Anthony Yigit (22-1-1, 7 KOs) will face Sandro Hernandez (15-7-3, 10 KOs) as the slick southpaw returns to action on May 4 at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt.

Yigit outpointed Mohamed Khalladi on February 16 at the CGM Arena in Koblenz following a brave attempt at the IBF World Super Lightweight title in his World Boxing Super Series Quarter-Final clash with Ivan Baranchyk.

The 27 year-old, currently based in Gran Canaria, is back in Germany for another eight-round clash against Venezuela’s Sandro Hernandez, who in his last bout went the distance with Yigit’s former opponent Sandor Martin.

“I was satisfied with my performance against Khalladi because we got a good victory against a solid opponent. He knew he had a chance to make a name for himself if he beat me so he came to win and went out fighting with all he got,” says Yigit who wants to keep active as he awaits a return to the World stage.

“Hernandez fought and went the distance with Sandor Martin, who I defended my European title against in 2017, and who I would say is one of the top fighters in Europe, so I expect Hernandez to come and try to make a statement.

“It’s important for me to keep busy because I love fighting. I love the thrill of going in the ring and hearing the crowd cheer after a good fight. I like to entertain, and this is the only way I know how so the more I fight the better. Also it will keep me prepared for when a big fight comes, but I treat every fight the same. I’m always training hard and I’m always giving it 110%.”

Yigit joins a stacked card in Frankfurt topped by the IBF International Lightweight title clash between Leon Bunn and Leon Harth, and featuring super welterweight star Abass Baraou against former World ruler Ali Funeka.

Heavyweight Albon Pervizaj is also in action taking on Gabriel Enguema, while 17 year-old sensation Sophie Alisch returns for her third professional contest, and Danish heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist meets Dominik Musil.

All the action from the Fraport Arena will be available to watch live on Sport1 in Germany. Tickets are available online via www.eventim.de.

18 April 2019 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card for ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT, set for the Impact Arena in Bangkok for Friday, 10 May. Once again, Thailand will play host to another world-class evening of martial arts action. The very best in local and international martial arts talent will showcase their skills on the ONE Championship stage.

In the main event, reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand will defend his title against Hiroaki Suzuki of Japan. In the co-main event, Muay Thai superstar Petchdam Petchyindee Academy of Thailand takes on Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi of Algeria for the inaugural ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship.

Ticket information for ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT is available at www.onefc.com.

A living legend in the world of Muay Thai, multiple-time World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao has captured nearly every major accolade in the sport and is considered one of the greatest strikers of all time.

Born to a family of farmers, Nong-O began his Muay Thai career at the tender age of nine. After a few years of sharpening his skills, he decided to leave home for Bangkok when he was 14 years old to pursue Muay Thai full-time, both living and training at his camp.

Nong-O made his first appearance at the famed Rajadamnern stadium a year later, winning a decision in an undercard bout. This set off an incredible run of success across over 300 bouts, including two Thailand national Muay thai championships, four Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Championships in different divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Championship.

Earlier this year, Nong-O captured the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title with a unanimous decision victory over China’s Han Zi Hao at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS. He is now set to make the first defense of his World Title against Japan’s Hiroaki “Kaibutsukun” Suzuki.

Japanese striker Suzuki is one of the most exciting talents in ONE Super Series. He burst onto the scene with a spectacular performance against Deividas Danyla last November, and then followed up the victory with another scintillating showing against Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud last January.

Now, Suzuki enters the biggest bout of his career thus far, as he challenges Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

In the co-main event of the evening, Thailand’s very own Petchdam “Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy attempts to make history as the first ever ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion when he takes on opponent Elias “The Sniper” Mahmoudi.

Petchdam is a multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion known for his devastating left kick, which is responsible for the majority of his wins. He trains out of the famed Petchyindee Academy in Bangkok alongside fellow Muay Thai World Champions Petchmorakot and Sorgraw. Over the course of his stellar career, the Thai hero has claimed several prestigious accolades, including Lumpinee Stadium and WBC World Muay Thai Championships, as well as a Toyota Marathon Tournament Title.

Now Petchdam has the opportunity to add the most valuable prize in martial arts to his trophy case — the ONE World Title.

Mahmoudi, on the other hand, is also a multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion who has trained in the sport since he was just five years of age. His competitive fire would see him fly to Muay Thai’s home country of Thailand at the age of nine, where he won his first professional bout with a flying knee knockout to earn the nickname of “The Sniper.”

Over the course of his career thus far, Mahmoudi has already compiled an excellent winning record with several knockouts on the way to World Titles in WMF, WPMF, and MTGP. He now looks forward to his first ONE World Title opportunity.

Japanese lightweight standout Kazuki Tokudome is back in action as he faces tough veteran Adrian “The Hunter” Pang of Australia in a three-round lightweight contest.

Tokudome is a former Pancrase Lightweight World Champion who trains out of Paraestra Hachioji in his native Japan, while Pang is a former Legend FC Lightweight Champion known for his extreme toughness and durability. The two warriors will throw down in what should be a clash of highly-aggressive come-forward action stars who bring fans to the edge of their seats.

Muay Thai superstar Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon of Thailand will once again showcase his incredible striking skills, this time against Cambodia’s Sok Thy.

Like many Thai warriors before him, two-time Omnoi Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang started training at a young age when he was just seven years old. He had his first professional Muay Thai bout at the age of 10.

Rodtang initially trained at a small camp in his hometown of Pattalung, but soon began traveling to the famed Jitmuangnon Camp in Bangkok in pursuit of better training. He would make the move permanent in order to train full-time and pursue his dreams of becoming a World Champion.

Sok Thy, meanwhile, is a Cambodian National Kun Khmer Champion. His father sent Thy and his older brother to a live-in training camp when he was just seven years old. A phenomenally hard worker, Thy already has hundreds of bouts under his belt. He even competed for a Muay Thai title in Thailand’s famed Lumpinee Stadium in 2017, and is the first Cambodian to ever do so.

Japanese mixed martial arts star Kota “Kong” Shimoishi will take on the Netherlands’ Pieter “The Archangel” Bruist. Shimoishi is a former Shooto Welterweight Tournament Champion while Bruist is a WFL World Champion. The two figure in a three round lightweight mixed martial arts contest.

Japanese bantamweight hopeful Shoko Sato is set to make his ONE Championship debut against New Zealand’s Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo in what should be an action-packed matchup.

Sato is a former Shooto Bantamweight Champion and a mixed martial arts veteran who is known for his knockout power. Nearly half of Sato’s overall victories have come by knockout finish. Abelardo, on the other hand, is a winner of the prestigious ONE Warrior Series and is also known for his finishing ability. This clash is guaranteed to produce fireworks as both competitors know not how to back down.

Local hero Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit of Thailand makes his highly-anticipated return to action opposite Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan of the Philippines.

Mitsatit is a Chiang Mai Muay Thai Champion who decided to pick up Muay Thai to learn how to protect himself, as well as help to support his family financially. Through his hard work and talent, he soon ran up an impressive 72-17 record. Mitsatit made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2014, and has rapidly emerged as one of Thailand’s most exciting talents.

Catalan is a Muay Thai World Champion who started training in martial arts in 2006 with hopes of following in the footsteps of his older brother Rene, a multiple-time wushu world champion. He would go on to win numerous tournaments in both wushu and Muay Thai, including the Philippines National Wushu Sanda Championship in 2007 and 2008, and a IFMA Muay Thai World Championship in 2011.

Former CMSL Champion “Wolf of the Grasslands” Hexigetu of China will figure in what is expected to be an intense strawweight showdown with ONE Championship newcomer, Dangal Grappling Champion Ovais “The Enigma” Shah of Pakistan. The two square off in a three-round strawweight contest that features an interesting clash of styles.

Top King Muay Thai World Champion “Muay Thai Boy” Zhang Chenglong of China will take on two-time Muay Thai World Champion Panicos Yusuf of Cyprus in a ONE Super Series kickboxing contest.

Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand will return to the ONE Championship stage to face WKA European Champion Rui Botelho of Portugal in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai showdown.

Lumpinee Stadium World Champion and Muay Thai legend Singtongnoi Por Telakun of Thailand will face WMC Muay Thai World Champion Savvas Michael of Cyprus in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest.

Former ONE World Title challenger Janet “JT” Todd of the United States will take on Chinese striker and former WAKO Champion Chin Long Wang in the first bout of the evening to kick off ONE: WARRIORS OF LIGHT.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 17, 2019) – Featherweight Erick Ituarte (20-1-1, 3 KOs), intent on working himself into world title contention, headlines “Locked n’ Loaded” this Friday, April 19, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Ituarte, who lives in Santa Ana, Calif., faces veteran Jose Estrella (20-15-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico in the 10-round main event.

Ituarte, a former Junior NABF featherweight champion, elaborates on his main event match up, his world title aspirations, and why Friday’s fight is one of the most pivotal of his young career.

Your last win came nearly a year ago against former world title challenger Carlos Carlson. Why the long layoff and do you anticipate any ring rust?

“I had a lower back injury going into the Carlson fight, but I didn’t want to back out because I knew I could beat him. After the fight, I started to feel more pain so I got an MRI and it revealed some problems. Thankfully I didn’t have to have surgery, but I was tied up with rest and physical therapy last year. Basically I had to re-strengthen the muscles in my lower back. I feel great now. I’m completely healthy with no issues. I don’t see ring rust being an issue because I got some pretty good sparring in for this training camp.”

How did your training camp unfold for this fight?

“I feel strong and ready to fight. I sparred twelve rounds for this fight so I know my conditioning is going to hold up. I feel comfortable and just anxious to get in the ring.”

What do you expect to see from Jose Estrella on Friday night?

“We know he’s a tough fighter. He’s shorter than me so I think he’ll want to fight on the inside and try to lock me up. I’ll feel him out the first few rounds and go from there. I like to pick up the pace as soon as possible so fans won’t have to wait too long to see some fireworks.”

Do you feel you’re ready to challenge for a world title?

“I hope this is my year. I’m obviously focused on Estrella because that’s a tough fight, but I feel I’m ready to compete for a world title. Oscar Valdez comes to mind because he’s a guy I have tremendous respect for, but we’ll have to see what develops there. The plan is to let everyone know on Friday that I can challenge for a world title very soon.”

You turned professional in 2011 when you were just 17. Now 24, is there any piece of advice you’d like to pass on to those that are about to turn pro?

“The best piece of advice I can give to those starting out is to be very careful with your body. What you put in and how you train. When you’re young, you feel like you can bounce back from anything, but the reality is how you treat your body in your late teens and early 20s does impact you as you get older. So I would recommend to all the young guys about to turn professional to really focus on creating good habits early on because you are more likely to stick to it if you make it part of your daily routine from an early age.”

Limited tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are priced at $40 & $100, and are available for purchase on the day of the event from the will call booth at the Doubletree Ontario (see address below).

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentating.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #LockednLoaded, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

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

SANTA MONICA, CA. (April 17, 2019) – Former two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and welterweight contender Adrian Granados took part in a media workout Wednesday as they near their main event showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes this Saturday night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The workout also featured heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. and Alexander Dimitrenko, who meet in a 10-round bout, and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa, who faces Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that kicks off the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica:

DANNY GARCIA

“I fought in this arena when I was 6-0 so it’s exciting to be back. I also won the welterweight title against Robert Guerrero in Los Angeles. L.A. has always been good to me. There’s a great atmosphere and I love fighting here.

“I’m ready for anybody, but I’m also not looking past Granados. At the end of the day, I have to focus on Saturday night. I have to get this victory.

“There’s a lot at stake, so I know Granados will be ready. I trained hard and I think I’m in the best shape of my life. I think I’m in better shape now than my last two fights. I can’t wait to show it on Saturday night.

“You watch Danny Garcia fights you know I’m always swinging trying to knock people out. Expect another can’t-miss fight on Saturday.

“I know what Granados brings to the table, but I believe in my skills and the hard work we put into camp. The plan is of course to get a knockout and look spectacular, but I’m more than ready to go 12 hard rounds.”

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“This is a classic in a making. We’re going to put on a show. I feel great. We’ve closed out camp just right and we’re ready to rock and roll on Saturday.

“There are a lot of challenges in this fight. I have to go out there to dominate and take the fight away from him. Danny is a great fighter and there’s a reason he’s a big name in the sport. This is an opportunity that I’m going to take advantage of.

“I wasn’t surprised that Shawn Porter said I was a tougher fight than Danny Garcia. I watched both fights and you could see at the end that I had Shawn running for survival. He did what he had to do to escape, but for this fight I’m taking it out of anybody else’s hands.

“I don’t think Danny is looking past me, but I know he has bigger plans. I’m here to interrupt those plans. I have my own plans. I’m going to catapult myself to where I belong and where I should have always been.

“My parents worked so hard to put me on the right path. I got involved with sports as a kid and never looked back. I always stayed focus on my sports and studies. The temptations were there in Chicago. I stayed true to myself and now I’m in a place where a lot of people look up to me. If I win on Saturday it can show that anything is possible.”

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“This is going to be my fourth fight at this venue. I’ve gotten a knockout every time, so I think it’s a good luck arena for me. I’ve had setbacks, but I’m ready for my comeback.

“I’ve been training hard for this fight to make a statement. I’m excited to get this win and do it emphatically.

“Dimitrenko is a veteran fighter and I know I can’t take him lightly. We’re going to be ready and may the best man win. I’m ready to take on all challengers.

“I just need to stay loose and let my hands go. I’m going to show the kind of fighter that I am. My speed and the way I use the ring will be a key.

“I’ve watched Dimitrenko’s fights, and I know I just have to do what I have to do. I think it’s harder for him to fight a smaller guy like me, especially one with speed and who throws combinations.”

ALEXANDER DIMITRENKO

“This is an important fight for me and I’m here to win. This is nothing new to me. My job is to come here put on a great performance. I’ve been a pro for a long time and I’m ready for Saturday.

“I have more experience in big fights than Ruiz. I’m going to give my best in this fight. There’s no pressure on me and I’m feeling relaxed and ready for war.

“My last fight against Bryant Jennings ended with a bad stoppage and I’m looking to erase that memory. A win on Saturday is important to me and I’m not looking past it. I have to do my job and we’ll see what happens after that.

“This is my first time in Los Angeles, I’ve gotten to enjoy the weather a little bit but it’s all business. I’m focused on fighting on Saturday, that’s been the goal all camp and we’re leading up to a great show on Saturday.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“This is a moment I’ve been waiting for since I was a little kid. The opportunity is here, I’m ready and I can’t wait to take it.

“I had a really good training camp. My body is ready physically and mentally. I know that Parejo is a really good fighter who’s going to try to box me. I feel like once I put the pressure on him, I’m going to be able to dominate him.

“I think Parejo has weaknesses on his inside game, which is something I’m really good at. I feel like for my past few fights I’ve used that to dominate my opponents.

“This is my time to shine. I had a really good training camp and I’m here to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m only 22-years-old and I’ve worked really hard to get where I’m at right now.”

# # #

ABOUT GARCIA VS. GRANADOS
Garcia vs. Granados will see former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia battling rugged veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 20 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins 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 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

NEW YORK CITY (April 17, 2019) – The time for talking is over. Terence “Bud” Crawford is ready for business.

Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Amir “King” Khan (33-4, 20 KOs) Saturday night at Madison Square Garden on the inaugural Top Rank on ESPN PPV (9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST).

The PPV undercard will feature undefeated lightweight sensation Teofimo Lopez against Edis Tatli in a 12-rounder, Shakur Stevenson versus Christopher Diaz in a 10-round featherweight showdown and Puerto Rican superstar Felix Verdejo taking on former interim world champion Bryan Vasquez.

Three days away from the Garden Party, this is what Crawford, Khan and their trainers had to say.

Terence Crawford

“I don’t believe no fight that I fight is just another fight for me. I believe that all fights that I fight from here on out are for my legacy. That’s why I want the biggest fights out there. Amir Khan’s name came up because he was the next best welterweight in the division. I could’ve easily took {Luis} Collazo. He could’ve took another fight with Kell Brook. I could’ve took Collazo, but that wasn’t the job that I really wanted to take. Amir Khan is a great fighter. I can’t take nothing away from. He’s done a lot in the sport of boxing. He has a big name. He’s undefeated at the welterweight division. So why not take another step up?

On not getting the credit for beating certain opponents

“Sometimes it bothers me, but that just shows how dominant I am. When you got undefeated gold medalists and world champions, where before the fight a lot of writers and fans think that they’re going to steamroll me or they’re too big for me, and this is going to be the toughest fight of my career. After the fight, they say, ‘He wasn’t that good,’ or ‘he was a stand-up fighter,’ or ‘he was slow,’ or ‘we knew you were going to do this, we just had to hype up the fight.’ So they discredit me. When you look at the fighters I’ve fought, most of them haven’t been the same after they’ve fought me.”

“I just want people to respect me for my talent and the skills that I have, and the willingness to go in there and fight any and everybody that’s available.”

Amir Khan

“This {fight} ranks at the top for me because fighting a world champion, Terence is very high in the pound-for-pound rankings, maybe number one or number two. So, it’s just amazing for me to be in this position once again. That itself is a great motivation for me, to know that I’m fighting the best out there once again. And it makes me train harder, work harder and focus on this fight. I know that I can’t make any mistakes in this fight because I could be trouble. Terence, I’ve been watching all the videos of his fights. I see how he breaks down fighters, how he sees openings and stuff, and I can’t make those openings {easy for him}. Maybe my last performance got me this fight. To me, that wasn’t the best performance. That wasn’t the best Amir Khan. I’m now back with my old trainer, Virgil Hunter, where I’m happy and he trained me the best. And he knows me better than any trainer out there. We know we’ve done everything we have to do for this fight, and I’m going to be more than ready.”

“I’ve had some good fights in the welterweight division. We fought {Luis} Collazo. We fought {Devon} Alexander. {Virgil} has brought the best out of me. Even the Canelo fight was going well until I got caught with a shot. So, I mean, whereas this fight I’m fighting someone who is my own weight, which helps. Every fight with Virgil, I’ve learned something from, win or lose, and he’s brought the best out of me. I needed to get back with someone who could bring that respect back for the sport of boxing and also make me work harder.”

“This is a dream come true, and hopefully on Saturday, a dream will come true, where I get my opportunity to fight for another world title and be one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. This just drives me, makes me work harder, train harder, stay focused. I know I have someone in front of me who is up there as number one. You can’t deny that. He’s a good fighter. I know he’s training hard because he doesn’t want to lose that unbeaten record, and I don’t want to lose this fight because I want to achieve everything I want in the sport of boxing.”

Bob Arum

“I don’t have to talk about what the public is going to see from Terence Crawford. Anyone who knows anything in boxing knows a Terence Crawford comes along very seldom in a generation. I look at him {and the closest thing I can recall to him} is Sugar Ray Leonard. Terence reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard. I’m not going to get into who would win if they fought each other because that ain’t gonna happen. Terence is really something special, and I’m so delighted that we’ve been able to arrange this fight against Khan, who I’ve always been an admirer of. Tremendous, tremendous fighter. I know Amir remembers the time I spent with his family when he was in Manny Pacquiao’s training camp. So I know what he brings to this party, and I am really looking forward to performances by two great fighters. A generational talent in Terence Crawford, and one of the great fighters I’ve seen in Amir Khan.”

Frank Smith (Matchroom Boxing CEO)

“Amir had other opportunities he could’ve gone down, most notably probably the Kell Brook fight. But this is the fight that Amir wanted, and you have respect that and you have to respect a man who has done what he’s done in the sport, and I believe on Saturday night he’s going to go in there and do a job and become a world champion once again.”

“I think Amir, when he’s in with the best fighters, that’s when he looks the best. I think the test of Terence Crawford, taking on one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, one of the most respected fighters in the world, will bring him on. He has come back from those two fights {victories over Phil Lo Greco and Samuel Vargas}… I think as a welterweight, that’s the strongest weight for him, and I think it’s great having Virgil back in his corner. He had a great time with Joe Goossen, but I think being back with Virgil, who he’s been with for a very long time, is important to him.”

Brian McIntyre (Crawford’s trainer)

“It’s an honor to be across the ring from Virgil Hunter, and I will tell Virgil and everyone in the world that I’ll listen to him, as he {trained} Andre Ward and so many other fighters. As a student of the game, you go back and try to listen to the trainers and see what they tell their fighters in the corner… I’m glad Amir went back with Virgil Hunter because I don’t want him to have no excuses when Terence starts touching him.”

Virgil Hunter (Khan’s trainer)

“It’s been a pleasure having Amir back. It came at the right time and a good time for a fight of this magnitude, to go up against a great fighter like Terence Crawford. As coaches, we live for these opportunities. Whether we win, whether we come up short, we thrive in these settings. It’s a great opportunity, and it’s a pleasure to be involved in this event.”

“He can’t have a mental lapse. He has to be focused every second of every round and be able to read the adjustments that a great fighter like Crawford will make. He’s {excellent} at making adjustments, and we have to be able to read those adjustments and adjust accordingly to stay competitive and try to win this fight.”

ESPN PPV, 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST

Terence Crawford (champion) vs. Amir Khan (challenger), 12 rounds, Crawford’s WBO welterweight world title

Teofimo Lopez vs. Edis Tatli, 12 rounds, Lopez’s NABF lightweight title

Shakur Stevenson vs. Christopher Diaz, 10 rounds, Stevenson’s IBF Intercontinental, and vacant NABO featherweight titles

Felix Verdejo vs. Bryan Vasquez, 10 rounds, lightweight

ESPN2, 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PST

Carlos Adames vs. Frank Galarza,10 rounds, Adames’ NABF, and vacant NABO 154-pound titles

Edgar Berlanga vs. Samir Barbosa, 8 rounds, middleweight

Larry Fryers vs. Dakota Polley, 6/4 rounds, super lightweight

Vikas Krishan vs. Noah Kidd, 6 rounds, super welterweight

Lawrence Newton vs. Jonathan Garza, 6 rounds, bantamweight

ABOUT CRAWFORD VS. KHAN
CRAWFORD vs. KHAN is a 12-round fight for the WBO welterweight championship of the world, presented by Top Rank in association with Matchroom Boxing and Khan Promotions. The event is sponsored by Geico. CRAWFORD vs. KHAN will take place Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST at Madison Square Garden, and will be produced by Top Rank and ESPN and distributed live by ESPN Pay-Per-View.

Tickets for this world championship event priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

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

Use the hashtag #CrawfordKhan to join the conversation on social media.

MONTREAL (April 17, 2019): An unfortunate hand injury has forced David Lemieux (40-4, 34 KOs) to withdraw from his 168-pound debut against London’s
John “The Gorilla” Ryder (27-4, 15 KOs) in what was going to be the scheduled 12-round co-main event of Canelo vs. Jacobs. Lemieux injured his right hand during a sparring session, and his doctor has recommended that he rest for eight weeks before returning to the gym.

Details for the new co-main event will be announced shortly. The Canelo vs. Jacobs will continue as planned on Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Lemieux, a 30-year-old native of Montreal, Canada, is disappointed at his injury, but promises to return stronger than ever.

”Training camp was going really great,” said David Lemieux.”I felt in tremendous shape, the strongest I’d ever felt in my entire career. But, I will be back soon. Hopefully, the fans will understand. I promise I will make it up to them once I’m healed.”

“I’m very disappointed since he was in the best shape of his life both in the gym and in the ring,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management. “We will take the time to heal his hand and get right back in the chase for a world title.”

“It’s very unfortunate that David Lemieux’s return has been postponed,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy. “But this is boxing, and these things happen. We wish David a speedy recovery and look forward to his return, so he can make big waves at 168 pounds.”

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

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

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

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

Ray Flores
Thank you very much, Operator. First of all I want to thank the media for joining us all around the world as we get set for PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes this upcoming Saturday from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. What a venue for a tremendous night of boxing.

Our main event, the two division world champion, Danny “Swift” Garcia, goes head to head against the ultra-competitive and always entertaining, Adrian “El Tigre” Granados.

The broadcast begins at 8 o’clock Eastern, 5 Pacific Time. Also on the main card — what a card that we have — as we have heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. going head to head against Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round matchup. That is the co-main event.

To open up the broadcast, a young man who is quickly making his way up the ranks, the brother of Omar Figueroa, unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa goes head to head against Venezuela’s own Yonfrez Parejo in a 10-round matchup for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Championship.

Tickets are going quickly as Saturday night’s event is brought to you by TGB Promotion and Mayweather Promotions in association with DSG Promotions. You can purchase them at axs.com or the Dignity Health Sports Box Office.

The first fight gets rolling at 3 o’clock. So all the fights end in Southern California — get there early — and then we go live with PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes at 8 Eastern, 5 local time.

After the FOX broadcast, we have plenty more action PBC FIGHT NIGHT – EXTRA on FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10:30 Eastern, 7:30 Pacific time.

It’ll feature a matchup between Jeison Rosario and Jorge Cota plus Karlos Balderas, Alfredo Angulo and more. You do not want to miss it as we go wall to wall on FOX, FOX Deportes, and FS1 this upcoming Saturday.

Right now without further ado it gives me great honor and pleasure to introduce the man who no-doubt will be a part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He has promoted events all over the world and he understands how to find talent, takes someone from 0 and 0 to being the World Champion and subsequently a Hall of Famer.

Please welcome my dear friend, the President of TGB Promotion, Mr. Tom Brown.

Tom Brown
Well, thank you, Ray, and thanks everyone for joining us in this conference call for what will be an amazing time presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday nights, and as Ray said the Garcia-Granados fight will be televised live on primetime network television by FOX and FOX Deportes.

The Dignity Health Sports Park has been home to some modern classics in Southern California to replace the famous Olympic Auditorium, and the main event with Danny Garcia vs at Adrian Granados is a sensational fight, incredible matchup, and tough styles, and really one of the best non-World Title fights you can make in the welterweight division.

The late great Hall of Fame matchmaker, Teddy Brenner, said about matchmaking t’s not simply a matter of putting the number one and number two guys in the ring. Anybody could do that. It’s a matter of first determining whether the styles of the two fighters blend and in this fight that’s a hell yes.

Then you have to decide if it’s an important fight. In other words, will the winner move on to a bigger fight, absolutely and, thirdly, he said as a fan is it a fight that I would want to see because the fans want the best fight, and that’s another hell yes.

So I can’t wait for Saturday night. Now I’ll toss this back to Ray. Thank you very much everyone for joining the call.

R. Flores
Thank you very much to Tom Brown and, look, I’ll tell you this, when Tom Brown gets excited for a fight you know it’s something special. And speaking of special, this man I’m getting ready to introduce has been a part of some of the most special and some of the biggest events in combat sports history. Talk about been there done that, he’s promoted the biggest event in the history of the sport of boxing. Please welcome the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, Mr. Leonard Ellerbe.

Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you, Ray. I’m really excited about this Saturday night. We have a terrific fight. We got two guys who are really never in a boring fight and their styles really mesh well, so we can really expect a hell of a fight this Saturday night. Both guys come to the fight with something to prove in my opinion.

I think when you look at Danny, Danny wants to really look spectacular because he really wants to show the world he’s still one of the best welterweights in the world and a scintillating performance this Saturday night will do just that.

On the other hand with Adrian Granados, never ever have we seen Adrian in a boring fight. He’ll be looking to get that career defining win that will immediately catapult him in the mix with all the other big money fighters that are out there in the welterweight division.

So both guys will be looking to make a statement come this Saturday night and the fans can expect a great fight. Back to you, Ray.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. Thank you so much Leonard. I really appreciate it.

Right now, as we get set to meet the main event combatants, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to welcome in a guy who has a record of 20 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws, from Chicago, Illinois, been involved as a professional for a decade.

He’s won two straight. He has stepped inside the ring with the likes of Shawn Porter, Adrien Broner, Javier Fortuna. When it comes to classifying this guy, I have to look at him as a throwback fighter because he will fight anybody and everybody and he’s constantly bringing you pressure.

He’s of Mexican descent, and he’ so emblematic of what a Mexican fighter is all about, and no doubt he will be in his best condition and ready to put on the performance of a lifetime. Please welcome Adrian “El Tigre” Granados.

Adrian Granados
Hey, how’s it going everybody. Thank for having me. I’m excited for this Saturday. It’s going to be a good fight. I know me and Danny both got a lot to prove in this fight and I know that our styles mesh well.

I know, you know, Dignity Sports Park is known for giving good fights and I feel like we’re going to give a classic. I’m coming for the win.

It’s going to be a great fight, and may the best man win and in this case I feel like I’m the best man. I’m not going to back down from a fire fight and I’m going to do whatever I got to do to win this fight.

I can guarantee a great fight and may God bless us both and take care of us and yeah, man. Let’s get it on.

R. Flores
Thank you very much, Adrian, greatly appreciate it. And also, it gives me a great honor and pleasure to introduce his opponent.

So we have Adrian Granados who is of Mexican descent, and this man is of Puerto Rican descent. So you have the Mexico against Puerto Rico rivalry that’ll be on display on Saturday night, but this man is a two division World Champion, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 31 years of age from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 11-year Pro. He’s been in the ring with the likes of Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, defeated the likes of Lucas Matthysse, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, Paulie Malignaggi, trained by his father Angel. He’s also a throwback fighter, bites down in his mouthpiece, comes forward, and always puts on a sensational show for all the boxing fans around the world.

Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Danny “Swift” Garcia.

Danny Garcia
How you guys doing? Thanks for having me on. I can’t wait. It’s been a long camp. It’s been a long hard camp. I put in a lot of hard work. Now it’s time to go in there this Saturday and handle business and give my fans another great entertaining fight.

Q
Which fight do you think is going to be more entertaining as you guys go head to head with this Crawford-Khan?

D. Garcia
Oh definitely my fight. You know what I bring to the table. I always bring fireworks, speed, power, entertainment, blood, and guts. So I prepare myself for a classic fight. I train hard for 10 weeks straight and I’m ready to go in there and show the world who’s one of the best and why this fight’s a fight to watch.

Q
Adrian, do you have a feeling that basically this is kind of, like, your moment?
A. Granados
Yeah, most definitely. I know that I’m known for putting on great fights and just coming up short. Whether it is over a controversial decision or any other controversy. So yeah, I mentioned it to Leonard Ellerbe, I’m tired of it. So I’m definitely going out there to put on a dominating performance, and I know I have a hard work ahead of me so definitely I’m ready for the task at hand.

Q
How do you feel about the skills of Danny Garcia?

A. Granados
I’m expecting the best Danny Garcia. He’s made it clear. He’s trained very hard for this fight and that he’s not overlooking me, and that’s definitely what I want and that’s how it should be.

I always want to fight the best and I’m never going to back down from the best either. So it’s going to make for a great fight and we’ll be putting on a classic this Saturday.

Q
Adrian, what can you really do to make sure that you don’t come up on the short end of another very close decision?

A. Granados
Well, just plain and simple, I got to take it out of the judge’s hands. If I get Danny hurt then I’m definitely going to step on the gas and try to get them out and if not I’ll just have to put on a dominating performance.

I know it’s going to be hard. I know it’s going to be a tough fight but I’ve also trained very hard and I’m ready to deliver.

Q
Adrian, one of the greatest assets Danny’s shown in his career is his chin. Do you feel you can get him out of there?

A. Granados
Yeah anybody could get anyone out of there. I respect to who’s he’s been in there with and he has showed a great chin but anything’s possible in that ring and anybody can be stopped at any time

Q
Adrian, what did you think of his performance against Shawn Porter and how might you maybe compare how you fought against Shawn Porter?

A. Granados
He fought a tough fight, it was a close fight but I had Porter just out pressuring him and out working him and there’s some things that I guess I could take from that fight but I’m going to win my fight Adrian Granados style.

Q
Danny, what do you think about Adrian saying that he would be able to get you out of there?

D. Garcia
As a fighter, he has to be confident but in reality I faced the biggest punchers in the game, I faced the most – the fastest and strongest, some of the best fighters in the game and I’ve never been down in my career, and that’s just to show you how hard I work in the gym.

I’m always in great – I’m always in tip top shape. I’m a high-level fighter. I’ve faced a lot of adversity in my career and I highly doubt that he can stop me. I got a lot of skills. I’m in great shape so if anybody’s going down this fight, it’s definitely going to be him, not me.

Q
Danny, how much do you feel going into this fight coming off a loss in what was a close fight against Shawn Porter but a loss. How much do you feel people are kind of doubting you at this point?

D. Garcia
I don’t know nothing about that. I feel really good. I think this camp right here was better than my last two camps, the Porter camp, and the Rios camp. I feel like this is one of my best training camps and I am in great physical shape for this fight and I’m going to come and prove that and show that Saturday night.

Q
Danny, why was this training camp better than the last couple of camps in your opinion?

D. Garcia
I was a lot more disciplined. I gave it the extra grit. I worked on new things.

I was more discipline on my diet, I got a new conditioning coach who worked on learning a lot of things. So you know, it just felt new. It felt good.

I got great sparring and I think everything we did – I know everything we did in this camp was perfect and it’s going to show Saturday night.

Q
After your last couple of fights, Danny, did you consciously make that decision that I need to add a nutritionist or whatever you added to your team to help what is the way to go for you for your next fight?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely. I felt like I needed to work on things as far as conditioning. My other skills are always there, the stamina is over there and the road work was over there. We just needed to work on different muscles and things to help me improve and make me a stronger fighter, and I felt like we did that this camp.

Q
When you’re fighting a guy whose record isn’t what the other guys you fought is, how challenging is that sometimes or is it just that you know Adrian is such a tough guy that you couldn’t do that?

D. Garcia
No. At the end of the day, I don’t look at it like that because you can’t overlook nobody in this sport. In this sport, if you’re better than him, you got to go in there and just be better than him. I can’t go in there, train easy, and make it harder than making it supposed to be.

So that’s why I train really hard because I’m going to go in there and show the world that I’m simply just better than him.
Q
You’ve been in the ring with Amir Khan. You’ve knocked Amir Khan out. You’re well aware of how good Terence Crawford is. Do you give him any chance in a fight at all?

D. Garcia
Khan is not an easy style to prepare for. He has fast hands and he has quick feet. So it’s definitely going to be an entertaining fight.

Terence Crawford is not a really a pressure fighter. He’ll try to knock you out one punch or try to break you down and take you out of the lead.

I honestly believe it’s a 50/50 fight. I think Terence Crawford has more momentum going into the fight then Khan, but I honestly think it’s a 50/50 fight.

Q
How do you compare the mindset heading into this bounce back fight compared to the fight that you had against Brandon Rios last year?

D. Garcia
I’m a winner. So it’s always tough when a fight doesn’t go your way, but I try not to think about that. I know there’s a great fight and the future is now, so I can’t worry about what happened in the past.

My mind set is just simply winning on Saturday night and everything else it just doesn’t matter to me.

Q
How much do you kind of think about a potential rematch against Keith Thurman or Shawn Porter given how close both of those fights were on the scorecards?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely. Those are definitely fights I want to avenge. I want to avenge on those fights because I obviously feel like I did enough to win both of those fights but I can’t worry about that right now.

I feel like those fights will always be there in the future, in the near future. So I just have to make sure I go in there Saturday night and handle business, first.

Q
Adrian do you kind of look at this fight and think to yourself that this is maybe not your last chance but maybe a great chance to sort of prove anybody that may that would win you this fight?

A. Granados
Yeah, most definitely. I’m coming to win this fight. I’m tired of the controversy. I’m tired of them finding any way to not give me the win.

I definitely got to come in and really just take the fight, they’re not going to give me the fight ever. So I’m going to go out there and have to take it.

Q
You’ve got this fight ahead of you this Saturday against Adrian and this one is looking to be fantastic but a lot of buzzing about Manny Pacquiao potentially being in your future. How do you handle that kind of speculation heading into a big fight?

D. Garcia
It’s definitely exciting when a legend like Many Pacquiao says he wants to fight you. It’s always been a dream of mine to fight Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao, two World Champ great legends and just him saying my name definitely motivates me to make sure I handle business Saturday night.

So that’s why I took the fight very serious and I know it’s a big fight for me. So I have to go in there and make sure that I win this fight hands down.

Q
What does it feel like right now as boxing continues to get deeper and deeper? What do you think that means for your division?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely, I’ve been in there with most of the other top guys and I’ve been in there with Amir Khan already, Porter, Thurman. I’ve been in there were a lot of guys at 140, 147 already so it definitely interesting. There’s a lot of great matchups to makes so whatever fight you make at 147 is going to be interesting, especially with so many styles in Mega fights and I’ve been a part of a lot of mega fights and I love the training so I can go handle business Saturday, because that set me up for those big fights.

A. Granados
Yeah, this is a big fight. This is my big fight and I know that Danny knows that this is a big fight for him too. I could definitely knock him out of all those plans.

I understand that he’s a bigger name than me and they have a lot of things set up for him, you know, but I come out on Saturday and upset him, as they would name it an upset, that throws my name into the hat with all those fights.

I myself would like a fight with Manny Pacquiao. I would fight anybody and boxing knows that and that’s why this Saturday is a huge fight for me. It’s a must win opportunity for me because winning this fight definitely change the landscape for my career.

Win or lose, most definitely, I’m going to put on a hell of a show and I know that but definitely, I’m not trying to leave without a victory.

Q
On Saturday night will you be satisfied to go the distance in other competitive fights, or you determined to come away with the win at all costs and those fights decision didn’t go your way, are you really fighting to get the win this time?

A. Granados
Most definitely coming out with a win. That’s what I’m focused on. That’s what I got my mind set on and that’s what’s going to happen.

I know that it’s going to be a good fight and I know I’m going to put on the show and I’ll be there, the whole fight but I definitely need this one and I’m coming out for it.

Q
Is it exciting to be back on network television again? Are you motivated to get back on to pay per view after this fight?

D. Garcia
I think this is great for boxing. I definitely think just fighting on regular TV is great for boxing. I think that’s what made a lot of great fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, all those guys were on regular TV so I think this gives us a bigger platform, it intertwines boxing with all the other sports that come on that channel. Like football, basketball, baseball, so I think anytime you mix up boxing with all the big sports on a regular TV channel is great for boxing. So I definitely love being on FOX and regular TV.

Q
You think you’ve been unfairly left out of those conversations at welterweight? Is it frustrating for you to see that he might get a fight with Errol Spence next or do you feel like this is just kind of how boxing works, that you need to take this fight with Adrian first?

D. Garcia
No, I mean, I feel like it’s all about timing. One thing I learned about boxing it’s really all about timing because if you look at it like that, you’ll be frustrated. You’ll always question like why am I not the man; wow, how did he get it before me and I’ve been here longer. I’ve been in the game for longer.

So I know how things work. Boxing is all about timing. I have to make sure I handle this business first and then we’ll definitely get some pay per view fight in. Not the end of the year or maybe next year for sure.

Q
Mr. Granados, can you talk to us and share with us what Ed Brown means to you and how much of him will come into the ring with you on Saturday?

A. Granados
Ed Brown means a lot to me, that’s my little bro. Definitely I was raised through the boxing ranks with him. I went to a lot of amateur tournaments together. We used to always represent the Great Lakes in the Midwest.

He’s always there with me. He’s like a guardian angel. I feel like his life came up short because of the gang violence in Chicago, and the gun violence. Yeah, no, I carry him around with me all the time in my heart and I definitely I miss him, and I know he’s looking out for me.

Q
What would a win this weekend over Garcia mean to you, controversy or otherwise?

A. Granados
It would mean a lot. I need it. I’m tired of the controversy, I’m tired of the drama in my career. I had to go out and get a dominating win and a satisfying win it would be.

Q
Why do you believe you’re the best man to win this fight against Garcia?

A. Granados
I think just overall that I’m a better fighter. I think there’s a lot more that I could do in the ring and Saturday night I’m going to show that.

Q
Will you talk about the addition of your new strength coach, and then how do you feel these tactics have made you stronger. Can you feel that strength? And if so, how?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely work on new things, a lot of explosions, working on explosiveness and a lot of twitch muscles, working on different things and I definitely feel like there is going to be another show come Saturday night.

Q
What are the goals that you set? Will you share those with us?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely, well I’m going to go in there and win this fight. I’m going to go in there and dominate this fight and show the world why I’m one of the best fighters in the world and I trained hard and I’m hundred percent sure that I’m going to go in there and do that.

Q
What does it mean for both of you guys to be the main event at this venue?

D. Garcia
I feel great. It feels great to be in there. I actually fought at the StubHub when it was the Home Depot Center I believe on Oscar De La Hoya versus Stevie Forbes. So I fought there one time already. It was a great atmosphere. So I’m definitely looking forward to going back in there and show out so.

I won the welterweight title in LA too in 2016. So California has always been good to me so it’s definitely a great atmosphere for me, and I can’t wait to go in there and perform.

A. Granados
Yeah, no, I’m excited. I’m excited for the fight. I know it’s going to be a great atmosphere. I’ve watched plenty of good fights there over the years.

I’m excited that it’s in LA. There’s going to be a high Mexican population. So I know they’re going to come out to support and it’s just it’s known for a great atmosphere for fights and I feel like that’s what’s going to happen to Saturday. It’s going to be a great show and definitely going to be a great fight between me and Danny.

Q
Would you guys like to see yourself more active moving forward once the result comes in on Saturday? At least fighting, trying to not make three or four times a year, just to stay sharp.

D. Garcia
Preparing for high level fights is a lot of hard work. I got a daughter now. I have a family so, I’m happy if I can get three times that would be great, but I think two times is great for me, especially at a high level, give my body sometime kind of rest.

This will be my 37th fight of my career come Saturday night, and I definitely take my body to the extreme and push myself to the limit every time I’m in training camp. So I definitely consider two times – I’m happy with two times. If I get three, that’s a blessing but two times is good for me.

A. Granados
Yeah, no, I’m fine with fighting busy or fighting when the fights come to me. Definitely I’d like to stay busier but I got to take whatever God gives me and I’m very appreciative of it.

I’m happy and I live a good life and I’m thankful for everything I get. So yeah, I know it just basically, I’ll take them how I can get one.

Q
What do you expect from Adrian that’s a little bit different from Brandon Rios in terms of the fact that maybe he’s a fresher fighter?

D. Garcia
Yeah, definitely. Yeah, I compare our styles to a couple of people I fought. He’s kind of like a Robert Guerrero type fighter, he’s a durable guy. He likes to come forward. He’s just not southpaw.

They seem like they have same type of speed, same type of power. Definitely more like Brandon Rios where he comes forward, just a little fresher.

So I know what I’m up against and I prepare myself. I spar with guys like this, I fought a guy that gets me answers, and I know what I’m up against, so I’m prepared for this fight and I know what I got to go in there to do to win this fight.

Q
Do you see that as something that you can build off of being the pressure fighter that Rios was?

A. Granados
Yeah every fight is going to be different. So, I’m not going to completely compare myself with Brandon Rios.

It was an exciting fight for as long as it lasted. Definitely, I was surprised with how much success Brandon had against Danny but Danny broke him down and caught him with a good shot but I definitely see myself doing a lot more than what Brandon did and all respects to Brandon Rios who’s a great fighter but I’m Adrian Granados.

R. Flores
Excellent. Well, thank you very much Operator for that and before we let both Danny Garcia and Adrian Granados still want to once again remind the media PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes, we go live from Dignity Health Sports Park, 8 o’clock Eastern, 5 o’clock local time. Tickets still available axs.com. I’m going to open up the floor to Adrian Granados and Danny Garcia with closing comments.

A. Granados
Yeah, no just definitely excited for a great fight. It’s going to be a war and I’m coming with everything and I’m definitely coming for a win.

I’m coming for a dominating win and I’m coming to just turn some heads. You know people are writing me off in this fight and definitely that’s not what’s going to happen, and I plan on delivering Saturday night

D. Garcia
Well, I want to thank the media for taking the time out to ask questions and make the fight the biggest fight.

All the talking is done, all the hard work is done. It’s the final stretch, the last couple days till weigh-in and then fight night. I’ve been here plenty of times, and I can’t wait to go in there and show my fans why I’m one of the best fighters in the world, and I put the work in, and I can’t wait.

All the fans buy your tickets. Make sure you tune in, record it on FOX because it’s going to be a great night of boxing and a legendary night for Danny Garcia.

# # #

ABOUT GARCIA VS. GRANADOS
Garcia vs. Granados will see former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia battling rugged veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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

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

New York, NY (April 17, 2019) World ranked middleweight contender Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko (13-1, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, was victorious this past Saturday night, April 13, against former world title challenger Jack Culcay (25-4, 13 KOs), of Davie, FL, at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, MN, taking home a 12-round unanimous decision. Scores for the bout, telecast nationally on FoxSports1, were 116-112 twice, and 115-113.

The victory earned Derevyanchenko, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., the status of mandatory challenger for the IBF Middleweight World Title currently held by Brooklyn rival Daniel Jacobs. On October 27, 2018, the former Ukrainian amateur standout lost a hard-fought controversial 12-round decision to Jacobs for the vacant title at Madison Square Garden.

With Jacobs headed to a middleweight unification showdown versus Canelo Alvarez on May 4, Derevyanchenko looks to make a quick return fighting any of the top middleweights.

“I felt very good against Culcay; he was a very tough opponent, but I prevailed by listening to my corner and staying focused,” said Derevyanchenko. “I’m going to take just a short time off and return to the gym. My focus is staying active and fighting the best in the middleweight division. My fight versus Danny Jacobs proved I can compete with anyone. Now it is time to win a world championship.”

“Sergiy defeated a very game Jack Culcay on Saturday and proved that he remains one of the best middleweights in the world,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With the win, he is now the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title, and we will continue to seek out the biggest and best opportunities for Sergiy to compete against the elite of the middleweight division ASAP.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 17th, 2019) — The champ returns next Friday to face his most experienced opponent yet.

Newly-crowned WBC World Youth Lightweight Champion Jamaine Ortiz (10-0, 5 KOs) of Worcester, Mass., headlines for the second event in a row on Friday, April 26th, 2019 at Twin River Casino Hotel when he faces Brazilian challenger Vitor Jones (15-4, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout, Ortiz’s first since capturing the title in February.

Jones, a native of Salvador, returns to the United States for the second time this year and the ninth time in his career. The 25-year-old right-hander made his professional debut in 2012 under the guidance of Banner Promotions and won his first 13 fights, including victories over southpaw Guillermo Sanchez and former Brazilian title-challenger Sidney Siqueira.

Ortiz, a decorated amateur who won 100 fights and advanced to the semifinals of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials in Nevada, comes off his most noteworthy achievement as a professional, a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten California native Ricardo Quiroz for the WBC Youth crown on Feb. 23rd.

Ortiz-Jones headlines another stacked fight card at the Twin River Event Center, which includes the return of New England fan-favorites Ricky Delossantos, Michael Valentin, Lamont Powell, Marqus Bates, Nicholas Briggs and Victor Reynoso.

Unbeaten at 7-0, Delossantos faces durable Mexican featherweight German Meraz (62-54-2, 39 KOs) in an eight-round bout, the toughest test to date for the 29-year-old Pawtucket, R.I., native. Meraz’s long-running career features 62 wins, including 39 by knockout. Next Friday is his fifth fight of the year and 13th since the beginning of 2018, a remarkable stretch highlighted by a three-fight win streak between last April and June.

Meraz has also gone the distance with unbeaten featherweights Tramaine Williams, Irvin Gonzalez, Jason Sanchez, Ruben Villa and Gadwin Rosa, a tall order for Delossantos, who, like Ortiz, is coming off his most impressive win, outworking U.S. Army vet Javar Jones in February.

Tickets are priced at $47, $102, $127 and $152 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com or www.showclix.com or by phone at 401-724-2253. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET and the first fight begins at 7.

Highlighting the undercard is a long-awaited six-round welterweight showdown between Massachusetts natives Marqus Bates (6-2, 4 KOs) of Taunton and undefeated Wilfredo Pagan (6-0, 3 KOs) of Southbridge. Pagan remained unbeaten with a win over Carlos Galindo in March while Bates won his fourth in a row via knockout in an impressive showing February at Twin River against regional rival Jair Ramos. Next Friday is Pagan’s first fight outside of Massachusetts while Bates returns to Twin River for the eighth time in nine fights.

Reynoso (3-0, 3 KOs), a Providence, R.I., and hard-hitting super welterweight, puts his unbeaten record on the line against Miami’s Yasmani Pedroso (2-5, 1 KO) in a four-round bout. Reynoso faced a tall task in February against John Williams and entered the fourth and final round needing a knockout to pull out the victory. He caught Williams with an overhand right at the 1:31 mark, sending his opponent into the ropes and prompting referee Shada Murdaugh to stop the bout.

Worcester’s Briggs (3-0, 2 KOs) returns in a four-round bout against veteran Latorie Woodberry (2-8-2) of Roanoke, Va. This will be Woodberry’s second appearance and first since February of 2018 when he battled Bates to a four-round unanimous decision. Briggs recently upended the durable Andy Aiello in February, scoring a knockdown en route to a clean sweep on all three scorecards.

Valentin (5-0, 1 KO), the 19-year-old lightweight prospect from Providence, recently returned in February following a year-long layoff due to complications from his lifelong battle with Hirschprung’s disease. Valentin edged Philadelphia’s Christopher Burgos by majority decision to keep his perfect record intact and returns next Friday in a four-round bout. Also undefeated, Providence’s Powell (3-0, 1 KO) steps back into the ring on the 26th in a four-round bout following an impressive win in February over Quebec’s Kenny Chery.

Next Friday’s card also features the long-awaited return of New Bedford, Mass., super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (0-1) and the Twin River debut of Rhode Island junior middleweight Anthony Concepcion (2-0, 2 KOs). Fighting for the first time since February of 2018, Mascarenhas faces Joseph Clark (0-0) of Franklin, N.Y., while Concepcion battles Brazil’s Leonardo Ladeira (0-0), both in four-round bouts.

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

Las Vegas – The eighth annual International Fight WeekÔ will feature a stacked card headlined by a pair of thrilling world championship fights streaming exclusively on ESPN+. Light heavyweight champion and No. 2 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Jon Jones defends against dangerous No. 3 ranked contender Thiago Santos. Also, two-division champion and No. 6 pound-for-pound fighter Amanda Nunes puts her bantamweight belt on the line against former titleholder and No. 2 ranked Holly Holm.

UFC® 239: JONES vs. SANTOS takes place Saturday, July 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will stream live nationally on Pay-Per-View exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish. ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the United States as part of an agreement announced last month and continuing through 2025.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC® 239: JONES vs. SANTOS online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV and then will be able to watch it via the web or on the ESPN App on any connected device. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN app on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

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

Arguably the most dominant champion in UFC light heavyweight history, Jones (24-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) will go for his third title fight victory in less than seven months. Over the course of his career, he’s taken out the biggest names in MMA. Jones holds spectacular wins over Daniel Cormier, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida and Alexander Gustafsson (twice). He once again aims to steal the show against one of the division’s toughest strikers.

A vicious KO artist, Santos (21-6, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) turned heads when he joined the 205-pound weight class less than a year ago. Since the move, he has netted incredible knockout victories against Jan B?achowicz, Jimi Manuwa and Eryk Anders. Santos has also earned an impressive TKO finish over recent title challenger Anthony Smith. The heavy-handed kickboxer now looks to put on another striking clinic and capture his first UFC world championship.

The first woman to hold championships in two UFC divisions, Nunes (17-4, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Pojuca, Brazil) made history by knocking out Cris Cyborg in only 51 seconds to secure the featherweight championship this past December. Considered to be the greatest female fighter in MMA history, she has also finished former champs Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate, as well as Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann. Nunes now has her sights set on the bantamweight division’s most decorated striker.

Former champion Holm (12-4, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) turned the MMA world on its head following a highlight-reel head-kick KO win over previously unbeaten Ronda Rousey in 2015 to capture the title. A multiple time boxing and kickboxing champion, she has also delivered sensational victories against former title challengers Bethe Correia and Raquel Pennington. She is now gunning to reclaim her championship and hand Nunes her first loss in more than four years.

Additional bouts on the card include:

In a battle of heavyweight KO artists, No. 2 ranked contender Francis Ngannou (13-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Batie, Cameroon) locks horns with former champion and No. 3 Junior Dos Santos (21-5, fighting out of Salvador, Brazil)
Surging welterweight contenders collide as No. 4 ranked Jorge Masvidal (33-13, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) takes on undefeated No. 5 Ben Askren (19-0 1NC, fighting out of Hartland, Wisc.)
No. 6 ranked light heavyweight contender Jan B?achowicz (23-8, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) welcomes No. 2 ranked middleweight Luke Rockhold (16-4, fighting out of Santa Cruz, Calif.) to the 205-pound division
In a clash of The Ultimate Fighter winners, season one champ Diego Sanchez (31-11, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) faces season 15 victor Michael Chiesa (15-4, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.)

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® 239: JONES vs. SANTOS go on sale Friday, April 19 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, April 17 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 18 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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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 T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark, recently named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

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

TOMMY LANGFORD BELIEVES his Wembley opponent Lerrone Richards has got it all to prove when the pair collide with the vacant Commonwealth super middleweight title at stake at the SSE Arena on April 27.

Former British middleweight champion Langford is on the rebuild, having moved up in weight after twice being deemed to have come up short on the cards in two epic title battles with Jason Welborn.

His only other setback came when he challenged for the WBO Interim world middleweight title against Avtandil Khurtsidze, who was later imprisoned for organised criminal activity in New York.

The 29-year-old, who took up a day job as an adult trainee electrician when remaining a full-time athlete was no long viable, is now thrilled to be back in the title picture after suspecting he wouldn’t fit the bill as an ideal opponent.

He was wrong on that score and Commonwealth success would near enough restore his previous standing at the higher weight.

“Of course it does and I really didn’t think an opportunity would come this fast for me, having moved up in weight,” he confessed.” I thought I would kind of be kept out in the dark for quite a while because I don’t see that anybody would really pick me as an opponent.

Even in the fights I lost – and I really don’t believe I lost to Jason Welborn, they were fights of the year – he had the fight of his life, while the one that knocked me out was a juiced up little Georgian anyway.

“Obviously I have been thrown this chance and it is an absolutely huge opportunity and I am really grateful to Frank and Francis (Warren) for giving it to me.”
While Langford doesn’t consider himself anyone’s first pick on the matchmaker’s menu, much the same could be said for Richards, for whom very few have been prepared to form an orderly queue to face.

“I seem to keep getting people like this that people don’t really want to fight and I say yes,” pointed out the Tom Chaney-trained Langford. “I don’t know what the crack is with Lerrone, who I have sparred and he is a very slick southpaw, but he has not really fought anybody.

“Is that through not wanting the fights or more that nobody wants to fight him?

“It is a big, big step up for him and we’ll find out what he’s really got,” added the former WBO Intercontinental champion, who does concede that Richards could well be a fully paid up member of the ‘who needs him’ club.

“He is really, isn’t he? He is an awkward southpaw, not a big ticket seller, hasn’t been knocking people out and is not particularly exciting for TV viewers. So who really wants to fight Lerrone?

“You don’t think ‘I’ll pick him’, but he is a very good operator and I wouldn’t be daft and say he isn’t. But there is a difference between the sparring arena and the fight arena and he’s not fought at championship level or remotely near the level I have fought at.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Should a positive PED test exclude “Big Baby” Miller from challenging champion
Anthony Joshua on June 1, WBA #15-ranked heavyweight Ivan Dychko says he’s ready and willing to step in.

28-year-old Dychko (7-0, 7 KOs), a two-time Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medallist, has contentious history with the current WBA Champion Joshua. The 6? 9? Kazakhstani lost a controversial decision (13-11) to him in the semi-finals of the 2012 Summer Olympics in Joshua’s homeland of England.

Post-fight reports questioned the scoring openly.

For example: “Joshua defeated Kazakhstan’s Ivan Dychko by a 13-11 score. The scoring for the fight was very odd with the judges scoring both the 1st and 2nd rounds even despite Dychko clearly getting the better of the slow-moving arm-punching Joshua.”

Dychko’s professional career has been dedicated to getting his revenge.

“He knows he didn’t beat me then and he still can’t beat me,” said a fired-up Dychko. “He got a hometown decision and ended up ‘winning’ my gold medal. Now is his chance to prove he deserved his success instead of it being handed to him. I’m here in great shape and ready to go.”

Dychko, who went 181-18 as an amateur, says he doesn’t need 20 professional fights to be ready for Joshua.

“He’s the same fighter he always was,” said Dychko. “He gets his world rocked in every fight and then his little bit of power bails him out when his opponents get tired. I know exactly how to beat him. I already did.”

Dychko says he’s ready and waiting for his phone to ring.

“No disrespect to Big Baby. If he ends up fighting, I am happy for him, but if Anthony Joshua needs an opponent for June 1, I am the one who deserves this. I’ll be waiting to hear from your people, Anthony.”

New York, NY (April 17, 2019) Undisputed Women’s Welterweight World Champion ‘The First Lady’ Cecilia Braekhus, (35-0, 9 KOs), is headed to the United States in May to commence training for her next fight in defense of all of her belts, (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine). Based in Oslo, Norway, Braekhus has held all the world title belts in the welterweight division since September 2014.

“It seems like ‘undisputed’ has become a big talking point in women’s boxing in the United States recently. Claressa Shields just became the undisputed middleweight champion and I congratulate her for that extraordinary accomplishment,” said Braekhus.

“Separately Katie Taylor is facing Delfine Persoon in an undisputed lightweight world championship bout on June 1 at Madison Square Garden which I’m looking forward to attending.”

“Claressa was very outspoken after her victory on Saturday about wanting to face me at a catchweight and Katie has also mentioned fighting me numerous times, also at a catchweight. Both of these would be massive events for boxing with two undisputed world champions facing each other and I’m very interested in both possibilities.”

In 2018 Braekhus was also linked to a potential boxing matchup with UFC Star Cris Cyborg.

“I met with Chris and her team a couple of times last year about the possibility of fighting in a boxing match and that is something that still interests me greatly and her as well.”

“Last year I fought three times in big fights, each one a different set of firsts for me, first woman on HBO, fighting for the first time in Russia and then finally headlining the last HBO card which had a female fight in the main event for the first time. I can’t wait to get started on my 2019 campaign and surpass last year.”

“For my entire career I’ve worked towards elevating women’s boxing inside and outside the ring and that is of the utmost importance to me this year as well.”

Braekhus is recognized as the International Ambassador for Women’s Boxing who fought outside the ring over a seven-year period to have professional boxing legalized in her native Norway which was previously banned for 33 years. Following the ban being lifted Braekhus fought four times in Norway starting in October 2016, all of which were massive events drawing over 10,000 fans and garnering record-breaking TV ratings.

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Kicking off 2018 on January 5, the Boxing Writers Association of America named Braekhus the recipient of their first-ever Women’s Fighter of the Year Award (2017). The award was presented by female boxing pioneer Christy Martin at the BWAA’s Annual Awards Dinner on May 11, 2018 In New York City.

On May 5, 2018, Braekhus was specifically chosen by HBO to fight in the first women’s bout aired on the network over their 45-year history of boxing telecasts. Defeating world ranked middleweight contender Kali Reis by unanimous decision at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, the fight was telecast to an average of 904,000 viewers in the United States, the second highest viewership by the network for boxing in 2018.

As previously proclaimed by Ring Magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America also named Braekhus the Women’s #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World on June 26, 2018 in the first poll taken by the organization for this honor. The belt presentation by Ring Magazine for their honor took place with Editor-in-Chief Doug Fischer on September 13, 2018 in Las Vegas.

Braekhus returned to the ring on July 21, 2018 fighting for the first time in Russia. Facing WBC Junior Middleweight World Champion Inna Sagaydakovskaya, Braekhus won a ten-round decision in front of over 25,000 spectators at Moscow’s’ Olympic Stadium in a fight telecast worldwide. The fight marked the eighth country Braekhus has fought in emphasizing her role as a true world champion.

Braekhus finished off her extraordinary 2018 campaign with a ten-round unanimous decision over Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes on December 8, 2018 defending all of her belts in dominant fashion. The bout served as the first time a women’s bout headlined on HBO Boxing.

After finishing out her boxing year in ‘Grand Style’ ,Braekhus travelled to Uganda on December 18, 2018 to open the ‘First Lady Primary School, a high school located just outside the capital city of Uganda, a project she had been working on for three years with ‘Bring Children From the Streets’, a Norwegian/Ugandan group headed by Richard Kiwanuka

Trained by the renowned Johnathon Banks, Braekhus has been the undisputed women’s welterweight world champion, holding all four major sanctioning body titles since September 2014. She is only one of six boxers to achieve this historical feat.

Kingdamon Antoine (9-0 7 KOs) is looking to take his career to the next level in 2019. The lighting fast prospect dominated Raheem Abdullah over 6 rounds on April 5th and will make a quick return to the ring on May 11th in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Standing 5’7″, Antoine has great size for the featherweight division. His adviser BJ Flores believes that he can become a multi-division world champion.

“He’s a good kid with a strong work ethic. He is tall for 126 pounds and I believe he can eventually fight up to 140 pounds.. He is very fast and has great reflexes,” Flores stated.

The promotional free agent opened a lot of eyes with his last performance which was streamed live on Facebook. The 26 year old fighter got off to a fast start and dominated his opponent until the final bell.

Flores said that the plan is to get Antoine three to four more fights year and to eventually get him signed with a big promotional company. With the increased activity, Flores is certain that his fighter will shine as he makes the move from prospect to contender.

“Kingdamon is catching the eyes of some of the major promoters out there. He is a tremendous talent and everyone in the 126 pound division will know his name very shortly,” said Flores.

LONDON, UK – 17 APRIL 2019

ULTIMATE BOXXER, Britain’s first boxing entertainment brand, announces that the Cruiserweight division will be the showcase for ULTIMATE BOXXER IV on Friday 28th June in Manchester (venue to be announced).

UBIV, sponsored by MansionBet, will be televised exclusively live on BT Sport, BT Sports’ YouTube channel – available to anyone to watch for free – and the dedicated boxing channel BoxNation.

ULTIMATE BOXXER is the exhilarating elimination tournament featuring eight talented fighters from around the UK who battle it out starting in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3 minute rounds; followed by two semi-finals and one final to determine the winner who will win the large share of the prize money; a promotional deal and be catapulted up the domestic rankings.

Knockouts in the ring are combined with live music and entertainment designed to engage and attract the next generation of sports fans on a more regular basis.

Following UBI: Welterweights, UBII: Light-Heavyweights and UBIII: Middleweights – set for Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2 – the fourth instalment of the exciting tournament focuses on the red-hot 200 pound division that has become a firm fan-favourite in recent years for delivering some of the most explosive and entertaining action-packed fights.

Some of the biggest names in British boxing have made their name in the division such as British World Champions Tony Bellew; David Haye, the first British fighter ever to unify the division, Enzo Maccarinelli; Johnny Nelson, the longest reigning divisional World champion with the most title defences, Carl Thompson and Glenn McCrory, Britain’s first ever World cruiserweight champion.

The eight highly rated ULTIMATE BOXXER participants who will compete in UBIV will be announced shortly and it will be interesting to see how many of them can go on to achieve great things in the sport

ULTIMATE BOXXER founder Ben Shalom said, “This is the heaviest weight category we have staged so far and looking at the potential line-up, I believe we could be in for one of the most dramatic nights out of all the series. These guys are big men with the power of heavyweights, mixed with the speed of light-heavyweights and so anything can happen when they start unloading their punches over a short fight.’’

Sign up now at www.ultimateboxxer.com to gain early access to discounted tickets 48 hours in advance of general sale. Tickets will go on pre-sale on Wednesday 24th April and on general sale on Friday 26th April. Further tickets details to follow.

ARCHIE SHARP WAS thinking big when he made public the name of the fighter he would relish sharing a ring with.

The perfect name in the frame for the unbeaten 24-year-old is Lee Selby, the former IBF world featherweight king, who was memorably unseated by Josh Warrington at Elland Road last May.

After being parted from his belt in Leeds, Selby has since jumped up two weights and, last time out, collected an IBF Intercontinental strap following victory over Omar Douglas in London.

Now Sharp, 14-0 and holder of the WBO European title, is not kidding himself and knows full well that Selby is not about to offer himself up as an opponent to enhance the record of ambitious young contenders.

But the Kent-based super featherweight fully believes in himself and is confident he would emerge victorious from mixing in such illustrious company.

“Yeah they are definitely fights that I want and I know I am ready for that sort of fight,” insisted Sharp, who put an end to the unbeaten record of Lyon Woodstock in his last fight back in October. “Obviously, looking at the business side of things, he isn’t gonna be interested in it, but I know that I am at and beyond that level.

“I’m not just saying it, but I don’t think there is a fighter out there who could go on the back foot and try and outbox me – I really don’t think there is a fighter who can outbox me.”

Sharp is back in the ring after recovering from injury at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27, from which point he intends to significantly accelerate his progress towards the top of the super featherweight tree.

“I know where I am going in this sport and I’ve got a little plan to be in world title fights in the next 18 months. Within that time I will be at world level, mixing with the top fighters, for sure.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Hadi Srour (3-0, 2 KOs) has signed a multi-fight deal with Team Sauerland as the talented Norwegian boxer takes the next steps in his promising career.

Already regarded as one of the country’s best pound-for-pound fighters, Srour has over 100 amateur victories to his name, and has claimed multiple national and Nordic titles, while also impressing at international tournaments.

In the professional ranks, he has recorded wins over Michael Mooney, Artur Zemlianyi and Zoltan Szabo, and having joined forces with Team Sauerland, the 23 year-old looks set to have a bright future ahead of him.

“I feel very privileged to be joining Team Sauerland,” said Srour. “If you want to be great, you need a great team around you. Sauerland is an elite promotion who know how to produce champions, so it was an easy choice for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and picking up where I left off. I box to entertain the crowd, and I’ve always got some tricks up my sleeve. My last opponent barely survived the fight, but my next one won’t go the distance.

“I want to become the face of boxing in Norway, and with Sauerland behind me, we’re going to make a big buzz. There’s no business like show business!”

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Hadi so far,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He’s a colourful character, both in and out of the ring, and with his personality and boxing ability, I believe he has the potential to go a long way.”

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) — World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1-ranked contender “Mighty” Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs)will face three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs)for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, June 19 at Osaka Orefectural Gym in Osaka, Japan.

UFC Fight Pass® has the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka will be is the first world boxing championship on FIGHT PASS, under a new agreement between Palicte’s promoter, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events through 2021.

The Palicte vs. Ioka deal was negotiated and finalized by RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre and Taku Nagashima, the international manager of Ioka, on behalf of TLAROCK Entertainment in Japan.

After Palicte, 28, knocked out his previously unbeaten Puerto Rican opponent Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator, the WBO ordered negotiations to begin for a rematch between reigning WBO junior bantamweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Palicte, the No. 1-ranked, mandatory challenger. Nietes, however, relinquished his title belt rather than accept a rematch against his fellow Filipino fighter in order to pursue other fights.

Nietes and Palicte fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes eventually captured the crown last December 31 in Macao, China, when he won a 12-round split decision versus, ironically, Ioka.

“I’d first like to thank my promoters (Keith Veltre & Roy Jones, Jr.) and manager (Jason Soong) for making this fight happen,” Palicte commented. “I’m very excited for this second opportunity to fight for a world title. I and the whole team learned a lot from the last draw and made adjustments, which, I think, were very effective. Since a rematch with Nietes will probably never take place, going against Ioka, who lost to him via a split decision, is probably the closest thing to redeeming myself after that draw. We’ve already planned out our training camp, which includes altitude training in Baguio (where Manny Pacquiao (pictured to left running with Palicte) also trained before). More than anything, I’m very excited to get into the ring again to hopefully deliver to my RJJ Boxing family its first world title.”

The 30-year-old Ioka, currently ranked No. 2 by the WBO, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight, WBA light flyweight, and WBA/World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight world champion. His only two losses as a professional, both by way of 12-round split decisions, have been in world title fights to Nietes and Amnat Ruenroeng, in 2014, for the International (IBF) flyweight title.

“I want to thank the WBO for working with us to make this fight happen,” Veltresaid. “The WBO did everything possible to make this deal move forward. I want to thank Team Ioka for working with Roy Jones Jr Promotions, in addition to being professional and doing everything in their power to accommodate us. This is a great example of everyone giving in a little bit to make a great fight happen. Roy and I are extremely happy that we will be able to bring the first ever major World Title Fight to UFC Fight Pass and we are looking forward to seeing Aston Palicte becoming the World Champion.”

Palicte is the younger, stronger fighter in this title fight match-up, however, Iota has a clear advantage in terms of experience with a 14-2 (9 KOs) world title fight record, as well as 6-2 (3 KOs) versus present and/or past world champions, compared to Palicte’s 0-0-1 mark in both of these categories.

Not only will a victory over Ioka make him the first world champion for his promoter, RJJ Boxing, Palicte will also join Pacquaio and Nietes, as well as Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire, among others, in an elite club of Filipino world boxing champion.

Ioka will join fellow Japanese fighters such as flyweight Kosei Tanaka and junior flyweights Hirota Kyoguchi and Ken Shiro as reigning world champions with a triumph over Palicte.

The Ring magazine’s independent world ratings lists Ioka and Palicte, respectively, at No. 4 and No. 8.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @astonpalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

Las Vegas (April 16, 2019) – Boxing’s Two-time and current super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell has confirmed that he will appear at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Dirrell will hold a meet and greet with the fans at the Box Fan Expo store booth. 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/

Dirrell will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with the current WBC Super Middleweight champion also known as “The Dog”.

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

About Anthony Dirrell
Anthony Dirrell is an American professional boxer. He is a two-time and current WBCsuper middleweight champion, having held the title since February 2019 and previously from 2014 to 2015. He is the younger brother of 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell, who is also a professional boxer.

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 weeks leading up to the event, there will be weekly 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

San Antonio, April 16, 2019 – Once hailed as “potentially, the most dominant offensive force in boxing since a prime Mike Tyson”, Kirkland, the aggressive southpaw, intends to reunite with his former trainer, Anne Wolfe, while adding Bay Bay McClinton to his training staff and upstart management company, Davies Entertainment, to help restore his ascent as one of the most powerful forces in the fight game.

“This is a human-interest story as much as it is a sports story” said Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment, “James is hungry, he’s reconnected with Anne (Wolfe), we look forward to playing our part to get James back to fighting at a championship level.”

Kirkland represents the second boxer signed by Davies Entertainment in less than a week, having signed Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz to a similar comprehensive management deal. Having made a name for himself by becoming one of the global authorities of mobile business fabrication (www.cruisingkitchens.com), Davies has since launched a creative hub which includes film production (That’s a Wrap), a state of the art mobile recording studio (The Boom Box), a graphic design & large format print company (www.justprintitsa.com) and a marketing consultation division. Said Davies “I have assembled a group of companies that can now be tasked to provide our boxers with resources that extend beyond training, whether film production, merchandise & marketing, or brand mobility we want to attempt to put a more current spin on how we manage our roster, providing resources that may not have been possible or easily accessed in the past.” Said Kirkland “I’m ready!”

That’s a Wrap will document Kirkland’s story with intent to produce a full length documentary of the boxers return to the ring.

You can follow Kirkland’s progress at www.daviesentertainmnet.com or on Facebook/IG @daviesentertainment and @kirklandboxing.

Davies Entertainment, LLC. located in San Antonio, TX, is a full service sports entertainment promotions & management company specializing in promotions, brand building, merchandising and talent management. For inquiries, please contact:

NEW YORK CITY (April 16, 2019) — WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford and Amir “King” Khan hosted a media workout today at EverybodyFights, as the pair prepares for Saturday evening’s Top Rank on ESPN PPV showdown at Madison Square Garden.

The stacked undercard will feature a pair of highly anticipated co-features: Lightweight sensation Teofimo Lopez will fight Edis Tatli in a 12-rounder, while featherweight phenom Shakur Stevenson will face former world title challenger Christopher Diaz in a 10-rounder.

In the 10-round televised opener, Felix Verdejo seeks to return to lightweight contention versus former interim world champion Bryan Vasquez.

Here is what the PPV fighters had to say.

Terence Crawford

“I feel like I’m already the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Beating Amir Khan would only solidify my place in the sport. Amir Khan is undefeated as a welterweight and can’t be underestimated. He has great hand speed, movement, and some power as well. I want to showcase all of my talents in this fight.”

“I don’t worry about the bigger names. My focus is on Amir Khan. He is the task at hand. I’ve never overlooked an opponent.”

“I feel like a lot of times people don’t give me credit for who I’ve beaten. I’ve defeated gold medalists, undefeated fighters, world champions. It doesn’t matter. Before my fights, people talk about how it’s going to be the hardest fight of my career. Then I beat them, and people make them seem like they were nothing. I am going to keep doing what I’m doing and keep being victorious.”

“I am on a high level right now, and the way I beat people makes it seem like they don’t belong in the ring with me. Against Khan, I will show everyone again why I’m the best fighter in the world.”

Amir Khan

“I wanted this fight because I wanted to fight the best. Terence Crawford presented the greatest challenge to me at this point in my career. Listen, the Kell Brook fight was there, but fighting Terence gives me the opportunity to show I am a pound-for-pound fighter.”

“I’m not going to be giving all that weight away when I fight Crawford. When I fought Canelo, he was a much bigger man. This is a fairer fight in terms of weight. I am confident I can win this fight because he has never fought anyone like me. I have power, speed, and movement, and he has certainly never fought a welterweight like me. I’ve grown into my weight. I’m not just another number on Crawford’s record.”

“When I lose focus is when I get in trouble. Against Samuel Vargas, it wasn’t even a great punch that put me down. I lost focus for a second and got caught. I’ve sparred with strong, heavy-handed guys this camp, and I know I can take a big welterweight punch.”

Teofimo Lopez

“Training camp has been great. It’s been a long time since someone has gone the distance with me, and that’s not changing come Saturday night. We’re working on new things in the gym, focusing on power and changing things up. I’ve shown people some of my arsenal, but no one has seen what I am capable of yet. Against Tatli, I will put on a show. I will steal the show.”

“My last fight {Feb. 2 against Diego Magdaleno} showed some people can withstand my power, but at the end of the day, they all fall.”

“There’s no bad blood with Tatli and me, but I’m still going to kick his ass. I’m still going to beat him up. That I can guarantee. They bumped this fight to a 12-rounder to get me ready for a world title shot. That’s coming soon.”

“All of the hard work that my father and I have put in is starting to pay off. Fans and media have recognized my talents, but I am focused solely on what’s in front of me this Saturday. Every time I fight at MSG, I take over the show, and that’s the plan. I will steal the show.”

“I don’t need a Lomachenko fight to be a superstar. But I want to be the best and I want to fight the best. This is my last year at lightweight, so after I get that world title, let’s make it happen!”

Edis Tatli

“I came a long way for this fight because I know I can win. I have been in with the better fighters, and my talent will show on Saturday night.”

“All fighters dream of fighting in America. To fight at Madison Square Garden on a card like this is a dream come true.”

Shakur Stevenson

“I was ready to take the next step in my career. This is a fight I wanted. I want to show everyone I am a top fighter. The time was now to step up.”

“My team and I know we can beat Diaz, which is why we took this fight. This is my time. This is what I’ve wanted since I turned pro following the Olympics.”

“I want all the champions, but first, I have to beat Christopher Diaz.”

Christopher Diaz

“Shakur made a mistake when he accepted this fight. I’m sure he’s going to be a world champion one day. He’s a very good fighter, but his team made a terrible error in judgment.”

“All fighters say this, but this was truly the best training camp of my career. This is my first fight with Freddie Roach, and we had perfect chemistry from day one. I’ve been sacrificing and training hard for three months. I am going to take his undefeated record. I am going to win this for my family and for Puerto Rico.”

“I am a different fighter since moving down from 130 pounds. This is the new and improved Christopher Diaz.”

Felix Verdejo

“I know this is a very important fight for my career. I’m going against a former world champion and a great fighter. But I am ready to show the world that I’m still an elite fighter.”

“Having my baby last year changed my life. I fight for her now. It puts things in perspective.”

“For me, this fight is about redemption. After beating Vasquez, I want to fight for a world title.”

Bryan Vasquez

“This fight means everything to me. I am going to give it my all in this ring. One thing I know is that Felix Verdejo has never faced anyone with my skills or my toughness. I want a world title shot, and beating Felix is my way to get there.”

“To fight on a card like this is a great honor. Since signing with Top Rank last year, I have been active and improving with every fight. I am ready to put the lightweight division on notice. Felix isn’t ready for me.”

“You haven’t seen the best of Bryan Vasquez. I have been in there with elite fighters, and that experience will show on Saturday night.”

About Crawford vs. Khan
CRAWFORD vs. KHAN is a 12-round fight for the WBO welterweight championship of the world, presented by Top Rank in association with Matchroom Boxing and Khan Promotions. The event is sponsored by Geico. CRAWFORD vs. KHAN will take place Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at Madison Square Garden, and will be produced by Top Rank and ESPN and distributed live by ESPN Pay-Per-View.

Tickets for this world championship event priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

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

Use the hashtag #CrawfordKhan to join the conversation on social media.

NEW YORK (April 16, 2019) — It’s a whole new ballgame for boxing’s pound-for-pound superstar attraction GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN! Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, brings his Big Drama Show back to the “Mecca of Boxing” — Madison Square Garden for the first time in over two years in his eagerly-awaitedDAZN debut on Saturday, June 8. Golovkin, whose resume includes a record 20 consecutive middleweight title defenses (18 by way of knockout), has consistently drawn packed houses to the five previous events he has headlined at The Garden, dating back to 2013. He will rumble with undefeated Top-10 contender and Kronk Gym alumnusSTEVE ROLLS (19-0, 10 KOs), from Toronto, Canada, in a battle, scheduled for 12 rounds, at a maximum weight of 164 lbs. Golovkin vs. Rolls kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN, the world’s fastest-growing sports streaming platform.

A two-city press tour, featuring both fighters, will take place next week, starting at Madison Square Garden on Monday, April 22, and concluding in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 23. Details on those events will be forthcoming.

Promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and Rolls go on sale This Saturday, April 20, at Noon ET. Priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including fees, tickets may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

Notably, this will be the second of two major boxing events The Garden will host on back-to-back boxing weekends – both of which will be live exclusively on DAZN. England’s Anthony Joshua will make his United States and Madison Square Garden debut in a defense of his unified heavyweight title against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller on June 1, just one week before Golovkin’s highly anticipated return on June 8.

“I am very excited to be returning to the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show back to Madison Square Garden. The Garden’s fans are fantastic,” said Golovkin. “I love boxing and I promise to bring the best of me to everyone who will be watching me in an all-action fight with Steve Rolls. I am very happy that GGG Promotions has a new home at DAZN.”

“I want to sincerely thank DAZN and GGG himself for giving me the opportunity to challenge one of the best fighters in the world,” said Rolls. “But let me be clear: I’ve won national championships and represented my country, and Golovkin is just a man. I’m coming to win this fight and put my name among the best middleweights in the world.”

“Gennady Golovkin is one of the top middleweights of all-time, and as part of DAZN’s growing roster of premiere fighters and our ongoing promise to deliver the best fights to fans, we are thrilled to kick off this exciting partnership at the iconic Madison Square Garden,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America. “It will surely be an electric night and just the beginning of this next chapter of Golovkin’s impressive legacy.”

Golovkin, 37, has reigned supreme in the Middleweight Division for nearly a decade. Eighteen of his record 20 title defenses came by way of knockout — a 90% ratio — which is sure to remain the division’s highest knockout percentage for a world champion. Golovkin’s tenure as champion ended when he lost a hotly disputed majority decision in a rematch with Canelo Alvarez last September. A dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006, Golovkin’s career has been on a historic trajectory, including a 23-fight victory-by-knockout streak and unifying the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO World Middleweight Titles. Golovkin has also proven himself to be box office gold. He has sold out the most iconic arenas of the world, including Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena, O2 Arena, The Fabulous Forum, and StubHub Center.

Rolls, 35, making his debut at The Garden, will be looking to ice Golovkin with his version of a Canadian cold front. In his most recent fight, he won the vacant USBA middleweight title last December, via unanimous decision, over KeAndrae Leatherwood. World-rated No. 9 rated by the IBF, Rolls has stopped four of his last seven opponents while keeping his record perfect.

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA for Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy discussed changes to his training camp as he nears a vacant WBA Lightweight Title showdown with former lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. taking place Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Coverage on SHOWTIME 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 undefeated against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight 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.

After losing for the first time in his pro career in a 140-pound title fight against Kiryl Relikh last March, Barthelemy rebounded to stop Robert Frankel in December as he prepared to return to the lightweight division to face Easter. Since the loss to Relikh, Barthelemy made fellow Cuban and former world champion Joel Casamayor head trainer as he looks to return to the championship ranks.

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp at Prince Ranch Bones Adams Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

How has training camp gone so far?

“Everything has been going well under the guidance of Joel Casamayor and the assistance of my brother Yan Barthelemy and Oscar Vasquez. We have been training twice a day and sparring three to four times a week against solid guys like former world champion and ex-opponent Mickey Bey. Like they say, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and the quality of sparring has been tremendous help in getting me ready for April 27. I feel better prepared both mentally and physically than I did in my most recent fights.”

What do you make of Robert Easter Jr. and what do you know about him?

“I have seen various Robert Easter Jr fights and have been studying him very closely. He’s a great boxer who likes to use his height and reach to his advantage. He’s an ex-world champion who has fought quality opponents. He deserves all of my respect but we are very confident that we will be victorious against him.”

Do you feel you have been able to rebound from your first career defeat?

“Most definitely, I have been able to move on and use that defeat as a lesson in my career. They say sometimes we learn more in defeat than we do in victories and that was the case in that fight.

“Sometimes we do not see clearly when we are winning. Bad habits or little details that need correction are overlooked when you are winning. Sometimes we do not even see them. I feel rejuvenated and we have made many important changes that were necessary for my career. You will see on April 27 that there is still much more left from Team Barthelemy.”

What would it mean to become a champion again on April 27?

“We have no doubt that we’ll become champion again for a third time on April 27. This will bring my name back at the top of the sport with many potential big fights to be made. It will mean so much more to me because Cuban boxing has currently gone through a rough patch and this victory will allow Cuba to have a champion once again.”

Any final message to your fans before your fight?

“Please make sure to tune in on April 27. This fight will be very competitive, with two evenly-skilled former world champions looking to reclaim their status at the top of the sport. Fights like this are what make boxing great. Cuba will have a champion once again on April 27!”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @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.

John Harding Jr has credited boxing for turning his life around as he prepares to take part in his first major arena show on the undercard of Dave Allen vs. Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora vs. Senad Gashi at The O2 in London this Saturday.

The Brixton Super-Welterweight (6-0-1, 1 KO) grew up on an estate in South East London and found himself caught up in gang activity at a young age, resulting in lengthy spells in prison. Determined to change his lie for the better, the now 34-year-old decided to put his all into climbing the ladder in the pro ranks after his debut at York Hall in 2017.

Heavyweight World title contender Dillian Whyte took Harding Jr under his wing at the beginning of the year and set about securing his new charge a golden opportunity on Matchroom Boxing’s Easter weekend card in Greenwich – Harding Jr says he will always be grateful for ‘The Body Snatcher’s’ guidance and leadership.

“Everything is good,” Harding Jr told iFL TV. “I’m just here enjoying being on this stage. It felt weird but now I’m embracing it. I was always the person on the outside looking in, but now I’ve got my chance. I’ve been working closely with Dillian and to be in this position now is just amazing. I want to prove to people that hard work can pay off. I want everyone to look at my life and know that if they work hard they can change their ways as well. Boxing has given me a lifeline.

“I grew up on an estate in New Cross. On the estate you grew up in a brotherhood, so you grew up inheriting rival gang activities. We thought that hustling was the only way for us to move forward in life. Other people call it drug-dealing, for us it was just survival. That’s what we grew up around and thought was normal. I ran into the law a couple of times. I’ve spent probably around five and a half years of my life in prison. It’s very hard when you’re in that position as a young person.

“I always dreamt I’d be the one being interviewed one day. I used to watch these guys being interviewed on a secret little mobile phone in jail! This shows the power of vision and hard work. When I stepped out with nothing, I only had that vision in my head. I was quite big, 17 stone and muscly. Now look at me, I’m a Light-Middleweight floating like a butterfly!

“I just kept coming to the gym, training around guys like Richard Riakporhe. I was always in the shadows of those guys, training hard. Fast-forward a while and I bumped into Dillian Whyte, who’s looked out for me since. He saw my heart and he’s brought me close and that just shows me how much of a true person he is. For him to reach out and help someone like me has changed my life and helped others too.

“It’s never too late to change your life. Hard work always pays off. Dillian told me to work hard. He always emphasises working hard. Even when it was his birthday he was in the gym grinding and working all day. I can’t lie, this is big for me, but Dillian has told me to be grounded. He’s a workaholic, he doesn’t stop. Focus and hard work pays off and I’m the living proof of that.”

Harding Jr takes part in a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Las Vegas, NV (April 16, 2019)- Boxing has a new digital platform. A new and free way to watch some of the best fights in the United States:

Introducing Warfare Sports.

Warfare Sports is a direct to consumer application that will bring the best boxing action to the fans all over the world.

Over the next year, Warfare Sports is planning 24 live events plus shoulder programming.

Warfare Sports will be available on the World-Wide-Web, Mobile Devices (Apple and Android), Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromcast

Warfare Sports in the brainchild of Jesse Carstairs. Carstairs a Nevada native had the idea after certain fight series have gone on the wayside, and he feels that there is a market for high-quality boxing events that will showcase fighters who are just a step or two from fighting for world titles.

“Our initial focus is on that mid-level market when it comes to professional boxing. An example, when a fighter would get wins on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, then take that step up to HBO and Showtime for a ‘Big-Level’ fight or title fight. With the end goal being in a position to compete at the highest level as a digital television sports network,” said Carstairs.

“Warfare Sports will be working with promoters like Joe DeGuardia’s StarBoxing and Marshall Kauffmans King’s Promotions, and we are open to working with other promoters as well who fit our model.”

Signed on to do the on-air commentary is International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, UFC superstar Megan Anderson and 18-year boxing commentator and insider Marc Abrams.

“The renaissance of boxing in the past several years is built on two things. 1. Good, competitive matches that fans can enjoy. 2. Boxing being available on many platforms to fit the communication age we now live in. The boxing schedule of Warfare Sports fits both of those narratives and that’s why I am so delighted to be a part of this new endeavor. The Warfare model of experienced promoters providing exciting boxing with a top notch production crew chronicling the event is a winning combination. Hosting these shows will be a labor of love for me and I look forward to a successful and enjoyable collaboration with Warfare Sports,” said Bernstein.

“This is a terrific platform not only for myself but for all boxers that will be able showcase their skills on Warfare Sports,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “I have had the pleasure of doing some amazing TV shows in the past, but this here is special because it is a partnership with Warfare Sports.
I truly believe that this partnership will help to elevate the boxers to the next level in their career.”

The Initial rollout for Warfare Sports will be in early May for the web and Roku, with Apple, Android, Amazon Fire and Smart TV to follow.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 16, 2019) – Undefeated NABF Women’s lightweight champion, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (5-0, 2 KOs), returns to the ring April 27, 2019, against former world champion, Melissa “The Shark” Hernandez (22-7-3, 7 KOs). The six-round bout will take place at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, as a special feature attraction on the WBSS super-lightweight semi-final card, headlined by Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs) vs. Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs).

Barrios, who has defeated three undefeated fighters in a row, last fought in September of 2018. She is eager to get back in the ring against a game opponent like Hernandez, who has been in the ring with many of the best female boxers in the world.

“I have a lot of respect for Melissa Hernandez, who has been a big part of growing women’s boxing over the years,” said Barrios, who resides in San Antonio, Texas. “This fight is going to be a classic Mexican vs. Purto Rican war. No disrespect to her, but I’m coming with straight heat, with the mindset of beating her down. This is the hurt game and that’s what I plan to do to Hernandez when she steps in the ring with me. None of these girls want to see me.”

“We know Melissa Hernandez is a dangerous fighter with a lot of experience,” said Barrios’ advisor Kerry Daigle. “Once DAZN sees this fight we feel it will be the swing bout on TV. Barrios is extremely TV friendly.”

“We believe Selina is the best female fighter in the world,” stated co-manger Colin Campbell. “With that being said, a win against a crafty veteran like Hernandez will surly give us the momentum we need going into our next fight.”

Katie Taylor will face Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship of the World on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Taylor (13-0 6KOs) added the WBO title to her IBF and WBA crowns in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Irish sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.

The 32 year old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defense against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple, making it the third time Taylor has boxed on the same bill as her fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Joshua.

Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women, another landmark moment for both fighters and the sport.

Persoon (43-1 18KOs) has held the WBC strap for five years with nine defenses in that reign and the Belgian star fights outside of Europe for the first time in her career as she joins Taylor in aiming to cement her spot as the number one 135lbs lady on the planet.

“It’s great that she has finally signed for the fight and I’m delighted that Eddie has been able to make it,” said Taylor. “After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.

“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it’s massive for my career.

“Women’s boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights. Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”

“This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made,” said Persoon. “I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.

“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”

“This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.

“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”

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

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

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

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

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

IF EVERYTHING PLAYS out according to plan, Jack Catterall would like to be contemplating a world title unification clash against Josh Taylor in the not too distant future.

There are several obstacles standing in the way of such a prospect at present, not least the fact that Catterall has got his mandatory challenge to the WBO world super lightweight champion Maurice Hooker to navigate past first.

Taylor, meanwhile, is heavily embroiled in the World Boxing Super Series, where the Scot is scheduled to take on Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF belt at the semi-final stage in Glasgow next month.

If successful, the Edinburgh man will face either Regis Prograis or Kiryl Relikh in the final, with the WBA belt also on the line.

Catterall makes Taylor the favourite to emerge from the series with the bounty.

“The World Boxing Super Series is going on in the background in the meantime and the favourites to win it in my book are either Josh Taylor or Regis Prograis,” reasoned the 23-0 Catterall ahead of his own return to the ring on April 27 at Wembley. “I do pick Josh over Prograis slightly, although I have not seen too much of the American.

“My ideal scenario would be for me to win my world title and Josh to win the WBSS. Then we could get together for a unification fight.

“I’ve thought about fighting Josh because I’ve got to be looking at all the guys in the top ten in my division. Everyone is with different promoters but these fights are always possible. For me it is an obvious fight for the future,” added the 25-year-old who clearly backs himself against the best the division has to offer.

“I have definitely got the beating of him and I think I have got the beating of all the guys if I prepare right.”

In the meantime, Catterall will keep busy ahead of his shot at Hooker with a slot on the card at the SSE Arena, live on BT Sport. It is an assignment he views as essential but one he must view with caution given that his big opportunity is firmly on the horizon.

“I am definitely happy and grateful for the opportunity to get a fight at Wembley because it will keep me in a good place physically and mentally. I am under no illusion going into this fight that I have got to treat every one like a world title.

“I’m hoping to pick up a good win on April 27 and really kick on from then. It is a catch 22 because I can’t sit on the fence, not be active and earn no wages until my shot. I’ve just got to get a win and go from there.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Dave Allen insists there is “zero chance” of Lucas Browne defeating him by knockout when they collide at the top of a huge Heavyweight bill at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former WBA World ruler Browne has amassed 24 stoppages from 28 career wins and the hard-hitting Australian known as ‘Big Daddy’ says he is looking forward to a “good old fashioned slugfest” when he meets cult hero Allen over 12 rounds in the Capital.

Allen is renowned for his durability having only been stopped twice in 22 fights – a seventh round TKO loss to World title challenger Luis Ortiz and a controversial tenth round stoppage loss Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka – and the ‘White Rhino’ says he has no concerns over trading leather with Browne.

“The last thing I worry about when I box is the power,” said Allen. “That’s not because I can take a good shot, even though I can.

“People say ‘you haven’t got a good defence’, I’ve got a great defence, I see every shot coming. Even the ones I take clean in the face, I know they’re coming. You’re not going to knock me out.

“Lucas Browne, if he’s planning on beating me with power, he might as well stay in Australia, because there’s zero chance of me getting knocked out.”

Allen heads into the biggest fight of his career in the form of his life following three KO wins over Nick Webb, Samir Nebo and Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, and the popular 27-year-old Yorkshireman is aiming to make it three KO wins from three fights at the Greenwich venue.

“Even though there’s no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2. I’ve trained harder than ever for this fight and you’ll all see the difference come fight night. I’m going to knock him out.

“A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in London.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

16 April 2019 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced a multi-year seven-figure partnership with Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), the independent governing body for the sport of mixed martial arts worldwide.

Based in Amsterdam, GAMMA is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 made up of thought leaders and pioneers in mixed martial arts across five continents with decades of experience in the sport. GAMMA is headed by its President, Alexander Engelhardt, and its members are made up of national federations across over 60 countries.

GAMMA’s objective is to obtain international recognition for mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport, in order to give all amateur mixed martial artists the platform and opportunity to fulfill their dream of competing on the Olympic stage.

As part of this partnership, ONE Championship will support GAMMA’s efforts to obtain Olympic recognition for mixed martial arts. In addition, ONE will also work with GAMMA to develop and promote best practices in health and safety standards, anti-doping regulations, and competition rules for the daily safe practice of competitive mixed martial arts at the amateur level.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship is thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with GAMMA, the world’s independent governing body of the sport of mixed martial arts. As a lifelong martial artist, I am personally invested in developing the amateur mixed martial arts scene, and ensuring that all athletes have the right foundation and support to pursue a professional career in this sport.”

With support from ONE Championship, GAMMA is set to hold its Amateur MMA World Championships in Singapore this November, showcasing the world’s biggest and brightest young martial arts talents on the most prestigious global amateur mixed martial arts platform.

Alexander Engelhardt, President of GAMMA, stated: “On behalf of GAMMA, I would like to thank ONE Championship for their support and commitment to the sport of mixed martial arts. As a lifelong karate practitioner, I am passionate about delivering the same level of international recognition to the discipline of mixed martial arts. Both GAMMA and ONE celebrate the authentic martial arts values of integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion in the same spirit as the Olympics. With this philosophical foundation, GAMMA and ONE aim to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts and prepare it for entry into the Olympics.”

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.