BROOKLYN – May 17, 2019 – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder scaled 223 ¼ pounds and mandatory challenger Dominic Breazeale tipped the scales at 255 ¼ pounds for their long-awaited grudge match that airs tomorrow live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

“Tomorrow is judgment day,” Wilder told SHOWTIME Sports Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood during Friday’s weigh-in from the LIU Brooklyn Athletic Center. “The bad blood is not going to affect the fight at all, it will only intensify it. When we get into the ring we are both going to see red. That’s what makes great fights – the words that we speak and what we do in the ring. It’s what makes great fights. Don’t you all want great fights?”

Wilder came in 11 pounds heavier than he measured for his December showdown with Tyson Fury, when he weighed 212 pounds, just five pounds heavier than his career low for his professional debut.

“At this point in time in my career I want to show everything,” said Wilder, who will make the ninth defense of his title in a matchup of 6-foot-7 heavyweights with a combined 90 percent knockout ratio. “I want to look the part, and be the part, as I always do.”

America’s only heavyweight champion, Wilder seeks to join elite company alongside Hall of Famers Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and more as just the 10th fighter in history to make nine or more consecutive successful heavyweight title defenses. Looking to end Wilder’s four-year reign as the United States’ only heavyweight champion is fellow-American Breazeale, who has 18 knockouts in his 20 professional wins.

“I think the bad blood motivated me during camp,” said Breazeale. “Coming into the fight though I’m going to act like a professional and put a professional performance on and give the fans what they want to see and get that knockout win.

“I’m going to put some leather in his face as often as possible. I plan on landing some big right hands and following up with some great body shots and left hooks. But on fight night, it’s about whoever lands to big shots first.”

In the co-featured bout on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will defend his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez and unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez faces former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction that opens the telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will be carried live on the American Forces Network (AFN) tomorrow in celebration of Armed Forces Day.

SHOWTIME Sports will also present live streaming undercard action and pre-fight analysis on social media platforms beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

WBC Heavyweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Deontay Wilder – 223 ¼ pounds

Dominic Breazeale – 255 ¼ pounds

Referee: Harvey Dock; Judges: John McKaie (N.Y.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Tom Schreck N.Y.)

WBC Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Gary Russell Jr. – 125 ¾ pounds

Kiko Martínez – 124 ½ pounds

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez; Judges: Eric Marlinski (N.Y.), Tony Paolillo (N.Y.), Robin Taylor (N.Y.)

Lightweight Attraction – 10 Rounds

Juan Heráldez – 140 ½ pounds

Argenis Méndez – 140 ¾ pounds

Referee: Johnny Callas; Judges: John Basile (N.Y.), Julie Lederman (N.Y.), Kevin Morgan (N.Y.)

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN – 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on Streaming Live on SHOWTIME Sports Social Platforms

YouTube Link: https://s.sho.com/2E72jfH

Heavyweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Robert Alfonso – 250 pounds

Iago Kiladze – 219 pounds

Lightweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Gary Antuanne Russell – 137 ¼ pounds

Marcos Mojica – 138 ¼ pounds

Junior Welterweight Bout – 8 Rounds

Richardson Hitchins – 144 ½ pounds

Alejandro Munera – 143 pounds

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE

Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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

The following are the weights and the running order for tomorrow evening’s world championship boxing event at Stevenage FC’s The Lamex Stadium. ‘King of Herts’ is live on BT Sport 1 from 7:30pm on Saturday 18th May.

(Subject to change. Timings approximate.)

Fight # 1 – 15:30 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
CONNOR WRIGHT V OWEN JUBBURN
Fight # 2
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
GRAHAM TIRRELL V SCOTT HILLMAN
Fight # 3
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
BALAZS BACSKAI 11st 1lb 8oz V 11st 3lbs 6oz DAVI ELIASQUEVICI
Fight # 4
4 X 2 Minute Rounds Flyweight Contest
LISA WHITESIDE 7st 13lbs V 7st 12lbs 10oz DANNI HODGES
Fight # 5
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest
JAMES BRANCH JNR 14st 7lbs 12oz V 14st 5lbs 4oz JAN HRAZDIRA
Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Flyweight Contest
HARVEY HORN V JOEL SANCHEZ
Fight # 7
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
HARLEY BENN 10st 8lbs 3oz V 10st 6lbs 12oz LEE HALLETT
Fight # 8
THE VACANT WBO YOUTH LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 135 lbs

BOY JONES JNR 9st 8lbs 12oz V 9st 9lbs 11oz SHAUN COOPER

BT LlVE BROADCAST COMMENCES AT 19:30 HRS
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fight # 9 – 19:35 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Bantamweight Contest
DENNIS McCANN 8st 6lbs 12oz V 8st 8lbs 10oz KAMIL JAWOREK
Fight # 10
THE BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 lbs
BRAD FOSTER 8st 8lbs 12oz V 8st 8lbs 10oz ASHLEY LANE
Fight # 11
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
WILLY HUTCHINSON 12st 9lbs 12oz V 12st 9lbs 9oz ONDREJ BUDERA
Fight # 12
10 X 3 Minute Rounds International Heavyweight Contest
JOE JOYCE MBE 18st 9lbs V 20st 3lbs 3oz ALEXANDER USTINOV
Fight # 13
THE VACANT WBO WORLD SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 168 lbs

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS 12st V 11st 6lbs 13oz SHEFAT ISUFI

LAS VEGAS (May 17, 2019) – Highly touted undefeated lightweight contender, Devin “The Dream” Haney (21-0, 13 KOs), who is scheduled to face Antonio Moran (24-3, 17 KOs) at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25, held a media workout yesterday at City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas.

The 10-round main event will air live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK as Haney is set to make his Matchroom Boxing USA debut. Tickets priced $40, $80, $150 and $250 (plus fees) are on sale now at ticketmaster.com or by clicking HERE.

Here is what Haney and his father and trainer Bill Haney had to say:

DEVIN HANEY

On his recent training camp:

“This has been a really good training camp. We started camp in the Bay Area training with Victor Conte and sparring Amir Khan. I was able to get some elite work with not only him but Mike Dallas as well. So, I started off strong in the beginning of camp, and when I moved camp back to Las Vegas, I was sharp. I just wrapped up my final sparring session before we leave for Maryland. I’ve put the work in, and my body feels great. “I’m ready to go.”

On facing Antonio Moran:

“Moran is a very tall fighter who brings a lot experience to the ring. I know he’ll be at his very best. He’s had two months to prepare for me. I’m prepared as well for anything that he’s going to bring to on fight night. The fans watching are in for a treat.”

On making his Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN main event debut:

“I can’t wait to showcase my talent on DAZN and show my partners at Matchroom they made the right choice. I will prove I’m an elite fighter and I can rise to the competition. Making my DAZN main event debut in the DMV area is very special, I get the chance to fight in front of some great fight fans. I’m going to put on a great show. I have no doubt in my mind that I’m elevating the sport of boxing with Matchroom and DAZN by my side. We are changing the game. May 25th the world will bear witness.

BILL HANEY, Devin’s Father and Trainer

On his relationship with his son Devin Haney:

“Me and Devin have always had a great relationship. We respect each other and understand where the other is coming from. We have a plan and we are on the same page. He’s had a great camp and fans can expect to see a fighter that’s ready for a World Title.

On the recent signing with Matchroom Boxing USA:

“Signing a Co-promotional agreement with Matchroom Boxing has been a blessing. Eddie Hearn is someone I have a lot of respect for. All the sacrifices DHP made as a team paid off when we inked this deal. Now it’s time to show the world who the next superstar in boxing is. Together with Matchroom and DAZN no one will stop us.”

On how his son matches up with Antonio Moran:

“This is not an easy fight stylistically because Moran is so tall, I believe he is listed at 6’0. That’s a little freaky for a lightweight. Needless to say this is the type of fight he needs. We want to show the world that Devin can make adjustments with any fighter out there. Antonio Moran has faced some very good fighters, but the world will see Devin is on a different level.

# # #

About Devin Haney Promotions:
Based in California, Devin Haney Promotions (DHP) is a first-class promotional company headed by boxing phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney. The company was founded in September of 2018. Devin Haney at 19-yrs old became the youngest active fighter/promoter in boxing history. DHP has a commitment to bring fans the most exciting shows with some of the best fighters in the world. Globally, DHP is respected as a premier promoter in boxing.

NATHAN GORMAN CONCEDES that he has been the chief protagonist and driving force behind calling for a domestic showdown with Daniel Dubois, a fight he says he first enquired about as soon as he turned professional.

The two heavies are getting it on at The O2, London on July 13 – live on BT Sport – and Gorman couldn’t be happier that his call has been answered.

“It’s here now, the British title at stake and probably two of the best heavyweight prospects in the world going at it for the most prestigious belt in the world, stated the Nantwich 22-year-old with a perfect 16-0 record.

“We’ve only got two months to – that will fly by – and I am really looking forward to putting on a show, I really am.”

While Gorman was consistently vocal, Dubois was always the more considered and happy to simply KO whoever was put in front of him. Gorman insists the first name he mentioned to his trainer Ricky Hatton on joining up was that of his London rival.

“He doesn’t really say much at all, does he? Bless him. Yeah I have been chirping, but there are no lies in what Rick says in that the minute I turned pro I said this is the fight I wanted, whenever it could be made.

“They said they would let it build and obviously Frank has got it at the right time now. He has struck while the iron is hot and we’re going to be fighting for the best belt in boxing. I’d like to think so,” he added, before suggesting Dubois is not as keyed up for the occasion as he is.

“I don’t think he is bothered, he is not interested. He is what he is, Daniel. Personally I want it a lot and I am prepared to go through a helluva lot to get that belt.”

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 via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

NEW YORK (May 16, 2019) –Three members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action across the United States this weekend.

Undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes takes on Lanardo Tyner in Dearborn, Michigan on Saturday; undefeated middleweight Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller battles veteran Erin Toughill on Saturday night in Hawaiian Gardens, California; ; Also on Saturday, super featherweight Carlos Dixon will be in action against Jeno Tonte.

Holmes of Flint, Michigan has a record of 8-0 with four knockouts The 24 year-old Holmes.was the number-one welterweight in the US, had an outstanding amateur career that culminated in reaching the finals of the Olympic trials.

Holmes competed in over 80 amateur fights and won several major tournaments including the 2015 USA National Elite Championship.

Holmes also competed in several major international tournaments. In March 2016, he competed in the World Series of Boxing and scored a sensational knockout over Cyrus Patterson of Great Britain.

In Tyner, he has facing his most experienced foe who has wins over Gilbert Venegas (9-2-2), Antwone Smith (18-1-1), former world champion Vivian Harris (29-6-1), former world title challenger Charles Hatley (17-0-1), Tyrese Hendrix (21-3-1), Luis Eduardo Florez (22-5-2) and Cortez Chambliss (4-0).

Miller of San Francisco has a record of 8-0 with three knockouts, will be looking to continue her winning ways against the battle tested Toughill (7-4-1). Toughill has battles Maricela Cornejo and Laila Ali.

Dixon, 22 years of Louisville has a record of 7-1 with five knockouts, takes on Tonte of Keckskmet, Hungary in an eight-round bout.

Tonte has a record of 9-7 with eight knockouts. Tonte will be making his 6th fight on American soil, and Dixon will be looking to solidify himself as a prospect in the 122-pound division.

Miller and Holmes are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

BROOKLYN (May 16, 2019) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale continued their war of words and further escalated their longstanding feud at the final press conference Thursday ahead of their showdown this Saturday live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also featured at the final press conference were WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. and former world champion Kiko Martinez, who meet in a 12-round bout for Russell’s world title, and unbeaten Juan Heraldez and former world champion Argenis Mendez, who compete in a 10-round super lightweight fight. Those two bouts will be part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME, while three undercard fights will stream live on SHOWTIME Sports social platforms beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Barclays Center:

DEONTAY WILDER

“These fighters always get into great shape and think they have the game plan to beat me. They think they’re going to catch me. It’s not going to work. Nothing this guy has prepared for is going to work.

“I hope he brings the best he can bring. This is more than just a boxing match. I’m passionate about what I do. This has been a long time coming for me and Dominic. He asked for this, and he shall receive.

“It’s going to be an amazing night for me, and a sad night for him. Being heavyweight champion is a big responsibility. Not everyone is made to be a champion. It’s more than being glamorous or carrying around this prestigious belt.

“I’ve trained harder than I’ve ever trained. He’s got me inspired like I was against Bermane Stiverne. I want to hurt Breazeale so bad. I’m going to keep my composure until that time comes Saturday night.

“I don’t believe Breazeale when he speaks. I’ve been in this game for a very long time. Someone like him is not going to beat me. The closest he’s going to get to this belt is in his dreams.

“My whole team has been with me since day one. We started together and we’re going to go all the way together. It’s been an amazing run for me. I started my career at the very bottom and worked all the way to this point.

“We never rushed anything. Even in the Olympics, I was still learning on the job. We trained to be a long term champion, not a short term champion, and we accomplished that. I’m appreciative for how far I’ve come and for everything that’s come with it. Hard work pays off.

“My actions are going to speak louder than my words. I am the best. I am the chosen one. He can say what he wants. It’s going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts. I’m going to bring the pain. Saturday night, everyone is in for a treat.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I’m super excited for this fight. Virgil Hunter and myself had a great camp. It was truly one of the best of my life. I’m mentally focused and physically right.

“I’m excited to be back and get another knockout win. Getting that WBC belt is everything to me. This is my Super Bowl.

“Victory for me on Saturday is everything. Wilder doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into. He’s in for a fight. He better be confident in his abilities, because Saturday night, he’s going to be in the toughest fight of his life.

“I’m going to beat Deontay so bad that he’s not going to ever want to lace up the gloves again. Sports are 80% mental. When I’m done with him, the mental aspect is going to be beat out of him.

“I’m going to put on another explosive performance. I’ve been dreaming for the last year about hearing ‘and the new.’ It’s a beautiful thing and I can’t wait to make it come true and have my hand raised.

“Wilder hasn’t developed at all during his career. He looks the same as he did in the amateurs. He needs to talk himself up to make himself feel confident.

“I’m too mentally in-tune to be focused on what someone says. When I go into a fight I don’t worry about what my opponent can do, but about what I want to do and how I can execute.

“None of Deontay’s words affect me at all. He’s going to keep barking and I’m just going to keep waiting. I’m going to quiet him down on Saturday night.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“I’m hungry and ready. Anyone that I step in the ring with is standing in the way of my goals. Anyone trying to stop me, is in a dangerous position.

“We’re going to try to control the pace of the fight with my jab. I don’t think he’s going to get past the jab. He’s going to try to get rough and physical. My plan is to make the adjustments that I need to get this win.

“It’s always a family affair with the Russells. We move as a unit and we excel as a unit. My family is where I pull all my energy from. It’s never a distraction. They give me the fuel I need.

“In boxing you need to have full trust and belief in your coach. I couldn’t imagine a better fit than having my dad. Even if he gives instructions that might not be 100% right in my eyes, I know that it’s going to be the best thing for me.

“No one in this division wants to step in the ring with me. They know the speed and power and abilities that I bring every time I step into the ring.

“Deontay and I were on the same Olympic team, plus Dominic and my little brother Gary Antuanne Russell were also U.S. Olympians. It makes for an amazing card on Saturday night.”

KIKO MARTINEZ

“I come to fight and get that title. I had a very smooth training camp and feel 100 percent physically.

“I think my experience is superior. He thinks I’m only a pressure fighter, but he hasn’t seen me box the way I’m going to box him on Saturday.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life. To be on this platform and be able to fight for the championship is very special. I’m going to make the most of it.

“I hope that Russell doesn’t take me lightly because I still have a lot of abilities left. It’s going to be a great fight for as long as it lasts.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“Camp went great and I can’t wait to put on a show. I’m going to let everyone in this division know that I’m coming for them. I’m going to seize the moment and take full advantage of it.

“I feel strong and I’m ready to fight. I’m just counting down the minutes until I can step into the ring. It’s a lot of excitement and I’m going to let it all out Saturday.

“I plan to win in spectacular fashion on Saturday. I’m going to show everyone that I’m a player at 140-pounds and I’m ready for anyone they can put in front of me.

“I’m not planning to get hit. I’m going to out box him and stick and move. He’s not going to be able to touch me. If the opportunity for a knockout comes, I’ll take it.”

ARGENIS MENDEZ

“I’m very excited for this opportunity. I had a great training camp and on Saturday night you’re going to see a show at Barclays Center.

“I love boxing and I love this opportunity that I have on Saturday night. I’m going to show my passion for the sport during this fight. I feel great physically and just cannot wait to get into the ring.

“A win on Saturday night opens the door for me. People are going to start seeing me as one of the best fighters from the Dominican Republic.

“It’s going to be a good fight. I have the speed and skills to out box him. We’re both very smart fighters. I believe I’m the better fighter and it will show on Saturday night.”

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

“The heavyweight division is exciting again and a lot of that has to do with Deontay Wilder. It’s also been helped by SHOWTIME and our commitment to the division. No other network has been more committed or invested more in the heavyweights than SHOWTIME has and we’re proud of that.

“We’re also proud that several of the fighters on this card have fought frequently on SHOWTIME. Deontay will make his 12th appearance and Gary will make his 11th. Wilder, Russell and Dominic all launched their careers on ShoBox, like so many other great fighters.

“When you get two guys together for a long-awaited grudge match, there’s not a lot that needs to be said. Deontay is the longest-reigning heavyweight champion in the sport. This would be the ninth defense for him, which is something that only nine other heavyweights have done in boxing history.

“Deonay had two of the most exciting heavyweight fights in recent history last year. As for Dominic, he’s a big strong experienced guy who’s been on the world stage before. He has fought for a world title and he’s coming off of three consecutive wins. He has plenty of power and we saw that in his last fight against Carlos Negron that he can change the fight in one punch.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“The heavyweight division has been the talk of the sports world for months, and it’s fitting that the world champion will defend his title right here in Brooklyn in one of the biggest fights in the sport this year.

“Deontay, I’ve said for a long time that this is your home away from home and we can’t wait to have you back. You have a big opponent this week in Dominic Breazeale. Dominic you’ve already made two appearances in our ring and we know the fans are looking forward to another great show.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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

New York, NY (May 16, 2019) On a particularly busy weekend for professional boxing, DiBella Entertainment and its fighters will play a prominent role. DBE will be promoting bouts on six different events, spanning five states, two continents, and featuring a world championship bout, two female regional championship bouts, several world-rated contenders, top prospects, and an Olympian making his professional debut.

“DiBella Entertainment has one of the deepest and most talented rosters in professional boxing and I am proud to have so much talent on display in one weekend,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “In this environment, it can be challenging to keep world class fighters active and it takes hustle and creativity. This weekend reflects our commitment to constantly pursue platforms for our fighters and to showcase their skills to the world.”

The action kicks off this Friday night, May 17, as DiBella Entertainment’s acclaimed Broadway Boxing series returns to the famed Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT, with an outstanding 10-bout card streamed internationally on UFC FIGHT PASS (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT).

Headlining the Broadway Boxing card is a 10-round junior welterweight clash for the vacant WBC-USNBC title between undefeated fan favorite “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (14-0, 7 KOs), of East Hartford, CT, and Ricky Edwards (12-2, 3 KOs), of Paterson, NJ. The fight marks the 11th time that the highly popular 21-year-old Williams, managed by Jackie Kallen, has fought at the venue with Edwards being the toughest adversary of his three years as a professional.

Among those featured on the card in separate bouts are former long-reigning cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (41-5-1, 28 KOs), of Berlin, Germany, world ranked junior lightweight Toka Kahn Clary (25-2, 17 KOs), of Providence, RI, rising heavyweight star George Arias (13-0, 7 KOs), of The Bronx, NY, top junior welterweight prospects Adrian Sosa (10-0, 8 KOs), of Lawrence, Mass., and featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (12-0, 9 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., who is only one fight removed from a decisive victory against former unbeaten contender Carlos Ramos on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox series.

Full details on Friday’s Broadway Boxing event can be found be visiting DBE1.com or fightpass.ufc.tv.

On Saturday night, May 18, in Glasgow, Scotland, IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (19-0, 12 KOs), of Amursk, Russia, will defend his title over 12 rounds against mandatory challenger Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor (14-0, 12 KOs) in the World Boxing Super Series Semi-Finals streamed in the United States on DAZN (1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT).

The winner of the fight between the Freddie Roach-trained Baranchyk and Taylor will face DiBella Entertainment’s Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, the WBA and WBC Diamond Super Lightweight World Champion, in the finals of the WBSS later this year in a bout to determine supremacy in the 140-pound division.

In the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., on Saturday night, undefeated contender Tiara Brown (7-0, 5 KOs) battles Angel Gladney in a 10-round super featherweight contest for the NABO women’s championship. The bout can be viewed on FIGHT NIGHT LIVE powered by Everlast HERE with the first bell from the Entertainment and Sports Arena at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT. Brown was recently named the Washington D.C. Police Officer of the Year and was hailed by the Steve Harvey Show as a “Real Life Superhero,” for both her talents as a boxer and service to her community.

The main event on FIGHT NIGHT LIVE from Washington, D.C. features the return of WBO #6-rated middleweight contender Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (24-1-1, 11 KOs). Fox, a native of Washington D.C., will begin his campaign as a super middleweight versus well-known veteran Nick Brinson (19-4-2, 9 KOs). Fox is aiming for his second consecutive win following the lone loss of his career versus current WBO middleweight champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade.

Across the country on Saturday night in Hawaiians Garden, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, world ranked contender Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (8-0, 3 KOs), of San Francisco, CA, faces Erin Toughill (7-4-1), of Huntington Beach, CA, in an eight-round contest for the vacant NABF Middleweight Title at the Gardens Casino. The bout can be viewed HERE with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. PT/10:00 p.m. ET.

In Dearborn, MI, one of the newest members of the DiBella Entertainment stable, IBF #13-rated junior welterweight Sonny Boy Fredrickson (20-1, 13 KOs), of Toledo, OH, returns to the ring in a 10-round bout against Ghana’s Joseph “Mandingo” Laryea (25-10, 19 KOs). On the same show, top junior middleweight prospect Ardreal Holmes (8-0, 4 KOs), of Flint, MI, will clash with tough, battle-tested veteran and hometown favorite Lanardo Tyner (35-15-2, 22 KOs), of Detroit, MI in a six-round bout.

On Saturday night in Miami, hard-punching 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carlos Carrillo, who accumulated a stellar 388-23 amateur record, makes his long-awaited professional debut versus Yendirs Valdez.

LAS VEGAS (May 16, 2019) – Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has announced a partnership agreement with Elite Championship Boxing (ECB) to bring RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® to Canada.

Elite Championship Boxing, which is based in Edmonton, Canada, sports a growing stable of gifted, young boxers including, among others, welterweight Raffaele Santoro (5-0, 2 KOs), featherweight Carlieto Santoro (5-0, 1 KO), Christian Jensen, Jorge Castro and Edgar Martinez.

Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and UFC have an agreement to live-stream up to 72 professional boxing events through 2021 on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

The inaugural RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS in Canada is tentatively scheduled for October 19, 2019, at Stony Plain Expo Center in Edmonton, Canada.

“There is only one legend to work with, Roy Jones, Jr.,” ECB president Pasqualino Santoro said. “Working with Roy is, honestly, kind of a dream. On one hand this is a business but, on the other hand, we’re going to be working with a boxing legend who has been in the ring with other legends. Roy is a guy my boys emulate. Look at what he and Keith Veltre have done by teaming with the most renown sports group in the world, UFC FIGHT PASS. Up-and-coming fighters now have a real platform with loyal viewers.

“As a promoter this is a great chance to get our Canadian fighters some exposure on a worldwide platform so that boxing fans all around the world will have an opportunity to watch our Canadian fighters. No other promotion in Canada can offer what this partnership does, offering exposure on a worldwide scale, and amazing business practices. We’re going to have one helluva show for our first event on October 19th.”

Santuro believes that this RJJ Boxing-Elite Championship Boxing partnership is the most significant in Canadian boxing history.

“All of the fighters on our October 19th card will get to display their skills,” Santoro added. “I’m excited to see my boys, Carlietto and Raffaele Santoro react to fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS in front of a legend. This will be their first 10-round fight on top of this pressure, but this is how to find out what they’re made of, even though they’re my sons.”

INFORMATION:

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

TEMECULA, Calif (May 16, 2019) — Something has to give. IBF lightweight world champion Richard Commey is one of the division’s biggest punchers. For his first title defense, he’ll face a rugged ex-champion who hasn’t been knocked out in more than a decade.

Commey will defend his belt against former WBO lightweight world champion Ray Beltran in the Top Rank on ESPN main event Friday, June 28 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated Dominican puncher Carlos “Caballo Bronco” Adames will defend his NABO and NABF 154-pound belts against Patrick Day.

Commey-Beltran and Adames-Day will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The undercard will stream live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets for this world championship event priced at $149, $129, $79, $59, and $29 are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in person at the Pechanga Resort Casino box office.

“I’m honored to be headlining an ESPN show as a world champion and to be fighting former world champion Ray Beltran, whom I have the utmost respect for,” Commey said. “This is an opportunity for me to show the American public that I’m here to become the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. The path is set, and come June 28, I’ll be ready to rock ‘n’ roll.”

“I’m excited about this fight with Richard Commey. I’ve been the WBO champion, and I intend to be the IBF champion on June 28,” Beltran said. “I expect a tough fight, but that’s the kind of fight I like. We are both very experienced, so it will come down to who is willing to lay his heart on the line that night. After losing my title to Jose Pedraza, I think some people thought I was done, but I always come back and prove that I belong. I’m excited to announce that Freddie Roach is back in my corner after all these years. When I was working with Manny Pacquiao, I saw what Freddie can do, both in camp and in the corner. I’m grateful to Top Rank and ESPN for having me back. The only thing I want for my birthday (July 23) is the IBF world title.”

“Richard Commey, the pride of Ghana, is a physically imposing, hard-punching lightweight champion,” said Lou DiBella, Commey’s promoter. “We’re thrilled that his first defense will be a high-profile fight against tenacious former world champion Ray Beltran. Richard wants to be a unified champion and a star. On June 28, he has an opportunity to raise his profile worldwide.”

Commey (28-2, 25 KOs) blew away Isa Chaniev via second-round TKO Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, to win the vacant IBF world title. He had previously challenged Robert Easter Jr. for that belt, dropping a razor-thin split decision in September 2016. His only other loss came via split decision less than three months later to Denis Shafikov in Shafikov’s home country of Russia. Since then, he has won four in a row and is fully recovered from a right knuckle injury suffered during the Chaniev fight. A proud native of Accra, Ghana, Commey hails from the same neighborhood that produced former world champions Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, David Kotey, Alfred Kotey, Joseph Agbeko and the legendary Azumah Nelson.

Beltran (36-8-1, 22 KOs), the former sparring partner to the stars, realized his world championship dreams in February 2018, besting Paulus Moses by unanimous decision to win the WBO lightweight world title. His title reign was short-lived, as he was defeated by Jose Pedraza via unanimous decision last August. Beltran rebounded from that setback, returning in February to knock out then-unbeaten 140-pound contender Hiroki Okada in the ninth round.

Adames (17-0, 14 KOs) has won three straight bouts by knockout since electing to campaign at 154 pounds. A former amateur star from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Adames grew up with 35 siblings and turned to the sport at the age of 12 after an older brother took him to a gym. In his last bout, April 20 on the Terence Crawford-Amir Khan undercard, he blew away perennial contender Frank Galarza in four rounds. Day (17-2-1, 6 KOs), from Freeport, New York, has won six in a row, including two wins against previously unbeaten fighters. He made a statement Feb. 2 in Frisco, Texas, outboxing Ismail Iliev (11-0-1 at the time) over 10 rounds.

“This fight represents a big step in the right direction for me and my career,” Adames said. “I am thrilled with this opportunity, and as I have always promised to my people of the Dominican Republic, I will be the next world champion from the island and the new face of Dominican boxing.”

“Time to show the world who Pat Day is,” Day said. “These are the fights I dreamed of on my way to top 10 contention. Now that I am here, I intend to advance to a world title. I respect what Carlos brings to the table, but he has never fought a guy like me. I am focused on winning and looking good doing it.”

The action-packed ESPN+ stream will include the following bouts:
Saul “Neno” Rodriguez (23-0-1, 17 KOs) will take on Miguel Angel “Miguelito” Gonzalez (24-4, 21 KOs) in a super featherweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds. Rodriguez has notched a pair of knockout wins since returning from a nearly two-year layoff.
Middleweight prospect Tyler Howard (17-0, 11 KOs) will face the upset-minded Manny “Shake Em’ Up Woods (16-8-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
Ruben Rodriguez (6-0, 2 KOs), a 22-year-old super lightweight prospect from Indio, California, will fight Vicente Morales (2-2-2, 1 KO) in a six-rounder.
Raymond Muratalla (7-0, 5 KOs) will look to extend his knockout streak to three against Javier Martinez (4-6, 3 KOs) in a lightweight fight scheduled for six rounds.
Super featherweight sensation Christopher “The Boy” Zavala (4-0, 2 KOs) will fight Prisco Marquez (4-0-1, 1 KO) in a four-rounder.
Middleweight prospect David “Lion of Zion” Kaminsky (4-0, 2 KOs), an 18-year-old from Israel, will face veteran Osbaldo Gonzalez (6-4, 4 KOs) in a four-rounder.
2016 Australian Olympian Daniel Lewis (1-0, 1 KO) will see action in a six-round middleweight contest in his Top Rank debut.
Super lightweight prospect Elvis Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a four-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 #CommeyBeltran and #AdamesDay 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.

GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico (May 16, 2019)— It is personal for former two-division world champion and current lightweight contender Jose “Sniper” Pedraza. His opponent May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, is Antonio Lozada Jr., who in March of last year knocked out then-undefeated Felix Verdejo in the 10th round. Verdejo and Pedraza both hail from Puerto Rico, and Pedraza, who is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, hopes to avenge his countryman’s defeat.

Pedraza-Lozada will serve as the co-feature to Masayuki Ito’s WBO junior lightweight title defense against Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET).

The undercard (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET) is chock full of Puerto Rico’s best young talent, including 130-pound puncher Henry Lebron (8-0, 6 KOs) and super flyweight contender Jeyvier Cintron (10-0, 5 KOs). Lebron will face Luis Lizarraga Jr. (6-12-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, while Cintron, a two-time Puerto Rican Olympian, will battle former interim flyweight world champion Koki Eto (24-4-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Pedraza, Cintron, and Lebron worked out for the media Wednesday at Felix Pagan Pintor Boxing Gym. This is what they had to say.

José Pedraza

“I am very motivated for this fight. Lozada is a very dangerous fighter, and the sport of boxing is very unpredictable. He is the typical Mexican warrior who always comes forward and applies pressure at all times, but we have worked very hard, and I am sure that I will come out victorious for all of Puerto Rico on May 25.”

“I want to get rid of that thorn (avenging Verdejo’s loss against Lozada), but I have to modify my words. I’m not going for revenge necessarily because only Felix can take revenge on Lozada. As the good Puerto Rican brothers that we are, I’m coming to take that thorn out because he beat one of my longtime friends. I’m coming to win this fight!”

“After this fight, I would like to return to the world title scene at 135 pounds, and I would like to be able to have a championship opportunity by the end of this year. But if I do not get that chance, I will examine my options at 140 pounds. I would like to become a three-division world champion.”

Jeyvier Cintron

“I’ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. I’ve been working hard with my coach, Iván Calderón, and I’m ready for big fights. It’s my time to shine, and on May 25, I’m going to show that I’m ready to face the great fighters at 115 pounds.”

“I’m going to face an experienced fighter who has already been an interim world champion, but I’m coming with everything. I’m going to give everything in the ring, and I assure my people that I will come out with the victory.”

Henry Lebrón

“I feel super happy to be representing the new wave of Puerto Rican fighters in front of the fans in Kissimmee. Many Boricua fighters will see action on May 25 at Osceola Heritage Park, and we are coming to give an excellent show to our people. Kissimmee is like our house.”

“My opponent is a Mexican fighter that endures a lot of punishment. He takes punches very well, and I think that this will be a long fight. I am prepared to go the distance, but I also have punching power. If I hurt him, I’m going for the knockout.”

“I am a young fighter. I am in the process of continuing to grow and learn, but in 2019, I would like to fight for a youth world title. If I get the opportunity to become a youth world champion, I will take full advantage of the opportunity.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing and Teiken Promotions, tickets are on sale now. Priced at $100 (ringside) and $50 (general admission), including all taxes and facility fees, tickets may be purchased online via ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.745.3000 or in person at Osceola Heritage Park box office (open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m. and on event days). For more information: www.ohpark.com.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #ItoHerring and PedrazaLozada to join the conversation on social media.

“Dallas-based sports agency, Ballengee Group, has acquired AC Sports Management, adding a boxing division to their full-service conglomerate.

Dallas millennial, Adrian Clark, founded AC Sports in 2012.

“Timing is everything in boxing. I believe the same goes for business. Ballengee Group has been very supportive and vocal on adding boxing to their roster.
Our values and unique way of representing athletes matched up perfectly.” Clark stated.

Clark, 32, competed as an amateur boxer while earning his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.

Joining Ballengee Group provides Clark with a larger platform and proven resources as he looks to emerge as one of boxing’s leading representatives.

“It has been one hell of a journey for me. I survived entrepreneurship and took AC Sports Management to new heights, without any major backing.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from the fighters, promoters, and pioneers in the fight game. Now it’s time to take things to another level.”

Ballengee Group owners James and Alex Ballengee flew to New York April 20th to observe Clark in the heart of boxing, Madison Square Garden.

“After being around AC and seeing how he operates, we knew there was a match. It was just figuring out the details from there.

We did, and now we’re all excited for the continued growth of Ballengee Group and the success we’ve had in Combat Sports.” Stated Alex Ballengee.

Clark was named to Forbes magazine 4th annual ’30 under 30′ (Sports) list in 2016. Along with pro-athlete representation, Clark is a published author of (3) books.

Clark has negotiated for a portfolio of leading athletes including current IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. Willie Monroe Jr., Frank Galarza and Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller,

Undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Chris Ousley, and former WBA Lightweight Champion, Jason Sosa round out the promising boxing division.”

“####”

“Ballengee Group is a full-service sports representation agency based in Dallas, Texas.

The firm represents baseball, football and combat sports athletes within its unique ownership structure.”

LOS ANGELES (May 16, 2019): Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (16-0, 6 KOs), one of the most important female boxers of this era, will look to take over Hollywood, Calif. as she defends her WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title for a second time in a 10-round main event against a soon-to-be announced opponent. The event will take place on Thursday, June 13 at Avalon Hollywood. The fights will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation.

Estrada is a native of East Los Angeles, Calif. who earned multiple titles as an amateur boxer before turning professional in 2011. Since then, the 26-year-old has developed into one of the biggest names in women’s boxing, fighting on important cards in Southern California and in Mexico, where she captured a regional title in November 2018. Estrada plans to fight for a world title in the near future, but she’ll have to get passed a tough opponent that will be announced shortly.

“I’m excited fighting at home again,” said Seniesa Estrada. “My last two fights were in Mexico, so it’s cool to be fighting in front of my fans, friends and family who will be coming out to support me as I defend my WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title. I think this will be the last time I defend it before I challenge for a world title. I have high hopes that we can sell this place out because I know my fans have been waiting for me to fight in Los Angeles. I expect it to be a great event!”

In the co-main event, Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (16-3, 13 KOs) will face Glen Porras (32-8, 20 KOs) of Cotabato, Philippines in a 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Carlos Caraballo (11-0, 11 KOs) of Ponce, Puerto Rico will fight in an eight-round bantamweight bout.

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (19-3, 15 KOs) of Buena Park, Calif. will make his highly anticipated return in an eight-round lightweight fight.

David “Junebug” Mijares (7-0, 3 KOs) of Pasadena, Calif.will compete in a six-round lightweight battle.

Jose Vargas (5-0, 4 KOs) of Pasadena, Calif. will participate in a six-round super bantamweight clash.

Pat Manuel (1-0) of Duarte, Calif. will open the night in a four-round super featherweight fight.

The opponents for this event will be announced shortly.

Estrada vs. TBD is a 10-round fight for the WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place Thursday, June 13 at Avalon Hollywood. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area, click here.

Tickets for Estrada vs. TBD go on sale on Thursday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $30, $40, $50, and $80, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and the Golden Boy Facebook page.

Media interested Estrada vs. TBD must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, June 10 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

Tickets for the homecoming WBO World Middleweight title defense of Demetrius Andrade are on presale NOW as he puts his belt on the line against Maciej Sulecki at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday June 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Andrade (27-0 17 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown in his first ever fight in his Providence backyard, with the two-weight World king landing the belt in Boston with an emphatic points win over Walter Kautondokwa in October and then stopping Artur Akavov in the final round of their January clash in New York.

The former WBO Junior-Middleweight ruler holds a powerful position in the star-studded 160lbs division as one of two World champions after Canelo Alvarez defeated Daniel Jacobs to add his IBF crown to the WBA and WBC belts he owns – meaning ‘Boo Boo’ is hunting an undisputed fight with the Mexican superstar.

Sulecki (28-1 11 KOs) will want to gatecrash those plans and the all-action Pole promises to deliver a war on June 29. The 30 year old challenger comes into the bout on the back of a thrilling clash with Gabriel Rosado in March, pocketing the WBO International belt after flooring the hometown favorite in the second and eighth rounds but then hitting the deck twice himself in the ninth.

The pair will come face-to-face at a press conference at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center next Wednesday and fans can get their hands on tickets NOW – with tickets starting at just $28 (including fees).

Fans can visit: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/matchroom-boxing-usa/event/010056AAED7788D1 and enter the code MBUSA to access presale tickets.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday May 22.

PROMOTER Frank Warren today held the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s vacant WBO world super-middleweight title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and Shefat Isufi at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

Saunders, who comes from nearby Hatfield will be bidding to become a two-weight world champion having previously held the WBO middleweight crown.

Also on the bill is fast emerging London heavyweight star and Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce who faces giant Russian former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov.

In a double title fight Lichfield’s British super-bantamweight champion Brad Foster meets Bristol’s Commonwealth belt holder Ashley Lane.

Here are a selection of quotes from the presser.

FRANK WARREN

Bill should be in a position to have big fights and he will get them. It is a shame that fighters avoid him. We twice signed to fight Golovkin and I know Canelo’s connections don’t want to know. I had a chat with Joe Gallagher a couple weeks ago about Callum Smith and he said ‘in a couple of fights time’, but Callum will be light-heavyweight by then. Chris Eubank Jr has shown no interest in avenging his loss to Bill.

Ustinov is a big, big man and I know him very well. This is a tough fight for Joe and a step up for him. Joe doesn’t want marking time fights and this is no gimme. Joe is out to make a statement and cannot afford to slip up.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS

This has been a long time coming. I had a terrible 2018 and feel my title was robbed from me. I jumped at this fight when it was offered and I will become a two-weight world champion.

I’m not looking past Isufi, but I am looking for the big names. I am 29, I know I have got it inside me and nobody has seen my best.

With the backing of BT Sport we can make the big fights. It is all fine saying I look good hitting the pads, but I have to be on my A game and send a message to the other super-middleweights.

If I do bring it, I should box his head off. Whatever he brings I will fetch ten-fold more.

I have been training with Ben and it has been good, enjoyable and great bouncing around with Tyson Fury. Everything has gone well and I’m enjoying boxing again.

SHEFAT ISUFI

I am doing this for me, but to become Albania’s first world boxing champion is big for them and also Germany as I box under their flag.

Billy Joe will be trying everything to win and so will I.

If Billy Joe did win I will congratulate him, but it will be the other way around.

Billy Joe is quick, fast and a hard puncher. I can also punch and one punch could make the difference.

My father died when I was young and he is always in my mind. When I win I will go to his grave and thank him.

JOE JOYCE

I am fighting fit and good to go. Training has gone well with Adam Booth. I am looking for nine wins, nine knockouts.

Ustinov is very experienced, big, strong, tough and this is a step up. I have to beat him to get to the next level. I know what he has in his arsenal and what I have to do to beat him. He can punch, but I take a shot and give one back.

ALEXANDER USTINOV

This is a very hard fight and I am prepared to win. Joe is a very good boxer and I know him well. We will see who is the strongest boxer this weekend. Joe wants to knock me out, but everyone thinks they win by knockout.

BRAD FOSTER

I have been learning on the job and picked up the British title in my last fight against Josh Wale when I was the away fighter so I am not doing too badly. Ash has got a lot more experience and this is no walkover. It is a tough fight. I am a happy Brad and when I’m happy I perform better.

ASHLEY LANE

I watched him against Josh and it was a good performance. In my last seven fights I have turned my career around after up and downs. My experience and what I have learned from the last two years will give me the strength to win. I spar with Lee Haskins, Lee Selby and Andrew Selby. That is a high level of sparring.

Tickets for saturday night’s show can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality

£150 – Pitch

£100 – Pitch

£75 – Pitch

£50 – Stand

£40 – Stand are now completely sold out

More information on saturday night’s show can be found in this helpful guide.

London, UK (16 May 2019) Alex Dilmaghani was born in Redhill, Surrey, of Iranian ancestry but, following just a fistful of amateur bouts and eight pro starts in the U.K, the then 22 year old southpaw boldly uprooted to the sweltering slums of Mexico City to fast track his ring education.

‘I HAD to go abroad if I was to progress’ admits the well-spoken 27 year old, who holds a law degree from Southampton University.

‘I chose Mexico because it’s a great country and the Mexicans are really great people. It has a great boxing tradition and so many genuinely hungry fighters.’

The Iranian knight entered the profession as a callow 17 year old under the wing of long-term Eubank mentor Ronnie Davies way back in April 2009. Over the next four and a half years he racked up seven wins in eight starts – without ripping up too many trees – prior to taking the plunge across the Atlantic in early 2014.

Based at the capital city’s world famous Romanza Gym, Dilmaghani lapped up the wisdom of Hall of Fame trainer and national treasure Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain.

‘I only started to take boxing seriously once I moved over to Mexico City,’ declared Dilmaghani who had the privilege sharing gym space with native all-time great Juan Manuel Marquez, the seven-time, four division world champion.

‘I did all my proper learning over there; how to train, how to fight, how to live. It was in the gyms of Mexico City that I developed all the subtle stuff, a proper stance, how to put your hip and shoulders into punches, the real science of boxing.

‘I meticulously studied the way (Juan Manuel) Marquez conditioned himself. He possibly wasn’t the hardest trainer I’ve ever worked alongside but he was definitely the most specific. Everything he did had genuine purpose.’

On a daily basis, the young ‘gringo’ challenged himself to survive then thrive against some seriously sinister hombres.

‘I sparred Juan Manuel in the build up to the last Pacquiao fight and, trust me, he lacks for nothing; very smart, very skilful. I also sparred lots of rounds with (three-time, two-weight world champion) Jhonny Gonzalez and (former WBC super-feather boss) Francisco Vargas. The sparring over there was always very hard,’ recalls Alex.

Between 2014-2017, the Azteca adventurer triumphed in all five fights in the Land of the Sombrero, completing the 10 round trip for the first time, and making quite a commotion by bombing out three hapless victims for the full ten count.

‘Mexico was a sacrifice I had to make and ended up a brilliant life experience,’ he says.

‘It took me out of my comfort zone, taught me not just about boxing but about life in general. It built mental strength. Though I’ve many great friends in Mexico now, initially I arrived on my own and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish.’

And having graduated the grime of Mexico, academic Alex attended a two-year finishing school in Canada, having been headhunted by Toronto promoter Lee Baxter in late 2016.

‘In Canada, a beautiful place, I may not have learned so much but, career wise, it was a great move for me, more about the fights than the training,’ claims Dilmaghani, who further expanded his global fan club by remaining undefeated in seven Canadian starts (one No Contest) which included a further three early finishes.

Having survived America, the stylish Surrey southpaw (now an impressive 18-1-1NC), is intent on conquering Britain and dazzling UK fight fans with his unique cosmopolitan skill set.

‘Apprenticing abroad will undoubtedly stand me in good stead,’ insists Alex who recently penned a deal with manager- promoter Mick Hennessy and features in a 12 rounder against Slovakian hard case Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on Saturday week.

‘Living away from home, alone and so young, certainly taught me how to cope with pressure. I was living in a ghetto over there and the British inner cities just don’t compare. It was a seriously dangerous place. I came through and now nothing can faze me.’

Promoted by Hennessy Sports, Channel 5 and Infinitum, in association with VIP Promotions, Hughie Fury headlines an action packed show on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, when he takes on undefeated Canadian Chris Norrad. Exciting super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani faces the hardened Martin Parlagi. Female super-middleweight sensation Savannah Marshall returns to action. Steve Brogan defends his Central Area Lightweight Championship against rival Adam Hague and completing the card will be Matty Fagan, Connor Lynch and Marcel Braithwaite.

Tickets priced at £40 & £70 are available from http://vipboxing.tv/shop/vip-tickets/hughie-fury-saturday-25th-may-victoria-warehouse/ and 01942 874 241

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

All media wishing to apply for media accreditation for Fury vs. Norrad on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, please complete this form and send via the Submit button.

The deadline for applications is on Monday 20th May at 5pm. Applications received after this time will not be considered. Confirmations will be sent out shortly afterwards.

To apply for media accreditation please CLICK HERE

Kem Ljungquist (8-0, 5 KOs) says he wants to show that he is ‘the future of heavyweight boxing in Denmark’ as the undefeated prospect returns for his ninth professional contest on June 22 at the Forum Horsens.

The 28 year-old recorded a unanimous points victory over Dominik Musil in his last outing on May 4 at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt, an important win for Ljungquist, who went the eight round distance for the first time in his career.

“I was happy with my performance and pleased I won,” he said. “The victory wasn’t in doubt before the fight, but it was my first eight-rounder. Up until that point, I hadn’t fought more than six rounds, so it was a good experience for me.

“Of course, it’s nice to win by stoppage but it’s also important to know you can go the rounds, and now I know I’m comfortable going eight rounds.”

Ljungquist is now looking forward to the tougher fights that lie ahead and is eager to continue his development to prove he is a man for the future.

“I feel that I’m improving with every fight and that’s what it’s all about,” he says. “I’ve had eight fights now and I’m very happy with how it’s been going so far.

“I want to take a step up in every fight. I want to be the best and that’s why I need to keep climbing the ladder. I trust my promoter Team Sauerland and I know they will continue to make the right choice of opponent for me.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Horsens. I love boxing at home where I have the fans backing me up. It gives me a lot of motivation. I want to win and I want to do my best to show that I’m the future of heavyweight boxing in Denmark.”

Ljungquist fights on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against April Adams, which also features Frederik Hede Jensen and Horsens-boxers Amer Rasinlic and Michael Nielsen.

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.

KID GALAHAD has taken to social media to taunt his rival Josh Warrington after Warrington’s beloved Leeds United were defeated by Derby County last night in the Play-Off semi final.

Leeds were a goal to the good after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final but succumbed to a devastating 4-2 home defeat and have now missed out on a place among English Football’s elite in the Premier League.

Galahad, 26-0, posted a picture on his official twitter page of LUFC star Stuart Dallas laying on the ground in disappointment after losing the game and captioned it with a ‘look’ emoji, highlighting the heartbreaking loss for Leeds United and no doubt for Josh Warrington.

Sheffield’s Galahad will be looking to inflict another upset defeat for Leeds fans on June 15 at the First Direct Arena when he attempts to dethrone local hero Josh Warrington and become the IBF World Featherweight Champion.

Warrington had earlier predicted a Leeds United win and will not have taken kindly to Galahad’s online taunts.

It’s been a spicy build up to one of the most anticipated fights of 2019 and this latest development will only add more fuel to the fire.

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.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

RICKY HATTON believes that Daniel Dubois will be seeing stars when he collides with bitter rival Nathan Gorman.

The pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13 in one of the most significant domestic title fights in recent years.

Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) has the big punching reputation, while Nantwich’s Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) is known for his skills.

But Hatton who trains Gorman believes the Londoner will be the on the receiving end of big shots when they clash, live on BT Sport.

British ring legend, Ricky said: “I say it the way it is because it’s what I believe. You will always get honesty from Ricky Hatton.

“I believe I have got the best man and he wins by knockout. If you know Ricky Hatton I don’t do BS.”

Gorman, 22, has been taken the distance by Kamil Sokolowski, Razvan Cojanu and Kevin Johnson which suggests that putting Dubois out for the count is tougher than expected.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton said: “We are looking at six or seven different sparring partners just to do a couple of rounds apiece – one in and one out after every round.

“That will keep them fresh. They will be told to jump all over Nathan and he will be making them miss and pay.

“Nathan needs to hit Daniel with something significant to get respect from him and stop him in his tracks.

“Little arm shot ticklers are not gonna work against Daniel. We have a game plan and think it will work on the night.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and will be priced as below:

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

(May 15, 2019) — Two Moloneys are better than one.

The Moloney twins — undefeated super flyweight contender Andrew and top bantamweight contender Jason — have each signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 28-year-old Moloneys, who are scheduled to fight in separate 10-round bouts June 15 in Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia, will showcase their talents in the United States and on ESPN platforms in 2019.

“I am personally very thrilled that we have signed the Moloney twins,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are two very talented youngsters who are destined for great things.”

“This is a dream come true to sign with the biggest and best promotional company in world boxing,” said Andrew Moloney. “I am now more motivated than ever. Top Rank has built so many great champions over the years. I will continue working hard every day to make sure I am the next one.”

“With the great team of people I have around me, and now the addition of the best promotional company in the world, I really think the sky is the limit,” Jason Moloney said. “This is the start of something very special.”

“I believe the Moloneys are the future of world boxing,” said Tony Tolj, Jason and Andrew’s manager. “We are excited to join the Top Rank team. This is going to be one hell of a ride for everyone involved.”

Andrew Moloney (19-0, 12 KOs), nicknamed “The Monster,” is on the precipice of a world title shot after less than five years in the paid ranks. Ranked in the top five by three of the four major sanctioning organizations, Andrew Moloney turned heads last September when he stopped former world champion Luis Concepcion in 10 rounds on a card that streamed live in the United States on ESPN+. He won a WBA super flyweight title eliminator March 22 in Chile, knocking out hometown hero Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez in the eighth round.

Jason Moloney (18-1, 15 KOs) nearly tasted world championship glory, dropping a disputed split decision to IBF bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez last October in Orlando, Florida. He rebounded in sterling fashion, knocking out Filipino southpaw Cris Paulino over five dominant rounds on March 30. Jason Moloney is ranked No. 3 in the world by both the WBA and WBC and is angling for another crack at a world title.

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 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

NEW YORK (May 15, 2019) – Having recently surpassed the six-million views mark and celebrating its second anniversary, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast next sets its sights on our nation’s capital, ready to deliver a big Washington, D.C., card on Saturday. Beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET live from the new Entertainment and Sports Arena, the interactive, FREE Facebook channel will feature seven bouts from the Capital, the 21st city which has played host to the series.

“Our tenth show of the calendar year takes us to our nation’s capital, and we’re really excited about featuring a world-class individual in Alantez Fox, decorated police officer Tiara Brown and a new group of warriors from the DMV on our Facebook platform,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “In addition to the venerable Michael Woods, we’ll have WBC World Champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn as part of our commentary team, and that on the heels of us surpassing six million views at our second anniversary. It’s been an exciting year so far for FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.”

Saturday’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE lineup is headlined by contender Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (24-1-1, 11 KOs), who has stood out not only in the D.C. area but on the national stage as well. Fox faces an experienced foe in Nick Brinson (19-4-2, 9 KOs) of upstate New York in a super middleweight contest across eight rounds. Recently named “Washington D.C. Police Officer of the Year,” undefeated pro Tiara Brown (7-0) meets four-time world title challenger Angel Gladney (10-14-1, 6 KOs) of South Carolina. Area standouts Patrick Harris (15-0, 8 KOs), Jordan White (7-1, 6 KOs), Sam Crossed (8-0, 5 KOs), Renaldo Gaines (9-2, 3 KOs) and George Harris (2-0, 2 KOs) all put their formidable records on the line, free on Facebook.

“Tricky Entertainment is committed to bringing world-class boxing back to D.C.,” said Erwin Pendergrast, President of Tricky Entertainment. “Our Tricky Entertainment Family had a great show last winter and the fact that we’ll have a global audience for Saturday’s show via Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is a testament to the direction we’re headed in and how much we’re growing.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 564 fighters and 17 promotions during 35 live event broadcasts from 20 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 35-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 176,506 views per event and more than 6.2 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, eighteen FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Season II shows have reached 4.7 million fans and have averaged more than 264,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the May 2019 “Murphys Open MGM Springfield” (296,078), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871) and the March 2019 Murphys Boxing “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (252,065) all logged 250,000 or more views, and collectively the 35-show series has seen a total of more than 6,177,724 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 445,000 collective live post engagements (almost 13,000 per show), including almost 345,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 60,000 comments and almost 20,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has almost 89,000 fans and almost 97,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Summer 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visitwww.everlast.com.

LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2019) – Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs will make his professional boxing debut May 23rd on a card presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ Boxing) Boxing Promotions, to be streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Casino Del Sol’s outdoor AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.

Riggs, fighting out of Phoenix, is matched in a four-round fight opening the FIGHT PASS stream against heavyweight David Damore (1-6-3, 1 KO), of Glendale, Arizona.

Riggs, the former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) middleweight champion from Tucson, has been an MMA force during his nearly 18-year pro career, fighting in the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce and M-1 Global, among leading promotions. He’s also 3-0 in pro bare knuckles boxing.

Nick Diaz, Phil Baroni and Chris Lytle are among the 47 (47-18-1, 1 NC) MMA opponents Riggs has defeated.

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) International female lightweight champion Ikram Kerwat (9-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Frankfort, Germany by way of her native Tunisia, headlines against a 9-time world title challenger Simone Da Silva (15-12, 6 KOs), of Brazil, in the 10-round main event for the vacant WBC Silver Female Lightweight Championship.

Unbeaten bantamweight Max “The Baby Face Assassin” Ornelas (12-0-1, 4 KOs), ranked No. 11 in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) the reigning NABA USA bantamweight champion, meets Alex “Xhino” Rangel (17-9, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round, co-featured event..

Southwest boxing talent will be showcased in two other fights being streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Tucson’s Alfonso Olvera (11-5-2, 4 KOs) faces Carlos “Silk” Villa (14-3-1, 6 KOs), of San Antonio, in the six-round Special Welterweight Attraction. Continuing RJJ Boxing’s tradition of matching undefeated prospects, Tucson middleweights Nicholas Rhoads (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Eduardo Ayala (4-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, in a four-rounder.

Off-FIGHT PASS, undefeated Kazakhstan fighter Madiyar Asjkeyev (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ceclo McCalla (21-3, 8 KOs) to open the show in a 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight title.

The swing bout is a four-round clash between a pair of Tucson middleweights, Arturo Resendiz (2-0, 2 KOs) and Jose “Raging Bull” Pena (2-1, 1 KO).

Cards are subject to change.

Ticket prices range from $105.00 (VIP) to $17.00 (pavilion) and are available for purchase online at www.casinodelsol.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For more information about the event, please visit:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.casinodelsol.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort, @dieselriggsmma
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol

BROOKLYN (May 15, 2019) – Fighters competing in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action headlined by the Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale heavyweight world title showdown this Saturday night showed off their skills at a media workout Wednesday prior to stepping into the ring at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Top rated heavyweight contender Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. were among the fighters taking part in the workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Also at Wednesday’s event and competing in action live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were former world champion Kiko Martinez, who challenges Russell for his title, and super lightweight contender Juan Heraldez, who faces Argenis Mendez in a 10-round attraction.

Rounding out the participants Wednesday was unbeaten prospect and Brooklyn-native Richardson Hitchins, who meets Colombia’s Alejandro Munero in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN action beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, in a presentation that will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“You’re going to see a different Dominic Breazeale for this fight. I’m something that the heavyweight division needs and you all are going to be surprised on Saturday night.

“Come Saturday night, it’s man versus man. You have to do what you’ve been saying you’re going to do. His talking won’t help him then.

“There’s no way this fight goes the distance. I know for sure it’s going to be fireworks from the opening bell and there’s going to be a fantastic finish.

“Losing to Anthony Joshua in 2016 was a huge stepping stone for my career. I learned so much about what I had been doing wrong. I didn’t do enough to get the win that night. I analyzed punch after punch and learned more from that loss than any win I had.

“I don’t give Deontay much credit for his title defenses. People talk about his big right hand, but this is heavyweight boxing. I have a big right hand too. I’ve put many individuals down on the canvas. All Wilder does is talk. We’ll see who lands that right hand first on Saturday.

“I’ve been training like a caged-dog during camp and it’s nice to be here now and see people’s reactions to the work I put in. I’m confident in what I can do and what I bring to the table on Saturday night. It’s going to be fun.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“My opponent knows who he’s getting in the ring with. Anybody who has an extended amount of time to prepare for no one else but you, is a dangerous opponent. We don’t underestimate anybody, but I don’t think his best is going to be good enough.

“Martinez has no other way to fight than to come forward. We’ll control him with our jab and he won’t be able to get past it. I don’t see this fight going the distance.

“When it comes to game plans, you have to have the ability to be versatile. You have to be able to make adjustments. Having one game plan doesn’t necessarily work.

“It’s always about getting your hand raised, regardless of the situation. My dad said a long time ago, ‘if you’re better than somebody, be better than them.’ I’m not going to fight down to my competition. If he’s good enough to stay in there for the whole fight, then he’ll get beat up for 12 rounds.

“I know he’s a strong puncher, but I never watch too much footage of my opponents. Maybe a round or so. I prepare myself to the best of my abilities, regardless of the opponent.

“The ultimate goal is to focus on getting the win. I don’t worry about how big the stage is because that’s only going to take away from your performance.”

KIKO MARTINEZ

“I’m very happy to have this fight here in New York. I’m very thankful to everyone who got me in this position. I’m going to make the most of it.

“I’ve been training for the last few months for this fight and I’ve prepared well for Gary Russell Jr. There are no excuses for this fight.

“I feel like I’m better than Gary Russell Jr. I think that I have everything in me to beat him and become world champion again.

“I think that Russell is the best featherweight in the world. After Saturday, that’s going to be my spot in the division.

“My experience will be very important in this fight. All of my fights have prepared me for this one and have given me what I need to accomplish my goals on Saturday.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“We’re going to show a lot of smart boxing, power and defense. I’m going to be too much for Mendez. I don’t think it’s going the distance.

“I know I’m facing a former world champion who’s moved up to 140. I’ve been at this weight my whole career though. I’m the new dog on the block and I have to make my presence known.

“I’ve been making this weight for 15 years and still growing stronger and stronger. Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions have given me the opportunity to get to this point to eventually realize my dream and become a world champion. I have to seize the opportunity.

“I’ve gotten a lot of great work this training camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club. My coach Otis Pimpleton has elevated my training and every part of my game.

“I just want to win on Saturday and the sky is the limit for where I can go. I know my career is in good hands and I just need to do my part.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I’m ready to go in there and do what I do. It’s another day in the gym and another chance to show off my skills. I’m more than just a prospect. I feel like I can compete with anyone and it’s up to me to prove it.

“I’m going to keep taking these guys out until the competition steps up. I’m going to take care of everyone they put in front of me. I know my opponent Saturday is going to come to fight. I’m going to have the smarts to win the fight.

“I had camp in Las Vegas and got a lot of rounds in with great fighters like Heraldez and Devin Haney. I’m just ready to keep showing everyone more in each fight.

“I never look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I don’t think he’s going to be able to take the heat I bring. My goal is to show that I’m ready to step it up to a much higher level of competition.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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

Michael Hunter will step up his pursuit of major fights in the Heavyweight division as he faces Fabio Maldonado at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Saturday May 25, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS FOR MAY 25 FEATURING DEVIN HANEY ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**

Hunter (16-1 11 KOs) has notched four wins at Heavyweight since moving up from Cruiserweight, with his last three coming inside the distance and impressively in his last two outings, stopping the touted Martin Bakole in the tenth and final round of their clash in London in October and then travelling to Monte Carlo to stop former World title challenger Alexander Ustinov in the ninth round of their battle a month later.

‘The Bounty’ is already in the reckoning for major fights amongst the big boys, having found himself in the conversation to face Anthony Joshua on the Heavyweight rulers American debut at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1.

That honor has landed to Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr but with the Heavyweight scene as vibrant as ever and ready to come into focus over the next couple of months with champions and top contenders all in action, Hunter’s clash with the dangerous Brazilian banger Maldonado (26-2 25 KOs) is a pivotal one for him to remain in the reckoning for massive fights later in the year.

“I’m here to stay at Heavyweight whatever is next,” said Hunter. “There’s a lot of avenues for me, a number of big fights out there and I will take anyone on. I’m always in the gym and I’m a real, traditional fighter that will take anyone. I have a lot more doors open for me but the first task is to win and win well against Maldonado, who is a dangerous and experienced guy.

“I’ve always been a small Heavyweight. I just started off as a Cruiserweight as a pro but I’ve always been a Heavyweight really. I will just do what I do best and be me. I was a Heavyweight as a teen and as an amateur, I’ve boxed lots of Heavyweight fights but as I started to mature into the pro game and getting into my ‘man frame’ the weight started dropping off and Cruiserweight became a real option for me.

“Here I am now as a Heavyweight, my dream was always to be a Heavyweight, nothing else. I didn’t really think about Cruiserweight until I found out about the different divisions were, because as a kid you know the biggest, baddest man on the planet is the Heavyweight World champion and that’s what I want to be.”

Hunter’s clash with Maldonado is part of a huge night of action in Maryland as one of the world’s hottest talents, Devin Haney, is closing in on a first World title shot, and the 20 year old Lightweight sensation faces Antonio Moran on his DAZN debut.

In addition, rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic takes on Gregory Corbin in his US debut, and WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.

Tickets are priced at $40, $80, $150 and $250 (plus fees) and are on sale now at this link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005688E0B851B0

Fans looking to get a refund following the injury to original headliner Oleksandr Usyk should contact their point of purchase.

TORONTO, ON—On Canada Day weekend, the real fireworks will be inside the ring at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, as Lee Baxter Promotions presents another night of world class professional boxing on June 29.

After developing a partnership following last year’s successful event at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, the two have come together to do it a second time—this time, with an absolutely stacked card, full of top talent from Canada and across the globe.

In the main event, one of Canada’s top pound-for-pound fighters, Custio Clayton, will battle former two-time interim world champion Johan Perez, with multiple titles on the line. The winner will be elevated into a top ranking in several sanctioning bodies in the welterweight division.

Clayton made his debut under the Lee Baxter Promotions banner earlier this year, destroying former world champion DeMarcus Corley in Toronto, and looks to keep his momentum at full throttle in 2019.

“Custio is one of the most celebrated fighters in Canada of this generation, when you include his Olympic pedigree, so it’s only fitting that he’s the one headlining on Canada Day weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the year in Niagara,” said Baxter. “Custio is a hero back home in Nova Scotia, but he’s known and appreciated everywhere in the country, especially with Niagara’s fight fans.”

In the co-feature, Samuel Vargas will return to Canadian soil after his thrilling war with Luis Collazo on ESPN, against an opponent to be named shortly. Vargas and Collazo stole the show at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day—even in the eyes of the Irish faithful there to see Michael Conlan.

Canadian fans have known all about how exciting Vargas can be for years, as he’s spilled blood and thrilled crowds across the country throughout his entire career, including his battle against Maximilliano Godoy in the same venue in Niagara just last year.

“Sammy is finally getting recognition from the fight fans across the world for what.we’ve always known—in the right fights, this guy can be the Gatti or Ward of this generation. Whoever he’s in with on June 29, you can expect action,” said Baxter.

Opening the night will be Irish superstar Lee Reeves, who is fresh off a one round demolition job of Guillermo Lettieri that rocked the Danforth Music Hall crowd in downtown Toronto. Already at 4-0 in his first full year as a professional, Reeves will get a chance to show his skills in front of a new audience in Niagara Falls.

“As Tyson Fury has said, Lee is the next Irish superstar in boxing, and he will be the next threat in the super lightweight division as well,” said Baxter. “At this rate, it won’t take long for either of those things to happen. Getting a chance to see Reeves in an atmosphere like this early in his career could be something the fight fans in attendance will remember for a long time.”

Finally, Niagara’s own future star, Joshuah Lupia, will close out the action in a special attraction bout against an opponent to be named soon. Thus far, none of Lupia’s three pro fights have gone the distance, as the prospect has scored knockouts in all three of them. He hasn’t been in action since last year at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, and is itching to put on another memorable performance for his home crowd.

The card will be broadcast globally, with doors opening at 6:30 PM ET the first bell at 6:45 PM ET. Main broadcasted bouts will air between 8:00 and 10:00 PM ET.

Tickets will go on sale shortly, and will start at just $70.

BRITISH boxing idols Tyson Fury and George Groves are in disagreement over the sensational heavyweight showdown between the division’s leading prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

The vacant British heavyweight title will be on the line when Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Lineal world heavyweight champion Fury is firmly in the camp of his cousin Gorman and has been helping him in early stages of training.

The pair have been sparring at the gym of Ricky Hatton who trains the hopeful and Fury has been on hand to give advice.

Former WBA super-middleweight champion Groves is sold on Dubois and believes he has the potential to become a boxing great.

Fury who is preparing to fight Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on June 15 dismissed the claims of Groves.

He is confident Gorman will triumph and roared in a recent training session: “Daniel Dubois, he’s coming!”

Gorman confirmed “Tyson is backing me one hundred per cent. He fully believes I have the ingredients to beat Daniel. It’s good to be around him, it’s fantastic to have him in the gym.”

Groves first spotted KO artist Dubois several years ago when he trained at his old amateur club.

He said: “I remember seeing Daniel Dubois in Dale Youth amateur gym. I look back and think; ’Why didn’t I go back in time and sign him’?

“He has so much more to develop and learn. He can become the best if not the best in the heavyweight division.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, but there is something about him and it’s a good thing –

It is like having a young junior who still looks boyish and you know what a handful he’ll be when he gets his man strength. It’s the case with Daniel.

“Dubois has phenomenal punch power, but I feel like the nitty gritty boxing skills and know-how will come with experience.

Recently retired Groves told the 5 Live Boxing Podcast with Costello & Bunce that the battle has Fight of the Year potential, adding: “I am happy for this fight because they are young enough for the loser to rebuild.

“It’s a good fight for both of them and the winner will go onto something else. They are both willing to put it on the line and it’s a real fight.

“It is fascinating that they know each other so well and it’s good for them to be in a real fight.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce are on sale now 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 IS backing his beloved Leeds United to book a trip to Wembley and ultimately make a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Leeds are a goal to the good against Derby County after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final and will be bidding to take the next step tonight towards a Championship final against Aston Villa on May 27, Bank Holiday Monday.

Whether Warrington himself will be heading down Wembley Way remains to be seen, with the big match falling just a couple of weeks before his big fight against Kid Galahad at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15, where he will be making a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against his mandatory challenger from Sheffield.

“We gonna do it and we’ll do it the hard way, that is what Leeds do,” said the local hero known as the ‘Leeds Warrior’. “People will think that the wheels have fallen off and will write us off but we’re gonna do it. Believe, believe.

“It will be us and Villa in the final and it will all be sorted on Play-Off day at Wembley, where it will be 3-1 to Leeds. You heard it here first.”

Warrington is convinced the city are in for a double celebration after he gets to grips with Galahad and retains his cherished title that he won in the middle of the pitch at Elland Road with his dismantling of former champion Lee Selby.

“Me and the players will be on the p*ss after! There will be some celebrations after we both get a convincing win.”

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.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

Francesco Patera will defend his EBU European Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jr on the same night that Daniele Scardina defends his IBF International Super-Middleweight title in an all-Italian clash with Allesandro Goddi at the historic Allianz Cloud, formerly Palalido, in Piazzale Stuparich, Milan on Friday June 28, live on DAZN.

Patera (21-3, 7 KOs) wrestled the European title from Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson in the former champion’s hometown back in October with a well-earned split decision that saw the Belgium resident reclaim the belt he lost against Edis Tatli, before making a successful defence against Frenchman Marvin Petit in February.

The 26-year-old is honoured to be fighting in his parent’s homeland for the first time in his career and is promising to deliver a special performance as he works towards securing a World title shot later in the year.

Hyland Jr (20-1, 7 KOs) suffered his sole career loss to Ritson last year in a failed bid for the British title in Newcastle but bounced back with wins over Giovanny Martinez and Miroslav Serban in Ireland, and the Belfast fighter will be hoping to land the full European crown having previously held the IBF’s version of the title.

Rozzano’s Scardina (16-0, 14 KOs) makes the first defence of the IBF International belt that he landed against Finland’s Henri Kekalainen at the Superstudio in Milan in March, the Miami resident was taken the distance for only the second time in his career and is aiming to return with a big KO against Sestu’s Goddi (35-4-1, 17 KOs) next month.

Elsewhere on the card, unbeaten Bergamo Welterweight talent Dario Morello (14-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Belgium’s Steve Jamoye (26-7-2, 5 KOs) for the WBO Global title, with further exciting additions to the undercard to be announced soon.

“I’m delighted to be back in Milan for what is our strongest Matchroom Boxing Italy show to date,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event features an all Italian Super-Middleweight war between Scardinia and Goddi and the impressive European Lightweight champ Francesco Patera makes his second defence of his title against Belfast’s popular Paul Hyland Jr. Rising stars Morello, Zucco and Prodan also star as we return to the stunning Allianz Cloud arena, former venue to iconic Italian fights. Don’t miss the action in Milan or watch live on DAZN!”

“We are very happy to return to the Allianz Cloud, formerly known as Palalido, where we have many great memories,” said Salvatore Cherchi, President of OPI Since 82. “We have staged major European and World title bouts at the famed venue and history will continue on June 28 with three exciting championship bouts and a host of emerging Italian prospects.”

“We are very happy to be among the first to host a great sport event within a venue that, after having made the history of the city of Milan, renovates and becomes again the “theater’ of Italian boxing,” affirms Veronica Diquattro, Executive Vice President Southern Europe of DAZN. “This is a further proof of DAZN’s will of being an active protagonist in the growth of international boxing, that also goes through a strong relaunch in our country.”

Tickets will be available soon on ticketone.it. Full details will be announced shortly.

HARTFORD, Conn. (Wednesday, May 15th) — After making history in March, CES MMA continues its Connecticut takeover with CES MMA 56, scheduled for Friday, May 31st, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Two months ago, the east coast’s leading mixed martial promotion set a new precedent with the first sanctioned professional MMA event in the state of Connecticut. Now CES MMA returns to Connecticut two weeks from Friday with another loaded fight card featuring a world-title defense, long-awaited pro debuts and the return of several fan-favorites.

Kicking off its week-long media tour, CES MMA will host a press conference to announce the full fight card next Wednesday on May 22nd from 1 to 3 p.m. ET at the Connecticut Convention Center. This event is open to the public.

CES MMA 56 is available on UFC Fight Pass video on demand with Michael Parente handling play-by-play alongside color commentator and longtime UFC vet “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. Showtime is 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for the event are priced at $35.00, $50.00, $125.00 and $150.00 (VIP) and are available for purchase online at www.cesmma.com or www.ctconventions.com or by phone at 401-724-2253. All fights and fighters subject to change.

CES MMA 56 features the return of Connecticut’s Dan Dubuque (8-2, 2 KOs), a Waterbury native who highlighted CES MMA 55 with an electrifying win over Antonio Castillo, this time fighting for a world title when he battles reigning CES MMA Featherweight World Champion Bruce Boyington (16-11, 8 KOs) in a five-round bout, Boyington’s first defense of the title.

The 40-year-old Boyington hasn’t fought since last summer when he won the then vacant title at CES MMA 51, submitting UFC vet Sean Soriano in the main event, but he’s won his last two and seven of 10 overall. Dubuque’s win over Castillo was his fourth in a row and fifth in his last six fights dating back to 2016.

Making his Connecticut debut, Oyster Bay, N.Y., welterweight John Gotti III (3-0, 3 KOs) returns to CES MMA for the third time, battling David Espino (3-2, 2 KOs) of Quincy, Mass., in a three-round bout, and Springfield, Mass., lightweight Nick Newell (14-2, 2 KOs) of Springfield, Mass., makes his promotional debut against an opponent to be determined, also in a three-round bout.

Born with congenital amputation of his left arm, Newell has amassed a loyal fan base in New England fighting for various promotions, including World Series of Fighting, Legacy Fighting Alliance and the UFC, most notably on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

The main card features three more Connecticut natives — female featherweight Jessy Miele (7-3, 2 KOs) and welterweight Jesse Kosakowski (3-0) of Waterbury and Hartford heavyweight Parker Porter (6-5, 2 KOs).

Miele battles Spokane, Wash., native Elizabeth Phillips (7-6, 2 KOs) in her third appearance with CES MMA while Kosakowski searches for his fourth win in as many fights in a three-round showdown with hard-hitting Ryan Jett (4-4, 3 KOs) of Charlotte, N.C. Porter goes toe-to-toe with Colorado Springs heavyweight Kevin Sears Jr. (8-5, 3 KOs), who makes his second appearance with CES MMA.

The preliminary card features two pro debut fighters facing another in the bantamweight division as Jornell Lugo of Miami battles Joshua Oxendine of Pembroke, N.C., plus the return of Syosset, N.Y., welterweight Hugh McKenna (1-4), making his first appearance with the promotion since CES MMA 53 against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the CES MMA 56 prelim card, popular New Haven, Conn., atomweight Marisa Messer-Belenchia (2-0) faces pro debut Stephanie Hernandez of Boise, Idaho and Springfield, Mass., bantamweight Will Smith (1-0, 1 KO) battles pro debut Ashiek Ajim of Long Island.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

London, UK (15 May 2019) The 27 year old ‘Silent Assassin’ remains the only boxer to have inflicted a ring defeat on US golden girl Claressa Shields – current custodian of all four major world middleweight belts – in the dual Olympic champion’s 87 bout career.

Miss Marshall mastered the Michigan maestro by 14-8 on the computer in the second series of bouts in Quihuangdao, China, en route to cementing her status as Britain’s first ever female world amateur champion in 2012.

And shy girl Savannah is adamant that she will repeat the trick when the pair inevitably collide for a far bigger bounty in the paid brigade.

‘So far, I’m the only one in the world who knows the secret to beating her. Obviously, I’m not going to disclose what it is,’ states the softly-spoken north-easterner who also bagged silver and bronze gongs at the World meets in Barbados (2010) and Kazakhstan (2016).

‘It was under the old scoring system, a point for a (connecting) punch, and I beat her very clearly. Claressa has offered many different recollections of the fight. Whatever. I beat her. We’ve both improved considerably since.

‘She went on to win double Olympic gold (London 2012 and Rio 2016) and I didn’t even medal so I know I’ll enter a big underdog but, if and when the rematch happens, I know I can win again. I’m very confident in my ability. I don’t need anyone else to tell me what I’m capable of, or not. I know myself.’

The 5ft 11 1/2in Durham dynamo first laced up at 12 simply to keep fit but, in addition to her hat-trick of World Championship medals, she topped the rostrum at the 2010 European Unions and 2014 Commonwealth Games and lifted a barrow load of medals at prestigious multi-nation meets during an eight year stint on the Team GB set up in Sheffield. A dual Olympian, she concluded her amateur life with a mightily impressive 103-15 CV.

And since announcing herself to the profession with a classy four round decision win on the Mayweather-McGregor mega match in Las Vegas in August 2017, meek Marshall has racked up five straight wins and bagged the WBA Inter-Continental strap last October with a polished 10 round pummelling of Argentina’s previously undefeated Yanina Orozco in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Stylish and savage in equal measure, three of her victims failed to make it past round two.

‘Being at the top end of woman’s weights, sets me aside from the other British girls,’ states sensible Savannah who holds 12 GCSEs plus a BTEC (with distinction) in Sport.

‘All the big girls can punch hard. I’ve always been told I’m heavy handed but Peter (Fury her trainer and manager) has added EXPLOSIVE power…….and I do enjoy delivering a chilling knockout!’

Since hammering Hungary’s Klaudia Vigh in two at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse six months ago, fight student Marshall has been working hard in the gym with trainer Peter Fury.

She explains: ‘I’ve been in the gym all year building on my game, improving my strength and all-round technique with Peter at the Salford ABC gym. There’s just myself and Hughie (Fury, Peter’s son and world heavyweight contender) in camp at the moment and it’s a very chilled environment. If I offer an opinion, I know it’ll be listened to.’

On Saturday week she returns to The Vic for her first start of 2019, a year she believes will conclude with her on the cusp of world title contention.

‘I’ll be looking to put everything I’ve learned over the last six months into action; settle into the fight quickly and produce a good all-round display,’ predicts Marshall.

‘I just need to keep active, be involved in more 10 rounders and acquire the experience of fighting before thousands on big shows. By the end of this year, I’d hope to be 10 and 0 and knocking on the door for a world title, either at super-middle, or at middle against Claressa.

‘I intend unifying the world titles at both weights, no particular order, then walking away from boxing with my head held high, no regrets.’

Promoted by Hennessy Sports, Channel 5 and Infinitum, in association with VIP Promotions, Hughie Fury headlines an action packed show on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, when he takes on undefeated Canadian Chris Norrad. Exciting super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani faces the hardened Martin Parlagi. Female super-middleweight sensation Savannah Marshall returns to action. Steve Brogan defends his Central Area Lightweight Championship against rival Adam Hague and completing the card will be Matty Fagan, Connor Lynch and Marcel Braithwaite.

Tickets priced at £40 & £70 are available from http://vipboxing.tv/shop/vip-tickets/hughie-fury-saturday-25th-may-victoria-warehouse/ and 01942 874 241

BROOKLYN (May 14, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder kicked off fight week Tuesday night with a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn before he defends his title this Saturday night against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Wilder will look to defend his title for the ninth time in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. It will be Wilder’s fourth time defending his belt at Barclays Center, having scored knockouts in his three previous fights in Brooklyn.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what Wilder had to say Tuesday in Brooklyn:

DEONTAY WILDER

“Dominic Breazeale is going to get knocked out in dramatic fashion on Saturday. I can’t wait. He’s like a fly in my ear. I’m going to get him out of there in a fashion no one has ever seen.

“I love coming to Brooklyn. The people here have adopted me. I’ve had some of my most dramatic knockouts here at Barclays Center. I’m looking forward to adding another one to my resume Saturday night.

“Dominic Breazeale asked for this. I didn’t seek him out. He came for me. This isn’t a gentleman’s sport. We have bad blood and it’ll be in the ring Saturday night.

“I learned from the Tyson Fury fight to stay patient. It was my moment and my time. I wanted to put on a great show and deliver the knockout. I rushed but Fury had to be perfect for 12 rounds, I just had to be perfect for two seconds.

“I’m a person who’s passionate about what I say and passionate about what I do. I’m the realest champion in the business. I show love everywhere I go. Love is the key to the world.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

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