LONG ISLAND, NY (July 5, 2018) – Former 147-pound world champions Andre Berto (31-5, 24 KOs)and Devon Alexander (27-4-1, 14 KOs)will battle in a 12-round showdown that headlines a stacked night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live in prime time on Saturday, August 4 from NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The telecast begins at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT with former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin (33-1-1, 23 KOs)facing 168-pound contender J’Leon Love (24-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Also in action will be former amateur standout and fast-rising unbeaten prospect Joey Spencer (3-0, 3 KOs) in a super welterweight match.

The exciting night of fights begins with a special edition of PBC on FS2 & FOX Deportes at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne (21-0, 16 KOs) taking on once-beaten Lenin Castillo (18-1-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round match. The FS2 & FOX Deportes telecast will begin with a welterweight showdown between former world champion Luis Collazo (37-7, 20 KOs) against Bryant Perrella (15-1, 13 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, go on sale Friday, July 6 at 10 a.m. 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 beginning Saturday, July 7 at noon. Group discounts are available by calling 516-231-4848.

“This is an outstanding card from top to bottom with matches that figure prominently in the 147-pound, 168-pound and 175-pound divisions,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Berto and Alexander are two former champions who are fighting to get back into the crowded welterweight title picture. The Peter Quillin and J’Leon Love winner factors heavily in the super middleweight championship mix. It’s compelling action for the fans at Nassau Coliseum and the ones tuned in to FOX in prime time.”

“I’m happy to bring another action-packed event back to NYCB Live on Long Island,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Headlining the FOX and FOX Deportes telecast, former world champions Andre Berto and Devon Alexander meet in a high-stakes crossroads battle with the winner emerging one step closer to another shot at the welterweight crown. Former middleweight champion Peter Quillin continues his comeback facing the talented J’Leon Love and Staten Island’s unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne also appears on the card. Long Island boxing fans will want to arrive early for a tremendous undercard, with local talent as well.”

An exciting and accomplished fighter from Florida, Berto returns to the ring after dropping a contest last April to Shawn Porter. Berto represented Haiti in the 2004 Olympics and picked up his biggest recent triumph on FOX in April 2016 as Berto scored a fourth-round knockout of former champion Victor Ortiz in their high-octane rematch.

Berto previously challenged retired legend Floyd Mayweather in September 2015 and has engaged in numerous Fight of the Year-worthy bouts, including a 2012 war with Robert Guerrero and his first fight with Ortiz. He has twice held a welterweight title, first the WBC belt, which he successfully defended five times between 2008 and 2011, plus the IBF crown he picked up in 2011 with a victory over Jan Zaveck.

“This is a great fight that has been a long time coming,” said Berto. “We share some common opponents, but we have different styles of fighting and styles make fights. I’ve had a lot of success with southpaws. I’m looking forward to seeing him in front of me and capitalizing on what I’m working on now.”

Alexander returned to the spotlight in February after only fighting once since 2015 while he sought treatment for an addiction to painkillers. He looked sharp in his first big fight in years, displaying similar speed and skills that had made him a two-weight champion before being given a controversial draw against former champion Victor Ortiz on FOX, in a fight most thought Alexander had won.

The 31-year-old emerged onto the scene with a unanimous decision victory over Randall Bailey to add the welterweight crown to the 140-pound title he had won three years prior. Originally from St. Louis, but now training in Florida with longtime coach Kevin Cunningham, Alexander has defeated the likes of Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Jesus Soto Karass throughout his accomplished career.

“I’m very excited about this fight. Berto and I have history going back to the amateurs,” Alexander said. “I know him very well, but we’ve never fought. I have to show that I’m still one of the best in a stacked division. This is all business for me, because at this point in my career, I’m approaching every fight as if it’s my last. This is prime time for me.

“My mentality is that Berto is still the killer that he was 10 years ago. So I’m looking at him like he’s lost nothing. I’ve got one mission, and that’s to beat Berto. I’ll be technically sound and 100 percent focused on accomplishing that task.”

A Brooklyn-resident who has made the borough home for his whole career, Quillin returned to the ring last September when he defeated Dashon Johnson by unanimous decision. The former middleweight champion made three title defenses after winning his title from Hassan N’Dam in Brooklyn and his only loss came at the hands of former champion Daniel Jacobs.

“I’m excited to be back at home in New York in front of my fans and people I love so dearly,” Quillin said. “I’m coming back more polished and more seasoned and a man of God. I’ve definitely always been a guy who steps out and does what people think I can’t do. I know J’Leon is looking to make a splash. He needs a name on his resume. I have to do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen. Either he’s going to have to learn a hard lesson or give me a hard lesson.”

The 30-year-old Love enters this fight unbeaten in his last seven contests after most recently defeating Jaime Barboza in May. The Michigan-native who now trains and lives in Las Vegas had previously defeated a slew of contenders and will look to move closer to a world title shot with a victory over Quillin on August 4.

“I think this is a really good matchup,” said Love. “Peter Quillin is a very talented fighter and a former world champion who is always in great shape. He’s someone you have to train very hard for and that you definitely cannot take lightly. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to fight a spectacular fighter like him. We’ll put on a great fight.”

Browne has put together three-straight impressive knockout victories to continue his rapid rise up the highly competitive 175-pound division. The 27-year-old southpaw has sandwiched knockouts of Thomas Williams, Jr. last February and Francy Ntetu this January around a second-round destruction of then unbeaten Seanie Monaghan in the inaugural boxing event at Nassau Coliseum on a FOX primetime telecast last July. The 2012 U.S. Olympian will look to put himself in position for a world title fight with a convincing win on August 4.

“I feel good about fighting close to home in New York,” said Browne. “Lenin Castillo is definitely a good, hungry, up-and-coming fighter who has one loss to Joseph Williams. I’m not overlooking him, but right now I’m trying to keep my top position in order to vie for a title, so I have to destroy him.”

The 29-year-old Castillo fights out of his native Dominican Republic and enters this bout with three straight victories by stoppage. Castillo’s recent wins followed his first professional loss, a majority decision defeat to unbeaten Joseph Williams last February. Castillo has fought professionally since 2010 and was unbeaten in his first 12 fights. The only other blemish on his pro resume was a majority draw in Brooklyn against then unbeaten Travis Peterkin in 2015.

“Marcus Browne is a boxer I’ve been following a long time because we were both Olympians,” said Castillo. “This is a good style matchup that I think will make a fun fight for the fans. We’re looking for the victory. Both of us know that a win here can take us to a world title shot and I’m not planning on wasting my opportunity.”

Collazo is a former world champion hailing from Brooklyn who has fought top welterweights from Berto and Shane Mosley to Keith Thurman and Ricky Hatton. His most recent fight saw him score a sensational knockout victory over Sammy Vasquez in February 2017. He returns to the ring after recovering from injuries sustained during training and will face Perrella of Fort Myers, FL. The 29-year-old defeated Alex Martin in his home state in December via a unanimous decision in his last outing.

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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.

Towering 6? 9? Kazakhstani heavyweight Ivan Dychko will return to the ring this Friday, July 6, at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Dychko, the two-time Olympic super-heavyweight bronze medallist (6-0, 6 KOs), will face long-time heavyweight gate keeper Maurice “Mo Bettah” Harris (26-21-3, 11 KOs) of East Orange, New Jersey, in an eight-round showdown on Heavyweight Factory Boxing’s “Hometown Throwdown” event.

In the 10-round main event, undefeated Miami-based welterweight Harold “King” Calderon (16-0, 10 KOs) takes on John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-0, 8 KOs) in a crosstown battle. In the 10-round super lightweight co-main event, undefeated 19-year-old WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 10 KOs) of Honolulu will face Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores (24-9, 20 KOs).

Tickets for “Hometown Throwdown” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

“My training went well,” said Dychko. “It’s sometimes hard to find sparring partners at a level that will benefit me, but I feel good. I’m in great shape. My fights last one, two, sometimes three rounds. I’ve never been tested over the distance. I hope some of these veterans can give me some rounds and let me test myself against them and maybe teach me a few things.”

The power-punching Dychko, who medalled at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics and went 181-18 as an amateur, is on the fast-track to join his former rivals at the top of the professional side of the sport.

“I’m happy with my progress. I’m in the building stage right now, so everything is fine. I’m waiting to join all my former amateur rivals at the top of the division,” he said. “I want to be unified champion of the world and fight the best. Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and some of the guys I already fought as an amateur, I would like to see them again. I think it will take me about another year and then I’ll be ready for the best in the world. One more year to get used to the professional part of the sport.”

Expected special guests that evening include Heavyweight Factory regulars, former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, the action starts at 7:15 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to start time. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

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

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and Hard Rock Event Center – the 3,600-seat entertainment venue that is home to some of South Florida’s top concerts, comedy shows and events. The casino offers 120 live table games, 2,000 of the newest and most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 182 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com , or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Anthony Joshua OBE has committed his future to his loyal UK fight fans with his next two fights to be staged at Wembley Stadium connected by EE in London.

Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO crowns at the national stadium in the English capital on September 22 and will return to Wembley Stadium on April 13 next year for his 23rd pro fight.

The Heavyweight king has already set a post-war attendance record at the stadium when 90,000 fans filled Wembley Stadium to watch Joshua stop Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of their stunning battle last April.

The 28 year old has since filled Principality Stadium in Cardiff twice, defending his belts against Carlos Takam in October before unifying the division by taking Joseph Parker’s WBO belt in March – with the two events in the Welsh capital pulling in over 150,000 fans.

With two more sell-outs at Wembley Stadium expected, Joshua will have sold in excess of 400,000 tickets over five huge World title fights, and the fan favourite is thrilled to be back under the arch for his next two blockbuster nights.

“I am returning to Wembley after two mega fights in Cardiff,” said Joshua. “I want to thank the supporters from Wales and Great Britain and also the people of London for patiently awaiting my return.

“Being north London born and raised it is in my blood. The opportunity to fight in such an iconic stadium is normally a once in career opportunity, so to be given the chance to fight there again is amazing. Wembley just added a fourth lion to the den.”

“I’m extremely honoured to get the opportunity to promote two more shows at the national stadium and delighted for British fight fans that Anthony has made this commitment to them,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.

“I don’t think anyone will either forget that night of April 29 against Klitschko and we plan to bring two more dramatic events to Wembley Stadium in September and April. Images from these AJ events make our country the envy of the boxing world and long may it continue.”

James Taylor, Senior Commercial Manager, Wembley Stadium said: “Wembley Stadium is home to the biggest and best sporting events and it is fitting that one of the world’s leading sports stars returns to fight under its iconic arch.

“AJ’s last appearance at the national stadium was a record-breaking event which will be remembered as one of the highlights in the venue’s history. We look forward to welcoming Anthony and his thousands of fans back to Wembley for two huge fights in September and April.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has ensured it will be possible to have capacity crowds at both events by working closely with Transport for London who will postpone planned engineering works and provide additional staff.

Sadiq Khan, said: “That incredible night last year when Anthony Joshua defeated Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in front of a record crowd will go down as one of our city’s greatest sporting events.

“I am absolutely delighted that Wembley is set to host these next two chapters of AJ’s remarkable career. We have once again worked closely with Transport for London to make sure this can happen and to allow for tens of thousands of boxing fans to travel to Wembley Stadium for the fights.

“I have pledged to bring the biggest bouts in world boxing to London and these epic showdowns will cement London’s reputation as the best city in the world for top-class sport.”

An announcement on the opponent for Joshua’s clash in September and ticket details will be made next week.

FRESNO, Calif. (July 4, 2018) – The homecoming is almost here. WBC super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez will make the first defense of his title against Danny O’Connor on Saturday at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, a short drive from Ramirez’s hometown of Avenal.

Ramirez-O’Connor and the 10-round welterweight showdown between Egidijus Kavaliauskas and Juan Carlos Abreu will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The entire undercard will be shown on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. and includes heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. (30-1, 20 KOs) against Kevin Johnson (32-9-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-rounder, undefeated Andy Vences (20-0-1, 12 KOs) versus Frank De Alba (22-3-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight, and 18-year-old wunderkind Gabe Flores Jr. (8-0, 5 KOs) against James De Herrera (4-3, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight contest.

This is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Ramirez

“It has been a beautiful experience since I became a world champion. I’m very thankful for all the blessings. I’m a very thankful person and I hope I make everybody proud as a champion. My fans have seen me grow as a fighter.”

“This was my dream. Since I was little, I wanted to become a world champion and then be able to defend the title in front of the fans of the Central Valley. That is happening on Saturday.”

“As a fighter, I want to learn more and more. I want to keep sharpening my craft. I want to become a complete fighter and now even more that I’m a world champion. I’m ready to fight the best champions and get all the doubts out of the way as to who is the best fighter in the division.”

Robert García (Trainer, Jose Ramirez)

“This is our first fight working together and I don’t want José to change much. This fight will be similar to what people have seen. I think that the fans will start to notice the adjustments we have worked on after our second training camp together. We will have more time to work.”

“We have to put pressure on O’Connor and we have to go to the body. Those are two things that Jose has been very good at during his whole career.”

“His left hook to the body is very strong, but his left jab is the strongest jab I have ever felt.”

“There are always fireworks every time that Jose fights, but being that this is the Fourth of July weekend, the fireworks are going to be even better.”

Danny O’Connor

“I have no pressure of coming into his backyard to fight him. I’m a firefighter and I run into burning buildings. There is no pressure whatsoever. At the end of the day, it is going to be just him and me inside the ring. I understand that the crowd will be cheering for him because this is his hometown, but that doesn’t rattle me. I’m here to do what I do. This is just another boxing match and it could be on Mars for all that I care. I’m going to leave Fresno with the WBC super lightweight world title.”

Egidijus Kavaliauskas

“The fans can expect a great fight from me on Saturday. Every time I get in the ring, I try to give the fans an entertaining fight. I want to show them what I can do. Even though I’m always smiling; I’m very mean in the ring. That is why they call me ‘The Mean Machine’.”

“I feel that I’m ready to challenge for a world title. Challenging the winner of Pacquiao vs. Matthysse will be a dream come true.”

Andy Vences

“I know I’m fighting a very tough opponent in Frank De Alba. He is someone that I definitely will not overlook. I’m focused on the fight and I’m ready to show who ‘El Tiburón’ is.”

On His Draw Against Erick De Léon

“That was a very tough fight, but I still think that I won the fight. I already put that in the past. That is why this Saturday everyone will see how much I have improved as a fighter.”

Gabe Flores Jr.

“I want to keep growing and improving as a fighter. This is a sport that you have to take seriously. And I do. I eat, sleep, everything is boxing. For this fight, we worked a lot on our footwork. We will use that to attack in angles.”

Andy Ruiz

“I’ve been training with Manny Robles at Legendz Boxing Gym in Norwalk, California. I feel great there. I feel that my style and Manny’s style is a perfect combination.”

“I want to fight all the big names out there. The more fights I get, the better I will get. It is about time I battle one of those big names in the heavyweight division again. It is my turn this Saturday to put on a good show and move on to bigger fights. I’m ready.”

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren has today confirmed further undercard details for the Windsor Park event on Saturday 18th August, headlined by Belfast Hero Carl Frampton’s defense of his Interim WBO World Featherweight Title against Australian Luke Jackson. Frampton v Jackson will be broadcast live and exclusive in the UK on BT Sport.

An already mouthwatering undercard has been further strengthened with the addition of a Cruiserweight showdown between Steve Collins Jr and Steven Ward and slots for Irish stars Luke Keeler, Lewis Crocker and Marco McCullough.

The bill also features The Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury, who continues his journey towards reclaiming the World Title belts that he never lost in the ring and Double Olympic Medalist Paddy Barnes’ challenge for the WBC World Flyweight Title against Chrisofer Rosales.

In a surefire barnstormer, MTK Global Cruiserweights Collins Jr (12-1-1-KO4) and Ward (7-0-KO3) will clash with ‘Quiet Man’ Ward enjoying home advantage and looking to preserve his unbeaten professional record.
Collins Jr – son of two-weight world champion and Irish Boxing Legend Steve Collins – will be looking to make his mark in his first fight of 2018 having been narrowly denied the Irish title by a points defeat to Paddy McDonagh last year.

Dublin’s WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler (14-2-1-KO5), was highly impressive in securing the vacant belt with a points victory over Conrad Cummings at Belfast’s SSE Arena in April will make the first defence of his crown against a top rated opponent.

Further down the card, welterweight KO king Crocker (6-0-KO6) is looking to continue his astonishing start to life as a professional.
The Belfast boy has halted all six of his opponents to date inside three rounds – the latest feat a savage first-round stoppage of Adam Grabiec on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s homecoming.

Another local star added to the action is super-featherweight Marco McCullough (19-4-KO11), who is out for the second time this year after outclassing Arnoldo Solano on the undercard of Carl Frampton v Nonito Donaire in April.

McCullough has previously challenged for Irish, British, European and Commonwealth belts and is looking to continue his journey back into title reckoning.

Promoter Frank Warren said: ‘I’m delighted that further Irish talent has been added to this already bumper card. The Ward v Collins Jr showdown is set to be a great fight for the fans on a card that already boasts Frampton v Jackson, The Lineal World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and Paddy Barnes’ World Title challenge against Cristofer Rosales.

I’ve been very impressed so far with Lewis Crocker who looks to have a great future and in my experience of promoting cards where Marco McCullough and Luke Keeler have featured, they are always in entertaining fights.

This is set to be the biggest night of boxing to ever take place in Belfast and we can’t wait to watch it all unfold amongst what I’m sure will be a fantastic atmosphere and a full house at Windsor Park.’

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

Tampa, FL (July 4, 2018) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of unbeaten welterweight phenom Mark Reyes Jr. to an exclusive promotional contract.

Living and fighting out of Tampa, Reyes started boxing at age six and went on to have a stellar amateur career. The 22-year-old won the 2012 National Junior Olympics, 2013 Police Athletic League (PAL) Nationals and 2014 Ringside National among many other tournaments. Reyes Jr. had his sights set on making the 2016 US Olympic Team but an injury prevented him from competing in the qualifiers.

As a pro, Reyes Jr. is 7-0 with 5 wins by knockout and is a huge ticket draw in the Tampa Bay area. In his most recent bout, he stopped veteran Javier Garcia in less than a round. With outstanding speed, power and athleticism along with a good head on his shoulders, Reyes Jr. looks to have a bright future.

“It’s a real pleasure to have such a quality young man from the Tampa-St. Pete area become part of the Fire Fist Boxing family,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “He’s not only an excellent fighter but a special human being. I’m looking forward to working with Mark and his team.”

Reyes Jr., who received offers from multiple promoters, is happy with his decision.

“I’d like to thank Jody and everybody from Fire Fist for giving me this opportunity. I’m glad that I was able to impress them in my last fight for them to want and sign me. I also want to give a special thanks to my team and all my supporters.”

Reyes Jr’s promotional debut with Fire Fist takes place Saturday, October 6 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL and will be for a title.

For more information on Fire Fist Boxing Promotions, please visit Firefistboxing.net

Two-Time IBF World Super-Middleweight Champion James DeGale MBE has today relinquished his title as he closes in on securing big-fights in the final phase of his illustrious ring career.

DeGale, a former British and European Champion, has ruled the 168 pound division split over two reigns as World Champion totalling almost three years and has been involved in six IBF World Championship contests.

The Londoner is proud to have held the organisation’s prestigious and famous red and gold World Title belt that has been worn by many of the great fighters at the weight including legends Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones Jnr.

DeGale began his first reign as IBF World Champion in May 2015 by making history to become Britain’s first ever Olympic Champion to win a world title when he sensationally defeated Andre Dirrell in Boston to claim the vacant belt.

The trail-blazing Londoner then continued his campaign across the Atlantic to gain respect from the media and fans’ as he made the first successful defence of the title against former IBF World Champion Lucian Bute in Canada in November that year.

In April 2016, DeGale returned to the U.S to make the second defence of the title against tough Mexican Rogelio Medina in Washington which he won on a majority decision.

DeGale then aimed to solidify his dominance of the 168 pound division by attempting to unify his IBF title against WBC World Champion Badou Jack in January 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. In an electrifying, all-action fight, DeGale retained his title by way of controversial draw that many felt DeGale had won.

A British homecoming world title defence against American Caleb Truax in December 2017 was ruined after DeGale lost his title on a points decision in a below par performance. He later admitted it was because he returned to the ring too soon after having career saving surgery to his shoulder following the Jack fight.

However, DeGale proved his champion’s heart by facing Truax in his backyard for the rematch in April this year in Las Vegas when he reclaimed the title with a dominant display to win clearly on the judges’ scorecards.

DeGale was due to be involved in a purse bid for his IBF mandated title defence against Interim Champion Jose Uzcategui this Thursday (5th July), but has now withdrawn.

DeGale said, “No World champion easily gives up their World title that they’ve earned the hard way in the ring and I’ve proudly held the IBF World title in two reigns with pride and distinction which is why it makes it very hard decision to relinquish the belt. It has been a pleasure to work with the IBF and I would like to thank president Daryl Peoples for allowing me to challenge and hold the distinguished belt that so many of the division’s great champions have held before for me. It has been a honour to be recognised as the IBF World Champion and I hope that by now vacating it will ease the transition to determine a successor between the Interim champion Jose Uzcategui and the next highly ranked available contender. I’ve achieved so much in my career, Olympic Gold, British, European and International titles and two-time World Champion and I believe I’m at the top of my game right now. I’m in the final phase of my career where I have a few good years left where I can be involved in massive fights and really leave a legacy in the division’s history. My team have been working very hard behind the scenes and we’ve got some very big and exciting news to announce soon.”

LOS ANGELES (July 3, 2018): MAURICIO PEDROZA: To everyone, watching on Facebook Live today, we want to hear from you. Leave your questions for the fighters, the promoters in the comments section below for a chance to have your questions answered live on the air today.

So stay tuned for that. All right. Let’s get this started. Let’s go straight to our fighters, to our promotors and we go live to Guadalajara, Mexico.

Both fighters have already started their training camps and we will introduce everyone around this fantastic fight. Joining Canelo from his gym in Guadalajara is his manager and co-trainer Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, his trainer Eddy Reynoso, and the and chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya who will open our press conference with a few remarks.

Oscar, welcome.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much. Thank you for having us. I want to express my gratitude to everybody around the world watching us live for the first time ever holding a press conference on Facebook. We greatly appreciate the support, and today, as of 10:00 in the morning, tickets went on sale. They are going extremely well, extremely fast, and we are grateful to all the fans who can be watching live on September 15 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

I want to thank Team Canelo. I want to thank Team GGG for making this fight once again for the fans. The fans got to witness an incredible, incredible fight the first time around, and we strongly believe that the second fight will be a continuation, round No. 13, of their first fight televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

The telecast does begin at 8:00 Eastern. This will give an opportunity for the fans across the globe to watch this fight at an earlier time. So we want to thank HBO and their teams.

Mauricio Pedroza: Thank you, Oscar.

Joining GGG live from the summit gym in bear, California is his trainer, Abel Sanchez and promotor for GGG, Tom Loeffler, who will also begin with a few remarks. Tom?

TOM LOEFFLER: Today, this rematch really feels like it’s a much bigger event than the first time. There was a lot of controversy around the scoring for the first fight, and both guys don’t want to leave it in the judges’ hands this time.

We’re up here where Abel Sanchez has his training camp in Big Bear, California. GGG is training to make a much more decisive victory over Canelo the second time around. You see we have all the titles here.

GGG is the champion, and if Canelo wants to become a champion, he actually has to fight and try to take the titles away.

So we are looking forward to seeing everyone September 15 at T-Mobile and on HBO Pay-Per-View.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Tom, thank you very much.

So first question is for you, Canelo. What happened, and what would you like to say to your fans that were disappointed in you?

CANELO ALVAREZ: The reason for the cancellation, we all talked about that. The main thing is the fight got here, the fight got done. I did it for the fans. This is the fight you wanted to see and come September 15, I can assure you it will be a much better fight than what you would have seen in May.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: How disappointed were you the fight didn’t happen in May?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: Of course we were all disappointed. I was disappointed and the fans were disappointed that this first May 15 bout didn’t happen, but right now everybody is happy that we all agreed to have this next fight on September 15.

So both us and our fans should be happy.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Gennady, do you really believe the reason Canelo tested positive for clenbuterol was tainted meat?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: First of all, I respect the fighters of the level of Canelo, and the fact that they screwed up, it was not my decision to disqualify him, and I think it was a team failure, but it doesn’t matter right now. It doesn’t matter right now. It’s important that we’re going to have a fight.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Abel Sanchez, do you believe the reason Canelo tested positive for clenbuterol was tainted meat? You were very vocal when this news first came around that Canelo might be suspended.

ABEL SANCHEZ: We had been waiting for the commission to do their investigation, and come on, whatever the findings were, unfortunately they made a mistake. We have a fight on our hands September 15. They found him innocent of anything, any wrongdoing, so we have to go with that.

My personal feelings have nothing to do or should have nothing to do with the actual findings of the commission.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: But why are you saying you think they made a mistake? What mistake did they make?

ABEL SANCHEZ: Well, they felt that he made a mistake. They felt that he ingested some bad beef. Hopefully this time that they are in Mexico, he doesn’t do that again. We’d like to have a fight on the 15th and the fans deserve that.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Even though your rematch against Canelo Alvarez says was cancelled, you still fought in May in Los Angeles at the StubHub Center against Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan. What were you trying to prove in the fight?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: Well, because I like to be active, I like this box, I like this sport, and I like the fans. You know, the fans wanted me to fight, and why shouldn’t I? Why shouldn’t I fight, particularly on such an important day, May the 5th.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Did you watch GGG’s fight in May?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes. Yes, I did see the fight in May. Of course I would. He’s the opponent that I have at hand and that’s my job to watch him.

As far as what I thought about the fight, look, you can’t call that a fight. You have no opponent. That’s not my level of opponent. I didn’t pay attention as far as that being a fight.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Oscar, could you take us through the negotiations that have taken place over the last few months?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: The negotiations are the negotiations. The bottom line is that we have a fight. Obviously we know who the A side is, and that’s Canelo Alvarez.

We obviously know that all of Mexico is behind Canelo Alvarez. Everywhere I go, everywhere we walk, the Mexican National is behind Canelo Alvarez, and I strongly believe that, look, Canelo going into the ring last, wanting to win those belts, for honor and pride.

You know, he’s going to show it up in the ring, and we strongly feel that you know, it’s a big advantage and once that first bell rings, you know, we have a fight.

So we strongly feel that, look, whatever the negotiations were, we’re extremely happy with and the fans are going to be even happier when they see a fight on September 15.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Tell us why is it so important for this rematch to take place on September 15? So important, that you had to put up your own money to make happen.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, that was the big hail maker — I mean, you know, we can all here talk about percentages and this and that but there was a few things that I had to throw in myself.

But the bottom line is, is that look, Canelo has the bigger piece of the pie, and because he’s the champion, he’s the draw. He’s the one that brings in the people. On September 15, you will have millions and millions of fans supporting Canelo and supporting GGG, as well.

But this fight had to be made because we didn’t want to experience another Hagler/Hearns or Hagler/Sugar Ray Leonard because we didn’t see the second fight that didn’t take place. We didn’t want to see – like Trinidad and myself, we didn’t see the second fight.

So this fight had to take place. The first time was a draw and finally we have it. September 15, will be such an important day for boxing. I strongly feel that the way this fight is going to turn out, the fans are going to be extremely happy, extremely proud and boxing will once again rise to the pinnacle of where it should be.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Why is it so important for GGG, for this fight to take place and to make the compromises GGG has had to take in order to ensure the rematch? For example, letting go of your position that the percentage for the rematch should be an even and even split.

TOM LOEFFLER: On our side we know who the champion is. It doesn’t matter who is announced first. Doesn’t matter whose name appears first on the poster.

GGG is the champion. He’s going to walk in with his belts and the important thing is he’s going to walk out with his belts. There were a lot of back and forth with the negotiations but again, we have to give both fighters credit. We have to give GGG credit. We have to give Canelo credit. We have to give Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions credit.

The bottom line is, we are not just talking about the rematch. We are actually seeing the rematch happen September 15. A lot of fighters can’t even fight the first time, and here are two of the biggest stars in boxing fighting the rematch.

Neither side wants to let it go to the judges. Canelo is predicting a KO. GGG doesn’t want to go through the same thing he went through last year in September — where his fate is in the hands of three people. He wants to make sure he controls his destiny and wants to make sure there’s going to be no question who walks out of the ring as the champion on September 15.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: We heard Oscar describing why Canelo Alvarez is the main man in this fight, so why do you think you deserve a 50/50 split?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: I always believe that and I know Oscar says, and I not always agree with what Oscar says. For example, I don’t believe all Mexico will be rooting for Canelo. I understand that all Oscar think that Canelo is the main locomotive behind this fight, but I think we’re both worthy of this fight.

As far as the 45 to 55, yes, we made a concession. I think that we make a big concession, but I think it’s right now, it’s the most important thing that we are going to have a fight and our fans will love it.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Canelo, Gennady just said he doesn’t believe that whole of Mexico will be rooting for you. Do you agree, and why do you think GGG believes he has some part of the Mexican fans behind him?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Look, I’ve always had detractors, regardless I’m fighting him or who I’m fighting. There’s always that side of the fans that are the detractors, but I have much more, many more, that love and support me.

And now, that little respect that I had or that we had, it’s been lost, and come September 15, it’s just him and I in the ring, whether I have the support or not. It’s just going to be him and I, and he’ll see.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Now I want to go back to Oscar De La Hoya. As a fighter, does being in a fight like this motivate you more in training camp, especially when you just heard Canelo saying he doesn’t respect GGG anymore?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, that’s exactly what a fighter needs, and that’s exactly why this fight is going to be such a great fight.

Like Canelo said, the little respect they had for each other is out the window, and when you’re a fighter and you have no respect for your opponent, magic happens. Magic takes place inside the ring. You train harder in the gym. You run extra miles. You assure yourself that you’re in tiptop shape but more importantly it’s mental, the mental aspect of it is at its highest level. That’s why I think that these bullfighters are going to be in tiptop shape come September 15 and we will see an amazing fight.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: As a fight fan and promotor, how excited are you for the fight and how excited shot fans be for the fight?

TOM LOEFFLER: Not only as a promotor but as a boxing fight, this is the fight everyone is looking forward to. This is the fight the fans are looking forward to, that the media has been asking about.

And GGG, I get a lot of comments, a lot of messages on social media from fans in Mexico saying, please knock out Canelo, don’t let it in the judges’ hands this time and GGG is going to come out that way.

I know Oscar is down there in Mexico with Canelo. Make sure, Canelo, less Mexican meat, more Mexican style this time, September 15. Make sure everything goes the right way.

There’s two warriors getting in the ring. The gloves are off this time around. Both guys, you know, feel disrespected by what happened last May 5, so I think the fans are going to win coming up September 15 when these guys get in the ring with each other.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Oscar De La Hoya on May 15 Tweeted the following, “In the meantime, @GGGBoxing making 3million and #Canelo making 40million without you. #signthecontract. #scared. #CaneloGGG2. #stopcrying.”

We just talked about respect. Gennady, how do you respond to this, to what Oscar De La Hoya had to say about you on May 11?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: Oscar De La Hoya can say a lot of things, and it’s not always correct.

As far as the money concerned, I’m a fighter, and I go and work, do my work. I fight. As far as Oscar De La Hoya, I suggest that he should take care of his own fighter and if he wants him to make more money, let’s have a fight. Put him on the ring.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: I want to go back to Abel. This quote from Canelo Alvarez, this past week on RingTV.com, “The truth is that this fight means a lot to me because of all that has happened and all that has been said.”

Alvarez said, Friday, one day officially before tickets go on sale, “I will prove with my fists that I am the best and Golovkin will eat all his words and speculations. I will demonstrate who the best when I defeat Golovkin soundly on September 11 during Independence Day weekend, and I will make it clear that Mexican boxing is the best.”

Abel, do you think Canelo has what it takes to knockout GGG?

ABEL SANCHEZ: All those same things were said prior to the first fight and it ended up being a track meet.

I think that on the 15th when Oscar and Canelo were having breakfast, Oscar needs to remind him, he needs to bring his courage to the venue that night because he’s going to need it.

If he intends to knock out Golovkin, he’s going to have to fight him. And if he fights him, he’s going to get knocked out. I said that before; he would have gotten knocked out the first time, but he decided to make it a track meet that night.

But if he comes to fight and if he comes to knock out Golovkin as he said he’s going to; if he doesn’t defraud the fans again, then he’s going to get knocked out. I’ve said it and I’ll say it again.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Canelo, you just heard Abel saying you didn’t want to fight the first time. I want to go back to you now and let you answer that statement because it seems like from GGG’s camp, you were never willing to engage during the fight. Will this time be any different?

CANELO ALVAREZ: I did my fight. I did what I set out to do. I did what I trained to do but I did a great fight.

But on September 15, I’m going to do the necessary adjustments and the necessary things to win. This man just likes to talk. He likes to talk a lot and bring up every excuse possible, but you’ll see, on September 15, what Canelo Alvarez is all about and what he’s capable of doing.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Gennady, you just heard Canelo saying that was his fight, that was his strategy, but he says it’s going to be different.

How about from your side? How different is your strategy going to be to face with Canelo once again?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: As the champion, I know my strategy and of course in this upcoming fight, a lot will depend on Canelo and the more Canelo had show, the more interesting will be the fight.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Eddy, why is your fighter the better fighter?

EDDY REYNOSO: He’s a fighter with more arguments. He has more talent and is more versatile. He knows how to walk in the ring and make you miss, counterpunch, attack. I mean, he has the total package.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Chepo, what did you learn from that first fight that can expose GGG’s weaknesses?

CHEPO REYNOSO: He’s an intelligent fighter and regardless of what people thought, I thought he clearly won the fight, clearly but come September 15, I can assure you two things. Not only is he going to take away GGG’s undefeated record, he’s also going to shut up Mr. Abel Sanchez.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Abel, you just heard Canelo saying, we’ll see a different Canelo, even Chepo Reynoso said we’ll see a different Canelo. What did you learn from Canelo Alvarez on the first fight, and do you think we’ll see a different Canelo Ãlvarez September 15?

ABEL SANCHEZ: Well, in the first 40-some fights we saw Canelo fight, he fought a totally different fight and he promised the fans he was going to give them the same type of action against Golovkin. After the first couple rounds, he found out he couldn’t.

I hope September 15 coming up is different because I think the fans deserve what we have been promising them. Golovkin fights in his style. He’s the champion. He’s going to go at Canelo, and if Canelo thinks he can knock him out, then I think we’ll see a classic fight.

It doesn’t matter how smart Canelo is, when he gets hit and he get hurt, he’s going to be knocked out. Smarts have nothing to do with it. He’s going to get hit and get hurt.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Several times Sanchez called Alvarez a cheater after all the controversy surrounding his suspension. How did that make you feel, and what do you think of Abel Sanchez as a trainer?

CHEPO REYNOSO: I think Abel Sanchez likes to talk. He talks too much. At the end of the day it’s going to be Canelo Alvarez and GGG fighting with their fists and not with their mouths. He likes to be the star of the movie, and it’s not him.

This is about Canelo and GGG. And what we need to do as corner men, as trainers, is do our job quietly because it’s not about us.

Abel, learn to be quiet, please.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Oscar, what have you seen so far from Canelo’s team and the way they are preparing for September 15?

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Well, it’s clear that for team canal low, it’s a totally different mind-set. It’s a totally different fight. Just being an ex-fighter myself, I know what type of preparations you must do in order to fulfill your goal, to fulfill your goal come September 15 against GGG, and I can assure you, I mean, it’s clear that Canelo is in a stronger state of mind. There’s obviously bad blood, and therefore, that’s why it’s going to be an amazing fight.

Look, Canelo, yes, he can box. He can move. He’s the more skillful fighter. He can do all that stuff, but he can also fight. And GGG hasn’t seen that, but I’ll assure you one thing: Come September 15, it’s all business. It’s all going in there and proving not to everyone who is watching but proving to GGG that he’s the better fighter.

So will Canelo be in different shape? Will he be in better shape in will he be stronger, faster? He’s going to be all that, and then some.

So on our side, we strongly feel they haven’t seen Canelo the way they are going to see him September 15. We have seen GGG. We know what he does. All he does is come forward and fights and that’s it. Canelo has many other things he does, so come September 15, you’ll be able to witness them.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Oscar, I want to give you a chance to respond to one of Tom’s comments, also Gennady’s comments, when they say that Mexico is actually split. It’s divided. Not everyone is rooting for Canelo, and some Mexicans are rooting for Gennady Golovkin.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Everybody has their fans. Everybody has their fans. There’s a reason why when Canelo fights on HBO Pay-Per-View, which he’s the only Pay-Per-View star in boxing, there’s a reason why they support him. There’s a reason why he generates the numbers he does. There’s a reason why the gates are so high. There’s a reason why the numbers are so high.

Look, every fighter has their naysayers, and every fighter has their non-supporters, but the truth of the matter is that Canelo has millions and millions of fans all over the world just like GGG.

But we have to recognize one thing; that Canelo is the Mexican champion, the star of Mexico, the star of boxing.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: GGG, you just heard Canelo Alvarez saying how he has lost some respect for you. Let me ask you something. Have you also lost respect for Canelo Alvarez, the boxer, or even the person?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: Respect is respect. We have different mentality. We have different understanding of what respect is. I think Canelo team, by doing what they did, and they lost some respect from their fans. But it’s not important.

I do have respect to all the fighters, all the athletes, all the champions who fight at this level, and I think at the very end, we will find a way to shake each other’s hand, regardless what the outcome, regardless what we think before the fight. As two men, we should be able to stand against each other and shake each other’s hand at the end.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: I remember before the first fight, you both were behaving in a very respectful manner. Why does this time feel like more personal to you, actually to both of you, but for you, is this personal this time?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes, absolutely, it’s changed, totally. They disrespected me for everything they have been saying, everything they have been doing, all their actions. Now it’s different. It’s personal.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: A lot has been said from both camps about you and GGG, but one of your biggest critics so far is Abel Sanchez, and you haven’t really talked to him yet, so we’ll give that you opportunity to address him correctly.

What do you want to say to Abel Sanchez who is listening to you right now live?

CANELO ALVAREZ: I have nothing to say to him. He knows what I think of him.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Abel, what do you think about Canelo? He’s listening now. You’ve talked a lot about him, as well.

ABEL SANCHEZ: I talked about him because of what his actions have been and I think the consequences it has caused for us as a team here, the GGG team.

He’s an exceptional fighter. Two guys at the top of their game are going to duke is out on the 15th. I hope we get the kind of fight that we are expecting.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Gennady, is there anything you would like to say to him?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: Well, I want to tell him that we should be ready for the fight. You know, we should be ready for his fight for us. We should be ready for his fight for our fans. We should get ready. I think we should both be in the best shape for this fight, and the better we will be for this fight; the more, the sweetest taste the victory will have for us.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Canelo, you have the floor. What do you have to say to Gennady Golovkin?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Nothing. We’ll see you September 15.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: And to all of you watching, is there anything you would like to say to GGG? Is there anything you would like to say to Canelo? Let us know in the comments section below for a chance to have your questions answered directly. But before we check out what the fans have been posting in that comments section below, let me ask you one question to all of you in our Facebook Live broadcast.

I want to start with Gennady Golovkin. Why aren’t we all hanging out in the same room? Why are you in Big Bear, California? Why is Canelo in Guadalajara, and why aren’t we shaking hands in person?

GGG, I’ll start with you.

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: We are in a space, we are in a room where it’s best for all of us and which is more comfortable for all of us. It’s better to meet on September 15 and show all the best of what we can demonstrate.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Canelo, usually when we are promoting a fight, we have both boxers looking at each other, sometimes shaking hands, sometimes having a little more action than that.

Why didn’t you want to face Gennady Golovkin before September 15? Why didn’t you want to be in the same room with him at the same time?

CANELO ALVAREZ: I assure you we’ll see each other face-to-face before September 15. We already got the tour and we already got the promotion. It wasn’t necessary for this one. But I’ll see him very soon.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: That’s fair. Well, we certainly have a lot to look forward to this September 15. In just a moment, we will open the phones to ask questions from members of the media.

Q. This is for Canelo. As a Mexican, do you believe Abel Sanchez deserves a handshake? Can you actually shake Abel Sanchez’s hands?

CANELO ALVAREZ: He deserves that and much more.

Q. Canelo, real quick, do you feel like the things that Abel and Gennady are saying to you about making this a toe-to-toe fight just a tactic to draw you in, when it may make more sense for you to box yourself to victory in this fight?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes, that’s probably their tactic. You know what, the sentiment that I have inside of me, it’s going to help me a lot, intelligently, to bring out what I have to do. I know what I have to do.

Q. This first question is for Canelo. There are lots of rumours that have spread around about you wearing a knee wrap in different pictures. Is there anything wrong with the knee and can you address that?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Simply put, it’s a brace just to support. I’ve been training really hard. It’s part of rehabilitation and I’ve been working really hard, and that is not going to be a problem, trust me.

Q. The numbers from your last fight show that GG out-landed you by 49 punches and out-threw you by 198. Do you feel that you need to increase your work rate in order to win the rematch?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Yes, that’s part of the plan and part of what we are working on. Yes, we know what we have to do, and yes, we have to throw more punches. To win fights, you have to throw punches, and that’s what I do in all my fights.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Now it’s time to take a look at the questions and comments for the fighters and their teams on Facebook Live. We’ll go straight to that. We’ll start with Rob.

Q. Asking them both, what will be the difference from the first fight? Gennady, what do you think will be the difference from fight No. 1?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: I think this fight will be interesting. It will be tougher fight. It will be fiercer fight and I think we made our conclusion from the first fight, and this fight will be more colorful and more interesting.

Q. Canelo, what do you think the difference will be from the first fight?

CANELO ALVAREZ: Without a doubt it’s going to be a different fight. It’s going to be a better fight.

Look, we know what we have to do. I’m going it take even a stronger strategy, a better strategy, and it’s going to be a much better fight. We already know each other. Now we know what we have to do.

Q. To Team GGG, are you doing anything different in this camp from the last time you fought Canelo?

ABEL SANCHEZ: We prepare ourselves and we prepare Gennady to be the best Gennady can be. We won the first fight. A lot of people know we won the last fight. He knows he won the last fight.

Some adjustments obviously will be made in camp but Gennady fights in a style that is not only fan-pleasing but a style that he has mastered with a 23-knockout streak, in, what, 20 defenses, making it the 21st on the 15th. I think that’s the best in history. He’s tied Hopkins’ record. He’s got a knockout ratio, the best in middleweight history. I think the changes are going to be minimal. But I think it’s all going to defend if Canelo brings his courage.

Q. Gennady, are you doing anything different for this second fight, this rematch?

GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN: No. As always, I’m going 100 percent what I need to do and I’ll be ready 100 percent for this fight.

Q. Can you talk about your impressive footwork and mobility in the first fight, and now that you’ve had surgery on your knee, do you think your footwork might be even better in the rematch?

CANELO ALVAREZ: That’s always been part of my arsenal. I know how to move inside the ring. The knee is not a problem. We’ve been working hard now and we’ve been training here and it hasn’t given me any issues and if it does come up during the fight that it gives me problems, we’ll already have a Plan B, a strategy, behind that, as well.

MAURICIO PEDROZA: Thank you, everyone, for joining us today watching this special Facebook live GGG special event. A reminder that tickets for September 15 are on sale now and they are going fast. You can also join Canelo GGG September 15 live from the T Mobile Arena on Pay-Per-View.

# # #

Canelo vs. GGG 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Fred Loya Insurance, Interjet, Venom, and Fathom Events. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Canelo vs. GGG 2 are on sale now, and are priced at $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700, $500 and $300, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of eight (8) per person at the $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800 and $700 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $500 and $300 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.caneloggg.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

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SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 3, 2018) – Undefeated female sensation, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (3-0, 1 KO), returns to the ring this Saturday night, July 7, 2018, as the main event in Corpus Christi, Texas, in the well-established American Bank Center Water Garden Room, bringing a loaded card of fistic fury.

Barrios, who owns the NABF lightweight title, which she won in her 3rd professional bout, will face Aida “Lady Sparta” Satybaldinova (3-0-1) from Astana, Kazakhstan, best known as the “Female GGG”, and is the current WBF International Lightweight Champion. Both girls are undefeated and hold titles as lightweights. Barrios is also rated #18 in the world by the WBC (World Boxing Council). This bout will be held over 8 rounds.

This bout is promoted by Reyna Promotions of Corpus Christi. The promoters were looking for a first-class main event and landed a fight that is a solid television fight. The local ABC-TV affiliate (KSAT) in San Antonio will be in Corpus to broadcast this fight live and stream it across the internet. Female and male fight fans across the world that know these two pugilists will be tuning in to watch an action-packed fight as both warriors step forward and throw punches without grabbing and holding or running. Barrios and Satybaldinova are both guaranteeing a knockout.

“Selina has never been pressured in a boxing ring with a fighter like myself,” said the WBF Champ Satybaldinova. “I’m a pressure fighter that will take two punches to throw one bomb, and I feel I will be too strong for her. I do know I don’t have to look for Selina and have watched her fights. She stands and fights, which is made to order for me,”

Selina shoots back stating, “I have watched Aida’s videos and her comments about coming into my area of south Texas where I’m from, and saying she is going to knock me out, infuriates me. If it’s a war she wants, she just lit the fuse. No one is coming to south Texas to beat the “Aztec Queen” and we will find out how tough she is. It’s war time. Let’s do this.”

Undefeated Super lightweight contender and brother of Selina, Mario Barrios (21-0, 13 KOs), called his agents and promoters to let them know he is leaving camp, to go to this fight and is bringing a huge fan base with him. George Foreman’s former camp organizer is coming in to work the corner with Selina, and Deborah Hawkins, the representative for the NABF Female title fights, will be there to discuss a possible rematch for the championship, if the fight is as competitive as she thinks it will be.

GM3 Promotions from California, Keeppunching Entertainment from Louisiana, and CCC Entertainment from Corpus Christi, among other promoters are eyeing these two warriors for future shows and will also be in the audience along with other well-known agents, managers, and promoters. Eying this fight from long distance is DiBella Entertainment in New York as Lou DiBella is building a huge stable of top notch female fighters across the globe.

Great athletes, especially boxers and in this case female boxers, are very fascinating. It will be thrilling to watch two undefeated female athletes compete against each other, while the rest of the world of female fighters avoids the undefeated stars. The difference between the greats in boxing and the contenders are those who appear to be fearless and accept all challenges and how they respond to adversity. The greats put in persistent effort to excel while the contenders lose steam and regress by fighting easier competition on regular basis. This will be Barrios’ second undefeated opponent in only her 4th fight, and both have had very advanced amateur backgrounds. Satybaldinova, on the other hand, is coming into unfamiliar territory. That is what the greats do. Two potential greats meeting head to head early in their careers with each having the utmost confidence that they will win by KO.

Robert Hunt of GM3 Promotions: “I am glad we were able to come to an agreement to make this fight happen because I know Aida is going to win. Barrios is good but has never fought a fighter like Aida. One thing I know for sure is the fans are in for a great night of boxing and know this is a match-up that helps keep female boxing on the forefront.”

Colin Campbell of CCC Promotions: “The boxing community in south Texas is going bonkers over this fight and plans to set a record for attendance. It’s fights like this that creates raving fight fans.”

Ernest Reyna of Reyna Promotions: “This is my 3rd show and to be able to make this fight on this show is outstanding. Fighting as the co-main event is former heavyweight champion of the world, Oliver McCall. I am more excited about this show as a fan than a promoter. I’m pumped.”

Charles Campbell of CCC Promotions: “I travel the USA going to top fights. To think this is going to be in south Texas says a lot about the emergence of boxing here in Corpus Christi.”

Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching Entertainment: “In my 45 years of working in boxing, this may be one of the most fun matches to be made in professional female boxing. Kazakhstan vs Mexico. You can’t ask for better athletes to compete against each other. Two champions…. both undefeated…. going head to head.

Tickets priced $25 General Admission and $40 Ringside are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by calling Krystal @ (361) 434-7750 or Able @ (361) 425-3900. Doors open up at 5:30 PM, first fight is at 7:00 PM. The American Bank Center Water Garden Room is located at 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.

Las Vegas (July 3, 2018) – Three Time World Champion Jessie Vargas has confirmed that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fourth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from
10 AM TO 5 PM, 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.

Vargas will once again appear at this year’s Expo where he will be signing gloves, photos and merchandise at the Box Fan Expo storefront booth from 11 AM to 1 PM. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star. Vargas just came off from a spectacular performance in a mega fight that resulted in a draw versus Adrien Broner this past April at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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

Vargas joins, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas among early commitments 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

Joshua Buatsi will fight for his first pro title against Ricky Summers when they clash for the WBC International Light-Heavyweight crown at The O2 in London on July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Buatsi’s meeting with the former British title challenger was already a big step-up for the Rio Olympic bronze medal man in his seventh pro fight since joining the paid ranks last July, and now the chance to land his first silverware has boosted the 25 year old’s preparations for the showdown.

“Fighting for my first belt definitely adds excitement,” said Buatsi. “It is helping to fuel the work I’m doing in training as it adds a physical reward for all the effort I’m putting in.

“Our paths have crossed once, Ricky seemed a good guy. My debut was on the undercard of his British title shot against Frank Buglioni last July. I know that he will train hard, is going to come to fight and will have the desire to win, so it is all set up to be an exciting fight.

“I’m back fighting at The O2 and I’m going to make it the Lion’s Den. I love fighting there and plan to put on a show to create an incredible atmosphere when we are in the ring.

“My team have the experience and knowledge to guide my career and to make the correct decisions which allows me to prepare and continue to improve, I can’t wait.”

Buatsi’s clash with Summers is part of a massive night of action at The O2, topped by the crunch Heavyweight clash between Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker.

Former Heavyweight World title challengers Dereck Chisora and Carlos Takam meet in a must-win match up, Kell Brook clashes with Brandon Cook in a World Super-Welterweight title eliminator, Katie Taylor defends her WBA and IBF World Lightweight titles against Kimberly Connor and Conor Benn Cedric Peynaud rematch after their fight of the year brawl in 2017.

Limited tickets priced £40, £60 and £80 remain on general sale from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Face value tickets for July 28 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN / CHICAGO, ILL. (July 2, 2018)–Heavyweight contender and Boxcino Heavyweight champion, Andrey Fedosov (30-3, 25 KOs) returned to the ring with a 1st round stoppage over Francisco Mireles in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fedosov of Russia, made quick work of Mireles and will be back in the ring later this month.

“It was great to have Andrey back in the ring,” said Artie Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions, who along with Hitz Boxing, promote the 32 year-old Fedosov.

“The heavyweight division is hot now with a lot of great opportunities, and with another win or two, we can see Andrey in a big fight.”

“I am happy that Andrey is back in the ring, and in a short time, he will be back in contention to compete for the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Bobby Hitz, President of Hitz Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2018): Golden Boy Promotions is excited to launch an innovative partnership with Facebook to bring live boxing and original programming to a global community of fans on the platform.
The first of five live fight nights on Facebook will debut on August 11 and will feature Jesus Rojas (26-1-2, 19 KOs) defending his WBA World Featherweight Title against Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr . (26-1, 14 KOs) at the world-famous Avalon Theater in Hollywood. The second live fight will feature light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) against a soon-to-be announced opponent on August 18 from the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
August 11 LIVE from The Avalon in Hollywood

Jesus Rojas (26-1-2, 19 KOs)
WBA World Featherweight Champion

?Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. (26-1, 14 KOs)

Golden Boy Promotions is also proud to announce that Kathy Duva’s Main Events will participate in the live series. The action will be available to fans in the U.S. on Facebook Watch and globally via the Golden Boy Promotions Page.

“This game-changing deal for the sport of boxing places Golden Boy Promotions and its stable of fighters at the intersection of live sports mega-casting and ultimate fan engagement. Our team is now positioned to present world-class boxing from Silicon Valley, to Madison Avenue, to Hollywood and to the rest of the world. The reach of Facebook is just incredible, and our sponsorship conversations will truly resonate with brands across all categories,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

Golden Boy Media and Entertainment will serve as the production entity producing the live fights and original programming. De La Hoya will serve as Executive Producer and will invoke his extremely high standards across the board and push for entirely new approaches to presenting the sport to the Facebook audience. For example, the live broadcasts will incorporate the real-time fan interaction and engagement made possible by Facebook’s social video platform.

“We’re thrilled to team with Golden Boy Promotions to make Facebook a home for championship-caliber boxing this year,” said Devi Mahadevia, North America Live Sports Programming Lead at Facebook. “Through this unique partnership, a global community of sports fans will have free access to some of boxing’s most exciting live bouts and be able to interact with the action like never before.”

The deal has several underlying elements that will work in harmony to heighten the sport of boxing on a global scale. The live boxing series will be bolstered with strategic shoulder programming, including rebroadcasts of past fights featuring commentary from the boxers themselves. Shoulder programming will also feature major celebrities, prominent influencers, and top-tier boxing authorities from print, TV and the internet. The debut episode of this complementary content will be on July 13, with details to be announced.

This blueprint follows Golden Boy’s charter to produce live and original programming for its distribution partners and its owned operated channels such as CaneloGGG.com, GoldenBoyPPV.com, ESPN, and RingTV.com.

“Our goal is to provide the best fights in the world to the largest audiences across the globe. Through our amazing partnership with Facebook, Golden Boy Promotions can now truly grow the sport organically. We now have the ability to reach and speak to younger fans, while at the same time making our fighters and matches available to a larger audience for free on the world’s strongest and most prolific social media platform,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions.

With Golden Boy’s commitment to making the world’s greatest fights, they have partnered with Kathy Duva’s Main Events. This unique partnership will beautifully cultivate boxing on Facebook as it bolsters the number of world-class fighters to be featured and will ensure that audiences are treated with the best matchups possible.

Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva, said, “Main Events has a rich history in this sport; boxing is in our DNA. For too long, promotional companies have been at odds over a limited number of television dates. We look now to a future with Facebook with unlimited opportunity, where promoters can work together to best serve the interests of the fighters and fans all over the world.”

Boxing is changing. The way the sport is watched is changing. Golden Boy Promotions is adapting to these changes to ensure that it remains at the pinnacle of the sport for years to come. This revolutionary deal will give fans great matchups at no cost, thus powering the sport for growth across new and existing demographics.

To stay up-to-date on the latest Golden Boy Promotions content and add episodes to their Watchlists, fans should follow the Golden Boy Promotions Page.?

About Golden Boy Promotions:
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States on networks such as HBO, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and EstrellaTV.

About Facebook Watch:
Facebook Watch is a place to discover and enjoy shows on Facebook. Home to a wide range of shows – from scripted comedy and drama, to competition and reality series, to individual creators and live sports – Facebook Watch is a video platform where episodic content, community and conversation come together. This is a personalized viewing experience, where you can discover new series based on what your friends are watching and catch up on the shows you follow. Facebook Watch is available for free on mobile apps across Apple and Android, on desktop, laptop and on TV apps listed here: https://videoapp.fb.com/.

About Main Events:
Internationally recognized as one of the top boxing promotional firms in the world, Main Events has promoted boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Arturo Gatti, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker and many more. Main Events was founded in 1978 by Hall-of-Fame promoter Dan Duva, who passed away in 1996, and is now run by his widow, Kathy Duva. Main Events is committed to promoting quality fights that boxing fans want to see. Forty years after the company’s birth, Main Events is still turning out boxing stars and future world champions.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 2, 2018) – Fast rising featherweight Ruben Villa (12-0, 5 KOs) used an explosive sixth round to knock out Ricardo Lopez (7-3-2, 6 KOs) in the “New Blood”main event Saturday night from Omega Products International in Sacramento, Calif.

Villa, a southpaw fighting out of Salinas, Calif., showed off his superior skill set to a sold out crowd that witnessed a devastating knockout win.

Throughout the fight, Villa used a sharp jab to set up left uppercuts and straight rights. While most boxers use the jab as a range finder, Villa uses it to inflict pain on his opponent either by landing it, or sending an unexpected power shot to the head or body.

The 21-year-old also found success on the defensive side, limiting Lopez to very few clean looks.

The thrill ride came toward the end of the sixth round when a multi-punch combination floored Lopez. The Mexican fighter would get up, but it would prove a poor decision. Villa promptly unloaded power shot after power shot until referee Edward Collantes put a stop to the carnage at the 2:49 mark.

“I was landing solid punches in every round,” remarked Villa, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I knew I would be able to take him out. I wore him down and in the sixth I just let me hands go and I caught him with a lot of heavy punches. I was surprised he got up. He was a tough guy.”

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

On Friday, July 6, Honolulu’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (11-0, 10 KOs) will attempt to continue his meteoric rise up the 140-lb. ladder when he faces capable Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores (24-9, 20 KOs) at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The 10-round fight will serve as the evening’s co-main event of Heavyweight Factory Boxing promoter Kris Lawrence’s “Hometown Throwdown,” followed by a 10-round crosstown rivalry showdown between undefeated Miami-based welterweights Harold “King” Calderon (16-0, 10 KOs) and John David “Pretty Boy” Martinez (10-0, 8 KOs).

Tickets for “Hometown Throwdown” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

The promising 19-year-old Yoon, the WBO-NABO Youth Super Lightweight Champion and WBO #13-rated contender, was last seen in March, dominating former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado over 10 rounds. Yoon was expected to be pushed for the first time in his young career, but cruised to an easy decision (scores: 100-89, 97-92 and 98-91).

“I have a lot of confidence in my team and our game plan, so I wasn’t surprised at all I was able to dominate,” said Yoon. “I knew that would happen. I work hard and stay disciplined.”

Yoon says he’s continuing to learn as he streaks up the ranks. Already world-rated after 11 fights, the talented puncher says despite the buzz around him growing louder with every fight, he feels no extra pressure to impress.

“I’m confident in the abilities I’ve been blessed with, so I feel no pressure. I live a clean life and stay right with the Lord and follow His plan for me.”

Yoon says he knows Flores is tall with a strong left hook, but expects to be victorious once again.

“Logan is an amazing talent,” said Heavyweight Factory Director of Boxing Operations Henry Rivalta. “He’s still just a kid and already so strong and powerful. That’s why we are moving him along so quickly. He trains right and lives right to become a world champion.”

Expected special guests that evening include Heavyweight Factory regulars, former heavyweight champions Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe and Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield. On fight night, the action starts at 7:15 p.m. Doors open one hour prior to start time. Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

# # #

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

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is South Florida’s iconic entertainment destination located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach. The AAA Four Diamond-rated resort features 469 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, premium meeting and convention space and Hard Rock Event Center – the 3,600-seat entertainment venue that is home to some of South Florida’s top concerts, comedy shows and events. The casino offers 120 live table games, 2,000 of the newest and most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary and casual eateries, include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe – Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 182 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

One of the most anticipated boxing match-ups of the year, the World Boxing Super Series final and unification bout between Aleksandr Usyk and Murat Gassiev, will take place on Saturday 21st July at the Olimpiysky Sports Complex, Moscow, Russia.

This fight sees The Best vs The Best stepping into the ring with each fighter bringing a pair of World titles, as well as unbeaten records, with them to the final.

The winner will be the first to lift the Muhammad Ali Trophy, becoming the undisputed unified lineal cruiserweight champion of the world, the first time in history the feat will have been achieved.

London 2012 Olympic gold medalist Aleksandr Usyk (14-0, 11 KOs) brings the WBO belt to Moscow, plus the green WBC strap the Ukrainian prised from Mairis Briedis after their semi-final in Riga, Latvia in January. Relive the Usyk v Briedis action here >>

Meanwhile, Murat Gassiev (26-0, 19 KOs) comes into the final with the IBF and WBA Super titles, the latter was won by the Russian with a dramatic 12th round stoppage of Cuban fighter Yuniel Dorticos last time out. Relive the Gassiev v Dorticos action here >>

Don’t miss out
Follow #UsykGassiev on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news, updates and action!

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UNCASVILLE, Conn. (July 1, 2018) – Returning to the ring after an 11-month layoff due to a broken jaw, Joe “The Beast” Smith, Jr. provided early fireworks last night (Saturday, June 30) in the latest installment in the popular “Slugfest at The Sun” series, presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

“Slugfest at The Sun” was taped live and will air July 19, 8 -10 p.m. ET, on New England Sports Network (NESN). Star Boxing’s next event, “Rockin’ Fights”, September 21 at the Paramount in Huntington, NY, will also air via tape- delay on NESN.

Rated No. 3 and No. 7 in the world, respectively, by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA), Smith (24-2, 20 KOs) hurt Melvin “The Romantic Redneck” Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs) with the first punch he landed and finished the show, two devastating knockdowns later, in the opening round.

“I hit him with a decent shot when I was walking him down and saw that I hurt him,” Joe Smith Jr. explained. “So, I looked to end it. I would have liked to have gotten some rust off, but I’m happy with my performance. My jaw feels great.”

“We’re looking to go to the top,” Smith’s promoter Joe DeGuardia stated. “Joe’s plan and goal has always been to be world champion. We wanted (Sergey) Kovalev before this fight, but it didn’t work out. We’re hoping to get him in the fall.”

“Kovalev looks great, he motivates me,” Smith noted. “I think I can take advantage of his conditioning.”

Coming off her historic fight this past May against the undefeated Queen of Boxing Cecelia Breakhus, who won a 10-round decision in the first female fight to air on HBO, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs) cruised past Mexican welterweight Patty “Las Elegante” Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), a former world title challenger, winning all eight rounds.

“She was a survivor,” Reis commented. “There was a lot we wanted to work on, body shots, jabs and more … getting more comfortable. I executed the plan my corner gave me and got the job done.

A Native American from Rhode Island, Reis wants a rematch with Breakhus, “I know I need to stay busy, active and remain fighting at welterweight to get the rematch,” Reis added. “I’m going to stay on her tail. I’ll be ready when it happens, I really want it to happen.”

In the television opener, undefeated junior welterweight “Action” Anthony Laureano (8-0 3KO’s) lived up to his nickname, never taking a backwards step, as he pounded Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1 6KO’s) in the center of the ring from the opening bell through the end for a dominant six-round unanimous decision. The 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion Laureano, who fights out of East Hartford, CT, put on an entertaining show in front of his large, loud contingent of fans. Laureano effectively used every punch in his vast arsenal to break down a tough, game Rodriguez.

“I thought I did well,” Laureano said after the fight, “but I’d like to see more angles. I want to see more power, too. It’s there, he felt it; it’s coming. I have a long road. Next fight, I’d like to have an eight-rounder. We’re adding more people to the team. I hope everyone see that I’m getting better each fight. I have more tools and my discipline is there.”

Undefeated junior middleweight Wendy “Haitian Fire” Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs) lit up an overwhelmed Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), battering him from pillar to post, until referee Steve Willis waved off the fight in the third round. Haiti-native Toussaint, now living in Huntington, NY, used his superior power and speed to make an impressive statement.

Popular South Boston southpaw Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs) overcame a flash knockdown during the opening seconds of the fight, using a relentless attack to defeat junior welterweight Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), by way of a four-round split decision.

Irish junior welterweight “Lethal” Larry Fryers (formerly known as Gleeson) improved his record to 7-1 (2 KOs) with a six-round unanimous decision over Anthony Woods (1-7-1). Fighting out of Yonkers NY, Fryers floored Woods with a left hook at the end of round two. Woods was penalized a point near the end of the final round for an intentional head butt.

Former U. of New Haven basketball star Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of New London (CT), kept his undefeated record intact, dropping Mexican heavyweight Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs) twice before referee Willis halted the match near the end of the opening round.

The opening bout of the evening ended in the second round and ruled a “No Contest” because of an accidental head butt that left both fighters — William “The Silent Assassin” Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs) and Tyrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO) – with serious head cuts and unable to continue.

Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Joe Smith, Jr. (24-2, 20 KOs), Mastic, NY
WTKO1 (145)
Melvin Russell (11-5-2, 7 KOs), Ashland, KY

CO-FEATURE – FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS
Kali Reis (14-7-1, 4 KOs), Cranston, RI
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 80-72)
Pat Ramirez (11-6, 5 KOs), Aguascalientes, Mexico

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Wendy Toussaint (9-0, 3 KOs), Huntington, NY
WTKO3 (1:25)
Andy Gonzalez (6-3, 5 KOs), Worcester

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Anthony Laureano (8-0, 3 KOs), E. Hartford, CT
WDEC6 (60-54, 59-55, 59-55)
Juan Rodriguez (8-10-1), Haymarket, VA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Joe Farina (3-0, 2 KOs), South Boston, MA
WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 37-38)
Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO), Orange, NJ

WELTERWEIGHTS
Larry (Gleeson) Fryers (7-1, 2 KOs), Yonkers, NY
WDEC6 (60-52, 60-52, 59-53)
Anthony Woods (1-7-1), Philadelphia, PA

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Cassius Chaney (13-0, 7 KOs), New London, CT
WTKO1 (2:47)
Elder Hernandez (5-3, 3 KOs), Morelia, Mexico
*Co-Promoted in association Main Events

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS
William Foster III (8-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT
No Contest 2 (2:27 due to accidental head butt, both fighter’s cut)
Tryrome Jones (4-3-1, 1 KO), Sound Bend, IN
*Co-Promoted in association with Murphy’s Boxing

JOE SMITH JR & TEAM CELEBRATING HIS RETURN KO WIN

POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH NESN’S DANA ROSENBLATT & JOE SMITH JR.
CREDIT: STAR BOXING
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
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.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (June 30, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight standout Ruben Villa (11-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif weighed in at 125.5 pounds as he takes on Mexico’s Ricardo Lopez (7-2-2, 6 KOs), who checked in at 125.6 pounds for their 8-round fight that will take place tonight from Omega Products International in Sacramento, California.

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 7:45 p.m. PT / 10:45 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 7:45 p.m. Omega Products is located at 8111 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95826, and can be reached at 916-635-3335.

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

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

BENSALEM, PA — It was supposed to be a homecoming party for Miguel Cartagena. Carlos Maldonado didn’t get the message.

Maldonado spoiled Caratagena’s first fight in Philadelphia in four years, winning a split decision over Caratagena in the flyweight main event of Xcite Fight Night 2 at Parx Casino on Friday night.

Maldonado (11-2, 7 K0s), fighting out of Los Angeles, dropped North Philadelphia’s Caratagena to the Xcite Center canvas with a sharp right hand early in the eighth and final round. He won on two judges’ cards, by scores of 76-75 and 77-74. The other judge saw it 76-75 for Cartagena.

Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 K0s), 25-year-old former U.S. National and National Golden Gloves champion, was fighting locally for the first time since a victory in Chester in 2014.

The much-anticipated semifinal lived up to its billing as local junior middleweights Isaiah Wise and Anthony Prescott brawled for six rounds in a rematch of Prescott’s split decision victory in March. But there may have to be a third chapter to settle for it good. The bout was scored a draw, with each fighter winning by 58-56 on one card and the other judge returning a score of 57-57.

The two fighters, each wearing similar black and gold trunks, looked like mirror images. Prescott (8-8-3, 2 K0s) bloodied Wise, but could not score the early knockdown that proved decisive in their first meeting. Wise (6-2-1, 3 K0s), of North Philadelphia, had won six of his first seven fights before running into Prescott, a former football player at Cherry Hill East and Kutztown University.

It took him longer than usual, but in the end the result was the same for rising welterweight Marcel Rivers. The North Philadelphian survived the first six-round bout of his career, earning a unanimous decision over Mike Crain (2-3-1). The scores were 58-56, 59-55, 59-55. The 31-year-old Rivers (6-0, 4 K0s), who is a PGW foreman by day, had won his previous three fights by knockout.

Local favorite Victor Vasquez (21-11-1, 9 K0s) made a triumphant return to the ring. In his first action since 2016, he defeated the tricky southpaw Vinnie Denierio (3-5, 1 K0) of Elmira, N.Y. The veteran from North Philadelphia came on strong in the later stages of the six-round junior welterweight bout to pull out a majority draw, 57-57, 58-56, 58-56.

In a fight that was all action from the opening bell, Christopher Burgos (1-2-1, 1 K0) outslugged the debuting Adolfo Serrano (0-1) in a battle of tough North Philadelphia lightweights. Burgos dazed Serrano early in the fourth and final round, and the referee called a stop at 1 minutes, 58 seconds into the period.

Friday’s Results

Flyweights: Carlos Maldonado (11-2, 7 K0s) def. Miguel Cartagena (15-5-1, 6 K0s), SD 8, 76-75, 77-74, 75-76.

Junior middleweights: Anthony Prescott (8-8-2, 2K0s) draw Isaiah Wise (6-2-1, 3 K0s), 58-56, 56-58, 57-57 (6 rounds)

Welterweights: Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 K0s) def. Mike Crain (2-3-1, 1 K0), UD 6, 58-56, 59-55, 59-55

Junior welterweights: Victor Vasquez (21-11-1, 9 K0s) def. Vinnie Denierio (3-5, 1 K0), MD, 57-57, 58-56, 58-56

Lightweights: Gerardo Martinez (3-1, 1 K0) def. Nyrome Lynch (0-2), UD 4, 40-35, 40-35, 40-35

Lightweights: Christopher Burgos (1-2-1, 1 K0) def. Adolfo Serrano (0-1), K0 4 (1:58).

Middleweights: Kiernan Hooks (3-0-1, 1 K0) def. Sharif Jones (0-2-1), UD 4, 39-37, 40-36, 40-35

Bantamweights: Emmanuel Rodriguez (3-0) def. Ndira Speakman (1-2), UD 4, 40-36, 39-37, 39-37

ABOUT PARX CASINO®

Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, Inc. Parx Casino® is conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) onto Street Road in Bensalem. Parx features over 200,000 square feet of gaming; over 3,300 slot machines and 133 live table games; a private poker enclave with over 80 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parxgrill, an upscale signature restaurant; Liberty Bell Gastropub, farm-to-fork inspired menu; Foodies quick service dining; Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar; 360 bar and live music venue; Jax sports bar; Circle Bar; Bambu Noodle House; Earl of Sandwich®; Xlounge, ultramodern luxury lounge; the Xcite Center, an over 1,500-seat live entertainment venue and complimentary parking for 5,000 cars. For more information on Parx Casino®, visit www.parxcasino.com.

LOS ANGELES (June 29, 2018): Lineal Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBO Middleweight World Champion
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-0-1, 34 KOs) will return to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for their historic 12-round rematch on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Canelo vs. GGG 2 will go on sale Tuesday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT, and are priced at $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700, $500 and $300, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 8 per person at the $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800 and $700 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $500 and $300 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

To purchase tickets during the Pre-Sale, subscribe to our newsletter by going on www.goldenboypromotions.com and clicking VIP Connect. The pre-sale is schedule to run from Saturday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. PT thru Monday, July 2 at 10:00 p.m. PT. Follow Golden Boy Boxing on its Social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) at @goldenboyboxing.

In September 2017, Canelo and GGG met in the ring for the first time across a competitive 12 rounds of action that ended in a split draw. The battle drew a record crowd for an indoor boxing event in Las Vegas, selling out T-Mobile Arena in less than two weeks and bringing legions of fans from Mexico to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between.

Canelo, the 27-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is without a doubt boxing’s biggest star. After capturing two world titles and the lineal championship in the super welterweight division, Canelo moved up to middleweight to capture the WBC, Lineal and
Ring Magazine World Titles with a unanimous decision victory against Miguel Cotto in November 2015. Canelo has maintained his status as the lineal champion ever since, and in a historic September 16 showdown with Golovkin last year, he silenced all doubters by facing one of the most avoided fighters in boxing. Canelo was born ready and he promises to defeat Golovkin in exciting fashion to prove that he is the world’s best 160-pounder.

“The truth is that this fight means a lot to me because of all that has happened and all that has been said,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I will prove with my fists that I am the best, and Golovkin will eat all of his words and speculations. I will demonstrate who is the best when I defeat Golovkin soundly on September 15 during Independence Day Weekend, and I’ll make it clear that Mexican boxing is the best.”

Golovkin, the 36-year-old wrecking ball of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, was a dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006. Since then, Golovkin has been on an historic trajectory, knocking out one opponent after another to unify and retain several middleweight titles. During this run, Golovkin maintained an unblemished record that included a 23-fight knockout streak, which ended with a unanimous decision victory against Daniel Jacobs in March 2017. After going the distance against Canelo, Golovkin scored a second-round knockout victory against former 154-pound contender Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyanin May of this year.

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin said, “I am happy that the deal is done and the rematch is back on. I am ready to get back to work in Big Bear with Abel. This is the biggest fight for boxing, the fight everyone wants. It is a fight to see who is best. It is for boxing history. I am happy to be defending my titles on Mexican Independence Day, a great stage for true Mexican-Style boxing. Canelo can walk to the ring last. Canelo can be introduced last. The important thing is who leaves the ring last, and that will be me, as world champion, the people’s champion. See you at the Big Drama Show.”

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, said, “There is serious bad blood between these fighters. The fight is personal, and the stakes are high. Canelo will without a doubt want to shut Golovkin up, and the only way to do it is by knocking him out on September 15. I have no doubts that our champion will walk away with the victory.”

Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin, said, “It’s hard to believe that there could be bigger drama than the negotiations we just concluded to make the rematch – again. The rematch has a much bigger feel to it because of all the controversy and is the biggest fight in boxing. It’s also the third consecutive time Gennady has taken over a major Mexican holiday to showcase his exciting Mexican-Style of fighting. This rematch transcends a championship boxing match and has become an international sporting event where it will be shown in over 150 countries worldwide. Gennady is bringing his belts and his resolve to prove he is still the best middleweight of his era and boxing’s No. 1 pound for pound fighter. He won the first fight against Canelo in the eyes of millions of viewers who tuned in last September and he will do it again on Mexican Independence Day, with his record-breaking 21st consecutive title defense. It’s his destiny.”

Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports, said, “The biggest fight of 2018 is now upon us: Canelo-GGG 2. On September 15, the rematch will prove middleweight and pound-for-pound supremacy. We are pleased to present it live by HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM Resorts International, said, “We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend for what boxing fans worldwide anticipate will be one of the sport’s greatest rematches. T-Mobile Arena is the industry leader in hosting championship events including Boxing, UFC and most recently the Stanley Cup Finals. Our community is prepared to once again show why Las Vegas is the Sports and Entertainment capital of the world.”

Canelo vs. GGG 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Fred Loya Insurance, Interjet and Fathom Events. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.caneloggg.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, ‘
www.facebook.com/gggboxing,and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGGG2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT, June 29, 2018

The entire card for Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing’s, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” weighed in today outside of the box office at Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, Connecticut. All eighteen fighters looked fit and ready to go, ahead of tomorrow’s stellar night of fights at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Tickets can still be purchased HERE. Doors open at 7:00PM, and the first bout is set for 7:30PM.

Weigh-In Results:

10-ROUND LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR.: 179 lbs.
MELVIN RUSSELL: 177 lbs.

8-ROUND WOMEN’S WELTERWEIGHT CO-FEATURE
KALI REIS: 144 lbs.
PATY RAMIREZ: 146.5 lbs.

6-ROUND JR. WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
ANTHONY LAUREANO: 138.25 lbs.
JUAN de la cruz RODRIGUEZ: 139.5 lbs.

6-ROUND WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
WENDY TOUSSAINT: 151.5 lbs.
ANDY GONZALEZ: 150.75 lbs.

4-ROUNDS WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
JOE FARINA: 150 lbs.
STEVE MOORE: 149 lbs

6-ROUNDS JR. WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
LARRY GLEESON: 146.25 lbs.
ANTHONY WOODS: 150 lbs.

6-ROUNDS HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT
CASSIUS CHANEY: 246 lbs.
ELDER HERNANDEZ: 250 lbs.

6-ROUNDS SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
WILLIAM FOSTER: 131.75 lbs.
TYROME JONES: 131 lbs.

The main event features the return of the “Common Man”, light heavyweight sensation JOE SMITH JR., as he takes on tough Kentuckian, MELVIN RUSSELL. In the co-feature bout, KALI REIS, returns home to Mohegan Sun after her brilliant power punching performance on HBO against undefeated champion, Cecilia Braekhus. Also highlighted on the undercard are top New England prospects,
ANTHONY LAUREANO , CASSIUS CHANEY and WILLIAM FOSTER.

JOE SMITH JR. (LEFT) & MELVIN RUSSELL (RIGHT)
FACE OFF AHEAD OF SATURDAY NIGHT

KALI REIS (LEFT) AND PATTY RAMIREZ (RIGHT)

ANTHONY LAUREANO (LEFT) AND JUAN de la cruz RODRIGUEZ (RIGHT)
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.

BOUT SHEET:

MEDIA:
SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.

SLUGFEST AT THE SUN: THE RETURN OF JOE SMITH JR.
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.”
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
TICKETS:
Tickets for the live event start at $30 (plus $5 venue fee) and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com by clicking HERE or by going to www.StarBoxing.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
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.
CONTACTS:

First fight 16.30

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

TAYLOR McGOLDRICK 167.6lb v CASEY BLAIR 170.6lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest

PADRAIG McCRORY 168lb v HARRY MATTHEWS 171.3lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest

GARY CULLY 137lb v ZOLTAN SZABO 135.7lb

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

NESLAN MACHADO 126.8lb v JOSE AGUILAR 124.5lb

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Flyweight Contest

SUNNY EDWARDS 116.4lb v CHRISTIAN NARVAEZ 119.9lb

8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest

GARY CORCORAN 149.1lb v VICTOR RAY ANKRAH 151.5lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Welterweight Contest

LEWIS CROCKER 152.4lb v ADAM GRABIEC

BT SPORT GO LIVE @ 19:30 HRS

10 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

JOHNNY COYLE 141lb v LEWIS BENSON 141.3lb

THE VACANT CELTIC SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AND ELIMINATOR FOR BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds

TYRONE McCULLAGH 121.6lb v JOE HAM 121.2lb

THE IBF INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds

JONO CARROLL 129.2lb v DECLAN GERAGHTY 129.5lb

THE WBO INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds

JACK CATTERALL 139.8 lbv TYRONE McKENNA 139.6lb

International Super-Featherweight Contest

MICHAEL CONLAN 127.5lb v ADEILSON DOS SANTOS 126.6lb

New York, NY (June 29, 2018)-Middleweight Michael Moore will appear on the upcoming season of the Contender.

The highly anticipated 12-episode season, from MGM Television and Paramount Television, will premiere on EPIX® on Aug. 24, 2018 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Moore of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 15-1 with 7 knockouts.

The 31 year-old Moore, who is riding a two-fight winning streak will be able to gain worldwide exposure by competing on the popular television program.

Moore is reformed from a hard life on the street. With drugs, death and family suicide prevalent around him, Michael Moore is a natural hustler and leader. Married with two kids, Moore is constantly moving from state to state with his family in tow in pursuit of the boxing dream.

“I feel blessed to be part of The Contender series because I know there were a lot of other fighters out there that are good like me and have stories of hardship like me,” said Moore.

“At the time I was approached by Split-T Management, I was going through a rough patch in life as money was really tight, bills were piling, and I had recently pulled out of the biggest fight of my life which was going to be nationally televised due to an injury a week before the bout. I felt lost because I didn’t know what I was going to do. When I was a kid, I would hustle to make some money but as a man with a wife and two kids, I can’t get involved in those kind of stuff but I have to make something happen to keep a roof over their heads and food on their plates.”

“This opportunity couldn’t come at a better time and I plan to take full advantage of changing the lives of my family.”

“I want to thank Split-T Management and people of The Contender for giving me this opportunity to change my life and when you see me, you will see a father, a husband, a man, a fighter who works his darnest because there is a lot on the line when it comes to Michael Moore.”

“When we were approached on who we thought would be great for the Contender Series, Michael first came to my mind because he is a good fighter who has such a great story behind him,” said Moore’s manager David McWater, CEO of Split-T Management. “Once you get to hear his words, and hear his story you will instantly be a fan.”

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

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

BOXING LEGEND Manny Pacquiao is gunning for one of four world titles
at stake against WBA champion Lucas Matthysse in the “Fight of
Champions” roadshow that promises to electrify the Axiata Arena on
July 15 from start to finish.

Playing the unlikely role as challenger in an inspired bid to win an
unprecedented 11th world title, the only eight-weight division boxing
champion Pacquiao (59-7-2, 36 KOs), is training to dethrone the
dangerous Matthysse of Argentina (39-4, 36 KOs).

The World Boxing Association has recently ordered for Jhack Tepora of
the Philippines (21-0, 16 KOs) to fight Edivaldo “Indio” Ortega of
Mexico (26-1-1, 12 KOs), for the vacant “regular” WBA featherweight
title.

Tepora, the explosive 25-year-old Cebu native, will get his hands full
against the 28-year-old Ortega of Tijuana, Mexico. Tepora is looking
to deny Ortega the pleasure of beating another Filipino in his quest
for the world title. Ortega has beaten Drian Francisco in his last
fight.

This will be Ortega’s first match outside Mexico and his major title
shot. Tepora, who has previously won minor titles, is just too eager
to show his wares in a larger stage as he has scored knockouts in his
last five outings.

“Fight of Champions,” which has a total of 11 fights, will be beamed
live throughout the world. MP Promotions, the promotional company put
up by Pacquiao to give back to boxing, loaded up the card with boxers
raring to showcase talent and potential.

Pacquiao did not scrimp on assembling the best boxers from around the
world and offer it to Malaysian fight fans as China is looking to
break an elusive boxing record. Lu Bin (1-0), the talented Jinan,
China boxer with a sterling amateur career, has been given the title
shot by the WBA to face light flyweight champion Carlos “CCC”
Canizales of Venezuela.

Should Lu Bin upset the heavy-handed Canizales, (20-0-1, 16-KOs), he
will become only the first boxer in history to become world champion
in his second fight.

Moruti Mthalane of South Africa, the 35-year-old veteran (35-2, 24
KOs), is unbeaten in his last 12 fights since losing to Nonito Donaire
Jr. in November 2008. Mthalane will square off with Pakistan’s
legendary amateur Muhammad Waseem, (8-0, 6 KOs) for the International
Boxing Federation flyweight crown.

Waseem has had a run of victories for more than seven years as an
amateur. He is a two-year pro who has won his last three fights by
knockout and successfully defended once the WBC silver flyweight title
in 2016.

Two Australians will be in the undercards. Pacquiao, who has lost to
Australian Jeff Horn in a controversial match, has invited his
Australian sparring mate George Kambosos Jr. (14-0, 8 KOs), to fight
Filipino JR Magboo (17-1, 8 KOs). They battle over 8 rounds at
lightweight.

Another Filipino world title hopeful, Jayar Inson of Davao will face
Terry Tzouramanis of Australia in another eight-round welterweight
match.

Malaysia’s welterweight phenom Theena Thalayan (5-0, 2 KOs), will
battle India’s Siddharth Varma (4-1, 1 KO) in a six-round battle while
Kuala Lumpur native Ailman Abu Bakar (7-0, 3 KOs) battles Indonesian
Abdi (5-2, 2 KOs) for four rounds in the 126-pound division.

Harmonito dela Torre of General Santos City, Philippines, (19-1, 12
KOs) will have his hands full against an unpredictable and unbeaten
Chinese talent, Yongqiang Yang (10-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight
clash.

Other Filipinos seeing action include bantamweight Vincent Astrolabio
(10-1, 7 KOs) fighting Yuuki Kobayashi of Japan (13-7, 7 KOs) and Juan
Miguel Elorde (25-1, 13 KOs) facing Ratchanon Sawangsoda of Thailand
(12-2, 12 KOs).

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 29, 2018) – 19-year-old undefeated sensation and USBA Lightweight champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), has captured his second title before age 20, but even more impressive, is his ranking at # 15 by the IBF, meaning a title shot is near.

“It means the world to me to be ranked in the top 15 by a major sanctioning body like the IBF,” said Devin Haney. “I work extremely hard. I have dedicated my life to the sport of boxing, and the fact that sanctioning bodies are taking notice of my hard work, reaffirms all the sacrifice I have made. I am very excited for what the future holds.”

In his last bout Haney defeated Mason Menard (33-3, 24 KOs) by way of ninth-round technical knockout, and earned the victory when Menard’s corner stopped the bout heading into the tenth and final round. Haney handed Menard a one-sided beating up until that point, forcing Menard’s corner to stop the fight. This victory, which headlined Showtime’s “ShoBox: The Next Generation”, also awarded Devin, the USBA Lightweight title.

“I know that after the statement I made in the last fight, people will be watching me closely,” Haney continued. “I have a lot of hype around me! The cat is out of the bag! I’m nobody’s prospect. I’m a contender. If the winner of Garcia vs Eastern wants to fight me next, I’m available. The industry and the real fight fans know who I am. They know I can fight. It’s only going to get better. I’m working hard, and I promise that in my next fight, you will see, an even better Devin Haney than before.”

Devin Haney is the youngest fighter ever to hold the USBA Lightweight title in the organization’s history. In September, Devin will be making his return to the ring, as he gears up for his first title defense.

MIGUEL CARTAGENA (112.6 lbs) vs CARLOS MALDONADO (112.8 Lbs)

— Semifinal –

6 Rounds – JR, MIDDLEWEIGHTS

ANTHONY PRESCOTT (151.6 lbs) vs ISAIAH WISE (155.1 lbs)

— Undercard –

6 Rounds – Welterweights

Marcel Rivers (145.2 lbs) vs Mike Crain (143.4 lbs)

**

6 Rounds – Jr. Welterweights

Victor Vasquez (136.6 lbs) vs Vinnie Denierio (138.9 lbs)

**

4 Rounds – Lightweights

Nyrome Lynch (136.9 lbs) vs Gerardo Martinez (137.5 lbs)

**

4 Rounds – Lightweights

Aldofo Serrano (131.1 lbs) vs Christofer Burgos (134.6 lbs)

**

4 Rounds – Middleweights

Kieran Hooks (140.1 lbs) vs Sharif Hones (140.7 lbs)

**

4 Rounds – Bantamweights

Emmanuel Rodriguez (117.2 lbs) vs Ndira Spearman (117.3lbs)

ABOUT JUNE 29

The June 29 card consists of eight fights, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000). You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION

Fight night credentials can be picked-up at the Xcite Center will call window. Proper personal photo identification is required for credential pick-up.

TICKETS

Available at www.joehandpromotions.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 215-364-9000.

ABOUT PARX CASINO®

Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, Inc. Parx Casino® is conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) onto Street Road in Bensalem. Parx features over 200,000 square feet of gaming; over 3,300 slot machines and 133 live table games; a private poker enclave with over 80 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parxgrill, an upscale signature restaurant;Liberty Bell Gastropub, farm-to-fork inspired menu; Foodies quick service dining; Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar; 360 bar and live music venue; Jax sports bar; Circle Bar; Bambu Noodle House; Earl of Sandwich®; Xlounge, ultramodern luxury lounge; the Xcite Center, an over 1,500 seat live entertainment venue and complimentary parking for 5,000 cars. For more information on Parx Casino®, visit www.parxcasino.com.

Oklahoma City (June 28, 2018) – The fighters sat on a podium atop the floor where the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder play, discussing Saturday’s ESPN-televised card (9 p.m. ET) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The biggest card to hit The Sooner State in years will feature a local product, Oklahoma City native Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo (27-0, 17 KOs) against Lenny Zappavigna (37-3, 27 KOs) in 10-round junior welterweight bout. The ESPN main event will see WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (37-0, 25 KOs) defending his title against Alexis Angulo (23-0, 20 KOs).

Also featured on the ESPN telecast will be 2016 Olympic gold medalist, Robson Conceicao (7-0, 4 KOs), in a six-round super featherweight bout against Gavino Guaman (5-2, 1 KO).

The undercard will stream on ESPN+ (6:15 p.m. ET) and include the resurgent Mike Alvarado, female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer, heavyweight knockout artist, and Oklahoma native Trey Lippe Morrison, and the pro debut of top amateur Christopher Zavala.

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

Gilberto Ramirez

“Angulo is going to be a tough opponent. I expect a tough fight from him. He seems like a great fighter. His record proves it. From what I know, he’s a big puncher, and I know that he will try to knock me out. I’m going to try and knock him out, too. He doesn’t have a loss on his record, but he will on Saturday.”

Alex Saucedo

“It has taken a long time for me to get to this point, to fight in front of my home fans in the big arena here in Oklahoma City. It’s an honor. Lenny Z is a very aggressive fighter. He has almost 30 knockouts on his record and is a very dangerous fighter. I know that with the support of my people, I’ll be victorious once again.”

“I grew up in Oklahoma City. I’ve always wanted to come home, and after 27 pro fights, we made it happen. It’s been six years of working hard, and the hard work has paid off. ESPN is coming to town. This is incredible.”

“I spent 12 weeks in Big Bear preparing for this fight with my trainer, Abel Sanchez. That got me ready for this opportunity, and it’s almost fight night. I can’t wait.”

Alexis Angulo

“I don’t feel like he has any advantages. We both have two legs. We both have two arms. We both have two eyes. We are equals, and anything can happen when you get in the ring.”

“It has been my dream to fight for a world title, and now the opportunity is here. Gilberto Ramirez is a great champion, but my time is now.”

Lenny Zappavigna

“I’m going to go in there and box, but I know Alex likes to come forward and fight fire with fire. I know it’s going to be a great fight here in Oklahoma, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get me another world title shot, which is the ultimate goal.”

Robson Conceicao

“It’s a great honor to be fighting on ESPN, and I want to showcase my skills for everyone. I feel like I’ve progressed well in my pro career, and this will be the latest chapter as I go for a world title. I won a gold medal for Brazil {in the 2016 Olympics}. I can’t wait to bring a world title home as well.”

Mikaela Mayer

“I want to prove that there is a big market for female boxing. I’m thankful to Top Rank for the way that they’re moving me and putting me on these great cards. I can’t wait to be headlining a card in the future.”

Mike Alvarado

“I’ve always loved boxing. The re-invention of me defines how I’m going to perform. On top of that, I’ve reconstructed my team. They gave me a different type of mentality, and it’s just heightened my focus. This is a new experiment for me. It’s been a new experiment since I’ve changed my life and got on a good path back in 2015.”

“It’s a new Mike Alvarado. I’ve always had the heart, the natural warrior in me. I know how to go to war and fight with all my heart. That’s who I am. With all the other distractions interrupting me, I’ve released all that. I’m more content with myself without having to fight my conscience. I’m back in a big way.”

Christopher Zavala

“I want to thank Bob Arum and Top Rank for signing me. This is a big opportunity to make my pro debut on such a great card. I look forward to great things. This is only the beginning.”

###

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship extravaganza are ON SALE NOW. Priced at $200, $100, $60, $40 and $25, not including facility and service fees, tickets may be purchased at the Chesapeake Energy Arena box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Use the hashtags #ZurdoAngulo and #SaucedoZappavigna to join the conversation on social media.
About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

LOS ANGELES (June 28, 2018): Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (18-4-2, 14 KOs) will return to the ring in a 10-round super featherweight fight against hard-hitting contender Dardan (14-4, 11 KOs) in the main event of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN on Friday,Aug. 17at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Cancio is a 29-year-old contender who recently re-signed with Golden Boy Promotions. Cancio is coming off a sensational technical knockout victory against then-undefeated prospect Aida Sharibayev. The native of Blythe, Calif. also has victories against former world title challengers Rocky Juarez and Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes and againstthe rugged and experienced Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado. Cancio has also been in tough fights against Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. and Ronny Rios in a professional career that start over 12 years ago. Cancio is ready to face tougher tests in 130-pound division.

“I’m very excited to be fighting at Fantasy Springs Casino again,” said Andrew Cancio.
“It’s not far from my hometown in Blythe, California, and it’s great to know that my family and friends will be able to attend and support me. Fighting on ESPN again is a huge advantage for my career and a terrific opportunity to showcase my skills which I’m very grateful to my manager Ray Chaparro and Golden Boy Promotions for. I know how tough Dardan Zenunaj is and it’s another big challenge for me, but I’ll be very well prepared for victory on Aug. 17.”

Zenunaj is a former NABO Super Featherweight champion, a title he captured via dominant third-round technical knockout victory against Recky “The Terror” Dulayin September 2017. The 30-year-old native of Pec, Kosovo then challenged Carlos “The Solution” Moralesfor the vacant NABA 130-pound title in December 2017. The fight went to the scorecards after a cut above Morales’s eye, which was caused by a clash of heads, forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight. The early stoppage cost Zenunaj the win, though he promises to vindicate himself when he returns on Aug. 17.

“I’m happy for this opportunity,” said Dardan Zenunaj.”Cancio is a warrior and I’m a warrior, so everyone knows this will be a war. They know this will be bloody. My goal, other than to be world champion, is to be in a Gatti-Ward kind of fight. This will be the epic war that will propel my career to the big stage.”

Japanese slugger Yoshihiro “Corazon de Acero” Kamegai (27-4-2, 24 KOs) will return after his impressive first shot at a world title in the 10-round co-main event in the 154-pound division.Kamegai will return after his impressive outing against former six-time, four-division world champion Miguel Cotto, which was for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title in an HBO-televised main event in August 2017 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Before that fight, Kamegai took part in two consecutive Fight of the Year candidates against Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass in June and Sept. of 2016. Kamegai will look to earn another shot at a 154-pound title, but he has to begin to shake off some ring rust after not fighting for a year.

Rommel Caballero (1-0-1) of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round or six-round super featherweight clash in the night’s swing bout against Jahaziel Vazquez(2-7, 1 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico. Anthony Reyes(2-0, 2 KOs), who is also from Coachella, Calif., will return in a four-round bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be announced opponent.

Cancio vs. Zenunaj is a 10-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, June 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing: Cancio vs. Zenunaj must request credentials by emailing clavoie@fantasysprings.net by 5:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Aug. 10.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN and #CancioZenunaj.

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

New York, NY (June 28, 2018) Tomorrow, undefeated super featherweight contender Jon Fernandez (15-0, 13 KOs), of Bilbao, Spain, clashes with battle-tested Nicaraguan veteran Henry Maldonado (20-6, 14 KOs), in a bout scheduled for eight rounds, at Pabellon Camilo Cano, in La Nucia, Spain.

Currently riding a 13-bout knockout streak, the all-action Fernandez was brimming with confidence on the eve of the showdown.

“Maldonado has a lot of very good experience. He’s fought a number of great fighters, but we’ve had a terrific training camp and I’m ready for victory,” said the 22-year-old Fernandez.

Fernandez turned heads in the United States last year with two stunning knockouts televised on SHOWTIME and looks to return later this year.

“One fight at a time for me, but I loved fighting in the United States and look forward to coming back soon.”

“Jon Fernandez has great potential and is already a world ranked contender,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is an important fight for him, as he is likely to return to ShoBox in the US in his next fight.”

World ranked #11 by the World Boxing Council and co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Maravillabox Promotions, Fernandez has obtained the guidance of boxing legend Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez while training in Spain.

“Sergio is terrific, he comes to watch me train and has always been very helpful with his advice to me as a fighter,” said Fernandez.

Speaking about his stoppage streak, Fernandez stated, “I don’t look for the knockout, but when the opportunity presents itself, I take advantage of it. I hope to win by knockout on Friday night.”

Two fights ago, Fernandez captured the WBC Silver Super Featherweight title with a sixth-round stoppage of then-undefeated Alexander Podolsky in his hometown.

Las Vegas (June 28, 2018) – Four-division world champion Erik “El Terrible” Morales has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the fourth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 10a.m 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.

Morales will have merchandise to sell to his fans, as well as photos, signatures and memorabilia. This is Morales first appearance at the Boxing Expo and is looking forward in meeting his fans.

Erik Morales Nicknamed “El Terrible,” is a retired Mexican boxing legend and is being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 10th, 2018). Morales compiled a 52-9 record in 61 fights, including 41 straight wins to start his career, and won world titles in four different weight classes (junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, junior welterweight). He also ended Manny Pacquiao’s six-year unbeaten streak in 2005 with a unanimous decision win.

Morales notable fights came against Marco Antonio Barrera (nicknamed “The Baby Face Assassin”). The Morales versus Barrera trilogy is one of Boxing’s most famous fight trilogies of all time, involving two of Mexico’s most revered boxers. Their memorable fights were also named Ring Magazine’s fight of the year on February 19, 2000 and once again on November 27, 2004.

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