LAS VEGAS – UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, today announced that it will exclusively live stream Canadian super welterweight boxing champion Cody “The Crippler” Crowley’s upcoming fight on Saturday, October 19. UFC FIGHT PASS will feature the entire card live from the Peterborough Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario; starting at 9 pm E.T. / 6 pm P.T.

Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs), an undefeated Canadian prospect, will take on “Super” Mian Hussain (16-1, 6 KOs) in the main event of “Homecoming V: Going Global” presented by CCC Promotions.

Crowley will be defending his Canadian, North American, and International Canada Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) titles.

“I feel like it’s a great accomplishment to make my UFC FIGHT PASS debut,” said Cody Crowley, co-founding partner of CCC Promotions. “I left the town of Peterborough with nothing but a strong work ethic, hope, and a dream. On October 19^th, my hard work and love for this sport will be broadcast worldwide to the hardcore fight fans.”

This will be Crowley’s second title defense after winning his previous fight in February against Stuart McLellan via a 12-round unanimous decision.

The 26-year-old southpaw holds a professional record of 17-0 and is the reigning CPBC super welterweight champion. Crowley is ranked No. 8 in the world by the World Boxing Association.

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

About UFC FIGHT PASS^®

UFC FIGHT PASS^® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufcfightpass.com.

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he has no intention of aborting his mission to collect every belt available to him on his route to the top of the heavyweight division.

Dynamite Dubois has exploded onto the scene since making his professional debut in April 2017 and since that time has gathered an incredible six titles in just 12 fights in the pro game.

The WBC Youth, Southern Area, English, WBO European and Global, along with the British have returned to the Dubois household following his successful ring exploits so far and he will bid for a seventh when he challenges for the vacant Commonwealth title at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27.

“It is a nice little array of belts there!” proclaimed Dubois, who takes on the unbeaten Ghanaian Ebenezer Tetteh for the Commonwealth crown. “I have been collecting them up.”

Dubois, with 11 KOs to his name, is happy to travel the traditional journey towards heavyweight stardom and he believes the Commonwealth represents a natural sequence of events along his career path.

“It definitely is and the Commonwealth belt is a big one as well and a step up. It is a good challenge and I am sure he will bring everything he has got to the table.

“I’ve got to be focused, not overlook this guy, and make sure I am 100 per cent ready.”

The title of the show at the Royal Albert Hall is ‘Every Belt’ and Dubois is warming to the theme, especially as it appears that no Englishman has ever collected the full set of Area, English, British, Commonwealth, European and world titles, with English honours only having been in existence for around 16 years.

“Frank (promoter, Warren) is guiding me in that direction to pick up every belt along the way and it is looking like it is going to be that way.

“My path is set out, these belts are flying towards me and good fights can be put together. I can defend and win these titles.

“Carrying on doing what I am doing is most important but if I can pick up these good titles and put them on my CV, I am definitely going to go for it.”

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.

London, UK (23 September 2019) After boldly introducing himself to the British boxing public with a sizzling stoppage of Slovakia’s Martin Parligi, who had never been stopped, in late May, classy Crayford super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani aims to gatecrash the top end of the world rankings when he squares off with dynamite-punching and two-time World Challenger Francesco Fonseca in a world grade shootout 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 130lb rivals challenge for the Vacant WBA International Super-Featherweight title and, more poignantly, a top five position in the governing body’s world rankings.

Nicarguan Fonseca, a former two-time IBF title challenger, has sent 19 of his 25 victims for an early shower and is sure to harbour world title aspirations of his own. He promises to present the litmus test that the much avoided Dilmaghani has long coveted.

‘Plenty of others collect high world rankings by picking up meaningless paper titles without actually fighting anyone of note. But that’s certainly not what I’m about,’ declared dazzling ‘Dilma’, 28, who destroyed hardman Parligi in eight in a sensational homecoming at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, having served a blue-chip five year ring apprenticeship in North America. 

That sizzling showing cornered critical acclaim from the cognoscenti and now the 29 year old Anglo-Iranian is salivating to go again, against even stiffer competition.

‘I don’t view Fonseca as a big threat. It’ll be just another day to me,’ states super confident Dilmaghani.

‘Last time, I dominated a good guy who had a very undervalued amateur pedigree – Martin once beat Andrew Selby – and he’d only lost twice, both by marginal decision, in 28 pro fights. And I didn’t just beat him up, I stopped him in first gear. He quit on me before I could hit second gear! Parligi was supposed to be a huge step up for me but it proved an easy night.’ 

That stellar showing not only revealed Dilmaghani as one of Britain’s best kept ring secrets but also alerted fans of his intriguing background story that saw him raised by his mum, combat racial prejudices, graduate in law at Southampton University, then master his craft in the sweat shop gyms and fight clubs of Mexico and Canada.

He says: ’The fight was shown live on network tv and I’ve had a lot of great feedback since. 

‘A lot more people are keen to communicate with me now. I’m a humble guy who knows what comes with success but I prefer to keep my circle small.’

Whilst his silky southpaw skills are significant, the Redhill born rumbler believes it’s his agile mind that distinguishes him.

‘I’m a relatively educated, meticulous person and, if I set my mind to something, it gets done. I’m very, very serious about boxing. It isn’t a game to me. I don’t just seek to win, I look to dominate, be impressive….and that’s a mentality every great fighter should have. 

A few may work as hard in the gym but they don’t study the game as intensely as I do. I live and breathe boxing. I’m OCD with it.  

‘Going from my spars and fights thus far, I have supreme confidence in what I can do. Apart from sparring the great Juan Manuel Marquez at his Romanza Gym in Mexico City years ago, when I was a young apprentice, I’ve never been inside a ring with anybody who I felt was comfortably better than me. I’ve sparred against some big names and let me tell you they found it difficult to handle the intense pressure when I put on them.  I just take one fight at a time but I know I’m on the right path to becoming a world champion. “

Mastered just once in 21 and presently undefeated in well over eight years, the smooth but spiteful southpaw – five stoppages in his last seven – knows that victory over the formidable Fonseca will catapult him to the cusp of the major world title fight he craves. 

He concludes: ‘The beautiful thing about this fight is, after years of being overlooked, when I crash the ratings after taking care of Francisco, one of the world champions could be stupid enough to choose me for a voluntary!’

An unusual feel-good story is coming out of Dominican lightweight Michel “La Zarza” Rivera’s fifth-round stoppage of California veteran Jose Luis Gallegos on PBC On Fox last Saturday night at the Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield.

At the pre-fight weigh-in the day before the fight, Rivera (17-0, 11 KO) made weight, but Gallegos (16-8, 12 KO) came in slightly over the contracted weight of 136. Under California rules, he had two hours to make weight. He was not able to and faced a total fine of $1600 from his purse, half of which went to the commission and half to Rivera.

Well aware of the torture fighters go through to make weight and seeing Gallegos’ honest effort to lose the extra pound, Rivera vowed not to accept the money, but was told by the state it was already added to his check.

The fight went ahead with Rivera dominating all five rounds and landing over 50% of his punches to the ultra-tough Gallegos’ head and body. While the courageous Gallegos was never down or visibly in trouble from the onslaught, referee Marcos Rosales stopped the one-sided bout before round six to prevent further damage.

True to his word after the bout, the 21-year-old prospect Rivera personally visited Gallegos’ dressing room and handed him back the $800 he had gained from the State’s fines.

Battered and swollen from a hematoma on his forehead from a clash of heads, the grateful Gallegos happily accepted the uncommon gesture of sportsmanship.

“I’ve never heard of a fighter doing something like this,” said Rivera’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “In all my years of boxing. This just goes to show what a special talent and outstanding young man Michel Rivera is. This really said something about his character and I’m happy to be part of his very promising career.”
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.

Dmitriy Salita
Thank you. I’d like to welcome all the media. We have a great night of action coming up on Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME from the Dort Federal Event Center, Flint, Michigan, beginning at 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT, Claressa Shields versus Ivana Habazin will headline a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION

The main event fighters will be joining us for today’s call to preview their clash for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight World title. The undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields will look to make history once again by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion. She’s already a unified world champion at middleweight and super middleweight, just nine fights into her pro career.

She will have a tough challenge in the former world champion Ivana Habazin who is from Zagreb, Croatia, and she’s taking this fight very seriously and we’ll talk about her preparations in a little bit.

Tickets to the live event which is promoted by Salita Promotions can be purchased at Ticketmaster and the Dort Event Center box office.

I would now like to introduce Mr. Chris DeBlasio from SHOWTIME. The reason why we’re experiencing such a big growth on other platforms for women’s boxing and obviously on SHOWTIME is because SHOWTIME believes in Claressa and believes in women’s boxing.

It’s Claressa’s sixth fight on SHOWTIME and we are very blessed and honored to have this fight on this premium network. I’d like to introduce Mr. Chris DeBlasio to talk about the event.

Chris DeBlasio
Thank you, Dmitry. I appreciate that. So on behalf of Stephen Espinoza who is the man behind our support of the sport and of the women’s division in particular; and Gordon Hall, our executive producer who is the co-founder of ShoBox, our popular prospect-oriented series, and he’ll executive produce this SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION as well, I just want to say how proud we are to be part of the event. We know it’s going to be a special one, a homecoming in Flint, Michigan.

As you alluded to, SHOWTIME has a long history of featuring the best in women’s combat sports, from Laila Ali and Christy Martin in boxing from years ago to Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey in mixed martial arts more recently.

Since 2017, with Claressa Shields leading the way, we have these elite women boxers; Shields, Christina Hammer, Katie Taylor has appeared on the network and Amanda Serrano in several fights. Shields versus Habazin will be our eleventh women’s boxing bout since 2017 on the network. Shields led the way. In 2017, we presented the first women’s main event in premium television history when Claressa fought against Szilvia Szabados on ShoBox.

This event, October 5, we will support with a raft of digital content, short-form content to introduce and to advance the fighters that are going to be featured in the live event. That has become a signature for our network. A series being prepared right now is called THE RISE. It’s three parts and it is on various champions and fighters coming up. This one will be about Claressa Shields and her rise to the level that she’s at today and what the future holds.

RING RESUME is a detailed analysis and highlights of Shields’ biggest bouts to date; and another very in-depth and intimate feature called THE APPROACH, an in-depth look at the mindset of the fighters. These are found on YouTube and across all SHOWTIME Boxing social platforms. It’s something we’re really proud of and we think advances the appreciation and the fandom of these fighters to the casual and hardcore boxing fans.

We’re proud. We’re honored to be in business with Claressa Shields. As you said, Dmitry, this is her seventh appearance on SHOWTIME, each a seemingly more important bout. This is another potential history-making event, but she’s fighting a very tough competitor, someone who’s looking to make a statement here on SHOWTIME.

So we’re looking forward to a terrific contest and a great main event along with some terrific co-feature bouts. Jaron Ennis and Jermaine Franklin are going to try to showcase themselves and make important statements on the network also in tough competition.

So with that, I’ll turn it back over to you. I appreciate the time and the opportunity to be part of it. Thank you.

D. Salita
Thank you, Chris. Claressa has a star team inside and outside the right. She is managed by one of the best in the boxing business, Mr. Mark Taffet who I’d like to invite to make a few comments.

Mark Taffet
Thanks, Dmitry, and thanks, Chris, for joining us today. We started a few years ago with Claressa Shields and it’s on her broad shoulders that women’s boxing is receiving the recognition, the accolades and the growth that it’s experienced over the past few years.

Every time Claressa fights, we look to make history, and October 5 will be perhaps the greatest night of her professional career to date as she attempts to win the title in her third weight division faster than any man or woman in the history of sports. And the incredible thing is that in Claressa’s case, she’s doing it upside down. She’s going down in weight from 168 to 160 and now to 154. It’s going to be a very, very special night. It’s a very, very special and memorable for women’s boxing.

We’re thrilled that the big events are happening and Claressa loves the role that she plays in the continued ascension of the sport and to all of her goals going forward. Thanks for joining us and I’ll turn it back to Dmitry.

D. Salita
Thank you, Mark. Now, I’d like to introduce Ivana Habazin who is not really known in the United States, but in the official press conference announced the fight she came here and she has made a great appearance and was very confident. She’s definitely putting that confidence into her work.

She’s 20 and 3. She’s the former Welterweight World Champion. She’s from Zagreb, Croatia, but she’s been in camp in Colombia and now in Detroit. She’s gotten the best possible training expert for this fight and she has boxed with the world champions and fighters who are the best in their regions.

So I’d like to invite Ivana to talk about her preparations and what we can expect from her. Ivana?

Ivana Habazin
Hello, everyone. Thank you for having me. So my training camp this time was really long, like four months. I’m always in training, always ready and prepared, but this training camp was the hardest ever. I feel great, I feel in shape, I’m healthy. Sparring was good.

I have Raquel Miller in the camp. I have Chris Namus and Tnaja Ovsenik, and I will have Kali Reis next week too, plus I have two teammates from Colombia, one was like five times Colombia national champion. So they really pushed me and that was really, really hard.

I’ve never sparred hard before like this and I feel ready. I’m really confident and I’m coming to win. This preparation makes me much more confident that October 5 is going to be my night.

Q
How does Claressa compare to Cecilia Braekhus?

I. Habazin
I actually can’t compare Claressa and Cecilia because they are totally different fighters and I’m a totally different fighter. And I think that Claressa is definitely a tougher fighter than Cecilia and so physically she’s stronger than Cecilia. So she’s more aggressive and I think this fight is going to be tough. But like I said, I was never prepared like I am prepared now.

So I think maybe this fight for me – I will not tell you it’s going to be easier than the fight with Cecilia, but today I am a more complete boxer than I was before. And I have James Ali Bashir as my coach and we all know that he is definitely the best coach and I learned some new stuff and I’m ready to show that.

Q
How do you expect the weight drop for Claressa to affect her?

I. Habazin
This is really hard to say for me because I never in my life lost so much weight. So that depends on the fighter, how she’s going to prepare or what she eats. She has nutrition and all this stuff. But I really hope that it’s not going to be so effective on her, but maybe it will be because that was a lot of weight to lose. So we’re going to see. I don’t think about that because she’s young, she’s hungry. She likes to fight and she likes to win, which is the most important. She has the mind of a champion. So I think even though she needs to lose the weight, I’m not going to be a problem for her.

Q
What are your thoughts on fighting Claressa in her hometown? If the fight is close and it goes to the scorecards, what are your thoughts on that?

I. Habazin
I really don’t think about that the fight is in Flint. It’s not something important for me, where the fight is. For me, the only important thing is to win, and she’s the biggest name right now in women’s boxing and I want to beat her, that’s all, because I have 10 years in boxing and it wasn’t easy. My world was really tough and right now maybe it’s the last opportunity to do something big and I take it seriously and I’m 100% ready. So I’m not a person who’s going to let other stuff affect me. I have my goals and that’s all.

Q
What’s the difference between the fighter that you are now and the fighter that you were when you fought Cecilia Braekhus?

I. Habazin
Actually, it would be stupid to say what I changed because then I will say what’s my plan, you know, so I will say you’re going to see that. I worked on totally different stuff with my coach and we’re going to show that.

Q
Where does the confidence come from in saying that you’re going to knock Claressa out when she has never even been beaten before?

I. Habazin
I think I can punch, you know, and the difference before was in some parts, I wasn’t finishing people. That was my problem. Right now it’s a different story and like I said, I made the best preparation ever. Never, ever before in my life did I do a preparation like this and I feel strong. I really feel strong and I think I have power to knock people out.

So for this fight, this is my goal. I don’t believe in the scorecards. So when you knock somebody out and especially in that big of a fight, that’s the only way how you can win. And I was really prepared for that all the time.

Q
What was your first reaction when you heard that the fight was going to be delayed for a couple of months?

I. Habazin
My first reaction was, ‘damn, I will not see my dogs for two more months.’ That’s boxing. Everything is possible. Maybe in some way, I maybe expect something like that, but you never know – everything is possible. Everybody can injure and all this stuff. So I prepared myself to stay in the camp, training more. Maybe with this, actually, she helped me because I feel I’m much better right now.

Q
When you go through a loss, what are some of the things you learned from it, and how does that strengthen you mentally having a loss on your record?

I. Habazin
Yes, that’s actually a good question. When I lost the first time, I didn’t think that I lost that fight, but it’s okay. And that was the most painful stuff ever in boxing for me because I give always a lot in boxing and when I suffered this first loss, it was like, ‘oh, my god, everything is done.’

But at that time, I was young still and I was only like three years in boxing but when I came back to train after this, I was ashamed. I came in the gym and everybody was watching me and said, ‘Oh, you lose’ and all this stuff. Nobody was supportive. So every day, almost for one month, every day I am telling myself, ‘You will come back. You will come back. You will come back.’

Even if I didn’t know when I will come back, if I even have a chance or no, but I trained more than ever. And that was actually the first time when I figured out what is professional boxing, because before that I didn’t realize all this stuff and I was focused more on my university.

And after that, I changed everything and then like a year after, I got the chance to fight for the IBF title in Belgium and I said, ‘okay, I’m going to Belgium,’ and that was the hometown of Sabrina Giuliani. So, I came. I won.

After, the fight with Cecilia actually came too early because we didn’t have a chance to make a defense. My sponsor wasn’t supportive for me, so I have two options, to fight with Cecilia for a unification fight — it was the first unification fight in the history — or I can leave the title because I didn’t have logistics for defending my title.

So when I accept that fight, in some way, I knew that I can’t beat her because I didn’t have experience. And like one and a half months before the fight, I had one surgery too, so actually I wasn’t in my best shape and I wasn’t good. So maybe that fight I didn’t take very painful like the fight against Eva Bajic when she beat me.

And the fight against Mikaela Lauren, it was like two years after Cecilia. That was my first offer for the fight after three years and this actually was very, very tough for me because I was without fights. I was without money. I was in the gym actually in the underground when there was like one room without windows and I got the offer and I said, ‘Okay, I want to fight.’ But all preparation, I was so, so bad.

When we made pad work, I couldn’t be one minute on the pad because I would get tired. My heart would start beating so fast and I was thinking, ‘okay, maybe it’s because I start training too much too early.’ But actually, it was that I was so, so sick. And when I came to the fight, I knew before I needed to step in the ring, I had a feeling that it wasn’t going to be good because I knew it – I don’t have power. My body didn’t have power, nothing, and I just said, ‘Okay, god, please save me, I want to be healthy when this fight is finished.’

But after that, I took a break from boxing for like six months and I said I will never box again. So after six months, I wake up one night and it was like 2 a.m. and I go back, I don’t know why, I hear some voice that told me, ‘Go and see the BoxRec.’ And I go to BoxRec and I saw Eva Bajic and I said, ‘Who is Eva Bajic? I never fought with her.’ And then I go and I saw that Eva came back after two years or two and a half.

And I said, ‘okay, you need to go back in the gym. You need to come back.’ And when I come back in the gym, I start training and the old symptoms – what I had in preparation for Mikaela Lauren – started again. It was very bad because I had like some cardiac – you know, my heart starts beating so fast. I was sweating all the time and I didn’t have power.

When I met medical, they said, ‘You have a thyroid problem and if you want to box again, you need to go in surgery immediately.’ I didn’t think about that, I said, ‘okay, let’s go,’ because I want to come back. And in 2017, I made two easy fights then came the offer for the IBO title. I said I want to fight. Even in that fight, I wasn’t 100% healthy because it was like one, one and half year to get healthy, but I made it.

And now, I can say that right now I am really, really 100% healthy. I am prepared and I am motivated more than ever because when I come back, I said I need to be not 100%, but I need to be 500% and I want to change something. I want to change my life. So right now, I think this is the right chance.

Q
You mentioned this was maybe your last big chance. Many people will say that a fighter with nothing to lose is the most dangerous opponent and perhaps we saw that with Otto Wallin. Do you feel you’re in this position that makes you dangerous?

I. Habazin
Yes, definitely, and I said that before the fight. I don’t have nothing to lose right now. I only can change everything and if not now, then when? So I’m ready, I’m 100% ready. I’m really focused on that. Four months I was training only for that fight, so we’re going to see what’s going to happen.

Like I said, this is boxing. One punch can change everything. You can be good all fight, but you can finish on the floor in the last second. So everything is possible. Claressa is a great fighter, but I believe in myself and that’s it.

D. Salita
Thank you. This is also a time when we have two superstar trainers in both of the fighter’s corners. I think it’s the first time in women’s boxing with Ali Bashir training Ivana Habazin and John David Jackson training Claressa Shields. So that’s going to be a very interesting test of stars as well.

Ivana, would you like to finish up with any closing statements?

I. Habazin
Yes, I just want to say thank you for this opportunity. I’m really happy because of that and at the end, actually, I really want for people to enjoy a good fight. So the better [fighter] is going to win and that’s all. I hope that’s going to be me. But I wish good luck to Claressa.

D. Salita
Thank you, Ivana. Now, I’d like to introduce Claressa Shields. Claressa, in her last fight headlined the biggest fight in women’s boxing history and put on a tremendous performance.

She really could have fought anywhere she wanted. We had offers from some big venues in Las Vegas, New York, Atlantic City, elsewhere throughout the country, but Claressa made her point to come back to Flint to give this fight back to the fans and the community she grew up in.

I want to list some of her accomplishments even though I know that most of you know them. She is 9-0 with 2 KOs since turning pro three years ago and will represent her town of Flint, Michigan on October 5.

She’s the first American boxer male or female in the history of the sport to win two Olympic gold medals. She became the sixth fighter in history, male or female, to unify all four major world titles in one weight class. She defeated Christina Hammer in the previous fight in April to earn that honor.

Claressa Shields has accomplished a lot in her life in boxing and as a humanitarian, as a role model, but she will be achieving her first on October 5 because it will be the first time that she’s going to be fighting as a professional in her hometown in Flint, Michigan. So Claressa, talk about your training camp, getting down in weight and how you’re preparing for this fight?

Claressa Shields
Yes, yes. Well, weight is not a conversation that I want to have. I don’t have a problem with my weight. If I did, I wouldn’t want to go down to 154 and accept this challenge. So weight is not a problem.

This camp and every camp, we just want to be a better version of myself. So, me and Coach John David Jackson said with the Hammer fight, we just want to fix a lot of mistakes. Now I know people on here are like, “How many mistakes did you make during the Hammer fight?” A lot, even though it was a unanimous decision, I beat her almost every round, it was still that me and my team having the mentality that we want to fix everything going into the fight with Ivana.

She has faster hands than Hammer. She’s coming from a lower weight class. She’s more comfortable with 154 and of course I’m losing weight. We want to get a knock out.

So the combinations are good. The jab was good against Hammer. We’ve just been working a lot of punches, making sure that we’re throwing our straights over, making sure that we’ll be pacing with our straight and make sure that we just have more precisions for this camp.

So it’s one hard camp. My body is kind of torn apart right now two weeks from the fight, but one more hard week of training and then the last week I get to wind down. So right now I feel really great.

Q
You’ve obviously shown a tremendous chin during your career and she said she’s going to knock you out, I just wonder what you think of that?

C. Shields
She’s going to say a whole lot. I think she called me fat. Many girls in boxing say they can knock me out and I do have a healthy chin and I like to go in and test every girl’s chin and everything like that.

So I respect that she’s coming with that kind of attitude, but, no, it’s not even possible to knock me out. I may have been dropped by Hanna Gabriels, but that was a shot with me off balance. It wasn’t something that hit my chin then I went down and I was woozy or like that. I’ve never been stung by a woman nor man. So Ivana is just talking.

Q
Did you happen to see her fight with Cecilia Braekhus?

C. Shields
There was a whole bunch of bouncing around. They both were off balance throwing their shot.

Ivana likes to put her head down and just throw punches. Whenever she feels like she’s in danger, she just goes in to a straight bull mode and puts her head down and start pulling in. So you have to use a really good jab against her.

I kind of feel like towards the end of the round, Ivana kind of tries to stay in and do a whole lot of holding, and dancing and pulling itself like that. But early on she tried to stand her ground and used her combinations, but it’s nothing that I haven’t seen before. I know for a fact I’m a lot stronger than Cecilia Braekhus so Ivana is going to have a lot of problem on her hands come October 5.

Q
How satisfying would it be to get this knockout in your hometown and have another history-making performance for you?

C. Shields
I just kind of feel like it’s not so much about the knockout, it’s about improvement to me. A knockout is great, but at the same time, I want to go in there and I want to look phenomenal. I want to be sharp. I want to work on everything that I worked on in camp and be able to execute it in the fight.

So I’m not going out there looking for the knockout, but I know that it’s going to come just because of how training has been going. I’ve been hurting my sparring partners with body shots and head shots. I’m doing this coming down in weight and my body is sore too.

It’s sore too, I’m breaking my body down and it’s getting stronger as I break you down, and I can feel going there and boxing in the eighth round and be strong and safe, and be able to do everything that I want to do and let my combinations go and let my hard body shots, the hard head shots still be explosive towards the end of the round.

So just knowing that, I feel like the knockout is going to come. But I’m not going to go out there trying to rush it, I just want it come. So I want to go out there and do everything that I’ve been working on in camp, and I believe everything is going to come together.

Q
Based on what you said earlier in the call, Claressa, were you happy with your performance against Christina Hammer?

C. Shields
I’m my biggest critic. That fight I was happy I became undisputed champion. But when I went back and watched the fight, to me, I made so many mistakes. I was like, “Oh, cut it off,” like I’m just like, “I’m over it,” you know what I mean? Like, I did really well, but I was just like, “Why didn’t you get the knock-out? Why were you not sending out all your shots when you should have sent out all your shots?” and just stuff like that.

For me, it’s just I’ve always been super hard on myself. So I give myself maybe a B minus for that fight, but I want to get an A. I want to do everything right in a fight and even get a knockout, or have it so I was just destroying her in every round, destroying her, destroying her and I’ll take her confidence away from her and I’ll hurt her.

I made some mistakes and she caught me with not even a whole lot of shots, but just the fact that she caught me with a shot that I shouldn’t have gotten hit with. It feels like that. But that is just me, my biggest critic, and me wanting to get better.

So everybody else tells you like “That was the best fight that we’ve ever seen and your defense is on point.” But I’ve known how to do all that stuff. I’ve known that I had defense. I’ve known that I could jab. I know what I could do. I just want to do it the best way that I know I can.

I watched it 40, 50 times. But each time I watch it, I’m seeing a different mistake and it wasn’t something huge, but it’s still just like, “This shouldn’t happen because we worked on it at camp.” It wasn’t a whole bunch, but it was just like just stuff that I see that maybe you guys don’t see.

Q
Do you feel that maybe if they change the rounds from two minutes to three minutes, you would have about three or four knockouts?

C. Shields
Yes, absolutely. Also the refs are super hard on me and It feels like they will not call the fight when I’m hurting these girls.

I can roll back and look at the fight where I fought against Sydney LeBlanc. I put her through eight rounds of hell and they just let her take that and maybe destroyed her as a fighter. She doesn’t want to fight since I beat her. And she came into the fight – me and her, she came down from light heavyweight to fight at 168 and I mean, I destroyed her from the first bell of the first round to the last bell of the eighth.

She never even landed more than 10 punches on me the whole fight and they didn’t even call it. So it’s like with three minutes, I will have a lot more time to break the girls down and be able to get them out there because I’ve hurt every girl that I fought. So as soon as those two minutes ring and it’s the end of the round, and they get that one minute rest, they come back in recuperated and ready to go in the next round. So you have to kind of start all over again.

But would it be in two minutes, I just got to I guess pick up the pace until they actually see that women boxing needs to be the same as the men, or at least give us three minutes a round so we can have the same amount of work time.

Q
Would that be a goal of yours to possibly push to three-minute rounds for one of your future fights?

C. Shields
Yes, absolutely. Me and my team have been going over, we’re just trying to figure out what’s the best way to go to the organizations about it. We don’t know if we want to go over and tell them, “Hey, maybe we could start off with 10 three-minute rounds, or maybe we can start off with 12 two-minute rounds.”

We’re just still going to try to figure it out and try to go with the best way to where it’s safe for the other world champions and also see what they agree with. I’m going to have a talk with all the girls who are world champions to kind of like have a vote on what they want to do because this is not just about me, I want it to about the other women too what they’re comfortable with.

I think the thing to understand is that women will always get paid less than the men unless we fight the same amount of time. So with that, one of the change that got to be made is either 12 two-minute rounds or 10 three-minute rounds.

I think that one of those has to change within this year to get us on the road to equal pay and equal opportunity as far as getting the big knockouts that we can get.

Q
Have you thought someone that you thought might be using PED’s when you fought them as a pro?

C. Shields
Yes, I’m not going to do that. Honestly, I don’t know. I wanted a VADA testing for Hammer. For some reason, we didn’t have it for that fight. But I wanted VADA testing for that fight, but we didn’t get it.

I’m happy that there’s VADA testing for this fight. But I think every world champion should be doing VADA testing especially after Mia St. John came out talking about she was on PEDs her whole career and all this craziness. I think that every world champion, male and female, should be open to do VADA testing because it’s just safer for the boxers and I think that they should be clean.

I’ve always been a clean athlete and I’m not going to say who I think do PEDs, I really don’t know. I hate to have to feel it’s been out there because I don’t know. People think “I just need this,” but I’m just strong because I work my ass off.

Q
What do you think you need to accomplish in order to be deemed the best female boxer of all time?

C. Shields
I think I’ve already accomplished everything to be the best female boxer of all time. But I think that some of the fans or media people may feel like you have to have 25 and 30 fights to be compared to Laila Ali. So I’m just taking my time, I’m racking up the belts and racking up the divisions and making history.

I’ll always be the world’s best and nobody is ever going to make me feel different about that unless somebody comes and beat me, and that’s not going to happen. So I’m going to keep breaking records and doing what no other woman has done.

If I feel great on 154, maybe we’ll stay on 154 and try to become undisputed there. Then if not, maybe I’ll just be looking to that160. I’m always going to go where the best fighter is and the toughest fighters are at, and try to make the most money.

Q
Do you think the nine fights that you’ve had is a better resume than o all the other female boxers in the sport?

C. Shields
Definitely, and that’s talking about the female of boxers, but the male boxers too. Male boxers have people their record is literally padded up so that you are about 20-0, right? 20 or 15-0 and they got padded records against easy opponents.

I haven’t fought against a person who’s had a losing record ever in my pro career, I think someone did the math and it was like 125 wins and seven losses all my opponents together so they’d be able to say that is a nice fight. Well, other boxers, male or female, say fought fighters like that. I haven’t fought against a fighter who has a losing record yet.

Q
Would you like to fight a male fighter in the future if you have opportunities?

C. Shields
I feel like right now I’m just going to fight in women’s boxing right now, trying to get an equal pay. I don’t feel like I should have to fight a man in order for us to be taken as serious athletes.

I’ve gotten in the ring with plenty of men. I fought 16 rounds this week with men, four different sparring partners. I can get in there with guys and I’m going to hold my own, and I know when it comes down to handling my business, I’ve never been knocked out by someone, or dropped, or anything like that.

So I don’t think there’s a difference between women and male fighters. That feels like it’s all about preparation. If you feel like if you have to get ready to fight again, if I have to be ready to fight against the male, I would change my whole training. I think I’m training hard until now.

But to get ready for a man, I would definitely upgrade and I think I have a great team who makes sure that I’m at my strongest, that I’m explosive, that my legs are strong and my muscles are strong. I feel like men have better body endurance than women and I say that because they’ve been fighting so long for so many more rounds in men than women just throughout my whole career.

Like even in amateurs, we’ve got four two-minute rounds; and the men, they have three three-minute rounds. And now in a pro, I’ve only fought 10 two-minute rounds; and men who are world champions have fought 12 three-minute rounds, so I don’t know how long. So when you have that, they just have a better body endurance than I think women do. But I think it’s all about the preparation.

Q
What does fighting in front of your home town friends mean to you especially with all that you’ve accomplished? And did you think that you would get this homecoming fight sooner in your career or later in your career?

C. Shields
No, I feel like that the fight came at the right time. I wanted to be super accomplished when I went back home to Flint and that’s just because I want the kids to see that like I’m from Flint, Michigan and I have accomplished all this. I’m not waiting for the end of my career to come back to Flint, I’m coming back and I’m going back to Flint in the peak of my career.

I’m going back while I’m the world champion, while I’m the undisputed champion, while I’m breaking records. I’m bringing the fight back to Flint and I feel like me becoming a three- time division world champion, the best time to do so is now. I feel like that was the perfect fight to bring back to Flint while we have all these other fights that are going on. I just feel like right now is the right time to just inspire the city and inspire the kids.

Q
In this fight being your first fight at 154 pounds or really your first world title fight at that weight class, is this sort of the start of a journey to maybe try to do the same thing as you did at 160 and unified the entire division, or is this sort of a one-time deal at 154 and then move back up to middleweight?

C. Shields
I don’t really know yet. I feel like it really depends on how I feel doing the fight. I feel great right now. I’ve been doing great in camp. I’ve been eating healthy and dropping the weight the way that I’m supposed to. I’m dehydrated.

So it’s all about going into the fight, actually catching 154, getting on the scale and getting in the ring. So what I’m going to do there is going to fight.
.
Q
How does that impact your performance in the sport also having another really big visible job as a role model?

C. Shields
I’m only 24 years old and I think that women’s boxing has been quiet long enough. I feel like we haven’t got our due just because we haven’t spoken up enough about it.

I feel like there are women who did speak about it, but they’ve spoken about it in the wrong way like they just came up at people the wrong way and it’s more of like a “I’ve got the skills to pay the bill. I’ve got the power to knock people over.” And I’m not just talking to impress like I would go in there and try to do it. I’ll really just try to go in there and do whatever I say, and I feel like I’ve been putting on performances that even men aren’t putting on.

So I don’t really feel the need to have to be quiet and has to be whatever they call lady-like. Like I’m a lady and I spoke a lady, and I’m going to do what I want to do and that makes me feel good at night. The day that you can hear me not talking, something is wrong. So I’m going to do what I want to do.

As far as me being a role model, I feel like I’m a great role model like you don’t see me in the newspaper talking about like killing nobody or going to jail. I hadn’t been arrested. You don’t see me drinking so I feel like I’m a great role model and I just want to tell everybody to be who they are, and don’t try to pretend to be somebody you’re not for social media or for cameras.

You’ll never have to keep lying about who you’re not. So it’s about me being comfortable with myself and just being who I am and doing what I’m most comfortable doing. And I feel like I’m being a great role model if I’m doing that because a lot of girls look up to me and they say, “You being so confident makes me confident,” so why would I stop being confident.

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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.

READING, PA. (September 23, 2019) – Top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin returns to take on former world title challenger and U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in a 12-round WBC title eliminator on Saturday, October 26 live on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. making his super lightweight debut against battle-tested veteran Adrian “El Tigre” Granados in the 10-round co-featured attraction. The televised opener will see former world champions collide as Rau’shee Warren takes on Emmanuel Rodriguez in a 12-round WBC bantamweight title eliminator.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or at the Santander box office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).

“Top to bottom this is a card that guarantees action featuring fighters highly motivated to make statement victories,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Erickson Lubin is fast on the track to another world title opportunity, but he’ll have to get through a veteran with a tremendous pedigree in Terrell Gausha. With exciting former champion Robert Easter making his 140-pound debut against all-action Adrian Granados, and a bantamweight duel between former world champions Rau’shee Warren and Emmanuel Rodriguez, the fans in Reading and watching in SHOWTIME are going to get their money’s worth Saturday, October 26.”

Orlando, Florida’s Lubin (21-1, 16 KOs) was one of the fastest rising contenders in boxing as he quickly raced to the top of the ladder to challenge Jermell Charlo for the WBC 154-pound championship in 2017. Since the setback against Charlo, the 23-year-old has scored three straight stoppage victories to regain his momentum toward a championship run. In February, Lubin became the first boxer to stop former champion Ishe Smith and is coming off a TKO victory over Zaharia Attou in his last fight on June 29 on SHOWTIME

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to showcase my talents once again on SHOWTIME,” said Lubin. “I’m focused on the task at hand, and that’s beating a world class opponent in Terrell Gausha. My plan is to put all of the belt holders in my division on notice with a victory. I’ve been in camp for five weeks with five weeks to go. I’ll be supremely conditioned and fundamentally sound on October 26. You’re definitely not going to want to miss it.”

The 31-year-old Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KOs) is a brilliant ring tactician with an impressive boxing pedigree that included representing the United States at the 2012 Olympics. Born in Cleveland and now living in Encino, Calif., Gausha suffered the only loss on his record when he dropped a unanimous decision to long-reigning WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy Lara in 2017. He most recently fought to a disputed split draw against former super welterweight champion Austin Trout on May 25.

“This is going to be an action-packed fight with me and a strong young fighter like Lubin,” said Gausha. “He’s a good test for me. Lubin will be the fourth southpaw in a row that I’ve faced and I’m ready to go again. I’m just at a point where I want to fight the best and most challenging fights possible. He called me out and I’m definitely going to be ready for him on October 26. The fans won’t want to miss it.”

A former IBF Lightweight World Champion, Easter (21-1-1, 14 KOs) won the belt with a split decision victory over current champion Richard Commey in 2016 at Santander Arena in Reading. The 28-year-old from Toledo, Ohio successfully defended the title three times before losing it to four-division world champion Mikey Garcia in a 2018 unification clash on SHOWTIME. He is coming off a split draw against Rances Barthelemy in his last fight on April 27 and will be making his super lightweight debut when he steps in against Granados at the site of his first world championship fight.

“I’m moving up to 140 pounds and I’ve been preparing really hard for this fight,” said Easter. “Expect me to come out and be very explosive on October 26. I anticipate Granados coming to fight like he always does. He’s a fighter who always comes prepared and puts his heart into it, but I’m going to do the same thing and show that I’m ready to make a statement in this division.”

The 30-year-old Granados (20-7-2, 14 KOs) has battled a slew of accomplished junior welterweights and welterweights over the course of his career including Shawn Porter, Adrien Broner and most recently Danny Garcia in April. The 30-year-old from Chicago will return to 140-pounds where he’s had most of the success in his career, including his 2015 stoppage of a then-unbeaten Amir Imam.

“I’m expecting a tough fight against Robert Easter Jr. on October 26,” said Granados. “Our styles mesh well. Easter is a sharp fighter and that’s why I’m giving it everything I have in training camp. I’m looking to bounce back from my last fight and show everyone that I still have a lot to give the sport of boxing. Easter is a technician in the ring but I’m a warrior and I’m going to come with everything that I have.”

Fighting out of his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren (16-3, 4 KOs) is looking to climb back into the championship ranks, having won the WBA bantamweight title with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016. The 32-year-old lost the title to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by majority decision in 2017 and is coming off a decision loss to Nordine Oubaali in a January title clash. Warren won his first 13 pro fights after an amateur career that saw him represent the U.S. at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

“I’m ready to bounce back and prove I’m still one of the best bantamweights in the world,” said Warren. “This is a great fight for me to do that. After this fight I’m ready to get that belt back again because I miss it. I know these fighters can’t beat me when I’m at my best.”

The 27-year-old Rodriguez (19-1, 12 KOs) will also look to put himself back in position to reclaim a 118-pound belt with a win on October 26. Fighting out of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Rodriguez won the IBF Bantamweight World Title with a unanimous decision victory over Paul Butler in 2018 and defended it successfully against then-unbeaten Jason Moloney. He most recently was stopped by unbeaten champion Naoya Inoue in their May title bout.

“I’m super excited to return in a great fight like this,” said Rodriguez. “Warren is a very good fighter and a victory over him will put me where I want to be. I’m thankful for the opportunity to get closer to reaching my goal of becoming a world champion again in 2020. I have learned from the mistakes of my loss and I’m confident everyone is going to be talking about my performance on October 26.”

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

(Sept. 23, 2019) — Great Britain’s unbeaten heavyweight destroyer, Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois, will take the next step in his career when he faces off against fellow unbeaten Ebenezer Tetteh in a 12-round showdown for the vacant Commonwealth title Friday at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
 
Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Dubois-Tetteh and select undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service.
 
Dubois (12-0, 11 KOs) is a familiar face to American fight fans, as his last five bouts have streamed live on ESPN+. He has won three in a row by knockout, including a second-round stoppage over former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in March. The following month, he survived a brutal slugfest to knock out Richard Lartey in four rounds. Dubois authored the signature win of his career July 13, knocking out fellow unbeaten Nathan Gorman in five one-sided rounds to win the British heavyweight title.

Tetteh (19-0, 16 KOs), from the fighting city of Accra, Ghana, is unbeaten but largely untested. He has won six in a row by knockout and is seeking revenge for his countryman Lartey, who provided Dubois with arguably his toughest fight.

In other action streaming on ESPN+:

• Nicola Adams (5-0, 3 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Great Britain, will make the first defense of her WBO flyweight world title against Maria Salinas (21-7-3, 7 KOs).
   
• Archie Sharp (16-0, 8 KOs) will make the second defense of his WBO European 130-pound belt in a 10-rounder against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty (19-4, 4 KOs).

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

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

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

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

PHILADELPHIA – September 23, 2019 – This past Friday night, three members of the Banner Promotions stable were in action and had impressive performances.

In Midland, Texas lightweight Michael Ducthover (13-1, 10 KOs) took on Thomas Mattice in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation that was televised Live on SHOWTIME.

Dutchover took the fight to Mattice and was up on two of the three judges scorecards as the bout entered the eighth round.

In that round, Dutchover was cut over the left eye. The cut was ruled from a punch, but instant replays were inconclusive on how the cut occurred, and Mattice was ruled the winner of the bout.

Dutchover was ahead 69-64, 68-65 while Mattice was ahead on one card 67-66.

“It was a great fight. Mattice is a warrior, but the fight was going my way,” said Dutchover. “My body punches and uppercuts were working well, and I stunned him in the 6th round. It was a good performance and I had the fight won.”

On the punch the allegedly stopped the fight, Dutchover did not know how the cut was opened. “They said I got with a punch, and I guess that’s boxing. I don’t know if it was a punch and I don’t know if it was a headbutt. I just know that I started bleeding. I was good, but the doctor stopped the fight. The thing that disappointed me was that they did not let my cutman Andrew Rodriguez work on it between rounds. In fact, after the fight was over, he worked on it for about 20 seconds, and the cut was under control.”

Dutchover showed great sportsmanship in defeat.

“I take my losses the same way I take my wins, but now I just can’t wait to get back in there. It says that I have a loss on paper, but with my performance, I feel that I won. I would take a rematch with him without hesitation. But as soon as I heal up, I would take that as the 1st fight back.”

The fight took place in front of a sold out crowd in Dutchover’s hometown for which SHOWTIME analyst’s said it was the loudest they heard a venue in many years.

“Midland supported this event, and I helped bring a major event here. It exceeded all expectations, the fans loved the fight, and they are already talking about bringing another event here.”

In the co-feature, world-ranked featherweight, Ruben Villa (17-0, 5 KOs) was very impressive in shutting out previously undefeated Enrique Vivas to retain the WBO International title.

Villa used a variety of punches throughout the fight which included a perfect two punch combination that dropped Vivas in round two, and Villa cruised to the victory by matching 100-89 scores on all cards.

“It was a pretty good performance. He was confident, but we had a good game-plan which we stuck to the whole fight, and I was smart about it what I wanted to do in there,” said Villa.

“We planned that he would be more aggressive. We know that feints and jabs would be key and they worked great. Once I landed the jab that was followed by a left hand in round that that dropped him, I saw him begin to lose his confidence.”

Villa was very satisfied with his performance in his 3rd appearance on ShoBox.

“If you consider the tough opponent, who came in undefeated and combine it that I scored a knockdown and won all the rounds, I would say it was my best performance to date.”

Villa is very confident that major opportunities are on the horizon.

“I am going to take a couple of weeks off, and then get right back in the gym. I am hopeful that by middle of next year I will get my world title opportunity.”

In Ontario, California, two-time world title challenger Petr Petrov registered his 3rd stoppage victory of the year as he stopped Dedrick Bell in the 2nd round of their main event at The Doubletree Hotel.
Petrov dominated the action, and stopped Bell with a body shot at 2:48.

With the win, Petrov (41-6-2, 22 KOs) will look for a major opportunity, which could include a world title shot with a particular interest in fighting newly crowned WBC Interim lightweight champion Devin Haney.

“I am very proud of Michael, Ruben and Petr,” said Artie Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions. “Michael was ahead in the fight that ended because of a situation where no one has clearly seen a punch. If the referee would have declared it a headbutt, Michael would have won the fight as he was ahead on two the cards. It’s just bad luck. Michael is 21 years-old and he is terrific young fighter. It is just a bump in the road. Ruben was outstanding, and he keeps showing us he is on his way to a world title. He took on an undefeated fighter who was promoted by Mikey Garcia’s company. Mikey knows talent. Ruben won every round, and he is proving why he is one of the best at 126 pounds in the world. Once again Petr showed that he is a true professional as he has been active, and has three straight knockouts. A big fight is in his near future.”

Dutchover and Villa are co-promoted by Thompson Boxing.

Atlanta, GA – September 23, 2019 — On Saturday, September 26 at Buckhead Theater in Atlanta, World Boxing Association Fedalatin Champion Carlos Monroe, in his biggest fight to date, defends his title against former world title challenger Javier Francisco Maciel. In the co-feature, Eric Moon will fight Mike Guy for the American Boxing Federation (ABF) title, as there will be eight bouts in all.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.

Carlos Monroe (16-0, 13 KOs) was born in Chicago and moved to Atlanta age 3. As an amateur he won NINE consecutive Georgia State Golden Gloves tournaments. He also was two-time Florida State Golden Gloves champion. “Every year I competed n the state Golden Gloves, I won,” stated Carlos. In the 2015 Olympic trials, even though Carlos won his final bout, he was unable to fight further due to a major cut from an accidental head butt.

Monroe, coached by trainer of world champions Stacie McKinley, made his professional debut on December 16, 2017 and had ten fights in 2018, and this will be his sixth this year. “This is my biggest fight, to date,” said Carlos. “ I have been training in Pompano Beach, Florida, with a lot of sparring partners with different styles, so I am good about making adjustments on the fly. I don’t feel any threats in the ring. Javier is a game opponent and fought a few big names. He comes forward and is a pressure fighter, and I like that.” Monroe likes to work the body and “most of my stoppages have come from body shots.” Carlos lives about twenty minutes outside of Atlanta and will have many family and friends at the fight.

“Carlos is very smart, listens well and is a hard worker,” said McKinley, who has trained Mike Tyson and numerous middleweight world champions. “He has unusual hand speed, and power at the same time. This fight is a step up for him and after that, there will be another step up. I have big plans for him. He leaves home and comes here for to train, has a fight, goes home for week then comes back for another six to eight weeks. He is not just training boxing, he is living boxing and that’s what you need to do to become great. He has a young daughter now and a wonderful promoter, Judy Starkey, who has invested a lot in Carlos to provide for him what he needs to be successful.”

Javier Francisco Maciel (33-8, 23 KOs) from Buenos Aires, Argentina, has fought for the World Boxing Association world middleweight championship and has won numerous regional titles. Maciel has fought world champion Dmitry Pirog and world title challengers Willie Monroe Jr., Francisco Antonio Mora.

“We are so thankful to partners like this that support the nearly 3,000 kids that attend our Clubs each day and help them reach their full potential,” said Missy Dugan, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Through sports, youth build skills that will serve them now and throughout their lives including self-confidence, good sportsmanship, discipline, and an appreciation of healthy living and exercise.” Kids from several local Clubs will attend. Event organizers are Judy Starkey, an accomplished Atlanta businesswoman and Harry Barnett, who has been involved in boxing for over sixty years as a boxer, manager and promoter.

LAS VEGAS, NV (September 23, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs), now ranked WBA #12, is ready to face anyone in the top ten of the 140-pound division as he enters contender status.

Hunter who recently out boxed Cameron Kreal (16-14-3, 4 KOs) by a wide decision, a fighter who despite his record not looking the best, was a heavily avoided fighter. In his previous fight before that, Hunter defeated, Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (11-2-1, 5 KOs) by split decision. Both wins come on his opponents home turf. Hunter has continuously looked to fight the best and is creating momentum organically through each performance.

“I have faced tough opposition in my last two bouts beating Cameron Kreal and Sanjarbek Rakhmanov, both who were fighting on the “A” side with their promoter, Mayweather Promotions,” said Keith Hunter, who is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions. “I feel I am ready to face the best and this world ranking just puts me closer to getting those fights.”

Keith Hunter, who is the younger brother of Heavyweight contender, Michael Hunter (18-1, 12 KOs), comes from a boxing family. His father Michael Hunter Sr. (26-7-2, 8 KOs), had a successful career in the 80’s.

“I am fighting mostly as professional since people don’t put enough respect on my father’s name, and I feel that continuing his legacy is very important to me,” Hunter continued. “I am excited for what the future holds and like I said, I’m ready for anyone.”

“Hunter is a special fighter, he is talented, but also is a courageous fighter, who fights with tremendous heart,” said Prince Ranch Boxing’s CEO Greg Hannley. “It is exciting to see that he is now ranked in the top fifteen of the WBA as this can lead to some great fights in the future.”

Hunter is currently ranked #12 by the WBA and is awaiting a fight date as he looks to fight for a top ten opponent.

New York, September 21, 2019

Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” has been a staple in the New York boxing scene since its inception in 2011. Eight years later, the acclaimed fight series is continuing to thrive, proven by last night’s electric atmosphere, and thrilling fights.

In the main event, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY now 11-0 8KO’s) brought the fight to the Oklahoma native, DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS” KNIFECHIEF (Shawnee, OK now 12-11-1 5KO’s) in the scheduled 8-round super welterweight bout. James wasted no time in taking control of the fought, as just five punches into the first round, he dropped Knifechief with a three-punch combination. To Knifechief’s credit, he got off the canvas, and continued to fight. However, the next four rounds would be more of the same, as James lived up to his promise of showing flash, speed and power. Finally, 28 seconds into the fifth round, referee Tony Chiarantano had seen enough and stopped the action.

James had this to say about his first main event victory, “It was a great fight. The opponent [Knifechief] was tough as nails. I’m happy I was able to get rounds in and I hope I made the crowd proud with my 5th KO in the row. “

In the co-feature bout, Dominican Republic rising star, and #24 world rated bantamweight, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE (Dominican Republic, now 13-0 9KO’s) defended his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against amateur standout, ERNESTO GARZA III (Saginaw, MI now 10-3 6KO’s). If you missed this fight, we highly suggest you catch up by watching it, HERE. This fight had fight of the year excitement, written all over it and it lived up to expectations. Almonte and Garza traded absolute bombs for eight straight rounds. Both men were sharp and in excellent condition, and took turns demonstrating their power and speed. Almonte scored a knockdown in the 4th round, but Garza, would not allow it to faze him, jumping right back into the action-packed fight. Both fighters left every ounce of themselves in the ring. After the eight heated and crowd-pleasing rounds, the undefeated Almonte retained his title, winning a unanimous decision. (78-73 (x2), 77-74)

Almonte had this to say about his US debut, “I knew it was going to be a tough. Mexicans are warriors, plus I had never fought a southpaw before. I’m just glad that I was able to showcase my skill in the USA. People are going to remember the name ‘Bombita’ for a long time”

If you thought that you were in a soccer stadium, during the ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (Bellport, NY now 4-0 1KO) vs DEO KIZITO (Silver Springs, MD by way of Uganda, now 3-4 2KO’s), we understand why. Chants, songs and cheers broke out from the masses at The Paramount, rooting on Long Island favorite, and New York Golden Glove champion, Alex Vargas. Vargas displayed great speed in his combinations throughout the four-round fight and Kizito exhibited a great ability to give and take. At the end of the four rounds, Vargas earned the unanimous decision victory. (40-36 (x3))

Alex Vargas said this about his fourth consecutive win, “It felt great to be back in the ring again after 7 months. It was exciting to be fighting in my hometown of Long Island and getting a win”

In the opening bout of the evening, New York Police Department (32nd Precinct) officer, EMMAUNEL ETIENNE (Uniondale, NY now 1-0 1KO) took on CHARLES JOHNSON (Upper Marlboro, MD now 1-4 1KO) in his pro-debut over a four-round cruiserweight bout. Etienne controlled the action for much of the fight showing impressive speed and movement for a Cruiserweight. Attacking both the head and body, Etienne left Johnson on unsteady legs more than one time during the fight. In the third-round, Etienne closed in on Johnson, bearing down with flush body to head combinations, causing the referee to stop the action, 35 seconds into the third round, earning the TKO victory in his pro-debut.

Emmanuel said this about his epic night, “It was a surreal experience, jumping on the ropes after the win is something you see in the movies are in your dream but to actually experience it is crazy. Your hard work will pay off”

Star Boxing, CEO JOE DEGUARDIA said this about last night’s fights, “What a thrilling night of fights at The Paramount. This fight series has truly brought fight fans some of the best fights and fighters in New York, and last night, Junior Almonte and Ernesto Garza may have brought the fight of the year. Tyrone James once again showed his skill, and why he is on the path to becoming the newest bright star of the Paramount. Be sure to get your tickets now for our next Paramount event (November 23) “

London, England (20 September 2019) North-west fight fans get a second chance to savour the smooth southpaw skills of soaring super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani when the fast rising star tops the Premier Suite, University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton on Saturday 28th September, exclusively live on Channel 5 from 9pm.

The classy 28-year-old from Crayford, Kent, who enters on an incredible eight and a half year unbeaten streak and who earned lavish plaudits when he returned to Britain from a five year campaign in North America – to defeat the Slovakian hard case Martin Parlagi at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse in late May – shall be seeking to smash his way into the world ranking’s by neutralising Nicaragua’s nuclear hitting and two-time World title challenger Francisco Fonseca.

The high-grade contenders collide over 12 rounds for the Vacant WBA International belt – and a guaranteed world rating – in a salivating contrast of styles that stands as a world title eliminator in all but name. The show will be promoted by Mick Hennessy in association with Steve Wood VIP Boxing Promotions, screened live in the UK on free-to-air Channel Five and 5Spike.

Originally, Dilmaghani was scheduled to headline for the first time in his home county of Kent but due to unforeseen venue difficulties with The Mote Park Theatre, promoter Hennessy has switched to where dazzler Dilma was so well received in late spring.

The frighteningly focussed Southampton University law graduate who took himself to Mexico to learn under legendary trainer Nacho Beristain and alongside the great Juan Manuel Marquez is unlikely to be unsettled by the late switch, but promoter Hennessy tendered the following explanation.

‘We apologise to the fans who were expecting Alex to headline in Kent for the first time, but at this short notice we have had no alternative but to move the fight,”

‘Nevertheless, we’re delighted to work again in association with renowned promoter Steve Wood and his VIP Boxing Promotions team who already had a great show in place for that date and now with Dilmaghani v Fonseca added as the main event, together we are thrilled to present a fantastic evening of Championship Boxing, live on Channel 5,”

‘Alex will get a fabulous opportunity to show why he is the dangerman in the 130lb division and why he has been avoided like the plague by his rivals.  This is a real fight for Alex against a hard and experienced fighter in Fonseca who only has two very competitive losses against elite world level fighters in Gervonta Davis and Tevin Farmer.  I’m seriously excited about this fight and I can’t wait to see Alex perform to his best and show precisely what I have been talking about – that’s he’s boxing’s best kept secret.”

Chief support on the talent stacked undercard 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-welter title. 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.

Wood is thrilled to add the premium Dilmaghani-Fonseca title showdown to top his already quality stacked show and deliver fans a thrilling night of action.  He said, “It was short notice, but I’m pleased that VIP Boxing Promotions could assist Mick Hennessy and Channel 5. We’re excited to add the International title fight between Dilmaghani and Fonseca to the show that will compliment the English title showdown between the unbeaten contenders Flatley and Scarff, plus some of our best young talent will get tremendous exposure on 5Spike.”

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

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 debuts 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. 

Hennessy Sports would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to the supporters and local fighters on the original card.  Members of the public who have purchased tickets for the Mote Park Theatre can go to their original point of purchase for a full refund.

Roseland, NJ (September 20, 2019) – Talented welterweight prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. will be in action for his second professional fight tonight in Midland, Texas when he takes on Caleb Bailey as part of the non-televised ShoBox: The New Generation card at The La Hacienda Event Center.

Mielnicki, 17, of Roseland, New Jersey is coming off a spectacular first-round stoppage over Tamarcus Smith on July 13th in front of nearly 1,000 of Mielnicki’s fans at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The knockout earned a spot on the ESPN Sports Center Top-10 Plays of the Day.

“I am excited about getting back in there,” said Mielnicki, “I know he is shorter than me. Smith was taller, but it doesn’t matter. I am looking to get in there and do what I do best.”

Highlights of Mielnicki vs. Bailey will be shown on the ShoBox telecast that kicks off at 10:30 PM ET/PT live on SHOWTIME.

Michael Hunter is on the cusp of huge fights in the Heavyweight division, and in the latest episode of ‘Born Fighter’, Hunter opens up on all things from how spirituality helps him fight and the relationship with his fighting Father.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ‘BORN FIGHTER’ WITH MICHAEL HUNTER ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Hunter (18-1 12 KOs) put on a fine performance in New York last Friday, putting down unbeaten Sergey Kuzmin in the fifth round en route to a comprehensive points win to take the Russian’s WBA Intercontinental strap.

Hunter has raced into contention for major fights and title shots with his run of wins over Martin Bakole, Alexander Ustinov, Fabio Maldanado and Kuzmin, and will be targeting more big-name victims at the end of the year.

‘The Bounty’ sat down with Lauren Gardner ahead of his clash with Kuzmin for the second episode of the second series of ‘Born Fighter’, and along with fascinating insights on spirituality, meditation, yoga and nutrition, the 31 year old opened up on his relationship with his Father, Mike ‘The Bounty’ Hunter, the former NABF champion who passed away in 2006, just as Hunter was starting out in the amateurs.

Hunter speaks fondly of spending hours watching his Father spar the likes of Mike Tyson and Razor Ruddock, and the self-confessed ‘Daddy’s boy’ talks of his admiration for his Father and how his death affected his life and career.

“He was awesome,” said Hunter. “He was always laughing, the life of the party. I was a Daddy’s boy for sure. I was always right by his pocket, I wanted to be wherever he was at, I think that was one of the major reasons that I got into boxing because I wanted to be just like him. Watching his every move, how he portrayed himself in and out of the ring, I would throw fits if I couldn’t go to the gym or he would leave me to go there and I knew where he was going.

“I was always in the gym with him watching him spar all different Heavyweights, it was normal for me, but looking back it was Mike Tyson, Razor Ruddock, all these famous and great fighters but it was just to see my Dad. It was a blessing. In the amateurs I was asked about my Dad, boxing and my earliest memories. I felt like my life was normal but i said one of my early memories was dad sparring Mike and everyone listening had their jaws dropping, I guess I didn’t see it at the time that it’s not normal, but now I am older with my own pro career, I can see it a little better.

“I was more into watching my Dad and the way he moved, he was a slick boxer. I didn’t pay too much attention to the guys he was sparring but when I was 12 or 13 I do remember meeting Mike and even though it wasn’t the first time I met him I was thinking: ‘This is Mike Tyson, this is cool!’ I was about the same height as him at this point, he wasn’t too much taller than me and I was like ‘I’m taller than Mike Tyson!’, but when he shook my hand it was so hard I could completely understand that this was a grown man, a different type of strength.

“I was infatuated by my Father’s career and how smooth and calm he was in and out of the ring, and how much he was on his craft. It was always fun, he was always alive, he never seemed nervous when it came to fighting and I think that’s what really caught me but I didn’t really get into thinking I was going to box until he passed.

“I grew up pretty fast after he passed, I didn’t cry for a couple of years, I kept it in. It was not my time to cry, it was time to grow up and change, be the man. I grew up at that moment. I jumped into it, it wasn’t my time to be in sorrow, I had a job to do for my Mom and my brothers and sisters, it was a turning point for me to make money and box for a living. I had only one amateur fight before he passed, he was meant to come to my second fight but he didn’t make it.

“Things in life can happen abruptly and you have to be prepared. It made me walk a certain path. I always wanted to do what was right anyway and that touched me in a deep way and made me cry with my chin up in a way.”

Hunter is the second fighter featured on season two of ‘Born Fighter’ following Devin Haney as the second series focuses on the American stable at Matchroom Boxing USA after 11 episodes from the British and Irish stable featuring Katie Taylor, Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, Joshua Buatsi and more.

The series will be presented by Lauren Gardner, a familiar face to sports fans in America as the host of DAZN’s nightly live baseball program “ChangeUp” as well as a contributing reporter for DAZN’s boxing coverage. The Colorado native has worked with CBS Sports, AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports Ohio, MTV2, MLB/NHL Network and ESPN, where she covered NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, College Football, College Basketball and two Super Bowls. The American series of ‘Born Fighter’ will also appear on DAZN 24 hours after premiering on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

NEW YORK – September 20, 2019 – Undefeated welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis will face Demian Daniel Fernandez in his return to national television on Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME. 

The highly touted Ennis (23-0, 21 KOs) will fight on TV for the first time in nearly a year against once-beaten Argentinian Fernandez (12-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round co-featured bout on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Dort Federal Events Center in Flint, Mich. 

VIDEO: https://twitter.com/ShowtimeBoxing/status/1175084862816116736

With the addition of the 22-year-old Ennis to the October 5 card, two young American prospects from boxing’s glamour divisions will share the spotlight on the undercard of Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin. In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated, 25-year-old heavyweight Jermaine Franklin (19-0, 13 KOs) will make his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 as he seeks a definitive victory against once-beaten Pavel Šour (11-1, 6 KOs). 

“I’m really excited to be on this show for my first big fight of 2019,” Ennis said. “I want to thank Stephen Espinoza and everyone at SHOWTIME for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to reminding everybody who I am and what I’m capable of doing. We have big plans for the future, but the first step is a statement win on October 5.”

Philadelphia’s Ennis returned from a nine-month layoff due to a promotional dispute in August, picking up where he left off with a first-round TKO of Franklin Mamani. Ennis has now scored 13 straight knockouts, including two emphatic victories on ShoBox: The New Generation in 2018.

Ennis was a standout amateur before turning professional in 2016, winning the 2015 National Golden Gloves and earning a No. 1 ranking as the top amateur at 141 pounds. Since turning pro, Ennis has stormed through his first 23 opponents while his level of opposition has steadily increased. The aggressive and come-forward welterweight owns 10 first round knockouts and has yet to be pushed past the sixth round. 

Fernandez, of Buenos Aires, turned professional in 2014 and has earned 12 victories in 13 fights while mostly campaigning in Argentina. The 30-year-old has fought in three scheduled 10-rounders, including in his U.S. debut in his most recent bout on August 10 in Detroit. The aggressive, come-forward Fernandez suffered the lone blemish on his record in 2014 less than two months after turning professional. The welterweight has since rallied off nine straight victories and looks forward to making a statement in his national television debut.    

“This will be my second fight in the U.S. and I’m excited to show I’m ready for the spotlight,” said Fernandez.  “I would like to thank my promoter, Dequan with CMC Promotions, for giving me this opportunity. I know I’m the underdog but I want the fans to know I am coming to knock him out. Vamonos!”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office. 

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

New York, September 20, 2019

New York Police Department, 32nd precinct’s own EMMANUEL ETIENNE will be making his pro-debut at The Paramount tonight (9/20). Etienne, who resides in Uniondale, Long Island, will have a huge contingent of the “boys in blue”, backing him in his milestone bout.

“You can never be satasified with where you are at in life,” Etienne said, “always take it to the next level.” His determination to make it as a professional fighter does not go unnoticed by his fellow officers. “You will see Friday night, the crowd will be packed with NYPD blue.”

Etienne will be facing CHARLES JOHNSON of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, who enters The Paramount with three fights under his belt. Johnson will prove to be a great test for Etienne, due to his height advantage and fight experience. However, like Etienne said, to take it to the next level, he plans to rise to the occasion, and celebrate a victory in is professional debut.

Rockin’ Fights 36 is promoted by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXNG. Tickets to Rockin’ Fights 36 can be purchased below, as well as at the Paramount box office.
BUY TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” AT THE PARAMOUNT HERE
TICKETS START AT $50 | FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
BUY TICKETS HERE!

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 36: JAMES vs KNIFECHEIF PROMO

For media use please credit or tag @StarBoxing

INFO:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 showcases Elmont, Long Islands own, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES, in his first main event at “Rockin’ Fights,” against tough Oklahoma product DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS” KNIFECHIEF. In the co-feature, highly touted Dominican Republic undefeated prospect, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE, will make his US debut, as he defends his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against Michigan’s, ERNESTO GARZA III. Bellports New York Golden Gloves Champion, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS looks to remain undefeated in his third apperance at The Paramount. In a 4-round bout, New York police officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE makes his pro-debut.
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, WBAB, The Inn at Fox Hollow, The Tudor Advisory Group, and The Best Western.
PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 36 Date Announcement
Rockin’ Fights 36 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential
Rockin’ Fights: Almonte vs Garza
Rockin’ Fights Official Media Schedule
Rockin’ Fights Official Weigh In Results
Rockin’ Fights 36: Tyrone James, The Paramount’s Next Star
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.

RLINGTON, TX. (September 20, 2019) – Unbeaten IBF Welterweight Champion and Dallas hometown hero Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. hosted a media workout for fans Thursday at Texas Live! In Arlington as he nears his welterweight title unification clash against “Showtime” Shawn Porter headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on Saturday, September 28 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.

Spence met with fans and showed off his skills along with head trainer Derrick James at Thursday’s open to the public event, which also featured DJ Bay Bay from KKDA-FM in Dallas.

Here is what Spence and James had to say Thursday:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“Anyone who doubts me just motivates me to keep grinding and go even harder. They can keep doubting me but I’m going to stay focused and train hard.

“Everything I said I’d do in a fight I’ve done so far. I expect a knockout and that’s what’s going to happen on September 28.

“There are parts of Shawn’s game that I know I can exploit. We work hard to be ready for any kind of style he tries to bring. I’m mentally preparing to break him down and make it a calculated knockout.

“The winner of this fight is definitely going to be the best welterweight in the world. There’s no way around it. Being a unified champion and stamping my place in the division makes me even hungrier to win.

“I’m looking to make a statement by being the first person to knock Shawn out. I showed people that I have the great boxing skills against Mikey Garcia, and now I’m going to remind everyone about my power on September 28.

“I’m different than anybody Shawn’s ever fought. I’m not Keith Thurman and I’m not Danny Garcia. Shawn has been in a lot of close fights with great fighters, but I’m going to bring something he’s never seen before.”

“I’m going to listen to my coach and stick to the game plan he’s giving me. None of the outside noise and nothing Shawn can say is going to knock me off track.

“Kenny Porter has been an assistant coach for me in the past during the amateurs, but I don’t think it’s going to have an impact on this fight. You can see a fighter’s strengths and weaknesses on film without having to be in the gym with them.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Both fighters are very familiar with each other and that should make this a really exciting fight for boxing fans. Shawn and Errol are both going to have to make adjustments on the fly and whoever executes better is going to be victorious.

“Errol is ready to go 12 rounds if he needs, but we know that we have a game plan to get this knockout. It’s definitely something that Errol is looking for to make the statement that he wants.

“I know that Errol is focused only on what he has in front of him. He knows the style that Shawn brings into the ring and because of it, you have to be mentally there 100 percent. Or he can wear you down. I don’t expect Errol to have any trouble with any aggressive tactics from Shawn.”

#

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.

Billy Joe Saunders will make his long-awaited US debut when he defends his WBO Super-Middleweight World title for the first time on the blockbuster KSI vs. Logan Paul 2 show at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Saturday November 9, live on DAZN.

Saunders (28-0, 13 KOs) became a two-weight World Champion with a shutout points win over Shefast Isufi in Stevenage earlier this year, outclassing his Serbian opponent over 12 rounds to land the WBO 168lbs title.

The Hatfield southpaw’s first World title came against Irish fight legend Andy Lee at Manchester Arena in December 2015 when he floored the former champion twice in the third round on route to a majority decision to claim the WBO Middleweight crown.

Saunders signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in August and is out to impress on his big DAZN debut later this year as he aims to secure megafights with the likes of Callum Smith, Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.

“It feels like my professional debut all over again,” said Saunders. “I’m very excited to fight in front of the American fans for the first time in my professional career. The STAPLES Center is an unbelievable venue and I’m hearing that 20,000 people are expected to be packed in on the night.

“It’s a great chance to get some new fans onboard and a chance to capitalise on putting my name in the big lights in America. The KSI vs. Logan Paul rematch has really captured the imagination of the British and American public and it’s something that sells. Fair play to them both, it’s going to be a great show.

“People say, ‘oh you’re on the undercard’, but I feel like we’re all sharing the show, we’re all absorbing that energy off the fans. I’ve seen the numbers they attract, over six million people watched the press conference alone, and all eyes will be on us on November 9.

“I’m looking forward to making my debut with Matchroom Boxing live on DAZN. There’s been some brilliant names signed to DAZN recently and there’s some big names on the platform. It’s time to really put my impressing shoes on and put my name out there for those big fights to be made.”

“I’m really pleased for Billy that he will get to make his US debut on November 9 at the superb STAPLES Center,” said Eddie Hearn. “Everyone in the sport knows that he is one of the best out there at 160lbs and 168lbs and he wanted the opportunity to prove that he IS the best.

“This event will be huge with a chance for Billy to box in front of a massive global audience of boxing fans and a casual audience that we hope will fall in love with our sport. A strong performance in November can set up all the mega fights for him in 2020.”

Saunders’ opponent will be announced next week.

General sale tickets are available to purchase now via www.axs.com

PHILADELPHIA – September 19, 2019 – Two-Time world title challenger Petr Petrov Weighed 136.9 lbs while his opponent Dedrick Bell checked in at 137.9 lbs

Petrov (40-6-2, 21 KOs) of Madrid, Spain, and is promoted by Banner Promotions, is looking for his 3rd win of 2019, and he is hoping that the win will catapult him to a 3rd world title shot.

Petrov – Bell will headline at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40 and $100 and are available for purchase at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

All fights will be streamed live on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via our Facebook page. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary. The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

MEXICALI, MEXICO (Sept. 19, 2019): Fighters from the Diaz Jr. vs. Cuadro undercard hosted a final press conference today at the Lucerna Hotel in Mexicali, Mexico ahead of the Sept. 21 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch. The undercard is led by the co-main event between hometown favorite Leonardo “El Leon” Baez (16-2, 9 KOs), who announced his signing with Golden Boy, taking on Venezuelan contender Edixon Perez (19-4, 4 KOs) in a 10-round defense of his NABA Super Bantamweight Title. This Saturday’s fights will take place at the Auditorio del Estado in Mexicali, Mexico and will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

LEONARDO BAEZ, NABA Super Bantamweight Champion:

“I’m very prepared. This fight is very important for me because I’ll be fighting right here in my hometown of Mexicali. I want to thank Golden Boy for taking this card here to my home to make the first defense of my NABA title. I’m happy, I’m motivated, and I’m prepared. ¡Arriba Mexicali!”

EDIXON PEREZ, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“I know this will be a tough fight. But I have come very well prepared. I’ve come to give a great rival against Baez on Sept. 21. I invite everyone to come out and watch this fight because I’m coming very well prepared.”

JESUS CUARDO, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I hope we have a great fight this Saturday. They may think I’m a trampoline. They may think they can use me as a stepping stone. But that’s not how things are going to go. I came to win this fight. If I lose this fight, it will be the last thing I do in my career.”

ANGEL BELTRAN, Welterweight Contender:

“We are very prepared for this fight against Dilan Loza. We know it’s a tough fight, but it’s something we have to do. This was an opportunity given to us by Gladiator Promotions and Golden Boy. I think that opportunities arise to be taken. That’s what we are going to do. We are very prepared. We are ready to give 100% in the ring. We will show who is best on Saturday.”

DILAN LOZA, Welterweight Boxer:

“We’re anxious for the fight. We are two days away from this great battle. More than anything, we are very much prepared and ready for that great day. We will go in there with everything.”

JAN SALVATIERRA, Flyweight Prospect:

“I want to thank Golden Boy for this great opportunity. I want to thank my trainers and managers the Saucedo Brothers from Westside Boxing Club for their support. I have prepared a lot for this fight. I’ve prepared to put everything on the line. You will see that on Sept. 21”

ROBERTO DIAZ, Head Matchmaker of Golden Boy:

“It’s a great honor to be here again to present a great event of Mexico vs. Venezuela. Two great fights and an undercard card full of prospects, which are the promising fighters of tomorrow. In Saturday’s undercard, we’ll have a young man who I just got to know a few months ago. He had a great victory by taking the title away from the undefeated boxer Alberto Melian. I’m talking about Leonardo Baez. He came with a lot of hunger and was set on bringing the title back home.”

“At the same time, I want to welcome Leonardo Baez to the Golden Boy family. I’m glad and honored. I know you will have a great career. I’ve heard it from many former champions. You’ll be defending your title for the first time against Edixon Perez. It’s a tough fight but we have all the confidence in you because we see in you a future world champion.”

Diaz Jr. vs. Cuadro is a 12-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Auditorio del Estado in Mexicali, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Diaz Jr. vs. Cuadro are on sale and are available at Zonaticket.mx.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #DiazJrCuadro. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/DiazJrCuadro into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

–MAIN EVENT–
8 Rounds – Lightweights
STEVEN ORTIZ (132.6 lbs) vs ALEJANDRO SALINAS (131 lbs)

6 Rounds – Jr. Lightweights
JOSHAFAT ORTIZ (128.5 lbs) vs ANDREW BENTLEY (126.5 lbs)

6 Rounds – Jr. Welterweight
DAIYAAN BUTT (140.7 lbs) vs LATORIE WOODBERRY (142.2 lbs)
**
6 Rounds – Junior Welterweights
GENC PLLANA (165.8 lbs) vs JAMAAL DAVIS (164.9 lbs)
**
4 Rounds – Junior Welterweights
JAN CZERKLEWICZ (173.5 lbs) vs AFUNWA KING (173.8 lbs)
**

ABOUT SEPT 20

The Sept. 20 card will consist of five fights, beginning at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000). You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at 1-877-466-3404 and at www.parxcasino.com/entertainment.

NEW YORK (September 19, 2019)–Split-T Management will showcase two fighters in highly competitive bouts on Friday night.

Super Welterweight Fred Wilson, Jr. will take on Mekhrubon Saginov in an six-round fight featuring undefeated fighters at The Cannery Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.

Ernesto Garza III will take on Junior Almonte in an eight-round battle for the WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title at the Paramount in Huntington, New York.

Wilosn (6-0-1,2 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio will be making his 2019 debut, as he steps up to face his biggest challenge in the highly acclaimed Saginov, who checks in with a record of 7-0 with five knockouts.

The bout can be seen live on Mayweather Promotions Facebook Page.

Garza of Saginaw, Michigan has a record of 10-2 with six knockouts, is riding a three fight winning streak.

Almonte will be making his 2nd start of 2019 as he is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Jeno Tonte on February 23rd in Dearbon, Michigan.

The 30 year-old Garza, has wins over DeVonte Allen (5-1-1) andHakeem Watkins (5-1), will be looking for the biggest win of his career in a fight that could catapult Garza into the world rankings.

Almonte of The Dominican Republic is perfect with a record of 12-0 with nine knockouts is the WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight champion.

He won that crown with a 1st round stoppage over Rafael Rodriguez. He also has a 1st round over Jesus Castillo (1-0).

Both Garza and Almonte weighed 116.8 lbs at Thursday’s weigh-in.

LOS ANGELES (September 19, 2019) – Undefeated former world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez and exciting veteran contenders Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez and John Molina Jr. all took part in a Los Angeles media workout on Thursday as they near their respective showdowns Saturday, September 28 as part of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View headlined by Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter 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.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from City of Angels Boxing in Los Angeles:

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“It’s always good to study your opponent. We know what his strengths and weaknesses are. He’s got a good right hook and an uppercut. I know what to expect, but in the fight there can always be more aspects to his game I didn’t see. So we’re ready for anything.

“The last six fighters I’ve faced have all talked about how they have more experience than me, and it’s true, but they’ve all been beat. I’m not going to intimidated by anybody. Nobody scares me. I’m just here to do what I do best. I did everything right and we’ll see the results on September 28.

“I’m looking to knock Anthony Dirrell out. If we don’t get it, I’m going to give the fans a great fight. Either way, I’m looking to nominate.

“I’ve been watching Sugar Ray Leonard this camp, especially his movement. I’ve watched Marco Antonio Barrera and his vicious body shot power. Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather too. I love watching old fights like theirs.

“I’ve had a lot of great opportunities in recent years and that was all that was missing from the beginning of my career. I’m very blessed to be in this position and grateful for my team that got me here. I’m going to continue to shine.

“I’m very motivated to lead this next generation of fighters and excited to see what’s going to happen. I follow a lot of the other fighters around my age and we’re making a lot of noise now.

“I learned a lot from sparring Shawn Porter. I’ve been sparring older guys since I was a kid. In the amateurs I always fought guys older than me. I’ve been doing this all my life.

“We do a lot of sparring with a lot of different fighters. If you can adapt to four different styles in one sparring session, imagine going up against just one style in the ring. That’s something my dad has told me to do and it works well for us.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“A win opens up more opportunities. I’ve proven myself and I continue to prove to everyone that I belong in the ring with top fighters. I’ve given elite fighters some of their toughest fights. You’re always in for an exciting fight with me.

“I don’t underestimate John Molina Jr. I’ve seen him a lot throughout the years, just like I’m sure he’s seen me. We know each other quite well, so the fans are in for a good one. We’ve both proven we have the heart and the will, now we have to prove it against each other.

“My preparation has given me confidence heading into this fight. I know that I can be in there with the best of them. I feel great physically, I’m focused mentally and those tough rounds against a fighter like Keith Thurman in my last fight definitely boosted up my confidence. I have to showcase everything on September 28.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight. I’ve prepared for battle and I’m going to win. I’m ready to go through anything to get this victory.

“I don’t feel pressure to make this an action fight, because this is one of those matchups where it’s just going to happen naturally. This is an evenly-matched fight and everyone is going to get their money’s worth.

“I don’t really have a prediction but I think Spence vs. Porter is going to be an exciting fight. Spence has shown a lot but Porter is tough dog and I’m sure he’s going to give him everything he’s got. The entire card is action. It’s a can’t miss pay-per-view from top to bottom and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“Me and Josesito are both guys who took tough roads to get here and the fans love us because of what we always put into the ring. We leave everything in there and that’s why the fans know this fight is going to be one to remember.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve seen just about everything in the sport. There’s nothing new that Josesito can do to surprise me. At the end of the day, this is a fight. We’re well prepared, and I know he is as well.

“Having to pull out of my previously scheduled fight left me with a burning desire inside. I was upset. I know I don’t have to prove to the fans that I’m gritty, because they’ve seen what I do in the ring. But it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. When this fight presented itself, I jumped at it.

“It’s huge to be on this platform and it gives me a great opportunity to continue fighting for my family. It’s motivating and it makes me want to give the fans everything they deserve.

“This whole card is stacked from top to bottom. It’s all action and me and Josesito are going to give everyone a great Southern California brawl.”

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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.

MIDLAND, Texas – September 19, 2019 – Midland native and undefeated Michael Dutchover and highly regarded lightweight prospect Thomas Mattice both made weight a day before their main event showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, September 20 live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT).

Dutchover (13-0, 10 KOs) is making his second appearance on ShoBox and is fighting in his hometown for the first time as a professional. Dutchover said he would enter the ring wearing the high school football jersey of Midland legend and former NFL star Cedric Benson, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on August 17 in Austin. Cleveland’s Mattice (14-1-1, 10 KOs) will be fighting on ShoBox for a fifth time.

In the co-feature, undefeated featherweight prospects Ruben Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., and Garcia Promotions’ talent Enrique Vivas (17-0, 9 KOs) of Mexico City clash in a 10-round matchup. In the telecast opener, super lightweight prospect Brandun Lee (15-0, 13 KOs), of La Quinta, Calif., will face Milton Arauz (10-1-1, 5 KOs), of Jinotega, Nicaragua in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in association with GH3 Promotions, Garcia Promotions and Now Boxing Promotions, are priced at $120, $100 and $80 and can be purchased online at www.haciendamidland,com or by calling 432-563-3737.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Lightweight 10-Round Bout
Michael Dutchover – 134 ¼ lbs.
Thomas Mattice – 134 ¼ lbs.
Referee: Robert Velez
Judges: Jesse Reyes (Dallas), Ursaio Perez (San Antonio), Ruben Carrion (San Antonio)

Featherweight 10-Round Bout
Ruben Villa – 125 ¼ lbs.
Enrique Vivas – 126 lbs.
Referee: Robert Velez (El Paso, Texas)
Judges: Jesse Reyes (Dallas), Ursaio Perez (San Antonio), Ruben Carrion (San Antonio)

Welterweight 8-Round Bout
Brandun Lee – 142 ½ lbs.
Milton Arauz – 142 lbs.
Referee: Daniel Sandoval (El Paso, Texas)
Judges: TBA

In Non-Televised action, Mattheus Avrella Lamarque and Marquese Steward each weighed 135 lbs. Lamaque is promoted by Banner Promotions.

Here’s what the fighters had to say before they weighed in at the Doubletree by Hilton.

FINAL QUOTES:

MICHAEL DUTCHOVER
“This is just like another fight. My family lives here, but I’m staying at the fight hotel and treating it like any other fight. The location doesn’t matter but I’m glad it’s here though. The ring is my home, so I fight at home every fight.

“Everyone knows football is king here, but my dream has come true and it is time for Friday Night Lights, boxing-style.

“Training camp at the Santa Fe Springs Boxing Club went great with my trainer Danny Zamora. We peaked at the right time. We’re just ready to go.

“Cedric Benson is a Midland legend and went to my arch-rival high school Midland Lee High. I grew up seeing him star here locally and then play in the NFL. He was a true inspiration for me and all aspiring athletes from Midland.

“August 31 is a tragic day for all of Midland and West Texas as five people were gunned down here. For the past few weeks everyone has been sad, but I feel this is a perfect time to bring some happiness and positivity to the area.

“My last fight was quick, but you can never be a perfect boxer and you can always get better. So we worked on some things and Friday night I’m going to show how I’ve improved.

“My ring generalship and just being calm in the ring is what I’ve focused on. The fight is won in training camp and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in.”

THOMAS MATTICE:
“This will be a tough test, but we’re ready. The crowd might ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’, but I won’t hear it. The crowd means nothing because what it boils down to is two men in a square.

“People expect me to start slow and that’s what I’ve shown, but you’ll see something different from me right from the start.

“There is a regional WBO belt on the line so it’s a big fight. Whoever wins will be ranked after this fight.

“I’m going to be on point tomorrow night. When I get hit, it’s because I do something stupid. That’s not going to happen this time.”

RUBEN VILLA:

“I feel like I adjusted OK in my last fight on ShoBox against an awkward fighter. It was a good learning experience. I can keep my composure and I know that if I’m in a dog fight, I can adjust and go into deep waters. My opponent will start to fade around round six and I can drown him.

“I feel like quiet and soft-spoken doesn’t get you very far, so I plan to be a little more aggressive.

“There aren’t many people as fast as me. I feel like my confidence is pretty high right now, but anything can happen.

“I’m a fast fighter and my quick feet are my biggest attribute. We all know, ‘slow feet, don’t eat.’

“Going to Robert [Garcia]’s gym in Riverside really helped me because he has a lot of young and hungry guys.

“Shakur Stevenson was my amateur rival and I know he’s fighting next for a world title. But my time will come. I predict that within 12 months I will be doing the same.”

ENRIQUE VIVAS

“I know I’m fighting a tough and skilled opponent, but I just feel like this is my time. We’re both Olympians and have had success. We know each other and have sparred together. This is a once in a lifetime chance for us and we jumped on it. It’s too big an opportunity to pass up.

“For this fight we decided to train in Otomi, Mexico. My trainers are Mario and Ramon Morales and they have many years of experience as they were trainers for Marco Antonio Barrera and they also helped me train when I won the regional WBF North America belt and the Latin American WBC belt.

“Villa is a very intelligent fighter with good technique. He’s not an easy fighter but we are prepared and look forward to getting the victory.

“I’m excited to fight on SHOWTIME. I fought on television once before against Edixon Perez, who was supposed to fight Diego De La Hoya in Mexicali, and I got the victory; I’m looking for the same result on my second televised fight.

“He is a good technical puncher and I know his style and that he won’t be too aggressive. So we’ve worked on how to close the ring. It’s a great style matchup and we expect an exciting fight.

“[His promoter] Mikey Garcia always watches my fights and gives me advice. He has taught me to fight more intelligently and always tells me to be patient. He’s my idol. I appreciate his guidance.”

BRANDUN LEE

“I’m excited to gain some new fight fans and I’m excited for my TV debut. I’ve worked for this my entire life.

“My defense, my speed and my offense are my biggest attributes. You’ll see great boxers who run around and around. I don’t do that. I always have a game plan and can do it all.

“Jaron [Ennis] and I are both managed by Cameron Dunkin and we were in the amateurs together. He has a bright future and we’ve become pretty close friends.

“I’ve gained so much confidence with who I’ve sparred and trained with in the past. I feel like this is just my moment to shine. I’m only 20 years old and still have so much to learn.

“It took me six fights to realize you can’t knock everyone out in the first round. After about 10 professional fights I think I finally started to feel comfortable in there.

“Boxing isn’t a tough-man competition. I don’t have to show that I’m the toughest, I just have to show I’m the most skilled.”

MILTON ARAUZ

“I’ve been here for more than a week and we worked out in California and did some sparring and completed our medicals and paperwork.

“I’m very happy for this opportunity and I’m well prepared. Tomorrow night I’m going to take away an undefeated record. I can’t wait.

“Being on TV for the first time doesn’t affect me. I won’t be nervous. I’m just excited.

“No one knows who I am, but I know I can win this fight. That’s how confident I am. I have to be smart and attack him from the start.

Nicaragua has had a strong history of former boxing champion, guys like Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and Ricardo Mayorga. But Alexis Arguello is my favorite.

“I have a solid team behind me, including Marcos Caballero who is the father of former IBF bantamweight world champion Randy Caballero.”

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

New York, September 19, 2019

Eight fights ago, “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY 10-0 7KO’s) entered The Paramount in Huntington, NY for the first time. The date was March 5, 2016 and “The Jackpot” was opposing Neyeine Muang in a 4-round welterweight contest. From that point on, James had one goal on his mind, headline a “Rockin’ Fights.” This Friday, September 20, he will realize his dream as he will be the main event at the storied venue.

Tyrone James has been on some impressive “Rockin’ Fights” cards that include some of Long Island’s biggest success stories. In 2016, James appeared on the undercard of CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN, the record holder for most appearances at The Paramount. In November of 2018, James appeared on the undercard of the orginal king of The Paramount, former World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI. However, the time has come for James to reach his goal, to have his name next to Paramount legends, who were all developed at the renown venue in Huntington, later going on to be title contenders, and world champions.

Does James feel pressure knowing that the likes of Chris Algieri, Cletus Seldin and JOE SMITH JR. amongst others, were developed and performed at the highest level of the sport by becoming Paramount headliners, exactly where James finds himself on Friday night? “P ressure?” said James, “from what i know, pressure makes diamonds, so if there’s any pressure it must be good pressure for me to succeed.” While he may not feel the pressure of living up to the Paramount legends, James is not taking this opportunity lightly, ” It means a lot to me. A lot of great fighters have headlined at The Paramount, and to have my name beside theirs means a lot.”

As for what fans can expect come Friday night’s main event, as per usual, the charismatic James was not bashful, “fans can expect a great show. Speed, power and flash, because I make sure you see that every time i come out.”

Rockin’ Fights 36 is promoted by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXNG. Tickets to Rockin’ Fights 36 can be purchased below, as well as at the Paramount box office.
BUY TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” AT THE PARAMOUNT HERE
TICKETS START AT $50 | FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
BUY TICKETS HERE!

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 36: JAMES vs KNIFECHEIF PROMO

For media use please credit or tag @StarBoxing

INFO:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 showcases Elmont, Long Islands own, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES, in his first main event at “Rockin’ Fights,” against tough Oklahoma product DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS” KNIFECHIEF. In the co-feature, highly touted Dominican Republic undefeated prospect, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE, will make his US debut, as he defends his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against Michigan’s, ERNESTO GARZA III. Bellports New York Golden Gloves Champion, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS looks to remain undefeated in his third apperance at The Paramount. In a 4-round bout, New York police officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE makes his pro-debut.
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, WBAB, The Inn at Fox Hollow, The Tudor Advisory Group, and The Best Western.
PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 36 Date Announcement
Rockin’ Fights 36 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential
Rockin’ Fights: Almonte vs Garza
Rockin’ Fights Official Media Schedule
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.

Newly emerged top heavyweight contender Otto Wallin enjoyed a national hero’s homecoming yesterday in his native Sweden.

Basking in the glory earned by his epic stand against lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last Saturday, September 14, Wallin was greeted at Stockholm airport by countrymen eager to celebrate with their newest sports star and then whisked off for a national media tour.

“It felt great to have such a welcome at home in Sweden,” said a proud Wallin. “The media and the people are really backing me more and more and that’s awesome. Boxing in Sweden needs all the attention it can get and it feels good to be part of helping boxing at home and to be a role model for the kids.”

Wallin sat for several interviews including Sweden’s national publicly funded radio, Sveriges Radio, important sports newspaper Sportbladet and gave an emotional tribute to his late father in SVT’s popular Morning Studio, watched by 36.4% of the country.

Though Wallin was ultimately deemed to have lost on the scorecards after 12 tough rounds, the respect he earned from Fury and boxing fans worldwide has instantly taken him to recognizable status on the heavyweight boxing landscape.

“Otto had an outstanding fight against Tyson Fury and a well-deserved hero’s welcome in his homeland,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Although he didn’t get to take home the belt, it feels like he did to his fans in Sweden. As he said after the fight, it was a great learning experience and he’s definitely proven to himself and the boxing world that he is a big part of the heavyweight division. The sky is the limit for Otto and I am very happy that he has achieved celebrity athlete status in the US and back home in Sweden.”

Wallin is scheduled for additional Swedish media appearances today and the rest of the week.

NATIONAL HARBOR (September 19, 2019) – Undefeated former champion Brian Carlos Castaño will battle exciting veteran contender Wale “Lucky Boy” Omotoso in a 10-round super welterweight showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, November 2 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

The action begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT and features former world champions Javier “El Abejón” Fortuna and Jesús Andrés Cuellar colliding in a 10-round super featherweight showdown in the co-feature.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Thursday, September 26 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

“Saturday, November 2 promises to be a can’t-miss night with two 50-50 fights that guarantee action as long as they last,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes will have an exciting unbeaten champion in Brian Carlos Castaño looking to climb back into championship contention against Wale Omotoso, who comes forward and refuses to relent every time he’s in the ring. Combined with the Fortuna vs. Cuellar fight, fans at MGM National Harbor aren’t going to want to leave their seats for a minute during this show.”

The 29-year-old Castaño (15-0-1, 11 KOs) won the interim WBA Super Welterweight Championship with a sixth-round KO victory over Emmanuel de Jesus in 2016 and successfully defended that title against Michel Soro before being elevated to the regular champion when he stopped Cedric Vitu in 2018. Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Castaño most recently battled to a split-draw in an action packed showdown against current WBA Super Welterweight champion Erislandy Lara on March 2.

“I cannot wait to get into the ring again and show I’m one of the best fighters in this division,” said Castaño. “I believe I should still be holding my title, and that makes me feel even more motivated to beat a tough opponent like Omotoso. He’s a straight forward fighter that takes every fight to you and has never been knocked out. I know I have to prove myself in this fight in order to get back to the world title.”

Born in Lagos, Nigeria and now living in Los Angeles, Omotoso (28-4, 22 KOs) is nicknamed “Lucky Boy” but when he steps into the ring, chance has little to do with the outcome. The 34-year-old most recently scored a dominant knockout over longtime contender Curtis Stevens on FOX in August, in just his third fight at 154-pounds. A veteran who has gone the distance against then unbeaten fighters in his only four defeats, Omotoso will look to put himself in position to fight for a world title with a career-best win on November 2.

“I’m very excited for this fight against a great opponent who is always in exciting fights like me,” said Omotoso. “None of the welterweights wanted to fight me because I’m too dangerous, so now I’m on my way to fighting the best at 154-pounds. I feel stronger and more solid in my base at this weight. I know that I’m going to have to be at my best against Castaño and do what I know how to do.”

The 30-year-old Fortuna (34-2-1, 23 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over veteran contender Sharif Bogere on Feb. 9. Fortuna won a featherweight world championship with a unanimous decision over Bryan Vasquez in 2015 before losing the title in 2016 against Jason Sosa. Originally from La Romana, Dominican Republic and now living in Braintree, Massachusetts, Fortuna enters this fight the winner of five of his last six contests.

“Cuellar knows that he can’t beat me and knows he didn’t want to take this fight,” said Fortuna. “I’m a real fighter and I bring it every time in the ring. I hope he at least shows up on fight night to take his beating with no excuses.”

Cuellar (29-3, 22 KOs), who also hails from Buenos Aires, Argentina like Castaño, won an interim featherweight title by defeating Claudio Marrero in 2013 and defended it three times before being elevated to world champion with a knockout victory over Vic Darchinyan in 2015. He dropped the title the next year with a split decision loss to Abner Mares and before moving up in weight and losing in a super featherweight championship match against Gervonta Davis in 2017. The 33-year-old Cuellar is seeking to get back into the world title picture after most recently scoring a knockout victory over Carlos Padilla on March 9.

“I’m thrilled to be facing Fortuna because we were supposed to fight back 2013 but it didn’t end up happening,” said Cuellar. “When we were both training in Oxnard we traded some words and there was no love lost. Now, I’m excited to settle everything in the ring on November 2.”

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

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

New York, September 19, 2019

The entire Rockin’ Fights 36 card weighed-in today at Hooter’s in Farmingdale, ahead of tomorrow night’s fights. Tomorrow night’s entire card, including Paramount fan favorite, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES, JUNIOR ALMONTE who will be defending his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight Title against Michigan native, ERNESTO GARZA III as well as NY Golden Glove Champion ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS and New York police officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE, were looking fit and ready for tomrrow nights show.

8-ROUND SUPER WELTERWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES: 154.2 lbs
DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS KNIFECHIEF: 154 lbs

8-ROUND WBC FECARBOX BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE CO-FEATURE BOUT:
JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE (CHAMP): 116.8
ERNESTO GARZA III (CHALLENGER): 116.8

4-ROUND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS: 143.6 lbs
DEO KIZITO: 145 lbs

4-ROUND CRUISERWEIGHT BOUT:
EMMANUEL ETIENNE:190.6 lbs
CHARLES JOHNSON: 194.4 lbs

If you could not catch the weigh in LIVE, watch HERE.

The Paramount Doors open at 7:00PM, event begins at 7:30PM.
Bouts subject to change.
BUY TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” AT THE PARAMOUNT HERE
TICKETS START AT $50 | FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20
BUY TICKETS HERE!

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 36: JAMES vs KNIFECHEIF PROMO

For media use please credit or tag @StarBoxing

INFO:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 showcases Elmont, Long Islands own, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES, in his first main event at “Rockin’ Fights,” against tough Oklahoma product DENNIS “THE PAWNEE EXPRESS” KNIFECHIEF. In the co-feature, highly touted Dominican Republic undefeated prospect, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE, will make his US debut, as he defends his WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight title against Michigan’s, ERNESTO GARZA III. Bellports New York Golden Gloves Champion, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS looks to remain undefeated in his third apperance at The Paramount. In a 4-round bout, New York police officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE makes his pro-debut.
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 36 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, WBAB, The Inn at Fox Hollow, The Tudor Advisory Group, and The Best Western.
PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 36 Date Announcement
Rockin’ Fights 36 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential
Rockin’ Fights: Almonte vs Garza
Rockin’ Fights Official Media Schedule
Rockin’ Fights Weigh In Reminder
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PHILADELPHIA – September 19, 2019 – Two-Time world title challenger Petr Petrov will be back in action when he takes on 54-fight veteran Dedrick Bell in an eight-round main event at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Petrov (40-6-2, 21 KOs) is looking for his 3rd win of 2019, and he is hoping that the win will catapult him to a world title shot against newly crowned WBC Interim champion Devin Haney,

Over the weekend, Petrov, 36, was close to finalizing a deal as a last minute replacement for Ryan Garcia, but the agreement never materialized and left Garcia off the Los Angeles-area card he was headlining on Saturday.

“Things like this happen,” said Petrov, who will face Tennessee’s Bell on Friday night. “I’ve switched my focus back onto Bell and making sure I’m ready for whatever he brings.”

Petrov, who lives in Madrid, Spain, but conducts most of his training camp in sparring-rich Los Angeles, is back on the title hunt after coming up empty two years ago against then WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan. His eight-round fight against Bell will be his third fight of the year after scoring two knockout wins in March and May.

With a win, Petrov, who is promoted by Banner Promotions, will look to be on the shortlist of a major opportunity as the calendar turns to 2020.

“I am still one of the best 135 pound fighters in the world. I see a guy like Devin Haney just won an interim title, and he is a guy that I feel would would be a good matchup for me. But any off the big names like Garcia or Lomachenko. I am ready to fight any of them.”

Bell, on the other hand, is in the midst of his best run since turning professional ten years ago. He has won five in a row and 11 of his last 12.

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40 and $100 and are available for purchase at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

All fights will be streamed live on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via our Facebook page. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary. The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

EBENEZER TETTEH BELIEVES he will not be intimidated by the hulking presence of Daniel Dubois in the opposite corner when the pair collide with the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title at stake on Friday September 27.

The Royal Albert Hall provides a historic setting for what should be an explosive title encounter as Dubois bids to win a seventh championship belt in just his 13th professional fight.

The unbeaten Tetteh, who has 16 KOs to his name from 19 fights, suspects previous opponents of the 22-year-old Londoner have considered themselves beaten before entering the ring.

Tetteh insists he will meet fire with fire and will not go into retreat once trading commences and says his own punching potency will shock Dubois, who has stopped all bar one of his 12 opponents to date.

“Daniel Dubois has never tasted power like mine,” said the 31-year-old from Accra. “He thinks he is going to walk in and I will be on the backfoot. Once I start landing he will realise he is very wrong.”

Tetteh went on to stoke the fires further by labelling Dubois as a ‘scared boy’.

“I am not like other opponents. People get in the ring with Daniel and get scared. The difference is that I see Daniel for what he really is. He is not a scary man, he is a scared boy.”

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.