PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 19, 2018) – Talented junior lightweight prospect Michael Dutchover (9-0, 6 KOs) aims to continue the hot start to his career when he battles Sergio Ramirez (4-2, 4 KOs) in the “Path to Glory” main event this
Friday night at the Doubletree in Ontario, California

The pair weighed in at Thursday’s weigh in, with Dutchover reaching the contract weight limit of 133 lbs., while the challenging Ramirez was slightly under at 132.5 lbs.

The marquee attraction is Dutchover’s first since turning professional nearly two years ago. The 20-year-old out of Midland, Tex. is riding a wave of confidence heading into Friday’s fight.

“I spar with wold champions and contenders all the time so I’m ready to put on a great show,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I put in an excellent training camp just like always. I can go the full eight rounds if I need to, but I don’t think I will.”

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

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

Kathy Duva, CEO Main Events:
“Thanks so much for joining in on this beautiful summer day. It is terrific to be putting a show back in Atlantic City. Back in the Etess Arena. Back in a place where a lot of us started out working with our good friends Bernie Dillon, Sharon Pearce and all the other nice people from Hard Rock who we know from way back when. It is always comfortable and feels right for me whenever we end up in Atlantic City where we began. Where we had so many terrific fights. Where Sergey has had so many terrific fights, including his double-title-winning battle with Bernard Hopkins. Where all the great Gatti fights took place. It’s been a while. We’ve been away for four years and we’re really happy to see the city coming back on an upswing. That has a lot to do with the good people at Hard Rock who have hit the ground running in the last few weeks with this newly renovated – to the point of you can’t recognize it anymore – property.

“The advent of sports betting in New Jersey is another big hook that is going to make Atlantic City a destination for boxing again and we’re really happy that we can be part of it. Now that we’re back in New Jersey, we have a truly international card and fighters from all over the world, literally fighting for light heavyweight supremacy. Two world title fights. One, of course, Sergey Kovalev versus Eleider Alvarez. Krusher versus the Storm. We also have Dmitry Bivol versus Isaac Chilemba in another terrific light heavyweight title fight. I’ve said all there is to say. It is a really outstanding card from top to bottom, including our undercard fights but today we’re going be talking just about the fighters in the main event and the co-feature.”

Dmitry Bivol, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion:
“First thing I’d like to say is to say thank you. I’m very happy to box again. Not a long time ago I was boxing in New York City and now I get to box again in the tri-state area. I want to thank, certainly, all the people that put the fight together such as the Kathy Duva, of course, World of Boxing Promotion and Main Events promotion. And of course, my opponent’s team for accepting this fight.”

Vadim Kornilov, Manager of Dmitry Bivol:
“Thank you everybody. It’s a pleasure to be here and I appreciate everybody who took part in putting this fight together. The is another great event and we’re looking forward to a great new casino and fighting live on HBO. It is a pleasure to be part of the Kovalev card again. Definitely, we appreciate Kathy Duva and Andrey Ryabinski and World of Boxing and Main Events for having a great partnership together.”

Kathy Duva:
“Thank you so much Vadim for your kind words. We’ve been working with World of Boxing now for a little over a year and it’s been a pleasure and we look forward to having it continue.”

Question:
“Dmitry, there are no shortage of fans and media who believe that right now, you are the best at 175 pounds. I wonder if you believe that, right now, are you the best at 175 pounds?”

Dmitry Bivol:
“I do not think that now I am the best light heavyweight but I am now one of the best. One of four guys but I hope in not far future, we will know who is the best.”

Question:
“Dmitry, are you on a collision course with Sergey Kovalev. You’re not going to look past your foe August 4th but most people expect you to win. Are you on a collision course with Sergey Kovalev?”

Dmitry Bivol:
“Most likely this fight is gonna happen since both Sergey and I are HBO boxers and as long as that’s what the people want, most likely the fight will happen. Me and Sergey will make sure to give this fight to the people. And as far as it goes for winning on the 4th, of course I do believe in my victory on the 4th of August.”

Question:
“Dmitry as one of the best light heavyweights in the world, do you feel that it’s time that you headline your own HBO telecast before you fight Sergey Kovalev?”

Dmitry Bivol:
“It would be great, of course, to be a headliner. It’s a great status thing but honestly, I don’t really think about that. I’m not really worried about being the headliner. What I want to do is show good fights to the fans and make sure that they like my fights.”

Question:
“What do you think about Isaac Chilemba as a fighter? Do you believe that he could pose any difficulties that you haven’t seen yet as a professional?

Dmitry Bivol:
“I respect Isaac Chilemba because he took many fights against the best fighters like Sergey Kovalev. He fought for three belts with Sergey Kovalev and this fight was 12 rounds. I know he has good experience. He can move backward and he can move forward. He can fight all 12 rounds. Of course, he is serious opponent for me. But I believe in my victory because I have a good team and I have a good training camp. I win my belt and want to keep it long. I don’t want to give my belt to someone.”

Question:
“Kathy, how important is it for Main Events to possibly hold all four of the light heavyweight titles at the same time? Is that a goal of Main Events?”

Kathy Duva:
“That’s certainly a goal of Sergey’s and he’s made it very clear to me that that’s what he wants to do. He wants to do unification fights if he is successful with Eleider Alvarez. That’s what he wants to do next; he’s been very clear about that. That’s what he’s wanted to do ever since he won the first title and I don’t think he’s lost his desire to achieve that goal.”

Question:
“Would you rather see it as a unification fight between Dmitry Bivol and Sergey at some time or would you rather see it somebody outside of Main Events?”

Kathy Duva:
“It doesn’t matter. What I have learned in all these years is making fights happen has to do with a whole lot of things that are outside of our control. So, first we have to get through a fantastic card and both guys in very competitive fights on August 4th and then we’ll see what happens when we move on.”

Question:
“Dmitry, after your fantastic performance last time out against a really crafty veteran, have you found you’re getting more attention? Do you feel more pressure going into the Chilemba fight on August 4th?”

Dmitry Bivol:
“Yes, of course. Many more people are asking me questions. Many more people are paying attention to my boxing. I was prepared for that. I wanted to be recognized, but I don’t mind the fact that there’s more attention on me. I still continue to train very hard because mentally I’m a very stable person and I’m a stable fighter. If mentally I’m prepared and I’m physically prepared, then I shouldn’t be worried about any distractions besides concentrating on the fight itself.”

Question:
“Dmitry, is it more important for you to get a stoppage or just a win in this fight against another crafty veteran?”

Dmitry Bivol:
“Most important that people enjoyable fight. Enjoy the fight. That’s most important.”

Jodi Solomon, Manager of Isaac Chilemba:
“I’d just like to say thank you very much to Main Events for giving us this opportunity and as always you’ve been a first-class promotional company and I’m very happy to be working with you again.”

Isaac Chilemba, WBA Light Heavyweight Challenger:
“I would like Dmitry Bivol for giving me this opportunity. I want to thank Main Events and I want to thank my team. I would like to thank my manager, Jodi Solomon, for her good work. I want to thank Roy Jones. I want to thank all the fans, Hard Rock and HBO for this opportunity.”

Question:
“Jodi, I get the sense from a lot of the media and the fans that they really see Isaac as an underdog here. He has had the opportunity to fight for titles before but it hasn’t happened for him. Why do you get the sense that maybe this time will be different? Are we correctly assuming that he is a heavy underdog here?”

Jodi Solomon:
“I think you are correct in assuming he is the heavy underdog. If you look at Isaac’s past and his history, that is when Isaac performs the best. When he has been favored to win, unfortunately, that has been when things seem to go wrong. I am very happy that he is being assumed as the underdog in this fight.”

Question:
“Jodi, what can he do differently? What has he done differently in his preparation so he can get the win here?”

Jodi Solomon:
“As far as I am concerned, I believe Isaac’s speed and agility in the ring, and his experience, will be enough to help him get through the fight. I don’t believe that Dmitry Bivol has faced anyone like Isaac but I do believe that Isaac, in his 32 professional fights, has faced a fighter like Dmitry Bivol.”

Question:
“You have had the opportunity to fight both Alvarez and Kovalev and I was curious, do you have a prediction for how that will go or any comparison about the two of them as opponents?”

Isaac Chilemba:
“They are both tough fighters. One is more of a boxer and one is more of a puncher. The one who will win the fight on August 4 is going to be the one that comes out with their A game. The one that is going to bring their A game will be victorious. I cannot say which one that will be because I don’t know how they are going to be on August 4. But the one that brings their A game will be the winner.”

Question:
“Do you feel pressure in this fight to have a big showing and to put on a big fight because of the importance of this fight for your career and the possibility of fighting the winner of the main event?”

Isaac Chilemba:
“Yes. I am fighting a youngster. He is a hard-hitting young fighter. The only thing I can do is work harder. I want to become a world champion. I rely on my team, Jodi and Roy, to help me bring my A game and this is my chance to showcase my skills. This is my opportunity to show the world what I can do.”

Yvon Michel, Promoter of Eleider Alvarez:
“We are very, very thrilled to be part of this great event. We are thankful to Main Events, HBO and Sergey Kovalev for the opportunity. I want to personally thank Kathy Duva and her team for their great collaboration. Eleider Alvarez was an amateur star in Columbia. He won a gold medal in the Pan-Am games. He turned pro in 2009. He is undefeated with a record of 23-0. He just came back from three weeks training camp in Bogota. He is at the peak of his career. He has his best training camp of his career. He has great talent. He has a great team. He is highly motivated. He is hungry. He has all the ingredients to be the new WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion.”

Eleider Alvarez:
“First of all, thanks to Kathy Duva, Main Events and Sergey Kovalev for accepting this fight. And thank you to Yvon Michel and my manager. I am very thankful for the opportunity. I am very excited for this fight and the opportunity to fight for the WBO Champion of the World.”

Question:
“There was a lot going on. Eleider was supposed to fight Adonis Stevenson and, obviously, that didn’t happen. How easy was this fight to make?”

Kathy Duva:
“From my perspective it was extremely easy. I gave Yvon a call and he asked for one day. He got back to me and accepted the deal. We had a contract signed in a few days.”

Yvon Michel:
“During that day, I called Eleider and his manager and trainer. We had a meeting. I came back from that meeting with the mandate to go forward. It was that easy.”

Kathy Duva:
“When the guys want to fight each other, it is not that hard when you have two fighters who want to get in the ring and fight.”

Question:
“Eleider, what is it like psychologically facing someone who has so much momentum? It is sort of like going up against Tyson in his prime. What is it like going up against Sergey as the underdog? What is it like for you psychologically?”

Eleider Alvarez:
“This is a big challenge for me. This is something very big. Each time I usurp myself. I had a lot of fights that were against opponents that were not the same quality of Kovalev but I always give 100% in the ring. This is no different. I am going to give 100% and I will be at the top. When the challenge is bigger, I always perform better. If this is the biggest challenge of my career then I will be up to the task.”

Question:
“Eleider, your best punch is your jab. You control the distance in the ring in your last several fights with that jab. However, in the last few fights you haven’t faced a devastating puncher like Kovalev, particularly with the right hand. Are you concerned that you might not be as effective with the jab against Kovalev because of his right-hand punching ability?

Eleider Alvarez:
“My jab is my best weapon so I am going to use it against Kovalev.”

Question:
“Eleider, you said nothing has come easy for you. After being the #1 contender, he defended fighters like Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal and still could not get the fight enforced as the WBC mandatory. Does he view this fight, as Kovalev, as a do or die situation for him career-wise based on how difficult it’s been for him to get his first title shot?

Eleider Alvarez:
“Yes, I think this is my biggest opportunity. I waited for three years and a half for my chance. This is my biggest fight. I never let the past decide me. I’m gonna be ready for this. When I fought Isaac Chilemba, it was a do or die fight. When I fought Lucian Bute, it was the same thing. I had the same pressure when I fought Jean Pascal, so I am used to have the kind of fight that it’s a do or die.”

Question:
“What does it mean to you, Eleider, to appear in Atlantic City on this card, to join all the many other great fighters through history who have fought there and who are now bringing boxing back to Atlantic City? What does that mean for your place in history?”

Eleider Alvarez:
“Yes. Simple, it’s one of my dreams to be on that level. It’s one of my dreams to fight on the biggest scenes of boxing, like Las Vegas MGM, Crystal Palace. The big scene. Then this is something super big for me and it’s another challenge and it represents something very, very big for me, for my career and for all my team.”

Egis Klimas, Manager of Sergey Kovalev:
“I am here. I’m traveling, so I’m sorry. I’m now in different time zone, but anyway, we are very glad and looking forward for August 4. I believe Sergey is coming to the new chapter and he wants to prove he’s a still best light heavyweight in that division. We’re looking forward for August 4th in Atlantic City.”

Question:
“Mr. Kovalev. I just wanted to know, you waited a long time and didn’t fight Adonis Stevenson. Now you have a guy from the same promoter. What can you tell us about Alvarez?”

Sergey Kovalev, Two-Time Light Heavyweight World Champion:
“I can say about Alvarez that I’m waiting for very interesting fight and I am sure that it’s gonna be not easy to fight Alvarez, because he is undefeated and he is a number one in WBC. Stevenson awarded him already like it two or three times and he’s the proof that he [Stevenson] is scared. But I’m not scared him and I’m interesting to fight him and get victory over him. Just get attention on August 4 and be ready. I will defend my title.”

Question:
“Would you still wanna fight Adonis? Do you still wanna fight him?”

Sergey Kovalev:
“I’m ready to fight any champion, because my goal is to get all four titles, to be undisputed champion.”

Question:
“Sergey, I am wondering, 35 years old. You’ve had these high-level fights and good paydays and have been a long time in this sport. How much do you still love, or how much do you still like boxing?”

Sergey Kovalev:
“I don’t feel that I am old or something like that. It’s just a number for me, 35. God blessed me and gave me an opportunity as still fighting on this level, like a champion, and I’ll be fighting, I hope, ’til I get all four titles. It’s my goal and when I get this goal I am done. That will be like a goal to retire.”

Question:
“Egis, what do you see outside looking in? How much does your guy still like or love boxing?”

Egis Klimas:
“Well, if I see him every day in the gym, working for two, three hours, sparring with a bigger guy and not saying much about it, I think it’s still in him what he had. He’s not complaining. He’s always ready and every time he sees me he’s always asking about possibilities about who’s gonna be next. I think he’s still interested in this sport and I think he’s still gonna bring something to it.”

Question:
“Sergey, I don’t want to disrespect your foe for this fight. I’m wondering, does it get frustrating for you that we, the media and fans, still ask about people like Andre Ward and Adonis Stevenson and guys that are not at the table right now? Is that frustrating for you?”

Sergey Kovalev:
“No, it’s okay, because it already was; this is part of my career, you know, and I understand everything. I got a big experience from Andre Ward, the fight, you know, like and what was around this fight. Also, I’m happy that I’m still fighting, but Andre Ward already retired.”

Question:
“I know you answered earlier about how easy it was to make this fight. Is there now hope that you guys can work together more often and bring us these types of fights, ’cause there was a blockage there for many years. We were not able to get a lot of these fights done because of the way Al Haymon was managing his business. Did you have to get his okay, his approval, in order to get this fight done and do you feel like it’ll be easier from now on?”

Yvon Michel:
“Look, I have a good relationship, I believe, with Kathy. Things are changing very quick in boxing. We are going in a direction where I fit the most to our fighters on short term, but every champion is hoping to become unified champion. There are two champions in the in Main Events stable, there are two champions in ours. Hopefully we will find a ground sometime, somewhere to be able to have this super fight against one another.”

Kathy Duva:
“I certainly feel the same way.”

Question:
“Eleider, you are fighting a guy who has pretty much destroyed everyone he has faced in his career except for Andre Ward. Is there any fear facing a puncher like Kovalev?”

Eleider Alvarez:
“If I was scared then I wouldn’t be boxing. That’s the reason why I picked this sport. Despite the fact that I haven’t faced any world champs in the fight in the past, I have faced guys who were power punchers so it’s not an issue for me.”

Question:
“Sergey, have you fought in Atlantic City before and are you looking forward to fighting there after all the other great names like Lennox Lewis, Ray Mercer and Arturo Gatti? And do how you feel about adding your name to that list appearing there?”

Sergey Kovalev:
“I’m very happy to be in this league of famous boxers in the boxing history. I’m very happy, back to Atlantic City, because I don’t care where to fight, but I am most happy where is famous arenas like Atlantic City, Madison Square Garden. It’s very big motivation to prove that you’re the best and I’m going to show August 4th that I deserve it.”

Question:
“Kathy, how do you feel about bringing the sport back to Atlantic City?”

Kathy Duva:
“The last big, major fight in Atlantic City involved Sergey Kovalev when he fought Bernard Hopkins and so it’s been a while. That was the last time I believe Main Events was there, so we’re really happy to be back. I think I did address it a little bit earlier, but particularly happy to be working with our friends at Hard Rock, Bernie Dillon, Sharon Pearce, and all the other people that we’ve known there for so many years. It’s really nice and comfortable to be back with friends.

“It’s a great show. This is what’s boxing is supposed to be. It’s fun to be a promoter when you get to put on fights like this where the number one fighter in the world is fighting the man in the light heavyweight division. Then you have the best young light heavyweight in the world, another world champion, who’s fighting a real test in Isaac Chilemba. It’s all really … It’s a pleasure and so I look forward to seeing everybody there.”

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
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Louisville, Kentucky: July 19, 2018

The Real Deal Boxing and Top Knotch Boxing have announced a new showcase series debuting next Saturday, July 28th at the Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.

In the main event, The Real Deal Boxing’s own Carlos Dixon (3-0, 1 KO), will look to extend his undefeated record against Florida’s Darel Harris (1-3-1, 1 KO) in a 4 round featherweight bout.

As the most promising prospect in over a decade to come from the boxing crazed home of Muhammad Ali, Dixon is fast becoming a local celebrity in the Louisville area and looks to continue to build his following in his first headlining event.

The co-main event takes place in association with World of Boxing and the WBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title is on the line when Russia’s Batyr Ahkmedov (4-0, 3 KO) takes on Venezuela’s Ismael Barroso (20-2-2, 19 KO). On the fast track to say the least, the power punching Ahkmedov, in only his 5th professional outing, is already taking on a contender and world title challenger in Barroso.

The Real Deal Boxing’s St. Louis’ cruiserweight hopeful, Joshua Temple (6-0, 5 KO) returns to his home away from home in Louisville to face Floridian, Alexander Brunson (2-1, 1 KO) in 6 round action. Temple is coming off two straight dominant victories over undefeated fighters including his last fight on the undercard of the opening round of the Jose Sulaiman WBC World Invitational Tournament.

Alycia Baumgardner (6-0, 4 KO), another Real Deal fighter, is already ranked #3 in the United States and she’s facing the toughest test of her career against Athens, Greece native, Christina Linardatou (9-1, 5 KO) in a 6 round bout. Baumgardner, the WBC International Female Junior Lightweight Champion, who fights out of nearby Fremont, Ohio is becoming a fan favorite in the region and will be putting her title on the line.

In a 6 round welterweight contest, one of Real Deal Boxing’s most promising blue chip prospects, Detroit’s JaNelson Bocachica (10-0, 7 KO) takes on Noel Esqueda (8-5-2, 6 KO) out of Wichita, Kansas. Bocachica is coming off a show stopping victory against his toughest foe to date, Pablo Sanchez (10-2) and wants to prove he’s one of the best young fighters in the Midwest and beyond.

In a 4 round lightweight bout, undefeated Wilfredo Flores (6-0, 2 KO) out of Dunkirk, New York will face an opponent to be named.

This is The Real Deal Boxing’s third visit to Louisville having held their debut show there last June which aired nationally on CBS Sports as well as the first round of The Jose Sulaiman WBC World Invitational Tournament, which saw 8 high level welterweight fighters from around the world face each other at the KFC Yum Center this past April.

“Being the hometown of Muhammad Ali, we felt Louisville was the perfect place for The Real Deal Boxing to branch out into the Midwest.”, explains, Eric Bentley, The Real Deal Boxing’s COO.

“After the success of our first two events there, our company’s debut show and the first round of our flagship event, The WBC Tournament, we knew the timing was right to introduce a re-occuring showcase series based out of Louisville that focuses on regional prospects.”

“In the past year, Louisville has shown that it can compete nationally and internationally in hosting world-class boxing,” says, James Dixon, president and founder of Top Knotch Boxing. “My dream is for Louisville to once again be viewed as a boxing mecca and creating this new showcase series is the next step in making that a reality.”

As co-founder of The Real Deal Boxing and the only 4-time heavyweight champion of the world, Evander Holyfield adds, “The cards we will be putting together in Louisville will showcase blue chip prospects and upcoming fighters from across the Midwest who, in many cases, have been lost in the shuffle. We intend to give them a platform to grow and develop a fan base in their own backyard.”

The Real Deal Boxing Showcase Series takes place on Saturday, July 28th in Louisville, Kentucky at The Davis Arena (4400 Shepherdsville Road) and is brought to you by The Real Deal Boxing and Top Knotch Boxing. Doors open at 6pm. First bell is at 7pm. Tickets are priced at $35, $50, $75 and $125 dollars. For more information and to purchase tickets please call 502-759-7665 or buy online at www.gladiatorsportsnetwork.live

LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) of Liverpool, England, held a final press conference ahead of their 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) and Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs), who will fight for Machado’s WBA Super Featherweight World Title in the co-main event, also participated.

Here’s what today’s participants said at today’s press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“Liam Smith is a tough fighter. We know what kind of style he has. He’s the type of fighter who will come forward and throw a lot of punches. He has an advantage because he’s been in big fights before. But I have a lot of experience as well. I’ve had over a hundred amateur fights and I have fought all over Mexico. We also know what style he will bring. Smith is the kind of fighter who will stand in front of you with a high guard and then suddenly throw a lot of punches. We both come forward and we both throw a lot of punches, so there is a high possibility that this fight will end in a knockout. If we don’t get the knockout, I’m prepared to go the 12 rounds. This has been the best camp of life. I am very prepared. My sparring has gone well. I feel great and I will show that on Saturday. Don’t miss this big fight!”

LIAM SMITH, Junior Middleweight Contender:

“It’s good to be back fighting in the United States. The last time I was here I was treated very well. It was unfortunate to pull out of the Sadam Ali fight. But my loss was Jaime Munguia’s gain. He stepped in and he won the title.

I was kept in the mandatory position and now I’ve got my shot against a good champion. It should be an exciting fight. He’s an exciting combatant who comes to fight. He’s young and he’s hungry. But you know me. I’m not going to come here and lie down. It’s not the Jaime Munguia show for me. I’m here to do my job. I’m here to do what I set out to do and get my title back.”

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“I want to thank God for this opportunity. I’m excited to be fighting in back-to-back events on HBO, the most important television platform in boxing. It is a dream come true to be working for Miguel Cotto and Oscar De La Hoya. I grew up watching Miguel Cotto fights as a kid in Puerto Rico, so for me it is a dream come true to be here defending my title.”

“Rafael is the Number 1 contender for a reason. I’ve got great training at the Wild Card Boxing Club where everyone is very strong. I thank Freddie Roach for focusing on me for the past several weeks. I’m going back to Puerto Rico a world champion.”

RAFAEL MENSAH, Super Featherweight Contender:

“I thank Golden Boy Promotions, HBO and Don King Productions. I thank everyone who will see this fight live. This fight was a long time coming, but now I’m happy Alberto Machado will fight me. I’m happy to fight on a Golden Boy card. My uncle Ike Quartey fought with the Golden Boy, and now I will fight on a Golden Boy card. Like my uncle, I will fight with everything on Saturday.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:

“We have great fights in store for everyone. Jaime Munguia, who just acquired his world title in spectacular fashion, is up against another tough contender in Liam Smith. In the co-main event, we’re happy to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions and Don King Promotions to bring this great fight between Alberto Machado and Rafael Mensah. The fights are sure to be a great. They are all prepared and good to go, so don’t miss all this action.”

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action-packed doubleheader will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are on sale and are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

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

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.

About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at thePollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 19, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) weighed in at a ready 134.8 pounds, the same as his opponent Thomas Mattice. They will square off an in eight-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: the New Generation tripleheader that will take place tomorrow night, Friday, July 20th at The WinnaVegas Casino Hotel in Sloan, Iowa.

Hamazaryan from Armenia, is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

The broadcast on SHOWTIME® will begin at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Photos Credit: Rosie Cohe/SHOWTIME

FINAL QUOTES:

HAMAZARYAN
“This is a step-up fight and I’m honored to be fighting in the United States.

“I got some great training and sparring in Los Angeles. America is the fighting mecca and all the greats eventually make it to America. Now it’s my time.

“I don’t talk much. I’m pretty quiet. I let my gloves do all the talking.

“I’ve had more than 200 amateur fights. I have strength in both hands. I’m a boxer-puncher; My style is the classic boxer-puncher.”

MATTICE

“I don’t know anything about my opponent, but my coaches have watched some videos and we will have a plan.

“Having been on ShoBox before, I know what to expect. There will be some nerves, but I won’t be overwhelmed. I’ll be more comfortable. I’ll be a lot more comfortable.

“I’ll have to use my jab and use my distance and my range. I’ll do whatever I have to do to get the win.

“Against [Rolando] Chinea I knew if I got one shot he would go down, and that’s exactly what happened.”

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

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

SLOAN, Iowa (July 19, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis and fellow unbeaten Armando Alvarez made weight on Thursday for their 10-round main event matchup tomorrow/Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs), a former National Golden Gloves Champion, is a highly-touted prospect from Philadelphia taking a major step-up in opposition against Alvarez (13-0, 7 KOs), who has knocked out six of his last seven opponents. Ennis, who has knocked out his last 10 opponents, will make his television debut in Friday’s main event.

Undefeated lightweight prospects Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) and Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) will meet in the eight-round co-feature. Mattice returns to ShoBox for the second time after debuting on the series in February. Hamazaryan faces Mattice in only his second fight in the U.S. The Armenian native, who calls former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Sergey Lipinets a sparring partner, won his U.S. debut in February against the previously unbeaten Sergio Ramirez.

In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated super lightweight prospects Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) and once-beaten Kenneth Simms Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) both return to the series when they face off in an eight-round clash. Love returns to ShoBox for the second time and Simms will fight for the third time after losing his undefeated record on the series a year ago. The two meet again after facing each other as teenagers.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

Welterweights – 10 Rounds

Jaron Ennis: 145 ¾ Pounds

Armando Alvarez: 146 ¼ Pounds

Referee: Adam Pollack (Iowa); Judges: Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Lightweights – Eight Rounds

Thomas Mattice: 134 ¾ Pounds

Zhora Hamazaryan: 134 ¾ Pounds

Referee: Adam Pollack (Iowa); Judges: Bob LaFratte (Iowa), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Super Lightweights – Eight Rounds

Montana Love: 140 Pounds

Kenneth Simms Jr.: 139 ¼ Pounds

Referee: Paul Parry (Neb.); Judges: Bob Lafratte (Iowa), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Non-Televised weights
Roney Hines 219.6 – David Becker (will weigh in on Friday)
Zhang Zhilei 265.6 – Eugen Buchmueller 219.4
Meng Fanlong 176.6 – Chris Eppley 177.2
Darmani Rock 264.4 – Marques Valentine 296.2

FINAL QUOTES:

ENNIS:
“Since I was little I’ve always felt comfortable in the ring and so relaxed. I’ve been around it for so long, watching my brothers and my dad. Boxing is all I know.

“We have a mission to accomplish for the Ennis family. That’s what keeps me grounded. Both my brothers fought on ShoBox and lost so I’m doing this for the family name.

“I looked up to Roy Jones and Floyd [Mayweather] and James Toney. I mostly watched Roy; He was my favorite fighter.

“I don’t feel the pressure. I’ve been doing this all my life and I know what it takes to be successful. I have fun doing this.”

ALVAREZ:
“The pressure is all on him. I’m the B side and no one is expecting me to win, but I’m coming win.

“He is going to use my size and height but he’s a kid. I’m a grown man. I’ll be ready for whatever he has for me.

“I’m on SHOWTIME and know everyone wants to see a knockout, so that’s what I’m going to bring.”

MATTICE:
“I don’t know anything about my opponent, but my coaches have watched some videos and we will have a plan.

“Having been on ShoBox before, I know what to expect. There will be some nerves, but I won’t be overwhelmed. I’ll be more comfortable. I’ll be a lot more comfortable.

“I’ll have to use my jab and use my distance and my range. I’ll do whatever I have to do to get the win.

“Against [Rolando] Chinea I knew if I got one shot he would go down, and that’s exactly what happened.”

HAMAZARYAN
“This is a step-up fight and I’m honored to be fighting in the United States.

“I got some great training and sparring in Los Angeles. America is the fighting mecca and all the greats eventually make it to America. Now it’s my time.

“I don’t talk much. I’m pretty quiet. I let my gloves do all the talking.

“I’ve had more than 200 amateur fights. I have strength in both hands. I’m a boxer-puncher; My style is the classic boxer-puncher.”

LOVE:
“This is a big opportunity for me and just another step to where I want to be in my career. Being on TV doesn’t affect me at all, not even the lights and the cameras. I love the cameras. I talked a lot during the fight last time and you’ll hear me doing the same thing again.

“I’ve sparred with Gervonta Davis and Devon Alexander. For this fight I sparred with Sonny Frederickson.

“I know [Simms] is a boxer and is going to try to outscore me and run around a lot but I don’t think he can hurt me. He doesn’t have the power.

“This fight for me is a game-changer. Another win on national TV will be a big step for me.”

SIMMS JR:
“I’m a different fighter now. I started working with a strength and conditioning coach ahead of this fight. I sparred with Regis [Prograis] in Houston. This was my first time training in Houston, there is just better training there than in Chicago.

“I’m making 140 pounds easy. This feels like a new beginning for me. Even though it’s been a year since I last fought, I don’t think there will be any rust.”

# # #

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 73 fighters who have appeared onShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, and more.

NEW YORK (July 19, 2018) – Former world champions Peter Quillin and Luis Collazo were joined by WBA Women’s Super Middleweight Champion Alicia Napoleon at a media luncheon in Manhattan Thursday to discuss their respective showdowns taking place Saturday, August 4 from NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Quillin will take on J’Leon Love in a super middleweight attraction in primetime as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The primetime action is headlined by a showdown between former welterweight world champions Andre Berto and Devon Alexander.

Collazo collides with Bryant Perrella in a welterweight attraction on FS2 and FOX Deportes beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT on a telecast that also features unbeaten light heavyweight Marcus Browne facing Lenin Castillo.

The undercard will be highlighted by Long Island-native and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Napoleonmaking the first defense of her title against Hannah Rankin.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.nycblive.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the Ticketmaster Box Office at NYCB LIVE. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from The Palm West Side in Manhattan:

PETER QUILLIN

“August 4 is a big day. It’s been a long time since I fought in New York and I’m ready to showcase my talents here once again.

“I’ve been away from my family for the last two years training in California with Virgil Hunter. Basically I made the decision to come back home and be closer to my family. Now being home, I’m learning how to adjust my methods and my camp around my family.

“I think this is a new chapter in my life. J’Leon Love is trying to showcase and do something memorable against me. He’s trying to get a name on his record because he desperately needs one.

“We can make it a dog fight. I wouldn’t say that J’Leon likes to be in a dog fight, he’s more of a classical boxer. He likes to be on his legs, he likes to pop the jab out and he likes to move around the ring. So let’s see who comes and brings their better stuff that night. I want to make it a dog fight.

“Love definitely wanted this fight, but it’s a perfect fight for me. I hope that he brings his very best because I’m definitely going to bring that on my behalf.

“I’m just planning to go out there and be ‘Kid Chocolate’. I’ve got some good people around me. I’m training in Brooklyn with Aureliano Sosa, who has been pushing me to the max. August 4 for me is really about J’Leon being delivered into my hands and giving the fans a good showcase.”

LUIS COLLAZO

“Finally, it’s been so long. I’m grateful for this opportunity. I know that I need to make the most of each opportunity I get at this point, and I feel like I’ve definitely done that in all my recent fights. August 4 will be another night for me to show how much I still have left.

“It’s amazing to be able to perform at this venue with me being from New York. The people, the atmosphere, the fans and how they react to the fights, it’s phenomenal. Now it’s my turn to give it back to my boxing fans and entertain them.

“I feel 100 percent physically and am geared to be that way on fight night. I know that I have a tough, young opponent who needs this win as badly as I do. I’m going to show him what this sport is all about.

“I just want that win, if the knockout comes we’ll take it. But the main thing is going out there get the win and looking good while I’m doing it.”

ALICIA NAPOLEON

“I’m expecting a good fight. I know that Hannah Rankin is credible fighter and she’s a tough girl with a WBC Silver belt. I have the WBA World Title and I know she’s coming to take it. She’s a standup opponent, and I’m sure she’s going to be ready to give it her all that night just like I will.

“I’m a Long Island girl born and raised, so there’s nobody better to make history that night than myself. I’m ready to be the first female to fight in that arena. It’s such a beautiful feeling, I’m so excited that it’s me who is getting this opportunity, with so much to follow.

“The future is female. That doesn’t mean that were taking anything away from the males, it just means that it’s time for them to share the stage. We have a lot to offer, and we have a whole different audience and crowd to bring to boxing.

“It’s awesome to see women fighters starting to climb the ladder and I want to see more of us. It’s not about that one female fighter, it’s about the multitude of us. There is power in numbers, and we need to be shown. You’ll be surprised how quickly the crowd will just attract to the women, and we’ll automatically be bringing a bigger base than they ever brought before.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Peter Quillin knows what’s at stake August 4 and so does J’Leon Love. It’s a must-win fight for both guys, which usually equals a fun fight for the fans.

“This card has so much talent. You have Marcus Browne back in the ring and Luis Collazo back against a good opponent. Plus, Alicia Napoleon “The Empress”, the Long Island Female World Champion is in there with a really good fighter in Hannah Rankin. She’s the biggest fighter in Scotland. That’s a real quality women’s fight between two recognizable women fighters.

“It’s a stacked card with solid fights from top to bottom. It should be a really good night of boxing on television, and a great night of fights for Long Island.”

# # #

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, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @LouDiBella, @NYCBLive and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/NYCBLive. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina. BROOKLYN BOXING on Long Island is an extension of BSE’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ brand. For more information, visit brooklynboxingshop.com.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. (July 19, 2018) – IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. has made the most of his inaugural training camp with Kevin Cunningham and will look to bring that same level of focus to the ring when he challenges WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I decided to go to Florida for a different environment than I usually trained in,” said Easter, a Toledo-native who had trained in his hometown for much of his pro career. “I needed to be taken out of my comfort zone. At home, I was focused on too many other things. Coming to West Palm Beach has allowed me to focus on nothing but myself and boxing.”

Easter saw what Cunningham had done for his close friends Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis, who both trained with Cunningham leading into April 21 fights on SHOWTIME that saw Broner battle to an entertaining draw against Jessie Vargas and Davis capture a second world title with a spectacular knockout of Jesus Cuellar.

“I was with Adrien Broner and Gervonta Davis every step of the way during training camp with Kevin Cunningham earlier this year,” said Easter. “I saw for myself that it was something I needed to do. I talked with my dad about getting away from the distractions and we agreed this was the right move.”

Easter burst onto the scene in 2016 with a dominant knockout of former champion Argenis Mendez before beating Richard Commey later that year in an entertaining battle to capture the lightweight belt. Easter’s last two defenses however have seen him narrowly escape with decision victories, something the unbeaten champion believes won’t be a factor on July 28.

“People are paying attention to my last couple of fights when I wasn’t using my height and reach,” said Easter. “I can improve on that by taking it back to what I had been doing before. I was knocking people out fight after fight.

“If you’re looking at just my last two fights, you aren’t giving me credit for everything I bring to the table. I faced two tough southpaws recently but on July 28 I’m going to show everyone what they’ve been sleeping on and why I’m a world champion.”

The 27-year-old Easter will now step up to take on one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best in four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. For Easter, this is a fight that he’s had on his mind and one that can put him into the top echelon of the sport.

“I’ve always wanted to fight the best in my weight class and now I have my chance to unify,” said Easter. “I know that Mikey is going to fight his fight and look to counter. He wants to wait for you to make a mistake so he can take advantage.

“What I have to do is go in there and impose my attributes on him. My height and reach are my advantages, but also my speed and power. I just have to combine all that and focus on my footwork.”

Although Easter will be fighting in Garcia’s hometown of Los Angeles, he has no plans to let the partisan crowd effect his focus as he looks for his biggest pro win in the same building where he made his professional debut.

“It doesn’t matter to me where we fight,” said Easter. “None of the fans can help him fight. It’s only about me and him in that ring together.

“My first pro fight was at STAPLES Center and even though it was early on an undercard, I still felt like there were 10,000 fans watching me. I just fought my fight. It’s all about staying focused. There will be no excuses on July 28.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

WORCESTER, Mass. (July 19, 2018) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) hosted a press conference yesterday at The Ballot Box in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make a major announcement, as well as introduce local fighters on the August 17th pro boxing card at The Palladium in Worcester.

Three-time, two-division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) is making his return in the “Making History” main event, in large part because he wanted to fight on the same card as his son, A.J. Rivera, who was to become the first pro boxer who was born with Spina Bifida. A.J., who is a rising matchmaker in New England, was unable to get medically cleared in time and he will not be fighting Aug. 17.

The event has been renamed, “Homecoming”, because six of the competing fighters, including Jose Antonio Rivera, live in Worcester.

“Unfortunately,” announced promoter Chuck Shearns, who co-promotes Granite Chin Promotions with Chris Traietti, “A.J. isn’t fighting on this show because he couldn’t get medically cleared in time.”

“I trained hard and was within five or six pounds of my contract weight,” a disappointed A.J. Rivera explained. “I passed all of the medical tests except for the CATSCAN. I fought the doctor a little and said I wanted a second opinion. Those results won’t be in time, so I can’t fight on this card.”

“The reason I’m coming back was to make history with my son,” Jose Antonio Rivera added. “We had talked about it a long time but, unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for A.J. for this card. He’s already part of history already as the only fighter born with Spina Bifida who fought as an amateur. I feel bad, but everything happens for a reason and as a father, my son’s safety always comes first. He will continue to be an important part of our team to make our company a success. People are thrown curveballs in life like this and we’ve regrouped to turn this into a positive. We’re still fighting for the cause (Spina Bifida).”

Now 45 years old, Rivera has already lost more than 30 pounds, and he is within eight of his contracted weight for his eight-round fight against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs).

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

Two fights later, in front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera won a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be making their pro debuts at home in Worcester. Ball faces an opponent to be determined in the six-round co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) meets Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, also in a six rounder.

Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera (8-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Hartford, CT, is slated to fight in a six-round bout vs. TBA, as well as his stable mate, two-time New England Golden Gloves champion “The Chosen One” Sharad Collier (1-0, 1 KO), who takes on his Mexican opponent, Emmanuel “Pollo” Valadez (5-4, 4 KOs), in a four-round match.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester lightweight Francisco Irizarry (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester’s pro-debuting lightweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Mexican Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14 (3 KOs).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

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

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth@USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Joe Antonio Rivera: “I want to thank everybody for coming. Tomorrow is four weeks to the weigh in. It’s an important date because fighting is easy, making weight isn’t. I want to thank Granite Chin Promotions

“Four Worcester fighters (Ball, Gray, Irizarry and Owusu) on this card have never fought here. It’s huge having Kendrick and Khiary on this card and I’d like to thank CES Boxing for allowing them to fight here. I’m proud of Kendrick and Khiary and excited to have them fighting on this show. Chuck and Granite Chin are running this show, I’m only focused on my opponent.

“I’m excited to have an opponent who is coming to fight. He’s my third opponent, but that’s part of boxing. I’m training hard, passed my medicals, and it’s like I’m hungry again. I haven’t fought in years, but I’ve taken good care of my body. I didn’t visualize doing this at 45. I’ve also heard that, after August 17th, there’s a possibility of a title for me by the end of this year.”

Chuck Shearns (GCP co-promoter): “I’m honored to be involved in this show. Jose and I have been friends for years. Months ago, this all started with a text conversation (Chuck, Jose and A.J.). A week later, it started getting serious, and then we had Jose and A.J. fighting on this card. Unfortunately, A.J. isn’t fighting on this card, but the show will go on.”

Jimmy Burchfield (CES promoter): “What’s important is that Jose Antonio Rivera is fighting on this card and that’s why I’m allowing ‘Pepper’ (Ball) and Khiary to fight on this card. I’ve had a good relationship with Chuck and I’ve known Jose and A.J., who worked for me, for a long time. Nothing was happening in Worcester boxing for years, until Jose and A.J. started promoting here, but Worcester has always been a good fight town. All the fighters here will be proud of your victory. This is beautiful! They’ve been around him and know what he’s accomplished in life. Jose has never abused his body, he’s taken good care of himself.

“We (CES Boxing) had an event scheduled August 17th at Twin River (Lincoln, RI), but we moved from that date, and now everything is focused August 17th on Worcester. How could I not have my Worcester fighters on Jose Rivera’s comeback card? ‘Pepper’ and Khiary really wanted to fight on this card. These kids (fighters seated at head table) look up to Jose for what he’s done and in life and his comeback is a really big story. I know what ‘Pepper” and Khiary are going to do and I know what Jose is going to do because he’s a veteran. I believe this will be a sell out!”

Kendrick Ball, Jr.: “I want to thank my promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, for giving me the okay to fight on this card. I also want to thank Granite Chin Promotions and Rivera Promotions Entertainment. I’ve waited for this a long time. This fight will give me a chance to redeem myself and show why I’m the next great middleweight to come out of Worcester. I’m ready to get it on.”

Khiary Gray: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment, CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions for giving me a chance to fight at home for the first time. This is a rematch for me. I stopped him in the first round, but there was some controversy. I know he’s coming to fight.”

Eslih Owusi: “I just graduated from high school and I wasn’t going to turn pro until after that. Fighting as a pro will be much more exciting than in the amateurs.”

Jose Angel Ortiz: “I’m very excited. I haven’t fought in two years. I was supposed to return before, but things didn’t work out. I never left boxing because I’m in the gym all the time working out or training other fighters. Jose and I are both in our forties. We’re going to show everybody that we can still fight.”

Edwin Rosado: “I will try and put on the best show I can.”

Joshua Orta: “I’m very happy about my first pro fight. I’ve dreamed of this day. Everybody is going to see an exciting card. I love this sport and always train hard.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 18, 2018) – Undefeated Las Vegas native, 21-year old Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (14-0, 7 KOs), wants to get in the ring with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (46-2, 38 KOs), when he makes his return to the ring, rumored to be on the undercard of Canelo vs. GGGon September 15, 2018.

Vazquez is the younger brother of former three-time super bantamweight world champion, Israel Vázquez. He’s been making noise in the lower weight classes since he captured the NABF Junior Flyweight Title as a teenager, at age 17. Before turning pro, Vazquez compiled an impressive record of (83-3, 46 KOs), unheard of in the amateurs. Vazquez is currently rated WBA #14, putting him in position to land a big fight, possibly a dream bout with Roman Gonzalez.

“If Chocolatito is seeking an opponent for September 15th, then who better than me,” said Damien Vazquez, who on March 28, 2018, captured the vacant WBC Youth Silver Super-Flyweight Title against Luis Golindano (10-1, 7 KOs). “I think it makes a lot of sense to make this fight because the fight is in Las Vegas, my hometown, and I’m Mexican. This would make for a classic showdown on Mexican Independence Day in Las Vegas, Mexico vs. Nicaragua, let’s make it happen. It’s time for the new blood to take over.”

Vazquez, who is managed by Greg Hannely, of Prince Ranch Boxing, is trained by former world champions Joel Cassamayor and Bones Adams. In addition, Vazquez owns his own promotional company, Sugar Promotions. His last four bouts have taken place in Aguascalientes, Mexico, all televised on the local government channel.

“My fanbase has grown tremendously in Mexico, since we’ve been promoting shows in Aguascalientes,” Vazquez continued. “It would be an honor to share the ring with a legend like Gonzalez. I know we would both put on a great show for all the fans who’ll be watching. It will be an explosive fight, that I can guarantee.”

“Look, Damien is a world class fighter who is hungry to make a name for himself,” said Oscar Vazquez, who runs and operates Sugar Promotions. “If Tom Loeffler makes this fight with us, he will not regret it, that I can assure you.”

“Damien has worked very hard to get where he’s at today,” said manager Greg Hannley. “If this opportunity presents itself, then there’s no doubt in my mind that Damien will step up to the plate and give the fans a great show. He’s a true Mexican warrior, who fights with a lot of heart.”

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 19th, 2018) — A new champion will be crowned in the featherweight division and another title could change hands Friday, Aug. 3rd, 2018 as CES MMA returns to Twin River Casino with “CES MMA 51” live on AXS TV.

Reigning CES MMA Lightweight World Champion Nate Andrews (13-1, 5 KOs) of East Providence, R.I., defends his title for the first time in one of two five-round championship bouts on the main card when he faces challenger D’Juan Owens (16-11-1, 4 KOs) of Durham, N.C.

In a battle for the vacant CES MMA World Featherweight Championship, Providence, R.I., native Sean Soriano (11-5, 5 KOs) faces Bangor, Maine, veteran Bruce Boyington (15-11, 7 KOs).

The two title bouts are part of a six-fight main card beginning live at 9 p.m. ET. The preliminary card begins at 7. Tickets for “CES MMA 51” start at $44.00 and are available online at www.cesmma.com, www.twinriver.com or www.cagetix.com, by phone at 401-724-2243 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club.

For Andrews, next month’s fight is his first since capturing the then vacant lightweight title with a wild, submission win over Chris Padilla in the main event of “CES MMA 49.” He’s now won seven consecutive bouts since his first and only loss in 2014.

Owens is a familiar face on the New England circuit. The 33-year-old faced former CES MMA title-holder Luis Felix in 2014, then went on to win each of his next three bouts. He enters Aug. 3rdhaving won two of his last three.

A former three-time UFC vet, Soriano makes his sixth appearance with CES MMA on Aug. 3rdafter winning decisively at “CES MMA 44” and “CES MMA 49.” Boyington returns to CES MMA nearly one year to the date of his first appearance back in August of 2017 when he battled Andrews on the main card of “CES MMA 45.” He followed up with a win over Taylor Trahan in February.

Also on the main card, Hollis, N.H., bantamweight Dylan Lockard (3-1, 1 KO) makes his fourth CES MMA appearance when he faces Eria, Pa., vet Brandon Seyler (8-6, 1 KO). Lockard looks to rebound from a loss at “CES MMA 48” in February while Seyler searches for his second consecutive win in his fourth appearance with the promotion. Seyler earned his first and only win with CES MMA at “CES MMA 45,” submitting fan-favorite Kris Moutinho 3:08 into the opening round.

Moutinho (5-2, 2 KOs), a Milford, Mass., native, also fights on the main card as he aims for his sixth career win and second in a row. Moutinho recently snapped a two-fight losing streak at “CES MMA 50” with a first-round knockout win over Al Jones.

Lightweight Lewis Corapi (7-3, 3 KOs) of Medford, Mass., ends a 21-month layoff in a comeback bout against Le Roy, N.Y., native Jacob Bohn (6-5, 1 KO), also on the main card. Aug. 3rd is Corapi’s sixth appearance with CES MMA. He last fought in November of 2016, defeating Vovka Clay by unanimous decision, and last fought for CES MMA in June of 2010 in a lightweight showdown against former title-holder Julian Lane. Bohn narrowly defeated Kenny Foster by split decision in May at “CES MMA NY 1” in Long Island in a thrilling, back-and-forth battle.

Featherweight Blair Tugman (10-7) of North Haven, Conn., joins Corapi in fighting for the first time in nearly 12 months when he rounds out the main card in a showdown against two-time CES MMA vet Shane Manley (4-3) of Cortland, N.Y. Manley last fought in February at “CES MMA 48” when he beat Lockard by unanimous decision. Tugman, an eight-time Bellator vet, has won three of four overall, but hasn’t fought since August of 2017. Aug. 3rd will be his third appearance with CES MMA and first since 2013 when he faced current UFC featherweight contender Andre Soukhamthath.

The preliminary card features the return of fan-favorites Hilarie Rose (1-1) of Norfolk, Mass., and unbeaten light heavyweight Fabio Cherant (2-0) of Wrentham, Mass. Cherant faces Maine’s Buck Pineau (1-5) while the flyweight sensation Rose steps back in the cage less than two months after earning her first career win at “CES MMA 50.”

Also on the preliminary card, bantamweight Jesse Pires (0-1) of Fall River, Mass., battles Jeff Silva (1-3) of nearby Lawrence. Pires aims to rebound from a loss in his pro debut against Michael Taylor at “CES MMA 46.” Silva split his last two bouts, including a win over Kenny Rodriguez in June of 2017 in New Hampshire.

West Haven, Conn., female atomweight Marissa Messer-Belencia (1-0) makes her long-awaited CES MMA debut against Los Angeles vet Kaiyana Rain (1-3) and heavyweight Eric Bedard (6-7, 4 KOs) of Providence returns to the cage for the first time since 2016 when he battles Ras Hylton (2-1, 2 KOs) of Augusta, Maine.

Bedard boasts seven appearances with CES MMA over the span of five years, starting with his debut at “CES MMA 8” in 2011 and continuing with his epic trilogy against regional rival Tyler King. Hylton debuted with CES MMA on the landmark Long Island venture in May against New Yorker Jahsua Marsh.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

LIAM WILLIAMS BELIEVES his fellow super welterweight Liam Smith is in for a tough night against the Mexican banger Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas this weekend, but suspects his old adversary has got what it takes to repel the fire of the 21-year-old and take the fight to the wire.

Munguia stepped in to replace mandatory challenger Smith back in May when Sadam Ali – who defeated Miguel Cotto in his final fight – held the WBO world super welterweight title.

Munguia caused something of an upset by flooring Ali four times on his way to a fourth round stoppage and the former WBC Latino champion must now fulfil the mandatory obligation against Smith.

Munguia has only been taken the distance four times in his 29 fights so far, with three of those coming in his early four and six rounders.

So Smith, as Williams suggests, is up against a bit of a puncher.

“Yes he looks good and looks like he can punch a bit,” said the Welshman, who fought Smith twice in 2017, losing the first due to a severe cut and the second via a majority points decision.

“It is a difficult one to call really because Liam is so tough and durable and he is actually a lot more skilful than people give him credit for.

“People think he is very basic and just comes forward, but when you are actually in the ring with him he is a lot more effective than he looks from the outside.”

Williams, however, was at a bit of a loss when it came to actually picking a winner in a fight that will be screened live and exclusive on BT Sport 1 from 3am on Sunday morning from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“I don’t know, it is such a close one to call and I think it is one that will come down to the wire and go the distance. It could be a really gruelling fight and very close.”

He might have struggled to pick a winner, but the 26-year-old did not hedge his bets when asked if he would like a shot at the winner. Williams is preparing for an expected September return in new surrounding under recently appointed trainer Dominic Ingle in Sheffield.

“One hundred per cent I would fancy it with either of them,” he insisted. “Whoever wins, I can’t really see myself being in position to get the next shot, but I would certainly take it.

“I am back on a roll now, I feeling good and I am re-motivated, which a lot of people didn’t realise I needed because I never really said anything.

“Even for the second Smith fight I was lacking in motivation and didn’t really care enough. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to win and I tried, but I didn’t have the motivation I should have had.

“What’s done is done and I am excited now by what is to come.”

New York: July 18, 2018

The Real Deal Boxing just celebrated it’s one year anniversary and now the company is proud to announce that the IBF has ordered a purse bid for The Real Deal Boxing’s Toka Kahn Clary (25-1, 17 KO) to face Kid Galahad (24-0, 15 KO) in a featherweight world title eliminator to be the mandatory title defense against England’s Josh Warrington (27-0, 6 KO).

“We have had multiple conversations with Kid Galahad’s team and we look forward to coming to an agreement for a fight between Clary against Galahad this fall.” explains, The Real Deal Boxing CEO, Sal Musumeci.

“We are willing to continue working on terms but we have no problem going to purse bid if that’s in the best interest of Toka. We have had extensive talks with venues and platforms based in the US and internationally who have expressed interest in working with us on this bout, but the top priority is putting Toka in the best position to win. The Real Deal Boxing is excited to, in just one year of existence, have one of our fighters in such an amazing position. We are confident Toka Kahn Clary will be the first of many world champions under The Real Deal banner.”

“Although we feel we have the best stable of undefeated blue chip prospects out of any current promotion, fighters that we believe will be the face of boxing over the coming years like Edgar Berlanga (8-0, 8 KO), JaNelson Bocachica (10-0, 8 KO) and Joshua Temple (6-0, 5 KO) to name a few, it’s always important for a new promotional outfit to prove that they have the ability to guide a legitimate contender to a title shot like in the case of Toka.” says, The Real Deal Boxing COO, Eric Bentley.

“I think we’ve proven that The Real Deal Boxing is a place for fighters of all levels who want a promoter that keeps them busy in the ring but cares for them outside of it and has the experience and connections to guide them to major opportunities. In addition we are truly trying to change the sport for the better for fans and fighters. From the judging, scoring and safety initiatives that we are doing with our WBC Tournament, we hope to take these changes to commissions across the country and the world.”

As 4x time heavyweight champion and co-founder The Real Deal Boxing, Evander Holyfield adds, “I knew when we signed Toka, he would be our first fighter to earn a title shot and now he’s one fight away from doing just that. Teaming up with Freddie Roach has brought out a whole new side of Toka and we can’t wait for him to get the opportunity he’s worked so hard for. It’s been an amazing first year for the The Real Deal Boxing and having Toka in line for a shot at the mandatory is very exciting and shows the boxing world that we are The Real Deal.”

The Real Deal Boxing’s First Year Achievements

Promoted 13 shows in 12 months in 6 states and 2 countries.

Signed a deal to air Real Deal events on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Digital platforms.

Created The Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament, a bracket style elimination tournament held in conjunction with the WBC where 8 fighters representing their home countries compete to be in position to fight for the WBC Welterweight World Title. The first round took place this past April in Kentucky at the KFC Yum Center and was broadcast internationally. The second round is scheduled for August 25th in Toronto, Canada.

Used the WBC tournament to create several new initiatives for the sport including changes to judging, scoring, introducing instant replay and having state of the art pre and post fight medical requirements. The initiatives have received interest from multiple commissions interested in adopting them into their own rules and regulations.

Created a ongoing showcase series at the renovated Kings Theatre in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn to promote New York area prospects.

Promoted a fight in the running for Upset of the Year when veteran fan favorite, Francisco Santana defeated Olympic Gold Medalist and World Title Challenger, Feliz Diaz in the first round of the Jose Sulaiman WBC World Invitational Tournament.

Philadelphia, Penn. (July 18th, 2018)–Super Middleweight Christopher Brooker will take on Eric Moon in the eight-round co-feature bout on Friday night, August 10th at SugarHouse Casino.

The bout, which is part of a full night of action that is promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the main event, Tyrone Crawley (7-1) of Philadelphia meets Ricardo Garcia (14-3, 9 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in a eight-round battle for the WBF Lightweight Championship.

Brooker of Philadelphia has a record of 13-5 with 5 knockouts.

The 27 year-old Brooker has proved to take-on, and defeat all comers as he has wins over Leo Hall (8-0), John Magda (11-0), Antowyan Aikens (10-1-1), Gabriel Pham (6-0), & Elvin Ayala (28-7-1).

Brooker is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Jamaal Davis on March 2nd at SugarHouse Casino.

Moon of Marietta, Georgia has a record of 7-1 with six knockouts.

The 27 year-old Moon turned professional in 2016, and won his first seven bouts, which was highlighted by a win over Simeon Hardy (13-1).

Hardy is coming off his 1st professional defeat when he lost to Meiirim Nursultanov on November 25, 2017 in New York City.

In six-round Bouts:

Poindexter Knight (4-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on James Robinson (5-11-4, 1 KO) in a welterweight bout

Javier Oquendo (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Joshafat Ortiz (4-0, 2 KOs) of Reading, PA in a battle of undefeated Pennsylvania based super featherweights.

Rasheed Johnson (3-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Tony Morris (4-1-1, 2 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida in a welterweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Shamsuddeen Justice (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Anthony Smith (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Fresno, California.

Paul Kroll of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against DeAngelo Alcorn (0-1) of Searcy, Arkansas.

Rasheen Brown of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against Sergio Aguilar (2-9, 2 KOs) of Homestead, CA in a super bantamweight bout.

Ryshine Collins of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against fellow pro debuter Yeuri Andujar of Santo Domingo, Domingo, Dominican Republic a super bantamweight contest.

James Martin (1-0) of Philadelphia battles pro debuting Jonathan Burrs of Hagerstown, Maryland in a super welterweight fight.

Nicoy Clarke (1-1) Of Jersey City, New Jersey meets pro debuting Jose Nunez of Reading, PA in a heavyweight battle.

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

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ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

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OAKLAND, CA. (July 18, 2018) – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will look to deliver a sixth-consecutive knockout when he faces Jose Roman on Saturday, July 28 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) is headlined by a lightweight title unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. and also features Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs) made the leap from campaigning at 130-pounds to the super lightweight division in December 2016 and has stayed busy while knocking out increasingly difficult opposition as he nears world title contention.

Here is what the 23-year-old Barrios had to say about his July 28 matchup and more from training camp in Northern California with Virgil Hunter:

On his fight against Jose Roman:
“Roman is a very dangerous fighter with a good record. He’s a tall fighter like myself, so that will be a different challenge for me to overcome.

“There is no doubt he will be my toughest opponent to date. These are the kind of difficult fights I need to win and win convincingly to get to the championship level. I’m going in there on mission July 28 and I’m going to prove I’m ready for a title shot.

“I know he’s motivated going into this fight since he’ll be fighting near his hometown. I’m just going to stick to my game plan and focus on what I must do, and that’s throw hard punches with precise accuracy.”

On his current knockout streak:
“Since I’ve move up to super-lightweight, my body has adjusted to the weight gain, and I’m feeling stronger than I ever have. I’m still growing into my man strength and my power is growing as well. I never go into a fight looking for the knockout, but if I get my opponent hurt, I promise I’ll be looking to take him out.”

On his training camp for this bout:
“I’ve had a tremendous training camp. For the first few weeks I was training in San Antonio at the South Park Boxing Gym with my dad and Rick Nunez laying the groundwork for what we wanted to accomplish.

“Then I finished it off in up in Northern California with Virgil Hunter, who will be guiding my corner. Together we all make a fantastic team. I’ve had tremendous sparring for this fight, my health is good and I’m ready to go.”

On making his SHOWTIME debut:
“I’m really excited to be making my debut on SHOWTIME debut on this card. I always knew I would be fighting on the big stage at some point in my career. Now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of. I’m very grateful to my team for giving me this opportunity.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

New York, NY (July 18, 2018)–It was a perfect weekend for Split-T Management, as six members of Boxing’s deepest management stable remained undefeated with impressive victories.

Teofimo Lopez announced himself to the lightweight division with an impressive 6th round stoppage over William Silva.

The bout, which was the co-feature bout on ESPN, took place on Saturday night at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Despite breaking his hand, Lopez was dominating in taking out Silva, who came into the fight with a 25-1 record. Silva, who had never been knocked down in his career, hit the canvas three times, including the end which came 15 seconds into the 6th frame.

Lopez is now 10-0 with eight knockouts

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (8-0, 6 KOs) was equally as impressive by stopping Travis Scott in the 2nd round of their junior middleweight bout.

In a bout which was supposed to be a step-up contest for Conwell, saw the undefeated Cleveland native land a perfect left hook to the body that sent Scott down for the ten-count in the 2nd stanza.

Undefeated and world ranked Erick De Leon showed guts and heart to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Adrian Young in a super featherweight bout.

DeLeon dislocated his shoulder when he fell in the 1st round, and then came back to dominate and win the remaining nine rounds, with final scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice.

De Leon was able to fight on despite the severity of the shoulder injury which required hospitalization following the fight.

De Leon of Detroit remains undefeated at 18-0-1. Young Los Mochis, MEX falls to 25-5-2.

Also in New Orleans,super middleweight Tyler Howard of Crossville, Tennessee made it 15-0 with 10 knockouts by registering a 2nd round stoppage over Javier Frazier.

Raquel Miller remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Tifffany Woodard in a middleweight bout. The fight took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Miller’s hometown of San Francisco.

Miller won by shutout scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise her unblemished mark of to 7-0.

Anthony Barnes won a six-round majority decision over Dwayne Williams at The Motor City Casino in Barnes’ hometown of Detroit.

Barnes is now 11-0.

“It was a great weekend for Split-T Management. I am proud of these six fighters. They all rose to the occasion, and stayed undefeated. It shows the type athletes that we manage, and we look forward to many more weekends like this and continued success for the future,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Manager.

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

Cleveland, Ohio (July 18, 2018) – Undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) is looking to make a strong impression as he takes on fellow undefeated Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in the eight-round co-feature bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader this Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa.

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

Mattice, who made his ShoBox debut on February 2nd with an exciting 7th round stoppage over Rolando Chinea in the same venue that Friday’s bout will take place at, will be looking for a more complete performance against the undefeated Hamazaryan.

‘This camp is going smooth,” Mattice said. “This is a little easier being that I have already gone through a camp and all the things that go on with being on national television. It was an inspiring opportunity, and a dream come true to fight on this platform, and now I will be more focused.”

While not much on Hamazaryan is out there for scouting purposes, Mattice has seen what he can, and will be ready for the undefeated fighter from Armenia.

“He is a slick guy,” Mattice said. “I have seen a couple of rounds on him. He has decent skills, and I look forward to a good fight. My job is to defeat him and get the win.”

Mattice isn’t looking past Hamazaryan, and he knows he needs to be victorious for his career to get to the next level.

“I have to win this fight, and then I can see where I can go from there. I just want everybody to tune into ShoBox. I want to thank my manager Chances Aurelius, my promoter GH3 Promotions, and Zhora for taking the challenge. It will be a great fight.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 76 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.

The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.

This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – July 17, 2018 – On Saturday afternoon, July 21st, the world’s best and undefeated cruiserweights, Oleksandr Uysk and Murat Gassiev, will battle for four world titles and the bragging rights to be crowned the undisputed World Cruiserweight Champ. Both fighters possess perfect undefeated records, tremendous explosive power, and with the winner taking all the major recognized belts, this is the must-watch Cruiserweight battle of the year. This amazing showdown featuring Usyk v Gassiev for the undisputed Cruiserweight championship and will air live and exclusively on KlowdTV in the United States.

The bout will take place in Moscow, Russia beginning at 3 PM ET. “We are very proud to be able to bring this outstanding fight to KlowdTV,” said Robert Herring Sr., CEO of KlowdTV. “I know how much interest there is in this fight from all the interest on boxing sites and social media. The fans have been clamoring for the fight to find a United States home, and KlowdTV is once again stepping up to answer the call of US boxing fans.”

Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) of Kiev, Ukraine is WBC and WBO world cruiserweight champion.
The 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winner won the WBO world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Krzysztof Glowacki on September 17, 2016 in Poland. Usyk defended the title twice with a 9th round stoppage over Thabiso Mchunu and a 12-round unanimous decision over Michael Hunter.

Usyk scored a 10th round stoppage over former world champion Marco Huck. In his latest bout, Usyk captured the WBC World Cruiserweight title with a majority decision over Mairis Briedis on January 27th in Latvia.

Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) of Russia, is the IBF and WBA Super Cruiserweight champion.
Gassiev now trains in Big Bear, California under famed trainer Abel Sanchez. The 24-year-old Gassiev won IBF championship on December 3, 2016 with a 12-round unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev.

Gassiev registered a 3rd round destruction of former world champion Krzysztof Wlodarczyk. In his last bout, Gassiev won the WBA World Super Cruiserweight title with a 12th round stoppage over previously undefeated Yunier Dorticos on February 3, 2018.

KlowdTV is your 24/7 live streaming service, featuring over 30 live channels plus 50 music channels. The fight is free to KlowdTV subscribers. New subscribers can enjoy the fight for the $9.99/month subscription fee, which includes numerous live channels including Fight Network, GolTV, FNTSY Sports Network, Pursuit Channel, Sony Movie Channel and more. Simply visit www.klowdtv.com to enjoy this “can’t-miss” fight and 30 days of KlowdTV for just $9.99 per month. KlowdTV can be accessed on any device that includes Smart TV’s, computers, ROKU, Amazon, Android and iOS phones and tablets.

NEW YORK–World Ranked Junior Lightweight Erick De Leon showed the heart of a champion by fighting 9 1/2 rounds with an injured shoulder, but still won just about every round in his ten round unanimous decision over tough veteran, Adrian Young.

The bout took place at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans and was shown live on ESPN+.

De Leon was knocked down in the 1st round with a left hook. De Leon dislocated his shoulder in that same round, and fought through his injury. De Leon fought well over the next nine rounds. De Leon boxed very well over the final nine rounds to get the victory by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice.

De Leon was able to fight on despite the severity of the shoulder injury, which required hospitalization following the fight.

De Leon of Detroit remains undefeated at 18-0-1. Young of Los Mochis, MEX falls to 25-5-2.

“I went into this fight knowing it wasn’t going to be easy, but I had all the tools necessary to walk out victorious. I did just that while facing adversity with one hand. This was just another stepping stone I needed to overcome to get me a shot at a world title in the near future,” said De Leon

“Erick dislocated his right shoulder when he fell in the 1st round. He got up and won nine straight rounds with only one arm. How can you not love a guy like that,” said David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management.

De Leon is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

NEW YORK (JULY 17TH, 2018)

JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING is pleased to announce that if you were unable to attend the June 30th, SLUGFEST at the SUN, live from Mohegan Sun, you will be able to watch it via tape-delay, airing on NESN (New England Sports Network) THIS THURSDAY, JULY 19TH at 8:00 PM ET.

June 30th’s, Star Boxing’s SLUGFEST at the SUN, from Mohegan Sun, will also re-air on NESN on:
THURSDAY, JULY 19th at 8:00PM(first-airing)
THURSDAY, JULY 20TH at 12:00AM
FRIDAY, JULY 20TH at 3:00PM
** A full list of all air dates and time can be found below**

The broadcast will feature five action packed bouts.

The broadcast will open with a 6-round jr. welterweight clash, and one of the most entertaining fights of the night, between undefeated New England Prospect, and 2017 Star Boxing Prospect of the Year, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO as he took on Haymarket, Virginia veteran JUAN de la cruz RODRIGUEZ. Both fighters put on extremely gutsy performances, that you will not want to miss.

In a 4-round tilt, South Boston’s own, Union railroad laborer, JOE FARINA showed the true work ethic of a fighting man during his back and forth battle with, STEVE MOORE of New Jersey.

In the co-feature bout, you will see KALI “KO MEQUINONOAG” REIS return home to Mohegan Sun after a brilliant power punching performance against undisputed women’s champion CECILIA BRAEKHUS on HBO, in May. In this 8-round welterweight scrap, Reis took it to challanger PATY RAMIREZ, once again proving her boxing ability at the elite level of the sport.

The main event saw the return of the Local 66 union laborer, #3 world rated light heavyweight JOE SMITH JR.. Smith Jr. burst onto the scene in 2016 when he demolished ANDRZEJ FONFARA with a 1st-round KO, in his hometown of Chicago, and again when he became the first fighter to ever KO the legend, multi-time world champion, BERNARD HOPKINS, clear out of the ring, on HBO in California. After eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, Smith Jr. did not hesitate to remind the boxing world why he is the hardest hitting light heavyweight, when he took on the “ROMANTIC REDNECK” MELVIN RUSSELL in the “SLUGFEST at the SUN” 10-round main event. Tune in to this one early, as it will be over before you know it.

On the NESN broadcast, you will hear top notch analysis from commentator, and in-ring analyst, Jahmai Webster as well as former middleweight champion, and Massachusetts native, Dana Rosenblatt.

Be sure to tune in THIS THURSDAY at 8:00 PM. Click HERE to find the NESN channel number in your area.

RE-AIR DATES:
THURSDAY, JULY 19th at 8:00PM (first-airing)
THURSDAY, JULY 20TH at 12:00AM
FRIDAY, JULY 20TH at 3:00PM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 8:00PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 6TH 8:00PM
MONDAY, AUGUST 7TH, 12:00AM
PREVIOUS RELEASES
June 30th Fight Announcement
Joe Smith Jr. Main Event Announcement
Kali Reis Fight Announcement
Joe Smith Jr. vs Melvin Russell Main Event
Media Credential Application –Accredited Media ONLY
Anthony Laureano Mohegan Announcement
Undercard Bout Announcements
Ringside Seats Sold Out
Joe Smith Jr. & Joe Farina; The Definition of Working Man
Kali Reis Media Day Quotes & Photos
SLUGFEST at the SUN Official Weigh-in Results
SLUGFEST at the SUN Official Results
MEDIA:
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.

SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
INFO:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN”: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
After eleven months out of the ring due to a broken jaw, the “Common Man”, Union Local 66 laborer, Joe Smith Jr. returns at the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. After coming off a stellar KO win on NBC against Andrzej Fonfara, and knocking out the legend, Bernard Hopkins, clear out of the ring, on HBO, Smith Jr. has his eyes set on winning a world title. Smith Jr. is currently rated #3 (WBC) and #7 (WBA) in the world.
FACTS:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The event takes place Saturday, June 30th at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT.

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the a premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightest in boxing. This includes, two-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the north east’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.

The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly action packed, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.

On June 30th, Star Boxing plans to start your summer off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN.”
MOHEGAN SUN:
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Mohegan Sun Arena was also ranked among the top 10 arena venues in the nation for 2014, regardless of size. In 2015, Mohegan Sun took home the IEBA award for “Casino of the Year.” Mohegan Sun also won “Casino of the Year” in 2 categories at the 2013 & 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.
MONTAUK ULTRA H20:
Montauk Ultra H20, a new Chlorine and Florine free alkaline water, with a pH of 9.5. Hydrate like the pro’s.
MODELL’S SPORTING GOODS:
Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition visit, www.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.

Las Vegas (July 17, 2018) – Current WBC Super Middleweight champion David Benavidez and former WBA Lightweight champion José Benavidez jr. have confirmed that they will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with their fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fourth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Mexican Independence weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated rematch between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, that will take place later that evening.

David and José will appear for the first time at this year’s Expo, at the adidas booth (www.usboxing.net) where they will be signing gloves, photos and have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with these two brothers and rising boxing stars. Fans will also have an opportunity to meet their father and one of the best trainers in boxing, José Benavidez sr.

About David Benavidez
David Benavidez is a Mexican-American professional boxer. He has held the WBC Super middleweight title since September 8, 2017 by defeating Ronald Gavril in Las Vegas. David also became the youngest champion in Super Middleweight history at the age of 20. Next fight for David has been reported to be versus former WBC Super Middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell, a great fight that is being targeted for September 8, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. David is trained by his Father José Benavidez sr., and he’s also the brother of former World Lightweight WBA champion and current top welterweight champion José Benavidez jr.

About José Benavidez jr.
José Luis Benavidez jr. is a Mexican-American professional boxer and the former WBA lightweight champion. He is currently undefeated with a record of 25 wins and presently competing at the welterweight division. He is the son of boxing trainer José Benavidez Sr. of Arcelia, Guerrero, Mexico, and the Brother of current WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez. In the late summer of 2016, José was shot in the leg by an unknown assailant while walking his dog in Arizona. The severity of the injuries sustained to his leg left doubt on his professional career. But José was determined to come back stronger than ever. After a rigorous 2 years of rehabilitation of hard work at the gym, José is back and presently a top contender in the Welterweight division.

About adidas Boxing
adidas are experts in the field of Combat Sports. They are the only complete Combat Sports brand offering a complete range of training equipment and apparel for the Combat Sports player. All of the adidas product is researched, developed and combat tested by professional athletes.

The adidas brand has proudly sponsored major Boxing events and was the exclusive equipment supplier for boxing gloves and headguards for Beijing 2008 Olympics, the sole equipment supplier of boxing for the London Olympic Games 2012, the World Amateur Boxing Championships 2009 Milano and 2017 Hamburg.Discover a complete customized experience for fighters of all skill levels. Every glove is built to your specific requirements. With over 16 leather colors, including many metallics, these first customized gloves are a revolution in the boxing world. More info at (www.usboxing.net).

David and José join, Badou Jack, Mia St.John, Jessie Vargas, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

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

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

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

Throughout the next few months leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

Chicago (July 17, 2018) – Junior welterweight Kenneth Sims, Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) has been hunkering down in training camp in Chicago for his showdown with undefeated Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT

In the main event, undefeated welterweights will tangle as Jaron Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) squares off against Armando Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

In the co-feature, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to Iowa for his second ShoBox appearance of the year when he clashes with former Armenian amateur standout Zhora Hamazaryan (9-0, 6 KOs) in a eight-round bout.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions, Victory Promotions, Ringside Ticket Inc., Banner Promotions & Thompson Boxing are priced from $10-$60 and can be purchased at winnavegas.com.

Sims, who was a former National Amateur champion, has been off since suffering his only professional blemish, when he dropped a majority decision to Rolando Chinea, and subsequently had elbow surgery. He is eager to get back in the ring, and prove he’s one of the best prospects in the 140-pound division.

“Everything is going great,” Sims said. “I am feeling better than ever. I have been working with a strength and conditioning coach for the first time in my career, and I can feel the difference.”

In Love, he is facing an undefeated fighter, who made an impression in his previous ShoBox appearance on Feb. 2 when he won a majority decision over Samuel Teah on short notice.

“Love is a good fighter,” Sims said. “We fought when we were kids. We were about 15 years-old. I won that fight, but that does not mean anything as we head into this fight.”

Sims has extra motivation, as he feels that in the loss to Chinea, he was not at his best physically, and he vows to put on a great performance.

“I am super motivated. The last fight upped my motivation. It’s amazing, to see some of the people who have rooted for me in the past are now saying negative stuff about me. A win will get me back on track. I have been sparring with Regis Prograis, and that has lifted my game up even more.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 76 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

CARL FRAMPTON is embroiled in a verbal clash with big fight rival Luke Jackson after the Australian teased him over their amateur achievements.

Frampton (25-1) defends his ‘interim’ WBO featherweight crown against Jackson (16-0) at Belfast’s Windsor Park on Saturday August 18 – the biggest show ever in the city promoter Frank Warren has called: “The boxing capital of Europe”.

Jackson, 33, captained Australia at the 2012 London Olympics, competed twice in the World amateur Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

He said: “I’ve fought some very good guys as an amateur and I’ll be the first to say that as a professional I haven’t fought the guys Carl Frampton has fought.

“Carl Frampton hasn’t done what I did as an amateur. He never represented his country at the Olympic Games.”

Warren has told Belfast hero Frampton that a win in front of more than 20,000 fans and a huge BT Sport audience is likely to book a crack at IBF world champion, Josh Warrington.

But he is already in fighting mode after Jackson who was also a five times Australian amateur champion let loose with a verbal volley.

“I’m lucky it’s not amateur boxing then,” Frampton snapped back on Twitter after hearing of his opponent’s comments.

The two-weight world champion added: “Also, representing Australia in the Olympics is the equivalent of me having to be Co Antrim champion then beat the Isle of Man in a qualifier.”

Tasmanian Jackson has been in training for two weeks under Billy Hussein in Sydney and says he will leave no stone unturned before moving to Dubai for the next stage of his camp.

Frampton, 31, is fresh off a magnificent points win over Nonito Donaire, but Jackson is questioning the validity of that triumph.

He says: “I respect Carl and I watched his fights against Leo Santa Cruz. In the second fight he fought the wrong fight. He was trying too hard and it didn’t work.

“I watched a few rounds of the Donaire fight and is he is a good fighter, but he is finished. He is not the Donaire he once was.

“Nicholas Walters knocked out Donaire and I beat him in the amateurs. I am not saying I could beat Donaire, but you understand what I mean.

“I’ve been in there with fighters these guys have been in with. Amateur or professional it’s all hit and not get hit.”

Also on the bill, Lineal heavyweight king Tyson Fury faces a step up when he tackles two-time world title challenger Francesco Pianeta.

In only his sixth professional fight, Frampton great friend Paddy Barnes challenges WBC flyweight champion Cristofer Rosales.

Cummings rival Keeler is also on the bill which includes a tremendous light-heavyweight clash between Belfast’s Steven Ward and Dubliner Steve Collins Jr. Also in action is KO king Lewis Crocker and Marco McCullough.

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell was impressive by stopping Travis Scott in the 2nd round of their junior middleweight bout.

Conwell came out in round by hurting Scott with a flurry of punches on the ropes. Conwell ended things with a perfect left hook to the body that sent Scott to a knee for the ten count at 1:34.

Conwell, of Cleveland, OH raises his record to 8-0 with 6 knockouts. Scott, of Baton Rouge, LA falls to 19-4.

“This win means a lot as it shows that I can not only beat good fighters with experience, but get them out of there,” said Conwell. “It also shows that I am on a whole other level then guys out there in my weight, and that I am a force to be reckoned with.”

“Charles has remarkable power for somebody his age, and he really has no ceiling. This was supposed to be his step up fight,” said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater.

Conwell is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

NEW YORK (JULY 16, 2018)–Teofimo Lopez shined in a major step up bout as he dominated William Silva by scoring a 6th round stoppage in their lightweight bout that was the co-feature on ESPN.

The bout took place on Saturday night at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

In round one, Lopez dumped Silva with a left hook. Silva was bleeding from the nose, In round five, Lopez landed several hard hooks to the bloodied Silva, and then dumped Silva to the canvas in the corner.

Lopez came out in round six by landing three left hooks and a right that dropped Silva and the bout was called at 15 seconds.

Silva who came in with a record of 25-1, and is only loss was to Felix Verdejo on HBO, had never been knocked down before the fighter known as “Gordo” dropped him three times.

Lopez is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts. Silva is 25-2.

“I know everything is set up by the jab,” said Lopez. “The jab is the most important punch. I was playing with his mind. I was setting him up by letting him get comfortable and then to land the big shot. I hurt my hands, early in the fight but you prepare yourself for the worst possible. I just put everyone on notice that I’m coming for those world title at 135lbs!”

“I can’t remember ever seeing such a dynamic young performer as Teofimo Lopez. He’s going to be the best in the world,” said Split-T Management CEO David McWater.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank

Photo Credit: Mikey Williams / Top Rank

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

LOS ANGELES (July 16, 2018) – Undefeated super lightweight Fabian Maidana will square off against former title challenger Andrey Klimov a 10-round bout that highlights undercard action Saturday, July 28 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action continues with 2016 U.S. Olympian and rising unbeaten prospect Karlos Balderas (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight plus Terrel Williams (16-0, 13 KOs) taking on unbeaten welterweight prospect Jamontay Clark (13-0, 7 KOs)in a 10-round fight.

The event is headlined by a lightweight world championship title unification bout between WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia and IBF Lightweight World Champion Robert Easter Jr. live on SHOWTIME.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit AXS.com.

Maidana (15-0, 11 KOs) is the younger brother of two-division world champion Marcos Maidana. The 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, Argentina is coming off an impressive TKO victory over Justin Savi on April 21 after defeating Johan Perez by decision in his prior fight. Klimov will present an increase in competition for Maidana as he continues on the path from prospect to contender.

The 35-year-old Klimov (20-4, 10 KOs), who was born in Klimovsk, Russia, but now lives in Beverly Hills, stopped Ruben Movsesiani in his last fight on Sept. 30, 2017. That win snapped a three-fight losing streak in which he dropped decisions to former world champion Jose Pedraza, Liam Walsh and Alejandro Luna after a three-fight winning streak that led to the title fight against Pedraza.

The 22-year-old Balderas, a first-generation Mexican-American, competed on the U.S. Olympic boxing team in the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil before turning pro in April 2017. Representing Santa Maria, Calif., he most recently made his STAPLES Center debut on June 9 with a first round knockout of Alex Silva to remain unbeaten in his promising professional career.

The card will also feature former title challenger Roberto Marroquin (27-4-1, 20 KOs) against Panama’s Ricardo Nunez (20-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-round showdown, once-beaten super featherweight Ivan Delgado (11-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and undefeated prospect Jerry Perez (7-0, 5 KOs) stepping into the ring for a six-round super featherweight fight.

Additional fights will see unbeaten 19-year-old prospect Wesley Diana facing Pennsylvania’s Evincil Dixon in a four-round 140-pound attraction, undefeated Brandon Glanton taking on Mexico’s Daniel Najera in a six-round cruiserweight bout and once-beaten featherweight Luis Coria facing Mexico’s Guadalupe Arroyo in a six-round showdown.

Rounding out the lineup is unbeaten prospect Jose Balderas in a six-roundfight, undefeated Lina Licona in a four-round junior flyweight women’s bout and an eight-round clash between undefeated Neri Romero and Phoenix’s Jesus Aguinaga.

The three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will also see Cuban heavyweight slugger Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz returning to action to face former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super lightweight contender Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking on hard-hitting Jose Roman in a 10-round showdown.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @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.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

New York, NY (July 16, 2018) Following a successful weekend that saw DiBella Entertainment (DBE) spanning the globe with four impressive victories between junior welterweight star Regis Prograis and US Olympian Charles Conwell in New Orleans, female boxing sensation Raquel Miller in San Francisco and lightweight contender George Kambosos Jr. in Kuala Lumpur, DBE is on the road again bringing the Broadway Boxing series back to its home away from home at the beautiful Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT, this Saturday. Headlining the event will be East Hartford, CT’s “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (11-0, 7 KOs) facing Matt “The Mantis” Doherty (8-4-1, 4 KOs), of Salem, MA, in an eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Only 20 years old, the all-action Williams has become a featured fighter at Foxwoods Resort Casino, with nine previous starts on-site. Managed by Jackie Kallen and trained by Paul Cichon, Williams has started his 2018 campaign in destructive fashion with two first-round knockouts, most recently stopping Orlando Felix on May 5, at Foxwoods. The 29-year-old Doherty looks for a return to victory after his four-bout winning streak was stopped in a six-round clash against highly regarded undefeated prospect Ray Moylette on March 31, in Quincy, MA.

Tickets for the stacked card, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are priced at $125, $75 and $45, and can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Foxwoods Resort Casino is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 6:30 p.m., with the first fight scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The show will be broadcast on LIVE.DBE1.COM, part of the SportsLive OTT service as part of a partnership with CBS Sports Digital. Fans can subscribe to the event for $6.95 now by visiting LIVE.DBE1.COM.

Featured in an eight-round women’s featherweight contest, Providence, RI, fan favorite Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent (22-1, 1 KO) battles hard-hitting Colombian Calixta Silgado (16-9-3, 11 KOs), in a rematch of their memorable clash last year, won by Vincent over eight rounds. Including the win versus Silgado, Vincent is currently riding a four-bout winning streak, started after her history-making nationally televised battle with world ranked Heather Hardy on August 21, 2016, the only loss on her ledger.

Popular fast-rising welterweight prospect Adrian Sosa (7-0, 5 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, will compete in a scheduled six-rounder. The 23-year-old Sosa returns to action following his best win in the paid ranks, a six-round decision against fellow undefeated prospect Khiry Todd on May 5, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Sosa was a 2014 New England Golden Gloves champion and turned pro in July 2016 following an 18-2 amateur career.

Newcomer Lamont Powell (1-0), of Pawtucket, RI, will compete in a four-round middleweight bout against Charles Carroll (0-1), of The Bronx, NY. The 25-year-old Powell made his triumphant pro debut on May 5, with a shutout four-round decision against Amadeu Cristiano.

Brooklyn, NY’s Hurshidbek Normatov (6-0, 2 KOs) will square off in a six-round junior middleweight fight against fellow unbeaten prospect Alexis Gaytan (4-0, 2 KOs), of Mission, TX. A former amateur standout representing Uzbekistan, the 26-year-old Normatov won a six-round decision versus Ronald Montes on May 5, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management, Normatov was an experienced amateur competing in 324 bouts and winning the 2014 European National Championships. The 23-year-old Gaytan returns following a six-round decision win versus then undefeated Kendrick Ball Jr. (9-0-2), on June 2, at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Undefeated super middleweight contender Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen (20-0-1, 13 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will see action, after a three-year layoff, in a scheduled six-rounder against Willis Lockett (16-23-6, 5 KOs), of Takoma Park, MD. Allen is a former WBC CABOFE, New York State and Guyanese champion.

Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Uzbek heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov (1-0, 1 KO) will return to the scene of his pro debut in a six-round bout. Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, Jalolov was a highly accomplished amateur, compiling a record of 84-13. A four-time National champion from 2013 to 2016, Jalolov represented his homeland at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and had the distinguished honor of being the country’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremonies. As an amateur, Jalolov won gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in 2017, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science. He now trains in Miami, FL, with the renowned Pedro Diaz and Ravshan Khodjaev.

Bridgeport, CT, native Oscar Bonilla (4-3-2) will challenge Philadelphia, PA’s Seifullah Jihad Wise (3-4, 1 KO) in a six-round junior welterweight bout.

(Brooklyn, New York) – As a veteran working on a winning streak to position himself for a shot at top contenders, there is little boxer Frank Galarza doesn’t know about what it takes to be a champion. What is new is trying to accomplish his goals while also being the best father possible to his daughter, Joy, who will be two years old in November.

Galarza Poses After March 3 Victory
Photo Credits: David Spagnolo/Main Events

The Brooklyn based super welterweight with a record of 19 wins, two losses, two draws, and 11 knockouts is currently preparing for his next bout on Saturday, August 4 in Atlantic City on the non-televised undercard of the Kovalev vs. Alvarez fight against opponent Alex Sandro Duarte (13-5-1, 10 KOs), 38, a Brazilian boxer now based New York.

“You never underestimate an opponent. I train like every fighter is a threat. Regardless of what and who, I make sure I put in the time and the work … Perfecting your craft, trying to get better every time. There really is no secret,” said Galarza.

More than ever, Galarza has a joy and purpose thanks to his daughter, who lives up to her name. “Joy brings joy to me, happiness, a sense of peace.

“It’s for her, everything I do has to be for her … I have the motivation to work and do something no one thought I could. I have to show my little one, you can be anything. You’ve got to put in the time and effort, you can’t be half-assed. You have to be real and genuine, you have to be out there for a purpose. It can’t be for myself anymore,” said Galarza.

Galarza says in the beginning of any boxer’s career, he’s fighting for himself. As his career progresses, he begins to fight for something outside himself, which gives his career far more meaning.

“It goes beyond the glory, it goes beyond the fans, it goes beyond that. I had to find that myself. What’s the reason I’m fighting? What’s the purpose? The end goal is always to be great, to push to limits I didn’t think I could reach,” said Galarza. “Now, my daughter is a factor. It’s redirecting you to something greater.”

Galarza brings Joy to the gym with him daily while he’s training, and he says she loves it. “It surprised me. She knows work is work, she knows training is when I am focusing. It’s fun for her and it’s fun for me.

“When I start throwing punches, she starts smiling. When I hit the bag, she loves it. When I watch her, and someone’s shadow boxing, she sits and watches. It’s amazing, she’s very observant. She picks up the pads, she wants to hold pads. I don’t really know what’s going on in her head. But I see the smile on her face,” laughs Galarza.

“Kids need our time. They need the presence of someone there. I prefer for her to be active, to be outside, trying to take her to the park, experiencing people. It’s more important for me and her,” said Galarza.

Galarza’s natural affinity for kids motivated him to start his foundation Youth Fighting Forward in 2014 for kids of all backgrounds. Galarza saw a way to help kids who come from a background like his own without family or other support systems through boxing and mixed martial arts, along with a range of educational strategies.

Galarza says his foundation has lately shifted focus to after-school programs with an emphasis on boxing therapy to help troubled kids manage negative emotions. Galarza explains he recognized the need for such a program due to the current opioid addiction crisis.

“These kids are aggressive and need a place to work out their aggressions,” said Galarza. “They are struggling in ways we didn’t coming up. Boxing needs to be more therapeutic, focusing on the mental aspect. After a boxing workout, you feel release. Take a kid dealing with some kind of trauma, whatever frustration you feel today, release it into the bag. Now breathe, focus, and release the energy, transfer it to the bag and you don’t have to take it.

Galarza may be a devoted father and mentor, but some things never change. “We don’t get paid by the hour!” said Galarza. “I’ll try to put on a show, entertain the crowd, and get Duarte out of there as quick as possible. You got to see the boxing style Frank, with jabs, footwork and movement. Now the old Frank Notorious is coming back!” promises Galarza.

He is especially excited about fighting in the brand new venue’s Etess Arena. “Having the new Hard Rock in Atlantic City, it will start to grow and build back to what it was before, with the greats there like Arturo Gatti. Let’s go back to that time.”

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,100 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more information and to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

Cleveland, Ohio (July 16, 2018) – This Friday night at the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa, 2018 National Golden Gloves champion, heavyweight Roney Hines will make his pro debut when he takes on David Becker in a four-round bout that will precede a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader.

Hines, 23 years-old, of Cleveland, Ohio won the National Golden Gloves in May in Omaha, Nebraska, which is just an 90 minute drive from Sloan, Iowa.

“I am ready to get this out of the way, and put my name on the map. I want to show people what I have,” said Hines.

Hines, who describes himself as a boxer-puncher, has the physical attributes of the modern day heavyweight by standing almost 6-foot-7 and weighing close to 240 pounds.

Hines, who recently signed with GH3 Promotions explained he is with the New Jersey based promotion due to past success moving young fighters along.

“I am very comfortable with GH3. With Vito Mielnicki, it’s a family type of atmosphere. I plan to fight every month if I can. Whenever Vito says he can get me in the ring, then I will fight. I just want to take this 1 step at a time. I know what I bring as a fighter, and I am looking forward to showing my skills.”

In Becker, Hines is facing an opponent who is 1-1 with 1 knockout from St. Joseph, Missouri.

“I do not know anything about him. He just needs to know who I am, and if he doesn’t, I will show him on Friday.”

“I am going to work hard, and take this one step at a time. I will be a factor in the heavyweight division before too long.”

Hines is promoted by GH3 Promotions and is co-managed by Chances Aurelius and former NFL star Ray Edwards. Hines is trained by Push Davis.

Mielnicki said, “I am looking for Roney to have around 15 fights before the end of 2019.”