Conlan and Gill in need of a victory in Belfast

Michael Conlan and Jordan Gill are in for a big fight this Saturday at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Both will step into the ring to compete for the international super featherweight belt in the night’s main event and each has a lot on the line. 

These are two fighters coming off losses who need to win to remain among the elite in the division and challenge for the big fights at 130 pounds. 

Conlan, with a great amateur past and known for his aggressive boxing style and big fights, is coming off a knockout loss to Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez in a headlining bout, so he needs to get back on the winning track if he wants to get another such opportunity in the future. 

Gill, on the other hand, is coming off a tough loss to Spain’s Kiko Martinez and after a year away from the ring feels ready to return and make a big splash in his comeback. 

Conlan’s record is 18 fights won, 2 lost and 9 knockouts. In the case of Gill, he has 27 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw and 8 defeats by stoppage.




Xander Zayas: “I’m Determined to Position Myself as a Top Contender!”

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2023) — Puerto Rican junior middleweight contender Xander Zayas hopes to close the year on an emphatic note.

Zayas will take on Spain’s Jorge Fortea in a 10-round battleonSaturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Zayas-Fortea will serve as the co-feature to the WBO featherweight world title showdown between reigning champ Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Zayas (17-0, 11 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 and has been on the path to superstardom ever since his pro debut in October 2019. In his fifth year as a pro, he is already inching closer to a title shot in the competitive 154-pound division. He notched an eight-round unanimous decision over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June and a fifth-round TKO against the hard-hitting Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in September. Fortea (24-3-1, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro from Spain, is riding a three-bout winning streak.

Following a recent training session, this is what Zayas had to say:

“We are counting down the days to fight night! I can’t wait for the bell to ring on December 9 in South Florida. I dedicate this fight all my Boricuas from the ‘Island of Enchantment’ and the ‘Puerto Rican Diaspora’ who I know will tune in to my fight that night on ESPN.”
 
“I am determined to close the year with a bang and to continue positioning myself as one of the main contenders at junior middleweight. In the new year, I’m aiming to continuing my climb up the ranks step by step. That is why I push myself to give my all every day in the gym. You will see a better version of me every time I fight.”
 
“I am grateful for the support of the fans. I am also very happy to share the card with a great friend whom I respect a lot like “El Tren” from Cuba, Robeisy Ramírez. We are already close to a sold out venue, and we are ready to bring joy to our people. We’re coming to put on a great Latin party between Cubans and Puerto Ricans.”




WATSON AND LALLEMAND SHARE HEATED FACE OFF AHEAD OF EURO FIGHT, LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

Chloe Watson and Justine Lallemand had to be pulled apart when they faced-off at today’s press conference, ahead of their title clash live and free-to-air on Channel 5.

The flyweight foes collide on Friday night for the vacant European crown, with the action from the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Boltonlive from 10pm.

Delivered in association with LadbrokesNuman and Infinitum Entertainment, the latest hard-hitting Wasserman Boxing show also includes the heavyweight return of Nathan Gorman, as well as the professional debut of 10 times national amateur champion Dan Toward and the next outing of featherweight star-in-the-making Codie Smith.

But it was Watson and Lallemand who caused the biggest stir at the press conference in Bolton today, with the pair needing to be separated after an intense stare-down, that was fuelled by the exchange of big pre-fight predictions.

Justine Lallemand, who challenged for the Euro title last year, said: “I am here for the win and I will win inside the distance – I am going for the knockout.

“She is a good fighter but she has never seen a fighter like me before!”

Chloe Watson, who is coached by Ricky Hatton, replied: “We will see on Friday night.

“I’ve had a lot of good fights already as a pro, and a lot of good fights as an amateur and so I believe she has never seen anyone like Chloe Watson.

“I am feeling the strongest and the fittest I have ever felt for a fight.  This will be a night to remember.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Chloe is in against a very, very tough opponent, but she can become the first British female to win the European flyweight title on Friday night, live and free on Channel 5.

“The female side of the sport is growing and growing and growing, and this is just the beginning for Chloe.

“Katie Taylor remains the flag bearer but you can’t pick another champion, challenger or prospect in female boxing who has the number of viewing figures Chloe has had at this stage of her career.

“We guided Cecilia Brækhus to winning all of the world titles and we feel we can do the same with the pride of Birkenhead, Chloe Watson.”

Roman Fury has been forced to withdraw from Friday’s show through illness.




Vito Mielnicki Jr. added to BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS at Prudential Center on December 29 in Newark, New Jersey

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – November 29, 2023 — Rising junior middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. will look to thrill his hometown crowd on Friday, December 29TH, as it was announced today that he has been added to the BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. GH3 Promotions and Prudential Center have partnered to launch a multi event boxing series, BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS, slated to continue in 2024. The launch of this exciting boxing series will present an evening filled with the best “the sweet science” has to offer.

Mielnicki of Roseland, New Jersey has a record of 16-1 with 11 knockouts, most recently he knocked out Alexis Salazar just 2:27 into their scheduled 10-round junior middleweight match on the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade undercard. Mielnicki will take on Salim Larbi in a 10-round bout for the debut of BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS on December 29th.

“I am so excited to be fighting at Prudential Center on December 29th for the launch of BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS. I would like to thank Al Haymon and Premier Boxing Champions for allowing me to fight in front of my hometown fans. It is always special to have my friends and family at my fights, and December 29th will be no different,” said Mielnicki.

“Prudential Center is extremely proud to partner with GH3 Promotions to add to the rich history of boxing in New Jersey for this first of a multi-event boxing series, BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “As The Rock continues to serve as New Jersey’s Town Hall for sports and entertainment, we are very confident this event series will give fighters, not only locally but from all over the world, the platform to enhance their boxing careers. We are thrilled with the addition of New Jersey’s own Vito Mielnicki Jr. as the main event to this exciting card and look forward to this historic launch of BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS.”

An accomplished amateur, Mielnicki turned professional at the age of 17 and now the WBA Continental Americas Super Welterweight Champion and WBC World Youth champion is currently ranked eight by the WBA. Mielnicki has won his first eight fights and is currently riding an eight-fight winning streak that is highlighted by wins over Nicholas DeLomba (16-3), Omar Rosales (9-1-1), Jose Sanchez Charles (20-3-1) and a one-round destruction over tough Alexis Salazar (25-5) this past Saturday night at The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Larbi of Cambrai, France is 22-12-3 with eight knockouts. The 36-year-old Larbi has wins over Mohamad El Maghnouji (2-0), Davit Makaradze (16-4), Patrice Sou Toke (17-2). In his last bout, Larbi went 10-rounds with world ranked middleweight Thomas LaManna before dropping a decision on March 11 in Orlando, Florida.

BRICK CITY FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS is proudly partnering with the Greater Newark Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Caribe Royale Orlando, and will feature world ranked fighters, from New Jersey and the rest of the world, in competitive matchups throughout the entire card.

Scheduled to appear in a ten-round bout will be Newark’s own Michael Anderson. Anderson (23-3-1, 17 KOs) has wins over Dashon Johnson (11-2-3), DeMarcus Rogers (14-3-1) and a third-round stoppage over Marklin Bailey. Anderson will take on Eudy Bernardo (25-6, 18 KOs) of Elias Pina, Dominican Republic.

Seeing action in a ten-round bout will be former world title challenger and current WBA number-three ranked middleweight Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna taking on Nicolas Hernandez (27-7-3, 12 KOs) of Reading, PA.

LaManna (36-5-1, 15 KOs) of Millville, New Jersey will take part in a 10-round bout. The 31-year-old LaManna has quality wins over Kendal Mena (20-3), Matthew Strode (25-6), Michael Marcano (25-5-1) and his bout when LaManna stopped Juan Manuel Witt (33-1-2) in the third round to retain his WBA Fedelatin Middleweight crown on July 22 in Atlantic City.

Fighting in an eight-round bout will be popular Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga (14-1, 14 KOs) taking on Ahmed Hefney (13-3, 5 KOs) of Alexandria, Egypt.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be:

Joseph Adorno (18-3, 15 KOs) of Allentown, PA battling Barulio Rodriguez (20-8, 17 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in a super lightweight bout.

Mike Lee (10-2, 5 KOs) of Orange, NJ fighting Rickey Edwards (13-5, 3 KOs) of Paterson, NJ in a welterweight contest.

Paul Kroll (10-0-2, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia collides with Weah Archibald ((10-15, 5 KOs) of Mount Vernon, NY in a welterweight fight.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) of Paterson, NJ squares off with Luis Briceno Roman (3-4, 3 KOs) of Houston in a junior middleweight bout.

Malik Nelson (4-0, 3 KOs) of Avenel, NJ fights Romel Tasanimp (2-1) of Baltimore in a Featherweight bout.

Anthony Johns (6-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a flyweight bout.

Kasir Goldston (5-0-1, 2 KOs) of Albany, NY will fight George Gethers (0-5) of Jersey City in a super lightweight tussle.

John Vallejo (4-0, 2 KOs) of New York scraps with Nelson Morales (4-11, 1 KO) of Scranton, PA in a junior middleweight affair.

Keon Ivory (2-2, 1 KO) of Lodi, NJ will take on Orland Ortiz (1-1, 1 KO) of New York in a super middleweight fight.

Tickets are priced at $306, $231, $121, and $66, are on sale, and can be purchased at www.Ticketmaster.com.

Broadcast distribution for this event series, as well as the remainder of the December 29 fight card, will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Prudential Center

Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007 and recently celebrating its 15th year as a marquee destination, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 5 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit https://www.prucenter.com/ and follow the arena on FacebookX and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property.

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About Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE):

Recognized as one of the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies in the industry today, HBSE is a leading sports and entertainment company, with a focus on inspiring possibilities in people and enhancing the communities where we live, work, play and win. HBSE brands provide distinctive and innovative ticketing, booking, hospitality, concessions and catering opportunities and services connected to game and event experiences. Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, HBSE’s global portfolio has grown to include premier sports franchises, brands, venues and investment platforms, centered around marquee assets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. 




GWYNNE BIDS TO CONQUER EUROPE

BACK IN FEBRUARY 2021 the career of Gavin Gwynne was turned on its head in a spectacular fashion. Knocking on three years later the Welshman is set to fight for the European lightweight title on Friday night at York Hall, live on TNT Sports.

Gwynne, along with fellow headliner Sam Noakes and the rest of the card, convened in London this afternoon for a media conference ahead of the weigh-in on Thursday.

The big turning point arrived during the gloomy days of lockdown with sport taking place behind closed doors and Gwynne ventured north to Bolton as the away fighter to compete for the Commonwealth title against the highly-rated Irishman Sean McComb.

It was probably considered that defeating Gwynne would represent a solid win for the then 11-0 favourite McComb, with the B-side of the coin having recently suffered defeats to Joe Cordina and James Tennyson when he stepped up the levels.

However, the now 33-year-old disregarded the form guide and forced McComb into an early seventh round retirement.

Gwynne admits himself that he couldn’t have foreseen his upturn in fortunes ahead of his Bolton triumph.

“No I couldn’t, to be honest with you,” said the man from Merthyr. “During lockdown I never thought boxing and things were going to come back, but I turned my career around in lockdown by beating an unbeaten, tricky southpaw in Sean McComb and stopping him in good style as well.

“So I couldn’t have imagined it three years ago, no.”

When it comes to the question of what prompted his career taking a turn for the better, Gwynne’s response could go some way towards explaining why there were so many away fighters who upset the odds across the Covid period.

Part-time boxers found themselves training like full-time athletes.

“My losses have been at world level and not British level, so I think it was just having 50-50 fights, sort of thing and obviously confidence in myself and my ability.

“Being full-time as well made a hell of a difference. Obviously, during lockdown, I couldn’t work at the time and I was just training constantly.”

Three wins and a draw later, with a British title belt having found a home in Merthyr for the first time since Johnny Owen was champion, Gwynne is able to ponder the prospect of broadening his ambitions.

“Yeah, 100%, winning this fight on Friday will have me pushing on to world level and I have already fought a world champion in Joe Cordina. I thought I boxed very well in that fight, only losing by three of four rounds according to the judges and he is a world class fighter.

“I am confident I can compete at world level,” he added, before revealing that he didn’t consider himself consigned to a career of domestic away assignments following his two defeats. He is now a fully signed up Queensberry fighter who believes his star will continue to rise.

“Not really because I’ve always had that belief in myself and I knew the opposition I was going in against. I travelled all around the world to work with world class fighters and always gave a good account of myself, so I have always had the belief.

“It is a massive career move for myself. It is a bit of security knowing I am with Frank for two years and I know he will keep me busy because I am always in good fights.

“Being the Merthyr Mexican, that is the way I fight, I am just ruthless when I jump in there and I can’t wait to let my hands go on Friday.”

The job in hand tonight comes against the undefeated veteran Emiliano Marsili with the vacant EBU belt at stake. Gywnne strongly suspects he will be too much, too late for the Italian southpaw.

“He is 47 and 42-0. He is kicking on now and, to be honest with you, I could have beaten him in his prime. Him being 47 is not going to help his case on Friday night when I start letting my hands go and he is not doing any damage to me.

“I think the size of me will be a massive factor as well because I am a welterweight, really. He is a featherweight coming up so I think this will play a part.

“I’ve got to try and do better than Liam Williams last week now. I don’t punch like Liam but you know what you are going to get with me, I’m going to be throwing 300-400 punches a round. I don’t care what I get hit with and he doesn’t have the power to keep me off him. I know that for a fact.

“As soon as he sets his feet, that’s game over for him.”




GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN: TITO SANCHEZ VS. WALTER SANTIBANES UNDERCARD FINALIZED 

INDIO, CALIF. (November 28, 2023) – Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN will close out the year with the fight game’s must-watch prospects and an action-packed main event featuring local, Cathedral City native and WBC Super Bantamweight Continental Latino Titleholder Jose “Tito” Sanchez (11-0, 7 KOs) participating in a 10-round match against Phoenix, Arizona’s Walter Santibanes (12-2, 2 KOs). The action will take place at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Doors to the Special Events Center open at 5:00 p.m. PT, the first fight will begin at 5:05 p.m. PT, and the worldwide broadcast on DAZN will begin at 6:00 p.m. PT

In the co-main event, the undefeated Eric Priest (11-0, 7 KOs) of Wichita Falls, Texas will participate in an eight-round middleweight fight against Paul Mendez (21-4-2, 11 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada. Priest is coming off a statement victory against Simon Madsen on the undercard of Zepeda vs. Gesta last September. 

Beloved Coachella Valley fighter Grant Flores (3-0, 2 KOs) is scheduled for a six-round welterweight clash against Wayne Boudreaux (3-1, 1 KO) of Marrero, Louisiana. San Diego’s Jorge Chavez (8-0, 6 KOs) will make a splash as a newly minted Golden Boy fighter in a six-round featherweight fight. The newly signed Chavez will have his opponent announced soon. Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Ventura’s Ricardo Ruvalcaba (10-0-1, 9 KOs) will fight in an eight-round super lightweight battle against Monterrey, Mexico’s Irvin Macias (15-3, 10 KOs). 

On the preliminary card, Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Justin Figueroa (6-0, 5 KOs) will fight in a super welterweight match against Jerome Clayton (3-2-1, 3 KOs) of Metairie, Louisiana. Opening fight night with a four-round super welterweight fight, Fabian Guzman (2-0, 2 KOs) of Orange, CA will measure up against Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Rueben Johnson (0-3).

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZNSanchez vs. Santibañes go on-sale Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:00 am PT and are priced at $65, $55, $45, and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, December 11. To apply, please visit https://forms.gle/vaSdYpDctQ4cNXRw5.  
 
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight




FRIDAY: Derrieck Cuevas-Marlon Aguas Welterweight Showdown to Stream LIVE & Exclusively on ESPN+

(Nov. 28, 2023) — Puerto Rican welterweight contender Derrieck Cuevas returns against Ecuadorian veteran Marlon Aguas in the 10-round main event this Friday, Dec. 1 at Coliseo de Combates Pandeportes in Panama City, Panama. 
 
Cuevas looks to earn his third knockout victory of the year as he sets his sights on the division’s top contenders.
 
Cuevas-Aguas and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
Cuevas (26-1-1, 18 KOs), a nine-year pro from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, captured his first regional title in December 2016 with a decision win over Daniel Sostre. Since then, the 29-year-old has only suffered one setback, a six-round split decision loss to Damian Ezequiel Bonelli in December 2020. He bounced back with a TKO win against Esneiker Correa two years later and a knockout victory over Damian Rodriguez in April. In August, Cuevas earned a fourth-round stoppage win over Alberto Mosquera. Aguas (14-1, 9 KOs) debuted as a pro in March 2013 and suffered an early-career loss against then-unbeaten puncher Ivan Golub in 2016. He’s remained undefeated since and returns following a second-round knockout win against Jose Agustin Julio in May.
 
In other ESPN+ streaming bouts:In the six-round light flyweight co-feature, Eveling Ortega (6-4, 2 KOs) squares off against Guatemala’s Yanissa Castrellon (3-1).
 
Hometown hero Azael Villar (19-2-4, 15 KOs), ranked No. 10 by the WBC and No. 12 by the WBO, hopes to inch closer to a title opportunity in a 10-round light flyweight battle versus Peru’s Ricardo Astuvilca (23-1, 5 KOs).
 
Uwel Hernandez (16-1, 9 KOs), a Cuban-born super middleweight who was raised in Germany, defends his WBA Gold belt in a 12-rounder against Colombia’s Alexi Rivera (11-3, 8 KOs).
 
Unbeaten light heavyweights Yunior Menendez (8-0, 6 KOs) and Heyder Solis (8-0, 6 KOs) collide in an eight-round contest.
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MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS UNVEILS FULL MAIN CARD AND BROADCAST TALENT FOR JAKE PAUL VS. ANDRE AUGUST ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 IN ORLANDO, FL LIVE ON DAZN

NEW YORK, NY – November 28, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced the broadcast team and main card additions for the Jake Paul vs. Andre August and Most Valuable Prospects IV event taking place on Friday, December 15 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL live on DAZN as a part of its subscription package. Paul vs. August, presented by CELSIUS Essential Energy Drink, will feature famed voices in combat sports including Ariel Helwani, Todd Grisham and Dan Canobbio as the night’s commentators and ringside analysts, with YouTube boxing commentator Wade Plemons serving as host. The Most Valuable Prospects IV main card will feature two additional action-packed bouts between light middleweights Yoenis Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Livan Navarro (15-1, 9 KOs) for the WBA Continental Latin Americas title and heavyweights Lorenzo Medina (8-0, 7 KOs) vs. Joshua Temple (12-2, 10 KOs).

Tellez vs. Navarro and Medina vs. Temple will precede MVP’s 10-round special championship feature of Shadasia “The Sweet Terminator” Green vs. Franchón Crews-Dezurn for the WBC super middleweight title and headliners Jake “The Problem Child” Paul vs. professional boxer Andre August in an 8-round cruiserweight fight. Tickets for Paul vs. August, Green vs. Crews-Dezurn and Most Valuable Prospects IV are available now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/most-valuable-promotions-jake-paul-vs-orlando-florida-12-15-2023/event/22005F67C7631182 starting at just $75.

Lorenzo Medina vs. Joshua Temple will kick off the Most Valuable Prospects IV main card with a 6-round heavyweight bout on Friday, December 15th. Medina, the 19-year-old heavy hitter and Most Valuable Prospects fan favorite, returns to Most Valuable Prospects IV from Hialeah, Florida to continue testing his 8-fight undefeated professional record against the more experienced Temple. The St. Louis, Missouri native Temple, a twelve-time national amateur champion, comes to the ring off a five-fight win streak ready to test his early-round knockout power on Medina.

Following the bout will be the highly-anticipated 10-round light middleweight Cuban battle between star prospect Yoenis Tellez vs. Livan Navarro for the WBA Continental Latin Americas title. Tellez (6-0, 5 KOs), from Stafford, Texas by way of Santiago, Cuba, made a name for himself in the opening PPV bout of the Terrence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. welterweight championship unification showdown, in which Tellez took on the far more experienced Sergio Ramos and dealt Ramos a brutal 3rd round knockout, the seasoned Garcia’s third loss in 37 professional matches – and his first loss by TKO. Tellez spent most of his youth in Cuba as an amateur boxer, winning national youth titles in 2017 and 2018 before moving to Russia in 2020 to make his pro debut. Tellez eventually moved to Texas in 2022 to begin training with Ronnie Shields. He is managed by Eduardo Perez and promoted by BoxLab Promotions and Warrior’s Boxing. 

Livan Navarro (15-1, 9 KOs), the Miami-based fighter out of Havana, Cuba, is on a four fight win streak and will take the ring against Tellez following a strong 15-1 start to his professional career and following an impressive 306-20 amateur record. Navarro made his pro debut at age 24 and secured an 11-0 record within his first three years as a professional, before suffering a hard loss to Justin DeLoach in 2020. Navarro enters the ring vs. Tellez coming off a four-fight win streak, seeking to put his name back at the top of the rankings. He is trained by Jorge Rubio.

Providing commentary on these fights will be an all-star broadcast team consisting of Todd Grisham, Wade Plemons, and Dan Canobbio. Beloved YouTube boxing commentator Wade Plemons will serve as host of the show, while Dan Canobbio, Fox Sports’ boxing regular and host of Pluto TV’s Inside Boxing Live returns to serve as analyst and commentator. ESPN veteran and DAZN combat sports reporter Todd Grisham will provide commentary and call the fights throughout the Paul vs. August and Most Valuable Prospects IV main card. Famed combat sports reporter Ariel Helwani will serve as the ringside reporter. The full main card will be offered on DAZN subscription to ensure accessibility to fans worldwide.

“We built the Most Valuable Prospects series on the foundation of giving young and upcoming talent a platform to display their skills and build their names on our stage. As we close out this year’s Most Valuable Prospects series on Friday, December 15th, we are proud to welcome back Lorenzo Medina, who alongside Yoenis Tellez, Livan Navarro, and Joshua Temple personify the skill and energy Most Valuable Prospects represents,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. “With Shadasia Green battling for the WBC super middleweight championship and Jake continuing on his journey to being world champion, this is not only a card every boxing fan can enjoy, but is exactly what we envisioned when we launched this series. Thank you to DAZN, Caribe Royale Resort, BoxLab, and CELSIUS for this incredible year of partnership. We look forward to unveiling our next six installments in 2024 showcasing more of the young, rising athletes around the world.”

Fans will also get the opportunity to witness four additional preliminary bouts during the Paul vs. August fight. Cruiserweight Zachary Randolph (9-3-1, 3 KOs) out of Fairmont, WV will take on Pittsburgh, PA fighter Michael Manna (7-5, 4 KOs) over six rounds, and 19-year-old welterweight prospect Elijah Flores (6-0, 2 KOs) will put his undefeated record on the line against Javier Mayoral (6-3-1, 1 KO). Bantamweight Alex Gueche (2-0, 2 KOs), the 18-year-old out of Long Beach, CA will also take the ring for a four round bout, ahead of Xavier Bocanegra (3-0, 2 KOs)’s featherweight four round battle. 

Jake Paul vs. Andre August fight week events will be free to the public and will kick off Wednesday, December 13 at the Caribe Royale Resort with doors opening at 12 PM ET, with the fighters facing off at the final press conference before the big event. The press conference will begin at 1 PM ET and will be moderated by Todd Grisham and presented by Celsius Essential Energy Drink. The special championship feature fighters Shadasia Green and Franchón Crews-Dezurn will kick off the event, and then the main event fighters Jake Paul and Andre August will join them on the stage. The event will be broadcast across DAZN’s YouTube channel, MVP’s YouTube channel, and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

The public weigh-ins will also be free to the public and will be taking place on Thursday, December 14 at the Caribe Royale Resort at 5 PM ET, with doors opening at 4 PM ET. The weigh-ins will be shown live again on DAZN’s YouTube channel, MVP’s YouTube channel, and Jake Paul’s YouTube channel.

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and promoted by MVP, with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed by DAZN. The fourth event in the series will continue the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2023 and will be hosted by Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The series has been renewed for six installments in 2024 and DAZN will air the series globally across its platforms as a part of its subscription package. CELSIUS Essential Energy Drinks, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of the Most Valuable Prospects series. Digital sports, entertainment, and gaming company DraftKings will serve as the Official Sports Betting Partner of Paul vs. August and Most Valuable Prospects IV. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @JakePaul, @MostValuablePromotions, and @DAZNBoxing.

How to watch DAZN  

  • Visit DAZN.com and follow the steps to sign up now
  • Once signed up, download the DAZN app to watch on any device
  • Go to the app store on your chosen device, search ‘DAZN’ and download the DAZN app  
  • DAZN is available on your phone, tablet, smart TV, streaming devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and gaming consoles. 
  • Connect multiple devices to your account to watch at home or on the go  

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul’s last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? 

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.?

?

DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to a ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.   

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.??




STRAND ON TRACK FOR TITLE JOY

 LIVERPOOL SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT Brad Strand is aiming to emerge from the shadows when he bids to win his maiden professional title belt at York Hall on Friday, live on TNT Sports.

The stylish Strand, 26, hails from the rough and ready finishing school, the Everton Red Triangle Gym, where veteran trainer Paul Stevenson carries out the role of uncompromising headmaster.

Alongside him, working out in the no-frills basement, is WBC No.1 contender Nick Ball and previously WBC International Silver champion Andrew Cain, as well as heavyweight Boma Brown and Olympian Peter McGrail and his brother Joe.

So the 10-0 Strand is keeping tough company, which stands him in good stead for his challenge for the WBO European title against unbeaten Welshman Joshua John on Friday.

Strand has had to be patient, but he believes this will be rewarded with a shiny title belt in his luggage for his return trip from Euston to Liverpool Lime Street.

“I am really looking forward to it and I’ve wanted a step-up for ages,” explained the devout Liverpool FC fan. “Obviously it has been a bit slow for me this year so it would be nice to finish the year strongly with my first belt.

“I’ve only had the one fight in March and it feels like I’ve been waiting and waiting, but this will deffo make up for it. I am gonna get a good win and then, hopefully, as soon the New Year comes around I’ll have fight news and the fights will get bigger and bigger.

“That way I can keep improving and pushing on,” added Strand, who knows this is his chance to get himself noticed.

“That’s it, it is my chance to break out of the shadows.”

Typically, very much like his ERT comrades, Strand insists he has no particular knowledge of his forthcoming opponent. John, 29, from Port Talbot, is 8-1 as a pro with his single career blemish coming against the undefeated Scot Mark McKeown for the Celtic featherweight title.

John, who has fought all his fights, bar one in Bristol, in his home nation, holds a notable win over former English champion Michael Ramabeletsa.

“I don’t know much about him, you know. I literally haven’t got a clue about him and I wish I could tell you more! I did look on his Boxrec and saw he fought Ramabeletsa over eight rounds. He is gonna be 8-2 soon. He’s getting it, regardless, even if he’d had eight stoppages.

“I will take this with both hands. We’ve had a good win for Nick and I will take another belt back to add to the collection at the gym.”

Even though the likes of Ball and Cain grab the plaudits and attention for their explosive exploits, the more refined Strands insists he has no intention of attempting to emulate the dynamic duo.

“I am still gonna be myself, but I will show everything I’ve been working on in the gym for the last six months. I haven’t fought since March but I haven’t had a day off and have been in every day, obviously just working on getting better.

“So I will be putting everything we have been working on out there for people to see. Our trophy cabinet will be chocca soon, won’t it?”




Top Rank won the Kholmatov-Ford Purse bid

Top Rank won the promotional rights of the vacant featherweight world title fight between the Uzbekistan’s Otabek Kholmatov and the American Raymond Ford. 

The promoter offered an amount of US$ 317,500.00, while giving three possible options of date and place to make the fight. The first is February 16, in New York; the second is February 17, in Ryad; and the third is March 2, in New York. 

Matchroom Boxing also participated in the bidding, offering US$ 255,555.55 in the bidding that took place through Zoom this Monday morning. 

Kholmatov and Ford are the top two rated 126-pounders and will contest the world championship that was recently vacated due to former champion Leigh Wood’s move up in class.




PEOPLE’S CHAMPIONSHIP CARD FEATURES FIVE TITLES ON SATURDAY NIGHT; WITH BRONER INJURY, PROMOTER DON KING SETS HOLIDAY PRICE OF $25

MIAMI, FL (Nov. 27, 2023)—Although Adrien Broner is sidelined with an injury, promoter Don King still has five action packed title fights on tap Saturday night on the People’s Championship boxing card at Casino Miami Jai Alai.

“We’ve got five spectacular and action-packed title fights ready for our boxing fans of South Florida,” said King. “And since we lost one title fight, we’ve set a holiday special price of $25 for this fantastic evening. It’s the People’s Championship.”

WBA Continental America’s Middleweight Champion Ian Green (17-2, 11 KOs), who has shown his talents at Casino Miami in the past, will defend his title against Vaughn Alexander (18-7-1, 11 KOs) of St. Louis, MO.

Tre’Sean Wiggins (15-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his WBA NABA Welterweight Championship against Chris Howard (18-2-1, 8 KOs) of Cincinnati, OH. 

The vacant WBA International Lightweight title bout will be up for grabs as Antonio Perez (8-0, 5 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA will take on Las Vegas’ Haskell Rhodes (29-5-1, 14 KOs).

The WBA NABA Middleweight Championship will be decided when Alex Castro (13-1, 11 KOs) of Tulua, Colombia challenges Harry K. Cruz (14-3, 11 KOs) of Bronx, NY via Puerto Rico.

The fifth title fight will see the vacant WBC Youth Intercontinental Super Lightweight championship on the line as Fort Lauderdale’s DeVon Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) looks for the belt against the savvy Nelson Morales from Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic.

One undercard fight rounds out the card as an eight-round bantamweight attraction features Boynton Beach, Florida’s Lawrence Newton (15-0, 7 KOs) and Jonathan Smith (8-2, 6 KOs) from South Bend, IN.

Tickets, priced from $25, are on sale and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com for the Saturday night card.  Ringside tables are $1,500. Side floor seats are $50, floor ringside are $100 and ringside seats are $300.

The People’s Championship night of boxing also will be available on DonKing.com, FITE.TV AND ITUBE247.com.




Former World title Challenger Brandon Adams Ready for Big 2024

LOS ANGELES (November 26, 2023)–Brandon Adams is primed and ready for a big year when the calendar turns to 2024.

Adams of Los Angeles is now eager to get back in the ring after his eighth round stoppage over then perfect Serhii Bohachuk on March 4, 2021.

Bohachuk is now in line for a WBC Interim title bout with Sebastian Fundora, and Adams would like to get a crack at the winner of that bout.

Adams, 23-3 with 15 knockouts, is looking to get back in the ring in early of 2024, and then he should be ready, willing and able to take on all comers in the 154-pound division.

“By Bohachuk getting the opportunity to fight in the title bout, that is good for me because I am the only guy to beat him and I knocked him out. I am sure he would want to try to avenge that loss at some point and what better way to do it then with a belt on the line,” said Adams

“It’s been a long time coming by getting back in the ring.  I feel by getting back in there and being active, I will get to fight the top fights against the top fighters in the world.”

“I’m excited for Brandon’s return to the ring,” said Adams manager Mark Habibi of Wise Owl Boxing. “He has some fight news that’s going to be announced soon. He deserves to be high up in the rankings too. People shouldn’t forget Brandon’s last opponent was Bohachuk who was stopped by Brandon in round eight. Bohachuk is now fighting for the interim title for the WBC and Brandon has been forgotten. He deserves a shot.”

Adams is promoted by Banner Promotions.




Boxlab Promotions to host WBA KO Drugs card December 8

Orlando, FL (November 27, 2023) – Boxlab Promotions is proud to announce they will host the World Boxing Association (WBA) KO Drugs fight card Friday, December 8 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. The card will air live on DAZN at 7:30 PM ET.

The KO Drugs fight card precedes the 2023 WBA Convention, which takes place December 11-15 at the Caribe Royale Resort. The 2022 WBA Convention was also held at the Caribe.

“The WBA is honored to return to our home, the Caribe Royale Resort” said WBA President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza. “We are confident that our 2023 convention will be even better than last year’s. Prior to this great event, we have a spectacular KO Drugs fight card. That is the hallmark of Boxlab Promotions.”

Tickets from $40 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com under WBA KO Drugs. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the first fight begins at 6.

The KO Drugs fight card features multiple WBA regional title bouts.

Headlining this exciting evening of boxing is an intriguing ten round contest for the WBA Fedelatin lightweight title between Idalberto Umara and Fradimil Macayo.

Fighting out of Miami, FL by way of Cuba, Umara’s 11-1 with 8 KO’s. On July 28th, Umara scored a vicious one punch knockout over former Olympian William Encarnacion in the second round. The knockout, which came via uppercut, is among boxing’s best in 2023.

Representing his native Venezuela, Macayo’s outstanding professional record is 16-1 with 13 KO’s. In his most recent bout, Macayo defeated previously unbeaten Armando Ramirez Almanza via unanimous decision. He also holds amateur victories over 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Robson Conceicao and 2012 Olympian Wellington Romero.

Blue chip prospect Kevin Hayler Brown challenges Marcos “El Tigre” Jimenez for the WBA Continental Americas junior welterweight championship. Originally from Cuba, Brown lives and trains out of Las Vegas, Nevada under Trainer Ismael Salas. On May 26, Brown 3-0 (2 KO’s), won a hard-fought ten round unanimous decision over Julian Smith.

Representing Higuey, Dominican Republic, Jimenez is 25-10 with 17 wins by KO. Jimenez’ battled several contenders and world champions including Diego Magdaleno, Carlos Molina, Anthony Peterson, Jose Felix, Ryan Martin and Ladarius Miller.

Orlando native Jeovanny “El Rayo” Estela looks to keep his perfect record intact when he meets Mexican knockout artist Juan Egana Elizalde. Estela, 13-0 (4 KO’s), scored a first-round stoppage of Luis Caraballo Ramos in September. The 23-year-old has a large following in Central Florida and has improved each time out. At 11-2 with all his wins coming by knockout, Elizalde’s won eight straight fights.

In a battle of unbeatens, 2020 Dominican Olympian Euri Cedeno, 6-0-1 (6 KO’s) challenges Cuba’s Yoanki “Diamante” Urrutia, 13-0 (5 KO’s). This highly touted middleweight contest is scheduled for eight rounds.

Women’s standout Jasmine Artiga, 11-0-1 (5 KO’s), vies for the WBA Continental Americas Super Flyweight title. The Tampa, FL native faces an opponent to be named in a ten-round contest.

In an eight-round super bantamweight bout, Mexico’s Israel Rodriguez Picazo, 20-5 (19 KO’s), challenges Wilner Soto, 23-13 (12 KO’s) of Colombia.

Junior welterweight Aaron Aponte, 7-1-1 (6 KO’s) of Hialeah, FL squares off with Mexico native Roberto Almazan Monreal, 11-21 (4 KO’s) in a six rounder.

Undefeated Orlando native Jean Guerra Vargas puts his 6-0 record on the line when he takes on Colorado Springs, CO’s Pedro Hernandez, 7-15-1 (2 KO’s) in a four-round contest.

International standouts Abass Baraou, 13-1 (9 KO’s) of Berlin, Germany and Nigeria’s Opeyemi Adeyemi, 9-0-1 (7 KO’s) face opponents to be named.

“The entire team at Caribe Royale is proud to once again serve as the host for the WBA Convention,” said Amaury Piedra. “It’s great to have all the international visitors and boxing legends returning to Orlando. This event helps showcase the area and will bring a strong viewing audience via our broadcast partner DAZN.”

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale Orlando is emerging from a $127 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. To learn more or to book a visit, event, or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on FacebookInstagramTwitter (@cariberoyale), LinkedIn and Pinterest. #cariberoyaleorlando  




BENAVÍDEZ VS. ANDRADE OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND COMMISSION OFFICIALS 

Interim WBC Super Middleweight World Title – 12 Rounds

David Benavídez – 167 lbs.

Demetrius Andrade – 167.6 lbs.

Referee: Thomas Taylor; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Middleweights – 10 Rounds

Jermall Charlo – 166.4 lbs

José Benavídez Jr. – 161.2 lbs.

Note: Contracted weight was 163. Fight will go on as scheduled.

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: Max DeLuca (N.Y), Dave Moretti (Nev.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

IBF Junior Welterweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Subriel Matías – 139.8 lbs.

Shohjahon Ergashev – 139.8 lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: David Sutherland (Okla.), Don Trella (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

WBA Super Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Héctor Garcia – 129.4 lbs.

Lamont Roach – 129.6 lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Max DeLuca (N.Y.), Robert Hoyle (Nev.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN 

Stream Live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Lightweights – 10 Rounds

Sergey Lipinets – 139.4 lbs.

Michel Rivera – 138.8 lbs.

Referee: Celestino Ruiz; Judges: Eric Cheek (Nev.), Glenn Feldman (Conn.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Super Welterweights – 10 Rounds

Vito Mielnicki Jr. – 153.2 lbs.

Alexis Salazar – 152.8 lbs.

Referee: Robert Hoyle; Judges: Lisa Giampa (Nev.), Chris Migliore (Nev.), David Sutherland (Okla.)

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will handle blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner MaresSHOBOX: The New Generation® commentator and award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show co-host Brian Campbell will serve as the ringside reporter. A pair of Hall of Famers round out the telecast team – world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood, who will serve as unofficial scorer. Four-time Emmy® Award winner David Dinkins, Jr. is the executive producer. The producer is Ray Smaltz III and the director is Bob Dunphy. Sportscaster Alejandro Luna will call the action in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with former world champion and SHOBOX: The New Generation commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez serving as the expert analyst.

The SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN show is hosted by award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show co-host Luke Thomas with special guest esteemed trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards.

#          #          #

ABOUT BENAVÍDEZ VS. ANDRADE

Benavídez vs. Andrade will see undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez defend his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title against unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo against exciting contender José Benavídez Jr. in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García duels top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezAndrade, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




WILDHEART MAKES WEIGHT AND PRIMED FOR NICOLSON WORLD TITLE CLASH

Dublin, Ireland24 November 2023 – The WBC Interim World Featherweight Title Challenger Lucy Wildheart hit 125.35lb at today’s official weigh in held at the Helix, Dublin, ahead of her fight with Skye Nicolson tomorrow night.

Swedish star Wildheart (10-2-0, 4 KO’s) faces the unbeaten champion Nicholson at the 3Arena on Matchroom Boxing’s blockbuster show headlined by the big rematch between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron.

Australia’s Nicolson (8-0-0) weighed in at 125.15lb as she puts her title on the line for the first time since winning the belt against Sabrina Perez in September.

Wildheart, who now resides in Chelmsford, Essex, has had a perfect camp with Trainer, Sam Mullins at Churchills Gym and is in prime condition to tackle Nicolson and relieve her of the crown on Saturday night.

“Everything is done now and it’s just the fight tomorrow night. I’m ready for this moment and can’t wait to get in the ring and get the job done.”




CAMERON VS. TAYLOR 2 + UNDERCARD FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn:

“We are so happy to be back in Dublin, last time was good, this Saturday is going to be unbelievable. We are lucky to be part of something that is going to be very special, to everybody involved from the media to our team at Matchroom and of course to the fighters, you guys and girls have got a wonderful opportunity on Saturday night, live around the world on DAZN, to defend titles, to move into World championship positions, to maybe even move into future contracts with Matchroom and DAZN, and it’s all culminating in a main event that is just breathtaking. Chantelle Cameron was superb last time and is defending her undisputed 140lb title against the legend Katie Taylor. Last time, Gary Cully suffered defeat and then so did Katie, and it was almost like ‘that’s it’ for us in Ireland. But a few months on we’re back in a sold-out 3Arena with an even better card stacked with action, so many great fights and great fighters on display.”

Alfie Sharman:

“What a fight we have ahead of us, Chantelle looked indestructible in April and Katie being the formidable competitor that she is, it’s going to make for an amazing event. This night kicks off an incredible schedule to the end of the year, no-one in the world of boxing is doing what we’re doing right now and we’re incredibly proud to be bringing that to boxing fans all over the world.”

Chantelle Cameron:

“I am not complacent whatsoever, that’s why I put the work in. I feel like it’s the best camp I’ve ever had and I know that I’m going to be up against a Katie Taylor seeking revenge, I’ve taken that in my stride and worked hard because I know that this is not going to be a walk in the park. I’m the fittest I’ve ever been.

“I always set a hot pace every time I go in there, I have a high work rate but I can also adapt to any situation. I can get stuck in and have a fight, but I can also box. I feel really comfortable here, I’m embracing the week and enjoying it for once, usually I hate all this but I am taking it in my stride and enjoying it. 

“I’ve had great preparation, I’m the fittest and strongest that I have ever been, I don’t have a torn tricep this time, so I am good to go.”

Katie Taylor:

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity again, I have a second chance and I just can’t wait to fight at this stage. Whether I am seen as the underdog or the favourite, whoever walks first or second, it’s irrelevant, I am just hungry for the rematch, I can’t wait to step in there on Saturday and perform the way I know I can. I don’t really take too much notice of what people are saying to be honest, I am very single-minded and the only people I listen to are my team and my family, the people that I trust. I understand that this is a huge fight, I understand it is must-win for me, I know I am going to perform to the best of my ability on Saturday and it’s going to be a completely different fight to last time and I am just excited to showcase that.

“I feel a lot better this time around. I’m just ready to fight. I hate all the talk, I hate all these press conferences, there’s nothing to say, I am just excited and ready. I am always ready for whatever comes my way, ready to dig deep if I have to, that’s why I put my body through the trenches week in, week out to be ready for these situations. 

“This is what every fighter dreams of, to headline a huge sold-out show like this, it’s going to be another amazing night on Saturday, the atmosphere is going to be electric again. I can’t wait, may the best fighter win.”

Jamie Moore:

“Relaxed, cool calm and collected, that’s a generic thing that we try to keep in terms of how we run things. Chantelle performed last time under a hell of a lot of pressure, it was a fantastic atmosphere and I expect it to be an even better one this time as everyone is going to get behind Katie and try and back her. We expect Katie to perform better, but I expect Chantelle to do the same. We sat down ten weeks ago and watched the fight back for the first time and we agreed halfway through that she could perform way better than she was even at that point in the fight. 

“Where I wanted her to be at the end of camp, she’s surpassed that, she’s better than I ever anticipated she could be, and she seems she’s really coming into her prime now. I expect an even better fight than last time, because I expect Katie to come, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Chantelle comes out on top.

“The unknown is always the scary part. Going into the Lion’s Den and boxing Katie who is a living legend, it’s an unknown factor. Now she’s walked that path, it’s not that she doesn’t have the nerves, but she’s experienced it now and she’s coping with it better. She’s coming across better with the media, she’s never been one to embrace this stuff, she’s always shied away from it and let her fighting do the talking, but she is speaking a lot better now and that comes with experience I suppose.”

Ross Enamait:

“It’s a huge night and i just can’t wait for Saturday to come. I feel like we’re in a much, much better place than we were last time around, we’re healthier and there’s no pressure on us. No-one thinks we have a shot, so we’re here to prove everyone wrong. Losing sucks, nobody wants to be there, it’s been a long time since Katie lost, she’s always hungry but she’s hungrier now, and in a much better place. We’ve had a great camp and there’s not much to do but show up on Saturday and fight. I’m only worried about our side, it’s a rematch, they’ve seen each other before, there’s not going to be much feeling out. They’re going to get straight into it, I’m sure they’re coming after us, so we’ll see on Saturday, but I can tell you we’re ready. It’s about getting in there and winning. Katie doesn’t love being up here, I don’t think anybody does, aside from yourself! But we’re just here to fight, this is part of the game and we understand that. A lot of people are writing us off, but to me it feels like when Bernard Hopkins fought Kelly Pavlik, when at the end of that fight Hopkins stood over the media and took a look at everybody, that’s what I expecting on Saturday.”

Gary Cully:

“I’ve relocated with Joe McNally and Declan O’Rourke in Liverpool, I’ve put in the camp of my life over there. I went through some dark times, I’ve learned a lot about myself, in and out of the ring, and I’m ready to get back in the ring and back to winning ways on Saturday night. I’m a fighter, these things happen, if Reece’s memory is any good, the last time he was in a Matchroom ring, he was on oxygen when Leigh Wood sparked him. He’s been there before and knows what it feels like, I’ll show him Saturday night. He wants to talk about weight? He’s up here looking fat and skinny at the same time. I’m good, I’m sound at the weight and I’m ready to put on a performance and take him to school. 

“Last time I think we were all partying before we got the result. I was talking to Katie’s Mum yesterday about the same thing, everyone was here for a celebration, big-time boxing was back in Ireland and all that. This time, I’ve taken myself away from all of that, I’ve been in Liverpool for the last 12 weeks, cycling to the gym in my hat and scarf in the cold mornings, living in a single room. It’s humbled me a bit, back to where I came from at 15/16 years of age with a chip on my shoulder and hunger, I’ve got something to prove, and that’s what I’ll do, prove to not only myself but all the people what I can do. I will put on a masterclass of boxing, follow my coaches instructions, and if the KO comes, it comes, but it’s a Gary Cully victory all day long.”

Reece Mould:

“We’re very confident in this fight and not because of Gary’s last fight, we’ve been watching him for a while now. We actually got this fight put to us at the start of the year, i know Gary says he’s only taken this fight because we’ve seen the defeat, but i had a fight planned then three weeks out and i wasn’t prepared to give the first defence of my title up just to fight him. We were confident of coming through that fight and were hoping Gary would come through his and we would have got it on then, but it didn’t work out like that. But we’re here today and we’re very confident in what we’re going to do.

“There’s not many top fighters that come through defeats like his and bounce back. Gary has said that he’s fighting himself on Saturday night, but he’s not, he’s fighting me and he’s going to have a lot of demons going into this, anyone that suffered a defeat like he has is going to tell you a lie and that’s one of the reasons we’re so confident. I know what it’s like to be in there when you are struggling with the weight, I know the effects it has and I am sure it’s going to have an effect on Gary. 

“Your team isn’t that confident as there’s a rematch clause in this, you didn’t take the rematch with Felix, so I don’t think you are confident. I don’t think he’ll see the final bell.”

Paddy Donovan:

“I really respect Danny but I believe this is a stepping stone for me in my career. I think that I am on the way to becoming a World champion, I have all of Ireland behind me, I know how good I am and what I can do. A lot of people are saying I haven’t been tested, that’s because I don’t let anyone test me. No fighter that gets in the ring gets close to me. I feel invincible in there and I am ready to put on another show. He’s never fought anyone like me, he’s a good and durable fighter but he’s up against a World class fighter, no doubt about it. No excuses, I’ve had a 12 week camp and some of the best sparring in the World with Adam Azim, I’m in the best shape possible, well-schooled for it with a great game plan and I’m ready to execute it on Saturday night.”

Danny Ball:

“I’ll soak it all up on the night, I enjoy fighting away, I’ve done it a couple of times and the odds are always against me but I come out on top. I’ve had great preparation for this so I’m ready for it. The last time you saw me fight I didn’t have to go through the gears, you saw me box behind my jab and made it easy work, kept chopping away. You’ll see a different side of me this time, I’m ready to bring the ding-dong from the Black Country to Dublin. I’m ready for it, I’m not looking past Paddy, but a big win here and hopefully I can get something big in the new year.”

Thomas Carty:

“I’m really looking forward to it. Dan is a tough test on paper, five wins, one loss, coming in off a first round KO win. If I am on the trajectory that I think I am and everyone else thinks, he is just another stepping stone and I am going to stand on his head to get past him. Anyone that was there last time saw the atmosphere, it was breathtaking. I remember the walk out and it was just a sea of green, people going crazy – Irish fans are nuts by the way, you know that – so I am really looking forward to seeing it again. I think the atmosphere will be better this time, Katie is on the get-back this time, so everyone is eager to get the win. Dan is saying he’s had great sparring and I hope he has as everyone has an excuse when I beat them, they were drunk in the ring or something along those lines, so I hope he did have a good camp so there’s no excuses.”

Dan Garber:

“Thomas has looked fantastic in all his fights and I know what I am up against. He looks a great boxer, he’s done all that has been asked of him. I’m coming off a first round KO of an unbeaten opponent, I’ve had six weeks notice so I am probably in the best shape of my life, sparring has been fantastic, so I am going in full of confidence and there’s no pressure on me, it’s all on him. I don’t fear anyone, that’s why I took the fight and it’s what I have been waiting for. It’s the first time I’ve been in with no pressure on me, no-one expects me to win apart from myself, my trainer and manager, and they are the only people I need to believe I can win. May the best man win, Thomas has got my full respect, I’ve watched all his fights, he’s got a great jab, he looks the part, we’ll see how it goes on Saturday night.”

Skye Nicolson:

“I feel unbelievable, definitely the fittest, strongest and best prepared I’ve been for a fight. I’m definitely not overlooking Lucy, I think she is a great athlete, but we’re going to see the difference in levels on Saturday night. Full focus is on Saturday night, we can look at the Amanda Serrano fight afterwards, I have to get the job done first.”

Lucy Wildheart:

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. To all the Irish people letting us be here and seeing all the girls at the workout yesterday, they love it and it’s going to be an epic fight. I like Skye, but this is business, I’m here to win. It was a great fight, Mikaela Meyer is fantastic, but I gave her a good fight. I am supposed to be a Featherweight, it’s my division, and I am here to take over.”

Zelfa Barrett:

“Costin Ion is no slouch, he comes to win, but I believe in myself and believe I am World class, so my performance will be spectacular. I’m ready for anyone, I was speaking to Frank Smith and Steve Wood on FaceTime, it doesn’t matter where it is, I will fight anyone, anywhere with the right notice. I believe in myself so anyone can get it.”

Emmet Brennan:

“The plan was to always move fast. Jamie is Irish Celtic champion, it made sense to go after him and I think on Saturday you have two lads that are going to go toe-to-toe and the Irish fans are in for a treat. I know we’re on early so to the fans coming, make sure you are there for this fight. I’m confident, eight rounds is nothing to me. Jamie has been in wars but he’s faded towards the end of them. If that happens in this fight, no doubt about it, I will capitalize on it. We sold a lot of tickets, this for me is the fight that’s going to be the big one on the undercard, Limerick vs. Dublin, and a back and forth toe-to-toe fight, it’s huge.”

Jamie Morrissey:

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m grateful to be here, but it’s about capitalizing on it now. It’s my fifth domestic fight in seven, this is going to be the fourth unbeaten record that I will be taking. I’m not here to make up the numbers, I’m here to change my career. I have a healthy respect for Emmet but I look at him as a mere man, no different to any of my past opponents. The bookies have written me off but I I have earned my place here. Maybe people are overlooking me, I have what matters and that is real self-belief that I am going to get this job done, and I have to.”

Liam Gaynor:

“This is my big opportunity, the one I’ve been working towards and I’ve taken these big tests over the last year or so, now is my time to put on a show. If you watch any of my fights, you’re expecting a war.”

John Cooney:

“All-action, that’s what I am going to bring you on Saturday night. I saw you saying the last few weeks that people need to be in exciting fights, and that’s what I am bringing. A win here changes both our lives, but unfortunately for him, it’s only a win for me and then I am moving on to big things in the 135lb division. I want all the big names, the big domestic fights in 2024, and I am coming for all the titles, 100 per cent.”

Giorgio Visioli:

“I’m very excited, it’s been a while now and I am forward to putting on a great performance and showcasing my talent to the world. I won a lot in the UK amateur scene but GB decided not to take me after I won two double weights at Senior level, it was the right time to go as GB took my weight out of the Olympics, I decided to go pro and I think it’s the best time. It’s a great card to be on, it’s exciting times now.”




FULL UNDERCARD REVEALED FOR DECEMBER 10 IN BOURNEMOUTH

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND (November 23, 2023) – The stage is set for another unmissable night of boxing in Bournemouth as local hero Chris Billam-Smith makes a triumphant return to defend his WBO World Cruiserweight Title against Mateusz Masternak on Sunday, December 10th live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Billam-Smith captured the WBO crown in May with a fairytale victory over countryman Lawrence Okolie in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Vitality Stadium, home of his beloved A.F.C. Bournemouth.

‘The Gentleman’ will make the first defence of his title at the Bournemouth International Centre against Polish powerhouse Masternak, who returns to the UK for the first time since his 2015 European championship war with Tony Bellew.

And fans have even more to look forward to with the full undercard revealed for the sold-out, south coast show.

As previously confirmed, 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price will face former European Champion Silvia Bortot. Having made history earlier this year by becoming the first female to win a British title, Price (5-0, 1 KO) will be aiming to end 2023 with a statement win against Italy’s Bortot (11-3-1, 3 KOs), who previously went the distance with former unified world champion Mikael Mayer.

Fellow 2020 Olympic Medallist Ben Whittaker has an opponent set for his hugely-anticipated return to the ring. Future boxing superstar Whittaker (4-0, 3 KOs), who has been wowing crowds around the country with his flamboyant and unorthodox style, returns to the scene of his spectacular pro debut to take on Stiven Leonetti Dredhaj (11-2-1, 3 KOs).

Having impressed on previous visits to Bournemouth, Michael McKinson (25-1, 4 KOs) will make the short trip from Portsmouth to take his place on the undercard. The 29-year-old southpaw stopped Lebin Morales last time out at Vitality Stadium and will be hoping a similar victory can set him up for a title run in 2024.

Following his victory over Stanley Stannard in an official eliminator bout during BOXXER’s visit to Bournemouth in May, Lee Cutler (13-1, 7 KOs) will face Obi Egbunike (8-2-1, 1 KO) for the vacant English Super Welterweight Title in a potential show-stealing 50-50 clash.

Southampton light heavyweight Lewis Edmondson (7-0, 3 KOs) joins the bill as he looks to extend his unbeaten record against Dmytro Fedas (8-4-2, 5 KOs). ‘The Saint’ claimed his seventh pro win with a technical decision victory over Petar Nosic on the undercard of Billam-Smith’s world championship winning fight in May.

And fresh from her impressive debut, 18-year-old bantamweight Francesca Hennessy (1-0, 1 KO), the daughter of renowned boxing manager and promoter Mick Hennessy, can continue the perfect start to her professional career when she gets back under the bright lights in Bournemouth.

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said: “The Bournemouth International Centre is going to be rocking on December 10th as we end the year with another spectacular sold-out show on the south coast. We have Olympic medallists, local stars, and some of British boxing’s hottest young talents in action. This show is a real Christmas cracker and one you do not want to miss!”

RETURN OF THE KING: Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak takes place on Sunday, December 10th at the Bournemouth International Centre and will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. Tickets for the year-ending, south coast show are already sold out.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and Who Dares Gyms.




CHAMBERLAIN VS RAMLAVS WEIGH-IN RESULTS

The IBF European Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Mark Chamberlain 133.5lbs
Artjoms Ramlavs 134lbs

The WBC International Silver Super-Lightweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Henry Turner 139.5lbs
Billy Allington 139lbs 

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Liam Williams 164lbs
Florin Cardos 164lbs

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Ben Fail 158lbs
Nikola Stoyanov 154lbs 

6 x 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest
Khalid Ali 149lbs
Fernando Mosquera 148lbs 

6 x 2 Minute Rounds International Female Light-Flyweight Contest
Kristina O’Hara 105lbs
Cristina Navarro 105lbs

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
Billy Adams 133lbs
Jahfieus Faure 132lbs

4 x 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
Charlie Hickford 126lbs 
Jake Pollard 126lbs 




DAVID BENAVÍDEZ VS. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE MEDIA WORKOUT AHEAD OF SHOWTIME PPV® SHOWDOWN AT MANDALAY BAY

LOS ANGELES – November 22, 2023 – Undefeated super middleweight superstar David “El Monstruo” Benavídez and unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade kicked off fight week events in Las Vegas on Wednesday, as they participated in an open media workout ahead of their SHOWTIME PPV headliner this Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

Wednesday’s event also featured fighters competing on the stacked pay-per-view undercard, including WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and exciting contender José Benavídez Jr., who will meet in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event.

Plus, unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev worked out ahead of his world title showdown with IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías, and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García and top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach, who battle in the telecast opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, showed off their skills.

Also participating was former world champion Sergey Lipinets, who will be taking on exciting contender Michel Rivera in a 10-round super lightweight fight in live streaming action on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing® Facebook page beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Plus, sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr., who takes on Mexico’s Alexis Salazar in a 10-round super welterweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Las Vegas:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“Junior and I pushed each other to the limit. This is something we’ve dreamed about since we were little kids. He’s co-main event, I’m main event for a pay-per-view fight. It doesn’t get better than this. We’re just really excited to be here. 

“I’m just grateful and happy to be in this position. I’m also happy to be able to give the fans this type of entertainment while everybody’s at their families’ houses on Saturday. It’s going to be a great night of boxing. 

“I think the intensity comes from experience. With everything I’ve been through in my life, I’m probably the most motivated I’ve ever been in my life. I have my son, my wife and my baby Khloe on the way. She’s going to be born in three weeks. I’m motivated on a different level right now, and I really do want to prove to you guys that I’m the best in the world. 

“I agreed to this fight with Andrade because he’s the hardest. Other than myself, he’s the best in the division. He’s the hardest task besides Canelo, so I want to challenge myself. I really do want to be the best, and I’m telling you guys that I don’t want there to be a doubt in anyone’s head that I’m the best at the super middleweight division. That’s exactly what I’m going to do. 

“To be honest with you, I’m not worried about Canelo. I’m not worried about anybody. My job is to clear out the division, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be the best in the division. This is the start of the Benavídez era. 

“I’m going for a knockout Saturday night. I really want to give the people what they want to see. It’s not going to be an easy task, but I always find a way to secure the victory. 

“All of this is surreal to me. When I was younger, I dedicated myself. I knew I wanted to accomplish this dream, and I accomplished it. There’s still a lot of work to do, and by the time I’m done I’m going to be the greatest of my era.” 

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“I’m ready to rumble. I feel great. We’re going to put on a great show. It’s me again, baby. It’s showtime! 

“I’m making my legacy. It’s history, and I get to be part of that. I’m going to show out and do what I do, and that’s win. As I’ve been telling everybody, I’m the signature chef. I have everything it takes — the skills, the ability, the coverage, and the boxing IQ – to beat anybody. 

“I did everything I needed to do to get to the 168 division like I wanted to. I’ve been working with my team and my strength and conditioning coach to build up my body. I’m in tip-top shape, ready to go. I’m tall, black and handsome, in the best shape of my life. Thirty-five is just the age, and we’re going to show that I’m one of the best out there. That’s it.

“I’m going to frustrate him. You’ll see on Saturday night. When he’s not able to do what he wants to do, it’s going to play into my advantage.

“To fans who don’t know me, maybe they will be surprised by my performance on Saturday. But those who know me and have followed my career and know how I fight won’t be surprised by how I fight. They know what I’m capable of.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“I took a break from social media and got a chance to regroup and make myself better. I’m back. I now have a chance to show everybody the new me.

“I missed my fans. But now I get to go back out there and I have a tough opponent in front of me. He’s real confident. It’s my duty to break him down.

“José is different when the cameras come on. Maybe he’s not used to the lights. I don’t know. When I saw him in the elevator earlier, he didn’t say anything. But when he gets in front of the media, he acts different. That’s not me. I keep it solid the whole time. I’ve got him shook. He’s shook right now. He doesn’t know what to expect. He can’t size me up. He doesn’t know where I’m at in my mind. He doesn’t know where I’m at physically. It’s going to be a fight. It’s going to be a war.

“I smell blood. It’s been a while since I got a chance to really hunt and go eat and take my opponent down. I’m going to break him down inside the ring and outside the ring. I’m going to make sure I keep doing what I’m doing. In 2024, I’m going to give you all a lot more action and a lot more Jermall Charlo. I’m the new Jermall.

“I’m going to give the fans what they want. For the rest of my career, it’s going to be about my fans. With how much love they showed me over the years, I’m going to give the fans what they want. If they want to see me fight at 160 pounds and defend the title, I’ll do what I have to do to make the weight and do everything to be at the top of my level. Then I can go to 168 and fight there. I’ll probably move up to light heavy. Whatever the fans want to see me do, I’ll try it.

“Money doesn’t have anything to do with my motivations. I fight for my legacy. This is about me getting back to the best me. I want to be able to give the fans and everyone who supports me the best of me. I get a chance to go in there and I’m ready for war. Just know that. I’m motivated and I’m ready to show everybody.”

JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ JR.

“This is something very special. It’s something we dreamed about as kids. Being in a big arena for this type of event is crazy. To know that we made it and we’re here, proves that all that hard work is paying off. The goal now is just to take on the world. I’m thankful to have my brother and my dad next to me. 

“It was great training with my brother. I didn’t have to lose that much weight either. Doing 147 and 154 was just killing me, so now I’m at my natural weight. I feel strong, ready, and me and my brother had a hell of a time sparring. When we’re in the ring, there’s no brothers. 

“I feel confident. I’m ready. I’ve never felt like this before. I’m hungry, and I’m going to come to eat. I’ll leave all of the talking in the ring. I don’t really care what Charlo is doing, what people think, I’m ready. I’m going to show him who the real champion is at 160. I’m going to show the world what I’m made of.

“I’ve been in the game since I was six years old. I’ve fought on Manny Pacquiao cards. I’ve fought on Cotto cards. I feel like I’m a vet in the game. At this weight I feel strong. I feel like I finally got my man strength, and I’m ready.

“I’m going to take Charlo out. I’m going to stop him. One hundred percent guaranteed. I’ll put money on it.” 

SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV

“I’m very grateful to be here. This is a big stage and I’ve been training for this fight for six months. I’m not a big talker and I don’t want to talk much before the fight. On Saturday night, I’m going to show what I’m all about.

“Yes, Subriel is a knockout artist, but I am also a knockout artist. Let’s see how bad he really is. I think I can make it a short night.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’ve been training here in the U.S. for many years. I’ve been dreaming and working towards this moment my whole life.

“I want to thank SugarHill and all of my trainers who have worked with me to get me ready for this fight. This is the best training that I’ve ever had. When I first came to the U.S. in 2017, it was very difficult to get acclimated. But with each camp and each training session, I’ve gotten better and smarter. I have the best corner in boxing and I’m looking forward to showing everybody what I’m all about on Saturday night.”

HÉCTOR GARCÍA

“All I have to say to Roach is you can keep dreaming but be careful because by the end of Saturday night you might just be going to sleep. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed, but my goal is to knock him out. 

“I’m a world champ at 130, but I learned a hell of a lot at 135. From fighting at a bigger weight class to learning from Gervonta Davis, himself, I learned valuable lessons, and you’ll see them applied on Saturday night. 

“I feel equally well at 130 and 135, but I’m the world champion at 130. It’s where I belong. It’s where I feel right at home. 

“I am ready to show that I am the best at 130, that there is nobody better than me. I’m going to prove to everybody on Saturday night that I’m here to stay and that I can beat absolutely anybody that’s in my way. 

“I can’t thank Bob Santos enough. He has changed my career and my life and given me a new perspective on what it means to be a world champion. I can’t put into words how much that means to me. And not only Bob, but my entire team. The way they support me all the way through is something that I’ve always appreciated. 

“You know what’s going to happen? Whatever Roach wants to happen. It’s going to be up to him to decide his destiny.

“My goal is to go out there and dominate. I feel equally good at 130 and 135, but I think that ultimately, I’ll end up at 140 and fight there.”

LAMONT ROACH

“This means everything to me. I put my whole life into this sport. It’s been blood, sweat and tears during this four-year journey since my last title shot. I worked my way back up to the No. 1 spot like I rightfully deserve.

“The key to my recent success has been putting my foot on the gas and taking control of everything. Just knowing that nobody is going to give anything to me so I have to go take it. You’ve got to beat the champ and I’m going to take the belt from Héctor and show why I deserve to be champion.

“It never gets old fighting on big cards like this. I love the lights. I like to showcase my skills. I’m made for this. I’ll be a superstar soon.

“I hope that the fans take away from this fight that I’m going to be the best in this division. Hopefully I can be a unified world champion and maybe even undisputed.

“García is a great fighter, but that’s when I perform my best. When people bring the best out of me. I think Héctor is a perfect dance partner for me to shine very bright on Saturday night.

“I’m not looking for this fight to be Fight of the Year or anything like that, but if plays out like that, of course I’m going to deliver on my end. But I’m looking to punish him and make this one-sided. If I can knock him out early, I’ll do it. If I can knock him out late, I’ll do it. If I can knock him out at any point, I’m going to try. I want to make this short and sweet.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“It’s great to be back in Las Vegas and I’m excited to be back under the lights again. I was waiting for this opportunity for a long time and it finally came through.

“This is going to be a fight that will please all the boxing fans out there. Whoever likes to watch real boxing will enjoy this fight. It’s going to be a great scrap. If he stays in the pocket and bangs with me, it’s going to be even more watchable.

“This is like a make-it-or-break-it fight for me. No matter what, I still want to be a champion of the world. I believe I still have the skills. I still have the power in my hands. Winning this fight is going to put me on a rocket to the top.

“I’m just focused on the fight this Saturday night. I am 100 percent focused on winning and then we can look at the options we have going forward. All I know is that I want to be champion of the world again.

“I definitely like the fact that I’ve had a little bit of a layoff. It gave me a mental and physical break. We’ve been training with Justin Fortune for a long time, and he’s one of the best strength and conditioning coaches there is. He’s added a lot to my physical abilities. I’ve increased my punching power and improved my balance. Everything has come together and I can definitely have another run for the title.”

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“Being a part of events like this is a blessing and I’m truly grateful. I’m just blessed to be a part of these big events and having a chance to keep growing as a fighter. I’ve been down in Houston, Texas working hard with Ronnie Shields away from my family for the past three months, so we’re just ready to put on a show come Saturday night.

“Ronnie Shields is a Hall of Fame trainer and I think he’s the best trainer in the game right now. To be able to work with a guy with his experience and the greatness he’s been a part of, who wouldn’t want to be around a guy like that? Plus, we got great work with Jermall Charlo throughout the whole camp. At 21 years old, who would turn down that opportunity?

“Alexis Salazar is a great opponent and I’m excited. It’s a step-up fight for me and it’s only going to raise my game. I’m excited to show everyone how I’ve grown in the gym and how I’ve grown as a fighter. We’re going to keep leveling up and getting better and better each time we get in the ring.

“The fans should just expect fireworks and an exciting fight. You don’t want to miss it so get there early. Expect a dominant performance come Saturday night.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVÍDEZ VS. ANDRADE

Benavídez vs. Andrade will see undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez defend his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title against unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo against exciting contender José Benavídez Jr. in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García duels top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezAndrade, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




HUNDREDS OF FIGHT FANS PACK INTO LIFFEY VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE AS FIGHT WEEK KICKS OFF IN DUBLIN AHEAD OF BLOCKBUSTERCAMERON VS. TAYLOR REMATCH

Hundreds of fight fans packed into the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre in Dublin this afternoon as another historic Irish fight week got underway ahead of the huge undisputed Super-Lightweight World Title rematch between reigning champion Chantelle Cameron and challenger Katie Taylor at the 3Arena this Saturday November 25, shown live worldwide on DAZN

Northampton’s Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) handed undisputed Lightweight World Champion Taylor the first defeat of her career to remain undisputed ruler at 140lbs when they met on an epic night at a sold-out 3Arena back in May.

The 32-year-old Brit, trained by Jamie Moore out of the V.I.P Gym in Astley, was beaming with confidence as she received a warm reception from the huge crowd of Irish fans, but hinted that she will be looking to spoil the party again by defeating Taylor in even more convincing fashion.

“I’m feeling full of confidence,” declared Cameron. “Obviously been there done that in May and now I’m coming back here. I’ve kind of had a taste of what it’s all about. I’ve put all of the work in. I’ve done everything that has been asked of me and I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m just in a good place. No matter what happens on Saturday night I know that I’ve got no excuses. I’m the best version I can be.
 
“I always knew I was wrong for Katie Taylor. That’s why I always wanted the fight. Nothing changes now. I think all that changes is that Katie is going to come in desperate to get that revenge and I’m coming in knowing that I can beat her and I beat her not on my best night either. So I’m coming in there full of confidence knowing that it’s going to be a more convincing win for me. The blueprint is there but I’m going to make sure it’s better this time. I didn’t box my best.
 
“Me at my best and everything I’ve been doing in the gym, I’m too much for Katie Taylor. I’m too stubborn, my work rate is too high, I’m too strong and I’m too big. I know that I’ve never been this fit. As long as I do on Saturday what I’ve been doing then Katie isn’t going to stand a chance. I’m going to be all over her like a rash! May 20th I was in awe of Katie Taylor. This time I’m not in awe of her. I’ve already beat her, so now I’m coming here, defending my belts and it’s more now for me that I’m cementing my own career. I know that this can open up doors for me. I’m going in there full of spite and full of aggression knowing that I’ve just got to finish the job here.”

Irish legend Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs), who fights in her homeland for only the second time as a professional this weekend, appeared to be laser focused on exacting revenge over Cameron and becoming a two-weight undisputed World Champion at the second time of asking. 

“I think I definitely have to make a statement on Saturday night,” said Taylor. “Obviously the homecoming didn’t go my way the last time. This really is a must-win fight for me. It’s all business this week for me. It’s certainly very different this week to what is was last time we fought. I’m just excited to step in there.
 
“No other fight made sense to me after the last fight. Straight away we said we wanted the rematch. Thank God I have this opportunity for a rematch. Not every fighter has this opportunity for a rematch. I’m just so so grateful. I have a chance to rectify things on Saturday night – I can’t wait.
 
“I just didn’t feel myself the last fight. I think everybody who watched the fight knew that I wasn’t myself on the night. It was just a bit of a flat performance really. It was just one of those nights.
 
“I’ve put my body through the trenches these last few months in preparation for this rematch. I’m going to be prepared for whatever comes my way on Saturday. I feel so excited for this fight. I’m very very hungry and I’m like a woman possessed at the moment for this rematch!
 
“I think when I’m at my best nobody can beat me. That’s it. Every single boxer dreams of being in this position – headlining a huge show in their own country. This is absolutely amazing and I have the chance to do it again on Saturday night. Absolutely, I’ll be becoming a two-weight undisputed champion.
 
“Obviously we have to get over Saturday first, we can talk about that after Saturday night, but I definitely wouldn’t turn down a trilogy.”

Cameron vs. Taylor 2 headlines another huge night of boxing in Dublin, Naas Lightweight Gary Cully (16-1-0, 10 KOs) looks to get back to winning ways when he takes on Reece Mould (18-1-0, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Europe Title, Limerick Welterweight Paddy Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title, Dublin Heavyweight Thomas Carty (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Dan Garber (5-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round contest, Australia’s Interim WBC Featherweight World Champion Skye Nicolson (8-0) defends her crown against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs), Manchester’s former Super-Featherweight World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (29-2, 16 KOs) fights Spain’s Costin Ion (10-4-2, 5 KOs) over eight rounds, Belfast’s John Cooney (8-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin’s own Liam Gaynor (10-4-0) meet for the Celtic Featherweight crown, as fellow Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (1-0) battles Limerick’s Jamie Morrisey (5-0-1, 1 KO) for the Celtic Light-Heavyweight Title, while Guildford Super-Featherweight debutant Giorgio Visioli opens the show against Lee Anthony Sibley (3-1, 1 KO).




 TOP RANKED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (#3) MAGOMED ANKALAEV AND (#7) JOHNNY WALKER BATTLE IN UFC APEX MAIN EVENT

Las Vegas – UFC® kicks off 2024 at UFC APEX with an action-packed rematch featuring No. 3 ranked light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev and No. 7 Johnny Walker. In addition, an intriguing matchup in the lightweight division sees Jim Miller take on Gabriel Benitez

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs. WALKER takes place Saturday, January 13 in Las Vegas and will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish). The prelims will start at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. 

Ankalaev (17-1-1 1NC, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) sets out with the intention of delivering a statement performance. An International Master of Sport in Amateur MMA and Master of Sport in Combat Sambo, Ankalaev has delivered dominant wins against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Volkan Oezdemir. Now slated to rematch Walker, Ankalaev plans on leaving no doubt that he is one of the best light heavyweights in the world. 

Walker (21-7, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) returns to action seeking redemption from his last outing against Ankalaev. His impressive resume contains highlight reel finishes over top ranked contenders Paul Craig, Ion Cutelaba, and Ryan Spann. The always exciting Walker now looks to get pass Ankalaev in emphatic fashion and make his case for a title shot in 2024.

Octagon veteran Miller (36-17 1NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) is a UFC record holder for most fights (42) and most wins (25) in company history, Miller’s legendary career has seen him defeat the likes of Donald Cerrone, Joe Lauzon, and former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He now aims to kick off the year with a strong performance over Benitez. 

Benitez (23-11, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja, Mexico) finally makes his return to competition. A versatile competitor, he’s entertained fight fans with memorable knockouts against Charlie Ontiveros, Justin Jaynes, and Humberto Bandenay. Benitez now looks to secure the biggest win of his career by making his name off Miller.  

Additional bouts on the card include: 

  • A high-stakes flyweight matchup pits No. 6 Matheus Nicolau (19-4-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) against No. 8 Manel Kape (19-6, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal) 
  • Featherweights Gabriel Santos (10-2, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil)and Westin Wilson (16-8, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil)collide
  • No. 3 ranked bantamweight Ketlen Vieira (14-3, fighting out of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) squares off with No. 9 Macy Chiasson (9-3, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of New Orleans, La.)
  • A pivotal bantamweight bout sees No. 7 ranked contender Yana Santos (14-8, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) compete against No. 10 Norma Dumont (10-2, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
  • Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski (34-23, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) takes on Waldo Cortes Acosta (10-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz. by way of Fundacion, Barahona, Dominican Republic)
  • Bantamweights Farid Basharat (11-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Paktia, Afghanistan) and Taylor Lapilus (19-3, fighting out of)look to steal the show
  • Bassil Hafez (8-4-1, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) collides with Preston Parsons (10-4, fighting out of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) at welterweight
  • An action-packed middleweight bout features Phil Hawes (12-5, fighting out of North Bergen, N.J. by way of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) and Brunno Ferreira (10-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil) is scheduled for the APEX
  • Highly skilled bantamweights Ricky Simon (20-4, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.) and Mario Bautista (13-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) clash
  • Felipe Bunes (13-6, fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte Brazil)makes his UFC debut against Ukraine’s Denys Bondar (16-5, fighting out of Kharkiv, Ukraine) at flyweight
  • An intriguing bantamweight bout sees Marcus McGhee (8-1, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) take on Gaston Bolanos (7-3, fighting out of Dublin, Calif. by way of Lima, Peru)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts are live and subject to change. Please click?here?to apply for the event. 

### 

About UFC® 

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC. 

About ESPN+ 

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About ESPN 

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.?ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst. 




Undefeated prospect Darius Fulghum Fighting for sixth time in 2023

LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2023) – Undefeated Darius “DFG” Fulghum (8-0, 8 KOs) faces light heavyweight Pachino “Chino” Hill (8-4-1, 6 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout at home in Houston on a Golden Boy Promotions card, headlined by Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte, on December 2 at Toyota Center.

The 27-year-old Fulgham is on a hot run, knocking out each of the eight opponents to date as a professional. However, it isn’t imperative for Fulghum to extend his perfect  KO streak to nine. This will be his third straight scheduled eight-round fight, but the first two only went a total of three rounds.

“It’s (9-for-9) not really important to me because I care most about winning and giving the fans an exciting fight,” Fulghum explained. “I want to give a dominant showing and if the knockout comes, it comes. My opponent is very tough. He’s coming to fight, not rollover.

“Anybody who has seen me train knows I train for 12 rounds. There’s no doubt in my mind that I can go a strong eight. I know I’m in top condition and will be putting on the pressure.”

3 PM has him fighting for the sixth time in 2023, the second under contract to the event promoter, Golden Boy Promotions.

“2023 has been the best year of my career,” Fulghum commented. “The start of my career has been everything I want to do to get me where I’m going, one step at a time. I’m taking my time. My boxing IQ is higher in the pro ranks with the experience I’m gaining. I’m more familiar with the process and I’m learning how to keep care of my body. Overall, I’m more comfortable with the process and I’m used to the PR stuff. Everybody wants recognition, but it has to be earned not given.”

A licensed nurse in Texas with a degree from Prairie View A & M University, Fulghum was a decorated amateur boxer, ranked No. 1 in the USA as a heavyweight, despite fighting as a super middleweight as a pro. He captured top honors at the 2018 National Golden Gloves Tournament and 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials.

Because the fight is after Thanksgiving, Fulghum will need to sacrifice and ship a few of the traditional foods that have too many carbohydrates.

“I’m a big ‘foodie’ but I believe Thanksgiving isn’t all about food,” Fulghum concluded. “I’m not concerned about what I won’t be able to eat this year. I believe Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the people you love, and I will be spending time with a lot of them. I do love food, though. If I wasn’t a boxer, my dream job would be Guy Fieri’s (Food Network host).”   

Fulghum is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (45-1, 30 KOs), NABA Super Flyweight Champion John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs), WBA Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Champion Kareem Hackett (12-0, 6 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweight Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

It’s a lock, Fulghum’s time is coming; not if, rather when. Book it!

INFORMATION:

Instagram/X (Twitter)/Linkedin: @DariusFulghum




DAVID BENAVÍDEZ VS. DEMETRIUS ANDRADE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – November 21, 2023 – Undefeated super middleweight superstar David “El Monstruo” Benavídez and unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade went face-to-face Tuesday in Los Angeles at the final press conference before they headline SHOWTIME PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) this Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

The press conference also featured WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo and exciting contender José Benavídez Jr., who will meet in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from The Conga Room at L.A. Live:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“This is a great way to close out the year. I feel like this is going to be the best card of the year because everybody has so much to prove on this card. This is going to be an amazing card and we’re definitely not going to disappoint the fans. These two fights, the co-main event and the main event, can be the fights of the year. We’re just looking forward to giving the fans what they want to see.

“This is the best fight that can be made because he’s at the top of the division. He showed the world that he’s a really good fighter. He’s an Olympian and a two-division world champion. It’s the only direction that I thought I could go to prove that I’m the best. He’s not an easy opponent. He’s very technical. He has very good defense. But I always find a way to win and Saturday night is not going to be any different. I’m going to find a way to beat him.

“It’s all fun and games but when I get in the ring, it’s not funny. I send all my opponents to the hospital. Look up my track record.

“I’m going to try to strike as soon as I get the opportunity to strike. I’m going to try to end it as soon as I can because I want to show the people that I am the best fighter and I will find a knockout against anybody. This is what the fans want to see. They want to see knockouts and they want to see people go to war. We can go heart for heart but I’m going to end up victorious on Saturday.

“My last fight, I had even more motivation because it was my first pay-per-view fight. Now that I’m here at the pay-per-view stage, I just want to stay here and keep giving the fans the fights they want to see and keep fighting the best in the world.

“I just want to shut all my critics up. I want to show to myself that I’m the best. I want to fight the best and I want to beat the best.

“All I know is that I worked extremely hard during this training camp. I’ve been training for three-and-a-half months and I put everything into this training camp. I know what’s in front of me. I know he’s a great fighter but I’m going to strike when I see the openings. I’m going to try to knock him out. I’m going to give the fans what they want to see. They want to see a war, so let’s go to war.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“Get your popcorn ready. I’m excited for this bout. I’ve been patiently waiting and this is the greatest fight that can be made at 168 pounds right now. We’re two fighters who are willing to make it happen. No fuss, no fight. I’m just ready to go. It’s war time.

“We’re going to beat up Lord Farquaad over there. If you know what that is, you know and if you don’t, you don’t. Look it up. It’s going to be a great night. And the new! And still!

“It’s war time baby. It’s time to fight. David and I agreed to make this happen and now we’re here. At the end of the day, I have nowhere to go and he has nowhere to go. May the best fighters fight each other. That’s what we’re proving and that’s what we’re doing.

“There’s definitely an opportunity where David can walk into a lot of things to end the fight early. It’s all good with me. We get paid. We go home, celebrate and have a good time.

“Vegas is the mecca. It’s the marquee spot in the sport of boxing. We’re about to make history on November 25. Everybody on this card is going to make history someway, somehow.

“I just want to thank the Benavídez family for giving me the opportunity to become a three-division world champion. It’s going to happen because of my energy and me getting groovy, having fun and staying loose.”

JERMALL CHARLO

“I’m ready to step in the ring with a tough opponent in José. His energy is a lot different now than it was in the first press conference. I can’t wait to get in there on November 25 and show the world that I’m back. I’ll be at 168 pounds real soon. Good luck to both guys in the main event. I’m here baby and I’m back.

“He’s shook now that we’re in person. Look how immature he is. He’s not going to do anything on Saturday. I’m not fazed by anything he’s doing.

“I’m going to fight at the top of my level no matter if my opponent is talking trash or not. There’s something wrong with this dude obviously. He’s got a few screws missing. He must not know what he’s getting himself into. 32 have tried and they’ve all failed. He’s just a stepping stone. I’m going to step on him super hard. I’m going to crush him.

“The boxing public is going to be reminded that I fight hard, each and every round. I’m coming to knock him out. And when I say I’m going to do it, I do it.

“I’m going to go out and do my thing. I’m going to listen to my trainers. We came up with perfection on the game plan. I’m really not worried about him. I don’t think he’s small, I know he’s small. Small-minded, small everything. Everything about him is too little for me. Big Charlo is back.”

JOSÉ BENAVÍDEZ JR.

“I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to take on anybody, anywhere, any place. I don’t have much to say, so may the best man win.

“The only reason why the energy is different from the first press conference is because I’m not trying to get this fight cancelled. I told him if he tries to get in my face or act tough, I’m going to whoop his ass. That’s exactly what I’m going to do on Saturday night. I’m just waiting until fight night.

“This is a dream come true. Ever since David and I were kids, it’s something we dreamed about. It took a long time and a lot of hard work, but we’re here as a team and I wouldn’t want to be here with anybody else. It’s going to be a good night for the whole Benavídez family.

“If I was just a stepping stone, why didn’t he put the belt on the line? He should be ready to fight for the belt. He’s the champion, right? He looks like a bum.

“I’ve been in the gym and I was training when David was getting ready for Caleb Plant. I feel like I’m ready to go. I feel good. I’m ready to fight.

“I’m going to stop him. Charlo thinks I’m small for some reason. He thinks this is going to be a walk in the park. We’ll see. I’m going to beat him. He’s going to see what he’s really up against.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“We have a fantastic card from top to bottom. We have champions, former champions, rising stars and top contenders all in matchups that will deliver everything boxing fans can hope for in a pay-per-view event. Every fighter stepping into the ring on Saturday night has the opportunity to catapult their careers to the top of their respective division.

“Benavídez vs. Andrade is a tremendous fight between two undefeated fighters in one of boxing’s hottest divisions. Demetrius Andrade said last week that both guys are going to get hit hard. He’s right. That’s what is going to make this such a great, crowd-pleasing fight. 

“I’m very happy to have Jermall Charlo back in action. He’s held world titles in two weight classes. He’s handled his personal business the right way out of the spot light and did what’s right for he and his family. Now, he’s back and he’s excited to be back. He’s a man on a mission.

“In José Benavídez Jr., Jermall Charlo has one tough opponent in front of him. He’s focused, he’s motivated and he’s coming with everything he’s got to get that win on Saturday night. Both of these fights have the potential to be all out barnburners.”

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVÍDEZ VS. ANDRADE

Benavídez vs. Andrade will see undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez defend his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title against unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo against exciting contender José Benavídez Jr. in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García duels top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #BenavidezAndrade, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.




Julian Gonzalez Headlines Against Juan Antonio Lopez on Friday, December 8th at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – November 20, 2023 — Undefeated super featherweight Julian Gonzalez will appear in his first headlining bout as he takes on Juan Antonio Lopez in an eight-round bout at The Wind Creek Event Center on Friday, December 8th in Bethlehem, PA.

The loaded card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Gonzalez, 22 of Reading, PA is 11-0-1 with nine knockouts. Gonzalez has established himself as a top-130 lb. prospect with wins over undefeated fighters Rosalindo Morales (9-0) and Johnnie Spell (8-0) with the latter coming on August 4th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Lopez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 17-15-1 with seven knockouts. The 29-year-old Lopez has wins over undefeated fighters Erick Lainez (1-0), Isaac Torres (5-0-1), Jerren Cochran (11-0-1) and Fernando Garcia (12-1). Lopez has faced 12 undefeated opponents. Lopez is coming off a loss to Richard Medina on May 20th in San Antonio.

A loaded undercard that will feature world champions, top contenders and top prospects has been assembled.

In a 10-round super middleweight fight, former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart (29-3, 23 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jeyson Minda (14-7-1, 8 KOs) in a super middleweight bout.

In eight-round bouts:

Former unified world champion, Jarrett Hurd (24-3, 16 KOs) of Accokek, Maryland will take on Tyi Edmonds (14-5, 9 KOs) from Meridian, Mississippi

Travon Marshall (8-1, 7 KOs) of Landover, Maryland will take on Roudley Lolo (6-1-2, 3 KOs) of Camp Hill, PA in a junior middleweight bout.

Paige Suchit (5-0 4 KOs) of Edmonton, Canada will fight Yusniel Abrahante (5-1, 1 KO) of Louisville, KY in a super flyweight contest.

Ernie Cuevas (7-0, 5 KOs) of Maudin, SC will take on Roberto Puchetta (11-24-3, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in a bantamweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

James Bernadin (10-2-1, 6 KOs) of Lancaster, PA collides Osvaldo Morales (5-3, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a lightweight clash.

Thanjhae Teasley (8-0, 4 KOs) of Allentown, PA fights Xavier Madrid (5-2, 3 KOs) of Albuquerque, NM in a welterweight fight.

Shamara Woods (3-0) of Allentown, PA squares off with Micaele Nogue (2-4) of Egg Harbor, NJ in a super lightweight battle.

In Four-round Fights:

Francis Oran (4-1,2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA will take on Justin Maggi (0-0-1) of Frederick, Maryland in a cruiserweight bout.

Elijah Akana will make his pro debut against RJ Hayes (0-2) of Oneontha, NY in a heavyweight bout.

Gustavo Morales (2-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA fights Antonio Allen (1-15-2) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Tickets are priced at $50, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




CULLY: I’VE GOT THE SECOND CHANCE AND I’VE GOT TO MAKE IT RIGHT

Gary Cully insists that he isn’t feeling the pressure ahead of his make-or-break clash with Reece Mould on the undercard of Chantelle Cameron’s huge undisputed Super-Lightweight World Title rematch with Katie Taylor at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland this Saturday November 25, shown live worldwide on DAZN

The Naas native (16-1, 10 KOs) suffered a stunning upset loss at the hands of Jose Felix last time out in May, with the unheralded Mexican ripping up the script and inflicting Cully’s first defeat in the pros via a devastating third round knockout in front of the Irishman’s home crowd. 

Cully’s ten-round clash with Felix was supposed to be a routine win on what was the rising Lightweight star’s first outing as a professional in Dublin, but ‘Josesito’ had other ideas and forced his opponent to go back to the drawing board and completely change his training set-up. 

“Something wasn’t quite right with me,” admitted Cully. “I didn’t really know it at the time, but my mind wasn’t fully focused. Everything was just planned for the party afterwards, the celebrations and reflecting on what a week and what a show it had been. I took my eye off having a fight in front of me. 

“Probably being back in Dublin and back in Ireland I fell into that trap as well of ‘The Diva Gary Cully’ – Gary is the guy and Gary is the man. I probably fell into that trap a little bit as well and started believing my own hype a little bit.

“I wanted to impress and thought I’d just f***ing walk through this kid. I just wasn’t fully focused, wasn’t fully focused on Jose Felix and I paid the price. This time it isn’t about a celebration or a party like last time was supposed to be.

“I’ve been through some ups and downs in my life, but that loss was definitely the hardest. It felt like the world was ending at one point. I thought it was, but it taught me lots of lessons. I think I’ve learnt a lot from it as well. I’m looking forward to showing that this Saturday.”

Now training under respected coach Joe McNally at the Rotunda ABC in Liverpool alongside Belfast Super-Welterweight contender Caoimhin Agyarko, World Champion hopeful Cully is determined to bounce back after vowing to take care of business when he faces Mould (18-1-0, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Europe Title. 

“I’ve got a job ahead of me. We’re going back to Dublin which is my hometown and we’re going straight back there after coming off a loss. I’m not in the winners club right now, and I believe that’s where I’m supposed to be.

“There’s a bit of pressure to get back into that club obviously but I’m not feeling an ounce of pressure, this is personal and this is me versus me this time around. This is about Gary Cully getting back to where I know I’m at and showing everybody what I can do.

“When I come in here (the Rotunda) I’m just another one of the lads. Darren Till is in here training with us and he’s just Darren, he’s just another one of the lads. I’ve got the second chance and I’ve got to make it right. I’ve got to come back and show them that I am what I say I am. It’s important to me for sure.

“Reece Mould, he’s tough and he’s game. He’s been around the block, 19 fights 18 wins. He’s only lost to Leigh Wood so he’s no mug. He knows what he’s doing and he’s going to come to win. I want to put pain on somebody and I want to put on a performance, beat somebody down and show them I’m at the level I say I’m at.”

Cully vs. Mould is part of a huge night of boxing in Dublin, undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0, 8 KOs) puts her crowns on the line against Irish great Katie Taylor (22-1, 6 KOs) Limerick Welterweight Paddy Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental Title, Dublin Heavyweight Thomas Carty (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Dan Garber (5-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round contest, Australia’s Interim WBC Featherweight World Champion Skye Nicolson (8-0) defends her crown against Sweden’s Lucy Wildheart (10-2, 4 KOs), Manchester’s former Super-Featherweight World Title challenger Zelfa Barrett (29-2, 16 KOs) fights Spain’s Costin Ion (10-4-2, 5 KOs) over eight rounds, Belfast’s John Cooney (8-0, 2 KOs) and Dublin’s own Liam Gaynor (10-4-0) meet for the Celtic Featherweight crown, as fellow Dublin fighter Emmet Brennan (1-0) battles Limerick’s Jamie Morrisey (5-0-1, 1 KO) for the Celtic Light-Heavyweight Title, while Guildford Super-Featherweight debutant Giorgio Visioli opens the show against Lee Anthony Sibley (3-1, 1 KO).




Robeisy Ramirez: “Rafael Espinoza Has My Full Attention!”

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 21, 2023) — Cuban WBO featherweight king Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez is ready to end the year with his second world title defense.

Ramirez will put his belt on the line against unbeaten Mexican contender Rafael “El Divino” Espinoza onSaturday, Dec. 9 at Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas squares off against Spain’s Jorge Fortea.

Ramirez-Espinoza and Zayas-Fortea will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Ramirez (13-1, 8 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is enjoying his most impressive year to date. The fighting pride of Cienfuegos, Cuba, soundly defeated former world champion Isaac Dogboe by unanimous decision to capture the WBO featherweight title in April. He defended his crown on enemy turf in July with a fifth-round TKO against Japanese contender Satoshi Shimizu. Espinoza (21-0, 18 KOs) is a 10-year pro who is coming off stoppage wins over compatriot Rafael Rosas Ramirez in March and Tanzania’s Ally Mwerangi in July.

Following a recent training session, this is what Ramirez had to say:

“December 9 is almost here, and it’s almost time to defend my world title against a tough opponent, Rafael ‘El Divino’ Espinoza. Everyone knows that Mexicans are warriors who always come to fight. That’s why Espinoza has my full attention, and the Mexican people have my full respect.”

“I can’t wait to fight in front of my people in South Florida. After being crowned world champion, this has been one of my most cherished dreams, and it motivates me knowing that the event is close to being sold out. So, don’t wait much longer to get your tickets, bring your Cuban flag, and join me in what I promise will be a great night for our community.”

“This has been a strong training camp with many challenges, as it usually is at this level. I am motivated to close the year strong and pursue other goals in 2024, such as being crowned unified featherweight champion.”




Former World Champion Tevin Farmer Takes on Patrick Okine on Friday, December 1st at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Philadelphia (November 20, 2023) –- R and B Promotions will kick off the last month of 2023 with a big night of boxing on Friday, December 1st at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Headlining the card will be former world champion Tevin Farmer taking on Patrick Okine in a eight-round junior lightweight bout.

?Farmer of Philadelphia is 32-5-1 with seven knockouts. The 33-year-old Framer defeated Angelo Ward (1-0), Tim Witherspoon Jr. (6-1-1), Tyrone Luckey (4-1-1), Camilo Perez (9-0), Noel Echevarria (11-10), Emmanuel Gomez (14-0), Viktor Chermous (15-1-1), Angel Luna (10-0-1), Daulis Prescott (30-2), former world champion Gamailei Diaz, Ivan Redkach (19-1-1) and Dardan Zenunaj (12-2).

On August 3, 2018, Farmer traveled to New South Wales, Australia, and defeated Billy Dib (44-4) to win the IBF Junior League championship. Farmer defended the title four times with wins over James Tennyson (22-2), Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1), Jono Carroll (16-0-1) and Guillaume Frenois (46-1-1). Farmer came back after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus with a 10-round unanimous decision over Avery Sparrow on June 24th at the 2300 Arena. In his bout, Farmer viciously stopped Oscar Barajas in six-rounds on September 29th at the 2300 Arena.

Okine of Accra, Ghana is 21-6-2 with 18 knockouts. The 32-year-old Okine has defeated David Kotey (1-0) and Richard Amenfu (4-1). Kotey is coming off a loss to Cletus Seldin on October 10th in New York.

In six-round bouts:

Oluwafemi Oyeleye (14-0, 8 KOs) of Long Beach, CA fights Luis Solis (26-17-4, 22 KOs) of Yucatan, Mexico in a super welterweight contest.

Joshua Jones (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Carlos Padilla (19-13-1, 13 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia in lightweight battle.

Erron Peterson (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named i a junior middleweight fight.

In four-round contests:

Ismail Muhammad (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Ishmeal Dixon (0-2) of Benton Harbor, MI in a junior welterweight bout.

Juan Marrero (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

Edwin Cortes (4-0) of Millville, New Jersey collides with Tyrone Arzeno (1-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight fight.

In a battle of undefeated middleweights, Allen Otto (2-0-1,2 KOs) of Pennsauken, New Jersey fights James Abraham (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Queens, New York.

Devin Gantt (5-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, New Jersey takes on an opponent to be named in a featherweight contest.

Ghandi Romain (2-1, 2 KOs) of Irvington, NJ fights Jamar Leach (1-1) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Steve Cunningham Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) of Pittsburgh takes on Angelo Thompson (0-7) of Irvington,4-0- New Jersey in a junior middleweight clash.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $75, $105 and $155 and can be purchased BY CLICKING HERE




HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS RETURNS TO THE COMMERCE CASINO ON JANUARY 27, 2024

Los Angeles, CA (November 21, 2023) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions returns to the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, January 27 with another outstanding Hollywood Fight Nights event headlined by the WBC Continental Americas Featherweight Championship between Undefeated Rising Star Omar Trinidad, (14-0-1, 11 KOs), of Boyle Heights, CA and cross-town rival Jose ‘El Mudo’ Perez, (11-2-2, 5 KOs), of Oak Hills, CA. The ten-round main event tops the internationally broadcast UFC FIGHT PASS card.

Advance tickets priced at $250, $150, $100 and $80 are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. For more information and directions visit their website.

Said Tom Loeffler, “We’re very excited to kick off the New Year with this compelling main event. Omar Trinidad has worked his way up the ranks by taking on all comers. He just fought in The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City and now he’s headlining this show at the Commerce Casino on January 27. He’s in another tough battle against local rival Jose Perez and this fight is sanctioned for the WBC Continental Americas Featherweight Title.”

Popular in Southern California for his show-stopping knockouts, the all-action Omar Trinidad took his show on the road with a stunning first round knockout of Andrew Bentley on November 9 in New York City fighting on the Callum Walsh / Ismael Villarreal undercard. The victory was Trinidad’s fourteenth in a row and his sixth knockout in his last seven fights.

“Fighting at Madison Square Garden was an amazing experience,” said Omar Trinidad. “But as soon as I got back home we started preparing for January 27. I’ll be ready to put on another great show against Jose Perez.”

Previously on an 11-fight unbeaten streak, Jose Perez will look to re-enter the win column following a hotly contested eight-round split decision loss to highly touted and undefeated prospect Duke Ragan on October 14, 2023. Perez dropped Ragan in the fifth round of the contest.

Stated Jose Perez, “I’m looking forward to this fight with Omar Trinidad, I’ve known him for a while and will prove that I am the better man on January 27th. I’m looking forward to showing my skills on UFC Fight Pass, I’m definitely going to put on a show for the fans.”

Additional fights for the January 27th event will be announced shortly.

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OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST PRICE FACES BORTOT ON DECEMBER 10TH IN BOURNEMOUTH

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND (November 21, 2023) – 2020 Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price MBE will face Silvia Bortot on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith’s WBO World Cruiserweight Title defence against Mateusz Masternak on Sunday, December 10th live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Price (5-0, 1 KO) is on a fast-track to World Title success following a glittering amateur career. Having made history earlier this year by becoming the first female to win a British title, ‘The Lucky One’, will be aiming to end 2023 with a statement win against Bortot (11-3-1, 3 KOs).

The Italian is a former EBU European Super Lightweight Champion who went the distance with former Unified World Champion Mikaela Mayer in Manchester in September, the same night Price secured her fifth pro-victory against Lolita Muzeya.

Price knows a victory can put her in the mix for big fights at welterweight including a showdown with the winner of the upcoming IBF World Title contest between BOXXER stablemate Natasha Jonas and Mikaela Mayer.

“I’m looking forward to December 10th and continuing my progression by finishing the year with a good win to take me into 2024,” said Price. “Bortot is a good opponent, she’s game and tough like them all but I believe I’m the bigger, stronger and better boxer. She boxed Mayer in her last fight and gave her a good ten rounds so she will be a good step up. There are some great female fights coming up and I believe next year I will be involved in the big fights.”

“Lauren is an exceptional talent and one of the future stars of this sport,” said BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom. “She is already closing in on World Titles and in just her sixth fight is taking another step up on December 10th. 2024 can be a massive year for her but first she must overcome a tough test against Silvia Bortot.”

Price joins fellow Olympic medallist Ben Whittaker (4-0, 3 KOs) in action in Bournemouth. Whittaker has got off to a blistering start to his career since turning professional in the wake of his 2020 silver medal glory, wowing crowds around the country with his flamboyant and unorthodox style. The 26-year-old is returning to the south coast, where he made his professional debut, and is looking to end the year on a high with another memorable performance.

Fans can also look forward to a potential show-stealing showdown between Bournemouth’s Lee Cutler (13-1, 7 KOs) and Kingsley Egbunike (8-2-1, 1 KO) for the vacant English Super Welterweight Title.

RETURN OF THE KING: Chris Billam-Smith vs Mateusz Masternak takes place on Sunday, December 10th at the Bournemouth International Centre and will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. Tickets for the year-ending BOXXER show are already sold out.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365EverlastWOW HYDRATEIntegritas Property Group and Who Dares Gyms.




IBF WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR LANDS ON KELLY VS KNAPP IN SUNDERLAND, LIVE ON DAZN  

Denis Radovan and Andrei Mikhailovich collide in a final eliminator for the IBF world middleweight title, live on DAZN next month. 

The two highest ranked contenders in the 160lbs division clash on Saturday, December 16 in Sunderland, on the undercard of Josh Kelly’s major homecoming fight with Roarke Knapp

Delivered by Wasserman Boxing, Radovan and Mikhailovich put their unbeaten records on the line at the Beacon of Light, in the hope of earning the right to challenge fearsome champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. 

This world title eliminator acts as the co-main event to Kelly’s match-up against the highly ranked Knapp, with the Sunderland hero daring to risk his own title ambitions against the big-punching South African. 

Kelly will be boxing in his hometown for the first time as a professional and an expected sell-out crowd will provide noisy support for the 29-year-old, in the biggest fight of his career. 

North East talents Dan TowardBen Marksby and Travis Waters are also on the show, along with Harvey Lambert, plus many more fighters who will be announced in the coming days. 

But today’s announcement confirms the addition of a high-level international scrap between Germany’s Radovan and New Zealand-based Russian, Mikhailovich, live on DAZN. 

Denis Radovan said: “I don’t waste time yapping like him and his crew.  

“December 16th, my statement hits – not through the media, but right on his chin.” 

Andrei Mikhailovich said: “I am extremely excited for the opportunity to fight Denis.  

“To be fighting for a world title eliminator is a dream come true. 

“Only one man will be left in my way after this victory. 

“In the Wild West of Auckland, we are training hard to show everyone who I am. 

December 16th, I can’t wait.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Radovan vs Mikhailovich is a brilliant fight to add to this massive show in Sunderland. 

“Whether you’re sitting at ringside, or watching at home on DAZN, you will love this one, and it will get the adrenaline pumping for the main event. 

“Radovan and Mikhailovich are both unbeaten, both extremely confident and both laser-focused on winning a shot at the prestigious IBF world middleweight title.  

“Those ingredients together can mean only one thing – a great fight for the fans.”