HOUSTON (June 19, 2019) – Unbeaten interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo hosted a media workout Wednesday as he prepares for his title defense against Brandon Adams in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, June 29 from NRG Arena in Charlo’s hometown of Houston.

Charlo last fought in Houston in 2012 in just his ninth professional fight and will be headlining in his hometown for the first time on June 29.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.

Here is what Charlo and his trainer Ronnie Shields had to say Wednesday from Kinetix Fitness Center in Missouri City, Texas:

JERMALL CHARLO

“It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in Houston. A lot of people think the pressure is on me, but the pressure is just there period. I’m ready to fight in Houston, I’m ready to show the world a new Jermall Charlo and I’m doing it right here at home.

“Everywhere I go people tell me they can’t wait for me to fight. I’m starting to notice more people are catching on that boxing is about to be here in Houston and it’s going to be here for a long time because I plan on fighting here a lot more often.

“I got a game opponent in Brandon Adams. He’s going to come out to fight. Everything is on me, so I have to provide and put Houston on my back. I’ve been training well so I’m ready to go out and do what I do.

“This guy is coming to my hometown to fight me, so he’s going to prepare himself well and be at the top of his game. This makes me have to train a lot harder to do what I have to do.

“Ronnie Shields has done a great job of keeping me composed and I’m ready to build my legacy up just as well as his. He has a stable full of champions and I’m one of them.

“Ronnie is like a treasure to boxing, especially in the city of Houston. He’s trained here all of his career and I’ve done the same. I’ve gotten to see Ronnie train world champions, and now getting to be the world champion that he’s training, I know I’m in good hands for sure. He’s got my back and he’s like a father, coach and teacher to me.

“My family plays a big part in my career. They put a lot of pressure on me, so if the pressure is there, it’s coming from my family. I’m happy to be here, I’m happy to be in my home city, I’m happy to be fighting in front of Houstonians and giving them another world champion. We haven’t had one since the George Foreman days, so now it’s a new era of boxing and I want to be the face of it.

“I’ve worked so hard to get here from the amateurs, to winning the world title, to defending the world title. Now I’m back in the city of Houston getting the chance to put my career on the line and do it right here, it means more to me now than it ever has in my career.

“You always see me in hard fights that I dominate. I don’t take any competitor lightly. I’m out here training like I’m training for Canelo. Brandon Adams is going to be on his A-game. If he makes a wrong move, it’s going to be a short night for him. He’s going to bring the best out of me.

“The division is mine as long as I continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in a good place. I’m a force to be reckoned with in the 160-pound division.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer

“Mentally I go over the game plan every day and every night. I still watch a lot of film and a lot of different fights. I’m focusing on all of the technical stuff that I know we have to do in the ring. Although we’re close to the fight, just a week left, we are just trying to make sure we are doing all the right things that it will take to make Jermall successful.

“The routine is basically the same every day. We have different techniques we work on. We are getting ready to go to Las Vegas for a couple days because I have other guys fighting as well as his brother. So we are going to continue training in Las Vegas just like we are doing here. Nothing stops. We are going to continue going over the game plan consistently and making sure he knows every aspect of what he is supposed to do.

# # #

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 19, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated cruiserweight prospect, Muhsin Cason (4-0, 2KOs), returns this Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland as he faces Nathaniel Copeland (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington D.C. Cason vs. Copeland is a scheduled 4-round bout promoted by Shabazz Brotherz.

“I have gotten off to a good start in my professional career,” said Cason, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “In my last bout I got a first-round knockout and I’m looking to continue that momentum in this fight. I am excited to face an undefeated fighter and make a statement as the next American cruiserweight to watch out for.”

“Cason is well coached, terrific fighter, who has all the tools needed to be a world champion.” said manager Greg Hannely. “He wanted a step-up bout after making statements in his last two fights, both coming by way of knockout. Cason has been working very hard and we believe he will be successful. We are excited to see the outcome of this fight.”

“My brother is a very good fighter, and this is a great opportunity for him,” said former two-time heavyweight world champion and older brother Hasim Rahman, who also serves as a Prince Ranch Boxing advisor and co-trains Cason with Kevin Henry. “Nathaniel Copeland is a very good fighter, and this will be a test early in his career, one we believe he will pass.”

“My goal is to be a world champion one day and I won’t stop until I accomplish that,” continued Cason. “It has been my dream since I started boxing and I feel I have the team to make it happen.”

Maciej Sulecki has branded Demetrius Andrade as one of the ‘weakest Middleweights’ as he plots to rip the WBO World title from him at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday June 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS FOR ANDRADE VS. SULECKI ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**

Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) travels to the champion’s backyard for his first World title challenge as Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) puts his strap on the line for the second time.

The Pole landed the clash having seen off Gabriel Rosado in a wild clash for the WBO International title in Philadelphia in March, where he floored Rosado in the first and eighth rounds but then hit the canvas twice in the ninth before winning on points after ten.

Sulecki, who previously went the distance with former two-time World ruler Daniel Jacobs, showed he has grit as well as talent in that battle with Rosado, and the 30 year old believes that he’s the first real fighter that Andrade has faced and that the champion is in for a shock next weekend.

“I am very happy I got this fight,” said Sulecki. “Daniel Jacobs was much better than Andrade – Andrade’s one of the weakest Middleweights out there in my eyes. I know for sure that I’m going to put on a great fight and show it off. I know he’s a great fighter but he hasn’t fought anybody. He’s fought Jack Culcay who is no one, and I will show the world who I am and what I can do inside that ring.

“The Rosado fight was going to plan until the 8th round, after that things changed. It was a good learning experience and now especially since I’m fighting the champion next. I watched the fight at home and I said to myself ‘What an idiot. What did I do?’ It was a very good lesson, it was two rounds that made me a better man.

“I believe the fans will come out for this fight. I remember people like Adamek, who had a great following behind them. That’s what I want too, I want that good feeling.

“It’s only talk in the press conferences and on social media, on fight night, the fists will do the talking. Talk is cheap. He’s World champion and he’s very good so he’s confident, but I am very confident too and I hope he’s ready for what I am bringing to the ring as he’s never fought anyone like me.”

Sulecki’s clash with Andrade is part of a blockbuster night of action as unbeaten Briton Kal Yafai puts his WBA Super-Flyweight title against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez and former Heavyweight king Joseph Parker takes on Australian former World title challenger Alex Leapai.

Boston’s Mark DeLuca faces Canadian Brandon Brewer over ten rounds at Super-Welterweight, young talents Alexis Espino and Raymond Ford taste their third action in the paid ranks, local favorite Anthony Marsella faces Jose Aubel, with another unbeaten Providence fighter Anthony Concepcion also featuring.

Tickets are on sale NOW – starting at just $28 (including fees) from https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/010056AAED7788D1?brand=dunkindonuts&camefrom=cfc_dd_center_boxing19_web

NIAGARA FALLS, ON– The fighting pride of Nova Scotia, Custio Clayton, will be waging the biggest battle of his professional career on June 29 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, and fans in his home province will now be able to tune in live.

Lee Baxter Promotions and Eastlink have partnered to bring the June 29 event, featuring Clayton’s bout against Johan Perez, to viewers across Nova Scotia. The telecast will begin at 9:00 PM ADT (8:00 PM ET) on Eastlink.

“Custio is one of the real sporting heroes in Nova Scotia. His fans back home haven’t always had an easily accessible way to watch him fight, so it was important to us to build a relationship with Eastlink in order to change that,” said Lee Baxter.

Clayton, a 2012 Olympian, has fought in Quebec and Ontario exclusively as a professional, compiling an undefeated record of 16-0, and rankings in some of the sport’s major sanctioning bodies. A win over Perez on this night would put him in a prime position for a potential shot at a world title.

“We take great pride in sharing locally meaningful and relevant content that showcases the people, places and events that shape our communities,” says Deborah Shaffner, Eastlink CEO. “Local sporting events and hometown heroes have always been an important part of community; they bring us together. There’s nothing more exciting and inspiring than watching a hometown favourite battle it out for top prize. We’re thrilled to provide a platform that enables Nova Scotian fans to support and cheer on Custio in his next pivotal match.”

In his most recent bout, Clayton dominated and stopped former world champion DeMarcus Corley, who has shared the ring with legends such as Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. The 29-year old Dartmouth native hopes to land megafights of his own in the very near future—potentially on home soil.

“Our goal is to bring a world title fight to Nova Scotia,” said Baxter. “First Custio has to get past Perez, who is no pushover, but assuming he can do that, the wheels can be set in motion towards putting on the biggest night of boxing the province has ever seen.”

The June 29 telecast will be a three-fight broadcast, also including all-action warrior Samuel Vargas, who is fresh off an ESPN main event at Madison Square Garden against Luis Collazo, and top Irish prospect Lee Reeves, who was touted by heavyweight champion Tyson Fury as “Ireland’s next superstar.”

Fans across Atlantic Canada can tune in on Eastlink Community TV Channel 10 and 610. The broadcast will begin at 9:00 PM ADT (8:00 PM ET).

MINNEAPOLIS (June 19, 2019) – Former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin will square off against Daniel Martz in a 10-round heavyweight attraction as part of FS1 PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James battling former world champion Antonio DeMarco and also features a heavyweight clash between Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, plus unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas against Joshuah Hernández.

FS1 PBC Fight Night Prelims will feature Bryant Perrella (16-2, 13 KOs) taking on Domonique Dolton (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight duel beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

The night of undercard attractions will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight matchup against Mexico’s Daniel Echeverría (21-8, 18 KOs) and unbeaten rising bantamweight Antonio Russell (14-0, 11 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Francisco Pedroza (12-8-2, 6 KOs) for a 10-round fight.

Minneapolis-native VeShawn Owens will also compete in an eight-round super welterweight bout against Mexico’s Juan Garces.

Rounding out the lineup are unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV in an eight-round super middleweight clash, exciting middleweight Marcos Hernández stepping in for an eight-round fight against Mexico’s Francisco Javier Castro and a six-round welterweight clash featuring Mexico’s Celso Ramírez.

Born in St. Louis but now fighting and training out of Southern California, Martin (26-2-1, 23 KOs) showed heavy hands in racking up 20 knockouts in 23 fights before he captured a heavyweight world title with a victory over Vyacheslav Glazkov in January 2016. The 33-year-old has won three of his last four fights, most recently winning by DQ against Gregory Corbin in March on FS1. He will face West Virginia’s Martz (18-6-1, 15 KOs), who has scored back-to-back knockout victories since losing to Luis Ortiz on FS1 in December 2017.

# # #

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook
at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2019) – Middleweight contender Brandon Adams has been working hard at The Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career when he takes on unbeaten interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo, on Saturday June 29 at NRG Arena in Houston and live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Charlo vs. Adams is promoted in association with Banner Promotions and The Tournament of Contenders.

Adams has been training under longtime coach Dub Huntley and Hall of Famer Freddie Roach as he prepares for this opportunity.

“Everything is going good and this camp has been very solid,” said Adams. “I feel good and I am very excited to get in there and fight. I know that I have a great team that are preparing me to be the best Brandon Adams possible.

“The combination of Dub and Freddie really gives me everything I could ever need for a fight like this. They teach me something new every day and I’m going to be confident in my abilities on fight night.”

Adams and Charlo went face to face for the first time on May 30 at a press conference in Houston that Adams believes will help prepare him for his surroundings on fight night.

“Houston was not as hostile as I thought it would be,” said Adams. “There was a lot of mutual respect between Jermall and I. I know the fans will be rooting for him, but it’s just the two of us in the ring. I’m just focused on what I have to do to get the win.

“I always knew the road to the top wouldn’t be easy. Nothing in boxing has been for me. I’ve always been ready to do whatever I had to do.”

Adams knows the stakes of the fight on June 29, and he believes that with a win, he will be considered a major player in the middleweight division.

“I feel this opportunity is the biggest one in my career to this point,” said Adams. “This will set me up for much more, and I am ready to face the challenge. I couldn’t be more prepared or focused. I am very dedicated to this fight and everything it’s going to take to reach my dream. I am looking to put on a tremendous performance on June 29.”

The 29 years-old Adams out of Los Angeles, California is promoted by Banner Promotions and Tournament of Contenders.

# # #

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 BOXINGbegins 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.

CHIBA CITY, Chiba, Japan (June 18, 2019) – History was made today in Japan as local favorite Kazuto Ioka, (24-2, 14 KOs) stopped his Filipino challenger, “Mighty” Aston Palicte, (25-3-1, 21 KOs) midway through the 10th round to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) junior bantamweight title, and become the first Japanese boxer to be world champion in four different weight classes.

Ioka vs. Palicte, co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions, was the first world championship boxing match streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

Official Result below:

WBO WORLD JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14 KOs), Tokyo, Japan
WTKO10 (1:46)
Aston Palicte (25-3-1, 21 KOs), Bago City, Negros Occidental, Phillipines
(Ioka won the vacant WBO junior bantamweight title)

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre,
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 19, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s unbeaten super lightweight prospect, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (10-0, 6 KOs), will seek his eleventh consecutive victory when he faces Cameron Krael (16-13-3, 4 KOs) on June 28 at the Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas, NV. Hunter vs. Krael will be a scheduled 10-round bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Hunter who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, is coming off his most notable win, an 8-round split decision triumph over Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (11-2-1, 5 KOs), who is also promoted by Mayweather Promotions, as is Krael. Krael has only one defeat in his last ten bouts, a controversial split decision loss to Erick Bone (22-6, 10 KOs), whom many people thought he won.

“This fight with Krael is very dangerous, one I’m taking very seriously, but one I believe I can win,” said Hunter who is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions. “I’m all about fighting the best opponents and Krael is risky for most. I’m going to once again show why I’m the best prospect in the super lightweight division. On June 29th I’m putting on a great show for my hometown fans.”

“Although this is a tough fight for any prospect coming up, we at Prince Ranch Boxing believe Keith Hunter is the next great fighter to come out of Las Vegas,” said manager Greg Hannley. “Hunter has become a better fighter since Kevin Henry has been guiding his corner. Krael is tough, but Hunter is superior.”
“I see a lot of improvement since I’ve been working with Keith Hunter,” stated Kevin Henry, who trains Hunter at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym in Las Vegas. “Keith has all the tools to beat anyone in the division. He spars with some of the best world champions in boxing, so I know what level he’s on. All the insiders know this is a tough fight, but Keith will come out victorious.”

“Keith Hunter is in his prime and now is the time to take on all fights, regardless of who it is,” said former two-time heavyweight world champion and Prince Ranch advisor, Hasim Rahman. “I know he has the talent to win this fight in dominating fashion.”

This Mayweather Promotions event titled “Sin City Showdown” will feature unbeaten 122-pound rising prospect Angelo “El Chinito” Leo (17-0, 8 KOs) vs. Filipino-born Mark “The Journey Man” John Yap (30-13, 15 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on Mayweather Promotions’ Facebook beginning at 5p.m. PT/8p.m. ET. Bring a minimum of 5 new school supplies or 3 new or gently used books to receive a complimentary general admission ticket (limit 1 ticket per person while they last). List of accepted items include: paper, pencils, markers, crayons, and scissors. Tickets for the live event start at $15 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets to the live event, visit: www.mayweatherpromotions.com/events. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Stay up-to-date with Mayweather Promotions and our events visit: www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow us on Twitter: @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions on Instagram, or become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

Las Vegas – The 8^th annual UFC International Fight Week^™ will take place from Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7, with numerous events throughout Las Vegas, including the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, The Palms Casino Resort, and T-Mobile Arena.

UFC International Fight Week is highlighted by the prestigious 2019 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and an easily-accessible and fully interactive two-day UFC Fan Experience^®, concerts, and more! The week-long festivities are anchored by the highly anticipated UFC^® 239: JONES vs. SANTOS,presented by Modelo, which takes place on Saturday, July 6 at T-Mobile Arena. Tickets for UFC 239 are available via AXS.

On Friday, July 5, UFC will host the 2019 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, at 7 p.m. at The Pearl at Palms Casino Resort.  The annual ceremony honors contributors and athletes that helped shape UFC and left an indelible mark on the sport of mixed martial arts. Tickets to the induction ceremony are priced at $20.00 (does not include fees), with all proceeds benefitting Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. The ceremony will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®. 

Immediately following the ceremony, UFC will host its Official UFC International Fight Week Concert, headlined by multi-platinum recording artist Godsmack, at 10 p.m. at the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. 

Spanning more than 85,000 square feet, UFC’s two-day Fan Experience at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center will be the one-stop shop for all fight fans, providing unparalleled free access to UFC champions, top-ranked contenders, UFC Hall of Famers, UFC personalities, and a UFC store.

UFC fans will have the opportunity to engage with a record-number of athletes and talent during free autograph sessions and meet and greets at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center. This free of charge event will be part of the two-day UFC Fan Experience at the Downtown Las Vegas Event Center, which will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on both Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6.

Fans will be able to purchase exclusive UFC merchandise at the UFC store and, while also having the chance to participate in numerous activities with brand partners such as: Assault Fitness, Modelo, Monster Energy, Motel 6, PokerStars, Trifecta and Toyo Tires^®.

The UFC International Fight Week app is the official destination for the most updated schedule of events, as well as the only place to secure your spot for autograph sessions. All of these exciting events are in addition to the regularly scheduled fight week activities. The UFC International Fight Week app is available on the App Store and Google Play.

For additional information, please visit UFC.com/fightweek.

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 atFacebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Courthouse Hotel in Shoreditch ahead of a very important JD NXTGEN. We’ve been all over the world but nothing quite cleanses the soul like a sold out York Hall on a Friday night. So many big important fights, British titles on the line, some of the best young prospects in the sport of boxing, topped off by a great production by Sky Sports in the UK, streamed live across America on DAZN, and then all topped off by a salt beef bagel with mustard at the end. It doesn’t get any better than Friday night at York Hall. We’re going to hear from all of the guys up here on the top and bottom tables. Before we do, I’m going to pass over to Adam Smith, Head of Boxing for Sky Sports.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“Thanks Eddie I echo those words. It’s fantastic being in Madison Square Garden and those wonderful places over in America but there is nothing like the York Hall Bethnal Green. I think all those here today and everyone coming who will pack it out on Friday night, agree with that. There’s no bad seat in the place, the atmosphere is always electric, it’s a special venue. So many fighters have come through, so many great fighters, I remember watching Johnny Tapia there. So many wonderful stories and fights have come out of that wonderful venue. It’s the spit and sawdust of what we do. It’s more than that, it’s the home of boxing. I can’t wait to be back, salt beef bagels and the greasy cafe over the road, all of that stuff, it’s fantastic and we’re going to have a great night on Friday. 

“It’s good to have boxing back on our time, 7 until 11o’clock on a Friday is perfect for us and what a display and array of talent in front of us. Fighters that have go the chance to appear live, to appear on a big platform and we’re going to do everything we can over the next 48 hours to really push these fighters on our digital and social platforms. It’s a big night for Conor Benn headlining for the first time. We all know the story, now we need to see him step up in level and see whether he can deal with that. There’s some real experienced fighters and some great matches on the card as well. Top to bottom it’s going to be an electric night. Enjoy.”

Conor Benn – Ilford, England – 14-0, 9 KOs – defending his WBA Continental Welterweight title against Jussi Koivula:

“As far as my opponent, this is a step-up, I’m not really concerned about what he offers, not at all. It doesn’t faze me what he brings. Yeah he’s got experience, but I’m quicker, I’m younger, I can punch harder.

“Everyone has got a plan until they get punched in the face as they say. He’s been stopped twice, I believe, he’s lost six fights, but he’s been in with some quality opposition, but I believe I’ll be too much for him.

“I really want to bring the old Conor Benn back, I really do. Often after my fights I go ‘I don’t know what shot I caught him with? Well I want the same effect. I really do want to go in there and make a statement with this fight. It’s going to be a good year, each fight I’ve got better.

“Yeah I had a hard fight with that Peynaud, he’s just beat someone who’s had 16 fights and lost one. He’s just beat him. Who would have thought?

“That’s a reality check for me and thank you he hasn’t cost me my O. I went back to the drawing board and learned, and this time I plan on displaying something else. I don’t know who is going to show up. The old Conor Benn or the new one.

“I would have liked to have brought a lot more explosiveness into my last fight. Yeah it’s about staying calm, it’s about ring experience, it’s about mixing it up.

“I’m glad for my last fight, I could show I could box for the full eight and take my time. Now I want to incorporate more of the old Conor Benn. Still thinking, using my boxing brain, but still having that same attitude. I don’t want to lose that Benn attitude.”

Jussi Koivula – Tampere, Finland – 24-6-1, 9 KOs – challengingly Conor Benn for his WBA Continental Welterweight title:

“Thank you. Yes, I am very excited to be here, especially in a place where many great champions have fought before. It’s one of the great atmospheres in boxing so I’m very happy to be here. I expect it to be a good fight and people will be entertained. I think that my timing is better for this fight and I can win this fight because of my experience. It should be a good fight.” 

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-1, 9 KOs – defending his British Super-Welterweight title against Kieron Conway:

“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. 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!”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, England – 12-1, 3 KOs – challenging Ted Cheeseman for his British Super-Welterweight title:

“It’s a huge opportunity for me and I’m grateful for it. The odds are massively against me and I’m unsure why. I’m here to win and make history for my town and myself, that’s all I’m here for. I see it as a very good fight. 50-50? I’m not so sure. I think that I should be the favourite. I think it’s more 60-40 in my favour. I don’t see it 50-50 at all but it’s a great fight and I’m happy to be a part of it. I’m proud to be a part of it. I just know that I’m very adaptable and I don’t see that in him. I don’t want to badmouth him. I’m not going to sit here and slate him or anything. I just believe in myself and I’m here to do the business.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, England – 14-1, 8 KOs – defending his WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title against Andre Sterling:

“I believe that you’ll see an even better performance from me this time. Every time I step in the gym, every week and every day I’m learning and progressing. Obviously the fight with Jake Ball ended a lot earlier than people probably expected. I didn’t get to demonstrate what I had been working on. Since then I’ve come on loads. This is the perfect opportunity, a guy that’s hungry and comes to win, is unbeaten. It will probably give me a chance to go and display some of the stuff that I’ve been working on and show everyone how good I really am. 

“I think he’s a good fighter but I just believe that I’m at the level where I can push on from domestic level and I think this will be the fight to show that. I believe that I’m going to go out and do the job and execute what I need to do on June 21st. 100% I see a stoppage. At 168 I was flat, I was losing my punch power and my energy was down. Even when I was sparring I wasn’t as good, you can see the difference in the gym and the results of my sparring. Nobody has gone past 3 rounds since I went back to the drawing board after stepping up to face Frank Buglioni on short notice. My punch power is a lot different now.”

Andre Sterling – New Cross, England – 10-0, 4 KOs – challenging Craig Richards for his WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“I’m very grateful for being given a chance on this platform. I’m going to do what I’ve got to do on Friday 21st June. I’m going to deal with Craig Richards. We boxed as amateurs. I believe that I can win every fight that I’m in. Craig Richards is going to come to win and he’s going to come to fight but I don’t think he has enough to deal with me. I believe in my ability and I’ve got a lot of skills that I want to show on June 21st. 

On his heated confrontation with Craig Richards last week:

“Yeah it went viral. We love this sports. This is why we love this sport. You’ve got two passionate fighters that really love what they do and are very dedicated. When we saw each-other the emotions just overwhelmed and we just stood there. He wants to win and I want to win so that’s what it is.”

Duane Sinclair – Thorton Heath, England – 10-0, 4 KOs – fighting Anthony Fox in a Light-Heavyweight contest:

“Thank you for having me on. I’ve done thousands of rounds with Joshua Buatsi, we grew up in the sport together. Make no mistake about it, believe you me, I’m no sparring partner. I’ve just got to go in there and put on a show and show everyone what I’m all about. Like you say I’m undefeated at the moment, I’ve got a good record. I just need to start pressing on and fighting the boys that I can start proving myself against. I’m ready to put on a show.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 2-0 – fighting Valerija Sepetovska in a six round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“I boxed there (York Hall) as an amateur, it’s where I won my first belt as an amateur. It’s a good omen for me. I’ve done the Copper Box, I’ve done The O2 and now I’m doing York Hall. I think the only one left after this is Wembley. I’ve had two quite negative opponents that have been quite awkward so far so I’m hoping that I actually have someone who actually comes to want to fight and to let me showcase what I can do. We’ve been working really hard in the gym and this is definitely going to be the best version of me, I’ve never felt stronger and I’m expecting a big explosive performance come Friday night.”

Otha Jones III – Ohio, USA – 1-0 – fighting Michael Horabin in a six round Super-Featherweight contest:

“The plan journey over here was six hours and I was a little bit tired when I arrived but I’m good now. I’m very excited to fight as a pro for the first time in the UK. A lot of fans from the UK show me love on Instagram, this is my first time here and I can’t wait to put on a show and show everyone what I’m really made of. I just want to show everyone that I’m the real deal, and I’m here to stay.”

Charles Frankham – Crowthorne, England – 1-0 – fighting Ilgvars Krauklis in a four round Super-Featherweight contest:

“I’m going to have a lot of support on Friday. This is the first time I’ve ever fought at York Hall. Me and Otha Jones shared the ring as amateurs before and it’s a great bill to be sharing together. My first opponent was a tricky customer, obviously I should have bought a pair of knee pads! He got me some good rounds in and hopefully I’ll be able to put a good show on on Friday.”

Reece Bellotti – Watford, England – 13-2, 11 KOs – fighting Josue Bendana in a six round Featherweight contest:

“It’s the fight game. You can get beat at any moment. You’ve got to be on your game at all times. Obviously I’ve learnt from being beat twice now and I’m looking to come back and gain more experience and then challenge those boys that are pushing on as well. Ryan Walsh is a quality fighter and I felt like I was competitive in there. Looking back on it I probably could have done a lot more. I feel like I could do a lot more and I believe I’m at that level and over time I’ll prove it again.” 

DAVID HAYE cannot wait for his ringside seat when the world’s best heavyweight prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman clash next month.

Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) meet for the vacant British heavyweight title at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

The Hayemaker is wowed by the domestic heavyweight battle of 2019 and says: “I don’t know which way it goes, perhaps a draw.

“It’s a fight I want to be ringside for because both boxers are young and hungry. They have very different styles that will gel nicely.

“These two fighting is only going to benefit fans.”

Former WBA heavyweight title holder, Haye has watched Gorman train at his gym and was surprised by what he saw, but is blown away by Daniel’s concussive power.

Haye added: “Ricky Hatton has done a great job training Nathan Gorman. You can look at the same opponent like Razvan Cojanu – Gorman won on points, Dubois knocked him out.

“That might be a way to judge the two, but believe me I’ve seen Gorman behind closed doors sparring and he is a real handful.

“He is a lot better than he looks. Aesthetically he is not that pleasing to look at, but the punch output and the left hook is good

“Ricky’s best shot was his left hook to the head and body. He has applied that to Gorman’s style. He moves his head and rolls well.”

Dubois, 21, has gained his reputation by knocking out all but one professional opponent so far.

Haye added: “Dubois can close the show. People expect heavyweights to finish with one man not being able to stand up.

“Frank Bruno built his brand doing that and Lennox put on performances like that.”

Some have questioned why Frank Warren has made the fight so soon in their careers, but Haye insists the Hall of Fame promoter has done the right thing by matching his hopefuls.

Haye told Boxing Social: “People say it is too early for them to fight each other, but Frank Warren made a good point that James DeGale and George Groves fought at a similar stage in their careers.

“Both went on to win world titles after and even though DeGale was the loser on that night he became a two-time world champion.

“It doesn’t mean someone’s career is over particularly when they are so young like these guys. I just think it’s a great fight.

“People want to see fighters taking on each other. We’ve seen plenty of guys ducking and avoiding each other.

“We have two fighters on the same network who want the fight so crack on.”

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, NY (June 19, 2019) When Andy Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua earlier this month, stunning the boxing world to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, it was an inspirational victory for many, including Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs). Signed by DiBella Entertainment to an exclusive promotional agreement, Garcia is determined to make his mark on the heavyweight division.

“Elvis Garcia is a promising and hard-working heavyweight with great talent. He was born in Mexico, lives in the United States, and has fought in and for both countries, holding dual citizenship,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The heavyweight division is thriving right now and I look forward to working with Elvis to bring him the best opportunities to fulfill his potential.”

“I was speechless and emotional when I got the call from Lou DiBella saying that he wanted to sign me to a promotional contract,” said Garcia. “Up to this point of my life, I’ve been on a long tough road, but now I am very excited for my future. I am proud and grateful to be promoted by DiBella Entertainment. I want to thank Lou for the opportunity and I trust that, with his guidance in and out of the ring, we will make a lot of noise in the heavyweight division.”

Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Garcia moved with his family to Umatilla, OR, at age four. He had a strong athletic background growing up, excelling in soccer, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. Often competing in USA National Tournaments, Garcia won two gold medals as a Greco-Roman wrestler and three in jiu jitsu. Garcia also dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three professional MMA matches by submission.

Encouraged by his jiu jitsu instructors, Garcia decided to take up boxing after graduating high school. However, the closest boxing gym to Umatilla was 260 miles away in Tacoma, WA, and Garcia was making eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to train. That dedication resulted in an impressive 85-10 amateur record, with 42 knockouts.

Garcia won the Washington State Golden Gloves tournament twice, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at the USA National Tournament, and was ranked #3 at super heavyweight in the United States amateur program. Following his last bronze medal performance, Garcia was awarded a berth on the Mexican National Boxing Team and moved to Tijuana to be closer to where the team trained. He then won the Mexican National Championships and the Mexican Golden Gloves Tournament twice.

While competing in Mexico, Garcia worked odd jobs to earn money. Rather than use his savings to pay rent, Garcia opted to live out of his car for an entire year, sending his earnings back home to help support his family.

Shortly after his pro debut in May 2017, Garcia was connected with managers who provided him with living expenses in Tijuana and a place to train in San Diego, CA, where he also worked nights as a security guard. Though, he was once again making long daily commutes between his home and gym. In late 2018, Garcia was set up with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, where he relocated to focus on his boxing career full-time.

“Elvis is the hardest working heavyweight I have ever seen,” said Diaz. “He trains like a featherweight. No fighter in my gym is hungrier or has a bigger heart.”

The 29-year-old Garcia is coming off two wins thus far in 2019, going the six-round distance for the first time with a unanimous decision against Alejandro Garduno in February then stopping Ramon Olivas in two rounds in April.

Details on Garcia’s debut for DiBella Entertainment will be announced shortly.

 LOS ANGELES (June 19, 2019) – Under the watchful eyes of world-famous Freddie Roach and Vice Mayor Buboy Fernandez, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), the Philippines’ national treasure, boxer laureate and the sweet science’s only eight-division world champion, kicked off his U.S. training camp with eight rounds of sparring.  Not bad for the jet lagged fighter who arrived at LAX after a 19-hour flight on Saturday night to a throng of media and fans.  After five weeks of training in the Philippines, Manny is back at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., preparing for his third world championship fight in the past 12 months.  Amazin’ Manny has begun the most intense part of his training and conditioning for his battle against undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida.   

            Pacquiao and Thurman 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.      

And for the first time in many years, Manny, 40, and ten years Thurman’s senior, has been installed as an underdog by major sports & race books around the world.

“I haven’t made a bet in a long time, but the oddsmakers have brought me back.  I’m going to make a huge score betting on Manny in this fight,” said Roach.  “Manny loves beating undefeated fighters, especially the younger ones.  Heck, at this stage of the game, everyone Manny faces is younger.  But that makes it fun for Manny.  And when Manny is having fun, his opponents had better watch out.  I was very pleased with Manny’s first day at Wild Card.  Buboy and Justin [Fortune] have him in great condition for the rigors of this part of training camp.  We were scheduled for six rounds of sparring and Manny insisted on going eight with two sparing partners.  He’s running the Hollywood Hills like a deer.  Nobody has the work ethic and conditioning like Manny.  I can already see we are going to have to hold him back throughout camp.

“This is a great matchup.  Thurman has youth and size.  I’m sure he will come into the ring with 160 pounds behind his big right hand.  Manny will be under 150,” Roach continued.  “But we will have speed and movement.  Winning this fight will come down to taking chances.  Manny proved in his last two fights, against Matthysse and Broner, that he has his killer instinct back.  Thurman better be prepared to shoot the works.”   

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Pacquiao and Thurman will battle in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.  In a battle of unbeatens, IBF super middleweight world champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (28-0, 10 KOs), from Nashville, will make the first defense of his title against the pride of the University of Notre Dame Mike Lee (21-0, 11 KOs), from Chicago, in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.  The respective world championship showdowns will take place on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. 

            Click HERE for Fighter Bios

            Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, remaining tickets to this world championship event can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.  Plant vs. Lee is presented by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions.

For more information: 

visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions 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.

LOS ANGELES (June 18, 2019): Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs) and
Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Westside Boxing Club ahead of their 12-round rematch for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title. Their battle will take place on Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Fighters from the undercard, including Tito Acosta (20-1, 20 KOs), Aaron McKenna (7-0, 4 KOs) and Anthony Garnica (1-0, 1 KO), also participated in the workout.

Below is what today’s participants had to say:

ANDREW CANCIO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I haven’t let the win change my lifestyle. I’m still working hard. You have to work harder to keep the belt, and we’re doing everything to keep it on the night of the fight. Nothing has changed except that people stop and recognize me on the street more and want a photo with me. They say, ‘What’s up champ?’ It’s pretty cool. But we’re still grinding.”

“I’m very confident that I can take Machado’s best punch. I feel mentally stronger this time. The first time around I came in nervous. This time around I’m ready to come in from the first round.”

“He’s going to try to show me that he’s a different Machado, but he’ll be the same. Before he lost, they said that they had a great camp and were going to knock me out. Now that they’ve lost, we hear all these excuses. But I’m motivated more than ever, and I’m ready to show them why I beat them the first time.”

ALBERTO MACHADO, Former WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I have had more time to prepare this time around. Now I feel great. Cancio is a great fighter, but I am ready to come back on Friday. I never underestimated my opponent. I knew he was good because that’s how he earned the opportunity to fight for a world title. But I never underestimated him at any moment. It was just a situation and it ended in his favor that night.”

“I wasn’t surprised the fight time. I had experienced a lot before the last fight. But, what happened has happened. Now we are coming back in better condition to walk away with the victory. I have always been a dedicated fighter. This was not the exception. It was excellent. camp and we had a lot of time to train. I think that will be the difference in making sure I score the victory when I step into the ring.”

TITO ACOSTA, WBO Light Flyweight World Champion:

“We’ve had a great preparation and we’re going to give a great fight. I don’t know too much about my opponent, but I want to tell him that I hope he comes prepared because I will be 100% prepared for the victory.”

“I always say that I get my power from my mom. Though she is only 4’9″ in height, she has a very big character. She was very strong with me and my siblings. That’s why I that I get my power from her.”

“I like scoring knockouts with my left hand. It seems to be more effective. But I can knock people out with my right hand too, so if I see the opportunity, I will take it.”

AARON MCKENNA, Welterweight Prospect:

“I learned a lot from my last fight. He was a good opponent. I landed some hard shots, and he was still standing there. I scored a knockdown and won all of the rounds, but I didn’t get the knockout. I wanted to get it for the fans, but I still learned a lot. It was good to go six rounds.”

“I’ve been getting stronger and better with each fight. I have been improving. I want to take each experience into the following fight. I want to learn. I want to become world champion. Friday night you can expect fireworks and a great night of boxing.”

ANTHONY GARNICA, Super Bantamweight Prospect:

“It’s a good platform and a good opportunity to be fighting on Friday’s card. I just want to show my talent and my skills. I want to show everything we worked on in the gym with Coach Manny Robles and Coach Estrellita (Edgar Jasso).”

Cancio vs. Machado II is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CancioMachado2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CancioMachado2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

NEW YORK – June 18, 2019 – Undefeated super welterweights Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Manuel “Baby” Zepeda are ready to clash in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, June 21, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

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, and to open the telecast, 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.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents, start at $10 and are currently on sale at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Fundora, (12-0, 8 KOs), already standing at an amazing six-foot-seven inches, continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively. Already believed to be the tallest 154-lb fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight.

“I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”

Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, is thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.

“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on SHOWTIME,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name to headline. I will put on a great show. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s right-handed and about six feet tall. I’m not concerned, I’ve had over 100 amateur fights and I’ve faced different sizes and styles so I’m ready for anything.”

Fundora, originally from Coachella, Calif., spent the first half of training camp sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed camp in Laguna Beach. After the grueling training camp, he believes his work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales is paying off.

“I’m not only getting taller, I’m also getting stronger,” Fundora said. “I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power is increasing fight after fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight so I stay in shape at all times.”

Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, is happy with his son’s growth.

“Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused,” he said. “With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has which are his strength, power and boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both of these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show Friday.”

It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora.

“Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”

Tijuana, Mexico’s Manuel Zepeda, (17-0, 4 KOs) knows Fundora won’t be an easy fight, but he’s not worried because he’s been preparing for this opportunity his entire life.

“Fundora is a big guy for the division,” said the 21-year-old Zepeda. “He’s talented, but I prepared very hard for this fight. I’m ready to give it all on Friday night. This is my first fight in the U.S. and I have been waiting my whole life for this.”

An intelligent boxer especially skilled at fighting on the inside, Zepeda has been working hard with long-time trainer Romulo Quirarte at Crea Gym in Tijuana.

“I have learned a lot in this camp,” said Zepeda. “Fundora is very different to the guys that I’ve fought before. He’s a tall lefty, so I had to make a lot of changes to how I normally do things. I have been sparring with lefties and tall guys like [former world champions] Antonio Demarco and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I’ve been working hard. I’m ready for him. I’m confident I’ll get the win.”

Zepeda, son of respected super lightweight veteran Ernesto “Baby” Zepeda, is proud to come from a family of boxers.

“I come from a boxing family. My dad and my uncle were boxers. My dad fought for a world title and my uncle was a national champion. I was born with gloves on. I’ve been around boxing my entire life, that’s why I have such a passion for the sport. My father has been guiding me throughout my career, advising me, teaching me. I’m very lucky to have him. I’ve learned so much from him. I’m planning on winning on Friday night. My time has come.”

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

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

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

BROOKLYN (June 18, 2019) – Polish star and heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki and former title challenger Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola went face to face Tuesday at a press conference in Brooklyn as they previewed their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 3 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also going face to face Tuesday were two-time world champion Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz, who meet in a welterweight attraction, and interim WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Marcus Browne and former world champion Jean Pascal, who kick off FOX PBC Fight Night action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

ADAM KOWNACKI

“This is an exciting moment for me. When I first fought at Barclays Center, I fought after the main event, so this is just an amazing feeling to be headlining.

“Arreola has been in there with everyone, so I know it’s a tough test. He’s coming off two knockout wins, so I know he’ll be ready, but I’m more ready.

“I’ve worked very hard to get to this moment. This is another step toward me becoming a world champion. I’m looking to put myself in line for a world title shot.

“I can’t wait for this one. It’s another step in the right direction, I know it’s going to be competitive because Arreola is coming off of two knockout wins. It’s a do or die mood for him. I know he’ll be in the best shape possible and I can’t wait to show off my skills.

“Arreola is a good fighter. He has fought everybody from Deontay Wilder to Vitali Klitschko. Hopefully I will be able to do a good job and get the win.

“Chris Arreola and I are going to put on the Fight of the Year. We’re going to show that the big guys can really fight.

“The heavyweight division is hot right now and this is going to add to it. With our styles being guys who come forward, it doesn’t get better as a boxing fan.

“This is the third fighter I’ve had in common with Deontay Wilder. I knocked out Artur Szpilka and Gerald Washington faster than he did, and I’m looking to do the same August 3.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“Adam and I are going to put on a great fight. I’m really excited for this one. As a fan, this is the kind of fight I’d want to watch. It’s going to be a fight that’s talked about for years.

“Everyone knows this is going to be a great fight. People always have something negative to say anyway, so I’m only controlling what I can. I’m really looking forward to this fight and displaying the new tricks of the trade that I’ll be implementing into this fight.

“I’m nothing like the fighter’s he’s fought. I’m not an opponent. I’m here to fight. He’s going to have a tough time trying to put me out. A lot of people underestimate me, but you’ll see on August 3 that I’m a heavyweight to be reckoned with.

“The main thing that I’ve seen from Kownacki is that he throws a lot of punches. He throws a bunch of punches. You just keep throwing punches and one of them is going to land and that’s what I see from him.

“Training camp has been going great. I’m loving it. I’m learning a lot of new tricks of the trade and working on the old things also. I’m looking forward to this fight because the things that I’ve been working on with Joe Goossen, are going to come out in this fight.

“I’m going to be in the best shape possible on August 3. I’m saying it now, if I lose, I’m retiring. But I’m not going to lose. I’m coming guns blazing to get this win.”

ANDRE BERTO

“I started my career right here in New York after the Olympics and it always feels great to be back. This is going to be a great night of fighting. This is great event with a lot of fighters I know well, but this is going to be my show. I’m going to put on a great performance.

“Miguel Cruz I just found out is from Florida and basically my hometown. So it just got real personal and it’s going to be explosive.

“At the end of the day, I’ve never stopped working. I’m in fight shape right now. This is a lifestyle for me. I don’t care what Miguel Cruz’s plans are. I have too much to fight for me to lose.

“You have to find different levels of motivation for yourself for every fight. Whether its family or whatever it is. I have my new baby girl, I lost my dad. So it’s coming from a lot of different areas right now.

“I’m going to be a whole other animal on August 3. I know what’s been going on in his camp and I know how his sparring is going. So I hope he just stays focused.

“I’m just looking to go out and put on a show. I’m looking forward to going out there and just making it happen. It’s going to be big. I’ve done a lot within the last few months. Any great performance I come back with puts me in contention.

“I’ve had a lot happen in my life in the last year. A lot of great things and some tragedies. I believe that I’m really in a position where everything is bottled up and I can’t wait to let it out on August 3.”

MIGUEL CRUZ

“It’s going to be fireworks and we’re going to bring the house down. I expect both of us to have amazing performances, but especially myself.

“I’m coming for Andre Berto and then I’m looking at Keith Thurman and that world title. I’m ready to leave it all in the ring. I have nothing to lose. I’m going to show that I’m a very dangerous man.

“This is a new era of boxing. That’s the nature of the game. One day I’ll be the old lion. This is just what happens. It’s going to happen to Andre Berto on August 3.

“I don’t have any real personal feelings towards him. I’m very focused on my mission, so if he wants to get personal I believe it’s going to cause him to make mistakes. I believe that it’s going to be a disadvantage in many different ways. I’m going to continue my training camp in the way I’ve been doing it.

“We did grow up in the same area relatively so it does spark up that inner city rivalry. I think that’s how he feels. And it’s fine. I know a lot about him and he doesn’t know much about me. I feel like I have a lot of advantages in this fight. I feel like I have the youth, the strength, and the power to do a lot of damage in this fight. I feel like he’s underestimating me, he’s going to make some mistakes and get emotional.

“I’m sure I’ve sparked a little fire in him and he’s going to train harder but that’s not going to change the fact that his mind isn’t really prepared for exactly what’s going to happen.

“I already feel like Brooklyn is my home and I’m going to make it my home going forward. I like the warmth that I feel from the fans and I especially know there’s going to be a lot of Puerto Rican support for this one. There’s going to be three stellar fights and I plan on stealing the show.”

MARCUS BROWNE

“I just want to thank everyone for allowing me to display my talents on this stage. I’m going to be in the best shape possible. I’m coming in shape for 15 rounds.

“I am always going to be underestimated in a sense, especially to a veteran like Pascal. He has to keep himself in the fight and the only way to do that is to downplay what I do. Come August 3, I will just display my talents and take care of business.

“This is a great card. You know Adam always comes with the thunder and excitement. Andre has always been in exciting fights. But when you’re watching my fight, make sure you don’t blink.

“The division has no one else like me. Pascal has fought a lot of great fighters, but he hasn’t faced anyone like me. It’s going to be something he’s never seen before in that ring.

“I am not focused on the future right now. The only thing I am focused on is Jean Pascal, because we won’t get there if we don’t take care of business with him the right way. It’s not about just winning it’s about winning the right way. We are going to focus on him right now and after that it is what it is.

“Jean Pascal always comes to fight and he comes in great shape. But he’s in my way right now. I’m going to knock you out, I promise you. I’m making sure I’m ready for him. I know exactly what he possesses and we respect that. August 3 it will be my time.

“I remember sparring Jean Pascal and he said I was green. But the fruit is ripe now. He knows what time it is.”

JEAN PASCAL

“This is going to be a great fight. Marcus is a tremendous fighter who’s going to train very well. We both know we’ll be at our best. I’ve been there and one that before. I’m up for any challenge.

“Marcus is the rookie and I’m the veteran. I’m going to show him who’s the boss.

“This show is very special for me because you will see the two best Haitian boxers on earth in Andre Berto and myself. I hope the big Haitian community in New York shows up to see us.

“I’m one of the best in the world. I always train hard and I’m always ready for a challenge. I know it’s not going to be easy. I don’t take any easy fight at any point in my career.

“I love the sport and I love to display all of my talent. It’s going to be technical fight and a chess match on fight night.

“I’m very happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who made this dream come true for me to fight at Barclays Center. This is a tremendous place to fight and many champions have fought here. I’m going to be part of history.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“I’m excited to kick off another heavyweight fight promotion right here in Brooklyn. This is our 5th event headlined by a heavyweight fight but our first headlined by a heavyweight from Brooklyn.

“Brooklyn loves their heavyweights. Adam is undefeated in eight fights at Barclays and this has certainly become his home and we welcome him back. There aren’t many fighters I know with the grassroots fan base that you have. We’re also excited to have Chris Arreola here for a fight that will have a great atmosphere on August 3.

“We also welcome back Andre Berto and Miguel Cruz for what we know will be an exciting welterweight matchup. I’m also thrilled that Marcus Browne is back for his 13th appearance at our venue. Thank you for being a fixture here and we also welcome Jean Pascal to challenge for your interim title.

“This is our 35th fight night. It’s been an incredible journey and PBC has continued to give us some of the best fights out there. FOX is the biggest platform in the sport of boxing today and we’re happy to have them come here on August 3.”

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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, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 18, 2019) – Undefeated NABF (Junior) welterweight prospect, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing and is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, returns to the ring this Friday, June 21, 2019, at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA. Cobbs will face Robert Redmon Jr. (7-1-2, 6 KOs) in an 8-round bout shown live on DAZN as the opening bout of the telecast.

In his last fight, Cobbs scored an impressive unanimous decision against former unbeaten foe, Ferdinand Kerobyan (11-1, 6 KOs), capturing the NABF (Junior) welterweight title in the process. After that hard-fought victory, which took place in Kerobyan’s back yard, Blair is confident that he has what it takes to make a world title run.

“When I defeated Kerobyan in his hometown, I felt I took my career to the next level,” said a confident Blair Cobbs. “All the hard work is paying off and now its time to get back in the ring and continue my journey toward a world title. I’m in a tough fight against a hungry fighter in Redmon, who is coming off a win just a few weeks ago. I know he’s going to be ready, so I’m prepared for a challenging fight. My path to a world title shot is shaping up nicely. With a few more fights I’ll be ready for anyone.”

“Since his spectacular win against Kerobyan, Blair has been in the gym getting ready for his next fight.” said Cobbs’ manager, Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. “We know Redmon is coming in with a lot of confidence being that he just fought, but Cobbs is on another level and his superior talent will show this Friday.”

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Cancio vs. Machado II is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.”The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CancioMachado2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CancioMachado2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

LAS VEGAS (June 18, 2019) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow’s (Wednesday, June 19) first world championship boxing match ever streamed live on UFC Fight Pass®, between the World Boxing Organization’s (WBO) top two-ranked junior bantamweight contenders, “Mighty” Aston Palicte and Kazuto Ioka, who will square off for the vacant WBO World title.

Palicte and Ioka both weigh in at the 115-pound maximum.

Palicte’s promoter, Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, owns the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka, co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions, will be streamed live, starting at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT, from Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Chiba, Japan.

WBO No. 1-ranked contender Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs), fighting out of the Philippines, takes on four-time three-division world champion Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs), who will be fighting at home, in the 12-round main event.

The 28-year-old Palicte (pictured above) knocked out previously unbeaten Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez, this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator. Palicte become the mandatory challenger for then WBO champion and fellow Filipino, Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, who subsequently relinquished his title belt rather than accept a Palicte rematch to pursue more lucrative fights than a rematch with his countryman.

Nietes and Palicte had fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes, ironically, captured the title last December 31st in Macao, China, winning a controversial 12-round split decision over Ioka.

The No. 2-rated Ioka, 30, has a decisive experience advantage over the younger, stronger Palicte. He has a 13-2 (3 KOs) record in world title fights and Ioka is on a mission to become the first Japanese boxer to be world champion in four different divisions. The only other members of this elite Nippon club are Hozumi Hagegawa, Koki Kameda, Akira Yaegashi and Naoko Fuijioka, the lone female in the group.

“I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to fight or the WBO belt again,” Ioka said from training camp. “Japan has a long history of boxing and for me, personally, it (4-division world champion) would be my highest goal to reach.

“Aston Palicte is a very good, tough fighter. I don’t really see any weaknesses, but I think his strength is his ability to be physical and fight aggressively.”

A triumph over Ioka will allow Palicte to join an elite club of Filipino world boxing champions, past and present, such as Nietes, Manny Pacquiao, Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @AstonPalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

Kieron Conway says he is ready to make history in Northampton by becoming the town’s first British Champion when he clashes with current Super-Welterweight ruler Ted Cheeseman on this Friday’s JD NXTGEN show at Bethnal Green’s York Hall, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Conway, 23, raced to 10-0 before suffering a first career defeat in the semi-finals of the Ultimate Boxxer III Middleweight tournament to the eventual winner Derrick Osaze. The Cobblers fan is no stranger to the big stage having fought on the Amir Khan v Samuel Vargas card last October and is hungry for more more of the high-life. 

“The British title is the pinnacle of domestic boxing and every British fighter dreams of these opportunities,” said Conway. “Being a British champion has always been a big dream of mine as it would be great for me but also history for my town of Northampton. Winning the British title as an ‘away’ fighter would be a big statement. I believe that I belong on this stage. 

“I feel like a beast at Super-Welterweight and I’ll be looking to make my size count on the night. Fans can expect a new champion in this fight. I’m keeping my eyes on this bout on Friday, but a win here and there are big fights after this that excite me. Winning on a big platform like Sky Sports will open up a lot of doors for me so it’s a big opportunity.”

Cheeseman endured a gruelling defeat last time out in February when he stepped up in class to face EBU European Champion Sergio Garcia at The O2 in his first headliner. Conway believes the punishing manor of his opponent’s defeat will have an impact on their British title showdown.

“I’d say the amount of punches taken in his last fight will impact ours because I’d imagine he will be coming with a lot more head movement and less aggression, as the longer the fight goes the more his aggression will play into my hands.

“I sparred six rounds with him about two years ago, but two weeks can make huge differences in boxing let alone two years, so I can’t really take much from that. He’s fit and relentless in his work but I’m not sure how much his last fight will have taken out of him – he took a lot of damage for 12 rounds.”

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.
 
Very limited tickets priced £40, £70 and £130 VIP are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

Philadelphia, PA (June 18, 2019)–King’s Promotions announced that the Promotional outfit has signed undefeated fighters: welterweight James Martin, bantamweight Jonathan Torres & super middleweight Khainell Wheeler.

All three will be in action this Saturday night at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. as Martin takes on Kashon Hutchinson (4-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a six-round welterweight bout.

Torres takes on Hugo Rodriguez (0-4) of Monterrey, Mexico in a four-round bantamweight bout.

Wheeler battles pro debuting Tywaski Hendrix in a four-round super middleweight fight.

“We are excited to add these three talented fighters to our roster,” said Marshall Kauffman, President of King’s Promotions.

“I feel that Martin, Torres and Wheeler are very talented, and have big upsides. I look forward to being able to promote them and see them grow into contenders and eventually world champions. As I have watched these young boxers, I seen tremendous growth in just a few fights, so I am excited to see what the future has for them. I am also looking forward to Saturday night where all three of them will be on display and it will be just the beginning of big things for them.” I look forward to working with Jim Deoria as well who was behind the developing of both Harry Yorgey and Ronald Cruz. James Martin comes from a boxing family and I believe that with a young kid like that he can fight anyone on his level and win but it is my job to place him in fights that he will grow into being the best 147lb. to 154lb in the World.

Yet another fighter is looking to follow in the footsteps of his father.

Enter undefeated welterweight James Martin.

Martin, 21 years-old of Philadelphia is the son of former three-time light heavyweight title challenger, Jerry “The Bull” Martin.

He will be in action this Saturday night when he takes on Kashon Hutchinson in a six-round bout at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The elder Martin fought the whose-who of the light heavyweight division including those championship opportunities against Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Matthew Saad Muhammad and Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

James Martin is off to a nice start in his punch for pay career as he is 4-0 in his fledgling career.

Martin, who just signed with King’s Promotions, is still learning on the job as he continues his growth in the pro-ranks.

At just 21 years-old, Martin still knows he has a lot to learn, and he has been working on his power since his last fight, which was a unanimous decision over Rick Pyle on March 1st.

“I have been learning to sit down on my punches, and with this being my first six-round fight, I am trying to pace myself better.”

With the wealth of experience that his father can instill on his son, James is very eager to learn from the former 32 fight veteran.

“I don’t feel any pressure being his son. He corrects me on my little mistakes, and that tightens up my style. I guess the best thing is that he tells me to move around more and box. I am now looking to make a name for myself.”

Torres of Bethlehem also has an undefeated mark of 4-0 with one knockout. The 20 year-old will take on Hugo Rodriguez in a scheduled four-round bout.

Before turning pro, Torres amassed a amateur record of 53-5 and was a 2018 Pennsylvania Golden Gloves winner in the 123 pound weight class.

“This is a business no, and I want to thank my managers.Jimmy Deoria and Lemuel Rodriguez,” said Torres. “King’s Promotions will guide me in the right path and get me to where we want to get to be. I can fight in any style. I can adjust to any opponent, and am only 20 years old…I don’t want to rush into anything…I Just want to fight.”

“I am excited and thankful for this,” said Wheeler. “It shows that that hard work in the gym has paid off.”

“I see King’s Promotions moving my career to where I am an six, eight, 10 and 12 round fighter”

Wheeler, 25 years old, started boxing after his older brother introduced him to the sport by watching fights on television.

“I started liking the sport and then I wanted to show my mother that I could make her proud that I could do something before she passed away. Unfortunately she passed away before I got to show her, but my older brother is here and he is very proud of what I have done so far. I just want to thank everyone who has and will continue to support me.”

Wheeler began boxing at the age of 19, and had a brief amateur career that saw him go 4-0 with two knockouts. He is managed by Jimmy Deoria and co-trained by Lemuel Rodriguez and Fernando Arroyo.

In the main event Three-Time Olympian Anvar Yunusov (7-0, 3 KOs) of Tajakistan will take on Angel Luna (11-5-1, 6 KOs) Yamasa, Dominican Republic in a eight-round featherweight bout.

In an eight-round co-feature, returning junior welterweight Milton Santiago Jr.(17-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Ruben Lopez (12-14-4, 5 KOs) of Argentina.

Also seeing action in eight-round bouts:

Colby Madison (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD takes on Robert Simms (8-3, 3 KOs) of Saginaw, MI in a heavyweight bout.

In six-round bouts:

Paul Kroll (3-0, 3 KOs) battles Hector Mercado (3-10) of Fort Myers, Florida via Veracruz, Mexico in a welterweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Rasheen Brown (3-0) of Philadelphia fights pro debuting Lionell Tidwell in a bantamweight bout.

Weusi Johnson (3-12-1) of Wilmington, Delaware battles Kevin Asmat (5-2, 4 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey in a lightweight contest.

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

Undefeated super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora, standing at an amazing 6-foot-seven inches, says he continues to grow with every training camp – literally and figuratively.

On Friday, June 21, Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., faces Hector Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico, in a 10-round super welterweight bout as the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

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, and to open the telecast, undefeated lightweight prospect Yeis Solano (14-0, 10 KOs) will face a former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout.

Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Already believed to be the tallest 154-lb fighter in boxing history, Fundora says he has some unbelievable news coming out of training camp for this fight.

“I think I grew another inch,” laughed the giant southpaw. “I get measured at every training camp and it looks like I might have gotten taller by an inch.”

Fundora, who has appeared on television before but never in a main event, says he’s thrilled to be getting this important opportunity.

“I’m excited. Not only is it my first main event, but it’s on SHOWTIME! I’m very honored they think I’m a big enough name for this. I will be coming to put on a great show for them. I don’t know much about Zepeda, other than that he’s righthanded and about six feet tall. It doesn’t matter. I had over 100 amateur fights. When I was younger, I’d go to five-day-long tournaments and all the fighters I faced would be different sizes and styles. I’m ready for anything.”

The 21-year-old spent the first half of his camp for this fight sparring in Big Bear, Calif. against much heavier fighters and then closed campt in Laguna Beach. His work with strength and conditioning coach JR Corrales, Fundora says, is paying off.

“I’m not only getting taller. I’m also getting stronger. I’m maturing, so age is kicking in. My jab will always be my best punch, but my power gets stronger in every fight. I was sparring with a lot of bigger guys and not getting pushed around by anyone. I’m already on weight too. My dad says he doesn’t want me to have to go through a fat camp and a training camp every fight. That’s like fighting two different battles at once, so I stay in shape at all times.”

Fundora’s father Freddy, who also serves as his trainer, says he’s happy with his son’s growth.

“Sebastian is looking sharp and he’s very focused. With every camp, he matures. He’s growing and that’s very important in the sport. From here on out, we’re just going to be sharpening the tools he already has. His strength and power and his boxing IQ. Zepeda looks like he’s going to try to box, but both these kids are from boxing families and that always makes for fireworks. You’re going to see two guys who have come to fight and put on a show in there Friday.”

It’s been a remarkable ride through pro boxing for the previously unheralded Fundora. Before becoming a TV favorite and “one to watch” prospect, Fundora first had to prove himself to promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, known for his eye for raw talent in boxing.

“Sebastian has grown as a fighter every time he fought,” said Lewkowicz. “Boxing is in his blood. Everyone in his family was a fighter. He’s going to be a world champion. I believe in him. He has worked very hard to become an overnight sensation in boxing.”

Friday’s event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents.

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

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

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

Dina Thorslund (13-0, 6 KOs) and April Adams (11-1-1, 4 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference today in Copenhagen ahead of their WBO World Super Bantamweight title clash on Saturday at the Forum Horsens in Denmark.

Thorslund, Denmark’s only reigning World Champion, makes a second defence of her WBO 122lbs strap against mandatory challenger April ‘Armageddon’ Adams, the current WBO Asia Pacific Champion from Brisbane, Australia.

Both fighters appeared in a confident mood as they met with the media in the Danish capital before making the trip to Horsens for their World title contest.

“I look forward to getting in the ring on Saturday,” said Thorslund. “I know Adams is an offensive fighter and I’m expecting a great fight. She comes with the storm, but it is me who brings the thunder. I will send her back down under with a bang. I believe I will win this fight by knockout.”

“It will be a great fight,” echoed Thorslund’s coach Thomas Madsen. “Adams can only box on the front foot and only knows one way, which is forward. This will give Dina some good opportunities. I believe she will knock Adams out on Saturday and show why she is the best in the world!”

“It’s great to be here in Denmark,” said Adams. “Everyone has been very welcoming and I look forward to boxing in front of the Danish fans. I’m here for one reason and that’s to take the belt home to Australia. Every fighter dreams of this opportunity and this is something I have been working towards my whole career. I’m well prepared and I feel ready to become World Champion.”

“We wouldn’t have travelled all this way if we didn’t believe April could win this fight,” added Adams’ trainer John Bastable. “They say they’re coming for the knockout and I hope they bring it from the first round because April is ready!”

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.

TWO-WEIGHT BRITISH champion Liam Williams will fight for the WBC Silver middleweight title at The O2, London on July 13.

‘The Machine’ will take on former European champion Karim Achour on the night of the heavyweight double header featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman and Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings

The Frenchman Achour, 32, has mixed in good company and has never been stopped in a career spanning 35 fights (27-5-3).

He won the vacant European title in October 2015, forcing Moez Fhima to retire in the tenth round, before claiming the French middleweight title in June 2017. He won the WBC International title in February 2018 before taking on David Lemieux three months later and extending the big-punching Canadian the full 12 rounds and suffering defeat on the cards.

Williams, 20-2-1, insists he is about to inflict a first stoppage on Achour on his way to winning a second title as a middleweight campaigner.

“It is great for me and a big step up,” considered the Welshman. “It is what I have been calling for and it will be another title to add to my collection.

“I am excited, I am sure I am going to win in a good fashion and just keep progressing.

“We tried getting certain opponents which we weren’t able to pin down for whatever reason but, for me, I couldn’t give a monkeys over whoever I fight for a WBC Silver title. It doesn’t matter to me.

“For me it is about picking up the title and taking another step in the right direction towards the ultimate goal, which is obviously becoming world champion,” he added, before noting the apparent durability of his forthcoming opposition.

“I looked at his Boxrec and almost every one of his fights. Because he has never been stopped and he hasn’t stopped that many, the majority have been long distance fights. He is obviously experienced over 10 or 12 rounds.

“That is no worry to me because I am fit and could do 15 rounds, especially at middleweight where I have got loads in the tank. I just think, with the roll I am on at the moment, I feel like I am going to go through people and I don’t think this guy is going to make it through the full fight and is going to get stopped for the first time.”

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, super flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and super featherweight contender Archie Sharp. Also 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

On Saturday, June 22, at CSU’s Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Douglasville, Georgia-based contender Brad “King” Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) will step up on short notice to face the United Kingdom’s Navid “Nav” Mansouri (19-2-2, 6 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the WBC United States (USNBC) Super Welterweight Championship.

An arm injury to undefeated Canadian Cody Crowley has opened the door for Solomon, whose fight with Mansouri will serve as the main event of Bigger Than Life Entertainment and Mo Entertainment’s (in partnership with six-time World Champion Miguel Cotto’s Miguel Cotto Promotions) “Making A Champion” event and be televised live on CBS Sports (11 pm ET/8 pm PT) along with super flyweight Dewayne “Mr. Stop Running” Beamon (16-1-1, 11 KOs) of Goldsboro, North Carolina, facing Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina’s Lucas Emanuel Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured bout.

Remaining tickets for “Making A Champion” are priced at $65, $80 and $100 and are on sale now at wolsteincenter.com or Wolstein Center Box Office on CSU campus.

“I feel good,” said Solomon. “I was already training for something else, but this came along first and an opportunity like this is what I’ve been waiting for. I’m ready to show my talent and show I’m still here. After I do what I do to this guy, that will put me back in the eyes of everyone.”

Solomon, who says he’s had some bad luck with missed opportunities and contract disputes, doesn’t know much about his last-minute opponent, but isn’t worried.

“I’ll find out what he’s got when I get in there. I can adjust to anything, so I’m not too worried about it. I just want to use this win to springboard me into bigger opportunities. I was number one in the world and getting ready for a title shot, but it didn’t work out. I want to get back out there and get my title shot I deserve. It feels like my luck is changing now.

30-year-old Mansouri from Rotherham, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, is a former BBofC English Super Welterweight Champion and is currently living in Los Angeles and training at the legendary Wild Card Gym.

Mansouri says the move has given him a wealth of new experience.

“Training is going really well. I’ve moved down to Los Angeles for this camp. I’ve even left my family to do this camp. It’s hard, but you have to sacrifice for this game. I’m training with (former Peter Quillen and Paulie Malignaggi trainer) Eric Brown at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. I like working with him. I’ve got a strength and conditioning coach I’m working with as well, Taylor Ramsdell. The gym has a great atmosphere to it. I’m being exposed to a lot of different styles.

With a goal of becoming a known commodity in the US, Mansouri is hoping this fight provides the launching pad.

“This is a great thing to come to America to train and fight. I always wanted to fight here and this one is on two networks, so it’s a way to put myself out there in the American market. A lot of people will be watching this fight and I’m ready to show what I’m capable of doing.”

The exciting five-fight undercard, featuring Cleveland’s Montana Love (11-0-1, 5 KOs) taking on Kenya’s Michael Odhiambo (15-11, 12 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout and Cleveland’s comebacking former contender Miguel Angel Gonzalez (24-4, 16 KOs) going against Mexico City’s Mario Perez (20-7-5, 12 KOs) in a lightweight six-rounder will be streamed live on www.fite.tv (7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT).

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Ray Leonard Jr., son of six-time world champion, Sugar Ray Leonard will provide the CBS Sports commentary. World renowned clothing designer, Karl Kani will be providing outfits for the ring girls.

The Wolstein Center is located at 2000 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland. On fight night, the doors open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30 pm. Making A Champion is sponsored by B&M BBQ.

About Bigger Than Life Entertainment

BTLE is a full-service entertainment company specializing in Boxing Promotions, Public Relations and Artist Management. They place Sports and Entertainment celebrities at major events worldwide and offer sports tickets and packages in Las Vegas, across the U.S., and internationally.

About Miguel Cotto Promotions

MCP stems from the vision and passion of Miguel Angel Cotto Vazquez with the premise of giving the boxer what boxing gave his family. Emerging in 2005, MCP has since established a great rapport with the community with over 13 years in the industry solidifying its spot as one of the leading sporting firms in Puerto Rico.

NEW YORK (June 17, 2019) –On Saturday night, Split-T Management’s Sonny Conto made it three consecutive stoppage wins to begin his career as he got rid of Daniel Infante in the 2nd round of their heavyweight bout that took place at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Once-again, Conto was dominant as he had Infante in trouble from the opening bell. In the opening frame, Conto wobbled Infante to the point to where Infante was administered a standing-eight count. In round two, Conto dropped Infante, and the bout was stopped midway through the referee’s count.

Conto raised his perfect mark to 3-0 with three knockouts.

“Sonny looked terrific on Saturday night,” said Tim VanNewhouse of Split-T Management. “He is progressing very nicely. He is very composed and we expect big things from Sonny in the heavyweight division.”

The 23 year-old Conto was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Conto is promoted by Top Rank.

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2019) — Top Rank and MTK Global are proud to announce a collaboration between the companies designed to bring world-class boxing and the sport’s most dynamic fighters to territories around the globe.

The collaboration will further the global reach of MTK Global and Top Rank, as the companies develop blue-chip talent, stage events featuring championship fighters and top prospects, and market the sport worldwide.

As just the first example of this initiative, MTK Global is organizing a special event July 6 in Kazakhstan’s capital city, Nur-Sultan, including the first WBC world title bout to be contested on Kazakh soil. This boxing extravaganza — part of the nation’s celebration of Capital City Day — will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ and feature WBC bantamweight world champion Nordine Oubaali (15-0, 11 KOs) defending his title against Arthur Villanueva (32-3-1, 18 KOs).

Then, on Aug. 3, Michael “Mick” Conlan makes his triumphant homecoming against former Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin in front of 10,000 fans at Belfast’s Falls Park. Conlan-Nikitin, one of the keystone events of the city’s annual Feile an Phobail summer festival, will also stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

“The true future of boxing is global. It is a sport understood by people around the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are pleased to be working with MTK Global in our mutual effort to globalize the sport on a major basis.”

“MTK Global is proud and honored to be associated with Bob Arum and Top Rank in a relationship such as this,” said MTK Global President Bob Yalen. “Top Rank has been the leading promoter worldwide for over 50 years and has been instrumental in developing and promoting some of the greatest fighters in the world over that time period. The ability of Top Rank to promote not just a fight, but its fighters, is second to none. Combining that knowledge and experience with the depth of MTK Global’s roster of world-class talent and up-and-coming prospects is a sure way to broaden the horizons of both companies. We are looking forward to working closely with Top Rank to bring world-class boxing, and to develop world-class talent, in areas where boxing is just beginning to make an impression or where it is ripe for a resurgence.”

Top Rank recently bolstered its roster with the signing of multiple MTK Global-managed fighters to promotional contracts, including lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, former unified bantamweight world champion Ryan Burnett and former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton.

In March, Top Rank and MTK Global announced an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement to bring roughly 30 MTK Global events annually to fans in the United States on ESPN platforms, including ESPN+.

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1966 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, and Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

Top Rank has promoted some of the most memorable fights in the sport’s history, including 26 Ali events, Leonard vs. Hearns, Pryor vs. Arguello, Duran vs. Leonard, Hagler vs. Hearns, Leonard vs. Hagler, Foreman vs. Holyfield, Morales vs. Barrera, De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, and the most lucrative fight in boxing history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. In addition to the previously mentioned super fights, Top Rank possesses one of the largest sports libraries, which includes nearly 10,000 fights.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Staples Center, Wembley Arena, Araneta Coliseum, The Venetian Macao, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, The “Fabulous” Forum, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21^st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

About MTK Global
MTK Global is the world’s foremost fighter management company. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it was founded in September 2012 by two-time European boxing champion, Matthew Macklin.

MTK Global delivers a wide range of support and services including career development, legal, media, endorsements and sponsorships to more than a hundred professional fighters. It provides boxing shows, events and training gyms in various locations worldwide: Marbella, Spain, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sta. Catarina, Brasil and Sydney, Australia.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 17th, 2019) — There are many reasons why some professional fighters hang on longer than most people think they should.

Some need the money. Others miss the limelight.

Chad Dawson is simply motivated by the thrill of victory and an opportunity to reclaim his throne atop the light heavyweight division.

“If I didn’t think I had anything left, I wouldn’t be doing it right now,” said the former two-time world champion, who returns to the ring Saturday, June 29th, 2019 at Foxwoods Resort Casino after two and a half years away from the sport.

“I want to get back in the spotlight, back into contention and back into the ring with the guys who are at the top now.”

Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), who turns 37 in July, faces North Carolina vet Quinton Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs) in the eight-round main event of CES Boxing’s pro-am spectacular at the historic Fox Theater. The event streams live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE and also includes a 10-round featherweight co-feature bout between fellow New Haven boxer Tramaine Williams(17-0, 6 KOs) and Filipino Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs).

Limited tickets are available at $47, $77 and $157 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office. All fights and fighters subject to change.

Dawson is not the first — and he certainly won’t be the last — fighter to return to the sport following a long layoff or retirement. Comeback stories are part of the fabric of pro boxing. Everyone loves an underdog and fans are inherently drawn to the inspirational, yet cautionary, tale of an ex-fighter looking for one more shot at glory.

Some end better than others. Sugar Ray Robinson retired at the age of 31 in 1952, only to return two years and win the world middleweight two more times before finally calling it quits in 1965 with a whopping 201 pro bouts on his resume. Former heavyweight champ George Foreman ended a 10-year layoff in 1987, returning to the ring at 38 and winning an additional 27 fights before he stunned world champion Michael Moorer with a 10-round knockout victory in 1994 at the age of 45.

Sugar Ray Leonard tried, but failed, returning to boxing after a six-year layoff at the age of 40 to face Hector Camacho Jr., who dismantled him en route to a devastating fifth-round knockout. More recently, former junior welterweight king Zab Judah, now 41, suffered a brain bleed following a knockout loss to Cletus Seldin earlier this month in his third fight since ending a four-year layoff.

Judah’s recent setback is fresh in Dawson’s mind, yet hasn’t deterred the former two-time champ in the quest to take over the 175-pound division, a weight class he ruled swiftly and effectively during the best stretch of his career between 2007 and 2012.

In that timeframe, Dawson defended his WBC world light heavyweight title three times, including the first of two wins over legendary road warrior Glen Johnson, then captured the IBO and IBF titles by beating Antonio Tarver in 2008. The two fought again a year and it was more of the same as Dawson won by unanimous decision for the second time. Dawson then closed out the year with a second win over Johnson, re-adding the WBC belt back to his repertoire.

A setback against Jean Pascal in 2010 forced Dawson to go back to the drawing back. Two years later, he regained the WBC title by beating Bernard Hopkins in a rematch of their first bout that ended in a no contest.

Having beaten everyone the light heavyweight division had to offer, Dawson dropped to 168 pounds to challenge unbeaten pound-for-pound king Andre Ward in 2012, a fight that ended with a battered Dawson bowing out in the 10th round of their scheduled 12-round title bout.

The next five years, as Dawson put it, were particular hard both for he and his family. The well-wishers and support staff that stuck by him through the good times could no longer be found. The phone stopped ringing. In an effort to “stay away from the negative stuff,” Dawson relocated to his family to Nevada for a few years before returning to Connecticut in 2015.

During that stretch, Dawson’s performance in the ring was sporadic at best. He absorbed a knockout loss to Adonis Stevenson in 2013 in an attempt to regain the WBC light heavyweight title, but then won three of his next four before another setback against Andrzej Fonfara in March of 2017.

He knows there are still naysayers who don’t think he should come back or doubt his ability to compete at the highest level, but Dawson wouldn’t be doing this if he wasn’t confident he could make another run at a world title. The time is now, he says, based on a few important factors; Ward retired two years ago after crushing former world champ Sergey Kovalev a second time, and, Dawson said, Kovalev is not the same fighter he was when he surged to a 30-0 record in capturing the WBO, WBO and IBF world title. Furthermore, Dawson is unimpressed with Oleksandr Gvozdyk, who recently pummeled Stevenson to capture the WBC title.

“There a lot of good fighters in this division, but I think a Chad Dawson in tip-top shape can beat these guys,” Dawson said.

We may soon find out, but first Dawson must get past Rankin, a scrappy underdog who enters this fight with, in his own words, “nothing to lose.” This is a good barometer for Dawson to test himself and see just how far along he is in his quest to recapture the magic that earned him a spot among the sport’s elite.

“Honestly, it’s a fight I should win,” Dawson said matter-of-factly. “With my pedigree, my background and my experience, I should come out on top.”

While there have been detractors — mainly anonymous profiles and faceless names on social media — Dawson says he’s felt an overwhelming amount of support since announcing his comeback, perhaps a sign that he’s finally learned to block out the negativity that clouded his judgment for the last five years. Dawson recently alluded to this on social media with a lengthy post about the highs and lows athletes experience in professional, quoting Golden State Warriors power forward DeMarcus Cousins, who recently said, “We’re idolized as superstar athletes, not human beings.”

“What I went through is what all fighters go through,” Dawson said. “Boxing is a brutal sport. Some are fortunate to leave with money and some aren’t. I wanted everyone to understand where I’m coming from. We all have families to take care of — kids, wives, mothers, fathers, people who depend on us.

“We’re fighters, but we’re regular people like everyone else. When you’re on top, the phone is ringing off the hook. All that stuff stops when you take a couple of losses. When you’re not on top, people forget about you.”

With his family back in Hampton, roughly 70 miles north of New Haven, Dawson has reunited with his first promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr., who helped guide him to his first 17 wins as a pro, including a WBC youth world title in 2005 when Dawson was just 23 years old.

“He’s the first one who took a chance on me,” Dawson said of Burchfield. “I owe a lot of this to him. He got me in the position to be able to fight on Showtime and HBO and get the big fights that put me in position to fight for a world title.

“What better place to be than with Jimmy and CES? I’m back home. It’d be great to finish my career with Jimmy.”

That all-important first step in less than two weeks away and Dawson feels like a new man, both physically and mentally. He’s taking his training day by day to ensure he doesn’t overdo it so that he’s in “perfect shape” come fight night.

Walking away is never easy, whether it’s boxers, baseball players or football Hall of Famers, but most know when their time has come. Dawson isn’t there yet. There’s still something left in the tank and he’s ready to put it all on display on June 29th.

“Athletes in generals, we always feel we have more to offer,” Dawson said. “We can do more regardless of what our body or mind tells us. For me, the last five years haven’t gone the way I wanted them to go. I’ve done a lot. I’ve accomplished everything I said I wanted to do in boxing.

“Now I’m doing this for me. It’s not for anybody else. It’s not for money. I want to show everyone I still have something left.”

Manchester, Conn., super welterweight Jose Rivera (7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.

Also featured on the main card, New Haven female flyweight Marisa Belenchia (0-0) makes her professional debut against Delaney Owen (0-2) of Clearwater, Fla., and featherweight Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KOs) of Bridgeport puts his unbeaten record on the line against Minnesota’s Jose Homar Rios (2-6-1, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Junior welterweight Wilson Mascarenhas (1-1) of New Bedford, Mass., faces Joshua Oxendine (0-0) of Pembroke, N.C., and undefeated featherweight Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in a separate four-round bout.

Showtime for the main card is 7 p.m. ET, preceded by a 10-fight amateur preliminary card featuring Dawson’s son, Chad Dawson Jr., and the debut of Lennox Estrada, the son of U.S. Olympian and former heavyweight title-challenger Jason Estrada of Providence, R.I.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a Las Vegas media breakfast roundtable Saturday morning as he discussed his upcoming title defense Saturday, July 20 against unbeaten Mike Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten heavyweight sensation 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. The Ajagba vs. Demirezen match is being promoted in association with Ringstar Sports.

After FOX PBC Fight Night, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao takes on undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Here is what Plant (18-0, 10 KOs), along with his trainer Justin Gamber, had to say Saturday from Hecho En Vegas at MGM Grand about their matchup against Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) and more:

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been working hard. Sparring is great. My weight is on point and I’ve been eating good. We’re rolling. Last camp I found my groove in probably my third or fourth week. This time it was in my second week. I’m going to be an improved Caleb Plant.

“As I’ve worked more on strength and conditioning with my coach Larry Wade, everyone can see how my power has developed. I’m sitting down on my punches more as well. But there’s no substitute for sharpening your tools in the shed. I’m still working on my craft as much as ever.

“We’ve seen so many big upsets so far this year in boxing, so I have more than enough motivation to focus on the task July 20. I’ve always said that the only fight I worry about, is the one that is signed.

“I already feel like I’m the best out there. Good luck to Mike Lee. I hope he shows up. He’s going to be getting a mattress sponsorship, because July 20 he’s going to sleep. This isn’t going 12 rounds.

“Justin Gamber is underrated and I believe he’s one of the best teachers in boxing. That’s what he is, a teacher. There’s a lot of guys with stopwatches and whistles, but not everyone can teach the art of boxing. Different fighters need different things and Justin knows I don’t need to be screamed at to get going. It’s all positivity and he makes it easy to understand.

“I think I’ve shown that I’m special and I’m different. I can bring things to the table that no one else can. I don’t have to raise my voice for you to know that I mean what I say. You already believe me. I’m going to continue to walk how I walk and talk how I talk.

“Media recognition and stature has changed since winning the title, but who I am and how hard I work, I’m still the same Caleb that I’ve always been. I’ve looked at myself as a world champion from a young age. How else do you become a world champion?

“Jose Uzcategui was everything they were building him up to be. He’s a relentless pressure fighter with power in both hands and I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I don’t think he knew what he was getting himself into, and I tried to warn him.

“We’d love to unify and be undisputed, that’s the goal. For now, we’re just focused on the task at hand. I have my hands full on the big stage July 20. If you look too far down the road, it can mess up the immediate future. I am really focused on getting past this challenge.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“Caleb has been the ultimate student. I couldn’t ask for someone better. When I think of Caleb as an amateur, I think of just an athletic guy. Since he turned pro he’s really developed his skill set and fine-tuned his technique. He’s a guy who now has that athletic ability combined with skill and high boxing IQ.

“Caleb amazes me every day with how he tries different things and how he can break it down, fine tune it and perfect it. We’re just making sure that he can use his skills at the right time in the fight.

“The super middleweight division is in one of its hottest eras and I think Caleb Plant is head and shoulders above the rest. When I think of a possible future fight with Caleb against David Benavidez, I think of Floyd Mayweather vs. Diego Corrales. The offensive-minded big man against the smaller, better boxer. I see Caleb doing a similar job one day.”

# # #

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 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

LAS VEGAS (June 17, 2019) – Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions will give away the house August 2 nd on another installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, offering free admission to its loyal fanbase, at the famed Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

World Boxing Council (WBC) female World super featherweight champion Eva Wahlstrom (22-1-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Finland, will headline in a 10-round bout against challenger Yareli “Chocolita” Larios (13-2-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico.

“We want to give back to the Las Vegas boxing community because RJJ Boxing started and remains based here in the boxing capital of the world,” RJJ Boxing CEO/co-founder Keith Veltre explained. “What better way to do it than to headline the card with a world title bout? There will be a very limited number of ringside seats on sale. All other tickets will be FREE! This is our way of saying thank you to Las Vegas boxing fans for their tremendous loyalty to RJJ Boxing the past five-plus years.”

Fans can register online to receive their free tickets, by going to www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com and following instructions.

RJJ Boxing co-founder and living legend Roy Jones, Jr. will host a meet-and-great for ticket holders prior to the fights.

Former European champion Wahlstrom captured her WBC female World super featherweight title in 2015, when she won a 10-round decision over Natalia Vanesa del Valle Aguirre. She followed with four successful title defenses to date, all by way of 10-round decisions, versus Dahiana Santana (35-7), Anahi Esther Sanchez (14-0), Mayra Alejandra Gomez (18-5) and Melissa St. Vil (10-2-4).

Last December, Wahlstrom traveled outside her native Finland to fight for the first time as a professional, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, moving up in weight to challenge undefeated IBF/WBA lightweight champion Katie Taylor (11-0), the 2012 Olympic and 5-time AIBA World Amateur Championships gold medalist from Ireland. Wahlstrom extended Taylor, now 14-0 (6 KOs) and undisputed world lightweight champion, the full 10-round distance, albeit in a losing effort.

She returns to America for her second pro fight, as well as her fifth WBC world title defense.

“When I found boxing as a 15-year-old,” Wahlstrom explained, “Roy Jones Jr. was the first boxer I watched and who I was inspired by. It feels almost unreal that over 20 years later he wants to sign me, but maybe that is the reward for two decades of hard work. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I’ve had a few dreams during my career and fighting in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, is one of them.

“It has been a tricky road to arrange this fight and I would like to thank Natlyn Jones (Roy’s wife), who has fought for me and this fight, regardless of setbacks or obstacles. To be fighting in the main event of a high-level event like this feels incredible, especially as a woman boxer.
The way Natlyn and RJJ Boxing have shown me trust and loyalty in recent months has also built a foundation for future cooperation.”

Yareli, a former WBC FECOMBOX super featherweight champion, will be fighting outside of her native Mexico for only the second time. In her last fight this past February, Larios lost an eight-round decision in Hinkley, Minnesota, to North American Boxing Federation (NABF) champion Mikaela Mayer (10-4, 4 KOs), a 2016 U.S. Olympian.

I’m excited to meet Yareli Larios,” Wahlstrom said. “She is a young, dangerous opponent who will surely come very well prepared for this title fight. Her father is an ex-WBC champion, so this fight surely has extra importance for their entire team. We must be well prepared for whatever they bring. I wish her all the best for her preparation.”

Scheduled to fight on the Aug. 2nd FREE RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS card in the 10-round, co-feature is undefeated, WBA No. 14-rated junior welterweight Kendo “Tremendo” Casteneda (16-0, 7 KOs), the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) champion from San Antonio, Texas.

All fights and fighters are subject to change. Opponents and other fights will soon be announced.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass, www.thomasandmack.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @ThomasAndMack, @wahlstrom_eva, @KendoTremendo
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @ThomasandMack, @eva_wahlstrom
@kendotremendo
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /Thomas&MackCenter, /EvaWahlstrom, /kendotremendocastaneda

Craig Richards says he is looking for a knockout when he clashes with South London rival Andre Sterling in a Final Eliminator for the British Light-Heavyweight crown at York Hall this Friday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

Richards crossed paths with his unbeaten opponent last week, sparking a heated confrontation outside of the Peacock Gym in Canning Town, and the WBA Continental champion has promised to make Sterling pay for his disrespectful comments. 

“He was saying ‘don’t let the occasion get to me,’ but I’ve been in these occasions multiple times,” said Richards. “I’ve been in these big fights, I’ve been in these grudge matches. I’m used to these occasions now. He’ll be under a lot of pressure now. There are a lot of people from around the area coming, so he really needs to perform. He’ll try to fight his heart out and try to come forward, but it’s just not going to be enough. He knows it’s sink or swim.

“We’re looking for a knockout hopefully. I’m punching harder every fight. I’ve moved up properly to Light-Heavyweight, I’ve got everyone out within three rounds and I just hope to continue a good winning streak. I believe that if I’m going to move on to where I want to be then I need to be beating opponents like him, so it’s a good test for me at this stage of my career.

“For Andre, this is his World title shot. He’s not too far from me in London, he’s a local boy around my area so this is everything to him. It’s got the spice and the twists to it. For me, I just look at it as business. I look at it from a more professional aspect. He’s just another opponent and I’ve got to get the job done. He’s going to come and he’s going to bring it but it’s for me to go out there and show my class and show how good I am and where I’m destined to be.

“He’s been calling the fight on and I don’t duck any challenges. I answered the call and we’re getting it on. He’s been wanting this fight for a long time. A lot of people have told me he’s been talking about fighting me for years. I don’t know what goes on in his head, I don’t know what people tell him. I think he’ll definitely regret what he’s said about me.”

Richards vs. Sterling 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), Ted Cheeseman (15-1, 9 KO) makes the first defence of his British Super-Welterweight title against Kieron Conway (12-1, 3 KOs), 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.

Very limited tickets priced £40, £70 and £130 VIP are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).