Las Vegas – UFC® will put an exclamation point on 2018 with a pair of blockbuster world championship fights. In a bout to crown a new light heavyweight champion, former titleholder Jon Jones will take on No.1 contender Alexander Gustafsson in a rematch of their 2013 classic. Also, women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg aims for her third successful defense against bantamweight titleholder Amanda Nunes. UFC® 232: JONES vs. GUSTAFSSON 2 takes place Saturday, Dec. 29 from T-Mobile Arena and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

The most dominant light heavyweight champion ever, Jones (23-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) is looking to regain his spot atop the division. During his previous reign, he earned spectacular victories over Daniel Cormier, Glover Teixeira, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Quinton Jackson. His first encounter with Gustafsson yielded arguably the greatest light heavyweight championship fight in UFC history. He’s now ready to run it back against one of the toughest tests of his career.

A two-time title challenger, Gustafsson (18-4, fighting out of Stockholm, Sweden) is hoping the third time will prove to be the charm. A talented and devastating striker, he has netted incredible wins against Glover Teixeira, Jimi Manuwa, Shogun Rua, Vladimir Matyushenko and Matt Hamill. Though he came up short against Jones in their first bout, he came close to edging the then-champ on judges’ scorecards. He is now gunning to even the score and capture UFC gold.

The first and only women’s featherweight champion, Cyborg (20-1 1NC, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Curitiba, Brazil) has not lost a bout in over 13 years. Throughout her storied career, she has secured thrilling victories over former bantamweight champ Holly Holm, Yana Kunitskaya, Tonya Evinger, Marloes Coenen and Gina Carano. She’s now poised to put on another vintage performance and deliver her 18th career knockout victory.

Nunes (16-4, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way Salvador, Brazil) looks to make history by becoming the first female two-division champ in UFC history. During her current run of dominance, she’s picked up impressive wins against UFC Hall of Fame inductee and inaugural titleholder Ronda Rousey, former champ Miesha Tate, Valentina Shevchenko, Raquel Pennington and Sara McMann. She now plays the role of underdog against the most destructive women’s fighter the sport has ever seen.

Additional bouts on the card include:

Former interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit (30-12, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) welcomes dangerous finisher Michael Chiesa (14-4, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) to the 170-pound division
In a clash of light heavyweight contenders, No.4-ranked Ilir Latifi (15-5 1NC, fighting out of Malmo, Sweden) looks to keep his momentum rolling against surging No.7 Corey Anderson (12-4, fighting out of Robbinsville, N.J.)
Two-time featherweight title challenger and No.5-ranked contender Chad Mendes (18-4, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with rising No.11 Alexander Volkanovski (18-1, fighting out of Windang, Australia)
Former heavyweight champ and No.13-ranked contender Andrei Arlovski (27-17 1NC, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Minsk, Belarus) aims to rebound against hard-hitting Walt Harris (11-7, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.)
No.6-ranked women’s bantamweight contender Cat Zingano (9-3, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) moves up to featherweight to face former Invicta champ Megan Anderson (8-3, fighting out of Kansas City, Mo. by way of Gold Coast, Australia)
Former two-division champion BJ Penn (16-12-2, fighting out of Hilo, Hawaii) returns against The Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Hall (6-1, fighting out of Falls Church, Va.)
No.14-ranked bantamweight contender Douglas Silva de Andrade (25-2 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Brazil) takes on fellow hot prospect Petr Yan (10-1, fighting out of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia)
Tom Duquesnoy (15-2 1NC, fighting out of Paris, France) meets Nathaniel Wood (14-3, fighting out of London, England) in a battle of bantamweight prospects
No.12-ranked middleweight contender Uriah Hall (14-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) meets Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series contract winner Bevon Lewis (5-0, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
Curtis Millender (16-3, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) locks horns with seasoned veteran Siyar Bahadurzada (23-6-1, fighting out of Amsterdam, The Netherlands by way of Kabul, Afghanistan)

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

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

UFC® 232: JONES vs. GUSTAFSSON 2 will air live from T-Mobile Arena on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 29, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 232: JONES vs. GUSTAFSSON 2 go on sale Friday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $1,255, $1,005, $805, $655, $505, $430, $355, $285, $235, $190 and $140 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Nov. 8 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark, recently named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit at T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN.(November 6, 2018)–Banner Promotions is proud to announce the signing of former Olympian and current super middleweight Naim Terbunja.

Terbunja of Linkoping, Sweden by way of Pristina, Kosovo, represented Sweden in the 2008 Olympics. He currently holds a professional record of 10-2-1 with one knockout.

The 34 year-old Terbunja began boxing at the age of 14, as he was a young soccer player looking to get stronger. Terbunja took up boxing, and fell in love with the sport.

That sparked an amateur career that saw him go 200-36. Terbunja fought all over the world for the Swedish National team, and then to the 2008 Olympics where he lost to Matt Korobov in the round of 36.

Terbunja moved to Long Island and spent part of his amateur career in the United States and captured the National Golden Gloves title in 2009 by defeating Luis Arias in the finals.

Terbunja turned professional on April 27, 2012 with a unanimous decision over Vladimir Spasojevic in Sweden. Terbunja has fought six times in Sweden and twice in Kosovo.

Terbunja has a 1st round stoppage over previously undefeated Joel De La Paz (7-0) on July 23, 2016.

Terbunja is coming off a disputed draw with regarded Lanell Bellows on May 11th in Las Vegas.

“I am happy to sign with Banner Promotions,” said Terbunja. “If I have a good team around me, I believe that I can fight for a world title. Banner Promotions can help me where I need to go.”

“Naim has a blue chip pedigree. He was an Olympian, and the bout he lost was close. He has had one bad fight at super middleweight. I believe he has the ability to be in position to fight for a world championship. He has an awkward style, and a good chin. He now has a good opportunity with Banner Promotions to realize his potential,” said Terbunja’s manager, Pat Zagarino.

“We happy to have signed Naim. He was an Olympian, and we think he can become a player in the super middleweight division. We look forward to getting him in the ring before the end of the year, and we will get him in prime position in 2019,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of once-beaten super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster.

Glassboro, New Jersey’s Webster (28-1, 14 KOs) stands an enormous 6’ 4”, with fast and powerful hands. The naturally athletic southpaw only had 40 amateur fights and didn’t even start boxing until age 24 but picked up the sport very quickly.

Unlike most world-class fighters, Webster is a successful home-remodeling and construction business owner. He also played power forward for two seasons for the University of Maryland basketball while earning a bachelor’s degree in Juvenile Criminal Justice.

“It feels amazing,” said Webster of the signing. “I feel like I belong on this level. I have a different story from the people I’m around. They’ve been fighting since they were kids. I didn’t pick up gloves until I was 24. For me to be here, with people who have been fighting all their lives… I’ve already reached a level a lot of guys never reach.”

Webster says trusting the wrong people made for a tough road earlier in his career, but he’s ready for a run at a world championship now that he has father figure/trainer Denny Brown and the experienced promoter Cohen on his side.

“From early on, people have been promising this and promising that. I’m past that point. I deal with that earlier in my career. I don’t have the patience to be playing around anymore. Greg says we’re fighting December 1 and then we will come back and fight again early next year. I expect to break into the world ratings and take my shot at a world championship.”

Webster is unique in that he’s not financially dependent on boxing. All of his sacrifice and work is done because he wants to.

“A lot of guys fight because they need it for their identity. I am successful in business already. I have built myself up as a brand. I have businesses that are doing well. Boxing just adds to my life. I still act. I do modelling. I don’t have to worry about money in boxing.”

Cohen says he’ll act quickly with Webster to get him into position for a world championship challenge.

“Derrick is a unique talent who is overdue for a big fight. With almost no previous experience, he has worked his way to a 28-1 record with solid wins over several reliable veterans. At the top of his potential, he can be a super middleweight version of (former welterweight champion) Paul Williams. He’s a smart and naturally talented fighter with excellent potential to become a force at 168 lbs.”

PHILADELPHIA / LOS ANGELES – November 6, 2018 – Brandon Adams won a majority decision over Eric Walker to advance to the final of The Contender on EPIX®.

Adams dropped Walker in round four with a hard right-left combination and came through the hard fought contest by scores of 49-45, 48-46 and 47-47.

Adams, 20-2 with 13 knockouts, will now advance to the finals, where he will take on Shane Mosley, Jr. (13-2, 8 KOs) at The Forum in Inglewood, California this Friday night live on EPIX at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT.

“We are very proud of Brandon. We are excited to watch Brandon fight for The Contender title on Friday. He is a terrific fighter, and with a win, we can expect to see Brandon in big fights,” said Matthew Rowland, Vice-President of Banner Promotions.

The original Contender series ran for four seasons (2005-2009) and launched multiple fighters into contention for world titles, including title winners Sergio Mora, Cornelius Bundrage, Sakio Bika, and Sam Soliman.

Eric Van Wagenen serves as executive producer and showrunner of the revived franchise alongside Mark Burnett. The format is owned by MGM Television and Paramount Television.

EPIX is available nationwide through cable, satellite, telco and streaming TV providers including Charter Spectrum, Cox, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, Dish Network, Sling, PlayStation Vue and, as of June 13, Comcast.

About MGM Television
MGM Television is a leading producer and global distributor of premium content for television and digital platforms, with distribution rights to original productions and a robust catalog of television episodes and feature film titles including such premiere entertainment franchises as James Bond, Rocky, Stargate and The Hobbit trilogy. Current scripted and unscripted projects include Fargo (FX); Vikings (HISTORY); The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu); Get Shorty (EPIX); The Voice (NBC); Survivor (CBS); Shark Tank (ABC); Teen Wolf (MTV); Steve Harvey’s FUNDERDOME (ABC); Beat Shazam (FOX); Signed (VH1); Lucha Underground (The El Rey Network); and through its distribution entity, Orion TV Productions, the syndicated daytime courtroom series Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court and Couples Court with The Cutlers. In addition, MGM owns Evolution Media, the innovative unscripted television producers of The Real Housewives of Orange County, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Vanderpump Rules, Vanderpump Rules: Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky, and Sweet Home Oklahoma (Bravo); Botched (E!); Bug Juice (Disney Channel) and Growing Up Supermodel (Lifetime).MGM’s television programming regularly airs in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About EPIX
EPIX, an MGM company, is a premium pay television network, delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, and comedy specials – all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX became profitable in its first year of existence and is now available nationwide to 70 million homes through cable, telco, satellite and emerging digital distribution platforms. A pioneer in the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere,” EPIX was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation®, Android phones and tablets, and Roku® players. EPIX is also available across hundreds of consumer devices including Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, Amazon Fire TV, TiVo, Chromecast, and Android TV, delivering more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHd (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX) and Snapchat @EPIXTV.

About Paramount Television
Paramount Television is a leading studio, developing and financing a wide range of cutting-edge and entertaining television content across all media platforms for distribution worldwide. The studio’s robust slate includes Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan” (Amazon), “13 Reasons Why” (Netflix), “Maniac” (Netflix), “Shooter” (USA), “Berlin Station” (EPIX), “The Alienist” (TNT), “The Haunting of Hill House” (Netflix), “Catch-22” (Hulu), “First Wives Club” (Paramount Network), “Looking for Alaska” (Hulu), “Briarpatch” (USA), “Boomerang” (BET), “Shantaram” (Apple), “Dream Team” (BET), “The Contender” (EPIX) and “Snow Crash” (Amazon), among others. Paramount Television is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a subsidiary of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

Atlantic City, NJ) – Murodjon Akhmadaliev (4-0, 3 KOs), age 24, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and accomplished amateur originally from Uzbekistan, will make his American television debut in the co-main event of the HBO World Championship Boxing show featuring Dmitry Bivol vs. Jean Pascal fighting for the WBA World Light Heavyweight title at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, November 24.

Akhmadaliev will face Isaac Zarate of San Pedro, California, (16-3-3, 2 KOs) in a 10-round fight with the WBA Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title at stake. Zarate, age 27, is hot off his upset split decision victory over Horatio Garcia in September.

The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Akhmadaliev lives in Brooklyn, New York, and trains in Indio, California with Joel and Antonio Diaz. “It’s been my dream to fight on HBO where Roy Jones, Manny Pacquiao, and many other great fighters have fought. I can’t believe that I’ll have this opportunity,” said Akhmadaliev. “I’m grateful to my promoter World of Boxing, to Dmitry Bivol for this chance, and of course HBO.

“Don’t miss my fight. I’ll bring the New Drama Show on HBO on November 24th,” promised Akhmadaliev.

“We are very excited that Akhmadaliev will be featured with Dmitry Bivol’s HBO appearance,” said Vadim Kornilov, Akhmadaliev’s manager. “This should be an exciting night of boxing. Akhmadaliev really knows how to get the fans out of their seats. I promise you’ll be sorry if you miss this debut on November 24th.”

As an amateur, Akhmadaliev won the 2012 and 2015 World Championship Silver Medal. In the 2015 final, he knocked down Michael “Mick” Conlan of Ireland, but lost the gold in a controversial decision. He won a Bronze Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and closed his amateur career as a 2017 Asian Games Gold Medalist. His amateur record stands at 300 wins with 80 knockouts, against just 15 losses.

After turning professional in 2018 and signing with Andrey Ryabinsky and World of Boxing, Akhmadaliev has now fought four times, with three knockout wins and one decision. A southpaw with power in both hands, it won’t take long for American boxing fans to discover “MJ’s” fan friendly, aggressive style, which should suit him well in the professional ranks and quickly make him a star.

“Every time MJ steps in the ring it is a spectacular show,” said Kornilov, who co-manages Akhmadaliev with Oleg Frolov. “His favorite fighters are Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin and Vasyl Lomachenko, exceptional role models. He wants to become undisputed champion and a major star in his division in the first three years of his career. He is one to watch.”

About Bivol-Pascal: Bivol vs. Pascal is a 12 round fight for Bivol’s WBA Light Heavyweight World Title on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing, and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Reminder to news media: The deadline to apply for Fight Week credentials is Friday, November 16. Fill out the credential application at http://www.emcevents.com/

Champion Warrington confessed that his only slight regret from his dismantling of then title holder Lee Selby at Elland Road in May was that he did not capitalise and attempt to force a stoppage when he had the Welshman tiring and cornered.

He vowed to avoid a repeat in his BT Box Office blockbuster against two-weight world champion Frampton and, if the opportunity presents itself, he intends to go for the jugular.

“I don’t like making predictions and I see a Josh Warrington win, but I am going to go for a stoppage this time,” stated the Leeds Warrior last week. If I see it I am going to go for it.

“Coming out of the Selby fight, if I was going to criticise myself or kick myself, I wish I had just pressed on. This time around, if I see the opportunity I am just going to go for it.”

Frampton, for his part, was unimpressed with the thinking of his opponent and mocked the 27-year-old by posting his Boxrec page on Twitter, circling his record which shows six stoppages from his 27 unbeaten contests.

“He may take the pillows off then,” added the Belfast hero in a caustic follow-up comment.
Friendly fire aside, Frampton did agree in response to another poster that all eventualities are being catered for and he was ‘preparing for a hard fight’.

Warrington’s punch power has been questioned in the past, but he has answered critics in recent fights with impressive stoppages over both Patrick Hyland and Dennis Ceylan, with Hyland having previously only been stopped by Gary Russell jr and handing the experience to the Dane for the first time in his career.

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. JJ Metcalf will defend his WBC International super-welterweight title against Liam Williams in support of the main event, while Mark Heffron will challenge for the British middleweight title.

Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) also features on the bill along with world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0).

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 Eventim.

Germany’s Noel Mikaelian believes he has what is takes November 10 in the Ali Trophy Cruiserweight Quarter-Final against Latvia’s Mairis Briedis at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

Tickets are available via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

“Boxing is a really tough sport and somehow you get addicted to it,” said 28-year-old Mikaelian (24-1, 10 KOs).

“If you are a boxer, you are a boxer for life. Boxing taught me that I am really disciplined; I got a dedication for the sport and I never give up.”

Mikaelian is a former WBO Youth champion and WBO International Cruiserweight Champion, but his biggest test to date is only days away.

“The quarter-final against Briedis… it is going to be a tough fight. He is the favorite, he is a really good fighter. He has a good school, the Soviet school, punching power. He is also a thinker in the ring, but I think I am the smarter one.

“I will do what is necessary to win. I fight after the model; hit and not get hit. That is boxing to me and how boxing should be.”

“I’ve been giving a second chance,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs) one of the stars of Season I of the World Boxing Super Series.

And the Latvian sports hero is undoubtedly a favorite to take home this season’s Ali Trophy in the 200 lb division.

“I want to use this second opportunity. I am going to use it, and let us see how far I get. Each one of us in the tournament is different. It’s a very big test for myself. Both physically and psychologically.”

Last year in October the former WBC World Champion was awarded as Commander of the Order of the Three Stars, the highest state award in Latvia, for ‘outstanding achievements in sports and significant contribution to the promotion of Latvia in the world.’

“I want to show by my example that there is a need for Latvians, and not only Latvians, but for everyone in general to pull together. That people need to have fighting spirit,” said the 33-year-old.

“There are many things I have to work on myself, both physically and psychologically. I am not getting any younger, but I am going to do everything I can.

“Physically I feel good in myself. My physical indexes are good. Now, the most important thing, with God’s help, is to work hard with all my boxing techniques. I want to show what I am capable of in boxing and show what I am like.”

Mairis Briedis vs Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs Maksim Vlasov are the two Cruiserweight Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the quarter-finals LIVE on DAZN, the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

Several local prospects will highlight the exciting undercard.

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CREDENTIAL APPLICATIONS
To apply for credentials, please email:

Peter Banke
Head of Press, World Boxing Super Series
peb@worldboxingsuperseries.com

When applying, please include your name(s), media affiliation, email address, telephone number and if you are requesting a spot in the press section or ringside photography. Please note there are only a limited number of ringside photography spots and you may be assigned to an auxiliary photo section.

Women’s superstar and two-division world champion Claressa Shields is in Florida with trainer John David Jackson, finishing up preparations for her showdown with Glasgow, Scotland’s Hannahh Rankin on Saturday, November 17, at the Kansas Star Arena and Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) will defend her IBF and WBA World Middleweight Championships, and be looking to add the vacant WBC title, against Rankin (5-2, 1 KO) in the 10-round co-featured bout to Salita Promotions stablemate Jarrell Miller’s heavyweight showdown against Romania’s Bogdan Dinu.

Both fights, along with former world champion Brandon Rios taking on Canelo’s brother, Ramon Alvarez, in a super welterweight 10-rounder and former two-time world middleweight title challenger Gabriel Rosado going against once-beaten contender Luis Arias, will be broadcast live on DAZN.

23-year-old Shields, a former two-time Olympic Gold Medallist, has reignited interest in women’s boxing and become a ratings favorite for her nationally televised championship exploits. A proud native of Flint, Michigan, Shields mixes her brash pronouncements of greatness with a genuine and continued effort to inspire female athletes and render aid to members of her home community.

Shields was originally scheduled to face WBC and WBO World Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer on November 17, but the bout was postponed after Hammer withdrew due to medical reasons.

Did the change of opponents from Hammer to Rankin affect your training?

I don’t train for my opponents, I just push to get the best out of me, physically and mentally. If I’m the best ‘me,’ I don’t have to worry about who the opponent is. The change of opponents didn’t bother me at all; the worst thing about this camp for me was just all the date changes – constantly having to get my mind focused on the pace and timing of training depending on the fight date. I can’t wait to get in the ring!

You’ve fought at super middleweight 168 and recently at middleweight 160 pounds. How is your training, diet and any other efforts different to make 160?

Training is always hard and I’m constantly learning. I’ve had a completely different diet this camp – a real change and a positive one for me. I’ve teamed up with Perfecting Athletes for my daily meals, and I feel great. I’ve always tried to eat healthy but these folks are pros and are more educated in that field than myself. I have this magic drink that makes my stomach smile – I love it! It’s watermelon mixed with a green vegetable. I’m not going to tell you what vegetable it is, but I’ve been drinking it everyday, and I feel GREAT.

Your viewership numbers have been very strong. Why do you think people are drawn to you?

I believe that people are drawn to how real and honest I am, both in and out of the ring. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I’m hard but I have a soft side also. And I think people are drawn to how I fight — not only do I talk a good game but I fight my a– off too! I give 1000% every time – I want to change the game and bring a whole new generation of fans to women’s boxing and boxing overall.

What do you know about your opponent Hannah Rankin?

I know that my opponent Rankin is very tough and determined to be a world champion. I like her drive, I like her heart. I know that she has been in the ring as a sparring partner for many champions, one being Christina Hammer. So Rankin has seen some good fighters. But one thing is for sure – she has never seen a fighter like me. And since Hammer couldn’t fight because of her medical condition, in many ways the next best thing is to fight and beat her sparring partner and let Rankin tell Hammer what she’s in for when she returns!

What needs to be done to solve the Flint water crisis?
To solve the flint Water crisis, I think that people should continue to give water and also keep it in the news that there is a city in America where, unbelievably, US citizens don’t have clean water. And hopefully the president or our governor do something to fix all the pipes.

What’s the secret to becoming the best of the best in any sport?

I believe the secret starts with believing in yourself, being dedicated, working hard and just always striving to be better. I feel I’m my biggest critic when I train and box. It’s hard to watch film of my fights because even though I’m doing 97 things right I just can’t stand to see the 3 things I’m doing wrong. I’m a person who strives to pull out my full potential. It takes guts to be great. Nothing will stand in the way of achieving my goals, which includes being the GWOAT and creating equality for all women fighters when it comes to the money, opportunities and coverage the men get.

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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.

LOS ANGELES (November 5, 2018) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder held a jam-packed media day Monday in Los Angeles where he discussed his blockbuster matchup against lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury taking place Saturday, December 1 on SHOWTIME PPV® from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

Wilder arrived in Los Angeles, along with trainer Jay Deas, to show off his skills in front of media at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica. The most significant heavyweight event in the U.S. in more than 15 years, Wilder vs. Fury tests the raw power of the 6-foot-7 Wilder against the unmatched size and mobility of the 6-foot-9 Fury.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Enterprises and Queensberry Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Ticket prices start at $75, plus applicable fees and are available via AXS.com. Wilder vs. Fury will be produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Here is what Wilder and Deas had to say Thursday at media day, where Wilder was joined by his girlfriend Telli Swift and their eight-month-old daughter Kaorii:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I feel like I’m at my very best right now. Mentally, physically and emotionally I’m ready to go. Everything is perfect. I just want to get in the ring and show action. Tyson Fury doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into.

“As a true champion, I know how to adjust to any fighter that’s in front of me. My experience facing fighters of all styles has prepared me for this special fight.

“I’ve had tremendous sparring. Every day I’m making adjustments and getting myself right so I can get my timing and style exactly how it needs to be. If the fight was this weekend, Deontay Wilder is ready to go.

“Luis Ortiz was the most avoided fighter in the heavyweight division and I understand why he had never gotten the title shot before. I’m the type of fighter who gives people opportunities and he was the fighter I needed to face to prove to the world what I’m all about.

“This is not a game for me. Everyone has heard about what it’s like to be in the ring with me, but until you’re in there, you don’t know for sure that what you’ve been hearing is for real. I’m the best in the world. I don’t think any heavyweight has been through what I’ve been through.

“I’m training for a certain type of mission. As a fighter I have to have the mindset that I must be ready for anything. Then, once it’s time for the bell to ring, I become ‘The Bronze Bomber’.

“Fury has height just like me and he also brings an awkward style like myself. He’s rangy, mobile and he believes he’s the best in the world. You’ll get two giants who are athletic and move around the ring like no one else in this sport.

“They say that I have the power and he has the boxing skills. We’ll see on December 1. It’s a puncher versus a boxer. I think the puncher is going to box his lights out, and then I’m going to knock his lights out.

“I don’t watch too much film or study guys past getting their style down and seeing how they use their styles. My trainers watch film and use that knowledge to give me advice throughout the fight. I find that my opponents fight differently depending on who they’re facing, so I can’t dwell too much on watching past fights.”

JAY DEAS, Wilder’s Trainer

“Tyson Fury is kind of like a Rubik’s cube. But a Rubik’s cube can be solved. Fury is a very versatile fighter who can move, he can box and fight from lots of distances. He’s the total package as a fighter and on top of that he’s strong-willed mentally.

“We have our hands full, but I know that Deontay Wilder is the guy to handle Tyson Fury. Deontay is the the right guy to take over boxing and this is the first step in that.

“Deontay has had a fantastic camp and we’ve had really good sparring partners. Fury is a tall fighter, but it’s really the athleticism that makes him what he is. We believe we’re better off finding more athletic guys who are slightly shorter than Fury, rather than someone his height who is a statue.

“Fortunately Deontay has always been a focused fighter, so keeping him right mentally I don’t think will ever be a problem. Deontay can handle any chaos around him better than anyone I’ve seen. When he says he’s the man for this job, he really means it.

“The tough thing with preparing for Tyson Fury is that even he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do in there. He can fight lefty, righty, dirty or clean. We’re working on being prepared for all of these things and more.

“Both guys are very athletic and very awkward style-wise, but once this fight combusts, it’s going to be phenomenal. You don’t want to blink or go to the bathroom, the pretzel can wait, because you’re going to want to catch every second of it.”

# # #

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.

Wade, 28 years-old of Largo, Maryland has a record of 18-1 with 12 knockouts.

Wade was a four-time Junior Olympic Champion and a participant in the 2007 Olympic Boxing Trials.

He turned professional on March 14, 2009 with a 1st round stoppage over undefeated Chris Davis (3-0). Wade climbed up the rankings with victories over Michael Faulk (2-0), Grover Young (4-0), Nick Brinson (16-1-2) and former world champion Sam Soliman.

Those wins catapulted Wade to face unified Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin on April 23, 2016 at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Wade suffered his only professional defeat in that fight, and has not fought since the world title opportunity.

“I am excited to get back in the ring, and the show the world what I got. I will get back to the top of the rankings, and do it better, and more proper this time.” said Wade.

“It is time to show the world that I am back. I want to take my time until the big fights come up. I can see me in fights against Canelo Alvarez, Golvkin, Daniel Jacobs, Jermall Charlo, Demetrius Andrade or any of the other top middleweights out there. I feel that after a couple of fights, I will be up there with the top names in the division. I am just excited to do my thing. I got to the top of the rankings with just natural talent. Now I have a good team behind me with GH3 Promotions, I have a great work ethic, and I am back with my original trainer Adrian Davis. I feel the best is still ahead of me.”

“I feel that we can get Dominic back to the top really soon. I plan to have him fight November 17th in Indiana, then I want to bring him back in December in New Jersey, and a 3rd fight in January, that will get him in a fight that will get him in position. He has always had the talent, now he is with us, and we will have him on a schedule to get him back in the rankings, and eventually another world title shot,” said Vito Mielnicki of GH3 Promotions.

NEW YORK CITY (Nov. 5, 2018) – Teofimo Lopez is determined to take over the lightweight division. Italian heavyweight and former amateur standout Guido Vianello, who recently signed a multi-year professional contract with Top Rank, is hoping to make a statement in his scheduled six-round pro debut against Luke Lyons (5-1-1, 2 KOs).

Lopez (10-0, 8 KOs), who hails from Brooklyn, will battle Mason Menard (34-3, 24 KOs) for the vacant NABF lightweight title in a 10-rounder on the undercard of the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza lightweight world title unification bout, Dec. 8 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Lomachenko-Pedraza, Isaac Dogboe’s WBO junior featherweight title defense against Emanuel Navarrete, and Lopez-Menard will headline a special edition of Top Rank on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET, which will follow the 84th Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation.

Vianello-Lyons and the rest of the undercard will stream live at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, tickets for this world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $506, $356, $206, $106, and $56, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

“The ‘Takeover’ is coming back to the Mecca of Boxing,” Lopez said. “I am going to steal the show once again. It’s my night. It’s time to finish 2018 with a bang. Expect a big celebration after I stop Mason Menard. I was born in Brooklyn, so you know I have to represent my hometown.”

“I am looking forward to fighting Teofimo on Dec. 8. It’s been my dream to fight at Madison Square Garden, and the fact that I am being given a chance to perform on Lomachenko’s undercard live on ESPN is incredible,” Menard said. “I can assure everyone that I will be 100 percent ready, and my performance will lead me to a world title shot.”

“I am so happy to be joining Top Rank and to debut at Madison Square Garden on a Lomachenko undercard, which is a dream come true for me,” Vianello said. “I will do my country proud. I promise I will bring excitement and knockouts to the heavyweight division and ultimately fulfill my destiny of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world.”

The 21-year-old Lopez emerged in 2018 with a string of dominating wins and attention-grabbing post-win dances. In May, on the Lomachenko-Jorge Linares undercard at Madison Square Garden, he knocked out Vitor Jones Freitas in the opening round and went viral after performing the “Take The L” dance from the Fortnite video game. He last fought July 14 in New Orleans, knocking out the durable William Silva in six rounds despite suffering a broken right hand earlier in the fight. He underwent surgery the following week. Fully recovered, Lopez hopes to make headlines once again. Menard, an 11-year pro with a vicious right hand, is coming off a decision victory against Ronald Rivas on Oct. 13 in Gary, Ind.

Vianello, a 6-foot-6 power puncher from Rome, went 87-15 in the amateur ranks and fell short in the Round of 16 at the 2016 Olympics. One of the most popular boxers to emerge from the Italian amateur system in quite some time, Vianello is training in Big Bear Lake, Calif., under the guidance of Abel Sanchez. He’s already sparred the likes of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury as he prepares his transition to the paid ranks.

In addition to Vianello-Lyons, the ESPN+ stream will include:

Welterweight punching sensation Alexander Besputin (11-0, 9 KOs) will make the first defense of his USBA title against Juan Carlos Abreu (21-4-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Besputin knocked out Alan Sanchez on Sept. 14 to win the belt. Abreu is coming off a competitive unanimous decision defeat to Egidijus Kavaliauskas, which headlined an ESPN broadcast on July 7 in Fresno, Calif.

Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (11-1, 7 KOs), from The Bronx, N.Y., will make his Top Rank debut against John Renteria (16-5-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight fight. Vargas has won five straight since his lone defeat, which came via disqualification against Samuel Santana.

Michael Perez (25-2-2, 11 KOs) will come back from a nearly 20-month layoff to take on Abdiel Ramirez (23-3-1, 21 KOs) in an eight-rounder at lightweight. Perez, a longtime contender, hails from Newark, N.J.

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

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

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN.ESPN+ offers fans two exclusives, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and Counterpunch (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

IT IS HARD to imagine Josh Warrington having any regrets from his epic world title-winning encounter with Lee Selby in May.

It was a night when everything clicked perfectly into place for the Leeds Warrior. From the fight being staged inside his footballing place of worship at Elland Road, to the Kaiser Chiefs playing him into the ring in front of a buoyant bumper crowd, to a dominant display that unseated a long-standing world champion.

His regrets are not a few – just one – in that he didn’t go for the jugular when he had Selby on the ropes to force a stoppage.

Now the IBF world featherweight champion states that he won’t afford Carl Frampton similar leeway when the pair get it on at the Manchester Arena on December 22 in first defence of his title, live on BT Sport Box Office.

“It is going to be high octane with plenty of energy in there with two fantastic styles,” considered the 27-year-old champion, talking to BT Sport. “I think the fight might change patterns in terms of feeling each other out and being edgy, then busy in spells, but I can see nothing else than me taking over from the second half.

“I don’t like making predictions and I see a Josh Warrington win, but I am going to go for a stoppage this time. If I see it I am going to go for it.

“Coming out of the Selby fight, if I was going to criticise myself or kick myself, I wish I had just pressed on. This time around, if I see the opportunity I am just going to go for it.”

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. JJ Metcalf will defend his WBC International super-welterweight title against Liam Williams in support of the main event, while Mark Heffron will challenge for the British middleweight title.

Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) also features on the bill along with world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0).

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 Eventim.

UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced the first dates, locations, and distribution plans for UFC events in the first quarter 2019. This new schedule marks the beginning of the historic multi-year agreement between UFC and The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-To-Consumer & International segment and ESPN that makes ESPN+ and ESPN the exclusive media homes of UFC in the United States.

The first three months of 2019 features action-packed UFC events across ESPN+, the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service, and ESPN networks, every week for 11 consecutive weeks. ESPN+ will showcase more than 36 hours of exclusive UFC action and ESPN linear networks will add another 18 hours (with all 54 hours available in both English and Spanish).

On Saturday, Jan 19, UFC returns to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” card will represent UFC’s debut on ESPN-branded platforms, with main card bouts streamed live on ESPN+ in both English and Spanish and prelims broadcast nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Also streamed live on ESPN+ will be the early prelims (prior to the ESPN television broadcast).

Following Brooklyn, UFC 233, the first Pay-Per-View of 2019, takes places at Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday, January 26. ESPN linear networks will televise the prelims, offering one of the most powerful promotional lead ins UFC has ever had for a Pay-Per-View.

The Octagon® then travels internationally, with “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” in Brazil on Saturday, February 2 (location TBD) with ESPN+ exclusively streaming all bouts.

UFC returns to the U.S. for another historic first, “UFC on ESPN Fight Night” on Sunday, February 17, from Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. The prelims and main card will be televised live to a national audience exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, while the early prelims will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Other confirmed events in the first quarter include UFC 235, the promotion’s first event of the year in its home venue, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, on Saturday, March 2, and a return to London, England’s O2 Arena for “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” on Saturday, March 16. The second “UFC on ESPN Fight Night” will take place on March 30, with the early prelims streamed live on ESPN+ and the prelims and main card televised live and exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Fight cards and ticket on-sale information will be announced at a later date.

Starting January, ESPN+ and ESPN will become the exclusive digital and linear distributors in the United States for UFC, showcasing 42 live events, 30 of which will feature a full card of 12 UFC bouts.

Events streamed live on ESPN+ will carry the “UFC on ESPN+ Fight Night” moniker, while events broadcast on ESPN will be branded “UFC on ESPN Fight Night.” ESPN+ will offer 20 exclusive events and all preliminary fights for “UFC on ESPN Fight Night” programs, while ESPN linear networks will broadcast 10 exclusive events as well as all UFC Pay-Per-View preliminary fights.

DATE EVENT LOCATION
Saturday, January 19 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT (All Times ET)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on ESPN+
8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN Deportes
10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on ESPN+
Barclays Center – Brooklyn, NY
Saturday, January 26 UFC 233 Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
Saturday, February 2 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT TBD – Brazil

Saturday, February 9
UFC 234 TBD
Sunday, February 17 UFC ON ESPN FIGHT NIGHT Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix, AZ
Saturday, February 23 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT TBD
Saturday, March 2 UFC 235 T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, March 9 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT TBD
Saturday, March 16 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT The O2 Arena – London, England
Saturday, March 23 UFC ON ESPN+ FIGHT NIGHT TBD
Saturday, March 30 UFC ON ESPN FIGHT NIGHT TBD

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

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

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

• Miguel Berchelt 129.6 lbs vs. Miguel Roman 129.6 lbs
(Berchelt’s WBC Super Featherweight world title – 12 Rounds)

• Miguel Marriaga 126.5 lbs vs. Jose Estrella 126.25 lbs
(Featherweight – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET)

• Robson Conceicao 130.25 lbs vs. Joey Laviolette 129.5 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 8 Rounds)

• Saul Rodriguez 135.75 lbs vs. Claudio Tapia 137 lbs
(Lightweight – 10 Rounds)

• Sagadat Rakhmankul 147.25 lbs vs. Nicklaus Flaz 147.5 lbs
(Welterweight – 8 Rounds)

Janibek Alimkhanuly 163.25 lbs vs. Vaughn Alexander 162.25 lbs
(Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds)

• Zach Prieto 158 lbs vs. Michael Andrews 157 lbs
(Middleweight- 4 Rounds)
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Promociones del Pueblo, tickets are on sale now. Priced at $250, $150, $75, $45, and $35, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and in person at the UTEP Ticket Center.

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusives, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and Counterpunch (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

INDIO, CALIF. (Nov 2, 2018): Two of the toughest fighters in the stacked super featherweight division will fight for a chance at a world title as Rene “El Gemelo” Alvarado (29-8, 20 KOs) and Carlos “The Solution” Morales (17-3-3, 6 KOs) meet in a 10-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator in the main event of the Dec. 8 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Alvarado is a 29-year-old contender who has faced some of the toughest fighters in the featherweight and super featherweight divisions. The Nicaraguan warrior has scored victories against the likes of Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos, Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez, Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez and Denis “Djingis Khan” Shafikov, while also participating in competitive battles against Yuriorkis “El Ciclon de Guantánamo” Gamboa, Andrew “El Chango” Cancio, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr., Rocky Juarez and Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales in his decade-long career. Alvarado has done what it takes to earn a world title shot, and he is one fight away from this opportunity in this upcoming clash against Morales.

“Fans in the United States know me because they know that I’m a true warrior,” said Rene Alvarado. “I’m always given tests, and I always pass them. I have the ‘Solution’ to defeat Carlos Morales this December.”

Morales is a 28-year-old contender who currently resides in Los Angeles. Despite starting his career with a record of 0-1-3, Morales scored 16 impressive victories in a row, including a split decision victory against Charles Huerta in 2017 that earned him the NABA 130-pound title. Morales then defeated Cesar Alan Valenzuela before losing to Alberto “Explosivo” Machado in a close and tough unification fight. Morales regained the NABA Super Featherweight Title late last year with a technical decision against Dardan Zenunaj and will look to come back from his controversial loss to Ryan “Kingry” Garcia in what will be a difficult fight against Alvarado.

“I am really excited to finally face Rene Alvarado,” said Carlos Morales. “He’s a great warrior, who has faced tough competition. He is ranked number one by the WBA. We have contrasting styles, and this will be a must-watch event.”

The undercard of this event will be filled with exciting action featuring the undefeated
contenders and prospects listed below. However, Golden Boy Fight Night viewers will have a chance to decide which fighter of the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable will participate in the co-main eventvia an interactive Facebook poll.

The poll will take place live on the Nov. 3 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night, which is headlined by the light heavyweight battle between Sullivan Barrera and Seanie Monaghan. To watch the broadcast and participate in the poll, click here.

Also on the Dec. 8 card is Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, who will battle Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (36-2, 29 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona in a 10-round lightweight clash.

NABO Featherweight Champion Joet Gonzalez (20-0, 11 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will defend his belt for the first time in a 10-round fight.

Luis Feliciano (8-0, 5 KOs) of Utuado, Puerto Rico will open the night of action in an eight-round super lightweight attraction.

Javier Padilla (6-0-1, 5 KOs) of Indio, Calif. will participate in a four-round featherweight clash.

Patricio Manuel will make his professional debut in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Opponents for all four fighters will be announced shortly.

Alvarado vs. Morales is a 10-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live on Facebook Watch globally via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Alvarado vs. Morales must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Nov. 30.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #AlvaradoMorales

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/AlvaradoMorales into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LOS ANGELES (November 2, 2018) – Top heavyweight and WBC mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale spoke to media in Los Angeles Friday at a luncheon to discuss his his Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes showdown against Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron Saturday, December 22 live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is co-headlined by twin champions the Charlos as Jermall Charlo defends his interim WBC middleweight title against Willie Monroe Jr., while WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo battles Tony Harrison.

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

Here is what the luncheon participants had to say Friday at lunch from Watty’s at The Flats in Beverly Hills, which featured a special guest in former two-division world champion Danny Garcia:

DOMINIC BREAZEALE, WBC No. 1 Heavyweight Challenger

“I’ve been staying in the gym consistently. My trainer Manny Robles does a great job of keeping me sharp. He makes sure I’m watching other guys spar and learning new tools.

“I have worked hard to get to the top and I’ve done it by bringing the fight each and every time. I’ve waited for this opportunity and my time is now.

“Carlos Negron is a great fighter who I’ll be ready for. People want to see exchanges and that is what I’m aiming for. I’m going to give the fans a great show and bring home a victory.

“I know that I’m a contender in the heavyweight division. I came up short against Anthony Joshua, but now I have a beautiful opportunity to go after the WBC title. I’m not letting anyone stand in my way.

“My goal was to not be in camp trying to get in shape. I see too much of that. So I made sure once it was time to focus in on this fight, that I was already at fighting weight. I feel great right now and I see the difference.

“I’m looking forward to this big fight on FOX and FOX Deportes. It’s been a long time coming to get back in the ring and this is a great stage for me to do it on.

“My main focus is on this fight and securing the title shot. I’m preparing for Carlos Negron like he’s Deontay Wilder. I would be a little upset if Tyson Fury wins because I really want to face Wilder.

“My plan is to win on December 22 and next time I fight, that green belt will be on the line. I’m ready for this shot at the belt that I’ve worked for.”

MANNY ROBLES, Breazeale’s Trainer

“Dominic is really prepared for this fight. He will be ready because he is an extremely hard-working fighter. His strength and conditioning work has been really focused and we think it’s going to show in this fight.

“We are taking this fight very seriously, as we do every fight. This is one of his better camps we’ve had together. So far things are going great. I am not just saying that. I truly believe you will see a better Dominic than ever before.

“We are working on a lot of different things – speed, footwork, stamina. We understand that we have a good boxer-puncher in front of us. He is up for the task. Dominic will be great. Expect fireworks on December 22.”

BRITTANY GOOSSEN BROWN, Vice President of TGB Promotions

“This is going to be a great heavyweight matchup on December 22 in Brooklyn. Dominic Breazeale is always in action fights and he knows he needs to win in style to get another shot at the heavyweight world championship.

“Breazeale is the mandatory challenger for the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury winner, but he can’t look past the experienced Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron. This fight is going to be a great way to kick off the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast.”

# # #

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

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

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (November 2, 2018) — The charismatic Marie-Eve Dicaire (13-0-0, 0 KOs) will have the chance to make her dream come true on December 1 at the Videotron Center in Quebec, when she fights for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) World light middleweight title against champion Chris Namus (24-4-0, 8 KOs), of Uruguay. Marie-Eve will fight in the first women’s world title bout in Quebec’s history.

The 31-year-old Namus, fighting out of South America, signed the contract this past Tuesday to defend her crown against Dicaire in the co-featured event on the card headlined by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and lineal light heavyweight world championship bout between Adonis Stevenson and challenger Oleksandr Gvozdyk, adding some spice to an already red-hot card.

Namus, nicknamed “El Bombon Asesino”, has been IBF champion since 2017, when she defeated Argentina’s Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant title. She has since defended her belt once, against her compatriot, Katia Alvarino.

“First of all,” Dicaire said, “I must say that I feel privileged to have the opportunity to box for the world championship for the first time here in Quebec. This fight represents years of effort, sacrifice, perseverance and to live that moment before those who supported me during this tumultuous journey is indescribable for me.

“My preparation for this fight is already well underway and I must admit that the signature of Namus has just added an additional motivation for the last steps of my camp. So, watch out! I cannot wait to be in the ring and touch this belt!”

“Marie-Eve is in a good position to be a star in the history of Canadian boxing. She will not have a second chance to leave a good first impression,” added GYM’s vice president of operations and recruitment, Bernard Barré.

Tickets, starting at $ 50.50, taxes and service fees included, are on sale at Gestev.com and Ticketmaster.ca, at the Champions Boxing Club (514-376-0980), at GYM (514-383-0666) or at 1-855-790-1245.

The “Mandatory” event will be televised in the United States and Canada on pay-per-view via Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.

MARIE-EVE DICAIRE

Marie-Eve Dicaire has been in the fighting sports since a very young age. At only 6 years old, karate captivated her. She obtained a black belt and won a Canadian Championship before even being 11 year-old.

At 18 years old, Marie-Eve became karate world champion for a first time. She would win that title four other times.

She also gained a spot on the NASKA American circuit with the Amerikick team.
A 5th degree black belt and owner of a dojo (Karaté Sunfuki), Dicaire made a switch to kickboxing and had two fights (a win and a draw) before starting boxing.

On the amateur boxing scene, she fought more than 50 times in less than four years.
Her best year was 2013, when she won the Quebec Championship, Canadian Championship and the Ringside World Championship, plus a win over the American champion in a Canada versus United States meeting.

Boxe Québec also named her 2013 Athlete of the Year.

The fighter from Saint-Eustache, Quebec, made her pro debut November 20, 2015, in Sorel-Tracy. She defeated Christina Barry, from Manitoba, by unanimous decision.
January 21 at the Montreal Casino, Dicaire beat Christina Barry for a second time to keep her undefeated record.

In her third outing, she bested Mexican veteran Martha Patricia Lara, March 17th at the Montreal Casino.

May 24 at the Montreal Casino, Dicaire faced a rival ranked 16th in the world by the WBC, American Ashleigh Curry. With an energetic body attack, she won a unanimous decision.

On October 20th, it was Mexican warrior Karla Zamora’s turn to taste Dicaire’s medicine, and then on December 10, former NABF champion Paty Ramirez, of Mexico, was also defeated.

On February 9th at the Cabaret of the Casino de Montréal, Marie-Eve fought for the first time in the final bout of a professional boxing card. It was also a first women’s final for GYM. The southpaw delivered a perfect performance for his first eight-round confrontation by winning a unanimous decision over aggressive American Lisa Noel Garland.

In her most recent performance on June 15, she completely dominated the tough regional champion of Tijuana Alejandra Ayala.

In the first 10 rounds fight of her career, October 25, 2017 at the Lac Leamy Casino, Dicaire won a spectacular battle against the aggressive champion of Argentina Yamila Esther Reynoso, winning by unanimous decision.

After a win in a rematch with Ramirez, the southpaw faced former IBF World Champion Marisa Gabriela Nunez on February 15 at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Thanks to a win by majority decision in 10 rounds, she captured her first professional belt, the NABF light middleweight title.

Accustomed to performing at the highest summit of the disciplines, in which she has evolved, Dicaire is aiming for nothing less than a world championship belt. She is currently ranked #1 by the WBA, #2 by the IBF and #2 by the WBC.

Philadelphia, Penn. (November 2, 2018)–Millions of travelers drive on Interstate-95 each day. In each direction there are many billboards that are visible for miles. For the better part of the last month, two billboards in particular feature one of the hottest prospects in boxing in undefeated bantamweight Christian Carto.

Carto, who has been featured multiple times by SugarHouse Casino as the 21 year-old has developed a relationship with the casino as he has packed the fight venue on seven previous occasions.

“It’s really cool to see me up on these big billboards,” said Carto. “I didin’t know they were going up, bit it is very exciting to see it.”

Those massive billboards can only enhance Carto’s already huge fanbase.

On Friday night, November 9th, Carto will make his eighth appearance at SugarHouse Casino when he takes on 37 fight-veteran Antonio Rodriguez in the six-round main event of a seven bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto has signature victories over Alonso Melendez (14-1) and James Smith (12-1). Carto is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Javier Gallo on August 18th in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Rodriguez of Durango, Mexico is a very capable foe as the 30 year-old has big wins over undefeated opponents Alonso Melendez (11-0); Junior Granados (12-0) and Luis Castro (7-0-2). Rodriguez also has wins over Jonathan Chavez (6-1-1), Granados (12-2-1).

“I don’t know too much about him,” continued Carto I know his is a Mexican fighter who likes to come forward. We share a common opponent in Alonso Melendez. I have seen that he is tough.”

This will be the 4th outing of 2018 for Carto, and with a win he will raise his mark to 2019, but the 21 year-old is continuing his learning process as he heads into the the new year.

“I feel that I started off well in 2018. I always want to do better, and I am own biggest critic. I feel that I should have done better in my last two fights. This training camp, which is my 2nd camp with Billy Briscoe as my head trainer, I learned a lot, so I know I will do better.”

With Brisoce manning the corner, Carto sees himself getting better with each fight in 2019.

“I can definitely see myself fighting for a regional title in 2019, but I am still earning, so there is no rush. With being with Billy, I would like to go out to a training camp with one of the champions to help them get ready for a big, which will help me even more.”

“I just want to thank Billy as well as my brother Frankie who has helped me a lot with the training. My father who helps with all the tickets and ticket requests. I also had some great sparring with a Romuel Cruz. I am ready for a great fight.

In a rematch of a draw that took place on August 10th at SugarHouse Casino, Ricardo Garcia (14-3-1, 9 KOs) of Santo Domingo, DR fights Tyrone Crawley (7-1-1) of Philadelphia in a eight-round junior welterweight fight.

In the a six-round bout, former National Golden Gloves champion Poindexter Knight Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Travis Castellon (16-2-1, 12 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a welterweight bout.

Also in a six-round bout, Frank Trader (10-2-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight 37 fight veteran Pablo Capul of San Diego in a lightweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

James Martin (2-0) of Philadelphia battles Denis Okoth (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Siaya, KY in a welterweight bout.

Pro debuters will square off as Maurice Burke of Philadelphia dukes it out with Brandon Bey of Bronx, NY in a junior welterweight contest.

Mark Dawson (4-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Chukka Willis (3-6, 2 KOs) of Emporia, KS in a welterweight bout.

There will be a press conference on Wednesday November 7th at 4 PM ET

The weigh in will take place on Thursday, November 8th at 6 PM ET.

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

PHILADELPHIA, PENN.(November 2, 2018)–Banner Promotions has announced the signing of two-time Olympian and undefeated light heavyweight Kennedy Katende to a promotional contract.

Katende of Sweden was born in Uganda, and competed in the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games.

Katende has an unblemished professional record of 4-0 with one knockout.

The 33 year-old began fighting at the age of 12 after his mother passed away.

“We moved to Sweden, and it was hard for me. I started to gain weight, and my father made me run to get back in shape. My older brother started boxing and I followed him to the gym. My father was hard on me to lose the weight, and I started to box, just so I wouldn’t have him yell at me while running,” said Katende.

Katende then had a very successful amateur career where he win approximately 175 of 200 bouts.

Katende qualified for the 2008 Olympics for his birthplace of Uganda, but lost to current IBF Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev. Katende was the only fighter to go the distance with Beterbiev. Katende also participated in the 2016 games.

Katende fought in the World Series of Boxing where he had a record of 11-2.

Katende turned professional on November 26, 2016 with a four-round unanimous decision over Tracey Johnson. Katende has wins over undefeated Lyubomyr Pinchuk (4-0) and his last bout where he defeated hard punching Luther Smith (10-2) on April 21st in Brooklyn.

“I signed with Banner Promotions because I have heard good things. Artie Pelullo called me, and that meant a lot to me. I know Banner Promotions is a big promoter that has a lot of success with European boxers. I know Artie has heard a lot about me, and I know that he can get me to a world title. ”

“I have had tough fights. My last fight I took on two days notice. That shows that I am willing to fight anyone.”

Katende, who has been fighting at cruiserweight will campaign at light heavyweight.

When describing his style, Katende says he is really fast, and has good reflexes who likes to box from both the orthodox and southpaw stances.

The Articulate Katende is studying to become a Physical Education teacher in Sweden, and is a personal trainer.

Katende has one daughter and raises three more children with his girlfriend in Sweden.

Said Katende’s manager Pat Zagarino, “I view this as a great opportunity to manage a potential world champion. He will be a serious challenger to any of the existing world champions. He will not be a secret for very long. I am grateful for this unique opportunity with Banner Promotions. Banner Promotions has had great success with foreign fighters getting them world title opportunities.”

“We are excited to have Kennedy in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “He is a very good prospect with a terrific pedigree. We look forward to getting him in the ring and have him in meaningful fights and eventually a world championship.”

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

JOSH WARRINGTON BELIEVES Carl Frampton might just be underestimating the size of the task ahead in attempting to prize him from his IBF world featherweight title at the Manchester Arena on December 22.

Frampton, a two-weight world champion himself, publicly declared his prediction that he felt Lee Selby was a shoe-in to retain his belt before he took on mandatory challenger Warrington at Elland Road in May.

The Belfast man made no secret of the fact he expected to be facing Selby in his attempt to add another world title belt to his collection.

Warrington spectacularly upset the odds in Leeds and again finds himself ranked second in the betting ahead of his first title defence that will be shown live on BT Sport Box Office.

The 27-year-old is aiming to ensure that history repeats itself and he confounds the odds against an opponent who might just consider the spoils are there for the taking.

“Possibly he does,” the 27-0 champion told BT Sport. “In his head he thought he would be fighting Selby in his next fight and he never thought he would be fighting me. I think that kind of makes me a bit of a wildcard because nobody expected me to bring that performance – so what am I going to bring against Carl?

“He will still have a few questions. He doesn’t know how good I am, no-one does. Obviously it is in my head what I am capable of doing and I think being tested against these boys is when I show what I can do.

“Up until then I was always just going about business and beat who was put in front of me. Now it is to show what I am really capable of.

“In my head I have got nothing to lose because I am still written off. Once again the bookies have got him as favourite and I am the champion.

“He is a massive favourite and that just gives me a greater desire and more fire in the belly.”

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. JJ Metcalf will defend his WBC International super-welterweight title against Liam Williams in support of the main event, while Mark Heffron will challenge for the British middleweight title.

Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) also features on the bill along with world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0).

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 Eventim.

New York, NY: Today at Mendez Boxing in Manhattan, Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) and “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) addressed the media and faced off in advance of their Saturday, November 3 showdown on Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch live from the Aviator in Brooklyn. Below are quotes and photos from the event:

Sullivan Barrera – Former light heavyweight title contender

On the fight this weekend:

“I feel good, I feel great. Ready to retire him.
I’m going to bring it, and someday become the number one light heavyweight in the world.”

Make or break fight:

“For sure. But I’ve put in a lot of work, and I’m going to be the better man.”

“Irish” Seanie Monaghan

On the fight this weekend:

“It’s going to be a tough one, man, but I’m ready for it. Mentally and physically, I’m ready for it. Barrera is what I call a deep-water shark. He’s been in deep before, he’s dangerous the whole time. He’s the kind of guy, he’ll get dropped, get back up, and fight even harder. I’m expecting to get my work cut out for me, but I’m ready to do what I gotta do to win.”

Make or break fight:

“One hundred percent for both of us, I say. That’s why we’re both gotta be in desperation mode. We both desperately need to win this fight. It’s going to show on Saturday night. Lucky for you guys, but not so lucky for us!”

About Barrera-Monaghan: The Saturday, November 3 card, headlined by Sullivan Barrera versus “Irish” Seanie Monaghan as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook, will take place at The Aviator Sports & Events Center in Brooklyn, NY. The event is promoted by Main Events. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced from $125 to $50 are on sale and available through Eventbrite or by calling or emailing Main Events: 973-200-7050; boxing@mainevents.com.

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LOS ANGELES (Nov. 1, 2018): NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Champion Diego De La Hoya (21-0, 10 KOs) will look to shine before a hometown crowd as he defends his titles against Edixon Perez (16-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round main event at Plaza De Toros Calafia in Mexicali, Mexico. De La Hoya will fight for the first time as a professional in his native country of Mexico in a bout that will be televised live on TV Azteca at a delayed time
of 8:30 p.m. PT.

De La Hoya is an undefeated contender who has built a stellar resume since turning professional in 2013. The 24-year-old scored his most significant victory when he defeated former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballero on the HBO-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Golovkin in Sept. 2017. De La Hoya followed this win by defeating Jose “Sugar” Salgado via seventh-round technical knockout in June of this year. De La Hoya is on the verge of a world title shot but will risk that opportunity against Perez.

“I’m delighted to return to my hometown and defend my titles,” said Diego De La Hoya. “I’ve developed my career in the United States, but I’m happy to fight for the first time as a professional in Mexico. There’s no better way than to come back as a headliner and on a great platform such as TV Azteca.”

Perez is a 26-year-old native of El Tigrito, Venezuela who is coming off six straight victories, four of them by stoppage. Perez will look to follow in the footsteps of fighters such as the late Edwin “El Inca” Valero and Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares, boxers with Venezuelan blood who scored impressive wins against tough Mexican fighters.

“It is a privilege to fight in Mexico against a renowned boxer like Diego De La Hoya,” said Edixon Perez. “I’m going to my opponent’s backyard, but I am not going out without a fight. Local fans will find out who is Edixon Perez on the day of the fight.”

In the co-main event, Seniesa “SuperBad” Estrada (14-0, 4 KOs) of East Los Angeles, Calif. will fight for the vacant WBC Silver Light Flyweight Title in a 10-round fight against Debora Rengifo (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Rio Chico, Venezuela.

The undercard of this event will feature five competitive fights with local prospects along with a series of amateur bouts to begin the night.

Jesus Riegos (5-0, 3 KOs) and Cristian Pimentel (6-2, 2 KOs) will meet in a four-round super bantamweight fight in a battle between Mexicali, Mexico natives.

Israel Ramirez (3-0, 3 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Wilivaldo Garcia (2-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a four-round 118-pound clash,

Jose Dorantes (15-0, 9 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico and Alexandro Zarate (6-6, 4 KOs) of Navojoa, Mexico will clash in a featherweight fight scheduled for six rounds.

Miguel Espinoza (3-3, 1 KO) will participate in a four-round lightweight fight against fellow Mexicali, Mexico native Alejandro Leon in what will be the latter’s professional debut.

Rafael Flores (1-0) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Luis Lomeli (0-1) of Mexicali, Mexico in a four-round 135-pound battle.

De La Hoya vs. Perez is a 10-round fight for the NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 at Plaza de Toros Calafia in Mexicali, Mexico. The action will be televised live on TV Azteca beginning at 8:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event are on sale now. Tickets are priced at $150, $250, $400, $500 and $1000 pesos and can be purchased at www.cityticket.com.mx.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #DeLaHoyaPerez.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/DeLaHoyaPerez into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 1, 2018) – WBC super featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt and challenger Miguel “Mickey” Roman stood nose to nose, two days away from what is expected to be a phone booth battle at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas (ESPN+, 9:30 p.m. ET).

Berchelt (34-1, 30 KOs) is the 26-year-old champion looking to make the fourth defense of his world title. Roman (60-12, 47 KOs) is the 32-year-old veteran from Juarez, Mexico, making his third attempt at a world title.

At the final press conference, on the floor of the Don Haskins Center, this is what Berchelt and Roman had to say.

Miguel Berchelt

“I’m very happy to fight here. I have fought in other cities in the United States, but now I’m very happy to fight here in El Paso. I trained very hard. I want to show that I’m the best 130-pounder in the world, and I will show it on Saturday night.”

“I’m going for the knockout and I know that Mickey will be as well, so it’s going to be a great fight.”

“I am coming to give a good fight and defend what is mine. I promise a great show. Blood, knockouts, and emotion are guaranteed.”

Miguel Roman

“This is a fight that had to happen. I earned the right to fight Berchelt, and I was looking for this fight for a long time. Finally, it’s happening.”

“I’m happy that this fight is happening. I’ve dreamed about a fight like this since I started boxing at 13 years old. What can I say? It’s happening on Saturday, and I am going to leave everything in the ring.”

On potentially becoming first world champion from Juarez, Mexico

“That gets me going, and I am very motivated for that reason. I want to be the first world champion from Ciudad Juarez and make history.”

Bob Arum

“El Paso has always been a great, great boxing town. And, therefore, it’s really a fitting stage for a battle which I said on my latest Tweet… I guarantee this {fight} will be considered, once it’s finished, a contender for Fight of the Year. This is no ordinary fight. This is going to be a great, memorable fight.”

“The two Miguels are going to go at it. Hammering time. You’re really in for a treat. These two warriors are really what boxing is all about. Once the bell rings, as long as the fight goes, your eyeballs are going to be riveted on the ring.”

ESPN+, 9:30 p.m. ET

Miguel Berchelt (champion) vs. Miguel Roman (challenger), 12 rounds, WBC Super Featherweight World Championship

Miguel Marriaga vs. Jose Estrella, 10 rounds, Featherweight

ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET

Robson Conceicao vs. Joey Laviolette, 8 rounds, Super Featherweight

Saul Rodriguez vs. Claudio Tapia, 10 rounds, Lightweight

Sagadat Rakhmankul vs. Nicklaus Flaz , 8 rounds, Super Welterweight

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Vaughn Alexander, 8 rounds, Super Middleweight

Zach Prieto vs. Michael Andrews, 4 rounds, Middleweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions and Promociones del Pueblo, tickets are on sale now. Priced at $250, $150, $75, $45, and $35, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, and in person at the UTEP Ticket Center.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusives, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and Counterpunch (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

MANILA (November 1, 2018) — MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO has made a career out of taking opponents to school. He has done it 60 times inside a boxing ring. Now, boxing’s only eight-division world champion has accepted an invitation to return to school himself and speak at the Oxford Union on the campus of the University Oxford and the Cambridge Union, at the University of Cambridge on Monday, November 5, and Tuesday, November 6, respectively.

“To be invited to these beacons of higher learning to speak to their students is indeed a tremendous honor,” said Pacquiao. “I treasure moments like these where I can share my story and my culture, as well as exchange ideas, with the next generation of leaders.”

The Oxford Union has a rich history. Founded in 1823, it has grown to become the most prestigious student society in the world. The Oxford Union, the largest society at the University of Oxford, has hosted world leaders in every field, including Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Roger Bannister, and former U.S. Presidents Reagan, Nixon and Carter, to name a few.

Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union is steeped in history, being the oldest debating and free speech society in the world, and the largest student society in the University of Cambridge. It too has hosted an impressive list of world leaders in every field, including Margaret Thatcher, Theodore Roosevelt, Stephen Hawking, Buzz Aldrin, Antonin Scalia, Ian McKellen, and Sebastian Coe.

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez. A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao regained the welterweight title for a fourth time on July 15 by knocking out defending WBA world champion Lucas Matthyssee. The fight took place at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duerte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad were in attendance, marking the first time two heads of state attended a championship-boxing event.

Pacquiao recently announced that he has entered into an exclusive agreement to work with manager / advisor Al Haymon. The new alliance will have team Pacquiao and Haymon working together to navigate the remainder of Pacquiao’s illustrious career. Pacquiao’s first defense of the WBA welterweight world title will kick off the new partnership and will have him appear on the Premier Boxing Champions series. Pacquiao’s promotion company, MP Promotions, will promote all of his upcoming bouts under this new alignment with Haymon. MP Promotions will also work with Haymon to bring some of the best fighters from the Philippines and Asia to the United States to appear on the PBC series.

Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2018) – Middleweight Isiah Seldon is getting ready for his biggest fight of his career when he takes on undefeated Tyler Howard in a bout scheduled for eight-round on November 16th at The Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.

The bout, which is promoted by Top Rank, will be streamed live on ESPN+.

The main event will see WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker defending against Alex Saucedo.

Seldon (12-1-1, 4 KOs) has been training in Atlantic City under the watchful eye of Bill Johnson.

“I am looking forward to this great opportunity,” said Seldon. “I have been longing for an opportunity to take on a fighter such as Howard as a win will take my career to the next level.”

Team Seldon, has been working diligently with longtime manager Jim Kurtz very excited about the opportunity that Seldon has in front of him.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than fighting on a Top Rank show with an explosive main event between Hooker and Saucedo. The staff at Top Rank has been top notch. I am really excited for Isiah to get this opportunity to display his talents on a big stage. Myself and co-manager Joe Thompson are convinced Isiah is ready to shine on November 16th and it can’t get here fast enough,” said Kurtz, who has manged Seldon from day one.

Kurtz also managed Seldon’s father, WBA Heavyweight champion, Bruce Seldon.

“Isiah has reunited with his original trainer Bill Johnson and they haven’t skipped a beat. This is the first time Isiah has had a full fledged training camp. We haven’t left any stone unturned in preparation for this fight. Isiah’s conditioning is at a point that I have never seen with him before. He is getting great sparring and his improvement working with Bill in preparation for this fight has been incredible. He is ready to show the world a new and improved Isiah Seldon. He has a large legacy to follow being the son of former WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon but Isiah is determined to make his own mark on the sport of boxing.”

“He has always had power in both hands, scoring knockdown in almost every fight, but now he is learning to remain calm and finish guys instead of getting overly excited and letting them off the hook. He is punching harder than ever before, putting his punches together and his boxing ability has reached a level where he can control the pace of the fight. We have taken it slow with Isiah considering he didn’t have any amateur fights but we are now at the point where he is ready to make his mark on the Middleweight division.”

“We know Tyler Howard is a good undefeated fighter. He had a good amateur career, comes from a family with a boxing background, and has a solid management team who have done a great job with him. On November 16th we expect a tough fight with some fireworks but we are confident Isiah will emerge victorious and this will lead us to bigger and better opportunities.”

DETROIT (November 1, 2018) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Jermaine Franklin has joined Salita Promotions to help guide his career as he seeks to announce himself as the newest American contender in the division and reach his dream of becoming heavyweight champion of the world. Having already earned 17 wins, 13 by knockout, the 25-year-old has made an impressive rise up the heavyweight division since turning pro in 2015, putting him high on the list of top American heavyweight contenders.

“Salita Promotions prides itself on showcasing and promoting its fighters and that really impresses me,” said Franklin. “I believe that Salita Promotions gives me the best opportunity to become heavyweight world champion. Dmitriy understands boxing and I look forward to gaining his guidance and knowledge.”

Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Franklin has turned to promoter Dmitriy Salita to help take him to the next level. Salita has worked to revitalize world class boxing in Detroit, an effort that produced the highest-rated ShoBox card in five years when Claressa Shields defeated Hanna Gabriels at the Masonic Temple in June.

The promoter will look to take advantage of the city’s rich sports history to build a fan base for Franklin and will give him exposure on national broadcast platforms in the biggest fight cities throughout the country.

“I have watched Jermaine for the last two years and I’ve seen his desire, dedication and commitment to the sport,” said Salita. “I spend a lot of time in Michigan and I make sure to educate myself on up-and-coming fighters in the area. Jermaine’s boxing record speaks for itself, It’s an honor to add him to my promotional stable.”

Franklin had a standout amateur career in which he became a National Golden Gloves champion while picking up wins over the likes of Cassius Chaney and Cam F. Awesome to garner buzz for a possible spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. However, Franklin decided to make the move to the pro ranks and begin his climb towards the heavyweight world championship.

“I want to raise the competition in the heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “There are some great heavyweights like Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua that are putting the division back on top. I want to be right there with them and have a hand in making the division must-watch TV once again.”

“Jermaine is the best American heavyweight prospect in boxing and he’s just a few fights away from being a familiar name for fans,” said Salita. “He has the pedigree to be the next great American heavyweight fighter. I feel confident that his name will stand tall with other great Michigan fighters such as Tommy Hearns, Floyd Mayweather and Claressa Shields.”

The sought-after heavyweight has beaten five undefeated fighters so far in his career and most recently won a 10-round decision over veteran Craig Lewis in July. Franklin will look to return to the ring soon to continue to fight his way to the top of the heavyweight division.

JACK MASSEY BELIEVES that a couple of recent high profile fights in his weight division have potentially given the cruiserweights a bad name.

The 14-0 Massey, who goes by the name of ‘One Smack’, is keen to propel himself into the thick of things and returns to action on the mammoth Manchester Arena card on December 22 as one of the support acts to Josh Warrington defending his IBF world featherweight title against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.

Fights that have been given the big build up, such as Lawrence Okolie-Isaac Chamberlain and Matty Askin-Okolie, have failed to live up to their billing and Massey fears the boxing public could be turned off from the 200 pounders.

“Yeah, a little bit, I definitely think so myself,” considered the 25-year-old. “You don’t want people to watch fights like that and think it is what boxing is about. Matty Askin is a talent, so is Chamberlain, but Okolie is just awkward and holds a lot.

“He made them look mediocre as well as himself,” added Jack, who says the hype around these fights was not justified in the ring.

“No, not really, but there is a lot of talent in the cruiserweight division at the moment with a lot of good up and coming young fighters.

“If you saw the Okolie-Askin fight it was a bit of a stinker and you don’t want people to watch that and think that is what the cruiserweights are about. You want people to be interested in the cruiserweight division and see some good fights.”

Massey views himself as the man to restore the sparkle to the division and would willingly put himself forward to challenge Okolie. However, he suspects he is not viewed as an ideal candidate for a voluntary defence of a title and he will have to force the issue by earning mandatory status.

“I definitely think it is time to step up and obviously fight for some titles – we need a big title fight now. I feel like I am ready for that.

“My last fight – against Ian Tims – was a bit of a step up and, from what I am hearing from my management, a lot of people don’t want to fight me now and are ducking and diving a little bit.

“It seems like it will be harder to get a title shot unless I get into a mandatory position. So I just need to crack on and get some good fights, starting on December 22. I need to get cracking up the rankings then see what we can get.

“It is a great show to be on with some top fights on it and I think my tickets are going to fly out for it.

“We’d like the Okolie fight and he’s now got the target on his back, hasn’t he? Obviously styles make fights and it would be an awkward fight, but we have had a look at him and seen a few things.

“He has won the British and Commonwealth so he is the one you are going to target and we would like that fight. If not, we will go back to the drawing board and see what is best for us in getting up the rankings.

“It doesn’t sound like Okolie will take the fight so I can’t see it happening any time soon.”

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. JJ Metcalf will defend his WBC International super-welterweight title against Liam Williams in support of the main event, while Mark Heffron will challenge for the British middleweight title.

Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) also features on the bill along with world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0).

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 Eventim.

QUINCY, Mass. (November 1, 2018) — The return of three-time world challenger Aleksandra Lopes will headline “Championship Boxing at The Armory,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 21), at the National Guard Armory (70 Victory Road) in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Many of New England’s most talented and popular boxers will be on the card, which will also feature a Massachusetts State title fight in Granite Chin Promotions’ third and final show of 2018.

“We are excited to be running once again on Thanksgiving Eve,” said GCP co-promoter Chris Traietti, who will also be fighting on this card. “Throughout the last few years, Granite Chin has been trying to make it a Thanksgiving tradition to bring local boxing to the area as a fun way to get people together.”

The wildly popular Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), fighting out of Marshfield, MA, is a native of Poland. She hasn’t fought since last December due to injuries suffered in a car accident. Lopes will face
Missouri welterweight Ashleigh Curry (7-11-4, 1 KO) in the six-round main event.

Former N.E. welterweight champion Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira (14-2, 7 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, takes on Mexican veteran Franciso “El Mono” Medel (12-15, 8 KOs) in the six-round co-featured event.

Iraq-War veteran Traietti (26-5, 21 KOs), of Quincy, MA, will not have his N.E. cruiserweight title on the line in a six-round bout versus upset-minded Sam “The Russian Concussion” Horowitz (6-3-2, 5 KOs), of Chicago.

Claremont, NH favorite Ricky Ford (3-1-1, 1 KO) will meet Saul Almeida, of Woburn, in a four-round middleweight match.

Travis Demko (8-1, 1 KO), of Stoughton, MA, takes on Brazilian Carlos Gallindo, fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a six-round match for the vacant Massachusetts State Welterweight Championship.

World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Dream” Carita (18-1-1, 17 KOs), a court officer in Brockton, MA and Pembroke, MA resident, squares off with 61-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, the former Mid-West middleweight titlist, in an eight-rounder.

Gloucester, MA super middleweight prospect Henry Gedney (1-0), a winner at the 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament, is scheduled to fight Francisco Neto (1-0), of Woburn, in a four-round bout to open the show.

Providence middleweight Anthony Concepcion (1-0, 1 KOs), trained by newly crowned World Boxing Organization (WBO) World middleweight champion Demetrious “Boo Boo” Andrade, tests himself against former Pacific Coast lightweight champion Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela in the four-round opener.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $60.00 ringside and $40.00 standing room, are available to purchase on line at
https://eur04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=WWW.TICKETRIVER.COM&data=02%7C01%7C%7C8eadd0515808469a4cdc08d63606ecc5%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636755800699338618&sdata=iDQvM%2FOsaWTYc1IDC3t%2B%2Fu9EtMbj8Egv1vbhT2YYqU4%3D&reserved=0.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled at 6:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

NEW YORK (Oct. 31, 2018) – Recently eclipsing three-million series views, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is set to hit a few more milestones on Saturday, Dec. 1, in San Antonio, Texas. Partnering once again with the legendary Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre of RJJ Promotions, the interactive, fan-friendly series will hold its 25th show – live from its tenth state of origin – showcasing a pair of undefeated warriors with hardware on the line. Local flair will also be on display on any device wherever Facebook is available beginning at 6:30 p.m. E.T. (5:30 p.m. C.T.).

“Roy and I have always felt that live streaming would take the place of the old platforms of delivering fights,” stated Keith Veltre, CEO and Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “This will give us the ability to reach millions of boxing fans around the world and enable us to deliver our sponsors a great deal of exposure we would normally get from traditional TV. This series is giving fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world and gain a fan base. We are thrilled that this vision lines up exactly where Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions wants to be.”

The Saturday, Dec. 1, show from the fabled Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio features a 10-round main event between undefeated super lightweights Kendo Castaneda (14-0, 7 KOs) and Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-0, 6 KOs), who will battle for the vacant WBA-NABA championship. Local favorites Ricky Medina (1-0, 1 KO), Luis Villarreal (3-0-1, 1 KO) and Xavier Wilson (8-0-1, 1 KO) will put their undefeated records on the line as part of a stacked undercard.

“Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre have believed in our FIGHTNIGHT LIVE platform from the beginning and we’re thrilled to partner with them once again on what will be our 25th show in the series,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’re also excited to make our series debut in the Lone Star State, the tenth State in the Union for our FIGHTNIGHT LIVE shows. It’ll be a hot one in Texas to open our December schedule.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 399 fighters and 12 promotions during 22 live event broadcasts from 15 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 22-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 136,405 views per event and more than 3.0 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, Season II shows have averaged 315,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Oct. 2018 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (196,656), the Sept. 2018 “Card Fit For Kings” from Philadelphia (195,620), the Sept. 2017 CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (151,253) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 22-show series has seen a total of 3,000,915 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 266,000 collective live post engagements (more than 12,000 per show), including more than 198,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 40,000 comments and more than 13,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views and the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 83,000 fans and more than 88,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Fall and Winter 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visit www.everlast.com.

Deerfield Beach, FL (October 31, 2018)—Roberto Garcia wants to reclaim his WBC Silver Belt Championship and what better way than to match him up with England’s Liam Smith for the vacant title.

Garcia (41-4, 24 KOs), who has been in training since losing his Silver belt to Martin Murray in a 12-round unanimous decision on June 23, is ready to take on the durable Smith (26-2-1, 14 KOs) for the belt.

“I saw Smith’s fight against Jaime Munguia for the WBO Super Welterweight title on television,” said Garcia. “It was an all-out war and I feel that the two of us can bring the same type of fight and intensity into the ring for the title. I’m ready to go.”

Smith went the distance in Las Vegas with Munguia and lost his interim WBO Super Welterweight title, which he had won in beating Liam Williams on April 8, 2017 and defended in a rematch with Williams on Nov. 11, 2017 in winning a majority decision.

“Garcia is ready to make the fight with Liam Smith and so is his promoter, Don King,” said manager Lee Holliday. “Both of these fighters are true warriors, so let’s get it on for the title.”

All it takes is a phone call from promoter Frank Warren to Don King and the fight will be on.