contender. He captured the WBC Continental Americas championship in 2017 and the IBF Intercontinental championship in 2019. In June 2019, he was rated in the top-10 by both the WBC and IBF.

He was also a dedicated college student, having earned an Associate’s degree in Food and Nutrition from Nassau Community College and, subsequently, a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness from Kaplan University. He was a son, brother, and good friend to many. Pat’s kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression with everyone he met. During his short life, boxing allowed Patrick to impact many communities, both big and small. In his hometown of Freeport, Long Island, he was a beacon of light and the star pupil at the Freeport PAL, the gym he trained in from the moment he began boxing until the last bout of his career. He was recognized as one of Long Island’s finest professional fighters for years. He was a fixture in the boxing community throughout New York City. Patrick was even known in Japan, which he visited to spar with his friend and colleague, world champion Ryota Murata.

Patrick Day didn’t need to box. He came from a good family, he was smart, educated, had good values and had other avenues available to him to earn a living. He chose to box, knowing the inherent risks that every fighter faces when he or she walks into a boxing ring. Boxing is what Pat loved to do. It’s how he inspired people and it was something that made him feel alive.

It becomes very difficult to explain away or justify the dangers of boxing at a time like this. This is not a time where edicts or pronouncements are appropriate, or the answers are readily available. It is, however, a time for a call to action. While we don’t have the answers, we certainly know many of the questions, have the means to answer them, and have the opportunity to respond responsibly and accordingly and make boxing safer for all who participate. This is a way we can honor the legacy of Pat Day. Many people live much longer than Patrick’s 27 years, wondering if they made a difference or positively affected their world. This was not the case for Patrick Day when he left us. Rest in peace and power, Pat, with the angels.

LAS VEGAS – October 16, 2019 – Super middleweight prospects Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman 10-1-1 (6 KOs) and Mark Anthony Hernandez 14-2-1 (3 KOs) discuss training camp, their first matchup, and the animosity between the camps leading up to their ShoBox: The Next Generation debuts on Friday, November 1 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox four-fight telecast will see Mayweather Promotions’ undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (14-0, 10 KOs) return for his second consecutive test on the series, this time against veteran Filipino Jessie Cris Rosales (22-3-1, 10 KOs).  In the co-featured fight, 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs) will face once-beaten Kevin Johnson (7-1, 4 KOs), while undefeated Las Vegas knockout artist Rolando Romero 9-0 (8 KOs) opens the telecast.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

After back-to-back KO performances this year, Newman returns with a vengeance to face the man who owns the only blemish on his record in a rematch with Hernandez. In 2017, with eight professional bouts on his record, Newman appeared on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard where he took on Hernandez, a tough rising prospect. After six rounds of what Newman calls, “the worst performance of my professional career,” judges ruled the bout a unanimous decision in favor of Hernandez. Newman took the loss in stride and bounced back with three consecutive wins and looks ahead to the rematch, while Hernandez is focused on repeating history.

Here is what the fighters had to say ahead of the November 1 rematch:

On training camp:

Newman: “Training camp has been going great. We’ve been working hard day in and day out, making sure we leave no stone unturned and working on a solid game plan come fight night.

“My runs and workouts have been a little longer and harder. We’re just focusing on getting better every day and pushing as hard as we can to ensure we get the W in the rematch.

“People are going to see a slightly different version of me this time around. I won’t give away any specifics, but I’m going to shock a lot of people come fight night and they will get the best Kevin Newman.”

Hernandez: “Camp has been great. I have a great team behind me. I expect him to come harder for this fight so we’re preparing for anything this time around. But we will remain smart at all times. There are things I’m taking with me this time around that I’ve learned and practiced in the gym.  I’ve improved since our last fight so he better be ready.”

On what the importance of a win and the rivalry between the fighters:

Newman: “A win in this fight does a lot for my career, but it’s not just the win itself, it’s how I win that will do the most for me. Fans can expect an explosive fight. It will put me in a great place to further my career and get tougher fights, which will lead to the end goal of a title shot.

“There is definitely some animosity between us. A lot has been said, more so on his end than mine, but I just let him and his camp talk. I expect him to fight to win and I’m just going to continue to work hard like I have these past two years since the first fight. We don’t like each other, I can tell you that, so this fight will bring fireworks and I’m just going to let me hands do the talking and get the W.”

Hernandez: “A second win will just prove that I am the better fighter.

“I always come to win; I train to win. My family will be in attendance supporting me and I know his will too, so this will be a fight with both of us having a lot to prove.

“There’s been a lot of talk going into this rematch, but none of that affects me. I’m just working hard and I’m going to come even stronger than the first fight. None of the stuff outside the ring really matters to me. I out boxed him and outfought him in 2017, and I plan to do the same again this time around, mixed with a few other tactics.”

How does it feel to fight on national television?

Newman: “It feels great to return and fight on national television, especially getting to fight on SHOWTIME for the first time in my career. I’m very thankful to Leonard Ellerbe and Floyd Mayweather as well as SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity. The last time I fought on national television I put on a great display of my talent and skills, so I look forward to doing the same this time around.”

“I’m very excited for this opportunity to redeem myself. I knew this day would come, I just didn’t know when. I’ve won fights since the first fight and had dominant performances in the process, but nothing has filled that void. This is my opportunity to do that, so come November 1, when it’s all said and done, I will be victorious.”

Hernandez: “It’s my first time on ShoBox and I’m thankful for this experience. Fans can expect a great fight. He’s a really good fighter and I won’t take anything from him. Moving up again will be a challenge, but I think I can beat him again.”

# # #

Fans can live stream the undercard fights on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook beginning at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET. Bring a minimum of 5 food items to receive a complimentary general admission ticket (limit 1 ticket per person while they last). List of accepted items include mac & cheese, corn bread, green beans, cake mix, cake icing, and mashed potatoes. Tickets for the live event start at $25 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets to the live event, visit: www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

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. 

For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @mayweathersports, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 16, 2019) — IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev and WBC light heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk ended their fight promotion obligations Wednesday at the office of Hall of Fame promoter J Russell Peltz. They posed for pictures in front of the fight poster for the legendary 1962 light heavyweight championship fight between Doug Jones and Harold Johnson, which took place at the old Philadelphia Arena.

Beterbiev and Gvozdyk will add to the city’s light heavyweight legacy Friday evening at the Liacouras Center, a throwback battle befitting a storied fight city.

Before the two combatants posed for photos and faced off at Peltz’s office/museum, they participated in a media roundtable. This is what they had to say.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk

On working with Teddy Atlas

“Teddy demands a lot of his fighters, and I am fine with that. Training camp is supposed to be hard, and we worked together to come up with the necessary game plan to beat Beterbiev.”

“Teddy is very picky, very particular, and this is what you need. Sometimes, you cannot right yourself. Sometimes, you think you’re too tired, sometimes you want to work more, but Teddy knows exactly what you’re supposed to do. And there is no place for argument. First of all, he is a good person because when I met him, I realized that. Like I’ve said a lot of times before, this type of person is already under extinction, probably even non-existent anymore. From his professional qualities, besides his qualities as a human being, he’s very smart, he has over 40 years in this business, and he never loses any small details, which is really important.”

“First of all, my dream is to become undisputed champion. This is the first step, and this is the necessary step. And the second thing is, this is what fans like to see. They don’t want to see champions fight some opponents or journeymen. Tough fights, which fans like to see. For me, it’s a big challenge.”

“For now, only one challenge and one opponent exists for me. I’m not even thinking about any other opportunities. Everything is possible in the future. Maybe go up {in weight} or go down. I think it’s possible, maybe hard, but possible. But again, right now, I’m not even thinking about it.”
 
Teddy Atlas (Gvozdyk’s trainer)

“Camp couldn’t be better. We got to where we want to be. You gotta go in there Friday night and execute, but everything is in place. Couldn’t ask for more.”

On moving training camp to Philadelphia

First of all, we didn’t have to acclimate to the time difference because we’d be in the same time zone, and being that the weather would still be good, there was no problem with training here on the East Coast. Sometimes, you have to worry about bad weather with training on the East Coast. We didn’t have to worry about that. And not having to get on a plane and go across the country on the Sunday before the fight was a nice thing.”

On fighting a big puncher like Beterbiev

“It’s just, again, a reminder that there’s no room for mistakes, that there’s gotta be full concentration for 36 minutes. You have to fight one round at a time, one three-minute round at a time. Not two minutes and 59 seconds, no. Not when you’re in there with a puncher who can change everything in a moment with one punch, as {Adonis} Stevenson almost did in the 10th round. The reason why he’s a champion is because he was able to handle that and was able to survive that. That’s why he’s a champion. You could look at all the other rounds and say he’s a champion because of this, he’s a champion because of that, he gave angles, he used the jab, he punched at the right time. But he’s a champion because, when the moment came, he behaved like a champion.”

“If there are moments to take bigger bites in this fight, we’re going to take them at whatever time that is. If it’s early, it’s early. If it’s late, it’s late. If it’s middle, it’s middle. He’s got great judgment and instincts, and we’ve put that in place, and I know we can depend on that judgment and those instincts when it’s time to take a bite, small or big. We never want to get greedy. You never want to get greedy, especially with a puncher.”

“I think this fight’s a little different than maybe some people envision it. It’s not going to be exactly the same as the Stevenson fight because we have a guy where there’s going to have to be moments… put it this way, there’s going to have to be moments to take bigger bites with this guy. And that doesn’t mean getting sloppy or careless or greedy, but it means what it means.” 

Artur Beterbiev

On the amateur fight he won against Gvozdyk

“I think it was two rounds. But I don’t know, I heard Gvozdyk say I broke his nose. I don’t know that. He said that. It was only two rounds.”

Has Gvozdyk changed as a fighter since then?

“I think so. I changed. He changed. Everybody changed. His face changed, too. A little more hair.”

On starting to train in Russia before moving camp to Montreal

“I went to Russia just for vacation, but I wanted to be, like, active. I went to altitude. I used to {train} there when I was an amateur boxer. I had a good camp there. It was like preparation for our camp {in Canada} for eight weeks.”

On his past promotional difficulties and extended layoffs

“It was a difficult time, but I don’t want to talk about the past. I think the future is more happy. It’s hard when you have court and you have to train and be active. It’s hard, but I did that. Now, I have 100 percent time to focus on my fight and my career.”

Marc Ramsay (Beterbiev’s trainer)

“I’m not going to expose my tactics for Friday night today, but the thing is, when you go into a big fight like this, it’s important that you’re not surprised by anything. This is what we prepared for in the gym, technically, tactically, all aspects of boxing, like speed {and} power. We’re going to bring everything to the table on Friday.”

“We asked our management if we could have {unification} fights right away. This is what Artur wants, what I want as a trainer, and everybody wanted to go in this direction. I don’t know what happened behind the scenes, but I know it wasn’t very difficult looking back with this fight on the table. We said ‘yes’ right away, first day {it was offered}.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Artur Beterbiev, 12 rounds, WBC/IBF light heavyweight world titles

Luis Collazo vs. Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, 10 rounds, welterweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Michael Seals vs. Elio Trosch, 8 rounds, light heavyweight

Josue Vargas vs. Johnny Rodriguez, 8 rounds, super lightweight

John Bauza vs. Donald Ward, 8/6 rounds, super lightweight

Joseph Adorno vs. Damian Sosa 8 rounds, lightweight

Julian Rodriguez vs. Leonardo Doronio, 6 rounds, super lightweight

Jeremy Adorno vs. Misael Reyes, 4 rounds, super bantamweight

Sonny Conto vs. Steven Lyons, 4 rounds, heavyweight

 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing, tickets priced at $150, $90, $75 and $50 (not including applicable fees) can be purchased at the Liacouras Center Box Office, www.liacourascenter.com or charge by phone at 800-298-4200.  

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 16, 2019) – Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs), hosted an international media conference call yesterday to discuss his upcoming 12-round bout against Canelo Alvarez (51-1-2, 34 KOs) for Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight World Title. Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, also participated on the call, along with trainer Buddy McGirt. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively, as one of the most-anticipated events this fight season on DAZN.

Below is a transcript of the call:

KATHY DUVA: Welcome, everyone. We’re here to discuss the upcoming historic fight between Canelo Alvarez and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev for Sergey’s WBO Light Heavyweight Title which will take place November 2nd, 2019 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Tickets are on sale now through axs.com.

The fight will be streamed on DAZN. The DAZN live bouts will involve Ryan Garcia versus ‘Ruthless’ Romero Duno to unify the vacant WBC Lightweight Title, with the NABO Lightweight Title.

Bakhram Murtazaliev will take on Jorge Fortea for an IBF Junior Middleweight Eliminator.

Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada will take on Marlen Esparza for the vacant Interim WBA Women’s Flyweight Title.

On the undercard, Evan Holyfield will make his professional debut against Nick Winstead.

Meiirim Nursultanov will take on Cristian Olivas in a ten-round middleweight battle for the WBC USNBC Middleweight Title.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs will take on Carlos Ortiz for the vacant NABF Welterweight Title, Uzbeck prospect Becktmir Melikuziev (2-0, 2 KOs) will compete in a super middleweight bout, and rising 17-year-old prospect Tristan Kalkreuth, 2-0, of Duncanville, Texas, will return in a four-round cruiserweight fight.

BUDDY MCGIRT: Listen, I’m excited about the fight. I just think that they picked the wrong veteran to mess with when they picked Sergey. They should have found somebody else. The world will see on November 2nd that Sergey Kovalev is the real deal.

SERGEY KOVALEV: Hello, everybody. I want to say that I’m really excited about my next fight with Canelo Alvarez. I must show the world that I deserve to be the best in light heavyweight division.

This is huge goal in my boxing career from when I was a young guy. Canelo is really talented and really famous, so this is a lot of pressure to me, but believe me, I’m in boxing already since I was 11 years old and I should be fine. It’s nothing for me. I should just get inside the ring and do my best job.

I’m really happy that I’m still in the business on the top level of boxing. I can’t wait for November 2nd. Thank you.

KATHY DUVA: And I think I can amplify his comments only to say that I had a conversation with a Russian reporter the other day who has known Sergey, and he mentioned that Sergey, since this past summer, has changed. He’s different. What’s changed? What’s different? I don’t understand it. It’s clearly the introduction of this fantastic team. Buddy McGirt being, if not the best, one of the best trainers in the sport, and Teddy Cruz, his physical trainer. Both made a huge impact.

I think Sergey’s resurgence is a tribute to not only their efforts, but Sergey being a real champion showing what real champions do.

SERGEY KOVALEV: I want to say one more thing that right now I have a great team with great coaches – Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz – and right now I’m feeling really comfortable with my team. In our team I have good emotions, and right now all of us follow our dream and get victory over Canelo.

KATHY DUVA: Thank you. It really does show, speaking as a member of that team.

Q. Sergey just fought in August against Yarde, and, relatively speaking, it was a quick turnaround, particularly for a veteran fighter. I wonder if there were any accommodations that made for that fact as you train for this fight? Anything you had to change because of the quick turnaround?

BUDDY MCGIRT: All I can say is the only thing we had to change is not having to come to camp full force because he was already in shape. We just took it day-by-day, nice and easy, nice and slow. We didn’t have to get in shape like we normally do. Didn’t have to lose weight like normal. I think it’s a blessing that it was a quick turnaround.

SERGEY KOVALEV: Yes, yes. For me yes, it’s not enough rest between the fight, but I really like that I fight often, with a short rest. I don’t like four, five months or more than four months rest. This is killing me. I am getting lazy. I am getting busy with my family.

But now just a small rest, like three weeks, three to four weeks, and I’m ready. I’m back again to training camp. Now it’s really, really good under control with Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz. Right now, I’m feeling good.

Q. Just to make clear, you like the fact that there was a short turnaround as opposed to a much longer layoff?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I like it, yes. I like short rest between the fights. One month enough, you know.

Q. Just how surprised were you that a middleweight like Canelo Alvarez called your name? Because Oscar De La Hoya, his promoter, and Canelo, have said your name several times I think even before the Daniel Jacobs fight, that this would be a fight they would be interested in. I think a lot of the fans and reporters were like, ‘he can’t really be serious about that.’ But he did call your name and now you’re fighting him. How surprised were you compared to many others that thought this was not really a fight he was serious about?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I respect Canelo because he goes right now up two divisions, and this is a huge goal for him and also for myself. Canelo wants to try get title in light heavyweight division, and if he will not get the title nobody will say, ‘Eh you lose.’ He has nothing to lose. He is just trying.

But I should defend my title. I will defend my title. If I lose, I lose more than Canelo lose. Canelo, he is trying to make his history but I’m here. I’m in my position.

Q. You mentioned that he wants to make history, which he would if he is able to capture this belt. I know you don’t know the answer because I don’t think you’ve had the conversation, but what is your feeling? He took and called you for this fight because he genuinely wants to make the history, or he sees you as a big name who’s vulnerable, but also somebody that his broadcaster would accept other than the third GGG fight?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I don’t think that he is avoiding the fight against GGG, but he now wants to make history. He wants to face me because I am the best in the light heavyweight division.

His fights against GGG what happen, will happen. It doesn’t matter. Canelo win the fight November 2nd or not. I think he just want to try to make history.

But we will see on November 2nd. Like I will be in the ring and we will be ready for everything what he will bring.

Q. You’ve had so many big wins in your career. I’m thinking about Bernard Hopkins, the two fights against Jean Pascal, the revenge match against Storm Alvarez. In all the fights you’ve had – when you went overseas and won the title against Cleverly – would a victory against Canelo, even though he’s a smaller fighter, but because he’s such a huge name, would you think in the later stages of your career if you win this would be the biggest win of your career? I would like Kathy’s opinion on this also.

SERGEY KOVALEV: You know, if Canelo go to 175 division, that means that his body is ready. Yes, he is a shorter height, but his weight will be on fight day more than 175, I’m sure.

Maybe he no longer like losing the weight, because he’s tired long time, long boxing career, still losing the weight. But I know he would like fighting with a full stomach. (Laughter.)

Q. Would you consider it your biggest win?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Yeah, it’s going to be my biggest win. Yes, of course. This is the biggest name I fought after Bernard Hopkins.

Q. Kathy? You promoted all those big fights.

KATHY DUVA: Yeah, I think Sergey said it exactly right. He’s the biggest most marketable name on his record, and that, in the eyes of fans, makes it the biggest, of course.

Q. How is it working with Buddy McGirt and what does he bring to the table?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I’m really happy that I found this coach. I met with Buddy long time ago. I came in U.S. in 2009 and I met with Buddy 2011 or 2012 at some boxing fight, but I never thought that Buddy can be my coach. But right now, everything has happened for a reason, and I started working with Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz and I’m really happy.

I really like to work with them. We will see what will be on November 2nd, but I’m sure that this will be the great fight.

Q. Did he teach you more than you already knew?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Buddy gives me everything right – that I lost after losing control of the trainings. All my titles that I had, three title before my first loss and I had used all my amateur experience to get those titles. But then I would have big rest between the fights, and I lost all my technique, because I didn’t have good coach in my training camp. Nobody controlled me. Nobody give me instruction what I should to do. I did everything by myself.

When I lost the fight, I get to work, then another fight, another fight. I started looking for the right coach who can help me, and I found Buddy McGirt.

Q. Sergey, this is a question about your motivation in the fight and what the fight means to you. You’re 36 and closer to the end of your career than the beginning. You also stand to make a career-high payday in this fight. A lot of people said you’ve already won simply by signing the contract. The question is: What would a win in this fight mean to you? How motivated are you to come away with a win on November 2nd?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I am really motivated for my future boxing career. I would like two more great years. I can fight easy, because right now I have a great team and great coaches like Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz who really help me.

Right now, really big motivation to get victory over Canelo, because after this victory there are more opportunities that will be in front of me.

Q. Same question to Buddy. If you can talk about the energy in the camp and what a win would mean for you and your team, if you guys come out on top.

BUDDY MCGIRT: Well, the camp is great because everybody gets along. Everybody trusts everybody. We have a relaxed mood and we know what we have to do, so it makes for a good camp.

As far as if we win, the statement should be when we win, because I believe in my heart that Sergey is going to win this. It’s not going to be as hard as people think.

As far as myself, it’s not about me right now. It’s about Sergey making history. It’s not about me. It’s about Sergey.

Q. Buddy, how open is Sergey to different styles, strategies? How coachable is he? I know you worked with Arturo Gatti, are you going to do the same thing with Sergey Kovalev?

BUDDY McGIRT: Sometimes when we’re in the gym Sergey comes to me with ideas, and they make sense. Like he said earlier, he got away from what he did best in the amateurs. He showed me a video of the amateurs and I’m like, ‘What happened to this guy?’

He goes, ‘Well, when I started knocking people, I got away from it.’ I’m like, ‘We’ve got to get back to this.’ He goes, ‘But I’m the Krusher.’ I said, ‘Well, now you’re going to be Smart Krusher.’

That’s what I say, people underestimate his boxing IQ because he’s always knocked everybody out. He’s smarter than people give him credit for.

Q. Is he open to different strategies in case his forward pressure and his professional style that he adopted…

BUDDY McGIRT: Oh, yeah. We discuss it. If he feels something, he’ll let me know when we get to the gym, and if I feel something, I let him know. We’re on the same page at all times.

Q. How is it for you to be the underdog, a decided underdog in this fight? That hasn’t been the case yet in your career where your opponent is viewed as big favorite. Does that motivate you? Paid any attention to that?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I don’t worry about if I’m the underdog or not. I just feel like we will be in the same ring, and everybody will be in the same position one-on-one, one against one.

The end will show who’s the best. Canelo is a very talented boxer and really experienced. And believe me, I’m right now getting really good instruction from my team and very good training camp. Everything goes very well.

We will show to the boxing world that Krusher is here. Krusher is back.

Q. Canelo obviously has a history in Las Vegas of winning close decisions or certainly getting the benefit of the doubt on scorecards more often than not. Does that make you feel any pressure to have to beat him by knockout, or are you okay with the fight going the distance? You’ve also lost a very close decision in Las Vegas yourself.

SERGEY KOVALEV: I will follow nstructions from Buddy McGirt, what’s the plan? The plan will begin after the first round. Every minute I will follow his instruction after each round what he will be saying to me.

Q. So, you don’t feel like you need to knock him out to win the fight I guess is my question?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Yes, but that’s not my goal. My goal to get the victory, by any costs. By knockout is very well, yes, of course.

Q. Obviously there is another very meaningful light heavyweight title fight on Friday. Wondering your thoughts on the Beterbiev-Gvozdyk fight and of course I would assume you would like to fight the winner if you beat Canelo, correct?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Of course. I should beat Canelo, and the next fight I will be open for unification fight. Right now, I have a concentration and focus on Canelo fight.

I will watch this fight for sure this Friday, and we’ll see who’s the best of these two guys. I think like one of those guys will get victory. (Laughter.) Not like a draw. Somebody will win.

Q. When Canelo Alvarez spoke to us on his call last week, he was asked about his body attack. He’s a tremendous body puncher, and you have shown that you have had some problems when guys attack you to the body. He said that will be a big part of what he plans to do in the fight. How do you make sure that doesn’t become a factor in the fight? I’d like your opinion and Buddy’s since you have to come up with a game plan to defend against the body shots.Buddy, do you have any thoughts about that particular part of Canelo Alvarez’s game plan?

BUDDY MCGIRT: I mean, it’s obvious that’s his game plan, because that’s one of his biggest tools, is body punching. And for the record, nobody likes to get hit in the body. I don’t give a shit who you are.

What we did was we ordered these XXXL shorts for Sergey and we are going to pull the shorts up to his chest and then we’ll be okay. (Laughter.)

The question is what’s going to happen when Canelo gets hit to the body?

Q. Sergey has shown in the Yarde fight as well as many other fights in his career, he has a superb jab. It’s very heavy. It’s very much like a power shot as opposed to a jab. How significant do you believe that Sergey’s jab is going to be in the fight against Canelo?

BUDDY MCGIRT: Well, the main thing is to avoid those type of instances where we get in there and let Canelo feel comfortable. No matter what he tries to do, the key is to make him uncomfortable in anything that he tries to do.
That only happened to him one time, and that was in the Mayweather fight. Mayweather made him uncomfortable and he really couldn’t get in his groove. After that, he became a better fighter and he was able to dominate everybody.

Q. The jab is such a big punch for Sergey; it does so much damage. Just wondered how much emphasis is there for you in the camp to make sure he shoots that down the middle against a smaller guy who has probably never been hit with a shot like that from a guy as big as Sergey Kovalev?

BUDDY MCGIRT: Funny thing is since the Alvarez rematch I’ve never had to remind Sergey again about the jab.

Q. Very good. Sergey, maybe you could address that. How important is it to have a heavy jab against Canelo Alvarez?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I never punch really hard my jab. I just do my jab; that’s it. It’s hard because I have like heavy bones maybe. I don’t know. But I not make it hard like that by myself.

Q. I mean, your last win was with a jab.
SERGEY KOVALEV: Yes, it was by jab. I don’t know. But I didn’t punch really hard. Maybe in the fight against Canelo I will make it more harder and we’ll see. Just fight will show everything, who’s the best.

Q. Sergey, you have bounced back now from some losses and are facing a very big fight. Do you think because of the journey you’ve had you appreciate this opportunity more now than you would have ten years ago? You think you have a different mental approach to it?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Ten years ago, I was younger and didn’t have enough experience. But now I’m ten years older and more experienced. Ten years ago, I came in U.S. with the amateur experience only. Now, I’m getting day-by-day, fight-by-fight, professional experience with Buddy McGirt and Teddy Cruz.

I’m really excited to work with this team, and thanks to God that everything’s happen for a reason. I’m happy.

Q. Do you think you’re ten years wiser also? Is that just as important?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Yes, yes. Now I am more smarter, yes, right.

Q. And Kathy, do you think this is an important factor – you’ve seen Sergey a long time – in his road to getting here, that he is wiser, and his attitude reflects an approach that’s going to serve him well now?

KATHY DUVA: I think that as the journey he has been through, as painful as it was, from time-to-time, as we all experience life, the pain is the thing that teaches us. It’s the painful times that make us better in the long run. It’s the hard knocks that make us more careful about what we say and do and think.

I think that’s everybody’s life experiences. Sergey has had some real obstacles in his way in recent years, and as painful as it was, as Sergey keeps saying, things happen for a reason. This is what led him to this particular team at this point in time in his corner. I think that it has all worked out exactly as well as it possibly could.

Now he will go into this fight knowing he has every chance that he could possibly have to win and feeling good about it. As he keeps saying, I’m happy, I’m happy. That’s what is showing. That’s what I’m seeing. I’m seeing the smile on his face that I saw leading up to the Cleverly fight. I hadn’t seen it in a long time.

It’s been a pleasure to watch this and be able to be in such a significant fight at this stage in his career is the reward for all of the work he’s done and all he’s been through to get there.

Q. In the negotiations for this, I know Sergey was unhappy with Vegas. I mean, I know this is a big fight and probably had to take it anywhere. Was there any talk about going anywhere other than Las Vegas?

KATHY DUVA: As a dynamic of this negotiation, just made that impossible. We got the fight we wanted; we got the money we wanted. The way to get that money is to go to a place where you can generate it. We’re realists. We asked, as always, for judges who will be fair. We hope that the commission recognizes that we don’t want the names of the judges or the referee to be the story.

We’re going to be where the crowd is going to be very much pro-Canelo. We know that happens. We know judges are influenced by those crowds, and I can talk a lot simply to that.

But what Sergey needs to do is fight like the veteran that he is. He needs to win and dominate round by round. He needs to not go in there head hunting trying to get a knockout. He knows that now.

Again, the experience he’s had has informed that. If you look at the scoring in the first six rounds of the first Ward fight, he was ahead. Clearly.

He let Ward back in the fight. He got tired and we’ve addressed those issues with this new training situation. I don’t think that’s an issue anymore.

He needs to get out there and win and dominate, just as he did with Alvarez the second time and frankly as he did with Yarde. We went and re-watched the fight, there was about 20 seconds during one round in which he was having a little bit of a hard time.

But he dominated that fight, and that’s what he needs to do.

Q. Sergey, obviously Canelo is looking to do something not many people have even attempted moving up two weight classes. Do you feel like you, as the champion and someone who has fought in light heavyweight far longer than Canelo is more confident in knowing that you are the bigger guy against the smaller guy in Canelo going to be making his light heavyweight debut?

SERGEY KOVALEV: Every fight for me is very important, but this fight is the most important because there is now a guy who makes the move like two divisions and want to beat me, to get my title.

This is very important for me, more important to defend my title, because like now he is a guest in my division. My plans are different, and after the fight with Canelo I will follow for my dream.

With this fight very good for boxing fans. I’m ready. I’ll be ready with my team to defend my WBO Title.

Q. The fight against Anthony Yarde back in August, after the fight, did you immediately think that physically you were ready already to face Canelo Alvarez? Did you need to take maybe a few days to sort of think about it and decide whether or not you were ready to face, or not ready to face, but at least hoping you’re physically ready enough to face Canelo on such a quick turnaround?

SERGEY KOVALEV: I have great coach now and I believe them what they tell me. Teddy Cruz and Buddy McGirt is the best coaches in the world and I believe them 100%.

I think they can really help in the fight against Canelo.

Q. Kathy, obviously this has been a fight that’s been in the works for sure several months. What sort of change in those initial pre-Yarde negotiations versus now that sort of allowed the fight to come together? Almost fairly quickly after the Anthony Yarde fight, was it the fact that Sergey really needed to get that mandatory out of the way and that kind of drove a wedge in the negotiations?

KATHY DUVA: Yes, prior to the Yarde fight, early on we weren’t getting the kind of offers we needed to make the fight. By the time the offer came we were just too far down road with Yarde. As Sergey made very clear at the time, he felt an obligation to go and fight in his hometown. He didn’t want local fans to think he would turn his back on them just because he was offered a lot of money. We had already gotten through that, the biggest issue, which was the money.

Just a week after that to get Golden Boy back to where they were in the summer. There was a lot less to talk about the second time around, and so it came together a lot more easily. And we didn’t have the obstacles of having to fight the mandatory.

Thank you everyone, as always, for your interest. I think boxing thrives when we have these big fights. This is one of those nights when you can call your casual friends to make sure they watch because it is going to be a great one.

Canelo vs. Kovalev is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and Brand-New Grapefruit Crush, Knockout Flavor. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. The title clash is one of several highlights this fight season on DAZN – an entire fall featuring boxing’s biggest matchups in one of the best schedules in boxing history.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Kovalev are on sale and are priced at $1,754, $1,254, $854, $654, $404 and $204, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.MainEvents.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @KrusherKovalev and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/thekrusher/, www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing and www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @SergeyKrusherKovalev, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKovalev.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloKovalev to a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.

WBO #9- and IBF #11-ranked bantamweight Nikolai Potapov will return to action on Wednesday, October 30 in Moscow, Russia.

Fighting in the 10-round main event of a card presented by Shamo Boxing at the Korston Club Hotel, Potapov (20-2-1, 11 KOs), of Podolsk, Russia now living in New York, will face Tanzanian southpaw Nasibu Ramadhani (29-14-2, 16 KOs).

It will be the first fight back for Potapov since his highly controversial decision loss to fellow contender Joshua Greer Jr. last July. On that night, Potapov appeared to hand Greer’s career momentum a night-night pillow by winning clearly, only to watch Greer’s hand be raised via questionable majority decision.

Potapov’s promoter Dmitriy Salita, who was incensed by the verdict of the fight which was an IBF Elimination bout broadcast live on ESPN+, says he’s happy to see Potapov shaking off the disappointment and resuming his quest.

“Nikolai was extremely upset in his last fight and so was I and so were most of the fans. I commend him for not becoming discouraged and being able to re-focus and return to the ring. He is one of the world’s best bantamweights and, with fair judging, a potential world champion. He is back, better than ever for this fight and ready to mount another climb to a world-title shot.”

Salita says Potapov will be back in another elimination bout in the not-so-distant future.

“I commend the IBF for keeping Nikolai in the ratings despite the robbery. He will be looking to face another top contender and regain his position in line for a shot at the belt. He’s using his last fight as motivation to get there. He is determined to right the judges’ wrongs against Joshua Greer in a rematch.”

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Midlands to stage a bumper night of boxing at Arena Birmingham Saturday November 30, live on BT Sport. Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 18th October at 12pm via Ticketmaster and Ticketfactory.   The bill is stacked with 50-50 clashes featuring six title fights, including 4 domestic bouts and a world championship contest. With more fights to be added, the show will feature:Sam Bowen v Anthony Cacace (British Super Featherweight Championship)Lerrone Richards v Lennox Clarke (British & Commonwealth Super Middleweight ChampionshipZolani Tete v John Reil Casimero (WBO World Bantamweight Championship)Chris Jenkins v Liam Taylor (British Welterweight Championship)Sam Maxwell v Connor Parker (WBO European Super Lightweight Championship)Hamzah Sheeraz will contest the vacant WBO European Super Welterweight Championship against an opponent to be named this week.Sam Bowen (15-0, 11KOs) will be well supported when he defends his British Super-Featherweight crown against Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (17-1, 7KOs).   Ibstock’s Bowen, 27, won his belt in April 2018 and made his only defence in March stopping Jordan McCorry in nine rounds.   He says: “The plan is to win British outright, although if a world title chance came first I would jump at it.”Cacace dropped a unanimous points verdict when he challenged Martin J Ward for the British and vacant Commonwealth title in July 2017, but bounced back with two wins.   Cacace said: “There is a lot of momentum with Sam right now. I know what I am up against.” Lerrone Richards (12-0, 3KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth Super-Middleweight title and the vacant British championship is on the line when he meets Lennox Clarke.   New Malden’s Richards is hugely talented, but Halesowen’s Clarke (19-0-1, 7KOs) will have big support, just nine miles from his home.   “It is a fight that will obviously motivate me and there is a lot on the line with it being for the British title. Winning would be another launch pad for my career,” said Richards.   Clarke said: “I’m his first real test and I’m prepared to win any which way I have to.” Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) makes the fourth defence of his WBO World Bantamweight title against John Riel Casimero after his promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids.   It will be Tete’s first fight since October 2018 when he defeated Russia’s Mikhail Aloyan in the World Boxing Super Series. Unfortunately injury then ruled him out of the tournament.“I have fully recovered from the shoulder injury and I will be testing it on Casimero’s chin. I am back,” warned the South African.   Filipino Casimero (28-4,19KOs) stopped Charlie Edwards in a IBF Flyweight title defence here in 2016 and is brimming after capturing the Interim WBO crown.    Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-2, 8 KOs) risks his British Welterweight championship against mandatory challenger Liam Taylor.   Jenkins, 31, dethroned Johnny Garton in March winning on points, but clung on to his title and picked up the vacant Commonwealth crown with a technical decision over Paddy Gallagher in August.He said: “I have spoken to boxers who have seen Liam in the gym and they rate him highly.”   Middleton’s Taylor (21-1, 10KOs) booked his British title crack last November by avenging his only career defeat winning a split decision against Tyrone Nurse in an eliminator.   Taylor says: “I have to be honest I didn’t think Chris would beat Johnny Garton who I thought would be too big. He has improved a lot.”   Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell (12-0, 10 KOs) defends his WBO European Super-Lightweight championship against Derbyshire’s Connor Parker (12-0, 1KO).   Maxwell became a household name in March with a title winning TKO of Sabri Sediri 14 seconds from the end of their ten rounder going viral.   “I want to be entertaining and have a good win, but I don’t particularly want to go viral in pulling out a win from the brink of defeat again!” said Maxwell.Parker, 24, warned: “I’m a few years younger than him and think that this is my time to shine on the big stage.”Popular super welterweight Hamzah Sheeraz (9-0, 5KOs) will be involved in his first title fight when he challenges for the vacant WBO European super welterweight championship. Sheeraz’s opponent will be confirmed this week. Hall of fame boxing promoter Frank Warren added: ” I am absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Birmingham. It’s been a while since we’ve staged a show there and this is going to be an absolute cracker. There’s going to be so much quality on this show and I’m particularly excited about seeing our man Zolani Tete out again.” A super talented undercard features bantamweight starlet Dennis McCann (4-0, 3KOs). McCann’s Ibox Gym stablemate Eithan James (1-0) gets his second appearance of the year. After successful Queensberry Promotions debuts, both Shabaz Masoud (6-0, 1KO) and George Davey (1-0) both return on the show. Also featuring on the show will be popular Stoke middleweight Nathan Heaney (8-0, 2KOs), Birmingham welterweight Ryan Kelly (14-2, 7KOs) and Warwickshire middleweight River Wilson-Bent (5-0 2KOs). Tickets will go on a venue pre-sale at 12pm on Thursday 17th October followed by general sale on Friday 18th October at 12pm via TicketFactory and Ticketmaster. Ticket Prices: £250 – Inner Ring Hospitality £150 – Floor £100 – Floor £75 – Floor £50 – Lower Tier £40 – Upper Tier

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, CANADA (October 16, 2019) – Undefeated super welterweight and hometown hero Cody “The Crippler” Crowley will headline this Saturday night’s stacked “Homecoming V: Going Global” card, presented by CCC Promotions, at Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The event will be streamed worldwide, live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

The 26-year-old Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs), who is also co-founder of CCC Promotions, will defend his Canada Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) National super welterweight title at home in the 12-round main event against intra-country rival “Super” Mian Hussain (16-1, 6 KOs), of Montreal.

Crowley, who is rated No. 9 in the world by the World Boxing Association in the welterweight division, is an Irish-Canadian rising star who trains in Las Vegas.

The entertaining southpaw’s most recent fight was this past February in his initial CPBC title defense, when he won a 12-round unanimous decision versus Stuart McLellan (25-2-3).

“It’s destiny,” Crowley said about him headlining at home on UFC FIGHT PASS. “We’ve done this on our own. I plan to fight here at home once a year. I want to show local youths how to take advantage of opportunities, creating inspiration and motivation for these youths coming up.

“When I was 21, I gave myself a 10-year plan to be world champion. I’m obsessed with being world champion; I eat and sleep boxing. I gave boxing a decade of my life and I’m halfway there. 2020 is going to be huge for my career. Too many weird things have happened for me not to become world champion.”

The co-featured event showcases one of Canada’s most popular boxers, lightweight Tony “The Lightning” Luis (28-3, 10 KOs), in an eight-round bout against his veteran Mexican opponent, Ricardo “Riky” Lara (22-6, 10 KOs). A former Interim world title challenger, Luis is a blood-and-guts type fighter who has won his last nine fights, including the North American Boxing Association (NABA) lightweight title.

A pair of undefeated heavyweight prospects, Moses Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) and Patrick “Magic” Mailata (2-0, 2 KOs), will also gain invaluable exposure fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS. Johnson, fighting out of Huntington, NY, faces Jose Manuel “Dionamita” Paredes (3-3-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, while Samoa-native Mailata, who now lives in Las Vegas, takes on unbeaten Mexican boxer Jorge Sevilla “Bombon” Acosta (2-0, 2 KOs). Mailata, whose fight will open the UFC FIGHT PASS live stream, is a four-time New Zealand amateur champion who won a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in six-round fights, are undefeated Canadian Mazlum Akdeniz (9-0, 4 KOs), vs. Hungarian Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (28-15, 21 KOs), Montreal female super lightweight Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (6-1) vs. Mexican Beatriz Jimenez (6-2, 1 KO), Canadian super lightweight Lucas Bahdi (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Mexican Victor Manuel “El Pimientas” Campos (6-8, 2 Kos), and United Kingdom super lightweight Adam “Hitman” Hague (15-1-1, 2 KOs). vs. Alan “Superman” Ayala (7-0, 3 Kos), of Mexico.

Priced at $62.15, $39.,55 and $28.25, tickets are available for purchase at www.memorialcentre.ca and the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. VIP packages (tables) are also available by texting/calling CCC Promotions at 705.927.3265.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout on the undercard is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The main card and UFC FIGHT PASS live stream begins at 9 p.m. ET.

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

INFORMATION:
Websites: www.triplecboxing.ca
Twitter: @Crowley16LV, @CCCBoxing, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @triplecboxing, @codycrowleyboxing
Facebook: /CCCPromotions, /CodyCrowley.3557

Lawrence Osueke says he is “more than ready” to step up in class as he prepares for his British Light-Heavyweight title Eliminator with Ricky Summers at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle this Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Aiming to take his first step towards title glory on home soil, 31-year-old Osueke must get past former British title challenger Summers if he is to move towards a short at the current belt-holder Joshua Buatsi.

Osueke has made confident strides thus far in his career, reeling off nine straight victories, with one early finish. Boxing is in the Newcastle fighter’s blood – his uncle, Manny Burgo, was a top 10 British Heavyweight who shared the ring with former British and Commonwealth Champion Julius Francis.

Entering the pro ranks at 30, Osueke is determined to make up for lost time by working his way towards a first title shot as quickly as possible, and the Steve Wraith-managed fighter believes he is ready to start climbing the domestic 175lbs ladder.

“It’s a good step up for me at this stage of my career,” said Osueke. “He’s a hungry fighter, I’m a hungry fighter, it’s going to be an interesting fight and a fight that I think I’m going to come through and win. We’ve been looking to step up for a while and when the opportunity came to box on another big Matchroom show we took it.

“I’m always confident. You’re in the wrong game if you’re not confident. It’s a step up in terms of being a ten rounder which I haven’t done before. He’s more experienced than me so it is a step up but it’s a step up that I’m more than ready for.

“He’s right up there in the domestic Light-Heavy scene. He’s got a decent ranking, he’s fought some decent guys. He took Frank Buglioni the distance when he fought him for the British title. A win over him will definitely elevate my career.

“At this stage in my career I’m not looking too far ahead. The aim is to keeping on building and aim for the top as always. Everyone is going to see the best of me with a better opponent in there.”

Sampson Lewkowicz proudly announces the signing of WBC #5 minimumweight Luis Angel “Flechito” Castillo to a promotional contract.

22-year-old Castillo (16-0-1, 11 KOs), from Los Mochis, SIN, Mexico, is trained and managed by legendary trainer of champions Manuel Montiel at the Cochul Gym. He went 35-4 as an amateur and won some regional titles.

As a professional, however, Castillo has already secured a world rating and scored a dominant 10-round decision over former IBF world champion Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez in March 2018. In his last ring appearance, he needed just two rounds to stop 12-1 countryman Jose Alonso Nunez Lopez.

“I am very proud to have signed with Sampson,” said Castillo. “He has taken many boxers to world championships. I will work hard to live up to his faith in me and win another world title for Los Mochis.”

Montiel, brother of world champion Fernando Montiel and hall-of-fame candidate Jorge Arce among many others, says he’s happy to have brokered this deal for his young fighter.

“Sampson and I have enjoyed a business partnership and friendship for many years and I know he will do a perfect job with this young fighter,” said Montiel. “I have the utmost faith he will be given the opportunities he needs to reach his dreams. Luis is a very hard worker and is very dedicated to his training. He now has everything he needs to win a championship.”

“I am looking forward to helping Luis Castillo, another outstanding fighter from Montiel’s Cochul Gym. Manuel and I have been friends almost since I started boxing and I know he will only work with fighters who live right and train right, so I know Luis will be perfectly prepared for his fights. It is my pleasure to be associated with such a talented young fighter and his coach and my dear friend Manuel Montiel.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Hanover, MD (October 15, 2019) – Jeter Promotions has announced the signing of undefeated Featherweight Ebrima ” E Boy” Jawara.

The 27 year-old Jawara of Germantown, Maryland, has a record of 2-1 with one knockout.

Jawara has been boxing for five years after some friends brought him down to the gym. Jawara started practicing in Muay-Thai and then switched over to boxing, and had a 35 fight amateur career, for which he reached the finals of the Washington, D.C Golden Gloves on three. occasions.

“I am excited to sign with Jeter Promotions. I grew up with Tony in the gym, and he has taken me under his wing. He being a former pro boxer is important because he knows what the fighter is thinking and goes through,” said Jawara.

In his pro debut, Jawara dropped a disputed split-decision to regarded Malik Loften. Since then, Jawara has won his last two bouts, with his most recent outing being a unanimous decision over Marquel Johns (7-1-2) on August 2, 2018.

Jawara will return to the ring this Friday night when he takes on James Early at the Maryland Live Casino in Hanover, Maryland.

“I know Early is tough. If you look at his record, he fights a lot of undefeated guys, and has defeated two of them. He is no pushover. He likes to fight on the inside, so I see this being a tough and entertaining fight.”

Jawara is a frequent sparring partner with the Russell brothers in Washington, D.C.

When he is not boxing, Jawara works at the Infinite Fighting Concepts Gym in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Jawara is a personal trainer and teaches a boxing class for kids.

NEW YORK – October 15, 2019 – Six talented prospects with a combined overall record of 65-1 will make their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts on Friday, November 15 live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Erik Vega Ortiz (16-0, 9 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico will face 2016 Olympian and decorated amateur Alberto Palmetta (12-1, 8 KOs) of Argentina in the 10-round main event. Hard-hitting Marcos Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs), also of Argentina, will take on Houston’s Joseph George (9-0, 6 KOs) in the 10-round light heavyweight co-featured bout. In the telecast opener, Uruguayan knockout artist Amilcar Vidal (9-0, 8 KOs) will fight for the first time in the U.S. when he meets 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.

“We can’t wait to see what these future champions show us in their debuts on ShoBox: The New Generation, a series that has built so many careers and champions,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. “These are very important fights for all six of these boxers’ young careers and another step toward them graduating from prospects to contenders.”

In the main event, the 23-year-old Vega Ortiz will bring an all-out, pressure style similar to many of his fellow countrymen of Mexico. Ortiz started boxing at age seven and ended his career at an impressive 45-2 amateur record. He trains at the Gimnasio CREA gym in Tijuana and graduated this year with honors in Business Administration from the university Autónoma de Baja California. The 24-year-old will make his U.S. debut in his first true test after building his undefeated record against mostly limited opposition in Mexico.

“Boxing fans will want to tune in November 15 to witness a classic rivalry between Mexico and Argentina,” Vega Ortiz said. “We know what we are facing in Alberto Palmetta. He is a well-rounded boxer with a great amateur career and an ex-Olympian. But, at the end of the day, that doesn’t matter to me. These are the types of challenges I like and I am looking forward to pleasing my fans.”

Olympian Palmetta came out of the amateur ranks billed as one of the top prospects in Argentina’s boxing history. Palmetta started boxing at age 14 and competed in 112 amateur fights, winning numerous national and international distinctions including the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. He was the captain of the Argentinean national team and was considered a top-10 prospect in the world at his weight before he turned pro.

The 29-year-old southpaw’s only pro loss came against then-10-1 Argentinian Gonzalo Gaston Coria. His last two fights took place in Charlotte, N.C. Palmetta is co-promoted by former world champion Sergio Martinez of Maravillabox Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

“My fist goal in boxing was to be an Olympian boxer, and my second was to become champion of the world,” Palmetto said. “This is the first step on my way to realizing my dream of becoming a world champion. Great effort brings great achievements.”

The co-featured bout features the 26-year-old hard-hitting Escudero from Cordoba, Argentina, who is riding a six-fight knockout streak. As an amateur, he competed nationally and internationally, including becoming a national champion in Argentina in 2014 and representing his country in the Pan-Am Games in 2015. He finished the unpaid ranks with a respectable 60-5 record. In just his second year as a professional, Escudero has already won the WBC Latin Silver Light Heavyweight Championship. He is currently living and training in Miami and managed by Gardner Payne of Payne Boxing.

“Throw me to the wolves and I’ll return leading the pack,” Escudero said. “The time has come for me to shine. Thank you to my team and my promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, for this opportunity. I will not disappoint.”

Escudero will have his hands full with Houston’s George, a former high school basketball star who started boxing at age 19. Managed by Washington Redskins Pro Bowl lineman Trent Williams and trained by former NFL All Pro running back Adrian Peterson and James Cooper, George went 76-5 as an amateur and was the National Golden Gloves champion in 2015 at 178 pounds. He also placed third in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The 6-foot-2 George will face his toughest test as a pro against Escudero. “I know very little about my opponent, except that he is a puncher against limited opposition,” George said. “Training is going great. I have been on weight for quite some time now because I really fight at 168 pounds, but I believe my skill set is enough that fighting at 175 is not a problem at all. I train with one of the best trainers in the world in James Cooper. Coop has gone over a game plan and I will execute it to a T.”

In the telecast opener, Uruguayan power-puncher Vidal is currently living and training in Coachella, Calif., and fighting for the first time in the U.S. As an amateur, he suffered just one loss in 59 fights. Vidal is trained by his brother Richard Vidal and Freddy Fundora in Coachella and spars with Freddy’s son Sebastian Fundora, a current undefeated welterweight who has appeared twice on ShoBox.

“I’m very focused and at the same time excited to be performing in the U.S. for the first time,” Vidal said. “Coming from my home country Uruguay, it was always a dream to fight in America. That’s now turning into a reality on November 15.”

Prieto, who fought last on October 5 in Vado, N.M., had a reported 70 amateur fights going 50-20. He started boxing at age 11 and is known for his aggressive style and power. He fought current WBA super lightweight champion Regis Prograis to two split decisions in the amateurs. A 2011 New Mexico Golden Gloves silver medalist, Prieto has trained with former WBA super welterweight champion Austin Trout and was a Texas Junior Olympic State Champion.

“I have worked a long time hoping for an opportunity like this to come along,” Prieto said. “From what I have seen of my opponent, he is strong and it is going to take a lot of strategy to beat him. He is someone that is going to take more than overpowering to defeat. A victory would mean another step down the road for me in mastering my craft and being able to step up and fight anyone they put me against.”

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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.

Las Vegas – UFC®’s final Pay-Per-View event of 2019 will feature three blockbuster world championship bouts. In a highly anticipated welterweight championship grudge match, Kamaru Usman defends against No. 2 ranked contender Colby Covington. Featherweight champion and No. 7 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Max Holloway will go for his fourth successful defense against powerhouse No. 1 contender Alexander Volkanovski. Women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion, as well as No. 5 ranked pound-for-pound fighter, Amanda Nunes looks to continue building her historic legacy as she puts her 135-pound belt on the line in a rematch with former women’s featherweight titleholder and No. 1 ranked bantamweight Germaine de Randamie.

UFC® 245: USMAN vs. COVINGTON will take place Saturday, Dec. 14 at T-Mobile Arena and will stream live nationally on Pay-Per-View, exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in March and continuing through 2025.

As UFC® 245: USMAN vs. COVINGTON approaches, fans will be able to purchase it online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN2 and on ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 21, Usman (15-1, fighting out of Dallas, Tx. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) is unbeaten since joining the UFC roster in 2015. He ascended the 170-pound ranks with impressive wins against Rafael Dos Anjos, Demian Maia and Leon Edwards, and his last outing saw him dominate Tyron Woodley to capture the welterweight championship in March. Usman now looks to take out his most heated rival to earn his first successful title defense.

Former UFC interim welterweight champion Covington (15-1, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is poised to prove he’s the best in the world at 170 pounds. Currently riding a seven-fight win streak, the NCAA Division I All-American wrestler has netted big victories over Dos Anjos, Maia and Dong Hyun Kim, but Covington secured his most impressive win to date in his last outing against former champion Robbie Lawler in August. He now aims to settle the score with Usman and take home the welterweight championship.

Among the most dominant champions on the UFC roster, Holloway (21-4, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) has beaten the who’s who of the featherweight division. Over the course of his career, he’s scored dominant wins over former UFC title holders Frankie Edgar, Jose Aldo (twice) and Anthony Pettis, as well as top contender Brian Ortega. The Hawaiian now looks to take out one of the division’s most dangerous contenders for his fourth successful title defense.

Unbeaten for over six years, Volkanovski (20-1, fighting out of Windang, New South Wales, Australia) aims to be the next Australian athlete to capture a world championship. The former rugby player has been on a tear since joining the UFC roster in late 2016, securing impressive victories over Aldo, Chad Mendes, Darren Elkins, Jeremy Kennedy and Mizuto Hirota. Volkanovski now has his sights on dethroning Holloway to hand the Hawaiian his first featherweight loss since 2013.

The greatest women’s fighter in mixed martial arts history, Nunes (18-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) won her first encounter with De Randamie via TKO in 2013. Her resume also includes first-round stoppage wins over former bantamweight champions Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate and Holly Holm. Nunes also became the first female two-division titleholder in UFC history last December with a 51-second KO victory against Cris Cyborg. She now hopes to etch her fifth bantamweight title defense in dominant fashion.

Former UFC featherweight champion De Randamie (9-3, fighting out of Utrecht, The Netherlands) is gunning for a measure of revenge against Nunes. Since that loss, she has won five straight with dominant victories over Raquel Pennington, Holly Holm and Larissa Pacheco. In July, De Randamie delivered a spectacular 16-second TKO win against Aspen Ladd. She now aims to become the second woman to win UFC championships in two divisions by handing Nunes her first loss in over five years.

Additional bouts on the card include:

Perennial fan favorite Matt Brown (23-16, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) returns against dangerous Ben Saunders (22-12, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) in an exciting welterweight bout
Recent flyweight title challenger and No. 2 ranked contender Jessica Eye (14-7, fighting out of Cleveland, Oh.) takes on rising No. 6 Viviane Araujo (8-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
In a clash of flyweight contenders, No. 6 ranked Brandon Moreno (14-5-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) faces No. 7 Kai Kara France (20-7-1, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand)
Undefeated Dana White’s Contender Series signee Punahele Soriano (6-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) debuts against Oskar Piechota (11-2-1, fighting out of Gdynia, Poland)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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

Tickets for UFC® 245: USMAN vs. COVINGTON go on sale Friday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Oct. 17 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 300 million fans and 70 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 60 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark, recently named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 films. Fans can sign up for 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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

About ESPN

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

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 15, 2019) — Two of boxing’s foremost action stars are set to light up the Las Vegas Strip for a Thanksgiving Weekend fistic bash Saturday, November 30 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

In the main event, former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez will make his long-awaited super featherweight debut in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Andres “Jaguarcito” Gutierrez.

The co-feature will see the fighting pride of Belfast, former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton, take on the unbeaten Tyler “The Golden Child” McCreary a 10-round super featherweight contest (128-pound catchweight).

Valdez-Gutierrez and Frampton-McCreary will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The undercard will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Queensberry Promotions and MTK Global, tickets priced at $100, $85, $65, $45 and $20 (general admission) go on sale Friday, October 18, at 10 a.m. PT and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.

“This a tremendous super featherweight doubleheader, and both Valdez and Frampton have their hands full against tough opponents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “If Valdez and Frampton win, world title opportunities await them in 2020.”

‘I’m looking forward to November 30, as it’s my first fight as a super featherweight,” Valdez said. “I know my opponent is tough, but I plan on putting on a show for the fans. This is my third camp with Eddy Reynoso, and it’s going great. This is an important first step towards another world title, and I plan to make the most of it. Don’t miss it!”

“I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Gutierrez said. “I hope Valdez is prepared for a super featherweight war. I’m now training in Las Vegas with the professor, Ismael Salas, and ‘Memo’ Heredia. Boxing fans, get ready for a true Mexican-style battle!”

Valdez (26-0, 20 KOs) made six successful defenses of his WBO featherweight world title, a reign highlighted by all-action brawls against Miguel Marriaga, Scott Quigg and Genesis Servania. A two-time Mexican Olympian, Valdez is seeking new challenges in a weight class loaded with premier talent. He closed out his featherweight world title reign with a pair of wins over then-unbeaten foes earlier this year, knocking out Carmine Tommasone in February and scoring a unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in June. Valdez is 6-0 with six knockouts when fighting in Las Vegas and is looking for lucky number seven. Gutierrez (38-2-1, 25 KOs) has won three consecutive fights since dropping a technical decision to Abner Mares in October 2017 for the WBA featherweight world title. He last fought June 22 in San Juan del Río, Mexico, decisioning former world champion Tomas Rojas over 12 rounds.

Frampton (26-2, 15 KOs), a former super bantamweight and featherweight world champion, is ready to make his 2019 debut. He last fought December 2018 in Manchester, England, losing by unanimous decision to IBF world champion Josh Warrington in a Fight of the Year contender. He was scheduled to fight August 10 in Philadelphia against Emmanuel Dominguez but was forced to drop out the week of the fight after a concrete pillar fell on his hand at the fight hotel. Frampton is making his first appearance in Las Vegas since January 2017, when thousands of Northern Irish fans made the trip across the pond for his rematch against Leo Santa Cruz. One of his nation’s most decorated fighters, Frampton holds victories over Santa Cruz, Quigg, Nonito Donaire and Kiko Martinez.

McCreary (16-0-1, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, is a five-year pro who, at 26 years of age, is entering the prime of his career. In his last fight, July 19 in Oxon Hill, Maryland, he overcame a stiff challenge from Jessie Cris Rosales to prevail via eight-round split decision. In search of a signature win, McCreary will take a quantum leap in class, but he is confident that his youth and athleticism will prevail.

“I’m delighted to be making a comeback after what has been a horrific year in my career,” Frampton said. “I didn’t get the Top Rank deal off to an ideal start, but coming back in Vegas is great for me, especially against a really strong opponent. It needed to be someone who would test me. It’s what I want, it’s what ESPN wants, what MTK Global wants and what Top Rank wants, so I’m 100 percent confident it’s the right move for me. McCreary is a quality opponent, but if I want to be competing against the top guys in the world, which I believe I can, then I need to be beating guys like him and doing it in style.”

“I’m delighted we’ve got Carl out again before the end of the year,” said Frank Warren, Frampton’s co-promoter. “He had a tough time of it in August with the freak injury, which meant he couldn’t fight as planned. In this fight against McCreary, I believe Carl will prove that he is still an elite fighter and will be fighting for world titles again before long.”

“It’s a big step up for me, but I feel that I’m ready for it,” McCreary said. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, and I feel that every fight is a risk. This is one where, if anything, I would love to risk my undefeated record against a fighter like Frampton. A win here means a world title shot next.

“I was in the gym training for my October 26 fight and my trainer {Lamar Wright} said we got a call that Carl Frampton was looking for a fight. They didn’t have anyone, and I said, ‘I’ll take it.’ I didn’t hesitate.”

Use the hashtags #ValdezGutierrez and #FramptonMcCreary to join the conversation on social media.

For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.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 films. Fans 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.

About The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

NEW YORK CITY (Oct. 14, 2019) — Boxing’s pound-for-pound boogeyman is ready to battle the machine.

Terence “Bud” Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title against undefeated mandatory challenger Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas Saturday, December 14 at Madison Square Garden as part of a special ESPN-televised tripleheader that will immediately follow the 2019 Heisman Trophy Presentation (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT). ESPN Deportes will provide the Spanish-language telecast.

The triple-header on ESPN and ESPN Deportes will also feature IBF lightweight world champion Richard “RC” Commey defending his title against human highlight film and Brooklyn native Teofimo Lopez. Additionally, in the 10-round featherweight special attraction, Irish sensation and New York fan favorite Michael “Mick” Conlan will battle unbeaten Russian Vladimir Nikitin in a rematch of their highly controversial 2016 Olympic quarterfinal bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and MTK Global, tickets priced at $506, $306, $206, $106 and $56 (not including applicable fees) go on sale Friday, October 18 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

The undercard, with fights to be announced in the coming weeks, will stream exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

“This is the best fight card of the year, and Madison Square Garden is a fitting venue for what will be a special night,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Terence Crawford is a generational talent, but he’ll have his hands full against the ‘Mean Machine.’ Teofimo Lopez is taking a giant step up against Commey, and it will be a tremendous fight. Mick Conlan has been asking for Nikitin since the day he signed with Top Rank. He finally gets his wish, and I know he wants to correct the tremendous injustice of the Rio Olympics.”

“Egidijus Kavaliauskas is a two-time Olympian and I can’t take him lightly,” Crawford said. “He’s got everything to gain and nothing to lose and that makes him dangerous. I never overlook any opponent, and this will be no exception. I’ll be ready for anything and everything he brings on December 14 when I return to my second home, Madison Square Garden, and live on ESPN.” 

“I have prepared my whole boxing career for a fight of this magnitude,” Kavaliauskas said. “Terence Crawford is an excellent fighter, but I fear no man. Nobody has seen the best of the ‘Mean Machine’ yet. I am going to shock a lot of people on December 14, but it won’t be a surprise to me. I earned this title shot. It is my time.”

Crawford (35-0, 26 KOs), the pride of Omaha, Nebraska, has been impeccable since turning professional, winning world titles in three weight classes and unifying all four major world titles at super lightweight. He is 13-0 with 10 knockouts in world title bouts and has knocked out his last six opponents, including Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz, bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. and Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn. In his last bout, April 20 at Madison Square Garden, Crawford neutralized former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan en route to a sixth-round TKO after Khan could not continue following a low blow. Kavaliauskas (21-0-1, 17 KOs) will be the fourth undefeated fighter Crawford has faced in his last five bouts.

A native of Kaunas, Lithuania, Kavaliauskas represented his homeland at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, rising the professional ranks with convincing victories over perennial contenders Juan Carlos Abreu and Roberto Arriaza. Kavaliauskas has a February 2018 TKO win over David Avanesyan, who is now the current European welterweight champion. He has never been knocked down as a pro or amateur and trains out of the famed Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California.

Commey (29-2, 24 KOs) has had a career year, winning the vacant IBF lightweight title February 2 in Frisco, Texas with a devastating second-round TKO over Isa Chaniev. He defended the belt June 29, knocking down former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran down four times before stopping him in the eighth round. A native of, Accra, Ghana, he has won four in a row by knockout.

Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs), at 22 years old, is one of boxing’s budding superstars a big-punching, big-talking fighter who has become the sport’s latest viral sensation. His post-fight Fortnite celebrations and backflips are the exclamation point to his highlight-reel knockouts. He fought last year on the post-Heisman Trophy celebration telecast, knocking out Mason Menard in 44 seconds and then putting on the jersey of Heisman winner Kyler Murray. Lopez is 3-0 in 2019, most recently prevailing via 12-round decision July 19 over Japanese veteran Masayoshi Nakatani in a title eliminator.

“I’m very excited to fight at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, in my second world title defense against Teofimo Lopez,” Commey said. “My lifelong dream of becoming a world champion became a reality through many years of hard work in my homeland of Ghana through the UK, Europe and finally in the United States. I want to thank everyone on my team for making this possible. On December 14, I will put on another spectacular performance in defending my world title for my fans in the arena and those watching on ESPN and around the world.”

“Richard has fought all over the world for many years to achieve his lifelong dream of not only becoming a true world champion, but also becoming a boxing star, and on December 14 against Teofimo Lopez, I believe that he will successfully defend his title for the second time in spectacular fashion,” said Lou DiBella, Commey’s promoter.

“I’m finally back at Madison Square Garden, the place where I always wanted to win my first world title,” Lopez said. “I believe this fight will shut up all of the critics and prove to everyone that I back up my talking in the ring. I respect Commey as a champion, but when we’re in that ring, it’s going to be lights out for him. Come December 14, I am officially taking over the lightweight division.”

Conlan (12-0, 7 KOs), who is ranked in the top 10 as a featherweight by three of the major sanctioning organizations, is looking to avenge the final, and most controversial loss, of his amateur career. With a semifinal berth — and a guaranteed Olympic medal — on the line, Nikitin was the beneficiary of a decision most experts believe Conlan deserved. The indelible image of the Rio Olympics was Conlan’s double middle-finger salute to the judges. Conlan’s disappointment motivated him for what has been a flawless professional campaign. A proven ticket-seller at Madison Square Garden thanks to his annual St. Patrick’s Day appearances, Conlan is coming off a rousing TKO win over Diego Alberto Ruiz on August 3 in front of 10,000 hometown fans at Belfast’s Falls Park.

Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) did not turn pro immediately following the 2016 Olympics, electing to fight as an amateur throughout 2017. He signed a professional contract in 2018 with Top Rank, in large part because he wanted to face Conlan as a pro. Nikitin’s come-forward style has translated to the pro ranks, as he’s won a trio of decisions. He has fought on the same card as Conlan twice as a professional. The message was clear: Conlan and Nikitin were destined to meet again. They were supposed to fight August 3 at Falls Park, but Nikitin suffered a torn biceps in training.

“I’m beyond excited to fight for the sixth time in my favorite venue in the world, the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden,” Conlan said. “The boxing fans in New York City have been incredibly supportive of my career, and I look forward to putting on another great show for them, as well as my Irish fans coming over for this massive holiday event.

“Vladimir Nikitin and I have unfinished business from the 2016 Olympics, and I can’t wait until December 14 to set the record straight.”

“Michael Conlan has done a lot of talking about me and our Olympic fight over the last few years. The talking finally ends December 14,” Nikitin said. “He’s bitter over our last fight and can’t accept the result. Well, my hand will be raised once again.”

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

Use the hashtags #CrawfordMachine, #CommeyLopez and #ConlanNikitin to join the conversation on social media.

ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2019) – Welterweight prospect Angel Ruiz (16-0, 12 KOs), fresh off a first round knockout win in his main event debut from June, steps back into the main event attraction this Friday, Oct. 18, in Thompson Boxing’s “Path to Glory” show from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Ruiz, 22, faces fellow southpaw Javier Flores (14-2, 12 KOs) in the 8-round showcase fight. The Mexican-born Ruiz, who now lives in Los Angeles and trains out of the Maywood Boxing Gym, has recently began to gain exposure in the American market after breaking out from the Tijuana boxing scene.

Five out of his last six fights have taken place from the greater Los Angeles area. He rides a five-fight knockout win streak into his scrap with Flores, who is perhaps the toughest test of his young career.

“It’s a big fight for me,” remarked Ruiz. “I know a lot of people are interested in seeing what I can do against a tough opponent and I’m ready to show everyone that I have what it takes to get to the top.”

Ruiz shinned in his last fight by dispatching quality veteran Miguel Zamudio in the first round.

In that fight, he tagged Zamudio with a left hand from his southpaw stance. He quickly followed up with a bevy of punches that overwhelmed Zamudio.

“I did what I came here to do,” said Ruiz after the fight. “I’m just happy I was able to finish this early and give the fans something to talk about.”

Ruiz came out fast as lightening, as his nickname, “Relampago,” suggests.

“He looked really sharp and in command right from the start,” said Doug Fischer, TB Presents livestream color commentator. “I wanted to see more of him, but that’s what happens when you end a fight early.”

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

All fights will be streamed live on TB Presents: Path to Glory via our Facebook page, YouTube channel and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

In the co-feature, lightweight George Acosta (7-1, 1 KO) of Whittier, Calif. faces Roberto Almazan (9-12, 4 KOs) of Brownsville, Tex. in a 6-round fight.

Junior welterweight prospect Alec Zavala (3-0, 2 KOs) of Fontana, Calif. meets Marquese Steward (1-1) Pflugerville, Tex. (6-rounds).

Super bantamweight Ivan Zarate of San Pedro, Calif. makes his professional debut against an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

Junior lightweight Chris Crowley (1-0-1) of Santa Ana, Calif. fights Luis Alvarado (1-0) of Pasco, Wash. (4-rounds).

Canadian lightweight Golden Garcia (11-0-1, 6 KOs) meets Mexico’s Hector Garcia (14-7-2, 8 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 6-rounds.

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

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

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK (October 14, 2019)–This past Friday night, four members of the Split-T Management stable scored big wins at DeCarlos Convention Center in Warren, Michigan.

Undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes (10-0) won a eight-round unanimous decision over Walter Wright in a super welterweight bout.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan, boxed his way to the victory by keeping the veteran at bay, and won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75.

Michael Moore was impressive in dominating Alex Hloros by scoring a 2nd round stoppage in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland Ohio beat up Hloros until the corner threw in the towel at 2:47.

Anthony Barnes was impressive in defeating tough Kenneth Council but somehow the judges came back with a six-round split-decision for Barnes.

Barnes of Huntington Woods, Michigan, pushed the action and was the superior boxer and won by scores of 60-54, 58-56 and somehow a card was awarded to Council by a 59-55 tally.

Rolando Vargas needed just 59 seconds to take out Rashio Evans in a lightweight bout.

Vargas (4-0, 4 KOs) of Milwaukee landed a booming left that sent Evans down and out.

Hanover, MD (October 14, 2019) – Jeter Promotions has announced the signing of undefeated lightweight Brandon Chambers to a promotional deal.

Chambers was born in Kentucky, but now resides in Baltimore, Maryland, and has a record of 1-0-1 with one knockout..

Chambers attended Baltimore International College, which is now known as Strafford University.

The 34 year-old Chambers is an eight-year veteran of the Baltimore Police,and he has become a popular ticket seller on the Maryland circuit.

Chambers began boxing at the age of 18, and he competed in 10 amateur bouts.

“I always wanted to be a boxer after watching Mike Tyson fight, but my mom was very against it. She felt the same way when I became a Police Officer,” said Chambers.

Chambers turned professional March 8th with a draw with Christopher Haney.

“I am pressure fighter, who likes to mix it up on the inside,” Chambers said when describing his style.

“It makes me feel good that Jeter Promotions sees potential in me both as a fighter and as a role model in the community. Tony Jeter is a good person as well. It is extremely difficult to balance both being a police officer and being a boxer, but this is my dream and its my passion.”

Chambers has two children. Both girls ages 11 and four.

In his off-time, Chambers enjoys to cook and Crab Macaroni is his best dish.

On Friday night at Maryland Live Casino, Chambers will rematch the man who he had a draw with in pro debut, Christopher Haney.

“This is a rematch. I thought that I won the 1st bout, so on Friday night alot of questions that remained from that fight will be answered.

Reading, PA (October 14, 2019)– King’s Promotions has announced the signing of undefeated featherweight Carlos Vidal as well as re-signing undefeated heavyweight Michel Polite Coffie.

“We at King’s Promotions have high expectations for both of these undefeated fighters. We are extremely proud of these signings , and cannot wait for them to get back in the ring,” said King’s Promotions CEO, Marshall Kauffman.

Vidal of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and now resides in North Las Vegas, Nevada has a record of 15-0 with 14 knockouts.

Vidal was a two-time Puerto Rican National Champion with an amateur record of 104 wins against just 10 losses.

Since turning professional in 2016, Vidal has a win over Antonio Castro (5-1). In his last bout, Vidal stopped Jesus Ricardo Armenta on May 25th in Mexico.

Vidal has stopped his last four opponents.

Coffie of Brooklyn, New York, has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.

Coffie turned professional on November 21, 2017 with a 1st round stoppage over Ralph Alexander.

Coffie is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Eduardo Vitela on March 29th in Philadelphia.

He was the number-one ranked amateur super heavyweight

Coffie won the 2017 New York Daily News Open Champion where he defeated the number-one ranked fighter in the United States, Nkosi Solomon.

Before boxing, Michael and his nine siblings were removed from care from their drug addicted mother, and awarded to the state of New York. At age two, he was put into foster care and bounced from family to family in each section of Brooklyn.

One he reached his teenage years, Michael was placed in a stable family in Malverne, New York.

Michael then relocated to Brooklyn and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Michael served for eight years, which included tours in Afghanistan.

Patrick Day suffered a traumatic brain injury during his bout on Saturday night. He was rushed to Northwestern Memorial hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. As of Sunday evening, Patrick is in a coma caused by the injury and is in extremely critical condition. On behalf of Patrick’s team, we appreciate the outpouring of support, prayers, and offers of assistance from all corners of the boxing community.

Updates will be provided as circumstances change. In the meantime, we ask that the privacy of Patrick and his family be respected during this difficult time.

Boxing fans from around the world can flock to the biggest fight of the year – the Clash on the Dunes in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia – to support their heroes Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua after the Kingdom launched new super-fast tourist visas.

On December 7, in the UNESCO heritage site of Diriyah – known as the land of kings and heroes – Anthony ‘AJ’ Joshua will attempt to recapture belts taken from him by Andy ‘Destroyer’ Ruiz Jr in Diriyah Arena, a purpose-built arena for 15,000 fans on the night.

Tickets for this incredible showdown go on sale this Sunday, October 13, at 9pm KSA time (10pm in UAE, 7pm in the UK and 2pm US) and are available at www.diriyahseason.sa.

It will be the first-ever World Heavyweight Title fight ever to be staged in the Middle East and forms part of the month-long ‘Diriyah Season’, a spectacular season of world-class sport, global entertainment, and culture,  officially launched on Sunday night at a glittering ceremony in the ancient city, the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia on the outskirts of Riyadh.

This follows the announcement in recent days that travelers from 49 countries across the world can now secure 90 day tourist visas online in just seven minutes to attend the festival. For more information got to visa.visitsaudi.com.

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is the biggest boxing match on the planet, and it will be taking place in one of the most unique venues ever.

“We already know there is a great passion for boxing in the Kingdom, but AJ and Andy will want their fans to come and support them, from across the region and from the UK and the US and Mexico.

“It’s great news that these tourism visas have been launched, that’s a big step forward for the country and it means that boxing fans wherever they are can come witness an unmissable night. This fight will go down in history as one of the greats.”

Due to the unique venue, being staged outside of the UK or the US, the fight has already seen parallels drawn in the media to some of the most iconic fights in history, such as Muhammad Ali’s fights against George Foreman – “the Rumble in the Jungle” – and Joe Frazier – the “Thrilla in Manila”.

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Chairman of the GSA, said: “We have already seen the energy created by boxing when we staged the World Boxing Super Series match last year, this landmark moment – the first World Heavyweight Title fight in the Middle East – now takes that excitement to a whole new level.

“Athletes and audiences can expect to be knocked out by the passionate reception this event will enjoy in the Kingdom, and now, with the launch of tourism visas for 49 countries, it has never been easier for fans from around the world to come be part of history.”

HH Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of SCEE, said: “This is a historic moment for Saudi Arabia welcoming the first World Heavyweight Championship. As a nation we have started to pave the way for becoming a global player in the sports and entertainment industry and we have witnessed a real appetite for the boxing sport.

“This is the biggest boxing fight that has taken place in the region to date and we are bringing it to Saudi Arabia on December 7 – the world is watching us and we promise to deliver an unparalleled experience. SCEE are a proud partner of the GSA bringing Clash on the Dunes to Diriyah Season, 2019.”

Tickets for all of Diriyah Season’s spectacular events and entertainment will be available online at www.diriyahseason.sa with Formula E Tickets on sale now, Clash On the Dunes tickets on October 13, and Diriyah Tennis Cup on October 26. Tickets for other events as well as season long tickets will be announced soon. Follow Diriyah Season’s news and announcements on the official social media pages on twitter and Instagram @diriyahseason.

13 October 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), completed a historic evening with a stacked card at ONE: CENTURY ?? PART II. The mega event which took place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan featured some of Japan’s top martial arts talents, alongside the biggest international superstars. In the main event, ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion Aung La N Sang put together a spectacular performance, finishing ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera in the second round to retain his World Title. Visit the official ONE: CENTURY ?? PART II photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos In the main event of ONE: CENTURY ?? PART II, reigning ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar retained his World Title with an incredible performance against ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera of the Philippines. Aung La set the tempo in the first round, peppering Vera with leg kicks in an attempt to slow down the taller man. Against the fence, Vera would connect on a series of punches and elbows, which Aung La wore well. The second frame opened up with more action on the inside, as both men connected on huge combinations from close range. Vera and Aung La took each other’s best shots. A furious exchange of thunderous strikes against the fence ensued. Aung La landed a sharp spinning back elbow to rock Vera, sending the Filipino-American to the canvas. Aung La put on the finishing touches with ground-and-pound while Vera covered up. Japanese legend and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki made quick work of former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario of the Philippines, winning by first-round submission in less than a minute. Banario tried his best to keep distance, but Aoki closed the gap almost immediately and fished for the bodylock takedown. Once they hit the mat, Aoki saw the opening and instantly latched onto a D’Arce choke to seal the deal and force the tap in just 54 seconds. Reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil ended his rivalry with former titleholder Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines, winning by second round submission. After a brief exchange on the feet, Fernandes immediately shot in for a successful takedown, landing in side control. The Brazilian controlled Belingon with his top game for the majority of the first round. The second round saw Belingon come out firing, but Fernandes was relentless in his pursuit of the takedown. As Belingon left Fernandes an opening, the champion swiftly capitalized to take his back. Moments later, Fernandes sunk in a deep rear naked choke to force the tap. Reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon of Thailand outlasted game opponent Walter Goncalves of Brazil in a gruelling five-round contest. The first round saw both competitors moving forward with their most powerful combinations, neither man taking a step back. Action continued the same way in the second and third rounds, with the champion Rodtang pushing the pace as Goncalves countered off his back foot. The penultimate round was close, with Rodtang swinging wild haymakers from the center of the ONE Circle. Goncalves, however, showcased impressive head movement and evasion, slipping most of the champion’s power shots. In the final round, Rodtang continued to stalk Goncalves across the canvas, but the Brazilian was unwilling to engage. In the end, Rodtang walked away with a split decision victory to retain his title. Italian-Armenian kickboxing legend Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan punched and kicked his way to the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship and a cool USD 1 million grand prize after edging out France’s Samy “AK47” Sana by unanimous decision. Petrosyan navigated Sana’s height and reach advantage to connect on crisp punch combinations throughout the three-round affair. In the end, Petrosyan put through a dominant performance to earn the nod on the judges’ scorecards and the biggest win in his ONE career.  Indian heavyweight Arjan “Singh” Bhullar opened his ONE Championship career on a high note with a hard-fought unanimous decision win over former ONE World Title Challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli of Italy. A wrestler by discipline, Bhullar showed off a different facet of his game, picking apart Cerilli with pinpoint strikes while avoiding damage with impeccable head movement. Bhullar was one step ahead for all three rounds as he announced his arrival to the ONE heavyweight division with a convincing debut win.  Japan’s Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi strengthened her case as a top contender in the women’s atomweight division with a unanimous decision win over Chinese Taipei’s Jenny “Lady GoGo” Huang. Yamaguchi put her high-level grappling on full display as she was able to take Huang down with ease. Huang held her own thanks to her striking. But in the end, it wasn’t enough as Yamaguchi earned the decision victory to push her winning streak to three straight. Former ONE Strawweight World Champion and Shooto Strawweight World Champion Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta evened things up between Shooto and Pancrase in impressive fashion, knocking out Pancrase Strawweight World Champion Daichi Kitakata in the second round. Saruta was dominant from the opening bell, controlling Kitakata in the grappling department. In the second round, Saruta made his way into Kitakata’s guard and from there landed a massive knockout punch to get the highlight-reel finish.  Shooto Bantamweight World Champion Shoko Sato pulled one back for Team Shooto after defeating Pancrase Bantamweight World Champion Rafael “Morcego” Silva via technical knockout in the second round. Silva was relentless in his attempt to bring the action to the ground, but Sato was able to defend well. In the second round, Sato popped out of a takedown attempt and landed barrage of knees and punches to finish Silva off and score the first stoppage win of the night. In an intense showdown between welterweight competitors, Pancrase World Champion Hiroyuki “Last Samurai” Tetsuka and Shooto World Champion Hernani Perpetuo figured in a three-round war to the delight of the Ryogoku Kokugikan crowd. Although Perpetuo tried his best to match Tetsuka with every strike, the Japanese warrior proved much too powerful. After three rounds of solid action, it was Tetsuka who came out on top. Kicking off the action at ONE: CENTURY ?? PART II was Pancrase Lightweight World Champion Takasuke “Hawk” Kume who overcame a spirited effort from Shooto Lightweight World Champion Koshi “Luxor” Matsumoto to win by unanimous decision. It was a closely-contested bout through three rounds, with both men doing tremendous work in stand-up and grappling exchanges. In the end however, Kume did just enough to impress the judges and come away with the nod across the board. Official results for ONE: CENTURY ?? PART II ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship: Aung La N Sang defeats Brandon Vera by TKO (Strikes) at 3:23 minutes of round 2 Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight: Shinya Aoki defeats Honorio Banario by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 0:54 minutes of round 1 ONE Bantamweight World Championship: Bibiano Fernandes defeats Kevin Belingon by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:16 minutes of round 2 ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon defeats Walter Goncalves by Split Decision (SD) after 5 rounds ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship Final: Giorgio Petrosyan defeats Samy Sana by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight: Arjan Bhullar defeats Mauro Cerilli by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Women’s Atomweight: Mei Yamaguchi defeats Jenny Huang by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight: Yosuke Saruta defeats Daichi Kitakata by Knockout (KO) at 0:59 minutes of round 2 Mixed Martial Arts Bantamweight: Shoko Sato defeats Rafael Silva by TKO (Strikes) at 4:30 minutes of round 2 Mixed Martial Arts Welterweight: Hiroyuki Tetsuka defeats Hernani Perpetuo by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight: Takasuke Kume defeats Koshi Matsumoto by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 roundsFor 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.

13 October 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), kicked off a historic evening at the Ryogoku Kokugikan with ONE: CENTURY ?? PART I, broadcast live in the United States on TNT and B/R Live and in over 140 countries around the world. The greatest martial arts athletes in the world took to the ONE Circle to showcase their amazing skills. In the main event, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee retained her World Title, submitting challenger and ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion Xiong Jing Nan with a rear naked choke. Visit the official ONE: CENTURY ?? PART I photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos In the main event of ONE: CENTURY ?? PART I, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore put together an awe-inspiring performance, defeating China’s “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan by submission to retain her title. The first round saw solid action transpire with both women having their moments. Xiong punished Lee with crisp boxing combinations but Lee took it well. Lee, on the other hand, landed a couple of solid right hands and looked constantly for the clinch. In the second frame, Lee continued to pursue the takedown, in an attempt to bring the action to the ground. She began to dominate with her high-level grappling in the third, as Xiong started to wilt under pressure. In the fourth round, Xiong battled back brilliantly behind her jab-straight combination. But Lee would not back down, firing combinations of her own. In the final round, Lee executed an explosive belly-to-back suplex to bring Xiong to the canvas. Moments later, Lee took the back and sunk in a rear naked choke to force the tap. In the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson of the United States overcame a strong effort from the Philippines’ Danny “The King” Kingad to win by unanimous decision. In the first round, Johnson was relentless with his takedowns, showcasing his chain wrestling skills to constantly bring Kingad to the mat. Kingad tried his best to defend against Johnson’s advances, but Johnson slowly started to dominate. In the second, Johnson continued with his amazing work from top, attacking with various submissions from different control positions. In the third round, Johnson effortlessly outmuscled Kingad to cruise to the final bell. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Johnson, as the American captures the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship. In a women’s Muay Thai contest, American Janet “JT” Todd authored a stunning finish of Ekaterina Vandaryeva of Belarus, delivering a thunderous head kick knockout in the second round. The first round saw Todd tagging Vandaryeva with lightning quick kicks behind her beautiful boxing. Vandaryeva tried to use her length to stay on the outside, but Todd was too fast and accurate. In the second round, Todd caught Vandaryeva with a high kick as the Belarussian athlete was backpedalling. Vandaryeva hit the canvas and the referee called a halt to the contest immediately. In the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship Final, reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee of Singapore delivered a virtuoso performance, dominating Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev of Turkey over three tough rounds. It was a close and competitive first round, with Arslanaliev attacking with powerful punch combinations. Lee, on the other hand, found success in taking his opponent down and scoring with ground-and-pound. In the second round, Lee capitalized on an exhausted Arslanaliev, piling on unrelenting punishment from top position. In the third round, Lee continued his dominance, pouncing on Arslanaliev, who could do little more than defend from the onslaught. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Lee, who took home the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship as the tournament winner. In a battle of two powerful strikers, Japan’s Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu was dominant in dismantling South Korea’s Dae Hwan “Ottogi” Kim over the course of three gruelling rounds. Wakamatsu constantly fired a stinging left jab, followed by punishing combinations at the center of the ONE Circle. Kim was game all throughout, but struggled to find his range. In the end, Wakamatsu proved too long and accurate for Kim, as he took home a unanimous decision victory. Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand scored a scintillating knockout victory over France’s Daren Rolland. A competitive back-and-forth first round saw both men have their moments with Sam-A sending Rolland to the canvas with a punch and the latter returning the favor. Sam-A, however, turned up the intensity in the second. After slipping Rolland’s jab, the Thai legend uncorked a short left hook on the inside that landed square on Rolland’s jaw. Rolland was out for the 10-count and Sam-A was awarded the finish. Japanese veteran Yushin “Thunder” Okami entered the win column for the first time in his ONE career after grinding out a split decision victory over Malaysian former ONE World Title Challenger Agilan “The Alligator” Thani. Okami was in control for the first two rounds of the match, using his superior grappling skills to ground Thani and threaten with submissions. Thani was more competitive in the final round, but it was too late as Okami earned the close points victory in his home country of Japan. Japanese women’s atomweight contender Itsuki “The Strong Heart Fighter” Hirata gave her fans in Tokyo a reason to cheer after defeating Thailand’s Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige via submission in the second round. Hirata was one step ahead of Ishige all match long as she outstruck and outgrappled the Thai athlete. In the second frame, Hirata continued to dominate as she opened with punches before taking Ishige down and locking in a deep armbar to earn the finish. ONE Warrior Series contract winner Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang of the Philippines put together an impressive showing in his ONE Championship main roster debut, scoring a first round technical knockout victory over former Pancrase champion Senzo Ikeda of Japan. Known for his striking, Adiwang showed off a different facet of his game as he scored an early takedown and immediately executed a scarf-hold armlock. The bout was stopped just moments later after Ikeda suffered an injury to his arm, giving the stoppage win to Adiwang.      Featherweight contender “The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min of South Korea displayed grappling dominance with a first-round submission win over Myanmar’s Phoe “Bushido” Thaw. Yoon brought the action to the ground early and from there was simply masterful as he locked Phoe Thaw up in a deep rear naked choke to score the quick submission win. South Korea’s “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il kicked things off at ONE: CENTURY ?? in exciting fashion with a first round technical knockout over Indonesia’s “The Terminator” Sunoto. After a brief pause in action due to an accidental low blow, Kwon went on the offensive, putting Sunoto down with a punch and finishing him off with ground-and-pound for the stoppage victory.  Official results for ONE: CENTURY ?? PART I ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship: Angela Lee defeats Xiong Jing Nan by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:48 minutes of round 5 ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final: Demetrious Johnson defeats Danny Kingad by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Muay Thai Women’s Atomweight: Janet Todd defeats Ekaterina Vandaryeva by Knockout (KO) at 2:29 minutes of round 2 ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship Final: Christian Lee defeats Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight: Yuya Wakamatsu defeats Dae Hwan Kim by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds Muay Thai Strawweight: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao defeats Daren Rolland by Knockout (KO) at 1:20 minutes of round 2 Mixed Martial Arts Welterweight: Yushin Okami defeats Agilan Thani by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds Mixed Martial Arts Women’s Atomweight: Itsuki Hirata defeats Rika Ishige by Submission (Armbar) at 4:41 minutes of round 2 Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight: Lito Adiwang defeats Senzo Ikeda by TKO (Injury) at 1:57 minutes of round 1 Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight: Yoon Chang Min defeats Phoe Thaw by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:17 minutes of round 1 Mixed Martial Arts Catch Weight (68.0 KG): Kwon Won Il defeats Sunoto by TKO (Strikes) at 1:43 minutes of round 1For 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.

Los Angeles, CA (October 12, 2019) The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered an immediate rematch of the September 28th Junior Welterweight World Title fight between Batyr Akhmedov and Mario Barrios. The two sides now have thirty days for a free negotiating period before a purse bid is called.

The first fight, thoroughly dominated throughout by the 28-year-old Akhmedov, was controversially scored for Barrios by scores of 114-112, 116-111 and 115-111 which caused a massive uproar amongst the huge crowd at Staples Center and the ringside media all of whom scored the fight for the Uzbek. Fans also immediately took to social media in droves to voice their displeasure.

At the request of World of Boxing Promotions, the WBA conducted a review of the fight by independent judges and concluded an immediate rematch was in order. The first fight took place as part of the Fox Sports Pay-Per-View event headed by the 147lb. world title bout between Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter.

“I’m very happy to have the support of my team and to have the WBA order the immediate rematch,” said the 2016 Olympian who represented Turkey. “I knew during the fight I was winning by a wide margin and was stunned when the fight was over at the announced scores. The rematch provides me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion.” Akhemdov is trained by Joel Diaz in Indio, CA.

“We have always defended and will defend the positions of our boxers and welcome this decision by the WBA,” said Andrei Ryabinsky, who heads World of Boxing. “I want to emphasize that we have no complaints about Mario Barrios. He is a real fighter. I’m sure that the guys will please the audience with another great fight and let the strongest win.”

“It was very important for us to ensure that Batyr was given the opportunity to prove that he deserves the world championship title,” said Vadim Kornilov. “We look forward to this fight and we hope that justice will prevail this time.”

12 October 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just released the official ONE: CENTURY ?? Final Weight and Hydration Results. All athletes set to compete in both Part I and Part II of ONE: CENTURY ?? have successfully made weight and passed hydration tests.Complete ONE: CENTURY ?? PART I Final Weight and Hydration Results MAIN CARD ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG):  Angela Lee (52.15 kg, 1.0070) vs. Xiong Jing Nan (52.20 kg, 1.0018) ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG): Demetrious Johnson (61.00 kg, 1.0168) vs. Danny Kingad – (61.20 kg, 1.0053) Muay Thai Women’s Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG):  Janet Todd (51.75 kg, 1.0057) vs. Ekaterina Vandaryeva (52.20 kg, 1.0091)  ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship Final (70.4 KG – 77.1 KG):  Christian Lee (76.70 kg, 1.0018) vs. Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev (76.60 kg, 1.0132) PRELIMINARY CARD Mixed Martial Arts Flyweight (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG):  Yuya Wakamatsu (61.20 kg, 1.0070) vs. Dae Hwan Kim (61.10 kg, 1.0120) Muay Thai Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG): Sam-A Gaiyanghadao (56.55 kg, 1.0207) vs. Daren Rolland (55.80 kg, 1.0078) Mixed Martial Arts Welterweight (77.2 KG – 83.9 KG):  Yushin Okami (83.80 kg, 1.0014) vs. Agilan Thani (83.35 kg, 1.0005) Mixed Martial Arts Women’s Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG):  Itsuki Hirata (52.20 kg, 1.0074) vs. Rika Ishige (52.20 kg, 1.0132) Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG):  Senzo Ikeda (56.40 kg, 1.0066) vs. Lito Adiwang (56.60 kg, 1.0222) Mixed Martial Arts Featherweight (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG): Phoe Thaw (68.80 kg, 1.0195) vs. Yoon Chang Min (70.30 kg, 1.0222) Mixed Martial Arts Catchweight (68.0 kg): Sunoto (67.15 kg, 1.0005) vs. Kwon Won Il (67.60 kg, 1.0031)Complete ONE: CENTURY ?? PART 2 Final Weight and Hydration Results MAIN CARD ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship (93.1 KG – 102.1 KG):  Aung La N Sang (99.45 kg, 1.0018) vs. Brandon Vera (101.80 kg, 1.0210) Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight (70.4 KG – 77.1 KG): Shinya Aoki (76.30 kg, 1.0023) vs. Honorio Banario (76.90 kg, 1.0040) ONE Bantamweight World Championship (61.3 KG – 65.8 KG):  Bibiano Fernandes (65.75 kg, 1.0095) vs. Kevin Belingon (65.40 kg, 1.0070)  ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship (56.8 KG – 61.2 KG):  Rodtang Jitmuangnon (60.95 kg, 1.0191) vs. Walter Goncalves (59.80 kg, 1.0229) ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix Championship Final (65.9 KG – 70.3 KG):  Giorgio Petrosyan (69.85 kg, 1.0074) vs. Samy Sana (69.70 kg, 1.0066) Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight (102.2 KG – 120.2 KG):  Mauro Cerilli (115.10 kg, 1.0018) vs. Arjan Bhullar (111.70 kg, 1.0018) PRELIMINARY CARD Mixed Martial Arts Women’s Atomweight (47.7 KG – 52.2 KG):  Mei Yamaguchi (52.10 kg, 1.0023) vs. Jenny Huang (51.45 kg, 1.0083) Mixed Martial Arts Strawweight (52.3 KG – 56.7 KG): Yosuke Saruta (56.55 kg, 1.0140) vs. Daichi Kitakata (56.65 kg, 1.0183) Mixed Martial Arts Bantamweight (61.3 KG – 65.8 KG):  Shoko Sato (65.30 kg, 1.0095) vs. Rafael Silva (65.30 kg, 1.0207) Mixed Martial Arts Welterweight (77.2 KG – 83.9 KG):  Hernani Perpetuo (83.40 kg, 1.0168) vs. Hiroyuki Tetsuka (83.05 kg, 1.0124) Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight (70.4 KG – 77.1 KG):  Koshi Matsumoto (76.65 kg, 1.0023) vs. Takasuke Kume (77.05 kg, 1.0132)*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.

Doors open at 4pm (local)

First bell 4.15pm
10 x 3 mins USBA Super-Welterweight contest
Charles Conwell 153.8lbs               vs            Patrick Day 153.7lbs
Cleveland, Ohio                                                Freeport, New York

FOLLOWED BY

4 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
Reshat Mati 151lbs          vs            Norfleet Stitts 150.5lbs
Staten Island, New York                 Fort Wayne, Indiana

FOLLOWED BY

4 x 2 mins Super-Welterweight contest
Summer Lynn 147lbs       vs            Jenna Thompson 147lbs
Chicago, Illinois                                 Toledo, Ohio

From 6pm

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
TJ Doheny 124lbs              vs            Jesus Martinez 124lbs
Bondi Junction, Australia               Monteria, Columbia

FOLLOWED BY

10 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
Anthony Sims, Jr. 168.5lbs            vs            Morgan Fitch 167.5lbs
Plainfield, Indiana                                            Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

FOLLOWED BY

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Arthur Biyarslanov 137lbs             vs            Tyrome Jones
Toronto, Canada                                               South Bend, Indiana

From 8pm

10 x 2 mins WBA and WBC World Super-Lightweight titles
Jessica McCaskill 138.7lbs             vs            Erica Farias 138.1lbs
Chicago, Illinois                                                 Buenos Aires, Argentina

FOLLOWED BY

12 x 3 mins WBA Super World Light-Heavyweight title
Dmitry Bivol 174.3lbs      vs            Lenin Castillo 175lbs
St. Petersburg, Russia                    Santo Domingo, D.R.

FOLLOWED BY

12 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
Oleksandr Usyk 215lbs   vs            Chazz Witherspoon 242lbs
Kiev, Ukraine                                     Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                          

FOLLOWED BY

10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
Giovanni Mioletti 131lbs                vs            Josh Hernandez 130lbs
Chicago, Illinois                                                 Chicago, Illinois

FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
Otha Jones III 129lbs       vs            Eric Manriquez 130lbs
Toledo, Ohio                                      Houston, Texas

NEW YORK (October 7, 2019)–Split-T Management undefeated prospects Charles Conwell and Otha Jones III will be back in action on Saturday night as they will appear on the Oleksandr Usyk – Chazz Witherspoon card at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

2016 United States Olympian Conwell will take on a tough test in Patrick Day in a junior middleweight bout scheduled for ten-rounds. Jones takes on veteran Eric Manriquez in super featherweight bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Conwell of Cleveland, Ohio has a perfect mark of 10-0 with seven knockouts.

The 21 year-old will be making his 2nd start of 2019 as he is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Courtney Pennington on June 8th at Madison Square Garden. Conwell also has wins over Roque Zepata (4-1-3) and Travis Scott (19-3).

Day is a quality fighter who brings in an impressive mark of 17-3-1 with six knockouts.

The Long Island native is a product of the tough New York scene, and has wins over Donald Ward (5-1), Pennington (8-2-2), Virgilijus Stapulionis (27-3-1), Eric Walker (15-0), Kyrone Davis (13-1) and Ismail Iliev (11-0-1).

“Camp went well. I sparred with top guys, and I feel strong. I am ready and in shape,” said Conwell. “Patrick Day is an OK fighter. I know I can beat him.”

Day, who as mentioned above has fought and beat top opposition, should be a good test for Conwell and give a good indiction where the former Olympian is at in his young career.

“I feel this is a step up fight. I can compare to his other opponents. I am looking to better what they did against him. This fight will show who I am, and this is the 1st step to make a statement. Tune in on October 12th, I am going to put on a great show and get the win.”

Conwell checked in at 153.8 lbs. Day was 153.7.

Conwell is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Jones of Toledo, Ohio has a record of 3-0 with one knockout.

Jones, 19 years-old was a 21-time National Amateur champion has dazzled fans in the United States and The United Kingdom. He began his pro career with a six-round unanimous decision over Giorgi Gelashvili. Jones is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Matias Agustin Arriagada on June 29th in Providence, Rhode Island.

Manriquez has a record of 7-8-1 with three knockouts. Jones will be the 8th undefeated opponent that the Houston native has faced. Manriquez has a win over previously undefeated Oscar Moreno (7-0).

“Training camp was great, I am ready to put on a great performance and get a knockout on Saturday night,” said Jones. “This will be my 4th fight in seven months, and I am continuously learning all the small things that come with the pro game. I know Manriquez likes to come forward, and from what I have seen, he is tough. Expect a great performance from me and I just want all my fans to follow me at @OthaJones3rd”

Jones was 129 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in. Manriquez was 130 lbs.

Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Photos via Conwell and Jones Facebook Pages.

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

Queensberry Promotions are proud to present the return of the ‘Leeds Warrior’ Josh Warrington as he defends his IBF World Featherweight Championship against Sofiane Takoucht. The show will be held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, and will air live on BT Sports.

Both of the main event competitors weighed in successfully, with Josh Warrington registering a weight of 8st 13lb 7oz on the scales and Sofiane Takoucht slightly lighter at 8st 12lb 8oz

Elsewhere on the card, Zelfa Barrett (9st 3lb 5oz) defends his Commonwealth Super Featherweight Championship against the always exciting Jordan McCorry (9st 4lb) and Lyndon Arthur will contest the vacant Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Championship against the Ghanian Emmanuel Anim (12st 4lb 8oz).

Reece Mould (9st 7lb 10oz) will meet Bayardo Ramos (9st 5lb) over 6 rounds, George Davey (11st 12lb) will make his pro debut against Zygimantas Butkevicius (11st 2lb) and the much heralded Shabazz Masoud (8st 10lb 14oz) will compete against Yesner Talavera (9st 4lb 12oz)

Running Order Below:

Fight # 1 – 16:00 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest

EVALDAS PETRAUSKAS                
V        
JOHNSON TELLEZ

Fight # 2

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

SHAKIEL THOMPSON                
V        
LOUIS VAN POETSCH

Fight # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest

CALLUM SIMPSON                    
V        
KIRI PSONKO

Fight # 4

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

MARK HEFFRON                    
V        
RUI MANUEL PAVANITO

Fight # 5

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Featherweight Contest

JACK DANIELS                    
V        
JAMIE SPEIGHT

Fight # 6

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

JOHN JOYCE                    
V        
JORDAN GRANNUM

Fight # 7 

TROY WILLIAMSON                
V        
TBA 

Fight # 8
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

SHABAZZ MASOUD                
V        
YESNER TALAVERA

Fight # 9 

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

REECE MOULD                    
V        
BAYARDO RAMOS

Fight # 10 

THE VACANT COMMONWEALTH LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 175 lbs

LYNDON ARTHUR                
V        
EMMANUEL ANIM

Fight # 11

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest

GEORGE DAVEY                    
V        
ZYGIMANTAS BUTKEVICIUS

Fight # 12 

THE COMMONWEALTH SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

ZELFA BARRETT                    
V        
JORDAN McCORRY

Fight # 13 

THE IBF WORLD FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

JOSH WARRINGTON                
V        
SOFIANE TAKOUCHT

Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA are delighted to announce a multi-fight promotional deal with Julio Cesar Martinez and Canelo Promotions.

Martinez (14-1 11 KOs) is set to fight for the vacant WBC Flyweight title against Cristofer Rosales later in the year following his controversial clash with former champion Charlie Edwards.

The Mexican travelled to London in August to face the WBC king, and Martinez floored Edwards with a ferocious barrage in the third round – but a body punch when Edwards had taken a knee led to the fight being changed from a third round KO for the challenger to a no-contest and a rematch ordered.

Edwards has since vacated the belt having cited issues making the weight and will look to fight for World honors at Super-Flyweight, meaning that Martinez’s first fight with Hearn will be against the former WBC champion Rosales.

“I’m so happy to sign with Matchroom Boxing USA and I can’t wait to challenge for the World title later this year,” said Martinez. “I know with Eddie Hearn and Eddy Reynoso I have the perfect team to take me all the way to the top and become a huge star in the sport.”

“It is a pleasure to start this alliance with the best promoter in boxing,” said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions. “We will work very hard and with great enthusiasm to launch Mexican talents to the big boxing leagues!”

“This is a great signing for Matchroom Boxing USA and I’m delighted to team up with Eddy Reynoso and Canelo Promotions to work with Julio Cesar Martinez,” said Hearn. “Julio is a dangerous young fighter who will be in many exciting fights over the years. I believe with his style he has the chance to become a huge star in Mexico and we look forward to the journey together – first things first, the WBC World title in December.”