Razvan Cojanu will step in to take on Ricky Hatton-trained heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman on December 22nd after the late pull-out of Gorman’s original opponent, Alex Leapai.

Romanian-born Cojanu was scheduled to fight Britain’s other big heavyweight prospect, Daniel Dubois this Saturday at the Brentwood Centre but due to illness, Dubois was forced to withdraw from the bout.

But fortunately for both fighters, Cojanu will now make his way up north next week and challenge Gorman at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd, live on BT Sport Box Office.

“I’m disappointed Leapai didn’t get on the plane. He’s given it some bad mouth which isn’t really my style, but in my world, if you are going to do that then you come and have a fight. Words are cheap, maybe he regretted his words knowing what was coming?” said Gorman.

He continued: “I thought it was going to be a big let down trying to get an opponent this late but at the very last minute, Daniel’s bad luck has proved well for me; that’s ironic really.

“I get to fight a guy who fought for a world title just last year and took Joseph Parker the distance, so he is a better opponent in many respects.

“He is here, he is in the country and I’m looking forward to putting on a show again at the Manchester Arena.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Razvan Cojanu, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Billy Joe Saunders makes his return to the ring and Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.

Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Michelle Rosado, who has been promoting her own boxing cards in Arizona and working behind the scenes on other shows in Pennsylvania, is taking the next step by staging her first card in Philadelphia on Friday evening, Feb. 8, at the 2300 Arena.

Rosado’s Raging Babe company has been a trend-setter, and her Feb. 8 card, dubbed “Philly Special,” will add to her resume.

Coming to Philadelphia with a solid promotional background and a reputation for selling out venues, Rosado is no stranger to the area. She was born in Bristol Borough, attended Temple University, and she cut her teeth working with Hall-of-Fame promoter J Russell Peltz since 2014. Peltz will handle matchmaking duties.

While promoting her first card in 2011 in Phoenix, AZ, Rosado was dubbed “Raging Babe” by Phoenix New Times. The New Times and many in the boxing community credited her with re-energizing the professional boxing scene in Arizona. She promoted several events in Phoenix and Tucson before branching out and promoting shows in North Carolina, and assisting with several large promotions with Top Rank Boxing.

A master at making connections, Rosado brought together the women of boxing for the first Raging Babe Brunch in 2012, and has hosted several since to honor these women. She also co-founded and hosted “The Morning Punch-in Show with RB and Jae,” a drive-time boxing radio show that was acclaimed throughout the industry for its unique format, sense of humor, and down-to-earth interviews. She even boasts her own line of boxing apparel for men and women.

Of all the projects Rosado has taken on, promoting boxing shows most complements her work ethic and dedication to the old school methods taught to her by Peltz, and practiced by boxing promotional legends. She plans to combine those old-school methods with her new-school ways. Taking a page from the 2018 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, Rosado has dubbed her first event “Philly Special.” The event promises to showcase some of Philly’s top talent in competitive fights, while honoring the rich history of Philadelphia boxing.

The main event and ticket information will be announced soon.

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Daniel Dubois (9-0) has been forced to withdraw from his fight with Razvan Cojanu scheduled for Saturday night (15th December) at the Brentwood Centre.

The BT Sport televised show will go ahead as planned, however, today’s scheduled press conference at the Grosvenor House in London has been cancelled.

Dubois, who came down with flu this week, is bitterly disappointed that he will not be fit to box on Saturday night and is deeply apologetic to his fans.

Dubois said: “In a sport like boxing, if you are less than 100 per cent health-wise going into the fight, then the only sensible option is to withdraw and go again on another date. It is bitterly disappointing for me, all the same, because I was looking forward to reaching double figures in professional fights before Christmas.

“That will just have to wait now and I can only say I am sorry to Razvan and the people who were coming out to watch me on Saturday night.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “This is a big blow but the show must go on. I feel for the fans and for Razvan but if Daniel has got the flu, there’s no way I’m letting him fight. It’s important we still deliver to the live and the TV audience and they can look forward to seeing many of London’s finest boxing talents on Saturday night.”

Saturday night’s show at the Brentwood Centre will go ahead as planned with 9-0 Super Flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards and Junior Granados clashing for the WBO Intercontinental Super Flyweight Championship. Former British Welterweight Champion Bradley Skeete also returns to action and takes on Argentina’s 16-2 Diego Ramirez.

Also showcasing their talents in Brentwood will be exciting super featherweight Ryan Garner (7-0), super welterweight Hamza Sheeraz (5-0), former Team GB flyweight Harvey Horn (3-0) and middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (1-0). Cruiserweight James Branch (2-0) is also in action and there are debuts for lightweights Mark Chamberlain (Portsmouth) and Mohammad Bilal Ali (Beckton).

NEW YORK CITY (Dec. 12, 2018) WBC, WBA, Lineal Middleweight World Champion
Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Rocky Fielding (27-1, 15 KOs) hosted a media workout today at Chase Square at Madison Square Garden ahead of their 12-round fight. The battle will take place Saturday, December 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will be streamed live on DAZN – which, at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial, means new subscribers to DAZN will enjoy the entire Canelo vs. Rocky fight night for free.

They were joined by David Lemieux (40-4, 34 KOs), Tureano Johnson (20-2, 14 KOs), Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-2, 14 KOs), Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (24-7, 7 KOs) and many other fighters from the undercard.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

CANELO ALVAREZ, WBC, WBA, Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

“I’m very happy to be able to make history here at Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, it will be the first event of many here. It’s a challenge for me because I’ll be entering the comfort zone of the champion, but I’m happy because I like to be able make challenges in boxing. I’m ready. I’m ready to make history, and I hope people enjoy a good fight. Athletes on the level that I’m on can’t get comfortable. Everyone is coming to win and to rip your head off, so that makes the opponent more dangerous. I don’t underestimate anybody. I prepare 100 percent for everything and I’m ready for Saturday without a doubt.”

ROCKY FIELDING, WBA Super Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel great, excited and soaking it all up. This is my first time doing such a big fight week and I’m really enjoying it. People are talking a lot about the size difference, and I have to make that a factor on Saturday night because I need to use every advantage that I’ve got. It’s my weight division. I’ve been at Super Middleweight for a long time. I make the weight well and he’s stepping up. The bookmakers are going to lose money – I was the underdog in Germany against a young and unbeaten fighter in his 4th defense and blasted him away in five rounds to take home the title. I perform better when I the underdog and everyone is against me. I thrive on that.

I have prepared myself to be at my best on the night and if I need to bite down on the gumshield and fight it out. I know I can do that. When people come to KO me, that’s when I catch them off-guard and get the KO myself. But Canelo is an experienced and clever fight that doesn’t make many mistakes, so the things that we’re working on in camp will pay off on Saturday night.”

DAVID LEMIEUX, Former IBF Middleweight World Champion:

“You know what? I’m here to do business. It’s going to be the same scenario in the ring, I have to look spectacular this weekend no matter who’s in front of me, and Johnson is front of me. I’m going to take good care of him. We still train twice a day. We’re cutting weight. We’re keeping the reflexes sharp. I got to do touch ups and not fall asleep before the fight. We are going to be explosive. Everything but sparring. Sparring is finished a week before. You don’t want any injuries before the fight.”

TUREANO JOHNSON, Middleweight Contender:

“Boxing is a strategic sport. In fact, boxing isn’t really a sport-it’s a lifestyle. You have to live this and that’s what I do. I live boxing. I study my opponents. David Lemieux is a great puncher, but he does have some flaws, and that’s what I’m going to expose Saturday night. Many have beaten Lemieux, but this is going to be a new one. Trust me: this is a treat. We all know that he’s a great finisher. Once he sees a wounded animal he goes for the kill, but indeed Tureano doesn’t know how to get wounded. I don’t even know how to get hurt. I’m expecting him to bring the best David Lemieux he can possibly be, but David Lemieux it’s going to be a hell of a fight for you if you think you’re going to knock Tureano out.”

SADAM ALI, Former WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel like every fight moving forward is going to be a must-win. If you want to be great in your career, you’re supposed to think like that. In life you know there’s ups and downs, you just have to keep fighting.”

MAURICIO HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion:

“Fighters in their careers have their ups and downs. My career has had ups and downs. I just got off two wins, My last fight was with Jesus Soto Karrass. I went the distance. With him, I felt pretty good. Then I took some time off, I had to recover a little bit. I needed to feel the hunger with boxing, and I got it back. I got a chance with Sadam, so I’m here to prove something. I know I’m not old. I still feel good I feel young. We’ll see Saturday night how I look. Sadam Ali is a good fighter. He’s slick. He’s a boxer. He has all the basic skills. I’m going in there with a tough guy.”

VERGIL ORTIZ, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“First of all, I’m very excited. This is my first time in New York and everyone wants to go to New York. It’s on everyone’s bucket list, so I’m happy to be here. Second, fighting at Madison Square Garden, I’m very grateful for this because there’s been so many historic fights. The last fight I was saw was Lomachenko vs. Linares, that was great. My opponent [Omar Tienda] has a pretty good record. He’s 19-5 with 12 knockouts. He has more knockouts than I have fights. He’s only been stopped in one of the five losses. So, there’s a pretty good chance he can go the distance, but I’m going to do what I do best. Towards the end of 2019, I for sure want to get a world title shot. I want to be world champion by the end of 2019.”

TEVIN FARMER, IBF Super Featherweight Champion:

“It’s a good feeling being world champion, but I worked hard for it, so it’s not a surprise to me, I knew it was coming and there’s a lot more to accomplish. I always train hard, but I think you improve mentally from winning the title. You just feel the difference, and you see it in the spars and the fights. People have seen that. It’s a confidence thing. You know you are the champ and you have to perform and live up to that title. It forces you to. My goal is to stop him inside four rounds – it has nothing to do with Gervonta Davis (who beat him in eight rounds). This is about me. James Tennyson said he could KO me and I knocked him out in five, so now I want to do it in four. I am only competing against myself. The goal is to win the fight, but if I stop him in four rounds, then I’ve improved on the last fight. If I stop him quicker than Davis, oh well, I’ve knocked him out before him, it doesn’t matter.”

KATIE TAYLOR, WBA and IBF Lightweight World Champion:

“I’m so excited about this fight. I love fighting in the U.S., and this is a really big fight with a big name on a huge platform in New York and on DAZN. These are the kinds of fights that I am in the sport for. I know Eva from the amateurs. She’s an excellent fighter, and I believe that this is my toughest fight to date. It’s been incredible. I am probably the highest paid female fighter in the world, thanks to Eddie and Matchroom. I spoke to a lot of promoters before I spoke to Eddie and he really did have the same vision that I had. He was as excited as me about the future and now I have the chance to be a part of the new venture with DAZN too which is great for me. I am developing a fan base in the US as well as back home in Ireland and the UK. It’s such an exciting time for me and I am loving the pro game.”

RYAN GARCIA, Lightweight Prospect:

“It happened when I was around eighteen years old. I posted some videos of me hitting the cobra bag. I guess everyone loved it and then from there I had fights on ESPN, knockouts from my tenth and sixteenth fight and that’s I started blowing up. It’s meant a lot because I went from fighting guys on a certain level you have to fight, where I was knocking everybody out. Then when you make another step in your career you need experience, you need somebody that’s been there before and will teach you the ropes on how to handle things and what better trainer then Eddy Reynoso. He (Canelo) taught me a lot stuff about the business of the game and also stuff in the ring during sparring. I’m a very visual learner so it’s what I see when he was sparring and training hard. That’s my thing, that’s my world. It’s perfect all my fans get to watch me fight and they get to see what I do. This is iconic, this is crazy. It’s a dream come true anybody to fight or play ball or do anything at Madison Square Garden. I’m just honored to fight here.”

LAMONT ROACH JR., WBO International Super Featherweight World Champion:

“This is my second time fighting at Madison Square Garden on a big card. I fought on the undercard of GGG vs. Lemieux. I’m very grateful to be in this position and this opportunity and I’m ready to put on a show. Of course Tevin Farmer is a great fighter. He has the championship. Obviously I’m eyeing any champion in my weight class, I’m not shying away from any champion so hopefully that is a fight down the road. I’m a pretty tough character outside the ring too but you know if you don’t start anything there won’t be anything. My motivation is the work I put in to get here. It has been a long journey, it’s been a long and I still got more to go. What’s next, a world title. I’m ranked number 5 in the WBO. Right now I have the WBO international championship, after I defend it hopefully they bump me up into one of those mandatory spots that put me in line for a title eliminator title or a title. My ideal fight, any champion.”

BILAL AKKWAY, Super Middleweight Prospect

“I’m actually very excited. It’s a great pleasure and privilege to be fighting in such an arena, and sharing the ring with such names as Canelo. I’m going to treat it like another fight just go out there and do my thing. I can say he’s (Canelo) in good condition even though he’s moved up to 168 for this fight. He’s still strong at that weight. He’s looking good.”

Canelo vs. Rocky is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. Lemieux vs. Johnson is a 12-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of The Tiger
Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” Fred Loya Insurance and “Miss Bala.” The event will take place Saturday, December 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will be streamed live on DAZN – which, at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial, means new subscribers to DAZN will enjoy the entire Canelo vs. Rocky fight night for free. Watch the series premiere of DAZN’s first original episodic program, THE JOURNEY: CANELO/ROCKY, to go behind the scenes as Canelo Alvarez and Rocky Fielding prepare for their historic showdown.

About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is set to become a must-have service for fight fans, with 100+ fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the newly announced Golden Boy Promotions.

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION: Fight night media credentials can be claimed on Saturday, Dec. 15 beginning at 12:00 p.m. (noon) until 7:00 p.m. sharp from Windows #21 and #22 at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. Photo ID Processing is in effect for this fight. Photos may be taken at the fight headquarters hotel, the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel at 218 W. 35th Street, in the Fourth Floor Conference Room during most normal business hours beginning Wednesday, and at some of the major events in the fight week schedule. Waiting until Saturday to have your photo taken will substantially delay getting your finished credential. Proper personal photo ID (driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Rocky are on sale and are priced at $1,000, $500,
$300, $200, $150, $100, $75 and $50 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.goldenboytickets.com or www.MSG.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com.
Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Rocky87Fielding, @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, @Rocky_Fielding, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloRocky.

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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Dec. 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (38-0, 25 KOs) and No. 1 contender Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (25-1, 21 KOs) have been here before. The two fought in September of last year, with Ramirez prevailing via tight unanimous decision.

The two will renew acquaintances Friday evening at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, in a main event that will be streamed live on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET). Undefeated 140-pounder Arnold Barboza Jr. (19-0, 7 KOs) will take on Manuel Lopez (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature.

2016 U.S. Olympian Mikaela Mayer, 130-pound contender Jamel Herring, and bantamweight contender Joshua Greer Jr. will all look to steal the show on the undercard broadcast (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET).

At Wednesday’s final press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Gilberto Ramirez

On the first Hart fight

“I dominated that fight. This fight will be no different. It will be only one side. My side.”

On returning to Corpus Christi, where he knocked out Habib Ahmed in February

“I’m really happy to be back in Corpus Christi. I started the year with a knockout in Corpus Christi, and I want to finish the year with a knockout, too. I hope everyone enjoys it.”

On a potential Canelo Alvarez fight

“I need to beat Jesse Hart and he needs to beat Rocky Fielding. Mexican versus Mexican, everybody would love to see that. If he wins and I win, let’s do it!”

Jesse Hart

On gaining revenge against Ramirez

“Things will be different because we corrected the little mistakes that didn’t go right the first time. I think with the mistakes that {trainer} Fred Jenkins corrected with me, and being on that stage and on that platform, I believe you will see a change in the outcome.”

On fighting for his father/trainer (Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, who won’t be attending the fight because of an illness)

“It means everything for my dad, to myself. Like I said, since I started boxing, me and my dad, we never dreamed of nothing else but being a world champion. I’m very blessed and very humbled by this opportunity I have again. I’m just going to go out there and put on the best performance I possibly can to bring home the victory.”

Manuel Lopez

On fighting as the co-feature

“It’s a huge blessing, for sure, and the fact that I’m going to be right before my main man here, Jesse Hart, makes it a whole lot better. We went to school together, so it makes it an even better opportunity. I’m very, very happy about it.”

On what it will take to beat Barboza

“It’s going to take hard work as it’s been. Hard work, dedication, and hopefully it will happen on Friday night. His birthday present is going to be his first ‘L.'” (Barboza’s birthday was Dec. 9)

Arnold Barboza Jr.

On fighting as the co-main event and potentially fighting for a world title in 2019

“We just put our head down and train. We’d been getting ready for a fight in November, which got moved to December. We’ve been training since our last fight ( a KO victory August 25 against Luis Solis). I wand to thank Top Rank for giving me the opportunity. I feel like I’ve passed every test that they’ve given me. From Mike Reed to tall fighters, pressure fighters, everything. He says he’s gonna give me a birthday present. My birthday present is gonna be celebrating my win. I’m going to look better than I ever have. I’ve been training the best I ever have, and I’m read to go.”

Mikaela Mayer

On her first full year as a pro {Friday will be her sixth fight of 2018}

“It definitely exceeded my expectations and my team’s. Top Rank has done a great job of moving me and I think given me the right fights, too, kind of just testing my skills and seeing where I’m at. I think that’s exactly what this next fight is going to be. They want to see where I am and see how much they can step me up in 2019, so I want to show them that I’m ready. I hope they keep me just as busy.”

On training in Colorado Springs alongside people like Jamel Herring.”

“I think it’s just the environment that makes it more exciting because I came from Team USA, where I’m training around teammates and it’s always a fun atmosphere. When you turn pro, sometimes you lost that team environment. Being able to train around fellow Olympians like Jamel, {in addition to} Terence Crawford, and still being close to the {U.S. Olympic} Training Center, it definitely keeps it exciting and more fun.”

Jamel Herring

On his 2018 campaign and training with Brian McIntyre and Terence Crawford

“It’s been great. As you can see, the proof is in the pudding. {From} my first fight with them and Top Rank back in May until now, we’ve been getting better. Like I said, the chemistry is great. I’m happy and honored to not only be with my new {training team}, but with Top Rank as well. We’re looking to close out the year strong and move on to bigger and better things in 2019.”

“I feel that with a good performance this weekend, a title opportunity will come in the new year. I’m very close. That’s why we wanted this fight. It’s very important to me. Not only to me, but to my team and my career.as a whole. Having Top Rank behind {me} has given me a lot. With a great performance this Friday, a lot of great things will come in the new year.”

Joshua Greer Jr.

On fighting for a regional title belt

“It feels good. All the hard work is paying off. I gotta thank Top Rank for the good job they’re doing, and I’m going to continue to do my part.”

On what he’s going to bring to the ring

“I got something real special for him. A new pillow. I went pillow shopping, so everything is going to come together.”

ESPN, 10 p.m. ET

Gilberto Ramirez (champion) vs. Jesse Hart (challenger), 12 rounds, WBO super middleweight world title

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Manuel Lopez, 10 rounds, super lightweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET

Mikaela Mayer vs. Calixta Silgado, Mayer’s NABF super featherweight title

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Daniel Lozano, 10 rounds, vacant WBC Continental Americas bantamweight title

Jamel Herring vs. Adeilson Dos Santos, 8 rounds, super featherweight

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Edward Kakembo, 6 rounds, lightweight

Ruben Vega vs.Oscar Mojica, 6 rounds, super flyweight

Jesus Arechiga vs. David Martino, 6 rounds, super bantamweight

Roberto Duran Jr. vs. Leonardo Pena, 4 rounds, welterweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Hart 2 world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100, $65, $45, and $30, tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

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 (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

New York, NY (December 12, 2018) IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion Tevin Farmer tops a list of four DiBella Entertainment (DBE) fighters entering the squared circle this Saturday, December 15, in New York City, New Zealand, Spain and Toronto, Canada.

Farmer (27-4-1, 6 KOs), a native of Philadelphia, PA, will be making the second defense of his title against former world title challenger Francisco Fonseca (22-1-1, 16 KOs), of San Ramon, Costa Rica, in a 12-round clash on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez-Rocky Fielding Super Middleweight Title bout at Madison Square Garden and live on DAZN.

“Tevin Farmer is the most active champion in boxing and one of the most skilled,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Tevin has fought 17 rounds over two championship bouts in the last four months, and the case can be made that he is yet to lose a minute, let alone a round. I expect a similar dominant performance on Saturday in Madison Square Garden as Tevin continues to establish himself among the elite of boxing.”

The 28-year-old Farmer won the vacant title with a 12-round unanimous decision against Billy Dib on August 3, in Australia. Quickly following that up with his first defense, Farmer stopped James Tennyson in the fifth round on October 20, in Boston, MA. The 24-year-old heavy-handed Fonseca has won three fights in a row, all by knockout, since challenging then-IBF Junior Lightweight titlist Gervonta Davis on August 26, 2017, in Las Vegas, NV.

Undefeated heavyweight contender Junior Fa (15-0, 8 KOs), WBO #10, of New Zealand, looks to continue his rise in the world rankings facing Rogelio Omar Rossi (20-6-1, 13 KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Horncastle Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the undercard of former heavyweight titlist Joseph Parker’s return to the ring.

The 29-year-old Fa, who defeated Parker twice as an amateur, will be making the first defense of his Interim WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title earned with his 10-round unanimous decision against Luis Pascual on June 22. Southpaw Rossi enters the ring having scored two first-round knockouts in his last three fights.

From New Zealand to Canada: Also on Saturday, undefeated middleweight contender Steve Rolls (18-0, 10 KOs), IBF #15, of Toronto, Canada, will vie for the vacant USBA Middleweight Title versus battle-tested veteran KeAndrae Leatherwood (21-5-1, 13 KOs), of Birmingham, AL, in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. Rolls returns to the ring following an eight-round unanimous decision against Damian Ezequiel Bonelli on April 18, in Toronto.

Rounding out the big weekend for DBE in Ponferrada, Spain, highly regarded junior lightweight prospect Jon “JonFer” Fernandez (16-1, 14 KOs) returns to action against Michel Marcano (17-1-1, 14 KOs), of Barcelona, Venezuela, in a scheduled eight-rounder.

Fernandez, 23, who has been a fixture on top prospect lists, will be making his first start since dropping a decision to O’Shaquie Foster on September 21, in a bout aired on Showtime. Marcano will look to re-enter the win column following his first loss against top contender Miguel “Mickey” Roman.

“I’m so proud of the DiBella Entertainment roster, which continues to showcase its talent and depth on a weekly basis,” said DiBella. “As Tevin Farmer defends his world title in New York City on Saturday, three other world-class members of the DBE stable that are on the brink of breaking through as world champions will be showcasing their skills around the globe. Tevin, Junior, Steve, and JonFer are primed to turn in excellent performances and I am excited to continue guiding them toward the top of the sport.”

On Tuesday, December 18, inside the Pyramid in Kazan, Russia, WBO #13 super middleweight Aslambek “The Hulk” Idigov will stay active with a 10-round showdown against rugged Russian veteran Konstantin “The Volga Cossack” Piternov.

Idigov (14-0, 6 KOs) is a 5’ 8” bull with pinpoint accuracy. This will be the Idigov’s fourth fight this year since signing with Salita. The 23-year-old has been training mostly at the Kronk Gym in Detroit to prepare for his fights and the improvement has been remarkable.

“I had a great training camp and I look forward to putting it all on display December 18,” said Idigov. “I have a very experienced opponent in front of me, but my skills will show that I am ready for the elite in the division.”

Idogov is another of Salita Promotions’ “Beasts from the East” a growing stable of fighters from the former Soviet Bloc that includes Uzbekistan-born junior welterweight sensation Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev, undefeated world-ranked light heavyweight Umar Salamov, undefeated Kazakhstani junior welterweight showman Bakhtiyar Eyubov, undefeated heavyweight Apti Davtaev, undefeated Ukrainian-born ethnic Korean super bantamweight slugger Arnold Khegai, cruiserweight contender Alexey Zubov, undefeated women’s future champion Elena Savelyeva, top-rated bantamweight Nikolai Potapov, undefeated up-and-coming women’s prospect Elena Gradinar and undefeated heavyweight Izim Izbaki.

“Aslambek has shown tremendous improvement in his last several fights and I expect for him to finish the year out in a big way with an impressive victory on December 18,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

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About Salita Promotions

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Murfreesboro, TN (December 12, 2018) – Super middleweight rising star Sena “African Assassin” Agbeko scored a career best victory when he topped longtime contender Brian Vera, 26-14 (16 KO’s) Saturday, December 8.
The TriStar Boxing promoted event was Murfreesboro, TN’s first pro boxing card in more than 20 years and took place at the Mid-TN Expo.
Agbeko took a big step up in competition against Austin, TX’s Brian Vera. Vera, who has wins over Andy Lee, Sergiy Dzinziruk and Sergio Mora among others, looked to overwhelm Agbeko but the Nashville transplant wouldn’t be taken off his game.
Agbeko, who is originally from Ghana, worked behind a solid jab and straight right hand while displaying excellent movement to mostly keep Vera out of range. The gutsy Vera had a few moments of success but Agbeko weathered the storm and won convincingly.
Scores were 79-73 on all three scorecards.
“It feels good to have gotten this win, said Agbeko,” who is now 22-1 with 18 wins by knockout. “This was my first real step up and I’m looking forward to an even bigger challenge in my next fight. The goal is to keep moving up in the rankings and get in position for a title shot.”
Matt Young of TriStar Boxing Promotions was pleased with Agbeko’s performance and the return of boxing to Murfreesboro.
“Sena fought an excellent fight,” said Young, who works as a local firefighter and grew up in Murfreesboro. “We’re hoping to have him fight a ten rounder in his next fight against a respectable opponent. I owe a special thanks to all the fans that came out Saturday night and everybody that played a part in making this card happen. It was a dream of mine to promote a show in my hometown and we hope to return in the future.”
TriStar Boxing’s next show is taking place in 2019 and official particulars will be announced shortly. For more information on TriStar Boxing, please visit tristarboxing.com or facebook.com/tristarboxing.
UNDERCARD RESULTS:
Lightweights – Austin “The Dream” Dulay KO1 Corey Edwards
Heavyweights – Rydell “Super” Mayes KO1 Demetrius Shaw
Heavyweights – Dylan Courson KO1 Demonte Cherry
Heavyweights – Khalil Smoot UD4 Michael Davis

BROOKLYN (December 12, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle.

Tickets for the show begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.”

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries, including surgery and rehabilitation on his elbow, has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,” said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”

The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky” because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight as leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,” Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember. 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.”

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,” said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.”

# # #

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

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

Billy Joe Saunders makes his long-awaited return to the ring next weekend (Dec 22) at the Manchester Arena after being added to the blockbuster bill topped by Josh Warrington defending his IBF world featherweight title against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.

The year of 2018 has represented a period of enforced inactivity and injury frustration for the former WBO world middleweight champion, who relinquished the belt following the failure of the Massachusetts Commission to issue him a licence for his mandatory defence against Demetrius Andrade in Boston back in October.

Two scheduled defences against Martin Murray were both aborted due to injuries suffered by the champion, resulting in Saunders not building on the momentum of a hugely positive and busy end to 2017.

His last fight and perhaps his career-best performance to date came nearly a year ago when he travelled to Canada to put his title on the line against the big-hitting David Lemieux.

The Canadian was hardly given a look-in against Saunders at his slickest and a shutout scoreline was recorded on the card of one judge. Three months previously at the Copper Box, the Hatfield man – who trains in Sheffield under Dominic Ingle – widely outpointed Willie Monroe jr, who is set to fight Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim world middleweight title on the same night as Saunders’ own return.

There is a strong middleweight theme running through the Manchester card, with a barnstorming clash scheduled between Mark Heffron and Liam Williams for the vacant British title, while Martin Murray, who is bidding to put himself firmly in the world title picture, takes on a tough assignment against Hassan N’Dam.

Now Saunders is added to the mix, where he will take on the experienced Hungarian Zoltan Sera in a bid to extend his perfect professional record of 26-0. Sera, 33, who has fought at light heavyweight in his last two fights, has recorded 22KOs from his 32 wins.

Despite his hopes of making a lucrative defence in Boston being dashed, Saunders has remained in training and will be looking to reclaim his world title property in 2019 after sharpening his highly-skilled tools against Sera in Manchester.

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Alex Leapai, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.

Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

Kai Robin Havnaa (13-0, 11 KOs) will headline his hometown arena on March 2 as Team Sauerland return to the SØR Amfi in Arendal, Norway.

Following a hugely successful debut show on February 3, which saw Havnaa blast out Daniel Vencl inside two rounds, Team Sauerland are back with another event, which promises to be ‘bigger, better and more exciting’.

Havnaa, undefeated in his thirteen professional contests after a devastating knockout win over Frank Bluemle on April 28, 2018 in Offenburg, had been sidelined with a thumb injury, but now full recovered, says he cannot wait to walk out in front of his home fans in Arendal for a second time.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” says Havnaa. “The feeling I got walking out in front of all friends, family and supporters in Arendal was unbelievable.

“I got 100% good feedback last time. It was the first professional boxing event in Arendal, and people tell me they got goosebumps when I entered the ring. Many people said it was the best and most professional show ever in Norway.

“It’s going to be an even bigger, better and more exciting show on March 2!”

An opponent for Havnaa will be confirmed shortly, but the son of Norway’s only ever male World Champion, Magne Havnaa, has been promised his toughest test as he looks to take his career to the next level.

“This is going to be the biggest test of my career. My promoter has promised me that,” he says. “I’m back in full training following my thumb injury and my shape is very good. I didn’t want a tune up fight. I feel that I’m at a much higher level now than I’ve ever been before, and I’m ready for a big fight.

“2019 is going to be my year! It’s time for me to take my boxing to a new level. I want to fight the best, and I want to become World Champion. I’m ready to step up, and that begins with this fight on March 2 in Arendal!”

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: “We’re delighted to be returning to the SØR Amfi in Arendal. We will be announcing an opponent for Kai in the coming weeks, and fans will not be disappointed. Kai has done everything asked of him so far in his career, but now the time has come for him to step up. Home support will be important as he faces his toughest career test. Fans can also look forward to a full undercard showcasing the best of Norwegian boxing!”

Kai Robin Havnaa will headline an action-packed show on March 2 at the SØR Amfi in Arendal. Tickets are available online via www.ticketmaster.no.

Daniel Jacobs is gunning for a Middleweight World title unification battle with Canelo Alvarez in 2019 – and the IBF World ruler says their showdown is one of the biggest fights in boxing.

Jacobs will be ringside at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night as Alvarez looks to become a three-weight World champion when he challenges WBA World Super-Middleweight champion Rocky Fielding – with the Mexican king making his debut on streaming giant DAZN, with the clash also live in the UK on Sky Sports.

Jacobs became a two-time Middleweight king at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in October with victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko in a fight of the year contender in the Big Apple. Canelo is moving up from 160lbs where he holds the WBA and WBC titles following his win over Gennady Golovkin in their rematch in September – and Jacobs wants Canelo to return to Middleweight and put his titles on the line in a huge Cinco de Mayo showdown.

“I’ll be there front and center on Saturday night – it’s no secret that my focus is on Canelo,” said Jacobs. “There is no other fight in boxing I want right now more than him.

“I did what I had to do and beat Derevyanchenko, a guy nobody wanted to fight and claimed a piece of the Middleweight crown. Now it’s time to unify. I believe that I am the best Middleweight in the world, and he thinks he is, so let’s put it all on the line.

“This is not only the absolute biggest fight to be made in the division, but one of the biggest in all of boxing. As long as he takes care of business on Saturday night I’m ready to go. Let’s give the fans and the sport of boxing what they want and let’s get this done for May 4.”

“I’m rooting for a Rocky Fielding win this Saturday – and when Canelo returns to Middleweight, THE fight for May is the Canelo vs. Jacobs unification,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “After Danny’s great fight with GGG and his IBF victory in October, it’s a fight he wants and one he believes he wins. He will be there on Saturday with among the star-studded crowd watching very closely.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Dec. 11, 2018) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez is seeking a fifth successful title defense. Jesse “Hollywood” Hart is out for revenge.

Ramirez (38-0, 25 KOs) will defend his WBO super middleweight world against Hart (25-1, 21 KOs) Friday at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, site of his February knockout of Habib Ahmed. Ramirez bested Hart via unanimous decision last September in one of the finest world championship fights of 2017.

In the co-feature, unbeaten 140-pound contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (19-0, 7 KOs) will face Manuel Lopez (14-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

Ramirez-Hart 2 and Barboza-Lopez will stream live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The entire undercard, including appearances by female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer, 130-pound contender Jamel Herring, Gabriel Flores Jr., and big-punching bantamweight Joshua Greer Jr. will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions, tickets to the Ramirez-Hart 2 world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $100, $65, $45, and $30, tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Hart and Ramirez worked out for the media Tuesday at Corpus Christi Boxing Club. This is what they had to say.

Gilberto Ramirez

“I’m coming to Corpus Christi to give the fans a great fight. I have very good memories of the last time I fought here. They treated me well. I felt right at home, and that’s why I asked to fight here again. I will not let them down. I will close the year the same way I started it, with a knockout win in Corpus Christi!”

“I don’t take this fight as a rematch. The first one was a good fight, but I beat him clearly. For this fight, I’m coming better prepared mentally and physically. I’m focused on taking care of business and winning convincingly.”

Jesse Hart

“Camp was great. It was real tough because I did things l never did before. I chopped wood for the first time. I climbed rope. Going into camp this time, I was in tremendous shape. I didn’t take any time off after my last fight. I knew the rematch was looming, so I stayed hungry and ready to go. After I win this title, I’m definitely going to take a vacation and spend time with my daughter and my family.”

“Right after the decision, I wanted to fight Gilberto again. When you look at all of his opponents, I was his only opponent that came close to beating him. He’s fought a lot of credible guys, but no one came as close as me.”

“I’ve never been more ready for a fight in my life. Gilberto Ramirez is going to see a different fighter this time around. All I can do is keep honing my craft and get better.”
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 (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

Beverly Hills, Calif. (December 11, 2018) – This past Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, undefeated super middleweight Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson announced himself to the super middleweight elite by stopping hometown favorite Brandon Robinson in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout that headlined a King’s Promotions card.

Henderson diversified up his attack between boxing and mixing it up on the inside that not only opened cuts over both eyes, but closed the left eye of Robinson to completely shut.

Henderson registered a knockdown in round round five, and then knocked Robinson to the canvas twice in round seven, before the fight was halted at 2:08.

“We came in with a gameplan. We knew the guy would be strong and he is the hometown favorite. We stuck to the gameplan. It didn’t go exactly how we wanted to, but we got the win,” said Henderson. “I knew it was close, but when I dropped him, I could see his face change, his emotions, and I saw his aggression change. In round seven we caught him and hurt him, I knew that I had to get right on him. I knew if I took my time, and picked my shots, it was over with. We are ready. We showed everybody what we already knew.”

“Kalvin showed the the world what I already knew about him when I signed him out of the amateurs, he has the heart, desire and will of a champion,” said Henderson’s manger, Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC. When I presented him the fight against a top 15 opponent in his hometown, Kalvin took the fight within 10 seconds and told me it didn’t matter where they fought. I also believe Kalvin’s trainer Kevin Lightburn deserves a lot of credit for his beautiful game plan. With this win I plan on pushing Kalvin on TV in 2019 and with Marshall Kauffman experience as a promoter, I believe the future is very bright for Kalvin Henderson”

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 11, 2018) – Undefeated female super flyweight Casey “Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (7-0-3 1KO), will be fighting for her second title as she faces Jutamas Jitpong (4-2 2KOs) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Female Super Flyweight Title. The 10-round bout will take place this Saturday, December 8th, at the Yubei Sport Center in Yubei, China.

“I am excited to fight for my second WBO Asia Pacific Female title!” said Casey Morton. “I won the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title earlier this year, so to get another title before the year over is a dream come true. I want to fight the best, I don’t want easy fights and I want to prove that I am a true champion.”

“Casey Morton is an amazing boxer who packs a featherweight punch in a flyweight frame,” said manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I don’t see many flyweights surviving all ten-rounds with her after she moved up in weight to super flyweight. She is a star and we are excited to work with her.”

“I am super grateful for all of my opportunities but want to give all glory to God, as well as my team, including my manager Greg Hannley and everyone at SNAC System. I’m grateful to Victor Conte for the high-level training he provides and I will show my ability come fight night.”

BROOKLYN (December 11, 2018) – As the holiday season ramps up with Christmas just around the corner, twin champions Jermall and Jermell Charlo, plus Willie Monroe Jr. and Tony Harrison discussed their favorite holiday memories and traditions while preparing for their respective showdowns on Saturday, December 22 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The Charlo twins have intertwined holiday memories from growing up in Houston and not even Christmas could stop the legendary competitiveness of the twins.

“My biggest childhood memories from Christmas was that my brother and I would get bikes and then disassemble them to see who could put it back together better,” said Jermell. “We didn’t tighten up the bikes enough so they would fall apart and we would have to walk home. But we really wanted to see who was the better mechanic and who could put together the cooler bike.”

“My brother and I were definitely concerned about our toys on Christmas,” said Jermall. “We would have a big dinner with our whole family and it felt like everyone loved buying the twins gifts. It was always competition to see who had the better toys. I love that now I can give my kids that same feeling on Christmas morning.”

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Monroe’s family, which includes his pro boxer father who defeated Marvin Hagler, was close knit throughout Monroe’s childhood. Now he relishes the opportunity for his own family to be involved in those special times, even if he spends the weeks leading up to Christmas focused on his task December 22.

“I’m a family guy and the holidays have always been about togetherness for us,” said Monroe. “Gifts were just a small part of it. It was all about communing as a family. It was cool to have family during the holidays, and now that I’m older and have my own family, it’s a truly special affair.

“I understand that training through the holidays is for the greater good. I would rather miss a Christmas or two so that my family could have great Christmases for years and years after. I’m sacrificing to reach that goal for my family.”

Detroit’s Harrison has already spent part of his holiday season giving back, as he hosted a Holiday Toy and Grocery giveaway this past weekend that helped serve nearly 400 people in his community. After a grueling training camp, Harrison is hoping to bring home the ultimate Christmas gift for his family.

“The holidays in the Harrison household are a real family affair,” said Harrison. “It’s a time to get together, reconnect and do all the stuff we don’t normally get a chance to do. My family really does their thing in the kitchen and I can’t indulge like that, so I made sure I was out training in Colorado during Thanksgiving.

“This Christmas is going to be special. All I want is the best present of all, to beat Jermell Charlo on December 22 and bring that belt home to my two-year-old son Tony Jr., and four-month-old daughter Jaia.”

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo battling Willie Monroe Jr and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo taking on Tony Harrison. Televised action also features a heavyweight attraction between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

# # #

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

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

LONDON (December 11, 2018) – ITV is delighted to announce today a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

“This unprecedented deal between PBC and ITV is great news for boxing fans in the UK. We look forward to bringing viewers big events and superb action from some of the world’s best fighters in the coming years,” said Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

“Bringing big events to our platforms under this deal allows ITV to build on its aim of developing our direct relationship with viewers as part of our More Than TV strategy,” said Julian Ashworth, Director ITV Strategy and Direct to Consumer.

“We’re thrilled about this new exclusive three-year deal with ITV, UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and the opportunity to bring the best boxers in the world to the UK,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The unique collaboration means ITV’s viewers are in for a special treat with PBC’s world class boxing events.”

Further announcements on the first PBC shows that will be available to viewers on the ITV platforms will follow in the days to come.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.

# # # #

About ITV

ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster and the largest commercial television network in the UK. It is the home of popular television from the biggest entertainment events, to original drama, major sport, landmark factual series and independent news. It operates a family of channels including ITV, ITVBe, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and CITV, which are broadcast free-to- air. ITV is also focused on delivering its programming via the ITV Hub, mobile devices, video on demand and third party platforms. ITV Studios is a global production business, creating and selling programmes and formats from offices in the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Nordics and the Netherlands. It is the largest and most successful commercial production company in the UK, the largest independent non-scripted indie in the US and ITV Studios Global Entertainment is a leading international distribution businesses.

About Premier Boxing Champions

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

JAMIE MOORE says that Josh Warrington will struggle to replicate his stunning performance when he took Lee Selby’s IBF World Featherweight title in May.

Warrington (27-0) upset the Welshman and he is now the underdog again ahead of his first defence against Frampton (26-1) on Saturday December 22, live on BT Sport Box Office.

Frampton’s trainer Moore believes that was a once in a lifetime performance from Warrington in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road, home of his beloved Leeds United.

“I think Lee Selby was probably his big night – I’ve got to be honest,” said Moore.

“Was Lee dead at the weight? No. Absolutely not, because he wouldn’t have made it through 12 rounds. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like.

“Was he tight at the weight? Yes. But, a lot of fighters are tight at the weight. I don’t think you can take away from Josh’s performance by saying Lee was dead at the weight.

“I think Josh raised his game. That was the night he looked for in the whole of his boxing life. From being a kid he would have wanted to win a world title and hopefully had it at Elland Road.

“You can understand how he performed like that. But, Carl Frampton is a different level. To me, he is an elite level fighter.”

Moore is an admirer of Warrington, but when he breaks down their clash that many believe will be Fight of the Year he insists there is only one winner and doesn’t expect a 12 round distance contest.

He added: “Josh brings pace and work rate so we know Carl has to be on his game physically and he is on track.

“His jab, his judgement of range and distance. You can’t just go in there and out work someone who has got the skill set of Carl.

“It takes a lot more than that. You have to set those sort of things up and Carl is very good at stopping an opponent in their tracks or anticipating what they’re gonna do.

“His feet are nice. He has got an unorthodox defence so he’s not a typical hands up, fast feet boxer. He dips, rolls and slides and has an odd rhythm.

“Even though I know it will be competitive in fights like this where the styles are going to gel well, the better fighter with the skill set usually wins.

“Josh will be surprised how hard Carl hits. Since Carl moved up to featherweight people think he is not a puncher, but going in with the opponents he has been in with you can understand why he goes the distance.

“I am not giving away clues for the game plan, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Carl gets him out of there.

“It won’t be early because I think Josh has got a good set of whiskers, but I think it will be a case of breaking him down slowly and later on Carl will get to him.

“The way Carl’s performing, the mindset he’s in, the form he’s in – I can’t see anything but a big Carl Frampton win.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Alex Leapai, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.

Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

Filip Hrgovi? attracted a 43% television market share in Croatia for his heavyweight showdown with former World title challenger Kevin Johnson on Saturday at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb, broadcast live on RTL.

This huge percentage of the Croatian television watching public tuned in to see the Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist dominate Johnson, claiming his seventh professional win and continuing his World title charge.

Hrgovi? is now ranked top ten with the WBA and also holds World rankings with the WBC and WBO. Having been matched aggressively from the start of his career, the 26 year-old is already being positioned for a World title fight, which could come as early as next year.

“These sensational viewing figures are further proof of Filip’s massive star appeal,” said Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH. “He is already a huge draw in his native Croatia, and as his career progresses, these numbers are only going to improve.”

“We have a plan in place that will take Filip to the top of the heavyweight division, which is the pinnacle of the sport of boxing,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland, of Team Sauerland. “Not only can he become one of the biggest names in Croatian sporting history, but also a global superstar.”

LAS VEGAS (December 10, 2018) – Upset-minded heavyweight prospect Alexander “The Great” Flores departed a week ago on a 13-hour flight from California to New Zealand to challenge former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker this Saturday (Dec. 15) in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“Beating Parker will get me a step closer to my goal to be the first Mexican-American to become world heavyweight champion,” Flores said. “I can’t picture myself losing, not the way I feel. I’ve had a long, hard training camp for this fight. It’s really been a couple years, because some fights fell through.”

A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World Heavyweight Champion, the 28-year-old Flores (17-1-1, 15 KOs) has a new lease on his pro boxing career, now promoted by Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing.

“Alex has worked hard during the past two months,” added Keith Veltre, CEO/co-founder of Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing. “I truly believe Joseph Parker has no clue what he is in for with him. Like I said before, Alex is headed to New Zealand for the W, and he will leave it all in the ring. It has been a huge mistake on Parker’s part to overlook Alex.”

On a mission to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion of the world, Flores has already had a significant first leading up to this fight versus Parker. He experienced his initial flight a few months ago to do media work in New Zealand to promote the Dec. 15 fight.

“Yeah,” Flores explained, “that was my first flight. It took 13 hours, but I slept five or six hours, so it wasn’t too bad, other than being a little cold there. New Zealand is a beautiful country. The only thing I really need to acclimate to is the 20-hour time difference.

“I’m not concerned about fighting Parker there. I know I’m the underdog, but I had to take advantage of this opportunity. We were supposed to fight November 24th, so I had already waited a long time for a fight like this. At the end of the day it’s just going to be me and him in the ring. I’m going there to win, I see myself knocking him out.”

Parker (24-2, 18 KOs) is coming off back-to-back losses in the United Kingdom, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions, respectively, to Dillian Whyte and unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Parker captured the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO heavyweight world title two years ago, when he took a 12-round majority decision over Andy Ruiz, Jr., followed by unanimous and majority 12-round decisions, respectively, against Razvan Cojanu and Hughie Fury. Ruiz and Fury were undefeated going into their fights with Parker, both ending in majority decisions and shrouded in scoring controversy.

Flores’ lone loss as a professional came 3 ½ years ago against former world champion Charles Martin for the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title, in which Flores, who took the fight with only two weeks’ notice, was stopped in the fourth round.

The powerful Flores, fighting out of Rowland Heights, California, realizes Parker has never been knocked out as a pro, plus the New Zealander is fighting at home for the first time in 1 ½ years, but he is not deterred from predicting a shocking conclusion.

“He’s going to get a little bit of everything from me,” Flores forcasted. “I’m a boxer-puncher, but I can press the action, or stand and punch. I’m tough to hit, too. It’s not going the distance; I’m not going down, Parker’s going down.”

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @alexflores919
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, alexander_thegreat_flores

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:

Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: super bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, super flyweight Aston Francis Palicite, super welterweights John Vera and Daniel Rosario Cruz, super featherweight Randy Moreno, bantamweights Max Ornelas and Tony Lopez, cruiserweight Adrain Taylor and middleweight Shady Gamhour, featherweight Edward Vazquez, super lightweight Kendo Castaneda and heavyweight Alexander Flores.

NEW YORK (December 10, 2018) -Top lightweight Teofimo Lopez scored an explosive 44-second knockout over Mason Menard this past Saturday night at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a scheduled ten-round bout that was viewed by a massive audience on ESPN.

Lopez landed a crushing right hand that had Menard plummeting face-first on to the cnavas, in what was the opening televised bout on the Vasilly Lomachenko – Jose Pedraza lightweight unification card.

Lopez is now the NABA, NABF and USBA Lightweight champion.

The knockout, was featured on ESPN SportCenter, and all over social media, took place on an event which was the 2nd highest rated boxing card on cable television this year

With the win, Lopez pushed his perfect mark to 11-0 with nine knockouts, and now he feels he is ready for anybody in the lightweight division.

“I knew he was a tough fighter. I knew he could fight,” Lopez said. “I wanted to test him, and I took a chance early in the fight. I know he trained hard, and he didn’t want it to go that way. But this is ‘The Takeover.’ ‘The Takeover’ has begun.

“In 2019, I will be a world champion. That’s a guarantee.”

“I put an exclamation point that I am no longer a prospect, and now it’s on to the contenders, and moving up the rankings. In 2019 you will see me fight for a world title.”

Said Lopez manger, David McWater of Split T Management, “He’s just never stops surprising me. Just when you think he can’t do better than his last fight he does something even more amazing. It’s been a generation since boxing saw a young fighter like this”

Philadelphia, PA (December 10, 2018) — This past Friday night, Kalvin Henderson remained undefeated and he established himself as a top super middleweight prospect by scoring a 7th round stoppage over Brandon Robinson in a thrilling battle at the 2300
Arena.

The fight headlined a six-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

The entire card was streamed live and can be viewed on-demand on the King’s Boxing Facebook page.

The fight was a grueling battle that had many ebbs and flows. The contest at times was a boxing match, with both fighters trying to establish their jabs, but much of it was fought on the inside with each guy having success in the close fight.

In round two, Robinson began to swell under his left eye that was the result of a punch by Henderson.

In round three, but men were cut from punches as Robinson was cut over his right eye, while Henderson was cut over the left optic.

In round five, the fight changed as Henderson dropped Robinson with a hard uppercut. When Robinson got to his feet, his left eye was virtually shut. Robinson showed tremendous courage as he came forward and even, with just one eye, landed some good shots on Henderson.

In round seven, Henderson came out with a renewed vigor, and turned up his work-rate and he dropped Robinson twice and ended the fight at 2:08 of the round.

Henderson, 166.4 lbs of Fort Worth, Texas is now 11-0 with seven knockouts. Robinson, 168.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 11-2,

In the co-feature, Paul Koon shook off four-years of ring rust to win a four-round unanimous decision over Cade Rodriguez in a heavyweight bout.

Koon dropped Rodriguez in round one with a left hook on the inside. Koon was not able to finish off his large opponent, but came home with to win by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36.

Koon, 237.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0. Rodriguez, 293.9 lbs of Monroe, GA is 293.9 lbs of Monroe, GA is 2-3.

Romuel Cruz pitched a shutout, and won a four-round unanimous decision over Hugo Rodriguez in a super bantamweight bout.

Cruz, 122 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0-1. Rodriguez, 120.9 lbs of Nuevo Leon, Mexico is 0-2.

Isaiah Wise scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over over Andy Gonzales in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight.

In the opening seconds of the bout, both guys stood toe-to-toe and landed good shots on each other. At the end of the frame, Wise landed a huge right hand that froze Gonzales. Gonzales was looking around the ring, only to eat a monster right that sent him to the canvas. Clearly, the one-minute respite was not enough for Gonzalez, as Wise landed a hard flurry on the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 40 seconds.

Wise, 155.9 lbs of Philadelphia is now 7-2-1 with four knockouts. Gonzales, 151.6 lbs of Worcester, MA is 6-4.

James Brenadin and Sheldon Deverteuil battled to a four-round split draw in a fight featuring undefeated lightweights.

Each fighter took a card 39-37, and a 3rd card read even at 38-38.

Brenadin, 139.5 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 1-0-1. Deverteuil, 137.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0-2.

Travis Toledo dropped Ronnie Lawrence twice in en-rout to a first round stoppage in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.

The time of the finish was 2:30 for Toledo, 173.3 lbs of Baltimore, who is now 4-0 with three knockouts. Lawrence, 174.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-3.

CARL FRAMPTON SUSPECTS there is an underbelly of arrogance that is beginning to show in the words of his forthcoming opponent Josh Warrington, who he challenges for the IBF world featherweight title at the Manchester Arena on December 22, but counters by pointing out that he has fought in as many world title fights as the champion has victories via KO.

Northern Ireland’s national treasure is concluding his preparations for the BT Box Office showdown in Manchester with his trainer Jamie Moore and insists his own attitude towards opponents remains unchanged despite the gruelling effects of the business end of camp.

However, he believes the same cannot be said for Warrington, who he considers to be showing his true colours with comments regarding how the blockbuster collision will play out.

“I think I am a pretty laid back person and I don’t necessarily have a dislike for Josh Warrington,” Frampton told the launch edition of The Boxing Podcast. “But, I think there is something bubbling beneath the surface and he is a bit more arrogant than he lets on.

“It is just a few things that I have seen recently and it is starting to seep out. Maybe he is getting a wee bit carried away with this world title and fair play to him because he is a world champion and he is entitled to be proud of that.

“He is getting a bit too carried away though and I think there is a bit of arrogance in there somewhere that he is trying his best to keep away from the public.

“It is just a few wee things that he’s said. He’s said he’s going to knock me out and he doesn’t need to say that.

“It is a bit of an outrageous comment coming from a guy whose had as many knockout wins (six) as I’ve had world title fights. I don’t think he needed to say that.

“Also just a few little things that he’s said and done. I feel there is arrogance bubbling under the surface.”

Frampton added that the obvious edge that accompanied the build-up to Warrington’s world title win over Lee Selby in May might well come to the fore again this time around.

“Potentially, but I’ll just do what I’ve always done and I’ll respect opponents if I’m respected. I take it all with a pinch of salt and carry on thinking about myself and my own performance.

“I don’t get to caught up in it all, but we’ll see, as it gets closer and he gets a bit more on edge he may say a few things that aren’t that savoury. It doesn’t bother me.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Alex Leapai, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.

Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

Kem Ljungquist (6-0, 4 KOs) meets Dominik Musil (3-1, 2 KOs) on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said the Danish heavyweight hope. “Musil is an exciting opponent, but he is one that I should be able to beat. I look forward to entertaining the fans in Struer!”

Ljungquist was last in action on September 28 in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, as part of the World Boxing Super Series final between George Groves and Callum Smith, scoring a second-round stoppage against Egypt’s Morad Omar.

“It was a good fight for me and a great experience to be part of the World Boxing Super Series,” he says. “Morad Omar came to win, but I quickly found the right openings and was happy with the win.”

The 28 year-old has enjoyed a perfect 2018. Ljungquist has claimed five wins from five fights, and also acted as sparring partner for the returning Tyson Fury.

“It was a great experience to spar Fury,” said Ljungquist. “I know he has recommended me to other top heavyweights, and I hope he will call again.

“I feel I’m getting better by sparring with the best, and I’m getting matched harder and harder in my fights. In 2019, I look forward to developing more against even stronger opponents.”

The Herlev boxer calls himself his own worst critic, and while he admits he is still in the development phase, it is clear his eyes are on the prize.

“My motivation, to achieve something big in my career, is huge,” he says. “It’s a privilege to make a living from boxing and I would like to go all the way. I want to keep improving until I finally get the big fights for the big belts.

“It’s all about training hard, full throttle and living right. I have managed to do well so far and if I continue to do that, then the opportunities will come.”

Ljungquist’s eight round heavyweight clash with Musil is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown, and Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Last night, Top Rank on ESPN (9:12 p.m. ET to 12:35 a.m. ET.) witnessed Vasiliy Lomachenko (12-1, 9 KOs), the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world (according to ESPN.com ranking), accomplish another career highlight. In front of a sold-out crowd, Lomachenko went on to defeat Jose Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs), by unanimous decision, and unify two lightweight world titles in the main event of the Top Rank on ESPN card at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The overall event delivered a 1.4 metered market rating according to Nielsen, making it the second highest-rated boxing telecast in 2018 across all broadcast and cable networks, only behind Crawford-Benavidez on ESPN in October 2018.

The co-main event and special feature bout that opened the telecast also performed well for Top Rank on ESPN, scoring a 1.4 and 1.2 metered market ratings, respectively. Including the main event, these fights are three of the top five fights on cable in 2018. The co-main saw challenger Emanuel Navarrete (26-1, 22 KOs) defeat Isaac Dogboe (20-1, 14 KOs) to win, via unanimous decision, the WBO junior featherweight world title. But it was Top Rank’s rising star and 2016 Olympian, Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs), who astonished the crowd by putting on a show against Mason Menard (34-4, 24 KOs), knocking him out just 44 seconds into the opening round.

Main Things to Know
Last night’s entire Top Rank on ESPN telecast averaged a 1.4 metered market rating, making it the second highest-rated boxing telecast in 2018 across all broadcast and cable networks, behind Crawford vs Benavidez Jr. on ESPN in October 2018.
Lomachenko-Pedraza main event averaged a 1.5 metered market rating, making it the second highest-rated boxing match on cable in 2018, behind Crawford vs Benavidez Jr. on ESPN in October 2018.
Dogboe vs Navarrete and Lopez vs Menard averaged a 1.4 and 1.2 metered market rating, respectively. Including the main event, these fights are now three of the top five fights on cable in 2018.
Notably, the Lomachenko vs. Pedraza telecast (1.4 metered marketing rating) averaged an 8% higher rating than the Lomachenko/Rigondeaux telecast in December 2017, which averaged a 1.3 metered market rating. Both main events averaged a 1.5 metered market rating.

TIJUANA, MX (December 9, 2018) – Last night in Tijuana, Mexico, hot bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa, who is managed by Cali Boxing Management, improved to (4-0, 4 KOs), with a second round TKO when his opponent Luis Marin Lopez didn’t come out after round one.

Correra, from San Jose, California, dropped Lopez with a left hook to the body late in the first round, then finished him off when he landed another left hook, this time to the temple.

“I’m happy to be staying busy in Mexico as I feel my career is heading in the right direction,” said Eros Correra. “My team is doing a fantastic job getting me fights. I want the momentum to continue as I march into 2019. I believe next year will be a big year for me. I’m excited about my future.

BOWIE, MD (December 9, 2018) – Last night at Bowie State University, in Maryland, Prince Ranch Boxing’s rising star, super lightweight prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (9-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated a devastating first round knockout against Siddharth Ravindra Varma (4-3-1, 1 KO). Hunter landed a monstrous right uppercut that sent Varma to the canvas up against the ropes forcing, the referee to stop the bout.

“I wanted to send a message to the super lightweight division with a great performance and I got the knockout,” said Keith Hunter. “It felt great to let my hands go. I’m going to get right back in the gym, so I can be ready for anything that comes my way. If my name is called, I’m going to be prepared, locked and loaded.”

“I’m very excited about Keith Hunter’s future,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Tonight, his power was on display and those watching saw a star in the making. He’s getting better with each fight. He’s going to be a problem for anyone.”

This fight was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP).

Croatian heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (7-0, 5 KOs) continues his World title hunt with a unanimous points win over former World title challenger Kevin Johnson (33-12-1, 17 KOs) last night at the KC Drazen Petrovic in Zagreb.

The WBC International Champion dominated Johnson over the eight round distance and came close to stopping the durable American in the second round with an overhand right landing flush and buckling the Kingpin’s legs.

Johnson beat the count but offered little resistance as Hrgovi? continued to control the fight in the later rounds, and the decision was in no doubt when the scorecards were read out with all three judges favouring the Croatian, 80-71.

Hrgovi?, the 2015 European Amateur Championship Gold Medallist and 2016 Rio Olympic Bronze Medallist, ends 2018 on a high, having previously recorded victories over Sean Turner, Filberto Tovar and Amir Mansour.

“I would like to thank everybody who has supported me,” said Hrgovi?. “I would also like to thank Kevin Johnson. He is a good fighter and he has my respect. I hit him with some big shots and he did not go down.

“I now plan to have a short break and enjoy Christmas with my family, and in the New Year I look forward to getting back in the gym and continuing my World title quest. In 2019, I am coming for all the belts!”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was ringside watching on as Hrgovi? recorded his seventh career win, and says he was impressed with his fighter’s display.

“That was a good performance from Filip,” said Sauerland. “He will have learnt a lot from those eight rounds. He has already shown great development as a professional, and he can now enjoy a well deserved rest before a big 2019.”

On the undercard, two-weight female World Champion Ivana Habazin outpointed Eva Bajic, avenging her 2013 defeat, while rising German star Leon Bauer climbed off the canvas to claim a unanimous points win over Jorge Silva.

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 8, 2018) —Their first fight ended with a dramatic knockout that shook up the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The rematch between Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will bring two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest names to The Star.

Alvarez will defend his WBO light heavyweight world title against former unified light heavyweight world champion Kovalev on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility.

Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) scored a come-from-behind knockout against Kovalev on Aug. 4 in a major upset to shake up the division. Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs), who has made nine title defenses across two reigns, will seek to become a three-time world champion and regain his position in boxing’s pound-for-pound top ten.

Alvarez-Kovalev 2 and a soon-to-be announced co-feature will headline a special edition of Top Rank on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET. The entire undercard will stream live beginning at 7 p.m. ET in the United States on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets, priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees), go on sale Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. CST and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

”The fact that Kovalev said it was a mistake and that I was lucky is motivation for me,” Alvarez said. “He is a sore loser, and I will make sure there will be a second ‘accident.’ ‘I expect Kovalev to be stronger in that second fight. I expect the best Kovalev because he won’t underestimate me this time, but I am fully aware of this. I am able to be even better than in the last fight.”

“I am very thankful to fight on ESPN on Feb. 2,” Kovalev said. “I will look to take back my title and put on a great show for the fans. Together with my new trainer, Buddy McGirt, I will be ready for Alvarez.”

“Sergey and Eleider are two of the world’s best fighters, and we look forward to hosting their rematch and another great night of boxing at Ford Center at The Star,” said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “Ford Center has proven to be a premier fight venue, and there is no better way to continue that legacy than to bring the world light heavyweight championship to North Texas.”

Alvarez, 34, a native of Colombia who now resides in Montreal, turned pro in 2009 following an amateur career that included a pair of Pan American Games gold medals and a 2008 Olympic berth. In 2013, he defeated former middleweight world champion Edison Miranda by unanimous decision, and by 2015, he had established himself as one of the world’s top light heavyweight contenders. He earned the shot at Kovalev following a trio of high-profile wins: a 2015 majority decision against perennial contender Isaac Chilemba, a 2017 knockout of former longtime super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute, and a majority decision over former light heavyweight kingpin Jean Pascal. That all led to his triumphant night on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, a feat he hopes to duplicate in Frisco.

Kovalev is one of the most dominating world champions of his era, a devastating puncher with nine title defenses across two title reigns. He won the WBO world title in August 2013, traveling to Wales and knocking out hometown champion Nathan Cleverly in the fourth round. He became the unified champion in November 2014 with a dominating 12-round decision against future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins and further enhanced his résumé with a pair of knockout wins against Jean Pascal. He lost his world titles in November 2016 via controversial decision to pound-for-pound great Andre Ward. Nearly seven months later, Kovalev was stopped in the eighth round by Ward, a bout remembered in part for the multiple low blows that immediately preceded the stoppage. Kovalev rebounded, winning the vacant WBO light heavyweight title with a second-round TKO against Vyacheslav Shabranskyy in his next bout. He defended the title once, a seventh-round TKO of Igor Mikhalkin in March, before running into Alvarez.

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Queens, N.Y. – Wall-to-wall spectators packed into Club Amazura on Friday night to witness the final show of 2018 by Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions in association with the New Mexican Promotion. Those fans were treated to an outstanding evening of fights that were also broadcasted to a worldwide audience via Fight Night Live on Facebook.

“The show was amazing tonight,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We had a great turnout, and we can really feel the momentum building here at Club Amazura. We see this venue becoming a stable for us over the coming years. This is an historical building that has hosted a lot of fights in the past, and many famous fighters have fought here. We really want to rejuvenate this place in terms of the fight game and make it a destination for local boxing once again.”

In the headliner of the evening, Ronica Jeffrey (17-1, 1 KO) picked up her second consecutive win as the main eventer of an Uprising Promotions card, defeating veteran Edina Kiss (15-9, 9 KOs) in a six-round encounter. The Brooklyn native moved well throughout the contest, showing good ring generalship and establishing her rhythm early. Jeffrey also did a nice job of parrying the jab and following up with a right hand over the top, and she found herself in a position where she had Kiss backing up in the sixth and final frame. She diligently fought for the finish over those last two minutes, but Kiss was able to hold on and make her settle for a unanimous decision.

When the cards were read aloud by in-ring announcer Mark Fratto, Jeffery emerged victorious by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 58-56.

In the co-feature, popular Irish junior welterweight Larry Fryers (9-1, 3 KOs) took on Ronald Rivas (5-8-2, 3 KOs) in an action-packed eight-rounder, claiming a unanimous decision victory. The two combatants stepped into a phonebooth early and fought this one entirely on the inside, much to the pleasure of the energetic fans in attendance. Fryers continually came forward and applied pressure, and Rivas was also willing to exchange and make it a very entertaining scrap.

In the end, Fryers controlled the better of the action over eight competitive rounds and claimed the win with final tallies of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75.

In a six-frame bantamweight affair, Ariel Lopez (11-0, 7 KOs) was once again very impressive in a bout opposite Jeno Tonte (9-5, 8 KOs), needing less than three rounds to dispose of the hard-hitting Hungarian. Lopez did a very nice job of mixing up his attack, going to the body early and often while placing right hands on Tonte with ease. By the third round, the body work really started to pay off and he dropped his opponent with a hard shot to the ribs. Tonte was able to get back onto his feet, but Lopez would not let him off the hook.

As soon as action resumed, Lopez battered Tonte with a heavy offensive attack until referee Mike Rosario was forced to stop it at 1:57 of that third frame.

Following a nearly 18-month layoff, undefeated Bronx native Peter Dobson (10-0, 6 KOs) returned to action against the always-game Salim Larbi (20-11-2, 7 KOs) in a scheduled eight-rounder.

This fight had good action from its onset, with Dobson using a methodical approach in how he handled the aggression of Larbi. Midway through the first frame, he buckled the Brooklyn transplant but did not allow himself to get overexcited and walk into any traps. Larbi continued to come forward with a bit of reckless abandon, but Dobson did a good job of slipping punches and countering.

By the time that the third round came up, a poise Dobson worked Larbi to the neutral corner and began to unload pinpoint hooks with both hands. As he began to increase his volume and seemingly land every strike he threw, referee Steve Willis was forced to halt the action at 2:47 of that frame as Larbi began to lose the ability to effectively defend himself.

In a six-round super bantamweight attraction, Jose Gonzalez (11-0-2, 3 KOs) remained unbeaten after claiming flush 59-55 tallies from the judges against Andre Wilson (15-13-1, 12 KOs). This bout was fought almost entirely in the center of the ring, with both fighters willing to engage throughout the scrap. They ultimately finished off the action with heavy fireworks in the sixth and final frame, as each man poured every last ounce of energy they had into an incredible three minutes of non-stop action.

After that final bell had rung, it was Gonzalez who saw his win total increase when the cards arrived from the judges at ringside.

In a bit of an upset, Andre Byrd (6-4-2, 1 KO) fought Noel Murphy (12-1-1, 2 KOs) to a majority draw, with Byrd seeing a 58-56 card in his favor get overturned by a pair of 57-57 counts. Each of the four rounds from the welterweights was very competitive, as both fighters were giving and taking on the exchanges. In the end, four frames would not be enough to decide a victor, and a majority draw became the official outcome.

In the opening bout of the evening, super featherweight Harrison Barba (2-1, 2 KOs) claimed his second consecutive stoppage win on an Uprising Promotions show at Club Amazura. After earning a late knockdown of Joseph Santana (0-2) near the end of the first round, Barba finished off his opposition in the second frame as the ringside doctors called for a halt to the action at 2:30.

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