Las Vegas – For the first time in UFC® history, the promotion will head to South Carolina as it visits the city of Greenville on June 22. Thrilling matchups featuring some of UFC’s top athletes will be on display in what will be a can’t-miss event for fight fans. The main event is still to be announced.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+® will stream live from Bon Secours Wellness Arena exclusively on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 22 (in both English and Spanish), with the prelims kicking off at 4 p.m. ET and airing on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Doors open at 3 p.m. ET.

Announced bouts on the card include:

No. 10 ranked women’s flyweight Andrea Lee (10-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when she takes on No. 11 ranked Montana De La Rosa (10-4, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas)
Fresh off his “Fight of the Night” bonus-earning effort in Phoenix earlier this year, Bryan Baberena (14-6, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) aims to put on another show for the fans when he faces Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight signee Randy Brown (10-3, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.)
North Carolina native Allen Crowder (10-3, fighting out of Mebane, N.C.) goes for his second consecutive UFC win when he battles former kickboxing champion Jairzinho Rozenstruik (6-0, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname)
Dana White’s Contender Series alum Kevin Holland (15-4, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) intends to prove that he is the top prospect in the middleweight division by being the first man to KO Alessio Di Chirico (12-2, fighting out of Rome, Italy)
Grappling specialist Ashley Yoder (6-4, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) hunts for her first UFC submission when she squares off with Japanese standout Syuri Kondo (6-2, fighting out of Tokyo, Japan)
Brazilian middleweight finisher Markus Perez (11-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Daniel Cormier protégé Deron Winn (5-0, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.)
Flyweight prospect Ariane Lipski (11-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) aims to prove that she can compete with the best in the world when she meets veteran Molly McCann (8-2, fighting out of Liverpool, England)
Andre Ewell (13-5, fighting out of Riverside, Calif.) intends to bounce back into the win column and earn his first UFC finish by taking out Anderson dos Santos (20-7, fighting out of São Paulo, Brazil)

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

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+® go on sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 2 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts 278 million fans worldwide and has produced over 460 events in 24 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to 1.0 billion TV households worldwide in over 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

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

About Bon Secours Wellness Arena:

Located in Greenville, SC, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,000-seat sports and entertainment arena that hosts live events including family shows, sporting events, concerts, minor league hockey, seminars and conventions. Club seats, party suites and luxury suites with premium services concierge are available in the arena. The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is managed by the Greenville Arena District.

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Minneapolis for the first time in almost seven years with an action-packed card headlined by a thrilling rematch between former welterweight champions, as No. 1 ranked contender

Tyron Woodley takes on No. 10 Robbie Lawler. No.1 ranked flyweight contender Jussier Formiga looks to even the score against No. 2 Joseph Benavidez.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN®: WOODLEY vs. LAWLER 2 will air live from Target Center exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 29, with prelims kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. Doors open at 5 p.m. ET. All UFC live events on ESPN will also be available in English and Spanish.

A decorated grappler with heavy hands, Woodley (19-4-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) dethroned Lawler via first-round knockout in July 2016, before holding the welterweight championship for more than two years. During his reign, he compiled successful title defenses against Stephen Thompson, Demian Maia and Darren Till. Woodley now looks to deliver another dominant performance and work his way back to a title shot.

A dangerous KO artist, Lawler (28-13 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) first captured the championship against Johny Hendricks in late 2014. Lawler then went on to have epic title defenses against Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit. Lawler has also netted wins over Donald Cerrone, Matt Brown and Josh Koscheck during his career. He now hopes to score a measure of revenge against Woodley to re-assert himself as a title threat.

A black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo, Formiga (23-5, fighting out of Natal, Brazil) aims to avenge a 2013 loss to Benavidez. A perennial contender, he has delivered spectacular victories against Sergio Pettis, Ben Nguyen, Dustin Ortiz and Wilson Reis. He now hopes to push his win streak to four fights and secure his first UFC title shot.

A two-time title challenger, Benavidez (27-5, fighting out of Las Cruces, N.M.) has remained a top contender in the flyweight division since its inception in 2012. A talented grappler with KO power, Benavidez has picked up impressive wins over current champion Henry Cejudo, Alex Perez, Tim Elliott and Dustin Ortiz (twice). He is now ready to stop Formiga a second time to earn another crack at the belt.

Announced bouts on the card include:

Former welterweight title challenger and No. 12 ranked contender Demian Maia (26-9, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to stop surging Anthony Rocco Martin (16-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Minnesota heavyweight Maurice Greene (7-3, fighting out of St. Cloud, Minn.) looks to continue his hot streak against battle-tested Junior Albini (14-5, fighting out of Paranagua, Parana, Brazil)
In an exciting lightweight bout, Drew Dober (20-9, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) takes on Marco Polo Reyes (8-6, fighting out of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico)
Undefeated Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series signee Alonzo Menifield (8-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) meets submission ace Paul Craig (11-3, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland)
Chas Skelly (17-3, fighting out of Arlington, Tex.) meets Jordan Griffin (17-6, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a clash of featherweight standouts
Undefeated newcomer Roman Dolidze (6-0, fighting out of Odessa, Ukraine) squares off with Vinicius Moreira (9-2, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
Highly-touted light heavyweight prospect Dalcha Lungiambula (9-1, fighting out of Cape Town, South Africa) debuts against talented striker Justin Ledet (9-2 1NC, fighting out of Rosharon, Tex.)

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

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN®: WOODLEY vs. LAWLER 2 go on sale Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. CT. Tickets are available for purchase online at TargetCenter.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, May 2 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts 278 million fans worldwide and has produced over 460 events in 24 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to 1.0 billion TV households worldwide in over 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

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

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS insists he will not underestimate Shefat Isufi in his big super-middleweight test.

Saunders (27-0, 13 KOs) will be in action just 12 miles from his Hatfield home when he faces the German based Albanian at Stevenage FC’s Lamex Stadium on Saturday May 18, live on BT Sport.

The WBO ‘Interim’ title is currently on the line although promoter Frank Warren hopes the organisation’s vacant world title will be at stake as champion Gilberto Ramirez is believed to be considering relinquishing and boxing at light-heavyweight.

Isufi (27-3-2, 20 KOs) is ranked number one in the latest WBO rankings with Saunders right behind him in the second position.

Saunders, 29, said: “It is one of them where people don’t expect too much, but Isufi can be very dangerous.

“He has come from nothing and got his big chance. You don’t get ranked number one in the world for nothing, especially with who he is promotion wise.

“He has boxed his way into that position. I have to take him seriously and deal with him appropriately.”

Saunders has settled well with trainer Ben Davison after splitting with Dominic Ingle and there is no doubt that his words about taking Isufi seriously are true.

The former WBO champion has been living at a hotel on the outskirts of Manchester for seven weeks and training at Ricky Hatton’s gym.

“I am loving it at Hatton’s gym with Ben and I am just enjoying it again, added Saunders.

“I have to be happy at what I am doing and I will get the best out of myself. If It’s not like that it can become a slog.

“There is no secret that 2018 was a terrible year with terrible memories. Everything got to me a little bit.

“I just needed a complete change. It was the same when I was with Jimmy Tibbs. He was the best coach. I always use the term ‘coach’ and ‘trainer’ and he was the best purist coach I have been around.

“I just needed a change then because my head was going stale. Sometimes when your head goes stale you need that bit of change as a fighter and that is what I needed to get that spark.

“I have to stay ready. Because of my style – slick and fast, you don’t get to keep that forever so I want to show it while I’ve got it and beat whoever they put in front of me.”

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

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.

As a junior, the 6ft 1in Essex hope was a schoolboy sensation between the goal posts, keeping clean sheets for Chelsea, Charlton and Crystal Palace and rubbing shoulders with some of the nation’s top talents.

‘At Palace I played alongside (Wales international) Johnny Williams whilst at Chelsea, our youth manager was Brendan Rogers and the team included (Brentford FC’s) Josh McEachran and (European 200m sprint champion) Adam Gemili,’ says the 24 year old former Southern Area middleweight champion who hopes to sizzle in Ultimate Boxxer III at Indigo at The O2 on May 10th.

‘I want to be well known, recognised, invited to stuff. This can help secure a deposit on a house and catapult me to a bigger platform. I know I’ve the talent to reach British title level.’

After his footballing dreams were extinguished at 17, the one they call ‘Tey-sty’ started to shed surplus energy at the nearby Tilbury amateur boxing club. One thing led to another and he was soon a decorated amateur – scooping the Celtic Cup over in Ireland – then undefeated in a fistful of rowdy tear-ups on the Essex unlicensed circuit.

‘As a kid, I was quite chilled, a social butterfly so people are very surprised when they hear that I’m doing well at the boxing,’ disclosed Jones who is coached by his father Jason at the Venue Gym in Grays and managed by MTK Global.

Since debuting as a pro in March 2016, TLJ has stormed to 11 wins in 12 starts, accelerating his ring education as a spar hand to a number of world class talents in the capital’s fight factories.

‘Word got around the gyms that I can handle myself and top trainers started requesting me for their guys,’ he explains.

‘They’ve all got their own different qualities. Billy Joe Saunders has unreal speed, (James) DeGale was very unorthodox, George Groves had a great jab, Andy Lee was quality all-round. (Chris) Eubank Jr just tries to put it on ya!’

Of the eight UB3 entrants, Tey-Lynn stands as the joint tallest and only fellow Area champ Grant Dennis has boxed more pro rounds. Understandably, he is optimistic of emerging victorious.

‘I don’t think any of the lads are in this to make up the numbers or take a loss,’ says Jones who has been drawn against ‘Punching Preacher’ Derrick Osaze in the Quarter-Final.

‘Kaan (Hawes) and I have probably sparred a hundred rounds and have become good friends but we’ll both be keen to prove we’re the top one in our county. I’ve already shifted five grands’ worth of tickets.

‘The bookies have Kieron Conway as favourite but I feel I’ve the style to seriously unsettle him, take him out of his comfort zone. You simply won’t have time to pick opponents off. If you want to win, you’ll not be able to run. I doubt my height will be much of an advantage in this format.

‘But I like to be aggressive, sometimes overly so. I guarantee that I’ll make the fight happen. I always preferred the pace of the shorter amateur fights. My fitness allows me to go flat out, ferocious, for all three minutes of all three rounds. That’s my natural style; After fans have seen me once, they’ll be frothing to watch me again.

‘I win this because I want it most, I’ve got the biggest heart. I’ll not stop throwing until I’ve got that golden robe around my shoulders.’

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

FRANK WARREN AND Queensberry Promotions are delighted to announce the signing of unbeaten light heavyweight Kody Davies to a promotional agreement.

The 24-year-old with a professional record of 8-0 departed the GB Boxing World Class Performance Programme in March 2017, having been an eight-time amateur Welsh champion and a 3 time British champion, while he also represented Wales at the 2015 Commonwealth Games.

The 6ft 1″ southpaw – who is managed by S-JAM Boxing – made his professional debut in October 2017 and has since clocked up three stoppage victories from his eight fights to date.

Most recently, Davies boxed in Ontario, California on the undercard of the featherweight showdown between Brandon Figueroa and Oscar Escandon, where his managerial stablemate Joe Joyce and James DeGale also featured.

Now he is teaming up with Hall of Fame promoter Warren, the Newport-born Davies is determined to make his mark and take world title belts back to Wales.
“I’m in boxing for one thing and one thing only – world titles,” stated the Gavin Rees-trained fighter. “It’s gonna be great working with Frank Warren and his team.
“I’ve started my career fighting in leisure centres in the valleys in South Wales, then SJam Boxing took me from there to London and Los Angeles.

“Now I’m ready to settle down here and demolish anyone who stands in my way,” added Davies, who intends to dedicate future achievements to his older sister Jade, who tragically passed away in January.

“I’m doing this for my amazing sister who my family and I recently lost suddenly. She gives me the hunger and desire I never knew I had. It’s a whole new ball game for me now.

“Super middleweight or light heavyweight. Nobody is taking food off my table.”

Kody Davies will make his Queensberry Promotion debut on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s IBF World Featherweight title clash with Kid Galahad at the First Direct Arena, Leeds on June 15th.

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

30 April 2019 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that former ONE World Title challenger Amir Khan of Singapore will be stepping in to face Saygid Guseyn “Dagi” Arslanaliev of Turkey in the semi-final round of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix at ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON which takes place Friday, 17 May at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Ticket information for ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON is available at www.onefc.com.

The 24-year old Khan takes the place of Arslanaliev’s original opponent, Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton of Costa Rica, who was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering an injury during training.

A Singaporean Muay Thai Champion and former ONE World Title challenger, Khan has shared the Circle with some of the best that the ONE Championship lightweight division has to offer, including former ONE World Champions Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and Honorio “The Rock” Banario, as well as top contenders Adrian Pang and Timofey Nastyukhin.

Khan squares off against one of the hottest lightweight contenders today in Turkey’s Arslanaliev.

A proven finisher with all seven of his wins coming via stoppage, Arslanaliev has dominated all of the challenges he has faced so far in his young career. The 24-year old is currently riding a three-bout winning streak with victories over the likes of Tetsuya Yamada, Timofey Nastyukhin, and most recently a 25-second knockout of former ONE World Title challenger Ev Ting to advance to the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semi-final round.

ONE: ENTER THE DRAGON features a stacked card headlined by newly-crowned ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan who is set to defend his title against rising star Christian “The Warrior” Lee of Singapore.

In the co-main event of the evening, Dutch kickboxing superstar Nieky “The Natural” Holzken will take on countryman Regian “The Immortal” Eersel for the inaugural ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 29, 2019) – This past Saturday at Cheer’s Bar and Grill in Tijuana, Mexico, rising super-bantamweight prospect, “Vicious” Victor Pasillas (14-0, 6 KOs), who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, remained undefeated with a 3rd round TKO against Saul Banos (14-15-2, 7 KOs). The scheduled 8-round bout was promoted by GM3 Boxing and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions.

Pasillas, who fights out of the southpaw stance, dictated the action from the opening bell, using lateral movement to land his punches. After dominating the first two rounds, Pasillas dropped Banos in round three with a right hook to the body, followed by a right hook to the head. The powerful combination spelled the end of Banos as he tried to continue but was unable to last much longer as the referee was forced to stop the bout after Pasillas was landing a barrage of punches. The bout ended in round three by TKO.

“It felt good to get back in the ring and get the stoppage,” said Pasillas. “I’m hoping to get back in the ring by the beginning of summer with the hopes of landing a big fight by the end of the year.”

“Victor can compete with anyone in the super bantamweight division,” said Greg Hannley. “With a couple of more fights, he’ll be ready to fight anyone. He just needs to shake off the rust and that’s what he’s are doing right now. I’m happy with his performance and he’ll be back in the ring soon.”

Las Vegas (August 29, 2019) – Boxing’s Four-Time World Champion Abner Mares has confirmed that he will appear 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/

Mares will make his third appearance at this years’ Expo, where he will be selling his own branded Team Mares merchandise, signing gloves and taking photos with fans. Mares is a commentator on Telemundo’s “Boxeo Telemundo” series and a co-host of FOX and FS1’s “Inside PBC Boxing.”

Mares joins 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 Abner Mares
Mares was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to the U.S. at age 7. Having been raised in both Los Angeles and Mexico. Mares is a Mexican-American professional boxer who formerly held the WBA (Regular) Featherweight Championship Title. Mares is a four-time world champion in three weight classes. Some of Mares most notable and exciting fights were against top level fighters, such as Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko, Anselmo Moreno, Daniel Ponce De Leon, Jhonny Gonzalez, Leo Santa Cruz and Jesus Cuellar from whom he won the WBA title on December 10 th, 2016. He is presently the co-host of FOX and FS1 “Inside PBC Boxing” and Telemundo’s “Boxeo Telemundo.”

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 (April 29, 2019) Teenage phenom, Diego Pacheco made an emphatic American debut by stopping previously undefeated Guillermo Maldonado the opening frame of their scheduled four-round middleweight bout on Friday night at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Pacheco, 18 years-old, fought in his hometown of Los Angeles, and he did not disappoint.

After landing several hard right hands that rocked the head of Maldonado, Pacheco landed a thunderous left hook that dropped Maldonado hard to the canvas. The bout was immediately waved off at 1:46.

Pacheco, 161.8 lbs is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Maldonado, 159 lbs of Seattle is 1-1.

Pacheco of Los Angeles was the number-one middleweight in both the United States and Mexico.

Pacheco, who is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Matchroom Boxing, was a 2017 National Junior Golden Gloves champion, and the 2018 United States Junior Olympic National champion.

Bethlehem, PA (April 29, 2019)–Super Featherweight contender Frank De Alba will take on late-replacement veteran Ruben Dario Lopez in the eight-round main event of a big night of boxing that will take place, THIS FRIDAY NIGHT, May 3rd at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with Titans Boxing Promotions.

De Alba of Reading, PA has called the Sands Bethlehem Event a 2nd home as this will be the 6th appearance for De Alba in the venue.

The 31 year-old is a eight-year veteran, who has a record of 22-4-2 with nine knockouts.

De Alba has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0); Benjamin Burgos (1-0); Jose Bustos (8-2-3); Benjamin Gomez Uribe (16-3-1); Kiun Evans (12-2-1) & Ryan Kielczewski (26-2). In his bout, De Alba dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to Andy Vences on July 7, 2018.

Lopez Santa Fe, Argentina has a record of 12-13-4 with five knockouts.

The 36 year-old is an eight-year professional, and will be making his American debut.

Lopez has a wins over previously undefeated Diego Baez (5-0). Lopez is coming off a decision loss to Carlos Armando Santana on February 22nd.

Erik Spring will take on Nicholas Hernandez in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Spring of Reading, PA has a record of 12-2-2 with one knockout. The 34 year-old Spring turned professional in 2014, and has wins over previously undefeated Simon Henriksson & David Wilson (5-0-1). Spring is coming off a majority decision over Terrance Williams on March 29th in Philadelphia.

Hernandez, also of Lebanon, PA has a record of 9-3-1 with two knockouts. Like Spring, Hernandez is 34 years-old and turned pro in 2014. Hernandez has wins over Ricky Nuno (2-0), Nick Valliere (5-1) and Ray Barringer (4-1). Hernandez is coming off a draw with Rick Graham on November 17th in Harrisburg, PA.

In the eight-round bout, undefeated Janelson Bocachica will take part in a welterweight contest against Gabor Gorbics (26-16 16 KOs) of Budapest, Hungary

20 years-old of Detroit has a record of 13-0 with nine knockouts. Bocachica began boxing at the age of eight, and started winning amateur tournaments such as the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Ringside Championships, 2012 National PAL Championships, and 2015 Detroit Open-class Golden Gloves. He was ranked number one in his division in the United States from 2013 to 2015, and sixth on the 2016 Independent Worldwide Amateur Boxing rankings. Bocachica is a three-year professional, and has wins over Pablo Sanchez (10-2), and his last bout which was a 1st round stoppage over Victor Abreu that took place on January 19th in Puerto Rico.

Bocachica is recently signed to King’s Promotions.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be Martino Jules (5-0) of Allentown, PA as takes on Danny Flores (15-15-1, 8 KOs) of Mexico City in a junior featherweight bout.

Ricky Nuno (2-2, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA battles Rasheed Johnson (5-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a welterweight fight.

Yeuri Andujar (3-1, 3 KOs) of San Cristobal, DR will take on Edgar Cortes (6-4-1) of Vineland, NJ in a bantamweight fight.

Radzhab Butaev (11-0, 9 KOs) takof Brooklyn, NY es on Silverio Ortiz (37-24, 18 KOs) of Merida, Mexico in a wlterweight bout.

In four-round fights:

Jonathan Torres (2-0) of Bethlehem, PA will square off Jerrod Miner (1-4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a bantamweight bout.

Khainell Wheeler of Bethlehem will make his pro debut against George Sheppard (1-7-1) of Norfolk, VA in a super middleweight affair.

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.

Atlantic City, NJ (April 29, 2019) – This Saturday night at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, welterweight, Anthony “Juice” Young will finally get the chance on the world stage to prove he is among the top fighters in the division when he takes on Sadam Ali (27-2, 14 KO’s) on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez – Daniel Jacobs middleweight unification card live on DAZN.

Young of Atlantic City has been a professional for eight-years as he has compiled a respectable mark of 20-2 with seven knockouts, but Saturday will be his first fight on the world stage and outside of the East Coast when he takes on the the 2008 Olympian and former super welterweight champion.

“Training camp has been good. I just fought om March 23rd ( A 6th round stoppage over Juan Rodriguez Jr), so I just took a couple days off and went right back in the gym. I have had a solid six-week camp for this fight,” said Young.

Young feels that he has been overlooked as this is the 1st major opponent that he has faced in his career.

“All that I have ever wanted was an opportunity. This was presented to us, and we jumped on it. I have fought the bulk of my career at home in Atlantic City. I feel there is more pressure in that. I won’t feel any pressure on Saturday. I just know that after Saturday, the whole boxing world will know who I am.”

A win over the well-known Ali is just what Young has been clamoring for, and the 31 year-old popular Jersey Shore based fighter has had his eye on Ali for a long time.

“I have been following Ali for a long time. My goal was to make the Olympic team, and he got on the team in 2008. He’s a great fighter. He is an Olympian, who defeated a legend in Miguel Cotto to become a world champion. I think he was over-matched in terms of size when they put him in with Munguia. He is a world class fighter, but so am I. Saturday, the world will see that. A win will put me on the world stage, and will show that I am a player in the welterweight division. I want to fight everybody. I just want to thank everyone on my team, and I am dedicating this fight to Leavander Johnson and his father Bill. Leavander was the last Atlantic City fighter to get to this stage and Saturday, I will do everyone proud.”

Long-time manager Rich Masini of Masini Boxing Management has carefully but aggressively moved his welterweight prospect, young for eight- years . “I believe Anthony is more then ready for this fight, and will be victorious. Every fighter dreams of the getting the opportunity to change their lives and career. We have a great team with trainer’s Raul “Chino” Rivas, Reggie Lloyd, Rashiem Jefferson and cutman Nick Rosario. Also Anthony’s dad who has helped me navigate his career. His team has always been a pleasure to work with and his father Teany is a big part of our team. His family is also a big part of our team, and they are great people. They will have a strong showing to support him in Vegas,” says Masini

Burnett (19-1, 9 KOs) will make his ring return May 17 against Jelbirt Gomera in a 12-rounder for the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title in his hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Burnett vs. Gomera will headline a card that will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

Burnett plans on campaigning as a super bantamweight moving forward and has his sights set on becoming a two-division world champion before the end of the year.

“It is a dream come true to sign with Top Rank,” Burnett said. “I’ve spent years learning and perfecting my craft, becoming world champion and then unified world champion. On May 17, I begin my quest to become world champion again. Teaming up with the biggest players in the game in Top Rank, ESPN and MTK Global will only strengthen my drive and determination to achieve this.

“With these guys behind me, there’s only one way ahead for me, and that’s straight to the top.”

“We’re proud and excited to be part of another huge deal involving Top Rank and ESPN, and this is something Ryan deserves,” said Jamie Conlan, Professional Development Manager, MTK Global. “As the boxing world already knows, Ryan has a special night upcoming when he headlines an #MTKFightNight in his home city of Belfast, live on ESPN+ on May 17. It’s great the partnership won’t stop there. As someone who’s already unified a division, we believe we’re talking about an elite fighter, and elite fighters should fight on elite platforms. This agreement ensures that happens, and once again, MTK Global are delighted to play our role.”

Said Adam Booth, Burnett’s trainer/manager: “I am relieved and excited that on May 17 Ryan will start his journey back to being world champion. It was essential for us to look at the options and which relationships would maximize the opportunity for him to achieve this. That’s why Ryan is now working with Top Rank, MTK Global and ESPN.”

Burnett turned pro in 2013 and won the British bantamweight title in November 2015 with a shutout 12-round unanimous decision over Jason Booth. He captured the IBF bantamweight title on June 10, 2017, with a unanimous win over Lee Haskins. Four months later, he added the WBA super world bantamweight title to his collection, outclassing Zhanat Zhakiyanov over 12 rounds.

Burnett’s world championship run ended last November under freakish circumstances against four-division champion Nonito Donaire, when he suffered a torn oblique while throwing a right hand and was forced to retire on his stool following the fourth round.

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

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

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

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

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

For general enquiries, email us at: hello@mtkglobal.com.

Starting today, MSG Networks will launch “Fight Week,” a full week of boxing programming featuring some of the most classic fights from over the last 35+ years. As part of its week-long boxing coverage, MSG Networks will also air both episodes from the new DAZN two-part, all-access series, “40 Days,” which will take viewers behind-the-scenes of Canelo Alvarez’ training for his upcoming fight with Daniel Jacobs on May 4th. During each episode, boxing fans will get an inside look into the fight prep and personal lives of both Canelo and Jacobs leading into their highly anticipated bout this weekend. Throughout the week, fans will also get to watch Canelo’s most recent fight and first-ever in New York, in which he defeated Rocky Fielding by a third-round knockout at Madison Square Garden in December.

Tonight:

8:00pm on Monday – “40 Days”: Canelo vs. Jacobs – Part 1

8:30pm on Monday – Canelo Alvarez vs. Rocky Fielding at MSG (12/15/18)

9:00pm on Monday – Eleider Alvarez vs. Isaac Chilemba (11/28/15)

Below is a list of some of the other iconic fights that will be airing throughout the week, which will feature legendary fighters such as Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Riddick Bowe and more.

Lennox Lewis vs. Michael Grant – Madison Square Garde (4/29/00)
Riddick Bowe vs. Evander Holyfield III – Vegas (4/11/95)
Buddy McGirt vs. Pernell Whitaker – Madison Square Garden (3/6/93)
Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe I – Vegas (11/13/92)
Evander Holyfield vs. George Foreman – Atlantic City (4/19/91)
Hector Camacho vs. Ray ”Boom Boom” Mancini – Reno (3/6/89)
Alexis Arguello vs. Aaron Pryor II – Vegas (9/9/83)

BOY JONES JR is no more and being reborn as Ben Jones.

The Essex lightweight aims to unveil his new fighting style and the name change when he returns to action at Stevenage FC’s Lamex Stadium on Saturday May 18, live on BT Sport.

Baby-Faced Ben is known as a laugh a minute character who loves playing the fool, but that is consigned to the scrap heap after teaming up with new trainer, Micky Burke.

Jones (18-2-1) returns to action on the Billy Joe Saunders v Shefat Isufi bill in his first contest since his losing on points against Craig Evans in a WBO European lightweight title challenge last November.

“My trainer Mick and manager Andy Ayling sat down with me and said, ‘this ‘Boy’ look has got so stop,” he explained.

“Boxing isn’t a game you can play and you can’t be stupid in the sport. I have got to start using my brain.

“I’m a smart kid believe it or not and pretending to be dumb is like a, ‘Get out of jail free card’. People don’t really talk to you and I could get away with being stupid.

“I’m not stupid and I have learnt a lot these past few months. I am growing up and want to buy a house for my son.

“I am rebranding myself. I’m not Boy Jones Jr, I’m Ben Jones. I’m not playing the Boy card anymore.

“On social media I am known as ‘Boy,’ but I might put myself as Ben Jones (Boy).”

Jones, 22, split with trainer Dominic Negus earlier this year and is now under Burke at the Ibox gym in Bromley meaning a 70 mile round trip every day from his Essex home.

He explained: “It is never not awkward because I was with Dom for a few years, but sometimes you need a change.

“Sometimes the change is bad and sometimes it can be good. To be honest people are saying it has brought the best out of me.

“I am starting to box a bit more, using my feet and looking different in sparring. Micky has changed my style massively and I am more of a boxer.

“One reason I came to this gym is because I like the styles of boxers like Bradley Skeete and Lerrone Richards.

“This is the right move for me because of how they box – be flash and slick. I love that slick style.

“They have changed my style, but I am enjoying it.

“I have got the love back. I went through a stage of not enjoying the sport and didn’t want to do it.

“My mum and missus were telling me, ‘Come on, you can get back into it’. Mick has done really well getting me back into boxing.”

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

Uttoxeter hellraiser Josh Groombridge concedes he lacks the nous to outfox the field when eight of the nation’s brightest middleweight hopefuls trade leather at Ultimate Boxxer III, at Indigo at The O2 on Friday 10th May, so it’s his intention to simply outlast and outblast them!

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 know some of the others in UB are better technically than me so I have to be fitter than they are,’ acknowledges the Staffordshire terrier who has already clattered four hapless victims inside three rounds whilst compiling a 7-1 pro card.

‘I train four hours every day. I’m up at 4.30 to run three or four miles, five times a week, before starting work as a laser operative in Derby at six. I graft a minimum 55 hours per week, then bomb over to the Impact Gym in Stoke for boxing training.’

The power punching 26 year old acquired his Popeye strength by pumping iron throughout his teenage years.

‘I don’t lift any more,’ says Josh.

‘I did the weight training at the right time, in my teens. I’ve sparred plenty of decent lads like Sam Eggington and Marcus Morrison and they all comment on how strong I am.

‘My dad’s mate got me into the boxing. When he took me on punch pads at the gym, he couldn’t believe how hard I punched.

‘I never boxed amateur – hence my technical ability is not the best- but had about 30 white collar (contests), winning about 25. My aim ain’t the best but, when the radar is right, they tend to tumble. My coach Scott Lawton (former English lightweight champion) and I couldn’t be any more bipolar!

Joltin’ Josh hails from Uttoxeter, a north midlands market town more synonymous with horse racing than prizefighting.

‘It’s a little place where everybody knows everybody,’ explains Groombridge who was born in the nearby beer town of Burton.

‘Those who don’t particularly like boxing, like me and enjoy the way I fight. Every time it’s like a gungho western! I’ve already shifted over a hundred tickets for UB and I’m trying to get my hands on more.

‘No doubt some competitors will dismiss me as a country simpleton. There might not be much boxing going on but it’s like the wild west here. Loads of cowboys and Indians. A tough man’s town. They’re always scrapping at the races.’

Though five rivals land at Indigo with unbeaten slates, outsider Groombridge encountered the sour taste of defeat in April 2018, stopped in the seventh of a scheduled eight rounder by Cameroun hardcase Emmanuel Moussinga.

He explains: ‘After tagging Emmanuel with a few quite early, I tried to take him out and completely gassed. I simply couldn’t give any more. My own fault, a learning curve. I hope other entrants read something into it but there’s absolutely no chance I’ll get stopped over three rounds.’

UB III represents his first venture outside his home county as a pro and he is frothing with excitement.

‘The O2 is the Mecca of British boxing at the minute. If you make it big, it’s where you want to box. I intend proving I deserve to be there,’ states Groombridge.

‘I don’t waste energy on being negative about opponents. I’m not in boxing to go unbeaten, I’m in the sport to compete with the top lads. I’m fully aware some of the others have fantastic ability but, over three rounds, I can dig in with anybody.

‘These fights are gonna be very fast, very frenetic sprints and the ‘messiness’ will suit me. I might not have the most variety but I’m strong at middleweight and I’ll bring a good chin and hard hands. I’ve already stopped several tough, tough journeyman.

‘As well as my big punch, I bring heart and belief. I’ll take my chance and put it on ‘em, force ‘em to answer questions they’ve not answered before.

‘If I might take the missus for an ice cream but I’m not thinking of the money, just the opportunities.

‘I intend to be the very, very best I can be and hopefully, that’ll be enough. I’ve a puncher’s chance with any of them.’

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

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

Dave Allen will face David Price in a huge domestic Heavyweight showdown on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s clash with unbeaten rival Oscar Rivas at The O2 in London on July 20, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Allen (17-4-2, 14KOs) stopped former WBA World Champion Lucas Browne in three rounds at the Greenwich venue last weekend, flooring the Australian with a crunching body shot to claim a stunning victory in his first ever main event fight.

‘White Rhino’ has taken his career to new heights after four straight stoppage wins and the hugely-popular Doncaster man believes that another win over Liverpudlian Price could earn him a shot at one of the top ten Heavyweights in the World.

Price (24-6, 19KOs) returned to winning ways with a TKO victory over Hatfield’s Tom Little last December and then recorded a win over Kash Ali at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool after being bit twice during a controversial fight that ended in Ali’s disqualification.

The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank and is all too aware that nothing less than a win on July 20 will suffice as he looks to throw his name into the Heavyweight World mix once more.

“This is the fight that I’ve wanted for years,” said Allen. “I wanted it three years ago but it probably wasn’t the right fight for me at the time. Now it’s the right time for me and it’s the biggest domestic fight out there. There may be other fighters out there that are better than us but I think me and Pricey have two of the biggest fanbases in the UK.

“We’re both really exciting fighters and we can both punch, either of us could end it with one shot. It’s a great fight and one that I’m really excited to be involved in. This won’t go past four rounds. I’m going to try and outbox him and I’m going to try and take him out with one shot as early as possible. I want to beat him in the first two or three rounds while he’s still fresh and at his best. His game plan will be to try and knock me out within the first few rounds so the fans will love it.

“A win over Price would put me one fight away from a World title shot. It puts me in the shop window for the Joseph Parkers and Alexander Povetkins of this World. On the back of three victories then Lucas Browne and David Price I believe that I’m ready for a top ten Heavyweight and that for me is a final eliminator for a World title fight.”

“It’s a great fight and it’s come at a good time for the both of us,” said Price. “It’s a fight that will capture a lot of people’s interest. Dave Allen has got a good following and I’ve got a good following myself. It’s going to be an interesting night that’s for sure.

“Dave is a durable fighter and he’s on a good winning streak. His last fight was a great win so he’ll be coming into this one with his tail up but I’ve won my last two fights as well. It’s going to be explosive. It’s two big punchers and it might be a matter of who lands first.

“Dave is known for his toughness so it won’t be a good idea for me to go out there and try to land a big one early. It’s about me trying to use my attributes to my advantage. It’s two completely different types of fighters and two different sized men. I’m a lot bigger than Dave Allen, that can be a good thing or a bad thing.

“It’s a massive fight. I think me and Dave Allen have been slated to fight a couple of times in the past and it hasn’t happened for whatever reason but this time there’s big upsides for the winner. There’s a hell of a lot on the line which makes for an intriguing fight.”

“This is a big domestic clash and a complete 50-50 Heavyweight match up,” said Eddie Hearn. “Dave Allen’s story has touched sports fans all over the country and he returns to The O2 after his epic KO of Lucas Browne. We all know David Price inside out – a huge puncher but also vulnerable at times, he is coming off two solid wins and wants another major Worldwide name in the division. I have no idea who will get the job done but I cannot wait to see it unfold on a huge night at The O2. Don’t blink!”

Tickets for Whyte vs. Rivas are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £500 and £800 VIP.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase NOW from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

WBA Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds

Robert Easter – 133 ¾ lbs

Rances Barthelemy – 135 lbs

Referee: Kenny Bayless; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Eric Cheek (Nev.), Glenn Trowbridge (Nev.)

WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator – 10 Rounds

Viktor Postol – 139 ½ lbs

Mohamed Mimoune – 138 ½ lbs

Referee: Robert Byrd; Judges: Robert Hoyle (Nev.); Patricia Morse Jarman (Nev.); Benoit Roussel (Canada)

Heavyweight Attraction – 10 Rounds

Efe Ajagba – 241 lbs

Michael Wallisch – 242 ½ lbs

Referee: Tony Weeks; Judges: Adalaide Byrd (Nev.); Lisa Giampa (Nev.); Ricardo Ocasio (Nev.)

# # #

ABOUT EASTER VS. BARTHELEMY

Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title in the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, April 27 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

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

Pacheco, 2-0 with one knockout will make his home debut as the Los Angeles native has won his first two contests in Mexico.

Pacheco will be taking on his 2nd consecutive undefeated foe as he is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Felix Aguilar on February 23rd.

Pacheco of Los Angeles was the number-one middleweight in both the United States and Mexico.

Pacheco was a 2017 National Junior Golden Gloves champion, and the 2018 United States Junior Olympic National champion.

Pacheco, 18 years-old made his professional debut on December 22nd with a 1st round stoppage over veteran Luis Gonzalez.

Pacheco was 161.8 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in while Maldonado (1-0) of Seattle, Washington was 159.

Pacheco is managed by Split-T Management and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Photos by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing USA

(April 26, 2019) — One of the sport’s fastest-rising heavyweights, Daniel Dubois, returns Saturday when he takes on Ghanaian puncher Richard Lartey for the vacant WBO Global strap in the main event from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

Dubois-Lartey will headline a stacked afternoon of boxing on ESPN+ — the leading multi-sport streaming service — beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

This will be the fourth ESPN+ appearance for Dubois (10-0, 9 KOs), a 21-year-old London native who has seven knockout victories within the first two rounds. After going 3-0 in 2018, he opened up his 2019 slate March 8 against former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu. Dubois knocked out Cojanu in the second round with a chopping right hand.

Lartey (14-1, 11 KOs) has won eight consecutive fights since the lone loss of his career, a fifth-round TKO loss that saw him retire on his stool due to an injury. He has won four in a row via knockout but will be making a seismic step up in class versus Dubois. In his last bout, Dec. 24 of last year in Accra, Ghana, he stopped Morris Okola in the 10th round to pick up the WBO Africa heavyweight title.

In other action:
Sunny Edwards (10-0, 3 KOs) returns to defend his WBO European junior bantamweight strap against Pedro Matos (7-1, 1 KO) in a 10-round tilt.

Lerrone Richards (11-0, 3 KOs) and former British middleweight champion Tommy Langford (21-3, 6 KOs) will duke it out in a scheduled 12-rounder for the vacant Commonwealth and WBO International super middleweight titles.

Super lightweight contender Jack Catterall (23-0, 12 KOs), coming off a career-best win over Ohara Davies, will seek to continue his momentum versus Oscar Amador (10-17, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder.

Super middleweight prospect Zak Chelli (6-0, 3 KOs) will take on Jimmy Smith (7-1, 0 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.espnplus.com.

The following are the weights and the running order for the The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday 27th April. The show is live on BT Sport 1 from 8:00pm.

(Subject to change. Timings approximate)

Fight # 1 – 16:30 hrs
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
SHAKIEL THOMPSON 11st 7lbs 4oz V 11st 4lbs 1oz NELSON ALTIMIRANO

Fight # 2
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest
ALFIE PRICE 9st 7lbs 7oz V 9st 12lbs MICHAEL ISSAC CARRERO

Fight # 3
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
UMAR SADIQ 12st 9oz V 12st 4lbs 14oz CHRIS DUTTON

Fight # 4
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 11st 8lbs 10oz V 11st 7lbs 13oz MARTIN KABRIHL

Fight # 5
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest
MOHAMMAD BILAL ALI 9st 10lbs 8oz V 9st 11lbs 15oz ANTONIO HORVATIC

Fight # 6
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
HAMZA SHEERAZ 11st 9lbs 14oz V 11st 3lbs 13oz LADISLAV NEMETH

Fight # 7
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
DENZEL BENTLEY 11st 8lbs 10oz V 11st 8lbs 12oz PAVEL GARAJ

Fight # 8
8 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest
ARCHIE SHARP 9st 7lbs V 9st 4lbs 9oz SERGIO GONZALEZ

BT SPORT GO ON AIR AT 20:00 HRS

Fight # 9 – 20:05 hrs
THE VACANT SOUTHERN AREA SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
ZAK CHELLI 11st 13lbs V 11st 11lbs 5oz JIMMY SMITH
Fight # 10
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Lightweight Contest
JACK CATTERALL 10st 6lbs V 10st 7lbs 10oz OSCAR AMADOR

Fight # 11
THE VACANT COMMONWEALTH & WBO INTERNATIONAL SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
LERRONE RICHARDS 11st 12lbs 13oz V 11st 13lbs 7oz TOMMY LANGFORD

Fight # 12
THE WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
SUNNY EDWARDS 8st 2lbs 12oz V 8st 2lbs 6oz PEDRO MATOS

Fight # 13
THE VACANT WBO GLOBAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
DANIEL DUBOIS 17st 12oz V 17st 3lbs RICHARD LARTEY
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Fight # 14
4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest
CHRIS BOURKE 8st 11lbs 5oz V 9st 1lb 2oz STEFAN SLAVCHEV

OAKLAND, Calif. (April 26, 2019) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will return to action and look to further solidify his spot amongst the 140-pound elite when he takes on Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco in a 10-round showdown as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, May 11 from EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by IBF and WBA 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd defending his titles again top contender Julian Williams.

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

The 23-year-old made his 2019 debut in February, knocking out Richard Zamora in round four to bring his knockout streak to eight. Here is what Barrios (23-0, 15 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup, training camp with Virgil Hunter and more as he prepares to enter the ring May 11:

On his matchup with Juan Jose Velasco:
“Velasco is a tough fighter from Argentina who’s only loss is at the world class level against Regis Prograis. He will have to adjust to my style because I’m going to be dictating the action from the opening bell. My jab will be the key in this fight. I know I’ll have to let my hands go to be effective. This is going to be a tough fight, but I’m ready for the challenge.”

On his recent training camp:
“Training camp is going as planned. I’ve been in the Bay Area for the last six weeks working with Virgil Hunter and getting world class sparring with some of the best fighters in the world. Virgil has me perfecting my ability to fight with my length while using my jab efficiently. I’ve also been doing my strength training with Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny at the SNAC facility. I’m in amazing shape and will be at my best when I step in the ring against Velasco.”

On when he thinks he’ll be ready for a world title:
“I’m ready now, in my opinion, to fight any of the champions at super lightweight. I’m only 23, so there is plenty of time. I’ve never turned down a fight and when that time comes for me to get that title shot, I’ll be ready. I’m just talking it one fight at a time.”

On fighting on FOX:
“This is a major opportunity for the world to see me in action. The exposure on FOX is going to be unbelievable. My goal is to give the fans another knockout performance. Since I’ve moved up in weight, I’ve been knocking everyone out and my game is getting better with each fight. I feel I’m the next Mexican-American star in boxing who’s going to help keep this sport thriving.”

# # #

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.

Queensberry Promotions are happy to report that Richard Lartey arrived in London this morning and will weigh-in ahead of his bout with Daniel Dubois tomorrow evening at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

LAS VEGAS (April 27, 2019) – Last night, Irish middleweight prospect Connor “The Kid” Coyle (10-0, 3 KOs) turned in an impressive Las Vegas debut, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Robert Burwell in the main event, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas.

The fifth installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS Coyle vs. Burwell, was streamed live under an agreement between the event and Coyle’s, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live-stream up to 72 professional boxing events over the next three years.

(L) Connor Coyle made his promoter
Roy Jones, Jr. proud

The 28-year-old Coyle, fighting out of Derry, Northern Ireland, dropped Burwell (8-3, 3 KOs), of Orlando, Florida, in the opening round with a straight right, won the first three rounds on all three judges’ scorecard, and fought his way to a unanimous decision win.

Coyle displayed his vast boxing skills, mixing in some pop, en route to arguably the most impressive victory of his young career.

A legacy prizefighter, Coyle’s great grand-father and great-uncle, both named Spider Kelly and out of Derry, were both British Empire and Commonwealth featherweight champions, 16 years apart. They had 256 combined bouts between 1928 and 1962.

Referee Eddie Cotton raises Connor Coyle’s hand in victory

“It was an amazing experience to represent RJJ Boxing Promotions for the first time under UFC Fight Pass,” a happy Coyle said after the fight. “Fighting in Las Vegas has always been a dream, of mine and fir it to come true was overwhelming. I’d like to thank everyone involved with RJJ Boxing for these opportunities.”

The eight-round co-featured event between unbeaten Fort Lauderdale, FL lightweight Antonio “Bang” Williams (9-0-1, 4 KOs) and Texan Eduardo “Thunder” Garza (13-2-1, 7 KOs) was a back-and-forth match that ended in an eight-round split draw.

Houston welterweight Jerrico “Hands of Stone” Walton (13-0, 7 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with an eight-round unanimous decision victory over his tough Mexican opponent, Jesus Zatuetta Anaya (6-4-1, 4 KOs).

The opening FIGHT PASS bout was a shutout as world-rated Rosalinda Rodriguez (10-0, 2 KOs), of Miami, out-classed Hungarian bantamweight Martina Morgasz (6-41, 4 KOs) won all six rounds on each of the three judges’ scores cards for a one-sided decision.

On off-FIGHT Pass card, Japanese junior featherweight Kastsuma “El Cuete Japonecito” Akitsugi (2-0, 1 KOs), fighting out of Hollywood, California, had an easy time against Ricard Lucio Galvan (0-2), of Belgium, taking a four-round unanimous decision in an International match-up.

Shurretta Metcalf (5-4-1, 2 KOs), of Dallas, won a four-round unanimous decision over Las Vegas bantamweight Mikayla “MK Ultra” Nebel (2-7).

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Connor Coyle (10-0, 3 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
WDEC8 (77-74, 77-74, 77-74)
Robert Burwell (8-3, 3 KOs), Orland, FL

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
Antonio Williams (9-0-1, 4 KOs), Fort Lauderdale, FL
D8 (77-75, 75-77, 75-75)
Eduardo Garza (13-2-1, 7 KOs), Mission, TX

WELTERWEIGHTS
Jerrico Walton (12-0, 7 KOs), Houston, TX
WDEC8 (79-73, 78-74, 77-75)
Jesus Zazuetta Anaya (6-3-1, 4 KOs)

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Katsuna Akitsugi (3-0, 1 KO), Hollywood, CA by way of Japan
WDEC4 (40-46, 40-46, 40-36)
Ricardo Lucio Galvan (0-3), Schazrbeck, Bruxelles-Capitale, Belgium

FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS
Rosalinda Rodriguez (10-0, 2 KOs), Miami, FL
WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-54)
Martina Horgasz (5-3, 4 KOs)

Shurretta Metcalf (5-4-1, 2 KOs), Dallas, TX
WDEC4
Mikayla Nebel (2-7), Las Vegas, NV

The next RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS is schedule for May 23 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona.

INFORMATION

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

London, UK (26 April 2019) The official draw for the first round of fights in Ultimate Boxxer III: The Middleweights has been made for the exhilarating elimination tournament on Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2.

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.

The eight highly-rated contestants participating in UB III are Tey Lynn-Jones, Derrick Osaze, Kieron Conway, Grant Dennis, Sean Phillips, Josh Groombridge, Kaan Hawes and Joe Hurn as they battle it out to become The Ultimate Boxxer.

In attendance at BT Sports’ studio, where the draw was held, was the Former WBO World Heavyweight Champion Shannon “Lets Go Champ” Briggs, who picked out the balls to make the following fights:

THE DRAW

Odds supplied by MansionBet, the official bookmaker for UB III

Quarter-Final One: Kaan Hawes (5-0-1) 22/1 v Kieron Conway (10-0-0, 3 KO’s) 15/8

A great match up to kick things off between a boxer and fighter and Hawes comes up against the tournament favourite. Witham’s Hawes, from the white-collar circuit, is unbeaten in five fights and loves to have a brawl. Northampton’s Conway is well schooled with a good amateur pedigree and is a former England international, currently unbeaten in ten as a pro.

Quarter-Final Two: Tey Lynn Jones (11-1-0, 2 KO’s) 7/2 v Derrick Osaze (6-0-0, 1 KO) 10/1

A mouthwatering 50-50 fight and the best pick of the quarter-finals between two box-fighters with similar styles. Jones, from Grays, Essex, has the edge in experience having won and defended the Southern Area title and has more rounds under his belt, but the Puncher Preacher from Nottingham, by way of Peckham, is unbeaten and ready to cause an upset.

Quarter-Final Three: Sean Philips (5-0-1, 1 KO) 4/1 v Josh Groombridge (7-1-0, 4 KO’s) 14/1

A hard-to-call showdown between a boxer and fighter that pitches Peacock Gym trained Philips, who’s an excellent technician and unbeaten in six, against the raw and powerful Groombridge from Uttoxeter who started on the white-collar scene and is very heavy handed.

Quarter-Final Four: Joe Hurn (10-0-1, 6 KO’s) 7/1 v Grant Dennis (12-1-0, 2 KO’s) 3/1

An excellent match up between the big-hitting Hurn from Clacton against the skilled Dennis from Chatham. Dangerous Hurn has halted six out of 11, while Dennis has only lost once in 13, but has the experience being a former Southern Area champion and fell just short for the English belt.

The winner of Quarter-Final One will meet the winner of Quarter-Final Two and the winner of Quarter-Final Three will meet the winner of Quarter-Final Four.

ULTIMATE BOXXER founder Ben Shalom, said, “I’m stumped at picking a winner for any of the fights in the Quarter Finals, it’s that close. That’s what we want with Ultimate Boxxer, fights that are evenly balanced and when anything can happen in a split second that will add to the drama and suspense. In UB I and II combined we’ve had 27 knockdowns, that’s staggering across two shows and just shows that when fighters get in the ring for Ultimate Boxxer they go all out to win. I cannot wait to see who will eventually come out on top on May 10.”

Ultimate Boxxer III features Tey Lynn-Jones, Derrick Osaze, Kieron Conway, Grant Dennis, Sean Phillips, Josh Groombridge, Kaan Hawes and Joe Hurn as they battle it out to become Ultimate Boxxer on Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2.

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.

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

PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 25, 2019)–Weights for Friday night’s card at The Met Philadelphia.

Malik Hawkins 143.4 lbs – Andre Byrd 143.9
(NBA Title)

Branden Pizarro 138.7 lbs – Tre’Sean Wiggins 139.8 lbs
(Pa. State and NBA International Junior Welterweight Titles)

Gadwin Rosa 129.6 lbs Sulaiman Segwa 128.5 lbs
(NBA Title)

Darmani Rock 275.4 lbs – Mike Bissett 217.8 lbs
Christian Tapia 130.8 lbs – Raul Chirino 135.1
Benjamin Sinakin 172 lbs – Patrick Pierre 174.8 lbs
Josue Rosa 117.9 lbs – Lucky Holt 119.4 lbs
Thyler Williams 142.9 lbs – Abdiel Padilla 140.8 lbs

Promoter: Hard Hitting Promotions & Live Nation
Venue: The Met Philadelphia
1st Bout: 7 PM ET

Photo by Daniel Cork

Doors: 3pm (all times PT)

First Bell: 3:15pm

8 x 3 mins Murodjon Akmadaliev 124.6lbs v Carlos Carson 125.2lbs
Namangan, Uzbekistan Tijuana, Mexico

Followed by – LIVE ON FACEBOOK (DAZN and Matchroom Boxing)
4 x 3 mins Austin Williams 159lbs v Joel Guevara 158lbs
Houston, Texas West Virginia

DAZN START 4:30pm

10 x 3 mins Shakhram Giyasov 139.6lbs v Emmanuel Taylor 139.6lbs
Bukhara, Uzbekistan Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland

Followed by

4 x 3 mins Diego Pacheco 161.8lbs v Guillermo Maldonado 159lbs
Los Angeles, California Seattle, Washington

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Anthony Sims Jr. 168lbs v Vaughn Alexander 166.6lbs
Plainfield, Indiana St. Louis, Missouri

WORLD FEED 6:30pm

10 x 3 mins Jessie Vargas 150.4lbs v Humberto Soto 150.4lbs
Las Vegas, Nevada Tijuana, Mexico

Followed by

WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles
12 x 3 mins Daniel Roman 121.2lbs v TJ Doheny 121.8lbs
Los Angeles, California Bondi Junction, Australia

Followed by

WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles
12 x 3 mins Srisaket Sor Rungvisai 114.2lbs v Juan Francisco Estrada 114.6lbs
Si Sa Ket, Thailand Hermosillo, Mexico

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Ronnie Rios 123.6lbs v Daniel Olea 122.6lbs
Santa Ana, California Guerrero, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Alberto Melian 121.4lbs v Isaac Zarate 122lbs
Buenos Aires, Argentina San Pedro, California

LAS VEGAS (April 25, 2019) – Former lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight title this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. PT /7 p.m. ET) from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also squaring off Thursday were former champion Viktor Postol and France’s Mohamed Mimoune, who battle in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, plus rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba and Germany’s Michael Wallisch, who meet in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:

ROBERT EASTER JR.

“I’m not here to talk about any past or future fights. Right now I’m focused on this fight against Rances. Come Saturday you’re going to see what I’ve put myself through during this camp.

“Not only have I learned a lesson from fighting Mikey Garcia, but I also learn something new after every fight. I went back home to Toledo for this one and got back to basics with my dad and Mike Stafford. We put in the hard work and you’ll see it on display Saturday.

“This fight is going to be a lot of action and I don’t think it’s going to make it to the final bell.

“I’m highly confident right now coming off of the hard work in training camp. The connection with my dad is so great and all the time we spent in camp is going to pay off Saturday.

“We had a tremendous camp. I’m hungrier than ever right now to get back in the ring and show everyone that I deserve to be at the top. The only dance I’m going to be doing on Saturday night, is to the bank.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I’m excited for this new opportunity that I have in front of me and I’m not going to let it go to waste. I’m taking that belt with me on Saturday night.

“I always have good fortune fighting here at The Cosmopolitan and I believe I’m going to take home the victory Saturday night.

“I take nothing away from Robert Easter Jr., because he’s a great champion. But I can do everything. I can fight on the inside, on the outside, I have power and I’ve fought against great opposition.

“I never dreamed of making it this far, especially coming from where I did. The dream of professional boxing didn’t exist. To be in this position already, it makes me want to keep chasing bigger fights and leave behind a big legacy.

“I have a very competitive fight in front of me. I’ve worked with Joel Casamayor, who has great experience combined with mine. We have great chemistry and I’m ready for everything to come together on Saturday night.

“I thank Robert Easter Jr. for taking the challenge, but I’m going to make him dance to the rhythm of the ‘Cuban Salsa’ on Saturday night. It’s going to get caliente.”

VIKTOR POSTOL

“My team and I had a great camp and I’m excited to be here and see what my opponent is going to bring for Saturday’s fight. I’m ready for a great fight.

“I trained hard like I always do. I have the experience against top fighters and I’m ready to prove that I’m still one of the best.

“I want to become world champion again. I’ve fought much better opponents than Mimoune and it will show on Saturday. My plan is to box, break him down and if the knockout comes, I’ll take it.”

MOHAMED MIMOUNE

“I’m very excited to fight here in Las Vegas and I want to tell the American fans that I guarantee a great fight on Saturday night. I’m coming to win.

“It was a very good camp, and it fully prepared me for war on Saturday night. I’ve worked hard to be in the best shape of my career.

“Every fighter is different, so we’ll see if he’s my toughest opponent once I’m in there. I respect him and I know that he’s a good boxer, but he doesn’t have anything I can’t handle.

“I’ve studied Postol closely and I’m ready to fight. I have the strategy and game plan prepared to get the win. I’m focused 100 percent on getting this win.”

EFE AJAGBA

“This is my first time in Las Vegas and I’m very excited to be here. I’ve been studying my opponent and I know he’s a good fighter. I can’t wait to get in there on Saturday and show off my skills.

“Every time I fight I go back to Texas and start training again. I’m facing a good fighter, but I’ve been preparing for him. I have a powerful jab that I’m looking forward to showing off.

“In one year, or maybe two. I think I’ll be fighting against top guys. We’re going to keep stepping up. This is my first time fighting on SHOWTIME so I’m looking forward to that step.

“It’s up to my opponent how long the fight lasts. I never say I’m going in to knock him out. I have to feel it and find the moment and see what he gives me.”

MICHAEL WALLISCH

“I come from Germany to bring a show to the fans. I love this city already and I want to win so I can come back again. I’m fighting a tough guy on Saturday, but I’m also very tough. May the best man win.

“I had a little less than a month’s notice for the fight but I had already been training and sparring very well. I think that I’m going to bring that great work into the ring on Saturday.

“I think for sure I’m the toughest opponent of Ajagba’s career. I will be the first rock that he has to climb. At heavyweight, everybody has power. We will see on Saturday what he has.

“I trained very hard with Alexander Dimitrenko, who is another tall fighter. It prepared me well and I think we’re going to go toe-to-toe for as long as it lasts.”

ROBERT EASTER SR, Easter’s Father & Trainer

“We were really focused for this camp. We stuck with what we know and went right back to how we started in this sport. Robert loved the camp.

“Robert is hungry. He’s always been a hungry fighter. The loss was a huge lesson for him. He treats every fight like it’s the last fight. I see the fight going our way.”

JOEL CASAMAYOR, Barthelemy’s Trainer and Former World Champion

“I’m very happy to be working with Rances. He’s a great fighter and we’ve been working together to perfect his boxing style. His improvement in a short time has been outstanding.

“We are going to give the fans a surprise. We are winning by knockout. It’s going to be ‘Easter Dinner’ on Saturday night. He better be ready. Rances is bringing the knockout.”

ROY JONES JR. (on working with Mohamed Mimoune leading up to the fight)

“I like a lot of things about Mohamed. He’s a high-energy fighter and because of that, he can do anything that he wants to do. I’ve explained to him that he needs to go out there and be who he is, and not let Viktor Postol be who he wants to be.

“Mohamed needs to take control of the fight and keep control. If he gives control back to Postol, he’s going to feel like he can dominate. You have to hold on to that momentum.

“It’s a very good matchup stylistically. Both guys are tall and long. I think Mohamed beats him in the end because he’s smarter and hungrier. He hasn’t been beat in a long time, and if he dictates the pace, he’s going to win.”

RONNIE SHIELDS, Ajagba’s Trainer

“Ajagba wants to learn everything in the gym. He wants to be the best heavyweight out there. He just turned 25 on Monday, so right now we’re just picking our spots and letting him develop. We’re not trying to force anything. Slowly but surely he’s moving along.

“He’s still young in the game, but I think he could compete with a lot of the top guys right now. It’s a learning process. He needs to take those steps one at a time. We’re at a good pace right now that we’re both happy with. Within another year, he’s going to make some noise.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“What a terrific card we have this weekend from top to bottom. It’s exciting to see young fighters on the rise, former world champions and more making up this great card.

“It’s not too often you get fights like these, with former world champions still in their prime. I’ve seen Robert Easter Jr. mature through the ranks and fight on the big platforms. He came up short in his last bout against another great champion in Mikey Garcia, but I think he took invaluable experience from that fight.

“Anytime you fight on that stage and come up short, you know going forward that you have everything to lose. Robert has a chip on his shoulder and he’s coming to prove that he’s still the man in the division.

“I can’t say enough about Rances Barthelemy. He’s already a two-division world champion with eyes on eventually winning a title in a third division. He knows on Saturday night he has his hands full. These two young guys are fighting for the same thing. They’re both world class fighters coming to show who the better man is.”

# # #

ABOUT EASTER VS. BARTHELEMY
Former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy will meet for the vacant WBA Lightweight Title in the main event of a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION Saturday, April 27 from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain unbeaten against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

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

Matchroom Boxing USA and Eddie Hearn are delighted to announce the signing of Lightweight star Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney.

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

Haney (21-0 13 KOs) has raced to the top of the Lightweight rankings and is on the cusp of fighting for his first World title ahead of turning 21 in November.

‘The Dream’ has rattled off 21 wins since turning pro in Mexico in 2015 at 16 years of age following a stellar amateur career that saw him crowned junior amateur champion seven times and plunder 130 wins.

The Las Vegas-based talent now sits at number three in the WBC rankings where the Lightweight title is now vacant, five in the WBA, eight in the WBO and ten in the IBF – and Haney will look to make a big statement on his debut with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN when he takes on Antonio Moran (24-3 17 KOs) at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25.

“I’m excited about my multi-million dollar partnership with Matchroom Boxing. All this hard work is finally paying off. This is a huge chapter in my career. I have a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn is the perfect guy for me to go in business with.

“While Matchroom will provide the infrastructure, together we will select the best opponents to showcase my talents in the sexiest cities in the world. I’m the future of the sport, and without a doubt in my mind… I’m going to continue to set the boxing world on fire. Matchroom and DAZN now have another superstar… ME!”

“Antonio Moran is a tough fighter with a lot of experience. He has been in the ring with good opposition. He fought Jose Pedraza to a decision last year, so I know he comes to fight. I expect nothing less from him on May 25. I’ve been in the gym working hard. Everyone knows that I stay ready and May 25 can’t come soon enough. On fight night the world will see I’m ready for anyone.”

“Devin Haney is a superstar – no two ways about it,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “At just 20 years old he has already racked up 21 victories, untouched as a pro and has become one of the most talked about fighters in America.

“The big fights are right in front of him, he is ready for anyone and we look forward to a wonderful partnership together. DAZN has another exceptional talent on their platform and we look forward to his Matchroom and DAZN debut on the huge Usyk vs. Takam card May 25 at MGM National Harbor.”

Haney’s clash with Moran is part of a huge night of action in Maryland as Ukrainian pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk moves up to Heavyweight after dominating the Cruiserweight division, and takes on former World title challenger Carlos Takam. In addition, rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic takes on Gregory Corbin in his US debut, and WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.

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

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

Shakhram Giyasov and Murodjon Akmadaliev have signed co-promotional deals with Matchroom Boxing USA and World of Boxing.

The Uzbek pair both fight in Inglewood, Los Angeles tomorrow night (Friday April 26) with Giyasov taking on Emmanuel Taylor over ten rounds and Akmadaliev tackling Carlos Carlson over eight.

**TICKETS START FROM JUST $31 AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER**

Giyasov (7-0 6 KOs) has raced to 7-0 in his first year as a pro having turned over in March 2018 following a stellar amateur career. The 25 year old bid farewell to the amateur scene as the 2017 World Champion, fresh off the heels of landing the Asian Championship earlier in the year to add to his 2016 silver medal at the Rio Olympics. Giyasov has signaled his dangerous intentions in the paid ranks with six of his seven wins coming inside the distance, and now he looks to shift gears in his pursuit of replicating that amateur success in the pros.

“This is great news for my future and I cannot wait to start my journey on DAZN tomorrow night,” said Giyasov. “I have seen it all in the amateurs, now I am here in the pros to get the same success. There’s a lot of hard work to come but I am ready to put that work in to win World titles and thrill the fans, starting in LA tomorrow.”

Akmadaliev (5-0 4 KOs) has a similarly glittering amateur background with gold in the 2017 Asian Championship, silver medals in the World and Asian championships in 2015 and Olympic bronze in Rio. The 24 year old has already got his hands on hardware in the paid ranks, landing the WBA Inter-Continental Super-Bantamweight title with a first round KO of Ramon Contreras in his fourth pro outing in August – defending the crown with a ninth round stoppage of Isaac Zarate in November. Akmadaliev will hunt a sixth win and fifth inside the distance and then keep a keen eye on the unification clash later in the night between WBA ruler Daniel Roman and IBF king TJ Doheny, with the big-hitting talent ready to strike as the mandatory for the WBA title.

“I am delighted to be teaming up with Matchroom Boxing USA, DAZN and World of Boxing,” said Akmadaliev. “I am excited to be in action in Los Angeles tomorrow night and I will be looking to steal the show. I will be very interested in the Roman vs. Doheny fight as I would love to fight the winner of that one.

“I’m delighted to welcome these two outstanding young talents to the Matchroom Boxing USA team,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Both are unquestionably future World champions and both have electric styles that will light up venues and broadcast platforms around the World. I’m looking forward to seeing them tomorrow night at the Forum and live on DAZN.”

“Giyasov and Akhmadaliev are great fighters and we are looking forward to working together with Eddie Hearn and DAZN to build them towards World championships,” said Andrey Ryabinskiy, head of World of Boxing.

“I really believe that Giyasov and Akhmadaliev are going to attract a lot of attention at 140lb and 122lb weight classes this year!” said Vadim Kornilov. “We are looking forward to some very exciting fights that we have planned.”

Tickets are on sale now prices from just $31 – to charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and also at the Forum Box Office.

Los Angeles, California, April 25 – 2019 – Ringstar Sports is proud to announce the signing of the most prominent Mexican Amateur fighter, Fernando Molina. At just 16 years of age, Molina has one of the best amateur records in Mexico. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Molina started boxing at the age of 6. Since then, Molina has compiled an amazing record including 200 amateur wins. Among those wins were 4 State Championships, 4 Regional Championships, and Gold in the 2017 National Junior Championship.

Discovered by world renowned boxing manager, Shelly Finkel, the young talent has all the tools to become a superstar. “Fernando Molina is a rare talent with an exciting style. Although only 16 years old, he impressed me with his maturity in and outside the ring. I am happy to work with him and help make his dream of becoming a world champion a reality,” said Finkel.

World-renowned promoter Richard Schaefer, Chief Executive of Ringstar Sports, will promote Molina. “I am blessed to have had the opportunity to promote some of the biggest names in the sport over the past 20 years. Most of them I built up from the beginning and many were managed by Shelly Finkel. Shelly has without a doubt the best eye for boxing talent. With Molina, we have a generational super talent who will certainly stamp his name in the history books alongside the names of Barrera, Morales, and Marquez. I am proud to welcome Fernando to Ringstar Sports and start his journey of becoming a superstar of boxing,” said Schaefer.

Molina added, “I am delighted to have been able to secure an All Star team with Shelly Finkel and Richard Schaefer to guide my career in the pro ranks. I have worked hard since I was a young boy to eventually become a professional boxer. The time is now! I am committed to hard work and dedication to uphold the rich boxing tradition of my native Mexico.” Molina is planning to turn professional in the lightweight division limit 135 pounds. Further information about Molina’s debut will be announced soon.