LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2019) – WBC Super Welterweight Champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison and former super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo will step into the ring for a highly anticipated rematch live in primetime Sunday, June 23 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features former world champion Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux taking on exciting Mexican contender Julio Ceja in a WBC Super Bantamweight world title eliminator.

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

Harrison and Charlo’s first encounter took place live on FOX in December as Harrison earned the decision and upset Charlo to earn the title. The close nature of the bout helped warrant an immediate rematch that promises to be just as highly charged and dramatic.

“Tony Harrison and Jermell Charlo showed off their elite talent to the world in their first bout and I anticipate an even more explosive showdown in the rematch on June 23,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Harrison will no doubt be at his very best again as he looks to establish himself in the championship ranks. Jermell Charlo is certainly more motivated than ever to reclaim his spot atop the 154-pound division. Fans tuning in on FOX and FOX Deportes in primetime and in attendance at Mandalay Bay Events Center are in for an action-packed Sunday night.”

Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) has proven to be “Detroit tough” during a boxing career inspired by early years trained and managed by the late Emanuel Steward. He had to climb back into title contention twice before reaching the top with his unanimous decision victory over Charlo last December.

Harrison was on track for a title shot before suffering the first loss of his career in 2015 to Willie Nelson. After three-straight wins, he earned a shot at the vacant 154-pound title against Jarrett Hurd. Although Harrison had strong moments in the fight, he eventually lost to Hurd and was forced to again climb to the top. After another three victories, including a win over former champion Ishe Smith, Harrison took advantage of his second world title opportunity against Charlo.

“Being a world champion now, I’m excited to defend my title for the first time in this rematch that everyone is looking forward to,” said Harrison. “I think there’s actually more pressure on Charlo, just like last time. It’s just a blessing for me to be fighting on FOX and FOX Deportes Sunday, June 23. Everyone is going to be tuned-in to this fight and we’re going to bring the action to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the capital of the boxing world. I plan on doing the exact same thing to Jermell that I did in December. I’m going to get the win, and then I don’t want to hear any more crying or excuses.”

The 28-year-old Charlo (31-1, 15 KOs) suffered the first setback of his career with the close unanimous decision loss to Harrison. Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Charlo won the vacant WBC title with a devastating knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He made three successful defenses of the title with highlight-reel knockouts over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin, plus a majority decision win over former champion Austin Trout.

Charlo is trained in Dallas by Derrick James, who was recognized as the 2017 Trainer of the Year by Yahoo Sports and also works with welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. Charlo is one-minute younger than his identical twin brother, Jermall, who is the WBC interim middleweight champion and a former 154-pound champion.

“I am in a ruthless state of mind. I am upset and this upcoming fight, I am going to give it 110 percent,” said Charlo. “I am way hungrier now than I was before. I am not desperate for a win because I know how to win. The judges gave me a bad decision because I didn’t get the knockout, but you don’t have to knock everybody out to beat them. He knows he didn’t beat me. He knows exactly what happened. He knows he can’t beat me. If I have to go in there and prove it again, I will.”

Rigondeaux (18-1, 12 KOs) will look to show off the masterful technical skills that made him a unified world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list when he steps into the ring on June 23. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. The 38-year-old most recently knocked out Giovanni Delgado in January on FS1.

Fighting out of Tlalnepantla, Mexico, Ceja (32-3, 28 KOs) won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2015 by stopping Hugo Ruiz in the fifth-round. The 26-year-old would lose the full title to Ruiz in their rematch in 2016, but has won two of three fights since, including a knockout of Anselmo Moreno.

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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): The undercard of the spectacular Canelo vs. Jacobs card hosted a press conference featuring Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs), Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs), Freddy Fonseca(26-1-1, 17 KOs), Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs), and Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs).The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s press conference:

Vergil Ortiz Jr., Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I trained really hard for this fight. I was training hard before I knew I was fighting Mauricio Herrera. I was sparring 10 rounders in February. I’m more than ready for this fight. Mauricio has never been stopped. I’ve stopped everybody. I’m more than ready to go into this fight. I’m prepared. Mauricio has been in there with Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez, who I do believe he beat, and in my eyes he is a world champion. We all know who won. But those guys weren’t me. He didn’t fight me, he didn’t fight Vergil Ortiz. We’re going to see how the fight plays out May 4th.

“About my dad. I really wouldn’t be here without him. He didn’t have the best childhood growing up and he made sure he did everything in his power that I did. I don’t think his dad was there for him when he grew up but he made sure he was there for me. My mom wasn’t there. He played both parts. That’s something you don’t see all the time. Usually it’s the mom who stays with the kid. My dad is the one who stayed with me, was there for me. Thank you dad, I love you.”

“On a more serious note, I can’t wait to eat tacos after this fight. I’m hungry. Other than that, hopefully after this fight, I get a world title shot soon. There’s a couple fights out there. Like, Maurice Hooker, we’re both with DAZN. So, Eddie, make the fight with Maurice Hooker happen please? We’re both from Dallas, we’re both on DAZN, I grew up watching Maurice Hooker on Golden Gloves, he knows me as well. In a couple years, I’ll take on Errol Spence too. I don’t mean that like I’m going to go through everybody. I just believe in my ability.”

Shouting out to Miguel Cotto in the crowd: “I want to thank Cotto. He was one of my favorite fighters growing up, my dad based my style off of Cotto. I don’t know if he knew that.”

Mauricio Herrera, Former Interim WBA Super Featherweight Champion:

“This fight is really motivating. As many of you know my career has gone through ups and downs. In 2014 when I had fought Danny and felt I’d been robbed and then had the chance to win a WBA interim title which I won, and then later that same year, I got robbed again. That really left me in a bad place. I didn’t care for boxing and I was unmotivated. A lot of the fights you see where they’re close and I look bad in, it’s because I’m unmotivated in those fights. I’m slowly getting my motivation back.”

“This kid Ortiz has 12 wins and 12 knockouts, undefeated. On Saturday I’m really motivated. I do want to bring my career back. I trained really hard. You’re going to see I’m not an old lion. And if I’m an old lion, I’m a hungry lion. Come Saturday, you’re going to see a great show. Don’t tune me out. Saturday, you’ll see the Maestro comeback.”

Joseph Diaz Jr., Super Featherweight Contender:

“I’m going to go out there and showcase that I’m the next superstar in boxing. Freddy, I appreciate you coming down from Nicaragua but come Saturday night you ain’t gonna get that victory bro. You’re going to go home sad with a couple black eyes. I’m very, very focused. I’ve been training my ass off. 2018, I dealt with a lot of adversity. My dream is to become a world champion, and 2018 really hurt my heart. I was really at rock bottom. Just being focused and having good family supporting me through the rough times, it really meant a lot to me, it made me more motivated, it made me more into a savage and into a beast. I’ve been training my ass off and I’m very determined to turn into a champion by the end of the year. Come May 4th, I’m going to show you that I’m the real deal.”

“Everybody says I have a sno-cone head now but it’s all good.”

Freddy Fonseca, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I know the challenge I have in front of me, I know that JoJo is the favorite, but we’re coming in the best conditions to ensure victory for Nicaragua. I’m very happy for this opportunity because it’s my opportunity to show that I will be a world champion by beating JoJo Diaz.”

Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy:

On Vergil Ortiz Jr.: “Vergil Ortiz is a top prospect in boxing. I’ve said it before. There’s other good prospects out there but the skills this kid has, I haven’t seen in a long time and I’ve been promoting boxing for 20 years. He’s incredible, he can do it all. This is a tough test. This a real test for him. I was a little worried when Robert Diaz came into my office and said Mauricio will fight him. I was worried but I believe in his abilities. In order to beat Mauricio Herrera and to prove he’s a tough prospect moving into a contender status, he’s going to have to be victorious. This is the biggest test of his career. Where else, a better place, than the T-Mobile Arena here in Vegas. We’ll see if he’s ready to shine or not.”

On Mauricio Herrera: “Mauricio Herrera is a tough, tough veteran. He’s fought everyone in this sport. He gave Danny Garcia life and death in Puerto Rico. He’s been doing that for a long time. You name it, he’s fought the who’s who in boxing. He’s here to prove he can still compete at a very high level. He’s fighting a tough, tough prospect that’s coming up. He’s faced every kind of style, every kind of fighter in different positions, world champions, prospects, contenders. He’s ready to put on a show on Saturday.

On JoJo Diaz Jr.: “He’s ready to fight for a title, but he’s gotta get past Saturday’s test. There are a few options for him if he gets past this test, and we feel that for the next fight, he should be able to fight for the title. There are a few champions there lurking around.”

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Super Featherweight Champion:

“The time is now for those who haven’t seen me. This is the type of opponent that we’ve been waiting for, for a long time. This is where we are going to capitalize and show that we are ready for a world title in the 130-pound division. This is not the first time I’ve faced a veteran and probably not the last time. We trained our asses off in camp, we had good sparring, good strength and conditioning camp, trained mentally, and I’m just ready to be a world titlist and it starts with Saturday night.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Super Featherweight Champion:

“This will be a unification fight because I have the NABO Super Featherweight belt while Lamont Roach has the WBO International Super Featherweight belt. The whole world knows all the hard wok I put in for this Saturday. We know the quality of fighter that he is, we know the capabilities he has. But I like challenge. He likes to fight, I like to fight, and we’re going to make sure we have a great battle and a victory for Puerto Rico.”

Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“This Saturday, we’re going to have a big fight between Jonathan Oquendo and Lamont Roach. This will be a unification fight between international titles because Jonathan Oquendo is the proud owner of the NABO Super Featherweight belt, and after that, he’ll be looking for a world title. He has done all the necessary preparation to ensure triumph and a victory for all of Puerto Rico.”

John Ryder, Interim WBA Super Middleweight Contender:

“With Lemieux, it was a big upset but we got a great replacement in Bilal Akkawy. I think we’re all in for a real treat come Saturday night.”

Bilal Akkawy, Super Middleweight Contender:

“This is a big opportunity. It’s an opportunity for me to prove myself. It’s a world title fight so there’s no way I would turn down a fight like that. I’m going to make the most out of the opportunity come Saturday.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport:

“This is a big fight for the mandatory position of Callum Smith. It’s a huge opportunity for John Ryder. He’s turned his career in extraordinary fashion. We know what a tough fight this is. We knew David Lemieux was a tough fight but we know Bilal Akkawy comes in as a young man, extremely hungry, very dangerous, and this is going to be a very explosive fight.”

Sadam Ali, Welterweight Contender:

“I’m excited for this fight. It’s on a big card. 26-1 underdog? That’s crazy! I’m excited, ready for any opponent, any style that comes to me. I understand it’s a big opportunity for him, he’s been waiting for a moment like this, I know he’s coming strong, but I’m excited to go out there and shine. I’m ready to go.”

Anthony Young, Welterweight Contender:

“As a person, all I can ask for is opportunity. Getting the opportunity to fight a former world champion in Sadam Ali, who defeated a legend. They got me 26-1 underdog, so if you’re looking to win some money, put it on me. Sadam is Muslim, I’m muslim, that’s my brother, but Saturday, one of us has got to go, and it ain’t gonna be me.”

Joseph Markowski, Executive Vice President of DAZN North America:

“Saturday night is not just important because we’re unifying titles in the middleweight division. When you put on events of this magnitude, you know you will have a significant audience and a perfect opportunity to introduce future headliners to sports fans. At DAZN, we’re invested in the sport of boxing – not just its biggest names. And while we put great emphasis and resource into fights like May 4, we put on more than 100 fight nights a year and know how important it is to build the next generation.”

“We are committed to these boxers, making sure we broadcast their bouts so fans can witness their talents as they ascend to becoming main event fighters.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-
7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com
or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZNinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the re-signing of IBF #11-rated super welterweight Jeison “Banana” Rosario to a long-term promotional contract. Rosario is now re-locating to Coachella, California, to train with Freddy Fundora and his son, up-and-coming 6’ 7” super welterweight Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora.

Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) has taken the hard road to his growing prominence. In the last four years, the 24-year-old, from Miami via Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has gone 10-1-1 against consistently solid opposition, while appearing frequently on national television.

He took the undefeated records from Rafael Lorenzo (7-0) TKO 2, Carlos Rafael Cruz (17-0)
KO 2, David Nunez (5-0) TKO 2, and Jamontay Clark (13-0) UD 10 and scored solid victories over Mark Anthony Hernandez (13-1) TKO 9, Justin DeLoach (17-2) UD 10, Juan Carlos Rodriguez Patino (16-1) KO 3 and won the WBA Fedecaribe Super Welterweight Title with a TKO 3 over Euri Gonzalez (24-3-1).

In April of this year, he also took a 10-round split decision over respected veteran Jorge Cota at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“My friend and countryman, Javier Fortuna, has stayed with Sampson and become a two-time world champion,” said Rosario. “Sampson has done many good things for Dominican boxers and I am confident I will become champion of the world under his guidance. I also look forward to honing my skills to new levels by working with Freddy and Sebastian in my new home of California.”

“I am happy that Jeison Rosario has chosen to continue working with me long into the future and has moved to California to train with the great Freddy Fundora. It will be a thrill for me to take him to his first world championship,” said promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “He is not afraid of anyone in the world and is always exciting. He deserves to become a star in boxing and that’s what I’m going to help him become.”

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zelaland, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS., FOX and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

ORANGE, Calif. (May 2, 2019) – Thompson Boxing Promotions is adding Emmy-Award winning sportscaster and well-respected boxing analyst Rich Marotta to its LiveStream broadcasting team.

Marotta will handle color commentating duties alongside blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran next Friday, May 10 on the undercard of a ShoBox: The New Generation triple header from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

“I’m really honored and excited to join the Thompson Boxing team,” said Marotta, who was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. “I’ve known Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo for a long time and I absolutely admire their ability to build world champions from the ground up. I’m very much looking forward to being a part of their modern LiveStream format, where fans have an opportunity to be involved in the broadcast.”

“Rich is a world class broadcaster with a terrific boxing mind and we are delighted to have him on our LiveStream shows,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “He’s been a friend to the Thompson Boxing family for many years now and all of us are ecstatic to welcome such a talented analyst to our team. We think the fans are going to thoroughly enjoy the level of analysis that he brings.”

Through the years, Marotta received four Southern California Emmy Awards and hosted the popular Saturday morning boxing show The Neutral Corner on AM 570 for 11 years.

Additionally, Marotta is the recipient of 10 Golden Mike awards and was inducted into the Southern California Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2011. He founded the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013. Marotta, who spent most of his career working in the Los Angeles market, now lives in Reno, Nev.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 2, 2019) – Boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio (Artur Beterbiev), the longest-reigning junior bantamweight world champion (Jerwin Ancajas) and the sport’s youngest ticket-seller (Gabriel Flores Jr.) took center stage Thursday at the final press conference for Saturday’s ESPN-televised card at Stockton Arena (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) .

IBF light heavyweight world champion Beterbiev (13-0, 13 KOs) will take on the hard-hitting Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (24-1, 17 KOs) in the main event, while Ancajas (30-1-2, 20 KOs) will make the seventh defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against No. 1. contender Ryuichi Funai (31-7, 22 KOs) in the co-feature.

Flores (12-0, 5 KOs), the 19-year-old Stockton native making his grand homecoming, will fight Eduardo Pereira Reis (23-5, 19 KOs) in a six-round lightweight special attraction. At the press conference, Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs presented Flores with a key to the city and the NBA G League’s Stockton Kings gave the hometown hero a custom jersey and belt.

Flores and his adviser, Rick Mirigian, did not want this event to pass without giving back. They awarded a local high school senior, Sherwood Ruffin-Turner, with a scholarship check to assist with his collegiate studies. Ruffin-Turner is a straight-A student who works two jobs and dreams of becoming an immigration attorney.

This is what the fighters had to say.

Artur Beterbiev

“My preparation was excellent. I want to thank my new promoter, Top Rank, for this opportunity. I look forward to showing the American fans my talent, and I am glad to be fighting in such a great light heavyweight division.”

“I have a great opponent on Saturday night, but of course, I want to unify the titles. There are many great light heavyweights, and as a fighter, I want to test myself against the best. I want to be No. 1 in the division.”

Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic

“About two years ago, I quit boxing. I had a really bad injury, got a job and went up to 225 pounds. Mentally, physically, I was done. Then, I had this procedure, stem cells, and over time it did a miracle. Look at me now. I’m on ESPN fighting for a world title. Life is great.”

On his reaction when he was offered the fight

“I was excited because I had been telling my manager that {Beterbiev} was one of the guys that I would pick if I could. When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate. I took the fight. It’s going to be a fun fight. He comes forward. I come forward. It’s going to be a fun fight for the fans.”

“I tuned some things up, and you guys will see on Saturday night.”

Jerwin Ancajas

“My last fight – my sixth title defense against Alejandro Santiago Barrios – was a hard fight for me. This will be my seventh title defense. We are confident, but we respect the challenge in front of us. Funai is a good, tough fighter.”

On what he hopes to show this Saturday

“The last time I fought, I was not happy with the result. For this fight, we did some different things in training to prepare 100 percent for the challenge in front of us. We prepared for all different types of styles, which will help me adjust as the fight goes on. My sparring partners were excellent, and you will see the result of that training on Saturday night.”

Ryuichi Funai

On his first world title shot

“I am extremely excited to put on a great performance. I have a strong heart, and I will be aggressive. I thank Ancajas for the opportunity, but I am here to become the new champion.”

On Ancajas

“I see him as a very talented fighter who can do many different things in the ring. It is my job to make his job more difficult.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“Since I was in elementary school, since I was an amateur, I always looked at this beautiful arena with a dream of fighting here. I was born and raised in Stockton, California. I’ve never lived in any other city. I had tough times here, but I love my city. I lost my mom, I lost an uncle. So, I’ve been through a lot, and I’ve overcome it. I just want to fight in my city, so come May 4, there’s going to be a lot of kids in attendance, a lot of parents, the whole community. They’re going to see me do something great, which is go after my dreams. I’m becoming successful. I’m going after my dreams. They’re going to see that they have a lot of opportunities out there. They’re not limited. They’re in this city and they can stay hungry and fight for what they want.”

On his opponent

“I’m ready. I’ve seen his tape. I see what he’s going to try and do. When I go in there, my boxing IQ is high. It’s definitely something he hasn’t seen before. I’ve fought in national and international tournaments {as an amateur}. I’ve seen every style.”

Rick Mirigian

“Gabriel has come a long way to put this many people in this building. It’s no small achievement. We have a big world championship night of boxing, and there will be a full house come Saturday night.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Artur Beterbiev (champion) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (challenger), 12 rounds, Beterbiev’s IBF light heavyweight world title, MAIN EVENT

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Eduardo Pereira Reis, 6 rounds, lightweight, SPECIAL ATTRACTION

Jerwin Ancajas (champion) vs. Ryuichi Funai (challenger), 12 rounds, Ancajas’ IBF junior bantamweight world title, CO-FEATURE

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Felix Valera vs. Mario Aguilar, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Brian Mendoza vs. Carlos Rodriguez, 8 rounds, welterweight

Vislan Dalkhaev vs. Vincent Jennings, 6 rounds, super bantamweight

Blake McKernan vs. Joey Montoya, 8 rounds, cruiserweight

Marco Arroyo vs. Jesus Godinez, 4 rounds, flyweight

Swing Bout

Quilisto Madera vs. Osbaldo Gonzalez, 6/4 rounds, middleweight

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets priced at $175, $100, $65, $40, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased online via Ticketmaster.com or at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and beginning three hours prior to event time on event days.

Bethlehem, PA (May 2, 2019)–Weights for Friday’s fight card at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

Frank De Alba 136.6 – Ruben Dario Lopez 137

Erik Spring 153.6 – Nicholas Hernandez 153.8
(USBF Silver Championship)

Jonathan Torres 119.2 – Jerrod Miner 119
Martino Jules 126.4 – Danny Flores TBA
Ricky Nuno 148.4 – Rasheed Johnson 149.2
Yeuri Andujar 121 – Edgar Joe Cortes 121.2
Janelson Bocachica 147.6 – Gabor Gorbics 148.4
Radzhab Butaev 151.8 – Silverio Ortiz 153.8 lbs
Khainell Wheeler 168.6 – George Sheppard 168.4

Promoters: King’s Promotions & Titans Boxing Promotions
Venue: Sands Bethlehem Event Center
1st Bell: 6:45
TV: www.warfaresports.com

Photo by Debbie Carbone / Kings Promotions

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $35,$50, $70 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

BENSALEM, PA- Philadelphia fighters Jerome Conquest and Frank Trader are fighting for city supremacy when they face off on Saturday, June 15 at Parx Casino®.

The winner of the eight-round lightweight fight will walk away with the USBF Continental Championship. Their semifinal comes before the main event of Xcite Night 4 between Miguel Cartagena and Jesus Soler. The night kicks off with the first of seven bouts at 7 p.m.

Conquest (10-3-0, 1K0) should feel comfortable in the ring, as it marks his third-consecutive fight at the Xcite Center. The pride of Strawberry Mansion is coming off of a unanimous decision over the always tough Vinnie Denierio of Elmira, NY.

“No weight (to drop), and no pressure. I’m ready to fight right now,” Conquest said “We train smart, and June 15th we’re going to see how much smarter we do it.”

Trader (12-2-1, 3K0s) is riding a two-fight win streak. It started with a K0 of the experienced Pablo Culpo of Mexico in November. He then outclassed the 115-fight veteran German Meraz. He’ll be looking for his third win in seven months, some Philly bragging rights, and a belt to go with it.

“It feels great to have my family and friends come up to fight in a co-main event,” Trader said. “I’m ready to put my name back on the map in Philly.”

The undercard is also stacked with local up-and-comers looking to make names for themselves:

Coatesville, PA based Gerardo Martinez (4-1, 1 K0)has a rematch against veteran Onsel Charles (12-19-1, 2K0s) of Atlantic City. Martinez won by majority decision when they met in Philadelphia in February.

Philadelphia native Marcel Rivers (7-0, 4 K0s) looks to remain unbeaten when he takes on the Lancaster, PA based veteran Evincii Dixon (7-32-2, 2 K0s).

Omar Kabary Salem (9-0-0, 4 K0s) of Brooklyn, NY will face Philadelphia native and seasoned veteran Jamaal Davis (18-14-1, 7 K0s).

Philadelphia-based fighters Daiyaan Butt (3-0 1K0) and Tyhler Williams (2-0, 2 K0s) look to continue the strong starts to their careers.

ABOUT JUNE 15

The June 15 card will consist of seven fights, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000). You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com

ABOUT PARX CASINO®

Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, Inc. and is the #1 revenue generating casino property in Pennsylvania. Parx Casino® is conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) on Street Road in Bensalem Bucks County. Parx features over 200,000 square feet of gaming; 3,270 slot machines and 148 live table games; 40 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parx Grill, an upscale signature restaurant; Foodies quick service dining; Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and SportsBar; Jax sports bar; Circle Bar; Bambu Noodle House; The Lucky Cheese ~ gourmet grilled cheese eatery; XLounge, luxury casino lounge and complimentary parking for over 5,000 cars. One year ago, Parx debuted a $50M expansion that included the 1,500 seat live entertainment venue, Xcite Center; Liberty Bell Gastropub, farm-to-fork inspired menu; Oliveto, New York City style pizza and Italian Classics; Parx Poker, new custom built private poker room. In 2019, Parx launched sports betting and opened a massive year-round Beer Garden to rave reviews. For more information on Parx Casino®, visit www.parxcasino.com.

LAS VEGAS (May 2, 2019) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heraldez is looking to make a statement when he takes on former world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round showdown Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I have to outclass him and make him not even want to fight anymore,” said Heraldez. “I’m going to make him retire. My goal on fight night is to win and show out for my Mexican fans in New York.”

Heraldez, who trains out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas with coach Otis Pimpleton, made his 2019 debut in February by knocking out Eddie Ramirez in round seven of their super lightweight fight. Mendez is another step up in competition for the 28-year-old.

“On paper he’s the toughest fighter I’ve faced,” said Heraldez. “I only watched some of his fight against Ramirez, but being a former world champion, it means he’s doing something right. I don’t think he does anything better than me and I’m looking to show it on fight night.”

This will be Heraldez’s first fight on SHOWTIME, giving him a chance to shine on a big stage leading up to the Deontay Wilder heavyweight world title defense against Dominic Breazeale in the main event. For Heraldez, he sees this is an opportunity to display what he’s already being doing in the ring for years.

“I’m excited to be able to show off what I’ve always been able to do,” said Heraldez. “It’s going to be no surprise to the people around me who know what I’m capable of. It’s another stage with more people watching, but the ring and everything else stays the same.

“A fight like this adds more motivation for my future because I want to keep changing the lives of my family. Little by little, win by win and fight by fight, I can accomplish that. That’s where my motivation comes from.”

A Las Vegas-native who is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Heraldez believes he’s ready for a world title shot and knows that Argenis Mendez is currently in his path to getting that coveted opportunity.

“If the title fight is there after I beat Mendez, I’m taking it,” said Heraldez. “That’s one of the ultimate goals and something I’ve been preparing for my whole career. I’m going to keep training hard like I always do to be at my best against Mendez. I’m going to have a great performance May 18 and they won’t be able to deny my place in this division.”

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.

# # #

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.

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.

Leon Bunn (13-0, 7 KOs) and Leon Harth (18-3, 12 KOs) met today at the final press conference ahead of their IBF International Light Heavyweight title showdown on Saturday at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt.

Bunn is gunning for first title as he headlines his hometown arena but will face stiff competition from his countryman Harth, who having made the move down from cruiserweight has claimed the IBO International and WBC Asian Light Heavyweight titles in his last two contests.

“There are no doubts about my victory, very good sparring partners, great preparation, no weight problems,” said Harth. “My switch from cruiser to light heavyweight was the best thing I could do – Leon Bunn will feel that on Saturday and I will take the belt to Munich.”

Leon Bunn was equally confident. “I’m boxing at home, my fans will drive me to victory, there’s no doubt about that,” Bunn said. “I’ll never stop. The title will remain in Frankfurt and I can’t wait for it to start.”

Harth’s head coach Alexander Bich believes his knowledge of Bunn will help his fighter become victorious. “I know Leon Bunn from the amateurs,” said Bich. “He is certainly a good boxer, but on Saturday Leon Harth will prevail, there is no doubt.”

Legendary trainer Ulli Wegner has other ideas. “We want and must win, said Wegner, who celebrated his birthday earlier this week. “I am looking forward to the fight, but I am very sorry for Leon Harth’s team. I like his team and himself and he’s a good boxer, but it will definitely be a win for Leon Bunn, even if it’s going to be a close fight.”

Harth’s promoter, Alexander Petkovic shared his thoughts. “You are playing great football here in Frankfurt and I hope that Eintracht will win against Chelsea today, but on Saturday the city of Frankfurt and Team Sauerland will lose,” said Petkovic. “The IBF International title will be ours!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland reflected on Team Sauerland’s last promotion in Frankfurt. “I like to remember the fight between Yoan Pablo Hernandez and Steve Cunningham, I expect a similarly great fight between Leon Bunn and Leon Harth,” said Sauerland. “I’m sure that Leon Bunn will win the fight and get his first title. the Fraport Arena will be a cauldron and boxing fans in Frankfurt can look forward to many more great fights!”

Limited tickets for the Team Sauerland show at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt are still available via www.eventim.de

BRITISH SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT champion Brad Foster has signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions and will defend his title against Commonwealth champion Ashley Lane at the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage on May 18.

Foster v Lane for the British and Commonwealth titles is added to a stacked card headlined by the WBO Interim world title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and the No.1 ranked Shefat Isufi and heavyweight contender Joe Joyce having his first fight under the Queensberry banner against Alexander Ustinov.

The Lichfield-based Foster, 10-0-1, won his British title via a convincing points victory over the experienced Josh Wale on away territory in Barnsley back in March.

In his previous fight the 21-year-old won the vacant Midlands Area super bantamweight belt following the retirement of the then unbeaten Leon Gower in round eight.

The former champion kick boxer has clocked up three stoppages from his 10 wins to date.

“Signing with Frank is a step up for me and the chance to get me out there a bit more because I am a British champion now,” reacted Foster to the career development.

“Being with Frank Warren is going to get me more exposure. I am fighting on the Billy Joe Saunders undercard and that is a dream come true for me really.

“He will take me from my British title to however far my talent will take me and my job now is to keep working hard and keep on winning, then I will carry on progressing and move up the ranks.

“Hopefully I will be at the top one day,” added Foster, who acknowledges that he has come a long way in a short space of time.

“It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest. I am just Brad from Lichfield, but if I keep on believing in myself then the sky is the limit really.

“Ashley is Commonwealth champion and I am not going to take him lightly. He will want to win the British title because everybody does and my job is just to stop him and pick up the Commonwealth on the way.

“I have looked at him to see his style but I try to focus on myself and to make sure I am the best I can be on the night. The best Brad will beat Ashley Lane.”

Bristol-based Lane, 28, is on a six-fight winning streak, a run that featured his Commonwealth title success against Michael Ramabeletsa in September 2017, who he defeated on points and reversed a previous career loss.

“I am very excited for it and it is going to be a great fight between two good kids,” said Lane, who holds a record of 13-8-2. “On paper it looks like it could go either way.

“I’ve only watched two of his fights and, to be honest, he looked good with very nice movement and a good boxing brain, but not really much power from the look of things.

“I just go into every fight looking to enjoy my time in the ring, have fun and look after myself. Winning and losing is just part of the game and is a process. I always go in there to win but, at the end of the day, having fun and enjoying it will get the right results.”

Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi headlines the bill at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC, with unbeaten heavyweight Joe Joyce in the chief supporting contest.

Tickets can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

NEW YORK (May 2, 2019) –Middleweight contender Chris Pearson will take on undefeated former Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Yamaguchi Falcao tonight as part of a Golden Boy Promotions card at The Joint at The Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.

The fight, which is a 10-round bout for the WBO Latino Middleweight title, will headline card on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch.

Pearson, who is managed by Split-T Management, has a record of 16-2 with 12 knockouts.

The 28 year-old Trotwood, Ohio native is on a two-fight winning streak, who already holds a win over Falcao in The World Series of Boxing.

Since turning professional in 2011, Pearson has wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Acacio Ferreira (14-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-0-1), Said El Harrak (12-2-2) and Janks Trotter (9-1-1).

Falcao, who was a 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner for Brazil, has a record of 16-0 with seven knockouts, has wins over four undefeated opponents, and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Elias Espadas on July 21st, 2018 in Las Vegas.

Pearson checked in at 159.4 lbs at Wednesday’s weigh-in. Falcao was 159.8 lbs.

WHEN LISA WHITESIDE embarks on her professional voyage, with the first stop being Stevenage FC on May 18, there is one port of call – or rather person – she cannot wait to encounter.

Nicola Adams is the primary name on the radar for the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who is also a seven-time national champion and silver medallist at the 2014 world championships, having won bronze at the 2012 edition.

But it is missing out on the chance of selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics that gnaws away at the 33-year-old flyweight from Chorley.

The veteran of over 140 amateur fights – with roughly only 15 losses – admits she has an Olympic score to settle with the Golden Girl, Adams, who denied her a place at the 2016 Games in Rio by withdrawing from a qualification contest.

“My weight is the same as Nicola Adams,” explained Whiteside on her Olympic omission.

“We should have boxed each other before the last Olympics but she pulled out. Hence why we need to have that fight in the pro game, don’t we?” suggested the professional newcomer, who was asked whether she now considers Adams as a teammate, friend or rival.

“Rival,” responded Whiteside, who intends to play catch-up on the soon-to-be world title challenger. “The main thing now is to be fast-tracked because I want that fight and so does my management team and I am sure the public, as soon as possible.

“It is a fight that never happened that should have. It would be a War of the Roses fight and would be fantastic.”

“I could have stayed on the GB team for Tokyo 2020 and I had the No.1 spot, but having the Commonwealth gold made me feel like I had done enough in the amateur game and happy to finish on a high.

“I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity of the pro game and I felt it was the right time to go. I am not a big-headed person, but I do believe that I can become a world champion.”

Whiteside admits the prospect of turning professional was not on the horizon when she first sported the gloves, but with the popularity of the women’s game increasing all the time, she believes her entry is perfectly timed.

“It wasn’t really there when I started boxing, but after the Commonwealths I just felt like I had outgrown the amateur side and seeing how open it is now, with the publicity and liking for female boxing, I thought ‘wow, the pro game is my style’.

“My super-strength is my fitness and power, so to do it in the pro game with eight ounce gloves and no head guard is just going to suit my style.
“After the games I thought it was the right time to give this a dabble.”

Tickets for Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi, with Joe Joyce v Alexander Ustinov in chief support on May 18th can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

JOE JOYCE WILL encounter a giant in the shape of former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov when he returns to the ring on May 18 at the Lamex Stadium live on BT Sport.

Subject to VISA, the 6ft 7.5″ Russian will provide a tall order for the 8-0 Joyce, who is having his first fight following his promotional alignment with Frank Warren at the home of Stevenage FC as chief support to Billy Joe Saunders challenging for the vacant WBO Interim world super middleweight title against Shefat Isufi.

Ustinov, 34-3 (25 KOs) has longed been ranked highly amongst the heavyweight contenders and was unbeaten over the first seven years of his professional career until challenging for the European title and the vacant IBF world title against Kubrat Pulev in September 2012.

He remained unbeaten during his next seven fights, during which time he won the WBA International belt, before falling to a points defeat in a bid to win the vacant WBA regular world title against Manuel Charr in November 2017.

Joyce has won the WBA Gold title in his last fight against former world champion Bermane Stiverne in February, having previously become Commonwealth and WBA Continental champion.

The Olympic silver medallist is also mandatory for British, European and WBA regular world title challenges following a successful start to his professional career that has seen him register eight straight victories via KO.

“I could have waited until the big fight night on July 13th, but I wanted to keep busy. I didn’t want a journeyman, so we chose a 6 foot 8 inch giant and former world heavyweight title challenger Alexander Ustinov who’s only lost 3 times. He is big, awkward and he can punch. My aim is to take him out in spectacular fashion and put on a great show for the fans at the Lamex stadium.

Tickets can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

Anthony Yigit (22-1-1, 7 KOs) will have a familiar face in his corner when he takes on Sandro Hernandez (15-7-3, 10 KOs) on Saturday night at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt, available to watch live on Viaplay in Sweden.

Yigit returns to action following a one-sided points win over Mohamed Khalladi in Koblenz, his first fight back since challenging Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF World Super Lightweight title in New Orleans in October 2018.

As the 27 year-old plots his route back into World title contention, he has enlisted the help of Erik Skoglund, one of Swedish boxing’s greatest exports, who was forced to cut short his own career after suffering a sparring injury.

“Erik has always been a great inspiration and motivator for me,” said Yigit. “Ever since we first got to know each in Berlin, when I turned pro and we trained together, I knew I’d found a great supporting arch in him, and him in me.

“He’s been in big fights and he knows how to stay cool so I’m hoping some of that experience will rub off on to me. It’s also nice to know I have someone in my corner who genuinely wants what’s best for me and is looking out for me.

“I believe he’s got a lot of experience that I can benefit from. We both approach fights in different ways. I can be quite hotheaded and too eager in the ring, while Erik always keeps a cool head, and that’s what I need in my corner.”

Skoglund, who spent two weeks in Gran Canaria in training camp with Yigit, will join head coach Carlos Formento and Joel Grandel in his countryman’s corner.

“Anthony asked me a few months ago if I’d like to be a part of his team and help him out in his corner,” said Skoglund. “He already has an amazing head coach, but I hope I can help get the best out of him on fight night.

“I hope I can bring him some confidence and help him pick the right tools. He is an amazing fighter, but sometimes he could choose an easier way to win, and hopefully I can help him with that.

“I really enjoyed spending time with him in camp. He’s a one of a kind fighter. Nobody I’ve ever seen works the way he does. I was already certain Anthony has the potential to be world champion one day, but now I’m even more sure.”

Yigit faces Hernandez in an eight-round super lightweight clash on the undercard of the IBF International Light Heavyweight title showdown between Leon Bunn and Leon Harth at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt, Germany.

Chatham’s Grant Dennis is a natural born fighting man from a long fighting dynasty. Grandad George boxed in the Navy, dad Joe was a useful amateur and junior sibling Jordan is undefeated in four as a pro super-middle.

UB III, sponsored by MansionBet, is exclusively live on BT Sports, BT Sports’ You Tube channel – available to anyone to watch for free – and the dedicated boxing channel BoxNation.

Once Southern Area champ and an English title challenger, father of five Grant concedes he first learnt to ruck long before boxing gloves were first laced on his dukes, aged 15.

‘I was a rough and tumble kid and I’ve always been okay at throwing my fists around,’ says the ‘Go Getter’ who at 35 is the oldest and most seasoned entrant in the Ultimate Boxxer III shootout at Indigo at The O2 on May 10th.

‘Chatham’s a rough old dockyard and you didn’t need to look too far if you fancied a scrap. For a start, I’d never tolerate racial abuse or anyone taking the p*** out of me.

‘Then, when I was about 15 and weighing 104 kilos (16st 5lbs), I bloke flogging videos knocked my door and he convinced me to visit the boxing gym and it all started from there.

‘I once boxed (future British, Commonwealth and European champion) David Price at heavyweight in the Junior ABAs but struggled to get bouts because of my size and had to ease off once I became a father at 17.’

Though granite Grant had already blown out 30 candles when he entered the profession in July 2014, he refused to allow age to constrict his ambitions.

‘Go Getter’ is as much a motto as a nickname,’ declares 5ft 11in Grant who previously produced garage and hip-hop at the ‘Go Getter’ studios.

‘I’ve never regarded age as a barrier and it’s still my intention to get to the very pinnacle. I’ve got great genetics. My dads’s 83 but looks just 60. My prime is now. I’m fitter, stronger, run quicker than I ever have and I’ve a youthful mindset.’

Despite limited amateur breeding, Dennis darted to the Area title in his seventh start, outscoring local southpaw Nicky Jenman – sole conqueror of UB3 rival Tey-Lynn Jones – at the Brighton Metropole.

The solitary stain on his slate came when Watford’s Elliott Matthews (then unbeaten in 20) edged him out over 10 for the vacant English crown 17 months ago.

‘Elliott refused to engage but, after a cagey start, I completely took over and saw it 97-94 my way, as did many others. In my head, my record reads 13-0,’ insists Grant who is coached by Veron Quammie at the Champs Gym in Gillingham.

‘My experience possibly gives me an edge but I prefer to start every fight with a fresh slate. I don’t look back on what I’ve done, just what I intend to do.

‘Even in 10 rounders, I maintain a very high pace so it won’t be hard to drop back down. I’ve always been able to throw what I need, for as long as I’ve needed.’

Last time out, the Joe Elfidh managed hope became only the fourth fighter to halt hardman Harry Matthews – flattening the Tyke for the full count with a single meaty right hand with just 48 seconds on the clock. It was just the second stoppage win of his career.

‘Forget what my record suggests, I know I’m a big puncher. I just prefer to box clever,’ he claims.

‘I consider myself a chameleon. Whatever my opponent is good at, I can take away from them. In this format, guys will try to throw the kitchen sink but that’ll just leave openings. I’m a slickster, a mover, a puncher. I win because my boxing IQ is so much higher than all the other guys.’

Dennis seems unperturbed that he has been drawn first-up against Clacton clatter Joe Hurn, statistically the most dangerous puncher in the field.

‘No one wants to take an open shot but Joe and I both know he’ll not outbox me or out think me so he has to come out swinging and I welcome that,’ he concludes.

‘Victory here will vault me straight into title fights with Liam Williams (reigning British champ) and Felix Cash (Commonwealth king).

‘Fans should keep an eye out for me because I’m the quickest, most explosive……and the prettiest!’

Ultimate Boxxer III is on Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2 and starts off with the exciting showdowns:

Quarter-Final 1: Kaan Hawes v Kieron Conway
Quarter-Final 2: Tey Lynn Jones v Derrick Osaze
Quarter-Final 3: Sean Philips v Josh Groombridge
Quarter-Final 4: Joe Hurn v Grant Dennis

For Ultimate Boxxer III MansionBet odds CLICK HERE

An action packed undercard will see the return of the highly-rated and undefeated Light-Heavyweight talent and UB II winner Shakan Pitters and unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Idris Virgo who is out to prove to critics he is more than just a reality star.

Remaining tickets are available from ticketmaster.co.uk AXS.com and ultimateboxxer.com priced at:

£30 Balcony Standing (General Admission)
£35 Floor Standing (General Admission)
£55 Upper Balcony Seats
£70 Outer Ringside
£100 Inner Ringside
£200 Kings Row (Padded Balcony seats, separate bar, VIP entrance)

For all VIP & Corporate Packages please contact www.sportandmusic.co.uk

Las Vegas (May 1, 2019) – Boxing Icon &Eight-time world champion Thomas Hearns has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a meet and greet with his fans at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Expo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite – http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

Hearns will make his 4th appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this Boxing Living Legend also known as “The Hitman”.

Hearns joins Roy Jones Jr., Mayweather Promotions, Anthony Dirrell, WBA, Julio Cesar Chavez, Riddick Bowe, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Mia St,John, Juan Manuel Marquez, Vinny Paz, Devin Haney, Earnie Shavers, Al Bernstein, Michael Spinks, WBC, Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Thomas Hearns
Hearns more famously known as “The Hitman”, became the first boxer in history to win world titles in four divisions. He would also become the first fighter in history to win five world titles in five different divisions. Hearns was named Ring Magazine fighter of the year in 1980 and 1984 and is best known for his fights with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and-greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Pazienza, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors include: boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Throughout the next several days leading up to the event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): Following today’s final press conference, Canelo vs. Jacobs undercard fighters staged an open workout for fans at the MGM Resort and Casino. Those participating included Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs), Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs), Freddy Fonseca (26-1-1, 17 KOs), Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs), Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs), and Sadam “World Kid” Ali (27-2, 14 KOs). Canelo vs. Jacobs will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

Vergil Ortiz Jr., Super Lightweight Prospect:

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “This is a dream come true. I am Canelo’s co-main event. I am the only one who can say that, other than my opponent. But it’s just us and this is a big opportunity. I prepare for every fight like it will be my hardest fight. In fact, this probably will be my hardest fight, but I am ready to go. I am fighting in front of a bigger audience now that I am in the co-main event. Fighting on DAZN, a lot of people will be watching. I am excited for this opportunity. I am feeling good. I feel hyped up. Usually I am tired but I am not this time. It is weird. But I am ready to go.”

Mauricio Herrera, Welterweight Contender

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “I have been here before, but it is always an honor to be on a Canelo undercard. And the co-main event is a blessing as you have more eyes on you. It is an honor to have this opportunity. What better spot than fighting on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Vegas, on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year? It’s amazing and I am excited for Saturday.”

On facing an undefeated fighter: “I have fought undefeated fighters. It might be a young lion against an old lion but we are two lions and we are going to go toe-to-toe. You will see this lion very hungry and you will see me go get it. He will be the aggressor and I will do my thing like I always do. I will pull out all of my tricks and get the win.”

Joseph Diaz Jr., Super Featherweight Contender

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “It means a lot to me. I want to thank everyone who came out here for it. It is a huge weekend for us Latinos. I am so happy to be a part of this huge event. Viva Mexico, let’s get it, baby.

On trash talking leading up to this fight: “I really feel this way. I am on a whole different level. Last year I had two chances to be World Champion, but I didn’t get it. It is my ultimate goal to be a champion and I am ready. I feel a lot stronger at this weight class. Freddy tried to flinch at me and scare me yesterday, but I am a beast and I will show him that. Believe that.

On his preparation: “I am a lot stronger. I am more confident in my abilities now than I was before. Now I am on a different level. I am on that elite level, the level with guys like Tevin Farmer. I am ready. And this guy Freddy is good but he is not on my level and I am going to prove that on Saturday. Underestimate me with this hair color, it’s cool, because I will see him Saturday and show him who I am in the ring.”

Freddy Fonseca, Super Featherweight Contender

On the trash talk leading up to the fight: “They may say JoJo is the favorite but in the ring there will be nothing to save him. We all want to win. He, like me, wants to win but on Saturday I will be the one to walk away with the win. He is a great fighter but I have a great game plan and we are going to get the victory for Nicaragua.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “This is a dream for every boxer to be here. I am grateful for this opportunity and to everyone who made this possible.”

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Super Featherweight Champion

On his preparation: “Be ready for fireworks. Mentally, I have been preparing. I am training my body and my mind. I want to get out of the ring with the win, no questions asked. I have a great game plan and I can’t wait to see it all unfold beautifully in the ring on Saturday night.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “I am ready, I am thankful for the opportunity to be here. I want to put on a show on the biggest stage. It means a lot to be here. I want to thank Golden Boy and my whole team. I am appreciative to everyone who made this possible and I want to show the world who I am.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Super Featherweight Champion

On what this moment means: “I am very happy. I am very content. This is the tenth time to have this opportunity to fight here at MGM in Las Vegas. It is a blessing. I am a believer in God. This is my second opportunity to win a world title and I am here for that very reason. I believe I am here to walk away a world champion.”

On fighting on the Canelo-Jacobs undercard: “It is very exciting. I want to thank Golden Boy for this opportunity, and I am happy to be here fighting at this huge event. There are a lot of fans of mine and boxing fans in Puerto Rico and I am excited that they can watch on DAZN. I hope they all tune in to watch me perform.”

Sadam Ali, Welterweight Contender

On his mindset going into his fight on Saturday: “I am excited, ready to perform. There is a mega fight coming this Saturday and I am excited to see what happens in the Canelo vs. Jacobs fight but first I will go put on a show and get a win. I know he is going to come prepared, but I have been preparing hard for this in the gym, too. I have been working on my speed and power because you can have all that power and speed, but you need to know how to use it. I am ready to go.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-
7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com
or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZNinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2019) – Gabriel Flores Jr. celebrated in his 19th birthday Wednesday at Los Gallos Boxing Academy in his hometown, three days before he makes his ESPN-televised homecoming in front of an expected crowd of more than 10,000 at Stockton Arena.

Flores (12-0, 5 KOs) will take on Eduardo Pereira (23-5, 19 KOs) in a six-round lightweight showdown, which will be televised in between a pair of highly anticipated world championship bouts.

In the main event, IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev (13-0, 13 KOs) – the only current world champion in boxing with a 100 percent knockout ratio – will fight the hard-hitting Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (24-1, 17 KOs). And, in the co-feature, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (30-1-2, 20 KOs) will make the seventh defense of his IBF junior bantamweight world title against No. 1. contender Ryuichi Funai (31-7, 22 KOs).

Flores, a one-time standout amateur who signed with Top Rank in 2016 at the age of 16, is now one of the sport’s top young ticket-sellers. This is what he had to say.

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“Not many fighters can sell tickets, so for me to do it in my hometown at such a young age is a blessing. I have a great team behind me, and having ESPN come to Stockton is a dream come true.”

“Pereira is a veteran who has fought many top prospects. He’s an aggressive fighter, which will make for a crowd-pleasing fight. I want to show out for my hometown. There hasn’t been a boxing event like this is in Stockton for many years.”

“I honestly don’t feel pressure fighting in my hometown. If anything, it gives me more motivation. I want to put Stockton back on the boxing map.”

“I can feel myself growing into my man strength now. I am 19 years old now, and I have learned so much in my two years as a professional. I have faced a lot of different styles and types of fighters, which has helped my development.”

“I am honored to be on a great card like this with two world championship bouts. One day, I’ll return home to Stockton as a world champion.”

“Me, I want to go into the ring and make my mother proud (Flores’ mother, Juanita Maldonado, passed away in 2013). I will go into the ring against a very experienced opponent. There will be bright lights and lasers flashing when I get into the ring and there will be bright lights and lasers flashing when I start fighting. Since I’ve been a small boy, I have dreamed of this day, and here we are at last.”

Rick Mirigian (Flores’ adviser)

“This city loves its young king. No one this young is selling this many tickets, and Saturday will stand as one of this year’s biggest shows period across the board. A star has been born.”

ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Artur Beterbiev (champion) vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic (challenger), 12 rounds, Beterbiev’s IBF light heavyweight world title, MAIN EVENT

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Eduardo Pereira, 6 rounds, lightweight, SPECIAL ATTRACTION

Jerwin Ancajas (champion) vs. Ryuichi Funai (challenger), 12 rounds, Ancajas’ IBF junior bantamweight world title, CO-FEATURE

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Felix Valera vs. Mario Aguilar, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Brian Mendoza vs. Carlos Rodriguez, 8 rounds, welterweight

Vislan Dalkhaev vs. Vincent Jennings, 6 rounds, super bantamweight

Blake McKernan vs. Joey Montoya, 8 rounds, cruiserweight

Marco Arroyo vs. Jesus Godinez, 4 rounds, flyweight

Swing Bout

Quilisto Madera vs. Osbaldo Camacho, 6/4 rounds, middleweight

Promoted by Top Rank, remaining tickets priced at $175, $100, $65, $40, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased online via Ticketmaster.com or at the Stockton Arena Ticket Office Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and beginning three hours prior to event time on event days.

LAS VEGAS (May 1, 2019): WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round unification fight. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say at today’s final press conference:

Canelo Alvarez, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

“Look, we’re just ready for Saturday. I’ll repeat to you – I’m ready, I’m ready to continue writing history like I always have.”

“I’m a fighter that’s fought all the styles. What he brings on Saturday night is going to bring the reaction out of me to counter whatever he brings.”

“In boxing, anything can happen. That’s including the knockout. If it’s there, trust me, I’m going to go for the knockout. I don’t care if he’s bigger, stronger, it’s never bothered me. I have the capability. I have the experience to overcome that and more.”

Daniel Jacobs, IBF Middleweight World Champion

“I just feel as if the thirst for this fight is at an all-time high. We are only three days away from a mega fight and it’s such a privilege to be here right before this mega showdown. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I’m mostly excited to get in there to show the world that I am the best middleweight of my generation. I finally have an opportunity to prove it, to go against Canelo Alvarez. You guys are going to see fireworks, masterful boxing, skills, dedication, persistence, and grit, most importantly.”

“I’m gonna talk inside the ring and let my fighting speak for itself. To Canelo – let’s put on a good show my brother.”

What has been tougher – preparing for this fight against Canelo or his fight against GGG? “I think mentally, Golovkin started out as the most devastating power puncher and boogeyman of the division. So mentally, he was tougher. Physically, this is much harder preparation because Canelo is very agile, he’s very fast, his offensive onslaught is at an all-time high. It’s a drastic difference. I thought I won the GGG fight and I assure you I will win this fight without controversy.”

“What will take the win will simply be me being the best version of myself. My physical advantages in itself can win me the fight, but I also have the mental capacity. I’m in my prime. I’m the only fighter Canelo has faced since Floyd Mayweather to be in his prime. I’m super confident and I’m going in there with the ability as well.”

Eddy Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“Saturday night we have a great fight in a division that’s given boxing historically great fights, and without a doubt Saturday night you’re going to have one of the greatest fights between two of the best fighters, two great champions. Ever since we began our career in boxing with Canelo, we always knew we’d have to take these types of risks in fights. These are the types of fights that catapult you to the top, to the elite level.”

“We have a tremendous challenge in front of us, a tremendous champion in Daniel Jacobs. But this year, our goal is to sweep the middleweight division and win all four belts, and Daniel Jacobs will not obtain that goal.”

Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Co-Trainer and Manager to Canelo Alvarez

“I would like to give you a little bit of what happened in camp, all the hard work, all the intense work, the long hours of training. Because intensity is what we expect in the fight. And all this hard work is just what gives us the tranquility and the peace of mind that come Saturday night, when his hand is raised, it will reconfirm to everyone that he is the best middleweight on the planet.”

Andre Rozier, Trainer to Daniel Jacobs

“We had a fantastic camp. I’m just happy that Danny has finally reached his pinnacle. This is the point that he has strived to get to since he first began boxing. And, he is ready. I thank Canelo for accepting the challenge. I expect a fantastic battle but as it was just told – it is my birthday, and my son is going to present me with the best birthday present I could ever get by having his hands raised in victory.”

Keith Connolly, Manager to Daniel Jacobs

“A bunch of people have asked me if I’m excited for the fight. I’m most excited to see how this all turns out – the Daniel Jacobs story. I’ve known him for about 15 years since he was a teenager and it’s been an honor to see him grow from the boy that I first met to the man that he is now. This fight is happening at exactly at the right time. He’s physically mature but more importantly, he’s mentally mature. I expect him to embrace everything Saturday night and come out victorious.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy

“This Saturday the #1 and #2 best middleweights on the planet will put everything on the line for one simple reason – to see who is the best. That is boxing at its finest. Indeed, this is the biggest fight in boxing featuring the biggest star in boxing in the biggest place for boxing on the biggest platform for boxing.”

“In life there are challenges that strengthen a person’s character and determine how this person will be remembered. Boxing is no different. The men we have before us today have faced tough challenges that few on the earth can relate too. Outside of the ring these men have already proven what they are made of, but this Saturday, these men will also determine who will be remembered as the best middleweight of their time the only way they know how – with their fists.”

“We are excited to be at the forefront of this new era of boxing with DAZN and look forward to continuing to make boxing more accessible and affordable for fans.”

“Saturday night we expect fireworks, we expect a war, we expect an amazing fight, with two gentlemen who have done an amazing job getting to this point.”

Bernard Hopkins, Golden Boy Partner and Future Hall of Famer

“To Danny Jacobs, I’d like to say this is a historical moment for your team. This is real special. It doesn’t happen in any division but I’m glad it’s happening now. To Canelo, Jacobs, well done. Now let’s take care of business.”

Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing

“We just want three simple things. We want to make sure Daniel Jacobs is victorious on Saturday night and we truly believe from the bottom of our hearts that he will be. We want to make sure we spread the gospel that great fights can be made. You can take risks. It’s fun. It’s called sport. That’s what we have to remember. Why these young men started was about greatness. It was how many belts they could gather. Could they reach the Hall of Fame? Could they create a legacy? And, I want the message of Daniel Jacobs to be spread worldwide. The illness and disease of cancer touches all of us. With Daniel Jacobs, you have a message of complete hope to anybody in suffering. Danie Jacobs was paralyzed. He was told he may never walk again, and certainly never fight again. Right now, I want this story to be spread worldwide to look at this fine young man and realize there is hope. If he can do it, you can do it. And on Saturday, I believe he’ll become victorious and become the unified champion of the world.”

“I know right now that this side has a feeling of excitement and nerves going into this weekend because this is a wonderful fight between two great champions and this is what the sport of boxing is all about.”

On the judges for Saturday: “I believe we have four outstanding officials across this fight who are going to give Daniel Jacobs and Canelo Alvarez a complete blank canvas and mutual respect.”

Joseph Markowski, Executive Vice President of DAZN North America

“To be clear, this fight would be on pay-per-view on any other platform – 80, 90, maybe even 100 bucks. But instead of offering this fight for $100, we’ll offer you an entire year of fights for $100 with our annual pass – incredible value in the next couple of months: Canelo vs. Jacobs on May 4, the World Boxing Super Series on May 18, Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight debut on May 25, Anthony Joshua’s U.S. debut on June 1, Gennady Golovkin’s return on June 8, and premium Bellator MMA. And that’s on top of the rest of our 100+ fight nights a year, including the fact that both Canelo and GGG will be back fighting on DAZN in the fall.”

“This weekend is massive for the middleweight division, a truly electrifying fight. It’s also massive for the DAZN business but most importantly for fight fans. On Sunday morning, instead of fans waking up to a $100 bill, those fight fans will have an entire year of content to look forward to. It’s a transformational moment.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305 and $200 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZNinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

TEMPLE HILLS, MD. (May 1, 2019) – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd held a media workout at his gym in Temple Hills, Maryland on Tuesday as he prepares for his hometown return in a title defense against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams Saturday, May 11 that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Hurd return to defend his titles in front of a hometown crowd for the first time since becoming a world champion. A native of Accokeek, Maryland, this is Hurd’s first fight in the region since his 13th pro victory in 2014 that took place at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

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

Here is what Hurd had to say Tuesday from Hillcrest Boxing Gym in Temple Hills, Maryland:

JARRETT HURD

“We always work on different things in camp, whether it’s preparing for southpaws in the past or orthodox in this fight. You have to do everything to your right as far as movements against an orthodox guy so we made the transition to that for the last couple of camps starting with the Jason Welborn fight.

“I want to be undisputed champion at 154-pounds. The plan is to go after the WBC belt next. I’m inspired to do it and I see it right in front of me.

“I feel strong and the shoulder is 100 percent. In sparring and hitting the bag, I forgot I even had surgery. That’s how good I feel.

“I’ve watched some of Julian’s recent fights and his last two fights have been on the same cards I’ve been on. It’s almost like it’s meant to be. We were lining up to face each other and here we are.

“My defense is getting better, but what people have to understand is that I kept stepping up the competition I was facing. So of course I got hit more, but if you look at the stats, my opponent got hit even more than me. Because of my style it looks like I take a lot of punches. I expect to get hit in this fight but, I’m ready to hit him more.

“It’s hard to tell what type of fight this is going to be. I want to say that he’s going to try to box, but I said that about Erislandy Lara and we saw that he stood toe-to-toe with me. Because of my size, I don’t really think Julian Williams is going to try to do that. He’s going to try to get his shots off and score points and make it through 12 rounds.

“I always said that one day I wanted to be the guy who when I got to this position, would give back to the area here. I want to be the face of the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia). When you come here and talk about boxing, you’re talking about me. I’ve got the city behind me and I couldn’t be any happier about it.”

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

Los Angeles, CA (May 1, 2019) WBA Super Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger Murodjon ‘MJ’ Akhmadaliev, (6-0-0, 5 KOs), was victorious this past Friday night, April 26 at the Forum in Los Angeles, CA and once again set his sights on a world title fight with WBA/IBF Super Bantamweight World Champion Danny Roman who also fought on the same card promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Winner of the Bronze Medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, representing Uzbekistan, the 24-year-old southpaw has quickly impressed boxing fans on both coasts with his all-action style and stunning power. Fighting for the first time at the iconic Forum, Akhmadaliev knocked out Carlos Carlson in the third round on Friday night.

Following his victory, Akhmadaliev, promoted by World of Boxing and Matchroom Boxing in an agreement announced last week, watched as Roman won a 12-round majority decision over TJ Doheny capturing the IBF title.

Stated Akhmadaliev, “I have been Roman’s mandatory since the end of 2018 which is a fact he and his team have completely ignored but I wanted to remind everyone that my time has come. I have defeated everyone that has been put in front of me including two opponents from Roman’s promotional team, Thompson Boxing.”

“Roman displayed a great deal of will and dedication in his victory over Doheny, it was a great fight. Now it’s time for a true test and I hope that he is ready. I know that real Mexican fighters don’t step down from any fight and I hope that we can have a real war for the fans in September.”

Commented manager Vadim Kornilov, “We strongly feel that ‘MJ’ is the best super-bantamweight in the world and that given the opportunity he will prove that in the ring. With his amateur pedigree combined with the outstanding start to his professional career, he’s capable of becoming one of the biggest stars in the lighter weight divisions.”

This past November 24, 2018, Akhmadaliev was featured on HBO World Championship Boxing in only his fifth professional fight, stopping Isaac Zarate in the ninth round. The victory earned him the WBA Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight Title.

Akhmadaliev is trained by the renowned Joel Diaz in Indio, CA.

Ray Flores
We’re excited to have the media from all over the world joining us for this conference call as we get set for PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes, Saturday May 11 from the Eaglebank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The FOX and FOX Deportes broadcast starts 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. Talk about an incredible main event, with IBF and WBA 154-pound World Champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd defending his championship and making his homecoming against hungry top contender, Julian “J-Rock Williams of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Also we have a tremendous co-feature, unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario El Azteca Barrios goes head to head against Argentina’s own Juan Jose Velasco, in a 10 round matchup.

Plus, middleweight contender Matt Korobov vs. Immanuwel Aleem. It’s all a part of the televised act on PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes. Tickets for the event, it is all being promoted by TGB Promotions along with Swift Promotions.

They’re going quickly. They’re all on sale now and they can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Now we want to go ahead and bring in one of the promoters for Saturday, May 11, a man who knows boxing like nobody’s business. One of the best mind in the history of the sport. Please welcome my dear friend. The President of TGB Promotions, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Thank you Ray. Thanks everyone for joining us for this conference call for what I believe will be an extremely exciting fight presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Jarrett Hurd established himself as one of the breakout stars in boxing and now will have the chance to showcase his talents as he makes his first defense in front of his hometown fans.

But he does have a stiff test in front of him in Julian Williams, who since his only defeat in a world title challenge against Jermall Charlo has wrapped up four wins in a row. And Williams has never shied away from any challenge.

It’s going to be a fantastic main event for the viewers at prime time to enjoy on FOX and FOX Deportes. I’ve been looking forward to this fight now since back on December 1 when both guys fought on the same card in STAPLES Center and as a matchmaker, I just think it’s a great fight.

With the combination of their styles it’s a very intriguing match-up and should make for an entertaining and exciting fight. So now I’ll throw it back to Ray to introduce the fighters and get this call started. Thank you very much.

R. Flores
Thank you so much Tom. It gives me great honor and pleasure to bring on a guy who represents his home city of Philadelphia. Trained by a fantastic trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards, he’s 29 years of age.

He has rattled off four straight victories including impressive performances against former champion Ishe Smith and hard hitting Nathaniel Gallimore. When you think of a Philadelphia fighter, this man is so emblematic of that. He’s tough. He’s exciting.

He comes forward. He breathes what Philadelphia boxing is all about. And he’s no doubt looking to accomplish his lifelong dream and become a champion on Saturday, May 11. Please welcome Julian J-Rock Williams. Julian, do you have opening comments?

Julian Williams
How you doing guys out there? Thanks for having me. Training’s going good. have a really good training camp. A lot of fighters say they had a good training camp but it’s really been the best training camp of my life.

I did some different things and I added some different pieces and we’re prepared for a really good fight. But most important we’re prepared to win on May 11.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Julian. Now we’ll meet the man that will be standing across the ring from Julian Williams on Saturday May 11. He’s undefeated in 23 bouts. Twenty-three victories, 16 of those coming by way of knockouts. He’s the IBF and WBA 154- pound World Champion and is trained by Ernesto Rodriguez.

He won his first World Title by halting Tony Harrison over two years ago down in Alabama in February 2017. He unified the titles after defeating the very tough and crafty, the former World Champion Erislandy Lara.

In that fight Jarrett Hurd had to drop Lara in the final round to get the decision victory recognized. It was the 2018 fight of the year by the BWAA, ESPN, Sporting News and countless others.

This guy just comes forward and throws punches in bunches. He is a phenomenal example of what it is to be a professional and a world champion. Representing Accokeek, Maryland, please welcome “Swift” Jarrett Hurd.

Jarrett Hurd
Thank you. Appreciate you guys having me today. Training camp is going well. This is the first time I’ll be holding my full training camp here in my hometown. Usually I’m used to travelling.

This is the first time I’ve fought at home since 2014 and I’m super excited. I can feel the fan base and how they support me already before the fight comes.

Q
I just wanted to get an update and see, is your shoulder 100%? And have you had any issues with that?

J. Hurd
The shoulder is 100%. It was 100% going into my last fight. We just wanted to test it out with Jason Wellborn. And it’s been like a year now since the injury so my shoulder’s surely 100% now.

Q
Did that tune-up fight sort of accomplish what you wanted it to accomplish?

J. Hurd
Yes, we just wanted to go out there and use the left hand a little. Work behind the jabs and see if it held up well. And actually it held up pretty well. So I definitely accomplished everything that we wanted to do.

Q
Can you talk to me about where the change came where now it’s important for you to have a fight in your hometown as opposed to travelling?

J. Hurd
Well yes the change came because coming up I was just only known in my area so I wanted to fight in other states and places to pick up a fan base, a bigger fan base worldwide.

I defended my title two times out of the area. I always wanted to bring the strap to my hometown and defend it there. So that’s when I wanted to come back home.

Q
What is, in your opinion, the most dangerous thing that Julian brings to the ring against you?

J. Hurd
The most dangerous I would say is his inside game. He has a great inside game. People maybe underestimate it a little bit.

But he does great things inside with his hands and how he places his shots. He sneaks them in there. He does a lot of good work in the inside. He also works good on the outside but his inside work is the most dangerous.

Q
What are your thoughts about coming to fight him in his hometown where he’s very excited to have this title defense?

J. Williams
I think it’s a good opportunity. I didn’t really think too much about how difficult it would be to fight him in his hometown.

I just need an arena and some gloves. Man, just ring the bell. I didn’t really think too deep into having to fight him in his hometown.

Q
Do you feel that the Charlo fight in some way prepared you for the second opportunity? And how much does it mean to you to have achieved the fact that you’re now getting a second opportunity?

J. Williams
Well I think all the fights in general prepared me for this opportunity. The 21 fights I had before that, I think everything that I went through within my professional career prepared me for this moment.

I knew 100% that I would get another shot. I believe I’m at least a top ten 154-pound fighter in the world. I just knew I had to get back in there and just keep fighting.

You just get back up on the horse. You just can’t stay down too long. So I just got back in there and got a couple of wins. I knew this time would be coming.

Q
If you’re able to come to his hometown and win the fight and win the title, what would that mean for you in your mind? And how would that really change your life?

J. Williams
It definitely would change my life as far as the conversation goes. Definitely more financial stability. It would definitely change my life. It’s going to mean a lot.

Q
When you were proposed to fight in your area, what was your reaction and what does it mean to you?

J. Hurd
It was my hometown so it was everything. To win the world title was great. It was always a goal of mine to become world champion but I accomplished that two times.

I just wanted to defend it in my hometown. So to be able to get this opportunity to bring it back here is special. Now we’re able to get things down with the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax. Virginia is good enough so I’m just happy that people that couldn’t make it out to the fight that were in other states can make it to this.

Q
Is the goal in our mind still to fight for the WBC title by the end of the year regardless of who it is? Is that the case or you just want to take it fight by fight and see what happens?

J. Hurd
We’re not looking past Julian Williams. All that could be stopped next weekend if I don’t get past him.

There was a wrench in the plans when Jermell Charlo took a loss. A fight with him I don’t think about no more because he’s still got to get past Harrison the second time. I’m not more focused on fighting him. I’m more focused on getting WBC.

So if he does win I’ll be looking forward to fighting him and if Harrison wins, I’ll be looking forward to fighting Harrison too.

Q
Do you want to become the undisputed champion? Do you just want the WBC and then move on? What are the goals for you at 154 pounds?

J. Hurd
I definitely want to be undisputed. It all depends because I’m such a big junior middleweight. Every fight is getting more and more difficult to make the weight.

Even though I come in under weight and was 152 when I fought against Wellborn, it’s just that I’m putting on more weight in between fights and even though I’m making it, to me I don’t think it’s healthy to be dropping that amount of weight for a fight.

Even though I’m light, I still feel strong. And I think there’s more opportunity for me at 160. There’s a lot of people who want to see a bigger fights there for me. I want to wait for the WBO after I win the WBC but if the opportunity isn’t presented to me, I’ll move up.

Q
So in line with what you just said, would it be fair to say within the next 12 months we’ll see Jarrett Hurd at 160 pounds?

J. Hurd
That’s hard to say. It all depends. That’s hard to say. I want to say no because I’d rather stick around for the WBO and the WBC. I want to say no, but if it looks like it’s not going to present itself in any way, then maybe so.

Q
There have been a lot of big fights at welterweight this year so far. There are a few more scheduled and likely to happen. Have you had your eyes on that division? Are you hoping to get any of those guys when they come up?

J. Hurd
I don’t think about that man. I got a fight coming up May 11. I haven’t thought about the welterweights. I haven’t even thought about 160. I just focus on 154 and fight and just go out there and have fun.

Q
With the accomplishments you’ve had and the next few years being a unified champion now, do you think you deserve consideration on pound for pound lists? And do you think you’re being overlooked?

J. Hurd
I do. Everyone with a pound-for-pound list has their opinion on who is top ten and top five. But I can’t really say anything on that. I do feel like I’m overlooked. I am a champion with two titles. I think my resume is better than some of the guys on the pound-for-pound list. For me, I know I’m up there in the top five, no question.

Q
It is a goal or an aim to make your fights one sided from the start of the fight? Or are you happy to make it a war because you think that will work in your favor?

J. Hurd
No, I want to make it one sided all the way through. I don’t want the fight to be close. I don’t want it to be a war. I want it to be all me when I get in there. It’s definitely not a game plan to go into fights and make them action packed and toe-to-toe like that.

I want the fight to be all one sided. But I have a different game plan for each fight and it just so happens that the guys I’ve fought in the past I’ve needed to use pressure and toe-to-toe action.

We’ll see when I get in there. You’ll never know what style I’ll bring out.

Q
Julian how have you grown from your title fight against Jermall Charlo and as a fighter? Has it changed mentally the way you approach a fight?

J. Williams
Well it doesn’t necessarily change the way mentally I approach fights. But I think I definitely grew from that fight. Every experience is a learning experience. I think I’ve got a championship level of experience and that’s invaluable.

I got a chance to go back to the drawing board and work on a bunch of things after that fight.

Q
As Jarrett has shown vulnerability in his last number of fights, what is your level of confidence going into this fight? Are you going to be the one to finally take his titles?

J. Williams
Well my confidence doesn’t come from his vulnerability. My confidence comes from my own ability and what I know I can do in a boxing ring. He’s been able to overcome his vulnerability and everything he’s faced.

Q
Jarrett, in terms of confidence level, how much did your last fight against Jason Wellborn get you in a mindset where you feel confident enough to take on the Julian Williams’ of the world where you’re not going to have any doubt about having any side effects or any potential issue with the shoulder?

J. Hurd
My confidence level is sky high. The Wellborn fight only was brought up because of the surgery. I didn’t plan on having a fight of that caliber. I just wanted to get into the groove of fighting right-handed fighters.

Because I was coming off of two fights fighting southpaws, I wanted to have a right-handed fighter before I go into unification. But since I had to get surgery on the shoulder, that’s when the fight with Wellborn came up.

I just want to get in the groove and fight right handed fighters. Most champions are right handed, so it was more so trying to get back into the groove of fighting right hand fighters.

The Julian Williams’ fight probably could have come sooner if I didn’t get the surgery.

Q
How much did watching Tony Harrison pull off what a lot of people would consider a big upset remind you that you’re expecting everyone’s best and come fight night anything can happen?

J. Williams
When Harrison won I was kind of upset because I didn’t think they were going to have the big Hurd vs. Charlo matchup but then, as two days past, I thought about it and said, “why do I care?”

Q
What’s different about the Julian Williams fight of May 2019 compared to when you fought Jermall Charlo in 2016? Are you hungrier now then you were back then? Are you more experienced?

J. Williams
I’m not going to say I’m any more or less hungry. I’m not a hungry fighter, but I do think I’m more experienced. Experience is invaluable so I’m definitely more experienced.

Q
Do you feel like you’ve kind of become the forgotten contender just because of your one loss at the championship level?

J. Williams
I don’t know if I’m forgotten like some of these sports writers or experts might say. I wasn’t going to let that happen. I know how boxing works. Losses happen. Knockouts happen. Just because you take a loss that doesn’t mean you can’t come back and be a great fighter.

I don’t know if I got forgotten. I don’t see too many guys coming to pick on me. Nobody’s beating down my door. So I think maybe a little bit underrated, yes. Have I been forgotten? I’m not going to say forgotten.

Boxing’s got a way of pushing people out that takes a loss. And it’s like, oh, they’re done. The loser’s always done. And boxing’s not about undefeated records. I think a career should be judged as a whole, when the career is finished.

Q
What’s motivating you in this fight? Is there a certain chip on your shoulder based off what people have been saying?

J. Williams
I’m motivated by the glory, the titles, and the money. Everybody has an opinion so I don’t really care or dig too far into people’s views on the fight. I can’t get into that because if I do, I’ll be on social media until 3 in the morning every night.

I have to take those things in stride. And after I win the fight on May 11th, then everybody’s going to run back and say “he’s a great fighter.” I just want to cash my check and see my kids. That’s it.

Q
Jarrett how’d you all feel about the fact you still like at home and are a family man as showcased on last weeks’ Inside PBC Boxing show?

J. Hurd
Great, man. I’m not ashamed of living at home. I can go out and tell the world I love being at home. It’s been working for me. I’m barely at home so I’m not paying mortgage on a house that I’m not in and that’s a way to save money.

The money that I touch, my money, is money to invest to make sure when I do retire and I’m ready to move out, that I will be secure.

So no, I’m not ashamed. I love being at home. I didn’t plan on staying this long but it’s working for me.

Q
Do you feel like now is the perfect time to come home?

J. Hurd
Oh yes, definitely. This is the perfect time to come home. In bringing the fight home, I’m getting so much love from my city alone. I’m an ambassador for the Redskins. A lot of the sports teams bring me up to sponsor things like that.

I’m trying to get the recognition that I work hard for. It couldn’t be on a better place than on FOX to showcase my fight here. This is perfect timing.

Q
What does it mean to you to get the Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier Fight of the Year Award?

J. Hurd
Listen, it’s crazy. I was just talking about it the other day. I said man, for me to be in a Fight of the Year against a fighter that everyone looks at kind of says it’s boring because it could be so one sided and things like that.

For me to get into a fight against someone like him, I said I must be an exciting fighter. That’s what everyone says. When they tune in the fight is actually packed. Because of my vulnerability maybe, and because they like to see fighters get hit.

I’m super happy. That’s a great accomplishment for me to receive such an award. I go out there and leave it all in the ring and give it my all every time.

Q
You have a distinctive hairstyle and so does a recently acquired wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. Does anybody come up and say hey, look it’s Odell Beckham? How do you feel about the fact that at least a few people have noted that?

J. Hurd
Oh yes, man. I get that all the time. It’s funny. Everyone almost everywhere says I look like that wide receiver. It’s funny because I have never met Odell Beckham until I saw him at Gervonta Davis’ fight versus Hugo Ruiz. And he said, what’s up and he acknowledged me and I said everybody kept on saying I was you. It was kind of funny man. I told him he has to show me a bit of his footwork.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. That concludes the conference call. Thank you so much to the media. Don’t forget PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes. Jarett Hurd vs Julian Williams. 154-pound World Championship. Thank you so much. We’ll see you next week during fight week.

# # #

ABOUT HURD VS. WILLIAMS
Hurd vs. Williams pits IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd against top contender Julian Williams in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios battles Argentina’s Juan “The Pitbull” Jose Velasco in a 10-round fight and middleweight contender Matt Korobov clashes with Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round bout as part of televised action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com
and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

TUCSON, Ariz. (May 1, 2019) — Fazliddin “Fayzi” Gaibnazarov is on the fast track to world title contention. Gaibnazarov, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist for his native Uzbekistan, will face the toughest — and tallest — test of his career against the 6-foot-3 Mykal “The Professor” Fox in a 10-round super lightweight showdown from the Tucson Arena. Fox will have a roughly nine-inch height advantage over Gaibnazarov.

Gaibnazarov-Fox will headline an action-packed slate of fights on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service — beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

The main card, dubbed “Twice as Nice,” will feature a pair of world championship rematches and will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. ET. WBC super featherweight champion Miguel “El Alacrán” Berchelt will make the fifth defense of his belt against Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a rematch of their 2017 Fight of the Year contender, won by Berchelt via 11th-round knockout. In the co-feature, WBO junior featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete will look to repeat the deed against Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe in a rematch of their Dec. 8 bout, won by Navarrete via unanimous decision.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Peltz Boxing Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, tickets priced at $102, $77, $52 and $27 can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or at the Tucson Convention Center ticket office.

“I want the best fighters at 140 pounds, and I want them soon,” Gaibnazarov said. “Fox is a step up for me, but I always rise to the occasion as my opposition gets better. I fought and beat the world’s best fighters as an amateur, and I will do the same as a professional. 2019 is going to be my year.”

“Most guys would take a step down in competition after a loss, but there is nothing to gain from that. Gaibnazorov is not to be taken lightly but neither am I,” Fox said. “I’m looking to secure a win and get back on the ball. An undefeated Olympian is a hell of a choice to try and do that with, but nothing ventured, nothing gained. Plus, the list of guys who will fight me, despite losing, is very short. I’m grateful and looking forward to doing battle with an Olympian.”

Gaibnazarov (7-0, 4 KOs) turned pro in 2017 following a storied amateur career that included a pair of Olympic berths, the gold medal in 2016 and victories over the likes of current promotional stablemate and WBC super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez. He turned pro in scheduled eight-rounders and has yet to be seriously challenged in the paid ranks. After going 3-0 in 2018, he made his 2019 debut on Jan. 19 in Verona, New York, stopping Ricardo Garcia in four rounds.

Fox (19-1, 5 KOs), a native of Forestville, Maryland, has befuddled most of his professional opponents with his long southpaw jab. In his last outing, Feb. 15 in Mulvane, Kansas, the upset-minded Fox was on the short end of a 10-round unanimous decision to top prospect Shohjahon Ergashev. Despite a pair of 98-92 scorecards, many ringside observers believed Fox did enough to earn a draw.

In other action on ESPN+:
Albuquerque native and top featherweight prospect Jason Sanchez (14-0, 7 KOs) will face former world title challenger Adeilson Dos Santos (19-6, 15 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Phoenix native Carlos Castro (22-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas super bantamweight belt in a 10-rounder against Mario Alberto Diaz (18-2, 7 KOs). Castro is coming off an upset win over former world title challenger Genesis Servania in February.

Three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga (27-3, 23 KOs) returns to action in an eight-round featherweight bout against Naciff Martinez (23-10-3, 9 KOs).

Super lightweight prospect Miguel Parra (16-1-1, 11 KOs) hopes to make it eight wins in a row versus David Morales (13-10, 13 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Tucson-based middleweight prospect Manny Guajardo (4-0, 0 KOs) will look to impress the hometown fans in a four-rounder against Jonathan Espino (2-3, 2 KOs).

In a four-round welterweight rematch featuring a pair of local favorites, Nogales’ Judas Estrada (1-1-1, 1 KO) will face Tucson’s Christopher Gonzalez (3-0-1, 0 KOs). Estrada and Gonzalez fought to a draw last November in a crowd-pleasing brawl.

Phoenix native Carlos Velasquez (1-0, 0 KOs) will face an opponent to be named in a four-rounder at lightweight.
For more information, visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #BercheltVargas2 and #NavarreteDogboe2 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.

Complete pre- and post-fight coverage of the highly-anticipated Canelo vs. Jacobs bout throughout the week leading up the main event on Saturday, May 4 which will air exclusively on DAZN

Telemundo Deportes to livestream the undercard of Canelo vs. Jacobs featuring Golden Boy Promotions’ current and future stars, on Saturday, May 4 starting at 9 p.m. ET; The livestream will be in Spanish and available on Telemundo Deportes app and Telemundo Deportes Facebook page

Titulares y Más presents extensive coverage and special reporting from Las Vegas with co-host Karim Mendiburu onsite

MIAMI, Fla. – April 30, 2019 – Telemundo Deportes, the Spanish-language home of The Biggest, Best, Global Sports, presents special, pre- and post-fight coverage of the anticipated match between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs with extensive coverage across Telemundo Deportes digital platforms and on Titulares y Más, the network’s signature sports and entertainment show, all week leading to Saturday’s big fight.

Telemundo Deportes’ content and promotion across platforms will drive fans to subscribe to DAZN to watch the Canelo vs. Jacobs middleweight championship. DAZN is the sports streaming app that has made its mark on the U.S. sports landscape by delivering premium boxing and MMA events to subscribers without the additional cost of pay-per-view.

As part of the special coverage, Telemundo Deportes’ app and the Telemundo Deportes Facebook page will live stream the undercard event featuring some of the best current and future stars from Golden Boy including the returns of Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr., Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Lamont Roach Jr., in separate bouts. The coverage will be in Spanish-language on Saturday, May 4 starting at 9 p.m. ET.

In anticipation of the fight, the Telemundo Deportes app and its Facebook page will also present Spanish-language livestream of the press conference as well as the weigh-in event that will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In addition, Telemundo Deportes digital and social media platforms will present extensive content throughout the week leading to May 4, including the latest news around the fighters, analysis, short-form features, public workouts, highlights and recaps.

On television, coverage continues throughout the week on Titulares y Más, featuring special segments and reports from Las Vegas with expert analysis and the latest from Canelo and Jacobs. The week-long coverage plans include all main events such as the fighter arrivals, press conferences, weigh-in and interviews with Canelo, Jacobs and Oscar De La Hoya. Karim Mendiburu will host the late-night sports show from Las Vegas starting Wednesday.

On May 4, Telemundo Deportes’ Premier League coverage on Universo will incorporate special segments during the pre-game show at 2:30 p.m. ET, ahead of the Newcastle vs. Liverpool matchup, with live reports and the latest news and updates from Las Vegas. The comprehensive news and information programming around the big fight will conclude that evening on Titulares y Más with highlights, interviews and reactions from Las Vegas.

The Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs super-fight will be streamed live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas exclusively on DAZN with coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET.

Telemundo Deportes is the U.S. leading sports brand and destination for the biggest, best global sports programming in Spanish-language. It is home to two of the world’s most popular sporting events: the FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. It is also the home of the 2019 Copa America. In addition, Telemundo Deportes broadcasts the Premier League, Boxeo Telemundo Ford, the #1 boxing program in Spanish, and Titulares y Más, the #1 sports news, entertainment and commentary show in Spanish, among other recognized sports properties.

RECENT world title challenger Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf will clash for the vacant Commonwealth super-welterweight championship at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

The exciting 12 rounder takes place on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s IBF world featherweight title defence against mandatory challenger, Kid Galahad.

It will be Welborn’s first fight since his brave world title challenge against IBF and WBA champion Jarrett Hurd in Los Angeles five months ago when he went down fighting in four rounds.

Midlander Welborn (24-7, 7KOs) had won five on the spin before that loss to one of boxing’s emerging stars.

That run included picking up the British middleweight title against Tommy Langford and then beating his local rival in a rematch.

Welborn, 32, has been a professional since December 2005, but the desire to get back fighting the best 154lb boxers in the world is still burning inside despite a long and successful career.

He said: “I felt brilliant and strong in there against Hurd and got caught by a brilliant shot. I left it all in there and did better than some British boxers who have been abroad.

“I thought about retiring, but I think there are a few good fights in me before I hang up my gloves.

“I felt I belonged at world level when I boxed Hurd and that is where I want to get back to in the next 12 months.

“JJ is a good prospect, a strong fighter and the kind of style I like to face so I won’t have to go looking for him.

“It is a great fight for me after the world title challenge, there is something to gain and it is on one of Frank Warren’s big cards of the year.

“It is not about the money now as I have a skip business that is going well. I just want to get back to where I was before I boxed Hurd. If I do that, I make an impact.”

Metcalf (19-0, 11 KOs) is the son of former world class super-lightweight Shea Neary and looking to follow in his dad’s footsteps.

The Liverpool boxer is in the form of his life and stopped his last five opponents. His most recent outing was on April 19 when he knocked out Santos Medrano in eight rounds.

Metcalf said: “It is a tough fight, but one that I can win. Jason has had a very good career, is very tough, busy and I cannot take nothing away from what he has achieved.

“Look at his fight with Hurd. He put it all on the line and really took it to the champion early on.

“He has had other losses, but always seems to bounce back and pull off big wins like the two against Langford.”

Metcalf, 30, has been boxing professionally since December 2011 but injuries have slowed his progress and last year cost him a fight against Liam Williams.

He added: “I’ve not reached my peak yet, but these are the sort of tests I need at this stage of my career.

“I have been a prospect for too long, but now is the time to start winning big titles and getting to world level.

“Of the current world champions Hurd and Jaime Munguia might not be elite superstars, but they’re very good.

“Tony Harrison is WBC champion. I haven’t seen a lot of him, but he beat Jermell Charlo so that tells you he is good.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad.

Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf meet for the vacant Commonwealth super-welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Zelfa Barrett, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann, Shakiel Thompson, Kody Davies 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

London, UK (1 May 2019) Gritty Gravesend gunslinger Sean Phillips is the youngest entrant in the field when eight middleweights collide for Ultimate Boxxer III glory at The Indigo at The O2 on Friday 10th May, and only Derrick Osaze has boxed fewer pro rounds. However, the undefeated 22 year old Kent clouter claims only the foolish will dismiss him.

UB III, sponsored by MansionBet, is exclusively live on BT Sports, BT Sports’ You Tube channel – available to anyone to watch for free – and the dedicated boxing channel BoxNation.

‘I want them all to underestimate me. They’ll get a big shock! I’m not in this to play about,’ claims ‘The Captain’ who, at 6ft 1in, is the tourney’s joint tallest competitor.

‘Forget my age, my heart will set me apart from all the others. I’ll also be the fittest. I’ve always loved my running – I was training for the London marathon before this opening cropped up – so I can sustain a very high work rate. And I’m aggressive. I guarantee pure excitement.’

The Reigate born redhead has been fine tuning his fighting skills for over a decade now and even passed through the famous Fisher Downside facility in Bermondsey, south London, which previously produced world champions Sid Smith, Terry Downes and Lloyd Honeyghan.

‘When I was 12, my dad took me down the local Nemesis gym because I had too much energy. I later moved to the Fisher but I was a hopeless amateur, to be honest. All that darted in and out just didn’t suit me,’ states Phillips who still triumphed in 15 of his 20 unpaid bouts.

After shedding his singlet in July 2017, the then 20 year old was restricted to a share of the spoils against Wiltshire’s wily Anthony Fox on his paid bow.

However, sharpshooter Sean – who is trained and managed by Martin Bowers at The Peacock Gym in Canning Town, east London – has not conceded a single round in five subsequent starts and will land at Indigo haemorrhaging confidence.

‘I’m not in boxing to turn down good opportunities like this,’ says Phillips who has been drawn against Uttoxeter action man Josh Groombridge in a salivating quarter-final.

‘Groombridge is a decent lad. Like me, he’ll come and have a go and we’ll find out who’s better on the night.

‘There’s some very good fighters on the other side of the draw. I see Osaze meeting Conway in the other semi. Derrick’s very strong whereas Kieron’s a good counter puncher so whoever comes through will be a worthy finalist.

But I’m gonna prove that I can dig deepest, bite hardest on my gumshield. Winning this should lead to titles, Southern Area, English…then I’m on my way.’

Ultimate Boxxer III is on Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2 and starts off with the exciting showdowns:

Quarter-Final 1: Kaan Hawes v Kieron Conway
Quarter-Final 2: Tey Lynn Jones v Derrick Osaze
Quarter-Final 3: Sean Philips v Josh Groombridge
Quarter-Final 4: Joe Hurn v Grant Dennis

For Ultimate Boxxer III MansionBet odds CLICK HERE

An action packed undercard will see the return of the highly-rated and undefeated Light-Heavyweight talent and UB II winner Shakan Pitters and unbeaten super-middleweight prospect Idris Virgo who is out to prove to critics he is more than just a reality star.

Remaining tickets are available from ticketmaster.co.uk AXS.com and ultimateboxxer.com priced at:

£30 Balcony Standing (General Admission)
£35 Floor Standing (General Admission)
£55 Upper Balcony Seats
£70 Outer Ringside
£100 Inner Ringside
£200 Kings Row (Padded Balcony seats, separate bar, VIP entrance)

For all VIP & Corporate Packages please contact www.sportandmusic.co.uk

Andy Ruiz Jr. has landed a dream World title shot at Heavyweight king Anthony Joshua OBE on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Ruiz (32-1 21 KOs) can become the first ever Mexican Heavyweight World champion when he meets AJ at the vaunted Manhattan boxing mecca and comes into the bout in fine form. The 29 year old recorded his 21st KO win on his 32 fight ledger when he forced the retirement of Alexander Dimitrenko after five rounds of their clash in Carson, California ten days ago.

The Californian-based Mexican is in his second World title tilt having pushed Joseph Parker to the limit for the WBO crown in the Kiwi’s Auckland hometown in December 2016, being edged out by the finest of margins via majority decision.

Joshua (22-0 21 KOs) defends his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO crowns for the second time, as his eighth World title fight lands on his hotly-anticipated American debut after KOing Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, London in September. That was the second dramatic KO win for the Londoner in the national stadium of his hometown, with today’s announcement coming two years and one day after his epic victory over former undisputed World ruler Wladimir Klitschko.

Ruiz has a golden opportunity to stop Joshua’s own quest to become the undisputed king dead in it’s tracks, and the challenger believes it is his destiny to stun Joshua and become Heavyweight World champion in the Big Apple.

“The chills – I’m really excited for this fight,” said Ruiz. “There’s nervousness in me, but they’re happy nerves. This is my chance to make history, I want to be one of those greats like Chavez, Tyson, Holyfield, Lennox Lewis. I want to be in that category. Thanks to God for everything that he put in me, I just can’t wait.

“I think the fight is going toe-to-toe, two guys smashing each other’s faces. I’m going in there to throw combinations like I’ve never done before, to improve my speed. A lot of people underestimated me, and I’m used to that. My whole life people underrated me so I’m just going in there to take all. I’m not going in there scared and I’m not going in there nervous, I’m going to go in there mad and to take what’s mine.

“I think being so tall he fights like a big robot. I think with my style, my speed, my movement, I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. It’s going to be a whole different ball game. All the guys that he’s fought, they usually run around from him. I don’t think he’s good going back. I’m going to bring the pressure, the speed, and the combinations to him.

“When I do pull out this win, everything is going to change. I’m going to bring the titles back to Mexico, it’s going to mean everything. I’m going to be able to change my whole family’s lives; my life and all my kids. It’s a win-win situation right now, but the main thing is to win the fight and make history.”

“Ruiz is a different kind of challenge but one I embrace,” said Joshua. “We have worked in the boxing gym week on week and whomever is put in front of me at Madison Square Garden on June 1 will be dispatched in style. The rent will be collected.”

“After a tricky week I am delighted to announce Andy Ruiz Jr. as AJ’s opponent for his US debut at MSG on June 1,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “People talk about fighting AJ, some even have to fill their bodies with PEDs to try and beat him up, but very few genuine fighters step up and take the challenge.

“When we selected the opponent, I wanted someone with fire in their heart, someone who genuinely believed that they can win and become World Heavyweight champion. Andy showed that desire.

“In my opinion, this is a tougher test than Jarrell Miller. Andy punches harder and is much faster – this is going to be a war. Andy brings Mexican heart but he will meet the best Heavyweight in the world on June head on at the Garden. Do not blink!”

“Credit to Andy Ruiz Jr. for taking on this challenge. He said he wanted to fight for the World Heavyweight championship in 2019 and immediately backed up his words when given the opportunity,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America.

“We’re also very happy to be working with a true champion like AJ, who told us he would fight anyone put in front of him – even on short notice. Clearly, he is a man of character who is committed to his craft, as well as his partners and the legions of fans traveling in from the UK to watch his US debut.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Andy Ruiz Jr. has snatched the golden ticket for a clash with Britain’s unified champion Anthony Joshua and he’ll bring fast hands, World Heavyweight championship experience – and a more proven pedigree than Jarrell Miller.

“When I saw Anthony in camp last week his message was clear, ‘Line them all up!’ He really wants to dominate the division and Ruiz Jr is the first man in his way.

“It will be an absolutely thrilling night on Sky Sports Box Office as AJ makes his US debut in the iconic Madison Square Garden – and the incredible Katie Taylor bids to become the undisputed world Lightweight champion!”

Joshua and Ruiz clash on a huge night of action at Madison Square Garden with Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship – with more undercard fights to be announced shortly.

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

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

LAS VEGAS (April 30, 2019): WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and IBF Middleweight World Champion
Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) made their grand arrivals today at the MGM Grand Resort and Casino in Las Vegas ahead of their 12-round unification fight. The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

They were joined by rising star Vergil Ortiz Jr. (12-0, 12 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-8, 7 KOs), Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (28-1, 14 KOs), Freddy Fonseca(26-1-1, 17 KOs), Lamont Roach Jr. (18-0-1, 7 KOs), and Jonathan Oquendo (30-5, 19 KOs) ahead of their respective battles.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s grand arrivals:

Canelo Alvarez, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

“To me, wherever I go, the people receive me with all this love and support. That is beautiful. I can’t say enough. It’s just another great experience for me.”

“Every single one of my fights is important. Every single fight marks history for me. It’s another check. [Jacobs] is the second best middleweight in the world, so it’s another step in that direction, to keep writing my history.”

“Yes, I have fought a lot of different styles including future HOF’ers, but Jacobs is a little different. He brings a lot of abilities and talent. It’s much more difficult. But that’s what we prepared and trained for, to come out with our hands raised Saturday night.”

On Jacobs’ reach: “I have the experience. I’ve fought taller fighters, longer, bigger. That’s what we prepared for. We had the right sparring partners, with similar styles. I have the ability to adapt to any fighter, and that’s what I’m prepared to do.”

“Look, nothing’s impossible in life and much less in boxing. I’m prepared. If the KO is there, believe me, I’m going to get it. And if not, I’m prepared for whatever, including going 12 rounds.”

On unifying the division: “For me, it’s the most important. Nobody in Mexico has ever done that, won all four belts in one division, so that’s my motivation. To keep writing history.”

Daniel Jacobs, IBF Middleweight World Champion

On the Vegas crowd and energy: “It seems like a huge Canelo effect but I’m excited for it. It shows you boxing is bigger than ever, and hopefully after this fight, I can win some of these fans.”

“It’s the biggest fight that can be made, especially at the middleweight division. I’m looking forward to displaying great skill Saturday night and I’m looking forward to being victorious.”

“I don’t really feed into anything other than the positive – what I’ve done inside the ring, what I’ve done with preparation, my game plan with my team that we’ve formulated. All the odds, the he say, she say, I keep it to a minimum. I just focus on what the job has to be and that’s to be victorious Saturday night.”

What his loss against GGG taught him: “Well, numerous things. First, you have to go in there and win a fight decisively. I don’t want no controversy. I want to be victorious, and I want all the fans to know I’m the best middleweight in the world.”

“Styles make fights. If you’re any boxing person, you know that, you know that every fight is not going to be the same. You have to approach every fight differently. If I don’t apply my best, I don’t deserve to be there. But I look forward to being victorious.”

“I’ve always envisioned getting my hand raised, I’ve always been vocal about getting the knockout, about the knockout being possible. I have an 80% knockout ratio, so if I get a guy hurt, you know I can get him out of there.”

“I’m self-motivated. When everything was taken away from me, all I wanted was to get back to the sport of boxing. It’s nothing short of a miracle to get to this point. That motivates myself to be the best version of myself that I can be.”

Vergil Ortiz, Super Lightweight Prospect

“I’m really excited. It’s my first co-main event. They gave me a real big opportunity to show what I got and I’m not going to waste it.”

If he feels pressure to maintain his perfect 12-0, 12 KOs record: “I don’t feel pressure at all. As long as I win, and I look good doing it, I’ll be content.”

“[Robert Garcia’s] trained many, many world champions before. He’s been Coach of the Year I don’t how many times. It just speaks for itself. He’s a great coach.”

Having never gone past 5 rounds, what does Garcia tell him in case he does this time?”He tells me it’ll actually benefit me even more. Pretty soon, I’m going to go for a world title and I’m going to need as much experience as I can to win that world title.”

“In sparring, I was already going 10 rounds in February. That was two months ago. I can definitely go two more rounds if I wanted to. I’m definitely one of the hardest workers in boxing, and May 4, it’s going to show. I’m not going to get tired. I’m going to show that I can go even more rounds.”

Being 140 now and going up to 147 by 2020: “It’s a big difference, but I think it’s a big difference that I can easily own up to. I’m already a big 140, so I think I’ll be a pretty good sized 147.”

Mauricio Herrera, Welterweight Contender

Being made the new co-main event: “It’s all the same, I’m ready to go. Last fight, first fight, I’m ready to put on a great show Saturday. It changes nothing.”

“I think the main thing is I bring a different style. I don’t have a rhythm they can follow. No matter how they train, who they train with, they’re not going to fight nobody like me. That’s what throws them off. That’s the main plan Saturday night, be myself.”

On Ortiz Jr.’s 12-0, 12 KOs record: “It doesn’t mean nothing, it doesn’t mean anything to me. I don’t care what he does. It’s what I’m going to do. I don’t care about his record. I just want to go out there and give it my best and give a good fight to the crowd and come out with a win.”

Joseph Diaz Jr., Super Featherweight Contender

“I think my experience is going to show a lot. I know Fonseca, he’s a very dangerous opponent, it’s his first time fighting in the U.S., he’s going to give his all, but I’m destined for greatness, destined to become the champion I’m meant to be before the end of the year.”

“130 is the ideal weight. 126 was very, very hard for me to make the weight. I felt a lot weaker, my body was depleted. I’m much stronger now, more lucid. I’m able to showcase my skill and my talent and it’s all going to show. I’m going for the knockout.”

“We were training for anybody, we were training for the champion Tevin Farmer, Rene Alvarado, we finally got Fonseca. He’s a leftie, a dangerous left. But we trained very hard, focused on power and speed. I’m 120% ready and I’m anxious to get inside that ring.”

Getting Freddy instead of his brother Francisco: “I was shocked. I was getting ready for Francisco Fonseca. Gervonta Davis, Tevin Farmer all fought him. It was going to showcase to everybody that I belong with them. I was getting ready for him and I really wanted the fight, but turns out I’m fighting his brother. He’s a dangerous fighter too, good KO record. He’s still going to be dangerous and a very tough opponent. He’s a leftie as well, so we had to make some adjustments, but like I said, I’m ready for anything. Whatever he brings to the table, I’m ready for it.”

“It’s not going to go past 6 rounds, that’s for sure.”

Freddy Fonseca, Super Featherweight Contender

“I’m very happy and grateful. We’ve been waiting for this opportunity to show people what I’m made of.”

“I’ve known him, in fact I think we debuted as professionals around the same time. I know he boxes well but I think I have the power to make sure the fight ends up in my favor.”

Getting the fight instead of his brother Francisco: “Things happen for a reason. I don’t know why it happened to me, but the opportunity came to me and we’re going to take advantage of it.”

On Diaz Jr. being a fan favorite: “Of course he’s the favorite. But I have the power to finish this fight in any round by knockout, and that’s what’s going to happen to Jojo Diaz Jr.”

Lamont Roach Jr., WBO International Super Featherweight Champion

“It feels great. Just seeing all these people just fills my heart that I get to perform in front of you guys and do what I love to do.”

“Obviously he’s a veteran in the ring. He’s tough, he’s gritty, he has a lot of victories and a lot of experience, but that’s nothing that’s new to me. There’s been plenty of veterans in front of me. I’m definitely going to use my reach and my height but that’s not the only thing I’m going to use. My power, my speed, my mental, I’m going to put it all together and put on a spectacular show.”

“It’s great. In 2016, I fought on the Canelo vs. Khan card, Cinco de Mayo weekend as well here in Vegas. I’m looking to capitalize and advance my career, advance my status, and become world champion.”

On almost becoming an engineer and what’s more difficult for him personally – physics or boxing: “I would say, for me, physics.”

Jonathan Oquendo, NABO Super Featherweight Champion

“It’s nice being in Vegas, I’ve been here a lot for many great events. It’s another Golden Boy Promotions event and we’re just here and ready.”

“I have no issues fighting with a tall fighter; in fact, I find it’s a pleasure. And I’m training with a lot of desire to be a world champion.”

“I don’t fight in a way that’s going to be different. I always do what I can to bring damage to the fighter and we work very hard for that.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. Ortiz vs. Herrera is a 10-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, and not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing and
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

Las Vegas (April 30, 2019) – Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA have confirmed that they will appear, have a booth and hold a meet and greet with the fans, featuring some of their top fighters and current world champions at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Expo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite – http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA will make their first appearance at this year’s Expo. Fans will have an opportunity to be greeted by several Matchroom’s fighters including: Jessie Vargas, Tevin Farmer, Demetrius Andrade and Daniel Roman. Fans will have a chance to get signed gloves, photos, personal items and also have an opportunity to take pictures with these great fighters and current world champions.

Matchroom Boxing USA join Abner Mares, Roy Jones Jr., Mayweather Promotions, Anthony Dirrell, WBA, Julio Cesar Chavez, Riddick Bowe, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Vinny Paz, Devin Haney, Earnie Shavers, Al Bernstein, Michael Spinks, WBC, Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA
Matchroom Boxing and Matchroom Boxing USA are now firmly established as the foremost fight promoters in the world. With over three decades of vast experience, Matchroom Sport, which was founded by Barry Hearn, have taken boxing onto another level with a series of ground-breaking promotions that have broken all records for ticket sales and viewership. On May 10, 2018 in New York, Matchroom Boxing USA and Perform Group, the digital leader in global sports media, announced the creation of a landmark $1billion joint venture and the biggest-ever deal in boxing.

The historic eight-year $1billion deal will see the joint venture, Matchroom Boxing USA, stage 16 fights a year featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars at the best venues across America. Perform Group’s live and on-demand streaming service, DAZN, will be the exclusive US broadcast partner for the 16 US fight nights plus Matchroom’s existing 16 fight nights in the UK. This iconic investment in the fights, talent, content, and promotion of boxing will reignite fans’ passion for the sport and engage a new generation of fight fans.
In the 2018/19 season, Matchroom Boxing will host over 50 top class boxing shows across America and Europe. With a stable headed by World Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua, as well as top fighters that include fellow World rulers Katie Taylor, Callum Smith, Daniel Jacobs, Demetrius Andrade, Tevin Farmer, Daniel Roman and many more great fighters under their banner.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and-greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Pazienza, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors include: boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Throughout the next several days leading up to the event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

New York, NY (April 30, 2019) DiBella Entertainment returns to the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino with another evening of their acclaimed Broadway Boxing series on Friday, May 17, 2019 headlined by East Hartford, Connecticut’s “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams. The event will be streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.

Tickets for the event, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are priced at $150, $85 and $55, and can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Foxwoods Resort Casino is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 7:00 p.m., with the first fight scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“I’m thrilled to bring Broadway Boxing back to our home away from home at Foxwoods Resort Casino,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Headlining the card on May 17 will be the explosive ‘Marvelous’ Mykquan Williams, from East Hartford, CT, in his toughest test against Rickey Edwards and in his first 10-rounder. The event will also feature two prominent fighters on the comeback trail, with former cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck, now a heavyweight, and featherweight contender Toka Kahn Clary. Dynamic heavyweight prospect George Arias will continue his rise up the professional ladder. The stacked undercard will also include New England fan favorites Irvin Gonzalez Jr., Adrian Sosa, Anthony Marsella Jr. and Jacob Marrero.

“This is our second event streamed exclusively through UFC FIGHT PASS® and we’re thrilled that boxing fans worldwide can enjoy this exciting night of fights.”

In the main event, popular and undefeated junior welterweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (14-0, 7 KOs), of East Hartford, CT, will fight in his first scheduled 10-rounder against Rickey Edwards (12-2, 3 KOs), of Paterson, NJ, competing for the vacant WBC USNBC 140lb. title. In his last bout, on February 28, 2019, the 21-year-old Williams ventured outside of New England for the first time as a pro, outpointing Andre Byrd over eight rounds in Dallas, TX. Managed by Jackie Kallen, Williams is trained out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society boxing gym by local legend and community leader Paul Cichon. This will be the 11th fight for Williams at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Edwards returns to action following a shutout decision victory over William Gonzalez on December 14, 2018 in Houston, TX. The 28-year-old started off his professional career with 11 straight victories.

Featherweight Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (12-0, 9 KOs), of Worcester, MA, will take on Oklahoma City, OK southpaw Elijah Pierce (8-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round contest. Gonzalez ended 2018 defeating 9-0 prospect Carlos Ramos via unanimous decision in a bout televised on SHOWTIME’s “ShoBox” series. In his last bout on January 25, 2019 Gonzalez unanimously outpointed experienced veteran German Merez over eight rounds. Trained by his father Irvin Sr., Gonzalez was an accomplished amateur, winning the New England Golden Gloves in 2015 and participating in the 2016 Olympic Trials, while compiling a 90-15 record.

Victorious in the first nine bouts as a professional, the 22-year-old Pierce heads back into battle following a hard-fought 10-round decision loss to hometown favorite Giovanni Mioletti on June 9, 2018, in Tacoma, WA.

Former long-reigning cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (41-5-1, 28 KOs), of Berlin, Germany, will continue his comeback as a heavyweight, vying in an eight-round bout. Huck held the WBO World Cruiserweight Title from 2009-2015, making 13 defenses. He lost the title, in a “Fight of the Year” contest to Krzysztof Glowacki, in August 2015 in Newark, New Jersey.

In June 2018, Huck officially moved up to the heavyweight division, stopping Yakup Saglam inside four rounds in Munich, Germany. Huck’s Broadway Boxing debut on May 17 will be just his second bout in the United States.

Toka Kahn Clary (25-2, 17 KOs) makes his highly anticipated return to action, following a 12-round decision loss to Kid Galahad in an IBF featherweight eliminator last October. He will compete in a junior lightweight bout scheduled for eight rounds. Prior to the Galahad bout, Kahn Clary was riding a six-bout winning streak, with four by knockout, while capturing the NABA 126lb. title. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Kahn Clary immigrated to the United States as a child, initially living in Philadelphia, PA, before settling in Providence, RI. Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. since his amateur days, Kahn Clary entered the paid ranks in 2012. A highly accomplished amateur with a 119-11 record, Kahn Clary began boxing at age 14 and was a National Golden Gloves champion and a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Fast-rising prospect, junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (10-0, 8 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, will fight in a scheduled six-rounder. The 23-year-old Sosa is coming off three straight knockout victories following his career best win, a six-round decision against previously undefeated prospect Khiry Todd on May 5, 2018. The 23-year-old Sosa was a 2014 New England Golden Gloves champion and turned professional in July 2016 following an 18-2 amateur record.

Heavyweight George Arias (13-0, 7 KOs) will battle southpaw Keith Barr (19-11-1, 8 KOs), of Glenville, WV, in an eight-round bout. Born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Arias moved to New York City in 1996, at the age of four. After graduating from high school, he learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home. Arias won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned professional that October. Now trained and managed by Leon Washington Jr. and advised by Andre Rozier, he last fought on March 2, outpointing Robert Simms over eight rounds.

The upset-minded Barr looks to stay in the win column following a third-round knockout victory against Aaron Chavers on March 30, in Salem, West Virginia.

Junior welterweight prospect Anthony Marsella Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), trained by Victor Fagnant out of Providence, RI, will return to Foxwoods Resort Casino for the first time since his April 2016 pro debut, in a scheduled six-rounder. As an amateur, Marsella was a four-time Southern New England Golden Gloves Champion, a 2014 New England Golden Gloves Champion, a two-time New England Junior Olympics Champion and a two-time New England Silver Gloves Champion. The 24-year-old Marsella is a cousin of former world champion and New England boxing legend Vinny Paz.

Jacob Marrero (2-0, 2 KOs), a popular 19-year-old junior lightweight southpaw from Bridgeport, CT, turned pro last October and has scored two wins by knockout thus far. Trained by Carlos Nieves out of Bridgeport’s Ortiz Boxing Gym, he will compete in a four-round junior lightweight contest. Compiling an amateur record of 58-9, Marrero was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion, a five-time Connecticut Silver Gloves Champion and a five-time Connecticut Junior Olympics Champion.

Junior welterweight Daiyaan Butt (3-0, 1 KO), born in Los Angeles, CA, and now based out of Philadelphia, PA, will see action in a four-rounder. Butt, who turned pro in June 2018, had amateur victories against Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.

Puerto Rican heavyweight power-puncher Sahret Delgado (7-0, 7 KOs), a member of the Puerto Rican National Amateur Boxing Team, will compete in a four-round contest. Ending a near-three-year layoff, Delgado won all seven of his fights by knockout since turning pro in November 2014.

For more information about the event, please visit:

DiBella Entertainment UFC FIGHT PASS
Website: www.DBE1.com Website: www.UFC.TV/page/fightpass
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment Facebook: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @LouDiBella, DiBellaEnt Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Instagram: DiBellaEnt Instagram: @DiBellaEnt

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in April 2004. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

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