HOUSTON (May 30, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Interim Middleweight Championand Houston-native Jermall Charlo went face to face with middleweight contender Brandon Adams Thursday at a press conference in Charlo’s hometown to preview their showdown Saturday, June 29 live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from NRG Arena and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

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.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event, Charlo will fight in Houston for the first time since 2012, as he looks to further cement his place amongst the middleweight elite against Adams, who shot up the 160-pound rankings by winning the 2018 reboot of The Contender.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Hotel ZaZa Museum District in Houston:

JERMALL CHARLO

“Me and my brother Jermell have been through so much in boxing. We’ve been doing it since we were eight-years-old. To make it to this world class level and to do it for Houston, it feels great.

“It’s going to be fireworks. I’m coming for the knockout every time. Houston is hot and the heat is going to be there fight night. I’m going to do what I normally do and give the crowd excitement.

“Ronnie Shields has changed me from being a kid to realizing who I am as a man in the sport of boxing. He’s had world champions before me so I know he can judge my progression. He’s going to make sure I stay at this level.

“I’m walking in the ring and I’m handling my business. This is definitely a step up fight for Brandon Adams, but I’m only worried about what I have to do. I’m just going to prepare to be my best. We’re going to both give it our all and I will be victorious.

“Boxing is about experiences and I’m still learning. I’m going to have my ups and downs, because no fighter is perfect. But I will always prepare myself well and that’s why I’m still undefeated. I needed a fight like my last one to get even better.

“I’m going to finish this fight. My goal is to make quick work of Brandon and show him that there are levels to this. You might be a contender, but it’s another thing to be a champion.

“I get a lot of juice from the hometown crowd. Just having my family there alone is what I really need to get the nerves and excitement to where I need them. I’m going to be comfortable and I’m going to stick to my game plan. I’m not here to make mistakes.

“Thus far camp has been great. I feel awesome and I’m well prepared. It’s an amazing feeling to be fighting in my hometown. It’s almost a dream come true to me. To have my own card at this level and on this stage, it shows the support Houston has for me.”

BRANDON ADAMS

“I appreciate the opportunity I have to step into the ring with this man across from me. I’m super excited about it and I can’t wait. These are two top fighters getting in the ring and we’re going to give the fans a show.

“It’s not just what I see in Jermall, it’s what I believe in myself. The combo of working with Dub Huntley and Freddie Roach is perfect. They are both seasoned vets and they teach me something new every day.

“I didn’t expect my road to be easy because it’s never been easy for me. I’m on the road and I understand that. I’m prepared to pack my bags and go wherever I need to, so that I can become what I’m supposed to become. The best man will win on June 29.

“Before The Contender I felt that I didn’t have an opportunity to show how good I am. During the whole series it was about getting back in the ring and shaking off the rust, then showcasing who I am.

“Winning The Contender helped get me here, but I always had confidence and believed in myself since day one. In choosing to accept Charlo’s challenge, I had it in my mind that I belong here.

“It was pressure every time I fought on The Contender. Each round were quality opponents leading up to the final and all of that will prepare me for Charlo. He deserves everything he’s gotten and I respect him as a man, but I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.

“His team didn’t have to fight me, but they chose to. I appreciate his fans coming out to support him because they’ll see both of us. Hopefully I can win some of them over.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Charlo’s Trainer

“We’ve done a lot of studying of Brandon Adams and he’s a really good fighter. Winning The Contender is not an easy feat. He’s truly a contender, so we have to make sure we’re working hard every single day.

“We’re not sitting back and waiting for someone to fight us. We have to continue to be busy. You still have to fight hard fights when you’re at the top and that’s what we’re doing. We’re preparing the right way.

“I’m so happy that everybody has come out to support Jermall because he’s been waiting to make his homecoming and this is it. It’s important to see everyone on his side.”

DUB HUNTLEY, Adams’ Trainer

“I hope everybody comes out for this one because it’s going to be a great fight. I’ve been with Brandon for a long time and I know that he’s going to win this fight and put on a memorable performance. Charlo is a great fighter but Brandon has all the tools necessary to come into his hometown and get the victory.”

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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.

NEW YORK – May 30, 2019 – Two top undefeated heavyweight prospects will put their unblemished records on the line when they fight in separate bouts on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, July 12 live on SHOWTIME from Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash.

Top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin returns for his second consecutive test of 2018 on ShoBox against the streaking Jerry Forrest in the 10-round headliner. In the co-featured bout, undefeated Swedish heavyweight and top-10 ranked contender Otto Wallin will battle former world title challenger BJ Flores in a 10-round clash on the seventh ShoBox telecast of 2019.

“The heavyweight division is the strongest it’s been in a generation with a number of new faces looking to position themselves for an eventual title shot,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of ShoBox. “Otto Wallin is on the doorstep based on his rankings in the top 10 but he needs that statement win to get there. BJ Flores is not coming to test Wallin. He is coming to win and feels he has what it takes to teach Wallin a lesson.

“Jermaine Franklin is the best American heavyweight prospect and, at only 25 years old, still has a ton of growth potential. He passed his first test on ShoBox in April and we look forward to getting a second look at him in another step-up fight. Forrest is far more experienced than Franklin. This will be his fifth fight of 2019, and he is fully aware of what a win will do for his career.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions in association with Brian Halquist Productions, go on sale Saturday, June 1 and are available via Ticketmaster and the Emerald Queen Box Office.

“This is an exciting time for the heavyweight division and on July 12 boxing fans will have an opportunity to witness two of the division’s best new faces in significant tests,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Jermaine Franklin’s goal is to be an American heavyweight world champion, and an impressive performance in a tough matchup with Jerry Forrest will be a significant step in his quest to the title.

“Otto Wallin is an example of what happens when you combine dreams and hard work. He grew up in a small town in Sweden and aims to challenge for the heavyweight world title and follow in the footsteps of Ingemar Johansson. Otto is fighting a proven veteran in BJ Flores who’s only losses have been in world title fights, so I expect it will be an exciting matchup from the opening bell.”

The 25-year-old Franklin (18-0, 13 KOs), from Saginaw, Mich., is a former amateur standout and a 2014 National Golden Gloves Champion. A likely candidate to represent the U.S. at the 2016 Olympic Games, Franklin turned down the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team and instead chose to begin his professional career in 2015. Widely regarded as the top American heavyweight prospect, Franklin has built his undefeated record with relative ease since turning pro, knocking out nine of his first 10 professional opponents. Franklin made his SHOWTIME debut in the co-featured bout of the Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer event in April, earning a unanimous decision over former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker.

“In my SHOWTIME debut earlier this year, I felt I could have put on a better show but I won and that’s most important,” Franklin said. “Winning this fight is an important step toward my dreams of fighting for a heavyweight championship. This fight also is a chance for the fans to see me more focused and prepared. Jerry Forrest has been around the game for a while and he brings a lot of skills to the ring. I will be ready for him.”

Forrest (25-2, 19 KOs), of Newport News, Va., has won eighteen consecutive bouts since dropping back-to-back contests to world title challenger Gerald Washington and Michael Hunter, whose only professional loss came to former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Forrest, a 6-foot-1 southpaw, scored an eight-round unanimous decision over Joshua Tufte his last time out in April.

“This is a long time coming for me,” said Forrest. “My record and my potential are definitely worthy to fight in the main event on national television. This is where I should be. I’m very comfortable and I’m not at all overwhelmed. I’ve fought in the Nationals and big tournaments and I’m not afraid of the spotlight. Franklin throws a lot of punches and tries to bully you out. He’s not super accurate from what I see. He’s a heavyweight who will try to outwork you. I see him as a very similar fighter to Andy Ruiz. My training is going great, I haven’t been out of shape in two years. I’ve been in the gym grinding and doing it old school.”

Wallin (20-0, 13 KOs, 1 ND) made his U.S. debut on SHOWTIME in April, also on the undercard of Shields-Hammer, but his fight with Nick Kisner was cut short after an accidental headbutt left Kisner unable to continue, resulting in a No Decision. The 6-foot-5 Wallin turned pro in 2013 and has gradually risen in the rankings by recording 20 straight wins in Europe prior to his American debut. The 28-year-old southpaw won the Swedish Boxing Championship at 16-years-old, fought against Anthony Joshua twice as an amateur and was a member of the Swedish National Boxing Team. Currently ranked in the top-ten by both the WBA and IBF, Wallin now has his sights set on becoming his country’s first Heavyweight Champion since Ingemar Johansson in 1960.

“My U.S. debut did not go the way I had hoped and I didn’t get a chance to show off my skills,” said Wallin. “I’m really looking forward to going out there again getting a chance to show a lot more. This is a fight I need to win if I want to go somewhere. I need to win and I need to look good doing it. I need to be sharp at all times and not take anything for granted. This is a sport where everything can change in the blink of an eye.”

Flores (34-4-1, 21 KOs) turned pro in 2003 and has enjoyed a long, successful career competing mostly as a cruiserweight. Undefeated through the first seven years and 25 fights of his career, Flores suffered his first setback when he traveled to Australia to challenge Danny Green for his IBO Cruiserweight world title, dropping a unanimous decision. The Arizona native bounced back by winning eight of his next nine fights before getting a second chance at a world title, again traveling to his opponent’s hometown. This time, Flores was stopped by WBC Cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew in Liverpool. Flores has since moved to heavyweight, where he has won two of his three fights.

“Not only is this a winnable fight for me, I am 100 percent winning this,” said Flores. “I’m working with [trainers] Angel Heredia and Ibn Cason and world class heavyweight Kubrat Pulev. Working with this team is perfect for getting my strength and conditioning up for this fight, and sparring with one of the top guys in the world in Pulev is making me very sharp. I know Wallin is undefeated and has a good amateur style. He’s tall and has good boxing ability. I know he’s got some talent and is a young up and coming guy. He’ll be trying to make a name for himself off of my name, so I’ll be ready for that.”

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.

The biggest weekend in boxing is bringing all of the boxing legends out to Turning Stone Resort Casino on June 7th for the 30th anniversary of the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend. Outside of the ring will consist of almost a week long of phenomenal events with some of boxing’s biggest stars. However, inside the ring, legacy’s will grow, some attempting to fill the footsteps of their famous fathers.

When JAMES “BUDDY” MCGIRT JR. (27-3-1 14KO’s) laces up his gloves on June 7th, an extra presence will be in the air. In the co-feature,McGirt Jr. will be facing undefeated Frenchman DAVID PAPOT (22-0 3KO’s), for the WBA Intercontinental & WBO International Middleweight Titles. In a sport that is the king of drama and storylines, it is fitting that McGirt Jr. is the son of “BUDDY” MCGIRT (73-6-1 48KO’s), storied multi-weight world champion and the first ever World Champ hailing from Long Island, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame after watching his son attempt to honor that induction.

Hailing from Brentwood, Long Island, McGirt Sr. made his pro-debut in 1982, working his way to a 38-1-1 record, before squaring off with Frankie Warren in 1988, at the Memorial Coliseum, in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Buddy won the IBF World Super Lightweight Title by TKO. Three years later, in 1991 McGirt challenged multi-time world champion Simon Brown, defeating him by unanimous decision for the WBC World Welterweight Title, his second world title.

On June 7th, James McGirt Jr. will be fighting in front of his father, as McGirt Sr. will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on the same weekend. McGirt has had success at the Middleweight division and hopes to add both vacant belts to his trophy case, on a path to become the second world champion bearing the name James “Buddy” McGirt.

The highly anticipated main event showcases 6-time world champion, ZAB “SUPER” JUDAH (Brooklyn, NY 44-9 30KO’s) against New York knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (23-1 19KO’s) for the NABA Super Lightweight Title. Judah, the last undisputed welterweight king, looks to add to his hall of fame worthy legacy, in search for another title shot at the super lightweight division. Seldin has hall of fame power in both hands. A win against a world class fighter like Judah will put Seldin right in the thick of the title chase of the super lightweight division. Both fighters know that the winner is likely to get a shot at the World Championship.

RENO, Nev. (May 30, 2019) — Gabriel Flores Jr., the 19-year-old pride of Stockton, California, had the night of his boxing life May 4 at Stockton Arena. More than 10,000 fans packed the venue, as Flores knocked out Eduardo Pereira Reis in three raucous rounds, establishing himself as the sport’s youngest hometown ticket-seller.

Flores will return June 8 against Salvador Briceno in an eight-round lightweight bout, which will be the ESPN-televised co-feature to Oscar Valdez’s WBO featherweight world title defense against fellow unbeaten Jason Sanchez at Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Valdez-Sanchez and Flores-Briceno will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The entire undercard will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

“I am excited to be back on ESPN, and once again, Stockton will be in the building,” Flores said. “Briceno is the toughest fight of my career, but I rise to the level of my opposition. I only fought a few weeks ago, so I am sharp and ready to put on another highlight-reel showing for the fans watching on ESPN.”

“Trust me when I say that Flores has never faced anyone like me,” Briceno said. “I am coming to Reno intent on putting on a great performance. Flores probably thinks I am a stop on the way to bigger things, but his team made the wrong decision in picking me.”

Flores (13-0, 6 KOs) signed with Top Rank at 16 years old and made his pro debut on May 5, 2017, four days after his 17^th birthday. His pro debut took place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, a second-round TKO over Devon Jones. Flores went 6-0 in 2018 and will be making his third ring appearance of 2019. Briceno (15-3, 9 KOs) has fought as high as 140 pounds and is a heavy puncher whose last four victories have come via stoppage.

The ESPN+ undercard is scheduled to include the following bouts:

• Andy Vences (22-0-1, 12 KOs), one of the super featherweight division’s top contenders, will defend his WBC Continental Americas belt against fellow unbeaten Albert Bell (14-0, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder that will thrust the winner into the world title conversation. Vences has made no secret of his desire to fight newly minted WBO champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring. 
• Robson Conceicao (12-0, 6 KOs), who captured Brazil’s first Olympic boxing gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will take on Carlos Ruiz (16-6-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight bout. Conceicao last fought March 31 in Mangaratiba, Brazil, where he scored a first-round TKO.
• Diego Elizondo (2-0-1, 0 KOs), who hails from Carson City, Nevada, will look to get back in the win column versus Sacramento product Sergio Vega (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round lightweight shootout.
• Big-punching light heavyweight Michael Seals (22-2, 16 KOs) will fight Philadelphia native Christopher Brooker (14-6, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Brooker is coming off an upset win over Lanell Bellows (18-2-2 at the time) last September in Las Vegas. 
• Reno native J.J. Mariano will make his pro debut in a four-round welterweight contest against William Flenoy (pro debut), 
• Dmitry Yun, a former Russian amateur standout, will make his pro debut in a six-round lightweight bout against an opponent to be named. 

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Let’s Get It On Promotions and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, tickets for this world championship event priced at $103, $68 and $43 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or in person at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa gift shop.

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

Sign-up to ESPN+ at www.espnplus.com.

Use the hashtags #ValdezSanchez and #FloresBriceno to join the conversation on social media.

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

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

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

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Managing Director:

“I think sometimes as a team or promoter you have to pinch with yourself whenever you’re at Madison Square Garden, we have been lucky enough to stage two world championship events at the Theatre, but Matchroom Boxing will make our debut at Madison Square Garden as a promotional company and to do it for the unified Heavyweight championship in an absolute honour, and to do it while representing the Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua is an honour as well.
 
“This week has been incredible, and part of the development of Anthony Joshua the fighter and the brand is to take him worldwide and keep growing the incredible profile around the world. 
 
“We were here a few months ago, what feels like yesterday, when another heavyweight decided to shove Anthony Joshua on the stage in front of you. He talked the talked, but couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t bring himself to try genuinely and honestly fight the unified heavyweight champion of the world.  Once the three positive drug test came in we searched for a new opponent, there wasn’t any instructions, it was whoever we wanted. Someone sent me a direct message, I’m fighting on Saturday, give me this fight, I’ll fight harder than any other person mentioned and I will give you a better fight and beat Anthony Joshua. We saw him beat Alexander Dimitrenko, discussions continued, and we knew the deal was important, and had a burning desire to become the first Mexican Heavyweight champion. We respect Andy for stepping up and taking this fight and we know we’re in for a hell of a fight on Saturday night.”

Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America:

“Thanks to the media in attendance today. Many of you have traveled thousands of miles to be here and I think that speaks to the significance of Saturday’s event. Thanks too to Joel Fischer and his team here at the Garden for their hospitality. Great partners as always. This is the first event in a 3-week DAZN residency at MSG – we’ll be giving Billy Joel a run for his money at this rate.   
 
“AJ was there for DAZN at the beginning of our American journey and now we’re proud to be here for his – as the exclusive broadcaster of his fight against a highly motivated Andy Ruiz. Not just in the U.S. but in all 9 DAZN markets across four continents.   
 
“Since AJ debuted on DAZN in September, a lot has changed within boxing. We now have six of the pound-for-pound top 10 boxers in the world on DAZN – many of whom are also the biggest draws in the sport like Canelo Alvarez, Gennadiy Golovkin and, of course, Anthony Joshua.  
 
“We’ve also featured some of the sport’s top women – Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Claressa Shields – as well as its hottest young prospects like Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.
 
“At a time when many are focused on how the boxing landscape is fractured, we’re working with a growing number of promoters to cut through the noise and deliver the best fights for fans. Matchroom, Golden Boy, GGG Promotions, the World Boxing Super Series are all on DAZN. It’s the best boxing schedule of any platform and without doubt the best value.  
 
“But we’re not done. We’re hard at work, planning the rest of 2019 to make sure we continue to overdeliver for our subscribers.” 

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“Thanks Eddie. There has been ups and downs over the 30 years Sky have been committed to boxing but I think it all changed in 2012 when this man struck Olympic gold in London. Eddie become our exclusive partner at Matchroom, we have a fantastic relationship with them. When AJ signed with us and with Matchroom in 2013 it began a new venture. We had the likes of Ricky Hatton, Lennox Lewis, Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, Carl Froch, so many others over the years. Anthony brings something different to the table, he brings huge charisma, really likability and a terrific talent inside the ring as well. A man that can sellout 90,000 at Wembley. It’s a pleasure being with him on this ride alongside his excellent team. Bring on Saturday night, there’s nothing like a fight in the Garden!”

Anthony Joshua OBE – Watford, England – 22-0, 21 KOs – defending his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World titles against Andy Ruiz Jr:

“The sport is tough no doubt about it, but dedication, focus, and purpose gives me reason to return to the gym each time. I won this title in my 16th fight, I think when I was about three years into being a professional, and I wanted to take these challenges. Without overlooking Andy or his team at all, Andy knows what it’s like to be a fighter. When you have this opportunity in front of you and know what can come after, we naturally look past, so when I was fighting for that title, I was always looking for the next challenge, hoping to get to the next one.
 
“Fighting Andy for me is just as dangerous as fighting Wilder or Fury because they both possess their own skills, so I have to take Andy deadly serious. I don’t overlook him at all, I respect him and respect his team, and I really respect he put his name on the dotted line to take this challenge. No challenge is easy, no matter what the bookers are telling you or the odd makers. Andy is going to come in here and give me a real good fight and cause problems, and it’s down to me as a champion to think smart, box clever, out box, out strength, and out muscle Andy Ruiz to get that win.  
 
“No fight like after the fight when your hands are raised, your opponent has been defeated and thinking about being on a beach, or being with your family, and focus on the next challenge ahead. Right now I’m only champion till June 1 when I have to defend my titles. I’m currently the heavyweight champion of the world, but June 1 I put them in the air and they’re up for grabs. Let the best man win.”

Robert McCracken MBE, trainer of Anthony Joshua OBE:

“I’ll keep it short and sweet. Ruiz Jr was the best available contender when Jarrell Miller failed his drugs tests. Ruiz for me was the toughest challenge at that stage, we needed somebody that was going to motivate Anthony. There was a couple of names floated around that I don’t think would have motivated him and the camp would have become hard. AJ recognises him as a quality fighter. Technically he is sounds. He has a good coach. He was very close in the Parker fight. He is a world level fighter and a serious contender and that’s what Anthony Joshua is about. He wants to fight the best out there. Right now Andy Ruiz is the best out there for this date, that’s the challenge. 

“Josh is ready. We went to Miami, it was fantastic. We worked really hard, four weeks we kept him locked up. We feel AJ is a deserving champion and will produce a fantastic performance in a great fight and will continue on and unify the division.”

Andy Ruiz Jr – California, USA – 32-1, 21 KOs – challenging Anthony Joshua OBE for the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World titles:

“I’ve been waiting for this all my life, I’ve been training so hard since my last fight against Alexander Dimitrenko. This came at a perfect time to fight Anthony Joshua. Those belts look really shiny, look really good! I’m ready, I’m ready for June 1, I’m ready to become the first Mexican Heavyweight champion of the world. Ready to bring those belts back to Mexico, although they have never been to Mexico, but they will be on June 1. I have nothing bad to say about Anthony Joshua, he’s a champion, I’m a fan of him, I respect him, but inside the ring there won’t be any respect, no friends, and no fans. I’ll I can say is tune-in on June 1, it’s going to be a hell of fight, I’m going to give it all I got, and we’re going to win this for Mexico!”

Manny Robles, trainer of Andy Ruiz Jr:

“Thank you Eddie. Thank you to the entire press that is here today. I don’t have too much to say. Ruiz is ready, he is ready for the challenge. We had a great camp. People think this was a short camp but in reality it wasn’t. We’ve been in the gym for pretty much 15 weeks and we had a tune-up fight in-between. Thank you to Anthony Joshua for giving us a chance. We’re going to give you a run for your money that’s for sure. We’re here to take that title, Viva Mexico!”

MATAMOROS, MEXICO (May 30, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s 18-year-old featherweight sensation, Ricky Medina (3-0 2KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, will return to the ring this Friday for his fourth professional bout at The Casa Ahida Cafeteria Gourmet in Heroica Matamoros, Mexico. For Medina, who is promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment, this will be his first time fighting outside of his home state of Texas, let alone the United States. “I am very excited to fight for the first time in Mexico. Mexico has a lot of great world champions over the years including Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and many more that I looked up to. For my promoter and manager to be able to put me in a situation to fight in such a boxing rich country and build fans out here, it is quite an honor.” said Medina about his upcoming fight on Friday night.

Medina, who faced an undefeated fighter in his last bout is looking to challenge himself in the professional game of boxing, early and often.

“What I love about Ricky Medina is how he looks for a challenge,” said Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, Medina’s manager. “In his last fight, he fought Jose Casiano, an undefeated guy who was 1-0-1. A lot of young fighters wouldn’t fight a guy with that kind of record in their third fight, they’d talk about the business or want an easier fight. Ricky took the fight and won every round. Now three months later he is back in the ring ready to get a win in Mexico. He’s a star in the making.”

 “Ricky Medina is a great, young fighter who we want to keep extremely active so he can develop into a world champion,” said Medina’s promoter, Rick Morones of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “I believe it is important to keep him busy as he has been fighting every three months or so since he turned pro last September. We expect great things from Medina and see him as a future world champion.”

LAS VEGAS (May 30, 2019) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1-ranked contender
“Mighty” Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs)is currently training in Baguio, Philippines, for his June 19th showdown with three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Chiba, Japan.

UFC Fight Pass® has the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka will be the first world boxing championship streamed live on FIGHT PASS, which recently finalized an agreement with Palicte’s promoter, Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing), to live- stream up to 72 professional boxing events on FIGHT PASS through 2021.

Palicte vs. Ioka is co-promoted by RJJ Boxing and Reason Taki Promotions.

“Everything is in place to have the first World Title fight ever shown on UFC FIGHT PASS,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre said. “Promoting the first World Title fight on the UFC platform is big and I promise fireworks will be in full force with Palicte vs Ioka.”

“Ioka is a very solid boxer who has good head and foot movements,” noted living legend Roy Jones, Jr., co-founder of RJJ Boxing. “He also counter-punches well. So, Aston will have to be on his ‘A’ game. He will have the edge in power, but he can’t allow Ioka to make him punch himself out.”

The first half of Palicte’s training camp for the Ioka fight was held in Manila. “Camp has been good,” Palicte reported. “I got in some sessions with my teammate, Kristian Hernandez, and American Ernel Fontanilla, in Manila. We’re training in Baguio for several reasons: focus, high altitude and sparring with Philippine National Team members.”

The 28-year-old Palicte (pictured to the left) knocked out his previously unbeaten Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez, this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator. Palicte become the mandatory challenger for the 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.

“Fighting Nietes for the world title helped a lot,” Palicte added. “It taught me how to be composed and focused under pressure.”

The No. 2-rated Ioka, 30, is a four-time, three-division world champion having already captured the World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight, WBA light flyweight, and WBA/World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight championships.

His only two losses as a professional, both by way of 12-round split decisions, have been in world title fights to Nietes and Amnat Ruenroeng for the International (IBF) flyweight title in 2014.

Ioka, who has a 13-2 (3 KOs) record in world title fights, 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.

“Ioka is definitely a top contender and I will not look past that,” Palicte remarked. “He’s going to give it his all just as I will. We’ll stick with our game plan and everything else about his past is just background for us.”

A victory over Ioka will allow Palicte to join Filipino world boxing champions, past and present, such as Nietes, Manny Pacquiao, Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire, among others.

Palicte has received tips and words of encouragement from some of his world champion Filipino boxers and he isn’t concerned about fighting Ioka in Japan. “The common words everyone has given me is to put in the work,” Palicte concluded, “because training camp determines the outcome of every fight performance.

“Ideally, of course, we’d rather fight in the states, but we also have nothing but the utmost respect for Japan and its culture. We are all looking forward to the experience.”

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

PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 30, 2019 – Highly touted undefeated prospects, featherweight Ruben Villa and lightweight Michael Dutchover visited the historic boxing city of Philadelphia where they took in some of the iconic sites and ate the Philadelphia delicacy of a “Philly Cheesesteak.” 

Villa and Dutchover are visiting Philadelphia to see co-promoter Banner Promotions, and then on Friday they will head up the Jersey Turnpike to attend the Boxing Writers Association of America Awards Dinner and The Copacabana in New York City.

The two highly regarded prospects also went to the Art Museum and posed with the Rocky Statue, The Liberty Bell and Steak Sandwich eateries, Pat’s and Geno’s.

Villa and Dutchover are coming off impressive performances on May 10th in bouts that were televised on ShoBox: The New Generation that was Live on SHOWTIME.

Villa (16-0, 5 KOs) of Salinas, California won a 10-round unanimous decision over Luis Alberto Lopez.  Dutchover (13-0, 10 KOs) of Midland, Texas scored an explosive 1st round stoppage over Rosekie Cristobal.
Villa and Dutchover are co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Decorated amateur star John Joyce has signed professional terms with Frank Warren and will make his debut on the undercard of the Josh Warrington-Kid Galahad world title clash at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15.

The 21-year-old from Moate in Ireland is a veteran of 200 fights as an amateur, during which time he became a nine-time Irish champion at junior level.

He also won bronze and gold medals at the European Schoolboys, before winning gold at the European Juniors and bronze and silver at the European Youth championships.

Although hailing from Ireland, Joyce has relocated to Airdrie in Scotland to prepare for his professional launch at super welterweight, working with respected trainer Billy Nelson.

“I’ve had the urge to turn to the professional side of the sport for the last couple of years and now that I have, I’ve learnt that this suits me so much better,” commented Joyce on his transition.

I’m a full-time boxer now and joining Billy and moving away to Scotland has been no problem. I train every day and I work hard in the gym every day and that is how I like it. I can focus on my boxing every day with Billy, so I believe it’s been a better move for me to moving to Scotland.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for me fighting on the undercard of Josh Warrington. Seeing what he has done and the fan base he has, I believe when I get myself in world contention I will be able to bring big nights of boxing to Ireland.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to have another top quality young fighter join forces with us and I firmly believe we currently have the most richly talented crop of prospects in the business on our books.

“The stage is all set for John to make a big impression and there is no better place for him to get started than in Leeds in front of a fervent crowd at the FD Arena.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.
Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Kai Robin Havnaa (14-0, 12 KOs) is the latest addition to an action-packed fight card at the Forum Horsens on June 22 headlined by Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title fight with April Adams.

The Norwegian cruiserweight star is back in action following a third-round knockout win over Rad Rashid, which saw the 30 year-old capture the IBO International title in front of his home fans at the SØR Amfi in Arendal.

Havnaa, who will face the big punching Levan Lukhutashvili (8-3, 8 KOs) in a ten-round contest, returns to Denmark, where he lived and trained at the start of his professional career and where he claimed his first six victories.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and I’m looking forward to fighting in Denmark again,” said Havnaa. “I started my career in Denmark and had some very good fights there, so it’s great to come back to continue my journey.”

Having secured his first professional title against Rashid, Havnaa is eager to push on with his career and is targeting a big fight before the end of the year.

“It was an amazing experience to win my first title,” he said. “With the national anthem before the fight, the atmosphere was electric. I landed a solid body shot that we had been practicing a lot to end the fight, so everything turned out great.

“I knew it wouldn’t be long before a new fight, so I was straight back in the gym training and improving. I have big ambitions for this year so I’m very motivated.”

Havnaa joins Danish heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist, rising featherweight star Frederik Hede Jensen, Vejle super middleweight Haris Dzindo and Horsens boxers Michael Nielsen and Amer Rasinlic on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s World title defence.

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.

New York, NY (May 29, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed 23-year-old Puerto Rican junior lightweight prospect Joshafat “The Truth” Ortiz (6-0, 4 KOs), of Reading, PA, to an exclusive promotional agreement. Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the US at age four with his mother and was raised in Reading, PA. He was first introduced to boxing as a child when visiting family in Puerto Rico during the summer months, as his father, uncle and brother were all amateur fighters. By the time he was 14 years old, Ortiz was serious about entering the sport himself. 

While compiling an amateur record of 42-7, Ortiz became a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. Ortiz made his pro debut in May 2017 and is coming off three consecutive knockout victories. He is trained by Rashiem Jefferson out of TKO Fitness Gym, in Cherry Hill, NJ, alongside junior lightweight world champion Tevin Farmer.
“Joshafat Ortiz is a terrific prospect with championship potential,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We have communicated since he was an amateur and he made me want to follow his career. He said that one day I would want to sign him. He was right. Jos has worked hard, improved with every fight, and has the tools and hard grinding mentality to succeed at the highest level in boxing. I’m happy we’ll be chasing big things together.” “I’m very thankful for the opportunity given to me by Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment. It is an honor to sign with one of the more well-known promotional companies in boxing,” said Ortiz. “I trust them to put me in a great position to accomplish my goals. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career and, without a doubt, will take full advantage of it. I look forward to bringing several world titles to Reading, PA, and becoming the next Puerto Rican superstar.” Ortiz is managed by Felipe Gomez, of El Matador Management. “Ortiz is a special fighter with a lot of talent,” said Gomez. “He is an exciting boxer to watch. I am confident that by working together with Lou DiBella, we can make Ortiz the next star from Puerto Rico. DiBella is a great promoter who has developed many champions. I know that he will do the same with Ortiz.” Details on Ortiz’ next fight will be announced shortly.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Managing Director:

“Welcome welcome and what an honour it is to be sitting here in Madison Square Garden in the theatre, where I’ve only managed to get to the theatre, in terms of promoting. I’ve promoted at this great venue right here, twice, Danny Jacobs winning the IBF Middleweight World championship, also Demetrius Andrade defending his World title in January, but now we upgrade to the big daddy, the Mecca of boxing at Madison Square Garden – the big arena. 

“You will see one of the great atmospheres in this country for boxing on Saturday night. Around 8,000 Brits are coming here to sing Sweet Caroline, to drink your bars dry and to show you how to create an amazing atmosphere. There’s just a few hundred tickets left now, we will have a complete sellout on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. If you haven’t got your tickets, you need to get them very quickly. We needed to produce an undercard that we could all remember. I’m so excited, I can’t even imagine how excited these people are to get the chance to box there in, for some of them, career-defining fights. As always, it will be streamed live on DAZN in America and for the UK fans Sky Sports Box Office. What a night you have got in store.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“It’s another special sporting weekend ahead. What a special arena this is, the most famous in the world. AJ is here lighting up New York with posters everywhere, I thought the workout at Brookfield Place was fantastic yesterday down in the financial district. There’s a real buzz around the city and it’s an honour to be here again and it’s magnificent to have so much talent on display on Saturday night. 

“Tommy Coyle is bouncing around like a little boy, he’s so happy to be here. It’s a fantastic story, the boy from Hull who’s come all the way here to New York and tackling Chris Algieri, a great talker and a great fighter himself. What a way to get things started, I’m really looking forward to seeing two of our great hopes Joshua Buatsi and Josh Kelly in action, I believe both of them are going the whole way. It’s wonderful having Katie Taylor attempting to become the undisputed champion and saving the toughest until last in the WBC Champion Delfine Persoon, that is going to be some fight and some test for Katie.

“Callum Smith the leading Super-Middleweight after that terrific display in the World Super Series against George Groves. It is time to get Callum back on our screens, it has been a long time but we’re really looking forward to getting him going again and he’s got a tough challenge in Hassan N’Dam, who I’ve known a long time. What an opportunity they’ve all got on the big stage before the big boys go to work. Enjoy it everybody. It’s going to be a super event on Sky Sports Box Office on Saturday.”

Callum Smith – Liverpool, England – 25-0, 18 KOs – defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam:

“I feel good, I feel excited. This is a new chapter of my career. Everything previously was the journey to become a World Champion and now I’ve achieve that let’s see what more I can achieve. 

“There’s no better place to start my journey as a World Champion than Madison Square Garden. It’s such an iconic fight venue with a lot of history. To add my name to a lot of the Brits that have boxed here over the years is going to be special for myself. 

“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to putting in a big performance. I’ve been out a little longer than I would have liked to be but I want to make up for lost time. I want to get back and remind people how good I am.

“There is talk of massive names to fight in the future but to secure them fights I’ve got to win this weekend. Big fights excite me and motivate me. I want to maximise my potential and achieve as much as I can. All of that starts on Saturday.

“Hassan is a good fighter, very experienced, a former World Champion himself and only the better fighters have beat him. I believe I am the best Super-Middleweight in the world and if that’s true I should beat Hassan, and beat him well, looking good doing it.”

Hassan N’Dam – Monte Carlo, Monaco – 37-3, 21 KOs – challenging Callum Smith for the WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles:

“Hello everyone. First of all I would like to thank Eddie Hearn. Thanks to my team for all of the work they do for me. Thanks to my wife and thanks to everyone for being here this morning for this press conference. 

“My trainer told me: ‘You tell me everyday you want to face the best in the world. Why do you need to think about this? You have an opportunity to fight on a big card at Madison Square Garden. Make your dream come true!’

“He has something that I want. I want to be ‘Super’ champion.

“This is my first time at this level at Super-Middleweight so I don’t know how I’m going to feel. But I feel good right now. I think I have experience for this kind of match and this event. Madison Square Garden is somewhere that everyone dreams of fighting at. My experience will be very important to this match.”

Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Delfine Persoon for the Women’s Undisputed Lightweight Championship of the World:

“The minute I turned professional I wanted to become the undisputed champion, this was always my goal. I nearly pinch myself that I have this opportunity at the Mecca of boxing Madison Square Garden, it can’t get any bigger than this. I’m ready to make history and I’m ready to perform on Saturday night. This is what I’ve always wanted. 

“Delfine Persoon is a fantastic champion and this is exactly what boxing needs, it’s champion against champion, the best vs. the best. This isn’t just what women’s boxing needs, this is what boxing needs. I’m definitely expecting the toughest test of my career but I do feel prepared for this challenge. I’ve had a really tough training camp over the last two months preparing for this fight. 

“We’re both here to make history for our nations, we’re both here to perform and it’s going to make for a very exciting fight. This is by far the biggest night of my career, this is the pinnacle of boxing to have all five belts,  the Ring Magazine belt is up for grabs as well, this is what every fighter dreams of. I understand how big this fight is and the magnitude of this event. This is why I box, these are the fights that I always wanted and I’m ready to make history.”

Delfine Persoon – Roeselare, Belgium – 43-1, 18 KOs – fighting Katie Taylor for the Women’s Undisputed Lightweight Championship of the World:

“Belgium is a small country, I think New York is bigger than Belgium! Boxing as a sport in Belgium is not recognised so I’m the first boxer that can make history for the Belgian boxing sport. For me it’s very exciting. 

“I think I will be the first Belgium boxer that can take all of the belts. I like it, its my passion. I want to do everything for it. I never thought I’d have the chance, we are ready and we go for it.

“Im expecting a tough fight, she has a lot more experience in amateur fighting, there was no national team for me in Belgium so it was no possible for me to go to World or European championships.

“Katie Taylor is an Olympic champion. I can compete with an Olympic champion and hopefully beat an Olympic champion.”

“I want to do everything in my boxing career and now I have the chance to do this.”

Josh Kelly – Sunderland, England – 9-0, 6 KOs – defending his WBA International Welterweight title against Ray Robinson:

“I feel blessed to be here and to get a chance to perform on a World stage like this is truly a blessing. Not many kids from Sunderland get this chance so I’m taking it with both hands. I’ve worked hard and I feel I’m ready for this step up. I know Ray couldn’t be here today because of family problems, family first and I wish him all the best with that. 

“I’m here now and I’m ready to put a performance on on Saturday. I really can’t wait to get in there and dance underneath those lights. It’s a bit surreal but I’m excited, I’m going to enjoy it, I’m going to take it all in and I want to perform – that’s the main thing. I can’t wait.

“The last fight he had was against Kavaliauskas and he was ranked highly. He was a tough opponent for Ray and a lot of people thought he won that fight. This is a big step up. Ray Robinson will give me a test. There won’t be any room for complacency in there on Saturday and I’m going to get the job done and come away with the W, sit back and watch the rest of the card and hopefully the rest of the British fighters do the same.”

Joshua Buatsi – Croydon, England – 10-0, 8 KOs – defending his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Marco Antonio Periban:

“This is a good opportunity. Like you said, Periban is a well-known Mexican fighter. He’s going to come and bring experience to the table. People are curious and everyone is intrigued to see what is going to happen so it’s up to me to go out there and put on a good show. I was hoping he would be here because I haven’t seen him but we’ll see each other face-to-face at the weigh-in and Saturday night it happens. 

“I think anyway it comes man. I’ve prepared to do ten rounds, if it goes the distance cool, if I sense any vulnerabilities or any opportunities there I’ll be there to take them. If it goes the distance cool, if it doesn’t then happy days. 

“It was good being in Miami. It was the first time I’ve been in the US overall so it was a good experience seeing how Joshua does things leading up to a fight like this. As always I’m observing and seeing how things are done so one day when I’m in that position I can do the same thing.”

Chris Algieri – New York, USA – 23-3, 8 KOs – defending his WBO International Super-Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle:

“I just want to first of all thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for putting on this amazing event and to my promoter Joe Deguardiafrom Star Boxing, as well as Sky Sports which it is going to be great to be exposed to a whole new fanbase out there. Also to DAZN which is the premier platform for all things boxing now, and a bunch of other things as well. I think it really is the way of the future in terms of where we are right now where networks are starting to fall and apps are starting to become the major thing.

“This fight is a huge opportunity. This is exactly why I came back to the sport. I want to be a World Champion, this fight puts me back in that position so I’ve got to go out there and not only win, but look impressive and angle myself for another World title run. This is why I am here. I’m feeling great, this training camp has been fantastic. I have an opponent in Tommy Coyle that gets me excited to go out there. I really think it’s going to be a fantastic fight. Make sure you tune in. 

“There’s been a lot of talk about a lot of the stuff that I have been doing outside of the ring but I want to go back to everybody talking about what I do inside the ring so on Saturday night I’m looking forward to putting on a great show and coming out with the victory and moving forward.

Joe Deguardia, promoter of Chris Algieri:

“Its a pleasure to be here, this is something really special this fight between Tommy and Chris. I don’t know if it’s going to be the battle of the mics or the battle of the ring, because both of them are great speakers. Chris Algieri’s history is something special, we are as a team pleased to be here Eddie, thank you. DAZN are taking over boxing, it’s the perfect place to watch and be sure to tune in early on DAZN because this is going to be on early. It’s going to be a great fight leading into the World Championship here at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of boxing. It’s always spectacular to be fighting at MSG, there’s no place in the World like it. I’m really looking forward to this fight between Tommy and Chris.

“Chris has been something special behind and outside the ring, between his interviews, between what he’s done as a nutritionist working with all of the fighters. Inside the ring he has been something special as well. I know Chris is hungry to get his title back, he’s never lost at 140lbs and Tommy is standing in the way. Eddie has it right, the winner of this fight probably fights for the championship of the World next.”

Tommy Coyle – Hull, England – 25-4, 12 KOs – challenging Chris Algieri for the WBO International Super-Lightweight title:

“I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be fighting at the Mecca of boxing which is Madison Square Garden. I’m so so excited but it’s a huge huge opportunity for me to go on and do something which I probably thought would never happen in my career. 

“With opportunity comes pressure, but without pressure you don’t get diamonds and I genuinely think Saturday night I’m going to go in there and shine like a diamond. I think it’s the right time for me, I’ve improved as a fighter, I’m really coming into my own now and I’m just mega excited. I keep laughing to myself, waiting for someone to tell me that it’s a prank. I’m usually pulling the pranks but it’s happening, I’m here and it’s going off.

“100% this is a very winnable fight. It’s a great fight. Chris Algieri is a fantastic fighter, he’s a better dresser, he dresses fantastic – I like his style. I really really think this is a fight for me where I can really look good. I’m not going to have to go and find him, I just think the styles will gel fantastically and I know I’ve got too much inside.”

Souleymane Cissokho – Bagnolet, France – 8-0, 6 KOs – fighting Vladimir Hernandez in a eight round Super-Welterweight contest:

“Thanks Matchroom, thanks Eddie, thanks everybody. I’m very happy to be here. It’s a very great fight card. I had a great training camp and I can’t wait to show you all who I am. Thanks.”

LAS VEGAS (May 29, 2019) — Jesse “Hollywood” Hart and Sullivan Barrera understand high stakes and are coming to Las Vegas, intent on cashing in with a potential world title shot on the line. Hart and Barrera will square off in a 10-round light heavyweight bout Saturday, June 15 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Hart-Barrera will serve as the co-feature to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s title defense against unbeaten German challenger Tom Schwarz.

Fury-Schwarz and Hart-Barrera will stream live in the United States exclusively on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service – beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

The undercard will be televised on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes beginning at 7:00 p.m. EST/4:00 p.m. PST and will showcase undefeated 2016 Olympian Mikaela Mayer (10-0, 4 KOs), who will fight former world title challenger Lizbeth Crespo (13-4, 3 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and SES Boxing, tickets priced at $500, $300, $100 and $50 are on sale now can be purchased online through axs.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts box office.

“On June 15, I’m coming to knock him out,” Hart said. “I refuse to lose. This is a legacy fight. I want the big names. I need a big name, and Barrera is the name. I don’t want to just win and coast to some boring decision. I’m coming to prove to the world that I can fight with these bigger guys. After I knock Barrera out, I’m coming for all the champions. The light heavyweights better watch out because ‘Hollywood’ Hart is here.”

“I am excited to face Jesse Hart, a great fighter who has also been in there with world champions,” Barrera said. “This is a must-win fight. Simple as that. Camp has been great for me, and I am looking forward to June 15. It’s going to be a great card, and I am going to show everyone in Las Vegas and watching on ESPN+ what I’m truly made of.”

Hart (25-2, 21 KOs) had two cracks at the WBO super middleweight world title, losing a pair of close decisions to longtime champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. The Ramirez rematch, which took place last December in Corpus Christi, Texas, was a bruising affair that saw Hart rally in the second half before losing a majority decision. Eleven of Hart’s last 12 victories have come via knockout, and he hopes to carry that power up to the light heavyweight ranks. The Philadelphia native fought on the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao undercard in 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, knocking out Mike Jimenez in six rounds.

Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), from Cuba, defected to the United States in 2009 and turned pro later that year. The Miami-based bruiser won the first 17 bouts of his career before dropping a decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. A perennial contender, Barrera holds victories over Joe Smith Jr., Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and former super middleweight world champion Jeff Lacy. He challenged Dmitry Bivol for a light heavyweight world title last year and fought valiantly before being stopped in the 12^th and final round.

Mayer is one of female boxing’s rising stars and has dominated her opposition as a professional. She went 6-0 in 2018, winning the NABF belt on August 25 with a shutout decision over the previously undefeated Vanessa Bradford. She made her 2019 debut February 15 in Hinckley, Minnesota, outclassing Yareli Larios over eight rounds. Crespo fought IBF featherweight world champion Jennifer Han in February 2018, dropping a tightly contested unanimous decision.

“It’s been a dream of mine to see women fighting alongside marquee names like Tyson Fury, and I’m grateful to be fighting at the MGM Grand on June 15,” Mayer said. “There’s still a lot the world hasn’t seen when it comes to my style and I’m ready to show everyone something special.”

In addition to Mayer-Crespo, the ESPN2/ESPN Deportes undercard broadcast will also include the following fights:

• Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (3-0, 3 KOs), a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who represented his native Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will return in a six-rounder.
   
• Featherweight Isaac Lowe (17-0-3, 6 KOs), a stablemate of Fury’s, will fight an opponent to be named in a 10-rounder.
   
• Top super middleweight prospect Cem “Champ” Kilic (13-0, 8 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be determined.
   
• Sonny Conto (2-0, 2 KOs), as big-punching heavyweight from Philadelphia, will make his Las Vegas debut in a four-rounder. Conto’s two professional fights — both first-round knockouts — have lasted a total of 3:30.
   
• German heavyweight prospect Peter Kadiru (3-0, 1 KO) will fight an opponent to be named in a six-rounder.

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

Sign-up to ESPN+ at www.espnplus.com.

Use the hashtags #FurySchwarz and #HartBarrera to join the conversation on social media.

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 Queensberry Promotions 
Queensberry Promotions is the promotional vehicle of Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren.

Frank Warren has promoted some of the sport of boxing’s biggest names in his 35+ year career including the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe, Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton; as well as current stars Tyson Fury, Billy Joe Saunders, Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton.

Some of the events promoted by Frank Warren during his illustrious career include Frank Bruno v Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium, David Haye v Derek Chisora at Upton Park, Ricky Hatton v Kostya Tszyu at Manchester Arena, Prince Naseem Hamed v Kevin Kelley at Madison Square Garden and Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Queensberry Promotions has a long-term exclusive deal in the UK to promote boxing events on BT Sport, the sport broadcast platform of telecoms giant BT.

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, Brazil and Sydney, Australia.

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

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

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

About MGM Grand Garden Arena
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, the Latin GRAMMY Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

Las Vegas – The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento prepares to host its second UFC event as the promotion returns to the capital of California for the first time in over two years on July 13. The show will feature an action-packed card with top contenders and hometown favorites in what will be a can’t-miss night for fight fans. The main event is still to be announced.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^® will stream live from Golden 1 Center exclusively on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday, July 13 (in both English and Spanish), with the prelims kicking off at 2 p.m. PT. Doors open at 1 p.m. PT.

Sacramento’s own Team Alpha Male will have a strong presence on this card, as longtime members Josh Emmett, Andre Fili and Darren Elkins, among others, will look to put on impressive performances in front of their hometown fans. No. 8 ranked featherweight contender Emmett (14-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to work his way back into the top-5 rankings by taking out No. 9 ranked Mirsad Bektic(13-1, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada). Fan favorite Fili (19-6, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) competes at home for the first time in over six years as he battles Brazilian standout Sheymon Moraes(11-3, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.). No. 14 ranked featherweight Elkins (25-7, fighting out of Portage, Ind.) aims to bounce back into the win column by being the first person to KO Jiu Jitsu phenom Ryan Hall(7-1, fighting out of Falls Church, Va.).

Announced bouts on the card include:

• No. 11 ranked women’s strawweight contender Cynthia Calvillo (8-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against former Invicta FC strawweight champion Livinha Souza (12-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Exciting lightweights clash as Beneil Dariush(16-4-1, fighting out of Yorba Linda, Calif.) and Drakker Klose(10-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) both aim to extend their win streaks to three-in-a-row
• Olympic wrestling silver medalist and No. 10 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Sara McMann (11-5, fighting out of Gaffney, S.C.) returns to action against former UFC women’s flyweight champion Nicco Montano (5-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
• International middleweights hunt for their first wins of 2019 as Marvin Vettori(12-4-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) battles Cezar Ferreira(14-7, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Ibitinga, Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Light heavyweight knockout artists go to war as Gian Villante (17-11, fighting out of Bellmore, N.Y.) aims to take out Mike Rodriguez (10-3, fighting out of South Easton, Massachusetts)
• Dana White Contender Series signee Karl Roberson(7-2, fighting out of Neptune, N.J.) expects a standup battle when he meets John Phillips (21-9, fighting out of Swansea, Wales) in the UFC
• Top Chinese prospect Pingyuan Liu (12-5, fighting out of Henan, China) intends to remain undefeated in the UFC when he meets Jonathan Martinez(10-2, fighting out of Plainview, Texas)
• Team Alpha Male prospect Benito Lopez(9-1, fighting out of Oroville, Calif.) looks to bounce back from his first professional loss against Dana White Contender Series veteran Martin Day (8-3, fighting out of Kailua, Hawaii)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit the UFC^® Press Portal for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^® go on sale Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 30 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About Golden 1 Center:

Located in the heart of Downtown Sacramento, Golden 1 Center – home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings – is the world’s most technologically advanced and sustainable arena. It is LEED Platinum certified, the highest level of global recognition for environmentally conscious buildings and organizations, and is the first arena to be 100 percent solar powered. Golden 1 Center operates an unmatched food program that sources 90 percent of the food and beverage served from within 150 miles and partners with local food banks to distribute unserved food items throughout the community. Housing the most powerful WIFI services at any arena, the first esports facility inside a professional sports venue, the NBA’s largest 4K video screen, VSP SKEYE View, and much more, Golden 1 Center is the most connected indoor sports arena and entertainment venue with a focus on overall fan experience. In its three years of operation, Golden 1 Center has profoundly impacted the city of Sacramento and has become a top destination for world-class artists, family-friendly shows, professional sports and more.

HEAVYWEIGHT sensation Joe Joyce will face his toughest test as a professional when he tackles former world title challenger Bryant Jennings on the ‘Heavy Duty’ show at The O2, London on Saturday July 13.

The Londoner is being fast-tracked to the top and a successful WBA Gold title defence against the American star will move him even closer to a world title challenge.

The potentially explosive encounter is the co-feature bout on a blockbuster card headlined by the vacant British heavyweight championship clash between young guns Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

Joyce (9-0, 9 KOs) annihilated another former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov earlier this month and admits: “This should be my toughest fight to date.

“Bryant Jennings has been in very big fights and he gave Wladimir Klitschko a tough night before he fought Tyson Fury.

Jennings (24-3-0, 14KOs) lost on points when he challenged Ukrainian great Wladimir Klitschko for his world titles at Madison Square Garden in April 2015.

He then lost to Cuban Luis Ortiz before going on a five-fight winning streak. That run ended in January with a 12th round setback against unbeaten Oscar Rivas, a fight many believe Jennings was winning until the dramatic final round.

Olympic silver medallist Joyce added: ”He is also probably Luis Ortiz’s best win.

“I respect Bryant for stepping up and taking this fight. I intend to send a statement to the heavyweight division on July 13th and it won’t be long before I get my hands on those big titles.”

Jennings holds good wins over former European Champion Alexander Dimitrenko, Artur Szpilka and Mike Perez. Victory on the road against Joyce will kick-start his world title hopes again.

The Philadelphia contender says: “This is a high-risk, good-reward fight. It makes getting in the ring worth it. I don’t mind the test. I don’t mind the challenge. That’s just who I am.

“I am the only one who can beat myself. Nobody can beat me. When I’ve lost, it’s been because of me, not my opponent.”

And Jennings warned this is just a start of a mission to topple British heavyweights adding: “I am ready to go now. The Oscar Rivas fight is in the past, and I’m ready for the challenge that’s ahead of me.

“After this, I’m coming after all the other UK heavyweights. They are the ones running the division.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “World heavyweight boxing is absolutely flying at the moment and our Heavy Duty night on July 13th just got bigger.

“Bryant Jennings is a quality fighter who operates at world level and this is the perfect fight for Joe to showcase his credentials and put himself in the running for major titles.

“This is a step up in class for Joe and a mark of the progress he has made after just ten fights as a pro.

“It is the opportunity for him to post a big message to the heavyweight champions and contenders that a new force is rapidly making up the ground towards world title contention.

“This is a great fight added to what is already shaping up to being a fantastic card for the fans at the o2 Arena.”

Joyce v Jennings is promoted by Queensberry Promotions in association with Ringstar Sports and Top Rank.

Richard Schaefer of Ringstar Sports said: “The heavyweight division is the glamour division of boxing again. Indeed July 13th will be another glamorous night for Joe Joyce.

“With Bryant Jennings, he has the biggest and most dangerous opponent of his career but I am sure that ‘The Juggernaut’ will pass with flying colours and continue his march towards the heavyweight championship of the world.”

Bryant’s promoter Bob Arum added: “People will see how dangerous Bryant Jennings really is.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him easily beat Joe Joyce. Bryant has fought the best heavyweights in the world, and Joe has seen nothing like him as a professional.”

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

NORMALLY meek Daniel Dubois has lashed out at the shape of bitter domestic rival Nathan Gorman.

The unbeaten pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The o2, London on Saturday July 13.

Gorman (16-0, 11KOs) has shown that looks can be deceiving impressing with his speed and skills since turning professional under trainer Ricky Hatton.

There are plenty who believe the Nantwich man can shock Dubois (11-0, 10KOs), but the Londoner snapped: “He’s a big slobby looking fighter.

“He will never be entertaining. It is just the way he is. He will never be exciting to watch and it is what it is.

“I’m pretty cold blooded and that is me. It’s a hurt business and I enjoy it.

“Every fight stirs up a bit of fight and emotion. This one a bit more and we will see on the night.”

Londoner Dubois and Gorman have been enemies since they were both on Team GB in their amateur days.

Gorman claims they sparred up to 300 rounds and always had the upper hand during their sessions in Sheffield.

Dubois says: “The sparring as amateurs means nothing. That statement can go to the wind. If that is what he thinks, fine.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce 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

Andy Ruiz Jr. says he is ready to shock the world by ripping the WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO Heavyweight World titles from Anthony Joshua OBE this Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Officein the UK.

The California man has stepped into the breach after original challenger Jarrell Miller failed multiple drugs tests, and can now create history by becoming Mexico’s first ever Heavyweight ruler by upsetting unified champion Joshua on his big US debut. 

Ruiz is being overlooked by many, but the 29-year-old is relishing being the underdog for his “dream opportunity” and believes being written off could work in his favour as he looks to become a Heavyweight champ at the second time of asking. 

“It just gives me more motivation all the guys talking crap,” said Ruiz. “I don’t know if they are mad because I have got this opportunity, but I don’t have anything bad to say about anyone, I talk in the ring with my fists. I’m so mentally strong and prepared for this fight that I don’t care what people have to say. 

“A lot of people underestimate me, like I said, the way I look, my appearance, but as soon as they see me throw punches, I’m going to pull out the upset. This is what I have worked for my whole life, I’m here to take what Anthony has. I’m ready to shock the world. 

“People will see what I can do. It’s going to be an all action fight, with two big guys punching each other in the face, hard. I’m in this to win it. Everyone else that has fought him has lost before they get in there, I’m not thinking like that, and that’s the difference. 

“The most important thing is to win and prove to the fans that I belong at this elite level. I’m not going to chase the KO but I know that it’s there if I execute my combinations. I’m feeling good and ready, AJ hasn’t boxed for nine months and I’m sharper than ever and very motivated.”

“He’s big, but the advantages I have are in speed, movement and coming forward. Everyone AJ fights is scared. I’m not scared of anyone apart from the man upstairs. There’s a lot of doubters out there but I don’t care, they only give me more motivation and confidence.” 

Joshua and Ruiz collide on a huge night of action at Madison Square Garden with Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam, Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson, Joshua Buatsi defending his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Marco Antonio Periban, Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Britain’s Tommy Coyle in a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown, Olympic bronze medallist Souleymane Cissokho taking on Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez, Texas Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fighting in his second pro contest and LA Middleweight Diego Pacheco looking to move to 4-0.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
 
Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.
 
Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Edmonton, Canada – UFC^® returns to Edmonton with a highly anticipated featherweight championship bout that will see titleholder and No. 5 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Max Holloway defend his belt against No. 4 ranked contender Frankie Edgar.

UFC^® 240: HOLLOWAY vs. EDGAR takes place Saturday, July 27 at Rogers Place and will stream live nationally on Pay-Per-View exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the United States as part of an agreement announced last month and continuing through 2025.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 240: HOLLOWAY vs. EDGAR online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV and then will be able to watch it via the web or on the ESPN App on any connected device. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN app on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English and Spanish on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes linear networks starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. 

Unbeaten at 145 pounds for almost six years, Holloway (20-4, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) has utilized dynamic striking to topple the featherweight elite. Over the course of his spectacular run, he has delivered thrilling stoppage wins against Jose Aldo (twice), Brian Ortega, Anthony Pettis and Cub Swanson. Originally scheduled to face Edgar on two previous occasions, Holloway aims to add another legend to his resume and stake his claim as the most dominant featherweight champion in UFC history.

A former lightweight champion, Edgar (23-6-1, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) looks to join the short list of athletes who have won titles in two UFC divisions. Throughout his legendary career, he has netted spectacular victories over BJ Penn (three times), Cub Swanson (twice), Chad Mendes and Gray Maynard. With history in his sights, Edgar looks to become the first fighter to defeat Holloway at 145 pounds since 2013 and reach the top of the division.

UFC^® 240: HOLLOWAY vs. EDGAR will mark the 30^th UFC event in Canada, dating back to its inaugural fight card in the Great White North at UFC 83 in 2008. During this time the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization has staged thrilling cards from coast-to-coast in 11 different cities—Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 7 ranked flyweight contender Alexis Davis (19-9, fighting out of San Jose, Calif. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada) looks to re-assert herself in the title picture against dangerous prospect Viviane Araujo (7-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
• No. 8 ranked Lauren Murphy (10-4, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) faces No. 12 Mara Romero Borella (13-5 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Ponte dell’Olio, Italy) in a clash of flyweight contenders
• Gillian Robertson (6-3 fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way out Niagara Falls, Canada) goes for another impressive submission win against gritty Sarah Frota (9-1, fighting out of Balneario Camboriu, Brazil)
• Erik Koch (15-6, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) makes his welterweight debut against Kyle Stewart (8-1, fighting out of Tempe, Ariz.)
• More fights to be announced soon

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

Tickets for UFC^® 240: HOLLOWAY vs. EDGAR go on sale Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m. MT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 30 starting at 10 a.m. MT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

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, visitUFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About Rogers Place

Rogers Place is an arena built for fans. Among its many significant features are a lower bowl of over 9,000 seats, terrific sightlines, wide concourses, leading food and beverage offerings and the latest in technology. Whether attending a hockey game or the biggest of concerts, guests of Rogers Place will experience it all in the most dynamic of entertainment environments.

About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN.

ESPN+ will offer UFC fans 20 exclusive UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights per year, as well as an extensive lineup of on-demand UFC programming, original shows (including “Dana White’s Contender Series”), classic fights and more. In addition to live and on-demand UFC content included in the ESPN+ subscription, fight fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC PPV events via ESPN+ and within the ESPN app, for a separate cost.

In addition to UFC, ESPN+ offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is available across nearly all major mobile and connected device platforms and delivers a rich, personalized experience that curates ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

(May 28, 2019) — One of Wales’ premier talents, Jay Harris is ready to take the next step. The unbeaten Harris will battle former world title challenger Angel Moreno in a 12-rounder for the vacant European flyweight title Saturday from Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

Harris-Moreno will headline an #MTKFightNight card on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service — Saturday, June 1, beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

Harris (15-0, 8 KOs), from Swansea, Wales, is a six-year pro who captured Commonwealth flyweight honors in February 2017 with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Thomas Essomba. He defended that belt in November 2018, overcoming a cut left eye to knock out Ross Murray in the third round. Moreno (19-3-2, 6 KOs), from Madrid, Spain, is a former European flyweight champion who has fought at the upper reaches of the sport. He challenged WBC flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards on March 23, dropping a unanimous decision at Copper Box Arena in London.

In other action scheduled for the ESPN+ stream:

• Craig Evans (19-2-2, 3 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO European lightweight title in a rematch against Stephen Ormond (27-5, 13 KOs). The two locked horns in June 2017, as Evans knocked down Ormond twice in the 10^th and final round of an action-packed fight to win a unanimous decision.
   
• Sultan Zaurbek (6-0, 4 KOs), the big-punching southpaw lightweight prospect from Kazakhstan, will see action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named. This will be the fourth bout of 2019 for Zaurbek, who was last seen knocking out Chenghong Tao in Dubai on April 5.
   
• Zhankosh Turarov (22-0, 15 KOs) will return from a nearly two-year layoff to face Richmond Djarbeng (29-3-1, 23 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

Use the hashtags #MTKFightNight and #HarrisMoreno to follow the action on social media.

About ESPN+

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

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

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

BBC Radio 5 Live has secured exclusive radio commentary rights to Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr.

Unified World Heavyweight champion Joshua takes on Ruiz Jr. at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York this Saturday, 1 June, AJ’s first fight in the USA.

5 Live’s unrivalled team of boxing experts, commentator Mike Costello and analyser Steve Bunce, will bring listeners blow-by-blow coverage of the fight, with build-up starting from 2am.

Ahead of Joshua’s title fight, Katie Taylor continues to re-write the history books, with the chance to become the undisputed Lightweight World champion against Belgium’s Delphine Persoon. Then, Liverpool’s Callum Smith defends his WBA Super-Middleweight World title for the first time against Hassan N’Dam.

The 5 Live Boxing podcast will also include additional analysis and interviews.

Ben Gallop, head of BBC Radio and Digital Sport, said: “Anthony Joshua is one of the most iconic British sportsmen of his generation and his first fight in the USA is an event not to be missed. I’m delighted we’re able to bring our listeners exclusive commentary of the bout on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sport website following the conclusion of the all-English Champions League final, making for an unmissable night of sport on 5 Live this Saturday.” 

Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “I’m delighted that BBC Radio 5 Live have secured exclusive radio commentary rights to Anthony Joshua’s highly-anticipated US debut at the iconic Madison Square Garden against Mexico’s Andy Ruiz Jr. AJ has filled the national stadiums of England and Wales back home on four occasions and now the road to undisputed rumbles on in America as the 2012 Olympic hero puts his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO crowns on the line against former World title challenger Ruiz Jr.”

Mike Costello said: “BBC 5 Live has been ringside for commentary on much of Anthony Joshua’s career, from his gold medal glory at the London 2012 Olympics through to one of the most unforgettable nights in British boxing history when he beat Vladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. Now we move on to another iconic venue for Joshua’s American debut. There are hallowed arenas across all sports that bring an extra dimension to a commentator’s excitement and Madison Square Garden, especially for a World Heavyweight title fight, belongs high on the bucket list.”

Coverage of Anthony Joshua v Andy Ruiz Jr begins from 2am the night of Saturday 1 June on BBC Radio 5 Live. Listen on BBC Sounds.

Chicago, IL (May 28, 2019) – Mike Lee was an aspiring boxer headed to one of the most distinguished Universities in the country.

Lee, The most prolific boxer in Notre Dame history also graduated with a degree in Finance with a 3.8 GPA.

Lee will challenge  for the IBF Super Middleweight title, live on FOX from Las Vegas at The MGM Grand.

Lee, who battles Autoimmune Disease not only became a championship caliber boxer but is a National Pitchman and accomplished Public Speaker to Fortune-500 Companies. Mike Lee is a A true Renaissance man.
“Doctors told me at one point that I wouldn’t fight again, but I’m still standing right here. I pushed through my pain to get here,” said Lee.

Lee, whose philanthropic efforts, and humility makes makes him a unique commodity in the sport.  Something that has not been seen before.  A true role model in every sense of the definition.

Mike has personally has given over $100,000 for to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, the Robinson Community Learning Center in South Bend and the Kelly Cares Foundation, headed by Coach Brian Kelly of the Fighting Irish Football Team.

“I’ve had people that never thought I’d get here and I love it. It takes a different kind of person to step into that ring in front of so many people. You have to be ready to go out there and risk it all. I fight who they put in front of me and keep winning. That’s what I plan to do on July 20.  On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong.”

“This has been a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Most importantly, I’ve gotten somewhere no one thought I would get. I’m fine being the underdog. I have nothing to lose,” said Lee. “I’m coming out with everything I have. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I respect Caleb Plant, but on July 20, I plan on making it my moment.  On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong” 

“This is a dream come true for me. I’ve been through so much and there were days where I thought my dream was over. I’ve chased this since I was eight-years-old and I’m thankful for this chance to go after a dream that others thought I couldn’t reach.  

In Las Vegas, where people bet against the odds everyday, On July 20th, Mike Lee will do what he does every time he faces a big challenge and give hope to the millions who suffer from their Autoimmune Disease.
HE WILL WIN!!!

To Read more of Mike Lee’s Story on the battle with Autoimmune Disease, Click:
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/mike-lee-boxing-autoimmune-disease

WORCESTER, MASS (May 28, 2019) – The connection between Worcester Strong’s rich boxing tradition and today’s new generational hometown boxers is none other than three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, who will be headlining “Quest For 50,” presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment, Friday night, June 14, at the Worcester Palladium..

In his 50th professional fight, 46-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KOs) takes on former WFC champion Travis “Sweet Feet” Scott (19-5, 5 KOs), of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the eight-round main event at The Palladium in Worcester.

Worcester’s rich boxing history dates back to nearly a full century and includes Canadian import, world welterweight and middleweight world champion Lou Brouillard (100-31-2, 57 KOs – 1928-1940). 1928 Olympic bronze medalist Harry Devine (39-17-4, 6 KOs – 1928-1943), and New England welterweight titlist Leo Sawicki (42-53-8, 16 KOs – 1939-1949).

Rivera represents the 1992-2011 Worcester Wave in which he captured the IBO and WBA welterweight and WBA super welterweight championships. Others top local fighters in this era includes four-time national amateur champion and heavyweight prospect Bobby Harris (20-2-1, 13 KOs / 1993-1999) and Rivera’s current head trainer, New England middleweight champion Sean “The Irish Express” Fitzgerald (29-2-2, 11 KOs).

In addition to Rivera, Worcester will be represented by four new-age fighters on the electric “Quest For 50” card: New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (12-1-2, 8 KOs), Massachusetts’ top heavyweight prospect of the 21st century, Owen Minor (1-0, 1 KO), welterweight prospect Eslih Owusu (1-0) and featherweight Philip Davis (1-1-1).

Other top contemporary Worcester boxers who are not fighting on the “Quest For 50” card include veteran cruiserweight Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez (31-2, 20 KOs), WBC Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine Ortiz (11-0, 6 KOs), and super featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (12-1, 9 KOs).

“Worcester can be and is becoming one of the most active boxing areas in the country,” co-promoter Chuck Shearns said. “There are no less than four boxing gyms here within 5 miles of each other and many professional and amateur boxers throughout our city. Many of them have developed into world-class talents. As the city continues to support shows like June 14th, which features five local fighters, Worcester will continue to be known for boxing and its boxers.”

Ball has been added to an already solid card vs. Honduran Juan Celin Zapata (6-14-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round, super middleweight bout. In four-round bouts, Minor meets Alejandro Santiago (0-4), Owusu squares off with Springfield, MA veteran Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KOs), and Davis is matched against Henry Garcia (0-2-1), of New Bedford, MA.

In an All-Massachusetts showdown finds Boston welterweight Gabriel DuLuc (14-3, 4 KOs) has replaced injured Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) versus New Bedford’s Ray Oliveira, Jr. (8-2, 1 KO), the son of New England boxing favorite “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, in the six-round, co-featured event, that could easily steal the show.

Danbury, CT welterweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy, Jr. (7-1, 2 KOs) plans to bounce back from his first pro loss versus Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-10-3, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Brooklyn’s Sidney “Keelo” Mccow (6-8, 3 KOs) and Augustine “Ruthless” Mauras (6-5-3, 3 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, throw-down in a potentially explosive six-rounder for the vacant New England junior welterweight title.

Other four-round undercard bouts include the much anticipated pro-debut of Providence lightweight Elijah Peixoto vs. Bronx lightweight Danny Morales (0-8); Hartford junior welterweight “The Special One” Sharad Collier (1-0-1, 1 KO), a two-time N.E, Golden Gloves champion, vs. Anthony Everett (1-7), of Lawrence, MA, and the pro debut of Methuen, MA lightweight Luka Lannuccilli vs. Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-10).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $70.00 (ringside), $55.00 (mezzanine) and $40.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net, the Palladium box office, or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Worcester Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Donations may be sent to the Worcester Boys & Girls Club by going online at www.bgcworcester.org and proceed to “Be a donor” page, mail a check (payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Attention: Liz Hamilton, 65 Tainter St., Worcester, MA 01610), or drop-off donations at its new clubhouse.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usana.com, Raindrop Liquor, Michelob Ultra, Bay State Savings Bank, Vocero Hispano, Massachusetts Pirates, Office Mac, Chieftain Liquors, realtor Pamela LaPorte, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, and Grille 57.

FORMER OUTSTANDING AMATEUR and now 4-0 professional Louie Lynn has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren and will make his first appearance under the Queensberry Promotions banner at The O2, London on July 13.

Lynn, who made his pro debut at the Greenwich venue, will return to the scene of his introduction by taking his place on the hotly-anticipated ‘Heavy Duty’ card featuring the British heavyweight title showdown between Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

The Kevin Mitchell-trained featherweight enjoyed a successful amateur tenure, the England international winning the U20 Novices, then the 2017 ABA Elite Championship and the GB Championship before electing to enter the paid ranks.

The 23-year-old made his debut in March 2018 and scored a second round stoppage, before subsequently stopping his next three opponents.

“I am absolutely over the moon to sign with Frank,” reacted the Banstead-based prospect. “I am so happy and excited now because I have been a long time out of the ring.

“Frank is the best around and has the likes of Tyson Fury and Billy Joe Saunders on his shows, so I am just very grateful to be part of it now and I am looking forward to climbing up the ranks with him in my corner.

“He has taken so many to the top and I love the way he builds people up on really exciting shows. I am just happy and I believe I will be another one of his world champions down the line. That is what I am working towards.

“I love the professional game, I live and breathe boxing and it is my life. I love the occasion of it and the bigger it is, the better. I am now back on track and want to get the ball rolling.

“I am buzzing to be back at the O2 and it is an amazing card to be on. When I made my debut I was on at 5pm and the doors only opened then. A lot of my supporters couldn’t get in and I didn’t get my walk out song, so I was upset about that.

“It will be amazing to go back and do it all again.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “We are always an open door when it comes to adding quality young fighters to our pool of talent and Louie fits the bill perfectly.
He operates in a division where we have a world champion on our books in Josh Warrington so Louie has the perfect role model to aspire to emulate.

“Louie is in the very early stages of his professional journey, so we will move him along at the right pace and I am looking forward to watching his career unfold, starting on our huge ‘Heavy Duty’ show on July 13.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce 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, 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

ARCHIE SHARP IS keeping his fingers firmly crossed that Jamel Herring keeps to his word and grants him a voluntary defence of the WBO world super featherweight title he won over the weekend.

The 33-year-old American upset the odds by comfortably outpointing the champion Masayuki Ito in Kissimmee and the radar of ‘Sharpshooter’ Archie is now firmly fixed on the new WBO ruler.

In the wake of Herring’s fine win, Sharp tweeted the resident of Cincinnati to congratulate him and state his readiness for a tilt at his newly won title.

“Basically, we have got a mutual friend and he said before he boxed Ito – with him being ranked 12th and me 10th – that if he won the WBO title he would look to give me the opportunity to fight for it,” revealed the WBO European champion.

“He said this to my pal and I think he also mentioned it on a podcast.

“He has won it now, so I messaged him and hopefully he will keep his word. We will just have to wait and see. I know he will be waiting on the WBO to see if he can have a voluntary fight.”

Sharp, who has relatively low mileage on his professional clock with a record of 15-0, insists he will happily jump into world title combat after his next assignment, which comes at the o2 Arena on July 13.

“One hundred per cent. For that fight I know I am ready to go.

“It was a great fight he just had and he boxed very well. Ito is a great fighter to beat and I think he underestimated Jamel Herring, who had more hunger and that is what won him the fight.

“I would like to get that fight on for sure and it is one that myself and my team are comfortable with.

“He is very humble and a very nice fella, which is why I didn’t want to disrespect the man, so as soon as he won I congratulated him. It would just be great to get in the ring and box such a fighter to prove to everyone that I am at that level.

“I won’t underestimate my opponent on July 13 and the only reason I am saying all this is because it is there to be pushed and I want to jump on it before the others do.

“Of course, we’ve still got a job to do at the O2. I am in camp now for that and as soon as it is done I will be back in training ready to go again.”

Super featherweight starlet Sharp, with his eyes now fixed on a shot at the top, was perhaps understandably less enthused than most over the prospect of the Commonwealth title showdown between Zelfa Barrett and his previous opponent Lyon Woodstock, which is set for Leeds on June 15.

“Do you know what, I am not too sure and don’t know who is going to win. If pushed I think Barrett will and will outbox Woodstock.

“I am not overly fussed though, if this fight comes off for me against Herring, these boys aren’t even worth talking about for me because I will be pushing for a world title and I don’t think they are at that level.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce 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, 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

JOSH WARRINGTON has no interest in meeting Kid Galahad for a drink after their big world title fight even if they are all hugs after the final bell.

Galahad (26-0, 15KOS) claims he has no life outside of boxing and is “married” to the noble art.

Warrington (28-0, 6KOS) insists that his mandatory challenger will need to find outside interests after he defends his IBF featherweight title against his fellow Yorkshireman at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

The champion is the polar opposite of Galahad and when he isn’t in the gym forgets about boxing by spending time with his wife and one-year-old twins.

Warrington teased: “He is pretty boring. You wouldn’t wanna go out for a pint with him, would you? He’d have nothing to say.

“Everyone is different. That might suit him, living like a monk but I think you need to have a switch off from boxing because it is constantly there.

“You might think you’re always hungry, but it is during that little bit of time away living life when you realise there is a little bit more hunger for boxing in there.

“My way of going about it has done me all right. I’m a family man, I like to socialise with my pals and enjoy life.

“When I’m at home, I switch off and boxing gets left at the door. I go home to my little girls and I’m daddy and want to make my wife happy that’s me.

“When I come to work in the gym it is learning.  I give it 100%, and train like a world champion should.”Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Anthony Joshua-managed Super-Welterweight talent Souleymane Cissokho will kick off the action at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 1 when he takes on Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez on his first outing in the US. 

One of the great hopes for French boxing, Cissokho won bronze at the 2016 Rio Games at 69kg before joining the professional ranks in 2017 where he is now undefeated in eight fights, with six of those victories coming by way of knockout.

Cissokho teams up with Joshua’s 258 Management as he looks to propel his name onto the World scene at 154lbs and will be out to impress in his first fight under the unified Heavyweight champion’s banner. 

“I am very happy to be making my US debut in such an iconic venue,” said Cissokho. “It is a massive fight card and so to be a part of it is something special for me. 258 Management offer a refreshing new approach to management. It’s not only about boxing but everything in life that goes with it. I recognise myself in a lot of the values they have, the team spirit, hard work, discipline, dedication and staying humble. I am looking forward to getting started on June 1.”

About 258

Formed in 2018 by Heavy Weight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua & Team, 258 Management was established to represent the professional and commercial interests of elite level athletes. Alongside Joshua, the company has since added Olympians Lawrence Okolie and Joshua Buatsi to it’s stable, guiding them both to major domestic titles & looking at brand building to create commercial interest from a main stream audience.

258 are excited to announce the newest member of the family, Rio Olympian and bronze medalist Souleymane Cissokho. The Frenchmen who operates at 154lbs fills exactly the criteria 258 look for and they are extremely excited to be helping him on his journey to World honours.

Whilst remaining a boutique and exclusive management agency, 258 will continue to add to its roster with hand-picked world-class talent that have the ability to penetrate both inside the ring and in the commercial space that surrounds the sport. Building their fighter’s profiles, audience and earning power.

Cissokho and Hernandez clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Joshua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam, Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson, Joshua Buatsi defending his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Marco Antonio Periban, Texas Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fighting in his second pro contest and LA Middleweight Diego Pacheco looking to move to 4-0.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
 
Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.
 
Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

Tommy Coyle hopes that a win over New York’s Chris Algieri in the biggest fight of his career this Saturday June 1 could lead to his first ever World title shot.

Coyle is fresh from his exciting US debut in Boston in October where he introduced himself in typical style, sharing ten now trademark back-and-forth rounds with local favourite Ryan Kielczweski to win on points over ten.

The Hull ace returns stateside to take on Algieri for the WBO International Super-Lightweight crown at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, knowing that a victory would catapult him into the reckoning for a shot at World ruler Maurice Hooker. 

“I wouldn’t like to be Chris Algieri; I’m bang up for this!” said Coyle. “I just feel I’m coming into my own, in the last 18 months I’ve improved so much as a fighter. It’s all come together and completed me as a fighter. 

“It’s his hometown but I think I’ve got enough in my armory to come away victorious. It doesn’t faze me that I’m the underdog. I think we’re both cut from the same cloth. It can only go one way and I think that’s a war.

“Fighting in America last time was a massive tick on my bucket list. Now I’ve got a second chance at the Mecca of Boxing, this is simply different class. I can’t wait to get in there and put on a show, like I always do. The Garden has hosted some memorable fights down the years so to fight there is an honor.” 

Algieri feels he has unfinished business with the WBO Super-Lightweight belt having never been able to defend it, but Coyle believes that the Huntington hitter has had his moment, and that it’s his time to move into the latter stages of his career at the highest level.

“I met Chris at the Rocky Fielding vs. Canelo Alvarez fight,” said Coyle. “Initially I walked past him and Jamie Moore said ‘Do you know who that is?’ – I was a bit shocked how tall he was to be honest! I didn’t recognize him, he was so big. I said to him ‘You’re too good looking to fight!’ 

“He’s a great fighter, he’s been in with a long list of top names. Only very good fighters take Pacquiao the distance and he beat Provodnikov for the World title. I know that this is a hard fight but this is my time and I think Chris has had his. 

“The way I fight puts a lot of miles on the clock, so I want to get out of the game with all my faculties intact. I’ve got two or three fights left so I really want to make this last chapter worth reading. I’d love Eddie to get me a World title fight then my last fight would be in Hull, that’s where I started and I’m very proud to be from that city. Where I started is where I’ll finish.”

Algieri and Coyle clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Joshua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam, Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson, Joshua Buatsi defending his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Marco Antonio Periban, Texas Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams fighting in his second pro contest and LA Middleweight Diego Pacheco looking to move to 4-0.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.
 
Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.
 
Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

London, UK (26 May 2019) Former World Heavyweight title challenger Hughie Fury halted the previously undefeated Chris Norrad inside two rounds at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, last night to put himself back on track towards a world title shot.

The Manchester star looked in sensational shape in his first fight back since his loss to Kubrat Pulev last October and knew that he had to put on a solid performance for the fans and viewers on Channel 5.

Fury took command from the start and was the aggressor as he landed with sharp jabs and unloaded with hard power punches to Norrad’s head and body, midway in the first round he landed with a hard right to the back of Noarrad’s head that hurt the Canadian.

In the second, Fury was on the front foot again and asserted his power and halfway through the round two big right hands dropped Norrad, up at the referees count of nine he was still hurt and it was waved off at 1:51.

Afterwards, Fury thanked his team of father and trainer Peter and renown strength and conditioner Kerry Kayes for transforming his diet and training, he said “I felt a lot strong and a lot fitter and I’m ready now to fight anyone. All the experience I’ve had including the losses is all experience, I’m young and making me the final article for the future.”

On the undercard, female sensation Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall demolished Borislava Goranova – who had not been stopped in nearly seven years – in the first round with a hard left hook to the body that flattened the Bulgarian.  The WBA Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Champion from Hartlepool continues to close in on a mega-showdown against undisputed World Champion Claressa Shields.

In his first fight in the UK in for five and half years, exciting super-featherweight title contender Alex Dilmaghani became the first man to stop the tough Czech Martin Parlagi in the eighth round.  Dilmaghani credited his time in the hard gyms of Mexico that have turned him into a pressure fighter and he’ll now look to drop down to featherweight and face one of the leading domestic names.

Standout amateur and pro-debutant Michael Hennessy Jr. made a great start to his career when he outpointed 33-fight veteran Adam Grabiec.  The Seven Oaks hot prospect – son of promoter Mick Hennessy – passed the traditional four rounds entry for a pro debut and opted for the harder six-rounds.

FULL FIGHT CARD RESULTS 

10 x 3 International Heavyweight Contest

Hughie Fury WKO2 (Time 1:51) Chris Norrad

10 x 3 International Super Featherweight Contest

Alex Dilmaghani WTKO8 (Time 0:44) Martin Parlagi

6 x 2 International Super Middleweight Contest

Savannah Marshall WKO1 (Time 1:11) Borislava Goranova

6×3 Middleweight Contest

Michael Hennessy Jr WPTS6 (60-55) Adam Grabiec

6×3 Featherweight Contest

Marcel Braithwaite WPTS6 (60-54) Jake Pollard

6×3 Super Lightweight Contest

Kane Gardner LPTS4 (37-38) Des Newton

4×3 Welterweight Contest

Jake James WTD3 (30-27) Lee Hallett
Referee halts fight on doctors advice in 3rd round after Hallett cut above left eye in 2nd from a head clash 

4×3 Welterweight Contest

Connor Lynch WPTS4 (40-36) Dylan Draper

London, UK (25 May 2019) With Channel 5 cameras rolling live, the slick and super savvy southpaw resurfaces from an anonymous five year stint in the rough and tough finishing schools of Mexico City and Toronto to flaunt his considerable wares in a tasty 12 round international tear-up against  Slovakian beast Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi. 

‘When I review my career, later in life, I intend to have been involved in big fights. I expect to become a world champion and a great fighter,’ declares the 27 year old Southampton University law graduate.

‘Early in my career, I saw others focussing more on selling tickets than developing as fighters. So I fled to educate myself at boxing’s best ‘universities’ in Mexico City. I sparred several world champions including the great Juan Manuel Marquez.

‘Now, thanks to Mick (Hennessy, his new manager-promoter), I return to Britain as a potential bill-topper. I believe Mick has already pencilled in a few more statement fights for this year and I trust him to deliver ‘good and often’. 

‘My mum and brother who are very important to me are both here (Dad passed away when Alex was very young) and boxing is booming in Britain right now. In terms of support and interest, if not talent, it’s probably the world leader. The British sell out stadiums.’

Dilmaghani is not shy of stating his ambitions, he wants the big showdowns and is prepared to drop down to 126lbs to face leading domestic names Carl Frampton and the winner out of Josh Warrington’s fight against Kid Galahad.

He said, “I’m back on these shores now and I’m campaigning to fight the best in the country and that’s the trio of Frampton, Warrington and Galahad.  I feel I’m ready now to be let off the leash against them and the thought of fighting any of them gets my juices flowing.  I’m in the business to fight the best and to prove myself so I’ll have to force myself into the mix, but I’m confident in my abilities and know I could handle any of them.”

The Iranian descendant first entered the professional ranks at the age of just 17 and with negligible amateur breeding.

‘I’d always been a real student of the game, reading books about the old-time greats like Sam Langford, Jack Johnson and Charley Burley. But I never got actively involved. The nearest gym was some way away and, besides, I enjoyed my food!’ quips the 5ft 8in contender who is now coached by the upwardly-mobile Lee Wilkins at the Body Shots Gym in Crayford.

‘I finally started at the Whitehawk ABC in Brighton when I was away at university. I only had a handful of amateur fights but won them all bar one when I was blatantly, blatantly robbed. Though I was only 17, Ronnie Davies (long-time coach to the Eubank clan) told me I was more than good enough to go pro.’ 

With one sole early points loss in career, he has remained undefeated in eight years and 14 fights since, expanding his global fan club with five wins in Mexico and a further seven in Canada. So what can U.K fans expect from his homecoming this weekend?

‘I compare myself to (Hall of Fame ex world light-middle champ)Winky Wright. Aggressive yet defensive minded. It’s not just because I’m relatively academic but I’ve developed a good boxing brain,’ claims Dilmaghani who has stopped four of his last six.

‘I’m an all-rounder. Very quick with a great chin. I’ve never been close to getting knocked down. And I fully respect the sport. Boxing is like a prison term. I’ve learned to live the life. Eat right, avoid idiots.’ 

Though heavyweight Hughie Fury formally headlines Saturday’s card, ace Alex intends to be the name on everyone’s lips once the duelling is done.

‘Every time I step between the ropes, it’s my intention to impress,’ says Dilmaghani.

‘Parligi brings a good amateur pedigree and has had a lot of pro fights, more wins than me. I’ve studied tapes and he’s a rough, tough operator but, trust me, I tamed plenty of those over in Mexico!

‘Boxing is a nasty, dangerous business so I always wish the opposition good health but whatever Martin brings I’ll have the answer for.  I have everything over him; speed, technique, stamina, youth…

‘I expect to put on a fantastic show and probably stop him. I train way, way too hard for opponents to last the 12 round distance with me!’

NEW YORK (May 24, 2019) –Tomorrow, 2016 United States Olympian, undefeated bantamweight Antonio Vargas will look for his 11th win without a loss when he takes on tough veteran Jose Cardenas in a scheduled eight-round bout at The Osceola Heritage Park in Vargas’ hometown of Kissimmee, Florida.

Vargas, who will be making his 2nd start of 2019, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over 56-fight veteran Lucas Rafael Baez on February 22nd at The same venue, and he continues to step up the competition.  Vargas holds a win over previously undefeated Jonathan Garza (6-0).

The 22 year-old Vargas has become a hometown draw as this will be his 7th appearance in Kissimmee.

Cardenas of Tijuana, Mexico has a record of 16-4 with 13 knockouts.
Also, 22 years-old, Cardenas is more than capable as he already has a 2nd round stoppage over previously undefeated Raul Esquer (12-0-1).

Vargas weighed 117.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh in.  Cardenas was 117.6 lbs.

Vargas is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.