DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he has got a job to do first before turning his attention towards a British title showdown against Joe Joyce.

The British Boxing Board of Control last week mandated Dubois (10-0) and the 2016 Olympic silver medallist Joyce (8-0) to fight for the coveted British heavyweight championship and notified both parties that negotiations should commence for the staging of the blockbuster battle.

Contrary to mounting social media scepticism, Dubois’ promoter Frank Warren has publicly stated that the 21-year-old will not be withdrawn from the proposed fight and Dubois intends to add the Lonsdale belt to the WBC world Youth, Southern Area, English and WBO European titles he has already fought for and won.

The Hall of Fame promoter did add, however, that Dubois has serious business to attend to first in the shape of the dangerous Ghanaian Richard Lartey, with the pair set to headline at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

The 6ft 5″ Lartey represents a significant risk to the unbeaten rise of the young Londoner, with the WBO African champion holding a record of 14-1, with the single blemish coming about due to injury. Eleven of his wins have come via knockout.

The name of Joyce is likely to feature prominently in the build-up to Dubois’ first appearance at the venue formerly known as Wembley Arena, but the towering prospect from the Peacock Gym insists he will not be distracted by what comes next.

“I am happy the fight with Joyce has been put forward and it is one that excites me,” said Dubois, who has nine stoppages to his name. “But that is for later because I have got a proper big fight lined up for April 27 and all of my energy and attention has to be channelled towards that.

“Richard Lartey is coming to win and these are the sort of fights I want to be involved in. It is a huge opportunity for me to headline a show at a famous arena live on BT Sport and it is not one I can afford to look beyond. My team wouldn’t allow me to focus on anything else anyway.

“Once April 27 is done with, I can then start thinking about a fight that I am sure everyone will want to see where I can show that I am on my way to the top with a big knockout of a British rival who I know well from the amateur scene.”

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.

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 are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and 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.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (March 26, 2019) – Undercard action on Saturday, April 13 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City will feature an exciting lineup, including a women’s featherweight world title matchup and unbeaten prospects stepping in the ring, leading up to the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader headlined by the Claressa Shields vs. Christina Hammer showdown for the undisputed 160-pound world championship.

The undercard lineup is highlighted by unbeaten Russian Elena Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) vying for her first world title when she takes on former two-time title challenger Brenda Karen Carabajal (15-4-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Championship.

“Women’s boxing is experiencing monumental growth throughout the world and as part of this historic night, we wanted to showcase top talent in significant fights,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I am delighted to feature two top contenders fighting for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title as highly-regarded and unbeaten Russian fighter Elena Gradinar and longtime Argentinian contender Karen Carbajal will battle to become champion. Top to bottom, April 13 will be a memorable night for boxing fans around the world.”

In super flyweight action, 23-year-old Detroit-native Ja’Rico O’Quinn (11-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round fight against Northfield, Minnesota’s Vicente Alfaro Martinez (9-4, 3 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.

The action will also include former heavyweight title challenger Samuel Peter (37-6, 30 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Mario Heredia (15-6-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round matchup and Jesse Angel Hernandez (12-2, 7 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas stepping in for an eight round super bantamweight contest against New Jersey’s Edgar Joe Cortes (6-4-1). Flint, Michigan-native Darrion Lawson will look for his second pro win in as many fights when he faces Saul Almeida in a super middleweight bout.

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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER
Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Las Vegas (March 26, 2019) – IBF Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr., has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 5th Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 10am to 5pm, 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.

Spence Jr. will make his 2nd appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this Boxing Superstar also known as the “The Truth” at his ERROL SPENCE JR. & MAN DOWN PROMOTIONS Booth. More info at: http://esjthetruth.com/

Spence joins 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 Errol Spence Jr.
Spence is considered by many today as the new face of boxing and the pound for pound king, after his latest phenomenal win and memorable performance versus previously undefeated 4 division champion Mikey Garcia, in front of a 48,000 thousand electrifying crowd at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

As an amateur Spence Jr. won three consecutive United States national championships and represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, where he reached the quarter-finals; all in the welterweight division. As a professional, Spence Jr. has held the IBF welterweight title since 2017, when he traveled to Sheffield, England, in May of that year and dethroned Kell Brook with an 11th round KO Stoppage in front of 27,000 Brits.

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

Anthony Fowler has promised to prove he is a level above Scott Fitzgerald by taking him out in five rounds when the bitter rivals clash for the WBA International Super-Welterweight title at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Preston’s Fitzgerald will be aiming to avenge an amateur defeat at the hands of ‘The Machine’ but the 9-0 Liverpudlian, now trained by Dave Coldwell in Rotherham, is determined to finish their rivalry off in style to set-up another huge domestic showdown with British Champion Ted Cheeseman in the summer.

“He’s a dangerous opponent,” admitted Fowler. “He’s had twelve fights and knocked nine of his opponents out. He’s powerful and he’s coming to win. He wants to win this fight more than anything, same as myself. It has all of the makings of a great fight and it’s a fight where I show who Anthony Fowler really is and just how good I am.

“Scott was a hard trainer in the GB squad. We used to spar and I was always that much better than him. I’d win every round of our spars, they were never close. When we fought each other I destroyed him in two rounds. Even though he was a top fighter, I was always an elite fighter.

“As a pro I’ve gone to a great coach and I’ve gone onto that next level again. Now I’m a lot more conditioned, tougher and experienced. I feel like Scott has stagnated a bit. He’s turned pro and he’s had easier fights than myself. He’s stagnated to his level and lowered his standards. He’s going to try and raise it for this fight but it’ll be too little too late.”

Fowler hopes that an emphatic win over his fellow Commonwealth Games gold medallist will earn him further title shots at 140lbs, and a fight with Spain’s European Champion Sergio Garcia, who inflicted a first career defeat on Cheeseman last month, is high up on his wish list.

“This fight is a very winnable fight for me and this is the fight where people will give me the respect that I deserve. I’ve boxed two unbeaten kids and knocked them both out and I’ll do the same to Scott. After this fight people are going to say ‘wow, that Anthony Fowler is the real deal’.

“I think early on, Scott is going to get a shock when he realises how hard I hit and how hard I am to hit. His confidence is going to drain away round-by-round and as soon as I start hitting him downstairs and on the chin he’s going to feel the pace.

“I think it’s going to be over within five rounds. I think he’ll be brave and he’ll come to win but there’s only so many shots you can take with those little gloves. After this win everyone knows who I want next, I want Ted Cheeseman for the British. This time next year I want to be a European Champion.”

Fowler vs. Fitzgerald is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith make his long-awaited Liverpool homecoming against Sam Eggington.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

FRANK WARREN IS delighted to announce that outstanding amateur talent Dennis McCann has signed a promotional contract to turn professional with Queensberry Promotions.

The much sought after 18-year-old will be trained by Alan Smith out of the iBox Gym in Bromley and will be managed by MTK Global.

The Maidstone-based McCann will fulfil his dream of becoming a professional boxer following his departure from a highly successful stint in the amateur code and news on his debut date will follow shortly.

The nine-time national champion has won an array of further titles in amassing an amateur record of 50-4, with 16 wins coming via stoppage.

“I won the schoolboys, the British championships, I went to the European Games in Russia and came back with the bronze medal, I won the junior ABAs twice, the youth ABAs twice, the NABC championships three times and also the British championships again,” reported McCann, who anticipates campaigning at bantamweight if super fly proves prohibitive.

“I got picked for the European championships in September, but chose not to go. I had a GB assessment in December, but my dream has always been to become a professional boxer and I have watched pro boxing since I was six years old.

“I did the amateurs to be a professional and when I got this opportunity I took it with both hands,” he added, also revealing that competing in the Olympics did not hold particular appeal.

“No, I could have made the Olympics but people have different goals in life and mine is to be a professional boxer under the lights and hopefully become a world champion one day.”

To that end, McCann is happy to have aligned himself with a Hall of Fame promoter with a track record of steering young prospects towards realising their career goals.

“It is just wonderful to get the opportunity to sign with somebody as great as Frank. I am very, very grateful for the opportunity he is giving me.

“Frank is known in boxing for taking young fighters from day one and guiding them towards major titles and that was a big factor for me. Another one was my friend and trainer Alan Smith put me towards Frank and I trust the judgement of both of them.”

Frank Warren is thrilled to welcome such a talented new charge to his team.

“Guiding young fighters like Dennis to world title contention and beyond is what I enjoy most in this business and I’ve got genuine hopes for Dennis, who did incredibly well as an amateur and has attracted a lot of interest within the professional ranks,” commented the promoter.

“He is in a great gym over in Bromley and I’ve got every confidence that Alan Smith – who does a terrific job with his fighters – is the right man to get the best out of him and bring about huge improvements as we go along.

“Dennis is a fantastic addition to our hugely talented crop of young fighters and I look forward to him beginning his journey with us and keeping him busy as he gathers the experience, he needs to make big strides in the professional game.”

You can follow Dennis McCann’s professional boxing journey through his Instagram- dennismccann_18

FRANK WARREN FOR Queensberry Promotions (QP) and Pat Barrett of Black Flash Promotions (BFP) have entered into a unique partnership agreement with the aim of developing and showcasing the future young stars of British boxing.

Barrett, who operates his training, management and promotional enterprise out of the famous Collyhurst and Moston gym in Manchester will, via BFP, promote a significant number of shows across the UK that will provide a platform for the next generation of elite young fighters.

The shows will be run in conjunction with QP, giving the boxers a stage to demonstrate their talent and accelerate their progress by featuring on a regular basis and gaining valuable experience and exposure.

Those fighters who excel and demonstrate exceptional ability on these cards will be rewarded with promotional agreements with QP and propel themselves towards the opportunity of featuring on BT Sport-televised cards.

Warren and Barrett have worked in tandem successfully for many years, with the Hall of Famer promoting the former European champion during his fighting days and the pair have subsequently worked together in plotting the professional careers of leading super featherweight Zelfa Barrett and former Team GB light heavyweight Lyndon Arthur, who will both soon be in contention for major titles.

The initiative will enable Warren and QP to have a first-hand involvement and input into the development of the selected prospects right from the beginning of their professional careers, as well as monitoring progress ahead of potential elevation to the major television platform.

Current QP prospects will also be given the opportunity to increase their activity on QP-BFP shows, which will also be profiled and promoted via QP’s existing media channels.

“My reaction to this agreement is that it is a great chance and opportunity for me to do what I am doing as a small promoter in getting lads ready across shows in places like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle, but also being able to guarantee the successful fighters a career by putting them towards Frank, who I believe is the best promoter in the country and in the world, to me,” commented Pat Barrett on the promotional pact.

“He is the best at what he does – he delivers – and he was my promoter when I was boxing back in the day. To actually take over the gym I am running now and continue the legacy, working with Frank is the opportunity.

“The incentive to be showcased on such a huge platform is there not just for my fighters, but also ones that I just work with and don’t even train. I say to any fighters who come under the Black Flash banner that, if I am going to build them up, then this is where they are going to go.

“They are not going to get built up and go somewhere else because I want to develop a long-term relationship with Queensberry. I want to be able to bring my own fighters through and forward them to Queensberry, like I have done with Zelfa Barrett, Lyndon Arthur and many more that I have got.

“Being the first promoter to come under another promotional banner is a big thing for and something you don’t really see. I can take fighters to 10-0, 12-0 and to minor title level, but that is as much as I can do. Then I take them to Frank, who can move them onto British, European and world titles. He can give them everything they could possibly imagine.

“Frank’s media machine will be behind us and we will also benefit from the respect himself and Queensberry hold in the industry. For us to walk under the Queensberry umbrella is a huge thing for us.

“There is so much talent out there and not enough opportunity for them, which is why myself and Frank have come up with the idea of working together because, what he can’t give them, I can.

“I’ve got so many shows with enormous scope to provide opportunities. Frank has a big number of fighters signed to him and I can help to keep them busy. It is like the loan system in football where you keep players active and sharp, then in a couple of years’ time the team wants their player back when they are looking good.

“It will be the same for myself and Frank, I can get these fighters going, keep them busy and in a job, then when Frank is ready for them to go on the big shows they will be in a fantastic position. It will be a complete package for them and it will be brilliant.”

Frank Warren, on behalf of Queensberry Promotions, added: “Pat is somebody I hold in the highest regard, first as a fighter with me and now as a trainer, manager and promoter.

“The job he has done for the young fighters in the North West and beyond is second to none and now we have a magnificent opportunity to expand the operation and provide a genuine pathway and incentive for top young fighters across the country.

“I have worked closely with Pat for a number of years with some of the superbly trained products of Collyhurst and Moston and I am particularly looking forward to this next exciting phase of our working relationship.

“What we are doing is for the benefit of the fighters. This will give them the perfect grounding to launch their careers, remain active and build a supporter-base then, when the time is right for them to step into major televised promotions, they will be ready to give a good account of themselves and push forward towards titles.

“Boxing in this country is entering into a transitional stage and it is crucial to devise a winning formula to nurture the stars of tomorrow and I believe that is what we are putting in place with this unique partnership.”

The first collaboration between Black Flash Promotions and Queensberry Promotions will be on April 26th at the Middleton Arena, Manchester as the super talented English Super Featherweight Champion Zelfa Barrett (20-1) returns to action.

LAS VEGAS – March 25, 2019 – Unbeaten super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez and his upcoming opponent John Moralde took time out from training camp to discuss their upcoming bout that will be part of a three-fight ShoBox: The New Generation telecast on Friday, April 5 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox tripleheader is headlined by top 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo (16-0, 8 KOs) squaring off against Filipino Neil Tabanao (17-4, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout. In the telecast opener, undefeated Mayweather Promotions 130-pound prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) and once-beaten Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) square off in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Calif., Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) was introduced to the Sweet Science at the young age of 7 and has been mentored by his current trainer Ray Woods ever since. Martinez had a successful amateur career winning the Jr. Golden Gloves in 2010 and he competed at Nationals in 2012 and 2013, ranking No. 4 and No. 3 respectively.

Martinez, who finished his career with over 95 amateur fights, looked up to Diego Corrales and Floyd Mayweather growing up. He draws inspiration from Corrales, who he said always carried the heart of a warrior in the ring and he learned hard work and discipline from Mayweather. At only 21 years of age, Martinez has his eyes set on his first title shot.

A five-time Philippine National Champion hailing from General Santos City, Philippines, Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) will be making his return to U.S. soil to face his next challenge. Last September he faced former Olympian Jamel Herring for the vacant USBA super featherweight title losing a 10-round decision. He returned to the ring in December and recorded a second-round TKO victory over Elmer Colve. Finishing up his six-week training camp, he has sparred against top contender Romero Duno to prepare for Martinez.

On what they know about their opponent:

Martinez: “I don’t know much about him. He fought Jamel Herring so I know he has been in there with someone who is pretty good. I think this is a good matchup for me. If I go in there and do what I know how to do, things will go my way. I’m going to try to make statement on national television with an early knockout. I know I will have to be smart and aggressive to get it. I’m ready.”

Moralde: “I see him as a very promising prospect, and he is also talented. Nonetheless, I bring a lot of quality experience to the table. Be ready for an upset on April 5. I will be leaving the ring as the winner.”

On what a win from this fight will do for their career:

Martinez: “A win over Moralde will put me a step closer to a title shot—perhaps as soon as early next year. My main goal right now is to become a world champion.”

Moralde: I believe that a win over Martinez will change the course of my career. I know this is not an easy fight, but I’ve been on tough situations before and I have come out victorious. I am not looking pass this fight, I have my eyes set on a victory over Martinez.”

On the progress of training camp:

Martinez: “I’ve had a great training camp. My team and I have focused on perfecting my craft and developing my skills. We are working very hard so we can get closer to a title shot.”

Moralde: “Training camp is going well. I’m planning to have a six-week camp and then fly to the U.S. two weeks before the fight to acclimate. I will be in great condition come fight night.”

Are you doing anything new this camp or making any adjustments to prepare for this fight?

Martinez: “Floyd [Mayweather Jr.] watched my last fight ringside and gave me a few pointers. We are working on my jabbing and head movement. I’m perfecting my craft. Come fight night, I will show boxing fans why I am a top prospect at 130.”

Moralde: “Every opponent is different. I know Martinez is a good fighter, so I am preparing accordingly. I have a plan. I will stick to it on fight night and get the win.”

How does it feel to fight on national television?

Martinez: “This will be my third televised fight but my first time on SHOWTIME. I’m very excited. It makes me train harder because I know a lot of people are going to be watching. It’s an opportunity to show the world what I can do.”

Moralde: “I bring a lot of experience to this fight, as I’ve been on major shows before. I’ve been on national U.S. television, international livestreams and world title promotions. This type of television exposure only motivates me and brings the best out of me. I appreciate the opportunity and I’m preparing to take advantage of it.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @MayweatherPromotions, @mayweathersports and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

NEW YORK (March 25, 2019)–Two highly regarded members of the Split-T Management stable scored wins on Saturday night at The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

Junior Lightweight contender Erick DeLeon and lightweight prospect Eric Puente both kept their perfect records intact with wins on the Top Rank Promoted show,

DeLeon remained undefeated by stopping Jose Luis Gallegos in round six of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

DeLeon dominated the first four rounds by landing hard body shots that started to break Gallegos down. Gallegos dropped DeLeon in round five with a hard right hand off the ropes. That was short lived as DeLeon regrouped very nicely and started attacking Gallegos and began to hurt him with a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:35 of round six.

DeLeon was a three-time (2009-2011) National Golden Gloves champion as well as a Ringside World champion in 2008 and 2008 National Silver Gloves champion.

DeLeon, 131 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Gallegos, 131 1/2 lbs of La Barca. MX, and has defeated undefeated fighters before, is 16-6.

Puente, Puente of Vista, California by way of Sinaloa, Mexico won a four-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Lopez.

Puente boxed very well, and raised his record to 2-0 with the unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 twice, and 39-37.

Puente won the 2016 National Youth Open Championship, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

DeLeon and Puente and promoted by Top Rank.

WBA #13 featherweight, WBO #7 and IBF #8 junior featherweight Arnold “Arni” Khegai will return to action on Saturday, March 30 at the Ice Palace in Vladimir, Russia.

The undefeated ethnic Korean, Ukrainian-born slugger (14-0-1, 9 KOs) will face Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania’s Haidari “Blue Fire” Mchanjo (10-5-4, 4 KOs) in a 10-round junior featherweight showdown.

27-year-old Khegai, whose family is from North Korea, but was born and raised in Odessa, Ukraine, had a strong 2018 with three impressive victories.

In May, he took a unanimous decision over respectable veteran Adam Lopez on ShoBox: The New Generation. Then, after a quick stoppage of Uganda’s Mudde Robinson Ntambi in August, he returned to ShoBox in November to take another eight-round unanimous decision, this time over well-regarded contender Jorge Diaz.

“I had a great training camp and I look forward to making another statement on March 30,” said Khegai. “There are a lot of talented fighters and great champions at super bantamweight and I want to fight them all.”

“Arnold has shown that he is a top contender in the division and another impressive victory will get him one step closer towards fighting for the world title,” added his promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

QUINCY, Mass. (March 25, 2019) – Undefeated New England prospects Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams and Anthony Marsella, Jr. have been added to an already loaded “Riot at The Rim” card, featuring three title fights, on Friday night, April 12, at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

“Riot at The Rim”, a presentation of Granite Chin Promotions (GSP), will be headlined by an eight-round New England welterweight title fight between former New England welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (15-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, and Travis “The Outlaw” Demko (8-1, 1 KO), of Stoughton, MA, for the vacant N.E. Welterweight Championship.

“We’re excited to add two of the most talented boxers in New England, Tramaine Williams and Antony Marsella, Jr., to the best top-to-bottom card Granite Chin has ever promoted,” promoter/ fighter Chris Traietti said. “We’ve made a planned effort to upgrade our shows in 2019. Not only do we have many of the most talented and popular New England boxers on this card, we have three title fights, topped by Derek Silveira and Demko for the vacant New England Welterweight Championship.”

Tramaine WilliamsCourtesy of ROC Nation Sports.
The 26-year-old Williams (16-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of New Haven, CT, is a former 10-time national amateur champion, who will be fighting battle-tested Mexican Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (31-26, 21 KOs). He was ranked among the top 10 featherweights in the world, but his inactivity, fighting only in 2018, cost him his ranking. The slick southpaw last fought this past February, stopping 32-8 Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in the opening round. Williams is promoted by Roc Nation.

“How many fighters can say they’ve been through half of what I’ve endured? Add that to continuing to fight at a high level and dominate the way I have, and I promise you the answer is none,” Williams commented. “I’m looking forward to carrying on the way I have. Stay tuned as the story continues.”

“Tramaine is on a fast track mission to keep busy and then get his world title shot as soon as possible,” said Roc Nation Sports boxing promoter Dino Duva. “This April 12th fight continues that mission. I want to thank my old friend Chris Traietti with providing this slot for Tramaine. It’s always a pleasure to work with him.”

Marsella (11-0, 5 KOs), 24, is a rising welterweight prospect out of Providence, Rhode Island. Another celebrated N.E. amateur boxer, Marsella became the International Boxing Association (IBA) champion in his last action, when his opponent, 10-3 Jorge Rodriguez, was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round last November 21. Marsella, who is part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, will go against Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), of Mexico.

Quincy, MA- based Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, is the reigning New England cruiserweight champion. He meets Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos (22-10, 20 KOs), a former Brazilian light heavyweight champion, in the 10-round co-featured event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX cruiserweight title.

WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), a court officer in Brockton (MA) who lives in Pembroke (MA), takes on Brazilian fighter Claudio “Quexado” Morroni (8-4-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant ABF Colonial Atlantic Cruiserweight Championship.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Omar Bordoy (7-0, 2 KOs), of Danbury, CT, fights Frenchman Roman Tomas (7-2, 1 KO), now living in Brooklyn, NY, in a six-round match.

Gloucester, MA middleweight “Handsome” Henry Gedney (2-0, 1 KO) is matched with New Jersey’s Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (3-5-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard is Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (7-1, 5 KOs) against his Mexican opponent, Francisco “El Mono” Medal (12-16, 8 KOs), in a six-rounder.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket prices are $60.00, $45.00 and $35.00 and available to purchase online at www.TicketRiver.com (search word: Riot at the Rim).

Doors open at 7 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS came face-to-face with Shefat Isufi who he meets for the WBO interim super-middleweight world title at the Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC on Saturday May 18, live on BT Sport

Saunders (27-0) will be closing in on becoming a two-weight world champion after his unbeaten reign as WBO middleweight champion when he faces Isufi on Frank Warren’s ‘King Of Herts’ bill at the Hertfordshire stadium close to his Hatfield home.

Munich based Albanian Isufi (27-3-2) is on a ten fight winning streak, the current WBO intercontinental champion and the number one contender for the WBO title, held by Mexican Gilberto Ramirez.

**MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO DOWNLOAD AND USE THE FACE OFF FROM TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE ON THIS LINK**

Here are a selection of quotes from their press conference at the venue today:

FRANK WARREN

“We were stuck with no London venue available in May, so we decided to think outside the box and go local to Bill, and bring the fight to Stevenage FC. It’s a good facility which will have a 10-12,000 capacity for boxing. ”

“We tried to make the Chris Eubank Jr rematch and they didn’t want to know, they don’t want Eubank to fight Billy Joe Saunders under any circumstances.”

“The champion Gilberto Ramirez called the WBO and said he would vacate and they put the fight out to Billy and Isufu and we agreed terms, but Ramirez then said he hadn’t decided so this is now interim title. I believe Ramirez could vacate and the winner will be declared full champion.”

“Billy has been very avoided. We signed twice to fight Golovkin and Canelo doesn’t want to fight him.”

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS

“This is a good homecoming, but a bit of pressure because I have never boxed so close to home. I’ve got to make sure I’m on my game because Isufi is looking to take my head off. My mind has got to be focused and set new challenges.”

“I love the Ingle gym and loved working with Dominic Ingle and there are no hard feelings – he may even be in the corner with Ben. There is unfinished business in me and people haven’t seen the best.”

“I have never been more determined and I have a lot to prove this year. I had a terrible 2018 inside and outside the ring and I know I have to be on top flight for Isufi.”

“I am open to boxing at super-middleweight and middleweight. I’ve not got miles on the clock, in my 27 fights I have taken ten hard punches and I am just coming into my prime. I believe I am the best middleweight and super-middleweight in the world bar none. I want to get noticed at 168lb. I would definitely fancy a fight against Callum Smith. I mentioned it to Frank before that it would be a good fight to make. He is great fighter and the type I want to test myself against. It would be hard to say, ‘No’ to that fight.”

BEN DAVISON (Saunders Trainer)

“I’ve always worked with Billy Joe on the technical side. We carried on doing some sessions together and a few weeks ago Billy gave me the call and I was more than happy to accept.”

“When Tyson Fury was in a bad position Billy put us together and we’re there to help each other. Billy and Tyson make a good little team. Tyson’s wife always tells me how much Billy was in touch encouraging him to get back in the gym when he was struggling.”

“Billy should leave this sport knowing he one of the best British fighters ever. Isufi is a stern test, but Billy will produce the goods.”

SHEFAT ISUFI

“Billy can have a million people cheering him on, there’s only going to be two of us in that ring on fight night. I will give Billy Joe a very tough night.”

“Billy is very good fighter, very fast and quick and a good puncher but I am very confident I will give him a tough time.”

“I promised my father on his death bed that I would be a world champion and this is my chance.”

Saunders vs Isufi at the Lamex Stadium is subject to licensing and will go on sale via www.borotickets.co.uk on April 1st.

Tickets will be priced as below:

£200 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

Liam Smith says it feels like he is making his professional debut all over again as he prepares to take on Sam Eggington in his first fight under the Matchroom Boxing banner at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Beefy’ hasn’t fought in his home city since he successfully defended the WBO Super-Welterweight World title against Predrag Radosevic in June 2016 and the rejuvenated Scouser believes he has something to prove to his new promoter in front of his home crowd as he targets another shot at World glory.
“I’ve got to prove a point to Matchroom that I was worth signing and show them that they made the right decision,” said Smith. “Everything has come for a great time for me. I’m back in Liverpool topping the bill against a decent opponent that a lot of the British public know. The buzz since the fight has been announced has been great for myself.

“I’m at a vital part of my career now. Sam is a good opponent to get started with, but I’ve got to put in a performance, so it’s bad for Sam take the fight at this moment. I am a big way back into boxing for him. And as we’ve sparred a lot, whatever confidence he can draw, he will try and draw some from that.

“I feel like I’m turning pro all over again. This is a new lease of life for me and exactly what I needed at this stage of my career. I’ve got to do a proper job on Sam and a proper job is what I truly believe I will do. It’s my tenth fight at the arena in Liverpool and I’m 9-0 in there, so I look forward to making that 10-0.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS will fight Shefat Isufi for the WBO Interim super middleweight world title on Saturday May 18 at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage Football Club, live on BT Sport.

For Saunders, 27-0, the big night in the centre of pitch at Stevenage will represent a first professional fight on home turf in Hertfordshire, with the 29-year-old southpaw stylist hailing from nearby Hatfield.

The former Southern Area, Commonwealth, British, WBO International and European champion was an undefeated WBO world champion at middleweight, having won the belt in December 2015 with a points victory over former champion Andy Lee.

Successful defences followed against Artur Akavov, Willie Monroe jr and, most notably, a career-best performance against David Lemieux on away soil in Canada.

He was set to make a further defence last October against mandatory challenger Demetrius Andrade, but eventually opted to relinquish his title after the Massachusetts commission refused to licence him to fight in Boston after an adverse finding in a VADA test, despite the fact he would have been clear to defend under the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, as well as the UKAD and WADA agencies that govern doping protocols.

Saunders returned to the ring in December in a keep busy exercise against Charles Adamu and was recently installed as mandatory challenger for his previous title, with Andrade now holding the belt.

He will now break new territory by moving up to 168lbs and seeking to reign at a second weight class.

His opponent is the WBO No.1 ranked Munich-based Serbian Isufi, who holds a record of 27-3-2 with 20 KOs. The 29-year-old is the holder of the WBO Intercontinental title and has made two defences of the belt he won by defeating David Zegarra via an 11th round stoppage for the vacant title in July 2017.

He has previously fought for and won the IBF European title at light heavyweight, as well as the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council cruiserweight title. Isufi is undefeated as a super middleweight.

“I am very, very happy for the fight, more or less, to be taking place in my home town,” said Saunders on the new venue development. “Stevenage and Hatfield is my area and I am excited to be fighting in front of my ‘home’ fans and I am finally home.

“This is my real homecoming from the time I turned pro really.

“I know I have got great support there and I look forward to them all coming out and seeing me put on a brilliant display of boxing. I am just happy I am in this position now and Frank (promoter, Warren) has made it work.

“It is good times and I reckon it will be a complete sell-out. I’ve got a lot of support in the town and it’s a bonus that Stevenage is just along the A1, which is what all my supporters will be travelling on.”

Saunders was initially set to fight for the full WBO world championship against Isufi following the planned move of the champion Gilberto Ramirez to light heavyweight. After notifying the governing body of his intention to leave the division, the Mexican later retracted his statement, although he will fight for the first time at light heavyweight on April 12 in Los Angeles.

Saunders is unfazed by the about-turn and states that he would prefer to personally part the champion from his belt in the ring.

“It is what it is and no problem,” he reasoned. “I shall fight this No.1 ranked opponent and I will be taking his spot and then I will fight Ramirez after. Let’s get that fight going on.

“If he moves up I would become world champion but I don’t want to win it that way because I want to beat the champion.
“It is all good vibes from me, I am willing to fight anybody in the super middleweight or middleweight category and put on a masterful display.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to be returning Bill to his home patch for what is a significant development in his career.
“Moving up to super middleweight opens up all sort of doors for future fights, the massive fights he craved at middleweight where his willingness to fight the other champions was not reciprocated.

“Bill has operated at middleweight for a long time now and reached the top, so we both now believe the time is right to expand his horizons and move up a weight.

“If he is successful against Isufi – and we are not underestimating the threat he poses – Bill will either become world champion or fight Ramirez for the title should he stick around at super middleweight.

“Stevenage is new territory for us and I am looking forward to breaking new ground. I am sure the local fans will come out in numbers to support their local man as Bill enters this next phase of his career.”

Saunders vs Isufi at the Lamex Stadium is subject to licensing and will go on sale via www.borotickets.co.uk on April 1st.

Tickets will be priced as below:

£200 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 24, 2019) – – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams previewed their recently announced showdown at a press conference Sunday before they meet in primetime in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action on Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

Here is what the fighters had to say Sunday from MGM National Harbor in Maryland:

JARRETT HURD

“It was very important to fight at home because that’s what everyone has been asking for. I’m excited to have the opportunity and I can’t wait to step in the ring.

“All of my fights are classics. I know that ‘J-Rock’ has been watching me and that makes him dangerous. He’s coming in with a good game plan and we’ll see what it is on fight night.

“Jermall Charlo is a big puncher and he landed some shots that got Julian out of there, but Julian was right in that fight. It was kind of back and forth action until Charlo landed those shots, but Charlo was hurt in that fight too.

“The fighter that I am, I wanted to go out there and close the show against Erislandy Lara. I thought I was up, but it’s not in me to just go out and survive. I’m glad I did because it got me the win.

“I’m going to be victorious on May 11. I’m looking for a decisive win. I’m not saying I’m going to to get the stoppage, but it will be convincing that it went my way.

“Tony Harrison beating Jermell Charlo definitely threw a monkey wrench into the plan coming off of surgery. I’m going to go after the WBC belt regardless of who has it, but first I have to take care of Julian.”

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I’m not Erislandy Lara, I’m going to fight a completely different fight than he did. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win. That’s the kind of fighter Hurd is, so that’s the kind of fighter I have to be.

“I think I’m going to win in a classic. We’re probably going to have to do it a second time it’ll be so good.

“My motivation are those two belts on the line. Any kind of fight with Harrison or Charlo and Hurd has nothing to do with me. I’m focused on what I have to do.

“I had to get over the loss quick. You can’t dwell on that. Am I going to mope? No, it’s who’s up next? I can’t even put it into words how hungry I am.

“Hurd is definitely a really exciting fighter. He gives that extra each fight, but I’ve seen some things. I have a way of wearing guys down myself. I wore Nathaniel Gallimore down fighting off my front foot and I think I’ll do the same to Hurd.

“I don’t know if there will be extra pressure on him fighting at home. You have to ask him. I know when I fight at home I don’t feel any extra pressure. When the bell rings, a fight is a fight.”

# # #

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

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

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

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

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. (MARCH 24, 2019)–On Saturday, lightweight contender Petr Petrov scored a 4th round stoppage over Hermin Isava in Petrov’s home country of Spain.

The fight was Petrov’s 1st fight in Spain in almost seven years.

With the win, Petrov raises his mark to 39-6-2 with 20 knockouts, and the former Boxcino champion and two-time world title challenger is ready for another run at a world championship.

“I know Petr was happy to fight at home, and he was thrilled to fight, and win very impressively in front of his family and friends. Now we will look to bring him back in a significant fight that he deserves,” sad Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo.

NEW YORK (March 23, 2019)-Two of Split-T Management’s undefeated fighters, Erick DeLeon and Eric Puente return to action tonight at The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

DeLeon (18-0-1, 10 KOs) of Detroit takes on Jose Luis Gallegos in a super featherweight bout.

DeLeon, who was a three-time National Golden Gloves Champion, will be making his 2019 debut. In 2018, DeLeon began to get on radar of many boxing insiders after impressive performances against Andy Vences (which was a disputed draw) and his last bout when he won a ten-round unanimous decision over Adrian Yung. In the battle, DeLeon fought nine-plus rounds with an injured shoulder.

In Gallegos, DeLeon is taking on an opponent who has a record of 16-5 with 12 knockouts. Gallegos holds a 3rd round stoppage over previously undefeated Juan Lopez Esparza.

Both DeLeon and Gallegos checked in at 131.4 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

Puente of Vista, California by way of Sinaloa, Mexico. Puente won the 2016 National Youth Open Championship, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Puente turned professional on February 16th with a unanimous decision over Keith Carson.

The 19 year-old lightweight will take on Alejandro Lopez Huerta, who will be taking on his 5th consecutive undefeated opponent.

Puente weighed 133.8 lbs, while Lopez was 134.6 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in.

The action kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET

Both DeLeon and Puente are promoted by Top Rank.

ESPN (10 p.m. ET)

Kubrat Pulev 249.8 lbs vs. Bogdan Dinu 239.6 lbs
(Heavyweight- 10 Rounds)

Jessie Magdaleno 125.6 lbs vs. Rico Ramos 127.2 lbs
(Vacant WBC USNBC featherweight title- 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

Maxim Dadashev 140.4 lbs vs. Ricky Sismundo 140.8 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 10 Rounds)

Erick De Leon 131.4 lbs vs. Jose Luis Gallegos 131.4 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Javier Molina 125.8 lbs vs. Abdiel Ramirez 125 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Chris van Heerden 148.4 lbs vs. Mahrony Montes 148.6 lbs
(Welterweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Tyler McCreary 127.6 lbs vs. Roberto Castaneda 127 lbs
(Featherweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Bobirzhan Mominov 147.6 lbs vs. Jonathan Steele 146.4 lbs
(Welterweight – 8/6 Rounds)

David Kaminsky 160.6 lbs vs. Estevan Payan 159.4 lbs
(Middleweight – 4 Rounds)

Eric Puente 133.8 lbs vs. Alejandro Lopez 134.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 4 Rounds)

Tervel Pulev 207.8 lbs vs. Mitch Williams 199.8 lbs
(Cruiserweight – 8 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $75 and $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

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

Use the hashtag #PulevDinu to follow the action on social media.

PHILADELPHIA (MARCH 22, 2019)–An intriguing junior welterweight contest between Branden Pizarro and Tre’Sean Wiggins will be the co-feature bout of a huge night of boxing on Friday night, April 26th as part of the 2nd installment of the Met Philadelphia Boxing series.

Two titles will be on the line as Branden Pizarro will defend his NBA Intercontinental title, while Wiggins will defend his newly-won Pennsylvania State Title.

The show, which will be headlined by undefeated welterweight Malik Hawkins is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions along with Live Nation.

Pizarro of Philadelphia has a record of 14-1 with seven knockouts. The 19 year-old, is a three-year professional, and is riding a six fight winning streak. Pizarro win the NBA Intercontinental title on November 16, 2018 with a unanimous decision over Jerome Rodriguez. Pizarro is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Zack Ramsey on February 23rd at The Met.

Wiggins of Newbergh, New York has a record of 11-4-1 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old Wiggins is a nine-year professional, and is not afraid to take on top competition.

Wiggins has a 1st round knockout of former world champion Jason Sosa. Wiggins has a win over Naim Nelson. In his last bout, Wiggins won the Pennsylvania State title with an eight-round unanimous decision over Samuel Teah (15-2) on February 23rd at The MET.

THE FULL CARD WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

TICKETS are $100, $75, $50 & $25 and can be purchased at TheMetPhilly.com or Please call 1-800-745-3000 to order your tickets by phone.

Philadelphia, PA (March 22, 2019) -Three-Time Olympian, Anvar Yunusov (6-0, 3 KOs) is is looking to go big game hunting as he prepares for his main event battle with Puerto Rico’s Carlos Colon (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will take place next Friday night at SugarHouse Casino.

Yunusov, who has been training at Philly’s Next Champ

“My training has been good. I have been sparring with (IBF Super Featherweight World Champion) Tevin Farmer. It was good and tough sparring. I feel that has been getting me stronger and stronger,” said Yunusov.

When it comes to Colon, Yunusov does not know much, but that doesn’t seem to faze the 32 year-old, who represented Tajikistan in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

“I just know he is from Puerto Rico. It has been tough to find information on him, but I know he has not fought in America.”

After fighting four times in 2018, Yunusov will be making his 2019 debut, and he feels that despite just having six fights, he is close to major fights due to his extensive amateur career.

“I feel everything has gone well. I have a great promoter in Marshall Kauffman and King’s Promotions. He is the best promoter around, and he has kept me busy.”

“This will be a great fight, and I will excite the fans. I love to fight, and am always in good shape. My goal is to fight Leo Santa Cruz for the world title.”

On the stacked undercard, Erik Spring (11-2-2, 1 KO) of Reading, PA will fight Terrance Williams (5-2-1, 1 KO) of York, PA in a eight-round super welterweight bout.

Also in eight-round bouts:

Raeese Aleem (13-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas fights Ramiro Robles (15-8-2, 9 KOs) of Queretaro, Mexico in a super bantamweight bout.

Brandon Robinson (11-2, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA fights Lawrence Blakey (5-12-2, 2 KOs) of Pennsylvania in a super middleweight bout.

Anthony Mercardo (12-4, 10 KOs) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico battles Andres Navarro (11-7-1, 7 KOs) of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico in a junior welterweight clash.

In six-round bouts:

Mark Dawson (5-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on Jordn Morales (3-6, 2 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a welterweight bout.

Michael Coffie (5-0, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY takes on Eduardo Vitela (3-3, 2 KOs) of Durango, Mexico in a heavyweight tussle.

Colby Madison (7-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD fights Emilio Salas (5-2-1, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, NY in a Heavyweight match.

Javier Oquendo (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia boxes Weusi Johnson (3-10) of Wilmington, DE in a super featherweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Jordan Demko of Reading, PA will make his pro debut against fellow debuter LaQuan Evans of Philadelphia in a middleweight battle.

Ryan Humberger of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against fellow 1st-timer Brent Oren of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com

ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,891 slots, 103 table games, a 28-table poker room, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,700 people, and for six consecutive years has been voted a “Best Place to Work” by the Philadelphia Business Journal and for five straight years a “Top Workplace” by Philly.com. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 22, 2019) – The match between former middleweight champion Sakio Bika and Lionell Thompson has been removed from the Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 card on Sunday at MGM Grand National Harbor in Maryland.

The fight was taken off of the card after the Maryland State Athletic Commission discovered Bika had a medical issue during his pre-fight examination on Friday.

As a result, the eight-round fight between unbeaten super featherweight prospect Cobia Breedy (12-0, 4 KOs) and Fernando Fuentes (14-7-1, 4 KOs) will now open the FS1 prelims, which begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

The FS1 prelims broadcast will also feature Brandon Quarles (21-4-1, 10 KOs) battling Kansas-native Aaron Coley (15-2-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout, plus Baltimore’s Lorenzo Simpson (2-0, 2 KOs) taking on Jaime Meza (pro debut) in a four-round super middleweight attraction.

The event is headlined by two-division world champion Lamont Peterson taking on former junior welterweight world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round welterweight match that headlines PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

# # #

ABOUT PETERSON VS. LIPINETS

Peterson vs. Lipinets is a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event that is headlined by former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson taking on former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets in the main event.

In the co-main event Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, will face former champion Argenis Mendez, plus super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark takes on unbeaten Vernon Brown as part of the telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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

NATIONAL HARBOR (March 22, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson and former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets went face-to-face Friday at the final press conference before they meet in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Once-beaten contender Anthony Peterson also faced off against his opponent, former world champion Argenis Mendez, as the Peterson brothers prepare to fight in front of their hometown fans as the main and co-main event in a nationally televised event for the first time since 2006.

Also in attendance Friday was super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark, who faces unbeaten Vernon Brown in the televised opening at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday from MGM National Harbor:

LAMONT PETERSON

“I know how to keep the pressure off of myself before a fight. I know we’re at the top level and I’m facing a top guy. I’m looking to capitalize on the opportunity and move forward.

“Lipinets is a tough guy. He only has about 15 pro fights, but he was able to move through the ranks pretty fast. That got my attention and lets you know that he’s definitely coming to win.

“Anthony and I have fought on cards together but not on this stage for a while. I used to be nervous for him, but at this point we’re veterans and we’re just going to enjoy it.

“From day one we’ve treated every opponent like a champion. We always had that mindset that we had to go out there and take care of business, and that’s not going to change on Sunday night.

“Any time I fight at home, there’s a little bit more on it. It makes things easier when I’m getting through the whole progress of training camp. There’s a type of home court advantage. I knew when they opened this venue, that eventually I’d fight here. I’m going to enjoy it.

“I never felt like I was done fighting after my last fight, but you have to be smart. After each fight I assess the whole situation before I move on. That’s what I did before this one and I’m happy to be in this position.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m very excited to be in this position and in this fight. I appreciate that Lamont took on this fight. He’s a great fighter who I respect and I’m sure he’s ready. I’m ready to make this fight goes down in history.

“I know that a win over Lamont will get me the big fights that I’m looking for. I want to be a champion at welterweight and that starts with making a statement on Sunday.

“I have a very tough opponent in front of me and I’m motivated by the challenge. I’m in this sport to be in the biggest and best fights. People say this is 50-50, so I’m excited to show why I’m better.

“This is a big fight. I have to get through Lamont to get to where I want to go. We’ll find out Sunday if he can stop me. I know that if I do what I have to with Lamont, that will set me up.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

“My brother and I are at a point in our career where we’re having fun. It’s like a family event. We’re going to have fun and take care of business. I’m ready to put on a big performance. Don’t blink.

“I love the rush of getting into the ring in front of my hometown, that’s why I do it. The other stuff is cool, but I just love to see people excited and telling me I put on a great performance. It’s an amazing thing.

“It’s been a minute since I’ve been in the ring, but I’ve been fighting and working with guys like Shawn Porter, Jarrett Hurd, Robert Easter, Adrien Broner, Gervonta Davis and my brother. I’ve been in there with all the top fighters.

“My fire is still burning. I study boxing history and I look at guys who have gotten their breaks late in their careers, and I know I’m one of those guys.”

ARGENIS MENDEZ

“I’m very happy to be here and to have this opportunity. Anthony Peterson is a very good fighter, so I’m ready to be at my best on fight night. I’m here to continue winning and leave the fans with a great show.

“I’m happy to fight Anthony in his hometown. I’ve always been willing to travel anywhere around the world for fights. It’s normal to me and I’m ready for everything that comes with being the road warrior.

“I definitely plan on taking this out of the hands of the judges. I know that I have to do a little bit more to make sure I get the win. Anthony is a good fighter, but I’ve trained hard and this is my moment. I want to show the world how great I am.”

JAMONTAY CLARK

“I’m in great shape and I’m war-ready. His 0 has to go. I’m ready for anything he’s going to bring and I’m going to put on a great performance for everyone watching.

“I don’t think he’s faced anyone on my level and I’m ready to show it. I’m going to do my talking in the ring and put on a clinic from start to finish.”

BARRY HUNTER, Lamont and Anthony’s Trainer

“I want to see the dog in Lamont in this fight. I want to see the smart fighter that he’s always been. I think the rest has done him a lot of good. He’s got his mind and his body right. He looked at me on day one and I could tell he was ready to roll.

“In the amateurs Lamont and Anthony used to share cards all the time. When they first started, we also did it frequently. It’s not unusual for us. It’s been a while, but it’s not a situation we haven’t been in.”

# # #

ABOUT PETERSON VS. LIPINETS
Peterson vs. Lipinets is a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes event that is headlined by former two-division world champion Lamont Peterson taking on former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets in the main event.

In the co-main event Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, will face former champion Argenis Mendez, plus super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark takes on unbeaten Vernon Brown as part of the telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 22, 2019) – Last night at The Avalon Hollywood, Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight prospect, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs), picked up the biggest victory of his career winning an eight-round unanimous decision over North Hollywood’s Ferdinand Kerobyan (11-1, 9 KOs). With the win, Cobbs captured the vacant Jr. NABF Title on a card that was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions who promotes both fighters.

Cobbs, who hails from Las Vegas by way of Philadelphia, came in as an underdog as well as fighting in Kerobyan’s hometown of Hollywood, CA. The hostile crowd was silenced from the opening round as Cobbs didn’t let the rowdy fans phase him one bit. Cobb’s put on a masterclass boxing lesson outclassing Kerobyan from the southpaw stance.

“To be honest, I would grade myself a B- after this fight,” said Cobbs. “I know people say I did good, but I haven’t shown everything I can do yet. I can punch while moving my feet, pivot, jab-step, I do a lot technical stuff and I haven’t had a fight that has shown my true potential. I’m happy I got the win while capturing my first regional title. I’m also glad my manager Greg Hannley, and my promoter Golden Boy Promotions, for putting me in such a great position.

Kerobyan was cut in the first round from what was ruled a clash of heads. Early on it was the hand speed of Cobbs that proved to be far too much for Kerobyan. Cobbs kept attacking Kerobyan’s cut with his jab as Kerobyan struggled to cut off the ring. Cobbs had to show his Philly toughness holding off Kerobyan who surged late in the bout causing his eye to swell. In the end, Cobbs received the biggest win of his career picking up a unanimous decision over a highly touted prospect and winning the first title of his career. The judges scored the bout 79-73, 77-75 and 77-75 all in favor for Blair Cobbs.

“This is the type of performance we expected and is why we are so eager to work with Blair Cobbs,” stated Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He has the confidence and skill of a true warrior and this is just another step towards the goal of making him a world champ.”

Los Angeles, CA (March 22, 2019) On one of his final days of training in Southern California, WBC Diamond Super Lightweight Champion and the #1 Ranked Super Lightweight Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs), of New Orleans, LA, swung open the doors of his training camp to the media in Santa Monica, CA.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Prograis will head to Houston, TX, next week as he continues preparations for his world championship showdown against WBA 140-pound World Champion Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs), of Minsk, Belarus, in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series set for Saturday, April 27, at the Cajundome, in Lafayette, LA. The fight will be telecast in the United States on DAZN.

Below are quotes from Regis at the media workout.

REGIS “ROUGAROU” PROGRAIS

“This is my biggest fight, my first true world title fight and, mentally, the biggest fight of my career. Nothing will stop me from getting this belt.”

“I believe we will have a very big crowd on April 27. It’s about a two-hour drive from New Orleans and my fans have been wanting to see me fight for a world title.”

“Training camp is always hard, but we make it as fun as possible. I started training here for two weeks and then finish in Houston until fight week.”

“Hopefully, at the end of this tournament, I’ll be a unified world champion and have the Ali Trophy. The best fighters in the 140-pound division are in this tournament.”

“I felt great in my first tournament fight against Terry Flanagan. It was a fun fight and I was very relaxed. It was one of my best performances.”

“I can change my style if I have to. Whatever Relikh tries, I can beat him at it. Like always, whatever I feel like doing is going to happen. No one at 140 can stop me.”

“After Relikh, I want the rest of the belts. Just like Terence Crawford did, I want to become undisputed champion at 140. If I become undisputed at 140, it’s much better than what he did as the competition is much better right now. This batch of 140lb. champions are much more talented than who he beat to become undisputed.”

“As long as the other belt holders don’t hide behind their promoters and networks, I’ll have the opportunity to become undisputed, that’s my goal. I want to prove what people are saying about me being the best 140lb. fighter in the word. It’s nice to have it said, but I want to prove it in the ring.”

“I can make 140 comfortably. When I move up to 147, I’ll be even stronger.”

“Jose Ramirez almost lost his last fight. Imagine if he got hit by me with the shots that Zepeda hit him with. He would have gotten badly hurt and knocked out for sure.”

“Relikh and I are two top five fighters fighting each other. You look at Maurice Hooker and Jose Ramirez and see their lack of competition. They’re not fighting top ten guys. For me, boxing is about the best fighting the best.”

Co-featured on April 27, four-division world champion “The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (39-5, 25 KOs), of San Leandro, CA, meets South African Zolani Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) in a semi-final bantamweight match of the tournament.

Tickets, starting at $25, for the WBSS Super Lightweight and Bantamweight Semi-Finals are available through Ticketmaster here.

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Southpaw featherweight Donald Smith, of Southwest Philadelphia, recently signed a contract to join Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc. Smith, who turns 26 next week, has won all eight of his pro fights, five by knockout. He returns Saturday evening, March 30, on the world championship fight card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia against Jose Antonio Martinez, of Zacatecas, Mexico, in a six-round contest.

Martinez, 35, at 11-17, 6 K0s, is the most experienced opponent yet for Smith, who played football and basketball at West Philadelphia High School.

Smith finds time to train despite holding down a series of jobs. He is a Direct Care Worker at an emergency youth shelter (Forget Me Knot Youth Services) and he is an After Care Worker at Birds of a Feather. He also drives after-school buses. As if he weren’t busy enough, Smith just landed another job, this one as a warehouse worker at Coca Cola.

“It’s amazing he found time to come into our office to sign a contract,” said Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz. “In an era when many fighters want to be pampered, Smith is a breath of fresh air.”

As an amateur, Smith was 61-9 and he boxed in the National Golden Gloves, Junior Olympic Nationals, Silver Gloves Nationals and the USA Open Class Nationals.

Smith enjoys playing basketball and singing.

“He threatened to sing the National Anthem before one of his fights,” Peltz said, “but I had to turn him down on that one…for now.”

A limited amount of Standing-Room-Only tickets went on sale this week at 2300arena.com. The card, which starts at 5.30 pm, is headlined by the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-heavyweight championship fight between champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk, of Kharkov, Ukraine, and challenger Doudou Ngumbu, of Kinshasa, Congo.

Canning Town’s Wadi Camacho will start as a sizeable underdog when he faces the unbeaten British Cruiserweight king Lawrence Okolie on Saturday in an intriguing trade fight, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, but the reigning Commonwealth boss says he will surprise his many doubters by becoming the first man to inflict a defeat on ‘The Sauce’.

“People have said I was finished many times but I proved them wrong and I’ll prove them wrong again by beating Okolie,” said the 33-year-old southpaw.

“Sometimes my mindset outside the ring wasn’t the best it could be but look at my last few performances and you will see that I’m in the form of my career. I’ve had many trainers in the past and I’ve trained myself but I’m so happy to have this team around me now in a big fight. They all really put the work in behind the scenes and all the hard work is now paying off.”

In 2017 Camacho was stopped in four rounds by the then 11-0 Arfan Iqbal in a challenge for the English title but since that loss he has recaptured the Southern Area title with a points win over Ossie Jervier and successful defences against Jose Lopes and Danny Couzens.

And in November he gained revenge over the unbeaten Iqbal with a seventh round technical decision win in a contest where he captured the Commonwealth title he defends for the first time this evening.

Camacho was present at ringside when Okolie halted Tamas Lodi at The O2 in February and the pair ended up face to face in the ring as the double championship fight between the feuding fighters was announced live on Sky Sports.

There has been some choice words exchanged between the two fighters in the build-up and Camacho says he will make Okolie pay for his lack of respect towards him when they exchange punches rather than barbs.

“Lots of people don’t like him,” said Camacho. “He said I was a joke and he was gonna take all the belts off me. I don’t really get into all that sort of stuff I just let my fists do the talking. I think he’s shocked that the fights happening and I’ve turned up.

“I’m a big Cruiserweight and a southpaw which I can use to my advantage in the fight. He has an awkward style that his last few opponents have had trouble dealing with but I’m gonna take the fight to him and lets see what happens when a real Cruiserweight puncher hits him on the chin.”

Okolie vs. Camacho is part of a huge night of action at the Copper Box Arena.

Main event sees Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on Barrow-in-Furness man Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

Geordie ace Lewis Ritson makes his debut at 140lbs as he takes on Argentina’s German Argentino Benitez for the WBA Inter-Continental title.

Undefeated Irish Middleweight talent Jason Quigley fights for the first time as a pro in the UK, Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

FAIRFAX, VA. (March 21, 2019) – Unified and undefeated IBF and WBA 154-pound “Swift” Jarrett Hurd will defend his titles against top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams live in primetime in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action on Saturday, May 11 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

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

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 28 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased through Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.com).

“Jarrett Hurd has established himself as one of the breakout stars in boxing, and now he’ll have a chance to showcase his talents in front of his hometown faithful,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will have a stiff test from Julian Williams, who since his only defeat has racked up win after win to show that he is still squarely in the elite class of the division. This is setting up to be a fantastic main event for viewers in primetime to enjoy on FOX and FOX Deportes. With ‘Swift’ making his first hometown title defense, the crowd at EagleBank Arena is sure to deliver a raucous atmosphere.”

Hurd vs. Williams is one of the best matches that can be made in the super welterweight division as two of the division’s young, hungry fighters square off on the march toward an undisputed world title.

Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) has already picked up two titles with heart-pounding victories in one of the toughest divisions in boxing. He began his run when he stopped Tony Harrison for a ninth-round knockout to capture the IBF title in 2017 on FOX. He successfully defended the title with another victory when he became the first person to stop former world champion Austin Trout. The 28-year-old picked up the WBA title with by dropping Erislandy Lara and earning a split decision in the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year last April.

A native of Accokeek, Maryland, Hurd will be fighting in front of his hometown fans when he takes on Williams and is returning to fight in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area for the first time since a 2014 win at Constitution Hall in D.C. He most recently delivered a knockout victory over Jason Welborn in his last fight on December 1.

“I couldn’t be happier to be fighting at home for the first time as a champion,” said Hurd. “My hometown has been asking me to bring the championship back home and now I can. Julian Williams is a tough opponent and I don’t see him as a stepping stone. He’s crafty, technical and fundamentally sound. I want to go out and get a decisive win and show that I’m on a different level than everybody else in the division.”

Williams (26-1-1, 16 KOs) never backs down from a challenge and he has fought his way back into contention for his second world title shot. He has ripped off four straight victories since losing to Jermall Charlo in a world championship match in 2016. Included in that run were impressive victories over former world champion Ishe Smith and contender Nathaniel Gallimore. The 28-year-old from Philadelphia is coming off a knockout victory over Francisco Javier Castro on December 1.

“Jarrett Hurd is a good, strong fighter that’s really hot right now,” Williams said. “This is a hometown fight for him, but Philly isn’t that far from Virginia. I’m looking forward to putting on an exciting fight for all of the fans on FOX, and most importantly winning those titles and showing the world that I am the best in the 154-pound division.”

Barrios (23-0, 15 KOs) has grown into a brilliant super lightweight contender after starting out at 130 pounds. The 5-foot-10 fighter from San Antonio, Texas, has carried his power with him up the ladder as demonstrated by stopping his last seven opponents, including victories over Naim Nelson and Jose Luis Rodriguez on FS1. He enters the fight with Velasco after a knockout victory over Richard Zamora in his last fight on February 9.

Velasco (20-1, 12 KOs) picked up the nickname “The Pitbull” early in his career because of his aggressive style. It has served the 31-year-old resident of Buenos Aires, Argentina well throughout a career in which he’s only tasted defeat once. He suffered the first loss of his career in his last fight when he was stopped by Regis Prograis on July 14. He will be looking to rebound against another rising unbeaten fighter in Barrios.

The 36-year-old Korobov (28-2, 14 KOs) lost a hard-fought decision to Jermall Charlo live on FOX in a middleweight championship match on December 22. He was a late replacement and gave Charlo a tougher fight than many experts expected. Even though he came up short, the Russian-born fighter, who now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, served notice to the rest of the division that he is still a threat to top 160-pounders.

Aleem (28-1-1, 22 KOs) will have been out of the ring for nearly a year when he steps in against Korobov. The 25-year-old is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory over Juan De Angel in his last fight on May 19. Korobov presents a major challenge for Aleem of Richmond, Virginia, who suffered the first loss of his career when he was stopped by Hugo Centeno, Jr. in August 2017 on FS1, following a career-best win over then unbeaten Ievgen Khytrov.

# # #

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

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 21, 2019) – Heavyweight contender Michael Hunter (16-1, 11 KOs), is calling out all top ten contenders in the heavyweight division. Hunter is riding an impressive four-fight winning streak where he captured two recognizable titles, both of which came under the tutelage of former two-time heavyweight world champion, Hasim Rahman, who took over as head trainer in October of 2018.

On October 13, 2018, Michael Hunter traveled overseas to London, UK, and scored a 10th round TKO over previously unbeaten foe, Martin Ilunga (11-1, 8 KOs), capturing the IBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title. Incredibly, the following month, Hunter again traveled outside of the United States to Monte Carlo, Monaco, and scored another unbelievable TKO against Alexander Ustinov (34-3, 25 KOs), this time winning the vacant World Boxing Association International Heavyweight title in the process.

“I’ve been telling everyone I’m on a mission to become the heavyweight championship of the world, and that I would go overseas and bring back knockout victories,” said a confident Michael Hunter. “I had no choice, I knew I needed knockouts, or else I wouldn’t get a decision in their native land. In both fights with Ilunga and Ustinov, I dug deep and got them both out of there. I believe in myself and I know I can beat any contender, or any of the heavyweight champions out there. With Rahman in my corner, no one is going to stop me.”

Rahman believes Hunter, who does all his training at the Prince Ranch Boxing gym in Las Vegas, has all the talent to dethrone the current heavyweight champions, including Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Tyson Fury.

“Michael hunter is the best heavyweight in the world,” proclaims former two-time heavyweight world champion, Hasim Rahman. “Hunter beat every American heavyweight in USA Boxing from 2008 -2012. Michael has the heart, the speed, the DNA, and underestimated punching power to capture the heavyweight championship of the world. In addition, Mike has been in the ring with the likes of Tyson Furry, sparred with Deontay Wilder, Luis Ortiz, the Klitschko Brothers, and more than held his own with them all. There’s no reason why Hunter shouldn’t be considered a serious candidate for a title shot. We’re willing to fight Joe Joyce, Dillan Whyte, Trevor Bryan, Joseph Parker, or any other heavyweight contender to earn a shot to all the heavyweight champs. I believe Hunter beats all current heavyweight champs right now.”

“I know my name is hunter, but I’m not a typical hunter with a gun.” Hunter concluded. “I promise I won’t shoot to kill, I’ll just knock you out, and you will live to fight another day. It’s hunting season!”

“Mike hunter is the future of the heavyweight division,” said Rahman. “Any of the names I mentioned, feel free to go goodnight. Mike Hunter will defeat you and put the world on notice.”

Maurice Hooker has signed an extension to his co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA and Roc Nation.

Hooker defended his WBO World Super-Lightweight title with a commanding points win over Mikkel LesPierre at Turning Stone Resort Casino live on DAZN earlier in the month, and the Dallas native now hopes to fight at home for the first time as a World champion following his win over the Brooklynite.

Hooker punctuated his win by flooring the challenger with a body shot in the ninth round, with the game challenger hearing the final bell and scorecards of 120-107, 119-108 and 118-109 in the defending champion’s favor– and ‘Mighty Mo’ now has WBC king Jose Ramirez and potential mandatory from Britain Jack Catterall in his sights.

“I want the WBC title,” said Hooker. “Everyone come to DAZN! Anybody – come to DAZN. Jack Catterall came all the way over here to America to watch me fight. Just wait young grasshopper, you will get your turn.

“I give myself a C- in my performance. I wasn’t good but I had to push. Look, you live and you learn. If you judge me from this fight, you better not get in the ring thinking the same thing because I am coming for you.

“Making weight was my fault. I was in the room messing around. That was my fault. I’m learning as I go. I’m not done yet at Super-Lightweight, I want the massive fights.”

“I’m delighted to extend our agreement with Maurice and Roc Nation Sports,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. “Maurice will return this summer, most likely in Dallas, giving him three World title defenses in just seven months.

“We like to keep our world champions nice and busy and we want to push for unification match ups in 2019 – I believe Maurice is the best 140lber in the world right now and we look forward to helping him prove it on DAZN.”

“We’re excited to announce that we’ve been able to extend our co-promotional deal of Maurice Hooker with Matchroom Boxing USA,” said Roc Nation Sports boxing promoter Dino Duva. “It’s a great partnership and we look forward to working with them not only with Maurice but on other fighters moving forward. Maurice is on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars on DAZN and this deal completely solidifies that.”

Croydon Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi has vowed to ruin Liam Conroy’s dream of becoming the first man from Barrow-in-Furness to win the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday.

Buatsi has won all nine of his fights, seven inside the distance, since turning pro in 2017, while Conroy has spent five years longer in the paid ranks, winning 16 fights and claiming the English title against Joel McIntyre in 2017.

The 26-year-old, an Olympic bronze medalist, won the WBA International 175lbs title against Andrejs Pokumeiko at The O2 last year and is keen to add domestic belts to his collection before targeting World honours.

“It’s something I must add to my cupboard, I’ve got space in there to add another trophy and that’s the next one I’ll be doing,” said Buatsi. “He’s won his last 10, knocked out his last five. This is his dream to become champion and I’ll be there to stop it.

“Most importantly champions that have come out of this country have pretty much gone that same route. They have won the British title before and have gone on to win big things. So for me it’s important to kind of follow that step, just to show that ok ‘he’s conquered Britain’ and then I will look elsewhere.

“It will be World titles after that but it’s for the team to sit down and come up with the best route possible for myself but most importantly it’s all focus for Saturday night to make sure I win that title.”

Buatsi vs. Conroy is part of a huge night of action at the Copper Box Arena.

Main event sees Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Geordie ace Lewis Ritson makes his debut at 140lbs as he takes on Argentina’s German Argentino Benitez for the WBA Inter-Continental title.

Undefeated Irish Middleweight talent Jason Quigley fights for the first time as a pro in the UK, Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

(March 21, 2019) — Two of Great Britain’s most promising young prospects will be showcased live in the United States on Saturday afternoon.

In the main event from Morningside Arena in Leicester, England, Sam Bowen will make the first defense of his British super featherweight title against Jordan McCorry. And, in the co-feature, heavyweight hopeful Nathan Gorman will fight former world title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson in a 12-rounder.

Bowen-McCrory and Gorman-Johnson will headline a live and exclusive stream beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on ESPN+, the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Bowen (14-0, 10 KOs) is coming off a banner 2018 in which he knocked out Maxi Hughes in eight rounds to win the vacant British super featherweight title and knocked out Horacio Alfredo Cabral in four to pick up the WBO Intercontinental belt. His first British title defense comes against McCorry (17-4-1, 4 KOs), who is looking to rebound from a competitive decision loss to Patrick Kinigamazi.

Gorman (15-0, 11 KOs) is one of Britain’s top heavyweights, a 22-year-old boxer-puncher who is making his 2019 debut after a successful 4-0 campaign in 2018. In his last bout, Dec. 22 in Manchester, England, he dominated former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu over 12 rounds to score a near-shutout decision. Johnson (34-12-1, 18 KOs) is a 16-year-pro who has fought many of this generation’s leading heavyweights, including Vitali Klitschko, Kubrat Pulev, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. He has only been knocked out twice as a pro.

In other action:

Sam Maxwell (10-0, 8 KOs) will square off against Sabri Sediri (10-0-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO European 140-pound title.

In a 10-round battle featuring a pair of unbeaten super welterweights, CJ Challenger (9-0, 2 KOs) will fight Kyle Haywood (8-0, 1 KO).

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.espnplus.com.

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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. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

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 a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.