Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (24 June 2019) Two-Time World Champion and boxing star Amir Khan’s history making fight against Neeraj Goyat at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday 12th July will be broadcast exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5.

Khan versus Goyat headlines a fantastic all-action championship fight card that includes heavyweight star Hughie Fury in a sensational showdown with Former World Champion Samuel Peter plus Prince Patel and Dave Penasola both in title fights.

British-Pakistani hero Khan and India’s star Goyat make history when the two nations meet in the boxing ring for the first time ever with the specially commissioned World Boxing Council (WBC) Pearl Welterweight Championship on the line.

The Bolton star promises a feast from the Middle East when he break down frontiers in the event titled ‘Nations Connect’ as he makes his debut in the MENA region and in the The Kingdom for the first time in his illustrious 14 year, 38 fight pro career.

This will also be Khan’s first terrestrial TV appearance since 2010, as Channel 5 televise his ground-breaking fight to millions with the undercard also featuring on free-to-air 5 Spike in nearly 5 hours of live boxing action.

‘It’s an honour to be fighting in The Kingdom during the Saudi Seasons and a big thank you to GSA for making this happen.  I can’t wait to deliver a world class performance here and really put Saudi Arabia on the map as a boxing destination to rival any of the big fights cities in the World.  It’s been a dream of mine to fight here for many years and I finally get to share my talent and spread boxing to new territories across the world just as Muhammad Ali did.  Importantly, this fight against Neeraj is sending a message that our two nations, Pakistan and India, can connect in the boxing ring and through the power of sport we can send out a positive message.” Said Khan.   

Khan is hungry to get back in the ring following his controversial sixth round stoppage loss to WBO welterweight boss and pound-for-pound contender Terence Crawford in April and knows that a victory in Jeddah could lead to a blockbuster showdown with the legendary eight-division World Champion Manny Pacquiao.

In the opposing corner stands Indian trailblazer Neeraj Goyat who will be eager to replicate his compatriots’ recent conquest over sporting rivals Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup.  

The 27 year old former Commonwealth Youth medallist and World Youth and Military Games rep topped the bill in India’s first professional promotion in May 2015, when he also became the first from his nation to contest and win a pro title by scalping Nelson Gulpe for the WBC Asian crown. A brace of successful defences led to Goyat being honoured as the WBC’s Asian Honorary Fighter of the Year in 2017 plus the first Indian to crack the WBC world ratings. 

Though winless in his opening four paid starts (two draws, all overseas), the 5ft 7 ½ in terror has triumphed in 11 of his last 12 – the sole stain a points loss to a Mexican in Mexico. He is also undefeated in MMA combat and yet to be stopped.

Nevertheless, ‘King Khan’ is promising to leave the man from the state of Haryana in a proper state before advancing to what could be an All-Asian career finale against ex-gym mate and eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao from the Phillipines.  

‘End of this year, early next year, I want to make a big name world title challenge and there’s a strong possibility it could be here in Saudi Arabia against Pacquiao,’ claims Khan who will be coached for the first time by ex-WBA super-bantam boss Clarence ‘Bones’ Adams and Alex Ariza.

‘Hopefully, Manny beats up Keith Thurman the week after my fight and we’ll see what happens.

‘A fight between us would set-up boxing in the Middle East forever and lead to multiple championship fights taking place in the region. I intend being at the forefront.’ 

Chief support pitches world grade heavyweights from past and present when undefeated former British champion Hughie Fury, 24, who features courtesy of Hennessy Sports and Channel 5, steps up against one-time WBC World Champion Samuel Peter in a mouthwatering championship title contest to be announced.

England’s first ever World Youth super-heavyweight champion, the 6ft 6in ‘Fists of Fury’ has already showcased his considerable skills in eight countries since debuting as a pro, aged 18, in March 2013. However, this will be his first exposure in the MENA region and he is promising to expand his fan base by delivering a sparkling performance. 

‘I’ve a job to do and it’ll get done. Samuel Peter is a seriously solid, dangerous veteran who can clearly punch but I relish the challenge,’ said Fury who is trained by his father Peter.

He added, ’It’s always great to visit different places and get my name around the World. I’m expecting a great atmosphere. There’s only one thing on my mind, getting to the very top, winning the world title.

Peter, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, is a 2000 Sydney Olympian, now in his 19^thyear as a pro.  The powerhouse has clattered 31 victims inside schedule whilst compiling a stellar 38-7 CV. The solid 6ft 2in, 19stone plus African reigned on the WBC throne for seven months in 2008 and has swapped leather with four fellow world champions, including both Klitschko brothers. He famously flattened Wladimir three times before dropping a close, contentious 12 round decision in 2005.

Following a break, Samuel returned in Mexico in February and has already bombed out two foes inside the opening frame. Fury will need to bring his A-game if he hopes to advance above his ranking of 14 with the IBF. 

To add further garnish to the bill, Acton pantomime villain Prince Patel attempts to become the first fighter of Indian heritage to claim a boxing world title when he collides with violent Venezuelan Michell Banquez for the Vacant IBO Bantamweight belt.

It’s a genuine toss-up between boxers who both boast 18 wins from 19 outings – Patel’s blemish a draw, Banquez’s an 11 round points loss in Chile – and both claim 13 stoppage wins.

The punching Prince, a three-time national junior champion and 2013 Senior ABA finalist, is as awkward inside the ropes as he is beyond. Love him or loathe him, he’s hard to ignore.

Nevertheless, 28 year old banger Banquez, known as ‘El Arsenal’ has never been stopped and promises to pose stern resistance.

DANIEL DUBOIS HAS questioned the entertainment value of fights involving his forthcoming opponent Nathan Gorman.

Gorman, by his own admission, has laboured somewhat to points victories in his last three fights, but mitigates this by pointing out that he has suffered with opponent withdrawals and short notice changes, therefore affecting his level of motivation.

Dubois views the matter differently and insists his July 13 British heavyweight title opposition will never deliver the thrills and spills.

“Well, this sort of fighter will never be entertaining, it is just the way he is,” reasoned the London fighter. “One thing I can tell you is he is never going to be exciting to watch.”

The same certainly cannot be said for Dubois, with his 10 KOs from 11 pro fights. The 21-year-old even entered into a couple of wild swing-offs with his last opponent, Richard Lartey, before stopping the Ghanaian in the fourth.

Dubois cannot fathom what the thought process was behind being drawn into a shootout.

“To be honest, I don’t know,” he admitted. “The spirit and energy told me to do that and I went out and did it. The only thing I can say about that fight is I got a win.”

Meanwhile, Dubois went on to borrow the words of Lartey when assessing the merits of Gorman as an opponent and whether he is the Nantwich man’s toughest assignment to date.

“Yes, as my last opponent said, he is baby food and this guy has definitely been on that.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Dina Thorslund (14-0, 6 KOs) defended her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title with a dominant display against mandatory challenger April Adams (11-2-1, 4 KOs) last night at the Forum Horsens in Denmark.

The Danish champion showed her class, winning every round on all three of the judges’ scorecards. She also showed her compassion by sparing a visibly stunned Adams in the final seconds of the tenth round, stepping back with smile and allowing the Australian challenger to finish the fight on her feet.

“I feel like I was in control for the whole fight,” said Thorslund following her second successive World title defence. “There wasn’t one second where I felt in doubt. It was a hard physical battle. April is a tough girl. She came here to win. I feel good and I’m very happy to have defended my belt in such a good fight.”

After the bout, Thorslund and her promoter Nisse Sauerland discussed future plans for the Danish star, including a move up in weight with a fight against WBO World Featherweight Champion Heather Hardy topping their wish list.

“That was a fantastic performance from Dina,” said Sauerland. “She showed tonight why she is one of the most exciting female fighters in the world. There are a lot of big opportunities for her now including a move up to featherweight and a fight with Heather Hardy. That would be huge in Denmark or America.”

“I want to be the best and that involves moving up in weight and collecting more titles,” said Thorslund. “I am ready to face anyone and that includes Hardy.”

LOS ANGELES (June 22, 2019) — The reigning Fighter of the Decade and boxer laureate, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), is back and the sports world is for the better because of it.  One week removed from his landing to a throng of fans and media at LAX, Manny has exceeded everyone’s expectations in training camp for his challenge of undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman — which may be the only normal thing about his current training camp.  Three days in, he was displaying a chiseled physique and a six pack of abs.  Forty may just be a number to Manny but his trainer, World-Famous Freddie Roach, wouldn’t be surprised if Thurman became Manny’s fortieth knockout victim. 

            “If Thurman comes straight in and goes after Manny, which I think he will, he is going to be cooked.  Chef Manny will be serving him up on a platter like Lobster Thurmandor,” said Roach.

            Boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the Philippines’ national treasure, Amazin’ Manny is preparing for his third world championship fight in the past 12 months.  He and Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida, who is 10 years Manny’s junior, will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event, Saturday, July 20, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

Philadelphia, PA (June 21, 2019)– Weights for Saturday Night’s King’s Promotions card at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Photo By Daniel Cork

Anvar Yunusov 126.3 – Angel Luna 125.5
Colby Madison 236.6 – Robert Simms 227.4
Hector Mercado 148.3 – Paul Kroll 151.5
Lionell Tidwell 122.3 – Rasheen Brown 122.6
Jonathan Torres 118.6 – Hugo Rodriguez 117.6
James Martin 145.7 – Kashon Hutchinson 144.8
Weusi Johnson 127.8 – Kevin Asmat 130.7
Khainell Wheeler 167.2 – Tywaski Hendrix 166.7

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
1st Bell: 7:00 PM ET

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

LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota went face-to-face at the final press conference on Friday before their main event showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night live on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Friday’s press conference also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and
Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Charlo and Cota squared off for the first time in front of media Friday, after Cota replaced WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony Harrison, who was forced to withdraw from his rematch against Charlo due to an ankle injury. Harrison and Charlo plan to have their rematch later this year.

Here is what the fighters had to say from Rhythm & Riffs Lounge at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I’m ready to fight. I’ve been ready to fight since they robbed me of my title. I want my belt back and I want every title in this division. This is my moment, and Cota is in my way.

“I’m always motivated to fight because I love boxing. I want to get in the ring any moment that I can. At the end of the day, I’m here to fight any of the top fighters in this division who will get in there with me.

“I’m thankful for every opportunity that I have to fight. It’s time for me not to just put a show on, but to dominate a guy who thinks he’s going to come in and beat me.

“I’m going to press my action and do anything I have to do to win this fight. If he can hang in there and stand the power and punch output, he can go 12 rounds. I’m not running from anyone.

“I have been going hard in training camp since January. I’ve really been going hard forever. I have a lot to prove and a whole new ambition for this sport. You’re going to see it on Sunday in primetime on FOX.

“The top fighters in the division know what they’re facing in the Charlos. I know (WBA and IBF 154-pound champion) Julian Williams is in-studio, and I’m proud of the way he overcame adversity and did his thing against Jarrett Hurd. He fought that fight the the same way that I would have, he just got there first. Just like him, I’m coming back from adversity to prove a point.

“When the Harrison injury happened I just thought, why is this happening to me again? But we have to go through things like this in our careers. The goal hasn’t changed. The road has changed, but we’ll keep going.”

JORGE COTA

“They told me three weeks ago about the fight and I knew this was a great opportunity that I was going to take advantage of. I’m going to win and then fight for the world title.

“Andy Ruiz had a great victory and it motivated me a lot heading into this fight. Something similar can happen Sunday with me against Charlo. Ruiz showed the underdog can win, so I hope that Charlo is prepared for Sunday.

“I thought Tony Harrison won against Jermell. I thought he boxed very intelligently, took Charlo out of his game plan and that allowed him to win.

“I think Jermell is a boxer who talks too much. He was very serious when we filmed our “Face To Face” show and I think he’s a guy who doesn’t back it up. He may talk tough today, but it’s only going to be the two of us in the ring on Sunday.

“We definitely picked it up in training when I got the call about fighting Charlo. We got intense and there was a lot of added motivation. We did everything we needed to do for this fight.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’m glad for this opportunity that I have and I’ll always be prepared for any opportunity. I’m going to put on a great performance on Sunday night.

“I’m ready to continue my legacy as a pound-for-pound great and I feel I have the opportunity here. I’m going to be the King of 122-pounds. No one wants to see me in the ring.

“I’ve had a great camp and I’m well-prepared for Sunday night that I’m working towards something big and at the end, I’ll have beaten everyone in the division.

“I know that I’m where the best will fight that best, and that’s what I’m all about. I’m the best out there and I’m here to prove it.”

JULIO CEJA

“I’ve fought on big stages before so this will be nothing new to me. I’m not worried about his name. I’ve just prepared well for a great fighter like I do every fight.

“I’m more prepared for this fight than I ever have been. I’m mentally 100% ready for this challenge and anything that happens in the fight.

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. We made changes in camp and have been working with the Joel Diaz and his brothers in Indio, California. They’ve helped me a lot and gave me intense training for this fight. I’ll be ready on Sunday night.”

JOEY SPENCER

“On paper he’s my toughest opponent. He’s got the best record of anyone I’ve faced and I just want to keep stepping up and progressing the right way. I know I can knock him out, but I’ll be ready to go six rounds. If I get more experience, I’ll never be mad at that.

“Before my last fight I got sick in training which affected my weight cut, but this time I’m completely healthy, plus I have a new strength and conditioning coach. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to fire away.”

AKEEM BLACK

“I’ve been training for this since before I even even knew about Joey Spencer. I’ve had a lot of time to watch him and study his fights. I’m going to be ready to show him something he’s never seen.

“Right now, I’m better than I’ve ever been. He’s fought nobody like me and I’ve fought much better competition to him. He’s going to find out on Sunday.”

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. COTA
Charlo vs. Cota pits former super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo against Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a super welterweight attraction that serves as the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world
champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja clashing in a 12-round WBC featherweight title eliminator in the co-feature, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer faces Akeem Black in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Preceding that show is FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see exciting unbeaten prospect Chris Colbert taking on Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado in an eight or 10-round lightweight bout and unbeaten welterweight prospect Jesús Ramos in a four-round attraction.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at
FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

NEW YORK (June 21, 2019) -Split-T Management’s welterweight contender Eddie Gomez won his 3rd straight bout as he annihilated Saul Corral in two rounds of their scheduled 10-round bout at The Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In round two, Gomez dropped Corral with a hard right.  Seconds later, it was a crushing double-left to the body that sent Corral to the canvas.  Corral was hurt, and then a clipping left sent him down for a 3rd time.  Gomez ended the fight with a devastating flurry of punches that had the referee stop the bout as Corral was falling for a 4th and final time at 1:55. 

Gomez, 146. lbs of Bronx, NY is now 23-3 with 13 knockouts.  Corral, 146.4 lbs of Douglas, AZ is 30-14.

“Great fight, great team. I worked hard and it showed tonight. My opponent was a tough fighter, and we knew he was tough coming in. I just knew I had to do my job,” Said Gomez

Said Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management, “Eddie looked sensational tonight.  He once again proved he is ready for big fights.  Golden Boy has several intriguing options such as Vergil Ortiz, Jr., Anthony Young or a rematch with Rashidi Ellis.  We would welcome any of those opportunities in our next bout.”

Nutley, NJ (June 21, 2019) – Two undefeated heavyweights from the GH3 Promotions stable will see action this weekend.

On Friday night, 2018 National Golden Gloves champion Roney Hines will take on his most experienced opponent when he takes on 42-fight veteran Grover Young in Sloan, Iowa as part of the non-televised undercard of a ShoBox: The New Generation card.

Saturday night in Fort Washington, Maryland at the Rosecroft Raceway, Norman Neely battles Kendrick Houston in a four-round bout.

Hines of Cleveland, Ohio, has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts and will be making the 3rd appearance of 2019. On May 11th, Hines went the distance for the 1st time in his career when he pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Daniel Infante in Cleveland.

In Young, Hines will be facing a very capable opponent as Young has wins over Tim Williamson (17-2), Daniel Martz (12-1-1) and Jervonta Charles (4-0). In his last bout the Memphis native lost an eight-round unanimous decision to Jerry Forrest on March 8, 2018 in Hanover, Maryland.

Neely has a record of 1-0 with one knockout. The Paterson, New Jersey resident made his pro debut on April 27th with a 4th round stoppage over Lamar Lewis in Vienna, Virginia.

Houston of North Carolina has a record of 1-4-2 and is coming off his 2nd draw with Roberto Thomas White on April 13th,

Both Hines and Neely are managed by Sheer Sports Management.

Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) and April Adams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) both made weight ahead of Saturday’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title showdown at the Forum Horsens in Denmark.

Thorslund defended the WBO World title against Germany’s Alesia Graf in January 2019 in Struer, Denmark and is now facing her mandatory challenger, April ‘Armageddon’ Adams from Brisbane, Australia.

The undefeated 25-year-old Dane has predicted a KO victory, while Adams believes she has what it takes to bring the WBO belt back to Australia.

WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship – 10 Rounds
Dina Thorslund: 55,2 kg
April Adams: 54,9 kg

Official undercard weights: 

Heavyweight – 8 Rounds
Kem Ljungquist: 106,3 kg
Gabriel Enguema: 107,6 kg

Super Featherweight – 6 Rounds
Frederik Hede Jensen: 58,8 kg
Ruben Garcia: 58,9 kg

Cruiserweight – 10 Rounds
Kai Robin Havnaa: 90,1 kg
Levani Lukhutashvili: 88,3 kg

Middleweight – 6 Rounds
Landry Kore: 74,1 kg
Tomas Bezvoda: 74 kg

Super Bantamweight – 4 Rounds
Michael Nielsen: 54,9 kg
Stefan Sashev: 55,6 kg

Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds
Haris Dzindo: 77,2 kg
Istvan Zeller: TBC

Lightweight – 4 Rounds
Amer Rasinlic: 80 kg
Przemyslaw Binienda: 81 kg

Lightweight – 6 Rounds
Joanna Ekedahl: 62,7 kg
Jelena Janicijevic: 61 kg

Thorslund-Adams tops a stacked card at the Forum Horsens, which also features Kem Ljungquist, Kai Robin Havnaa, Frederik Hede Jensen, Landry Kore, Haris Dzindo, Amer Rasinlic, Michael Nielsen and Joanna Ekedahl.

Tickets for Thunder From Down Under: Dina Thorslund vs. April Adams for the WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship are available online via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

SYDENHAM HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT Jonathan Palata has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren and will make his first appearance under the Queensberry Promotions banner at The O2, London on July 13.

Known as ‘GSP’ (God Speed Palata), the naturally athletic Palata turned professional in May of last year and has since clocked up five wins, with two coming via stoppage.

A 30-fight amateur, Palata won 26, with half his victories clinched by KO while becoming ABA Novice Champion, London ABA Champion, Haringey Box Cup winner and reaching the quarter finals of the Senior ABA’s.

Palata, 30, who trains out of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town, is ready to open a new chapter in his professional story.

“I am very happy about signing with Frank and we are in the big league now, so it is time to perform and come into the light,” he said on signing with the Hall of Fame promoter. “I have been waiting for this and it is what I have been working for.

“I am very excited and very happy,” he added, before considering the fact that he has joined a stable containing the best of British heavyweights in Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Nathan Gorman and Joe Joyce.

“I literally have joined the home of the British heavyweights! Now I need to stand next to them and I don’t think I am far away. Give me another three fights and we will see where we are, but not far off at all.”

Palata will now add his significant weight the card titled ‘Heavy Duty’ at the o2, headlined by the British title showdown between Dubois and Gorman, with Joyce taking another step up against the American former world title challenger Bryant Jennings.

“It will be great and there are big heavyweight fights on there, so it will be a heavy duty night.

“I have got a more aggressive style now and will be going for the stoppages, whereas before I was told just to box. I always perform better against stronger opponents who throw and have more ambition.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

NEW YORK (June 20, 2019) -Undefeated Otha Jones III will make his United Kingdom debut when he takes on Michael Horabin in a six-round bout that will take place today at the famed York Hall in London.

Jones, 19 years-old of Toledo, Ohio, is managed by Split-T Management, and made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over tough Giorgi Gelashvili on March 9th, will take on a 13-fight veteran in Horabin.

Jones, who was a remarkable amateur as he was a 21-time National Champion, where  he compiled a staggering 283-13 amateur record highlighted by representing Team USA in several international tournaments including winning a Gold Medal at the International Youth Continental Americas Tournament and Silver Medal at the Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament as well as winning several national tournaments such as the winning gold medals in United States National Championships (Twice) and the World Championship Qualifier. 

Jones was also a four-time State Wrestling Champion.

This will be the 12th undefeated opponent that Horabin has fought in just 15 months.

Jones weighed 133 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh-in

Jones is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

NATHAN GORMAN HAS thrown doubt on the reputation of Daniel Dubois as a concussive puncher.

The feuding pair will meet with the British heavyweight title at stake at the o2 Arena on July 13 and most pundits would probably predict any KO finish to be in favour of Dubois.

The young Londoner has wowed the crowds since turning professional in April 2017 and subsequently employed his apparent bludgeoning power to stop 10 of his 11 opponents so far.

Gorman, who knows his forthcoming foe well from their Team GB amateur days, reckons Dubois doesn’t carry the force people believe.

“Yes, I’ve shared the ring with him on numerous occasions,” reflected the 22-year-old pupil of Ricky Hatton. “Yes, it was three or four years ago, but unless he has developed monstrous, monstrous power then nothing really can trouble me.”

Not that Gorman intends to test out his theory regarding the power of Dubois.

“People have yet to see how tough I am,” he added. “I am a very tough man, but there are no awards for being a tough man in boxing, is there? So I will avoid those punches.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2019) – Former world champion Jermell Charlo and hard hitting Jorge Cota took part in a media workout Thursday as they near their main event showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Sunday night from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The workout also featured former world champions Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja, ahead of their WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer, who faces Akeem Black as a part of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Plus, undefeated rising prospect Chris “Primetime” Colbert showed off his skills as he prepares to take on Alberto Mercado on a special edition of FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas:

JERMELL CHARLO

“I want to get him out of there. This is a fight to show that I’ve been back and I never left. I feel like the judges took my title, so all I can do is go in there and be me.

“It was a quick change to Cota, but I’m always ready for anybody. Tony Harrison could have gone in there fighting like Cota, so it’s no difference to me. I’m prepared for anything. This is just the kind of adversity that champions face.

“I’m going to establish my strategy and be prepared for a 12 round fight. If it comes down to it and I see the opening, I’ll go from there.

“Training camp was really good. I feel like I trained way harder than ever. I was determined to get my belt back, and I’m still determined to get my belt back. Nothing has changed for me. I’m going to give Las Vegas a show and let them know what Lions are about.

“Everyone’s going to see how hard I trained and think that Tony Harrison made the right decision not fighting me right now.”

JORGE COTA

“I don’t feel any pressure at all for this fight. On the contrary, I’m very motivated to spoil Charlo’s plans on Sunday night.

“This win would give me an opportunity to fight for a world title and that’s why I’m in this sport. I want to reach the top and become world champion.

“I’m not worried about what Charlo brings to the ring. I know he’s a great fighter, but I have the power, speed and boxing ability to beat anybody. I’m confident of how this fight is going to end on Sunday.”

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX

“I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready for Sunday. When you train 100%, you get the results you want, 100%. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“I know that I’m facing a great fighter who comes in with a rough and exciting style. I expect this to be a great fight for the fans.

“I’ve always been the champ and I’m ready to show the world that I’m still the champ, starting Sunday night.”

JULIO CEJA

“This is a great opportunity for me to showcase me skills against a talented fighter in Guillermo Rigondeaux on Sunday. I’ve prepared really well and I’m excited to get in there and get the job done.

“A victory would elevate my status in boxing and we’re looking to accomplish that and eventually reclaim that world title.

“I know I have a tough opponent but I also know that I have everything in my arsenal to get the job done. I hope he’s ready because I’m going to bring it to him.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited for this one. I haven’t fought in Las Vegas since my pro debut. I’m looking forward to coming back to Mandalay Bay and putting on another show

“I bring an explosive style to the ring. I’m fan-friendly. I fight hard. I can also box if I need to. If it comes down to it, I can fight a good technical fight.

“I know that my opponent is a pressure fighter. I have to come out and use my jab to show him my boxing skills. I’m going to sit down on my shots and hopefully get him out of there.

“This was my best training camp yet and I feel stronger than I ever have. I’m looking forward to showcasing that.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“This is another day in the office for me. I get excited, but not like other fighters would. I’ve been doing this so long and I feel like I’m a young veteran in this sport. I have to keep proving myself and never take my foot off the gas, because other young fighters want to take my spot.

“I’m sure Mercado is coming to fight and so am I. All I know about him is his record. My team does the studying and they tell me what they see. I execute their game plan.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for my great team behind me. My team knows what they’re doing and we’re going to keep fighting and winning and get on the big stage at the end of the year.

“Fighting on FOX is a dream come true. I remember watching Floyd Mayweather on the big TV and now people are going to be watching me. It’s ‘Primetime’ in primetime on Sunday.”

# # #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. COTA
Charlo vs. Cota pits former super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo against Mexico’s Jorge Cota in a super welterweight attraction that serves as the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23 from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world
champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Julio Ceja clashing in a 12-round WBC featherweight title eliminator in the co-feature, plus sensational unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer faces Akeem Black in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Preceding that show is FOX PBC Fight Night Prelims beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see exciting unbeaten prospect Chris Colbert taking on Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado in an eight or 10-round lightweight bout and unbeaten welterweight prospect Jesús Ramos in a four-round attraction.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at
FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

SLOAN, Iowa – June 20, 2019 – Undefeated super welterweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda both made weight a day before their ShoBox: The New Generation debuts Friday night live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

The 21-year-old Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs), who was officially measured today at six-foot-five-and-a-half inches, has knocked out his last four opponents and started 2019 in electrifying fashion with a third-round knockout of then 10-0 Donnie Marshall. Said to be the tallest 154-pound boxer in the division’s history, Fundora faces Mexico’s Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs), a busy, five-year veteran who will celebrate his 22^nd birthday on fight night.

In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. In the opening bout of the tripleheader which boasts six fighters with a combined record of 90-1, undefeated prospect Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday from WinnaVegas Casino.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Super Welterweight 10-Round Bout 

Sebastian Fundora – 152 ¾ lbs. 

Manuel Zepeda – 152 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

Lightweight 8-Round Bout 

Michel Rivera – 134 ½ lbs.

Rene Giron – 135 lbs.

Referee: Adam Pollack; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

Lightweight 8-Round Bout 

Yeis Solano – 134 ½ lbs.

Elias Araujo – 133 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Las Vegas), Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Russell Mora (Las Vegas)

FINAL QUOTES:

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA:

“I’m used to people focusing on my height. I’ve always been the tallest fighter in my division and in my age bracket. It’s not going to go away and I understand why people talk about it. If anything, it helps me get more publicity so it’s a good thing.

“I usually bring the fight to my opponents. I think the best defense is a good offense. It’s natural for me to fight on the inside because that’s what my father taught me when I was younger.

“This fight is just another stepping stone for me. It’s just another step to get higher in the rankings and get closer to a title shot.

“My opponent is taller than most fighters I’ve faced. I don’t know much about Zepeda but I know he comes from a boxing family and that usually makes for good fights. I’m expecting fireworks. We’ll take it round by round but I know what the fans like, and that’s knockouts.”

MANUEL ZEPEDA:

“Everybody is talking about Fundora’s height but it’s not that important to me. They are putting so much attention on it but this is a 50-50 fight. I think that I can win and I just hope that at the end of the fight we will go home to our families healthy.

“This will be my first time fighting somebody taller than me but I don’t feel at a disadvantage. I am very well prepared. This is a great opportunity for me. It’s a dream for me to be fighting here in the U.S. on television.

“Fundora has a Mexican style of fighting. He likes to come forward so I think the fans will be in for a great fight. This will be exciting and all-action.  I’m prepared for 10 rounds but that’s not what I’m planning for.

“I’m going to use my intelligence and my ability to box. Fundora has never fought somebody with the skills that I have. I will read him and adjust my gameplan. I’ll capitalize on his mistakes.”

MICHEL RIVERA:

“I’m happy to be making my U.S. debut. I love the Dominican Republic but the opportunities are not the same over there. That’s why I’m slowly moving my training camp to Miami. For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been training with Luis Ortiz’s trainer, German Caicedo. I can already feel the difference.

“Giron is a strong boxer but nothing that I haven’t seen before. He is a Mexican and he is always looking to fight. He’s small but he’s a warrior. I am prepared for every scenario. I don’t think he has enough skills to counter me. I believe I’m the better fighter and that I can win this fight.”

RENE TELLEZ GIRON:

“I’m usually the smaller fighter, so this is nothing different for me.

“This is my first time ever in the U.S. but I’m not worried about that. I’ve traveled to different places and challenged champions. I went to Ukraine and beat an undefeated fighter, so I am looking forward to a great fight.

“Rivera is a great fighter. To be undefeated is no easy feat, so of course he should be respected. But to me, this is just another fight and that’s how I will treat it. I came here to get the win.”

YEIS SOLANO:

“I’m so happy I finally get to fight on television in the United States. I’ve been here for 11 months, training very hard. I know a lot of fighters come to this country looking for their dreams to come true, trying to succeed, but not everybody makes it. I’m determined to make it and I will.

“Things are very different in Colombia. The level of sparring you can get there is not as good as the sparring partners I can get here. Training camps are different. You work harder here.

“I’m actually happy I’m fighting Elias Araujo instead of my previous opponent. Romero was a runner, he moved around a lot and that made him hard to pin down. Araujo, on the other hand, stands in front of you and comes forward. I like that. He’s a good match for my style.

“I can pack a punch. I have power and a mean left. I’m not concerned about Araujo. I’m winning on Friday night.”

ELIAS ARAUJO:

“Soccer was my passion for most of my life; I wanted to be like Lionel Messi. But that changed the very first time I went to a boxing match.  A friend of mine invited me to his amateur fight in Rufino, Santa Fe and that was it.  I fell in love with boxing.

“I started boxing at 25, that’s late for a boxer but I have been an athlete my entire life. I don’t feel I’m at a disadvantage. I was offered this fight a few weeks ago, and I took it, of course. I’ve been in training camp with Sebastian Fundora, the main event of this card. This is my time to shine.

“Argentina is a good place to start your boxing career but it has its limitations. Coming to the United States was the next step for me. There are more resources here: better sparring partners, more money and more opportunities.

“There are a lot of champions from my home state [Santa Fe]: Carlos Monzon, Marcos Maidana, Carlos Baldomir, even Lucas Matthysse can be considered from Santa Fe since he kind of grew up there. I want my name to be added to that list one day. I want to be the next boxing powerhouse that comes from Santa Fe, Argentina.”

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

A minor injury in training has forced undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields to suspend training and postpone her bid to become the fastest fighter in boxing history, male or female, to become a three-division world champion.

Shields injured her knee doing roadwork early this week, while preparing to take on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Super Welterweight Championship on Saturday, August 17, at the Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich., and televised live nationally on SHOWTIME.

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) says she looks forward to resuming training and having the fight take place this fall.

“There’s nothing I love to do more than boxing, and I train hard for all of my fights. It’s going to be tough for them to keep me out of the gym for a few weeks,” said undisputed champion Claressa Shields. “But I will heal quickly and then go to training camp, so I can make history in front of all my fans in the fall. I can promise you this – I’ll be training harder than ever soon again, and I will provide a spectacular performance and make history for everyone in attendance and for the viewers on SHOWTIME.”

Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says a new date for the fight is already being hammered out, as he works feverishly behind the scenes.

“Claressa will bounce back quickly,” said Salita. “Unfortunately, training injuries are part of the sport. A great champion like her will take it in stride and move forward to the new fight date we are currently working to finalize. The fight will be rescheduled for the fall and we will announce the new date shortly.”

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (June 21, 2019) – Hard hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin discussed his upcoming showdown and more from training camp as he prepares to take on France’s Zakaria Attou in a WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event Saturday, June 29 ive on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston, Texas.

The broadcast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by unbeaten top middleweight Jermall Charlo battling contender Brandon Adams in a 12-round showdown.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Here is what Lubin (20-1, 15 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup, training camp with Kevin Cunningham and more as he prepares to enter the ring June 29:

On his matchup with Zakaria Attou:

“Attou is coming into this fight with a lot of confidence being that he hasn’t lost a fight since 2015.  He’s on a nice winning streak and I’m looking at this fight like a world title fight. 

“Stylistically I feel I’m going to have every advantage with my speed, power and footwork.  I’m taking this fight very serious.  I’m going to adjust after the first few rounds and go from there.  I see this being a fan friendly fight because both of us will have everything on the line.”

On working recent training camp with Kevin Cunningham:

“This is a 12-round bout, so I’ve been training for a long grueling fight.  This will be my second fight with Kevin Cunningham as the lead and we are working great together.   Right now, we are finalizing the last days of camp out here in West Palm Beach Florida.  I feel great and I’ll be at my best on June 29. 

On working his way back to a world title shot…

“Everything takes time and right now we are solely focused on Attou.  When I’m victorious against him, I’ll be knocking on the door of another world title shot.  When that time comes, I will take full advantage of the opportunity.  I will be a world champion in my career.”

On the state of the super welterweight division…

“Right now, the 154-pound division has a lot of good fighters from top to bottom.  All the champions are beatable though, so the division is wide open for me to take over, in my opinion.  I must win this fight first.  One thing for sure is I’m coming for all their heads.”

#          #          #

ABOUT CHARLO VS. ADAMS
Charlo vs. Adams will pit unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Champion and Houston-native Jermall Charlo against middleweight contender Brandon Adams in Charlo’s hometown return Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME from NRG Arena in Houston and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features hard-hitting super welterweight Erickson “Hammer” Lubin taking on French contender Zakaria Attou in a 12-round WBC title elimination bout in the co-main event. Opening the telecast is a WBA featherweight title eliminator between slick Mexican southpaw Eduardo Ramirez and power-punching Dominican Claudio Marrero.

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

LAS VEGAS (June 20, 2019) – An exciting array of undercard attractions will support a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas including once-beaten prospects Austin Dulay (13-1, 10 KOs) and Justin Pauldo (12-1, 6 KOs) battling in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Unbeaten rising prospect Rolando “Rollie” Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) will return to action in a six or eight-round lightweight bout, while welterweight Abel Ramos (24-3-2, 18 KOs) steps in for an eight-round fight. Rounding out the card are a trio of Filipino contenders as Genesis Libranza (18-1, 10 KOs) battles in an eight-round flyweight bout, Jayar Inson (18-2, 12 KOs) competes in an eight-round welterweight affair and John Leo Dato (11-0-1, 7 KOs) enters the ring for a six-round featherweight bout.

The event is headlined by boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao taking on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown in the main event of a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Preceding the pay-per-view, FOX PBC Fight Night will feature undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Gardden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Preceding the pay-per-view is FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes, which is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee. Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

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

HARTFORD, Conn. (June 20, 2019) – Hartford Boxing Promotions has reached an agreement with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing to co-promote undefeated light heavyweight/cruiserweight Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera, arguably the most popular and hardest puncher in New England.

The 28-year-old Rivera (11-0, 10 KOs), born and raised in Hartford, CT, is scheduled to fight on a Star Boxing-promoted card Friday night, June 28, on FITE.TV, live from Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York.

Rivera will face Brian “MVP” Howard (14=2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Loganville, Georgia, in an eight-round fight for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) cruiserweight title.

“I’m excited and ready to go,” an ecstatic Rivera said between training sessions at the Hartford Boxing Center. “I was very nervous about the whole thing (process). I don’t just sign a paper put in front of me. I read everything closely and ask questions. I really thought Joe worked with us and met our demands. I’m very happy to move on to the next level.

“I’ve worked with (Star Boxing’s former world champion) Joe Smith, Jr. for the past two years. It started with the (Andrzej) Fonfara fight, then (Bernard) Hopkins, and I’m helping him now (as a sparring partner). He’s mentioned a few things, gave me some good advice to be cautious with all my decisions, and to listen before speaking.”

Rivera is partners in Hartford Boxing Promotions with his adviser/head trainer Tony Blanco and Michael Tran.

Blanco drew a different analogy in terms of co-promoting Rivera with Star Boxing, saying: “The plane was on the runway, Richie is the engine, and now we have the pilot (DeGuardia) to take us where we want to go.”

One of the key reasons for partnering with Star Boxing, according to Blanco, is DeGuardia’s success working with former world light heavyweight champions Antonio Tarver and Smith.

“I like what Joe’s done in the light heavyweight division, starting with Tarver, and more recently Smith,” Blanco commented. “It’s good for Richie because that’s his division. This was kind of a no-brainer. Joe is reachable (in NYC), which is something I like to do business with him. Some promoters sign fighters for no real reason and then they end up on the shelf, which is a fighter’s worst nightmare. I think Joe is one of the top 10 promoters in the world, but it seems like the top three are always bickering with each other. I like the fact Joe works with all other promoters. He’s low key and I think a perfect fit for us.

“Another reason for us is Joe’s new deal with NESN (home of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins), which is a New England regional network but available to watch nationally. It’s huge for Richie to be on television. You just put the cameras on Richie, give him a microphone, and he does the rest. And Richie can really fight, too. I think he has the most star power in New England.

“The plan for Richie in 2019 is for him to continue developing, fighting a lot, and getting exposure. He’s self-motivated, always working hard in the gym, and hungry. We’re on the right path.”

Star Boxing has another undefeated Hartford prospect in its stable, junior welterweight “Action” Anthony Laureano (9-0, 3 KOs), who is also scheduled to fight on the June 28th card.

“We’re excited to sign Richie and work with Hartford Boxing Promotions to guide him to the top,’ DeGuardia added. “Richie has so much potential. He’s extremely strong, dedicated, hard-working, and charismatic. We learned a lot about Richie during his training and sparring sessions with Joe Smith. Star Boxing has committed itself to further developing New England boxers and Richie has everything we look for and more to build him into a star.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter, /StarBoxing
Twitter: @hartfordboxing, @StarBoxing
Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center, @StarBoxing
You Tube: /channel/UCVxyM_vTcEw5JLOMAJ3sMAQ, /channel/UCC39E_xtwl6aP6AOvc9D38Q

(June 20, 2019) — A pair of MTK Global Fight Nights featuring many of Europe’s top up-and-comers will be featured this weekend on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service.

On Friday, from the historic Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Steven “The Quiet Man” Ward will face off against Liam Conroy in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European light heavyweight title. The following day, from Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, 22-year-old sensation Lee McGregor will make the first defense of his Commonwealth bantamweight title against Scott Allan in a 12-round showdown.

The Ward-Conroy and McGregor-Allan cards will begin at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Ward (11-0, 4 KOs) will be taking part in only his second scheduled 10-rounder, but he has kept busy in the paid ranks, scoring dominant victories in March and April of this year. He will be taking a big step up in class versus Conroy (17-4-1, 9 KOs), a former English light heavyweight champion who made two defenses of that title. Conroy was knocked out in three rounds in March by top prospect Joshua Buatsi for the vacant British light heavyweight title, but he came back in May to score a second-round knockout over Elvis Dube. 

McGregor (6-0, 5 KOs), a 22-year-old from Edinburgh, Scotland, won the Commonwealth title last October with a 12th-round knockout over Thomas Essomba. He returned last month in a six-round non-title bout, scoring a six-round decision over journeyman Brett Fidoe. Allan (9-3-1, 0 KOs) has won two in a row, most notably defeating Gary Rae (8-0 at the time) via unanimous decision to pick up the Celtic bantamweight belt.

Friday’s stream will feature the following bouts:

• Darragh “Super” Foley (17-3-1, 9 KOs) will battle fellow southpaw Tyrone McKenna (18-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International super lightweight title. McKenna has won two in a row since a competitive decision loss to top contender Jack Catterall, while Foley has won two straight since a points loss to Akeem Ennis-Brown for the vacant IBF European 140-pound strap.
• Welterweight prospect Liam Wells (5-0, 2 KOs) will take a giant step up in class versus Paddy Gallagher (15-5, 9 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
• Belfast native Lewis Crocker (8-0, 6 KOs) will aim for his second win in as many months against the rugged Karim Aliliche (11-8-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

Saturday’s stream will also include:

• Scotland’s Kieran Smith (14-0, 7 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBC International silver super welterweight belt in a 10-rounder versus Mexican veteran Ivan Montero (21-3, 9 KOs). 

• In an eight-round super lightweight contest, Lewis “Kid Caramel” Benson (11-2, 2 KOs) will face longtime spoiler Renald Garrido (24-23-3, 6 KOs).
   
• Super lightweight prospect Craig MacIntyre (10-0-1, 3 KOs) will fight veteran Chris Adaway (9-56-4, 1 KO) in a six-rounder

About ESPN+

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

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

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

SANTA MONICA, CA. (June 20, 2019) – Unbeaten super middleweight contender Mike Lee shared his thoughts on his upcoming title showdown against super middleweight champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant from his training camp at Gloveworx in Santa Monica, California before he steps into the ring Saturday, July 20 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night action begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation and 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

Tickets for the event, which is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Lee is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned a finance degree from the Mendoza School of Business before embarking on his pro boxing career. Here is what Lee had to say about his training camp, his journey to fighting for the title and more:

MIKE LEE

“I have strong belief in my power. I think to put yourself out there and drive through adversity, it’s going to be more mental than physical and god knows I’ve had my ups and downs especially with my illness and being in and out of hospitals. But I’m here now and I’ve won seven fights since I was diagnosed with my auto-immune disease and I’m here doing what people thought I could not do. Whether it’s the boxing media or doctors, I’m defying the odds, so why should July 20 be any different.

“What’s kept me going through the ups and downs is the love for this sport and the love for moments like this. I always knew this world title shot would come if I kept grinding and grinding and putting in that work when people weren’t watching. Ultimately, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it on the days that I doubted myself.

“I’ve fought on big stages before. I’ve headlined a card at Notre Dame that had 6,000 people. I’ve headlined Chicago fights too, so this is nothing different. It’s not like I’m some unknown challenger coming in to the spotlight. I thrive in the spotlight and have had some big moments since the beginning of my career. This is just another day in the office.

“I think Caleb Plant is going to see a Mike Lee he’s never seen. He’s going to feel that power. He’s talking about knockouts, but he hasn’t knocked anyone out in his past seven fights. Wait until he feels my power. It’ll only take one and you’ll see the doubt that will plant in his head.

“Notre Dame means so much to me. I worked so hard to get into that school and that school gave back so much to me as well. To be a part of that Notre Dame community and have friends like Golden Tate and Justin Tuck, who won Super Bowl rings, I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of that championship legacy and continue to keep giving back.

“For me I moved from Houston to Los Angeles because for a couple of years when I got sick, I was back home in Chicago trying to figure out how to become healthier. Ultimately moving to California has been a phenomenal move for me. I loved my team in Houston but I love being by the beach and by the water. California has been an awesome training spot. You’ve got some of the best fighters and athletes in the world that come here. Being immersed in that type of culture has been phenomenal.”

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

Everett, MA. (June 20, 2019):

Murphys Boxing is proud to announce that their debut event in a partnership with Encore Boston Harbor will take place on Friday, July 12th.

Headlining the stacked card at the newly opened 2.6 billion dollar resort will be the pride of Stoneham, Massachusetts, Greg Vendetti (21-3-1, 12 KOs) who will take on New Jersey based contender, Michael Anderson (17-2-1, 12 KOs) for the vacant IBA Junior Middleweight World Championship.

‘The Villain’, one of the most popular boxers in the Murphys stable, looked outstanding in an exciting unanimous decision victory over fellow world ranked contender, Alan Zavala this past March. Prior to that, Vendetti upset world title challenger, Yoshihiro Kamegai before challenging for the WBA Interim World Junior Middleweight title against Michel Soro in France.

“To fight for a title in front of my family, friends and fans in the main event at Encore’s first ever event is a real honor.”, explains Vendetti.

As for Vendetti’s opponent, he is once again facing a tough challenge and he would have it no other way.

“When I fought Zavala in my last fight, a lot of people thought I should have taken a easier opponent coming off a loss but I just didn’t see the value of fighting someone I’m gonna steamroll. It’s no fun on my end. I don’t get better. The fans don’t pay to see that. I want to win the IBA title and then beat three or four fighters of this caliber to move up in the world rankings and land another big fight. Anderson is a slick boxer who is coming to up to Boston to win. I’m anticipating another hard fought victory that the fans at Encore are gonna love watching.”

The dual co-main events will feature 4 junior welterweights who will risk their records in two high stakes showdowns that will send the winners into prospect status.

In an all Irish battle, Murphys Boxing’s Ray Moylette (11-1, 4 KOs), who hails from Islandeady, will take on Dublin’s Larry Fryers (10-1, 3 KOs) in an 8 round junior welterweight bout.

‘Sugar Ray’ will be making his 2019 debut in his first fight since his only loss, a controversial split decision in his home country in December. Fryers, who now lives and trains in New York is on a 4 fight win streak and will be shipping his massive fan base up to Boston for what should make for an electric atmosphere.

Then someone’s ‘O’ must go when Murphys Boxing’s own, Luis Arcon Diaz (7-0, 7 KOs) will take on Ballybrack, Ireland’s Niall O’Connor (5-0, 4 KOs) in what should be an action packed 6 round junior welterweight bout between two big punchers.

Diaz, a native of Venezuela who represented his home country in the 2016 Olympics, has displayed fearsome power with all of his wins coming by way of knockout within 4 rounds or less. Meanwhile O’Connor is currently riding a 4 fight KO streak including dropping Poland’s usually durable veteran, Krzysztof Rogowski multiple times in their fight this past December.

The undercard features a who’s who of Boston area based fighters including:

Holbrook, Massachusetts’ Mike Ohan Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs) who will face Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Carlos Hernandez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) in a 6 round welterweight bout.

Signing with Murphys Boxing last year, Ohan outpointed crafty veteran, Shaka Moore in his toughest contest to date this past March and is now looking to hit the 10-0 mark against the always game, Hernandez.

Mansfield, Massachusetts’ James Perella (3-0, 3 KOs) will take on veteran, Bryan Goldsby (5-11) in a 4 round welterweight bout.

Perella, who was a decorated amateur is off to a fast professional start having already fought 3 times in the first 3 months of his career. Atlanta’s Goldsby, who was a seasoned MMA fighter with appearances in major promotions before turning to boxing, is coming off an upset earlier this year against Brandon Berry in that fighter’s hometown.

South Boston’s Joe Farina (6-1, 4 KOs) will take on Connecticut’s Jose Angel Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs) in a 4 round welterweight bout. The fan favorite, Farina will return to the ring for the third time this year against his most veteran opposition to date.

Irish native but longtime Quincy, Massachusetts resident, Paddy Irwin (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on 40 fight veteran, Bryan Abraham (6-33-2, 6 KOs) in a 4 round welterweight bout. Irwin, who has a massive following in Boston’s Irish community, will return to the ring for the first time in almost two years.

Kicking off the night will be Belgium’s Antoine Vanackere (10-1, 5 KOs) who will fight outside of his home country for the first time when he takes on an opponent to be named in a 6 round junior welterweight bout.

“We’re happy to have a new home for Murphy’s Boxing in the Boston area with Encore Boston Harbor,” says Ken Casey, Murphy’s Boxing founder and promoter.

“To have Greg fight for a title is the perfect main event for our first event at Encore. A Vendetti fight leaves the customers satisfied every time. He’s a real blood and guts throwback fighter with a huge local following. I can’t wait for this fight.”

“We’re happy to bring the excitement of sports entertainment to Encore Boston Harbor, and introduce our Las Vegas-style events to the roots of Boston,” says Robert DeSalvio, President of Encore Boston Harbor.

“Murphy’s Boxing brings some of the most talented fighters to our local stage presented with classic Boston grit. Can’t-miss nights like these will be a signature component to the resort and casino.”

Murphys Boxing presents Vendetti vs. Anderson for the IBA Junior Middleweight World Championship on Friday, July 12th at Encore Boston Harbor (1 Broadway, Everett, MA., 02149). Doors open at 7pm. Tickets start at 50 dollars and are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and murphysboxing.com.

ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING

Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Mark DeLuca, Charles Foster, Abraham Nova, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and undefeated prospects like Niall Kennedy, Carlos Gongora, William Foster III and more.

For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com

ABOUT ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR

Encore Boston Harbor is a $2.6 billion Five Star global destination gaming resort featuring 671 hotel rooms with sweeping views of the Boston skyline and Boston Harbor, an ultra-premium spa, specialty retail, 15 dining and lounge venues and a state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting spaces. It is the largest private, single-phase development in the history of the Commonwealth.

Situated on the waterfront along the Mystic River and connected to Boston Harbor, Encore Boston Harbor will open up the Everett shoreline to the public for the first time in more than a century. The resort has created a six-acre park along the water which will feature pedestrian and bicycle paths that provide access to the waterfront, an events lawn, picnic and public viewing areas. Ornate floral displays, public art, retail and dining experiences will overlook the Encore Harborwalk.

Encore Boston Harbor encourages guests to visit the resort via public transportation, and have introduced new, high-quality services to make that easy. These services will extend throughout the region and run day and night – providing excellent travel options for guests coming from Greater Boston, Eastern Massachusetts, or out of state.

For more information visit: www.encorebostonharbor.com

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS

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

FORMER WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT champion and British boxing icon Frank Bruno today visited the Peacock Gym in London’s Canning Town to spend time with heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois.

11-0 Dubois takes on 16-0 Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Championship on July 13 at The O2, London in one of the most anticipated fights of 2019.

In front of a gym packed with national media, the legendary Bruno took the 21 year old heavyweight on the pads while offering words of advice and encouragement. 

Frank Bruno and Daniel Dubois then spoke to members of the media where Bruno revealed he had been closely following the progress of Dubois.

“I’ve been following him, studying him. He’s a little bit shy with the cameras, but he’s got a good sense of humour, he’s a good looking guy and can punch like a mule.

“Once he’s matured, I’ll be very, very sorry and scared for his opponents.

“He’s still young and he’s still got a lot of maturing to do but I think he’s the future of British boxing.”

Dubois told media that he grew up watching old tapes of Bruno’s fights and had a special appreciation for the Bruno jab.

“Growing up, my Dad had a whole load of VHS video tapes and I watched quite a lot of Frank.

“Fighters like Frank have paved the way for fighters like us today.”

Asked if he’d seen a better jab, Dubois responded “No. His jab was so solid!”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

(June 20, 2019) — One of Ireland’s premier amateurs, 20-year-old Paddy Donovan, has signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank.

Donovan, a southpaw from Limerick, will turn pro later this year and compete as a welterweight.

Managed and trained by former middleweight world champion Andy Lee, Donovan went 161-5 in the unpaid ranks and won 13 national titles in his homeland.

“I’m honored to sign with Top Rank. They are the best in boxing,” Donovan said. “My goal is to become a world champion, and there is no one better than Top Rank to help me achieve my goal.”

Said Lee: “Paddy is a special talent. He has all the skills and character to become a world champion. Top Rank’s record of taking amateur boxers and guiding them into world champions is second to none. We couldn’t be with a better company.”

In addition to his 13 national titles, Donovan won a pair of championships at the Haringey Box Cup, one of Europe’s most prestigious annual amateur boxing tournaments. He also captured a silver medal at the 2015 AIBA World Junior Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. Rather than compete for a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Donovan has elected to get a head start on his professional career.

NEW YORK (June 20, 2019) –Welterweight contender Eddie Gomez will be back in action Tonight when he takes on Saul Corral in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City.

Gomez, who is managed by Split-T Management has a record of 22-3 with 12 knockouts, and is riding a two-fight winning streak.

The 26 year-old Bronx, New York native has defeated quality opponents such as Jonel Tapia (8-1), Antonio Infante (6-1), Luis Hernandez (10-0), Luis Hernandez (22-4), Steve Upsher Chambers (24-2-1), Daquan Arnet (11-0) John Karl Sosa (13-1), Dennis Dauti (14-1), KeAndre Gibson (18-1-1) and in last bout when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Shoki Sakai on October 18, 2018 in Indio, California.

Corral of Douglas, Arizona has a record of 30-13 with 20 knockouts.

Corral, who will be looking for his 3rd consecutive win of 2019, and is coming off a 2nd round knockout of Edgar Arroyo on March 30th in Mexico.

Gomez and Corral both weighed in at 146.4 lbs at Wednesday’s weigh-in

The fight can be seen live on Facebook Watch via The Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Gomez is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

BALTIMORE, MD. (June 20, 2019) – Baltimore-native and two-time super featherweight world champion Gervonta “Tank’ Davis greeted fans in his hometown Wednesday at an open to the public press conference at the Mondawmin Mall as he previewed his upcoming title defense against Ricardo Núñez Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

Davis, who was joined at Wednesday’s event by Baltimore MayorBernard C. “Jack” Young, returns to defend his title in front of a hometown crowd and will be the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years. Davis will be making the second defense of his WBA Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Royal Farms Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Wednesday from the Mondawmin Mall Center Court in Baltimore:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I want to thank the whole city of Baltimore for backing me. Not just for this fight, but I believe that Baltimore’s been backing me for a long time. I used to come up to this mall a lot, and just to have a press conference here means a lot to me.

“I’m coming home to fight in front of my people. Everyone showed out in Brooklyn when I fought for my first world title, and they did it again the second time I won a title there. So I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a huge sold out event.

“I can’t wait to put on a great show for everybody in my city. I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I have and I’m going to take full advantage of it.

“I definitely feel like a role model whether I like it or not. I’m the main one that made it out of the gym, other than the people I came up with. The people I came up with are dead. They all got killed. The two people that I look up to in the gym, just got killed like two weeks ago. It’s overwhelming, but then again I’m strong and I hold my own and I’m staying strong.

“I never thought of me actually fighting in Baltimore city, fighting in a big arena like this. I’ve always watched it on TV, people coming back to their home town to fight. I’m the type of person that I always adapt to the place I’m in at the moment.

“I’m training every day. Twice a day. Even on Saturdays and Sundays. I’m working out trying to stay sharp. You have to work harder. There are so many people that are coming for you, I’ve always had that mindset that you’re going to have to kill me to beat me. I beat a lot of people mentally first and I’ve always been that type of person since I was young.

“I know that my opponent only lost twice and he’s got good power. I actually watched him running and sparing the other day too. He has good power and speed. Hopefully we will put on a great show July 27.

“I remember when Aquille Carr use to play basketball here they called him the ‘Crimestopper’ because it was like they shut down the whole city to watch him. You can call me the ‘Crimestopper’ July 27 because everyone’s going to be there.”

BALTIMORE MAYOR BERNARD C. “JACK” YOUNG

“I’m very excited for this championship fight next month, both as the Mayor of this city and as a fan of the sweet science. This is huge for this city and for a generation of people who will be able experience this type of event in their hometown.

“I want to thank Gervonta and Leonard Ellerbe and their team for making this dream a reality. Gervonta will be the first world champion from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in almost 80 years and that is incredible for this city. Our great city has produced eight world champions and I’m excited that their legacy lives on with Gervonta.

“Make sure you get those tickets because it’s going to be a sell out and you don’t want to be left out. Come out and support our own world champion July 27 at Royal Farms Arena.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“Everyone knows I’m a very emotional coach, and I just want to say, Baltimore let’s put on a show. The world has a chance to look at this city. We have had great champions here and we’re not finished. There’s a lot coming behind Gervonta Davis. He’s opening up the door for everyone to do their thing.

“On July 27, let’s show the world that we can put on a world class show. Everyone come out and support this man. We have so much raw talent in this city it’s unreal. I’m witnessing it. I love you Baltimore, we’re going to show the world how we do it here.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“Mayweather Promotions is excited to bring this event to an iconic city. We’re thrilled to bring you Baltimore’s own two-time world champion, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. He’s fought overseas, he’s fought opponent’s in their hometowns, and the results have all been the same. Win after win. That’s all he knows how to do.

“Now it’s time for Gervonta to come back home and bring you a very exciting fight on July 27. He’ll be defending his super featherweight title on a great night of boxing. Gervonta has quickly become one of the biggest rising stars in the entire sport and we’re proud that he’s a part of Mayweather Promotions.

“I promise you that Gervonta Davis will eventually become the biggest star in the entire sport. You want to get your tickets now if you haven’t got them, because it’s going to be a sold out, star-studded event. This is a must-see fight.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“Together, SHOWTIME and Mayweather Promotions have done the biggest events that sports have ever seen. From Mayweather vs. Pacquiao to Mayweather vs. McGregor, and now we have a new project in this young man, Gervonta Davis.

“I remember I first heard Gervonta’s name in 2014. Floyd Mayweather called me during his fight week and he asked me, ‘how many times have I ever called you about a fighter?’ I said ‘none’, and he told me to remember the name Gervonta Davis. I’m proud to be standing here today, five years later, and bringing ‘Tank’ home to Baltimore.

“This is SHOWTIME’s first event ever in the city of Baltimore. As your Mayor has noted, Baltimore has a great history in boxing, going back to the very first African American world champion in the sport. There’s a lot of boxing history in Baltimore here, but not a lot lately. That is about to change.

“Gervonta is America’s youngest world champion and one of the most exciting fighters in boxing. He’ll be appearing on SHOWTIME for the seventh time. The first six times have delivered six knockouts, and that’s why we love Gervonta Davis. It’s going to be a historic and exciting night in Baltimore on July 27.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, follow on Twitter @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @PremierBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Ted Cheeseman has admitted that his maiden British Super-Welterweight title defence against Northampton’s Kieron Conway at the legendary York Hall tomorrow night is must-win.

The Bermondsey star suffered the first defeat of his professional career last time out when he stepped up in class to face EBU European Champion Sergio Garcia in his first headline fight at The O2 in London. 

‘The Big Cheese’ is determined to bounce back with a bang by taking out ‘Too Class’ Conway (12-1, 3 KOs), live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, to set-up a mouth-watering domestic clash with Scott Fitzgerald later in the year. 

“This is a very important fight for me, I’m not delusional, if I lose this then it’s finished for me really in boxing,” said Cheeseman. “There’s no point in fighting at a level below this. If I go below this then it’s over, you have to build up again. This is a build-up fight.

“I made my own mistakes and wasn’t successful in the last fight. Everyone forgets though, that my last opponent was No. 2 in the world, I stayed in there for 12 rounds, and he couldn’t hurt me.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in, I have tunnel vision on boxing. I’m going in there to rip Conway’s head off, I’m not bad-mouthing him but that’s my plan. Sooner or later he gets stopped, the confidence is back. 

“The fight with Scott Fitzgerald is signed, sealed and delivered if I win on Friday night!”

Cheeseman vs. Conway features on a bumper card in East London, main event sees Conor Benn (14-0, 9 KOs) defend his WBA Continental Welterweight title against Jussi Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs), Crystal Palace Light-Heavyweight Craig Richards (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on undefeated former Southern Area champion Andre Sterling (10-0, 4 KOs) in an intriguing all-London Final Eliminator for the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Light-Heavyweight belt, undefeated London Light-Heavyweight Duane ‘Hotshot’ Sinclair (10-0, 4 KOs) meets Westbury’s Anthony Fox (7-12-4), Crowthorne Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (1-0) looks to make if two wins from two fights, fast-rising Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay (2-0) steps up to take part in her first six round contest, former Commonwealth Super-Featherweight champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio Lightweight prospect Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.

ATLANTIC CITY (JUNE 20, 2019)–World-Ranked junior middleweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will be back in action on Saturday, July 20th at The brand new Carousel Room inside the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

LaManna will headline a massive 10-bout card that is promoted by Rising Star Promotions.

LaManna of Milville, New Jersey (27-2-1, 9 KOs) is ranked number-11 by the WBA and number-12 by the WBO, will be making his 1st start in 2019.

The 27 year-old LaManna, who was the former New Jersey State and WBC Fecarbox Welterweight champion, is unbeaten in his last seven outings to which he as gone 6-0-1.

LaManna has wins over Kendal Mena (20-3), Matthew Strode (25-6) and in his last bout, LaManna won an eight-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis on November 16th, 2018 at The Showboat.

This will be the 21st fight in Atlantic City for LaManna, with this fighting being the 3rd at The Showboat.

LaManna’s opponent in the 10-round bout will be announced shortly.

Seeing action in the six-round co-feature will be perennial contender Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon.

Witherspoon of Paulsboro, New Jersey has a record of 38-3 with 29 knockouts.

The 15-year veteran has a seven year winning streak that has seen him go 8-0 in that time frame.  Witherspoon has victories over Yul Witherspoon (1-0), Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmidge Griffis (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1), Adam Richards (21-1), Ty Cobb (14-2), Nick Guivas (11-2-2), Michael Marrone (21-5) and his last bout when he stopped former world title challenger Santander Silgado on March 23rd at The Showboat.

Witherspoon’s opponent will be named shortly.

In six-round bouts:

Isiah Seldon (13-2-1, 4 KOs) of Somers Point, New Jersey takes on Jordan Rosario (3-8) of  Jersey City, NJ in a super welterweight contest.

Jaywon Woods (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Danville, VA takes on an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight fight.

Sahret Delgado (7-0, 7 KOs) of Humacao, Puerto Rico takes on 23 fight veteran Larry Knight of Birmingham, Georgia in a heavyweight bout.
In four round bouts:

Zachary Dubnoff (2-0, 2 KOs) of Springfield, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a super middleweight contest.

Steve Moore (1-8, 1 KO) of Orange, NJ squares off with Ricky Nuno (2-3, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, NJ in a welterweight tussle.

Josue Rosa (2-0,2 KOs) boxes Steven Lopez (0-3) in a battle between Philadelphia based bantamweights.

Robert Terry (3-0) of Jersey City, New Jersey takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Shinard Bunch (2-0, 2 KOs) of Trenton, NJ will fight an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Tickets are now on sale for $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased on www.rspboxing.com

SHANGHAI and LAS VEGAS – UFC^®, the world’s premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization, today announced a series of historic milestones that will continue to drive the company’s ambitious growth plans in China. 

The first milestone marks a culmination of more than a year of planning and construction, as UFC celebrates the grand opening of the UFC Performance Institute^® Shanghai, the world’s largest, state-of-the-art MMA training and development facility.  Nearly three times as large as the original UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, the 93,000 square-foot facility in Shanghai will serve as a training hub to develop and support the next generation of MMA athletes from mainland China and the greater Asia-Pacific region. 

UFC will also utilize the building as its headquarters in Asia, housing UFC employees and UFC Performance Institute staff, including experts in the fields of MMA, strength and conditioning, sports science, physical therapy and nutrition.  Additional features will include hospitality suites, dining, retail services, and a fan experience area. 

The grand opening of UFC Performance Institute Shanghai comes as UFC prepares for a historic live event in China this August that will mark a series of “firsts” for the company. 

On Saturday, August 31, UFC will make its debut in Shenzhen – the company’s third live event in Mainland China in three years. UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG, presented by AirAsia, will be held at Universiade Sports Centre and will feature the first-ever UFC championship fight held in China, as well as the first-ever Chinese athlete to compete for a UFC title. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG is headlined by a strawweight championship showdown, as newly crowned champion Jessica Andrade looks to defend her title for the first time when she takes on no. 6-ranked contender Weili Zhang.  Andrade (20-6, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is the no. 15-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world and is on a mission to build her legacy as the new champion by stopping Zhang’s 19-fight win streak.  

Meanwhile, Zhang (19-1, fighting out of Beijing, China) is the highest-ranked Chinese UFC athlete in history and has had 16 of 19 wins via finish, including nine by KO and seven by submission, with ten first-round finishes.

UFC is working together with Endeavor China, a subsidiary of Endeavor, to deliver UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG as successfully as UFC’s two previous events in China – Shanghai in 2017 and Beijing in 2018.

Damai Sports is the official co-promoter of UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG, which is also supported by China Boxing Federation and Shenzhen Longgang Administration of Culture, Television and Radio, Sports and Tourism.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG are on-sale now via Damai.cn and Ticketflap.com.

Ticket Prices are as follows: Floor:12,880 RMB/8,880 RMB/4,880 RMB/2,880 RMB; Riser:1,880 RMB/1,280 RMB/880 RMB/680 RMB/480 RMB/380 RMB/280 RMB. 

More bouts for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: ANDRADE vs. ZHANG will be announced in the coming weeks, and fans can keep up to date with the latest event information by following UFC onWeibo: @UFC???????, Wechat: UFC???????(ufcofficial) , Facebook (UFC Asia), Twitter and Instagram (@ufc). For event livecast, please follow PPTV Sports and BesTV.

About UFC^®

UFC^®, is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts more than 300 million fans worldwide, including 70 million social media followers across all of its digital platforms, and its programming is broadcast in over 170 countries and territories to one billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually and consistently sells out some of the world’s most prestigious arenas. Since 2001, UFC has been proudly headquartered in Las Vegas, supported by a network of employees around the world. UFC’s current roster of athletes features more than 570 men and women representing over 55 countries. UFC FIGHT PASS^®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand, and original content to fans around the world. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment, and fashion leader Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR, in what is among the largest transactions in sports history. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Bolton, UK (19 June 2019) Two Time World Champion Amir Khan put on a power packed training session at his gym HQ in Bolton today ahead of his departure for Saudi Arabia for his fight with rival Neeraj Goyat.

Khan makes boxing history when he takes on Goyat in the first ever Pakistani-India showdown in the boxing ring on Friday 12th July at the King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah.

In front of a gym packed with national media, Khan was put through his paces by new trainers Alex Ariza and Clarence “Bones” Adams as he went through a session that included shadow boxing, pads and skipping.

Afterwards, Khan spoke to the media and talked of a potential blockbuster with the legendary Manny Pacquiao in the Middle East providing he beats Goyat and Pacman beats Keith Thurman next month. He also added he doesn’t care if domestic rival Kell Brook retired.

Khan said, “I’d love to do that fight. It’s one of the reasons I’ve take the fight as I know there’s a bigger picture,”

“There’s always talk about Manny and there has been more talk about it lately.  Lets hope he wins against Thurman, I win against Goyat and we can move forward front there.”

“I have this fight and then it could Manny, that would be a great way to finish.”

“I’m not taking my eye off Goyat though, I know that I can’t be complacent and I need to beat him.