LOS ANGELES – JUNE 27, 2018 – Premium pay television network EPIX® has announced the 16 fighters who will be facing off with one another for the championship belt on the revival of boxing franchise series The Contender this fall. 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.

Hosted by undefeated boxing champion Andre “Son of God” Ward, the first-of-its-kind competitive documentary series for the network will feature 16 fighters pushing their limits in grueling elimination-style fights and testing their grit and determination to achieve their boxing dreams. The fighters will be overseen by legendary boxing coach Freddie Roach, and renowned Philadelphia trainer Naazim Richardson.

“The Contender takes unscripted TV to its grittiest. It has incredible professional fighters and real professional fights. The edge of your seat drama and true stories sets a tone that our audiences will be expecting and I love it,” said Mark Burnett, President of MGM Television.

“With this new iteration of The Contender, the focus is on the gritty, personal stories of the fighters battling for boxing glory,” said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. “It was important for us to find individuals who not only displayed the boxing chops and resilience in the ring, but who also showed a depth of heart and humor outside of it. Our 16 fighters are vivacious, tough, funny, sensitive, driven and inspiring, and we are excited for our fans to get to know their stories and root for them inside the ring and out.”

The 16 Contenders come from a wide variety of professional boxing backgrounds and stations in life, bringing their unique stories, personalities, strengths and motivations to the series.

Each fighter will be vying to be declared the new 160-pound middleweight champion of The Contender and take home the winner’s six-figure purse – a prize, which, for all the fighters, represents a better life for their families and loved ones who have been there with them through all the ups and downs of their journeys.

The 16 fighters on The Contender this season are:
Ievgen “The Ukranian Lion” Khytrov, Age: 29, Rank: 20, Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.- A Ukrainian immigrant, Olympian, Ievgen Khytrov recently relocated to America to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion and to create a better life for his family. A dedicated, quiet, religious man. He’s also the one to beat.
Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker, Age: 34, Rank: 68, Hometown: Plaquemine, La. – Incarcerated at 15 years old and spent 14 years behind bars for robbery and attempted murder, Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker learned to box while in prison. He is now fighting for a second chance at life, living proof that it’s never too late to live out your dreams.
John “Apollo Kid” Thompson, Age: 29, Rank: 70, Hometown: Newark, N.J. – After losing his mother to AIDS at six years old, this married performing artist, painter and fighter, John “Apollo Kid” Thompson is here to prove to the world that he can’t be boxed into a single category despite holding impressive titles including the 2015 WBA-NABA Super Welterweight, WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight and Boxcino Tournaments.
Malcolm “The Punisher” McAllister, Age: 27, Rank: 172, Hometown: Long Beach, Calif. -Always at the center of schoolyard fights growing up, Malcolm “The Punisher” McAllister now channels his energy into helping others rebuild outside of foreclosure and his young, growing family. In boxing has built an impressive KO record and the 2014 Golden Gloves title on his journey to take the title of The Contender.
Brandon “The Cannon” Adams, Age: 28, Rank: Inactive, Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. – A bold fighter in the ring, Brandon “The Cannon” Adams knows firsthand what it means to push through adversity and step up to care for his family when there’s no one else around to. Coming from a poverty stricken neighborhood, this larger than life father of two marks his return to boxing after a three year hiatus, initiated by a loss to fellow competitor, John Thompson.
Quatavious “Cash” Cash, Age: 26, Rank: 161, Hometown: Las Vegas, Nev. – This Atlanta native is the current record-holder for fastest KO in Georgia, a four0time Golden Gloves state champ and Bronze medalist. Quatavious Cash is fighting for his late mother and for the chance to prove that a life of fighting street gangs can be channeled for good.
Shane “Sugarman” Mosley, Jr., Age: 27, Rank: 149, Hometown: Santa Monica, Calif. – The lone single contender, son of legendary Hall of Fame boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Shane “Sugarman” Mosley Jr. is fighting to step out of his father’s shadow and carve out his own legacy.
Daniel “El Chapulin” Valdivia, Age: 25, Rank: 116, Hometown: Tulare, Calif. – A natural salesman and real estate agent by day, nicknamed “El Chapulin” (“Grasshopper”) for his boundless energy, Mexican immigrant Daniel Valdivia was born to step into the ring. With several titles including the NABF Super Welterweight Champion as an underdog, he’s chasing fame to prove giving up college for boxing was the right move.
Michael “The Silverback” Moore, Age: 31, Rank: 252, Hometown:Cleveland, Oh. – Reformed from a hard life on the streets, fraught with drugs, death and family suicide, 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.
Gerald “G5” Sherrell, Age: 24, Rank: 216, Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. – A fan of the original Contender series growing up, Gerald “G5” Sherrell is an undefeated and explosive fighter with a level of unrivaled and self-proclaimed swagger. Hailing from the projects, this multiple time Golden Gloves, Silver Gloves and Junior Olympic competitor, this local zoo security guard by day, and young father by night, is looking to bring boxing glory back to his hometown of Pittsburgh.
Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch, Age: 34, Rank: 154, Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. – Injury-plagued throughout his career, the Native American hailing from Southern Louisiana is a married father of three. Knowing that he’s old for the sport, Morgan “Big Chief” Fitch has one last shot at making his boxing dreams come true.
Marcos “Mad Man” Hernandez, Age: 24, Rank: 104, Hometown: Fresno, Calif. – Having been bullied from a young age after an accident left him with burns on 30 percent of his body, Marcos “Mad Man” Hernandez is fighting for his young autistic son, in hopes that he won’t be bullied the same way he was. With Junior Olympics, 2012 Blue and Gold titles and “Mexican-go-forward” style fighting he may be overlooked and underestimated.
Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson, Age: 33, Rank: 39, Hometown: Philadelphia, PA – At a time when he needed to sell drugs to support himself at the age of 13, a stepfather’s ultimatum: be grounded or go to the boxing gym was his saving grace. Now a humble father of two, and sitting with one of the best rankings in the competition, his 24 KO’s send a signal that he will not fight silently but his cocky attitude has beat him more than just once.
Lamar “Omega” Russ, Age: 31, Rank: 115, Hometown: Wilmington, N.C. -One of four kids raised by a single mom and the first person in his family to graduate college, Lamar “Omega” Russ takes pride in being the underdog, and beneath the loud exterior is a boxer that needs to prove he can put his money where his mouth is. HBO, ESPN and a first round KO on Showtime do all the talking.
John “The Rock” Jackson, Age: 29, Rank: 63, Hometown: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – A divorced father of two, this slick and agile boxer, Virgin Islander John “The Rock” Jackson started fighting at 12 years old, following in his world champion father Julian Jackson’s footsteps at the Pan American Games and 2008 Olympics. He comes from wealth but cares for the underprivileged and dreams of making his island proud bringing visibility to those struck by recent natural disasters.
Devaun “Unique” Lee, Age: 30, Rank: 82, Hometown: Jamaica Queens, N.Y.When one of his friends was shot and killed at 16, Devaun “Unique” Lee knew he needed a way out from the mean streets of Queens. Boxing keeps him straight. So do long hours fueling airplanes and caring for his five year old daughter. The real love of his life. Fatherhood and the sport are the motivation to take his NY State Middleweight championship to the next level.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Contacts:
Maureen Granados / EPIX
mgranados@epix.com / 646.933.9280

Kristin Cotich / MGM
kcotich@mgm.com / 310.449.3606

Jessica Rovins / Paramount Television
Jessica_rovins@paramount.com / 323.956.8265

Dianna Bonvino / Beck Media for EPIX
dianna.bonvino@beckmedia.com / 646.593.3042

Joe Favorito for EPIX
joefavorito2@gmail.com

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

Gold-star women’s bantamweight prospect Elena Savelyeva (4-0, 3 KOs) of Russia will return to the ring on Friday, July 13, in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, for an eight-round showdown against current #10 IBF and #11 WBC contender Nina Radovanovic (12-2, 3 KOs) of Serbia.

Formerly one of the most decorated female amateur boxers in the world, Savelyeva is being fast-tracked by her co-promoters, Salita Promotions and Russia-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group. Radovanovic is a two-time world-title challenger, whose only two losses occurred in world-championship fights.

“Even though I only have four professional fights, I want to fight the best and show the boxing world my skills,” said Savelyeva, a former world, European (2X) and Russian (6X) amateur champion, who represented her homeland in the 2012 Summer Olympics and competed in the first-ever women’s Olympic boxing match in history.

“Nina Radovanovic will be my toughest opponent on the professional ring. She is more experienced than me as professional, but I am sure that my amateur experience and already acquired professional experience will be enough for my victory which I plan to be impressive.”

Savelyeva says she’s optimistic about her quickly developing career, given the current state of female boxing.

“Female professional boxing is going in the right direction. Some of the top female fights are as exciting as the male boxers. The fact that Claressa Shields vs Hanna Gabriels did such amazing, record-setting TV ratings proves that women’s boxing at the top level is exciting and wanted.”

Savelyeva’s co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the fast-track is justified for his talented Russian prospect.

“Women’s boxing had grown exponentially in recent times. Elena’s elite amateur pedigree makes her already one of the best female fighters in the world and I believe in the very near future, she will be a world champion.”

Saturday when he headlines a card from The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Conlan (7-0, 5 KOs) will face former world title challenger Adeilson Dos Santos (19-4, 15 KOs) in a scheduled 10-rounder, which will be streamed live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the recently launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

The Conlan-Dos Santos broadcast will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET with an action-packed undercard.

“What a huge honor it is for me to box back in my home city,” said Conlan. “I’ve been to an awful lot of huge boxing events around the world, and there are very few that can match the atmosphere the people of Belfast can generate.”

Conlan, a 2016 Olympian, ranks among the most decorated amateurs in Irish history. He captured gold medals at the 2015 World Championships, 2015 European Championships, and 2014 Commonwealth Games. Conlan made his pro debut on March 17, 2017 in front of a sold-out crowd at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, knocking out Tim Ibarra in the third round. In his last bout, May 12 at Madison Square Garden on the Vasiliy Lomacheko-Jorge Linares undercard, Conlan shut out Ibon Larrinaga over eight rounds.

Dos Santos is Conlan’s most experienced opponent to date. A native of Brazil, he challenged Jessie Magdaleno for the WBO super bantamweight title on April 22, 2017 and was stopped in the second round. Dos Santos’ last five victories have come via knockout.

The ESPN+ event is also scheduled to include Jack Catterall (21-0, 12 KOs) defending the WBO Intercontinental super lightweight title against Tyrone McKenna (16-0-1, 6 KOs); Jono Carroll (15-0, 2 KOs) making the first defense of the IBF Intercontinental junior lightweight title against Declan Geraghty (17-2, 4 KOs); Tyrone McCullagh (10-0, 6 KOs) battling Joe Ham (14-0, 5 KOs) for the vacant Celtic super bantamweight title; and Johnny Coyle (18-0-1, 2 KOs) versus Lewis Benson (10-0, 2 KOs) in a 10 -round super lightweight fight.

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

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. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks.

The ESPN+ lineup includes 18 exclusive, live Top Rank events per year, dozens of fights from other Top Rank undercards, an unmatched library of the greatest fights in boxing history, and two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly).

It also features hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, 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.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App is the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App curates all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

The final press conference for Featherweight Michael Conlan’s homecoming bout against Brazilian Adeilson Dos Santos ahead of Saturday’s fight at Belfast’s SSE Arena was held today.

The fight which is televised live on BT Sport, BoxNation and the ESPN+ in the USA is Conlan’s first fight in his home city since he competed in the Ulster amateur championships in February 2011.

There are three title contests on the card. Jack Catterall’s WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight title defence against Tyrone McKenna, Jono Carroll risks his IBF Super-Featherweight belt against fellow Dubliner Declan Geraghty in a rematch and the vacant Celtic Super-Bantamweight championship is on the line when unbeaten pair Tyrone McCullagh and Joe Ham meet.

Former world welterweight title challenger Gary Corcoran returns against Victor Ray Ankrah, Johnny Coyle meets Lewis Benson.

Also in action are Lewis Crocker, Gary Cully, Sunny Edwards, Padraig McCrory, Taylor McGoldrick and Neslan Machado.

MICHAEL CONLAN

“I’m delighted to be back. It is a long time since I have boxed here and getting in front of that crowd will be a huge buzz. Once I walk out there it is game time and I’m ready to go. I have had support from all over the world since Rio. Top Rank have done a great job and made New York feel home from home. I want that rematch with Vladimir Nikitin who got that decision in the Olympics and now Top Rank have signed him, it will happen. They went out of their way to sign him because it has to happen. Dos Santos is a big puncher who is dangerous when he throws hooks and it’s a step up. If I was fighting a nobody fans wouldn’t come. I will have an assassin’s mentality and be destructive. There’s hype around me but I won’t let it get to my head.

BRAD JACOBS (TOP RANK, MICHAEL’S PROMOTER)

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Conlan family. Michael has been fighting all over the world and we’re thrilled to make this happen. It is up to Michael how quickly he wants to move, but we’re moving up the competition with Dos Santos. A world title challenge could be inside one and a half years.

JACK CATTERALL

“I’m excited for this fight, but it is a chance for me to showcase what I have been working on. His height isn’t an issue. There is always a way to beat people. I can’t remember much about our sparring to be honest. I want to get the stoppage and to put on a good fight. At the end of the day I want to come out on top. I’m not worried about being the away fighter. Everyone has welcomed me in Belfast and we both have respect.

JAMIE MOORE (CATTERALL’S TRAINER)

“Jack has been a dream to work with and with him being so talented it makes my job ten times easier. Jack has shown massive improvements in our five months and he will take it to another level. You’ve not scratched the surface with Jack and over the next three years he will go on and on.”

TYRONE MCKENNA

“I could have got an easier fight, but if I wanted it easy I wouldn’t be boxing. I believe in myself and want to be world champion so when I got the call to fight Jack I took it. Jack is a talented fighter and it is going to need a career best performance from me to win. We have sparred and it was sweet. We were both starting our camps and nobody was on fire. It is about what happens on the night and I can adapt, but I have to be switched on. Jack is world class.”

JONO CARROLL

“He wasn’t winning the first fight before he was disqualified. He was like Bambi on ice when I hit him. I am looking forward to setting the record straight and Declan is going to get knocked out. It’s an easy night’s work. I am going to box him, fight him and knock him out. I only accepted this fight so he will shut up calling my name. I’m going to batter him and he knows it. I’ve come on big time and he has done nothing since.

DECLAN GERAGHTY

“He can’t stop traffic. He is gonna get a boxing lesson and fight my game. I can box, he can’t box. Jono is just a pressure fighter. He doesn’t even want to fight you. If I beat him I hope he retires like he said he would on social media.

JOHNNY COYLE

“I have been knocking on the door and I’m happy to be part of Mick Conlan’s Homecoming. I don’t know much about Benson, but he hasn’t done much as professional. I’m asking for big fights, but have to fight bums like Benson on the way. He isn’t even a good name to have on my record.”

LEWIS BENSON

“I got laughed at by my German teacher when I said I would be a professional boxer. I hope she is tuning in on Saturday. I am a better boxer than Johnny and everyone will see that. This is sink or swim. I am going to ping him.”

TYRONE MCCULLAGH

“Joe hasn’t had the balls to show up to the press conference and I hope he turns up on Saturday. I don’t know his game. He even blocked me on social media. It is a great fight against Ham and it’s the first real test for either of us.”

Tickets prices £250 (Inner Ring Hospitality), £200 (Outer Ring Hospitality), £120, £100, £80, £60, £50, £40 are available from the SSE Arena website.

TORONTO, ON— The IBF International to take place in Canada will happen in Brampton on a Nation wide Television network to be disclosed very shortly, Ontatio, as Lee Baxter Promotions presents a stacked night of action from its proverbial home—the Powerade Centre.

In an all-action main event, IBF International junior welterweight champion Petros Ananyan will battle Steve Claggett.

“We knew if we were going to be broadcasting across Canada that we needed a main event that couldn’t disappoint,” said Lee Baxter. “Ananyan and Claggett is a firefight on paper, and I don’t see any other way that it could play out in the ring.”

Ananyan won the title by upsetting Spain’s Luca Giacon in his opponent’s home country, which caught the eye of Baxter, who immediately added him to his growing stable of fighters. The Armenian-born Russian has fought just one round in Canada, blasting out veteran Abraham Gomez in the first round on April 20.

Claggett, the former WBA-NABA super lightweight champion, is coming off a hard-fought loss to Danny O’Connor. Claggett dropped O’Connor hard in the seventh round, but ultimately did not receive the decision. O’Connor is now challenging Juan Carlos Ramirez for the WBC light welterweight title. Prior to that bout however, the Calgary native defeated the highly-regarded Yves Ulysse Jr. on the road in Quebec. He hopes to pull the upset once again and set himself up for a world title shot in the near future.

In the co-feature, Sandy Tsagouris will defend her WIBA super featherweight title against an opponent to be named later.

Last March at the Powerade Centre, Tsagouris became the very first Toronto-born fighter to ever win a world title on GTA soil, defeating former champion Carla Torres by unanimous decision. “Lil’ Tyson” will now fight for the first time as champion on her home turf, a dream come true for one of women’s boxing’s true warriors.

“Women’s boxing is more popular than ever before, and it’s thanks in large part to trailblazers like Sandy, who has been packing venues since well before women’s boxing was being televised,” said Baxter. “It’s an honor to be be a part of such a major moment for Sandy.”

In a special attraction, Neeraj Goyat will defend his WBC Asian welterweight title against Sonny Katiandagho, one of Manny Pacquiao’s chief sparring partners.

One of India’s top boxing stars, Neeraj Goyat has made his mark in television and on the big screen. Now he’s ready to hit the ring in Canada.

“India is the fastest growing boxing nation in the world and is already becoming a powerhouse on the amateur scene. Neeraj is a hero to the Indian boxing community and his country as a whole, and we can’t wait for vibrant Indian community in the Toronto region to be able to cheer him on,” said promoter Lee Baxter.

Outside of the ring, Goyat has become a Bollywood star, starring in the new film Mukkabaaz, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster and start at just $40.

The telecast will air live at 9:00 PM ET across Canada on a Network to be announced shortly.

Amir Khan will face Samuel Vargas at Arena Birmingham on September 8, live on Sky Sports.

Khan is back in action following his blistering return to the ring in April in Liverpool, destroying Phil Lo Greco in just 39 seconds after nearly two years out of action.

The former unified Super-Lightweight ruler is setting his sights on Welterweight World honours this year and steps up that pursuit in Birmingham when he meets Canadian based Colombian Vargas, the 29 year old ranked number 10 in the WBA and having shared the ring with current IBF king Errol Spence and Khan’s old foe Danny Garcia.

“One of my aims this year was to be as active as possible so I’m very happy to get back in the ring again so soon against Samuel Vargas,” said Khan.

“Vargas is a tough and well-schooled fighter who has shared the ring with some top welterweights including Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr.

“I have to get past Vargas before looking at the biggest challenges going forward. I’m not going to be taking Vargas lightly because I know he will be coming with everything on September 8.

“I hope to give the fans in Birmingham the same excitement and fireworks as my last fight. It will be one not to miss!”

“I am excited to step in the ring with Amir Khan on September 8,” said Vargas. “I am very pleased that my promoter Lee Baxter and Eddie Hearn from Matchroom Boxing could come to an arrangement fairly easily and make this fight happen.

“I have been granted more than enough time to properly prepare for Amir and you will see the best Samuel Vargas to date. Mark my words, we might both be from the same city and county but I am nothing like Phil Lo Greco that’s a guarantee – I’m going to give Amir hell.”

Khan’s clash with Vargas will top a packed card in the second city, as Jason Welborn defends his British Middleweight title in a rematch with Tommy Langford, whom he snatched the title from in May via split decision in Walsall.

Ryan Kelly defends the Midlands Area Super-Welterweight title he won in May via stoppage at Villa park against unbeaten Dordon man Kelcie Ball, Stourbridge banger Sam Eggington and Super-Bantamweight star Gamal Yafai appear on the bill after boxing this coming Saturday, with more title fights and stars to be added.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 VIP and go on sale to Matchroom Fight Pass at 1pm on Thursday June 28 from www.StubHub.co.uk

Tickets go on general sale at 1pm on Friday June 29 from www.arenabham.co.uk

Filip Hrgovi? (5-0, 4 KOs) will box at home for the first time as a professional on September 8 as he headlines an action-packed fight night at the Arena Zagreb.

The Croatian boxing sensation has taken the heavyweight division by storm since joining the professional ranks on September 30, 2017. Starting in style, he needed just 90 seconds to dispatch Raphael Zumbano on his paid debut at the Riga Arena in Latvia.

Victories over Pavel Sour (KO1), Tom Little (TKO4), Sean Turner (UD8) and Filiberto Tovar (TKO4) have followed, and after only five professional bouts, Hrgovi? is currently ranked number 37 in the world by independent statistics site BoxRec.

Having fought all his previous contests away from home, the Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist says he is delighted to be fighting in Croatia, and has vowed to make his countrymen proud with his greatest performance yet.

“It will be a special moment when I walk out in front of my home fans at the Arena Zagreb,” says Hrgovi?. “It is a huge opportunity to box as the main event in your hometown. It will give me a lot of confidence and pride but also a lot of responsibility to place Zagreb on the world boxing map.

“Fighting at home is a game changer. You have to fight at 200% and offer even more to your local supporters than normal. On September 8, I will be in a different mindset from my previous fights. I will fight for the Croatian people!”

An opponent for Hrgovi?’s homecoming will be announced shortly with his promoter targeting a top 50 heavyweight and a title fight for the dynamite-fisted 26 year-old, who says he is ready and willing to face anyone.

“I am currently ranked 37 in the world after 5 fights,” he says. “This has never been achieved before by any heavyweight. So as you can see, I am on a fast track, and I will take any opponent. As I keep saying, if you want to be World Champion, you must be ready to fight the best.

As he awaits news of his opponent, Hrgovi? urges the Croatian public to join him on September 8 for what he promises to be ‘a great night of boxing’ in Zagreb.

“I want to assure all my supporters that they will experience a great night of boxing, with a very competitive fight on September 8,” says Hrgovi?. “I will not hide and I want to have the best possible opponent to showcase my talent. I also expect a great undercard featuring very talented Croatian boxers that will inspire future Croatian talents to join the sport of boxing. See you in Zagreb in Lijepa naša domovino!”

Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH is sure of a great night: “We are very glad to be able to bring Filip’s fight home to Zagreb. The fans can certainly expect a captivating fight night with absolute world class boxing.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland, of Team Sauerland, reveals he is close to confirming an opponent, and is promising a tough test for the Croatian star: “This will be another exciting step on Filip’s journey to the top. We’re in dialogue with a number of top heavyweights, and are very close to confirming an opponent. This fight will be a big step up for Filip, but with the support of his home crowd, I’m confident he will be up to the challenge.”

Antonio Vuksanovi?, Sports Editor of RTL, who will broadcast all the action from the Arena Zagreb live and exclusive in Croatia, adds: “We are very excited to broadcast Filip’s fight. Many years have passed since Croatia had a promising heavyweight boxer and we are delighted to exclusively follow Filip on his journey towards to top. Arena Zagreb will be only one step on that journey but a very important one because Filip has never fought on that big home crowd stage.”

Tickets for the Zagreb Fight Night on September 8 featuring Filip Hrgovi?’s hotly anticipated homecoming fight start at 110 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr.

Las Vegas, NV (June 26, 2018)- Roy Jones Jr. Promotions and Red Rock Casino, Resort Spa team up to bring the excitement of hard hitting, powerful and undeniable battles back to Las Vegas with the return of their very own Max “Baby Faced Assassin” Orneals to the ring on August 10th, 2018.
The undefeated, unchallenged, unopposed, unconquered and newly crowned WBA-NABA Bantamweight Champion, Max “The Baby Faced Assassin” Ornelas (11-0-1) is ready to grace the neon lights of Vegas once again.

Max recently stifled the 6 time title challenging Tony Lopez in a 12 round beat down to claim his first piece of gold in the sweet science. The Gil Martinez trained prodigy has yet to take a test that he hasn’t passed with flying colors.

“Max Ornelas proves last fight that he belongs with the elite,” stated Keith Veltre CEO / Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions. ” This time around he will start to make his climb to a World Title. We are excited to partner up with Red Rock Casino, Resort Spa in Las Vegas, NV. The plan is to continue to bring great fights to Las Vegas and keep them here.”

However the next colors he’ll face will be in the form of a fighting Filipino Flag waving Tornado, Raymond Tabugon (20-8).

Tabugon will touch down on American soil for the first time on August 10th at the Red Rocks Hotel and Casino in . Raymond is considered boxing royalty in his home country of The Phillipines as he’s fought 23 times in 18 different cities. In his last 5 bouts outside of his home island, Raymond has faced opposition with a combined record of 109-5.

“Red Rock is excited to bring RJJ Boxing and its world class fighters to our valued guests both locally and nationally. Roy Jones Jr. is a living legend and he and Keith are creating something very special at RJJ Boxing. We are fired up to host their event and see World Class Boxing up close and intimate in the Red Rock Ballroom!” Red Rock Casino Resort Spa General Manager, Bryan Lindsey

Once again young Max Ornelas will vie with a veteran but he’s never fought against the ferocity of a fiery Fillipino, will the tornado shake up the boxing world? Or will The Baby Faced Assassin claim another casualty?

TICKETS: Ringside $100.00, VIP $50..00, GA $30.00,
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. (PCT) with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m.(PCT) with the 1st TV bout IS at 9:00 p.m. (PCT.) (all bouts, fighters and times are subject to change)

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com http://www.beinsports.com/us https://www.redrock@sclv.com

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @beINSPORTS, @redrockcasino

Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @beINSportsusa, @redrockcasino
Please use hashtags: #OrnelasTabogon #RJJ #VegasFun

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing http://www.facebook.com/beinsportsusa
https://www.redrock@sclv.com

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:
Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven to that we conquering the sweet science of the sport.
Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable such as Aston Palicte, John Vera Jr., Alexander Flores, Kendo Castenada, Randy Moreno, Max Ornelas, Edward Vasquez, Shady Ghamour, Skender Halili, Joseph Agbecko.

About Red Rock Resort:
Located 10 miles west of the Strip, Red Rock Resort is a four diamond AAA-rated resort that
features more than 800 guest rooms and suites, a 25,000-square-foot spa, a variety of
restaurants, a spectacular pool area, movie theaters, bowling at Red Rock Lanes and a full
array of gaming. To learn more about Red Rock Resort, please call 702-797-7777 or
visit https://redrock.sclv.com/.

About beIN Sports:
Launched in 2012, beIN SPORTS is the fastest growing global sports network in the U.S. and is offered on the 10 largest cable/satellite TV providers in the U.S., as well as other systems across the country. beIN SPORTS offers viewers premium sports content and entertainment across multiple platforms including TV channels beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español and live streaming on beIN SPORTS CONNECT. A cornerstone of beIN SPORTS is its unrivaled live soccer coverage, which includes live matches from La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, NASL, and CONMEBOL/CONCACAF/CAF World Cup Qualifiers, as well as news and in-depth analysis of all the top leagues from around the world. In addition to soccer, beIN SPORTS serves as a haven for fans of motorsports, tennis, rugby, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and volleyball, among others. With the recent addition of Conference USA coverage, beIN SPORTS will also broadcast College Football, Men’s and Women’s Basketball,Soccer, Baseball, Softball, and Volleyball. Thru beIN SPORTS CONNECT, authenticated subscribers can also enjoy all the exciting action from the two networks and stream live overflow matches offered in HD on your computer, tablet or smart phone.

ORANGE, Calif. (June 27, 2018) – Undefeated heavyweight LaRon Mitchell (16-0, 14 KOs) defends his Junior NABF championship this Saturday from Omega Products International in Sacramento, Calif.

In his second title defense, Mitchell, 38, will face Rodney Hernandez (10-7-2, 2 KOs) in the 8-round “New Blood” co-main event.

Mitchell and Hernandez are aware of one another, having logged numerous sparring sessions through the years. Mitchell hails from San Francisco, while Hernandez represents San Jose. The pair, who are friendly outside of the ring, will be fighting for championship hardware and the unofficial title of best Bay Area heavyweight.

“Defending my title is very important, but we’re also fighting for Bay Area bragging rights,” Mitchell said. “There aren’t too many heavyweights in Northern California so this fight is about making my second successful defense and who’s the best from this area.”

To access the promotional video for “New Blood,” please click here or on the graphic above.

Mitchell, who has sparred against world champion Deontay Wilder, is making his first start of the year and first action since his initial title defense against Mike Bissett in August. At nearly a year, the long layoff is the longest of his professional career.

“It’s definitely strange not fighting as often as I have in the past,” said Mitchell, who is a former college football tight end. “But I’ve been in the gym non-stop. I never stop training. I always try to stay in shape between fights.”

Mitchell, in addition to maintaining a full-time career in boxing, works professionally as a physical education teacher at an elementary school in Oakland, Calif. The southpaw and graduate of San Francisco State credits his educator role for his success in the ring.

“The discipline that I need for a career in boxing comes from my teaching experience,” Mitchell said. “Every hour of every day is planned out. I can’t miss a day in training and make it up later in the week like most guys because there are no extra days for me.”

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

In the 8-round main event, two-time national Golden Gloves winner Ruben Villa (11-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. faces Mexico’s Ricardo Lopez (7-2-2, 6 KOs) in a featherweight bout.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page 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.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #NewBlood, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 27, 2018) – The Azteca Boxing Gym in Oklahoma City hosted a media workout for the biggest fight card to hit the city in years.

In the main event, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (37-0, 25 KOs) will defend the WBO super middleweight title against fellow unbeaten Alexis Angulo (23-0, 20 KOs). And, in the special co-feature, Oklahoma City native Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo (27-0, 17 KOs) will fight veteran Lenny Zappavigna (37-3, 27 KOs) in a 140-pound slugfest.

Ramirez-Angulo, Saucedo-Zappavigna, and Robson Conceicao-Gavino Guaman will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET. The undercard (6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN+) will include appearances by Mike Alvarado, female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer, and heavyweight knockout artist and Oklahoma native Trey Lippe Morrison.

This is what the fighters had to say.

Gilberto Ramirez

“I am very excited to be in Oklahoma because since I arrived in the city I have been feeling the love and good vibes of my countrymen, from the fans and from the family of Saucedo. Everyone has shown their support.”

“The weather in OKC is like the warm weather of my hometown of Mazatlan, Mexico.”

“I feel that there will be a lot of Mexicans fans supporting me in the arena on Saturday night and that motivates me a lot. I come well prepared to defend my title and bring it back to my country.”

“I want to give the fans a good fight, and I want to show that I am the best fighter in the division.”

Alex Saucedo

“I grew up on the south side of town, right near the arena, so this is truly a homecoming for me. I used to ride my bike past the arena and go to basketball games and monster truck events here. I can’t wait to get in there, get the win, and feel the support of the home fans. It has been a long time coming.”

“I want any of the champions at 140 pounds. I want a title shot, and I know beating Lenny Z will help me earn a title shot.”

“I had a 12-week training camp in Big Bear, which was the longest camp of my career. All I did was eat, sleep, and train. In order to become a champion you have to make the sacrifices. I put in the work alongside my trainer, Abel Sanchez.”

Alexis Angulo

“I’ll give my best. I can assure that the fans will be very happy with the fight. We’ve worked to take the title to Colombia. It’s a long trip and it’s been a strong preparation, so taking the title home is the least we expect.”

“Ramirez is a great world champion, which is why I think it will be an interesting fight. I’m sure he will also be prepared to give his best. I know it will be an excellent fight.”

Lenny Zappavigna

“This is a great fight. Out of all my fights, this is one of the ones I’m really excited about. ESPN, it’s on a great card. Winning this fight will give me great opportunities after. This is massive for me. This is a fight I need to win to get back there on top of the world.”

“When you overcome {a hostile environment} to win, it makes it that much better. That gives me more adrenaline. It’ll be good. The crowd will be there for Saucedo, as they should be. When this opportunity came my way, I knew what I was up against. I’m ready.”

Mikaela Mayer

“Boxing is repetition, so we’re working on the same things we did last camp. {Trainer Al Mitchell} really wants me to start sitting down on my punches, stay behind my jab, and make the small but really important changes from the amateurs.”

“My opponent {Sheena Kaine} is the tallest fighter I’ve faced as a pro. I might be looking up a little bit this time around. I like fighting tall people. They’re open. She seems to be pretty straight up.”

Trey Lippe Morrison

“I’m so excited. Not only is the fight in Oklahoma, but it’s in the biggest arena. Just to step foot on the floor where the Oklahoma City Thunder play is incredible.”

“The hand injury kind of sucked and was kind of awesome at the same time. It sucked because I was out for so long, but it was awesome because I had a chance to learn. I never took any time off at the beginning of my pro career. The whole time my left hand was in a cast, I used my right. I worked on a lot of things that I needed to learn, since I didn’t have an amateur career. I’ve improved a lot, and I can’t wait to demonstrate it on Saturday.”

“I’m lucky my father {Tommy Morrison} did what he did. I admit I wouldn’t have much of a following if it wasn’t for him. I’d have to come up the same way any other fighter does. For me, as far as getting fans, it’s been a little easier because of who my dad was.”

Mike Alvarado

“My passion to have another opportunity in what I love to do is driving me. I’ve always loved boxing. I’ve cleaned my life up. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs and crazy episodes in my life that took a lot to overcome. I did it, and I praise myself and praise God. As I surrendered my life over to him, he opened the door. I am doing what I’m meant to do. I’m doing it 100 percent now.”

“I’ve always had the heart. I’ve always had the natural warrior in me. I know how to go to war. I know how to fight with all of my heart. That’s just the way I was raised and the type of person I am. I’ve released all of the distractions from my life. I’m more content.”

Robson Conceicao

“I fight for my Brazilian people, and I am looking forward to showcasing my talents on ESPN. This is an opportunity for boxing fans to see the real Robson Conceicao.”

“Brazil won today {2-0 over Serbia} in the World Cup, and just like my countrymen, I will be victorious come Saturday night.”

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.

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.

# # #

LOS ANGELES (June 27, 2018): Lamont Roach, Jr. (16-0-1, 6 KOs) will make his third headlining appearance when he takes on Deivis Julio Bassa (20-4, 12 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Title in the main event of the July 20 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico.ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream undercards beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Roach Jr. is a 22-year-old native of Washington, D.C. who debuted as a professional in April 2014 after an impressive run as an amateur through the NoXcuse Boxing Club. Since then, Roach’s combination of skill and technique has made him into an important player in the super featherweight division. Roach Jr. is coming off a controversial draw against Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz in a fight that many believed he won, and he’s ready to erase any doubts about his ability to become a world champion on July 20.

“Things happen for a reason, and I learned a lot from my last fight,” said Lamont Roach Jr. “This time I’ll leave no doubts that I’m deserving of a title in the near future. Bassa is a tough fighter with a lot of experience, but after facing a world title challenger in Orlando Cruz, I’m confident that I’ll look spectacular in my third main event fight on ESPN.”

Bassa is a very experienced warrior from Monteria, Colombia. The 37-year-old southpaw has participated in tough battles against other contenders of the exclusive Golden Boy Promotions stable, including Joet Gonzalez and Ronny Rios. Bassa will look to test Roach Jr. and prevent him from earning a regional title in what will be the first fight in Mexico for both fighters.

“It’s an honor to fight in the main event of a Golden Boy Promotions card,” said Deivis Bassa. “Roach Jr. is one of the biggest 130-pound contenders, and I’m coming to take his undefeated record. I’ve seen many things that I will take advantage of. This is my time to shine.”

In the co-main event, Olympic Bronze medalist Marlen Esparza (5-0, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return in an eight-round flyweight fight against Debora Rengifo (10-5-1, 5 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela. Esparza was the first female to sign with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016 and is continuing her rise in the 112-pound rankings.

Manuel Gallegos (11-0, 10 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico will participate in the first televised fight in a six-round middleweight battle. Gallegos’s opponent, along with a full undercard of explosive action, will be announced shortly.

Roach, Jr. vs. Bassa is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBO International Super Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Friday, July 20, 2018 at Oasis Arena in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream undercards beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com andhttp://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 #RoachJrBassa.

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

LOS ANGELES (June 27, 2018): Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (8-0, 5 KOs), the explosive lightweight prospect of San Diego, Calif., will face hard-hitting Filipino pugilist Recky “The Terror” Dulay(10-3, 7 KOs) for the vacant Junior NABF Lightweight Title in the eight-round main event of the August 10 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. and televised live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.

Gamez was a highly-ranked amateur and national champion before turning professional in 2016. Since then, the 22-year-old prospect had developed an impressive record, using his explosive counterpunches to maintain an undefeated record. In his last fight, Gamez moved up in weight to defeat Shoki Sakai via eight-round decision in April of this year, and he’ll make his headlining debut against a tough challenge in Dulay.

“To be recognized as the future of boxing, you have to fight the best,” said Genaro Gamez. “This fight against Recky Dulay will prove just that, and I recommend that nobody blink because I’ll look to finish the my first headliner by knockout this August 10.”

Dulay is a powerful puncher who crashed onto the Los Angeles boxing scene in July of last year when he scored a surprising third-round knockout victory against previously undefeated prospect Jaime Arboleda. Dulay lost against regional title challenger Dardan Zenunaj in Sept. of that year but will return with hopes of upsetting yet another undefeated prospect in what will also be his headlining debut.

“People might think that I’m a stepping stone for Genaro Gamez,” said Recky Dulay. “But they are badly mistaken. I will prove on Aug. 10 that he will pay the price for choosing me as an opponent. I have already beaten an undefeated prospect in the past, so this time will not be an exception. A victory against him will grant me more opportunities, so I am more than motivated for this fight.”

In the co-main event, Emilio “The Kid” Sanchez (15-1, 10 KOs) of Pacoima, California and Kevin Rivers Jr. (14-2, 10 KOs) of Landover, Maryland will meet in an eight-round featherweight battle that will not be for the faint of heart. Sanchez and Rivers are both Golden Boy Promotion prospects who will definitely give tough fights as they are coming off losses in their last outings. This clash is important because the winner will return to a winning path in this very difficult sport.

Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava (7-1, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, California will return in the televised opener against David Perez (10-3, 5 KOs) of Houston, Texas in a six-round super bantamweight fight.

Raymond Muratalla (4-0, 3 KOs) of Fontana, Calif. will open the night of action in a four-round lightweight battle against a soon-to-be announced opponent.

Gamez vs. Dulay is an eight-round fight for the vacant Junior NABF Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The fights take place Friday, Aug. 10, 2018 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. Doors for the event open at 6:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 6:15 p.m. PT. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on EstrellaTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. RingTV.com will stream the fights beginning at 6:15 p.m. PT/ 9:15 p.m. ET. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on Oct. 12.

Media interested in attending the Aug. 10 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Aug. 6, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. and can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at http://www.goldenboytickets.com/ and the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.thebelasco.com
and www.estrellatv.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/GamezDulay. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video.

Under the agreement, Bradley will continue to serve as boxing analyst for Top Rank on ESPN, alongside Joe Tessitore and Mark Kriegel.

“Tim’s expertise as a former champion, combined with his passion for the sport, makes him an incredible analyst for Top Rank on ESPN,” said Mark Gross, ESPN senior vice president, production and remote events. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his analysis and we look forward to his continued contributions to our telecasts.”

“Bob Arum, Todd DuBoef and Top Rank were instrumental in helping make my career a legacy and have now joined forces with ESPN to create the best boxing platform available,” said Bradley. “It is an honor and a blessing to be part of this platform and to sit alongside Tessitore and Kriegel and be part of the rebirth of boxing on national television. Thank you to Top Rank and ESPN for giving me a chance to be here. I promise to deliver the fans the best insight possible for many years to come.”

Bradley held five world championships in two weight classes. He retired in 2017, finishing his career with a record of 33-2-1, with 13 of his victories by way of knockouts. He won his first world title fight, light welterweight, in 2008 when he upset champion Junior Witter in England.

In 2009, he fought Kendall Holt to unify his WBC and Holt’s WBO titles, winning the fight by unanimous decision and becoming the new WBO champion. In 2011, Bradley had his most notable win up until that point of his career, when he defended his WBO junior welterweight title in a unification fight against then undefeated Jr. welterweight champion Devon Alexander.

In 2012, he defended his WBO junior welterweight title against former lightweight Joel Casamayor and later moved up to welterweight to claim Manny Pacquiao’s welterweight belt, defending the title in a fight with Ruslan Provodnikov in 2013. Seven months later, he defeated junior lightweight and WBO junior welterweight champion Juan Manuel Márquez by split decision. Bradley is particularly known for his trilogy of fights against the then unstoppable Manny Pacquiao, whom he fought in 2012, defeating him in their first of three fights. They faced off again in 2014 and 2016, with Bradley losing the next two bouts by decision.

From Palm Springs, Calif., Bradley began training as a professional boxer in his late teens. In 2004, at the age of 21, Bradley fought Francisco Martinez in his first professional fight, which he won in the second round by knockout.

This Saturday, June 30, Bradley will be onsite at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, alongside Tessitore and Kriegel for ESPN’s telecast of Top Rank on ESPN headlined by WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez who is defending his title against Alexis Angulo. The event will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET, while undercard action will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ starting at 6:00 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is the recently launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Bensalem, PA—Miguel Cartagena will return home for the first time in over four years to face Carlos Maldonado, of Los Angeles, CA. in the eight-round flyweight main event of Xcite Fight Night 2 at Parx Casino® on Friday, June 29. The seven-fight card begins at 7:30 p.m.

The following is a training-camp update from Miguel Cartagena.

CARTAGENA TRAINING CAMP NOTES

Q: How gratifying is it to be fighting at home in nearly 4 years?
A: It feels great. I feel like this is my pro debut all over again. This is brand new chapter in my career and it’s a fresh reset. There is a little more pressure, but I have my family here and helping and they’re letting me focus on training. I’ve been able to focus on training and being my best on Friday night. I am so thankful that I have a support system.

Q: Why has it been nearly 4 years since your last fight in the Philly area?
A: Mostly, I was with a promoter that was booking me out West and overseas. It is easy with my weight and size to fight overseas. The East Coast caters to the bigger guys. The smaller guys get put on the back burner. It just made sense for me to fight outside of the East coast. I’ve fought in Japan, St. Martin and California.

Q: What do you know about Carlos Maldonado?
A: I just know his name and what he looks like [laughter]. I don’t know anything else about him. I leave the studying of him up to my coach, Chino Rivas. He comes up with a plan and I will do my best to fulfill the plan.

Q: Did you do anything different this camp to prepare for Maldonado?
A: Well, I’m back with Chino Rivas and training around top level guys in boxing. I get to train with the likes of Tevin Farmer, Christopher Diaz, Jason Sosa and Mikey Perez. I have no choice but to step up and perform my best.

Q: Your last fight was against Brian Viloria in California. What did you learn from that experience?
A: I took the fight on 2 ½ weeks notice. It taught me that no matter how good the opportunity, you have to be 100% ready. It would have been a better outcome if I had a full camp. I always wanted to fight him. I got overzealous and I bit on the chance. Opportunities for my weight don’t often come around so I had to take it. I have no regrets. It was a good experience.

Q: You’re now a free agent. What’s your goal this year?
A: I want to take it back to the basics. I want to train and get good fights. I don’t want to be a superstar. I just want to build back up and get the right fights that make sense for my career. June 29 is a good start.

Purchase Tickets

ABOUT JUNE 29

The June 29 card will consist of seven 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) and also online at www.joehandpromotions.com. You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com

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.

TYRONE MCCULLAGH has vowed to rub Joe Ham’s nose in it, after branding his rival a ‘pig’.

The pair clash over ten rounds for the vacant Celtic super-bantamweight championship at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday night and it can be seen live on BT Sport.

McCullagh and his Glasgow rival have been locked in a verbal battle, but the time has come to shoot from the hip instead of the lip.

The Belfast boxer said: “‘The pig’ nickname is just a bit of banter, but I don’t like him because I am going to box him for ten rounds although we will shake hands when my hand is raised.

“You can’t like someone you are fighting. He is going down.

“He was saying a few things, but he has gone very quiet and blocked me on social media as well.

“I don’t know what he is trying with mind games and I hear he isn’t coming over for the press conference. As long as he is there on Friday for the weigh-in and fight night I don’t mind.

McCullagh nicknamed ‘White Chocolate’ has won all ten professional contests. Ham also boasts a 100 per-cent record, winning all 14 of his paid fights.

McCullagh, 27, added: “It is a great fight and fair play to him for taking it. We are both putting unbeaten records on the line and it makes for a very interesting fight.”

As well as the Celtic belt, their fight is an eliminator for the British title which Jazza Dickens and Martin Ward contest next month but McCullagh is in no hurry for that belt.

He explained: “There are few obstacles to get over first before I fight for the British title. Jazza Dickens is my team-mate and he is fighting for the British title so we may not fight each other.

“We will cross that bridge when it comes to it, but the British title isn’t high on my priorities. I’m Irish at the end of the day.”

The bill is topped by Michael Conlan’s Homecoming bout against Brazil’s former world title challenger Adeilson Dos Santos.

There is an all Dublin rematch when Jono Carroll defends his IBF intercontinental super-featherweight crown against Declan Geraghty. When they met in November 2014, Geraghty was ahead before he was disqualified in the fourth round.

The undercard is stacked with top prospects including Lewis Crocker, Sunny Edwards, Padraig McCrory, Taylor McGoldrick, Neslan Machado, Garry Cully plus Johnny Coyle and Lewis Benson who clash over ten rounds.

Tickets prices £250 (Inner Ring Hospitality), £200 (Outer Ring Hospitality), £120, £100, £80, £60, £50, £40 are available from the SSE Arena website.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (June 27, 2018) — Heavyweight contender Bryant “B.Y.” Jennings was born and bred in Philadelphia, but on Saturday, August 18, he aims to bring some of that Philly firepower to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Jennings (23-2, 13 KOs) will face off against Alexander “Sascha” Dimitrenko (41-3, 26 KOs) for the WBO International heavyweight title in the 12-round main event at the Ocean Resort Casino’s Ovation Hall. This will be the first boxing event at the Ocean Resort Casino, a state-of-the-art resort property set to open tomorrow, June 28.

In the co-main event, Philadelphia native Jesse “Hollywood” Hart (24-1, 20 KOs) will defend the NABF super middleweight title in a 10-rounder against the battle-tested Mike Gavronski (24-2-1, 15 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets, priced at $127, $77, $52, and $37 (including facility fees), will go on sale Friday, June 29 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets will be available at the Ovation Hall box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Jennings-Dimitrenko and Hart-Gavronski will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, and all undercard bouts will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

“Dimitrenko is a big, competitive fighter,” Jennings said. “I worked very hard to gain my position in the heavyweight division. Every fight for me is a risk. While I’m confident in myself, I don’t take any opponent lightly. Boxing fans can expect me to bring my best.”

“I am looking forward to this fight, as this is an opportunity to advance in the heavyweight division,” Dimitrenko said. “I love to train and push myself to the limit. I want to be great. I’ve never had so much fun in boxing. The fight against Jennings comes at just the right time, and I will take advantage of this opportunity.”

“I’m excited to be back in Atlantic City. I know that my hometown fans will show up, and I will put on a spectacular performance,” Hart said. “Gavronski is a good test. He’s durable, and I know this fight will be great for boxing and boxing fans.”

“It’s a wonderful place to showcase my talents. This is what you live for,” Gavronski said. “Hart is a tough guy who can do a lot of nice things. I just think I can do them a lot better. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I am willing to fight anybody. I love the challenge.”

Jennings is a heavyweight with momentum, having won four consecutive bouts since making his Top Rank debut last August. In his last bout, April 28 in Philadelphia against Joey Dawejko, he won a 10-round unanimous decision. Ranked No. 8 by the WBO, a win over Dimitrenko will move him closer to a second world title shot. Jennings put the heavyweight division on notice on April 25, 2015, when he gave unified champion Wladimir Klitschko a tough test en route to a decision loss. Following a knockout loss to Luis Ortiz later that year, Jennings took a 20-month break from the ring before signing with Top Rank.

Dimitrenko, a longtime contender, turned pro in 2001 and won the first 29 bouts of his career before dropping a majority decision to Eddie Chambers on July 4, 2009 in a WBO title eliminator. He won the European heavyweight title in 2011 with a fifth-round TKO over Yaroslav Zavorotnyi and made two successful title defenses. Following a third-round stoppage loss to eventual WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in October 2016, Dimitrenko went 3-0 in 2017, including a first-round stoppage of then-undefeated prospect Adrian Granat.

Hart’s nickname may be “Hollywood”, but he is a Philadelphia fighter to the core. His father is Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, a former middleweight contender who thrilled Philadelphia fight fans in the 1970s with pitched battles against the likes of Bennie Briscoe and Bobby Watts. Hart has won two consecutive bouts since dropping a unanimous decision to Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the WBO super middleweight title last September. In his last bout, April 28 in Philadelphia, he knocked out Demond Nicholson in the seventh round to keep his hopes of a Ramirez rematch alive. Hart’s world title quest will go through Gavronski, a native of Tacoma, Washington, who is riding a five-bout unbeaten streak dating back to November 2015.

On the undercard (ESPN+), 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson (7-0, 4 KOs) will face Carlos Ruiz (16-4-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight bout. Stevenson last fought June 9 in Las Vegas on the Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn undercard, knocking out Aelio Mesquita in the second round.

Former WBA super featherweight champion Jason Sosa (20-3-4, 15 KOs) of Camden, New Jersey, will take on Reynaldo Blanco (14-4, 8 KOs). Sosa, who has dropped two in a row, is seeking to get back into contention in the 130-pound division.

Philadelphia fan favorite Christian Carto (15-0, 11 KOs) will square off against Tijuana, Mexico, brawler Javier Gallo (25-15-1, 13 KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight fight.

Atlantic City’s Thomas LaManna (25-2-1, 9 KOs) looks to extend his five-bout unbeaten streak against Matthew Strode (25-6, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

Joseph Adorno (7-0, 7 KOs), who is also scheduled to fight July 7 in Fresno, California, will see action in a six-rounder.

And, in a heavyweight special attraction, Oleksandr Teslenko (13-0, 11 KOs) will fight an opponent to be determined.

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

Use the hashtags #JenningsDimitrenko and #HartGavronski 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. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks.

The ESPN+ lineup includes 18 exclusive, live Top Rank events per year, dozens of fights from other Top Rank undercards, an unmatched library of the greatest fights in boxing history, and two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly).

It also features hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, 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.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App is the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App curates all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

Returning rumbler Gary Corcoran insists that 2018 is the year that he’ll finally confirm himself ‘top dog’ in Britain’s fast evolving welterweight division.

In a 19 fight paid career, the bull strong brawler from an Irish traveller’s site near Paddington has only conceded twice – when conceding natural weight to world class super-welter Liam Williams, and in a gallant WBO challenge to Jeff Horn when 12,000 miles from home. (Both stopped him whilst still vertical and retaliating in round 11).

‘Before the end of the year, I want to wrap up the British and then take whatever comes my way,’ states the appropriated named ‘Hellraiser’ who starts his 2018 campaign in an eight rounder on the bonanza Belfast bill this weekend.

‘For a chance to win the British welterweight title, I’d fight Brad Skeete, Johnny Garton and Frankie Gavin on the same night!

‘Brad and me has been on-off for years and, if it doesn’t happen this year, it’ll probably never happen. I’ve got far more about me than Skeete has. He’s just a pure boxer and he can’t run from me. I’m too strong. I’ll cut him down and bash him up. Gavin, the same. I love bullying those types.

‘Me and Johnny Garton for the vacant title is a fight the fans would love to see, two tough London boys. I’d not take him lightly but I’ve fought at a far higher level and I’d be giving him a beating. Like that Josh Kelly (the 2016 GB Olympian), he’s never beaten anyone of note.

‘And I’d have no qualms about fighting the Spanish kid (Kerman Lajarraga) who bashed up Skeete for the European title. He only chose Frankie Gavin next cos he knows it’s an easy defence.’

While Corcoran’s valour was commonly lauded during his December WBO title challenge on the other side of the globe, the Wembley-born warlord claims he underperformed!

‘I really want to impress this year because I’m a lot better than I showed against Horn,’ insists Gary, one of 12 offspring.

‘It was a big opportunity for me. I was in Australia for over a month and it was the hardest I ever trained. But I was badly cut in sparring 10 days before the fight and we just about managed to clean it up. I knew it would re-open and Horn landed a couple of head butts in the early rounds. He’s that kind of fighter.

‘After that it was so painful. I was well in the fight until half way but I couldn’t pick it up when I needed. The indoor arena was packed and, if I’m honest, I froze on the massive stage. Nothing went my way.

‘Horn was a good champion. Losing the title to Terence Crawford – the best in the world pound for pound, in my view – was no disgrace but I should’ve done a lot better. I couldn’t bring to the ring the things I was doing in the gym. But it’s all a learning curve.’

Dormant since, fearless Corcoran initially agreed to confront local dangerman Paddy Gallagher for his return on Saturday, only for the 2010 Commonwealth Games champion to bow out with a broken jaw.

‘I was really disappointed because I’d trained hard to give that boy a beating. I’d have snapped his jaw in the fight, but someone beat me to it,’ says Corcoran who is coached by Peter Stanley and Frank Greaves at The Peacock gym in Canning Town, east London.

‘He’d not fought anywhere near the level of opponent I have yet he’s lost four times, including to an old man (35 year old Yank Brad Solomon) in his last fight. And the cheeky **** says he’s going to knock me out? Laughable!

‘I’ve been trying to keep away from social media but I’ll still give him his chance down the line, if he’s got the balls to step in. That’d be quite an easy bashing, I’d give him.

‘But the missus’ family are from Belfast so it’s always nice to visit and fight here. When I fought there before in my comeback fight at The Waterfront (wrsf5 James Gorman, March 2017), the Irish were very good to me. Belfast fans always generate a great atmosphere.

‘I believe I’m now in an eight rounder (opponent TBA) and I intend to listen to orders and look good, show what I’ve been improving on in camp, sparring top class boys like Kell Brook, Sam Eggington David Avenesyan and Asinia Byfield.
‘I’m more sideways on now, everything off the jab, using angles. That said, the ‘Hellraiser’ will always be there – you can’t coach that – and if I have to charge forward like a train I will do.

‘But I want to wake up on Sunday morning with no pain to my eyes, my head or my hands. This time, I intend to win as clean as possible.’

Cardiff, Wales (June 27, 2018) 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov, (2-0-0, 1 KO), of Kazakhstan will return to the ring in a six-round welterweight battle against an opponent to be announced on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at the Ice Arena Cardiff, as part of Matchroom Boxing’s acclaimed JDNXTGEN series telecast on Sky Sports.

The event is headlined by a vacant Commonwealth Lightweight Title clash between Joe Cordina and Sean Dodd.

The exciting Yeleussinov looked sensational in his London debut on June 6 with a six-round unanimous decision over battle-tested Hungarian veteran Zoltan Szabo at the famed and sold-out York Hall.

‘I’m thrilled to be fighting in Cardiff on August 4 in front of their passionate boxing fans,” said Yeleussinov. “Working with John-David Jackson in Florida has been great for my growth and I look forward to progressing as a professional in each fight.”

“We’re excited to return with Daniyar on August 4,” said Ziya Aliyev of Boxing Stars Management Group, LLC. “Every day he is learning more and more in the gym and I’m confident we are seeing the progression of a future world champion.”

Boxing Stars Management Group LLC is headed by Ziya Aliyev and Elvis Crespo.

Yeleussinov took the U.S. boxing fans by storm with a show-stopping performance in his pro debut on the April 28, 2018 Daniel Jacobs-Maciej Sulecki card recording a third-round knockout of Noah Kidd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

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Las Vegas (June 26, 2018) – Three-Time world champion Fernando Vargas has confirmed that he and his Feroz Fight Factory Gym 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 that will take place 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.

Vargas and the Feroz Fight Factory will have merchandise to sell to his fans, as well as photos and memorabilia.

Fernando Vargas, is a retired American boxer of Mexican descent and 3 Time world champion with a Pro record of 31 wins 5 losses and 22 KO’s. He who won a bronze medal as an amateur at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata. His nicknames include “Ferocious”, “The Aztec Warrior” and “El Feroz”. Vargas was the youngest open national champion at 16 yrs old. The youngest boxing Olympian at 18yrs old and holds the record in boxing history as the youngest to become jr. middleweight champion at 21 years old.

Some of Fernando’s notable wins came against 5 world champions which includes, Raúl Márquez, Yori Boy Campas, Ike Quartey, Javier Castillejo and Winky Wright. His losses to Oscar De La Hoya, Félix Trinidad, Shane Mosley, and Ricardo Mayorga remain his only career defeats and he is a favorite of American cable TV giant HBO.

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

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (June 26, 2018) – In advance of her fight this Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena, three-time world champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis held an open media workout today at Big Six Academy in Providence, Rhode Island.

Fighting out of nearby Cranston, RI, Reis (13-7-1, 4 KOs) will face former world title challenger Patty “La Elegante” Ramirez (11-5, 5 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Reis vs. Ramirez is the co-featured bout on the “SLUGFEST AT THE SUN” card, presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Reis is coming off a historic fight last month versus undisputed women’s world welterweight champion and pound-4-pound Queen, 33-0 Cecilia Braekhus, in the first female bout ever featured on HBO. Reis dropped Braekhus for the first time in her professional career, however the judges scored the fight in favor of Braekhus, over ruckus boo’s from the crowd.

In the main event, 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.
QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT:

“I’m so excited to be back fighting at home, especially after our history making fight on HBO. I fought Cecilia Braekhus. We were the first women to ever fight on HBO and there were more than a million viewers. If I knew that many people would be watching, I would have been a lot more nervous.”

“On paper, it was a loss, but it was really a win-win for me, and women’s boxing. It’s already opened a lot of doors for me. There’s been so much growth for me and women’s boxing. It’s going to open the door for other women to fight on networks. It was a step up for women’s boxing, not just for one event, but forever.”

“I’m the first female Native American to fight in New England.”

“I’ve been fighting 18 years. I played basketball and volleyball in high school, but I love boxing.”

“I showed in my last fight that I belong to be with the elite. I want to get a rematch (with Braekhus).”

“Being a road warrior, I’m familiar fighting away or at home, but it’s more comfortable fighting here at home. My hometown crowd is always very supportive.”

“(Saturday) I am going to come out with a victory. My opponent’s taller, but I just need to follow the game plan and execute.”

KALI REIS PREPARING FOR HER CO-FEATURE BOUT AT MOHEGAN SUN THIS SATURDAY AT TODAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT
CREDIT: STAR BOXING
MEDIA:
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.”
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
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.

New York, NY (June 26, 2018) – New Orleans-based undefeated heavyweight prospect Jonathan Guidry (10-0, 2 KOs) will face Aaron Chavers (8-4-1, 3 KOs), of Oklahoma City, OK, in a six-round clash Saturday, July 14, at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Presented by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Guidry vs. Chavers will be a featured undercard fight to the highly anticipated main event between WBC interim super lightweight champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, of New Orleans, and undefeated challenger Juan Jose Velasco, of Argentina, with the WBC Diamond super lightweight belt at stake. Prograis vs. Velasco and Teofimo Lopez vs. William Silva will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET, while the undercard, including Guidry vs. Chavers, will be broadcast on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets, priced at $200 (ringside), $125 (floor), $75 and $40, can be purchased in advance at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Discounts for military, students and the New Orleans Police Department members – $75 tickets for $50 and $40 seats for $25 – are available when presenting valid ID at the UNO box office.

A native of Dulac, Louisiana, the 28-year-old Guidry comes from a family of professional and amateur boxers. Starting as an amateur at the age of 14, the high school football standout compiled a record of 38-8, highlighted by winning the Ringside World Tournament.

Guidry made his professional debut on April 11, 2014, with a first-round knockout of Roosevelt Hudson. Trained and managed by the team of Les Bonano and Jonathan Liberto, Guidry has become one of the most popular fighters in the state of Louisiana and is coming off a second-round knockout of Lemarcus Tucker on June 2, in Metairie, LA.

The upset-minded Chavers looks to bounce back into the win column following a battle with Niall Kennedy on February 24.

Plant City, FL (June 26, 2018) – Lightweight William “Baby Face” Silva has an outstanding professional record of 25-1 with 14 wins by knockout. The Plant City, FL based Brazilian won most of his bouts comfortably and has been top 15 rated.

Teofimo Lopez is considered a blue chip prospect though he’s yet to face a stiff challenge as a professional.

The talented 20-year-old represented Honduras at the 2016 Olympics and is 9-0 with 7 wins by knockout. Following a recent ESPN televised first round KO, Lopez received much attention for a victory dance he did honoring the popular game Fortnite.

On July 14, Silva and Lopez square off over ten rounds for the WBC Continental Americas lightweight title. The bout will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET from the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA. A large crowd is expected.

With just over two weeks until the opening bell sounds, Silva’s sharpening his tools in an intense camp with head trainer Jose Rodriguez at Plant City Boxing Gym. Between extra time in the gym, world class sparring and an added motivation from the public viewing him as an underdog, Silva is confident July 14 will elevate his career, not Lopez’.

“I feel great and our preparations have gone exactly as planned so far,” Silva said following a training session at Plant City Boxing Gym. “Lopez is a good fighter but this is a great opportunity to show that I’m also a top talent. My team and I will be prepared for victory July 14.”

Silva’s promoter, Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing, has seen a significant improvement in his fighter in the last six months and believes that Lopez is in for a surprise.

“I believe some people are probably expecting to see the William Silva they did against Felix Verdejo but they’re in for a major surprise. He’s a totally different fighter now and improvements have been made across the board that I’ve seen firsthand in the gym. If Lopez and his supporters are viewing Silva as a stepping stone with a good record it’s not only motivation for our side but a major mistake on theirs.”

The card is headlined by a battle of unbeatens between New Orleans’ very own Regis Prograis and Argentina’s Juan Jose Velasco for the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim super lightweight title.

Promoted by Top Rank in Association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets from $40 are on sale now at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-8000. Military, student and New Orleans Police Department members can receive discounted seats with a valid ID at the box office.

Las Vegas – UFC® will debut in Lincoln, Nebraska with a battle of lightweight contenders guaranteed to deliver fireworks, as No.7-ranked Justin Gaethje faces No.10 Al Iaquinta. Plus, it’s a clash of dynamic flyweight contenders, as No.6-ranked John Moraga goes for his fourth straight win when he takes on undefeated No.14 Deiveson Figueiredo. UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: GAETHJE vs. IAQUINTA goes down Saturday, Aug. 25 from Pinnacle Bank Arena and will air live on FS1.

Though he’s only made three trips to the Octagon®, Gaethje (18-2, fighting out of Arvada, Colo.) has already proven to be must-watch television. Each of his UFC outings have earned Fight of the Night honors, with ‘The Highlight’ also taking home a Performance of the Night bonus for his spectacular TKO win over Michael Johnson in his UFC debut. Following consecutive wars with Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, Gaethje is set to re-assert himself as a title threat in the stacked lightweight division.

A heavy-handed striker, Iaquinta (13-4-1, fighting out of Wantagh, N.Y.) turned heads this past April when he stepped in on one day’s notice to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. Though he came up short, Iaquinta put on a gutsy performance that firmly established himself as a 155-pound contender. During his UFC run, Iaquinta has netted impressive wins against Kevin Lee, Ross Pearson, Joe Lauzon, Jorge Masvidal and Diego Sanchez. Iaquinta now looks to crack the division’s top 10 with a show-stealing win over Gaethje.

A former flyweight title challenger, Moraga (19-6, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) has fought the 125-pound division’s best. Over the course of his UFC stint, he’s delivered impressive victories against Wilson Reis, Magomed Bibulatov, Justin Scoggins, Dustin Ortiz and Chris Cariaso. Moraga hopes to continue his ascent to another championship opportunity by handing a surging prospect his first loss.

Though he only made his UFC debut one year ago, Figueiredo (14-0, fighting out of Soure, Brazil) has already turned heads in the flyweight division. After stopping Marco Beltran in his debut last June, the rising star edged out Jarred Brooks before earning a dominant TKO win over Joseph Morales. Figueiredo is now poised to crack the top 10 if he can score a spectacular victory against Moraga.

Additional bouts on the card include:

In a battle of strawweight contenders, No.11-ranked Alexa Grasso (10-2, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) takes on No.15 Angela Hill (8-4, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
The Ultimate Fighter season 23 winner Andrew Sanchez (10-4, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J.) looks to get back in the win column against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Antonio Braga Neto (9-3 1NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Eryk Anders (10-1, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.) locks horns with Tim Williams (15-4, fighting out of Millville, N.J.)
Omaha native Drew Dober (19-8 1NC, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) aims to keep his momentum going when he meets The Ultimate Fighter veteran Jon Tuck (10-4, fighting out of Hagatna, Guam)
Submission ace Rani Yahya (25-9 1NC, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) goes for his third straight win against tough prospect Luke Sanders (13-2, fighting out of Nashville, Tenn.)

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

Visit the UFC® Press Portal for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: GAETHJE vs. IAQUINTA will air live on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 25, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: GAETHJE vs. IAQUINTA go on sale Friday, June 29 at 10 a.m. CT and are priced at $143, $113, $88 and $63 (does not include fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 27 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 28 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 400 events in 21 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

Belfast beanpole Tyrone McKenna believes that a clinical victory over world-rated ex British champion Jack Catterall at The Odyssey Arena in his home city this weekend, could catapult the former Junior Olympic medallist into a world title gig with Dallas’s angular WBO king Maurice Hooker.

‘Hooker v McKenna. Freak against Freak! I’m just concentrating on Saturday but, yeh, let’s bring ‘Mighty Mo’ to Belfast. He’s definitely beatable,’ states the 6ft 1in southpaw – known as ‘Bones’ – who is unbeaten in 17 (one TD) since kickstarting his pro innings on the US East Coast back in August 2012.

‘Once I beat Catterall and establish my name, I want the big fights as soon as possible. I’ve been pleading for these types of fights for a while. I’m ready to take on the world!’

Eight months back, the former six-time All Ireland amateur king was still to venture beyond round six in a slow burning career. However, subsequent gritty and educational 10 round wins over French nugget Renald Garrido and 17-1 city rival Anthony Upton have plugged the gap.

‘You could throw a stone from my garden and hit Upton’s house so there was a lot of west Belfast pride involved; a bit of needle. There’s no way I could’ve shown my face around here, if I’d lost to him,’ says the swift and slingy sharpshooter.

‘Anthony is a tricky, sharp switch hitter, a very good boxer but, on the night, he just wanted to move. It was a bit frustrating because I trained very hard and sparring went unbelievably well. Still, I demonstrated a bit of power to drop him in the ninth and won comfortably enough on the cards. It told me a lot about where I’m at, in fighting terms. He’d beaten me in the amateurs but I got my revenge where it mattered.’

Nevertheless, the crossroads clash against 21-0 ‘El Gato’ Catterall, ranked fifth by the WBO, represents another sizeable step-up.

‘Basically, I’ve had to step in because that mouthpiece Ohara Davies didn’t have the balls. One hundred per cent Davies can have it next, after I win on Saturday. I’ll gladly end his career,’ says the 28 year old Ulsterman who is managed by MTK Global and coached by Danny Vaughan in Glasgow.

‘Jack and I have sparred in the past and we get along, talk quite often on social media. As a fan, I enjoy watching him fight. He’s always entertaining and he’s a solid all-rounder. It’s sure to be a tough night for me.

‘But it’s a test I’m more than ready for. Since switching to Danny two years ago, I’ve grown as a fighter. He’s got me training very hard and eating right. My defence is much improved and I’m finally sitting down on my punches.’

The odds setters enlist McKenna as a generous 4-1 outsider, remarkable given that the southpaw enters with a six inch reach height advantage and enjoys home court……and there’s no home advantage quite like a Belfast home advantage!

‘The size differential makes no difference. I have to punch down but I had well over 100 amateur contests and encountered every style and size. Some highlight that I’ve ‘advantages’ but I’ve never been in the boxing game to jab and move. I love to entertain the fans,’ claims ‘The Mighty Celt’.

‘Boxing a fellow southpaw won’t be an issue either. I’ve done most of my sparring with Tom Stalker, Jono Carroll and Sam Maxwell, who switches. Sometimes I prefer a southpaw for a change.

The collision with Catterall represents Tyrone’s sixth successive start in the Ulster capital.

‘There’s zero pressure on me. Jack holds the belt, he’s the odds -on favourite, he’s the one saying I’m ‘easy work’,’ he says.

‘I’ve fought before at the Waterfront and SSE in Belfast and the fans give you a big, big drive. Our fight is likely to be just before Mick (Conlan)’s big homecoming so the hall should be rammed and I guarantee it’ll daunt Jack Catterall. I believe it’ll affect his performance and inspire me.

‘I’m fit and ready to rumble. If Catterall wants to war, we war!’ He’s talking of making it a hat-trick of one round wins in a row so maybe he’ll steam out for an early ‘kill’. However, if he tries to box instead, I’ll outsmart him. I’ve far greater amateur experience and I’d pitch my boxing brain against anyone else’s in the division. Either way, baby!

‘Jack says he’s not underestimating me but he keeps talking about future fights with Ohara Davies and Maurice Hooker. Hold on …..! First, he’s got to get past a 6ft 1in southpaw who’s a nightmare for any one.

‘I’ve faster hands, faster feet and think speed will be a key factor. With 8oz gloves on, a stoppage is possible. I won’t be looking for it, but I certainly punch hard enough. If I execute my game plan, I expect it to be a comfortable night for me.’

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (June 26, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight standout Ruben Villa (11-0, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif stars in the main event this Saturday when he takes on Mexico’s Ricardo Lopez (7-2-2, 6 KOs) in an 8-round fight that will mark his third start of the year.

The bout will take place this Saturday, June 30, from Omega Products International in Sacramento.

The slick southpaw defends his WBO Youth title that he won in April in his hometown. Villa thoroughly outpointed Marlon Olea for his first championship as a professional.

“I’m anxious to get back in the ring,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora. “I like being active. I’m defending my title for the first time. I’ll have a lot of fans in attendance so I’m ready to put on a great show.”

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

If unbeaten ex British light-welter king Jack Catterall has any shortcomings as he storms towards a world title shot, lack of self-belief is clearly not among them.

The power-packed Chorley southpaw is currently ranked fifth and rising in the queue to face WBO boss Maurice Hooker from Dallas. However, this weekend, ‘El Gato’, still only 24, gambles all against a much avoided 6ft 1in southpaw, performing in their home city.

When said southpaw is 16-0-1TD ex amateur standout Tyrone McKenna and the home crowd hails from Belfast, the task clearly magnifies.

‘Beating Tyrone in his own backyard will just make the victory so much sweeter,’ quips the clearly non-plussed Lancastrian who has eliminated all 21 prior pro opponents, stopping a dozen (often in spectacular fashion!)

‘I’ve never been to Belfast so that’s a new experience but I’m very aware of how hostile the Fighting Irish crowd is. I don’t particularly want any cups of p*** chucked over me but I’m actually excited by experiencing their passion. They’re a proper fight crowd who’ll make a lot of noise and, whether that’s for me or their man Tyrone, it’s a good thing.’

It isn’t just the crowd that Catterall will need to conquer. ‘Bones’ McKenna is a six-time All-Ireland amateur champion and Junior Olympic medallist who has also swept all before him since shedding his singlet.

‘I’ve studied Tyrone a great deal yet I’ve never seen him in a fight against anyone good enough to cause him problems,’ claims the Jamie Moore coached, MTK Global managed bulldozer who flattened both of his previous 2018 opponents inside the opening frame.

‘We’ve been working on stuff we need to combat and expose the flaws McKenna’s known to have. He seems to keep his hands low yet his past history suggests that he’ll come to slug. Against me, that’s the wrong thing to do. Even if he TRIES to box me, he’ll soon return to type. I’ll not have to go looking for him.’

Just 5ft 7in on his tiptoes, Catterall might require a step ladder to locate McKenna’s whiskers but he has always exhibited a relentless and remorseless body attack.

‘I’ve been sparring plenty of tall southpaws for this,’ says joltin’ Jack, a former national CYP champ and England amateur international.

‘I’ve never been the tallest for my weight so I’m used to conceding. Anyway, Tyrone doesn’t make the best of the (physical) advantages he enjoys. He’s no Bradley Skeete. The way Tyrone fights, he’s not the hardest to find. Besides, Nathan Brough was the same size as Ty and what happened to him? Left snoozing! (Catterall iced the World Junior medallist with a single left hand back in 2014).

‘And I’ve beaten several southpaws before. Tom Stalker was a southpaw (stopped in eight). All our preparation has been geared towards southpaws. That said, if Tyrone was foolish enough to come out orthodox I’d quickly adapt. That’s one of my best qualities.

‘Tyrone’s a good fighter but he’ll find I’m better. Yes, he’s older and brings a better amateur pedigree but I’m the more experienced professional, I’ve come through trickier fights. I’ve better speed, power, timing. I’ve got it all.

‘I’ll not be remotely concerned about what McKenna tries to do. I’ll go into the fight and establish myself. He can react to me. If he wants a phone box war, he’ll get one. I’ll be too strong, too powerful and once I land one on his whiskers, he’ll not want to engage.

‘I’m fit and ready for 10 very hard rounds. I’m not daft. I know I’m not Gennady Golovkin and you have to have a strategy. But there’s a good chance I’ll stop him.

‘I’ll need to put on a masterclass to beat a Belfast boy in Belfast and that’s exactly what I intend to deliver.’

FRESNO, Calif. (June 26, 2018) – The Mean Machine, Egidijus Kavaliauskas, is looking to cement his name as a welterweight to watch when he defends the NABF title against Juan Carlos Abreu, July 7 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno as the ESPN-televised co-feature to Jose Ramirez’s WBC super lightweight title defense against Danny O’Connor.

The undercard will also feature heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz Jr. against veteran Kevin Johnson in a 10- round bout, 18-year-old wunderkind Gabe Flores Jr. versus James De Herrera in a six-round lightweight bout, and Andy Vences defending the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title against Frank De Alba.

Ramirez vs. O’Connor and Kavaliauskas vs. Abreu will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET.

The entire undercard, including Vences-DeAlba, Ruiz-Johnson and Flores-De Herrera will be streamed on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Star Boxing and Murphys Boxing, tickets to this world championship event, priced at $150 (floor), 90, $60, $35, $20, and $10, plus applicable fees, are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the Save Mart Center box office. For more information and box office hours, visit www.savemartcenter.com.

“This is a great opportunity to show everyone watching on ESPN what the ‘Mean Machine’ is made of,” Kavaliauskas said. “I want a title shot soon, but I have to take care of business against Abreu to make my dreams a reality. It’s going to be a toe-to-toe battle, and I know I will be victorious.”

“I am excited to show what I’m capable of doing. I’m more anxious than anything to show everyone the improvements I’ve made,” Vences said. “I am fighting another southpaw, so I feel like I’m picking up where I left off. I have a lot of family and friends coming out to support me, which gives me extra motivation.”

“This is my first fight in California as a pro, and I can’t wait to entertain my people,” Flores said.

Kavaliauskas (19-0, 16 KOs), ranked in the top 10 by three of the four major sanctioning organizations, is on the precipice of a world title shot. A native of Lithuania who trains out of the Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California, Kavaliauskas has won four consecutive fights by stoppage. He won the NABF title last September with a seventh-round TKO over Mahonri Montes and defended the title in February with a sixth-round TKO over former WBA welterweight world champion David Avanesyan. Abreu (21-3-1, 19 KOs) has won two in a row since a split decision loss to then-unbeaten Alex Martin in June 2016.

Ruiz (30-1, 20 KOs) is on the comeback trail after dropping a majority decision to Joseph Parker on Dec. 10, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. He took 15 months off after the Parker loss, but came back March 10 in Carson, California, knocking out Devin Vargas in the opening round. Johnson (32-9-1, 16 KOs) is a 15-year pro who challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight title in 2009, losing a unanimous decision.

Flores (8-0, 5 KOs), an 18-year-old recent high school graduate from Stockton, California, signed with Top Rank in November 2016 at 16 years old, becoming the youngest fighter ever to sign with the promotional company. He is seeking his fourth win of 2018, most recently scoring a four-round unanimous decision June 9 in Las Vegas on the Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn undercard.

In his last bout, Vences (20-0-1, 12 KOs) fought to spirited draw against Erick De Leon as the ESPN-televised co-feature to the Oscar Valdez-Scott Quigg bout March 10 in Carson, California. De Alba (22-3-2, 9 KOs) is looking to get back into the win column following an eight-round majority decision defeat to O’Shaquie Foster on April 13 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In other undercard action:
19-year-old phenom Joseph Adorno (7-0, 7 KOs) will face Guadalupe De Leon in a six-round super featherweight bout. Adorno has six first-round stoppages on his ledger.

130-pound prospect Bryan Lua (5-0, 2 KOs) of Madera, California, will take on Sergio Ramirez (4-2, 4 KOs) in a six rounder. Lua is riding a two-bout knockout streak.

Indio, California, native Ruben Rodriguez (2-0, 1 KO) returns to action after a nearly nine-month layoff against Richard Howell (2-1-2 1 KO) of Dallas in a six-round super lightweight fight.

Super bantamweight Santos Ortega (1-0, 1 KO) will put his unbeaten record on the line against Ivan Martino (2-1, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder.

Fresno native Manuel Manzo (3-6-1, 1 KO), winner of three straight, will look to thrill the home fans against Sergio Lopez (3-5-1, 0 KOs) in a four-round super bantamweight bout.

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. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks.

The ESPN+ lineup includes 18 exclusive, live Top Rank events per year, dozens of fights from other Top Rank undercards, an unmatched library of the greatest fights in boxing history, and two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly).

It also features hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, 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.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App is the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App curates all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

MICHAEL CONLAN believes Irish professional boxing is the strongest it has ever been and warned the world: The best is yet to come.

Conlan returns home to Belfast on Saturday when he meets Brazil’s former world title challenger Adeilson Dos Santos at the SSE Arena (Live on BT Sport) in a non-title ten rounder.

He has become one of the ?ag bearers for Irish boxing and the 2015 world amateur champion, boomed: “Irish boxing is just getting better”

Conlan who hasn’t boxed in his home city since February 2011 added: “I think Irish professional boxing is the strongest it has ever been.

“We had the golden age of Irish amateur boxing, and right now it is the golden age of professional boxing.”

Besides Conlan’s march to the top, two-time world champion Carl Frampton is in the form of his life and close friend Paddy Barnes challenges for the WBC ?yweight title at Windsor Park in August.

Besides those success stories Ryan Burnett holds a WBA version of the world bantamweight title.

Conlan, 26, who has won all seven ?ghts since turning professional in the United States insists he will be home to ?ght once a year despite being a boxing darling in New York.

And he is dreaming of a triple world title bill boxing alongside Frampton and Barnes.

He said: “Guys like myself and Paddy have turned professional and Carl turned over earlier, but we have all added to this era which is going to take Irish boxing up another level.

“It would be unbelievable if Carl, Paddy and myself could all defend world titles on the same bill.

“It will be hard because of timing and stuff, but we are all with the same management team so it’s de?nitely a possibility.”

The undercard has produced one of the most competitive undercards ever seen in Belfast with a catalogue of 50-50 needle showdowns. World ranked Jack Catterall risks his WBO super-lightweight title against Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna.

There is a brilliant all Dublin rematch when Jono Carroll defends his IBF intercontinental crown against Declan Geraghty. When the warring rivals met in November 2014, Geraghty was ahead on the cards when he was disquali?ed in the fourth round.
In a clash of unbeaten hopefuls,

Derry’s Tyrone McCullagh meets Glasgow’s Joe Ham in vacant Celtic super-bantamweight title clash that doubles as a British championship eliminator.

The undercard is stacked with top prospects Lewis Crocker, Sunny Edwards, Padraig McCrory, Sean McComb, Taylor McGoldrick, Neslan Machado, Garry Cully plus Johnny Coyle and Lewis Benson who clash over ten rounds and recent world title challenger Gary Corcoran.

Tickets prices £250 (Inner Ring Hospitality), £200 (Outer Ring Hospitality), £120, £100, £80, £60, £50, £40 are available from the SSE Arena website.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2018) – A battle of unbeaten welterweight prospects will headline a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, July 20 live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT when Jaron Ennis squares off against Armando Alvarez in the 10-round main event from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Philadelphia’s Ennis (20-0, 18 KOs) has knocked out 10 consecutive opponents and was the 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion before turning professional in 2016. The 20-year-old former amateur standout will face his first undefeated opponent in Alvarez (18-0, 12 KOs), a native of the Florida Keys who has knocked out six of his last seven opponents.

The three-fight telecast features six prospects with a combined record of 82-1, with all six fighters facing what is likely the toughest tests of their careers.

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

Also on the card, undefeated super lightweight prospect Montana Love (11-0, 5 KOs) will take on former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

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

JARON ENNIS vs. ARMANDO ALVAREZ – 10-Round Welterweight Bout
Ennis will debut on ShoBox following a statement second round knockout of former junior welterweight contender Mike Arnaoutis earlier this month, his 10th consecutive KO victory. The Philadelphia native had a standout amateur career, notching an impressive record of 58-3 and winning the 2015 National Golden Gloves tournament. Ennis, who was ranked No. 1 as an amateur at 141 pounds, narrowly missed the opportunity to represent the U.S. in the 2016 Olympics after losing a box-off to Gary Antuanne Russell at the Olympic Trials.

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for,” Ennis said. “I can’t wait to show the world my talent.”

Just 20 years old, Ennis currently trains under his father Derek “Bozy” Ennis Sr., who also trained his other sons Derek Jr. and Farah. The 5-foot-10 Ennis will be the third brother to appear on ShoBox; Derek Jr. appeared on the series in 2007, and Farah faced Badou Jack on the series in 2013.

“A win on this platform would mean everything,” Ennis continued. “From here on out, I want to fight only the big names in the division. I feel grateful for this opportunity to show the world my talents and skills. It’s great to follow in my brother’s footsteps, and I am ready to take the Ennis last name to the next level.”

The 28-year-old Alvarez turned professional in 2014 and has gradually increased his level of opposition. Alvarez, who now lives in Key West, compiled a 26-4 amateur record and won the Florida State Championship in 2013. His headlining fight with Ennis will be his second fight of 2018 and by far his toughest test to date.

“This is the biggest opportunity I have ever received,” Alvarez said. “This is it. It’s on. Ennis is a great young fighter, but I think he has stepped out of his league. He is just a kid. The world will find out who Armando Alvarez is on July 20.”

THOMAS MATTICE vs. ZHORA HAMAZARYAN – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout
A 27-year-old from Cleveland, Mattice turned pro in 2014 and had an amateur record of 72-18. He was a three-time Ohio State Golden Gloves Champion and bronze medal winner in the USA National Tournament in 2014.

Mattice will be making his second ShoBox appearance following a strong debut Feb. 2, when the undefeated lightweight rallied from behind to score a seventh round TKO of ShoBox veteran Rolando Chinea. Mattice has recorded five straight KOs and nine overall in 11 professional fights.

“I am excited for the opportunity to showcase my talent again on ShoBox,” Mattice said. “I’m going to go out there and do what I did before. I’m going to get a win, hopefully in knockout fashion. This guy (Hamazaryan) doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into.”

Undefeated lightweight prospect Hamazaryan, who signed with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in February, is originally from Armenia but fights out of Los Angeles. Part of a long line of Armenian fighters who have fought in the U.S., Hamazaryan won his U.S. debut on Feb. 16, when he scored a unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Sergio Ramirez. Prior to his win against Ramirez, all of Hamazaryan’s victories were earned in Russia.

The 22-year-old was considered the No. 1 fighter in Armenia after an amateur career that spanned over 200 fights. Hamazaryan turned professional in 2015, turning down an opportunity to fight for the Armenian Olympic Team in 2016.

“This fight is very important for me, and I am very excited to be fighting on national television in America,” Hamazaryan said. “I know [Mattice] is undefeated but I normally don’t look at my opponent. I’m just looking to put on a great performance and make a statement for fans in the U.S.”

MONTANA LOVE vs. KENNETH SIMS JR. – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout
Cleveland native Love was an accomplished amateur who compiled a 174-13 record and won a bronze medal at the 2012 National Golden Gloves Championships. The 22-year-old recently sparred with Adrien Broner, and served as head sparring partner for Robert Easter Jr. before his lightweight title defense against Javier Fortuna on Jan. 20.

Love has won two consecutive bouts against lesser opposition since defeating Samuel Teah in his ShoBox debut on Feb. 2.

“I am excited and happy to be back,” Love said. “I want to put on another great performance. Sims and I grew up as amateurs together. He’s a good fighter, but I am hungry and want to keep rolling. I can’t let anything get in my way.”

Chicago native Sims makes his return to ShoBox just over a year after suffering the first loss of his career against Rolando Chinea via close majority decision in what was his toughest test to date. The 24-year-old Sims, who has sparred with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, was a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist.

“I am happy to be back fighting after having surgery on my elbow that had been bothering me for the last year and a half,” Sims said. “This is my chance to prove that I’m back and the loss onShoBox was a fluke. I remember Love from the amateurs and I know I have what it takes to beat him.”

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