Hard-punching welterweight prospect Derrieck Cuevas says he’s not bothered by the number of fans his upcoming opponent Ed “The Lion” Paredes of Pembroke Pines will have in-house for their showdown.

Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs), originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and now living in Miami, will face popular long-time Florida resident Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) on Friday, March 1, in the 10-round main event of The Heavyweight Factory’s, in association with All Star Boxing, “Rumble at the Rock IV” at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo.

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.

“It doesn’t bother me,” said Cuevas of Paredes’ fan following. “At the end of the day, it’s only me and him, and they can’t fight for him. I look forward to giving him a world-class beating in front of all his fans.”

Cuevas, 24, is coming off an impressive, unanimous decision victory over respected gate keeper Breidis Prescott last November, but says Paredes represents his biggest fistic challenge. Paredes, 33, is a 14-year pro, who once held the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE), WBO Latino Welterweight, WBA-NABA Welterweight and WBC Youth World Welterweight Championships.

“Paredes is the toughest fighter I’ve faced in my career. He’s a savvy veteran who has never been knocked out. But I’m coming to represent Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican boxing fans. Come March 1, I plan to be the first man to knock Ed Paredes out.”

Working hard to make that happen, Cuevas is working with trainer Jesse Robinson, a former Emanuel Steward protege.

“He’s been teaching me a lot of new things,” said Cuevas. “My explosivity and body punching will be really different for this fight. Jesse knows how to get the most out of a fighter’s strong points.

Director of Boxing for The Heavyweight Factory Henry Rivalta says Cuevas’ performance against Paredes will reveal a lot about the young prospect’s future in the sport.

“Paredes is someone only great fighters can get past,” said Rivalta. “He’s never been knocked out and he’s beaten lots of very good fighters. Plus, he’s coming in well-rested and free of injury. If Derrieck can look good against him, or be the first to knock him out, we will know he has a very bright future in professional boxing. This is truly a midterm exam for this up-and-coming fighter.”

On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

# # #

About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts A-list entertainers, comedy and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall 2019 will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to a first-ever, iconic, guitar-shaped hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations in an adjacent hotel tower overlooking a lush, “Bora Bora” style, private cabana environment; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water-focused experience for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding; 21 distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges; an expanded gaming floor featuring 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and 26,000 square feet of new retail space. The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live theater-style concert venue will feature headline performances and live broadcast capabilities. The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441). The resort is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us:
Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

FRESNO, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) — WBC super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez has a pair of fights this week.

In the ring, the Avenal, Calif., native will defend his WBC super lightweight world title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda on Sunday at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. Outside the ring, Ramirez will help raise money and awareness for cancer research to assist men, women, and children who are afflicted with the disease.

Ramirez (23-0, 16 KOs) will pay a special visit to the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif., on Thursday at 12:30 p.m., where he will meet with patients and staff members. He will then auction off his fight-worn purple gloves and assorted fight night attire, with all proceeds benefitting the Community Cancer Institute. A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to the Community Cancer Institute, and Ramirez and his manager, Rick Mirigian, will also donate 1,000 tickets to Community Cancer Institute patients and their families.

“This is not just about boxing. I am proud to dedicate my performance against Zepeda to the fight against cancer and to work with the great people at the Community Cancer Institute,” Ramirez said. “The people in the Central Valley have supported me since my amateur days, and I feel it’s important for me to use my platform in a positive way.

“I lost both of my grandparents to cancer. Rick Mirgian’s mother is battling cancer. It’s a universal thing. So many families know someone who is affected by cancer. When someone has cancer, it hits the whole family. Doing an event dedicated to people suffering from cancer will show them that they are supported and loved.”

Ramirez-Zepeda and the 140-pound showdown between former lightweight world champion Ray Beltran and Hiroki 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.

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.

LAS VEGAS (February 6, 2019) – T-Mobile Arena will host the biggest boxing event of the year as Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) defends his WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Titles in a 12-round unification fight against IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel “Miracle Man” Jacobs (35-2, 29 KOs) during the celebratory weekend of Cinco de Mayo. The champion-vs.-champion event will take place Saturday, May 4 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Ticket information for the event will be announced shortly along with an exciting, action-packed undercard.

“I’m excited to return to T-Mobile Arena for a fifth time,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I inaugurated this arena to boxing at an international level, and it’s a place where I have had some of my biggest fights. This fight against Daniel Jacobs will not be the exception. I am ready to capture another world title in front of a packed house, listening to the unconditional support of the fans in attendance, and also for those who will watch this fight through the screens of a huge platform in DAZN. I want it so when people talk about T-Mobile Arena, they say that is where Canelo Alvarez fights.”

Daniel Jacobs said, “I’m thrilled that this huge night has landed in Las Vegas. I made my debut there in 2007, but I haven’t boxed there for nearly nine years. Scheduling the biggest fight of my career at T-Mobile Arena is the perfect occasion to return to the bright lights and shine on a massive stage. Canelo is a champion and he’s fought the best so it’s an honor for me to face him, and of course it’s a brilliant fight for the fans. But my legacy is on the line and I have a lot to gain – I want to be a hall of famer one day, and this is the sort of fight that will get me there.”

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “Fights of this magnitude have a home, and that home is Las Vegas. Ever since Canelo Alvarez introduced T-Mobile Arena to boxing fans, he has hosted his biggest fights there. On May 4, we expect a full house of fans from all over the world to watch Canelo capture another world title with a great victory over Daniel Jacobs in a mega-fight that will be streamed exclusively live via the global sports streaming giant, DAZN.”

Eddie Hearn,Managing Director of Matchroom Sport, said, “I’m delighted that this brilliant fight is heading to Las Vegas. We know that Canelo’s fights there on Cinco De Mayo weekend are always special, and with the size of this fight, this could be the biggest yet. Daniel has been on an impressive run since signing with Matchroom Boxing USA, and has risen to the occasion, taken three unbeaten records in his last three fights and regained his world champion status. May 4 is such a huge night for Daniel, Matchroom Boxing USA, DAZN and Sky Sports – and I believe that Daniel will unify the titles under the bright lights of Vegas and his remarkable story will have yet another incredible chapter.”

Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America, said, “It’s about time DAZN landed in Las Vegas. The vibrant atmosphere and high-profile crowds surrounding Canelo fights at T-Mobile Arena are truly unique. We look forward to spotlighting that environment for all those watching at home live on DAZN.”

Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Sports & Entertainment, said, “We are proud to celebrate Cinco de Mayo weekend with our partners at Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Sport and DAZN. Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs, two of the sport’s top fighters, are certain to deliver boxing fans worldwide a sensational event on the biggest stage live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

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

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

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

(Feb 6, 2019) UFC Fight Pass, Salita Promotions and Mark Taffet Media have reached an agreement to live stream five world-class professional boxing matches on Friday, February 15, featuring US Olympic bronze medal winner Nico Hernandez, women’s top contender Elena Saveleva and undefeated heavyweight puncher Apti Davtaev in separate bouts.

The special two-hour stream (7:30 pm ET/6:30 pm CT) will emanate live from the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

And in a very special bonus, the commentating team will be anchored by long-time combat sports voice Sean Wheelock, who will be joined by “2018 Female Boxer of the Year” and women’s world champion Claressa Shields, making her debut behind the microphone. The combination of Wheelock’s experience and personality plus Shields’ in-depth knowledge of the sweet science will make for a very entertaining night for viewers.

Fighting in his hometown, the undefeated Hernandez (6-0, 4 KOs) will face Mexico’s Victor Trejo Garcia (16-9-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round flyweight special attraction, presented in association with John Anderson’s KO Night Boxing.

Russia’s Saveleva (4-1, 3 KOs) is formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world and competed in the first ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She will face Kansas City’s Tatiana Williams in a six-round flyweight showcase.

The fearsome Davtaev (15-0-1, 14 KOs), from Kurchaloi, Russia, trains at Detroit’s world-famous Kronk Gym and is featured in upcoming Ring Magazine “New Faces” section as a “Heavyweight to Watch” for 2019. He will fight 10 rounds or less against an opponent TBA.

“I am excited about teaming up with such a prestigious combat platform as UFC Fight Pass,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “It’s another big step in the popularity of boxing and gives us the ability to showcase our deep talent roster to fight fans worldwide. Mark Taffet’s wealth of knowledge and experience at the highest levels of the sport helped us make this project come to fruition. I look forward to a great event!”
“I’m thrilled for Olympians Nico Hernandez and Elena Saveleva to have the opportunity to expose their talents to the vibrant UFC Fight Pass audience,” said Mark Taffet Media President and former TV exec Mark Taffet. “And it will be very exciting to see Claressa Shields accomplish another first in her career when she brings her tremendous boxing knowledge and insights to the Fight Pass commentary booth on February 15.”
“UFC Fight Pass has earned its reputation for featuring the most exciting prospects in MMA – and it is exciting to expand that spotlight to the Sweet Science,” said UFC Fight Pass’s Ant Evans. “We’re looking forward to a great boxing event featuring three emerging talents with the world’s greatest female pugilist – Claressa Shields – on commentary.”

Other fights to be announced.

JOHNNY GARTON WILL make a first defence of his British welterweight title against Chris Jenkins at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Pexican collected the treasured Lonsdale belt following a thrilling encounter with Gary Corcoran in October – stopping the Wembley man in the 11th round – and he now faces the tough Welshman on March 8 when boxing makes its return to the historic South Kensington venue.

Jenkins, 30, has twice before challenged for the British title at super lightweight. As a then unbeaten fighter in July 2015, he took on Tyrone Nurse for the vacant title and an exciting fight was declared a majority draw by the judges.

The pair rematched four months later and Nurse prevailed in another closely contested bout.
The 20-3-2 Jenkins has subsequently added a further four wins to his record, but has also suffered the misfortune of severe cuts curtailing two of his fights against Akeem Ennis-Brown and Darragh Foley.

“There were rumours that I would be fighting Chris and now it is confirmed,” reacted the champion to news of his defence being booked in. “I think it is a good tough fight and I am looking forward to it.

“We both cut easily so I would put my money on a bit of blood being spilt on the canvas!”

“Chris is a very tough man and he has been down here at our gym sparring before when Liam Williams also came down. It was a very good spar between us, very hard, and I expect the same on the night.

“He is very energetic and a bit of a crazy fella – it is going to be good,” added the Alan Smith-trained Garton, who claims he will employ some technical boxing to add to his typical marauding style.

“We are always working on technique because I can’t keep plodding forward like I have done in my last couple of fights. I need to work on things and I think you might see something different from me in this fight.”

Elsewhere on the show 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 Hall and takes on Razvan Cojanu in his tenth fight. Liam Williams puts his newly won British Middleweight Title on the line against Brentwood bruiser Joe Mullender. Lucien Reid will fight Indi Sangha in what will be his toughest test to date, while GB Flyweight Harvey Horn and Cruiserweight talent James Branch 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

Kai Robin Havnaa (13-0, 11 KOs) has signed a contract extension with Team Sauerland as the rising Norwegian star prepares for his toughest career test against Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid on March 2 at the SØR Amfi in Arendal.

“I’m very pleased to be signing a new contract with Team Sauerland,” said Havnaa. “I believe you shouldn’t change a winning team. We’ve had successful relationship for the last four years, and I’m looking forward to continuing our work together as we enter an exciting new chapter in my career.”

Havnaa is the son of Norway’s only male World Champion, Magne Havnaa, and has made no secret of his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. With Team Sauerland, the 30 year-old believes he has the right promoter to take him to top, and is excited to continue this journey in his hometown on March 2.

“Team Sauerland have the experience and power to take me to the top,” he adds. “They have made many champions from the start of their careers, and that says it all. By signing this contract extension, I hope to achieve great things for many years to come, starting with another great show in my hometown.”

“We’re delighted to extend our promotional contract with Kai Robin Havnaa,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “We have worked with Kai from his first professional fight, and look forward to continuing our long and successful relationship. Kai has the potential to go all the way. Our aim is to make him Norway’s next World Champion. The hard work continues on March 2 as he takes his next steps towards a title against his toughest opponent to date!”

Kai Robin Havnaa returns to the SØR Amfi in Arendal on March 2 to headline his hometown arena against Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid.

Katharina Thanderz provides chief support with a super featherweight contest against Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour is back in the professional ring to meet Zoltan Szabo, and Kristiansand’s Jamshid Nazari takes on Ivica Gogosevic.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.no or by calling (+47) 22 82 81 97.

6 February, 2019, Bangkok Thailand : Thai mixed martial arts star Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige is starting 2019 with a clear goal in mind, and that is to become a world champion.

The women’s atomweight contender split her outings in 2019, and says that the past year was a learning experience of sorts.

“I have learned a lot of lessons over the past year, about myself and about my abilities as a martial artist,” the 29-year old Tiger Muay Thai representative said. “I can say that I am a much more improved, more focused Rika Ishige this time around.”

Ishige heads back to action in her hometown of Bangkok, Thailand in the prelims of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS this coming Saturday, 16 February.

Coming off a win in her previous outing, she meets Cambodian former Lethwei star Nou Srey Pov, and is looking to keep her momentum going.

“I am looking to capitalize on my most recent victory, and in my next match, I will showcase all of my improvements,” she expressed.

The race is wide open in the ONE Women’s Atomweight division, with reigning champion Angela Lee looking to become a two-division world champion when she challenges reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Champion Xiong Jing Nan in Japan.

Whether or not Lee makes history by becoming the first female two-division titleholder, he ONE Women’s Atomweight crown will be coveted by a number of talented contenders, Ishige included.

The Thai star plans to make 2019 her year by becoming the top contender in the stacked division.

“The ONE Women’s Atomweight division is very deep and there are a lot of exciting young talents including myself.”

“I plan to climb up the ladder this year and defeat whoever is in front of me to bring me closer to the World Title,” she concluded.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2019) – WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz, one of Los Angeles’ most popular boxing stars, hosted a media workout at Fortune Gym in Hollywood Tuesday as he nears his primetime showdown against Rafael Rivera that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Santa Cruz, who was joined by his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, showed off the skills that have made him a can’t-miss attraction. Santa Cruz was originally scheduled to face Miguel Flores, but he was replaced by Rivera after Flores suffered an injury in training.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Tuesday in Hollywood:

LEO SANTA CRUZ

“We kept our training camp going despite the change of opponent. We always train the same no matter who the opponent is.

“We spar against fighters who have every different kind of style, because the opponent could always bring something new to the ring. My dad tells me to always be prepared for any kind of style. We are ready for whatever the opponent brings into the ring.

“I’m always staying in shape whether I’m in the gym training for a fight or not. When they call us and tell us what the fight is, we’re always ready.

“I know that Rivera has fought some good opponents like Joseph Diaz and Joet Gonzalez, and he’s gone the distance with them. He’s given them tough battles. He’s shown that he’s a tough fighter who will leave everything in the ring.

“This isn’t going to be an easy fight. Rivera is tougher than people have given him credit for in the past. It motivates me to try to be the first to knock him out. If I have the opportunity for it, I’m going for it. Most important though, is to come out of there with the victory.

“Sometimes when my dad is having tough days dealing with the cancer, I want to stay at home with him, but he tells me to go to the gym and train hard. So I tell him that we’re going to work hard for him. We both motivate each other.

“(WBC Featherweight Champion) Gary Russell Jr. is the fight that I want. He beat me in the amateurs, but in the pros I get 12 rounds. I think that I can beat him.”

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer

“We didn’t worry too much about the opponent change. I don’t think it makes too much of a difference. Leo is going to be at his best and ready for whoever steps into that ring.

“We didn’t let the change effect our routine. We continued the same preparations as always so Leo is ready to fight. We respect every opponent too much to ever fall behind in conditioning.

“I think this is going to be a good fight. Leo is always very competitive and any time he can win a fight he knows it will be big for his career.

“Leo is 30-years-old right now and I think that he will be retired by 35. He has a lot left to accomplish in this sport and our team is going to keep pushing him to be the best that he can.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“Top to bottom this is just a great card. It’s going to be toe-to-toe action downtown at L.A. Live. It’s an affordable ticket at $30, and that gives you the chance to see one of the stars of the sport in a slugfest.

“Leo Santa Cruz always brings great action and drama when he enters the ring. You have to be on the edge of your seat during a Leo Santa Cruz fight and I expect nothing less next Saturday night. Rafael Rivera has nothing to lose in this fight, and that is the recipe for a tremendous showdown.

“Boxing at Microsoft Theater has caught on. That fight in January between Caleb Plant and Jose Uzcategui had a great atmosphere and it is just a beautiful place to watch the fights. Microsoft Theater is becoming the indoor ‘war grounds’ of boxing.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Rafael Rivera put up a great fight against Joseph Diaz Jr., and he came back against Joet Gonzalez and lost a split-decision, but he really won that fight. Rivera should only have one loss on his record.

“Rivera is going into this fight with the same granite chin that he showed everyone against Diaz. He was prepared and ready when the call came for this fight. He’s a great replacement. Leo better be ready and not take him lightly.”

# # #

ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on
Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall.

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

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Nashville, Tenn. for the first time in almost two years with a battle between two of the most elite strikers in UFC history as two-time welterweight title challenger and current No.4-ranked contender Stephen Thompson looks to spoil the 170-pound debut of former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Also, No.4-ranked heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes intends to bounce back into the win column by handing Justin Willis his first loss in the UFC. UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+®: THOMPSON vs. PETTIS will stream live from Bridgestone Arena exclusively on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23, with the ESPN+ prelims kicking off the evening at 4 p.m. CT/5 p.m. ET. Doors open at 3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET. All UFC live events on ESPN+ will be available in English and Spanish.

A five-time world champion in kickboxing with an incredible record of 58-0 with over 40 KOs, Thompson (14-3-1, fighting out of Simpsonville, S.C.) is one of the most highly-decorated strikers to ever compete in the UFC. Since joining the UFC in 2012, Thompson compiled a record of 9-3-1, including first-round KOs over former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks and current middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Now set to compete for this first time in almost a year, Thompson aims to re-enter the championship conversation by securing the sixth post-fight bonus of his career with another highlight-reel KO.

Former lightweight champion and featherweight title challenger Pettis (21-8, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wis.) competes in his third weight class under the UFC banner as he moves up to welterweight in the Octagon for the first time. A third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Pettis has landed some of the most spectacular KOs in UFC history, including back-to-back first-round KOs over Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone. Coming off one of the best fights of 2018 against Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of UFC 229, Pettis is eager to return to the Octagon and put on another bonus-winning performance for his fans.

Hoping to kick off 2019 with another long winning streak, Blaydes (10-2, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) will look to secure his ninth victory by way of KO. A 2012 NJCAA national champion in wrestling, Blaydes smoothly transitioned to MMA and has already defeated legends such as Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem in his young career. Now, Blaydes aims to insert himself back into the title picture with his sixth win in the Octagon.

Willis (8-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) intends to stay undefeated in the UFC as he prepares to take on the highest-ranked opponent of his career. After losing his first professional fight, Willis has won eight bouts in a row, with four of those victories coming by way of KO. Coming off the biggest win of his career against Hunt, Willis now looks to continue his momentum and work towards his first UFC title shot.

Announced bouts on the card include:

No.1-ranked flyweight contender Jussier Formiga (22-5, fighting out of Natal, Brazil) looks to secure his first UFC title shot by being the only man to defeat No.4-ranked Deiveson Figueiredo (15-0, fighting out of Soure, Brazil)
No.5-ranked women’s flyweight contender Alexis Davis (19-8, fighting out of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) intends to defend her spot in line for the title when she battles former Invicta flyweight champion Jennifer Maia (15-5-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
No.14-ranked women’s strawweight contender Randa Markos (8-7-1, fighting out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) aims to break into the top-10 with an impressive performance over veteran Angela Hill (8-5, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
In a flyweight bout, Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series standout Maycee Barber (6-0, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) looks to stay undefeated in her career when she takes on JJ Aldrich (7-2, fighting out of Westminster, Colo.)
Both hungry for their first UFC win, Martin Day (8-3, fighting out of Kailua, Hawaii) battles Chris Gutierrez (12-3-1, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.)
The Ultimate Fighter semi-finalist Bryce Mitchell (10-0, fighting out of Searcy, Ark.) looks to stay undefeated as he takes on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series signee Bobby Moffett (14-3, fighting out of Homewood, Ill.)
John Makdessi (16-6, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) aims to make it three wins in a row when he takes on German prospect Nasrat Haqparast (10-2, fighting out of Hamburg, Germany)

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

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+®: THOMPSON vs. PETTIS go on sale Friday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET and are priced at $144.50, $119.50, $94.50 and $79.50 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Bridgestone Arena box office. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 7 starting at 10 a.m. CT/11 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

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

About 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.

About Bridgestone Arena

Serving as the home for numerous national and international events, Bridgestone Arena has the distinction of being one of the busiest venues in the Unites States since the doors first opened in 1996, hosting more than 23 million guests during that time. The NHL’s Nashville Predators have been the primary tenants of Bridgestone Arena since 1998 and boast one of the most unique game atmospheres in the NHL. The list of acts that have called the 2017 Pollstar and IEBA Arena of the Year home is lengthy and includes the Country Music Association Awards; the Country Music Television Awards; and the SEC Basketball Tournament through 2030.

LOS ANGELES (February 5, 2019) – Mexico’s Cesar Juarez battles former champion Ryosuka Iwasa of Japan in a 12-round IBF Super Bantamweight title elimination match and undefeated IBF Junior Flyweight Champion Carlos Licona of Mexico clashes with South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel in non-televised action presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, February 16 at Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Action will also see 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (6-0, 5 KOs) in a special six-round lightweight attraction, former title challenger Hugo Centeno, Jr. (26-2, 14 KOs) meeting Oscar Cortez (27-3, 14 KOs) in an eight-round middleweight bout and Ivan Redkach (21-4-1, 16 KOs) dueling Tyrone Harris (26-13, 16 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight match. The Balderas fight is a swing bout for the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast that will air live if time permits.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Juarez (23-6, 17 KOs) has worked his way back into title contention since losing to Isaac Dogboe in a super bantamweight championship match last January. The 27-year-old from Mexico City fought three more times in 2018, scoring two stoppage victories and a unanimous decision over Jorge Sanchez most recently in September.

Iwasa (25-3, 16 KOs) won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a TKO victory over Yukinori Oguni in 2017 and successfully defended it with a unanimous decision over Ernesto Saulong last March. The 29-year-old from Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan most recently lost the title by unanimous decision to T.J. Doheny in August.

Mexico’s Licona (14-0, 2 KOs) was very busy in 2018, fighting four times and winning the IBF Junior Flyweight title with a split decision over Mark Anthony Barriga on December 1. The 23-year-old from Mexico City, Mexico will be making his first title defense against the 23-year-old Kriel (14-1-1, 6 KOs). Fighting out of Johannesburg, South Africa, he will compete for the first time in the U.S. and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Xolisa Magusha in March.

Non-televised undercard action also features unbeaten prospect Jose Gomez (11-0, 4 KOs) facing Jorge Luis Guzman (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight bout, undefeated super featherweight prospect Jerry Perez (10-0, 7 KOs) meeting Ivan Benitez (12-2, 4 KOs) in a four round match and a six-round super featherweight clash between Neri Ariel Romero (11-0, 7 KOs) and Roxberg Patrick Riley (13-1, 7 KOs).

Rounding out the card is undefeated super lightweight prospect Julian Rodarte (14-0-1, 6 KOs) competing against Miguel Mendoza (23-15-2, 22 KOs) in an eight-round match, Philippine featherweight and former world champion Marlon Tapales (31-2, 14 KOs) stepping in for a 10-round attraction and the pro debut of Shon Mondragon in a four-round super bantamweight fight.

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ABOUT SANTA CRUZ VS. RIVERA
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX
Deportes event that will see featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz take on
Mexico’s Rafael Rivera in the main event Saturday, February 16 from Microsoft Theater
at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten former champion Omar Figueroa battling hard-hitting John Molina Jr. and a matchup between unbeaten prospects Sebastien Fundora and Donnie Marshall.

LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2019) – Super welterweight contender Erickson Lubin will enter the ring under the guidance of coach Kevin Cunningham for the first time when he steps into the ring this Saturday against former world champion Ishe Smith as part of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The digital presentation will stream on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will also feature a showdown between super lightweights Juan Heraldez and Eddie Ramirez, all leading up to that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event. The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT headlined by super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

Lubin will fight for the second time since losing his first world title challenge to Jermell Charlo in 2017, and for the first time with his new coach. The Orlando-native began training camp in West Palm Beach, but has been training in Las Vegas for the last month since the team moved west to finish the training camp for Adrien Broner’s fight against Manny Pacquiao.

Here is what Lubin had to say about Saturday’s fight and more:

On his matchup against Ishe Smith:

“Ishe Smith has been in the ring with the best of them and he’s never been stopped. He knows how to fight and I’m expecting him to be at this best. I will have to dictate the pace right from the opening bell. My goal is to be the first person to take him out, but if it goes the distance, I’m okay with that as well. I’m going to win this fight and win it impressively.”

On training with new coach Kevin Cunningham:

“Kevin is a no-nonsense type of guy. He’s going to tell you the truth if you like it or not. If I’m doing something wrong in his eyes, he’s going to speak on it right away. He’ll do the same if I’m doing something right, so I like his style of training and I’m learning more each day we are together. This will be our first fight together and I’m excited to get back in the ring. We have a nice game plan in place that we will execute on fight night.”

On training in Las Vegas for the first time in his career:

“Training in Las Vegas is no joke, because we are training in higher elevation than what I’m used to in Florida. Getting away from the distractions at home has been relaxing. I’ve been getting great sparring and my timing is right on point. Las Vegas is definitely the place to be for high level sparring and training.”

On fighting in Southern California for the second time in his career:

“I really like fighting on the west coast. The fans are great, and the weather is beautiful. I know we’ll be fighting outdoors so I’m looking forward to that. Everyone knows this venue has hosted some really good fights. I’m looking to steal the show on Saturday night.”

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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.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on 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.

St. Petersburg, FL (February 5, 2019) World Ranked Light Heavyweight contender “Hot Rod” Radivoje Kalajdzic (24-1, 17 KOs) has thrown down the gauntlet to Staten Island, NY native Marcus Browne (23-0, 16 KOs) for a rematch of their highly controversial clash in 2016.

“I saw Browne’s fight against Badou Jack and it’s the same amateurish style since he turned pro, holding at the first sign of trouble,” said the 27-year-old Kalajdzic, who has called St. Petersburg, Florida, his home for 15 years. Browne won a 12-round unanimous decision against Jack on January 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, seizing the interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title and the WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Title.

Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Kalajdzic lost a hotly contested split decision over eight rounds to Browne, the only blemish on an otherwise perfect eight-year career. The bout took place on April 16, 2016, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and was scored 76-74 both ways, and 76-75 Browne.

“I slipped in the first round and he hit me when I was down and the referee ruled it a knockdown. From then on, I won the second, fourth, the sixth where I legitimately dropped him, and the last two rounds. So even counting my knockdown in the first, I still should have won the fight as the one judge correctly scored it for me,” said Kalajdzic.

“I’ve watched Browne’s most recent fights and he’s a front runner. As soon as the going gets tough, he starts holding. The referee finally took a point away for excessive holding in the Jack fight, which Browne should have been penalized for in our fight.

“I’ve wanted the rematch for three years. I’m sure Browne would be happy fighting some run-of-the-mill, faded contender and avoid me, but it’s time to do it again. Anytime, anywhere, I’ll fight him in his backyard. He can’t beat me. He didn’t the first time and he won’t on the second try.”

Five months after the Browne fight, Kalajdzic was featured on Showtime’s “ShoBox” series and impressively knocked out the previously unbeaten Travis Peterkin in the fifth round. After beating Peterkin, “Hot Rod” took an extended period of time off to ensure the complete recovery of a lingering hand injury. In early 2018, he was given a clean bill of health and returned to the ring with two sensational first round knockouts versus Brad Austin and Alex Theran.

“After his long layoff, Hot Rod is back with a bang, having KO’d his last two opponents,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “No disrespect to Marcus Browne, who looked sensational against Jack, but everyone in Team Hot Rod Kalajdzic views his record as 25-0. The boxing world knows that Hot Rod beat Marcus Browne the first time and I know that the boxing world would love to see it again. In the meantime, Hot Rod’s next fight will be announced shortly and he’ll continue his march toward a light heavyweight title.”

Las Vegas – UFC® will return to Philadelphia with a bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, as No. 6 ranked lightweight contender Edson Barboza takes on No. 7 Justin Gaethje. In a pivotal strawweight bout, No. 6 ranked contender Karolina Kowalkiewicz faces No. 8 Michelle Waterson. UFC FIGHT NIGHT® ON ESPN: BARBOZA vs. GAETHJE takes place at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, March 30 with ESPN airing the Main Event and Prelims live at 5 p.m. ET and ESPN+ kicking off the event with a live stream of the Early Prelims at 3:30 p.m. ET. ESPN Deportes will air the Prelims live at 5 p.m. ET and stream the Main Event in Spanish at 7 p.m. ET on the ESPN App. All UFC live events on ESPN+ will also be available in English and Spanish.

A devastating Muay Thai specialist, Barboza (20-6, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has delivered some of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history. During his run, he has earned thrilling wins against Beneil Dariush, Gilbert Melendez, Anthony Pettis and Paul Felder. He now looks to continue building on the momentum of his recent victory over Dan Hooker with another show-stealing performance against one of the division’s most aggressive finishers.

Known as the “The Highlight,” Gaethje (19-2. Fighting out of Arvada, Colo.) has proven to be must-watch television since joining the UFC in 2017. He has earned five performance bonuses in only four appearances, including legendary wars with Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez, as well as incredible knockouts against James Vick and Michael Johnson. Gaethje is now poised to once again steal the show against one of the most dangerous strikers on the UFC roster.

A former title challenger, Kowalkiewicz (13-3, fighting out of Lodz, Poland) aims to reassert herself as one of the top competitors in the strawweight division. During her UFC run, she has netted impressive victories over current champion Rose Namajunas, Felice Herrig, Randa Markos and Heather Jo Clark. Kowalkiewicz now hopes to make a statement against a tough and surging veteran contender.

Currently riding a two-fight win streak, Waterson (16-6, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) looks to continue her ascent up through the rankings. A former Invicta champion, she has secured thrilling victories against Paige VanZant, Felice Herrig, Cortney Casey and Jessica Penne. She is now gunning to establish herself as a title threat in the talent-rich strawweight division.

Announced bouts on the card include:

No. 13 ranked strawweight contender Alexa Grasso (10-2, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) looks to get back in the win column against unbeaten Marina Rodriguez (10-0-1, fighting out of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil)
Ross Pearson (22-14 1NC, fighting out of Sunderland, England) makes his 26th UFC appearance against tough Desmond Green (21-8, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Kennedy Nzechukwu (6-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) looks to remain undefeated against battle-tested Paul Craig (9-3, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland)
Featherweight prospects collide when Sodiq Yusuff (7-1, fighting out of Bladensburg, Md.) faces Sheymon Moraes (11-1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.)
Sabina Mazo (6-0, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Medellín, Colombia) takes on Maryna Moroz (8-3, fighting out of Volnogorsk, Ukraine) in a strawweight bout

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

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

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

UFC FIGHT NIGHT® ON ESPN: BARBOZA vs. GAETHJE will air live from Wells Fargo Center on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 30, with the ESPN broadcast prelims kicking off the ESPN broadcast at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Early prelims stream on ESPN+ at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT® ON ESPN: BARBOZA vs. GAETHJE go on sale Friday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $179, $154, $124, $94, $84 and $74 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 7 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

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

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

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

Jordan Gill faces Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez for the WBA International Featherweight crown at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on March 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Chatteris man headlines the next instalment of the JD NXTGEN series with his first fight in his home county for five years after he stopped Ryan Doyle to claim the Commonwealth Featherweight title in October.

‘The Thrill’ looked flawless against Doyle, dominating proceedings throughout before producing an impressive stoppage in round seven to win the first title of his professional career, and the Dave Coldwell-trained talent is hungry for more titles in 2019.

“I’m buzzing to have the chance to bring a big event to the area and put on a show for the fans,” said Gill. “I hope it’s a huge success and will be the first of many shows in the city. With the venue being so close to my hometown I’m confident it will be a complete sell-out.

“I haven’t seen much of Dominguez, but Mexicans are renowned for their toughness and I can’t see him being any different. These are exactly the sort of fights I want to be involved in this year. It’s all about pushing on to the World stage now and this is the next step in that direction.”

Richard Riakporhe produced a stunning comeback to stop Sam Hyde in the battle of the unbeaten Cruiserweights last time out in Manchester, and the Dillian Whyte-mentored Londoner makes the first defence of his WBA Inter-Continental title against Belfast’s 12-1 Tommy McCarthy next month.

Unbeaten Indiana Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr fights for the second time in the UK after an explosive debut in Cardiff last summer. The 23-year-old has reached 17-0 in the paid ranks with 16 of those wins coming inside the distance and is widely tipped to reach the top of the sport.

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood clashes with Ghana’s Abraham Osei Bonsu for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight crown. ‘Leigh-thal’, a former Midlands Area Champion, is unbeaten in nine since a loss to Gavin McDonnell for the British Super-Bantamweight title.

Heavy-handed Super-Middleweight prospect John Docherty looks to make if four knockouts from four fights after impressing again on the Garcia vs. Cheeseman undercard at The O2 and Leeds Super-Bantamweight and former Team GB amateur standout Qais Ashfaq aims to go 5-0, and there’s also action on the undercard for Wisbech Super-Welterweight Joe Steed and St Ives Super-Lightweight Bradley Smith.

“It’s great to bring championship boxing to a completely new area on March 2,” said Eddie Hearn. “We have already seen from Jordan’s ticket requests how popular this will be and it’s a great night of boxing. Jordan is another one of those young stars ready to step up to the next level, some have managed to do it and some haven’t – now it’s his turn.

“Anthony Sims Jr has become a real fan favourite in the UK and is set for a huge 2019. Richard Riakporhe against Tommy McCarthy is a great 50-50 Cruiserweight match up and exciting Nottingham star Leigh Wood challenges for his first major title. Beneath the championship fights the card is stacked with young talent and we look forward to a great crowd in Peterborough on March 2.”

Las Vegas (February 5, 2019) – Three Time World Champion Jessie Vargas has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 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.

Vargas will make his fifth appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have his own brand of merchandise for sale. Boxing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this fan friendly Boxing Star. Vargas last two competitive performances resulted in a draw versus top fighters Adrien Broner and Thomas Dulorme.

Vargas is a Mexican American professional boxer who is a former two-weight world champion, having held the WBA (Regular) and IBO super lightweight titles in 2014 and the WBO welterweight title in 2016.

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

Tom Farrell will challenge Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown at The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on March 30, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Farrell, 16-1, was last in title action in September 2017 when he lost out to Ohara Davies for the WBA International strap, and the popular Liverpudlian is itching to be involved in big title action again.

Leytonstone’s Bowes stopped Tanzanian Benson Nyilawila in two rounds to win the belt at York Hall over the weekend and the 34-year-old, trained by former British Champion Darren Hamilton and Leon McKenzie, is already targeting more titles at 140lbs.

“We’ve had our eyes on the Commonwealth title for a few weeks now as we knew Philip Bowes was going to be fighting for it,” said Bowes. “When we saw him win it in good fashion at the weekend we thought it’d be the perfect fight for us and I’m buzzing to get in there on March 30.

“Philip is a tricky opponent, he’s got a nice relaxed style and he’s going to be well-prepared on March 30. He’s going to be full of confidence coming off the back of a good win and I think it will be an exciting fight for the fans. I’ll probably be on early so it should be a strong start to the night.

“My loss to Ohara Davies was a bad night at the office for me. People that are close to me know what went wrong on that night and I’ve never made any excuses. I know that I wasn’t myself but I’ve had a good phase of rebuilding over the past year. I’ve got a fight in a couple of weeks just to get my sharpness back, I’m already feeling fit so it’s great that Liverpool show is another eight weeks off. I’m going to be in great shape come fight night.”

Bowes vs. Farrell is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Main event sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith makes 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.

Popular Heavyweight David Price fights in Liverpool 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 Tom Little at The O2.

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

Anthony Yigit (21-1-1, 7 KOs) will face Mohamed Khalladi (10-7-1, 5 KOs) in an eight round super lightweight contest on February 16 at CGM Arena in Koblenz.

The Swedish southpaw returns having proved his star potential with a heroic performance against Ivan Baranchyk in their World Boxing Super Series Quarter-Final clash for the IBF World Super Lightweight title on October 27.

Yigit stood toe-to-toe with Baranchyk in a fan friendly contest at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, but severe swelling around the Swede’s left eye forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight at the end of the seventh-round.

The 27 year-old says he cannot wait to get back in action as he looks to put into practice the lessons learnt from his first career loss, and having gained international acclaim for his brave display, engineer a return to the World stage.
“The ring is where I feel at home, so I can’t wait to get back, especially in Germany as I’ve always had great support from the German fans,” says Yigit.

“I’ve learned a lot since my fight with Baranchyk. We’ve studied what went wrong and looked at what could’ve gone better. We also saw a lot of good things that we have developed on and improved even further.

“I got an amazing reception after the fight. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring home a win, but I did win many fans that night. They really like the way I fought.

“The irony is that it was my swollen eye that got me famous worldwide, and now that it’s healed, I don’t think people will recognise me anymore so I’ve got to make sure I get famous for my boxing next time.

“I haven’t lost any motivation. All I wanted since that fight was to get back into the ring and to keep walking the path to the top. I started training four weeks after my last fight, so I skipped Christmas and went straight into camp.

“I’ve been preparing in Las Palmas, Spain. Sweden is very cold at the moment, and Las Palmas provides me with a good climate and all the facilities I need.

“I want to get back to winning ways and keep active. It’s important I learn from my previous fights to make sure I keep developing. There’s a lot of fine tuning to be done but I’m confident I will be back on the World stage soon!”

Yigit says he will not take Khalladi for granted, having been warned of his opponent’s toughness by one of the Tunisian-born Italian’s former foes.

“He’s definitely a dangerous opponent,” he says. “A black horse, if you will. He doesn’t have a spotless record but he has fought guys that were supposed to beat him and given them trouble. My friend, Finnish fighter Jarkko Putkonen, got a draw with him in Finland and he told me not to underestimate him.”

Abass Baraou tops the bill in Koblenz with a WBC International Super Welterweight title fight against former World Champion Carlos Molina, while Leon Bunn looks to continue his unbeaten run against Viktor Polyakov, and 17 year-old female amateur star Sophie Alisch makes her paid debut.

Tickets for the CGM Arena on February 16 are available via www.eventim.de.

SAM MAXWELL WILL seek to win his first professional title in Leicester on February 23 when he fights Kelvin Dotel for the WBO European super lightweight title.

The 10-0 (8 KOs) former Team GB member from Liverpool has been promising a big 2019 and he launches his campaign at the Morningside Arena on a bill also featuring Anthony Yarde taking on Travis Reeves with the WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title at stake, as well as British super featherweight champion Sam Bowen returning after an impressive stoppage win last time out at the arena.

The Spaniard Dotel holds a record of 14-4 (7 KOs), having won the Spanish welterweight title in 2015 and the IBF International title in 2018. In his last fight in December he defeated the then 18-0 Mishiko Beselia via a sixth round stoppage.

For Maxwell, 30, winning the WBO belt is first and foremost in his ambitions for the year ahead.

“Yeah definitely, it is a massive title and a massive opportunity for me that I am looking forward to,” reacted Maxwell, who now trains in Glasgow under trainer Danny Vaughan.

“I think it is perfect timing for me because I am peaking and I aimed for this to be my year.

“It is when I wanted a shot and it has been delivered to me.

“From Dotel’s record he has boxed at a higher level than me and in his last fight he beat an undefeated opponent. I have watched a few videos of him and he is a good all-round boxer who looks like he has got a bit of power as well. So it should be a good fight,” he added, knowing full well that recent history has provided evidence of the dangers of overlooking Spanish fighters operating at European level.

“Definitely, I always look at it as if they come from Spain or France they are usually very respectable opponents and I will have to be at my best – and I’m going to be.”

Maxwell has linked himself to a potential showdown with Ohara Davies and the Hackney man responded on ‘The Boxing Podcast’ by reasoning that he needs to prove himself a contender before he would entertain stepping in the ring.

Maxwell has no argument with this train of thought and intends on making a start by collecting his first belt, live on BT Sport.

“Those comments make sense because I am just a 10-0 opponent at the moment and not really on his radar. If I perform as well as I know I can and win this title, I’ll start pricking some ears up and people will start taking an interest in me.

“Then big fights like this can happen.”

Maxwell v Dotel features on a card topped by Anthony Yarde’s defence of his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves at the Morningside Arena, along with British super featherweight champion Sam ‘Bullet’ Bowen. Local fighters CJ Challenger and Kyle Haywood do battle for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title, with Nathan Gorman, Lyon Woodstock, Ryan Garner, Willy Hutchinson, Tommy Fury, Ryan Hatton and Mark Chamberlain also featuring on the card.

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

RIVERSIDE, CALIF. (February 15, 2019) – Once-beaten contender “Mad Man” Marcos Hernandez will look to continue his winning streak from “The Contender Season Five”, when he rematches Jeison Rosario live on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, February 23 from the Armory in Minneapolis and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Coverage on FS1 and FOX Deportes begins live at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT and is headlined by former WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell facing Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight Championship.

The 25-year-old from Fresno, California is looking to continue his journey to a world title as he has beaten four well-regarded prospects in only fifteen fights. Hernandez is currently training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California, and looking forward to his rematch with Rosario, who he fought to a draw last February in Texas.

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.

Here is what Hernandez had to say about his upcoming matchup and more:

On his rematch against Jeison Rosario:
“I fought Jeison Rosario almost one year ago exactly. I have a lot of respect for him because we fought to a draw, but that being said, I felt I got the better of him. This not a six-round bout like our first match, this is a ten-round fight, and I know what needs to be done to further my career with my performance in this fight.”

On his recent training camp:
“I really like training with Henry Ramirez in Riverside, California. Henry is a cool guy who’s trained a lot of top fighters and knows what it takes to get the job done. In Fresno there were many distractions, so moving away from my family, my wife and kids, it is a sacrifice that I make to go to the next level. This is a job and I treat it like a job. I am doing everything possible to be a contender.”

On fighting on this PBC event on FS1 and FOX Deportes:
“I’m very excited as this is my third time on FS1. I love what Premier Boxing Champions is doing for the sport of boxing, bringing fights to network television. FS1 has been good to me and I am excited that one of my biggest wins will be on FS1 so everyone can watch it.”

On his goals for 2019:
“I want to stay active, but my focus is solely on Rosario and getting that win. My hopes are to get in with a fighter with a big name. I’ve fought a lot of tough fighters, but not a lot of big-name fighters yet. I am hoping that by the end of this year I can fight one of those fighters’ people have seen on television for years.”

# # #

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 4, 2019)- On a night with three world title fights, it was boxing’s hottest star that stole the show at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, as Teofimo Lopez bloodied, battered, beat up and knocked out former two-time world title challenger Diego Magdaleno in the 7th round of their NABA/NABF/USBA Lightweight Title bout.

Lopez’s work began to show as early as round two, when his power punching opened up a cut on the bridge of Magdaleno’s nose. Lopez continued to pound away on Magdaleno. Soon after, Magdaleno’s face was a bloody mess as a result of vicious shots landed by Lopez.

In round six, a powerful left hook finally sent Magdaleno to the canvas. Most who saw the fight felt the contest should have been halted there. Lopez landed two devastating left hooks that put out Magdaleno in the 7th frame, and the fight was stopped at 1:08.

“I take nothing away from Diego Magdaleno. We picked our shots, and we knew that in the later rounds, he’d drown in those deep waters,” Lopez said. “As the competition gets tougher, you will see more of what I can do. I dissected him like a surgeon.”

Lopez took a major leap into securing a major fight in his next bout.

“I think Teofimo has clearly proven that he’s not just a prospect or a contender. He is a world champ right now, and the only thing that is missing is the belt,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

CARSON, Calif. (February 4, 2019) – Unbeaten Super Featherweight Xavier Martinez will clash with Colombia’s Deivi Bassa and lightweight contender Ladarius Miller is set to battle Daulius Prescott in non-televised undercard action on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

The main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader features unbeaten WBA Super Featherweight Champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The unbeaten Martinez (12-0, 8 KOs) has stopped his last four opponents, including a technical knockout victory over Oscar Bravo in his last fight in September. The 21-year-old from Sacramento, Calif. will be looking to do the same when he steps in for a 10-round bout against Bassa (20-7, 12 KOs), a 37-year-old southpaw from Monteira, Colombia. Bassa is looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Jonathan Oquendo in his last fight in December.

Miller (18-1, 5 KOs) has used his boxing ability to make a steady climb up the lightweight ladder with impressive victories over Jamel Herring and Dennis Galarza. The 25-year-old, a southpaw who was born in Memphis and now lives in Las Vegas, is coming off a majority decision victory over Ricardo Garcia in his last fight in December. He is catching Barranquilla, Colombia’s Prescott (32-10, 24 KOs) as he is trying to rebound from a decision loss to Matt Conway in December.

In other non-televised undercard action undefeated featherweight Angelo Leo (15-0, 8 KOs) meets Alberto Torres (11-1-3, 4 KOs) in an eight-round bout, unbeaten Jose Balderas (5-0) competes in a six-round super bantamweight fight against Jerrod Miner (1-3-2, 1 KO), flyweight Ava Knight (17-2-4, 5 KOs) takes on Luna del Mar Torroba (12-9-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-round match, Mexican lightweight Francisco Ochoa (13-0, 8 KOs) steps in against Luis May (21-11-1, 8 KOs) for a six-round bout and Maurice Lee (9-1-1, 5 KOs) faces Lennard Davis (4-1-4, 3 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout.

The fights continue with undefeated welterweight Emmanuel Medina (15-0, 9 KOs) against Carlos Velasquez (26-33-2, 16 KOs) in an eight-round bout, Lorenzo Simpson (1-0, 1 KO) meeting Jonell Christmas (0-1) in a four-round super middleweight bout and Genisis Libranza (17-1, 10 KOs) taking on Gilberto Mendoza (11-6-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super flyweight match.

Rounding out the night of action is undefeated Israel Luna taking on Angel Carvajal in a four-round super bantamweight match.

# # #
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.

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.

OAKLAND, Calif. (February 4, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to continue his push toward a world title shot when he faces Mexico’s Richard Zamora (19-2, 12 KOs) live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, Calif, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME telecast begins live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis defending his title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

The 23-year-old from San Antonio can increase his knockout streak to seven on February 9, all since he moved up to 140-pounds. Here is what Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) had to say about his upcoming matchup and more from training camp in Oakland, Calif.:

On his matchup with Richard Zamora:

“Zamora is my toughest opponent to date in my opinion. He’s won his last five fights, so I know he’s coming into this fight with a lot of confidence. He has power in both hands and he’s very tough. But I’m going into this fight with a lot of confidence myself. This is going to be a war and one I’m looking forward to. I have no doubt in my mind that I’m going to come out on top.”

On his recent training camp:

“Camp started back home with my dad Martin and he really got me ready before I left for California. I’ve spent the last six weeks training in the Bay Area with Virgil Hunter. I’ve also been training with Victor Conte and Remi Korchemny at the SNAC facility. Right now, my body is in the best shape of my life. I got good sparring with Devin Haney and a few other top-level fighters. All the hard work is almost done. We have one week left and then its fight week. Virgil and I are working great together and I’m ready to go.”

On fighting in the co-main event on SHOWTIME:

“I’m very excited to be fighting on SHOWTIME on a big card once again, this time in the co-main event. I’m going to bring a lot of excitement to those watching on TV. My style is fan-friendly and everyone tuning in is going to see the next superstar in boxing. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity fighting on the big stage.”

On when he’ll be fighting for a world title:

“I’m currently ranked No. 1 in the WBA, so I know a world title shot is very close. Right now, my main focus is defeating Zamora. I must get past this fight and then it’s time to face all the top guys in the super lightweight division. I’m looking to be in a world title fight sometime this year.”

# # #

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.

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.

Philadelphia, PA (FEBRUARY 4, 2019) – On Friday night , March 1st, another great All-Philadelphia matchup will take place as Tyrone Brunson will take on Jamaal Davis in a 10-round bout for the Pennsylvania State Junior Middleweight Title at 2300 Arena
in South Philadelphia.

There has been much talk recently on the concept of All-Philadelphia fights taking place in the historic fight city.

The show’s promoter, Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions sees the value of such matchups and the interest it brings to the Philadelphia boxing scene.

“I have seen so much discussion recently about these Philadelphia matchups on social media. These fights bring a lot of excitement and interest to any event that has a fight such as Brunson and Davis. We did the fight between Brandon Robinson and Christopher Brooker in 2017. That fight was not even the main event, and there was more interest in that fight then any on the card. I expect Tyrone and Jamaal to have large rooting sections, and the fight is very meaningful. Tyrone is knocking on the door of a big fight while Jamaal can get there with a win. It is a great style matchup, and I don’t think either guy really cares that the other is from Philly. That’s what makes this not only a good matchup, but people are talking about this fight. Tickets are going very well for March 1st, and a good reason for it is that two guys from Philly are willing to lay it on the line to get to the next level. They understand that a win over the other is a huge feather in their cap,” said Kauffman.

In the eight-round co-feature, Tyrone Crawley, Jr. (7-1-1) of Philadelphia takes on Victor Vazquez (10-5, 4 KOs) of Yonkers, New York in a junior welterweight fight.

Joseph George (8-0, 6 KOs) of Houston, Texas battles Oscar Riojas (17-11-1, 6 KOs) of Monterrey, MEX in a super middleweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

Nahir Albright (4-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Roy McGill (6-1, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a super lightweight contest.

Rasheed Johnson (4-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Vincent Floyd (4-5-1, 2 KOs) in a clash of Philadelphia based welterweights.

Antonio DuBose (9-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA fights Danny Flores (15-14, 8 KOs) of Mexico City, Mex in a super featherweight match.

In four-round bouts:

James Martin (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Rick Pyle (1-1) of Harrisburg, PA in a welterweight fight.

Rasheen Brown (2-0) of Philadelphia fights Hugo Rodriguez (0-2) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super bantamweight fight.

Kendall Cannida (2-1) of Philadelphia, PA fights Angel Rivera (4-0, 3 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA in a light heavyweight fight.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com

LUCIEN REID says it will be a knockout 2019 with Indi Sangha the first to feel the force.

The super-bantamweight faces the toughest test of his career so far when he meets southpaw Sangha (9-1) at London’s Royal Albert Hall at Friday March 8.

Reid (8-0) believes he is British title bound this year and is predicting an early night against his Birmingham rival despite having to go the distance in each of his last three fights,

London’s 2013 ABA Elite champion said: “Sangha is a tricky fighter, but he hasn’t been in with anyone as tricky as me or with an amateur background like mine.

“I boxed all around the world so I know how to deal with people very easily. I will figure him out quickly and take him out very early.

“One million per-cent I am getting back to stopping someone. He has a good record and will actually come to fight.

“The last three opponents have all come to survive. I have hit them once, they have felt a bit of power and run away and it is the worst thing ever.

“I can always tell by their faces. I hit them once, they cover up and I know what is going to happen. I am not learning anything from them other than beating someone up for a few rounds.”

The British super-bantamweight title is currently vacant and Reid hopes that the British Boxing Board of Control might consider matching him against Jazza Dickens for the vacant title.

Reid, 25, added: “I wants belts this year. I thought the Sangha fight might have been for a title given our records, but I need to fight someone like this to show I’m at a good level.

“By the end of this year I want to be British champion. The title is vacant and I don’t see many that could bother me.

“There are some fighters who look to be going in another direction, but there are plenty others where I would get the chance to fight for the British title outright.

“It is a winnable title and I reckon they will try and nominate Jazza Dickens for the vacant belt.

“I know he is a tough man, but when he comes up against a skilful boxer it is different. He can have a fight, but try having a fight with someone like me who can box.

“I know how well I can fight and with the team around me I don’t need to worry about people.

“I am sparring with Michael Conlan and Ryan Burnett. Charlie Edwards and Jordan Gill also come down. That is crazy sparring.

“Michael and Ryan are massive talents and I know that if I can hold my own against those two I can hold my own against anyone especially at British level.”

Sangha, 23, won his first nine fights, but suffered a setback in June when he lost against experienced English champion and former Commonwealth title challenger Michael Ramabeletsa.

Elsewhere on the show 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 on International Women’s Day. Daniel Dubois follows in the footsteps of British heavyweight greats to fight at the Hall and takes on Razvan Cojanu in his tenth fight. Liam Williams puts his newly won British Middleweight Title on the line against Brentwood bruiser Joe Mullender. GB Flyweight Harvey Horn and Cruiserweight talent James Branch also return.

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

NUTLEY, NJ – February 4, 2019 – This past Friday night at The Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York, former middleweight title challenger, Dominic Wade returned to the ring after nearly a three-year layoff to blast out Martin Fidel Rios in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round bout.

2018 National Golden Gloves Champion, Roney Hines made it four 1st round knockouts in as many fights as he stopped Sherman Artis Jr.

Wade of Largo, Maryland, dropped Rios twice in the 1st frame, with the finisher coming with a powerful left hook that sent Rios down for the count at 1:48.

With the win, Wade improves to 19-1 with 13 knockouts.

Hines of Cleveland, sent Artis down three times in the 1st round, as he focused on the body. The heavyweight is now 4-0 with four knockouts.

“I am very pleased in Dominic’s performance,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions. “I plan to keep him busy, and settle him at super middleweight. He has never lacked in ability, so in the next few months he should start to get in the mix for bigger fights. Roney had three quick wins last year, and he needed a little break. Now I will be moving him like I do with all of my young guys, and that is to basically fight monthly. By the end of the year, I feel that he will be on all of the top prospect lists. I expect both to fight on February 23rd and March 18th. Those fights will be announced shortly.”

BALTIMORE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT Travis Reeves will now be in the opposite corner to Anthony Yarde at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on February 23 after original opponent Mehdi Amar was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Reeves, 17-3-2, has suffered only one defeat in his last 17 fights in a challenge for the IBO world title against Karo Murat and last fought in January at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, where he recorded a unanimous points victory over Lanell Bellows.

With former European champion Amar not in a position to travel, Reeves will provide the next test on the journey to the top for Yarde, who will have his 18th professional fight in Leicester.

The 27-year-old has quickly switched his attention to the new challenge to be put in front of him.

“Injuries are unfortunately an unavoidable part of boxing and it is just the nature of the business,” reasoned the WBO Intercontinental champion.

“There is nothing anybody can do about it and I am just happy that a good replacement has been lined up for me.

“I have still got a job to do and I intend to put on a show in Leicester. Every fight and every win is important for me because everybody knows what is planned for me this year and I have got to move from strength to strength with no mistakes.

“Sergey Kovalev regained the WBO world title over the weekend with a strong performance but, as far as I am concerned, him holding the belt is just a temporary arrangement and it will be in my hands before too long.

“My time is coming but the next fight is always the most important and, for now, my focus is just on getting the job done in Leicester.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “It is always a shame when you lose a good opponent, but we have a more than capable replacement in Travis Reeves, who has been active and is on a good run of form.

“This fight is about Anthony making a case for a world title shot and showing us all that he is ready to take the next big step. The light heavyweight division is right up there with the strongest in world boxing and Anthony is in a great position to make his entry into the elite and I firmly believe he has got what it takes.”

Anthony Yarde’s defence of his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves at the Morningside Arena shares top billing with British super featherweight champion Sam ‘Bullet’ Bowen. Local fighters CJ Challenger and Kyle Haywood do battle for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title, with Nathan Gorman, Lyon Woodstock, Ryan Garner, Willy Hutchinson, Tommy Fury, Ryan Hatton and Mark Chamberlain also featuring on the card.

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

London (4 February 2019) The bitter animosity between British super-middleweight rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. fired up again when the warring pair came head-to-head behind closed doors to film a special programme for fight broadcaster ITV Sport.

With the big-fight just under three weeks’ away, the bad blood is boiling up between the long-time enemies, who’s feud has stretched to nearly eight years, ahead of the ‘A Storm is Coming’ grudge fight promoted by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Poxon Sports on Saturday 23rd February at The O2, exclusively live on ITV Box Office.

The fiery confrontation took place at a gritty converted former industrial factory in the backstreets of East London last week where DeGale and Eubank got up close-and-personal to film ITV Sports’ The Big Fight: DeGale vs Eubank Jr – Face to Face.

The special programme will broadcast on fight week and forms part of an unprecedented week of original programming content for ITV Sport, culminating in the big-fight on Saturday night.

DeGale and Eubank went face-to-face across a table with only ITV Sports’ man in the middle, the multi-award winning broadcaster Gabriel Clarke, who fired off hard-hitting questions to both fighters during a gripping and intense session that brought out the character, emotion and desire of both men ahead of their pivotal clash with everything on the line.

The 168 pound warrior have been priming their minds and bodies ready for the impending battle and with the clock ticking down towards their epic showdown, tensions were clearly running high and nearly boiled over as their escalating war of words and insults had two security guards poised to step in.

In one heated exchange DeGale ridiculed Brighton star Eubank Jr’s claims that he would outbox the more experience Olympic and Two-Time World Champion. DeGale stormed: “You think you can outbox me? I’ve won an Olympic Gold medal and world titles. You’re a joke.”

Eubank Jr. later ripped into DeGale and promised he would claim the rest his teeth, referring to the brutal world title unification fight between DeGale and Badou Jack in January 2017 when the Londoner’s two front teeth were punched out. Eubank mocked: “You’ve already had your two front teeth knocked out, I’m going to take the rest of them home with me.”

Even after Clarke had finished his questioning and filming had concluded, the pair continued to have an angry exchange and tellingly they bluntly refused to shake hands after Clarke looked for a sign of respect between them. DeGale coldly said, “I’m not shaking his hand until after the fight.”

The Big Fight: DeGale vs Eubank Jr – Face to Face certainly promises to be compelling and gripping viewing for the watching audience on ITV ahead of the eagerly anticipated DeGale v Eubank mega-fight when it premieres on Thursday 21st February at 2345.

Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk

This fight will be shown exclusively on ITV Box Office. For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

For further event information, please visit www.poxonsports.uk and www.premierboxingchampions.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram at @PoxonSports, @PremierBoxing, @ITVBoxOffice, @ITVBoxing and join the conversation with #DeGaleEubankJr

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PoxonSports/, www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/ITVBoxing/

NATHAN GORMAN BELIEVES a stoppage victory over Razvan Cojanu for Daniel Dubois at the Royal Albert Hall on March 9 might just prompt the Londoner to expedite a highly-anticipated encounter between two of the top young heavies in world boxing.

The Nantwich-based Gorman laboured a little in overcoming the tall and awkward Romanian in December and eventually prevailed via a convincing unanimous decision at the Manchester Arena.

Now it is Dubois’ turn to take the test against the former world title challenger and Gorman suspects a spot of one-upmanship will come into play when boxing returns to the spectacular South Kensington venue that could lead to a ‘down the line’ fight edging closer.

“It is a two-way street that fight,” explained the 22-year-old. “I can see either Daniel knocking him out early or Razvan cuddling him and doing little tricks then getting to round seven or eight and still doing the leaning on with little elbows, shoulder in the face.

“It will test Daniel’s heart but, on the other hand, he could have the perfect style and end up knocking him out.

“I hope he does, I really do,” added the 15-0 Gorman – who returns to the ring at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on February 23 – believing it will fuel the confidence of the 21-year-old Dubois to accept a thrilling domestic duel between the pair.

“He’ll probably think, in his own mind, if I’ve knocked Razvan out I can knock Nathan out and he might get the cojones to fight me.

“I’ll be there cheering him on.”

Elsewhere on the show 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 on International Women’s Day. Liam Williams puts his newly won British Middleweight Title on the line against Brentwood bruiser Joe Mullender. Archie Sharp defends his WBO European Super Featherweight title and 14-0 unbeaten record against 11-0 Lucas Ballingall. Johnny Garton will also be in action defending his British Welterweight Title.

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

4 February 2019 – Yangon, Myanmar: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the main event of ONE: REIGN OF VALOR, which is set for the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium on Friday, 8 March.

Reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion Zebaztian “The Bandit” Kadestam of Sweden will make the first defense of his World Title against Georgiy “Knight” Kichigin of Kazakhstan.

Ticket information for ONE: REIGN OF VALOR is available at www.onefc.com.

Kadestam captured the vacant ONE Welterweight World Championship with a stunning fifth-round knockout of previously unbeaten American Tyler McGuire last November. “The Bandit” took the welterweight throne by showcasing his dynamic striking skills, and now he looks to make his first ONE World Title defense against the veteran Kichigin.

Kichigin is a grappling specialist who hails from Almaty, Kazakhstan. He has amassed a stellar 20-5 professional mixed martial arts record, of which 16 victories have come by submission. “Knight” is currently riding an impressive 14-bout win streak, having not lost a match since November 2014. Now, he makes his way to ONE Championship to challenge for the ONE Welterweight World Title.

Former ONE Bantamweight World Title challenger Toni “Dynamite” Tauru is making his return to the ONE cage, following a short break from competition. The Finnish athlete, who is the Cage Warriors Bantamweight Champion, has been competing in ONE Championship since July 2015. Eight of Tauru’s 11 career victories have come by submission, proving his craftiness on the mat.

Gary “Saint Lion” Mangat of Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada is making his promotional debut after having competed in SFL and Brave Combat Federation. He is a well-rounded striker and grappler, and is a 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu product. A winner of his last three bouts, Mangat steps into the ONE cage and looks to extend his win streak against Tauru on the global stage for martial arts.

Bozhena Antoniyar grew up in Loikaw, the capital city of Myanmar’s Kayah State. She began training in martial arts at the age of 16, and ultimately became a two-time National Boxing Champion. In February 2018, she made her ONE Championship debut and set a record for the fastest finish in ONE women’s history with a 24-second technical knockout victory over Shwe Sin.

Stepping up to face Bozhena Antoniyar is Malaysia’s Audreylaura “Ice Comet” Boniface. Boniface trains out of Sabah’s renowned Borneo Tribal Squad under veteran coach AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor. A Taekwondo black belt, Boniface seeks her first victory in the ONE cage against Antoniyar.

The Philippines’ Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres is looking to get 2019 off to a hot start when she faces promotional newcomer Lin “Fighting Sister” Heqin.

After kicking off her ONE Championship career with three straight victories, Torres stumbled in 2018, dropping her last two contests. “The Zamboanginian Fighter,” who trains under head coach and veteran mixed martial artist Rene Catalan at Catalan Fighting System, seeks to return to her winning ways this year. But in order to do that, she will have to get past Heqin.

Heqin is a 25-year-old Chinese martial arts star who is currently on a five-bout win streak. She possesses incredible power in her strikes and has registered multiple knockouts in her mixed martial arts career. “Fighting Sister” aims to make a statement in her ONE Championship debut by taking out Torres.

Making his professional mixed martial arts debut is Tial Thang, who squares off with Cambodian Kun Khmer practitioner Rin Saroth, a former KWC 3 Featherweight Tournament Finalist with a 110-22 record in Kun Khmer. Saroth made his ONE Championship debut in 2015 and has since posted victories over Mission Ali and Mario Satya Wirawan. Tial Thang and Saroth will face each other in a 68-kilogram catch weight bout.

Also, Myanmar rising star Phoe “Bushido” Thaw returns to action to face “The Iceman” Yohan Mulia Legowo of Indonesia.

Phoe Thaw, a Lethwei practitioner, burst onto the scene in impressive fashion. He won his first six mixed martial arts contests, five of which by knockout in the first round. Last October, he suffered the first setback of his career and now, he is looking to get back on track with a win over a veteran martial artist.

Legowo, on the other hand, is a pioneer of Indonesia’s mixed martial arts scene, having competed extensively in a local promotion before making his way to the global stage of ONE Championship. “The Iceman” aims to prove that his veteran experience will reign supreme against one of Myanmar’s favorite athletes.

Additional bouts at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR will be announced at a later date.

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

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7 billion potential viewers across 138 countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, Great Sports, Tencent, and more.

Charlie Edwards will make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Angel Moreno on a huge night of boxing in the capital at the Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Edwards ripped the famous green belt from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in London in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision.

The Croydon man, having lost out in his first bid for World honours against John Riel Casimero in 2016, was overcome with joy after fulfilling his childhood dream, and is excited to begin life as a World Champion against Spain’s Moreno.

“Moreno is a very tough and game fighter,” said Edwards. “He’s a mature man and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities, he’s going to come to try and steal my title from me. This is a fight that I’m very confident of winning and a fight that I can look really good in. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring with him, I sparred him ahead of the Casimero fight but I’m a completely different animal now.

“This is only the beginning, this is a new chapter in my career and this is where the real hard work starts. I want to be an active World Champion, I want to be in the ring fighting and getting better and pushing myself. I’m not in this game to take part, I want to be a multi-weight World Champion. I look forward to taking my first steps as a World Champion and defending my belt on March 23.”

Croydon’s fast-rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes a significant step up when he takes on the inform Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in just his tenth fight. Buatsi blasted out Renold Quinlan at The O2 in December to bring up his third successive stoppage win inside the opening round, but ‘JB’ expects a tougher night against former English Champion Conroy.

“This is a good benchmark to see where I’m at,” said Buatsi. “My team see me day in day out in the gym and this is the title they feel I’m ready for. Liam has won his last five fights by knockout and he’ll be heading into the fight full of confidence.

“There’s a good title at stake and he knows there’s a big reward if he beats me. For me, it’s a big stepping stone and another box to tick on my way to the top. This is an important fight for my career and I need to get the belt to move on.”

“I believe I can overpower him,” said Conroy. “I don’t believe he’s been in a situation as a professional in which someone can overpower him. I also don’t think he’s been in with anyone who can take what he’s got to give, which I will be able to.

“There’s plenty of hype around him but he deserves it because he trains hard and has already proved himself at the Olympics. I haven’t got the name he’s got but I’m looking to change that come fight night.

Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho finally get it on in an all London affair, with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line. ‘The Sauce’ picked up the Lonsdale belt against Matty Askin at Wembley Stadium and puts his title on the line for the first time against the Canning Town ‘Machoman’.

Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against ‘The KO Kid’ Andy Townend in a guaranteed barnburner. The Geordie favourite is determined to return to winning ways after suffering the first loss of his career at the hands of Francesco Patera in October.

“This is a great show,” said Eddie Hearn. “A new hero of British boxing defending his World title in Charlie Edwards, with three brilliant British title clashes on the undercard. Everybody resonated with the story of Charlie Edwards after his memorable performance at The O2 in December. He makes his first defence of his title against seasoned pro Angel Moreno.

“Joshua Buatsi fights for the British title against the inform Liam Conroy, which is a significant step up. Lawrence Okolie finally gets the chance to fight Wadi Camacho for the British and Commonwealth titles after the all of the bad blood. Lewis Ritson returns from his disappointing defeat to defend his British title against big-punching Andy Townsend in what will be a brutal shootout, and there’s plenty more to be added to this stacked card.”

Ticket details will be announced soon.