11 February, 2019, Bangkok, Thailand : Chinese kickboxing superstar Han Zi Hao left China and moved to Thailand over 10 years ago to pursue his professional career in Muay Thai, a huge sacrifice for him in order to further his skills and one day make a name for himself amongst legends.

His opportunity for immortality in the sport arrives on 16 February, when he faces off with Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS which takes place at Bangkok’s Impact Arena.

“I will seize this opportunity to win the gold belt. It is the best reward for all my work,” said Han, in an interview with onefc.com.

Han has been a resident of Thailand since he was 14 years old. As such, being far away from family has often made him homesick. This year, Han made a rare reservation to go back home to China and celebrate Chinese New Year with his family.

Though it has been a holiday break he has been looking forward to for a long time, this has to wait given the fact that all his hard work has led to this moment.

Though he had been looking forward to the holiday break for a long time, Han made the decision to put his trip on hold when ONE called him to reveal that he would be facing Nong-O for the World Title.

“When we were talking on the phone, it was like my heart was on a roller coaster. I brought it up, ‘Chinese New Year is near.’ ‘Any problem?’ they replied. ‘No problem,” Han said.

“I said it was fine because the match is more important.”

As a practitioner of Muay Thai, he became a big fan of Nong-O for his legendary skills and because he could relate to him, having very similar backgrounds.

“I’ve heard about Nong-O since I was a kid. He is a legend of the Muay Thai world,” Han says.

“I grew up watching his matches. Naturally, he became one of my idols because I worship all the legendary figures in this field.”

Han began his quest in 2018, being dubbed as ONE’s Super Series Most Active Athlete of the year. Along the way, he overcame challenges posted by opponents such as Stergos “Greek Dynamite” Mikkios, Ryan “The Filipino Assassin” Jakiri, and Azwan Che Wil.

Because of those victories, Han’s efforts weren’t left unnoticed as he was tapped to compete for the inaugural ONE Super Series golden strap, and things got better when he learned that he would be up against his idol, Nong-O.

“Now, I finally have a chance to fight with him and, even better, I will challenge for the gold belt. This is such an honor for me,” Han said.

“I have grown stronger, and eventually, I can face him on the same level. I’m proud of myself,”

Nong-O is a well respected Muay Thai athlete with a record of 257-54-1 who worked his way up from extreme poverty in Thailand’s countryside. He moved to Bangkok when he was young and began to rack up accolades, winning the majority of the tournaments he competed in. No one can question his skills.

“He is a technical fighter with good defense and attack skills,” Han said.

“This kind of talent is rare even in Thailand, and he is also one of a few widely acknowledged champions – a true hero of Muay Thai.”

Given that Han faces a veteran who owns the edge in experience, the Chinese star decided to do his due diligence and study Nong-O from the bottom up. Han says he now has the game plan to bring him success against one of the most dangerous Muay Thai fighters in history.

“When I face Nong-O, my height will be a great advantage. The explosive power and accuracy of my punches are better than his. I will do my best and try to finish him by KO within five rounds,” said Han.

“I will focus on improving the explosive power of my punches and kicks, especially my heavy punch. I hope to finish him with this move, so the result is indisputable.”

For Han, working hard to be on the same level as his childhood hero has been difficult. The opportunity to face Nong-O for the World Title however can prove to be the defining moment of his career.

As such, Han has some very sharp words for Nong-O ahead of their five-round title tiff.

“I admire and respect you very much, but I have to point out that your era is about to end,” Han warns Nong-O.

“I will take your place and be the new legend of Muay Thai.”

An all-Canadian grudge match was settled tonight in emphatic fashion as hometown hero Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (17-0, 9 KOs) made the third successful defense of his CPBC Canadian and International Super Welterweight Championships, and remained undefeated, with a dominant unanimous decision over former Canadian champion Stuart McLellan (25-3-3, 10 KOs).

Fighting in front of a huge crowd of well-wishers in the main event of Crowley’s self-promoted “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” event at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, Crowley won every minute of every round against the tough, but badly out-matched British Columbian McLellan.

The judges had it a unanimous shutout: 120-107, 120-107 and 120-107.

While some held that Crowley was in for his toughest career challenge, he made it clear he is ready for a step up from club-level domestic competition. The 25-year-old hit McLellan at will with southpaw lefts and rights like a cat playing with its food.

Afterward, the two scrappers settled their differences with McLellan even contradicting his main pre-fight assertion by admitting over the house mic that Crowley is a “real fighter.”

Class move by a very tough fighter.

In the night’s super middleweight co-main event, local product Jordan McCue moved to 2-0, 1 KO with a “good while it lasted” TKO 2 over Edmonton, Alberta’s Cody Purtel (now 0-2).

The pair of scrappers commenced to landing haymakers on each other from the first bell, with McCue increasingly getting the better as the fight wore on.

Purtel’s chin, however, is made of lead and he fought back bravely until being rescued from his own courage at 2:04 of the second, still on his feet.

Both fighters can be proud of their short, but entertaining shootout.

For the first six rounds of their eight-round super lightweight fight, Hamilton, Ontario’s Steve Wilcox (20-3-1, 5 KOs) appeared to be heading toward a sleep-inducing decision over Aguascalientes, Mexico’s Javier Mercado (25-14-2, 22 KOs).

Using his longer arms to peck away with the occasional jab then retreat back to a safe distance, Wilcox seemed to have found a frustrating, yet winning strategy.

Then it happened.

From out of seemingly nowhere, referee Donovan Boucher issued an unwarranted point deduction to Mercado for an invisible series of low blows, which seemed to anger the Mexican and wake him up. He immediately tore into Wilcox with an angry barrage of clubbing shots from both sides, stunning and then dropping the Canadian for two hard knockdowns.

However, with some serious hometown assistance from ref Boucher including slow counts and long, physician-level wellness checks before allowing the action to resume, Wilcox was able to survive the onslaught.

In the final round, Wilcox went back to playing it mostly safe.

Despite the late-fight heroics, on points, Wilcox deserved the unanimous decision he got by scores of 77-73, 76-74 and 77-73. Mercado, however, deserves all the credit for saving this would-be sleep-aid of a fight.

A four-round super lightweight bout was ended early by the hammering fists of Toronto via Makhachkala, Russia’s Arthur Biyarslanov (2-0, 2 KOs), as he stopped Veracruz, Mexico’s Isaac Castan (2-3-1, 1 KO) at 3:00 of round one. Biyarslanov had too much accuracy and power for the over-matched Mexican. Castan was down from a right hook and twice more from the follow-up and wisely elected not to come out for round two.

In a four-round cruiserweight bout, Bowmanville, Ontario’s Abokan Bokpe (9-1, 4 KOs) stayed busier than his Mexico foe, Juan Santiago (6-3-1, 5 KOs) and managed to win a unanimous decision (scores 40-36, 40-36 and 39-37). The much larger Bokpe chose a mostly cautious approach to the wild-swinging Mexican, but did enough body work and counter punching to deserve the nod.

A rousing female super featherweight battle between winless newcomers started out the night, as Tijuana’s Ana Ruth Castro (now 1-1) was too much for Madison Blakely (0-3) from nearby Belleville, Ontario.

The game Blakely had no answer for Castro’s repeated clubbing right hands, and ate enough of them to lose by unanimous, four-round decision (scores 39-37, 39-39 and 40-36). What it lacked in skill, it was made up for by the heart of both women.

Jose Ramirez 138.6 lbs vs. Jose Zepeda 140 lbs
(Ramirez’s WBC Super Lightweight world title – 12 Rounds)
* Zepeda originally weighed 140.2 pounds and and made weight on his second attempt

Ray Beltran 139 lbs vs. Hiroki Okada 139.6 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental titles – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET)

Genesis Servania 121.6 lbs vs. Carlos Castro 121 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight title -10 Rounds)

Joel Diaz Jr 138.2 lbs vs. Cristian Coria 140 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

Andy Vences 131 lbs vs. Dardan Zenunaj 131 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Gabriel Flores Jr. 132.4 lbs vs. Alex Torres Rynn 132.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

Saul Rodriguez 132.8 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 132.2 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Isidro Ochoa 121.8 lbs vs. Jesus Guzman 122.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

Guido Vianello 236.4 lbs vs. Andrew Satterfield 241.2 lbs
(Heavyweight – 6 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

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

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

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

Cody Crowley 151.5 lbs. vs. Stuart McLellan 154 lbs.
CPBC National and International Super Welterweight Championships

Jordan McCue 168 lbs. vs. Cody Purtel 165 lbs.
Arthur Biyarslanov 143 lbs. vs. Isaac Castan 142 lbs.
Steve Wilcox 143 lbs. vs. Javier Mercado 142.5 lbs.
Abokan Bokpe 198 lbs. vs. Juan Santiago 199 lbs.
Madison Blakely 127 lbs. vs. Ana Ruth Castro 127 lbs.

Promoter: CCC Promotions
Venue: Memorial Centre, Peterborough, ON

# # #

Tickets for “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” are priced at $62.15, $39.55 and $28.25 and are available at www.memorialcentre.ca. VIP Floor Tickets are also available through CCC Promotions (text or call 705.927.3265).

FRESNO, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2019) – Fresno’s professional franchise, Jose Ramirez, is set for another world title defense homecoming. Ramirez (23-0, 16 KOs) will seek to make the second successful defense of his WBC super lightweight world title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda (30-1, 25 KOs) on Sunday from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. In the co-feature, former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran will tussle with the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 140-pound battle.

And, in a special attraction, 18-year-old sensation Gabriel Flores Jr. will look to move to 12-0 against Alex Torres Rynn in a six-round lightweight bout.

Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Flores-Rynn will be part of the ESPN+ undercard stream beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

Here is what the fighters had to say at the final press conference Friday at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino.

Jose Ramirez

On his second fight working with trainer Robert Garcia

“I feel like I’m growing as a fighter. The older I get, the more mature I feel, the more experience I get. I feel like every fight I improve my skills and power. I’m very thankful to have a {trainer} like Robert Garcia. I train in a lot of gyms, but no gym has a family-oriented atmosphere like the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy.”

“I feel like I have so many tools in my toolbox, and I’m ready for a guy like Jose Zepeda. He’s a good fighter. He’s a very smart fighter. He doesn’t over-commit. He likes to keep his distance, and I’m ready for that. He’s the type of experienced fighter that’s only going to make me grow.I’m just honored to be a part of this big fight. There are no easy fights as a world champion. Everybody wants to fight you because they have more to win, obviously. For me, it’s another title defense, but in my mind, I train like I’m an underdog. I train like it’s my first world title.”

Jose Zepeda

On his second world title shot

“My first title shot {against Terry Flanagan} was three years ago, and my shoulder gave in and I wasn’t able to continue. I feel like I was ready for that fight. It didn’t work out. After that, I kept working, and I fought probably three months after that. I kept fighting, and three years later, I get the opportunity against Ramirez. I would like to thank Jose Ramirez and his team, especially to fight in this event to KO cancer.”

On training with Freddie Roach, Ramirez’s former trainer

“Freddie is probably the smartest coach out there. He trained Jose, and he told me what everybody knows. He’s a tough fighter, and he has a will to win. We have to box him. He’s a strong guy. Working with Freddie Roach has been great. Like I said, he’s very smart. His advice is great, and we’re ready for this fight.”

“It’s every boxer’s dream {to win a world title.} I get a second opportunity. I’m working hard. Hopefully no accidents happen. That’s all I pray for.”

Ray Beltran

On moving from lightweight to super lightweight

“We’re going to see how we feel. I’m just hoping to get an opportunity at 135 or 140.”

On rebounding from the Jose Pedraza defeat

“My last fight, I didn’t expect to lose. I made some mistakes. That’s in the past. I’m the type of person that can’t give up. I’m going to get up and keep moving forward.”

Hiroki Okada

“I would like to thank Bob Arum, Rick Mirigian, and everyone from Top Rank and ESPN who made this great opportunity possible. It’s an honor to be fighting for such a worthy cause. As far as being shown on ESPN to such an enormous audience, I am the former Japanese champion and the former WBO Asia Pacific champion. I am known as a boxer in Japan, but the American audience doesn’t really know who I am. I had a great learning experience last time in my first fight in America. I love it here. I’m prepared to build on that, and I want to make a good impression and show my skills to the American audience.”

“Everybody in Japan and in the boxing world knows who Ray Beltran is. It’s an honor just to be able to get in the ring with him. I know he’s very tough and very skilled. In order to win, I’ve trained harder than I ever have. This is the chance of my lifetime. I have sparred a lot of good fighters, including Takeshi Inoue, who went neck and neck with Jaime Munguia just recently. ‘m going to put everything into it to win this fight on Sunday.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“I’ve been seeing this all over social media. This is going to be my {breakout} year. I feel great. I got a nutritionist now, a great one. I feel like it’s helping me a lot. I’m really focused. We’re getting great sparring with world champions, and we’re making sure that we are ready all the way. The momentum is just going to keep growing and growing.”

ESPN, 7 p.m. ET

Jose Ramirez (champion) vs. Jose Zepeda (challenger), 12 rounds, WBC super lightweight world title

Ray Beltran vs. Hiroki Okada, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental 140-pound titles

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET

Genesis Servania vs. Carlos Castro, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas super bantamweight title

Cristian Coria vs. Joel Diaz, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Andy Vences vs. Dardan Zenunaj, 10/8 rounds, super featherweight

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Alex Torres Rynn, 6 rounds, lightweight

Saul Rodriguez vs. Aelio Mesquita, 10/8 rounds, lightweight

Isidro Ochoa vs. Jesus Guzman, 6 rounds, featherweight

Guido Vianello vs. Andrew Satterfield, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

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

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

WBA Super Featherweight World Championship Bout – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis: 129 ¾*

Hugo Ruiz: 129 ½

Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Larry Hazzard, Jr. (N.J.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

* — Davis initially weighed in at 130.2 pounds. He came back within the allotted time frame one hour later and made weight at 129.8 pounds.

10-Round Bout

Mario Barrios: 142 ½

Richard Zamora: 141 ¼

Referee: Ray Corona (Calif.); Judges: Carla Caiz (Calif.), Alejandro Rochin (Calif.), Daniel Sandoval (Calif.)

Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Javier Fortuna: 135

Sharif Bogere: 135 ½

Referee: Thomas Taylor (Calif.); Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Fernando Villareal (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

FLASH QUOTES:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I was in New York for the Thurman fight about three weeks ago and got off track a little bit. I was heavy there, but once I got back into the groove and back to training it was fine. I feel fine. Making 130 is not a problem. It’s not a distraction. I feel fine. I’m not dehydrated and my face isn’t sunken. I’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”

HUGO RUIZ

“It’s kind of expected. He’s missed weight before, so it’s not surprising. I feel great at this weight of 130 pounds. This is the weight I want to be at. I’d fight every month if I could.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“the meaning of this fight is to keep showcasing my talents and to represent my city of San Antonio. Of course Zamora is dangerous, but come Saturday night I’ll be more dangerous.

If it were up to me I’d be fighting for a world title tomorrow night.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I’m not looking for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t come, then I’ll take it by decision.”

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Live On SHOWTIME Sports Social Platforms

YouTube: SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel

Facebook: SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Super Welterweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Erickson Lubin: 155 ¾

Ishe Smith: 155 ¾

Super Lightweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Juan Heraldez: 141 ¾

Eddie Ramirez: 141 ¾

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. RUIZ

Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz pits the WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Davis against the former world champion Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, Calif., and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing and tickets are sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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

NEW YORK (February 8, 2019)-Tonight, Undefeated Isiah Jones takes on the toughest test of his young career when he takes on 50-fight veteran Lanardo Tyner in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout at The Motor City Casino in Detroit.

Jones of Detroit has a record of 7-0 with three knockouts is looking to knock off Tyner,.

Tyner has wins over the likes of former world champion Vivian Harris, world title challenger Charles Hatley and perennial contender Antwone Smith. He is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over undefeated Cortez Chambliss.

The 24 year-old Jones was 52-2 as an amateur, and was the 2016 National Golden Gloves champion.

Jones, who is managed by Split-T Management, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Dakota Bush on October 27th.

Jones was 156.6 lbs at Thursday’s weight. Tyner checked in at 150.

The two-part HBO Sports documentary WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI, chronicling the extraordinary life of one of the 20th century’s most iconic figures, debuts TUESDAY, MAY 14 (8:00-10:40 p.m. ET/PT), with both chapters airing back-to-back in a special television event, it was announced today by Kary Antholis, president, HBO Miniseries and CINEMAX Programming, and Peter Nelson, executive vice president, HBO Sports.

The documentary will also be available on HBO GO, HBO NOW, HBO on Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.

WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI is the first feature-length HBO production from SpringHill Entertainment, with LeBron James and Maverick Carter serving as executive producers, and is directed and executive produced by acclaimed feature-film director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day,” “Southpaw,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Equalizer” franchise). Exploring Ali’s challenges, confrontations, comebacks and triumphs through recordings of his own voice, it paints an intimate portrait of a man who was a beacon of hope for oppressed people around the world and, in his later years, was recognized as a global citizen and a symbol of humanity and understanding.

In addition to relying on Ali himself to guide viewers through his remarkable journey, WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI features archival footage, some of it previously unseen.

The production team features executive producer Bill Gerber, a producer of the current Best Picture Oscar® nominee “A Star Is Born,” and executive producer Glen Zipper, creator and executive producer of the critically acclaimed docu-series, “Dogs,” a producer of the Oscar®-winning documentary “Undefeated” and an executive producer of HBO’s 2018 multi-part documentary “Elvis Presley: The Searcher.” The film is produced by Sean Stuart, whose HBO and CINEMAX credits include “Eagle of Death Metal: Nos Amis” and “Mike Judge Presents: Tales From the Tour Bus.” Paul Wachter and Jamie Salter are executive producers and Kat Samick of Fuqua Films is co-executive producer

“Muhammad Ali transcended sports in a way the world had never seen before,” says LeBron James. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell his incredible and important story for the coming generations. He showed us all the courage and conviction it takes to stand up for what you believe in. He changed forever what we expect a champion to be, and I’m grateful that SpringHill gets to be a part of continuing his legacy.”

“Muhammad Ali had a deep impact on me from an early age,” observes Antoine Fuqua. “Being given the opportunity to tell his story, both inside and outside the ring, is a privilege and a dream come true.”

“Muhammad Ali is indisputably one of the most iconic and distinctive figures in the history of sports,” says HBO’s Kary Antholis. “His impact resonates far beyond the boxing ring and is woven deep into the cultural and social tapestry of the second half of the 20th century. His personality, his voice, his message and his legacy all endure as an important element of American history. From the moment LeBron James told us of his deep visceral connection to Ali’s life and legacy, we were committed to helping him and Antoine Fuqua realize this film about one man’s incredible journey and the impact he had upon the world.”

Lonnie Ali, who was married to Muhammad Ali for the final 30 years of his life, adds, “We are at a time in American history when we look to a new generation of heroes like LeBron James to carry on Muhammad’s legacy, not only by remembering Muhammad, as is done so eloquently in this documentary, but also through their own words and deeds. I’m grateful to LeBron, Maverick Carter, SpringHill Entertainment and HBO for advancing the ideals that Muhammad believed in and fought for throughout his life.”

WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI is produced with the cooperation of the Muhammad Ali family estate and Jamie Salter, founder, chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, which has been active in preserving the Ali legacy and brand.

“As proud guardians of Muhammad Ali’s legacy, we are dedicated to preserving and upholding his core principles, and HBO’s production of WHAT’S MY NAME | MUHAMMAD ALI provides audiences around the world with an intimate connection to this global icon,” says Jamie Salter.

The HBO Sports presentation is a Sutter Road Picture Company Production in association with Fuqua Films and SpringHill Entertainment; executive producers, LeBron James, Antoine Fuqua, Maverick Carter, Paul Wachter, Bill Gerber, Jamie Salter and Glen Zipper; directed by Antoine Fuqua; produced by Sean Stuart; co-executive producer, Kat Samick; written by Steven Leckart; edited by Jake Pushinsky.

NEW YORK (February 8, 2019)-TONIGHT, Heralded amateur, heavyweight Sonny Conto will make his long-waited pro debut at 2300 Arena in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Conto, 22 years-old will take on Jimmie Levins in a four-round bout.

“I feel like a champ. All of the hard work is done. This is the moment that I have been waiting for. I am anxious. I am excited, said Conto.

“I have been thinking about this moment since I started boxing. This is just the beginning. Philly has a strong root of fighters. I am proud to represent Philadelphia, South Philadelphia. I am from right on 9th Street, where they did the Rocky Movie.”

“I do not feel any pressure fighting at home. I rise to the occasion with pressure.”

“Dave McWater is the best manager in the world. Top Rank is the best promoter in the world. I feel like I will do big things with each of them.”

Conto was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves.

Conto weighed in at 215.4 lbs, while Levins was 219.2 at Thursday’s weigh-in.

Below is the fight week media day interview and media work out videos.

avid Price meets Birmingham’s undefeated Heavyweight Kash Ali on the undercard of Liam Smith’s crunch Super-Welterweight clash with Sam Eggington at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 30, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Price fights in Merseyside for the first time in nearly three years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his recent win over Hatfield’s Tom Little at The O2.

The former British and Commonwealth Champion is determined to prove that he can still mix it with the top Heavyweights as he bids to return to title contention in 2019, but isn’t overlooking his former sparring partner.

“Kash Ali has stepped up to put his undefeated record on the line so he obviously fancies his chances,” said Price. “We know each other quite well but I’m looking to get rid of him in style to show everyone that I mean business. It’ll be great to get another win in front of my home crowd next month.

“We sparred a lot of rounds at Dave Coldwell’s gym, so I know what he’s all about. He’s young and hungry and he’s a very dangerous fighter. This is the kind of opponent that I needed, someone to get me up for a fight. He’ll be coming for my scalp, but I’ve got big plans for 2019 and he won’t be getting in the way of them.

“The Heavyweight landscape is always changing and you need to be ready to take your chances. There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins.”

Price vs. Ali is part of a huge night of action in Merseyside.

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

Newly-crowned European Super-Lightweight Champion Joe Hughes clashes with Liverpool’s British Champion Robbie Davies Jr in a mouth-watering domestic showdown, with both belts on the line.

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

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.

FAST-RISING MIDDLEWEIGHT force Denzel Bentley could not hide his delight over signing promotional terms with Frank Warren and joining up with the Hall of Fame promoter’s richly talented team of champions and contenders.

The charismatic 24-year-old from Battersea has built up an 8-0 record to date, with seven of those wins coming via blistering KO.

His first two fights as a professional – under the stewardship of trainers Ray Ball and Martin Bowers – lasted a combined 88 seconds. His third, a revenge mission for an amateur reverse against Ashley Bailey-Dumetz – went into overtime by Bentley standards and was concluded in 98 seconds.

Aside from redoubtable journeyman Christian Hoskin Gomez, who last the full six rounds, none of his subsequent five fights have extended beyond the second round.

“I am excited about it,” said the Peacock Gym protégé. “I found out yesterday and I am so happy about it. It was good news for me when Martin came through with the contract, I signed it and now it is my time.

“It is time for me to get the exposure and to get my name really out there on the scene domestically.

“I am eight fights down the line, I have paid my dues and I have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a while. You need to be patient and this has come at the right time for me.

“I couldn’t ask for any more and I am happy with it,” added the 160-pounder, who believes he is ‘title-ready’ for his entry into the Frank Warren ranks.

“That is the good thing is well, I will be title-ready going onto that platform. I have got to perform going into these fights and then I feel my name will build quite nicely and we’ll get bigger fights.

“It’s good, I’ve had my early learning fights and I want to step up now, but it will be down to the team.”

Denzel will debut for his new team at the Royal Albert Hall on March 8.

“That is the best thing about it – the Royal Albert Hall! When we went there for the press conference I looked around the venue and was very happy to think I would be boxing there.”

You can follow Denzel’s boxing journey on his social media accounts.
Twitter – @2Sharp_d
Instagram – 2sharp_d

Also at the Royal Albert Hall, Nicola Adams OBE will look to make history and be the first female crowned World Champion at the venue as she challenges for the WBO World Flyweight Title against Arely Mucino on International Women’s Day. Daniel Dubois follows in the footsteps of British heavyweight greats to fight at the historic venue and takes on Razvan Cojanu in his tenth fight. Liam Williams makes a first defence of his British middleweight title against Joe Mullender, while Johnny Garton will defend his British Welterweight title against Chris Jenkins. Lucien Reid will fight Indi Sangha in what will be his toughest test to date, with GB Flyweight Harvey Horn, cruiserweight talent James Branch and middleweight banger Denzel Bentley also featuring.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com
TICKETS START FROM £40
GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

LIAM WILLIAMS has blasted back at Joe Mullender, claiming his big rival wishes he had his talent.

The British Middleweight champion believes the Essex man lied when he claimed he hadn’t bothered watching Williams (19-2-1) title winning performance against Mark Heffron in December.

Williams makes the first defence of his crown against Mullender (11-2) at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday March 8 on Frank Warren’s stacked bill that is live on BT Sport.

Clydach Vale’s Williams raged: “Listen. He did watch my fight.

“He’s been at home thinking about it for weeks and wishing he could fight like me.

“He’s playing it down trying to win over the people, but don’t fall for it.”

Promising to repeat his impressive performance against Heffron who was rescued in the tenth round, the Welshman warned Mullender: “You know what time it is, sleepy time.”

Mullender last boxed in October when he floored Ben Capps four times, and won in seven rounds.

Williams insists he’s another level, and that his all-action challenger is already suffering mental torture ahead of the big fight.

“He can say what he wants,” Williams added.

“When he puts his head on that pillow at night he’s already watched himself get filled in over and over and the closer it gets the worse it will get.”

Elsewhere on the show, Nicola Adams OBE will look to make history and be the first female crowned World Champion at the venue as she challenges for the WBO World Flyweight Title against Arely Mucino on International Women’s Day. Daniel Dubois follows in the footsteps of British heavyweight greats to fight at the historic venue and takes on Razvan Cojanu in his tenth fight. Johnny Garton makes the first defence of his British Welterweight title against Chris Jenkins. Lucien Reid will fight Indi Sangha in what will be his toughest test to date, while GB Flyweight Harvey Horn, Cruiserweight talent James Branch and middleweight banger Denzel Bentley all feature.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via RoyalAlbertHall.com

TICKETS START FROM £40

GRAND TIER: £100

LOGGIA: £100

SECOND TIER: £75

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 6, 2019) – New England’s newest promotional company, Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), held a press conference today to formally announce the presentation of its inaugural event, “Every Man For Himself,” on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester, MA.

SBP’s philosophy is to promote entertaining, competitive fights, featuring several fights between New England boxers. Five of the eight fights on SBP’s inaugural card, for example, pit N.E. vs. N.E. fighters.

Worcester fan favorite Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (11-1-2, 8 KOs) will face an opponent to be determined in the six-round main event for the vacant New England Middleweight Championship.

In the co-featured event, undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring in a six-round bout versus Taronze Washington (17-26, 9 KOs), of Dallas.

Always tough Lawrence, MA junior welterweight Agustine Mauras (6-4-3, 3 KOs) throws-down with Oscar Bonilla (5-3-1, 1 KO), of Bridgeport, CT, in a six-round match.

One of Worcester’s most celebrated amateur boxers this century, heavyweight Owen Minor, will make his professional debut in a four-rounder versus Corey Morley (0-2-1), of Philadelphia.

Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on upset-minded Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Springfield, MA lightweight Calixto Cruz (1-0) vs. Saco, ME’s pro-debuting Llamar Kelly, Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, and Bridgeport, CT junior lightweight Carlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online at thepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 to sell.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Palley Advertising, Lundgren Collision, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox and Allstate Insurance.

(L-R – Owen Minor, Chuck Shearns & Kendrick Ball, Jr.

(L-R) – Angel Camacho, Jr., Jimmy Burchfield, Chuck Shearns and Kendrick Ball, Jr.

Press conference quotes:

Chuck Shearns, Shearns Boxing Promotions: “We want New England guys fighting each other, which is something Massachusetts has been missing, Rhode Island and Connecticut have been doing it. We’re hoping to bring it back, it’s our goal. Every fighter on this card has a reason to win, whether it to further their careers nationally, make their pro debut, a few really need a win, and have some who’ve really stepped up to take tough fights.”

Jimmy Burchfield (CES Boxing promotes Kendrick Bell, Jr. and Angel Camacho, Jr.: “CES Boxing and Chuck, we know business, and we know it takes family. We’re honored that he’s stepping up to the plate. Promoting a show is a monstrous job. Life is a family.

“Worcester is a fighting city. The sponsors Chuck already has means that they recognize a good promotion. There are so many components to promoting. It may be 8 to 10 weeks without money coming in to fight night. That’s why so many promoters leave right away. Fight night is easy. Fighters are the most important. They risk their lives.”

“Kendrick Ball, Jr.: I want to thank Chuck and Jimmy because I wanted to fight in my hometown, in in the main event, and for a title. I also wanted to fight on the same card as my cousin, Owen (Minor). I know I’m the best middleweight in New England and I’m going to win that strap. Watsch me in the ring!”

Angel Camacho, Jr. “This platform in boxing isn’t just about me. God game me a talent. I can reach a lot of kids and tell them they can achieve their goals. After a few injuries, I was kind of lost, and I didn’t know what to do. I’m coming back March 15 and getting my 16th win. I’m excited to be fighting again.”

Owen Minor: “I want to thank Shearns Boxing Promotions for putting me on this show to make my pro debut. It’s been a long time, but I’m here, and come March 15 to see why I’ here.”

Wilfredo Pagan: “I can’t wait to get my sixth victory. I don’t know much about Galindo, but I heard he’s a tough fighter. I’ll do what I do to put on an entertaining fight for the fans.”

Jake Paradise: “I’m so happy to be here. I’m getting on with my career and I’m going to put on a good show.”

Edwin Rosado: “I’m going to put on a good show. I’m training hard to do what I do.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2019) – Bantamweight prospect Mario Hernandez (8-0-1, 3 KOs) successfully weighed in at Thursday’s “New Blood” weigh in, coming in at 118.3 lbs., while challenger Luis Fernando Saavedra (7-6, 3 KOs) weighed 118.9 lbs.

“I’m ready to put on a great show,” said Hernandez, who headlines for the first time on Friday. “This is what you build toward as a young boxer. I’m just going to be myself, throw a lot of punches and get that victory.”

WEIGHTS

Mario Hernandez, 118.3 lbs. vs. Luis Fernando Saavedra, 118.9 lbs. (8-rounds)
Ruben Torres, 136.8 lbs. vs. Elliott Brown, 137.7 lbs. (4-rounds)
George Acosta, 134.2 lbs. vs. Guadalupe Arroyo, 135 lbs. (4-rounds)
Richard Brewart, 151.7 lbs. vs. Abel Reyes, 151 lbs. (4-rounds)
Leo Ruiz, 151.6 lbs. vs. Adan Ahumada, 154.4 lbs. (4-rounds)

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase on the day of event (Friday) starting at 5:30 p.m. local time from the will call booth at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

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

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

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

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

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

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

LOS ANGELES (February 7, 2019) – WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis and former world champion Hugo Ruiz went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they go toe-to-toe this Saturday night in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, Calif. and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also facing off on Thursday were fighters who will enter the ring live on SHOWTIME in televised undercard attractions. Undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios will be facing Mexico’s Richard Zamora, while former world champion Javier Fortuna will step in against lightweight contender Sharif Bogere as part of live SHOWTIME action kicking off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing and tickets are sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Davis was joined on-stage by his promoter, legendary boxer and Mayweather Promotions President Floyd Mayweather. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday at the Westin Los Angeles Airport before Saturday night’s event:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m so excited to come back strong in 2019. This is the year that could put me over the top and put me at the highest level.

“The opponent change didn’t really affect me. In the amateurs we fought four or five times a week so we always had different opponents. I had been sparring someone taller than me in training camp anyway. I think a fighter should be ready and able to adapt to anything that is in front of him in the ring. I’m ready and I hope Ruiz is too.

“Training camp has been great. I’m ready for Saturday night. We planned on fighting Abner Mares, but he had an injury and we hope to still get him down the line if everything is okay with his health.

“Hugo Ruiz is a great opponent. He’s going to come to fight on Saturday night. He’s been telling the media he’s going to knock me out, so I hope we get an action packed fight for the fans. I’m glad Ruiz is coming for the knockout. We owe it to the fans and I’m praying that he comes ready to give them a great show.

“I feel like I’m the fighter that can be the next big star. I’m working towards it. I’m just a kid soaking it all in right now. Saturday night, I hope everyone is ready, because it’s going to be action.

“Ruiz’s record speaks for itself. I’ve watched him and he has some pop. He’s accurate and I’m ready for it. I don’t think I’ll have any ring rust. I’ve worked with a lot of great fighters in the gym. I’m just excited to get back in the ring.

“I want to give my fans all over the world a great show. Everyone tuning in is going to see a great performance. Hopefully Hugo will live up to his word, because I’m going to live up to mine.”

HUGO RUIZ

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. I’m going to leave everything in the ring. I have a lot of faith in my boxing skills. I trust and believe that there is going to be a new world champion on Saturday night.

“I’m in rhythm and in shape. I’ve been very active leading into and since my last fight. Davis is a tremendous champion, but he doesn’t intimidate me. I’ll be ready for him come Saturday night.

“This is a great opportunity to fight a southpaw, as I had originally been training for a lefty before my opponent changed in my last fight. I also fought a southpaw in November. I’ve been training with a lot of lefties for a while. I’m more than ready for this opportunity.

“Davis is a strong champion and I know this is a big opportunity for me to fight someone of his caliber. I’m ready mentally and physically for the greatest opportunity that has been given to me.

“At 130-pounds I feel more power than ever and I will demonstrate that on Saturday night. This is a big challenge for me. This is the opportunity that I’ve been waiting for throughout my 12-year career. I don’t plan on wasting it.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“This is a huge opportunity and I’m very excited for it. I’m looking forward to going out there and putting on a great show for the boxing fans.

“I’m ready and I’m prepared to take full advantage of this chance to make a statement on Saturday night. I want any one of the champions in this division, but I’m not looking past Zamora. I just know that the work that I put in will pay off.

“I have big things on the horizon and Zamora is in my way. I’m focused and ready to make this a great night. If he wants a war, I’ll give him a war.”

RICHARD ZAMORA

“I’m very happy and thankful to be in this fight. This is the opportunity I’ve been looking for. I’m ready to compete and I’m not going to let this opportunity pass me by.

“This is definitely a big step for me in my U.S. debut. If I can get a win over Mario Barrios, then I would be able to reach a lot of dreams that I have.

“I come well prepared and I’m expecting a war. I’m going to be ready to go and battle until the end. You’ll see that I’m going to leave it all in the ring.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I’m going to give the best that I have in the ring. I’m going against a good boxer with a good record, but it doesn’t matter what obstacles are in front of me. I’m going to come through with a big win on Saturday night.

“We have a new team and a new trainer that is going to give the fans the best Javier Fortuna possible on Saturday.

“A victory against Sharif Bogere is very important for me and a stepping stone to where I want to get. It’s going to be a difficult fight, but I’m ready to make this a very tough night for him.”

SHARIF BOGERE

“We are going to make this a great fight on Saturday. Fortuna is a good fighter and tough guy. I expect him to bring a lot of fireworks. I’m prepared for it and I have the game plan to win.

“Every day is a tough test in life. This is going to be just another fight. I’m prepared and I have a great team behind me. I’m coming on Saturday night for what belongs to me.

“Fortuna has a big name and is a step up for me. This win will put me up there toward the top and I’ll be prepared for whatever challenge comes after that.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“It’s great to be here with so many young talented fighters. I could remember 23 years ago when I was in that same position. When you’re in this position you have to take advantage of it. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime. You must go out there and give it your all.

“I want to see these fighters become great and become stars. The records that I’ve set were made to be broken.

“I remember when Gervonta Davis first came to my gym. He worked hard and believed in himself. Sometimes we did two-a-days. If we didn’t think the job was done right, we’d come back and correct it. We continue to strive every day to be the best we possibly can be. Gervonta works extremely hard, but he can’t take anything for granted in this fight.

“I think Hugo Ruiz is more dangerous opponent than Abner Mares. Abner is a tremendous fighter, but Ruiz is very tough and he has good knockout power. This is a great matchup and the kind that people want to see. It’s all about putting on great shows and Saturday will be another blockbuster.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We have a great event this Saturday night with great fights from top to bottom of this card. This is going to be a great night of boxing.

“Gervonta Davis has reached goals beyond just the boxing ring. I know the impact that Gervonta has on the youth all around the world. When it comes to excitement, explosiveness and knockout power, this is something new that the fans are getting a chance to witness.

“At the young age of 24, fans have come to know Gervonta for his punching power. But he’s also a very skilled boxer. This is one of the things that he’ll be able to showcase moving forward in a number of big fights he’s going to have.

“We know he has a tough challenge in front of him. Anytime you have a last minute replacement who’s an excellent fighter, it’s a big challenge. Ruiz is an aggressive fighter and we expect nothing but a great fight.

“Gervonta Davis has the full arsenal. In my opinion, he’s the most exciting fighter and the biggest puncher in the entire sport. It takes more than knockout power and I think you’ll see an array of his skillset.”

SAMPSON LEWKOWICZ, President of Sampson Boxing

“It really is an honor for me to be involved in this great show. These are going to be three great fights. Hugo Ruiz had been training for a southpaw before an opponent switch led to him fighting a right hander last fight. After a few more weeks leading into this fight, Ruiz is 100 percent ready for this challenge.

“Trust me, this is going to be a rough fight. I believe that Davis will have his hands full with Hugo Ruiz. Ruiz comes from a family of fighters and he is a true Mexican warrior who will leave it all in the ring on Saturday.”

# # #
ABOUT DAVIS VS. RUIZ
Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz pits the WBA Super Featherweight World ChampionDavis against the former world champion Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere.

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

Las Vegas (February 7, 2019) – 12-Time world champion James Toney has confirmed that that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fifth 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.

Toney will make his 4th appearance at this years’ Expo, at the Hannibal Boxing Media booth and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and book copies of Dark Trade, where he is featured on the cover.Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Lights Out”.

About James Toney
Toney is a former IBF middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight world champion. He has been regarded as one of the greatest defensive fighters of his era and was unbeaten in his first 46 contests bouts. Toney has fought at the elite level for more than three decades and is a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Toney holds notable wins over Michael Nunn, Reggie Johnson, Mike McCallum, Iran Barkley, Vassily Jirov,and Evander Holyfield. With over 90 pro fights in his career, not once has he ever been knocked out and no referee has ever had to save him or stop a fight while competing. Toney was also awarded Ring Magazine and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year 1991 and comeback fighter of the year 2003.

About Hannibal Boxing Media
Hannibal Boxing Media produces the finest boxing books available and is a fast-rising source for first-rate boxing journalism. Hannibal Boxing’s book publishing imprint is Hamilcar Publications. Recent and upcoming book releases include Off The Ropes: The Ron Lyle Story, Dark Trade: Lost in Boxing, and Jacobs Beach: The Mob, The Garden & The Golden Age of Boxing.

At the Box Fan Expo this year, James Toney will be signing copies of this new 1st U.S. edition of Dark Trade, where he is featured on the cover. Also at the Boxing Expo, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Al Bernstein will be signing copies of Off The Ropes, where he contributed a foreword as a moving tribute to Ron Lyle. Learn more about Hannibal Boxing and Hamilcar Publications at www.hannibalboxing.com.

About Box Fan 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, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Andre Ward, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares Maricela Cornejo, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, 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, media and the boxing industry.

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

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 at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next several months 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

BROOKLYN (February 7, 2019) – WBA super welterweight titlist Brian Castaño is nearing his first U.S. main event and talked about how training camp has gone so far as he prepares to face former world champion Erislandy Lara on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Castaño is trained by his former pro boxer father Carlos in the bustling city of Isidro Casanova in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After a long and successful amateur career leading into his pro debut in 2012, Castaño has a chance on March 2 to make a lasting impact with an impressive performance against Lara.

“I’ve been boxing since I was a small child and now this is my opportunity to prove myself on the biggest stage,” said Castaño. “This fight is the moment I’ve been waiting for and the kind of tough challenge that I love. I want to make a statement to the American audience against one of the best fighters in the world.”

In recent years, Argentine fighters such as Marcos Maidana, Jesus Cuellar and Lucas Matthysse have become champions and stars in the U.S. with their relentless styles they bring into the ring fight after fight. Castaño specifically has spoken to another Argentine great in Sergio Martinez for inspiration as he continues his journey.

“I have a great admiration for the Argentine champions that have made statements and become big names in the U.S. in recent years and I know how difficult that is to achieve,” said Castaño. “I’ve sat and had great conversations with Sergio Martinez not long ago and I was able to learn a lot from a fighter like that.”

The 29-year-old first won an interim title with a knockout of Emmanuel de Jesus in 2016, before winning tough 12-round battles against Michel Soro, and most recently a final round stoppage win over Cedric Vitu to capture the belt he will defend on March 2. These were the first two times Castaño fought into the 12th round as a pro.

“I learn new things each time I fight,” said Castaño. “When you are a world champion, there are no easy foes. The opponents come stronger and stronger each time. I’ve learned that I have to double my effort every time I get into the ring.”

In Lara, Castaño faces a challenging former amateur world champion who was the longest-reigning titleholder in the 154-pound division before he lost to fellow champion Jarrett Hurd last April on SHOWTIME in 2018’s Fight of the Year. Castaño is aware of what Lara brings to the fight and is preparing to negate it.

“On paper we know that Lara is a slick fighter that can be difficult to catch, while I’m more like a demolisher that goes after you all fight,” said Castaño. “Lara moves around the ring very wisely and has great timing on the counterpunch. In the ring, you never know how it can play out though. I probably haven’t faced someone like him before, so I have to cut off the ring in an even smarter manner.”

On March 2, Castaño will be looking to take his career to the next level with his performance, knowing that chances at the highest level are hard to come by.

“I’ve taken my career quietly to this point, but I know that I have to make myself known by putting up a great performance in this tough fight,” said Castaño. “I’m prepared to do just that. This is the opportunity that I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a little kid and I have to be ready to rise to the occasion.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

# # #

ABOUT LARA VS. CASTANO
Erislandy Lara vs. Brian Castaño pits former super welterweight world champion Lara against the WBA Super Welterweight Champion Castaño on Saturday, March 2 in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz take on Christian Hammer in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, plus hard-hitting Ricardo Núñez battling rugged veteran Edner Cherry in a 12-round super featherweight clash that opens the telecast.

BENSALEM, PA — Fan favorite Isaiah Wise of Philadelphia, PA will return to the ring at Parx Casino® for a third time to face Monreco Goldston of Durham, NC.

The entertaining, six-round junior middleweight fight will serve as the semifinal to the eight-round Xcite Fight Night 3 main event between Philadelphia cruiserweights Garrett Wilson and Brian Howard on Friday, March 1. The seven-fight card begins at 7:30 p.m.

Wise (7-2-1) twice delivered fight-of-the-night candidates at the Xcite Center in 2018. He earned a tough, split-decision loss and a draw in a pair of slugfests against Anthony Prescott, of Cherry Hill, NJ. In his most recent fight, he stopped Anthony Gonzalez, of Worcester, MA, at the 2300 Arena.

Goldston (5-1-1, 2K0s), has fought his last five bouts in North Carolina and is coming off his only loss after being stopped in the second round against undefeated Joseph Jackson of Greensboro, NC.

A competitive undercard card featuring local fighters rounds out the event:

Lightweight Jerome Conquest, a Strawberry Mansion alum, makes his return to the ring after nearly a year layoff from injury against Vinnie Denierio of Elmira, NY. This will be Denierio’s third fight at Parx Casino® after losing a majority decision to Victor Vasquez at Xcite Fight Night 2 event.

Super middleweight Omar Kabary Salem of Brooklyn, NY will take on Tahlik Taylor of Freeport, NY in a six-round bout.

Sammy Berman of Collegeville PA, a student at St. Joseph’s University, will face Corey Weekly of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round middleweight bout.

Super lightweight Daiyann Butt, currently living in Haverford, PA will face Philadelphia’s Tyree Arnold, who is making his pro debut in a four-round super lightweight fight.

Another four-round bout featuring Sulthan Staton of Phildelphia, PA against an opponent yet to be announced will complete the card.

?ABOUT MARCH 1

The March 1 card will consist of seven fights, beginning at 7:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000). You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com/entertainment.
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HE MAY ULTIMATELY have been denied his own piece of the action, but Anthony Yarde insists his voyage over to LA at the tail-end of last year still served as a massive inspiration to him.

The unbeaten 27-year-old light heavyweight was booked in for a slot on the Wilder-Fury undercard at the Staples Center before an enforced late change of opponent was blocked by the local commission for not meeting a deadline, despite paperwork and medicals all being completed.

It resulted in Yarde being sidelined on the big heavyweight night but, despite obvious frustration at the time, he reflects that it was far from a wasted journey.

Watching first-hand as the drama unfolded left a lasting impression on the 17-0 man, who is lodged at the top of the WBO world title waiting list.

“Most definitely,” said Yarde ahead of his return to action on February 23 at the Morningside Arena in Leicester against the American Travis Reeves. “Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder gave good accounts of themselves and the fight lived up to the hype and expectation.

“You saw Tyson on his back and how he got up from those shots in the 12th showed his will, his spirit and his mentality. All round it was a fantastic event.”

Yarde admits that being in attendance led to him visualising himself being the headline attraction of such a colossal occasion that was broadcast across the globe.

“All the time, even when I used to go to Floyd’s (Mayweather jr) fights I had it in my head, even when I watch big fights on TV. Sometimes I am not even looking at the fight, I am looking at the crowd behind, thinking this is the kind of atmosphere and occasion I want to be involved in or part of.

“These things will always be an inspiration and motivation.”

Meanwhile, Yarde went on to reveal that the continual social media scrutiny of his development as a contender and the opponents he has overcome to date does not deter him in any way from the mission mapped out for him.

“It has always been water off a duck’s back,” he pointed out. “I see as when you are doing well people always want to see you do better, when you are doing ok people want to give you a little push and when you are doing bad people always give you that big push.

“It goes in stages and when you are doing very well people will try and bring you down. That is just how it goes.

“Right now I feel I am in a position where the naysayers – people who weren’t really on your side from the beginning – completely turn against you and say you are fighting nobodies.

“I am fighting people with good records but, because they don’t know the name of the person, critics are not best pleased. You can’t really focus on them really.”

Yarde does acknowledge, however, that public demand for him to be plunged into the deeper waters of the division could be construed as a compliment and a sign that people recognise his potential.

“Most definitely, I’ve always taken it as a compliment and believe that if I wasn’t doing well, nobody would care. I would be on the same level as the people they say I am fighting.

“Because I have been doing well people feel like I am at world title level already and that for me is a big compliment.”

Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental title against Travis Reeves co-headlines at the Morningside Arena in Leicester with British Super Featherweight Champion Sam Bowen’s return to action. Also on the bill, super lightweight Sam Maxwell bids for his first title against the Spaniard Kelvin Dotel with the WBO European belt at stake, while local fighters CJ Challenger and Kyle Haywood are set to battle for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title. Nathan Gorman, Lyon Woodstock, Ryan Garner, Willie Hutchinson, Tommy Fury, Ryan Hatton and Mark Chamberlain also feature on the card.

Tickets are available from £40 are on sale NOW via Eventbrite

7 February, 2019 ; Bangkok Thailand – The comeback trail begins for Thai mixed martial arts star Shannon “One Shin” Wiratchai when he makes his return at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS in Bangkok on Saturday, 16 February.

Long considered a top contender in the lightweight division, Wiratchai has come close to the top of the division countless times, but seems to run into a setback each time.

In his most recent outing, the setback came in the form of former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki, who beat Wiratchai via TKO in just the first round.

Now, “One Shin” heads back home and looks to re-energize his ONE Championship career with a victory.

“My career in ONE Championship has taken me all across the region, performing in front of huge crowds in iconic arenas in Asia,” said Wiratchai. “But performing in front of my hometown fans in Bangkok will always be special to me.”

The 30-year old Wiratchai can easily be considered one of the pioneers of ONE Championship, having made his promotional debut at ONE: PRIDE OF A NATION back in 2012.

“I would like to thank ONE Championship for the opportunity to compete here in Bangkok and to showcase my skills as a world-class martial artist to fans all over the globe.”

Nearly seven years later, Wiratchai is still very much a force in ONE’s stacked 77.1-kilogram division.

At ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS in Bangkok, Wiratchai intends to show exactly why he still belongs in the conversation for lightweight title contenders.

“I vow to put forth my best effort in my next match, and to prove to everyone that I still belong at the top of my division.”

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 6, 2019) – WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis and former world champion Hugo Ruiz were on-hand at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica Wednesday as they near their showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters who will enter the ring live on SHOWTIME in televised undercard attractions. Undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios will be facing Mexico’s Richard Zamora, while former world champion Javier Fortuna steps in against lightweight contender Sharif Bogere in the opening bout of the tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday in Santa Monica as they prepare for their Saturday night attractions:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I was just watching Hugo Ruiz as I came in here. All I know is that he is fast, he has some speed. It looked like he has some power and good timing. I actually think that this is not a walk in the park, like people think. The fact that this is a late change doesn’t concern me because once I get in there, I’ll be able to make adjustments. I’m ready.

“It’s great to make it to this level. To have people under me like ‘Truck’ [Lorenzo Simpson], it feels amazing to inspire them to go further in life. It makes me want to push harder so that I can become the best that I can be.

“I come from a city with a lot of violence and things like that, but my mind was always focused on what I wanted to be in life. I traveled when I was super young, so my mindset was never like a typical eight-year-old. I won my first nationals when I was 10 years old. I’ve seen the world and I’ve seen the bigger picture. At that time, coming up in the gym, there were guys that I was looking up to that were getting killed in the streets. There were days in the gym where we would get a call that guys we trained with had been killed. I knew that it’s either boxing or things wouldn’t turn out too good. I knew I had to stay in the gym and stay focused.

“Camp is going great. I feel ready for Saturday night. I’m disappointed that I’m not facing Abner Mares but it doesn’t change too much. I heard that he hurt his elbow at first, I didn’t know that it was his eye. Once I heard it was his eye, I took it more seriously.

“I wanted to fight Abner. We could probably have done it back home but I gave him the chance to fight in LA. I am the champion, so I’m willing to give him another shot.”

HUGO RUIZ

“I feel great. I just came off of training for my last fight but I just feel like I’m continuing that training. I think it’s going to serve as great preparation for this next fight. It’s only going to be a benefit for me.

“I think this is going to be an explosive fight. We’re both known for our knockouts and this is a fight that can end at any moment. It’s going to be by a knockout.

“Out of my 39 wins, 33 of them are knockouts so I can say with confidence that I can knock out Gervonta Davis. No fighter is invincible and that’s a really possible outcome on Saturday.

“Gervonta Davis is a great fighter. I’ve watched him fight and I know that he’s a very strong fighter with a lot in his arsenal. There’s a reason why he’s a world champion right now but we know what we’re looking for. We have the hunger and the ambition to be triumphant. We have everything we need to beat Gervonta.

“I took the fight on short notice and I just fought, but I am ready. I trained very hard for my last fight and I still feel more than ready to go. I’m very excited to have this world championship opportunity and I am going to take advantage of it and show the world what I can do.

“I had a fight in November where I was training for a lefty. I then had another fight in January where I was preparing for a lefty. They changed my opponent last minute but I was still ready to go. I’ve been preparing for a lefty for five months and I think that’s a huge advantage for me.

“The reason I have so many knockouts is because I like to surprise my opponents and I really think I have something that I can surprise Gervonta with. Come Saturday, we will see how many ways I can surprise him.

“Gervonta is a fighter just like I am. We both are going in there with all the will to win and come Saturday I think we are going to give the people the show that they really want to see. I am ready to put on a spectacular show.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“I feel great. I’ve been training out in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter since the beginning of December. I was getting great work, sparring with Devin Haney. We got about two or three weeks of great work just going at it. That was tremendous experience just keeping up with him. He’s a very explosive fighter and ahead of the curve for his age. I finished off camp sparring with Amir Khan, who is getting ready for his Terrence Crawford fight. So overall, camp was great.

“This is going to be one of my toughest fights but I put in all the hard work in camp and I’m going into Saturday night with no doubts. If I get him hurt, I’m going to look to finish him off but the knockout is not something I’ll be looking for right away in the fight.

“I’m thinking about the weather a little bit, but at the end of the day I’m a fighter and I’m going to overcome anything I have to in the ring. Whether it’s raining, whether it’s cold, once the bell rings it doesn’t matter what the weather is.

“I always try to go into my fights being as smart as possible. I always want to box as much as I can but at the end of the day, I’m Mexican so if I get caught with a good punch I’m going to want to sit there and bang. I’m definitely expecting some fireworks. It’s going to be an action-packed fight and I guarantee you one of us is going to go down. I’ve worked my ass off to make sure I’m not going to be the one on the canvas.

“Sparring top guys like Devin Haney and Amir Khan has been great and a huge advantage for me. People would pay top dollar to see that, but all of us were just there appreciating the work because we all need it. That was world class work. You really can’t beat it.

“Texas has always been a hotbed for boxing, especially in the cities of San Antonio, Dallas and Houston. Now, we have a lot of upcoming fighters that are really showing out. It’s only a matter of time before Texas becomes one of the main capitals for boxing.

“In the next 18 months, I’ll hopefully get a shot at a world title. I want to face any one of the champions right now. I feel I’m ready. I’ve worked my ass off to get to this point and I feel it’s only a matter of time before we get that title shot. Right now, my sight is set on the junior welterweight division and we’re going to try to take over the division as much as I can. But at the same time, I’m 6’1” and it’s only a matter of time before I outgrow the division but as long as I’m here and I can make the weight healthy and I feel strong, we’re going to continue to dominate.”

RICHARD ZAMORA

“This is my first time in Los Angeles and I’m really excited to fight in a place like LA. This is a really well-known place to fight that I’ve known about my whole life and I’m ready to put on a showcase that people will recognize. I want people to see me as a great fighter from here on out.

“I’ve been very focused this entire training camp. My opponent changed late but my objective has not changed whatsoever. Whoever I face on Saturday, I’m ready to fight.

“I’m only 25 years old. Some would say I got a late start because I only started training and boxing when I was 15 or 16 years old but it’s always been in my blood. My grandfather was a boxer and I always knew the sport was going to be my calling at the end of the day.

“We look forward to showing off this weekend. I’m ready to show the people of the United States who I am. I want to stand out and showcase what I’m all about. I’ve shown what I can do in Mexico and now I want everybody in the U.S. to show who I am in America now. To be surrounded by so many talented fighters here, this is the type of fighter I want to be. I want to be recognized the same way the other top fighters around here are.

“I think that Barrios’ height is something that I need to think about but I’m not worried about it. I’ve learned how to fight against different styles and I’ve fought many different fighters so I am ready for whatever comes my way. I just want to put on a great show so the fans will only have good things to say about me.”

JAVIER FORTUNA

“I feel good. We are in weight and in great shape. On Saturday, I will be the best fighter I can be. My new trainer and I are in top shape. We had a really good training camp. This fight is important for me. On Saturday my career at 135 will be defined.

“I have been working very hard in the gym. I have a great strategy and the fans will see on Saturday night what I’m all about. Bogere is aggressive, he comes forward and is a very good boxer but I’m not concerned. I move forward and I’m aggressive too. I can take him.

“Hopefully, that chicken Gervonta Davis will go up to 135. If not, I’m willing to come down to 130 to fight him. I want his belt. I respect his promoters, they know how to take care of him and I have no problem with that but I’m just hoping that he’s willing to fight me. He has shown a lack of respect as a human being. He hasn’t done what a champion should do and he’s fighting guys he shouldn’t be fighting.

“What do I think of Gervonta’s new opponent? Everybody has social media and can see what the fans are saying about it.

“My fight against [Robert] Easter is hard to swallow. It was one of those fights where you go in there, you work hard, you show you are the better fighter but the judges don’t reward you for it. I know I was the better fighter. I won that fight. A lot of people saw it the same way but sometimes the judges go for the business side of things. I was hoping for a rematch but nobody ever gave me the opportunity.

“I want to fight the best fighters out there. I don’t care who they are. If they have a title, I’ll fight them. If they are good, I’ll fight them as well.”

SHARIF BOGERE

“Javier Fortuna is a veteran. We have similar experience. He’s been there for a long time but so have I. I think we’re going to put a on a good show for the people. He makes mistakes and I’m going to capitalize on those.

“This is a dream for me. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years since I was a little kid. I have a passion for this sport and a lot of people to make proud. Those people keep me going through all of the tough times, the injuries, the setbacks, I’m just so thankful that I have another day and another blessing. I’m so thankful for this opportunity.

“I’m happy to have an opponent finally step up to the plate. I feel people have been avoiding me but he stepped up and I think we’re going to put on a great show. We both have an exciting style and I’m looking forward to Saturday. In his fight against Robert Easter Jr., I think he did his best to win the fight but he came up short.

“As my trainer always tells me, keep knocking on the door. One day, they’re going to open the door. Saturday, they will open the door. After Saturday night, the world is going to see the ‘The Lion’ back in the top ten in the world.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a guy [Ruiz] that just fought on the Broner card. He’s in great shape, he’s a great fighter and he’s coming to put on a performance on Saturday night. ‘Tank’ is in great shape but he’s got to be cognizant of a guy that he hasn’t prepared for. We’ve seen what has happened in other fights, specifically the [Jermall] Charlo fight. [Matvey] Korobov came in as a last-minute replacement and it was a tough fight. Certainly tougher than he had anticipated but that’s part of the sport. ‘Tank’ has to be ready for anything.

“Gervonta has a tough opponent in front of him Saturday night. Any time you are preparing for a specific guy, it’s going to take a minute to get used to your new opponent. It will be interesting. ‘Tank’ will have to figure it out but I think he will be able to go to work and figure it out.

“I’m always confident in ‘Tank’. He’s one of the top fighters out there in the sport. He’s the biggest puncher in the entire sport and he’ll eventually be the biggest star in the sport. This is the start of a very big career for all of his U.S. fans and the international fans as well. He’s ready to take over the entire sport and Saturday night is just the start.

“Anytime you lose a great fighter like Abner Mares from your card, obviously there is always a little bit of a shakeup. My prayers go out to him and his family and we wish him a speedy recovery. Abner is a great champion, a great human being and a guy that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. He will be able to hopefully bounce back.”

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. RUIZ

Gervonta Davis vs. Hugo Ruiz pits the WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Davis against the former world champion Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing and tickets are sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

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

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) – Junior welterweight prospect Pedro Moreno (11-0, 7 KOs), who was set to make his headlining debut this Friday, has pulled out of his scheduled eight-round fight against fellow unbeaten prospect Ramon Mascarena (10-0, 5 KOs).

Moreno, 21, fell ill Tuesday night and made the decision today to remove himself from the “New Blood” card.

Wednesday’s change elevates bantamweights Mario Hernandez (8-0-1, 3 KOs) and Luis Fernando Saavedra (7-6, 3 KOs) to the eight-round main event.

“It’s an unfortunate situation for Pedro and Ramon because both fighters were beyond excited to showcase their boxing ability in our main event,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “The good news is we still have an excellent card lined up for boxing fans. Mario Hernandez and Luis Fernando Saavedra are two, no-nonsense boxers that will put on a tremendous performance in our new main event.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

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

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

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

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

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

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 6, 2019): WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-0, 17 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 130-pound contender
Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (19-4-2, 14 KOs) of Blythe, Calif. hosted their final press conference at the Golden Boy Promotions headquarters in Los Angeles ahead of their 12-round battle. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

Fighters from the undercard also attended the press conference, including WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Rey Vargas (32-0, 22 KOs), who will defend his title against Franklin Manzanilla (18-4, 17 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela in the co-main event.

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

ALBERTO MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I fulfilled my dreams of having a world title fight on HBO. This fight will also be something great for Puerto Rico as I headline on this new platform, DAZN. I want everyone in Puerto Rico to know that I will be ready to defend my title. We’ve had an extremely successful camp in Los Angeles. This is my fifth camp here. I want to thank my manager Juan De Leon and Freddie Roach for helping me become a better fighter and person. Andrew Cancio is a strong and hungry fighter because he wants to become a world champion. But we trained hard to make a successful defense this Saturday.”

ANDREW CANCIO, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity. I want to thank the champion as well for this opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m going to come in well prepared to give an exciting fight for everyone on Saturday night. I know it will be tough, but Im well prepared for this fight. It’s been a long road to get here, but we’re here. We’re going to do everything in our power to win on Saturday night.”

REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion:

“I’m very happy to return again to the ring. We are highly motivated. Instead of just talking with words, I’ll do my talking in the ring. They say we are over confident, but we are going in the ring intelligently. He’s a strong fighter. He has some technical deficiencies, but that’s his style. We’ll be careful in there, but we’re looking for the knockout. Though would like to unify titles by the end of the year, I’m 100% focused on the fight I have ahead of me.”

FRANKLIN MANZANILLA, Super Bantamweight Contender:

“I want to thank God because I’m here because of him. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I’m waiting for February 9 to give the best of me. I know it’s going to be a war. Rey Vargas has said that I must prepare for this fight psychological because I will walk away with a loss. I’m here to tell him to not get too confident because things can change. Thank you all, and I hope you are all well.”

JOSEPH DIAZ JR., Super Featherweight Contender:

“This is my first fight at 130 pounds, so I know it’s going to be a big step up. I know that the power will be different, and the opponents will be stronger. I’m going to have to adapt in there, though I feel I was a big 126-pounder anyway. I’m ready to showcase and demonstrate that I’m going to be threat at 130 pounds. Charles [Huerta] is a dangerous opponent and I know it will be a big step up and a hard fight, but I’m ready. I’m going to be a major threat in the 130-pound weight class.”

CHARLES HUERTA, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I want to thank everyone for coming out today. I want to thank Joseph Diaz, Jr. and his camp. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving me this opportunity after being off for so long. I had two injuries, but I’m healthy. We’ve been training strong at the gym and we’re ready to go. Come Saturday, you will see the same Charles Huerta who leaves everything in the ring and gives a great show.”

Machado vs. Cancio is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World
Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Vargas vs. Manzanilla is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55. Tickets will be available
at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing
online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/February9DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

MINNEAPOLIS (February 6, 2019) – Once-beaten contenders Marcos Hernandez and Jeison Rosario will rematch in a 10-round welterweight attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell taking on top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship.

FS2 PBC FIGHT NIGHT PRELIMS will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and feature unbeaten cruiserweight Efe Apochi (6-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round fight against once-beaten Earl Newman (10-1-1, 7 KOs), plus lightweight prospect Justin Pauldo (11-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round fight against unbeaten Donovan Estrella (13-0, 4 KOs), and undefeated 20-year-old prospect Money Powell IV (8-0, 4 KOs) facing Javier Frazier (8-8-1, 4 KOs) in a four or six-round middleweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Non-televised action will also feature Bryant Perrella (15-2, 13 KOs) taking on Breidis Prescott (31-15, 22 KOs) in eight-rounds of welterweight action.

Hernandez (13-1-1, 3 KOs) and Rosario (17-1-1, 12 KOs) will rematch after fighting to a split-draw in their six-round bout last February. Hernandez is fresh off of wins over Quantavious Cash and Danny Valdivia on the reboot of “The Contender” series and is unbeaten in his last five fights. The 25-year-old from Fresno, California owns victories over then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman and Thomas Hill.

Rosario has picked up three victories since the draw against Hernandez, including decision wins over Justin DeLoach and Jamontay Clark, plus a knockout of Juan Carlos Rodriguez Patino in November. The 23-year-old from the Dominican Republic is unbeaten since suffering his only loss to Nathaniel Gallimore in 2017.

# # #

ABOUT DIRRELL VS. YILDIRIM
Dirrell vs. Yildirim will see former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell face top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1, FS2 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.

NEW YORK – February XX, 2019 – SHOWTIME Sports will present the highly anticipated super middleweight matchup between fierce British rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. Saturday, February 23 live on SHOWTIME from London’s The O2. In the co-featured bout, fast rising prospect Joe Joyce battles former world champion Bermane Stiverne in a 12-round heavyweight clash. The event will air live on air and via the networks’ streaming service at a start time to be announced.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions on ITV in the U.K. and promoted by Poxon Sports. The co-feature bout is promoted in association with Ringstar Sports and Don King Productions.

DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) and Eubank (27-2, 21 KOs) will finally settle their long-running score when the two outspoken rivals finally go toe-to-toe in front of the excitable hometown London crowd in the all-British affair.

The 33-year-old DeGale was the first British boxer to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics and a world championship as a professional. He won his world title with a unanimous decision over Andre Dirrell in 2015 and made two successful defenses before fighting to a draw against Badou Jack in 2017. DeGale avenged his December 2017 loss to Caleb Truax to reclaim his IBF Super Middleweight belt in April 2018 on SHOWTIME. After voluntarily vacating the belt, DeGale stopped veteran Fidel Munoz his last time out.

The 29-year-old Eubank Jr., the son of former two-division world champion Chris Eubank, is highly motivated to challenge for more world titles after he lost a unanimous decision to George Groves for the WBA Super Middleweight belt one year ago. The rivalry between DeGale and Eubank has been brewing for several years after a series of run-ins. The duo has sparred each other in the gym and have traded several verbal jabs on social media. Eubank, who has been training in Las Vegas at the Mayweather Boxing Club, has won nine out of his last ten fights and has registered knockouts in eight of those wins.

The 6-foot-6 Joyce, of London, England, has started his professional career with a 100 percent KO rate after turning professional in 2017 at the age of 32. An accomplished amateur, Joyce claimed the super heavyweight silver medal for Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games. Joyce, who trains in Big Bear, Calif. under renowned trainer Abel Sanchez, knocked out Joe Hanks at 2:25 of round one in his last fight on the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury undercard.

Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs), who was the first ever Haiti-born boxer to own a piece of the heavyweight crown, won the WBC title with a convincing sixth-round TKO over Chris Arreola in 2014. Stiverne then lost the belt in his next fight against Deontay Wilder, despite becoming the first fighter to take the current American champion the distance. The 40-year-old has not fought since his loss in the 2017 rematch against Wilder but is anxious to bounce back with a statement win over the highly regarded Joyce.

NEW YORK (February 6, 2019)-This past Friday night, super middleweight DeAndre Ware registered the biggest win of his career when he took a 10-round majority decision over previously undefeated Ronald Ellis in a bout that was the main of a ShoBox: The New Generation card and live on SHOWTIME.

The fight, which took place at The Main Street Armory, saw Ware press the action and get inside of the longer Ellis. Ware was effective inside by working the body and coming up top with good right hands.

The native of Toledo, Ohio, Ware won by scores of 96-94 twice, and 95-95 to raise his mark to 13-1-2 with eight knockouts.

Ware, who was making his 2nd consecutive ShoBox appearance, was able to show his skills after being able to enjoy a full training camp, and now will look for a big opportunity in the super middleweight division.

“I controlled the fight. The whole fight I was landing the harder shots,” said Ware. “I finally had a chance to get in shape and have a full camp, and we were able to show what we really have. I applied the pressure. He was just flicking the jab and it wasn’t doing anything. I see big things in my future, I am with with a great team with Split-T Management.”

“This was another great ShoBox fight between two extremely talented guys. Both deserve much more respect. Deandre once again showed his mettle and character, and outworked his opponent,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Ware is a promotional free agent, and has the biggest promoters in the world after his services.

With this win, Ware not only won the biggest fight of his career as he won NABA US, USBO and WBC Continental Americas titles and will be ranked by all four major organizations.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming out today. This is our first press conference for our big March 23 show at the Copper Box Arena, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

“We’re coming off the back of a great night, but also a disappointing night at The O2. We talk about the new era of stars coming through in British boxing and one of those stepped up on Saturday night, he wasn’t good enough and might not have been ready but he took the challenge and came up short against a very good champion in Sergio Garcia.

“I’m delighted to welcome Maravillabox Promotions back to the UK, who of course represent Angel Moreno who will be challenging Charlie Edwards for the WBC Flyweight World title. It’s a packed card with a World Championship, three British title fights as well, professional debuts, and young prospects looking to push on.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“I agree with Eddie. The night at The O2 wasn’t quite what we wanted but how brave was Ted Cheeseman and what a find in Sergio Garcia, a terrific performance. What a fantastic card this is on March 23 at the Copper Box Arena. It really is a stellar night. We’ve got the one in Liverpool the week after as well but I think this one has got something for absolutely everybody.

“It’s terrific to see Charlie Edwards defending his World title for the first time against Angel Moreno. What a brilliant story Charlie has had. He’s showed that if you fail once, you can come back and rebuild and believe. The passion he showed, the emotional scenes afterwards in the ring were incredible and then he he joined us on Saturday night as a pundit on Sky Sports and he did very well – it was a breath of fresh air.

“There’s three terrific British title fights on the show, a real step up for Joshua Buatsi against Liam Conroy, I’m very excited to see how ‘JB’ gets on. Lawrence Okolie back again, it’s great to see him back so quickly against Wadi Camacho, it’s going to be a really good fun build up there and hopefully a great fight. Lewis Ritson, who’s not with us, terrific value for money every single time, he’s got to prove himself again after not quite making it at European level but he’s got a very exciting fight against Andy Townend – that should be all action. It’s going to be a really good show and well done to Eddie for putting it together.”

Charlie Edwards – Croydon, England – 14-1, 6 KO’s – making the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Angel Moreno:

“First and foremost I want to say a big thank you to Eddie Hearn for believing in me and a big thank you to Adam Smith for letting me headline my own show. This is a dream come true in itself. And not only that, I’m headlining my own show but I’ve got some great fighters and great former teammates on the card as well. I feel really lucky and blessed.
“I want to be a British great, and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight World Champion, and this new book, it starts now.

“The hard work really starts now, and it’s about dedicating myself. I’m obsessed with the game, obsessed with getting better, day in, day out.

“I want to go down as a great, and this first defence is going to be a really good one. I’m really looking forward, and excited about this fight. Angel Moreno is a very good fighter.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to focus 100 per cent on Angel Moreno, he’s a top-class operator and a hard fight. But I believe, and I’ll put it out there, this is my time. Timing is everything and it’s all come right.

“All the other fights, they will unfold in the future. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m in this sport not to pick and choose my opponents. I just want to build a legacy, and I want to be known as an all-time great in British boxing.”

Angel Moreno – Madrid, Spain – 19-2-2, 6 KO’s – challenging Charlie Edwards for the WBC Flyweight World title:

“Thank you very much. This is a great opportunity to come here and challenge Charlie for his World title. Charlie is a great boxer and anything can happen on the night.

“I don’t think that Sergio Garcia’s win against Ted Cheeseman was any surprise. He is a great boxer and he deserved the victory. I will certainly look to take inspiration from that.”

Grant Smith, trainer of Charlie Edwards:

“It was a brilliant night. My first World Champion. On a big scene like that. It was absolutely brilliant. I knew how much it meant to Charlie and his whole team. It was so emotional for us all. We still speak about it now. It was just absolutely brilliant for us all. I knew he could do that.

“He was straight back in the gym after Christmas and straight back on it. You can’t keep him out of the gym. Charlie has got a lot of desire already but to keep the fire burning what do you do? Add fuel.”

Joshua Buatsi – Croydon, England – 9-0, 7 KO’s – fighting Liam Conroy for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title:

“I’d like to congratulate Shannon for turning professional and making her debut on March 23. We must congratulate this man to my left Charlie Edwards for wining the World title. Again, it’s not about the opponent. It’s a title that I want to win, it’s part of the journey that I’m taking. Conroy is the man that’s been put forward and on March 23 it’s going to happen. I’ll be doing everything within my will and my power to win that title.

“I’ve been putting in the work in the gym and I’ve been getting sparring that’s been more than ten rounds. I’ve been putting in the work physically and mentally and as my trainer will say, as the runs go on I get better and better. They might think that I’ve only done three one rounders but that’s cool, I’ll be prepared, I’ll be there from one to twelve so whichever number it is, if I see the opening I’ll take it. If it’s the first round it’s the first round. Don’t be surprised it it’s the first, it could happen again.

Liam Conroy – Barrow In Furness, England – 16-3-1, 8 KO’s – fighting Joshua Buatsi for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title:

“This is a massive fight but I think it’s been a long time coming. I won my British title fight eliminator in 2017 and I’ve just been working relentlessly since. This has always been my goal. I’m just dead grateful for being on the show. I’d like to thank Matchroom for putting on the show against Buatsi, but it’s not about the opponent, it’s about my journey and the British title is my dream so I’m going to give it everything that I can and keep on going relentlessly till the final bell. I won’t stop until I have that belt.

“Like I say, it wasn’t about the opponent, it was about the title and I think no matter who the opponent was I would have taken the fight. People seem to think that I’ve been given something here, being in this fight but I haven’t been given anything. I’ve kicked down all of these doors and I’ve made myself mandatory challenger to the British title.

Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, England – 11-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Wadi Camacho for the British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles:

“For me, Saturday wasn’t really about the guy I was boxing. It was about myself and how I felt in the ring, if I could I do stuff that I’d practiced in training. I was able to do a few of those things that I’d practiced in the gym and I look forward to doing the same again on March 23.

“Obviously it’s good that Wadi has taken the fight but him along with most of the people in my weight class in Britain just like to talk online and it is obviously frustrating for me. On March 23 I will demonstrate to him and all of the other Cruiserweights in Britain what I’m about. I think stopping Wadi is a formality for me. He’s got the sort of style that will leave him open to me knocking him out. I want to do it in a more systematic way. Maybe go in southpaw and practice different pattern movements. I want to go in there and show him that he’s a practice fight for me as opposed to a 50-50 fight.

“This fight will definitely end in a knockout. Wadi is a southpaw so it’s very good practice for stepping up to the Lebedevs and other World level guys. I’m very happy with the fight and happy with where I’m at mentally. I’m not overlooking Wadi, I’m going to train extremely hard for him and deal with him accordingly.

Wadi Camacho – Canning Town, England – 21-7, 12 KO’s – fighting Lawrence Okolie for the British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles:

“Good afternoon everyone. The mind is very powerful. I used to do a lot of things by myself but now I’ve got a great team around me that have really pushed me and I truly believe in myself. I feel like I have been reborn in my last two fights. I’m constantly improving and on March 23 everyone will get to see another win.

“You have to give Lawrence props. He’s come from Team GB and had 11 fights and picked up all of these belts. In some fights he hasn’t been good but I’m not there to pay attention to what he’s done and what he’s doing. It’s all about me. Everyone knows that I’m an awkward fighter and everyone knows that I’m an entertaining fighter – I’ve never been in a dull fight. I always give it my all.

“I think I’m just going to combine all of my skills together on March 23 and everyone will see. I’m just growing in confidence and nobody has seen the best of me yet. You will see it on March 23.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – making her professional debut in a 4 round Bantamweight contest:

“I’m more than ready for my pro debut on March 23. There’s been a lot of people asking when my pro debut Is going to be and I’m just ready to put on a good show. Women’s boxing has completely changed over the past few years, it’s getting bigger and bigger, that’s why I’ve turned professional now. It’s only right that I strike while the iron is hot. I’m ready to put my own name out there, not just in women’s professional boxing but all of professional boxing. I want to make a big name for myself.”

LAS VEGAS (February 6, 2019) – The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has ordered negotiations to begin for a rematch between reigning WBO Junior Bantamweight World Champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and No. 1-ranked, mandatory challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte.

The WBO contacted the promoters for Nietes and Palicte, respectively, ALA Promotions and Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, informing them that they have 15 days to reach an agreement regarding Nietes vs. Palicte II. If an agreement isn’t reached by the Feb. 19th deadline, the WBO will order a purse bid. The minimal bid is $100,000, but either promoter may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Nietes and Palicte fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title.

“Hats off to the WBO for being so aggressive to attempt to make this fight happen,” RJJ Boxing Promotions CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre. We are looking forward to making this deal happen but, if the deal can’t be made, we are ready for a purse bid.:

The WBO ordered No. 1 ranked Nietes to fight No. 3 rated Kazuito Ioka, on New Year’s Eve in China, for the vacant WBO junior bantamweight crown, in addition to No. 2 Palicte vs. unbeaten No. 4 Jose Martinez last Thursday night in Alpine, California, to determine Nietes’ mandatory challenger.

Nietes (42-1-5, 23 KOs) won by way of a 12-round split decision to capture his fourth world title in four different weight classes, while Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs) knocked out Martinez in the second round to set-up another All-Filipino showdown.

Palicte vs. Martinez headlined a show that was the first under a new agreement between Palicte’s promoter, RJJ Boxing, and UFC FIGHT PASS® to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events during the next three years.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @AstonPalicte
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /RJJBoxing

NATIONAL HARBOR (February 6, 2019) – Two-division world champion Lamont Peterson takes on former junior welterweight world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round welterweight match that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, March 24 from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features
Anthony Peterson, Lamont’s brother, battling former junior lightweight world champion Argenis Mendez in a 10-round junior welterweight bout that serves as the co-main event.

The Peterson brothers are an inspirational duo that rose from poverty and homelessness in Washington D.C. as children to become professional boxers and reach an elite level in the sport. They will be fighting as the main and co-main event in nationally televised bouts for the first time since 2006 and will look to put on a show for fans just outside of their hometown.

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/.

“Lamont Peterson vs. Sergey Lipinets is a classic 50-50 matchup that is sure to include drama, action and intrigue,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Lipinets is looking to conquer a second division after winning a 140-pound title, while Peterson is out to show he’s still amongst the welterweight elite. Peterson will be joined by his brother, Anthony Peterson, for a true homecoming event featuring two of Washington D.C.’s most popular fighters. Anthony will have a tall task in former champion Argenis Mendez, and it should all equal to a great night at MGM National Harbor and on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

“I’m looking forward to the return of the Peterson brothers to the ring,” said famed trainer Barry Hunter, who has mentored and coached the Petersons since they were kids. “It’s always nice to be fighting at home in the DMV and I’m truly looking forward to a big 2019 for us.”

Lamont Peterson (35-4-1, 17 KOs) has battled some of the top names in the sport at 140 and 147-pounds in climbing through the ranks and winning titles in both divisions while facing the likes of Victor Ortiz, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Amir Khan, Kendall Holt, Lucas Matthysse, Danny Garcia and Errol Spence, Jr. The 35-year-old from Washington D.C. won the IBF and WBA 140-pound titles with a split decision victory over Khan in 2011 and won the welterweight championship with a unanimous decision over David Avanesyan in 2017. Peterson is looking to rebound from a loss to Spence in a welterweight title fight last January.

“I’m happy to be doing what I love and that is fighting,” said Lamont Peterson. “I’m really excited about having the chance to fight at home once again and also on FS1 and FOX Deportes for the first time. I plan on giving fans on TV and in the arena the show they came to see.”

Lipinets (14-1, 10 KOs) has moved up to the welterweight division after previously becoming a world champion at 140 pounds. The 29-year-old, who is from Kazakhstan, grew up in Russia and now lives in Beverly Hills, California, picked up the IBF super lightweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Akihiro Kondo in 2017. He lost the title by decision to Mikey Garcia last March and rebounded to defeat Erick Bone in his welterweight debut.

“I’m ready for the intensity of this fight with a great champion like Lamont Peterson,” said Lipinets. “I’m very humbled and honored to be in this position. I’m pushing myself to bring my A-game, because in a fight like this, there is no room for mistakes. I promise that I’m going to give a great performance and leave my fans happy.”

The 33-year-old Anthony Peterson (37-1, 24 KOs) is the younger brother of Lamont Peterson and has won seven straight fights since losing by disqualification to Brandon Rios in 2010. Five of his last eight wins have come inside the distance and he will look to put himself into title contention facing his toughest competition in years on March 24.

“This fight means a lot coming off a layoff because I want to make a clear statement that I am a world class legitimate fighter and that I deserve a shot at a title in 2019,” said Anthony Peterson. “It’s even more important for me to show up and show out as I will be fighting at home in front of my family and friends. I have to bring it and make the absolute most of this.”

Mendez (25-5-1, 12 KOs) won the IBF super featherweight title with a knockout victory over Juan Carlos Salgado in 2013. He has put together two straight victories since losing back-to-back fights to Luke Campbell and Robert Easter Jr. at lightweight in 2016. The 32-year-old, who is from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic and now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., scored a unanimous decision over Eddie Ramirez in his last fight in May after defeating Ivan Redkach the previous year.

“I’m excited for this challenge against Anthony Peterson so that I can prove that I am still at a world championship level,” said Mendez. “I know that he’s fighting at home, but when he’s in the ring, no one can help him. I want to show off all of the skills that have gotten me here and leave an impression on everyone watching that I’m a threat to anybody they put in there against me.”

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

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @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.

Moscow, Russia (February 6, 2019) World of Boxing, one of the premier international boxing promoters and based in Moscow, Russia is marching into the United States on Saturday, March 9, 2019 with two of its top charges, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol, (15-0, 11 KOs), and Undefeated Heavyweight Contender Sergey Kuzmin, (14-0, 11 KOs), featured in bouts from the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, N.Y. and broadcast on the streaming service DAZN.

Bivol’s world title defense against Joe Smith Jr., (24-2, 20 KOs), will headline the show in a scheduled 12-round clash while Kuzmin will face an opponent to be announced in a ten-round bout. The event is co-promoted with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing

Founded by Andrey Ryabinsky in 2012, World of Boxing has promoted many of the sport’s biggest events featuring numerous members of their roster including heavyweight world title challenger Alexander Povetkin, cruiserweight world champion Denis Lebedev, undefeated welterweight prospect Sergey Lubkovich, former lightweight world champion Edward Troyanovsky and former cruiserweight world champion Grigory Drozd in addition to Bivol and Kuzmin.

On September 22, 2018, World of Boxing co-promoted with Matchroom Boxing the World Heavyweight Championship between Anthony Joshua and Povetkin which drew 80,000 boxing fans to Wembley Stadium in London, England and was viewed by a massive international televised audience.

Said Ryabinsky, “I’m very happy with the great athletes and tremendous events we’ve been able to promote since 2012. We now enter a new chapter where many of our fighters will be further competing in the United States and we welcome this challenge to fight the best boxers situated in that country.”

The philanthropic Ryabinsky also played an extensive financial role in the recovery of Russian heavyweight contender Magomed Abdusalamov who suffered a brain injury following a fight in November 2013, underwriting many of the costs associated with his therapy and family assistance.

“I considered it my personal duty to help Magomed although I didn’t promote him. He was a true Russian warrior and I was honored to help him and his family and will continue to do so as needed.”

One of World of Boxing’s top prospects, 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Murodjon Akhmadaliev impressed an HBO nationally televised audience improving to 5-0 with a ninth-round knockout of Isaac Zarate in their scheduled ten-round super bantamweight bout on November 24, 2018.

Website

www.VsenaBox.Ru