SUNNY EDWARDS WILL take on a tough Mexican challenge in the shape of Junior Granados when he returns to the ring at the Brentwood Centre on December 15 with the WBC International super flyweight title at stake, live on BT Sport

The 22-year-old will enter double figures as a professional when he bids for a tenth straight victory, following on from his most impressive performance to date when he outfoxed the experienced Ryan Farrag by a shut out margin on two of the judges’ cards at York Hall last month.

The win put a marker down in the super flyweight division for the currently Sheffield-based former Team GB member who hopes to place himself into contention for a shot at the British title to go alongside his WBO European belt.

Grenados is best known to UK and Ireland fight fans for his only fight outside of his native Mexico when he engaged in an absolute war against Jamie Conlan in Dublin in July 2015.

In a truly compelling encounter, Conlan was down and virtually out after being floored twice in the seventh round to body shots and then on the brink of stoppage when he was forced to fend off a flurry of shots that left him rocking on the ropes.

Against the odds, Conlan re-established his composure and, with the crowd behind him, finished strongly to clinch a decision on the cards that was disputed by the Granados camp.

The 25-year-old has since recorded three wins – with one defeat via split decision – and holds a record of 16-5-1. Two of the wins were against the world ranked Aston Palicte (20-1 at the time) and the previously unbeaten Roque Mex (16-0-1).

“He had a war with Jamie and had him down a couple of times – but Jamie still got the win – and since then he has had a good couple of wins,” said Edwards on his next assignment.

“They were two opponents with very good records, so Granados is definitely going to come and have a go. His record is probably a bit misleading with a few losses on it but he has fought top people and this is a good level fight.

“When it was offered to me I did what I have done with every one of my opponents, or potential opponents, and that is say yes. I haven’t said no to anyone and I think that is getting obvious now because there are a lot of easier fights I could have taken than Junior Granados.

“Coming off of my win over Farrag it was put to me by my promotional team that they wanted me on a TV bill to build up my momentum and that is what I need more than anything, along with the exposure of performing on BT Sport.

“One hundred per cent it is good that they are thinking of me in terms of being in fights like this. I feel like I deserve it now, the Farrag fight has elevated me to them wanting me on the shows and that is the best place I can be.”

9-0 Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois faces former World Title challenger Razvan Cojanu (16-4) on the BT Sport televised show from the Brentwood Centre. Former British Welterweight champion Bradley Skeete also returns and seeks to restore his name in the world rankings.

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), unbeaten Light Heavyweight Willy Hutchinson (6-0), bantamweight Jake Pettitt (4-0), middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (1-0). Portsmouth lightweight Mark Chamberlain will make his professional debut.

TICKET PRICES
£150 – Hospitality
£100 – Floor
£50 – Bleachers unreserved
Doors Open: 4pm

Tickets available via Ticketmaster

Kid Galahad says he wants to set up an all-Yorkshire World title battle with IBF Featherweight Champion Josh Warrington after taking the mandatory position with a win over Toka Kahn Clary at the TD Garden in Boston last month.

Galahad returns on the Kell Brook vs. Michael Zerafa undercard at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on December 8, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, and will be keeping a close eye on Warrington’s first defence against two-weight king Carl Frampton on December 22.

The 28-year-old, a former British, Commonwealth and European ruler, is rooting for the Champion to defeat the Belfast star so they can set up a tasty local derby in 2019 and aims to impress on in front of his home crowd next week.

“I did what I needed to do against Clary,” said Galahad. “He was very tricky and very awkward. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t knock him out to be honest with you. I knew it was going to be scrappy, he’s long and wiry, I had to break his spirit. I got the job done and now I’m looking forward to fighting back in Sheffield – I’ll be looking to end the year on a high.

“I hope Josh gets the win against Frampton. That is a huge Yorkshire derby, Leeds versus Sheffield, that’s a big fight. Now I have the mandatory position, there’s no excuses, nowhere to run for Josh or Carl. I hope they don’t vacate the title and go elsewhere, that fight has to be made. If Josh wins I don’t think he’d vacate, but Carl might as he’s done it before, he vacated the WBA instead of fighting Guillermo Rigondeaux.

“It’s a great division with Leo Santa Cruz, Gary Russell Jr. and Oscar Valdez in there as Champions. Back home obviously there’s Josh, Carl and Scott Quigg. I don’t like Scott, he thinks he’s better than he is, and I’d love to smash him. Scott has come up short and I think that people would expect me to win, so I’d rather fight Josh or Carl, we’re the big three in Britain.”

Galahad features on a huge night of boxing in the Steel City.

Unbeaten Irish star Jono Carroll faces French former European Champion Guillaume Frenois in a final eliminator to become mandatory challenger to IBF Super-Featherweight World Champion Tevin Farmer.

Rising Welterweight star Josh Kelly steps up in class as he takes on former WBA World Champion David Avanesyan in his ninth professional contest and explosive Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler is in title action as he targets a showdown with newly-crowned British Champion Ted Cheeseman in 2019

Sheffield is well represented on the undercard with Welterweight Anthony Tomlinson, Super-Middleweight Callum Hancock and Middleweight Shakiel Thompson all in action, while Leeds Super-Bantamweight Qais Ashfaq and Denaby Lightweight Terri Harper also feature.

Tickets for Brook vs. Zerafa priced at £40, £60, £100 and £200 (Inner Ring VIP) are available to purchase via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) FlyDSA Arena (www.flydsaarena.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, with the sanctioned cooperation of the World Boxing Council, proudly announces the Carlos Monzon “Super 8” Middleweight Tournament, featuring eight of Argentina’s most promising 160-lb middleweight fighters vying for the Monzon Cup and a world rating.

The tournament begins on Friday, January 4 and all tournament events will be held in Argentina and televised live around the world on TyC Sports. The finals will be held on Saturday, July 6.

Featured fighters include Gonzalo “El Mago” Coria (14-2, 5 KOs), Martin Ezequiel Bulacio (8-2, 6 KOs), Tomas “El Cobra” Reynoso (13-3-1, 3 KOs), Jose Antonio “Tsunami” Villalobos (11-5-2, 7 KOs), brother of current WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano, Alan Emmanuel Castano (13-0, 8 KOs), Francisco “Pancho” Torres (10-3, 4 KOs), Sergio “Checho” Lopez (12-2, 9 KOs) and Jonathan “El Chúcaro” Sanchez (13-3-1, 4 KOs).

Lewkowicz, who has already successfully organized and promoted a similar super bantamweight tournament, and expertly handled the career of all-time-great Argentinean middleweight world champion Sergio Martinez, says the initial tournament’s success is what led to this middleweight edition.

“I’m very honored to be putting on this tournament in Argentina, and I’m confident it will produce Argentina’s next future middleweight star,” said Lewkowicz. “The winner of this tournament will have a world rating with the prestigious WBC and a ticket to graduate to the world level. I am hoping to put on a tournament worthy of the great Carlos Monzon. Something that he’d be proud of.”

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman says the WBC are gratified to be lending their official support.

“Carlos Monzon was a legendary champion when I came to the sport of boxing and he was very close to the WBC and my father throughout his career,” explained Sulaiman. “Argentina is such an important country for boxing, they deserve support because they have done unbelievable work both in the amateurs, by winning medals, and in the professional ranks. Lately it has been a very complicated and difficult time for Argentinean boxing, so Sampson coming out and doing this tournament is something we will absolutely support. The winner will absolutely appear in the WBC’s rankings.

From Wikipedia: Carlos Monzon was an Argentine professional boxer who held the Undisputed World Middleweight Championship for 7 years. He successfully defended his title 14 times and is widely regarded as not only one of the best middleweights in history but also one of the greatest boxers of all time.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zelaland, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS., FOX and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

PHILADELPHIA — November 26, 2018 — Hard Hitting Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated super featherweight Tamar “Princess” Israeli to a promotional contract.

Israeli of Tel Aviv, Israel, now fights out of Las Vegas, and has a record of 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout.

The 27 year-old Israeli, who also has modeled all over the world, was recently introduced as the newest member of Team Hard Hitting on November 16th at The 2300 Arena.

Israeli began boxing at the age of 17. While living in France, she started modeling. When she moved to New York, she tried to continue to model, but she became focused on her boxing career.

“I was always getting into fights when I was little, so I put my anger towards boxing, and that is what got me started in the sport,” said Isareli.

Israeli began training at the famed Gleason’s Gym, and had 22 amateur fights.

She turned professional in February 11, 2017 with a 59 second stoppage over Khadija Sanders in Raleigh, North Carolina. Three months later she returned to Raleigh to score a 3rd round stoppage over Lashanda Tabron.

“I am excited and happy to sign with Hard Hitting Promotions. I can not wait to fight on one of their cards. I just was at their last fight card, which was a ShoBox card, and I see the type of fight cards that they put on. It is a classy operation.”

“We are very happy to have signed Tamar,” said Manny Rivera and Will Ruiz of Hard Hitting Promotions. “She has a lot of talent, and we look forward to continuing her career. She has a lot of charisma and feel she will become a real fan favorite on our shows, and eventually she will become a champion.”

Israeli also recently signed with manager Brian Cohen. Cohen, who manages a dozen high-quality female fighters, also has big hopes for his new fighter.

“I met her at Gleason’s and saw that she has a lot of talent. I don’t sign fighters unless they can fight, so she is just not another pretty face. She is a hard worker, and now that we have her under contract, she will get better.”

“I am happy to sign with Brian. I trust him 100%. He is very professional. It is what I needed for my boxing career. I can see what he has done with his other fighters, and I can see my future is very bright.”

“I got the nickname Princess because I loved watching Prince Naseem Hamed fight. He had a different style, and he was a showman. I like to entertain. Also people started calling me that because of my long hair”

Cohen said that he is working with Hard Hitting Promotions on a fight date for Israeli, which could come at the end of December or on Hard Hitting Promotions next card, which will be in February.

On Saturday, December 1, at the Galaktika Culture Centre in Sochi, Russia, Umar Salamov will defend his Eurasian Boxing Parliament and WBO International Light Heavyweight Championships when he faces once-beaten Emmanuel “Horse Power” Anim in an explosive 10-round showdown.

Salamov (22-1, 17 KOs), from Alkhan-Kala, Russia, is currently ranked WBC #10, WBA #13, IBF #7 and WBO #10 in the world. Anim (13-1-1, 11 KOs), from Accra, Ghana, is a former Ghanaian Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion. The fight will also be televised live in Russia on Match TV.

“I take every fight seriously,” said Salamov. “My preparations have been excellent for this match. I scored a KO in all my wins this year and I’ll do it again on December 1.”

Salamov caught the boxing public’s eye in North America last June with a brutal one-punch knockout over respectable prospect Brian Howard. With top-10 rankings by every major sanctioning body, it’s a matter of time for the 24-year-old slugger.

“The light heavyweight division is one of the most talent-packed in boxing,” said Salamov’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Umar is one of the best in the world and with an impressive victory on December 1, he will be one step closer to reaching his goal of becoming a world champion.”

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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.

21-YEAR-OLD Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois will fight former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu on December 15th at the Brentwood Centre live on BT Sport.

Dubois (9-0) got taken the distance for the first time as a professional in October when American heavyweight veteran Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson managed to survive a one-sided, ten-round beating.

Next up for Dubois is American-based Romanian, Razvan Cojanu. The 31-year-old has 16 victories to his name and just four defeats; one of those defeats coming on points against New Zealander Joseph Parker for his WBO World Heavyweight strap in May 2017.

Razvan will be the second former world title challenger Dubois will have faced so far in his young boxing career to date; this being just his tenth outing as a professional.

“Razvan is a good fighter who has been fighting at world level for the last couple of years. It’s another step up in level of opponent and I’m looking forward to getting in the ring on December 15th and topping the bill in Brentwood.

“Kevin [Johnson] showed how durable he is in my last fight. I got ten good rounds in the bag from the fight. I went the distance and felt good from it, I enjoyed the experience and it will only help me become a better and stronger fighter going forward.”

Sunny Edwards is rewarded for his scintillating display last month against Ryan Farrag with a further defence of his WBO European super flyweight title on a BT Sport televised card.

The 22-year-old from Croydon will hit double figures on the night as he seeks to go 10-0 in the professional ranks.

Former British champion Bradley Skeete got back into winning ways at the same Brentwood venue in October with a savage third round stoppage of Fernando Valencia and now seeks to restore his name in the world rankings.

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), unbeaten Light Heavyweight Willy Hutchinson (6-0), bantamweight Jake Pettitt (4-0), middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (1-0). Portsmouth lightweight Mark Chamberlain will make his professional debut.

TICKET PRICES
£150 – Hospitality
£100 – Floor
£50 – Bleachers unreserved
Doors Open: 4pm

Tickets available via Ticketmaster

New York, November 26, 2018

With former World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI’s (21-3 8KO’S) much anticipated return to the Paramount on November 30th nearing closer, the excitement for STAR BOXING’S “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 33 continues to build with the announcement of an electrifying, action-packed undercard. While Algieri will be taking on tough Texan veteran. ANGEL “HITMAN” HERNANDEZ (14-11-2 9KO’S) in his homecoming main-event at The Paramount, a fantastic undercard has turned an already thrilling night of boxing to the next level.

In the co-feature bout, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (8-0 5 KOs) of Elmont, Long Island will be making his seventh appearance at The Paramount as he takes on LEONARDO ESQUIVEL CARRIZALES (5-5 2KOs). This will be an 8-round super welterweight bout.

No stranger to the bright lights and atmosphere of the Paramount, the undefeated Long Island native Tyrone James will be looking to remain so, as he rises through the ranks in the super welterweight division. James’ most recent performance at the Long Island venue was on June 8th of this year, and it ended in superb fashion as he earned a first round TKO victory over Keasen Freeman.

“I love it man. It’s like a home to me now,” said James about fighting at the Paramount. “They brought me in. They love watching me fight. They support me, and I know once that bell rings people will be screaming my name. I love it.”

Undefeated Wyandanch native, TERRELL “THE PROBLEM CHILD” BOSTIC (3-0 1 KO) will be making his return to the ring against up-and-comer OMAR BORDOY (6-0 2KOs). Bostic has fought all of his professional fights at the Paramount and will look to solidify the venue as his home on November 30th. Danbury, Connecticut’s Bordoy will be fighting for the first time in New York as he looks to extend his unblemished record to 7-0. In a battle of the “0’s” only one man will leave The Paramount with an undefeated record intact.This will be a 6-round lightweight tilt

Bellport, Long Island’s ALEX “EL TORRO” VARGAS (1-0) will also be bringing the hometown support with him as he makes his second professional appearance at The Paramount on November 30th. A champion at 165 pounds in the 2013 New York Golden Gloves, Vargas debut fight in September at the Long Island venue was full of excitement. With the energy of the crowd roaring through the place, Vargas marched his way towards a unanimous decision victory. Vargas will be taking on JARILL HAADI (pro-debut) of Rochester, who will be making his pro-debut. This will be a 4-round welterweight bout.

Making their professional boxing debuts will be DASHAUN “TOO SWEET” JOHNS (pro-debut) of the Bronx, NY and Vietnamese martial artist VU VAN HAI (pro-debut). Johns had a successful amateur career with a record of 50-12, winning the 2016 Title National Championship and winning Silver in the 2017 Golden Gloves Championship at 141 pounds. His opponent, Vu Van Hai, is a renowned VoViNam and Muay Thai fighter, boasting a number of achievements such as Imperial Level Three of VoViNam and Taekwondo Bronze Medalist. He will be traveling from Vietnam, his home country, half way around the world, early next week for this fight. This will be a 4-round jr. welterweight bout.

INFO:
Chris Algieri, who was developed at the famed Star Boxing venue, The Paramount, moved to the big stage and had a career defining, real life “Rocky” story unfold on HBO on June 14th, 2014 at the Barclay’s Center, in Brooklyn, against heavily favored and feared Ruslan Provodnikov (then 23-2 16 KO’s) for the WBO World Championship. After peeling himself off the canvas two times in the opening round, Algieri put on the fight of his life. With one eye virtually closed, the gutsy Algieri fought the rest of the fight in brilliant fashion dominating the defending champion Provodnikov to become the new WBO Super Lightweight World Champion*.

The win catapulted the local sensation to international fame. Algieri was awarded a mega-multi-million dollar fight with boxing legend and superstar, Manny Pacquaio. The Pacquiao-Algieri bout took place around the world in Macao, China and was telecast on HBO/Pay Per View. Subsequently, Algieri continued to take the most challenging bouts taking on world class fighters such as Errol Spence Jr and Amir Khan, after the Pacquiao fight.

Algieri decided a couple of months ago that he was ready to make a comeback and re-signed a promotional agreement with his long-time promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing. The two agreed it was time to return to the roots of Algieri’s career and give back to the loyal Long Island fans. Therefore, on November 30th, after a two-year layoff, Chris Algieri returns home to the place where it all began, The Paramount. Algieri will headline “Rockin’ Fights” 33 as he begins another march towards a World Championship fight.

*Note: Super Lightweight Division is also known as the Junior Welterweight Division and both have a Maximum weight of 140 lbs.
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*If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us at
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Sat., Dec. 1st, 2018 Dee Lee Promotions, LLC along with Nick Tiberi, Matchmaker. present “A Night of Live Boxing” at The Hockessin PAL Center located at 7259 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. Dee Lee brought the first state, Delaware, it’s first ever Championship fight 19 years ago and she decided to bring them another championship fight.This time, Anthony “The Bull” Caputo Smith (16-8-0/11 ko’s) and Prince Badi “The Boxing Prince” Ajamu (29-5-1/15 ko’s) face off for the World Boxing Foundation Silver Cruiserweight title in an eight-round bout.

The Co-Main on this terrific fight card features the return of fan favorite Stefan “The Freak” Talabisco (1-0-0/1 ko) of Elsmere, DE. taking on Dell Sefton of Kohoma, IN, making his Pro Debut, in a four-round bout.

The Undercard will feature:

Derrick Webster (28-1-0/14 ko’s) of Glassboro, NJ vs. Jonathan Batista (18-15-0/11 ko’s) of the Dominican Republic in an eight-round bout.

Brandon Mullins (2-0-0/1 ko) of Newark, DE vs. John Colvin (4-14-0/4 ko’s) of Pennsboro, WV in a four-round bout.

Schmelle Baldwin (2-0-0/1 ko) of Newark, DE vs. Crystal Byers (0-4) of Ohio in a four-round bout.

Vincent Kirkley (1-0-0/1 ko) of New Castle, DE vs. Xavier Graham (0-1) of Kannapolis, NC in a four-round bout.

Jauvan John (2-7-1) of Brooklyn, NY vs. Anthony Miller (3-2-0/3 ko’s) of Wilmington, DE in a four-round bout.

Maurice Horne (3-0-0/2 ko’s) of Middletown, DE vs. Rahim Diggins of Philadelphia, PA, making his pro debut, in a four-round bout.

David Murray (7-2-1/6 ko’s) of Wilmington, DE vs. Antwaun Taylor (4-6-0/1 ko) of Cinncinatti, OH in a four-round bout.

Weusi Johnson (2-9) of Wilmington, DE vs. Dan Murray (3-2) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ in a four-round bout.

Come out and support these young fighters! Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first bout slated for 7:00 p.m. Tickets prices are; General Admission $45 in advance ($50 at the door), Ringside $60 in advance ($65 at the door) For more info contact: Promoter Diane Fischer 609.868.4243, Matchmaker Nick Tiberi 302.540.7203 or Joey Tiberi 302.650.8678.

Sponsored by: Delaware Park, Big Cat Boxing & Marketing, Designer Wraps, Gagliardi Insurance, CTD Security, Pini Masonry, Echelon Eventz, Country Lawn Care, R&E Excavation, Tricon Asphalt Paving and Concrete, Kirkley Construction, Delaware Auto Salvage, Sugar Hill Photography, Delaware Brick, Sugar Hill Photography, Optima Cleaning Systems, Pike Creek Pub, Flame Tech and Sherms Catering.

Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. is owned and operated by New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame & Atlantic City Boxing hall of Fame Promoter Diane Fischer-Cristiano of Vineland, NJ.

ALEX LEAPAI WARNS that the matchmakers for the Manchester Arena blockbuster on December 22 have made a big mistake in booking his services to provide opposition for Nathan Gorman.

The 32-7-4 Aussie – known as Lionheart – has mixed in the best of company across his 14 years in the professional ranks and fought for the world titles held by Wladimir Klitschko in 2014.

The veteran heavyweight believes our bright young heavies – including Gorman and Daniel Dubois – are the product of hype and he intends to place Gorman firmly in his place when he takes to the ring, live on BT Sport Box Office.

“Nathan is just a baby in the game, he looks like a big hairy baby to be honest,” said the Queensland-based Leapai. “I’ll be coming over to put this baby to sleep on December 22nd.

“After I bash up Gorman, I want to bash up that other kid they have over there, Daniel Dubois. These are boys in a man’s game and they are going to find that out very quickly.

“Frank Warren is a great promoter who doesn’t get it wrong very often. But unfortunately for him, he has got this very wrong!”

Leapai clearly cares little for the career progress of our hefty prospects and is on a mission to put the cat amongst the heavyweight pigeons when he arrives in Manchester.

“A lot of these British heavyweights are overhyped without really beating anyone. I’m coming over to burst the bubble of the latest hype job.

“I’ve had more knockouts than Nathan has had fights. This is way too soon for Nathan.”

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.

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.

Dina Thorslund (12-0, 6 KOs) defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf (19-7, 13 KOs), while Dennis Ceylan (19-2-2, 8 KOs) rematches Jesus Sanchez (9-1, 2 KOs) for the European Union Featherweight title on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

Thorslund returns to her hometown fortress for a fourth time to make the first defence of the WBO World title she claimed with a unanimous points win over Mexico’s Yessica Munoz at the Struer Energi Park on August 25.

The 25 year-old is currently Denmark’s only reigning World Champion, the first Dane to have won a World title since Mikkel Kessler, and only the second female in Danish boxing history to have achieved this success.

“This will be the fourth time I box in front of my fans in Struer,” says Thorslund. “It has been amazing every other time, and I hope it will be again. It is almost too much to hope for, but so far, the support has only improved each time. It’s hard to describe how much it means to have people in Struer to back me up.

“Alesia Graf is tall so she poses a different kind of challenge than I’m used to. She’s a good fighter, but let me make it clear: I’m not afraid of anyone!”

Graf, nicknamed ‘The Tigress’, from Stuttgart, Germany, has held versions of the World title in both the Super Flyweight and Super Bantamweight divisions, as well as challenging for the Bantamweight crown on three occasions. She is an experienced contender, who is confident of upsetting the home fighter.

“This is a big opportunity for me to fight for the WBO World title,” said Graf. “Dina is undefeated, which obviously says something about her, but I go into every fight with the intention to win, and this is no different. I will prepare as best as possible. It will be an exciting fight for sure, with me coming out on top.”

Having suffered a shock second-round knockout defeat to Sanchez at the Struer Energi Park on March 10, former European Champion Ceylan has the chance for revenge as he rematches his Spanish rival for EU title.

Ceylan has said it is ‘all or nothing’ as he looks to get his promising career back on track on January 19, stating a loss will result in his retirement.

“Sanchez caught me with a good shot last time, but that’s not going to happen again,” said Ceylan. “This time, I’m going to prove that I’m the better fighter. I’m not afraid of this guy. I want revenge. This fight is all or nothing for me. If I win, my career is back on track, but if I lose, I will retire.”

Sanchez returns to Denmark full of confidence following his knockout win, and has vowed to get the better of Ceylan for a third-time having reportedly schooled the Danish boxer in a sparring session prior to their first encounter.

“We sparred together in 2017 while you were training in Madrid, and I got the best out of you. We fought in Struer, and I knocked you out. The third time we meet, it will not be any different,” says the Spanish Champion.

“It’s always dangerous to predict a knockout because you risk looking for a big punch and opening yourself up for counters. Therefore, I am happy to simply predict a win – be it on points or inside the distance.”

“We’re delighted to be returning to the Struer Energi Park with another fantastic card,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “The atmosphere is always electric when Dina fights, and this time the fans can look forward to a double header of title fights with Dennis challenging for the EU Featherweight title.

“Dina’s star continues to rise, and I believe she is close to establishing herself as one of the best female fighters on the planet. Dennis has had a difficult twelve months, but now has the chance for redemption. By defeating Sanchez and claiming the EU title, he can get his career firmly back on track.”

Tickets for Double Trouble: Dina Thorslund vs. Alesia Graf and Dennis Ceylan vs. Jesus Sanchez are on sale now and available online via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Dmitry Bivol Jean Pascal
St. Petersburg, Russia Montreal, Canada
13-0, 11 KOs 33-5-1, 20 KOs
Weight: 174.4 Weight: 174.6

Murodjon Ahkmadaliev
Issac Zarate
Namangan, Usbekistan San Pedro, CA
4-0, 3 KOs 16-3-3, 2 KOs
Weight: 121.2 Weight: 122.0

Israil Madrimov Vladimir Hernandez
Khiva, Usbekistan Durango, Mexico
Pro Debut 10-2, 6 KOs
Weight: 152.8 Weight: 157.2

Miguel Zamudio
Shakhram Glyasov
Sinaloa, Mexico
Bukhara, Usbekistan
41-11-1, 25 KOs
5-0, 4 KOs
Weight: 142.2
Weight: 141.2

Sergiy Kuzmin Laron Mitchell
St. Petersburg, Russia San Francisco, CA
13-0, 10 KOs 16-1, 14 KOs
Weight: 244.2 Weight: 244.6

Christian Mariscal
Evgeny Tishchenko
Tijuana, Mexico
Belgorod, Russia
11-1, 5 KOs
2-0, 1 KO
Weight: 246.4
Weight: 212.0

Karl Dargan
Moises Delgadillo
Philadelphia, PA Guadalajara, Mexico
18-1, 9 KOs
17-17-2, 9 KOs
Weight: 134.2
Weight: 135.0

Logan Yoon Hamzrah Sempewo
Honolulu, Hawaii
Mulago, Uganda
13-0, 10 KOs 12-10, 6 KOs
Weight: 143.4
Weight: 141.2

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,200 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more information and to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com

Light Heavyweight prospect Lyndon Arthur believes it is only a matter of time before he begins mixing it with his domestic rivals; also stating he’s the better fighter out of him and stablemate, Anthony Yarde and more than willing to prove it in 2019.

‘King Arthur’ has been plying his trade out of the spotlight and on the small hall scene so far in his young career.

The Mancunian has shown he can certainly pack a punch with nine stoppage victories from his unblemished 12-0 record to date.

Fight number thirteen will take place on the undercard of a big night of boxing in Arthur’s home city of Manchester when Josh Warrington when he defends his world title against Carl Frampton on December 22nd.

Fully confident he will claim another victory in December, Arthur will have his sights specifically set on Anthony Yarde for 2019.

“He’s going to have to [learn my name], he’s the one making all the noise, he’s with Frank Warren, I’m with Frank Warren also, so that is a fight I’ll be looking for.

“I rate him, I’m not taking anything away from him, but I just think that I’m better.” stated 27-year-old.

The light heavyweight scene in Britain is rich in talent. Along with Anthony Yarde, British champion Callum Johnson and 2016 Olympic Bronze medallist Joshua Buatsi are also potential opponents in which Lyndon Arthur believes he is more than capable in getting the better of if they were to fight.

“I’m under the radar but I’m just doing what needs to be done and I’m sure soon enough you’ll be mentioning my name up there with those that have been mentioned already.

“I believe I would beat them. It’s inevitable that these fights will happen. British fights are the best fights and if I keep winning and they keep winning, it’s bound to happen.

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.

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.

MONTREAL, QC—Two-time world title challenger Dierry Jean has been added to the already stacked card on December 15 in Toronto, ON, presented by Lee Baxter Promotions.

Jean signed with Baxter earlier this year, and picked up his first win on the comeback trail, stopping Abraham Gomez in six rounds on September 29. It was an emotional moment for Jean, who had finally gotten his promising career back on track.

But Jean is past gunning for sentimental victories now. On December 15 he will bump it up to an eight rounder against an opponent to be named shortly, with an eye towards returning in front of his home Montreal crowd in the near future—and contending for a world title once again.

The 36-year-old has shared the ring with the best in the world, fighting for the world championship against Terence Crawford and Lamont Peterson in addition to serving as long-time training partner to future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

“Dierry is one of the very best Canadian boxers of this era. He was fighting on HBO and Showtime during a time when fighters in this country weren’t getting any television exposure whatsoever,” said Baxter. “With his talent level and name recognition, we know he can get back to that place again, and there’s no better market to start in than downtown Toronto.”

Jean will be fighting in the Coca-Cola Coliseum in the heart of Toronto, a venue which has hosted two world title fights in the past—Adonis Stevenson vs. Tommy Karpency, and Stevenson vs. Badou Jack, a card co-promoted by Lee Baxter Promotions.

“We’ve held a world title fight before, but now we want to do it with our very own fighters. We have a collection of talent that’s knocking on the door of title contention, and Dierry is as close or closer than anyone to getting that opportunity. This time, he won’t let it go to waste,” said Baxter.

ABOUT THIS EVENT:

Lee Baxter Promotions, in association with Athlete Development and Management (A.D.A.M.) will present “Risky Business,” live championship professional boxing at the newly renamed Coca-Cola Colisseum in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

The Coca Cola Coliseum is the home of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, and a spot for some of the city’s biggest concerts and attractions, including WWE wrestling.

In the main event, Samuel Vargas will return home to face the undefeated Adrian Gabriel Pereiro, as he begins a new campaign at light welterweight. Vargas is fresh off a thrilling bout with former world champion Amir Khan. Despite coming up short on the scorecards, Vargas not only gained fans, but proved to have plenty of them already. The Colombian-Canadian banger dropped Khan early in the bout, and had him hurt later on in the contest as well. In the end, the fight was the most-watched in the history of U.K. subscription television.

Vargas is now honing his craft in training camp in Spain alongside former welterweight champion Kell Brook, as he is determined to return to Canada an improved fighter.

In the co-feature of the night, an old fashioned local rivalry comes to a boil, as Patrice Volny battles Ryan Young.

Volny scored the biggest win of his career in September, as he dominated veteran Albert Onolunose to capture both the WBA-NABA and WBO-NABO middleweight crowns. The victory situates him in a prime spot within the world rankings in two major sanctioning bodies, remarkably, just twelve fights into his professional career.

Another one of Canada’s top middleweights, Steve Rolls, will be in tough against KeAndrae Leatherwood. Both men have enjoyed significant national television exposure, having graduated from the esteemed ShoBox series on Showtime.

The card will also feature local favorite Nick Fantauzzi against Marco Parente in a light heavyweight contest, Bollywood star Neeraj Goyat, heavyweight sensation Kristian Prenga, the professional debut of Iranian amateur standout Salar Gholami, and the remarkable return Moncef “Buddy” Askri after an 11-year hiatus from the sport of boxing.

Tickets for “Risky Business” are available through Ticketmaster. VIP tables can be purchased by emailing sales@leebaxterpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET, with the first bout starting at 7:00 PM ET.

Queens, N.Y. (November 23, 2018) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions will be returning to Club Amazura on Friday, December 7, with a loaded fight card that is already close to a sellout. Headlined by a bantamweight attraction that features Elton Dharry (23-5-1, 14 KOs) against Alex Rangel (17-8-3, 11 KOs), this entertaining night of boxing will be presented by Uprising Promotions in association with New Mexican Promotions.

“The marriage between Uprising Promotions, New Mexican Promotions and Club Amazura has been a great relationship for each of our companies, and we are looking forward to hosting one more show to close out the year,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We have a very strong lineup on December 7th that will feature some talented local-based fighters. We also want to take this time to thank all of our sponsors, partners, fighters and fans who have helped us have such a good year, which has set the stage for us to do some great things in 2019.”

In the feature bout, Brooklyn bantamweight Elton Dharry (23-5-1, 14 KOs) makes his return to the ring to take on Alex Rangel (17-8-3, 11 KOs) of Mexico. After starting his professional career with a 3-5-1 record over his first nine bouts, Dharry has since rattled off 20 consecutive wins, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory over Oscar Mojica on an Uprising Promotions show this past May. He faces a gritty veteran in Rangel, who has proven to be a very tough out during his 28-bout career.

Also returning will be former International WBF World Super Featherweight and interim IBA World Super Featherweight titleholder Ronica Jeffrey (16-1, 1 KO), who ended a two-year absence in brilliant fashion this past August on an Uprising Promotions card, winning in the main event over a game Gabriella Mezei at Club Amazura. A highly-popular and well-achieved Brooklyn native, Jeffrey looks to continue her winning ways when she meets hard-hitting veteran Edina Kiss (15-8, 9 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder. Kiss has fought a who’s who in women’s boxing, including bouts against Heather Hardy, Cindy Serrano, Amanda Cerrano, Shelly Vincent and Mikaela Mayer.

Undefeated super bantamweight Ariel Lopez (10-0, 6 KOs) will return to action on the December 7 card, taking on 13-bout veteran Jeno Tonte (9-4) of Hungary. A native of Puebla, Mexico, the crafty Lopez will be looking to keep his perfect record intact as he enters the ring for the third time in 2018. This bout also marks the third consecutive time and fourth overall that he has competed on an Uprising Promotions show.

Another unbeaten super bantamweight will be on this card, as Jose Gonzalez (10-0-2, 3 KOs) meets veteran Andre Wilson (15-12-1, 12 KOs). Gonzalez returns to action after defeating the aforementioned Tonte this past August at Club Amazura, and he fights on an Uprising Promotions show for the third time over his three-year career.

Rounding out the 10-fight show will be six more action-packed bouts. Popular Irish welterweight Noel Murphy (12-1, 2 KOs) and super lightweight Larry Fryers (8-1, 3 KOs) will appear in separate fights, with Murphy returning to action for the first time since suffering his lone pro defeat to undefeated prospect Mikkel Lespierre in February, facing off against Andre Byrd (6-4-1, 1 KO). Fryers is back in the ring for the fourth time in less than eight months after fighting on the last Uprising Promotions card at Club Amazura this past August. He will battle 14-fight veteran Ronald Rivas (5-7-2, 3 KOs) of Guatemala on the December 7 card.

In four-frame action, super featherweight Harrison Barba (1-1, 1 KO) meets Ricardo Arias, while welterweight Paul Anthony (2-0, 1 KO) takes on Ramiro Cibrian. Additionally, Brooklyn welterweight Raymond Wilburg is slated to make his professional debut against Brandon Lindsey, and undefeated welterweight Peter Dobson (9-0, 5 KOs) is currently slated to compete against an opponent to be named.

Club Amazura is located at 91-12 144th Place in Jamaica, Queens. Sponsorship opportunities for this exciting night are still available for any companies or local businesses who are interested in showcasing themselves. To inquire about becoming a sponsor, call (516) 939-7861.

This Uprising Promotions card will continue the initiative to KO Autism, with proceeds from the night getting donated to The School For Language and Communication Development (SLCD) in Glen Cove, New York. For ticket information, call us today at (516) 939-7861.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.

(Atlantic City, NJ) – Dmitry Bivol of Russia (14-0, 11 KOs) defends his WBA Light Heavyweight World Title against former Olympian and former WBC, IBO, and Ring Magazine champion Jean Pascal of Canada (33-5-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday, November 24, 2018 as HBO World Championship Boxing returns to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Etess Arena in Atlantic City. Bivol fights in his first main event in the U.S., and Pascal fights for the first time ever in Atlantic City. This will be the second boxing event at the recently opened Hard Rock Atlantic City. Below is the scouting report for this fight.

Category
Dmitry Bivol
Jean Pascal
Age
27
36
Record
14-0-0 (11 KOs)
33-5-1 (20 KOs)
Strength
The champion is a strong and skilled boxer/puncher. He possesses power in both hands and is quick on his feet. He’s proved in his recent bouts his endurance is becoming one of his most notable strengths.
The challenger is an experienced and tough veteran who has taken on the best fighters in the world for over a decade. His chin has always been extremely durable and he has legitimate knockout power in both hands.
Weakness
Bivol has not been in the ring with an opponent quite like Pascal. This is a major step-up for the champion, and he will need to be on his A-game for anything the former champion may bring.
Pascal has an entertaining tendency to turn a boxing match into a slugfest. This may backfire considering the power and elusiveness of his opponent.
Experience
Although he has accomplished great things in his short career thus far, Bivol has not faced someone with the experience and achievements as his opponent.
Pascal is the most experienced of the active light heavyweight contenders. He has fought numerous champions throughout his career, including Bernard Hopkins, Lucian Bute, and Sergey Kovalev.
Power
Bivol has rigorous power in both hands. His power was on full display earlier this year when he became the first and only fighter to stop the durable Sullivan Barrera.
Pascal’s power has been one of his most prominent strengths throughout his career. He has a strong left hook and an overhand right he delivers with authority.
Speed
Bivol’s hands are fast and he throws devastating combinations. He moves around the ring very well and is extremely elusive.
When Pascal finds himself in a position to finish a fight, his speed is put on full display, as he doesn’t hesitate to release everything in his arsenal.
Endurance
In 2018, Bivol proved he can dig deep in the championship rounds when he needs to. In August he earned a 12-round unanimous decision over former title contender Isaac Chilemba.
Pascal will have the advantage in grit and determination. He has proven time-and-time again his heart is as big as anybody in the sport. He has gone 12-rounds in ten career fights.
Accuracy
Bivol’s aggressive and in-your-face style allows him to be an accurate puncher. He likes to close in on his opponents, leaving them with little room at all to run.
Pascal will be at a slight disadvantage. His accuracy becomes more pinpoint once he engages his opponents into the slugfest that he looks for.
Defense
Bivol is not the easiest fighter to hit. He is constantly on his toes and can answer your shots with more devastating shots of his own, which is always on the minds of his opponents
Pascal has always been a more offensive minded fighter. He takes shots to give them, and luckily has had a granite chin throughout his career.
Chin
Bivol’s chin proved to be durable in his bout with Sullivan Barrera. He took some major shots and weathered the storm to earn a TKO win. Jean Pascal will be the hardest hitter Bivol has ever faced.
Pascal’s chin may be one of his most prominent strengths as a fighter. He has only been stopped once in his long and accomplished boxing career.
Style
Bivol is a physical, in-your-face fighter. His jab is his favorite punch. He uses it effectively and throws vicious combinations behind it. The champion likes to apply pressure on his opponents and not leave results to the judges.
Pascal is an aggressive and confident fighter who likes to stand and trade with his opponents if given the opportunity. He is a fierce competitor in the ring and lays it all out on the line every time.
Intangibles
Bivol was put on a fast track to a title, one few have been able to finish successfully. This fight is no different. It will be his most difficult test in his young career. He faces a fighter who has only tasted defeat against current or former world titleholders. If the champion comes out with his hand raised, then he would join an accomplished list of fighters: Sergey Kovalev, Eleider Alvarez, Carl Froch, and Bernard Hopkins.
Throughout his career, former titleholder Pascal has never backed down from a challenge. He has run the gauntlet in the light heavyweight division, with no plans of stopping. In what was supposed to be a retirement party against undefeated prospect Ahmed Elbiali, Pascal turned the tide on the youngster and scored a sixth round TKO. He feels this fight will be no different, except that a victory will make him a world champion once again.
Crowd Support
Bivol has an exciting fighting style. In his second consecutive bout in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it is expected Bivol will have solid crowd support for this bout.
Similar to his opponent, Pascal should expect to have significant crowd support. The Canadian boxing fans are loyal and are expected to make the trip to Atlantic City to watch their fighter attempt to regain the title.
The Match-Up
1. Will Pascal be able to handle Bivol power in both hands?

2 Will Bivol be able to keep his composure if Pascal turns the fight into a slugfest?

3. Will Pascai be able to cut the ring off and handle the speed of Bivol?

4. Will Bivol be able to handle Pascal’s power?

“Trying to get someone to agree to fight Dmitry Bivol is never an easy task, believe me I know,” said Main Events matchmaker Jolene Mizzone. “When Pascal got the call, he didn’t even have to think twice about it and accepted within 10 minutes. Pascal sees an opportunity and is going to try and capitalize.
“Bivol to his credit is willing to fight any veteran, champion or boxer coming up, it doesn’t matter who it is. These are two boxers that are refreshing to match and what boxing is all about, taking risks and challenging yourself.”

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,200 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and Howie Mandel’s Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more information and to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

DOORS 18:00 LOCAL TIME

FIRST FIGHT 18:40 LOCAL TIME

4 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
Ruslan Kupchik 68.2kg v Mifodzi Pilipenak

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
Sultan Zaurbek 58.3kg v Edwin Tellez 58.9kg

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
Khalil El Hadri 60.85kg v Andrei Nurchynski

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS 20:00 LOCAL TIME (19:00 UK TIME)

10 x 3 mins IBF Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight Championship @ 12st 7lbs
FANLONG MENG 79kg v FRANK BUGLIONI 78.95kg
(China) (UK)

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Welterweight contest @ 10st 9lbs
DANIYAR YELEUSSINOV 67kg v MARCO MOJICA 66.2kg
(Kazakhstan) (Nicaragua)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Super-Flyweight Championship @ 8st 3lbs
KAL YAFAI 52.15kg v ISRAEL GONZALEZ 52kg
(Birmingham) (Mexico)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Heavyweight Championship
ALEXANDER USTINOV 126.65kg v MICHAEL HUNTER 97kg
(Russia) (USA)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Cruiserweight World Championship @ 14st 4lbs
DENIS LEBEDEV 90.70kg v MIKE WILSON 89.95kg
(Russia) (USA)

“Thank you to everyone for making their way here to this wonderful venue. We are so lucky to be given the opportunity to promote boxing here in Monaco and without everybody at the Monte-Carlo SBM this wouldn’t be possible.

“We’re promoting over 50 shows a year Worldwide now and all kinds of different events. 90,000 at Wembley Stadium, last week we were in Kansas, next week we’re in Florence. This event is becoming a regular fixture on our international calendar. This is the third year running we’ve been here in Monaco. The shows keep on getting stronger and stronger, the fights get better and better. The demand continues to grow, and so does the international TV distribution, this show will be shown all around the World in all territories.

“The show on Saturday is fantastic, World title fights, fights for young prospects to get on the World scene, fighters battling for their careers, Heavyweight clashes and great stories.”

Denis Lebedev – Checkhov, Russia – 31-2, 23 KO’s – fighting Mike Wilson for the WBA Cruiserweight World title:

“I am happy boxing in Monte-Carlo and I am happy boxing with team Matchroom. I couldn’t understand what my opponent was saying but it sounds like he is a very humorous guy, a very fun guy. I am trying to live the same way, I am a fun guy as well. I’m really happy that he comes with an amazing attitude for Saturday’s clash.

“Thinking that I am in a different stage of my career when the best Denis Lebedev is already gone is a mistake, I’m really glad he’s got that type of thing in his head. I’ve had many long breaks in my career and I’ve always come back as a better fighter. I am coming back as a lion and I have huge plans for my career. I feel better than ever and I’m happy to show you what the real Denis Lebedev is all about. Please don’t blink.”

Mike Wilson – Oregon, USA – 19-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Denis Lebedev for the WBA Cruiserweight World title:

“It’s a real honour to be here, it’s a beautiful place. Thanks to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for having me. We’ve had a great camp and we’re ready to show the World what they’ve been missing, what we can do. I truly believe that this fight has come at the perfect time for me. Denis has been a great Champion in the past but I believe that I’m getting him at the right time. His best form is behind him. This is going to be like Rocky 4. I feel good about this, I really do. I’ve come here to give all of you guys a good show and hopefully we’ll be back here.

“This is a big step up for me but I fight life every day. This is easy, the hard work is behind me, training camp is behind us and now it’s time just to put it all together and fight. A flock of pelicans couldn’t even keep me away from this fight. We were leaving Salt Lake City and we had to get escorted in by fire trucks and all that. You have to fight through adversity to get the things you want in life and we want that WBA World title. If I had to I was going to go in there and land the plane myself! I’m just glad to be here.”

Alexander Ustinov – Paustovo, Russia – 34-2, 25 KO’s – fighting Michael Hunter for the WBA International Heavyweight title:

“While I am enjoying the atmosphere here in Monaco, I have only got one thought in my head. The chances can run out, and with this chance I have to take it. I need to be fighting for the World title very soon. I’ll prove on Saturday that I am a worthy competitor.”

Michael Hunter – Las Vegas, USA – 15-1, 10 KO’s – fighting Alexander Ustinov for the WBA International Heavyweight title:

“First of all I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing, DAZN and Sky Sports for having me. If you guys don’t know me, you’ll get to know me a little bit more come Saturday. I’m usually an action-packed, exciting fighter. I’m just ready to showcase my skills and burst onto the Heavyweight scene. Come Saturday you’ll see me perform and do my best.

“We stay away from what is strong and attack what is weak. I know my strengths and I know his strengths as well. It’s going to make for an action-packed fight because of the height difference. I’m very excited. I can feel it, I’m right there and this is another great opportunity for me to showcase who I’ve always been.”

Kal Yafai – Birmingham, England – 24-0, 15 KO’s – making the fourth defence of his WBA Super-Flyweight World title:

“Thanks for having me everyone. I’m very excited to be here. On Saturday night I’m going to put on a great show for everyone. I’ve had a great training camp, I’m ready to show my skills once again, show my explosiveness. Everything that you see on Saturday night I’m sure you won’t forget.

“I’ve taken this guy very seriously. I’ve trained 12 hard weeks for this fight. I’ve had brilliant sparring, my preparation has been great. I feel like I’m improving all of the time. I’m looking to be explosive on Saturday night. I’m looking to go in there on Saturday night and impress and put out another note to all of the other Champions. Don’t blink.”

Israel Gonzalez – Los Cabos, Mexico – 23-2, 10 KO’s – challenging Kal Yafai for the WBA Super-Flyweight World title:

“Hello to everyone. I am very happy to be here, Monaco is a great place. I’m ready for Saturday night, you’re going to see a beautiful fight. He is a tough opponent and a great Champion. I know it is going to be a difficult and strong fight but I’m ready to show everyone my boxing skills.”

Fanlong Meng – Chifeng, China, 13-0, 8 KO’s – defending his IBF Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight title against Frank Buglioni:

“It’s an honour for me to be here in Monaco, this is a great show. No matter how much you know about me, it doesn’t matter, because after this fight you’re going to remember my name, a professional boxer from China.”

Frank Buglioni – Enfield, England – 22-3-1, 16 KO’s – challenging Fanlong Meng for the IBF Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“It’s a lovely experience to be here.What a prestigious venue, and taking it all in and enjoying the different experience. I feel very privileged to be here. I put the work in in my training camp to show how much I’m looking forward to fighting.

“I’ve come back to the form that I had when I was preparing to be the challenger against Hosea Burton. I’ve got that drive and hunger and I’ve reached that form in the gym. I’m confident and I respect Fanlong, he’s a very good fighter and he was a top class amateur, but I’ve put the work in and I’m very confident in my ability to go and get that title.”

Daniyar Yeleussinov – Berezino, Kazakhstan – 4-0, 2 KO’s – fighting Marcos Mojica in his fifth professional contest:

“I love this place. It’s my first time here and I hope it won’t be the last. I like to box in different countries in front of different people with different mentalities. Watch me on Saturday on Sky Sports!”

Andrea Scarpa is confident of outboxing Joe Hughes when the pair clash for the Vacant EBU European Super-Lightweight title at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence on November 30, live on DAZN and Sky Sports.

Scarpa (23-4, 10 KO’s) is a former Italian Champion in two weight divisions; Super-Featherweight and Super-Lightweight. The Turin fighter outpointed Lyes Chaibi for the IBF Inter-Continental Super-Lightweight crown in his home city in 2015 before stopping John Wayne Hibbert to earn the WBC Silver 140lbs title at The O2 in 2016.

He surrendered that title to Londoner Ohara Davies later that year, losing out on all three of the judge’s scorecards. But ‘Sugar Ray’ believes his ring experience against British fighters will stand him in good stead when he meets former English Super-Lightweight Champion Hughes next week.

“I’ve watched a lot of Joe Hughes’ fights and he likes to be the aggressor,” said Scarpa. “He throws a lot of punches and piles on the pressure but this will play into my hands. I will make him miss with my fast movement and hit him on the counter.

“I’ve shared the ring with British fighters on two occasions and I know the style they bring to the ring. Joe put up a good fight in his last challenge for the European title against Anthony Yigit and that shows the level that he’s at. I’ll need to be at the top of my game to beat him.

“I’ve been training for this fight for two months now. I’m in the shape of my career and I’m feeling confident in my abilities. Having mental strength is vital if you want to defeat a tough customer like Joe Hughes.”

Scrapa’s clash with Hughes is part of a huge night of boxing in Florence.

Florence’s own Fabio ‘Stone Crusher’ Turchi (15-0) defends his WBC International Silver Cruiserweight title against Britain’s former Commonwealth Champion Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest (18-2) and Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (46-5-2) takes on Brentwood’s former European Champion Martin J Ward (20-1-2) for the WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight title.

Super-Welterweight Orlando Fiordigiglio (29-2), undefeated Featherweight Carmine Tommasone (18-0), Welterweight prospect Mirko Natalizi (2-0) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist John Docherty (1-0) all feature on the undercard.

Tickets priced 50 Euros (Ringside), 40 Euros (Parterre) and 20 Euros (Gallery) + the vendor’s fee can be purchased on Ticketone.it and Boxofficetoscana.it. Info: 338-7769949.

Josh Warrington believes boxers have an obligation to boxing fans to make the right fights at the right time, which is why he is readying himself to take on Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22.

The Leeds Warrior points out that some fights have been left in the file marked ‘pending’ for too long and can lose their appeal as a result of the delay.

There is no danger of Warrington falling into that trap, what with signing up to face two-weight world champion Frampton for a first defence of IBF world featherweight title he won in May from Lee Selby.

“Even when the fight was first talked about a couple of my pals said I should just have a steady defence,” recalled the unbeaten Warrington, who swiftly rejected the suggestion. “The way I responded was to say there isn’t an easy defence at world level and if you think there is you are maybe taking your eye off the ball.

“Secondly, I want these fights to happen because I want to prove I am the best and I want to be No.1 – I am ranked No.2 behind Carl and I want to be first because this is my year.

“Frank (Warren) said this fight should happen this year, but we weren’t under pressure to do so. The fight could’ve happened next year in a big stadium showdown, but there is the risk of a fighter getting injured and prolonging that or the dates not matching, or a fighter getting beaten.

“We are at a high level and one punch can change a fight, so get the fights going now because it is what the boxing public want to see.

“That is why the sport it booming again because fights are getting made that people want to see. When fighters dig their heels in, like Kell Brook and Amir Khan, a fight loses its gloss.

“A few years ago that would have been exciting, but not so much now. People might still want to see it, but is it going to be the same fight?

“Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather boxed a few years too late, but we are both in our prime now, so why not get the fight happening and we are doing so now.

“We want to prove who is the best and I think that is how it should be.”

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.

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.

DORCHESTER, Mass. (November 21, 2018) — New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti closed tonight’s Thanksgiving Day show, “Championship Boxing at the Armory”, in grand style, picking apart challenger Nick Lavin on the way to an impressive eight-round unanimous decision win in the main event.

The “Championship Boxing at the Armory”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), has become an annual tradition at the National Guard Armory in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Fighting out of nearby Quincy, MA, the popular 33-year-old Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), is an Irag War veteran and college graduate, who defeated the Lavin by way of an eight-round unanimous decision August 5, 2017 for the N.E. title.

Last night in their rematch, Traietti used his vast experience advantage, as well as power and aggressiveness, continually pounding his tough Shelton, CT challenger Lavin (5-10, 4 KOs), walking him down and effectively trapping Lavin on the ropes and in the corners. Traietti jabbed his way inside and unloaded blistering combinations, completely controlling the action from start to finish.

Traietti’s constant peppering of Lavin left no doubt in the minds of the three judges at ringside, who scored the bout in favor of Traietti by scores of 80-72 three times for a “shutout” victory.

“We had a great turnout and I’m glad that we are keeping this tradition alive,” Traietti the co-promoter said. “Fans enjoyed themselves, fighters came to fight, and I can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Traietti the fighter revealed that he’s going all-in on his career next year, when he is expected to reunite with his currently incarcerated head trainer, Jimmy Farrell. “When Jimmy went away,” Traietti explained, “I didn’t take it well. I took the Mike Lee fight and I was in shape, but for the past two years I’ve trained myself and regressed. Jimmy knows how to get the best out of me. trust him, it’s just there, and without him as my trainer it’s showed. I’m not easy to train because of my personality.

“Jimmy says he’s getting out in 2019. I’ve been buying my time, fighting locally, nothing too big. I’m going to make my final push with Jimmy next year. I’m not perfect, he’s not perfect, but together it works. We had an 11-fight knockout streak going when he went away. I’ll stay afloat until he gets back. I want to work up to a big fight and see what happens. I’m going to give it my all and, if things don’t work out, I’ll hang up my gloves for good.”

Former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (15-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, was operating from the opening bell against Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-16, 8 KOs) in the co-featured event. Silveira never let up, snapping off a one-two to the body and suddenly Medel was finished in the second round.

Claremont, NH middleweight Ricky Ford (3-1-2, 1 KO) and Saul Almeida (0-10-3), of Woburn, MA. fought to a four-round majority draw.

Gloucester, MA super middleweight prospect “Handsome” Henry Gedney (1-0), a 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournamentchampion, stopped Francisco Neto (0-1), of Woburn, in round one. Fan-favorite Gedney ripped a short right to Neto’s body, resulting in a quick knockdown, and moments later he went down for good at the 1:16 mark.

Pembroke, MA cruiserweight Vinnie “American Dream” Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA, outclassed 62-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-36, 18 KOs), the former Mid-West middleweight titlist. Carita floored Walker mid-way through the opening round with a punishing right to the body. Walker managed to beat the count, however, Carita’s next punch landed in the exact same area of Walker’s body, and this time he stayed down.

New York junior welterweight prospect Ray Jay Bermudez (5-0, 3 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, dropping Bruno Dias (0-5) three times in the second round. Dias never recovered from a vicious liver shot, which resulted in the first knockdown, and two later trips to the canvas ended the fight.

Providence (RI) middleweight Anthony Concepcion (2-0, 2 KOs), trained by World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, opened the night against veteran Mexican fighter Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56), a former Pacific Coast lightweight champion. Valenzuela has had 143 more pro bouts than Concepcion, but the 26-year-old Concepcion pressed the action from the start, using an effective body attack that paid off with a sizzling left-right combination in round two. Valenzuela dropped to one knee, unable to beat the count, and Concepcion had his second pro win without a loss.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – NEW ENGLAND CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Chris Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs). Quincy, MA
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)
Nick Lavin (5-10, 4 KOs), Shelton, CT
(Traietti retained the N.E. cruiserweight title)

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Derek Silveira (15-2, 8 KOs), Salem MA
WKO2 (1:03)
Francisco Medal (12-16, 8 KOs), Uruapan, Michoacan de Campo, Mexico

CRUISERWEIGHTS – 8 ROUNDS
Vinnie Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WKO1 (1:58)
Steve Walker (26-36, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Henry Gedney (2-0, 1 KO), Gloucester, MA
WKO1 (1:16)
Francisco Neto (0-2), Woburn, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Ricky Ford (3-1-2, 1 KO), Claremont, NH
WD4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38)
Saul Almeida (0-10-3), Framingham, MA

Anthony Concepcion (2-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI
WKO2 (2:16)
Roberto Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Ray Jay Bermudez (5-0, 3 KOs), Troy, NY
WKO2 (2:24)
Bruno Dias (0-5), Woburn, MA

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Dmitry Bivol, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion

Question: “How does it feel to be back on the Boardwalk?”

Bivol: “Good. It is a lot colder than last time, but it feels good.”

Question: “What did you take from your fight with Isaac Chilemba, a crafty guy like that?”

Bivol: “I took a lot of experience against Chilemba. He has good defense, and he has speed, a quick fighter. Just good experience.”

Question: “What does Jean Pascal offer to you?”

Bivol: “Pascal is a different fighter than I had before. He is a former champion. I know he’s a strong guy. He has a good counter attack. He has good experience.”

Question: “It doesn’t seem like you’ve ever stepped away from a challenge.”

Bivol: “No, it doesn’t matter. Every fighter has good sides and bad sides. It gives me a chance to show my good skills to people, and I think it will make a good fight.”

Dmitry Bivol
Photo Credits: Tom Briglia/Main Events

Question: “What is your good side?”

Bivol: “I’m not the quickest, I’m not the strongest, I’m not the most dynamic. But I have all these qualities for a boxer. I have something inside of me which helps me to be a winner.”

Question: “What is that?”

Bivol: “I don’t know, some voice inside of me.”

Question: “And it always comes out when you are fighting someone?”

Bivol: “It’s always been with me, yes.”

Question: “I understand this is one of the final fights HBO is broadcasting. Is this meaningful to you?”

Bivol: “I’m really grateful to HBO for this opportunity. When I was young, I watched famous boxers like Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, Manny Pacquiao, fight on HBO. I wanted to be famous like these guys, a champion fighting on HBO. And now I’m fighting in an HBO main event. It’s an honor for me.”

Question: “One of your main goals is to unify titles. Is it hard to stay focused in the meantime?”

Bivol: “This is just a step for my main goal. I can’t describe my main goal, but I know I want to realize my potential to be the champion. This is one of the steps to my goal. Unification fight, this is a step to my goal.”

Question: “Has every step you’ve taken recently been leading to your goal?”

Bivol: “I don’t know exactly if this will be the toughest fight for me, but every fight for me is important and a big responsibility. Every fight is like that. If I lost my previous fight, I would not have the opportunity for this fight.”

Question: “What do you have to do to win this fight?”

Bivol: “I have to do what I can, what I’ve trained, relax and focus on the plan from my training camp.”

Question: “I guess you can’t tell me the plan?”

Bivol: “No (laughs).”

Question: “What’s it like to be back in Atlantic City fighting again?”

Bivol: “I’m glad, because I’ve gotten used to this.”

Question: “Do you feel like you are getting a fan base here in Atlantic City?”

Bivol: “I met a couple people who wished me luck. I hope there will be more and more and more people.”

Question: “Do you notice people coming down from New York, where most of the Russians live?”

Bivol: “Yes, some people are sending me messages that they are going to be at my fight. My friends from Miami will come. From Russia, of course some people will come support me.”

Question: “A Korean newspaper is coming, too.”

Bivol: “That’s good!”

Jean Pascal
Photo Credits: Tom Briglia/Main Events

Jean Pascal – Former WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion

Question: “Are you looking forward to Saturday night?”

Pascal: “Of course!”

Question: “Have you ever fought in Atlantic City before?”

Pascal: “Not yet. I’ve been here twice. The first time I came to see Arturo Gatti fight, a Danish guy [Thomas Damgaard], I don’t remember the name. The second time I came to see Carl Froch fight against Andre Ward in the Super Six.”

Question: “Atlantic City has a reputation as a big fight town. Is it a big deal to fight on the Boardwalk?”

Pascal: “I like it because Gatti used to fight here, he’s from my hometown. There is history here as well. I’ve been there, done that, I’ve fought in Vegas, England, Miami. it’s not my first world championship.”

Question: “How much do you think your experience will come into play?”

Pascal: “Definitely, I have a lot of experience. But I know he can beat me. I’m very glad to have this opportunity. I want to thank Dmitry Bivol for this opportunity. I respect Dmitry a lot. I think right now he’s the best fighter in the light heavyweight division. But I’m going to try and stop him Saturday night.”

Question: “Why did you pick him as an opponent?”

Pascal: “Because,I don’t back down from any challenges. When they call, I just say yes. When an opportunity comes, I just say yes. They call me up, I say yes, I take the challenge.”

Question: “What does he offer different from any other opponents you’ve fought?”

Pascal: “His nickname must be the problem, because I have a lot of problems to resolve Saturday night. He has good distance, he has good balance, he’s strong, he hits hard. It’s going to be a great fight on Saturday night.”

Question: “What do you present he hasn’t seen before?”

Pascal: “Like I said,you cannot buy experience. You need to live it. You need to experience it. I’ve been in there with Kovalev twice. I’ve been in there with Hopkins twice. I’ve been in there with Carl Froch, [Lucian] Bute, with [Adrian] Diaconu. Like I said, this is something you cannot buy. He might be young, fresh, but I’ve got experience on my side.”

Question: “What are your good sides?”

Pascal: “Come on Saturday night and you will see.”

Question: “I guess you can’t tell me your bad sides?”

Pascal: “Come Saturday, maybe you won’t see it though.”

Question: “Styles make fights. Is this one of the styles you think will make a good matchup?”

Pascal: “Dmitry’s not a chicken. He’s not going to run around, I know he likes to fight. He wants to put on a good show, he’s there to fight me and impress the public. I know it’s going to be a great battle on HBO. I think, seriously, I really think it’s going to be the best fight of this year on HBO.”

Question: “Is this fight important to your legacy?”

Pascal: “I’m making history again. I said before, I was the first Canadian boxer to be on HBO in Canada against Chad Dawson, so I was very proud. It was when I was world champion. I’m going to be the last Canadian boxer who fights on HBO World Championship Boxing. Once again, I’m making history. So, I’m very glad and happy and proud of myself.”

Question: “Do you study your opponent, or wait and see in the ring? Do you study someone’s style?”

Pascal: “I study my opponent, but not too much. Just because he’s fought like this the last time or the last three fights, it doesn’t mean he’s going to show up in the same way. So, I study my opponent, but not too much.”

Question: “You don’t know how he’s going to react to what you do, right?”

Pascal: “I know that he knows me really well. I know him too, really well. He knows what to expect from him. He’s got better and better. He’s a young champion. He’s getting better and better. So, I know it will be a great fight.”

Question: “Is there one fight out there you haven’t had you wish you had?”

Pascal: “I’m a veteran, I won’t be caught up on the speculation. I’m focused on Dmitry right now.”

Question: “How do you feel fighting in Atlantic City?”

Pascal: “It’s my first fight here, but it won’t be my last.”

Question: “Did you know this is a big vacation spot for Montreal?”

Pascal: “I didn’t know that. My main focus is to stay focused. After my victory. I’ll come down here.”

Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Photo Credits: Tom Briglia/Main Events

Question: “Your professional career has moved very quickly. Is that something you wanted when you turned pro?”

Akhmadaliev: “It is a big honor. And it is unexpected to be honest with you. I am thankful to my promoter and to my management that I am able to move that quickly. It is definitely a shock but is something that is making me happy. I am very pleased to be where I am.”

Question: “Do you ever worry about opponents that have more experience than you?”

Akhmadaliev: “Yeah definitely they have an experience advantage, but I have a lot of amateur experience and I feel that I am ready for this. I am ready for these fighters. I have fought a lot of top fighters in the amateurs and I feel like that experience is just as important. I feel good. I am happy to be fighting these top fighters right away.”

Question: “What is the biggest difference in the amateurs and the pros?”

Akhmadaliev: “I think the main difference is the number of rounds, the length of the fight, so the conditioning needs to be at a different level. We have been working on that a lot with my team and my trainers, Joel Diaz and Antonio Diaz. I have done a lot of sparring with Diego de la Hoya and JoJo Diaz. I have done a lot of work and I feel like I am ready, 100%. For me this is just a step forward.”

Question: “Were there any fighters that you idolized growing up that you try to pattern yourself after?”

Akhmadaliev: “Roy Jones Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Vasyl Lomachenko and GGG.”

Vadim Kornilov: “He has a lot of things that he takes from those fighters. You guys will see in the ring. A lot of people like where they are but not a lot of people are able to do what they do but M.J. does certain things in the ring that are taken from each of those fighters. He really enjoys performing. It is hard to describe but I think the best thing is to watch the co-main event on HBO and M.J. Akhmadaliev. People are going to see some of these things that are very interesting. He has a lot of combinations and a lot of punches that he uses that are very exciting. He takes the best from all these guys.”

Question: “Did you know all along that you were going to become a pro someday?”

Akhmadaliev: “Of course. It is my dream to become a pro. Right now, my career, is a dream come true. Those fighters that I watched, I wanted to be like them one day. I am taking steps forward to get to that level. My plan is for one day I will be like one of them.”

Question: “They say some amateurs have a style that is more suited for the pros. Is that the case with you?”

Akhmadaliev: “My style was already professional even when I was an amateur. But now I am doing a lot of work with my team, my trainers, to become more of a fitted pro. We are doing a lot of work on that. You will see in the ring on Saturday.”

Question: “What can the fans expect when they tune in on Saturday?”

Akhmadaliev: “I will perform at my best and it will be a very exciting fight. I can guarantee that. (laughs) It will be another ‘Big Drama Show.'”

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

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WBC International Silver Cruiserweight Champion Fabio Turchi says he is ready to make boxing a mainstream sport in Italy.

Turchi defends his belt against former Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Tony Quest at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence on November 30, live on DAZN and Sky Sports.

Turchi vs. Conquest tops the inaugural event of the historic collaboration between Matchroom Boxing Italy, Opi Since 82 and DAZN. The eight-year joint venture will see Matchroom Boxing Italy stage eight marque events throughout Italy per year, and Turchi is delighted to leading the way.

“It’s an honour to be be headlining the first ever Matchroom Boxing Italy event in my city,” said Turchi. “I’m keeping my feet firmly on the ground but I’m ready to do what I can to make boxing a mainstream sport in Italy.

“The first step is defeating Tony Conquest. I have been training hard in the gym and I’ll be leaving it all in the ring next Saturday. I’ve seen videos of his fights and I know that he has long arms and knows how to use them. Besides that, he is a British fighter and Britain always produces tough fighters. None of this worries me.

“Fighting in my city, in front of my fans, is a big thrill for me. In my three previous fights in Florence, thousands of people showed up and I’m expecting my fans to turn up in big numbers again on November 30.”

‘Stone Crusher’ holds a perfect record of 15 consecutive wins since turning professional in 2015, 11 within the distance. He demolished Maurizio Lovaglio in six rounds to become the Italian Cruiserweight Champion in 2016 before stopping Cesar David Crenz to win the WBC International Silver title the following year.

Currently ranked no. 28 in the World by the WBC, Turchi is hungry for World title glory and credits his father Leonardo, a former Italian Light-Heavyweight Champion, for giving him the drive to achieve his dreams.

“My father got me in the boxing gym and he always told me stories about his good friend Giacobbe Fragomeni. After a while, Giacobbe became my idol. Like Giacobbe, I want to become World Cruiserweight Champion. The road to a World title is very long, but with the backing from my team and Matchroom, I know I can achieve my dream.”

Turchi’s clash with Conquest is part of a huge night of boxing in Florence.

Torino’s Andrea ‘Sugar Ray’ Scarpa (23-4) clashes with Malmesbury’s former British title challenger Joe Hughes (16-3-1) for the vacant EBU European Super-Lightweight title and Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (46-5-2) takes on Brentwood’s former European Champion Martin J Ward (20-1-2) for the WBC International Silver Super-Featherweight title.

Super-Welterweight Orlando Fiordigiglio (29-2), undefeated Featherweight Carmine Tommasone (18-0), Welterweight prospect Mirko Natalizi (2-0) and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist John Docherty (1-0) all feature on the undercard.

Tickets priced 50 Euros (Ringside), 40 Euros (Parterre) and 20 Euros (Gallery) + the vendor’s fee can be purchased on Ticketone.it and Boxofficetoscana.it. Info: 338-7769949.

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 21, 2018) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s unbeaten heavyweight prospect, Kye Brooks (4-0, 3 KOs) returns to the ring, December 1, 2018, at The Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, as part of a stacked undercard for Kendo Castaneda (14-0, 7 KOs) vs. Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs), co-promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment and Roy Jones Jr. Promotions.

Brooks will be stepping up in competition to face Vaughn Parham (3-1 3KOs), who has won every bout in his professional career via knockout.

“I wanted a challenge, so I made sure I faced the toughest opponent possible,” said Kye Brooks, who resides in Las Vegas, and is trained by former two-time world champion Bones Adams. “Vaughn Parham is a kill or be killed type of fighter. He has tremendous power and it’s a dangerous fight. I took this challenge so that I can make a statement.”

“Brooks is a great fighter with good power in both hands.” said Greg Hannely, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He’s eager to face the best in his division. I am very excited for what the future holds for him.

This is Brooks’ toughest test to date as the New York native Parham is a heavy-handed slugger looking to pull off the upset.

“I am ready!” Brooks continued. “I didn’t turn pro for anything, I am giving people good fights and entertaining bouts, December 1st is just another one.”

The entire card will be streamed via Facebook’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel, which has already served more than three million fight fans since May 2017.

Tickets priced $35 General Admission $40 at the door, and $100 Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205. Doors open at 4:00 PM, first bell at 5:30 PM.

(Atlantic City, NJ) – The opening bout on HBO’s “World Championship Boxing” this Saturday, November 24 between Morodjon Akhmadaliev (4-0, 3 KOs) and Isaac Zarate (16-3-3, 2 KOs) pits a young rising star against a determined opponent, both with plenty to prove. Below is the scouting report for this exciting match-up.

Category
Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Isaac “Dinamita” Zarate
Age
24
27
Record
4-0-0 (3 KOs)
16-3-3 (2 KOs)
Strength
Akhmadalieiv is a busy fighter in the ring. He has a high punch output and is always looking to finish. He is light on his feet and consistently keeps it moving during his fights, making it difficult for his opponents to get going offensively.
Zarate has a stiff jab that he uses extremely well in setting up his shots. He has legitimate defense and is a solid counter-puncher. He has been in the ring with high-quality contenders throughout his career.
Weakness
“MJ” lacks the experience at this level when compared to his opponent.
“Dinamita” comes into this fight lacking the punching power his opponent possesses.
Experience
Akhmadaliev lacks experience at the professional level. This will be his toughest test to date.
He has much more experience at this level than his opponent. He is also a very active fighter. This will be his fourth bout of 2018.
Power
The 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist is a great body puncher. He attacks from all angles, and has a vicious left hook.
Zarate is not known for being a knockout artist, or having much power. However, he is a technician in the ring, and makes his opponents work rigorously from start to finish.
Speed
Akhmadaliev has quick hands and even quicker feet, he is always on the move and keeps a rapid pace throughout the fight
He is very fast defensively, moves his head well and does a superb job of keeping out of harm’s way.
Endurance
His endurance is still in question. The furthest he has gone in previous bouts is six rounds. This will be a giant step up for the young prospect.
Zarate will have the advantage. Seven of his last eight bouts have gone the distance.
Accuracy
Akhmadaliev is a very accurate body puncher and has a pinpoint accurate jab.
Similar to his opponent, Zarate is an accurate body puncher and picks his shots wisely.
Defense
Akhmadaliev is stronger on offense than he is on defense. He likes to drop his guard at timea in hopes of diverting his opponent’s attention. This tactic could backfire if he attempts it against his seasoned opponent.
Zarate has effective defense that has gotten him to this point in his career. He moves his head and slips punches well. He also has sharp body movement and a pinpoint accurate jab that has posed problems for his previous opponents
Chin
Akhmadaliev’s chin is still a question. If he decides to stand in front of Zarate, there is a good chance it will be tested
Zarate has a sturdy chin. He has never been stopped in his professional career.
Style
Akhmadaliev is a highly regarded prospect who has an exciting style. He comes forward with fast combinations and delivers a high punch output each and every fight.
Zarate is a technician in the ring and a solid defensive fighter. He doesn’t carry big pop in either hand, but he does let his hands go and keep a consistent and entertaining pace throughout the fight.
Intangibles
Akhmadaliev has opted to take a challenging road to start his young career. With a professional record of just 4-0, he will take another huge step-up in competition when he takes on Zarate. This is his second consecutive bout scheduled for 10 rounds. He made a statement in his recent bout when he scored a first round knockout over Ramon Contreras.
His opponent this time around is a tremendous defensive fighter, and has yet to be stopped. A win this Saturday would be game-changing for his career, and would undoubtedly put the entire super bantamweight division on high Akhmadaliev alert.
Zarate has been taking on tough opposition throughout his entire career. He will fight anyone and everyone and has proved it throughout the years. He is coming fresh off a win two months ago over formerly ranked and always tough Horacio Garcia. Rather than take some time off and embrace other potential opportunities, Zarate will instead jump right back in the ring and put a stamp on what has been a successful year for him so far.
A win over the highly regarded prospect will cap off an outstanding year for the veteran, and will leave Zarate in a strong position to make the case for a shot at a title.
Crowd Support
Akhmadaliev has an exciting style that will inevitably earn him some fans by the time the fight is over.
Zarate has never competed in New Jersey, but if he can find a way to put an end to the hype behind his opponent, then he will be on the radar of fight fans for sure.
The Match-Up
Will Zarate be able to handle the body punches and power from Akmadaliev?
Will Akmadaliev be able to handle Zarate’s nonstop, come forward style?

Main Events matchmaker Jolene Mizzone says, “I like this match-up. You have a guy in Akmadaliev who is only 4-0, and not wasting any time in challenging himself against a tough opponent in Zarate.

“Zarate has been on the short end of the stick in many fights. Out of his three losses, only one was a unanimous decision. All the others were split decisions. Zarate is going into another tough fight with Akmadaliev, so kudos to him. Akmadaliev is taking his toughest fight to date in only his fifth fight.

“This says so much about him. These are the kind of guys I love as a matchmaker and as a fan!” said Mizzone.

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Ivana Habazin (19-3, 7 KOs) rematches Eva Bajic (14-14, 9 KOs) on the undercard of Filip Hrgovi?’s WBC International Heavyweight title defence against Ytalo Perea on December 8 at the KC Drazen Petrovic in Zagreb.

The 29 year-old from Zagreb is fired up as she gets the opportunity to avenge her first career defeat in a ten-round super welterweight clash with Bajic, who defeated Habazin via unanimous decision for the IBF World title in March 2013.

Since suffering defeat to her Serbian rival, Habazin has gone on to claim both IBF Welterweight and IBO Middleweight World titles, and with an improved approach to her preparations she is confident of reversing the decision.

Habazin is also looking forward to fighting in front of her home fans again having successfully defended her IBO Middleweight World title with a one-sided points win over Gifty Amanua Ankrah on September 8 at the Arena Zagreb.

“I’m excited to be fighting again in Zagreb,” said Habazin. “It was quite overwhelming to box in front of my home fans last time, especially as this was the first boxing event of such significance. I was eager to prove myself and I wanted everyone to see the hard work and dedication I invested in my training.

“I’m even more excited to be boxing Eva again. The first fight I ever lost in my career was against Eva, and that is why my motivation is even greater this time.

“I think Eva is a very formidable and experienced opponent. However, our last fight resulted in defeat because I wasn’t prepared how I should have been. I defeated myself. I expect she considers herself the favorite in this fight because of that win, but I’m ready to show everyone that I will be victorious this time.

“Since our first fight, my approach has changed. I am really putting boxing as my priority. My health is finally good. I have a great team around me, and a great coach in James Ali Bashir. I really believe this fight could result in KO”

Habazin’s revenge mission will provide chief support on Hrgovi?’s WBC title defence, with Petar Milas having been forced to withdraw from a heavyweight showdown with Serhiy Radchenko after suffering a hand injury in training.

The WBC International Heavyweight Championship contest between Filip Hrgovi? and Ytalo Perea will top an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? on December 8 with a full undercard set to be announced.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

VERONA, N.Y. (Nov. 20, 2018) — Bryant “B.Y.” Jennings is itching for another heavyweight world title shot. The 34-year-old Philadelphia native has won five consecutive bouts, four by knockout, and is intent on making an emphatic statement.

Jennings will put his IBF International and NABO heavyweight belts on the line in a 12-round showdown against the unbeaten NABF champion Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas on Friday, Jan. 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. In the 10-round co-feature, undefeated featherweight sensation and 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson will face an opponent to be determined.

Rivas’ participation in the bout is contingent on him defending his NABF title on Dec. 1 against Fabio Maldonado in Quebec City.

Jennings-Rivas and the Stevenson bout will stream live at 9:30 p.m. 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 undercard will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), ticket information for this world-class night of boxing will be announced shortly.

“I’ve been in this situation before. This is not a tall order at all,” Jennings said. “The job is to stay focused. I’m going to keep grinding and not take anybody lightly. Talk is cheap.”

‘‘I’ve waited for this opportunity for a very long time,” Rivas said. “Jennings is an excellent boxer. He is a world-class fighter and exactly the kind of challenge I was hoping to face. It is now time to take care of business and step up for the real challenges.’’

“I am ready to begin 2019 where 2018 left off,” Stevenson said. “This will be the year where I take my career to the next level. The fans are going to be in for a treat. It’s my time to shine.”

Jennings (24-2, 14 KOs), a former football, basketball, and track star at North Philadelphia’s Ben Franklin High School, did not pick up a pair of boxing gloves until he was 24 years old. He turned pro following an abbreviated 17-fight amateur career and quickly rose the ranks despite his limited experience. He fought valiantly in a 2015 title shot against Wladimir Klitschko, pushing the future Hall of Famer the distance in front of 17,056 fans at Madison Square Garden. Following a TKO defeat to Luis Ortiz later that year at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Jennings took 20 months off, returning to action in August 2017 under the Top Rank banner.

Since then, he has been one of the busiest heavyweight contenders as he seeks another shot on the world championship stage. In his last bout, Aug. 18 in Atlantic City as the headliner on an ESPN-televised card, Jennings recovered from a fourth-round knockdown to stop longtime contender Alexander Dimitrenko in the ninth.

Rivas (24-0, 17 KOs), a former Colombian amateur standout who now lives in Montreal, has fought all but two of his professional bouts in Canada. A nine-year pro, he transitioned to the paid ranks following a 2007 Pan American Games silver medal and quarterfinal berth at the 2008 Olympics. At 31 years old, the athletic, 240-pound Rivas is in his physical prime. He won the NABF title on Sept. 28, 2017 with a spectacular first-round stoppage against former world title challenger Carl Davis Drummond. In his last outing, May 19 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, he wore down Herve Hubeaux and prevailed via 10-round unanimous decision to retain the NABF title.

Stevenson (9-0, 5 KOs), a proud native of Newark, N.J., authored one of the great United States amateur careers. At the 2016 Olympics, Stevenson earned a silver medal following a controversial 2-1 decision loss to Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez in the championship match. Using that heartbreak as motivation, Stevenson soon showed why he is considered among the sport’s rising stars. He went 5-0 with three knockouts in 2018, and in his last fight, Oct. 13 on the ESPN-televised undercard of the Terence Crawford-Jose Benavidez Jr. main event, he knocked down Viorel Simion three times en route to a first-round TKO. Simion, 21-2 entering the fight, had never been knocked down as a pro.

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

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.plus.espn.com.

LOS ANGELES (November 20, 2018) – For those fighting in the blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, December 1 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, this year’s Thanksgiving will come during the tail end of training camp for their respective matchups. While the fighters may not be able to surround themselves with their loved ones or enjoy a traditional holiday meal, they still have plenty to be thankful for.

Fighters who are competing in the Wilder vs. Fury SHOWTIME PPV and SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION from STAPLES Center discussed what they are most thankful for this time of year. The SHOWTIME PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The night kicks off with SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. The suggested retail price (SRP) for the pay-per-view telecast is $64.99 for standard definition.

The event is headlined by a heavyweight world championship showdown that pits WBC champion Deontay Wilder against lineal champion Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV®. The PPV undercard features unified super welterweight world champion Jarrett Hurd returning to take on Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis Ortiz facing-off against Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce battling Joe Hanks. In action on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION are former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and hard-hitting Alfredo Angulo in a super middleweight clash. Non-televised action will see the return of former multiple-division champion Robert Guerrero.

Here is what the fighters said they are thankful for this holiday season:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’m just thankful for my beautiful family – my wonderful children and my beautiful lady. I’m just so thankful for all the positive energy that I’ve been receiving from my family. This is the happiest I’ve been in my life – career wise and in my personal life. I don’t have any drama and I’m ready to go December 1.”

TYSON FURY

“I’m most thankful for being alive, for being healthy and for being in a right mind. Business and jobs are very unimportant when you’ve got no health. You can be a billionaire but dying inside. It’s all irrelevant if you haven’t got your health. Because your health is your wealth. I’m very qualified to say it because I’ve been in some tough positions before. I’m just thankful to be alive.”

JARRETT HURD

“I’m thankful for my family, my team, my health and the chance to get back in the ring and do what I love on December 1. Unfortunately, no Thanksgiving for me this year. I think I’ll even be on the plane on the holiday, which is fine for me so I don’t get the urge to eat. I’m also going to do a Turkey Drive in my community and make sure that I’m giving back as much as I can.”

JASON WELBORN

“2018 has been my year. I’m thankful for my family – my wife, children, my dad and my Mom who looks over us all.

“I became British Champion in 2018, defended my title and now I’m going to shock the world in L.A. to cap a wonderful year.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for my daughter’s health and well-being, along with my whole family. I know that in boxing, there are no holidays. Thanksgiving will be whenever it lands and whenever I have the opportunity for it. Boxing is my first love and I’m happy to be training even during this time of year.”

TRAVIS KAUFFMAN

“I’m thankful for this opportunity against Luis Ortiz; I’m thankful for my family and my three children, plus the blessing of having another baby on the way.

“I’m away from my family training in Texas and I’ll be sticking to my meal plan through Thanksgiving. This isn’t the first Thanksgiving I’ve missed though, it’s just a part of this sport. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I’m staying focused on that. After this fight is over, I’ll make sure I get a Thanksgiving meal.”

JOE JOYCE

“I am thankful for the people I have in my life, my mum, my dad and my brothers. I’ve got a great team and my career is just taking off. I am also about to be a part of a huge event on December 1st so for all this I am very thankful.”

JOE HANKS

“I’m thankful for family, friends and the ability to help provide for my family doing by doing what I love.

“I am actually going to have a little turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s part of the whole heavyweight lie. I’m still sacrificing every day in camp and I’m looking forward to the fruits of my labor. We’ll give up Thanksgiving to have a good Christmas.”

ALFREDO ANGULO

“I’m thankful for many things this year, but at the very top of that list are my wife and kids and especially my newborn son, Alfredo Angulo Jr., my biggest blessing. I’m thankful to my team for the opportunity to compete in this great fight in December. I’m going to repay with a huge win.”

ROBERT GUERRERO

“During the holidays, I’m always grateful that I’m able to spend time with family and friends. In addition, I’m grateful for all the blessings boxing has brought me, especially this latest journey that I’m excited to start on December 1.”

# # #

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

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – November 20, 2018 – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and former four-division champ Adrien “The Problem” Broner were all business on Tuesday as they concluded their two-city press tour in Los Angeles announcing their Saturday, January 19 showdown for Pacquiao’s WBA Welterweight World Title. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, tickets to the Pacquiao vs. Broner welterweight world championship event will go on sale on Saturday, November 24. Tickets are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here are what the fighters and executives had to say on Tuesday.

MANNY PACQUIAO:

“This fight is going to be a good fight. I have to pass through him before fighting Floyd Mayweather. I want to prove to the boxing fans that Manny Pacquiao is still in the pack. You will see more fights with Manny Pacquiao here in the United States.

“He’s young and he’s fast – and he’s fast with his mouth. There will be more action in the ring – we know what the people want. It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a fight you will never forget.

“I continue my career as a boxer because boxing is my passion. When I hung up my gloves once, I felt sad not being in the ring and giving inspiration to people in the Philippines and boxing fans.”

On potentially fighting Floyd Mayweather again:

“I don’t think Adrien will agree with that, because I need to pass through him. This is not an easy fight.”

On working with Al Haymon:

“I have only good things to say about Top Rank – they helped me a lot. But I’m really thankful to be partnered with Al Haymon and have a chance to work with him.”

“[Broner’s] a funny guy. I think after his boxing career, he could have another career as a comedian. I don’t get upset about the jokes. I can’t help but laugh when I look at his face.”

Will the Mayweather rematch be next?

“I can’t give you an answer, but if you ask me, it would be good for me to have that fight.”

ADRIEN BRONER:

“January 19, I am coming to win. Screw the money, I’m going to be victorious. They keep talking about a Pacquiao-Mayweather 2, but I’m going to mess those plans up. I just don’t see Manny Pacquiao beating me.

“He’s still in great condition. He’s trained his ass off. I have to keep my composure and stay focused on my game plan. But I’m not going to tell you what that plan is.

“Hope isn’t my strategy – there will be no luck. I feel like he can’t beat me. Look at my resume – what do I do to southpaws? I stop them. Going into this fight, I’m very confident. I’m going to do what I always do to southpaws and dismantle him.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“These two fighters have resumes that you’re all familiar with. On the surface they seem very different, but they’re more similar than you’d think.

“They’re two of the most entertaining and popular fighters in the sport. They are also two fighters who are all heart. We’ve seen them in tough fights, and there’s one thing you know you’re going to get out of Manny Pacquiao and AB, and that’s 100 percent effort throughout the fight.

“When Adrien Broner and Manny Pacquiao fight, it’s a huge event. Add in Mayweather Promotions and MGM Grand and Las Vegas, and it’s one of the biggest fights of the year. There’s a lot at stake – this will be an all action fight. It will be a special weekend, and we can’t wait.”

JOE RAMOS, Head of MP Promotions

“We all know Adrien is hungry, but he’s fighting boxing’s only eight-division champion. Manny will show the world that he’s the best fighter on the planet come January 19. Don’t miss a chance to be part of history.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We know we have a great fight come Jan. 19. You’ll see a future Hall of Famer in Manny Pacquiao, and a guy in Adrien Broner who has never backed down from a challenge. He knows he has to be at his best to beat Manny Pacquiao. The style matchup with these two guys is very intriguing. I promise you this will be a great fight.”

RAVONE LITTLEJOHN, Co-Head of About Billions Promotions

“It’s going to be a great fight. If my man AB hits the right shot, it could be a short night. We’ve never been down for the count, and we’re not going to start now. We know the position we’re in. It’s a pleasure to fight a legend like Manny Pacquiao.”

RICHARD STRUM, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports

“This fight kicks off another tremendous year of entertainment for MGM. I’d like to welcome Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner, two of the sport’s most iconic fighters, back to MGM Grand and Las Vegas.”

Martin Murray will face former world champion Hassan N’Dam as part of a massive night of boxing at the Manchester Arena on December 22, headlined by Josh Warrington defending his IBF world featherweight title against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.

Murray, 37-4-1, is building towards another world title challenge, with his only career reverses having come in three previous bids – with one drawn – and against former WBA world champion George Groves.

The St Helens warrior put himself firmly in position for a tilt at the WBC title with the winning of the governing body’s Silver middleweight belt in June by defeating the champion Roberto Garcia via a unanimous decision over 12 rounds at the 02 Arena.

He is now up against a dangerous opponent in N’Dam, 36-3, who has operated at world level since winning the WBA Interim world title with a points victory over Avtandil Khurtsidze in 2010.

His winning streak continued with wins over Giovanni Lorenzo and Max Bursak – before he lost on points to Peter Quillin in 2012 with the WBO world middleweight title at stake.

The Frenchman rebuilt with four victories across 2013-14, with the fourth being a landslide points win over Curtis Stevens that qualified him for a shot at the IBF world title. A thrilling encounter with David Lemieux followed with the Canadian prevailing via the scorecards, with N’Dam showing huge bravery after being put to the canvas on four occasions by the heavy-hitting Lemieux.

A further four wins followed for the now 34-year-old before he headed to Japan in May 2017 to face London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Ry?ta Murata for the vacant WBA regular world title, which he won via a controversial split decision.

The pair rematched five months later, again on Japanese soil, where N’Dam was forced into retirement in the seventh round.

“He is obviously a good opponent and I have known about him for a while,” reacted Murray to the news of a tough night’s work being booked for him at the Manchester Arena. “He is a former world champion and a good fighter.
“It’s a good fight for me, one where I need to be on top of my game because he can box, he can move and he can fight as well. I am happy with it.

“I don’t want to be fighting in six or eight rounders against opponents who I am going to get out in two or three rounds. I need proper live opponents and this guy is one – and he will be coming to win.

“It is just the sort of fight I need.

“I am creeping my way back up there. It has been a slow rebuilding process from the Groves loss for me, but I am keeping myself afloat now and a win against this guy will keep me in the mix.”

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.

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.

NEW YORK – November 20, 2018 – For the first time, Showtime Networks Inc. is offering viewers the opportunity to purchase the blockbuster WBC Heavyweight World Championship Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury on SHOWTIME PPV directly through the SHOWTIME app. Subscribers and non-subscribers will be able to purchase and live stream as WBC World Champion Wilder defends his title against lineal champion Fury via the SHOWTIME app on Apple mobile and AppleTV (4th Generation) devices, Amazon Fire TV devices, Android phones and tablets and directly on Showtime.com for $74.99 or through cable, DBS, telco and streaming providers nationwide. The showdown of undefeated heavyweights will air on Saturday, December 1 live at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. For more information on where the fight is available and pricing per distributor, visit: SHO.com.

The bout is currently available for purchase on Showtime.com and will roll out on select platforms via the SHOWTIME app during fight week. Customers who purchase the PPV event through the SHOWTIME app and have never subscribed to the SHOWTIME streaming service will receive a 30-day free trial offer. Viewers can purchase the fight through a number of distributors including ATT U-Verse, Comcast, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Frontier, Optimum, PlayStation Store, Spectrum, Verizon Fios and more. The Wilder vs. Fury fight will also be available through Fathom Events in movie theaters and at select bars and restaurants nationwide. Showtime Networks will continue to roll out PPV capabilities on additional streaming devices in time for the highly-anticipated SHOWTIME PPV event of Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner on January 19.

Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of Fury. America’s only heavyweight champion since 2007, Wilder has 39 knockouts in 40 professional fights, including knockouts in all seven of his title defenses. Fury is a former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world champion who is undefeated in 27 professional fights and holds boxing’s coveted lineal heavyweight title.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, DirecTV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, and YouTube TV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.