It’s official, former WBC & WBO World Champion Nigel Benn will return to the ring one last time for CLOSURE.

The event will be held on the 23^rd November 2019 at Resorts World Arena, located in the National Exhibition Centre, Perimeter Rd, Birmingham, England.

The event will be broadcast globally upon the Epicentre.TV broadcast platform on Nigel’s own channel: WWW.Epicentre.TV/Nigel-Benn

So why is he returning to the ring?

“This one is for me and has been many years in the making. My return to the ring is an itch I need to scratch. I feel fitter, stronger and more focused than at any time in my career. Age is nothing but a number, I still have good movement, quick hands and a good whack. I have been training for five years ahead of this event, the last two years intensively and as an elite athlete ahead of the fight. It is eight weeks until I return to the ring, and I am only a couple of Kilograms off weight. I feel strong and looking forward to stepping in the ring for the last time in November. Looking back at my career I feel I cheated myself. Even though I accomplished so much, I was walking on the dark side; cheating, taking recreational drugs at parties and smoking weed. Starting at eight years old, I smoked cigarettes throughout my entire career! Towards the end of my career my life was out of control. When I hit my lowest point, I attempted to take my own life. By reconnecting with my faith, I have made the changes needed and now live a blessed life in Australia with my beautiful wife Carolyne and three of my eight wonderful kids. I want my return to the ring to demonstrate to anyone who is struggling that no matter how low you feel and no matter how bad things get there is always hope, there are people that can help you and you can always make the change to be a better version of yourself.” Nigel Benn

Nigel will face former WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Sakio Bika who is 15 years Nigel’s Junior. Sakio Bika is one of the toughest boxers of the last two decades. In his 20 year career, Sakio has never been stopped and has taken undefeated boxing superstars Joe Calzaghe and Andre Ward the distance giving them the hardest night of their lives.

So why Sakio Bika?

“I respect Sakio immensely, he is a true warrior and did not want to take an easy option. He has shared the ring with some of the great world champions of recent years. He will come to fight and will not take a backward step. It will be a war” Nigel Benn

Ticket and Broadcast Information can be found at the following event destination page – WWW.Epicentre.TV/Nigel-Benn

Queensberry Promotions are proud to present Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois vs Ebenezer Tetteh, for the vacant Commonwealth Heavyweight Title, live from the historic Royal Albert Hall. The show will air live on BT Sport.

Daniel Dubois is the most exciting heavyweight prospect in world boxing and is a further example of how Queensberry Promotions is the premier destination for exciting, homegrown British talent.

RUNNING ORDER – ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Fight # 1 – 18:30 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest

MOHAMMAD BILAL ALI 9st 10lb 4oz 
V  
ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS 9st 7lb 2oz

Fight # 2

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest

JONATHAN PALATA 16st 4lb 4oz
 V        
CHRIS HEALY 19st 5lb 2oz

Fight # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

EITHAN JAMES
V        
FONZ ALEXANDER

Fight # 4

8 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

DENZEL BENTLEY 11st 7lb 6oz
V        
KELCIE BALL 11st 7lb 12oz

Fight # 5 

8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Middleweight Contest

WILLY HUTCHINSON 12st 9lb 13oz                
V        
BORISLAV ZANKOV 12st 7lb 10oz

Fight # 6

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Bantamweight Contest

DENNIS McCANN 8st 8lb 4oz                  
V        
GEORGI GEORGIEV 8st 6lb 4oz

Fight # 7

THE WBO WORLD FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 2 Minute Rounds

NICOLA ADAMS OBE 7st 13lb 14oz                
V        
MARIA SALINAS 7st 12lbs 4oz

Fight # 8

THE WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 130 lbs

ARCHIE SHARP 9st 3lb 5oz                    
V        
DECLAN GERAGHTY 9st 3lb 5oz

Fight # 9

THE VACANT COMMONWEALTH AND WBO INTERNATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

DANIEL DUBOIS 17st 2lb 6oz                  
V                    
EBENEZER TETTEH 15st 7lb 4oz

——-

Fight # 10 – Floater # 1

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

SAM NOAKES 9st 11lb 14oz                    
V        
CHRIS ADAWAY 9st 11lb 6oz

Fight # 11 – Floater # 2

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

LEWIS EDMONDSON                    
V        
Gianni Antoh

—————————————–

Hot on the heels of a successful show at the York Hall on the 14th September, Queensberry Promotions further burnish their credentials as the premier destination for exciting, homegrown British talent on September 27th as Daniel Dubois takes aim at another accolade.

‘Dynamite’ headlines the Royal Albert Hall when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Dmitry Bivol will defend his WBA World Light-Heavyweight title against Lenin Castillo at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Saturday October 12, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM $40 HERE Bivol (16-0 11 KOs) defends the strap for the sixth time in the Windy City, returning to the ring following a successful defense of the belt in upstate New York in March where the Russian saw off the spirited challenge of Joe Smith Jr.

The 28 year old Bivol harbors ambitions to unify the division but will need to be at his best to stave off Dominican challenger Castillo (20-1 15 KOs) who has stopped 15 of his 20 victims, the last of which was in March when he defended his WBO Latino title on hometurf in Santo Domingo and stopped Reinaldo Gonzalez in the fifth.

“I am happy that the fight is done and the opponent is confirmed for October 12,” said Bivol. “Castillo is a good opponent, he fought Marcus Brown before, it was a good fight. I can’t wait and hope that we can make a very exciting performance for the fans!”

“First of all I want to thank Matchroom Boxing USA, Eddie Hearn, Spartan Boxing, Raul Pastrana and the WBA for this opportunity,” said Castillo.

“It’s a dream come true! I consider Dmitriy Bivol in the top 20 on the Pound for Pound list but I know that a have the tools to upset him. I been training very hard. On October 12 you will see the best version of Lenin Castillo. I will take the title to the Dominican Republic!”

“Dmitry will defend his title again on October 12 in Chicago!” said World of Boxing’s Andrei Ryabinskiy. “This year we were not able to organize a unification fight for Dmitry, but we’re looking forward to bigger things next year!”

“We are looking forward to another great performance by Dmitry on October 12th,” said Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov. “Castillo is a tough opponent and it’s another opportunity for Dmitry to build his reputation as one of the most avoided boxers in the division!”

Bivol’s clash with Castillo is part of a huge night of action in Chicago topped by the Heavyweight debut of pound for pound star Oleksandr Usyk against unbeaten contender Tyrone Spong and there’s more World title action on the card as Chicago’s Jessica McCaskill defends her WBA and WBC World Super-Lightweight titles against old foe Erica Farias.

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight talent Anthony Sims Jr returns to action against Morgan Fitch, Charles Conwell defends his USBA Super-Welterweight title against Patrick Day, an all-Chicago Super-Featherweight clash between Josh Hernandez and Giovanni Mioletti and a fourth pro outing for rising starlet Otha Jones III.

Tickets are on sale now for Usyk vs. Spong starting at just $40 plus booking fees at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070057139FF02C5D.

New York, NY (September 26, 2019) On December 14, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing, will once again play host to one of the most highly anticipated fights in boxing as IBF Lightweight World Champion Richard Commey (29-2, 26 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, makes the second defense of his title against #1-ranked mandatory challenger Teofimo Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs), also of Brooklyn, NY. The 12-round clash will be broadcast live on ESPN.

A native of the boxing rich country of Ghana, the hard-punching Commey is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, trained by Andre Rozier and managed by Keith Connolly and Mickey Amoo-Bediako, of Streetwise Management. On February 2, he fulfilled a lifelong dream and won the world lightweight title in a brilliant second-round knockout of Isa Chaniev in Dallas, TX. Making his first defense on June 28, he dominated and stopped former world champion Ray Beltran in the eighth round in Temecula, California. Both fights were also telecast live on ESPN.

Said Commey, “I’m really excited to be defending my belt at the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. To be one of the featured bouts at such a prestigious venue is what dreams are made of. I have worked hard to be in this position and will be working harder to stay here. I want to thank my promoter Lou DiBella, my managers Michael Amoo-Bediako and Keith Connolly and my trainer Andre Rozier for making this happen for me.”

“Since winning his world title and defending it in dominant fashion, Richard has shown that he is ready for anyone in the lightweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Commey is the champion and Lopez is a far less experienced challenger. Richard is the A-side unless and until Teofimo is able to prove otherwise on December 14 at Madison Square Garden.”

“Richard Commey can’t wait until December 14 to show the entire boxing world that he’s one of the most underrated champions in the sport,” said co-manager Keith Connolly. “If he beats a guy like Teofimo Lopez, who is one of the most hyped young prospects in the sport and deservedly so, Richard will prove to be a bonafide A-level world champion.”

“It’s been a long journey, but Richard is now getting the rewards that his hard work and sacrifice deserve,” said co-manager Mickey Amoo-Bediako. “Team Commey is looking forward to seeing Richard write another chapter in his remarkable story, which will lead him to his ultimate destiny and that’s to be the undisputed lightweight champion of the world.”

Stated trainer Rozier, “Being in training camp with Richard is like a trip to Disneyland. Fun, exciting and enjoyable, he’ll be more than ready on December 14.”

Fighting on July 19, in his last bout, the 22-year-old Lopez struggled to a 12-round unanimous decision against Masayoshi Nakatini setting up the world title showdown with Commey.

Philadelphia, PA (September 26, 2019)–Brandon Robinson returns to main event status as he takes on tough Martez McGregor in the eight-round main event on Friday night, October 25th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show kicks off a monster weekend for King’s Promotions.

Robinson of Philadelphia has a record of 13-2 with nine knockouts.

The 31 year-old Robinson is a three-year professional who has wins over Brandon Clark (2-0), Ernest Amuzu (25-3) and is coming off a win over Devaun Lee on May 10th at The 2300 Arena.

McGregor of Maywood, Illinois has a record of 8-2 with six knockouts.

Highlighted in McGregor’s resume was a win over previously undefeated Luis Jimenez (3-0). McGregor is coming off a tough battle with undefeated Cem Kilic on June 15th, for which McGregor was stopped by the undefeated prospect in the eighth and final round.

In six-round bouts:

Damon Allen Jr. (15-5-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

Nain Nelson (13-4, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Roy McGill (6-3, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a junior welterweight contest.

Avril Mathie (3-0, 2 KOs) of Miami takes on 24 fight veteran Karen Dulin of North Kingstown, Rhode Island in a bantamweight fight.

In four-round fights:

James Martin (4-1) of Philadelphia takes on Juan Rodriguez (8-15-1, 6 KOs) of Haymarket, VA in a welterweight tussle.

Nicoy Clarke (2-4) of Jersey City, NJ fights Angel Rivera (4-1, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a cruiserweight bout.

Ryan Umberger (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight fight.

Rasheen Brown (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Argentinean light heavyweight prospect Marcos Escudero to a promotional contract.

26-year-old Escudero (10-0, 9 KOs) is a deadly accurate power puncher from Cordoba, Argentina. As an amateur, he competed nationally and internationally. In 2014, Escudero would become the national champion in Argentina and in 2015, represented Argentina in the Pan Am Games. He finished the unpaid ranks with a respectable 60-5 record.

In just his second year as a professional, the undefeated Escudero has already won the WBC Latin Silver Light Heavyweight Championship with a TKO 7 over countryman Elio Heraldo Trosch last April.

He is currently living and training in Miami, Florida, and has connected with manager Gardner Payne of Payne Boxing, LLC., who arranged the agreement with Sampson Boxing.

“Since I became a fighter in Argentina, it has been my dream to win a world championship for myself, my family and my country,” said Escudero. “This will be my opportunity to show the world who I am. I will put Argentina back on top of boxing, as Sergio Martinez, Carlos Monzon and Marcos Maidana did. Today, I took one giant step closer to making that dream a reality.”

Manager Payne says he’s thrilled to have joined forces with long-time promoter and world-famous talent discoverer Lewkowicz.

“It is an honor to have one of the Payne Boxing fighters join forces with Sampson Promotions,” said Payne. “Sampson is one of the greatest promoters in the history of boxing and we are beyond excited to work with him and his promotion company. Sampson Boxing provides Marcos with the opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a world champion. The first time I met Marcos I knew that he was destined for greatness. No one works harder or with more determination that Marcos. He is the total package — a great fighter with the necessary power, technical skills, work ethic, determination and humility to be a world champion.”

“I am very happy to have made this connection with Marcos Escudero and his manager Gardner Payne,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “Marcos is a very, very strong fighter with one-punch power in both fists. Argentina has produced many great boxing champions and unforgettable fights and Marcos is another in that mold. He has a very TV-friendly style and never stops hunting down his opponent. He will be a force to recognize at 175 lbs. in the not-so-distant future.”
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.

WHEN PUSHED ON which former boxer supplied the greatest influence on his style, Daniel Dubois had little hesitation in naming the most successful British heavyweight of all-time.

Lennox Lewis, a three-time world heavyweight champion, twice lineal champion and the last to be able to call himself the undisputed champion of the world was the name put forward by star in the making Dubois ahead of his bid to win the Commonwealth title at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday.

Dubois takes on the unbeaten, 19-0, Ebenezer Tetteh in the latest staging post on his route to the top of the division. Success on Friday will make it seven different title wins in just 13 fights.

Lewis called it a day in June 2003 with a record of 41-2-1 following victory over Vitali Klitschko in Los Angeles, with the future champion Klitschko stopped in the sixth due to a severe cut.

He has in the recent past spent time with Dubois, advising the now 22-year-old with a few punching pointers, which perhaps reveals why the current British champion likens his approach to the 1988 Olympic gold medallist.

“If I had to pick I would say maybe Lennox Lewis for his jab and all-round athletic ability,” considered Dubois, who added that his overall style is not based on a specific individual. “My game really is based on the bits and pieces I learned at my amateur clubs and where I am now.

“I am a solid, fundamental boxer. Basic boxing, but effective.”

Certainly effective, but Dubois doesn’t view himself as travelling along in the fast lane and insists his development will continue over the next 12 months.

“Still progressing because this is still an ongoing case. I am in no rush but I see myself climbing the ranks and adding a few more titles to my resume.”

Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.

LOS ANGELES (September 25, 2019) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter had an intense faceoff at Wednesday’s final press conference before they headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, September 28 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The press conference also featured WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell and former world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez exchanging words before they clash in the co-main event of pay-per-view action that begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from the Wilshire Grand Ballroom II at the Intercontinental Hotel:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I feel like all of my fights prepared me for this moment. Porter is not like Mikey Garcia. They have different styles and different mentalities. But there are a lot of distractions fighting at home and I feel like I overcame that to lead me to this point.

“I don’t make anything of the words he’s saying. We train hard and we’re focused and prepared for anything he brings Saturday night.

He’s been talking a lot, his dad’s been talking a lot and I’m going to shut him up. They’re going to call me the “show stopper’ after Saturday night.

“I’ve prepared for everything. It’s all about adjustments. I make them fast in the ring. People thought Kell Brook’s experience would help him but it didn’t at all. I can adjust to my opponent’s style and we will show it Saturday.

“I’m ready to go. I never missed weight and I’m always professional. It’s just hard work and dedication. I’m going to be even more ripped and ready than I was against Mikey Garcia.

“This is going to be an amazing event come Saturday night. I will be the unified champion of the world. Shawn comes to fight and I embrace that. I can’t wait because I promise this is going to be one for the history books.

“I just have to do what I’ve been doing. I don’t care about the rounds as long as it doesn’t go 12.
I’m going to win and do it in dominating fashion.

“It’s important to me to get the knockout. It’s a goal of mine to stop him and I hope to get it done. If can’t get it done, then I’m just going to be comfortable with the victory. But you know I’m looking for the stoppage.”

SHAWN PORTER

“It’s the competitor in me to get at him any way I can. Until that bell rings, we’ll do whatever we need to do to let him know we’re really here to fight him.

“When you’re in there with a top level opponent, it’s supposed to be a close action packed fight. I have everything it takes to make each fight exciting when I step into the ring.

“Everyone has seen everything what I’ve done in my career. Everyone knows I can take a punch and I’ll be there from the first round to the last round. We’ll see what happens to Errol as the fight goes on.

“This is the best camp I’ve ever had. The nutrition and everything has been spot on. I’m ahead of schedule and that’s where I plan to stay. I expect to be eating Friday morning.

“I’m aggressive and I’m strong and guys can’t handle it. There are things that happen in the ring and you just have to move with it. I’m always ready to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

“I expected it to get heated today. I know that if I fire at Errol, he’s going to fire back. That’s how the fights going to be as well. Everyone got a good taste of what you’ll see Saturday.

“Being in the underdog position is literally where I come from. Northeast Ohio is always an underdog. Everybody works where I come from. We always do the best we can.

“The resume is for everyone else to compare and contrast. For me, it’s all about who’s in front of me. I believe I have the right recipe to be the person to get the job done Saturday. I have the style to challenge him physically and mentally.

“We didn’t change too much of our program heading into this fight. For the second time we went down to Washington, D.C. for part of our camp.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“The underdog or the favorite I’m always going to ”The Dog’ no matter what. People can have their opinion on the odds, but it doesn’t play into my mentality at all for this fight.

“This is a fight that could very well steal the show on this pay-per-view. It’s an honor to be in this position. It’s a dream to be on a card like this defending my title.

“I have to see how it plays out, but age is just a number. You see Manny Pacquiao and fighters like that who went out and beat younger opponents. You have to be determined and still focused on the game.

“Experience is definitely a big key in this fight. I think that he has holes in his game and I’m going to expose it on Saturday night.

“The cut from my last fight won’t be an issue for this one. That fight was over six months ago, so if it’s going to heal, it should be healed. It doesn’t affect anything I’m doing in the ring.

“My training camp in Las Vegas was spectacular. It’s all about taking yourself out of your comfort zone and push yourself to the max to be successful at this elite level.

“I don’t think this fight is going the distance and I know I’m having my hand raised at the end. He got dropped with a jab and I hit harder than Ronald Gavril.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m very motivated for this fight. I feel like I have another opportunity to not just get a title, but take it from a champion. I’ve worked very hard for this fight. Dirrell has never been knocked out and I’m taking the challenge to be the man who does it.

“This is the perfect time for this fight. I’m getting stronger every day. Dirrell feels like he has a lot to prove to the fans. So it’s going to be a war as long as it lasts.

This is going to be an amazing card. It’s a stacked card from beginning to end. I want to make a statement and steal the show.

“Dirrell is a great fighter and we’re both ready for what we’re going to do. There’s a respect between us, but I’m going for the knockout. If I don’t, he’s going to get a beating.

“I’m definitely going to make this weight class my home. I have no problem at all making weight. There’s a lot of great fights to be made at super middleweight and we’re going to stay here as long as we can get those fights done.

“As of right now, all of my attention is on Anthony Dirrell. We give him the respect he deserves because he’s a champion at the end of the day. It’s going to take my best to beat him and we’re looking forward to doing it.

“Dirrell has experience, plus some speed and power. He can change from orthodox to southpaw and has a lot of tricks in his book. He’s been in there with some good fighters. But what motivates me the most is that he’s never really been hurt and I want to be the first. I know when I put my hands on somebody, I can hurt them.”

#

ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

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

(Sept. 25, 2019) —  Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and former heavyweight world title challenger Carlos Takam have joined forces with Top Rank.

Takam, 38, will make his Star Boxing/Top Rank debut on an ESPN platform in early 2020.

“Carlos Takam is an exciting, world-class heavyweight who always makes for outstanding fights,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I look forward to working with Joe DeGuardia and his team, as we believe Carlos has what it takes to reach the top of the division.”

“Big thanks to my promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing and many thanks to ESPN and Bob Arum,” Takam said. “I am grateful and excited for the opportunity in my quest to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I would like to thank my team for the great job they are doing and all my fans all over the world for their support.”

Said DeGuardia: “Carlos and I are pleased to be joining forces with Top Rank and ESPN. Carlos will have all the opportunities needed to rise to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division, and we are certainly looking forward to 2020.”

Takam (37-5-1, 28 KOs) is a 14-year pro who has been a contender for the better part of a decade, notching wins over former world title challengers Tony Thompson, Francois Botha and Michael Grant. He challenged Anthony Joshua for the unified heavyweight title on October 28, 2017, putting forth a respectable effort before being stopped in the 10th round. He has won two in a row since a knockout loss to Derek Chisora, and on September 14, he made his U.S. and Star Boxing debut, decisioning Craig Lewis over 10 rounds in Monticello, New York.

Born in Cameroon, Takam didn’t begin boxing until his early 20s. He represented his home nation at the 2004 Athens Olympics, advancing to the round of 16. Takam spent most of his early professional career fighting in his adopted home country of France, building a 29-1 record before his HBO-televised draw versus Mike Perez in January 2014. Three of five defeats have come against fighters who are currently ranked in the top 10 by both ESPN.com and Ring Magazine. The rejuvenated Takam now has sights set, once again, on the division’s elite.

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 25, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight prospect, Justin “The Stallion” Cardona (3-0, 2 KOs), who hails from Salinas, CA, will be making his Staples Center debut this Saturday, September 28, 2019, on the Errol Spence vs. Shawn Porter card. Cardona is excited about fighting on the big stage as he gives his thoughts on his upcoming four-round bout against Archie Weah (3-13, 1 KO).

“It’s always been a dream of mine to fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles” said Cardona, who is trained by Ruben Guerrero Sr., father of multiple division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. “As a kid growing up, I remember all the big fights that happened there with guys like Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya. For this to be a reality now is unbelievable. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to give the fans a very memorable performance.”

In preparation for this fight, Cardona spent camp with Robert Guerrero in Las Vegas, getting world class sparring with some of the best fighters in boxing. Cardona feels he’s more prepared going into this fight then any other in his career.

“Training in Las Vegas was a new, but exciting experience for me,” Cardona continued. “I learned a lot about how to take care of my body and what it takes to get to the championship level. This training camp was no joke. The sparring I got was incredible and the high-altitude training was grueling. The Guerrero family has been a tremendous blessing to my career, and everyone will see me at my best come fight night.”

“Justin works very hard in the gym and he’s learning what it takes to be a good pro in boxing,” said Ruben Guerrero, who’s been training Cardona since he turned pro. “This was his first camp in Las Vegas and he now knows what it takes to become a world champion. I see a bright future for this kid and he has all the tools to go to the top”

LOS ANGELES – Sept. 25, 2019: Golden Boy,the leading media and entertainment brand, has expanded its partnership with Facebook to bring boxing aficionados new content streamed live from Mexico on Facebook Watch. Both brands are looking to replicate the success of Golden Boy’s Facebook Watch broadcasts in the United States, while providing a platform for up-and-coming talent to gain popularity among aficionados worldwide.

“Mexico is an important market for Golden Boy. Not only have we seen some of the best boxers in history come from Mexico, but the fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the sport,” said Oscar de la Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “By expanding our series to new markets in Mexico, we are hoping to build a stronger community, create unique experiences for attendees and, most importantly, pave the foundation for what boxing broadcasts will look like in the future.”

The four-series event began on Sept. 21 with Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz Jr. ( 30-1, 15 KOs) of South El Monte, California defeating Venezuelan contender Jesus Cuadro (18-6, 14 KOs) for the WBA Gold Super Featherweight Title at the Auditorio del Estado in Mexicali, Mexico. The series will continue with monthly broadcasts featuring championship level contenders fighting in different areas around the country, including Chihuahua, Mexico. More details for each event will be revealed shortly.

“Golden Boy has been a key partner in helping us rethink how live sports can be experienced on Facebook Watch,” said Devi Mahadevia, Facebook Director of Emerging and Digital Sports Partnerships. “We’re excited to work together again to showcase some of the top boxers from Mexico to a global audience via the interactive and social broadcasts that Golden Boy viewers are accustomed to on Watch.”

Golden Boy’s production entity, Media and Entertainment, will continue producing the live fights and original programming. De La Hoya will continue his role as Executive Producer as he implements his vision for transforming the way boxing broadcasts are developed and consumed. For example, Golden Boy’s Facebook Watch productions last year featured elements that enabled viewers to participate in the broadcasts. These included polling, where fans could answer questions in real-time, and live Q&A, where announcers answered fan questions on air. Viewers were even able to choose the match-up for an upcoming broadcast’s co-main event.

As always, the fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page, the home for Golden Boy’s live events and shoulder programming through its Facebook partnership.

About Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch is a place to discover and enjoy video on Facebook. Home to a wide range of video – from scripted comedy and drama, to competition and reality series, to individual creators and live sports – Facebook Watch is a destination where content, community and conversation come together. This is a personalized viewing experience, where you can discover new content based on what your friends are watching, and catch up on the shows you follow. Facebook Watch is available for free on mobile apps across Apple and Android, on desktop, laptop and on TV apps listed HERE.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

FRANK WARREN has compared rising heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois with all time great Larry Holmes.

The Hall of Fame promoter admits he has burdened Dubois by describing him as, ‘The best young heavyweight in the world.’

Now he has jabbed even more praise towards the young star whose career he is masterminding.

Holmes held a world heavyweight championship from 1978 to 1985 making 20 world title defences a record only bettered by Joe Louis and Wladimir Klitschko.

Dubois has to live up to his promoter’s high praise when he challenges Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh (19-0, 16KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday (September 27), live on BT Sport.

Warren said: “Daniel is a special young man.

“As my boxing mentor, the late Ernie Fossey said, ‘If you can’t jab, you can’t fight.’

“Good fighters have great jabs and Daniel has a great jab. It is a big comparison to make at this stage of his career, but Daniel has that Larry Holmes jab. I love seeing fighters who can jab.”

If Dubois overcomes Tetteh it will be his seventh professional championship in just 13 fights.

He has already won WBC Youth, Southern Area, English, WBO European, WBO Global and British titles since turning professional in April 2017.

Last week he was voted Young Boxer of the Year by the Boxing Writer’s Club and picks up that award at a gala dinner next month.

Dubois is also ranked 15 by the IBF and seven in the WBO rankings for the belts owned by Andy Ruiz Jr.

He hammered Nathan Gorman to become British champion in his most recent fight and Warren added: “He has had a fantastic year and gone from strength to strength.”

Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.

LOS ANGELES (September 24, 2019) – Unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter made their grand arrivals Tuesday as they near their title unification showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View this Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Tuesday’s open to the public event featured live musical performances from Casey Veggies, Young Miller Tha Don, Ohana Bam, Mariachi Espuelas de Jalisco and was hosted by Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked at Xbox Plaza at L.A. Live.

Fighters competing in pay-per-view undercard action were also in attendance Tuesday including WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell and David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, who meet in the co-main event, unbeaten Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, who battles Batyr Akhmedov for the vacant WBA Super Lightweight title, and all-action veterans Josesito Lopez and John Molina Jr., who compete in a 10-round welterweight fight.

Plus, former three-time world champion Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and top 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer were also in attendance ahead of their FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes attractions.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the main and co-main event fighters had to say Tuesday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“This is going to be a tough fight because of Shawn’s style. He has a come-forward style and he likes to throw a lot of punches. He has a lot of will and he’s going to help make this a great fight.

“I’m confident in my abilities and confident that I will perform to the best of my abilities. I believe that no matter what Shawn brings to the ring, I’ll have an answer for it.

“I think this fight is coming at the perfect time. I’m going in the right direction in my career and I’m just going to keep achieving more and more from here.”

SHAWN PORTER

“Spence is a tactical fighter. I know they’ll have a good game plan but I’m confident in my abilities and in my corner.

“Errol and I are likeable and respectable guys, but we give it all in the ring. Fights like this are going to help the sport of boxing.

“I don’t just want to challenge Errol Spence Jr. I took on this fight because I want to be the guy who beats him and takes his 0. I think Kell Brook challenged him, but I’m here to have my hand raised at the end of the night.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“I don’t see this fight going the distance. I don’t work nine to five and I don’t get paid for overtime. You’re going to see on Saturday night.

“He’s still green. He’s done what he’s supposed to do. He’s knocked out fighters who he was supposed to knock out. I’m ready for anything he brings. I’ve seen it before and I’ve done it before.

“Experience is going to matter a lot on Saturday night. I think my mental game is going to outweigh his and he’s not going to know what hit him.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“We have a good game plan, but our job is to go out there and read what he’s doing and adjust. A lot of times fighters bring new wrinkles to the ring, so we have to be ready to make the right moves to counter it.

“Dirrell has talked about his experience, but I don’t think any of that is going to play a factor in the fight. I prepared myself very well and I’m ready for anything.

“I’ve been around a lot of great fighters and I’ve learned a lot. It’s not his job to know everything about me, but on Saturday night he’s going to find out who I really am.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 24, 2019) — Jared “Big Baby” Anderson, Team USA’s top-ranked heavyweight, signed a multi-year professional contract Tuesday afternoon with Top Rank.

Anderson, from the storied fight city of Toledo, Ohio, will make his professional debut October 26 on the Shakur Stevenson-Joet Gonzalez undercard in Reno, Nevada. Managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard, the 19-year-old Anderson joins fellow Toledo natives Albert Bell and Tyler McCreary on the Top Rank roster.

Anderson is trained by Darrie Riley, the Toledo-based trainer who has helped develop a host of the city’s top young fighters, including Bell, DeAndre Ware, Angelo Snow and Wesley Tucker.

“Jared Anderson is a big, strong kid who proved himself to be a heavyweight destroyer while competing for Team USA,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He can fight, he is a charismatic young man, and he has the desire to be one of the greats.”

“This means the world to me. I feel like I can start my career and build something so that I can support my family,” Anderson said. “I want to represent my city and become a role model for kids who have dreams. My dream is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I want to become an ambassador for my city and use my platform for good. Toledo means so much to me and for me to give back would mean everything.”

Said Riley: “He is a good kid who has the work ethic needed to become a champion. By the time he was 15 years old, I knew he had what it took to become a great fighter. Toledo has a long history of great fighters, and Jared is the next one to represent his city.”

Anderson emerged as one of the nation’s most highly regarded talents when he upset the field to win a 2017 USA National Championship. He repeated as national champion in 2018 and decided to turn pro rather than pursue a spot on the 2020 Olympic team. As an amateur, Anderson sparred former world champion Joseph Parker, promotional stablemate Sonny Conto and 2016 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Tony Yoka.

MIAMI BEACH (September 24, 2019) – Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields participated in a media workout in Miami on Tuesday in preparation for her upcoming showdown with Ivana Habazin next Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Michigan.

Shields will look to become the fastest fighter in history, male or female, to win world titles in three divisions when she faces Habazin for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION in her hometown of Flint.

Also participating in Tuesday’s workout was IBO Super Welterweight Champion Hannah Rankin, who competes in a non-televised undercard attraction next Saturday.

Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

In the televised co-feature on October 5, undefeated welterweight sensation Jaron Ennis will return to national television against once-beaten Demian Daniel Fernandez in a 10-round bout. In the SHOWTIME opener, undefeated heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will face once-beaten Pavel Šour less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday from the famed 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach:

CLARESSA SHIELDS, Undisputed Middleweight World Champion

“I love boxing and I love that I’m one of the women who is carrying the sport, making it bigger and more well known. We’re getting more respect.

“There are fighters out there who believe that they can beat me and that really motivates me. That’s why I train and put in the time that I do.

“I want to show everybody that I’m a truly great fighter. I can beat Vasiliy Lomachenko’s record of winning titles in three divisions in 10 fights instead of 12. Plus, I’m going backwards, not going up in weight, where there are better challenges for me.

“My performances will lead to bigger fights and bigger purses for me and my opponents. I’m just going to keep building my name and building my brand.

“With this fight against Habazin, I’m definitely going in looking for the knockout. If I get it in spectacular fashion, that will go viral and help push my career forward.

“It means everything to have this fight back in my hometown. I want to be the good news for Flint and make people smile. I’m happy to be bringing a fight back home while I’m still on top. I feel like Flint will be uplifted by that.

“Everyone back home is really excited for this event. It’s going to be a huge homecoming for me on October 5.

“Muhammad Ali has trained here at 5th Street Gym and every time I train here I feel like I’m in his presence. It makes me want to be even greater. He’s the GOAT and I’m going to be the GWOAT.

“Being here in Florida is great for the weight cut. I’ve been down here for nine weeks and it’s hot every day. I’m sweating and working hard and the pounds are just coming off.”

HANNAH RANKIN, IBO Super Welterweight Champion

“It’s fantastic to be in Florida training for this fight. Everything has been perfect and I’m feeling great.

“I’m really looking forward to October 5. Me and my opponent are going to put on a great show for fans for six rounds or as long as it lasts. I want to show them what women’s boxing is about.

“There are lots of exciting things in the cards for me after this fight. I’m ready to take on the top fighters and pursue world titles at 154-pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do.”

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ABOUT SHIELDS VS. HABAZIN

Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will aim to make history by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME.

The showdown for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title headlines a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich. The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 24, 2019): Ahead of his first world title opportunity, Joet Gonzalez (23-0, 14 KOs) has re-signed with Golden Boy as he begins to conquer the featherweight division.

“Joet Gonzalez is one of the most talented and toughest fighters to come out of Southern California in recent years,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “When we first signed him, he was an undefeated prospect who showed lots of promise, especially because of his amateur background. During the past years he has become the best featherweight contender in the world, and I’m proud to continue promoting him as enters the next level of his career. Joet Gonzalez will become champion on October 26, and I’m confident he will conquer the division.”

Gonzalez is an undefeated contender of Glendora, California who possess an impressive amateur resume. After several fights as a professional, the 25-year-old pugilist made his Golden Boy debut in April 2015 when he stopped Ali Gonzalez on an LA FIGHT CLUB card, where many young talents from the company developed into today’s contenders. Gonzalez then climbed the featherweight rankings by defeating fighters such as Deivi Julio Bassa, Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera, and Manuel “Tino” Avila. Now, Gonzalez will take on Shakur Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey for the vacant WBO Featherweight World Title in a bout promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy, Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The fight will be streamed live on ESPN+.

“The relationship between a boxer, a manager and a promoter is a partnership,” said Joet Gonzalez. “I built and developed my career with Golden Boy, and now that I am fighting for a world title, I want to show everyone that we are in this together as I take the next step in my career. I want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, along with everyone at Golden Boy. This October 26 I will bring a world title back home.”

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

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 24, 2019) — A high-stakes welterweight co-feature will set the stage for the can’t-miss light heavyweight unification bout between IBF champion Artur Beterbiev and WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk Friday, October 18 at the Liacouras Center.

Former world champion Luis Collazo will take on IBF No. 1 contender Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov in a 10-rounder with potential world title implications.

Collazo-Abdukakhorov will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes immediately preceding Beterbiev-Gvozdyk at 10 p.m. ET, while the undercard will stream on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

“This is a fight that will deliver action and a top contender in the talent-rich welterweight division,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Collazo-Abdukakhorov is a great complement to Beterbiev-Gvozdyk, and it’s only fitting that a card like this is coming to the great fighting city of Philadelphia.”

“I’m just ready to go. The Jose Benavidez Jr. fight didn’t happen because he was hurt or whatever, but trust me, you are going to see an incredible performance that will steal the show on October 18,” Collazo said. “I’m coming for everything. It’s now or never. I can’t wait to show out in the great city of Philadelphia.”

 “I would like to thank Top Rank for giving me this opportunity to fight a great former champion,” Abdukakhorov said. “I am looking forward to showcasing my talent to the world. This will be a great fight, as Luis Collazo is someone who comes and gives 100 percent every fight and his aggressive style is adored by many fans. He has the heart of a true warrior. I do believe his age will be a factor, and I will try to capitalize on it. I am coming to this fight with every intention of beating him to cement my status as the mandatory for the IBF world title.” 

Collazo (39-7, 20 KOs), the 38-year-old Brooklyn native who held a piece of the welterweight title from 2005-2006, is seeking one last crack at the brass ring. He has won three in a row since a 2015 KO loss to Keith Thurman, whom he hurt with a body shot and nearly knocked down. He is closing in on two decades as a pro and holds victories over the likes of Jose Antonio Rivera and Victor Ortiz. Most recently, he earned a split decision verdict over Samuel Vargas. Abdukakhorov (16-0, 9 KOs) earned the IBF No 1 ranking with a unanimous decision over Keita Obara March 30 in Philadelphia. A road warrior who was born in Uzbekistan, Abdukakhorov has fought in Uzbekistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia and the U.S.

In other undercard action:

• Light heavyweight contender Michael Seals (23-2, 17 KOs), fresh off his one-punch Knockout of the Year contender over Christopher Brooker on June 8, will lock horns with Elio “La Maquina” Trosch (14-8-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Undefeated knockout artist Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (13-0, 11 KOs) will take on Argentinean veteran Damian “El Pana” Sosa (9-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest. Sosa has never been knocked out as a pro, while Adorno has nine stoppages within the first two rounds.
   
• South Philadelphia-born heavyweight sensation Sonny “The Bronco” Conto (4-0, 3 KOs) will make his fourth pro appearance in his home city against Steven Lyons (5-5, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder. Conto has sparred the likes of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and top contender Kubrat Pulev. He last fought August 10 at the Liacouras Center, winning a decision over Guillermo Del Rio.
   
• Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (14-1, 9 KOs) will look to make it nine consecutive wins versus Denver native Johnny Rodriguez (9-4-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-rounder at super lightweight.
   
• John” El Terrible” Bauza (13-0, 5 KOs), a 21-year-old Puerto Rican super lightweight prospect, will fight the upset-minded veteran Donald “Bulldog” Ward (11-11-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
   
• Super bantamweight prospect Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno (2-0, 1 KO), Joseph Adorno’s younger brother, will face Misael Reyes (1-2, 0 KOs) in a four-rounder.
   
• Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs), who returned from a nearly two-year layoff with a first-round knockout on July 13, will face Leonardo Doronio (17-16-3, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout. 

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES (September 24, 2019) – With fight week here and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, top fighters, legends and trainers shared their thoughts and predictions on this Saturday’s welterweight title unification between IBF Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBC Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the September 28th event, which is promoted by Man Down Promotions, TGB Promotions and Shawn Porter Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Amongst the fighters, legends and trainers surveyed, 15 picked the unbeaten Spence to walk away victorious, while 11 favor Porter to end the night as a unified champion. Here is what the fighters and trainers had to say about this blockbuster showdown:

Manny Pacquiao, WBA Welterweight World Champion
Spence W 12: It’s going to be a good fight, a close fight, but I think Spence will win. It’s not gonna be one-sided fight, it’s gonna be a competitive fight. The fans will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this fight.

Deontay Wilder, WBC Heavyweight World Champion
Spence UD 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter is a clash of styles that makes for an exciting, high-profile unification fight. Errol’s trying to be ruler of the division with a statement win, so I expect him to come out and perform.

Shawn’s going to come for the full 12 rounds, no matter what. Errol’s never fought anyone like that, which makes this so intriguing. But I see Errol as being the best in the division, hands down, and I’m picking him by unanimous decision. I don’t see him knocking Shawn out.

Andy Ruiz Jr., Unified Heavyweight World Champion
Porter SD 12: I’ve trained-practically grown up-with Shawn Porter, who has a difficult style. Errol Spence is a great fighter and Shawn’s the underdog, but I was the underdog against Anthony Joshua and we all know what happened there.

Shawn’s probably gonna have to be rough in there and stay on the inside, but I expect him to do it and win a decision.

Gary Russell Jr., WBC Featherweight World Champion
Porter SD 12: This is a tossup. If Shawn stays in Errol’s chest and remains in an aggressive manner, there’s a great chance that he takes this fight.

If Errol’s allowed to box and dictate the pace, then Errol has the best opportunity to win. If I have to pick, I’m going with Shawn Porter simply because I’ve known Shawn longer and our great relationship going back to the amateurs, not because anyone’s skill set is better than the other.

Thomas Hearns, Hall of Famer
Spence MD 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter are both excellent fighters, but I think Spence has the better skills and he’s undefeated, so I’m leaning toward him.

Porter can bring it, but Spence is the smarter, more accurate puncher. I see Spence landing more combinations and beating Porter by a majority decision.

Abner Mares, former three-division champion
Porter SD 12: A high percentage of the boxing community is going to pick Errol Spence to beat Shawn Porter, if not by knockout. But keep in mind that Shawn has faced better fighters.

In Shawn’s unique, awkward style, I believe he’s a better fighter than Spence, who has that relaxed, fundamental approach that looks beautiful, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think Spence has faced anyone with this relentless, in-your-face style which doesn’t allow you to sit back and think. Porter won’t let Spence get comfortable in there. Shawn’s always got a plan A, B, C and D, so I’m going for the underdog, Porter, to win a close, upset split-decision.

Mikey Garcia, former four-division champion
Spence W 12: I don’t believe Errol Spence will win by a knockout. I believe that it goes 12 rounds, but I do have Errol Spence beating Shawn Porter.

Keith Thurman, former unified world welterweight champion
Spence W 12 / TKO: This is two world champion warriors going at it in a great fight. They have a common opponent in Kell Brook, who beat Shawn Porter and was knocked out by Errol Spence.

That’s why my pick is Spence. Styles make fights, and Shawn’s aggression could be difficult for Spence to handle since Spence has never faced an opponent like Shawn.

Shawn’s gonna come hungry but Brook and I handled that pressure, and I believe that Spence – being a tall southpaw with power and a great jab – will be able to deal with it as well. Spence has the power to stop Shawn, and if he does, I believe that would happen in the later rounds, like he did Brook.

Angel Garcia, trainer of two-division world champion Danny Garcia
Porter W 12: Shawn Porter’s gonna come out applying pressure like he always does, and I’ve never seen Errol Spence deal with pressure like he’ll get in this one. Spence is used to backing people up and knocking ’em out.

But I’ve never seen him have to fight while backing up when he’s been hit with flush punches. If this fight goes the distance, I see Porter winning.

Julian Williams, Unified Super Welterweight World Champion
Spence W 12: Errol Spence-Shawn Porter is a 60-40 fight in Spence’s favor. Porter has trouble with guys who are physically strong and can hold him off, like Kell Brook, Danny Garcia and Yordenis Ugas.

Spence is that type of guy who can hold off Porter and stand his ground in the center of the ring. Spence won’t run right through Porter, but I favor Spence in a really tight, entertaining, very competitive decision.

Spence is the cleaner puncher, so Porter’s rough tactics won’t work on him. I see Spence winning a clear-cut decision, 8-to-4, or, 7-to-5 in rounds.

Yordenis Ugas, top welterweight contender
Porter W 12: It is a great confrontation of two world champions. I think Errol Spence is a favorite because of the great fighter he has proven to be. But Shawn Porter is a tough fighter with a great resume and will fight hard until the final bell. I have no favorite in this 50-50 fight, but I lean toward Porter to win.

Evander Holyfield, Hall of Famer
Spence MD 12: First of all, both fighters are good and each will be great one day. Styles make the difference, and it will be a great battle if both fighters perform like they usually do. But I’ve got Spence by majority decision.

Robert Guerrero, former three-time world champion
Porter SD 12: This is a very difficult fight to call, but I’ve gotta go with Shawn Porter to beat Errol Spence. With Spence being as tall as he is, Porter can’t try to box like he did against Yordenis Ugas or Spence will pick him apart.

Porter’s got that relentless pressure and stays busy with combination punching. One thing about Spence is he’s never had anybody in front of him like that.

Erickson Lubin, super welterweight contender
Spence UD 12: Errol Spence is younger, stronger, fresher, bigger and punches harder than Shawn Porter, and all of that is gonna play a role in Spence winning by a unanimous decision.
Porter will have some success if he can make it a rough, dirty fight, but I still see Spence winning comfortably on the cards on September 28.

Tony Harrison, WBC Super Welterweight World Champion
Spence W 12: Errol Spence will have it tough making adjustments in the beginning but pull away after round six. Shawn Porter has gotta start strong and try to establish himself as dominant from round one, but he will be worn down. If it is stopped, that will come from Porters’ father in the corner.

Jose Benavidez Sr., trainer of former world super middleweight champion David Benavidez
Porter SD 12: Shawn Porter has the style, talent and aggression to make Errol Spence uncomfortable in the fight. It’s a 50-50 fight, but I believe that’s what he’s gonna do from the first round on, winning a decision. I’m going with Porter.

Paulie Malignaggi, former two-division world champion
Spence Late-TKO: Shawn Porter relies on a physical presence but Errol Spence is a very big welterweight and that can nullify Porters’ physicality. Spence’s body punching is key.

Robert Easter Jr., former lightweight champion
Spence W 12: I’ve been rolling with Errol Spence for a long time and I see no reason to stop now. I’ve got Spence beating Shawn Porter.

Ruben Guerrero, trainer of former two-division world champion Robert Guerrero
Porter W 12: Errol Spence and Shawn Porter want this really badly, and it’s gonna be a close fight. I believe the one who is more aggressive wins the fight, so I’m picking Porter.

Sergey Lipinets, former world super lightweight champion
Spence W 12: Both guys are A-plus fighters, but given the fact that Shawn struggled with Yordenis Ugas, it’s obvious that he has a problem with tall and rangy fighters. Being a southpaw, Errol Spence will give Porter all he can handle and will most likely win.

Robert Garcia, trainer of former four-division world champion Mikey Garcia
Spence W 12: Shawn Porter is a very tough fighter who will come out pressuring as he always does, but I’ve really gotta go with Errol Spence by decision.

Austin Trout, former super welterweight world champion
Porter SD 12: Errol Spence’s style plays right into Shawn Porter’s, and I don’t think it’s going to be as easy for Spence as some people are thinking.

We know Spence is very strong and has power, but Shawn got through the power of Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, so if he’s doing everything he’s supposed to, training-wise, I see Shawn eking out a decision.

Caleb Truax, former super middleweight world champion
Spence UD 12: Errol Spence against Shawn Porter is a rough, tough fight for the first five or six rounds, but I think Spence’s talent and skill level will be too much for Porter.

Spence may not dominate or knock Porter out, but I do see him controlling the fight and winning a clear unanimous decision for the victory.

Sergio Mora, former super welterweight world champion
Porter W 12: I really like this fight. Errol Spence’s pure power boxing versus Shawn Porter’s raw aggression and grit. Any fight with Porter will be punishing. This is type of fight that can get out of control for the cleaner boxer.

Expect Porter to maul Spence, not letting him get comfortable with cleaner punches. If Spence can’t control the tempo and hurt Porter coming in, I’m picking Porter for the upset decision. The referee will play a big role in the outcome of this one.

Andre Berto, former two-time welterweight world champion
Spence W 12: I see Errol Spence beating Shawn Porter by decision. Shawn can’t try to box with Errol, who is a long, rangy southpaw. Shawn needs to go in there and do what he knows how to do, but I don’t think it will be enough

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. PORTER
Spence vs. Porter pits unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. against WBC Welterweight Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a 147-pound title unification that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, September 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell facing unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in the co-main event, unbeaten contenders Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Batyr Akhmedov battling for the WBA Super Lightweight title, and rugged veteran Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and brawler John Molina Jr. competing in a 10-round welterweight fight.

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

Oleksandr Usyk is closing in on a Heavyweight debut that he’s been preparing for since his amateur days as he faces Tyrone Spong at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Saturday October 12, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM $40 HEREWATCH USYK’S INTERVIEW FROM HIS LOS ANGELES TRAINING CAMP HERE
Usyk (16-0 12 KOs) has made the move to Heavyweight after dominating at Cruiserweight, ending his spell at 200lbs as the undisputed king with a phenomenal run of victories in his opponents’ backyard against Marco Huck, Mairis Breidis, Murat Gassiev and Tony Bellew.

The Ukrainian pound-for-pound star begins his bid to become a two-weight World ruler against Spong (14-0 13 KOs) in the Windy City, but Usyk says his rise to Heavyweight began back in his amateur days, so moving to join the big guns holds no fear for the 32 year old.

“There have been no problems in order to move to the Heavyweight division,” said Usyk. “At least to me there have been no problems. I simply moved to the Heavyweight division, and that was it. Virtually nothing has changed in my training, we’ve simply started doing even more work. Different, and hard work, which is practicing with big guys who pose a great threat.

“We’re working hard, smiling, going crazy during the training camp, and doing our job. Everyone who is in my camp does their job 100 per cent meaning that they give everything so that I feel comfortable. Everything is as comfortable as possible; the food, rehab, resting, massage, training. My team is looking after all of it and we are working hard together.

“Before the Olympics, and even before the World Championships, when I was boxing at 91 kilos, we were experimentally boxing in the Heavyweight class specifically so that it would be more dangerous. I weighed in at a competition, for example, not 91 kilos but 91.5, and was boxing against the guys weighing 100-102-105, which was our objective. And it was not only I who was boxing one class up, Vasiliy Lomachenko was, Oleksandr Gvozdyk and all of those who were part of that golden Ukrainian team.

“I’m really looking forward to boxing on October 12. I very much missed the boxing. I love boxing, and really there is a lot of talk about it, but I’m not paying attention to it. My objective is to do my job in the gym in order to show all the enthusiasts and fans great boxing in the ring.”

Usyk’s Heavyweight bow against Spong is part of a huge night of action in Chicago as unified Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill defends her WBA and WBC titles against old foe Erica Farias, unbeaten Super-Middleweight talent Anthony Sims Jr returns to action against Morgan Fitch, Charles Conwell defends his USBA Super-Welterweight title against Patrick Day, an all-Chicago Super-Featherweight clash between Josh Hernandez and Giovanni Mioletti and a fourth pro outing for rising starlet Otha Jones III.

Tickets are on sale now for Usyk vs. Spong starting at just $40 plus booking fees at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070057139FF02C5D.

DANIEL DUBOIS and Nicola Adams will be lighting up London on Friday (September 27th) when both are in big fight action at the Royal Albert Hall, live on BT Sport.

The vacant Commonwealth heavyweight championship will be on the line when Dubois (12-0, 11KOs) faces Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh (19-0, 16KOs).

Adams (5-0, 3KOs) makes the first defence of her WBO flyweight title against Mexican challenger Maria Salinas (21-7-3, 7KOs)

WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp (16-0, 8KOs) is also in action and defends his title against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty (19-4, 4KOs).

Today, Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren hosted the final press conference ahead of the big night of action at the historic venue.

Media are welcome to download face off videos from today’s press conference here:

Dubois v Tetteh

Adams v Salinas

Sharp v Geraghty

Here are a selection of quotes from the event:

FRANK WARREN

“Daniel has had a fantastic year and gone from strength to strength. He is the best young heavyweight in the world in my opinion, and that is a burden I have put on him.

“We know he has power, but Daniel can box. He is not just a cumbersome clubber. He is the best young heavyweight I’ve been involved in. He is a special young man.

“As my boxing mentor, the late Ernie Fossey said, ‘If you can’t jab, you can’t fight.’

“Good fighters have great jabs and Daniel has a great jab. It is a big comparison to make at this stage of his career, but Daniel has that Larry Holmes jab. I love seeing fighters who can jab.

“Nicola is our golden girl and I can’t wait for her first fight as a world champion, but this is a hard fight and I hope she comes through.

“Nicola is a legend with two Olympic gold medals. I want to see her come through this and be an active fighter.

“Archie is in title winning habits, an ambitious young man, but he has a tough challenge. It is going to be fireworks and great for the fans.”

DANIEL DUBOIS

“It is my job to come through in style. I haven’t really studied Tetteh. I just want to fight and win again.

“Every challenge brings something different and I get better each time I fight.

“I believe I am world class and it is only a matter of time before I am up there with the big names.

“I am a man on a mission and not going to be stopped. It will be fireworks on Friday and a devastating performance is coming.

“The Larry Holmes compliment is great to have especially from Frank. He has been in the business a long time and knows what he’s talking about.”

EBENEZER TETTEH

“I have watched Daniel v Lartey and Gorman and know what I have to do to beat him on Friday.

“I gave Lartey sparring and I am better than him. I can move and punch.

“I expect to beat Daniel. Lartey gave him a good fight but I will finish Dubois.

“I want to take the title home and be the first Ghanaian Commonwealth heavyweight champion.”

NICOLA ADAMS

“I will be nervous on fight night, but it is good to be back. If I wasn’t nervous it would mean I am underestimating my opponent.

“I have been sparring with Kid Galahad who is really difficult to hit. If I can land on him I can land on anybody.

“Maria will stand in front of me and they are the best to face because they’re there to get hit.

“I have a lot of goals. I want to unify the flyweight division and this is the first step in the right direction.

“It means a lot to box at the Royal Albert Hall where my hero Muhammad Ali did. It is special.”

ARCHIE SHARP

“Declan is a very good fighter and we all know he can box. I will adapt to anyone’s style and whatever he brings I will match.

“I believe I’m a great fighter and they adapt to any style. I have done tests and I am bigger, stronger and quicker than 12 months ago.

“The fight will be how I want to fight and I have an answer to it all.

“He has been chinned and that must play on any man’s head. The WBO champion Jamel Herring has been mentioned as a future opponent, but I am not overlooking Declan.”

DECLAN GERAGHTY

“I’m here to spoil the party. I am gonna come forward and put the pressure on him.

“Archie is a good boxer, rangy, switches and moves well. I’m not really worried about him because he hasn’t been tested. He beat Lyon Woodstock and Jordan McCorry who I don’t rate at all.

“No ifs or buts, I am becoming WBO European super-featherweight. I’m a crazy Irishman and here to fight.

“If he has overlooked me he is silly.  I think it’s down to who has the best boxing IQ.”

 
Daniel Dubois headlines the bill when he meets Ghana’s Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight crown and WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams defends her title for the first time against experienced Mexican Maria Salinas, live on BT Sport.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmondson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.

New York, September 24, 2019

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing is excited to announce the return of the critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series on NOVEMBER 23, live, from
The Paramount, in Huntington Long Island. The intimate venue makes it feel as if you are in the ring no matter where your seats are located. The “Rockin’ Fights” series has a history of bringing extremely action packed fights to Long Island, and the 37th edition of the fantastic fight series will be no different.

As a loyal fan of Star Boxing, and the Rockin’ Fights series, you will have access to tickets before anyone else. Get your tickets, on pre-sale Wednesday, September 25 at 10AM until Thursday, September 26th at 10PM, by using code ‘STAR’ to gain early access before tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 27th, at 10AM. Purchase your tickets HERE.

TICKET SCHEDULE:
Pre-Sale: Wed, 09/25, 10AM – Thurs, 09/26, 10PM by using code ‘STAR’
Public On-Sale: Fri, 09/27 at 10 AM

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS:
Star Boxing’s series at The Paramount has developed some of Long Island and Star Boxing’s biggest stars, like former world champion Chris Algieri, light heavyweight star Joe Smith Jr. and jr. welterweight knockout artist Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin.

Star Boxing has also brought in talent from all over the world to the Paramount including two-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (Rhode Island), and former world champion, Joshua Clottey (Ghana, Africa).

Rockin’ Fights at The Paramount has continuously sold out (this is Star Boxing’s 33rd show there) with a Long Island crowd that fills the venue with unrivaled energy. The series has even brought out the likes of celebrities such as actor Burt Young, famously known for his role in Rocky and hip-hop artist and actor LL Cool J, amongst many others.

The Rockin’ Fights series at The Paramount offers an affordable and extremely entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to see action packed professional fighting from the opening bout, through the main event.

On November 23rd, Star Boxing plans to make the 37th edition of “Rockin’ Fights” yet another thrilling night of entertainment.

Get your tickets early, before they sell out! This night of fights is something you will not want to miss. Get your tickets HERE.
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 37 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, The Tudor Advisory Group, WBAB, The Best Western and The Inn at Fox Hollow.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow all the action via social media at Star Boxing on Facebook, @StarBoxing on Instagram and @StarBoxing on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #RockinFights. For the latest Star Boxing events and news, follow @StarBoxing across all social platforms. Sign-up for our mailing list HERE.

The Allianz Cloud in Milan will host another evening of Championship Boxing when Matchroom Boxing Italy and OPI Since 82 return on Friday October 25 for a stacked card full of title action to be shown live on DAZN.

Previously known as the PalaLido, the historic venue played host to an electric night of boxing in June as rising star Daniele Scardina outpointed Alessandro Goddi and European Lightweight Champion Francesco Patera stopped Paul Hyland Jnr in six rounds.

Scardina (17-0, 14 KOs) retained his IBF International Super-Middleweight title with a classy unanimous decision over Goddi earlier this summer and ‘King Toretto’ puts his ranking title on the line once more as he looks to secure a World title shot.

Patera (22-3, 8 KOs) returns to make the third defence of his European title against Campania’s Domenico Valentino (8-0, 1 KO), a former amateur World Champion, three-time Olympian and current Italian Lightweight Champion.

Ukraine’s rising Welterweight talent Maxim Prodan (17-0-1, 14 KOs) was last seen decisioning Nika Nakashidze and now gets the opportunity to fight for his second pro title when he meets Welshman Tony Dixon (12-2, 3 KOs) for the full IBF International Welterweight Championship.

Verbania Super-Middleweight Ivan Zucco (9-0, 8 KOs), Milan Super-Middleweight Luca Capuano (10-0, 2 KOs), Milan Middleweight Riccardo Merafino (6-0, 3 KOs), Bonemerse Super-Welterweight Nicholas Esposito (10-0, 5 KOs) and Navora Super-Welterweight Samuel Nmomah (11-0, 3 KOs) all feature on the undercard.

“Daniele Scardina is quickly establishing himself as one of the stars of the resurgence in Italian boxing and this year we have seen him score impressive back-to-back wins in Milan,” said Eddie Hearn. “We’re building something exciting in Milan after two successful shows and Daniele is at the forefront of that success. It’s another show full of title action as Francesco Patera defends his European title in an all-Italian clash with plenty more action further down the card.”

Salvatore Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “It’s always a pleasure to return to this historic boxing venue in Milan. Once again, we have three title fights topping the card with the popular Daniele Scardina back in action. The European Lightweight title is an all Italian affair between Franceso Patera and Domenico Valentino and knockout artist Maxim Prodan is looking for another big win.”

Veronica Diquattro, EVP Southern Europe DAZN, affirmed: “With this event in Milan, it will be a pleasure to conclude the first year of our collaboration with Matchroom Boxing Italy and OPI Since 82, which saw the return of Italian boxing to the spotlight with eight great nights, after years in which it had lost interest. We have guaranteed great visibility for Italian boxers and boxing not only on a national level but, also internationally within the other eight countries where DAZN is present. We are looking forward to continuing our adventure in the next season.”

Tickets will be available to purchase next week via www.ticketone.it

Undefeated Denaby Super-Featherweight talent Terri Harper has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make the first defence of her IBO World title against Vivian Obenauf on the Taylor vs. Linardatou undercard at Manchester Arena on November 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Harper, South Yorkshire’s first female professional boxer, joined the paid code in November 2017 after a successful stint in the amateurs that saw her win three national titles and take home a silver medal for England from the European youth championships in Poland in 2012.

The 22-year-old has won all eight of her pro contests to date and picked up the WBC International Lightweight title with a sensational stoppage of Nina Bradley in March earlier this year before taking out Nozipho Bell in eight rounds to earn the IBO Super-Feather World title in July. 

Obenauf (14-5, 7 KOs), a two-time World title challenger from Brazil, is no stranger to fighting on these shores. She took Irish star Taylor the distance in Manchester back in 2016 and returned to the UK a year later to challenge Chantelle Cameron for the IBO Lightweight World title in Leicester.

In her next fight she stopped Liverpool’s Natasha Jonas in four rounds to earn the WBA International Super-Featherweight title in Cardiff before challenging Maiva Hamadouche for the IBF Super-Featherweight World title in Paris. 

“I was in disbelief when I found out that I’d be signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Harper. “I got the news shortly after I won my IBO World title in July and I was delighted. It’s crazy how much has happened in the short space of two years.

“I always expected to go quite far with my boxing but not as quickly as I have done. Everyone dreams of signing with Matchroom and I believe I’m in the perfect place to fulfil my potential. We originally planned on having around ten fights before pushing on towards titles but opportunities came up and we knew we were ready.

“Katie Taylor has paved the way for women’s boxing in recent years and to be defending my World title on her undercard on my Matchroom debut is absolutely massive and I can’t wait to get out there in front of the TV cameras again. 

“I’ve been in the gym for a solid two months waiting for my fight date to be confirmed. They’re all going to be tough fights from now but that’s what I’m in this sport to do, prove myself against the best names out there.”

Stefy Bull, Manager of Terri Harper, said: “It’s a pleasure to be working with Matchroom Boxing again. I’ve had a long relationship with them through Gavin McDonnell and I believe they are the best promotional outfit out there. Terri is a special talent and I know that Eddie will deliver World title opportunities for her on the biggest stage. Terri will grab those opportunities with both hands.”

Harper vs. Obenauf is part of a huge night of action in Manchester.

Main event sees Katie Taylor (14-0, 6 KOs) attempt to become a two-weight World Champion when she meets Christina Linardatou (12-1, 6 KOs) for the WBO Super-Lightweight World title, Manchester favourite Anthony Crolla (34-7-3, 13 KOs) bids farewell at the venue he was crowned World Champion, rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) steps up again to take on another former World title challenger in Blake Caparello (30-3-1, 13 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight title against English Champion Jack Cullen (17-1, 8 KOs) and Gamal Yafai (16-1, 9 KOs) and Qais Ashfaq (7-0, 3 KOs) continue their march towards titles. 

General sale tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £250 (VIP) are available NOW via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com). 

Bolton, UK (24 September 2019) Nicaragua’s iron-fisted Francisco Fonseca believes Alex Dilmaghani has bitten off far more than he can chew by agreeing to face-off against the formidable former Two-Time World title challenger at the Premier Suite, University of Bolton, on Saturday 28th September.

Presented by Hennessy Sports and VIP Promotions, in association with Infinitum and Voltarol, Dilmaghani v Foneseca is exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5 this Saturday from 9pm.

The WBA International Super-Featherweight Championship – and a lofty world top-ten rating – are at stake in this high-grade collision and the mix of styles should mesh to produce a potential classic.

‘Dilma’ might be four years Fonseca’s senior, profiting from home advantage and undefeated in over eight years but that certainly doesn’t daunt the destroyer from the land that delivered ring legends such as Alexis Arguello and ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez.

Coached by his older brother Jose Fonseca and two weight WBA World Champion champion Rosendo Alvarez – the ONLY boxer to put a stain on Mexican great Ricardo Lopez’s brilliant 52 fight unbeaten career (TD8, 1998) – the lethal Latino arrived in Bolton last night boasting seven more pro starts, 41 more pro rounds and a record that lists as many stoppages (19) as Dilmaghani has wins.

Eight of the explosive-hitting Nicaraguan’s quick wins have come by clean count out. Make no mistake, the dangerous Fonseca brings serious firepower with a capital F and poses a significant threat to Dilmaghani’s ambitions.

Life began in El Rama, central Nicaragua in March 1994, although the family migrated south to seek a better life in Costa Rica, when feisty Francisco was just six.

‘We are 6 children in total, The three boys of us all boxed. I was introduced to the sport, aged 14, by my older brother Jose, a pro, who has already retired. My other brother is Freddy Fonseca (a 27-3-1 world ranked ex WBA 130lb challenger), who has just lost in Japan last weekend. Twice the three of us fought in the same show as pro,’ disclosed Francisco through an interpreter.

‘As an amateur boxer, I had 70 fights, only 6 losses. Several times I was the national champion.

I like both styles, countering but also exchanging punches.’

Restricted to a four-round draw during his debut as a teenager back in December 2013, the Managua based banger then blitzed 19 successive opponents, with 13 of the vanquished failing to finish.

The only other blemishes on his stellar 25-2-1 slate were a brace of IBF world title reverses over in the USA to two of the world’s elite, firstly to Gervonta Davis (LKO8, August 2018) and then Tevin Farmer (LPTS12, December 2018). Still only 25, fiery Frankie certainly hasn’t surrendered his dream of securing a World title crown.

In addition to starring in Costa Rica, the Nicaraguan nightmare has previously wreaked havoc in Panama, El Salvador and the USA as a pro so certainly won’t be fazed by his maiden European venture and sent a .

‘I am really looking forward to fighting in the UK, as it’s such a big place for boxing,’ states the 5ft 7 ½ in boxer-banger who has already racked up a hat-trick of stoppage wins in 2019.

‘I know I must win this fight to get a new shot at the world title again. It could be either points or stoppage but I will win.

‘Though I was unsuccessful in those two previous chances at world level, I fought solid champions. Both fights left me great experiences and I know my experience in world title fights will be the key to winning this fight.

‘I’ve watched Dilmaghani and I can see he has good boxing skills. That’s why I am sure it will be a very good fight.

‘My message to him is, ‘Make sure you train hard because I am 100% ready and motivated.’

Chief support on the talent stacked card sees undefeated starlets Jack ‘The Giant Killer’ Flatley and Harry ‘Hammer Time’ Scarff fight it out over 10 rounds for the former’s English Super-Welterweight Championship. Bolton wonder Flatley, a former national amateur finalist at both junior and senior level, is yet to be beaten in 16 but the ex-England international can expect to be stretched right to the limit by 7-0 Derby six footer Scarff in a mouthwatering match-up.

Promoter Hennessy’s son, Michael Hennessy Jr, an all action middleweight who is undefeated in two, is set to feature in a six rounder.

A full undercard featuring several of Steve Wood’s rising talents is set to garnish an unmissable night of entertainment.

Passions are sure to run high when Darwen’s robust Mickey Ellison (9-2) locks horns with Manchester technician Charlie Schofield (unbeaten in 16) in a seriously spicy looking Eliminator for the English Super-Middleweight Championship.

Popular Wigan welterweight James Moorcroft and Oldham’s turbo charged Andy Kremner will be banking to triumph in separate six rounders before clashing against each other back at the Bolton Whites in December. The former goes up against Manchester circuit fighter Sam Omidi whilst the returning Kremner seeks to become the first to stop Cannock tough man Lee Gunter.

Prestwich pressure fighter Sean Ben Mulligan, beaten just once in 11, endeavours to edge yet further up the domestic super-welter rankings by prevailing in a Roses rumble with 71 fight Driffield warmonger Danny ‘Lethal’ Little.

Wigan lightweight Rhiannon Dixon makes her exciting debut over four rounds against nine fight Lithuanian Vaida Maseokaite, a regular visitor to these shores.

Stretford’s Bradley Rea, Wigan’s Andrew Fleming and Stockport’s Jack Booth are three local lads who’ll be seeking to extend their perfect slates. Middleweight Rea, described as ‘a serious talent’ by promoter Wood, will be hoping to go seven-up in an Anglo-Scottish affair with Stranraer’s significantly more seasoned Paul Allison. Also over six, Fleming, a strong super-lightweight southpaw, intends to stretch his streak to eight against an opponent still to be announced while Matthew Hatton’s all-action super-middle starlet Booth will be looking to defuse ‘Baltic Bomber’ Genadij Krejevskij from Lithuania in an intriguing international four-rounder.

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 23, 2019) — Tickets for the highly anticipated vacant WBO featherweight world title fight between unbeaten stars Shakur Stevenson and Joet Gonzalez — Saturday, October 26 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center — go on sale TODAY, September 23, at 10 a.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy, Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $110, $70 and $40 (not including applicable fees) can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

A pair of undefeated Northern Nevada-based prospects, JJ Mariano and Diego Elizondo, are slated to appear on the undercard.

Stevenson (12-0, 7 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, is no stranger to Reno fight fans. He won multiple national tournaments there as an amateur, including the U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials in late 2015. Stevenson went on to capture a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 22-year-old last fought July 13 in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, knocking out Alberto Guevara in the third round.

The 25-year-old Gonzalez (23-0, 14 KOs), the WBO No. 2 contender, is a seven-year pro who has scored three consecutive knockouts. A Los Angeles native, Gonzalez is coming off a sixth-round stoppage over Manuel Avila.

Stevenson-Gonzalez and a co-feature will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The entire undercard will stream on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

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

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

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Last Thursday night, September 19, at the Uvais Akhtaev Sports Palace in Grozny, Russia, WBO #4-, IBF #6- and WBA #10-rated light heavyweight Umar Salamov successfully defended his WBO International Championship with an impressive TKO 3 over Ghana’s Emmanuel Danso.

Fighting in front of his hometown fans, Salamov (24-1, 18 KOs) was too much for the shorter Danso (now 31-5, 28 KOs) and dropped him three times with perfectly timed right hands in round three. The fight was waved off at 2:44.

Two other Salita Promotions’ Russian fighters were victorious on the undercard as well.

Another hometown hero, WBO #8-rated super middleweight Aslambek Idigov (17-0, 7 KOs) overcame a strong start from Slovakian challenger Robert Racz (21-2, 19 KOs) to pull out a unanimous 10-round decision and successfully defend his WBO and IBF European Championships.

Racz had some moments early on, but the world-class conditioning and superior skills of Idigov allowed him to take over as the rounds went by, eventually winning by scores of 98-94, 97-93, and 98-92.

Kurchaloi, Russia’s heavyweight crusher Apti Davtaev (18-0-1, 17 KOs) successfully defended his WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental title for the first time by demolishing American opponent Daniel Martz (18-8-1, 15 KOs) in just 69 seconds of the first round.

Showing the size and power that make him a force to be reckoned with on the heavyweight landscape, Davtaev went straight at Martz who could only turn his head to avoid the double sledgehammers flying his way.

Martz was down three times in the brief but brutal affair.

“All three fighters are closing in on world championship fights,” said their promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “They are all clearly a step above domestic-level competition and have developed into serious threats to any world champion they will all eventually face. Tireless hard work and total dedication make the difference in tough tests like these and all three passed with flying colors.”